A proposed 2.06-mile road linking State Road 776 to South River Road has become the focus of a legal and political dispute in Southwest Florida. Approved by the Sarasota County Commission through an unsolicited public-private partnership (PPP), the Manasota Beach Road Extension would cross floodplains and wetlands. Regional developer Pat Neal has described the project as an important connectivity and safety improvement. Local resident Kelly Bauman argues that it could benefit nearby development while shifting costs and environmental risks onto taxpayers and residents.

Kelly Bauman challenged the project’s Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) through the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH), then withdrew her petition, citing an unworkable schedule. She has since appealed to Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal in Tampa. In this interview, Bauman explains her objections and the next steps in the dispute. 

PART I: FROM DOAH TO THE APPELLATE COURT

ER: Pat Neal has characterized the DOAH dismissal as a victory, saying the mitigation plan met the state’s public-interest requirements. How do you respond?

Bauman: There was no final evidentiary hearing and no ruling on the merits establishing that the project’s benefits outweighed its environmental impacts. Due to the denial of an extension, the county not providing discovery but deflecting to the Economic Stimulus Working Group, whose discovery was then due to me on the same day as my depositions, there was not equitable and reasonable time to prepare my final case. The case was dismissed without a judge hearing our evidence. Our concerns about flooding, drainage and wildlife were never adjudicated. That is not a decision against our facts; it means the case was never heard.

ER: Why did you decide to withdraw?

Bauman: It was agonizing, but I did not have the time needed to gather information or complete discovery. Proceeding with incomplete evidence would have meant presenting a distorted version of our case. I was also concerned about putting local residents and witnesses through depositions and intense scrutiny on such a compressed schedule. Withdrawing was the responsible choice and preserved our ability to continue challenging the project.

ER: What happens now that you have appealed?

Bauman: I submitted the appeal to the Second District Court of Appeal. The court must decide how to proceed, and we may face a motion to dismiss from the Southwest Florida Water Management District or Neal’s group. The court could also ask for clarification. If the case clears those procedural steps, I will have 70 days to prepare and submit my legal brief.

ER: Do you expect a different kind of legal process in Tampa?

Bauman: I believe the appellate court will focus on administrative law, due process and compliance with statutes. I found the DOAH process subjective, especially in some of the interactions and decisions around the schedule. I am not alleging wrongdoing by individual county commissioners, but I believe the appellate venue offers a more objective review of the legal questions.

PART II: KEYWAY ROAD AND THE PUBLICLY FUNDED ALTERNATIVE

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

THE DECOY ROAD AND THE KEYWAY ROAD OBLIGATION

ER: Why do you believe the Manasota Beach Road Extension is being advanced now, and what does it have to do with Keyway Road?

Bauman: When residents asked why the project was needed, Neal emphasized ‘connectivity,’ but I have not seen independent traffic studies or hard data that, in my view, answer the community’s questions. I believe the extension is also being promoted as beach access that could increase the appeal and value of nearby developments.

The central issue is Keyway Road. Under Sarasota County Ordinance 2022-095, Neal’s Boca Royale East development is required to build a connection to Keyway Road at the developer’s expense. The connection is mapped and, as I understand it, is a binding obligation. Building it would bring a major traffic connection near homes in Boca Royale that Neal is marketing. Company materials referenced a ‘Quit Keyway Committee’ made up of residents opposed to that connection.

The alternative now being promoted is the Manasota Beach Road Extension, which would use $15 million in public funds. In presentations to the County Commission, projected traffic was shown ‘without Keyway Road,’ even though the existing obligation had not yet been resolved. My concern is that a road the developer is obligated to build privately is being replaced by a taxpayer-funded project that his group proposed and would build.

ER: County transportation staff say Manasota Beach Road has long been on the thoroughfare plan, and that east-west connections are needed roughly every seven miles. Doesn’t that support the project?

