VENICE CITY E-NEWS VENICE CITY E-NEWS
Blue Santa efforts support 100 families, 340 kids
Thanks to the community’s incredible generosity, the Venice Police Department helped over 100 local families and 340 children this holiday season through its annual Blue Santa program, headed up by Master Police Officer Paul Joyce.
After facing the challenges of three hurricanes in 2024, our community’s needs were greater than ever — and you delivered! Together, we raised over $24,000 and collected hundreds of toys, books, puzzles, games, bicycles, and more for newborns, toddlers, children, and teens.
We are so grateful for your kindness in making this holiday season special for everyone. More photos, page 2
Mayor Nick Pachota Vice Mayor Jim Boldt
Joan Farrell Rachel Frank
Rick Howard Kevin Engelke
Ron Smith
THE LATEST - BLUE SANTA
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Stay in the Know
Charter Officers Important Phone Numbers
Centennial Celebration: Keystone events and insights from the winning logo designer
During the first Venice Centennial Community Meeting on Dec. 19, 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:
Follow us on social media, sign up for the City’s digital newsletter, register for emergency alerts, see upcoming events and meetings, and more!
City Hall: 941-486-2626
Code Enforcement: 941-882-7545
Non-emergency: 941-486-2444 Emergency: 911
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 project. Scan the QR code or use the link at right.
Apply now: https://forms.office.com/r/AZYgQ7AiMr
Q&A with Centennial logo design winner Stuart Bailey
What were your inspirations in creating the Centennial logo? I had a book on Venice history, “Venice in the 1920s,” and read about The Venice Company and Prentiss French, the original landscape architect who came here.
The Venice Company was the promotional/advertisement branch for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers’ real estate holdings in Venice from 1926-1928. Boom, there it was – the original Venice Company logo. When I saw that, I knew it was a done deal (see advertisement at left).
I thought, let’s represent the group who came here and founded the City – Prentiss French, the BLE, Bertha Palmer, the pioneers. I wanted to take the logo to the next level, so I dissected the parts of it. I said, what can I do to update the scroll circles in the original logo, and thought those would make nice waves. That made it personal for me as a surfer, but it also represents the beach. The palm tree was something for the out-of-state visitors. For an animal, I went with the pelican.
I had to do “Venice” bigger than the other elements as it is really what this is all about. Then, after I finished the logo I was told it was missing the dot on the i. So I incorporated our famous sun setting as the completion.
Out of nearly 30 designs submitted, Stuart’s logo earned over 540 unique votes and was adopted by City Council Oct. 22, 2024
Tell us a little about your background. I was born in Nantucket, Mass., and moved to Sarasota when I was 3. I grew up surfing and the Venice jetties was my favorite spot. After school I attended Ringling School of Art & Design (now Ringling College). I graduated with a degree in Illustration. I’ve been designing graphics for 25+ years and got my start in California working for Quiksilver, BodyGlove and Ocean Pacific surf brands. I did advertising in Miami and Fort Lauderdale for a long time, creating lots of outdoor billboard campaigns while subcontracting projects for Music Television, Star Trek, and Sony’s Columbia records.
Why did you decide to participate in the City of Venice Centennial logo contest, and what does it mean to be the winner? I love Venice and wanted to make something that represented the area, both for those who live here and those who don’t. I wanted the logo to be inviting for new tourists since that is what drives our economy. The other was obviously to showcase the 100 years. I was thrilled [to win] and it means a lot. I work in my Venice studio and always want to support the City. I’m glad Venice saw my vision and accepted it.
What type of services do you provide at your business? I co-partnered four years ago here in Venice with Andres Sign shop and helped co-created KOWORX, a co-working space which is now in two locations on Venice island and is growing. My graphics trade name is Stuart Bailey Designs, or Stu-Art. My new office at the Pattison Building at 260 Miami Ave. is a fullservice graphics and media agency, offering logos, branding, websites and web hosting, signage, apparel brands, and large format including wraps for vehicles, aviation and marine. My new company launching in January is SarasotaDesigns.com. I do and will be focused on startup branding and ad campaigns for local business owners.
Recreational burn ban in effect
On Dec. 30, Venice Fire Rescue Chief Frank Giddens issued a citywide recreational burn ban due to dry weather conditions that significantly increase wildfire risk.
