Charley's target: Punta Gorda
FIVE YEARS AFTER HURRICANE CHARLEY, many people who endured its savagery are content to spend as little time as possible remembering that fateful August. They seem almost surprised to be asked about their recollections Full Story
Building a TEAM to rebuild a city
How TEAM Punta Gorda rose from the rubble of Hurricane Charley
This article traces the early days of TEAM Punta Gorda, the grassroots organization that has made an indelible impact on Punta Gorda. It covers from inception to the first anniversary of Hurricane Charley. Many more citizens than are mentioned here helped make it happen. Full Story
Peace River Church peaceful at last
The Peace River Church of Christ in Punta Gorda was blown away by Hurricane Charley on Aug. 13, 2004. Last week, Bob Henry, one of three trustees of the church, spoke of its recovery. The few things that remained following that horrendous day were resurrected and revitalized at the hand of Mr. Henry himself, who is a carpenter, much like the Lord he serves. Full Story
Port Charlotte's Ace is back after Charley brings hard wear
"What took us 25 years to build, Hurricane Charley destroyed in one afternoon," managers of Morton's Ace Hardware said. But customers encouraged them to rebuild. Five years ago, immediately following Hurricane Charley, a plywood sign boldly proclaimed, "We will be back!! Full Story
TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM
Clockwise, from the top: The intersection of west Marion and Gill streets, tangled trees, President Bush speaks with residents and the troops stand guard. Full Story
MAKING A COMEBACK
The side of 264 W. Marion St. Its owner battled for the right to rebuild. Today, it's the home to Cubby's Homemade Ice Cream. Full Story
RENEWAL & GROWTH
COURTESY PHOTOS A banyan tree in Punta Gorda was ravaged by Hurricane Charley and now stands as a symbol of growth and renewal. Full Story
A novelist's-eye view of Hurricane Charley
Sally Simon is a novelist, as well as what we used to call "an every-day person." In her case, it means she works almost every day — at Hamilton's Uniform in Port Charlotte — and she engages every day with curiosity, Full Story
Seven words that sum up a hurricane
Is it possible to describe "hurricane" in seven words? We put the question out to Charlotte County residents, business owners and government officials. And we got some replies we can only describe as category five. We hope you'll enjoy a little lighthearted humor on the very heavy topic of "hurricane. Full Story
Recovery and healing after Charley: a doctor's story
When Hurricane Charley smashed through Punta Gorda with winds at 150 miles per hour, we had no time to get out. We were in a hallway with mattresses over our heads. We prayed and sang songs as we heard our home being demolished. When we emerged, we found our home badly damaged and our belongings wet and scattered everywhere. But we were alive and we could give thanks. Full Story
Recovery and healing after Charley: a business woman's story
Weathering the storm itself was not the hardest. It was the aftermath. No place to work, no power, no water. New Hope Natural Healing Center was hit hard. Its home was destroyed. Its new home was not yet renovated and sustained damage, too. How could we help our patients? Full Story
Recovery and healing after Charley: an artist's story
A million thoughts and memories have been rattling in my mind about all that happened with Hurricane Charley. On Aug. 12, 2004, with the threat of a hurricane still heading for Tampa, we were very concerned about storm surge, especially in our vulnerable downtown area. Full Story
100 in inaugural class
On hundred students arrived Monday at Edison State College's Collegiate High School in Punta Gorda. It is the first class of the brand new collegiate high school. The entering freshman class will graduate in the year 2013. Full Story
Airport demolishes last Charley-damaged building
The Demolition crew arrived earlier this week at the Charlotte County Airport to take down one of the few remaining buildings that was damaged beyond economical repair by hurricane Charley. The former home of an aircraft repair business, the building had deteriorated over the five years since the natural disaster. Full Story
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