Punta Gorda dives into aquarium project

PUNTA GORDA — An economic development group is considering the feasibility of an aquarium in downtown Punta Gorda to boost tourism to the area.

“The feasibility study is the first step in the process to enhance Punta Gorda's draw to visitors and tourists,” says Darol Carr, an attorney with the Farr Law Firm who is a member of the Charlotte Harbor Aquarium Committee and the Charlotte County Economic Development Council. The Farr firm donated $5,000 toward the study.

Downtown Punta Gorda has been rebuilt since Hurricane Charley blew through the city in 2004 and caused substantial damage. New developments have included a Four Points by Sheraton hotel as well as shops and restaurants along the waterfront.

A similar effort has drawn tourists to downtown Tampa, for example. The Florida Aquarium, which draws thousands of visitors to the Channelside district of Tampa annually, is undergoing a $15 million renovation and expansion project.