This law took effect on July 1. For the first time, every student athlete in grades 9-12 needs an ECG screening before their first game or meet. Hundreds of students have already gone through it this school year, and for Cameron, it was life changing.

Initially, he experienced confusion. Why would he need a heart test? “I was confused at first because I have been playing sports my whole life and I haven’t had any symptoms of anything,” Cameron told WWSB ABC7 News.

The nonprofit Who We Play For performed his screening. That’s when they found the problem. Cameron was born with two small holes between the upper chambers of his heart, a defect he never knew about.

Doctors explained that the danger lies in how quietly the damage builds. With this specific type of defect, the danger is slow heart damage over time. By the time symptoms show up, it’s often too late.

Cameron still wanted answers. “I didn’t know what it was. I just wanted to know how to fix it,” he said.

Screenings like this matter because most student athletes look and feel healthy. That’s what makes these heart defects so tricky. Andres Barona, a cardiac sonographer at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, put it plainly: “The student athletes will have no idea they have these problems, and the small percentage that we have with positive findings can change their lives.”

Florida passed the Second Chance Act after a tragedy. Chance Gainer, a high school athlete, died after suffering sudden cardiac arrest during a football game on September 6, 2024. Chance wasn’t the first, or even the eighth, student to die like this that year. His mother, Equillar Gainer, couldn’t accept that nothing would change. “Chance was the eighth child to die that way the year he died, so something had to be done,” she said.

She teamed up with Evan Ernst, the co-founder of Who We Play For, to push for the law. The organization estimates that out of 100,000 Florida students screened, about 300 will discover a life-threatening heart condition before it’s too late.

For Laura Crider, the families who turned their heartbreak into action made all the difference. “In their grief and anger and everything else they had to feel, they decided not anybody else’s kids,” she said.

Now Cameron faces heart surgery in October. He’s got six months of recovery ahead of him, but already he’s waiting for the day he can get back on the field.

Click here for more information about Who We Play For.

The post The Law That Saved a Sophomore: 15-Year-Old Athlete Shocked by Heart Diagnosis appeared first on Englewood Review.

As you settle back into your driving routine, here’s the big one: slow down for school zones and always watch for kids near bus stops. 

When you see a school bus, remember the rules: if the yellow lights are flashing, it’s time to slow down and get ready to stop. When those red lights flash and the stop arm swings out, stop. No exceptions. That’s the law, and it’s one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect students.

The Florida Department of Transportation made this graphic explaining exactly when you need to stop for a school bus, depending on the road, so check it out if you’re unsure.

Put down your phone, watch your speed, and stay extra alert around schools and bus stops.

Here’s the reality: Florida sees around 2,700 school bus crashes a year. Of those, about 15% cause student injuries, and every year, over 10 people die in crashes tied to school buses across the state. 

Most accidents happen right when school starts up again in August and September, as drivers are still getting used to new traffic patterns. Even with those numbers, riding the classic yellow school bus is still much safer than taking a private car or walking.

One of the biggest dangers isn’t the bus drivers; it’s people illegally passing stopped buses. Florida sees thousands of these illegal passes in a single day across several school districts. Errors from other drivers, bad weather, or mechanical problems, not by the bus drivers themselves cause most crashes.

If you notice a safety issue near your school, let the district, School Board, or Transportation Department know. Speaking up keeps all children safer.

Let’s look out for each other, especially our children. Here’s to a safe and successful school year.

Click here for Florida Department of Transportation.

Click here for Sarasota County Schools. Click here for Charlotte County Schools.

The post Back to School, Back to Safety: The Lifesaving Reminders Every Driver Needs appeared first on Englewood Review.

This wasn’t just any season opener; it was the first football game ever played at Wellen Park, and the Eagles didn’t disappoint. They cruised to a 45-7 victory over their rivals from North Port, putting on a show for a packed stadium in Sarasota County.

The atmosphere after the game was electric. Wellen Park High took to social media to soak it all in: 

“We’re still taking in everything that was last night. What a way to finish our first week at Wellen Park High School. 

To our families and our Wellen Park community—thank you.

Thank you for showing up. Thank you for packing Wellen Park Stadium. Thank you for cheering on our kids, our cheerleaders and our band. And thank you for being part of a night that we’ll remember for a long, long time.

There are going to be a lot of ‘firsts’ this year, but last night felt different. Walking around the stadium and seeing our students, families, staff and community all together—it felt like Wellen Park High School became a little more real.

We learned some things, we’ll keep getting better, and we appreciate the patience and grace you showed us throughout the week.

