NEWS VENICE CITY E
New Fire Station 52 ‘topped off’
An informal "topping off" ceremony was held March 23 at the construction site of the new Venice Fire Rescue Station 52 campus at 1545 E. Venice Ave., next to the Venice Police Department.
The milestone marks the placement of the highest structural beam in this portion of the fire station - a celebratory moment that signifies major construction progress of this important public safety facility. City officials and staff signed the beam prior to it being placed.
This forward-looking facility will serve as the home for Fire Administration, Fire Operations, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Prevention, and support the City's Emergency Operations Center.
Carefully designed to meet both present and future needs, Station 52 will feature five apparatus bays, administrative offices, living and sleeping quarters, a fitness area, kitchen, conference room, and vital support spaces.
Charter Officers
CityManager JamesClinch CityClerk KellyMichaels
CityAttorney KellyFernandez
Public Safety Chiefs
VenicePoliceChief
AndyLeisenring
VeniceFireChief FrankGiddens
Emergency Notifcations
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Public parking and secure access for fire crews will ensure the station is ready to serve at a moment's notice.
The current VFR Station 52 is located on N. Grove St. in a flood zone. With this project, the City affirms its commitment to public safety, emergency preparedness, and the brave professionals who protect our community every day.
Project completion is anticipated for early 2027, pending weather delays.
Above, Mayor Nick Pachota signs the beam. Below, Fire Chief Frank Giddens speaks at the topping off ceremony. More photos, page 3
Citywide
burn ban remains in effect, dry conditions
persist
The citywide recreational burn ban issued on Oct. 11, 2025, by Venice Fire Rescue Chief Frank Giddens remains in place due to continued dry weather conditions that pose increased risk for potential wildfires.
The citywide burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning that has not been specifically permitted by the Florida Forest Service burning such as bonfires, fire pits, cooking pits, campfires, and the burning of yard debris.
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. Remember to not leave a grill unattended and make sure coals are completely cooled before disposing.
The burn ban will automatically lift after the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) falls below 500 for seven consecutive days.
We ask all residents to stay vigilant during these dry conditions. Should a wildfire erupt, nearby residents are urged to follow directions from authorities. This may include evacuations of localized areas.
LATEST
Watering restrictions change for City residents
Due to extreme drought conditions, watering restrictions have changed in Venice City limits - see flyer at left.
The details changes for City residents are as follows:
Watering hours (sprinklers) BEFORE: Watering before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m., once per week NOW: Watering 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. OR 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., once per week
Hand watering BEFORE: Any day, any time NOW: Any day before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
New lawns/landscaping BEFORE: First 60 days, any day during restricted hours NOW: First 30 days, any day during restricted hours, AND days 31-60, 3 days per week during restricted hours
Get more information on the Southwest Florida Water Management District website.
Centennial Park
rededication ceremony set for April 15
Join the City of Venice as we celebrate a century of leadership at Centennial Park at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 15 with a special rededication and legacy ceremony.
As part of the City of Venice Centennial, this special ceremony will honor Mayors and City Council members, past and present, who have helped shape our community over the last 100 years.
The program will feature remarks from Mayor Nick Pachota and City Manager James Clinch, recognize former and current elected officials in attendance, include a formal proclamation honoring the City's Centennial as part of the park's namesake for the Post Office's Centennial, and conclude with a special Centennial unveiling you won’t want to miss. Those in attendance will also enjoy a performance of the official Centennial Song, "Venice, Forever Home," by the Venice Chorale.
This event is open to the public, and all are welcome to be part of this meaningful moment in our City’s history.
THE LATEST
6-year-old reunites with VFR lifesavers
Venice Fire Rescue staff were reunited March 6 with 6-year-old Audrey, who came by Station 51 with her family to thank the firefighters who treated her when she had a medical event at her school in September 2024, and recommended she be checked out further.
Little Audrey, 4 at the time, was flown by helicopter to All Children's Hospital, where she was ultimately diagnosed and treated for a heart condition, Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). It was later discovered that Audrey's heart disorder was hereditary, with both her mom and aunt diagnosed with the condition. LQTS is a rare, often inherited genetic disorder of the heart's electrical system, causing the heart muscle to take too long to recharge between beats. Left untreated, it can be fatal.
