The project is under review through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which funds efforts that strengthen community resilience. The review includes required evaluations under the National Environmental Policy Act to weigh environmental, social, economic and safety impacts. Executive Order 11988 and Executive Order 11990 also require FEMA to consider how the work may affect local floodplains or wetlands.

County officials say the Englewood Sports Complex has repeatedly served as a post disaster recovery hub, supporting the Englewood Fire Department, staging crews for Florida Power and Light and sheltering up to 18 emergency personnel during major storm events. The facility currently operates without a backup power system.

The proposal calls for buying and installing a 200 kilowatt diesel generator, or a size determined by vendor and engineering review. The project includes a concrete pad, an automatic transfer switch, a sub base fuel tank and all required electrical work. The county says a reliable standby power source is needed to keep emergency operations running during outages.

Two alternatives were examined. The first, taking no action, would leave the center without backup power, limiting its ability to support emergency response and community needs after storms. The second, constructing a new facility, was determined to be too costly and too time consuming to be feasible.

Comment period

Comments are being accepted from the public, government agencies and other interested parties to help evaluate the potential impacts of the project. Written comments should be sent to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Bureau of Mitigation, 2555 Shumard Oak Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-2100, and are due by December 25, 2025. The state will forward comments to applicable regulatory agencies as needed.

Anyone interested in submitting comments, obtaining more detailed information about the proposed action or requesting a copy of the findings may contact Wendi Crisp, Pre-Award Services, Sarasota County, at 941-861-5000 or by email at grants@scgov.net

Funding will depend on compliance with federal, tribal, state and local laws, regulations, floodplain standards and permitting requirements.

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On Saturday, November 8, the Englewood Sports Complex will host its Community Garage Sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shoppers can browse more than 50 booths filled with trinkets, collectibles, toys, clothing, household items, and vintage finds. The event will be held at 1300 South River Road, Englewood.

In Rotonda West, the GFWC Rotonda West Woman’s Club will hold its annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 8, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Rotonda West Community Center, 646 Rotonda Circle. The bazaar will feature handcrafted gifts, baked goods and Cookies by the Pound.” Visitors can also check out a gift basket raffle, nearly new jewelry boutique and a bake sale. Photos with Santa, kids’ crafts and games will be available, and a hot dog lunch will be served after 11 a.m. (cash only). Proceeds support local charities. More information is available at gfwcrotondawest.org.

The Rotonda West Association’s Fall Community Garage Sale will also take place Friday and Saturday, November 7 and 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (rain date Sunday, November 9). More than 100 homes across Rotonda West neighborhoods are participating. A list of addresses will be available each morning near the mailbox at Broadmoor Park, 646 Rotonda Circle, and on the Rotonda West Official Events Facebook Page. For details, email communityoutreach@rotondawest.org

Whether you’re searching for unique gifts, home treasures or just a fun weekend outing, these community events offer something for everyone. Grab your shopping bags, map your route and enjoy a full weekend of local fun.

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