Punta Gorda DRC OKs Fisherman's Village event permits with police, fire and administrative conditions

The Punta Gorda City Development Review Committee on Oct. 24, 2025 recommended approval of three event permits for Fisherman's Village with conditions covering police details, fire staffing, coordination with Public Works and documentation related to alcohol sales.

The committee, meeting at the Lashley Community Room, approved permits for the Lighting of the Village (permit 25-195582, Nov. 15, 2025), a New Year’s Eve celebration (permit 25-195581, Dec. 31, 2025) and an event listed as “Mr. Swindells” (permit 25-195583, February 2026). The approvals were made by motion during the committee’s Oct. 24 meeting and recorded as approvals with the conditions discussed on the record.

Chief conditions imposed or noted on the record included police detail requirements, coordination with Public Works on right-of-way/traffic control and documentation for alcohol sales. A police representative advised the committee that event staffing follows past practice: the Lighting event will use three detail officers, including a foot patrol officer; the New Year’s Eve event will use four detail officers because a marine officer will be assigned, with foot patrol from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and two traffic officers covering 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.; and the February event will require at least one officer for each day the site serves alcohol, with exact officer times to be confirmed with the applicant. Fire staff said the New Year’s Eve event will require two firefighters and an officer, and fire prevention will coordinate for fireworks as needed.

City staff directed applicants to coordinate with Dave Myers in Public Works on any right-of-way/maintenance-of-traffic needs and to confirm timing and logistics several weeks before each event. A staff comment required applicants to provide a copy of the IRS tax-exemption form and the name and license of any person or company serving or selling alcohol. Kathy Burnham, marketing manager for Fisherman's Village, told the committee that for the Lighting event Village Brewhouse will handle alcohol sales and that no outside vendors are anticipated for that event.

For the event identified as Mr. Swindells in February 2026, staff also recorded that access to the Harbor Walk must remain open at all times when the event area is adjacent to that facility. Where show or sale times were not specified on applications, staff said they will follow up with the applicants to set officer hours and finalize conditions.

Committee motions to recommend approval for each permit were made and seconded during the meeting; committee members indicated “aye” and the motions carried. No opposing votes or abstentions were recorded on the transcript.

The approvals are recommendations from the Development Review Committee and carry the conditions discussed; applicants were directed to complete required documentation and coordinate logistics with Public Works and the city’s public-safety staff before each event.