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.

Joe grew up in Rhode Island, and he and his wife Jean made the big move to Rotonda West, Florida, back in 2010. Together, they built a busy family: four children, ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, with two more great-grandkids on the way this year.

Although both Joe and Jean are retired now, Joe continues to work one day a week at the local golf course in Rotonda West. Before retirement, Joe wore a lot of hats: finance manager, sales manager, and general manager for car dealerships across Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Jean ran her own business before she retired.

If you catch them together, you’ll probably notice something sweet: they’re almost always holding hands. Joe and Jean joined the Englewood Democratic Club right from the start in 2018, and they’ve been active members ever since.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

When I am not working at the golf course, I am either playing golf or working in my yard. I do all of my own yardwork, i.e. lawn, flowers, trimming, taking care of our pool, etc.

What is your most marked or distinctive characteristic?  

I spend a lot of time in the sun, my white hair is long, when I retired, I let it grow and now have a ponytail, as I had many years ago prior to beginning my work career, I also have a beard which has adorned my face since 1965, it is also now white.

What do you most value in your friends? 

I have a few lifelong friends left; one has been a friend for 75 years. Many of the friends from years ago have passed away. I have a very good friend here in Florida who I worked with long ago in Rhode Island. We see each other often: golfing, dinners, etc.

Who are your favorite writers? 

Barack Obama’s books were the last ones I read. I have read a few of Tony Dunbar’s books (he is a retired attorney and also an original member of the Democratic Club).

Who is your hero of fiction? 

I don’t have any fictional heroes. In real life, I admire President Obama and Joe Biden, not because they are democrats, but because they did so much for America during their time in office.

What are your favorite names? 

My favorite names would be those of my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Those would be Robert, Kevin, Dawn-Monique, and Joseph Jr., Matthew, Kyle, Craig, Anthony, Dakota, Jaryd, Ashlyn, Avery, Sage, Jillian, Kenzo Madelina, and the two great grands due this year, Riley and Theodore.

What is it that you most dislike? 

I dislike anyone who claims not to be a racist, but outwardly displays signs they are.

What is your greatest regret? 

I wish we could do more for the unhoused, and for anyone else who is down for whatever reason.

What is your motto? 

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Every edition, Englewood REVIEW spotlights someone who stands out in the community. We ask each person to tackle The Proust Questionnaire; a classic set of questions created by Marcel Proust, the French writer.

The post A Lifetime of Hand-in-Hand Devotion: Joe and Jean Delbonis Plant Deep Roots in Englewood appeared first on Englewood Review.

For the members of “Oppose Manasota Beach Road,” it’s been a whirlwind of a week. Englewood REVIEW reported earlier on Kelly Bauman’s legal action pushing back against the Manasota Beach Road extension, and since then, the group has been busy making its voice heard. Between public meetings and sidewalk protests, they made sure everyone heard what they had to say.

On Tuesday, June 16, Sarasota County opened its meeting to public comments on the $15 million Manasota Beach Road Extension Project. The county slipped this into its budget agenda, and neighbors wasted no time showing up. Their primary concern: flooding. This area already fills up with water when it storms, and a lot of residents worry this project will just make things worse.

The group “Oppose Manasota Beach Road” has been fighting since February. Kelly Bauman recently took the fight a step further, filing for a formal administrative hearing with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The district decided her case deserves attention, so now it’s heading to a state hearing officer.

“We weren’t warned, we weren’t contacted—we found out about this project late in the game,” Bauman told the crowd, encouraging more people to speak up during these meetings.

More residents have been confronting the developers. Many fear not just the flooding but the bigger changes new development might bring. “Developers want to sell houses with direct beach access,” Bauman pointed out. “If we’d known about this sooner, we’d have been there from the start.”

Now, the group’s urging county commissioners to see the site themselves before they lock in any decisions. “Come look with your own eyes,” Bauman says. “Walk the land before you make a call you can’t take back.” She tells neighbors, “Your voice matters. You’re the ones at stake. Don’t let three minutes at a microphone be your only shot.”

