NEWS VENICE CITY E
Solid Waste and Fleet operations relocate
TheCityPublicWorksDepartmenthassuccessfullycompletedthemoveof allstaff,equipment,anddailyoperationsfromtheoldSeaboardAvenue locationtothenewSolidWaste,Recycling,andFleetDivisionFacilityat 1280U.S.41BypassS.
"Staffmembershaveexpressedconsistentandenthusiasticappreciation fortheimprovedworkspaceandtheopportunitiesitbringstoenhance efficiencyandservicedelivery,"saidRickySimpson,DirectorofPublic WorksandAssetManagement."Whileafewlogisticaladjustmentsarestill underwayaswefinalizethesetup,theteamisfullyengagedandoptimistic aboutthebenefitsthisnewfacilitywillprovide.Welookforwardtothis nextchapterandtocontinuingtosupportthecommunitywiththehighest levelofservice.”
"ThismilestonewillgreatlyenhancetheefficiencyofCityoperations, provideourteamwithcleanandsafeworkingconditions,andtakesus onestepclosertoachievingtheSeaboardMasterPlan,”saidCityManager JamesClinch.“RelocatingtheseoperationshasbeenpartofourStrategic Planforseveralyears,butthispurchaseofferedauniqueopportunityto makethetransitionhappenseveralyearsaheadofscheduleandata significantlylowercostthanconstructinganewfacility.”
TheCitypurchasedthe4.7acre-sitefromDouglasJeepInc.lastfall. Thefinalnegotiatedpurchasepriceof$11 8millionincludedarangeof personalpropertyitemsvaluedaround$250,000–officesuitefurniture,
THE LATEST
CityManager
JamesClinch
CityAttorney
KellyFernandez
CityClerk KellyMichaels
Public Safety Chiefs
VenicePoliceChief
AndyLeisenring
VeniceFireChief FrankGiddens
Venice in the Know, official City of Venice Podcast
ListenforfreeonSpotify,Episode11 withCityArboristJimYelverton
vehicleliftsandotherfleetmaintenanceequipment.Thebuildingwasfully renovatedin2023tofunctionasapre-ownedvehiclemegacenter,with upgradesthatincludedofficespace,vehiclestorage,andfleetoperation areas.TheCityisinvestinganother$1milliontofenceinthefacility,install newfueltanks,buildinteriorwallsandinstalladditionalbathrooms
Therearestillseveralimprovementsyettobecompletedatthenewfacility, includingtheinstallationoffueltanks,minorinteriorrenovations,vehicle wash-downarea,andadditionalfencing.ThenextstepsontheoldSeaboard propertywillbethedemolitionoftheoldbuildingsandbeginningthe remediationoftheenvironmentalissuesonthesite.Thatworkisbeingquoted andscheduledcurrently.
InMay2023,theCitypurchasedtheformerconcreteplant,a2.3-acreproperty at252SeaboardAve.,for$1.4million.Thisparcelconnectstothe2.4-acresite at221SeaboardvacatedbySolidWasteandFleet,givingtheCity4.7acresof availablelandintheheartoftheSeaboardarea.
InMarch2025,CityCouncilapprovedtheSeaboardMasterPlantotransform theSeaboardDistrictfromlightindustrialtoamixed-useneighborhoodthatwouldincluderesidential,commercial,and retaildestinations TheCity’spropertywillserveasanimportantpublicinfrastructureinvestmenttosupportthisfuture enhancementandredevelopmentoftheSeaboardDistrict.
TheCityiscurrentlyundergoingthenextphaseofplanningforthisprojectandwillbepresentingadditionaldetailson Seaboardplansinthenearfuture.
Citywide Burn Ban remains in effect, dry conditions persist
Thecitywiderecreationalburnban issuedonOct.11byVeniceFireRescue ChiefFrankGiddensremainsinplace duetocontinueddryweather conditionsthatposeincreasedriskfor potentialwildfires.
Thecitywideburnbanprohibitsall outdoorburningthathasnotbeen specificallypermittedbytheFlorida ForestServiceburningsuchasbonfires, firepits,cookingpits,campfires,andthe burningofyarddebris.
Outdoorcookingfiresinapprovedgrills suchasgasorcharcoalBBQgrillsare permitted;however,extremecautionis urgedwiththesedevicesaswell. Remembertonotleaveagrill unattendedandmakesurecoalsare completelycooledbeforedisposing.
Theburnbanwillautomaticallylift aftertheKeetch-ByramDroughtIndex (KBDI)fallsbelow500for sevenconsecutivedays.
Weaskallresidentstostayvigilant duringthesedryconditions Shoulda wildfireerupt,nearbyresidentsare urgedtofollowdirectionsfrom authorities.Thismayinclude evacuationsoflocalizedareas.
