To fix this, the county worked with Climavision, a weather tech company out of Kentucky. Tara Goode, their Vice President of Radar Operations & Strategic Partnerships, put it simply: “If the radars can’t see close to the ground, meteorologists don’t have all the info they need to make critical calls.” The new X-band radar sits right atop the Lee County Public Safety Office. It’s no small feat, an 8-foot antenna inside a 12-foot dish, covering a 60-mile radius in every direction.

Climavision’s already put 30 of these radars across 15 states, but this is their first in Florida. Their plan: blanket the U.S. with reliable, local radar coverage, especially in places big networks missed. And with Lee County’s population soaring toward a million, officials see this as essential. “It’s the kind of technology you want in urban centers,” said county staff.

This new radar doesn’t just scan for rain. It can map the exact size, shape, and movement of storms in 4D, no less. That means clearer warnings and more heads-up alerts for severe weather. People in the area might notice more frequent tornado or thunderstorm warnings, but that’s because the technology finally catches what others missed. The Iona tornado in 2022, which leveled over 100 mobile homes, is a perfect example: Tampa’s radar just couldn’t see what was coming.

There’s no extra bill for taxpayers either. Climavision covers the electricity and all the needed upgrades to the building itself. The data goes straight to the National Weather Service and local safety officials to issue faster, more accurate alerts. While regular folks can’t see this radar data themselves (at least not yet), everyone stands to benefit, with more precise warnings and extra time to take cover when it matters.

Officials urge everyone to turn on emergency alerts on their phones; don’t wait for the sirens or TV reports. The technology’s nearly ready but needs about 30 to 45 days for detailed quality checks before going live. When it does, Southwest Florida’s weather coverage will finally be complete.

The post Lee County Fills Critical Blind Spot with New Fort Myers Weather Radar appeared first on Englewood Review.

Back in the summer of ’76, Lucas and Piper’s relationship had already turned volatile. Investigators said the couple argued for weeks, and Lucas threatened to kill her. That night in Bonita Springs, he showed up at her house with a rifle. He shot at her and her friends in the yard. Piper, wounded but still alive, managed to get inside. Lucas followed and shot her several more times. Her friends made it into the house, too, called 911, and hid in a bedroom.

Lucas faced trial in February 1977. The jury found him guilty of murder and attempted murder and recommended the death penalty. Although an appeal overturned his original sentence and the case underwent several re-sentencings, the Florida Supreme Court reaffirmed his death sentence in 1992. Since then, Lucas has filed additional appeals, all denied.

Florida has ramped up executions. Last year, the state put 19 inmates to death. DeSantis has already overseen 12 executions in 2026, more than all other states combined, according to the Associated Press. Like Lucas, many death row inmates in Florida have spent decades waiting for their sentences to be carried out. Dominick Anthony Occhicone, executed this Tuesday at age 80, was the second-oldest person to receive a lethal injection in modern history.

Governor DeSantis said the time for waiting is over. “Some of these crimes were committed in the 80s, and they wait, and there’s appeal and this and that. And there’s a saying, justice delayed is justice denied,” he told reporters last year.

The post Florida Governor Signs Death Warrant for 1976 Murderer Harold Gene Lucas of Lee County appeared first on Englewood Review.

Kyle wrapped up his fourth season on “American Ninja Warrior” after reaching the Eastern Regional Finals in Las Vegas; his episode aired July 13. He’s hit the course in seasons 14, 16, 17, and 18, and he’s no stranger to being inches away from the national finals. He came closest in season 17, even slapping that buzzer. His entrance into the Ninja world? Credit his mom, who suggested the show. After a few episodes, Kyle started finding gyms where he could train.

His drive has roots in his day job, too. For a decade, he’s been an occupational therapist at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital. He’s spent about five years working with kids who have limb differences, through the Never Say Never Foundation. The charity runs the annual Pirate Camp in Clearwater; money raised there helps pay for prosthetics and equipment for kids who need them. On air, Kyle brings the cause front and center, using his Ninja platform to drum up support.

He sees himself in the energetic kids he helps, especially those with sensory processing disorders like ADHD and autism. That inspired him to start Sunshine Ninja Therapy in 2019, taking kids to a ninja gym to tackle obstacle courses that build sensory integration, teamwork, and overall strength. That program’s on pause now because he just can’t do it all, but he still dreams of opening a ninja gym for Sarasota’s youth one day.

And then there’s Tre. Kyle found Tre, just a puppy and already missing a leg, while searching for a companion after his divorce. He adopted Tre from Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue in Lakewood Ranch. Thanks to his therapy background, Kyle helped Tre learn to walk and find his balance, eventually getting him certified as a therapy dog during the pandemic. Their bond? Kyle calls it a “perfect match” and laughs that people in town recognize Tre more than him.

