Kids’ Night at Snook Haven ...

Looking for something fun to do with the kids tonight? Bring them down to Snook Haven for Kids’ Night with Joey O, tonight, Friday, July 23.The event will run weekly on Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m. throughout the summer months, rain or shine. Kids will enjoy family karaoke and participate in a talent show onstage with Joey O. Don’t forget about interactive games!Make an evening out of it - stick around for a delicious BBQ dinner, smack dab on the Myakka River. For more information call (941) 485-7221.Snook Haven is located at 5000 E Venice Ave. in Venice.

 

Punta Gorda Farmers Market 

Voted the best small market in Florida and 15th in the USA, the weekly Punta Gorda Farmers Market has a large number of vendors offering fruits and vegetables, dried fruits and nuts, Italian bakery, fresh homemade pasta, kitchenware, cupcakes, beef and fresh seafood,fresh citrus, jewelry, candles and soaps, dip mixes, Florida arts and crafts, cheese, French bakery, baguettes and olives, homemade pies, orchids, organic produce, personalized pens, kettlecorn, coffee beans and drinks, native and exotic plants. Summer market hours are on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon with live music from 9 a.m. to noon. The market is located on Taylor St., across from the Historic Charlotte County Courthouse in downtown Punta Gorda. 

 

Closet of Hope at Gulf Cove UMC ...

Free clothing for children & adults. Every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Gulf Cove United Methodist Church.Call (941) 697-1747 to reserve a time, but walk-ins welcome. Present photo ID at the door showing residence in Charlotte or south Sarasota County. Masks & CDC guidelines. One clothing bag per month per family. Donations accepted when open. Gulf Cove UMC is located at 1100 S McCall Rd (Rt 776), Gulf Cove/Port Charlotte.

 

Antiques in Arcadia ...

Looking for something vintage, funky or fun? Head to historic Arcadia. The Arcadia Antique Fair is a must for any junkers nearby!The city holds an antique fair on the fourth Saturday (Saturday, July 24)of every month. The street is already lined with antique shops, and the vendors set up out front and in the parking lots. Cost to walk the streets and look for treasures is free! Head there early in the day for the best treasures. Go to West Oak Street in Arcadia for a fun few hours. For more details, see arcadiaflantiques.com/about.html.

 

Charlotte County Job Fair ...

Charlotte County Public Works is hosting a job fair at the Charlotte Harbor Event Center, 75 Taylor Street in Punta Gorda. The Public Works Job Fair will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 24. 

 

Sea turtles everywhere!

On Saturday, July 24, at 8:30 a.m. The Friends of Stump Pass Park invite you to a sea turtle program. This program raises awareness, fosters stewardship and inspires preservation of the amazing sea turtles that nest on our local barrier island beaches every year.This naturalist-led program includes a walk to a turtle nest at Stump Pass Beach State Park (900 Gulf Blvd in Englewood). There is a park entry fee. There is no charge for this program but donations are graciously accepted.Meet at the pavilion by the bathrooms. If there is inclement weather, the program would be canceled for that day. To reserve your spot, please sign up at the following link: signupgenius.com/go/10c0c44a9ad28a5f4c34-seaturtles. For more information contact (941) 999-1348. Other sea turtle programs held at Stump Pass Park will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 4 and Saturday, Aug. 14. 

 

Moe’s Southwest Grill/Culver’s Car Show ...

All are welcome to come out and see some beautiful cars at the Moe’s/Culver’s Car Show on Saturday July 24, from 3 to 6 p.m. (rain date is Sunday, July 25). The show will take place in the parking lot in front of Moe’s & Culver’s located at Rt. 41 and Tuscola Blvd in North Port (next to Lowe’s).Music by Tom’s Traveling Tunes and there will be menu discounts for participants. Judging and trophies, door prizes and a 50/50 drawing. There’s a $5 donation/registration. Hosted by Florida West Coast Car Club. 

 

Guided hike at Bill Coy Preserve ...

Join Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center on a guided walkthrough the 81-acre Bill Coy/Buck Creek Preserve in Englewood on Monday, July 26 at 8 a.m.. The scrubby flatwoods and mangrove swamp border Buck Creek, which flows into Lemon Bay. Meet in the parking lot. Dr. Willard “Bill” Coy Preserve on Buck Creek is located at 5350 Placida Rd. in Englewood. Call (941) 475-0769 to register or for information.

 

Junior Golf Academy ...

