Englewood Water Experts and Essay Winners Headline Packed Democratic Club Meeting

ENGLEWOOD, FL - The monthly meeting of the Englewood Democratic Club was held at the Englewood Chamber of Commerce office at 601 N. Indiana Rd. to a full house who had come to hear the evenings guests speakers from the Englewood Water Department and to congratulate the club’s essay contest winner who received a $1,000 check from the club for the best democratic essay submitted.

Nora Chandler, Englewood Club President

The evening was kicked off by Englewood Club president, Nora Crandall, who introduced Ms. Lani Garver, Supervisor Chair, who has spent over 22 plus years with the Englewood water department.  Residents learned that 100% of the department revenue comes from its customer base and not from the county.

Keith Ledford, Plant Administrator and Lani Garver, Broad Supervisor

Lani in turn introduced Keith Ledford Jr. P.E. who is the Administrator of the Department. Keith and she shared a PowerPoint presentation about the functioning and services provided for 17,765 commercial and residential hookups. Their water comes from a combination of fresh water and brackish water aquifers.  Some storm damage still exists along the coastline but is in the process of being repaired.  They were especially hit hard by 3 storms:  Hurricane Ian, Debbie and Milton.

Maria (Venice winner), Nora, Englewood president, Eva (Englewood winner).

Nora introduced high school student Eva Giessley, the winner of their essay contest, who read her winning essay to the audience.  Eva was accompanied by the Venice Area Democratic Club’s essay winner, Maria Arila Silva, whose parents came to Florida from Venezuela to escape dictatorship.  Both girls are going to college at Florida State University; Eva majoring in Engineering, and Maria majoring in political science heading toward a law degree.