The second annual senior prom, themed “Palm Trees and Pearls,” gave older adults the opportunity to experience or relive a memorable milestone, featuring a luncheon, dancing, the crowning of a prom king and queen, and a special celebration offered at no cost.

A committee representing local health providers, churches, and community organizations organized the “Palm Trees and Pearls” Prom, which Cyndi Calk of Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital, Trish Vitaletti and Linda Young of San Pedro Church, Tonia Olsen of Seniors Blue Book, Wendy Nolan of Archwell Health, and Alexis Raptis of The Gallery of North Port coordinated. Their shared goal was to create a meaningful and accessible experience for area seniors.

Thanks to community sponsors, attendees could enjoy the event at no cost. The Gallery of North Port provided a catered meal, while Grand Living at Wellen Park created a dessert table. Additional support came from local partners and volunteers, including San Pedro Church members who helped the event run smoothly. Additional sponsors include House of Hormones, ActivAge Senior Care, Truewood by Merrill, TNG Real Estate, Mortellaro Law, Amerilife, Assisting Hands, Encompass Health, and Archwell Health.

Building on lessons learned from its inaugural year, organizers expanded the celebration with improved lighting, more decorations, and additional photo areas. A larger dance floor accommodated the crowd as guests enjoyed live music from “Andy’s 57 Chevy”, a five-piece band that kept attendees on their feet! Designated seating areas were also arranged for groups from communities such as Truewood by Merrill, The Gallery of North Port, Grand Living at Wellen Park, and local church groups.

The prom continues to hold special significance for many participants. Organizers noted that during the first year, 40 of the 180 attendees had never experienced a prom before. That impact remains central to the event’s mission.

Fellow attendees enthusiastically supported Frank and Honey Stroker when they crowned them this year’s king and queen, and they received crowns, sashes, and a gift basket.

The prom also featured emcees Trish Vitaletti and Tonia Olsen, while volunteers and sponsors, including bartenders Amber with ActivAge, Sidney Calk of Archwell Health and Brian of Truewood, contributed to the festive atmosphere.

Guests were each presented with a flower and a small gift as they departed, many expressing appreciation for the experience and plans to return next year. Organizers said roughly half of this year’s attendees had also taken part in the inaugural event, reflecting the prom’s growing popularity and lasting impact within the community.

The post You’re Never Too Old to Dance: ‘Palm Trees and Pearls’ Prom Celebrates Seniors appeared first on Englewood Review.

This free community expo pulls together over 60 local organizations, nonprofits, city departments, and businesses, so residents can see firsthand what’s available around town, including programs, services, and opportunities that make North Port tick.

It’s part showcase, part resource fair, and completely about connecting people. You have time to meet the folks who are helping our city thrive and learn how you can be a part of it, too.

Newcomer Day isn’t just an event; it’s your gateway to North Port. Offered in collaboration with the North Port Area Chamber of Commerce, this expo brings together over 40 community organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses at info tables, ready to share what they do. Whether you’ve just moved here or lived in North Port for years, it’s the perfect way to get plugged in.

Thinking about showcasing your organization or business? Don’t miss this chance to connect and show the community what you offer. Click here to register in advance.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to noon at the George Mullen Activity Center, 1602 Kramer Way. Spend your morning discovering what makes North Port a welcoming, connected community.

Want all the details? Head to NorthPortFL.gov/NewcomerDay.

The post Explore North Port: Free Newcomer Day Expo Showcases Local Gems appeared first on Englewood Review.

The students were riding e-scooters in a crosswalk, headed to Atwater Elementary, when a turning vehicle struck them, according to North Port Police. One child’s injuries triggered a trauma alert, bad enough that emergency crews responded quickly.

Ambulances took both kids to SMH. The weather was rough, so air transport wasn’t an option.

People who live nearby said they’re worried, and not for the first time. They’ve seen cars speeding down Atwater Drive, often pushing 50 or 60 mph where the speed limit’s only 40. It’s a problem that’s gone unaddressed for too long.

Police stressed that this is a wake-up call about e-scooter and e-bike safety. Brittany Kammerer, the police department’s public information officer, urged parents to teach kids that helmets aren’t optional; they’re required by Florida law. She pointed out that even a slow-speed fall can leave lasting injuries. Fun as it is to zip through town, kids need to slow down at intersections and pay attention to what’s going on around them.

