Majority of Venice Fishing Pier now open
The Venice Municipal Fishing Pier partially reopened to the public on Nov. 21 following repairs from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
A structural engineer authorized opening the pier past the bait shop to the second fishcleaning station. A temporary fence has been installed and citizens are urged to follow the posted signage. There will be periodic morning closures of the pier access as the City and Sharky’s work to complete remaining repairs and accommodate the restaurant’s ongoing renovation construction work.
This partial reopening gives anglers and visitors access to the majority of the pier while more extensive repairs are made to the T end of the structure. The repairs to the end of the pier are expected to take several months to complete. The City appreciates everyone’s patience as we work to recover from the recent storms.
Mayor Nick Pachota Vice Mayor Jim Boldt
Joan Farrell Rachel Frank
Rick Howard Kevin Engelke
Ron Smith
Boldt, Engelke sworn in to Council seats
As their wives Donna and Janet looked on, returning City Council Member Jim Boldt and new Council Member Kevin Engelke were sworn in Nov. 19 by Deputy City Clerk Mercedes Barcia.
In the Nov. 5 election, Engelke received 53.86% of the vote for Seat 3 over opponent Pat Ouellette. Boldt garnered 54.20% of the vote for Seat 4 over opponent Joan Iacono.
Boldt, first elected in 2021, had a long career in the chemical industry. After several management positions, he and a couple of partners purchased Wayne Pigment Corp. in 1989. He sold his interest in 2004, went on to join his wife's family's chemical distribution firm, Deeks & Company Inc., as VP-Sales and finally as Chief Operating Officer before its sale in 2018. The Boldts have owned property here since 2010 and moved to Venice full time in 2018. During the Nov. 19 Council meeting, Boldt was voted Vice Mayor for the third time.
With over 43 years of experience in the insurance industry, Engelke built a career as a broker specializing in placing hard-to-insure commercial property and casualty accounts. He is known for designing complex insurance programs and collaborating with other brokers and insurance companies.
Find out more about the City Council, including contact information, here.
Above, Council and Charter Officers on Nov 19 At right, outgoing Council Member Helen Moore, who decided not to seek a third term for Seat 3, looks on after Engelke is sworn in.
City breaks ground for ‘Old Betsy’ Display Museum
A groundbreaking was held Nov. 7 for the future site of the “Old Betsy” Display Museum building at 343 Nassau St.
Front and center at the event was former City Council Member and firefighter Earl Midlam, the main caretaker of Old Betsy, the City’s restored 1926 American LaFrance fire engine. The pumper served the Venice community for many decades before being retired and driven by Earl in local parades. It is currently housed in a warehouse off East Venice Avenue in the Seaboard district.
Earl initiated a campaign to build the small museum on the Cultural Campus across from the Triangle Inn/Venice Museum. Earl’s wife Karen joked Nov. 7 that “my husband has a mistress and it’s red with four wheels and a siren. But I’m not the jealous type.”
A rendering of the museum includes a wall of windows so Old Betsy can be viewed at any time, and a covered area with benches. Architect for the project is Beebe Design Studio Architects.
The project will take an estimated 6 months to complete, with engineer Kimley-Horn and Associates and contractor Willis Smith Construction.
At left, City Manager Ed Lavallee, Vice Mayor Jim Boldt, Mayor Nick Pachota, Karen and Earl Midlam, and Council Members Rachel Frank, Ron Smith and Joan Farrell at the groundbreaking. At right, Earl Midlam in the driver’s seat of the restored 1926 American LaFrance fire engine.
Old Betsy Museum project gets underway
Clockwise from top left, Mayor Nick Pachota speaks at the groundbreaking event Nov. 7, Earl Midlam shares a laugh with Assistant City Manager James Clinch, Earl drives Old Betsy in the 2023 Venice Holiday Parade downtown, the display construction site is fenced off by Willis Smith Nov. 18, a rendering of the display building, Karen Midlam jokes Nov 7 that “my husband has a mistress and it’s red with four wheels and a siren ”
Hurricane Recovery Notes
The City’s final pass debris collection began Nov. 25. Residents should have all their storm-related debris to the curb, separated in like piles (vegetative, construction, furniture, appliances, etc.) This final pass collection will take a few weeks. The City’s contracted debris haulers are picking up materials on and off the island, and in manufactured homes and gated communities that have requested City debris collection.
