Around The Town

Family Movie Night
The Englewood CRA invites families to join them for a movie on Friday, April 19, 7 to 9pm, at Pioneer Plaza, 325 W. Dearborn Street. Bring a blanket or chairs and enjoy a family movie under the stars. The scheduled movie is the “Super Mario Brothers Movie”. Meet the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) staff and learn how Sarasota County is working for the Englewood community. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 941•473•9795.

Suncoast Boat Show
The 42nd annual Suncoast Boat Show is coming to Sarasota, Friday-Sunday, April 19-21, at Marina Jack’s, Two Marina Plaza, on the bayfront in downtown Sarasota. Hours are Friday, 10am to 6pm; Saturday, 10am to 6pm and Sunday, 10am to 5pm. On display will be a wide variety of different vessels from power boats and motor yachts to center consoles and sportfishers. Vendors will offer marine products like electronics, accessories, clothing, jewelry, art and more. Captain Don Dingman will return with his kids’ fishing clinics, “Hook the Future”, and attending kids will receive a custom Hook the Future/Carolina Skiff rod & reel combo. Shuttle service is available from three area parking garages: 1390 Main Street, 1289 N. Palm Avenue, and 1538 State Street. Adult tickets are $19 and free for veterans & children under 15. Purchase tickets online at suncoastboatshow.com.

The planning committee for the Secret Society of Smoked Mullet convened over lunch at Landy’s Restaurant recently to solidify details for this year’s luncheon that will be held at Noon on Friday, May 10th at The Hills, 100 Rotonda Circle. The Smoked Mullet Award and Legend Award are given annually to recognize an individual who helped create the Englewood of today and who has never been recognized with an award for their hard work and dedication. The Legends Award honors historical families of the area who contributed to the settlement and growth of the area. Past award winners assist with planning the coming year’s event. Pictured here around the table are (l-r): Gary Schroeder, his daughter Debbie, Nita Cole, Eric Fogo, David Dignam, Doug Izzo, Fred Beck, Charlie Hicks, Nancy Wille, Carolyn Pope and Esther Horton.

Driver’s License Reinstatement
Operation Green Light is a statewide program that helps customers with a suspended or revoked driver’s license pay overdue court obligations, including traffic tickets, while saving up to 30% in collection agency fees. The Sarasota County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller is offering two dates for those interested to participate. On Thursday & Friday, April 18 & 19 from 8:30am to 6pm you can go to the South County Courthouse Clerk & Comptroller’s Office, 4004 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. On Saturday, April 20, 9am to 1pm, you can visit the Sarasota County Courthouse, 2000 Main Street in Sarasota. Those who wish to participate should know their case number(s), bring a valid photo ID, and a check, cash or credit card for making the first installment on an affordable payment plan. For more information, go to sarasotaclerk.com/operationgreenlight.

Stump Pass Park Clean-Up
Calling all fellow trash pickers: Please join volunteers at Stump Pass, in partnership with Keep Charlotte Beautiful, for the Great American Cleanup on Saturday, April 20, 8 to 11am, at Stump Pass Beach State Park, 900 Gulf Blvd. Clean-up will be focused on the land and along mangroves and water. Kayaks and SUP are welcome to cover the shoreline by water. Meet at the pavilion at 8am to sign in and gather for a brief safety meeting, group photo and basic directions. Consider carpooling or bicycling to the park due to limited parking. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a refillable water bottle, hat, sunscreen, work gloves and bug spray. No advance sign-up required. Gate opens at 7:30am. $3 park entry fee. For questions, PM Volunteers at Stump Pass on Facebook. 

Paper Shred & Food Drive
The Englewood Area Board of Realtors (EABOR) will hold a paper shredding and food drive event on Saturday, April 20, 8am to 11am, at their office located at 3952 N. Access Road. The public is welcome to bring up to four banker boxes of paper items to be shredded and is asked to bring nonperishable food items, baby supplies, personal health care items, and/or cash to be donated to The Jubilee Center at St. David’s. For questions, call EABOR at 941•474•6664.

