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 p...
May 13, 2025•25 min
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.
Mar 06, 2025•8 min
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 f...
Jan 16, 2025•13 min
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.
Dec 10, 2024•7 min
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.
Aug 02, 2024•9 min
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.
Jul 30, 2024•9 min
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.
May 14, 2024•17 min
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.
Apr 22, 2024•6 min
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 highlights innovative experiences and opportunities for youth and participants of all 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....
Apr 02, 2024•10 min
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.
Feb 29, 2024•16 min
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.
Feb 21, 2024•12 min
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/awards Music Attribution Ballgame 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-fre...
Feb 17, 2024•5 min
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.
Jan 16, 2024•7 min
This annual event is a celebration of all things winter, offering a memorable experience for families and friends. Enjoy many 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. for those with disabilities and their families who may benefit from a quieter atmosphere or may require a little more time to enjoy the festivities. The music, lighting, and general atmosphere will be louder and brighter from ...
Dec 06, 2023•6 min
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.
Nov 02, 2023•6 min
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!
Oct 10, 2023•14 min
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...
Sep 08, 2023•11 min
Registration for the 2023 Charlotte County "Fit for Life" Senior Games is open!
Aug 13, 2023•7 min
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.
Jul 27, 2023•5 min
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.
Jun 20, 2023•15 min
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.
Jun 20, 2023•13 min
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 r...
May 26, 2023•10 min
May is Water Safety Month! Aquatic Coordinators Katie and Kaitlyn share water safety tips and the layers of drowning prevention.
Apr 30, 2023•11 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Meet Charlotte County's Historian Dr. Jennifer Zoebelein. On this episode, Jennifer shares some important fun facts about the history of Charlotte County.
Apr 01, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 10
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.
Mar 25, 2023•12 min
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.
Mar 23, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 10
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.
Mar 13, 2023•10 min•Season 1Ep. 9
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.
Mar 08, 2023•9 min•Season 1Ep. 8
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.
Feb 23, 2023•12 min•Season 1Ep. 7
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 lis...
Jan 23, 2023•12 min
