June 2025 Citizen Newsletter

JUNE 2025

VENICE CITY E-NEWS A DIGITAL PUBLICATION FOR RESIDENTS & VISITORS OF YOUR CITY ON THE GULF

City Council Members

Mayor Nick Pachota

Vice Mayor Jim Boldt

Rick Howard

Rachel Frank

Ron Smith

Kevin Engelke

Lloyd Weed sworn in to City Council Seat 1

Upcoming Council Meeting Dates: June 10 June 24 Lloyd Weed

As his wife Dianne, daughters and extended family look on, new Venice City Council Member Lloyd Weed is ceremonially sworn in to Seat 1 on May 27 by City Clerk Kelly Michaels, with an assist from Mayor Nick Pachota.

Contact City Council members by emailing citycouncil@venicefl.gov

Subscribe to the City Newsletter by emailing Venice Public Information Officer Lorraine Anderson at landerson@venicefl.gov

THE LATEST

Lloyd Weed is newest member of City Council Lloyd Weed was selected by City Council to fill the Seat 1 post in a unanimous vote May 13, following the resignation of Joan Farrell in April.

A Venice resident for over 54 years, Weed served as Chair of the Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) for the past year. He is a graduate of both Venice High School, class of 1976, and the University of South Florida. He has been a Florida Certified Public Accountant for over 45 years and has been an active member of both the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants during that tenure.

Above, as his wife Dianne holds the Bible, Lloyd Weed is officially sworn in to City Council Seat 1 on May 13 by City Clerk Kelly Michaels as Mayor Nick Pachota looks on in Michaels’ office. At left, Weed thanks Council and the community May 27 for their support.

Below, Weed, at far left, takes his seat on the Council dais May 27.

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Weed has been employed as CPA/Chief Financial Officer for Southern Spring and Stamping Inc., a locally owned manufacturing company, for 45 years, and has been very active with local nonprofit organizations. Weed and his wife Dianne are one of the founding families of Venice Christian School, where he served for over 15 years as a board member and treasurer. He served as a board member and treasurer for 15 years with Pregnancy Solutions Inc. and co-founded and currently serves as a board member and treasurer for The Twig Cares Inc., a nonprofit that serves local foster families. He is a long-time member of the local Sertoma Club and a member of The Bridge Church.

Lloyd and Dianne were high school sweethearts and have been married for 46 years. They have four daughters and eight grandchildren. In his free time, Weed enjoys skiing, sailboat racing, and traveling with his family.

VENICE CITY E-NEWS

June 2025

Download the City of Venice 2025 Hurricane Guide 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!

Scan the QR code below to get your copy.

THE LATEST

Hurricane season starts June 1 - Are you prepared?

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Now is the time to be prepared for an active storm season!

On May 22, NOAA predicted a likely range of 13-19 named storms, of which 6-10 could become hurricanes, including 3-5 major hurricanes. Forecasters provided these ranges with 70% confidence.

Plan to attend the 2025 Venice Home & Hurricane Expo, set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday, May 30 at the Venice Community Center.

The City of Venice is once again partnering Hurricane Helene barrels toward Florida in September 2024 in this with the Venice Gondolier to hold this expo satellite image from NOAA. as a public service prior to hurricane season. Admission is free. If you are new to the area, this Expo should not be missed!

Alert Sarasota County can send alert notifications to users via landline phone, cell phone, text message, email, TDD/TTY, or a combination of these methods.

Speaker topics will include information gained and lessons learned from recent hurricanes, storm prep, the role of emergency services and utilities, stormwater/flooding, evacuation centers and the County transportation plan, common myths and misconceptions, and what to do following a hurricane.

The Venice Community Center, located at 326 Nokomis Ave. S. on the island, will have seating for 200 people to listen to speakers, and standing room for more. Vendors will be offering invaluable hurricane- and storm-related information, products, services and giveaways. Raffles for items like generators and weather radios are planned. The speaker schedule is as follows: 9:30 a.m. – Venice Fire Chief Frank Giddens and Venice Police Lt. Mathew Sauchinitz 10 a.m. – City CRS (Community Rating System) Coordinator Christina Rimes 10:30 a.m. – City Assistant Utilities Director Patience Anastasio 11 a.m. – City Building Official Derek Applegate 11:30 a.m. – Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi 1 p.m. – ABC-7 Chief Meteorologist Bob Harrigan Continued on page 4

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VENICE CITY E-NEWS

June 2025

THE LATEST

Hurricane season continued If you do not have a copy of the 2024 City of Venice Hurricane Guide, you can view or download a digital one with live links from venicegov.com under the “I Want To” or “Residents” headers.

Other helpful information: Know your flood zone and evacuation level. For more information concerning your specific property, call Christina Rimes at 941882-7412.

Prepare for power, internet, and cellular outages lasting seven days or longer after a severe storm. Have a plan to stay in touch with friends and family both locally and out of state.

Gradually build your emergency kit by adding extra supplies to your regular grocery trips — such as bottled water, nonperishable foods, pet items, baby supplies, and more.

If you haven’t already, sign up online for Alert Sarasota alerts via phone call, text and/or email.

All three bridges to Venice island are locked in the “down” position before a storm, allowing vehicles to travel on and off the island.

Monitor the Facebook pages for the City of Venice and Sarasota County to get real-time information.

When an evacuation is announced, it’s always recommended that those living in mobile homes evacuate rather than shelter-inplace.

When you see City staff after a hurricane, they are diligently working to restore essential services. Please do not make personal requests such as, “Can you move this tree out of my driveway?”

All 12 of Sarasota County’s evacuation centers (shelters) are pet-friendly; please bring a crate for your dog or cat. The closest evacuation center to Venice is Taylor Ranch Elementary School, 2500 Taylor Ranch Tr. (off U.S. 41) in South Venice. Remember evacuation shelters should be a last resort — if you must go, bring enough supplies for yourself, your family, and your pets.

Get a list of the County evacuation centers and travel to them in blue-sky conditions, so you know where they are before a storm is bearing down.

The Venice Community Center is NOT a shelter, but will serve as a rally point to bring citizens TO a shelter. For those who cannot drive or otherwise be transported by family, friends or neighbors, the County will provide last-resort, free bus transportation from these designated rally points for you and your pets (along with a limited amount of supplies) to and from an evacuation center. This program is activated only when the County has a declared state of emergency, an activation is ordered, and evacuation centers are opened.

If you will need assistance in an evacuation or need to go to a special needs/medically dependent shelter, please register here.

Online applications will stop being accepted 60 hours prior to expected landfall. Examples of qualifying medical needs include the use of oxygen or use of medical equipment that requires electricity.

The City’s contracted debris hauler drops off vegetative debris at a collection site in October 2024. Post-hurricane debris collection typically takes up to or over 90 days to complete.

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VENICE CITY E-NEWS

June 2025

THE LATEST

Hurricane season continued

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VENICE CITY E-NEWS

June 2025

THE LATEST

Hurricane season continued

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VENICE CITY E-NEWS

June 2025

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Charter Officers

City Manager

City Clerk

Ed Lavallee

Kelly Michaels

Venice Fishing Pier Update City Attorney

Bids for the Venice Municipal Fishing Pier hurricane damage repair project were opened April 22.

The project was awarded to Tampa Bay Marine Inc., the same contractor constructing the Tarpon Center Nature-Based Flood Mitigation Pilot Project.

Kelly Fernandez

Public Safety Chiefs

Venice Police Chief

Venice Fire Chief

Andy Leisenring

Frank Giddens

Stay in the Know

The scope of the project includes removal and replacement of hurricane-damaged framing, decking and railing on the structure's T-section, leaving primary structural components (beams, pile caps and piles) in place. Cost is estimated at $410,000.

The portion of the pier not being repaired from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as the bait shop, will remain open during construction; there may be some intermittent closures during the project. The contractor is currently ordering materials and scheduling the work. Once started (estimated late July-early August), construction is expected to be complete within 4 months.

A reminder that a majority of the pier, to just past the bait shop, is currently open to the public.

Follow us on social media, sign up for the City’s digital newsletter, register for emergency alerts, see upcoming events and meetings, and more!

Important Phone Numbers City Hall: 941-486-2626 Code Enforcement: 941-882-7545 Non-emergency: 941-486-2444 Emergency: 911

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VENICE CITY E-NEWS

June 2025

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Venice’s historic newspaper website receives award On May 15, as part of their annual Public History Forum in Orlando, the Florida Historical Society presented Jon Watson, City of Venice’s Curator and Collections Manager, with the Hampton Dunn Digital Media Award.

The award is named in honor of the late Hampton Dunn, a longtime newspaper and television journalist. The award recognizes outstanding digital media projects expanding knowledge of Florida history.

The City was given the award for the Venice Digital Local Newspaper Project. This is a 5-year-long project working with Backstage Library Works and World Archives in digitizing over 72,000 pages of local historic newspapers, including the Venice News from 1926-1928 and the Venice Gondolier from 1946-1983.

Dr. Ben Brotemarkle, Florida Historical Society Executive Director, presents Jon Watson, Venice Curator and Collections Manager, with the Hampton Dunn Digital Media Award. Photo: Gisselle Concepcion/Florida Historical Society

Concerning the project, Watson stated: “The website has had a huge impact not only in finding information fast and effectively through the keyword search function on the website but also in a preservation capacity, with the public able to view the content without the original papers becoming damaged from use.”

The newspapers have been uploaded through our website: veniceflmuseum.newspaperarchive.com, pictured below left. The website is accessible and free to the public through research appointments at the Julia Cousins Laning and Dale Laning Archives & Research Center at 224 Milan Ave. W. The public can also view the newspaper collection at home for an annual fee of $29.99.

For questions or to make an appointment at the Archives & Research Center, please contact Jon Watson at 941-313-5456 or jwatson@venicefl.gov.

