VENICE CITY E
NEWS VENICE CITY E
City Council Members
Northeast Venice Park opens to the public
UpcomingCouncil
MeetingDates: July 14
Aug. 25 LloydWeed
ContactallCityCouncilmembersby emailingcitycouncil@venicefl.gov. CityCouncilmeetingsbeginat9a m , inCouncilChambersatCityHall, 401W.VeniceAve,orwatchonline.
The City celebrated the official grand opening of Northeast Venice Park June 15 with a ribbon cutting. This beautiful new 4.8-acre green space includes 8 outdoor pickleball courts, 2-to-5 and 5-to-12-year-old shaded playgrounds featuring "Cordy" the Crane and Myrtle the Turtle, large and small dog park areas, adult fitness equipment, a walking path, restrooms and paved parking. Funded by Sarasota County Impact Fees, this exciting addition to our parks system reflects the City's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality public spaces for residents and visitors alike. Come check it out at 3560 Laurel Road E., open sunup to sundown. View more photos on the City’s Facebook page here.
Citywide burn ban still in effect; dry conditions persist
A burn ban 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 April 19 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.
Langenauer named new City Utilities Director
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.
Following a nationwide search Rob Langenauer has been selected as the City's next Utilities Director. Javier Vargas, for 9 years, will retire in July.
Langenauer was born and raised in Cromwell, Conn. He graduated from Westfield State University in Massachusetts with a bachelor's degree. He held a Connecticut Department of Public Health Class 3 Water Distribution License for 30 years until he moved to Nokomis in 2025.
He served as Superintendent of Water for the City of Waterbury, Conn., for almost 5 years starting in 2020, with utilities there averaging 18 million gallons of drinking water a day for a population of 120,000. Prior to that, he worked 30 years for the Metropolitan District Commission in Hartford, which averaged 50 million gallons per day. MDC, a regional water/sewer and stormwater utility, served the metro Hartford region with a population close to 450,000.
"I had the unique experience of managing operations for over 6 years, and then 6 years prior to that managing customer service billing, a 24/7 command center and utility service engineering," Langenauer said. "At MDC we averaged 200 main breaks per year, with one year producing 315 during a cold winter, plus daily sewer backups and repairs especially after heavy rains. So there aren’t too many things I haven’t seen or done in the water/wastewater/stormwater field. I enjoy the teamwork it takes to fix, repair and resolve problems, plus I love cultivating a winning team that our customers can count on during difficult times."
For the past year, Langenauer has worked for Ardurra Group, a major engineering and consulting firm based in Miami, as a Senior Customer Field Representative. Ardurra specializes in water and wastewater engineering, transportation, aviation, public works and disaster management.
In his new role as Venice Utilities Director, Langenauer said he wants to provide outstanding customer service in all facets of the City's operation. "I want the residents to have full confidence that when they call or there’s an emergency, our staff will respond professionally and courteously while providing clear communication throughout to the customer."
Rob and his wife of 34 years, Yolanda, have two adult daughters. He is set to start with the City on July 6.
"Rob Langenauer has the experience and leadership traits that Venice Utilities employees deserve and need to succeed," said Assistant City Manager Roger Omenhiser. "Under Rob’s guidance, the residents of Venice will undoubtedly benefit from the continuation of the great customer service culture that our outgoing director, Javier Vargas, worked so hard to maintain. We welcome Rob and his family to the City of Venice team.”
Independence Day Parade, Picnic & Fireworks 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.
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 map at right.) This is a special one-time event, returning for the first time since the 1970s.
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 West Blalock Park, featuring a watermelon-eating contest, lawn games, face painting, music, and food and drinks available. See a full schedule on page 11. The nearby Venice Museum will be open special hours July 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Evening fireworks display
The celebration concludes with the annual Independence Day fireworks show, firing off at 9 p.m. from Humphris Park at the South Jetty by Zambelli Fireworks, with support from Venice Fire Rescue and the Venice Police Department. 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. For more information on the City’s Independence Day celebrations, visit venicegov.com under Things to Do.
TURTLETRACKS
Keepingcountofourareaseaturtlenests!
VeniceNests:349
SarasotaCountyTotal:2,598 (asofJune20)
MoteMarine’sSeaTurtlePatrolvolunteers survey35milesofbeachesfromLongboat KeytoVeniceeachdayofnestingseason, May1-Oct.31ontheGulfCoastofFlorida, documentingandstakingoffeachnest
Remembertostayawayfromseaturtle nestsmarkedwithyellowstakesandtape, andremainquietandobservefroma distanceifyouencounteranestingsea turtleorhatchlings.GetmoreSeaTurtle BestPracticeshere.
