Old Charlotte County Courthouse, County courthouse in Punta Gorda, Florida
The Old Charlotte County Courthouse is a brick courthouse at 226 Taylor Street in Punta Gorda, notable for its yellow color and classical Ionic columns. The structure sits on an elevated foundation designed to protect it from flooding.
The courthouse was constructed in 1928 by architect Paul H Smith of Haines City and served as the county's administrative center for decades. It was replaced by a new Justice Center in 1999 when judicial operations relocated.
A mural on Olympia Avenue depicts George Brown, a local businessman whose land sale made this building possible. The artwork serves as a reminder of the people who shaped this community's development.
The building now houses the Supervisor of Elections office and operates as a voting location in what was once the main courtroom. Visitors can access the structure and view its architectural details during regular business hours.
The elevated foundation was built not merely as an architectural choice but as a flood protection measure essential to South Florida's climate. This practical design feature reflects how early 20th-century builders adapted to the region's water challenges.
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