Sarasota County won’t entertain the idea of any hyper-scale data centers for at least a year. Commissioners voted Wednesday to stop all new proposals, reviews, and approvals of big data centers until at least July 2027. But if you listen to them talk, a permanent ban seems like their actual goal.

This decision didn’t come out of nowhere. All over the country, local governments now face pressure over data center plans. Even neighboring DeSoto County just passed a similar moratorium.

Sarasota’s move follows a request by XF Group, which wanted to build a data center on Cattlemen Road. The answer from county leaders was an emphatic no.

Here’s what they’re targeting: hyper-scale data centers, really massive operations using at least 50 megawatts of power. At a minimum, that’s as much energy as 35,000 homes. At maximum, you’re talking about the needs of a small city.

The county’s planning department spelled out the problem: these centers devour electricity and gulp down millions of gallons of water a day. They force governments to build costly new infrastructure just to keep up.

Commissioner Teresa Mast took a hard line. She insisted the county shouldn’t even accept applications for these centers. Commissioner Mark Smith piled on, adding worries that wastewater could poison the water supply. “I think we’re all singing from the same songbook here,” Smith said. “Environmentally, I think it’s a disaster.”

Later this summer, staff will return with suggestions for even tighter restrictions.

The public isn’t staying quiet, either. Across Sarasota, residents have fought back hard, citing water contamination, power grid strain, and non-stop noise. Data centers have become a headline issue, especially in rural areas, as tech giants keep pushing their expansion. And it’s not just about land or water; AI companies have also funneled millions into Byron Donalds’ campaign for Florida governor.

Why is this fight happening right now? On Wednesday, the county needed to decide how to classify data centers in its zoning rules. Neunder and Smith made it clear: in August, they want to come back ready to block hyper-scale centers permanently. “The hum of these things, the size of them, they’re lit up like prisons because of the security lights at night. They don’t belong in Sarasota County,” Smith said.

Sarasota isn’t alone. All over Florida, counties are racing to put up barriers. Sarasota’s wealth and population let it say no, something poorer rural counties, like DeSoto, find much harder.

In DeSoto, one company wants to build a giant complex with a dozen data centers. In March, DeSoto commissioners agreed to rezone 34 acres, an old power plant site, for the first facility. Now the developer, DCIP Group, wants to expand to 800 acres, with the possibility of growing to 1,300. However, residents are pushing back. 

On July 8, the county planning commission endorsed a two-year freeze, recommending that it should also cover DCIP Group’s pending proposal. The debate isn’t cooling off; if anything, it’s just warming up.

Click here for more information and updates from the Sarasota County government. 

This story was produced by Suncoast Searchlight, a nonprofit newsroom of the Community News Collaborative serving Sarasota, Manatee, and Desoto counties.

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Gulf Pines Memorial Park sits at 2401 Englewood Road. The commission approved about 25.9 acres for expansion, all zoned for open-use estate purposes. By granting the special exception, county leaders said yes to new cemetery lots, funeral home space, and upgraded facilities.

This project fills a genuine need in the community. The old Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home used to operate on this site, but demolition crews demolished it in 2023. Now, local families in Englewood, Venice, North Port, and Port Charlotte will have a new funeral home, storage building, and expanded services, something folks here have been missing since the old funeral home closed.

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The scent of fresh flowers mingles with locally baked treats. Musicians fill the air with easygoing melodies while neighbors linger over conversations that often last longer than their shopping lists. Artisans proudly display handcrafted goods beside farmers who harvested their produce just miles away. It feels less like a marketplace and more like a gathering of old friends.

That’s exactly what Angie Reznick hoped it would become.

Nestled at 353 W. Dearborn St. Wildflowers Boho Chic Boutique has quietly grown into the heart of the Wildflowers Thursday Farmers Market, a place where shopping is simply the beginning. For Reznick, the market represents something much deeper: a community that continues to bloom, one relationship at a time.

“I fell in love with the village,” she says. “Villages have a charm.”

That affection began long before Wildflowers opened its doors. After moving to Englewood, Reznick immersed herself in the community, getting to know neighboring shop owners, volunteering with local churches, and building friendships throughout Dearborn Street. She wasn’t simply opening a business; she was planting roots.

“If the good Lord gives me a location down here,” she says, “I want to be very interactive with the community and make a difference.”

Today, people can see that promise throughout every corner of Wildflowers.

The Thursday market has become a colorful celebration of local makers, growers, and artists, but Reznick believes its greatest purpose reaches beyond commerce. Behind the scenes, she’s already envisioning the next chapter, one built around service, collaboration, and creating opportunities for others.

Her property, she says, is available for whatever the community needs.

