McCann, John (Jack)

 

John (Jack) McCann was born in Key West, Florida in 1866.  He arrived in what came to be Punta Gorda in 1886 as a captain of Perry McAdow’s schooner “Silver Spray.” In 1892, he married Mary Frances Roe with whom he had three children born in Punta Gorda: Maive, Bertram and Edward.  

Captain McCann obtained fame by taking the former President Teddy Roosevelt in search of the devil fish in March of 1917.  The widely publicized event had resulted in Roosevelt’s catch of a 16 foot, 8 inch manta ray.

McCann was the city’s Marshall and was in charge of the storm warning service for more than 30 years beginning in 1912.  He displayed storm warnings from a 75 foot high steel structure on the bay front.

Captain McCann was also a member of Punta Gorda’s first Board of Trade.  He also had many hobbies including horticulture.  He was the first person to develop a double hibiscus and the first pink and white double amaryllis.

McCann died at his home at 713 West Retta Esplanade in 1944.

Guthrie, William Elza

 

William Elza Guthrie was born in Charlotte Harbor, Florida on December 28, 1895, only eight years after the incorporation of Punta Gorda.  His father, William B. Guthrie, was instrumental in establishing the commercial fishing industry at Charlotte Harbor after arriving with wife, Lillian, from North Carolina. 

Will Guthrie spent most of his life working in the fishing industry, 44 years with the Punta Gorda Fish Company, where he became a senior officer, its secretary and treasurer.  Will’s first career though was teaching at the local school in Charlotte Harbor, where he met his wife, Freddie Lee Roberts, also a teacher, whom he married in 1919.  His concern for schooling led to a 19-year role on the Charlotte Country School Board, sixteen of those years as Chair of the Board.  

Guthrie was also very active civically, as a charter member of the Punta Gorda Rotary and a grandmaster of the Masons Lodge of Punta Gorda.  Thanks to him, we have a written history of the local fishing industry that he wrote for a presentation to the Rotary. 

Will and Freddie made their home and raised six children in Punta Gorda, where Mrs. Guthrie also became very involved in the community, serving among other roles, as President of the Punta Gorda Woman’s Club.  

Will passed away at 67 in 1963.  At his funeral, the pall bearers and honorary pall bearers included a large roster of Punta Gorda’s civic leaders of the day.  

 

 

Goff, Wayne

 

Wayne Goff was a prominent builder and developer known throughout Charlotte County for his generous contributions to many organizations in the community.  He was instrumental in the startup of the Punta Gorda History Center. 

Wayne was a fourth-generation descendant of the Goff family who were original settlers of Englewood. A 1957 graduate, he was class president and played football, basketball and baseball at Charlotte High School; he remained an active CHS supporter throughout his lifetime. Wayne graduated from the University of Florida, College of Planning, Design, and Construction. He began his career with E. I. DuPont, then formed Goff Construction, Inc. in 1960; it is Charlotte County's first State Certified Class "A" general contractor.

Wayne was a builder/developer of Punta Gorda Isles (1970-1984), and owner and President of Church Growth & Building Consultants. He donated his services as general contractor for many churches, the Performing Arts Center, Habitat for Humanity Punta Gorda, the Punta Gorda History Center and for the construction of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Punta Gorda. He was instrumental in advancing Port Charlotte "U", an adult education school for retired residents, into the Cultural Center of Charlotte County.  He served with First Baptist Churches of Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, Peace River Baptist Association, Florida Baptist Convention, Southern Baptist Convention, Economic Development Council, Punta Gorda Rotary Club, Englewood Area Historical Museum, Charlotte High School Boosters, and Tidewell Hospice.

Wayne was married to his wife, Donna, for over fifty years. They raised three children: Keith,  Karen and Karla.

Naylor, Robert C. "Bob"

 

Robert C. "Bob" Naylor Jr. was born on September 9, 1944, in New York, but spent much of his adult life residing in and dedicated to Punta Gorda.

Bob began his career as a member of the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service, he devoted over 35 years to Punta Gorda, initially serving as a volunteer firefighter. His commitment led to roles as a full-time firefighter, fire marshal, and ultimately fire chief. Additionally, he demonstrated his dedication to civic engagement through longstanding participation with the Punta Gorda Kiwanis Club—holding positions such as Treasurer and President—and through his leadership in organizing Punta Gorda's annual fireworks events for many years.

Bob was admired and loved by those who knew him for his kindness and spirit of adventure evidenced by his passion for travel especially riding on his Harley.

Bob and Christine Naylor were married for over ten years before he passed away last year.  He was father to Amy (Kim) Runkle, Tracy and Lois Naylor; grandfather to Casey, Mikal, Danielle, Ryan, and Becky; and great-grandfather to Bradleigh, Kyal and Malachi   He also had a stepdaughter, Lori. 

 

 

Goulding, Harry (Pete)

The City council first passed an ordinance proclaiming Punta Gorda as “The City of Hibiscus”.  In conjunction with the proclamation, 2,200 red hibiscuses were ordered and planted throughout the city, which apparently made quite an impression on native son Harry Goulding, known as “Pete” to everyone in town.

