News from TEAM Punta Gorda

February 2025

The Wheels are Turning Again!

Comcast and TEAM at Work

TEAM had to put its venerable bike loaner program on hold following back-to-back hurricanes last fall that impacted Punta Gorda and damaged many of the bicycles in the fleet. These bicycles have been used by visitors and residents of Punta Gorda for many years and the hiatus was devastating to riders.

When TEAM was contacted by Comcast Corporation Director of Community Affairs, Justin Damiano, with exciting news that they would like to help us get our fleet up and running again, I was elated. We have always had generous sponsors to keep the wheels rolling, but the double dose of hurricane devastation was more than TEAM could survive since we are a nonprofit organization with limited funds.

Read Betsy Spagnolo's Story

Pedal and Play in Paradise

Endless Fun March 22

Fun for young and old is on tap during this day long legacy bicycle event. Rides include 62-, 30-, & 15-mile routes along with the popular 10-mile Mystery Ride. The $55 registration fee includes great rest stops, a light breakfast, tasty box lunch, live entertainment, yoga, and massage. Free beer and ice-cream for all and collectors’ event T-shirts for first 400 registered riders. Join us at Laishley Park for this outstanding biking adventure.

Sign Me Up

Food Drive for St. Vincent de Paul Pantry February 17

Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association

We are partnering with the PGICA club "Friends, Fun and Community." Plan ahead "by gathering nonperishable items and dry goods for this easy 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. "drive through" from the PGICA at 2001 Shreve Street to the parking lot exit onto Magdalina Drive. Volunteers will be on hand to accept donations.

Shopping list for St. Vincent de Paul pantry

Become a Friend of TEAM Today

Our Programs Need Your Help

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. We welcome donations in any amount above $25 during the 2025 campaign.

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TEAM and Comcast Join Hands at Veterans' Park

TEAM volunteers and Comcast Corporation employees spent the afternoon refreshing Veterans' Park in Punta Gorda during Comcast's annual day of community service on January 27. It was a perfect afternoon to honor the veterans by repainting the honorary service emblem as well as pruning, planting, and mulching the gardens. In a moving ceremony, a Comcast veteran and a local veteran who served in the same branch of armed forces raised a flag together to honor their fellow service members. City of Punta Gorda and Charlotte County elected officials participated. Many local veterans, including Major General Richard Carr, joined the event. It was truly a day to remember.

Photos: Flags commemorating all six branches of the armed services fly proudly (top). Major General Richard "Dick" Carr talks to volunteers at the SW Florida Vietnam Wall (bottom).

It was a Lively Crowd at TEAM's Dough Bar Italian Restaurant Mixer

Accompanied by delicious pizza and plenty of it provided by Dough Bar owner, Charlie Pecoraro, TEAM volunteers, officers, donors, friends, and well-wishers enjoyed an early evening of conviviality in Punta Gorda. Outreach Chair Gina Silvidi-Cairns and her committee delivered on their promise of great weather and a good time and several lucky folks went home with great raffle prizes.

See More Pictures

Habitat Dedicates Daisy Street Home

TEAM was an integral part of building this new home on Daisy Street in 2024, its sixth build project with Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity. Volunteers under the leadership of Steve Johnson came out to raise exterior walls, wrap the house, install soffit and fascia, frame interior walls, install siding, and paint the interior. Learn more at www.teampuntagorda.org/team-builds/ and on Habitat's and TEAM's Facebook pages.

Presenting TEAM's gift basket to owners Samantha and Mia (center) are "TEAM Builds" volunteer Gerry Fallon and TEAM Board President Betsy Spagnolo.

Parting Shot of Volunteers in Action

TEAM volunteers helped mulch Punta Gorda's Gilchrist Park in short order one brilliant January morning. Volunteers are scheduled to tackle an east side garden project later this month. Pictured here are new to the community volunteers, Vivi and Roger Yost.

Stay informed about programs and events at TEAM's website and on Facebook.If you would like to get involved, email us at team@teampuntagorda.org.

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 team@teampuntagorda.org.

Learn more at www.teampuntagorda.org. Please recognize and support these TEAM platinum and diamond sponsors. Their support means the world to all of us.