The Venice Police Department and Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office have long faced the challenge of balancing the rights of responsible boat owners with the need to address poorly maintained, derelict vessels. These vessels, often used as live-a-boards, can pose significant hazards to navigation and the environment. After storms, they frequently wash ashore and are abandoned, leaving taxpayers to cover the cost of removal.
To manage this issue, Anchorage Limitation Areas (ALAs) have been implemented. These areas allow
Mayor Nick Pachota Vice Mayor Jim Boldt
Joan Farrell Rachel Frank
Rick Howard Kevin Engelke
Ron Smith
vessels to anchor for up to 45 days within a six-month period. This ordinance is currently in place in Roberts Bay, Higel Basin and has been adopted by the City of Venice. The City recently completed the installation of the regulatory signage and buoys to delineate the ALAs and allow for enforcement to commence.
After 45 days, vessels must relocate at least 3 nautical miles from their original location. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in the issuance of violation, fines, and potentially impoundment of the vessel.
City Historical Resources Manager Harry Klinkhamer had an article published in The Alliance Review, a quarterly journal of the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions, pictured at left.
To read the article, “How Do You Spell Outreach? F-U-N,” click here and scroll down to page 28.
THE LATEST
UPDATE: Venice Municipal Fishing Pier
Stay in the Know
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Important Phone Numbers
City Hall: 941-486-2626
Code Enforcement: 941-882-7545
Non-emergency: 941-486-2444
Emergency: 911
The City recently completed the structural design for repairs to the "T" end of the Venice Municipal Fishing Pier, which was severely damaged last fall in Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Bids for the project are due in late April and work should begin once the award is complete and materials are obtained by the contractor.
A reminder that the majority of the Fishing Pier (just past the bait shop) remains open to the public for those who want to catch a fish, go for a stroll, or take in Venice’s breathtaking sunsets. The Pier is actually a City park and open to the public 24-7. No fishing license is required.
Citywide burn ban in effect
Venice Fire Rescue Chief Frank Giddens issued a citywide recreational burn ban March 26 due to dry weather conditions that pose a risk for increased wildfire potential. This burn ban mirrors a countywide ban issued the same day by the Sarasota County Fire Department.
Outdoor cooking fires in approved grills such as gas or charcoal BBQ grills are permitted; however, extreme caution is urged with these devices as well. Fire pits/cooking pits are not permitted. Remember to not leave a grill unattended and make sure coals are completely cooled before disposing.
The citywide burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning that has not been specifically permitted by the Florida Forest Service. Bonfires, campfires, and the burning of vegetative (yard) debris is not allowed. Should a wildfire erupt, nearby residents are urged to follow directions from authorities. This may include evacuations of localized areas. We ask all residents to stay vigilant during these dry conditions.
Over 40 cyclists hit the road with the Mayor
A group of 44 participated in the annual Bike Ride with the Mayor cycling event March 20, beginning and ending at Sharky’s on the Pier. The group had near-perfect weather for their leisurely 6-mile ride with Mayor Nick Pachota, City Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinator Darlene Culpepper, and Venice Police and Fire Rescue. Stops along the way included the Venice Airport building, Chuck Reiter Park, West Blalock Park/Venice Museum, and the Lord-Higel House, with refreshments at Sharky's at the ride's conclusion.
Circus Mural progress
The repainting of the Circus Mural on the repaired wall north of the Circus Bridge continues with artist Sami Makela from Lake Worth, Fla., originally from Finland (right), with assistance from artist Bulk Styles of Jupiter, Fla. (below left with Sami.) The project is sponsored by Venice Area Beautification, Inc.
The mural celebrates the cultural heritage of the circus, which has been an integral part of Venice’s history.
The community's support is instrumental to this artwork's completion! To make a donation of any size, visit vabi.org. You may also contact the VABI office at 941-207-8224. Thank you in advance!
Venice now designated a Trail Town; only 21 statewide
The City of Venice, a Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community, has been recently designated as a Trail Town by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Greenways & Trails Division.
What is a Trail Town?
A community located in proximity to one or more recreational trails, a safe place for walkers and bikers to find the goods and services they need.