There were smiles and laughs all around that Friday as Audrey, now in kindergarten, danced, sang, hugged the firefighters, posed for pictures and checked out the fire engine. "This is absolutely the best-case scenario," said Assistant EMS Chief Steven Lambright.
Lt. Derek Lowery, Firefighter/Paramedics Juan Leyva and Sam Lobsinger, and Firefighter/EMTs Jacob Shelton and Matt McKenzie had responded to the initial medical call.
"They saved her life," Audrey's mom Jessica said of VFR staff. "Ultimately, they saved mine too. I'm just so grateful."
How to watch City Council and Advisory Board Metings
Venice City Council meets at City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave., at 9 a.m. generally on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Council meeting minutes and video recordings are typically available within 48 hours of each meeting date. Watch City Council meetings and recordings and view full meeting agendas and minutes online here.
Advisory Boards
Citizen Advisory Board (CAB)
Citizen Tax Oversight Committee
Community Rating System (CRS)
Committee
Fire Pension Board of Trustees
Historic and Architectural
Preservation Board (HAPB)
Planning Commission
Police Pension Board of Trustees
Venice Housing Authority
March 10 Council Meeting Recap
The following actions were taken by Venice City Council at their March 10 regular meeting:
Recognitions: The Venice-Nokomis Womans Club was presented with a proclamation recognizing their 100-year anniversary. See related photo, page 20
Consent Agenda: All items under the March 10 City Council
Consent Agenda were approved by 7-0 vote
Public Hearings: Council approved 5-2 (Smith and Howard dissenting) the Revised Mediated Settlement Agreement and Recommendation of the Special Magistrate in Response to a Request for Relief Filed by Border Road Investments, LLC and Vistera Associates, LLC Relating to Zoning Map
Amendment Petition No. 23-63RZ for the GCCF Planned Unit Development (PUD) Located South of Laurel Road East, North of Border Road and East of I-75
Council approved 6-1 (Smith dissenting) to accept the City Administration's decision to change the work schedules of certain AFSCME employees to the 5/8 schedule and that no further action be taken to address the impact of the City's exercise of its management right.
Ordinances, First Reading: Council took action on the following ordinanceOrd. No. 2026-06, approved 7-0 on first reading and scheduled for final reading
Ordinances, Final Reading: Council took action on the following ordinanceOrd. No. 2026-11, approved 7-0 and adopted
Other business and actions:
Council appointed Marty Dover and Atticus Frank to the Citizen Tax Oversight Committee, serving terms from March 10, 2026, to May 31, 2028, and March 10, 2026, to Jan. 31, 2028, respectively. Council appointed Nick Flerlage and Anna Freska to the Planning Commission, to serve terms from March 10, 2026, to Jan. 31, 2029.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency: 911
Police non-emergency: 941-486-2444
City Hall: 941-486-2626
Code Enforcement: 941-882-7545
Water/sewer line break: 941-486-2770
Report illicit discharge: 941-882-7413
Here at the City of Venice, we’re currently hiring for:
Business Manager (Police Dept.)
Community Resource Officer
Firefighter/EMT (multiple)
Firefighter/Paramedic (multiple)
Police Officer (sworn FL LEO or out-of-state officer)
GIS Administrator
Tree Crew Leader (CDL req.)
Utilities Field Operations Technician
Apply today at: governmentjobs.com/careers/venicegov
The City of Venice is part of the Florida Retirement System and offers on-the-job training for select positions, tuition reimbursement, opportunities for advancement, and robust medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
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March 24 Council Meeting Recap
The following actions were taken by Venice City Council at their March 24 regular meeting (Council Member Weed absent):
Recognitions: Records Manager/Deputy City Clerk Toni Gregory was recognized for her Master Municipal Clerk designation. A proclamation was presented to City Clerk Kelly Michaels recognizing April 2026 as Records and Information Management Month. A proclamation was presented to Utilities Director Javier Vargas and Bruno Kapacinskas, Government Affairs Regional Manager for the Southwest Florida Water Management District, recognizing April 2026 as Water Conservation Month. VPD Sgt. Sam Montes and Roslyn Mendoza of the Child Protection Center were presented with a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. See related photos, pages 20-21
Consent Agenda: All items under the March 24 City Council Consent Agenda were approved by 6-0 vote
Ordinances, First Reading: Council took action on the following ordinances -
Ord. No. 2026-08, Ord. No. 2026-09, and Ord. No. 2026-12, approved 6-0 on first reading and scheduled for final reading Ord. No. 2026-10 and Ord. No. 2026-15, approved 5-1 (Smith dissenting) on first reading and scheduled for final reading
Resolutions: Council took action on the following resolutionRes. No. 2026-06 , approved 6-0 and adopted
Free admission to the Venice Museum and Old Betsy Museum
Open10a.m.to4p.m.onMondays, Tuesdays,andWednesdays,theVenice Museumfeaturesrotatingseasonal exhibits,aglimpseintothelifeofDr. FredAlbeeandfamedcityplannerJohn Nolen,thestoryofaKentuckyMilitary Institutecadet,andmore.
