This project used to be known as Buchan’s Landing on Dearborn Street, and it’s drawn plenty of attention from residents and local civic groups. People worry changes requested by the developer could chip away at longstanding commercial dock restrictions, and possibly shift the historic, mixed-use vibe of Old Englewood Village. Others feel the development will be good for business, for the Englewood community, and for Dearborn. 

This meeting is the first of a two-day session; the commission will go into recess on July 9. If you’re following the proceedings, you can always catch the commission meetings live or later on the Sarasota County Government Meetings on Demand portal.

The big update about Buchan’s Bayside: the property owner is pushing for new changes at the lot by Dearborn and Olde Englewood Road. While some protest signs have disappeared from the property, the public hearing is still on for July 8 at 9 a.m. and they expect a large turnout.

Here’s what’s officially on the agenda for public hearings and presentations:

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES:

A. (Public hearing) To adopt Ordinance No. 2025-034, approving Small Area Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 2025-02 on approximately 2.3 acres for property located south of West Dearborn Street, east of Old Englewood Road, southwest of West Green Street, Englewood, from Moderate Density Residential to Commercial Center – Englewood Town Center;

B. (Public hearing) To adopt Ordinance No. 2025-035, approving Critical Area Plan Amendment No. 95-01-SP-2025 to amend the definition of Mixed-Use Development to clarify that Mixed-Use Development shall be defined as mixed-use buildings, or a combination of residential buildings and/or lots and non-residential buildings and/or lots in a Unified Development at the time of application;

C. (Not a public hearing) Land Development Regulation Commission to find Ordinance No. 2025-035 to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. (Must be done prior to the adoption of B.);

D. (Public hearing) To adopt Ordinance No. 2025-036, approving Rezone Petition No. 25-04 on approximately 3.4 acres for property located south of West Dearborn Street, east of Old Englewood Road, southwest of West Green Street, Englewood, from CG/MSOD with stipulations, RSF-3, and RSF-3/RCTOD to CG/MSOD zone district with amended stipulations;

E. (Public hearing) To adopt a Resolution approving Special Exception Petition No. 1911 to allow 1) freestanding residential buildings and lots in the CG/MSOD zone district, 2) commercial parking (valet) on approximately 0.33 acres located at 51 Old Englewood Road, Englewood in the RMF-1/RCTOD zone district, and 3) structures, uses, and boat slips abutting and within the MP zone district and adjoining upland areas in the CG/MSOD zone district.

Finally, the meeting wraps up with an “Open to the Public” segment, where anyone can speak for up to three minutes about issues not already on the agenda. If you want to share your thoughts, just fill out a Request to Speak card before your turn.

Click here for the link to Sarasota County Government, Meeting Agenda for July 8, 2026.

The post Sarasota County to Debate Controversial Buchan’s Bayside Dock Rules on July 8 and 9 appeared first on Englewood Review.

Since 1987, Sarah has called Englewood home. Sarah is married to her husband, Derek, and they’ve raised four kids together. After years in education, Sarah shifted gears. Now, she pours her energy into wellness, entrepreneurship, faith, and being active in her community. She loves helping women improve their health, supporting local organizations, and serving at church. No matter what Sarah is doing, she wants to inspire others to live with more purpose, more joy, and more confidence.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? 

I actually think that perfect happiness is unobtainable, and we were never meant to be happy all the time. I prefer JOY which is constant even in the midst of the trials of life. You might not always be happy, but you can have joy unspeakable when God and family are at the center of everything you do.

What is your greatest fear?  

I believe that we ALL have a God-ordained purpose and gifts to use for the good of our family and community. One of my goals is for my ONLY fear to be a healthy fear of the Lord. However, if I am totally honest I am afraid of feeling disconnected from my purpose or failing to make the meaningful impact I have been called to make.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? 

The trait I most deplore about myself would be that I never feel like I do enough. I am critical of myself when it comes to work ethic. Even though I work very hard, I often focus on what I haven’t done as opposed to celebrating the accomplishments. This inner drive also pushes me to grow, evolve and keep showing up. In a way, that tension is what fuels my persistence. It is a double edged sword, but I use it to carve a meaningful path

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

One thing I deplore in others is when they are fake, insincere or don’t keep their word. I believe that contentment starts with being able to trust ourselves. Every time we show up and do what we say we will, we build that self-trust. But when we don’t follow through, it is like we are telling ourselves-and others-that we can’t be relied on.  

