Charlotte County was founded on April 23, 1921. The Bay of Charlotte Harbor inspired its name. “Charlotte” is derived from the Spanish word “Carlota”. The Spanish dubbed the location “Bahia de Carlota” in 1565, while the English honored Queen Charlotte in 1775 by renaming the place Charlotte Harbor. The sole incorporated city in Charlotte County is Punta Gorda. There were 186,847 people living there as of the 2020 census. Punta Gorda is its county seat.
*Not including unincorporated communities
If you’re looking for some entertainment, here’s a list of events going on:
Cruisin’ on Dearborn Car Show – Englewood (1st Saturdays)
Thursday Farmers Market at The Market on Dearborn – Englewood
Farmers Market in Punta Gorda (Saturdays)
History Park Market – Punta Gorda (Sundays)
Charlotte County Boat Show – Port Charlotte
Charlotte County Fair – Port Charlotte (January-February)
Two Guys Gun Show – Port Charlotte (January-February)
Furry Scurry 5K – Port Charlotte
Punta Gorda Seafood & Music Festival
Englewood Seafood & Music Festival (January-February)
BeerFest – Englewood
Manta Market Fine Arts, Crafts & Artisanal Foods – Englewood
Annual Englewood Arts & Crafts Show
Cracker Fair, A Celebration of Old Florida – Englewood
Eagle-Palooza – Englewood
Annual FLOFEST – Port Charlotte
Pet Palooza – Port Charlotte
Fiesta Del SOL – Solana (May-June)
Boca H2O Music Festival – Englewood
Annual Caribbean Heritage Month Celebration – Port Charlotte
Fireworks at Laishley Park – Punta Gorda
Englewood 4th of July Fireworks
YMCA Triathlon – Englewood
Christmas in July – Englewood
Hunks in Heels – Englewood
Arts & Crafts Show – Port Charlotte
PetaPalooza – Port Charlotte
Field Of Dreams Country Classic – Port Charlotte
Annual Thanksgiving Weekend Sullivan Craft Festival – Punta Gorda
Annual Great Garage Sale – Port Charlotte
The Lighting of Fishermen’s Village – Punta Gorda
Fishermen’s Village Festival of Lights – Punta Gorda (November-December)
Annual Charlotte Co. Habitats Turkey Trot – Punta Gorda
MulletFest – Englewood
Arts & Crafts Show – Punta Gorda
Cannafest – Port Charlotte
Puff & Paint Cannafest – Port Charlotte
Florida International Air Show – Punta Gorda
New Years Eve Celebrations & Fireworks – Punta Gorda
Field of Dreams Country Classic – Port Charlotte
Charlotte County Chamber Christmas Parade – Port Charlotte
Christmas on Dearborn – Englewood
Englewoods Turkey Trot
Annual Paradise Christmas Fair at Laishley Park – Punta Gorda
Annual Holiday Social – Port Charlotte
Holiday Craft & Vendor Show – Punta Gorda
*Events are subject to change*
Contact information for all-purpose residential needs.
Administration (941) 743-1944
Animal Control (941) 833-5690
Clerk of Circuit Court (941) 505-4716
Community Development (941) 743-1201
Community Services (941) 625-7529
County Attorney (941) 743-1330
County Commission (941) 743-1300
Economic Development (941) 764-4941
EMERGENCY 911
Emergency Management (941) 833-4000
Extension Service (941) 764-4340
Facilities (941) 743-1392
Fire & EMS (941) 833-5600
Garbage & Recycling (941) 764-4360
Human Resources (941) 743-1260
Human Services (941) 833-6500
Libraries & History (941) 613-3200
Parks & Recreation (941) 625-7529
Public Safety (941) 833-5600
Public Works (941) 575-3600
Sheriff:
– Punta Gorda & Port Charlotte (941) 639-2120
– Englewood (941) 474-3233
Transit (941) 575-4000
Utilities (Water & Sewer) (941) 764-4300
Experience some of the great opportunities and adventures that await in Charlotte County.
