News in brief of May 30, 2021 | Community briefs

Interruption of water service
A water service interruption is scheduled for Tuesday, June 1, from approximately 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. This is work required for the Burnt Store Road widening project. Customers in this area, which includes all Heritage Landing addresses, should plan to be without water service during this time.
Boston bombing survivor speaks out
Boston Marathon bombing survivor Rebekah Gregory will be the special speaker for Today Matters Mental Health Ministries at 4 p.m. June 19 at the Life Center’s First United Methodist Church, located at 507 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda. Doors will open at 3 p.m. for photo ops and a chance to speak with Rebekah one-on-one. Rebekah has made a lifelong mission to help children with loss, pain, PTSD and more. Through her foundation, Rebekah’s Angels Foundation, she has helped many children overcome various traumatic events. Copies of his book, “Taking Back My Life”, will be available for purchase and autograph. For more information call 863-244-6289 or visit www.whatis1st.com and click on the Today Matters logo.
Bayshore Live Oak Park Update
Maintenance and construction of the park’s sidewalks and concrete landscaping is scheduled to begin June 1 at Bayshore Live Oak Park, 23157 Bayshore Road, Port Charlotte. The park will remain open, but guests are encouraged to exercise caution and avoid construction areas closed to the public.
Guardian Ad Litem information session
The Florida Guardian Ad Litem program needs community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned by the adults in their lives. If you want to be a champion for the kids in your community, attend an hour-long info session through Zoom. The June session will take place from noon to 1 p.m. June 9. Open to all full-time residents 21 years of age or older with eight to 10 hours per month to volunteer with staff support and free training provided. For more information or to register for the June session, call 941-467-4663 or email [email protected]
South Gulf Cove Park Toilets
The washrooms at South Gulf Cove Park will be closed for renovations until June 11. Portable toilets and hand washing stations will be available for public use during this time. South Gulf Cove Park is located at 10150 Amicola St., Port Charlotte.
Assistance with electricity bills
The Charlotte County Department of Human Services accepts requests for assistance with utility bills. The Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program is supported by the Ministry of Economic Opportunity through a grant totaling $ 579,818, of which 0% is funded from sources non-governmental.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance is available once every 12 months to eligible households based on monthly gross income, to help offset the cost of home energy. Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2021 or until all funds are spent.
Energy CRISIS Assistance for Low Income Households may also be available for households with out of power, overdue bill, final notice or security deposit. Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2021 or until all funds are spent.
The Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program, sponsored by the Department of Seniors Affairs and the Southwest Florida Regional Agency on Aging and administered by Charlotte County Social Services, may have funds available for households with at least one overdue energy bill.
Apply and complete the online application at www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov – in the community menu, click on “Help with bill payment”.
For questions or assistance with the request, contact Charlotte County Human Services at 941-833-6500.
The historical committee is looking for volunteers
The Historical Advisory Committee is looking for five volunteers interested in preserving the history of Charlotte County. Volunteers must be permanent residents of Charlotte County. Four members should represent local historical organizations, while the fifth position is open to a general member of the community. The terms of office are three years and will be staggered. According to Charlotte County officials, the functions, powers and duties of the committee include:
• Evaluate and make recommendations on where historical markers should be established.
• Examine development and construction projects of historical significance.
• Provide feedback on potential historic neighborhoods.
• Provide feedback on historic programs and outreach efforts.
• Make recommendations on the establishment of an archives / collection program.
• Raise funds to preserve historic structures and equipment.
• Provide recommendations to the Board of Directors on matters relating to the functions specified above or other functions assigned by the Board.
• Review and provide feedback on the capital improvement budget.
Copperfish Books, located at 212 W. Virginia Ave., Unit 112 in Punta Gorda, is hosting a book drive for economically disadvantaged and at-risk children in Charlotte County. These children receive funding for child care services through the Early Learning Coalition of Florida’s Heartland (ELCFH). The reader focuses on great books for kindergarten to read with titles that help kids prepare socially and emotionally for kindergarten entry. Over $ 600 has been donated to the book drive, which will help ensure children in need in Charlotte County have these special books to read this summer. High quality book bundles will be available for purchase and donation on the Copperfish Book website at www.copperfishbooks.com. For more information on collecting books, email [email protected]
The theme for Charlotte County’s 2022 County calendar will be “One Charlotte, One Water”. The public is invited to submit photos depicting Charlotte County water: streams, harbor, ponds, drinking water – anything that is water. Fifteen photos will appear in the One Charlotte, One Water 2022 calendar.
It’s free and easy to enter. Simply email your photos to [email protected] Use the One Charlotte, One Water subject line and include your contact details and the subject of your photo. Photos should be horizontal and 11 inches by 8.5 inches. Winners will receive a free calendar and their photos will be featured on the county’s website and social media pages. You can enter as many photos as you want. Winners will be notified by phone or email. The calendars will be made available to the public in November at county offices to be announced.
Construction Industry Licensing Board
The Construction Industry Licensing Board is looking for a volunteer to represent the Consumer Advocates category. Volunteers must have resided in Charlotte County for at least two years and have no financial interest, direct or indirect, in the construction trades. The term of office is until March 2022. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at 18500 Murdock Circle in the Charlotte County Administration Center. For a request, call 941-743-1298 or email [email protected]