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	<title>Local Business Archives - Englewood Review</title>
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	<title>Local Business Archives - Englewood Review</title>
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	<item>
		<title>Englewood’s Newest Treasure Trove is Veteran-Owned, Community-Approved, and Open for Business</title>
		<link>https://englewoodreview.com/englewoods-newest-treasure-trove-is-veteran-owned-community-approved-and-open-for-business/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[michele]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:05:02 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Englewood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Local Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[community grand opening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Englewood FL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Englewood shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Englewood Strong]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jessi and Brett]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[local thrift shop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[S McCall Rd]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[secondhand treasures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[thrift shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Veteran Thrift Store]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Veteran-owned business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[veterans in business]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://englewoodreview.com/?p=229573</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Englewood just got a little more neighborly with the grand opening of the Veteran Thrift Store. The ribbon-cutting landed on July 28th, and you could almost feel the buzz from [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://englewoodreview.com/englewoods-newest-treasure-trove-is-veteran-owned-community-approved-and-open-for-business/">Englewood’s Newest Treasure Trove is Veteran-Owned, Community-Approved, and Open for Business</a> appeared first on <a href="https://englewoodreview.com">Englewood Review</a>.</p>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Englewood just got a little more neighborly with the grand opening of the Veteran Thrift Store. The ribbon-cutting landed on July 28th, and you could almost feel the buzz from the crowd that showed up to celebrate.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The owners, Jessi and Brett, know a thing or two about service. They’re both veterans. Brett says, “With Veterans anything is possible.” Then adding, “Englewood strong!” Judging by the energy at the opening, plenty of locals agree. New customers wandered through the aisles, curious faces lighting up as they discovered what’s on the shelves.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="692" src="https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Jessi-and-Brett-the-new-owners-of-Veteran-Thrift-Store-1024x692.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-229574" srcset="https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Jessi-and-Brett-the-new-owners-of-Veteran-Thrift-Store-1024x692.jpg 1024w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Jessi-and-Brett-the-new-owners-of-Veteran-Thrift-Store-300x203.jpg 300w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Jessi-and-Brett-the-new-owners-of-Veteran-Thrift-Store-768x519.jpg 768w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Jessi-and-Brett-the-new-owners-of-Veteran-Thrift-Store-1536x1038.jpg 1536w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Jessi-and-Brett-the-new-owners-of-Veteran-Thrift-Store.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>Jessi and Brett, the new owners of Veteran Thrift Store.</strong></figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This isn’t your average thrift store. It’s crafted as a gathering place, full of secondhand treasures, friendly chats, and the thrill of unexpected finds. It’s veteran-owned and takes pride in serving its local community.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">And in the store’s own words on Facebook: “We are overwhelmed with the amount of support from our community! Thank you all for an amazing afternoon!”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When Englewood REVIEW spoke with Jessi, she was moved by the support at the ribbon-cutting. “The response from Englewood and our fellow veterans has exceeded anything we expected. Our goal is to create a place where people feel valued, veterans and community members feel supported, and everyone can come together. We are honored to be a part of this wonderful community!”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Do you have any questions or want to connect? Reach out at info@veteranthriftshop.com or call 941-681-0786.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Location 1552 S. McCall Rd. Englewood, FL</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://veteranthriftshop.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTYT8pleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFlUmQ1alNBekdEU0NOZm53c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiU1gOnmS9zhnNcQ8HIKrdXX8Qvt9gu84Ca-Yds3xvDxciQCaSDzTDLM5eNA_aem_8O2eB2_Ft83yFHhX16p95w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here</a> for their website. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/veteranthriftshop" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here</a> for their Facebook page.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://englewoodreview.com/englewoods-newest-treasure-trove-is-veteran-owned-community-approved-and-open-for-business/">Englewood’s Newest Treasure Trove is Veteran-Owned, Community-Approved, and Open for Business</a> appeared first on <a href="https://englewoodreview.com">Englewood Review</a>.</p>
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		<title>Glowing Up: Bliss Dermatology Celebrates Three Radiant Years in Englewood</title>
		<link>https://englewoodreview.com/glowing-up-bliss-dermatology-celebrates-three-radiant-years-in-englewood/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[post_publisher]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 08:43:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Local Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bliss Dermatology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Community Open House]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cosmetic Dermatology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dermatologist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dr. Michelle Pennie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Englewood FL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hormone Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Medical Dermatology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mohs Surgery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[patient care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Practice Anniversary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Surgical Dermatology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Venice FL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Weight Management]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://englewoodreview.com/?p=216931</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Bliss Dermatology + Wellness is turning 3 years old, and they celebrated with a community open house on Thursday, July 23, from 4 to 6 p.m. at their Englewood office. [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://englewoodreview.com/glowing-up-bliss-dermatology-celebrates-three-radiant-years-in-englewood/">Glowing Up: Bliss Dermatology Celebrates Three Radiant Years in Englewood</a> appeared first on <a href="https://englewoodreview.com">Englewood Review</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Bliss Dermatology + Wellness is turning 3 years old, and they celebrated with a community open house on Thursday, July 23, from 4 to 6 p.m. at their Englewood office. They welcomed the entire Englewood community to the open house.