The ESA is a group of volunteers who love teaching kids, starting at age 9, how to sail. This summer, they’re running three weeks of sailing camp. The first one just wrapped up, with 32 campers and several teens who stepped up as coaches. Next week, they kick off camp two, and then they have their third camp in July. With over 25 boats, the ESA gets everyone out on the water at Indian Mound Park on Lemon Bay.

ESA invites everyone to celebrate “Summer Sailstice” on Saturday, June 20, 2026. They’ll be at Indian Mound Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s a global event for sailors, and they’re joining in with an open house, with light refreshments, free sailboat rides on Lemon Bay, and a chance to check out our all-volunteer sailing school.

Once campers finish summer camp, they can keep learning with their Fall and Spring Learn to Sail programs. Some of their older sailors are now racing, traveling to regattas, and competing with other clubs.

The ESA isn’t just for children. They include adults by running two Learn to Sail sessions for grown-ups.

Since 2002, Englewood Sailing Association has introduced small boat sailing on Lemon Bay to the community. They’re a member-based, nonprofit organization, and every year over 150 people from Sarasota, Charlotte, and neighboring counties learn to sail with the ESA. Their mission is to build confidence, character, and community on the water. If you’re curious about sailing or just want to enjoy the bay, they hope to see you this Saturday.

Click here for more information about the Englewood Sailing Association.

The post Anchors Aweigh and Sails Set: Englewood Sailing Association Breezes Into Summer appeared first on Englewood Review.

No one expected the balloon to circle the planet over and over. Bill Reed broke down just how much this little Pico balloon accomplished:

– N4EAR finished its journey, taken out by Tropical Storm Jangmi, a Category 1 system lurking off Japan’s east coast, on June 2.
– Total distance traveled: 246,893 kilometers, or about 153,468 miles.
– Time aloft: 103 days and 14 hours.
– Orbits of Earth: nearly 6.7.
– Data messages sent: 3,483.
– Last reported position: 44,025 feet up, about 1,200 miles south-southeast of Japan, heading toward Hawaii. Grid Square RM11PJ, Latitude 31.39567, Longitude 163.29167.
– Countries crossed: 53. States crossed: 34.
– Fastest ground speed: 201.6 knots in the jet stream.
– More than once, military forces blocked its GPS signal over Iran and Iraq, but the temperature data read below freezing, so we knew the balloon was still riding high.

Tracking N4EAR turned into the ultimate lesson, not just for the students, but for everyone involved. They learned about upper-level winds, air pressure, and even got a crash course in the politics of GPS signal jamming during wartime. It was all hands-on, all real, and all unforgettable. N4EAR taught us plenty before signing off.

Rest in peace, N4EAR.

But according to Bill, they’re not done yet; more school projects are in the works. Watch for another balloon launch with SKY Academy this fall, and stay tuned for details on other learning adventures.

What an amazing opportunity this was for SKY Academy students to team up with EARS and bring science to life in such a thrilling way. The community is excited to see what’s in store for the 2026-2027 school year.
To read the original Englewood REVIEW story, click here.

The post World Tour Concludes: SKY Academy and EARS Say Goodbye to Their High-Flying Student Project appeared first on Englewood Review.

Venetian Harmony Chorus brings together women who love singing a cappella, specializing in the Barbershop style. They perform all over Englewood, Venice, and the nearby communities, sharing their music at local events and celebrations.

Their set featured beloved tunes: “Loch Lomond,” “Almost Like Being In Love” (which included a lively Scottish dance by Jean Bednar), and “The Skye Boat Song,” famous from the TV show Outlander. All three songs captured the crowd and brought a bit of Scotland to Orlando.

Venetian Harmony Chorus is a non-profit affiliate of Sweet Adelines International, and more than anything, they love singing for the community and having fun together. When they rehearse, it feels less like practice and more like a gathering of friends. Music provides connection, laughter and support for one another.

If you enjoy singing, or if you just want to see what they’re all about, they invite you to join them for a rehearsal. On Mondays at 6:30 p.m., you’ll find them in the Community Hall behind Christ Lutheran Church at 701 N. Indiana Ave, Englewood. Visitors are always welcome. Come by, listen in, and sing along. Whether you’re curious about joining or want to book Venetian Harmony Chorus for your next event, stop in and say hello. They’d love to meet you.

Click here to check out their website.

Call 612-272-5436 for more information.

The post Venetian Harmony Chorus Charms Orlando Crowds to Win Audience Favorite appeared first on Englewood Review.

There’s genuine history there. Englewood, Florida wasn’t always just a sleepy beach town. It once thrived as an early center for naturist retreats and nudist resorts. These days, you won’t find any official nude beaches, but back in the day, the remote stretches of Manasota Key offered a unique getaway for those who wanted to live out that laid-back, “Old Florida” lifestyle. In the 1930s, people called it Pine Ridge or Sea Island. One spot, “The Sea Island Sanctuary,” went as far as advertising total privacy and 24-hour nudism along the Gulf. Imagine walking the beach as long as you wanted, just sun, sand, and, well, freedom.

