The Daily Sun - Punta Gorda

01/01/2026

🌟 Happy New Year from Sun Coast Media! 🌟

As we welcome a brand-new year, all of us at Sun Coast Media want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your trust, support, and partnership throughout the past year. Serving you and being part of your community is an honor we never take for granted.

May the year ahead bring you joy, success, good health, and new opportunities. We look forward to continuing to inform, inspire, and connect with you in 2026 and beyond.

Thank you for being part of the Sun Coast Media family.
Cheers to a bright and prosperous New Year!

— The Sun Coast Media Team

12/30/2025

✨ Your Vote Can Make a Difference! ✨

Four remarkable women are being honored this December for living fierce without limits. Nominated by members of our community, their stories are filled with courage, perseverance, and heart — and now it’s time for you to help elevate them.

💛 Vote once per day at SunFIERCEwomen.com and support the woman whose journey inspires you:

• Cynthia Fabian — An educator who turned early loss into lifelong purpose while navigating life with epilepsy.
• Amber Jacob — A mom, business owner, and community connector who continues to lead with strength despite a chronic pain diagnosis.
• Francesca Ledesma — An Englewood mom who transformed adversity into empowerment through a women-focused boutique.
• Ciara Wells — A cheer coach and lifelong supporter of others, facing stage 4 breast cancer with grit and grace.

✨ Every daily vote helps shine a spotlight on resilience, hope, and perseverance.
Thank you for helping us celebrate these extraordinary women.

Follow along FIERCE Women

12/26/2025

Punta Gorda Kiwanis to ring in 2026 with 100-year anniversary

PUNTA GORDA — Members of the Punta Gorda Kiwanis Club are preparing to celebrate 100 years of serving children and families in the community.

12/26/2025

BREAKING NEWS: Man charged in Halloween hit-and-run is arrested at his home

DEEP CREEK — A Charlotte County man accused of hitting three people on Halloween night was arrested at his home this week on a felony warrant for hit-and-run, deputies reported.

12/25/2025

Happy Holidays from Sun Coast Media!

As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to thank you for being a valued part of our community. Your support and engagement inspire everything we do, and we’re truly grateful for the opportunity to serve you.

May this holiday season bring you joy, peace, and time well-spent with those who matter most. We look forward to continuing to share stories, connect communities, and brighten your days in the year ahead.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year!
– The Sun Coast Media Team

12/23/2025

✨ Help Us Choose Our December Woman of the Month! ✨

This December, we are celebrating four extraordinary women whose stories reflect resilience, courage, and living fierce without limits. Each was nominated by someone in our community — and now your voice matters.

💛 Vote once per day at SunFIERCEwomen.com for the woman whose journey inspires you most:

• Cynthia Fabian — Turned profound loss into purpose, earning her degrees and becoming an educator while living with epilepsy.
• Amber Jacob — A dedicated mom and community advocate who continues to lead and uplift others while navigating a chronic pain diagnosis.
• Francesca Ledesma — An Englewood mom who transformed personal challenges into empowerment by creating a boutique centered on women.
• Ciara Wells — A cheer coach and lifelong “base” who keeps lifting others while facing stage 4 breast cancer with strength and determination.

✨ Every daily vote helps amplify their stories and celebrate their strength.
Thank you for standing with these inspiring women.
Follow along FIERCE Women

12/23/2025

We’re looking for freelance writers to join our team! ✨

Do you have experience writing about interior design, gardening, food, or creating engaging profiles of intriguing people in our community? We’d love to hear from you.

How to apply:
Send your resume and 3 story examples to our Features Editor, Linda Gillis, at [email protected]

12/19/2025

NORTH PORT: I-75 ramp upgrades to start 'early 2026,' DOT says

NORTH PORT — There are few things that aggravate residents in North Port more than the Interstate 75 ramps at Sumter and Toledo Blade Boulevards — especially the highway entrance

12/19/2025

Local priest accused of sexual battery dies

VENICE — A retired priest accused of sexual battery in lawsuits filed by numerous men in Florida and Iowa has died.

12/19/2025

DeSantis designates nearly $30 million in federal funds for Arcadia, DeSoto County work

TALLAHASSEE — DeSoto County and Arcadia are both receiving separate checks of about $30 million in federal funds to assist with "critical infrastructure" needs following storms that wrecked Florida in

12/19/2025

Another $57 million in Resilient SRQ money allocated https://bit.ly/3MSK6si

12/19/2025

Veteran, wife surprised with home for their service

NORTH PORT — After serving the country and using their skills to capture the stories of other veterans, a Purple Heart recipient and his wife were handed the keys to