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Over the past three years, they’ve cared for over 9,000 patients at their Englewood and Venice locations, offering everything from medical and surgical dermatology to cosmetics, weight management, and hormone therapy. Dr. Michelle Pennie, who founded the practice and is both a double board-certified dermatologist and a fellowship-trained Mohs Micrographic Surgeon, leads the team.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“When we opened our doors, the goal was simple—personalized care in a welcoming space. This open house gives us a chance to thank our patients, referring physicians, and the entire community for supporting us,” said Dr. Pennie. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished and eager for what’s next.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This celebration wasn’t just about throwing a party, there was a charitable side. Bliss Dermatology + Wellness generously donated 10% of all product sales and special appointments booked during the event to Englewood Community Care Clinic, continuing their support for local health services.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Bliss Dermatology + Wellness offers medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologic care, plus a range of wellness services. Dr. Pennie and her team focus on helping patients achieve their health and wellness goals. Visit <a href="https://blissdermatologygroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BlissDermatologyGroup.com</a> for more info. Their offices are at 315 Nokomis Ave. S. in Venice and 699 S. Indiana Ave. in Englewood. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Call (941) 477-4007 for details.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://englewoodreview.com/glowing-up-bliss-dermatology-celebrates-three-radiant-years-in-englewood/">Glowing Up: Bliss Dermatology Celebrates Three Radiant Years in Englewood</a> appeared first on <a href="https://englewoodreview.com">Englewood Review</a>.</p>
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		<title>New Membership Offers Guaranteed Florida Hurricane Evacuation Flights For $1,250</title>
		<link>https://englewoodreview.com/new-membership-offers-guaranteed-florida-hurricane-evacuation-flights-for-1250/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[post_publisher]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2026 06:21:30 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Local Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[emergency flight guarantee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida hurricane evacuation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida preparedness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hurricane travel planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pet evacuation Florida]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PriorityEvac membership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sarasota storm flights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[snowbird storm safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tampa Bay emergency management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tampa evacuation flights]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://englewoodreview.com/?p=214961</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>A Florida-based company is shaking up hurricane season. Instead of scrambling for flights at the last minute or getting stuck in highway gridlock, residents can now buy PriorityEvac memberships. For [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://englewoodreview.com/new-membership-offers-guaranteed-florida-hurricane-evacuation-flights-for-1250/">New Membership Offers Guaranteed Florida Hurricane Evacuation Flights For $1,250</a> appeared first on <a href="https://englewoodreview.com">Englewood Review</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A Florida-based company is shaking up hurricane season. Instead of scrambling for flights at the last minute or getting stuck in highway gridlock, residents can now buy<a href="https://www.priorityevac.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> PriorityEvac</a> memberships. For $1,250, you lock in a guaranteed seat on one of their evacuation flights out of Tampa or Sarasota, covering you for two storms a year.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Their pitch is clear: the chaos of a hurricane isn’t just wind and rain. The real challenge is figuring out how to move parents who shouldn’t be driving, gathering up pets, managing kids and medicines, and deciding under stress.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Commercial airlines sell out within hours after the National Hurricane Center issues a warning, and ticket prices can shoot up past $2,000. The highways? They turn into traffic jams lasting more than a day. Meanwhile, private planes vanish. When hurricanes roll in, which often happens multiple times a year, all options disappear. By the time most families decide to evacuate, they’re out of luck. The company’s point is to secure your escape early, or you could get stranded.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The $1,250 fee gets you two storm evacuations per person from the Tampa Bay area. If you want to include pets, add $125 each. Florida’s divided into regions for the service, so West and East Coast residents have separate coverage. The target market includes families, retirees, snowbirds with parents living locally, and anyone who worries about getting out in time.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One catch is that the fee doesn’t cover bringing you back. Return flights from Atlanta, the company’s usual evacuation destination, aren’t part of the package, mostly because the length of the evacuation depends on the storm’s aftermath. Some head home after two days; others might have to wait a week or longer if their homes are damaged or experience power outages.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If Florida gets lucky and your area avoids hurricanes for a season, you’ll need to buy a new membership the next year. Why pay if you don’t use it? PriorityEvac says it’s the cost of having planes on standby, ready whether or not they’re needed. To them, the payoff is peace of mind.