2026.06 Citizen Newsletter

VENICE CITY E

NEWS VENICE CITY E

City Council Members

Independence Day Parade & Picnic set for July 4

As the nation marks America’s 250th anniversary and the City of Venice celebrates its Centennial year, the community is invited to a full day of patriotic festivities on July 4, featuring a morning parade, community picnic, and evening fireworks display.

ContactallCityCouncilmembersby emailingcitycouncil@venicefl.gov. CityCouncilmeetingsbeginat9a m , inCouncilChambersatCityHall, 401W.VeniceAve,orwatchonline.

Parade returns to downtown In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the City of Venice will host a special daytime Independence Day parade as part of its Centennial celebration. The 0.6-mile parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of W. Venice Avenue and Ave des Parques, traveling east along West Venice Avenue and Avenue Des Parques, traveling east along W. Venice Ave., through historic downtown Venice, turning south onto Nassau Street, and concluding near West Blalock Park along Pensacola Road. Spectators are encouraged to line the westbound lane of W. Venice Avenue, both sides of Nassau Street, and areas surrounding W. Blalock Park (see above map.) This is a special one-time event, returning for the first time since the 1970s, and will not be repeated.

Charter Officers

CityManager

JamesClinch

CityAttorney

KellyFernandez

Parade participation information

CityClerk KellyMichaels

Public Safety Chiefs

To preserve the hometown feel of this special Centennial and Independence Day celebration, parade participation will be limited to City of Venice residents, businesses, nonprofits, and Venice MainStreet partners. Space is limited, and participation will be capped to maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Applications are open and will close at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 5, or earlier if capacity is reached. Apply here or scan the QR code below. If you have already applied, the City will be in touch once applications close.

Community picnic to follow

Following the parade, the celebration continues at 11 a.m. with a community picnic at the Venice Community Center, hosted in partnership with Venice MainStreet. Activities will take place indoors, outdoors, and at W. Blalock Park, featuring hot dogs, music and dancing, face painting, a watermelon eating contest, and additional family-friendly activities beginning as early as 9 a.m. in the park. The nearby Venice Museum will be open special hours July 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Evening fireworks display

VenicePoliceChief

AndyLeisenring

VeniceFireChief FrankGiddens

Emergency Notifcations

Signupforhurricaneevacuationalerts,boil wateradvisories,andotheremergency notificationsdelivereddirectlytoyourtext messages,email,orphone. alertsarasotacounty com

The celebration concludes with the annual Independence Day fireworks show, firing off at 9 p.m. from the South Jetty by Zambelli Fireworks. The display will be angled over the Gulf toward Venice Beach. Boaters should note the Venice inlet will be closed during the fireworks and will reopen approximately 30 minutes after the finale. The 2026 fireworks show will be conducted by professional technicians from Zambelli Fireworks, with support from Venice Fire Rescue and the Venice Police Department.

Volunteer opportunities

In addition to the parade, the City is partnering with Venice MainStreet to host a picnic in West Blalock Park and inside the Community Center. As a true grassroots community effort, many of the family-friendly activities taking place in the West Blalock Park and the cultural campus lawn will rely heavily on volunteers to help lead activities, assist participants, and keep the event running smoothly. From watermelon-eating contests and tug-of-war to sand art and children’s games, volunteers will play a major role in helping create a fun and memorable day for the community. Around 100 volunteers throughout the parade and picnic will be needed to help make the event successful, and we sincerely appreciate everyone willing to step in and support the celebration. Register to volunteer here.

For more information about the parade, visit venicegov.com/things-to-do/july-4th-parade-picnic. Stay informed with the latest event updates by following the City of Venice on Facebook.

Hundreds attend annual Hurricane Expo

The annual Venice Hurricane Expo was held May 29 at the Venice Community Center, in partnership with the Venice Gondolier. The City had over 40 federal, state, Sarasota County, municipal, nonprofit and community groups tabling May 29; with storm prep, landscaping, and home improvement and recovery related business vendors tabling with the Gondolier May 30. City speakers that Friday were Fire Chief Frank Giddens and Police Lt. Mat Sauchinitz, Community Rating System Coordinator Christina Rimes, Assistant Utilities Director Patience Anastasio, Building Official Derek Applegate, County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi, and ABC-7 Chief Meteorologist Bob Harrigan. Thank you to all who came out to get storm ready!

Hundreds attend annual Hurricane Expo

Helpful hurricane season info

Know your flood zone and evacuation level. For more information concerning your specific property, call CRS Coordinator Christina Rimes at 941-882-7412. You only need to evacuate tens of miles, not hundreds. Driving hundreds of miles creates unnecessary traffic gridlock and fuel shortages.

