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"Ozzy Osbourne Tribute, NFL Legacy Heroes, & Essential Port Charlotte Contacts - Headbangers Unite!"

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"Ozzy Osbourne Tribute, NFL Legacy Heroes, & Essential Port Charlotte Contacts - Headbangers Unite!"

"Ozzy Osbourne Tribute, NFL Legacy Heroes, & Essential Port Charlotte Contacts - Headbangers Unite!"
Remembering Ozzy Osbourne with a RIP tribute at Twisted Fork, celebrating local NFL heroes, and sharing essential Port Charlotte phone numbers & links. Plus, find top-notch auto repair services in Port Charlotte! Headbangers, unite!

Dave Tunedan

Aug 6, 2025

Trivia Question❓

What was the name of the short‑lived minor league baseball team that played in Port Charlotte in 2007, managed briefly by 1971 World Series champion Jackie Hernández and later by Cecil Fielder?

A. Port Charlotte Pelicans
B. Charlotte Harbor Mariners
C. Charlotte County Redfish
D. Port Charlotte Pirates

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Ozzy Osbourne RIP Tribute at Twisted Fork.  Headbangers Unite!

Did You know...?

Port Charlotte Was Once Marketed Through

Mail-Order “Dream Home” Kits?

 

In the late 1950s and 1960s, Port Charlotte wasn’t just growing—it was exploding with interest. But this wasn’t driven by highways or major industry—it was fueled by mail-order marketing and free steak dinners.

 

The General Development Corporation (GDC), the primary developer of Port Charlotte, launched one of the most ambitious real estate campaigns in U.S. history. They mailed glossy brochures to northern snowbirds, advertising lots of land for as little as $10 down and $10 a month, often bundled with pre-designed “dream homes” that could be built after purchase.

 

But that’s not all…

Buyers would receive personal letters, free flight offers, and even coupons for free steak dinners in town if they visited. Port Charlotte became one of the largest pre-platted communities in America, with tens of thousands of lots sold—many sight unseen.

 

Some early buyers discovered their land didn’t even have a road yet. Others found themselves part of a bold and booming new town—with canals, golf courses, and palm trees promised by brochure.

 


This unique “mail-order Florida dream” campaign is a big reason Port Charlotte exists in its current form today—born from marketing rather than master planning.

 

Sometimes it's worth it to pay attention to that junk mail, it seems!

Port Charlotte

 Photo of the Week

All that's missing is a glass of wine and some Jimmy Buffet in the background....picture perfect!

 

This week's photo courtesy of Michelle Thelander

 

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!

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

Port Charlotte's NFL Legacy:

Celebrating Local Gridiron Heroes

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, kicking off on Thursday, September 4, with the defending Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field, always the hotbed of football, Port Charlotte residents flock to their TV's.

 

Did you know that several local athletes have made significant strides in the NFL, showcasing the rich talent emerging from Charlotte County?

 

John Hall

A former NFL placekicker, Hall honed his skills at Port Charlotte High School before embarking on a stellar professional career that included stints with the NY Jets, and then the Washington Redskins. He was also the former owner of the Goal Post Grill & Sport Bar here in Port Charlotte. His journey from our local fields to national stadiums remains an inspiration for aspiring athletes in the area.

 

Anthony Hargrove

Defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove's path to the NFL began in Port Charlotte, where he attended high school. He later played college football at Georgia before joining the Rams, and later winning Super Bowl XLIV with the New Orleans Saints subsequently finishing his career with the Green Bay Packers. 

 

T.J. Luther

Born in Arcadia and raised in Port Charlotte, wide receiver T.J. Luther showcased his athletic prowess at Port Charlotte High School. After excelling at Wofford and Gardner–Webb universities, Luther went undrafted in 2023 but signed with several NFL teams, including the New England Patriots. He is currently on the roster of the Carolina Panthers.

 

BTW....The Luther family's contribution to Port Charlotte football is noteworthy. Over the past decade, six Luther brothers have donned the Pirates' uniform, leaving an indelible mark on the program. The final two brothers, Samuel and Tyrell, concluded their senior season in 2024, wrapping up a decade of dominance and dedication to the local football.

 

As the NFL season kicks off, it's always fun to look back and take pride in Port Charlotte's athletes who have transitioned from local fields to professional arenas. 

 

Who's next?

Port Charlotte

 Business Spotlight

 

Port Charlotte Auto Repair

There are dozens of auto repair shops in Port Charlotte....

So why choose us?

 

1). We are a Family Owned Auto Repair Service with 25+ years of automotive repair experience. Come see what it's like to be treated like a member of the family!

 

 2)  Our Mechanics are ASE Certified and Trained, and they have been with us for years. You can be sure your precious auto is in the very best of hands.

 

 3). In a bit of a bind? We've have our own tow truck, and have been known to help out clients with off site services such as Tire Services, fuel deliveries, lockouts, battery swap outs, etc (depending upon availability & schedule).

 

 4). You get to meet Gina. If you haven't met Gina yet, you don't know what you are missing.

 

 5). You'll become part of our family, and you'll never look back.

 

Give us a try, and give us a call! 941-235-8150

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💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

  The Charlotte County Redfish competed in the independent South Coast League and called Charlotte County Stadium in Port Charlotte home in 2007. Initially managed by former Pittsburgh Pirates '71 World Series hero Jackie Hernández, the team switched managers mid‑season to none other than Cecil Fielder, famed former MLB slugger for the Detroit Tigers. They lasted just one year...talk about a One Hit Wonder!

Port Charlotte Matters

© 2025 Port Charlotte Matters.

Welcome to Port Charlotte Matters – Your Hometown Connection! Port Charlotte Matters is your friendly neighborhood newsletter, created to keep you in the know and in the loop. From city updates and community events to hidden gems, local stories, and small business spotlights, we bring you everything that makes Port Charlotte special—straight to your inbox. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to the area, Port Charlotte Matters is here to celebrate the people, places, and passions that shape our community. Think of us as your go-to source for what’s happening, what’s coming up, and what matters most in Port Charlotte. Join us on this journey as we highlight the heart of our hometown—because here in Port Charlotte you matter, and so does your story.

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