Englewood Beach Waterfest returns this weekend

The Englewood Beach Waterfest is set to begin Friday and go through Sunday.

Hurricane Ian ruined so much, but did not cancel the popular event.

But some obstacles still need to be considered, like Ian debris and the issue of red tide.

As of Wednesday, there are no fish kills visible.

The festivities will draw people from all over the country.

“This is second time racing, third time here,” said Mike Lang, who is visiting from Connecticut.

He said there will be boats that go 60 to 150 miles an hour.

He owns and drives the 609 Bow and is looking forward to the weekend.

“We’re very appreciative of the Englewood people to have us here. We’re lucky to be racing. There are people here without roofs on their houses and we’re here to play with boats,” Lang said.

Kirk Hanna is a driver with NMB RV Resort and he arrived from South Carolina.

“We’ve done a lot of donations and a lot of the race members have donated their time,” Hanna said. “We’re excited to be here for the community, and for us, we love the venue, great venue.”

This isn’t Hanna’s first time participating in the event, but he is thankful it is happening, especially after everything Englewood went through.

“When we came in today to see all the piles of trash and the devastation and the wind damage that occurred around this place … We’re excited to be here, work for the community,” Hanna said.

For more info on Waterfest, you can visit their website or their Facebook page.