Venice, FL June 2023

FASCINATING PEOPLE. FASCINATING LIVES.

The active, wellness-centered lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of in a community filled with fun and (you guessed it) fascinating people. Spacious residences and amenities that put the good life right at your fingertips. A hoppin’ social calendar that includes exercise classes, lifelong learning, celebrations and events including our wildly popular “VOTI Cabaret”. If you’re bored here, there’s a good chance you’ll be bored anywhere. Seriously.

Add guaranteed priority access to 5-star healthcare and you’ve got the perfect combination of independence and security you’ll only find at Venice’s only licensed Life Plan Community (also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community, or CCRC).

Limited apartments available— schedule your tour today by calling 941-275-6690

Ride. Enjoy. Live life to its fullest. Repeat.

Gentlemen of Venice!

Welcome to Venice City Lifestyle’s annual "Gentlemen of Venice!" issue where we celebrate the great men in our community. As we approach Father's Day, we wanted to showcase some of the exceptional gentlemen in our midst who inspire us with their contributions to our society and their creative endeavors.

Our cover story – featuring photos by our talented photographer Stephanie Snow – interviews each of the “4 Outstanding First Responders of Leadership Venice 2023,” who serve our community with care and commitment. These four men have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and dedication to their profession. Their words will inspire you and remind you of the importance of serving others. BTW, if you’re talking Venice Dads – collectively they have 9 children, plus Venice Police Lieutenant Louis White, and his wife Alicia, have twins on the way.

We also highlight “Amazing Book-Writing Gentlemen of Venice." That's Vince Scarsella, whose "Lawyers Gone Bad" books are being made into a TV series, and fitness expert "Coach" Al Lyman. These two talented writers have forged their own path to publication. We are proud to share their stories with you – they prove that with passion and hard work, anything is possible.

For those of you who are planning for retirement, or if you are already retired but want to revisit your plans, "5 Strategies for Successful Retirement is for you." In it, the experts at Ferris Wheel Finance share practical tips and insights on how to achieve financial security and enjoy your retirement to the fullest.

June being one of the most popular months for weddings, we felt a feature on how Plantation Golf & Country Club creates "The Wedding of Your Dreams," was on target. If you're planning a wedding, or know someone who is, the article offers some fantastic ideas and inspiration.

We hope you enjoy reading our June “Gentlemen of Venice!” issue, and we invite you to join us in celebrating these outstanding men, who make our community a better place.

And…Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there, including my son Brandon, my son-in-law Jeff, and my brother-in-law Paul.

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Charmaine Tincher | charmaine.tincher@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Emily Leinfuss | emily.leinfuss@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jacqueline Weder, Kate Hyland, Emily Leinfuss

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Stephanie Snow Photography, Prion Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

CHARMAINE TINCHER, PUBLISHER @VENICECITYLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE

FRESH HARVEST WELLEN PARK

LOCAL FOOD, LOCAL FLAVOR, LOCAL LOVE

From selecting locally grown produce picked at the peak of freshness to meeting the people who grow our food, farmers markets offer the unique opportunity to connect with your food and community in one place. Now, you can enjoy that opportunity close to home with Fresh Harvest Wellen Park, Downtown Wellen’s farmers market that debuted May 21.

“We are thrilled to bring Fresh Harvest to Wellen Park residents and guests,” said Christine Masney, vice president of marketing for Wellen Park. “This is such a great way to come out and enjoy downtown while shopping for produce and goods from local vendors.”

Fresh Harvest takes place every Sunday as part of Downtown Wellen’s event schedule. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., attendees can peruse over 30 different vendor booths and stock up on a variety of goods. Vendors will offer produce, herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, coffee, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk, specialty cheeses, and prepared food and beverages.

Participating Fresh Harvest Vendors

• All Dried Up

• Apotheca Brown Soaps & Sundries

• Big Top Baskets

• Bliss Bites

• Crazy Joe’s Fresh Peanut Butter

• Florida’s Fresh Fish Company

• Grater Good

• Jamie’s Jam

• King of All Guacamoles

• Macaronage, LLC

• Marek’s Authentic Polish Food

• Maria’s Italian Kitchen on the Go

• Maine Lobstah 2 U

• Monte Reale

• Mr. C Produce

• Mr. Fun Guy Mushrooms

• NYC Bagels

• Old Florida Bee

• Pet Wants Sarasota

• Swing Blades Inc.

