You Belong in Punta Gorda

Some of the Southwest's Best Music, Tastes, Pub Crawl and More on Your Punta Gorda Weekend

2012-02-24T15:37:00.001-05:00

You will be able to try out a "Taste of Punta Gorda" at Laishley Park tomorrow beginning at 1 p.m. or participate in the Pub Crawl. Also this weekend is Warbirds Weekend at the Punta Gorda Airport.

Plus, some of the best of the Southwest is performing in Punta Gorda this weekend. Check out Jim Morris, a local Trop Rock favorite at the Village tonight, and the Yard Dogs also at the Village on Saturday. And wow check it out, the Boogiemen are at Harrys tonight and tomorrow.

Tonight:

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: Jim Morris performs from 5-9 p.m.

At the Captain's Table: For a softer sound: Maurey Dewey (Pianist/Vocalist)

At Harpoon Harry's The Boogiemen from 9 p.m.

At Biehl's Slip Not Sammie J and the Guys from 8 p.m.

At Dean's South of the Border: Trio De Janiero from 9 p.m.

At the Perfect Caper: Live Jazz'

At the Punta Gorda Elks: Sundown

At Opus: Live Jazz

At River City Grill Denny Pezzin (Elvis to Garth) 8 to 11 p.m.

Saturday Night, February 25

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: Yard Dogs from 5-9 p.m.

At Dean's South of the Border: Ground Zero from 9 p.m.

At Biehl's Slip Not Nexx Level from 8 p.m.

At the Captain's Table: Maurey Dewey (Pianist/Vocalist)

At Harpoon Harry's: The Boogiemen from 9 p.m.

At the Punta Gorda Elks: Sundown

At River City Grill: Emmy Q (50's and 60's classics) 7:30 to 10 p.m.

At Opus: Live Jazz

The Hat Show at the Wine and Jazz Festival

2012-02-24T14:29:00.002-05:00

Hats were omnipresent at sunny Laishley Park last Saturday at the Wine and Jazz Festival... maybe setting a trend for the event itself. If I might share an odd little old ditty to hats here:

"And it made little difference whether The rim was turned up or turned down.

It kept out the rain (in a fashion)

And kept off the sun (more or less),

But it merely comanded compassion (or attention)

Considered as part of one's dress." (Oglivie)

About Having Breakfast in Punta Gorda Florida

2012-02-22T15:05:00.000-05:00

Just noticed that I was getting quite a few looks at a very old post I did on breakfast in Punta Gorda now quite out of date. I've waxed on and on about the joys of going out for breakfast.. so I won't indulge myself or bore you with that. But I will share some of my latest favorite haunts to enjoy my favorite meal of the day in Punta Gorda.

I'll start with the basics.... our two local diners that if you don't know by now you must not ever go out for breakfast. Elena's has been an after church and every day favorite in Punta Gorda since Elena first opened the place and long after it's namesake has been gone (she sold the restaurant several years back after Hurricane Charley). Reliable, huge portions at reasonable prices with fast, friendly service are Elena's hallmarks. Most of the servers have been there since I've been in Punta Gorda - that anniversary has past the decade mark - and they work smoothly together to deliver food hot and right. With daily specials running from eggs and bacon or sausage with coffee to omelets to pancakes or french toast, Elenas is crowded in season and frequently in off season as well especially Sundays.

The other diner type restaurant is on the south side of town off Burnt Store Road... the Burnt Store Grill (or Cafe). in the shopping center on 41 near the Home Depot. Good service, reliable food...... and great specials -- and I'm going to hate myself later for this one -- because it is already too crowded on Mondays -- the best of them is Monday morning currently $3.95 for eggs with bacon and sausage with potatoes or grits, toast and coffee -- you can't beat this.