Prepare for power, internet, and cellular outages lasting seven days or longer after a severe storm. Have a plan to stay in touch with friends and family both locally and out of state. When in doubt, tune in to local radio with your car AM/FM.

Gradually build your emergency kit by adding extra supplies to your regular grocery trips such as bottled water, nonperishable foods, and pet items. All three bridges to Venice island are locked in the “down” position before a storm, allowing vehicles to travel on and off the island.

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

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

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

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

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

If you will need assistance in an evacuation or need to go to a special needs/medically dependent shelter, please register here. Online applications will stop being accepted 60 hours prior to expected landfall. Examples of qualifying medical needs include the use of oxygen or use of medical equipment that requires electricity.

Download the City of Venice 2026 Hurricane Guide

Your local information for how to prepare for, respond to and recover from a storm, setting realistic expectations for living in a low-lying coastal community Includes emergency contacts, City department information, and a preparedness checklist!

Hurricane Season is June 1 - Nov. 30. Now is the time to prepare!

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

THE LATEST

Beach renourishment getting underway

To help protect and preserve our beaches, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2026 Venice Shore Protection Project began staging in May and is expected to be complete in September. The project will renourish approximately 3.2 miles of critically eroded shoreline. The project area extends from south of Venice Inlet to south of the Venice Fishing Pier. Extensive environmental monitoring, including the relocation of marine turtle nests by Mote Marine Laboratory, is included in the project. Follow the progress of the project with updates, photos, FAQs and more here. For more information, email Stormwater Engineering Manager Steve Berens at sberens@venicefl.gov

THE LATEST

Centennial Park gazebo renamed for Bob & Sue Vedder

The City of Venice celebrated longtime volunteers Bob and Sue Vedder May 6 with the renaming of the Centennial Park gazebo in their honor.

Bob started the Bloom Team, a Venice Area Beautification, Inc. program for the installation and maintenance of flowers in downtown Venice, including the much-loved baskets and pots. Speakers at the event pointed out that he could often be seen downtown at 4 a.m. on a ladder, hand-watering the baskets before irrigation was installed.

With the backing of the Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club, Bob also created the Rotary Futures College Resource Center at Venice High School. He has been involved with Sertoma Club of Venice, the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce, and fundraising for The Loveland Center, the Venice Art Center, and local libraries.

Bob was also an umpire and coach for Venice Little League baseball and the publisher of the Venice Gondolier for many years.

Sue helped found the Venice Library bookstore, served as president of Venice MainStreet for a term and chaired Project Graduation at Venice High. She has also been a board member of Venice Heritage and the former Manatee Community College.

Mayor Nick Pachota, City Manager James Clinch and City Public Works Director Ricky Simpson all took some goodnatured jabs at Bob, and thanked him and Sue for their decades of service, dedication and passion for Venice and making the City more beautiful. It was Bob’s effort, along with the late John Kalajian, to raise funds to build the gazebo in 1987, with support from First Florida Bank.

to the

over the years; the

in the park for the event.

Citywide burn ban still in effect;

dry conditions persist

A burn ban issued April 19 remains in place for the City of Venice due to local drought conditions and an increased chance of fire hazards. This burn ban issued by Venice Fire Rescue mirrors a countywide ban issued by the Sarasota County Fire Department.

Under Sarasota County’s burn ban ordinance, burn bans automatically go into effect countywide and prohibit almost all open burning when the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) meets or exceeds 500.

Fire pits/cooking pits are not permitted. Outdoor cooking fires in approved grills such as gas or charcoal BBQ grills are permitted; however, extreme caution is urged with these devices as well. Remember to not leave a grill unattended and make sure coals are completely cooled before disposing.

The citywide burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning that has not been specifically permitted by the Florida Forest Service. Bonfires, campfires, and the burning of vegetative (yard) debris is not allowed. Should a wildfire erupt, nearby residents are urged to follow directions from authorities. This may include evacuations of localized areas. The burn ban will automatically lift after the drought index falls below 500 for seven consecutive days.

THE LATEST

In a brief dedication May 11, a plaque recognizing the Venice Beach Pavilion as the 14th property listed in the Venice Register of Historical Resources was unveiled by Mayor Nick Pachota and Historical Resources Manager Harry Klinkhamer, see photo at right.

The beach concession's iconic hyperbolic paraboloid roof was designed by local architect Cyril Tucker and engineer William Lindh in the 1960s. The structure was designed to withstand 200 mph winds. An early controversy: Impromptu high school dances under the pavilion at the time had to be regulated by City Council.

Thank you to City Council for approving the designation last year, and the City's Planning & Zoning and Public Works Departments and Historical Resources Division for making it a reality!