A vibrant destination and friendly place that encourages trail users to visit and welcomes them with warm hospitality.
It has wide sidewalks, clean streets, bike racks and benches at convenient locations. The trails meet the needs of both the recreational users and town’s residents for access to work, school, parks and shops.
The trails connect people to nature, citizens to their communities and towns to neighboring towns.
In February, the Greenways & Trails Foundation held their annual Trails Summit at the Venice Community Center and officially presented the award to the City Manager, Vice Mayor and City staff.
Venice is one of only 21 towns in Florida with this designation, and the first trail town located along the Florida Gulf Coast Trail. The Gulf Coast Trail is an ambitious plan to create a 420-mile regional trail in Southwest Florida. Spanning seven coastal counties, the trail will create safe pathways for outdoor recreation, foster health and well-being, attract tourists and visitors, promote alternative modes of transportation, expand access to nature, stimulate economic opportunities, and connect communities like never before. Get more information on the Florida Gulf Coast Trail here.
Explore Venice in the City’s new Story Map. Built within GIS, the Story Map combines maps, 3D scenes, multimedia, and text to create interactive narratives. It tells the story of Venice while providing advocacy and education to the public, whether they cycle through our town or just want to visit the beaches.
The Explore Florida Trail Towns booklet (pictured at left) is also out now. Pick up your free booklet at the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce at 597 S. Tamiami Trail. Start your collection of trail town stamps, and collect a stamp for each designated Florida Trail Town you visit. Submit photos of your completed booklet to earn prizes. More details regarding the Trail Town Program can be found here.
For more information on these programs, contact City Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinator Darlene Culpepper at dculpepper@venicefl.gov.
UPDATES & ACTIONS
March 11 City Council Meeting Recap
Venice City Council took the following actions at their March 11 meeting:
Denied 7-0: Ordinance 2025-08 of the City of Venice, Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 87, Land Development Code, by Amending Table 2.3.6., Airport Avenue Development Standards, Pursuant to Text Amendment Petition No. 24-32AM, by Allowing a Height Exception up to 85 Feet for Parcels Located in the Airport Avenue Zoning District East of Avenida Del Circo, South and West of Ringling Drive, and North of Base Avenue; Providing for Repeal of All Ordinances in Conflict Herewith; and Providing for Severability.
Approved 5-2 on First Reading (Council Members Farrell and Smith dissenting): Ordinance 2025-11of the City of Venice, Amending the 20172027 City of Venice Comprehensive Plan Pursuant to Petition No. 24-51CP by Amending Strategy LU 1.2.9.C, Corridor (MUC), to Clarify Permitted Ownership Forms in the Mixed Use Corridor Future Land Use Designation;
Watch the complete March 11 meeting here (The March 25 meeting was canceled.) City Council meets in Chambers at Venice City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave., the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. Council meeting minutes and recordings are typically available within 48 hours of each meeting date.
Providing for Repeal of All Ordinances in Conflict Herewith; and Providing for Severability.
Approved 7-0 on First Reading: Ordinance 2025-12 of the City of Venice, Providing for Placement of the Structure Known as the Venice Beach Pavilion Located at 101 The Esplanade South 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.
Approved 6-1 on First Reading (Council Member Smith dissenting): Ordinance 2025-13 of the City of Venice, Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 46, Parks and Recreation, Article V, Camping and Storage of Personal Property on Public Property, By Amending Section 46-201, Definitions, and Section 46-202, Camping Prohibited; Exceptions; Providing for Repeal of All Ordinances in Conflict Herewith; and Providing for Severability.
Approved 5-2 (Council Members Farrell and Smith dissenting): Resolution 2025-05 of the City Council of the City of Venice, Amending Resolution No. 2021-31 to Adopt a Revised Use of Logo Policy.
In Other Action, Council Approved 7-0: The Seaboard Master Plan.
The agenda for the joint meeting of the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners and the Venice City Council.
At Your Service
Greg Watkins, appointed to the Historic and Architectural Preservation Board to complete the unexpired term of Bruce Weaver from March 14, 2025, to Aug. 31, 2027.
