Harbor Life, Then and Now - Punta Gorda, FL
Posted by: 
crackergals
N 26° 55.408 W 082° 02.861
17R E 395980 N 2978389
Located on Biehl's Slip Knot Lounge
1601 Tamiami Trail
Punta Gorda, FL
Waymark Code: WM5MK6
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 01/22/2009
Views: 18
The Charlotte Harbor, “Then and Now Mural” on the Slip-Not Lounge, represents some of the early days when we were a serious commercial fishing community, and when tarpon sport fishing first became popular. It shows some of the fish shacks where fisherman dropped off their catch and replenished their supply of ice so they could continue fishing.
A shrimp boat is depicted that worked the harbor and nearby Gulf of Mexico, and belonged to Danny Biehl's uncle. Danny, the owner of the Slip-Not Lounge, is shown with his son and grandsons on his airboat. He has a long time family connection to Punta Gorda and is the owner of the longest running business in Punta Gorda under the same ownership (since 1956).
The change in Charlotte Harbor from commercial fishing to recreational boating is represented by the sail boats and in particular shows the artists brother, Dennis Peck, winning a single hand sail boat race that was featured in the Sun Herald.
The Osprey represents the continuity over time, of life on the harbor. The harbor is a big part of what makes this such a special place in Florida and the world. There is no other place exactly like it anywhere.
To see all the Punta Gorda Murals: (
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Biehl's Slip Knot is a Punta Gorda Icon. This local lounge has been here for years and is a popular meeting place for the locals. There are also other waymarks here.
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