Applicants needed for CRS Committee vacancy

The City of Venice CRS (Community Rating System) Committee has one vacancy that needs to be filled.

The committee is tasked with implementing, monitoring, and evaluating floodplain management activities that exceed the National Flood Insurance Program requirements. The committee is also responsible for updating the City’s Floodplain Management Plan every 5 years, and for providing an annual report to City Council regarding the progress of the plan.

Committee members must meet certain criteria, and the City Engineer shall appoint all members and determine terms of office. The committee meets quarterly.

More information on the committee, including an application, can be found online HERE. You can also contact CRS Coordinator Christina Rimes at crimes@venicefl.gov or 941-882-7412.

City Hall Centennial mural completed THE LATEST

The City's Centennial mural, in a project spearheaded by Deputy Public Information Officer/artist Brianne Lorenz (pictured below left), was completed in early May. The artwork started as a blank outline at City Hall right before Christmas 2025, with over 50 City employees, Mayor Pachota and Council Members, and Charter Officers taking a turn with the brush in quick 5- to 10-minute painting sessions. Then Brianne worked on her own time, on evenings and weekends, to get the colors and shading just right on Stuart Bailey's Centennial logo design for Venice's 100th anniversary. This milestone belongs to all of us, so come on down to City Hall and take a selfie with the artwork!

Mote reports over 900 sea turtle nests on area beaches

As of May 30, Mote Marine Laboratory has recorded 936 sea turtle nests on Sarasota County beaches, with 135 of those nests in Venice. One green turtle nest was recorded; the rest are loggerheads.

Sea turtles laid 493 nests the week of May 24-30, 2026, alone, according to the most recent data available from Mote, with 67 in Venice. The first nest of the season documented by Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program was found April 27 on Venice Beach

Mote’s Sea Turtle Patrol volunteers survey 35 miles of beaches from Longboat Key to Venice each day of nesting season, May 1-Oct. 31 on the Gulf Coast of Florida, documenting and staking off each nest The program is in its 45 year th

In 2025, Mote reported a historic nesting season with 5,736 sea turtle nests; 684 of those on Venice beaches.

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

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

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

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

If you see lights shining on Venice beaches during nesting season, contact Code Enforcement at 941-882-7549 If you see a sick, injured or stranded sea turtle in Sarasota County waters, contact Mote Marine Laboratory’s Stranding Investigations Program at 888-345-2335. If you find sea turtle hatchlings that are not on the beach or are headed away from the ocean, call FWC’s hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

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

Venice Municipal Airport Fact Sheet

Get more info and provide input on the Airport Master Plan here

How to watch City Council and Advisory Board Metings

Venice City Council meets at City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave., at 9 a.m. generally on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Council will be on break from July 28-Aug. 11.

Council meeting minutes and video recordings are typically available within 48 hours of each meeting date. Watch City Council meetings and recordings and view full meeting agendas and minutes online here.

Advisory Boards

Citizen Advisory Board (CAB)

Citizen Tax Oversight Committee

Community Rating System (CRS) Committee

Fire Pension Board of Trustees

Historic and Architectural

Preservation Board (HAPB)

Planning Commission

Police Pension Board of Trustees

Venice Housing Authority

Emergency Contacts

Emergency: 911

Police non-emergency: 941-486-2444

City Hall: 941-486-2626

Code Enforcement: 941-882-7545

Water/sewer line break: 941-486-2770

Report illicit discharge: 941-882-7413

May 12 Council Meeting Recap

The following actions were taken by Venice City Council at their May 12 regular meeting:

Recognitions: Mayor Pachota recognized May 16-22, 2026, as National Safe Boating Week, May 10-16, 2026, as National Police Week, May 2026 as Foster Care Month and June 2026 as Faith and Family Month with proclamations. Vice Mayor Boldt recognized May 17-23, 2026, as Public Works Week with a proclamation. See related photos, pages 27-28

Consent Agenda: All items under the May 12 City Council

Consent Agenda were approved unanimously

Ordinances, First Reading: Council took action on the following ordinance -

Ord. No. 2026-19, approved 7-0 on first reading and scheduled for final reading

Ordinances, Final Reading: Council took action on the following ordinances -

Ord. No. 2026-06 and Ord. No. 2026-18, approved 7-0 and adopted

Other business and actions:

Council appointed Lily Smith to serve a term from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027, as a student member on the Citizen Advisory Board

Council agreed to direct staff to perform a legal review of the current lease, initiate discussions with the FBO on ground operations, provide a review of the Venice Municipal Airport operating standards, and report back to Council as soon as possible, but no longer than 60 days

Council agreed to direct staff, as soon as administratively possible, to develop parameters to perform an environmental review of the Venice Airport property and neighboring areas to include, but not be limited to air quality, soil contamination, and water quality, and to pursue vendor quotes to perform such study

