ENGLEWOOD, FLORIDA

Englewood is an unincorporated community that is partly in Sarasota County and partly in Charlotte County on Florida's West Coast. 

Stump Pass, Englewood, Florida

The population of  Englewood was about 15,095 in the 2020 census.  It is about 12 miles south of Venice on State Road 776.

If you are heading south out of Venice on US-41, take SR-776 due south near the bend where US-41 turns to the east.

Beach at Englewood, Florida

The closest airport is in Charlotte County at Punta Gorda about 30 miles away. 

Other nearby airports are in Venice, Sarasota, and Fort Myers. 

William and Mary Goff were the first settlers in the area in 1878.  They bought 60 acres of land fronting on Lemon Bay. 

The Nichols brothers were early developers who first platted the town in 1896, naming it after their hometown of Englewood, Illinois.

The town slowly grew over the years with its main enterprises being fishing, farming, and lumber. 

Until the late 1960's and early 1970's, Englewood was almost as quiet and out of the way as its southern neighbor, Boca Grande.

Now old Englewood is surrounded by many developments, including two great big ones.

View West to Stump Pass Over Englewood, Florida Memory, 1986

Englewood Is Next Door To Northport And Rotonda

The first thing that happened to change Englewood's isolation was General Development's expansion of their Port Charlotte community northward from Charlotte County into Sarasota County.

This expansion was initially called North Port Charlotte, and it was incorporated that way in 1959.

Residents changed the name to North Port in 1974 so people wouldn't confuse it with Port Charlotte. Over 55,000 people now live in North Port. 

Port Charlotte is adjacent to the south and has about the same population as North Port.

North Port Welcome Sign

The next big thing that happened was Rotonda, called Rotonda West by the Cavanagh Communities Corporation. 

It was given that name to differentiate it from Rotonda East they intended to develop on the east coast in southern Martin County and northern Palm Beach County.

Rotonda West near Englewood, Florida

Rotonda East never happened, but Rotonda West now has nearly 8,000 people scattered around its uniquely circular layout.

Cavanagh Communities went broke some time ago, but there are many thousands of lots still available for homes.

The communities around Englewood are of mixed styles, with several neighborhoods consisting of houses on  canals with waterfront views.

Once you get past these sprawling communities with thousands of scattered homes of standard Florida design dating from the 1960s to modern times, you get into Englewood proper.

West Dearborn Street, Englewood, Florida

It is a typical old Florida town nestled along the shores of Lemon Bay, an estuary of the Gulf of Mexico.

The old part of town, the historic district, is centered along West Dearborn Street west of SR-776, also known as Indiana Avenue in this area.

Dearborn Street began as a path and oxen trail used by the early settlers and was the original downtown.

Chadwick Cove, Englewood, Florida

The downtown area is nicely painted with plenty of pastel colors and a nice mural here and there. It is not a fancy gentrified area, but a real working village.

Cottage in Englewood, Florida

There are historic buildings, many nice shops, local artists, and several neat little restaurants with plenty of outside dining.

One popular dining spot is the Mango Bistro, which has live entertainment on the weekends.

West Dearborn Street also holds the Lemon Bay Playhouse if you want to catch a live show.

For many years, the Englewood Farmers Market has been enjoyable during the months of October thru May.

The town has a dry storage marina with a few boat slips among many older and modern neighborhoods with canals and boats behind the homes.

One of the best things about Englewood is its interesting mix of old and new, along with beautiful skies, water and many attractions.

It has something to offer just about anyone.

Green Street Church, Englewood, Florida

THINGS TO DO IN ENGLEWOOD, FLORIDA

Manasota Key is located across Lemon Bay from Englewood and is an easy drive for a day at the beach. Englewood is a great place to while away a day or a week.

There are several wineries in the area. Catania's Winery in Englewood is a small operation and one of the best places to start a wine tasting tour. As of May 2024, they are temporarily closed. We hope they will reopen soon.