And getting to finish it all with the first football win in Wellen Park High School history? Pretty special.

One week down.

We’re just getting started.

Go Eagles!”

Wellen Park High School officially opened its doors to students on August 10, 2026, kicking off the 2026–27 school year. Before that, the community celebrated with a ribbon-cutting on July 28. Now, with their first victory in the books, the Eagles are off and running.

The post Eagles Soar in Historic Debut: Wellen Park Crushes Bobcats 45-7 in First-Ever Football Game appeared first on Englewood Review.

Andrea Schuch, the department’s Public Information Specialist, put it simply: “We want those kids who are traversing the roadways to be seen by the drivers. These backpack flashers make them more visible, especially if the kids are wearing a dark bag or clothes.”

If you want one, just stop by any Cape Coral fire station or Fire Headquarters:

Station 1—4610 Coronado Pkwy.
Station 2—521 Nicholas Pkwy.
Station 3—1627 Everest Pkwy.
Station 4—2007 Santa Barbara Boulevard
Station 5—1029 Diplomat Pkwy.
Station 6—4540 Chiquita Blvd.
Station 7—3942 Burnt Store Rd.
Station 8—707 SW 1st St.
Station 9—4107 Pelican Blvd.
Station 10—3623 Gator Circle
Station 11—1038 Burnt Store Rd.
Station 12—2129 Chiquita Blvd.
Station 13—2025 SE 6th St.
Fire Headquarters/EOC—1115 SE 9th Ave.

It’s a simple step that can make the morning a lot safer for your kids.

If you would like to purchase your own affordable LED safety light for your child, click here for an Amazon link.

The post Cape Coral Fire Department Gives Free LED Lights to Keep Kids Safe in the Dark appeared first on Englewood Review.

This decision follows a turbulent summer. After Booker fired head coach Carlos Woods in July, 21 players transferred out to other schools. On top of that, the Florida High School Athletic Association fined Booker $500 and put the school on probation until May 25, 2027, all because they let eighth-graders practice with the team last spring.

Principal Jamal Crook admits that rebuilding won’t happen overnight. “This isn’t us giving up on football at Booker. We’re investing in its future,” he wrote.

Retired area coach James Ward didn’t hide his disappointment. He’s watched Booker football become a powerful program and hates seeing the players who helped build it leave. “I just hate to see the young men who worked so hard have to change schools,” Ward told ABC7. “Xavier, our county, plays really good football, and I’m excited to see how this season unfolds.”

Booker High announced its decision on social media, emphasizing that this move came after “careful consideration of the current needs of our student-athletes and the long-term health of the football program.” The school stressed its proud athletic tradition and the aim to rebuild a football program that lives up to it. 

Booker also thanked students, families, and alumni for sticking with them through such a tough period, a gesture that means a lot while the program starts to regroup and look ahead.

The post Fines, Firing, and 21 Transfers: Booker High Scraps Varsity Season Days Before Kickoff appeared first on Englewood Review.

Each school earns points in up to 12 accountability categories. If at least 95% of eligible students take the required tests, those points combine to create a final letter grade.

How do our biggest local school districts, Charlotte, Lee, Sarasota, and Collier measure up this year?

First, the good news: not a single traditional public school in our area received a D or F.

Sarasota County Schools once again set the bar high, securing an overall A grade for the 23rd year straight. Englewood Elementary held onto its A rating, and the district’s managed schools all brought home As or Bs. Every middle school under district management earned an A, and Englewood Elementary continues to rank among the best elementary schools in the region.

But if you dig deeper, you’ll find each district has its own mix of wins and hurdles.

Charlotte County celebrated a return to top form. For the first time in 15 years, Charlotte County Public Schools earned an A district grade. The district not only bumped up its overall accountability score by 39 points but also landed at 21st out of 67 districts statewide. Ten schools pulled off A grades, and only two schools received a C, cutting last year’s total by two-thirds. Every district-operated school dodged the D and F categories.

Here are the two Charlotte County schools that still earned a C:

– Peace River Elementary
– Neil Armstrong Elementary

Superintendent Mark Vianello credited this progress to steady teamwork and a relentless focus on improvement.

Collier County Public Schools continued its impressive streak, earning an A for the ninth straight year, ranking sixth out of all Florida districts. Of the big or similarly sized districts, only one scored higher, and no other district serving as many English Language Learners matched Collier’s performance. Out of their 52 traditional public schools, 51 earned As or Bs, with none dropping to D or F.

