February 2026 Cleared 4 Takeoff Newsletter
February 9th, 2026
Cleared for Takeoff
February 2026 Monthly Newsletter
Covering January 2026 activity
Welcome to February
A Look at January’s Momentum Across Charlotte County
January set the tone for the year ahead, with activity spanning workforce development, business support, site readiness, and quality-of-life investments across Charlotte County. From education and talent initiatives to infrastructure planning, community engagement, and industry insights, the month reflected continued coordination among partners working to support long-term economic stability and growth.
As we move into February, these updates provide a snapshot of how planning, collaboration, and local action continue to shape Charlotte County as a place where businesses can grow, talent can thrive, and communities remain strong.
Business & Site Development
One Of The Cheapest Airports In America Is Right Here
When people talk about affordable air travel, they rarely expect the conversation to circle back to a fast-growing airport along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Yet that is exactly what is happening.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Airline Origin and Destination Survey (DB1B), Punta Gorda Airport consistently ranks among the least expensive airports in the United States for domestic flights. That affordability is now paired with something equally important: sustained passenger growth.
While airports nationwide face rising operating costs, volatile fuel prices, and shifting airline strategies, PGD has held steady as one of the most budget-friendly airports in the country.
Florida dominates the list of least expensive U.S. airports, and PGD is firmly part of that story.
Charlotte County Is Kicking Off 2026 With Strong Signals For Growth
Charlotte County is kicking off 2026 with strong signals for business growth. Last month’s Site Selector Newsletter highlights national retail investment, low-cost air connectivity at Punta Gorda Airport, and quality-of-place assets that support talent attraction. This information supports ongoing economic planning and business decision-making in Charlotte County.
Workforce Development & Education
Elevate Charlotte Episode 16: Planning For Growth When The Rules
New on Elevate Charlotte Episode 16: Planning for Growth When the Rules Keep Changing
A practical conversation on how businesses adapt, plan, and grow amid uncertainty, and why workforce and resilience matter more than ever. Workforce outreach like this supports talent development and employer needs across Charlotte County.
AI Is Starting To Support Businesses In Charlotte County
AI is starting to support businesses in Charlotte County. From housing communities improving customer response times to healthcare providers using AI to enhance patient monitoring, technology is being applied in ways that support people not replace them. Workforce outreach like this supports talent development and employer needs across Charlotte County.
Looking For Industrial Space In Southwest Florida
Charlotte County continues to attract interest for industrial space due to its competitive cost structure, access to regional transportation assets, and available infrastructure. Industrial sites in the county support a range of uses, including manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. Recent market activity reflects steady demand alongside moderate inventory growth, reinforcing Charlotte County’s position as a viable option for businesses evaluating expansion or relocation in Southwest Florida.
Healthcare Facilities And Workforce Development Updates
Recent updates highlighted continued investment in healthcare facilities and workforce development efforts that support high-skill jobs and long-term regional stability. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure and talent pipelines plays a key role in supporting employers, residents, and overall quality of place. For Charlotte County, momentum in the healthcare economy reinforces business confidence and contributes to a stable environment for growth and workforce attraction.
Small Businesses Are A Driving Force Behind Charlotte County’s Economic
Charlotte County’s small business community is supported year-round by a network of local economic development programs, chambers of commerce, and regional partners. Organizations including the Charlotte County Economic Development Office, local chambers, Florida SBDC at FGCU, CareerSource Southwest Florida, and SCORE provide training, mentorship, site support, and networking opportunities.
Charlotte County Population Growth Forecast Signals Economic Opportunity
Recent updates from the Charlotte County Interactive Growth Model highlight the scale and pace of population growth shaping the county’s future. Forecasts show sustained increases in residents over the coming decades, with implications for housing, workforce availability, infrastructure planning, and service capacity. From an economic development perspective, accurate growth forecasting supports proactive decision-making, helping align land use, capital investment, and employment centers with real-world demand as the county continues to grow.
Smash It Port Charlotte Adds Experience-Based Entertainment to Local Economy
Smash It Port Charlotte recently opened as a family-owned entertainment business offering rage rooms and paint splatter experiences designed around safe, creative stress relief. Founded by local residents Jason and Kyle, the business reflects a growing demand for experience-based venues that support wellness, connection, and community engagement. Beyond entertainment, Smash It contributes to Charlotte County’s quality of place while creating local employment opportunities that build customer service, event operations, and facilitation skills.
