Englewood, Florida is a beachfront retirement community located on Florida’s Suncoast.

Englewood FL History

Artifacts found at the Indian Mound Park that date back as far as 400 B.C. prove that the Englewood area was first inhabited by the Calusa Indians.

In 1884, Herbert Nicholas of Englewood, Illinois and his two brothers came to the area to grow lemons. Lemons were a cure for the scurvy and in high demand. The mammoth freezes in 1894 and 1895 destroyed the lemon trees all along the coast. Although there was never a freeze like that again, promoters decided to lure investors by advertising the Englewood area as a fine place to raise families or to retire. They promoted the area as having an easy lifestyle with a slow pace and excellent fishing and hunting.

In the early 1900’s, the lumber industry provided jobs and a boost to the economy. By 1923, the demand for railroad ties, booming construction and turpentine had stripped the area of trees. With the trees gone, so were the jobs. Once again, Englewood was promoted as a tourist attraction and a fine place to retire. With this lifestyle established, no new industry came to the area.

Englewood Florida – The Gem of the Suncoast

Today, Englewood Florida is a small, easy-going beachfront community. It is known as the “Gem of the Suncoast where the livin’ is easy.” One of Florida’s best-kept secrets, the town of Englewood has four pristine beaches harbored by several small islands.