You Belong in Punta Gorda

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.)

As Visitors Pour into Town for the IFDS World Championships Punta Gorda Weekend Hums with Events and Nighttime Entertainment

2012-01-06T16:04:00.001-05:00

Exciting Weekend in Punta Gorda with the International Disabled Sailing Federation's World Disabled Sailing Championship launching from our shores and visitors arriving worldwide for the event which begins Saturday with a parade at 11 a.m. followed by a World Festival at Laishley Park. Concurrently the Annual Snowbird Arts and Crafts Show at Gilchrist Park runs Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 a.m. And at the Event center Swan Lake will be performed Saturday night by a Russian ballet company, while on Sunday Roy Orbison (impersonator) takes the stage.

And, of course, there is plenty of night-time entertainment this weekend for our visitors, returning snowbirds and those of us that are around all year. Here are some suggested haunts for listening to some sounds or dancing tonight or tomorrow:

Friday Night, January 6

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

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: Jim Morris, Trop Rocker perform 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: Island Vibe

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

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

At the Perfect Caper: Live Jazz

At Closer to the Vine: George Kachamar 7-10 p.m.

Saturday Night, January 7

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: Carol and Johnnie with Country Hits from 5-9 p.m.

At Biehl's Slip-Not: Tight Squeeze 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: Slick Willy from 9 p.m.

At the Punta Gorda Elks: Island Vibe

At Closer to the Vine: Tommy D 7-10 p.m.

At the Celtic Ray: Flurgin... 8 p.m. (For Brigid's Cross lovers -- Schedule Sunday at 3 p.m.)

At the Ice House: Swamp Donkie

At the Wyvern Rooftop: American Made 7-11 p.m.

May Have Been a Bit Chilly... But No Snow and Punta Gorda Weather Only Gets Better

2012-01-05T10:45:00.000-05:00

While I guess I feel somewhat bad for the tourists or snow birds who have just arrived in Punta Gorda this week on an escape from northern cold only to discover that the nip in the air had seemingly followed them here, I have to point out that these January cold spells albeit not what one dreams about when thinking "Florida" are brief and by the end of the week a mere wisp of memory when our balmy weather returns to the comfy mid-70s during the day and mid 50s at night.

Historically average maximum temps in Punta Gorda in January run in the mid-70s and go into the 80s some years while average minimum temps rarely drop below 50. And most importantly, no snow! And no icy roads to deal with. So when you think of complaining about a mere blip on the meteorological scale, remember your not slippin' and slidin', your not shovelin' and your not going to be shiverin' very long..... And it only gets better.

New Year's Weekend in Punta Gorda -- Ringing it in along the Harbor

2011-12-30T15:55:00.000-05:00

This Weekend Entertainment Highlights and Some ideas for Ringing in the New Year in Punta Gorda.

Friday Night, December 30

At Biehl's Slip Not: Tim and Roseanne from 8 p.m.

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: Festival of Lights continues.Doo Wop Crew perform 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: Heart and Soul

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

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

At One Eleven: DJ starts at 10 p.m.

At the Perfect Caper: Live Jazz

At the Celtic Ray: Fire in the Kitchen (Celtic group)

New Year's Eve Celebrations:

Saturday Night, December 31

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: New Year's Party with Singer/Guitarist Michael Hirst and "Destined "from 5-midnight.

At Biehl's Slip-Not: New Year's Party with DJ Dennis John from 8 p.m.

At Dean's South of the Border: New Year's Party with CopperHeads from 9 p.m.

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

At Harpoon Harry's: New Year's Eve Party with the Boogiemen from 9 p.m. Call for details. ($15 person, $25 couple)

At the Punta Gorda Elks: New Year's Eve Party. Members. Reservations Required.

At Closer to the Vine: Party with Singer Jeannie Smyth performing live from 9pm-midnight.

At the Celtic Ray: New Year's Eve Party with Flurgin... Call for details.

At the Ice House: New Year's Eve Party with Swamp Donkee 9 p.m. - midnight.

At the Tiki Bar on Charlotte Harbor (Sheraton) New Year's Party.

At Benedettos The Jack Mosley Band performing starting at 8:00pm

Highlights of the Punta Gorda Lighted Boat Parade in PGI Last Night

2011-12-18T11:51:00.000-05:00

It's dark, the middle of winter, the week before Christmas and in Punta Gorda the glimmering celebration of our life style here commenced with an array of illuminated vessels floating around the canals that make Punta Gorda a Venetian style wonder. This year's event was the 11th year for the "Saturday Night Before Christmas" Boat Parade, which featured 42 boats and thousands of lights. If you missed it, next year's parade will be December 22, 2012.

Here's just a small sample of photos taken last night in the annual Punta Gorda Isles Lighted Boat Parade that worked its way around the rim of PGI on a warm December night.

And some video clips:

Photos and video courtesy of S. Miskell.

