2024.05 Citizen Newsletter

City Council Members

Hundreds attend 2024 Public Safety Day

Over 600 attended Venice Fire and Police Public Safety Day on April 20 at the Venice Community Center. The free event included firetrucks, police vehicles and equipment that families could check out; a medical helicopter landing; firefighter rappelling (below right) and vehicle extrication and police K-9 demonstrations; photo ID cards for kids; a dunk tank featuring Mayor Nick Pachota and Fire Chief Frank Giddens; a cake walk (below left); free food and snacks, including from Kona Ice and Wawa; face painting, balloon twisting, and other giveaways.

More photos on pages 2-3

Mayor Nick Pachota Vice Mayor Jim Boldt

Joan Farrell Rachel Frank

Rick Howard Helen Moore

Ron Smith

Stay in the Know

Follow us on social media, sign up for the City’s digital newsletter, register for emergency alerts, see upcoming events and meetings, and more!

Important Phone Numbers

City Hall: 941-486-2626

Code Enforcement: 941-882-7545

Non-emergency police: 486-2444

Public Works - Advancing quality of life for all

The City of Venice employs 136 Public Works and Utilities employees. Public Works staff includes Solid Waste and Recycling, Parks, Maintenance, Fleet and Facilities, and Stormwater Utilities includes employees at both the water production and water reclamation plants. During National Public Works Week, May 19-25 this year, we pay tribute to these men and women who work so tirelessly behind the scenes. This year’s week is themed “Advancing quality of life for all.”

Public Works Parks Division - is responsible for the care of more than 40 parks varying in size, they also care for the public rights-of-way, median landscaping, irrigation, maintenance of more than 7,500 trees, and trash services for the City’s public trash receptacles Parks staff also maintain the Interactive Children's Fountain in Centennial Park — ensuring compliance with swimming pool standards — along with all the other fountains throughout the City. In addition, they support the efforts of various volunteer organizations, including Venice Area Beautification Inc. and Keep Venice Beautiful.

Continued on page 5

City Manager Ed Lavallee City Clerk Kelly Michaels

City Attorney Kelly Fernandez

Public Safety Chiefs

Venice Police Chief Charlie Thorpe Venice Fire Rescue Chief Frank Giddens

Public Works Week continued

Public Works Maintenance Division - includes facilities maintenance, a carpenter shop, a sign technician, roadside maintenance crew, electricians and a stormwater crew This section oversees the maintenance and cleaning of all City facilities and over 600 decorative streetlights. The carpenter shop builds all the City benches, trashcans and picnic tables within the parks system by hand, in addition to taking care of minor construction needs throughout the City. The sign technician maintains all City street signs, as well as sets up maintenance of traffic and road barricades for certain special events. The roadside maintenance crew is responsible for all sidewalk and road repairs and many other miscellaneous repairs to keep the City safe and operational. The stormwater crew has a full-time street sweeper to keep our roadways clean, and they maintain all City-owned stormwater drainage systems including ponds, pipes and outfalls. The Fleet and Facilities division maintains all the vehicles within the City fleet, facilitates all new vehicle purchases, and provides oversight to the maintenance of all City building HVAC and roof systems.

“The Public Works team at the City of Venice continues to be the most talented and dedicated group of individuals that I have had the opportunity to work with and lead,” said Ricky Simpson, Director of Public Works and Asset Management. “The men and women of this department go above and beyond day in and day out to maintain the City’s infrastructure and keep Venice beautiful

“As the City of Venice continues to grow and demands increase, I am 100% confident that my team is ready and up for the challenge. I am honored to work alongside these exceptional individuals and look forward to witnessing this department’s continued growth ”

Solid Waste and Recycling Division - collects items six days a week, according to Superintendent Bob Moroni. These services range from automated collection to recycling, yard waste, bulk yard waste, bulk waste, construction and demolition. Here’s a breakdown:

* 25 employees

* 14,500 single-family homes garbage, recycling and yard waste

* 850 dumpsters a combination of garbage and recycling

* 2,000 recycling cans a week at condos and businesses

* 60 roll-offs pulled weekly

* 50 piles of bulk yard waste and bulk garbage collected weekly

“We supply almost all of the solid waste and recycling services for all of the special events in town,” Bob said “All of our collections comply with state and local requirements We maintain our roll-offs and dumpsters ” Bob said the rapid growth on the City’s east side keeps his workers moving “We’re delivering 10 cans a day to new customers out there,” he said. “Our volume overall is crazy on Wednesdays we’ll do 40 tons.

“All of our collectors work tirelessly to keep the City of Venice beautiful and clean,” he added “They care about the constituents. They treat them like grandparents. That’s what we want.”

Public Works Week continued

Utilties Department - the City employs 66 workers in the Utilities Department Services provided by Utilities, which include both drinking water and wastewater, are essential to the health, economy, comfort and environment of the City Utilities produces about 2.6 million gallons of drinking water daily by treating groundwater with a reverse-osmosis process. The potable water is distributed to City customers via over 200 miles of water mains and wastewater is collected via approximately 100 miles of gravity sewers The sewers transmit the wastewater to the Water Reclamation Facility via 93 pump stations and about 40 miles of pressurized force mains. The Water Reclamation Facility utilizes advanced treatment technologies to transform wastewater into clean, recycled water for irrigation purposes about 3.7 million gallons a day, including flows from Sarasota County. The utility sector is vulnerable to many types of threats, such as natural disasters or manmade incidents that may disrupt normal operations

Disruptions to these services can impact communities in many ways, such as limiting the availability of water for firefighting and essential healthcare functions, as well as providing potable water for drinking and sanitation purposes.

The Utilities Department has several projects currently in various stages of design and construction. Residents may see ongoing construction on the new Water Booster Pump Station, Second Force Main under Interstate 75, and Production

Well 8E projects, which will improve the reliability and level of service for all City customers Staff appreciates everyone’s patience as work is done to improve the system

“Ensuring the supply of safe drinking water and treatment of wastewater is essential to Venice and the nation’s economy,” said Utilities Director Javier Vargas “Our Utilities team is committed to providing safe, reliable, and high-quality water and wastewater services to all of our customers, and dedicated to being innovative, collaborative, and fiscally responsible in every aspect of our operations.”

Engineering Department/Stormwater Division - comprised of professional, inspection and construction staff who monitor and manage capital projects and improve stormwater infrastructure. In addition to improving water quality, resiliency has gained importance in the overall program A Coastal Resiliency Study has been completed and priority projects identified

“By implementing the resiliency component as part of the ongoing maintenance and water quality program, the City can improve the efficiency and cost effectiveness of projects,” said City Engineer Kathleen Weeden Beach renourishment is also an important part of resiliency by providing protection from storms and sea level rise By utilizing trained professionals to provide the public with methods to reduce their risk of flooding and the importance of flood insurance protection, the department can assist the community movement to a higher level of resiliency.

“We are lucky to have such dedicated staff,” Kathleen said “They are always ready to get the job done and done right.”

