[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6197500,"mediaKeyId","3853358-8a702fb711cbe8e08c494169d22c7c10","parentId",3853358,"title","Historic‑walk proposal for Ponce De Leon Park paused; HPAB urged phased approach","audioSeconds",1642,"startMs",491000,"endMs",2133000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3853358-8a702fb711cbe8e08c494169d22c7c10&start=491&end=2133","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3853358-8a702fb711cbe8e08c494169d22c7c10/thumbnail_491000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6197500/Punta-Gorda-City/Charlotte-County/Florida/Historicwalk-proposal-for-Ponce-De-Leon-Park-paused-HPAB-urged-phased-approach","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197500-0a7d0d9bf362824044cb6239b798c83c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157051&Signature=fihaWCjbPMfVwRl~I6kLHof6H6vl-rsJ-1LUBnsgE66wZ22J68F8BqdeuIwnK8s9QUJMKBU0Bq-Gwlv4i3YxxZ8k5iHNgojDJni~O5C4nfuUgmvhfmpN25vMdxmbz0Vce3QOHQ9EWFlaqCVjSy67e2P3ytcqE2tIHfwO~g1Zv0z~Q3o2IeJ5otd-W5dlVrXcTWUPFqNEMzi8rSb~p7-TOHlfnAUZaMOTFosX~u1XgK-bBlFn3kgZ5APnb2bzRaSSDaJ~zAOqRmUOENpI72eoHBK22yqLlMgoTygRMwqn1T2rgx5GUERKc4BlAGc6aR03FkHR4oI9503V-OXC1Jph3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Punta Gorda, FL","date","2025-06-17T11:10:26Z","article","The Historic Preservation Advisory Board recorded a written comment from member Lucille Ponti describing a plan to create a history walk and install a bronze bust at Ponce De Leon Park. Ponti’s submitted summary described collaboration with Kent Kretzler of the nonprofit Bridal Order of Ponce de Leon Conquistadors and proposed community fundraising of roughly $50,000 to pay for signage, a history walk and related enhancements.

Ponti wrote that the bust is currently housed at the Military Heritage Museum and that an executive summary, talking points and presentation had been drafted before hurricane damage delayed the project. “The goals of the proposed history walk were as follows: 1, to educate and celebrate history of Punta Gorda in Charlotte Harbor; 2, to revitalize park appearance and visitor experience; 3, to support the city's brand as a historical destination; and 4, to increase public interest in and attendance at the park,” her prepared remarks said.

Why it matters: The project would add interpretive signage and a new historical point of interest to a public park; HPAB and the nonprofit envisioned the city supervising development and long‑term maintenance while the community raised most funds.

Staff response and timeline: City staff said the park redesign is part of a longer‑term plan and that urban design advised the history‑walk proposal would likely need to wait until the broader Ponce De Leon Park redesign — a timetable staff estimated at five to ten years. Staff and board members discussed whether a phased approach could allow parts of the history walk to proceed in the interim to maintain momentum.

Next steps: Staff said it could reach out to Ponti and the nonprofit to explore whether a phased installation or interim features make sense while the park redesign schedule is clarified. No formal funding or approval was acted on at the meeting.

