Punta Gorda, Florida
Encyclopedia
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
Fat Point) is a city in Charlotte County
Charlotte County, Florida
Charlotte County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 141,627. In 2005, the population of the MSA was 154,030.The U.S. Census Bureau 2007 estimate for the county was 152,814...
, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. According to the U.S. Census Bureau estimates of 2007, the city had a population of 16,762. It is the county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Charlotte County
Charlotte County, Florida
Charlotte County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 141,627. In 2005, the population of the MSA was 154,030.The U.S. Census Bureau 2007 estimate for the county was 152,814...
and the only incorporated municipality in the county. Punta Gorda is the principal city of the Punta Gorda, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area and of Sarasota-Bradenton-Punta Gorda Combined Statistical Area, which was first defined by OMB bulletin 07-01, released in December 2006.
Punta Gorda was the scene of massive destruction after Hurricane Charley
Hurricane Charley
Hurricane Charley was the third named storm, the second hurricane, and the second major hurricane of the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season. Charley lasted from August 9 to August 15, and at its peak intensity it attained 150 mph winds, making it a strong Category 4 hurricane on the...
, a Category 4 hurricane, came through the city on August 13, 2004. Charley was the strongest tropical system to hit Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
since Hurricane Andrew
Hurricane Andrew
Hurricane Andrew was the third Category 5 hurricane to make landfall in the United States, after the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 and Hurricane Camille in 1969. Andrew was the first named storm and only major hurricane of the otherwise inactive 1992 Atlantic hurricane season...
in 1992, and the first hurricane since Hurricane Donna
Hurricane Donna
Hurricane Donna in the 1960 Atlantic hurricane season was a Cape Verde-type hurricane which moved across the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispanola, Cuba, The Bahamas, and every state on the East Coast of the United States...
in 1960 to make a direct hit on Florida's southwest coast.
History
Punta Gorda occupies a point where the Peace RiverPeace River (Florida)
The Peace River is a river in the southwestern part of the Florida peninsula, in the U.S.A.. It originates at the juncture of Saddle Creek and Peace Creek northeast of Bartow in Polk County and flows south through Hardee County to Arcadia in DeSoto County and then southwest into the Charlotte...
meets Charlotte Harbor
Charlotte Harbor (estuary)
Charlotte Harbor Estuary is a natural estuary spanning the west coast of Florida from Venice to Bonita Springs on the Gulf of Mexico and is one of the most productive wetlands in Florida...
.
The first settlers, the Howard brothers, came to Charlotte Harbor in the late 19th century, about a decade after the close of the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. The rate of growth in the area has not changed much since then. Less than ten years after the first settlements in the area, railroads rolled into the town of Trabue in June 1886, and with them came the first land developers and Southwest Florida’s first batch of tourists. The town was renamed Punta Gorda (Spanish for "Fat Point") in 1887.
Punta Gorda became the southernmost stop on the South Florida Railroad
South Florida Railroad
The South Florida Railroad was a railroad from Orlando to Tampa, Florida, becoming part of the Plant System in 1893 and the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad in 1902.-History:...
, until an extension was built to Fort Myers in 1904, attracting the industries that propelled its initial growth. One man drawn to the area was George Brown, an African-American shipbuilder and landowner, who became one of Punta Gorda’s founding fathers.
In 1887, just 12 years after the first settlers trekked to Charlotte Harbor, 34 men, four of whom were African-American, met at Hector’s Billiard Parlor and Drugstore to discuss incorporation
Municipal corporation
A municipal corporation is the legal term for a local governing body, including cities, counties, towns, townships, charter townships, villages, and boroughs. Municipal incorporation occurs when such municipalities become self-governing entities under the laws of the state or province in which...
.
Once Punta Gorda was officially incorporated, mayoral elections took place and a council was formed. Four of the five council members elected were not American citizens, and the remaining councilman was a native of Florida, Albert Gilchrist.
In 1890, the first postmaster
Postmaster
A postmaster is the head of an individual post office. Postmistress is not used anymore in the United States, as the "master" component of the word refers to a person of authority and has no gender quality...
of Punta Gorda was appointed. Robert Meacham, an African-American, was appointed by jilted lawyer Isaac Trabue as a deliberate affront to the Southern
Southern United States
The Southern United States—commonly referred to as the American South, Dixie, or simply the South—constitutes a large distinctive area in the southeastern and south-central United States...
mentalities of the original community. Trabue had come to Punta Gorda to create his own town, named after himself. When the founders incorporated Punta Gorda without Trabue, he vowed revenge. Trabue eventually left the area and returned to his home in Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
.
