Punta Gorda Police Department

06/17/2026

The Punta Gorda Police Department is proud to unveil the newly branded vehicle for our Veterans Crisis Assistance Team (VCAT). This specialized program is dedicated to supporting military veterans experiencing crises by providing immediate assistance, compassionate intervention, and connections to vital resources and services that promote their well-being and recovery.

VCAT is comprised of officers who have served in the United States military and who understand the unique challenges many veterans face. Through outreach, follow-up assistance, crisis intervention, and partnerships with veteran service organizations, VCAT works to ensure veterans receive help before a crisis becomes a tragedy.
The success of this program has earned statewide recognition, including the Florida Attorney General's Back the Blue Award, which honors innovative law enforcement programs that make a meaningful difference in their communities.

This newly designed vehicle represents more than just a fresh look; it represents our continued commitment to the men and women who have served our nation. Whether it's providing support during a crisis, connecting veterans with resources, or simply being there when help is needed, VCAT stands ready to serve.

Pictured with the new VCAT vehicle is Corporal Fiorino, the Team Leader of the Veterans Crisis Assistant Team. As a military veteran and dedicated member of VCAT, Corporal Fiorino helps provide support, outreach, crisis intervention, and resource connections to veterans throughout our community.

06/11/2026

Today, the Punta Gorda Police Department joins the Florida Department of Corrections in honoring the memory of Correctional Officer Darla Lathrem, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on June 11, 2003, during an inmate escape attempt at Charlotte Correctional Institution.

Officer Lathrem’s courage, dedication, and commitment to serving and protecting others exemplify the highest ideals of public service. Her bravery and her sacrifice continue to inspire those who wear a badge and serve their communities.

As we reflect on her life and legacy, we remember not only the officer she was, but also the colleague, friend, and family member whose loss is still felt by many. We honor her service, her sacrifice, and the lasting impact she made on those who had the privilege of serving alongside her.

Please join us in remembering Charlotte Correctional Officer Darla Lathrem and keeping her loved ones and the corrections community in your thoughts today.

Today, the Florida Department of Corrections honors the memory of Correctional Officer Darla Lathrem, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on June 11, 2003, during an inmate escape attempt at Charlotte Correctional Institution.

Officer Lathrem's courage, dedication, and commitment to service reflect the very best of FDC. As we remember her sacrifice, we also honor the lasting impact she made on those who served alongside her.

Her legacy will never be forgotten.

06/04/2026

Punta Gorda Middle School Teacher Sentenced on State Charges

Posted: June 04, 2026 On May 28, 2026, former Punta Gorda Middle School teacher Dagoberto Miguel Pena was sentenced to 26 years on Florida state charges....

Posted: June 04, 2026 On May 28, 2026, former Punta Gorda Middle School teacher Dagoberto Miguel Pena was sentenced to 26 years on Florida state charges. The charges included two counts of Lewd Bat…

06/01/2026

Please avoid the area of Shreve Street between W. Retta Esplanade and W. Marion Avenue by the Military Heritage Museum. There is a water main break along the roadway.

05/28/2026

🚤🌊 Boating Safety Reminder: Know Your Wake Zones 🌊🚤

The Punta Gorda Police Department continues to receive questions regarding speed zones on our local waterways. Understanding the difference between No Wake and Minimum Wake zones helps keep everyone safe while protecting our canals, shorelines, and marine environment.

🔹 Idle Speed / No Wake
Vessels must operate at the minimum speed required to maintain steerage and headway. Boats should produce no wake, and throttles should remain as low as possible while staying in gear.

⚠️ Idle Speed No Wake Zones are marked by official signage and are generally located in shallow areas not protected by seawalls.

🔹 Slow Speed / Minimum Wake
Vessels must be fully off-plane and completely settled in the water. If your bow is elevated, you are moving too fast.

📍 Slow Speed Minimum Wake Zones within the City of Punta Gorda include:
• Bass Inlet access channel
• Buckley’s Pass access channel
• Colony Point access channel
• Fishermen’s Village access channel
• Laishley Park Marina access channel
• Pompano Inlet access channel
• Ponce de Leon access channel
• Punta Gorda Boat Club access channel
• Punta Gorda Isles parallel channel
• Punta Gorda Marina access channel
• All canals within Burnt Store Isles and Punta Gorda Isles canal maintenance districts
• All other shorelines within city limits waterward to the six-foot depth contour

Please slow down, follow posted signage, and help protect our waterways for everyone to enjoy safely.

🎥 Watch the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission speed zone video here:

https://youtu.be/n2SauVAXyzU?si=MrTxmuDixrfZcOSW

05/27/2026

Just a reminder, the Click it or Ticket campaign runs through the end of May. Please Buckle up.

05/25/2026

Please join us today as we stop to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, so that we may live free.

05/22/2026

Happy Birthday!
Our very own K9 Officer SpongeBob is celebrating his 3rd Birthday today. Little did he know, he shares the same birthday with Ashley Omelanski-Carney, the Executive Assistant to the City Manager. We wish you both a wonderful birthday today!

05/20/2026

A huge thank you to Mark Dumser of MD Pressure Cleaning for organizing an incredible fundraiser in support of our Police Department’s Special Response Team. When Mark learned of the department’s need for specialized equipment, he used his own time and money to organize the event.

Thanks to the overwhelming support from our community, a $17,985 check, payable to the City of Punta Gorda, was presented to Lt. Shane Chodakowsky to help fund the purchase of ballistic helmets, rifle-rated armor, and other essential equipment for our Special Response Team. The PGPD Special Response Team is a group of officers who respond to high-risk situations, including serving search warrants, apprehending violent offenders, and conducting storm-related high-water rescues.

We also want to extend a special thank you to unWINEd for hosting the event and helping make the evening such a success. Your hospitality and partnership truly helped bring our community together to raise these funds.

We are grateful for the continued support from local businesses and community members. Thank you all for making this event possible!

05/19/2026

***UPDATE****
Due to the potential for inclement weather, the location of the FOP Fallen Officer Memorial has changed. It will now be held at the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Headquarters Building, located at 3110 Loveland Blvd, Port Charlotte.

***UPDATE****
Due to the potential for inclement weather, the location of the FOP Fallen Officer Memorial has changed. It will now be held at the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Headquarters Building, located at 3110 Loveland Blvd, Port Charlotte.

Join us tonight, May 19th, at 6:00 pm for the Charlotte County Law Enforcement Memorial at the William R. Gaines, Jr. Memorial Park, located at 20499 Edgewater Drive in Port Charlotte, as we pay tribute to the fallen officers of Charlotte County.