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Omenhiser named Venice Assistant City Manager
Followinganationwidesearch,RogerOmenhiserofMiamiBeachhasbeenselectedas thenewVeniceAssistantCityManager.
BorninSt.Petersburg,Fla.,Omenhiserearnedabachelor’sdegreewithaconcentration ingovernmentfromtheU.S.CoastGuardAcademyinNewLondon,Conn.Heearneda master'sdegreeinbusinessadministrationwithaconcentrationinfinancefromthe UniversityofFlorida.HeiscurrentlyaCertifiedGovernmentFinancialManager.
Omenhisermostrecentlycompleteda24-yearcareerintheCoastGuard,withhisfinal assignmentasCommandingOfficerofUSCGBaseMiamiBeach.Inthatrole,heoversaw thesafety,securityandoperationsofa340-acreinstallationsupporting752personnel, andmanageda$5.5millionbudgetwhilecoordinatinglogisticsforover8,000employees acrosstheSoutheastU.S.,PuertoRicoandCaribbean.Healsoledcontingencyresponse followinghurricanesIan,HeleneandMilton,directingreconstitutioneffortsand emergencycontractingforrapidrestorationofutilities,civilandITinfrastructurefor resumptionofnormalCoastGuardactivities.
“Themilitaryhasinstilledinmeapassiontoserve,butitkeptmeandmyfamilyfrom puttingdownrootsduetomilitarytransferstonewdutystationsthroughoutmycareer,” Omenhisersaid.“WithmunicipalgovernmentIcanhavethebestofbothworlds-Ican continuetoservewhilebecomingamorepermanentpartofacommunity.
“AsIadvancedthroughoutmymilitarycareer,Ilearnedagooddealabouthowtoleadpeople,howtocareforpeopleandhowto empowerthepeoplewhoworkforyou.Withtheseskills,IhopetogetthebestoutofourCityemployees,tokeeptheCityof Veniceahighlydesirableplacetowork,andtoperpetuateacohesiveteamenvironment.”
“WearethrilledtowelcomeRogertotheCityofVeniceteam,"saidCityManagerJamesClinch."Hebringsadepthofleadership andoperationalexperiencethatwillbeatremendousassettotheVenicecommunity.Hisexperiencemanagingcomplexpublic operationsandbudgetswillbeextremelyvaluableasweallstrivetodeliverourexceptionalcityservicesasefficientlyas possible.Mostimportantly,RogerbringsthevaluesthatmattermosttoVenice:collaboration,serviceandpublictrust.”
RogerandhiswifeCherylhavebeenmarriedfor18years.Theyhave11-year-oldtwins,EthanandEvelyn.
OmenhiserstartswiththeCityonFeb.9.TheroleofAssistantCityManagerwaspreviouslyheldbyClinch,whowaspromotedto CityManagerinAugust2025.
Fire Division Chief of Logistics Tomer is City Employee of the Year
Matt Tomer, Venice Fire Rescue Division Chief of Logistics, has been named the 2025 City of Venice Employee of the Year.
The City's Employee of the Year (EOTY) Committee chose Matt from 18 submissions and 15 different EOTY nominations, noting his methodical approach to exceeding daily expectations, building others up, and problem-solving for the whole organization.
Matt received two separate nominations applauding both his leadership for the Fire Station 52 construction project, meeting with residents, contractors, and stakeholders, and remaining a calm presence when disaster strikes. He has been with the City for 19 years.
Congratulations Division Chief Tomer on this well-deserved recognition!
The EOTY program is a fully staff-driven initiative that invites City employees to recognize a peer who goes above and beyond their daily responsibilities. From helping residents to supporting colleagues across departments or stepping up when it matters most, each nomination is thoughtfully reviewed by the EOTY Committee, made up of the previous three years’ honorees. City leadership and Council are not involved in the selection process.
The public is invited to attend the Feb. 10 City Council meeting where Matt and the other EOTY nominees will be recognized.