Unless a permit has been issued by the Florida Forest Service, all outdoor burning is prohibited. This includes the use of fire pits, cooking pits, bonfires, campfires, and the burning of yard debris.
Outdoor cooking with approved gas or charcoal grills is allowed; however, extreme caution is strongly urged. Never leave grills unattended, and ensure coals are completely cooled before disposal.
In the event of a brush or wildfire, call 911 immediately. Residents in affected areas should follow directions from authorities, which may include localized evacuations.
This burn ban mirrors a countywide ban issued recently by the Sarasota County Fire Department. A notice will be issued when the ban has been lifted. Stay vigilant and prioritize safety during these dry conditions.
Utilities introduces ‘Eye on Water’ portal for customers
The Venice Utilities Department is pleased to introduce Eye on Water, the new portal for City Utilities customers.
After signing up via phone or personal computer, customers will have access to their water consumption history and be able to set up leak notifications. Customers can watch the simple how-to video below that walks them through the sign-up process and how to set up leak alerts.
The Utilities Department will be holding a community meeting at City Hall in the near future to assist customers with signing up and answering questions; details to come. Sign up at: eyeonwater.com. View an instructional video at: youtube.com/watch? v=I_7L6fnDi_I.
Construction Update: ‘Old Betsy’ Display Museum
Exciting progress at the future site of the “Old Betsy” Display Museum at 343 Nassau St. across from the Venice Museum & Archives.
The walls are officially going vertical, bringing the City one step closer to showcasing Venice's historic 1926 American LaFrance fire engine in its new home.
With its wall of windows and covered seating area, the display museum will honor this iconic piece of Venice's history while creating a welcoming space for the community.
The Venice Museum at 351 Nassau St. S. is open regular hours during construction, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Ground was broken for the Old Betsy Display Museum on Nov. 7 and will take an estimated six months to complete.
Earl Midlam (pictured at left), the main caretaker of Old Betsy, along with his wife Karen, initiated a campaign to build the small museum on the Cultural Campus across from the Triangle Inn/Venice Museum.
The fire pumper served the Venice community for many decades before being retired and driven by Earl, a former City Council Member and firefighter, in local parades. It is currently housed in a warehouse off East Venice Avenue in the Seaboard district.
City Engineer
Building Inspector
Firefighter/EMT
Firefighter/Paramedic
Fleet & Facilities Manager
Parks Crew Leader
Solid Waste Equipment
Operator
Utilities Operations Technician
Utilities Instrument Control Specialist/Technician
More opportunities await!
The City of Venice participates in the Florida Retirement System and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, wellness programs, mental health resources, accrued sick and vacation time, on-the-job training, tuition reimbursement, advancement opportunities, and more.
The City of Venice is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace
In the December edition of the International City/County Management Association’s magazine, Public Management, Venice City Manager Ed Lavallee talks about the critical value of human resource management.
Check it out starting on page 42: https://bit.ly/4iOyGkR
Over 600 attend annual Santa Firehouse Pancake
Breakfast
Everyone had so much fun at the Fourth Annual Santa Firehouse Pancake Breakfast Dec. 14 at Station 51 near City Hall.
Thank you to over 600 parents and children who came out to enjoy pancakes and sausage; a visit with Santa Claus, the Grinch, Olaf and Elsa; a bake sale; toys for kids; and exploring the firetrucks and other vehicles and equipment.
The free event was sponsored by Sarasota Memorial-Venice, Armstrong Land Services, Dig Life Performance, Twenty1 Coffee Company, PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital and Paul Davis Restoration.
Venice Fire Rescue donates $2,800 to prostate cancer research
In its second year, the Venice Fire Rescue “Grow a Mo, Save a Bro” Movember fundraiser yielded donations totaling more than $2,800, which will be donated to the University of Florida Prostate Cancer Research Foundation.
Men’s health is incredibly important, especially since firefighters face a higher risk of cancer compared to the general population. The money was raised through Movember T-shirt sales and bids from the “Bid on a Bro” fundraiser event held Dec. 6 at 3 Bridges Brewing.
Thank you for everyone's generosity this giving season. Your support makes a significant difference!