Ending: HPAB requested the city keep the project on its agenda and explore phased options so the history walk can be reconsidered as park design progresses.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Joint HPAB City Council Meeting 6-16-2025","oneSentenceSummary","A proposed history walk and bronze bust installation at Ponce De Leon Park, conceived by HPAB members and a local nonprofit, remains paused while the city schedules larger park redesign work; the proposal calls for community fundraising of about $50,000 and city supervision of development and maintenance.","taxTitle","Punta Gorda City, Charlotte County, Florida","taxId",54477,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6197505,"Punta Gorda plans phased repairs for historic City Hall; roof bid headed to council",282,1590000,1872000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3853358-8a702fb711cbe8e08c494169d22c7c10&start=1590&end=1872","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3853358-8a702fb711cbe8e08c494169d22c7c10/thumbnail_1590000.jpg","/articles/6197505/Punta-Gorda-City/Charlotte-County/Florida/Punta-Gorda-plans-phased-repairs-for-historic-City-Hall-roof-bid-headed-to-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197505-fdcefbe9392630765b14f4cc8117ec0b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157051&Signature=bBGTyl19DATrpUyK8RE0sQF-RUAZU3q8250IEh80xnhLnRLoPJYcELiFnYq3iQDehLlXIDYuUFJDq7xPa5HEe26v1ayHJOIgJg9qc53eFnu5PIGYSAo9mDBjPndOweJXP2sah5~ec4yybSxE~qa00~hUlSKHaz4EUqcslsJ5CD3QZb-zgsDkZXNHbMnKAITifG3SlP3Dq8UKE9zVr0kJUnj4jXAf2WKG6a2j9HObuyWUDnZePWqrLMKRXMEv~eSXk46ZcMm8X13oH~kPZuJ-UvAo8kAASW5MDozr7ikQqcheagkihLGEwIrcHl2iIPy3lFUJmOJFohH-XLeaFe3Zcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and council members discussed phased restoration work for historic Punta Gorda City Hall, including mold remediation, roof replacement and a consultant review of costs for restoring the historic portion of the building.

City leaders said the 1978 addition requires remediation work and that public works has secured leaks ahead of hurricane season. “The roof bid is going to be on next city council agenda,” a staff member said, adding that mold remediation and leak repairs are underway. Staff also said the council chamber area will be prioritized so the council can regain a regular meeting space; the chamber restoration was described as accommodating about 78 seats.

Why it matters: Historic City Hall is a city asset that has been closed since the storm; reopening parts of the building for council business and public meetings would restore a civic meeting place and allow reallocation of previously committed 1% sales tax funds that were once earmarked for a larger new facility proposal.

Details and costs: Participants said previous high‑end estimates for a full “Taj Mahal” renovation exceeded $20 million; current work is being scoped as a rehabilitation rather than a full rebuild. Staff said they are hiring a consultant to update older estimates and to remove nonessential items from past plans so the restoration reflects a realistic, staged rehabilitation. Council members discussed earlier estimates of $4 million to $5 million for larger renovation scenarios, but staff emphasized that figures will be updated by the consultant.

Next steps: Staff said they would proceed with mold remediation, move a roof bid to the next council agenda and have the consultant update costs and required work. Council and HPAB members discussed using the historic‑portion review to identify what can be done now to restore the chambers and what should await larger rehabilitation. No binding funding decision was made at the joint meeting; staff will return with cost updates and phased plans for council review.

Ending: Officials said the aim is a staged approach that lets the council resume meetings in the chamber area while planning further historic rehabilitation based on the consultant’s updated cost estimates.","City staff described a phased plan to remediate mold, repair the 1978 addition, and prioritize reopening the council chambers at historic City Hall; a roof bid and consultant review of historic restoration costs will go to council for approval.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6197510,"Builders association offers to restore AC Freeman House; city to deliver lease draft",938,695000,1633000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3853358-8a702fb711cbe8e08c494169d22c7c10&start=695&end=1633","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3853358-8a702fb711cbe8e08c494169d22c7c10/thumbnail_695000.jpg","/articles/6197510/Punta-Gorda-City/Charlotte-County/Florida/Builders-association-offers-to-restore-AC-Freeman-House-city-to-deliver-lease-draft","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197510-f5e978ea9473c2505daed04e672cb5bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157051&Signature=AU6W3vVWZuePySE8vVlOCciUpu9FQpihCgXJ~KdpD~8RWybdQ2Stbct1utvnwTrXdD7xorz-SOBVq~8TSG3J7MFt8Xz1bKMhYoaW-~hhmD2Rv9EbHYX2jvh3ZztNOGHBLYTGCuw5dCqrmoDRDHiwTDR-AbY962W3~tRLSqAm2AOXrTEDTWJqXSIMvE8sQf05Ef6H6ZF5BW3-yRkSZGhVFDTY2gi0KqQT2FpVV8jvud-0q7vDNLouO5sTRahwwP6dPhvsavPpZOlqyxCrgybI1R0IIJQTeHxAyfwp~JkUYhcVKNEysceMrS~xRweaZqGJzqR1zn3GZsKIIdV4v0iyNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of the builders association outlined a volunteer‑driven plan to rehabilitate the AC Freeman House and asked the city to finalize a lease enabling contractor access and oversight.

