Around The Town

On Saturday, July 20, Spread Spencer’s Sparkle, a 201(c)3, held their 3^rd annual “Hunks In Heels” contest at the Englewood Elks Club. Ten Englewood area men dressed in high heels and costumes and performed a lip-sync to the music of their choice to a crowd of around 350 people. To learn more about Spread Spencer’s Sparkle, go to: www.spreadspencerssparkle.com. Pictured here are the contestants, l-r: Kreg Maheu, Larry Comer, Serio Izzo, Vic Wommack, Jay Johnson (3rd Place), Eric Tucker, John O’Laughlin, David Deeds, Shea Hutchinson (1st place) and Brent Sheldon (2nd Place).

Pineapple Festival
Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens invites you to join them for the second annual Pineapple Festival on Friday & Saturday, July 26 & 27, at the gardens located 5826 Riverside Drive, Punta Gorda. The Kick-Off Bash is Friday from 6 to 9pm and features an evening of live music by “The BoogieMen”, food trucks, beverages, and more. The festival on Saturday, 9am to 2pm, features live music by “The Romantics”, kids’ corner, a pineapple bake-off and the largest homegrown pineapple contests, pineapple-inspired art, plant sales, food trucks, and other vendors. Ticket price for nonmembers is $25 for Friday evening and $20 for Saturday. For more information and advance ticket purchase, go to peacerivergardens.org.

GCUMC Family Movie Night
Gulf Cove United Methodist Church (GCUMC) invites you and your family to a free showing of “The Naughty Nine.” It will be shown on Friday, July 26 at 6pm, inside the church. Bring your own snacks and drinks. Free popcorn will be available. (Please, no drop-offs.) Gulf Cove UMC is located at 1100 S. McCall Road, in the Gulf Cove area of Port Charlotte. The church can be reached at 941•697•1747 or [email protected].

Hurricane Prep Webinars
The National Weather Service (NWS) is hosting a series of virtual classes, Monday through Thursday, July 29 - August 1, to help Floridians prepare for hurricane season. The classes are intended to educate about various NWS services and to review tropical readiness, preparedness, response and recovery actions. Each day will cover a different topic. Monday, July 29: Monitoring the tropics and seasonal readiness. Tuesday, July 30: Get ready for potential impacts. Wednesday, July 31: Sheltering and hunker-down mode. Thursday, August 1: Post-storm safety lessons learned. Each day has several timeslots to register: 11am, 1pm, 7pm and 9pm. The classes are free with advanced registration. To learn more and register, go to weather.gov/jax/floridatropicaltrainingweek2024.

 

 

The Pioneer Days Mayor for a Day committee invites area residents to throw their hat into the ring for the 2024 Pioneer Days Mayor for a Day competition. If you are passionate about a local charity, here is a great way to raise money and awareness for that charity by running as a candidate in this fun competition. Whichever candidate receives the most votes (every dollar donated is one vote), becomes ceremonial mayor of Englewood during the Pioneer Spirit celebration, held over the Labor Day weekend, and for the following year. Enter your candidacy now by emailing [email protected] for more details and registration form. Fundraising begins Thursday, August 1st, so don’t delay! Last year’s Mayor for a Day was Rebecca DeRosa whose charity was Kids Needs of Greater Englewood.

Christmas in July Bingo
SunCoast Metropolitan Community Church invites you to their Christmas in July Church Bingo event on Saturday, July 27, 4:30 to 8pm, at the church located at 3276 E. Venice Avenue, Venice. Brianna Summers, the “Brunch Queen of Tampa”, will be the Bingo caller and entertainer. Cost is $30 for ten games of Bingo. Doors open at 4:30pm and the show starts at 5:30pm. Additional opportunities to win are available with 50/50 cash and tricky tray baskets. Tickets can be purchased online at suncoastmcc.com or at the door. For more information, call 941•484•7068.

World Nature Conservation Day
World Nature Conservation Day is celebrated each year on July 28th and is intended to bring people together for nature. Floridians have the privilege of being surrounded by over 4,000 fascinating species of animals, along with a wealth of unique landscapes. Get to know and learn how to conserve and protect Florida’s “wild side” with a free, comprehensive, self-paced online course offered by UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County. “Neighborhoods Best Practices Program” will teach you about wildlife interactions, stormwater ponds, landscaping, preservation areas, irrigation, and more. To learn more about this online program, go to sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota/how-do-i/learn-best-practices-for-my-neighborhood/

Cooking with Chef Warren
Join Chef Warren Caterson for a free demonstration on Mediterranean Cuisine on Tuesday, July 30, 10:30am to 12:30pm, at the Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn Street. Attendees also get to sample the dishes prepared. Seating is limited and registration is required at scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com/events or call 941•861•1225.