This crash comes right after Charlotte County Public Schools announced a crackdown on speeding in school zones, rolling out cameras to enforce the limits. 

Atwater Elementary School distributed this letter to parents on Tuesday morning, April 7, 2026, in response to the incident: 

Dear Atwater Families,

This morning, two students were involved in a serious accident off campus on their way to school. Emergency responders arrived quickly, and both students were transported for medical care.

We understand that some students may have witnessed this incident. Our district student support team is on campus today to provide assistance to any students who may need it.

The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. We are working closely with local authorities as they review the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Please take a moment to remind your child about the importance of safety when walking, biking, or scootering to school.

We appreciate your support and understanding. If you feel your child may need additional support, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mindy Long

The post Two North Port Elementary Students Injured After Car Slams Into E-Scooters at Busy Intersection appeared first on Englewood Review.

“Victor was kind of just a giant of a man. He had a large personality; he was unwavering,” said Fire Chief Scott Titus. “He worked very hard, brought on a lot of new guys, and he will be dearly missed.”

The ride started at City Center Front Green and wrapped up at Bert’s Black Widow Harley-Davidson in Port Charlotte. Riders came from all over the Suncoast, a sign of how far Victor’s influence reached, both at the station and beyond.

Money raised from the event will go directly to Victor’s family. Some of it will also help fund a scholarship for future firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics, a fitting tribute to a man who loved mentoring the next generation.

“It’s really amazing how many people have come out to support and help,” said Chief Titus. “The loss to our department was profound, and this is a great way to honor him.”

The organizers urged even people who don’t ride bikes to come out and be part of the final stop, just to show they cared.

Victor died on December 11, 2025, after what coworkers called a long, courageous fight. Nearly twenty years on the job, his dedication, compassion, and influence shaped the careers and lives of people all around him.

Looking at the crowd on Saturday, it’s obvious that Victor’s memory is still very much alive in the community he served.

The post 17 Years of Service, a Lifetime of Impact: North Port Honors Firefighter Victor Cleveland appeared first on Englewood Review.

When you toss fertilizer on your yard before a big rain, it doesn’t have time to soak in. Instead, it washes down the storm drains, heads for the water, and loads it up with nutrients that spark algae blooms and choke out fish and other life. Stormwater Manager Elizabeth Wong put it simply: “We all need to step up and keep excess fertilizer out of runoff.” That’s the only way for the whole region to see cleaner water.

Let’s break down what’s allowed. The ban is strict for turf grass, but you can still fertilize your landscape plants if you use something with at least 50% slow-release nitrogen. Still, officials want people to cut back year-round if possible. It always helps the ecosystem.

A few ways you can help: Don’t fertilize right before storms, as this is a waste since the rain just washes it away. Keep a 10-foot buffer zone around all ponds, streams, canals, and wetlands, and never let fertilizer get into those areas. If you use a rotary spreader, put a deflector shield on it so you don’t spray product where it doesn’t belong. And don’t dump grass clippings in the drains or waterways, as those become fertilizer, too.

The City Commission updated this rule last year, moving the start date up to April to better match the rainy season and that big turf growth spurt. If you break the law, expect a fine; up to $500 for each offense.

This isn’t just about rules. The city wants a real regional impact: less nitrogen, less phosphorus, and fewer nasty algae blooms in Southwest Florida’s waterways.

Need more details or want tips for a healthy lawn without fertilizer? Check out NorthPortFL.gov/Fertilizer.

The post North Port’s Fertilizer Ban Is Back: What You Can’t Put On Your Lawn Until September 30 appeared first on Englewood Review.

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) announced that 32-year-old Matthew Ryan Cross died after a confrontation with deputies near Hillsboro Boulevard.

The incident began around 12:30 p.m. on Monday, when CCSO deputies responded to a shooting on Malone Avenue, where they discovered one victim dead. Cross, identified as the shooter, fled the scene, sparking an intense, hours-long manhunt in the Port Charlotte area that caused multiple schools to go into lockdown and encouraged residents to stay inside.

Around 1:20 p.m., while tracking Cross through a wooded area near Hillsborough and Yorkshire, law enforcement officials received reports of another shot fired. Cross eventually emerged from the woods and, according to Sheriff Bill Prummel, pointed a firearm at himself before turning it toward CCSO deputies and a North Port police officer aiding in the search.

