Venice, FL April 2026

The Art of Investment

Investment, by definition, is the act of dedicating time, energy, or resources with the hope of a worthwhile return. But real investment goes beyond finances. It’s the care we give to our community, the attention we devote to relationships, the creativity we nurture, and the intention behind the choices that shape our lives. The investments we make today quietly influence our future—and the future of those around us.

In this issue, you’ll find articles that reflect that broader meaning. From creativity nurtured over decades to communities strengthened through generosity and legacies honored through thoughtful planning, each feature highlights how commitment and purpose create meaningful returns. Every investment—big or small—is ultimately an act of hope, often yielding results far greater than we first imagined.

Those ideas come to life in the stories that follow. In  Redefining MVP, we look at how Tim Tebow has built a life beyond football, channeling his influence and dedication into meaningful impact. In  A Lifetime Investment of Creativity, Alan Keck’s commitment to teaching, learning, and storytelling unfolds through his fantasy work  From an Ancient Seabed—a project shaped by years of imagination and discipline. And in  Creative Capital , a Venice photographer turns talent into opportunity, investing in education and outreach that empower local youth to dream bigger and reach further.

Some investments are closer to home.  Maximize Home Décor Investments offers expert strategies for flooring, design, rugs, and kitchen-bath upgrades—choices that not only enhance our living spaces but also reflect the care we put into the environments we call home. In Nolen Statue Unveiled in Venice, the community gathers to honor planner John Nolen, whose vision continues to shape Venice’s character and serves as a lasting reminder that thoughtful planning today benefits generations to come.

While the ways we invest may differ, the common thread is hope—the belief that what we pour into something today yields meaningful and enduring returns.

Here’s to a month full of growth, connection, and meaningful investments.

With gratitude,

CHARMAINE TINCHER, PUBLISHER @VENICECITYLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Charmaine Tincher | charmaine.tincher@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Emily Leinfuss | emily.leinfuss@citylifestyle.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Matthew Day | matthew.day@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jessie Marie Glantz, Emily Leinfuss, Angela Broockerd

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brian Glantz-1st Glantz Media, Liesl Walsh Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

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1218 East Venice Avenue, Venice (941) 488-1075

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city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-7: More than 55 organizations gathered at the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Non-Profit Rally, transforming the Chamber parking lot into a lively, three-hour “speed dating” event for good causes. Area nonprofits set up booths to share their missions, connect with one another, and engage with residents eager to give back. The community learned more about the phenomenal resources serving the Venice area, while participating groups gained donations, volunteers, and increased awareness of their work. The rally provided a platform for nonprofits to connect with residents and help attendees find the efforts that truly pull on their heartstrings.

business monthly

Village On The Isle Expands With New Satellite Campus

Village On The Isle (VOTI), a nonprofit Life Plan Community in Venice, has purchased 50.25 acres at 2705 East Venice Avenue for $21.5 million to develop Arbor Vita, a satellite campus. CEO Doug Feller said the decision followed years of due diligence and reflects VOTI’s mission-driven commitment to serving seniors. The nearby site will allow VOTI to extend its life care lifestyle and healthcare services in a sustainable way. VillageOnTheIsle.com

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Loveland Center Receives Transformational Grant for Transportation

Loveland Center, Inc. has been awarded more than $100,000 through a Transformational Grant from Impact100 SRQ to support its “Ride Together, Rise Together” initiative. The funding will allow the purchase of four additional accessible vans and minibuses, improving dependable transportation for individuals with disabilities and seniors. Loveland was one of eight nonprofits (in photo) selected by Impact100 SRQ’s 864 voting members to receive this year’s grants. LovelandCenter.org

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Venice Beach Renourishment Set for Spring 2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Venice have confirmed that Venice Beach renourishment will begin in spring 2026. The $22 million project will restore 3.2 miles of critically eroded shoreline from the South Jetty to just south of Brohard Park. Delayed by funding issues and 2024 hurricanes, the project will be fully federally funded. Meanwhile, the South Jetty at Humphris Park remains closed with no reconstruction timeline. VeniceGov.com