Town Hall Meeting
The Rabbit Hole Patriots will host a Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, July 30, 6 to 8pm, at the Rabbit Hole located at Cape Haze Tavern, 3745 Cape Haze Drive. Meet some of the Charlotte County candidates. Candidates attending will be David Kalin, running for Supervisor of Elections, David Kesseiring for County Commissioner, District 5; Hal Daniels, running for County Commissioner, District 3; Kathleen Pellegriono, for State Committee Woman, Ryan Barber for Charlotte County Sheriff, and Karina Schmitt for Charlotte County School Board. The meeting is free.

Disaster Preparedness Webinar
What would you do if basic services were cut off, like electricity or water, or if you had to suddenly leave your home? Get some answers and tips during a free class offered by UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County on Thursday, August 1, 2 to 3pm. The Disaster Preparedness webinar will discuss how to handle your food, how to assemble an emergency supply kit, and other ways to prepare for emergencies. Register only at ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com. For further information, call 941•861•5000.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has added a new tour at its downtown Sarasota location. Visit the Steinwachs Family Plant Research Center to see the green technology and innovative sustainability features throughout the facility and also the preserved & library collections. Tours are offered twice monthly. August dates are Wednesday, August 14 at 2pm and Wednesday, August 28 at 2pm at the campus located at 1534 Mound Street in Sarasota. Ticket price for non-Selby members is $28 adult and $12 child, ages 5 to 17. Learn more and register at selby.org or call 941•366•5731

Gator Wilderness Camp Fundraiser
Gator Wilderness Camp School invites you to their second annual Fundraising Banquet on Thursday, August 1, 6 to 8pm, at the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda. The evening will feature a dinner catered by Boys Camp BBQ, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, sing-a-long by the boys and giveaways. It’s a laid-back evening to enjoy while supporting a great cause. Individual tickets are $55 and may be purchased online at gatorwildernesscamp.com or call 941•639•7722. The school is a year-round camping program designed specifically to serve adolescent boys dealing with issues in their lives.

Sarasota Gem Show
Do you like your Bling? Visit the Sarasota Gem Show when it’s in town, Friday through Sunday, August 2-4, at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The show advertises 10,000 square feet of vendors displaying and selling jewelry, gems, crystals, beads, and even fossils. Hourly door prizes. Hours are 10am to 5pm each day. $5 admission. Free parking. H & R Gems is the promoter and you can learn more at hrgemshows.com.

Rummage Sale
St. Vincent DePaul will hold its monthly Rummage Sale on Saturday, August 3, 8am to 10am, at the corner of 25200 Airport Road & Taylor Road, Punta Gorda. Shop for household items, furniture, linens, clothing, shoes, purses, jewelry, books and toys. No pets, please. Credit cards accepted. Rain date is Saturday, August 10th. For more information, call 941•575•0767.

Dollars for Mammograms No Cost Family Health Fair
Bring the family to the Dollars for Mammograms No-Cost Family Health Fair on Saturday, August 3, 10am to 2pm, at the Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Avenue South, Venice. There will be something for all ages at this event, featuring health and human services vendors. For children: back to school exams and eye screening. For all ages: dental exams, blood pressure and diabetic screenings. There will be a no-cost chance drawing auction. Mark your calendar to take advantage of this no-cost event.

TikiFest
Spend the day exploring the tastes, sights and sounds of the Islands presented through music, dance, and demonstrations when Fishermen’s Village presents its annual TikiFest on Saturday, August 3, from noon to 6pm. Featured performers include Hula Connection of SWFL at 12:30pm and 2:30pm, Asian Community Dance Troupe at 4pm, Hawaiian Melodies by Maritza Cedeno at 12:30pm and 2pm, Aloha Nui Hula Dancers at 1pm, Napua Polynesian Dance Group at 1:30pm and 3:30pm, and Steel Drum music by Dave Lapio at 3pm and 5pm. Fishermen’s Village is located at 1200 W. Retta Esplanade in Punta Gorda and can be reached at 941•639•8721. Website: fishermensvillage.com.