Bauman: The road has appeared on a plan, but other planned roads have been removed when they no longer suited development interests. Gissinger Road, now Boca Royale Boulevard, is one example. In October 2025, Transportation Director Spencer Anderson reportedly acknowledged that development interests had helped get Gissinger Road removed from the county plan. That raises questions about how consistently the plan is applied.

The seven-mile argument also deserves scrutiny. The distance from Jacaranda to Indiana Avenue and River Road is already about 6.5 miles, according to the figures I have reviewed. Anderson also said the road ‘wasn’t a glimmer in anyone’s eye until it made developmental sense.’ I believe the county should explain why this particular route is being fast-tracked and why Keyway is being treated differently.:

Neal has also argued that Keyway would cost more because it would require four lanes, citing a 2025 report. But a two-lane road across wetlands, with a 150-foot right-of-way, would also carry significant costs. When Keyway’s removal was raised at the April 23, 2025, commission meeting, I did not hear commissioners or staff address the ordinance or the developer’s existing obligation.

PART III: WHO BENEFITS, AND WHO PAYS?

ER: Pat Neal has said none of his active communities are ‘on’ Manasota Beach Road and that he cannot imagine a benefit to his company. What is your response?

Bauman: The wording is narrow. A development may not have an address on the road but can still border it or sit nearby. Palmera borders the road to the northeast, and Wysteria, Avelina and Everly are also close to the proposed extension. Sales agents at Boca Royale East have reportedly marketed homes as being about five minutes from Manasota Beach via Manasota Beach Road, even though the extension has not been built.

If there were no benefits, why would Neal’s group bring the unsolicited PPP proposal to the county, seek $15 million in public funding and advocate removing Keyway? Those are questions the public deserves to have answered with documents and independent analysis, not just assurances.

ER: Who will maintain the stormwater facilities?

Bauman: The project’s environmental permit names the Sarasota National Community Development District (CDD) as responsible for maintaining the road’s stormwater ponds. A CDD is a special taxing district, so those costs can be covered through assessments on residents within the district. My concern is that long-term maintenance costs would be shifted to homeowners while the developer’s original Keyway obligation is avoided.

ER: Supporters say the extension will create a safe connection for students, walkers and cyclists. What concerns you about that claim?

Bauman: The plans show a 10-foot multi-use recreational trail extending from Wellen Park, but, as I read the plans, it ends at the back property line of Beach Walk rather than connecting safely all the way through. That could leave pedestrians and cyclists at a dead end. Neal also acknowledged that the remaining 1,200 feet to the west is constrained to two lanes because a previous developer did not preserve the necessary right-of-way. I worry the project could funnel users and traffic into a bottleneck.

PART IV: TRAFFIC ESTIMATES AND FLOODING
THE CONFUSED NUMBERS AND THE FLOODING RISK

              TRAFFIC EXPANSION FLOODGATE

   [ 5,500 Cars ] -> Current Baseline Claimed
   [ 9,000 Cars ] -> Peak Flow Estimate
   [ 21,280 Cars ] -> IMMEDIATELY ADDED CAPACITY CAPABILITY

   *Data Source: Stantec Engineering Docs / Developer Presentations (2025)

ER: Traffic projections appear to vary considerably. What numbers have you found?

Bauman: Neal has recently cited roughly 5,500 vehicles a day, or 9,000 during peak periods. But slides from his presentations to the commission on April 23 and August 27, 2025, say the extension would ‘immediately add capacity for 21,280 vehicles per day’ between State Road 776 and South River Road. Those figures describe very different levels of use. Residents need a clear explanation of what the estimates mean and how they were calculated, especially given the proposed 150-foot right-of-way and $15 million public cost.

ER: What are your main environmental concerns?

Bauman: The Environmental Resource Permit relies on an older foundational permit, and I do not believe the review adequately accounts for cumulative impacts from paving a road through an already stressed floodplain. Other commercial and residential developments could proceed once the extension is built, but I have not seen the combined drainage effects fully addressed.

