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.

The post Meet Jerry Kuhn: Navigating Life’s Deepest Transitions at Lemon Bay Mental Wellness Center appeared first on Englewood Review.

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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Dyan has been passionate about exercise since she was ten. She recalls, “I remember gym class and my teacher telling us, ‘If you do calisthenics three times a week, you’ll never need a girdle.’ That stuck with me. I didn’t even know what a girdle was back then, but I sure didn’t want one! I’d come home, do my routine every day, and I always felt amazing. What I love most now is passing that feeling along to others, helping them feel stronger, more confident, happier, and healthier. If I can do that for people, I’ll keep doing this as long as I possibly can.”

How did Dynamic Walking Fitness get its start? “I really started this journey about ten years ago when I was working at Tringali Rec Center in Charlotte County,” Dyan explains. “I’ve actually been certified as a fitness trainer since the ‘90s. Don’t ask for the exact year, because I’m not giving it up! The truth is that exercise keeps me sharp. My body feels better, and my mind is clearer. I always tell people; fitness isn’t just about the physical results; it’s as much about what it does for your mental health.”

Dyan hears the same comments all the time from class members: “My memory’s better, my balance is better.”

“One woman just today told me she’s improved so much,” Dyan says. “In the class, I get everyone from 40 to 94. That’s the complete range. As someone with over thirty years’ experience as a personal trainer, I can tell you this works.”

When Dyan started teaching at the county, they asked her to develop a walking class for people with arthritis. She said, “Absolutely!” But there was a catch: they couldn’t give her the gym because they had pickleball, and it was packed. So Dyan took the class outside, but the weather was an issue: uneven pavement, and trying to keep everyone together when people walked at such different speeds. The group never grew much, only about eight at a time.

That’s when Dyan went back and struck a deal. She remembers, “I asked them to give me the gym for a month. If I don’t bring in over 50 people, you can have it back. The first week, we had 20. The next week, 80. By the end of the month, almost 200 people were walking with us.”

Dyan received the gym, and people quickly learned about it. People felt safer indoors, especially those on medication. 

“If you’re in your twenties and you want to jog outside, great,” she explains. “But for my group, mostly middle aged and up, the gym is best. We did that for a while, and then I realized I’d built something special. People kept telling me, ‘Wherever you go, I’ll follow you.’ That gave me the push to break off and start my own classes at Englewood Sports Complex. It’s been seven or eight years now.”

COVID made things tough. A lot of folks stopped coming, and then Hurricane Ian didn’t help. Many people lost their homes and moved away. Still, during the season, Dyan has 50 to 60 people in a class, and off-season it’s 30 or 40.

Today, Dyan’s classes are thriving. Along with Dynamic Walking Fitness, she also teaches a stretching class at Tringali. “I just started that up recently. It’s focused on balance and stretching, only 45 minutes, but people love it. I throw in a bit of yoga, a bit of Pilates, and I switch things up often, so no one gets bored.”

For many people, getting started can be tough. Dyan has tips for staying healthy and keeping your mind sharp. She promises it is much easier than you think. 

“The hardest part is just showing up,” she says with a laugh. “Once you’re there, you only do what you can. If you need modifications, I’ve got you covered; march in place, work out from a chair, lift your legs, twist gently. No one should feel embarrassed. In my classes, the slower walkers go near the wall; faster folks take the inner lanes. We play different music every day, too: The Beatles, Supremes, you name it! If you want to dance, dance! Just move your body.”

Dyan has had calls from people who ask if they can use a cane. Dyan says, “Of course. I have a 90-year-old woman who’s there every week with her cane, plus couples in their 90s who do the entire class, and have for years. Recently, someone told me their blood pressure and sugar levels were down after coming. Someone else said, ‘I can get in and out of a kayak now without falling!’ These stories keep me going. I know I’m helping people live longer and better lives.”

