January 2026 Cleared 4 Takeoff Newsletter

Cleared for Takeoff

January 2026 Monthly Newsletter

Covering December 2025 activity

Welcome to January

Charlotte County Ends the Year with Momentum

December closed out the year with continued progress across business development, workforce initiatives, and community engagement in Charlotte County. Major development milestones, business confidence signals, and infrastructure readiness reinforced the county’s position as a competitive location for growth. Workforce efforts focused on practical tools that help employers hire, train, and retain talent while supporting working families and career pathways. Small business engagement and entrepreneur support continued through direct outreach and listening efforts that strengthen relationships across the local business community. Community recognition and quality-of-life highlights celebrated leadership, innovation, and the experiences that make Charlotte County a place where people choose to live, work, and invest. Together, these stories reflect a consistent focus on readiness, collaboration, and long-term opportunity as the county enters the new year.

Business & Site Development

Duffie North Industrial Development Breaks Ground at PGD Airport

Construction is underway at Duffie North, a new industrial development located within the Punta Gorda Airport Commerce Center. The project expands modern industrial space options in Charlotte County and supports long-term site readiness for employers seeking well-positioned locations. Developments like Duffie North strengthen the county’s ability to compete for advanced manufacturing, logistics, and distribution projects while reinforcing continued investment momentum at the airport commerce center.

Safe, Stable, and Ready for Growth: Charlotte County’s Quiet Success Story

Charlotte County continues to stand out as a stable, business-ready community offering infrastructure capacity, available sites, and a predictable environment for investment. The county’s steady growth approach emphasizes long-term planning, infrastructure reliability, and quality of life, positioning the region as an attractive option for companies evaluating expansion or relocation. This balanced growth strategy continues drawing interest from employers seeking both opportunity and stability.

Businesses Navigate Tariffs, Trade Uncertainty, and Location Decisions

As national and global trade conditions continue to evolve, businesses are carefully evaluating how tariffs and supply chain shifts influence location decisions. Charlotte County remains well-positioned for companies seeking reliable infrastructure, access to Florida markets, and long-term operating confidence. Understanding how employers assess risk and opportunity helps reinforce why site readiness, logistics access, and predictable conditions remain key competitive advantages for the county.

ALDI Plans New Store Openings Across the Region

ALDI announced plans to open new stores across the region, reflecting continued retail investment and population growth trends in Southwest Florida. Retail expansions like ALDI signal consumer demand, workforce availability, and confidence in local markets. These investments contribute to community convenience, job creation, and overall economic vitality while reinforcing Charlotte County’s role within a growing regional economy.

Port Charlotte-Punta Gorda Named Top Golf Destination

The Port Charlotte–Punta Gorda corridor was recognized as one of Florida’s top golf destinations in a recent national ranking by Golf Advisor. The designation highlights the region’s growing collection of high-quality golf courses, including Riverwood Golf Club, which was named among the top 25. Quality-of-life amenities like golf play an important role in workforce attraction and business location decisions by supporting recreation, tourism, and livability. Third-party recognition reinforces the value of continued investment in community amenities that complement economic growth.

Workforce Development & Education

Early Learning and Childcare Support Workforce Participation

Access to early learning and childcare plays a vital role in supporting workforce participation across Charlotte County. Reliable childcare options help working families remain engaged in the labor force while supporting long-term talent development. Recognizing early learning as workforce infrastructure reinforces its importance to employers, employees, and the overall economic health of the community.

Leadership Charlotte Explores Healthcare Resources Across the Community

Leadership Charlotte, a program of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, spent the day exploring healthcare resources across Charlotte County with visits to organizations including HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital, AdventHealth, OneBlood, and other local providers. The experience provided participants with a closer look at the healthcare services available to residents and the role these organizations play in supporting community well-being. Learning about local healthcare resources and sharing that knowledge helps strengthen awareness, supports informed decision-making, and reinforces quality of life as a key factor in where people choose to live, work, and build their careers.

On-the-Job Training Program Reduces Hiring Costs for Employers

The On-the-Job Training program helps employers offset hiring costs while providing new employees with hands-on skill development aligned with real workplace needs. By reimbursing a portion of training wages, the program reduces financial barriers for businesses that are hiring or expanding their teams. At the same time, workers gain practical experience that builds confidence and strengthens long-term career pathways. Programs like this support workforce growth by connecting employers with talent and helping residents develop skills in real-world environments.

Elevating Charlotte Podcast Explores Workforce and Career Pathways

A recent episode of the Elevating Charlotte Podcast focused on workforce trends, career pathways, and opportunities tied to Florida’s growing economy. Conversations like these help connect residents, employers, and partners to information that supports informed career and hiring decisions. Sharing workforce insights continues strengthening awareness around opportunity and preparedness in Charlotte County.

Regional Workforce Conversations Highlight Talent Priorities

Ongoing regional discussions continue highlighting the importance of aligning education, training, and employer needs. Workforce coordination helps ensure talent pipelines remain responsive to changing industry demands. These conversations support long-term workforce strategy by reinforcing collaboration among education partners, employers, and economic development organizations.

Business Support & Networking

Entrepreneur Support Organization Aligns to Strengthen Small Business Support

Entrepreneur Support Organizations serving Charlotte County came together for a dedicated meeting focused on coordination, resource alignment, and shared priorities for supporting startups and small businesses. The discussion centered on improving referrals, reducing duplication, and ensuring entrepreneurs can more easily access guidance, technical assistance, and capital support at the right stage of growth. Bringing partners to the same table helps strengthen collaboration across the support network and reinforces a more connected, effective ecosystem for local entrepreneurs.