In 1885, phosphate
Phosphate
A phosphate, an inorganic chemical, is a salt of phosphoric acid. In organic chemistry, a phosphate, or organophosphate, is an ester of phosphoric acid. Organic phosphates are important in biochemistry and biogeochemistry or ecology. Inorganic phosphates are mined to obtain phosphorus for use in...
rock was discovered on the banks of the Peace River just above Punta Gorda. Phosphate was a valuable mineral for fertilizers and many other products, and was in great demand worldwide. At first the phosphate was barged down the Peace River to Port Boca Grande, where it was loaded onto schooners for worldwide shipment. But by 1905 it was felt that building a railroad to Port Boca Grande
Boca grande
-Places:*Boca Grande, Florida, United States*Boca Grande, Venezuela*Boca Grande Key, Florida, United States-Other:*Boca Grande Community Center, also known as Boca Grande School, a historic site in Boca Grande, Florida...
and carrying the phosphate to it by rail should improve the method of shipment.
Early Punta Gorda greatly resembled the modern social climate of various classes living together and working together. While the regal Punta Gorda Hotel, at one point partly owned by Cornelius Vanderbilt
Cornelius Vanderbilt
Cornelius Vanderbilt , also known by the sobriquet Commodore, was an American entrepreneur who built his wealth in shipping and railroads. He was also the patriarch of the Vanderbilt family and one of the richest Americans in history...
, reflected the upper class, Punta Gorda was a pretty rough town, as most frontier towns were. In the early days, Punta Gorda’s location at the end of the railway line made it a popular destination for some pretty shady characters, resulting in around 40 murders between 1890 and 1904.
In 1925, a bungalow
Bungalow
A bungalow is a type of house, with varying meanings across the world. Common features to many of these definitions include being detached, low-rise , and the use of verandahs...
was built by Joseph Blanchard, an African-American sea captain and fisherman. The Blanchard House still stands as a museum, representing middle-class African-American life in the area. Exhibits cover political, civic and religious life; founding families; education; and the Civil Rights Movement
Civil rights movement
The civil rights movement was a worldwide political movement for equality before the law occurring between approximately 1950 and 1980. In many situations it took the form of campaigns of civil resistance aimed at achieving change by nonviolent forms of resistance. In some situations it was...
through vintage photos, newspaper clippings and family heirlooms.
The Blanchard House and Museum of African American History and Culture of Charlotte County highlight the community that thrived from the town's founding until integration
Racial integration
Racial integration, or simply integration includes desegregation . In addition to desegregation, integration includes goals such as leveling barriers to association, creating equal opportunity regardless of race, and the development of a culture that draws on diverse traditions, rather than merely...
led residents to move away and businesses to close. In addition to exhibits, the museum serves as a community center with a library of books by black writers, a book club, seminars on African-American history and culture, and leadership classes.
Punta Gorda in the 20th century still maintained steady growth. Charlotte County was formed in 1921 after DeSoto County
DeSoto County, Florida
DeSoto County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 32,209. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is 35,406 . Its county seat is Arcadia, Florida. The county comprises the Arcadia, Florida Micropolitan Statistical Area.- History :DeSoto...
was split. Also in 1921, the first bridge was constructed connecting Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor along the brand-new Tamiami Trail
Tamiami Trail
The Tamiami Trail is the southernmost of U.S. Highway 41 from State Road 60 in Tampa to U.S. Route 1 in Miami. The road also has the hidden designation of State Road 90....
. This small bridge was replaced by the Barron Collier Bridge in 1931, and then by the current bridge crossing the Peace River.
Historic places
There are many historic places in Punta Gorda, including ten places on the National Register of Historic PlacesNational Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
:
- A. C. Freeman HouseA. C. Freeman HouseThe A. C. Freeman House is a historic home in Punta Gorda, Florida, United States. It is located at 311 West Retta Esplanade. On January 7, 1987, it was added to the U.S...
- Charlotte High SchoolCharlotte High School (Punta Gorda, Florida)Charlotte High School is a historic public high school in Punta Gorda, Florida, United States serving ninth through twelfth grade students. The school is part of the Charlotte County Public Schools district, with admission based primarily on the locations of students' homes. Established in 1926,...
- Clarence L. Babcock HouseClarence L. Babcock HouseClarence L. Babcock House is a historic building at 25537 Shore Drive in Punta Gorda, Florida. On February 25, 2009, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places....
- H.W. Smith Building
- Old First National Bank of Punta GordaOld First National Bank of Punta GordaThe Old First National Bank of Punta Gorda is a historic bank in Punta Gorda, Florida, United States. It is located at 133 West Marion Avenue. On March 14, 1991, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.-References and external links:* at * ** **...
(also known as Old Merchants Bank of Punta Gorda) - Punta Gorda Atlantic Coast Line DepotPunta Gorda Atlantic Coast Line DepotThe Punta Gorda Atlantic Coast Line Depot is a historic Atlantic Coast Line Railroad depot in Punta Gorda, Florida, United States. It is located at 1009 Taylor Road....
- Punta Gorda Ice PlantPunta Gorda Ice PlantThe Punta Gorda Ice Plant is a historic ice plant in Punta Gorda, Florida, United States. It is located at 408 Tamiami Trail. Currently, it houses a pub and pizzeria. On December 12, 1990, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.-References and external links:* at * ** **...