Lemon Bay Earth Day
Celebrate Earth Day with Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center during a free family fun event with guided hikes, crafts, games, bounce house, animal encounters, local conservation project exhibits, youth-led activities and environmental keynote speakers. The event will take place at Cedar Point Environmental Park, 2300 Placida Road, on Saturday, April 20, 10am to 2pm. This event will feature different local environmental organizations with interactive activities centered around conservation projects. There will be a door prize raffle and more. Come early for a guided walk of the park at 9am. To register for the walk, go to checflorida.org or call 941•475•0769. Parking will be available at Cedar Point and across the street at Oyster Creek Environmental Park. For more information, please call 941•475•0769 or email [email protected].

Hurricane Expo
With hurricane season beginning June 1st, North Port is looking ahead by hosting a Hurricane Expo to help prepare and educate area residents. This free event is set for Saturday, April 20, 9am to 1pm, at the George Mullen Activity Center (GMAC), 1602 Kramer Way, North Port. If you are a snowbird, here is the opportunity to learn about hurricane preparedness before you go north for the summer. The expo will have various experts on hand to assist you in preparing for storms. Presentations will be given by the National Weather Service and North Port Emergency Management, as well as the new Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi. The Sarasota County Long-Term Recovery Group will have a presence at the expo, offering information about Hurricane Ian resources currently available to effected residents. Along with the valuable information, there will also be a raffle for a generator and other prizes. The event is free, and no registration is required. For more information, call 941•429•7000.

Community Outreach Day
Charlotte County presents a Community Outreach Day at the Centennial Park Recreation Center, 1120 Centennial Blvd, Port Charlotte, on Saturday, April 20, 9am to 2pm, with a special quiet hour for the sensory-sensitive community from 9-10am. This family-friendly event promises something for everyone. Enjoy free refreshments, bounce houses, laser tag, county big trucks to touch & explore, Menzi Muck & Marsh Master equipment demos and informative booths by local agencies & community partners. Attendees will receive a complimentary raffle ticket for a chance to win exciting prizes, including four tickets to a 2024 Tampa Bay Rays game at Tropicana Field and a $100 gift card for MRT Ace Hardware and Garden Center. Community Outreach Day serves as a platform to foster awareness and understanding of local government departments and community agencies & partners.

Venice Earth Day Events
Venice will hold an Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 20, 9 to 11am, at West Blalock Park, 401 Pensacola Road, Venice. There will be walking tours of the Monty Andrews Arboretum, a tree & plant giveaway, discussions & demonstrations on butterfly gardening, composting, orchids and rain barrels. Activities for children include a Treasure Quest by UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, Little Bookworms, coloring station and sidewalk chalk drawing. The event is free and open to all. The Venice Museum across the street will be open from 11am to 3pm. Nearby, at the Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Avenue South, will be the Venice Fire & Police Public Safety Day, 10am to 2pm. Learn more at venicegov.com.

Outdoor Gear Swap Meet
Waterways is excited to announce their first ever Englewood Community Outdoor Recreational Gear Swap Meet on Saturday, April 20, 10am to 1pm, at their store, 501 W. Dearborn Street. This will be a fun and exciting event for shopping or swapping fishing gear, paddle sports equipment, small boating and general outdoor recreational items. Waterways will also have great deals available as well. Attendance is free to the public; bring some cash or gear to swap. If you would like to host a table or tent and sell or swap some gear, go to: forms.gle/2kiuNRfWVCHKAX927. All booth fees will be donated to the Lemon Bay Conservancy; cash only, please. For more information, call 941•841•2299.

Sarasota Earth Day Festival
Oscar Scherer State Park and its Friends group invite you to participate in the 35th Annual Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 20, 10am to 3pm, at the park located at 1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey. The theme is “Planet vs Plastics”, and there will be guided tram tours & hikes, live music, food, kids’ activities and community environmental group booths. The event and park admission are free for the festival. For more information, call 941•483•5956.

Earth Day Every Day
Come to the “Earth Day Every Day” event on Saturday, April 20, 2 to 4pm, at Tringali Community Center, 3460 N. Access Road. All ages are welcome to enjoy arts & craft stations and take a stroll through the new Learning Garden, where kids can learn about seeds, plants and growing things. Host: The Englewood Charlotte Library, 3450 N. Access Road, as part of the Suncoast Remake Learning Days. For more information, call 941•681•3736. Sponsored by the Friends of the Englewood Charlotte Library.

