Punta Gorda, an Historic Town Getting Younger Every Day!

When you look back at the history of Punta Gorda, it’s hard to imagine using the words “historic,” or “young and vibrant” in the same sentence to describe this waterfront community. But if it was possible to talk to those who left their mark on this city, they might tell you this was what they envisioned Punta Gorda would one day become. The City was founded in 1884 by Colonel Isaac Trabue on 30 acres of southern shore in Charlotte Harbor, the second largest protected harbor on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Originally known as “The Town of Trabue,” just two short years later it was a popular stopping point for the Florida Southern Railroad and in 1887 with passenger service increasing the town changed its name to Punta Gorda, Spanish for “Fat Point.” In the 1890’s it became an important port for the shipment of cattle to Cuba and in 1891 it became equally known for its gill net fishing for mullet, Spanish mackerel and channel bass resulting in the founding of the Consolidated Ice Manufacturing, Refrigeration and Fish Company. However, in 1905 the first of three major catastrophies in Punta Gorda’s history struck, changing this growing small town city dramatically when a fire destroyed most of the downtown area. Not only did it have an impact on these industries, but it changed the building codes, requiring buildings to be constructed out of brick or concrete. While Colonel Trabue envisioned a vibrant commercial waterfront city in 1884, fast forward almost seventy five years to the end of 1957, where former CIA operatives Albert M. “Al” Johns, Wilber H. “Bud” Cole and Sam Burchers shared an equally ambitious vision of turning a large mangrove swamp flat into an upscale canal front community. It was with that vision Punta Gorda Isles was born. Never having been accomplished before, these men created an unparalleled waterfront community with over 55 miles of canals, one hundred feet wide and seventeen feet deep. Lots back then sold for $5,000 and the first homes sold for $32,000. A lot has changed since then as today vacant lot prices are selling well into the high six figures and single family home sales have topped $1,000,000; statistics that may not come as a surprise to these early visionaries. But on August 13, 2004 Punta Gorda suffered its third major catastrophy, that not only would change the building codes once again, but would change the complexion of the city. While Hurricane Donna was the second catastrophic occurrence that had a devastating effect on the area in 1960, Hurricane Charley impacted the city in such a way that it essentially created a “new canvas” on how the city was going to rebuild and reinvent itself. Master Planner and Architect Jaime Correa, a Miami native who experienced first hand the devestation from Hurricane Andrew, was hired by the City and in conjunction with a grass roots organization made up by residents and business owners called TEAM Punta Gorda, a comprehensive master plan for the City was created. This plan would not only take advantage of the historic waterfront vistas for all the public to enjoy, but future development would be to create points of interest throughout the city, blending the historic charm with a new vibrancy not seen before. According to public records, Charlotte County is one of the oldest counties in the state demographically, and while Punta Gorda’s population averages almost 65 years of age, you would never know from the host of new venues that have been created in the past 10 years since Hurricane Charley. Today, waterfront parks and linear trails weave their way around the city. Boutique hotels with roof top vistas, new marinas and novelty themed restaurants featuring live music can be found throughout the city or along the majestic waterfront of Charlotte Harbor. One of the more recent waterfront additions is TT’s Tiki Hut which is one of the areas hottest outdoor bars, with sand volley ball courts, and a tiki hut hosting live entertainment or Thursday night football games on a giant outdoor screen. Complimenting the collective efforts of the City and Team Punta Gorda is a very enthusiastic and creative Chamber of Commerce who keep the town continually active from air shows, to Dragon Boat races, Wine and Jazz festivals to the annual block party which last year showcased a host of off shore power boats participating in the areas first off show power boat race. A quick visit to the chamber site www.puntagordachamber.com is sure to impress with the schedule of events throughout the year, or go to www.everythingpuntagorda.com. But don’t stop there as the City has even more to offer. With a host of community organizations along with the next generation of visionaries bringing fresh ideas and a variety of unique venues to the area, Punta Gorda is no longer a sleepy little retirement community, but a playground for the young at heart, offering something for everyone.