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The idea came from personal experience. The founder and owner of the West Palm Beach-based hurricane air evacuation company, Jason Murgio, watched friends fail to get out, fighting for overpriced tickets, sometimes ending up on different flights from family members. He felt there must be a better way.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="561" height="736" src="https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Founder-Jason-Murgio-Courtesy-PriorityEvac.png" alt="" class="wp-image-214962" srcset="https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Founder-Jason-Murgio-Courtesy-PriorityEvac.png 561w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Founder-Jason-Murgio-Courtesy-PriorityEvac-229x300.png 229w" sizes="(max-width: 561px) 100vw, 561px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>Founder, Jason Murgio <em>Courtesy PriorityEvac</em></strong></figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">To get the timing right, the company relies on serious experts. A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel (who once led NORAD operations) and a former National Hurricane Center lead forecaster are part of the team. They track storms closely to keep the planes, operated by Global Crossing Airlines, a step ahead, and members get evacuation alerts before dangerous winds arrive.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Some people will say that the membership isn’t cheap. But Murgio argues it is less expensive than what many people paid for last-minute commercial flights during major storms, and families can fly together without the hassle.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There’s a bonus: part of your membership fee goes to Project Dynamo, a local nonprofit known for rescuing Americans from disasters and war zones. This group handles evacuation logistics for PriorityEvac too.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you live in Florida, or worry about someone who does, this membership could be the lifeline you need when the next hurricane threatens.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For more information about PriorityEvac, <a href="https://www.priorityevac.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">click here.</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://englewoodreview.com/new-membership-offers-guaranteed-florida-hurricane-evacuation-flights-for-1250/">New Membership Offers Guaranteed Florida Hurricane Evacuation Flights For $1,250</a> appeared first on <a href="https://englewoodreview.com">Englewood Review</a>.</p>
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		<title>Foreclosures Spike Nationwide: Soaring Insurance Costs Push Southwest Florida to Ground Zero</title>
		<link>https://englewoodreview.com/foreclosures-spike-nationwide-soaring-insurance-costs-push-southwest-florida-to-ground-zero/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[post_publisher]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2026 05:29:58 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Local Business]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://englewoodreview.com/?p=214447</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Southwest Florida has become ground zero for foreclosures in the U.S. New data from ATTOM paints a stark picture: For the first six months of 2026, America saw 227,548 properties [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://englewoodreview.com/foreclosures-spike-nationwide-soaring-insurance-costs-push-southwest-florida-to-ground-zero/">Foreclosures Spike Nationwide: Soaring Insurance Costs Push Southwest Florida to Ground Zero</a> appeared first on <a href="https://englewoodreview.com">Englewood Review</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Southwest Florida has become ground zero for foreclosures in the <a href="https://www.attomdata.com/news/market-trends/foreclosures/2026-mid-year-foreclosure-market-report/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. New data from ATTOM</a> paints a stark picture: For the first six months of 2026, America saw 227,548 properties hit with foreclosure filings, a 21% jump from last year and 28% higher than two years ago.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">What’s fueling this climb? Runaway insurance costs and growing economic uncertainty are making it hard for many people to keep up with their mortgages, especially in Florida.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Rob Barber, ATTOM’s CEO, isn’t sounding any alarms just yet. He points out this rise is part of the market “normalizing,” returning to more typical patterns after years of disruption. Still, he notes, the uptick suggests more homeowners are feeling financial stress.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Let’s look at the states taking the biggest hit this year. Florida’s numbers stand out: 0.27% of housing units statewide (one in every 370 homes) faced a foreclosure filing, the worst in the nation. Following close behind are South Carolina, Indiana, Delaware, and Illinois. Meanwhile, states like Idaho, Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina, and Mississippi saw foreclosure activity rise over 45% from last year.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Things are even worse when we zoom into metro areas. Punta Gorda, Florida takes the dubious crown, with 0.50% of homes having a foreclosure filing in just six months. Lakeland, Florida isn’t far behind at 0.48%. Columbia, South Carolina, and cities like Macon, Georgia, and Fayetteville, North Carolina, are also deep in the red zone.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you look at big cities, Florida dominates the list. Cape Coral, Jacksonville, and Ocala all make the top ten for the highest foreclosure rates among major metros.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">More detail: Lenders started foreclosure on 164,566 properties in the first half of 2026, up 18% from last year. Texas and Florida lead the pack for new filings, with over 20,000 each. On the flip side, banks completed fewer foreclosures (REOs) than in 2020, about 28,000 nationally, but that’s still 33% more than last year.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One trend stands out: it’s taking less time for lenders to move through the foreclosure process. In Q2 2026, the average was just 563 days, down 13% from last year, the fastest since 2013. But speed varies wildly state-to-state. Louisiana still takes years (over 3,400 days on average), while Texas wraps things up in just five months.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Zoom in closer, and the second quarter of 2026 also brought bad news for Florida. Alongside South Carolina and Delaware, Florida again ranked among the worst states for foreclosures. In Lakeland, one in every 421 homes was under foreclosure, the highest among large metros. Cape Coral and Jacksonville aren’t far behind.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">June 2026 capped this gloomy trend: Nationwide, one in every 3,656 properties had a foreclosure filing that month. Florida led all states, followed by South Carolina, Indiana, Nevada, and Illinois. Foreclosure starts in June were up sharply (20%) versus a year ago, and completed foreclosures rose 23% from last June.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In short, while the national foreclosure rate is climbing back toward its old pace, Florida, especially Southwest Florida, stands out as one of the hardest-hit regions. Spiraling insurance costs and economic pressures aren’t letting up, and homeowners are feeling the squeeze.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">(Source: <a href="https://www.attomdata.com/news/market-trends/foreclosures/2026-mid-year-foreclosure-market-report/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ATTOM Mid-Year 2026 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report</a>)</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://englewoodreview.com/foreclosures-spike-nationwide-soaring-insurance-costs-push-southwest-florida-to-ground-zero/">Foreclosures Spike Nationwide: Soaring Insurance Costs Push Southwest Florida to Ground Zero</a> appeared first on <a href="https://englewoodreview.com">Englewood Review</a>.</p>
