Around The Town

Mark your calendars—from festivals to fundraisers, there’s a lot going on in Englewood…

Planting Trees for the Suncoast
Join this class, at Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn Street, on Friday, April 11, 1 to 2pm, to learn about the trees that thrive in our Suncoast region, with an emphasis on native trees, flowering Florida-friendly trees, and edible fruit/nut trees. Find out which tree is right for your location, how to plant it, and how to care for it. Upon completion of the hour-long presentation, participants will receive a native tree sapling for their landscape. Registration at Eventbrite.com is required and limited to 35 attendees. A small service fee of $3.00 will be charged to reserve a tree. If this cost is a barrier for you to attend the class, please contact Forest Hecker by email at fhecker@scgov.net. For more information visit scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com or call 941•861•5000.

Movie Night at Grace Community Church
On Friday, April 11 at 6pm, Grace Community Church of Englewood, 278 S Mango Street, will host a movie night, complete with hot dogs, chips, and drinks. The film is “Risen”, an epic Biblical story of the Resurrection, as told through the eyes of a non-believer. Clavius (Joseph Fiennes), a powerful Roman military tribune, and his aide, Lucius (Tom Felton), are tasked with solving the mystery of what happened to Jesus (Cliff Curtis) in the weeks following the crucifixion, in order to disprove the rumors of a risen Messiah and prevent an uprising in Jerusalem. This event is free and open to the public. Appropriate for teens and adults. For more information visit GCCEnglewood.org or call 941•662•8859.

Greatest American Cleanup on Dearborn
Join Keep Sarasota County Beautiful and the Englewood CRA on Saturday, April 12, 8 to 10am, on Dearborn Street for a morning of community service and positive impact. Locally, as part of the Greatest American Cleanup, a nationwide initiative led by Keep America Beautiful, we’re uniting with volunteers across the country to remove litter, revitalize public spaces, and make our communities cleaner and more vibrant. Learn more about this impactful movement at KAB.org. Volunteers will meet at Pioneer Plaza, 325 West Dearborn Street, at 8am. All cleanup supplies will be provided onsite. Register for this event at keepsarasotacountybeautiful/eventbrite.com or call 941•861•5000.

GPS/Navigation for Mariners
This US Coast Guard approved boating safety course is on Saturday, April 12, 8:30am to 3:30pm, at the South Gulf Cove HOA, 14859 Ingraham Blvd., Port Charlotte. This course reviews basic navigation principles such as, use of charts, instruments, locating aids to navigation and hazards, locating destinations, use of time-distance-speed and using waypoints, routes and tracks in your GPS equipment. Cost is $45 per person, $60 per couple, $15 for middle and high school students and includes a workbook. Registration is at 8am and class starts at 8:30am. Preregistration is required. For more information or to register call 941•249•5848 or email abbrengle.uscgaux@gmail.com.

Shark Tooth Fest
The Venice Shark’s Tooth Festival is at Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Avenue, on Saturday, April 12, 10am to 8pm and Sunday, April 13, 10am to 5pm. The festival features live music, food trucks, educational speakers, merchandise and fossil vendors, a kid’s corner and more. For more information visit VeniceSharksToothFestival.com.

Earth Day Celebration
On Saturday, April 12, Venice Area Beautification Inc. will hold a family-friendly Earth Day Celebration at the Monty Andrews Arboretum in West Blalock Park, 401 Pensacola Road, Venice, from 9 to 11am. The event will feature a tree and plant giveaway; butterfly garden, compost, invasive plants and rain barrel stations; self-guided tree walk; and children’s activities including Little Bookworms, Treasure Quest (sponsored by UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County), interactive activities at each station, and sidewalk chalk drawing. Additionally, City Arborist Jim Yelverton will be on hand to answer your tree questions. There is no charge; all are welcome. To learn more visit VeniceGov.com.

