Peace River Wildlife Center Does Not Receive City Funding
Over the course of the last several months, Peace River Wildlife Center has been drawn into the City Council campaign battle between Melissa Lockhart and Bill Page. This misinformation campaign first began on NextDoor. On 10/27/25, this same supporter of Bill Page took it to The Sun Newspapers through an editorial.
I want our valued supporters to hear accurate information from me.
Several years ago, while PRWC was negotiating the lease for our new Education Center on Henry Street (prior to my tenure with PRWC) the City of Punta Gorda asked us to construct the new, expanded city parking lot that would be used for Hounds on Henry, Linear Park, and yes, PRWC, while we constructed our new education center. They believed that we could complete the parking lot more expeditiously while completing our project, benefiting all involved. The agreement entailed PRWC finding the contractor, completing the bid package and the city approving the whole project, including the cost. There was a GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) of $1,572,785.00 for the parking lot. The city would reimburse PRWC for expenses for the parking lot only. This was approved by City Council and signed on June 18, 2024.
The above-referenced supporter of Bill Page has claimed several times that Melissa Lockhart was a part of the City Council that voted to originally give PRWC $1.6 million and then voted to increase it by $3.2 million, for a total of $5 million, among other issues they have with Ms. Lockhart’s voting record.
At no time has the City of Punta Gorda given, donated, or funded Peace River Wildlife Center, let alone to the extent of $5,000,000. We lease city land, yes. But that is the extent of any “benefit” that we receive from the city.
It is extremely unfortunate that PRWC has been drawn into a political fight. We pride ourselves in NOT being political and will remain that way. We are here for the sole purpose of rescue and rehab of our amazing native wildlife, and education of the public.
Peace River Wildlife Center has been actively fundraising for our new education center, to make this dream a reality. We have overcome more obstacles than any small nonprofit should have to, and we are finally near the finish line! I truly hope that this misinformation campaign has not influenced any current or potential donors to not give.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me directly. My email address is prwc.ed@prwildlife.org and my cell phone number is 941-200-0037.
Thank you all for your continued support of Peace River Wildlife Center!
Tricia LaPointe,
Executive Director
View PRWC’s Policies & Financials
HERE