What New Businesses in Charlotte County Told Us and Why It Matters

Feedback from new businesses in Charlotte County offers valuable insight into what entrepreneurs need to succeed locally. Understanding challenges, opportunities, and support gaps helps inform future programs and outreach efforts. Listening to business owners strengthens the county’s ability to respond effectively and improve the overall business environment.

#MarkOnTheMove Connects with the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce

The #MarkOnTheMove series made a stop at a Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce event to connect with and celebrate new chamber members. During the visit, Mark joined the chamber in welcoming Santos Torres of JNS Towing and Angelica, owner of a new Pilates studio, recognizing their investment in the local business community. Events like this provide an opportunity to engage directly with entrepreneurs, build relationships, and reinforce the value of chamber membership as a support system for businesses at every stage. Consistent outreach and participation help ensure local business owners feel connected, supported, and part of Charlotte County’s growing economic network.

Economic Development’s Business Mixer Brings Business and Resources Together

A Charlotte County Business Mixer brought local entrepreneurs, support organizations, and community partners together for an evening of networking and relationship-building. The event created space for business owners to share experiences, exchange ideas, and make connections with peers and resource partners who support small business growth. Mixers like this play an important role in strengthening collaboration, encouraging peer-to-peer learning, and reinforcing a connected business community where relationships drive opportunity.

Punta Gorda Chamber Holiday Lunch Celebrates Community Partnerships

The Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce hosted a holiday lunch that brought together local business leaders, community partners, and stakeholders to reflect on the year and celebrate collaboration across the Punta Gorda area. The gathering provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships, share updates, and recognize the value of partnerships that support local businesses. Chambers play an important role in fostering connection, facilitating communication, and maintaining an engaged business network, and events like this help reinforce the relationships that contribute to a strong and resilient local economy.

Recognition & Community Highlights

40 Under 40 Honoree Claudette Smith Recognized for Leadership

Claudette Smith was recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree, celebrating her leadership, professional achievements, and commitment to the Charlotte County community. The 40 Under 40 program highlights individuals who demonstrate initiative, service, and impact across their fields and organizations. Recognizing leaders like Smith underscores the important role local talent plays in strengthening the county’s civic, nonprofit, and business landscape. Celebrations of emerging leadership also help reinforce a culture of engagement, mentorship, and excellence that supports Charlotte County’s continued growth.

Leadership Englewood Builds Regional Collaboration

Leadership Englewood continues to bring together emerging and established leaders from across the community to strengthen regional collaboration and civic engagement. Through structured programming, shared learning, and relationship-building, participants gain a deeper understanding of local issues, institutions, and opportunities. Programs like Leadership Englewood help build long-term leadership capacity by fostering connections across sectors and encouraging collaboration that supports a more informed, connected, and resilient community.

HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital Surpasses 2,000 Robotic Surgeries

HCA Florida Englewood Hospital reached an important milestone by surpassing 2,000 robotic-assisted surgeries, reflecting continued investment in advanced medical technology and clinical expertise. The achievement highlights the hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality patient care and expanding access to innovative treatment options close to home. Strong healthcare services contribute directly to Charlotte County’s quality of life, supporting residents, attracting families and professionals, and reinforcing the region’s overall health and well-being.

Smash It Port Charlotte Adds a New Wellness-Focused Experience

Smash It Port Charlotte introduced a new experience-based business offering rage rooms and paint splatter sessions designed to promote stress relief, creativity, and connection. The family-owned business expands local entertainment options while providing a unique outlet focused on wellness and fun. Experiences like this contribute to Charlotte County’s quality of life by supporting small business innovation, encouraging creative expression, and offering residents and visitors new ways to relax and connect within the community.

PGD Chili Cookoff Kickoff Brings Community Together

The #MarkOnTheMove series made a stop at PGD’s Chili Cookoff Kickoff, where Kaley Miller and Angie Matthiessen helped bring energy and enthusiasm to the event. The kickoff supported Aviation Gives Back and the United Way, highlighting how community events can combine fun with meaningful impact. Gatherings like this showcase the strong partnerships that exist across the aviation, nonprofit, and business communities, while reinforcing the importance of giving back and supporting local causes that benefit residents throughout Charlotte County.

Southwest Florida Growth Continues to Shape the Region

The Southwest Florida development market has become one of the most closely watched growth regions in the United States-and for good reason. The combination of rapid population migration, expanding commercial corridors, and transformational master-planned communities has turned the region into a magnet for businesses, developers, and new residents. You can feel the momentum everywhere you look. New homes, new commerce centers, and new transportation assets. And most importantly, a development pipeline that continues to outperform national trends.

Charlotte County Manufacturing Gains Momentum with New Business Opening

Charlotte County’s manufacturing sector continues to strengthen as Franklin Water Treatment establishes operations at the Punta Gorda Airport Commerce Center. The new facility reflects the region’s growing appeal for modern assembly, distribution, and industrial operations that value logistics access, workforce availability, and long-term stability. Manufacturing investments like this support job creation, supply chain efficiency, and regional infrastructure needs while reinforcing Charlotte County’s position as a competitive location for advanced industry growth across Southwest Florida.

Charlotte County Schools Power a Strong Workforce Pipeline

Charlotte County schools are playing a central role in building the region’s future workforce by aligning education with real-world industry needs. Through hands-on learning, career academies, and partnerships with local employers and higher education institutions, students are gaining practical skills in fields such as aviation, manufacturing, healthcare, cybersecurity, and sustainability. These programs strengthen workforce readiness, support business growth, and enhance quality of life by ensuring families and employers can build long-term futures in Charlotte County.

Upcoming Events

Click here for more details:
https://cleared4takeoff.com/category/event/

New Business Card Networking Event
March 17, 2026

Entrepreneur Support Organization Q1 Meeting
March 17, 2026

2026 Community Champions Breakfast & Awards
February 5, 2026

8th Grade Career Exploration Day
January 20, 2026