Venice, FL July 2025

Explore it All!

This month’s theme is  Explore—a reminder that while we live in a city so beautiful it draws people from all over the world, it’s easy to forget the wonder right outside our own doors. Life gets busy, and sometimes we need a little nudge to seek out adventure, rediscover the magic in the familiar, and try something new. That’s what this issue is all about—rekindling our curiosity and encouraging exploration, wherever it may lead.

When I explore, I do it with you in mind—always on the lookout for the most inspiring stories, remarkable people, and hidden gems to share. This issue is full of them. We begin by celebrating a major milestone with "Allen Media Celebrates 20 Years of Growth," spotlighting how founder David Allen built a one-man startup into a national firm with heart and vision.

From there, we invite you to "Explore Community Kindness," a story that showcases how our neighbors are transforming lives—from cooling overheated classrooms to housing families and funding futures. Speaking of community, "Driven to Give Back" puts the spotlight on local car and community clubs who combine horsepower and heart to award scholarships and uplift others.

For those seeking inspiration in nature and culture, "Where Art, History, and Nature Converge" offers an immersive journey through Selby Gardens Historic Spanish Point, a place where the past and present intertwine beautifully. "An Abundance of Attractions" also celebrates the local arts, natural beauty, and the diverse cultural events that make every day in Venice feel like an opportunity to explore something new.

And, of course, what’s an adventure without flavor? "Sweet, Tangy & Hot" introduces us to Chef Jimmy Nadell’s passion for smoked dishes that are perfect for the Fourth of July—or any summer day.

We hope this issue inspires you to break from routine, dive into something unfamiliar, and maybe even get a little lost. Because in those moments—off the beaten path—is where the magic happens. Here’s to making time for what matters and finding adventure wherever you are.

With curiosity,

July 2025

PUBLISHER

Charmaine Tincher | charmaine.tincher@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Emily Leinfuss | emily.leinfuss@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Emily Leinfuss, Jessy Glantz

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brian Glantz - 1st Glantz Media, Liesl Walsh

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

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inside the issue

business monthly

VOTI Golf Classic Raises $108K for Resident Support

Village On The Isle (VOTI), a nonprofit Life Plan Community in Venice, raised $108,000 at its 6th Annual Golf Classic to benefit the Village On The Isle Foundation. The Foundation funds resident programs, care initiatives, education, and a benevolence fund that ensures lifetime support. Presenting sponsor Clancy & Theys donated $25,000. “We’re thrilled with this year’s success,” said VOTI CEO Doug Feller. “These funds directly support the well-being and dignity of our residents.”

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SMH Foundation Golf Tournament Raises Over $110K for Staff Education

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation raised more than $110,000 at its 23rd annual Golf Tournament, hosted at Laurel Oak Country Club with 240 golfers. The event supports the Physicians Endowment, funding continuing education for Sarasota Memorial Health Care System staff. “This tournament is a fun and meaningful way to end our event season,” said Foundation President Stacey Corley. “We’re so thankful for our generous sponsors and volunteers.”

Veteran Realtor Ginger Pons Astle Showcases Ryan Homes’ Brighton Community

With 27 years of experience—and a real estate legacy that began with her mother—Ginger Pons Astle, Sales and Marketing Representative at Ryan Homes, brings heart, hustle, and a personal touch to your new home search. She’s proud to showcase Brighton, a community she truly believes in, featuring stylish, energy-efficient homes and family-friendly amenities. Known for treating clients like family, Ginger earns referrals through trust and care. Contact her at castle@ryanhomes.com to schedule your tour! ryanhomes.com

ALLEN MEDIA CELEBRATES 20 years of Growth

FOUNDER DAVID ALLEN TURNED ONE-MAN STARTUP INTO NATIONAL FIRM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN GLANTZ, 1ST GLANTZ MEDIA

When David Allen first shared his plans to open a marketing firm in 2005, some said he’d never make it. The industry was crowded, the local competition fierce, and many agencies were already well established. But Allen, armed with firsthand industry experience and an unwavering drive, wasn’t deterred. He took a leap of faith, left an Atlanta based corporate sales training position, and launched Allen Media & Associates from a modest office in South Hadley, MA.

