The Punta Gorda Development Review Committee on Sept. 12 recommended approval of permits for multiple community events, including two Punta Gorda Seafood and Music Festival dates and several park and parade events, subject to standard staff conditions.

Committee members voted by voice on each item. Urban Design and other staff set conditions common to several approvals: provide a copy of the IRS tax-exemption certificate if applicable, name and license of any person or company serving or selling alcohol, a current certificate of insurance naming the city as additional insured when required, and ensure the HarborWalk remains open and accessible during events. The April Seafood and Music Festival application also requires a new certificate of insurance by March 2026 because the one on file expires Feb. 27, 2026. For some events the police department required two officers per day and the fire department noted in-kind staffing for certain school events.

The committee recommended approval of the following applications during the meeting:

- 25-191556: Punta Gorda Seafood and Music Festival (January 2026, Lashley Park). Urban Design requested the IRS exemption form, alcohol server license, and that the HarborWalk remain open. Motion approved by voice.

- 25-191557: Punta Gorda Seafood and Music Festival (April 17–19, 2026, Lashley Park). Staff requested IRS exemption form, alcohol server license, and a new certificate of insurance by March 2026 (current COI expires 02/27/2026). Police requires two officers per day. Motion approved by voice.

- 25-191559: Walk for Life (March 7, 2026, Gilchrist Park). Staff requested IRS exemption certificate, the name of the shuttle service, and a certificate of insurance naming the city as additional insured; zoning stated no objection once documents are received. Motion approved by voice.

- 25-191561: LLSM Craft Fair (January 24–25, 2026, Lashley Park). Urban Design’s only comment was that the HarborWalk must stay open and accessible. Motion approved by voice.

- 25-194019: Charlotte High School Homecoming Parade (Oct. 9, 2025). The fire department confirmed willingness to include a truck in the parade and to staff the event in kind; road closure request will be heard by the City Council on Sept. 24, 2025. The committee voted to forward the application and fee waiver request to City Council with a recommendation of approval.

- 25-191575: Premier Auto Auction (December 2025, Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center). Police noted they will supply officers as requested. The venue’s general manager, Jim Finch, said parts of the HarborWalk remain fenced due to hurricane damage and asked the city to meet to determine how much space must remain accessible; staff said someone will reach out. Motion approved by voice.

- 25-191570: Bridal & Play in Paradise (March 20–21, 2026, Lashley Park). The fire department will provide a bike medic team per day; the police department requires two detail officers (one for the event, one for traffic). Urban Design requested alcohol license copy, COI naming the city as additional insured, and an updated IRS certificate. Motion recommended for approval by voice.

Committee votes were recorded as voice votes with affirmative “aye” responses; no roll-call tallies or individual vote names were recorded in the transcript. Where staff requested documents, approvals were conditioned on receipt of those documents or compliance with identified requirements.

Several applicants and staff representatives addressed access to the HarborWalk because of fencing or damage at specific sites and were told city staff would follow up to coordinate. For the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, Jim Finch asked the city to meet onsite to clarify required accessible space while portions remain fenced. For the Charlotte High School parade, staff reminded the applicant that the road closure request proceeds to City Council on Sept. 24.

The committee moved forward routine permits while flagging outstanding documentation for applicants to supply before final administrative clearance.