The Publix will serve as a primary anchor for North River Marketplace, a 51-acre ground-up development designed to meet the needs of a rapidly growing residential population in southern Sarasota County. The project is located near Interstate 75 and is positioned to serve residents of Venice, North Port and surrounding communities.

North River Marketplace is planned to feature a mix of retail, dining and specialty service businesses, creating a centralized shopping destination for the area. Benderson Development has not yet released construction timelines or an anticipated opening date for the Publix location.

The addition of Publix at North River Marketplace reflects continued commercial investment in the Wellen Park area, which has seen steady growth fueled by new housing, roadway improvements and expanding amenities.

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The City’s Economic Development Division presented the inaugural GEM Award to Sam the Barber of North Port, formerly known as Tom’s Barbershop, during a special City Commission meeting held December 11 in the Commission Chambers.

The GEM Award recognizes local businesses that have become integral to the community, demonstrating stability, character and long-term contributions to North Port’s economic and cultural life.

Located at 13615 Tamiami Trail, the barbershop has served residents since the early 1960s. Despite multiple ownership changes and rebranding over the decades, the shop has remained in the same storefront, serving generations of North Port families for more than 60 years.

“This barbershop is a true North Port original,” said Michael Meerman, the city’s economic development manager. “Honoring them with our first GEM Award is a perfect way to celebrate both tradition and the entrepreneurial spirit that keeps North Port thriving.”

The award was accepted by Sam Avetisyan, who recently assumed ownership of the barbershop. Avetisyan moved to North Port about two years ago from New York, where he spent more than 30 years working as a barber.

“I was very surprised to learn it is the oldest business in North Port,” Avetisyan said. “I’m honored to continue this legacy and bring the barber shop to a higher level and serve my community.”

City officials said the Economic Development Division plans to present the GEM Award quarterly, highlighting businesses that contribute to North Port’s distinct character and long-term growth.

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BBB is sharing guidance to help shoppers make informed choices. The organization recommends exploring neighborhood pop-ups and special promotions, signing up for email alerts from local retailers and following businesses on social media for timely updates. Shoppers are encouraged to visit BBB.org for business reviews and accreditation details and to use ShopSmall.org to find participating locations.

The BBB also reminds consumers to look beyond retail. Local restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and service providers also benefit from increased community support. Gift cards offer a way to give and contribute to small businesses at the same time. Visitors are urged to share experiences on social media, tag their favorite shops and leave reviews on BBB.org to help bolster small businesses year-round.

In Englewood, the Chamber is hosting a local incentive for Small Business Saturday. Shoppers who purchase items from five different Englewood small businesses on November 29 and bring five separate receipts to the Englewood Chamber on December 1 will be entered for a chance to win four tickets to an Atlanta Braves game in the Lecom Legends Club VIP area. The prize package, valued at one thousand dollars, is provided by Capstan Financial Consulting Group. Receipts must be dated November 29. For more information, contact the Englewood Chamber at 941-474-5511.

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In her new role, Mata will manage branch operations, lead staff development, and ensure exceptional customer service. She joined the bank in 2019 as Personal Banker and became a Retail Operations Manager in 2023. Prior to that, she worked in customer-facing roles that strengthened her leadership and service skills.

“We are thrilled to announce that Enith has been promoted as the new Retail Banking Officer for the Wauchula branch,” said Justin Fussell, Area President for DeSoto and Hardee Counties. “With her energy, leadership, and commitment to excellence, she will bring a fresh vision and a bright future to our team. Her passion for people and progress is sure to elevate our service and strengthen our team and community connections.”

Born in Mexico and a Hardee County resident since the age of six, Mata is fluent in English and Spanish, allowing her to build meaningful relationships with a diverse client base. She actively supports local organizations, including the Hardee County Fairgrounds and South Florida State College. She holds an Associate of Science degree in Accounting Technology and is a Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member.

“I love being part of a team that truly values growth and collaboration.” Said Mata. “Every day brings a new opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a positive impact on our customers and community.”

Outside of work, Mata enjoys traveling with her husband and son, exploring nature destinations and Florida’s theme parks.

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The reaction was anything but calm. Retailers mostly supported the move, but many small businesses argued the shift hurt local sales. Calendar makers complained their products were suddenly wrong. College football coaches scrambled to move long-planned rivalry games. Governors took sides, splitting the country between the earlier “Franksgiving” on November 23 and the traditional November 30 observance. A few states celebrated both.

The confusion returned in 1940, and studies showed the earlier date did not improve sales. By 1941 pressure mounted to restore the old tradition. Congress stepped in and designated Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday of November. Roosevelt signed the resolution on December 26, 1941, ending the brief attempt to boost the economy by changing the holiday’s timing.

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The nationwide survey collects information from owners and key financial decision-makers of for-profit businesses to better understand the financial challenges, credit needs, and economic conditions small businesses face. Responses help inform the Federal Reserve, federal agencies, policymakers, and organizations that serve the business community.

