Business Support
If you are in business, starting a business or interested in growing your business, join SCORE Port Charlotte on Friday, October 29 from 9 to 11am on a drop-in basis at SCORE Port Charlotte 318, 1777 Tamiami Trail, Suite 411, Port Charlotte. No appointment is needed to stop by and meet Certified Business Mentors in a casual environment. SCORE is a free program under the Small Business Administration to help small businesses start and thrive. For questions, call 743•6179.

Halloween Safewalk Seeking Candy Givers
Area businesses, community organizations, groups and individuals are invited to participate in providing the children of Englewood with a safe treat or trick experience! The 25th Annual Halloween Safewalk will take place on Sunday, October 31, from 5 to 7pm, on West Dearborn Street. Families will stroll along a route to receive candy and other treats, passed out by businesses and community groups. The exact route will be determined by construction progress and posted on Monday, October 25. The Halloween Safewalk is sponsored by Old Englewood Village Association (OEVA) and the Englewood CRA. Registration for handing out candy is required and must be completed by Sunday, October 20. The registration form can be found at www.englewoodfl.org/upcoming-events/38-halloween-safewalk. For more information, email Events@OldEnglewood.com or visit the Englewood CRA office at 370 W. Dearborn Street, Suite D.

New Florida Home-based Business Law
The Old Englewood Village Association (OEVA) wants the public to be aware that their attorney has advised them of a recent change in Florida law regarding Home Based Businesses. OEVA president Robert Reil said they do not know how this will affect Englewood Arts District (EAD), formerly Residential Commercial Transitional Overlay District (RCTOD), nor how EAD and NON-EAD areas are different. However, his understanding is that the EAD is different and still has some additional opportunities. OEVA is not going to make any statements nor respond to questions about the details of this at this time. This is a public service announcement only and up to your interpretation. He states: “The Governor signed the new law that supersedes the county’s use codes from restricting businesses operated out of a residence. This impacts the Arts District and everywhere else in Sarasota County and the rest of Florida.” The bill number is SC/HB 403. To verify that this is actually a law now and if you want to track its evolution to this point and in the future refer to: The Florida Senate and The Florida House of Representatives: myfloridahouse.gov