Hunters, anglers, and campers get a big win: a four-month sales tax holiday runs from September through December, covering ammo, firearms, fishing gear, and camping supplies. There’s no price limit on ammunition. Homeowners can apply for sales tax refunds on hurricane-proof doors and windows all the way through June 2029.

If you visit the vet after July 1, they have to tell you that you’re free to get your pet’s prescription filled at any pharmacy you like. Pet dealers now face stricter rules, too. Before you buy, they must spell out all the financing details and provide the animal’s veterinary records. And if you discover your new pet is sick, the law lets you walk away from those financing agreements penalty-free.

Local governments can’t ban gas-powered lawn equipment anymore. A new agriculture law does something specific: It bans sex offenders convicted of crimes against children from living within 1,000 feet of a public swimming pool.

Several laws have a direct impact on people’s lives. Domestic violence victims can now receive up to $2,500 to help them move, up from $1,500, and judges can factor in threats against family pets when granting protective orders. Data centers can’t push their electricity costs onto regular folks and small business owners. The law also blocks utilities from serving data centers tied to countries the state considers security concerns.

Even the state’s geography changes a bit. Palm Beach International Airport gets a new title: President Donald J. Trump International Airport. And 124 miles of SR-80, stretching across the state, now go by “President Donald J. Trump Highway.” In Tallahassee, the airport honors longtime Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden.

For students with disabilities, there’s a new path to a diploma: one year of Special Olympics counts as P.E. credit. Two years in marching band now covers both your P.E. and performing arts credits.

On the environmental front, state and local governments can’t enforce net-zero greenhouse gas policies or impose carbon taxes.

Most of these laws take effect on July 1, but with a handful of bills still on the governor’s desk, this list might keep growing. So far this year, Governor Ron DeSantis has signed over 100 new pieces of legislation into law, and the changes will ripple out across Florida, big and small.

To see all the new laws, click here.

The post Florida Rolls Out 87 New Laws on July 1 Featuring Massive Tax Breaks for Outdoorsmen and Homeowners appeared first on Englewood Review.

Sam Beam’s story started back in South Carolina, where he was a film professor messing around with homemade recordings. He caught the attention of Sub Pop Records, and soon Iron & Wine hit the scene with “The Creek Drank the Cradle” in 2002. That debut didn’t just impress critics; it captured a big audience, launching Beam as a leader in indie folk and Americana. For over two decades, his music, full of vivid snapshots and emotional depth, has drawn listeners in. The Iron & Wine catalog is impressive, featuring seven studio albums, collaborations with Calexico, Ben Bridwell (Band of Horses), Jesca Hoop, and a seemingly endless stream of EPs, singles, compilations, soundtracks, and even a live concert documentary.

Lindsey Ferrentino has made her mark in theater and film. She just bounced back to Broadway with “The Fear of 13,” starring Adrien Brody, her second Broadway show this season. She originally made her Broadway debut as the book writer for “The Queen of Versailles” with Kristin Chenoweth. Ferrentino packs her résumé with standout plays; “The Fear of 13” (Olivier Award-nominated in London), “Ugly Lies the Bone” (a New York Times Critic’s Pick that traveled to London’s National Theatre), and “Amy and the Orphans” (Roundabout). She’s currently adapting “Amy and the Orphans” for film and bringing Rebecca Yarros’ “In the Likely Event” to Netflix. Variety named her among their “Broadway Stars to Watch” for 2025.

“We are excited to welcome audiences back to the Hermitage Beach for what promises to be a memorable evening with the talents of Sam Beam and Lindsey Ferrentino,” said Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg. “This iconic beachfront remains an unparalleled venue to introduce our community to some of the world’s leading artists, and we are thrilled to have Sam and Lindsey sharing their work and insight with our Hermitage audience.”

Both Beam and Ferrentino are absolutely at the peak of their fields. Flood Magazine calls Beam’s latest album, “Hen’s Teeth,” “a quiet, sudden revelation.” Ferrentino’s “Ugly Lies the Bone” was a hit with critics and audiences alike, racking up over a hundred productions worldwide. Variety points out her “moral conscience second to none among her generation of playwrights.” On June 22, the audience gets to delve into both artists’ creative worlds and see how theater and music connect on Hermitage Beach, Manasota Key.

Hermitage programs welcome everyone, with just a $5 registration fee per person. Gulf Coast audiences get rare access to top talent, and the events usually last about an hour. Spots are limited, so head over to HermitageArtistRetreat.org to reserve your seat.

