Hundreds of Volunteers Rally for Day of Service in Charlotte County, Florida

On Florida’s Gulf Coast, it’s still easy to spot the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The back-to-back storms delivered a powerful punch to communities across the Sunshine State last year including those in Charlotte and Sarasota Counties. Storm surge and strong winds wreaked havoc on a beloved park, destroyed bicycles at a local nonprofit and left vulnerable families in need of support.

Team UP in Punta Gorda

That’s why hundreds of Team UP volunteers recently gathered near Southwest Florida’s Peace River to help make a difference. Team UP is Comcast’s always-on, 365-days-a-year volunteer program to provide employees opportunities to get more involved in the areas the company serves. The volunteers focused their efforts on three projects.

On a picturesque Monday in Charlotte Harbor, volunteers like Andres Celedon built and refurbished bicycles for Team Punta Gorda’s free loaner program. Celedon works as a Director of Government & Regulatory Affairs for Comcast. He loved getting the chance to give back.

“These activities provide great value to the communities we serve. Our teams go out and ask our community partner what their needs are and what would mean the most to them. We then activate our employees to come out and fulfill that need,” said Celedon. “An important part for me was meeting new colleagues and spending time with them.”

Celedon and others installed new baskets, pedals and seats on the bicycles. They successfully spruced up 29 bikes and assembled 10 brand-new ones. Thanks to Comcast’s financial investment in the organization, 39 bicycles are now back on the road in downtown Punta Gorda for visitors to enjoy. Betsy Espagnolo serves as Team Punta Gorda’s President. She enjoyed watching the volunteers in action.

“This is the first time we’ve partnered with Comcast’s Team UP. I sure hope it’s not the last,” said Espagnolo. “This is such a huge help for the program!”

Around the same time as volunteers worked on the bicycles, other volunteers like Steve Lawton gathered at Veterans Park in downtown Punta Gorda to help beautify the riverside memorial. They planted new shrubs, put down mulch and added fresh paint to the park. They also replaced every flag representing the different branches of the United States Armed Forces. The hurricanes left the flags worn and torn. Lawton, who works as a Comcast Installation & Service Director, explained why the volunteer event was extra special for him. He said his relatives served in the Air Force, Army and Navy.

“I have a deep respect for the men and women who have served and are actively serving our country. Their sacrifice and impact are truly amazing,” said Lawton. “I’m grateful to be able to be a part of any initiative that honors these individuals. I wasn’t going to miss out on this opportunity to provide support to the area.”

Elected leaders like Charlotte County Commissioner Stephen Deutsch and Punta Gorda Mayor Dr. Deborah “Debi” Lux stopped by the event to thank the volunteers. They joined in showing their respect as veterans raised the new flags at the park.

“Today, as we raise this flag together, I am filled with immense respect and awe for our veterans, men and women whose courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication inspire us every single day. This sacred place reminds us that the sacrifices of those who served, and their legacies must never be forgotten,” said Mayor Lux. “I extend my deepest gratitude to Comcast and Team Punta Gorda for their generosity in providing these flags and revitalizing this park. These efforts go beyond the physical. They unite us as a community, honoring our shared values of freedom, service, and pride. This flag represents more than our military branches. It embodies courage, duty, and the unyielding bond that connects us all as Americans. Let us never forget the sacrifices that make our freedoms possible.”

Team UP in Sarasota County

In addition to the bicycle and park events, Team UP volunteers also gathered to pack 1,000 hygiene kits for Sarasota County students. Comcast partnered with No Child Hungry to make this possible. Dr. Harriet Moore is the Sarasota County Schools Director of Strategic Engagement. She said the kits are in high demand.

“On behalf of our Superintendent, the families, and the staff of Sarasota County Schools, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of 1,000 Disaster Relief Kits. This hurricane season has significantly impacted our school district and community. Many are still in the process of recovery,” said Dr. Moore. “Your thoughtful gifts will undoubtedly reach those who need them most.”

Investing in the Sunshine State

Giving back is part of Comcast’s DNA. The Team UP events in Charlotte County represent the company’s continued investment in the community. Just last month, Comcast announced a $15 million investment to build and expand its high-speed, reliable network across the area. Thousands of homes and businesses in the areas of Gulf Cove, South Gulf Cove, Rotonda West and Port Charlotte will now have access to Xfinity and Comcast Business services.