Seven law enforcement officers, two from CCSO and five from North Port Police, returned fire, killing Cross.

“We have kids… you always hear about these things, but nobody wants it in their neighborhood,” said a local resident following the incident.

Sheriff Prummel noted in a press conference that the suspect was “full of holes” after the confrontation, bringing an abrupt end to the incident.

The incident has significantly affected the broader Southwest Florida (SWFL) region, drawing multiple agencies to assist in the search. The investigation into the original homicide and the officer-involved shooting is ongoing, with officials working to determine the full sequence of events on Monday.

The post Port Charlotte Manhunt Ends in Deadly Shootout; Homicide Suspect Killed appeared first on Englewood Review.

A Sarasota County jury found Darryl Wayne Dye, 64, guilty of second-degree murder with a firearm on Friday, March 20, 2026, after a five-day trial. Shortly after the jury returned the verdict, Circuit Judge Donna Padar handed down the life sentence.

The Incident

The case dates back to August 7, 2023, when North Port police responded to a non-emergency call from Dye reporting a dead body in his home. According to prosecutors:

Dye told dispatchers that the situation was “beyond” attempting CPR.

Arriving officers found 57-year-old Kim Szymaszek deceased from multiple gunshot wounds to her head and neck.

Investigators later discovered a firearm, magazines, and ammunition inside a silver briefcase in Dye’s bedroom.

The Verdict

During the trial, which began on March 16, 2026, the 12th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office presented evidence uncovered through a joint investigation by the North Port Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

While the charge of second-degree murder with a firearm carries a minimum of 25 years, the judge opted for the maximum penalty of life in prison. State Attorney Ed Brodsky’s office announced the final sentencing details on Tuesday, March 24, following the initial reports of the conviction.

The post ‘No Remorse’: Judge Hands North Port Man Life Sentence in Roommate’s Murder appeared first on Englewood Review.

The new K–12 Imagine School campus in North Port will open for the 2026–2027 academic year. Based on standard Florida school opening schedules, this typically indicates a start date in early-to-mid August 2026. 

Spanning 139,500 square feet and built for 1,500 students, this modern campus will bring together the current upper and lower schools under one roof, offering upgraded sports facilities, two gyms, two cafeterias, a playground, and a full athletic field with a track.

The campus design features two main buildings: a two-story wing for grades K-5 and a three-story section for grades 6-12, all set on a 20-acre parcel just about two miles from the existing campuses. 

Everyone celebrated the start of construction, with students, staff, and local leaders gathered and cheering while the Imagine Young Marines marched in to start the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance. You could hear construction noises in the background, tangible evidence of progress.

Imagine Upper Campus Principal John Halcomb took to the podium, reflecting on how Imagine School has grown since it opened in North Port back in 2008. “We’re thriving,” he told the crowd. The school boasts an A-rating, and Halcomb gave credit to faculty, parents, students, and the wider community, with a special nod to North Port Police.

“This is the future,” Mark Pedro, president of the Imagine Governing Board, declared. He thanked everyone who worked to turn the vision into reality. “We’re on a tight schedule and can’t wait to open.”

Lower Campus Principal Aleischa Coover was visibly moved. “I really can’t believe we’re standing here right now,” she said. She recognized students and staff, some of them Imagine graduates, then pulled out a piece of paper from a January 2018 board workshop, when the idea for a unified campus first appeared. “We have been talking about this for years. It is surreal to be standing here today,” she said.

Standing before the crowd, Coover pointed out that what was once a vision: one campus, one central office, now exists. “Well, you are standing in that shared office right now,” she told everyone.

Upper Campus Assistant Principal Tony Graham chimed in, echoing the sense of excitement: “It’s a great time to be a Shark!” Plans for the $50 million facility are solid. The school sits about 1.7 miles from Toledo Blade Boulevard and will draw students from the rapidly growing North Port area.

Currently, the Toledo Blade divides the existing campuses. Soon, they’ll unite in a U-shaped campus designed for learning and growth. Drop-off and pickup will be easier thanks to a dedicated car-stacking loop. The athletic facilities, playgrounds, and classrooms will serve students from kindergarten through high school, all in one place.

North Port’s city leaders formally approved the development in June. Imagine Schools, the nonprofit network behind this project, operates 54 public charter campuses nationwide and serves around 32,000 students. With this new campus on the horizon, the future looks bright for Imagine and for North Port.

