Charlotte County

Situated on and around pristine Charlotte Harbor, Florida’s second-largest estuarine system, the communities of Charlotte County reflect the unique ambiance of the area. People have discovered Charlotte County’s unspoiled beauty and its livability, making it a destination of choice for both full-time residents and vacationers.

In spite of a growth explosion in recent years, Charlotte County has remained a delightful place to live, work and vacation.

Residential areas of the county are primarily single-family neighborhoods, uncomplicated by high-density high rise locales. These areas are often surrounded by an easy maze of canals and estuaries, complete with hundreds of species of marine life.

In recent years, low-rise condominiums, townhouses and villas have been tastefully incorporated into the community to provide a variety of attractive and carefree living situations.

Historically, development followed the shoreline of Charlotte Harbor, Peace River, Myakka River, Lemon Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Later development occurred along the major arterial highways, especially U.S. 41.

Moving south from the Sarasota County Line, one finds the communities of Murdock, Port Charlotte (the counties most populous geographical entity) and Charlotte harbor, which borders the north bank of the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor. South of the Peace River is the City of Punta Gorda, the only incorporated area.

Port Charlotte

Port Charlotte is a fairly new community created and developed in the late 1950’s. The population of the unincorporated area of Charlotte County, including Port Charlotte, is approximately 139,817 residents.

An established, yet still growing area, Port Charlotte has the services and amenities necessary for the convenience and enjoyment of its residents and visitors.

Schools in the immediate Port Charlotte area include six elementary schools, two middle schools, a high school and Technical Center, in addition to several church-related schools. Two of the three area hospitals are located in Port Charlotte.

The Murdock area of the northern Port Charlotte is a dynamic growing shopping-business center. Shopping areas, office complexes, financial institutions, theaters, restaurants and motels have been built in recent years. A regional shopping mall anchors the area. Recreational opportunities abound – golf courses, yacht clubs, tennis courts, parks, boating facilities, pool and beach swimming – and more. The unique Cultural Center of Charlotte County offers educational and recreational activities almost every day of the week, 52 weeks of the year.

Port Charlotte has more than 165 miles of man-made water ways, many with access to Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. There are miles of natural shoreline bordering Charlotte Harbor and the Peace and Myakka Rivers.

For more information, please visite the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce website

Punta Gorda

The City of Punta Gorda is a charming and historic waterfront town which traces it roots to a landing at Live Oak Point on the Peace River by Hernado DeSoto in 1539. The name itself means “Broad Point” in the language of the conquistadors, and a colorful festival each year celebrates Ponce De Leon’s Landing (1513) on Pine Island in Charlotte Harbor. Now More than 120 years old, Punta Gorda remains Charlotte County’s only incorporated city.

Early Spanish attempts to colonize the outer islands were stopped by Calusa Indian tribes, and the area was slowly settled as the English migrated by Charlotte Harbor to the banks of the Peace River. In 1885, Col. Isaac Trabue from Kentuky bought the land from British investors and founded the town of Trabue. The name was never well accepted, however, and reverted back to the Spanish version in 1887 upon incorporation.

This City of 17,168 is in the midst of a major community revitalization and beautification efforts. With historic preservation as a priority, Punta Gorda has secured State Historic District status. The city Streetscape program is restoring an old Florida atmosphere to central district streets and has added brick lanes, street lamps, benches, brick planters, flowers and shade trees. The residential areas feature many brick streets lined with huge old royal palms and many old Florida-era tin-roofed homes with wide verandas. Unique shops and restaurants are being added throughout the town, expanding the fine reputation of Punta Gorda’s Charm. There are three elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. A hospital is also located in the community.

For more information, please visite the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce website

Englewood

An unincorporated area straddling two counties (Charlotte and Sarasota), Englewood is literally surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico. Miles of unspoiled beaches, world famous fishing, shelling and boating are a few of the amenities offered to the more than 50,000 year-round residents, approximately two-thirds of whom live in Charlotte County.

The area was founded in 1884 by two brothers who established vast lemon groves. One-acre “city lots” were platted and recorded to create a downtown section, which was surrounded by ten-acre “grove lots” designed to provide for future permanent residents. In later years, a prosperous lumber industry also flourished. The greatest attraction was, and still is, its appeal as a growing residential area with long stretches of white sand beaches.

The Cape Haze peninsula, located in west Charlotte County, is home to approximately 13,000 residents. In addition to pristine golf courses and miles of natural waterways, perfect for kayaking and fishing, this community has shopping, schools, churches, and all the comforts of home.