July 2007

 www.CharlotteCountyFL.com

 

The Charlotte E-News is distributed by the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners. If you have any questions or comments please direct them to the Communications & Marketing Department ENEWS@CharlotteCountyFL.com or call 941.623.1092.

 

HOT TOPICS

Murdock Village Update - On July 6, 2007 the Board of County Commissioners selected Kitson and Partners as the developer to purchase and redevelop approximately 870 acres within the Murdock Village Community Redevelopment Area.  The proposal the Board accepted includes a financial package that provides a $72 million dollar purchase price, paid over a ten year period, plus a participation fee to the County upon the sale of each market-rate dwelling unit (1.5% of the gross sales price).  The anticipated total payment to the County is $90 million.  Approval of this agreement sets the stage for the next level of detail and approvals needed to prepare this property for construction activity to begin.  The County and the Developer will continue together to implement the vision for Murdock Village and create a vibrant, mixed-use community.  The final agreements will be signed in August 2007 and Developer should be ready to commence land-moving activities in the first half of 2008.

Property Tax Reform -  The Board of County Commissioners continue the budget review process as they look for ways to reduce the County budget while maintaining the level of service our residents currently enjoy.  Actions taken by the Florida Legislature, as phase one of property tax reform, require Charlotte County Government to reduce next year's budget by approximately $14.2 million. On July 10 and July 30 County Budget Director Ray Sandrock discussed the budget  with the Commissioners and provided a list of possible reductions. On July 30 specific reductions were approved by the Board, including the elimination of 100 staff positions, limiting operating hours at some County facilities and the increase in user fees at our libraries and parks. These presentations can be viewed in our video archives on-line (click on the appropriate meeting date).  Additional budget workshops will take place on September 13 and 27, 2007. The County's new fiscal year begins on October 1st.

Would you like to stay informed on County construction projects? - The County has a variety of projects under construction from renovations and new buildings to roads, sidewalks and drainage projects.  Details can be found on the County website here. Many project updates include short slideshows of construction progress.  Public Works projects also provide details on timelines and budget costs.

New Skate Park Opens to Rave Reviews - Charlotte County is pleased to announce the opening of the J.M. Berlin/Rotary Skate Park as part of our new Oyster Creek Regional Park.  This highly anticipated 18,000 sq. ft. skate park was designed and built by Team Pain, world famous Florida-based skate park designers.  It features China banks, concrete bowls, beginner, street and transition elements. The skate park was funded by Charlotte County Government, a donation of $200,000 from the Berlin Family and funds raised by the Englewood Rotary. Hours of operation are Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Wednesdays and Thursdays 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  The park is located off of San Casa Road in Englewood.  For more information, please contact the Charlotte County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department at 941.625.7529.

Grand Openings and Ground Breakings - The following events are being planned:

  • Grand Opening of Fire Station #15, Eisenhower Drive, Port Charlotte - August 2, 10:00 a.m.

  • Grand Opening of the Placida Bunk House - August 9, 10:00 a.m.

  • Bridge Lighting Ceremony - Laishley Park, Punta Gorda - August 13, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

  • Groundbreaking Charlotte Sports Park (Renovations for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays), El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte - August 23, 11:00 a.m.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Nature Walk - Take a guided nature walk at Amberjack Environmental Park on Saturday, August 4, 2007 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  Amberjack is a 220 acre park made up of unique oak scrub, pine flatwoods, marshes and other natural areas.  Join environmental specialists as they point out the highlights of the native habitats.  The park is located near the end of Gasparilla Pines Blvd. off of C.R. 775 (Placida Road) in Englewood. Sturdy walking shoes that can get wet, sunscreen and drinking water are recommended.  Please call the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (941.625.7529) for reservations.

Camp Adventure features Shipwreck Mini-Session - The Charlotte County Historical Center's Camp Adventure is offering a mini session for children ages 6-12 on August 16 and 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Pirates, shipwrecks and treasures make up this unique two day mini-camp.  Students will utilize the new Shipwreck Treasures exhibit to explore these topics, with displays from Mote Marine Lab and Mel Fisher Maritime Museum.  Many indoor and outdoor theme activities, games and adventures are planned. Cost for the two day program is $32 for Historical Center members, $40 for the general public.  Reservations must be made and paid in advance, as space is limited.  Call 941.629.PAST (7278) to register.

MEETINGS

Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners holds its regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.  Land use issues are addressed on the third Tuesday and Commissioner's Roundtable is held on the first Tuesday of each month. These meetings are held at the Murdock Administrative Complex, 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, Room #119.

To view the agenda for the Board meetings click here: Commission Agenda.  The meetings can also be viewed live on CCTV20, (Comcast Channel 20) or can be viewed via live stream on our website - Streaming Video 

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A variety of government meetings are archived for on-demand viewing. Check out our inventory here: On Demand Video

Charlotte County has dozens of official meetings and activities each month.  For an itemized listing click here: Meeting Calendars

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