County & City Officials Meet -On March 13, 2009 our County Commissioners held a joint meeting with the Punta Gorda City Council.  Both Commissioners and City Council members expressed concern about a series of bills proposed by the Florida Legislature.  Most of the items, if passed, would preempt local authority, limiting our ability to adjust government services to meet local needs.  It was suggested that the City and County develop a joint position paper and work closely with our local representatives to make them aware of the local impact of any actions they may take.

Input Needed on County Budget - Our Board of County Commissioners has begun its budget review for fiscal year 2009/2010.  Between now and the end of May there will be approximately 15 budget workshops, which will be broadcast live on CCTV-20 and accessible from our online video archives. An important part of the budget process is citizen input.  We would like to hear citizens’ opinions on a variety of County programs and services.  Our residents can provide feedback online on services, and  also make suggestions on ways we can reduce expenses or create efficiencies.   

Lower Impact Fees Result in $2 Million Grant - The State of Florida has awarded the County $2 million in incentive funds in exchange for reducing our impact fees.  The money will be distributed through our Housing Division and will be used for homeownership assistance for low to moderate income households, acquisition of foreclosed properties for resale to low to moderate income households, and foreclosure prevention.

Taking Care of Vets - Charlotte Behavioral Health Care, in partnership with County Human Services and Veteran Services, was recently awarded a $200,000 two year grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice. The Foundation awarded the grant to address the mental health and other social service needs of local military personnel, and their families, who have been affected by deployment in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

Water Restrictions - The Southwest Florida Water Management District has declared a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage for our region. This order includes additional water restrictions, such as a reduced establishment period for new plantings. Additionally, local governments and utilities are required to step up enforcement efforts, including the issuance of fines and citations for water restriction violations without first issuing a written warning. For more information on Phase III water restrictions, visit SWFWMD online at www.watermatters.org.

Charlotte Has Best Tasting Water - Charlotte County was pleased to recently host the annual Best Tasting Drinking Water Taste Test for Region 10 of the Florida Section American Water Works Association, which represents water utilities in five counties. All regional water utilities were invited to submit a sample for a blind taste test by five, impartial judges. Nine samples were submitted and Charlotte County Utilities was declared the winner. As the Region 10 winner, CCU will compete in the statewide competition in Tallahassee in April.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

April Pools Day - This popular family event will be hosted on April 4, 2009 at South County Regional Park Pool (670 Cooper Street, Punta Gorda) and on April 18, 2009, at Oyster Creek Regional Park Pool (6791 San Casa Drive, Englewood) from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  New events added to this year’s schedule include an Underwater Easter Egg Hunt and a craft project. Listen to music while enjoying swimming lessons, scuba diving trials, and water aerobics. Compete in our “Biggest Splash” contest for medals and bragging rights!  Set a new age group record and win a medal in our 4^th Annual Lightning Mile Swim. All lightning mile participants will receive a t-shirt. Enjoy food and drink (available for purchase on site) while enjoying the days festivities which include watching local law enforcement officials do a deep water weapon recovery demonstration.

Spring Break Aquatic School - Join the Spring Break Aquatic School from Monday, April 6 thru Friday, April 10 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Oyster Creek Regional Park Pool. Get lifeguard and water safety instructor certified to be ready for summer job opportunities!  The cost for either course is $150.00. Students must make an appointment for a pre-course skills assessment at either South County Regional Park Pool, 670 Cooper St. in Punta Gorda 941.505.8686 or Oyster Creek Regional Park Pool, 6791 San Casa Dr. in Englewood 941.475.3904.

Youth Tennis – Begins April 14 at the Harold Tennis Courts at 5 p.m. Tennis is one of those games everyone can enjoy whether as a beginner or a more accomplished player. Coach Pat teaches basic skills to the novice player and will take interested participants to the next level of play in a positive learning environment on Harold’s well maintained courts. Tuesday & Thursday,  5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. $45 per 6 week session.  For more information:  Harold Avenue Recreation Center, 23400 Harold Avenue, Port Charlotte, 941.627.1074.

Fabulous Fifties Sock Hop – Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda. Dust off your poodle skirts and saddle shoes and join us on April 16. Doors open at 6 p.m., with dancing from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. A cash bar and special themed concessions will be available, no outside food or drink permitted. DJ music provided by Disc Jockey Dennis John. Tickets are available for purchase, $10,  at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. Information: 941.639.5833

MEETINGS

Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners holds its regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on the second, third, and fourth Tuesday of each month.  Land use issues are specifically addressed at the third Tuesday BCC meetings. These meetings are held at the Murdock Administrative Complex, 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, Room #119. The Charlotte County Commission meeting room is accessible to the physically disabled. FM Sound Enhancement Units for the Hearing Impaired are available at the Front Desk.

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

A variety of government meetings are archived for on-demand viewing: On Demand Video.

Charlotte County has a wide variety of official meetings and activities each month: Meeting Calendars.

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