Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda, 90 miles south from the city of Tampa Bay and 25 miles north of Fort Myers, sit on the Gulf Coat of Florida. It is a quiet community, a retirement center with a small tourist base. A Punta Gorda visitor guide indicates the scarcity of accommodations but also the history and various activities of this Charlotte County community.

The history of Punta Gorda begins in 1885. Isaac Trabue, an early developer gave the place its name of Trabue. On December 7, 1887, however, the community became the incorporate city of Punta Gorda or “Fat Point.” The community grew over the years. It was the southernmost end of the United States Railroad system. In its early days, it combined the bustle of workers with the leisure of the social class. In many ways, however, the community was a reflection of the today’s modern society in terms of its ethnic and racial make-up. From its very beginnings, Punta Gorda was home to a thriving middle class Afro-American community.

Joseph Blanchard, for example, was a reliable fisherman and sea farer. A sea captain, he built his comfortable bungalow on land in Punta Gorda in 1925. It is now home to the Blanchard House and Museum of African American History of Charlotte County. Charlotte County, itself, is a relatively new creation. It came into being in 1921 when DeSoto County divided into smaller sections.

The first link between Punta Gorda and nearby Charlotte Harbor was a connecting bridge. In 1931, its replacement was the Barron Collier Bridge. Today, a new version crosses the divide. The connecting bridge provides easier movement of traffic between the two areas.

Punta Gorda, Fl., provides access to several events and adventurous undertakings. You can explore the Corkscrew Swamps or take a ride on any of the vessels of the King Fisher Fleet. King Fisher Fleet provides private and inexpensive public tours for sight seeing in the area. You can spend a full or half day on island trips, nature cruises or sunset cruises. The boats can also take you out deep sea or Back Water Bay fishing. Expect to catch tarpon, cobia, barracuda or amberjack. You can also play miniature golf at Fish Cove Adventure Golf or go on a Myakka Wildlife Tour by airboat or safari.

If you wish to stay in Punta Gorda you can rent a room or suite in Best Western or the Budget Inn. More luxurious accommodations are found in the historic
Fishermen’s Village in the form of Vacation Villas. You can also rent or buy one of the newer homes under construction. Sandstar Luxury custom homes represent the newer type of Punta Gorda home construction and design.