Venice Police, Fire Rescue share the loss of Charlotte County Sheriff’s Sgt. Elio Diaz
On Dec. 17, Venice Police Department and Venice Fire Rescue supported the motorcade to Farley Funeral Home in Venice for Charlotte County Sheriff's Sgt. Elio Diaz, slain in the line of duty Dec. 15 during a traffic stop at a Charlotte Harbor gas station near Sunseeker Resort.
Diaz had discovered that the shooter, Andrew Mostyn, was driving without insurance and had a suspended license. Diaz attempted to assist Mostyn, who was living out of his truck with his dog.
After an hour trying to work with Mostyn’s insurance, Mostyn approached Diaz and fatally shot him with a rifle. The suspect and his pickup were located at a Popeye’s on Kings Highway near I-75. As deputies approached Mostyn’s truck, they say he reached for his rifle, and a deputy opened fire, killing him.
Diaz, who had been a CCSO corporal, was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant. He is survived by his wife and four children.
Said Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell, "Elio was a friend, a good family man. He loved his children. And he was a really great cop. He's going to be missed." The service for Sgt. Diaz was held on Dec. 20 and can be watched here. A GoFundMe page has been set up for his family.
#2962
Thank you to all our local photographers who made the 2025 City of Venice Calendar beautiful!
UPDATES & ACTIONS
Dec. 10 City Council Meeting Recap
Venice City Council took the following actions at their Dec. 10 meeting:
Approved on Consent Agenda:
Engineering: Execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 19ST4
Between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the City of Venice to Extend the Beach Renourishment Funding Agreement to Dec. 31, 2026.
Finance: Authorize the Mayor to Execute the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Hurricane Helene Agreement Z4422 and Hurricane Milton Agreement Z4436.
Police: Grant Agreement Between Sarasota County and the City of Venice for the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) Waterway
Watch the complete Dec. 10 meeting here. Venice City Council is currently meeting in Community Hall Room 165. Council meeting minutes and recordings are typically available within 48 hours of each meeting date.
Development Program Project Agreement for the Police Public Safety Dive Team, Project No. S-448, not to Exceed $138,800.
Grant Agreement Between Sarasota County and the City of Venice for the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) Waterway Development Program Project Agreement for the Police Marine Patrol, Project No. S-483, not to Exceed $149,730.
Approved 7-0: Appointment of Capt. Andy Leisenring as Police Chief.
Approved 7-0 on Final Reading: Ordinance 2024-28 Amending City of Venice Ordinance No. 2024-25, Which Adopted the Official Budget of the City of Venice, Florida for the Fiscal Year Beginning Oct. 1, 2024, and Ending Sept. 30, 2025; by Increasing the Total Revenue by $8,350,500 and Total Expenditures by $8,350,500.
Approved 7-0: Resolution 2024-26 of the City of Venice, Authorizing the Venice City Council to Participate in a Joint Meeting with Sarasota County, the Cities of North Port and Sarasota, the Town of Longboat Key and the Sarasota County School Board to Receive, Discuss and Act Upon Matters of Mutual Interest.
Resolution 2024-27 of the City of Venice, Approving Amendment No. 2 to the Public Transportation Grant Agreement for Project Number 452977-1-94-01 by and Between the State of Florida Department of Transportation and the City of Venice for the Venice Municipal Airport Master Plan Update; and Authorizing Appropriate City Officials to Execute it.
Resolution 2024-29 of the City Council of the City of Venice, Authorizing City Council Members to Serve as Liaisons to Designated Boards, Commissions and Committees; Superseding Resolution No. 2014-24 and all Other Policies in Conflict Herewith.
UPDATES & ACTIONS
Council Chambers renovation progress
Due to the renovation of Council Chambers at City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave., all City meetings have been relocated to Community Hall Room 165. The project involves important audio video technology upgrades, a new Council dais, security enhancements, an improved hearing loop, and all new audience seating and carpeting. Project progress is pictured at right on Jan. 2. The renovation is expected to be complete by late spring.
There is limited seating capacity in Community Hall, so residents who are not speaking, or presenting a case, are encouraged to view meetings online either during live streaming during the meeting, or by video viewing from the meeting calendar afterward. As always, anyone wishing to speak in-person will be accommodated during this temporary relocation.
To watch a meeting online during live streaming, use this link to the City of Venice Meeting Calendar: https://venice.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. Click on “In Progress” to the far right of the City meeting on this date.