Public Works Week

At left, City staff from Public Works, Solid Waste, Utilities, Engineering and Stormwater pose for an annual group photo in Legacy Park, taken with a drone by GIS Administrator Don Hubbard. Below left, Ashton Dooley, Showayne Smith-Morrison, George Elie, Paul Olsen, Derrick Jones, and Joe Misak with Solid Waste; below right, City Engineer Kathleen Weeden and Stormwater Engineer Steven Berens give a recent presentation on the Flamingo Ditch to City Council.

Municipal City Clerks Week is May 5-11

Professional Municipal Clerks Week, in its 55th year, is a celebration and reflection on the importance of the City Clerk’s Office. This year, it runs from May 5-11.

What do clerks do? A little bit of everything, says Venice City Clerk Kelly Michaels. The clerk is the administrative and record-keeping pivot between the elected officials, the public and all City departments Day-to-day operational responsibilities vary but include office and meeting management, public relations, recordkeeping, and reporting functions. These duties interface with public policies and hot topics under consideration by elected officials Mayor and City Council Members which often see opposing and passionate points of view The Clerk and her staff are there to capture the record as matters make their way through the legislative process, all while remaining neutral and professional. This is necessary to effectively assist all members of the public as they engage in what can often be a confusing legislative process

“It is important for the Clerk to have her finger on the pulse of what is happening so she knows what processes, technology, decorum and logistics will be necessary to hold successful and open public hearings, meetings, and workshops,” Kelly said.

Logistical work includes setting up schedules, assessing technology needs, testing audio and other meeting software systems, putting out notices, and planning for public attendance and engagement, which is all part of the magic that happens in advance Post decision-making work involves implementing the Council’s legislation by taking steps to officially codify the decision as well as creating, disseminating and retaining the official record so that in the present and future, all individuals can know what decisions were made and the documentation behind those decisions

Other duties involve elections, creating the annual budgets for the clerk and Council’s operational needs, county, state, and federal report filings, procedural and technology needs for the Clerk and Council, acting as the City’s official filing officer accepting candidate reports, applications, petitions, orders, and other legal filings, responding to public requests for records, assisting all departments in the retention and disposition of public records, public notary, attesting to all official actions, and performing certifications and sworn oaths of office.

“I enjoy variety, so being the City Clerk is the perfect job for me as there are never two days that are alike,” Kelly said. “As one of three Charter Officers hired by the elected officials serving the City of Venice, I work closely with the City Manager and the City Attorney to assist the elected officials as they carry out their legislative duties while heading up my respective administrative role on the operational leadership team.”

The Clerk’s Office invites the public to join them in celebrating Municipal Clerks Week on Monday, May 6, for “Coffee with the Clerk” from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Community Hall at City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave. Enjoy coffee and cake while learning more about the role of the Clerk’s Office in local government and meet City Clerk Michaels and her staff.

At left, Deputy City Clerk/Records

Manager Toni Cone, Recording Secretary Amanda HawkinsBrown, City Clerk Kelly Michaels, Records Clerk Tracey Smith, and Deputy City Clerk/Records

Manager Mercedes Barcia pose in Council Chambers.

City launches Adopt-a-Tree program

Trees play a crucial role in the City of Venice. They serve as valuable assets by intercepting and purifying stormwater, mitigating heat, and enhancing the overall beauty of our urban landscape

The Adopt-a-Tree program provides an opportunity for the City to collaborate with its citizens in bolstering our tree canopy. However, adopting a tree is a significant commitment that warrants careful consideration before participating in the program. Please review all conditions and requirements thoroughly before applying for the City’s Adopt-a-Tree Program.

Program details and your commitment:

Residency: You must be a citizen of the City of Venice.

Planting locations: All trees will be planted on City-owned or maintained rights-of-way. If you wish to plant a tree in County-maintained rights-of-way, you must request and provide written permission from Sarasota County.

Tree care: You must agree to follow the care instructions provided to ensure the tree’s survival Newly planted trees will require watering 3 to 4 times per week for the first few months, followed by weekly watering for several more months.

Winter residents: If you are a winter resident or will be away during the first year after planting, you must agree to make arrangements for tree care during your absence. Tree selection: Tree species selection will be based on availability and planting location.

Trees will be planted at a time to be determined based on participation. An Adopt-a-Tree application can be found online here: www.venicegov.com/i-want-to/adopt-a-tree.

Individuals can fill out this form and email it to City Arborist Jim Yelverton at jyelverton@venicefl gov or bring it to the City’s Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall at 401 W Venice Ave For more information, please call Jim at 941-882-7433

Thank you for your interest in contributing to our urban tree canopy through the Adopt-a-Tree program.

UPDATES & ACTIONS

April 9 Council Meeting Recap

The following actions were taken by Venice City Council at their April 9 regular meeting:

Approved on Consent Agenda, Engineering: Adopt Floodplain Management Plan Yearly Report and Local Mitigation Strategy Project List Update

Allocate $200,000 from Stormwater Enterprise Fund 480 in Fiscal Year 2025 Budget to Hire a Consultant for an Initial Flamingo Ditch Outfall Evaluation.

Denied 4-3 on First Reading (Mayor Pachota and Council Members Farrell, Smith and Howard in agreement): Ordinance 2024-06 of the City of Venice, Granting PUD Amendment Petition No. 23-63RZ for the GCCF Planned Unit Development (PUD) Located South of Laurel Road East, North of Border Road, East of I-75 (323.56± Acres), by Increasing the Density from 4.3 to 5.0 Dwelling Units Per Acre; and Providing for Repeal of All Ordinances in Conflict. Denied on the basis that the petition in not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and is not in compliance with the Land Development Code because per Section 1.2.C.8.b.IV densities and intensities of proposed uses compared with densities and intensities of existing uses is not compatible, and the amendment is not compatible with the existing development pattern of nearby properties.

Approved 7-0 on Final Reading: Ordinance 2024-02 of the City of Venice, Amending the 2017-2027 Comprehensive Plan Pursuant to Petition No. 23-68CP to Incorporate the Annual Update of Data on Development Activity Within the Mixed Use Future Land Use Categories in Each Comprehensive Plan Neighborhood; Providing for Repeal of All Ordinances in Conflict Herewith to the Extent of Such Conflict and Providing for Severability.

Watch the complete April 9 Council Meeting here or the April 23 meeting here. Venice City Council meets at City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave., at 9 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month Council meeting minutes, and audio, and video recordings are typically available within 48 hours of each meeting date. City Council breaks July through August, resuming Aug 27, 2024

Approved 7-0 on Final Reading: Ordinance 2024-05, Amending City of Venice Ordinance No. 2023-34, as Previously Amended, Which Adopted the Official Budget of the City of Venice for the Fiscal Year Beginning Oct. 1, 2023 and Ending September 30, 2024; by Increasing the Total Revenue by $664,911 and Total Expenditures by $664,911.