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Mote reports nearly 100 sea turtle nests on area beaches As of May 10, Mote Marine Laboratory has recorded 99 loggerhead sea turtle nests on Sarasota County beaches, with 17 of those nests in Venice.

Sea turtles laid 86 nests the week of May 4-10, 2025, alone, according to the most recent data available from Mote, with 16 in Venice.

The first documented nests of the season were found on April 26 – one each on Casey Key, Siesta Key and Longboat Key. Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program volunteers patrol 35 miles of beaches from Longboat Key to Venice each day of nesting season, May 1-Oct. 31 on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

In 2024, Mote documented 4,376 sea turtle nests, with 587 of those on Venice beaches.

Sea turtles emerge at night and follow dim, natural light to return to the Gulf waters. Artificial lights that shine onto a nesting beach can draw turtle hatchlings away from the water and off the beach, where they have a slim chance of survival, according to information provided by the Sea Turtle Conservancy. These lights can lead them into roads, swimming pools and other danger zones, while causing them to exhaust their energy stores.

Beach lights can also scare away females crawling ashore to nest.

Like many of Florida’s coastal communities, the City of Venice has a lighting ordinance requiring residents to turn off beachfront lights during sea turtle nesting season. You should also avoid using flashlights, lanterns or flash photography while on the beach at night. Residents should go out to the beach at night and identify what lights on their property are visible from the beach. If the lights are not needed for safety, simply turn them off. If the lights cannot be turned off, shield, redirect or lower the height of the lights so they are no longer visible from the beach. Replace problematic lights with turtle-friendly fixtures designed to direct light where you need it and away from the beach, with red or amber LED bulbs.

The City’s Community Resource Officers will be walking the beachfronts at night to look for any potential lighting violators. Residents and visitors are also reminded to make sure to remove all items such as beach chairs and trash – in which sea turtles can become entangled – from the beach at night.

People should also fill in holes and knock down sand castles to make the beach safer for sea turtles.

If you encounter a nesting turtle or hatchlings on the beach, remain quiet and observe from a distance. Never encourage a turtle to move while nesting or pick up hatchlings that have emerged and are heading for the water. Stay away from nests marked with stakes and bright tape.

If you see lights shining on Venice beaches during nesting season, call 941-468-7036. If you see a sick, injured or stranded sea turtle in Sarasota County waters, contact Mote Marine Laboratory’s Stranding Investigations Program at 888-345-2335. If you find sea turtle hatchlings that are not on the beach or are headed away from the ocean, call FWC’s hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Get nesting season updates online at Mote’s Sea Turtle Nest Numbers page. Photo: FWC

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Join Venice’s Centennial Celebration!

Requests for Special Events Those interested in submitting a request for a one-time City of Venice Centennial-related Special Event or a new Special Event must submit an event proposal for review by the New Events Review Team (NERT) at least 6 months before the desired event date. Events that meet NERT criteria will move on for Council approval and progress through the permit application process.

Learn about proposal requirements and the application timeline here: venicegov.com/things-to-do/events/special-event-planningguide

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VENICE CITY E-NEWS

June 2025

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Old Betsy Museum Ribbon Cutting set for June 5 The ribbon cutting for the Old Betsy Museum at 343 Nassau St. is set for 9 a.m. June 5. The museum will showcase Venice's historic 1926 American LaFrance fire engine in its new home.

With its wall of windows and covered seating area, the museum, located across from the Venice Museum, will honor this iconic piece of Venice's history, along with the engine's chief caretaker, Earl Midlam (pictured below), while creating a welcoming space for the community.

The pumper served the Venice community for many decades before being retired and driven by Earl in local parades. It was formerly housed in a warehouse in the Seaboard district.

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VENICE CITY E-NEWS

June 2025

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Applicants sought for advisory board vacancies Want to get more involved in the community, or know someone who does? Volunteering on a City of Venice advisory board is an excellent way to do so. The following boards have vacancies: The Historic and Architectural Preservation Board (HAPB) has a resident seat opening. This is for a partial term until Aug. 31, 2027.

All HAPB members, other than members who are registered architects, shall be City residents or the owners of real property located within the City.

HAPB members shall have a demonstrated commitment to historic preservation and, to the extent possible, shall be professionals or retired professionals from the disciplines of: 1. Historic preservation; 2. History, archaeology, folklore, or anthropology; 3. Architecture, historic architecture, or architectural history; 4. Land-use planning or historic preservation planning; 5. Real estate, land development, general or building contracting; 6. Landscape architecture or historic landscape architecture; 7. Conservation, curation, or museology; 8. Preservation law; 9.

Professional engineering; or 10. Finance.

This board meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at City Hall.

Application deadline for HAPB is 4 p.m. Friday, June 6, 2025.

The City also has an opening on the Citizen Advisory Board (CAB) for a partial term until March 1, 2027.

This board meets bi-monthly the third Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m. at City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave. The CAB makes advisory recommendations regarding specific topics of interest as determined and requested by City Council. The CAB 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 3-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.