CRS Coordinator Recognized
Mayor Nick Pachota and City Manager Ed Lavallee present CRS (Community Rating System) Coordinator Christina Rimes with an award from FEMA March 11 for the City's successful participation in the National Flood Insurance Program CRS Starting April 1, City of Venice residents will get an automatic 25% discount on flood insurance through the program. Get more info at www.floodsmart.gov
Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation
Mayor Pachota recognizes the month of April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month with proclamations presented to Police Chief Andy Leisenring and Capt. Eric Hill at the March 11 Council meeting. Capt. Hill urged community awareness and action concerning the issue, emphasizing that when a child abuse case comes to VPD, "it's too late." Chief Leisenring recently joined the board of The Child Protection Center, a nonprofit and nationally accredited child advocacy center dedicated to the prevention, intervention and treatment of child abuse, serving Sarasota and DeSoto counties
Back in Action
All City Council and advisory board meetings return to Council Chambers in April following a five-month renovation project. Meetings had been held in Community Hall Room 165 since November 2024, when work commenced.
The project included important audio video technology upgrades, a new Council dais, security enhancements, a hearing loop, and all new audience seating and carpeting, as well as a designated area for presenters and public comment.
Intracoastal Waterway Force Main Replacement Project - April Update
Project Overview: The Utilities Intracoastal Waterway Force Main Replacement Project primarily involves the construction of a redundant wastewater force main and gravity sewer system to safely convey all wastewater flows from Venice Island to the City’s mainland facilities.
Currently, the City only has one wastewater force main located south of the E. Venice Ave. bridge that transfers all of the island’s wastewater flow under the Intracoastal to the mainland, and ultimately to the City’s Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) via Lift Station LS-07.
Should the existing wastewater force main fail or require maintenance, the City’s public sewer system located on the island would be fully cut off from the WRF. Consequently, the proposed redundant force main project and other associated work will greatly improve the reliability and resiliency of the City’s sewer system and better protect the water quality of our local waterways.
Project Schedule: The awarded contractor, Spectrum Underground, Inc., began pre-construction activities in March. On-site construction activities are anticipated to commence by the end of April.
The maps above and at right show the location of the proposed construction work. Lane closures and other temporarily traffic mitigation efforts will be needed that could impact normal traffic patterns within active construction areas. Updates will be posted monthly in this newsletter and as necessary on the City's website, venicegov.com, on the home page under the News tab.
Large equipment and machinery will be within the road right-of-way. Please drive slowly, use caution and watch out for pedestrians and workers. Motorists are to follow all posted traffic control signs.
Funding: A substantial portion of this project is funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program.
The Utilities Department appreciates your patience as we update the City’s infrastructure to improve the safety and quality of life within our community for years to come. For more information, visit venicegov.com/government/utilities/projects.
For information specific to your property, contact Cynthia Fitzpatrick, Utilities Project Coordinator, at 941-882-7290.
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
City Building Dept. Frequently Asked Questions
With the start of the 2025 hurricane season less than 2 months away, the City of Venice is providing FAQs from specific departments ahead of any potential storms. This month is the Building Department.
What is the Building Department’s role when the City gets impacted by a hurricane?
Damage assessment. Post-storm inspections in which building inspectors assess the damage to structures, focusing on whether buildings are safe to enter. These inspections include structural issues, flood damages and other utility concerns.
In a hurricane’s aftermath, what does the Building Dept. staff do in the field?
Inspect structures for damage and photograph the level of damage to the structures. Photograph high-water marks for structures located within the Special Flood Hazard Areas. Provide information and guidance to impacted residents.
When the City is impacted by a storm, how can Building Dept. permit fees change?
City Council can provide direction on how building permit fees can be adjusted as needed.
What is the 50% rule as it applies to damaged homes?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency 50% rule refers to a guideline established by FEMA that limits the amount of repairs or improvements that can be made to a damaged structure before it must comply with the stricter building codes. The rule applies to repairs and improvements. If repairs exceed 50% of the building’s fair market value, it triggers the requirements for the property to be brought into compliance with current floodplain management standards, which might involve elevating the structure, relocating utilities, or other significant modifications.
What type of recovery and remediation work requires a permit?