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

In Creativity A LIFETIME INVESTMENT

Alan Keck’s Dedication to Teaching, Learning, And Fantasy Shines in From an Ancient Seabed

Alan Keck, master potter and ceramics teacher at the Venice Art Center, has conjured up a fantastical underwater scene from millions of years ago with blown glass, clay, porcelain, shells, fossilized rocks from the cretaceous period, and more. A variety of vivid creatures and delicate details bring the reef to life. Blue and teal tube worms with flowing tentacles emerge from the ocean floor; yellow, green, and amber-tinted clams sporting rattlesnake tails mingle with sprawling octopi; and a sleek, mottled orange stingray rests among the rocks. Alan named his creation  From an Ancient Seabed , after the tallest portion of the installation from which a burgundy clam emerges, surrounded by colorful barnacles and twisted seagrass. This area also contains the earliest pieces Alan crafted in 1992 in Emporia, Kansas where he taught ceramics and glassblowing at the local high school.

Already a master potter, Alan was hired in 1988 to teach 100 ceramics students. He also, however, was tasked with teaching 15-20 glassblowing students. Emporia High School had one of the earliest in-house glassblowing facilities in the nation as of the early 1970s, and Alan would be the first educator to make use of it. There was just one problem: he had never blown glass.

“I wanted to be the best teacher I could be,” said Alan, so he invested his free time in learning the intricacies of glassblowing from the ground up. Each evening, Alan would visit longtime friend Hal Berger of Dodge City, Kansas, who had become a professional glassblower, to observe his process. “I’d sit down and watch him from the very first steps,” Alan explained. From there, he would go to the high school at night and practice what he’d learned before teaching it to his students the following day. “Every day I’d go back and watch him do the next little step, and it took me a long time to get good at it,” Alan said.

In the end, the long nights of study and practice paid off. Many of Alan’s students went on to become professional glassblowers themselves as a direct result of his commitment. In 2010, a group of Alan’s former students joined him in building a chandelier as a gift to

the school. Inspired by the complex glassblown chandeliers of artist Dale Chihuly, the project became so extensive that the high school presented the group with their own room to finish the fixture in its final year of construction. After five years of hard work, the 10-foot, ornate crystal chandelier was hung in the school’s library for all to admire.

“Art in all levels of school is so important,” said Alan, who discovered his passion for ceramics when he himself was a high school student. Although he experienced success and recognition as a star athlete, nothing compared to the sense of accomplishment his artwork provided.

“The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards was instrumental in my life,” he remembered, “when I was a junior, I won the first national Gold Key for ceramics that anyone in Kansas had ever won.” He had previously won regional awards and would go on to win another Gold Key in his senior year, and Alan credits the program with leading him on his “artistic journey.”

Even as a child, Alan was mesmerized by  The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau and  Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color. Far from the ocean in Dodge City, Kansas and new to the experience of color television, he spent his Sunday nights in the 1960s immersed in new worlds filled with strange, beautiful ocean creatures and vivid, imaginative characters. “I was

“LET YOUR MIND WANDER — IT’S BENEFICIAL. I THINK IF EVERYBODY TOOK TEN MINUTES EVERY MORNING WHEN THEY WAKE UP TO JUST DAYDREAM, THEY’D HAVE A MUCH MORE PRODUCTIVE DAY. DREAM. IT’S SO WORTH IT.”

influenced by these two geniuses,” said Alan of Jacques Cousteau and Walt Disney. The combination of ocean life and fantasy would inspire many of his later creations, including  From an Ancient Seabed . Alan’s lifetime pursuit of ceramics and glassblowing has allowed him to construct a scene that evokes in others the same sense of wonder he felt gazing into the depths of the sea and watching fantasies unfold in radiant color.