Jessica Souza, broker and co-owner at Paradise Exclusive Real Estate, left the event buzzing with ideas. “I attended the Secret Society of Smoked Mullets luncheon, thanks to the Englewood Chamber, and it’s always a highlight hearing Esther and Nancy paint such a vivid picture of our past,” she said.

Listening to those stories, especially the ones about the nudist colony, sparked something. Jessica wanted to capture that playful, unique Old Florida energy, to remind locals and newcomers what makes Englewood one-of-a-kind. That’s how the “Make Englewood Nude Again” campaign was born: playful, a little “cheeky” (pun intended), and devoted to honoring our roots. Plus, all proceeds from the shirts go straight to the Lemon Bay Historical Society, fueling efforts to keep Englewood’s stories alive for future generations.

This is about remembering who we are. Before the crowds, before the development, before Florida went glossy, folks here lived barefoot with salty air, big sunsets, and a community that just wanted to keep things simple. 

That spirit is still here, if you know where to look. 

Every shirt sold helps the Lemon Bay Historical Society protect our stories, share them so that all of us, especially our children, remember and learn from our history. 

Want to join in? Grab a “Make Englewood Nude Again” t-shirt, and help celebrate a little piece of local magic.

Jessica summed it up perfectly: “Today’s stories at the Secret Society of Smoked Mullets award luncheon were a reminder that Englewood has always marched to the beat of its own drum, and honestly, that’s part of its magic. Because let’s be honest, life’s just better barefoot.”

Click here to order your “Make Englewood Nude Again” t-shirt and help support Lemon Bay Historical Society.

The post Uncovering the Past: “Make Englewood Nude Again” Fundraiser appeared first on Englewood Review.

This isn’t just another awards lunch; it’s an Englewood tradition that brings everyone together to celebrate the people and families who helped build this community. The Secret Society of Smoked Mullets announced this year’s Smoked Mullet Award winners, along with new recipients of the Englewood Legends’ Award. The winner for 2026 is Larry VanTilburg and the Dignam Family who received The Legends Award.

This year, Eric Fogo served as the Master of Ceremonies, and the speakers included Nancy Wille and Esther Horton. They provided an event filled with significant memories and a real sense of belonging.

A quick bit of history: Nita Cole founded the Secret Society of Smoked Mullets back in 1996. She wanted to honor the unsung heroes of Englewood; the people whose hard work shaped the town but rarely got recognition for it. In Nita’s words, “The intention is to honor people from the past who helped create the Englewood we have today—people who probably have never been recognized with an award for their hard work and dedication.”

A look at past Smoked Mullet Award recipients tells the story: Dr. John Flower, Mac Horton, Leah Lasbury, Pat Fitzgerald, Ferold Davis, Don Platt, Eunice Albritton, Tom Dignam, Billy Davis, David Dignam, Joe Czerwinski, Denny Girard, Bill Stiver, Sr., Larry Nicol, Charlie Hicks, Diana Harris, Esther Horton, Fred Beck, Rex Rowley, Gary Schroeder, Mel Kugler, Nancy Wille and Eric Fogo, Carolyn Pope, Leo Pfliger, and Mike Looney.

In 2017, organizers launched the Englewood Legends Award to recognize the historic families that shaped the region. Past winners include the Bass, Tate, Goff, Ainger, Pope, Scott, Wiley Hicks, and Lampp families.

Nita Cole, speaking with the Englewood REVIEW about the origins of this event, said, “This is our 29th year. When I started back then, there were already plenty of awards for business people. But Englewood’s deeper history kept coming up in conversations, with stories about folks who worked quietly behind the scenes but never got public thanks. I figured, let’s create an award for those people who went above and beyond; people who made Englewood what it is today and seldom got noticed.”

She smiled, adding, “They even call me the Mother Mullet. For the first few years, I’d show up in a fish costume. When we chose the first recipient, Dr. John Flower came to mind, as he provided his dental services to Englewood when the town really needed them.”

The big question is how they came up with the name for the award? Nita explained, “We kept asking ourselves, what do we call this award? I sat there, trading ideas with the old-timers, and someone pointed out that Englewood is known for smoked mullet. They had to eat it back when there was no refrigeration, so it’s been a part of the area’s story. That’s how the ‘Smoked Mullet Award’ got its name.”

How did the Secret Society aspect begin? Nita explains, “At first, each year’s winners were usually older folks, wonderful people, but it didn’t make sense to have them run the committee for the next year. We needed fresh energy, so I suggested winners could pick a younger person to be their ‘secret’ member and help carry the torch. We did that for four or five years, but haven’t kept up that part for about a decade now.”

Nita never imagined that the tradition would last this long. She reflected, “Englewood truly is a gem on the West Coast. We started as the lemon tree town, but after a hurricane wiped those out, the town depended on groceries brought by schooner from Tampa. People gathered down at the docks. There’s so much history, and at this luncheon, we get to share those stories. A lot of business people come now, and many have no idea how their community got started. That’s why this day matters.”