On Thursday, April 3, Bohdana Puzyke of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America led a presentation on Pysanky—the intricate and centuries-old Ukrainian art of decorating Easter eggs using dye and beeswax. Held at the Elsie Quirk Library, the event introduced attendees to the traditional method where designs are drawn on hollowed-out eggs using a heated tool filled with wax. The eggs are then dipped into dyes, with wax added between stages to preserve earlier colors and protect them through each step of the process.
For more information on Pysanky and the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, visit unwla.org.

Blues, Brews & Blooms Fest
On Saturday, April 12, 10am to 4pm, Peace River Botanical Gardens, 5827 Riverside Drive, Punta Gorda, is hosting Blues, Brews & Blooms. Enjoy three musical performances, cold beverages, and delicious snacks available for purchase from local food trucks. The band schedule is as follows: Zach Pomerleau, 10am to noon; Melissa Coleman Band, noon to 2pm; and Mike Imbasciani & His Bluez Rockerz, 2 to 4pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. This admission fee also includes access to the gardens and the ZimSculpt exhibit. Bring your own chair or blanket for seating. To learn more visit PeaceRiverGardens.org or call 941•621•8299.

Pasta Dinner
St. Raphael Church Knights of Columbus are hosting a pasta dinner on Saturday, April 12, 5 to 7pm, at St. Raphael Church, 770 Kilbourne Ave. Admission is $13 in advance at the church office or $15 at the door. Take-outs are available and a 50/50 raffle. Info: 941•474•9595.

Orchid Supper & Silent Auction
Join WMS/LSSAS for the Orchid Supper & Silent Auction on Saturday, April 12, from 5:30 to 8pm at IslandWalk at West Villages Resort Center, 19215 Tantino Drive, Venice. Enjoy a delicious dinner by Café Evergreen, a keynote speaker, and an exciting silent auction featuring unique items, raffle drawings, and door prizes. Tickets are $40 per person or $75 for two. Proceeds support ongoing orchid research at Little Salt Spring, the completion of a Chickee-style tiki hut, and a student travel grant for the Florida Anthropology Society’s annual conference, May 9–11 in Gainesville. For event details or to register and pay by check, visit fasweb.org.

Englewood Earth Day Festival
The Barrier Island Parks Society invites the community to celebrate our planet at the Englewood Earth Day Festival on Sunday, April 13, from 11am to 4pm at Buchan Airport Park, 1390 Old Englewood Road. This year’s festival promises a fun-filled day packed with eco-friendly activities, live music, delicious food, art, planet friendly goods, and plants. Families and nature lovers alike can participate in free hands-on crafts, educational programs, and interactive demonstrations that promote sustainability and environmental stewardship. The festival will also offer two free bicycles for kids by whoever guesses the number closest to the gummy worms in the jar. A major highlight of this year’s event is BIPS’ free tree giveaway, made possible through a generous grant from the Florida Forest Service. Attendees will have the opportunity to receive one of 200 free native trees to plant and help enhance the local ecosystem. For more information, visit BIPS.org or 941•964•0060.

Lent & Easter Services at Community Presbyterian Church
Community Presbyterian Church, 405 S. McCall Road, invites the public to attend special Lent and Easter services: Palm Sunday, April 13 at 10am, featuring the CPC Chancel Choir, Handbell Ensemble, and message; Good Friday, April 18 at noon, with choir and reflection; and Easter Sunday, April 20 at 10am, with choir, trumpets, and a message by Pastor Scott Andrews. Services include a children’s message and are followed by refreshments and fellowship. All services are also streamed online at CPCEnglewood.com. For more information, call 941•474•9579 or email cpcenglewood@gmail.com. Follow on Facebook at CommunityPresbyterianEnglewood.