Training’s not getting easier as Kyle ages, so his focus is shifting toward inspiring and supporting the next generation. His message on and off the Ninja course stays the same: chase your dreams, don’t let obstacles stop you, and never, ever quit.

If you’d like to help kids with limb differences, donate at neversayneverfoundation.org.

Click here for information about American Ninja Warrior.

The post American Ninja Warrior Veteran, Sarasota’s Kyle McCreight Leverages TV Fame to Support Kids with Limb Differences appeared first on Englewood Review.

You might’ve caught them wandering the Englewood Farmers Market, dancing at a parade, or bringing pink joy to one of the local events. They’ve kind of become local celebrities. Two years ago, they even landed on the cover of the Englewood REVIEW during the Christmas Stroll.

The Englewood REVIEW recently had a chat with Mary Beth Cantell, who helps lead this flock. The Flock of Flamingos have been brightening up Englewood for three years now, and they’re only getting bigger, with 39 members and counting. 

When we asked Mary Beth how this all started, she laughed, “I’m from Massachusetts and had seen a video where a bunch of women dressed in these blow-up flamingo costumes and just ran around the beach. I wanted to do it back home, but it never worked out. When we moved here, I told some friends about the idea, showed them the video, and everyone just said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it!’”

Now, the group pops up all over. They’ve brought their pink parade to everything from the Christmas Stroll and Moose Lodge children’s party to ice cream socials and grand openings, like the new car wash on 776. 

Mary Beth laughs about wearing the inflatable costumes during parades. “It’s fun, but hard to walk, so we skip the long parades. Still, we always do the Stroll. Last time it was raining, we ended up onstage, giving flamingo kisses to a little girl. Someone took a shot, and suddenly, we were on the front page of the Englewood REVIEW.”

People just love it. “We performed at a 70th birthday in Venice and got everyone up dancing. It really is pure joy,” Mary Beth told me. “And, come on, flamingos were basically made for Florida.”

As the group’s grown, so has their audience. These days, they get requests everywhere. Homeowner’s associations invite them to parties, vendors at farmer’s markets clamor for photos, and they even took the stage at the annual Coldwell Banker fundraiser. And yes, they’ve joined the drum circle a time or two.

Mary Beth and her co-leader, Charlene Peterson, keep it easygoing. New members just check in with them and learn the ropes. It’s all about having fun and making people smile. The Flock of Flamingos never charges for appearances, but if anyone wants to donate, they give it all to the American Cancer Society.

If you’re hoping for a Flamingo sighting, or maybe want to join, reach out to Mary Beth (781.910.9930) or Charlene (570.956.8079). Are you planning an event that could use a blast of pink and a lot of laughter? Call them. They’d love to bring a little joy to your corner of Englewood.

The post Feathered and Fabulous: The Flock of Flamingos Takes Englewood by Storm appeared first on Englewood Review.

She’s always been involved. She cared for her mom and grandma, worked as a real estate assistant, juggled the constant demands of family life, and volunteered wherever needed. Relay for Life, school functions, you name it; she showed up. 

But everything changed in 2020 when she lost Spencer, her spark, in a car accident. She says, “I didn’t think I could survive.”

Somehow, Dawn found her way back, slowly, painfully. Now, she works part-time as an administrative assistant. She pours her heart into Spread Spencer’s Sparkle, the nonprofit she founded in Spencer’s honor, and sits on the board for Kids Needs of Greater Englewood. She’s active in The Compassionate Friends North Port and retreats to her art, painting and digital creations, when the weight of grief gets too heavy. Creating helps her breathe and helps her stay present.

Spread Spencer’s Sparkle didn’t start out as a grand plan. It began as a raw, grassroots movement, acts of kindness, simple connections, meant to mirror the warmth and openness Spencer brought into the world. He was just eighteen, with so much life ahead of him, and yet his spirit shook something loose in the community. By 2021, that movement became an official 501(c)(3) organization.

The nonprofit zeroes in on what matters: community needs, youth programs, music, arts, theater, LGBTQ+ awareness; all avenues for love, kindness, and connection. Spread Spencer’s Sparkle creates local programs, hands out scholarships, and organizes outreach that draws in people from all backgrounds. At its heart sits a fierce belief: kindness matters, community matters, and we’re stronger together.

