SW Florida Walking Tours

10/02/2025

05/02/2025

So much fun today with Karen, Steve, Jim and Carol, and Anne, Chuck and Patty. We sampled food from our family-owned restaurants as well as visiting local landmarks.

05/02/2025

Meet restaurateurs on the Long Lunch Tour!

03/02/2025

Prior to the auction, we enjoyed speeches by Theresa Murtha and our own tour guide, Steve. Both speakers were passionate and engaging. The audience speculated on who they believe killed Marshal Bowman. Richard Ferrara of Past is Present Paranormal Society believes notorious town rogue Dick Windham was a likely suspect. There was discussion also of serial killer Edgar Watson as the possible assassin.

03/02/2025

Today Lieutenant Chris Williams of the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office accepted checks totaling $1,103 for the family of Sgt. Elio Diaz, who was slain in the line of duty just 10 days before Christmas.

Our magnificent, skillful, and compassionate auctioneer, Anthony Sura, deserves all the credit for this successful fundraiser. We thank the generous local businesses who offered fabulous raffle prizes: Wyvern Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection, Ortigia Cucina & Bar by Carmelo's, and The Yoga Sanctuary. Refreshments were provided by Harborwalk Scoops and Bites and GiGi’s Ice Cream of Punta Gorda.

Thanks also to individuals who donated auction items, and those who took home vintage treasures.

03/02/2025

Do we need another hotel in Punta Gorda? Are the existing hotels and Sunseeker full up?

29/01/2025

The roof of Perch 360 at The Wyvern Hotel is fantastic today!

29/01/2025

Margarita? Si!

29/01/2025

Saturday, February 1. Punta Gorda Woman's Club. Doors open at 12:30. Auction at 3 PM. Get more info and see the auction items: https://swfloridawalkingtours.com/bowman/auction-items/

28/01/2025

We've been receiving more donations for Saturday's auction to benefit the family of Sgt. Elio Diaz. Get details and view the quality items that were donated by local residents:

Auction Items 1. Vintage Copper and Brass Fire Extinguisher 2. Antique Automobile Oil-fueled Headlight 3. Leather Laptop or Tablet Bag 4. Four Ladies Straw Sun hats 5. New Ladies Sketchers Steel Toed Shoes Size 9 6. NIB Men's Brutini Leather Shoes Size 11 7. NIB Men's Alfani Leather Shoes Size 8.5 8...

28/01/2025

This morning, a memorial brick was placed to honor Sgt. Elio Diaz at the Southwest Florida Public Service Academy.

28/01/2025

Peace River Beer Company This Saturday there's an auction at The Woman's Club to benefit the family of Sgt. Elio Diaz. There are several vintage board games for sale!
https://swfloridawalkingtours.com/bowman/auction-items/

28/01/2025

Looking forward to a full tour tomorrow. We'll be sampling local cuisine, sightseeing, and checking in with some of our charming boutiques in historic downtown Punta Gorda! The weather is perfect!!!

25/01/2025

We're just one week away from The Tribute to Marshal Bowman and the Auction to Benefit the Diaz Family. Here's the full catalogue of auction items!
https://swfloridawalkingtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/DIAZ-FAMILY-BENEFIT-AUCTION-Catalogue.pdf

23/01/2025

https://charlottecounty.floridaweekly.com/articles/marshal-law/

Marshal John Bowman was the first law enforcement officer killed in Punta Gorda — and his name won’t be forgotten. At least, not if Stephen Fifer has anything to say about it. Fifer works for Southwest Florida Walking Tours, which will present a memorial tribute to Bowman on Saturday, Feb. 1. He...

23/01/2025

Volunteers needed! On Saturday February 1, we're holding a tribute to Marshal John Bowman and a fundraiser for the family of Sgt. Elio Diaz. We need people to assist in the auction from about 1-4 PM. Please contact Evie at (941) 380-8007 or email [email protected].

Learn more at

Tribute to Marshal Bowman Saturday, February 1 at the historic Woman’s Club Join our local history buffs in paying tribute to Marshal John Bowman, who was assassinated in Punta Gorda on January 29, 1903. His murder started a chain of tragedy that extended to the *probably* innocent man who was con...

08/01/2025

Dear City of Punta Gorda, please acknowledge our town founder, Isaac Trabue's vision of the entire harbor side being reserved as a park for the residents of Punta Gorda. This is a beautiful space for folks to relax and admire the water. Keep it like this please!

08/01/2025

Have you checked out The Salty Tarpon? Super cozy ambiance, good beer, tasty food, and amazing staff like Johnny!