A DIGITAL PUBLICATION FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF VENICE GOVERNMENT
A DIGITAL PUBLICATION FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF VENICE GOVERNMENT
Summer celebrated with July 4th cookout
to the Team
Beth BrownMcWatters Inspector, Building
Courtney Chaco Police Trainee, VPD
Mike Meiser
Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Rescue
Gerry Mills
Head Operator, Utilities/Wastewater
The annual Fourth of July Cookout for City staff was held July 1 in the Fire Station 1 bay, organized by Executive Assistant Cordy Crane. About 140 employees from multiple departments attended.
City Manager Ed Lavallee and Assistant City Manager James Clinch served as grillmasters, cooking up hundreds of burgers and hot dogs Sides included potato salad, baked beans and watermelon
Thank you to Public Works for providing the grills and tools, Fire for hosting at their house – the only way this event will fit now! – Utilities for running food and supplies, City Clerk’s Office staff for setup and breakdown, everyone who brought additional side dishes or desserts, and especially Cordy, who masterfully organized another great event!
Above, Public Works’ Ashlee Castle, Michelle Newman with HR, Finance’s Kathy Millspaugh and Nancy Bailon, and Monika Laszkowski with HR enjoy lunch. At right, James Clinch and Ed Lavallee man the grills More photos, page 2
to the Team
Maria Orozco Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Rescue
Rob Pratt Community Outreach Manager, Airport
Joe Wagaman Municipal Service Worker, Public Works
Payroll Corner
July 19 Pay Day
Clothing allowance - Police
Premium OT Fire (Kelly cycle runs 7/6-8/1)
Accruals available for June
Aug. 2 Pay Day
Police Education Incentive
Fire Education Incentive
Clockwise from top left: Rebecca Paul, Ilona Krigsman, Amy Nelson, Nicole Tremblay, Brittany Smith and Kelsey Shope from Planning and Zoning; VPD Community Resource Officer David Lipker; Building’s Ciria Infante and Cheyanne Watter; and Javier Vargas, Rick Neales, Joe Speer, Darren Addy and Rocky Reid with Utilities
More photos, page 3
Above, Mel Mosser and Jess Samson in Finance with Building’s Doris Likens. Below, Christina Rimes in Engineering, Stephanie Fisher in HR, Kayla Case in Procurement, Jordan Dacey in IT, and Debra Schlake and Kendra Arce in the Cashier’s Office Below center, Steve Timmer, Jessie Goetz, Lou Casella and Mark Botelho with Public Works.
At right, Amanda Hawkins-Brown, Brianne Lorenz, Clerk’s Office intern Destiny Salomon, Cordy Crane’s mom Joyce and Cordy set up for lunch in the Fire 1 bay.
New operational clocks in City Hall tower
City staff and officials celebrated the new operational clocks in the City Hall clock tower June 18 with a ribbon-cutting led by Mayor Nick Pachota and Assistant City Manager James Clinch.
City Council Members Rachel Frank, Ron Smith and Joan Farrell were also on hand, as well as Public Works employees who worked on the project, Chris Somers, Tony Rosen and Ashlee Castle (pictured below with Mayor Pachota and his dog Willow) with contractor The Verdin Company. The two new tower clocks include LED backlighting to give the dial a “moonglow” effect at night and Roman markers.
Above, Chris Somers preps the City Hall clock tower for replacement of the clock mechanisms in mid-May At left, the new clock faces and mechanisms were installed May 17 by contractors with Verdin and Chris Somers and Tony Rosen.
Milestones
5 Years
Nathan McManus, July 8 Fire Rescue
10 Years
Scott Hemp, July 12 Public Works/Solid Waste
Christina Rimes, July 28 Engineering
25 Years
Travis Hardwick, July 6 Utilities/Wastewater
Rocky Reid, July 15
Utilities
THE LATEST
Airport Manager Nick Dumas Q&A
New Airport Manager Nick Dumas started with the City June 3. Here are a few Q&As to get to know Nick:
Where are you from originally and what brought you to Florida?
I grew up in Southern New Jersey at the Jersey Shore More specifically, I grew up in Galloway Township and Somers Point During my career, I was an Air Traffic Controller at Miami International Airport and fell in love with Southern Florida I have wanted to return ever since The opportunity to advance my career and return to Florida has led me to Venice.
Tell us about your schooling degrees and certifications
Council Meeting Staff
Agenda Item Deadlines
Council date Aug. 27
DUE Aug. 9
Council date Sept. 10
DUE Aug. 23
Council date Sept. 24
DUE Sept. 6
Continued on page 6
Nick Dumas Q&A
continued
Coordinator Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). From the National Weather Service (NWS), I earned the Surface Weather Observer Certificate. From the Federal Emergency Management Agency, I have completed 32 certificates. I have earned the Airport Certified Employee-Operations Certificate (ACE), Certified Member Certificate (C.M.), and the coveted Accredited Airport Executive Accreditation (A.A.E.) from the American Association of Airport Executives; fewer than 500 people in the country have earned this accreditation.
What got you into this line of work, and what do you enjoy about it? I was exposed to aviation as a child and have pursued a career in it ever since. The adage goes, do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life. Very true!
What did you do before coming to the COV? Prior to coming to the City of Venice, I worked for the Department of Aviation for the City of Philadelphia, Pa. I was an Airport Operations Duty Supervisor at Philadelphia International Airport for 12 1/2 years.
What do you like about Venice? After being in Venice for 2 weeks, I have found the friendliness and get-it-done attitude of the residents and my co-workers refreshing Furthermore, the beauty, history, cleanliness of the city, and the downtown area are amazing
What do you hope to bring to your role as Airport Manager? In short, as the Airport Manager, I look forward to assisting in the smooth running of the Venice Municipal Airport, and to continue to maintain it as an asset and source of pride to the community. I will achieve this through my positive attitude, energy, and subject matter expertise.
Tell us about your significant other, children, grandchildren, pets? I have a wife, two children, and we are waiting for our new puppy. My wife had a long career as a hairdresser. We have a son and daughter. Our son is in the vehicle electronics trade in Ohio and our daughter is in college for psychology at Drexel University. Unfortunately, Roman, our fur baby, passed away just before we moved here. We are excitedly awaiting our new Doberman Pinscher puppy who will join our family in August.
What is a fun fact about you? I am an avid soccer fan and received a full scholarship to play while I was in college. The
Public Works hosts FIN Summer Symposium
The Venice Public Works Department hosted the Florida Facilities Information Network (FIN) Summer Symposium June 27-28 at the Venice Community Center, with participants from across the region. Topics included asset management, licensure, contracts, employee retention, fleet management and continuing education. Below, COV Public Works Director Ricky Simpson and Assistant Public Works Director Ashlee Castle give a presentation on the beneficial impacts of in-house talent and contributions on capital improvement projects. See group photo, page 8
Participants in the Florida Facilities Information Network (FIN) Summer Symposium June 27-28 at the Venice Community Center, hosted by Venice Public Works, pose for a group photo. Those attending came from around the region, including Pinellas, Polk, Okeechobee, Escambia, Sarasota and Manatee counties. Presenters from the COV included Public Works Director Ricky Simpson, Assistant Public Works Director Ashlee Castle, Fleet and Facilities Manager Travis Hout and Procurement Manager Peter Boers.
TAKE A BOW
The following kudos from citizens, partner organizations, Council Members and co-workers demonstrate the incredible dedication and pride with which you serve the City. Thank you for continuing to make Venice a premier location to live, work, retire, and vacation to.
Within a day of a request from Mote Marine, City Engineer Kathleen Weeden, Public Works Maintenance Supervisor Tim George and Stormwater Crew Leader Kevin Barrett coordinated to screen six storm drains on The Esplanade and Tarpon Center Drive to prevent sea turtle hatchlings from falling through the grates. “Thank you all so much for your support and promptness,” Mote Staff Biologist Rachel Warren emailed PIO Lorraine Anderson July 2. “That is wonderful news, we really appreciate it and so do the turtles!”
Mark Dougherty of Benko Construction in Cocoa Beach emailed his thanks July 2-3 to multiple departments in regard to a reclaim water meter issue at Revello Apartments, which included expediting a form, processing fees, issuing a work order and setting the meter. “Thanks for the expeditious handling of the most important item,” Mark wrote. “Many thanks to all for making this happen. Everyone’s ‘above and beyond’ efforts to facilitate this item are appreciated.” Those involved were: Building Divisional Permit Coordinator Alicia Chapman; Customer Service Manager Carolyn Hart in the Cashier’s Office; Utilities’ Danielle Smith, Vadim Bugayev, Patience Anastasio and Stacy McKenzie-Grant; and the Utilities crew that set the meter, Nick Kear, Austin Fargo and Adrian Rivera.
Cashier’s Office
Resident Steve Sallee emailed Customer Service Manager Carolyn Hart June 13: “I just wanted to compliment your employee, Customer Service Specialist Nancy Carello. We discovered a problem with our bill today and she was very helpful with resolving our issue. I understand she is retiring in August – you will lose a very good employee.” Carolyn responded: “Yes, Nancy is a tremendous asset to our Customer Service office and will be greatly missed when she retires.”
City Clerk’s Office Congrats to Deputy City Clerk Toni Cone, pictured at left, who recently completed the Florida Certified Records Manager Certification program of the Florida Records Management Association (FRMA). Toni’s June 4 certificate states she “has demonstrated the required experience and performance in the body of knowledge necessary for a records management professional to be successful in managing Florida’s public records.” Way to go Toni!
Historical Resources
Assistant City Manager James Clinch emailed Historical Resources Manager Harry Klinkhamer July 2: “Some friends of ours went to visit the Venice Museum yesterday and had this to say about the experience: ‘We’ve never been into the Venice Museum and it was such a fun experience. The docent, Terry Potter, was so nice and very passionate about the history, he kept the kids totally engaged. They also had a cute scavenger hunt for the kids and sent them home with vintage Venice postcards and a snack!’ Please let Terry know how much we appreciate his service and commitment!”
Continued on page 10
Presidents Program AwardS
$50 Ulysses Grant
Who: Alicia Chapman and Kim Back. Department: Building. Date: June 17. Reason: While the department has been short-staffed, both Alicia and Kim have worked diligently to assure permit turnaround times are maintained. They also have taken lead rolls to train our new staff members.
TAKE A BOW
Police
Sgt. Sean Hammett, Capt. Andy Leisenring and Chief Charlie Thorpe recently recognized Officer Bill Long with a Community Relations Award for his willingness to step in and help others; not only as an officer but more importantly as a person who genuinely cares. From a memo from Sgt. Hammett: “Officer Long's commitment shines through in his selfless acts. Out of his own pocket, he purchased sports balls ($140) and a cornhole set for students at one of the local schools in our City. He also participates in ‘Classroom and Cops’ and assists with the ADVANCE fifthgrade program taught at Venice Elementary and Epiphany Cathedral School. Additionally, he was present at their recent ADVANCE graduation ceremonies. Officer Long also created an annual "Christmas and Candy Cane" event. Before school breaks for the holidays, Officer Long and ‘the Grinch’ distribute candy canes to the students. Among the programs previously discussed, Officer Long has been a long-time participant with ‘Shop with a Cop’ and this past year with a ‘Trunk or Treat’ event. While his full-time position is assignment within the Patrol Division, Officer Long finds the time to do a little more. This dedication speaks volumes about his character and commitment to not only his profession but to those he serves in our community.” Way to go Officer Long! Congrats on your Promotion!
Steven Berens, promoted from Stormwater Engineer I to Stormwater Engineer II in Engineering, effective June 18.
Sam Steele, promoted from Plant Operator B to Plant Operator A at the Water Reclamation Facility in Utilities, effective June 19.
Josh King, promoted from Municipal Service Worker I to Municipal Service Worker II in Public Works/Parks, effective June 26.
Marshal Webb, promoted from Municipal Service Worker I to Municipal Service Worker II in Public Works/Parks, effective June 26.
Officer Bill Long with Chief Thorpe and Lt Mat Sauchinitz.
Lt. Louis White received this email June 18: “We are writing to you regarding the Investigation Discovery documentary series Arrow International Media has made called ‘High Speed Chase,’ which you and your office kindly contributed to.” The Investigation Discovery (ID) segment on a multijurisdictional high-speed boat chase from July 2022, in which suspect Tristan Royer was apprehended, features Master Police Officer Paul Joyce and Officer Josh Brooks and aired July 2. It can also be viewed on demand on ID Go. Nice job Officers!
Utilities
“Just a quick note to thank you and your staff for all the time, attention and action taken to resolve the lift station issue at the Windwood community,” resident Steve Carr emailed Director Javier Vargas June 19. “We very much appreciate all your assistance.” Kudos to Maintenance Supervisor Tim Merritt and his dedicated team for fixing the issue.
“I could not be more pleased with the service received by us from the Utilities Department,” former Mayor John Holic emailed Utilities Technical Unit Supervisor Damien Stillings July 1. “My initial request was sent to you on June 26 just before 3 p.m. Your reply was received by me, including graphs, before 8 a.m. the next morning, June 27. Even before I was able to complete the study of what you sent, two very capable, thorough, and friendly technicians, Greg Zielbauer and Mike Baez, were ringing my doorbell. They went right to work, located the water meter and were able to visually assess that the problem was not a broken water line. Additionally, they checked the backflow device that was installed a few years ago and were able to tell that there was no leakage there either. I walked back to the truck with the technicians, and they had a printout of the charts you emailed me. The gentlemen reviewed the charts with me and said the problem looked like an occasional flapper sticking causing an excessive use of water during that time. We have taken their advice and shut the water off to a toilet that is only used when we have company. Thank you for the great and prompt service we received. Your service department is exemplary of the city’s moto of PRIDE (Productive, Responsible, Innovative, Dedicated and Ethical).”
MEET YOUR COWORKER
Brad Holahan: Creative license
Public Works Traffic Sign Technician Brad Holahan is also an artist. Before coming to the City in June 2023, he worked as a senior designer for Tervis.
“Sun and surf was my main thing,” at the Tervis drinkware company in North Venice, Brad said. “I worked on specific projects, handdrawn original art, or stock art and coming up with concepts. Before going to Tervis I had always been an artist growing up, so I had that fine art background, but I went to school for technical art and graphic design.”
Brad, 55, was born in Tennessee at Millington Naval Air Station; his father was in the military during the Vietnam War era. He also has a younger brother.
“My mom and dad separated and we went to California because my mom had family there,” he said. “My dad and the rest of the family ended up in Sarasota – they’ve been in Sarasota County for over 50 years.” His family is originally from Iowa.
“I grew up in Southern Orange County and it was a great place to grow up. It was all still orange groves and strawberry fields forever. In the 1980s, it exploded.
“When I first went to college after high school, I was going to go into aeronautical engineering because I wanted to fly. I spent about a year and a half doing that, but I was doing homework all the time. Engineers are smart people! I said, ‘I can’t do this,’ and I went back into graphics and graphic art. I was accepted into California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo, which is a great university for graphic design on the central coast of California.” There, Brad got his bachelor’s degree in Applied Art and Design.
“Where I lived was a difficult place to stay after college, because they have a lot of cheap labor. I lucked out and got a job at a tech company, Ziatech. I was a senior graphic designer there. It was a 200-person company and the owner, Burt Forbes, had built it from a
in his
room to a $200 million company in 26 years.
Below, some examples of Brad’s “sun and surf” Tervis drinkware designs.
MEET YOUR COWORKER
Brad continued
“They brought me in to dust off the brand, because he was getting ready to retire and sell the business. I worked on product sheets, marketing materials, and engineering white papers. They did a lot of trade shows, so we would develop the folders and inserts and booth graphics for each show.
“I was there about two years and they sold the company to Intel at the height of the dotcom era for $240 million cash and the same amount in Intel stock. They gave all 200 employees $20,000 – they handed out $4.4 million that day just as a thank you. It let me buy my first house.
“Forbes was brilliant. It was the 1990s, and they had a product called the single blade computer. Basically they took an entire computer and put it on a blade for engineering and medical devices. It became a bigger blade, then, what today is your server rack. They pioneered servers that we use today. When I left that job I worked for Intel for just a bit, remotely, but they wanted me to move to Arizona to work at their main plant. I declined, as I wasn’t ready to leave California.
“Then I worked for a company called Slime, which made an eco-friendly tire sealant for things like wheelbarrows, tractors and bicycles. I was the art director there for four years and redesigned every bit of packaging, in-store signage and merchandising they had.
“It was a pretty fun company – it was owned by three brothers and they had a ping-pong table in the conference room. The fourth year I was there we had a big opportunity to get a new product line into AutoZone.
“We received five compressors from our manufacturer with no boxes and no dielines (packaging templates). We had two weeks to come up with packaging, a look and feel, instructions and warning labels. So we banged it out and put together a killer presentation, and they went for it. It was a multi-million-dollar deal, but we had to have product to them, shipped and on shelf, in two weeks.
“At the time, we were doing packaging proofs via Fed/Ex and UPS to China, back and forth. It was gobbling up days, so in 2007 the company sent me to China.
Brad with some of his art pieces.
“I went to the compressor manufacturer in Guangzhou, China. I had five days, boots on the ground. I would get up, they would take me to the factory that was printing the boxes, and I would review them and make sure they were accurate.
MEET YOUR COWORKER
Brad continued
“If we had any tweaks colorwise, they would print them for the next day. It would only take me an hour or so to do that. The owner of the compressor company had an assistant, Pengyuan, who spoke English and served as a translator. She was the CEO’s administrative assistant. He told her, ‘Take Brad and go sightseeing.’ So I spent those five days with her sightseeing – and then I fell in love with her!
“She was the most amazing person I had ever met – intelligent, beautiful, and a peaceful soul. When I got back to the states, we did the longdistance thing for months, and it was really tough. Finally, I just needed a change from the company I was working for. I put together a proposal for them. We had 30-40 manufacturers scattered across China and our product packaging was all over the board. We had a copyrighted color of green that was the company’s color, and every manufacturer wasn’t hitting it, so on the shelf it wasn’t cohesive.
“I said, how about you give me six months in China and I’ll go visit all of our vendors and get all of our packaging in line. That way I can work on my fiancée’s visa, and then I’ll be back. I can still manage the department remotely. They said no, so two weeks later I said, ‘I got a job in China, I’m out of here.’
“I got a really amazing job in China with a company called P Plus. It was a Dutch and French-owned company doing products and packaging for clients in Europe and Central-South America; mainly white goods like kitchen appliances and brown goods like electronics. About half the staff was Chinese and the other half was Dutch, French, British, Senegalese, among others.
“The process to get the K1 visa (for foreign citizen fiancées) is not difficult, it just takes time. I needed a change and I wanted the adventure, so (Pengyuan and I) wound up in Shanghai for this company around 2008. I had a team of about 10 people; an in-house photographer, a translator who spoke five languages fluently, two technical designers doing manuals, and four women who did all of my product packaging. Every Friday the company would have a party – the company would buy tons of food and have drinks.
“P Plus evolved into Circle Pleasure Corp., which focused on Chinese marketing. It was headed up by Jane Zhong, a brilliant woman who was ahead of her time. She was Harvard-educated, had served in the Chinese military as a Lieutenant Colonel; she was a multi-millionaire who wore sweatpants and a T-shirt to work every day. She was thinking about concepts like virtual shopping and digital pay, but the tech just wasn’t there 15 years ago.
Above, Brad and Pengyuan at the Yungang Grottoes in China; below, Brad visits his wife’s home village of Aoshi.
Brad continued
“Once you are in China, it’s very cheap to travel. We could take a really nice bus ride out of the city to a place of interest, some place that’s been there 3,000 years, and it’s nothing to ride the bus. We could stay at a 5-star hotel and it was $100. So we got to experience a lot of China. I got to go back to my wife’s hometown, Aoshi, the farming community where she grew up. China has these amazing, huge, world-class cities, then you get out of these cities of 20 million people and the countryside is like stepping back in time It’s beautiful.
Then our visa was getting ready to come through. You cannot be in China and get your K1 visa, you have to be tateside. So I had to come back here and finish up so Pengyuan – who goes by Candy in the states – could come ver. She saw it as an adventure, moving here. We got married in July 2009.
JUNE 2024
had been in China for a year and a half. When I came back, I didn’t really know what the plan was. My mom eeded some help; she wanted me to help close my grandfather’s used car business in Iowa. He had sold used ars for 60 years, he was 91 and still going to work. So I went there for a few months and helped with sales, ccounts and repo cars. I was sending out creative resumes all over. I lucked out with an opportunity in Sarasota with Aso Corporation.
They produce most of the private label first-aid bandages and wound care for companies like CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, Target. They are the world’s largest manufacturer of private label first-aid products.
“I wanted to be somewhere where there was family, and my family had been in Sarasota since the early ‘80s, so it really worked out. I was working there about two years as their creative director, doing packaging, web and marketing with a team of several people.
“Then the mortgage crisis hit, and I got laid off. It was really tough on us because we had just bought our home here in Venice. What I liked about the City was it reminded me of the beach towns I grew up in in Southern California. We rented out by the Airport for about a year, then bought our house in 2011. At the time, my wife was doing translation over the phone for work.
“On a whim I reached out to Tervis and kept bugging them. I showed them my work in graphics and they started feeding me small freelance projects. Then I said, ‘You know, it would be cheaper if you just hired me in-house, and they did. Year after year, my original art was in the top 10 or 20 of all of Tervis’ sales, so that was really validating.
“My wife had studied English in China, but once you’re in the states, it’s a prerequisite. After things settled at Tervis, I said to Candy, you need to find something education-wise that’s going to make our life better. Now she has her master’s in accounting and is a CPA. Candy got her AA at State College of Florida and her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of South Florida, then took the CPA exam. It took us 10 years to get there, but I always thought that if something happened to me she’d be in a bad place if she didn’t have a good education. Now she works for KB in Sarasota (Kerkering, Barberio & Co.) as a senior accountant and is crushing it.
Then, Brad says, surprise! The couple had twin boys, born on Father’s Day 2019 – Kamuela, who goes by Kam, and Kaleokai, called Kai.
Above, Pengyuan and Brad with their now 5year-old twins, Kam and Kai. Below, the Pearl Tower in Shanghai, China
MEET YOUR COWORKER
Brad continued
Brad was with Tervis for seven years. “When COVID hit, they laid off a bunch of people, but they still needed people to do the work,” he said. “So I freelanced for them for another two and a half years. That was great because my wife had just started getting into her career, and the twins were still little. I was able to work from home and be with them.
“They were busy dudes – they’re more manageable now,” Brad laughs. “Hanging out with 1- and 2-year-old twins is like suicide watch all day long.”
“In early 2023 Tervis ended their freelancing, so I was looking for work. COVID opened up a lot of work from home, but I would apply for jobs and it would be, OK, you’re one of 500 applicants. I started looking around for county and city government jobs, and there were Building Department positions open in Venice and in North Port. I got the job here as a Building Permit Technician that June.
“In the permit world, it’s a lot of checking the right boxes, asking the right questions. Dealing with the public can be challenging, but I tried to keep it easygoing. At the end of the day (permitting) has to be A, B and C because there are rules and laws that need to be adhered to. You still get pushback from people who don’t understand, but you can explain, that’s the way it is. You can’t really do that in art and design.
In May, Brad took the position with Public Works as Traffic Sign Tech.
“I’m the only sign tech for the City. I’ll drive around, pick off a neighborhood and look for signs that are not reflective anymore or damaged. We’re switching out all the sign posts citywide, and I had one down by Venice Beach that was buried 4 feet with roots through it. That took me a couple hours to dig out. I’m also replacing stop signs that are down and setting up signs for special events. It’s great to work with the Public Works crew as well. You get called out to assist and you’re always learning. The Public Works team has been amazing, helpful and a great group of people to be a part of.
“It’s nice – you’re kind of your own boss, you’re out on the road. I love it. There’s always going to be work. I try to do the heavy lifting in the morning when it’s cooler and the sign replacement in the afternoon. During the summer you’re definitely looking for shade. It’s great to be out in nature; it’s beautiful. It’s cool to do something more with my hands. I just have to keep up on my sunscreen and hydrating. It also gives me a chance to talk with the locals. They’re always interested in what we’re doing and grateful for the help Public Works provides.
“I’ve been fortunate that I’ve always been a mile from the ocean, with easy commutes. My Tervis commute was 5.5 miles; this one is 1.1 mile. Even in California my commute was 15 minutes, through farmland and then along the Pacific Coast.
“Everyone here at the City is dynamite and super helpful.”
Brad grew up surfing, and when he was in California he spent a lot of time going to Hawaii. “I started photographing and painting in Hawaii. I did a tropical style for about 20 years. I found a really thick style of oil painting that I just
Above, Brad has been teaching his sons to surf at the North Jetty Below, Brad replaces signage on W. Venice Ave. across from City Hall.
MEET YOUR COWORKER
Brad
continued
kind of landed on. I was in a gallery for a few years in my hometown in California. I sold some art, but I just could never get to a point where that was the job.
“When I was freelancing at home with the babies, the thick style is such that I put a drying medium into it, so I have to know where I’m going to stop and start on the painting. I also developed a wet pattern style because I wanted to do something different, and that let me start and stop more easily. I spent so many years at Tervis looking at patterns; now I can put it on a big canvas and focus on patterns of fish, insects, shells, floral. It really developed out of things I did at Tervis to create patterns for tumblers. The wet style is very loose, so I can go back into it and layer it. It’s more forgiving than the tropical style.
“I find when I’m painting, I can just get lost in it for an hour or two, step back and say, ‘Where was I?’ Which is really nice.”
Now of course, life is busy with 5-year-old twin boys, who are very different little humans. “Kam is very smart and emotional; he gets frustrated easily,” Brad said. “Kai is just a cruiser, very mellow, patient. The boys like digging in the dirt, playing with trucks, Legos and coloring. They’re very artistic, but I don’t push any of that on them because really, the creative field is rough.”
The twins are in VPK now and will be attending Venice Elementary come August. “When the boys’ schedule is a little easier, I want to go back and do more of the wet style (of painting),” he said.
Brad, who lived briefly in Hawaii at one point – “I had an acre of property on the big island I figured I’d drop dead on one day, but when the mortgage crisis hit, I had to liquidate it” – I would like to retire in Indonesia or Hainan, China’s southernmost province referred to as the “Hawaii of China.”
“We go to the North Jetty every Sunday. I’m teaching the boys to surf now, on a longboard. It’s great – we see manatees every week. Florida is still an affordable paradise. We love the downtown events like the Halloween Parade and the Holiday Parade. We’re fortunate that we can walk to the island and experience all the beauty and benefits Venice has to offer.”
Procurement Specialist
Kayla Case adopted Duke, a 4-month-old lab-bulldog mix!
Cybersecurity safety tips for summer travelers
Many of us are eagerly anticipating our summer vacations and travels. Whether you're jetting off to an exotic locale or taking a road trip closer to home, it’s crucial to prioritize cybersecurity alongside your travel plans. While we often focus on physical safety during trips, cybersecurity is equally important in safeguarding your personal information and devices from potential threats. Here are some essential tips to ensure your cybersecurity remains intact while you enjoy your summer adventures:
1. Update Your Devices and Software
Before you embark on your journey, make sure all your devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) are updated with the latest software versions and security patches These updates often include fixes for known vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.
2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Ensure that all your accounts (email, banking, social media) have strong, unique passwords. Avoid using easily guessable information such as birthdays or common words. Consider using a reputable password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Joelle Gurk is the City’s Security Analyst in the IT Department. She can be contacted at jgurk@venicefl.gov. FROM THE
Wherever possible, enable two-factor authentication on your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password, such as a code sent to your phone.
4. Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in hotels, airports, and cafes, are convenient but often insecure. Avoid accessing sensitive information or logging into accounts that contain personal or financial data while connected to public Wi-Fi Instead, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data from prying eyes
5. Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi When Not in Use
Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities on your devices when you're not actively using them This prevents potential hackers from exploiting these connections to gain unauthorized access to your devices
6. Back up Your Data Before You Travel
Back up important data (documents, photos, contacts) before you leave home Store backups securely, either in the cloud or on a physical storage device, so that you can recover them in case your devices are lost, stolen, or compromised
7. Be Cautious of Social Media Sharing
While it’s tempting to share your travel adventures on social media in real time, be mindful of the information you disclose Avoid posting detailed itineraries or broadcasting that your home will be vacant, as this information can be used by criminals
Joelle Gurk Security Analyst
Summer cybersecurity safety tips continued
8. Update Privacy Settings on Social Media
Review and update the privacy settings on your social media accounts. Limit who can see your posts and personal information to trusted friends and connections only
9. Use Secure Payment Methods
When making online purchases or transactions during your travels, use secure payment methods such as credit cards or payment services that offer fraud protection Avoid entering sensitive information on websites that do not use HTTPS encryption
10. Stay Vigilant Against Phishing Attacks
Be cautious of unsolicited emails, text messages, or calls that ask for personal information or credentials. Verify the legitimacy of any requests before providing sensitive information or clicking on links
By following these cybersecurity tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber threats while enjoying your summer travels. Remember, proactive measures and vigilance are key to keeping your personal information and devices secure wherever your adventures take you. Safe travels!
