Non Profit Corner
Creating a healthier workplace starts with you! Gulfcoast South AHEC is giving $25 gift cards* to Group Quit attendees who join in-person or virtually. Qualifying participants also receive FREE tobacco cessation support and FREE Nicotine Replacement Therapy, including patches, gum, and/or lozenges. These benefits are part of Tobacco Free Florida’s Group Quit program, offered in both in-person and virtual formats. Let us support your journey to quit tobacco. Call 866-534-7909 or visit gsahec.org to sign up today. *Available while supplies last
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau-A new session of the Gulf Coast Host Program is on the calendar! This fast-paced, 90-minute presentation is perfect for you or your front-line team members who interact with visitors daily. Participants will learn about the wide range of things to see and do in our area—so the next time someone asks, “What can I do around here?” you'll have great answers at the ready. The next session takes place Monday, July 21 at 11:00 a.m. at the Englewood Chamber of Commerce. Click here to learn more and register.
The Economic Development Office: Three local businesses have been nominated in the Florida Chamber’s Coolest Thing Made in Florida contest, and we’d love to rally the community to help them win! The nominees are: *Vestas Aircoil *Underwater Fish Light and *Pro Glider Boats. We’d be so grateful if you could share this news with your members, newsletters, or social channels to encourage voting. Every vote helps highlight the innovation happening right here in Charlotte County! Voting is from 6/17 to 7/1. Vote here: https://www.coolestthingmadeinfl.com/
Art Classes | May - September – Sign Up Now! Explore your creativity this summer with hands-on art classes for all ages and skill levels! New Youth Classes: Pottery, Fabric Painting, Cell Phone Photography, Friendship Bracelets, and a Painting Workshop. Plus, try our NEW Tai Chi sessions with Sharon Fultz, Wednesdays & Fridays in the gallery. Small class sizes - register early!
Also on view: “Coastal Vibes,” “Reimagine,” and “Over the Bridge” - free exhibits open to all. Onsite at the Visual Arts Center VisualArtCenter.org | (941) 639-8810
2025 Hurricane Preparedness Webinar for Businesses Date: Thursday, June 26 Time: 12:00 PM – 1pm PM Location: Microsoft Teams. Is your business ready for hurricane season? Join us for a focused, 60-minute webinar designed to help Charlotte County businesses prepare, respond, and recover from hurricanes and severe weather events. Hurricane Preparedness Webinar
The C.A.R.E. ReUse Store, located in Port Charlotte, at the Mid County Mini Transfer Station, 19765 Kenilworth Blvd, Hours: Tues –Sat, 9-3:30pm, 941-624-3488, plays a vital role in supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes throughout Charlotte County. By donating gently used household items, you’re contributing directly to C.A.R.E.’s programs, which provide safety, advocacy, and resources to individuals seeking to rebuild their lives. Join us in turning unwanted belongings into hope. Donate today and be part of the solution for survivors in Charlotte County.
Parents and guardians, Charlotte County Public Schools is looking for your feedback. Please take the time and complete their quick 8 question survey for preferred communication from your child’s school. Survey Link: https://tejoin.com/scroll/113073963
Workshop: Smarter Business with AI: Tools for Marketing, Content, & Operations In this free and fast-paced workshop, discover how AI can transform your small business. We'll explore practical tools for marketing automation (like HubSpot-style systems), AI-powered content creation, and even touch on using AI for presentations and internal management. You'll get a clear look at LLMs (like ChatGPT) and how tools like Copilot and Gemini can streamline your daily operations. Perfect for business owners who want to save time, boost visibility, and work smarter—not harder. No tech experience needed—just bring your curiosity and business goals! Location: Charlotte County Economic Development, Second Floor Conference Room, 18501 Murdock Cir #203, Port Charlotte, FL 33948. This workshop is provided by the Small Business Development Center. Our Region's AI Specialist, Heidi Cramer, will be delivering the presentation. June 17, 9:00-10:30 https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/smarter-business-with-ai-tools-for-marketing-content-and-operations-5a1eVO8wrnJ/overview or June 17, 1:00-2:30 https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/smarter-business-with-ai-tools-for-marketing-content-and-operations-5a1eVO8xC6z/overview
Dice, Dreams, and Dignity: A Roaring ’20s Casino Night August 1st-Roll the dice. Fuel a dream. Empower every life. Step into the sparkle of the 1920s for Dice, Dreams, and Dignity, a glamorous casino night to benefit the Port Charlotte Loveland Center. Don your finest flapper dress or dapper suit and join us for an evening of vintage charm, community spirit, and meaningful impact. Your evening of entertainment directly supports programs that empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through meaningful activities, skill-building, and community connection in Charlotte County. Purchase tickets here: https://onecau.se/_aykeu1
Charlotte Players- Kids Onstage Summer Drama Workshop June 9-13, 16-20, with performances on June 20th at 7p and 21st at 2p. Students entering the 1st grade thru the 12th grade are welcome to sign up. Located at Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St. in Punta Gorda. You can sign up at https://charlotteplayers.org/store/ or by calling 941-255-1022.
Unlock the Power of AI in Your Business – Expires 6/17/25 In this fast-paced workshop, discover how AI can transform your small business. We'll explore practical tools for marketing automation (like HubSpot-style systems), AI-powered content creation, and even touch on using AI for presentations and internal management. You'll get a clear look at LLMs (like ChatGPT) and how tools like Copilot and Gemini can streamline your daily operations. Perfect for business owners who want to save time, boost visibility, and work smarter—not harder. No tech experience needed—just bring your curiosity and business goals! Business Card Exchange in Charlotte County Details - Charlotte County Economic Development
Florida International Air Show Advance Tickets On Sale Now! The Blue Angels highlight a thrilling array of performers over Punta Gorda's skies. After taking a year off in 2024 due to hurricanes, the Florida International Air Show returns to the skies over the Punta Gorda Airport Nov. 1-2, headlined by two high-performance jet teams: The Blue Angels and the F-16 Viper Demo Team. Tickets can be purchased online at www.floridaairshow.com. These are the lowest prices for the show; prices will increase at the gate. See you at the Air Show!
Kids Summer Camp 2025, hosted at the Military Heritage Museum in Punta Gorda, FL, offers hands-on experiences for students entering grades 4–9. Weekly themes include WWII history, service, and patriotism, with activities like flight simulators, VR, creative projects, field trips, and veteran interactions. Sessions run Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., on June 16–20, July 7–11, July 14–18, and July 21–25. The cost is $220/week which includes the field trips. Visit www.history-academy.org or call 941-655-8315 to register.
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens Pineapple Fest Saturday July 26, 2025 from 9am-2pm. Join us for a day of Reggae Music, Refreshments, and celebrating all things Pineapple at The Gardens! Enjoy amazing musical performances, Cold Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Vendors, Plant Sales, Contests and Delicious Snacks provided by local Food Trucks! Included with General Admission to The Gardens! *Free for members! *$20 Non-Members *$17 Non-Member Seniors *$10 Non-Members 6-17 *Kids 5 and under Free! Limited Seating Available, we welcome you to bring your own chairs and blankets! Wear your best Pineapple gear and join in the fun! *Biggest Homegrown Pineapple Contest! *Best Pineapple Recipe Baking Contest! www.peacerivergardens.org