Join the adventure that started as a spontaneous act over 30 years ago. Picture this: a group of friends led by the daring Punta Gorda attorney, Michael Haymans, decided to honor Independence Day by embarking on an extraordinary journey. They set out to conquer the 1.5-mile stretch across the majestic Peace River, inspired by tales of bygone generations who viewed this as a rite of passage. Little did they know that their audacious endeavor would blossom into something truly remarkable.
Word quickly spread about their exhilarating escapade, captivating the imaginations of those who yearned for a taste of the extraordinary. The flame ignited by Haymans and his comrades burned brightly, captivating hearts and minds. Today, an awe-inspiring spectacle unfolds on the waters of Charlotte Harbor—the renowned Charlotte Harbor Freedom Swim. An astonishing gathering of 1,000 to 1,500 individuals, adorned with red, white, and blue, come together for a remarkable celebration of freedom.
This is no ordinary race; it’s a vibrant happening that defies convention. Here, you’ll witness a kaleidoscope of creativity, as stand-up paddleboards, inflatable rafts, inner tubes, and even plastic noodles accompany the spirited swimmers. Kayaks glide alongside, their occupants accompanied by their beloved canine companions. It’s a dazzling display of unity, a bubbling symphony of laughter and joy. The locals fondly refer to it as a “bobblefest,” a term that captures the sheer bliss that permeates the atmosphere.
What sets this event apart is the absence of rigid regulations. Common sense and courtesy serve as the guiding principles for participants. And remember, it’s always wise to swim with a buddy, ensuring safety and camaraderie throughout the journey.
Picture yourself surrounded by a sea of patriots, basking in the warm glow of the sun on the afternoon of July 4, 2023. The tides dictate the start, precisely at 2:30 p.m., on the east side of the Punta Gorda Bridge’s north end. As you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by a brief but essential pre-swim briefing, ensuring everyone is prepared for the adventure that awaits.
This year, the conditions might pose a challenge, as the outgoing tidal current won’t be there to assist you. Fear not, for Michael Haymans, the unwavering force behind this remarkable event, assures us that “the slosh” will be in your favor, providing a slight advantage that will make the crossing a little easier. It’s an opportunity not to be missed.
To reach the starting point, venture to Live Oak Point Park, nestled at 5100 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte. Park availability is limited due to nearby construction, so we recommend an alternative approach. Consider parking at the end point of your grand aquatic journey—Fisherman’s Village. From there, arrange to be dropped off by car, boat, or even an Uber at the Freedom Swim’s starting location. Alternatively, you can park across the bridge in Punta Gorda and take a delightful stroll to the put-in site, immersing yourself in the anticipation that hangs in the air.
As you embark on this journey, you’ll find comfort in knowing that several vessels will accompany you, safeguarding your voyage. However, each swimmer is responsible for their own safety and support team, ensuring that courage and preparation go hand in hand.
But the adventure doesn’t end with the swim. Rejoice in your achievement at Fisherman’s Village, where lively melodies will grace your ears and a plethora of children’s activities, including face painting, will captivate the young at heart. The festivities commence at noon and continue until 9 p.m with the display of fireworks across the Harbor.
Master the Freedom Swim: Essential Tips for Participation
With the soaring popularity of the Freedom Swim, ensuring safety has become paramount. To preserve the spirit of this remarkable event, organizer Michael Haymans has implemented some crucial measures. Here are the must-know guidelines:
1. Know your limits: If you’re not a confident swimmer, it’s best to admire the spectacle from the bridge or join the adventure on a kayak or paddleboard. Remember, safety first! Haymans vividly recalls a past incident where a group of participants were swept upstream, leading to a rescue operation by law enforcement boats. Let’s strive to avoid such situations and cherish the swim responsibly.
2. Strength in numbers: Never embark on the swim alone. Whether you’re an experienced swimmer or a novice, ensure you have close support throughout your journey. Safety is a shared responsibility.
3. Sign in for success: Every swimmer must sign in at the start of the race. This helps organizers keep track of participants and ensures accountability. Make sure you check-in to be a part of this extraordinary experience.