Airport meet-and-greet set for Aug. 6
The City of Venice will hold a meet-and-greet in August to introduce its new Venice Municipal Airport Manager and Community Outreach Manager to the public. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6 in Community Hall at Venice City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave. Light refreshments will be provided.
“With this meeting, we would like to make the introduction of the two newest additions to Airport staff,” said Venice Airport Director Mark Cervasio. “As activity at the Airport grows, although there are limitations to what we can do imposed by the federal government, we want to do our best to be a good neighbor to the surrounding community. To that end, we have added Airport staff positions.”
The Airport Manager position (upgraded from Property and Grants Manager) has been filled by Nick Dumas. Nick will act in the capacity of a Deputy Director to assist Mark with Airport administration. Nick comes to Venice from Philadelphia International Airport, where he served for over 12 years as an Airside Operations Duty Supervisor.
The Community Outreach Manager (a new position approved by City Council) has been filled by Rob Pratt. Rob will work with Airport stakeholders to foster a productive dialogue between all individuals concerned to achieve the maximum benefits possible from the voluntary noise abatement measures that are contained in the existing
“Fly Friendly” program. Additionally, the Airport Master Plan Update will evaluate the Fly Friendly program to see if there are any other measures that can be incorporated to improve those efforts and ensure that the Airport stay in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.
Rob brings eight years of aviation experience to his role, including as Operations Coordinator at the Boca Raton Airport Authority, where he ensured the day-to-day safety and security of the airport. In the last several years he worked at Boca Raton, he oversaw the airport’s Noise Abatement Program and the complete implementation of its Safety Management Systems (SMS) program.
Small Cities Month Proclamation
UPDATES & ACTIONS
Assistant City Manager James Clinch, who served as Acting City Manager the week of June 10, commented on how City Council, City staff and residents work together to make Venice great, following Mayor Nick Pachota recognizing June 2024 as Small Cities Month with a proclamation during the June 11 Council meeting.
Boys and Girls Club Week Proclamation
Mayor Pachota reads a proclamation at the June 25 Council meeting recognizing June 24-28, 2024, as Boys and Girls Club Week, presented to Bill Sadlo, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties
5-Year Service Award
City Planning Manager Amy Nelson receives her 5-Year Service Award and pin from City Manager Ed Lavallee and Mayor Pachota during the June 25 Council meeting, as Planning and Zoning Director Roger Clark looks on
Council Members Complete 2024 IEMO
City Council Members Ron Smith and Joan Farrell receive their Certificates of Completion of the 2024 Institute for Elected Municipal Officials (IEMO) from Mayor Pachota during the June 25 Council meeting.
UPDATES & ACTIONS
June 11 Council Meeting Recap
Venice City Council took the following actions at their regular June 11 meeting (Council Member Frank attended virtually):
Approved 7-0: Legal Services Agreement Retaining Special Magistrate Mark S. Bentley, Esq. for the GCCF Florida Land Use and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act (FLUEDRA) Petition.
New Special Event-Reggae Nights on the Island on Oct. 5, 2024, along the 200 block of Tampa Avenue.
Use Agreement with Venice MainStreet Inc., for a Digital Kiosk in Centennial Park.
Amendment to License Agreement with Venice Youth Boating Association Inc. Regarding Improvements to Higel Marine Park.
Approved 6-1 on First Reading (Council Member Farrell dissenting): Ordinance 2024-11 of the City of Venice, Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 87, Land Development Code, by Amending Section 3.7.5., Parking Lot Landscaping Requirements, and Section 3.7.6., Miscellaneous Landscaping, Pursuant to Text Amendment Petition No. 24-16AM, to Reduce the Required Square Footage of Landscape Area of Interior Parking Areas Within the Mixed Use Seaboard Area, and to Revise the Requirements for Landscaping Adjacent to a Right-Of-Way Without Off-Street Parking; Providing for Repeal of All Ordinances in Conflict Herewith; and Providing for Severability.
Watch the complete June 11 Council Meeting here or the June 25 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 4-3 on Final Reading (Vice Mayor Boldt and Council Members Farrell and Smith dissenting): Ordinance 2024-08 of the City of Venice, Submitting to the Electors of Venice Proposed Amendments to the City of Venice Charter; Providing Directions to the City Clerk; Providing Ballot Titles, Summaries and Text for the Proposed Amendments; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing for an Effective Date for the Ordinance; and Providing for an Effective Date for Approved Amendments.
Approved 7-0 on Final Reading: Ordinance 2024-12 of the City of Venice, Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Administration, Article VIII, Boards, Section 2-382, Citizen Advisory Board, by Modifying the Membership Requirements for the High School Student Position; Providing for Repeal of All Ordinances in Conflict Herewith; and Providing for Severability.
In Other Action, Council Approved: Directing staff to pursue a Canopy Road Designation for the 500 to 700 blocks of W. Venice Ave., including Heritage Park.
Directing staff to draft a letter from City Council to Sarasota County acknowledging resident concerns regarding Knights Trail Improvements, asking for the County’s consideration on the project and to increase the priority of this project on the City’s CIS for the upcoming annual update.
June 25 Council Meeting Recap
City Council took the following actions at their regular June 25 meeting (Vice Mayor Boldt and Council Member Howard attended virtually):
Approved on Consent Agenda:
City Attorney: Settlement Agreement with Neal Communities of SWF, LLC and Neal Signature Homes, LLC.
Approved 7-0 on First Reading: Ordinance 2024-13 of the City of Venice, Providing for Placement of the Structure Known as the Municipal Mobile Home Park Clubhouse Located at 780 Firenze Avenue East on the Local Register of Historical Resources Pursuant to Chapter 87, Historic and Architectural Preservation, Section 7.7, Local Register and Landmarks, of the City of Venice Code of Ordinances; Providing for Conflicts; and Providing for Severability.
Continued on page 21
Approved 6-1 on Final Reading (Council Member Farrell dissenting): Ordinance 2024-11 of the City of Venice, Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 87, Land Development Code, by Amending Section 3.7.5., Parking Lot Landscaping Requirements, and Section 3.7.6., Miscellaneous Landscaping, Pursuant to Text Amendment Petition No. 24-16AM, to Reduce the Required Square Footage of Landscape Area of Interior Parking Areas Within the Mixed Use Seaboard Area, and to Revise the Requirements for Landscaping Adjacent to a Right-of-Way Without Off-Street Parking; Providing for Repeal of All Ordinances in Conflict Herewith; and Providing for Severability.
Approved 7-0: Ordinance 2024-14 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 Sept. 30, 2024; by Increasing the Total Revenue by $1,600,000 and Total Expenditures by $1,600,000.
Resolution 2024-16 of the City of Venice, Creating a Seaboard Master Plan Stakeholder's Group.
In Other Action, Council: Voted 4-3 (Council Members Farrell, Moore and Smith dissenting) to extend the application period for a vacant seat on the Planning Commission by 10 days, in order to solicit more applicants.
WHATA
LIFESAVER!
On June 30, Officers Josh Brooks and Gerald Miehle of Days "A" Squad (pictured at right with Chief Thorpe) were awarded VPD Lifesaving Awards for actions taken on a May 28 cardiac arrest call The officers performed effective lifesaving measures, utilizing CPR and an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) for several minutes on a critical patient prior to arrival of Venice Fire Rescue.