Dec. 10 City Council Meeting Recap continued
Approved 6-1 (Council Member Farrell dissenting): The initial project concept for the rezoning of the Venice Bay Mobile Home Park area, and authorize staff to proceed with the City-initiated rezone work.
Approved 5-2 (Council Members Farrell and Smith dissenting): Direct the appropriate Charter Officer to propose a charter amendment that would provide for an annual election of the Vice Mayor for the next regularly scheduled election in 2026.
Approved 7-0: The 2025 meeting schedule, with the removal of the March 25, 2025, City Council meeting.
At Your Service
The following residents have been reappointed to City advisory boards:
Deborah Kelly, reappointed to the Citizen Tax Oversight Committee, to serve a term from Dec. 1, 2024, to Nov. 30, 2028.
Aundria Castleberry, reappointed to the Venice Housing Authority to serve a term from Dec. 1, 2024, to Nov. 30, 2028.
Lorna Hunter, reappointed to the Venice Housing Authority to serve a term from Dec. 1, 2024, to Nov. 30, 2028.
Venice Fire Rescue welcomes new Firefighter/Paramedics
During the Dec 10 City Council Meeting, VFR Firefighter/Paramedics Mackenzie Dunlap, Ryan Perez and Christopher Thall were sworn in by Deputy City Clerk Mercedes Barcia, as Mayor Nick Pachota assisted.
Firefighter/Paramedic Lopez sworn in
Deputy City Clerk Barcia swears in new VFR Firefighter/Paramedic Alejandro Lopez during the Dec. 10 Council meeting, as Mayor Pachota assists.
Deputy City Clerk Barcia swears in new VFR Firefighter/Paramedic Christine Grundner during the Dec 10 Council meeting, as Mayor Pachota assists Firefighter/Paramedic Grundner sworn in
Venice Fire Rescue welcomes new Firefighter/EMTs
VFR Firefighter/EMTs Victor Snyder and Ryan Burns were sworn in Dec 10 by Deputy City Clerk Barcia, as Mayor Pachota assisted
UPDATES AND ACTIONS
Tarpon Center Dr. Resiliency Project underway
Construction of the Tarpon Center Dr. Resiliency Project in Venice got underway Jan. 6. This project features replacement of the existing seawall at the intersection of Tarpon Center Drive and The Esplanade N. along approximately 400 feet on Tarpon Center Dr., and installation of hurricanerated glass flood protection barriers on top of the seawall. The project also includes underground utilities replacement and installation of a living shoreline along the seawall. Reef balls will be installed to enhance the shoreline habitat. The project will be substantially completed within six months.
During construction, traffic detours, street transit changes, and sidewalk closures will occur. Every effort will be made to minimize impacts to the traveling public and property owners during construction; however, shortterm road interruptions will occur. Your patience is appreciated as this project is completed.
The map at right shows the project location, with the scope of the project pictured below.
Hurricane Recovery Resources
A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) operated by FEMA is available at the Venice Community Center until Jan. 10. Located at 326 Nokomis Ave S., the DRC is operating 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Meet with representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration to get assistance with your disaster recovery application, dispute a denial, or learn about other recovery options and resources.
The U.S. Small Business Administration has resumed funding for those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. On Dec. 21, President Biden signed the American Relief Act 2025 into law, providing funding for the SBA's Disaster Loan Program. With this funding, which required Congressional approval, the SBA can resume processing urgently needed financial relief.
SBA’s Disaster Loan Program offers direct, low-interest, long-term loans to assist survivors of federally declared disasters with recovering and rebuilding.
On Oct. 15, the program had exhausted its funding, preventing the SBA from issuing new loan offers. Despite the funding lapse, the SBA continued to accept and process disaster loan applications, queuing approved applications for funding once additional resources became available. Now, the SBA has received $2 billion to resume issuing disaster loans,
Applications continue to remain open for recently declared disasters and the SBA encourages those impacted to learn more about what is available in their community. Apply for disaster loans at lending.sba.gov.
Retroactive to Sept. 27, 2024, the City Building Department is waiving the application fee for certain permits issued for storm-related damage, including roof repairs, reroofing, electrical repairs, single door and single window replacement, and other minor work permits. In addition, inspection fees for permits described herein will also be waived. The waiver is intended to facilitate repair and reconstruction of hurricane-damaged structures and will be in effect for applications filed through Jan. 31, 2025. Read the executive order signed by City Manager Ed Lavallee granting this temporary waiver here. This executive order does not modify the process to acquire a permit for storm-related damage.