During Tuesday’s meeting, members read aloud the Englewood REVIEW article to make sure their frustration was on the record. Here is a video of the reading of the article at the meeting.

The county’s attorney, David Pearce, filed a motion to dismiss Bauman’s petition, something Bauman describes as routine. “They spent a lot of your money on this,” she said, pointing out that multiple lawyers joined the call to shut down a single citizen’s concerns about flooding and wetlands. 

While that legal wrangling was already swirling, the group wasn’t just locked in paperwork. On Wednesday, June 17, they gathered for a demonstration at the corner of Manasota Beach Road. Signs, chants, conversations; one hour making it clear they’re not standing down.

No one’s pretending it’s easy. Many claim the road is inevitable and progress is unstoppable. Others just want transparency, environmental protection, and a voice in the process. 

As for Kelly Bauman, she’s honest about feeling the weight of the moment: “This is bigger than me. I put it in God’s hands and try to do the right thing.” She admits the stress is real, but says faith keeps her steady. “I just want to see justice for the community and to stop this road.”

Click here for the “Oppose Manasota Beach Rd.” Facebook page.

The post Drawing the Line: Residents Take Action to Halt the Manasota Beach Road Extension appeared first on Englewood Review.

To every dad, mentor, and father figure, we wish you a Happy Father’s Day. You give so much of yourself. Your support, effort, and care hold families together and help our neighborhoods thrive. You deserve every bit of celebration and downtime that comes your way. 

In this issue, Englewood REVIEW has gathered stories that matter to you, plus a handy guide to July 4th events happening right here in town. Don’t miss out, grab your copy today.

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Summer settles over Englewood, Florida, and you really feel it. As the old song says, “and the livin’ is easy.” The crowds melt away, beaches look untouched, and you can finally breathe deeply. This is what the Gulf Coast does best: everything slows down, sunsets light up the sky, and sand stays warm under your feet. The whole place has that easy, unhurried vibe.

Locals get it. They lay out towels on Englewood Beach, wander the quiet trails at Stump Pass, or keep an eye out for sea turtles nesting. Blind Pass? That’s where you hunt for fossilized shark teeth, real treasures, washing up with every small wave. You sift through the sand, finding hints of a wilder past.

Don’t think the town’s gone quiet. Local restaurants and pubs stay open and lively; there’s live music, great food, and no reason to rush anywhere. 

And if you’re itching to explore a bit, you’ve got options everywhere. Cruise to Fort Myers and duck into Edison’s old lab, check out surreal masterpieces at the Dali Museum in St. Pete, wander the eclectic main street in Arcadia, or spot manatees up at Homosassa Springs. Sure, theme parks are close, but who needs them? This quiet, warm stretch, summer in Englewood, sticks with you, even after your tan fades.

The post Breathing Easy in Englewood: A Summer State of Mind as the Englewood REVIEW’s Latest Edition Hits the Stands appeared first on Englewood Review.

You walk down Dearborn Street, and you’ll hear live music pouring out from art-filled galleries and cafés. Creativity just fills the air in Englewood.

One group that really grabs your attention is the Robert Kinsley Band. Robert’s no stranger to this scene; he’s been a fixture in Englewood’s music community for years. 

Most Thursdays during the season, you’ll find him playing at the Old Florida Gallery, and sometimes over at Lemon Bay Park in the big meeting room. He used to team up with a banjo player, Bill Keeney. The two of them played just about everywhere, from the farmers market to events for the Englewood Historical Society, before Bill moved away. Now, most of Robert’s gigs center on the local Englewood Farmers Market.

Music’s been a part of Robert’s life since he was a kid. He started out with guitar lessons and just never stopped playing. Before Englewood, Robert lived in Athens, Ohio for thirty years, jamming in different bands, sometimes with his brother, sometimes with an entire group. 