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		<title>Florida’s $1.8 Trillion Economy Surpasses Australia and Mexico to Rank 14th Globally</title>
		<link>https://englewoodreview.com/floridas-1-8-trillion-economy-surpasses-australia-and-mexico-to-rank-14th-globally/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[post_publisher]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2026 05:16:27 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Local Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[14th largest economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Australia Mexico economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business Growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida 2030 Blueprint]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Chamber Foundation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida GDP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida job growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[free enterprise Florida]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mark Wilson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[top 10 global economies]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://englewoodreview.com/?p=214442</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Florida’s economy just hit a new milestone. At $1.8 trillion, it now ranks as the world’s 14th largest, bigger than Australia’s, bigger than Mexico’s. That’s what the Florida Chamber Foundation [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://englewoodreview.com/floridas-1-8-trillion-economy-surpasses-australia-and-mexico-to-rank-14th-globally/">Florida’s $1.8 Trillion Economy Surpasses Australia and Mexico to Rank 14th Globally</a> appeared first on <a href="https://englewoodreview.com">Englewood Review</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Florida’s economy just hit a new milestone. At $1.8 trillion, it now ranks as the world’s 14th largest, bigger than Australia’s, bigger than Mexico’s. That’s what the <a href="https://www.flchamber.com/category/foundation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Chamber Foundation</a> shared on Tuesday. Over the past year, the state’s economy grew by 6.3%. The Chamber is already looking ahead, predicting Florida will crack the top 10 global economies in five years.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Mark Wilson, who leads both the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Foundation, called this climb “proof that free enterprise works.” He’s right about Florida’s momentum. You see it everywhere, with new jobs, fresh investments, more businesses moving in, families getting chances they didn’t have before.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">At the current pace, boosting the economy by just another 2% puts Florida ahead of South Korea, snagging 13th place worldwide. If the state wants a spot in the top 10, it needs to grow by about 21%. That leap would push Florida past Canada.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sheridan Morby, a senior director of economic research at the Chamber Foundation, summed up what’s happening: Florida’s steady economic growth, expanding job market, and ongoing investment mean it’s becoming a player on the world stage.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Chamber Foundation isn’t just sitting back. They track this growth closely and plan to publish all the details in their 2026 Business &amp; Economic Mid-Year Report, a snapshot of everything happening halfway through the year.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Florida’s not just about big numbers. It leads the country in several sectors: new business starts, manufacturing job growth, and the migration of both people and businesses. Florida is the nation’s top state for higher education and Black-owned businesses and is the runner-up in the number of Hispanic- and women-owned businesses.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On top of that, Florida has the lowest state debt per resident, and it’s making big investments in infrastructure and workforce talent. In short, all signs point to a state not only growing fast but growing smart.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.flchamber.com/category/foundation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here</a> for more information.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://englewoodreview.com/floridas-1-8-trillion-economy-surpasses-australia-and-mexico-to-rank-14th-globally/">Florida’s $1.8 Trillion Economy Surpasses Australia and Mexico to Rank 14th Globally</a> appeared first on <a href="https://englewoodreview.com">Englewood Review</a>.</p>
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		<title>Shocking No One: Developers, Including Pat Neal, Found in the Middle of a $14 Million Infrastructure Freeze</title>
		<link>https://englewoodreview.com/shocking-no-one-developers-including-pat-neal-found-in-the-middle-of-a-14-million-infrastructure-freeze/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[post_publisher]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 08:51:31 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Local Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Carlos Beruff]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EMS and Law Enforcement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Englewood FL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Real Estate Lawsuit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Freedom Housing Alliance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grassroots Activism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Impact Fees]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Infrastructure Freeze]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jon Mast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Local Government Transparency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Manatee County Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Overdevelopment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pat Neal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Safety Funding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wilhelm Willy Nunn]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://englewoodreview.com/?p=213995</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Talk of development, and the people behind it, has dominated headlines in Florida, especially around Englewood and neighboring areas. Local groups are organizing at the grassroots level, pushing back hard [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://englewoodreview.com/shocking-no-one-developers-including-pat-neal-found-in-the-middle-of-a-14-million-infrastructure-freeze/">Shocking No One: Developers, Including Pat Neal, Found in the Middle of a $14 Million Infrastructure Freeze</a> appeared first on <a href="https://englewoodreview.com">Englewood Review</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Talk of development, and the people behind it, has dominated headlines in Florida, especially around Englewood and neighboring areas. Local groups are organizing at the grassroots level, pushing back hard against new projects or, at the very least, demanding transparency of process. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In Manatee County, tensions have escalated. A developer’s lawsuit has put more than $14 million in impact fees on ice, threatening to stall funding for roads, parks, and essential public safety infrastructure.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This legal fight traces back to a decision from June 2025. That’s when the <a href="https://www.mymanatee.org/government/government-information/board-of-county-commissioners" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manatee County Commission</a> voted to spike impact fees, the highest hike allowed under state law. Developers pay these onetime fees to help cover the cost of expanding public services like EMS, law enforcement, highways, parks, recreation centers, and libraries.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Plenty of residents sided with the commission, saying fast-paced development was overwhelming local infrastructure. They pointed to mounting traffic jams, regular flooding, and visible environmental damage. But developers weren’t having it. In their view, the policy unfairly singled out the building industry and would ultimately push up home prices.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“We kind of feel &#8230; that you’re punishing the building industry,” said developer and former state lawmaker Patrick Neal at a packed meeting. “We ask that you be careful with what you do.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="724" src="https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Pat-Neal-supporting-Special-Olympics-Florida-1024x724.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-213996" srcset="https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Pat-Neal-supporting-Special-Olympics-Florida-1024x724.jpg 1024w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Pat-Neal-supporting-Special-Olympics-Florida-300x212.jpg 300w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Pat-Neal-supporting-Special-Olympics-Florida-768x543.jpg 768w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Pat-Neal-supporting-Special-Olympics-Florida-1536x1085.jpg 1536w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Pat-Neal-supporting-Special-Olympics-Florida.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>Pat Neal supporting Special Olympics Florida. <em>Courtesy Facebook</em></strong></figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It didn’t end there. A new nonprofit, <a href="https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/392912133" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Freedom Housing Alliance</a>, sued immediately after officials officially approved the higher fees. State records show Neal and several other prominent developers: Carlos Beruff, Jon Mast, and Wilhelm “Willy” Nunn run the group.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Mast, notably, was the same local builder who, through a series of private backroom discussions, convinced county officials in 2023 to slash wetland protections. County commissioners even considered making him county administrator for a brief spell.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Infrastructure capacity is the result of long-term public planning and investment, and the building and development community should not be held financially or legally responsible—or singled out—for gaps that exist because of government decisions made decades ago,” Mast argued in an interview with the Herald.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Neal later joined the lawsuit individually, and so did Beruff’s company, Aqua One Builder, Inc., hardly newcomers to legal combat over county rules, especially those involving wetlands.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Developers claim the impact fee hike breaks new state law, <a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/180" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Senate Bill 180</a>, which prevents cities and counties from tacking on “more restrictive or burdensome” rules after hurricanes.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">While the higher fees took effect last September, the lawsuit means the county can’t actually spend the extra money yet. County officials told the Bradenton Herald they’re collecting the funds but stashing them in escrow until the legal drama wraps up.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Records show the frozen cash already exceeds $14 million, most of it tagged for new roads and parks, but also libraries, law enforcement, and public safety projects.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Impact fees have strict rules. The money must fund capital projects that serve new development, with no double-dipping. That means everything from swimming pools and parks to road work and emergency services.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Local projects depending on these fees include the <a href="https://lakewoodranch.com/life-on-the-ranch/premier-sports-campus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Premier Sports Campus</a>, <a href="https://www.mymanatee.org/news___events/what_s_new/parrish_community_park_opening_march_7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parrish Community Park</a>, the <a href="https://www.mymanatee.org/connect/news-and-information/news-and-information/article-detail/resource-management-division-posts/2026/06/11/county-to-celebrate-gateway-greenway-trail-groundbreaking" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gateway Greenway Trail</a>, and the <a href="https://44thaveeast.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">44th Avenue East Extension</a>, a host of transportation, public safety, and recreation efforts aimed at keeping up with a growing population.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The stakes are high. With a decision still pending in court, a judge could soon order the county to return some or all of the funds and, maybe, scrap the new fee schedule altogether.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For now, it’s a legal face-off: county versus developers.