The installation was first built at the Emporia Arts Center in 2004; around the time Alan received his initial lung cancer diagnosis. “There’s nothing that’ll light a fire under you and motivate you to try to finish things up like some doctor telling you you’ve got lung cancer,” remembered Alan, “something like that has a big influence on your life.” Alan continued teaching and making art until he retired in 2014. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Florida to be near his daughter and son-in-law. Having put all his creative energy into teaching, Alan then took a three-year break from art. Another diagnosis, however, led him to start creating again. “I’d gone 13 years with no cancer and then it came back on me, and that really inspired me to get busy again,” Alan said. He considers the years that have followed to be the most productive time of his life.

In December 2025, more than 20 years after it was built for the first time, Alan reassembled  From an Ancient Seabed . He is immensely grateful to the Venice Art Center and its CEO Mary Moscatelli for allowing him to teach and construct his installation again, which is meant to be seen and enjoyed by the public.

“I really want it to be public art, that was my intent,” said Alan of his creation, “intent is important when you’re an artist.” Alan noted that photography is one means of allowing more people to see a work of art “than can ever see it in real life.” He wants his work to be experienced, felt, and shared both in print and in person.

Alan hopes From an Ancient Seabed will find a permanent home in a communal setting such as an aquarium or hospital where many people can enjoy the peace, tranquility, and contemplation it encourages. He finds that allowing the mind to embrace fantasy is one of the best investments one can make with their time. “Let your mind wander, it’s beneficial,” said Alan, “I think if everybody would take ten minutes every morning when they got up and just … daydream, dream, that they would spend a much more productive day.” “Dream,” he says, “It’s so worth it.”

To find out more about Medicare Advantage enrollment eligibility, visit freedomhealth.com. *The benefits mentioned are Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI). You may qualify for SSBCI if you have a high risk for hospitalization and require intensive care coordination to manage chronic conditions such as Chronic Kidney Diseases, Chronic Lung Disorders, Cardiovascular Disorders, Chronic Heart Failure, or Diabetes. For a full list of chronic conditions or to learn more about other eligibility requirements needed to qualify for SSBCI benefits, please refer to Chapter 4 in the plan’s Evidence of Coverage.Freedom Health, Inc. is an HMO C-SNP with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Freedom Health, Inc. depends on contract renewal. We do not discriminate, exclude people, or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in our health programs and activities. Freedom Health, Inc. konfòm ak lwa sou dwa sivil Federal ki aplikab yo e li pa fè iskriminasyon sou baz ras, koulè, peyi orijin, laj, enfi mite oswa sèks. Kreyòl Ayisyen (French Creole): ATANSYON: Si w pale Kreyòl Ayisyen, gen sèvis èd pou lang ki disponib gratis pou ou. Rele 800-401-2740 (TTY: 711). Hablamos español y podemos ayudarle a encontrar el plan ideal para usted. Llame al 800-401-2740 (TTY: 711). We speak Spanish and can help you find the ideal plan for you. Call 800-401-2740 (TTY: 711). If you speak a language other than English, translation and alternate format services are available to you on a standing basis, free of charge. Just call 800-401-2740 (TTY: 711). From October 1 through March 31, we are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (our office will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). From April 1 until September 30, we are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (our office will be closed on federal holidays). This plan has exclusions, limitations, and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of coverage, please contact your agent or the health plan. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B Premium. Y0114_26_3016331_0000_U_M 10/01/2025

CREATIVE CAPITAL

Venice Photographer’s Gift Invests in Education and Outreach for Local Youth

ARTICLE BY EMILY LEINFUSS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY

LIESL WALSH - LIESL WALSH PHOTOGRAPHY

When Venice-based photographer Liesl Walsh opened an email last March from Sarasota Police Department volunteer coordinator Michelle Kellner, she was stunned—in the best possible way.

“I was blown away,” Walsh said. Kellner wrote that she had long admired Walsh’s work and had her eye on one image in

The Sarasota Learning

Center brings reading, math enrichment and positive police interaction directly into neighborhoods and schools.

particular: Walsh’s luminous photograph, “Skyline of Sarasota, Florida.” Would Liesl consider allowing the department to use it on a vehicle wrap for a new community project?