Council agreed to direct staff to present the history of City Land Use Neighborhood Workshop policies for Council's consideration to make changes moving forward

Council canceled the June 9 meeting

May 26 Council Meeting Recap

The following actions were taken by Venice City Council at their May 26 regular meeting:

Here at the City of Venice, we’re currently hiring for:

Electrical Maintenance Technician (Public Works)

Firefighter/EMT

Firefighter/Paramedic

Heavy Equipment Operator (Public Works/Stormwater)

Heavy Equipment Operator (Public Works/Tree Crew)

Municipal Service Worker (Public Works/Landscape Crew)

Apply today at: governmentjobs com/careers/venicegov

The City of Venice is part of the Florida Retirement System and offers on-the-job training for select positions, tuition reimbursement, opportunities for advancement, and robust medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.

Stay in the Know

Follow us on social media, register for emergency alerts, see photos from around town, find upcoming events, meetings, and more!

Recognitions: Mayor Pachota and Vice Mayor Boldt recognized May 2026 as Children First’s 65 Anniversary Month and June 2026 as Small Cities Month with proclamations. See related photos, page 29

Other

business and actions:

Consent Agenda: All items under the May 26 City Council Consent Agenda were approved unanimously

Easements: Council took action on the following easements -

26-0619, 26-0620 and 26-0621 were approved 7-0

Ordinances, First Reading: Council took action on the following ordinance -

Ord. No. 2026-16 approved 7-0 and scheduled for final reading

Ordinances, Final Reading: Council took action on the following ordinance -

Ord. No. 2026-19 approved 7-0 and adopted

Council approved Resolution 2026-11, acknowledging the creation of the Venice Police Charitable Foundation Inc., Finding that the Organization Serves a Public Purpose; and Transferring Charitable

Donations Held by the City on Behalf of the Venice Police Department to the Venice Police Charitable Foundation Inc

Council approved staff's recommendation of standards regarding the physical posting on property for pending Planning and Zoning public hearings and for neighborhood workshops to require a hybrid format that includes both an in-person and virtual component

Council agreed to increase the mailed notice radius for Planning and Zoning public hearings and for neighborhood workshops to 500 feet

Enter the Photo Contest for the City of Venice 2027 Calendar

The City of Venice is holding its annual photography contest for its muchanticipated annual calendar that showcases the beauty and charm of our “City on the Gulf.”

Along with gorgeous images from local photographers, the annual calendar also provides residents and visitors with information on City Council and advisory board meetings throughout the year, special events, frequently used phone numbers, a map of City limits, photos of Council Members and Charter Officers, and more. A limited run of 5,000 calendars are distributed for free to citizens at the end of the year.

✅ Photo entries must be received by Friday, July 31, 2026

⚠ Rules for the City of Venice 2027 Calendar Photo Contest can be found here. If you are interested in submitting, please review all these rules thoroughly.

Northeast Park nears completion

NortheastParkisalmostfinished!Soddingand landscapingaresettobecompletedthisweek, alongwithfinalpickleballcourtmarkings.

Locatedat3560LaurelRoadE.,NortheastParkis expectedtoopenlaterthismonth,pendingweather ormaterialdelays.

Parkfeatures: 4.8acres

8outdoorpickleballcourts

Fitnesstrailwithequipment

Walkingpath

2-to-5and5-to-12-year-oldplaygrounds

Largeandsmalldogparkareas

Shadestructures

Stormwaterretention

Restrooms

Pavedparking

Projecthistory:CityCouncilapprovedpurchasing landforNortheastParkin2021andapprovedthe parkplanin2023 GroundwasbrokeninApril2025

Projectcost:$6.4million,whichincludesdesignand construction.Theprojectisfundedthroughpark impactfees.

VHS Military Signing Day

Congratulations to the 24 Venice High School students who signed commitments to serve in the United States Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps! The school’s Military Signing Day on May 6 recognized students choosing a path of service, sacrifice, and dedication to something greater than themselves.

More than 10% of City of Venice employees, over 50 team members, are military veterans who continue their service to the community each day through public service. Representing the City at the May ceremony were Mayor Nick Pachota, City Manager James Clinch, Assistant City Manager Roger Omenhiser, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, and Executive Assistant Cordy Crane, a U.S. Air Force veteran.

We are proud of each of you for stepping forward to serve our nation and wish you the very best as you begin this next chapter!

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.

TheVeniceMuseumislocatedat351 NassauSt S

Can’tmakeitinperson? Explorethe museum ’sonlinearchivesfromyour smartphoneorcomputer,featuring historicalphotosandoldnewspapers.

