Charlotte County
Charlotte County is located in Central West Florida bordering the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota, DeSoto, Glades and Lee Counties.
Charlotte County was established in 1921 from a portion of DeSoto County and named for Charlotte Harbor. Charlotte Harbor was renamed from it's original "Carlos Bay" by the English in tribute to Queen Charlotte Sophia.
Population - 2000
141,627
Population - 2010
159,978
Population - 2015 Est
167,141
Land Area (sq mi)
680
Water Area (sq mi)
178
Total Area (sq mi)
858
Average Rainfall
53
Temperature - Average High
82
Temperature - Average Low
64
Top Sites
The Charlotte County School District has long recognized the need for education in creating an intelligent and productive generation of individuals, and it all started 127 years ago. Today, Charlotte County School District has authority over numerous public schools ranging from grades pre-K to 12th. Between 2009 and 2015, the Charlotte County School District has redesigned and renovated several public schools to meet the needs of the growing population of students. As for athletics, each school implements a pay-to-participate program.
Welcome one and all to the Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. Here you can experience the 45,387 acres of natural wonder in Florida's third-largest state park. Hike the trails, paddle along the water with a kayak or a canoe, take that dirt bike out for a joy ride, go fishing for the big catch, go for an outdoor picnic, and get up close with the local wildlife (Though maybe not too close). Come and see the plant life with mangroves, pine Flatwoods, marshes, and scrub habitats galore. Campers are also more than welcome to explore the preserve's areas, though keep in mind that they are in primitive and remote parts of the wild.
Not only that, but you can check out the visitor's center provided by the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC). They are a non-profit organization that offers educational programs based on the environment, guided interpretive hikes to go on, and marked trails that span around six miles. With opportunities like these, its no wonder why anyone would want to visit here. Bring your compass, bring your map, and bring as much bottled water as you possibly can. So come on down to Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park, where the outdoors come to you.
Don Pedro Island State Park is only accessible by private boat or ferry, but it's definitely worth the short trip across the water. There are endangered species in this area, such as West Indian manatees, gopher tortoises, bald eagles, and American oystercatchers, so be sure to be on the lookout for the wildlife. The beach is one mile long with beautiful white sand where visitors can sunbathe, swim, snorkel, and look for sea shells. The entire park is 230 acres of land and is a popular area for hikers and nature lovers to explore. With a fishing dock, kayak launch, paddle boarding rentals, and picnic facilities, it's easy to spend a few hours here!
Website Listings
Bayfront Health Port Charlotte has provided over 80 years of health care services for the people in the Southwest region of Florida. Bayfront's staff are highly-trained physicians that provide care in over 25 specialties. Their top of the line technology makes it one of the only hospitals in the area with a New Vision medical stabilization program for people with drug, alcohol, and health-related issues.
The Charlotte County Library has 5 branches. 2 are in Punta Gorda, 2 including the Charlotte County Historical Center are in Port Charlotte, and 1 is in Englewood.
Charlotte County seeks to provide safe and well maintained, fully accessible parks, athletic fields, beaches, playgrounds, boat ramps, and fishing piers.
Escape Rooms Unlocked has three locations along Charlotte and Sarasota County. They offer seven different escape rooms. That's a whole lot of puzzles! Try to crack their codes and solve the mysteries behind each unique story line and room design. Invite friends and family to join your for a memorable experience, or get paired with strangers for an exciting way to meet new people. For larger parties or group events, Escape Rooms Unlocked has a portable escape room that they can bring to you! Check out their website and plan your next experience.
Gilded Grape has been offering fine wines for over 15 years and has events that you can either attend or host yourself, like Karaoke nights at the winery. They also have full tours of the facility and distillery.
The Airport Authority owns over 1800 acres consisting of three runways with the longest at 7,195 feet in length. This small airport has 2 airlines with flights to locations in the U.S. The Enterprise Charlotte Airport Park is becoming the hub for economic development in the County. An avionics shop, flight schools, pilot shop, airframe and engine repair facilities, air charter and air ambulance are all located at the Punta Gorda Airport. Commercial commerce centers are growing with non-aviation companies including the Punta Gorda Speedway.
The Punta Gorda Downtown Farmers Market is an award-winning farmers market in Punta Gorda. The market holds the title of the best small market in Florida and ranks 15th in the United States. The market is open from October through April from 8:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m and May through September from 8:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m.
Shop for books and so much more while you browse the shop presided over by bookstore cat Kitty-Wan Kenobi. Tons of events make this a great part of the community.
Suncoast Medical Associates operates under the guidance of Dr. Halasz who is an internist and endocrinologist with more than 25 years of experience in Charlotte county. Our medical services cover all kinds of endocrine related medical conditions including diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal disorders, reproductive problems, metabolic bone diseases and calcium disorders, pituitary disorder and lipid metabolism. We also provide medical treatment for cardiac stress, weight loss, women’s health, sleep conditions etc.
WRXY-TV is a Christian owned-and-operated television station serving Fort Myers and Naples, Florida that is licensed to Tice.