Community Blood Drives
The OneBlood “Big Red Bus” has scheduled the following blood drives in Englewood. Incentives are offered to donors such as a $20 eGift card and OneBlood T-shirts. Donors also receive a free wellness checkup, including blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening. Please visit the OneBlood website, oneblood.org, to schedule an appointment. Please note that blood drives are subject to change at any time. Sunday, April 13, noon to 6pm: Bealls Home Centric, 1500 Placida Road. Friday, April 18, 11am to 5pm: Publix-Merchant’s Crossing, 1500 Placida Road. Wednesday, April 23, 8am to 2:30pm: Sunset Rotary Club, 2400 S. McCall Road.

Bag O’ Books Sale
From Monday, April 14 to Friday, April 19, the Friends of the Englewood Charlotte Library will host a “Bag O’ Books” sale at the library bookstore, 3450 N. Access Road. Shop Monday thru Friday from 10am to 4pm and Saturday from 10am to 1pm. Fill a bag with fiction, non-fiction, and titles by bestselling authors—all for just $5. Don’t miss this great opportunity to stock up for your summer reading!

Water and Wastewater Facility Tours
The Charlotte County Utilities Department is offering a tour of Rotonda Water Reclamation Facility, 3740 Kendall Road, Rotonda West, on Tuesday, April 15, 10am to noon, to give residents a behind-the-scenes look at the process of providing water and wastewater treatment and reclamation services to the community. Visitors will learn about the water reclamation process, observe treatment plant operators in action, and learn about the transport, processing and disposal of biosolids. Reservations are required by email at CCUPR@CharlotteCountyFL.gov or by calling 941•764•4304. Tour guests are asked to wear closed-toed shoes and be prepared to participate in a walking tour, mostly outdoors.

Coffee and Conservation
On Tuesday, April 15, 9 to 10:30am, at the Englewood Chamber of Commerce, 601 S. Indiana Avenue, Diane Coll will highlight the work of the Lemon Bay Conservancy in oyster restoration, detailing their initiatives to protect and restore the wildlife and natural habitats of Lemon Bay, Gasparilla Sound, and surrounding watersheds. This event is sponsored by SUP Englewood. To learn more visit SupEnglewood.com.

Quirky Readers Book Club
Looking to try something new and maybe make a friend or two? Join the book club at Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn Street, on Tuesday, April 15, 10:30 to 11:30am to discuss the book: “Lifelines: A Doctor’s Journey in the Fight for Public Health” by Leana Wen (2021). Public health expert Leana Wen gives an insider’s account of public health and its crucial role – from opioid addiction to global pandemic – and tells an inspiring story of her journey from homeless immigrant to being named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People. No registration required. For additional information visit scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com or call 941•861•1225.

Lunch and Learn: Parkinson’s Disease 101
Join Epic for a Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, April 15, noon to 1pm, at Epic Community Resource Center, 655 N. Indiana Avenue, for “Understanding Parkinson’s Disease and the Role of Neuro Challenge Foundation”. Diane Conti, Lead Care Adviser at Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s, will discuss Parkinson’s disease, motor and non-motor symptoms, and optimal ways to fight Parkinson’s. To learn more or register call 941•460•6022 or visit EpicCommunityCenter.org.

Meet Bertha Palmer – Betty Intagliata Lecture Series
On Tuesday, April 15 at 7pm, the Venice Area Historical Society presents “Meet Bertha Palmer, Founding Mother” as part of the Betty Intagliata Lecture Series at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice, 1971 Pinebrook Road, Venice. This program is free and open to the public, with funding provided by the Bill Jervey, Jr. Charitable Foundation. Seating is limited—early arrival is recommended. For more information, visit VeniceAreaHistoricalSociety.org.

Mobile Medical Clinic
The Virginia B. Andes Mobile Medical Clinic will be in Englewood from 9am to 1pm on Wednesday, April 16 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 5265 Placida Road; from 10am to 4pm on Wednesday, April 23 at Rotonda Lakes Apartments, 100 Rotonda Lakes Circle; and from 9am to 1pm on Wednesday, April 30 at Englewood Helping Hand, 700 E. Dearborn Street. The Mobile Medical Clinic is for adults with no insurance who meet annual income requirements. For more information visit VolunteerCare.org or call 941•339•2895.

