We caught up with Kara to talk about The Rustic Bean Coffee Shop, which celebrates its one-month anniversary on April 1, to hear about how her coffee shop isn’t just a business, it’s the dream she never realized she was chasing.

“My shop is a taste of home,” she told us. “There’s a pretty long story behind how I landed here, but really, I’ve loved coffee for as long as I can remember. I never said to myself, ‘I’ll own a coffee shop one day.’ But I always wanted to make my local community better. That’s always been my thing. I have a passion for, well, everything.”

Kara moved from New York to Englewood for her daughter. “My youngest has this serious blood disease. It took years for the doctors to figure out what was wrong, and eventually she was diagnosed with bone marrow failure. She also has this incredibly rare genetic condition, so she’s literally allergic to the cold. Winters in New York just weren’t an option anymore.”

Kara credits her parents for discovering Englewood first and giving her and her daughter a place to land with family nearby.

“She’s doing okay, but this is lifelong for her. She’s the reason we moved. I’ve always been a Dunkin’ girl, so I’d drive out there, but something was missing. And what do you know, that’s when I met Jeffery, the man of my dreams. He’s a local business owner, too.”

One night, Kara and Jeffery were just sitting on the porch, playing Yahtzee, “like an old married couple,” Kara laughs. That’s when Kara came up with an idea. “I said to Jeffery, ‘I think I want to open a coffee shop.’ I figured he’d tell me I was nuts, but instead he said, ‘Why not do it now?’ So, that night, we launched the LLC.”

When you ask, Kara lights up when talking about her husband. “My kids aren’t biologically his, but he adopted them without blinking. It’s straight out of a Lifetime movie. He’s my happy ending that I never saw coming.”

Family means everything to Kara. She designed The Rustic Bean to feel like the mountains she grew up in, from camping, hiking, trips to water parks, Adirondack chairs, woodsy vibes, you feel that Northern spirit even in Florida. “I wanted to bring the Adirondacks here, since my daughter can’t go back.”

And about The Rustic Bean; it’s celebrating its one-month anniversary on April 1, 2026, and it’s been in the works since January last year. Kara’s genuinely grateful for the Englewood community. “This is a dream come true. I’m humbled, honestly. Without our customers, none of this would be real. They’re the reason we exist.”

On the menu, you’ll find coffee (hot or iced), pastries, muffins, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and a whole bunch of “Around the Mountain” refreshers. She’s got teas, chai, and all the coffee shop staples, but with fun mountain twists: Lakehouse Lattes, Adirondack Americanos, Bear Claw Brew, Mountain View Macchiatos, Early Trail Espresso. Every name’s got a story.

Kara says what really makes the shop special is the feeling; people from all over drop in, from Ireland to Washington State, and everyone finds something familiar. “People come in and say, ‘Wow, I’ve been there,’ or swap stories. It turns into this ongoing conversation.”

Drop by Rustic Bean Coffee Shop, say hello to Kara, and welcome her to Englewood. Their motto just about sums it up: The Rustic Bean is your mountain retreat; where adventure meets comfort, and every sip feels like home.

The Rustic Bean Coffee Shop, located at 12717 Gulfstream Blvd., Port Charlotte 33981 941-828-1085 therusticbean2025@gmail.com

Open Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The post This Real-Life Love Story Brewed up the Rustic Bean Coffee Shop appeared first on Englewood Review.

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) announced that 32-year-old Matthew Ryan Cross died after a confrontation with deputies near Hillsboro Boulevard.

The incident began around 12:30 p.m. on Monday, when CCSO deputies responded to a shooting on Malone Avenue, where they discovered one victim dead. Cross, identified as the shooter, fled the scene, sparking an intense, hours-long manhunt in the Port Charlotte area that caused multiple schools to go into lockdown and encouraged residents to stay inside.

Around 1:20 p.m., while tracking Cross through a wooded area near Hillsborough and Yorkshire, law enforcement officials received reports of another shot fired. Cross eventually emerged from the woods and, according to Sheriff Bill Prummel, pointed a firearm at himself before turning it toward CCSO deputies and a North Port police officer aiding in the search.

