Nation Hurricane Charley devastated Punta Gorda 18 years ago. Now, the city braces for Ian. September 28, 2022 Charles Runnells, Fort Myers News-Press Comments Off on Hurricane Charley devastated Punta Gorda 18 years ago. Now, the city braces for Ian. As Hurricane Ian bears down on Florida, Punta Gorda residents and workers hope this won't be a repeat of 2004's Hurricane Charley.