- Punta Gorda Residential DistrictPunta Gorda Residential DistrictThe Punta Gorda Residential District is a U.S. historic district located in Punta Gorda, Florida. The district is bounded by West Retta Esplanade, Berry Street, West Virginia Avenue and Taylor Street. It contains 126 historic buildings.-External links:* at...
- Punta Gorda Woman's ClubPunta Gorda Woman's ClubThe Punta Gorda Woman's Club is a historic woman's club in Punta Gorda, Florida, United States. It is located at 118 Sullivan Street, and at one point was the area's first community library. On April 5, 1991, it was added to the U.S...
- Villa BiancaVilla BiancaThe Villa Bianca is a historic home in Punta Gorda, Florida. It is located at 2330 Shore Drive. On November 28, 1990, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.-References and external links:* at...
Geography
Punta Gorda is located at 26°54′57"N 82°2′52"W (26.915907, -82.047820). According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 18.48 square miles (48 km²). 14.16 square miles (37 km²) of it is land and 4.31 square miles (11 km²) of it (23.32%) is water.
Area
Punta Gorda is composed of the area south of Charlotte Harbor though some areas north of the harbor, including Deep CreekDeep Creek, Florida
Deep Creek is a deed restricted unincorporated community in Charlotte County, Florida, United States. It lies east northeast of Port Charlotte. The community is part of the Punta Gorda Metropolitan Statistical Area. Deep Creek is served by utilities of both Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte...
and Harbour Heights
Harbour Heights, Florida
Harbour Heights is a census-designated place in Charlotte County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,873 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Punta Gorda Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
, are generally considered suburbs of Punta Gorda and have Punta Gorda addresses.
Education
Punta Gorda is home to five public schools operated by Charlotte County Public SchoolsCharlotte County Public Schools
Charlotte County Public Schools operates all public K12 schools in Charlotte County, Florida . It covers Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Englewood, Rotonda West, Babcock Ranch and surrounding areas...
. They are: Charlotte High School
Charlotte High School (Punta Gorda, Florida)
Charlotte High School is a historic public high school in Punta Gorda, Florida, United States serving ninth through twelfth grade students. The school is part of the Charlotte County Public Schools district, with admission based primarily on the locations of students' homes. Established in 1926,...
, Punta Gorda Middle School
Punta Gorda Middle School
Punta Gorda Middle School is a middle school in Punta Gorda, Florida operated by the Charlotte County Public Schools board. The majority of its students graduate to either Port Charlotte High School or Charlotte High School....
, Sallie Jones Elementary School, East Elementary School and the Baker Pre-K Center.
Also located in Punta Gorda is the Charlotte County campus of Edison State College, which has four campuses in southwest Florida.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 14,344 people, 7,165 households, and 5,187 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,012.8 per square mile (391.1/km²). There were 8,907 housing units at an average density of 628.9 per square mile (242.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.60% White, 3.17% African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.78% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.59% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.99% of the population.
There were 7,165 households out of which 8.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.8% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 4.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.6% were non-families. 24.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.97 and the average family size was 2.27.
In the city the population was spread out with 8.2% under the age of 18, 2.1% from 18 to 24, 9.9% from 25 to 44, 33.4% from 45 to 64, and 46.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 64 years. For every 100 females there were 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $48,916, and the median income for a family was $54,879. Males had a median income of $34,054 versus $26,125 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $32,460. About 4.7% of families and 6.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.9% of those under age 18 and 3.0% of those age 65 or over.
Notable people
- Alumni
- Jeff CorsalettiJeff CorsalettiJeffrey A. Corsaletti is an American professional baseball outfielder.- Early life :Corsaletti grew up in Port Charlotte, Florida and attended Charlotte High School where he was a standout in baseball and football.-College:...
— professional baseball player who currently plays for the Portland Sea DogsPortland Sea DogsThe Portland Sea Dogs are the Double-A minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Established in 1994 and based in Portland, Maine, the Sea Dogs play in the Northern Division of the Eastern League....
, the Double-A minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. - Matthew LaPortaMatthew LaPortaMatthew Vincent LaPorta is an American professional baseball player who is a first baseman and left fielder for the Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball. LaPorta played college baseball for the University of Florida...
— major league first baseman for the Cleveland IndiansCleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
. - Burton LawlessBurton LawlessRichard Burton Lawless is a former American college and professional football player who was an offensive lineman in the National Football League for six seasons during the 1970s and 1980s...
— former football guard who played for the Dallas CowboysDallas CowboysThe Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
in the National Football LeagueNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
from 1975 through 1979. Listed as one of the "100 Greatest Players of the First 100 Years" for Florida High School Football. - Tommy Murphy — an outfielder for the Kansas City RoyalsKansas City RoyalsThe Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
.
- Jeff Corsaletti