Walsh, who has had her art featured on multiple vehicle wraps in Venice and for private companies, assumed it would be for a van. She had no idea the image would eventually stretch across the Sarasota Learning Center, a 28-foot trailer launched as an innovative investment in area youth.

The fully equipped mobile classroom was created by the Sarasota Police Department’s Community Relations Unit. It is stocked with iPads, a smartboard, classroom supplies, satellite internet, a 3D printer and over 200 books. Funded through a philanthropic

effort led by Sarasota resident Deb Kabinoff, the $100,000 unit serves as a “field trip on wheels,” bringing reading, math enrichment and positive police interaction directly into neighborhoods and schools.

Kellner had one request at the time for Walsh’s skyline: more teal. “The blue was so close to teal that it was easy to make that change using Lightroom and Photoshop,” Walsh explained.

From there, the image took on a life of its own.

Early on, Kellner asked if the department could create a colorful, comic-strip-style rendering to appeal to children. “I said, ‘Go for it.’” A former art teacher who enjoys creating painterly effects in her own work, she happily gave the design team complete creative freedom. CONTINUED >

“One of my goals is to give people calm, positive feelings through my art,” she said. “Even with the comic rendering, those feelings still came through.”

-Liesl Walsh

The result exceeded every expectation.

On the day of the reveal, Walsh parked at a distance and caught her first glimpse of the trailer. “I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, this is so big!’” she said. “I was surprised and overjoyed. It made such a happy, positive impact, even from far away.”

She was thrilled that the feeling of her original image remained intact. Captured on a windless Christmas morning in 2018—when Sarasota Bay was “like glass” and the Ringling Bridge and skyline reflected in perfect stillness—the photograph has long been Walsh’s most popular print. “One of my goals is to give people calm,

positive feelings through my art,” she said. “Even with the comic rendering, those feelings still came through.”

Walsh donated the image, and her credit appears on the back of the trailer so drivers can see it as the Learning Center travels through town. Seeing her work become part of something so community-centered was deeply meaningful.

“So many people donated finances, time and talent to put this together,” she said. “To be part of something that brings education, technology and joy to children—it’s the neatest thing.” Explore Walsh’s work at lieslwalsh.com.

Maximize Home Décor Investments

Local Experts Reveal Top Strategies for Flooring, Design, Rugs and Kitchen-Bath Upgrades

Flooring Matters Most: Flooring is often one of the largest investments homeowners make in their décor — and one of the most visible. “Flooring is one of the first things people see when they walk into a home,” said Missy Montgomery Co-Owner and Sales at Montgomery’s CarpetsPlus Colortile . “It’s not a decision you want to rush.”

Montgomery noted that education is a key part of the buying process. For each option customers consider, a team member walks them through the pros and cons — from longevity and daily upkeep to cleaning requirements and warranty details. “We want people to understand exactly what they’re choosing,” she said.

Lately, “we have seen seeing a strong shift toward hard surfaces, including hardwood, laminate, tile and luxury vinyl. These floors are more of a ‘one-and-done’ investment,” Montgomery explained. “They generally last longer than carpet, which tends to wear out more quickly in high-traffic areas.” Hard surfaces can also simplify maintenance, though she encourages homeowners to think honestly about their cleaning habits.

ARTICLE BY EMILY LEINFUSS

“Ask yourself, ‘What do you really want to maintain? Are you prepared to scrub grout or refinish wood down the road?’”

Carpet, however, still has its place. Bedrooms remain a popular choice for softer flooring. “It’s warmer and more comfortable underfoot,” she said. “And in certain situations, it can feel safer.”

