Quick question for those living in S.W. Fla. in the Punta Gorda area.

[lionkingcmsl]

Does anyone know what happened to the old S.A.L./S.C.L. train station in Punta Gorda?

I had been inside it when it was still active as a block station in the early 70's, and have taken photos of its classic mission style architecture.

So if anyone could tell me what happened to it I would be most grateful.

My parents tell me that "downtown" Punta Gorda looks like a war zone. :={

Comments

[kamau-d-lyon.livejournal.com]

From what I heard from some of the people in my parish up here who are winter residents every building got some damage. The communications is still very poor down there and so it may be a few days before anyone can give you positive information. I just hope it's damage and not destroyed.

[rrwolf.livejournal.com]

I've only heard that the railroad down there had some box cars in the area flipped over and twisted all about. Nothing on the station. I inquired about it with a friend that lives down there but haven't heard back from him yet. I was thinking of driving down there but I don't think they will let me because of all the National Guard down there and the station being in a not so nice/friendly area.

[lowen-kind.livejournal.com]

My parents told me that you can't get into Punta Gorda unless you are a resident with a photo I.D., or have other valid reasons to be there; i.e. reporter, rr employee for the SG, etc.

As for the station being a "not so nice/friendly area" things must've changed since I last was there, about 2 years ago.

I know it is in a industrial/heavy commercial area, but I didn't feel threatened by being there. The fact that there is a heavily travelled highway right in front of it actually made me feel safer.

In fact a local historical group wanted to, at one time, restore the station and put some small shops inside it.

I guess things change. :=/

[rrwolf.livejournal.com]

They did restore it very nicely and it looks great. I just hope the hurricane didn't destroy it.