Seven law enforcement officers, two from CCSO and five from North Port Police, returned fire, killing Cross.

“We have kids… you always hear about these things, but nobody wants it in their neighborhood,” said a local resident following the incident.

Sheriff Prummel noted in a press conference that the suspect was “full of holes” after the confrontation, bringing an abrupt end to the incident.

The incident has significantly affected the broader Southwest Florida (SWFL) region, drawing multiple agencies to assist in the search. The investigation into the original homicide and the officer-involved shooting is ongoing, with officials working to determine the full sequence of events on Monday.

The post Port Charlotte Manhunt Ends in Deadly Shootout; Homicide Suspect Killed appeared first on Englewood Review.

Families can get a close look at academic tracks built around high-demand fields like cybersecurity, aviation, and advanced manufacturing. School and district staff will be there to answer questions about what each program offers, what the curriculum looks like, and how to apply.

“Our magnet programs give students access to meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that connect their interests to future opportunities,” said Superintendent Mark Vianello. He’s right; this fair helps families figure out which path fits each child’s strengths and ambitions.

If you want more details about the Magnet Fair or the programs themselves, call the Division of Learning at 941-255-0808, option 1.

The post Charlotte County Public Schools Hosts 2026 Magnet Fair Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Centennial Park Gym appeared first on Englewood Review.

The Vegetable Gardening in Southwest Florida Workshop is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon. Organizers said the three-hour program will cover “vegetable gardening, pests, and diseases,” with an emphasis on “practical information that can be put to use immediately in the homeowner’s backyard.” Participants will receive vegetable seedlings to take home. Registration is available online athttps://vgiswf0126.eventbrite.com

A Hydroponic Gardening Workshop is set for 1 to 2:30 p.m. and again from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Participants will learn how to grow hydroponic lettuce in a non-circulating system using a “simple home-made unit” based on a hydroponic bucket design “perfect for small spaces,” according to organizers. Each participant will take home “a complete kit including seedlings,” and the workshop will provide hands-on instruction taught by Master Gardener Volunteer Bob Prier, described by organizers as “an actual hydroponic practitioner.”

Registration is required for the hydroponic sessions. The 1 p.m. class registration is athttps://hg1pm.eventbrite.com and the 3 p.m. class registration is athttps://hg3pm.eventbrite.com

For information on the classes, contact Holly Bates at 941-764-4340 or Holly.Bates@CharlotteCountyFL.gov

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The alert covers a one-mile radius from the intersection of McKee Street and Bennett Drive.
East: Portions of S. McCall Road, Oarsman Street, Hideaway Place and all areas extending one mile east of the intersection.
West: Legend Street, Coliseum Boulevard and Wilmington Boulevard, including all locations within one mile west of the intersection.
North: Romford Avenue, Foresman Boulevard, Gillot Boulevard and David Boulevard, covering all areas within one mile north of the intersection.
South: Portions of Isabell Avenue, Martha Avenue, Overton Avenue and Sailors Way, covering all areas within one mile south of the intersection.

Officials said the alert is a reminder that rabies remains present in wild animal populations and poses a risk to unvaccinated domestic animals. Although the alert applies to the designated area, rabies can occur anywhere in Charlotte County and residents are urged to use caution.

Recommended actions include keeping pet vaccinations current, avoiding contact with wildlife, securing trash, and not feeding wild animals. Residents should also prevent bats from entering homes or buildings and report animal bites or scratches immediately to Charlotte County Animal Control at 941-833-5690 or the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County at 941-624-7200. Pets that are bitten or exposed should receive prompt veterinary care and be reported to Animal Control.

Officials said rabies is fatal but preventable and that quick response and responsible pet ownership help protect the community.

More information is available through the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County or Charlotte County Animal Control.

The post Charlotte County Issues 30-Day Rabies Alert After Positive Bat Test appeared first on Englewood Review.

“Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who submitted photos to the contest,” said Charlotte County Communications Director Brian Gleason.

