Punta Gorda has been selected as a finalist in the All-American City competition being held by the National Civic League. The event will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Denver, Colorado, on June 7-10. Team Punta Gorda has been asked to be part of the delegation. Many of the things that the city is nominated for can be attributed to the efforts of TEAM Punta Gorda volunteers over the last 20 years. 

Read Nancy Johnson's article

The results are in! Despite the threat of a damp start, weather was perfect and the event a great success. Pedal and Play's 16th start provided a day of fun for more than 300 riders of all experience levels. A survey of riders produced these lively responses: "food was great...entertainment fantastic...organization of all the volunteers and rest stops...biking with riders from other states...free beer and ice cream...meeting people, having fun, after party...sense of community...I rode with 5 strangers and had a blast...well staffed with plenty of volunteers to help along the way. ..games for the mystery ride always so much fun! Come ride with us March 22, 2025. Proceeds fund the free yellow bike program and other bike friendly initiatives.

See photos by Alicia Oates, Larry Cairns and Jim Austin

TEAM Punta Gorda and Heal Our Harbor (HOH) volunteers recently completed Ambassador Training conducted by HOH to familiarize participants with environmental issues impacting Charlotte Harbor and the Punta Gorda canals.

With grant funding provided by platinum sponsor Punta Gorda Rotary Foundation, HOH and TEAM have formed a joint initiative called Citizens Partnership for Clean Canals (CPCC). Dr. Richard Whitman (HOH) and TEAM’s environmental volunteer and co-chair Karen McCague are providing leadership for CPCC as they monitor water quality within the Punta Gorda canals. Field measurements and water samples are collected on a monthly basis and sent to Charlotte County’s laboratory for analysis. Results are shared with Charlotte County Water Quality Manager, Brandon Moody.

Volunteers sample the PG canals

Golf Scramble Chair Betsy Spagnolo shares an enthusiastic report on TEAM’s annual spring golf outing at St. Andrews South Golf Course. “This perennially successful fundraiser helps raise money for TEAM to continue to be able to do many wonderful projects in our community.”

“TEAM volunteers are an important part of any successful event,” Spagnolo explained. “I would like to compliment those who worked by my side at the scramble. Another event well done.”

TEAM's 2025 Golf Scramble is slated for April 12th. Plan on it!

See the players and volunteers

The 2024 Sarasota County Community Giving Challenge is always a special opportunity for nonprofits and their supporters because donor funds are matched through the generosity of the Patterson Foundation. Thanks to many of you, TEAM met its $15,000 goal. These funds will help bolster the legacy programs and initiatives our community depends upon. Stay tuned. We have much planned for our next 20 years!

In partnership with Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity, TEAM volunteers helped construct our sixth new home for a deserving family. No special skills are needed to pitch in on this rewarding opportunity to give back to the community we love. Training, supervision, tools, food and beverages are provided. Stay tuned for TEAM's next build in the winter of 2025.

See who participated

Whether you are interested in volunteering now, three months from now or later this year, learn more about the leadership positions available at TEAM Punta Gorda. We have job descriptions (and estimated time commitment) for these positions: Chief Operations Officer, Bookkeeper, Sponsorship Coordinator.

Learn more