• The Bandana Bandits

• The Brezel King

• Traditional French Crepes

• Tropical Island Foods

• Twila Mae’s Chicken Salad

• Wild at Heart Flower Truck And More!

“Fresh Harvest is a community hub – a place to meet up with your friends, bring your children or just get a taste of local products,” said Masney. “You’ll connect with the farmers who grow your food and other vendors who have a unique offering of goods. There is something for everyone here.”

For the passionate cooks out there, starting this fall, cooking demonstrations will be offered during Fresh Harvest. Local chefs will lead the demonstrations and provide tips on food preservation and other kitchen skills.

Located in Wellen Park, one of the fastest-selling communities in the nation, the pedestrian-friendly downtown is the region’s new social and gathering spot, emphasizing heartfelt connections to community and nature. Grand Lake celebrates the community’s waterfront vibe, providing a scenic backdrop and opportunities for fishing and paddle sports. Visitors can enjoy time on the water and along downtown’s 3-mile lakefront trail with on-site bicycle, e-bike, kayak and paddleboard rentals at Kind Vibes Outfitters.

Restaurants, boutiques, medical and professional offices are now open in Downtown Wellen.

To learn more about Fresh Harvest, Downtown Wellen and living at Wellen Park, call 941-271-0116, go to wellenpark. com or visit the Welcome Center at 12275 Mercado Drive in Venice, Fla. The Welcome Center is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m

Interested vendors are encouraged to apply to participate in Fresh Harvest

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @VeniceCityLifestyleMagazine

1: Karen Fordham, COO of AMA Health Providers, celebrates at AMA’s Venice Grand Opening. 2: British Open Pub owner Kelly Olliver (L) and AMA Providers’ COO Karen Fordham enjoy AMA’s Grand Opening. 3: The Venice Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome AMA Health Providers to the Venice community. 4: VCL Publisher’s family enjoying time together on Oak Island: (L-R) Dawn, Jeff, Kathy, Cameron, Grace and Charmaine. 5: VCL Publisher’s Michigan-based brother-in-law Paul and sister Carol enjoying their first visit to Venice. 6: Emilee Basil (L), a patient of AMA’s Michael Gallina, DPM, feels blessed to continue receiving such excellent care. 7: Princess Grace, granddaughter of VCL publisher Charmaine, is ready for her first prom. (Had to brag!)

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Venice's AMA Health Providers Welcomes

Pancreatic Disease Expert Jaime Baquero, MD

Gastroenterologist Jaime Baquero, MD has joined AMA Health Providers in the practice’s newest location at 435 Commercial Court, Venice. Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Dr. Baquero is a pancreatic diseases expert who performs endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures. He also specializes in esophageal dysmotility disorders and performs high resolution manometry EndoFLIP procedures and 24-hour pH impedance testing. Learn more at amahealthproviders.com.

Scan to read more.

Cardiologist Lawrence J. Elliott, DO, FACC Joins

AMA Health Providers in Venice

AMA Health Providers in Venice is pleased to welcome cardiologist Lawrence J. Elliott, DO, FACC to its new practice location in Venice. Board-certified in Cardiology and Echocardiography, Dr. Elliott specializes in all aspects of non-invasive cardiology including hypertension, chronic heart failure (CHF), arrhythmias, coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease. He emphasizes risk reduction and non-invasive testing before administering more invasive measures. Learn more at amahealthproviders.com .

Scan to read more.

Podiatric Surgeon Michael R. Gallina, DPM Joins

AMA Health Providers in Venice

As the former podiatric surgeon for the Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, foot and ankle surgeon/podiatrist Michael R. Gallina, DPM is a welcome addition to Venice’s AMA Health Providers. Dr. Gallina handles foot and ankle related injuries including Achilles tendon injuries, bunion correction with immediate weight barring, heel pain/plantar fasciitis, pickleball and tennis related injuries, revisional surgery, tendon ruptures and he administers Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Interjections. Learn more at amahealthproviders.com.

Scan to read more.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Venice

General & Robotics Surgery Expert, Wesley Hendricks, DO Joins AMA Health Providers

The general, minimally-invasive, and robotic surgeon Wesley Hendricks, DO, FACOS has joined the team of AMA Health Providers at its new location in Venice. Dr. Hendricks is an experienced, board-certified general and robotic surgeon focused on general, minimally invasive, and robotic surgery of the appendix, bowel, colon (cancer/diverticulitis/polyps), hernia repair (all types), reflux (hiatal hernia), and skin/soft tissue surgery.  He offers a compassionate, patient-centered approach to medicine. Learn more at amahealthproviders.com.