Calendars will be mailed to the winners. The calendars are available for free while supplies last at the following county facilities:

• Charlotte County Administration Center, 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte
• Centennial Park Recreation Center, 1120 Centennial Blvd., Port Charlotte
• Englewood Charlotte Library, 3450 North Access Road, Englewood
• Port Charlotte Public Library, 2280 Aaron St. Port Charlotte
• Family Services Center, 21500 Gibralter Ave., Port Charlotte
• Harold Avenue Regional Park Recreation Center, 23400 Harold Ave., Port Charlotte
• Florida Department of Health in Charlotte, 1100 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte
• Punta Gorda Charlotte Library, 401 Shreve St., Punta Gorda
• South County Regional Park Recreation Center, 670 Cooper St., Punta Gorda
• Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce, 252 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda
• Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, 2702 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
• Englewood Chamber of Commerce, 601 S. Indiana Ave. Englewood
• Mac V. Horton West County Annex, 6868 San Casa Drive, Englewood

The post Charlotte County Announces Calendar Photo Contest Winners appeared first on Englewood Review.

Halloween Notte
Get ready for chills and thrills at Halloween Notte, running Thursdays and Sundays from 6 to 10pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 11pm, now through Saturday, November 1, at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds, 2333 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte. This haunted festival features three haunted houses, live scare actors, a twisted live show under the big top, “Alice in Horrorland”, and more. Dare to enter the haunted maze, dance with zombies, or ride the mechanical alligator, then unwind with food vendors, carnival games, a pumpkin patch, and a spooky kids’ zone. Cost is $5 for event admission only, $25 includes unlimited haunted house visits and live show, $15 under age 12, and $21 veterans/seniors. Additional admission packages are available.Info: Visit HalloweenNotte.com.

Spooky Point
Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus, 401 North Tamiami Trail, Osprey, transforms into “Spooky Point” through Saturday, November 1 with the return of the fourth-annual Halloween-themed walk-through light show. Between 6:30 and 8:45pm, guests will follow an eerily lit path filled with fantastic creations and “bootanically” themed decorations that are equal parts campy, creepy, and cute. The event is family-friendly, with food and beverages available for purchase, but guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult ticket holder. $34 for adults and $19 for children. Nontransferable and nonrefundable. Visit Selby.org for details and tickets.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
The annual outdoor Players Centre production returns to the Sarasota Polo Club to tell the spooky tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. Enjoy an evening under the stars with a costume contest each night. Bring your own blankets and chairs! Showtimes are Thursday to Saturday, October 23 to 25, at 6pm, and Saturday, October 25, at 4pm, at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota.  $25–$30 for adults, $15–$20 for children under 18, with family ticket packs also available. Call 941•365•2494 or visit theplayers.org.

Monster Mash Halloween Party
Get ready to party with 107.9 WSRZ and Jones and Company at the “Monster Mash Halloween Party” on Saturday, October 25, from 6 to 10pm at the Venice Community Center Ballroom, 326 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. This 21+ event is legendary across the Suncoast for its outrageous costumes and thrilling atmosphere. Show off your best look in the costume contest for a chance to win a cash prize, and dance the night away, enjoy great music, spirits, and delicious food samples. Admission is $13.39. For tickets and details, visit WSRZ.com.

Halloween Classics
Candlelight Concerts presents “A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics”, a night of eerie elegance featuring classical works by Charles Gounod and Dmitri Shostakovich, pop favorites like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and Ray Parker Jr.’s “Ghostbusters,” and iconic horror film scores from “Halloween” and “Psycho”. The concert takes place on Saturday, October 25, at 8pm at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota. Tickets are $44–$73 at candlelightexperience.com.

“The Birds”

Cinema at The Bay celebrates Halloween with a free outdoor screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 classic “The Birds”, starring Tippi Hedren as a woman trapped in a town besieged by murderous flocks. Enjoy this chilling thriller under the stars on Thursday, October 30, from 7 to 9pm at The Oval at The Bay, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota. Admission is free. For details call 941•203•5316 or visit thebaysarasota.org.