Seven schools made the jump to an A this year, including Eden Park Elementary, which earned its first A, and Everglades City School, leaping from a C to an A. Still, not every school climbed higher. Pinecrest Elementary fell from an A to a C after holding an A for the past two years. Gulf Coast Charter Academy South stayed at a C for the third year.

Lee County kept its B rating but posted its highest overall accountability score in more than a decade. Twenty-nine schools improved their grades, and again, none fell into the D or F zones. Lee County now has 24 A-rated schools and 29 B’s. Four schools, Tortuga Preserve Elementary, J. Colin English Elementary, Hancock Creek Elementary, and San Carlos Park Elementary, jumped up two letter grades. Gateway High School earned an A in just its sixth year.

Despite those gains, 30 traditional public schools in Lee County held a C rating. Here are some schools in that group:

– Allen Park Elementary
– Bonita Springs Elementary
– Fort Myers Middle School
– Dunbar High School
– Riverdale High School
– North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts

Check this link for the complete list.

Lee County has already marked 18 schools for “tiered support” to help them improve. For example, Colonial Elementary just missed moving up a grade by two points.

Teachers and administrators know the work is not finished. Although statewide, over three-quarters of schools earned an A or B this year, they will face a higher bar next year. The state plans to tighten the grading scale, which means schools will need to earn more points to keep their grades. Next year’s results will come out once the school year wraps up. All eyes will be on whether schools keep this momentum going.

Click here for a complete list of the Florida school ratings.

The post Southwest Florida Public Schools Celebrate Clean Sheet in State’s Annual Report Cards appeared first on Englewood Review.

One headline change: Senate Bill 182 now requires all third, fourth, and fifth graders to learn cursive writing and prove they can do it by the end of fifth grade. Gone are the years when digital typing alone ruled. Alongside this, the law introduces a mentorship program placing retired teachers in low-rated schools. These mentors will help guide new or struggling teachers and can earn up to $3,000 for their work.

Other changes greet everyone on campus. Schools must display seizure-response posters so staff and students know what to do in an emergency. Not every district opened today; places like Orange and Polk counties will begin later this week.

July 1 marked a flurry of new laws, touching everything from law enforcement to data centers, and plenty that impact children and schools. Here’s a quick look at five new rules shaping the school year:

HB 1279 focuses on teachers and student health. It lets schools offer salary incentives to teachers willing to work in “D” or “F” rated schools, aiming to boost achievement where it’s needed most. The bill also expands bonus eligibility for teachers delivering Florida Advanced Courses; now, they’re eligible just like AP and IB teachers. On the health front, it authorizes schools to buy and maintain FDA-approved epinephrine devices for students with severe allergies, covering more options than just auto-injectors.

To see more of the provisions included in this bill, go here.

HB 851 increases autism support. Every Florida school district now must give teachers and administrators at least one professional development session focused on autism, designed with input from their area Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. These sessions cover best practices, from academics to behavior support, communication, and making classrooms inclusive.

SB 182, beyond bringing back cursive, adds a dash of history. Schools must hang portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln somewhere prominent. This bill also sets up a Teacher Training and Mentoring Program within the Department of Education to pair veteran mentors with teachers new to the classroom, or those struggling in areas like classroom management. Mentors receive stipends, and the law solidifies several instructional changes for public and private schools alike.

For more on other provisions in the bill, go here.

HB 1201 makes epilepsy awareness visible. Every school must post clear guidelines for what to do if someone has a seizure, and it updates individual seizure action plans for students who need them.

Finally, SB 124 changes how Florida Virtual School handles admissions. FLVS used to give preference to certain students, like homeschoolers, military kids, or those trying to graduate early. Now, everyone has equal access, reflecting that the school’s ready to serve more students.

The goal is of this change, the bill states, is to reflect the FLVS’s capacity to serve all students.

These laws shape a new landscape for students and teachers as they kick off the school year, covering everything from daily health and safety to academic requirements and extra support for those who need it most.

The post New Year, New Script: Florida Schools Trade Typing for Cursive and Add Retired Teachers to the Lesson Plan appeared first on Englewood Review.

SUE isn’t just any dinosaur. She’s a showstopper, an exact replica of the largest, most complete, and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever found. This exhibition, recognized around the world, spotlights one of the most famous dinosaurs and brings her to life right up I-75 in Tampa Bay.

Imagine this: a T. rex skeleton towering above you, surrounded by all the sights, sounds, and even the smells of a prehistoric landscape. Touchable fossils, immersive soundscapes, hints of what those ancient environments really smelled like. If you’ve ever wondered what a dinosaur’s home might have felt or smelled like, now’s your chance to find out.