Robert’s other life? He taught English and creative writing, first at Syracuse University, then mostly at Ohio University. Even now, you can tell he’s got a knack for words. And his band isn’t just about covers. Robert and his crew play original tunes too. Back when he was still with Bill in a duo called Godfrey Creek, they put out a few CDs. But with this new lineup, they haven’t released anything yet. He says they’ve been together about two years now, and he’s been working on new material.

So how did Robert end up here? Simple. His sister-in-law lived in Venice. Robert and his wife would come down to visit, fell in love with the area, and the rest just sort of fell into place. Thirteen years later, they’ve made Englewood their home.

Besides music, Robert’s a big fan of Lemon Bay. He and his wife volunteer over at Lemon Bay Park, and that’s been a big part of their life here. He loves the powerful sense of community, saying it reminds him a bit of Athens, just smaller but packed with the same energy, especially around the arts. On top of that, he still finds time to shoot a little basketball with the guys.

Robert’s family is spread out, with his son and two granddaughters living up in Nashville. But he says he’s living the dream here in Englewood. “It’s been a lot of fun. The weather’s great, except for the heat and hurricanes, but honestly, not shoveling snow anymore? You can’t beat that.” Growing up on a dairy farm in northern Ohio, he saw a lifetime of tough winters, so he appreciates every warm day.

The Robert Kinsley Band itself is a mix of backgrounds and sounds. Chuck Vaughn, their ukulele bass player, is a retired EMT who handles percussion too. Dave Harris plays guitar, sings, and switches to drums when needed, and his wife Deb joins in on the djembe drum. Bob Rusbion rounds out the group on harmonica. Every Tuesday, they rehearse at Robert’s house, and come Thursday, they’re usually out performing, at least until the farmers market season wraps up. After that, with a couple of members headed out of town, they’ll take a break for the summer.

Robert says travel and some downtime are on the agenda. “We’ll keep practicing when we’re around, maybe work on some new songs, possibly record a few things. Then we’ll be back in the fall, ready to play.”

That’s life in Englewood. Music, sunshine, and a community that really sticks together.

For more information, check out The Robert Kinsley Band Facebook page.

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Englewood has its own version of Johnny Appleseed, and her name is English Jan. Instead of apples, she is giving away mango trees. 

Have you ever wanted a free mango tree? Well, you’re not alone. Angel Land Food Forest, Inc., that’s English Jan’s 501c3 nonprofit right here in Englewood, gave away 100 beautiful, grafted, fiber-less mango trees (7-gallon size). No catches, no tricky fine print. They just want to see mangoes popping up all over town.

English Jan spread the word, and the 100 mango trees were snapped up in one day. 

To be eligible this year, Angel Land Food Forest’s requirements were simple:

– You’ve got to be a full-time resident.
– Your house must be owner-occupied (no renters, sorry).
– You live in 34223 or 34224.
– If you’re a church or a business in those zip codes and you own your land, you can get a bigger 15-gallon tree—nice, right?
– Just plant your tree anywhere on your property and send them a photo once it’s in the ground. It allows their donors to see where their generosity is blooming.

Now that all 100 mango trees have been claimed, the trees will be ready in May to collect in downtown Englewood.

English Jan has been dreaming of spreading mangoes and maybe even bringing an annual Mango Festival to town for many years. Since 2017, Angel Land Food Forest has been collecting bakery goods and distributing them to area food pantries, but in 2021, someone asked about fresh produce. Mango trees seemed like the answer. Since then, they’ve handed out around 500 trees.

At first, folks planted them in their front yards, with little signs that said, “I’m a community mango tree.” 

But after hurricanes ripped through and people lost trees, they decided recipients could plant them wherever they wanted, just promising to care for them and share the fruit when they could.

“We learned a few things, too,” says Jan. “Only full-timers, not snowbirds. Owner-occupied, not rentals. Trees need love—mainly, water when you first plant them.”