Residents in and around Englewood could bear the consequences if drainage patterns change or flooding worsens. Some homeowners are not currently required by lenders to carry flood insurance. I want to know whether the developer or county will guarantee that nearby homes will not face greater flood risk, and what would happen if flood maps change and insurance becomes mandatory.

People are already worried about selling homes and about localized flooding. In my view, paving wetlands and adding development in a floodplain could threaten homes rather than solve the area’s infrastructure problems. These concerns should be assessed independently before construction begins.

PART V: PUBLIC OUTREACH AND NEIGHBOR NOTIFICATION

ER: Neal has said he held workshops, bus tours and house calls, and that organized opposition did not emerge until August 27, 2025. Is that accurate?

Bauman: The agreement between Sarasota County and Neal’s Economic Stimulus Working Group called for public workshops at both the 30% and 90% design phases. I say the 30% workshop was skipped and only one workshop took place at the 90% phase, when the engineering plans were already well developed.

On September 19, 2025, weeks after the commission voted to approve funding on August 27, the county emailed me that public involvement ‘will occur’ at the 30% and 90% design phases. That timing was confusing: the email described public participation as future work after the funding vote had already occurred.

ER: Were the homeowners directly along East Manasota Beach Road notified?

Bauman: To my knowledge, no homeowner on East Manasota Beach Road was notified or contacted by the county or Neal’s group before the controversy became public. Neal has said he knocked on doors but could not reach homes behind security gates, and he has referred to only six residents on the road. I count 27 residents with East Manasota Beach Road addresses who could be directly affected; eight live on the unpaved portion. Those families have maintained and graded that road at their own expense.

I believe outreach focused instead on Boca Royale residents concerned about Keyway and on Sarasota National residents, whose right-of-way was needed for the project. The project corridor is 2.06 miles long, and people along other parts of it should also have been contacted.

ER: When did residents first raise objections?

Bauman: There was a large gathering at Jacaranda Library on August 19, 2025, before the August 27 commission meeting. The room was so crowded that some people were turned away under fire-code limits. I did not attend because I had not been notified of the meeting. I also dispute the account that Neal had contacted Mary Beth Jones; she has stated publicly that he did not contact her.

When I spoke to Neal outside the commission chambers on August 27, he told me, ‘I know nothing about a road, the County hired me to build a MURT.’ He later called and left a voicemail. I returned the call, but we did not speak again.

PART VI: THE ROAD AHEAD

ER: There is also disagreement about ownership of the right-of-way. What is the issue?

Bauman: Neal’s statements have varied. At the April 23, 2025, meeting, he said the county owned the right-of-way except for one small section; by August 27, he said, ‘You own it.’ There is also a 1998 easement agreement that the county and developer have cited. My concern is that an old easement is being used to argue that residents cannot object to a major road extension. I believe the 2018 interlocal agreement between the county and Sarasota National is also important to understanding the project.

ER: What do you see as the fundamental flaw in the county’s handling of this deal?

Bauman: The project crosses wetlands, wildlife habitat and areas connected to several communities, yet it moved forward through an unsolicited PPP. My understanding is that this process required only one public hearing and a 14-day public-notice window. Public records also show Neal requested a ‘short review’ from county staff.

A project of this scale should be evaluated through a transparent process, with independent engineers and contractors who do not have financial ties to the developer. The public needs to understand the road’s costs, benefits, environmental consequences and alternatives. When the same group proposes and builds a project, the county must demonstrate clearly how conflicts of interest and public accountability are handled.

ER: What is your message to Englewood residents as the appeal moves forward?

Bauman: This effort is not over. Residents need the complete, unredacted data behind the proposal and an explanation of why Keyway Road was dropped. Before trees are removed or wetlands are paved, the county should answer those questions publicly and account for the possible long-term effects on traffic, drainage, wildlife and nearby homes.

We intend to pursue the legal and administrative options available to us. That work requires community participation and financial support. The people who will live with the project’s impacts deserve a meaningful voice in the decisions being made.

