City and Best Western reach agreement on terms for last piece of Harborside Promenade

Aligning the harbor of the Peace River, the long visioned promenade has slowly materialized. With the opening of the new Sheraton Four Points scheduled for this month, the stunningly landscaped portion of the harborwalk in front of the hotel will finally be accessible leaving only the small piece of harbor frontage adjacent to the Best Western hotel to complete the walkway from Fishermen's Village past the Harborwalk condominums.

The City Council of Punta Gorda and the Best Western Hotel reached agreement this week on terms that will pave the way for a 6-10 foot walkway behind the hotel and restaurant and development of a mooring field. If the commercial marina obtains approval from the Governor’s Cabinet, the Best Western will construct the walk and initiate design, allowing the eventual construction of a mooring field off Gilchrist Park. This portion of the walkway will be narrower than the 20-30 foot span promenade envisioned by Team Punta Gorda, understandable given that it must tuck around the front of Benedettos sprawling deck. (Lawyers are now working on the language of the agreement which will be presented at the next Council meeting.)

It's been five years since I worked with others on the communications committee of Team Punta Gorda and developed a small brochure summarizing some of what TPG working with the Correa Group outlined for the City. The words "imagine strolling along the picturesque waterfront watching boats dock in the marinas" from the brochure now ring true. I remembered them last weekend at the Redfish Festival as I gazed across Laishley Marina at the boats docked there, and watched and engaged in the festivities of that event.

As Team Punta Gorda's website reads in part, walkers, bicyclists, runners, social groups, gatherings, art fairs, festivals, can now enjoy and take advantage of what the promenade will have to offer. Also, the larger plan includes linking the harborwalk to linear parks, being started, that will eventually extend throughout the city with bicycle and walking paths. Over time, the addition of new venues and amenities,e.g. Laishley's Crab Shack due to open this Fall, will further enhance the waterfront experience.

It seems like a long time coming...but when you realize what has been accomplished here in five years after a hurricane literally tore this town apart...you'd have to say incredible.