Yachting & Sportfishing Venice 2023

Yachting & Sportfishing

“Shark Tooth Style” in Venice, FL

From fishing the shimmery backcounty flats to the deep blue waters offshore, from racing sleek sailboats across picturesque bays, to just hanging out with family and friends enjoying the salty breeze, Venice offers everyone plenty of fun and adventure out on the water.

The Venice Police Department Marine Patrol is once again hosting the 11th Annual Venice Shark Tooth Fishing Tournament for Athletes with Disabilities, at Crow’s Nest Marina beginning the week of Labor Day.

The Sarasota Slam Kick Off Party is August 4 in downtown Sarasota. Festivities go on all week and commence with the weigh in on August 12, hosted by Marina Jack and The Manatee-Sarasota Building Association. The 23rd Annual Youth Flatsmaster Championship Tournament Series by Ingman Marine is on September 9th and 10th, with prizes for top Trout, Redfish, and Snook. Also The Habitat for Humanity Fishing Tournament is September 26 at Laishley Crab House in Punta Gorda.

The 31st Annual Suncoast Kingfish Classic dates are set for November 16 – 18. Stay tuned for location!

For all ye’ sailors, the Sarasota Yacht Club’s 42nd Annual Invitational Regatta is November 10-11. The Sarasota Sailing Squadron is hosting the Sarasota One Design Midwinter 100th Year FINAL Regatta this December 2nd and 3rd. And to kick off 2024, the Venice Yacht Club and the Venice Sailing Squadron are having the Windjammer on January 27th and 28th. Fun and festivities all weekend at the Venice Yacht Club. And the Shark’s Tooth Regatta will be held once again this upcoming March at VYC!

So, get your vessels ready for an awesome time! Be safe on the water and enjoy all the beauty Venice and its natural surroundings have to offer.

VENICE SHARK TOOTH FISHING TOURNAMENT

www.venicegov.com/government/police/community-programs/special-olympics-fishing-tournament In 2002, the Venice Police Department Marine Patrol partnered with the Sarasota County Special Olympics to plan a fishing tournament for Special Olympics Athletes. The boat captains volunteer their time, vessels, and fuel for this event. This event has grown from one day to three.

The annual fishing tourney begins the week of Labor Day, and is partnered up with The Haven, an organization that works with and supports our local Athletes with Disabilities. There will be over 80 to 100 participants. Some of the sponsors help financially and some help with gifts that are handed out to the athletes and captains. Every participant receives a hat and a T-shirt that is specially designed for each event year. It begins early in the morning at Crow’s Nest Marina. After returning from a half day of fishing, lunch is provided. During lunch, door prizes are distributed for the captains and crew members, along with goody bags for each athlete who attends. These prizes are made possible by the generous support of many corporate sponsors and local businesses who donate everything from fishing gear to restaurant gift certificates. This is VPD’s way to give back to the boat captains for their generous contribution to the event.

SARASOTA SLAM

www.sarasotaslam.com/

Friday, August 4th, 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Kick-Off Party & Sponsor Appreciation Night @ FFB Pavilion

Thursday, August 10th

9:00am - Offshore Registration • 10:00am - Offshore Captains Meeting @ MSBIA

Friday, August 11th

3:00pm - Inshore Registration • 4:00pm - Inshore Captains Meeting @ MSBIA

All Anglers are Released to leave fishing grounds following their designated captains meeting. Saturday, August 12th

Marina Jack

11:00am - 4:00pm Weigh-In

3:00pm Dockside BBQ & Party Awards Ceremony to follow *All times are subject to change.

SARASOTA SLAM

c/o Manatee-Sarasota BIA

6650 Professional Parkway West, Ste 102, Sarasota FL 34240 (941) 907-4133 • www.ms-bia.org • Jessica@ms-bia.org

Chief Mermaid Carol Strickland

FLATSMASTERS TOURNAMENT SERIES

www.flatsmasters.com/

The 23rd Annual Yamaha Flatsmasters Tournament Series presented by Ingman Marine

April 15 Grand Slam Plug Tournament (Artificials only- Trout, Redfish, Snook)

June 17 Backcountry Classic Tournament (All Baits- Trout, Snook)

July 15 Summer Lure Classic Tournament (Artificials only- Trout, Redfish)

August 26 RedSnook Challenge Tournament (All Baits- Redfish, Snook)

Sept. 9-10 23rd Annual Flatsmasters Championship Tournament Day 1- All Baits- Trout, Redfish, Snook) Day 2- Artifials only- Trout, Redfish, Snook)

NON-PROFIT AND FUNDRAISING TOURNAMENTS NEW DATE

The Habitat for Humanity Fishing Tournament

Captains Meeting- Sept 25

Catch-Photo-Release Tournament- Sept 26 - Laishley Crab House

2023 Make A Difference Fishing for Adults with Disabilities- Pier 60

AGES 18+ UP LIMITED CAPACITY ALL ANGLERS MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED.