Now for a personal favorite... because it is somewhat less crowded, with good value, good food and Brenda. Brenda Ryan, as I have mentioned in other blogs, is a born and raised Punta Gordan who has run several restaurants around town... including a local one around the corner from my home that blew down during Hurricane Charley.... the Smokehouse (not the one on Cooper). She also ran for awhile a breakfast and lunch place at the Masonic Lodge... now she runs the Breakfast at Dean's South of the Border, and will immediately make you feel at home. While you may not think of Deans as a breakfast place, think twice.... delicious omelets at $5 and less, biscuits and gravy, huevos rancheros, cinnamon roll french toast -- see above. I've raved about this place for breakfast since it opened and still give it top marks.

Then there are more city-style places... Hendricks comes to mind for its lovely omelets and breakfast sandwiches, Irish steel-cut oatmeat, wide selection of bagels with spreads and great coffee. If you are a pastry or bagel and coffee breakfast person, this is the place for you... although I loved the egg sandwich on a multigrain bagel I had there a week ago. Hendricks opens at 7 a.m.

Not a place for the earlier riser ( 9 a.m. opening), but an awesome spot for some great bagel sandwiches including a bagel with lox... you heard it yes lox... and other intriguing combos on a bagel.. like black forrest ham, jack cheese and mushrooms, Pies and Plates delivers up,in addition,oatmeal concoctions, quiche and yogurt parfaits. The menu alone is over-the-top tantalizing.

A bit of a hidden treasure that we've previously highlighted is the Sky View Cafe at the Airport serving up some of Punta Gorda's best pancakes, awesome and different crunchy French toast, good omelets and egg dishes along with a wondrous side show.... planes taking off at the Punta Gorda airport.

Also of note where we've been and liked includes The Cozy Cafe, Closer to the Vine, which serves a light breakfast that does include a version of bagels and lox, the Smoke House on Cooper Street near the Hospital for great home-made sausage and other home-style dishes, and on the 2nd and fourth Sunday the Punta Gorda Elks Lodge, serves up an awesome breakfast for Elks members (cooked to order omelets, eggs, choice of meat, or pancakes with coffee, toast for $7) right on the Peace River.... you can't beat it.

The Wine and Jazz Festival Was Also About Showcasing the Food of Punta Gorda

2012-02-22T13:41:00.004-05:00

The sheer ambiance of the day in the sun by the river with a breeze blowing through the palms and mystical sounds of a tenor sax wafting through the air as one sips tastes of various wines might alone have made it well worth the price of admission, but then there was the food bringing it over the top. The Punta Gorda Wine and Jazz Festival in addition to delivering an outstanding afternoon of jazz and wine, presented an opportunity to taste some of the best of what Punta Gorda and surrounds has to offer. Hendricks, one of our favorite local spots, for instance, served up magnificent upmarket sliders, while Opus, one of Punta Gorda's newer upscale spots gave festival goers a taste of filet mignon with apple slaw and a wondrous sauce. Beef o Bradys offered wings as did Village Fish Market -- which were quite good.

The Charlotte Yacht club dished out what could have been a meal in itself -- a tasty shortrib in a rich brown sauce accompanied by mashed potatoes.

And the Culinary Arts College at Manatee Technical Institute just went on and on with a cornucopia of epicurian delights including chucks of roast duck in a luscious sweet and sour sauce, mini lamp chops, shrimp and steak cooked on granite, trays heaped with cheeses, and chocolate and chocolate and chocolate.

Wine choices ran the gamut ..... and pours were generous at most booths..

And, of course, there was chocolate... from the Swiss Chocolate Store, and many others

You might want to put this on your calendar for next year... I have a suspicion tickets are going to be hard to come by..

It's Your Punta Gorda Musical Weekend: All that Jazz and More

2012-02-17T16:54:00.000-05:00

It's a musical weekend in Punta Gorda with the Wine and Jazz Festival at Laishley on Saturday, the Banjo Bash at the Event Center tonight and tomorrow and lots of musical entertainment at the various venues around time.

Tonight:

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: Reconnections Band performs from 5-9 p.m.

At the Captain's Table: For a softer sound: Maurey Dewey (Pianist/Vocalist)

At Harpoon Harry's The Cherry Bombs from 9 p.m.

