“Leadership Englewood,” run by the Englewood Chamber of Commerce, offers a hands-on program for professionals who want to dive deeper into what makes this community tick. It’s more than just workshops and networking; participants explore Englewood’s past, meet the people shaping its present, and confront the real social and economic issues people here face every day. The goal? Help leaders see where they can step up and make a real difference.

Each session brings something new: site visits, conversations with community leaders, and firsthand looks at local challenges. There’s a strong focus on practical leadership skills, so people walk away not only knowing more about Englewood but also feeling confident leading positive changes at work and throughout the community.

It’s a fantastic way to build connections. Participants get to know their peers, see a side of Englewood most people never do, and pick up the leadership skills they can put to use right away.

Every month, the group ventures out on a themed “field trip,” whether it’s Health Care Day, Education Day, immersing in arts and culture, or exploring both Charlotte and Sarasota Counties. Tourism also gets its own spotlight.

This year, the class rallied to raise funds and support the cleanup and upkeep of the Lemon Bay Historic Cemetery. It’s a perfect example of giving back and helping preserve Englewood’s unique history.

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This lively event helps support the Englewood Sailing Association, with a share going back to the Englewood Rotary. There’ll be raffles, prizes, and, because it’s Preakness weekend, a special prize for the most fascinating hat. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Parking’s free, snacks are on them, a cash bar is available, and they’ll hand you dobbers and bingo cards, so you’re set to play.

The Englewood Rotary

They’re a group of dedicated professionals from all walks of life, united by a common goal: service. Here in Englewood and far beyond, they roll up their sleeves for all kinds of projects, giving kids a solid start with education and ethical guidance, fighting hunger, and promoting better health. Every week, they carve out time to meet, catch up, laugh, and learn together. Rotarians bring their families along, not just for the camaraderie, but for the chance to serve side by side.

As part of Rotary International, they’re in good company, over 1.2 million people strong, all pushing for Service Above Self. The Four-Way Test guides how they show up in the world. That’s who they are, the Englewood Rotary.

Service to the Community

So, what do they actually do? Locally, they back education and literacy. They invest in scholarships to change lives. 

Their membership is diverse: engineers, doctors, attorneys, realtors, CPAs, psychotherapists, financial advisors, and more. 

Rotarians serve, they connect, they have fun. Across 33,000 clubs in over 200 countries, Rotarians stand for humanitarian service, high ethical standards, and building peace across the globe. Their doors are open to every culture, background, and belief with one simple goal: Service Above Self, in the community, at work, everywhere.

For more information about Englewood Rotary, click here.

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This event is open to everyone. It’s more than just a building dedication; it’s a celebration of the lodge’s lasting place in the community and Gilchrist’s influence on both the region and the state. Mayor Debbie Lux will present an official proclamation, and several state dignitaries plan to join the gathering.

The program includes remarks from lodge and community leaders and formal recognition of the center’s importance. Visitors can also explore the lodge’s past and its roots going back to 1890, as well as how it continues to support the charitable work of Charlotte County.

You’ll find more details at www.puntagorda115.com, or you can call Noah Parry at 941-815-7688.

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Mission XXIV brings together 88 veterans, two from World War II, five from the Korean War, plus others from Vietnam and later conflicts. Each veteran will travel with a trained volunteer guardian, ensuring the day is comfortable, safe, and memorable. On this trip, the group will visit the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Military Women’s Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The day kicks off before sunrise, with a spirited send-off as the veterans board their flight. When they return that night, the community can welcome them home in a big way at Punta Gorda Airport. Festivities and entertainment start at 8 p.m., but the Allegiant flight is scheduled to land at approximately 8:50 p.m. The community can show its support by wearing red, white, and blue, bringing flags and signs, and offering plenty of applause. Carpool if you can; it’s expected to be a packed event.

“This mission is about gratitude, remembrance, and honoring service,” said Naomi Horton Copeland, President of Southwest Florida Honor Flight. “For many, it’s their first time seeing the memorials dedicated to their sacrifices. The Welcome Home celebration proves their service is remembered and appreciated.”

Since 2007, Southwest Florida Honor Flight has taken over 2,300 veterans on this journey. With no big corporate sponsors, each trip, costing about $118,000 a flight, relies entirely on local donations and grassroots support. Veterans and guardians can apply year-round for future missions. Every veteran is paired with a guardian for the trip; guardians cover a small fee and spend the day supporting and honoring their assigned veteran.