Pro tip from English Jan: don’t dig too deep. Keep the tree a smidge higher than ground level. It’s better for their health.

“We’ve worked with local churches, businesses, and homes,” explains Jan. “Mango Bistro has one of our trees out front. If you plant it, you own it. These aren’t for the public to pick, but we ask you to share the mangoes with friends, neighbors, or community spaces.”

Their trees are special. All fiber-less, with varieties you won’t believe. Coconut cream actually tastes like coconut! Pineapple Pleasure tastes like, you guessed it, pineapple. There are over 60 varieties in town now and a few in English Jan’s own yard. Grocery-store mangoes? Forget about it.

“We’re using our energy and our charity funds to get these mangoes to you. We’re not asking for money right now. We just want you to plant, nurture, and enjoy,” she says. 

Maybe one day soon, Englewood will have its own Mango Festival. By then, the trees will be loaded with fruit. Perhaps Englewood could fill the square, swap recipes, share baskets, donate the extras to the food pantries; imagine that.

It may be too late to receive one of the free 100 mango trees this year, but for next year, if you want to get involved, or if you just want your own slice of mango heaven, call or text English Jan at 941-909-0500. Mention the Free Mango Tree Project and help fill Englewood with sunshine, one tree at a time. When you’re biting into your first homegrown mango, you’ll know you’re part of something that’s going to last.

And just like Johnny Appleseed, perhaps English Jan will go down in Englewood history as “Janny Mango-seed.”

The post Move Over, Johnny Appleseed: English Jan Is Planting a Mango Movement in Englewood appeared first on Englewood Review.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 21, 2026, and plan to immerse yourself in an all-day celebration of country music, all in the heart of Englewood’s Pioneer Plaza on Dearborn Street. There’ll be dancing, great food, top-notch country music and ice-cold drinks; everything you need for a memorable day and a great cause.

Here’s the lineup:

A full day of live music from some of the best local and regional country artists, covering everything from classic country to Southern rock and honky-tonk jams.

Music Schedule:

10:00 AM—11:30 AM Everett Ferrell

11:45 AM—1:15 PM Flatwater

1:30 PM—3:30 PM Crossfire Creek

3:45 PM—5:15 PM Hunter Creek Band

5:30 PM—7:30 PM The Winters Brothers Band

7:45 PM—9:45 PM Pure Country of Southwest Florida

Whether you’re a country diehard or just here for live music and good times, you’ll find something to love. Spend your day dancing under the open sky or just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

Now, let’s talk about the food and drinks. Full-service bars will abound at Pioneer Plaza, serving cold beer, unique craft brews, frozen cocktails, and much more. If you get hungry (and you will), check out the food trucks and local vendors serving everything from classic BBQ to home-style Southern comfort food.

Of course, there’s line dancing and other activities to keep the crowd moving, and the festival’s open to all ages. It’s the kind of event you can bring your kids, friends, and neighbors, because everyone’s welcome.

But Small Town Boots & Brews isn’t just music and fun. When you walk through those gates, you’re helping Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary support the Englewood community. Every entry donation goes straight into local programs, like scholarships, Meals on Wheels, supplies for schools, and so much more.

Chris Anders from Englewood Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary puts it best: “Every year, the music just gets bigger and better. We’re bringing six talented bands, some fresh faces and returning favorites. The level of talent is high, especially for an event supported by donations.”

He adds, “All proceeds go right back into Englewood. The money funds scholarships, Meals on Wheels, school programs—you name it. It’s a chance to have a great day and really support the people in our own community.”

This isn’t just any old music festival; it’s Englewood’s festival. Bring your friends, bring your family, and make a day of it. See you at the Small Town Boots & Brews Country Music Festival.

For more information, go to englewoodfestival.com.

The event is free, with a suggested $3 donation; kids 12 and under are free.

