After Charlotte County commissioners on May 4 approved a referendum asking voters to extend the 1% Local Option Sales Tax for 20 years, three major projects funded by the tax are moving forward with groundbreaking ceremonies.
The 1% Local Option Sales Tax began in 1994, and voters previously were asked every four years to approve extensions. This year’s referendum, which will appear on the November ballot, seeks a 20-year extension. County officials said the longer timeline would allow Charlotte County to lock in pricing for capital projects as construction material costs continue to rise.
Two new fire stations and improvements to a popular Port Charlotte park are already under construction.
The first groundbreaking ceremony took place May 5 at William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park, 20499 Edgewater Drive. Phase 2 improvements at the park include new pickleball and tennis courts, a pavilion and infrastructure upgrades connecting restroom facilities to the sanitary sewer system.
Charlotte County officials and project partners participate in a groundbreaking ceremony May 5 for Phase 2 improvements at William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park in Port Charlotte. The project includes new pickleball and tennis courts, a pavilion and utility upgrades.
Charlotte County government
The 40-acre park sits on a peninsula with access to Charlotte Harbor and was created through a cooperative effort between the Gaines family and Charlotte County.
The park is named after William R. Gaines Jr., a 1981 Charlotte High School graduate who was killed in Beirut, Lebanon, while deployed as part of a United Nations multinational peacekeeping force.
His family led fundraising efforts to create a park honoring Gaines and other veterans while paying tribute to active military members, veterans and first responders.
In opening remarks, Commission Chair Joe Tiseo said, “The sacrifice of so many others are the foundation on which this park stands.” He called the park a tribute to all veterans and first responders.
Kimley-Horn designed the park improvements for $249,900, and Jon F. Swift Construction is the contractor for the $2.1 million project led by Derick Kitson.
Charlotte County officials, firefighters and project partners break ground on the new Fire and EMS Station 17 in South County. The 13,000-square-foot facility will include four stalls and an apparatus bay.
Charlotte County government
A second groundbreaking ceremony also took place May 5 for Fire and EMS Station 17 at 12051 Maryland Ave., south of Punta Gorda, near the intersection of Tamiami Trail and Green Gulf Boulevard in Tropical Gulf Acres.
County officials said the southern portion of Charlotte County is experiencing continued population growth and residential development.
Fire Chief and Public Safety Director Matthew McElroy spoke about the 13,000-square-foot hardened facility, which will include four stalls and an apparatus bay.
Tiseo said Schenkel Shultz designed the station for $471,986.67, and Wharton-Smith began construction on the $11.3 million project in February. Completion is targeted for March 2027.
“Fire Station 17 isn’t just another building, it’s commitment,” McElroy said, referring to the firefighters and emergency personnel who serve the community.
A rendering shows the planned Charlotte County Fire and EMS Station 17 in Tropical Gulf Acres. Construction on the $11.3 million project began in February and is expected to finish in 2027.
Charlotte County government
McElroy also noted the rapid growth and development in the South County area near Tucker’s Grade and Tropical Gulf Acres.
The third groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. May 7 for Fire and EMS Station 6 at 1020 Bloxham Ave., near U.S. 17 northeast of Punta Gorda.
The station will replace Fire Station 6 at 27287 Disston Ave., which sustained hurricane damage and water intrusion during Hurricane Ian in 2022.
Schenkel Shultz designed the replacement station, and Wharton-Smith, led by Jon F. Swift, is the contractor. Design costs totaled $471,986.67, and construction costs are projected at $10.1 million.
Joe Romanelli is the project manager for both fire stations.