Charlotte High School

Charlotte High School is a three-story school building in Punta Gorda, Florida, constructed in 1926 and displaying traditional brick and stone construction with classical details. The structure houses classrooms and learning spaces and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, currently serving approximately 2,000 students in grades 9 through 12.

The school was founded in 1926 and served as the only high school in Charlotte County for many years, giving it significant weight in the community. In 2004, Hurricane Charley caused severe damage with roof destruction and broken windows, but the historic exterior was preserved during restoration and modern facilities were added to the campus.

The school carries the name of its county and was for a long time the only high school in the region, earning it the title of "Charlotte County's First and Finest." Its mascot, the fighting tarpon with boxing gloves, was adopted in 1959 and continues to connect generations of students through shared memories and school traditions.

The school campus spans approximately 300,000 square feet with classrooms, sports fields, and gathering areas, so visitors should allow ample time to explore it fully. The best time to see the building from outside is on weekends or after school hours, when the grounds are quieter and you can move about more freely.

The school teams carry the nickname "Fighting Tarpon" and have a long history of successful sports traditions that benefited many alumni who later played professionally. The choice of this fish as mascot in 1959 reflects the school's connection to Punta Gorda's local water culture and fishing heritage.