TJ Thornberry, speaking as a contractor and representative of the builders association, said the structure’s storm damage appeared mostly superficial and repairable. “We're gonna start from the outside, get it watertight, and then move to the inside,” Thornberry said. He estimated a ballpark cost of about $400,000, cautioned that investigative demolition could reveal more damage, and suggested an 18‑month timeline to complete the work if the project proceeds as a public‑private partnership.

Why it matters: The AC Freeman House is a locally historic property the city owns. Prior estimates for full renovation had risen into the millions; the builders association’s offer aims to limit public cost by sourcing donated or discounted labor and materials while allowing the city to retain ownership.

Key details discussed: Thornberry said the builders association’s board has endorsed pursuing the concept and that he plans to prepare a business plan once he receives a draft lease. The draft lease is being prepared by Mr. Leskovich (city staff), and the city clerk said the lease should be available to Thornberry “within the next probably a day or 2.” The builders association requested unencumbered access during work, plans to submit invoices through the association for payment and expects to solicit donations and discounted subcontractor work. Thornberry said the association’s caveat is that the project “doesn't cost the CDBIA any money.”

Funding and approvals: Council members noted there are matching grant programs but cautioned those grants may not be usable for this revised, smaller‑scale plan; staff said 1% sales tax funds could cover the amount discussed. City staff plans to place a council agenda item to approve the project if the builders association decides to proceed after reviewing the lease.

Next steps and responsibilities: City staff will deliver the draft lease to Thornberry for review by his board. If the association proceeds, Thornberry said he will prepare a formal business plan and a scope of work for approvals. The city clerk said council would consider the proposal as an agenda item once the association gives a formal yes or no. No formal council action was taken at the joint meeting.

Ending: The builders association's volunteer proposal was positively received; council and staff will work with Thornberry on lease details and a future council agenda item to secure formal approval.","The Builders Association volunteered to rehabilitate the AC Freeman House and asked the city for a lease enabling hands‑on work; preliminary estimate about $400,000 and an 18‑month timeframe were discussed, with funding options including 1% sales tax funds.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6197515,"Punta Gorda residents press city for clearer rules, faster help after flood damage to historic homes",5003,126000,5129000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3853358-8a702fb711cbe8e08c494169d22c7c10&start=126&end=5129","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3853358-8a702fb711cbe8e08c494169d22c7c10/thumbnail_126000.jpg","/articles/6197515/Punta-Gorda-City/Charlotte-County/Florida/Punta-Gorda-residents-press-city-for-clearer-rules-faster-help-after-flood-damage-to-historic-homes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197515-bc58fd250f37f1f7d198e99e63bce47a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157051&Signature=bD7iDsxEhZxMQ8dzg8s5s9MrnF1BzGZCBZKIzcvLbk6d3Kk9ikfsk-SL0gCwiap90t26nV3HXJXHgOxiKbp5j63~QkHhoqvoj8mrS36j0EJCopvUcBrV8li2GBoWhewKisnzxSQdeq3Do7HQB0NsDABUGQEmSaD7WRVfgZEWKUiCIAacp4myEYPue30Ed~oLJE5ngiJEdfxubIyNd2GmyMrYKLvlIHmyJQWvBOMyCEKyJ4zCjDzyXbV-S~7K5rs6YsVWfwWXC0i96d1fMmo~sdiXvl6NT0ovPQ9htN3Hl-nUQ3cq7vlDuCXIjPD14ZzOK5XuGvwgn62F5NwYDwaIjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several Punta Gorda homeowners and members of the Historic Preservation Advisory Board pressed city staff on how federal and state programs, local land‑use rules and the local register of historic places affect recovery options after recent storm flooding.