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Neal notched an early win. A judge froze the fee hike for his companies while the lawsuit moves forward. That said, the judge refused to extend the same relief to Freedom Housing Alliance and Aqua One Builder, neither proved they do business in Manatee County, which the law requires.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There’s a twist. Neal’s injunction isn’t free. He must negotiate the terms with Manatee County, which wants him to post a $16.9 million bond to cover any lost revenue. Neal argued that’s too heavy a burden for just him, or any single developer, and asked the court for a swift final ruling on whether the fee increases are legal at all, instead of holding everything up with a bond negotiation.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Manatee County hasn’t budged. Attorneys argue that the local government has a clear right under state law to set impact fees, especially since a 2025 study described the county as facing “extraordinary circumstances” from explosive population growth.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">They also point out that developers don’t foot the bill themselves. Those costs, at least in theory, get passed on to homebuyers.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On procedural grounds, the county got Freedom Housing Alliance’s claims dismissed for lack of standing, but Neal and Aqua One Builder are still in the fight. The county continues to collect the higher fees, but it hasn’t spent a cent of the disputed money. The county states it will comply if the court decides it must refund those fees. A spokesperson said these fees are being held in escrow and are allocated by specific infrastructure categories—parks, roads, public safety. If a ruling were issued requiring their return, they would be prepared to refund the funds to those who paid them.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Meanwhile, a battle over discovery simmers. The county’s trying to force developers to produce actual evidence they’ve suffered financial harm from the new fees, but the developers are fighting that request.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This lawsuit is hardly just about money. It’s the latest front in the deeper conflict between developers and local government over who gets to shape the future as people flood into the area.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Manatee’s fee hike was originally part of a broader set of reforms, after voters in 2024 chose a new county commission majority to pump the brakes on unchecked development. The Florida Legislature, however, had other ideas. With <a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/billsummaries/2025/html/180#:~:text=Prohibits%20each%20county%20and%20municipality,180%20days%20after%20the%20declaration." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SB 180 in 2025</a>, they blocked local governments statewide from enacting tighter controls on developers and handed builders more power to challenge local rules they didn’t like.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It means that Tallahassee now calls the shots in community planning, sidelining local officials and frustrating residents who want stronger environmental protection and slower growth.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If the courts strike down the impact fee increase, it could erase one of the few significant changes the new Manatee County board has managed since the election, leaving locals with fewer tools, and developers with another victory, as the county grows faster than ever.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://englewoodreview.com/shocking-no-one-developers-including-pat-neal-found-in-the-middle-of-a-14-million-infrastructure-freeze/">Shocking No One: Developers, Including Pat Neal, Found in the Middle of a $14 Million Infrastructure Freeze</a> appeared first on <a href="https://englewoodreview.com">Englewood Review</a>.</p>
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		<title>Scooping Up Success: How One Teen Made Her Own Dream Job</title>
		<link>https://englewoodreview.com/scooping-up-success-how-one-teen-made-her-own-dream-job/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[post_publisher]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 09:52:09 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Local Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[arctic alligator]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aubrey Souza]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Englewood FL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food Business Startup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Handcrafted Sorbet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inspiring Teen Stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Local Business Mentorship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business Success]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teen Boss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teen Entrepreneur]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Sorbet Society]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Young Entrepreneurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Youth Business]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://englewoodreview.com/?p=212596</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>At just 15, Aubrey Souza has already done something most teens only daydream about: she turned her passion into an actual business.&#160; While many high school students spend the summer [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://englewoodreview.com/scooping-up-success-how-one-teen-made-her-own-dream-job/">Scooping Up Success: How One Teen Made Her Own Dream Job</a> appeared first on <a href="https://englewoodreview.com">Englewood Review</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">At just 15, Aubrey Souza has already done something most teens only daydream about: she turned her passion into an actual business.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="791" src="https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Sorbet-Society-1024x791.png" alt="" class="wp-image-212598" srcset="https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Sorbet-Society-1024x791.png 1024w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Sorbet-Society-300x232.png 300w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Sorbet-Society-768x593.png 768w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Sorbet-Society-1536x1187.png 1536w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Sorbet-Society-2048x1582.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>The Sorbet Society</strong></figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://englewoodreview.com/scooping-up-success-how-one-teen-made-her-own-dream-job/">Scooping Up Success: How One Teen Made Her Own Dream Job</a> appeared first on <a href="https://englewoodreview.com">Englewood Review</a>.</p>
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		<title>Sarasota County Halts New Hyper-Scale Data Centers Until July 2027 With Eye On Permanent Ban</title>