Whatever the material, Montgomery emphasizes protecting the investment. Manufacturer warranties are common, but they often come with strict requirements. Montgomery’s CarpetPlus also offers its own warranty — provided the flooring is installed by one of its 13 certified specialty crews. “Proper installation makes all the difference,” she said. MCPColortile.com

Interior Design Insights: For many homeowners settling into Wellen Park and the surrounding communities, furnishing a home isn’t just about filling rooms—it’s about getting it right the first time. That’s where Rene Perry and her team at Breakwater Home Fashions come in.

“We really focus on interior design— furniture, finishes, the whole look,” Rene said. “We take photos, measurements and spend time interviewing clients to understand their style.” While the store is known for its coastal aesthetic, the design team also works comfortably in contemporary and transitional styles, often incorporating elevated artwork, statement vases and distinctive accent pieces.

Projects range widely in scope. Some clients simply need help choosing paint colors or deciding where to hang artwork. Others require full-home design—from large-scale furniture and rugs to accent walls, built-ins and

custom window panels. “We source everything,” Rene explained. “I have accounts set up with wholesalers, and we coordinate all the selections.” While Breakwater doesn’t handle the physical construction, Rene collaborates with trusted professionals to bring each vision to life.

She’s supported by two seasoned designers who returned from retirement because, as Rene puts it, “Design is in their blood.” One traveled the world as a corporate buyer, the other sourced high-end furnishings at major markets. Together, the team brings decades of expertise to each project.

Many of their clients are furnishing what they consider their forever home. “They tell me, ‘We only want to do this once,’” Rene said. Her advice: invest in quality, timeless pieces—especially sofas and case goods — and refresh with pillows or art as trends evolve. Today’s preferences lean contemporary, with neutral palettes, organic textures and earthy greens.

Beyond aesthetics, thoughtful design can also boost resale value. Breakwater often helps sellers refine furnishings before listing, and fully furnished homes frequently command stronger interest. “It’s been wonderful working in this community,” Rene said. “People are so grateful for the guidance. Helping them love where they live— that’s the best investment of all.” BreakwaterFL.com

Rugs As Art showcases thousands of rugs and offers expert guidance for every budget.

Rugs as Art Selections: There are no two ways about it: buying a rug is an investment. That’s the perspective of John Murse, who founded Rugs As Art more than 40 years ago, and his son, Jesse Murse, who now co-owns the Sarasota showroom with him.

But “investment” can mean different things, John explained. “There are two ways of looking at it. You can invest in a rare, antique rug. Or you can invest in a rug for the purpose it serves in your home.”

For most customers, the buying decision begins with practical considerations: color, size and design. “Maybe they have a color in mind. Maybe they know they need an 8-by-10 instead of a 5-by-8,” John said. “Then they decide if they want traditional, transitional, modern or contemporary. Once those pieces fall into place, then they look at price.”

Price depends on fiber and construction. Today’s rugs range from synthetic blends— nylon and polyester—to wool and other natural textiles. They may be machine-loomed, hand-tufted or intricately hand-knotted, each method creating its own pricing structure and longevity.

“We work with about 20 different rug-making nations including China, Turkey, Pakistan and Nepal,” John said, noting that the store’s expansive inventory offers something for every home and budget. “People drive by and think they can’t afford to come in,” he added. “But there’s a rug here for your home—and it will cost less than you ever thought.”

“People think buying a rug for your home takes tons of money,” Jesse said. “But we can even create custom pieces—from hand-tufted to Nepalese weaving—for far less than you’d expect. Sometimes they even cost less than rugs we have in stock.” RugsAsArt.com

Kitchen & Bath Upgrades: When it comes to investing in your home, few upgrades carry as much impact as a thoughtfully designed kitchen or bath. According to Victoria Dietz, design coordinator at MPS Development and Construction, these spaces consistently deliver both lifestyle benefits and long-term value.

“In terms of resale, buyers often feel a bath remodel is easier to tackle than a full kitchen renovation,” Dietz explained. “However, an updated kitchen can make a much more powerful first impression.”