Josh’s citation reads: “His immediate response and quick deployment of the AED followed by 4 minutes of continuous chest compressions were crucial in reviving a cardiac arrest patient.” Gerald’s citation reads: “His advanced first aid knowledge and quick response were pivotal in stabilizing a cardiac arrest patient, ultimately saving a life ” The officers’ ability to maintain composure and effectively apply their training under pressure exemplifies the highest standards of the Venice Police Department.
This is the second VPD Lifesaving Award for each officer. Officer Brooks gave lifesaving assistance to a stabbing victim in 2021, and Officer Miehle performed lifesaving CPR in 2023. Great work!
UPDATES & ACTIONS:
Venice Airport
Provided by Airport Operations and Maintenance Manager Jim Eppley
Good progress continues to be made with Hangar 1000 construction at Venice Airport, following extensive damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022.
Roof material has been installed. Purlins (structural support bars), girders, and beams are in place and the structure has been brought to plumb and square. As seen in the below photos, the forms are set to pour concrete curbing inside the units. This is a new procedure in the current building code to protect from migrating fluids. Contractor Synergy is still targeting September for completion.
The updated schedule is as follows:
Structural metal contractors are back on site as of July 8.
Curbs are set to be poured this week. Electricians are scheduled to start roughing-in electric on July 22.
Hopefully, the weather will cooperate going forward!
UTILITIES UPDATE: Water Treatment Plant Supply Well RO-8E
Work scheduled for July 2024:
Onsite:
Install 12-inch raw water main and fiber optic conduit from the wellhead to the Pinebrook Road right-ofway.
Offsite pipe installation:
Install 12-inch raw water main and fiber optic conduit under Pinebrook Road at the well site, approximately 600 ft north of Curry Lane.
Install 16-inch raw water main and fiber optic conduit along the east side of Pinebrook Road, from the well site to Kilpatrick Road
Restoration of roadway pavement, curb and gutter, sidewalk, sod, and all miscellaneous restoration applicable to the project work areas.
Large equipment and machinery will be within the road right-of-way, which will require temporary closure of the eastern-most travel lane of Pinebrook Road. 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
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 venicegov.com/government/utilities/projects
AlanBullock HumanResourcesDirector
abullock@venicefl.gov
941-882-7377
Who is “the City”?
The technically correct answer to this question is that it is a notional legal entity established in 1926. However, on a day-to-day basis, the answer varies according to perception. For the resident experiencing water problems, the City is the Utilities employee who helps them. For the resident paying their bills, the City is the cashier who picks up the phone at City Hall. For the visitor experiencing health problems, the City is the paramedics who expertly treated them. For the employee who is dealing with an issue with their supervisor, the City is their department director, the HR Director or the City Manager. For the member of the press seeking comment on an issue of interest, the City is our Public Information Officer.
Bottom line is that each and every one of us employees can become “the City” at a moment’s notice, so we best be ready to give it our best shot!
IN THE FIELD
Provided by HR Manager Michelle Newman
Heritage Park, which runs along the center of Venice Avenue between City Hall and the beach, received a little TLC on June 6 from Public Works staff, Kendri Bruzon, Irrigation Specialist, and Marshal Webb, Municipal Service Worker, who were searching for buried irrigation heads.
Over time, heads sink and become overgrown with thick grass, which prevents them from being able to raise and water the area. As a result, the beautiful St. Augustine grass becomes dry and brown as you can see in the photo below center.
Finding the buried heads is no easy task. Since the sprinkler heads and water lines are all made of PVC, one can’t use a locator or metal detector to find which way the lines run. To help trace the path, Kendri and Marshal find the nearest working head and dig down to find which way the pipe is running. If they follow the pipe, it will lead to the missing head. Although that sounds like a simple task, Kendri and Marshal had to dig down quite a bit before the line was exposed!
Both staff members joined the City this year; Kendri started on April 16 and Marshal, June 3. They both come with a lot of landscaping experience and have been a huge help to the Public Works Parks Crew.
Seaboard Master Plan charrette set for July 31-Aug. 2
The City of Venice is in the process, with the assistance of consultant Dover Kohl and Partners, of developing a master plan for the Seaboard area This master plan will be the blueprint for the transition of the area into a mixed-use neighborhood
As more hands make better plans, a design charrette is scheduled for July 31-Aug. 2. A charrette is an opportunity for the public to join with the planning professionals and brainstorm, sketch ideas, and collaborate regarding the specific project area. The charrette will be held each day from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in Community Hall at City Hall. The public is welcome anytime during the charrette; however, the timeframe of 10 a m -1 p m is encouraged, as it will be topicdriven and include a presentation On Aug 2 from 6-7:30 p m , there will be a work-inprogress presentation.
Visit the City’s Seaboard Master Plan webpage for further details.
City Hall Selfie Day is Aug. 15
The 9th annual City Hall Selfie Day 2024 is Thursday, Aug 15! ALL departments – not those just at City Hall – are encouraged to participate, as well as Council members and charter officers. This is an opportunity to get creative and show municipal workers having fun on the job – which we so obviously do! Props and out-of-the box ideas are highly encouraged. They can be group shots or individual photos
All COV selfies MUST be taken on Aug. 15 ONLY, and emailed to PIO Lorraine Anderson at landerson@venicefl.gov before 5 p.m. If it is easier to text, please send them to 941-223-2015. IDs would be great, and if workers are in the field and it’s not immediately obvious what they are doing, a sentence or two of explanation would be helpful If you need a selfie stick or tripod for photos, please see Lorraine or Special Events Coordinator Brianne Lorenz in the Assistant City Manager’s Office.
Additionally, for any staff who want to be in it, we will be meeting in front of City Hall (W. Venice Ave. entrance) at 9:30 a.m. that Thursday for a group selfie, taken via drone by Don Hubbard in IT. Please notate this group photo on your calendars
By hashtagging the selfies on social media, we enter a contest with Engaging Local Government Leaders, a professional association for people who work in and with local government. Winners receive recognition on multiple social media platforms and websites. Some specific selfie categories this year include: People’s Choice Award, Best Community Engagement, Most Creative, Best Photography, Funniest, and Most Selfies Taken by One Person. Get more info by visiting elgl.org/cityhallselfie/. The photos below are just a few from last year’s City Hall Selfie Day here at the COV.
Looking forward to seeing your creative efforts – thank you in advance!
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
Counting Down!
First day of Sarasota County SchoolsMonday, Aug. 12
Election Day - Tuesday, Nov. 5
City Hall Selfie Day - Thursday, Aug. 15
Venice Holiday Parade - Saturday, Nov. 30
Christmas Boat Parade - Saturday, Dec. 2
UV Safety Trivia
1. True or False: Wearing sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) guarantees complete protection against UV rays.
2. Which of the following is NOT a potential health risk associated with UV exposure?
A. Sunburn
B. Skin cancer
C. Cataracts
D. Decreased immunity
3. Which of the following is a factor in UV intensity?
A. Altitude
B. Latitude
C. Cloud cover
D. All of the above
4. True or False: You cannot get sunburned on a cloudy day.
5. Which of the following types of clothing provides the best protection against UV radiation?
A. White cotton
B. Dark denim
C. Lightweight, tightly woven fabrics
D. Sheer, lightweight fabrics
WORKING ON WELLNESS
July is UV Safety Awareness Month
The sun emits two types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UVB rays are the culprit of skin reddening and sunburn. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and cause wrinkling, leathering, and aging of skin, and are also being discovered to be the main cause of skin cancer.
