In 2011, what unusual occurence caused a brief lockdown at two Port Charlotte schools and had local law enforcement scrambling?

Charlotte County commissioners have unanimously approved a bold $59 million plan to transform the heart of Port Charlotte’s Aaron Street civic hub.

After years of uncertainty and the compounded damage from Hurricane Ian, leaders chose to demolish the aging Cultural Center instead of spending over $30 million on repairs.

This fresh start will bring a resilient, state-of-the-art campus to the Parkside neighborhood, consolidating the Cultural Center, a modern Port Charlotte Library, and permanent historical archives all on the 8-acre site.

With funding secured for demolition under the current budget, site clearing will begin later this year, launching a two-year design phase led by Harvard Jolly Architecture.

Officials aim for a grand reopening by early 2030, with plans to ....

The Port Charlotte real estate market saw months of near silence in 2025, as high mortgage rates and Florida’s rising insurance costs kept buyers at bay and listings languished on the market.

But everything changed in December.

Closed home sales surged over 26% from the previous month, and new contracts jumped 22.5% compared to last year.

This revival wasn’t just seasonal.

Key buyers who had been waiting finally moved, encouraged by slightly lower mortgage rates and bold incentives from homebuilders in new communities across Charlotte County.

Inventory, which once sat at an eight-month supply, quickly shrank to 6.2 months by January.

Port Charlotte appears to be regaining its confidence, marking what many hope .....

The Charlotte County Fair returns from January 26 to February 4, transforming Port Charlotte into a hub of excitement and tradition at 2333 El Jobean Road.

Locals and visitors can expect ten days of thrilling carnival rides, live livestock showcases led by local 4-H and FFA youth, and irresistibly indulgent fair food.

The midway, run by Deggeller Attractions, promises heart-pounding rides for all ages, from the Ferris wheel to classic coasters that will put your courage (and your stomach) to the test.

Inside the exhibition halls, Charlotte County’s talent shines in crafts, baked goods, and friendly competitions.

Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for kids 6–12, and free for the youngest, with daily deals like $2 Tuesday and wristband specials for unlimited fun.

Dress warm, bring your appetite, and celebrate a true local tradition — the Charlotte County Fair is.....

Port Charlotte’s highly anticipated Buc-ee’s mega travel center remains absent from national opening projections, even as other Florida cities like Fort Pierce and Ocala secure confirmed dates through 2031.

Despite a major $11.5 million land purchase last June at 25999 Harborview Road, Buc-ee's Port Charlotte faces unique delays.

The site’s future is tied to significant Harborview Road widening and I-75 interchange upgrades, both still in the design phase.

Planned as the anchor for a large mixed-use village, the project also faces environmental challenges due to its proximity to the Peace River and protected wildlife habitats, requiring rigorous site plan approvals.

While other locations with fewer hurdles like Tallahassee are moving forward, the Port Charlotte land deal is ....

Photo of the Month

It's amazing what you might see during an early morning walk!

This week's photo courtesy of Betsy Williams 

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

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Charlotte County residents will soon see modest increases to their water and sewer bills, but it’s the local builders and developers who face the steepest hikes.

The county’s revamped utility fees include a dramatic jump in connection and impact charges for new construction, aiming to make sure growth better funds the expansion of local infrastructure.

For years, these builder-paid fees stayed mostly flat, even as the true costs of system expansion, materials, and regulations steadily climbed.

County officials say the surge is an overdue “catch-up,” aligning the charges with actual expenses.

All new rates and fees go into effect April 1, 2026 — so residents may want to finish big water projects before then.

While homeowners’ monthly rates will rise gradually after April 1, 2026, developers will pay significantly more ...

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WINK News is publicly disputing former chief meteorologist Matt Devitt’s claims that his recent firing was unexpected, according to an internal memo circulated to staff.

General manager Jamie Ricks stated in the memo that Devitt’s dismissal followed multiple meetings about concerns over his off-air conduct, written warnings, and a suspension.

The company further alleges Devitt violated his contract by developing an outside weather business, using station resources, and attempting to recruit WINK employees.

Devitt, a well-known figure in Southwest Florida after nearly a decade at WINK, maintains he was blindsided and wasn’t given a chance to say goodbye on air.

Shortly after his termination, Devitt’s Facebook page with over 1 million followers was removed without explanation, fueling speculation about the station’s involvement.

Differing accounts persist, and neither side ...

Charlotte County deputies were called out to track down a loose emu running through a Port Charlotte neighborhood... It caused a brief disruption to nearby schools before being safely captured and returned to the private property from which it had escaped