IfyouseelightsshiningonVenicebeaches duringnestingseason,contactVPDCode Enforcementat941-882-7549.
Ifyouseeasick,injuredorstrandedsea turtleinSarasotaCountywaters,contact MoteMarine’sStrandingInvestigations Programat888-345-2335.
Ifyoufindseaturtlehatchlingsthatarenot onthebeachorareheadedawayfromthe ocean,callFWC’shotlineat888-404-FWCC (3922).
Beach renourishment is underway
The City’s Shore Protection Project, which will renourish approximately 3.2 miles of critically eroded shoreline, is now underway.
The project area extends from south of Venice Inlet to south of the Venice Fishing Pier
Weeks Marine, contractor for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, began dredging operations for the beach renourishment project on June 21. Specialized heavy equipment is present on the beach and in the Gulf within the project area.
Beaches are open to the public, but for your safety do not dive, anchor, swim, or operate near active dredging equipment, pipelines, tow wires, marked work zones, or vessel traffic associated with beach fill operations. Do not enter marked or restricted work areas.
Extensive environmental monitoring, including the relocation of sea turtle nests by Mote Marine Laboratory, is included in this federally funded project.
Beaches will remain open for the duration of the project, which is anticipated to conclude at the end of July 2026.
Follow Venice beach renourishment progress with updates, photos, FAQs and more at bit.ly/4eAmDYT
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
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 15-Aug. 24.
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
June 23 Council Meeting Recap
The following actions were taken by Venice City Council at their June 23 regular meeting (Council Member Engelke absent):
Recognitions: Mayor Pachota recognized VPD Master Police Officer Paul Joyce with a 35-year service award. See more information and photos on VPDs Facebook page here.
Consent Agenda: All items under the June 23 City Council
Consent Agenda were approved unanimously
Ordinances, First Reading: Council took action on the following ordinances -
Ord. No. 2026-07 and Ord. 2026-20 approved 4-0 (Pachota and Frank absent) on first reading and scheduled for final reading
Ord. 2026-21 approved 5-0 (Pachota absent) on first reading and scheduled for final reading
Ordinances, Final Reading: Council took action on the following ordinance -
Ord. No. 2026-16, approved 5-0 (Pachota absent) and adopted
Resolutions: Council took action on the following resolutionsRes. No. 2026-07, Res. No. 2026-12 and Res. No. 2026-13, approved 5-0 (Pachota absent) and adopted
Other business and actions:
Following a presentation on a Venice Police Department
Staffing Study, Council voted 6-0 to hold a public safety workshop in the next 60 days (if not on July 8) with the consultant present to discuss short-term and long-term goals
Council voted 5-1 (Smith dissenting) to approve and adopt Site and Development Plan Petition No. 2545SP for the Construction of six multifamily residential units and associated improvements on the property located at 816 Ormond St., owned by Martin Pouliot
Council voted 6-0 to direct the appropriate charter officer to move forward with the presented Environmental Review proposal at Venice Municipal Airport, including the addition of the soil sampling, not to exceed $200,000
Council voted 6-0 to approve the agreement with Venice Institute for Performing Arts Center Management for management of the Venice Community Center, and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement
Here at the City of Venice, we’re currently hiring for:
Electrical Maintenance Technician (Public Works)
Community Resource Officer (VPD)
Heavy Equipment Operator (Public Works/Stormwater)
Heavy Equipment Operator (Public Works/Tree Crew)
Heavy Equipment Operator (Public Works/Stormwater)
Municipal Service Worker (Public Works)
Operations Supervisor - Wastewater (Utilities)
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!
Deadline to enter 2027 Calendar Contest is July 31
The City of Venice is holding its annual photography contest for its much-anticipated annual calendar that showcases the beauty and charm of our “City on the Gulf.”
Photo entries must be received by Friday, July 31, 2026.
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.
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
A
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.
Intracoastal Second Force Main Project – July update
Project overview: The Utilities Intracoastal Second Force Main Project provides a redundant wastewater force main and gravity sewer improvements to help safely convey wastewater from Venice Island to the City’s mainland facilities. Previously, the City relied on a single wastewater force main beneath the Intracoastal Waterway, located south of the Venice Avenue Bridge, to convey all wastewater from the island to mainland Lift Station LS-07. From there, the wastewater is sent to the City’s Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) for ultimate treatment and disposal. Before this redundancy was constructed into the City’s sewer system, a major failure or maintenance issue on the existing force main would have interrupted or fully shutdown sewer service across Venice Island. Thus, this project has greatly improved the reliability and resiliency of the City’s sewer system during emergency situations and provides greater protection for local water quality.