		<link>https://englewoodreview.com/sarasota-county-halts-new-hyper-scale-data-centers-until-july-2027-with-eye-on-permanent-ban/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[post_publisher]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:32:41 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Local Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cattlemen Road]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[data center moratorium]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DeSoto County]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[environmental impact of data centers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida tech news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hyper-scale data centers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[local government zoning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sarasota County]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tech industry regulations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[XF Group]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://englewoodreview.com/?p=210510</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>By Englewood REVIEW Staff and Suncoast Searchlight 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 [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://englewoodreview.com/sarasota-county-halts-new-hyper-scale-data-centers-until-july-2027-with-eye-on-permanent-ban/">Sarasota County Halts New Hyper-Scale Data Centers Until July 2027 With Eye On Permanent Ban</a> appeared first on <a href="https://englewoodreview.com">Englewood Review</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>By Englewood REVIEW Staff and Suncoast Searchlight</em></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Later this summer, staff will return with suggestions for even tighter restrictions.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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, <a href="https://www.dcipgroup.tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DCIP Group</a>, wants to expand to 800 acres, with the possibility of growing to 1,300. However, residents are pushing back.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.scgov.net/Home/Components/News/News/8984/6288?selectview=1&amp;widgetId=14938" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here</a> for more information and updates from the Sarasota County government.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>This story was produced by Suncoast Searchlight, a nonprofit newsroom of the Community News Collaborative serving Sarasota, Manatee, and Desoto counties.</em></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://englewoodreview.com/sarasota-county-halts-new-hyper-scale-data-centers-until-july-2027-with-eye-on-permanent-ban/">Sarasota County Halts New Hyper-Scale Data Centers Until July 2027 With Eye On Permanent Ban</a> appeared first on <a href="https://englewoodreview.com">Englewood Review</a>.</p>
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		<title>Sarasota County Approves Englewood’s 26-Acre Expansion and New Funeral Home for Gulf Pines Memorial Park</title>
		<link>https://englewoodreview.com/sarasota-county-approves-englewoods-26-acre-expansion-and-new-funeral-home-for-gulf-pines-memorial-park/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[post_publisher]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10:13:25 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Local Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2401 Englewood Road]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cemetery expansion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Englewood FL development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[englewood news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gulf Pines Memorial Park]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kays-Ponger & Uselton]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[local community updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new funeral home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[North Port FL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Port Charlotte FL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sarasota County Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Special Exception Petition No 1925]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Venice FL]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://englewoodreview.com/?p=210019</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Sarasota County Commission gave the green light for a big addition at Gulf Pines Memorial Park in Englewood; a 25.9-acre expansion and a brand-new funeral home are coming soon. [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://englewoodreview.com/sarasota-county-approves-englewoods-26-acre-expansion-and-new-funeral-home-for-gulf-pines-memorial-park/">Sarasota County Approves Englewood’s 26-Acre Expansion and New Funeral Home for Gulf Pines Memorial Park</a> appeared first on <a href="https://englewoodreview.com">Englewood Review</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Sarasota County Commission gave the green light for a big addition at Gulf Pines Memorial Park in Englewood; a 25.9-acre expansion and a brand-new funeral home are coming soon. The owners submitted their plans under Special Exception Petition No. 1925, and now funeral services and office space will finally return to the property at 2401 Englewood Road.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This project fills a genuine need in the community. The old Kays-Ponger &amp; 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.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://englewoodreview.com/sarasota-county-approves-englewoods-26-acre-expansion-and-new-funeral-home-for-gulf-pines-memorial-park/">Sarasota County Approves Englewood’s 26-Acre Expansion and New Funeral Home for Gulf Pines Memorial Park</a> appeared first on <a href="https://englewoodreview.com">Englewood Review</a>.</p>
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		<title>Where Wildflowers Bloom: A Dearborn Street Market Rooted in Community</title>
		<link>https://englewoodreview.com/where-wildflowers-bloom-a-dearborn-street-market-rooted-in-community/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[post_publisher]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 10:27:02 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Local Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Angie Reznick]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[boho chic boutique]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[community building]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[community market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dearborn Street]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Englewood Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Englewood Florida]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida small business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handcrafted goods]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Local Artists]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[local farmers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopping local]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thursday Farmers Market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wildflowers Boutique]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://englewoodreview.com/?p=208993</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>On Thursday mornings in Englewood, something special is taking shape along Dearborn Street. The scent of fresh flowers mingles with locally baked treats. Musicians fill the air with easygoing melodies [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://englewoodreview.com/where-wildflowers-bloom-a-dearborn-street-market-rooted-in-community/">Where Wildflowers Bloom: A Dearborn Street Market Rooted in Community</a> appeared first on <a href="https://englewoodreview.com">Englewood Review</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On Thursday mornings in Englewood, something special is taking shape along Dearborn Street.