The Community Services Connection Podcast: Charlotte County

Step into a world of cozy clues and captivating crimes with Katelin Deushane and Liz Lee from the Punta Gorda Charlotte Library. In this special episode, they share a sneak peek at the mystery-themed events, programs, and surprises coming soon to the library—perfect for fans of whodunits and page-turning suspense.You’ll also get an inside look at what the community can expect for Summer Reading 2026, with exciting activities, engaging reads, and opportunities for all ages to get involved. Whether you love a lighthearted cozy mystery or a chilling true crime tale, there’s something waiting for you between the stacks.Tune in, get inspired, and discover how your local library is bringing mystery, fun, and community together this summer.**NEW DATE AND TIME FOR MURDER MYSTERY EVENT** The new date and time will be Tuesday, May 19 from 5-7 p.m.

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Thompson and Kalvin Bernard from Charlotte County’s Land Management team to talk all things prescribed fire — what it is, why it’s essential for a healthy ecosystem, and how it helps protect our natural lands from uncontrolled wildfires. They also clear up some of the most common myths and misconceptions about prescribed burns, offering insight into how careful planning and science come together to keep our local environments thriving.Tune in to learn how fire, when used responsibly, can be one of nature’s most powerful tools for renewal. 

When Hurricane Ian tore through Charlotte County in 2022, it left behind widespread damage — from homes and businesses to parks and playgrounds. One loss families have especially felt? The playground shade structures that kept our little ones cool and protected.In this episode, Project Managers Robin and John share an update on the Playground Shade Replacement Project — what’s been done, what’s next, and when our community can expect to enjoy cooler, more comfortable playspaces once again.Tune in to hear how Charlotte County is continuing to rebuild, refresh, and restore the places where families play and connect. 🌳☀️🎠

What does it take to rise through the ranks in the world of recreation? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Joele and Chad—two standout professionals who began their careers as part-time and seasonal staff. Now serving in coordinator and supervisory roles, they share their candid journey of growth, mentorship, and the real-world lessons learned along the way. Whether you're just entering the field or eyeing your next career step, this episode offers an inside look at how dedication and passion for community can transform into long-term success. Tune in for practical advice, funny stories from the field, and a fresh perspective on building a future in recreation.

 Get ready to dig into all things edible landscaping! In this episode, we explore the upcoming Edible Landscaping Symposium at Centennial Park Recreation Center on March 15. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this event is packed with expert-led workshops, hands-on demonstrations, and insights on transforming your outdoor space into a thriving, productive garden. 

In this episode, we sit down with Hana Brown, Librarian Supervisor from the Port Charlotte Public Library, to discuss the upcoming 2025 Sunlight Health Fair. Get an exclusive sneak peek at the incredible lineup of vendors offering essential resources to support our community's health and well-being.From free haircuts to mammograms, this event is all about bringing Charlotte County together for a stronger, healthier future. Whether you're looking for medical services, wellness tips, or support for financial challenges, this fair has something for everyone.Join us to learn how you can participate, make connections, and empower yourself and your neighbors. Together, we can create a brighter tomorrow! 🌞📅 Mark your calendar: February 15, 2025, at the Charlotte County Family Services Center, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.🎧 Tune in now for all the details!

Centennial Park Recreation Center will host Empower-Her Girls Club every Wednesday beginning Jan. 15,8 2025 and will run through May. The program is designed to build confidence and promote self-esteem in a fun environment for girls grades 6-8.  The program is free to participate. Girls may join in at any time.  

Join us in this exciting episode as we welcome Kate Rose from UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant! Kate brings us the latest updates on the 2024 seagrass sampling initiative in Charlotte County. 

Registration opens Aug. 1 2024 for the Charlotte County "Fit for Life" Senior Games! Charlotte County "Fit for Life" Senior Games provides a fulfilling and rewarding experience for all. Our Olympic-style event focuses on athletic competitions, camaraderie and recreational opportunities for seniors of all ages. The games are sanctioned by the Florida Sports Foundation and serve as a qualifier for the Florida Senior Games State Championships.

This summer, set off on an exciting journey with the Charlotte County Libraries! Ignite your passion for reading this summer. Our adventure begins on June 1st with a spectacular summer reading kickoff party that you won't want to miss. For more information, visit CharlotteCountyFL.gov/libraries. 

Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park Recreation Center has partially reopened with limited programming. The recreation team is inviting community members to Get Up, Get Out, Get Active and see what programs the recreation center has to offer. 

Join Charlotte County Libraries & History to celebrate the 2024 Suncoast Remake Learning Days! Suncoast Remake Learning Days is a 10-day learning festival that celebrates the many learning opportunities in our region. This celebration highlightsinnovative experiences and opportunities for youth and participants ofall ages to develop their sense of creativity, perseverance and curiosity. Your Charlotte County Libraries have some fantastic activities planned for the whole family to enjoy. 

Thinking about sending your child to summer camp? Camp sells out fast! On this episode, Recreation Supervisor breaks down what parents can expect and shares tips to make sure you can reserve your spot. 

Charlotte County Libraries & History will be hosting the second annual Sunlight Mission Health Fair and Cookout event from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 23 at the Port Charlotte Public Library located at 2280 Aaron St., in Port Charlotte. This is a community event for homeless, low-income, and financially at-risk residents in Charlotte County.  

Spring Training at the Charlotte Sports Park is back! On this episode, Charlotte County Recreation Superintendent shares highlights for spring training 2024. Charlotte Sports Park has been nominated for the Best Spring Training Facility by USA Today! To vote, visit https://10best.usatoday.com/awardsMusic AttributionBallgame by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100313Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Get ready to explore the recreational wonders that Charlotte County has to offer, right in your neighborhood. Whether you're a parent looking for family-friendly entertainment or a kid eager for new adventures, REC2U is here to make your park days unforgettable. On this episode, we highlight the upcoming REC2U Party & Movie in the Park on January 20 at William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park. 