A permit is required any time an owner or authorized agent intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, or to cause any such work to be done.
Are any permit fees being waived at this time?
On Nov. 19, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-25, which provides for the temporary waiver of certain building permits and fees for City properties affected by Hurricanes Helene or Milton.
What should homeowners be aware of related to scams and unlicensed contractors?
There are people out there representing themselves as contractors. As a homeowner you should trust but verify. When searching for a contractor, ask trusted friends and neighbors for references. You should check with the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org to determine what others are saying about the company. Additionally, you should contact the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) to determine whether the contractor has any complaints lodged against them or call 850-4871395. Verify that the contractor has a license from the DBPR for the type of work you wish to have performed at myfloridalicense.com.
UPDATES & ACTIONS
Spring cleaning for your cybersecurity
Spring is the perfect time to refresh, reorganize, and clean up –both in our homes and in our digital lives. Just like we clear out closets and scrub neglected corners, our cybersecurity habits need regular maintenance to stay fresh and secure. Here’s your Cybersecurity Spring Cleaning Checklist to keep your digital world in top shape!
1. Declutter your passwords
Just as you toss out expired coupons or broken gadgets, it’s time to clean up your passwords
✅ Use a password manager to store and generate strong, unique passwords.
✅ Update old passwords, especially for sensitive accounts like banking or email.
✅ Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible for an extra layer of security.
2. Sweep away old accounts
Unused online accounts are like clutter collecting dust – they can become security risks if left unattended.
✅ Review old accounts and delete those you no longer use.
✅ Unsubscribe from services you don’t need to reduce exposure to potential data breaches.
✅ Remove saved payment info from sites you no longer frequent
3. Dust off your software & devices
Keeping your technology up to date is like making sure your home appliances run smoothly.
✅ Install software updates for your operating system, apps, and browser.
✅ Remove outdated programs or apps you no longer use.
✅ Check that your antivirus and firewall settings are active and up to date.
4.
Organize & back up your files
Imagine losing all your photos, documents, and important files –backups are like insurance for your digital valuables.
FROM THE DESK OF
Joelle Gurk City IT Security Analyst
Joelle Gurk is the City’s Security Analyst in the IT Department. Contact her at jgurk@venicefl.gov.
✅ Back up files to an external hard drive or a secure cloud service.
✅ Delete duplicate or unnecessary files to free up storage.
✅ Ensure that your backups are encrypted and protected.
5. Wipe away phishing & scams
Spring cleaning isn’t just about removing dirt – it’s also about preventing future messes.
✅ Be cautious of emails or texts that request personal information.
✅ Verify the sender before clicking on links or downloading attachments.
✅ Educate yourself on common phishing tactics and report suspicious messages
6. Refresh your privacy settings
Just like checking smoke detectors, reviewing your privacy settings should be part of your routine.
✅ Adjust social media settings to limit what’s publicly visible.
✅ Revoke permissions for apps that access your data unnecessarily.
✅ Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi to enhance security.
By taking the time to “spring clean” your cybersecurity, you’ll keep your digital life as fresh, safe, and organized as your newly tidied home Stay secure and enjoy a worry-free season!
Flamingo Ditch Fact Sheet
Get a digital version of this fact sheet with live links here
UPDATES AND ACTIONS
Join Venice’s Centennial Celebration!
During the first Venice Centennial Community Meeting on Dec. 19, 2024, City staff launched the partnership process, promoted the logo and its usage, highlighted the City's keystone events, and discussed the major Centennial milestones driving the celebration timeline.
The virtual meeting had 28 attendees who inquired about funding requests, permanent additions like statues, temporary initiatives such as a time capsule, and connecting with family members of the city founders. The presentation can be found here.
Keystone Events
The City has committed to a number of keystone events that correspond to major Centennial milestones including:
1. Holiday Parade Centennial Kickoff, November 2025
2. Past Mayors & Chamber Presidents’ Dinner, February 2026
3. Centennial Parade & Picnic in the Park, July 2026
4. Holiday Parade Centennial Float, November 2026
5. Futurists Roundtable, March 2027
6. 100-Year Anniversary Finale Cake, May 2027
Partnership Applications
Community members and groups are encouraged to enhance their existing events or create new ones with a Centennial theme, helping our entire community celebrate together!