Chef Warren Returns
The Friends of the Englewood Charlotte Library will, once again, sponsor a presentation by Chef Warren Caterson entitled “Best Breakfasts Ever” on Wednesday, April 16 at 2pm in the Community Building located in Tringali Park, 3460 N. Access Road. Registration not required for this free event, all are welcome. To learn more visit CharlotteCountyFL.libcal.com or call 941•681•3779.

Florida Cultural History
Charlotte County Libraries & History presents the final program of the Florida Cultural History Series: David Morton presents “A Motion Picture Paradise” on Wednesday, April 16 at 5 pm. David Morton, author and adjunct professor at the University of Central Florida, highlights how Florida has played a key role in the history of American cinema. This presentation discusses how Jacksonville became a “third coast” to the American film industry during the 1900’s and 1910’s. Reservations are not required. These programs are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Bill MacDonald at 941•764•5562 or Bill.MacDonald@charlottecountyfl.gov. To register call 941•764•5562 or visit CharlotteCountyFL.libcal.com.

Holy Week at Gulf Cove UMC
Gulf Cove United Methodist Church, 1100 South McCall Road, invites you to worship services during Holy Week. Maundy Thursday service will be held on Thursday, April 17 at 5pm; bring a potluck dish to share, if possible. The Good Friday Tenebrae Service will be held on Friday, April 18 at 6pm; in this ancient service, darkness will be increased by gradually extinguishing candles, to symbolize the coming darkness of Jesus’ death. Easter Sunday services will be held on April 20; the Easter message can be heard at 8 and 11am with traditional music, or at 9:30am with contemporary music. Worship services can also be viewed online by going to GulfCoveChurch.com. To learn more call 941•697•1747.

Sailor Circus
The Sailor Circus’ advanced students, including thirteen graduating seniors, will perform Thursday, April 17 to Saturday, April 19, 7pm, and on Saturday, April 19 at 2pm in Victorious! Sailor Circus performers strive to reach new heights of circus mastery every day and Victorious! celebrates their excellence. Tickets range from $10 to $40. To learn more or purchase tickets visit CircusArts.org or call 941•355•9805.

Family Movie Night
On Friday, April 18, 5 to 7pm, at Pioneer Plaza, 325 W. Dearborn Street, meet members of various Sarasota County departments including, Public Works and UF/IFAS. The movie, “The Wild Robot” begins at 8pm. Bring your own chairs, blankets and coolers with refreshments. Free popcorn for the kids. This event is free and open to the public. For more information visit scgov.net or call 941•861•5000.

Plant Sale at Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens
On Friday, April 19 from 10am to 2pm, explore a vibrant selection of edible and flowering plants at the annual Plant Sale hosted by Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, 5827 Riverside Drive, Punta Gorda. Admission is free. Browse unique, hand-curated plants and trees from the Gardens’ Director of Horticulture and regional vendors—plants you won’t find at big-box stores! Gardening experts will be on hand to answer questions. Members get early access at 9am and receive 10% off purchases. To learn more or to become a member, visit PeaceRiverGardens.org.

Easter Service
Two Easter services are planned for Sunday, April 20 at Grace Community Church of Englewood. There is an Easter Sunrise Service at Indian Mound Park at 7am. There will be activities for children ages 5 to 12 and there will be coffee and donuts available. Chairs are provided but feel free to bring your own if you wish. A traditional Easter Service is in the church, 278 S. Mango Street, at 10:30am. Sunday School will be provided and refreshments will be available both before and after the service. To learn more visit GCCEnglewood.org or call 941•662•8859.