Approved 5-2 on Final Reading (Council Members Farrell and Smith dissenting): Ordinance 2024-04 of the City of Venice, Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 87, Land Development Code, by Amending Table 2.2.2.B., RMF Multifamily Structures Development Standards Table and Section 2.4.3., Residential Uses, Pursuant to Text Amendment Petition No. 23-53AM, by Establishing Development Standards for Single-Family Townhomes in the Residential Multi Family (RMF) Zoning Districts; Providing for Repeal of All Ordinances in Conflict Herewith and Providing for Severability.

Approved 7-0: Resolution 2024-10 of the City of Venice, Accepting Utilities and Improvements Installed by Keeneland, LLC, and Accepting a One-Year Developers Maintenance Bond and Bill of Sale.

In Other Action, Council Approved: The Venice Strategic Plan for Fiscal Year Ending Sept. 30, 2025.

Directing staff to bring back a proposal with estimated cost and other pertinent details, such as location, for a plaque naming all 52 families of the Blackburn Quarters who were relocated to the Grove Terrace Housing Authority in the 1970s.

Placing the following items on the Citizen Advisory Board's approved agenda: Research and achieve becoming a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community; and hold a joint meeting with the Planning Commission after the Interlocal Parks Agreement with Sarasota County has been solidified, in order to begin discussions with a Parks Master Plan.

Nominating the Venice Beach Pavilion for Placement on the Local and National Registers of Historical Resources and Have Staff Complete the Required Nomination Form.

A Mayor's Town Hall Meeting and permitting appropriate charter officer participation.

Continued on page 11

Gopher Tortoise Day Proclamation

Mayor Nick Pachota recognizes April 10, 2024, as Gopher Tortoise Day during the April 9 City Council meeting with a proclamation presented to Jean Pichler, president of the Venice Audubon

Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation

Mayor Pachota recognizes April 2024 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month with a proclamation presented April 9 to SPARCC (Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center) Advocate Mirna Marcia, as City Manager Ed Lavallee, Venice Police Capt. Eric Hill and Detective Courtney Zak look on.

Venice Fire Rescue Promotions

From left: VFR Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan Hellmer was promoted to Lieutenant, Firefighter/Paramedic Hunter Snyder was promoted to Lieutenant, Firefighter/EMT Eric Putnal was promoted to Lieutenant, and Lt /EMT Tyler Eaton was promoted to Battalion Chief during the April 9 City Council meeting.

Crime Victims’ Rights Week Proclamtion

Mayor Pachota recognizes April 21-27, 2024, as Crime Victims' Rights Week with a proclamation presented April 9 to Sarasota County Sheriff's Victim Assistance Unit Advocates Amanda Schubert and Laurenrose Conly as City ManagerLavallee, VPD Capt. Hill and Detective Zak look on.

UPDATES & ACTIONS

April 23 Council Meeting Recap

The following actions were taken by City Council at their April 23 regular meeting:

Approved on Consent Agenda, Public Works: Authorize Sale of EMS Rescue Van Unit 16-188 to the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority.

Approved 7-0: Resolution 2024-11 of the City of Venice, Accepting Utilities and Improvements from Rustic Oaks Community Development District and Accepting a One Year Developers Maintenance Bond and Bill of Sale (Magnolia Bay North Phase 1).

Approved 6-1 (Council Member Smith dissenting): Continue the placement of a butterfly sculpture in West Blalock Park to the next meeting in order to give City staff time to evaluate location and placement of the sculpture.

Approved 5-2 (Mayor Pachota and Council Member Frank dissenting): To not make any changes to Audience Participation Procedures.

Approved 5-2 (Council Members Farrell and Smith dissenting): Concerning a Charter Officer directive from Jan. 23, 2024, to research the expansion of City Council terms to four years with term limitations of two consecutive four year terms coinciding with County Commissioner election cycles, to place the matter on a future agenda for an ordinance to hold a referendum empowering the voters to decide if the charter should be amended.

Approved 7-0: Direct the appropriate Charter Officer to bring back pertinent information including any financial impacts related to the feasibility of conducting a survey of Venice shorelines for the purpose of identifying appropriate sites for the planting of mangroves and establishing living shorelines.

April 26 Designated as Arbor Day

Mayor Nick Pachota recognizes April 26, 2024, as Arbor Day during the April 23 City Council meeting with a proclamation presented to City Arborist Jim Yelverton and City Manager Ed Lavallee.

May Recognized as Historic Preservation Month

Mayor Pachota recognizes May 2024 as Historic Preservation Month with a proclamation presented to Historic and Architectural Preservation Board (HAPB) Vice Chair Jean Trammell during the April 23 Council meeting. Here, City Manager Lavallee talks about the importance of historic preservation in the City.

UPDATES & ACTIONS

May 5-11 Recognized as Municipal Clerks Week

Mayor Nick Pachota recognizes the week of May 5-11, 2024, as Municipal Clerk's Week, with a proclamation presented April 23 to City Clerk Kelly Michaels and City Clerk staff - Deputy City Clerk Toni Cone, Recording Secretary Amanda Hawkins-Brown, and Records Clerk Tracey Smith (not i t d D t Cit Cl k M d B i ) Cit M Ed L ll

At left, an example of the proposed circus tent structure for 1401 S. Ringling Dr., which would house the Tito Gaona Flying Trapeze Academy at the location, below.

May Designated as Building Safety Month

Surrounded by Building Department staff, Deputy Building Official Paul Rakes accepts a proclamation during the April 23 City Council meeting from Mayor Pachota recognizing May 2024 as Building Safety Month. Paul is pictured with Permit Technician Cassandra McPike, Divisional Permit Coordinator Alicia Chapman City Manager Ed Lavallee Administrative Coordinator Audrey

Microtunneling - Force Main Crossing

The City of Venice Utilities microtunneling project includes the construction of a new 24-inch sewer force main crossing under Interstate 75, which will carry all the wastewater from the west side of the City to the Eastside Water Reclamation Facility for treatment.

The new force main is considered redundant to an existing 20-inch force main crossing nearby and will provide enhanced reliability and additional capacity to current and future City customers. This is the first time the City has utilized the microtunneling trenchless installation method. In order to cross I-75, the contractor constructs launching and receiving pits in the median and at each end of the tunnel. They launch a boring machine from the median under the travel lanes to create the tunnel and pull a 42-inch diameter steel casing through it. Once the machine arrives on the other side of the travel lanes, the casing is grouted in place, then the force main piping is pushed into the tunnel and grouted in place. Special casing spacers allow the force main to be placed in the center of the casing (not lying on the bottom) prior to filling the annular space with grout. Once the piping is in place under the travel lanes, the piping through the median, and connecting to the existing wastewater system on both sides, will be installed in an open trench.

Microtunneling is a shaft-to-shaft method of tunnel construction in which a microtunnel boring machine (MTBM) is advanced utilizing a jacking frame pushing on jacking pipe connected to the rear of the machine. Slurry lubrication is utilized to mix with excavated spoils for transport to the surface in addition to providing lubrication around the jacking pipe during tunnel advancement. MTBM does not require personnel entry for normal operations and provides a closed-face system of excavation.

