The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s board made the call, aiming to save water as dry weather lingers.

So, what does this mean if you’re in Punta Gorda? 

Lawn watering stays on a strict schedule. Your allowed watering day depends on your address:

Monday: Ends in 0 or 1 

Tuesday: Ends in 2 or 3 

Wednesday: Ends in 4 or 5 

Thursday: Ends in 6 or 7 

Friday: Ends in 8 or 9, also includes addresses that end with a letter or places without a number 

The rules prohibit watering on Saturdays or Sundays.

You only get to water during two windows on your assigned day: from 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m., or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

These rules come straight from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Both the City’s Utilities Department and Code Compliance will be out checking for violations, and if you ignore the rules, you could face penalties. It’s all about stretching our water supply until the rain returns. Check your specific watering day here: City of Punta Gorda.

Meanwhile, in Sarasota County, because drought keeps gripping our area, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s board just decided that restrictions aren’t going anywhere. Phase 3 water rules stay in effect through October 1, 2026. 

If you live in Sarasota County, here’s what you need to know:
— You can only water your lawn overnight, either between 8 p.m. and midnight or from midnight to 4 a.m., and only on your assigned watering day.
— Washing your car? That’s allowed any time on your watering day, but you need to use a hose with a shutoff nozzle.
— If you’re running a fountain, you can only use it for four hours a day.
— And don’t count on second chances. Public Utilities staff will hand out citations on the spot, with no warnings.

Need all the details? Visit scgov.net/waterrestrictions.

The post The Dry Spell Lingers: Sarasota County and Punta Gorda Taps the Brakes on Water Use appeared first on Englewood Review.

For over 35 years, Jay gave his heart to the people of Charlotte County, residents and visitors alike. He wasn’t just a firefighter or paramedic. He was a mentor, Honor Guard member, and a friend to so many. The department benefited from his dedication, and his influence will last for years.

People will always remember Jay’s booming voice, his infectious laugh, and that unmistakable spirit. He touched countless lives, both on the job and off.

In the coming days, they’ll honor Jay with his Last Alarm. The radio call will echo once more, but what Jay started goes on. The men and women he guided and inspired carry his legacy forward.

From Charlotte County Fire & EMS, their message is, “Rest easy, Jay. We’ve got it from here.”

For updated service times, procession routes, and memorial information, please visit the Charlotte County Government Official Site.

The post “We’ve Got It From Here”: Charlotte County Salutes Beloved Firefighter Jay Sanders appeared first on Englewood Review.

At 12051 Maryland Ave., south of Punta Gorda, in the heart of Tropical Gulf Acres, the new station will sit near Tucker’s Grade and U.S. 41, ideal for serving the growing neighborhoods in South County.

This isn’t just any construction project; it’s part of a series paid for by the county’s 1% Local Option Sales Tax. The goal: better public safety and faster emergency response as more people move in. According to project updates from late April, crews expect to finish construction and turn the station over on March 27, 2027.

The ceremony was open to the community and was an opportunity to see the start of a project that’s going to make a significant difference for Charlotte County residents.

The post Charlotte County Breaks Ground on New South County Fire & EMS Station appeared first on Englewood Review.

This event is open to everyone. It’s more than just a building dedication; it’s a celebration of the lodge’s lasting place in the community and Gilchrist’s influence on both the region and the state. Mayor Debbie Lux will present an official proclamation, and several state dignitaries plan to join the gathering.

The program includes remarks from lodge and community leaders and formal recognition of the center’s importance. Visitors can also explore the lodge’s past and its roots going back to 1890, as well as how it continues to support the charitable work of Charlotte County.

You’ll find more details at www.puntagorda115.com, or you can call Noah Parry at 941-815-7688.

The post Punta Gorda to Honor Mayor and Governor Albert W. Gilchrist with New Masonic Center Dedication appeared first on Englewood Review.

Mission XXIV brings together 88 veterans, two from World War II, five from the Korean War, plus others from Vietnam and later conflicts. Each veteran will travel with a trained volunteer guardian, ensuring the day is comfortable, safe, and memorable. On this trip, the group will visit the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Military Women’s Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The day kicks off before sunrise, with a spirited send-off as the veterans board their flight. When they return that night, the community can welcome them home in a big way at Punta Gorda Airport. Festivities and entertainment start at 8 p.m., but the Allegiant flight is scheduled to land at approximately 8:50 p.m. The community can show its support by wearing red, white, and blue, bringing flags and signs, and offering plenty of applause. Carpool if you can; it’s expected to be a packed event.

“This mission is about gratitude, remembrance, and honoring service,” said Naomi Horton Copeland, President of Southwest Florida Honor Flight. “For many, it’s their first time seeing the memorials dedicated to their sacrifices. The Welcome Home celebration proves their service is remembered and appreciated.”

Since 2007, Southwest Florida Honor Flight has taken over 2,300 veterans on this journey. With no big corporate sponsors, each trip, costing about $118,000 a flight, relies entirely on local donations and grassroots support. Veterans and guardians can apply year-round for future missions. Every veteran is paired with a guardian for the trip; guardians cover a small fee and spend the day supporting and honoring their assigned veteran.

