Punta Gorda is a city located in Southwest Florida, between Fort Myers and Sarasota, on beautiful Charlotte Harbor. It is the county seat of Charlotte County and the only incorporated municipality in the county. Although considered a “small” city by some, with a population of only 18,735, Punta Gorda is a vibrant waterfront community with a connected and relaxed lifestyle.
The city’s parks are considered second to none, hosting more than 75 events annually featuring music, arts and crafts, food and drink, car shows, sporting activities, fishing tournaments, parades, and holiday celebrations. The Punta Gorda Pathways include the harborwalk and consists of approximately 18 miles of bicycle and pedestrian trails that connect the city’s neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas.
Punta Gorda has a Comprehensive Plan that that addresses sea level rise and the impact that it has on the community and natural habitats. Included in the plan is addressing state parks, developments, wetlands, and sediment stabilization. The plan also includes restoration of oyster reefs along vulnerable mangrove stands in Charlotte Harbor, which will assist in protecting the city, its residents, and coastal ecosystems, making them less vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise and increased storm intensity.