City, Chamber partner for ‘Together Through Time’ Centennial Dinner
TheCityofVenicecollaboratedwiththeVeniceAreaChamberofCommercetocelebrateTogetherThroughTime:Veniceat100onJan.21attheVeniceCommunity Center.TheeventshoneaspotlightonthepartnershipbetweentheCityandChamber,andrecognizedpastmayors,currentandformerCityCouncilmembers,and pastChamberpresidents.Participantsposedinfrontofclassiccars,dinedon wonderfuldishesatgrazingstations,heardgreathistoricstories(sometoldandsome sung!),bidonhistoricprints, anddancedthenightawaytomusicthroughoutthedecadesperformedbyVeniceSymphony membersandTheOccasions.Thankyouto allthesponsors,restaurants,performers,speakers,volunteersandeveryonewhomadethisincredibleeventcometolife!Morephotos,page6
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Together Through Time continued
Army Corps Colonel tours Jetty
Col.BrandonBowman,DistrictCommander,U.S.ArmyCorpsof EngineersJacksonvilleDistrict,wasinVeniceJan.27inadvanceof theplannedbeachrenourishmentscheduledherethisyear.Col. BowmanalsotouredtheSouthJettytoviewthedamagefromthe 2024stormseason.
Thebeachrenourishmentprojectwasadvertisedforbidsyesterday, Jan.26,andthepublicshouldexpecttoseeconstructionactivities thissummer Fortheupcomingrenourishmentevent,thefederal governmentwillcover100%oftheconstructioncoststhroughthe FloodControlandCoastalEmergenciesprogram.
TheArmyCorpsiscurrentlyworkingonamajormaintenancereport fortheSouthJetty.Thefederaltimelineforjettyreconstructionis contingentontheresultsofthereport.
Col. Brandon Bowman gets a look at South Jetty damage with, above, West Coast Inland Navigation District Executive Director Justin McBride and Venice Public Works Director Ricky Simpson. Bowman and McBride are also at left.
Below, Col. Brandon Bowman with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers checks out Venice Beach, scheduled for sand renourishment later this year, as seen from the damaged South Jetty.
How to watch City Council and Advisory Board Metings
VeniceCityCouncilmeetsatCityHall, 401W.VeniceAve.,at9a.m.generally onthesecondandfourthTuesdaysof eachmonth.Councilmeetingminutes andvideorecordingsaretypically availablewithin48hoursofeach meetingdate.WatchCityCouncil meetingsandrecordingsandviewfull meetingagendasandminutesonline here.
CITY COUNCIL
Jan. 13 Council Meeting Recap
ThefollowingactionsweretakenbyVeniceCityCouncilattheirJan.13regularmeeting:
Recognitions: U.S.CoastGuardCapt.CourtneySergeant,CommanderSectorSt.Petersburg,presentedaspecialrecognitionto VenicePoliceOfficerBrettWoodworth;JeffHackett,Engineer/StormwaterTechnicianI,receivedhis10-yearServiceAward;2025 HolidayCardwinnerElenaHopper,afifth-graderatVenice ElementarySchool,wasrecognized;2025HolidayParadeAward recipientswereannounced-AdvancedAsphaltofSouthwest Florida,SarasotaCircusArtsConservatory,SummitExcavatingand LandServices,AffordableGolfCarsofVenice,VeniceChristianSchool, andVeniceTheatre;andaproclamationrecognizingJan. 16,2026,asFloridaArborDaywaspresentedtoJim Yelverton,CityArborist,andJohnPerkins,Parks,Facilities,Maintenance Specialist.Seerelatedphotos,pages21-22
ConsentAgenda:AllitemsundertheJan.13CityCouncil ConsentAgendawereapprovedby7-0vote
Ordinances,FirstReading:Counciltookactiononthe followingordinances-
Advisory Boards
CitizenAdvisoryBoard(CAB)
CitizenTaxOversightCommittee
CommunityRatingSystem(CRS)
Committee
FirePensionBoardofTrustees
HistoricandArchitectural
PreservationBoard(HAPB)
PlanningCommission
PolicePensionBoardofTrustees
VeniceHousingAuthority
Emergency Contacts
Emergency:911
Policenon-emergency:941-486-2444
CityHall:941-486-2626
CodeEnforcement:941-882-7545
Water/sewerlinebreak:941-486-2770
Reportillicitdischarge:941-882-7413
Ord No 2026-02,Ord No 2026-03,andOrd No 202605,approved7-0onfirstreadingandscheduledfor finalreading
Ord.No.2026-04,approved6-1(Weeddissenting)on firstreading andscheduledforfinalreading
Ord.No.2026-01,continuedtoFeb.10
Ordinances,FinalReading:Counciltookactiononthe followingordinances-
Ord.No.2025-36,approved5-2(FrankandSmith dissenting)andadopted
Ord.No.2025-36,Ord.No.2025-37,Ord.No.2025-38, andOrd.No.2025-39,rescheduledandrenoticeddue toanadvertisingerror
Ordinances,Finalreadingcontinued
Ord.No.2025-45,approved7-0andadopted
Resolutions:CounciltookactiononthefollowingresolutionsRes No 2026-02andes No 2026-01,approved7-0and adopted
Otherbusinessandactions:
CityCouncilapprovedtheCitizenAdvisoryBoard's2026 ProposedAgendaPriorities A,B,C,andG,notingitemsD,E, andFareincorporatedintotheboard'sstandingduties CouncilauthorizedtheMayortoacceptautilityeasement between661S.TamiamiTrailInc.andtheCityofVenice Council directedstafftoresearchandtakenecessaryaction toinstallacrosswalkatValenciaandHarborDrive.