Now accepting applications for Centennial logo use, private and public events, initiatives and projects. Scan the QR code or use the link at right.
Venice Museum still needs your thoughts
https://forms.office.com/r/AZYgQ7AiMr
The Venice Museum is still in need of respondents to the annual museum visitor survey. In order to meet the necessary number of submissions for the statistical requirement, we still need both visitors and non-visitors to the museum to help us out. It is not just about us, but the museum field as a whole that needs your feedback.
This survey will help the Venice Museum and the museum community better understand the needs and expectations of our visitors. Knowing this information will guide us in directions that will improve the visitor experience for you and other future museum-goers. Please click on this link and share your voice on what matters to you in museums.
Who were the first policewomen in Venice?
HISTORY LESSON
First policewomen
HISTORY LESSON
First policewomen
– Provided by Historical Resources Curator and Collections Manager Jon Watson /Julia Cousins Laning and Dale Laning Archives & Research Center
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Fire, Police Public Safety Day set for 4.26
The City of Venice will present its fourth Fire and Police Public Safety Day event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at the Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave S , inside and outside
Fun for the whole family, the free event will include first responder vehicles and big trucks that children can sit in and learn about; demos every half-hour; kids’ photo ID cards; free food, snacks, face painting and balloon twisting; and other activities and giveaways.
Photos from the 2024 event
Looking for more to do?
Visit the City’s 35 parks
Bicycle around Venice island
Stop by the Venice Museum
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!
Kimal Lumber Classic Car Show - Sunday, April 6
Sharks Tooth Festival - Saturday-Sunday, April 12-13
Eggstravaganza - Saturday, April 19
Venice Fire & Police Public Safety DaySaturday, April 26
Venice Hurricane Expo - Friday, May 30
Downtown Venice Craft Festival - SaturdaySunday, June 14-15
Independence Day Fireworks - Friday, July 4
SEASONAL REMINDERS
SEASONAL REMINDERS
SEASONAL REMINDERS
SEASONAL REMINDERS
SEASONAL REMINDERS
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.
Hurricane season starts June 1 - have you signed up for alerts yet?
Sarasota County’s mass notification system, Alert Sarasota County, is hosted by Everbridge as part of a partnership with the state of Florida and the cities of Venice, Sarasota, North Port and the Town of Longboat Key Alert Sarasota County, which replaced the CodeRED notification system, is used to communicate public health and safety topics affecting residents.
Available alerts in the City of Venice include severe weather such as hurricanes and tropical storms, police and fire incidents, temporary road closures and construction, hazardous spills, water outages and boil water notices, flooding, power outages and red tide. Hurricane season runs from June 1-Nov. 30 in Florida. Users can choose the types of alerts and how to receive them when registering their new account These options can be changed at any time Users can sign up for alerts by registering with their home address. County and municipality alerts can differ. Visit alertsarasotacounty.com or scan the QR code at right to register.
Alert Sarasota County can send alerts to users via landline phone, cell phone, text message, email, TDD/TTY, or a combination of these methods
AROUND TOWN
VPD Citizens Police Academy continues
The 11th Venice Police Department Citizens Police Academy kicked off in February, when VPD welcomed over 20 community members for an immersive 10-week journey into policing. During Week 5, participants learned how to perform CPR in emergency situations, equipping themselves with the skills to potentially save a life when it matters most Community Resource Officer Willie Acosta guided the group through this important training
Sgt. Alek Gregoire and Officers Steven Short and Courtney Zak led participants through an exciting yet informativ vehicle operations. Citizens got a glimpse of car in high-pressure situations, learning how safely and effectively
At left, Venice Airport Manager Nick Dumas, Community Outreach Manager David Surwilo, Nick's wife Lela, and Office Assistant Penny Elie at the 2025 Venice Airport Day on March 1. Over 1,500 attended the event (which included a flyover, right) throughout the day
VPD officers stepped up to the plate at the March 1 Venice Challenger Baseball Game. Lt. Rob Goodson is at bat at right.