By Make A Difference Fishing Tournament Inc.

Saturday, September 9 · 8am - 12pm EDT

Pier 60, Clearwater Beach Pier 6 Call 727-449-9820 or email us at info@makeadifferencefishing.org.

2023 Make a Difference Fishing Pier 60 for Kids with Disabilities

ANGLERS MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED.

By Make A Difference Fishing Tournament Inc.

Saturday, October 7 · 8am - 12pm EDT

Pier 60, Clearwater Beach Pier 60 Clearwater, FL 33767 Call 727-449-9820 or email us at info@makeadifferencefishing.org.

31st Suncoast Kingfish Classic

Nov 16th – 18th, 2023

www.suncoastkingfishclassic.com

Thursday, Registration Starts 6pm, Captains Meeting: 8pm

Friday, Happy Hour Social – Ready For Life: 6pm

Saturday, Weigh Scales Open: 3:00pm

Baystar Restaurant Group Location TBA

Captain Ryan Farner – Tournament Director, 813-695-2984

The Venice Yacht Club and Marina sets on the shores of Roberts Bay and makes an ideal location for water lovers and boaters alike. Our private marina, in close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, is the envy of several Florida Yacht Clubs. The connection to the water is a way of life for our members. We have the facilities, reciprocity and programs to accommodate your love of boating and provide plenty of opportunities for relaxation, social interaction and dining on the water.

We have 71 slips ranging from 25’ lift slips to a 120’ tee dock. We provide a safe harbor for all

and a full-service Marina team that oversees your every need. With 100’ fuel dock, we provide our members access to bring friends by boat for lunch or dinner.

Our state-of-the-art docks are complete with connections for potable water and pump out, as well as up to 100-amp electrical service. Amenities include a security system, a fire extinguishing system, and a fuel dock. Our members enjoy discounted gas and diesel fuels and full time dockmaster services. The Club’s docks are in a protected area just inside the Venice Inlet.

www.veniceyachtclub.com

vycdockmaster@veniceyachtclub.com

BRAVA

SYNTHETIC TILES QUEEN TILE STONE COATED STEEL

DON’T WAIT 6 to 10 Months FOR CONCRETE TILE WE HAVE QUICKER AND BETTER OPTIONS!

Wofford Roofing provides roofing solutions that surpass customer expectations. Their synthetic tile roofs are eco-friendly and sustainable, made from 100% recycled materials. They come with a 50-year warranty and are a perfect alternative to traditional materials like clay tile, slate, and cedar shake. The lightweight synthetic material is easy to install and maintain, and customers love the realistic look of cedar shake, the elegance of slate, and the warmth of clay tile. BRAVA materials come in both Barrel and Flat profile. If you want the best roofing solution for your home, contact Wofford Roofing for a consultation with their expert team.

DON’T WAIT 6 to 10 Months FOR CONCRETE TILE WE HAVE QUICKER AND BETTER OPTIONS!

QUEENTILE® - is a compound multilayer material for pitched roofs, based on stainless steel with an “aluzinc” coating. Unlike typical galvanized tiles, QUEENTILE offers a significantly longer service life. The front side of the tile is adorned with natural stone granules, enhancing its visual appeal. These granules are firmly bonded to the metal surface using a specially developed acrylic binder. To protect the tile’s surface from fading, UV rays, moisture penetration, and moss growth, it is coated with a transparent acrylic glaze.

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✔ Venice Historical Society approved product

✔ HOA approved

Our QUEENTILE stone-coated steel roof tiles are manufactured using state-of-the-art automated European production lines, ensuring superior quality.

Advantages of QUEENTILE :

✔ 50 years warranty

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DON’T WAIT 6 to 10 Months FOR CONCRETE TILE WE HAVE QUICKER AND BETTER OPTIONS!