Which living person do you most admire?

The living person I most admire is my Dad. Though he was injured before I was born and has been a paraplegic for almost 50 years, he never let that define his limits. He has accomplished more than many fully able-bodied people and what stands out is that he never gives up. His perseverance and his ability to give his best in every situation have always inspired me. I just love my sweet ol’ Dad!

What is your greatest extravagance?

Oh goodness, I am a bougie girl! I love high-end skin care, massages and spa days. My greatest extravagance, however, would have to be travel. I love cruising and exploring new places. There is something about the experience of being out on the water, discovering different cultures and making memories. My husband, Derek, is the best travel buddy and we have a bucket list of places we will go.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

I think being busy is the most overrated virtue. Constant hustle often disguises a lack of alignment or rest. I believe life’s richness comes when we’re purposeful, not just perpetually occupied.  Most people waste the best of their lives in “the grind,” oftentimes building someone else’s dream. I think it should be the highest intention to discover:
1. What you love to do 2. What you are good at and 3. What serves others. The Japanese concept for this is “ikigai,” which translates roughly to life’s worth or value or your reason for being.  That to me is so much more meaningful than just being busy all the time.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?  

I have seen every episode of the tv show “New Girl” at least 10 times. So, you can often find me quoting this show even when I am not sure if the people I am with have seen a single episode. Another endearing quality of mine is that anytime someone says a song lyric, I am already singing the next lines. So, it is not as much about words or phrases that I overuse, I just sing a lot and quote tv shows and movies.

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.

The post From Sunshine State Beginnings to Englewood Champion: How Sarah Built a Legacy of Purpose and Wellness appeared first on Englewood Review.

To help you make the most of the holiday, we packed this issue with everything you need: a complete guide with maps so you can find the perfect spot for fireworks. We threw in a little trivia and history about the Semiquincentennial. Don’t worry, we can’t pronounce it either. 

Check out our July 4th holiday calendar, full of events to keep you busy all weekend. If you were around last year, you’ll remember Light Up Lemon Bay. The whole town crammed into Buchan’s Landing for the fireworks, with Pioneer Plaza buzzing thanks to the Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary Club. Food trucks lined the street, live music filled the air, and families and friends stretched out on blankets. When the fireworks burst, every eye searched the sky. Look at the cover photo by John Fredricks. He captured the entire mood in one shot.

And don’t skip “Whatever Floats Your Goat.” We sat down with Brian Faro and talked about Englewood’s favorite goats. Yes, they’re as charming in person as their reputation suggests.

From all of us at the Englewood REVIEW, enjoy your holiday. Here’s to good friends, good food, and the freedom we’re here to celebrate, today and every day. Happy Fourth!

The post Englewood Review Drops Ultimate Guide to America’s Big 2-5-0 appeared first on Englewood Review.

The National Weather Service in Tallahassee warned residents the heat index could reach as high as 112 due to a large, stagnant “heat dome” which is causing above-average temperatures across much of the eastern United States, including Florida. 

Southwest Florida isn’t catching any favors, either. From June 29 to July 4, highs will climb well into the 90s, mid to upper 90s to be exact, and humidity will smack you as soon as you step outside. Expect “feels-like” readings between 105 and 110 degrees, sometimes even higher. It’s classic Florida weather with heat all day, then sudden afternoon storms rolling in. Chances for rain or storms run about 40 to 50 percent most days, mostly in the late afternoon and evening. Those storms can bring heavy bursts of rain, quick gusts, and enough lightning to keep you indoors.

For the Fourth of July, we’ll have partly sunny skies, another hot and humid afternoon, highs right around 93, and scattered pop-up storms in the mix.

You can count on heat advisories from the National Weather Service throughout the week. They’re not exaggerating, as prolonged time outdoors in this heat is tough on the body. And since summer storms in Florida are basically a weather lottery, check your local forecast each day. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and keep your fireworks plans flexible.

The post Southwest Florida Celebrates the Fourth with a Side of Triple-Digit Humidity appeared first on Englewood Review.

No need to miss out, though. Celebrate at Light Up Lemon Bay! The Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary is putting on its big Independence Day show on July 4, launching fireworks from Middle Beach from 9 to 9:30 p.m. It’s not just a fireworks show; it’s a party for America’s 250th birthday.