Scan to read more.

AMA Health Providers Welcomes Antonio E. Lubrano, MD to New Venice Location

AMA Health Providers is pleased to welcome endocrinologist Antonio E. Lubrano, MD to its recently opened Venice practice. Dr. Lubrano is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician who specializes in the treatment of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism related ailments. As such, he is an expert in the areas of thyroid disease and cancer, diabetes technology, bone health and calcium metabolism, pituitary pathology, and adrenal pathology. Learn more at amahealthproviders.com.

Scan to read more.

Pulmonology, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine Specialist Walid Tanyous, MD Joins AMA Health Providers

Pulmonology, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine specialist Walid Tanyous, MD has joined the team at AMA Health Providers' new location in Venice. Dr. Tanyous is a board-certified Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, and Sleep Medicine physician who specializes in treating asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), interstitial lung diseases, lung cancer and pleural disease just to name a few conditions. Learn more at amahealthproviders.com.

Scan to read more.

Dr. Frank Lewicki | Dr. Brent Beyer | Dr. Charles Davis

Summer Special

A COMPLETE REJUVENATION WITH LONG LASTING RESULTS. THIS TREATMENT TARGETS AGING SKIN, TEXTURE, LAXITY WRINKLES, DULL SKIN, WHILE PROVIDING SMOOTHER, TIGHTER & BRIGHTER SKIN $950.00 INCLUDES 4

2023

Venice’s Plantation Golf & Country Club is a beautiful spot for a wedding.

The Wedding of Your Dreams

Plantation Golf & Country Club Makes Your Special Day Perfect

ARTICLE BY EMILY LEINFUSS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY

Whether you’re planning a small and intimate affair, or a big and bustling celebration, Venice’s Plantation Golf & Country Club is the perfect place to have your wedding.

This impressive venue provides an impeccable selection of indoor and outdoor locations that are guaranteed to make your dreams come true. Plus, Plantation GCC’s expertise in planning and delivering all aspects of your extra special day is second to none.

Plantation’s newly redesigned and upgraded clubhouse complex has beautiful bay windows overlooking the Bobcat golf course and can accommodate a

party of up to 650 people – or it can be configured to fit the wedding size of your choice.

Plantation GCC offers three beautiful locations for all-outdoor weddings, or for couples who want their marriage ceremony to be in a nature-inspired setting.  Picturesque ceremony choices include under a live oak canopy, an intimate garden ceremony nestled under beautiful moss trees, and the manor lawn with pond views.

For those who want the best of both worlds, why not host an outdoor cocktail hour and reception, and then have your guests and loved ones dine and dance the

Light up your wedding at Plantation GCC.

Plantation GCC offers elegance and expertise for all its events.

Brad Clark is Clubhouse Manager for Food & Beverages at Plantation GCC.

night away inside the clubhouse? It’s your wedding – and Plantation can help make it the best day of your life!

PERFECT WEDDING TIPS

On that note, here are some suggestions to make your wedding unique and personal – no matter its size.

• Incorporate a meaningful theme to tie together the décor with the food and drinks: tropical and beachy comes to mind.

• Select a color palette, and not just for the wedding party alone – anything from the elegance of black and white, to Florida pastels, would make a memorable impact.

• Offer local cuisine: our area is known for fresh seafood and citrus, so consider featuring these flavors.

• Personalize your wedding vows by writing them yourself or incorporating meaningful readings or poems.

• Choose a special song or musical piece that represents you as a couple for your first dance.

• Consider having a fun photo booth or selfie station for guests to capture memories of the night.

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

And let's not forget about the delicious food! From mouth-watering seafood to decadent desserts, Plantation GCC’s Chef David Lind knows how to satisfy your taste and your taste buds. Are you thinking about Surf & Turf? How about BBQ or Cuban cuisine? Special hors d’oeuvres, yummy salads and delicious desserts are all available to you at Plantation GCC. And don’t worry about guests with any dietary restrictions

or needs. Plantation will work to make everybody satisfied with their meal.

SIGNATURE DRINKS ARE IN!

Signature drinks are a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your wedding celebration. Whether you’re looking for a unique way to highlight your favorite flavors, want to create a unique drink that reflects your personality as a couple, or just want to have some fun with your guests; signature drinks can make your wedding an event to remember.