Medicare 101 Presentation
If you are nearing age 65 and want to learn more about your Medicare options and the timeline for applying, plan to attend a free “Medicare 101” educational presentation offered on Wednesday, August 7, 6 to 7pm at the Englewood Chamber of Commerce, 601 S. Indiana Avenue. Pope Insurance will present this program. There is no obligation – just an opportunity to learn about Medicare and have your questions answered. Call 941•475•6766 to RSVP.

Quarter Frenzy Fundraiser
Charlotte Players invites you to their Quarter Frenzy fundraiser on Thursday, August 8, 6pm, at the 24 TwentyOne Event Center, 2421 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. There will be many auction items available to bid on for only quarters and you raise your paddle to win. 50/50 raffle tickets available, too. Light dinner ticket option. The Quarter Frenzy is open only to 18+ year old adults. Note: this event is Cash Only; bring your own rolls of quarters or get them when you arrive. For more information, call 941•255•1022.

CRA Advisory Board Meeting
The Sarasota County Englewood Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) will hold its next advisory board meeting on Monday, August 12, 1pm, at the Lemon Bay Park meeting room, 570 Bay Park Blvd. The public is welcome to attend. For more information and agenda, visit scgov.net/government/planning-and-development or contact the Englewood CRA at 941•473•9795 or email [email protected].

Health in Motion Bus
The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County Health in Motion staff will be at Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn Street, on Tuesday, August 13, noon to 4pm. You can receive no-cost health screenings and referrals for general health & wellness. Nursing staff will help find a medical home for those with no insurance. No appointments necessary. The bus will be in the parking lot. For more information, contact Cathy Jones at 941•861•2873. 

Downtown Venice Wine Walk
Sip, shop, repeat! That is what the businesses in downtown Venice hope you will do during the Downtown Wine Walk on Thursday, August 15, 5 to 8pm. Purchase a wristband ticket to access one ounce pours at participating locations (excluding some participating restaurant locations offering wine specials). You must be 21 or older to participate. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online at visitvenicefl.org. Cash & credit cards accepted.

Divine Feminine Dance Event
Glow, grow and blossom at the “Choose Happy!” event on Saturday, August 17, 1 to 2:30pm, at Freedom Wellness Center, 2881 Placida Road, Suite 203. “Choose Happy”, a Divine Feminine Dance™” event, consists of body & energy movement, meditation, journaling and guided exploration in a women’s community of ways to choose happy. Your guide will be Jennifer Loftus. Cost is $40. Register by calling Freedom Wellness Center at 941•688•2161. Learn more about this program at musicmovesthesoul.com or myfreedomwellness.com. 

The Arcadia Rodeo invites everyone to “Bulls & Bands” on Saturday, August 24 at Mosaic Arena, 2450 NE Roan Street, Arcadia. Witness freestyle bullfighting by some of the top bullfighting athletes from around the world and you get music by Chris Janson, Terri Clark and Tracy Byrd. Gates open at 3pm; pre-show starts at 3:15pm and the Bulls & Bands excitement is 4:15 to 11pm. Tickets start at $40. Purchase tickets online at arcadiarodeo.com or call 800•749•7633. Pictured here is (l-r): Terry Clark, Chris Janson and Tracy Byrd.

Pirate Poker Run Ticket Sales
Tickets for this year’s Englewood Beach Waterfest Pirate Poker Run are now available. The fun-filled day kicks off the countdown to the Waterfest weekend, November 15-17, will be held Saturday, September 7, 10am to 8pm. Participate by boat, car or bike for a day filled with fun, music, poker, food & drinks, raffle and cash prizes. The Captain’s Party will be held on Friday, September 6, 5 to 7pm, at Ken and Barb’s Grove City Kitchen, 2000 Oyster Creek Drive. The Poker Run starts at 10am, Saturday and has seven stops to be made in any order and ends at 3pm. The After Party and awards begin at 4pm at the Lighthouse Grill, 260 Maryland Avenue, and features live music by “Pirates of the Floridian” from 12:30 to 3:30pm and the “Marker 5 Band” from 5 to 8pm. Advance tickets are $35 per person until Thursday, September 5 ($40 day of) and may be purchased at englewoodbeachwaterfest.com. Register by Wednesday, July 31st to guarantee your requested shirt size and swag bag. Stay up to date with Englewood Beach Waterfest Pirate Poker Run on Facebook.

Placida Boat Ramp Open
The Placida Boat Ramp, at 6499 Boca Grande Causeway, is now open again. The ramp had been closed temporarily for repairs.

