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Hi Charlotte County, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Anchoring limits debate, an oyster reef comeback, a new arcade at Treasure Lanes, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Local waterways face tighter rules: Punta Gorda is exploring limits on boat anchoring near Gilchrist Park on the Peace River, citing safety and environmental concerns. Liveaboard boaters are worried. The proposal is not yet approved — see what’s being considered.
A rare lab’s living legacy: Explore Charlotte County’s marine research past at the historic Cookie House at Cedar Point Environmental Park, the last Bass Biological Laboratory building, with visits available on Fridays and special Saturdays — see when you can visit.
Beloved cafe fuels connections: Mercer’s Fresh Roasted Coffees in Punta Gorda draws neighbors for rich, carefully crafted brews in a relaxed setting, with seasonal specialties, pastries, and steady support for fellow local businesses — read the full story.
Family fun gets an upgrade: Port Charlotte’s Treasure Lanes recently added Game Zone, a Betson designed arcade with 65 plus games, a bar, and a kitchen, moving the bowling center toward a family entertainment center — learn how the arcade came together.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your IRA or portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and 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
From 1970s revamp to destination: Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda was recently highlighted as a hidden paradise. The waterfront complex blends shops, eateries, and lodging with a nautical vibe and community programming. Expect easy strolls, shaded walkways, and mornings that start calm before afternoons pick up energy. Read the full story.
A conservation comeback story: Six million pounds of ancient oyster shells from a Charlotte County mine were used to rebuild a three-acre reef at the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River. SCCF says the heavier fossil shells resist hurricanes, and new Lake Okeechobee release rules have steadied salinity, helping oysters return north of Shell Point. See what’s driving the recovery.
Weeknight sushi fix: Misaki Sushi keeps weeknights easy with made-to-order rolls, bright sashimi, and comforting hibachi and teriyaki. When the craving hits, dinner comes together fast with fresh, dependable bites that satisfy picky eaters and sushi purists alike.
Fresh finds, real impact: If your closets are flirting with chaos, C.A.R.E.’s ReUse Store is a low-key goldmine for clothes, housewares, and useful surprises. Your purchases support survivors in Charlotte County, turning a quick browse into a “how did I carry all this?” moment.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
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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.
🍷 Wigs, Wine & Galentines Boutique Crawl @ Sugar Chic Boutique | Friday (2/6) at 3:00 PM – Got a wig collecting dust? Downtown Punta Gorda is hosting a Galentine’s boutique crawl with complimentary wine at every stop, sales and freebies, and raffle tickets with each purchase. Start wherever, end wherever, support the shops you actually love, and bring your favorite Galentines.
🕯 Dedication Ceramony for Dr. David Klein & Mr Wayne Goff @ Vietnam Veterans Memorial | Friday (2/6) at 4:00 PM – Up for something meaningful between errands? The Vietnam Wall of Southwest Florida is hosting a dedication for Dr. David Klein and Mr. Wayne Goff, honoring their service, courage, and legacy. Expect heartfelt moments, community pride, and a reminder of why honor, dignity, and support matter.
🌅 February Sunset Celebration 2026 @ Peace River Wildlife Center – PRWC | Friday (2/6) at 4:30 PM – Sunset over the Peace River calls for an after-hours wander, not another streaming queue. Drift through Peace River Wildlife Center’s grounds with light refreshments, resident critter cameos, and neighbors who get it, then exhale as the sky shows off. Slow, simple, and genuinely local.
🎻 Bluegrass in the Park @ History Park | Saturday (2/7) at 2:30 PM – Park weather calls for bluegrass, lawn chairs, and good neighbors. Head over for live music under the trees, and bring canned goods for St. Vincent de Paul, the good stuff, not that mystery can from 2003. Easy vibes, real impact, and zero small talk required.
🍗 10th Annual Southern Supper @ Punta Gorda History Center | Saturday (2/7) at 5:00 PM – Whether you’ve been showing up since year one or just crave a proper plate of Southern comfort, the 10th Annual Southern Supper is back, tickets up for grabs. Expect heaping plates, comfort classics, and neighborly chatter. Wear elastic waistbands, bring your best church-potluck stories.
💎 3rd Annual Diamond Gala @ Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club | Saturday (2/7) at 6:00 PM – Polish the boat shoes and pretend we all sail; the 3rd Annual Diamond Gala is back at Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club. Cocktail attire, clinking glasses, and a few heartfelt toasts as we honor Diamond Program members and raise real dollars for the Building Fund.
🏺 Pottery Wheel Class for 2 @ Bisque IT Studio | Saturday (2/7) at 6:30 PM – Trade doomscrolling for clay therapy at Bisque It Studio’s wheel-throwing class for two. You’ll get guided instruction, make two bowls each, then return to glaze, a surprisingly satisfying two-parter. Perfect for date night or bestie time, Ghost reenactment optional, $85 per person.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Charlotte County report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 62°F – Low: 40°F – Precip: 83%
Rain showers before 2pm. Partly sunny. High near 62, with temperatures falling to around 57 in the afternoon. West wind 6 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 40. Wind chill values as low as 39. Northwest wind 5 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 62°F – Low: 49°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 62. Northwest wind 5 to 12 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 49. West northwest wind around 7 mph.
This house is wild
This Westwind by Lennar in Babcock National Country Club blends refined design with resort perks. The 3-bed, 3-bath plan adds a den and 2.5-car garage. Sunlit open living links a gourmet kitchen to sliders to a lanai with outdoor kitchen and fairway-view pool. Primary suite offers dual walk-ins. Deeded golf membership includes fitness, racquet sports, trails, and solar-powered Babcock Ranch.
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 genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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