For outdoor adventures you will find an abundance of activities.

Englewood and nearby cities throughout Southwest Florida are well-known for beautiful beaches where you can relax and enjoy the warm water.

Stump Pass Beach State Park

Here some of the beaches you can enjoy:

Stump Pass Beach State Park
900 Gulf Blvd, Englewood, FL 34223 | (941) 964-0375

Stump Pass Beach State Park, pictured above, is a serene and natural environment at the southern end of Manasota Key. We enjoy hiking the nature trail that offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and Lemon Bay.

The park is a fantastic place for kayaking, fishing, and spotting wildlife, including dolphins and a variety of birds. Visitors appreciate the untouched beauty and the peaceful atmosphere that makes this park a hidden gem for nature lovers.

Englewood Beach
2100 N Beach Rd, Englewood, FL 34223 | (941) 681-3742

Englewood Beach is a beautiful and lively spot known for its soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters.

Visitors enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and playing beach volleyball here. The beach is lined with picnic areas, playgrounds, and basketball courts, making it perfect for family outings.

We love searching for shark teeth along the shore, a popular activity that can be rewarding for those with a keen eye. The nearby restaurants and shops offer great options for dining and shopping.

Manasota Key Beach
8570 Manasota Key Rd, Englewood, FL 34223

Manasota Key Beach is a tranquil and unspoiled beach that offers a quieter alternative to the more crowded spots. We enjoy the long stretches of sand, ideal for beachcombing and finding fossilized shark teeth.

The clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, with abundant marine life. Visitors love the natural setting and the sense of seclusion, providing a perfect escape for those seeking peace and relaxation.

Blind Pass Beach 
6725 Manasota Key Rd, Englewood, FL 34223  

Blind Pass Beach is a narrow gulf-side beach & bayside lagoon with fishing dock, canoe launch & mangrove trails. 

Blind Pass Beach State Park is unique, with its mile-long secluded beach featuring white coarse sand.

You will also find an amazing array of many seashells and shark teeth that wash ashore.

There are also natural habitats for a variety of wildlife. 

A nature lover's delight, you can venture down a hiking trail to explore the natural beauty of five different habitats.

West Indian Manatees, gopher tortoises, and snowy egrets are among them. In the winter months, the park offers guided nature walks.

Lemon Bay Park
570 Bay Park Blvd, Englewood, FL 34223 | (941) 861-5000

Lemon Bay Park is a scenic park with mangrove forests and a beautiful shoreline. It has 104 acres along Lemon Bay.

We enjoy walking along the boardwalk, exploring the butterfly garden, and using the kayak launch to paddle through the tranquil waters.

The park's environmental center offers educational programs about local wildlife and habitats.

Visitors love the quiet paths and the opportunities to see manatees, especially during the cooler months. Picnic tables are available. Dogs are allowed.

Cedar Point Environmental Park
2300 Placida Rd, Englewood, FL 34224 | (941) 475-0769

Cedar Point Environmental Park is a 115-acre preserve that offers a glimpse into the natural ecosystems of Southwest Florida.

We enjoy the guided nature walks, bird watching, and exploring the educational exhibits at the visitor center.

The park's trails wind through pine flatwoods, salt marshes, and mangrove swamps, offering diverse scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Visitors like the well-maintained paths and the chance to learn about environmental conservation. You can enjoy a garden visit to the butterfly garden or take an eco-tour of Lemon Bay.

Oyster Creek Environmental Park 
Conservancy Trail, Englewood, FL 34224 | (941) 681-3742 

Oyster Creek Environmental Park is a versatile park with amenities for sports, recreation, and relaxation. Visitors enjoy using the athletic fields, swimming in the pool, and hiking along the trails that offer views of Oyster Creek.  
 
The park also has a disc golf course and a dog park, catering to a wide range of interests and activities. Guests like the diverse options available, making it a great place for a fun and active day out. 

