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.

Directed and produced by Claudette Smith and James Romulus, the video stood out for its sharp production, strong storytelling, and the way it captured the spirit of every public school in Charlotte County.

Every year, NSPRA’s Publication and Digital Media Awards spotlight the best in school communications, everything from newsletters and websites to videos, social media, and podcasts. Judges compare entries among organizations of similar size and focus on quality, creativity, and real impact, not just polish.

“Our Communications Team brings the story of Charlotte County Public Schools to life every single day,” said Superintendent Mark Vianello. “With photography, video, social media, and community outreach, they highlight our students’ achievements, our staff’s dedication, and the overwhelming support from our community. This award celebrates their talent and drive to make sure the great things happening in our schools are seen and appreciated.”

This isn’t the first time the CCPS Communications team has earned national praise. The department, led by Claudette Smith with team members James Romulus and Christen Peterson, keeps adding national accomplishments to its record.

Watch the award-winning video at this link.

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The park will come alive with energy: you can catch live World Cup games on enormous screens set up under a big, shaded tent with stunning bay views. There’s a free 3v3 soccer tournament open to anyone, a packed fan zone full of soccer drills, lawn games, face painting, and giveaways. Sarasota Paradise players and coaches will be there, hanging out and signing autographs. The special guest for the day? Trevor Sinclair, former England star and World Cup veteran.

If you’re hungry, grab something from the local food trucks and themed booths serving up food and drinks all day.

Here’s the game plan:

– See Germany vs. Curaçao at 1 p.m. and Netherlands vs. Japan at 4 p.m.
– A 3v3 round-robin soccer tournament kicks off at 12:30 p.m. and goes until 2:30 p.m.
– Fan zone activities, meet-and-greets, and fresh local eats run all afternoon.

Everything’s free, everyone’s welcome, just bring your energy and be ready to celebrate. 

Find out more and sign up at this link.

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The Englewood REVIEW caught up with Gina Barber, director of the summer program, to get the inside scoop on this year’s production and what keeps the Junior Summer Stock tradition going strong.

When asked how long LBHS has been offering this summer theater experience, Barber answers, “The summer stock program’s roots go back to the mid-90s, a little on-and-off over the years. But the last seven years really brought it back to life, thanks to Mrs. Ballard-Richardson. She revived it after COVID, and we’ve kept it rolling steadily ever since, except for the year I was hired.”

Who gets to join? “Ages 8 to 14,” Barber explains. “We used to run a senior camp for ages 15 to 20, which was mostly alumni coming back for one last performance. This year, it’s just juniors, as we took a break from the senior group to focus on timing and manage costs.”

This summer’s “Aladdin” Kids production features 31 students. And yes, there’s a second session: 29 kids will tackle “Shrek” Kids on June 26 at 6:00 p.m.

What does the rehearsal process look like? “We’re here Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., except on show days. Those are longer: the cast comes in at 1:00 and stays through the end of the performance.”

Why was “Aladdin” the choice for this summer? Barber says, “The ‘kids’ versions are always a hit. There’s a ton of slapstick comedy, which the students love, and so does the crowd. Plus, every kid on stage gets some time to shine, whether that’s just a couple of lines or a lead role. I’ve even seen a few kids rewatch both versions of the film to really get their characters down.”

There’s one performance for “Aladdin” Kids: June 12, 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the box office, opening at 4:30 p.m. that day.

Who makes it all happen behind the scenes? “High school students step in as counselors, mentors, choreographers, coaches, directors, tech, pretty much everything,” Barber says. “Alumni pitch in, sharing what they’ve learned with the younger kids. We even have three tech campers learning the ropes with set building, painting, lighting, sound, and projections. It’s amazing watching former campers now teaching the next group.”

What moments stand out for you as the director? “This year, working with my stepdaughter, Christina, as co-director has been special. She’s handling blocking and acting while I focus on music and costumes. But nothing beats seeing students who’ve stuck with the program year after year. Their growth as actors, dancers, and singers. It still amazes me.”

What are your goals when directing a summer camp? “Introducing kids to theater as early as possible,” Barber says. “There’s not much exposure in local middle schools, so if kids miss out after elementary school, they tend to drift away. That’s why we launched the junior thespian troupe three years ago, open to all middle schoolers, public, private, or homeschooled. Mr. Stewart Wilson from Englewood Elementary runs it. The group keeps growing, which is huge for local theater.”

Gina makes it look effortless, but it’s not always easy. “Putting on a show in two weeks with young students is no joke; sometimes it’s like herding cats. But the growth in just that short time is incredible. They learn lines, choreography, music, stage directions, all with a tiny crew, but somehow it always comes together.”

