FiledToday.com, based in Punta Gorda, tracks these filings. Their latest report shows 474,039 new Florida businesses registered during those nine months, a record for the state and a 5.8% jump over last year.

This is beating the numbers from the 2021 pandemic boom, when 453,978 businesses filed, and everyone was rushing to launch something new. 

Charlotte County stands out here, with a significant 16.5% growth rate in new filings compared to the previous year. Only a handful of counties in Florida are seeing numbers climb this fast.

Take a look at the data: Hillsborough’s up 4.3%, Lee 5.7%, Pinellas 7.8%, Polk and Pasco both top 10%. But Charlotte’s surge, over 16%, makes it one of the fastest-growing spots for new business ventures.

Not every new business sticks around for the long haul. The report says only 47% of companies formed in 2023 are still active. For those launched in 2025, about 65% are still operating, so roughly a third have already dropped off.

There’s another interesting shift: business names. Use of “AI” has nearly doubled, which is up from 558 filings in early 2025 to 874 by September 2026, a 56.6% jump. “Peptide” is popping up too, rocketing from just 41 in the first nine months of 2025 to 178 in 2026. That’s more than a 334% increase.

Charlotte County entrepreneurs are riding this wave, and the numbers prove it. If you’re part of this new crop, you’re in good company, and the momentum shows no sign of slowing down.

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Publix grand openings have always had a special ring to them. Ever since George Jenkins opened that first store back in 1930, folks have looked forward to these days. When he launched the first full-scale Publix Super Market in 1940, it set the stage for these now-classic celebrations.

This time, Englewood REVIEW got lucky. Publix invited us inside for a sneak peek, a full day before everyone else. You could feel the energy the moment you walked in.

Floridians have always taken pride in Publix, and this new store really raises the bar. Everything is bigger, brighter, and just better, from the expanded parking and the shiny, separate liquor store right next door to all the aisles lined with fresh offerings.

The day before opening, Publix put on a celebration just for staff and their families. Out came a special family stage and, yes, the iconic key hand-off. There’s a lot of pride and hard work that goes into building one of these stores, so they don’t miss a chance to recognize their people.

Family Night is still a big deal at Publix, just like George Jenkins wanted. Back in the day, it meant dinner and speeches; now, it’s refreshments, a tour, and a moment in the spotlight for every manager. The highlight? Watching the store manager accept the commemorative key. It’s a small tradition, but every employee and their family gets to feel part of something bigger.

Of course, they keep the main event for opening day. They roll out the ribbon, invite in local officials and special guests, and hand that same store manager the honor of making it all official. Over time, you might see anyone from mayors to local legends do the ribbon cutting.

With the new Publix, Store #2091, opening at 1500 Placida Rd Suite C, right in Charlotte County, it’s more than just a remodel. The original store served the area for 33 years before closing last September. They didn’t just patch it up. They tore it down, started from scratch, and dreamed bigger. Now, nearly 55,000 square feet of space, a modern pharmacy, and the sparkling new Publix Liquors next door.

But it’s more than just the floor plan. They rebuilt the parking lot, expanded their departments, and even baked a cake with “2091” on top, marking the store’s new beginning. Inside, you’ll find everything: a full-service bakery, deli, meat and seafood counters, acres of groceries, frozen foods, fresh produce, the works. Don’t leave without trying the bakery’s new cookies, or whatever seasonal ice cream they’ve got on hand. People snatch them up fast.

Lindsey Willis, Publix’s Media Relations Manager, captures it perfectly: “We are excited to welcome the community to their new Publix. We look forward to introducing them to an array of new offerings and providing them with the service and quality products they know and love. This new store also features a seating area for customers to stop and enjoy their favorite Publix finds!”

Trust us. This new Publix is everything you’ve been hoping for. They mean it when they say, “Shopping is a Pleasure.” And don’t miss the giant motorized Publix shopping cart. Yes, it’s real, and yes, it drives down the street: a wild way to kick off this next chapter for Englewood.

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John Abu, MD, took home the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, while Steven Halbreich, MD, earned the 2026 Physician of the Year honor. The hospital’s physician leadership committee, after gathering recommendations from their colleagues, recognized both doctors during the annual medical staff meeting on October 29.

Dr. Abu’s story at Sarasota Memorial stretches back nearly a quarter of a century. He trained at the Medical College of Ohio, then moved through internship and OB/GYN residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center before settling into Sarasota’s healthcare scene in 2003. Early in his career, Dr. Abu provided OB care at the Sarasota County Health Department, helping mothers and families during some of the most important, vulnerable times of their lives.

When the state began reducing public prenatal and OB services, Dr. Abu pivoted. He joined Sarasota Memorial’s OB hospitalist team in 2012 and helped build the hospital’s OB Emergency Care Center, making sure women had around-the-clock access to emergency care, labor and delivery. Starting in 2019, he also joined the First Physicians Group OB Hospitalist practice. Along the way, he’s taken on leadership roles: chairing the Obstetrical Department, serving on the Medical Executive Committee, and continuing to lead and provide direct care through the Pregnancy and Wellness Center and county health department.

During the ceremony, his friend and colleague of over 20 years, Dr. Washington Hill, described Dr. Abu’s approach to medicine: “True medical leadership is measured not only by clinical expertise, but by the lives we touch, the colleagues we inspire, and the needs we fill in our community. Dr. Abu’s leadership, compassion, and willingness to serve reflect the very best of our profession.”

This year’s Physician of the Year, Dr. Steven Halbreich, came to Sarasota Memorial in 2003 as well. He’s board-certified in general surgery, with a focus on laparoscopic and robotic surgery, along with traditional abdominal, breast, and soft tissue procedures. In 2015, he joined First Physicians Group’s general surgery practice, helping launch round-the-clock emergency surgical and trauma care. He has mentored both students and residents, served on several key hospital committees, led the General Surgery section, and now chairs the department’s Quality Improvement Committee. Dr. Halbreich trained at NYU for med school, then Mount Sinai for his internship and residency. Before joining First Physicians Group, he practiced for twelve years at Vascular and Surgery Associates in Sarasota.

Dr. James Fiorica, Sarasota Memorial’s Chief Medical Officer, summed up the leadership shown by both men: “Dr. Abu and Dr. Halbreich are outstanding clinicians. Their commitment to patients and to improving our hospital’s care has been remarkable.”

The hospital also announced new chiefs of staff for the coming year. Dr. Joel Baker, DO, will serve as Chief of Staff for the SMH-Sarasota campus, representing over 2,100 medical staff members and advanced practice providers. He steps in for Dr. Daniel Kaplon, whose one-year term just ended. Meanwhile, Dr. Daniel Murphy, MD, enters the second year of his two-year term as Chief of Staff at the SMH-Venice campus, representing over 1,300 medical staff and providers.

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Their new design center in Port Charlotte is now open and ready to help customers plan their entire project. Visitors get a hands-on look at kitchen and bath renderings and can browse a wide range of finishes and styles. Everything’s under one roof: cabinetry, countertops, plumbing fixtures, tile, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and more. It all makes choosing your new space’s look both simple and enjoyable.

Inspired by the positive feedback from their Grand Opening, Red-Jay Cabinets will now offer painted cabinets at no extra charge and include five-piece drawer fronts in their standard pricing, with no added costs for all proposals signed by December 31, 2026.

Family-owned and serving Southwest Florida since 1984, Red-Jay Cabinets looks forward to helping more homeowners, builders, and remodelers design spaces that are both beautiful and practical. They invite everyone to visit their new location at 1109 Tamiami Trail, Unit 4, Port Charlotte. 

At Red-Jay Cabinets, they always promise quality, and they install every job with care and back it with their warranty.

The post Designing the Dream: Red-Jay Cabinets Says, ‘Thank You’ After Blockbuster Grand Opening appeared first on Englewood Review.