The post Where the Waves Meet the Words: Catch Iron & Wine’s Sam Beam and Playwright Lindsey Ferrentino at the Hermitage Retreat appeared first on Englewood Review.

The panther is on the Endangered Species list, but that label hasn’t stopped developers from tearing up the landscape. The cats don’t have enough truly protected ground to survive, and that’s pushing them closer to the edge. Nearly a third of South Florida’s forests vanished since the 1930s, replaced by rows of houses and fields. And as the land fragments, the panther’s odds of making a comeback shrink.

This is even more disturbing as we learn the news that Florida lawmakers just cut all new funding for Florida Forever, the state’s leading land conservation program, for the upcoming year. Three years ago, they promised at least $100 million annually. Now, they’re set to vote on a budget that breaks that promise, leaving the program empty-handed.

It wasn’t always so grim. Florida panthers once roamed as far west as Louisiana and blanketed much of the Southeast. Now, almost every breeding panther lives south of the Caloosahatchee River. The best science, particularly from biologists like Kautz and his colleagues, marks Collier, Lee, and Hendry counties as the “Primary Zone,” the last stronghold. If these lands disappear, so do the panthers.

Groups like the Conservancy of Southwest Florida keep fighting to protect these last key areas. They push back against projects like Rural Lands West, a sprawling 4,100-acre development planned for the heart of panther territory, insisting new growth moves outside the core habitats that panthers need most.

Connecting these isolated scraps of wild land matters. Panthers need space, and development keeps squeezing them into smaller pockets. They end up cut off by roads and neighborhoods. For the population to spread north and grow, wildlife corridors must link these isolated “islands” of habitat. But roads can be deadly. Each year, cars kill a heartbreaking number of panthers as they try to cross highways that slice up their territory. Smarter road designs and new corridors can give them a fighting chance, letting them move safely and helping keep their populations alive.

Then there’s intraspecific aggression, territorial fights between panthers themselves. When habitats shrink, panthers crowd together. Males need about 200 square miles; females, about 75. When they’re boxed in, fights break out, and the weaker cats don’t survive. Protecting large, connected habitats eases this pressure, cutting down on deadly clashes.

Back in 2017, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service started a review of the panther’s status, looking at the latest research to decide whether the animal should stay listed as Endangered. Downlisting or delisting could strip protections, while relisting as a “Distinct Population Segment” brings new debates. But given what the panther is up against, shrinking habitats, rising populations, more roads, and increasing isolation, keeping it listed as Endangered feels necessary.

Florida panthers have shaped these ecosystems for thousands of years. They’re more than symbols; they’re part of the landscape. Picked as the state mammal by Florida students in 1982, the panther’s fight for survival is the fight for Florida’s wild future. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, along with its partners, is determined to keep that future alive, pushing for top-level protections so these cats can keep prowling Florida’s wildlands for generations to come.

For more information, contact The Conservancy of Southwest Florida at conservancy.org.

The post Racing Against Time: How the Endangered Florida Panther is Fueling the Fight to Save Southwest Florida’s Wild Spaces appeared first on Englewood Review.

Your Pet’s Hurricane Go-Bag

Start by putting together an emergency go-bag. Gather enough food and water for at least a week to ten days. That’s one gallon of water per pet per day, and don’t forget sealed, non-perishable food. Medications are easy to overlook in a rush, so pack at least two weeks’ worth, sealed in something waterproof. You’ll also need printed vaccine records and that all-important rabies certificate. Many pet-friendly shelters won’t let you in without proof.

Don’t stop there. Toss in a few comfort items, maybe your pet’s favorite blanket or toy. Include travel bowls, something for cleaning up, and if you have a cat, litter and a portable pan. Having these little touches can help your animal stay calm in chaos.

ID is critical. Register your pet’s microchip and keep your contact information current. Check that collar, too. The ID tag needs your current cell number. Slip a recent photo of you with your pet into the go-bag; it makes reunions much easier if you get separated.

Know your shelter options before the storm. Public shelters and pet-friendly hotels fill up in a hurry. Print a list of nearby boarding places, hotels, and vets outside your area. Don’t wait to look these up at the last minute. Most shelters insist you bring your own crate or carrier. It is first-come, first-served and vaccination records are non-negotiable.

Before the storm hits, bring your pets inside early. Get them to a safe spot without windows. If you need to leave in a hurry, have a carrier and a slip leash ready where you can grab them. Always check the latest list of open shelters from the county’s emergency management office or the state disaster guide as the storm approaches.