Gina says the best part is, “Standing backstage and watching their faces before and after the show. They start to believe in themselves, they soak up the applause, and you can see them realize, ‘I did it.’ That’s why we do this.”

Are the kids having fun? “Absolutely. Sure, they get frustrated sometimes, forget a line or a dance step, but that’s theater. It’s all about learning. Many of our high school students started in this program. They stuck with theater all four years. That’s a legacy we’re proud of.”

Gina’s message to the community is, “We want this program to continue. Next year, I’ll be teaching drama in Nanjing, China, so the theater program will have a new leader. We’re excited for what’s ahead and hope they’ll keep this tradition going. We’re always looking for volunteers, too: set building, tickets, costumes, you name it. Anyone interested can reach out at lbhstheatre257@gmail.com.”

Quick details for families: Lemon Bay’s Junior Summer Stock 2026 includes two sessions for ages 8–14. Disney’s “Aladdin” Kids runs June 2–12, and “Shrek The Musical” Kids follows June 15–26. 

Everything takes place at the Lemon Bay Performing Arts Center, 2201 Placida Rd, Englewood.

For updates, check the Lemon Bay High School Theatre page or contact the department directly. 

Tickets: lbhstheatre.net or email lbhstheatre257@gmail.com. 

Don’t miss your chance to see these young stars in action.

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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.

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Last summer, the Champ’s Café Summer Feeding Program served nearly 50,000 meals. This year, the team is picking up where they left off, following federal guidelines to keep nutritious food on the table for local kids through the summer.

There’s something new this summer, a 7-day bulk meal pickup. It’s a game-changer for busy families: grab a week’s worth of breakfast and lunch in one go at designated locations.

Meals are available through walk-in service at schools, libraries, mobile feeding stops, and bulk pickup sites so families all over Charlotte County can find a convenient option.

“Summer meal programs are an important part of our commitment to supporting student well-being beyond the classroom,” Superintendent Mark Vianello said. “With these seasonal services, we’re making sure kids across Charlotte County can count on a healthy meal, even when school’s out.”

Here are the details on locations and how they’ll serve:

Champ’s on Wheels Mobile Feeding Bus Stops:

Monday to Friday, with some changes in June. Lunch stops include Port Charlotte Library (10:30–11:00 a.m., no service Mondays), Mid-County Library (11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.), and Hampton Point Apartments (12:30–1:00 p.m.).

Neil Armstrong Elementary, Charlotte High, Myakka River Elementary, and Port Charlotte High:

Breakfast and lunch are available Monday through Thursday in June. No service on Fridays in June.

Meadow Park:

Starting June 3, serving breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, including all Fridays in June.

Baker Center:

Kicks off June 1, with breakfast and lunch available Monday through Thursday, plus Friday service on June 5 and 12.

Rural Non-Congregate Bulk Sites (NEW 7-Day Meal Pickup Option):

Families can pick up a week’s supply of breakfasts and lunches at set neighborhood spots from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Mondays at Alfred & Jones Loop Road, Tuesdays at the Charlotte Fairgrounds.

No meal service on Friday, July 3.Different sites keep different hours, so families should check the Champ’s Café Summer Feeding website for the latest schedules and more information, or click here for more information.

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This summer’s theme, “Unearth Your Story,” encourages readers to dig into new ideas, play with their creativity, and rediscover the excitement of learning. It’s not just about books; it’s about hands-on adventures, too.

The program kicks off on Saturday, May 30, with celebrations all over Charlotte County. Each library has something different planned: games, crafts, and space to connect with others in the community.

Here’s what’s happening across the libraries:

Englewood Charlotte Public Library & Punta Gorda Charlotte Library

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There’ll be games and activities for all ages.

Mid-County Regional Library

2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Hang out with local firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other community partners. It’s all happening at the county’s newest library, with plenty of interactive fun.

Port Charlotte Public Library

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

If you or your kids prefer a quieter space, this is the spot. Enjoy a calm, sensory-friendly environment and get creative with rock painting.

And don’t forget that every family can pick up a free goody bag, while supplies last.

Ready to get started? You don’t have to wait until May 30. Pre-registration for the Summer Reading Challenge is open now at CharlotteCountyFL.gov/libraries. It’s quick, free, and lets you track your reading before the summer rush begins.

The Summer Reading Challenge welcomes everyone: kids, teens, adults. So grab a book and join the adventure.

The post Grab a Book and Join the Adventure: Charlotte County Libraries Kick Off the 2026 Summer Reading Season on Saturday, May 30 appeared first on Englewood Review.