HISTORY LESSON

Men who did it all: Former Fire Chiefs Surls and Stephens

By Jon Watson, Historical Resources Curator and Collections Manager

Likemanysmallertownsacrossthecountry,the CityofVenicehasexperiencedperiodsoffinancial instability. Historythroughtheseperiodshasshownthat,inthe faceofadversity,staffhavesteppedupandgone beyondthecallofdutytofilltheneededgapsand continuetomakeVeniceacharming,vibrant,and hospitablecommunity.Twoexamplesofthis mindsetcanbefoundinourformerfirechiefs:W.B. SurlsandJ.D.(Dewey)Stephens.

InSeptember1934,MayorJamesBlalockappointed W.B.Surlsastheyoungcity’s7thFireChiefata wageof$75permonth.Amonthlater,theCity askedSurlstotakeoverthePoliceChiefdutiesas wellforanadditional$10permonth.Surlsaccepted thedualroleandserveduntilAugust1935,whenthe Cityhiredafull-timePoliceChief.

AlthoughthePoliceChiefrolewasfilled,theCitystill neededhelpmanagingsanitationoperations.Once again,Surlsagreed,thistimewithnochangeinpay, inadditiontohisFireChiefresponsibilities.He servedintheserolesuntil1943,justshortofa9-year tenurewiththeCity.

LikeSurls,formerFireChiefJ.D.(Dewey)Stephens agreedto“wearmanyhats”acrosstheCity.Bornin Venicein1897,Stephens’militarybackgroundledto apositionwiththeVenicePoliceDepartment(VPD).

HISTORY LESSON

Former Fire Chiefs continued

In1937,MayorBlalockappointedStephensthe PoliceChiefofVenice.In1944,Stephensleftthe VPDfortheopportunitytoserveasVeniceFire Chief.Laterthatyear,heagreedtoruntheCity’s StreetDepartmentaswell.

StephensledtheVeniceFireDepartmentin acquiringtwomilitarytrucks(laterconvertedto fireengines)fromtheformerVeniceArmyAirBase andinmovingthedepartmentfromtheairbaseto thefirestationonEastVeniceAvenue.Hewasalso successfulinappointingJulius“Bud”Devine(who wouldsucceedhimasFireChief)ashisassistant andingainingapprovaltohireathirdmemberof theVeniceFireDepartmentin1957.Stephens retiredin1963,havingserved25yearswiththeCity ofVenice.

Today,tomarkthededicationandspiritofthese formerFireChiefs,asubtleyetmeaningfultribute toallVeniceFireChiefswillbeaddedtothefuture OldBetsyMuseummuralonthebuilding’seast wall.Itwillserveasareminderofthededication thesemenshowedtotheircommunity.

BesuretocheckoutthenewmuralattheOld BetsyMuseum,locatedat343NassauSt.,which willbecompletedinthecomingmonthsbyartist ColeenHenry.Whilethere,consideravisittothe VeniceMuseum(acrossfromtheOldBetsy Museum)tolearnmoreaboutVenice’sunique history.TheVeniceMuseumisopen10a.m.to4 p.m.MondaysthroughWednesdays.

Left, Gaylord George driving the 1942 Chevy truck that Stephens acquired and repurposed after the federal government moved out of the Venice Army Air Base.

Intracoastal Second Force Main Project – June update

Project overview: The Utilities Intracoastal Second Force Main Project primarily involves the construction of a redundant wastewater force main and gravity sewer system to safely convey all wastewater flows from Venice Island to the City’s mainland facilities. Currently, the City only has one wastewater force main located south of the E. Venice Ave. bridge that transfers all the island’s wastewater flow under the Intracoastal Waterway to the mainland, and ultimately to the City’s Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) via Lift Station LS-07. Should the existing wastewater force main fail or require maintenance, the City’s public sewer system located on the island would be fully cut off from the WRF. Consequently, the proposed redundant force main project and other associated work will greatly improve the reliability and resiliency of the City’s sewer system and better protect the water quality of our local waterways.

Project schedule: This month, crews are scheduled to complete all pavement and site restoration on Calle del Toro, Warfield Ave., E. Venice Ave. service road, and American Legion Way/Florida St. All remaining work is expected to be completed by the end of June 2026, except for the proposed sewer extension across N. Seaboard Ave. to connect the three properties along E. Venice Ave. that are currently on septic systems to public sewer. This work is expected to be completed by the end of August 2026. Temporary and full lane closures, along with detours, will be required during this work. Traffic accessing Legacy Park, Marina Park, and the Venice Train Depot will be detoured around construction areas. Traffic pattern updates will be posted as necessary on the City website, venicegov.com, on the home page under the News tab. Large equipment and machinery will be within the road right-of-way. Please drive slowly, use caution, and watch out for pedestrians and workers. Motorists are to follow all posted traffic control signs.