To ramp up the excitement before SUE arrives, MOSI just unveiled its reimagined SciLinx Cretaceous mini-golf course. This isn’t your average round of putt-putt. Picture five massive dinosaur sculptures scattered around the course, each one hauled in to elevate the prehistoric vibes. Swing your way through ancient landscapes, snap a few photos next to giants, and soak in that mix of discovery and friendly competition.

This dino upgrade doesn’t stop there. MOSI already had a strong lineup for anyone who loves paleontology:

– Dig for fossils and explore paleontology in the Dinovations Lab.
– Hunt for discoveries at Dinovations Dig.
– Go face-to-face with a T. rex in the ULTIMATE T. REX VR Experience.

The Dinovations activities come with regular museum admission, but the mini-golf course and VR experience are special add-ons.

And that’s not all. “We’re just getting started with our prehistoric takeover,” says MOSI CEO John Graydon Smith. “Dinosaurs never get old. They fire up our imagination and remind us there’s always more to find. This is just the beginning—as we gear up to bring one of the most iconic exhibitions around to our community.”

For more details or to grab tickets, click here to check out MOSI’s website.

The post Calling All Dinosaur Lovers: SUE the T. Rex Slated for MOSI Tour appeared first on Englewood Review.

Gina, who’s been teaching and directing the Lemon Bay theatre program, just wrapped up something that’ll stick around for years: a brand-new wall in the performing arts center. It’s more than a collage; it’s a living timeline that captures every chapter of LBHS Theatre, from its first shows all the way up to today.

She didn’t build it just for likes or shares. Gina hopes the wall stirs something real, especially in alumni and those in the Englewood community who have watched the program grow. She wants them to see where Lemon Bay Theatre has been and to feel that rush of pride.

It’s a bittersweet moment. Gina is off to China for a new job, stepping away from Lemon Bay’s stage, at least for now. To celebrate her years of service, we asked Gina to share a piece of her story.

“I grew up in Marietta, Georgia,” she told us. “I landed in Englewood nearly 13 years ago with my husband, Jim, who grew up here and graduated from Lemon Bay High with the class of ‘87. My parents are still in Georgia, along with my four siblings, their families, and a whole crowd of nieces and nephews. I have two stepdaughters, a grandson, and two great-nephews, too. Most of my extended family calls Georgia home.”

Gina’s teaching story stretches back 12 years, and this fall she’ll begin year 13 in Nanjing, China, teaching elementary drama at an international school. For the past four years, she’s led Lemon Bay High School’s theatre and choir programs, and before that, she spent six years teaching theatre at Woodland Middle. “I love guiding students as they discover their confidence and their voices on stage,” she said. “The best part is watching them build real friendships and tackle challenges together, especially when the pressure is on. Sharing this passion for theatre with them—that’s what keeps me coming back.”

Gina, the Englewood community thanks you for your service, and we wish you good luck in all your adventures in China. Or, as they say in China, “Zhù nǐ hǎo yùn.”

Gina was a good sport and took on our Englewood REVIEW Proust Questionnaire, which has become a tradition for our Englewood Examiner Profiles.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Not worrying about what others think about you so much. 

What is your greatest fear?

That I may have inadvertently caused someone pain without meaning to. Especially, if they didn’t feel they could come to me to try and work it out. 

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

That I dwell too much on the things I can’t change or if something happens or is said that cuts deeply, it takes me a long time to move past it. I can bury it and distract myself from it, but it takes a long time for it to disappear. 

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Being fake. If you have something to say, just say it. I can’t stand it when people tap dance around an issue. You’re not going to like everything that someone says to you, but at least if someone is direct you can address it, find a solution (or not), and move on. 

Which living person do you most admire?

My father. I can’t think of a better role model for how to handle the things life throws your way; good, bad, and ugly. I know that has to do with his faith, which I share. We can’t always see the bigger picture, but God can, and his plan is better than ours; no question. 

What is your greatest extravagance?

Getting my hair and nails done. And shopping for clothes. I love to shop!

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Staying quiet just because you disagree with someone or they might disagree with you. Discussion is healthy and too often in the world today we don’t see enough discussion. It’s ok to have a different opinion than those around you. It’s what makes life interesting. 

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“Dadgummit,” “Geez Louise,” “Suck it up, buttercup” (Kale Dailey’s favorite phrase). My favorite one “Yo!” anytime sometime calls my name (MASH reference).

The post Lemon Bay High School Theatre Teacher Leaves Behind a Lasting Legacy as She Moves to China appeared first on Englewood Review.