Venice Beach, North and South Brohard beaches and Maxine Barritt Park are open to the public, as are Higel Marine Park and Marina Park & Boat Ramp. All City of Venice parks are open except Humphris Park at the South Jetty, which sustained catastrophic damage in Hurricanes Helene and Milton and will need work done by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The City does not yet have a timeline for these repairs.
The deadline for Sarasota County residents to apply for FEMA assistance after Milton and Helene has been extended to Jan. 7, 2025. Homeowners and renters with losses from Milton and Helene may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance for displacement, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses. Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362.
A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) operated by FEMA is available at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. DRCs provide information from Florida state agencies, FEMA, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and other resources. DRCs also assist with federal assistance applications and disaster loans.
The SBA has temporarily paused funding for its disaster loan program. However, the SBA is still accepting and reviewing applications for low-interest, long-term disaster loans to assist homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofits affected by Helene and Milton. The SBA Physical Disaster Loan deadline for BOTH Helene and Milton has been extended to Jan. 7, 2025. To apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
Retroactive to Sept. 27, 2024, the City Building Department will waive the application fee for certain permits issued for storm-related damage, including roof repairs, reroofing, electrical repairs, single door and single window replacement, and other minor work permits. In addition, inspection fees for permits described herein will also be waived. The waiver is intended to facilitate repair and reconstruction of hurricane-damaged structures and will be in effect for applications filed through Jan. 31, 2025. Read the executive order signed by City Manager Ed Lavallee granting this temporary waiver here. This executive order does not modify the process to acquire a permit for storm-related damage.
FROM THE DESK OF
Stay safe while holiday shopping online
With the holiday shopping season upon us, cybercriminals are ramping up their efforts to target unsuspecting shoppers. A recent phishing campaign, attributed to a Chinese threat actor known as SilkSpecter, highlights the importance of staying vigilant when shopping online. This campaign mimics popular e-commerce brands to steal personal and financial information, leveraging tactics such as fake discount offers and typosquatted domains.
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!
City Hall: 941-486-2626 Code Enforcement: 941-882-7545
police: 941-4862444
Here’s what you need to know about these scams and how to protect yourself:
How the Scam Works
Fake websites: Criminals set up bogus websites that look almost identical to legitimate ecommerce sites (e.g., "northfaceblackfriday[.]shop") to lure shoppers with nonexistent discounts.
Stolen financial information: These websites use deceptive checkout processes, often abusing legitimate payment processors like Stripe to collect your credit card details.
Geolocation adaptation: Using tools like Google Translate, these sites tailor their language to match your location, making them seem even more credible.
Data harvesting: Beyond financial data, scammers also collect personal information such as phone numbers, which they use for follow-up smishing (SMS phishing) and vishing (voice phishing) attacks.
Broader Tactics in Play
SEO poisoning: Cybercriminals manipulate search engine results by using malware to rank fake shopping sites higher, directing users to fraudulent pages.
Exploitation of trust: By impersonating trusted brands, they bypass consumer skepticism and security measures to access accounts and execute unauthorized transactions.
Postal Delivery Scams: Outside of shopping fraud, scammers also send fake package delivery notifications to steal personal and financial details.
How to Protect Yourself
Verify Website Authenticity: Check the URL carefully for misspellings or unusual domains (e.g., “.top,” “.shop,” “.store”).
Continued on page 7
FROM THE DESK OF: JOELLE GURK
Navigate directly to a retailer’s official website instead of clicking on links in emails or search engine ads.
Be skeptical of discounts that seem too good to be true: Cross-check deals on the retailer’s official website or reliable sources. Use secure payment methods: Avoid entering card details directly on unfamiliar websites. Use secure payment services like PayPal or virtual credit cards for an added layer of protection.
Protect personal information: Never provide sensitive details (e.g., phone numbers, 2FA codes) unless you’re certain of the site’s legitimacy.
Look for security indicators: Ensure the website uses HTTPS (a padlock symbol in the browser bar) and read customer reviews to verify its legitimacy.
Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages: If you receive unexpected messages about discounts or package deliveries, go to the company’s official site or contact them directly.
Keep software up to date: Install updates for your browser, antivirus software, and operating system to protect against malware that could redirect you to malicious sites.
