Punta Gorda, Florida
Charlotte County
12-59200
Punta Gorda is a city and also the county seat of Charlotte County in the U.S. state of Florida with 16,641 inhabitants ( 2010). The metropolitan area has a size of 47.9 km ².
The city has a unique city center with several historic sites that are also listed in the National Register. On 13 August 2004 were caused by Hurricane Charley massive destruction in parts of the city.
- 2.1 religions
- 2.2 Demographics
Geography
Punta Gorda is located in southwest Florida on the banks of the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor on the Gulf of Mexico, about 10 km south of Port Charlotte and 160 km south of Tampa.
Climate
The climate is mild and warm, light with a light wind from the lake. Statistically, it rains in the summer months to an average of 40 % of the days, even if only temporarily. The highest temperatures are from May to October, with up to 41 ° C. The coldest months from December to February with an average of only 15 ° C. Snowfall is almost unknown in the region.
History
The story begins in 1891 with the construction of some huts for workers of El Palmetto Cigar Manufacturing Company. This company engaged in the manufacture of cigars from Cuban tobacco and trading in cotton. 1901 the company moved to Tampa Hucksky DH took over the small houses. This led to the present town. The history of the city can be experienced directly in the " Historic Park ". The oldest buildings, like the old village jail and other buildings were erected there original again.
Religions
In Punta Gorda, there are 45 different churches from 18 different denominations. Among the belonging to a denomination churches the Baptist church is best represented with 11 churches. Furthermore, there are 4 to no denomination belonging churches ( as of 2004).
Demographics
According to the 2010 census, the then 16,641 inhabitants distributed to 11,580 households. The population density was 453.4 inh. / Km ². 93.3 % of the population were white, 3.3% African American, 0.2% Native American and 1.1% Asian Americans. 0.7 % were members of other ethnic groups and 1.3% in different ethnic groups. 4.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino.
In 2010, children under the age of 18 and 60.7 % of all households lived in 10.7 % of all households with persons at least 65 years. 67.4 % of households were family households (consisting of married couples with or without offspring or a parent with offspring ). The average size of a household was 1.95 persons and the average family size is 2.30 people.
10.2% of the population were younger than 20 years, 8.5% were 20 to 39 years old, 20.5% were 40-59 years old and 60.9 % were at least 60 years old. The median age was 64 years. 47.5 % of the population were male and 52.5 % female.
The average annual income was $ 59,090, while 11.1 % of the population lived below the poverty line.
In 2000, English was the mother tongue of 94.16 % of the population and 5.84 % had a different mother tongue.
Economy
In 2003, Punta Gorda was voted at # 4 in America's Best Places to Live. The reasoning was: Punta Gorda has the best economic result for the nation. The current and future labor market conditions are excellent, the unemployment rate is low and the cost of living is normal. The control structure is good and there is no personal income tax. The prices of land and houses are low.
A significant industry, there is not. The main employment sectors are: education, health and social services: ( 23.0 %), trade / retail ( 15.0 %), finance, insurance and real estate ( 10.9%), future technologies, management, administration ( 12, 4%), Arts, entertainment, food, restaurants ( 11.5%).
Traffic
Punta Gorda is crossed by Interstate 75 and on the Tamiami Trail ( U.S. 41 ) in a north-south direction. In addition, start here of U.S. Highway 17 and Florida State Road 35 on a common route to the east.
Train
- East Elementary School
- Sally Jones Elementary School
- Punta Gorda Middle School
- Charlotte High School
Parks
Laishley Park, a 16 acre large park, situated on the banks of the Peace River with an approximately 100 m long pier for fishing and a public boat landing. The Laishley Park extends as far as the city center. Gilchrist Park is a park with a size of 20 acres. It is also situated on the banks of the Peace River with lots of picnic tables, benches, and charcoal grills. On the shore there is a wooden pier for fishing. There are also 4 tennis courts, a basketball court and a playground for children. The park is handicapped accessible. In the Nature Park is an observatory located for observation of birds. The park size is 19 acres. In the park there is a hiking trail that extends into the wooded and low-lying areas where there are many sea birds. Ponce DeLeon Park is a freely accessible park near the harbor with a private beach, a jetty and a large car park, where you can park the boat trailer. Furthermore, there are many picnic tables, benches, and charcoal grills.
Crime
The crime rate in 2010 was 150 points ( U.S. average: 266 points ) in the low range. There was a rape, two robberies, 24 injuries, 176 burglaries, 198 thefts, two car thefts and two arsons.