Currently, the microtunneling has been completed, and the contractor is in the process of installing all of the force main piping. After the piping is installed, it will need to be tested and connected to the existing system. Once the new force main is operational, the contractor is responsible for helping clean and inspect the old force main, which was previously impossible as it could not be taken offline. The entire project is expected to be complete by fall 2024.

Four major factors contributed to the selection of microtunneling for this project: method of installation (consistent with the Florida Department of Transportation regulations), space, soil conditions, and future operations and maintenance. Two more common methods for similar interstate crossings are horizontal directional drill (HDD) and jack and bore. In this case, the installation had to be contained immediately east and west of the interstate, where there is a golf course community and the treatment plant. HDD would require the installation to include up to hundreds of feet of piping on each side of the crossing, for which the space was not available. These other methods would also require the installation to be much deeper than the microtunnel needed, which would preclude any future maintenance, yet require more maintenance due to the appurtenances required for such changes in depth. Also, microtunneling is well-suited for the sandy soil and high water table throughout the project area.

The new force main will serve all of the City wastewater customers west of I-75. There is currently only one force main crossing the interstate carrying the majority of the City’s wastewater flow. It is almost 40 years old and cannot be taken offline or inspected. This new force main will provide reliability, as well as additional capacity to accommodate some future growth.

The project cost is approximately $6.6 million. It is a scheduled capital improvement project being paid for with enterprise funds.

UTILITIES UPDATE:

Water Treatment Plant Supply Well RO-8E

Work scheduled for May 2024: Onsite:

Continue drilling new well.

Continue all required well drilling log reports and testing.

Offsite pipe installation: Locate existing utilities at the well site and along the east side of Pinebrook Road south of Laurel Road, to the connection point on Kilpatrick Road. Large equipment and machinery will be within the road right-of-way. Please drive slowly, use caution, and watch out for pedestrians and workers. Motorists are to follow posted traffic control signs.

Project background: The City currently operates 14 wells that supply raw water to the Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant (WTP). Use of the wells are rotated about every week and about half the wells are in service at any given time depending on the water demands. Over time, wells must be taken off-line for extensive rehabilitation to recover the original production capacity. The City’s permit to withdraw water from the aquifer includes the addition of one well. This project also includes 12- and 16-inch raw water transmission mains and a generator. Construction of the new well affords greater reliability and operational flexibility in meeting the future water demands of the City.

Funding: A substantial portion of this project is funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program.

For more information, visit www.venicegov.com/government/utilities/projects

Venice Museum adds to WWII collection

Historic status sought for beach pavilion

City Council voted unanimously during the April 9 meeting to apply to put the Venice Beach Pavilion on local and national historic registers

Built in 1963, the hyperbolic paraboloid roof of the structure mimics the sail of a boat That portion of the structure is planned for replacement in the Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Improvement Program from 1-cent surtax funds.

The City is working on plans to shore up the roof until then, Public Works Director Ricky Simpson said. The replacement roof will have the same design and details but be built with modern materials intended to last 50 years, Assistant City Manager James Clinch said

With the help of Venice Heritage Inc., the Venice Museum & Archives added 22 original World War II-era letters from soldier John O. McCarty written from the Venice Army Air Base (VAAB) between March and August 1944. His letters will be preserved at the Julia Cousins Laning and Dale Laning Archives & Research Center for those who want a first-person account of life in Venice during the WWII era

McCarty writes “Food is good – we eat from the regular plates, using our own silverware. Barracks are comfortable, if rough – and the men all seem to be pretty good fellows, also if rough Very sandy terrain and flat and windy, but we’re situated right on the Gulf of Mexico and there’s a nice beach nearby where I’m told it’s good swimming if you watch out for the sharks!”

McCarty’s enlistment form stated he was born in 1918 and resided in Steuben, New York, at the time he enlisted on Oct 12, 1942 He passed away in 1997 at the age of 79.

A big thank you to Venice Heritage Inc for acquiring these letters and adding to the preservation of the City’s history

UPDATES & ACTIONS

Venice named a Tree City USA for 15th year

The City of Venice has once again been named a 2023 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. Venice achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's 4 requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of a minimum $2 per capita, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. This is the 15th year the City has received this acknowledgment in honor of our commitment to effective urban forest management.

“The Tree City USA designation demonstrates the City’s commitment to protecting and improving the community’s air and water quality,” said City Arborist/Tree Program Administrator Jim Yelverton “It’s not just about planting trees; it’s about nurturing a greener, healthier, and more vibrant community.”

Learn more at: https://www.arborday.org/programs/treecityusa/

SOUTH JETTY UPDATE

Hurricane Idalia severely damaged the South Jetty walkway structure in August 2023. The walkway has been closed to the public since the storm The walkway structure is owned and managed by the U S Army Corps of Engineers, working together with the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND), which oversees the channel at the location The Army Corps owns the large Jetty rocks and would have to make repairs, which are extensive, and bring in more rocks that can weigh thousands of pounds. The City is aggressively working with the Army Corps on these repairs, but is subject to this federal agency’s timeline Staff have not yet been given a concrete timeline for the Jetty work. If you would like to contact the Army Corps to express your concerns, you can email their Jacksonville Regulatory District at PublicMail.CESAJ-CC@usace.army.mil or call 904-232-2568.

VPD Citizens Police Academy Graduation #10

On April 10, 25 students graduated from the Venice Police Citizens Police Academy (CPA) No. 10, celebrating with a luncheon at Dockside Waterfront Grill that included speakers, cake, prizes, and certificates for the graduates Earlier that day, CPA participants experienced a marine vessel ride-along More photos, page 19

The next Citizens Police Academy will be held in February 2025. Watch the Police Department’s Facebook page and website to learn how you can apply.

Knights Trail lift station construction underway

The Knights Trail lift station is under construction. Lift stations are used to move wastewater from a lower to higher elevation, streamlining the process of transporting sewage to a treatment center like the City's Water Reclamation Facility off Laurel Road

VPD Citizens Police Academy

At left, members of the VPD Citizens Police Academy No. 10 pose for a group photo. Below, before their graduation lunch, CPA students learned about the Marine Unit from Master Police Officer Paul Joyce and Officer Brett Woodworth. Previous weeks focused on Active Killer Responses, Digital Forensics, and Emerging Technology; Crime Scene Labs; and Narcotics/Vice, Special Investigations, Defensive Tactics and Taser Training

HISTORY LESSON

City Efforts for Historic Preservation Month

Provided by Harry Klinkhamer, Historical Resources Manager

May is Historic Preservation Month. Starting in 1973 as Historic Preservation Week, it is a time to celebrate the vast and diverse heritage in our country, states, and right here in Venice. This is a perfect time to share some basic information about historic preservation here in our city.