This year’s event, themed “One Last Rodeo,” was entirely free for all attending seniors, funded entirely by donations from local businesses, parents, and community members.

The all-night lock-in, which concluded at 5 a.m. Saturday featured a wide array of entertainment, including laser tag, poker tournaments, line dancing lessons, mechanical bull riding, and a performance by dueling pianos. The graduates also enjoyed an assortment of trendy food and drinks, including custom s’mores, Boba lemonades, and “dirty sodas.”

Beyond the high-energy games, the event featured an emotional stop at “Memory Lane,” where students opened mailboxes filled with personal letters, cards, and well-wishes from family and friends. The night concluded with a full breakfast and thousands of dollars in cash prize giveaways.

Organizers credited the community’s hands-on support for the night’s success, noting that local restaurants, volunteers, and donors worked around the clock to provide supplies. Platinum sponsors included “Spread Spencer’s Sparkle” and Kirk Bouffard Plumbing. Thanks to local generosity, this massive event is completely free for all seniors, ensuring the majority of the class can attend together.

The post One Last Rodeo: LBHS Seniors Celebrate Safely at Project Graduation 2026 appeared first on Englewood Review.

Photos courtesy of Tim Kern

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Alongside them, eight college students are seeing their scholarships renewed, recognition for their ongoing efforts to bring empathy, inclusion, and kindness to their communities. These students have played a part in EOD’s Coexistence Clubs, leading projects and conversations that make their schools more welcoming places.

This year’s scholarship winners include Madelyn Francolini from Venice High School, who’s headed to the University of Pittsburgh to study applied developmental psychology. Madelyn spent over two years with the Coexistence Club, and she points to Venice Elementary School’s Bucket Fillers Reading Day as a turning point for her. She says moments like these taught her that being a “bucket filler” means stepping up, sometimes out of her comfort zone, to spread kindness in real ways.

Taylor Humphrey, graduating from Booker High School, is Florida International University-bound, where she plans to study nursing. After four years with her school’s Coexistence Club, Taylor credits the group with helping her connect with different people and building her confidence to turn good intentions into real action.

The third high school recipient, Abigail Lauber from Riverview High School, will study psychology at the University of South Florida. Abigail spent four years with her Coexistence Club and says she witnessed firsthand how a single act of kindness can change someone’s entire outlook.

These three new scholars join eight others who are continuing their college journeys with EOD’s support:

Bryson Day graduated from Venice High and is now a junior studying mechanical engineering at the University of South Florida. Bryson says he’s learned to respect others’ perspectives, and that staying true to EOD’s ideals shapes how he interacts with those around him.

Kennedy Flatch (Riverview High School) and Melissa Graham (Riverview High School) are both juniors at Florida State University, one pursuing marketing, the other in biological sciences. 

Max Hunter, a Venice High alum, is now a sophomore at FSU studying risk management.

Melora Saing from Booker High is studying biology as a sophomore at the University of Florida. 

Kasey-Huong Nguyen, another Venice graduate, is now a senior at UF, focusing on nutritional sciences.

Lucia Warren, from Booker, is a senior at USF majoring in marketing. Lucia says walking among EOD’s public art exhibits still reminds her how vital it is to try understanding experiences different from her own.

Finally, Mateo Rizzo, also from Booker, is a senior at UF studying aerospace engineering. He shares that embracing differences has become a way of life for him, a practice that’s made him a better teammate, leader, and person.

Patrick Arthur Jackson, EOD’s vice president of learning and engagement, says the scholarship program celebrates students taking action to make their communities more compassionate. He sees a real impact: “These students don’t just carry EOD’s values—they turn them into everyday habits. Watching them carry this forward into college and beyond, influencing the people around them, is what inspires us most.”

Coexistence Clubs now exist at many local schools, including Booker, North Port, Venice, Sarasota, and Riverview High School, Imagine North Port, Suncoast Polytech, and Woodland Middle School. These clubs anchor EOD’s educational programs, with students leading service projects, sparking dialogue, and building more inclusive communities.

For over two decades, Embracing Our Differences has centered its work around an outdoor art exhibition that voices messages of respect and acceptance. This annual event is the heartbeat of a slate of year-round programs, using art to inspire new thinking and bring people together.

Embracing Our Differences is a nonprofit that celebrates and uplifts our individuality and common humanity through art and education. Their annual juried art exhibition and educational initiatives give teachers, students, and the community tools to build understanding and acceptance. 

To learn more about Embracing Our Differences, visit their website or call 941-404-5710. More information is available at embracingourdifferences.org.

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