In addition, Allen expanded operations by opening a second office in Florida, allowing the firm to better serve its growing client base in the Southeast. “Digital has changed the entire scope of marketing,” Allen said. “Today’s consumers are digital first, and so are we. Our team eats and sleeps digital—they are passionate, knowledgeable, and creative.”

Twenty years later, what started as a one-man venture has grown into a thriving, coast-to-coast operation. With a full team of marketing professionals and offices in both Western Massachusetts and Florida, Allen Media & Associates has become a trusted name in the marketing world, known for its personalized approach and deep client loyalty.

clients while being fair and honest. That mattered then— and it still matters now.”

His commitment to integrity and excellence has paid off. Clients throughout the Northeast, New York, MidAtlantic region, Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia and Florida have put their trust in Allen and his team to navigate the ever-changing marketing landscape.

“I always go above and beyond for my clients while being fair and honest. That mattered then—and it still matters now.”

“I learned by doing, and I wanted to do my own thing,” Allen recalled. “I always go above and beyond for my

Allen Media & Associates has earned a reputation as a ‘full-service, full-circle’ marketing firm, offering everything from local and national digital marketing campaigns to website management and design, SEO, social media marketing, media buying, Connected Digital Video, TV and radio production, public relations, and more. His wide-ranging clients include restaurants, banks, design firms, golf courses, Harley-Davidson dealerships, concert promoters, local business associations, and more.

At the heart of Allen Media’s success is a commitment to customization.

No two campaigns are the same. Each client receives a strategy tailored to their unique needs, goals, and budget.

Allen’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and vision. He turned his background in advertising and marketing sales into a thriving business by staying true to his values and evolving with the times. allenmedia.net

Explore

ARTICLE BY EMILY LEINFUSS

From cooling classrooms to funding futures and sheltering families, Venice’s spirit of giving reveals how compassion drives meaningful, lasting change

Community Kindness

In Venice, giving back isn’t just a charitable act—it’s a defining characteristic of the community spirit. From foundations funding critical infrastructure for vulnerable residents, to seniors mentoring and supporting youth, and nonprofits building bridges to stability for struggling families, local giving is personal, purposeful, and powerful. As we “Explore” this month, we look at some inspiring ways that community members and organizations are stepping up to meet needs and foster resilience.

Loveland Center participants and staff don aprons and smiles, celebrating inclusion and a cooler future—thanks to a $100K HVAC grant from the Selby Foundation.

CLIMATE FOR CARE: SELBY FOUNDATION AND LOVELAND CENTER

For nearly 25 years, the Loveland Center in Venice has served individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), offering a place to learn, grow, and thrive. When aging air conditioning systems at the center began to compromise the safety and comfort of its medically vulnerable participants, the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation stepped in with a $100,000 grant to fund HVAC replacements.

The investment is more than a facilities upgrade—it’s a reaffirmation of dignity and inclusion. “With new HVAC units, participants will continue to experience a safe and comfortable environment,” said Selby Foundation CEO Susie Bowie. The Loveland Center’s leadership echoed this sentiment, noting the critical role community partnerships play in maintaining quality services. The Selby Foundation’s legacy of support ensures that the center remains a beacon of opportunity and empowerment for all abilities—no matter the weather. To learn more about Loveland Center or how you can help make a difference, visit LovelandCenter.org.

GENERATIONS OF GRATITUDE: VILLAGE ON THE ISLE’S EDUCATIONAL GRANTS

At Village On The Isle (VOTI), giving back has become an intergenerational tradition. Seniors at this Venice life plan community aren’t just enjoying retirement—they’re investing in futures. Through the resident-funded VOTI Educational Grants Program, they’re helping employees, and their children, achieve their educational dreams.

Natalie Blackburn, a USF senior and aspiring nurse, received $5,250 annually to support her studies. But to her, the support has meant much more than financial relief. “They are really invested in you and your future,” she shared. “It’s like having 100 extra grandmas and grandpas.”

