Punta Gorda police chief Albert “Butch” Arenal has announced his retirement from the force, effective next month, and will become chief of the Coconut Creek Police Department. NBC2 reports that Arenal has been with the Punta Gorda department for nearly 30 years, including the last eight as chief. He would have had to retire next year anyway as a participant in the state’s Deferred Retirement Option Program. His last day will be Sept. 11, and the city manager is expected to announce an interim chief soon.
