Englewood Beach Weather for the weekend

Looks like rain for the weekend, and while that's not great for beach activities, it will lower the risk of fires that the county is experiencing.

This weekend will be a good time to check out the latest movies at the cinema, dine out, shop or visit any of the many local museums found in Sarasota, Tampa or Fort Myers.

New Fishing Regulations take affect

The new regulations require the use of circle hooks, venting tools and dehooking devices for anglers pursuing reef fish while using any live or dead natural bait. Circle hooks are being mandated because they are less likely than j-hooks to deeply hook most fish. Venting tools are mandated because fish caught in deep water sometimes swell up when brought to the surface and are unable to return to the depths unless deflated. Dehooking tools are being required because it is thought that such tools allow for fish to be more efficiently released with less handling, therefore increasing survival rates. The federal regulations can be viewed at http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/. Florida's version can be viewed at http://myfwc.com/marine/GearRules/index.htm.

Alligator Safety

If you are thinking about any activity that takes you near fresh water such as rivers, ponds, lakes or canals, you should really educate yourself about Alligator safety.

Alligators are predators, and can grow up to 14 feet long and 1,000 pounds. Because of their large size, problems between alligators and humans can arise. Between 1948 and 2004, the FWC has documented 242 unprovoked alligator attacks on humans, of which 15 were fatal.

The danger of being injured by a provoked alligator is much higher than by an unprovoked one so your primary means of defense is to leave alligators alone. Though not intentional, throwing scraps in the water at fish camps and boat ramps is still feeding alligators so make sure to always dispose of your fish scraps in a garbage can.

Alligators are more active at night or at dawn or dusk. At these times they are more likely to be feeding than during the heat of midday. It is therefore safer to swim or fish only during the day. Additionally, Alligators are most active during the summer months. Since this is the time of year when people are also likely to be in the water, areas known to contain alligators should be avoided.

Never allow pets or small children to be near the water where there are known to be alligators as they could be mistaken for prey.

If you should be bitten by an alligator, seek medical attention immediately as the environment where they live tends to be high in bacteria.

Attacks are VERY rare in general and by using common sense and following guidelines, you can easily stay safe.

It was a beautiful holiday weekend on Englewood Beach. The weather was gorgeous due to cold front moving through, lowering humidity and bringing a nice breeze.

No worries though, if you missed this holiday week, there's more coming!

Fourth of July weekend offers many activities of all sorts, including fireworks on the beach, parades, live music and more.

Englewood typically has a parade for nearly every holiday which takes place on Dearborn Street in "old englewood", sidewalk spots go fast, so be sure to come early with your lawn chairs to get the best spot.

Also going on over July 4th are the following events:

CHEC Wading Adventures

Friday, July 4, 2008 9:30 – 11:30am

Location: Ponce De Leon Park3400 Marion Ave., Punta Gorda.Ponce De Leon Park
Come learn about the estuary, sponsored by Southwest florida Water Management District. Wade with dip nets to find fish, crabs, shrimp and more.

Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, July 5, 2008 8 – 11am

Location: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 2565 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church offers a pancake breakfast, open to the public, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. the first Saturday of the month at 2565 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. The cost is $5; $2 for children under 12 for all you care to eat. The menu includes: pancakes, french toast, sausage and bacon, sausage gravy and biscuits, scrambled eggs, fruit cup, orange juice, coffee, donuts, and cookies.

Free guided walks at Cedar Point Park

Saturday, July 5, 2008 10am – 12pm

Location: Cedar Point Environmental Park2300 Placida Road,

Join Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center staff and volunteers every Saturday and Sunday as they lead visitors through the 115-acre park in search of gopher tortoises, bald eagles and various wildflowers. The leisurely walk takes participants through the pine flatwoods, home to many species of woodpeckers, along a small scrub ridge where gopher tortoise burrows abound, and down to Lemon Bay, part of the protected Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve.

