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Happy weekend, Charlotte County! In today’s edition: From Walmart aisle to fame, Strawberry Festival, Worm Moon celebration, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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🏆 Most popular this week
Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.
Elite recognition for patient care: Healthgrades’ 2026 list named seven Florida hospitals in the nation’s top 1 percent, including nearby Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and Naples. For Port Charlotte, high-quality care is close to home — see which hospitals were honored.
From Walmart aisle to fame: Port Charlotte’s Ron Munday turned his car into a community chalkboard. About 1,800 people have already signed the Chalk Caddy, which is legal if plates, windows, and headlights stay clear — see how it all started.
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.
Festive fundraiser with flair: Boca Grande’s Strawberry Festival will be held Saturday, March 7, with strawberries, brats, a silent auction, and plenty of bargains and books to browse, all benefiting local causes — get all the details.
Market confidence rebounds: Charlotte County home sales surged in December as seasonal residents returned, with single-family closings up from November and a $350,000 median, while elevated inventory kept conditions relatively friendly for buyers — see what’s driving the uptick.
Inside their winter preparations: Punta Gorda’s Iguanaland, billed as the world’s largest reptile zoo, protects 260 species during cold snaps with heated boxes, blankets, and naturally warm well water, according to staff — see how they stay warm.
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/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.
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.
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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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📆 Sneak peek at next week
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.
🌕 Worm Moon Celebration @ Wild Orchid | Tuesday (3/3) at 6:00 PM – Worm Moon at The Wild Orchid means ocean energy, a steady metronome, and movement that shakes loose the winter cobwebs. Bring a rock that called your name, your heart, and your willingness to sway. Come as you are, leave lighter, moonlit glow included.
🗼 Gasparilla Island Lighthouse Climb Tours @ Gasparilla Island Lighthouse | Wednesday (3/4) at 10:00 AM – If you’ve been waiting to swap the treadmill for a prettier climb, try 134 steps up the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse to a killer lantern room view, with climbs every 20 minutes. Check in early, wear real shoes, and $15 supports BIPS’ lighthouses.
🥫 Regular Food Pantry Distribution @ Rebekah Lodge, Golden Rule No. 60 | Wednesday (3/4) at 10:00 AM – Fridge looking lean? Swing by the monthly food pantry for no-questions-asked staples, and a little neighborly kindness. Supplies are tight lately, so do the smart local thing, call the day before to make sure it’s on. No fuss, just help.
👶 Tiny Tots: Little Y Readers & Makers @ Cooper Street Recreation Center | Thursday (3/5) at 10:00 AM – Morning wiggles to burn? Take the littles to the Y library at the Rec Center for themed stories, songs, and crafts, where someone else leads the chorus and you sip coffee like a hero. It is free, and the playground is your bonus round.
🧘 Club Pilates Studio Opening @ Club Pilates | Thursday (3/5) at 11:00 AM – If your core has been filing complaints, the new Club Pilates in Port Charlotte is opening with free Reformer Pilates classes all weekend, plus 20% off memberships and zero enrollment. Meet the crew, try the toys, and leave taller, calmer, and a little smug.
🌿 Fused Glass Plant Stake @ Bisque IT Studio | Friday (3/6) at 1:00 PM – Give your houseplants some personality at a fused glass plant stake workshop, and make two custom beauties to stick in the dirt. No experience needed, all supplies included, choose your colors. Ages 16+, $59 plus tax, registration required, everyone needs their own ticket.
🌅 PRWC March Sunset Celebration – 2026 @ Peace River Wildlife Center | Friday (3/6) at 4:30 PM – Nothing beats a sunset stroll at Peace River Wildlife Center, where happy hour comes with owls, pelicans, and zero bar tabs. Wander the Education Center after hours, meet the ambassador animals, and trade small talk for birdsong. Feeling extra neighborly? Sponsorships welcome.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Charlotte County report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 79°F – Low: 62°F – Precip: 25%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. Southwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. North northwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
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Tomorrow – High: 80°F – Low: 60°F – Precip: 13%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. North northeast wind around 7 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. Northeast wind around 7 mph.
Most popular house this week
Direct Gulf-front on Englewood’s prized shoreline, this Old Florida beach cottage compound delivers rare RMF zoning for up to four units and unobstructed Gulf views. The main 2-bed, 2-bath home offers a 690-square-foot upper deck and a storm-renovation blank slate. A detached 672-square-foot 1-bed, 1-bath guest house is Airbnb active, and a buried pool awaits revival.
Take a peek inside →
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