Hurricane Milton brings more devastation
Hundreds of homes damaged; resident assistance efforts, debris collection underway
Hurricane Milton made landfall in Sarasota Oct. 9 as a Category 3 storm, causing wind damage to Venice homes, flooding in low-lying areas, and worsening the destruction Hurricane Helene caused weeks earlier at the South Jetty and Venice Fishing Pier.
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Building Official Derek Applegate reported that between Milton and Helene, damage to homes in the City is estimated at $57.5 million. City buildings sustained $4.2 million in Milton damage, with most of that Venice Municipal Airport hangars. The airport reopened to air traffic on Oct. 14.
As of Nov. 1, Sarasota County has reopened Venice Beach, North and South Brohard beaches, and Maxine Barritt Park. All City parks, including Centennial, West Blalock, Heritage, East Gate, John Nolen, Venezia and Mundy, have reopened to the public. The South Jetty and the Venice Pier remain closed. To see a list of area beach and park reopenings and closures, check out the County’s Park Status Report.
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Mayor Nick Pachota Vice Mayor Jim Boldt
Joan Farrell Rachel Frank
Rick Howard Helen Moore
Ron Smith
Above, storm surge from Milton at Venice Bay Adult Park. Below, damage to manufactured homes in Bay Indies was extensive
photo: One
City’s contracted debris haulers unloads tree branches at Wellfield Park.
HURRICANE MILTON
The City’s contract debris haulers are working to collect debris from public right-of-way and residential streets first, then private roads, gated and ungated communities, mobile, manufactured and condominium communities. Collections started on the island and will work methodically inland to roadways and communities off the island within City limits.
The City has sent a PPDR (removal from private roads) Request to FEMA and intends to collect on those private roads and condominiums that did not have a plan for removal. FEMA encourages HOAs and condos to have a plan (insurance/contracts) to remove their own private debris, as collection will happen much sooner. With this magnitude of debris between both storms, residents can expect removal in up to or over 90 days from our contracted debris haulers. At the debris management site at Wellfield Park, the contents of each truck are measured and photographed, and debris type is cataloged. This is a federal requirement.
For condos and private communities that do not have an alternative plan, do place your material curbside and it will be collected - just be aware of the timeframe. It is illegal to dump debris of any kind at any City or County park, beach, or right-of-way. Don’t worry if you see a hauler truck pass by and miss your street or some piles; they are making multiple passes.
Since debris collection began, more than 39,000 cubic yards of construction, demolition, and vegetative debris has been removed from roads and communities on and off the island within City limits.
Additionally, a public drop-off site is open in Venice at the Jackson Road Transfer Station, 250 S. Jackson Road, for residents who would like to self-transport vegetative storm debris only. The site is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Proof of Sarasota County residency is required (i.e. driver's license, tax bill, utility bill, etc.). Residents must self-unload all vegetative debris.
The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open for the community at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. DRCs provide information from Florida state agencies, FEMA, U.S. Small Business Administration and other resources. DRCs also
The Venice Fishing Pier and Humphris Park at the South Jetty following the storm Both locations were damaged in Helene and made worse by Milton.
assist with federal assistance applications and disaster loans. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Far left, Milton damage at Sharky’s on the Pier, which has since been remediated. The restaurant has reopened to the public with limited seating. At left, a neighborhood Point of Distribution (NPOD) operated out of the Venice Community Center with the National Guard offering residents water, ice, tarps, meals-ready-to-eat and cleaning supplies.
Building Official Applegate and his staff are meeting with various homeowner associations, residential groups, condominium, mobile, and manufactured home community organizations within City limits to help homeowners understand damage assessment, what remediation or rebuilding work requires a permit, how and if the 50% rule may apply to their home or property, and things to look out for when working with a contractor, such as scam warnings and fee implementation.
Building inspectors are also walking communities on and off the island to help individual homeowners navigate a safe path forward. To schedule a meeting with your HOA or residential community, call 941-882-7385.
Boaters are reminded that the hurricanes have impacted many of Florida’s coastal and inland waterways. Please stay off the water and avoid interfering with storm response efforts. For those who must venture out, exercise extreme caution: maintain a safe speed and adhere to Florida Statutes, which require vessel operators to maintain a slow speed (minimum wake) within 300 feet of any emergency vessels with activated lights.
Report missing or damaged navigable aids to the U.S. Coast Guard by calling 866-881-1392. Report derelict vessels to Florida Division of Emergency Management by calling 850-366-6007. For assistance with marine debris or vessel removal, call Sea Tow Venice at 941484-4183.
The Holiday Tree Lighting in West Blalock Park by Venice Area Beautification Inc. (VABI) has been canceled this year due to significant storm impacts to the park. Trees and flora remain in a vulnerable state. The City’s annual Holiday Parade downtown on Nov. 30 and Christmas Boat Parade Dec. 7 are both still a go.
Get additional Milton updates and find recovery resources on the City website here.
