Charlotte County

PORT CHARLOTTE
Except for Punta Gorda, Charlotte County is unincorporated, but it has distinct communities, including El Jobean tucked along the Myakka River, the exclusive Palm Island and coastal Englewood, a beach town that straddles the Charlotte/Sarasota county line. In Port Charlotte, north of the Peace River, U.S. 41 is the main road. The corridor and its strip-center occupants within several miles of the river were hit hard by Hurricane Charley and are now the focus of redevelopment on public and private levels. Affordable waterfront and easy boating access have accelerated the development of new high-end housing in the historically low-key region.

PUNTA GORDA
Punta Gorda, Charlotte County’s only incorporated city, is tucked along the banks of Charlotte Harbor, across the Peace River from Port Charlotte. The small city is continuing to recover from Hurricane Charley, with the redevelopment of its downtown and rebuilding of its damaged structures. “Mixed-use” is the buzzword here, with projects featuring hotel and conference space, shops and restaurants, residential units and office space. Land values continue to escalate, particularly along the waterfront, and both new and existing businesses have emerged or are reestablishing themselves in the town. The area continues to get national notice from such lists as Forbes’ Best Small Places for Business and Careers 2007 and Inc. magazine’s 2007 list of “Boomtowns,” which considers job growth, education level, quality of life and other factors.

Photo by William S. Speer