After Hurricane Charley, John Benande looked around at the devastation and approached Punta Gorda City Staff with the idea that TEAM Punta Gorda would partner with the City. TEAM would raise money for beautification material needed and requested by City staff. It was also agreed that TEAM volunteers would provide labor for beautification projects. The partnership has been very successful over the years. If you enjoy helping beautify our community, this is the committee for you. Please join us!

The following is a description of our joint projects.

The money raised from the sale of the commemorative pavers allowed TEAM Punta Gorda to add shade trees to the area around the Interactive Fountain in Laishley Park. “We are very excited about our partnership with TEAM Punta Gorda on projects of this kind,” commented Dennis Murphy, City Director of Growth Management.  Dennis added, “the truth is, in the current economy, we simply could not afford to proceed with beautification projects of this type without TEAM’s assistance.”

A new paver fund raiser has been initiated. Money raised will enable the city of Punta Gorda to purchase additional beautification materials that would otherwise not be purchased due to current budget restraints. For additional information please go the Paver Project.

This Beautification Fund Raising Program has been successfully completed. Sponsors purchased 12 X 12 inch engraved pavers. The donor pavers were placed at Herald Court and Hector House Plaza sidewalks. Funds raised were used to purchase beautification materials for the streetscape at Marion Avenue.

The Citizens’ Master Plan 2005 envisioned a park across from the old Courthouse. TEAM partnered with the City Staff who designed a parking area and plaza. This area was planted in April 2007 and paved in June 2008 by TEAM volunteers The final paver was laid on June 3rd 2008. Fifteen volunteers laid 4 ½ pallets in 95 minutes! Punta Gorda is now blessed with a beautiful park commemorating Hector House where the original city charter was signed.

City Staff asked TEAM to partner with them on the installation of the 15 to 18 foot-wide brick paver walkway on Herald Court. TEAM volunteers installed approximately two-thirds of the bricks in two mornings assisted by efforts by several other civic groups.

TEAM Punta Gorda purchased the beautification material for the West Marion Avenue streetscape including the shrubs, trees, sod and the irrigation system. This is the area between US 41 and Taylor on the north side of the street. After the City completed the site preparation, TEAM had their “planting party” on December 16th with approximately 50 volunteers in attendance.

Following the installation of the sprinkler system on December 19th we had the sod installed by our volunteers on December 21st. We were pleased that with the help of the City, our suppliers, and volunteers, this project was completed before Christmas.