Beautiful Night on Charlotte Harbor

Wood Stork trying to Cross the Street

Around Town Tonight in Punta Gorda

Around town tonight,  those funky blue and white tents at City Marketplace will be open for Cirque Italia. 

At the Ray, around 9, I always say around, the West King String Band will be strumming their blue grassy music.  While down at the Tikibar, you can catch the Not Guilty Band playing everything from rock to country to reggae to hip hop.

The Karen & Jimmy Band are performing at Hurricane Charley's Raw Bar and Grill.  Category 5 Band starts their thing at Harpoon's at 7 p.m.  Leroy's is showcasing Blackbird Anthem starting at 9 p.m.  And Half Step Down is at Dean's South of the Border.

New Restaurant opens to Public at the American Legion

Another place to enjoy our favorite meal of the day just opened at the American Legion on Taylor Road. 

Another venture by Chris Landale,  Beef o’Bradys owner,  further down on Taylor, Stacks is offering breakfast, lunch and for now a one-night a week fish fry. Chef/co-owner, Sugar Cane,  was a chef at River City Grill. 

The hall looks freshly painted and large enough to accommodate a huge crowd. Better yet parking is a non-issue.  The menu is extensive with all the breakfast favorites. 

Fisherman’s To Light the Village November 17



Fishermen’s Village will kick off its annual “Festival of Lights “ with the  “Lighting of the Village” on Saturday, November 17. Turning Punta Gorda’s popular shopping and dining mall into a holiday aattraction, the display of more than one million lights and themed decorations draws both residents and visitors alike to enjoy beautiful traditional themed holiday décor and lights both inside and outside the  Village.
Santa is expected at the Village front entrance courtesy of Punta Gorda Fire Chief Ray Brigg’s Antique Fire Truck.  At 5:30 p.m., an official ribbon cutting will take place with Santa and City of Punta Gorda officials. Part of this year’s ribbon cutting will include a performance by Charisma, the premiere touring vocal ensemble at Charlotte High School. As the ribbon is cut, visitor’s will witness the reveal of the annual Lighting of the Village. The Lee County Pipes and Drums Band will then parade through the Village, followed by a performance in Center Court. Other festivities include live music/dancing with the Shane Duncan Band, Juggling/balloon creations by Jeff the Juggler, Finest Face Painting by MaryRose, pictures with Santa (bring your camera!), complimentary refreshments courtesy of Village Merchants, and live radio remote with Todd Matthews of Seaview Radio. The Sugar Plum Fairy, aka Bob “Fig” Newton, will make a special appearance and be available for photo ops.

Admission: Patrons are being asked to bring toilet paper, paper towels and bleach to be donated to “Share The Blessings Ministry,” an all-volunteer, nonprofit charity benefiting those in need in Charlotte County. Their mission is to provide hygiene, cleaning and non-perishable food items which serve over 500 individuals and 150 families each month. Their current critical need is for paper hygiene products.
Parking  will fill up fast, so visitors are encouraged to arrive early. Overflow parking will be available off site at Former IMPAC building (900 West Marion Avenue) and Five Star Reality (across the street from Fishermen’s Village). Security personnel will be offering golf cart rides throughout the evening to transport you from your car to the Village entrance.
Fishermen’s Village Waterfront Mall, Resort and Marina is located on Marion Ave., Punta Gorda. For more information, call 941 639-8721 or visit www.fishville.com.

4th of July Celebrations along the Harbor in Punta Gorda

Whether its swimming across the Peace or enjoying other festivities along Charlotte Harbor bay, Punta Gorda is the place to be on July 4.

Here are some of the major things happening along the harbor on the 4th:

Freedom Swim. The 2018 swim will launch at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 4 with new starting points due to the construction at Charlotte Harbor along the 41 bridge.  Those arriving by point can start at the north end near the bridge, staying away from the construction area.  The other point is the beach at the east end of Gilchrist Park.  Swim out to the channel, then around Marker 4, joining those coming from the other side finishing at Fishermen’s Village.  Spectactors can watch those swimming from Gilchrist Park or join them at the Village at the end of the Swim. 

Laishley Park 4th Festival.  A 4^th of July Festival, presented by Grande Aire Services, is a celebration of the USA with nonstop entertainment for the entire family. This year’s event features Water-Mania- a group of 12 giant waterslides of all types and sizes for the littlest kids to grownups.

Vendors, displays, and unique shopping opportunities will await attendees to visit, there will also be plenty of fun festival food, cold beer and beverages.

In addition to the Water-Mania Water Slides there will be a large Kid’s Fun Zone.

Live Music will fill the park on July 4th with bands performing on the stage throughout the day. Live music starts at 3:00pm with the Kate Keys Band. The Charlotte High School NJROTC will present the colors at 5:00pm and the National Anthem. The Jack-Michael Band will entertain the crowd starting at 5:30pm. The Riley Community Award presented by the Smugglers Foundation will be awarded at 7:00pm. The Boogiemen will perform from 7:30pm right up to the Fireworks at 9:00pm

Fireworks will start promptly at 9:00pm, over the Peace River.

The gates open at 11:00am and there is a $3 admission with proceeds helping to offset the expense of the fireworks. You can purchase a wrist band for unlimited daily use of the water-slides for only $10.

Fishermen's Village 4th Celebration. The day begins at 11 am with the annual Freedom Swim across Charlotte Harbor. Live entertainment in Center Court beginning at 12 noon by Ambush the Band and Country Express. Singer Rita Beach will perform 12 noon-4 pm by Good 'Ole Days Coffee Cafe, fun activities and live music all day at Harpoon Harry's and viewing of fireworks over Charlotte Harbor at 9 pm.

Hurricane Charley’s 4th of July Bash.  American Made July 3 from 6 p.m. 4th OF JULY BBQ BASH with live music 6-10pm with The Kollections!

TT Tiki Bar... Celebrate all day.  American Made starts at 5 p.m. Independence Day Movie on Large Screen July 3.  

What is the Giving Challenge and Why Should You Care?

Early next week more than 630 southwest Florida  nonprofit organizations from Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties will be  participating in the 2018 Giving Challenge, presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.  Starting on May 1 at noon, the online 24-hour giving day allows people to support nonprofits and have their donations matched dollar for dollar, up to $100 per donor for each organization they give to, through support of the Patterson Foundation.

This means a lot for organizations in our community that work to protect children and other vulnerable groups, help feed the needy, build homes for those who can't affort them, protect animals, preserve history, protect the environment, provide cultural enrichment and education and many other local causes.  Funds from the past five Giving Challenges have helped  seniors and veterans;  cultural organizations; vulnerable populations; environmental causes; and thousands of sheltered animals among others. Many Charlotte County organizations are participating this year -- all with needs.  Some of them include the Kiwanis Foundation of Charlotte County, the Punta Gorda Rotary, Gator Wilderness Camp, the Homeless Coalition, the Boys and Girls Club, the Animal Welfare League, CARE, Charlotte Alliance for  Safe and Drug Free Community, the Visual Arts Center, Healthy Start, CHEC, Team Punta Gorda, Punta Gorda Historical Society, Punta Gorda History Center and Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society and more.  

This year, the Patterson Foundation is incentivizing donations with a match for each unique online donor’s contributions — up to $100 per donor, per organization — with no limit to the number of individual matches a nonprofit can receive. 

Donations are tax-deductible. To give to a charity or more than one charity you want to support, you  can make a secure donation (minimum gift is $25) by debit or credit card at givingpartnerchallenge.org from noon May 1 until noon May 2.  This is a time to help your community with a small donation that can add up to a lot for these nonprofit groups.  

Music This Weekend in Punta Gorda

 Here are some entertainers to check out this weekend:

The Beat Down is on tonight at the Celtic Ray at 9 p.m. Paul Rowan will perform tomorrow night from 8 p.m.

At Fishville starting at 5, Paul Roush.

Rockalive  is on stage at  Harpoon Harry's tonight from 8 p.m. and Category 5 is back tomorrow night at 8 p.m.

Kate Keys Band is live tonight  and Saturday night Zombie U at Dean's South of the Border starting at 9 p.m.

Catch Storm Warning  at 7 p.m. at Hurricane Charley's. Karen and Jimmy  perform  there at 7 on Saturday.

Chris Brett is playing live music at Sandra's from 5 p.m both Friday and Saturday. 


Gashouse Gorillas are live at TT Tikibar tonight from 7:30

Its a Great Place for the Irish - Punta Gorda's St. Pat's Day Weekend

It doesn't take a St. Patrick's Day for Punta Gorda to celebrate, but given it is St. Pat's Weekend, the City is a great place to enjoy Irish sounds and eat some Corned Beef or other Irish chow (if you like the stuff), or just down a Guiness or two.  Of course, the Ray will be celebrating all weekend and open all day with music on the 17th.... but lots of our local establishments will also be having St. Pat's fests.  Great weekend or day for a crawl.   Here's some ideas for your Punta Gorda St. Pat's:

Friday, March 16

At Harpoon Harry's: The Boogiemen from 8:30 p.m.
At the Celtic Ray:  The Freecoasters from 9 p.m.
At the Punta Gorda Elks: TAT2 
At Hurricane Charleys: Tropical Ave from 7 p.m.
At Deans South of the Border: Archer from 9 p.m.
At Sandras: St Patricks (German Style) live music. 
At the Orange House: OH Band 7 p.m.


Saturday, March 17

At Fishermen's Village : St. Patricks Celebration all day:  Live entertainment to include:
Singer/Guitarist Paul Cottrell, 12 noon-4 pm in the Village Courtyard
Island Sounds of Jimmy G 1-5 pm near Good ‘Ole Days Coffee
Singer/Musician Dave Heveron, 1-4 pm third section of Village
Finest Face Painting by MaryRose 2-7 pm
Lee County Pipes and Drums, parade through Village at 5:30 pm followed by performance in Village Courtyard
Traditional Irish Music by Mark Fitzpatrick and Eddie Dillon, 5-9 pm in the Village Courtyard
At Harpoon Harry's: The Boogiemen from 8:30 p.m..
At the Celtic Ray: St. Patricks Day starts today: entertainers  include: Bobby Vesey  and Paul Duffy and more 
At Hurricane Charleys: St Patricks Celebration Jack Mosley 1-5pm and
American Made 7-11pm!
At the Punta Gorda Elks: St Patricks Day Party 6-10 p.m Tidal Wave
At Deans South of the Border: Tone Jeff in afternoon, Gashouse Gorillas and Sexy Shamrocks from 9 p.m.
At 88 Keys at the Wyvern: Mickey Basil 6-9 p.m.
At Sandras: St Patricks (German Style) live music.
At the Orange House: Dave Powers 7 p.m.

Punta Gorda Weekend Entertainment Rundown for tonight and tomorrow night.

Punta Gorda's entertainment schedule is full this weekend.  Here are some entertainers to check out.

Irish musician, Paul Duffy, is on tonight at the Celtic Ray at 8 p.m. Jakob's Ferry Strugglers will perform Bluegrass tomorrow night from 9 p.m.

At Leroy's Southbound will be starting at 7 p.m. followed by Sean Chambers who will be playing until 1:30 a.m.

Tropical Ave. is on stage at  Harpoon Harry's tonight from 8 p.m. Southbound live at 5 p.m. and Storm Warning is back tomorrow night at 9 p.m.

A200 is live tonight  and Saturday night at Dean's South of the Border starting at 8:30 p.m.

Catch Trop Rock Junkies at 7 p.m. at Hurricane Charley's. Zombie University is back there at 7 on Saturday.

Chris Brett is playing live music at Sandra's from 5 p.m

Danny Sinoff and the Trio is playing keys at 88 Keys at the Wyvern tonight.

Doug Cassens and Mike Glean are at the Orange House tonight.

BJ Odom and Chris Zee will be performing comedy at the Library at Four Points Sheraton tomorrow night from 7:30. Call for reservations.

The Kollections are live at TT Tikibar tonight from 7, Neon Summer will perform tomorrow night.

Calostimucu - Punta Gorda's Whispering Giant

The face that looms mysterioulsy from behind the palm trees on Retta Esplanade has a long history. 

In 1974 Fred Babcock had just built a Holiday Inn  where the PG Hotel and Hurricane Charleys are today.   Mr. Babcock, owner of the huge Babcock Ranch (known as the Crescent-B) was a winter resident of Punta Gorda and president of the Babcock Lumber Company headquartered in Pittsburgh.

After buying the waterfront property that had been owned by Perry and Marion McAdow  in the 1890s and which later had become the Bayview Inn, he noticed a dead tree on his acquired land. The tree was “monkey pod” or “ear” tree imported from the Orient as a sapling by Marian McAdow in 1898. Marion sought many exotic plants to bring to her new home in Punta Gorda and  is credited for much of the tropical ambience that town has today.

 Babcock recalled that a renown sculptor, Peter Toth, was developing a series of works called Whispering Giants across the county, and decided to commission Toth to sculpt a statue from the tree’s wood for $10,000.

Toth had completed his first monumental sculpture, a stone Indian head, carved from a cliff in La Jolla, California in 1972.  By that summer he had switched from stone to wood, and made a decision to make a sculpture of an Indian, to honor them, in each of the fifty states.  Calostimucu was his tenth project, and the only one with two faces – on one side a male, on the other a maiden.  Each has a symbolic animal coming from their heads, the male has a bison, the maiden, an eagle. The name of the statue is a combination of the two Native American tribes that lived in this area of Florida. Toth completed his goal of a whispering giant statue in each of the fifty states in May 1988.

Calostimucu, the Punta Gorda statue, was a fixture in front of the Best Western (formerly Holiday Inn) until Hurricane Charley destroyed much of the hotel in 2004.  New owners of the property wanted to replace the statue with a fountain, and for a time there was controversy over its disposition until it was finally moved in front of the relocated Freeman House right across the street, where it stands today. 

Punta Gorda's Historic District is the Place to be on Halloween

Come twilight, the Victoria-era streets of  Punta Gorda's historic area with it's looming gothic mansions and trees dangling in Spanish moss already resemble the setting for a spooky movie.  But on All Hallow's Eve or as we refer it today Halloween, the residents of the historic district go all out to embellish the setting by draping their homes in gossamery garland, decorating windows with eerie lighting, hanging animated witches, ghosts and other goblins from porch fronts and doorways, adding ghostly music and other chilling effects to create a Disneyesque haunted neighborhood attracting costumed visitors from all around in search of treats in the Halloween atmosphere.

In addition to trick or treating at the homes of the historic district, golblins and witches can visit  the City's celebration in the parking garage of City Hall and the Punta Gorda Masons who are giving out free ice cream (the gift of Gilchrist) next to the Annex from 5 p.m. (126 Harvey Street). The First United Methodist Church at 507 Marion Ave. is sponsoring a trunk or treat event from 6 p.m. featuring candy and hot popcorn along with music and vintage car displays.  Nearby on  Marion the Punta Gorda Kiwanis will be giving out free glow lights. 

Haunting on the Harbor in downtown Punta Gorda also continues today from 5 p.m.  

Entertainment Full Weekend in Punta Gorda

This first October weekend, Punta Gorda's activity calendar is starting to heat up with the Bar Stool Open, Oktoberfest downtown, and around town at the various venues here's some ways to spark up your weekend: 

Catch Michael Hirst tonight at Fishville 5 to 9 p.m, tomorrow same time,same station.

At 88 Keys at the Wyvern, Danny Sinoff is playing the keys tonight, and tomorrow night Susi and Regis

At Hurricane Charley's  Storm Warning is on tonight at 7, Fortunate Sun tomorrow starting at 7. At Deans, A200 starts at 9:00  tonight and tomorrow night same time.

FThe Gummy Sharks  will be performing live at Harpoon Harry's  tonight from 7:00 p.m..  The Kollections 8:30 tomorrow night.

At the TT Tiki Bar at the Sheraton Caribbean Festival all weekend.  

Your Post Irma Punta Gorda Weekend Entertainment

Irma won't dampen this Punta Gorda weekend.  The craft fair is on for Sullivan Street.  And the usual venues are back up and running with entertainment to perk you up after the Hurricane debacle. Lots to celebrate.   Here's some suggestions for tonight. For now we're taking it one night at a time.


Paul Duffy, with Irish, blues and more takes the stage tonight at the Celtic Ray around 8.

At 88 Keys at the Wyvern, Danny Sinoff is playing the keys to tonight. Live music by Dave Rode, the Piano Man,  at the Perch from 7 p.m.

Live music from Chameleon from 7:30 at Harpoon Harry's tonight.

At Hurricane Charley's the Kollections. At Deans, Juke Box Prophets at 9.

 Tropical Ave tonight at 7 at the Tikibar.

Turtle Club Changes in the Wind - Turtle becomes Blue

The Turtle Club will remain closed until mid-October.  They still do not have power, and will be doing renovations in their dining areas.  

When they do reopen It will be as 'The Blue Turtle', changing the name and concept. 

 In keeping with Turtle Classics you can expect some fresh additions. Reinvigorated menu items, new uniforms, new look, and live music. 

"We look forward to sharing this unique experience with our guests as we continue to improve the dining scene in our beautiful downtown Punta Gorda," Chris Evans, owner, says.

Your Punta Gorda Weekend Nights Some High Notes

Punta Gorda begins to hit high notes pre-season this weekend.

Catch Chris G  tonight at Fishville 5 to 9 p.m, tomorrow same time,same station, Yard Dog Charlie.

The Clover's Revenge  takes the stage tonight at the Celtic Ray around 9. Tomorrow Beat Down will entertain starting at 9.

At 88 Keys at the Wyvern, Danny Sinoff is playing the keys tonight, and tomorrow night Stu Shelton.

At Hurricane Charley's  Zombie U is on tonight at 7, Gas House tomorrow starting at 7. At Deans, Bite the Bullet  starts at 8:30  tonight, ST Tone are on tomorrow night same time.

Lisa Ridings Band  will be performing live at Harpoon Harry's  tonight from 8 p.m..  Category 5 Band tomorrow night.

Lou Angel-Wolf is at the Comedy Club at the Four Points Sheraton tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m.
For Reservations (305) 343-2930

At the TT Tiki Bar at the Sheraton Freecoasters tonight at 7 p.m, Kix Country Saturday Night.

Unexpectedly Eggcellent Places for Breakfast in Punta Gorda

On a hidden street off Cooper across the railroad tracks from 41S, there is a bakery that not everyone knows about or may only know about because of their  karokee or drag queen bingo nights.  Doesn't look much like anything but a bakery in the front, a very good Italian one at that, but in the back there is a fairly substantial restaurant that serves fabulous breakfasts starting at around 7 a.m. until closing.  

Nino's Bakery, in addition to enormous omelets stuffed with your choosings, serves up the best french toast in town.  No surprise here. They use their own baked-fresh doughy, eggy bread which they soak in more eggs, sugar and spices to creat this hedonistic delight.  The parade of breakfast choices also includes breakfast sandwiches on a variety of bagels and eggs your way with breakfast meats and potatoes.

Closer into town, catecorner from the Ice House, the building with the big cow painted on the side is hard to miss.  While breakfast is not what you would expect here at a burger joint, the Burg'r Bar does more with eggs and pancakes than most other restaurants.  Capitalizing on the ingredients they already had on hand for burger enhancement, the Lynches have created a unique breakfast experience that's available from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.  Their breakfast sandwich option pretty much follows the self-creation burger pattern, you choose the bread, cheese type and toppings.  I created the concoction below using avocado, bacon and swiss on a ciabatta roll.

At some point, you'll want to switch to sweet and order the pancakes or french toast, perhaps with walnuts and banannas or whatever the special is of the day.