4. Follow the leader: Rest assured, Michael Haymans, the driving force behind this event, leads by example. As a testament to his dedication, he stays by your side until everyone has taken the plunge. Count on him to be the last one to dive into the water, guiding you through this thrilling adventure.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can embrace the Freedom Swim with confidence, camaraderie, and an unwavering commitment to safety and be a part of local 4th of July tradtion.
*Pictures Sourced from Sun Herald
I consider myself very fortunate to have met so many wonderful people during my life that I’m blessed to call “friends.” Their backgrounds are as diverse as the world in which we live. Some have been politicians, others doctors, lawyers, law enforcement, and even those with rags-to-riches stories. While I love to celebrate their histories of accomplishment, the ones whose lives touch me most are those who passionately serve others, whether through personal sacrifice or by giving generously of their gifts and talents. Their backgrounds may differ vastly, but they desire to serve with little attention drawn to themselves. One such person is long-time friend Kim Amontree, whose contributions to our community read like a “Who’s Who.” Kim has served on the local school board as Vice Chair and as an integral member of a variety of boards and committees that include the “Punta Gorda Diversity Task Force,” “Charlotte County Chamber Government Affairs,” and “Charlotte County Reads” in addition to her various roles with the Florida School Boards Association. This association aims to increase student achievement by developing effective school board leadership and advocacy for public education.
Simply put, the FSBA is the “voice of education in Florida,” which Kim has served on multiple committees and continues today as co-Chair of the Legislative sub-Committee. Kim’s involvement with the community is just as comprehensive as she serves on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Southwest Florida and is “Chair of the Punta Gorda YMCA Community Board.” Her passion for children does not end there as she is a “Coalition Member of Drug-Free Punta Gorda,” a “Volunteer Reading Buddy.” She has also served as a mentor for Take Stock in Children and a coach for Girls on the Run. I’ve often felt Kim was the person I would call if my house were on fire as she’d be the first one on the scene and have it under control before the fire trucks arrived. She’s not one to sit back and hope for change; she’s a team player who will invoke the change.
I often ask those looking to move to our area what brought them here. For Kim, it was an opportunity for her husband Jim, a highly respected Gastroenterologist, to join the Intermedic practice years ago. Kim recalled how they met through a group of friends while both were living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They weren’t dating for long when Kim had an opportunity to move to New Orleans, working with NCR, a world-leading enterprise technology provider of software, hardware, and services for large banks and other entities. Jim was an Assistant Professor at the University of New Mexico when a close physician friend notified him of the Intermedic opportunity. Kim jokingly said, “I told Jim I wasn’t moving just for love. It would be for a ring, a house, and a dog.” So in 1991, they made the move and never looked back. Despite being on a fast track herself, Kim put her career on hold to help Jim open his practice which came to fruition in 1999. Years later, having helped create a thriving medical practice and raising three gifted children, Kim said, “Life is short, and I wanted to spend time doing things that matter.” Those who know Kim know of her passion for community and children specifically. Having been a Realtor myself for 20 years, the questions from those looking to move to our area center around medical services and education, the question most dear to Kim’s heart.
Few of us would disagree that we live in a world fraught with many issues, from health and finance to the environment. Kim reflected, “Unfortunately, the problems in society we face today the next generation is going to have to solve, and that comes through education.” Equally challenging is the environment our educators face today. Aside from the lack of decorum exhibited in debates of opposing thoughts and philosophies, you hear in classrooms and on college campuses throughout the country, not to mention security challenges, Kim said, “There is a direct tie to the impact on educational performance that stems from socio-economic conditions. Approximately 60% of the children are “direct certified” (receiving some form of government assistance). Over 90% are considered “economically needy.” While the pandemic had devastating effects on the 2020-2021 school year, where 30% of the children missed more than ten days of school, a dramatic increase from the 12% norm, Kim said, “The Charlotte County school system wasn’t going to take the foot off the gas; the students were expected to learn the curriculum.” In 2021, the Charlotte County School System had its highest graduation rate of 91%. Not only did more children graduate, but they scored in the top tier of Florida’s Advance Placement Standardized Test.