The organization serves veterans from Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. Veterans who split time out of state or live elsewhere are also eligible. Priority goes to WWII, Korean War, and terminally ill veterans. Monthly info meetings happen both in-person and on Zoom. The group operates with an all-volunteer team, many of whom are veterans or have family who served.

For details on future missions, applications, or to support the program, visit www.swflhonorflight.org.

Donate today here

Visit their website: swflhonorflight.org and on Facebook

Southwest Florida Honor Flight

The post Southwest Florida Honor Flight Sets Sail for D.C. This Tuesday from Punta Gorda appeared first on Englewood Review.

A young tech entrepreneur, Michael Colosi, wants to build on land in Punta Gorda that scrub-jays call home. That’s a problem, because Charlotte County set up strict protections back in 2014 to preserve this exact habitat. Anyone who wants to develop there has to pay a hefty fee. Colosi is fighting that fee through the courts, arguing that it’s not about whether the scrub-jay deserves protection, he just doesn’t think it’s his responsibility to foot the bill.

The Florida scrub-jay has been on the federal threatened species list since 1987. The Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that just 7,700 to 9,300 remain in the wild. It’s a smart, striking bird that can even recognize itself in a mirror, a skill most animals don’t have. 

Environmental experts feel that protecting this bird means preserving much more than a single species; Florida’s sandy scrub gets recharged with groundwater and supports agriculture. The bird’s existence depends on a healthy, regularly burned habitat.

Scrub-jays can stick around and even thrive near development if people will give them the space and respect they need. 

Colosi and his legal team see things differently. They argue that since the scrub-jay only lives in Florida, responsibility for protecting it should belong to the state, not the federal government. Colosi’s lawyer, Mark Miller from Pacific Legal Foundation, points out that the Endangered Species Act puts a $140,000 price tag on developing Colosi’s property. He claims it’s unfair to make property owners shoulder these costs if the broader community values preservation. In his view, compensating landowners, rather than fining them, helps everyone find middle ground. 

This fight over a rare Florida bird is more than just a local dustup. It’s a test of who gets to decide what wild America keeps, and who has to pay for it.

The post Could One Florida Bird Reshape the Endangered Species Act? A Charlotte County Lawsuit Says Yes appeared first on Englewood Review.

Let’s start on Gasparilla Island, where the Boca Grande Community Center is getting a serious facelift. Stevens Construction is steering the renovations, which focus on shoring up the building’s bones, modernizing core facilities, and making the center better able to stand up to future storms. Part of the plan calls for redesigning the east and west wings to better serve community needs. So far, crews have replaced damaged floor joists, poured new concrete slabs, and lifted exterior walkways to help keep water out. Ahead, they’ll transform the old auditorium into a sprawling fitness and multi-use area. 

There’s also a new 9,200-square-foot theater/auditorium on the way, slated to break ground between 2026 and 2027. While these upgrades bring the center into the twenty-first century, planners are determined to keep the laid-back “Old Florida” vibe that locals love.

Meanwhile, over in Punta Gorda, Charlotte County is rolling out a new project at Allapatchee Shores Park, beginning April 3, 2026. They’re shutting down parking and amenities to dig in on long-needed upgrades. Workers will replace the old shell lot, which erosion has chewed up year after year, with sturdy concrete grass pavers. New ADA-accessible parking and improved walkways are in the mix, too. Crews will also repair stormwater trenches so the park can better handle heavy rains. 

With money coming from the County’s Community Services Capital Maintenance Plan, these fixes help keep the park safe, accessible, and ready for both locals and visitors. “This project is a critical enhancement to a frequently used park,” Charlotte County’s project team shared.

Both projects grew out of lessons learned from previous hurricane seasons, and they’re about getting ahead of the next storm and making sure vital community spaces stay open and welcoming. Locals can expect Allapatchee Shores Park to reopen by late summer 2026, ready for a new chapter.

The post Big Improvements Ahead for Charlotte and Lee County Community Hubs appeared first on Englewood Review.

Artists Jennifer and Kevin Box started everything with a single, uncut square of paper. They carefully folded each model, then transformed it into bronze, steel, or aluminum, creating thirteen monumental outdoor sculptures and an “Inside Out” indoor gallery. As visitors wander across 27 acres of waterfront sanctuary, they stumble upon cranes rising as symbols of peace, ponies galloping in frozen motion, butterflies suspended mid-flight, and koi or blossoms floating among mangroves and marshes.

There’s more to see than just sculptures. The gardens, recently dubbed America’s top “Hidden Gem” by Bukon, offer a lineup of interactive activities for all ages. Take an audio tour or catch a live demonstration and get a behind-the-scenes look at the metal-casting process. Take part actively in a hands-on workshop, and mark your calendar for special events like the Blues, Brews & Blooms Fest on April 11, 2026, where you can explore the gardens with live music as your soundtrack.