At Dean's South of the Border: As Is Band from 9 p.m.

At Closer to the Vine: Michael Hirst 7-10 p.m.

At the Perfect Caper: Live Jazz'

At the Punta Gorda Elks: Jay Smith

At Opus: Live Jazz
At the Celtic Ray: Celtic Clan

At Jacks Zombie University
At River City Grill Denny Pezzin (Elvis to Garth) 8 to 11 p.m.

Saturday Night, February 18

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: Angie and the Perfect Gentlemen from 5-9 p.m.

At Dean's South of the Border: Zombie University from 9 p.m.

At the Captain's Table: Maurey Dewey (Pianist/Vocalist)

At Harpoon Harry's: Nexx Level from 9 p.m.

At Closer to the Vine: Lou Canoe

At the Punta Gorda Elks: MC Squared

At the Celtic Ray: Celtic Clan
At River City Grill: Emmy Q (50's and 60's classics) 7:30 to 10 p.m.

At Opus: Live Jazz

At the Ice House: Hymn for Her

Gallery Walk Tonight Highlights Art in Public Places and Performance Arts

2012-02-16T11:40:00.001-05:00

Gallery Walk is tonight and thanks to Arts and Humanities Council of Charlotte County, you will be able to witness artists from their Art in Public Places program demonstrating about the downtown area as well as some unique song and dance performances.

Volunteers from the Art Therapy program for dementia suffers will demonstrate activities anyone can do to interact with a loved one. The Arts for a Complete Education Task force will seek your help to make sure the arts are available for the students. And a few students will be there showcasing their talents. Over by the Parking Garage, students from FGCU's Children's theater program will perform.

The Visual Arts Center and the Charlotte Chorale will be by the clock on Marion Avenue so that you can find out what they are planning and enjoy the music of the Chorale's quartet. You will also be able to get a sneak preview of the "Dancing with the Charlotte Stars" March 2 benefit coming up. On the corner of W. Marion Ave. and Taylor Street (across from Jack's), a few of the guest celebrities will be demonstrating their talents.

Cheney Brothers Closes with County on $2.5. Million Property

2012-02-15T12:44:00.002-05:00

Cheney Brothers, a large food distributor, closed today with Charlotte County on a property where they will built a large new facility bringing hundreds of jobs to the county The deal closed for $2.5 million.

Here's What's On on Your Punta Gorda Weekend

2012-02-10T17:26:00.000-05:00

Charlotte Harbor Chili Challenge and Beer Festival is this weekend.

And here's what's playing at your local Punta Gorda venues:

Friday Night, February 10

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: Patchouli performs from 5-9 p.m.

At the Captain's Table: For a softer sound: Maurey Dewey (Pianist/Vocalist)

At Harpoon Harry's Slick Willy from 9 p.m.

At Dean's South of the Border: American Made from 9 p.m.

At Closer to the Vine: Peter Taylor 7-10 p.m.

At the Perfect Caper: Live Jazz'

At the Punta Gorda Elks: MC Squared

At Opus: Live Jazz

At One Eleven Bistro DJ Hall from 10 p.m.

Saturday Night, February 11

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: Michael Hirst from 5-9 p.m.

At Dean's South of the Border: Copperheadsfrom 9 p.m.

At the Captain's Table: Maurey Dewey (Pianist/Vocalist)

At Harpoon Harry's: Slick Willy from 9 p.m. ]\

At Closer to the Vine: Karyn and Chakula

At the Punta Gorda Elks Heart and Soul

At the Celtic Ray: Brigid's Cross from 3 p.m.