In kitchens, she points to cabinetry, countertops and appliances as the selections that offer the greatest return. “Focus on quality construction—all-plywood cabinets and soft-close doors and drawers,” she said. “You don’t want to hear slamming every day.” Light, visually interesting countertops can brighten the entire space, and Dietz often recommends carrying the same material up the backsplash for a clean, cohesive look. “It allows your eye to rest and appreciate the other selections,” she noted.

“To invest in your home is to invest in the quality of your life. It should reflect who you are and make you feel relaxed the moment you walk in the door.”

In bathrooms, small upgrades can make a big difference.

“Running your shower tile all the way to the ceiling adds significant value for minimal additional cost,” she said. Proper waterproofing behind the tile is equally critical—cutting corners there can lead to expensive repairs later.

Beyond resale, Dietz believes thoughtful design enhances daily life. Open kitchens with generous seating become natural gathering spots, while smart material choices — like slip-resistant flooring and softened countertop edges — support safety and aging in place. “To invest in your home is to invest in the quality of your life,” she said. “It should reflect who you are and make you feel relaxed the moment you walk in the door.” WeBuildVenice.com

Take Your Photography to the Next Level

At 1st Glantz Media, we offer commercial, event, portrait, and pet photography that captures the moment, catches the action, and celebrates what matters most to you.

Interested in advancing your own photography skills? We offer workshops in private, group, and professional settings for beginner and intermediate level photographers. Learn how to use your camera, take eye-catching pictures, and develop your own artistic style

Shop Local!

Discover sophisticated and elegant décor at Breakwater Home

Fashions in Downtown Wellen Park. We’ll help you enhance your space with exquisite coastal-inspired and transitional decor from around the world. We continually add new inventory to our collection. Stop by to see what’s new. Visit Breakwater Home Fashions today.

NOLEN STATUE UNVEILED IN VENICE

CENTENNIAL CEREMONY HONORS PLANNER WHO SHAPED CITY’S ENDURING DESIGN

In the mid-1920s, as the City of Venice was being formed, its founders made a bold and visionary investment: they committed to creating not just a town, but a thoughtfully planned community. They hired renowned landscape architect and urban planner John Nolen to design it. More than a century later, that decision continues to shape daily life in Venice—and now a statue/ bench and interpretive panel in Centennial Park stand in his honor, recognizing both the man and the master plan that defined the city’s character.

The unveiling ceremony, held as part of the City of Venice’s Centennial celebration, drew residents, civic leaders and special guests for a tribute that was both festive and reflective. The Venice Area Historical Society and Venice Area Beautification, Inc. partnered to commission the statue honoring one of America’s most distinguished urban planners. The project was originally envisioned by Bob Vedder, leader of VABI’s Bloom Team, whose long-standing commitment to beautification efforts helped bring the idea to life.

Nolen’s own family members traveled from across the United States and Canada to attend the special Centennial event. His grandson, great-grandchildren and even a great-great-grandchild participated in the unveiling, adding a personal and multigenerational dimension to the celebration.

For many in attendance, it was a powerful reminder that Nolen’s influence extends far beyond blueprints and street grids—it lives on in the experience of the city itself. For many attendees, the tribute underscored how rare it is for a city to remain so faithful to its founding blueprint, a testament to both civic stewardship and enduring community pride.

The ceremony began with a rousing performance by the Venice High School Marching Band, setting a celebratory tone. Speakers included Mayor Nick Pachota; Vedder; Frank Wright, president of VAHS; Nolen biographer Bruce Stephenson; Jon Thaxton of Gulf Coast Community Foundation; and local philanthropist Dr. William H. Jervey Jr. Each reflected on the foresight of the city’s founders and the enduring value of intentional design.

Commissioned in 1925 by Dr. Fred Albee, Nolen designed Venice according to City Beautiful and Garden City principles. Trained at Harvard and widely

regarded as one of the most influential urban planners of the early 20th century—perhaps the first consulting urban planner with a broad national practice—Nolen believed cities should be both functional and beautiful. His plan for Venice featured radiating streets, generous green spaces, landscaped boulevards and a cohesive downtown anchored by civic buildings and public gathering areas.