The City's contracted debris hauler, Crowder Gulf, mobilized double loaders on Oct. 16, 2024, to begin vegetative and construction and demolition (C&D) debris collection from the public right-of-way from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Debris haulers operated from sunrise to sunset seven days a week to collect residential and commercial debris. Haul-out operations were completed on Dec. 19. A cumulative total of 106,930 cubic yards of vegetative and C&D debris were removed from City limits.
A virtual neighborhood workshop will be held at 5 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 9 via Teams video conferencing to discuss the construction of the new terminal building at Venice Municipal Airport, 150 Airport Ave. E. This is not a public hearing. The purpose of this neighborhood workshop is to inform neighboring residents of the nature of the development proposal, to receive comments, and to respond to questions.
All interested persons are invited to participate and be heard remotely online, using the link below Jan. 9:
Join Teams Meeting: Workshop - VNC Terminal
Meeting ID: 223 112 214 019
Passcode: CK9Jt66z
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
The Women’s Sertoma Sun Fiesta, canceled in October 2024 due to Hurricanes Milton and Helene, has been rescheduled for Friday through Sunday, Jan. 10, 11 and 12 in Centennial Park in Downtown Venice. See a full schedule of events at right.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
On Friday, Jan. 17, Venice will recognize Florida Arbor Day at West Blalock Park from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a walking tour of the Monty Andrews Arboretum at 10 a.m. and a tree giveaway.
There will also be a planting demonstration at 9:30 a.m.; information on rain barrels, invasive plants, composting and butterfly gardens; a tree scavenger hunt; and a Q&A with City Arborist Jim Yelverton and a Myakka River District County Forester, Florida Forest Service.
There is no charge; all are welcome.
West Blalock Park is located at 401 Pensacola Rd. at Nassau St., across from the Venice Museum.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
The 2025 Florida Greenways & Trails Summit and 10th anniversary celebration of the Florida SUN Trail Program will be taking place Feb. 5-6 at the Venice Community Center. The summit will include an inspiring lineup of trail experts; informative presentations on trail policy, planning, and implementation; and an incredible opportunity to meet people from around the state who share an interest in the evolution of the state’s greenways and trails network. Get more information here and see the full agenda for the summit here.
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!
Women’s Sertoma Sun Fiesta, Friday-Sunday, Jan. 10-12
Florida Arbor Day, Friday, Jan. 17
Venice-Nokomis Rotary Fine Arts & Crafts Festival, Saturday and Sunday, Jan 18-19
Martin Luther King Jr Day - Monday, Jan 20 (City Hall closed)
Downtown Venice Craft Festival - Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 25-26
Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 17 (City Hall closed) Italian Feast & Carnival - Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 20-23
FROM THE MUSEUM
Take the museum-goers survey!
The Venice Museum wants to know how we can support and engage you in 2025 and beyond. Will you please share your thoughts by taking our survey?
Staff at the Venice Museum care deeply about making the history we share with you, our community, and our visitors, meaningful.
But we need your help. We want to better understand visitors' different needs and values so we can best serve you. Museums (like ours!) strive to encourage and expand learning while also addressing the challenges facing our society, and we need to hear your thoughts. To do this, we are participating in a national survey of museum-goers, sponsored by the American Alliance of Museums. This survey will provide us with data from our visitors, as well as from visitors to museums nationwide, helping us be more effective in the coming months and in the communities we serve.
The survey only takes about 9 minutes to complete, but in those 9 minutes you will help the museum team make better decisions for our future. And as a thank you there will be an opportunity for you to win one of ten $100 Visa gift cards! Simply go to https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8056406/venice to get started.
Note: Participation in this survey is voluntary and no questions are required. All responses to the survey will be kept confidential. Your response will not be used for any future solicitation. Participant information can be found here. If you have any issues with the survey itself, please contact the survey administrator, Jessica Strube, at jessica@wilkeningconsulting.com. Thank you in advance for your time and thoughts! – Provided by Historical Resources Manager Harry Klinkhamer
New content added to Venice Museum & Archives Collections website
Venice’s Division of Historical Resources recently added over 10,000 new items to its online collection website at venicefl.pastperfectonline.com. This brings the total items accessible online to 17,199!
