“Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who submitted photos to the contest,” said Charlotte County Communications Director Brian Gleason.

Calendars will be mailed to the winners. The calendars are available for free while supplies last at the following county facilities:

• Charlotte County Administration Center, 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte
• Centennial Park Recreation Center, 1120 Centennial Blvd., Port Charlotte
• Englewood Charlotte Library, 3450 North Access Road, Englewood
• Port Charlotte Public Library, 2280 Aaron St. Port Charlotte
• Family Services Center, 21500 Gibralter Ave., Port Charlotte
• Harold Avenue Regional Park Recreation Center, 23400 Harold Ave., Port Charlotte
• Florida Department of Health in Charlotte, 1100 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte
• Punta Gorda Charlotte Library, 401 Shreve St., Punta Gorda
• South County Regional Park Recreation Center, 670 Cooper St., Punta Gorda
• Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce, 252 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda
• Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, 2702 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
• Englewood Chamber of Commerce, 601 S. Indiana Ave. Englewood
• Mac V. Horton West County Annex, 6868 San Casa Drive, Englewood

The post Charlotte County Announces Calendar Photo Contest Winners appeared first on Englewood Review.

Residents in communities including Englewood (Charlotte County portions), Rotonda West, and Wellen Park can expect timely updates on advisory board meetings, minutes, annual reports, and work programs related to their MSBU or MSTU. These districts fund local improvements such as drainage maintenance, road repair, and street lighting, ensuring residents directly benefit from their contributions.

To sign up, visit charlottecountyfl.gov/msbu-mstu, select your specific unit, and click “Sign Up For MSBU Notifications.” For help or more information, contact Charlotte County at 941-575-3600.

The post Charlotte County Launches Email Updates for MSBU and MSTU Residents appeared first on Englewood Review.

Breast cancer remains the most common form of cancer among women in Florida, though men can also develop the disease. Over the past decade, the state has seen a decline of more than 5% in mortality rates, reflecting advances in screening, access, and treatment.

Health officials encourage routine screening and self-exams to help individuals recognize changes in their breasts, including lumps, discharge, or differences in size or appearance. Women ages 40 to 74 are advised to have a mammogram every two years, while those with risk factors such as family history or high breast density should consider annual mammograms and MRIs.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also contributes to prevention. Eating nutritious foods, staying active, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and following medical screening recommendations are all linked to improved breast health. Breastfeeding has also been shown to reduce a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.

Through the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, DOH-Charlotte offers free or low-cost screenings for eligible women who are uninsured, underinsured, or meet income requirements. Mammograms can detect breast cancer in its earliest stages when treatment is most effective. Residents can learn more or determine eligibility by calling 941-861-2676 or visiting the program’s webpage.

The Department of Health continues its mission to protect, promote, and improve the health of all Floridians through coordinated state, county, and community initiatives.

The post DOH-Charlotte Promotes Awareness and Screening During Breast Cancer Awareness Month appeared first on Englewood Review.

The 3-inch-wide bands display both the color and letter of the county’s five evacuation zones: Zone A (red) for the highest-risk, lowest-lying areas near bodies of water, including much of Punta Gorda; Zone B (orange), which together with Zone A accounts for about two-thirds of the county’s population; Zone C (yellow); Zone D (green); and Zone E (purple).

Evacuation zones are based on National Hurricane Center data, elevation, and evacuation routes. They do not directly correlate to a storm’s category. County officials emphasize that storm surge poses the greatest threat to life and property during hurricanes, and the bands are intended to provide a clear reminder of each location’s zone and storm-surge risk.

Residents are urged to review the county evacuation map, identify their zone by color and letter, and plan where to go if an evacuation is ordered. Options include staying with relatives or friends outside the zone, booking a hotel or motel early, or leaving the area entirely. Availability at public shelters should be confirmed before departure. All residents of mobile homes, manufactured homes, and RVs should evacuate before tropical storm-force winds, regardless of their zone.

Because of the county’s low elevation and proximity to water, local shelters may be limited during severe storms. Residents can check their zone at CharlotteCountyFL.gov/KnowYourZone and are encouraged to finalize relocation plans in advance of any storm threat.

The post Charlotte County adds reflective evacuation zone bands to stop signs appeared first on Englewood Review.

The 30-day rabies alert covers areas within one mile of Trails End Drive and Washington Loop Road, including Hidden Valley Circle, Ridgeland Court, Sunset Road, Bronco Road, Shell Creek Park, and surrounding neighborhoods. While the advisory is specific to this zone, DOH-Charlotte reminds the public that rabies can occur anywhere in the county.

Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans and pets. Transmission most often occurs through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. High-risk wildlife in Florida include raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes.

Residents are advised to keep pets and livestock current on rabies vaccinations, supervise them outdoors, and avoid contact with stray or wild animals. Food sources such as garbage, outdoor pet food, and unsecured compost should be removed to reduce encounters. Residents should not attempt to adopt or handle wild animals.

Anyone bitten or scratched by an animal should seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to DOH-Charlotte at 941-624-7200 or Charlotte County Animal Control at 941-833-5690. Pet owners whose animals have been exposed to wildlife should seek prompt veterinary care. Stray or suspicious animals should be reported for removal.

The advisory will remain in place for 30 days while officials monitor the situation. More information on rabies prevention is available at FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies.

The post DOH-Charlotte Issues Rabies Advisory After Confirmed Case appeared first on Englewood Review.