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Rise and shine, Charlotte County! The Chalk Caddy, Strawberry Festival, a Bee Gees tribute, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
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.
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.
Honoring a century-long legacy: Blanchard House Museum in Punta Gorda is expanding to include the Jean Cleveland House, plus a Cultural Heritage Center, restaurant, and refreshed youth museum for untold stories of Black history — see what’s being planned.
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.
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
Championship experience joins clubhouse: Spring training is underway at Charlotte Sports Park, and the Rays have a new face in camp. Infielder Gavin Lux, acquired in a January trade, has joined workouts in Port Charlotte and is expected to focus on second base as the team builds toward Opening Day. Read the full story.
Water district revises hours: New water restrictions are now in effect across parts of Charlotte County. Lawn watering is limited to one assigned day each week based on the last digit of your address. Hand watering and micro-irrigation are allowed any time. The rules apply to private wells and run through July 1. See what’s allowed and when.
BBQ night, upgraded: Jay’s Smokin BBQ plates sliced brisket, St. Louis ribs, and brisket burnt ends with sides like smoked Gouda mac and coconut street corn, a combo that disappears before leftovers. Perfect for a low-key weeknight when you want big flavor, zero hassle.
Good hair, less hassle: If your grow‑out is getting mutinous, The Bespoke Hair Co.specializes in lived‑in color, modern blonding, and seamless extensions in a cozy Punta Gorda studio that listens. Expect a tidy refresh that dials in tone, skips the drama, and looks effortless past the first wash.
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.
🐦 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.
🗼 Gasparilla Island Lighthouse Climb Tours @ Gasparilla Island Lighthouse | Wednesday (2/25) at 10:00 AM – Trade the gym for 134 spiral steps to the lantern room, with Gulf views and bragging rights. Check in early, climbs fill fast, $15 adults, $5 kids 48 inches and up, then wander the trails, shop a souvenir, and fund BIPS’ lighthouse preservation.
🍝 Pay It Forward Family Spaghetti Night @ Little Caterpillar Childcare | Thursday (2/26) at 6:00 PM – Skip cooking and let the Little Caterpillar crew carb-load the family while you show the kids generosity goes with marinara. Bring a small toy, book, bubbles, or a few bucks, and help build Easter baskets for neighbors who could use a lift.
🍇 California Uncorked: Napa Valley and Beyond @ Total Wine & More | Thursday (2/26) at 6:30 PM – Whether you swear by Napa cabs or secretly prefer Sonoma chard, this guided tasting class pours the best of California into your glass. Sample standout reds, crisp whites, and a few ringers, then leave with tasting notes, bragging rights, and a pleasantly smug grin.
🕺 Bee Gees Now! @ The Charlotte Performing Arts Center | Friday (2/27) at 7:00 PM – Disco lives in Punta Gorda when Bee Gees Now rolls in with pitch-perfect harmonies, tight grooves, and all the hits you sang into a hairbrush. Think Stayin’ Alive, Night Fever, the swoony ballads, and zero judgment for dusting off those white pants.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Charlotte County report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 58°F – Low: 34°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 58. North northwest wind 12 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Wind chill values as low as 30. North northwest wind 6 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 63°F – Low: 37°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 63. North northwest wind around 7 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 37. North wind around 5 mph.
This house is wild
This national award-winning 1996 waterfront estate offers 3 beds and 3 baths on almost an acre opposite Boca Grande Club, with 150 feet of deepwater protected dockage on Gasparilla Sound and the ICW. Over 4,000 sf under roof includes open living, a gourmet kitchen, a master level with 240-degree views, multiple decks, a screened lanai, spa, and three boat lifts.
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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