Onyourwayout,visittheOldBetsy MuseumtoseetheCity’s1926 LaFrancefireengineondisplay.
TheVeniceMuseum,at351NassauSt. S.,isalsoopen11a.m.to3p.m.onthe firstandthirdSaturdaysofthemonth, OctoberthroughApril.
Can’tmakeitinperson? Explorethe museum ’sonlinearchivesfromyour smartphoneorcomputer,featuring historicalphotosandoldnewspapers.
THE LATEST
The ‘Dos’ and ‘Do Nots’ of donating historical items
By Jon Watson, Curator and Collections Manager, Historical Resources Division
TheDos-HistoricalResourcesrecentlyacquiredsomegreathistorical photosoftheVeniceArmyAirBasefromthe1940s,picturedhere.Welove receivingnewdonations,andwe'realwaysopentoreviewingahistorically significantpiecerelatedtoVenicethatyoumightbeconsideringdonating. Wearejustaphonecallawayfrommakinganappointment,andthestaff caneasilywalkyouthroughthedonationprocess.
TheDoNots-Overmy19yearsofcollectinghistoricalitemsforvarious city,state,andcountygovernments,oneactionisuniversallyrecognized byallmuseumprofessionals:thedreaded“doorstopdonation.”Theterm ismuseumslangforitemsdroppedoffwithnorecord,noinformation,and nosignedtransfer-of-ownershipform(deedofgift).Thiscollective“eeek” frommuseumprofessionalsisn'tduetotheunexpectedincreased workloadortheitemsbeingirrelevant-it'sbecause,ashistorians,we wanttosharethefull,fascinatingstoriesoftheartifactstohelpmuseum visitorsconnectthedotsandbetterunderstandhowhistoryhasshaped currentdecisions.Fortunately,forus,thishasbeentheexceptionmore oftenthantherulehereattheVeniceMuseum.
YourHelp-Withallthatsaid,ourrecentVeniceArmyAirBasephoto donationarrivedinthemailwithnoreturnaddressoradditional information.Wouldanyoneoutthererecognizeanyindividual,theexact year,oranyotherdetailswithinthephotosshownhere?Wouldyou happentoknowthedonor?Ifyoudo,pleasecontactmeat jwatson@venicefl.govorat941-882-7229.Wewouldlovetohearfromyou.
Lord-Higel’s Coffee House
Adaptive reuse of one of the oldest homes in Venice operated by Black Gold Coffee Roasters.
Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. Closed on City-observed holidays.
.
Located at 409 Grenada Ave. across from Venice City Hall. Photo by Earle Kimel
Shope named City’s new Business Liaison
The City of Venice has established a new Business Liaison role to provide additional support and guidance to the local business community, making it easier for businesses to navigate City processes and connect with the right
The Business Liaison will serve as a single point of contact for new and existing businesses, helping applicants better understand City requirements and guiding them through permitting, planning and zoning, engineering, and building processes. The goal is to improve communication, reduce confusion, and provide a more positive experience for businesses working with the City.
As part of this effort, Kelsey Shope has been named as the City’s new Business Liaison. In this role, she will assist businesses with matters such as Business Tax Receipts (BTRs), change-of-use requests, building expansions, site improvements, and redevelopment plans, while coordinating with multiple City departments to
help streamline the review process.