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Intracoastal Second Force Main Project – February update
Projectoverview:TheUtilitiesIntracoastal SecondForceMainProjectprimarilyinvolves theconstructionofaredundantwastewater forcemainandgravitysewersystemtosafely conveyallwastewaterflowsfromVeniceIslandtotheCity’smainlandfacilities.Currently,theCityonlyhasonewastewaterforcemainlocatedsouthoftheE.VeniceAve.bridge thattransfersalloftheisland’swastewaterflowundertheIntracoastalWaterwaytothemainland,andultimatelytotheCity’sWaterReclamationFacility(WRF)viaLiftStation LS-07 Shouldtheexistingwastewaterforcemainfailorrequiremaintenance,theCity’spublicsewersystemlocatedontheislandwouldbefullycutofffromtheWRF Consequently,theproposedredundantforcemainprojectandotherassociatedworkwillgreatlyimprovethereliabilityandresiliencyoftheCity’ssewersystemandbetter protectthewaterqualityofourlocalwaterways.
Projectschedule:ThecontractorwillmakefinalconnectionofthenewforcemainatAmericanLegionWayandE.VeniceAve.,installtheGrinderManholeSystematLSNo.7and MH-3alongCalledeToro,andreplacetheexistingtappingsleevealongtheone-way,westboundE.VeniceAve.serviceroad.Temporaryandfulllaneclosureswillbenecessary fortheforcemainconnectionandtappingsleevereplacementwork,whichwillrequirea4-dayroadclosureimpactingMarinaParkandVeniceTrainDepotvehicularaccess Finalpaving,restoration,andprojectcompleteisexpectedbyendofMarch2026.TrafficpatternupdateswillbepostedasnecessaryontheCity'swebsite,venicegov.com,onthe homepageundertheNewstab.Largeequipmentandmachinerywillbewithintheroadright-of-way.Pleasedriveslowly,usecaution,andwatchoutforpedestriansandworkers. Motoristsaretofollowallpostedtrafficcontrolsigns.
Funding:AsubstantialportionofthisprojectisfundedbytheFloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection(FDEP)throughtheDrinkingWaterStateRevolvingFundLoan Program
TheUtilitiesDepartmentappreciatesyourpatienceastheCity’sinfrastructureisupdatedtoimprovethesafetyandqualityoflifewithinourcommunityforyearstocome. Formoreinformation,visitvenicegov.com/government/utilities/projects.Formoreinformationaboutthisproject,contactCynthiaFitzpatrick,UtilitiesProjectCoordinator, at941-882-7290.
WORK EAST OF ICWW
WORK EAST OF ICWW
Heating Safety Reminders
Ascoldertemperaturescontinuethis month,VeniceFireRescuereminds residentstotakeafewextra precautionswhilestayingwarm:
Spaceheatersafety:
Alwaysplugheatersdirectlyinto awalloutlet;neverusean extensioncord
Keepheatersawayfrom flammableitemsandplace themonasturdy,non-flammable surface
Keepthemoutofwalkwaysand awayfromchildrenandpets
Turnheatersoffbeforeleaving homeorgoingtosleep
Neverusegasstoves,ovens,orgrillsto heatyourhome-thesecanproduce dangerous,odorlesscarbonmonoxide
First-timecentralheatuse-Youmay smellburningdustorseelightsmoke whenturningoncentralheatforthe firsttime.Thiscanbenormal,butifyou feelunsafe,evacuateandcall911.
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Northeast Park update
ProgressonNortheastParkcontinues! Turfisdownat thelargeandsmalldogparks,andthedriveway crossingpipeisinplace.Gradingoftheroadand parkinglotsisongoing.Sanitarytestinghastaken place,alongwithTVtestingofthestormpipes.
Locatedat3560LaurelRoadE.,NortheastParkis expectedtoopeninspring2026,pendingweatheror materialdelays.
Parkfeatures: 4.8acres
8outdoorpickleballcourts
Fitnesstrailwithequipment
Walkingpath
2-to-5and5-to-12-year-oldplaygrounds
Largeandsmalldogparkareas
Shadestructures
Stormwaterretention
Restrooms
Pavedparking
ACityandCounty-wideRecreational BurnBanremainsineffect.Noopen firesoroutdoorfirepitsareallowed.
