Punta Gorda, FL
John Fleming, co-founder of the Burnt Store Corridor Coalition, has officially announced his candidacy for Charlotte County Commissioner, District 2, challenging incumbent Chris Constance in the upcoming election.
A retired New York City Police Department detective and former professor at Westchester Community College, Fleming holds degrees from Cornell University and John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Since moving to Burnt Store Lakes with his wife, Suzanne, in 2017, Fleming has become an active voice for local residents and community concerns.
As chair of the Burnt Store Corridor Coalition, Southwest Florida’s largest community group with more than 11,000 members, Fleming has worked to strengthen communication between local governments and residents. His campaign focuses on restoring collaboration between the Punta Gorda City Council and the Board of County Commissioners, addressing infrastructure and traffic issues, and ensuring responsible growth management.
Fleming has also raised concerns over the county’s handling of rapid development and the financial burden placed on residents, noting that “Burnt Store residents are paying over $400,000 for a hydrology study that should have been completed before approving new development.”
With a strong background in public service and community leadership, Fleming says he is ready to bring a fresh, accountable, and people-first perspective to Charlotte County.
“I have built trust in this community through my work as coalition chair,” Fleming said. “I’m committed to ensuring growth is managed responsibly and that residents’ voices are heard.”