Charlotte County Residents’ Survey
The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County (DOH-Charlotte) needs your voice. The Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) survey has been released to the public and DOH-Charlotte is asking all community members to provide their input. Participants can enter the drawing for a $100 Visa gift card after completing the survey. DOH-Charlotte is currently in the process of completing their 2025 CHNA; a process that is conducted every five years. The CHNA utilizes the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnership (MAPP 2.0) framework and helps communities prioritize public health and well-being issues, identify resources for addressing them, and take action to improve conditions that support healthy living.  The assessment will enable the county to be proactive in planning future health programs and well-being improvement initiatives. The survey has 43 questions and can be completed in about ten minutes. The survey deadline is Friday, October 4th. Go to Charlotte.floridahealth.gov for the survey link. For questions, call 941•624•7200.

Another Piece of Land Saved
Sarasota County continues with their commitment to the environment with another new land acquisition under the Land Acquisition and Management program whose purpose is to preserve natural lands and acquire parklands. The property is approximately 4.38 acres of predominantly mangrove swamp with some mesic hammocks and remnant scrub habitat, and located at Lemon Bay Drive in Venice. The acquisition is expected to be completed by December of this year. This program is voter-approved and taxpayer-funded. For more information, call 311.

Sarasota County residents can visit Warm Mineral Springs in North Port for free on Saturday, August 10, 9am to 5pm. The springs are the only warm spring in the state and the average temperature is 85 degrees. Come spend the day floating and swimming in the mineral rich water. Proof of Sarasota County residency is required for free admission. Non-resident admission is $20 adult and $15 student. Warm Mineral Springs Park is located at 12200 San Servando Avenue, North Port. For questions, call 941•429•7275, option 1.

Sharing & Caring

Community Blood Drives
The OneBlood “Big Red Bus” has scheduled the following blood drives in Englewood during August. Incentives are offered to donors such as gift cards and a OneBlood tote bag during August. Donors are requested to visit the OneBlood website, oneblood.org, to schedule an appointment. Please note that blood drives are subject to change at any time. Saturday, August 1, 1 to 4pm: Bealls Outlet, 1500 Placida Road. Sunday, August 4, 2 to 4pm: Publix-Merchants Crossing, 1500 Placida Road. Saturday, August 10, 10am to 4pm: Suncoast Humane Society, 6781 San Casa Drive. Monday, August 12, 10am to 4pm: Bealls, 1500 Placida Road. Friday, August 16, 10am to 4pm: Gulf Coast Hardware, 975 S. McCall Road. Saturday, August 17, 10am to 4pm: Walmart, 2931 S. McCall Road. Tuesday, August 10, 10am to 4pm: Englewood Charlotte Library, 3450 N. Access Road. Friday, August 30, 11am to 5pm: Publix-Merchants Crossing, 1500 Placida Road.

Sports

“Fit for Life” Senior Games
Charlotte County announces that registration for the 2024 “Fit for Life” Senior Games will open Thursday, August 1^st, online and in person. The Olympic-style event focuses on athletic competitions, camaraderie and recreational opportunities for seniors of all ages and the games are sanctioned by the Florida Sport Foundation. They serve as a qualifier for Florida Senior Games State Championships. Events scheduled are bowling (singles, doubles & mixed); swimming; basketball shooting; table tennis; basketball three on three; disc golf; pickleball (doubles & mixed); golf; track & field; bag toss; softball derby; tennis (singles, doubles & mixed doubles), and RC sailing. Events run from Tuesday, October 1st through Sunday, November 3rd. Pre-registration is required at charlottecountyfl.gov/seniorgames or walk-in at Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park Rec Center, 6961 San Casa Drive in Englewood. Final entry deadline is two weeks prior to individual events. For questions, call Lisa at 941•681•3760.

CCT Scholarship Golf Tournament
The 20th annual Conservancy & Community Trust of South Golf Cove (CCT) Scholarship Golf Tournament is set for Saturday, October 5 at Rotonda Hills Course, 100 Rotonda Circle in Rotonda. Registration is 7am to 8:15am. Shotgun start at 8:30am. Your $80 fee includes your golf game, lunch, prizes, chance to win $6,000 on the Hole in One, poker draw for the win, and lots of fun. There will also be a putting contest worth $2,500 and a 50/50 raffle. You can register online at southgulfcovecct.org (with additional fee) or pay by check to SGC CCT/golf & email your team information to [email protected]. Checks may be mailed to Mark Vaccaro, 15676 Autry Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33981. For questions, contact Mark at 610•451•3370.