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Hey Charlotte County, hope your week’s off to a good start! Iguanaland’s cozy reptile plan, How to Train Your Dragon outdoors, a classic car show, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
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.
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.
Philanthropy reshapes arts landscape: Florida’s Hermitage Artist Retreat received a $12 million gift that more than doubles its size, and arts groups named new honorees, including $50,000 U.S. Artists fellows and Kleban Prize winners — meet the honorees and benefactors.
Sunshine getaways from South Jersey: Allegiant now offers nonstop flights from Atlantic City to Punta Gorda and St. Petersburg, starting Feb. 13, with fares advertised as low as $39 and up to twice-weekly service — get all the details.
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
Celebrate community and cuisine: The 18th Annual Taste of Punta Gorda will be at Laishley Park on Sunday, March 8, from 11 AM to 5 PM. Expect sample bites from local restaurants and food trucks, plus family friendly fun. A delicious hometown day in Punta Gorda. Get all the details.
Controlled maintenance process explained: That running hydrant in Harbour Heights is part of a $50 million water system upgrade underway. The treatment plant is temporarily offline and the utility is buying treated water from Charlotte County. The discharged water is treated surface water, not from neighborhood wells. Improvements are slated to finish in 2026. Get all the project details.
Ice cream + island vibes: The Pink Pony is a reliable Boca Grande fix, with classic scoops, whimsical sundaes, real-fruit smoothies, and candy for later when you need something happy. Bring a friend, claim a shady seat, and make it your midweek ritual.
Treasure hunt, every time: When your space needs a refresh or your closet a do-over, Funkie Junkies Consignment and Marketplace delivers fresh finds, home decor, standout furniture, and boutique pieces from local consignors, with new arrivals hitting the floor daily. Expect the unexpected and let the perfect piece find you.
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 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.
This week
🐦 Shorebirds Walk & Talk @ Gasparilla Island Lighthouse | Tuesday (2/24) at 10:00 AM – Grab your sunhat and head to Gasparilla Island Lighthouse for a free Shorebirds Walk & Talk, where you’ll learn why our stretch of sand is prime real estate for resident and migrating shorebirds. Family-friendly, open to all, locals with beaks get top billing.
🌸 Ikebana 101 @ Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens | Tuesday (2/24) at 10:00 AM – Ikebana 101 lands on the Great Lawn, with Sogetsu instructor Aimee Jackson teaching two take-home arrangements, plus supplies for future tinkering. Ticket covers garden admission and the Origami in the Garden exhibit, so pack a lunch, linger, and enjoy some grown-up zen.
🌮 Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting @ El Guero Tacos | Tuesday (2/24) at 5:00 PM – El Guero Tacos is cutting the ribbon and serving goods, because nothing says welcome to Punta Gorda like tastings and a crowd that knows each other by name. Swing by for tacos, charm, and a toast to a locally owned favorite in the making.
This weekend
🐾 Paws for Paddles @ Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County | Saturday (2/28) at 8:00 AM – Patio weather calls for pickleball and puppy love, before the snowbirds snag every court. Paws for Paddles has brackets for all levels at PicklePlex, plus a mixer with pizza, music, and raffles. Play, cheer, and feel smug knowing your dinks help the Animal Welfare League.
🎨 Arts & Crafts Show @ Celtic Ray Market | Saturday (2/28) at 8:00 AM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to upgrade from fridge magnets to actual art, the Celtic Ray Market’s Saturday scene just added a once-a-month arts and crafts show. Same Punta Gorda stroll, more talented makers, and breakfast next door to keep you going.
🏛 History Mini Camp @ Military Heritage Museum | Saturday (2/28) at 9:00 AM – Give your fourth to eighth grader history that actually moves. The Military Heritage Museum’s Mini Camp serves the good kind of screen time with flight simulators, VR, reenactments, and veterans who lived the stories. Early-bird it, 3+ camps are $15 each, and register at history-academy.org.
🎻 The Florida Philharmonic @ Burnt Store Presbyterian Church | Sunday (3/1) at 3:30 PM – Trade beach traffic for Mahler as the Florida Philharmonic gives Symphony No. 4 the chamber treatment, Farrington style. Intimate, crystalline, and surprisingly cheeky, this arrangement lets every detail shine. It is a rare chance to hear a classic in high definition, without the sonic elbowing.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Charlotte County report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 64°F – Low: 37°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 64. North northwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 37. Wind chill values as low as 36. North northeast wind 2 to 7 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 71°F – Low: 49°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 71. South southeast wind 3 to 8 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 49. West northwest wind around 5 mph.
This house is wild
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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🔥 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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