At Opus: Live Jazz

Cruising Expert to Punta Gorda: "Number 1 Thing Punta Gorda Needs to do to Become a Great Cruising Destination"

2012-02-10T12:43:00.000-05:00

"Promote the Waterfront," Claiborne S. Young, Editorial Director of "The Salty SouthEast" and Cruisers' Net and a well-known and respected cruising expert, told a large group of Punta Gorda city officials, Team Punta Gorda members, Boating Club members and citizens today. Mr. Young said "the number one thing Punta Gorda can do to establish itself as a "cruising friendly destination." He noted the many draws of Charlotte Harbor pointing out that the area around Pine Island Sound and the mouth of Charlotte Harbor was "the most cruising rich section of the Southwest Florida coast."

Mr. Young's talk focussed on four other coastal towns on the East Coast that turned their respective communities into top cruising destinations, some going from almost deserted locations on a weekend morning to bustling, thriving tourist draws. He reviewed the challenges faced by Georgetown, South Carolina, for instance, that has two unattractive, industrial sites near their waterfront, i.e., a paper mill and a noisy scrap metal plant. "They built a harbor walk." he noted. Sound familiar? They introduced dingy dockage. They promoted their historic area with home visitations and events. "Almost nobody cruising along the intercoastal waterway misses this stop." The two Beauforts (pronounced differently) one in South Carolina, the other in North Carolina, were also cited as waterfront success stories.

Another town, somewhat off the ICW akin to Punta Gorda, is Washington, North Carolina 25 nautical miles from the Atlantic intercoastal. "They had many challenges to make a success of their waterfront destination for cruisers," Mr. Young noted. "They made in easy to come into their location, with dingy dockage, managed dock facilities, and they advertised."

When asked what were the key things boaters expected in a waterfront destination, Young told the audience, "mooring fields, destination anchorage, easy-to-get-to dingy docks, wet-slip dockage, good restaurants and shops, shower and laundry facilities, WIFI throughout the harbor area, provisioning." He thought one of the top things Punta Gorda could do was "built a mooring field on the downside of the bridges (west mooring field)".

Mr. Young also discussed the tough regulatory environment in Florida for cruisers. Florida only accepts state registration for boaters. He stressed watching local regulations on boaters noting how easy it was to turn off cruisers. He agreed with an audience member about the desirability of Charlotte Harbor as a place for sailboaters to take time from journeying to do some fun sailing noting that one can "sail on an unimpeded body of water straight up Charlotte Harbor to the Punta Gorda waterfront."

Mr. Young's talk was organized by Team Punta Gorda.

What's On this Punta Gorda Weekend

2012-02-03T15:13:00.000-05:00

Charlotte Harbor Regatta this weekend. Visit www.charlotteharborregatta.com for full event detais.

And here's what's playing at your local Punta Gorda venues:

Friday Night, February 3

At Biehl's Slip Not: The Crashers from 8 p.m.

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: Fremont John performs from 5-9 p.m.

At the Captain's Table: For a softer sound: Maurey Dewey (Pianist/Vocalist)

At Harpoon Harry's Zombie University from 9 p.m.

At Dean's South of the Border: Adrenaline Junkie from 9 p.m.

At Closer to the Vine: George K with jazz 7-10 p.m.

At the Perfect Caper: Live Jazz'

At the Punta Gorda Elks: Brian and Mary

At the Celtic Ray: Izzy & The Castrophonics 8 P.M.

At Opus: Live Jazz

At One Eleven Bistro DJ Hall from 10 p.m.

Saturday Night, February 4

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: Just for Fun from 5-9 p.m.

At Biehl's Slip-Not: Tight Squeeze from 8 p.m.

At Dean's South of the Border: Nexx Level from 9 p.m.

At the Captain's Table: Maurey Dewey (Pianist/Vocalist)

At Harpoon Harry's: Zombie University from 9 p.m.

At the Punta Gorda Elks Andy

At the Celtic Ray: Brigid's Cross at 3 p.m.

At Opus: Live Jazz

The Banjo Bash Now Part of Punta Gorda's Music Scene

2012-02-03T14:41:00.000-05:00

One day back in 1988 a young woman by the name of Helen Baker contacted a gentleman named Ollie Austin. They learned that they had one thing in common -- the love of Banjo music! Together they formed the Gulf Coast Banjo Society with about 12 members in total. Today they are 54 strong, and still playing.