ER: Kelly, thank you for your time.

Bauman: Thank you.

How to get involved:
• Facebook action group: Oppose Manasota Beach Road Extension
• Community hotline: 941-500-9356
• Grassroots legal fund: GoFundMe, “Help Save Wetlands & Wildlife – Stop Pat Neal”

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Ryan and Deanna have been married for 31 years. Their son Zach is 26 and lives in Tampa; Ally is 24 and settled in Nashville, and their youngest, Quincey, is 21 and finishing her senior year at UCF in Orlando. They made their way to Florida full-time in 2020, after spending years visiting on vacations and during the summers.

Before jumping into the fitness world, Deanna worked as an RN in Ohio, with experience in Labor and Delivery, the ER, and orthopedics. These days, she runs and teaches for SHiNE Dance Fitness in Englewood. SHiNE blends cardio dance with strength training in a way that’s welcoming, effective, and, above all, fun. Deanna’s passion is helping people shift from dreading workouts to actually looking forward to them and then cheering them on as they become die-hard fitness fans.

Though she’s left nursing, Deanna still gets to help people feel better, just in a different way. Her classes aren’t just about dancing; they’re about building genuine friendships and creating a supportive, vibrant community of women. SHiNE Dance Fitness is all about #morethanfitness, and honestly, that’s what keeps Deanna so excited to do what she does every day.

Click here for more information about SHiNEW Dance Fitness.

What is your most marked or distinctive characteristic? 

Friendliness/welcoming

What do you most value in your friends? 

Trustworthiness

Who are your favorite writers? 

Kristin Hannah, Shannon Dunlap-Leahey, Mary Stone, Elle Gray, Freida McFadden, Kathryn Stockett

Who is your hero of fiction? 

Frankie McGrath-a young and tenacious nurse during the Vietnam War. Frances “Frankie” McGrath in Kristin Hannah’s hit 2024 historical fiction novel, The Women. She is a young combat nurse who serves in the Army Nurse Corps 

Which historical figure do you most identify with? 

Clara Barton

Who are your heroes in real life? 

Any child battling Pediatric Cancer, my Papaw Couch, and Grandma Hughes-all these people face and/or faced unimaginable life circumstances but battle/d them with incredible grace and resiliency.

What are your favorite names? 

Quincey, Ally, and Zach (my kids)

What is it that you most dislike? 

Hypocrisy 

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.

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What is the Jubilee Center all about? 

It’s a ministry of St. David’s Episcopal Church, launched by Pat Knox back in 2008. Even after sixteen years, it’s still standing strong, a beacon of hope for folks across Englewood. Their mission digs deep: empowering the poor, the struggling, and anyone who needs a hand. The team’s right on the ground, handing out food, clothing, and whatever else folks need. Serving families, individuals, and people experiencing homelessness, the Jubilee Center doesn’t leave anyone out.

When The Waverly opens its doors for the Night of Empowerment on October 17, it brings the entire community together to back an organization Englewood counts on. This isn’t just tradition; it’s lifeblood. Each year, as more families turn to Jubilee for help, the event becomes even more crucial.

“The Waverly’s willingness to host Night of Empowerment is what makes the night possible,” said Laura Roy Fink, from St. David’s Jubilee Center. “On October 17, Englewood steps up. Neighbors help neighbors—that’s just how it’s always been here.”

Everyone who fills the room can feel they’re part of something good. Lively conversation, generosity, a shared sense of purpose, it all adds up to genuine support for Jubilee’s work: food pantry shelves stocked, outreach programs running, emergency aid ready at hand.

Here’s what the Jubilee Center provides.

Food Pantry: Residents from both Charlotte and Sarasota counties can pick up food—non-perishables, fresh produce, frozen meat—every other week. If you’re unhoused, you can drop in weekly. They also hand out toiletries, hygiene products, and pet food when they have it.

Pat’s Kindness Closet: Free clothing and shoes.

