PUNTA GORDA, which means "Broad Point" in Spanish, is a waterfront community with a unique downtown historical district. Punta Gorda also has a picturesque waterfront area with a harbor and many public parks.

Punta Gorda has been showered with accolades since the mid-1990s. It has earned the top ten ranking from several magazines for being among the best places to live. In 1996 and in 2003, Money magazine listed Punta Gorda among its "Best Places to Live." In the March 2002 issue of Men's Journal magazine, Punta Gorda was ranked at No. 32 on their list of "The 50 Best Places To Live." In 2003, MSN House and Home ranked Punta Gorda at No. 4 on their list of "America's Best Places to Live." In 2005, Golf Digest ranked Punta Gorda at No.3 on their list of best cities for golf.

Punta Gorda is located halfway between Sarasota and Naples on the Southwest Florida Gulf coast. It is 30 minutes north of Fort Myers Southwest Florida International Airport, which provides convenient flight service domestically and internationally.

On August 13, 2004, Hurricane Charley caused severe damage to homes and businesses. Today, Punta Gorda is vigorously rebuilding with several shopping and entertainment facilities being planned.