NEWS VENICE CITY E
VENICE CITY E
Council Members
New manager selected for Venice Community Center
The City of Venice is pleased to announce the selection of the Venice Institute for Performing Arts Management (VIPAM) to operate the City-owned Venice Community Center beginning Oct. 1, 2026.
The local nonprofit organization was selected through a competitive request for proposals and evaluation process to manage, maintain, market and schedule the facility on the City’s behalf. VIPAM’s proposal stood out for its strong focus on community use, expanded services for event organizers and plans to enhance the facility and overall guest experience.
The Venice City Council approved the management agreement with VIPAM on June 23, 2026 following a staff presentation. The agreement is valued at $280,000 annually, and has an initial term of five years, with two additional 24-month optional renewals.
ContactallCityCouncilmembersby emailingcitycouncil@venicefl.gov. CityCouncilmeetingsbeginat9a m , inCouncilChambersatCityHall, 401W.VeniceAve,orwatchonline.
The Venice Community Center, at 326 Nokomis Ave. S., has historically been operated by Sarasota County through the City-County Parks Interlocal Agreement, although the facility is owned by the City of Venice. When the current interlocal agreement expires Sept. 30, 2026, the City will resume responsibility for the Community Center and several other City-owned public spaces.
Citywide burn ban lifted
The recreational burn ban issued by Venice Fire Rescue, which prohibited unpermitted open burns within the City of Venice, has been lifted as of July 12.
The ban was lifted as the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) fell below 500 for seven consecutive days, reducing the wildfire threat in Sarasota County. This action mirrors the lift of the countywide burn ban on the same date by the Sarasota County Fire Department.
However, officials continue to urge extreme caution as the area continues to experience drought conditions, and a burn ban could be reinstated in the coming weeks due to deficient levels of rain in the forecast.
Initially enacted in the City in April, the ban automatically took effect when the KBDI for Sarasota County reached 500.
Venice Fire will continue to monitor conditions. Residents are reminded to take precautions to protect themselves from fire danger and follow local open burning ordinance rules and regulations as outlined by City ordinance.
New VCC manager continued
“The Venice Community Center has long been an important gathering place for our community,” said Assistant City Manager Roger Omenhiser. “With VIPAM’s demonstrated success over several years managing the Venice Performing Arts Center for Sarasota County Schools, the City is confident that this partnership will provide an outstanding entertainment and special events venue at a great value to the community.”
VIPAM will officially assume operations on Oct. 1. Transition work is currently underway, including contacting existing event organizers and individuals or organizations that have submitted reservation requests for dates after Sept. 30.
Reservation requests for events occurring on or after Oct. 1, 2026, may now be submitted through VIPAM's landing page at VeniceCommunityCenter.com, using the QR code below, or by contacting Director of Community Outreach Eli Jason at eli.jason@vipam.org or 941-218-3779, ext. 108.
Every effort will be made to accommodate events previously scheduled under Sarasota County’s management, provided there are no scheduling conflicts.
VIPAM’s management plan outlines a “one-stop shop” approach designed to simplify event planning by offering expanded services to event organizers including food and beverage, audio and lighting, and apprentice opportunities. It also proposed seasonal pricing options, partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations, facility enhancements and new strategies for bringing a wider range of activities and events to the center during off-peak use.
“We are honored to have been selected by the City of Venice to manage the Venice Community Center," said Michael Hartley, Co-Founder and President of the VIPAM Board. "Our organization has deep roots in this community, and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the City to ensure the Community Center reaches its fullest potential. Our vision is to create a welcoming destination for residents and organizations, a source of civic pride, and a vibrant venue for performing arts, cultural programming, community celebrations, meetings, and special events. We look forward to working alongside City leadership, community partners, and local organizations to build on the Center's legacy while creating new opportunities that enrich the lives of everyone in our community.”
During the transition, reservation policies, procedures, rental rates and available services will be reviewed and may be updated to support consistent operations and quality customer service. Additional information will be shared as those details are finalized.
The City appreciates the community’s patience throughout the transition and is committed to working with the Venice Institute for Performing Arts Center Management to make the process as smooth as possible for event organizers, community groups and facility users.
