Working in tandem with the City of Punta Gorda, TEAM has offered free loaner bicycles at area locations since 2010. Recent flood damage from Hurricane Milton required a pause in this popular program. During the hiatus, the existing fleet of yellow bikes has been upgraded and new bikes added thanks to the tireless work of TEAM volunteers and the generous financial backing of our newest corporate sponsor, the COMCAST Corporation and individual donations from local organizations and individuals. Bikes will be available at both the Sheraton Four Points and Springhill Suites downtown locations beginning January 28th. Additional locations will be announced soon.

Gilchrist Park is open again! A plea for help cleaning up the final refuse from Hurricane Milton came from the City of Punta Gorda's police department, TEAM Punta Gorda and area community groups. Over 200 people showed up ready to work. TEAM board member Darcy Hanley was on site and reported that many of the volunteers she talked to said they heard about the need for help from TEAM and Facebook posts. The event was covered by FOX 4 news here.



Pizza lunch was provided by Jarrett Ford and Brooklyn Joe's. Efforts are forthcoming now at Ponce Park and other areas in need of clean up.

Photos: Volunteers assist the city in its efforts to clean up Gilchrist Park.

TEAM depends upon your continued generosity to support our programs and initiatives. Celebrating more than two decades of community service, our volunteers have helped strengthen the fabric of Punta Gorda while working tirelessly to preserve its distinctive character. With a track record of outstanding achievements and an increasing roster of public service initiatives, we need your support now more than ever. We welcome donations in any amount above $25 during the 2025 campaign.

Water Quality Monitoring Chair Karen McCague brings us up-to-date on testing activities. Monitoring continues at 6 sites including PGI and BSI canal system, Peace River and Alligator Creek locations. The committee is hoping to meet with the BSI and PGI canal advisory committees to introduce them to the water quality monitoring work in Punta Gorda and to discuss the potential transfer of monitoring efforts to the city under their stewardship. New water quality monitoring volunteers bring the count to 12, including 2 volunteers to do courier duty for sample transfer from the field to the lab (1 volunteer from the Punta Gorda Rotary and 1 from TEAM). Those interested in getting involved may consider registering for the second Charlotte Harbor Ambassador Training program (CHAT) offered free of charge by Heal Our Harbor one day a week beginning January 22 at the Sheraton Four Points in Punta Gorda.

More information here