“This role is about making City Hall easier to navigate,” said City Manager James Clinch. “Local businesses are a vital part of Venice’s economy and community. By providing a dedicated point of contact, we can help ensure applicants understand the process, connect with the right staff, and move through reviews as smoothly as possible while maintaining the standards that protect our community.”
Explore Venice History
JuliaCousinsLaningandDaleLaning Archives&ResearchCenter
Explore more than 30,000 items in the Venice area history collection in person by appointment or online at: venicemuseum.org/collections
Start your research today by calling 941- 882-7229 or emailing archives@venicefl.gov
Shope has worked in the City’s Planning and Zoning Department since June 2018. Originally from Memphis, Tenn., Shope moved to Venice with her family at age 6. She attended Venice Elementary School and Student Leadership Academy, and graduated from Venice High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering from Florida Gulf Coast University.
“I’m proud to work for the community where I grew up,” Shope said. “I hope this role helps make our processes clearer and more approachable for business owners, and that they know there is someone at City Hall who can help guide them and connect them with the right people.”
The Business Liaison will also work closely with the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce to strengthen communication between the City and the local business community and support business retention and expansion efforts. Through the creation of the Business Liaison position, the City of Venice aims to strengthen its partnership with the business community while ensuring transparency and clear communication throughout the permitting process. Contact Shope at kelseyshope@venicefl.gov or 941-882-7435.
Intracoastal Second Force Main Project – April update
WORK WEST OF ICWW
Project overview: The Utilities Intracoastal Second Force Main Project primarily involves the construction of
WORK EAST OF ICWW
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 the island’s wastewater flow under the Intracoastal Waterway 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 Citys 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: This month, crews will install manhole MH-3 along Calle del Toro, complete the final force main connection at American Legion Way and E. Venice Ave., and replace an existing force main connection along the westbound E. Venice Ave. service road. Milling and paving at the E. Venice Ave. and Warfield Ave. intersection is also scheduled and expected to take up to two weeks during the month of April. Temporary and full lane closures, along with detours, will be required during this work. Traffic accessing Legacy Park, Marina Park, and the Venice Train Depot will be detoured around construction areas. All remaining work, including paving and site restoration, is expected to be completed by the end of June 2026.
Traffic pattern updates will be posted as necessary on the Citys 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: Construction of upgrades and improvements for this Project are financed by the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The CWSRF program is administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection with joint funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state of Florida. CWSRF programs operate around the country to provide states and communities the resources necessary to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our valuable water resources nationwide.
The Utilities Department appreciates your patience as the City’s infrastructure is updated 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 more information about this project, contact Cynthia Fitzpatrick, Utilities Project Coordinator, at 941-882-7290.
CENTENNIAL SPOTLIGHT
Centennial light pole banners -
Have you found them all yet?
Our Centennial light pole banners have been installed across the City — 21 designs in total — each one blending historic moments with present-day Venice. Have you spotted them all yet? As we celebrate 100 years of the City of Venice, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come, from the KMI cadets and construction of the Intracoastal Waterway to the vibrant, connected community we know today. Take a drive, take a stroll, and celebrate a century of Venice with us!
Celebrating 100 Years! Get Involved
Sign up to volunteer for City or community partner Centennial events, click here.
Apply for a Centennial partnership to use the Centennial logo, request a new Centennial event on public property, install permanent art or features and more, click here.
Learn more about the City of Venice Centennial at venicegov.com
Volunteers sought for Venice Museum
The Venice Museum is looking for volunteers who like history or gardening.
If you have an interest in history, enjoy interacting with others, and can make a commitment of three hours a week, there are opportunities to serve as a docent at the museum. Docents greet visitors, orient them on what to expect, answer questions, and ring up sales in the gift shop. Its a great way to promote the City of Venice and its history to people visiting the museum.
If you have a green thumb, we are also looking for people who would like to help with maintaining and improving the landscaping around the Venice Museum, Old Betsy Museum, and the Julia Cousins Laning and Dale Laning Archives & Research Center. This includes watering, weeding, and some planting. Hours and schedule are flexible.
