Final countdown for Punta Gorda Bayfront Center

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Your Email Address Privacy Notice Nearly two years after Hurricane Ian performed unwanted "renovations" on the Bayfront Center, demolition is right around the corner.The city of Punta Gorda announced its plans Thursday, including that there will be detours for portions of the harborwalk.The Bayfront Center dates back to the 1950s. It has held weddings, dance classes and even YMCA sleepovers.On September 28, 2022, Ian ripped off the building's roof sending rain and water into places it never should be. Since then, the structure's stayed closed. FEMA's 50% rule meant there was no way to simply fix the place. It would have to be rebuilt to the current code.The city created a committee to review ideas and propose future solutions. Right now, nothing is set in stone."Most of the activities that had been housed here have found at least temporary new locations. We definitely know that there's the need for another community center within the community. Where that will be, when that will be, all of those types of things are yet to be determined," said Melissa Reichert, the assistant city manager.

Nearly two years after Hurricane Ian performed unwanted "renovations" on the Bayfront Center, demolition is right around the corner.

The city of Punta Gorda announced its plans Thursday, including that there will be detours for portions of the harborwalk.

The Bayfront Center dates back to the 1950s. It has held weddings, dance classes and even YMCA sleepovers.

On September 28, 2022, Ian ripped off the building's roof sending rain and water into places it never should be. Since then, the structure's stayed closed. FEMA's 50% rule meant there was no way to simply fix the place. It would have to be rebuilt to the current code.

The city created a committee to review ideas and propose future solutions. Right now, nothing is set in stone.

"Most of the activities that had been housed here have found at least temporary new locations. We definitely know that there's the need for another community center within the community. Where that will be, when that will be, all of those types of things are yet to be determined," said Melissa Reichert, the assistant city manager.