Staysafewhilestayingwarm!
Projecthistory:CityCouncilapprovedpurchasingland forNortheastParkin2021andapprovedtheparkplan in2023.GroundwasbrokeninApril2025.
Projectcost:Theanticipatedcostfortheparkis$6.4 million,whichincludesdesignandconstruction.The projectisfundedthroughparkimpactfees.
Didyouknow?In2021,theCityofVenicelauncheda publicinputsurveytohelpidentifythewantsandneeds foramenitiesatthisfutureparksite.Overwhelmingly, pickleballandwalkingtrailswereidentifiedby residentsandvisitors
WARNING: Beware of fake emails!
AnemailscamimpersonatingtheCity ofVeniceisstillongoing.Ifyoureceive anunexpectedmessageaskingfor personalinformation,paymentor urgentaction,pleaseusecaution.
TheCityofVenicewillNEVERaskyou to"wire"fundstopayforservices.
Remember: AllofficialCityofVeniceemails endwith“venicefl.gov.”Ifit’snotfrom thataddress,it’snotus.
Hereareafewwaystospotscams:
Checkthesenderaddress.Ifit doesn’tmatchourofficialemail, it’snotlegitimate.
Lookforspellingorgrammar mistakes.Manyscamscontain unusualwordingorerrors.
Becautiousofurgentor threateninglanguage Scammers oftenpressureyoutoactquickly.
Don’tclickunexpectedlinksor attachments,thesecanleadto malicioussitesorinstallmalware.
Verifybeforeresponding.Whenin doubt,contacttheCitydirectlyby callingtheVPDnon-emergency numberat941-486-2444.
THE LATEST
VABI holds ‘soft opening’ at Urban Forest
Venice Area Beautification Inc. (VABI) held a “soft opening” Jan. 17 of the two-thirds of the Venice Urban Forest for which Sarasota County approval is still pending.
The forest stretches from the Venice Train Depot to Center Road and provides a woodland trail for pedestrians parallel to the Venetian Waterway Park.
The urban forest was established beginning in 2018 for wildlife, butterflies and birds. Find out more here: veniceurbanforest.com
Bicyclistsandwell-behaved, leasheddogsareboth allowedattheVeniceUrban Forest.Pleaserememberto cleanupafteryourpet!
HISTORY LESSON
Here at the City of Venice, we’re currently hiring for:
AirportProperty&GrantsManager
CriminalistsSpecialist(Civilian)
CleaningCrewMember
Firefighter/EMT(multiple)
Firefighter/Paramedic(multiple)
Police-sworn(FLLEOoroutofstate)
StormwaterCrewLeader(CDL req,)
TreeCrewLeader(CDLreq.)
UtilitiesFieldOperations Technician
Apply today at: governmentjobs.com/careers/venicegov
TheCityofVeniceispartofthe FloridaRetirementSystemandoffers on-the-jobtrainingforselect positions, tuitionreimbursement, opportunitiesforadvancement,and robustmedical,dental,vision,and lifeinsurancebenefits.
Stay in the Know
Followusonsocialmedia, register foremergencyalerts,seephotos fromaroundtown,findupcoming events,meetings,andmore!
The history and significance of the Senator Copeland House
By Rhonda Rogers, Administrative Coordinator, City Historical Resources Division
RoyalS.Copelandwasaphysician,U.S.SenatorfromNew York,andafirmbelieverinthehealingpowerofFlorida’s sunshine,freshair,andoutdoorrecreation.
BorninMichiganin1869,heearnedhismedicaldegree fromtheUniversityofMichiganbeforeembarkingona careerthatblendedmedicineandpublicservice.
Intheearly1900s,Copelandservedatwo-yeartermas mayorofAnnArbor,markingthebeginningofhispolitical life.Theyear1908provedtobepivotal.Copelandmarried FrancesSpaldingandrelocatedtoNewYorkCity,where hebecamedeanofamedicalcollegeandhospital.
Hisreputationgrew,andhewaslaterappointed commissionerofpublichealthandpresidentoftheNew YorkBoardofHealth,aroleheheldduringthe devastatingSpanishfluepidemic.In1922,Copelandwas electedtotheUnitedStatesSenate,apositionhe maintaineduntilhisdeath.
CopelanddevelopedadeepaffectionforFlorida, particularlytheVenicearea.Inthe1930s,heandhiswife, amusician,purchasedahomeinVenice’sGulfView Estates,whichbecameknownastheSenatorCopeland House.Constructedin1925-26,itwasamongtheearliest homesbuiltinVeniceandoneofthelargest,setona generouslotwithlandscapedgroundsandadetached garagethatincludedservants’quarters.