VENDOR SELECTION IS IMPORTANT

"Your wedding details are all-important here at Plantation Golf & Country Club," says Clubhouse Manager for Food & Beverages, Brad Clark. “We take care of the details so you can enjoy the most special day of your life,” he adds.

With all of Plantation GCC’s expertise, it’s no surprise that the venue has a list of preferred vendors known to offer reliability and stress-free planning, making them a top choice for events. The list covers the variety of services needed for weddings including photographers and videographers, DJ’s and bands, musicians for the ceremony, transportation, florists, hair and makeup artists, and more.

“After all, weddings are not just about the amenities – the atmosphere is what truly creates unforgettable events,” says Brad. That’s the sound of laughter and clinking glasses, the sight of elegant attire and stunning decorations, and the feeling of love and joy that fills the air - these are the things that make weddings at Plantation Golf & Country Club so magical.

“The sound of laughter and clinking glasses, the sight of elegant attire and stunning decorations, and the feeling of love and joy that fills the air - these are the things that make weddings at Plantation Golf & Country Club so magical.”

PLANTATION HOSTS EVENTS OF ALL KINDS!

Plantation GCC is also an excellent place to host many other important events – from corporate holiday parties or meet and greets, to philanthropic galas or golf tournament lunches, plus quinces, mitzvahs, and more.

The Plantation campus provides multiple spaces to accommodate guest seating from 20-1000. With a choice of conference rooms, an intimate pub bar, three large dining spaces with a beautiful dance floor – even a Junior Olympic Size pool with an expansive deck for outside affairs – all complete with garden and manicured lawn views – you’ll be sure to find the perfect venue for a special event.

“Plantation GCC is also an excellent place to host many other important events – from corporate holiday parties or meet and greets, to philanthropic galas or golf tournament lunches, plus quinces, mitzvahs, and more. ”

Now pronouncing you Husband & Wife!

We are proud to offer two of the most sought-after treatments to rejuvenate your skin: Morpheus8 and Lumecca by InMode.

Morpheus8 uses a combination of radiofreqency and microneedling to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and visibly tighten skin on the face and body. This fractional treatment stimulates collagen production, and by targeting the deeper layers of the skin, tissues are remodeled to reveal a more radiant, youthful appearance.

Lumecca is the most powerful intense pulsed light (IPL) to improve skin complexion and clarity. Lumecca is a superior solution to reduce age spots, vascular lesions, rosacea and sun damage on all areas of the body. Results can be seen in as little as one treatment and the skin continues to look younger and more brilliant over time. Multiple photofacial sessions will improve the final result.

Let us help you turn back the clock!

Now

AMAZING BOOK-WRITING GENTLEMEN OF VENICE

VINCE SCARSELLA & “COACH” AL LYMAN

ARTICLE BY EMILY LEINFUSS

Retired Lawyer Vince Scarsella Writes Good Books

Vince Scarsella is a former prosecutor of unethical lawyers who turned his experience into the successful “Lawyers Gone Bad” series of crime novels. But his literary career didn’t stop or start there.

The prolific author boasts an impressive catalogue that includes science fiction, mysteries, and even one titled “The Messiah.”  He is finishing up his 12th novel – the last of a trilogy that began with his first book: the 2013 “The Anonymous Man.”

Vince’s versatility is impressive, and he has a ‘game-on’ willingness to take on new challenges. He has written plays and seen them performed and has just wrapped a “Sizzle Reel” pitch for a TV series based on his “Lawyers Gone Bad” books. “The series has drawn the interest of actors Tom Paolino (Law & Order SVU, FBI, and Blue Bloods) and Susan Gallagher (Cobra Kai). They have become executive producers for the project,” he explains.

Vince Scarsella

Vince just wrapped a “Sizzle Reel” pitch for a TV series based on his “Lawyers Gone Bad” books.

The hard working writer goes at it for 3-4 hours in the morning every day, but he doesn’t struggle over what to write about. “Stories just pop into my head,” he says.

Vince credits Rosanne, his supportive wife of 44 years, for his continued success. The couple (they have three adult children and eight grandchildren with a ninth on the way) relocated to Florida from Buffalo, NY in 2011, then moved multiple times before they discovered IslandWalk in 2018. “We love Wellen Park, especially with the Atlanta Braves stadium just down the street!”

