Harbor Life, Then and Now

Year

2003

Artist

Charles Peck

Location

1601 S. Tamiami Trail (South Wall)

Size

8’ h x 75’ w

Mural Creation Sponsors

Mr. & Mrs. Biehl

About the mural

The Charlotte “Harbor Life, Then and Now” mural represents the early days when Punta Gorda was a serious commercial fishing community and when tarpon sport fishing first became popular. It shows some of the harbor fishing shacks where fisherman dropped off their catch and replenished their supply of ice so they could continue fishing.

The mural was sponsored by the Biehl family when they owned this building (then called The Slip-Knot Lounge). A shrimp boat that worked the harbor and nearby Gulf of Mexico and belonged to Danny Biehl’s uncle is depicted. Danny, the owner of the Slip-Not Lounge, is shown with his son and grandsons on his airboat. He had a long time family connection to Punta Gorda and was the owner of one of the longest running business in Punta Gorda under the same ownership (1952-2012).

The change in Charlotte Harbor from commercial fishing to recreational boating is represented by the sailboats and in particular shows the artist’s 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 Punta Gorda such a special place in Florida and in the world.

This mural was dedicated on February 20, 2003.