Staff with Englewood Art Center

Randy Moore Announces Spirit Awards

By Randy Moore, Publisher – Congratulations to our three newest award recipients. The Englewood Art Center is receiving our Englewood Spirit Award, The Island Bookshop is receiving our Venice Spirit Award, and Cocoa Yoga Café is receiving our North Port Spirit Award. The popular Englewood Art Center has been inspiring the Englewood community for many…

Freedom Fitness Club

Freedom Fitness Club

Editor’s Note: We spoke with Michele (pronounced Michael) Thomas to learn more about Freedom Fitness Club and their two locations on the Cape Haze Peninsula. Photo shows Michele with Pilates Instructor Sway Hodges. The two local addresses are 3755 Cape Haze Drive in Rotonda West (941-456-7992) and 2881 Placida Road in Englewood (941-828-1102). Visit FreedomFitnessClubsFL.com. Michele,…

Sam Hager

Welcome to Waterways Englewood

Editor’s Note: Sam Hager is the manager of Waterways Englewood located at 501 W. Dearborn Street. The paddlesports outfitter sells and rents high quality kayaks, offers repair programs and also provides accessories like dry bags, apparel, coolers, and other products. Call 941-841-2299. Learn more and shop online at WaterwaysUSA.com. Sam, please introduce Waterways Englewood.We are…

Photo credit to Mary Lundeberg

The Elegant Brown Pelican

By Mary Lundeberg – The brown pelican glides gracefully along the coastline of Florida, occasionally dipping the tip of its six-to-seven-foot wings into the sea. A master of aerodynamics, the wing beats are slow and powerful as it surfs updrafts along waves or buildings. When it spots fish, this native species dives headfirst from heights…

Dr. Lisa Turner

Venice Periodontics with Dr. Lisa Turner

Editor’s Note: Dr. Lisa Turner is Board-Certified in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry. She owns Venice Periodontics and Implant Dentistry located at 1531 Tamiami Trail South, Suite 701. Please call 941-497-5591. Learn more at VenicePeriodontics.com. Dr. Turner, what is periodontics and why is it important to dental health?Periodontics involves the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal…

Polina Voinevych

Cape Haze Tavern for Tasty Food

Editor’s Note: Polina Voinevych is the general manager of the Cape Haze Tavern located at 3745 Cape Haze Drive in Rotonda West. Please call 941-830-8946 for reservations. See the menu and photos of various dishes posted online at CapeHazeTavern.com. Polina, please introduce the Cape Haze Tavern.We are a full service restaurant and cocktail wine bar in Rotonda…

Jamie and DJ Lovern

Lolablue for Bath & Beauty Products

Editor’s Note: We spoke with Jamie Lovern, the owner of Lolablue, to learn more about her artisan bath and beauty products company. Her flagship retail store is located at 2525 Bobcat Village Center Road in North Port. Call 941-564-9207. Shop online anytime at LolablueLiving.com. Lolablue received one of our North Port Spirit Awards in 2022. Jamie,…

Artist Karen Chandler

Fine Artist Karen Chandler

Award-winning fine artist Karen Chandler has created art for NASA and the U. S. Air Force. She’s also taught art classes and designed book covers for notable authors. Karen is well known for her closeup paintings of sunglass-wearing women expressing confidence, as well as colorful flowers and fruit. You’ll often see extravagant necklaces and touches…

Dr. Karen Helmick

Healthy Body Acupuncture with Dr. Karen Helmick

Editor’s Note: Dr. Karen Helmick is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Board-Certified Acupuncturist. She owns Healthy Body Acupuncture located at 1511 Tamiami Trail just off Venice Island near the south bridge. Call 941-228-4688; learn more at AcupunctureVenice.com. Karen, please introduce your local practice.Healthy Body Acupuncture specializes in pain relief and the well-being of your entire…