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Charlotte County Community Profile |
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Charlotte County
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Situated on and around pristine Charlotte
Harbor, Florida’s second-largest estuarine system, the
communities of Charlotte County reflect the unique
ambiance of the area. People have discovered Charlotte
County’s unspoiled beauty and its livability, making is
a destination of choice for both full-time residents and
vacationers. |
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| Residential areas of the county are
primarily single-family neighborhoods, uncomplicated by
high-density, high rise buildings. These areas are often
surrounded by an uncomplicated maze of canals and estuaries,
complete with hundreds of species of marine life. |
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| In recent years, low-rise condominiums,
townhouses and villas have been tastefully developed, providing
the community with many new, attractive
and carefree living opportunities. |
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| With over 12 miles of Gulf Coast beaches
along the length of its barrier islands and inlets,
Charlotte County has many places to enjoy the sun. With
70 parks in the county, Charlotte has done a wonderful job of
protecting and preserving the natural environment while
encouraging the regions economic and population growth. |
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| The largest communities in Charlotte
County are Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and Englewood. |
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Map of
Charlotte County |
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Property Developments |
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Local Real Estate - MLS |
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| Port Charlotte - Port Charlotte
is a fairly new community created and developed in the
late 1950’s. The population of unincorporated Charlotte County, including Port Charlotte, is
approximately 140,000 residents. |
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| An established, yet still growing area,
Port Charlotte has the services and amenities necessary
for the convenience and enjoyment of its residents and
visitors. |
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| Schools in the immediate Port Charlotte
area include six elementary schools, two middle schools,
a high school and Technical Center, in addition to
several church-related schools. Two of the three area
hospitals are located in Port Charlotte. |
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| The Murdock area of the northern Port
Charlotte is a dynamic, growing shopping and business center.
Shopping areas, financial institutions, office complexes,
restaurants, theaters, and hotels have been
built in recent years. A regional shopping mall anchors
the area. Recreational opportunities are abundant, with
parks, beaches, golf
courses, yacht clubs, tennis courts, parks, boating
facilities, pools and much more. The
unique Cultural Center of Charlotte County offers
educational and recreational activities almost every day
of the week, 52 weeks of the year. |
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| Port Charlotte has more than 165 miles
of man-made water ways, many with access to Charlotte
Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. There are miles of
natural shoreline bordering Charlotte Harbor and the
Peace and Myakka Rivers. |
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| Punta Gorda - The City of
Punta Gorda is a charming and historic waterfront town
which traces it roots to a landing at Live Oak Point on
the Peace River by Hernado DeSoto in 1539. The name
itself means “Broad Point” in spanish and a colorful festival each year
celebrates Ponce De Leon’s Landing (1513) on Pine Island
in Charlotte Harbor. Now, more than 120 years old, Punta Gorda remains Charlotte County’s only incorporated city. |
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| Early Spanish attempts to colonize the
outer islands were stopped by the Calusa Indian tribes.
As a result,
the area was slowly settled as the English migrated by
Charlotte Harbor to the banks of the Peace River. In
1885, Col. Isaac Trabue from Kentuky bought the land
from British investors and founded the town of Trabue.
The name was never well accepted, however, and reverted
back to the Spanish version in 1887 when it was incorporated. |
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| This City of nearly 20,000 is in the
midst of a major community revitalization and
beautification efforts. With historic preservation as a
priority, Punta Gorda has secured State Historic
District status. The city Streetscape program is
restoring an old Florida atmosphere to central district
streets and has added brick lanes, street lamps,
benches, brick planters, flowers and shade trees. The
residential areas feature many brick streets lined with
huge old royal palms and many old Florida-era tin-roofed
homes with wide verandas. Unique shops and restaurants
are being added throughout the town, expanding the fine
reputation of Punta Gorda’s Charm. There are three
elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. A
hospital is also located in the community. |
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| Englewood - An unincorporated
area straddling two counties (Charlotte and Sarasota),
Englewood is literally surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico.
Miles of unspoiled beaches, world famous fishing,
shelling and boating are a few of the amenities
available
to the more than 50,000 year-round residents. |
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| The area was founded in 1884 by two
brothers who established vast lemon groves. One-acre
“city lots” were platted and recorded to create a
downtown section, which was surrounded by ten-acre
“grove lots” designed to provide for future permanent
residents. In later years, a prosperous lumber industry
also flourished. The greatest attraction was, and still
is, its appeal as a growing residential area with long
stretches of white sand beaches. |
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| The Cape Haze peninsula, located in west
Charlotte County, is home to approximately 13,000
residents. In addition to pristine golf courses and
miles of natural waterways, perfect for kayaking and
fishing, this community has shopping, schools, churches,
and all the comforts of home. |
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Economic Statistics |
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Demographic
Characteristics |
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1990 |
2000 |
2005 |
| Population |
110,975 |
156,985 |
157,536 |
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Source: U.S. Census Bureau, University of Florida, 2005
population is an estimate* |
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Median Household Income |
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$30,350 |
| Per
Capita Income |
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$26,003 |
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Median Age |
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54.3 |
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Labor Force |
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63,8627 |
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Density
(population/sq.mile) |
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182.7 |
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Charlotte County Economic Development, 2006 |
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Major
Non-Government Employers |
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Wal-mart Associates Inc. |
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1273 |
| Peace River Medical |
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1048 |
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Publix Supermarkets |
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1043 |
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Fawcett Memorial Hospital |
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664 |
| The Home Depot |
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536 |
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Source: Charlotte County Economic Development, 2006 |
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Important Local Links |
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The City of Punta Gorda |
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Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce |
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Charlotte
County Property Appraiser |
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Southwest Florida International Airport |
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Charlotte County, Florida |
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Charlotte County Economic Development |
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Cultural Center of Charlotte County |
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