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Enjoy Historic Punta Gorda in Southwest Florida
Florida is excellent place for shopping
Article Summary: Florida is one state which is flocked by millions of visitors each and every year. With its many recreational avenues from theme parks to water parks, beaches, golf and museums, travellers who come to Florida will in no way run out of issues to do throughout their holiday. The fantastic sun shine adds up to the extra benefit to vacationing to Florida making it even far more welcoming to invest your days and nights outdoors.
For holidaymakers who come to Florida, one of the hobbies prearranged and most undoubtedly not to be missed is shopping. No matter what part of Florida you choose to head to, you are going to surely be able to locate a location to shop. There's a tremendous variety of shopping places that you can easily choose from when in Florida may possibly it be within the type of large department stores, pleasant shopping villages and even at souvenir shops in towns or at the beach. Shopping in Florida can be very a lot carried out may you be looking for high-end trend items to little trinkets and souvenirs throughout your vacation at the sunshine state.
The Cocoa Village is truly a re-established down-town region where shoppers not only enjoy purchasing points but also really feel like becoming brought back in time as they walk around antique stores that are in historic buildings. Although shopping, you might also grab yourself an old fashioned ice cream on a cone or enjoy sipping tea or coffee in a coffee house with a Victorian style.
Should you take place to spend your day at the Walt Disney World since you have kids with you, you'll need not worry due to the fact the Downtown Disney Delights has a number of souvenir shops which you can go to if you wish to buy souvenirs or even other Disney stuff. Just like Cocoa Village, Downtown Fernandina Beach is also discovered in a restored downtown location where it can be lined with charming shops and boutiques.
John's Pass Village and Boardwalk at Madeira Beach is 1 fishing village but even so, it has a wide array of shopping areas that tourists can really significantly head to and who knows, you might just locate here the most intriguing Florida souvenirs which you can give to your loved ones and pals once you head back home. The Renninger's Twin Markets in Mount Dora is actually named that way for 1 particular reason. It has two separate markets in it; one is a farmer's and flea marketplace as well as the other one is for antiques and collectibles.
For surf-lovers, the Ron Jon Surf Shop is found at Cocoa Beach where it's made well-known by surfers themselves for this will be the 1 place where the hottest surfing-gears and clothes are sold. Last but certainly not the least is the Shell Factory at Fort Myers. For sea life collectors, this will be the greatest location to head to if you're looking to shop for one-of-a-kind corals, fossils, sea shells, sponges along with other specimens.
Article Source: http://www.upublish.info
If you are longing for a peaceful sunny vacation in Southwest Florida, and have a penchant for history, then Punta Gorda is the place for you.
Punta Gorda is situated where Charlotte Harbor and the Peace River merge, just south of Port Charlotte. Although the name sounds very romantic, translated form the Spanish is means fat point. It holds the distinction of being the country seat of Charlotte County. Surprisingly it is the only municipality in the county that is incorporated.
About ten years after the American Civil War ended, the Howard brothers became the area's first settlers. Then ten years after settlement, the railroads arrived, along with land developers and tourists. As the most southerly stop on the South Florida Railroad, Punta Gorda attracted some enterprising people. George Brown, an African-American landowner and shipbuilder, was one of the founding fathers of his fledgling town.
In 1887, a meeting was held in Hector's Billiard Parlor and Drugstore to get the ball rolling on incorporation. Of the thirty-four men attending four were African-American. Even though Cornelius Vanderbilt who owned part of the fancy Punta Gorda Hotel, lent a gentile flavor, it was a rough and ready frontier town. Since the town was on the edge of nowhere, it attracted some wild and shifty characters who thought nothing of settling disputes with a gun.
In 1921, Charlotte County was created by the splitting of DeSoto County and a small bridge was built along the new Tamiami Trail, joining up Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor. It was replaced by the Barron Collier Bridge in 1931, and now visitors can easily cross back and forth on a beautiful new link over the Peace River.
