Charlotte County, Florida Government

06/10/2026

It’s National Garden Week in Charlotte County! 🌿

At the June 9 meeting, the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed June 7-13, 2026, as National Garden Week.

Gardening adds beauty to our community, supports a healthy lifestyle, reduces stress, and brings people together through a shared love of plants, flowers, herbs and vegetables.

We’re grateful for the members of the Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte and Lemon Bay Garden Clubs for promoting horticulture and helping residents appreciate the art and joy of gardening.

What’s growing in your garden this week? 🌼

06/10/2026

The Charlotte County Commission is seeking volunteers for the following appointments:



The Barrier Island Fire Service Municipal Service Benefit Unit Advisory Board is seeking a volunteer to fill a vacant position with term ending Oct. 31, 2026. Applicants must be residents of Charlotte County and reside within the unit. Submit applications to Public Safety Department, 26571 Airport Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33982; call 941-833-5602 or email [email protected].



The following MSBU/TU Advisory Boards are seeking volunteers who must be both a property owner within and reside within the unit. Submit applications to Public Works Department, 7000 Florida St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950; call 941-575-3600 or e-mail [email protected].



Boca Grande Street & Drainage Unit is seeking one member to fill a position with a term through Oct. 31, 2028, and one member to fill a position with a term through Oct. 31, 2029.
Burnt Store Village Street & Drainage Unit is seeking one member to fill a position with a term through Oct. 31, 2029.

Cook & Brown Street Unit is seeking two members to fill positions with a term through Oct. 31, 2027, two members to fill positions with terms through Oct. 31, 2028, and one member to fill a position with terms through Oct. 31, 2029.

Don Pedro Knight Island Street & Drainage Unit is seeking one member to fill a position with a term through Oct. 31, 2029.

Gardens of Gulf Cove Street & Drainage Unit is seeking one member to fill a position with a term through Oct. 31, 2029.

Greater Port Charlotte Street & Drainage Unit is seeking one member to fill a position with a term through Oct. 31, 2028 and one member to fill a position with a term through Oct. 31, 2029.

Harbour Heights Street & Drainage Unit is seeking two members to fill positions with terms through Oct. 31, 2028.

Manasota Key Street & Drainage Unit is seeking two members to fill positions with terms through Oct. 31, 2028.

Manchester Waterway Benefit Unit is seeking one member to fill a position with a term through Oct. 31, 2028.

Mid-Charlotte Stormwater Unit is seeking one member to fill a position with term through Oct. 31, 2028.

Northwest Port Charlotte Waterway Unit is seeking one member to fill a position with a term through Oct. 31, 2028.

Pirate Harbor Waterway Unit is seeking one member to fill a position with a term through Oct. 31, 2027.

Placida Area Street & Drainage Maintenance Unit is seeking one member to fill a position with a term through Oct. 31, 2028.

Rotonda Heights Street & Drainage Unit is seeking one member to fill a position with a term through Oct. 31, 2028.

Rotonda Lakes Street & Drainage Unit is seeking one member to fill a position with a term through Oct. 31, 2028.

Rotonda Sands Street and Drainage Unit is seeking one member to fill a position with a term through Oct. 31, 2028.

South Charlotte Stormwater Utility Unit is seeking one member to fill a position with a term through Oct. 31, 2027.

South Gulf Cove Street and Drainage Unit is seeking one member to fill a position with a term through Oct. 31, 2027.

Suncoast Waterway Maintenance Unit is seeking one member to fill a position with a term through Oct. 31, 2028, and one member to fill a position with a term through Oct. 31, 2029.

06/10/2026

Charlotte County government meetings for the coming week.



Monday, June 15, 2026, 3:30 p.m. — Charlotte HOME Review Committee, Family Services Center, 21500 Gibralter Drive, Port Charlotte, FL 33952



Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 9 a.m. — County Commission Monthly Workshop, Charlotte County Administration Center, 18500 Murdock Circle, Room 119, Port Charlotte, FL 33948



Thursday, June 18, 2026, 1:30 p.m. — County Commission Pre-Agenda, Charlotte County Administration Center, 18500 Murdock Circle, Room B106, Port Charlotte, FL 33948



Thursday, June 18, 2026, 2 p.m. — Harbour Heights Street and Drainage MSBU Advisory Board, Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950

06/10/2026

Join us for the Charlotte County Board of Zoning Appeals meeting for Wednesday June 10, 2026.

06/09/2026

Join us for the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners Regular and Land Use meeting for Tuesday June 9, 2026.

06/09/2026

Join us for the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners Regular and Land Use Meeting for Tuesday June 9, 2026.

06/08/2026

Did you feel that?🫨

Many residents across Southwest Florida, including here in Charlotte County, felt shaking this afternoon. The U.S. Geological Survey reported an earthquake off the coast of Cuba around 2 p.m.

The good news: there are no reports of damage or injuries in Charlotte County at this time.

You can find more information from the U.S. Geological Survey here: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/.../even.../us7000srjx/executive

Please help keep 9-1-1 lines open and only call if you have an emergency, such as injuries or damage requiring immediate assistance.

Earthquake felt in Charlotte County.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported an earthquake off the coast of Cuba around 2 p.m., which was felt by many residents across Southwest Florida, including Charlotte County.

