ER: How did you get your start in softball?

Kelly: I never played it before. I had no desire to play sports at all. On a whim, I went to a softball game, and they were always struggling to get girls on Co-ed. And I was like, “I’ll give it a try.” That’s all it took. I fell in love with the sport, and here I am running a league.

ER: How old were you when that happened?

Kelly: Let’s see, I probably was like thirty-two, thirty-three.

ER: That’s really inspirational, because I think a lot of women will ask, “Well, is this something that beginners can join? Are we welcome?” So it’s good to know that beginners are welcome in the league.

Kelly: Absolutely. I have a girl on my Co-ed team, who has never played softball. I joke with her because she’s twenty. So I’m like, “You’re really growing up these seasons.” And she loves it.

ER: When did the organization start?

Kelly: Actually, there were a couple of previous people who ran the league. Then COVID happened, and we slowly came back for a bit, but not enough teams were signing up. 

I also play in the senior women’s league, which is thirty-five and up. I decided, “You know what? The field’s always closed in the summer, but I don’t want to lose my skills when I relax.” So I decided I’m going to play over the summer. They put together a little league for the summer and I thought, “I really need to get Englewood back up and running. It’s close. We’ll do it differently this time.” Our Co-ed and Women’s is a draft league. Everybody gets to play. No matter what. You’re never going to not be able to play just because you don’t know anybody.

I started working on it in July and August. I had my first successful season in September with just Co-ed. And we had five teams. And I would say probably ninety percent of the people who came out there never played on those fields before.

I brought in five teams and all these new faces. People made instant friendships. It’s like a huge family out there; it’s crazy how we all connected. So then the county closed the fields in November, so we came back in January. And I could have Co-ed, Women’s, and Men’s.

ER: Break it down for our readers, the number of teams you have.

Kelly: We’ve got six teams for Co-ed, and then four teams for Men. And it has been so much fun out there. You can choose any night you would like to play. And no matter what, you’re going to play.

I decided before I even did this league; I wanted to make it into a non-profit. So we as adults can be mentors to our younger athletes. After you leave high school, maybe you will not go off to college and play. Maybe, you know, you don’t want to go to some university. But you can still continue to play the sport you love. But also, we want to give back. So, over the weekend, I did a two-day tournament. It was Co-ed on Saturday; Men’s was on Sunday. Six teams Saturday, five teams Sunday. And we raised $2,200 to give back to youth softball.

ER: To Miss Englewood Stingrays, right?

Kelly: Yes. Correct.

ER: That’s such a powerful mission.

Kelly: I try to do little things like that. I will collect items to donate to them. I’ll go out to the thrift stores and find items to donate to them. Whatever they need. Because my daughter, she’s twelve. So she plays, she just started playing fast-pitch. She’s been playing baseball.

ER: That’s terrific. What is your message for our readers or anyone interested in participating?

Kelly: Don’t be afraid to come out and play. I know it’s nerve-wracking to meet new people sometimes and play something that you’ve never played, but we’re all out there to have fun. 

We’re out there to teach you the game. We have a lot of different skill levels. I mean, we have people that are eighteen out there to seventy. And we’ve got father and son, we’ve got father and daughter, we’ve got mom and daughter. I mean, it is a huge family and don’t be afraid to come out there because you don’t know anybody. We are all welcoming. We will teach you. We will guide you. We’ll make you better at the sport. You don’t have to be nervous with us. We just go out there, have fun, raise money for the kids, and still we’re able to go out and have fun and get exercise and just play.

ER: Thank you for your hard work for the community, and we’re proud to share your story, Kelly.

Kelly: Thank you!

For information go to https://sportsplus.app/public/6518/schedule or check out their Facebook page Englewood Adult Softball League, Inc.

The post A League of Their Own: Englewood’s Women’s Softball Takes Center Stage appeared first on Englewood Review.