She hopes to host fundraisers for local causes, partner with nonprofits, and invite youth organizations to become part of the market’s story. During the summer months, student groups with fundraising projects are welcome to set up booths alongside established vendors, giving young entrepreneurs a chance to share their talents while supporting meaningful causes.

Recently, students from Lemon Bay High School did just that, raising money for their music department’s trip to a state competition.

Reznick still smiles when she remembers them.

The students arrived with handmade crafts, flowers tucked into their hair, and a display inspired by the whimsical style of Wildflowers itself.

“They were adorable,” she recalls. “I told them, ‘You come back every week.’”

It’s those moments, she says, that remind her why the market matters.

“These are our new generation, our new locals.”

Supporting local families has become part of Wildflower’s identity. Regular customers know they’re more than shoppers; they’re neighbors. Reznick makes a point of celebrating the people who call Englewood home, offering special touches that make locals feel appreciated.

“I definitely have a heart for the locals,” she says. “I want them to know they’re the most important.”

That same philosophy extends inside the boutique.

Rather than limiting the farmers market to Thursdays, Reznick has invited several vendors to establish permanent homes within Wildflowers. Throughout the week, visitors can discover familiar faces and handcrafted treasures by browsing locally made goods, long after the outdoor tents are packed away.

Another room is being transformed into what she’ll call “The General Store,” expanding opportunities for artisans to showcase their work year-round.

Just beyond the shop, another dream is taking shape. A tucked-away garden space will eventually feature fruit trees and edible landscaping, a place where neighbors can gather and, one day, literally enjoy the fruits of the community. The garden will also become home to vendors specializing in organic products, homemade tinctures, and naturally crafted goods.

Even the market’s soundtrack reflects its ever-changing spirit. Local musicians rotate throughout the season, ensuring each Thursday brings its own personality and rhythm.

For Reznick, variety keeps the experience fresh. Every detail circles back to the name she chose years ago.

Wildflowers isn’t simply the name of her boutique. It’s her philosophy.

“Each individual is a beautiful flower,” she says. “They’re all artists. They’re all organic, or their food is grown here. Each one represents a different kind of flower, but we’re all in that market together. When you look at it, it’s one big beautiful wildflower garden.”

It’s a fitting metaphor for a place where every vendor contributes something unique and every visitor becomes part of the landscape.

Like the wildflowers that bloom naturally across Florida’s coast, no two are exactly alike. Together, however, they create something unforgettable.

As Wildflowers continues to grow, Reznick isn’t focused on how big the market can become. She’s focused on how deeply it can take root.

“I’m excited,” she says. “It’s exhausting—but it’s wonderfully exhausting.”

On Dearborn Street, where small-town charm still flourishes and neighbors greet one another by name, that kind of joyful work has a way of spreading, much like wildflowers themselves.

So, if you’ve been missing the old Englewood Farmers Market on Thursdays, here’s your fix: stop by the Wildflowers Boho Chic Boutique on Dearborn Street. You’ll find it at 353 W Dearborn Street, right in the heart of Englewood. This cozy market serves up farm-fresh produce, artsy goods from local makers, and live treats, all the things you love. They’re open every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Don’t let the summer heat keep you away. The market vibe is alive and well on Dearborn Street..

Click here to visit the Wildflowers Facebook page. Or call Angie Reznick at 843-957-4093, email wildflowersbcb@hmail.com.

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With locations in Sarasota and Venice, the Haven’s mission is clear: lift up people with unique abilities by pushing for independence, inclusion, and advocacy. This new Community & Career Center will be the heart of their 32-acre campus, a lively, open space where clients, families, staff, and neighbors can come together. 

Think of it: a stage theater, a gym, rooms for activities, and hands-on training labs. Workforce development, life skills classes, career exploration. The center rounds out its offerings with recreational, educational, and social programs, making sure everyone, no matter their abilities, has the chance to grow, make friends, and truly take part.

But the building is more than a space for fun and learning; it’s a lifeline in tough times. When hurricanes threaten, it will double as a dedicated shelter for Haven residents and participants. Instead of relocating to unfamiliar community shelters, people can stay safe in a place they trust, with caregivers who know them.

Jennifer Groff, VP of Philanthropy, puts it simply: “This extraordinary gift from the Gettel Foundation is an investment in dignity, opportunity, and belonging. Their generosity helps us create a space where people can build friendships, develop new skills, express creativity, and stay safe during crises.” 

The Gettel Foundation’s record in Florida speaks for itself; they invest in projects that build stronger communities and open doors for individuals and families.

This Community Center Project isn’t just a construction milestone; it’s a leap ahead in The Haven’s mission to offer comprehensive services, enhance quality of life, and foster independence. The Gettel Foundation’s leadership gift ensures that, for years to come, Haven clients will have access to modern facilities, vibrant programming, and reliable emergency support.

