Punta Gorda businesses address farmer's market impacts and downtown revitalization needs

The City Council Workshop Business Owner Listening Session held in Punta Gorda on July 7, 2025, focused on addressing key concerns from local business owners regarding community development and support. The session provided a platform for business representatives to voice their challenges and suggestions for improvement.

Bill Page, representing a group of 15 small businesses, highlighted ongoing parking issues and expressed concerns about the local farmer's market. He noted that the market has become a burden for nearby businesses due to inadequate restroom facilities, leading to customers seeking restrooms in their establishments. Page emphasized the need for portable restrooms at the market to alleviate this problem.

June Amara, owner of Creative Window Treatments, shared her perspective on the long-standing eyesore in the area since Hurricane Charlie. She urged the city to take action on the vacant property, suggesting that revitalization efforts could attract more businesses. Amara advocated for the city to consider offering incentives to developers, similar to successful strategies implemented in other regions, to stimulate growth and development.

The discussions underscored a sense of urgency among local business owners for the city to address infrastructure and support issues that directly impact their operations. The session concluded with a call for collaboration between the city and business community to foster a more conducive environment for economic growth.