ARTISAN ATELIER OF PUNTA GORDA
117 Herald Court Centre | Punta Gorda | (941) 637-8484
ARTSCAPE SCULPTURE GARDEN
460 W Green St. | Englewood
BABCOCK RANCH ECO-TOURS
8502 FL-31 | Punta Gorda | (800) 500-5583
BLANCHARD HOUSE MUSEUM
406 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. | Punta Gorda | (941) 575-7518
BOAT RENTAL SEEKERS
100 Nesbit St. | Punta Gorda | (941) 267-1524
BOWLAND PORT CHARLOTTE
3192 Harbor Blvd. | Port Charlotte | (941) 625-4794
CEDAR POINT ENVIRONMENTAL PARK
2300 Placida Rd. | Englewood | (941) 475-0769
CHARLIE FOXTROT BREWING
1700 Tamiami Trl. | Port Charlotte | (941) 883-2632
CHARLOTTE HARBOR ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER & ALLIGATOR CREEK PRESERVE
10941 Burnt Store Rd. | Punta Gorda | (941) 575-5435
CHARLOTTE SPORTS PARK
2300 El Jobean Rd. | Port Charlotte | (941) 235-5010
ENGLEWOODS FARMERS MARKET
348 W Green St. | Englewood
FISHERMAN’S VILLAGE
1200 W Retta Esplanade | Punta Gorda | (941) 639-8721
HATCH GALLERY
14375 Pambar Ave. | Port Charlotte | (941) 764-8838
IGUANALAND
33900 Bermont Rd. | Punta Gorda | (941) 844-5350
KIDSTAR PARK
18505 Paulson Dr. | Port Charlotte | (941) 255-7827
LEMON BAY PLAYHOUSE
96 W Dearborn St. | Englewood | (941) 475-6756
MILITARY HERITAGE MUSEUM
900 W. Marion Ave. | Punta Gorda | (941) 575-9002
MYAKKA PINES GOLF CLUB
2550 River Rd. | Englewood | (941) 474-1753
OCTAGON WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
41660 Horseshoe Rd. | Punta Gorda | (239) 543-1130
OLD FLORIDA OUTDOOR CENTER & GALLERY
463 W Dearborn St. | Englewood | (941) 460-1561
PEACE RIVER BOTANICAL & SCULPTURE GARDENS
5827 Riverside Dr. | Punta Gorda | (941) 621-8299
PEACE RIVER WILDLIFE CENTER
3400 Ponce DeLeon Pkwy. | Punta Gorda | (941) 637-3830
PORT BOCA GRANDE LIGHTHOUSE & MUSEUM
880 Belcher Rd. | Boca Grande | (941) 964-0060
PORT CHARLOTTE TOWN CENTER
1441 Tamiami Trl. | Port Charlotte | (941) 624-4447
PUNTA GORDA CHOCOLATE & WINE
117 Herald Ct. #1112 | Punta Gorda | (941) 505-0479
PUNTA GORDA / ENGLEWOOD BEACH VCB VISITOR INFO CENTER
1700 Tamiami Trl. #G2 | Punta Gorda | (941) 743-1900
PUNTA GORDA HISTORY CENTER
512 E Grace St. | Punta Gorda | (941) 916-8800
PUNTA GORDA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
501 Shreve St. | Punta Gorda | (941) 639-1887
PUNTA GORDA HISTORICAL MURAL SOCIETY / TOURS
252 W Marion Ave. | Punta Gorda | (941) 979-2786
PUNTA GORDA HISTORIC RAILROAD DEPOT & ANTIQUE MALL
1009 Taylor Rd. | Punta Gorda | (941) 639-6774
PUNTA GORDA SYMPHONY
6210 Scott #213 | Punta Gorda | (941) 205-5996
SATURN 5 ARCADE
1441 Tamiami Trl. | Port Charlotte | (813) 330-7100
SEA GRAPE ARTISTS GALLERY
113 W Marion Ave. | Punta Gorda | (941) 575-1718
SMASH IT SHATTER & SPLATTER ROOMS
3280 Tamiami Trl. #23 | Port Charlotte | (941) 875-3328
STARRY NIGHT FLORIDA / HATHAWAY PARK