“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to work alongside Sarasota County in hosting this premier NCAA Division I softball event,” said Nathan Wooldridge, Vice President of Peak Events. “We pride ourselves on providing an unmatched student-athlete and fan experience with a proven track record in hosting the nation’s top early-season NCAA Division I baseball events, and this will be no exception. Combined with great teams and the beautiful setting of Sarasota,  we hope to make this the primary early-season destination for the country’s best programs. This will be the #BestOutsideOfOKC!”

The 2027 Sarasota Classic will host 15 games over four days of play at the 17th Street Regional Sports Complex, which is currently under construction and scheduled to open in December 2026. Four games will be held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, then three on Sunday. All games will be held at the facility’s championship field.

Information about the complete game schedule, tickets, broadcasts, and other details will be revealed at a later date.

“Hosting the Sarasota College Softball Classic at the new 17th Street Park Regional Sports Complex reflects Sarasota County’s strategic investment in sports tourism,” said Nicole Rissler, Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Director. “This tournament will not only bring elite collegiate competition to Sarasota County, but will also create opportunities for residents, families, and young athletes to experience a world-class sports facility right here at home. We look forward to partnering with Peak Events to produce an exciting event in 2027.”

For more on tickets and other tournament information, please follow the Sarasota College Softball Classic on X, Instagram, and Facebook at @SarasotaClassic or visit www.peak.events.

For partnership information, contact Connor Richey at connor@peak.events.

The post Sarasota College Softball Classic Launches in 2027 appeared first on Englewood Review.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission program has seen a sharp increase in involvement since launching Adult Length and Youth Length and Youth All-Tackle categories in 2024. The expansion opened the door for anglers of all ages to compete for official recognition.

Adult anglers accounted for six approved records in 2025, including a new yellow jack All-Tackle record weighing 27.6 pounds. The fish was taken by spearfishing angler Nathanial Campbell.

Watson Eugene Wilson and Renee Knight both set Adult Length records during the year with a 38.75-inch red drum and a 36-inch snook, respectively. Late in the year, Carl Caradonna submitted a 40-inch snook to claim the Adult Length snook record. Additional All-Tackle records were set by Billy Ray Pierce with a 6.74-pound red porgy and Joel Hierholzer with a 9.56-pound Atlantic bonito.

Youth anglers once again took center stage, earning 12 records in 2025. Veteran record holder Julia Bernstein led the group with five records. She claimed the Youth Length record for permit and Youth All-Tackle records for vermilion snapper, crevalle jack, blackfin tuna and mutton snapper.

Bernstein’s mutton snapper record was broken a few months later by Jeremiah Pelequin II, who landed a 15.7-pound fish.

The Youth All-Tackle spotted seatrout record was set early in the year by Cash Ward with a 3.49-pound fish before being surpassed in December by Chase Curry with a 3.7-pound catch.

Other youth anglers earning Youth All-Tackle records included Theo Zellers with a 3.98-pound sheepshead, Harrison Farshid with a 5.4-pound black sea bass, Carson Atcheson with an 18.4-pound tripletail and Brandon Canedy with a 3.31-pound Spanish mackerel.

“It has been so exciting to see anglers of all ages taking advantage of these opportunities in the Fishing Capital of the World,” said Jessica McCawley, director of the Division of Marine Fisheries Management. “The participation we have seen from both adults and youth setting these records and engaging in our angler recognition programs really emphasize the passion Florida has for fishing.”

Despite the strong year, opportunities remain for anglers with two Adult Length record vacancies and several Youth All-Tackle categories still open.

Information on open categories, current records and program rules is available at CatchaFloridaMemory.com/Records. To qualify for a record, anglers must submit a completed application with a signature and notary stamp, along with digital or printed photographs showing the gear used, the angler with the catch, identifying views of the fish and required weight or length verification. Videos are accepted for Youth and Adult Length categories. Youth applications must be submitted within three months of the catch date.