The Banjo has its origins in the Far East, the Middle East and Africa from very early human history when drums with strings stretched over them were first played. These instruments were spread, in "modern" times, to Europe through the Arab conquest of Spain, and the Ottoman conquest of the Balkans. The banjo, as we can begin to recognize it, was made by African slaves based on instruments that were indigenous to their parts of Africa. For most of its early history the instrument was played by blacks. What popularized the instrument more broadly was its use in minstrel shows prior to the civil war... then after the civil war, soldiers who learned to play the banjo to deal with the monotony between battles spread it's playing throughout the country as they returned home or moved west. The rest is history...

The Dixieland Banjo, the instrument played by the Gulf Coast Banjo Society, had its origins in the music of New Orleans. "The Dixieland banjo is a four-string instrument," John Wildeman, President of Society explained to me, as opposed to a five-string banjo, which is the bluegrass variety.

Over the last two years the Gulf Coast Banjo Society has been hosting an Annual Banjo Bash in Punta Gorda giving away close to $20,000 to kids and kids bands across the US. According to John Wildeman, President of the Society they have now become a nonprofit organization through organization of the Young Musicians Education Foundation Inc.

This February 17th and 18th, the Society is hosting its 3rd Annual Banjo Bash at the Charlotte County event and Conference Center. "Musicians will be coming in from all over the world at their own expense to perform as well as very famous banjo players from around the US and Florida to help raise money for kids to learn how to play musical instruments," Mr. Wildeman noted.

Shows will be held at 6:30 PM on Friday the 17th, at 1:30 PM and 6:30 PM on Saturday the 18th.

For more information see Punta Gorda Events Post.

Punta Gorda Noted as a Top-Turnaround Town in CNN/Money Magazine article

2012-02-02T12:20:00.000-05:00

Pointing out that "Punta Gorda's housing market has two huge factors working in its favor: very low home prices and extremely nice backyards (i.e. canals)," CNN/Money Magazine reports that Punta Gorda is one of the top comeback towns based on Realtor.com.

The article notes that many of Punta Gorda's homes sit canal-side and have docks in their backyards. It talks about homeowners being able to jump in their boats and be in the Gulf of Mexico in a matter of minutes.

The piece points out that Realtor.com has noted that Punta Gorda squeaked into its top 10 on the strength of its inventory decline: There are 29% fewer homes for sale than there were a year ago according to Realtor.com.

This is great press for our wonderful little town on the Peace.

See the full report at http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2012/real_estate/1201/gallery.turnaround-housing-markets/10.html

"Joy to the World" - Three Dog Night Founder and Vocalist Chuck Negron Signed for the Punta Gorda Block Party

2012-02-01T19:33:00.000-05:00

It was just announced that Chuck Negron, whose soulful voice was a distinctive sound of Three Dog Night's hits such as "One is the Loneliest Number," "Old Fashioned Love Song," "Eli's Coming," Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog," and "Joy to the World," will be the headliner at this year's Punta Gorda Block Party on April 21. From 1969 to 1974, no group sold more records, had more number one hits, or moved more concert tickets than this group. Negron will be performing in the late afternoon or early evening on the main stage at Taylor Street and Retta Espanade.

Other entertainment signed for Punta Gorda's main event include The Boogiemen, American Made, Gotta Luv it Band, Jim Morris, Mike Haymans, Democracy, and Cooper Head.

More information on the Annual Block Party, can be found at www.puntagordablockparty.info.

What's on in Punta Gorda This Weekend

2012-01-27T13:17:00.001-05:00

It's January... it's tropically blissful in Punta Gorda... and it's going to be a great weekend with lots to do. Yes, yes it's raining right this minute but this too shall pass and all our lush landscaping will be even more luxuriant. Plus, there's things to do inside tonight... like Casino Night at the Woman's Club.. and domani the sun should be shining again on Punta Gorda's version of Festa Italiana, For more on all the special events in Punta Gorda this weekend... see our Punta Gorda Events.

