Here’s what stands out from the year: almost every child in the program, 99% moved up a grade or graduated. Every senior who finished high school either continued into college, joined the military, or found a job. The numbers also show that 98% of youth avoided risky behaviors, and the program arrested none of them. These kinds of results speak volumes about what happens when a community comes together for its young people.

“Our impact this year is about much more than numbers. Behind every statistic, there’s a young person whose life is changing because an adult stepped in to care,” said Kamala Martinez, President and CEO of BBBS Sun Coast. “This is what happens when you believe in kids’ potential and back it up with action. We’re excited to keep growing next year, especially with programs like Resilient Youth, which helps students handle stress, build resilience, and succeed.”

BBBS Sun Coast focuses on youth who often face real challenges: 82% qualify for subsidized lunch, 57% live at or below the poverty line, and almost two-thirds come from single-parent households. Programs like Community-Based Mentoring, Beyond School Walls, Big Futures, and Reading Bigs exist to offer support, guidance, and hope.

Jeanie Baik, Vice President of Programs, sees the difference consistent relationships make. “You can see it in the kids every day — when a mentor shows up, listens, and supports, it truly changes a trajectory. The fact that nearly all our youth achieved promotion or graduation, and every graduating senior found their next step, shows the power of these connections and the dedication of our mentors and staff.”

Even as BBBS Sun Coast grows, the need for more mentors is clear. Hundreds of kids are still waiting for someone to believe in them and show up.

“Mentoring isn’t just helpful — it’s transformative for the entire community. Investing in young people strengthens families and sets the stage for a brighter future,” Martinez said.

For more on BBBS Sun Coast, to sign up as a mentor, or to support their work, visit bbbssun.org.

For 57 years and counting, BBBS Sun Coast has paired young people with caring mentors to help them realize their potential, find confidence, and succeed in school and beyond. The organization is now one of the top ten Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies in the country, and in 2025, earned the BBBS of America Growth Award. If you want to step up, learn more, or get involved, head to bbbssun.org.

Click here for more information about BBBS.

The post Changing Futures, One Hour at a Time: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast Shatters Records for Area Youth appeared first on Englewood Review.

The Josh the Otter Foundation invites you to get involved. Host a story time. Share information online. Teach a child the water safety pledge. Every step matters. 

Josh the Otter Foundation’s mission is clear: “We educate children and adults everywhere about water safety, using targeted prevention campaigns and early training. We save lives through education. We encourage children to discover a love for swimming—while staying safe. The message is simple: swim with a buddy, swim with an adult, and share what you know.” 

Drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death for Florida children ages 1 to 4. The numbers keep climbing, with 120 young lives lost just in 2025. Most were under three years old. Nearly all drowned in backyard pools while people assumed they were safe, often outside of swim time and without a sound.

We can change this. Water safety isn’t a parent’s job alone. It belongs to everyone. Drowning is quick and silent. Just a pause to answer the phone, and a child can slip under the water. Here in Florida, we’re surrounded by pools, lakes, rivers, and two oceans. Water is everywhere, so safety must be too.

Many infant drownings happen in only a few inches of water, like bathtubs or even buckets. Home pools are high-risk zones for younger kids, while teens and adults face dangers in lakes and the ocean.

To protect our children, we need what’s called “layers of protection.” That means real, undistracted supervision, a designated “Water Watcher” at every pool gathering, who stays off their phone. You should fence pools on all four sides with self-latching gates. Add alarms to every door and window that leads to the backyard. Enroll kids in certified survival swim lessons as soon as possible. Every caregiver should know CPR and always keep a phone nearby in case of an emergency.

Life jackets matter too. Whenever families go boating or visit lakes, canals, or the beach, every child should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest.

Looking for help? Josh the Otter Foundation offers a swimming lesson voucher program for eligible Florida families. You’ll find more details and local safety resources on their website as well as important information at floridahealth.gov.

Let’s make safety part of the plan, because it’s up to all of us.

Click here for more information about the Josh the Otter Foundation.