Halloween at Artur’s
Get ready, ghoul-friends, Halloween Night at Artur’s will be a scream! Join the fun on Friday, October 31, from 5 to 9pm, 70 North Indiana Avenue. Kick off the evening with a Trunk-or-Treat Spooktacular at 5pm, live music from “Vintage Vibes” at 6pm, and the big Costume Contest at 8pm featuring prizes including a 55” TV, iPad, Bluetooth speakers, and gift cards. Adults can enjoy “Boo-quila Babes” roaming with tequila samples and tiki thrills. Bring the family, your best costume, and your A-boo game! 941•460•8983. 

Halloween Block Party
Downtown Sarasota’s Gator Club hosts its annual Halloween Block Party featuring live music by DJ Kelly Crawford, Phoenix 5, and Johnny Diamond, plus costume contests with over $2,000 in cash and prizes. Enjoy great food from Smokin’ Momma Lora’s BBQ and other food trucks. The festivities take place on Friday, October 31, from 5 to 11pm at The Gator Club, 1490 Main Street, Sarasota. For more information call 941•366•5969 or visit facebook.com/thegatorclubsrq.

The post Halloween Festivities appeared first on Englewood Review.

Progress continues at other parks. Portions of Bayshore Live Oak Park, 23157 Bayshore Road in Charlotte Harbor, have reopened, including parking, greenspace and the fireplace pavilion. Other areas remain closed due to damage and safety hazards. Repairs to the pirate ship playground at Englewood Beach are complete and the playground has reopened.

To improve transparency on storm-related work, the county launched a revised Disaster Recovery Projects Dashboard on Wednesday at www.charlottecountyfl.gov/disasterprojects or via the project status graphic on the county homepage. The dashboard catalogs more than 1,200 projects that are completed, underway or planned. Users can view a map to find projects by location, search by project name and review funding sources and amounts, work descriptions and the storm event associated with each project.

Resilience planning remains a commission priority. The county hosted the 4th Annual Florida Resilience Conference Sept. 17-19 at Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor, where state and local leaders shared strategies to strengthen community resilience amid funding challenges.

The commission will hold a public meeting at 2 p.m., Oct. 14, in Room 119 of the Charlotte County Administration Center, 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, to gather input on the Resiliency and Modernization Plan.

In parallel, the county is seeking public feedback on the draft Integrated Master Plan and Resiliency Implementation Roadmap before submission to the U.S. Department of Commerce. The project will help prioritize utility operations and engineering initiatives using a decision framework that incorporates resilience and modernization.

Information contained in this article is from Charlotte County Administrator Hector Flores’ Weekly Column.

The post County Continues to Focus on Recovery and Resilience appeared first on Englewood Review.

For a coastal community, emergency preparedness remains a priority. The hearing will focus on updates to the district’s emergency management policy, which outlines how schools respond to hurricanes and other threats. The proposed revisions aim to strengthen student safety protocols and clarify procedures for handling emergencies in Charlotte and Sarasota counties.

The board will also consider policies that affect students’ daily lives. Discussions will include a new policy on name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation for student-athletes, as well as updates to existing rules on wireless communication devices, student conduct, and discipline. Parents and students will have the opportunity to comment on these measures during the meeting.

In addition, the agenda includes a review of charter school regulations that shape school choice and funding across the district. The board will also recognize several educators and schools for their achievements. Superintendent Stephen Dionisio will receive the 2025 Charles Lee Swift Lifetime Achievement Award. Liberty, Vineland, and Sallie Jones Elementary schools, along with L.A. Ainger Middle School, will be honored as PBIS Model Schools.

The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 14, at the Murdock Center, 1445 Education Way in Port Charlotte. Citizens wishing to speak must sign up at the start of the meeting, and comments are limited to three minutes.

Following the public hearing, the board will review community feedback before considering final approval of the revised and new policies at future meetings.

The post Charlotte School Board to Review Emergency, Student Policies appeared first on Englewood Review.

The sale will be held Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 8 a.m. to noon at Charlotte Sports Park, located at 2300 El Jobean Road in Port Charlotte.

Vendor spaces are available for $25 each. Each space measures 10 feet by 40 feet. Vendors must bring their own tables, chairs and shade. Setup will take place between 5 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.

The deadline to register is November 14, 2025.

To register, visit tinyurl.com/GreatGarageSale2025

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