35301 Washington Loop Rd. | Punta Gorda | (941) 800-2161
STUMP PASS MARINA
260 Maryland Ave. | Englewood | (941) 697-2206
THE ESCAPE VENTURES PORT CHARLOTTE
21178 Olean Blvd. | Port Charlotte | (941) 979-8896
TIPPECANOE ENVIRONMENTAL PARK
2400 El Jobean Rd. | Port Charlotte | (941) 613-3220
TREASURE LANES BOWLING
1059 Tamiami Trl. | Port Charlotte | (941) 625-3930
VIETNAM MEMORIAL WALL OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
100 Nesbit St. | Punta Gorda | (941) 268-4245
VISANI ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE & COMEDY THEATER
2400 Kings Hwy. | Port Charlotte | (941) 269-9191
VISUAL ARTS CENTER
210 Maud St. | Punta Gorda | (941) 639-8810
**Some Locations May Have Seasonal Hours. Please, Call Ahead!**
For more information on Charlotte County’s Parks, visit: https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/departments/community-services/parks/
2011 Placida Road | Englewood | (941) 681-3742
Amenities: Boat Ramp, Canoeing, Kayaking & Paddling, Fishing, Restroom / Portable Toilet.
6450 Gasparilla Pines Blvd. | Rotonda | (941) 613-3220
Amenities: Birding, Nature Preserve & Nature Trail.
23157 Bayshore Road | Port Charlotte | (941) 627-1628
Amenities: BBQ, Grills, Canoeing, Kayaking & Paddling, Dog Friendly, Facility Rentals, Fishing, Fishing Pier, Historic Features, Multi Purpose-Open Space, Nature Preserve, Nature Trail, Picnic Shelters, Picnic Tables, Playground & Restroom/Portable Toilet.
13555 Marathon Blvd. | Port Charlotte | (941) 681-3742
Amenities: Boat Ramp & Fishing.
2605 Carmalita Street | Punta Gorda | (941) 627-1074
Amenities: BMX, Bike Trails, Concession Stand, Facility Rentals, Football Fields, Horse Arena, Picnic Tables, Playground, Restroom/Portable Toilet, Skate Park & Softball Fields.
19333 Quesada Ave. | Port Charlotte | (941) 681-3742
Amenities: BBQ Grills, Facility Rentals, Football Field, Nature Preserve, Nature Trail, Pickleball Courts, Picnic Shelters, Picnic Tables, Playground, Restroom/Portable Toilet & Tennis Courts.
501 Donora Street | Port Charlotte | (941) 627-1628
Amenities: BBQ Grills, Birding, Dog Friendly, Facility Rentals, Fishing, Fitness Trails, Nature Preserve, Nature Trail, Picnic Shelters, Picnic Tables, Playground & Restroom/Portable Toilet.
23023 Midway Blvd. | Port Charlotte | (941) 627-1074
Amenities: BBQ Grills, Multi Purpose-Open Space, Pickleball Courts, Restroom/Portable Toilet & Tennis Courts.
2333 Placida Road | Englewood | (941) 681-3742
Amenities: Canoeing, Kayaking & Paddling, Dog Friendly, Fishing, Nature Preserve, Nature Trail & Picnic Tables.
13120 Pier Road | Placida | (941) 681-3742
Amenities: Fishing, Fishing Pier & Restroom/Portable Toilet.
1900 Duncan Road | Punta Gorda | (941) 613-3220
Amenities: Birding, Canoeing, Kayaking & Paddling, Horse Trails, Nature Preserve & Nature Trail.