Monitor financial statements: Regularly check bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity immediately.
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud
Report suspicious sites to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or local authorities. Contact your bank or credit card issuer to freeze or monitor accounts.
Change your passwords for any compromised accounts and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Stay Safe, Stay Smart
As holiday shopping excitement builds, so does the risk of falling victim to online scams. By staying cautious, verifying sources, and using secure payment methods, you can enjoy the season while keeping your personal and financial information safe from cybercriminals.
City meetings move to Community Hall as Council Chambers is renovated
Due to the renovation of Council Chambers at Venice City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave., all City meetings have been relocated to Community Hall Room 165, pictured at right.
Please be advised there will be limited seating capacity, so residents who will not be speaking, or presenting a case, are encouraged to view the meetings online either during live streaming during the meeting, or by video viewing from the meeting calendar afterward. As always, anyone wishing to speak in-person will be accommodated during this temporary relocation.
To watch a meeting online during live streaming, use this link to the City of Venice Meeting Calendar: https://venice.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. Click on “In Progress” to the far right of the City meeting on this date.
To view a meeting afterward, go to the Meeting Calendar. Click on “Video” to the far right of the City meeting on the date of interest.
The Council Chambers renovation project will involve important audio video technology upgrades, a new Council dais, security enhancements, the addition of a hearing loop, and all new audience seating and carpeting. Project progress is pictured below on Nov. 26. The renovation is expected to take several months to complete.
Council Member Appreciation Plaque Presentation
Outgoing Council Member Helen Moore receives an appreciation plaque during the Nov. 19 Council meeting from Mayor Nick Pachota and City Manager Ed Lavallee for her 6 years of service on City Council Mayor Pachota thanked her for her service, calling her a mentor and wonderful colleague
Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club Recognition
The Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club and Casey Riley are recognized Nov. 19 for their hurricane recovery efforts. Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Riley and the Rotary Club organized daily and weekend group cleanup and debris hauling efforts, with hundreds of volunteers of all ages turning out to make a difference for residents in some of Venice’s hardest-hit areas.
Housing Authority Executive Director Recognition
Martha Thomas’ 16 years of service as Executive Director of the Venice Housing Authority is recognized Nov 19 by Council Member Rachel Frank as Mayor Pachota and City Manager Lavallee look on.
VPD Sergeant Swearing-in
Venice Police Officer Diana Kauoris is promoted to Sergeant during a swearing-in by Deputy City Clerk Mercedes Barcia during the Nov 19 Council meeting, as Mayor Pachota assists. Police Chief Charlie Thorpe then pinned on Sgt. Kauoris' badge.
Nov. 19 City Council Meeting Recap
Venice City Council took the following actions at their Nov. 19 meeting:
Approved on Consent Agenda: City Attorney: Settlement Agreement with Dewberry Architects, Inc. and TLC Engineering Solutions, Inc.
Approved 7-0: Resolution 2024-23 of the City Council of the City of Venice, Designating the 500 to 700 Blocks of West Venice Avenue Inclusive of the Adjacent Heritage Park as a Canopy Road Per City Code Chapter 89 Environmental, Section 3.4.9.
Watch the complete Nov. 19 meeting here. Venice City Council is currently meeting in Community Hall Room 165. Council meeting minutes and recordings are typically available within 48 hours of each meeting date.
Resolution 2024-25 of the City Council of the City of Venice, Providing for the Temporary Waiver of Certain Building Permits and Fees for Properties Affected by Hurricanes Helene or Milton Within the Municipal Boundaries of the City of Venice.
Resolution 2024-28 of the City Council of the City of Venice, Approving the Exercise of the Power of Eminent Domain by the Rustic Oaks Community Development District for the Acquisition of Privately Owned Real Property Interests Beyond the District Clouding Title to Ranch Road and Rustic Road.
Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Improvements to 640 W. Venice Ave. in the Local Register of Historical Resources, and Authorize the Mayor to Sign the Covenant Between the City of Venice and the Owners of 640 W. Venice Ave.
Approved 7-0 on Final Reading: Ordinance 2024-27 of the City of Venice, Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 46, Parks and Recreation, Article I, In General, Section 46-5, Naming or Renaming a City-Owned Facility or Park; Providing for Repeal of All Ordinances in Conflict Herewith; and Providing for Severability.
Approved 7-0 on First Reading: Ordinance 2024-28 Amending the City of Venice Ordinance No. 2024-25, Which Adopted the Official Budget of the City of Venice, for the Fiscal Year Beginning Oct. 1, 2024 and Ending Sept. 30, 2025; by Increasing the Total Revenue by $8,350,500 and Total Expenditures by $8,350,500.
In Other Business, Council Approved 6-1 (Council Member Frank dissenting): Direct staff to pursue a consultant to update the fee study, and update the current Planning and Zoning fees, and identify potential costs and requirements for a budget amendment.
At Your Service
The following resident has been appointed to a City advisory board:
George Leatherbury, appointed to the Police Pension Board of Trustees to serve a term from Dec. 1, 2024, to Nov. 30, 2028.
Volunteer sought for CRS Committee
The City of Venice CRS (Community Rating System) Committee has a vacancy.
Among other tasks, members assess local flood hazards and flooding problems, set goals and draft an action plan, provide opportunities for public input, and coordinate with other agencies.
This committee shall be comprised of eight volunteer members. Five shall be members from the public, meeting at least one of the following criteria: a City resident, business owner, property owner, or tenant located within the special flood hazard area; a stakeholder within the community such as an emergency/disaster responder, member of the Chamber of Commerce or other business group; a representative of a utility company, real estate office, insurance agency, developer/contractor, civic group, environmental organization, academia, nonprofit organization, or major local employer; or staff from other governmental agencies such as the local housing authority, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or the National Weather Service. There shall be one representative from each of the following City departments: Planning and Zoning, Building, and Engineering. The City must also be represented at meetings by someone from a publicity, communications, or marketing office, who need not be a member of the committee.
The City Engineer shall appoint all members and determine the terms of office. The committee meets quarterly.
More information on the committee, including an application, can be found online here. You can also contact CRS Coordinator Christina Rimes at crimes@venicefl.gov or 941-882-7412.
VPD Collecting Toys for Blue Santa
The Venice Police Department Blue Santa toy collection is underway through Dec. 18. Help ensure that local children in need have a special Christmas. The goal is to help 100 families with toys and food. Drop boxes for anyone wishing to donate a new, unwrapped toy can be found at the locations listed below:
Venice Police Department
Venice City Hall
American Imports
Driftwood Kennel
Made In Italy
Sharky’s on the Pier and Snook Haven
Dockside Waterfront Grill
Gemini Apparel
Venice Yacht Club
Venice Performing Arts Center
In lieu of a toy, financial donations may be made at the Venice Police Department payable to “City of Venice” in care of Blue Santa. Thank you in advance to our generous community!
UPDATES & ACTIONS
Ground broken for 1st Habitat house in Venice City limits
Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County held a Groundbreaking and Blessings Ceremony the afternoon of Nov. 21 at the site of the first Habitat house to be built in Venice City limits. The property on Mango Avenue was donated by Edmund Campbell, pictured below right, for the Tchorbadjiev family of George, Elana and Rumen, at right.
On hand were Habitat CEO Christina McCauley, Major Gift Officer Colleen Donahue, and Homeowner Services Director Mary Ouellette; Venice Mayor Nick Pachota, and City Manager Ed Lavallee.
Habitat builds homes that are not only energy-efficient and safe, but also designed to help partner families achieve the stability and independence they need to build a better life. Families or individuals in need of decent, affordable housing apply for homeownership, and a committee selects qualified homeowners based on three criteria: the applicant’s level of need, their willingness to partner with Habitat, and their ability to repay a mortgage through an affordable payment plan.
Habitat’s homebuyers invest 300 of hours of their own labor, called sweat equity, working alongside volunteers and other Habitat homeowners. Learn more at habitatsouthsarasota.org.
Congratulations to the Tchorbadjiev family on their future home!
UPDATES & ACTIONS
Police Chief Thorpe to retire in January
Venice Police Chief Charlie Thorpe is retiring effective Jan. 3, 2025. He started with the City in December 2018 and has been Chief for nearly 3 years.
Chief Thorpe has spent more than 30 years in law enforcement. Prior to coming to VPD, he spent 27 years with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. He holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Leo University and a master’s degree
from USF in Criminal Justice Administration. He and his wife Tammy have two adult children, Shelby and Zack.