All items are searchable by keyword and available for research through an appointment at the Julia Cousins Laning and Dale Laning Archives & Research Center at 224 Milan Ave.
If interested, please contact Curator and Collections Manager Jon Watson at jwatson@venicefl.gov or 941-882-7229.
Explore Venice history: Seasonal tours kick off this month
Discover new stories and new places about Venice history with four Venice Museum-sponsored tours running through April. Tour offerings have been expanded to provide more opportunities to learn about Venice. Each tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and is priced at $25 with no additional fees. Tours include:
Original Venice Architecture & History Walking Tour – Now in its 23rd year, architectural historian Sebastian Liseo takes you on a journey through Venice’s Northern Italian architectural style and the early development of the city.
Venezia Park Historic District Walking Tour – See a fine example of a neighborhood designed by famed planner John Nolen. Here you can appreciate the balance between parks and beautiful buildings that makes this such a desirable district.
Pedal Back to the Future Bicycle Tour – Exercise your heart and your curiosity on this bicycle tour that focuses on the postDepression history of Venice. Could residents of the 1930s have ever imagined this future for our city?
Edgewood Historic District Walking Tour – Get off the island and learn about the hidden gem that is Edgewood. Here you will find charming homes filled with interesting stories of people who kept the city going.
Registration closes 24 hours prior to the tour. Register via email at VeniceMuseum@venicefl.gov, call 941-486-2487, or visit the museum at 351 Nassau St. S. Provide the name and date of the tour, each participant’s name, and one email address per group. Registration confirmation will be sent via email. Register early, as space is limited.
Exact cash is appreciated and payable day of tour. A portion of the proceeds helps support the Venice Museum. To learn more, visit venicemuseum.org.
This lovely home is in the Venezia Park Historic District on the island of Venice. It was built in 1926-27 as part of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers’ development of the city. Fast-forward to 1997 when it was one of the homes featured in the Venice Area Garden Club tour. Today as you walk by, the soothing sounds of water draw your eye to the multi-tiered fountain tucked among lush tropical foliage. This structure is significant architecturally as a representation of the Mediterranean Revival Style, the official design theme for the planned city.
– Provided by Rhonda Rogers, Historical Resources
Above left, the Venezia Park Historic District home, newly built in 192627. Below, note the semi-private patio, an addition to the front of the home, in this image circa 1985 At left, the residence in January 2025
KEEPING VENICE BEAUTIFUL
The City of Venice is grateful for volunteers with Team KVB (Keep Venice Beautiful) tirelessly trimming, weeding, delittering and replanting in our public spaces.
Members’ recent efforts in the City include:
On Dec. 5, 26 KVBers cleaned around the Venice Area Beautification Inc. (VABI) headquarters and beyond Fifteen truckloads of storm debris were removed, as well as numerous pieces of docking, fencing, two ceiling fans, and a sofa. Bushes and palms were trimmed, the playground was cleaned up and trees were staked and watered. Additionally, the Venetian Waterway Park trail in the area was cut back.
On Dec. 12, 27 members made improvements to Granada Green, removing 14 truckloads of tree limbs and branches. Bamboo was cleaned out and cleared, and the group cut, weeded and raked their way through the pocket park in a little over an hour.
Thank you to these amazing volunteers for all your hard work to keep Venice beautiful!
Photos: Team KVB
SEASONAL REMINDERS
Ready to get rid of your tree?
Follow these simple steps for disposal:
Remove all ornaments, tinsel, garlands, and decorations.
Take off all light strands, even if a strand is broken or missing bulbs. Cut the tree into 4-foot sections.
Place the sections at the curb on your regular collection day for yard waste pickup.
Keeping your tree up? Remember these safety tips:
Keep your tree watered to reduce fire risk.
Never leave the lights on when leaving the house or going to sleep.
Keep gift wrapping, papers, curtains, and other flammable objects away from the tree.
When the needles start to fall, it’s time to think about disposal!
‘Tis the season to be recycling!