Site Selection Advantages in Charlotte County, Florida
Charlotte County continues to present competitive advantages for business expansion and relocation, supported by its Gulf Coast location along the I-75 corridor, cost-efficient operating environment, and access to multimodal logistics. Businesses benefit from available industrial and commercial sites, workforce pipelines connected to local training institutions, and coordinated site selection support through the Economic Development Office. Recent market data and infrastructure investments reinforce the county’s position as a practical option for companies evaluating long-term growth in Southwest Florida.
Quality of Place Highlight: Careers on the Coast and Local Talent
Charlotte County’s quality of place continues to be shaped by the people who choose to build their careers and lives here. A recent Careers on the Coast feature highlights Isaac James and reflects how local talent, professional opportunity, and community connection intersect in Charlotte County. Stories like this reinforce why workforce, lifestyle, and place-based assets matter together when attracting and retaining world-class talent.
Could Your Team Be The 2026 Charlotte County Ultimate Rays
Could your team be the 2026 Charlotte County Ultimate Rays Fans? Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training is back at Charlotte Sports Park, and were inviting Charlotte County businesses and non-profits to show off their team spirit. Workforce outreach like this supports talent development and employer needs across Charlotte County.
Charlotte County Uses High-Resolution Data to Track Population Trends
Charlotte County uses high-resolution data to track population trends and support long-range planning for housing, workforce, and infrastructure. The Interactive Growth Model provides a detailed view of current conditions and projected growth, helping inform decisions related to land use, service capacity, and capital investment. Using data-driven forecasting supports proactive planning as the county continues to grow.
January’s 40 Under 40 Spotlight Shines On Jordan Aquila, President
January’s 40 Under 40 spotlight shines on Jordan Aquila, President of Buffalo Graffix and President of the Charlotte County Jazz Society. A lifelong Charlotte County resident, musician, and business leader, Jordan rebuilt a family company, supports local students through music scholarships, and continues to inspire through innovation and community service. Workforce outreach like this supports talent development and employer needs across Charlotte County.
Economic Development at Eighth Grade Career Exploration Day
Economic Development staff participated in the Eighth Grade Career Exploration Day, connecting students with local career pathways available in Charlotte County. The event brought together partners including Charlotte Technical College, Charlotte County Transit, Charlotte County CCTV, and Charlotte County Public Schools, along with other community organizations. Engagement at events like this supports early career awareness and helps strengthen connections between education, employers, and the future workforce.
Fresh Lettuce. No Soil. No Commute. This Is Quality Of
A recent feature highlighted how innovative agriculture models are contributing to quality of place in Charlotte County. Controlled-environment growing methods, including soil-free production, demonstrate how local businesses are reducing land use pressures while supporting fresh food access closer to home. These types of innovations reflect how sustainability, technology, and community needs intersect as the county continues to grow.
Downtown Punta Gorda Sees New Investment Momentum
Downtown Punta Gorda continues to gain momentum following the City’s approval of The Yard on Olympia. The project reflects ongoing investment in downtown redevelopment that supports walkability, local businesses, and quality of place. Developments like this play a role in workforce attraction by strengthening the amenities and environments that help communities remain vibrant and competitive.
Cheney Brothers, Inc. Recognized with Excellence in Business Award
Cheney Brothers, Inc. of Punta Gorda was recognized as a recipient of the Charlotte County Excellence in Business Award. The recognition highlights the company’s contributions to the local economy, operations in Charlotte County, and commitment to business excellence. Local recognition programs like this help showcase employers that play a meaningful role in the county’s business landscape.
Expanded Child Care Supports Workforce Participation in Charlotte County
High-quality child care plays a critical role in workforce participation and family stability. Bloom Academy is expanding in Charlotte County with a new location in Port Charlotte that will serve approximately 140 children, from early learning through school age. Expanded child care capacity supports working families while helping employers attract and retain talent in a growing community.
Save the Date: Leadership Charlotte Class of 2026 Cornhole Tournament
Leadership Charlotte Class of 2026 will host the Home Is Where the Heart Is Cornhole Tournament on Sunday, March 29, at The Twisted Fork. The family-friendly event supports community causes while bringing together residents, local leaders, and businesses for an afternoon of connection and fun. Sponsorship opportunities and team participation will be available, with proceeds benefiting local organizations supported by the Leadership Charlotte class.
Graduation Rate Highlights Student Success in Charlotte County
Charlotte County Public Schools achieved a record 91.6 percent graduation rate for the 2024–2025 school year, reflecting continued progress in student achievement and career readiness. Strong graduation outcomes help strengthen the local talent pipeline and support long-term workforce development as Charlotte County continues to grow.