“If you have been around me for any period of time, you may have heard me say that ‘policing is a dynamic business.’” Chief Thorpe said. “I can certainly say that some things this year have furthered my acceptance that life is a dynamic business as well and our time is precious. I have been honored to have had the opportunity to be the police chief of Venice and I thank former Chief Tom Mattmuller and City Manager Ed Lavallee for their part in this adventure. I have also been honored to serve with the officers and professional staff of the VPD during these last six years. These are dedicated people, and we need more of them.
“One thing that I was really impressed with from the beginning of my time here in Venice is the collaboration between City departments. From A-Z, every department works exceptionally well together. I will miss being part of this team. As to what is next, I have promised Tammy that I will focus on my health and time with family.”
At the Dec. 10 City Council meeting, City Manager Lavallee will ask Council for approval to promote Patrol Division Commander Capt. Andy Leisenring to be the next Chief.
Virtual Centennial Community Meeting
6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19
Zoom Link: COV Centennial Community Meeting 1 link will not be live until a few minutes before the meeting start
The City of Venice will celebrate our Centennial from December 2025 to May 2027, with our official 100-year anniversary in 2026. At this virtual community meeting, hear from City staff, learn about partnerships and City sponsorship, logo use and more!
Hout named Solid Waste, Recycling & Fleet Superintendent
The City of Venice has named Travis Hout, Public Works Fleet and Facilities Manager since 2017, as the new Solid Waste, Recycling and Fleet Superintendent. Hout started in his new role Nov. 18.
Hout assumes the role from Bob Moroni, a 42-year employee with the City’s Solid Waste division in Public Works who retired
Hout is originally from Northeast Ohio and grew up on a farm. “Being around hard work, trucks, mechanics and large equipment has always been a part of my life,” he said. “It gives me a real sense of accomplishment at the end of each hard day, and the ability to think and create.”
Hout worked for FedEx for about 20 years in roles ranging from dock worker to driver to management. Before coming to the City of Venice in April 2017, he worked for a food distributor in Sarasota, managing the delivery and transportation department as well as overseeing the department’s maintenance. He holds national certifications in fleet and asset management, and FEMA certifications in debris and damage assessment.
Hout says he hopes to bring modernization, efficiencies, community outreach, team building, and synergies with other departments both internal and external to his new post with the City.
“What I like about Venice is the opportunity to grow and the feel of a small hometown,” he said.
Married for over 20 years, Travis and his wife Carol have three children. Hout also holds an associate’s degree in Bible Theology from Southwest Florida Bible College in Port Charlotte and is an ordained minister. He is a member of the Solid Waste Association of North America and Florida Association of Governmental Fleet Administrators.
“Travis’ commitment and dedication to the success of the City of Venice is above and beyond expectations and does not go unnoticed,” said Assistant Public Works Director Ashlee Castle. “He is driven and geared toward creating and fostering an innovative environment within the Solid Waste division while continuing to focus on keeping the customer service experience exceeding expectations. He is a great addition to the team and will continue to be a valuable asset to the City.”
Said Assistant City Manager James Clinch, “Our Solid Waste and Fleet divisions have an amazing track record of hard work, customer service and efficiency. We are pleased to have Travis and his wealth of expertise leading this vital division for the City. We are very confident Travis will strive to maintain this legacy while also working to deliver innovative improvements that will benefit our community for years to come.”
UPDATES & ACTIONS
Municipal Mobile Home Park Clubhouse now on Local Register of Historical Resources
The City of Venice and the Municipal Mobile Home Park community hosted a plaque unveiling Nov. 12 recognizing the park clubhouse, 780 Firenze Ave., as the latest addition to the City’s Local Register of Historical Resources.
City Council approved its designation into the register in July of this year. The building has been recognized as the last remaining structure from the Venice Army Air Base still in its original location. It started out as a Student Officers Lounge for the base that operated in Venice from 1943 until the end of World War II. The federal government handed over control of the airport to Venice in 1947. Two years later the City turned part of the air base land into a mobile home park, converting the lounge into a recreation facility for park residents — a role it still fulfills today.
The mobile home park community hosted a fall-themed reception in the building afterward, where guests viewed historic images of the old base.
From left, Vice Mayor Jim Boldt shares some history of the Municipal Mobile Home Park Clubhouse building Nov. 12; Vice Mayor Boldt and Don Tobias, a resident of the mobile home park, unveil the plaque; a reception is held in the clubhouse after the unveiling At the event, Tobias spoke to the resiliency of the building and their community.
Applicants sought for Venice advisory boards
Want to get more involved in the community? Volunteering on a City of Venice advisory board is an excellent way to do so.
The Planning Commission has four seats expiring in January. This board meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave. The Commission has seven members appointed pursuant to the City Charter from among residents of the City of Venice. Members serve a three-year term and are required to complete a financial disclosure form and sunshine law and public record trainings.
Planning Commission members:
Acquire and maintain in current form such basic information as is necessary to an understanding of past trends, present conditions, and forces at work to cause change in these conditions.
Prepare and keep current a comprehensive general plan for meeting present requirements and such future needs as may be foreseen.
Propose principles and policies for guiding action affecting development in the City and its environs.
Recommend to the City Council ordinances, regulations and other proposals promoting orderly development along lines indicated as desirable by the comprehensive plan.
Determine whether specific proposed developments conform to the principles and requirements of the comprehensive plan. Keep the City Council informed and advised as to these matters.
Gather information necessary for drafting, establishing, and maintaining the comprehensive plan and ordinances and regulations related to it.
Perform other duties which may be lawfully assigned to it, or which may have a bearing on the preparation or accomplishment of the plan.
The Citizens Tax Oversight Committee has one open seat. Members shall be residents of the City. No member may be a fulltime employee of the City or private individuals or employees of private firms under contract with the City. The board conducts an annual review of the expenditures made by the City from sales tax proceeds to ensure that expenditures have been made in accordance with infrastructure project lists and any changes thereto. The board shall meet annually or as needed to review any changes made by the City to the infrastructure projects or to the allocation of sales tax proceeds for the sole purpose of ensuring that all procedural requirements have been followed. Members serve a four-year term and meet at least annually and otherwise as needed at City Hall.
More information on these boards and requirements to serve, as well as an application, can be found HERE. You can also contact Amanda Hawkins-Brown in the City Clerk’s Office at ahbrown@venicefl.gov or 941-882-7391.
Deadline for applications is Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m.
All past applicants will need to apply again for consideration. If you are selected to serve on a City board, you will be required to comply with the state public records, sunshine laws, and financial disclosure requirements.
UPDATES & ACTIONS: UTILITIES
Work scheduled for December on Water Treatment Plant Supply RO-8E
Onsite: Pour concrete pads for wellhead and equipment. Continued wellhead construction and site restoration work.
Offsite: Intermittent lane closures are required to connect the new raw water mains to the existing raw water main and for road and sidewalk restoration Large equipment will be near and within the road right-of-way Please drive slowly, use caution, and watch out for workers. Motorists are to follow posted traffic control signs.
Project background: The City operates a water wellfield to supply raw water to the Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant (WTP). There are 14 wells in the current system. To maximize the water of the wells, and to help ensure future water supply for the City, the wells are rotated every week. This rotation keeps approximately half the wells in service at any given time depending on City's demand for water.
Over time, wells are taken offline for rehabilitation and to recover the original production capacity. Construction of the new water well provides greater reliability and operational flexibility in meeting future water demands of the City.
This project also includes installation of a 12- and 16-inch raw water transmission main and a generator.
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
HISTORY LESSON
How did the Venice Ice Company make ice decades ago?
The ice plant was in Nokomis near the intersection of Colonia Lane and the railroad tracks (where the Legacy Trail is today.)
In 1950, at age 12, Edgar Gay helped his father Charlie, who was the manager in charge of ensuring the two large diesel engines at the plant were running 24/7. Neighbors were so used to the noise of the big diesels, that when things got quiet, they knew something had broken down. For convenience, the Gay family lived on the icehouse grounds.
The following excerpts are from Edgar Gay’s oral history:
One of my most vivid memories is of the cold showers we took, in both summer and winter.
The ice plant itself consisted of several large rooms. In the biggest was a large above-ground vat measuring 30x60 feet, containing the brine solution used for freezing blocks of ice. A large metal bar on rollers spanned the vat and, on this bar (about 10 feet high) were attachments onto which metal cans were hung and lowered into the brine. These cans were about 2x3 feet, and each held enough water to make a 300-pound block of ice.