If you’re still thinking about lighting fireworks on your own, know this: the State Attorney General’s office won’t go easy on anyone ignoring the ban. Reckless fire activity will lead to prosecution.

Stay safe, celebrate together, and let the pros handle the fireworks this year. Englewood deserves it.

The post Leave the Sparks to the Pros: Choose Light Up Lemon Bay for America’s 250th appeared first on Englewood Review.

The grassroots effort isn’t backing down. Last we checked in, they scored a massive win: their David-and-Goliath battle wasn’t dismissed. It’s moving forward to a formal administrative hearing in September 2026.

Residents have been out on the streets for months now, pushing for transparency and forcing the hands of powerful developers. Kelly’s petition didn’t just make noise; it demanded real accountability. She’s fighting to protect wetlands, wildlife, and neighborhood safety from a wave of overdevelopment.

Still, as of June 25, 2026, the opposition made its next move. They filed two motions to dismiss, a standard play. Kelly was ready for it. “We heard from the judge and her assistant, and they’re setting dates to review the motion to dismiss,” Kelly said. “The Economic Stimulus Working Group filed one, too. We’ll regroup and answer those.” The judge scheduled a hearing for July 16, 2-4 p.m. The details are still coming together, but Kelly wants supporters on standby. “We’ll figure out the rest soon, so mark your calendars,” she said.

The Economic Stimulus Working Group is an 18-year-old consortium of real estate developers and executives led by billionaire homebuilder and former Florida State Senator Pat Neal.

The meeting will occur via Zoom. Kelly plans to keep her evidence front and center, with charts about flooding, the environmental damage, all of it. She’ll be alone on camera, but she’s hoping for community support. “They have to decide that day whether we move forward. I want as many people as possible showing support,” she said. “We’re just regular citizens. What’s the problem? Why won’t they listen? If this process is for citizens, why are they shutting us out?”

To strengthen their case, Kelly’s looking for another expert hydrologist and environmental specialist for September. She believes the judge will hear them out; she says the judge seems fair and focused on facts. “After all, what are they so worried about? A couple of residents, with over 4,000 signatures on their petition.”

The strong backing from the community fuels Kelly day to day. She shared a voicemail that stuck with her: “Hello, good morning. Just wanted to let you know that the community sees you guys, the community hears you guys, and we stand behind you guys 100%. I am a local business owner that sees the struggle you guys are fighting against the new communities and Pat Neal, and it’s a godsend. Thank you, and continue the fight, and we will continue donating. Now, only you guys can save the beautiful side of Florida, which those developers are trying to destroy. Thank you, because the corruption in their pockets has been bought by the lobbyists and the most corrupt in this state. Thank you very, very much.” 

Kelly says people have been reaching out from everywhere: Iowa, Connecticut, Georgia, Ohio, and plenty of folks from Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch. Kelly’s trying to keep up with all the messages. People appreciate the fight for Englewood, for the beach, for nature. It matters.

The group is holding a rally Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Manasota Beach Road and 776. Park at the retention pond, and if you can’t walk, they’ll get you there. Or just honk when you pass, let them know they’re not alone. For information on this rally, click here.

This fight isn’t over, and the Englewood REVIEW will keep covering the story as it unfolds.

Click here for a link to the Oppose Manasota Beach Rd. Petition.

Click here to go to their GoFundMe page.

The post Manasota Beach Road Battle Intensifies as Judge Sets Key July Hearing on Dismissal Motions appeared first on Englewood Review.

First, if you plan to spend time at the beach, you’ll want to remember that the beach restrooms are out of commission. Repairs are underway at Englewood Beach, so don’t expect a regular bathroom. There are portable toilets set up for now. If you need more info, Monty Rodriguez is your go-to: Monty.Rodriguez@CharlotteCountyFL.gov or 941-628-3956. Click here for more information. 

Over at Ann and Chuck Dever Regional Park, the public swimming pool stays closed for repairs and maintenance, and they’ve pushed the timeline back to July 1. Turns out there were more leaks and pump problems than they thought. You can track when it’ll reopen on the Charlotte County Parks & Recreation page.

Are you a fan of Pioneer Days? Are you looking for ways to get involved? The planning committee for Englewood’s Pioneer Days held their meeting at the Englewood Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, but it’s not too late to join.

