They’ve packed the place with everything: haunted houses that’ll make your skin crawl, live shows you won’t forget, scare actors who love to keep you on your toes, and plenty of good food and unique finds. 

Family, friends, everyone’s welcome. Maybe you’re chasing a real scare or just want a wild night out. Either way, you’re covered.

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

– The Butcher’s Haunted House
– The Asylum
– Frightmare Before Christmas Live Show
– Roaming scare actors everywhere
– Food trucks and vendors for every craving
– Kids Zone so the little ones don’t miss out
– Live music, entertainment, and more

Mark your calendars for October 16–18, 23–25, and 29–31, 2026. 

The spooktacular magic takes place at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds, ready to give you a night you won’t forget. Tickets are up for grabs now, and the early birds score the best deals.

The question is, are you brave enough for Halloween Notte? Rally your friends, dig deep for a little courage, and dive into one of Southwest Florida’s top Halloween events.

Click here for more information.

The post Fairgrounds or Feargrounds? Halloween Notte Flips Charlotte County Upside Down appeared first on Englewood Review.

Emergency crews from Charlotte County Fire & EMS arrived quickly, and they took the student by ambulance to Gulf Coast Medical Center as a trauma alert, mainly to be safe. Fortunately, the student is now in stable condition.

Police shut down the intersection for about two hours while they cleared the scene and started their investigation. Right now, the Punta Gorda Police Department says the crash is still under investigation and hasn’t shared any more details.

The post Student Bicyclist Stable After Early Morning Crash Near Punta Gorda Middle School appeared first on Englewood Review.

He stood next to a screen filled with dramatic flight footage and cockpit views, pointing out the details and breaking down the maneuvers. Kids watched, fascinated, as Deliu talked about his agile Extra 330SC and the tricks he pulls off. He even walked them through his live cockpit-to-ground commentary, showing how he talks to crowds mid-flight, sharing what he’s seeing and feeling.

The visit went beyond words. Deliu handed out autographed photos and leaned over tables to sign each one personally. Kids grinned, collected high-fives, and took home the memory of meeting a performer they’ll soon see soaring overhead.

Deelynn Bennett, the Florida International Air Show’s director of education and STEM, is teaming up with local partners to connect children with aviation through the Jet, Set, Read program. This initiative lets kids dive into aviation-themed books and hands-on projects, offering free air show admission to those who complete the “Earn Your Wings Reading Challenge.” It sparks curiosity, blending reading with real-world encounters and introducing young minds to STEM possibilities.

Mark your calendar: The 2026 Florida International Air Show lands November 7–8 at Punta Gorda Airport. You’ll see Deliu along with Bill Culberson in the MiG-17, Rick Sharpe piloting the TA-4J Skyhawk, Kevin Coleman, Franklin’s Flying Circus, and The Chuters Jump Team. The weekend packs in aircraft displays, hands-on STEM activities, food, and family fun. For tickets or details, head to www.floridaairshow.com or call 941-368-4430.

The Florida International Air Show rallies volunteers every year to celebrate aviation, boost local charities, and inspire future pilots and engineers. Their outreach, through programs like Jet, Set, Read and the STEM Innovators Pavilion, opens doors for young people across the region. It’s not just about thrilling aerial stunts; it’s about igniting curiosity in aviation, science, and technology. 

Find out more at www.floridaairshow.com.

The post Florida Air Show Star Aarron Deliu Flips Learning Upside Down at Deep Creek Elementary appeared first on Englewood Review.

At the end of each month, they spotlight a Female Athlete of the Month, a Male Athlete of the Month, and honor one student with the Good Sportsmanship Award.

After an exciting Homecoming victory, Athletic Director Ryan Lavallee proudly named the September Athletes of the Month. Congratulations to Jacob Allese, Colton Davis, and Makaila Lindsey; they each earned this recognition with their dedication and impressive performances.

Click here for more information.

The post Celebrating Excellence: Lemon Bay High Honors the September Student-Athlete Stars appeared first on Englewood Review.

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.

High school students can compete in the Voice of Democracy (VOD) audio-essay contest, which has been running since 1947. Every year, nearly 28,000 students from across the nation submit recordings on democratic and patriotic themes. Altogether, the program awards over $1.6 million in scholarships and prizes. The national first-place winner walks away with a $35,000 scholarship, paid straight to the college or technical school of their choice. Other national awards go as high as $21,000, and each state’s top finisher receives at least $1,000.

Winning at the state level also comes with something special: a spot in the Founding Forward’s Spirit of America Youth Leadership experience at Valley Forge. This four-day trip puts students right where history happened and throws them into mock congressional debates, business challenges, and hands-on learning at key historical sites. It’s a crash course in leadership and civic responsibility, all thanks to support from Twisted X.

To enter the VOD contest, students need to prepare a recorded essay based on this year’s theme: “What a Veteran Taught Me About America.” They should fill out the 2026-2027 entry form and turn both in at their local VFW Post by midnight on October 31.

