Symbolic groundbreaking for new Event Center

No shovels churned the earth this day, but Charlotte County and Punta Gorda officials symbolically began the Event Center rebuilding process May 24th by tossing hibiscus flowers into the Peace River.

County Parks and Recreation Director Laura Kleiss Hoeft said it was a fitting start for the new building which will sit on the river’s bank in the City of Hibiscus, Punta Gorda. She said the hibiscus is also known for its healing powers (in herbal teas) and symbolizes the continued healing from wounds inflicted by Hurricane Charley. The start of actual construction on the 43,000 square foot civic auditorium is planned for the near future.

County Commissioners this week opted to have the public select a new name for this replacement for the former Charlotte County Memorial Auditorium. The Charlotte Sun newspaper will coordinate the naming contest.


TEAM PG board president Roger Peterson, wife Christine, and board VP Tom Kerr
at the Event Center groundbreaking ceremony.


County Commission Chair Dick Loftus speaks under a trellis decked with hibiscus flowers


Commissioner Adam Cummings’ hibiscus print shirt was the perfect wardrobe choice