Funding: Construction of upgrades and improvements for this Project are financed by the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) The CWSRF program is administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection with joint funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state of Florida. CWSRF programs operate around the country to provide states and communities the resources necessary to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our valuable water resources nationwide.

The Utilities Department appreciates your patience as the City’s infrastructure is updated to improve the safety and quality of life within our community for years to come. For more information, visit venicegov.com/government/utilities/projects. For more information about this project, contact Cynthia Fitzpatrick, Utilities Project Coordinator, at 941-882-7290.

Take the City Website Citizen Survey

The City of Venice is creating a new website designed to better serve our community and we want your input. Your feedback will help us build a website that is easy to use, informative, accessible, and reflective of the needs of our residents, businesses, and visitors.

This short survey is an opportunity to share what works well on the current site, venicegov.com, what could be improved, and what features or information matter most to you. Whether you visit the website to pay a bill, find city services, stay informed, or connect with your local government, your perspective is important.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to help shape the future of the City of Venice website. The survey can be found here: City of Venice Website Citizen Survey –Fill out form

The survey deadline is Wednesday, June 10.

Utilities sewer cleaning program continues this month

TheCityofVeniceUtilitiesDepartmentiscontinuingitsproactivesewercleaningprogram,aimedat maintainingtheintegrityofthewastewatercollectionsystem,preventingoverflows,andensuringthehealth andsafetyofallitsresidents.StartinginJune2026,UtilitieswillbeworkingwithcontractorU.I.T.LLCto cleanandclosed-circuittelevise(CCTV)20milesofthegravitysewersystem.ThiscleaningandCCTVwill takeplaceinvariouslocationsontheislandintheCityofVenice.Allcustomerswillreceiveadoorhangerat least48hourspriortocleaning.

Thiscriticalinfrastructuremaintenancewillinvolvehigh-pressurewaterjetting,mechanicalrootcutting, andCCTVinspections.Thisworkisessentialtoremoveaccumulateddebris,grease,roots,andother blockagesthatcanleadtosignificantissues,including:

PreventingCostlyBackupsandOverflows

Blockedsewerscancausesewagetobackupintohomesandbusinesses,leadingtoextensive propertydamageandcostlyrepairs.

ImprovingPublicHealth

Regularcleaningmitigatestheriskofexposuretorawsewage,whichcancarryharmfulbacteriaand pathogens.

ExtendingInfrastructureLifespan

Byremovingcorrosivematerialsandpreventingblockages,thecleaningprogramhelpsprolongthe lifeoftheexistingsewerpipes,reducingtheneedforexpensivefuturereplacements.

EliminatingFoulOdors

Buildupinsewerlinescanleadtounpleasantsmellsemanatingfromdrains,whichwillbe significantlyreducedthroughthiscleaning.

EnsuringEfficientWastewaterFlow

Aclearsewersystemensuresthatwastewateristransportedefficientlytotreatmentfacilities.

Forquestionsorconcernsabouttheprogram,contacttheCityWaterReclamationFacilityat941-486-2788or JimmyBennett,Supervisor,at941-232-2633.

Fire Station 52 progress

ConstructioncontinuesatthesiteofthenewFireRescueStation52at1545E.VeniceAve.,nexttotheVenicePoliceDepartment.

Thisforward-lookingfacilitywillserveasthehomeforFireAdministration,FireOperations,EmergencyMedicalServices,FirePrevention,and supporttheCity'sEmergencyOperationsCenter.

Carefullydesignedtomeetbothpresentandfutureneeds,Station52willfeaturefiveapparatusbays,administrativeoffices,livingandsleeping quarters,afitnessarea,kitchen,conferenceroom,andvitalsupportspaces.Publicparkingandsecureaccessforfirecrewswillensurethestation isreadytoserveatamoment'snotice.

ThecurrentVFRStation52islocatedonN.GroveSt.inafloodzone.Withthisproject,theCityaffirmsitscommitmenttopublicsafety,emergency preparedness,andthebraveprofessionalswhoprotectourcommunityeveryday.Projectcompletionisanticipatedforearly2027,pendingweather delays.

