Punta Gorda, Florida
Punta Gorda (/ˌpʌntə ˈɡɔːrdə/; English: Fat Point) is a city located in Southwest Florida and is the county seat of Charlotte County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 U.S. Census the city had a population of 19,471. Punta Gorda is part of the Sarasota-Bradenton-Punta Gorda Combined Statistical Area.
Punta Gorda, Florida | |
|---|---|
Punta Gorda City Hall | |
| Etymology: Spanish: punta gorda, lit. 'fat point' | |
Location in Charlotte County and the state of Florida | |
| Coordinates: 26°54′57″N 82°2′52″W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |
| County | Charlotte |
| Settled | 1882 |
| Incorporated (city) | 1887 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council-manager |
| • Mayor | Lynne Matthews |
| • City Manager | Greg Murray |
| Area | |
| • Total | 21.87 sq mi (56.64 km2) |
| • Land | 15.50 sq mi (40.13 km2) |
| • Water | 6.37 sq mi (16.51 km2) 28.52% |
| Elevation | 6 ft (2 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 19,471 |
| • Density | 1,256.52/sq mi (485.14/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes | 33950-33951, 33955 , 33980 |
| Area code | 941 |
| FIPS code | 12-59200 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0289380 |
| Website | www |
Punta Gorda was the scene of massive destruction after Charley, a Category 4 hurricane, came through the city on August 13, 2004. Charley was the strongest tropical system to hit Florida since Hurricane Andrew in 1992, and the first hurricane since Hurricane Donna in 1960 to make a direct hit on Florida's southwest coast. In the years following the storm, buildings were restored or built to hurricane-resistant building codes. The new buildings, restorations and amenities concurrently preserved the city's past while showcasing newer facilities. During this time, Laishley Park Municipal Marina was built and the Harborwalk, Linear Park and various trails were created throughout the city for bicycle and pedestrian traffic.