The organization serves veterans from Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. Veterans who split time out of state or live elsewhere are also eligible. Priority goes to WWII, Korean War, and terminally ill veterans. Monthly info meetings happen both in-person and on Zoom. The group operates with an all-volunteer team, many of whom are veterans or have family who served.

For details on future missions, applications, or to support the program, visit www.swflhonorflight.org.

Donate today here

Visit their website: swflhonorflight.org and on Facebook

Southwest Florida Honor Flight

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Now, fast forward to today. We’ve received regular updates, and the Englewood REVIEW is excited to share the latest straight from EARS member Ken Blackshaw:

Hello PICO Balloon fans –

We are now crossing the Pacific Ocean for the fourth time, but this orbit is much different than the first three. We took a more northerly route across Asia, going over many of the ‘Stans’ including Kazakhstan. We’ve also added Mongolia and Russia to our ‘countries’ list, exiting the Asian continent north of Vladivostok!

The actual route across the Pacific is dictated by the winds, 42,000 feet up, where our balloon lives. You can see what’s about to happen, looking at the link to those wind currents – here!

We are about to take a violent turn to the north that will most likely have our radio station, N4EAR-1, waking up over Alaska.

Stay tuned to see at what point we actually complete our fourth orbit and start our fifth.

73’s – Ken 
This project isn’t just about science or reading; it’s about adventure. These students pushed the limits, chasing real-world experiences and bringing meteorology down to earth for everyone. Stay tuned. There’s more history in the making.

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Aura Boutique, a favorite local shop, generously provided the runway looks. “A huge shout-out to them for partnering with us,” says Bobbie Sue Taylor, the president of the Englewood Sunset Rotary Club. “The energy in the room, the incredible people, none of it happens without the support of this community.”

Every ticket and sponsorship from the event goes straight into educational grants for local women who want to take their next big step. On top of that, the “Bougie Wagon” raffle was a hit. One lucky winner took home over $1,000 worth of goodies like chocolates, bath salts, and gift certificates.

Although International Women’s Day occurred on March 8, these generous Rotarians concentrate on empowering women throughout the year. “Our members are out there mentoring, volunteering, funding scholarships, and helping families. We know that when women succeed, our entire community rises,” says Rotarian Janet Shawen.

“Our club’s in its fourth year now,” adds Bobbie Sue. “We started as just a group of women looking for connection, but it’s become so much more; a real mission to lift people up.”

Change doesn’t always come from big, dramatic moments. Sometimes, it’s just about helping someone believe in themselves again. Opening a door that felt shut. Giving someone the push they need to take that first brave step. Their Women’s Empowerment Scholarships do exactly that: help women start businesses, kick off new careers, and build better futures for themselves and their families.

When one woman rises, her whole family grows stronger. And when families get stronger, so does our whole community. “That’s why we focus on impact,” Bobbie Sue emphasizes. “Even the small kind. Because together, those small acts add up to something powerful.”

Bobbie Sue extends another big thanks to Aura boutique for hosting their latest fundraiser, the fashion show, and to Boca Royale Golf and Country Club for the space and for serving the ladies’ lunch. “We raised over $8,000.”

Next up is Burgerfest in Paradise. 

It’s coming up April 4, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pioneer Plaza (325 W Dearborn St, Englewood). “We’ll have awesome burgers, live music, and good times,” adds Janet, “all to support the projects that help Englewood thrive. So far, we’ve given out $22,000 in scholarships since we started.”

“Honestly, I could talk about Burgerfest all day,” Janet says with a laugh. “I think this is our third or maybe fourth year; I lose track. Every dollar we raise goes right back into the Impact Club. Like Bobbie Sue said, we’re all about supporting women, not just through scholarships. We’ve helped women like the Tea Truck Lady get her business rolling. It’s all about building up our community.”

For Burgerfest in Paradise, they plan to have a little over a dozen grillers. Each one will serve up either half a burger or two sliders for five coupons, with each coupon costing one dollar. Voting’s fun: they do People’s Choice with gold coins, and then there’s secret judging.

“Only I know who the judges are, and that’s staying secret,” Janet says. “The judges check for taste, juiciness, the whole deal. We have two trophies, and trust me, they’re fabulous. You can see one—a big trophy with a hamburger on top—on our website. Whoever wins gets to claim the title of Best Burger in Englewood.”

There will be plenty of parking, and the event is free; no donation is required. Just buy your tickets, grab some food and drinks, and enjoy. They will have three bands playing, so bring a chair, relax, listen to some music, let your food settle, and then go back for more.