Financial Aid: Short-term help with utility bills like FPL and the Englewood Water District—and referrals to other agencies.

Backpack Ministry: Working with Community Presbyterian, they fill backpacks with kid-friendly, nutritious food for local students every two weeks during summer break.

Money raised at The Night of Empowerment goes directly into these outreach programs, making a real difference for Englewood families. Laura Roy Fink summed it up well: “The Night of Empowerment reflects the heart of Englewood, neighbors helping neighbors. We’re grateful to The Waverly for keeping this tradition alive and making our work possible.”

Honoring the Legacy of Pat Knox

This year’s event means even more, as Englewood gathers to honor Pat Knox, the woman who started it all. Pat’s about to move away to be closer to her daughter, and the community’s taking a moment to thank her for everything she’s done. 

Back in 2008, Pat took a single room at St. David’s and turned it into a lifeline for families who had nowhere else to turn. What started small has grown into the Jubilee Center; hundreds of families each year now rely on what she set in motion. Her vision was simple: treat everyone with compassion and respect. That outlook shaped Jubilee’s mission and still guides it now.

“Pat built Jubilee with heart and grit,” said Laura Roy Fink. “I didn’t get to work with her directly, but every day, I feel the legacy she left behind. Her compassion is still at the core of everything we do.”

Pat cares deeply for her community and for animals, too. She became known for taking care of dogs, raccoons, and just about any creature that needed help. That spirit of kindness ran through every part of her life.

Jubilee’s clothing ministry now bears her name: Pat’s Kindness Closet. It’s a touchstone, a reminder that her values will keep shaping the Center for years to come.

As Pat turns the page on this chapter of her life, Englewood looks back with deep thanks for her years of service. Her legacy isn’t about applause. It’s about the quiet, steady compassion that builds strong communities, inspires neighbors, and paves the way for others to make a difference.

Her presence lingers in every act of generosity at Jubilee. Pat Knox proves that one person’s kindness really can change everything.

Getting involved is easy enough. You can reserve your spot at The Waverly by calling 941‑475‑3500, or you can become a sponsor and help keep the good work going.

The post Englewood Rallies with Heart: The Waverly’s 4th Annual Night of Empowerment to Feed Neighbors and Honor Founder Pat Knox appeared first on Englewood Review.

Nothing says fall around here like the Englewood Farmers Market. It’s back, and Dearborn Street smells like fresh bread, sweet pastries, a swirl of music and laughter. Friends gather over coffee, catching up right where they left off. You can dive into all the Farmers Market.

Lemon Bay High School’s Homecoming is another big fall tradition. The Manta Rays scored a big “V” against Wellen Park, 40-7. This year’s theme, Circus Homecoming Under the Big Top, had the school delighted. Students plotted their outfits for weeks, alumni circled the dates, and the halls felt electric. Movie nights, wild contests, high-speed games, as it all built up to that Friday-night football game under the lights, the one everyone waits for. 

There’s more: They have scheduled the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction for Friday, October 9, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. on campus, celebrating the school’s legends. 

The October calendar is packed this fall: Manasota Mystique: Derby After Dark rolls in on November 7, “Bell, Book and Candle” opens at Lemon Bay Playhouse on October 14, and The Englewood Beach Waterfest splashes back October 9–11.

Whatever excites you, whether you’re drawn to food, fun, the arts, or the waterfront, Englewood’s got you covered. Take a look at our event listings and plan away.

It reminds me of one of my favorite Florida fall quotes: “Fall in Florida isn’t about the leaves changing color; it’s about the temperature dropping below 80 degrees and finally being able to enjoy the outdoors again.”

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Pull out your dirndl or lederhosen (if you’ve got them) and bring an enormous appetite. They’re serving up bratwurst, sauerkraut, German potato salad, desserts, and that unbeatable Oktoberfest spirit. Beer and wine are on tap for purchase—Prost!

Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for kids 16 and under. Bring your family and friends, whether you’re part of the church, brand new to town, or just craving good food and good company. Expect festive music, costumed servers, and plenty of laughter. If you end up with mustard on your shirt, you did it right.

