Tarpon Feed & Supply: A Student-Run Success Story in Punta Gorda

August 18th, 2025

Original reporting from FFA.org – The Tarpon Feed & Supply

Punta Gorda, Florida, is no stranger to agriculture. Ranches, farms, and 4-H projects shape its history and identity. But for many local students, one major challenge stood out: finding quality livestock feed close to home. That challenge sparked a bold idea, and today it lives on as Tarpon Feed & Supply—a student-run store that’s not just filling feed bags, but also filling a gap in the community.

This story, originally reported by FFA.org, is about more than a store. It’s about how young people, supported by mentors and their community, can take a problem and turn it into a legacy.

Charlotte Sr. FFA Chapter Builds Community Through Agriculture

The Charlotte Sr. FFA Chapter has long been a pillar of youth leadership in Punta Gorda. FFA is about much more than raising animals or learning crop science. It’s about equipping students with real-world skills, from business management to public speaking.

In Charlotte County, where agriculture ties generations together, this chapter saw an opportunity to deepen its community impact. Students weren’t content with just participating in livestock shows—they wanted to support everyone raising animals locally. Tarpon Feed & Supply became the bridge between their classroom lessons and the real needs of their neighbors.

How Tarpon Feed & Supply Began

A few years back, students noticed a problem. Livestock feed for show projects wasn’t easy to find in Punta Gorda. The only option nearby? Tractor Supply. While that served some needs, it didn’t cover the diversity of livestock projects in the county.

Recognizing this gap, chapter members began brainstorming. They asked a simple question: “Why not create our own feed and supply store?” With the support of their advisor and encouragement from community leaders, the students set the wheels in motion. Their school’s land lab, a place for agricultural learning, became the chosen site.

By this school year, Tarpon Feed & Supply had transformed from an idea into reality.

Transforming Tradition Into Innovation

Instead of building something new, the students looked at what they already had. The old ag mechanics shop and storage building sat unused. With creativity, sweat, and teamwork, they transformed it into a fully functional retail space.

Now open four days a week, the store stands as a testament to student initiative. Inside, customers find neatly stacked feed bags, shelves of livestock supplies, and smiling students ready to help. What was once a dusty storage space now bustles with activity and purpose.

A Local Solution for Livestock Owners in Charlotte County

Punta Gorda and Charlotte County remain deeply agricultural. Ranchers raise cattle, families invest in 4-H projects, and students show animals at county fairs. But having to drive far for supplies was a hassle.

Tarpon Feed & Supply stepped in to change that. Customers now enjoy a convenient, local solution. Bulk orders are welcome, but so are single bags for small projects. Accessibility matters, and this store puts the needs of livestock owners first.

Partnerships That Strengthen Agriculture

Part of what makes Tarpon Feed & Supply so strong is its partnerships. Becoming a registered Cargill Feed dealer means customers can trust the quality. A partnership with Sullivan Supply, known nationwide in livestock show circles, adds credibility and range.

Beyond that, the store can arrange custom or bulk orders from other vendors. This flexibility ensures that every rancher, farmer, or student finds what they need. It’s not just a feed store—it’s a hub of agricultural support.

Hands-On Learning Beyond the Classroom

What really sets Tarpon Feed & Supply apart is the experience it gives students. Managing inventory, processing orders, handling cash, and serving customers are not just chores—they’re career skills.

Each student who works in the store walks away with confidence. They know how to answer questions, solve problems, and manage responsibility. In short, they’re getting a business education without leaving campus. That’s powerful preparation for both college and the workforce.

Supporting the Future of Advanced Manufacturing and Agribusiness

Charlotte County is investing heavily in workforce development. Programs in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and agribusiness are part of the region’s growth story. Tarpon Feed & Supply ties directly into that vision.

By giving students real retail and operations experience, it creates a pipeline of skilled, responsible young professionals. Tomorrow’s managers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders are learning the ropes right here in Punta Gorda.

Tarpon Feed & Supply as a Model for Student Entrepreneurship

Running a store isn’t easy. It takes planning, marketing, and daily management. Students at Charlotte Sr. FFA are proving that they can handle it all.

Their store has already grown since launch, showing strong sales and community support. More importantly, it has built leadership qualities that no textbook could teach. Entrepreneurship is about risk and reward, and these students are experiencing both in a safe, supportive environment.

The Economic and Cultural Impact on Punta Gorda

Every thriving community needs local solutions. Tarpon Feed & Supply keeps dollars in Charlotte County. Instead of residents traveling to other towns for supplies, they’re spending money locally. That circulation strengthens the economy.

Culturally, the store reinforces the value of agriculture. It reminds the wider community that farming, ranching, and livestock aren’t relics of the past—they’re active, vital parts of Charlotte County’s identity and future.

Charlotte County Agriculture: Tradition Meets Opportunity

Agriculture has deep roots in Punta Gorda. But the future is just as exciting as the past. Projects like Tarpon Feed & Supply blend tradition with innovation. They connect generations—grandparents who once raised cattle, parents who supported 4-H, and now students who run their own business.

That connection ensures agriculture doesn’t just survive in Charlotte County. It thrives.

Why Site Selection for Agribusiness Matters in Southwest Florida

Agriculture is tied closely to land. The decision to use the school’s land lab for the feed store was strategic. It created an accessible, central location that makes sense for customers.

In site selection, proximity matters. For Southwest Florida’s agribusiness, Punta Gorda sits in a sweet spot. It’s close to both rural areas and growing urban centers. That blend allows Tarpon Feed & Supply to serve a wide range of customers—from hobbyists with backyard chickens to large-scale cattle ranchers.

The Lasting Legacy of Tarpon Feed & Supply

Leaving a legacy is never easy. But the Charlotte Sr. FFA chapter is doing just that. They’re leaving behind a working model that future classes can expand. They’re showing other chapters in Florida what’s possible.

The Tarpon Feed & Supply story will inspire not just students, but educators, business leaders, and communities across the state.

FAQs About Tarpon Feed & Supply and FFA in Charlotte County

Where is Tarpon Feed & Supply located?
On the Charlotte Sr. FFA chapter’s land lab in Punta Gorda, Florida.

Who runs the store?
FFA members, supported by adults and their advisor.

What products are available?
Livestock feed, supplies, bulk orders, and custom vendor requests.

Why was the store created?
To fill the gap in local livestock feed supply and give students business experience.

Are the products high quality?
Yes, through partnerships with Cargill Feed, Sullivan Supply, and other trusted vendors.

What’s the biggest impact of the store?
Hands-on business training for students and stronger support for local agriculture.

Conclusion: Growing Leaders, Strengthening Communities

Tarpon Feed & Supply is more than a student project. It’s a working business, a training ground, and a gift to the community. Charlotte Sr. FFA has shown how education and entrepreneurship go hand in hand.

As the store continues to grow, it will leave a lasting legacy—not only in Punta Gorda but across Florida. By filling a need, building partnerships, and empowering students, Tarpon Feed & Supply proves that the future of agriculture is bright in Charlotte County.

Original reporting from FFA.org – The Tarpon Feed & Supply