Heading back to school feels like a mix of excitement, nerves, and a little chaos. Suddenly, you’re reminded just how many things you need to tackle before that first bell rings.

Englewood REVIEW has your back. We’ve pulled together practical tips to help you and your family get ready for the year. Whether you’ve got a wide-eyed preschooler or a senior gearing up for that final lap, we’re here rooting for you.

Let’s dive into some basics with tips to make those first weeks easier.

Meal Planning

Gone are those lazy lunches and random snacks thrown together at noon. School lunches take a little more planning. Some families stick with buying, but packing can give you flexibility (and maybe a few more nutrients). 

Start by bringing the whole family into the conversation. Challenge your kids to come up with new lunch suggestions. If you need a push, turn this into your family’s meal-planning season. Let everyone pitch in on breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If nothing else, you get fewer complaints when they’ve had a say.

Get Your Home Ready

A smooth school year really starts at home. Find a permanent spot for all the school papers, permission slips, and those early morning “remember this!” handouts. Get your child used to dropping their stuff in the right place the moment they walk through the door. These habits establish a positive foundation, so start them now and life gets a little less hectic.

Create a Study Zone

Every student needs a space to work, even if it’s just a corner of the kitchen. If you can, set up a small desk or designate a table for homework. For older kids, a consistent, distraction-free spot makes focusing much easier. Can’t splurge on new furniture? Secondhand stores and neighborhood groups often have deals or freebies. Middle and high schoolers don’t need Pinterest-perfect spaces, just a place that’s all theirs.

For those older students, the end of summer is the right moment to talk about your game plan for the year. Don’t stress about formal sit-downs. Talk while sharing ice cream or during a walk. Cover everything: chores, grades, activities, time management, and let them tell you how you can be helpful, too. Teens respond better when you bring them into the process.

“Success is no accident.” — Pele

Practice Makes Routine

Things go smoother with a trial run. Yes, your kids will probably roll their eyes when you suggest a “dress rehearsal” for school mornings, but easing into a routine helps everyone avoid day-one drama.

Start Your New Schedule Early

Move bedtime back in small steps during the last week of summer. That means earlier nights and mornings. The first week is always tough. Kids don’t love alarms, but you’ll all adjust. For some kids, it just takes one tired day at school to get there.

Haircuts and Picture Day

You know the drill: schedule haircuts about a week before school starts. That gives everyone time to get used to new styles. Picture day always sneaks up fast.

Go Over School Safety

Now’s the moment to go over transportation routines, pickup details, bus rules, and all those procedures with your child. Go through everything calmly. Let your child ask questions. Familiarity brings reassurance.

Meet the Teacher

When your school hosts an open house, be sure to attend (if you haven’t already). It’s a simple way to connect with new teachers and help kids feel comfortable in their classroom before the first day. If you missed the open house, then drive by the school and, if possible, walk around to get acclimated to the terrain.

Morning Checklist

Every organized parent leans on a checklist, so don’t skip this step. Put a visible list on the fridge for backpacks, shoes, lunch, water bottles, and all the other things kids forget. Teach them to check tasks off as they go. It’s a skill that pays off later, and a great time to get your child familiar with an alarm clock.

What to Wear?

Let your child pick their first day-of-school outfit ahead of time. Nothing ends a morning faster than a favorite shirt that’s suddenly missing or too small.

The First Day Has Arrived

First Day Jitters

It’s totally normal for everyone to feel nervous. Instead of dwelling on worries, shift the focus, reconnect with friends, find out who’s in your class, and remember that everyone feels the same jitters. For younger students who feel anxious, play “school” with them, read books about starting school, or draw matching hearts on your hands to give them a sense of comfort during the day.

Keep the Connection

School matters, but it shouldn’t be the only topic you talk about with your child. Ask about their friends, interests, music, and little daily moments, not just homework or grades. If you only quiz them about school, they’ll avoid genuine conversations. Show them you care about the whole person, not just their report card.

Extra Tips for Success

— Slip a handwritten “love note” into your child’s lunchbox or bookbag.
— Florida classrooms can be chilly, so send a light jacket just in case.
— Label everything your child owns.
— Keep healthy snacks on hand for after school.
— Bedtime stories aren’t just for little kids; they’re a great way to wind down, share some warmth, and snag some cuddle time.
— Don’t miss those first day-of-school photos. Kindergarten through senior year? You only get 13 chances. Make them count.

Here’s to a great school year for you and your kids: routine, surprise, nerves, and all.

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