Rotonda Golf & Country Club is having a Junior Golf Academy on Monday, July 26, 29, 31 and Aug. 2, 5 and 7 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

The academy will be utilizing current social distancing guidelines through the use of its putting green, short game area and driving range. Juniors will be divided into groups of six or less and then rotated between those learning stations. Attendees will be using the golfcourse as well as playing as many holes as possible each day. Junior golfers will learn the following skills:• The essentials in all golf skills• An age specific fitness component• Rules & etiquette• Game related life skillsTo register your child and for more information call (941) 697-2414 or go to rotondagolf.com. 

 

Automotive Tour ... 

Join Automotive Curator James Moss, for a new perspective on the evolution of the automobile at the Edison and Ford Winter Estate on Monday, July 26 at 10:30 a.m.Learn about production and how to operate a vehicle. From the Model T to the Model A, gasoline to electric, the Ford Motor Company and beyond, the Automotive Tour promises to offer a new way to connect with one of our most popular collections. Reservations are not required for this tour.Edison Ford members: $15; non-members: Adults $40, Teens (13-19) $30, Children (6-12) $16. For all the details see edisonfordwinterestates.org/The Edison and Ford Winter Estates are located at 2350 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers.

 

World Record Motorcycle Poker Run 2021 ...

The Support Bikers Crew are scheduled to set a Guinness World Record by hosting the Longest Poker Run from Port Charlotte, Fla. to Sturgis, South Dakota. This epic ride will be for 8 days and 7 nights through 11 states. During this time there will be five “Card Pulls” to determine the winning poker hand. Join some of your favorite YouTube and Motovlogger personalities from across the U.S. at the Kick-off Party Thursday, July 29 beginning at 5 p.m. at Port Charlotte’s Bert’s Black Widow. For details visit WorldRecordPokerRun.com or The Badgers and the Biker Lifestyle on Facebook.Bert’s Black Widow & Twisted Fork, the starting point, is located at 2224 El Jobean Rd. in Port Charlotte. 

 

Getting to Know...Once Upon a Mattress

Venice Theatre is excited to put on this musical version of “The Princess and the Pea,” performed by the students in our 6-week summer musical theatre experience.Princess Winnifred is an awkward, brash girl competing for the hand of Prince Dauntless, whose domineering queen mother has declared he must marry a “true” princess before anyone else in the kingdom can marry.The show will be performed Friday, July 30 through Sunday, Aug. 1. Mask-wearing is required by all patrons while in the auditorium. The bar will be open, but drinks are not allowed in the theatre.Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for college and $12 for youth tickets. For tickets go to venicetheatre.org/events/getting-to-know-once-upon-a-mattress/. Venice Theatre is located at 140 Tampa Ave W., in Venice. 

 

Music elevating the soul ...

All are invited to an evening of Music Elevating the Soul with Hermitage Fellows and Musicians Courtney Bryan (Piano) and Ashley Jackson (Harp) on Friday, July 30 at 6:30 p.m.  - as they share their original work and speak about their creative process. This is an evening of extraordinary music not to be missed!This event on The Hermitage campus will be held outdoors but may be moved indoors in the event of inclement weather. Capacity will be limited, and registered guests will be notified of the plans within 24 hours of the event.Price is $5 per person. To register go to hermitageartistretreat.org. The Hermitage Artist Retreat is located at 6660 Manasota Key Road in Englewood. 

 

Inaugural Chamber Golf Scramble ...

Whether you are a golf enthusiast or you’ve never played a game in your life, you are sure to enjoy this event. The Englewood Chamber of Commerce is hosting a golf scramble on Saturday, July 31 at the Rotonda Golf and Country Club - Long Marsh Location. Check in is at 7:30 a.m., shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.Registration of a team includes:• A round of golf for a foursome & two carts• Chance for prizes & exclusive networking• Continental breakfast & lunch• Four shirts, each team will have their logo on the back• Four goodie bags, each team will be able to include an item in each bag• Your ad on the digital billboard at the chamber for a weekend • Food, drinks, networking, comradery, laughter and more• Full page ad in 2022 Community for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place teams The idea is to have Chamber businesses purchase a team of four. Businesses can use their team as employee team building outing, a get together amongst friends, client appreciation, or you can invite individuals you would like to get to know better to increase business connections.This will not be your average golf scramble. In true chamber fashion, the Chamber will pull out all the stops to make this event unforgettable. For more information and to register your team see englewoodchamber.com.

 

Kids’ Fishing Clinic ...

