I've been to Punta Gorda a number of times over the years, including summers there as a boy in the 60's and 70's. Much of the more modern "mall-type" growth since then has occurred in an area just to the north of Punta Gorda called Murdock. So Punta Gorda still retained an old Florida look and feel (shaded residential neighborhood streets, wood frame houses with porches, antiques, etc.). It was this old portion that really got clobbered. I feel for the folks there....
That is so sad about the historical district being wiped out. I have seen some of the 'old Florida' type neighborhoods, so graceful and lovely.
I hope they rebuild in that old style.
As I asked on another thread, is there anybody who knows where Malone Avenue is in Port Charlotte? My aunt and uncle and two cousins evacuated but don't know if their houses still stand. they were on Malone.
Also, what is very unique about Punta Gorda is their historic district, with historic residential homes, is right alongside the water, bordering Charlotte Harbor. In other FL towns there are hotels, high rise condos along the water, but not in Punta Gorda. All these little cottages are below sea level.