100 Rotonda Blvd. E | Rotonda West | (941) 681-3742
Amenities: BBQ Grills, Bike Trails, Multi Purpose-Open Space, Nature Preserve, Nature Trail, Pickleball Courts, Picnic Shelters, Picnic Tables, Playground, Restroom/Portable Toilet & Tennis Courts.
4334 Nellis Lane | Punta Gorda | (941) 613-3220
Amenities: Bierding, Nature Preserve & Nature Trail.
8 Thornton Key Preserve | Englewood | (941) 613-3220
Amenities: Birding, Canoeing, Kayaking & Paddling, Nature Preserve & Nature Trails.
20499 Edgewater Drive | Port Charlotte | (941) 627-1074
Amenities: Birding, Canoeing, Kayaking & Paddling, Fishing, Fishing PIer, Nature Preserve, Nature Trail, Pickleball Courts, Picnic Tables, Playground, Restroom/Portable Toilet & Tennis Courts.
2100 NORTH BEACH ROAD | ENGLEWOOD
8450 PLACIDA ROAD | CAPE HAZE
GULF BOULEVARD AND BELCHER ROAD | BOCA GRANDE
PONCE DE LEON PARKWAY AND WEST MARION AVENUE | PUNTA GORDA
4500 HARBOR BOULEVARD | PORT CHARLOTTE | (941) 627-1628
700 GULF BOULEVARD | ENGLEWOOD
You can purchase hunting and fishing licenses by visiting https://license.gooutdoorsflorida.com, calling toll-free at 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA (1-888-347-4356) / 1-888-HUNT-FLORIDA (1-888-486-8356) or visiting one of the FWC agents available throughout the area:
620 S. Meridian St. | Tallahassee | (850) 488-4676 | myfwc.com
Charlotte TC – Englewood
6868 San Casa Dr. | Englewood | (941) 681-3706
WalMart #1874
2931 S McCall Rd. | Englewood | (941) 475-9220
WalMart # 3387
17000 Tamiami Trl. | North Port | (941) 423-5266
Charlotte TC – B Olean
21229 B Olean Blvd. | Port Charlotte | (941) 743-1536
Charlotte TC – Murdock
18500 Murdock Cir. #128 | Port Charlotte | (941) 743-1536
WalMart #721
19100 Murdock Cir. | Port Charlotte | (941) 625-2399
WalMart #3349
375 Kings Hwy. | Port Charlotte | (941) 625-1201
Charlotte TC – Punta Gorda
410 Taylor Rd. | Punta Gorda | (941) 833-5484
WalMart #778
5001 Taylor Rd. | Punta Gorda | (941) 637-3800
West Marine #1239
700 Tamiami Trl. | Punta Gorda | (941) 637-0019
For more information visit: http://myfwc.com/fishing/
Resident Annual:$17.00
Resident Five-Year: $79.00
Non-Resident Annual: $47.00
Non-Resident 3-Day: $17.00
Non-Resident 7-Day: $30.00
Resident Annual Saltwater Shoreline License: No-Cost
Annual Resident Military Gold Sportsman’s License: $20.00
Annual Resident Gold Sportsman’s License: $100.00
Five-Year Resident Gold Sportsman’s License: $494.00
Annual Resident Silver Sportsman’s 64+: $13.50
Five-Year Resident Silver Sportsman’s 64+: $61.50
Resident Youth Fishing License: $17.00
Resident Youth Gold Sportsman’s License: $100.00 (available with completion of hunter education requirements)
Annual Gold Sportsman: $50.75 plus applicable fees
5-year Gold Sportsman: $247.75 plus applicable fees
Age 0-4: $201.50 plus applicable fees
Age 5-12: $351.50 plus applicable fees
Ages 13-64: $501.50 plus applicable fees
• First consecutive Saturday & Sunday in April
• Second consecutive Saturday & Sunday in June
• First consecutive Saturday & Sunday in June
• First Saturday in September
• Saturday following Thanksgiving
Presque Isle County, MI 