Deadline for CAB applications is 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

More information on these boards and requirements, including an application, can be found online HERE. You can also contact Recording Secretary Amanda HawkinsBrown in the City Clerk’s Office at ahbrown@venicefl.gov or 941-882-7391.

If you are selected to serve on a board, you will be required to comply with state financial disclosure, public records, and sunshine laws.

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Circus Mural progress

The repainting of the Circus Mural on the repaired wall north of the Circus Bridge continues with artist Sami Makela from Lake Worth, Fla., originally from Finland, with assistance from artist Mark Styles of Jupiter, Fla. The project is sponsored by Venice Area Beautification Inc. The mural celebrates the cultural heritage of the circus, which has been an integral part of Venice’s history.

For more information on this or other VABI projects, visit vabi.org. You may also contact the VABI office at 941-207-8224.

Circus wall mural artists Mark Styles and Sami Makela are pictured at right with their medium of premium spray paint.

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VENICE CITY E-NEWS

June 2025

UPDATES & ACTIONS

May 13 City Council Meeting Recap Venice City Council took the following actions at their May 13 meeting (Seat 1 vacant): Approved 6-0: Lease Agreement with Black Gold Coffee Roasters, LLC, for Management of the Lord-Higel's Coffee House.

Grievance Settlement Agreement Between the City of Venice, Jessica Chappa, and the Florida State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Inc. in the amount of $14,500.

Watch the complete May 13 meeting here. You can also watch a joint

Approved 4-2 on Final Reading (Smith and Howard dissenting): meeting between City Council and the Sarasota County Commission on Ordinance 2025-07 of the City of Venice, Amending the 2017-2027 City of May 16 here. Council meets in Chambers at Venice City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave., the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. Council meeting Venice Comprehensive Plan and Associated Pages Pursuant to Petition minutes and recordings are typically available within 48 hours of each No. 24-31CP by Amending Strategy LU-IS 1.1.3 Mixed Use Corridor (MUC), meeting date. and Related Future Land Use Tables, to Allow the Conversion of Nonresidential to Residential for Properties Located East of Avenida Del Circo, South and West of Ringling Drive, and North of Base Avenue; Providing for Repeal of All Ordinances in Conflict Herewith; and Providing for Severability.

Approved 6-0 on Final Reading: Ordinance 2025-15 Amending the Official Zoning Atlas of the City of Venice, Pursuant to Zoning Map Amendment Petition No. 24-36RZ, to Change the Zoning Designation for the Properties Generally Located at 3520 Laurel Road East (15.58 ± Acres), from Sarasota County Open Use Estate-1 (OUE-1) to City of Venice Laurel East (LE); Providing for Repeal of All Ordinances in Conflict Herewith; and Providing for Severability. (Quasi-Judicial) Approved 5-1 on Final Reading (Smith dissenting): Ordinance 2025-18 Amending City of Venice Ordinance No. 2024-25, Which Adopted the Official Budget of the City of Venice for the Fiscal Year Beginning Oct. 1, 2024, and Ending Sept. 30, 2025; by Increasing the Total Revenue by $1,494,951 and Total Expenditures by $1,494,951.

In Other Business, Council Approved: To have the Police Department provide a public presentation on the department’s outreach efforts addressing homelessness.

To direct staff to develop a policy that addresses third-party presentations to Council.

To name Venice City Hall Park at 401 W. Venice Ave., the Lavallee Municipal Campus, which would include the legal redescription of the LordHigel House into the campus. The item would then be assigned to the Citizen Advisory Board to vet and make a recommendation to Council (CAB approved on May 21).

The Appointment and Swearing in of Lloyd Weed to City Council Seat 1.

Continued on page 15

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UPDATES & ACTIONS

May 27 City Council Meeting Recap City Council took the following actions at their May 27 meeting: Approved on Consent Agenda: City Clerk: Confirm Council Member Lloyd Weed as Liaison to Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Partnership Program Policy Committee and the United Way of South Sarasota County's Long Term Recovery Group.

Engineering: Authorize the Mayor to Execute the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Notice of Grant and Agreement Award Budget of $360,525 with Federal Share of $360,525 and Local Share of $0 for Hurricane Milton Channel Debris Removal.

Denied 7-0 on First Reading: Ordinance 2025-16 of the City of Venice, Amending the 2017-2027 City of Venice Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map and Associated Pages Pursuant to Petition No. 24-60CP by Changing the Future Land Use Designation on the Property Generally Located at the Northeast Corner of Auburn and Border Road, South of I-75, from Low Density Residential (LDR ) to Moderate Density Residential (MODR); Providing for Repeal of All Ordinances in Conflict Herewith; and Providing for Severability.

Approved 7-0 on First Reading: Ordinance 2025-21 Amending City of Venice Ordinance No. 2024-25, Which Adopted the Official Budget of the City of Venice for the Fiscal Year Beginning Oct. 1, 2024 and Ending Sept. 30, 2025; by Increasing the Total Revenue by $417,890 and Total Expenditures by $417,890.

