Punta Gorda business seeks better advertising amid sign regulation confusion

The City Council of Punta Gorda, Florida, held a workshop on July 7, 2025, focused on gathering input from local business owners regarding advertising challenges. The session aimed to address concerns about visibility and promotional opportunities for businesses in the area.

During the meeting, a business owner raised significant issues regarding the difficulty of advertising from the street. They noted that despite being established for nearly four years, many potential customers remain unaware of their presence. The owner highlighted the need for improved advertising options, particularly for the Mercantile area, which they described as a vibrant shopping destination akin to a museum. They expressed frustration that larger chains like McDonald's and Walmart have more lenient advertising regulations, allowing them to utilize flags and banners that attract attention.

In response, a council member acknowledged the complexities surrounding advertising regulations. They explained that the presence of county property with differing sign regulations creates confusion for residents and visitors. This inconsistency leads to a lack of visibility for businesses in the plaza, as potential customers may not realize they are there when they see more prominent advertising across the street.

The discussion underscored the need for collaboration between the city and county to streamline advertising regulations, ensuring that local businesses can effectively promote themselves and attract customers. The council indicated a willingness to explore solutions that could enhance visibility for businesses while navigating the existing regulatory framework.

The workshop concluded with a commitment to further investigate the advertising challenges faced by local businesses and to consider potential changes that could benefit the community as a whole.