Project schedule: In July, crews are scheduled to mill and pave the E. Venice Ave service road (eastbound), apply permanent pavement striping to all areas that were recently paved, and install the proposed sewer extension across N. Seaboard Ave to connect the three E. Venice Ave properties that are currently septic systems to public sewer. All remaining 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.
Free admission to the Venice Museum and Old Betsy Museum
Open10a.m.to4p.m.onMondays, Tuesdays,andWednesdays,theVenice Museumfeaturesrotatingseasonal exhibits,aglimpseintothelifeofDr.Fred AlbeeandfamedcityplannerJohnNolen, thestoryofaKentuckyMilitaryInstitute cadet,andmore
Onyourwayout,visittheOldBetsy MuseumtoseetheCity’s1926 LaFrancefireengineondisplay
TheVeniceMuseumislocatedat351 NassauSt.S.
Can’tmakeitinperson? Explorethe museum ’sonlinearchivesfromyour smartphoneorcomputer,featuring historicalphotosandoldnewspapers.
HISTORY LESSON
Celebrating the Bicentennial: The Spirit of ‘76
By Harry Klinkhamer, City Historical Resources Manager
A commemorative booklet published by the Venica Area Chamber of Commerce for the Bicentennial Circus Parade in 1976.
InJulywewillbecelebratingboththeCityofVenice CentennialandtheSemiquincentennialoftheUnited StatesofAmerica.But50yearsago,theCityfocusedon theU.S.Bicentennial.Let’stakealookbackattheevents andactivitiesoftheSpiritof’76.
Asearlyas1974,Venicehadaroleinpreparingforthe Bicentennial.TheAmericanFreedomTrainFoundation plannedtooutfit24railcarstotravelthecountrywith artifactsandexhibitsaboutthehistoryoftheUnited States.G&GMetals,basedinNokomis,createdspecial carswithviewingareasfromtheoutsidesopeoplecould seesuchitemsasareplicaofNASA’slunarspacecraft. Thetraintouredthelower48stateswithoneofitslast stopsinSarasota.
ThefirstactivityinVenicefortheBicentennialwasthe annualCircusParade.TheVeniceAreaChamberof CommercehostedtheparadeeveryJanuary.In1976,that year’sparadehadaBicentennialthemetohighlightthe newcircusshowdevelopedforthe200 anniversary. Alongwithcircusacts,manycivicgroups,businesses,and organizationsfromasfarawayasTampaandPlantCity hadpatrioticentries. th
TheFirstNationalBankofVenicecommissionedthe makingofafilmonthehistoryofourcitytosharewith localschoolsandlibraries.BankchairmanMerleGraser saidthefilm“willcreateapermanenthistoricalrecordof thepioneeringspiritandcommunitypridethathas createdtheVeniceoftoday.”Thecompletedfilm,aptly namedHistoryofVenice,debutedonJuly4withmultiple showingsthroughoutthedayindifferentlocations.
WhiletheCity’sParksBoardworkedtoredevelopLinear Park(nowHeritagePark),itcollaboratedwithallthe
HISTORY LESSON
Bicentennial continued
veteransgroupsinVenicetocreateaVeteransMemorialattheendofVeniceAvenue,acrossfromthebeachpavilion.Eventhoughitwasnotcompletedintime,the newmemorialwasdedicatedonJuly4.AservicebeganattheoriginalmemorialinCentennialPark,thenveteransmarcheddownVeniceAvenuetothecurrent memorialnearVeniceBeach.TheoriginalmemorialcanstillbeseeninCentennialParknearthelocationofthenewtimecapsule.
Speakingoftimecapsules,aBicentennialTimeCapsuleCommitteewasalsoformedtoestablishamonumenttothepresentforthefuture.Rightaftertheveterans’ service,selecteditemswereplacedinthecapsulewithamonumentplacedontop.Itissettobeopenedin2076.Thetimecapsulecanbefoundatthecornerof NokomisandPonceDeLeonacrossthestreetfromFountainPark,waitingforthat300 anniversaryofourcountry.
OntheactualBicentennialdate,anold-fashionedpicnictookplaceatVeniceElementarySchoolwithkidsgames,picnic-stylefood,coolbeverages,andabaseball contestbetweentheRotaryandKiwanisClubs.PeopledancedtomusicundertheVeniceAvenueBridge,wheretheCitysetupitsShowmobile.TheVeniceArea ChamberofCommercesponsoredtheJuly4fireworksdisplayattheVeniceFishingPier.