This personal connection is central to VOTI’s mission of serving not just residents, but the broader community of staff and families. With up to $7,000 per year available to eligible employees, the program fosters growth, gratitude, and the kind of human connection that money alone can’t buy.

Blackburn is one of three employees to receive grant money this year. In total, the VOTI community has provided $11,219 in scholarships in 2025. In 2024, the program awarded 13 grants totaling $23,776. For Blackburn, the support has meant the world. She’s deeply grateful to VOTI’s Education Committee and the VOTI residents. villageontheisle.com

SHELTERING HOPE: BARANCIK FOUNDATION AND FAMILY PROMISE

Homelessness in Venice often hides in plain sight—families in tents, cars, or crowded motels during peak tourist seasons. For these families, stability can feel out of reach. That’s where Family Promise of South Sarasota County comes in. With support from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, which recently approved $6 million in grants, Family Promise received $350,000 to renovate its Venice shelter, expanding its capacity to serve families with children.

With an 80% success rate in helping families maintain housing after their time in the program, Family Promise blends shelter with services and long-term support. The community plays a vital role too—local congregations take turns hosting families, volunteers assist with meals and fellowship, and landlords partner to provide affordable housing solutions. “These are normal families who had a rough time making ends meet,” said Executive Director Jennifer Fagenbaum. With community investment, Family Promise isn’t just fighting homelessness—it’s restoring hope. Learn more and explore ways to support Family Promise at familypromisessc.org

A CULTURE OF CARE

From capital grants to scholarships and shelter, these examples illuminate how giving is embedded in Venice’s identity. Whether driven by compassion, community ties, or the simple desire to lift others, the act of giving back continues to shape a more connected and caring city. And that’s something worth exploring—every day of the year.

AN ABUNDANCE OF ATTRACTIONS

EXPLORE VENICE, WHERE THE ARTS FLOURISH, WILDLIFE THRIVES, AND THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO

ARTICLE BY EMILY LEINFUSS

The 100+-year-old city of Venice, Florida is a vibrant, ever-evolving town with rich cultural offerings and abundant natural beauty. From theater and music to sports and wildlife encounters, here’s a look at where to go and what to do in and around Venice this summer— and all year round.

ARTS & CULTURE

From stage lights to gallery walls, creativity thrives here.

Venice Theatre is celebrating its 76th season with an exciting mix of performances. Though the full lineup has yet to be announced, auditions are underway for a diverse roster, including  The Rocky Horror Show,  The Sound of Music, and  Winniethe-Pooh . The theater’s longevity and community engagement make it a cornerstone of the city’s cultural scene.

Venice Performing Arts Center (VPAC) will also showcase a dynamic season of concerts and performances. Expect appearances from local groups like the Venice Concert Band, Sarasota Ballet’s annual  The Nutcracker (performed with the Venice Symphony and sponsored by Venice City Lifestyle), and popular tribute acts honoring music legends such as Stevie Nicks, Billy Joel, Elton John, and Jimmy Buffett.

VPAC is home to one of only three mobile carillons in the Western Hemisphere—the 48-bell Andrew W. Crawford Memorial Carillon. The structure is fully visible during performances, with its largest bell (the bourdon) weighing in at a full ton. Five performances are scheduled, beginning with “Caroling with the Carillon” on December 17, 2025, and concluding April 9, 2026.

The Clyde Butcher Gallery offers a powerful visual exploration of Florida’s wild spaces through the lens of acclaimed photographer Clyde Butcher and his wife, Niki Butcher. Clyde’s dramatic black-and-white imagery captures the soul of the Everglades, Myakka River, and more.

The Venice Art Center, in service for over 65 years, hosts exhibitions year-round featuring both local and national artists. In addition to its galleries, it offers hundreds of classes and workshops, plus a range of art-themed events for the public.

Sarasota Ballet’s The Nutcracker at VPAC is sponsored by Venice City Lifestyle.

SPORTS STUFF

Cheer, play, or watch—there’s plenty of action here.