And at our local venues, here's what's on Friday and Saturday night:

Friday Night, January 27

At Biehl's Slip Not: Gotta Luv It from 8 p.m.

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: Top Hats performs from 5-9 p.m.

At the Captain's Table: For a softer sound: Maurey Dewey (Pianist/Vocalist)

At Harpoon Harry's The Boogiemen from 9 p.m.

At Dean's South of the Border: American Made from 9 p.m.

At Closer to the Vine: Tony Ortolano 7-10 p.m.
At the Perfect Caper: Live Jazz

At Opus: Live Jazz

At the Wyvern Rooftop: (presumably weather permitting) Brown Suga 8-12 p.m.
At Jacks Zombie University

Saturday Night, January 28

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: Up the Creek from 5-9 p.m.

At Biehl's Slip-Not: Nexx Level from 8 p.m.

At Dean's South of the Border: Ground Zero from 9 p.m.

At the Captain's Table: Maurey Dewey (Pianist/Vocalist)

At Harpoon Harry's: The Boogiemen from 9 p.m.

At the Ice House: Swamp Donkie

At Opus: Live Jazz

A Place to Discuss Foreign Films -- The Renaissance Center in Punta Gorda

2012-01-26T13:44:00.000-05:00

Among the many other enlightening things to do in this little town resting on Charlotte Harbor with abundant Florida sun, not too long ago Florida Gulf State University came to the Herald Court Center and brought their incredible Renaissance Center with a slate of offerings to entertain the mind and soul.

This winter is no exception. I just took note that the Center is running a Foreign Film Series every Tuesday where they are showing a film with course moderator. As an over-the-top film buff I don't know how I missed this, since one of things I've always wanted for Punta Gorda was a small theatre showing Independent and Foreign films like the Burns in Sarasota with perhaps some live performances as well. Those dreams aside, I was delighted to see that the Renaissance Center has brought at least one opportunity to not only see the film, but have a chance to learn more about it and discuss it as well.

This week they projected Eat Drink Man Woman from China, and reported an "amazing turn out." Next week they plan to show an outstanding film -- which I have seen -- from Argentina, "The Secret in Their Eyes." This film won the Oscar for the best foreign language film in 2010.

Here are some other upcoming offerings from the Center -- let's support this wonderful venue right in our downtown.

Punta Gorda Airport Continues to Grow.. New Terminal Construction to Begin Soon

2012-01-26T09:27:00.001-05:00

Every day we watch jets taking off and descending into Punta Gorda... actually a welcome sight signaling more business and economic development coming to the region. There are indications that more and more people are becoming aware of the smaller airport north of Southwest Regional and are using it to get anywhere from Marco Island to Sarasota. The airport saw a 59 percent increase in travel traffic in 2011 over 2010, with 291,626 passengers passing through Bailey Terminal last year. During December alone , there were 35,678 passengers, a 12 percent increase when compared with December 2010.

To accommodate its growing use, the Punta Gorda Airport is in the midst of a $10 million upgrade. A new 135-foot tower will start operating in the next few weeks. And construction on a new terminal will begin in the next few months. The expansion is being funded by Charlotte County Airport Authority and the Florida Department of Transportation.

DirectAir and Allegiant Air service the Punta Gorda with commercial flights to Northeast and Midwest cities. Here is a rundown of their direct destinations:

DirectAir destination cities from Punta Gorda, FL are:
Kalamazoo, MI
Niagara Falls, NY
Worcester, MA
Toledo, OH
Allentown, PA
Plattsburg, NY
Chicago / Rockford, IL
Springfield / Central, IL

Allegiant Air destination cities from Punta Gorda FL are:
Knoxville, TN
Greenville - Spartanburg, SC
Lexington, KY