FWC officials continue to encourage best fish handling practices, particularly for Length category submissions. Recommended techniques include using wet hands, keeping fingers away from eyes and gills, and keeping fish in the water during measurement or wetting the measuring device.

Additional fish handling guidelines are available at MyFWC.com/FishHandling and BonefishTarponTrust.org/Bonefish-Handling.

The post Another big year for Florida Saltwater State Records program in 2025 appeared first on Englewood Review.

The full-day championship, designated as a USA Swimming qualifying competition, is expected to draw nearly 240 collegiate athletes representing NCAA Divisions I, II, III and NAIA programs nationwide. The top five finishers in each gender will earn invitations to the USA Swimming 5K Open Water Championships, which will return to Sarasota County in April 2026.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for collegiate athletes to compete at a world-class venue,” Maureen Palchak, the CSCAA’s chief operating officer, said in an event announcement. Nate Sweetman, Visit Sarasota County sports marketing manager, said the championship highlights the region’s growing presence in endurance and aquatic sports. Bruce Patneaude, chief operating officer of Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy, said the park looks forward to welcoming the athletes and showcasing its open water course.

Races begin at 8:30 a.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle in Sarasota. Event leaders from CSCAA, Nathan Benderson Park and Visit Sarasota County will be on site throughout the day.

More information is available athttps://cscaa.org/open-water-championship

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The Manta Rays held off a late Bulldogs push, surviving a back-and-forth fourth quarter that kept the home crowd on its feet. Official stats showed Lemon Bay matching DeSoto County shot for shot, with the Bulldogs’ 66 points falling just short of forcing overtime.

The matchup also extended a streak that has tilted sharply in Lemon Bay’s favor. With Tuesday’s finish, the Manta Rays have now won seven straight over DeSoto County dating back to 2023.

Lemon Bay is scheduled to travel next to Gulf Coast HEAT on Tuesday, December 2 for a non-league matchup. Gulf Coast HEAT is coming off an 81–20 loss to Community School of Naples. The Lions hold a 1–3 record entering next week’s game.

Previous Matchups
November 25, 2025 – Away – 67–66 W
January 31, 2025 – Away – 59–48 W
December 17, 2024 – Home – 61–48 W
January 30, 2024 – Home – 70–41 W
November 21, 2023 – Away – 58–45 W

The post Manta Rays take the win in one-point thriller appeared first on Englewood Review.

The games are coordinated by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, Manatee County Sports and Leisure Services and the City of North Port Parks and Recreation. The first event, a 5K road race, will take place on January 17, 2026. Additional events will run from January 24 through February 21, 2026.

Competition categories include basketball shooting, cycling, pickleball, rowing and paddling, shuffleboard, swimming and table tennis, among others. Organizers aim to promote active living for older adults and provide a pathway to compete at local, state and national levels.

A one-time registration fee of 13 dollars includes an event shirt. Each event costs an additional 4 dollars, and some sports may require separate facility fees. Registration closes two weeks before each event, with the first deadline on January 3, 2026.

Participants can register by visiting bit.ly/gcgflregister, calling 941-861-7275 or mailing a printed form available in the Gulf Coast Games for Life guide at Sarasota County, Manatee County and City of North Port government buildings.

Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age group. The Gulf Coast Games for Life serve as a qualifying event for the 2026 Florida Senior Games, which will take place in December 2026. The top five finishers in each age division will qualify, except for target shooting and rowing and paddling, which are not included in the Florida Senior Games program.

For more information, call 311 or visit SarasotaCountyParks.com.

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Crystal Gil, vice president of the Englewood Area Athletic Association, announced that the 18 athletes and their coaches are preparing for the major competition and are seeking community support to help fund the trip.

The team’s travel costs include hotel accommodations, registration fees and participation in the Universal Studios Celebration Night, which is required as part of the event.

The Englewood Area Athletic Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible. Gil encouraged individuals and local businesses to reach out with contributions or fundraising ideas to help cover expenses.