Venice named a Tree City USA for 16 year th
The Arbor Day Foundation has named Venice a 2025 Tree City USA in honor of its commitment to plant, grow, and maintain trees to benefit its community.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Its network of more than a million supporters and partners has helped the organization plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries. The Foundation’s Tree City USA program is now celebrating its 50th recognition season. The anniversary underscores the program’s rich history of growing healthier, greener, and more resilient communities through urban forestry. In cities and neighborhoods, trees are proven to help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and boost mental and physical health. When the right trees are planted in the right places, they can also reduce traffic noise, increase property values, and lower energy costs for homeowners.
Venice achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four core standards: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day observance celebration. This is the 16 year the City has received this acknowledgement. th
“The Tree City USA designation demonstrates the City’s commitment to protecting and improving the community’s air and water quality,” said City Arborist/Tree Program Administrator Jim Yelverton. “It’s not just about planting trees; it’s about nurturing a greener, healthier, and more vibrant community.”
Learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation and the Tree City USA program here.
If you are interested or would like to know more about volunteer opportunities at the Venice Museum, please call 941-486-2487 or email venicemuseum@venicefl.gov.
Bike Ride with the Mayor
The annual Bike Ride with the Mayor event on March 5 drew around 50 participants for a leisurely 6-mile bicycle ride around Venice island beginning and ending at Sharky's on the Pier.
The ride was led by Mayor Nick Pachota and City Special Events and Mobility Coordinator Darlene Culpepper and featured stops at Venice Airport, Venice Museum & Archives and the Old Betsy Museum, Lord-Higel's Coffee House and the new John Nolen statue/bench in Centennial Park.
Following the ride, Mayor Pachota and City Manager James Clinch hosted a Q&A session with participants at Sharky's.
Take the Bayshore/La Guna Safety Study
Survey!
The City of Venice is requesting your input and feedback regarding the Bayshore & La Guna Drive roadway corridor.
DMK Associates, Inc., performed a study at the request of the City to assess potential alternatives to improve roadway safety for the entire length of Bayshore & La Guna Dr. from Tarpon St. to Tarpon Center Dr. The study evaluated roadway conditions, pedestrian space, traffic patterns, and operating speeds. Through this study, DMK found that the primary safety issue is the limited space for safe separation between vehicles and pedestrians.
Following review of the potential safety alternatives by DMK and the City’s Traffic Safety Committee, it was determined that the most effective options to increase pedestrian safety are either the construction of a sidewalk along one side of the existing roadway or converting the roadway to one-way traffic only to provide space for a dedicated pedestrian and bicycle lane.
These survey questions are designed to collect valuable feedback from the community regarding the two proposed design alternatives.
Northeast Park update
WorkonNortheastParkcontinues! Pavingwas completedinlateMarch,withparkinglotcurbinggoing innext.Playgroundequipmenthasbeeninstalled; syntheticturfandsunshadesaregoinginsoon
Locatedat3560LaurelRoadE.,NortheastParkis expectedtoopenlaterthisspring,pendingweatheror materialdelays.
Parkfeatures: 4.8acres
8outdoorpickleballcourts
Fitnesstrailwithequipment
Walkingpath
2-to-5and5-to-12-year-oldplaygrounds
Largeandsmalldogparkareas
Shadestructures
Stormwaterretention
Restrooms
Pavedparking
Projecthistory:CityCouncilapprovedpurchasingland forNortheastParkin2021andapprovedtheparkplan in2023.GroundwasbrokeninApril2025.
Projectcost:Theanticipatedcostfortheparkis$6.4 million,whichincludesdesignandconstruction.The projectisfundedthroughparkimpactfees.
Take the survey by clicking here.
Didyouknow?In2021,theCityofVenicelauncheda publicinputsurveytohelpidentifythewantsandneeds foramenitiesatthisfutureparksite Overwhelmingly, pickleballandwalkingtrailswereidentifiedby residentsandvisitors.
SEASONAL REMINDERS
SEASONAL REMINDERS
Upcoming Events
April3EpiphanyChurchGoodFriday ProcessionalthroughCentennialPark
April4VeniceMainStreetandVenice LionsEggstravaganzaandbeepingegg huntatCentennialPark
April9LastMonthly CityBicycleRideof theseason,leavingfromCityHall
April11-12VeniceMainStreetSharks ToothFestivalatCentennialPark
April11VeniceAreaOrchidSociety plantsaleatWestBlalockPark
April15CentennialParkRededication
April24FloridaArborDayCelebration atWestBlalockPark
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Looking for more to do?