AfewyearsafteracquiringtheArmadaRoadhome, CopelandjoinedDr.FredAlbeeattheFloridaMedical
Topleft,RoyalS. Copeland,physician andNewYorkState senator. Center,the Copelandfamily–RoyalSr.,RoyalJr., andFrances,circa 1923.Image courtesyLibraryof Congress,Prints& Photographs Division,LC-B25772-11 Below,Senatorand Mrs.Copeland’s seasonalhome. Imagecourtesyof theRoyalS. Copeland Collection,Bentley HistoricalLibrary, Universityof Michigan
Mondays at City Hall
VeniceAreaToastmastersClub5486
Gainconfidenceandbecomeabetter communicator!
CallVPMembershipBernard at941-220-3407oremail officers-5486@toastmastersclubs.org forinformation.
ThegroupmeetsMondaymornings atCityHallfrom7:15a.m. to 8:35a.m. inpersonandonZoom.
Saturdays at City Hall
VeniceFloridaFarmersMarket
EverySaturday,year-round,from 8a.m.to1p.m.atCityHall.
Enjoylocalandorganicfreshproduce, bakedgoods,meats,microgreens, seafood,dairy,plants,herbs,honey, syrups,sauces,salsa,handmadesoaps, preparedfoods,andmore!
CityHallislocatedat401W.VeniceAve.
HISTORY LESSON
Senator Copeland House continued
Centerasapublichealthconsultant.Duringthistime,theSarasotaHeraldregularlypublishedCopeland’s dailycolumns,offeringpracticalhealthadvicetoitsreaders.
AlthoughCopelandownedseveralpropertiesinFlorida,theVenicehouseremainedthecouple’sseasonal retreatuntilhisdeathin1938.Mrs.Copelandcontinuedtoownthehomeforseveralyearsafterwardand passedawayinSarasotain1943.
Inrecognitionofitssignificance,thehomewaslistedintheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlacesin1989. Today,wecelebratethisremarkableresidenceandwishthebeautifulSenatorCopelandHouseahappy 100 birthday! th
Insetatleft, street viewoftheSenator CopelandHouse, circa1980.Above, theCopelandHouse today.
Dr Copeland’shealtharticleappeared dailyintheSarasotaHerald.
Lord-Higel’s Coffee House
Adaptivereuseofoneoftheoldest homesinVeniceoperatedby BlackGoldCoffeeRoasters
Open7a.m.to7p.m.Mondaythrough Thursday,7a.m.to9p.m.Fridayand Saturday,and7a.m.to1p.m.Sunday. ClosedonCity-observedholidays.
Located at409GrenadaAve.across fromVeniceCityHall
Explore Venice History
JuliaCousinsLaningandDaleLaning Archives&ResearchCenter
Exploremorethan30,000items inthe Veniceareahistorycollectioninperson byappointmentoronlineat: venicemuseum.org/collections
.Startyourresearchtodaybycalling 941-882-7229oremailing archives@venicefl.gov
AROUND TOWN
VolunteerswithVeniceAreaBeautification,Inc.'s TeamKVB(KeepVeniceBeautiful)werehardat workrecentlyatVeniceBeach.Eighteen memberstackledthetallpalms,cuttingaway deadfronds,andclearedboththenorthandsouth pathwaysofunrulybrush,seagrapes,grass,and stormsurgefoliagefromHurricaneMilton.The entirenortheastsideoftheconcessionareagota freshlayerofmulch,pygmydatepalmswere trimmedandtidied,andthelemongrassclipped. Ninetruckloadsofdebriswerehauledaway, alongwith3bagsoflitter.
Duringabreak,KVBtookamomenttohonor CorkyDaltonforhis10yearsofleadershipofKVB. Heispicturedaboveinfrontoftheshadyladytree thatwasplantedbyVABIinhishonor.
TheCityofVeniceisgratefulforthesewonderful volunteerstirelesslycuttingback,removing invasives,trimming,weeding,delitteringand replantinginourpublicspaces.
SEASONAL REMINDERS
AROUND TOWN
Free admission to the Venice Museum and Old Betsy Museum
Open10a.m.to4p.m.onMondays, Tuesdays,andWednesdays,theVenice Museumfeaturesrotatingseasonal exhibits,aglimpseintothelifeofDr FredAlbeeandfamedcityplannerJohn Nolen,thestoryofaKentuckyMilitary Institutecadet,andmore.
Onyourwayout,visittheOldBetsy MuseumtoseetheCity’s1926 LaFrancefireengineondisplay.
TheVeniceMuseum,at351NassauSt. S.,isalsoopen11a.m.to3p.m.onthe firstandthirdSaturdaysofthemonth, OctoberthroughApril.
