First, if you plan to spend time at the beach, you’ll want to remember that the beach restrooms are out of commission. Repairs are underway at Englewood Beach, so don’t expect a regular bathroom. There are portable toilets set up for now. If you need more info, Monty Rodriguez is your go-to: Monty.Rodriguez@CharlotteCountyFL.gov or 941-628-3956. Click here for more information. 

Over at Ann and Chuck Dever Regional Park, the public swimming pool stays closed for repairs and maintenance, and they’ve pushed the timeline back to July 1. Turns out there were more leaks and pump problems than they thought. You can track when it’ll reopen on the Charlotte County Parks & Recreation page.

Are you a fan of Pioneer Days? Are you looking for ways to get involved? The planning committee for Englewood’s Pioneer Days held their meeting at the Englewood Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, but it’s not too late to join.

Even if you missed the meeting, if you want to help shape this year’s festivities, or just see what’s in store, you can still jump in and be a part of the action. The friendly folks at the Englewood Chamber of Commerce welcome anyone interested in joining the effort. Click here for more information. 

Be sure to check out the Wildflowers Thursday Farmers Market. 

Catch the extended outdoor summer market hosted by Wildflowers Boho Chic Boutique at 353 W Dearborn Street. Running every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the end of July, this intimate gathering features a beautifully curated selection of local artisans, unique pottery, and bohemian trends alongside fresh farm produce before transitioning back to the larger October–May Englewood Farmers Market schedule.

The post Englewood Happenings: Limited Swimming, Limited Flushing, But Plenty of Pioneer Planning and Wildflowers Farmers Market appeared first on Englewood Review.

This is a big step. For months, Kelly and her group have protested with signs. Kelly filed a petition for an administrative hearing, taking on some powerful interests to force transparency and stand up for her community.

The Englewood REVIEW sat down with Kelly to make sense of the process, talk about what’s happening now, and to see what’s next.

First off, there’s an Order Granting Petition to Intervene. What does that mean?

“The Economic Stimulus Working Group’s attorney represents Pat Neal, who’s the sole member of ESWG. That group is responsible for this piece of the project, so they asked to intervene since this directly affects them on several fronts.”

Are there any hearings or events before September?

“The official hearings are set for September. I have a lot to do before then: preparing witnesses, gathering evidence, and submitting everything before we go to court.”

What do you expect in September? What would be a win?

“A win means no permit, no road. But more than that, I want to show how badly these developments are hurting people who already live here. Sarasota County keeps doing the bare minimum. They make decisions for new residents and more tax money, leaving the rest of us with the fallout. It’s infuriating. More development doesn’t mean better when it keeps making life worse for people already here.”

People keep saying the road is a “done deal.” What is your response?

“It frustrates me, especially when it’s family or friends. Instead of ‘good luck, you can do it,’ they just assume it’s over. But I’m not just complaining. There are real problems with this project. Last year, I told Spencer Anderson, ‘I’ll leave no stone unturned.’ This is about our livelihood, our quality of life for everyone. The wildlife, the barrier island beach is supposed to be protected, not jammed with 21,000 cars a day. My house is set back, so I’m not as directly affected as some, but this fight matters for all of us.”

What happens next? Walk us through the process.

“I’m doing all this pro se, on my own, so it’s not like I’m running a big legal operation. I might have someone with me at the hearing, but that’s not set. Right now, I’m focused on witnesses and evidence, lots of homework since I’ve never done anything like this before.”

How can people help?

“We’re holding a rally Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Manasota Beach Road and 776. Park at the retention pond, and if you can’t walk, we’ll get you there. Or just honk when you pass! Keep showing up to meetings, too. The next County Commissioner meetings are July 7th and 8th. Once the agendas are out, we’ll decide which one to attend.”

For information on this rally, click here.

Big picture, what can the community do to stop overbuilding like this in the future?

“Get involved and stay involved. It’s a lot of work—much more than I ever thought I’d do—but if not you, then who? Hold the commissioners accountable. Try to learn how the process works: public hearings, planning meetings. If nobody shows up, they won’t think about you at all.”

“I don’t like using the word ‘corruption,’ but a lot of legal things happening here still hurt us. Commissioners push through new codes and higher densities without caring about the impact. It’s obvious who’s ‘grandstanding’ for the developers. It makes you sick. Are there shady deals? Maybe, but ‘by your fruits you will know them.’ If the community keeps showing up, maybe they’ll see these projects as personal. Push for the commissioners to come to your street when a project’s being proposed. Make them remember you’re there. File public records requests. Let them know you’re watching and expect real representation.”

Kelly says, “Just because they can doesn’t mean they should. Commissioners like to say their hands are tied, but if they see favoritism or conflicts of interest, like the rest of us do, maybe it’ll force better decisions.”