For starters, there are two ways to recognize a historic structure. It can be nominated for the Local Register of Historical Resources or the National Register of Historic Places. There is no state-level register in Florida. Broadly speaking, there are several criteria by which a structure can be nominated: it can be important to a community’s history, it can be connected to a famous person, it can be a great example of an architectural style or show great craftsmanship, or it could potentially reveal future historical information. The latter is typically used for archaeological sites. It may seem counterintuitive, but the national level provides very few, if any, protections, while the local level tends to have more. The rationale being that at the local level, a community will know better what is important to them and how they want to go about protecting it.

Venice currently has eight buildings individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places and 11 structures in the Local Register of Historical Resources. Along with individually listing properties, a whole area or neighborhood can be designated as a historic district. If there is enough concentration of structures that tell a story that meets the above criteria, they can be nominated all at once. Here in Venice, we have five National Historic Districts. They are Venezia Park, Armada Road Multi-Family, Edgewood, Eagle Point, and the John Nolen Plan of Venice.

There are different benefits available for designated properties depending on the level of designation (local or national) and type of building it is. These benefits can range from variances to building codes, property tax freezes on improvements, and plaques recognizing a historic building, to some relief from FEMA regulations and federal tax credits for income-producing properties.

Venice Museum

351 Nassau St. S., on Venice island

Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the first and third Saturday of the month, October through April

Free Admission

Built to Last: The Johnson-Schoolcraft Building

Provided by Rhonda Rogers, Historical Resources Administrative Coordinator

Amazingly, for 98 years, the Johnson-Schoolcraft Building in downtown Venice has maintained many of its original components. Located at 201 W. Venice Ave., the building’s wood frame windows, roof tiles, light fixtures, awning frames, fire escape, and more are original. You might have noticed the scaffolding as owner The Venice Company LTD is in the midst of a large exterior restoration project. Hurricane-grade windows will duplicate the appearance of the originals. Roof tiles and the fire escape are slated for replacement, and the awnings will be repaired. Cracks in the stucco finish are to be patched and the entire building repainted with the same colors we see today.

Owners like to joke about the building having been Venice’s first “red-light district.” Hold on it’s not what you are thinking! In 1928, the telephone company’s switchboard was located in the building. When a resident had an emergency, they contacted the switchboard operator who activated a red light on the rooftop which, in turn, alerted Venice police to contact the operator for details. As Paul Harvey used to say, “And now you know the rest of the story.”

Venice Pharmacy was the original retail tenant on the ground floor in 1926. All five apartments on the second floor were leased prior to the building’s completion, due to a housing shortage. Today, those five apartments are fully occupied. The structure is home to Venice Wine & Coffee Company, Island Gourmet gift shop, and Artisans Venice at ground level. All are open to the public as work progresses. Renovations are expected to be completed in early June.

Named after its original owners, William D. Schoolcraft and C. Paul Johnson, the building is listed in both the National Register of Historic Places and the Local Register of Historical Resources.

Below, clockwise from far right: Venice Pharmacy’s interior, circa 1926; the awnings at 201 W Venice Ave ; the building’s exterior in 1926; the Johnson-Schoolcraft Building today, undergoing outside renovation.

National Bicycle Month Safety Tips

May is National Bicycle Month, promoted by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. It was established in 1956 to showcase the many benefits of cycling and encourage more individuals to give it a try.

The City of Venice is recognized by The LAB as a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community. This May we encourage individuals, businesses and organizations to tune up your bikes and host a bike to work day or event, team building bicycle ride, or even a community bike sale/swap.

Here are a few tips to ensure you get the most enjoyment out of your next bike ride and stay safe.

Proper equipment and maintenance.

Always inspect your bike prior to riding.

1. The seat should be adjusted to the proper height and locked in place.

2. Make certain all parts are secure and working properly.

3. Check that the tires are inflated properly.

4. Make sure the bike is equipped with reflectors on the rear, front, pedals, and spokes, as well as a horn or bell, a rearview mirror, and daytime running lights.

FROM THE DESK OF

Darlene Culpepper

Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinator

Darlene Culpepper is the City’s Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinator. She can be reached at 941-882-7448 or by email at dculpepper@venicefl.gov.

Continued on page 23

Darlene Culpepper

DARLENE CULPEPPER

Always wear a helmet

Use your head - wear a helmet while riding! A helmet is the single most effective safety device available to reduce head injury and death from bicycle crashes. Make sure your child wears the right size helmet, and wears it every time they ride a bike. Florida law requires children under the age of 16 to wear a helmet.

Check for proper fitting:

1.

Eyes check: Position the helmet on your head. Look up and you should see the bottom rim of the helmet. The rim should be one to two finger-widths above the eyebrows.

2.

Ears check: Make sure the straps of the helmet form a "V" under your ears when buckled. The strap should be snug but comfortable.

3.

Mouth check: Open your mouth as wide as you can. Do you feel the helmet hug your head? If not, tighten those straps and make sure the buckle is flat against your skin.

Follow the rules of the road

Get acquainted with traffic laws. Bicyclists are considered motorists when riding on the road.

1. Ride with the flow of traffic, even if you are in the bike lane.

2. Remain alert, keep your head up, and watch for opening doors or other hazards.

3. Use hand signals when turning and use extra care at intersections.

Whether riding for fitness, fun or with the family - you are an essential part of the movement for safer streets, connected communities, a healthier planet, and happier people.

I encourage you to test your bicycle safety knowledge with the Florida Bicycle Safety Quiz at https://alerttodayflorida.com/Bicycle.

For additional bicycle safety tips, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration site https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety.

1.

DARLENE CULPEPPER

Florida Bicycle Laws Quiz

Bicycle riders have ____ rights and responsibilities, compared to operators of other vehicles.

a) more

b) fewer

c) different

d) the same

2. When turning left in a turn lane, a bicyclist may____.

a) utilize the entire lane

b) use only the right-hand section of the lane

c) not use the lane at all

d) use only the left-hand section of the lane

3. By law bicyclists ___ must always wear a helmet when riding.

a) under 16 years of age

b) riding at night

c) of any age

d) riding outside designated bike lanes

4. It is ____ to wear headphones while riding a bicycle on a public right-of-ways.

a) more fun, and not really unsafe if they are not too loud

b) unwise, but not illegal

c) unwise and illegal

d) a non-issue

5. Under what conditions may bicyclists ride two abreast?

a) never

b) when riding at the posted speed limit

Community Rating the City’s nt. She can be icefl.gov.

c) when doing so will not impede the flow of traffic

d) anytime

6. A bicyclist may slow down and continue through a red light or stop sign if there are no cars coming.

a) true

b) false

7. Bicyclists riding at night must have the following visual markers on their vehicles:

a) front (white) and rear (red) lights

b) front (white) and rear (red) lights and a rear (red) reflector.

c) rear light only.

d) front and rear reflectors are enough

8. Bicyclists must ride as close to the right-hand side of the roadway as practicable, except when:

a) passing or maneuvering around another vehicle

b) maneuvering around a hazard

c) making a left turn

d) all of the above

9. When riding on the road, bicyclists must ____.

a) ride against the flow of traffic

b) ride in the same direction as traffic unless indicated

c) ride in marked bike lanes in the detection of marked arrows

d) b and c above

10. Bicyclists may ride on the sidewalk, but when doing so, and at pedestrian crossing, must ____ when passing a pedestrian.

a) keep a distance of at least three feet

b) yield and give an audible signal such as a bell or voice warning

c) slow down and stay behind the pedestrian

d) dismount and act as a pedestrian

Answers: 1. D, 2. A, 3. A, 4. C, 5. C, 6. B, 7. B, 8. D, 9. D, 10. B

FROM THE DESK OF

Jim Yelverton City Arborist

Jim Yelverton is the City’s Arborist and Tree Program Administrator. He can be reached at 941-882-7433 or by email at jyelverton@venicefl.gov.

