Memorial Stair Climb set for Sept. 11
PORT CHARLOTTE – Charlotte County Fire & EMS invites the public and first responders to participate in a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on Friday, Sept. 11, at Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Road in Port Charlotte.
The event commemorates the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
Participants can climb 343 stairs in honor of the 343 firefighters who were killed Sept. 11, 2001.
“This climb is more than a physical challenge; it is a promise that we will never forget,” Charlotte County Public Safety Director and Fire Chief Matthew McElroy stated in a news release. “Each of the 343 stairs represents a firefighter who answered the call that morning and never returned home. We invite our community to climb alongside us as we honor their courage, sacrifice and legacy.”
Gates and event-day check-in will open at 7:30 a.m. An opening ceremony will be held from 8 to 8:30 a.m., followed by the stair climb from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Participants will begin climbing in groups at 15-minute intervals.
Registration is $40, plus applicable website fees, and includes an event shirt and finisher medal. Proceeds will benefit CC Fire & EMS Benevolent Inc. Advance registration is required by Sept. 1. Participants must be at least 12 years old, and bunker gear is permitted.
Spectators are welcome. Charlotte Sports Park’s facility bag policy and permitted-items guidelines will apply. For more information, contact Ashley Turner at Ashley.Turner@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.
To register and select a climb time, visit
Patriot Day fundraiser set
PORT CHARLOTTE — VFW Post 5690 is hosting a Patriot Day fundraiser to recognize and honor Sept. 11, 2001 with proceeds benefiting Charlotte County first responders.
It takes place from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6 at 23204 Freedom Avenue, Port Charlotte.
There is food served from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m for a $10 donation; music with Mr. Mike Ashton from 2-5 p.m. and a raffle drawing at 5 p.m.
Port Charlotte Beach barbecue set
PORT CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte County Commission has scheduled a free barbecue and progress update on the Port Charlotte Beach Park Recreation Center. It’s set for 1 p.m. Sept. 1 at the park, 4500 Harbor Blvd. in Port Charlotte.
The public is invited.
Pool to close for swim meets
PUNTA GORDA — Centennial Park pool, 1120 Centennial Blvd., Port Charlotte, will close at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 1 for a swim meet. The pool will reopen Sept. 2.
For more information, contact Joele Kirkpatrick, recreation supervisor, at 941-681-3788 or Joele.Kirkpatrick@charlottecountyfl.gov.
Charlotte Rides launch set for Sept. 1
PORT CHARLOTTE — Charlotte County Transit will launch its new name Charlotte Rides and premiere its new van wraps at a ribbon-cutting ceremony set for 8 a.m., Sept. 1 at its facility at 545 Theresa Blvd., in Port Charlotte. The public is invited.
League hosts voter information fairs
SARASOTA — The League of Women Voters of Sarasota County is hosting Voter Information Fairs throughout the county in coming days.
There will be fairs from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sept. 19 and at Shannon Staub Library, 4675 Career Lane in North Port and from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Avenue, Sarasota.
“Registration not required. All voters are invited to come when they can, stay as long as they like and are urged to bring family, friends, and neighbors,” it stated.
For more information, visit www.lwvsrq.org.
Homeschoolers meet up at library
NORTH PORT — “Homeschoolers: Wednesdays Meetup” in the Teen Room at the North Port Library, 13800 S. Tamiami Trail, North Port.
Families with tweens and teens are invited to stop by from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays to enjoy crafts and games with other homeschool families.
For more information, visit: scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com/events/month/2026/08 or call 941-861-1110.
Wine Fest tickets on sale
WELLEN PARK — The third annual Wellen Park Wine Festival is set and tickets are on sale.
It takes place Nov. 13-14.
Tickets can be purchased at wellenpark.com/wine.
More than 40 vintners from around the world are a part of the days.
The Rotary Club at Wellen Park is the festival’s charity partner.
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.
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.
Venders sought for Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair
ROTONDA — The Rotonda American Legion Auxiliary Unit 113, 3436 Indiana Road, Rotonda West, has announced a Holiday Arts & Craft Fair is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 at the post.
Vendors are needed. The deadline for application is Oct. 16. Email alaunit113craft@gmail.com for an application.
For more information, call 941-697-3616.