Can’tmakeitinperson? Explorethe museum ’sonlinearchivesfromyour smartphoneorcomputer,featuring historicalphotosandoldnewspapers.
StudentsparticipatingintheBigBrothersBig SistersBeyondSchoolWallsProgramtraveled withtheirPoliceDepartmentmentorstoPublic WorksJan.8, wheretheylearnedabouttherole ofPublicWorksinthecommunity(wasteand recycling,Citymaintenance,parksmanagement, etc.),tookatourofthefacility,andevenhadthe opportunitytotryouttheequipment!Officers alsotaughtaclassondomesticviolence/healthy relationshipsatOurMother'sHouse.
Photos:VeniceHighSchool
The18 Annual DowntownVenice CraftFestival, presentedbyVenice MainStreetJan.2425,washeldinthe 200-300blocksofW. VeniceAvenue th
Photos:RalphAllen
Water restrictions in Venice City limits
TheCityofVenicefollowsyear-round waterrestrictionssetbytheSouthwest FloridaWaterManagementDistrict.
Even-numberedaddressesmayuse irrigationsystemsonTuesdays
Odd-numberedaddressesmayuse irrigationsystemsonThursdays
Irrigation&sprinklersareonly allowedbefore8a.m.orafter6p.m.
Hand-watering&dripirrigation areallowedanyday,atanytime
Vehicles&boatsmaybewashed onceperweekonthesame assigneddayasirrigation
Newlawnsmaybewateredontheday ofinstallationatanytimeandforthe first60daysonanyday,butonlyduring therestrictedhours
Theserestrictionsapplytoallwater sources,includingprivatewellsand surfacewater
Moreinformationisavailableat swfwmd.state.fl.us.
AROUND TOWN
SpottedontheJan 8 MonthlyCityBicycleRide withDarleneCulpepper–a baldeaglefamilyonthe VenetianWaterwayTrail. Youneverknowwhatyou mayseealongtheroute! Thenextrideissetfor10 a.m.Thursday,Feb.12.Just bringyourbikeanda helmettothewestparking lotofCityHall.
Atleft,JimmyBennett,ChadArmstrong,andD.J.DahlwithUtilitieswork tocleanupasewerspillJan.2onZacapaAve.Above,PublicWorksstaff getsafetyandinstructionaltrainingonanewCaterpillarbackhoeJan. 12.
Fox Lea’s ‘Show Jumping Under the Stars’ Feb. 13 to raise funds for VABI
OnFeb 13,FoxLeaFarmwillholda horsejumpingcompetition, "ShowJumpingUndertheStars $24,999GrandPrix,"withVenice AreaBeautification,Inc.(VABI)as theevent’s nonprofitbeneficiary.
FoxLeaFarmislocatedat800N. AuburnRoadinVenice.
Gatesopenat5p.m.Feb.13,and theeventbeginsat7p.m.
Admissionis$10(includeslight bitesnacksinthegrandstand)
Freeonsiteparking–enter throughthesouth(“B”)gate.Golf cartshuttletothepavilionfrom theparkingareawillbeprovided. Beveragesandfoodavailablefor purchase.
Bleacherseating(feelfreetobring yourownchairs.)Leasheddogs allowed.
Formoreinformation,visit FoxLeaFarm.net
AROUND TOWN
Farright, VPDCommunity ResourceOfficerMike Halpinispicturedwith ZachaboardtheOneBlood BigRedBusJan.7,getting preppedtogiveapint.
Atright, VeniceFireRescue crews workwithprobie DaniVanDeusentheweek ofJan.5onhose deployment,focusingon properpulls,placement, andlinecharging.
VABIBloomTeamvolunteerswelcomedhelpinlateJanuaryfromBobbyGorman,LionelAprillandParks CrewLeaderBrandonJoneswithPublicWorks."Theydidlotsofheavyliftingandtransportinghugeflower potsdowntown,"saidBloomTeamMemberLindaLewis."Weappreciatetheirhelp."TheCityappreciates yourpartnership!
AROUND TOWN
VenicePoliceOfficerBrettWoodworthwaslaudedduringthe Jan.13CityCouncilmeetinginaspecialpresentationbyU.S. CoastGuardSectorSt.PetersburgCommanderCapt.Courtney Sergentforhisoutstandingworkthatledtotherescueofeight peoplefromadisabledboatinNovember2025.Officer Woodworth'swifeAshleylookson.OfficerWoodworthinitially reportedtheoverduevesselNov.14toCoastGuardSectorSt. Petewatchstandersafterfindingasocialmediavideoshowing thevesselleavingtheVeniceInletthatmorning AUSCGfixedwingaircraftlocatedtheinoperablevesselapproximately36 nauticalmilessouthwestofVeniceInletandroughly30miles westofBocaGrandeat10:35p.m.Nov.15.Followingtheaerial sighting,aUSCGrescueboatarrivedatthedisabledboat, accountedforallpassengers,andconfirmednomedicalissues.