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You’ll find the place buzzing early, as sunlight shimmers off the runway as the first planes roll in. The air will hum with the sound of propellers and engines, with some in the sky and others rumbling on the ground.

Picture rows of vintage tail draggers parked next to the latest light-sport aircraft, all shining under the Gulf Coast sun. Down the taxiway, the Florida West Coast Car Club lines up a jaw-dropping parade of classic cars. Their chrome fenders flash as families wander past, kids tugging their parents toward the snow cone stand, everyone snapping photos.

Helicopters will lift off all day, giving folks a bird’s-eye view of the coastline. Meanwhile, “Tommy’s Tunes” sets the soundtrack while the smell of food trucks drifts through the crowd. Pilots will chat with curious visitors, as children stare wide-eyed at aerobatic planes, and neighbors catch up over burgers from Libee’s Sports Bar & Grill.

Here’s what you need to know:

– Where: Buchan Airport Community Park, 1390 Old Englewood Road, Englewood, FL 34223

– When: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

– Admission: Free

– Parking: Suggested $5 donation

– Car Show Entry: $10 donation for show cars

Schedule:

– Main event: 9:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.

– Car Show: 10:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m. (Trophies awarded around 12:30 p.m.)

What’s Happening:

– Dozens of planes and helicopters on display

– Classic car show, courtesy of the Florida West Coast Car Club

– Food, music, and a chance to meet the pilots

– Helicopter rides over the coast

– Vendors—including Libee’s Sports Bar & Grill and more

Logistics:

– Show cars: Enter at 914 Bayshore Dr (off Old Englewood Rd)

– General parking: Use Osceola Drive

This is the first time the car show joins the Fly-In, so the energy’s going to be high. There will be plenty of sunshine and eager folks ready to enjoy a day of aviation, classic cars, and real Englewood community spirit. See you on the tarmac.

The post Start Your Engines, Englewood: The Buchan Fly-In & Classic Car Show Is Ready for Takeoff appeared first on Englewood Review.

On Sunday, March 8, 2026, the Englewood Artist Colony is bringing its Spring Art Show downtown, turning the plaza into a lively hub for local art. This isn’t just another art fair. It’s a full-on experience.

Picture this: you’re wandering through Pioneer Plaza, the sun’s out, there’s a salty breeze, and acoustic music drifts through the air. Artists from the Englewood Artist Colony are here, showing off their freshest, one-of-a-kind pieces. You’ll see bold oil paintings that capture the Florida coast, delicate blown glass, handmade jewelry, pottery you’ll actually want to use, and sculptures that demand a closer look. The best part? You get to meet the artists, hear the stories behind their work, and support your local creative community.

There’s something for everyone. Maybe you’re redecorating, hunting for that perfect gift, or you just love discovering one-of-a-kind finds. This show has you covered. You’ll walk away with something special, and maybe a few new friends.

And as the afternoon rolls into evening, the vibe shifts. At 4:00 PM, the Dignam Family Stage lights up for a Beatles Tribute Benefit Concert. It’s more than just a concert—it’s a fundraiser for the “Musical Instruments for Students” program, helping get quality instruments into the hands of local kids.

Grab a cold drink from Charlie Foxtrot Brewing, snack your way through the food stalls, and know you’re helping the community just by being there. If you can, bring a nonperishable food item for St. David’s Jubilee Center or throw in a cash donation for student musicians.

Bring the whole family. Local food vendors will be there, and you can even try your hand at some interactive art demos. It’s the Sunday that makes you fall in love with Englewood all over again.

This is the biggest art event of the season, so don’t miss out. Come for the art, stay for the people, and soak up the creative spirit that makes Englewood shine. You know where to find us. Old Englewood Village. Pioneer Plaza. Sunday, March 8. Can’t wait to see you there.

Here’s what you need to know:
Event: Englewood Artist Colony Spring Art Show
Where: Pioneer Plaza, Downtown Englewood
When: Sunday, March 8, 2026

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