Alltheseeffortspaidoff.InApril1976theVeniceBicentennialCommissionreceivedwordthattheCityhadbeendesignatedoneof12,000officialBicentennial CommunitiesbytheAmericanRevolutionBicentennialAdministration.ThehonorincludedaletterfromPresidentGeraldFordpraisingVenice’scelebratoryefforts andaBicentennialFlag.
Thisyear,the250 birthdayoftheDeclarationofIndependence(July4)andthe100 birthdayoftheCityofVenice(July1)fallwithindaysofeachother.The celebrationofbothwilltakeplaceonSaturday,July4withanold-fashionedhometownparade,picnicandgames,andendwithfireworks.TheVeniceMuseumwill beopenthatday,socomelearnaboutVeniceturning100! th th
Above, from left, a replica of the Liberty Bell in the Bicentennial Parade; one of the America Freedom Train cars being worked on in Nokomis; the Bicentennial Time Capsule located at Nokomis and Ponce De Leon At left, the Bicentennial Flag given to Venice, recognizing it as a Bicentennial Community.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Looking for more to do?
Donate blood at City Hall July 1
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 Down!
Venice Art Center Family Fun Day – Sat., July 11
VCC Christmas in July Arts & Crafts Festival – Sat., July 18
VCC Back to School Youth Activity Fair – Sat., Aug. 1
VMS Labor Day Weekend Craft Festival – Sat.-Sun., Sept. 5-6
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony – Fri., Sept. 11
Envirorace 5K – Sun., Sept. 13
Venice Beach Bash – Sat., Sept. 26
Sun Fiesta – Fri -Sun , Oct 16-18
Make a Difference Day – Sat , Oct 24
Building Dept. expanding
permitting process
with app
Big news for Venice contractors and residents! The City Building Department is expanding its inspection process with the VuSpex GO app. Here is a quick breakdown of what you need to know:
Wednesday, July 1: Permits listed below will only be issued as VuSpex Offline Inspection Reporting Permits.
Expanded Inspections
The new offline reporting applies to:
Pool cages
HVAC change outs
Water heater change outs
Storm shutters
Water/sewer service
Soffit/siding replacement
VuSpex Benefits
Offline Functionality: Complete reports even with no internet at the site
Faster Results: Submit media directly for quicker turnaround
GPS Verified: Built-in verification for photos and videos
Easy Setup: Available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
For more information, call the Building Department at 941-882-7547.
SEASONAL REMINDERS
Ernie Zavodnyik
Former Venice City Council Member Ernest “Ernie” Zavodnyik passed away on June 3, 2026. He was 87.
Born in Rivesville, W. Va., on Aug. 17, 1938, he moved to Cleveland with his family in 1954, where he attended St. Edward’s High School. Ernie received degrees from the University of Notre Dame and Notre Dame Law School before marrying his wife Helen (née Cahill) in 1964. During a marriage of 61 years, they raised four boys in Flossmoor, Ill.
Ernie played a large role in the lives of his children by coaching their sports teams, encouraging their intellectual interests and introducing them to the Roman Catholic faith. An avid reader, he passed that happy trait on to his boys. Ernie worked for the American Bar Association in Chicago for many years. He often traveled to South Bend with family members in the fall to see his alma mater wake up the echoes on the gridiron.
After moving to Venice in 2003, Ernie served on the City Council from 2007 to 2010 and played an active role at Epiphany Cathedral Parish and in charitable organizations including Habitat for Humanity. He remained a friend and advocate of the downtrodden throughout his life.
“In my role as City HR Director, I had occasion to deal with Ernie many times and always found him to be intelligent, dignified, courteous, respectful and pleasant,” said Alan Bullock. “I very much enjoyed dealing with him.”
Ernie is survived by his wife, Helen; four sons, Paul, Peter, Steve, and Mark; sister, Francie Petrilli; daughter-in-law, Siobhan Moran; and grandchildren, Ellie and Frank. He was preceded in death by his sister, Regina, and his parents, Julia and Paul.
A memorial gathering will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, July 20, 2026, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 a.m. at Epiphany Cathedral (Parish Hall) in Venice. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ernie’s name to Habitat for Humanity of South Sarasota County by visiting habitatsrq.org.
At right, Mayor Nick Pachota presents former City Council Member Ernie Zavodnyik with a recognition plaque April 15, 2026, during a Rededication Ceremony held in Centennial Park for the City's 100 anniversary celebration. th