Checkonlineformoreeventsand activitiesbyourcommunitypartners:
BicyclearoundVeniceisland VisittheMuseum&Archives
VisittheLord-HigelHouse
VeniceAreaBeautificationInc.
VeniceAreaChamberof Commerce
VeniceArtCenter
VeniceCommunityCenter
VenicePerformingArtsCenter
VeniceMainStreetInc.
VeniceSymphony
VeniceTheatre
VisitSarasotaCounty
SarasotaCountyGovernment
The City of Venice will present its 5th Fire and Police Public Safety Day event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18 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; demonstrations every halfhour; photo ID cards for kids; free food, snacks, face painting and balloon twisting; music; and other activities and giveaways.
In addition, come check out the nearby Venice Museum (open that Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Old Betsy Museum.
Join us for an awesome day!
AROUND TOWN
Venice Airport Day was held March 7 at Skyport Aviation at Venice Municipal Airport. This free, family-friendly event offered the public an opportunity to experience the airport firsthand and learn more about aviation in the Venice community.
Airport Day featured aircraft, drone, and remote-control aircraft displays; aviation education activities; local vendors; and food options. The event is designed to engage attendees of all ages while highlighting the Airport’s role as a community asset and economic driver.
Airport Day was sponsored by the Venice Aviation Society (VASI), Venice Municipal Airport, Skyport Aviation, Altivation Aircraft Sales, Florida Flight Training Center, Sarasota Avionics, Alpha Company Aviation, and AvSky Charters.
Above left, Vice Mayor Jim Boldt recognizes March 20, 2026, as the 100-year anniversary of the Venice-Nokomis Woman's Club with a proclamation presented to club president Joan Brinton during the March 10 City Council meeting.
Above right, Mayor Pachota and Vice Mayor Boldt recognized April as Water Conservation Month with a proclamation presented to Bruno Kapacinskas of the Southwest Florida Water Management District and City Utilities Director Javier Vargas at the March 24 Council meeting. Kapacinskas reminded everyone that the City remains in a drought that will likely continue through the end of April, until the rainy season begins. He encouraged residents and businesses to conserve potable water by limiting irrigation, watering only on designated days, planting droughttolerant Florida-native landscaping, and fixing leaks.
Below left, Records Manager/Deputy City Clerk Toni Gregory is recognized for obtaining her Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designation by Scotty Lynn Kelly, Florida Association of City Clerks Southwest District Director and Sanibel City Clerk, as Mayor Nick Pachota, City Clerk Kelly Michaels, and Toni's daughter Sophie look on during the March 24 Council meeting.
Below, Mayor Pachota recognizes April 2026 as Records and Information Management Month, presenting a proclamation to City Clerk Kelly Michaels, records staff, and records coordinators from City departments March 24. In 2025, this team produced nearly 10,000 public records, supporting transparency and access to information across our community.
Left, Mayor Pachota presents a proclamation recognizing the week of March 15-21, 2026, as National Surveyors Week to Erick Bennett and David Panfil with BPI Surveying on March 17 at City Hall.
Right, Mayor Pachota recognizes the week of March 1-7, 2026, as Women in Construction Week with a proclamation presented March 6 to Kim Walker, president of NAWIC Greater OrlandoChapter 73, the regional chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction. Get more info: nawicgulfcoastfl.org
Above, Mayor Nick Pachota and Vice Mayor Jim Boldt recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month March 24, presenting a proclamation to Roslyn Mendoza of the Child Protection Center and Venice Police Sgt. Sam Montes.
