The Publisher | Jimmy Dean

Welcome to the Edge of Excellence

Dear Readers:

This is a rare time to be living in Charlotte County. We are a community standing on the threshold of transition from good to great. Things are changing. Fast.

The reason for my enthusiasm is as close as the skyline of Punta Gorda. The culmination of years of planning and design is coming out of the ground in almost fast-forward effect. With the new Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center and Sunloft Center coming to life this month, along with the ultra-lux Wyvern Hotel opening any minute, we’re witnessing a seismic-like change. This change will also include at least one or two more hotels, the Herald Court Parking Garage and the Laishley Crab House in the square half-mile that is downtown Punta Gorda’s central business district. And, with any luck, we’ll begin to see development on the massive lot between Taylor Street and northbound US Highway 41.

Across the bridge we eagerly await the opening of the renovated Charlotte Sports Park, bringing with it the fun and excitement of spring training games for the Tampa Bay Rays and the yet-to-be-named Class A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and Ripken baseball. Then there’s Murdock Village, a project that has seen more than its fair share of problems, but promises to some day bring great things to our community.

This entire infrastructure must be in place for us to strengthen and maintain a vibrant, resilient economy. What’s happening here is the result of the rebuilding after Charley. It has brought us to an inescapable point: the edge of excellence.

Another important standard for growth is a community’s ability to educate its youth. In this issue, Lew Morrissey investigates Charlotte County Public Schools, an educational system that’s on the verge of greatness, according to Superintendent Dave Gayler. With 14 A schools and a variety of educational programs, we can rest assured that our community’s future is secure. We’re also blessed to have a variety of private schools throughout our county and parents who truly care for their children’s education.

Tie it all together and you see community strength and character developing. The character of our community is a reflection of all who live, work and play here. All the positive, new energy and assets we have before us are empowering us to places we’ve never been before. Welcome to the horizon!

Sincerely,

Jimmy Dean, Publisher