Come out and learn how to fish with us on Saturday, July 31, from 8 a.m. to noon with the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center’s staff.This clinic is an introduction to the basics of fishing. Cedar Point Park is surrounded on three sides by productive fishing waters, including the cool, clear waters of Lemon Bay.Participants will begin the program inside the Visitor’s Center and learn about the supplies, techniques and regulations of saltwater angling, and the second half of the program will feature putting those new skills to use by wading into the shallow waters of Lemon Bay and fishing!This program is geared toward children, but the entire family is encouraged to attend! Children must be six years or older to participate, and any child under 10 years old must have an adult participating with them. The cost of the program is $10 per person, and anyone over the age of 16 must have a valid Florida fishing license.Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Please call (941) 475-0769 or email gerald@checflorida.org to register.

 

Guided hike at Tippecanoe II Preserve ...

Join Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center on a guided walk through Tippecanoe II Mitigation Preserve in Port Charlotte on Monday, Aug. 2 at 9 a.m.This 150-acre preserve is home to several families of the threatened Florida scrub jay. Tippecanoe II Mitigation Area is located at Joppa Ave. in Port Charlotte. Please call (941) 475-0769 to register or for more information.

 

Artists in Conversation: “Identity in Art”

Join three acclaimed visual artists from across the United States - textile artist Diedrick Brackens, interdisciplinary artist Autumn Knight, and figurative artist Robert Pruitt - as they offer an intimate and candid look into their creative process, exploring themes of identity in their work. Diedrick Brackens is a LA-based textile artist, originally from Mexia, Texas. Brackens draws from a variety of textile traditions, including elements of European pictorial tapestry, West African strip-weaving and quilts of the American South.Autumn Knight is an interdisciplinary artist working with performance, installation, video and text. Robert A. Pruitt received a BA from Texas Southern University (2000) in Studio Art and an MFA from The University of Texas in Austin (2003) with a concentration in Painting. Pruitt’s practice centers on rendering large scale figurative portraits. Artists in Conversation: “Identity in Art” will be held on Friday, Aug. 6 at 6:30 p.m. on the Hermitage Beach located at 6660 Manasota Key Road in Englewood. To register for this event go to hermitageartistretreat.org. The cost to attend is $5.

 

Cruisin on Dearborn ...

Every month on the first Saturday, Saturday, Aug.  7, Dearborn Street in historic downtown Englewood turns into a great car show. Cruisin’ on Dearborn from 2 to 8 p.m.The car show is open to all street rods, classics, antiques, muscle cars, even a dragster or two. No trophies, awards or registration fees. DJ, door prizes and raffle. Shops and restaurants are open for your convenience. 

 

Punta Gorda Symphony Presents August Summer Series ...

Punta Gorda Symphony returns to the stage at Florida SouthWestern State College Charlotte Campus this August with a set of new indoor chamber music concerts.On Saturday, Aug. 7, the first in the series will feature a Punta Gorda Symphony String Quartet with violinists David Qi and Cindi Qi, violist Rafael Ramírez and cellist Shea Kole. Adult tickets are $30. Save 20 percent by selecting the Summer Series Package online or by calling the PG Symphony office at (941) 205-5996. The concert will be held in the Rush Auditorium (Building O) at Florida SouthWestern State College Charlotte Campus. For updates on all programs, please join the PGSymphony email list at PGSymphony.org/Join/

 

What’s open, where to eat & play in Boca Grande! 

 

Aqua Boutique ... Store hours are Monday through Saturday from  9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aqua Boutique is located at 421 Park Avenue. (941) 964-2209.

 

Barbara Anne’s Jewelry ... It’s fishing season, and the store has a huge selection of fish jewelry in platinum and diamonds,18 kt gold, 14 kt gold and sterling silver. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Railroad Depot. (941) 964-1776.

 

Barnichol Hardware ... If we don’t have it, then you obviously don’t need it! Need home improvement supplies? Fishing gear? Marine equipment? Barnichol has it all! Open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (941) 964-2570.

 

Boca Bargains ... is closed for the summer season and will reopen in the fall. Do not to drop off merchandise at Boca Bargains. Instead, call JoAnn at (727) 638-0740 to arrange an appointment to bring donations.  

 

Boca Blooms ... Need a fresh floral bouquet? Looking for some beautiful foliage, unique housewares, indoor and outdoor home accents? Stop in at Boca Blooms. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 411 Palm Avenue. (941) 964-1111.

 

Boca Grande Cart Rental ... Looking for a golf cart to better enjoy the island? Call the guys at Boca Grande Rental. 430 E Railroad. (941) 964-1818. 

