Punta Gorda's Complete Harborwalk Moves Closer and More Good News from City Council

Great news from the Punta Gorda City Council meeting this week. The request from the Punta Gorda Hotel, LLC (Best Western) to construct commercial docks, boat lifts, a public fishing pier and pump out station as part of the commercial marina behind the hotel was approved. This coincides with their construction of an 80-spot mooring field for boats. With this approval, the final section of the walkway along the harbor can move forward. The Best Western is to construct a 6-10 foot wide walkway along the water that will connect the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center with Gilchrist Park.

Also this week, the Charlotte County Historical Center Society dedicated the fifth historical marker in the City, the site of the first Punta Gorda home (more about this house)located by the banyan tree in front of the Best Western entering Gilchrist Park. Other historical markers are located at Hector House Plaza (Taylor & Olympia), Charlotte County Courthouse, Punta Gorda Train Depot, and Punta Gorda Hotel Site (Marion & Taylor).

It was also noted in the City Manager's report that Punta Gorda city staff met with a representative of Weiler Engineering to develop a scope of work for next phase of the harborwalk design, i.e., Gilchrist Park to Fisherman’s Village. Work authorization is projected for Punta Gorda City Council approval on July 8.

Laishley Park and Trabue Harborwalk -- Another of the Parks of Punta Gorda

Sunday a week ago we were looking for a place to walk.  The Y doesn't open until noon on Sundays, and it was glorious day. We'd been wanting to walk along the east side of the Harbor and the day was perfect for it. 

Over the course of Punta Gorda's history, the citizenry of Punta Gorda has fought to keep access to the Peace River and the harbor open to the public.  Some ten years ago, issues about access to the then land called Laishley Park  were being argued up to the Governor's level.  Then after Hurricane Charly a vision  set forth by the citizenry of Punta Gorda and community leaders, mobilized by a common disaster and  shared ideas of what Punta Gorda could be, began the process that will ultimately result in a network of parks and walkways aligning the Punta Gorda waterfront.   Laishley Park (and  its Marina) is part of that vision.  

The  new Laishley Park Marina  is the centerpiece of what will be a complete renovation of Laishley Park.  The Marina  will be followed by the soon-to-be opened  building anchored by the Crabshack  Restaurant with spectacular Harbor views as well as offices and retail stores.   Also nearing completion are the adjacent scenic walkways as well as an interactive fountain with lighted jets of water continually changing  shape and color. 

Since it is the spirit of Punta Gordeans over time that have continued to improve this small, charming city.  it's only fitting that a sculpture christened "The Spirit of Punta Gorda" stands proudly at the harbor's edge in Laishley Park.  

And on this Punta Gortageous day, as we walked along the harbor and stopped to exchange greetings and pet dogs,  I once again knew for sure where I belong.