Click here for more information on Oppose Manasota Beach Rd.

The Englewood REVIEW will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they happen.

The post Part 2: The $15 Million Roadblock—Local Activists Secure Major Victory Over Manasota Beach Extension appeared first on Englewood Review.

All afternoon, you could hear the helicopter sweeping overhead, carrying water in its Bambi bucket from a nearby pond and dropping it onto the flames. Firefighters in brush trucks pushed their way deeper into the fire zone, joining crews from all over the region. Everyone was up against the same obstacle: relentless dry conditions.

As of 1:50 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the Florida Forest Service said the fire had burned through 850 acres, and they’d contained 90% of it. That sounds like positive news, but with how dry the area’s been since last October, and barely any rain in sight, it’s difficult for everyone in the Southwest Florida area. The burn ban hasn’t let up, and the drought index keeps climbing.

Some firefighting teams attacked the flames directly, while others dug containment lines to keep the fire from spreading. Smoke drifted through the air all afternoon, making it feel as if the fire was never far away. Fire officials admitted that the dry conditions made it a stubborn blaze. There was no shortage of effort, as the North Port Fire Department coordinated a response that brought in crews from several agencies. 

The drought continues to test everyone, but the fight isn’t slowing down.

The post Smoke Swirls Over I-75 as Fire Crews Battle Stubborn Southwest Florida Wildfires appeared first on Englewood Review.

Expect high temperatures between 92 and 95 degrees, whether you’re inland or along the coast. The humidity isn’t backing off, so the air will feel stiflingly hot, well over 100 degrees for most of the day.

Afternoon and evening storms are in the mix, too. These aren’t all-day washouts, but those scattered thunderstorms should bubble up inland and then drift toward the coast, sometimes unloading heavy rain in a quick burst.

Sun exposure is dangerous under these conditions. The UV Index will hit extreme levels, with numbers around 13, so skin can burn fast if you’re outside without protection.

Because the mix of heat and humidity makes heat exhaustion and heat stroke a real risk, expect the National Weather Service to issue Heat Advisories for the weekend. Don’t brush these off; take the warnings seriously and look out for yourself and anyone else stuck in this heat.

Tips for Beating the Heat

Surviving Florida’s brutal heat isn’t just about comfort; it’s about staying safe. 

Start with water. 

Don’t wait until you’re thirsty; sip water all day. Skip the sodas, coffee, and alcohol; they just make dehydration worse.

Stick to light, loose clothing, and go for pale colors that reflect the sun. 

A wide-brimmed hat helps shield your face, and if you’re heading out, use sunscreen, at least SPF 30. Plan anything strenuous for early morning or after sunset, when the sun isn’t so unforgiving. Between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., the outside heat can do actual harm. If you have to be outdoors, rest often in the shade, and cool off with a damp cloth around your neck or wrists.

While inside, don’t let the sun bake your living space. 

Shut the blinds or curtains during the day. If you lose power or your place is too hot, find somewhere air-conditioned, like a mall, library, or movie theater. Never leave kids or pets in parked cars, even for a minute.

Take care of your animals, too. 

Make sure they always have cool water and a shady spot, and check pavement before walks, as it gets hot enough to burn paws.

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion.

Signs to look for are heavy sweating, muscle cramps, pale skin, nausea, and dizziness. Move quickly to a cooler spot and use wet cloths to lower body temperature. If someone has a high fever (above 103°F), flushed or dry skin, a rapid pulse, confusion, or loses consciousness, that’s heat stroke. Call 911 immediately. Don’t take chances with the heat.

You can check Know your risk by checking out www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk for rolling updates on the exact local danger level in your specific ZIP code.

The post Southwest Florida Braces for Brutal 111-Degree Heatwave: Key Survival Tips appeared first on Englewood Review.

From Tuesday, June 23 through Friday, June 26, their team will plant 600 native wetland plants in the Sandalhaven Creek bed at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve. These plants will help restore the ecosystem, clean the water, stabilize the creek banks, and provide much-needed habitats for local wildlife.

Whether you can join them for just a few hours or come out every day, every bit of help makes a real difference at Wildflower Preserve.

Volunteer shifts are available from 7 to 9 a.m. or 9 to 11 a.m. Bring mud boots or waders, closed-toe shoes, gloves, eye protection, lots of water, sunscreen, and bug spray. It’s Florida in June; it’s hot, and you will get wet and muddy, so plan accordingly.

They will provide tools, planting instructions, and some light snacks to keep you going. You don’t need any planting experience, as their excellent team will walk you through every step right there on site.