Strong Workforce Networks Are Built Through Consistent Connection
Strong workforce networks are built through consistent connection. Events like the recent Business Networking Social in Babcock Ranch bring professionals together to share ideas, referrals, and opportunities that support regional talent growth. Workforce outreach like this supports talent development and employer needs across Charlotte County.
Business Support & Networking
New Business Card Exchange Scheduled for March 17
The New Business Card Exchange will take place on March 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. and is free to attend. The event provides an opportunity for local professionals to connect, exchange contacts, and build relationships across industries. Regular networking opportunities like this support collaboration and engagement within Charlotte County’s business community.
Charlotte County Participates in CCIM Commercial Real Estate Outlook Conference
Economic Development Director Kay Tracy joined regional leaders at the CCIM Florida Chapters 2026 Commercial Real Estate Outlook Conference for a panel discussion focused on development trends and collaboration across Southwest Florida. Participation in regional forums like this supports coordination on growth, investment, and real estate conditions that influence business and site selection decisions in Charlotte County.
National Mentoring Month Highlights the Value of Business Guidance
January’s National Mentoring Month underscores the role mentorship plays in business success. Research shows that small business owners who engage with mentors report greater confidence, stronger preparation, and improved long-term outcomes. Access to mentorship supports entrepreneurship and contributes to a more resilient local business community.
Networking At Noon – Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club
Members of the Leadership Charlotte Class of 2026 were represented during the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce’s Networking at Noon event at the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club. The gathering provided an opportunity to connect with local business leaders while continuing MarkOnTheMove outreach on behalf of Charlotte County Economic Development. Regular engagement at events like this helps strengthen relationships across the business community and supports collaboration throughout the county.
Charlotte County Offers Warehouse Alternatives Near Fort Myers
Charlotte County continues to emerge as a practical alternative for warehouse and distribution space near Fort Myers. Available industrial facilities, competitive lease rates, and direct access to I-75 support efficient logistics across Florida and the Southeast. These conditions position the county as an option for companies evaluating expansion or relocation within Southwest Florida.
Airline Merger Signals Long-Term Implications for Leisure Travel
Image Courtesy of Allegiant
Allegiant and Sun Country Airlines have announced plans to combine, creating a larger leisure-focused airline serving nearly 175 cities. The proposed merger highlights broader trends in airline strategy focused on point-to-point service and leisure markets. Developments like this are closely watched for their potential long-term implications for regional air service, connectivity, and travel demand.
Candid Restaurant Leadership Conversation Scheduled for February 23
A candid leadership conversation on what separates average restaurants from best-in-class operations will take place on February 23. The discussion will be led by an industry leader with experience building, scaling, and advising successful restaurant brands. The session is designed to share practical insight and real-world perspective relevant to operators navigating growth and long-term performance.
Florida Ranks No. 2 Among U.S. Growth States For 2025,
Florida ranked No. 2 among U.S. states for growth in 2025, reflecting continued population, workforce, and economic expansion. Growth trends like this influence business location decisions, infrastructure planning, and workforce demand across the state. For communities like Charlotte County, statewide growth momentum provides important context for long-term planning and competitiveness.
Recognition & Community Highlights
Millions Of Americans Are Moving South And Safety Is Becoming
As population growth continues across the southern U.S., safety is increasingly influencing where people choose to live and relocate. Charlotte County stands out with one of the nation’s lowest violent crime rates, at 1.73 incidents per 1,000 residents, reinforcing its reputation as a safe and stable community. Public safety conditions like these contribute to quality of place and remain an important factor in workforce attraction and long-term growth decisions.
Community Connection Shapes Quality of Life in Southwest Florida
Quality of life in Southwest Florida extends beyond climate and amenities to the strength of its community connections. A recent regional effort, the Be Angelic Project, brought together nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and local leaders to support families across Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties. Collaborative initiatives like this reflect how shared service and partnership contribute to resilience, belonging, and long-term quality of place.
A Little Library With A Big Purpose The Swfl Rotary
A little library with a big purpose The SWFL Rotary Club unveiled a Little Free Library at MXuma in Babcock Ranch, built and painted by local youth and community partners. A simple space that brings people together and adds to the quality of life we love. Recognizing partners and community activity supports collaboration and a strong quality of place in Charlotte County.
Save The Date: Taste Of Punta Gorda The Annual Taste
Save the Date: Taste of Punta Gorda The annual Taste of Punta Gorda returns Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Laishley Park. Hosted by the Punta Gorda Rotary, this premier food festival brings together local flavors, live music, and community, all while supporting local charities. Recognizing partners and community activity supports collaboration and a strong quality of place in Charlotte County.