Spread Spencer’s Sparkle is the first nonprofit in Englewood openly connected to and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. For Dawn, that work isn’t a bullet point on a mission statement. It’s about visibility, acceptance, and making sure no one feels alone in their struggle. All of this love and support comes alive during the annual event, “Hunks in Heels: All Stars,” held on August 8, 2026, at Venice Community Center. 

Everything at Spread Spencer’s Sparkle presses forward with that simple, stubborn conviction: spread love. Honor Spencer. Find hope again. And never stop believing that small acts of kindness leave lasting marks on the world.

For more information spreadspencerssparkle.com.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? 

Financial stability, a healthy family, a cozy home with some good music, a few cats, and the ability to see the world! 

What is your greatest fear? 

I lost my mom at 21, and lost Spencer at 39. I don’t want to lose the rest of my family.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? 

Overthinking – I don’t know how to turn it off! 

What is the trait you most deplore in others? 

Close-minded people.

Which living person do you most admire? 

P!nk – singer-songwriter. 

What is your greatest extravagance? 

I’m actually super frugal, but I do love to travel and get massages. Self-care!!

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? 

Since losing Spencer, I use more….” colorful language” to express myself.  I do tell people all the time to never hide a piece of yourself for someone else! Be your true authentic self! 

Every edition, Englewood REVIEW spotlights someone who stands out in the community. We ask each person to tackle The Proust Questionnaire; a classic set of questions created by Marcel Proust, the French writer.

For more information spreadspencerssparkle.com.

The post From Heartbreak to Hope: How a Mother’s Fierce Love Turned Personal Tragedy into a Sparkle of Community Healing appeared first on Englewood Review.

There’s something kind of magical about the places this little newspaper visits. It’s not just sitting on coffee tables in Englewood. Readers take it everywhere: sandals digging into the beaches of St. Thomas, walking ancient stones near the Colosseum, or even appearing in the bright lights of Carnegie Hall.

Here’s Dave and Dana Lutz from Thoroughbred Golf Carts. When they celebrated their 50th birthdays (and their anniversary), they didn’t just throw a party; they went big. And yes, the Englewood REVIEW came along for the adventure.

Their #epic50 story included Paris, France, Barcelona, Marseille, Nice and Monaco, Livorno, Italy, relaxing at sea, Messina, Sicily, the dramatic Amalfi Coast with a stop in Salerno, Rome and then back home to Englewood, Florida.

And all of this with the Englewood REVIEW tucked in their trusty suitcase. You never know when you’ll need some quality reading material.

Wherever you wander, take a photo with your REVIEW and send it in. Let’s see just how far this newspaper, and its community, can go. Show us your slice of the world.

How to participate:

1. Grab your copy of the Englewood REVIEW.
2. Snap a photo of yourself with it in an exciting or unique location (a tropical beach, a mountain peak, or even your favorite cozy local café!).
3. Share your photo in the comments below or post it on your feed and tag us! Better yet, email it to michele@englewoodreview.com and we’ll feature you in an upcoming edition.

Happy Travels!

The post Join the Adventure: Show Us Your Englewood REVIEW Traveling the World appeared first on Englewood Review.

Year after year, Florida sees more deaths from lightning than any other state, even though it doesn’t have the highest number of strikes. The reason? Lots of people live there, and they’re outside almost all year, working, playing, going to the beach. So storms have a greater chance of turning deadly.

Let’s look at the numbers. On an average day, Florida gets about 3,500 cloud-to-ground lightning flashes. Over a year, that adds up to around 1.2 million strikes. Despite those big totals, places like Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas see more lightning. But with Florida’s packed beaches and outdoor culture, people put themselves in the path of danger more often.

Thunderstorms and sea breezes play a huge role. A sea breeze is a cool push of air from the ocean that blows inland during the day as temperatures rise. When that cooler ocean air meets Florida’s hot, humid land, thunderstorm ingredients come together fast. Storm clouds grow tall and thick along the line where cool air hits warm, and lightning soon follows.

In most places, a morning shower at the beach is just a fluke and doesn’t set the tone for the day. But in Florida, the sea breeze keeps moving inland, carrying showers and storms with it as the afternoon heats up. Sometimes these breezes collide in the state’s middle, brewing up bigger, more intense thunderstorms, especially in late spring and summer. Therefore, the central part of the peninsula gets hammered nearly every afternoon.

The science behind Florida’s lightning reputation is simple: warm water on both sides keeps the air moist, the two sea breezes clash in the middle, and powerful updrafts build gigantic storm clouds. Inside those clouds, ice particles smash together, creating electrical charges that set the stage for lightning’s violent show.

