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Hey Charlotte County, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Startup accelerator applications, a Billy and Elton tribute concert, and a free boating course + lots of fun things to do for free.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Recognizing local business excellence: Buffalo Graffix, a Charlotte County business founded in 1988, received the Excellence in Business Award for leadership, innovation, workforce development and more than $47,000 in community support over three years -- read the full story.
Quick response at home: No injuries were reported after an attic fire at a Babcock Ranch home. Charlotte County Fire and EMS extinguished the blaze, and Red Cross was notified to assist displaced family -- read the full story.
Startup accelerator launches: Babcock Ranch is anchoring the Southwest Florida Resilience Accelerator for climate resilience startups in infrastructure and sustainable construction. Applications stay open through August 21, with selections announced in late September -- learn more about applications.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Chill, sculpt, glow: This week, Cool to the Touch is worth a visit for localized cryotherapy using super-chilly CO2 vapor that targets pain, brightens and tightens skin, and tackles stubborn fat through cryolipolysis. Try CrystalCurve body contouring or a glow-boosting CryoGlam facial... quick, precise blasts that feel refreshing and get you moving.
Closet refresh, anyone? Give your wardrobe a happy jolt at Tara Bella Boutique and Consignment, a local spot mixing chic boutique finds with luxury consignment. Think Gretchen Scott and Clara Sunwoo next to Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tiffany's, plus handbags and gifts that make errand days feel a little more fabulous.
Fresh coffee, zero fuss: JB's Corner Cafe keeps Punta Gorda running with coffee, breakfast, and lunch made fresh and packed with flavor. Order a quick bite between errands this week or let them bring it to your door, then pat yourself on the back for supporting local.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🥫 Regular Food Pantry Distribution @ Rebekah Lodge, Golden Rule No. 60 (Punta Gorda) | Wednesday (8/5) at 10:00 AM – Need a little help with the pantry at home? This monthly distribution welcomes anyone who could use groceries, no judgment, just neighbors. Donations are running lean, shelves thinner than we’d like, but the spirit is strong, the welcome is warm, and the intent is simple.
🤝 Hands and Feet Outreach Ministry @ Sunoco (Port Charlotte) | Thursday (8/6) at 10:59 AM – Lunch-break salvation pops up behind the Sunoco on 41, across from Wawa on Midway. It’s grilling and potato salad, plus a spread of clothes, hygiene items, purses, shoes, and more, all free, because neighborly love looks like barbecue smoke and fresh sneakers.
🏢 Buyer Seminar @ Kays-Ponger & Uselton Celebration Hall (Punta Gorda) | Thursday (8/6) at 6:00 PM – This free, no-pressure buyer seminar at Kays Ponger & Uselton Celebration Hall in Punta Gorda covers real market stats, financing and pre-approval, insurance, inspections, closing costs, smarter offers, and a live Q&A with Barnes & Phillips pros. Because midnight Zillow scrolling is not a strategy.
💪 Active 55+ Strength Training Group @ Gilchrist Park (Punta Gorda) | Friday (8/7) at 9:30 AM – Outdoor strength for the 55+ set meets mornings on the circle at Gilchrist Park, a free class with tips welcome. Think strength, not showboating, expect smart moves, friendly banter, and Coach Liya in a pink hat; bring water, a mat, a towel, and good mood.
☕ LBU Coffee Social @ Charlie Foxtrot Brewing (Port Charlotte) | Friday (8/7) at 10:00 AM – Charlie Foxtrot Brewing is hosting a weekly Coffee Social with free coffee, donuts, and easy conversation. For Veterans and First Responders, think Friday-morning roll call, minus the salutes, plus folks who get the mission. A low-key way to swap stories, unwind, and reconnect.
⛵ America’s Boating Course @ America's Boating Club Peace River (Port Charlotte) | Saturday (8/8) at 9:00 AM – Skip the guesswork and take this free, in-person boating course that meets Florida’s requirements, earns the Boater Education Card, and might lower insurance. It’s 12 hours of basics, local chart tips, and confidence, because nobody wants to be That Captain on the canal.
🎶 Live Music @ Fishermen's Village (Punta Gorda) | Saturday (8/8) at 5:00 PM – Whether you’re dodging tourists or just craving a breezy excuse to linger, Fishermen’s Village turns the courtyard into a live-music lounge every Friday and Saturday. Rotating bands, salty air, and marina views. Bring your best head nod, not your earplugs.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. 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 Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Charlotte County report Weather forecastToday — High: 88°F — Low: 76°F — Precip: 44%
Scattered showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Heat index values as high as 100. Southwest wind 2 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. South southeast wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tomorrow — High: 90°F — Low: 76°F — Precip: 76%
Isolated showers and thunderstorms between 8am and 2pm, then widespread showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. East southeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Later: Widespread showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. East northeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. This house is wildThis Gulf Cove waterfront home blends boating convenience with polished Florida style on a spacious river and canal-front lot. Inside, granite counters, an industrial gas range, tile floors, a dry bar, and a granite-wrapped electric fireplace set the tone. The oversized garage adds a prep kitchen, boat storage clearance, and canal-side access, while a screened balcony and 2024 metal roof seal the deal.
Take a peek inside → |
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