Presidential Candidate Rick Santorum Visits Punta Gorda

2012-01-24T17:48:00.002-05:00

Punta Gorda rose to the national stage today as Presidential candidate Rick Santorum arrived at Laishley Park promptly at 4 p.m. At the Tea Party sponsored rally, Mr. Santorum addressed a large crowd telling them why he should be the next President of the United States. Here are some images we snapped of the visit:

What's On for Your Punta Gorda Weekend

2012-01-20T13:24:00.000-05:00

It will be another Punta Gorgeous weekend with warm days, cooler nights and lots to entertain snowbirds, visitors and locals. With day-time temps in the high 70s to low 80s, it's a great weekend to stroll the Sullivan Street Arts and Crafts Fair both Saturday and Sunday along Sullivan Street downtown. Also, check out some other special events this weekend at Punta Gorda Events including "Still Friends" tonight at the Woman's Club.

And here's some of the entertainment going on at our local venues. Sorry if we missed anyone!

Friday Night, January 20

At Biehl's Slip Not: MacDaddy Band from 8 p.m.

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: Reconnections Band performs from 5-9 p.m.

At the Captain's Table: For a softer sound: Maurey Dewey (Pianist/Vocalist)

At the Punta Gorda Elks: For members: SunDown

At Harpoon Harry's Carnival of Soul from 9 p.m.

At Dean's South of the Border: Kettle of Fish from 9 p.m.

At Closer to the Vine: Lou Canoe 7-10 p.m.
At the Perfect Caper: Live Jazz

At Opus: Live Jazz

Saturday Night, January 21

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: Kraig Kenning champion guitarist from 5-9 p.m.

At Biehl's Slip-Not: American Made from 8 p.m.

At Dean's South of the Border: Zombie University from 9 p.m.

At the Captain's Table: Maurey Dewey (Pianist/Vocalist)

At Harpoon Harry's: Smack Daddy from 9 p.m.

At the Punta Gorda Elks: MC2

At the Ice House: Hymn for Her

At Opus: Live Jazz
At Portobello's Burnt Store Marina, The Invinecables 6: 30 to 9:30 pm.

Mote Marine Laboratory Discussing Possibility of New Aquarium in Punta Gorda

2012-01-19T09:21:00.001-05:00

Mote Marine Laboratory has just announced that they are exploring the feasibility of expanding their conservation and outreach programs in the region. At the same time Southwest Land Developers released information that they along with members of TEAM Punta Gorda have been in discussions with the nonprofit Mote Marine Laboratory, based in Sarasota, regarding the possibility of opening a new aquarium in Punta Gorda.

“A new aquarium featuring the unique habitats and wildlife of Charlotte Harbor would be a boom to the local economy and help draw even more visitors to the area,” said Bruce Laishley of Southwest Land Developers. “We believe that Mote — with its history in Charlotte County along with its expertise in marine science research and public outreach and education — would be the ideal partner in this effort."

"An aquarium could include up to 60,000 square feet of exhibit space together with a research and education component." he added. Sites in downtown Punta Gorda are being considered for the location of the Aquarium.

Recently, Thomas Kerr, current President of TEAM Punta Gorda, had approached Mote about the potential for expanding their presence to the south. These discussions led to further contacts with other members of the community who have been leading the way for the redevelopment of Charlotte County, including Bruce Laishley of Southwest Land Developers, Inc.

"Mote has been following the redevelopment of the area since Hurricane Charley and is interested in supporting any expansion in the region’s economy," said Dan Bebak, Vice President of Mote Aquarium.

“We have been working with Dr. Kerr and Mr. Laishley to explore different possibilities to determine whether it is financially feasible for us to expand our programs,” Bebak said. “At this time, no plans have been agreed upon or finalized and the discussions remain in the early stages.”

Mote has a long history in the Charlotte County community — when Mote opened its doors in 1955 as the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory, it was based in Placida. While infrastructure needs eventually forced the Lab to move north, we have long maintained an interest in the health of the region’s environment and in public outreach related to it.