After the water froze, the cans were raised, two at a time, and were moved to another room, dipped briefly in a water bath to loosen the ice, and then moved via a chute into the refrigerator room.
When the blocks came into this room, they ended up on the long side and needed to be upended. One of my jobs was to use big
The Venice Ice Company circa 1930
ice tongs to lift the 300-pound blocks upright. I was a tall, skinny kid, but the workout I got moving those blocks sure did help me develop some muscles.
Another of my jobs was to go on weekends with my brother Danny when he did his ice delivery route. The price of a 25-pound block was 25 cents, and 50 pounds was 35 cents.
To keep up with demand, the icehouse had three shifts and was open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Fishermen keep odd hours, and you never knew when a big semi would pull up at the loading dock to be filled with 80 300-pound blocks of ice for delivery to fishermen at docks along the coast.
My father continued working at the ice plant until 1958, when it closed. Refrigerators with ice makers meant that homeowners and most businesses no longer needed to buy ice. This meant the end of most commercial ice plants. So ended this chapter in my life. It was a good experience for me because it taught me not to be afraid of hard work and that you can survive without indoor plumbing and hot water.
-- Provided by Rhonda Rogers, City Historical Resources
Above left, workers prepare to load ice blocks into the Venice Ice Company delivery truck, circa 1926. Note the railroad tracks in the background Above right, the ice plant was located where the tall beige building stands near the Legacy Trail in this November image. Below, the ice plant under construction by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers in the mid-1920s
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Mayor’s Hometown Christmas Tree Lighting
The Mayor’s Hometown Christmas Tree Lighting, presented by Venice MainStreet with Mayor Nick Pachota, was held in Centennial Park Nov 29 and featured performances by First Baptist Church’s Voices of Venice, the Venice Chorale, food trucks, and a visit from Santa.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
48th Annual City of Venice Holiday Parade
The new Elf Dash fun run kicked off the 48th Annual Venice Holiday Parade this year on Nov. 30 downtown The City also had balloon twisters, caricature artists and face painters free for spectators before the start of the parade. The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce served as Grand Marshal.
More photos, page 20
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
48th Annual City of Venice Holiday Parade continued
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
‘Movember’ raises funds for men’s health
‘Tis the season of giving! Help Venice Fire Rescue support men’s health through Movember fundraising. Last year, your generosity raised over $1,300 for the University of Florida Prostate Cancer Research Foundation. Let’s beat that number this year! Here’s how you can make a difference:
Purchase a “Grow a Mo. Save a Bro.” T-shirt
Donate to the Fire Fighters Benevolent Fund
Attend the Grow a Mo, Save a Bro fundraiser at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 at 3 Bridges Brewing. Place a bid on one of 3 VFR fighterfighters. The goal is to outbid each other, with the highest bidders getting to decide the mustache design of the firefighter they won the bid on, for example, no middle, horseshoe or pencil. At the end of the night, proceeds will be donated. Firefighters will be styled onsite in their respective mustache designs by Mature Image Barbershop.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, firefighters are more than twice as likely to develop testicular and prostate cancer as the general public. Your support helps raise awareness and funds for critical research.
T-shirt pricing: $25 for crew or V-neck; $30 for long sleeve dri-fit. Email quantity and sizes to mvandermark@venicefl.gov or call 941-480-7515. Shipping available. Payment options: cash, Venmo, or check to Venice Fire Fighters’ Benevolent Fund.
Thank you for giving the gift of health and hope this holiday season!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
2024 Venice Christmas Boat Parade
6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Early chair setup is prohibited for this event! Any chairs placed before noon, Saturday, Dec. 7 may be disposed of by City of Venice Public Works and Code Enforcement, Sarasota County, and WCIND as abandoned property. The City of Venice is not responsible for your items or property.
Where to watch? View the boat parade along the Intracoastal Waterway
From the Venetian Waterway Park side (west) between the North/KMI bridge south to MarineMax; from the Legacy Trail side (east) along Legacy Park; limited viewing from Casey Key
NO chairs or access at or south of the Venice Urban Forest; NO viewing from the South Jetty area; NO viewing from Circus Bridge - the parade ends at or just before MarineMax
View the boat parade from waterfront restaurants/venues* including
Pops Sunset Bar & Grill
Dockside Waterfront Grill
Crow’s Nest
Venice Area Beautification Inc.
