Sustainability: In Sync with Nature
 

Sustainability in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach: A Commitment to Our Natural Treasures

In Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, the Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast, sustainability isn't just a buzzword—it's a way of life. We proudly say, "Our Best Side is Outside," and we are committed to preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of our region. With a population of just 200,000 people spread over 859 square miles, we stand as a testament to what Florida used to be: an undiscovered gem, free from high-density congestion and sprawling high-rises.
 

A Unique, Natural Landscape

One of the most distinctive features of our area is its commitment to low-impact development. In fact, there are only two buildings taller than five stories in the entire county: the Punta Gorda Airport Control Tower and the newly constructed Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor, which tops out at nine stories. Our lack of high-rises and urban sprawl allows residents and visitors alike to fully experience the unspoiled beauty of our environment.
 

Our commitment to sustainability extends into the ocean with our artificial reef program. This initiative not only improves our fisheries and protects the shoreline but also creates habitats for endangered and threatened species, such as the smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata), which is federally listed as endangered.

Over 80% of Charlotte Harbor's shoreline is preserved, ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy these natural resources. You can explore more about our parks and preserves here.
 

Protecting Our Wildlife

In Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, protecting wildlife is a community effort. We are passionate about safeguarding sea turtles, manatees, and other species that call our area home. It's not uncommon to see a driver stop in the middle of the road to help a gopher tortoise, a protected species, cross safely.

Our waters are meticulously monitored for quality, ensuring that the environment remains healthy for both wildlife and residents. Additionally, we offer eco-tours that allow visitors to experience our unique ecosystems firsthand while learning about conservation efforts. Any visit to our area should include getting out on the water, whether it be fishing, boating, paddling, kayaking or just swimming in the aqua waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Also, the County’s septic to sewer conversion program has made a lot of progress over the past few years positively affecting our water quality and that program continues to expand.
 

Partnering for Conservation

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is dedicated to working alongside local organizations to protect and enhance our natural ecosystems. We are proud to partner with the Coastal Wildlife Club to monitor and safeguard nesting sea turtles along our beaches, ensuring that these magnificent creatures have a safe environment to thrive.

We also collaborate with the Coastal Conservation Association on projects like oyster reef renourishment, which helps to restore vital habitats and improve water quality. These efforts extend to fish releases and tracking initiatives that support the sustainability of our local fisheries. These partnerships play a critical role in preserving the biodiversity and ecological health of our coastal environment.
 

Sustainable Practices in Our Office

Our dedication to sustainability doesn't stop at our natural environment—it extends into our daily operations. We’ve implemented several green initiatives, including:

• Electronic Communications: We conduct all our communications electronically to reduce paper usage.
• ​Printing: Our brochures are available digitally, and when printed, we prioritize lower quantities and environmentally friendly materials.

• Office Recycling: We recycle paper and plastics to minimize waste.

• Energy Conservation: We ensure that lights and computers are turned off when not in use to save energy.
   

A Destination Committed to the Future

At Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, we believe that preserving our environment is essential to maintaining the unique charm and character of our region. Our sustainability efforts are woven into the fabric of our community, ensuring that we remain a hidden gem for generations to come.