It’s true that other parts of the world, like Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela, see even more lightning per square kilometer. Still, Florida tops the U.S. charts. One lightning bolt carries energy that could power a lightbulb for three months and heats the air to 54,000 degrees Fahrenheit, so hot it’s five times the temperature of the sun’s surface. These bolts move at about 30,000 times the speed of a bullet. And most people get struck not when the storm is overhead, but before it arrives or after it leaves, when they think the coast is clear.

Essentially, Florida is the place in America that experiences the most lightning. When thunder roars, head indoors; don’t wait. Find shelter inside a solid building or a hard-topped car, and stay away from windows, doors, and plumbing.

Don’t let a beautiful day turn tragic. Memorize these life-saving safety tips to protect yourself and your family:

 Watch the Sky: Check weather reports before heading outside and look for darkening skies.
 Hear Thunder? Go Inside: If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
 Seek Real Shelter: Substantial buildings or fully enclosed, metal-topped vehicles offer the best protection.
 Avoid Half-Measures: Picnic sheds, tents, and carports will not protect you from a strike.
 Stay Off Electronics: Do not use corded phones, laptops, or appliances plugged into the wall during a storm.
 Avoid Water: Stay out of the pool, beach, shower, and away from plumbing until the storm passes.
 Wait It Out: Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last rumble of thunder.

If you hear thunder, stop what you’re doing right away; lightning can strike even when the rain seems far off. Steer clear of tall or isolated objects like trees and poles. Get out of the water: pools, lakes, or the ocean all conduct electricity. Avoid metal fences, golf clubs, and bicycles. If you’re in a group, spread out to reduce the risk that lightning can hit several people at once.

Inside, don’t use corded phones or electronics plugged into outlets, and stay away from sinks, bathtubs, and metal pipes. Steer clear of windows and exterior doors and avoid leaning against concrete floors or walls. And always wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before heading back outside.

Lightning might be part of Florida’s appeal for thrill-seekers, but it’s no joke. Take it seriously, and you’ll dodge the worst that storm season offers.

The post The Deadly Cost of Sunshine: Why Florida Leads the Nation in Lightning Deaths and Important Tips to Stay Safe appeared first on Englewood Review.

The funny thing is, Rowan didn’t even realize at first that he’d set a record. A few weeks went by before he realized the accomplishment. He’s scored plenty over the years, but nothing quite like this.

“It was right after halftime. My coach told us to go for it,” Rowan explained on WINK, a local news station. After the kickoff, his team swarmed forward, pushed the ball to the left wing, crossed it in, and Rowan was there to finish it off.

Then they reset, and he did it again. And again. From kickoff to the third goal, including the celebrations and lineups, just 104 seconds ticked by in real time.

Rowan says he never thought about breaking a record. “My mindset was just towards the game,” he said.

The actual surprise came later: watching the game film with his dad. “I was watching and asked, Dad, why is this so fast?” Rowan remembered. “I was kind of shocked. I said, Dad, can we get submitted? This is actually crazy.”

He sent the footage to Guinness about two months ago. Now he’s just waiting to see his name go down in history.

The post Englewood 14-Year-Old Nets Blazing 47-Second Hat Trick to Court World Record appeared first on Englewood Review.

On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, activists Kelly Bauman and Mary Beth Jones learned that Judge Van Wyk dismissed their case against Sarasota County, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the Economic Stimulus Working Group, LLC.* 

This ruling came after last Thursday’s hearing, but it’s not the end, just a pause. The judge dismissed the case “without prejudice,” which gives Kelly 15 days to file updated petitions. She’s already asked the court to keep their case alive, aiming for the September hearing.

Kelly and her team at “Oppose Manasota Beach Rd.” aren’t giving up. Right now, they’re regrouping, figuring out their next steps, and pushing harder for a community voice. Here’s what Kelly Bauman has to say about the latest developments.

She’s noticed that among all the candidates, Mark Smith is the only one who’s actually stepped in and listened. “Mark Smith has been the only candidate who lent an honest ear,” Kelly says. 

She also wants people to know that being at the center of this fight was never her plan. The past week has been non-stop. “Some people think I’m just being selfish. I’m not. My property is the farthest from the road. Honestly, the impact on us will probably be the smallest. Sure, flooding could hit our livestock and bees, and that would hurt, but our home sits way back. If anything, our land value might go up, but that’s not why I’m fighting. I care about what happens to our land, our way of life, and I want to protect the rest of the community. Maybe I have the best case, or maybe I just refuse to sit back. Others have reasons to fight too; they just don’t want to be the public face of this.”