Visit the City’s 35 parks

Bicycle around Venice island

Stop by the Venice Museum

View the City’s Event calendar

Join a City Advisory Board

Volunteer with VABI

Find more events with community partners:

Venice Area Chamber of Commerce

Venice Art Center

Venice Community Center

Venice Performing Arts Center

Venice MainStreet Inc

Venice Symphony

Venice Theatre

Visit Sarasota County

Sarasota County Government Counting

Downtown Venice Craft Festival – Saturday-Sunday, June 20-21

America 250 Celebration – Saturday, July 4

VMS Labor Day Weekend Craft Festival –Saturday-Sunday, Sept 5-6

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony – Friday, Sept 11

Envirorace 5K – Sunday, Sept 13

Venice Beach Bash – Saturday, Sept. 26

Sun Fiesta – Friday-Sunday, Oct. 16-18

Make a Difference Day – Oct. 24

SEASONAL REMINDERS

The Citys annual Big Trucks Day was held at Venice Elementary School on May 21 to celebrate Public Works Week. Students in pre-K through 1st grade got to explore vehicles, honk horns, watch a claw truck and bucket truck in action, ask a ton of questions, and even operate some of the vehicles’ features themselves with guidance from staff in Public Works, Solid Waste and Utilities. Were not sure who had more fun - the kids, or City employees! Thank you to VES for having us, and for the awesome Public Works Week artwork!

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The Saramana Chapter of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution recently presented their prestigious Law Enforcement Commendation Medal to VPD Officer Erin Skaggs in recognition of her exceptional service to the community.

In 2021, Officer Skaggs was instrumental in initiating VPD's involvement in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. What began as our inaugural participation has, through her leadership and commitment, become an ongoing tradition. Since that time, she has continued to organize, promote, and strengthen partnership with Special Olympics, and enhanced the Citys engagement.

In August of 2021, Officer Skaggs established a goal to implement a physical training regimen at the start of in-service training. Through her persistence and leadership, this initiative was successfully implemented departmentwide in 2024, promoting officer wellness, readiness, and performance. Officer Skaggs has also demonstrated a strong commitment to community outreach through her participation in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program since 2023. Also, Officer Skaggs, partnered with K9 Palmer, has participated in many community outreach events, educating residents and establishing a rapport with numerous nonprofit organizations and community partners. These involvements reflect her dedication mentoring youth and fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.

Did you know the Interactive Children’s Fountain in Centennial Park is cleaned and serviced every month?

On May 6, Public Works Municipal Service Worker Pat Roy was down in the vault recovering lost toys, removing leaves and debris, and checking the filters and pumps.

The fountain uses approximately 1,200 gallons of water that is tested 365 days a year including weekends and holidays to ensure the water meets pool-quality standards and remains free of bacteria. Three large pumps keep the fountain flowing. One runs 24/7 to filter, chlorinate, and recycle 80% of the water, while the other two power the interactive water features Public Works staff who service the fountain are certified Public Swimming Pool Technicians and help keep this beloved fountain clean, safe, and splashing year-round.

On April 7, a fire occurred at the Venice Area Beautification Inc. building on the 200 block of Tamiami Trl. N. while the office was closed and unattended. Fortunately, City Utilities employees Derek Self and Dustin Little happened to discover the fire and immediately contacted emergency services. Their quick actions are credited with helping prevent potentially catastrophic damage to a building that serves not only as VABI’s longtime home, but also as an important community asset used by local organizations and visitors along the Venetian Waterway Park and Legacy Trail.

During the VABI Board of Directors meeting May 18, Derek and Dustin, pictured above with City Manager James Clinch and VABI Board President Bill Wilson, were recognized and presented with Certificates of Appreciation in recognition of their outstanding actions and dedication to the community. Their actions also serve as an important reminder: If you see something, say something!

At left, local artist Coleen Henry paints a mural on an exterior entrance wall of the Old Betsy Museum building in mid-May.

Below, Eric Shoop and Mike Little with Public Works Facilities Maintenance clean the carpet in the Community Room at the Venice Police Department May 1.

Mayor Nick Pachota recognizes the week of May 16-22, 2026, as National Safe Boating Week during the May 12 City Council meeting with a proclamation presented to Master Police Officer Paul Joyce, far left, and the Venice Police Department, and representatives from the Sarasota County Sheriffs Office, Sarasota Police Department, Longboat Key Police Department, Fort Myers Police Department, Cape Coral Police Department, Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Charlotte County Sheriffs Office, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Venice Flotilla 86, U.S. Customs Marine/Air Division, Maine State Police, and National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.

Left, Vice Mayor Jim Boldt recognizes the week of May 1723, 2026, as National Public Works Week with a proclamation presented May 12 to Public Works Director Ricky Simpson, Assistant Public Works Director Ashlee Castle, Utilities Director Javier Vargas, Assistant Utilities

Director Patience Anastasio, and their staff. Right, Simpson also recognized longtime Public Works employee Rob Bondurant, who retired May 15 after more than 30 years of service.

Left, Mayor Nick Pachota recognizes the week of May 10-16, 2026, as National Police Week with a proclamation presented to Venice Police Chief Andy Leisenring during the May 12 Council meeting, as members of other local and area law enforcement agencies look on.