This would be the first project of its type on Florida’s west coast. The county teamed up with Nopetro Energy, Johnson Controls, and Mead & Hunt to capture methane, clean it, and push it back out through the natural gas pipelines already in place. Nopetro will build and run the plant, and they’re targeting big vehicle fleets, like city buses and trucking companies, as primary customers. Compared to regular fossil fuels, Nopetro claims this methane-derived gas is better for the climate.

The partners estimate that the facility will generate enough renewable energy to cover over 4,500 homes annually. Instead of building new pipelines, the fuel will travel down the same lines as traditional natural gas. The expected impact? According to project organizers, it’s like the environmental benefit of planting 22,000 acres of forest.

Right now, the county and partners are concentrating on transitioning the initiative from blueprint to construction. Nopetro’s on the hook for the plant itself, from development through daily operations.

Renewable natural gas isn’t the only idea in play. Across the country, folks are looking for smarter ways to manage landfill pollution and waste. In Orange County, California, officials are rolling out new tech to make landfills cleaner. A manufacturer recently debuted America’s first hydrogen-powered garbage truck, and researchers in Germany’s Black Forest are turning wood waste into next-gen fuel. Other innovators have even figured out how to turn standard garbage into hydrogen for trucks and buses. While some towns like Galena, Kansas, battle landfill odors and worry about safety, new solutions keep popping up as communities tackle the challenge from different angles.

The post Florida’s West Coast Gets First Landfill-to-Fuel Plant in $50M Green Initiative appeared first on Englewood Review.

The rebuilt store, now called Store #2091, will welcome shoppers at 1500 Placida Rd Suite C, right in Charlotte County. It’s not just the old market with a facelift; they’re opening with about 55,000 square feet, plus a pharmacy and a brand-new liquor store.

Last September, the original Publix, which had stood for 33 years, closed its doors for good. They demolished it entirely and planned to build it again from scratch. 

This project isn’t just about the market itself. They redesigned the parking lot and built a separate liquor store right next to the main building. When November rolls around, Publix will offer a modern, expanded space and services, ready for a whole new era.

The post A Fresh Start at Merchants Crossing: New 55,000-Sq-Ft Publix Set to Open Early November appeared first on Englewood Review.

On Thursday, October 15, 2026, TLC held a ribbon-cutting at their brand-new spot: 12267 S. Access Rd. Tammy Tieu, the founder, and Laura Davidson, the director, did the honors.

TLC is a non-profit dedicated to making sure every child gets affordable and effective help for dyslexia. They believe that every kid deserves to love reading. Their approach is all about building on what kids already know, personalizing learning to fit each student, and sparking a lifelong passion for books.

Curious, excited, or just want to say hello? Call 941-473-2266. Or click here for more information.

The post Turning Pages, Transforming Lives: The Literacy Center for Dyslexia Celebrates Grand Opening of Vibrant New Home appeared first on Englewood Review.

Her recent work paints a clear picture. She’s supervised multiple departments, set up operational policies, strengthened local partnerships, and launched marketing strategies that got people talking. She helped build out a $10.2 million budget and managed a fundraising portfolio that hit $2.1 million a year, with grants, partnerships, business and individual donors, plus special events. Kellie’s focus has always been on making a real impact, not just for organizations but for the community itself.

In 2025, she took home the United Way of Charlotte County named the Bella Donna Award from the Charlotte-DeSoto Building Industry Association as a Woman of Distinction. She also held leadership roles with Leadership Englewood, serving as Class Vice-Chair in 2024–2025 and Class Chair in 2025–2026.

Kellie’s roots in Englewood run deep. In 2024, she was involved with Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity, which was named Non-Profit of the Year by both the Englewood Chamber and Punta Gorda Chamber. She’s served as a conference presenter, a hospital advisory council member, a disaster recovery volunteer, and a long-time community volunteer.

Besides her success in nonprofits, Kellie’s business experience is just as impressive. She has organised and run office tasks, managed financial reports, created HR programs from the beginning, organised payroll and legal requirements, and worked closely with company leaders to plan for expansion.