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

941-231-7690

MARINE RESOURCE DIRECTORY FOR SARASOTA & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline

888-404-FWCC (3922)

To report marine violations, boating accidents, and marine mammal injuries or strandings.

Cell Phones

FWC Southwest Regional Office (Lakeland)

*FWC or #FWC, depending on your service provider

863-648-3200

727-896-8626 (St. Petersburg)

FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

For information on Florida’s marine resources and marine research

FWC’s Marine Fish Kill Hotline

800-636-0511

To report a fish kill diseased or abnormal fish in your area

FWC’s Red Tide Status Line

866-300-9399 (Florida)

727-552-2448 (outside Florida)

To hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state

U.S. COAST GUARD

Rescue Station (24 hours)

Sector Office

National Response Center

To report oil spills and maritime emergencies

U.S. Coast Guard Auxillary, Seventh District

VHF Channel 16

727-824-7534

800-424-8802

941-697-2273

Division Eight, Flotilla 87 (Lemon Bay-Placida Harbor)

Division Nine, Flotilla 98 (Charlotte Harbor)

For information on boating skills and safety courses offered locally

BOATU.S. FOUNDATION

1-800-245-BOAT (2628)

For information on boating skills and safety courses offered locally

NOAA NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

Recorded forecast

Tampa Bay (including Charlotte Harbor)

813-645-2506/2507/2508

NOAA Weather Radio 162.4/162.475 MHz

For 24-hour weather and marine forecasts

AQUATIC PRESERVES

Lemon Bay, Cape Haze, Pine Island Sound, 941-575-5861

Gasparilla Sound-Charlotte Habor, Matlacha Pass

For more information about Florida’s protected coastal waters

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES

Island Bay, Matlacha Pass, Pine Island Sound 239-472-1100

For more information about National Wildlife Refuges around Charlotte Harbor

STATE PARKS

Charlotte Harbor Preserve 941-575-5861

Stump Pass Beach, Don Pedro Island, 941-964-0375

Gasparilla Island, Cayo Costa

For more information about Florida’s natural and cultural lands

NOAA FISHERIES SERVICE

Southeast Regional Office (St. Petersburg) 727-824-5301

For more information about marine fisheries in federal waters

Charlotte County UF/IFAS Extension

Florida Sea Grant 941-764-4340

For extension bulletins on the conservation and use of marine and coastal resources

Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program 239-338-2556

Partnership to protect the natural environment from Venice to Bonita Springs to Winter Haven

Peace River Wildlife Center 941-637-3830

For assistance with sick, injured wildlife in the Charlotte Harbor/Peace River area.

An Alternative Approach to Modern Medicine: Copacetic Health Institute

In a society saturated with quick-fix medical solutions, it’s refreshing to discover a healthcare approach that focuses on understanding the body as a holistic system. Copacetic Health Institute, located in Venice, FL, offers a unique combination of acupuncture and functional medicine to help individuals achieve optimal health. As we delve into their approach, we’ll explore how functional medicine and acupuncture can complement each other, providing a personalized and effective path to wellness.

The Journey to Integrative Medicine

Dr. Joseph Clarke, the founder of Copacetic Health Institute, was inspired to pursue a different path in healthcare after witnessing his grandparents’ struggle with conventional medical treatments. Facing a debilitating back injury himself, he explored alternative options and eventually became a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, combining ancient wisdom with modern integrative practices. This led him to embrace functional medicine, an approach rooted in addressing the underlying causes of dysfunction rather than simply managing symptoms.

Understanding Functional Medicine

Functional medicine takes a comprehensive view of an individual’s health, considering various factors such as genetics, lifestyle, environment, and nutrition. It aims to identify imbalances or dysfunctions within the body’s systems and develop personalized treatment plans. Copacetic’s practitioners spend dedicated time with patients, building a partnership to achieve optimal health outcomes. Functional medicine employs a range of approaches such as targeted nutrition, diagnostic labs, stress management,

exercise programs, herbal supplements, and other natural therapies.

The Power of Acupuncture

Acupuncture plays a vital role in their treatment approach. Acupuncture is a time-tested and sophisticated therapy that has been proven effective in various areas, including fertility support, pain management, digestive issues, and immune system strengthening. Countless studies and research papers have documented the positive outcomes of acupuncture, leading to its acceptance by reputable institutions and healthcare professionals.

