Port Charlotte

The Port Charlotte area was largely platted and developed by the now-defunct General Development Corporation, which also developed many other subdivisions and municipalities along Florida's west coast. Port Charlotte is not a chartered municipality but is, however, the most-populated area in Charlotte County.

Port Charlotte is home to the Port Charlotte Town Center Mall, the Charlotte County Administration Center (home of the Charlotte County Commission chambers), as well as Charlotte Sports Park which will be the spring training home of the Tampa Bay Rays beginning in 2009.

Port Charlotte was hard hit by Hurricane Charley on August 13, 2004. The hurricane, predicted to hit Tampa, took a last-minute hard right turn into Charlotte Harbor and caused severe damage in the city of Punta Gorda and in the Port Charlotte area. Many residents were caught by surprise because of many false alarms in recent years.

In the wake of Hurricane Charley, Port Charlotte faces the challenge of finding affordable housing for its service-industry workforce. With many homes and apartments destroyed or damaged beyond repair, many low-income residents who have lived in the area for years have been forced to seek housing elsewhere. As of 2005, property values have doubled and tripled in many areas in less than three years, especially in the wake of speculation following Hurricane Charley. However, in 2006, property values fell greatly in a statewide "market correction" now leaving Charlotte County and the Port Charlotte area one of the most affordable coastal areas in Florida. Unfortunately, as of a report in October 2007; Charlotte County also has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state.

Water wars in the area are common between municipalities and counties, all fighting for a dwindling supply from local water management districts, wellfields, and the Peace River.

 

22 °C


Clear, clear sky


Wind7.15 m/s
Cloudiness0 %
Temperature (min/max)21/23 °C
Pressure1020 hpa
Humidity78 %
Last update: 29 Apr 2024 @ 05:16

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