Attendees thoroughly enjoyed the event, the opportunity to support the legacy, meet the people who keep Englewood’s spirit alive, and a lunch full of stories and friendship. The tradition continues.

The post The Smoked Mullet Society Honors Englewood’s Biggest Legends appeared first on Englewood Review.

When asked how long the luncheon tradition has been going, Danny didn’t hesitate. “This is our first year doing it.” Danny has worked with Chief Easton and Sheriff Hoffman on ceremonies for Loyalty Day and when the First Responders Monument went up at Veterans Park. Those kinds of ceremonies are familiar territory, but hosting a cookout just for the first responders is new. 

Events at the post draw all kinds of crowds. “In September, the snowbirds aren’t here yet, but we still have a decent turnout.” The post itself counts 256 members, plus about 200 in the Auxiliary. Things pick up during the season, especially when they host their rib and chicken dinners, which always bring in a crowd.

Danny’s not new to the VFW, far from it. He transferred down to Englewood in 2017 and stepped into the commander role in 2018. “On and off altogether, I’ve been commander going on my seventh year, because I just became commander again for next year.” Twenty-nine years with the VFW.

So what keeps him coming back? “I care about the veterans,” Danny said. The post partners with groups like the EPIC Community Resource Center of Englewood Florida. When a veteran needs a ramp built, the VFW provides the funding for materials, and the EPIC Center provides the labor. “It’s support for the veterans in our local area and the veterans who come down during the season. We get them all together for the camaraderie,” he said.

Things have changed a lot since he first arrived. “My first three years as commander, we revamped the whole place inside, made it more inviting, more family-oriented. Now we’ve got pool, air hockey, and corn hole games. We’re planning movie nights.” Most importantly, though, is giving veterans a home, a place that actually feels warm, where they know the camaraderie matters.

“It’s not what it used to be,” Danny said. “We’ve cleaned it up, and it’s non-smoking and family-oriented.”

The Auxiliary, he explained, has been a lifeline. These are spouses or family members of veterans who served during wartime, and they “support us whole-heartedly. That’s their purpose—to serve the veterans and help with the post.”

Danny himself put in 20 years in the Army. “I joined in ‘75 and retired in ‘94.” His family is military through and through; three brothers all served in Vietnam, two in the Army and one in the Marines. “I saw what they went through, and a lot of the old Vietnam vets. It was kind of shameful when they came back. People treated them terribly. Even a lot of VFW clubs wouldn’t recognize them. That’s all changed.”

Now, on March 29th every year, the post hosts a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony. They run the Pearl Harbor Day event too, usually with a flyover. “For Memorial Day, we’ll be at the cemetery.” Danny handles the flag placement. He’s done it for about ten years, putting flags at the old Lemon Bay Funeral Home cemetery. “My health’s starting to decline so I’m trying to find someone to take over. The ground’s tough up there: rock, sand, oyster shell. I made my own long drill bit to get the flags in. If there’s a way, we’ll find it.”

As for Memorial Day, the post partners with Lemon Bay High’s Navy Junior ROTC, led by Darren Glaser, a retired Navy captain and the post’s senior vice commander. “The cadets bring up their sabers for the Gold Star families. I’m recruiting people from each branch of service to help place wreaths.”

So, if you’re a veteran living nearby, Danny hopes you’ll stop in, especially as the post looks to the future. “We’re very inviting. It’s all about camaraderie and bringing more veterans into the fold. We’ve lost 14 members this year already, and most are snowbirds or older, but we’re building something here.”

There’s another reason to celebrate. “The post is making the All-State Award, which is high in the state. And we’re also going to be presented with the All-American Award through the National VFW, which is hard to get. I mean, that’s one of the highest awards you can get through the VFW. My wife and I will head to the National Convention this year, in Reno, to get the award for our post.”

The VFW has scheduled the Appreciation Luncheon for First Responders for Tuesday, May 19th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 550 N. McCall Road, Englewood. All first responders are welcome to come out, relax, and enjoy some good (and free) food and solid company.

Want to volunteer? Whether you want to man the grill or help plate food, reach out to Sarah at (941) 949-7759. They’d love the help. Or check out their website at vfwpost10178.org.

The post A New Tradition of Gratitude: VFW Post 10178 Honors Englewood’s Heroes with First-Ever First Responders Luncheon appeared first on Englewood Review.

“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.

The post Chamber’s “Leadership Englewood” Program: Turning Professionals into Community Problem-Solvers appeared first on Englewood Review.

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.

The post Englewood Rotary to Host ‘Whatever Floats Your Boat’ Bingo for Youth Sailing on May 16 appeared first on Englewood Review.

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.

The post Punta Gorda to Honor Mayor and Governor Albert W. Gilchrist with New Masonic Center Dedication appeared first on Englewood Review.

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

The post Southwest Florida Honor Flight Sets Sail for D.C. This Tuesday from Punta Gorda appeared first on Englewood Review.