Independence Day Parade & Picnic draw thousands
To commemorate America’s 250 anniversary and Venice’s Centennial year, the community celebrated July 4 with a full day of patriotic festivities, featuring a morning parade attended by an estimated 8,000, community picnic with Venice MainStreet Inc., and evening fireworks display.
Intracoastal Second Force Main Project – August update
Project overview: The Utilities Intracoastal Second Force Main Project provides a redundant wastewater force main and gravity sewer improvements to help safely convey wastewater from Venice Island to the City’s mainland facilities. Previously, the City relied on a single wastewater force main beneath the Intracoastal Waterway, located south of the Venice Avenue Bridge, to convey all wastewater from the island to mainland Lift Station LS-07. From there, the wastewater is sent to the City’s Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) for ultimate treatment and disposal. Before this redundancy was constructed into the City’s sewer system, a major failure or maintenance issue on the existing force main would have interrupted or fully shutdown sewer service across Venice Island. Thus, this project has greatly improved the reliability and resiliency of the City’s sewer system during emergency situations and provides greater protection for local water quality.
Project schedule: In August, crews are scheduled to apply permanent pavement striping to all areas that were recently paved and begin installation of the proposed sewer extension across N. Seaboard Ave. to connect the three E. Venice Ave. properties that are currently septic systems to public sewer. All remaining work is now expected to be completed by the end of September 2026.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. Traffic pattern updates will be posted as necessary on the City 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.
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 is currently on break, with their next meeting set for Aug. 25.
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
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
July 14 Council Meeting Recap
The following actions were taken by Venice City Council at their July 14 regular meeting:
Recognitions: Police Chief Andy Leisenring performed a ceremonial swearing in of new Police Officer Mary Wood and Reserve Officer/ Police Training Manager Tim Short. City Manager James Clinch presented outgoing Utilities Director Javier Vargas with his 9-Year Service Award and Retirement Recognition. The Venice Area Historical Society presented a check donation to the Historical Resources Division and Certificate of Distinction to the City of Venice for its Centennial (see more info on pg. 10).
Consent Agenda: Items under the July 14 Consent Agenda were approved unanimously except No. 26-0683, Approve the Third Amendment to Restated Lease Agreement between the Airport and Skyport Holdings Venice, LLC, which was removed from Consent and then approved unanimously by Council
Public Hearings: Council approved 7-0 the purchase of a property at 234 Grove St. (Parcel ID No. 0408-08-0044) from Warfield Grove, LLC for a purchase price of $245,000
Ordinances, First Reading: Council took action on the following ordinances -
Ord. No. 2026-22 and Ord. 2026-23 approved 7-0
Ordinances, Final Reading: Council took action on the following ordinances -
Ord. No. 2026-07, Ord. No. 2026-20 and Ord. No. 2026-21 approved 7-0 and adopted
Resolutions: Council took action on the following resolutionRes. No. 2026-14, approved 7-0 and adopted
Other Council actions
Council voted 7-0 to direct the appropriate charter officer to engage the public with the new Seaboard technical plan as they see fit, pursue demolitions and marketability of the parcels, return to Council with proposed code and architectural standards for the Seaboard core, and to engage in preliminary discussions with West Coast Inland Navigation District regarding the marina and swing bridge Council voted 6-1 (Smith dissenting) to direct the appropriate charter officer to adopt the new VPD organizational chart and to pursue hiring two new officers to fill recommended traffic officer positions Council voted 7-0 to to direct the appropriate charter officer to pursue a staffing and fee assessment study for Fire Rescue out of public safety Council voted 5-2 (Boldt and Engelke dissenting) to set the dates for public hearings on millage and budget for 5:01 p.m. Sept. 8 and Sept. 22, 2026; set the preliminary operating millage rate at 3.8450 and the debt service millage rate at 0.3451 for Fiscal Year ending 2027
TURTLETRACKS
Keepingcountofourareaseaturtlenests!
VeniceNests:593
SarasotaCountyTotal:4,533 (asofJuly18)
MoteMarine’sSeaTurtlePatrolvolunteers survey35milesofbeachesfromLongboat KeytoVeniceeachdayofnestingseason, May1-Oct.31ontheGulfCoastofFlorida, documentingandstakingoffeachnest
Remembertostayawayfromseaturtle nestsmarkedwithyellowstakesandtape, andremainquietandobservefroma distanceifyouencounteranestingsea turtleorhatchlings.GetmoreSeaTurtle BestPracticeshere.