At Lemon Bay Conservancy, they work to protect the wildlife and natural beauty of Lemon Bay, Gasparilla Sound, and their watersheds. That means preserving land, improving water quality, teaching the community about the environment, and standing up for responsible conservation.

If you’d like to pitch in, just email Chad@LemonBayConservancy.org to pick your day and shift, or call 941-830-4888 if you need more information. The Lemon Bay Conservancy hopes you’ll join the effort. 

Click here to visit their website.

The post Water You Waiting For? The Lemon Bay Conservancy Needs Volunteers appeared first on Englewood Review.

That’s something the Conservancy of Southwest Florida faces frequently during this season. When possible, they’ll place songbird species together, letting them teach each other how to eat, fly, and figure out the wild world before they set them free again.

Right now, their hospital contains many vulnerable patients who need your help. From June 7 to 21, 2026, they’re running a virtual “baby shower” for wildlife care. Every spring, the longer days and warmer weather spark a rush of newborn wild animals, and that means their team is busy, sometimes admitting nearly 100 helpless babies each week. Most arrived because of encounters with humans, whether from habitat loss, development, or other hazards.

This year, you can join their wildlife baby shower online. They’re not accepting gifts in person, but you can help directly through their Amazon Wishlist or by making a donation. Every wishlist purchase that includes your information earns you a chance to win a Conservancy family membership.

These animals arrive every single week, with over 100 babies needing urgent care. Want to make a difference? Click here for the link and see all the ways you can support this amazing wildlife hospital.

The post Mockingbirds of a Feather Bond Together: Virtual Baby Shower Kicks Off for Solo Chicks at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida appeared first on Englewood Review.

Lemon Bay Playhouse is casting for the 2026-2027 season opener:

Step back into 1948 Newport, Rhode Island. The air is thick with romance, laughter, and just enough mischief to make things interesting. This sharp comedy centers on a young novelist eager to meet the muse behind his bestselling novel, only to stumble into chaos, mistaken identities, backstage scheming, oversized egos, and an unexpected romance or two. If you love quick banter and bold characters, you’ll feel right at home in this playful tribute to the magic of theater and the stories we tell.

“Theatre People, or The Angel Next Door”

By Paul Slade Smith 
Directed by Ric Goodwin
Auditions: June 28 & 29, 2026, at 7 p.m. 
Location: Lemon Bay Playhouse, 96 W. Dearborn Street, Englewood

Characters
Charlotte Sanders (Female, late 50s–70s) 
Renowned Broadway playwright. She’s spry, clever, and always a few steps ahead.
Arthur Sanders (Male, late 50s–70s) 
Charlotte’s husband and creative partner. He’s the lovable pessimist—sharp, funny, and never short on one-liners.
Oliver Adams (Male, early to mid-20s) 
A gifted young novelist, full of heart and imagination. Earnest, romantic, and sometimes lost in his own daydreams.
Olga (Female, 40s–70s) 
The enigmatic servant with roots in “the Old Country.” She’s imposing, hilarious, and grabs attention wherever she goes.
Margot Bell (Female, late 20s–early 30s) 
Broadway star—beautiful, talented, but much smarter than she’s often given credit for.
Victor Pratt (Male, 30s–40s) 
Classic leading man. Confident, dashing, totally oblivious to his own overblown ego.

Audition Requirements
No monologue needed, just come ready to read from the script. Whether you’re comfortable in the spotlight or brand new to the stage, this cast is a chance to jump into a warm, riotous comedy with great people.
The show runs September 2–20, 2026.

Questions? Call the Box Office at 941-475-6756.
Click here for their website for more information.

The post Unleash Your Inner Angel (or Theatrical Diva): Lemon Bay Playhouse is Casting for the Season Opener appeared first on Englewood Review.

Development in Englewood always stirs up debate, and last week, the “Oppose Manasota Beach Road” group found themselves busier than ever.

On June 16, Sarasota County held a public comment session about the $15 million Manasota Beach Road Extension Project. Concerned residents turned out in droves, and flooding dominated the conversation. The area already deals with heavy stormwater. Residents worry that this new road will only make things worse.

But the debate isn’t just happening at meetings. Kelly Bauman, a local resident, took things further. She filed for a formal administrative hearing with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The agency agreed the complaint deserved a closer look, and now the case heads to a state hearing officer.

“We weren’t warned, we weren’t contacted—we found out about this project late in the game,” Bauman said. She used the chance to urge more neighbors to speak up.

Frustrated residents have been pressing developers, saying the project risks changing the soul of their Gulf Coast town for the sake of giving Wellen Park residents easier beach access. 

