Punta Gorda sprucing up scenic spot with Harborwalk construction

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PUNTA GORDA, Fla.- Laishley Marina will soon be connected to the Harborwalk in Punta Gorda, a move city leaders say will not only make the area more aesthetically appealing, but also safer.

The pathway will be built behind Laishley Crabhouse and will include a foot bridge over the mangroves.

“Now it’s going to be so much easier just to come around and go right to Laishley Park,” said Punta Gorda council member Kim Devine.

Devine says the bridge will make it much safer for pedestrians and bicyclists, “you would have to come up behind the Four Points, cross over into this parking lot, the parking lot, more parking lot and then cross over into Laishley Park.

People who frequently visit the area say they’re looking forward to using the new Harborwalk.

“Absolutely,” said Michael Perry, “I think it’s a wonderful thing. Punta Gorda needs the expansion.”

“I think it’s a great idea,” added Greg Gustas. “We’re visitors here in the winter time, we come down for a couple of months and it’s enjoyable to take the walk.”

Devine adds taxpayer dollars and federal grants are paying for the Harborwalk. After construction is finished at the marina, the last phase of the Harborwalk will begin. It will eventually span from Laishley Park to Fishermen’s Village.

“For me, this is the yellow brick road to Punta Gorda from Fishermen’s Village,” Devine said.

The construction to Laishley  should be complete in May, city officials said.

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