When visiting this historic town, we sure to devote lots of time to the 1921 Blanchard House Museum, originally the home of Joseph Blanchard, an African-American fisherman and sea captain. It is full of exhibits depicting civic and religious life, politics, education and the Civil Rights Movement. You will get lost in the wonderful newspaper clippings, heirlooms, and vintage photographs.
Why not take a walking tour and soak up the rustic old world feel of the town. It has thrown off its wild beginnings, and is now a vibrant riverfront city that has something for everyone. Admire the two storey colonial houses wrapped with huge front verandahs which stand in stark contrast to the usual bungalows and low rise homes of other Florida towns.
The jewel of Punta Gorda is the sprawling Fishermen's Village, that attracts countless tourist every year. It's right down on the harbor where fish packing houses once stood. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the boutiques and shops where you can purchase artwork, collectibles, resort fashions, and those special souvenirs for the folks back home.
When you're hungry choose one of the sidewalk eateries, enjoy pasta and pizza, or slide into one of the fine establishments where you can enjoy a view of the harbor. In the day time the sight of blue water, hawks circling on high, and gulls that dip and cruise, will delight you. After dark watch the twinkling lights of tour boats and Charlotte Harbor.
Boating enthusiasts will be impressed with the variety of vessels docked at Fishermen's Village from speedboats and cabin cruisers to luxury yachts.
There are trails to hike at the South Florida Birding Trail site, and tours to take at the Environmental Center's Alligator Creek facility, just south of Punta Gorda on Burnt Store Road. You may even spot a pair of nesting bald eagles.
Baseball fans can look forward to 2009 and the opening of Charlotte County's $46 million sports arena where the Tampa Bay Rays will conduct their spring training camp.
On August 13, 2004, Hurricane Charley, which was predicted to hit Tampa, made an unexpected right turn and slammed into Charlotte Harbor. It was the strongest storm to hit Florida since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. The town has recovered nicely from the destruction of torn roofs and destroyed buildings. Charley afforded Punta Gorda the chance to clean up some ramshackle areas of town, and make way for new business ventures to pop up.
A farmers market will soon be opening, and lots of bicycling paths are planned for the cycling enthusiast. A romantic two mile long promenade along the bay is also in the works.
Come to Punta Gorda now for the warm breezes and historical flavor. Bring your family and enjoy small town wholesome activities in a relaxed atmosphere. The beaches are beautiful, the boating and fishing is world class, and of course, the sense of history is everywhere.
Then, in a few years, come back and enjoy one of the healthiest spots in the country to retire. This is according to U.S. News, whose editors selected ten spots, with Punta Gorda being one. The opportunity to exercise, enjoy social interactions, and engage in a healthy lifestyle will keep you well ahead of the curve.
Article Source: http://www.upublish.info
Governor Scott Vetoes $615 Million in Special-Interest Earmarks, Signs $69.1 Billion Budget
Calls on Legislature to Put Children First, Redirect Earmarks to K-12 Education
In keeping his campaign promise to make the tough choices needed to turn Florida’s economy around and get Floridians back to work, Governor Rick Scott today vetoed $615 million in special-interest earmarks and signed the 2011-12 state budget. Governor Scott called on House and Senate leaders to redirect the vetoed special-interest dollars into K-12 classrooms and schools so that state spending can remain at last year’s levels.
After vetoes, the $69.1-billion budget meets government’s three fundamental obligations of protecting public health and safety, creating a business friendly environment and preparing Florida’s students to compete in the 21st century global economy.
“I commend the Legislature for sending me a budget that reduces the size and cost of government and provides tax relief to individuals and business,” said Governor Scott. “Special interests probably aren’t happy with the tough choices I made, but I am confident everyone can agree that funding for our children and students is more important than pleasing Tallahassee’s special interests.”
HURRICANE SEASON 2012
JUNE 1 THRU NOVEMBER 30TH
BE PREPARED
