It all began at The Smoked Mullet Awards on Friday, May 15, 2026. Nancy Wille and Esther Horton took the stage and completely captivated the crowd with their fascinating, funny stories of Englewood’s past. Several times, the topic of Englewood’s old nude beaches came up, and the audience couldn’t get enough.
There’s genuine history there. Englewood, Florida wasn’t always just a sleepy beach town. It once thrived as an early center for naturist retreats and nudist resorts. These days, you won’t find any official nude beaches, but back in the day, the remote stretches of Manasota Key offered a unique getaway for those who wanted to live out that laid-back, “Old Florida” lifestyle. In the 1930s, people called it Pine Ridge or Sea Island. One spot, “The Sea Island Sanctuary,” went as far as advertising total privacy and 24-hour nudism along the Gulf. Imagine walking the beach as long as you wanted, just sun, sand, and, well, freedom.
Jessica Souza, broker and co-owner at Paradise Exclusive Real Estate, left the event buzzing with ideas. “I attended the Secret Society of Smoked Mullets luncheon, thanks to the Englewood Chamber, and it’s always a highlight hearing Esther and Nancy paint such a vivid picture of our past,” she said.
Listening to those stories, especially the ones about the nudist colony, sparked something. Jessica wanted to capture that playful, unique Old Florida energy, to remind locals and newcomers what makes Englewood one-of-a-kind. That’s how the “Make Englewood Nude Again” campaign was born: playful, a little “cheeky” (pun intended), and devoted to honoring our roots. Plus, all proceeds from the shirts go straight to the Lemon Bay Historical Society, fueling efforts to keep Englewood’s stories alive for future generations.
This is about remembering who we are. Before the crowds, before the development, before Florida went glossy, folks here lived barefoot with salty air, big sunsets, and a community that just wanted to keep things simple.
That spirit is still here, if you know where to look.
Every shirt sold helps the Lemon Bay Historical Society protect our stories, share them so that all of us, especially our children, remember and learn from our history.
Want to join in? Grab a “Make Englewood Nude Again” t-shirt, and help celebrate a little piece of local magic.
Jessica summed it up perfectly: “Today’s stories at the Secret Society of Smoked Mullets award luncheon were a reminder that Englewood has always marched to the beat of its own drum, and honestly, that’s part of its magic. Because let’s be honest, life’s just better barefoot.”
Click here to order your “Make Englewood Nude Again” t-shirt and help support Lemon Bay Historical Society.