Below left, Mayor Pachota recognizes the month of May 2026 as Foster Care Month with a proclamation presented May 12 to Nicole Britton, Executive Director of The Twig.

Below right, Mayor Pachota recognizes the month of June 2026 as Faith and Family Month with a proclamation presented May 12 to Jim Foubister, president of One Christ Won City, Together We Can, and Venice Christian School.

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Right, Mayor Nick Pachota recognizes May 2026 as Children First's 65th Anniversary Month with a proclamation presented during the May 26 City Council meeting to Chief Executive Officer Philip Tavill, Vice President of Organizational Engagement Jessica Rogers and Vice President of Programs Kathleen Sullivan, as Vice Mayor Jim Boldt looks on.

Below right, City Manager James Clinch speaks on Venice's journey from becoming to thriving as a city following Mayor Pachota recognizing June 2026 as Small Cities Month on May 26 with a proclamation displayed by Assistant City Manager Roger Omenhiser, as Vice Mayor Boldt looks on.

Below, Mayor Pachota recognizes May 15, 2026, as Salvation Army Day with a proclamation presented May 13 to Captain Emmanuella Prudent, Salvation Army Corps Officer for Venice.

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Venice's annual Memorial Day Ceremony, hosted by American Legion Post 159, was held May 25 in Patriots Park. The event included a parade of colors, patriotic music, a city proclamation presented by Mayor Nick Pachota, laying of wreaths, rifle salute and memorial taps.

The Venice-Nokomis Woman’s Club is proud to continue their partnership with Rotary Futures College Resource Center as club members support the next generation of young women in our community.

The club awarded $42,700 this year to 5 deserving Venice High School graduates attending Florida-based universities – Maggie Hyer, Melanie Kersten, Hannah Bui, Viviana Serrano and Mia Kieffer, pictured at right with Heather Masden of Rotary Futures; Joan Brinton, VNWC past president; Liz Mazzu, VNWC scholarship chair; Michele Rose, VNWC president; and Caitlin Joyner of Rotary Futures.

The club has awarded over $225,000 in the past 37 years to young women seeking their career goals through higher education. Thank you VNWC for all you do for our community!

For the 14th consecutive year, fifth-grade students from Epiphany Cathedral School have proudly graduated from the Venice Police Department’s "Classroom and Cops" ADVANCE Program on May 26. The students are pictured with Officer Bill Long and Police Chief Andy Leisenring.

The ADVANCE Program – Avoiding Drugs, Violence, and Negative Choices Early - equips students with essential life skills to help them confidently navigate the challenges of growing up.

Throughout the program, students learned about:

Making smart, safe choices

The dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs

Internet and social media safety

How to stand up to bullying and peer pressure

Understanding and avoiding violence

Above left, a Public Works crew supervised by Brandon Jones spent a recent afternoon beautifying downtown by putting up new hanging flower baskets on Venice Avenue. Volunteers with Venice Area Beautification Inc. prepare the baskets and the City installs them.

Above, a Utilities crew repairs a water main May 15 in the Sawgrass community – Kevin Freeman, D.J. Dahl, Xadrian Rivera, Scott Treleven, Dustin Little, Adrian Rivera and Jason Aills.

Left, Community Resource Officers with the Venice Police Department gather for a photo recognizing Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week June 15 – Mike Slowik, Kim Brown, CRO Supervisor Jim Davis, Police COO Susan Wagner, David Lipker, Mike Halpin and Joe Luna

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TheCityofVeniceisgratefulforthe wonderfulvolunteerswithVeniceArea BeautificationInc.'sTeamKVB(Keep VeniceBeautiful)tirelesslycuttingback, removinginvasives,trimming,weeding, delitteringandreplantinginpublic spaces.Thankyouforallyoudo!

Clockwisefromtopleft:Afewmonths agoasmallgroupofVABIvolunteers tookonthetaskofresurrectingthe butterflygardenintheArboretumat WestBlalockPark–here,Donna Dellefave,DonnaSprinkle,LindaLewis andNancyHurleydisplaytheirefforts; RussBullis,LindaBooth,andKathleen andGregShortremoveinvasiveplants bythefencenearBrohardPawPark; LindaBoothandLauraHousetendto bromeliadsinthegardennearthe baseballfieldontheVenetianWaterway Parktrail;TeamKVBafterasuccessful “GarageDay;”GeorgeWolmanand CorkyDaltonremovevinesfromthe fenceattheVeniceHighbaseballfield; GregShortandHenryYehprepareto spreadmulchattheVeniceCommunity Center;andLarryLuberconductsa searchanddestroyofairpotatoand caesarweed.