Last year’s VOD top honor went to Olivia Drewniak, a senior from Morse High School in Bath, Maine. Her essay, “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?” earned her the $35,000 scholarship, with VFW Post 7738 proudly sponsoring her. You can catch her winning speech from the VFW’s Parade of Winners online or read the full text on the VFW website. The entire 2026 national ceremony and winner list are also available to watch.

Middle schoolers, sixth through eighth grade, have their own shot at recognition through the Patriot’s Pen essay contest. Over 800,000 students join in every year, tackling a short (300-400 words) essay on a patriotic question. The national winner scores $5,000, first-place state winners get at least $500, and there’s more than a million dollars awarded overall.

This year’s topic is the same as the VOD’s: “What a Veteran Taught Me About America.” Students should submit their typed essay with the official 2026-2027 entry form to their local VFW Post by October 31.

Andrew Ge, an eighth grader from San Ramon, California, took the top spot for Patriot’s Pen last year. His essay answered, “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?” and earned him the $5,000 grand prize, with sponsorship from San Ramon Valley VFW Post 75.

Whether you’re a student ready to speak up or a parent hoping to encourage your child, these VFW contests open the door to big rewards and memorable experiences.

Click here for more information and if you want to see what makes a winning entry stand out or catch up on this year’s highlights.

The post Cape Coral VFW Launches Scholarship Race with Prizes Up to $35K appeared first on Englewood Review.

Some highlights from Homecoming Week have been Movie Night, featuring, “The Greatest Showman” playing outside. Then there was the Lip Sync Competition, always a favorite.

Carnival Night on Thursday evening is another highlight. This event features carnival games, the powderpuff football game everyone talks about, and the dramatic lighting of the bonfire. 

These events lead up to the major attractions: the Homecoming Game on Friday and the Homecoming Dance on Saturday. 

Varsity Homecoming Game: Friday night at Veterans Stadium. Lemon Bay faces off against Wellen Park High, kickoff at 7:30 p.m. 

The 2026 Lemon Bay High School Homecoming Court

And this year, the school’s Touchdown Club is launching the first Jubilee Jamboree Toy Drive in partnership with St. David’s Jubilee Center. They’re asking everyone to bring a new, unwrapped toy or a gift card to help local families for the holidays.

Homecoming Dance: Saturday night, October 3. Tickets are $40 for LBHS students, $50 for graduates under 21. Just remember, you need to be in good standing academically, financially, and with attendance to buy a ticket.

Graduates, don’t miss out, because homecoming isn’t the same without you showing up and joining the celebration. 

Grab your tickets, bring your spirit, and come celebrate Homecoming 2026 under the big top. Let’s make some Manta Ray memories.

For more information about LBHS Homecoming click here.

The post Step Right Up, Manta Rays! Lemon Bay High’s Circus Homecoming Under the Big Top appeared first on Englewood Review.

Fellowship Church of Englewood is opening its doors to the entire community for its Family Fall Festival on Saturday, October 10th, 2026. 

Swing by the church campus at 140 Rotonda Blvd West in Rotonda anytime from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and bring your family along. Everything’s free, from the games and crafts to the hayrides and face painting. Got kids? Don’t miss the pony rides from 10 a.m. to noon.

Fellowship Church will keep everyone fueled with hot dogs hot off the grill, chips, cookies, and cold drinks. It’s all free. 

So, set a reminder, gather your crew, and get ready for a fun day. They’re excited to see familiar faces and meet new friends. For more information, call 941-475-7447 or check out fcenglewood.com for details. 

The post Free Fall Fun for the Whole Family: Fellowship Church Unveils Its 2026 Fall Fest appeared first on Englewood Review.

Usually, the team starts at 5:45 a.m. That means lineups, sprints, and calisthenics before a lot of kids have even hit snooze on their alarms. But it’s Thursday morning, September 17, 2026, and they actually “slept in” and didn’t start until 6:30 a.m. 

Still, no one’s late. The coaches don’t have to chase them down. That’s just how things are with this program; discipline isn’t optional, it’s automatic.

Coach Jason Mensing doesn’t waste time. As soon as he steps onto the field, the players huddle up and are ready. When asked what it’s like to run practices at the crack of dawn, he doesn’t sugarcoat it. “We switched to mornings over a year ago. We actually start at 6 a.m. with warm-ups from 5:50,” he says. “We moved practice before school for health and safety. We were dealing with so much lightning and heat in the afternoons that we’d go entire weeks stuck inside. Then, on game nights, the kids struggled to handle the weather. Morning practices let us get outside almost every day, and the temperature’s a lot like it’ll be at kickoff.”

And it’s paid off. “I’m thrilled with how it’s gone,” Mensing says. “The guys prefer getting the work done early, and it’s made a huge difference in our team’s discipline and academic performance. We’ve seen fewer discipline issues at school, too.”

Right now, Lemon Bay’s off to a solid start: 3-2 with both losses coming against some of the toughest teams in the area. The roster is young; they’re starting six sophomores, ten juniors, and even a freshman. But with this kind of work ethic, Mensing believes they’ll keep getting better and have a real shot at the playoffs.