Pasta Dinner
If you are in the mood for pasta, plan to attend the Pasta Dinner hosted by St. Raphael’s Knights of Columbus on Saturday, April 20, 5 to 7pm, at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, 770 Kilbourne Avenue. Take-outs available. Buy your tickets in advance for $13 at the church office or pay $15 at the door. For more information, call 941•474•9595.

Eat, Drink & Be Happy
Punta Gorda is the location for the Taste of the World International Food & Music Festival on Saturday, April 20, noon to 8pm, at Laishley Park, 120 Laishley Court. It’s a day of cultural food, music, unique vendors, kids’ zone and more. Fifteen ethic food choices. Scheduled entertainment is Matrasa Lynn (acoustic country), “Jah Movement” (reggae), Michael D’Amore (oldies) and the “Collaboration Band with Verceal Whitaker” (Motown and R&B), hula dance & bellydance performances. General admission ticket price is $7.50 and VIP $40 (plus fees). Tickets may be purchased in advance at eventbrite.com/e/862478054077. Learn more on the Facebook page: Taste of the World Food & Music Fest.

Starlight Cinema
Starlight Cinema is an enchanting outdoor experience that celebrates the magic of cinema under the stars. Join Charlotte County Community Services for a free family-friendly movie on Saturday, April 20 at Centennial Park Recreation Center, 1120 Centennial Blvd., Port Charlotte. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy a family-friendly movie. Concessions will be available for purchase. Movie starts at 8pm. For more information, call 941•613•3230.

World Circus Day
Come one, come all to World Circus Day at The Ringling in Sarasota to celebrate the history and artistry of the circus arts on Saturday, April 20, 10am to 5pm. See the world’s largest miniature circus, explore the circus’ history, and view John Ringling’s club car. Admission to the Circus Museum is free; the Museum of Art and Ca’d’Zan have an admission charge ($25-$50). The Ringling complex is located at 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Learn more at ringling.org.

Englewood Earth Day Festival
Come celebrate Earth Day on Sunday, April 21, 11am to 4pm, at Buchan Park, 1390 Old Englewood Road. There will be educational programs and informative demonstrations, eco-friendly crafts, live music featuring “The Bonnie Hayes Experience”, health-conscious food options, “safari” golf cart tours through endangered habitats, interpretive nature walks, plant sales and raffles. Free admission. Your hosts are the Barrier Island Parks Society (BIPS) and local Englewood residents. For more information, visit planetenglewood.com or email [email protected].

Trivia Night
Have some fun with Mr. Game Show, Andy Geremia, as he tests your knowledge of Englewood and Florida history in a lively trivia-style game on Monday, April 22, 5 to 6pm, at the Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn Street. Play as a team or individual. All ages welcome. A prize will be awarded to the final round winner. For more information, call 941•861•1110.

Earth Day Yoga Celebration
Join Loving Light Yoga for their Earth Day Celebration on Monday, April 22nd at Englewood Beach, 2100 N. Beach Road. Start your Earth Day with a morning yoga session at 8:30am. Then return for Sunset Yoga with Crystal Bowls from 7 to 8pm. The classes are suitable for all skill levels and open to all. Bring a blanket or mat. Classes are a $5 donation. For more information, visit lovinglightyoga.com.

Learn About Cedar Point Park
Tome Shaaltiel, the Education Coordinator at Cedar Point Environmental Park, will be the guest speaker at the Tuesday, April 23th program at the Historic Green Street Church Museum, 510 S. Indiana Avenue. Tome will share the many benefits offered through a diverse selection of nature programs offered at the nature center and some of the exciting secrets that may be found on a nature walk through the park at 2300 Placida Road. The program starts at 7pm and is free to the public. Any donations are always welcome to benefit Lemon Bay Historical Society.

Wear Denim, Support Survivors
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and you can show your support by wearing denim on Wednesday, April 24th and making a donation to support survivors. Wearing jeans on Denim Day has become a symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault. The Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies (C.A.R.E.) is asking everyone to make a statement by wearing denim on that day and to submit pictures from your workplace to admincarefl.org to be posted on C.A.R.E.’s social media pages. If you would like to make a donation to support survivors, go to paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5F8CECEJ6JNJJ. Learn more about C.A.R.E. at carefl.org or call 941•639•5499.

With funding support from the Florida Forest Service, Lemon Bay Conservancy is hosting a free tree giveaway on Friday, April 26, 9am to noon, for homeowners in Englewood and surrounding areas in celebration of Arbor Day. A total of 50 trees in 3-gallon containers will be available, with a limit of one per household. Go to lemonbayconservancy.org to see available tree species and for information on registering to receive a tree. Tree pick-up will be at the Lemon Bay Wildflower Preserve, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd.

Microsoft Word Tips & Tricks
Learn some basic tips and tricks about how to navigate through Microsoft Windows and Word at a free program on Friday, April 26, 2pm, at the Englewood Charlotte Library, 3450 N. Access Road. Registration required by calling 941•681•3736 or online at charlottecountyfl.libcal.com.

North Port Luau Night
The City of North Port Parks & Recreation Department is hosting a festive luau evening on Friday, April 26, 6 to 9pm, at the NP Aquatic Center, 6205 W. Price Blvd., North Port. Attendees are encouraged to wear Hawaiian gear for the hula dance party and will enjoy the water park, non-alcoholic beverages and a pulled pork BBQ. Cost is $25 and registration is required at northportfl.gov/aloha-npac-luau. For questions, call 941•429•7275, option 2.

Wild Weather with Rob Duns
Get wild about weather with NBC2 First Alert Meteorologist Rob Duns in this STEM-tastic workshop to learn about hurricanes and the tools used to track them. Then, apply your knowledge in an interactive weather experiment to see if you can withstand the fiercest forces of nature. This free program will be held on Friday, April 26, noon to 1pm, at the Port Charlotte Library, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte. Must register at charlottecountyfl.libcal.com.

Awareness Walk
Step in solidarity for survivors of sexual assault on Saturday, April 27, 8am, at Larry Taylor Kiwanis Park, 501 Donora Street, Port Charlotte. The “Community For A Cause” is part of Sexual Assault Awareness month and the meaningful walk is along a scenic mile-long path. It is free to participate, but donations for the hospital response team would be greatly appreciated. Desired donations for sexual assault survivors are new T-shirts, leggings/sweatpants, socks, and sports bras (all sizes). RSVP is requested by calling 941•639•5499. The walk is presented by the Charlottte County Sexual Awareness Response Team, Center for Abuse & Rape (C.A.R.E.) and Charlotte County.

Annual Tree Fair
People for Trees presents their annual Tree Fair on Saturday, April 27, 9am to 1pm, at the North Port City Center Green, 4970 City Hall Blvd., North Port. Hundreds of native trees will be available for sale, including sweetgum, southern red cedar, bald cypress, slash pine, longleaf pine, elm, dahoon holly and sugarberry. Three-gallon pots $15; seven gallon $30. Also at the fair will be vendors, food trucks, “Ask an Arborist” and kids’ activities. For more info, contact Alice White at 941•468•2486.

Florida-Friendly Garden Fest
Charlotte County Parks & Recreation presents Florida-Friendly Garden Fest on Saturday, April 27, 9am to 2pm, at Centennial Park, 1120 Centennial Blvd., Port Charlotte. There will be a Master Gardener plant sale, garden art, pottery & accessory vendors, other plant vendors, rain barrels for sale, educational booths and family-friendly activities. Free admission. For more information, call 941•625•7529.

Big Truck Day
Pull the levers, honk the horns and explore over 40 trucks at Big Truck Day on Saturday, April 27, 9:30am to 1:30pm, at CoolToday Park, 18800 S. West Villages Pkwy., Venice. Besides the big trucks, there will be a craft area, hands-on learning activities with Suncoast Remake Learning Days, CoolToday Park tours, pedal cars, inflatables, sensory area and food for purchase. Free admission. For more info, contact Sarasota County Parks at 311.

Write Your Memoir
You have a unique life story to tell and to help get you started on writing a memoir, sign up for a free workshop on Tuesday, April 30, 10:30 to 11:30am, at the Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn Street. “Jumpstart Your Memoir” will be taught by Kristin Owens and she will cover terrific openings, meaningful storytelling and how to resonate with readers. Registration is required. Register online at scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com or call 941•861•1110.

Paula Falk

 

The Women’s Resource Center presents a free Divorce Support Group on Wednesdays, 5 to 6:30pm, starting May 1st at the Women’s Resource Center, 340 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. The program is designed to provide women dealing with the life-changing transition of divorce, a safe and supportive environment to meet. Participants can attend one or all the sessions. The facilitator is Paula Falk, a dedicated advocate for mental health and wellbeing, who is pictured here. To register, visit mywrc.org/divorcesupportgroup. For more information, call 941•366•1700.

Hibiscus Festival
The 19th Annual Hibiscus Festival will be Friday through Sunday, May 3-5, in Gilchrist Park, 400 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. A dinner and evening concert under the stars kicks off the event on Friday from 6 to 10pm. The festival offers a plant sale, featuring hibiscus varieties, food vendors, arts & crafts, live music, Lil’ Miss Hibiscus Pageant Saturday at 9am, and more. Saturday hours are 9am to 4pm and Sunday, 10am to 3pm. Free admission. The festival keeps the legacy of Karry R. Goulding, aka the Hibiscus King, who was one of the world’s most renowned hibiscus hybridizers and a lifelong resident of Punta Gorda. Learn more at thehisbiscusfestival.com.

Kentucky Derby Party
Celebrate the Kentucky Derby with the Leadership Englewood 2024 class on Saturday, May 4, 5 to 9pm, at the Englewood Elks, 401 N. Indiana Avenue. In addition to a Derby watch party, there will be horse racing games, woman’s hat contest, live music, bourbon tastings, photo booth, food and more. Tickets are $75 and may be purchased online at englewoodchamber.com, click on the Leadership Englewood link. This event is a fundraiser for the class legacy project: a First Responders Memorial to be erected at the Veterans Memorial and Freedom Pavilion at the end of West Dearborn Street.

FantaSea Fishing Tournament
Join the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) for a night of dinner, dancing, music, FantaSea Fishing and more on Saturday, May 4 at 5pm. The FantaSea Fishing event will be held at TT’s Tiki Bar, 33 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda (on the water at Four Points by Sheraton). The two largest combined fish weights win $1,500 top prize. There will also be a silent auction, prizes, cash bar and lots of fun. Tickets are $30 single/$50 couple. FantaSea Fishing starts at 7pm. The event benefits the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. Tickets can be purchased at any CCSO District Office; the Englewood office is at 11051 Willmington Blvd and can be reached at their nonemergency number 941•475•9005. 

Sailor Circus Spring Show
Sailor Circus will present their spring show, “Origins”, on Saturday & Sunday, May 4 & 5 at the arena, 2075 Bahia Vista Street in Sarasota. The students have completed a year of rigorous and fun training and are ready to amaze you with an incredible spectacle of youth circus arts. Showtime is Saturday at 2pm & 4pm and Sunday at 1pm and 5pm. Tickets are $20-$40 and may be purchased online at circusarts.org or call 941•355•9335.

Estate Planning Seminars
Kerry Hunter, Wealth Strategist at Crews Bank and Trust, will present vital information on estate-planning topics from a trust officer’s point of view in conjunction with local guest attorneys at seminars during May. Bond Risk and How to Avoid It: Wednesday, May 8, 10am, at the Venice Crews Bank. Avoiding high yield (junk) bonds, Step-up notes, indexed annuities, and leveraged assets can allow your portfolio to hold its value in bull and bear markets. Learn how portfolio managers analyze and screen fixed income assets. If you have mutual funds, exchange traded funds or individual bonds, this presentation will help in many ways. Presenter is Chris Eckstrom, MBA, Crews Bank & Trust Portfolio Manager. Benefits of Florida Residency: Thursday, May 17, 10am, at the Englewood Chamber of Commerce. Considering being domiciled in Florida or have you moved here from another state to benefit fully from homestead law, no state income tax, and favorable estate planning codes? Will your out-of-state documents work in Florida as you had planned? Presenter is Dean Hanewinckel, Attorney, of Dean Hanewinckel Law. Wills and Trusts: Creation and Funding: Tuesday, May 21, 10am, Englewood Chamber of Commerce. Learn the difference between a last will and testament and a revocable living trust, how each works, and how best to title assets and assign proper beneficiaries. Bring your questions and concerns as it relates to your estate. Presented with guest Attorney Lori Wellbaum of Wellbaum Law. Estate Planning Mistakes: Wednesday, May 22, 10am, Englewood Chamber of Commerce. “Oops” is not a word someone wants associated with their estate plans. This seminar will discuss the basics of estate planning, including last will and testament and power of attorney, and offer examples of real-life mistakes to learn from and apply. Presented with Attorney Leslie Lohn of the Law Office of Leslie Lohn, LLC. The Englewood Chamber of Commerce is located at 601 S. Indiana Avenue. Crews Bank Venice is located at 207 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. Registration is available at any Crews Bank & Trust branch, online at www.crews.bank, via email at [email protected] or by calling Trust Operations Associate Linda Ferrara at 941•624•1943.

Mother’s Day Brunch
Celebrate Mother’s Day amid Mother Nature at Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus! Enjoy a delicious brunch buffet catered by Michael’s On East with a special performance by female vocal trio, “The Vocalitas”, at each brunch seating. Your brunch ticket grants you full-day access to the Downtown Sarasota campus to view the spring exhibition, “Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O’Keeffe”. There will be three seating times on Sunday, May 12: 10:30am, noon and 1:30pm. Price for nonmembers is $95 adult and $50 kids, ages 5-17. Tickets may be purchased online at selby.org. Marie Selby Gardens is located at 1534 Mound Street in Sarasota. For questions, call 941•366•5731.

New Program for Ian Repairs
Rebuild Florida has launched its program for homeowners impacted by Hurricane Ian in Charlotte County. They are now accepting homeowner applications for Hurricane Ian home repairs, rebuilding and replacements. Mobile homes are included. The program will prioritize low-to-moderate income families and households with seniors over 62, children and/or disabled household members. Your home must still have documented and unrepaired damage from the storm. For more information and application, go to ian.rebuildflorida.gov/application or call 800•915•6803. You can also visit the Charlotte County Rebuild Florida Center at 1032 Tamiami Trail, Suite 4, Port Charlotte which is open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm and Saturdays (through May), 8am to 1pm.

Memorial Brick Program
Memorial bricks are available for purchase and installation in memory of a loved one at the Englewood Veterans Memorial at the end of West Dearborn Street. Bricks are $100 for which you receive three lines of text. For more information, go to scgov.net/englewoodcra. All applications with payments must be submitted in person at the Englewood CRA office, 370 W. Dearborn Street, Suite D. (note: call office at 941•473•9795 first for appt. time).

Water 101 for Homeowners
April is Water Conservation Month and the Southwest Florida Water Management District has a great resource to save you water and money. Visit the “Water 101 for Homeowners” website, swfwmd.state.fl.us/residents, for water-saving tips, how-to guides and much more. Learn what your area’s water restrictions are, find answers to questions about irrigation controllers, rain barrels, and a handy water use calculator that will help you identify where you can reduce water use.

Sharing & Caring

One CAN Makes a Difference
Collection boxes have been set up for non-perishable items to help feed veterans and the women and children housed in the C.A.R.E. shelter at the Rotonda West Community Center, 646 Rotonda Circle, and the South Gulf Cove Clubhouse, 14859 Ingraham Blvd. The boxes are available for donating until Monday, May 13th. If you are able, please donate even just one can. Suggested food items for the veterans should include soup, chili, tuna, vegetables, spaghetti sauce, Manwich, beef stew. For C.A.R.E., cereal, Pop Tarts, Spaghetti O’s, ravioli, peanut butter, jelly, soup and beef stew would be appreciated. This food drive is sponsored by the GFWC Rotonda West Woman’s Club Civic Engagement and Outreach. Contact Linda at [email protected] for additional information. 

Project Graduation Need Prizes
The Lemon Bay High School Project Graduation committee needs your help to make the 2024 Project Graduation event a success for this year’s graduating seniors. This all-night party on Friday, May 17th is designed to help keep the high school graduates safe by providing a place for them to celebrate in a supervised, drug & alcohol-free event. Funding for this event is solely based on community support. Prizes are needed, such as gift cards for gas, fast food, restaurants, coffee, Amazon, etc. Items for college such as bedding, electronics, cooking utensils, etc., are also greatly appreciated. Item donations can be delivered to StyleCraft Cabinetry, 358 W. Dearborn Street, weekdays 10am to 4pm. Learn more about Project Graduation at lemonbayhsprojectgraduation.org. For questions, call Mandy at 941•270•6115.

Clothing Drive Fundraiser
Do you have gently used clothing, shoes, handbags, bed and bath linens, etc., that you have been wanting to get rid of? If so, consider donating it to Englewood Christian School’s Fill the Trailer Clothing Fundraiser. Items may be dropped off at Merchants Crossing, corner of Placida Road and 776, on Tuesdays, 3 to 7pm, and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm. The clothing drive runs through Tuesday, April 30th. For more information, call 941•208•5773.

Volunteers Needed
Project Phoenix is looking for volunteers. Cashiers are needed as well as volunteers to handle clothes sorting. Project Phoenix, 36 W. Dearborn Street, is a non-profit corporation which offers gently used household items to assist individuals & families in need who are making a fresh start or rebuilding their households. These items, ranging from clothing, bedding, kitchen dishes, silverware and cookware, to baby items and small appliances, are given free of charge to those in need as they set up new households. Donations are greatly appreciated. Items not given away may be sold in the resale portion of the store. If interested in volunteering, stop by for a tour or call 941•681•2707.

Community Blood Drives
The OneBlood “Big Red Bus” has scheduled the following blood drives in Englewood during the upcoming weeks. 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. Friday, April 19, 11am to 5pm: Fraternal Order of Eagles #3885, 250 Old Englewood Road. Wednesday, April 24, 8am to 2:30pm: The Rotary Club of Englewood Sunset, 2400 S. McCall Road. Friday, April 26, 11am to 5pm: Bealls Outlet, 1500 Placida Road. Sunday, April 28, 10am to 4pm: Walmart, 2931 S. McCall Road. Tuesday, April 30, 11am to 5pm: Publix-Merchants Crossing, 1500 Placida Road. Wednesday, May 1, 10am to 4pm: Bealls, 1500 Placida Road. Tuesday, May 7, 9am to 3pm: EPIC Community Resource Center, 655 N. Indiana Avenue. Friday, May 10, 10am to 4pm: Gulf Coast Hardware, 975 S. McCall Road. Sunday, May 12, 9am to 3pm: Publix-Merchants Crossing, 1500 Placida Road. Saturday, May 18, 10am to 4pm: Winn-Dixie-East Englewood, 4100 McCall Road. Monday, May 20, 10am to 4pm: Bealls Outlet, 1500 Placida Road. Friday, May 24, 10am to 4pm: Publix-Merchants Crossing, 1500 Placida Road. Monday, May 27, 10am to 4pm: Walmart, 2931 S. McCall Road.

Sports

Sharky’s Ride the Beaches
Sign up now for the 2024 Sharky’s Ride the Beaches on Sunday, April 28, 7am. Gear up for a 15-mile, 35-mile or 70-mile route along some of the most beautiful coastal riding areas in Venice and South Sarasota County. Rides start & end at Sharky’s on the Pier, 1600 Harbor Drive South, Venice. Cost is $65 for each ride which includes breakfast & lunch. Your ride supports three charities: Team Tony, Friends of the Legacy Trail and Livestrong Foundation. To learn more and register, go to sharkysridethebeaches.com.

Punta Gorda 1/2 Marathon & 5K
Sign up now for the Punta Gorda Half Marathon & 5K Run on Sunday, May 5th at Laisley Park, 120 Laisley Court, Punta Gorda. The course takes you through beautiful Laishley Park along the waterfront with scenic views of the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor. Both races start at 6am. Fee is $129 for the Half Marathon and $49 for the 5K. Learn more and register at puntagorda.com.

Touchdown Club Golf Tournament
Enjoy a morning of golf, at Rotonda Hills, 100 Rotonda Circle, knowing your participation is benefiting Lemon Bay High School’s Touchdown Club and the LBHS athletics department. The golf tournament is set for Saturday, May 11th with a shotgun start at 8:30am. There will be raffles, mulligans and beverage carts. The cost is $90 per player so get your foursome together now and have a great time. For more information and registration, contact Meghan Becker at 815•543•1661 or email [email protected]. You can also go to the Lemon Bay Touchdown Club’s Facebook page to scan the QR code.