The discussion centered on how homeowners in the historic district can use state and federal help — including the Elevate Florida program and FEMA grants — without being forced into lengthy or unaffordable repairs. “My home is uninhabitable, and yet I continue to pay a mortgage, insurance, property taxes, utilities, and maintenance on a property I can't even live in,” homeowner Nanette Warren told the joint meeting. Warren said insurance and federal programs had not met her needs and criticized recent drainage approvals that she says divert water onto her property.

Why it matters: Many historic homes in Punta Gorda are damaged but not uniformly destroyed; owners, board members and city staff warned that rigid application of the 50% “substantial damage” threshold and the local contributing‑structures rules can force costly choices — demolition, elevation or reconstruction — that residents say they cannot afford. Board members urged clearer, faster guidance so homeowners can plan and pursue relief.

City staff and several residents described paths homeowners can take. Ron, the city’s building official, explained that owners of properties listed as historic can submit documentation showing that the structure is historic; that documentation can exempt them from certain “substantial damage” consequences when Elevate Florida or FEMA review applications. “If your application was in, they let you keep on processing it,” Ron said of Elevate Florida, and he advised residents to “get the documentation stating that you are historic” from planning or zoning for use in grant applications.

HPAB members and residents highlighted the uncertainty that followed changes in the city’s Land Development Regulations (LDRs) adopted in April 2024. Several speakers said a contributing‑structures list was revised in December 2023 and some property owners received letters changing their status; board members asked the city to resend clear notices and allow owners who were added or removed in that round to choose whether to remain on the local register. An HPAB member suggested giving owners autonomy to request relisting or delisting for the December 2023 changes so homeowners can weigh regulatory limits (for example, certificate‑of‑appropriateness requirements) against insurance and reconstruction costs.

Residents and board members repeatedly asked for a faster, emergency‑style pathway for owners whose homes are obviously beyond repair or would be impractical to elevate in their historic form. Contractor and builders association representative TJ Thornberry described a possible “fast‑track” approach that would allow demolition and rebuild when replacements match the neighborhood’s historic appearance and meet agreed criteria. Thornberry said such a pathway would need clear criteria and close coordination among HPAB, urban design and the building department.

Speakers also urged the city to use existing funding and advocacy. Several people encouraged the council to support homeowners’ Elevate Florida applications with letters and to press state or federal partners for timely funds. A council member said 1% sales tax funds remain available and could be considered for some rehabilitation projects, but warned grant adjustments cannot be guaranteed.

What the meeting directed: Staff said they would look into the tickler/reporting systems for demolition permits and provide information on demolition permit counts to the advisory board. The building official offered to help residents understand the substantial‑damage process and where to obtain the historic‑status letter for grant applications. No formal council vote was taken on policy changes during the meeting.

Context and next steps: Board members asked staff to send out corrected and clearer letters to property owners affected by the December 2023 list changes and to bring options for a temporary or emergency process back to a future meeting. Several residents asked the city to pursue letters of support for Elevate Florida applications where appropriate.","Homeowners and advisory board members asked Punta Gorda City staff and council to clarify how historic‑designation rules, elevation grants and demolition rules apply to storm‑damaged houses, and to expedite letters, guidance and a fast‑track process for displaced residents.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Historic‑walk proposal for Ponce De Leon Park paused; HPAB urged phased approach

Punta Gorda plans phased repairs for historic City Hall; roof bid headed to council

Builders association offers to restore AC Freeman House; city to deliver lease draft

Punta Gorda residents press city for clearer rules, faster help after flood damage to historic homes