Got extra cardboard piling up from all those holiday deliveries? We’ve got you covered! To help keep your waste-free, we’ve placed cardboard-only dumpsters at 4 convenient locations around the City:
Wellfield Park, 1300 Ridgewood Ave. (available year-round)
Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave. .S, enter off Milan Ave. (available year-round)
Venice Fire Rescue Station 53, 5300 E. Laurel Rd. (available through 1/8)
City property near 219 Seaboard Ave. (available through 1/8)
Whether it’s from Amazon, UPS, FedEx, or all that post-holiday unboxing, let’s keep the spirit of the season green! Please remember to break down your cardboard before placing it in the dumpsters.
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.
Sign up for Alert Sarasota County notifications
Sarasota County’s mass notification system, Alert Sarasota County, is hosted by Everbridge as part of a partnership with the state of Florida and the cities of Venice, Sarasota, North Port and the Town of Longboat Key Alert Sarasota County, which replaced the CodeRED notification system, is used to communicate public health and safety topics affecting residents.
Available alerts in the City of Venice include severe weather such as hurricanes and tropical storms, police and fire incidents, temporary road closures and construction, hazardous spills, water outages and boil water notices, flooding, power outages and red tide. Hurricane season runs from June 1-Nov. 30 in Florida. Users can choose the types of alerts and how to receive them when registering their new account These options can be changed at any time Users can sign up for alerts by registering with their home address. County and municipality alerts can differ. Visit alertsarasotacounty.com or scan the QR code at right to register.
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City Manager Ed Lavallee, Finance Director Linda Senne, Utilities Director Javier Vargas, IT Director Roger Navarro, Mayor Nick Pachota and Assistant City Manager James Clinch were part of a group that toured Orange County Utilities’ floating solar array on Dec. 4. The array, the largest in the Southeast, is comp els on 2 acres of a 3.6-acre pond that provides 1.2 million watts of power (25% of power usage) y This offsets the plant’s power cost by $137,000 annually The COV is researching the feasibilit
Participants in the Monthly City Bicycle Ride on Dec 12, led by Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinator Darlene Culpepper. The next ride will be at 10 a m Jan 9 Bring your bicycle and a helmet, and meet in the west parking lot of City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave Darlene will hold a safety briefing prior to the ride. RSVP by emailing dculpepper@venicefl.gov.
Mayor Pachota dutifully pays a parking ticket he recently received near City Hall, with Customer Service Specialist Kendra Arce at the Cashier's Office taking his funds
At left, Fire Rescue, VPD and Public Works crews respond to a fuel spill at the Public Works Solid Waste and Fleet facility at 221 Seaboard Ave. on Dec. 17. Both lanes of the 200 block of Seaboard were temporarily closed and the City building was evacuated. Sarasota County Hazmat also responded
Below left, VPD Sgt. Sean Hammett escorted 100 third-graders from Venice Elementary to Venice Theatre to see a performance of “A Christmas Carol” on Dec 18
Below center and below right, the Venice Lions Club served a first responder appreciation lunch to VPD and VFR in mid-December, with VPD Capt Eric Hill and K-9 Officer Erin Skaggs pictured here
AROUND TOWN
The annual Venice Christmas Boat Parade was a floating success on Dec. 7, with more than 25 magical lighted vessels. A huge thank you to those who volunteered their time, boats, and decorations for this wonderful event, and congrats to Seaduction, who won the 2024 Viewers Choice Award with their giant inflatable Santa craft at right.
Left, the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America hosted a Ukrainian Christmas Festival on Dec. 7 in Centennial Park with traditional songs, dances and dress. Photos provided
AROUND TOWN
At top left, Venice Fire Rescue and Public Works respond to a mobile shredder that caught fire on Dec. 26. No injuries were reported The culprit was likely a battery that wasn’t disposed of properly.
Center left, VFR and VPD respond to a commercial fire at Bird Bay Plaza on Dec. 5. The fire started at Angel Nails salon; the cause of the blaze is still under investigation. No one was hurt.
Below left, the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce Teen Leadership Class stopped by the fire department Dec 11 for a hands-on demonstration of what it takes to be a firefighter.