Click here for more information at floridahealth.gov.

The post UN’s World Drowning Prevention Day Marks July 25 as Josh the Otter Foundation Urges Action appeared first on Englewood Review.

Teachers aren’t just trickling out, they’re leaving en masse. High turnover plagues the profession, with many moving on after just a handful of years in the classroom. Florida sits dead last in average teacher pay, 50th in the country, at $56,663. That’s according to the National Education Association, which points out that, while starting salaries aren’t the worst in the nation, mid-career and veteran teachers lag far behind. The Florida Education Association (FEA) keeps pushing lawmakers for big investments in public education, demanding billions more for schools and staff.

But state officials push back. They say vacancies are actually going down thanks to recent investments. Since Governor DeSantis took office, he has set aside over $5.9 billion to boost teacher pay and claims it’s making a difference.

Yet the FEA tells a much bleaker story. In their words, Florida faces a retention crisis at a breaking point. They blame micromanagement from Tallahassee, stacks of complicated regulations, and rock-bottom pay for driving teachers out. There’s data to back it up: last year, 31% of Florida teachers had less than four years’ experience. In five years, the number of certified teachers replaced by out-of-field or temporary staff has nearly doubled. Many who remain say it’s tough to make ends meet and feel respected in a state where teachers rank last in pay.

The need for staff extends beyond teachers. Schools are starting the year short on bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers, paraprofessionals, and the list goes on. These aren’t just numbers. They’re jobs that help keep students safe and make schools run. Staff should have filled most positions by mid-year, but the data shows thousands remain open. This isn’t the typical back-to-school shuffle. The number of open jobs has grown since August 2025, marking a sharp, worrying trend.

Turnover is only getting worse, with educators spinning through the system. Districts try to patch the gaps with substitutes or out-of-field teachers, but it’s just a band-aid. Schools sometimes omit advertising a job, quietly filling it with an uncertified substitute, which makes official vacancy numbers appear more favorable. 

Florida’s declining enrollment hurts, too, driven by a $4.4 billion voucher program and an affordability crisis pushing families out of the state. Districts can’t hang on to certified educators. They’re stuck plugging holes, not moving toward actual solutions.

State officials point to slight drops in official vacancies, but that’s mostly because of budget cuts and eliminated jobs, not because districts have solved the problem. The state’s decision to look the other way and fudge the numbers doesn’t make the crisis disappear. Students pay the price, forced to adapt to multiple teachers or spend weeks without a permanent instructor.

FEA President Andrew Spar puts it plainly: “If even one child walks into a classroom without a permanent, certified teacher this semester, that’s one too many.” It’s unacceptable that some students bounce through four or five teachers a year. For kids to succeed, they need stability, something Florida’s current policies undermine at every turn. The combination of micromanagement, heavy-handed rules, and low pay is driving educators away.

Parents and voters aren’t asking for much; they want lawmakers to protect and invest in strong public schools, not dismantle them. The FEA insists every child deserves a world-class, free public education, as the Florida Constitution promises. Leaders must step up, choose public schools over private interests, respect teachers, and fund schools for success to keep that promise.

In the end, a functioning, thriving public school system depends on more than slogans or numbers in a budget. It depends on leadership that refuses to let classrooms sit empty. For now, Florida’s retention crisis remains a reality students and teachers can’t ignore.

Click here for more information from the FEA.

The post Florida’s Teacher Retention Crisis: Nearly 2,000 Vacancies Remain as State Ranks 50th in Average Pay appeared first on Englewood Review.

As schools prepare to resume the fall semester on Monday, August 10, 2026, the tax holiday savings runs a full month, from July 20 through Thursday, August 20. During this time, you can buy certain clothes, shoes, and backpacks that cost $100 or less without paying sales tax. The same goes for school supplies costing $50 or less, learning aids $30 or less, and personal computers or accessories up to $1,500.

Florida lawmakers baked this sales tax break into August so families get some relief every year, not just now and then.

