Board approves Baker Academy historical marker to go to council

The Punta Gorda Historic Preservation Advisory Board voted to approve a proposed historical marker for Baker Academy and agreed to forward the recommendation to city council for final consideration.

Daniel Berhel, senior project manager for urban design, presented the marker on behalf of the Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society and described its content and location on Mary Street at the Cooper Street recreation center tennis courts. "It was established as the first colored school in 1903 on Marion Avenue at the foot of Cooper Street," Berhel said while describing the marker’s text and photos. He said the marker will include a QR code linking to more local Black history and that the Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society — with funding from the Charlotte County Historical Society and the Shively Charitable Foundation — will provide ongoing maintenance.

A board member moved to approve the Baker Academy informational marker (agenda item 4c); another member seconded the motion and the board voted in favor. Staff said the item will go to city council on March 11 for final approval.

The marker program is privately funded by the named nonprofits and needs council authorization for installation on city property, which staff confirmed is city-owned and does not require an additional permit.