Nearby Communities
State Edition
National Edition
🌱 How a quick-thinking driver saved a child on Veterans Boulevard
Hey hey Port Charlotte! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How a quick-thinking driver saved a child on Veterans Boulevard
- How an alleged arson case put Port Charlotte in a national spotlight
- Port Charlotte reflects on Sgt. Elio Diaz’s legacy one year later
📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Port Charlotte? Post it to Port Charlotte photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️
Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 78 and low of 54 degrees.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 81, low: 62.
- Thursday: Sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 83 and low of 66 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. New video: Child falls from moving car at busy Port Charlotte intersection, bystanders rush to help (gulfcoastnewsnow.com) — A child fell from a moving car at the busy Atwater and Veterans Boulevard intersection in Port Charlotte, prompting nearby drivers and a gas station worker to rush in and help. Deputies say the child opened the door, and experts are urging parents to use child locks to prevent similar scares. The child was flown to a hospital and is expected to be okay. 
2. Antisemitism reaches record levels in the US as Southwest Florida sees disturbing incidents (fox4now.com) — A Port Charlotte resident has been federally charged in connection with an arson fire at the Chabad of Charlotte County, an incident that rattled the local Jewish community. The case is highlighted within a broader report on rising antisemitic incidents nationwide and in Florida, and local leaders are urging residents to stand together against hate and protect vulnerable neighbors.
3. A year after his death, Sgt. Elio Diaz is remembered in Charlotte County (fox4now.com) — Port Charlotte residents are marking one year since Sgt. Elio Diaz was killed during a traffic stop in town, with a growing memorial outside the local Chevron and a newly renamed stretch of U.S. 41 in his honor. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office shared memories of his kindness and service, while the community continues to mourn and celebrate his legacy as a devoted deputy and father.
4. Niño cae de carro en movimiento en Port Charlotte; peatones ayudan (gulfcoastnewsnow.com) — A child reportedly fell from a moving car in Port Charlotte, and nearby pedestrians rushed in to help, according to this rough broadcast transcript. The incident happened along Veterans Boulevard, drawing quick attention from people in the area and highlighting how bystanders stepped up in a frightening moment.
5. Car accidents along the Gulf Coast highlight road safety concerns (gulfcoastnewsnow.com) — A deadly collision between a car and a motorcycle in Port Charlotte is one of several serious crashes along the Gulf Coast that have residents pleading for safer driving. From Lehigh Acres to Fort Myers, witnesses describe hectic roads, frequent wrecks, and dangerous distractions. Authorities are urging drivers to slow down and stay focused, especially heading into the holidays.
📸 Around Port Charlotte
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓
Upcoming Events in
Port Charlotte
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
-
Fishermen's Village Festival of Lights
Fishermen's Village , Punta Gorda, FL -
Third Wednesday Coffee Member Networking 12-17-25
Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center , 75 Taylor Street , Punta Gorda
7:45 am -
Fishermen's Village Festival of Lights
Fishermen's Village , Punta Gorda, FL -
Computer & Cell Phone Classes Available NOW in Englewood, FL
IG Management Group, LLC , 1460 South McCall Road, Unit 1E , Englewood
4:00 pm -
A "Calyp-Soul" Christmas with John Patti
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc. , 900 W. Marion Ave. , Punta Gorda
7:00 pm -
Fishermen's Village Festival of Lights
Fishermen's Village , Punta Gorda, FL -
A Rat Pack Christmas
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc. , 900 W. Marion Ave. , Punta Gorda
7:00 pm -
Fishermen's Village Festival of Lights
Fishermen's Village , Punta Gorda, FL
Wednesday December 17
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
Saturday December 20
📣 Port Charlotte Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
-
Paint a Winter Scene
North Port Public Library , 13800 Tamiami Trail , North Port
1:00 pm -
Do-It-Yourself Snow Globes
Shannon Staub Public Library , 4675 Career Lane , North Port
5:00 pm -
Sing to Heal
North Port Public Library , 13800 Tamiami Trail , North Port
5:30 pm -
Fishermen's Village Festival of Lights
Fishermen's Village , 1200 W Retta Esplanade , Punta Gorda
10:00 am
Tuesday December 16
Wednesday December 17
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Port Charlotte PatchAM possible:
- Excellence Companion & Homemaker, LLC — (239) 427-4586
Providing Care with Excellence!!
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Hi everyone!
I’ve been meaning to post this when I had the time, so here it goes. Meet Randy! While the dog adoption process is never perfect, everything always… (Nextdoor Hillsborough - Tamiami) - My husband and I are still new to the area, and dont eat pizza much.
But he's been craving a good pizza from a restaurant lately. So does anyone have good recommendations of what's best to try around here? (Nextdoor Gulf Cove Point)
- Walmart posted a job opening for Produce Associate in Port Charlotte. Apply here.
- Healthcare Services Group posted a job opening for Housekeeper in Port Charlotte. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Port Charlotte here.
Ok Port Charlotte! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
👉 Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.