Here’s what counts as tax-free:

Learning aids cost $30 or less. Think interactive books, puzzles, flashcards, memory games, or any toy designed to build reading or math skills.

School supplies have a $50 sticker limit. That includes binders, folders, notebooks, pens, pencils, highlighters, crayons, lunchboxes, glue, and rulers.

For clothing and shoes, it’s $100 or less. Accessories make the cut, too, along with backpacks, pants, shirts, shoes, sleepwear, sweaters, and even swimsuits.

Personal computers and accessories get a generous cap: $1,500 or less. That covers laptops, tablets, printers, headphones, calculators, flash drives, microphones, software, and other key gear for students.

Click here for the full list of what’s covered and what still gets taxed on the state’s website. Now’s your chance to save a little as you prepare for the school year ahead.

The post A Month-Long Tax Break to Soften the Blow of Back-to-School Shopping appeared first on Englewood Review.

While many high school students spend the summer looking for jobs, Aubrey spent hers plotting out flavors and branding, determined to find her own path. Out of that determination grew The Sorbet Society, her handcrafted sorbet venture, which now adds a splash of color to Englewood’s community events.

Aubrey’s story doesn’t follow the well-worn path of teen employment. She walked into businesses, filled out applications, but something was missing. Faced with a choice: work somewhere she didn’t care about, or build something she believed in, she made her own job. And not just any job, but a business with its own unique flair. She didn’t just want a summer gig; she wanted to create something that was truly hers.

Building The Sorbet Society started with her love of cooking. There’s something special about the way she talks about flavors: the curiosity, the endless ideas for fresh combinations. Her mother played a big role in shaping the look and feel of the business, lending advice and a creative spark. 

Aubrey then did her homework, crafted her pitch, and approached Sarah and Kevin, the owners of Arctic Alligator. Instead of seeing a teenager looking for a handout, they recognized a thoughtful plan and actual drive. Together, they mapped out a partnership: Aubrey would use their licensed kitchen to make her sorbets, and in return, she’d get not only mentorship but a space to turn dreams into deliverables.

“This has been an incredible learning experience,” Aubrey says, and it’s easy to see why. She’s knee-deep in the details, learning not just about recipes but pricing, budgeting, and managing expenses. There’s the challenge of balancing sorbet bookings with homework and the growing pains of running a real business. But for every late night, there’s a reward, like meeting new customers, hearing their stories, and making her brand a part of the community’s celebrations. 

Aubrey is already networking and connecting with the community. “I joined the Chamber, which I think is a big thing, and I also like connecting with the different schools in my area.”

The Sorbet Society isn’t just about selling frozen treats. It’s about experiences. Aubrey’s cart appears at weddings, corporate events, festivals, nonprofit fundraisers, and private parties around Southwest Florida. She doesn’t want to just serve sorbet; she wants to be part of the moments people remember.

Sarah and Kevin see their support for The Sorbet Society as an investment, not just in Aubrey, but in the future of a small, local business. By sharing their expertise and resources, they’re helping to spark ambition. It’s a legacy built on collaboration as much as commerce.

Beyond sorbet, Aubrey dreams big. She’s already thinking about saving money for real estate, where she hopes to blend her entrepreneurial hustle with her passion for interior design. For her, the fun is in the transformation, seeing potential in something overlooked and bringing it to life. That perspective applies not only to old houses but to new opportunities.

Right now, she’s focused on growing The Sorbet Society, expanding from community festivals into weddings and private events. Each event, each new connection, is one more step. She knows getting started is always the hardest part, but she’s proof that it only takes one bold move, a leap from idea to action, to set surprising things in motion.

With her first summer behind her and fresh plans ahead, Aubrey isn’t slowing down. The Sorbet Society started as a single pushcart on the streets of Englewood, but its story, and Aubrey’s, are just getting started. If the past few months are any sign, there’s a lot more to come.

The post Scooping Up Success: How One Teen Made Her Own Dream Job appeared first on Englewood Review.

