Tippecanoe Park kayak launch improvements
PORT CHARLOTTE – Improvements to the natural kayak launch at Tippecanoe Environmental Park will begin July 6, Charlotte County officials announed.
The kayak launch will be closed during the work, which is anticipated to be completed by July 20.
The remainder of the park will remain open. Park patrons are asked to avoid the work areas and use caution when in the park.
South County Park splash pad closed
PUNTA GORDA – The splash pad at South County Regional Park pool at 670 Cooper St., in Punta Gorda, will be closed until further notice for a maintenance issue, Charlotte County officials said.
The dive well and main pool will remain open during normal operating hours.
Restrooms closed at Englewood Beach
ENGLEWOOD – The restrooms at Englewood Beach are closed for repairs, Charlotte County Recreation and Parks announced Wednesday.
Portable toilets are available.
For information, contact Monty Rodriguez Monty.Rodriguez@CharlotteCountyFL.gov or 941-628-3956.
Veterans workshop planned
NORTH PORT — A free veterans workshop is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 28 at The Gallery at North Port, 1322 N. Main St.
Veteran Linda Lambert will instruct attendees in a relaxing collage art form called “Busted Canvas.”
Supplies and lunch will be provided and is being sponsored by The Veterans Art Scholarship Fund of the North Port Art Center. Veterans need to present their military ID. Space is limited to 10. To register, email your name and phone number to galewest.npart@gmail.com.
Friends of Mid-County Library seek volunteers
PORT CHARLOTTE — The Friends of the Mid-County Regional Library, 2050 Forrest Nelson Blvd., Port Charlotte, are looking for new members and volunteers to help at the Friends book store inside the library entrance.
The bookstore sells used and donated books, CDs and other media items. Proceeds fund library programs. The Friends are looking for volunteers who can work three hours a week, or substitute occasionally for other members.
For more information, visit the store, or stop by the library from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. any weekday to fill out an application.
Charlotte County celebrates America’s 250th
PORT CHARLOTTE — Charlotte County and the Charlotte County Veterans Council will celebrate America’s 250th beginning at 8:45 a.m. July 4. William R Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park, 20499 Edgewater Drive, Port Charlotte.
The celebration begins with coffee from the Salvation Army, then continues with bagpipes, followed by a helicopter flyover by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office’s aviation unit, patriotic music, proclamations, a large birthday cake and more.
For more information, visit www.ccvcfl.org.
Blood drive, kids shoe drive set
ROTONDA — The GFWC Rotonda West Woman’s Club is sponsoring a OneBlood blood drive set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at the Rotonda Marina, 117 Rotonda Circle, Rotonda West.
The OneBlood bus will be in the parking area across from the Rotonda Golf & Country Club’s the Hills Course.
During the hours of the blood drive, the Woman’s Club will collect donations of new sneakers and socks for school-aged children. Needed are boys sneakers in elementary sizes 8-13 (2-7), and middle/high school sizes 7.5-12, and girls sneakers in elementary sizes 8-10, and middle/high school sizes 9-11.
All blood donors receive a $20 eGift Card, Chick-fil-A coupon and a wellness checkup including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening. ID is required. Appointments are encouraged. Visit oneblood.org/donate-now (use sponsor code 39275) or call 610-952-1333.
Dever Park pool to remain closed through June
ENGLEWOOD – The public swimming pool at Ann and Chuck Dever Regional Park, 7001 San Casa Drive in Englewood, will remain closed for repairs through July 1, county officials announced.
During the repair process, additional leaks were identified that require attention, in addition to replacement of the well pump, officials stated.
“The safety of patrons and facilities is our top priority. All necessary repairs will be completed prior to reopening the facility to the public,” the announcement states.
For more information, contact Leah Williams, recreation superintendent at 941-740-3110 or Leah.Williams@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.
Tutors needed at Charlotte County libraries
PORT CHARLOTTE — Charlotte County Libraries are looking for community members to volunteer as tutors for adults learning English, the county announced. Volunteer opportunities are available at all library branches in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood.
No prior teaching experience is required. Anyone who can speak and read English may apply. Tutors will receive training, resources, and ongoing support to help learners build confidence and improve their language skills.
Volunteers must pass a background check.
For more information, visit charlottefl.ent.sirsi.net/supportus.
Pioneer Days planning
ENGLEWOOD — The Englewood Chamber of Commerce has set a planning session on for events connected with the Pioneer Days celebration. The events will be centered around Labor Day weekend and the traditional parade and gathering on West Dearborn Street, set this year for Sept. 7.
Organizers are looking for volunteers to help with parade coordination and facilitation, pie-eating and watermelon-eating contests, Diaper Derby races, Miss Englewood & Little Miss Englewood Pageant, Cardboard Boat Races and more.
For more information, call 941-474-5511.
Master Gardener volunteers can help
PORT CHARLOTTE — Trained master gardener volunteers are available to help people with gardening and landscape problems at their office in the Centennial Park Recreation Center, 1120 Centennial Blvd., Port Charlotte.
The office is staffed with University of Florida, IFAS-trained master gardener volunteers from 1-4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
For more information, call 941-764-4340 or email Master.Gardener@charlottecountyfl.gov.