And for a fuller version of the parade, check out this YouTube video:

Punta Gorda Night Life This Weekend

2011-12-16T12:05:00.001-05:00

After some Christmas shopping, take in the Punta Gorda night life this weekend. Here are some of the entertainers at local venues this weekend:

Friday Night, December 16

At Jacks: Zombie University

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

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: Festival of Lights continues.Magen and Mike perform 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: Anything Goes

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

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

At the Perfect Caper: Live Jazz

At Closer to the Vine: Debbie J

At the Celtic Ray: Comedy tonight.

Saturday Night, December 17

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: Festival of Lights Fremont John from 5-9 pm.

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

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

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

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

At the Punta Gorda Elks: For members: Southern Comfort

At Santhinos: Jazz from 6 p.m.

At the Perfect Caper: Live Jazz

At Closer to the Vine: Peggy and Emery Williams

At the Celtic Ray: Fire in the Kitchen (Celtic group)

Authors and Artists Christmas Bazaar Saturday, December 17 at Herald Court Center

2011-12-12T14:53:00.001-05:00

Santa’s elves are hard at work, publishing books and creating works of art for the Authors and Artists Christmas Bazaar, to be held Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Florida Gulf Coast University Herald Court Centre in downtown Punta Gorda.

“This is a double down—a chance to shop Charlotte County while supporting our community’s artists and authors,” says Naomi Pringle, a novelist who is helping to coordinate the event. “We hope to bring authors and artists together in a place of learning with a fun atmosphere.”

Hirsh, along with Michael Schiavo, wrote “Terri: The Truth,” about the medical rights case that sparked a national debate. He will discuss his career and how he broke into publishing. The lead program at the Christmas Bazaar will be “A Conversation with Michael Hirsh.” Hirsh is a Punta Gorda resident, New York Times best-selling non-fiction author, and Peabody and Writers Guild Award winner. He has written books about American forces in Afghanistan and the liberation of Nazi death camps by the Allies during World War II.

Pringle, author of “Ginga′ Root Tea,” will lead a discussion of the controversial book, “The Help.” She says reader interest is high regarding the book, which explores race relations’ in 1960s Mississippi through the eyes of a white woman and her black domestics.

Ft. Myers attorney Anne Dalton will discuss media law for authors and artists. She says oftentimes creative people need expert advice to protect their intellectual property and reap the full benefits of their creations.

David Abraham, author of “Burr,” will talk about how to write historical fiction. He has published several works, including semi-biographical as well as historical works. “Burr,” his most recent work, is set largely in Florida, where the title character journeyed prior to his trial for treason.

Local columnist and author, Diana Harris, will discuss her book “Englewood Lives.” Since its publication several years ago the book has become the standard volume for information about Englewood and other points west of the Myakka River. Harris, who writes a weekly column on history for the Charlotte Sun, is an engaging speaker who leaves audience both informed and entertained.

John “Dedo” Cristina, will outline various modes of artistic expression for adults and children. Cristina, whose children’s art session at the recent Artsensation event sponsored by the Arts & Humanities Council was a huge success, works in mediums as varied as oils and polymers to wood and paper.

Books, as well as artwork, jewelry, beadwork and crafts by local artisans, will be on display for sale throughout FGCU and the attached Artisan’s Atelier on Olympic St. Both venues are conveniently located in the free city parking structure at Taylor St., just west of U.S. 41 North, with restaurants and a farmers market within walking distance. That means vendors and guests will be able to conveniently park next door to the venue. “My art is a part of me, it’s a passion, I can’t not do it, Dedo says. “It excites me, it’s a reason for being, and I do like to share it with other people. I like to see other people excited.”

“I’m excited about a chance to show community residents and guests just how talented our neighbors are,” says Debra Paradise, a cloth doll artist who also is helping to organize the event. Paradise creates dolls based on real and fictional characters or portrays characters participating in their popular pastimes, such as biking, reading, etc.

The Christmas Bazaar will also feature a Children’s Garden where children can have their faces painted and listen to a professional story-teller. The Children’s Garden will be located in the Artisan’s Atelier, where chaperones will assist younger writers and painters compose and send letters to Santa.

Festival-goers have an opportunity to discover FGCU’s ultra-modern Punta Gorda campus. FGCU’s continuing education instructors will present mini-lectures during lunch hour and take audience suggestions about possible upcoming courses.

“We feature artists’ works on our walls and we host several other cultural events in addition to our continuing education classes,” Nancy Staub, program director at FGCU, says. “The Christmas Bazaar is a way that we can share what we do with the community by helping to communicate FGCU’s message.”

Authors and painters will also discuss their works during an open-mike feature at the bazaar.

Admission is free and open to the public.

Authors and artists who wish to sign up to sell and display their work should call Nancy Staub at 941-505-0130 or Naomi Pringle, 941-258-4920.

(Provided by James Abraham)