Vince admits he’s always had the need to tell tales and have them read by others. “I was just born with the desire and drive to write and tell stories. It’s like a disease,” he jokes.

That drive has only gotten more pronounced with age. “When you get older, you kind of see the end coming, and you want to get things done!” Check out his author page at:   amazon.com/stores/ Vincent-L.-Scarsella/author/B002LYOJTQ.

Going the Distance With “Coach” Al Lyman

Al Lyman is a man of many talents, with an incredible zest for living life to the fullest and in peak health. The 63-year old moved to Nokomis with his partner in 2016. “We feel really lucky to be here,” he says.

Not only is Al a master sports therapist, he’s also a percussionist and the Music Librarian for the Venice Symphony Orchestra. His musical career took off when, at 19, he auditioned and was hired by the US Coast Guard Band. That percussionist gig lasted 28 years and took him around the world: “We were the first military band to travel to the Soviet Union.” He’s also played for five U.S. Presidents.

Al began his health-seeking journey early, after seeing his parents aging beyond their years. “I made a conscious decision to die healthy: to live in good health, without physical limitation, illness or disease until, one day, at 110 or 120, I don’t wake up.”

“Every day since then I’ve thought about how to live healthier,” says Al. In 1995 he started training for his first Ironman, which he completed two years later. Two years after that he qualified and competed in the World Championship Ironman in Hawaii.

“That journey changed my life. I started to believe I had a purpose on this planet, which was to empower other people to see that they were capable of much more, and that it only takes one small change to begin.” To help spread the gospel of living one’s best life, Al put everything he’s learned into his book. “Age Well and Feel Great: The Proven Path to Solving the Aging Puzzle and Going the Distance.”

“I want people to know that there is always hope, and it is never too late,” he says.  Learn more at theallyman.com

Al Lyman

THE 4 OUTSTANDING FIRST RESPONDERS OF LEADERSHIP VENICE 2023

SERVING THE COMMUNITY WITH CARE & COMMITMENT

The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Venice, class of 2023, has 25 participants representing a variety of businesses, nonprofits, and industries in the city of Venice.

One of them is Venice City Lifestyle’s vibrant publisher, Charmaine Tincher. Four are the outstanding first responders who shared their concerns for the city, and takeaways from the program, in the following interviews.

Each, in their own way, expressed that Leadership Venice is providing new perspectives on the city, and networking with the other class members will assuredly assist them in doing their job better and more efficiently moving forward.

ARTICLE BY EMILY LEINFUSS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE

SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY

Our 4 First Responders with Venice City Lifestyle Publisher Charmaine Tincher (center).

CHIEF FRANK GIDDENS

VENICE FIRE AND RESCUE

Twenty-one years ago, Frank Giddens, now 46, was a newbie firefighter for Venice Fire and Rescue. Today, as Fire Chief, he oversees all aspects of the organization. A ‘lifelong’ Floridian, Frank is married and has two children.

Q. WHY DID YOU WANT TO JOIN THE 2023 LEADERSHIP VENICE CLASS?

FG. What intrigued me was the opportunity to gain an in-depth perspective of how our business leaders and the City of Venice truly operates. And who can say no to (Leadership Venice Director) Barbara Hines? She is such a great leader to learn from.

Q. WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE PROGRAM?

FG. Networking and building good relationships with the people. We cover the whole spectrum of the workforce – police, fire and rescue, business owners, accountants, city planners.

Q. HOW IS WORKING WITH EVERYONE ON THE LEADERSHIP CLASS PROJECT OF 2023: A TRIBUTE TO FIRST RESPONDERS?

FG. This project really provides the table for different agencies, organizations, and workforces to come together for a common goal to benefit the city.

Q. WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WISH, OR POSITIVE CHANGE YOU’D LIKE TO SEE FOR THE VENICE AREA?

FG. I hate to sound cliché but this city on the Gulf is titled as ‘Paradise,’ and with so much change going on I (wish) for the continued good will of the genuinely good people here.   CONTINUED >

Chief Frank Giddens, Venice Fire and Rescue

ASSISTANT CHIEF KYLE HARTLEY

VENICE FIRE AND RESCUE

The 35-year-old Kyle Hartley has worked for the City of Venice Fire Rescue nearly half his life. Today, as Assistant Chief of Fire Operations, he oversees the daily operations of firefighters and their training. Married to wife Kaytlin, with two Children, Emery and Raegon. Kyle is an avid golfer and disc golfer, and he loves to surf, fish, and dive.