Pete’s dad, Joseph, had moved to Punta Gorda from North Carolina in 1895, intent on harvesting egret plumes in the Everglades.  At the time a sought after complement to ladies’ hats, they were literally “worth their weight in gold”.  Soon after his arrival though, the market dissolved when their use became illegal.  Joseph however, fortunately for us, decided to stay, becoming a fisherman.  Not too long afterward, in 1908, Harry was born. 

Brought up in the business, Pete began as a “footer”, whose job was moving a large gill net’s loose end (“foot”) to shore once fish were driven into the open net.  The net’s other end already being anchored to shore.  Soon he began keeping the records for Captain Joe’s fishing operation, going on to become a bookkeeper, and eventually vice-president and secretary of the Punta Gorda Fish Company, one of five located on the railroad dock at the foot of King Street (U. S. 41 north) in the 1920’s.  Pete loved the fishing industry, but his passion became hibiscus hybridization.

 He and his wife Reba, who grew up in Charlotte Harbor, resided in a small “board and batten” cottage, still standing albeit with subsequent additions, on West Retta Esplanade.  The story goes that in the early 1930’s, Pete travelled throughout the state, gathering samples of the 12 hibiscus varieties growing in Florida.  From that stock, in his backyard, he developed many of those seen today, with almost 500 registered varieties to his credit. 

Pete was also what some might call a “character” and a great storyteller with sharp wit, evidenced by some of the names bestowed on his creations; Hokey Pokee, Peeping Tom, Mini Skirt, Sleeping Single, and Honey Do.  He especially enjoyed messing with “out-of-towners” visiting him when they would inquire about his name, Harry or Pete?  He’d respond, “My full name is Pedro Pathiro Patholo Guatemala Gouchinhimier Diaz Goulding”, and then grin mischievously as they tried to write it down.

Known internationally as “Mr. Hibiscus” and “King Harry”, Pete was visited by hibiscus aficionados from around the world hoping to learn his techniques.  His “hobby” garnered him hundreds of awards at flower shows and the American Hibiscus Society proclaimed his blooms “Best in the World” five times.  The Society’s local entity, the Harry Goulding Chapter, is named in his honor.  On July 6, 1988, the city council, recognizing the accomplishments of Punta Gorda’s native son, proclaimed Harry Goulding Day and in 2000, the council reaffirmed Punta Gorda’s status as “The City of Hibiscus”.

Pete passed away in 1993 leaving the city, state, and world a more beautiful place. 

(From column by Frank Desguin)

 

Lazzell, Rufus C.

Rufus C. Lazzell was a decorated U.S. Army Brigadier General who, after retirement, became one of Punta Gorda’s most influential civic leaders, serving as Mayor and a driving force behind numerous community projects. Bon on March 29, 1929, in Huntington, West Virginia, he lived a life defined by service, leadership, and community dedication. For thirty years he served in the U.S. Army Infantry, with tours in Korea and Vietnam, earning numerous honors including the Purple Heart, three Bronze Stars, three Legion of Merit awards, two Silver Stars, and the Army Distinguished Service Medal

After retiring from the Army, Lazzell moved to Punta Gorda, Florida, where he embarked on a second career as a civic leader and volunteer. He served on the Punta Gorda City Council and was elected Mayor, remembered for his strong leadership and vision for the city. He organized “Rufus’s Raiders,” a volunteer group that bricked streets in downtown Punta Gorda, leaving a lasting mark on the city’s historic character. His influence extended into cultural life as Commodore of the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club, President of the Cultural Center of Charlotte County, and as the first inductee into the Military Heritage Museum’s Wall of Warriors.

Rufus Lazzell’s role in Punta Gorda was defined by his commitment to civic improvement and cultural enrichment. He transformed his military discipline into civic leadership, helping shape the city’s identity as a vibrant, historic, and community-driven place.  He left behind a legacy of both military valor and civic dedication that continues to inspire Punta Gorda residents today.

Rountree, Edgar Wesley

 Edgar Wesley Rountree was born on January 12, 1879, in Greenwood, Jackson County, Florida, to J.R. and Lula Rountree. In 1904, he married Lillian Alabama “Bama” Ward in Pinkard, Alabama. Together they had three sons: Edwin Wesley, William Erwin, and Richard Elvin.

Edgar began his career with the Florida Southern Railway as a depot agent in Gordon, Alabama. When the railway was acquired by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, he was transferred to Punta Gorda, Florida, in 1908. There, he worked as the freight agent and became the first station manager at the Punta Gorda Depot, performing duties as ticket agent, baggage handler, and telegraph operator.

Beyond his railroad work, Edgar invested in Punta Gorda’s growth. He purchased multiple properties in town.  He also establish a Coca-Cola bottling franchise in Punta Gorda, building a plant at Elizabeth and Allen Streets. His sons ran the business: Erwin managed the machinery, while Ebby oversaw distribution and customer relations.

Edgar was very active in civic organizations including being a charter member of the Punta Gorda Kiwanis, a Worthy Master Mason, President of the Chamber, School Board Member and city commissioner reflecting his leadership and community involvement.