Charlotte County celebrates America\u2019s 250th<\/p>\n
PORT CHARLOTTE \u2014 Charlotte County and the Charlotte County Veterans Council will celebrate America\u2019s 250th beginning at 8:45 a.m. July 4. William R Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park, 20499 Edgewater Drive, Port Charlotte.<\/p>\n
The celebration includes coffee from the Salvation Army, continues with bagpipes, followed by a helicopter flyover by the Charlotte County Sheriff\u2019s Office\u2019s aviation unit, music, proclamations, a large birthday cake and more.<\/p>\n
For more information, visit www.ccvcfl.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n Blood drive, kids shoe drive set<\/p>\n ROTONDA \u2014 The GFWC Rotonda West Woman\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n The OneBlood bus will be in the parking area across from the Rotonda Golf & Country Club\u2019s the Hills Course.<\/p>\n During the blood drive, the Woman\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> (use sponsor code 39275) or call 610-952-1333.<\/p>\n Art Speaks celebration planned, entry deadline nears<\/p>\n NORTH PORT \u2014 The North Port Art Center has its fifth \u201cArt Speaks\u201d celebration set. The event is 2-4 p.m. Saturday, July 18 at the Shannon Staub Library, 4675 Career Lane.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n For more information, email galewest.npart @gmail.com or text 941-380-3162.<\/p>\n Tippecanoe Park kayak launch improvements<\/p>\n PORT CHARLOTTE \u2014 Improvements to the natural kayak launch at Tippecanoe Environmental Park will begin July 6, Charlotte County officials announed.<\/p>\n The kayak launch will be closed during the work, which is anticipated to be completed by July 20.<\/p>\n The remainder of the park will remain open. Park patrons are asked to avoid the work areas and use caution when in the park.<\/p>\n South County Park splash pad closed<\/p>\n PUNTA GORDA \u2014 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.<\/p>\n The dive well and main pool will remain open during normal operating hours.<\/p>\n Friends of Mid-County Library seek volunteers<\/p>\n PORT CHARLOTTE \u2014 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Tutors needed at Charlotte County libraries<\/p>\n PORT CHARLOTTE \u2014 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Volunteers must pass a background check.<\/p>\n