It’s not just beneficial for the body; Dyan’s classes are good for your brain health. “Mentally, we do memory sequences. I’ll add simple choreography, like ‘heel out, heel out, tap back, side to side,’ and then ask them to remember the next step. It’s small, but it’s powerful for keeping your mind sharp. As we age, memory gets dodgy, but movement triggers those mental circuits. I’m also an author, and honestly, my mind is so much sharper since I started teaching these classes. There’s nothing like the clarity you get after moving your body and releasing all those endorphins.”

And the music helps, too. Dyan plays old favorites from the 60s, 70s, and 80s; they put everyone in a good mood. The classes are co-ed, and even the men who start off shy end up dancing like nobody’s watching. 

One of the biggest benefits is the social component. “The friendships are like a club all on their own,” Dyan says. “Some people tell me it’s like being in high school again; half the fun is seeing your friends. We’ve got people in their 40s, people retired early, talking with folks in their 70s or 80s, trading stories. Everyone looks out for each other, and I love seeing those connections grow.”

But for Dyan, she admits the number one reason to stay active is mental health. “I’m constantly telling folks with sore knees, canes, or bad backs, ‘We’ll modify the movement. Do what feels right and safe, even if you skip the weights and just use your own body resistance.’ There are no excuses. You’ll be shocked at what you can do if you just keep at it. You’ll improve your balance, your agility, your memory, even your attitude. And if you can’t make it in person, I have videos on YouTube you can do at home. Try at least two or three times a week for both your body and mind.”

Dyan says the most important thing is just don’t give up. “That’s my number one motto. Do what you can, even if it’s just ten laps around the gym. One mile is seventeen laps, and we aim for one to three miles when we can. If you’re not there yet, set it as a goal. Just keep moving. Anything is better than sitting at home doing nothing. That’s what matters most, to keep moving.”

The big question is: was Dyan’s gym teacher right? Did she ever have to wear that dreaded girdle?

“Never!” she says with a laugh. “And I still don’t. So it really does work.”

For more information check out Dynamic Walking Fitness on Facebook or call Dyan at 941-626-2399.

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In 1988, Keith joined his late father, Rex, in his insurance business and eventually purchased Rowley Insurance Agency Inc. in 2004. His family has helped thousands of families, hundreds of businesses, and countless seasonal residents with their insurance needs and questions in the Southwest Florida area and the entire state of Florida. He is a third-generation insurance agent/agency owner and is proud to continue the family vocation. 

Keith spends his free time on his boat with his wife of over 36 years, Cheryl, when he is not in the office creating marketing plans and aiding various community organizations. He also visits their son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren in North Carolina and keeps in touch with his youngest son as he prepares to get married. Keith is excited about being in the heart of downtown Englewood with its wonderful, revitalized district and is looking forward to being a part of the revitalization.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? 

Having my entire family together, including extended and add-ons for a week long retreat in the mountains.

What is your greatest fear? 

Letting someone down.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? 

Forgetfulness.

What is the trait you most deplore in others? 

Excessive pride in self.

Which living person do you most admire?  

Cherie Devaux Ingordo, a young person we took in after her parent moved back to New York, who has since become one of the most successful female race horse trainers in America with a horse in the Derby.

What is your greatest extravagance? 

My collection (not to be disclosed).

What do you consider the most overrated virtue? 

Success based only on the amount of money you have.

Which living person do you most despise? 

No one, but entitled people.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? 

You know…

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.

The post From Lemon Bay to Local Legacy: Keith Rowley Keeps Florida Covered appeared first on Englewood Review.

“We’re excited to show the public our new headquarters building,” says Fire Chief Kevin Easton. “The move to 579 S. Indiana Ave. makes us more accessible to the public and locates us in the center of town.”

The Englewood Fire Department is also collecting school supplies for the 21st Annual Englewood Back-to-School Bash. Even though school isn’t out yet, they’re already gearing up for the next school year. As an official collection site, they’re making sure local kids start the new school year with everything they need. Pencils, notebooks, folders, backpacks; every single donation matters.

Organized in partnership with the Englewood Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Englewood Fire Department enjoyed offering tours of the new facility and celebrating with the community it serves. 

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