Top row, from left: Street flooding on The Esplanade at Venice Sands, damage at Venice Pier, sand piled up on the roadway at Venice Beach. Center, damage at Ridgewood manufactured home park, VPD Chief Charlie Thorpe recovers a downed traffic signal on East Venice Avenue, the debris management site at Wellfield Park At far left, a unit at Quarterdeck condos, across from Venice Yacht Club, is half buried in sand; at left, Milton surge further damaged Jetty Jack’s at the South Jetty. The structure, critically damaged in Helene, will be razed
Clockwise from above left, Florida Power & Light staged at Venice Municipal Airport prior to Milton; debris and other hazards closed most City parks including Venezia Park pictured here (City parks have since reopened); the City’s TFIT, or Tactical First In Teams, were out early in the morning Oct 10 after the storm passed to clear roadways of debris and close flooded streets to motorists; hangar damage at Venice Airport; and the City’s Emergency Operations Center at VPD, with City Manager Ed Lavallee at right.
HURRICANE MILTON
RECOVERY RESOURCES
FEMA Individual Assistance Program: If you have suffered loss or damage due to Hurricane Milton, you might be eligible for FEMA assistance. Apply by FEMA app, online at disasterassistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362. FEMA disaster assistance may provide funds to homeowners and renters in Sarasota County for serious needs, basic home repair, rental of temporary housing and other uninsured expenses resulting from Milton. FEMA assistance is not a replacement for insurance. Assistance is also available at the Disaster Resource Center (DRC) at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Call 311 if you need a ride, Breeze Transit is here to help. Calls for transportation must be made prior to 5 p.m.
Blue Roof Program: FEMA has announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Jacksonville District has opened Operation Blue Roof through Nov. 14. This program is a free service for homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties, providing fiber-reinforced, industrial-strength sheeting to protect storm-damaged roofs until homeowners can make permanent repairs. Residents impacted by Hurricane Milton can sign up for this no-cost service by visiting blueroof.gov, calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258), or visiting a Right of Entry (ROE) collection center throughout the affected areas. ROE collection center locations are listed on blueroof.gov, where residents can sign up for Blue Roof assistance using an ROE form, which gathers information about the residence. At this time the program does not provide tarps for tile, slate, or flat roofs.
Hope Florida: Those who need help recovering from the storm can fill out this form: https://hopeflorida.com/gethelp/hurricanemilton.html and call 833-GET-HOPE (438-4673) for free assistance and resources such as food, household goods, debris removal, home repairs and more.
Local Relief is a nonprofit and mobile app supported by locals for locals seeking help, locals wanting to help, volunteers with boots on the ground, and information on where to find supplies and resources necessary to rebuild. People can download the app or get more info here: localrelief.com
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program: FloridaCommerce has made $50 million available for businesses impacted by Milton. Businesses in Sarasota County, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply. Visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to do so. The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Milton. Loans approved through the Emergency Bridge Loan Program are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer-term recovery funding, such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims, or other resources. Interested applicants can apply now through Dec. 4, or until all available funds are expended. Business owners who need further program information may call 833-832-4494 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FloridaCommerce Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Milton and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org. File an application by Dec. 10. Call 800-385-3920 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for more information.
SAIL Program: Not sure what help is out there? Call the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at 800-342-3557. This hotline is running 24/7 with English, Spanish and Haitian Creole speakers available to answer questions for residents on where to find recovery resources. Get more information at floridadisaster.org/updates.
Storm Debris Removal
Rumors vs. Facts
RUMOR - There are only two debris trucks operating in the City.
FACT - There are 4 double loader trucks currently operating. Most coastal communities are vying for the same debris haulers which also supported disaster recovery efforts in North Carolina and Tennessee. As other communities recover, the City will get more trucks online to support our debris removal efforts. This is a challenge faced by all governments and communities impacted by these major back-toback storms. Debris haulers are certified by FEMA, FDEM and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before deploying into the community
RUMOR - The City will not pick up debris off the island.
FACT - The City's debris haulers are starting on the island and will methodically work their way inland to roads and communities off the island within City limits. While the city has made coastal areas the priority, the debris collection route is determined by the haulers to be collected in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.
RUMOR - Debris haulers pick and choose which houses to collect from.
FACT - The City's debris haulers collect one debris type at a time and may pass by or miss your street depending on the debris they are collecting. Debris haulers will make multiple passes to collect all debris If your debris is not separated or placed properly, they will not collect it.
HURRICANE MILTON RECOVERY
Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club, volunteers lend a hand
The Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club, in collaboration with a group of local stakeholders including the City, has assisted neighborhoods throughout the VeniceNokomis area impacted by Milton and Helene.
Along with daily efforts led by Casey Riley and organized in shifts at the Venice Art Center, on Oct. 19 and 26, the Rotary Club had hundreds of volunteers of all ages come out to really make a difference for those who needed help -hauling debris to the curb, drywall gutting, and salvaging and packing items, among other tasks.
The Rotary Club has temporarily suspended disaster relief efforts until they can identify more homeowners who need help with hurricane cleanup. Those who need assistance can sign up here: https://rotaryfl.org/district6960-needs-help/
Storm Debris Removal
RUMOR - The City will not collect debris from private roads, mobile and manufactured homes, or gated communities.