Mote played a strong role in the establishment of the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program in 1995 and, more recently, created the Charlotte Harbor Initiative, which brought together marine researchers of all types to focus on the ecology and health of the Harbor.

In 2001, Mote established their Charlotte Harbor Field Station on Pine Island. While the first station was destroyed in 2004’s Hurricane Charley, they were later able to relocate the facility, which remains the base for ongoing studies of snook and tarpon populations. As a nonprofit organization, Mote’s core mission remains marine research and public outreach related to our shared marine environment. Their announcement noted that Charlotte County has long been important to Mote and that it would be a wonderful homecoming if they were able to expand their presence in the region.

Tonight -- What's On -- In Punta Gorda

2012-01-14T14:18:00.000-05:00

Here's some ideas for tonight's entertainment in Punta Gorda

Saturday Night, January 14

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: A Punta Gorda favorite the Yard Dogs perform from 5-9 p.m.

At Biehl's Slip-Not: Tropical Ave from 8 p.m.

At Dean's South of the Border: Copperheads from 9 p.m.

At the Captain's Table: Maurey Dewey (Pianist/Vocalist)

At Harpoon Harry's: NexxLevel from 9 p.m.

At the Punta Gorda Elks: Andy

At Closer to the Vine: Karyn & Chakulla 7-10 p.m.

At the Celtic Ray: Brigid's Cross at 3 p.m. Also Sunday at 3 p.m.

At the Ice House: Swamp Donkie

Why I go out of my way to hear to Jim Morris

2012-01-07T09:13:00.000-05:00

It occurs to me as I note that Jim Morris will be singing at the Navigator today at 2 p.m. that there just may be new folks in town who have never heard the strains of our local version of Jimmy Buffet. Ergo I pulled one of my older blogs from the vault to share with visitors in town this week and other recent Punta Gorda arrivals some of my thoughts on Jim Morris.......

Maybe it was the songs of Jerry Jeff Walker... that escapist music that first attracted me in my youth when I was already burdened by the worries and time constraints of a corporate job and helping support a family. Maybe it was moving to a tropical climate and hearing the sounds that I always associated with beaches and islands and sun and blue-green water. Maybe it was the sheer fun of that tropical sound with a hint of Texas in it. And maybe it was just Jim and his extraordinary gift of capturing in sound and lyrics what it meant to live here.. and for moments in time to just drift along with life instead of always running after it.

Whatever it was and is, I along with many others who have made this tropical paradise their home will go out of their way to catch a Jim Morris concert whether it's a "Navigator Afternoon." or "When the Sun Goes Down on Charlotte Harbor." They'll come to hear Jim and his Big Bamboo Band and dance joyfully in the Punta Gorda sun as Jim sings about a soul that they always wanted to be and maybe can be for awhile. A guy who "has got his toes in the sand.. a tropical man" whose as "happy as hell and it shows." (The lyrics from "Laid Back and Key Wasted.")

Jim's lyrics touch those newly and not-so-newly retired who now live in the "Land of No Mondays." It validates a life style that they earned and perhaps longed for as they sat at desks for long hours, dealt with problem after problem, stayed in dreary hotel rooms, endured the winters in snow-bound climates, sat in traffic to get to a job everyday, dreaded Sunday nights and the ring of alarm clock on Mondays. They have finally left "the madness behind... and are "living in the land of no Mondays."

Jim performs worldwide...a lot in Key West...Matlacha...along the Eastern Coast from Connecticut to Maryland..but he calls his home Punta Gorda. For those of us who have many times heard "The Floating Opera," and have swayed to "No Beer Today," we know why we go to hear the band again and again.

So many of us will be there tonight or any other time when Jim performs. If you haven't experienced a Jim Morris concert, you might want to go and hear the refrains of a very talented musician who found in Punta Gorda what he sings about in his songs.

(Mark your calendar for Jim's concert at the Elks on March 10 -- this is a huge affair on the water -- you'll want to be there. And one of the few times the Punta Gorda Elks Lodge is open to the public.)