*Some reservations or ticket purchases may be required
Commonly Asked Questions
Do the bridges stay up? How do people get on/off Venice island? The North/KMI and W Venice Avenue bridges close to vehicle traffic and open for boat traffic as the parade approaches and remain open for all vessels to pass through. The Circus Bridge remains locked in the down position available for vehicle traffic.
How long will it take for the boat to pass by? The parade begins at 6 p.m. from the Albee Road Bridge and travels south at a slow speed of approximately 3 to 5 knots. It can be over 45 minutes for boats to get from the Albee Road Bridge to the the North/KMI Bridge, and then more than 30 minutes for boats to get to the parade end point from the North/KMI Bridge. Your patience is appreciated!
Why are there bright flashing blue lights at the beginning and end of the boat parade? Venice Police Department Marine Patrol leads and tails the boat parade. The flashing blue lights or emergency running lights provide visibility for nighttime navigation and allow parade participants to maintain a visual line of site.
Does the boat parade travel south past the Circus Bridge? No. The parade ends before the Circus Bridge, just before MarineMax. You will not be able to see the parade from the Circus Bridge.
Does the boat parade travel the route twice, heading south AND north? No. The parade route starts at the Albee Farm Road Bridge in Nokomis and travels south to MarineMax. Boats will turn off their decorative lights to return to the launch used to participate. Boats returning to their starting or exit point are no longer considered part of the parade.
Next ride is Thursday, Dec. 12!
Enjoy pancakes, a present from Santa, ornament decorating and bake sale items. Bake sale proceeds will go to the Venice Firefighters Benevolent Fund.
Reservations are strongly encouraged. Email mvandermark@venicefl.gov or call 941-480-3030.
The Santa Firehouse Pancake Breakfast is sponsored by Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Armstrong Land Services LLC, PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital, Dig Life Performance LLC, and Paul Davis Restoration.
SEASONAL REMINDERS
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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.
Sign up for Alert Sarasota County notifications
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
SEASONAL REMINDERS
Every three years, the Venice Police Department undergoes a rigorous voluntary process to maintain its esteemed accreditation status through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA). In October, the commission voted unanimously to grant VPD reaccredited status Achieving CFA accreditation signifies that the department meets or exceeds the highest standards in law enforcement, enabling VPD to deliver more effective and efficient services to the community Here, Chief Charlie Thorpe, along with Capt Andy Leisenring, Capt. Eric Hill, and Accreditation Consultant Kevin Vespia, proudly accepted the certificate of reaccreditation on behalf of the department
On Nov. 18, Venice Fire Rescue firefighters extinguished a structure fire at a residential duplex on Auburn Cove Circle, unoccupied at the time of the blaze
Contractor Bill Robinson gifted the City’s Building Department with pizzas Nov 13 for all their hard work after the hurricanes. From left, Bill Blair, Ciria Infante, Cassandra McPike, Director Derek Applegate, Kim Back, Alicia Chapman, Audrey Symowicz and Paul Rakes Thank you for your generosity!
At left, VPD Officer
Kenite Webb became the full-time School Resource Officer at Epiphany Cathedral School on Nov. 18.
At right, Special Events Coordinator Brianne Lorenz gives a presentation on the City’s Special Events program and safety at the Holiday Parade to the Sertoma Club of Venice Nov. 7 at Hotel Venezia.
AROUND TOWN
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast kicked off the Beyond School Walls program Nov 1 in partnership with the Venice Police Department and Venice High School. The workplace mentoring program continues to be successful with VHS students. Thirty students are participating in the program with hopes of a possible career path in law enforcement.
Firefighter
Paramedic
Bithja LaFaille organizes medical supplies Nov. 4 at Fire Station 1
Utilities Technical Support Specialist Seth Smith repairs a backflow prevention device Oct 29 at a home on Valencia Lakes Drive.
YMCA Venice Early Learning Academy at PGT Innovations stopped by Venice Fire Rescue Station 1 on Oct. 23 for a hands-on experience
New Monthly VIP Tour
FEATURING: HOTEL VENICE & VENICE THEATRE
Don’t miss out on this tour of 2 original buildings built in the 1920s. This history tour includes a VIP look inside both buildings. A portion of each ticket sold will go towards the restoration of the Jervey Theatre.
