The city decided not to pour money into fixing an aging building, choosing a full-scale $17.5 million reconstruction on the City Hall campus instead. The plan is to finish by December 2026. 

This isn’t just about replacing a building. The new station will tackle serious space shortages, boost emergency response, and meet modern storm-hardening standards. So, when the next hurricane rolls in, firefighters will still be ready to act.

The old station couldn’t keep up with code requirements or the demands of a growing community. It simply wasn’t up to the task. By going for a complete rebuild, North Port ensures a facility that’s tougher, safer, and ready to stick around for the long haul. 

The new station will house updated technology, better workspaces for emergency staff, and improved amenities for the expanding team. A city official summed it up well: This project is a direct investment in public safety. It means more efficient operations and better service for North Port residents.

Money for this rebuild comes largely from county surtax and fire district fees, underscoring a regional push to upgrade essential services. While construction is underway, fire rescue teams moved into temporary quarters. Once it opens, the new Fire Station 81 will serve as a lasting cornerstone for North Port, lifting emergency services to a new standard.

As the city’s population keeps climbing, this project is more than just a new building; it’s proof that North Port is serious about keeping up with residents’ needs. The city is making sure its first responders have a secure, modern, and efficient space to do their jobs. This grounded investment reflects what the community expects: strong, reliable public safety when it matters most.

The post From Storm Damage to State-Of-The-Art: New Fire Station 81 Set for 2026 Completion appeared first on Englewood Review.

After 22 long months of being closed because of Hurricane Ian, Nicola’s reopened its doors on May 29, 2025. 

The past two years brought Nicola’s more than their fair share of challenges: rebuilding, reflecting, and holding tight to hope after Hurricane Ian. “But we made it, thanks to you,” says General Manager and Nicola’s daughter, Rina Remmers. 

The mood at Nicola’s is celebratory, as they’re thrilled to be back. “Every donation, every kind word—you helped us bring Nicola’s back to life. We can’t thank you enough. We’re here, stronger than ever, because of you.”

Nicola’s Italian Kitchen is still the same award-winning restaurant, voted Best Italian Food in Englewood and Charlotte County since 1990, with a few exciting additions:

– Classic pizzas and pastas you know and love, plus some fresh menu additions

– A revamped wine bar

– A beautiful new dining room, ready for laughter and long dinners

Nicola’s isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a slice of the American Dream. 

Nicola and Tina De Fazio, both born in Italy, came to America in the 1960s, bringing those big-hearted Italian family traditions with them. They fell in love, built a life, and started sharing their warm hospitality, one meal at a time. 

The story started in Connecticut back in 1965, and it found its way to Englewood in 1990. Nothing’s changed since those early days. They still make their food from scratch, just like their family did.

Ask Rina, and she’ll tell you: “Our gratitude for the Englewood community runs deep. The community is what got us through this crossroads, and we always want everyone to know how grateful and humble we are. That gratitude comes first, always.”

Nicola’s is celebrating its return with some fantastic specials. Over the next few weeks, try their Friday night meatless dishes for Lent. The mushroom-stuffed ravioli with cream and mushroom sauce is a fan favorite, and the salmon bruschetta, with two toasted breads, fresh tomato compote, and sautéed salmon on top, is simply stunning.

Rina says it best: “We’re proud to be part of this community for 36 years. Words can’t quite capture how much it means. All we can say is thank you—we’re proud, and we’re grateful.”

Nicola’s isn’t just another “open” sign in the window; it’s a comeback story fueled by heart, hard work, and unbeatable local spirit.

Open Tuesday through Saturday, from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. They’re closed every Sunday and Monday.

Come hungry. Come happy. Welcome home to Nicola’s Italian Kitchen. As Rina says, “We can’t wait to welcome you back.”

For more information, nicolasitaliankitchen.net. 
4343 South Access Rd., Englewood, FL 34224
941.474.6195

The post Can You Smell the Garlic? Nicola’s Italian Kitchen Is Back and Better Than Ever appeared first on Englewood Review.

After the big hurricane hit in 2022, the project’s now down to the last stretch, with an emphasis on roof work and finishing up the inside of the theatre. Right now, there’s a $1 million matching challenge running through May 2026, so donations count double.

Here’s where things stand:

They’ve raised more than $20 million, leaving about $5 million to go for the “Next Act” campaign.

They’re targeting the 2026 season, Venice Theatre’s 77th, for the main-stage’s comeback.

By October 2025, they hit a big milestone: the “topping out” ceremony, which means the last steel beam went up.

Even with all the construction, the show didn’t stop. Performances have kept rolling in the black-box theatre and other spots around the venue.

Venice Theatre holds the distinction of being Florida’s largest community theatre.

The post Hurricane-Damaged Jervey Theatre Set for a Comeback; Venice Theatre has raised more than $20 million toward the goal appeared first on Englewood Review.

Owned by longtime locals Jason and Jaimie Walczak, Paradise Island Contracting has come a long way from its humble beginnings. “We started out nearly 15 years ago in a spare room in our house,” said Jaimie Walczak. “We never could’ve imagined we’d be here today, breaking ground on a property of our own.”

The business eventually moved into a cramped warehouse unit before settling into a building on McCall Road in 2015. That structure, however, was severely damaged in 2022 during Hurricane Ian, forcing the company to relocate its operations, once again, to the Walczaks’ home.

“Like many others, we were devastated by the storm. We lost nearly everything,” said Jason Walczak. “But we knew we had to keep going to help others rebuild their homes, even while our own office was underwater.”

In 2023, the couple purchased the Ingraham Boulevard property, becoming the first to invest in a commercial site within the interior of South Gulf Cove. While their original McCall Road location was temporarily listed for sale, they ultimately decided to keep it and transform the space into a restaurant—drawing from their experience as owners of the Shipwreck Saloon in El Jobean.

Construction on the new complex includes two buildings: one for the contracting firm’s new office and another for a future bar and gathering space known as Paradise Pub. “It’ll be a small, friendly neighborhood spot where folks can unwind and catch up over a cold drink,” said Jaimie.

After two years of navigating design plans, permitting, and preparation, the Walczaks are optimistic about moving operations out of their home and into a purpose-built space within the next year.

“This groundbreaking isn’t just for a building—it’s a new foundation after everything we’ve been through,” said Jason. “It means getting back to what we love, in the community we love, and giving back even more.”

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