Notice the decay below the topping cut and the small amount of wood supporting the new sprout

Photo: Dr. Alex Shigo

Topping increases trees’ hazard potential

Topping is a terrible thing to do to a tree! Even after 25 years of research, literature, seminars, and papers on the subject, I still see it done far too often. The practice is so harmful, in fact, that Venice has made topping a protected tree a violation of city ordinances. There are many reasons not to top a tree. Here are just a few issues of safety:

First, what does it mean to top a tree? Topping is the removal of most or all of a tree’s crown. Topping cuts are made indiscriminately to remove branches, leaving only large stubs. The most common reason given for topping is to reduce the size of a tree. Homeowners often think a tree is too large for their property or fear that a tree has become hazardous. It is true, of course, that at least for the first year, wind will pass right through a tree with no leaves or branches. However, after the tree sprouts, it will have a much denser crown than before and will be subjected to much higher wind loads.

Trees have evolved over millions of years to cope with normal branch loss. There are specialized areas of protection that can isolate wounds and decay caused by normal branch loss. Topping bypasses these survival systems and places the tree into a situation it has not evolved to cope with. Good pruning mimics the natural loss of branches and doesn’t harm the tree. Branches that die or are broken by wind or some other outside force, is only a minor setback for the tree. Removing the crown is an enormous stressor for a tree and introduces decay into the crown that the tree cannot cope with. This shortens the life of a tree and lays the foundation for an unsafe tree in the future.

Topping a tree removes most or all of its leaves, which are essential for photosynthesis. This starves the tree of essential energy needed for growth and protection. Severe pruning triggers the tree’s survival mechanisms and activates dormant buds. These buds, now exposed to sunlight, grow rapidly into large sprouts. The tree spends enormous amounts of its energy reserves to promote this rapid growth, aiming to replace lost leaves quickly. If the tree lacks sufficient stored energy, it can become severely weakened or even die. Because of the stress and large open wounds, the tree will be much more susceptible to pathogens. Decay of the remaining branches is almost certain. Some insects are even attracted to the stress chemicals released by an injured tree. Thus, topping not only impairs a tree’s normal function, but also significantly jeopardizes its overall health.

Continued on page 26

At top: A topped tree. Photo: Dr. Alex Shigo

At bottom: Topped trees. Photo: UF/IFAS

Tree topping continued

The next problem is that the new shoots that grow after topping are produced by surface buds. These sprouts lack the strong connection of normally developed branches, making them poorly attached to the parent stem. As the stubs decay, sprout attachments weaken even more. Large sprouts can easily break away and become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Ironically, topping, intended to make a tree safer, actually increases its hazard potential.

Research offers guidance on how to properly thin and reduce a tree’s size and make it safer while not compromising its health. Proper pruning is also less costly and produces much less debris than topping. If a tree has been topped or lost large branches to the hurricane, an experienced arborist may be able mitigate much of the damage over several years with proper pruning. Often the tree is too damaged and will never be safe again. Arborists certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) are trained in proper techniques and understand tree biology and how trees respond to pruning. Ensure your tree care professional has the necessary skills and knowledge to keep your tree healthy and safe for many years to come.

These are just some of many reasons to avoid topping a tree. For additional information, refer to the “More on topping” links below.

To find an ISA Certified Arborist: https://www.treesaregood.org/

More on topping:

https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/do-not-top.shtml

https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/fact-sheets.shtml

https://www.treesaregood.org/Portals/0/TreesAreGood_Why%20Topping%20Hurts_ 0321.pdf

City of Venice Hurricane Expo

Friday, May

17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Venice Community Center

The City of Venice is once again partnering with the Venice Gondolier Sun to hold a Home & Hurricane Expo on Friday, May 17 at the Venice Community Center, as a public service prior to hurricane season from June through November.

The Expo runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. If you are new to the area, this Expo should not be missed!

Speakers from the City will be Fire Chief Frank Giddens and Police Lt. Louis White at 10 a.m.; City Engineer Kathleen Weeden at 10:30 a.m.; Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi at noon; and ABC-7 Chief Meteorologist Bob Harrigan, who emphasizes, “We’re here to prepare you, not scare you,” at 1 p m

Speaker topics will include information gained and lessons learned from recent hurricanes, storm prep, the role of emergency services, stormwater/flooding, evacuation centers and the County transportation plan, common myths and misconceptions, and what to do following a hurricane.

The Venice Community Center, located at 326 Nokomis Ave. S. on the island, will have seating for 200 people to listen to speakers, and standing room for more. Vendors will be offering invaluable hurricane and storm-related information, products and services, and raffles and other giveaways are planned At the City of Venice table, there will be a raffle for three weather radios. Food and drinks will be available for purchase Be prepared for hurricane season 2024 and plan to attend this informative Expo!

SEASONAL REMINDERS

Sea Turtle Nesting Season is Underway

The first local nest was found on Venice Beach April 28, according to Mote Marine’s Sea Turtle Patrol.

The first nest of the season (pictured below) was laid in Venice by a loggerhead sea turtle, the most common species on Southwest Florida nesting beaches, Sarasota’s Mote Marine Laboratory reported Sea turtle nesting season on the Gulf Coast of Florida officially runs from May 1-Oct 31

From April 15-Oct. 31, the Sea Turtle Patrol conducts daily monitoring throughout the nesting season Each day, they diligently survey 35 miles of beaches, from Longboat Key to Venice.

“We like to be prepared and patrol early to make sure we catch the first signs of nesting on our beaches,” said Melissa Macksey, Senior Biologist and Conservation Manager with Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program. “Our enthusiastic volunteers and interns make patrolling 35 miles of beaches possible They are the reason we were able to catch this early nest.”

Sea turtles laid a total of 775 nests on Venice beaches in 2023, according to data provided by Mote Female sea turtles usually emerge at night to nest and follow dim, natural light to return to Gulf waters. A total of 4,284 sea turtle nests were reported last year from Longboat Key to Venice

Artificial lights that shine onto a nesting beach can draw turtle hatchlings away from the water and off the beach, where they have a slim chance of survival These lights can lead them into roads, swimming pools and other danger zones, while causing them to exhaust their energy stores. Beach lights can also scare away females crawling ashore to nest.