Never leave animals behind when there’s an evacuation order. Your pets depend on you to make these calls and keep them safe.

The post From Scales to Tails: How to Pack the Perfect Go-Bag for Your Furry Friends appeared first on Englewood Review.

As 2026’s hurricane season approaches, homeowners in Florida are facing new insurance rules and tighter timelines for filing claims. The market itself is changing, and so are the laws, which means you’ve got to stay sharp to protect your investment.

Experts advise that simply adding physical safeguards like window shutters isn’t enough. The emphasis is on prevention and getting ahead of issues before trouble hits. 

Florida now boasts approximately 25 reputable home insurers. That’s a far cry from just a few years ago, when renewal letters meant bracing for a 50%, 60%, or even 100% rate hike, with no better options. This shift brings a real chance for the 15–20% of Florida homeowners who still don’t carry insurance. 

There’s a catch, though; jumping into coverage right before hurricane season can cost you. Insurers often freeze new policies when severe weather threatens, so late sign-ups face higher premiums or even outright denial.

If you have to file a claim, new state laws tilt the process in favor of insurers, which has helped lure more companies back to Florida. Now, homeowners only have one year to file a claim; that used to be two. And insurers must respond, either pay or deny, within 60 days, down from the previous 90, so the process moves faster on both sides.

The post Florida Homeowners Navigate New Insurance Rules Ahead of 2026 Hurricane Season appeared first on Englewood Review.

Right now, NWS meteorologists are teaming up before hurricane season gets serious. Their goal? To help Floridians understand what it really takes to get ready, stay safe, and recover after a storm. They want to meet you where you are, no matter your stage of life or where you call home.

Living in Florida means you have to be tropical-weather ready. The NWS is offering three virtual training sessions each day, open to everyone. All you need is a phone or a computer. These sessions will walk you through the most important weather forecasts and products, teach you how to interpret them, and show you how to turn that knowledge into smart decisions for you and your loved ones.

Training is free. Anyone can sign up, but you need to register ahead of time. Each session can host up to 1,000 people, and with three time slots available daily, it’s easy to find a session that fits your schedule. The information is Florida-focused, featuring resources from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, but honestly, most of what you’ll learn helps anyone in the path of hurricanes.

Here’s how it works: Pick your sessions below and register using the provided links. After you register, you’ll get a confirmation email with the Google Meet link and add it to your calendar. The hosts will also send you reminder emails as training week approaches.

Day 1 – July 27: Getting Ready – Register Here
Day 2 – July 28: Hunker Down – Register Here
Day 3 – July 29: Post Storm Safety – Register Here
Day 4 – July 30: Lessons Learned & Panel Discussion with NHC and FDEM- Register Here

Each session lasts about an hour and starts at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., or 7 p.m. EDT (that’s 10 a.m., 12 p.m., or 6 p.m. for those on CDT). They will mute everyone during the presentation, but you can drop your questions into the Q&A tool or send them ahead of time using this Google Form. The team will get back to you during the week, or follow up later by email if needed.

At the end of each session, you’ll see a certificate you can screenshot as proof of attendance. Need a certificate with your name on it? Fill out this Google Form Request after the training, and give us up to a week to send it your way.

Don’t miss your shot to get up to speed before hurricane season ramps up. Register, join us online, and get ready to weather the storms like a pro.

The post Florida Tropical Training Week to Equip Residents with Expert Hurricane Preparedness Strategies appeared first on Englewood Review.

Last summer, the Champ’s Café Summer Feeding Program served nearly 50,000 meals. This year, the team is picking up where they left off, following federal guidelines to keep nutritious food on the table for local kids through the summer.

There’s something new this summer, a 7-day bulk meal pickup. It’s a game-changer for busy families: grab a week’s worth of breakfast and lunch in one go at designated locations.

Meals are available through walk-in service at schools, libraries, mobile feeding stops, and bulk pickup sites so families all over Charlotte County can find a convenient option.

“Summer meal programs are an important part of our commitment to supporting student well-being beyond the classroom,” Superintendent Mark Vianello said. “With these seasonal services, we’re making sure kids across Charlotte County can count on a healthy meal, even when school’s out.”

Here are the details on locations and how they’ll serve:

Champ’s on Wheels Mobile Feeding Bus Stops:

Monday to Friday, with some changes in June. Lunch stops include Port Charlotte Library (10:30–11:00 a.m., no service Mondays), Mid-County Library (11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.), and Hampton Point Apartments (12:30–1:00 p.m.).