Top, members of Venice Fire Rescue attend the Venice High School Lady Indians softball game on March 11 for First Responder Night.
Above, Fire Chief Frank Giddens throws out the ceremonial first pitch at the game’s start
Above, Larry Humes, author of “Venice: A Century on the Gulf,” with City Historical Resources Manager Harry Klinkhamer, who wrote a foreword for the new book, at the Venice Book Fair March 15 in West Blalock Park Below, VPD officers at firearms training March 4 at the Knights Trail gun range, under the watchful eye of instructor Officer Seth Kenny.
Above left, members of Venice Area Beautification Inc.’s Team KVB (Keep Venice Beautiful) hard at work the morning of March 20 at Maxine Barritt Park The City of Venice is grateful for these wonderful volunteers tirelessly cutting back, removing invasives, trimming, weeding, delittering and replanting in our public spaces. Above right, Mayor Nick Pachota presents a proclamation recognizing the week of March 16-22, 2025, as National Surveyors Week to Erick Bennett and David Panfil with BPI Surveying March 19 at City Hall. Far left, Firefighter/EMT Matthew McKenzie responds to a structure fire March 19 at 920 Laurel Ave. The blaze was contained to the garage; two cats were rescued and no one was injured At left, Public Works’ Chris Somers works on audio components in Council Chambers March 24.
Progress at the future site of the Old Betsy Museum at 343 Nassau St. with roof tiles, drywall, and ceiling work in the outside seating area. When complete, the museum will showcase Venice's historic 1926 American LaFrance fire engine in its new home.
Thank you to Matt Leugers, pictured at right with Master Police Officer Paul Joyce, for donating two boat loop poles to the VPD Marine Unit recently These extendable fiberglass poles, equipped with flexible loops and rubber push-away stubs, are a tremendous addition to our marine operations. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including rescuing swimmers in distress, retrieving equipment, and assisting with docking maneuvers in challenging conditions We appreciate your generosity and support!
At left, Venice City Manager Ed Lavallee, who is retiring in July after more than 13 years with the City, celebrates his 78th birthday on March 24 with cake at City Hall. At right, Airport Manager Nick Dumas, far right, with Maxwell Schroth and Bernadette Klooz-Pitcher from Florida Flight Training Center, participated in the Venice Chamber’s Real World Wednesday program March 5 at Venice High School, talking to students about careers in aviation.
Above, Utilities Instrument and Control Specialist Jerry Benoit, Assistant Fire Chief Kyle Hartley, Utilities Instrument and Control Specialist Ron Peyton and Venice Police Detective Lt Jason Adams participate in drone training with GIS Administrator Don Hubbard in IT March 21 outside City Hall At right, Municipal Service Worker Lionel Aprill with Public Works mows the medians along West Venice Avenue March 5
At top, participants in the City’s Monthly Bicycle Ride March 13, led by Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinator Darlene Culpepper The next ride is at 10 a m April 10 Bring your bicycle and a helmet, and meet in the west parking lot of City Hall. Darlene holds a safety briefing prior to the ride. Above, Building Department staff show off their green for St Patrick’s Day: Inspector Michael Reeves, Divisional Permit Coordinator Alicia Chapman, Building Official Derek Applegate, Permit Technician Debbie Schiess, Inspector Tony Gaetano, Administrative Coordinator Audrey Symowicz, Permitting Services Manager Bill Blair and Deputy Building Official Paul Rakes.
AROUND TOWN
Some Venice High students get the opportunity during the year to participate in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Beyond School Walls Program with Venice Police. On March 7, they visited the Marine Law Enforcement Special Operations Center where they learned about law enforcement from the water and went out on the VPD marine unit vessels for a boat ride with MPO Paul Joyce and Officer Brett Woodworth.
At right, on March 25, the VABI Bloom Team toured the downtown flowers. Along the way, they saw Bob Florenzie with Public Works, getting out to water the flora "We captured him for this picture because we all appreciate him so much," Bloom Team member Linda Lewis said of Bob. "He is always so kind and willing to pull us out of a jam by watering baskets, pots and flower fountains in need of water. We couldn't be successful with the downtown flowers without him! Thanks!"