At this time, there are no reports of damage or injuries in Charlotte County.

More information about the earthquake is available from the U.S. Geological Survey at https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us7000srjx/executive

Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you have an emergency, such as injuries or damage requiring immediate assistance.

06/06/2026

Plenty of chances to Get Up, Get Out and Get Active



By Breanna Benevenga



Summer is almost here, and Charlotte County Community Services is ready to help residents make the most of it. Whether you're looking for ways to keep the kids busy, stay active, explore the outdoors, or simply enjoy time with family and friends, there is no shortage of opportunities to Get Up, Get Out, and Get Active this season.



One of the best ways to beat the Florida heat is by visiting one of Charlotte County’s public pools. Conveniently located throughout the county, these facilities offer a variety of amenities, including competition pools, lap lanes, water aerobics classes, and recreational swimming opportunities. For families and younger children, there are several splash pools and splash pads that are great for family fun.



Summer is also a great time to strengthen water safety skills. Charlotte County pools offer swim lessons for all ages — from infants as young as six months to adults — helping participants build confidence, develop skills, and stay safe in and around the water. Lessons are available through August. For more information, visit CharlotteCountyFL.gov/pools.



While school is out, recreation centers across the county come alive with the sounds of summer camp. Campers spend their days enjoying field trips, pool visits, games, arts and crafts, water activities, and opportunities to build lasting friendships. These programs create memorable experiences while providing families with fun, safe, and engaging summer options.



July is National Park and Recreation Month, and Charlotte County is celebrating in a big way. Residents are invited to enjoy free admission to all county pools on July 18 during our annual Free Pool Day. It's the perfect opportunity to cool off, connect with neighbors, and celebrate the many benefits parks and recreation bring to our community.



For those who prefer to spend time outdoors, summer is also a wonderful season to explore Charlotte County's parks and natural areas. Many parks offer shaded walking trails beneath mature tree canopies, covered picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and scenic waterfront views. Pack plenty of water, bring a picnic lunch, and spend the day enjoying nature. As always, visitors are encouraged to respect wildlife, avoid feeding animals, and help keep parks beautiful by carrying out everything they bring in. Be on the lookout for a fun social media photo contest this summer encouraging our community to share photos of where they in Charlotte County. Follow on Instagram and Charlotte County Parks & Recreation on Facebook.



Another beloved summer tradition is now underway at Charlotte County Libraries. The 2026 Summer Reading Program, themed "Unearth Your Story," encourages children, teens, and families to discover new ideas, spark creativity, and explore the joy of lifelong learning through books, activities, and hands-on experiences.



Although the program has officially begun, there’s still plenty of time to participate. Families can register in person at any Charlotte County library branch or online at CharlotteCountyFL.gov/Libraries. Throughout the summer, libraries will host free programs, activities, and educational events designed to keep young minds engaged while school is out.



Make sure to add visiting the new Makerspace and Kids Makerspace at Mid-County Regional Library to your summer bucket list! These creative spaces provide opportunities for children, teens, and adults to explore technology, design, crafting, and hands-on learning in a fun and welcoming environment.



In July, Charlotte County Libraries and History will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a series of special events. On July 1, 7, and 9, the Port Charlotte Public Library, Punta Gorda Charlotte Library, and Mid-County Regional Library will host public readings of the Declaration of Independence, accompanied by historical context from Charlotte County Historian Dr. Jennifer Zoebelein. On July 11, the Englewood Charlotte Library will host a Patriotic Party featuring festive crafts, patriotic activities, and red, white, and blue treats for families to enjoy.



No matter your age or interests, Charlotte County offers countless ways to make summer memorable. Whether you're swimming laps, exploring a park, attending camp, discovering a new book, or creating something unique in a library makerspace, Community Services has something for everyone.



We hope you'll join us this summer and discover all the ways Charlotte County can help you Get Up, Get Out, and Get Active.



Readers may reach Charlotte County Community Services Public Relations Manager Breanna Benevenga at [email protected].

06/05/2026

👏 Congratulations to Bradley Geelen, Emergency Management Supervisor, for being recognized as Charlotte County’s Employee of the Month for April 2026!

Brad is being honored for his exceptional leadership, professionalism and long-term commitment to strengthening Charlotte County’s emergency management and hazard mitigation efforts.

Over the past four years, Brad has helped lead the County’s efforts to maximize and implement Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding, moving critical projects from concept to application, contract ex*****on and implementation.

Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is lasting. Brad’s organization, resourcefulness and dedication have helped position Charlotte County to better recover from future disasters and invest in long-term community resilience.

He is also known for his calm leadership, willingness to mentor others and ability to guide teams through complex grant and emergency management processes.

Thank you, Brad, for your commitment to serving our community and helping build a more resilient Charlotte County.

06/05/2026

The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. This is in response to a single confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon that was captured in the area off Jarvis St. in Charlotte County on May 29, 2026. All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies may be currently present in the wild animal population.

People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals (e.g., raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes), which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment. If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies

Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:

Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Charlotte County Animal Control at 941-833-5690.
Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Charlotte by calling 941-624-7200.
Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Charlotte County Animal Control at 941-833-5690.
Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.
For more information on rabies, please visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Charlotte at 941-624-7200.