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what’s new in town

Punta Gorda local news

New restaurants, big developments and what’s changing around town. The local news we think our guests will want to know.

Palm-lined Harborwalk along the Peace River in downtown Punta Gorda, near the new marina site
LatestBoating · October 2026

Work begins on a new 62-slip marina in downtown Punta Gorda

Construction is starting at the former Waterfront Hotel site on W. Retta Esplanade, with completion targeted for the end of 2026.

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Ace Hardware storefront with red awning on W. Marion Avenue in downtown Punta Gorda Downtown · October 2026

Downtown Punta Gorda Ace Hardware to close in November

The small Ace on W. Marion Avenue, a downtown fixture, is closing. Here is where to shop instead.

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Sunset over Charlotte Harbor from a waterfront deck at Fishermen's Village, Punta Gorda Dining · October 2026

Castaways and Latitude 26° are now open

Both new waterfront restaurants are open at Fishermen’s Village: casual Castaways downstairs, upscale Latitude 26° upstairs.

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Dining room at Leroy's Fish Shack with long wooden tables and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Charlotte Harbor Dining · October 2026

Leroy’s Fish Shack opens at Fishermen’s Village

Dock-to-table seafood from the team behind Leroy’s Southern Kitchen, now open on the harbor.

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Two new restaurants—Castaways and Latitude 26°—are coming to Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda. Led by Kelly Evans Draper, the project revives iconic spaces with fresh design, waterfront views, and a family legacy Dining · August 2025

Two new restaurants coming to Fishermen’s Village

Castaways and Latitude 26° announced plans to revive the former Harpoon Harry’s and Captain’s Table spaces.

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Buck ee's Development · May 2025

Buc-ee’s is coming to Southwest Florida

Charlotte County cleared the way for the region’s first Buc-ee’s travel center in Port Charlotte.

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Sunseeker Resort Sold Sunseeker · July 2025

Allegiant sells Sunseeker Resort to Blackstone

The $200 million deal for the 22-acre harbor-front resort was expected to close in the third quarter of 2025.

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New Downtown Punta Gorda Roundabout Downtown

New downtown roundabout opens

A new roundabout is open at one of downtown’s busiest intersections, built to improve safety and ease traffic.

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Downtown Punta Gorda Flooding Downtown

Mayor questions $745K flood study

Mayor Debi Lux asked the city to consider volunteer help from retired engineers instead of a costly downtown flood study.

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Laishley Park Boat Removal Parks

Boats finally removed from Laishley Park

Crews cleared the abandoned boats left at Laishley Park after Hurricane Milton.

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Sunseeker Resort Sale Sunseeker · February 2025

Sunseeker resort put up for sale

Allegiant announced plans to sell at least a majority stake in the 750-room Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor.

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Harpoon Harrys Closing Dining

Harpoon Harry’s closing at Fishermen’s Village

With the sale of Fishermen’s Village, Harpoon Harry’s and The Captain’s Table are leaving the waterfront.

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