Free guided walks at Cedar Point Park
Sunday, June 1, 2008 10am – 12pm
Location: Cedar Point Environmental Park2300 Placida Road, Englewood
Join Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center staff and volunteers every Saturday and Sunday as they lead visitors through the 115-acre park in search of gopher tortoises, bald eagles and various wildflowers. The leisurely walk takes participants through the pine flatwoods, home to many species of woodpeckers, along a small scrub ridge where gopher tortoise burrows abound, and down to Lemon Bay, part of the protected Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve.
Contact: 941-475-0769

Pinochle
Sunday, June 1, 2008 12 – 3pm
Location: Cultural Center of Charlotte County 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte
Pinochle is offered regularly at the Cultural Center. For more information call 941-625-4175.
Phone Number: 941-625-4175

Live Triva
Sunday, June 1, 2008 2 – 4pm
Location: Sports Bar and Nightclub2360 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
Live Trivia will be featured from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. every Sunday beginning March 2 at Boomers Sports Bar and Nightclub at 2360 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte. Bring your own team of up to six players or join a team when you arrive. The cost is $2 per player and monetary prizes will be awarded. Please join us for a lot of fun!!!! For more information call Jim at 941-698-4019.

Strange Englewood Beach Fact

Apparently we have our own subspecies of mice - the Chadwick Beach Cotton Mouse - who knew? I suppose this would not really be releveant unless you were really into the study of mice.

Dolphin Fishing

Not to worry, Flipper is safe - "dolphin fishing" refers to a species of fish (see below) also known as Mahi-mahi. I've noticed when in the presence of "visitors" they tend to be a little horrified by the term, so I thought we might explain this.

There is not much information on why they are actually called Dolphin fish, though they do swim in pods and can grow quite large.

A dolphin fish can grow about 80 pounds and live only about five years. The dolphin’s coloring can range from a dark blue along its back and changes to green – gold – yellow color spectrum as look from their back to their belly.

There are actually many dolphins living in the coastal waters off englewood beach and the venice area. Some are known by name and beg fish from fishermen. They rarely seem even slightly bothered by humans, but it is not advisable to attempt to touch them.

Flea Market May 23 & 24
Port Charlotte Cultural Center
Our spring Flea Market has been expanded to two days and will be held on May 23 & 24 this year; twice the fun and excitement. It will be held in Centennial Hall and in the Fountain Room, plus outside spaces will be available. The event is free to the public and will be held from 9 am to 4 pm each day.Vendor tables are $30 for the two day period, with outside space priced at $20.. Please call 941-625-4175, ext. 208 for more information.

Anne Tuttle and Tania Begg Exhibits
Saturday, May 24, 2008 10am – 4pm
Location: Sea Grape Artists Gallery113 W. Marion Ave., Punta
Artist of the Month from April 14 through June 10 in 2-Dimensional artwork is to be Anne Tuttle. Her lovely pencil renditions of the nature around us are pleasing to the senses. After graduating from art school in Connecticut, Anne attended a workshop in colored pencil art and became devoted to the medium, participating in a small study group with a private instructor for over eight years. Anne feels colored pencil combines her love of drawing and color in one medium, with the added advantages of versatility, control, portability and simplicity. She has a special interest in marine art and since relocating to Florida in 2002, Anne has discovered that the natural beauty of the area provides much subject matter. She strives for a clean, minimalist look in her art and also enjoys working in graphite, pen and ink, pastel pencil and alkyd oils.


Charlotte Ichiban Bonsai Club
Saturday, May 24, 2008 10am – 12pm
Location: Cultural Center of Charlotte County , Room 31, 2280Aaron St., Port Charlotte
Bonsai members meet for demonstation, workshops and plant critiques. Beginners welcome , come learn the Art of Bonsai , every saturday 10 a.m. to noon

Salt water or Fresh Water Fishing on Manasota Key and in Englewood.

Fishing is one of the major past times of many of the locals.

This area offers a wide variety of fish to be caught, both salt water and fresh water.

The area offers many fresh water locations including the Mayakka River and more.

Salt water fishing can be done directly on any of beaches of Manasota Key.

Ideally, a family or a couple can plan days of their vacation where one or both fish while the other persues their interests.
There are many charters for rent or hire in the area that provide an excellent fishing experience that can be the highlight of your vacation.

Learn more about the fish you can catch and state regulations here at: Manasota Key Fishing

Instead of day tripping here from more expensive locations, you should find an Englewood Beach House Rental and day trip to the more costlier locations.

What you save could very well enable you to do even MORE on your next Florida vacation!

Weather early in the week is iffy - a great day for shopping or musuems or other indoor actvities. The humidity is a bit oppressive as well.

Comedy Nights at the Englewood Elks
Date: May 21, 2008
Time: 8:00 pm
Location: Englewood Elks Lodge401 N Indiana Ave Englewood, FL 34223
WENG radio is starting a Comedy Night at the Englewood Elks Lodge!!
WEDNESDAY NIGHT ONLY!!!
Doors open at 7PM Show starts at 8:00 - 9:30

Just because it's always good to know the law:

Recreational Sea Shell Collecting Information
The following is a summary of regulations regarding the recreational collection of sea shells in Florida.