Ordinance 2025-22 of the City of Venice, Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 22, Elections, by Amending Section 22-1, Procedure for Qualifying for Office, Renaming Section 22-2, Preparation of Ballots, Repealing Section 22-3, Designation of Polling Places and Publication of Notice, Section 22-4, Voting Machines or Devices, and Section 22-5, Canvassing Board, Amending and Renumbering Section 22-6, Certification of Election Results, Repealing Section 22-7, Reserved, Renumbering Section 22-8, Discharge of Duties, and Amending by Renumbering and Adding Section 22-5, Special Elections; Providing for Repeal of All Ordinances in Conflict Herewith; and Providing for Severability.

In Other Business, Council Approved: A request from Finance Director Linda Senne to exceed the 3% budget cap for the FY26 Budget (6-1; Smith dissenting).

Directing the appropriate Charter Officer to have staff bring back an update on the status of the Curry Creek Maintenance Project to Council at the July 8, 2025 meeting.

At Your Service The following individuals have been reappointed to advisory boards: Police Officer Brett Woodworth, reappointed to the Police Pension Board of Trustees to serve a term until Oct. 31, 2028.

Watch the complete May 27 meeting here. Council meeting minutes and recordings are typically available within 48 hours of each meeting date.

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Hayden Heaney, reappointed as the student member of the Citizens Advisory Board to serve a term from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026.

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UPDATES & ACTIONS

National Police Week Proclamation

National Safe Boating Week Proclamation

Mayor Nick Pachota recognizes the week of May 11-17, 2025, as National Police Week during the May 13 City Council meeting with a proclamation presented to Master Police Officer Paul Joyce and Detective Lt. Jason Adams, as City Manager Ed Lavallee and Vice Mayor Jim Boldt look on.

Mayor Pachota recognizes the week of May 17-23, 2025, as National Safe Boating Week with a proclamation presented during the May 13 Council meeting to staff with City Police and Fire, Sarasota Sheriff’s Office, FWC, WCIND, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 86, Sea Tow Venice and the Venice Sail and Power Squadron.

Public Works Week Proclamation

Historic Preservation Month Proclamation

Surrounded by staff from Public Works, Solid Waste, Utilities and Engineering, Vice Mayor Boldt recognizes the week of May 18-24, 2025, as Public Works Week with a proclamation presented to Assistant Public Works Director Ashlee Castle and Utilities Director Javier Vargas during the May 13 Council meeting.

Vice Mayor Boldt recognizes May 2025 as Historic Preservation Month during the May 13 meeting with a proclamation presented to Historical Resources Manager Harry Klinkhamer and Historic and Architectural Preservation Board Chair Mark Beebe, as Mayor Pachota and City Manager Lavallee look on.

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UPDATES & ACTIONS Officer Short 10-Year Service Award At right, VPD Officer Steven Short receives his 10-year Service Award and pin during the May 27 Council meeting from City Manager Ed Lavallee and Acting Police Chief Eric Hill, as Steven's mother Tammy and Mayor Nick Pachota look on.

The City hired Short in May 2015. He worked for Public Works in the Parks Division until he transferred to to VPD as a Police Department Aide in January 2016. He attended the Sarasota Criminal Justice Academy and upon his completion in January 2019, Short joined the ranks as a Police Officer. From April 2019 to August 2022, Officer Short worked patrol, on both day and night shifts. In August 2022, Short assumed the role of Traffic Officer. He earned titles including Traffic Homicide Investigator and Traffic Crash Scene Reconstructor. Additionally, Officer Short assumed the role as one of VPD's Field Training Officers, assisting in the vital role of training future Venice police officers.

Officer Short has received numerous awards and commendations throughout his career, including life-saving medals, unit citations, and most recently, being the recipient of the Saramana Chapter Sons of the American Revolution Law Enforcement Commendation Medal.

Derelict vessel removal set for June 3 The Venice Police Department is working with Sea Tow Venice and the City's Public Works Department to remove two derelict vessels, pictured at right, from our waters on June 3. These boats originated from the Higel anchorage field and were turned over to authorities for disposal prior to any environmental impact.

This work is subject to change depending on any unforeseen circumstances. VPD anticipates only minimal impact to the Marina Park Boat Ramp near the Venice Train Depot, where the derelict vessels will be brought for disposal.

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UPDATES & ACTIONS

Intracoastal Waterway Force Main Replacement Project - June Update Project Overview: The Utilities Intracoastal Waterway Force Main Replacement Project primarily involves the construction of a redundant wastewater force main and gravity sewer system to safely convey all wastewater flows from Venice Island to the City’s mainland facilities.

Currently, the City only has one wastewater force main located south of the E. Venice Ave. bridge that transfers all of the island’s wastewater flow under the Intracoastal to the mainland, and ultimately to the City’s Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) via Lift Station LS-07.

Should the existing wastewater force main fail or require maintenance, the City’s public sewer system located on the island would be fully cut off from the WRF. Consequently, the proposed redundant force main project and other associated work will greatly improve the reliability and resiliency of the City’s sewer system and better protect the water quality of our local waterways.