James Gettel, President of Gettel Automotive Group and Trustee of the Foundation, says, “The Haven plays an essential role in our community, and we are honored to support a project that will have a lasting impact on so many lives. We believe this Community Center will serve as a place of connection, growth, and safety for years to come.”

The Haven’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for people with unique abilities by encouraging independence, championing inclusion, and advocating for individual rights.

The Gettel Foundation is the charitable arm of Gettel Automotive, dedicated to supporting organizations and projects that make Florida’s communities stronger and more vibrant.

Click here for more information about The Haven’s Community Center Project.

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You’ll find the pavilion at 1941 Waldemere Street, just across from the main hospital on the north side. Parking’s easy, with valet and self-park options both available in the Floyd Garage, which you can reach from either Waldemere or Floyd streets.

This new pavilion is SMH’s third major site in the growing Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute. The journey began back in 2020 when Sarasota Memorial launched its first outpatient radiation center at the University Parkway campus. In 2021, they opened the inpatient and surgical Oncology Tower on the Sarasota campus.

Now, the Milman-Kover Cancer Pavilion brings together everything from early detection and diagnosis to treatment, recovery, and survivorship, all under one roof. The pavilion connects directly to the Oncology Tower via a skybridge, creating a truly unified and supportive space for patients.

Inside, you’ll find the Boscia Breast Health Center, surgical oncology suites, an infusion center, radiation oncology center, a high-risk oncology clinic, advanced imaging, genetic testing and counseling, and the latest oncology specialty practices through First Physicians Group and Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute. This is the next leap forward in cancer care for our community.

Click here for more information.

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The Leapfrog Group is an independent, national nonprofit watchdog. Their team looks at hard facts: medical errors, injuries, infections, and exactly how hospitals work to keep patients safe. Only the best get their top grade.

Kelly Lindsay, the hospital’s CEO, said, “This achievement is a direct reflection of the dedication and vigilance of our colleagues across every department. Patient safety is not just a priority; it is a responsibility we carry in every interaction, every process, and every decision. Earning our 23rd ‘A’ grade underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care to every patient we serve.”

Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, put it plainly, “An ‘A’ grade means Englewood Hospital isn’t cutting corners. Every part of the team—from doctors to volunteers—plays a role in making sure patients don’t fall through the cracks.”

Leapfrog’s ratings zero in on one thing: preventable medical mistakes that can harm patients or worse. Their grading is peer-reviewed and open to the public, so there’s nowhere to hide. They update the scores twice a year, every fall and spring.

And as the hospital celebrated this news, they opened a new $1 million helipad; perfect timing, since it happened during National EMS Week. This helipad boosts the hospital’s emergency response game for all of Southwest Florida. Critically ill or injured patients can get airlifted in or out faster than ever, which can make all the difference in an emergency.

This new helipad isn’t just about speed. It is purpose-built for all-weather use, giving crews the tools they need to land safely every time. Advanced lighting, infrared markings for night operations, and a skid-resistant surface show how much thought went into the design. The pad sits three feet higher than the old one and connects straight to the emergency entrance, so no time gets wasted between landing and treatment.

This upgrade follows a string of serious investments: $32 million for the Wellen Park Emergency location last year, and $10 million to expand the Emergency Department in 2022. As more people move to the area, the hospital’s not just keeping up; it’s aiming to stay ahead.

Englewood Hospital doesn’t just talk about commitment and safety; it follows through with action, investment, and results, one patient at a time.

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Chris Stevens leads operations at AquaShine. He’s spent 19 years in the car wash industry, working across multiple sites and building teams that run smoothly. Stevens has helped expand AquaShine’s reach without sacrificing the quality of the customer experience or the culture among employees.

On the Florida front, District Manager Chris Meli draws on over 15 years of industry know-how. His hands-on leadership and steady focus on customer service have fueled AquaShine’s growth throughout Florida.

The Englewood site is in excellent hands with General Manager James Embalabala, a local resident who brings over a decade of experience in car wash management. James leads the day-to-day operations and works to create a welcoming, community-centered atmosphere for both customers and staff. His connections in Englewood, combined with his operational background, make him an ideal leader for the site.

The company also wants to recognize Field Marketing Manager Kasey Lumpp, who led the grassroots marketing and neighborhood outreach for the grand opening. Since joining in November 2025, Kasey has brought over 20 years of marketing experience and a genuine passion for engaging with local people, which helped turn the opening into a standout event.

This leadership team shows just how committed AquaShine is to top-notch service, investing in its people, and building genuine relationships in every community they enter.

You’ll find AquaShine Express Car Wash at 2625 S. McCall Rd., Englewood, FL.

