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Punta Gorda, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area

Charlotte County, Florida
County
Charlotte County
Punta Gorda, FL, Courthouse, Charlotte County, 04-18-2010 (1).JPG
The Charlotte County Courthouse at Punta Gorda in April 2010.
Seal of Charlotte County, Florida
Seal
Map of Florida highlighting Charlotte County
Location in the U.S. state of Florida
Map of the United States highlighting Florida
Florida's location in the U.S.
Founded April 23, 1921
Named for Charlotte Harbor
Seat Punta Gorda
Largest community Port Charlotte
Area
 • Total 858 sq mi (2,222 km2)
 • Land 680 sq mi (1,761 km2)
 • Water 178 sq mi (461 km2), 20.7%
Population (est.)
 • (2015) 173,115
 • Density 235/sq mi (91/km²)
Congressional district 17th
Time zone Eastern: UTC-5/-4
Website www.charlottecountyfl.gov

Charlotte County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of the 2010 census, the population was 159,978. Its county seat is Punta Gorda.

Charlotte County comprises the Punta Gorda, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the North Port-Sarasota, FL Combined Statistical Area.

Charlotte County was established April 23, 1921. It was named for the Bay of Charlotte Harbor. "Charlotte" came from "Carlos" (Spanish), "Charles" (English), or "Calos" (Calusa Indian). In 1565, the Spanish named "Carlos Bay," followed by the English in 1775 who named the area Charlotte Harbor in tribute to the Queen Charlotte Sophia, wife of King George III. Punta Gorda is the only incorporated city in Charlotte County.

On August 13, 2004 Charlotte County was devastated when Hurricane Charley came ashore near Port Charlotte as a Category 4 hurricane.

Historic places in Charlotte County include the Old Charlotte County Courthouse as well as those on the List of Registered Historic Places in Charlotte County.


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