Punta Gorda Murals: Take a Step Back in Time
During a recent trip to Punta Gorda, Florida we discovered several beautiful murals found all around the historic city center. Walking around the sleepy streets, using a map provided by the Charlotte Harbor Visitors Bureau, you can explore the stunning Punta Gorda murals and take a step back in time. The murals literally painted a picture of the life and times of people throughout the history of this small town.
Hurricane Charlie Strikes
The Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society started as a result of an idea of one local, Dr. Robert Andrews, to bring to life the history and culture of the area through historic and educational murals we see today. The first mural was completed in September 1995 and they kept on coming! By 2004 there were over 20 completed murals, then disaster hit in the shape of Hurricane Charlie. During the devastating storm over half of the 20 murals were destroyed.
Rebuilding Punta Gorda – Murals and all!
The town of Punta Gorda found itself rebuilding much of the historic city center as a result of all the damage but thankfully, the committee serving the Historical Mural Society had the support to re-build the murals as well. Today there are 28 murals decorating the sides of buildings and walls all over the town and Punta Gorda is now recognized as one of the top Mural Towns in the country.
Visiting the Murals
Punta Gorda is located in Charlotte County in Southwest Florida about 100 miles south of Tampa.
Take a look at the Punta Gorda Historical Mural Society interactive map. Don’t forget to download a QR Code reader as each mural will provide you more detail when you scan it into your smart phone!
A few more of the amazing murals:
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