At top right, thank you to the wonderful ladies with the Venice Area Garden Club who decorated the City Hall Christmas tree on Dec 2 with assistance from Kevin Lashaway with Public Works, at right
Congratulations to new Venice Police Chief Andy Leisenring, pictured at left, who will be formally sworn in at the Jan. 14 City Council meeting. Former chief Charlie Thorpe retired Jan. 3. Council members approved Leisenring's appointment by unanimous vote during their Dec. 10 meeting. He has been with the department since 2007 after starting his law enforcement career in Michigan “The transition to Police Chief has been smooth, thanks to the hard work of the VPD team,” Leisenring said “Despite the numerous audits and updates required during a leadership change, the team completes tasks proactively. We are taking a measured approach to operational updates, always keeping our mission to ‘provide exceptional public safety services and protection for our citizens and community’ at the forefront ”
At left, Santa had a little help getting to Epiphany Cathedral School for a visit Dec. 13 from VFR Lt. Hunter Snyder, Firefighter/EMT Cameron Daniels, and FF/Paramedics Jason Esquijarosa and Ryan Perez.
At right, Venice Presbyterian Community Foundation board members presented a check Dec 6 to the VPD Community Outreach Team for their homeless outreach program.
Above, Venice IT Help Desk Technician Anthony Garofalo, far left in photo, stars in Venice Theatre’s upcoming production of “Don’t Touch That Dial,” which premieres on Jan. 17. Get tickets for this nostalgic tribute to golden oldie TV show melodies set in a game show format here Break a leg Anthony!
AROUND TOWN
At left, Venice police officers get ready to enjoy a meal from Angelo’s Italian Market & Restaurant on Dec 25, donated to the department from the Jewish Congregation of Venice men’s club for the holiday.
At right, Austin Fargo, Adrian Rivera, Derek Self, Kevin Freeman, Shawn Martin, Jason Aills and Dustin Little with Utilities work a 10-inch water main repair Dec. 23.
At left, the Venice Lions Club donated over 200 teddy bears and stuffed toys to VPD recently.
At right, VPD officers test for the Marine Patrol alternate position.
AROUND TOWN
City Manager Ed Lavallee and staff surprised fourthgrader Felicity Miller at Venice Elementary School on Dec. 16 to announce that she won the 2024 City of Venice Holiday Card Contest. Felicity’s winning design featured Santa on the beach with the sentiment, "Deck the Palms ” Felicity's mom Amanda
was also on hand to congratulate her, and the young artist showed off her card on the school's morning news program.
Felicity's name will be inscribed on a perpetual plaque of annual card winners displayed at Venice Elementary.
The COV Holiday Card is given to all City employees and sent to City partners. Felicity also received copies of the card to give to family and friends. Way to go!
Over 1,000 people came together to celebrate the Chabad of Venice & North Port’s Grand Chanukah Festival Dec 29 in Centennial Park The event included the lighting of a 16-foot menorah, a 20-foot interactive dreidel house, Klezmer Band, and a Hebrew School performance. VFR dropped hundreds of chocolate gelt coins from the ladder truck for children. Mayor Nick Pachota recognized the week as “Chabad Week” with a proclamation, below left with Rabbi Sholom Schmerling; and new VPD Chief Andy Leisenring and retiring Chief Charlie Thorpe, below right, also participated.
Above,
Applications sought for Citizen Advisory Board (CAB) vacancies
Want to get more involved in the community? Volunteering on a City of Venice advisory board is an excellent way to do so
The City currently has two expiring terms for the Citizens Advisory Board (CAB). This board meets bimonthly the third Wednesday of the month at 2 p m at City Hall, 401 W Venice Ave.
CAB members make advisory recommendations regarding specific topics of interest as determined and requested by the City Council. The board may be directed by City Council to research specific topics to provide information to Council; provide feedback on programs to preserve and enhance quality of life in Venice; assist Council with promoting or educating the public on matters of importance; or other special activities in keeping with Council’s adopted Strategic Plan Members serve a three-year term At least seven members shall be City of Venice residents or the owners of real property located within the City. Members should represent a broad cross-section of the City and have an interest in the overall betterment of the community Applicants with experience or backgrounds in environmental policy, education, parks and recreation, art, cultural policy, or related fields will be prioritized.
More information on this board and requirements to serve, as well as an application, can be found here. You can also contact Amanda Hawkins-Brown in the City Clerk’s Office at ahbrown@venicefl gov or 941-882-7391
Deadline for applications is Tuesday, Jan. 21.
All past applicants will need to apply again for consideration If you are selected to serve on a City board, you will be required to comply with the state public records, sunshine laws, and financial disclosure requirements
Next ride is Thursday, Jan. 9!