For updates or more info, check the Christ Lutheran Church Events Page or look on the Englewood Chamber of Commerce listings. The party wraps up around 7:00 p.m. See you there!

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Where will you take the Englewood REVIEW next? This newspaper isn’t just something to read over breakfast; it’s turned into a travel companion, tagging along everywhere from the streets of Rome and the banks of the Danube to the bright lights of Carnegie Hall.

Maria shared, “I was planning a girls’ weekend in Chicago with my daughter, so I made sure to pack the latest Englewood REVIEW. I wanted to show her what’s happening back in Englewood. As we explored the city, we stopped, sat down, and opened up the REVIEW—right there with the Chicago Tribune in the background. It made for the perfect photo. I’m so glad I brought a piece of home with me.”

No matter where you find yourself: in a bustling city, somewhere in Europe, or even just at your favorite café, the REVIEW brings a taste of home to your adventure.

So, what’s your story? Where do you read your REVIEW? Maybe you’ve held it atop a mountain, surrounded by clouds, or let the pages catch the breeze at the beach. Even quiet mornings at home count. It’s about the sense of adventure you bring with you.

Next time you’re out and about, grab a photo with your REVIEW and send it to us. Let’s see just how far this newspaper, and our amazing readers, can go. Thanks, Maria, for carrying the REVIEW to the Windy City. We can’t wait to see where it pops up next.

How to participate:

1. Grab your copy of the Englewood REVIEW.
2. Snap a photo of yourself with it in an exciting or unique location (a tropical beach, a mountain peak, or even your favorite cozy local café!).
3. Share your photo in the comments below or post it on your feed and tag us! Better yet, email it to michele@englewoodreview.com and we’ll feature you in an upcoming edition.

Happy Travels!

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Organizers really went all out this year. The Family Conservation Center has fresh activities, including Mote Marine Laboratory’s “Radical Reefs” exhibit, a butterfly encounter, and interactive booths from Lemon Bay Conservancy.

Last year, the races drew crowds from all over. Forty-one boats tore across the water over two days, each heat more intense than the last, all with the Gulf as a stunning backdrop. 

But adrenaline isn’t the only thing in the air; local businesses, civic groups, and hundreds of volunteers are creating a lively atmosphere. Families wandering through educational exhibits, sampling treats from local shops and restaurants, and learning about marine conservation and safe boating.

Every dollar raised at the championship goes straight back into Waterfest, funding events, competitions, and education programs designed to showcase and protect Englewood’s waterways. The Waterfest crew stays committed to promoting smart recreation, marine conservation, and building strong community bonds throughout events that unite visitors and locals.

Englewood Beach Waterfest, Inc. is a Florida nonprofit that puts together races, shows, and forums for water sports enthusiasts. Their mission is simple: host top-tier events, boost local businesses, and inspire environmental responsibility.

2026 Waterfest brings a packed schedule:
– Inflated Invitational Beach Race: Friday, October 9
– Waterfest Block Party: Friday, October 9
– APBA Offshore Championship: Saturday and Sunday, October 10 & 11

Mote Marine Laboratory will set up five exhibits for Waterfest’s Family Conservation Center
Fin-Tastic Friends — Get to know sharks and rays, backed by Mote’s latest research.
Florida Watersheds — Encounter local wildlife and learn how you can help preserve our watersheds.
Marine CSI — Step into the shoes of Mote’s rescue team. Touch real dolphin bones, inspect skulls, and solve marine mysteries.
Spineless Sea — Meet sea stars, squids, horseshoe crabs, and more. Explore their wild adaptations and why they need protection.
Radical Reefs — Unravel whether corals are plants, animals, or minerals. See how Mote scientists are working to protect and restore coral reefs.

