AUGUST 2026
VENICE CITY E-NEWS A DIGITAL PUBLICATION FOR RESIDENTS & VISITORS OF THE CITY ON THE GULF
City Council Members
Mayor Nick Pachota
Vice Mayor Jim Boldt
Rick Howard
Rachel Frank
Ron Smith
Kevin Engelke
Upcoming Council Meeting Dates:
Aug. 25 Sept. 8 Lloyd Weed
Contact all City Council members by emailing citycouncil@venicefl.gov. City Council meetings begin at 9 a.m., in Council Chambers at City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave, or watch online.
New manager selected for Venice Community Center The City of Venice is pleased to announce the selection of the Venice Institute for Performing Arts Management (VIPAM) to operate the City-owned Venice Community Center beginning Oct. 1, 2026. The local nonprofit organization was selected through a competitive request for proposals and evaluation process to manage, maintain, market and schedule the facility on the City’s behalf. VIPAM’s proposal stood out for its strong focus on community use, expanded services for event organizers and plans to enhance the facility and overall guest experience. The Venice City Council approved the management agreement with VIPAM on June 23, 2026 following a staff presentation. The agreement is valued at $280,000 annually, and has an initial term of five years, with two additional 24-month optional renewals. The Venice Community Center, at 326 Nokomis Ave. S., has historically been operated by Sarasota County through the City-County Parks Interlocal Agreement, although the facility is owned by the City of Venice. When the current interlocal agreement expires Sept. 30, 2026, the City will resume responsibility for the Community Center and several other City-owned public spaces.
Email Venice Public Information Officer Lorraine Anderson at landerson@venicefl.gov to subscribe