IfyouseelightsshiningonVenicebeaches duringnestingseason,contactVPDCode Enforcementat941-882-7549.
Ifyouseeasick,injuredorstrandedsea turtleinSarasotaCountywaters,contact MoteMarine’sStrandingInvestigations Programat888-345-2335.
Ifyoufindseaturtlehatchlingsthatarenot onthebeachorareheadedawayfromthe ocean,callFWC’shotlineat888-404-FWCC (3922).
Venice Museum announces new hours
StartingAug.3,theVeniceHistoryMuseum, locatedat351NassauSt.S.,willbe changingitsschedule.
ThemuseumwillbeopenWednesdays, Thursdays,andFridaysfrom10a.m.to4 p.m.FirstandthirdSaturdaysduring OctoberthroughAprilwillremain unchanged;onthosedaysthemuseumwill beopenfrom11a.m.to3p.m.
“Themuseumhashistoricallyoperatedon aMondaythroughWednesdayschedule,” saidHistoricalResourcesManagerHarry Klinkhamer “Butresearchdatashowsthat manyofourvisitorsareresidentsbringing out-of-townguests,andmostvisitorswho comeforanextendedweekendtendto starttheweekendearlyonaThursdayora FridayratherthanextendittoaMondayor Tuesday.”
Thenewschedulewillalsoavoidclosures duringseveralannualholidaysthatfallon Mondays.Visitthemuseumandexplorethe special"VeniceTurns100!"Centennial exhibitandotherseasonaldisplays
Onyourwayout,besuretovisitthenearby OldBetsyMuseumtoseetheCity’s1926 LaFrancefireengineondisplay.
Did
you know Venice had a Drag Racing club in the 1950s?
By Matt Perhac, Historical Resources Intern
KnownastheVagabonds,theCity’sdragracingclubwas activefrom1953to1960.Itsoriginstracetoafew studentsfromtheoriginalVenice-NokomisHighSchool whoworkedforlocalbusinessownerHerbHanchey, drivingdumptrucksandbuildingroadsinSouthVenice.
Afterfinishingworkaround10or11p.m.,theywould meetatagasstationandthenheadtotheVenice Airporttodragrace.PoliceChiefJohnShockey, recognizingthatmembersneededsomething constructivetodoinsteadofracingdownCenterRoad, allowedtheracesattheCity’sairport,providedtheCivil AeronauticsAdministration(CAA)permittedthem.The CAAdidsoin1958.TheNationalHotRodAssociation thensanctionedtheclub,lendingitgreatercredibilityin thecompetitiveracingworld.
Someracesdrewcrowdsof10,000spectators.The competitioncamefromotherclubsinthearea,suchas theSara-ManaRoadRebelsandtheFt.MyersRod Rattlers.
TheVagabondsalsoprovidedroadsideassistanceinthe area,acceptingnomoney.In1960,theCAAbanned airportracing,leadingtotheendoftheVagabonds.
Clockwise from left, a poster for a Vagabondsponsored drag race held at the Venice Airport in the late 1950s/ early 1960s; a branded license plate used by the Vagabonds; the Vagabonds in front of a gas station in 1959, with members including Brian Larson, Don Pattison, Bobby Rigby, Raleigh Veal, Bob Sherman, Dee Deaterly, Dickie Taylor, and Billy Albright; the Vagabonds drag racing at Venice Airport.
Here at the City of Venice, we’re currently hiring for:
Electrical Maintenance Technician (Public Works)
GIS Administrator (IT)
Heavy Equipment Operator (Public Works/Stormwater)
Heavy Equipment Operator (Public Works/Tree Crew)
Operations Supervisor - Wastewater (Utilities)
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.
Stay in the Know
Follow us on social media, register for emergency alerts, see photos from around town, find upcoming events, meetings, and more!
Floodplain Management Plan kick-off meeting set for
8/4
The City of Venice is beginning an update of its Floodplain Management Plan and invites residents, property owners, and businesses to share their experiences and concerns related to flooding. Your input can help strengthen Venice’s resilience to flooding and prepare for future challenges. This update will help identify flood risks, evaluate mitigation strategies, and identify mitigation projects.