Neil Armstrong Elementary, Charlotte High, Myakka River Elementary, and Port Charlotte High:

Breakfast and lunch are available Monday through Thursday in June. No service on Fridays in June.

Meadow Park:

Starting June 3, serving breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, including all Fridays in June.

Baker Center:

Kicks off June 1, with breakfast and lunch available Monday through Thursday, plus Friday service on June 5 and 12.

Rural Non-Congregate Bulk Sites (NEW 7-Day Meal Pickup Option):

Families can pick up a week’s supply of breakfasts and lunches at set neighborhood spots from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Mondays at Alfred & Jones Loop Road, Tuesdays at the Charlotte Fairgrounds.

No meal service on Friday, July 3.Different sites keep different hours, so families should check the Champ’s Café Summer Feeding website for the latest schedules and more information, or click here for more information.

The post Charlotte County Public Schools Rolls Out “Fueling Champions” to Provide Free Summer Meals for Kids 18 and Under appeared first on Englewood Review.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers stepped in, with backup from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Cape Coral Police, and rescued him. They rushed the manatee to ZooTampa for treatment, where veterinarians could finally give it the help it needed.

Florida manatees face a tough battle for survival, surrounded by threats from both nature and people. The biggest danger is boat collisions. Speeding watercraft often hit these slow-moving animals, leaving them injured or dead. Separately, decades of water pollution have wiped out huge sections of seagrass, their primary food source, which leaves manatees hungry and weak.

Even as spring comes around, cold stress remains a serious problem. Manatees don’t have enough body fat to withstand sudden drops in water temperature, making these chills deadly. Pollution adds insult to injury. Toxic runoff and harmful algal blooms, like the dreaded red tide, poison the water and their food, and trigger fatal respiratory issues.

Then there’s marine debris. Abandoned fishing lines, trap wires, and random plastics litter the waterways. Manatees often get tangled up, injured, or worse, lose limbs. Unnatural traps turn up too. Sometimes manatees end up stuck in floodgates, storm drains, or water control structures, putting them in even more danger.

If you see a sick, injured, or dead manatee, don’t wait. Call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: 1-888-404-FWCC (3922). Every report helps keep these animals alive.

The post Rescuers Save Stranded, Injured Manatee at Captiva’s Tween Waters Marina for Urgent Care at ZooTampa appeared first on Englewood Review.

Venice, Florida stood out, as its Hurricane and Home Expo drew a sizable crowd at the Venice Community Center. The event ran from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days, packed with over 50 vendors offering tips on home improvement, landscaping, and storm recovery. They handed out giveaways, hosted expert presentations, and even held raffles for generators and weather radios.

Meteorologist Matt Devitt was a highlight that drew an enormous amount of support. He spent Saturday sharing hurricane season predictions, focusing especially on storm surge and the impact of wind direction. He encouraged everyone to come out, chat, and get prepared, and his energy really brought the event to life.

The Venice expo is a public service aimed at helping locals get ready for whatever the season brings. Admission was free, and the lineup included federal, state, county, and city groups, plus nonprofits and businesses specializing in storm prep and recovery.

Each speaker dove into lessons from past hurricanes, details on what emergency services and city departments do during a storm, myths and misunderstandings, and practical advice for what to do before and after a hurricane. They talked about flooding, stormwater management, evacuation centers, and even how county transportation plays a role.

Don’t worry if you missed any of the hurricane expos, as each county has multiple resources and hurricane education and preparedness programs. 

The post ‘No Hype, Just the Facts’ at Venice Hurricane and Home Expo as Meteorologist, Matt Devitt, Discusses the 2026 Hurricane Season appeared first on Englewood Review.

Spring always brings a rush of babies to their hospital. As days grow longer and temperatures rise, wildlife enters breeding season, and the hospital admits close to 100 young animals every week. Many arrive because human activity, like development and habitat loss, leaves them vulnerable and injured.

The Conservancy is hosting its annual Wildlife Baby Shower online from June 7 to June 21, 2026. Everything’s virtual this year. If you want to help, head to their Amazon Wishlist and make a purchase, or donate directly. Each donation helps the most fragile patients. 

If you buy from their wish list and include your information, you will enter the raffle for a family membership with the Conservancy. Every bit of support counts.

Click here for more information about The Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

The post Owl’s Well That Ends Well: Tiny Screech Owlet Treated for Sore Feet in Heartwarming Wildlife Rescue appeared first on Englewood Review.