Like many of Florida’s coastal communities, the City of Venice has a lighting ordinance requiring residents to turn off beachfront lights during sea turtle nesting season

You should also avoid using flashlights, lanterns or flash photography while on the beach at night

Residents should go out to the beach at night and identify what lights on their property are visible from the beach. If the lights are not needed for safety, simply turn them off If the lights cannot be turned off, shield, redirect or lower the height of the lights so they are no longer visible from the beach.

Replace problematic lights with turtle-friendly fixtures designed to direct light where you need it and away from the beach Use red or amber LED bulbs (which are less disruptive to nesting sea turtles and hatchlings) in shielded, downward directed turtlefriendly fixtures. You should also replace high-pressure sodium vapor lights with lowpressure sodium lights Reduce interior lighting problems by applying window tint at a 15% light transmittance level, or close opaque curtains or blinds after dark to reduce the amount of visible light on the beach. Only light for safety, and avoid decorative or uplights during the nesting and hatchling season.

City Community Resource Service Officer Supervisor Jim Davis will be walking the

Continued on page 29

SEASONAL REMINDERS

Seaturtlenestingcontinued

beachfrontsatnightpriortothestartoftheseasontolookforanypotentiallightingviolators.Jimalsoreminds residentsandvisitorstoourbeachestomakesuretoremoveallitemssuchasbeachchairsandtrash inwhich seaturtlescanbecomeentangled fromthebeachatnight Peopleshouldalsofillinholesandknockdown sandcastlestomakethebeachsaferforseaturtles

Ifyouencounteranestingturtleorhatchlingsonthebeach,remainquietandobservefromadistance.Never encourageaturtletomovewhilenestingorpickuphatchlingsthathaveemergedandareheadingforthewater IfyouseelightsshiningonVenicebeachesduringnestingseason,contactJimDavisat941-468-7036 Ifyousee aseaturtleorhatchlingindanger,calltheMoteMarineSeaTurtleProgramat941-388-4331ortheVenicePolice Departmentat941-486-2444.

SEASONAL REMINDERS

Evacuation levels are NOT the same as flood zones. Hurricane season runs from June 1-Nov. 30 in Southwest Florida. Proper preparation for these unavoidable disasters can save money and lives. The time to prepare for a hurricane is now, well before a hurricane is forecasted. Create your disaster preparedness plan, practice your evacuation route, know the closest evacuation center (shelter), and build your emergency kit or “go bag.” Register for Alert Sarasota County, to receive emergency text or call alerts by visiting alertsarasotacounty.com and selecting the City of Venice from the “Sign Up” menu.

SEASONAL REMINDERS

Fertilizer Restricted Season is June 1-Sept. 30. No to N: Fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorous are prohibited in the summer. Instead, Pump Iron: Use products containing iron and micronutrients to stay green in the summer Pick the correct fertilizer for your yard and make your own weed killer

SEASONAL REMINDERS

Reporting City issues just a few clicks away

The City’s SeeClickFix platform, Venice Connect, allows citizens to report quality-of-life issues such as potholes, roadside junk and tall grass and request City services. With free SeeClickFix mobile app and web tools, citizens are able to provide City staff with pictures, videos, specific descriptions and more valuable information needed to get the job done efficiently In addition, the SeeClickFix platform provides City officials with a centralized issue management system to manage issues from creation to resolution, engaging citizens throughout the process.

Use SeeClickFix to request assistance with City of Venice services or report problems, such as potholes, streetlights that are out, broken sidewalks, stormdrain issues, traffic signal/sign problems, code violations, etc Venice Connect will acknowledge newly submitted issues and forward them to the appropriate departments to take care of the requests. Users will receive email updates and can come back here to check the status of submitted issues. When the issue is resolved, the issue can be closed Separate issues should be submitted as separate SeeClickFix reports

Note: Please make sure that the address you are providing is the location of the issue being reported.

Those with general questions concerning the City and its policies should call 941-486-2626 Enforcement issues of an emergency nature such as excessive noise, homeless concerns, or dog owners not following the rules at the Paw Park, should be reported directly to the Venice Police Department by calling 911 to be dealt with in real-time. VPD’s non-emergency number is 941-486-2444. After-hours Utilities emergencies can be reported at 941-486-2770.

For more information on using SeeClickFix, call 941-882-7401 or visit venicegov.com.

Hurricane season starts June 1 — have you signed up for Alert Sarasota County yet?

Sarasota County’s mass-notification system, Alert Sarasota County, is hosted by Everbridge as part of a partnership with the state of Florida and the cities of Venice, Sarasota, North Port and the Town of Longboat Key. Alert Sarasota County, which replaced the CodeRED notification system, is used to communicate public health and safety topics affecting residents Available alerts in the City of Venice include severe weather such as hurricanes and tropical storms, police and fire incidents, temporary road closures and construction, hazardous spills, water outages and boil water notices, flooding, power outages and red tide Hurricane season runs from June 1-Nov 30 in Florida Users can choose the types of alerts and how to receive them when registering their new account. These options can be changed at any time. Users can sign up for alerts by registering with their home address. County and municipality alerts can differ Visit alertsarasotacounty.com or scan the QR code at right to register

Alert Sarasota County can send alerts to users via landline phone, cell phone, text message, email, TDD/TTY, or a combination of these methods

SEASONAL REMINDERS

UPDATES: Keeping Venice Beautiful

The City of Venice is grateful for volunteers with Team KVB (Keep Venice Beautiful) tirelessly trimming, weeding, delittering and replanting in our public spaces.

Members’ recent efforts in the City include:

At the end of March, 31 KVBers worked along the Venetian Waterway Park (VWP) trail, removing 13 truckloads of invasives like Brazilian pepper and Chinaberry.

In early April, 22 members cut back overhanging trees and overgrown plants at Maxine Barritt Park. They hauled away 11 truckloads of debris

In mid-April, 27 KVBers worked at Venice Myakka River Park. Eight truckloads of cuttings were removed.

Thank you to these amazing volunteers for all your hard work to keep Venice beautiful!

Photos: Team KVB

Visit the City’s 35 parks

Bicycle around Venice island

Stop by the Venice Museum

Fish off the Venice Fishing Pier

View the City’s Event calendar

Join a City Advisory Board

Volunteer with VABI

Find more events with community partners:

Venice Area Chamber of Commerce

Venice Art Center

Venice Community Center

Venice Performing Arts Center

Venice MainStreet Inc.

Venice Symphony

Venice Theatre

Visit Sarasota County

Sarasota County Government

Venice Hurricane Expo - Friday, May 17

Venice Brew Fest - Saturday, May 18

City Fireworks Display - Thursday, July 4

Venice Holiday Parade - Saturday, Nov. 30

Christmas Boat Parade - Saturday, Dec. 2

City of Venice Annual Calendar Photography Contest

Deadline July 31 - limit 4 submissions

The City of Venice is holding its fourth annual photography contest for its much-anticipated annual calendar that showcases the beauty and charm of our “City on the Gulf.”