Unlike many communities that evolved without a guiding vision, Venice grew from a comprehensive master plan. That structure still dictates development patterns today, preserving walkability, neighborhood character and abundant parkland.

Centennial Park itself is a reflection of Nolen’s philosophy: accessible, inviting and designed to foster civic life.

Today, and every day, Venice celebrates John Nolen’s lasting impact. More than a century after he first sketched his vision for this small Gulf Coast town, residents and visitors continue to enjoy his original urban design—widely recognized for its thoughtful parks, landscaped streets and traditional neighborhood planning that still define the City’s character in 2026.

events

APRIL 1ST - MAY 31ST

Alexander Calder: The Nature of Movement

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series, this exhibition pairs original works by Alexander Calder with botanical installations inspired by his art. Presented throughout Marie Selby’s Downtown Sarasota campus, it highlights Calder’s nature-inspired abstractions and his fascination with the circus. Visit website for hours and details: Selby.org.

APRIL 2ND

2026 Community Health & Wellness Fair

Venice Community Center | 10:00 AM

This free Venice Area Chamber of Commerce event, presented with media co-sponsorship from Venice City Lifestyle, features local businesses focused on physical and mental health. Attendees can explore wellness resources, learn healthy lifestyle practices, and connect with community experts. VeniceChamber.com.

APRIL 11TH - 12TH

Venice Shark’s Tooth Festival 2026

Centennial Park, Historic Downtown Venice | 10:00 AM

Enjoy live music, food trucks, fossil and merchandise vendors, a kids’ corner, and more at this free two-day festival hosted by Venice MainStreet. Free trolley service to and from parking areas is available. VisitVeniceFL.org.

APRIL 16TH, 17TH & 19TH

Pippin

Venice Performing Arts Center

Venice High School Theatre presents the magical, modern musical Pippin. Set in a medieval world with a contemporary twist, the story follows a young prince searching for meaning and adventure, featuring unforgettable music and vibrant theatrical storytelling. Visit website for showtimes: VenicePerformingArtsCenter.com.

APRIL 26TH

Fairytales and Fantasies

Venice Performing Arts Center | 7:00 PM

The Venice Chorale presents an enchanting evening of music inspired by beloved storybooks. Selections from Hansel and Gretel, Mother Goose, and other timeless tales bring charm, imagination, and nostalgia to life on stage. VenicePerformingArtsCenter.com.

MAY 1ST - 2ND

Sarasota Ballet Program Seven – Foundations of Royalty

Sarasota Opera House

The Sarasota Ballet closes its 2025–2026 season with a grand triple bill featuring works by Sir Frederick Ashton, Dame Ninette de Valois, and Sir Peter Wright, celebrating the legacy and elegance of British ballet tradition. Visit website for showtimes: SarasotaBallet.org.

VENICE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

QUEEN NATION

Queen Nation is the #1 Queen tribute band in the U.S.—they set stages ablaze with the power and pageantry of rock royalty. With more than 1,500 shows and 2.7 million fans behind them, this electrifying four-piece has spent over two decades faithfully recreating the thunder, glam, and larger-than-life spectacle that made Queen legendary.

Expect a full-scale stadium experience packed with era-perfect ’70s and ’80s costumes, towering vocals, and jaw-dropping, notefor-note precision. This is more than a tribute — it’s a high-voltage time machine straight to rock’s most iconic anthems, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” “We Will Rock You,” “Somebody to Love,” and “We Are the Champions.”

Named the West Coast’s “People’s Choice Kings of the Queen Tributes,” Queen Nation has earned national TV recognition and multiple Best Live Band awards — and they bring that championship energy to every stage they touch.

Feel the magic. Hear the legend. Long live Queen.

QUEEN NATION

Tribute to the Music of Queen Venice Performing Arts Center April 20, 2026 | 7 pm

DON’T MISS OUT GET YOUR TICKETS!