Prior to its sale in 1955, what was Port Charlotte Beach known as, and what ranch was it part of?

Port Charlotte businesses offered a chance to shine for FREE!

PortCharlotte-Matters.com is offering a FREE Business Spotlight in its popular newsletter from September through December.

Each month, one lucky local business will be featured—with no cost.

This spotlight includes a dedicated newsletter feature, a highlight on Facebook, and a post in the community group—connecting you directly with thousands of engaged Port Charlotte residents.

It’s a unique way to boost visibility, build trust, and show your commitment to our hometown community, all for free.

Interested businesses (including Home Based) simply need to be a newsletter subscriber and submit their interest online at surveys.portcharlotte-matters.com.pcmbiz

Opportunities are limited—keep reading to apply now and step into the spotlight while you can!

Port Charlotte Voices Matter

Port Charlotte.....Your Voices Matter

🌴 Join the Conversation That Matters in Port Charlotte! 🌴

You are cordially invited to join Port Charlotte Matters: Locals Lounge — a refreshing space dedicated to celebrating the best of our community!

Tired of endless posts about crime, crashes, police arrests, DUI's and negativity? So are we. Let's leave that to the daily tabloids.

Port Charlotte Matters: Locals Lounge was created for positive discussions, thoughtful ideas, and meaningful connections. Whether you’re passionate about local parks, small businesses, upcoming events, community improvement, or just want to swap tips with neighbors — this is your place to speak up and be heard.

✅ No mugshots.
✅ No obituaries.
✅ No doomscrolling.
✅ Just real locals sharing real ideas to make Port Charlotte shine.

Let’s highlight what makes our town great — and dream together about what’s next.

Your voice matters. Your perspective matters.

Port Charlotte matters. 

Essential Port Charlotte Phone Numbers & Links

• • Emergency (Police, Fire, EMS): 911

  • Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (Non-Emergency): (941) 639‑2101 — ccso.org

  • Charlotte County Main Office: (941) 743‑1200 — charlottecountyfl.gov

  • Charlotte County Utilities (24/7): (941) 764‑4300 or 800‑524‑3494 — charlottecountyfl.gov

  • Utility Bill Pay by Phone: (941) 764‑4300 (opt. 1) or 1‑855‑289‑2866

  • Charlotte County Sheriff’s District 3 – Port Charlotte: (941) 258‑3900 — ccso.org

  • Charlotte County Jail: (941) 833‑6300 — ccso.org

  • Charlotte County Clerk of Court: (941) 637‑2329 — charlotteclerk.com

  • AdventHealth Port Charlotte: 2500 Harbor Blvd — AdventHealth

  • Charlotte County Public Schools Administration: 1445 Education Way — School District

  • Port Charlotte Public Library: (941) 764‑5562 — Library Info

  • Mid‑County Regional Library: (941) 613‑3160 — Library Info

  • Charlotte County Community Services: (941) 625‑7529 — Community Services

  • FLHSMV Murdock Driver License Office: (941) 743‑1350 — flhsmv.gov

Two Hooded Mergansers glide peacefully through calm waters in Port Charlotte—male with bold black-and-white markings, female with a cinnamon crest—set against a calming, peaceful backdrop.

This week's photo courtesy of Don Edmunds

Do you have a photo that captures the spirit and beauty of Port Charlotte and would like yours to be featured in an upcoming edition?

 Reach out!

Charlotte County Police officers are receiving starting salaries comparable to those in neighboring Florida towns.

But many now face tempting offers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is sending out $50,000 signing bonuses to recruit local officers into its federal ranks.

For Port Charlotte’s police, this could nearly double first-year earnings—an opportunity that’s hard to ignore amid rising costs and personal financial pressures.

However, there’s growing concern that ICE’s aggressive hiring efforts may deplete already stretched local departments, leaving communities at risk.

Unlike federal agencies, local officers are deeply tied to the neighborhoods they serve, responding first to everything from emergencies to community crises.

This wave of federal recruitment is forcing leaders and residents to ask: should federal incentives be allowed to pull local talent away from the very communities that depend on them?

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It was known as Alligator Bay, and prior to its sale in 1955, it was part of the A.C. Frizzell Ranch