Those hours in the sun just became extra valuable. A new state law hits the books on July 1, 2026, and it gives high schoolers a chance to count two years of marching band toward both their physical education and performing arts graduation credits. That’s right, if you stick with marching band for two years, you’re covered for both requirements.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed CS/HB 453 into law, clearing the way for this change. The law also supports students with disabilities. They can now meet the PE requirement by participating in Special Olympics for a full school year, according to their IEP team’s recommendation.

Here’s how it breaks down: Two years of marching band earns you your one credit of PE and one of performing arts. Stick with it for just one semester, earn at least a “C,” and you get a half-credit that can go toward either requirement. But, it’s important to note that students can’t satisfy personal fitness and adaptive PE requirements through band if those requirements are part of their IEP or 504 plan.

The same holds for some other options. You can still meet the PE requirement by playing a JV or varsity sport for two full seasons. Two years in a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program with solid drill work also count toward both credits.

This law takes effect on July 1, 2026. The State Board of Education will iron out the details over the next year. For Florida’s high school musicians, all those summer rehearsals just got a little more rewarding.

The post Trade Your Gym Shorts for Uniforms: Marching Band Officially Counts as Gym Credits appeared first on Englewood Review.

She’s hoping this wall does more than look good on social media. Gina wants alumni and long-time supporters to see where the program has been and to feel a bit of pride.

When Gina first started at Lemon Bay, her students stumbled upon a storage bin hidden in a closet. Inside, they found scrapbooks, show programs, and posters going back decades. The oldest treasure? A playbill from “Hello Dolly” in 1981, staged in the old gymnatorium. “It was like opening a time capsule,” she says. 

Together, she and her students pieced together stories about past directors, traced the evolution of the shows, relived student day-to-day life, remembered theater trips to New York, and looked back on the start of the competition troupe #0257. They scanned everything, every program and news clipping they could find, and made digital archives for the website and Facebook.

Four years ago, the students pitched the idea of decorating the Performing Arts Center walls with highlights from the program’s past, including posters, playbills, and news articles. At first, the timing wasn’t right. They were told to wait. Now, four years later, they’ve brought that dream to life.

It took four weeks to get everything up. As people came through for the Summer Stock shows, reactions said it all: surprise, nostalgia, and plenty of happy memories. The wall features articles, show programs, and posters from “Hello Dolly” in 1981 right up through the most recent “Shrek KIDS.” Yes, a few shows from the early years are missing. Gina hopes as word gets out, alumni with old programs tucked away at home will consider donating them to fill in the gaps.

Gina has a message for anyone who ever took part: stop by for any event at the performing arts center, especially a theater show, if you want to see it. If you want a peek during school hours or after, just check with the school or whoever’s directing now.

And there’s a special shout-out to Englewood Jewelers, who donated a director’s plaque for the 2022-2026 section (the years Gina’s been at Lemon Bay). They loved the project and wanted to add their own touch.

Gina hopes the finished wall sparks joy and floods everyone, alumni and newcomers alike, with memories from the past 45 years of Lemon Bay Theatre. She can’t wait to see what comes next.

The post All the World’s a Stage: How One Teacher Brought Decades of LBHS Theatre Magic Back to Life appeared first on Englewood Review.

They’re offering a range of free services for kids, while supplies last, thanks to DOH-Charlotte and local community partners. Bring your children for hearing and vision screenings, haircuts, and bike helmet fittings, along with some hands-on bike safety tips.

DOH-Charlotte’s clinic staff will be there, ready to help with all your back-to-school needs. You’ll also get to meet folks from different organizations that support families. Learn more about physical and mental health resources, WIC, parenting support, substance use prevention, after-school programs, library services, public transportation, and help for students with disabilities.

The Florida Department of Health, accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works alongside state, county, and community partners to protect, promote, and improve the health of everyone in Florida.

Click here for more information about the Back to School Bash.

The post Free Back to School Bash Coming to Port Charlotte This Saturday, July 11 appeared first on Englewood Review.

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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