Q. WHAT WAS THE IMPETUS TO JOIN THE 2023 LEADERSHIP VENICE CLASS?

KH. Chief Giddens thought it was a good opportunity to network with up and comers and people with leadership roles throughout the city.

Q. HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN?

KH. At first, I was leery because I’m pretty introverted and it forced me out of my comfort zone. But I’m enjoying it, partly because (Fire Rescue) gets to showcase what we do for the city beyond just responding to 911. There’s a lot more to our day-today operations.

Q. WHAT ARE SOME TAKEAWAYS SO FAR?

KH. It’s let me see and learn things about the city’s needs that are normally outside of my scope. I worry about public safety and emergency protections. Others are more about tourism and the money-making side. But at the end of the day we all have the same concerns, like managing growth and housing issues. Fire Rescue can’t fix those problems, but we do have to try to anticipate future needs.

Q. WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WISH FOR OUR AREA?

KH. No red tide!

Asst. Chief Kyle Hartley, Venice Fire and Rescue

LIEUTENANT LOUIS WHITE

VENICE POLICE DEPARTMENT

As Lieutenant for Special Operations for the  Venice Police Department, Louis White manages the Marine Unit, Traffic Unit, and Canine Unit: he also coordinates special events, emergency operations and fleet management.  The 33-year-old is married with one child, plus he and wife Alicia are expecting twins!

Q. WHAT MADE YOU GO AHEAD AND APPLY TO LEADERSHIP VENICE?

LW. Essentially, ‘your network is your net worth,’ and a lot of my duties with special events involves interacting with community business leaders and outreach coordinators.

Q. HOW DOES NETWORKING WITH COMMUNITY LEADERS HELP YOU DO YOUR JOB?

LW. One of our class members is (setting up) an outreach program for Dioceses of Venice, so when we come across a homeless person or, post hurricane, if people need to find housing or food, he’s one more member to get on a blast chain email, or conference call, to help us get them the services they need.

Q. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TOP TAKEAWAYS FROM THE PROGRAM SO FAR?

LW. Gaining the resources to help my team do their jobs better. If my guys are working behind the scenes to help a traffic problem, having the business card of the person who can help fix a traffic light makes the situation easier to correct.

Q. AND YOUR GREATEST WISH FOR VENICE TODAY?

LW. Ultimately, zero traffic fatalities in the city and better mitigation efforts with roadway design to handle an increased population.  CONTINUED >

Lieutenant Louis White, Venice Police Department

LIEUTENANT PAUL CERNANSKY SARASOTA COUNTY SHERIFF

Paul Cernansky is the Lieutenant assigned to the Special Operations Bureau division of Law Enforcement at the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. He oversees the Agricultural Unit, the Mounted Patrol Unit and Animal Services Section. The 46-year old has lived in Venice since grade school and is married with four children.

Q. WHAT WAS YOUR MOTIVATION TO JOIN LEADERSHIP VENICE?

PC. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s strategic plan includes placing members out in the community to learn more about the issues (Venice) faces. The program helps build relationships so people can call on us, and we can deliver services to help the community in innovative and efficient ways.

Q. WHAT ARE YOU LEARNING THROUGH LEADERSHIP VENICE?

PC. One thing I learned is that affordable housing is a big concern for everyone – law enforcement and business leaders alike, and that we need good quality, living wage paying jobs.

Q. WHAT BENEFITS DO YOU GET FROM INTERACTING WITH ALL KINDS OF BUSINESS LEADERS?

PC. The opportunity to get to know other leaders helps each of us become force multipliers. We can plug in (to each other) individually or as a group, to meet community needs.

Q. EVERY LEADERSHIP VENICE CLASS COMMITS TO A COMMUNITY PROJECT. TELL ME ABOUT THAT.

PC. We are planning a public space for the original fire station flagpole. It is a nice, low-impact way to preserve a piece of (Venice) history.

Q. WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WISH FOR VENICE MOVING FORWARD?

PC. I think we all wanted to live in Venice because it is a beautiful community. As it continues to grow, I’d like us to maintain the high quality of life that we all enjoy.