For more information check out their website at rotaryclubofenglewoodsunsetimpact.com

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Sixty-five members gathered for a lively luncheon on January 20 at the Waverly on Manasota Key, swapping stories and celebrating the club’s journey together. The afternoon buzzed with heartfelt speeches from longtime members who’ve helped shape ESC’s story. Charter member Marilyn Boyd took everyone down memory lane, recalling the time the group rallied around a fellow member who fell ill, dropping off meals for an entire month. “Honestly, the reason ESC has stood the test of time isn’t just because we’re the fun club,” Marilyn said. “We’re the caring club.”

ESC started back on January 23, 1996. What began as a handful of shell enthusiasts has turned into a vibrant community deeply committed to conservation, malacology, and the art of shell-crafting. “Finding seashells changed my life,” said charter member Linda Powers. “I found my niche; I found my tribe. These 30 years have been incredible.” Linda’s still at it, too. She’ll lead ESC’s “Shell 101” at Lemon Bay Fest on February 13 at the Elsie Quirk Library on Dearborn Street.

Reflecting on what keeps ESC going strong, past president Anita Wilson put it simply. “What I love most about ESC is the people. Sure, we’re an environmentally active bunch, but we’ve got artists, science folks, leaders, you name it. Everyone’s willing to share what they know, and because of that, we all grow.”

Curious about joining? Check out englewoodshell.club, find ESC on Facebook, or shoot an email to info@englewoodshell.club. Come see what makes this club something special.

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Lunar New Year marks the start of a new zodiac cycle on the Chinese lunar calendar. Every year, the date shifts on the Gregorian calendar. This time, everyone welcomed the Year of the Horse. It officially begins February 17, but the group decided to celebrate early so people could enjoy Valentine’s Day too.

What is the Year of the Horse?

The Chinese Lunar New Year in 2026 kicks off the Year of the Fire Horse, running from February 17, 2026, to February 5, 2027. This isn’t just any new year; Fire Horse only comes around once every 60 years. It’s a rare blend of fire’s energy and the Horse’s drive, setting the stage for a year that surges with momentum and change.

Let’s talk about what this all means. The Horse stands for passion, freedom, and a powerful sense of independence. Fire only adds fuel, more intensity, more drive, and a real push to break through limits. People expect 2026 to move fast. It’s a year for bold moves, taking risks, and chasing big rewards. Of course, that kind of energy brings some unpredictability too. The Fire Horse is famous for shaking things up, sometimes in ways that challenge old habits and push people to break barriers.

For families, a baby born in the Fire Horse year is said to be independent, charismatic, and adventurous, someone who isn’t afraid to carve their own path.

A few dates matter most. Lunar New Year falls on February 17, 2026, kicking off a 16-day celebration that wraps up with the Lantern Festival. Astrologers are especially excited this time: the year starts and ends with a total lunar eclipse, casting an extra layer of significance over 2026.

If you’re into lucky signs, Fire Horse years favor red and green, and lucky numbers are 2, 3, and 7. The last time the world saw a Fire Horse year was 1966. Now, sixty years later, it’s back, ready to shake things up all over again.

Southwest Florida Chinese Association

Jerry Pong Wingma founded the Southwest Florida Chinese Association more than three decades ago. His goal is to keep Chinese culture alive in a place where the Chinese community remains relatively small. Back when he started the association, it had fewer than 50 members. Saturday’s event drew hundreds.

After the performances, people lined up for traditional Chinese snacks, including spring rolls, sesame balls, and of course, fortune cookies. The spirit of the new year filled the room.

For more information, contact swfchinese.org.

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The Riders support many causes, including veterans’ groups, C.A.R.E. (The Center for Abused & Raped Emergencies), E.A.R.S. (Englewood Animal Rescue Sanctuary), Toys for Tots, Juvenile Diabetes, breast cancer awareness, and more. Their events often draw up to 70 bikes, a strong show of unity and community spirit.

The recent Breast Octoberfest Weekend took place in October at Bert’s Black Widow Harley-Davidson in Port Charlotte, featuring food, raffles, a decorated bra fashion show, and the crowd favorite bra toss challenge, raising funds for the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation.

Next up is a November 1 fundraiser with Hades Hounds to benefit Charlotte Harbor School, which serves students with disabilities from prekindergarten through 12th grade. The school offers therapy, arts, aquatics, and vocational programs, all supported through community donations like these.

The Gulf Cove Moose Riders’ passion for the open road is matched by their commitment to helping others, making them a vital part of the Englewood and Charlotte County community. All events are open to the public.

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