Helphenstine, Bob and JoAnn

Bob and JoAnn Helphenstine established what would become an iconic Punta Gorda business, Palm Auto Mall, a multimillion-dollar auto dealership.  They also contributed in many significant ways to the continued development and prosperity of their adopted community.  

Bob and JoAnn moved here from the Jacksonville area in 1955 after purchasing Campbell Chevrolet.  At that time their new dealership was surrounded by cattle fields and woods.  Since the name Helphenstine was so long, they decided to name the business, Palm Chevrolet.  Bob became the salesman working the front of the dealership; JoAnn took over keeping the books and became an indispensable part of the overall operation.  As the area grew, so did their business, from a one-dealership company to Palm Auto Mall, lining both sides of Tamiami Trail with a wide variety of car brands.  After Bob passed away in 2002, JoAnn took over and oversaw even more growth with additional buildings and brands.  Then after 60-plus years in the business, JoAnn sold Palm Auto to Gettel in 2017.

During his life in Punta Gorda, Bob Helphenstine also served on the City Council from 1968 to 1978, participating in talks that led to the development of Fishermen’s Village and helping to oversee many important city projects including the construction of a new sewage treatment plant and expansion of the water plant.  He was a believer in managed growth and thought that “if you weren’t moving forward, you were moving backward.”  Bob also served on the boards of numerous community organizations, including the Edison Community College Foundation, the Charlotte County Vocational Center and the Charlotte County YMCA.

JoAnn has served on many nonprofit boards, as well, like the YMCA and Florida Southwestern State College, and has supported countless local charities and nonprofits.