CoolToday Park in North Port is the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves and a hub of year-round activity. Beyond baseball, the venue hosts concerts, happy hours, trivia nights, wine tastings, and movie screenings. Spring training usually runs from February to March, but the fun continues through all seasons.

Pickleball is booming in Venice and surrounding areas, with both public and private facilities offering courts, leagues, and lessons. The sport’s rapid growth has made it a favorite

for all ages, and local communities have responded with major investments in new courts. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player, you’ll find plenty of ways to play or compete.

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

Where wild beauty and quiet wonder await exploration.

Oscar Scherer State Park, just a short drive from Venice, offers hiking, biking, paddling, and birdwatching across its 1,400+ acres. It’s a great spot to glimpse the endangered Florida scrub-jay, swim in Lake Osprey, or enjoy a shady picnic under oak canopies.

Myakka River State Park, one of Florida’s oldest and largest parks, spans over 37,000 acres of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. You can explore by foot, bike, airboat, or kayak, and the park’s treetop canopy walk offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding wilderness.

Venice Audubon Rookery Park, part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, is a renowned spot for birding and photography. Open daily, it features diverse bird species, nesting colonies, butterfly gardens, and educational displays in a serene, natural setting just minutes from downtown.

“The Venice Theatre is a cornerstone of our city’s cultural scene.”

EXPLORE THE REGION

Plan your adventures with these helpful links:

• Clyde Butcher Gallery – clydebutcher.com

• CoolToday Park – cooltodaypark.com

• Myakka River State Park – floridastateparks.org/ parks-and-trails/myakka-river-state-park

• Oscar Scherer State Park – floridastateparks.org/ parks-and-trails/oscar-scherer-state-park

• Venice Art Center – veniceartcenter.com

• Venice Audubon Rookery Park – veniceaudubon.org

• Venice Performing Arts Center – veniceperformingartscenter.com

• Venice Theatre – venicetheatre.org

THE SARASOTA BALLET’S 2025–2026 SEASON: A YEAR OF LEGACY, INNOVATION, AND CELEBRATION

The Sarasota Ballet’s 2025–2026 season promises a rich blend of historic tributes and bold new works, highlighted by three world premieres from choreographers Jessica Lang, Ashley Page, and Gemma Bond, and the return of the company to Jacob’s Pillow after a decade.

The season opens with a poetic mix of Romanticism and Sarasotainspired movement, followed by Program Two’s literary elegance and musicality, including a rare Ashton ballet set to Rimbaud’s poetry. Program Three celebrates choreographic giants Balanchine and Ashton with three distinctive works full of technical brilliance and charm.

In Program Four, a new Bond premiere is paired with Tudor’s emotional Lilac Garden and Graziano’s whimsical Valsinhas. Program Five features the Martha Graham Dance Company in honor of its centennial.

Environmental themes and patriotic flair share the stage in Program Six, with Bintley’s Still Life at the Penguin Café and Balanchine’s rousing Stars & Stripes. The season concludes with

a royal tribute in Program Seven, honoring Ashton, de Valois, and Peter Wright—with his radiant Summertide returning to Sarasota to celebrate his 100th birthday.

With seven programs spanning classical heritage and contemporary innovation, this season is a vibrant celebration of dance legacy and artistic evolution.

WHERE ART, HISTORY, AND NATURE CONVERGE

Nestled along the tranquil shoreline of Little Sarasota Bay just seven miles north of Venice, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Historic Spanish Point invites visitors to explore more than 5,000 years of human history surrounded by native flora and timeless beauty. This 30-acre preserve in Osprey is one of two bayfront sanctuaries under the Selby Gardens umbrella and has quickly become a beloved destination for those seeking a deeper connection to Florida’s natural and cultural heritage.

Originally an independent site, Historic Spanish Point was officially adopted by Selby Gardens in May 2020—right in the middle of the pandemic. President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki, with her rich background in the visual, performing, and “living” arts from institutions like the Guggenheim, the Metropolitan Opera, and the New York Botanical Garden, saw the opportunity as a bold and visionary step forward.

