"We" are "You"
🌟 Welcome to the best Civic Association in Charlotte County, where the magic happens, and events are an invitation to unforgettable moments! 🌟
A Message from Our President:
Welcome to the online home of the South Punta Gorda Heights Civic Association, serving all of south Charlotte County, Florida! As President, I am honored to serve a broad and diverse community that truly understands the value of being good neighbors. Since our association was first incorporated on October 21, 1988, our mission has been to protect and enhance the quality of life here in south Charlotte County.
Whether you are a long-time resident or a new neighbor, the Civic Center on First Avenue is your hub for social connection, from our famous monthly dinners and bingo nights to our lively square-dancing activities (courtesy of our partnership with the Sunseeker Squares Club). We invite you to explore this site, add your name to our mailing list, and—most importantly—get involved by joining the Association. Together, we continue to make Charlotte County, Florida a wonderful place to call home.
Thomas Kessler President, SPGH Civic Association
Our Mission and Vision
Our Mission: Provide a community-centric organization that:
- Offers social events that bring together people in the community,
- Welcomes new residents,
- Serves as a liaison to the Charlotte County Government and the Board of County Commissioners,
- Advocates for community needs and improvements, and
- Shares information that is pertinent to those in the community.
Our Vision: Community members have access to a social organization that brings back memories of “back home,” provides everyone an opportunity to participate in and enjoy reasonably priced events, and provides a forum for learning about, discussing, and potentially influencing civic activities to benefit the community.
Membership Benefits
Become an Association member — only $15 per person or $25 for a family membership. Just complete the nearby form. You can even pay electronically if you prefer.
Get these great benefits:
- Theme dinners: pay $15 instead of $18.
- Extra card on bingo night.
- Xmas dinner: no charge
- Participation in various activities and groups
- Free use of borrowing library
- Discounts: Hall rental, Spanish classes, dance lessons,
…. and we are working on more great benefits including a renewal/new member “welcome” gift package!
About the Civic Center
The Civic Center is owned by the Charlotte County government. The County maintains all physical infrastructure elements.
The Civic Association is responsible for all aspects of ongoing operations, makes all decisions regarding facility utilization, maintains liability insurance, and pays all operating expenses. We are responsible for all interior furnishings.
The Civic Center is a Supervisor of Elections voting location. It serves as a hurricane shelter for local residents and has a propane-powered backup generator.
How We Plan and Decide
The Civic Association was established in Oct 1988 as a Florida 501C3 not-for-profit corporation. Each year the Association is required to file with the IRS and renew its status with the Florida Department of State.
Our purpose is established in our by-laws: Bring Association members together at regular intervals to: 1) promote interest in civic affairs, progress, and development; 2) promote civic pride; and 3) annually select Association leaders.
In reality, members decline to step in and assume leadership positions. Consequently, a less formal approach to planning and making decisions has been adopted. A planning committee meets monthly from Nov through Apr to plan and conduct activities and operations for the current and next season.Â
The Association reached a “crossroads” in Nov 2025. If new volunteers failed to step forward, the Association would cease most activities and continue to operate the Civic Center only as long as there was sufficient funds to do so. Members were made aware of the situation.
Once informed, there was a positive and overwhelming response, with new members volunteering to lead dinners, resurrect bingo, and attend planning meetings.
As of March 2026, the Association has sufficient leadership, support, and finances to continue for the foreseeable future. Consequently, the Planning Committee will continue to meet as scheduled, set out an agenda for the next season, and support the Association’s mission and activities.