AROUND TOWN
In partnership with Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club, Coastal Cruisers Bicycle Club, and Bicycles International, the City of Venice and Venice Police Department hosted an E-bike Safety Class, "Pedal Safe, Pedal Smart," on March 25 at the Venice Community Center. Participants learned about current and developing e-bike laws and e-bike fundamentals, with training both in classroom and on bike. All e-bikes have operable pedals, a seat and an electric motor rated at less that 750 watts that provides pedal assistance that stops at their top-permitted speed, according to Gene Wendt, a National League of American Bicyclists-certified instructor, as reported in the Venice Gondolier. They fall into one of three classifications: Class 1 motor-assisted pedaling, travels up to 20 mph; Class 2 a Class 1 e-bike with a throttle, so pedaling is unnecessary; or Class 3 no throttle, but speeds up to 28 mph are possible. It’s illegal to modify them to go faster. Currently, each county is setting its own e-bike laws. Neither Sarasota County nor the City of Venice has adopted any, but Charlotte County has banned them, Wendt said. E-motorcycles are basically illegal other than on private property, he said. They can’t be registered because they don’t have a vehicle ID number and they can’t be ridden on sidewalks or roads.
AROUND
Left, City Manager James Clinch and Mayor Nick Pachota traveled to Washington, D.C., March 25 to advocate for the City’s federal priorities, meeting with Congressman Greg Steube (pictured), Senator Rick Scott, and Senator Ashley Moody. The top 2 priorities are a $15 million request for Army Corps funding for the reconstruction of the South Jetty and a $2.5 million request for a flood protection project for the Flamingo Ditch area.
During the Venice-Nokomis Woman's Club’s Centennial Jubilee March 20, a check for $15,000 was presented to Venice Heritage Inc. and City Historical Resources Manager Harry Klinkhamer for a mural on the back wall of the Old Betsy Museum.
The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Venice Class of 2026 includes four City employees - VPD Criminalistics Manager Cheryl Prevatte, Fire Rescue Assistant Chief-EMS Steven Lambright, Senior Planner Nicole Tremblay, and Airport Office Assistant Penny Elie.
The group is diving into eight months of civic learning and leadership development, and building meaningful connections across the Venice community.
AROUND TOWN
Deputy Public Information Officer
Brianne Lorenz, Assistant City Manager Roger Omenhiser, and City Business Liaison
Kelsey Shope with Venice Chamber President/CEO Kathy Lehner at the Chamber’s Business Connections event March 19, hosted by Venice MainStreet in the City Hall courtyard.
Left, Officer Colin Stalker and Master Police Officer Paul Joyce support the Sharks Tooth 10K at the Airport Festival Grounds March 7.
Right, Mayor Nick Pachota reads a passage during the 17 Annual Bible Readathon in Centennial Park March 17-21. th
Special Events and Mobility Coordinator
Darlene Culpepper leads the 7-mile Monthly City Bicycle Ride on March 12. The last ride of the season is 10 a.m. Thursday, April 9, meeting in the west parking lot of City Hall. Bring your bike and a helmet.
Left, City Public Information Officer Lorraine Anderson and Deputy PIO Brianne Lorenz presented a “Knowledge is Power” workshop on journalism, communications, social media and branding for the Venice Chamber’s Teen Leadership program March 10.
Below right, Venice Airport Director Nick Dumas participated in the Chamber’s “Real World Wednesday” series at Venice High School March 25, offering information on the airport and aviation careers.
Below left, City Building Department staff show off their green on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17: Paul Rakes, Bill Blair, Audrey Symowicz, Carlos Dennis, Building Official Derek Applegate, Gini Stebbins, Alicia Chapman, Tom Sims and Kim Back.
AROUND TOWN
VolunteerswithVeniceArea BeautificationInc.'sTeamKVB (KeepVeniceBeautiful)werehard atworkinMarchatServiceClub Park.Twenty-fourmembers,with assistancefromSarasotaCounty staff,hauledaway16truckloadsof overgrowthandweeds,alongwith abagoflitter.
Laterinthemonth,20KVBershit theVeniceAirportareaalong AirportAvenue.Theyprunedand clearedawaypalmovergrowthat theFlyingTrapezeAcademy,lifted thetreecanopy,andremoveddead branches,takingaway11 truckloadsofdebris.Theyalso collectedthreebagsoflitter.
TheCityofVeniceisgratefulfor thesewonderfulvolunteers tirelesslycuttingback,removing invasives,trimming,weeding, delitteringandreplantinginour publicspaces.Thankyouforallyou do! Photos: Team KVB
Last ride of the season is April 9!
To apply, visit https://www.sarasotacountyparks.com/i-wantto/support-parks/volunteer-opportunities