The project kick-off meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 8:30 a.m. in Community Hall at Venice City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave.
For more information, contact Community Rating System Coordinator Christina Rimes at crimes@venicefl.gov
Follow the project status at https://tinyurl.com/4kdhcevw.
Applicants needed for CRS Committee vacancy
The City of Venice CRS (Community Rating System) Committee has one vacancy that needs to be filled.
The committee is tasked with implementing, monitoring, and evaluating floodplain management activities that exceed the National Flood Insurance Program requirements. The committee is also responsible for updating the City’s Floodplain Management Plan every 5 years, and for providing an annual report to City Council regarding the progress of the plan.
Committee members must meet certain criteria, and the City Engineer shall appoint all members and determine 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.
Your local information for how to prepare for, respond to and recover from a storm, setting realistic expectations for living in a low-lying coastal community. Includes emergency contacts, City department information, and a preparedness checklist! Knowwhentostayorwhentogo.
Alert Sarasota County can send alerts to users via landline phone, cell phone, text message, email, TDD/TTY, or a combination of these methods.
Building Department
permitting process expanded with app
The City Building Department has expanded its inspection process with the VuSpex GO app. Here is a quick breakdown of what you need to know:
Permits listed below will only be issued as VuSpex Offline Inspection
Reporting Permits (effective July 2026)
Expanded Inspections
The new offline reporting applies to:
Pool cages
HVAC change outs
Water heater change outs
Storm shutters
Water/sewer service
Soffit/siding replacement
VuSpex Benefits
Offline Functionality: Complete reports even with no internet at the site
Faster Results: Submit media directly for quicker turnaround
GPS Verified: Built-in verification for photos and videos
Easy Setup: Available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
For more information, call the Building Department at 941-882-7547.
Fire Rescue awarded Lifeline EMS Gold achievement award
Venice Fire Rescue has been awarded the American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold achievement award for its commitment to providing rapid, evidence-based care to people experiencing the most severe form of heart attacks and strokes, ultimately saving lives.
Heart attacks and strokes are serious, time-sensitive medical emergencies. Knowing the warning signs and understanding that symptoms may present differently in women and men can help save a life. If you suspect someone is experiencing a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately, emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin treatment when they arrive and are trained to provide resuscitation efforts for someone whose heart has stopped. People who arrive by ambulance may also receive faster treatment at the
hospital, up to an hour sooner than if someone goes to the hospital by car.
“This recognition speaks to the dedication, training and teamwork of our paramedics and EMTs. In heart attack and stroke emergencies, seconds truly matter,” said Venice Fire Rescue Assistant Chief of EMS Steven Lambright said. “Earning the Mission: Lifeline Gold demonstrates that our crews are delivering lifesaving care at the highest level and improving outcomes for the community we serve.”
The Mission: Lifeline EMS achievement award focuses on an agencies’ on-scene care, bringing to the forefront the collaboration and contributions to patient care for prehospital providers. To learn more about the signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke, visit heart.org.
Historical Society donates $5K for City newspaper digitalization project
Venice Area Historical Society President Bill Haberthur, with VAHS board members Jeana Hilligoss and Bethany Behrmann, presents a $5,000 donation to City Curator and Collections Manager Jon Watson and Historical Resources Manager Harry Klinkhamer during the July 14 Council meeting, to be used for the division's newspaper digitalization project. The money was raised during a silent auction of framed prints during the Together Through Time, Venice at 100 Chamber/City Dinner in January at the Venice Community Center. Bill also presented Mayor Nick Pachota and City Manager James Clinch with a certificate of distinction from VAHS recognizing the City on its 100th anniversary this year. Thank you for your partnership!
E-Bikes, E-Motos & Staying Safe in Venice
Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular throughout Venice, offering a convenient and enjoyable way to get around and experience our community. As their use grows, it’s important to understand the differences between e-bikes and other electric-powered vehicles, along with the rules that help keep everyone safe.
E-Bikes vs. E-Motos
E-bikes are designed to function like traditional bicycles, with operable pedals and limited motor assistance. They are permitted on roads, bike lanes, and most multi-use trails.