Lieutenant Paul Cernansky,  Sarasota County Sheriff

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Kick Off: Kids Summer Beach Runs

NORTH BROHARD PARK/VENICE FISHING PIER | 5:30 PM

One-mile fun run for kids ages 1-17! It's a summer favorite and a great opportunity for families to exercise together and have fun at the beach. Weekly registration begins 5:30 PM with runs starting at 6:30 PM. Kids receive a participation ribbon at each run. Complete four runs and earn a free custom T-shirt. Wednesdays through July 26 - no run on July 4. Free. scgov.net/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/20727/24?npage=6

Friday Night Concert in The Park: Rising Vibes

CENTENNIAL PARK | 7:30 PM

Join the fun in Historic Downtown Venice for the bimonthly Friday Night Concert Series at the gazebo in Centennial Park! This event, hosted by Venice MainStreet, is held every second and fourth Friday of each month and is free and open to the public. visitvenicefl.com

Grease in Concert: A Tribute to “Grease” and the music of the 50’s and 60’s

VENICE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | 7:00 PM

This Tribute to “Grease” features a repertoire that covers some of the greatest songs of the 50’s and 60’s.  Relive the days of soda pop and drive-ins, poodle skirts, greased back hair, winged Cadillacs, those lazy summer days, and of course…… the music! Tickets $35-$50 veniceperformingartscenter.com.

5 STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESSFUL RETIREMENT

3. Plan Ahead:  Families are often remiss in maintaining their paperwork regarding the future, even though they are good at saving. If you have multiple homes, or a blended family, etc., having a will may not be sufficient. Creating a trust ensures your wishes are handled expeditiously without probate. Have a will from another state? Secure the services of a Floridabased attorney to update it once you change your residency.

ADVICE TO LIVE BY FROM THE SPECIALISTS AT FERRIS WHEEL FINANCE, INC.

ARTICLE BY KATE HYLAND MERCER PHOTOGRAPHY BY PRION PHOTOGRAPHY

Financial independence is a journey not just a destination. How do you know if you are on the right path?  Here are five strategies for success in planning and living in retirement!

1.  Consider Your Retirement Goals:  Make a list of things you want to accomplish. Think of your retirement in three stages: 60-75, 75-85 and after 85 years old. This allows you to prioritize items as must-haves, want-to-haves, and nice-to-have within each stage. If you are already retired, take some time to review how you are enjoying it. Did you have goals you wanted to accomplish, but they got lost in the shuffle? Get back on track and start making plans. Re-commit to being intentional about enjoying your well-earned retirement.

2. Consult Your Financial Advisor: Find out if your dreams are attainable. Tradeoffs might be necessary. See if there are little changes you can make now that will have an impact on your future. Saving enough before you retire is a big key to your retirement success.

4. Handle the Details:  To protect your bank accounts from probate, you will need to name beneficiaries, just like with your investment accounts and your life insurance policies. If you have a joint account, you will need to name a POD (pay on death) beneficiary in the event both of you pass at the same time. Having correct beneficiaries saves time and angst!

5. Connect With Your Team:  Keeping up with the rules and tax codes for investments and/or income is difficult. Every year, it becomes more complicated. Communicate with your financial team to ensure you get all the benefits of the latest updates.

Congratulations! Following these strategies should allow you to feel confident you are on the right path to a thriving and successful retirement!

Kate Hyland Mercer is a Financial Advisor for Ferris Wheel Finance, Inc. She can be reached in Venice at 941.483.3600 or learn more at FerrisWheelFinance.com . Advisory services are offered by Ferris Wheel Finance, Inc., a registered investment advisor in the State of Florida.

Kate Hyland Mercer

MEET OUR NEW PROVIDERS IN OUR NEW VENICE LOCATION

AMA Health Providers is pleased to welcome seven new healthcare providers to our new Venice location. All our providers have extensive expertise and experience in treating a wide range of individuals.

AMA Health Providers is committed to providing quality healthcare and outstanding customer service to all patients in Venice and its surrounding communities.

• Serving patients 18 years and older.

• We are accepting new patients.

• No waiting list.

• Same-day appointments are available.

• Most insurances are accepted, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Walid Tanyous, MD Pulmonology Critical Care & Sleep Medicine

Jaime Baquero, MD Gastroenterology

Lawrence J. Elliott, DO, FACC Cardiology

Michael R. Gallina, DPM Foot & Ankle Surgery/Podiatry

Antonio Lubrano Heinsen, MD Endocrinology

Wesley Hendricks, DO, FACOS General & Robotic Surgery

Tammy Baker, APRN Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine