Thanks for the Memories - Punta Gorda Says Goodbye to Vernon Peeples and Charlie Shoe

As is fitting this last day of the year, we remember those who left us in 2015.  Two people who have left giant footprints from their time in Charlotte County are Vernon Peeples, local historian and State Representative, and Charlie Shoe, the Morning Mayor - Seaview's Radio Host.  Both losses have created gaping holes in the fabric of our community.

I was introduced to both gentlemen through their radio voices.  I first heard Vernon Peeples' soft well-modulated voice spin a wonderful story about Governor Gilchrist on WGCU (Vernon's Views) when we moved to Florida over 15 years ago.  Charlie's melodic voice caught my attention crossing Charlotte Harbor one morning years ago as I listened in to music for "Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands."  (Always loved that phrase.)

Vernon Peeples lived most of his life in Punta Gorda, and proudly claimed the title of  an eighth generation Floridan, who didn't have an ancestor who lived above the Mason-Dixon line.    He himself said in an interview that he wanted to be remembered as "having tried his very best to improve the quality of life and quality of education." He in fact did that through his time in the state legislature, helping to establish our local college, now Florida Southwest State (formerly Edison) College, and pushing for funding of community-based education throughout Florida.

 But perhaps one of his largest legacies was his preserving and recording of the history of this region of Florida through his massive book and materials collection, essays, broadcasts and published works. (His collection is being archived in the new Punta Gorda History Center, temporarily located at 110 Sullivan St.). Whenever anyone had a question about Punta Gorda history, it was always said "Call Vernon." And he loved both the research and the telling of each piece of our history - it had to be "accurate".  His stories will be missed, as will he.

Charlie Shoe moved to Southwest Florida in 1984 and worked as general manager for a local station here and then for the Southwest Florida Tourist Information Center.  He  served for decades as host of the popular morning radio show on 104.9  But more than his indomitable radio personality, he will be remembered for his heart -- his love of this community and his caring attitude towards it.  He always welcomed local non-profits on his show to talk about their fundraising events and perpetually broadcast information on local events and benefits as well as participating in them.   Charlie's soft voice and kind ways will be dearly missed.