Punta Gorda committee approves Hibiscus Fest permit with conditions

The Punta Gorda City Development Review Committee approved an event permit for Hibiscus Fest, scheduled May 1–3, 2026, granting exclusive use of Gilcrest Park with several department conditions.

Adriana Gherky, planner 1, introduced agenda item 2a as event permit 26-00196574 and confirmed the applicant was present. The committee heard department requirements before taking a voice vote to approve the permit. A department representative said the police department is requiring "one detail officer per day" for the event. Gherky said a temporary permit is required through the fire department; the transcript contains an unclear fragment in that exchange that could not be confirmed from the record. Zoning requested that the applicant provide a certificate of insurance and an alcohol beverage license, and that "the Harbor Walk must remain open at all times," Gherky said.

The applicant, Teresa Deskin, acknowledged the conditions. An unidentified committee member moved to approve the permit; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The committee recorded ayes and the motion carried. The transcript does not record a roll-call tally or the number of affirmative votes.

Votes at a glance: - Approval of minutes (Jan. 23, 2026): Motion to approve carried by voice vote during the Feb. 10 meeting. Motion text in the record: "Motion approved 01/23/2026 meeting minutes." (Introduced SEG 016; decision recorded SEG 027.) - Hibiscus Fest event permit (26-00196574): Motion to approve exclusive use of Gilcrest Park for May 2026 carried by voice vote; departmental conditions include one police detail per day, a temporary fire permit, certificate of insurance, an alcohol beverage license, and keeping the Harbor Walk open. (Introduced SEG 028; decision recorded SEG 071.)

The Development Review Committee adjourned at 9:03 a.m. on Feb. 10, 2026. The committee's next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 27, 2026, at 9 a.m. in the Lashley Community Room.