Depending on whether or not the harvested sea shell contains a living organism, the type of organism it contains and where you will be collecting, the recreational collection of sea shells is permitted. A valid commercial saltwater products license is required in order sell shells containing live organisms.

License Requirement: A Florida recreational saltwater fishing license (resident or non-resident, whichever is applicable) is required in order to harvest a sea shell containing a living organism.
Closed and Restricted Areas: In Lee County, you may not harvest or possess any shells that contain a live organism except for oysters, hard clams, sunray venus clams and coquinas.
In Manatee County, you may not harvest or possess more than two shells containing live organisms of any single species except for oysters, hard clams, sunray venus clams and coquinas.
Also, the harvest of certain species may be limited or prohibited in state or federal parks, national wildlife refuges, and portions of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Interested persons should contact those park areas for further information.
Prohibited Species: All harvest of the Bahama Starfish (Oreaster reticulatis) is prohibited. Possession of live Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) at any time is prohibited. It is not unlawful to possess queen conch shells in Florida as long as the shells do not contain any living queen conch at the time of collection, and so long as a living queen conch is not killed, mutilated, or removed from its shell prior to collection. Possession of conch meat or a queen conch shell having an off-center hole larger than 1/16 inch in diameter through its spire is prohibited.

Bag Limit: In counties other than Lee and Manatee, you are only permitted to keep an aggregate of 20 Marine Life species per person per day.

For unregulated species, more than 100 pounds or 2 fish per person per day (whichever is greater) is considered commercial quantities and requires a saltwater products license.

Looks like a beautiful beach weekend!

Don't be misled by the chance of rain - Florida actually gets rain almost daily for a short period of time when it is the rainy season. It never (or actually VERY rarely rains in winter), however during late late spring and summer it rains daily. Rains are short, though can drop a good bit of rain.

The "average" time of day for rain is late afternoon.

Additionally, you will want to catch:


Idol singer coming to North Port church
Chris Sligh from season 6 of Fox's hit show American Idol will be coming to North Port on Sunday, May 25.

"He and his band will be doing music at the church Sunday at 9:30 and 11 a.m. and then they will be at Manasota Beach at 5 p.m. doing music during our beach party," said Meredith Jones of South Biscayne Baptist Church. "We're excited about having him come to North Port."
South Biscayne Church is at 13000 Tamiami Trail in North Port, near the Shell north gas station along US 41. For more information, call (941) 426-3817.


Watermelon Festival
The Arcadia Watermelon Pageants will start today at the Tree of Knowledge Park on Oak Street in downtown Arcadia. Sugar Babes and Sugar Melons will start at 6 p.m. today. The Crimson Sweet, Princess, Jubilee and Queen pageants will start at 9 a.m. Saturday.

The Arcadia Watermelon Festival is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday on Oak Street in downtown Arcadia. Watermelon Auction and Dance will be at the Turner Agri-Civic Center, 2250 N.E. Roan St., on today. The dance will feature Slick Willy. Dance tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Turner Center, 2250 N.E. Roan St., Arcadia, by calling 863-993-4807


Fundraiser set to help cop, daughter who had car wreck
The SHO-DE-O event is scheduled to raise money for Richard and Christie Martel who were severely injured in a car wreck April 19 on Bermont Road and State Road 31 in Punta Gorda. Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office clerk, Richard, has recently come our of a coma. His daughter, Christie, a Port Charlotte High School sophomore is still in a coma and on a ventilator in Lee Memorial Hospital’s Trauma Center. Both are in need to attending a rehab center.

The fund raiser is from noon to 4 p.m. will be at the Faith Ranch, 5673 Estates Drive, North Port. There will be a bounce house, dunk booth, face painting, pony and horse rides, medieval jousting a knight game, crafts, bake sale, food, and music with DJ John Wayne. There will also be raffles.

Riding events begins at 1 p.m. with barrels, key hole, poles, flags and ribbon pairs.
Call 941-626-0214 for information.

Additional donations can be made with checks payable to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, for “The Martel Family Fund.”