This week, there’s news to share. On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Bauman gave this update: “Here we are. How did we get here? Diligence, digging, support, and prayer. When I sent off the response this morning, I asked everyone in our group and my family to pray. We just want things done right. With the SWFWMD, we want people to understand the impacts we believe we’ll feel.”

They’ve kept at it, not backing down and not accepting “no” for an answer. The persistence paid off. Bauman says, “Within 20 minutes, we got a response from the DOAH announcing hearing dates! I was shocked and excited. I’m grateful. It’s refreshing not to be shut down.”

The administrative hearing will run from September 21 to 23 and again on September 25, 2026, starting each day at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

For Bauman and the Oppose Manasota Beach Rd. group, it’s a rare bit of optimism. “Imagine a year of this, of not feeling heard. Now, at least at this stage, the judge seems to want to let citizens have their say. I hope this inspires more people to dig in and get involved, especially when their quality of life is on the line.”

Note: This is the first of a two-part story. The Englewood REVIEW will publish the concluding segment on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

For more information about Oppose Manasota Beach Rd. click here.

The post Advocacy Pays Off: Englewood Residents Secure Hearing Dates in Fight Over Manasota Beach Road Project appeared first on Englewood Review.

Saharan dust forms over the Sahara Desert, rising high into the atmosphere when strong winds pick up. Once it’s airborne, those same winds carry the dust west across the ocean, right into the main storm-brewing zone. The effect? Tropical systems struggle to organize. Instead of the moist, unstable air hurricanes love, they run into a wall of dryness and stronger winds, hardly ideal for storm building.

Think of hurricane formation like following a recipe. You need warm ocean waters, deep tropical moisture, and gentle winds to mix it all together. Saharan dust is the spoiler. It dries out the atmosphere, chokes off thunderstorm growth, and cranks up the wind shear, breaking apart young storms before they even get going.

This doesn’t mean hurricanes are impossible. Powerful storms can still sneak through if the conditions tip back in their favor. But on the whole, this dust layer acts like a shield, giving the Atlantic a break from the constant churn of tropical threats. At the moment, conditions look quiet, with nothing major brewing. Saharan dust isn’t a guarantee, but right now, it stands between us and the next big hurricane.

The post Saharan Dust Storm Leaves Atlantic Hurricanes High and Dry appeared first on Englewood Review.

Busy professionals know the trick isn’t doing more; it’s working smarter. The real gain comes from shaving off those tiny time leaks and automating the grunt work that clogs up your day. Set up your workspace with sharp hardware and AI-powered software, and suddenly, you’ve got hours back to focus where it counts.

Essential Hardware Upgrades

The right gear isn’t just about comfort; it saves your energy and keeps your head clear.

Start with an ergonomic mouse and keyboard. Get something like the Logitech MX Master series; your wrists will thank you, and the handy thumb wheels and gesture controls let you flip between apps and tabs fast, with no wasted movement.

Upgrade your display, too. Working on a dual-monitor setup or an ultrawide screen means you can align reference documents next to your main work. No more constant minimizing or dragging windows around; just seamless multitasking.

Noise-canceling headsets are a lifesaver, especially in open offices or homes that never quiet down. Pick one with solid active noise canceling and AI noise suppression, so calls come through clearly no matter what’s going on in the background.

Productivity-Boosting Software

Software should feel like an extension of your own brain, not an extra chore.

Try AI meeting assistants such as Otter.ai or Fireflies.ai. They link up with your calendar, hop into your virtual meetings, and handle note-taking for you, transcribing conversations and sending you action steps automatically.

Smart calendars just wipe away scheduling hassle. Apps like Reclaim.ai or Motion slot in tasks, routines, and deep work sessions around your existing meetings, so your calendar runs itself while you focus on actual work.

All-in-one workspaces like Notion or ClickUp corral everything: projects, notes, daily checklists, into one digital hub. Instead of digging through old emails or scattered docs, you find everything with a single search.

Actionable Tech Hacks

You don’t have to be a coder to speed things up with tech.

Memorize a set of go-to keyboard shortcuts. Simple combos—think Alt+Tab to switch apps or Ctrl+C/Ctrl+V for copy and paste—add up, slicing away those micro-delays that waste hours every month.

Start using voice-to-text dictation. Speaking an email or a note is just faster than typing, and tools like built-in Mac Dictation or AI voice widgets make it a breeze.

Finally, protect your focus. Switch your messaging apps to ‘Do Not Disturb’ automatically during deep work blocks. You’ll block out interruptions and keep your attention where it matters, not splintered by every new ping.

With the right tech supporting you, your workday works for you, not the other way around.

The post Hardware Over Hard Work: Must-Have Tech Hacks and Tools for Busy Professionals appeared first on Englewood Review.