Now as Executive Director, Kellie will oversee Chamber operations, develop member engagement, build strong ties with community partners, and drive initiatives that support economic growth in Englewood.

Chamber President Peter Jennings summed it up: “We’re thrilled to have Kellie taking over the role, and we look forward to the energy, ideas, and leadership she’ll bring. Her professional experience brings valuable skills and perspective as we support local businesses and strengthen our community.”

The Chamber is excited for what’s next: stronger connections, advocacy for local businesses, and keeping Englewood’s business community fun and thriving.

Click here for more information about the Englewood Chamber.

The post Englewood Chamber Names Kellie Dunson Allen as New Executive Director appeared first on Englewood Review.

Edwards Lifesciences announced they implanted their TRIFORMIS RESILIA tricuspid valve and ECLIPTIS left atrial appendage exclusion system together in one patient for the first time anywhere on the planet.

Heart valve surgery isn’t simple. Many patients have other heart issues, and the risk for complications jumps. Dr. Hoffberger, Sarasota Memorial’s chief of cardiovascular surgery, emphasized the huge benefit here, one surgery, two major fixes: “We replaced a bad valve and dealt with a prominent cause of stroke, so there was no need for multiple operations or drawn-out recovery.”

The two devices solve distinct problems. The TRIFORMIS RESILIA, FDA-approved in May 2026, is the first surgical implant made specifically for tricuspid valve replacement. Before its arrival, surgeons had to adapt mitral valves, since there was nothing designed for the tricuspid. However, the device is tailored to the anatomy of the tricuspid valve and uses advanced tissue technology to resist calcium buildup, which often causes replacement valves to fail.

The ECLIPTIS system, FDA-cleared in June 2026, tackles a different problem: closing the left atrial appendage, a little pouch where dangerous blood clots can form in patients with atrial fibrillation. Those clots are notorious for triggering strokes, making LAA closure systems crucial in modern heart care.

Dr. Hoffberger wasn’t the only surgeon making news that day. Two colleagues from Sarasota Memorial’s First Physicians Group, Dr. Jeffrey Sell and Dr. Kristen Walker, also performed their own combined cardiac procedures, implanting Edwards’ new stroke-prevention device in two other patients undergoing heart surgery.

These innovations drive Sarasota Memorial’s reputation for advanced cardiac care. The hospital takes a team-based approach: cardiac surgeons, interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, and other specialists collaborate to tackle complex heart conditions. From open-heart to minimally invasive, robotic procedures, and advanced valve replacements, they offer a wide range of treatments.

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System 

Is the region’s largest medical center, delivering comprehensive care across Southwest Florida. With roughly 2,500 physicians and advanced providers, 11,000 employees, and over 2 million annual patient visits, its network stretches from Sarasota and Venice, where two full-service hospitals stand, to a third hospital rising in North Port, along with ERs, a rehab hospital, skilled nursing, outpatient clinics, and urgent care centers. 

Founded back in 1925, Sarasota Memorial’s flagship campus also hosts the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute, Cornell Behavioral Health Pavilion, and Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute. Both Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Sarasota and Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Venice have earned top 5-Star ratings from CMS, and SMH-Sarasota is the only Florida hospital, and one of just 11 nationwide, to achieve a perfect 5-Star score every year since CMS launched its federal ratings in 2016.

Click here for more information.

The post Sarasota Hospital Celebrates Groundbreaking, World-First Heart Procedure appeared first on Englewood Review.

The city wants an experienced operator who can match the park’s energy, think waterfront views, family-friendly activities, and regular events. Jaycee Park isn’t just any park. It’s got a new boardwalk overlook, an inclusive playground, a splash pad, a band shell, sand volleyball, and plenty of shaded picnic space. The park feels brand new, and they’re ready for someone who can add great food to the mix.

If you want in, submit your proposal by Nov. 5, 2:00 p.m. No exceptions for late entries. Grab all the details, requirements, and submission steps on the City of Cape Coral’s procurement portal.

Click here for more information.

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