Hurricane Donna hits Punta Gorda in September, 1960

On Saturday, September 10, 1960, Hurricane Donna whipped into Punta Gorda leaving 12 people injured, 300 homeless, and millions of dollars in property damage in the Charlotte County area according to St. Petersburg Times of the following Monday.  The storm reached winds of 120 miles an hour,  

Parts of the roof of Sallie Jones Elementary were ripped off, major damage was done to the Charlotte Shopping Center and the cabanas in the Municipal Park were destroyed.  The iconic photo from the time was that of the steeple of the First Presbyterian Church tilted in half,

Sunday Church History - the Adventists in Punta Gorda

Seventh Day Adventists have a long history in Punta Gorda.  They started a school in the early town in 1895. There were 13 students originally in eight grades. Services were also conducted at the school.  It was noted in the Florida Times Union of 1900 that  the Adventists were one of the congregations building a church here. (We are still researching if, when and where this happened).  

The Adventists also had a significant role in rescuing the local hospital in its early years taking over management in 1969. The Seventh Day Adventists adopted the early Medical Center as one of its official projects, the Punta Gorda Herald at the time reported . "It will have the support of the church organization, and its earnings will be used exclusively to expand the hospital and improve its services.” The adventists owned the hospital until 1994 when it was sold to HMA.  

The church has been located on Taylor Road since the late 1980s.  

(compiled by Theresa Murtha)