My name is Lisa Schmoldt. I have been tattooing in Charlotte County now for over 32 years. On September 27, 2024, Helene destroyed downtown Punta Gorda, with Milton a close second. Then the cleanup and remediation started, then turned over to the tenants. It’s been a very long story. If you follow city council news, you know the struggle—one of survival after the loss of everything used as tools of trade within the studio.

I’m here to plead for help with the rental arrears. Yes, I’m being evicted over past due rents that transpired during the process of the rebuild. I haven’t had use of the building since September 27, 2024. I did not expect to be starting over at 59. If I do not generate enough to catch back up with the city, they will begin the commercial eviction process. I was very excited about opening finally, then the notice arrived. No one calls, only email invoices. The only time I’ve ever seen anyone is at public meetings. Business is business, I get it. I just need to begin my use of said leased space ☹️ to get back to moving forward instead of behind.