As Dr. Clarke explains, “Acupuncture is a tuning therapy for the nervous system. As the treatment process unfolds, the functioning of your nervous system improves, reducing pain and systematically improving overall quality of life.” Acupuncture is a non-invasive, safe, and cost-effective therapy that can be used alongside other medical treatments.

Copacetic Health Institute offers a refreshing approach to healthcare. By viewing the body as a holistic system and addressing the root causes of dysfunction, they aim to empower individuals on their journey to optimal health. With a focus on personalized care and natural therapies, they provide a beacon of hope in a healthcare landscape often dominated by quick fixes and symptom management.

You can learn more about Copacetic Health Institute and sign up for a consultation by visiting their website, www.livecopacetic.com.

South Florida is one of the most vulnerable areas on the United States coast for a hurricane. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew, the most powerful storm in Miami-Dade County, registering as a Category V, and the third strongest in U.S. history with sustained winds in excess of 155 mph, came ashore and destroyed many marinas in south Miami-Dade County. Hurricanes that exceed 110 mph can be expected to occur in south Florida about once every 10 years. The population of Miami-Dade County continues to increase, bringing many boaters with little hurricane experience.

The wind will be the biggest enemy. There are several things to do to help minimize its overwhelming affects. Knowing how to secure your boat and where to keep your boat are the two primary concerns. The most important thing to remember is DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE! Being prepared in advance by having a plan and practicing your plan will help to protect your life and property.

Follow this dermatologist’s tips for a safer time in the sun

Southwest Florida’s warm gulf waters are paradise found for the discriminating boater and fisherman. But hours - even minutes, of exposure to the sun’s intense rays can do a lifetime of damage to our skin.

“We are here to enjoy the outdoors and all benefits of this beautiful area,” said Venice Avenue Dermatologist, Jeffrey R. Hunek, M.D. “So go ahead. Go out and boat, fish, swim, and enjoy the beachjust do so sensibly and with the proper protection.”

Dr. Hunek offers his sun protection guide for those on and off the water:

Clothing counts

• Clothing is your best protection. Choose lightweight sun protective clothing with a tight weave and a UPF rating of 50 or higher, and cover as much skin as possible. Long sleeves, gloves, neck gaters or buffs, are all great ways to shield your skin from the sun.

Pick a sunscreen, any sunscreen

• There are so many choices for sunscreen. Don’t overthink it. Find the one you like the best and use it every day - on all exposed skin. Choose and SPF of 30 or higher. Dr. Hunek says his favorite sunscreen is the one you will actually use.

• Lay it on thick and reapply. Make sure you use enough of it. At least a shot glass full of sunscreen each time you apply. A bottle should not last very long, especially when applying every hour or so.

• Apply to ALL exposed areas of skin. Don’t forget your feet!

Avoid peak sun hours

• Watch the UV index and avoid peak times, usually between 10 am and 2pm.

Throw some shade

• Or at least seek shade when you can. If you can’t find natural shade out on the open water, create it yourself. Consider installing a bimini top on your boat, it’s a great way to block the sun’s intense rays.

Don’t forget your shades

• Choose sunglasses with good coverage all around the eyes. When on correctly, they should prevent light from reaching the eyes from the frame’s corners. This helps to protect the delicate skin around the eyes, too.

Put a lid on it

• Carry your shade with you and wear a wide brimmed hat. The skin on your face will thank you.

Check yourself

• Skin cancer won’t check itself. Perform monthly self-skin exams. If you notice any changes….

Seek professional help

• Even if you don’t notice a change, it helps to get a second pair of (professional) eyes on your skin yearly. Make sure to schedule an annual exam with a dermatology provider.

Jeffrey R. Hunek, M.D., has practiced dermatology in Charlotte and Sarasota counties since 2005. His office is located in Venice at 897 E. Venice Ave., Suite A. He is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology, and is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Hunek provides comprehensive dermatology care for adolescents and adults. While specializing in skin cancer detection and treatment, he also has an interest in medical dermatology, including psoriasis, eczema, acne, rosacea, skin infections, and autoimmune diseases. He utilizes dermoscopy when evaluating all patients to provide the most thorough evaluation. He is a member of the Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery and the Sarasota Dermatological Society. Dr. Hunek may be reached at 941/486-1404 or www.VeniceAveDerm.com