 

Boca Grande Marina Ship’s Store ... Stop in for everything you need for a day on the water. Gas, food, bait, beer, clothing, shoes, etc. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (941) 964-2550.

 

Boca Grande Outfitters ... Carries a great selection of items from Patagonia, Simms, Vineyard Vines, Ex Officio and Peter Millar, just to name a few. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (941) 964-2445.

 

Boca Grande Trading Company ... A wide variety of Boca Grande themed T- shirts, performance sunshirts and gifts are sold exclusively there. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 480 E. Railroad Avenue, Ste 2. (941) 964-0284.

 

Boo Gemes ...  Ladies, this is a must stop for beautiful apparel in spectacular fabrics. 480 E Railroad. Monday though Saturday from 10 to 4 p.m. (914) 364-8340. 

 

Fugate’s/The Patio Shop ...Fugate’s has been an island tradition since 1916. Apparel and accessories for the whole family. Gifts, sundries, souvenirs and more! The stores have something for every taste and age. Open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (941) 964-2323.

 

Gasparilla Adventures ... Need to rent a bike, kayak SUP or a golf cart? They have a vast array of rentals. Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 321 Park Avenue. (941) 964-0711.

 

Gasparilla Outfitters/Special Effects ... Ready to travel? Special Effects has a wonderful selection of apparel that’s great for traveling! Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Located at 431 Park Avenue. (941) 964-0907.

 

Island Dog Boutique & Supply Co. ... Tarpon fishing? Bring home a tarpon treat for Fido! The shop has tarpon toys, tarpon leashes, collars and harnesses too. Grooming services by appointment. Hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 pm. On-island deliveries are available for orders of $100 or more for a $10 delivery fee. Private shopping by appointment only. Located in Railroad Plaza. (941) 964-9663. 

 

J.McLaughlin ... It is not too late … Boca Grande’s J.McLaughlin store still has lots of sale items at super prices. Take an additional 30 percent off markdowns! Need a refresh? Take a look at the pretty full price outfits from the summer collections. Located at 360 Park Avenue. (941) 855-9163.

 

Made to Inspire ... is home to beach-inspired shell art, custom-made pieces and stunning home accessories & gifts. Store owner and artist Cheryl Miller creates shell mirrors, clocks, wreaths, lamps, planters and coral displays. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located in the Old Theatre building next to Scarpa’s Coastal. Additional hours by appointment. (239) 250-2094.

 

Park Avenue Wine & Spirits ...open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Temp Bar is also open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight. For more information or to check to see if they’ve got your favorite spirit call (941) 964-2327.

 

Port Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum & Gift Shop ... The gift shop and Lighthouse Museum are open at the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Masks and social distancing are required. Donations and proceeds from the gift shop help support the lighthouse. 

 

Sun Porch Sale ...Has both fine ladies and children’s apparel. The children’s side has a large selection of summer shorts, tops, sunsuits, cover-ups and hats. Located on E. Railroad Avenue in the Railroad Plaza. Hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (941) 964- 2567.

 

Sunsets of Boca Grande ... Boca Grande’s newest ladies apparel boutique, Sunsets of Boca Grande, now has a large selection of beach hats by Hat Attack. The store also received a new shipment of 4th of July T-shirts. So cute! Private, after hours shopping available by appointment. 433 4th Street West. Call (941) 855-9834 for more information. 

 

The Palm on Park ... The Palm on Park is Boca Grande’s signature Lilly Pulitzer store, and it’s open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It’s time to get some Lilly on! The store has everything you need to live a more colorful life. 444 4th Street in Boca Grande (941) 964-4448.

 

The Tide ... Looking for a new book to read? Some games for the kids? Possibly a puzzle? Stop into The Tide for some unique gifts and fun items. 321 Park Ave. (941) 964-2417. 

 

Uncle Henry’s Marina ...Dockmaster’s office hours are Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 5820 Gasparilla Road. 

(941) 964-0154.

 

Whidden’s Marina ...Need gas, bait, sundries, beverages or snacks? They’ve got it all! The marina has a great selection of live plants for your garden too! Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 190 E. 1st St. (941) 964-2878

 

Full-Service Salons & Massage

Boca Body Massage ... Located in Boca Grande North, Boca Body Massage specializes in deep tissue, hot stone, Swedish and Swe-Thai massage. Licensed massage therapists and medical massage practitioner. To schedule an appointment, call (941) 964-0035.