And there’s more: Butterfly Encounter, Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Lemon Bay Conservancy, Lemon Bay High School AquaLab and Marine Club, Peace River Wildlife Center, PRSAR, Restore Our Oceans, SWFL Sea Turtle Rescue, Venice Photo Booth, and Wildlife Center of SWFL/Venice.

Kids can jump into face painting, crafts, and games. It’s all free.

Want your family to dig deeper into marine life and conservation? Then don’t miss the Family Conservation Center during Waterfest, October 10 & 11, 2026, at Englewood Beach. Bring everyone, there’s something for all ages.

For more information about Englewood Beach Waterfest, check out englewoodbeachwaterfest.com.

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Friday’s varsity game at Veterans Stadium had Lemon Bay squaring off against Wellen Park High, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Lemon Bay High School’s Manta Rays dominated the Wellen Park Eagles with a heavy ground attack in a homecoming victory resulting in a big win, Lemon Bay 40, Wellen Park 7. 

The 2026 Homecoming King and Queen: Moriah Baker & Peyton Horn were crowned during halftime. 

That night, the Touchdown Club rolled out something new: the Jubilee Jamboree Toy Drive, working with St. David’s Jubilee Center and inviting everyone to bring a new toy or gift card to help families during the holidays.

On Saturday, October 3, everyone traded in jerseys for glitter and gowns at the Homecoming Dance. The memories made there probably don’t fit in a scrapbook; they’ll linger long after the night ends. And grads? They came back, just like every year, turning Homecoming into a true Manta Ray family reunion.

The Athletic Hall of Fame Induction

But October at Lemon BayHigh School holds even more unforgettable events. The Athletic Hall of Fame Induction lands on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. on campus, a celebration that honors the school’s finest. 

After the induction, the crowd rolls straight to Senior Night/Pink Out football as Lemon Bay faces LaBelle at 7:30 p.m., and the next morning sees teams hitting the links for the Athletic Department Golf Tournament.

Lemon Bay Athletics couldn’t be prouder of the Hall of Fame Class of 2026. This year’s inductees:

Christian Otvos: Weightlifting & Football
Sam Tilly: Track & Field & Football
Robert Burris: Track & Field, Soccer & Football
Charlie Russo: Trainer, Mentor, Legend
Cherie Ingordo-DeVaux: Horse Trainer

Congratulations to every inductee, a group whose stories and dedication will keep inspiring Lemon Bay for years to come.

Click here for more information.

The post Manta Rays Celebrates Homecoming Victory: Lemon Bay High Sparks ‘Circus’ Homecoming and Hall of Fame Inductions Ahead of Wellen Park Showdown appeared first on Englewood Review.

Sometimes, the hardest move is stepping back, but that’s exactly what Kelly had to do. Just days before her Manasota Beach Road hearing, she made the tough call to withdraw her case. She faced a non-stop rush one weekend to review discovery, prep for trial, and get every document ready. The pressure was real. In her own words:

“At this point, I can’t properly represent myself or the other witnesses given the rushed timeline. I’d only have a single weekend to review everything and get all the paperwork together by the 14th.”

Taking a stand isn’t easy. But sometimes, it takes just as much guts to recognize when the system makes a fair fight impossible.

After the story ran, readers flooded us with one big question: “Is the fight over?”

Kelly’s answer is simple: “No, absolutely not. This effort is not over. We intend to continue pursuing the legal and administrative avenues available to us and holding both the County and those advancing this project accountable to the public record. Englewood residents who are concerned about the future of this community, we need you more than ever. Once this road is built, the impacts cannot be undone.”

Recently, the Oppose Manasota Beach Road group invited The Englewood REVIEW to sit in on a special meeting. They shared the complete story: how they started, why this land and community matters so much, and what comes next. 

The timing meant something, too: exactly a year ago, this group met for the first time and took its first steps as an organization, at the very same location, Kelly Bauman’s living room on Manasota Beach Road.

