October Cleared 4 Takeoff Newsletter

Regional Growth

Regional Conversation on Southwest Florida Growth

Our Economic Development Director, Kay Tracy, joined regional leaders at the REIS Annual Real Estate Symposium on Sept. 17 at Florida Gulf Coast University. The panel discussion focused on industrial growth, logistics and regional expansion across Southwest Florida. Participating in conversations like these keeps Charlotte County represented as regional development continues and provides an opportunity to share our perspective alongside other professionals working in real estate, investment and economic development.

Commercial Real Estate

Commercial Real Estate Activity Emerges at Port Charlotte Town Center

New commercial real estate activity is unfolding at Port Charlotte Town Center, bringing new attention to the property and its future in Port Charlotte. The activity marks another change within Charlotte County’s commercial real estate landscape as the site moves into its next chapter.

Infrastructure

Punta Gorda Airport Expansion Opens Six New Departure Gates

We recently toured the newly opened Departure Gates 7 through 12 at Punta Gorda Airport’s Bailey Terminal. The expanded area includes more passenger space, additional charging stations, new restroom amenities and large windows overlooking the aircraft. Additional improvements include Gates 5 and 6 and a new TSA checkpoint. With more than 2.28 million passengers traveling through PGD in 2025, continued airport investment supports the transportation access and connectivity important to Charlotte County’s economy.

Site Selection

Site Certainty Becomes Critical Factor in Business Location Decisions

Shovel-ready is no longer the finish line for companies evaluating potential locations. Businesses increasingly want verified infrastructure information, realistic development timelines and clear answers about what remains to be completed before operations can begin. In our site-readiness article, we examine why reducing uncertainty has become so important. Providing clear, dependable information helps companies evaluate locations more efficiently and better understand the path from site consideration to an operating project.

Site Selection

Site Selectors Screen More Than Acreage in 2026

A strong site is about more than acreage on a map. Location teams are screening for complete site data, utility capacity, workforce evidence, connectivity, resilience and a realistic path to operations. Our September article explains what companies are looking for during the first stages of a location search and how better information can make that screening process easier. For Charlotte County, presenting those details clearly helps businesses determine whether local opportunities align with their operational needs.

Business Climate

Florida Business Climate Ranking Strengthens Charlotte County Location Story

Florida earned strong statewide rankings from Business Facilities in 2026, including No. 2 for Best Business Climate. We looked at what that statewide momentum means for the location opportunities available in Charlotte County. State competitiveness provides important context for companies considering Florida, while the local decision still comes down to the sites, workforce, connectivity and business environment available in a specific community. Charlotte County gives companies a local option within that broader Florida business story.

Workforce

Skilled Trades Pipeline Supports Charlotte County Business Growth

Charlotte County already has a strong base of skilled trade talent, including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, equipment operators, supervisors and maintenance professionals. At the same time, local training in aviation, advanced manufacturing, HVAC and electrical work is preparing additional workers for the future. Together, existing talent and developing career pathways create a stronger workforce pipeline for businesses that depend on technical and hands-on skills to operate, expand and grow in Charlotte County.

Talent Pipeline

Reading Gains Add Strength to Charlotte County’s Talent Pipeline

Charlotte County’s third-grade reading results reached 61%, with local performance above Florida’s statewide average. We highlighted the results because workforce development starts long before someone enters the job market. Stronger schools help support working families, build the foundation for future talent and contribute to the quality of place businesses consider when evaluating a community. Today’s students are part of tomorrow’s workforce, making educational progress relevant to Charlotte County’s long-term economic competitiveness.

Future Workforce

STEM Innovators Pavilion Connects Employers With Future Local Talent

The 2026 STEM Innovators Pavilion will give Charlotte County companies an opportunity to connect with students, families and educators while showcasing careers available in our community. The pavilion is scheduled for Nov. 7 and 8 during the Florida International Air Show at Punta Gorda Airport. Participating businesses can help students see potential futures in engineering, technology, aviation and related fields while building awareness of the career opportunities available close to home.

Business Support

SCORE Port Charlotte Seeks Experienced Local Business Mentors

SCORE Port Charlotte is looking for experienced business professionals interested in mentoring local entrepreneurs and small business owners. The opportunity gives professionals a way to share lessons learned through real-world business experience while helping others work through challenges and decisions. Strong business-support networks are an important part of helping companies start and grow in Charlotte County, and one-on-one mentorship can give entrepreneurs another local resource as they build their businesses.