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That’s exactly what Angie Reznick hoped it would become.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" src="https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Thursdays-on-Dearborn-are-still-hopping-with-farmers-market-fun-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-208994" srcset="https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Thursdays-on-Dearborn-are-still-hopping-with-farmers-market-fun-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Thursdays-on-Dearborn-are-still-hopping-with-farmers-market-fun-225x300.jpg 225w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Thursdays-on-Dearborn-are-still-hopping-with-farmers-market-fun-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Thursdays-on-Dearborn-are-still-hopping-with-farmers-market-fun.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>Thursdays on Dearborn are still hopping with farmers market fun! <em>Courtesy Wildflowers Facebook</em></strong></figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I fell in love with the village,” she says. “Villages have a charm.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" src="https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/All-signs-point-to-farmers-market-fun-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-208995" srcset="https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/All-signs-point-to-farmers-market-fun-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/All-signs-point-to-farmers-market-fun-225x300.jpg 225w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/All-signs-point-to-farmers-market-fun-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/All-signs-point-to-farmers-market-fun.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>All signs point to farmers market fun! <em>Courtesy Wildflowers Facebook</em></strong></figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Today, people can see that promise throughout every corner of Wildflowers.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" src="https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Shopping-galore-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-208996" srcset="https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Shopping-galore-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Shopping-galore-225x300.jpg 225w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Shopping-galore-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Shopping-galore.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>Shopping galore! <em>Courtesy Wildflowers Facebook</em></strong></figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Her property, she says, is available for whatever the community needs.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Recently, students from Lemon Bay High School did just that, raising money for their music department’s trip to a state competition.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Reznick still smiles when she remembers them.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The students arrived with handmade crafts, flowers tucked into their hair, and a display inspired by the whimsical style of Wildflowers itself.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“They were adorable,” she recalls. “I told them, ‘You come back every week.’”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s those moments, she says, that remind her why the market matters.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“These are our new generation, our new locals.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Supporting local families has become part of Wildflower&#8217;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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I definitely have a heart for the locals,” she says. “I want them to know they’re the most important.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That same philosophy extends inside the boutique.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Another room is being transformed into what she’ll call “The General Store,” expanding opportunities for artisans to showcase their work year-round.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For Reznick, variety keeps the experience fresh. Every detail circles back to the name she chose years ago.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Wildflowers isn’t simply the name of her boutique. It’s her philosophy.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s a fitting metaphor for a place where every vendor contributes something unique and every visitor becomes part of the landscape.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Like the wildflowers that bloom naturally across Florida’s coast, no two are exactly alike. Together, however, they create something unforgettable.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I’m excited,” she says. “It’s exhausting—but it’s wonderfully exhausting.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="841" height="866" src="https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Weekly-Farmers-Market.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-208999" srcset="https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Weekly-Farmers-Market.jpg 841w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Weekly-Farmers-Market-291x300.jpg 291w, https://englewoodreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Weekly-Farmers-Market-768x791.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 841px) 100vw, 841px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>Weekly Farmers Market <em>Courtesy Wildflowers Facebook</em></strong></figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Don’t let the summer heat keep you away. The market vibe is alive and well on Dearborn Street..</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/204944149939726/user/61561116575492/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here</a> to visit the Wildflowers Facebook page. Or call Angie Reznick at 843-957-4093, email wildflowersbcb@hmail.com.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://englewoodreview.com/where-wildflowers-bloom-a-dearborn-street-market-rooted-in-community/">Where Wildflowers Bloom: A Dearborn Street Market Rooted in Community</a> appeared first on <a href="https://englewoodreview.com">Englewood Review</a>.</p>
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