Even if you missed the meeting, if you want to help shape this year’s festivities, or just see what’s in store, you can still jump in and be a part of the action. The friendly folks at the Englewood Chamber of Commerce welcome anyone interested in joining the effort. Click here for more information. 

Be sure to check out the Wildflowers Thursday Farmers Market. 

Catch the extended outdoor summer market hosted by Wildflowers Boho Chic Boutique at 353 W Dearborn Street. Running every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the end of July, this intimate gathering features a beautifully curated selection of local artisans, unique pottery, and bohemian trends alongside fresh farm produce before transitioning back to the larger October–May Englewood Farmers Market schedule.

The post Englewood Happenings: Limited Swimming, Limited Flushing, But Plenty of Pioneer Planning and Wildflowers Farmers Market appeared first on Englewood Review.

This is a big step. For months, Kelly and her group have protested with signs. Kelly filed a petition for an administrative hearing, taking on some powerful interests to force transparency and stand up for her community.

The Englewood REVIEW sat down with Kelly to make sense of the process, talk about what’s happening now, and to see what’s next.

First off, there’s an Order Granting Petition to Intervene. What does that mean?

“The Economic Stimulus Working Group’s attorney represents Pat Neal, who’s the sole member of ESWG. That group is responsible for this piece of the project, so they asked to intervene since this directly affects them on several fronts.”

Are there any hearings or events before September?

“The official hearings are set for September. I have a lot to do before then: preparing witnesses, gathering evidence, and submitting everything before we go to court.”

What do you expect in September? What would be a win?

“A win means no permit, no road. But more than that, I want to show how badly these developments are hurting people who already live here. Sarasota County keeps doing the bare minimum. They make decisions for new residents and more tax money, leaving the rest of us with the fallout. It’s infuriating. More development doesn’t mean better when it keeps making life worse for people already here.”

People keep saying the road is a “done deal.” What is your response?

“It frustrates me, especially when it’s family or friends. Instead of ‘good luck, you can do it,’ they just assume it’s over. But I’m not just complaining. There are real problems with this project. Last year, I told Spencer Anderson, ‘I’ll leave no stone unturned.’ This is about our livelihood, our quality of life for everyone. The wildlife, the barrier island beach is supposed to be protected, not jammed with 21,000 cars a day. My house is set back, so I’m not as directly affected as some, but this fight matters for all of us.”

What happens next? Walk us through the process.

“I’m doing all this pro se, on my own, so it’s not like I’m running a big legal operation. I might have someone with me at the hearing, but that’s not set. Right now, I’m focused on witnesses and evidence, lots of homework since I’ve never done anything like this before.”

How can people help?

“We’re holding a rally Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Manasota Beach Road and 776. Park at the retention pond, and if you can’t walk, we’ll get you there. Or just honk when you pass! Keep showing up to meetings, too. The next County Commissioner meetings are July 7th and 8th. Once the agendas are out, we’ll decide which one to attend.”

For information on this rally, click here.

Big picture, what can the community do to stop overbuilding like this in the future?

“Get involved and stay involved. It’s a lot of work—much more than I ever thought I’d do—but if not you, then who? Hold the commissioners accountable. Try to learn how the process works: public hearings, planning meetings. If nobody shows up, they won’t think about you at all.”

“I don’t like using the word ‘corruption,’ but a lot of legal things happening here still hurt us. Commissioners push through new codes and higher densities without caring about the impact. It’s obvious who’s ‘grandstanding’ for the developers. It makes you sick. Are there shady deals? Maybe, but ‘by your fruits you will know them.’ If the community keeps showing up, maybe they’ll see these projects as personal. Push for the commissioners to come to your street when a project’s being proposed. Make them remember you’re there. File public records requests. Let them know you’re watching and expect real representation.”

Kelly says, “Just because they can doesn’t mean they should. Commissioners like to say their hands are tied, but if they see favoritism or conflicts of interest, like the rest of us do, maybe it’ll force better decisions.”

Click here for more information on Oppose Manasota Beach Rd.

The Englewood REVIEW will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they happen.

The post Part 2: The $15 Million Roadblock—Local Activists Secure Major Victory Over Manasota Beach Extension appeared first on Englewood Review.

Development in Englewood always stirs up debate, and last week, the “Oppose Manasota Beach Road” group found themselves busier than ever.

