Punta Gorda Murals - a part of Florida History

Punta Gorda with 25 murals and counting probably has more murals than any small town in the state, preserving  the city's part in Florida history.   And because a large number of these artworks are viewable during  a walking through town, mural touring is a great way to spend an afternoon in Punta Gorda.   

On Thursday, February 26, another Punta Gorda mural, the original of which was destroyed in hurricane Charley, is being  rededicated.   The mural "Movie Memories" was formerly located on a Flower shop wall on Marion Ave.   The new painting by Michael Vires, which adorns the Charlotte Harbor Event Center, commemorates the old Punta Gorda theatre owned by Desquin family. 

According to the Punta Gorda Mural Society website,  in its heyday the old theater could seat about 300 people. Then in the late 1920’s renovations were made to accommodate the “talkies” that arrived in late 1929.  Later in 1936, L.V. Desguin bought the theater and made many improvements inside and out.  A new marquis gave the theater the name, “New Theatre.”   Admission to see a movie was only 9 cents for children and 35 cents for adults.

To see a complete list of Punta Gorda murals, their location and a history of the murals of Punta Gorda visit www.puntagordamurals.com.