, 

The Burg'r Bar's breakfast menu runs for three pages and includes biscuits and gravy, a full page of omelet choices including ones you can design yourself adding veggies, meat, and cheese selections, eggs benedit, house skillet, and a wide variety of sides.

In a spot known more for late night entertainment and its tex-mex cuisine, Deans South of the Border is another unexpected choice for an excellent breakfast.  While for a time it was undiscovered for an early meal, more locals and visitors have found their way here in the wee hours of the morning with an early 6:30 a.m.opening (until 11) .  Keeping with the Tex-Mex theme, in addition to typical desayuno fare, you can order up breakfast tacos, burritos with your choice of fillings to compliment your eggs and huevos rancheros.  Dean's omelets are some of best eaten with a fork, and the pancakes rank up there as well.  Other breakfast standards including southern specialties like biscuits and gravy are also served up in generous sizes.

While it Rains and Pours, No Need to Snore, Lots of Entertainment these Punta Gorda Weekend Nights

It may be raining and pouring, but no need to snore, lots of entertainment around town:

Catch Paul Roush as he sings tonight at Fishville 5 to 9 p.m, tomorrow same time,same station, Rita Beach.

The Freecoasters  takes the stage tonight at the Celtic Ray around 9. Tomorrow 6 Volt Rodeo will entertain starting at 9.

Earlier at the Orange House, the house band with Rory, Tony and Orange House Band start at 7 p.m. tonight, Doug Cassens, Tim Goodman and George K are on tomorrow night.    

At 88 Keys at the Wyvern, Danny Sinoff is playing the keys tonight, and tomorrow night Stu Shelton.

At Hurricane Charley's  The Kollections are on tonight at 7, Tropical Ave tomorrow starting at 7. At Deans, Moon Child starts at 8:30  tonight, Gas House are on tomorrow night same time.

Chameleon will be performing live at Harpoon Harry's  tonight.  DJ Cameron on Saturday.

Carmen Ciricillo is at the Comedy Club at the Four Points Sheraton tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m.
For Reservations (305) 343-2930

Sounds aren't Silent these Punta Gorda Weekend Nights - Here's What's On Around Town

While summer days in Punta Gorda may be quieter, the sounds aren't silent this summer weekend around town.  Here's some ways to perk up your dog nights of summer in Punta Gorda:

Catch Michael Hirst as he sings tonight at Fishville 5 to 9 p.m.

The Hipnautics  takes the stage tonight at the Celtic Ray around 9. Tomorrow Paul Rowan will entertain starting at 9.

Earlier at the Orange House, the house band with Rory, Tony and Ken start at 7 p.m. tonight, Doug Cassens, Tim Goodman and Jackie Lee are on tomorrow night.    

At 88 Keys at the Wyvern, Danny Sinoff is playing the keys tonight, and tomorrow night Stu Shelton.

At Hurricane Charley's Neon Summer is on  tonight at 7, Forbidden Fruit Farmers tomorrow starting at 7. At Deans, Juke Box Prophets start at 8:30  tonight, Zombie U are on tomorrow night same time.

Jamie LaRitz Band will be performing live at Harpoon Harry's  tonight.  The Whiteleather Band takes the stage on Saturday.

Chris Gorges  is at the Comedy Club at the Four Points Sheraton tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m.

And right OTB, Tiki Tom and LA Daniels are on deck tonight at the Sunset Grill on Bayshore 6-9 p.m.

Looking for the Heart of Saturday Night in Punta Gorda

If you are looking for somewhere to stumble into Punta Gorda's heart of Satuday night, here's some suggestions for your night's enjoyment:

Clover's Revenge will entertain starting at 9.   

 At The Perch on top of the Wyvern Hotel Tiki Tom and LA Daniels start at 7 p.m, and check out 88 Keys downstairs bar, there is usually someone at the piano.

At Hurricane Charley's Fortunate Sons is on  tonight at 7. 

At Deans, A200 starts at  9.

If you're in to oopah music on the accordian, Chris Brett starts playing at 6 at Sandra's German Restaurant.
 
At the Orange House Tim Goodman, Doug Cassens and Jackie Lee are on at 7.