Project Schedule: The contractor is scheduled to commence with installation of a 6-inch gravity sewer under N. Seaboard Ave. just north of the E. Venice Ave. intersection; a 16-inch sewer force main via horizontal directional drill and open cut along the north side of E. Venice Ave. from American Legion Way to Warfield Ave.; and televising of existing sewer mains within the intersection of E. Venice Ave. at Warfield Ave. The maps above and at right show the location of the construction work. Lane closures and other temporary traffic mitigation efforts will be needed that could impact normal traffic patterns within active construction areas. Updates will be posted monthly in this newsletter and as necessary on the City's website, venicegov.com, on the home page under the News tab. Large equipment and machinery will be within the road right-of-way. Please drive slowly, use caution and watch out for pedestrians and workers. Motorists are to follow all posted traffic control signs.

Funding: A substantial portion of this project is funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program.

The Utilities Department appreciates your patience as we update the City’s infrastructure to improve the safety and quality of life within our community for years to come. For more information, visit venicegov.com/government/utilities/projects.

For information specific to your property, contact Cynthia Fitzpatrick, Utilities Project Coordinator, at 941-882-7290.

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UPDATES & ACTIONS

Venice Farmers Market to shift footprint beginning June 21 Beginning Saturday, June 21, the Venice Farmers Market will adopt a newly adjusted layout designed to enhance pedestrian safety and vendor accessibility, while still offering the same beloved Saturday morning experience. The market will shift from its current location along the 400 block of the eastbound and westbound lanes of West Venice Avenue (adjacent to City Hall), to the parking lot located behind City Hall to the west side of the building, and the portion of northbound Avenue des Parques between Granada and W. Venice avenues.

“The City is grateful for our partnership with Independent Jones, who have successfully managed the Venice Farmers Market for the past three years. Their dedication has helped make the market a beloved staple of the Venice community, with remarkable growth in both vendors and attendees. This new location behind City Hall — just steps from the previous site — offers increased shade, accessibility, and, most importantly, enhanced safety for pedestrians. We look forward to the continued success of this wonderful market in its new home,” said Assistant City Manager James Clinch.

This change is the result of a collaborative effort between the City of Venice, the Venice Police Department, and Venice Farmers Market management to improve public safety by gradually transitioning special events off major thoroughfares. As part of this transition, new signage will be installed around the back of City Hall, including the electric vehicle charging stations, to restrict parking in the municipal lot on Saturdays from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. A new four-way stop will be added along with a pedestrian crosswalk at Grenada Ave. and Ave des Parques. Alternative EV charging is available at Centennial Park and along St. Augustine Avenue.

“This move reflects our continued commitment to creating a welcoming, safe, and accessible environment for everyone who visits the Venice Farmers Market. We're excited about the new location’s increased shade and walkability, which we believe will enhance the experience for both vendors and shoppers. It marks a fresh chapter for a beloved tradition, and we're proud to work in tandem with the City of Venice to help the market continue to thrive,” said Morgan J. Bettes-Angell, President and CEO, Waxwing Corp., Independent Jones.

Venice City Hall

In addition to this layout shift, the Venice Farmers Market managers are also implementing heat-related safety protocols to protect both visitors and vendors during the summer season. These measures, supported by Venice Fire Rescue EMS Chief Steve Lambright and City officials, may include early closures if the wet bulb temperature reaches a designated safety threshold.

Public parking will continue to be available along the southbound lane of Avenue des Parques, along W. Venice Avenue and Harbor Drive adjacent to City Hall, the municipal lot next to the Lord-Higel House on Granada Avenue, Hecksher Park, and other downtown locations.

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THEN AND NOW ... AND IN BETWEEN

Hotel Venice Hotel Venice celebrates celebrates 99 99 years years

Venice’s first and foremost public building was Hotel Venice, built in 1926. In a few weeks (June 21), the building will turn 99 years old. Happy birthday Hotel Venice!

After serving the community as a hotel at 200 Nassau St. N., the building became part of the Kentucky Military Institute campus, followed by a number of assisted living facilities, as it is today. – Provided by Rhonda Rogers, Historical Resources

At top, in 1926, window awnings were essential to block the heat of the sun. In this image, we see 86 awnings, not to mention those on the sides and back of the hotel. Above, from left: the historical marker mounted on the property’s perimeter wall along Tampa Avenue; Dining room circa 1926 – the Venice Museum & Archives has a nice collection of artifacts from Hotel Venice, including an original dining room chair; the building’s dining room in May 2025.

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THEN AND NOW ... AND IN BETWEEN

Far left, hotel guests relaxing in the courtyard in 1926. At left, the courtyard in May 2025.

At right, the hotel lobby in 1926.

Far right, the lobby in May 2025.

Below left, the property, in disrepair, circa 1973. The Kentucky Military Institute sold the building that same year. Below right, the building in May 2025. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

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SEASONAL REMINDERS

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SEASONAL REMINDERS

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SEASONAL REMINDERS

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Looking for more to do?