The UV Index rates risk of harm from exposure:
THE SHADOW RULE
An easy way to tell how much UV exposure you are getting is to look for your shadow: If your shadow is taller than you are (in the early morning and late afternoon), your UV exposure is likely to be lower. If your shadow is shorter than you are (midday), you are being exposed to higher levels of UV radiation.
Take these steps to protect yourself in moderate to extreme risk ratings:
Reduce your time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
If outdoors, seek shade and wear protective clothing - a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Generously apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
Watch out for bright surfaces like sand and water, which reflect UV and increase exposure.
Get a personal Sunscreen Application Tracker HERE!
Dress for Sun Safety Success
Sun protective clothing is the most effective and simplest way to stay safe in the sun, and you never need to reapply! Keep these factors in mind when shopping for clothes to shield you from the sun:
ULTRAVIOLET PROTECTION FACTOR
(UPF): Indicates how much UV radiation (both UVB and UVA) a fabric allows to reach your skin. A fabric must have a UPF of 30 to qualify for the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation.
A UPF of 30 to 49 offers very good protection, while UPF 50+ rates as excellent.
COLOR: Dark or bright colors offer better protection than light colors by absorbing UV rays before they reach your skin.
CONSTRUCTION: Densely woven cloth like denim, canvas or synthetic fibers are more protective than sheer, thin or loosely woven cloth. Check a fabric’s sun safety by holding it up to the light. If you can see through it, UV radiation can easily penetrate the fabric and reach your skin.
FIT: Loose-fitting apparel is preferable. Tight clothing can stretch and reduce the level of protection offered, as the fibers pull away from each other and allow more UV light to pass through.
COVERAGE: The more skin your outfit covers, the better your protection. Whenever possible, choose long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
WORKING ON WELLNESS
Personalized Recommendations for Screening Tests & Vaccines
Click here
Meditation
Mark your calendar and join us at noon every 2nd Wednesday of the month for a 30-minute meditation with virtual instructor Soozie Kinstler.
Aug. 14 - Japa Meditation for Spacious Abundance
Sept. 11 - Japa Meditation for Vitality and Power
Stretch of the Month: Hip Flexor Stretch
Kneel on your right knee, using a folded towel to cushion your kneecap. Place your left foot in front of you, bending your knee and placing your left hand on your left leg for stability. Place your right hand on your hip to avoid bending at your waist. Keep your back straight and abdominal muscles tight.
Lean forward, shifting more body weight onto your front leg until you feel a stretch in your right thigh. Hold for 30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.
WORKING ON WELLNESS
Health Screening Event
Get ready for a day of fun and wellness! We can't wait to see you at our Health Screening events:
Thursday, July 18 at VPD or Thursday, July 25 at City Hall
Mark your calendars and get ready to embrace a healthier you!
To complete the online Personal Health Assessment (PHA), log in to your member account at https://www.floridablue.com.
Click on Health & Wellness, then Better You Strides.
We will also assist with your PHA during the screening event. Please have your floridablue.com login details available.
WORKING ON WELLNESS
Florida Blue Live Webinars
Join us for a live webinar to learn the benefits of probiotic foods. Additionally, Dr. Nick Dewan will discuss mental health disparities and solutions towards best care for all. Register here for Florida Blue’s wellness education live webinars.
Noon,Wednesday,July17
HealthyEating:ThePowerof Probiotics
Join us for a live online chat with a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist from Sanitas Medical Center. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock the secrets of probiotics and take control of your gut health journey.
1p.m.,Thursday,July18
MentalHealthCareDisparities
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines disparities as avoidable differences in the burden of disease, injury, or the opportunities to have the best health that are experienced by disadvantaged populations. These disparities exist in mental health. This live webinar will explore the disparity data, possible causes, and solutions towards best care for all. Get your questions answered! Listen to past webinar recordings here.
WORKING ON WELLNESS
Recipe of the Month: Turkey burgers with spinach, feta & tzatziki
Recipe Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 burger
Total Calories 376
Total Fat: 17g
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Sodium: 678mg
Sugar: 5g
Find more at eatingwell.com
Ingredients:
1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1 lb 93% lean ground turkey
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground pepper
4 small hamburger buns, whole wheat
4 tbsp tzatziki
12 slices cucumber
8 thick red onion rings
Preparations:
Preheat grill to medium-high. Squeeze excess moisture from spinach.
Combine the spinach with turkey, feta, garlic powder, oregano, and salt and pepper in a medium bowl; mix well.
Form into four, 4-inch patties.
Grill the patties until cooked through and no longer pink in the center, 4 to 6 minutes per side. (An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should register 165ºF).
Assemble the burgers on the buns, topping each with 1 tablespoon tzatziki, 3 cucumber slices, and 2 onion rings.
Building Official Derek Applegate, Administrative Coordinator Audrey Symowicz, and Permitting Services Manager Bill Blair attend the Building Officials Association of Florida (BOAF) Annual Conference & Expo the week of June 9 in Orlando. BOAF 2024 offered committee meetings, educational sessions, and special events, paired with two days of exhibits, for building code compliance professionals from frontline inspectors and plans examiners to permit technicians and building officials.
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO?
Public service, a family affair! On June 28, Venice Fire Rescue Assistant Fire Chief Kyle Hartley stopped by the Sarasota County Fire Department to celebrate his father's retirement. Deputy Chief Mike Hartley served 34 years with the county, rising through the ranks throughout SCFD, including serving as assistant chief, deputy chief, and acting fire chief in 2022 Congratulations!
Congratulations Venice Police Lt. Jason Adams on graduating from Class 30 of the Saint Leo University Command Officer Management Program: Executive Leadership Institute. VPD appreciates Lt. Adams’ commitment to education and his dedication to the Venice community And, special thanks to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office for hosting this course at their HQ Pictured at right are VPD Capt Eric Hill, Chief Charlie Thorpe, Lt Adams, Capt Andy Leisenring and Administrative Services Commander Dave Smolenski.
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO?
Don Hubbard, the City’s GIS Administrator in IT, took the City’s new underwater drone, a QYSEA FIFISH V6 Expert, out for its maiden voyage May 30 at the Higel Marine Park boat ramp. IT Director Roger Navarro and Anthony Garofalo assisted, and Utilities’ Ron Peyton, also a drone pilot, test-drove it as well. The drone will be used for piling inspections in the ICW, pier piling inspections, and help with search-and-rescue situations, among other activities
Check out this article on Venice Police Department Community Outreach Sgt. Sean Hammett, pictured at right, that was recently published online in Venice City Lifestyle: Beyond the Badge
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO?
When an impaired boat driver crashed his vessel into a dock and seawall on Laguna Drive the night of July 4, MPO Paul Joyce worked with Special Events and Marketing Coordinator Brianne Lorenz the next day at the location to make a video about Operation Dry Water, mentioning the incident and the importance of boating sober. Speaking of MPO Joyce, he and Officer Josh Brooks are featured prominently in a recent episode of “High Speed Chase” on Investigation Discovery The heart-pounding segment, “Full Throttle,” features a suspect in a stolen vessel who led the VPD Marine Unit and other jurisdictions on a boat chase through Sarasota and Charlotte counties before he was apprehended For those who have access to the platform, the episode can be viewed on demand on ID Go
At left, Assistant City Manager James Clinch and City Manager Ed Lavallee attend the Florida City & County Management Association Annual Conference May 29-June 1 in Orlando Above, Executive Assistant Cordy Crane celebrates her June 7 birthday with lunch at Burgundy Square. Cordy is pictured with Toni Cone, Mercedes Barcia and Amanda Hawkins-Brown in the Clerk’s Office, PIO Lorraine Anderson and Brianne Lorenz
Kim Back
Divisional Permit Coordinator Building
Shrimp & Polenta
“This is one of my favorite dishes, from my niece who is a very good cook and does a lot of catering in Michigan,” says Kim. “She is like a daughter to me and spends many vacations here with us. I really like how easy it is to make, yet very impressivelooking to plate and serve! This is a great light summer dish.”
