The Sparkling Palms of Biehl's Slip-Not

Photo courtesy S. Bates

Historic Smith Building in Downtown Punta Gorda

Historic Mission and Mediterranean Revival Building in Downtown Punta Gorda built in 1924. Designed as an arcade, the post office once occupied space in the building

Punta Gorda Historic Train Depot

The Punta Gorda Train Depot  is the only surviving depots of six built by the Atlantic Coast Line in Mediterranean Revival style. Constructed  in 1928, the  depot which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was designed mainly to handle freight. The passenger area occupies a small portion of the northern end of the building. Separate ticket windows, waiting rooms and bathrooms reflect the segregation practiced at that time. It now houses an Antique Market.   

Family of Sandhill Cranes Out for a Walk

Sandhill Crane Family leave the Walmart Parking Lot in Punta Gorda 

One of those Extraordinary Punta Gorda skies

Photo: S. Bates 

Dragon Boat Race on the Peace River

Punta Gorda's First Dragon Boat Races on the Peace River 

Laishley Crab House Car Bar

Laishley Crab House Car Bar 

Avocado Crab Salad at Laishley Crab House

Avocado Crab Salad at Laishley Crab House

Opus -- Opened Last Night on Marion Ave.

Charles Peck Finishing up Hotel Charlotte Harbor Mural

Charles Peck (Artist) works on finishing up Hotel Charlotte Harbor Mural

Felix Cavaliere of the Rascals at the Punta Gorda Block Party

Felix Cavaliere of the "Rascals" at the 25th Annual Punta Gorda Block Party (photo credit: S. Bates)

Musicians at Gilchrist Park

Musicians at Gilchrist Park (Photo by S. Bates)

Heron Watching Over Park

Heron on Watch near the Wildlife Center 

The Royals of Marion Ave. in Punta Gorda Isles

Wild Little Parrot -- One of those nesting in palms near Bayfront Y

One of many little parrots (feral parakeets) living in the palm trees in Gilchrist Park.  Apparently their numbers were many in South West Florida at one time -- descendants of pets who escaped or were freed.  There numbers have declined in recent years.  

Bayfront YMCA on the Peace River

Scheduled, I am told, to be torn down with other improvements to the Harbor front.   Too bad, I like this building, nice space.   

At the Downtown Farmer's Market

Artist Painting at the Downtown Farmer's Market on Saturday

One Taste of Punta Gorda at the History Society's Pineapple Desserts Booth

Here Came the Mummies Funk and All

The Mummies Came To Punta Gorda Closing Taylor For The Funk Fest II

A Peaceful Punta Gorda Canal

Kayaker rows down a Punta Gorda Canal 

Isles Yacht Club Punta Gorda

Isles Yacht Club rebuilt after Hurricane Charley 

Sandhill Cranes Enjoying Beach at Ponce Park

Two Sandhill Cranes by the beach at Ponce Park in Punta Gorda 

Punta Gorda From Above

Photo of Punta Gorda taken  from Airplane landing in Fort Myers  

Fish at Night

A natural aquarium off Punta Gorda canal.