Participation is higher than it’s ever been, and the standards haven’t dropped. That’s why the staff is excited not just for this season, but for the whole direction of the program. These early mornings aren’t just about football; they’re building something bigger.

Lemon Bay High School’s mission? Simple. They push students, teachers, and parents to come together as learners, striving for excellence in every area. Their beliefs are clear: every student can learn, each one brings unique value, and the school’s primary job is to help them do it. They rely on high expectations, teamwork, and a commitment that lasts beyond graduation. 

There’s a strong set of values, too: empowerment, community, resilience, innovation, safety, and more. This isn’t just a place to play football; it’s a school determined to help kids grow.

Walking on the field with the players in the dark, a few players turned to this reporter and said, “Good morning, ma’am.” These players are not just talented athletes; they’re polite, and all before 6:30 a.m. 

Back on the field, there’s a chant the players do before getting to work: “You for me! Enjoy your struggle! I trust you! Work!” It’s loud, it’s real, and it speaks volumes.

Ryan LaVallee, the Athletic Director for the Lemon Bay Manta Rays, watches it all with clear pride. He spoke with the REVIEW and confirmed Coach Mensing’s message regarding why they moved to morning practices. 

“When you practice in the afternoon down here, you’re constantly dodging lightning and high temperatures. We were losing one or two practices a week. Now? In almost two years, we’ve only missed a day and a half.”

What about the early alarms? Did parents complain? “Honestly, there was a little grumbling at first,” LaVallee explains. “The kids weren’t thrilled about getting up early. But now, they’re used to it; they actually like it. Plus, it means they get to school on time and have more free time after classes.”

This is only the second year of morning practices, but everyone’s buying in. The players are all here, before the coaches, ready to go.

How’s the season shaping up? LaVallee is optimistic. “We’re 3-2. Lost to a couple of really strong teams, but that’s a good test for us. We have a lot of good games left, and we feel good about our chances.” 

With Lemon Bay now in the new SSAA for football, the playoff format’s changed, but everyone’s eager to see where they’ll land.

The community spirit here is alive. JV just played at Sarasota Christian, and varsity is up against DeSoto County next. “Next week’s big: JV’s away, but varsity’s playing at home Friday night. Everyone should come out. It’ll be a great game. And Homecoming’s on the horizon, along with the Hall of Fame game. So yeah, there’s a lot to look forward to.”

At Lemon Bay, football is more than just wins and losses. It’s 5:45 a.m. wake-up calls, discipline, grit, teamwork, and building a program and a school that everyone can be proud of.

At the end of each month, the Lemon Bay High School Athletic Department announces the Female and Male Athlete of the Month along with the Good Sportsmanship Award. Here are the August recipients.

Click here for more information about the Lemon Bay High School Athletic Department.

The post Chasing Championships Before Sunrise: Inside Lemon Bay’s Early-Bird Football Program appeared first on Englewood Review.

Families can head to one of three kickoff events at Charlotte County libraries, all free and packed with hands-on fun. At these gatherings, kids get a close-up look at the world of flight, meet pilots, and pick up details about the reading challenge:

Mid-County Regional Library 

2050 Forrest Nelson Boulevard, Port Charlotte 

Saturday, September 12 | 2–4 p.m.

Englewood Charlotte Library 

3450 North Access Road, Englewood 

Saturday, September 26 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Deelynn Bennett, Director of Education & STEM Programming for the Air Show, is spearheading this effort, working closely with partner organizations to get families across Charlotte County involved. Bennett sums up the program’s spirit: “Jet-Set & Read brings together reading and aviation, two gateways to discovery for children. Our goal is to inspire curiosity and provide young readers with a memorable experience at the Air Show.”

Denise Dull, President of the Florida International Air Show, adds, “Programs like Jet-Set & Read are central to our mission. Thanks to our community partners, we offer kids the chance to read, explore, and dream beyond their limits. We can’t wait to see them and their families at the Air Show in November.”

Jet-Set & Read builds on the Air Show’s ongoing commitment to aviation education and meaningful STEM experiences. By tying books to real-life activities and aviation adventures, the program helps kids see that reading isn’t just about stories; it sparks imagination and opens doors to future opportunities.

Mark your calendars: The 2026 Florida International Air Show comes to Punta Gorda Airport on November 7 and 8, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with aerial displays, interactive exhibits, and plenty of family entertainment.

Want to learn more about Jet-Set & Read or the Air Show itself? Visit FloridaAirShow.com.

About the Florida International Air Show: 

This nonprofit connects families and kids with the excitement of aviation, supporting both STEM education and local charities. Every year at Punta Gorda Airport, the event gathers world-class performers, hands-on exhibits, and educational experiences that help shape the next generation of aviation and STEM leaders.

The post Reading Takes Flight: Florida Kids Can Earn Free Air Show Tickets in New Literacy Challenge appeared first on Englewood Review.