FACT - The City is collecting debris from public right-of-way first. Debris collections will then begin from private roads, gated and ungated communities, mobile, manufactured and condo communities within City limits. These communities are also encouraged to work through their insurance or contracted debris hauler to expedite this process Private roads, gated communities, condos, and mobile and manufactured home communities must also apply for right-of-entry to allow the trucks to access private property. Contact Public Works to complete the required forms.
RUMOR - The City will stop collecting debris after 90 days.
FACT - 90 days is an estimate of how long debris removal of this magnitude can take based on previous storm debris collections and removal. The City will continue to collect and remove debris beyond 90 days until completed.
RUMOR - It's OK to place debris in the roadway or to dump debris in the median or at City parks or property.
FACT - It is illegal to dump debris of any kind at any City or County park, beach, or right-of-way. Debris should be placed in front of the home where the debris originated, on the easement, out of the road. Higel Marine Park and Wellfield Park are NOT public debris staging sites.
HURRICANE MILTON RECOVERY
Good eats for the community, all the way from Louisiana
Members of the Livingston Parish Fire Chiefs Association and Southern Boyz Outdoors from Baton Rouge, La., drove overnight to help our residents in need after Milton. These great cooks served up jambalaya and “pastalaya” for free for the community Oct. 15-16 at Wellfield Park., making contact with Fire Chief Frank Giddens, Police Chief Charlie Thorpe, Mayor Nick Pachota and City Manager Ed Lavallee during their stay. Thank you so much for this wonderful gift to our City!
HURRICANE MILTON RECOVERY
CoastLife Church sent teams into some of the City's hardest-hit communities to offer poststorm cleanup services to residents, including removing and stacking aluminum and other debris, making minor repairs, and distributing snacks and cold drinks. On Oct, 12, CoastLife teams volunteered at Bay Indies and Ridgewood manufactured home parks
U S Senator Marco Rubio (FL) visited Venice Oct 15, getting a look at damage Milton caused at the Venice Municipal Pier and Sharky's, and speaking with members of the National Guard at the Neighborhood Point of Distribution (NPOD) operation at the Venice Community Center, below left. Senator Rubio is pictured below right with Fire Chief Frank Giddens, VPD Chief Charlie Thorpe, Mayor Nick Pachota, City Manager Ed Lavallee, Assistant City Manager James Clinch, and VPD Capt. Andy Leisenring.
HURRICANE MILTON RECOVERY
City Public Works crews are working tirelessly with Sarasota County to reopen parks and beaches as safely and quickly as possible. On Oct. 23, Ethan Lane, Joe Wegman, William Tyerman, Steve Timmer and Deegan Harwood with venice Public Works cleared sand from the north Venice Beach access boardwalk and uncovered the mobility mat Venice Beach and its park amenities reopened to the public Nov 1
City Building Official Derek Applegate and his staff are meeting with various homeowner associations, residential groups, condominium, mobile, and manufactured home community organizations within City limits to help homeowners understand damage assessment, what remediation or rebuilding work requires a permit, how and if the 50% rule may apply to their home or property, and things to look out for when working with a contractor, such as scam warnings and fee implementation. To schedule a meeting with your HOA or residential community call 941-882-7385.
On Oct. 11, Venice Area Beautification Inc. (VABI) volunteers were already out at City parks, including the Monty Andrews Arboretum in West Blalock Park, below, picking up debris
HURRICANE MILTON RECOVERY
Residents were able to sign up for the Blue Roof program at the U.S. Army Corps of Volunteers pop-up location at the Venice Community Center on Oct. 25. Impacted residents can sign up for this no-cost roof tarping service by visiting blueroof.gov or calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258) and applying by Nov 14
City Public Works staff continue to replace and repair damaged or missing decorative street lights and roadway signs Below, Mechanic Lad Trcak replaces an LED light at the corner of W Venice Avenue and U.S. Business 41.
After hurricanes and other disasters, scammers often come into the community trying to take advantage of those impacted by the storm. Follow these tips to avoid becoming a victim:
Watch out for unsolicited offers or contractors claiming to perform repairs at a discount with leftover supplies from another job.
Research a company and its reputation. Look for references online, or ask a friend.
Check to see if a company is properly licensed, insured and if there are any consumer complaints filed against a licensed contractor at MyFloridaLicense.com.
Never pay the full amount of a repair expense upfront, and hesitate before providing large deposits.
Do not sign a certificate of completion or make final payment until satisfied with the work performed.
Get more information on scams here.
City waives certain building fees for hurricane-damaged properties
Appreciating the challenges residents are experiencing to repair damage to their property caused by two devastating hurricanes, Helene and Milton, and retroactive to Sept. 27, 2024, the City of Venice Building Department will waive 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 today by Venice City Manager Ed Lavallee granting this temporary waiver here. It should be noted this executive order does not modify the process to acquire a permit for storm-related damage.