Alligators at Myakka River State Park

Myakka State Forest
2000 S River Rd, Englewood, FL 34223 | (941) 460-1333

Nearby Myakka State Forest has wooden walkways through the forest canopy and a high observation tower you can climb. It is 8,593-acres.

Recreational opportunities include camping, hiking, off-road bicycling, horseback riding, wildlife viewing and small-game hunting.

Picnic tables are available. Dogs are allowed. After Hurricane Ian in 2022 it was temporarily closed; it’s unclear if it is reopened to the public or not.

You can also visit the scary Deep Pond at nearby Myakka State Park for alligator viewing with a special required permit.

There are over 40 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, bird watching and small game hunting.

History enthusiasts will enjoy the area as well. 

Indian Mound Park
210 Winson Ave, Englewood, FL 34223 | (941) 861-5000

Along this coast is Indian Mound Park, a significant site with its rich indigenous culture, nature trails, and a boat ramp.

We enjoy picnicking under the shady trees, fishing from the pier, and learning about the area's prehistoric inhabitants.

The park offers beautiful views of Lemon Bay and is a peaceful spot for relaxation and reflection.

Visitors appreciate the combination of history and natural beauty, making it a unique and educational destination. Dogs are allowed.

Snail Kite

It is also known for its great bird watching. 

Depending on the time of year you visit, you may be pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of birds and ducks and other Florida birds.

Mango Bistro
301 W Dearborn St., Englewood, FL 34223 | (941) 681-3500

Mango Bistro, as mentioned earlier, is an excellent choice for breakfasts, panini, crêpes, coffee & wine. Vegan dishes are available. We enjoy the outdoor seating, though inside seating is also available.

Lemon Bay Playhouse
96 W Dearborn St., Englewood, FL 34223 | (941) 475-6756

The Lemon Bay Playhouse, mentioned above, offers a variety of shows ranging from comedy and drama to musicals and classic plays.

The playhouse provides a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel part of every production.

Visitors love the talented local actors and the high-quality productions that bring stories to life.

The playhouse also hosts workshops and educational programs, encouraging community involvement and fostering a love for the arts. 

It’s a great place to experience live theater and enjoy an evening of entertainment and culture.

Olde Englewood Village Farmer's Market
335 W Green St, Englewood, FL 34223

Englewood Farmers Market, mentioned earlier, is a vibrant market that operates every Thursday from October through May, 9am to 1pm.

We enjoy browsing the stalls for fresh produce, local seafood, artisanal cheeses, and handmade crafts.

The market is a great place to sample local flavors, listen to live music, and meet the friendly vendors.

Visitors appreciate the lively atmosphere and the variety of goods, making it a fun and tasty way to spend a morning.

Myakka Pines Golf Club
2550 S River Rd, Englewood, FL 34223 | (941) 474-1753

The Englewood area also has many nice golf courses in the surrounding communities, such as Myakka Pines Golf Club. The Club offers a serene and natural golfing experience with three 9-hole courses that challenge golfers of all skill levels.

Visitors enjoy the well-maintained greens and fairways surrounded by picturesque Florida landscapes, including water hazards and lush vegetation. The club is known for its friendly atmosphere and excellent customer service.

Guests appreciate the variety of holes and the peaceful setting, which enhance the golfing experience. We like the clubhouse, which serves great food and offers a perfect spot to relax after a round.

Englewood Art Center
350 S McCall Rd, Englewood, FL 34223 | (941) 474-5548 

Englewood Art Center is part of the Ringling College of Art and Design and offers a range of art classes, workshops, and exhibitions. We enjoy viewing the artwork displayed in the galleries and participating in the creative classes offered here.  
 
The center is a hub for local artists and art enthusiasts, with facilities for painting, pottery, and more. Visitors like the supportive and inspiring atmosphere, perfect for those looking to explore their artistic side.