Port Charlotte residents demand action on neglected golf course post-Ian

Two Port Charlotte residents voiced concerns about the deteriorating state of the Port Charlotte Golf Course at a recent WINK Listens event. After being ravaged by Hurricane Ian, the course has been left in disrepair, leaving homeowners like Claire Rea and Michael Bouches frustrated.

Rea and Bouches have lived on the golf course for decades, enjoying its scenic views. Now, they describe it as an "eyesore" filled with overgrown weeds and damaged greens.

"It was a gem. Unless you knew it was there, you wouldn't even think about it. It's a golf course," said Rea.

Bouches shared similar sentiments, saying, "It's not the pristine golf course that it used to be. We bought these places because we like the scenery, and now there's no scenery."

Bouches also expressed his frustration over the prolonged neglect: "We're kind of getting tired of looking at the eyesore. I mean, you're talking well over three years that this has been going on."

Reflecting on her 30 years living near the course, Rea said, "You look outside, and you want to cry."

In July 2025, WINK Investigates looked into the course's condition. The course is owned by Mays Holding, but plans for Charlotte County to purchase it fell through after a $43,000 environmental study revealed soil and groundwater contamination.

WINK News reached out to Mays Holding but haven't heard back.

Rea took matters into her own hands by reporting issues to code compliance, leading to some actions being taken. "At one point, when I had been going to code compliance, and there was glass all over the ground, people had been living in there. I took pictures and brought them to code compliance, and they made him board it up," she said.

When WINK News reached out to the county, they stated, "The county does not require commercial or residential property to be landscaped, so there can be no enforcement of the overgrowth of the course."

"It's a sin. It breaks your heart," said Rea.

"You move into a house that's got all those wooded areas behind you, well, that's what we feel like now," added Bouches.

Residents are not just looking for answers; they want action. They hope for repairs, redevelopment, or a clear plan for the future of the golf course.

Rea and Bouches attended the WINK Listens event in hopes of sparking change. WINK News will continue to reach out to Mays Holding and seek solutions for the course's future.