On June 16, Sarasota County held a public comment session about the $15 million Manasota Beach Road Extension Project. Concerned residents turned out in droves, and flooding dominated the conversation. The area already deals with heavy stormwater. Residents worry that this new road will only make things worse.

But the debate isn’t just happening at meetings. Kelly Bauman, a local resident, took things further. She filed for a formal administrative hearing with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The agency agreed the complaint deserved a closer look, and now the case heads to a state hearing officer.

“We weren’t warned, we weren’t contacted—we found out about this project late in the game,” Bauman said. She used the chance to urge more neighbors to speak up.

Frustrated residents have been pressing developers, saying the project risks changing the soul of their Gulf Coast town for the sake of giving Wellen Park residents easier beach access. 

This week, there’s news to share. On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Bauman gave this update: “Here we are. How did we get here? Diligence, digging, support, and prayer. When I sent off the response this morning, I asked everyone in our group and my family to pray. We just want things done right. With the SWFWMD, we want people to understand the impacts we believe we’ll feel.”

They’ve kept at it, not backing down and not accepting “no” for an answer. The persistence paid off. Bauman says, “Within 20 minutes, we got a response from the DOAH announcing hearing dates! I was shocked and excited. I’m grateful. It’s refreshing not to be shut down.”

The administrative hearing will run from September 21 to 23 and again on September 25, 2026, starting each day at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

For Bauman and the Oppose Manasota Beach Rd. group, it’s a rare bit of optimism. “Imagine a year of this, of not feeling heard. Now, at least at this stage, the judge seems to want to let citizens have their say. I hope this inspires more people to dig in and get involved, especially when their quality of life is on the line.”

Note: This is the first of a two-part story. The Englewood REVIEW will publish the concluding segment on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

For more information about Oppose Manasota Beach Rd. click here.

The post Advocacy Pays Off: Englewood Residents Secure Hearing Dates in Fight Over Manasota Beach Road Project appeared first on Englewood Review.

Busy professionals know the trick isn’t doing more; it’s working smarter. The real gain comes from shaving off those tiny time leaks and automating the grunt work that clogs up your day. Set up your workspace with sharp hardware and AI-powered software, and suddenly, you’ve got hours back to focus where it counts.

Essential Hardware Upgrades

The right gear isn’t just about comfort; it saves your energy and keeps your head clear.

Start with an ergonomic mouse and keyboard. Get something like the Logitech MX Master series; your wrists will thank you, and the handy thumb wheels and gesture controls let you flip between apps and tabs fast, with no wasted movement.

Upgrade your display, too. Working on a dual-monitor setup or an ultrawide screen means you can align reference documents next to your main work. No more constant minimizing or dragging windows around; just seamless multitasking.

Noise-canceling headsets are a lifesaver, especially in open offices or homes that never quiet down. Pick one with solid active noise canceling and AI noise suppression, so calls come through clearly no matter what’s going on in the background.

Productivity-Boosting Software

Software should feel like an extension of your own brain, not an extra chore.

Try AI meeting assistants such as Otter.ai or Fireflies.ai. They link up with your calendar, hop into your virtual meetings, and handle note-taking for you, transcribing conversations and sending you action steps automatically.

Smart calendars just wipe away scheduling hassle. Apps like Reclaim.ai or Motion slot in tasks, routines, and deep work sessions around your existing meetings, so your calendar runs itself while you focus on actual work.

All-in-one workspaces like Notion or ClickUp corral everything: projects, notes, daily checklists, into one digital hub. Instead of digging through old emails or scattered docs, you find everything with a single search.

Actionable Tech Hacks

You don’t have to be a coder to speed things up with tech.

Memorize a set of go-to keyboard shortcuts. Simple combos—think Alt+Tab to switch apps or Ctrl+C/Ctrl+V for copy and paste—add up, slicing away those micro-delays that waste hours every month.

Start using voice-to-text dictation. Speaking an email or a note is just faster than typing, and tools like built-in Mac Dictation or AI voice widgets make it a breeze.

Finally, protect your focus. Switch your messaging apps to ‘Do Not Disturb’ automatically during deep work blocks. You’ll block out interruptions and keep your attention where it matters, not splintered by every new ping.

With the right tech supporting you, your workday works for you, not the other way around.

The post Hardware Over Hard Work: Must-Have Tech Hacks and Tools for Busy Professionals appeared first on Englewood Review.