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Hello Charlotte County! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning.
In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: How Buckhorn Ranch was saved, why SR 31 speed cuts spark debate, and ABBA Euphoria tribute show + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.
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📰 In the news
Safeguarding a family legacy: Florida approved a conservation easement for Buckhorn Ranch in Hardee County, protecting two miles of Buckhorn Creek that feed the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor, strengthening local water and wildlife — see who made it happen.
Practical guidance for caregivers: DOH-Charlotte’s online Child Safety and Wellness Workshop will be held March 10, covering car seat basics, water safety, and nutrition. Limited car seats available for Charlotte County families in need — get all the details.
Project changes stir driver debate: FDOT speed cuts on SR 31 near Babcock Ranch took effect in February as construction adds lanes and roundabouts. Locals worry slower limits worsen backups for Charlotte and Lee commuters — see the new speed limits.
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 they’re 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.
Highlights this week:
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🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+
Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance
Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.
From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.
As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.
It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.
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🫶 We got your back
Tapas night upgrade: UnWINEd Wine + Beer Bar pours a sharp wine list alongside chef-inspired Spanish and Mediterranean tapas… montaditos, garlic shrimp, Portuguese-style octopus. Family-run and cozy, with lively tastings and music, it’s an easy midweek fix when you’re craving unfussy small plates.
Tackle box upgrade alert: Fishin Franks Bait & Tackle stocks fresh bait, proven gear, and straight-shooting local intel that turns “maybe later” into “let’s go now.” Working the pier or paddling the flats, you’ll stay dialed to what’s biting around Charlotte Harbor, thanks to a crew that actually fishes here.
Big-screen night, sorted: When the movie itch hits, Regal Town Center – Port Charlotte delivers fresh releases, comfy seats, and enough escapism to smooth out a Monday. Previews handle the small talk while a bucket of popcorn disappears without guilt.
Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.
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📆 Fun for the whole fam
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.
🎬 Punta Gorda Short Film Fest @ Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center | Wednesday (3/4) at 7:00 PM – Punta Gorda Short Film Fest is back for its 12th lap, serving bite-size stories that make you laugh, cry, and claim it’s allergies. Book dinner downtown, then wander over for good stuff. Grab tickets online, because this crowd fills faster than a January brunch.
✈ Southwest Florida Honor Flight Spring Fundraiser @ 3 Pepper Burrito Co. | Thursday (3/5) at 4:00 PM – Grab a bite at 3 Pepper Burrito Co, dine in or carry out, say you’re here for the fundraiser, and your burrito habit helps fund Southwest Florida Honor Flight’s 2026 trips. It’s the rare excuse to order chips, queso, and a side of civic pride.
🤖 Robotics Workshop for Kids (7-14) @ Comfort Inn & Suites | Saturday (3/7) at 12:30 AM – Got a kid who thinks the TV remote is a robot? Moonpreneur’s free robotics and coding workshop pops up at Comfort Inn in Port Charlotte, where ages 7 to 14 build bots, code, and team up, while you swap notes with parents. Bring a laptop.
🚗 Caring For Kids Classic Car Show @ First Baptist Church of Punta Gorda | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Fuel your nostalgia and a good cause at this classic car show benefiting Charlotte County public school kids. Shine the chrome, swap stories, and feel virtuous while you ogle tailfins, because kicking tires for charity is the kind of adulting we actually enjoy.
🎨 Punta Gorda Sullivan Street Craft Festival @ Sullivan Street | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Downtown Punta Gorda turns into a treasure hunt on Sullivan Street when the craft festival rolls in, and the Chakra Sisters are setting up shop. Stroll the booths, sip something cold, and let them upgrade your gift list, living room, and maybe your aura.
🕺 ABBA Euphoria @ Gulf Theater at the Military Heritage Museum | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 PM – Nostalgia season calls for the sequins you swear you donated, singalongs, and a Las Vegas ABBA tribute at Gulf Theater in the Military Heritage Museum. ABBA EUPHORIA brings hits, choreography, and an interactive on-screen show. Warm up those “Dancing Queen” pipes, tickets are moving.
🍽 Taste of Punta Gorda @ Laishley Park | Sunday (3/8) at 11:00 AM – Charlotte County’s premier food fest is back, serving tastes from local restaurants and food trucks, vendors, and music all day. Think progressive dinner without the driving, plus a kids’ zone to burn off sugar. Rotary hosts it, you bring an appetite, sensible shoes, and cash.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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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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📻 Charlotte County report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 85°F – Low: 66°F – Precip: 29%
A chance of rain showers after 3pm. Sunny, with a high near 85. East northeast wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: A slight chance of rain showers before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 66. East wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
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Tomorrow – High: 86°F – Low: 67°F – Precip: 49%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. East southeast wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. East wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Someone Googled you this week 👀
It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.
Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.
Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.
This house is wild
This brand-new 4-bed, 3.5-bath waterfront home offers sailboat access with no fixed bridges and Peace River and bay views across 2,643 square feet. A Bosch kitchen opens to a screened lanai with outdoor kitchen. Solid concrete build, impact glass, 160+ mph metal roof, and EV-ready oversized garage. Pool-ready, no CDD or HOA, close to Harbour Heights Park and Punta Gorda.
Take a peek inside →
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