This annual event is a celebration of all things winter,offering a memorable experience for families and friends. Enjoymany photo opportunities, crafts, games, and even a meet and greet with Jolly Old Saint Nick.We will be providing a special afternoon from 12 to 1 p.m. forthose with disabilities and their families who may benefit from aquieter atmosphere or may require a little more time to enjoy thefestivities. The music, lighting, and general atmosphere will be louder and brighter from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

Don't miss the Great Garage Sale at Charlotte Sports Park on Nov. 18! On this episode, we're diving into what shoppers and vendors can expect at the event. 

Orchids, master gardners, field trips and more!  Don't miss these exciting hands-on learning opportunities with the UF/IFAS extension office of Charlotte County! 

Join our team! Charlotte County Community Services is hosting a hiring event on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at Centennial Park Recreation Center located at 1120 Centennial Blvd., in Port Charlotte from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Visit CharlotteCountyFL.gov/jobs to view all open positions. Community Services is actively recruiting to fill full time, part-time and seasonal positions. There will be a swim test for the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification program onsite. Those interested in becoming American Red Cross Lifeguard certified and apply for lifeguard positions are encouraged to bring a bathing suit and towel for swim test.

Registration for the 2023 Charlotte County "Fit for Life" Senior Games is open! 

Join the Centennial Park recreation team every Wednesday for a free all-inclusive Playground Playdate program providing sensory-stimulating activities for kids.  Activities include sensory touch tables, games, puzzles and much more.  The Centennial Park Playground is located at 1120 Centennial Blvd., in Port Charlotte. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Learn how you can take time for you this month and positively impact your mental wellness. Charlotte County's Wellness Coordinator Stephanee Phillips is a guest on this episode and shares the importance of mental well-being. 

Did you know Charlotte County Community  Services has a land management team? On June 5, we celebrate World Environment Day. In this episode, Breanna talks to Senior Environmental Specialist Jason Thompson about what his team does to keep Charlotte County a great place to live, work and play. 

At the library, our mission is to make reading fun and accessible for all ages. This becomes so much more important during the summer months when students are away from school. Without the opportunities for learning and growth fostered in their classrooms daily, many children and teens experience a decline in their academic abilities known as the “summer slump.” It is through the summer reading program that libraries help to fill that gap, because it enables students to continue building their reading skills while having fun on summer vacation. On this episode, Youth Librarian Ashley Guerzo shares what children and families can expect this year during summer reading. 

May is Water Safety Month! Aquatic Coordinators Katie and Kaitlyn share water safety tips and the layers of drowning prevention. 

Meet Charlotte County's Historian Dr. Jennifer Zoebelein. On this episode, Jennifer shares some important fun facts about the history of Charlotte County. 

UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant Charlotte County is seeking volunteers to participate in the 4th Annual Eyes on Seagrass Citizen Science Monitoring Program to document the health of seagrass in upper Charlotte Harbor and Lemon Bay.  On this episode of the Community Services Connection Podcast, Sea Grant Agent Kate Rose discusses the program and the need for volunteers. 

On this episode of the Community Services Connection Podcast, we're checking in with the players and coaches of the Youth Volleyball Clinic at Harold Avenue Regional Park Recreation Center. Coach Paul gives an update on the program and the players share tips for making the school or travel team. 

Charlotte County Libraries & History will be hosting a health fair and cookout event for the homeless, low-income, and financially at-risk residents of Charlotte County on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Port Charlotte Public Library located at 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte.  In this episode, Library Technician Kevin Payen explains the inspiration behind the event and what attendees can expect. 

We're getting ready to celebrate our 59th Annual Hippity Hoppity Hopalong event in Charlotte County! Save the date of April 8  for our Easter event at Cenntennial Park in Port Charlotte.  Join in on the fun leading up to event by participating in our county wide Easter Egg-scursion. 

In this episode, Breanna talks to Community Services Coordinator Leah Williams who is entering her 11th year of summer camp here in Charlotte County.  Find out what sets Charlotte County's summer camp apart and hear tips and tricks on how to get registered quickly and easily. 

The University of Florida IFAS Extension Charlotte County is a partnership between the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Charlotte County government, to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public. On this episode of the podcast,  Breanna and Sara discuss the upcoming workshops being offered by the UF/IFAS extension office and what community members can expect to learn. For a full list of workshops, visit UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County Events | Eventbrite.

Is your child considering trying a new sport? Join the Youth Volleyball Clinic at Harold Avenue Regional Park! On this epsiode, volleyball coaches and sisters Arianna and Tianna as well as Recreation Specialist Paul explain what young athletes can expect to gain from the clinic. 

Hurricane Ian caused a significant amount of damage to our parks. While most of the parks in Charlotte County have reopened, there is still work to be done. Parks Supervisor Michelle Long joins the podcast on this episode and breaks down the process of cleaning the parks and reopening them safely to the public. 

Meet the team working hard behind the scenes to protect our coastal residents here in Charlotte County.   In this episode,  Breanna talks with Alexandria and Susie about the work they do for our sea turtles, shore birds, and what residents should know about our nesting seasons. 

 It's officially the most wonderful time of the year! On this episode of the Community Services Connection, Youth Services Librarian Elizabeth Lee and Breanna highight what's on the horizon for the holidays and upcoming programming at the Punta Gorda Charlotte Library. 

In this episode, Breanna and Hana discuss how libraries are evolving into much more than just books. Libraries have become a space for community engagement, events, and innovative education.