“This survey gives small businesses a real opportunity to have their experiences reflected in decisions that affect them,” city officials said.

The survey takes about 12 minutes to complete and is open to businesses currently operating, those that have recently closed, and those preparing to launch. All responses are confidential.

The deadline to participate is November 14, 2025. Questions may be directed to Hal Martin at Hal.Martin@clev.frb.org

Click here for Survey.

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VENICE, Fla. — Downtown Wellen, the center of dining, shopping and entertainment in Wellen Park, is expanding with a new phase that will introduce restaurants, boutiques, wellness services and professional offices designed to serve residents and visitors alike.

“This next phase of Downtown Wellen reflects our commitment to creating vibrant, engaging spaces where people can connect and have conversations, whether they’re meeting for breakfast, enjoying a fitness class, browsing local shops or simply gathering with neighbors,” said Rick Severance, president of Wellen Park. “These new additions were curated with resident feedback in mind and are designed to enrich everyday life and strengthen the sense of community that makes Wellen Park so special.”

Merchant openings are expected in spring and summer 2026. The second phase of downtown also includes plans for a boutique hotel, new luxury apartments and a dog park. The newest retail phase is fully leased.

Restaurants and Cafes
Easy Does It Comfort Kitchen will serve comfort food with a creative twist, offering burgers, hearty sandwiches and “monstah” tater tots from Chef Spiros Stogiannis. La Maison, an authentic French patisserie, will offer breads, pastries and croissants. Agave Bandido, a Mexican-inspired restaurant and tequila bar, will feature artistic murals and contemporary cuisine. Grain & Berry, known for superfood bowls, toasts and smoothies, will round out the dining lineup.

Retail and Lifestyle
Seaside & Co. will combine coastal-inspired clothing, home décor and a wine bar and lounge. Hudson Square Boutique, founded by Wellen Park resident Danielle MacConel, will feature women’s resort wear and accessories. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming will provide gourmet treats and grooming services for pets.

Health, Beauty and Wellness
James Griffith Salon will offer full-service styling and color treatments. Club Pilates will provide low-impact workouts for all skill levels. The Mattamy Homes Design Center will guide homebuyers through flooring, cabinetry, fixtures and finishes to personalize their homes.

Professional Offices
AvSKY, a private aviation brokerage, will join several new professional tenants, including Allstate Fisher Family Insurance, J&B Insurance Partners and Mattamy Homes’ Southwest Florida Division headquarters.

Phase II of Downtown Wellen includes two mixed-use, two-story buildings totaling 44,000 square feet, designed by Trapolin-Peer Architects of New Orleans. The ground floors will house restaurants and retail, with professional offices above.

The Wellmar Hotel, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio property, will also join downtown. The hotel will feature more than 120 rooms and a full-service rooftop bar. Future additions include new luxury apartments and a 2-acre fenced dog park with agility equipment, open space and shaded seating areas.

Wellen Park officials said the expansion continues their mission to foster community connections and provide spaces where residents can live, work and socialize in one place.

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The sale will be held Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 8 a.m. to noon at Charlotte Sports Park, located at 2300 El Jobean Road in Port Charlotte.

Vendor spaces are available for $25 each. Each space measures 10 feet by 40 feet. Vendors must bring their own tables, chairs and shade. Setup will take place between 5 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.

The deadline to register is November 14, 2025.

To register, visit tinyurl.com/GreatGarageSale2025

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“As someone who grew up in Kentucky, it’s deeply personal to me to have this piece of bourbon history in our Englewood restaurant,” said Laurie Farlow, co-owner of Chophouse285.

“It carries more than 100 years of history, and now it will be part of Englewood’s future.”

The wood was salvaged by the owners and Master distillers of Hemingway Bourbon from the Green River Distilling Company in Owensboro, Kentucky, and recently trucked down to Florida. The distillery is the 10th-oldest registered distillery in Kentucky, founded by J.W.

McCulloch in 1885, and its whiskey was world-renowned before fire and Prohibition relegated it to history. It reopened, following an extensive renovation in 2016. It was at this time the owners of Hemingway Bourbon had the foresight to save that wood thinking it may have a use in the future.

The wood is a combination of Pine and Oak dating back over a hundred years. It was used in the “rickhouses” which aged bourbon until prohibition.

Chophouse285 will feature the wood in several interesting ways including constructing a rustic bar that will be the centerpiece of the restaurant. Guests will be able to enjoy tasting part of history by ordering specialty bourbon cocktails using the wood to not only enhance the aromatics, but also allowing the liquid and smoke flavors to combine into a new cocktail experience.

Coming soon: www.chophouse285.com

Did You Know? Prohibition Wood Factoids

• Origin: Salvaged from the bourbon aging “Rickhouses”
• Composition: Pine and Oak
• Aesthetic: Features diverse colors and textures, creating a distinctive, historical appearance.
• Uses: Popular for flooring, wall paneling, and other architectural or decorative Applications.

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