Following the impacts of Helene and Milton, there is an increased risk of marine debris hazards and missing or damaged navigable aids along the Intracoastal Waterway The U S Coast Guard, Florida Division of Emergency Management, FWC, West Coast Inland Navigation District, Sea Tow Venice, Sarasota County, VPD and community partners are coordinating to remove vessels, debris, and other marine hazards Higel Marine Park is closed to the public as it continues to serve as the marine debris staging area. The park is for marine debris extracted by coordinating city, county, state, federal and private partners only.
Report missing or damaged navigable aids to the U S Coast Guard by calling 866-881-1392. For assistance with removing vessels or marine debris, contact Sea Tow Venice at 941-484-4183. Report derelict vessels to FDEM at 850-3666007.
Many public boat ramps, launches and parks in the surrounding areas, including the Manasota Beach and Casey Key public boat launches, remain closed due to impacts from the hurricanes. Marina Park Boat Ramp near the Historic Venice Train Depot is accessible to the public
HURRICANE MILTON RECOVERY
Bulk yard waste pickups have been paused citywide as storm debris is collected Storm debris must be prepared per these guidelines for collection to occur: Place large storm-related debris separately from regular garbage at the curb for collection.
Separate items by category (vegetative, construction and demolition materials, furniture/mattresses and appliances/white goods; see below). Any construction and demolition materials contained in plastic bags should be placed with the regular garbage
Debris piles must avoid obstructions: Keep debris away from utility poles, power lines, storm drains, fire hydrants, mailboxes and fences Don’t worry if you see a hauler truck pass by and miss your street or some piles; they are making multiple passes. You may not see debris haulers in the community if they are unloading at the debris management site, where the contents of each truck are measured and photographed, and debris type is cataloged This is a federal requirement
Why did tree leaves turn brown after Hurricane Milton?
This condition, known as wind burn or wind scorch, occurs when high-speed wind dries out leaf tissue faster than a plant can rehydrate its leaves. In severe cases, small twigs and tender branches can also be damaged. Hurricane-force winds can carry aerosol salt far inland, further dehydrating and burning leaves. Along the coast, saltwater flooding deposits salt into the soil, compounding the problem.
The extent of the damage depends on your location and the plant species’ tolerance to high-velocity wind and salt.
Stay in the Know
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Enforcement: 941-882-7545
So why did this happen this time?
Jim Yelverton is the City Arborist and Tree Program Administrator. He can be contacted at jyelverton@venicefl.gov.
Hurricane Milton was quite different from Hurricanes Ian and Helene. Helene stayed offshore, so it was primarily a rain and storm surge event for us. During slow-moving Ian, local estimates suggest that north of the storm’s center, we received an average of 14 to 16 inches of rain along with strong winds. In contrast, while Milton also had strong winds, local estimates for this fastermoving storm indicate an average of only 3 to 6 inches of rain for areas south of the storm’s center. Of course, rainfall totals can vary widely over short distances during a hurricane, so what happened at your house may be quite different. In addition to wind speed, the onshore wind direction, combined with the relatively small amount of rain that Milton brought, almost certainly played a role in the amount of salt that blew inland.
It makes sense to me that more rain would help prevent the drying out of leaf tissue and both dilute and flush away salt. Additionally, it seems logical to me that the force of wind-driven rain over a longer period would likely remove leaves, as was the case during Ian, rather than dry them out, as happened with Milton. It will be interesting to see what after-event studies reveal about Milton and why the plant damage differs so significantly from other storms.
The game plan for the next six months:
Prune broken branches: Only prune broken branches for now until new leaves have emerged, and you can determine what is dead.
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Jim Yelverton City Arborist
Light pruning: Once leaves appear, prune out dead twigs and branches, keeping pruning treatments as light as possible for now.
No fertilizing: Avoid fertilizing now, as fertilizers contain salts that can exacerbate salt buildup in the soil. Plan to fertilize in spring around March.
Regular irrigation: Continue regular irrigation to flush away salt buildup on plants and in the soil. Many plants will be reacting as if it were spring, so they will need water.
Water uprooted plants: If you have trees and shrubs that were uprooted and then replanted, water them as if they were newly planted. Their roots are damaged, so they need time to rebuild a root system. Wait to fertilize until spring.
The plant’s overall health before the storm will also play a role in how well they recover. Plants will need to use energy reserves to regenerate foliage, so those in good condition will fare better than those in poor health.
Most plants should be just fine, so be patient. Give your plants water and the time they need to recover, and everything will be green again soon.
For more on this and many other topics, click on the below links:
UF/IFAS Disaster Preparation & Recovery: Trees & Landscapes
UF/IFAS Sarasota County
UF/IFAS Charlotte County
NOAA climate and historical weather data
At left, an aerial photo of Heritage Park on West Venice Ave. after Hurricane Milton shows trees with extensive wind burn
Fire Prevention Week Proclamation
Mayor Nick Pachota reads a proclamation during the Oct. 22 City Council meeting recognizing the week of Oct. 6-12, 2024, as Fire Prevention Week, presented to Fire Chief Frank Giddens and VFR Division Chief of Logistics Matt Tomer.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation
Mayor Pachota reads a proclamation recognizing the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, presented to Police Department Captains Eric Hill and Andy Leisenring on behalf of SPARCC (Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center) during the Oct. 22 Council meeting Saying that domestic violence is a crime that happens in silence, Capt. Hill encouraged citizens to help break that silence by voicing stories and providing support systems.