OneBlood Drive
The GFWC Rotonda West Woman’s Club is sponsoring a OneBlood Drive to be held on Tuesday, April 22, 9am to 3pm. The OneBlood Bus will be at the marina parking lot across from the Rotonda Golf & Country Club-The Hills Course, 100 Rotonda Circle. All donors receive a $20 eGift Card, OneBlood T-shirt, Chick-fil-A coupon and a Wellness Checkup including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening. ID required. Appointments are encouraged. Please visit oneblood.org/donate-now (use sponsor code 39275) or you may contact Kathryn at 610•952•1333.

National Park RX Day
More and more health professionals are uncovering the secret to better health: time in nature. Join North Port Parks & Rec on Saturday, April 26, 9 to 10am, at Garden of the Five Senses, 4299 Pan American Blvd., North Port, for a free, instructor-led session that’s perfect for all fitness levels. Whether you’re looking to rejuvenate, connect with nature, or just try something new, this uplifting outdoor activity has something for everyone. Bring a friend, a yoga mat and a water bottle to stay refreshed. Must be 12 years or older to participate. To learn more visit NorthPortFl.gov or call 941•429•7275.

Moonlight & Roses: Shakespeare Under the Stars
Join Loveland Center, 157 S. Havana Road, Building A, Venice, for an enchanting evening as they bring the magic of Shakespeare to life. Performances are at 2 to 3:30pm on Saturday, April 26, Sunday, April 27, Saturday, May 3, & Sunday, May 4 and from 5 to 6:30pm on Fridays, April 25 & May 2. Tickets are $10 and available at LovelandCenter.Square.Site.

Phase I Reopening of Englewood Beach Park
The southern entrance to Englewood Beach parking lot reopened Wednesday, April 2, providing pedestrian access onto the beach. Parking spaces are limited. In addition, Charlotte County Transit provides a park and ride service to the beach from Tringali Park, 3460 N. Access Road. This pilot program operates 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday. The shuttle departs Tringali Park at the top of each hour and the bottom of the hour from Chadwick Park. The remainder of Englewood Beach park remains closed due to safety concerns. Portable toilets are available for temporary restroom facilities. Patrons are advised to only use designated “dune walk through” access points and to be diligent and alert for hazards.

Natural Resources Installs Fence with Screening at Englewood Beach
Charlotte County Natural Resources staff has installed and will continue to install a fence with screening along the historic dune line that was impacted on Englewood Beach in order to protect nesting female sea turtles and emerging sea turtle hatchlings from entering the parking lot and road. Artificial light source from vehicle headlights and development cause nesting female sea turtles and emerging hatchlings to disorient and go towards land instead of the gulf. In addition, the screen will help capture blowing sand and assist in reforming the lost dune system. Charlotte County staff ask beach patrons to be respectful of the protected nesting sea turtles and dune restoration and not to alter or remove the protective screening. For information, contact Suzanne Derheimer at 941•613•3223 or Suzanne.Derheimer@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.

HCA Wellen Park Emergency Services Now Open
The 11,300-square-foot facility, located at 7070 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, will operate 24/7, offering full emergency services, including laboratory testing, X-rays, CT scanning and ultrasound. Designed to serve more than 10,000 patients annually, the center will diagnose and treat a variety of emergency conditions. The emergency center will accept Medicare, Medicaid, Champus, Workers Compensation and all major commercial insurance. The center also accepts United States, Canadian and other foreign government insurance. For a list of health plans and insurance carriers accepted, visit participating insurance plans. As part of HCA Florida Healthcare, Florida’s largest ER network, this emergency department operates as a department of HCA Florida Englewood Hospital. It is not an urgent care center; its services are billed at hospital emergency department rates.

SBA Re-opens Deadlines for Physical Damage Loans in FL
The U.S. Small Business Administration is extending the physical damage loan deadline for disaster declarations affected by the 2024 federal funding lapse. The new deadline to apply is Sunday, April 27. Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.  Online applications remain open at lending.sba.gov. For further assistance contact DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or 1•800•659•2955.