Instructions
1. Heat oven to 425ºF.
Ingredients
1 lb extra large raw shrimp, shelled & deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
4 cloves garlic, chopped
6 oz roasted red peppers, drained & chopped
6 small sweet red peppers, chopped
1 tbsp capers, drained
2 tbsp dry white wine
4 oz feta cheese
8 oz Campari tomatoes, quartered
1 cup instant polenta
3 cups baby spinach
1/4 tsp each salt & pepper
Parsley for garnish
2. In a 2-quart baking dish, toss shrimp with olive oil, then oregano, salt and pepper. Toss with garlic, all the peppers, capers and wine.
3. Nestle feta into one corner and roast in oven for 6 minutes.
4. Remove dish from oven. Gently toss tomatoes into the shrimp mixture (do not disturb the feta) and continue to roast for another 6 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, cook the polenta according to package instructions.
6. Remove dish from oven and fold in spinach until wilted, still keeping the feta undisturbed.
7. Place polenta in the middle of each individual plate and spoon the shrimp mixture on top, then top with feta and parsley.
Have a recipe you’d like to share in the newsletter? Email it, along with a brief description of why it’s a family favorite and a photo of the dish if possible, to landerson@venicefl.gov. Make sure to double-check your ingredient list, cook time, and oven temperature.
AROUND TOWN
Members of the Italian American Club of Venice presented a plaque to the City June 18 for supporting the club's 35th Annual Italian Feast & Carnival this past February. Pictured are City Special Events Coordinator Brianne Lorenz, Feast Chair/club VP Dave Okun, Mayor Nick Pachota, club Sponsor Chair Denise D'Amico, and City Manager Ed Lavallee
Venice Police and Venice Fire Rescue marine units made a splash on June 8 helping out the Suncoast Reef Rovers and more than 50 volunteers for the Venice Fishing Pier underwater cleanup Divers, kayakers and topside helpers assisted in collecting 178 pounds of debris and trash from around the pier The group’s Intracoastal Waterway cleanup is set for Aug. 7; those interested in helping can email info@suncoastreefrovers.org.
Xadrian Rivera, Austin Fargo, Austin Moulton, and Dustin Little with Utilities repair a water main break at 300 Harbor Dr. S. on June 19.
assisted with a northbound vehicle crash June 25 at U S 41 Bypass and Venetia
Last year, the City’s stormwater crew screened storm drains at 811 The Esplanade North, 1255 Tarpon Center Drive, and the Venice Beach parking lot to prevent sea turtle hatchlings from falling through the grate during nesting season, which runs from May 1-Oct. 31.
Staff at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium reached out to the City July 1 to request screens be installed again at these locations, as well 1400 Tarpon Center Drive, 840 The Esplanade North, and 601 The Esplanade North. The work was completed July 2.
At left, Joseph Wagaman with Public Works installs a screen at 840 The Esplanade.
VPD CROs David Lipker and Willie Acosta
Bay Blvd
Fire Rescue Lt. Sean Conner and Firefighter/ Paramedic Chris LaLanne, ready to roll June 28 at Fire Station 1.
In late June, Venice Police Chief Charlie Thorpe awarded a Citizen Citation to John Furlong, the Safety, Security & Training Manager of Sarasota County Breeze Transit. On May 13, John assisted VPD detectives in locating a missing elderly man from Venice By reviewing Breeze Transit CCTV footage, John provided crucial leads that led to finding the man safe and healthy at a Greyhound bus station in Orlando. John is a retired law enforcement officer from Kentucky and a Marine Corps veteran VPD thanks John for his exceptional assistance and for sharing his skills with us in this collaborative effort!
VPD Sgt. Sean Hammett, Officer Erin Skaggs, and K-9 Palmer spent an afternoon in late June with students enrolled in the Teen Empowerment Summer Program at the Laurel Civic Center
Public Works and the VPD Community Resource Unit, in collaboration with Florida Power & Light, closed Nokomis Avenue on July 2 to remove, replace and repair three decorative light poles ahead of any major storms that may come our way this hurricane season. Chris Somers with PW is pictured at right.
ater Crew Leader Kevin Barrett is pictured with a new section of pipe to be installed as stormwater outfall No 14 repair
Above, Denise Speidel, a volunteer with the Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida, responded to Venice Avenue at Heritage Park June 18 when VPD CRO Supervisor Jim Davis reported this injured ibis. Jim provided traffic control so Denise could safely capture the wading bird and bring it in for treatment.
Staff at the Water Reclamation Facility off Laurel Road were surprised by this male peacock that paid a visit to the wastewater plant on June 13 A resident who lives near the WRF keeps peafowl on his property, so it’s a good bet that’s where it came from! Thanks to Utilities Administrative Coordinator Tracy Self for the photos.
Editor’s note: In this Q&A feature, we talk to longtime staff who are retiring this year Nancy Carello, Customer Service Specialist in the Cashier’s Office, retires Aug 9, 2024, after 19 years of service
When was your start date? June 6, 2005.
Tell us a little about your background. Where did you grow up and attend school/obtain certifications/degrees, and how did you come to Florida? After graduating high school in Connecticut I took various night courses and in-house banking courses, and participated in a one-year program to become a certified teller. I came down to Florida in 1986. I followed my parents to help them out, get myself out of the cold winters, and escape Connecticut’s exorbitant taxes
What made you want to get into customer service? I enjoy helping seniors.
What did you do before you worked for Venice? Banking. I was a head teller, a floating teller, and a customer service specialist teller doing not only teller work but customer service
processing so they were freed up to do more sales work
What was it like here when you started? I worked under the supervision of Marie Barnes,
Coordinator) as my co-worker.
What are the biggest changes you’ve seen over the years in the Cashier’s Office/Finance Department? The biggest changes are all the different sources we have. Conduits help customers get the information they need in regards to lien searches. Badger meters allow us to see how water consumption is registering through the meters – they help us deal with high consumptions calls. (It’s actually called Beacon, Advanced Metering Analytics ) We now scan checks to the bank when prior we had to deliver them to the bank each night, and we do document scanning so we no longer have to keep all that paper filing. The technology has evolved greatly since my early years with the City of Venice.
What do you plan to do now? Enjoy retirement with my husband and travel, which will include a road trip to Connecticut instead of flying. Time will no longer be an issue, so we plan to stay for a month or so Then we’ll take a fall trip to South Carolina with friends and follow up with a trip to North Carolina to visit my sister. I hope to stop in Georgia for a weekend on our return home. I would like to volunteer at the Senior Friendship Center as a greeter. The Senior Center is located very close to my home and I always enjoy talking with my customers, so I believe being a greeter would be a perfect fit for me
Any advice for your successor? The clientele are seniors – treat them as if they were your grandparents! Patience and kindness go a long way.
What will you miss most about working here? My coworkers and my customers
with Kelly Treat (now Utilities Administrative