Bob Moroni lauded for 42 years with Solid Waste division
Bob Moroni, the City's longtime Solid Waste/ Recycling Superintendent who retired in late August after 42 years of service, receives a plaque Oct 22 from City Manager Ed Lavallee as Mayor Pachota, Public Works Director Ricky Simpson and Solid Waste/Recycling supervisors Joe Misak and Chase Banyas look on Bob started work with the City of Venice on Feb. 4,
1982. Bob spoke about his deep satisfaction in providing efficient, consistent service to customers over the years, and his pride in hiring every member of his hard-working staff himself and knowing all about their lives and families. He is also pictured above with his wife, Nancy.
Head Start Awareness Month Proclamation
Kathleen Sullivan, Vice President of Programs for Children First Inc , accepts a proclamation from Vice Mayor Jim Boldt on Oct. 22 recognizing the month of October 2024 as Head Start Awareness Month
GIS Day/Geography Awareness Week Proclamation
Vice Mayor Boldt recognizes Nov. 20, 2024, as GIS Day and Nov. 1115, 2024, as Geography Awareness Week with a proclamation presented to GIS Administrator Don Hubbard in IT, CRS Coordinator Christina Rimes in Engineering, Utilities GIS Analyst William Smith, Planning GIS Analyst Kelsey Shope, and Stormwater Engineer Steven Berens Oct. 22.
Florida City Government Week Proclamation
Mayor Nick Pachota recognizes the week of Oct. 21-27, 2024, as Florida City Government Week with a proclamation presented Oct 22 to City Manager Ed Lavallee. City Manager Lavallee also accepted a proclamation on behalf of the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society recognizing the month of October as Florida Native Plant Month
Mobility Week Proclamation
Mayor Pachota recognizes the week of Oct. 25-Nov. 2, 2024, as Mobility Week with a proclamation presented Tuesday to Assistant City Engineer Jon Kramer and Planning Manager Amy Nelson, as City Manager Ed Lavallee looks on. Community members are encouraged to take a survey about the City's Multi-Modal Transportation Master Plan here
Oct. 22 City Council Meeting Recap
Venice City Council took the following actions at their regular Oct. 22 meeting (Council Member Howard participating remotely):
Approved 4-3 (Vice Mayor Boldt and Council Members Moore and Howard dissenting): Assign the Citizen Advisory Board the task of an after action report to the City Council of the recent hurricanes to determine what was done well and what could be done better.
Approved on Consent Agenda:
Engineering: Authorize the Mayor to Execute the First Amendment to Locally Funded Agreement for Use of Park Impact Fees Between Sarasota County and the City of Venice for Northeast Venice Park to Increase Construction Funding by $3,600,000.
Approved 7-0: Finance Dept. Accounts Receivable Write-Offs.
Height Exception Petition No. 24-23HE for the Property Located at 1545 E. Venice Ave. to Construct a Training Tower up to 56.99 Feet for Fire Station No. 2 (Quasi-Judicial).
Approved 5-2 (Council members Farrell and Smith dissenting): Resolution 2024-24 of the City Council of the City of Venice, Providing for the Issuance of Not to Exceed $90,000,000 in Aggregate Principal Amount of its Retirement Community Revenue Improvement Bonds in one or More Tax-Exempt and Taxable Series for the Principal Purpose of Loaning the Proceeds Thereof to Southwest Florida Retirement Center, Inc. D/B/A Village on the Isle to Finance and Refinance Certain Costs Related to the Acquisition, Construction and Equipping of Various Capital Improvements to Existing Continuing Care Retirement Facilities; Providing for Certain Rights of the Owners of Such Bonds and for the Payment Thereof; Making Certain Other Covenants and Agreements in Connection with the Issuance of Such Bonds; Authorizing a Delegated Negotiated Sale of Such Bonds to the Underwriter Referred to Herein; Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of an Indenture of Trust, Loan Agreement, Bonds, Purchase Agreement and All Other Related Agreements and Instruments Including, Without Limitation, a Tax Agreement; Authorizing the Distribution of a Preliminary Official Statement and a Final Official Statement in Connection with the Sale of the Bonds; and Providing for Other Miscellaneous Matters in Connection with the Foregoing.
Approved 7-0 on First Reading: Ordinance 2024-27 of the City of Venice, Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 46, Parks and Recreation, Article I, In General, Section 46-5, Naming or Renaming a City-Owned Facility or Park; Providing for Repeal of All Ordinances in Conflict Herewith; and Providing for Severability.
Approved 6-1 (Council Member Smith dissenting): Direct staff to initiate a text amendment petition based on the material presented utilizing a 60% owners approval for PUD Amendments.
Approved 7-0: Resolution 2024-22 of the City Council of the City of Venice, Invoking Zoning in Progress; Declaring the City is Considering Amending its Land Development Code by Adopting Amended Regulations for Planned District Amendments and All Applications for Planned District Amendments Shall be Subject to the Zoning in Progress.