Boot Camp group exercise
Friday, May 16, 2008 8:30 – 9:30am
Location: Franz Ross Park YMCA 19333 Quesada Ave., Port Charlotte
“Boot Camp” is an exciting and diverse group exercise class which will begin on a regular basis at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 19th at the Franz Ross YMCA in Port Charlotte. “Boot Camp” is challenging and invigorating and will meet every Friday. Certified instructor, Tracy Lightburne. "Boot Camp" is included in the YMCA membership, or non-members may purchase of a 15-class / $80 exercise ticket that can be used anytime for all YMCA classes that are part of a Y membership.

CHEC Wading Adventures
Friday, May 16, 2008 9:30 – 11:30am
Location: Ponce De Leon Park3400 Marion Ave., Punta Gorda.
Come learn about the estuary, sponsored by Southwest florida Water Management District. Wade with dip nets to find fish, crabs, shrimp and more.

Line Dancing with Eve
Friday, May 16, 2008 9:30 – 11:30am
Location:
American Legion Post 1133436 Indiana Road, Rotonda West
Everyone is welcome for Line Dancing with Eve, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays at American Legion Post 113, 3436 Indiana Road, Rotonda West. Cost is $4. Easy dances for first hour. For information call Eve at 941-697-8733.

Beautiful Shallow's Beach House!

Happy Mother's Day from Englewood Beach!

The Cultural Center of Charlotte County will be holding a Mother’s Day Dinner on Sunday at 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte. Two serving times will be offered, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reservations are recommended, as seating space is limited.

The menu will feature prime rib with a carving station, baked ham with pineapple sauce and roasted turkey. Included are a salad, soups, side dishes, assorted desserts, coffee and iced tea.
Advance tickets are $12, and $13 at the door for adults. Children’s tickets are $7 in advance and $8 at the door. All prices include sales tax.

Tickets may be purchased at the Cultural Center, or you may call 941-625-4175, ext. 230 to get tickets or obtain additional information.

Sunburn
Obviously the best way to treat sunburn is to avoid it - via use of sun screen, wearing clothing that covers the maximum amount of skin, etc. In the event that you still wind up with a painful sunburn, the following tips can help:

1) Aloe Vera products - make sure that Aloe is one of the top ingredients and check the date as this can expire.

2) Acetaminaphin or Ibuprofin can help with the swelling and discomfort.

3) Drink EXTRA fluids as your skin is actually dehyrdrated and this will help with the pain.

4) Cool or cold compresses will also help.

This weekend on Englewood Beach
Looks like a beautiful weekend for all and any beach actvities. Englewood Beach offers a wide variety of things you can easily (and for low cost) do at any given time. A scenic drive or bike ride through the canopy - closer to the further end of the island, a picnic lunch at any of the beaches, (all offer tables, some offer grills) or your nomal swimming, sleeping, or shelling kind of day.

It's still EARLY in the summer, but don't forget the sunblock! I have seen more sun burned people lately then I have for quite awhile. The cooler, not quite summer yet weather has lulled people into thinking they won't get a painful sunburn - think again!

It is Mother's Day this wekeend - take mom out for lunch at the Lock and Key or any of the other local restaurants on the key - we're sure she'll love it!

All Beach Rentals are Not Created Equal...

Planning your beach house rental should be given priority when planning your Englewood Beach vacation. This is where you will sleep, eat and rest in between activities so care should be used.

If you have never rented a beach house before, you need to know what questions to ask when calling rentals so that you know if the price is fair and what you will need to provide for your stay.

Here are a list of reasonable questions to ask when considering your options:

1) Is the beach house ON the beach or simply in near proximity to the beach? Note: Some rentals are listed as beach houses, when in fact they are blocks away from the beach or across the street from private beaches which do not allow you access.

2) Find out what local activities are available to you and your family by asking, or better yet by visiting a website custom made to provide you with such information.

3) What sort of kitchen is provided? Some rentals have no kitchen, others the bare minimum and some have a fully stocked kitchen complete with appliances such as a coffee maker.

4) Are bed linens and towels included in the rental and if so, are they changed during your stay?

5) Is the rental cleaned between rentals?

6) What are the check out/check in times? You will want to plan your arrival for as close to check in time as possible to avoid uncomfortable waiting around time.

7) How many persons allowed per unit? Are guests allowed? Pets?

8) What amentities are included with the rental? Beach chairs, grills, etc.

You should have a list of expectations so that you can formulate questions that relate specifically to you and your family's needs - such as if you have a toddler you will not want to be walking up and down steep stairs, or is the rental wheel chair accessible if need be.

A little research will go a long way towards making your vacation the one you dreamed of having.