Visit the City’s 35 parks Bicycle around Venice island Stop by the Venice Museum View the City’s Event calendar Join a City Advisory Board Volunteer with VABI Find more events with community partners: Venice Area Chamber of Commerce Venice Art Center Venice Community Center Venice Performing Arts Center Venice MainStreet Inc. Venice Symphony Venice Theatre Visit Sarasota County Sarasota County Government

Counting Down!

Venice Hurricane Expo - Friday, May 30 Old Betsy Ribbon Cutting - Thursday, June 5 Centennial Community Meeting - Thursday, June 5 Downtown Venice Craft Festival - Saturday-Sunday, June 14-15 Independence Day Fireworks - Friday, July 4 VMS Labor Day Weekend Craft Festival - SaturdaySunday, Sept. 6-7 Envirorace 5K - Sunday, Sept. 14 Venice Beach Bash - Saturday, Sept. 27

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June 2025

AROUND TOWN The City’s annual Big Trucks Day was held at Venice Elementary School on May 22 to celebrate Public Works Week. Students in grades pre-K through 2nd got to explore vehicles, honk horns, watch a claw truck and bucket truck in action, ask a ton of questions, and even operate some of the vehicles’ features themselves with guidance from staff in Public Works, Solid Waste and Utilities. We're not sure who had more fun - City employees, or the kids! Thank you to VES for having us!

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AROUND TOWN Around 10 p.m. May 5, Venice Fire Rescue units were dispatched to a rollover accident on I-75.

Upon arrival, both occupants in the vehicle were out looking for their dogs that had been ejected.

One dog, Hazel, was located and treated on scene, which led to Sarasota County Animal Services being dispatched to transport the 9-month-old puppy to an emergency veterinarian. VFR crews continued to search for the second dog but were unsuccessful.

The next day, Firefighter/Paramedic Rebecca Durham, while driving home, saw the second dog, Poseidon, on the east side shoulder of I-75 and pulled over. Poseidon was in a wooded area near mile marker 196. Rebecca pulled over to secure the dog from running into the road. Rebecca then notified her supervisor, who contacted VPD and Sarasota County Animal Services to take Poseidon to where the other dog was located. The responding crew from May 5 was also informed that the dog had been found.

VFR Firefighter/Paramedic Jessie Jones was at the exit of Laurel Road and I-75, and brought Rebecca a leash to further secure the dog until Animal Services arrived. The owners were contacted and informed that Poseidon was found and the location he was sent to. Rebecca and Jessie are pictured at right with Poseidon.

With assistance from the City's Public Works Department, students in Mrs. Mopps' 3rd period pre-IB Inquiry Skills class at Venice High School unveiled a new Little Free Library May 20 at Venice Beach near the concession stand, then loaded it with some good reads! The names of the students who worked on the project are listed on a plaque on the small structure.

Thank you for this awesome donation to our beach!

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AROUND TOWN

A 1943 C-45H Expediter Beech 18 U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) airplane stopped by the Venice Airport the first week of May. This actual aircraft served the U.S. Army during World War II in the Aleutian Islands as our troops battled against the Japanese Imperial Army. The Beechcraft Model 18 (also known as a “Twin Beech”) is a 6- to 11-seat, twin-engine, low-wing, tailwheel light aircraft manufactured by the Beech Aircraft Corporation of Wichita, Kansas. During and after World War II, over 4,500 Beech 18s were used in military service - as light transport, aircrew trainer and photoreconnaissance.

To learn more about the World War II “forgotten war” in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, a great book to read is “The Thousand-Mile War: World War II in Alaska and the Aleutians.”

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The Florida League of Cities recognized Venice Mayor Nick Pachota with a 2025 Home Rule Hero Award for his hard work and advocacy efforts during the 2025 Legislative Session.

Pachota worked tirelessly throughout the session to promote local voices making local choices by sharing insights, local data, and realworld examples that helped inform state lawmakers and elevate the voice of Florida’s cities. Pachota was presented with the award, his third, at a ManaSota League of Cities meeting May 8 in Bradenton.

Venice High forensics students wrapped up their year with a visit from District State Attorney Lissa MacDonald and VPD Criminalistics Specialist Tawnie Murdock May 16. Together they demonstrated the significant collaboration between the crime scene and the courtroom as they worked students through a real life case study.

VENICE CITY E-NEWS

June 2025

AROUND TOWN

Acting Police Chief Eric Hill and Officers Josh Brooks and Brett Woodworth participate in the 2025 Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service for Sarasota County, hosted by the North Port Police Department May 13. Local agencies came together to pay tribute to the eight brave officers who gave their lives in the line of duty in Florida in 2024.

On May 8, Public Works staff replaced sidewalk trees that were damaged or destroyed in Hurricane Milton. They also added fresh mulch and removed any trip hazards found around the existing trees.

Utilities staff hosted an open house the evening of May 7 at the Fire Station 1 Community Room to assist customers in completing the Lead & Copper Survey by Aug. 31 and signing up for Eye on Water, a new online portal that allows City Utilities customers to monitor their water usage and set up leak notifications. For more information, call the Utilities Department at 941-480-3333.