Resolution 2024-21 of the City of Venice, Adopting an Amended Cybersecurity Policy; Superseding Resolution No. 2020-06.
Adopt Centennial Logo designed by Stuart Bailey, pictured below.
Watch the complete Oct 22 meeting here In November, Venice City Council will meet at 9 a.m. Nov. 19 in Community Hall Room 165. Council meeting minutes and recordings are typically available within 48 hours of each meeting date.
Volunteers sought for City Advisory Boards
The following City of Venice advisory boards have openings:
The Citizens Tax Oversight Committee has two terms ending soon. Members shall be residents of the City. No member may be a full-time employee of the City or private individuals or employees of private firms under contract with the City. The board conducts an annual review of the expenditures made by the City from sales tax proceeds to ensure that expenditures have been made in accordance with infrastructure project lists and any changes thereto. The board shall meet annually or as needed to review any changes made by the City to the infrastructure projects or to the allocation of sales tax proceeds for the sole purpose of ensuring that all procedural requirements have been followed.
The Venice Housing Authority has two terms ending soon -- one regular seat and one seat for a resident who is current in rent in a housing project or a person of low or very low income who resides within the housing authority’s jurisdiction and is receiving rent subsidy through a program administered by the authority or public housing agency that has jurisdiction for the same locality served by the housing authority. The board is to find sanitary dwelling accommodations available to families of low income at rents they can afford. Please note: The Venice City Council appoints members to this board per state statute, but it is a self-governing board with staff to provide information regarding meetings, minutes, and activity. For information about anything other than board applications or appointments, please contact the Venice Housing Authority office at 941-488-3526, 201 Grove St. N., Venice, FL 34285.
More information on these volunteer boards and requirements, along with an application, can be found online here. You can also contact Amanda Hawkins-Brown in the City Clerk’s Office at ahbrown@venicefl.gov or 941-882-7391.
All applications meeting the requirements will be considered when vacancies occur. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. If you are selected to serve on a City board, you will be required to comply with the state public records and sunshine laws, as well as financial disclosure requirements.
Oct. 22 Council Meeting Recap continued
Denied 5-2 (Council Members Farrell and Smith assenting): Delete Section 3.6.4.A.4 from Chapter 87 of the Land Development Code Which States, “The Director May Approve an Alternative Parking Plan (APP) if Parking Requirements are Modified by 25 Percent or Less. If Greater than 25 Percent, the Planning Commission Shall Consider the APP as Part of the Site and Development Process.”
Work scheduled for November on Water Treatment Plant Supply RO-8E:
Onsite: Install 12-inch raw water main and fiber-optic conduit from the wellhead to the Pinebrook Road right-of-way.
Offsite: Install 16-inch raw water main and fiber-optic conduit from Kilpatrick Road north to the well site. The westerly southbound lane of Pinebrook Road will be closed, including the adjacent sidewalk and bike lane. The work will begin at the well site and move south to Kilpatrick Road. Large equipment will be near and within the road right-of-way. Please drive slowly, use caution, and watch out for workers. Motorists are to follow posted traffic control signs. Project background: The City operates a water wellfield to supply raw water to the Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant (WTP) There are 14 wells in the current system To maximize the water of the wells, and to help ensure future water supply for the City, the wells are rotated every week. This rotation keeps approximately half the wells in service at any given time depending on City's demand for water. Over time, wells are taken offline for rehabilitation and to recover the original production capacity. Construction of the new water well provides greater reliability and operational flexibility in meeting future water demands of the City. This project also includes installation of a 12- and 16-inch raw water transmission main and a generator. Funding: A substantial portion of this project is funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program.
For more information, visit: venicegov.com/government/utilities/projects
Check out this article (page 10) in the Southeast Journal of Trenchless Technology 2024, “Successful Shallow Microtunneling in Venice, Florida.” The piece explains in detail how the new 24-inch parallel forcemain running under the busy 1,000-foot-wide I-75 corridor, needed by the City of Venice to expand capacity and provide redundancy to the sewer collection system, was constructed via microtunneling
Plaque unveiling set for Mobile Home Park Clubhouse
On Tuesday, Nov. 12, the City of Venice and the Municipal Mobile Home Park community will host a plaque unveiling recognizing the park clubhouse as the latest addition to the City’s Local Register of Historical Resources.
The City Council approved its designation into the register in July of this year. The building has been recognized as the last remaining structure from the Venice Army Air Base still in its original location. It started out as a Student Officers Lounge for the base that operated in Venice from 1943 until the end of World War II. The federal government handed over control of the airport to Venice in 1947. Two years later the City turned part of the air base land into a mobile home park, converting the lounge into a recreation facility for park residents — a role it still fulfills today.
The community is invited to the unveiling. The mobile home park community will host a fall-themed reception in the building afterward, where guests can see historic images of the old base.
The event will take place at 6 p.m. Nov. 12 at the clubhouse, located at 780 Firenze Ave., inside the Municipal Mobile Home Park. Parking is available to the east, west, and south of the clubhouse building.