Along with gorgeous images from local photographers, the annual calendar also provides residents and visitors with information on City Council and advisory board meetings throughout the year, special events, frequently used phone numbers, a map of City limits, photos of Council Members and Charter Officers, and more.

A limited run of 5,000 calendars are distributed for free to citizens at the end of the year and are available at City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave.

2025 Calendar Photo Contest Rules:

Email high-resolution color images to landerson@venicefl.gov by July 31 with the location of the photo & image description

Images must be horizontal (landscape)

Photos must be taken no earlier than Jan. 1, 2024

No digital manipulation, including removing content

No images that are violent, sexual, provocative or socially insensitive

No images of people as the main subject

Limit 4 entries per person

Participants must be 18 years of age or older

For complete rules and guidelines, visit venicegov com The City retains the right to use submitted photos in any advertising and/or promotion it deems suitable, including its social media platforms and website.

Entries will be evaluated based on appeal, content and photographic skill. Final photography choices will be selected by City of Venice staff. Winners will be notified in August 2024. The 2025 Calendar will be printed and distributed beginning in December 2024.

AROUND

Hosted by Venice MainStreet Inc , the Sharks Tooth Festival returned to Centennial Park April 13-14 with live music, merchandise, fossils, a kids zone, food and drinks, and of course, plenty of sharks’ teeth! Free trolley rides transported attendees from Venice High School to the event space.

A group of Venice High School students, working with the City’s Public Works Department, are creating a Little Free Library at Venice Beach. The Little Free Library is a project where a library box is installed at a public location, open 24/7 so people of all ages can give or take books as they wish

"This project was introduced to us by our ninth-grade Pre-IB (International Baccalaureate) Inquiry Skills teacher, Mrs. Mopps,” said Cali Brown, a freshman at VHS. “We are learning about the importance of serving our community and the effect it can have. Ours is an educational project, which goes along with one of the IB character traits, which is caring."

The project is funded by popsicle stand and cookie sale fundraisers run by students at the school. Books are being donated by students and staff.

The City of Venice welcome signs got a facelift this month! The three signs were hand-painted by Chris Bruns with Public Works. Do you know where all three are located?

Venice Fire Rescue and Venice Police responded to the northbound off-ramp from Interstate 75 to Laurel Road (exit 195) for a car fire April 16. No one was injured.

A Bicycle Safety Summit for adults, “Pedal Safe, Pedal Smart,” was held March 26 at the Venice Community Center. Presented through a partnership between VPD, Coastal Cruisers Bicycle Club, Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club, and Bicycles

International, participants learned about traffic laws and hand signals, quick turns and short stops, helmet and seat fitting, group riding and more in both classroom and road components.

Lisa Olson and Rebecca Paul in Planning celebrate Administrative Professionals Day April 24.

Venice City Hall staff cheered on participants in the Venice Police Torch Run for Special Olympics the morning of April 26. The run kicked off at 9 a.m. at the Venice Beach pavilion, traveling 3.1 miles along West Venice Ave. to the VPD Public Safety Facility on East Venice Ave. Way to go! Runners’ efforts were also captured in a drone photo (below, far right) taken by GIS Administrator Don Hubbard.

Four Venice firefighters flew to Utah to run in the Zion Ultra 50K on April 14.

At left, Joel Neagles, Cory Storch, Nick Miller and Matt McKenzie finished the 30 8-mile race in about 9 hours

Congrats on your amazing accomplishment!

Venice Police Officers Rhett Dinka, Brett Woodworth, Josh Brooks, and Erin Skaggs were the featured speakers at the Venice Chamber’s final Real World Wednesday on April 17 at Venice High School K-9 Palmer made a special appearance

Stormwater Crew Leader Kevin Barrett moves sand April 3 at Outfall No 2 at Venice Beach

Left, City GIS staff at the 2024 ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) Southeast User Conference in West Palm Beach the first week of April: GIS Administrator Don Hubbard in IT, Planning/GIS

Analyst Kelsey Shope in Planning & Zoning, GIS

Analyst William Smith in Utilities, and Community Rating System (CRS) Coordinator Christina Rimes in Engineering. Right, Electrical Maintenance Technician Tony Rosen replaces a worn American flag on Public Works property April 24.

Venice Fire Rescue debuted their newest assets during Public Safety Day on April 20 - the EMS Bicycle Team! VFR Paramedic Tim Danke rode around the event checking for any head-related or medical emergencies. The bicycles, retrofitted with emergency medical response equipment, will be manned by VFR Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Paramedics and carry medications and both basic and advanced life support equipment for emergency responses in high bicycle and pedestrian traffic areas, rough terrain and isolated areas, as well as during special events, parades, and festivals.

Brittany Smith and City Clerk Kelly

use special glasses outside City Hall to view the April 8 solar eclipse. Staff also used a colander to safely view half-circle shadows created by the phenomenon.

A crew of over 20 youth and adults from The WareHouse of Venice showed up at 5:30 a.m.

March 24 to help set up the 34th Annual Venice AACA Car Show in Centennial Park, utilizing the City’s Special Events Trailer

Planner

Michaels

Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Venice opens New Patient Care Tower

Provided

by Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Venice

Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Venice is on track to nearly double its inpatient capacity from 110 beds to 212 this year, with 68 new private patient suites that opened in April and an additional 34 private suites scheduled to open this fall.

The two upper floors of the Venice hospital’s new five-story Northeast Tower began filling with patients April 3, with each new floor adding 34 patient suites. The fourth floor will serve as a larger, dedicated unit for cardiac patients, while the fifth floor will be dedicated for the growing volume of orthopedic patients.

The expansion is in response to the high demand for medical services in the community. Since opening in November 2021, SMH-Venice has operated at or near full capacity, and often beyond, as a critical health care safety net for people following the closure of ShorePoint Health Venice Hospital and Hurricane Ian in 2022.

“I am so proud of the Venice team for the outstanding care they have provided to our patients, despite a volley of challenges our community and hospital faced since we opened,” said Sharon Roush, President of the SMH-Venice Campus. “The new tower will ease our capacity constraints, decrease the need to transfer and admit patients to our larger hospital campus in Sarasota, and allow the Venice team to provide top tier care to even more members of our community.”

This fall, an additional 34 private suites will be opening on the second level of the new Northeast Tower to expand care for general medical/surgical patients. The ground level includes space for additional patient care and support services in the future, while the third level is interstitial space for mechanical systems.

Construction is also well under way on a 30,000-square-foot expansion of SMH-Venice’s Emergency Care Center (ECC). When complete this fall, the ECC will more than double in size, from 28 rooms to 61, and include enhancements to registration and support areas and increased imaging capabilities. The hospital also increased the number of surgical suites from six to eight in January and created space for future expansion of eight additional operating rooms.

To prepare for the expansion, SMH-Venice has been actively recruiting new staff. More than 200 new team members have been hired in recent months, with more staff set to come on board in the weeks and months ahead.