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I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and founded Lemon Bay Mental Wellness Center in Englewood in 2017, where I focus on helping adolescents, adults, couples, and veterans navigate anxiety, trauma, depression, and life transitions with compassionate, grounded support. 

Before becoming a therapist, I worked in corporate leadership and training, and as a school counselor; these experiences continue to shape my practical, down-to-earth approach to helping others.

What is your most marked or distinctive characteristic?

Probably my ability to stay grounded and calm when life gets heavy. People often tell me they feel safe opening up because I meet them without judgment and without trying to “fix” them too quickly.

What do you most value in your friends?

Authenticity, loyalty, and the ability to have real conversations. I value people who show up consistently and can laugh, struggle, and grow honestly together.

Who are your favorite writers?

I’m drawn to writers who speak honestly about resilience, meaning, and human nature—people like Viktor Frankl, C.S. Lewis, and Ernest Hemingway. I appreciate writing that feels grounded, thoughtful, and deeply human.

Who is your hero of fiction?

Atticus Finch. Calm under pressure, guided by integrity, and willing to stand firm for what is right even when it’s unpopular.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Abraham Lincoln. Not because of politics, but because of his resilience, humility, and ability to carry responsibility through difficult times while still holding compassion for people.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Veterans, first responders, teachers, parents quietly sacrificing for their families, and people who survive hardship without losing their humanity. I also deeply respect those who ask for help when life becomes overwhelming—that takes real courage.

What are your favorite names?

I tend to like timeless, grounded names—James, Grace, Daniel, Claire, and names connected to family history and meaning rather than trends.

What is it that you most dislike?

Dishonesty, arrogance, and people making others feel small. I also dislike how disconnected and rushed the world can feel sometimes.

What is your greatest regret?

Spending periods of my life believing I had to carry everything alone instead of letting people support me. Strength matters, but connection does too.

What is your motto?

“You’re not broken—you’re human.”
Life can wound us, but healing often begins when we stop treating ourselves like problems to solve and start treating ourselves with honesty and compassion.

Every edition, Englewood REVIEW spotlights someone who stands out in the community. We ask each person to tackle The Proust Questionnaire; a classic set of questions created by Marcel Proust, the French writer.

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The controversial Buchan’s Bayside project returned to the Sarasota County Planning Commission on May 21, 2026, and received a 4-1 approval from the commission allowing them to move on to requesting approval from the Sarasota County Board of Commissioners. 

Libertore’s mission is to rezone to Commercial General/Mixed Use for the Main Street Overlay District, and allow freestanding single-family and also multi-family buildings in the district. The goal was to bring all parcels on Dearborn St. District (as well as their newly added 3 lots) under the same development standards as the recently approved Buchans Phase I. 

One key objection was that the proposed rezoning/amendment is not specific to only the Buchan’s Bayside project, it would apply to the entire Central District of Old Englewood, Dearborn St.

Last October, the Planning Commission unanimously told the County Commission to reject the proposed expansion. The primary complication was that commissioners worried bigger, taller buildings would erase the character of Old Englewood Village. The development management team came back removing only the height request, which satisfied the board enough for approval. 

At the May 21, 2026 hearing, the developer brought four petitions: a rezoning to bring the new parcels into the Commercial General/Main Street Overlay District; a special exception to allow single-family villas and platted lots in that zone; another special exception for structures and boat slips in Marine Park, a request to expand by eight additional Condos (two per building) and a lowered height cap back to 35ft. 

In short, the development management team, primarily Kimley-Horn’s Kelley Klepper on behalf of Buchan’s Bayside Inc. and Scott Libertore has been pursuing a comprehensive plan amendment to bring all parcels into a single, unified mixed-use designation. Phase I is approved, but Phase II has faced significant community and planning board resistance, particularly over adding docks, parking availability and neighborhood character. Their special exceptions and rezoning are not just for their property it is for the entire District. This will change the face of the Historic Old Englewood District forever.

Name withheld upon request

The Englewood REVIEW encourages our readers to share their thoughts. Our opinion section exists online as a space where the community can discuss and debate issues that matter to our community. We receive a high volume of letters, so we can’t publish every submission. To submit your letter, email michele@englewoodreview.com with “Letter to the Editor Submission” in the subject line.

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Here’s what changed: they can now build eight more residential villas next to the original set, bumping the total number of approved units from 12 up to 20. 

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The community spoke out, especially about the developer’s push to raise the building height limit to 45 feet throughout the business district. While some residents expressed support for this project, some worry that taller buildings will strip Old Englewood Village of its historic charm.

If you’re following this story, Phase I already brought a 10,000-square-foot waterfront restaurant and 12 paired villas to the area. For updates and the latest news on this development, you’ll find updates on the Sarasota County Planning Commission portal.

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