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Hi Charlotte County, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Ancient shells spark a new oyster reef, Tommy Bunnens joins the U.S. Army, The Irish Comedy Tour, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Estuary restoration gains momentum: Six million pounds of ancient shells from a Charlotte County mine rebuilt an oyster reef at the Caloosahatchee’s mouth, led by SCCF and made to stay put during hurricanes — get all the details.
Where nostalgia meets community: Punta Gorda’s Fishermen’s Village is spotlighted as a hidden paradise, with waterfront cafes, boutiques, and lodging, a cozy nautical vibe, and quiet mornings that grow livelier by afternoon — read the full story.
Affordable coastal havens revealed: A recent study highlights eight Florida waterfront towns with average rents under $1,900 a month, including Punta Gorda and Cape Coral, keeping a budget-friendly retirement by the water within reach — see the eight Florida picks.
Local maestro’s next chapter: Charlotte High band director Tommy Bunnens was chosen to become a U.S. Army conductor, marking a big career move as he leaves behind a proud legacy in Charlotte County — read the full story.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Inside a coastal time capsule: Charlotte County’s historic Cookie House is open to the public at Cedar Point Environmental Park. Once part of the Bass Biological Laboratory, it is the sole remaining building and now shares Florida’s marine research story. Visitors can stop in every Friday, with occasional Saturday openings. See when you can visit.
Traffic monitoring gets tougher: Speed cameras are coming to Charlotte County school zones. A warning period starts Feb. 27 at nine schools as part of a safety rollout. Beginning April 1, violations will result in $100 citations. The program aims to improve safety for students, pedestrians, and cyclists. See where and when it starts.
Local tastes, sky-high views: Perch 360 serves shareable plates built on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with herbs picked from the rooftop garden and a Charlotte Harbor panorama that quietly steals the show. Fresh flavors, zero fuss… perfect for an easy night upstairs with good company.
Cabinet glow-up time: If your kitchen feels like a daily Tetris match, Just Counters & Other Stuff, Inc.blends cabinets, countertops, and design know-how to plan a smarter refresh. Put it on paper, dial in storage, and make cooking at home smoother.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🧵 SWFQG Quilt Show @ Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center | Friday (2/27) at 9:00 AM – Every two years, the Southwest Florida Quilters Guild takes over the Charlotte Harbor Event Center with 250-plus quilts, local vendors, and handmade treasures. Swing through Punta Gorda, admire the stitching, and maybe take one home, all for a $10 donation, and zero pretension.
🏛 2026 Port Charlotte Greek Fest @ Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church | Friday (2/27) at 11:00 AM – If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to shout Opa without alarming the HOA, the Port Charlotte Greek Fest delivers: gyros and pastries, live music, dancing, church tours, even grape stomping. Weekend access is $5, kids 15 and under free, cashless.
🛍 Trash & Treasure Sale @ River Forest Village | Saturday (2/28) at 9:00 AM – If your house needs less stuff, or conveniently, different stuff, swing by the River Forest Village Women’s Club Trash & Treasure Sale. Tools, bikes, electronics, jewelry, and the odd Christmas tree, plus a bake sale and a hot dog fundraiser lunch. Treasure hunting, carbs, community.
🧘 Somatic Sound @ Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens | Saturday (2/28) at 9:30 AM – Trade your to-do list for a morning of Somatic Sound at Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens. An immersive sound bath where frequency and birdsong tag-team your stress; donations are by love, and half supports the Gardens. Bring a mat, leave the hustle.
🍀 The Irish Comedy Tour @ Visani Italian Steakhouse and Comedy Theater | Saturday (2/28) at 6:00 PM – Trade your usual patio small talk for The Irish Comedy Tour at Visani Italian Steakhouse and Comedy Theater. Irish wit served in an Italian steakhouse, only in Port Charlotte. Expect sharp punchlines, proper pints, and a night that goes down smoother than the whiskey.
🐾 Nykol’s Rescues 10 Year Anniversary Celebration Benefit @ Leroy’s Southern Kitchen-Bar | Saturday (2/28) at 6:00 PM – Whether you’ve got room on the couch or just in your heart, Leroy’s is toasting Nykol’s Rescues’ 10th anniversary with a $30 presale BBQ buffet, live music, and a full bar. Bid the silent auction, try your luck, meet adoptable pups, and fund vet bills.
🕯 Candle Crafting Experience @ Bisque IT Studio | Saturday (2/28) at 6:30 PM – Swap errands for a warm, hands-on candle session where you pick your scent, pour the wax, and dress it up with lavender, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and delicate florals. Instructor-led, beginner friendly, and oddly calming. $48 covers the whole shebang, bowl and all.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Charlotte County report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 77°F – Low: 61°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 77. South southeast wind 3 to 10 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind 2 to 6 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 81°F – Low: 63°F – Precip: 8%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 3 to 10 mph. Later: A chance of rain showers between 7pm and 1am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. South southwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
This house is wild
This 4-bed, 3.5-bath retreat sits Gulf-front on Don Pedro-Knight-Palm Island with 150 feet of sugar-sand shoreline and turquoise-water views. A first-floor primary and two ensuite guest rooms pair with an elevator. The chef’s kitchen flaunts a Wolf cooktop, 60-inch Sub-Zero, and wet bar. Phantom screens, White Oak floors, an outdoor kitchen, a beach walkover, and a whole-house generator complete it.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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