For more information, contact City Historical Resources Manager Harry Klinkhamer at hklinkhamer@venicefl.gov or 941-486-2490.
From left, the Venice Municipal Mobile Home Park Clubhouse, formerly the Student Officers Lounge for the Venice Army Air Base; the original wood floor inside the building; original mailboxes still used by residents.
This 1926 historic gem in the Venezia Park neighborhood is known as “La Casa del Rodle Grande” or “The House of the Big Oak.”
According to a 2003 open house flier, it was owned by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers until the late 1930s when it went through a foreclosure action because of the Great Depression. Dr. Fred Albee purchased it from the bank in 1943, and Clyde Higel owned it while he was mayor in 1946.
Fast forward to 2002, when Melanie and Chris Moore fell in love with Venice and purchased the home without seeing it in person.
Online photos of the bungalow impressed them enough to quit their jobs, sell their home, and head south to Venice.
Provided by Rhonda Rogers, Venice Historical Resources
At top, the Venezia Park home circa 1930s. Above left, window and door modifications are visible in this circa 1970s image. Above right, the home in October 2024 Note the brown leaves on the large oak tree caused by Hurricane Milton
SEASONAL REMINDERS
4,459
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.
Alert Sarasota County can send alerts to users via landline phone, cell phone, text message, email, TDD/TTY, or a combination of these methods
SEASONAL REMINDERS
SEASONAL REMINDERS
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
City Bike Ride route modified for November
Due to debris piles from recent hurricanes on island streets and the City’s contracted debris haulers actively working on the roadways, as well as the closure of Humphris Park at the South Jetty, the Monthly City Bike Ride for November will start at City Hall but take a different route that includes a section of the Venetian Waterway Park trail, see below map.
City Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinator Darlene Culpepper, who leads the rides, will address debris hazards and visibility issues in her pre-ride safety briefing. At the next ride on Nov. 14, consultants will be present to hear citizens’ input on multi-modal planning for Venice.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Saturday, Nov. 30
Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. from the corner of W. Venice Avenue and Harbor Drive, traveling east to Nokomis Avenue, then continuing south on Nokomis Avenue, ending at Turin Street.
Parade information can be found online at: venicegov.com/things-to-do/featured-eventsattractions/venice-holiday-parade
5 p.m. Dance Party - Performance sponsored by Starz Choice Dance Academy
5:45 p.m. Elf Dash - Keep an eye out for the dashing elves! Once you see them running down the parade route, it's your cue to grab your seats the parade is about to start soon
6:15 p.m. Food Drive - Hosted by the Coalition of South County Food Pantries. Boy Scout Troop 77 will collect nonperishable food items & cash for South County residents in need
6:20 p.m. National Anthem - Performed by Venice High School Choral Group
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. - FREE face painting and caricature artists in Centennial Park and balloon twisters near City Hall and Nokomis Avenue
6:30 to 9 p.m. - Snacks & drinks available for purchase, sponsored by various high school booster clubs; located at Centennial Park, Fountain Park and near Venice Art Center
Early chair setup may begin along the parade route after 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27 at your own risk
No bleachers, couches, recliners, roped-off areas, stakes, tarps, canopies or mats; these items will be removed by Public Works and Code Enforcement and discarded as abandoned property.
No chairs set up or spectators allowed in the center medians in the 100-300 blocks of W. Venice Ave. Parade-goers are asked to adhere to posted signage.
Any chairs placed before 6 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 27 will be disposed of by Public Works and Code Enforcement as abandoned property. The City of Venice is not responsible for your items or property.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
2024 Venice Christmas Boat Parade
6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Commonly Asked Questions
Do the bridges stay up? How do people get on/off Venice island? 1.
a.
Where to watch?
The North/KMI and W. Venice Avenue bridges close to vehicle traffic and open for boat traffic as the parade approaches and remain open for all vessels to pass through. The Circus Bridge remains locked in the down position available for vehicle traffic. This is a coordinated closure between Venice Police, U.S. Coast Guard, Sarasota County, FDOT and bridge tenders.
How long will it take for the boat to pass by? 2.
3.
a. Why are there bright flashing blue lights at the beginning and end of the boat parade?
The parade begins at 6 p.m. from the Albee Farm Road Bridge and travels south at a slow speed of approximately 3 to 5 Knots. It can over 45 minutes for boats to get from Albee Farm Road bridge to the the North/KMI Bridge, and more than 30 minutes from boats to get to the parade end point from the North/KMI Bridge. Your patience is appreciated!
Venice Police Department Marine Patrol leads and tails the boat parade. The flashing blue lights or emergency running lights provide visibility for nighttime navigation and allow parade participants to maintain a visual line of site.
View the boat parade along the Intracoastal Waterway
From the Venetian Waterway Park side (west) between the North/KMI bridge south to MarineMax
From the Legacy Trail side (east) along Legacy Park
Limited viewing from Casey Key NO chairs or access at or south of the Venice Urban Forest NO viewing from the South Jetty NO viewing from Circus Bridgethe parade ends at or just before MarineMax
View the boat parade from waterfront restaurants* including Pops Sunset Bar & Grill
Dockside Waterfront Grill
Crow’s Nest
Venice Area Beautification Inc.
