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 includes coffee from the Salvation Army, continues with bagpipes, followed by a helicopter flyover by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office’s aviation unit, 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 blood drive, the Woman’s Club will collect donations of new shoes 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 e-gift card, Chick-fil-A coupon and a wellness checkup. ID is required. Appointments are encouraged. Visit oneblood.org/donate-now (use sponsor code 39275) or call 610-952-1333.

Art Speaks celebration planned, entry deadline nears

NORTH PORT — The North Port Art Center has its fifth “Art Speaks” celebration set. The event is 2-4 p.m. Saturday, July 18 at the Shannon Staub Library, 4675 Career Lane.

Those who wish to display artwork should submit two or three photos by July 3. Each piece must be framed for hanging or placed on easel for display.

Artwork must be present by 1:45 p.m. on July 18, the day of event, and artist must stay until 4 p.m. for pickup.

For more information, email galewest.npart @gmail.com or text 941-380-3162.

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.

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.

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 begun planning sessions 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.