Kim’s decision to join an organization or board comes down to one significant fact, “Does it benefit the children of the community?” I’ve always felt we educate our children to benefit other cities and towns across the country since, historically, there have been limited employment opportunities locally. Kim said they could benefit from higher-paying jobs by providing workforce opportunities to serve the community’s growth, such as aviation, where students can graduate with FAA certifications. Kim continued by saying that with the cost of education reaching all-time highs, providing white-collar opportunities without going through a four-year college program would reduce student loan debt and enable these students to earn a good living in less time. She added, “If you want better medicine and services, you must support and have confidence in the school system.” By passing the “Yes For Success” referendum, teachers’ salaries increased from $38,000 to $54,000, which is one of the highest in the state. The referendum enabled the school system to address the psychological impact many children face today. Succinctly stated, “Schools are the front line of mental health issues.” As a result of the passage of the referendum, they were able to triple the number of social workers and double the number of psychologists.
Kim continued, “Discipline is one of the biggest barriers to educational success. It only takes a two percent discipline problem in a class to impact the other ninety-eight percent.” When you factor in some families’ socio-economic challenges, taking 20 minutes a day to read with a child is often compromised. Kim added, “Some parents don’t know what they don’t know.” Reading with your child stimulates from a knowledge base perspective and builds a stronger parental bond.” I have often thought with the absence of this bond; one can only assume there is a correlation as to why we see so many issues manifesting in today’s generations.
“Gary Cardillo with The Gary Cardillo Group of RE/MAX Harbor Realty Punta Gorda, FL has earned The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing’s Million Dollar GUILD™ recognition for experience, knowledge, and expertise in million-dollar and above residential properties.
I always look forward to this time of year, and believe it or not, it starts with Halloween. While each season brings us something different, I think the joy and anticipation of the holidays make this time of the year a little more special. It all begins with the fun on that ghoulish Halloween evening where we enjoy watching kids dress up as their favorite characters, filling their bags with candy as they “trick or treat” their way around the neighborhood. I remember those days dressing up in costume myself, coming home with enough candy to feed a small country, much to my dentist’s delight. As I’ve grown older, that exuberance has evolved into a satisfaction I see in others having on this fun-filled evening.
While I’ve always wanted to savor each holiday to its fullest, like many, we were ready to usher in the holidays earlier this year so we could inject a little joy into our lives after the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian. While I think most of us experienced less impact from this storm than we did from Hurricane Charley 18 years ago, it does make you stop and take stock of what is essential in life.
I recently had the opportunity again to be part of a unique team of volunteers assembled by Punta Gorda Police Officer Joe Angelini that hosted 51 foster families and 144 foster children to a holiday luncheon. This touching holiday event started seven years ago, a year after Joe became a resource officer at Sally Jones Elementary School. Always having had a special place in his heart for children, Joe recounts how the school principal asked him if he would take a little first-grade boy named Lucas under his wing. Joe agreed that the department would put him back patrolling the streets the following year, which was part of his service to the community he enjoyed. Little did Joe know the impact this child would have on him.
While we reminisced what it was like growing up and coming down Christmas morning to see the brightly colored presents Santa brought us the night before, Joe felt an emotional tug at his heart. He saw how the holidays often accentuated the transient hand these children were dealt. Despite the best efforts, these foster families were trying to provide the love and stability the children lacked. Joe felt these families and children needed more than a holiday lunch. They needed something where memories were made. He met with Pastor Tim Buck of First Methodist Church in Punta Gorda, now New Life Church, along with various community leaders and restauranteurs, and the groundwork was established. Hearing what Joe was planning, an elderly lady in the community anonymously provided presents for each one of the children. Joe confided, “She provided, and the Christmas Elves wrapped.”
Over these seven years, this 14-year Veteran of the Punta Gorda Police force has created an event to remember. The buffet-style luncheon is more like a feast with fresh roasted turkey and enough side dishes and desserts to feed an army. The food is delivered to the homeless shelter if anything is left over. After lunch, the children are treated to take part in a photo booth, a cookie decorating station, and one where they can create their ice cream sundaes. Of course, what holiday event would be complete without a personal visit and picture with Santa? Local musicians play holiday music throughout the event in the background, along with various festive decorations and lighted Christmas trees. It is a beautiful setting to behold. However, the best is yet to come.
While most people would like to talk about themselves, Gary and Gail have always put their clients first, and their diverse backgrounds have provided their clients an unparalleled level of service and knowledge throughout the past years.