4.
Does the boat parade travel south past the Circus Bridge?
No. The parade ends before the Circus Bridge, just before MarineMax. You will not be able to see the parade if you sit near the Circus Bridge or Venetian Waterway Park near the airport. a.
Does the boat parade travel the route twice, heading south AND north? 5.
No. The parade route starts at the Albee Farm Road Bridge in Nokomis and travels south to MarineMax. Boats will turn off their decorative lights to return to the launch used to participate. Boats returning to their starting or exit point are no longer considered part of the parade.
Is the boat parade put on by the City of Venice? 6.
No. The boat parade is put on by a private resident and volunteers, who coordinate with the City, Venice Police, U.S. Coast Guard, WCIND, and Sarasota County to offer this free community event.
*Some reservations or ticket purchases may be required
Early chair setup is prohibited for this event!
Any chairs placed before noon, Saturday, Dec. 7 will be disposed of by City of Venice Public Works and Code Enforcement, Sarasota County, and WCIND as abandoned property.
The City of Venice is not responsible for your items or property.
For more information:
venicechristmasboatparade.net
Congratulations to Epiphany Cathedral School fifth-grader Serena Rivera, who won the City of Venice's annual Florida City Government Week poster contest at her school
Under the guidance of art teacher Stacey Berkow, students drew or painted to the theme, "My City, I'm Part of It, I'm Proud of It "
Serena won a pizza party for her class Oct. 23, and received a framed certificate from City Public Information Officer Lorraine Anderson Serena's family was also on hand to surprise her! Her colorful artwork of the beach will be installed at City Hall.
Well done Serena!
AROUND TOWN
Congratulations to Venice Elementary School fourth-grader Anisia Onetiu and fifth-grader Zoey Taylor, who won the City of Venice's annual Florida City Government Week poster contest at their school.
Under the guidance of art teacher Heather Young, students drew to the theme, "My City, I'm Part of It, I'm Proud of It."
Anisia and Zoey won a pizza party for their classes Oct. 24, and received framed certificates from City Public Information Officer Lorraine Anderson. Their moms were also on hand to surprise them. Their wonderful artwork will be installed at City Hall.
Well done Anisia and Zoey!
Awww Alert: Below, in mid-September, Venice Fire Rescue was dispatched to a call in which an elderly man had fallen into a pool trying to retrieve a juvenile rabbit. The man was not injured. VFR staff then retrieved the bunny and brought it back to the station Firefighter/EMT Cory Storch, pictured here, fed the bunny and, under the advisement of Animal Services, released him on his property. Way to hop to it!
U.S. Senator Rick Scott visited Venice Municipal Airport on Sept. 30, where Florida Power & Light staged to restore power statewide following Hurricane Helene (FPL also staged there for Milton.) Senator Scott also took a Sarasota County Sheriff's helicopter tour to view damage in the region. Pictured from left, Sarasota Police Department Chief Rex Troche, SCSO Sheriff Kurt Hoffman, Venice Police Chief Charlie Thorpe, Sen. Scott, Venice Mayor Nick Pachota, VPD Capt. Andy Leisenring, Venice City Manager Ed Lavallee, Sarasota County Commissioner Ron Cutsinger, Sarasota County Fire Department Chief David Rathbun and Venice Airport Director Mark Cervasio
The Venice-Nokomis Woman’s Club recently presented City Historical Resources with a small collection of historical documents pertaining to the origins and history of the club, including early deeds for the VNWC’s clubhouse and agreements with the Friends of the Library, who became the beneficiary of the VNWC’s book collection. Here, Historical Resources Curator and Collections Manager Jon Watson receives the historical documents from VNWC President Joan Brinton and VNWC Historian Nanci Bussaglia
AROUND TOWN
The Venice Police Department sponsored a Bicycle Safety Rodeo for youth ages 3-10 on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Venice Elementary School, partnering with Venice Fire, the Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club, Real Bikes and Bicycles International for a morning of fun and learning bike safe skills. There were free helmets for all kids who attended, plus each bike was inspected and fitted to the rider. Participants also rode around the neighborhood with Venice Police bike officers, and bicycle repairs were offered
Above, students from Island Village Montessori School visited Fire Station 3 on Laurel Road Oct. 2 to learn about fire safety. Kids met the firefighters, checked out trucks and equipment, watched a fire safety video, and even got a turn spraying the firehose Below, VPD held “Coffee with a Cop” Oct 2 at the McDonald’s on the Bypass, where citizens could meet officers, Chief Charlie Thorpe and K-9 Palmer, discuss community issues, and ask questions. Master Police Officer Paul Joyce even took a turn at the drive-thru, below right.
Veterans Day Ceremony at Patriots Park Nov. 11
American Legion Post 159 of Venice will once again host the annual Veterans Day Ceremony in Patriots Park, 800 Venetia Bay Blvd., on Monday, Nov. 11.
The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. and will include participation by all veterans organizations in the Venice area; presentation of colors; patriotic music and speakers. Open to the public; bring chairs and water.
