Gotta Do This… Celebrate Punta Gorda, Florida – Five Years Later

Do you remember where you were when Hurricane Charley hit Florida in 2004?

I can.

I was in a hotel in Orlando. Since I couldn’t leave, I basically watched as the storm approach. I distinctly remember looking out the window as the rain increased and watched in amazement as the strong winds caused the smaller trees to bend down and touch the ground.

Now, I was lucky. Where I was staying didn’t experience any damage, just down limbs and other tree debris. Other places weren’t so lucky. Especially those towns near Hurricane Charley’s landfall, such as Punta Gorda. Taking a direct hit from a category 4 hurricane, the aftermath wasn’t pretty at all.

However, as you may know, you can’t keep a good Florida town down for long.

Fast forward to five years later, and Punta Gorda is celebrating their revitalization. On Saturday, August 15, everyone is invited party and have fun at Punta Gorda’s Five-Year Xtreme Makeover Celebration.

Starting at 1 p.m. at Laishley Park, it includes all types of events such as live entertainment, children’s activities and much more. Of particular interest is the Trolley Tours, departing on the hour, that focuses on the said revitalization. Fireworks at 9 p.m. conclude the celebration.

The rebuilding of Punta Gorda after Hurricane Charley is a great story completed by great people. Join with them as they celebrate on Saturday.

photo credit: Florida Sunset Last Year, flickr, creative commons by Jared Byer