 

Courtyard Hair ... Established in 1992, Courtyard Hair Etc. is a full-service salon. Closed on Sundays and Wednesdays. 5800 Gasparilla Road. Call (941) 964-2243 for an appointment. 

 

James Griffith Salon ...James Griffith Salon is a full-service salon located at The Gasparilla Inn Beach Club. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours will change after The Gasparilla Inn & Club closes for the summer season. 

Call (941) 964-4557 for an appointment. 

 

Swartz Therapy at Park Avenue ... Healing is their passion!  Certified personal trainers, specializing in sports injuries. Pain management addressed through neuromuscular massage. 333 Park Avenue. Call (941) 964-6433 for an appointment. 

 

Restaurants, Grocery & Grab-n-go

3rd Street Cafe ... jazz guitarist Russell Donnellon will be performing in the Secret Garden on Wednesday and Saturday evenings from 5 to 9 p.m. Come enjoy an exquisite meal and listen to some beautiful jazz guitar. 310 E. Railroad Avenue. Call (941) 964-0155 for reservations. 

 

Bella Vida ... In need of a cup of coffee or smoothie? Open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located in the Railroad Plaza. (941) 855-9534.

 

Hudson’s Grocery ...Located in the heart of downtown, Hudson’s Grocery features fresh fish, produce, meats cut to order, organic products and Boar’s Head deli items. Hudson’s serves hot lunches, rotisserie chickens and pork spare ribs. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

(941) 964-2621.

 

The Inn Bakery ... Looking for a cup of coffee & something sweet, or just a light lunch? The Inn Bakery has it! Open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (941) 855-9170.

 

Kappy’s Market ... Need to pick up some bait and a grab-n-go lunch box offering before you get out on the water? Kappy’s Markets at the north end of the island has everything you need for a day of fun in the sun. Great flavors of creamy ice cream to enjoy, great retail section of kids’ items, hostess gifts, bathing suit cover-ups, T- shirts and much more! Golf cart rentals & service. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. 5800 Gasparilla Road. (941) 964-2506. 

 

The Loose Caboose ... Enjoy a meal in the heart of downtown. Breakfast from 8 to 10:30 a.m., lunch on weekdays is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a little later on the weekends. Saturday and Sunday lunch service goes until 4:30 p.m. Beer & wine & great ice cream too! Outside dining or take-out. Located at 4th & Park Avenue. 

(941) 964-0440. 

 

Miller’s Dockside ... In the mood for some casual coastal fare? Millers Dockside is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eagle Grille is available for special events. Located at 220 Harbor Drive. (941) 964-8000.

 

Outlet at The Innlet ... The Innlet’s on-site restaurant, The Outlet, serves breakfast and lunch daily from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Chef Mark Caron prepares fresh dishes from the extensive menus, as well as daily specials, all delivered to your table quickly and courteously. 11th Street & E. Railroad Avenue. (941) 964- 4610.

 

The Pink Elephant ... This casual island restaurant has been a Boca Grande favorite for more than 60 years. Lunch is served Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and dinner is served nightly from 5 to 9:30 p.m. 491 Bayou Avenue. (941) 964-4540.

 

The Pink Pony/Dolphin Cove ...Offering ice cream, coffee beverages, beer, soda and ice. Open every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Located downtown on Park Avenue, near the corner of 5th Street. (941) 964-0109. 

 

Scarpa’s Coastal ... Serving Florida seafood and Italian classics in a relaxed but refined family environment. Reservations accepted. Open all summer for dinner, currently just closed on Mondays. Beginning Sunday, July 4 the restaurant will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. Located at 321 Park Avenue. (941) 964-0806.

 

Sisters Restaurant ...The perfect spot for a great meal. Enjoy pizzas, submarines and pasta specials for lunch and dinner. Hours are Monday and Wednesday, through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on Sunday. Railroad Plaza. (941) 964-2002.

 

South Beach Bar & Grille ... Spectacular sunsets and panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico, specializing in fresh local fish cooked with an island flair, they also offer shellfish, steaks, ribs, chicken and pasta. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. 

(941) 964-0765.

 

The Temptation ... An island classic for decades! Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner is from 6 to 10 p.m. Reservations are accepted. (941) 964-2610.

 

Tortuga Boca Grande ... Located next to the Pink Pony. Customers can order food via a walk-up window and enjoy their meal at the picnic tables or to go. Hours are Monday through Friday from

10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Located downtown on Park Avenue, near the corner of 5th Street. (941) 964-0109.