“I recognized how aligned we were, with similar missions, natural settings, and a shared commitment

DISCOVER TIMELESS BEAUTY AND RICH HERITAGE AT SELBY GARDENS HISTORIC SPANISH POINT CAMPUS

ARTICLE BY EMILY LEINFUSS

At Selby Gardens, we’re deeply honored to steward Historic Spanish Point.

to education and preservation,” she explains. “Even though everything was shutting down, we took a leap of faith. It was the right thing to do to preserve this historic and ecological treasure.”

That leap paid off. As outdoor spaces became refuges for safe, socially distanced experiences, Historic Spanish Point’s popularity surged.

“Almost overnight, visitation quadrupled,” Rominiecki recalls. “People from Venice and beyond started visiting regularly, and now our membership has grown to 24,000 households—the largest in the region.”

There’s much to explore as you traverse the grounds of Historic Spanish Point—from

the lovingly restored 1901 Guptill House to Mary’s Chapel with its original stainedglass windows and bell, the lush Sunken Garden and Pergola, and the reconstructed citrus packinghouse that tells the story of early commerce. Serene walking trails wind through the landscape, offering peaceful paths for discovery. Visitors can also enjoy a regionally unique butterfly house beside a flourishing native butterfly garden, as well as a café in the White Cottage. Daylong excursions connecting the Osprey and Sarasota campuses by water—currently paused due to hurricane-related dock damage—are expected to resume this fall, launching from downtown Sarasota.

The campus also thrives as a “living museum,” a concept Selby Gardens embraces by integrating art into its natural settings. Two recent exhibitions have brought national attention and fresh creative energy to the campus.  Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens showcased large-scale prints of the Venice-based conservation photographer’s black-and-white images, dramatically displayed throughout the landscape. Butcher’s powerful portraits of Florida’s wilderness created a harmonious dialogue between art and environment.

Currently on view through August 31 is  Patti Smith: A Book of Days, a captivating installation inspired by the iconic artist’s personal photo journal. Fifteen of Smith’s photographs, printed on aluminum and placed throughout the gardens, guide visitors on a chronological journey that explores nature, memory, and human connection. “An exhibition like this really opens people’s eyes to the connection found everywhere in nature,” says Rominiecki.

That connection is central to Selby Gardens’ mission: to provide bayfront sanctuaries that connect people with the air plants of the world, native nature, and regional history. While the downtown Sarasota campus specializes in epiphytes, such as orchids, bromeliads, and ferns, Historic Spanish Point offers a distinctly Old Florida experience, celebrating both its ecology and its deep human past.

Looking ahead, Selby Gardens is committed to enhancing the visitor experience at Historic Spanish Point, with plans to renovate the Sunken Garden and continue improvements across the grounds.

The site also plays a vital role in coastal resilience efforts, especially as climate concerns grow. Though privately owned, it is a National Register of Historic Places landmark and home to archaeological sites of great significance.

“At Selby Gardens, we’re deeply honored to steward Historic Spanish Point,” Rominiecki says. “This site has passed its 50th year on the National Register and its fifth year as part of our organization. And we’re just getting started.”

For those looking to explore a place where art, history, and nature converge, Historic Spanish Point offers a rich and rewarding experience that reflects the very best of Southwest Florida—past, present, and future. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a curious newcomer, it’s a place that invites you to return again and again.

Benevolent Committee members with

CAR AND COMMUNITY CLUBS AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS, CELEBRATE SERVICE AND FRIENDSHIP

Driven to Give Back

ARTICLE BY JESSIE GLANTZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN GLANTZ, 1ST GLANZ MEDIA

Members of the Shark Tooth Sports Car Club (STSCC) and Target Masters came together for a heartwarming evening filled with hugs, warm smiles, and lively conversation at their annual joint event held at Plantation Golf & Country Club.

Since 2023, the two clubs have partnered each year to award $1,000 scholarships to two deserving seniors from Venice High School (VHS), a reflection of their shared commitment to giving back to the community. As Ken Maher, President of both clubs, put it: “For most of our lives, we’ve been taking out. Now we’re at a stage and age where we like to give back.”