Click here for more information on Imagine Schools.

The post From Vision to Reality: Imagine School’s New North Port Campus Set for 2026 Opening appeared first on Englewood Review.

SMH continues to prioritize Wellen Park for its plans in south Sarasota County, even though the selection committee excluded it.

SMH actually picked up the property at 7900 S. Tamiami Trail back in 2015, thanks to a land swap with the developer. The land sits just north of West Villages Parkway, in the heart of Wellen Park’s future growth. But as for when they’ll decide what to do with it? No one’s giving a timeline yet. Kim Savage, who speaks for the hospital, said the board will talk about budgeting and strategic planning this late spring and early summer. That’s when they’ll figure out what to do with all their properties, including Wellen Park.

Meanwhile, the big action is over at Sumter. Construction’s moving forward on the $507 million hospital project. Work started in December with utilities and stormwater, and by last month, the crew was prepping for heavy-duty nighttime concrete pours, sometimes up to 35 cement trucks rolling in for a single shift.

Upon completion, the nine-story hospital will open with 100 beds and three extra floors for growth, enough to easily expand to 208 beds and, eventually, up to 400 beds as the area needs more. That’s a lot of capacity. And with all that room to grow at Sumter, nobody expects SMH to rush their plans for Wellen Park. Realistically, it could be years before anything big happens there.

Wellen Park’s developers still see a future for the site. Their official word? The property is ready and zoned for hospital and medical office use, matching the community’s long-term healthcare plans. They made it clear: even though SMH hasn’t picked a date, they still continue to move ahead with the project. 

Other healthcare providers continue to expand nearby. Exalt Health will open a rehab hospital soon, and HCA Healthcare’s working on a new medical office along U.S. 41. Momentum is building and investors see opportunity, as more people flood into Wellen Park.

So why did SMH pick Sumter instead? The board decided in January 2025 after a staff study gave it the edge. It’s by I-75, serves an area with fewer hospitals, and draws less from their Venice campus. Plus, SMH already dominates the market in Wellen Park; therefore, they did not consider adding another hospital there a huge win. Still, they acknowledge that if competition arrives, say, AdventHealth or HCA Florida, things could change.

Right now, about 10,000 people live in Wellen Park, but full build out could mean 50,000 to 60,000. That’s going to take decades, and North Port’s already closing in on 100,000 residents for comparison.

There’s more growth on the horizon, too. Winchester Ranch at Wellen Park might add another 9,000 homes if developers and county commissioners can hash out their differences.

Meanwhile, hospital groups aren’t standing still. HCA Florida opened a stand-alone ER last year, right on S. Tamiami Trail, and SMH has two urgent care centers just up the road in Venice. There’s no shortage of healthcare options moving in as the region grows. It’s simply a matter of time when Wellen Park gets its own full-fledged hospital.

The post North Port’s First Hospital Is Rising, But What’s Next for Wellen Park? appeared first on Englewood Review.

The city decided not to pour money into fixing an aging building, choosing a full-scale $17.5 million reconstruction on the City Hall campus instead. The plan is to finish by December 2026. 

This isn’t just about replacing a building. The new station will tackle serious space shortages, boost emergency response, and meet modern storm-hardening standards. So, when the next hurricane rolls in, firefighters will still be ready to act.

The old station couldn’t keep up with code requirements or the demands of a growing community. It simply wasn’t up to the task. By going for a complete rebuild, North Port ensures a facility that’s tougher, safer, and ready to stick around for the long haul. 

The new station will house updated technology, better workspaces for emergency staff, and improved amenities for the expanding team. A city official summed it up well: This project is a direct investment in public safety. It means more efficient operations and better service for North Port residents.

Money for this rebuild comes largely from county surtax and fire district fees, underscoring a regional push to upgrade essential services. While construction is underway, fire rescue teams moved into temporary quarters. Once it opens, the new Fire Station 81 will serve as a lasting cornerstone for North Port, lifting emergency services to a new standard.

As the city’s population keeps climbing, this project is more than just a new building; it’s proof that North Port is serious about keeping up with residents’ needs. The city is making sure its first responders have a secure, modern, and efficient space to do their jobs. This grounded investment reflects what the community expects: strong, reliable public safety when it matters most.

The post From Storm Damage to State-Of-The-Art: New Fire Station 81 Set for 2026 Completion appeared first on Englewood Review.