Non Profit Corner
The 2nd Annual Overdose Awareness Day Run/Walk for Charlotte County is on August 30th. In addition to calling awareness for this issue touching so many lives, proceeds will benefit Cathy's Place of Charlotte County and Drug Free Charlotte County. If you would like to participate - walk or run - you can register: https://bit.ly/OADAY5k2025
THE CHARLOTTE COUNTY-PUNTA GORDA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (MPO) is conducting round three of workshops to solicit input on the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The LRTP includes cost feasible projects which are prioritized based on community input, safety, mobility, and economic impact. A draft of the Plan will be approved by the MPO Board on August 4, 2025, and open for a minimum 30-day public comment period. The Plan will be formally presented at the October 2, 2025, MPO Board meeting for adoption. Your input is essential on the draft LRTP with a horizon year of 2050. Your participation will directly impact the future of transportation planning in your City and County. 941-883-3535
Pregnancy Solutions is excited about this year’s Pastor & Church Leader Luncheon and the opportunity to come together around the table with local church leaders for fellowship, food and to grow together as leaders. We hope you’ll join us to learn more about our mission! Our hope is that you would leave feeling better educated about some of the needs in our community and empowered with a fresh perspective. Registration is Free: https://pregnancysolutions.org/events/
Tai Chi Open Studio – Wellness & Art with Sharon Fultz. - Join instructor Sharon Fultz for Tai Chi Open Studio every Wednesday from 5:30–6:30 PM. This guided session is perfect for those with some Tai Chi experience looking to deepen their practice. Drop in for just $15 -no registration needed, simply pay at the front desk. Prefer structured learning? Sharon also offers 4-week classes on Wednesdays or Fridays from 10:00–11:00 AM. Whether you join a class or a drop-in session, Tai Chi supports your wellness through gentle, mindful movement and calming focus Wellness & Art with Fultz | TAI CHI STYLES – Visual Arts Center
Join us for a night full of fun, family, and laugh-out-loud moments at our Family Comedy Night with Tim Boyd. Don't miss out-come join the fun on Friday, August 22nd from 7-8:30pm at The Bridge Church Venice. Doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets are $10 for adults, and kids under 13 are free with the purchase of an adult ticket. During the event, there will be an opportunity to make a donation to benefit the mission of Pregnancy Solutions. Purchase tickets at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/family-comedy-night-2
Call for Photo Entries for the Live, Work and Play in Charlotte County Calendar Contest: The 2026 calendar theme is “Live, Work and Play in Charlotte County.” Photos should reflect our county vision: “To preserve and enrich our community’s quality of life for those who live, work and play in our paradise.” Photos must be taken in Charlotte County. Submit photos online: www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/contest by Aug. 15. Winners will be notified by phone or email and calendars will be available late November at county facilities.
Step into a world where paper takes flight—and metal becomes poetry. Origami in the Garden is a globally celebrated outdoor sculpture exhibition that transforms the ancient art of paper folding into awe-inspiring, large scale metal sculptures. Presented by renowned Santa Fe artists Jennifer and Kevin Box, this exhibit gracefully weaves together artistic expression, mythological storytelling, and the natural beauty of our botanical landscape. On display at Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens—the youngest garden ever selected to host this internationally touring exhibit. September 12 to April 30, 2026. Learn More Here: https://www.peacerivergardens.org/OITG
Join us on Tuesday, July 22nd, 6 pm, at UnWINEd for an enchanting evening as we embark on a journey to New Zealand, featuring a delightful four-course dinner complemented by exquisite wines, all in support of C.A.R.E. Reserve your seat today at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/careauxiliary/1750773 for more information 941-639-5499
It takes 28 days to create a new habit…make today day 1. It takes 28 days to create a new habit…make today day 1. Gulfcoast South AHEC offers FREE tobacco cessation counseling and FREE Nicotine Replacement in the form of patches, gum and/or lozenges at no cost for qualifying participants. Let’s get back to happy and healthy together. As part of Tobacco Free Florida’s in-person/virtual Group Quit sessions, we are here to help. Call 866-534-7909 or visit gsahec.org to register today.
The Gilstad Literacy Foundation and the Charlotte County Imagination Library are asking YOU to be one of just five new monthly donors needed this July. Right now, hundreds of local preschoolers receive a free book every month thanks to this powerful program. But we need your help to keep it going strong. Our Goal: 5 New $50/Month Donors by July 31st. We’re challenging our friends, supporters, and fellow board members to step up — and invite others to do the same. Donate here: https://www.charlottecountyimaginationlibrary.org/donate/ Questions? Message us or email gilstadlfccil@gmail.com
Boost Your Small Business With Google Tools For Growth on July 15 from 9:00-10:30 at the Charlotte County Economic Development Conference Room #203, 18501 Murdock Cir, Port Charlotte, FL 33948. Join us for this 1.5-hour interactive in-person workshop designed to help small business owners harness the power of Google’s free tools to increase visibility, attract customers, and grow their business. Learn how to optimize your Google Business Profile, explore leverage with Google Guaranteed, and use Google Reviews effectively. register: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/boost-your-small-business-with-google-tools-for-growth-5a1eVO8wqxh/overview Presented by Small Business Development Center.
A Stronger Tomorrow Starts With Us Today Because of you, there is good news. Your support shaped the outcomes of this past year. Investing in Community Resiliency, after hurricanes Helene & Milton, United Way of Charlotte County acted fast — providing $353,065 in assistance to 276 households, helping families stabilize their housing, keep the lights on, and access basic needs like food and fuel. Read "A Stronger Tomorrow" click here to read the full column in the Charlotte Sun.
Exciting things are happening at the Visual Arts Center of Punta Gorda! Join acclaimed artist Kitt Moran for her inspiring new class, Painting Expressions, where creativity will take center stage. For the younger artists, we’re offering imaginative new sculpture and painting classes If You Were a Fish, What Fish Would You Be? and the whimsical Monkeys, Bears, & Lizards, Oh My! Also cell phone photography, friendship bracelets, and pottery wheel. Sign up now at the Visual Arts Center! https://visualartcenter.org
The Military Heritage Museum has been nominated as one of the top museums in the entire state — and we need YOUR vote to help us win! If you've ever walked through our halls with pride, honored a veteran, or enjoyed an unforgettable show at the Gulf Theater, we hope you'll take a moment to support us. Voting is open now through July 31 — and you can vote once a day! (You'll receive a quick email to confirm your vote. Be sure to click it for your vote to count!) ✅ VOTE FOR US NOW
Shhh…it’s a Speakeasy Soiree’ We’re putting on the Ritz! We are beyond excited to invite you to an unforgettable evening of philanthropy, fun, and vintage vibes as we step back in time to the fabulous 1920s! Get ready for a speakeasy-themed fundraiser for VBA that promises to be a night to remember. Dust off your flapper dresses and fedoras because we’ll be embracing the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties. Enjoy delightful cocktails, live music, and a chance to connect with amazing people—all while supporting a fantastic cause. Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 31 and join us for this incredible event where every ticket sold helps us continue our mission at VBA. Let’s make a difference together while having an absolute blast! Tickets $45 pp and sponsorships (beginning at $500) are on sale now. Visit us at https://onecau.se/vbaspeakeasy or contact Barb at 941-368-8863.
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.
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
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