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AROUND TOWN

On May 13, City Council approved a lease agreement with Black Gold Coffee Roasters for management of the Lord-Higel House coffee shop at 409 Granada Ave. near City Hall.

Once refurbishment of the historic home is complete this year, Black Gold owner and master coffee roaster Gary Lauters and general manager Alyssa Williams plan to serve coffee drinks and grab-and-go items, have entertainment, and offer meeting space, as well as honor the integrity and history of the structure.

Constructed in 1896 by entrepreneur Joseph Lord, the Lord-Higel House is the second oldest house in Sarasota County. It was acquired by the City in 2005. Over more than a dozen years, Venice Heritage Inc. volunteers raised over $800,000 and invested thousands of hours to restore the home to its original glory.

Learn more about the Lord-Higel House here: https://veniceheritage.org/lord-higelhouse/.

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AROUND TOWN

Crowd Management for Sports and Special Events training was held May 20-21 at VPD. Taught by Evan Ramsay and Steve Georgas, instructors with NCS⁴, participants were from Venice and around the region. Classes are designed to help participants understand crowd behaviors and dynamics, assess crowd-related risks, and implement real-world mitigation strategies to confidently manage crowds at events.

Congratulations to the 15 Venice High graduates who signed up May 14 to serve in various branches of the military. "We at the City of Venice appreciate your willingness to serve us and our country," said Mayor Nick Pachota. "Godspeed and God bless you as you embark on this new journey!"

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For the 13th consecutive year, fifth-grade students from Epiphany School graduated May 20 from VPD’s "Classroom and Cops" ADVANCE Program.

The program – Avoiding Drugs, Violence, and Negative Choices Early – equips students with life skills to help them confidently navigate the challenges of growing up. Students learned about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs; Internet and social media safety; how to stand up to bullying and peer pressure; and understanding and avoiding violence. Students are pictured with Acting Chief Eric Hill, Officer Kenite Webb and Sgt. Sean Hammett.

VENICE CITY E-NEWS

June 2025

AROUND TOWN

As their 99th year of service to the community draws to a close, the Venice-Nokomis Woman's Club awarded $12,000 in scholarships this year to graduates of Venice High School. That’s a total of over $200,000 over the past 36 years, since the inception of the club’s scholarship program - a true legacy to founder Louella Albee.

This year's four young women, each receiving a $3,000 scholarship, were selected by the team at VHS’s Rotary Futures College Resource Center, led by Director Caitlin Joyner and assisted by Heather Masden and Tami Wesner. The girls were chosen not just for their academic skills, but their community service involvement.

Riley Sullivan will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with plans to major in Civil Engineering with the hopes of becoming a successful engineer.

Isabel Abarintos will be attending the University of South Florida, Tampa, majoring in Biomedical Sciences with the hopes of one day becoming a pharmacist.

Ariella Stepul will also be attending the University of South Florida, also majoring in Biomedical Sciences, and hopes to attend medical school with an eye toward becoming a neurologist after completing her undergraduate degree.

Kaylee Wesner just completed her junior year at the University of Florida, majoring in Health Science. She plans to go to medical school and eventually become an ER physician.

Congrats to all the scholarship recipients, and the Club's fantastic support of local young women taking the next step toward their future endeavors!

--------------Photos provided by the Venice-Nokomis Woman’s Club: From left, Tami Wesner, VHS Rotary Futures; Liz Mazzu, Scholarship Chair, VNWC; Isabel Abarintos, recipient; Ariella Stepul, recipient; Caitlin Joyner, VHS Rotary Futures; Heather Masden, VHS Rotary Futures; Riley Sullivan, recipient; and Kaylee Wesner, recipient.

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AROUND TOWN

LEFT: June 2-6 is Code Enforcement Officers Appreciation Week! Pictured are Community Resource Officer Mike Halpin, CRO Willie Acosta, CRO Kim Brown, Administrative Services Commander Dave Smolenski, CRO Mike Slowik, CRO Dave Lipker, CRO Jose Luna and CRO Supervisor Jim Davis. Thank you for all you do!

BELOW RIGHT: A crane and steel beams arrived at Venice Theatre in late April for the new stagehouse at the iconic theatre, which will replace the original stagehouse destroyed in Hurricane Ian. Play your part in the VT rebuild! Donate any amount at https://venicetheatre.org/.

Photo: Lisa Hamilton BELOW LEFT: A resident came into City Hall May 13 to alert staff of what he thought was a dog barking from within a stormwater pipe near his home. Steve Timmer and Joe Wagaman with Public Works responded and found the culprit of the “barking” – an army of frogs. It’s all in a day’s work for the department!

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AROUND TOWN Venice's annual Memorial Day Ceremony, hosted by American Legion Post 159, was held May 26 in Patriots Park. The event included a parade of colors, patriotic music, proclamations presented by Sarasota County Commissioner Tom Knight and Venice Mayor Nick Pachota, laying of wreaths, rifle salute and memorial taps.

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