Kelly disputes the commissioner’s claims of powerlessness. “These commissioners go, ‘There’s nothing we can do; this happened before us.’ That’s nonsense. Pat Neal can push to remove this road, but the county says their hands are tied? Decisions change when developers have money. That’s the message we send to our kids—if you have deep pockets, it doesn’t matter what commitments have been made. I grew up respecting Florida’s land and what it gives us, but now, money always talks. If you’re wealthy enough, you can carve up the wetlands, the wildlife, the water, like none of it matters.”

She makes it clear: “We’re not backing down.” Their attorney’s working on a meeting with the Sarasota County administrator, and they might address commissioners directly soon. Kelly will refile the petition.

Currently, the project cannot proceed because officials have not granted the permit, which allows for valuable time. Kelly points out that the Environmental Resource Permit (ERP), which the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Department of Administration handle, is still pending. As long as this case sits before the administrative law judge, everything’s on hold.

But there’s more. The Community Development Districts (CDDs) play a major role. Kelly says, “The CDDs are the developers’ safe havens. Sarasota National CDD had to sign off for Pat Neal to get this road through—they’re co-applicants, and it doesn’t happen without them. If someone stopped the CDD’s involvement, the road wouldn’t go forward. And here’s the thing: Sarasota National residents don’t want the road. So why are you handing it to the developer?”

She explains the process: “The ERP matters because the road crosses wetland. Spencer Anderson with the county applied for the permit, but in March, it came out that Sarasota National CDD needed to co-apply because their land sits in the path. On March 3, Craig Wrathell signed as a representative, but the CDD board apparently did not know, as there were no meetings, no minutes. Wrathell, Hunt and Associates manage these districts, but there’s supposed to be transparency. Sarasota National residents shouldn’t blame me; they need to realize what’s being decided for them and what risks they’re taking on.”

Fighting this battle has cost Kelly a lot. Online, she gets called names like “selfish.” She shrugs it off. “I’m speaking up for what’s right and for nature. My home is at less risk than most. I’m just the one stepping up for people who will be deeply affected.” 

On top of all this, Kelly’s pushing through unimaginable personal loss; her son died just last year. She hasn’t had space to grieve; protecting what makes Florida home has taken over. “I don’t want this fight, but when someone brings me information, I can’t ignore it. I have to act.”

Kelly understands some support the road for convenience. “Some want faster school runs. But think about it. Is that really worth wiping out 24 acres of natural land? Or 46 acres, if you go by county documents. They’ll clear all the vegetation and build retention ponds. But these are artificial lakes; they don’t replace what’s lost. They’re not natural wetlands. They’re pretending this is environmental mitigation, but the damage is real.”

If you want to help, the team needs more people, especially anyone with legal expertise. This isn’t a fight one person or one group can win alone. They’re counting on the community to pull together. Their message is simple: “We’re determined to see this through. Thank you for standing with us.”

Important links:

To join the cause, click here for more information on the Saturday, August 1, 2026, Rally. 

Click here for a link to Oppose Manasota Beach Rd. GoFundMe page. 

Click here for more information about Oppose Manasota Beach Rd.

*Informational links are provided for all businesses and organizations. There is no working website or business link for the Economic Stimulus Working Group, LLC.

The post Defiant Activists Vow Fight for Manasota Beach Road Isn’t Over After Court Dismissal: ‘We Need the Community Now’ to Battle Big Developers appeared first on Englewood Review.

Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo took part in an interview with News 6 on Friday, July 24, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. Though he called the measles vaccine effective, he wouldn’t go so far as to urge families to get vaccinated. He emphasized personal choice, saying, “People should decide what goes into their body without coercion.”

The CDC reported that 2026 has brought a sharp jump in measles cases nationwide. At the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, researchers noted Florida’s numbers have soared from just seven cases in 2025 to over 140 this year. When pressed about this spike, Ladapo responded, “Everyone’s gotta get the vaccine,” but his tone suggested hesitation. He pointed to Ave Maria University as a source of the outbreak and brought up the vaccine’s development, referencing concerns frequently raised in debates about vaccination, about the original use of cells derived from fetuses in the 1960s.

The American Academy of Pediatrics directly addressed this claim, stating on its website that although some vaccines use cell lines originating decades ago from two aborted fetuses, no new fetal tissue is involved, and these lines have persisted since then. The final vaccine contains no fetal cells.

So far, the Florida Department of Health has counted cases in several counties, including three in Orange County and one in Osceola.

Ladapo stands by the science that the measles vaccine works, but he’s made it clear he sees vaccination as a choice, not a mandate. “The measles vaccine is effective against measles,” he said, “but ultimately, people should be free to decide what they put into their bodies.”

The post U.S. Measles Cases Hit 30-Year High as Florida Surge Drives National Spike appeared first on Englewood Review.