What was the name of the general store, built in concrete block in 1922, that once stood in Charlotte Harbor and is no longer there—and what now remains from that site?

Did you Know?

Tucked into Port Charlotte, the Charlotte Harbor Field Laboratory is a vital hub for coastal conservation and wildlife response. From this Southwest Field Station, Florida Fish and Wildlife’s dedicated team keeps a vigilant eye on the area's rich estuary systems—not just monitoring fish populations but also responding to manatee emergencies across Southwest Florida. This lab anchors the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute’s efforts to understand, protect, and restore the unique marine ecosystems that define our coastline.

Located at 585 Prineville Street here in Port Charlotte, it's the hub for manatee response and fisheries monitoring in Southwest Florida.FWC

Featured Business of the Week

Sportsmans Wholesale we has a pretty simple motto; "Shop Where The Locals Shop". This core value has been built around providing great customer service, products and prices that kept our close family, friends and fellow sportsman happy since Day One. Operated as a family owned business, we understand the importance of how hard we all work to enjoy the great outdoors.

Conveniently located on Veterans' Boulevard at the corner of Atwater, their phone number is 252-222-5282, and their email is [email protected]

Buy Local, Support your local Businesses!

The Port Charlotte Pirates blend football with tradition, forging bonds that stretch well beyond the field. After Friday night games, they trade cleats for tackle boxes, gathering along the tranquil Peace River and neighboring canals. Here, pressures slip away as teammates share laughter, stories, and the thrill of a big catch.

Coach Jordan Ingman has seen these rituals transform rookies into family, building trust away from the scoreboard.

Last season’s regional final loss to Naples sharpened their resolve, making this year’s unity vital. Quarterback Logan Flaherty calls these fishing trips their “reset button,” a chance for every Pirate to stand as equals.

This mutual support shapes their drive as they prepare for a fierce schedule, including a showdown with Venice. In Port Charlotte, the synergy between fishing and football fuels the Pirates’ pursuit of greatness.

• 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 and Boca Grande residents are facing pressing changes impacting local beaches and community access.

The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County recently issued health alerts after detecting red tide near Punta Gorda Beach and Little Gasparilla Island. This algae bloom brings health risks like skin and respiratory irritation, leading to advisories against swimming in certain areas.

At the same time, Boca Grande has enforced new parking rules that end public parking at beach access points from 1st to 19th Street and limit downtown parking to three hours without special permits. Fines for violations may reach $200 or even $500 for blocking driveways, causing concern for local businesses and visitors.

The  Charlotte County Board of Commissioners is urging Lee County to reconsider these restrictions, highlighting impacts on beachgoers and the local economy.

Thinking maybe our Fisherman has a fish on the hook?

This week's photo courtesy of someone who wanted to remain anonymous.  Thanks, Ms Anonymous!

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!

Family owned and operated and established in 1995, you don't last 30 years without delivering quality and personal service.  Call Steven and discover why people have been retuning for Screenmaster's personalized service, year after year.  Need screening?  Need a carport?  Pool cage repairs?  We're here for you! 

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Mott Willis Store (also originally the Knight‑Willis Store),  replaced its wooden predecessor in 1922 but was demolished in 1998. Today, only archaeological artifacts and exhibits at the Charlotte Harbor Historic Center preserve its memory.