May - June 2022
Painting Their Hearts Out
Volunteers under the able direction of PYHO chairs Barry Simescu & Bob Bechtold pitched in recently to paint a home on Showalter Street for the Punta Gorda Housing Authority. The agency's mission is to provide quality, affordable rental housing and subsidies to qualified low-income households in our local community. Plans are in the works for further painting in the cooler months. Want to get involved for a morning of fun with friends? Contact TEAM at 941-637-8326 or by email at [email protected].
Bloom Stretches Its Wings
With the recent announcement of planned Friday evening farmers’ markets at the Bailey Brothers Park, Punta Gorda in Bloom will stretch its wings by undertaking a beautification project to enhance the location, according to cochair Richard Polk. Built in 2015, the community park is dedicated to seven distinguished Punta Gorda brothers who served their country with distinction in the armed services. A plaque in their honor hangs in the Punta Gorda Bailey Terminal.

Punta Gorda Still Blooming
Punta Gorda in Bloom co-chair Richard Polk reports, “Cascading pink verbena and white begonias make a great combination in the fountain located near the clock tower on Marion Avenue." PGIB has 56 planter boxes, 10 light pole planters and 3 fountains downtown. Funding for planting projects has been secured “in perpetuity” with the recent establishment of a private Charlotte Community Foundation trust by benefactor and Bloom co-chair Alan Schulman.

PGIB is looking for volunteers. No planting experience required. How about an hour a week to tend these plant babies?  Contact TEAM at 941-637-8326 or by email at [email protected].
The Bayfront Center Facelift
Volunteers from TEAM Punta Gorda, the Punta Gorda Rotary, Isles Yacht Club Women in Action, and the Charlotte High School Naval ROTC Reserve came together to paint the Bayfront Center on Retta Esplanade in Punta Gorda. While the day was a warm one, that didn’t deter the hardworking crew who got the job done before noon.

AIB Small Cities Competition Considers PG
Punta Gorda in Bloom won the America in Bloom (AIB) YouTube video contest in 2021. This year provided another opportunity for Punta Gorda to shine. After many months of preparing for an evaluation tour of our city by AIB representatives, the two-day visit unfolded with a whirlwind of activities. 
Thank You Friends of TEAM
Once again, the TEAM officers, board of directors and volunteers thank you for your generosity during the 2022 Giving Challenge. Your donation was matched by the Patterson Foundation, which allowed TEAM to raise more than $14,000 in 24 hours. TEAM expresses its gratitude to each and every one of you who donated.
Are You Hurricane Ready?
Punta Gorda Mayor Lynne Matthews shares her own hurricane readiness plan with the community. Advice drawn from her own personal experience over many years.

It has been nearly 18 years since Hurricane Charley did its best to destroy Punta Gorda and surrounding areas. This event precipitated the founding of TEAM and the development of the 2005 Citizens Master Plan. Lest we forget.
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TEAM Punta Gorda is a volunteer-driven organization committed to making Punta Gorda a wonderful place to live, work, and play. We invite your time, talent, and treasure. Contact TEAM at 941-637-8326 or by email at [email protected]. Learn more at www.teampuntagorda.org. Please recognize and support these TEAM Platinum sponsors: