Help light up Lemon Bay!
Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary will once again be putting on the “Best Fireworks Display in SW Florida” on Thursday, July 4, 9:05pm, from Middle Beach, for the Englewood community. If you have viewed the show in past years, you know indeed that it’s a 30-minute spectacular full of “oohs” and “ahs”. Prime viewing spots are Indian Mound Park (210 Winson Avenue); Englewood Veteran’s Memorial (641 W. Dearborn Street); Cherokee Park (67 Cherokee Street); and Lemon Bay Park (570 Bay Park Blvd). Parking at Middle Beach will quickly fill to capacity so consider an alternative location. Please help the Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary Club by making a tax-deductible donation. Your donation helps Englewood celebrate our independence and defray the $40,000+ cost. You can donate online at lemonbaysunriserotary.com or put your donation in one of the fireworks rockets at businesses around town.
Sarasota and Charlotte Counties Lift Burn Ban
The burn ban issued by Sarasota and Charlotte Counties Fire Departments, which prohibited unpermitted open burns in the Counties has been lifted. The ban was lifted as the Keech Bryan Drought Index fell below 500 for seven consecutive days, reducing the wildfire threat in the two Counties. Visit scgov.net/fire and charlottecountyfl.gov for updates. Please note that this area is still considered on the dry side so caution is advised regarding open burning and fireworks.
Mahjong, Anyone?
Looking for a group to play Mahjong with? Come join other players on Saturday mornings, 10am to noon, at the Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park Recreation Center, 6961 San Casa Drive. There is a $2 drop-in cost but no registration is necessary. For questions, call 941•681•3760.
Freedom Fest
Celebrate America at Punta Gorda’s Freedom Fest on Saturday, June 29 at Laishley Park, 150 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda. The event runs from noon to 10pm and provides entertainment for the entire family. Featured this year will be Water-Mania, a group of 12 giant waterslides of various types for all ages. Also featured is a large Kids Fun Zone. There will also be festival food, beer & beverages, and live music throughout the day. Be sure to stay for the fireworks display beginning at 9pm, with fireworks being shot from two barges over the Peace River. Learn more at puntagordafireworks.com.
Fall Prevention Workshop
Falls are not inevitable – the risk can be reduced. Register now for a free Fall Prevention 101 Workshop on Monday, July 1, 10:30am to noon, at the Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn Street. Kelly Ward, from the Florida Dept. of Health Sarasota County, will speak on what can increase the risk of falling, how to reduce your fall risk, why your balance changes with age and what to do if you’re caught in the “cycle of fear” of falling. Register online at scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com/events or call 941•861•1225.
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Join Chris Kahl for a historical musical journey through Florida, featuring performances of songs covering a wealth of historical events, characters and folklore with in-depth storytelling about Ponce de Leon’s voyage to Florida in 1513, Henry Flagler’s building of Florida’s East Coast Railroad, and more. This free program will be offered on Tuesday, July 2, 3 to 4pm, at the Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn Street. The original songs performed come from Chris Kahl’s Florida-themed albums: “Orange Blossom Memories” and “Sunshine Kid”. Come early as seating is limited. For more information, call the library at 941•861•1225.
Medicare 101 Presentation
If you are nearing age 65 and want to learn more about your Medicare options and the timeline for applying, plan to attend a free “Medicare 101” educational presentation offered on Wednesday, July 3, 6 to 7pm, at the Englewood Chamber of Commerce, 601 S. Indiana Avenue. Pope Insurance will present this program. There is no obligation – just an opportunity to learn about Medicare and have your questions answered. Call 941•475•6766 to RSVP.
Happy 4th of July Party
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 113 will present a Happy 4th of July Party on Thursday, July 4, noon to 4pm. “Bandana” will provide music from 1 to 4pm. Enjoy a chicken dinner for lunch. Basket raffle & 50/50. $20 per person includes lunch. Proceeds benefit local veteran charities. The public is welcome to attend this party at the Post, 3436 Indiana Road, in Rotonda. Call 941•697•3616 for more information. God Bless the USA.
July 4th at Fishermen’s Village
Fishermen’s Village invites you to celebrate Independence Day with them on Thursday, July 4th. The annual Freedom Swim at 1:30pm kicks off the schedule at Live Oak Point, on the northwest side of the north end of the northbound U.S. 41 bridge, and finishes at the Village’s landing. At Fishermen’s Village (1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda), there will be family-friendly activities/vendors on the Village Promenade from noon to 6pm. From 5 to 9pm, musician Mark Gorka performs in Center Court and “From the Edge Band” is on stage at Dry Beach. Stay for the fireworks display that begins at 9pm with the best viewing on the west side of the property. Learn more about Fishermen’s Village at fishermensvillage.com. King Fisher Fleet will be offering a sunset/fireworks cruise, departing from Fishermen’s Village at 7:30pm. Visit kingfishfleet.com for pricing/tickets.
NP Freedom Festival
North Port’s annual Freedom Festival will be Thursday, July 4, 5 to 9:30pm, at CoolToday Park, 18800 S. West Villages Pkwy.,Venice. The family-friendly festival includes a variety of free activities such as bounce houses, lawn games, live music by “Tobacco Road”, and more. Food and merchandise vendors will be on-site. Fireworks will conclude the evening, beginning at 9pm. Seating will be available in the stadium or bring blankets/chairs to watch from the lawn. No personal fireworks, sparklers or animals will be permitted. To receive event-related messages, text FREEDOM24 to 888-777 or call 941•429•7000 for questions.
Sarasota County wants the Old Englewood area neighborhood to be aware that there will be survey field crews completing data collection through Thursday, September 12, an early step in the Englewood Artist Area Improvement Project. This data collection is in support of the Design Phase of the project. Expect survey field crew vehicles and data collection personnel in the road right of way and yards adjacent to the project. Please be aware that in accordance with Section 472.029, Florida Statutes, survey personnel are permitted on your property to locate and record existing vertical and horizontal monuments (artificial or natural object occupying any real property corner). This activity should not cause any physical disturbance to your property. Please use caution when driving near and around field crews. For any questions, contact Sanja Ivanovic, Project Manager, at 941•404•5256 or email [emailprotected].
Selby Garden’s Independence Day Picnic
Don’t miss one of Marie Selby Botanical Garden’s most beloved summer traditions. Celebrate Independence Day at their All-American Cookout on Wednesday, July 4, 5:30 to 9:30pm, at the downtown campus, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota. The evening includes family-friendly activities and games on the great lawn, plus a great view of the Sarasota fireworks over Sarasota Bay. General admission is $35 adult and $10 for children ages 5 to 17. Food vendors will be onsite. Parking is off-site at the Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, with complimentary trolley service. All-inclusive tickets, featuring a buffet dinner by Michael’s on East and an open bar, are $200 adult and $50 per child. For questions, call 941•366•5731.
Fireworks Cruise
Gasparilla Boat Tours is offering a Sunset and Fireworks Cruise on Thursday, July 4, 7 to 10pm. The cruise will depart from Cape Haze Marina, 6950 Placida Road. Cost is $75 per person. BYOB. Call to book today as space is limited: 833•786•8687.
Venice Fireworks Display
The City of Venice Fourth of July firework display will be Thursday, July 4, 9 to 9:30pm, and can be viewed from Venice area beaches, from Caspersen to Nokomis, as well as from other locations around Venice. Arrive early to secure your spot. Note that Humphris Park at the South Jetty and Jetty Jack’s Refreshment Deck will be closed for safety on July 4th. If you are viewing the display from a boat, boats should be at anchor by 8:15pm as the Venice Inlet will be closed to boat traffic at 8:30pm and reopen about 30 minutes after the fireworks grand finale. In the case of inclement weather, the fireworks show may be delayed (visit the City of Venice Facebook page, FL Municipal Government), Twitter @CityofVeniceFL, or venicegov.com for updates).
Concerned About Falling?
Learn to manage concerns about falls and reduce your fall risk through a free series starting Monday, July 8 and ending Monday, August 26 at the Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn Street. “A Matter of Balance” is an award-winning program designed to help people learn practical strategies to manage falls & increase physical activity levels. The class meets on Mondays from 10:30am to 12:30pm. This class is offered by the Florida Dept of Health Sarasota County, Elder Affairs Florida, and Area Agency on Aging for SW Florida. Register online at scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com/events or call 941•861•1110.
What’s Cooking? Mediterranean
Join other interested community members to learn new techniques and taste different kinds of dishes during the monthly “What’s Cooking?” event at the Family Services Center, 21500 Gibralter Drive, Port Charlotte. The Saturday, July 6th class from, 11am to 1pm, will be “Mediterranean Diet”. The class is free, but registration is required at charlottecountyfl.libcal.com/event/11399570.
Health in Motion Bus
The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County Health in Motion staff will be at Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn Street, on Tuesday, July 9, noon to 4pm. You can receive no-cost health screenings and referrals for general health & wellness. Nursing staff will help find a medical home for those with no insurance. No appointments necessary. The bus will be in the parking lot. For more information, contact Cathy Jones at 941•861•2873.
National Parks Fascinating Stories
Do you know which national parks are associated with President Lincoln’s assassination? What’s the most visited national park - and its controversial history? That there’s a park where taking a bath is a common activity? These are just some of the interesting things you’ll discover during “Fascinating Stories from Our National Parks”, presented by Penny Musco, the author of “Life Lessons from the National Parks: Meeting God in America’s Most Glorious Places”. Penny is a freelance writer and speaker who loves to travel to national park sites. She also was an Artist in Residence for the National Park Service. The free program will be Thursday, July 11, 2 to 3pm, at the Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn Street. No reservation required but come early as seating is limited. For questions, call the library at 941•861•1225.
Christmas in July
Venice Mainstreet will be holding “their biggest sale of the season” on Friday & Saturday, July 12 & 13, 10am to 4pm, at participating downtown shops. Enjoy great discounts, register to win one of several gift baskets, meet Santa, and you can ride the free trolley. Come celebrate Christmas in July in Venice. Learn more at visitvenicefl.org.
Hunks in Heels Tickets
Get your tickets now for an evening of fun! Hunks in Heels is back on Saturday, July 20th at the Englewood Elks, 401 N. Indiana Avenue. Englewood men don a pair of heels for a lip-sync competition that will have you laughing and cheering them on during this fundraiser for Spread Spencer’s Sparkle. Your $85 ticket includes dinner, the show and opportunities to bid on silent auction items. Doors open at 5:30pm. Tickets may be purchased at spreadspencerssparkle.com. Ticket sales will end Saturday, July 13th. Spread Spencer’s Sparkle is a non-profit honoring the life of a young Englewood man, Spencer Stephens, who was tragically killed in an auto accident and is a kindness movement focusing on LGBTQ+ awareness, youth, theatre arts, and community needs.
Sock Hop
Come to the Sock Hop! The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 113 invites you to their Sock Hop on Saturday, July 20, 5 to 9pm, at the Post, 3436 Indiana Road in Rotonda. The cost is only $15 per person and a ¼ chicken dinner is included. Music will be provided by “Seasons of Sound” with Eric Stefanik. Dress in sock hop attire. 50/50 raffle. Donations of new school supplies will be accepted, to be used for education. Call 941•697•3616 for more information.
Family Movie Night
Save the date for Family Movie Night on Tuesday, July 23, 8 to 10pm, at Pioneer Plaza, 325 W. Dearborn Street. The Englewood CRA is hosting this event as part of their 25th anniversary. The scheduled movie is “A Christmas Story”. Bring your own seating and coolers are allowed. Free popcorn for the kids. For questions, call 941•473•9795.
Summer Farmers Markets
Although the Englewood Farmers Market is closed for the season, the Market on Dearborn (232 W. Dearborn Street) is open on Saturdays, 8am to 1pm, through July (August TBD). Stay posted on their Facebook page. Punta Gorda holds two weekly Farmers Market year-round. The Downtown Punta Gorda Farmers Market is open every Saturday, 8am to noon, at 277 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda. Shop for produce, sweets, plants, beauty, pet items, jewelry, baked goods and other food items. Learn more at puntagordafarmersmarket.com. On Sundays, 9am to 1pm, shop at the Punta Gorda History Park Market at 501 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda. The market features local fresh produce and artisan food items, knife sharpening, art and craft vendors, live music and more. For more information, visit puntagordahistory.com/events. The North Port Farmers Market has reopened on Saturdays, 9:30am to 12:30pm, at 2525 Bobcat Village Center Road, North Port. Shop more than 20 vendors and enjoy live music. The Venice Farmers Market is held year-round on Saturdays, 8am to 1pm, and offers local produce, seafood, baked goods, food items & drinks, handmade goods, and much more. The market is held at 401 W. Venice Avenue, Venice. Online you can learn more at thevenicefarmersmarket.org. The Fresh Harvest Farmers Market is held on Sundays, 9am to 1pm, in downtown Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., North Port. You can find fresh-cut flowers, fruits & vegetables, plants, seafood, and live music. Website: wellenpark.com/events. If you are out on a drive, stop at the granddaddy of the area farmers markets in downtown Sarasota along North Lemon Avenue on Saturdays, 7am to 1pm. This market has been a staple since 1979 and features 70+ vendors. Visit it online at sarasotafarmersmarket.org.
Hurricane Charley Anniversary Exhibit
Charlotte County Libraries and History is pleased to announce the opening of “The Landscape Was Changed Forever,” an exhibit featuring interpretive banners and Charlotte County newspapers that commemorates the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Charley. The exhibit is on display at the Punta Gorda Charlotte, Port Charlotte and Englewood Charlotte Libraries through September, and is available for viewing during regular library hours. In addition, local and national news footage will be shown on a loop on Tuesday, August 13th, the day Charley made landfall, and Charlotte County History Services staff will be on hand to answer questions. For more information, visit charlottecountyfl.libcal.com/calendar. The Englewood Charlotte Library is located at 3450 N. Access Road and can be reached at 941•681•3736.
The #152 PickUp Challenge!
According to the Keep America Beautiful 2020 National Litter Study, there are 50 billion pieces of litter across the country. If every American picked up 152 pieces, it would all be cleaned up. Do your part by joining the #152PickUpChallenge and pick up your 152 pieces of litter (or more). Make sure to take pictures of your cleanup and tag Keep America Beautiful on social media @KeepAmericaBeautiful and use the #152PickUpChallenge. You can register at kab.tfaforms.net/f/152IndividualReg and receive email updates from KAB. Together, all that litter can be picked up, starting with Englewood. Learn more about Keep America Beautiful at kab.org.
For Hurricane Ian Survivors
St. Vincent DePaul Disaster Services wants Hurricane Ian survivors who still have unmet needs and repairs to contact their Disaster Case Management team. Both Sarasota and Charlotte County residents are eligible for this free service. A trained Disaster Case Manager will work one-on-one with the individual/household to perform a needs assessment and help you access eligible resources. They will also advocate on your behalf with FEMA, insurance companies, the Small Business Administration, and other disaster-related services. Spanish-speaking managers are available. To learn more and/or schedule an appointment, call 941•799•6779 or email [emailprotected]. Learn more online at svdpdisaster.org.
Another resource for Hurricane Ian repairs for Sarasota County residents is Sarasota County Resilient SRQ. There are still grants available for homeowners needing reconstruction and re-habitation of damaged homes in the county. Low-to-moderate income individuals are prioritized. Go to resilientsrq.net/housing-recovery to learn more or call 941•861•5309. For Charlotte County residents with unmet Hurricane Ian repairs, grant money may be available through an online application at ian.rebuildflorida.gov. The program is Florida’s long-term disaster recovery effort for housing rehabilitation, reconstruction or replacement that prioritizes low-to-moderate income families with seniors aged 62 & older, children, and/or disabled household members. You can also call 800•915•6803 for more information.
Did Anyone Bite You at Work Today?
The Englewood Postmaster wants to bring awareness to an ongoing issue that affects postal carriers not only in Englewood but across the country. On average, nearly 15 mail carriers per day will say “Yes” they have been bitten on the job today. Postal Service officials report that in 2023, over 5,800 letter carriers experienced dog bites or dog attacks. With deliveries every day, including Sundays and holidays, carriers continue to experience dog bites in urban, suburban, and rural settings. Dog attacks and bites are 100 percent preventable when dog owners remain vigilant and properly restrain their dogs. To ensure mail carriers’ safety, dog owners must securely lock their dog in another room until a delivery exchange is done. If a dog is outside, the dog must be leashed, away from the mailbox. When a carrier feels unsafe, mail service could be interrupted, not only for the dog owner, but for the entire neighborhood. When mail service is interrupted, mail must be picked up at the Post Office. Service will not be restored until the dog is properly restrained. With your help in this regards, postal carriers, your neighbors, and your dogs will stay safe. Thank you for protecting your pet and USPS mail carriers as they continue to bring packages and other important correspondence to your door each day.
Comedy for a Cause
Save the date for Charlotte Players’ 12th annual Comedy for a Cause, which is scheduled for Friday, September 13, 6 to 9:30pm, at the Twisted Fork, 2208 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte. Tickets for dinner and the show are $95 and the show only is $40. Visit charlotteplayers.org for more information and ticket purchase.
2024 FIAS International Air Show
Save the date for this year’s 2024 FIAS International Air Show at the Punta Gorda Airport. This year’s airshow will take place Saturday & Sunday, November 2 & 3. Gates open at 9am and the show begins at noonboth days. Featured headliner is the F-16 Viper Demo Team, pictured here. Also scheduled: the legendary P-51 Mustang, the Chuters Jump Team, crowd favorite Patty Wagstaff, Warbird Thunder, Franklins Flying Circus, and Randy W. Ball & the MIG F-17. New this year will be the Family Aviation Experience. Save money, too, by purchasing your tickets now. General admission tickets are $40-$45 adult & $15 child, aged 2 to 12, per day; preferred seating per day is $75 adult and $40 per child, Flight Line Club $150 per day, and Family Aviation Experience per day (two adults & two children) $175, additional child $45. To learn more, go to floridaairshow.com.
Sharing & Caring
Community Blood Drives
The OneBlood “Big Red Bus” has scheduled the following blood drives in Englewood during July. Incentives are offered to donors such as gift cards and T-shirts or a tote bag during July. OneBlood shares why the need for blood donations is so critical. While 63% of the population can donate blood, only about 3% do. One of every three people will need blood at some point in their life. OneBlood currently serves 355 hospital partners and needs to collect an average of 2,500 units of blood every day. Donors are requested to visit the OneBlood website, oneblood.org, to schedule an appointment. Please note that blood drives are subject to change at any time. Tuesday, July 2, 10am to 4pm: Bealls, 1500 Placida Road. Tuesday, July 4, 10am to 4pm: Bealls Outlet, 1500 Placida Road. Friday, July 5, Noon to 6pm: Made in the Shade Ice Cream, 2411 S. McCall Road. Sunday, July 7, 9am to 3pm: Publix-Merchants Crossing, 1500 Placida Road. Tuesday, July 9, 10am to 4pm: Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn Street. Sunday, July 14, 10am to 4pm: Walmart, 2931 S. McCall Road. Friday, July 19, 8am to 2pm: Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, 11051 Wilmington Blvd. Thursday, July 25, 11am to 5pm: Publix-Merchants Crossing, 1500 Placida Road. Monday, July 29, 11am to 5pm: End Zone Sports Grille, 2440 S. McCall Road.
Veteran Graveside Service
In a solemn ceremony that underscores the dignity and respect owed to all those who served, a veteran with no family will be laid to rest on Wednesday, July 10 at 11am at Sarasota National Ceremony, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota. EPIC Community Resource Center’s Vice President Randy Smith, a dedicated Veterans Case Manager, will officiate the internment. The veteran, Brian Darling, served in the US Marine Corps from 1976 to 1979. The public is invited to attend and show their support and gratitude to a veteran with no family. For more information, call EPIC at 941•460•6022.
Sports
Freedom Swim
The 33rd Annual Freedom Swim will take place in Punta Gorda on Thursday, July 4th, starting at 1:30pm. Be a part of this unique Punta Gorda tradition. Participants can swim, float or paddle from Live Oak Point, on the northwest side of the north end of the northbound U.S. 41 bridge, at 5100 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. They proceed to the channel and then down the Peace River towards the landing site at Fishermen’s Village. The crossing will take 40 minutes to three hours, depending on the swimmer. This is not a race, but a fun holiday tradition. Learn more about everythingpuntagorda.com.
Table Tennis Drop-In
On Saturday mornings, 10:30am to noon, come to the Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park Recreation Center to play a couple of games of table tennis (aka ping pong). It’s just $2 to play and no reservations are necessary. Come and have fun, along with some exercise. For questions, call 941•681•3760. The Rec Center is located at 6961 San Casa Drive.
The items appearing in this column are as accurate as possible. Please call the listed numbers for confirmation and further information. If you have an upcoming event you would like to have considered for “Around the Town” please email: [emailprotected].