The gardens are open daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult tickets are $21, with discounts for seniors and free admission for members and kids under four. Since the exhibit has only a few weeks left, now’s the time to experience this blend of botanical wonder and enormous artistry before the collection moves on.

You’ll find details and ticket info at Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens’ official website peacerivergardens.org.

The post Origami Gets a New Life: Monumental Sculptures at Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens appeared first on Englewood Review.

So, what makes Punta Gorda a top pick for spring break? It’s the mix of adventure and chill. People love paddling around the Peace River, boating across Charlotte Harbor, biking under the shade of old trees, and hunting down over 30 colorful murals scattered around town. The whole place has this unhurried, welcoming feel that sets it apart from bigger, buzzier vacation spots. March and April here are all about slow mornings, salty air, and a real sense of escape for anyone who’d rather swap neon lights for a bit of nautical peace.

Punta Gorda’s story goes way back. In 1884, Isaac Trabue founded the town, originally called Trabue, before it picked up the name Punta Gorda (“Fat Point” in Spanish) a few years later. The railroad put this place on the map, bringing in tourists and well-heeled travelers after trophy fish and warm winters. Through the early 1900s, the town thrived thanks to fishing, farming, and a reputation for quiet, unspoiled beauty.

But it really changed in the late 1950s. Developers turned the old mangrove swamps into Punta Gorda Isles, a neighborhood where just about every house opens onto a canal leading straight to the Gulf. Everything shifted again after Hurricane Charley tore through in 2004. Instead of just rebuilding, the city doubled down on smart planning, with walkable streets, a lively downtown, the scenic 2.5-mile Harborwalk, and a revamped Fishermen’s Village loaded with shops, restaurants, and waterfront spots to dock your boat.

Punta Gorda didn’t always look like this. To see why it’s such a standout destination today, look at its roots. The Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railway hit the waterfront in the late 1880s, and the big, elegant Hotel Punta Gorda made it clear the town wanted to attract winter visitors with some serious style. While other Florida towns packed in the condos, Punta Gorda played up its location, where the Peace River meets the wide-open harbor.

The shift to a spring break haven happened naturally. After Hurricane Charley, the city’s leaders didn’t just patch things up; they reimagined Punta Gorda. Now, the focus is on walkability, outdoor dining, and making the most of those harbor views. Fishermen’s Village is the city’s social hub, mixing boutique shops, live music, and waterfront villas. The Harborwalk gives you miles of paths for sunset strolls or early morning bike rides. And if you’re into nature, there’s no shortage of ways to explore, like eco-tours through the mangroves instead of crowded bars and nightclubs.

What sets Punta Gorda apart now? It’s that perfect mix of “Old Florida” charm and modern coastal comfort. You won’t find wild crowds, but you will find world-class tarpon fishing, paddleboarding through hidden waterways, and killer rooftop cocktails at places like The Perch. The local airport (PGD) keeps it easy and affordable for travelers flying in from up north. Punta Gorda proves you don’t need a jam-packed beach to draw a crowd. Sometimes, a little character and the right balance of laid-back luxury, goes a long way.

The post On the Edge of Charlotte Harbor: Punta Gorda’s Quiet Florida Spring Break appeared first on Englewood Review.

Applicants have until 4:59 p.m. December 31, 2025, to apply online at charlottecf.org/scholarships. One application covers all available awards. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $6,000, and a total of $263,000 will be distributed for the 2026–27 academic year.

A significant portion of the scholarships is designated for working adults. CCF leaders say this focus supports Charlotte County’s economic development by helping residents upgrade their skills for the changing job market.

CCF Board Member Deelynn Bennett, a 40-year veteran of Charlotte County Public Schools, chairs the Scholarship Committee and works alongside CCF Scholarship Coordinator Carolyn Gorton. Nearly half of all scholarships support health care studies, and CCF is seeking additional volunteer reviewers with health care experience. Interested community members can email scholarships@charlottecf.org. Volunteer service begins in mid-January 2026.

Scholarships Honor Community Donors

Many scholarship funds honor local residents. The largest is the Brooks Scholarships Fund, established in memory of Betty Conley Brooks and Robert Charles Brooks. It provides 30 awards to students pursuing technical certificates, two-year degrees, and four-year university degrees.

The CCF Scholarship Fund for Charlotte County: Supporting Future Local Leaders Like Leo Wotitzky serves as the foundation’s general scholarship fund. It accepts gifts of any amount to expand support for Charlotte County Public Schools graduates who demonstrate hard work, service, and commitment to the community, reflecting the leadership of CCF’s founding member and first chairman.

More information about applications and giving opportunities is available at charlottecf.org, including details on contributing to “The CCF Scholarship Fund: Supporting Future Leaders for Charlotte County like Leo Wotitzky.”

The Charlotte Community Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to improving quality of life in Charlotte County. Supported by volunteers and a small professional staff, the foundation connects donors, community needs, and long-term charitable funds. Now under new leadership, CCF continues its mission to foster philanthropy across Charlotte County to strengthen the community for generations.

The post New CCF Scholarship Opportunities for Charlotte County – Apply Now appeared first on Englewood Review.