“Let’s rally fast and get these girls everything they need to shine on the national stage,” Gil wrote. “Help us send them off in true Englewood style and hopefully bring that national title home once again.”

Please consider donating. Find contact on their website: englewoodcats.com/cheer.

Photo Credit: KELLY BAKI

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Tickets are available at GoFan.com, the official ticketing partner for Lemon Bay High School.

Lemon Bay is looking to regroup after a 42-22 loss to Estero last week, when the Manta Rays were outscored in every quarter. Still, running back Carlos Serrano stood out, rushing for 198 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 9.0 yards per carry. Serrano now averages 112 rushing yards per game on the season.

East Lee County continues to search for its first win of the year after a 42-0 loss to North Fort Myers, marking its seventh straight defeat. The Jaguars will try to turn things around against a Lemon Bay team that holds a 2-5 record. East Lee County sits at 0-7.

The two teams last met in November 2024, when East Lee County earned a 34-14 win. This time, the Jaguars will be without Lazaro Rogers, who rushed for 270 yards and three touchdowns in that matchup.

Fans can follow game updates and results on MaxPreps.com after Friday’s contest.

The post LBHS Manta Rays vs. East Lee County Jaguars at Home, Friday appeared first on Englewood Review.

The event will feature friendly competition with prizes for the winning team. Registration costs $5 per player. Participants will receive one raffle ticket for every shelf-stable food item donated. All collected items will support local food pantries.

“The Thanksgiving Pickleball Food Drive Tournament fosters a sense of community alongside fun competition,” said Tringali Park Coordinator Joele Kirkpatrick. “Our players get to do what they love and help local families in need at the same time. This event connects recreation with helping others, making each game a chance to help our neighbors over the holidays.”

The most needed food items include canned fruits and vegetables, boxed stuffing mix, instant mashed potatoes, canned gravy or gravy packets, cranberry sauce, canned soup or chili, canned tuna or chicken, shelf-stable milk or milk alternatives, breakfast cereal or oatmeal, granola bars or snack packs, baby food and formula.

Anyone wishing to donate food without participating in the tournament can drop off items at Tringali Park Recreation Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Registration opens October 15. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/PaddleForAPurpose25 or call 941-681-3742.

The post Thanksgiving Pickleball Tournament set for November 15 appeared first on Englewood Review.

This unique recreational opportunity is possible through successful conservation efforts by state and federal agencies over the past three decades that aided the goliath grouper population’s rebuilding. Permits to participate in this limited-entry harvest will be awarded by a random draw lottery. The cost to apply for the lottery is $10 plus fees, and permit lottery applications will be available online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. 

Details for this limited, highly regulated harvest include:

• Total recreational harvest of up to 200 goliath per year, with a maximum of 50 from Everglades National Park.
• A goliath harvest permit and tag, issued via a random-draw lottery ($150 for residents, $500 for nonresidents, plus fees) are required to participate. Permits and tags are nontransferable, and no exemptions apply.
• A limit of one fish per person per open season with a permit and tag.
• An open season from March 1 through May 31.
• Hook-and-line as the only allowable gear.
• A slot limit of 24-36 inches total length.
• Post-harvest requirements include proper application of the tag, reporting harvest data and submitting a fin clip for genetic analysis.
• Harvest will be permitted in all state waters except those of Martin County south through the Atlantic coast of the Keys, all of the St. Lucie River and its tributaries, and Dry Tortugas National Park.
• Harvest will continue to be prohibited in federal waters. 

This opportunity is intended to provide additional access to this fishery while balancing the values of various stakeholder groups. Adult goliath grouper will continue to be prohibited from harvest statewide, as well as goliath in heavy dive ecotourism areas. This limited harvest is not intended to address fishing depredation concerns. 

For more information about the goliath grouper harvest permit and details on the permit lottery and eligibility requirements, visit our Goliath Grouper Harvest Permit webpage.

For more information about goliath grouper regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations,” “Reef Fish” and “Goliath Grouper.

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