As the REVIEW prepares to share the full story, here’s a glimpse from that roundtable with Kelly and quotes from the OMBR group. Here are some highlights from the members of OMBR:

“We hear it all the time, ‘You can’t fight this, you’re not going to win. It’s already a done deal.’ That’s what stops people from getting involved. We don’t buy into that. We’ve been at this for a year, and the process, which was supposed to be finished, hasn’t even broken ground. It’s not over.”

“We need the community to fight with us. Numbers matter. If only six of us show up at commissioners’ meetings, that’s one thing. But when 30, 40, 50 people show up to speak their minds, they can’t just ignore us. That kind of turnout gets noticed.”

“Our Facebook page has all the info—when the meetings are, what the hot topics are, and updates on everything. We want more people to join us, to be heard, to just show up.”

Worried about getting there? Let them know. OMBR has people who are always willing to give others a ride. “If you need a ride, don’t worry. We have enough people going that someone will pick you up. Elderly, can’t drive? Not a problem. We’ll come get you. If that’s what it takes, we’ll rent a bus!”

It’s about making your voice count. OMBR urges everyone, “Speak your mind now—leave something behind for the next generation. Let’s stop this road.”

OMBR and Kelly Bauman say this fight isn’t over. In fact, the most important chapter is still ahead. Stay tuned, as the Englewood REVIEW brings you the full interview with Kelly Bauman and the Oppose Manasota Beach Road group.

Kelly emphasizes, “Continuing this effort requires community participation and financial support. Anyone who would like more information, wants to review the supporting documents, or wants to help can contact Kelly or OMBR on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/opposemanasotabeachrd or 941-500-9356. GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-wetlands-wildlife-stop-pat-neal.”

Click here for the Oppose Manasota beach Road group Facebook page.

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My name is Heather Melton, and I am the wife of Michael Melton, who is running for Charlotte County Commissioner, District 4. Although I am admittedly a little biased, I don’t want to talk about politics. I want to tell you about the man behind the beard. 

I have known Michael since we were teenagers living here in Charlotte County. Since day one, I have watched my husband help many people in our community. 

In the days leading up to every hurricane that has come through our area, I have watched him help countless people—friends, neighbors, and even strangers—put up hurricane shutters and prepare their homes for the storms. After each storm, he goes around the community checking on people, helping them take down shutters and clean up debris from their yards. He has even gotten up on roofs to help put down tarps. 

He is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty when it comes to helping his community. 

Through his work, Michael has also helped hundreds of people navigate the county and insurance companies to make sure their homes receive the repairs they need to be safe and livable. 

But it isn’t just in the world of construction. 

When Englewood Elementary needed help redoing its school garden, Michael donated hours of his time to redo the irrigation system. When the Englewood Rays soccer teams were desperate for coaches, he stepped in. Knowing very little about soccer, he learned along the way and coached so those kids could continue to play. 

These are the things I have watched Michael do for years, long before he ever decided to run for office. 

I can honestly say that Michael and I have this community’s best interests at heart. We want to see Charlotte County prosper, and we believe in being honest with the people who live here. Michael will not make promises he cannot keep simply to get votes. 

Our lives are deeply rooted here. We work here, we raise our family here, and we have built our lives here in Charlotte County. Michael wants to see this community succeed just as much as we want to see our children flourish and grow, right here where we call home. 

So, I ask you to take a chance and vote outside of the broken two-party system. 

I have known Michael for more than twenty-five years, and I can honestly say that you will not find a more genuine, caring, and honest person. 

He isn’t running because he wants a title. He is running because he cares about the people and the community, he has spent his life helping. 

Sincerely, 

Heather Melton 

The Englewood REVIEW encourages our readers to share their thoughts. Our opinion section exists online as a space where our readers can discuss and debate issues that matter to our community. We receive a high volume of letters, so we can’t publish every submission. To submit your letter, email michele@englewoodreview.com with “Letter to the Editor Submission” in the subject line.

The post Letter to the Editor: Rolling Up His Sleeves: Heather Melton Shares the ‘Man Behind the Beard’ appeared first on Englewood Review.