BRC Relocation
The Business Recovery Center has relocated from the Town Center mall to the Family Services Center, 21500 Gibralter Drive, Port Charlotte, to assist residents affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The BRC provides SBA assistance to businesses and residents who sustained economic losses from either hurricane. The BRC will be open from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday through April 30. The BRC will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Charlotte County Transit Services is offering free rides to and from the BRC. To schedule a ride, call 941•575•4000 and select Option 1 or book the ride through the Charlotte Rides mobile app.
Requesting Donations
The Friends of the Englewood Charlotte Library are requesting donations of gently used hardcover fiction, as well as classics. Donations will be welcomed at the library bookstore in Tringali Park, 3460 N. Access Road, Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm. For more information call 941•681•3779.

Sharing & Caring
Survivors Supporting Sailors Fundraiser
Join the crew for Pirates of the Care-A-Being, Saturday, April 12, 5:30 to 9:30pm at Artur’s Restaurant Tiki, 70 North Indiana Avenue, to support their mission to provide support for cancer patients in our area. They also provide care packages which include items to assist in comfort and add a little joy while going through treatment and are individualized depending on each person’s circumstances. Every donation, regardless of size, makes a direct impact for these patients during a very difficult time. Donations will be taken at the door. This fundraiser evening will include music by Englewood’s own “Mark and Jeannie,” appetizers, dancing, raffles and more. To learn more visit SurvivorsSupportingSailors.org.

3rd Annual Paper Shred & Food Drive
The Englewood Area Board of Realtors Community Outreach Committee will offer paper shredding services on Saturday, April 19, 8 to 11am, outside the Englewood Area Board of Realtors office, 3952 N. Access Road. In exchange for the shredding service, event volunteers will accept donations of non-perishable food items, baby supplies (including diapers) and cash. All donations collected will benefit the St. David’s Jubilee Center in Englewood in support of area residents and children who are experiencing food insecurity and/or those who lack necessities. Participants may bring up to four banker-sized boxes of material to be processed. To learn more visit members.eabor.net/events.
Sports

U21 Golf Croquet World Championship
Watch the world’s top young croquet players compete in Venice as the Sarasota County Croquet Club hosts the U21 Golf Croquet World Championship, Monday, April 14 to Friday, April 18 at Wellfield Park, 1400 Lucaya Avenue. This free, international event features 28 under-21 athletes from countries including the U.S., Egypt, New Zealand, Spain, and more. Start the week with the Opening Ceremony on Sunday, April 13 at 4pm. Then, catch daily matches Monday through Thursday, 8:30am to 6pm, with the finals and awards on Friday, 8:30am to 4pm. Whether you’re a long-time fan or curious newcomer, this exciting championship offers a rare chance to see world-class talent up close. Can’t make it in person? Stream matches live at youtube.com/@rdilleyuscacroquet5319. To learn more, visit SarasotaCountyCroquet.com.

Table Tennis
Play Table Tennis at Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park Recreational Center, 6961 San Casa Drive, on Mondays 8:30 to 10am, Wednesdays & Fridays 9 to 10:30am, and Saturdays noon to 2pm. This is a drop-in activity with a $2 fee. To learn more visit CharlotteCountyFL.gov or call 941•681•3760.
Evening Water Aerobics
Evening water aerobics classes will be offered every Monday from 6 to 7pm at both Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park Pool, 7001 San Casa Drive, and Centennial Park Pool, 1120 Centennial Blvd. Drop-in fee is $3 per class. For more information, contact Centennial Park Pool at 941•764•4100 or Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park Pool at 941•681•3743.

Hip Hop Dance Class
Learn the rhythms and basics of hip hop in this instructer-led beginner level class offered on Tuesdays, noon to 12:45pm at Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park Recreation Center, 6961 San Casa Drive. There is a $3 cost for this class. To learn more visit CharlotteCountyFL.gov or call 941•681•3760.
Please call the listed numbers for confirmation and further information. If you have an upcoming event you would like to have considered for “Around the Town” please send info and/or photo to email: info@englewoodreview.com