E-motos, such as electric dirt bikes or motorcycles, are more powerful and do not meet the legal definition of a bicycle. As a result, they are not allowed on sidewalks, bike paths, or shared-use trails and must follow motor vehicle laws.
The 3 Classes of E-Bikes
Florida law defines three classes of e-bikes:
Class 1: Pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph
Class 2: Throttle-powered, up to 20 mph
Class 3: Pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph (generally for roadway use) Anything exceeding these limits is not considered a bicycle under Florida law.
Florida Law Overview
E-bikes are classified as bicycles, not motor vehicles
No driver’s license, registration, or insurance is required
They may be used where traditional bicycles are allowed
Local regulations may apply
Helmet & Safety Requirements
Riders under 16 are required to wear a helmet
Helmet use is strongly encouraged for all riders
Safety on Roads & Trails
Venice’s roads and multi-use trails are shared spaces. To help keep everyone safe: Follow traffic laws and posted signage Stay alert and avoid distractions
Signal when passing others
Yield to pedestrians on shared paths
Use lights and reflective gear in low-light conditions
Ride at a safe and appropriate speed
Enjoy Venice Responsibly
E-bikes provide a great way to explore Venice. By understanding the rules and practicing safe riding habits, we can help ensure our roads and trails remain safe and enjoyable for all. See graphic on page 12
Archives & Research
Center closed for storage upgrades
TheJuliaCousinsLaningandDaleLaning Archives&ResearchCenterat224Milan Ave.W.inVeniceistemporarilyclosedfor facilityupgrades.
ThankstothephilanthropyofVenice HeritageInc.,membersraisedover$60,000 topurchasecompactshelvingforthe building.Compactshelvingislarge shelvingunitsonatracksothattheycan compactnexttoeachotherwhennotinuse, thusrelievingtheneedtohaveanaisle betweeneachshelvingunit.Thisshould increasethestoragespaceintheartifact storageroomby40%.
“Compactshelvingisessentialnotonlyfor preservingtheCity’sartifactsbutalsofor theiraccessibilityandorganization.No othersystemprovidesprotectionwhile significantlymaximizingthestoragespace wehaveforourcity’streasures,”saidJon Watson,CuratorandCollectionsManager.
“WearedeeplyappreciativeofVenice Heritagefortheireffortstohelppreserve theCity’shistoryforfuturegenerations.”
ClosedsinceJuly27,theArchives& ResearchCenterisscheduledtoreopen Aug.31.Duringthistime,Historical Resourceswillnotbeabletoscheduleany researchappointmentsandwillhave limitedcapabilitiestorespondtoresearch requests.
E-Bikes, E-Motos & Staying Safe in Venice continued
THE LATEST Fire Station 52 progress
Construction continues on the new Venice Fire Rescue Station 52 at 1545 E. Venice Ave., next to the Venice Police Department. These latest photos offer a behind-the-scenes look at the work happening inside the building as crews continue to bring the project to life. The new campus will house Fire Administration, Fire Operations, EMS, Fire Prevention, and provide dedicated space to support the City's Emergency Operations Center. Project completion is anticipated in early 2027, pending weather and construction schedules.
The Florida Freedom Tour, part of America's 250th anniversary celebration, rolled into town July 23 for a oneday stop at 351 S. Nassau St., next to the Venice History Museum and Old Betsy Museum. This free, traveling museum brings Florida's history to life through interactive exhibits housed inside two semi-trailers, tracing our state's story from its colonial beginnings to its remarkable growth in the 20th century. See more photos here
Looking for more to do?
Donate blood at City Hall Aug 5
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!
Back to School Youth Activity Fair – Sat , Aug 1
Wine Walk – Thurs , Aug 13
Women’s Sertoma Venice Got Talent – Thurs. Aug. 13
Incredible 6 Paddle Race – Sat., Aug. 22
Labor Day Weekend Craft Festival – Sat.-Sun., Sept. 5-6
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony – Fri., Sept. 11
Envirorace 5K – Sun., Sept. 13
Venice Beach Bash – Sat., Sept. 26
Sun Fiesta – Fri.-Sun., Oct. 16-18
Make a Difference Day – Sat., Oct. 24
SEASONAL REMINDERS
SEASONAL REMINDERS