StormwaterEngineerTechnicianJeffHackettispresentedwith his10-YearServiceAwardattheJan.13CouncilmeetingbyCity ManagerJamesClinch,asStormwaterEngineeringManager StevenBerens,CityEngineerJonKramer,andMayorNick Pachotalookon.
AROUND TOWN
VeniceElementarySchoolfifthgraderElenaHopperisrecognized forherwinningdesigninthe2025 CityofVeniceHolidayCardContest byCityManagerJamesClinchand ExecutiveAssistantCordyCraneat theJan.13Councilmeeting.The youngartistshowedoffher winningsunsetonthebeach"Tis theSeason"design.Elenathanked theschoolandherfamilyfor supportingherartisticendeavors. Elena'snamewillbeinscribedona perpetualplaqueofannualcard winnersdisplayedatVenice Elementary.TheCOVHolidayCard issenttoCityemployeesandour communitypartners.Elenaalso receivedcopiesofthecardtogive tofamilyandfriends.
MembersoftheVenice-NokomisWoman's Clubshowedtheirsupportoftheirfounding mother,LouellaAlbee,byattendingthe VeniceAreaHistoricalSociety’sBetty IntagliataLectureSerieswithKathryn ChesleyportrayingLouellaAlbeeonJan.20.
CENTENNIAL SPOTLIGHT
9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18
John Nolen Statue
Unveiling&DedicationCeremony
Statue/bench unveiling • Hear from special guests
Enjoy light refreshments • Music
Celebrating the City’s Centennial by honoring renowned city planner John Nolen
Centennial project by:
Thank you Venice City Council, and all of the generous donors, sponsors, and champions who made this Centennial project possible!
Celebrating 100 Years!
Get Involved
Sign up to volunteer for City or community partner Centennial events, click here.
Apply for a Centennial partnership to use the Centennial logo, request a new Centennial event on public property, install permanent art or features and more, click here.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Upcoming Events
Feb.7AiringoftheQuilts,Maxine BarrittPark
Feb.7-8OrchidShow&Sale,Venice CommunityCenter
Feb.15RideorStrideforaBetter Community,VeniceYachtClub
Feb.19-22ItalianFeast&Carnival, AirportFestivalGrounds
Feb.21FloridaExperience1,000Miglia CarRace,CentennialPark
March5BikeRidewiththeMayor, Sharky’sonthePier
Checkonlineformoreeventsand activitiesbyourcommunitypartners:
BicyclearoundVeniceisland
VisittheMuseum&Archives
VisittheLord-HigelHouse
VeniceAreaBeautificationInc.
VeniceAreaChamberof Commerce
VeniceArtCenter
VeniceCommunityCenter
VenicePerformingArtsCenter
VeniceMainStreetInc.
VeniceSymphony
VeniceTheatre
VisitSarasotaCounty
SarasotaCountyGovernment
InconjunctionwiththeCityofVenice’sCentennialCelebration,theVeniceMuseumisproudtopresentournewestseasonal photoexhibit:TheGroverKoonsCollection:ConstructingVenice.ThistemporaryexhibitfeaturestheworkofGroverKoons,a professionalphotographerwhowashiredexactly100yearsagobytheBrotherhoodofLocomotiveEngineers(BLE)to documenttheconstructionoftheCityofVenicein1926 PhotosfromhiscollectionshowtheprogressoftheBLE’sdreamofa beautifulandprofitableCityontheGulf.TheexhibitisinaseriesoffreeeducationalhistoryexhibitsattheVeniceMuseum thatwillshowcaseVenice’soriginsaspartoftheCity’s18-monthCentennialCelebration,fromNovember2025toMay2027.
TheVeniceMuseumislocatedinsidethehistoricTriangleInn,listedinboththeVeniceRegisterofHistoricalResourcesand theNationalRegistersofHistoricPlaces.ThemuseumisopenMonday,Tuesday,andWednesdayfrom10a.m.to4p.m.;and thefirstandthirdSaturdaysofthemonth, OctoberthroughApril,from11a.m.to3p.m.Formoreinformationaboutthe exhibit,contactthemuseumat941-486-2487orvisitwww.venicemuseum.org.
Click here to register or sponsor a participant
To apply, visit https://www.sarasotacountyparks.com/i-wantto/support-parks/volunteer-opportunities