Englewood Beach Current Information

Nondenominational Men's Prayer Breakfast
Monday, May 12, 2008 7 – 8am
Location: Englewood United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall700 E. Dearborn St.,
Donation, $1. For more information, call 941-475-6314.

Englewood K Of C May Casino Trip
Monday, May 12, 2008
Location: St. Raphael Parish Center parking lot, 770 Kilbourne Ave., Englewood.
The Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a one-day trip to the Hard RockCasino in Tampa on May 12, departing from the St. Raphael Parish Center parking lot, 770 Kilbourne Ave., Englewood at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $30 per person and includes the round-trip motor coach, a $5 food voucher and $25 free play coupons. Reservations required by May 9, with information to include: Name, address, date of birth or players card number. Checks may be made payable to Knights of Columbus. For trip reservations or more information, call Jim Hanyak at 941-473-0666 or Peter Maggi at 941-473-1489.

Englewood Beach Weather
Monday and Thursday look like it might rain, so hit the beach on Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday - or don't worry about the rain and hit the beach anyway!

Englewood Beach Fishing News
2008 - Year of the cobia?
By Capt. Ralph Allen

Sometimes fishing is great and sometimes “You should have been here yesterday” stories abound. Angling success goes in cycles as the populations of various species rise and fall. Sometimes the fluctuations in the numbers of fish are in response to natural events such as red tides or cold weather, either of which can kill large numbers of animals. Sometimes fish fluctuations are in response to human affairs that can either be immediate, as in a chemical spill or some other disaster, or more long term like over harvest of a particular fish, and sometimes fish numbers go way up or way down for reasons we never understand.

A perfect example of this last scenario is playing out right now in the waters of southwest Florida where anglers are finding more cobia than have been seen in a number of years. And while we may not understand why this is a strong cobia year, no one is complaining about the unexplained abundance of these popular fish.

Live Music
Michael Royal Trio Jazz Tuesdays 05/06
TIME: 7:00pm - 10:00pm

Features Michael Royal on piano, Joe Porter or Richard Drexler on bass and Steve Davis on drums. Three sets of jazz from 7 to 10 p.m. Purchase tickets online at www.SRQBoxOffice.com.
Michael Royal plays for the sheer beauty of making music. While his superb technique and sophisticated harmonic style reflect his classical training, Royal is a hard driving and uncommonly original pianist, deeply rooted in the jazz tradition. Refreshments available.

Location:
East Village Cabaret
6265 Lake Osprey Drive
Lakewood RanchEast Manatee


DooWop Denny Tue 05/06

Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Every Saturday, same time, thru May 10, 2008
Rockin Oldies Show

Locaiton: Saltwater Cafe
1071 N.Tamiami Trail (at Laurel Rd)
Nokomis, FL Ticket - Venice

Diva and the Italian Guy Cabaret Tue 05/06

Time:7:30pm - 9:00pm

Singing and comedy variety show featuring Marcy Downey and Buddy Sebastian.Extra Details:
Marcy and Buddy sing the songs of the great divas and "Italian guy" Vegas entertainers, and they keep the laughs coming with fractured versions of songs, hilarious stories, and impersonations. A Guaranteed Good Time.

Location:
Visani Restaurant and Showroom
23490 Spencer Ct.
Port CharlotteCharlotte

Big fish are on the prowl
By Capt. Rod Walinchus
This is the time of year when some truly huge fish are found cruising our waters — cobia, tarpon, over-sized redfish, giant jacks and trophy snook. It’s only a matter of time before something big decides to eat a fly meant for something else.

Most anglers aren’t prepared for an encounter with giant fish simply because they lack experience with them. Truly large fish can humble an angler in a heartbeat with their explosive reaction to a hookset, uncontrollable speed and unstoppable power. However, the fish doesn’t have to win the battle every time, especially if we can prepare ourselves for the battle.
Read More

Sizzling Summer Series
Turning Leaf Productions kick off their 'Sizzling Summer Series' with the return of the 3 Swingin' Tenors to the Cultural Center Theatre, at 8 p.m. Friday through Saturday.

The three-part harmony tenors are Jack Alessi, Steve Marvin and Jim Porcella.
The concert will bring the audience down memory lane with the music of The Rat Pack, Nat King Cole, doo-wop music, as well as tributes to the Mills Brothers, New York and World War II.

The Cultural Center is located at 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte. Tickets are $15 and are available 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the box office or by calling 941-206-LEAF (5323).



The Sunset as seen from a private beach on Manasota Key, don't you wish you were here?