Veteran Entrepreneurship

Operation Elevate Connects Veteran Entrepreneurs With Business Resources

Operation: Elevate will bring veteran entrepreneurs, military spouses and business resources together Oct. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Gilchrist Masonic Center in Punta Gorda. The free event from the Gilchrist Veterans Business Council includes workshops, networking and conversation. Our BRE Manager, Mark Odell, will represent Economic Development in Charlotte County, providing another opportunity to connect veteran and military-spouse entrepreneurs with people and resources that can support their businesses.

Access to Capital

Funding Formula Workshop Helps Businesses Prepare for Their Next Step

The Funding Formula: Mastering Credit and Accessing Capital is scheduled for Oct. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The workshop focuses on an important question for growing businesses: how to fund the next step. Whether the need involves equipment, expansion, working capital or simply understanding available options, the session is designed to help business owners begin navigating credit and access to capital as part of their growth planning.

Business Intelligence

Business Mixer Feedback Identifies Marketing as Top Local Need

At our Q3 New Business Mixer, local businesses told us what they need, where they are headed and where additional support could help. One result stood out: 93% identified marketing and visibility as a current business need. The broader message was just as important. Businesses want to know who can help, where to turn and how to access resources already available in Charlotte County. That feedback helps us better connect businesses with the right partners and support.

Community Partnerships

Charlotte Community Foundation’s Elevating Charlotte County Fall 2026 Grant Cycle

Our BRE Manager, Mark Odell, joined nonprofit leaders and community partners for the Charlotte Community Foundation’s Elevating Charlotte County Fall 2026 Grant Cycle informational session. Staying connected with local organizations helps us better understand the people, partnerships and resources shaping Charlotte County. Strong communities and strong economies are closely connected, and these conversations give our team another opportunity to remain engaged with organizations working throughout the community.

Leadership

Leadership Charlotte Turns Business Connections Into Community Impact

Leadership Charlotte 2026 presented $53,800 to two local nonprofits, demonstrating how professional connections can translate into community impact. The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce program brings local leaders together while creating opportunities to better understand and support the community. We highlighted the contribution as an example of the broader value that can come from leadership development, business engagement and relationships built across Charlotte County.

40 Under 40

Zack Mutnik Builds Business and Community in Charlotte County

In September, we introduced Zack Mutnik as a Charlotte County 40 Under 40 honoree. Zack is a U.S. Navy veteran, licensed electrical contractor, entrepreneur and owner of Mutt’s Electric. After leaving South Florida with his wife, Brittany, he chose Charlotte County to build his next chapter. His story reflects the purpose of Careers on the Coast: showing young professionals, veterans and entrepreneurs that they can build a business, develop strong local relationships and create a future here.

Quality of Place

Charlotte Rides Launch Connects Residents With Work and Opportunity

Charlotte County officially launched Charlotte Rides on Sept. 1, introducing a new name and look for the county’s public transportation service. The fare-free, curb-to-curb service connects residents with work, college, healthcare, shopping and other destinations. Reliable transportation helps connect people with opportunity and supports the workforce businesses rely on. It also contributes to the quality of place that helps Charlotte County remain attractive to residents, workers and employers.

Quality of Place

Port Charlotte Beach Park Improvements Strengthen Quality of Place

We joined residents at Port Charlotte Beach Park for an update on the new recreation center and pool taking shape along Charlotte Harbor. Investments in recreation, gathering spaces and community amenities strengthen the quality of place that helps attract and retain people in Charlotte County. For economic development, that matters because businesses need more than sites and infrastructure. They also need communities where employees and their families want to live.

Small Business

Homestead Market Showcases Local Vendors and Small Businesses

Homestead.Market brings more than 20 local vendors together under one roof, giving residents another way to shop local, discover small businesses and support entrepreneurs. We highlighted the market as part of Charlotte County’s quality-of-place story because local businesses and community destinations contribute to what makes an area attractive to residents. Supporting local entrepreneurs also helps strengthen connections between small businesses and the customers and communities they serve.

OCTOBER 6

Operation: Elevate

OCTOBER 8

The Funding Formula

NOVEMBER 7–8

STEM Innovators Pavilion

NOVEMBER 19

SWFL Rotary Business Expo