The STSCC’s Benevolent Committee and Target Masters each select one scholarship recipient: a student pursuing a career in the automotive field and another in criminal justice. This year, in collaboration with the Venice Rotary Club, the Benevolent Committee chose Riley Sullivan, who is graduating with a 4.90 GPA. Sullivan plans to study Civil Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University this fall. “She is excited to see where her education will take her in life,” the committee shared.

Target Masters awarded its scholarship to Jason Sherrier, who graduated with a 4.57 GPA. He will attend the University of South Florida to major in Criminology, participate in NROTC with the Marine Option, and hopes to commission as a Marine Corps officer.

Maher, once a Criminal Justice major himself, offered heartfelt advice to both students: make informed decisions, seek guidance, and take pride in your work through sincere effort and attention to detail. “Whatever you do, take into account all aspects of what you do,” he said.

Target Masters is primarily made up of veterans and retired law enforcement officers who bond over shared values and interests, including firearm safety, shooting activities, and regular gatherings. The group donates 100 percent of its annual dues to community causes, contributing this year to the South County Food Pantry, Southwest Florida Honor Flight, and $550 worth of Girl Scout Cookies to local first responders.

The Shark Tooth Sports Car Club is a couples' club that currently boasts 24 memberships and 37 primary cars. It holds monthly meetings, social events, and pop-up outings. “It’s the cars that bring us together in the beginning, but it’s the friendships that keep this thing going,” said Social Events Coordinator Mary Bimonte.

The evening concluded with STSCC Vice President Dave Love sharing a unique Corvette observation— pointing out that the side detail on the Z06 model resembled a shark tooth. The discovery was met with laughter and cheers, a perfect ending to a night filled with camaraderie, generosity, and club pride.

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JULY 1ST - AUGUST 9TH

The Ringling Summer Circus Spectacular

The Ringling Museum

The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling present the annual Summer Circus Spectacular at the Historic Asolo Theater. Don’t miss this family-friendly show that runs through Saturday, August 9! The Summer Circus Spectacular showcases some of the finest circus artists from around the world, performing acts to thrill audiences of all ages. See website for showtimes and more. ringling.org/event/fy26-summer-circus/

JULY 4TH

City of Venice’s Independence

Humphris Park (South Jetty) | 9:00 PM

Day Fireworks Celebration

The City of Venice’s free July 4th fireworks show will launch from the South Jetty at sunset. The 30-minute event is best viewed along Venice Beach, Nokomis Beach, the Gulf, Intracoastal, or northeast of the Jetty. It can also be viewed on area beaches from Caspersen to Nokomis, and other Venice locations. Arrive early to secure your spot. venicegov.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/5033/

JULY 5TH

11th Annual Liberty Litter Cleanup in Venice

Venice & Nokomis Beaches | 7:00 AM

Join Sarasota County’s Annual Liberty Litter Cleanup and help clear area beaches hit hardest by the previous night’s July 4th celebrations. Cleanup efforts will take place from 7 a.m.-9 a.m. at Nokomis Beach, North Jetty Park, Venice Beach, Blind Pass Beach & Park, and several Sarasota locations. To register (mandatory) go to sarasotacountygovernment.formstack.com/forms/llc24 or call 311.

JULY 11TH

Friday Night Concert Series in the Park

Gazebo at Centennial Park | 7:00 PM

Join the fun in historic downtown Venice for the bimonthly Friday Night Concert Series, held every second and fourth Friday at the gazebo in Centennial Park from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Hosted by Venice MainStreet and sponsored by Neal Communities the event is free and open to the public. Bring your own chairs! July 11- Bain Beakley, July 25- Tomardo. visitvenicefl.org

JULY 11TH

Christmas in July 2025

Downtown Venice District | 10:00 AM

Get ready for the biggest sale of the season at participating downtown locations presented by Venice MainStreet! Enjoy great discounts, register to win one of several gift baskets and meet Santa. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There’s no place like Venice to celebrate Christmas in July!  visitvenicefl.org

JULY 11TH - AUGUST 3RD

Venice Theatre Presents: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Venice Theatre’s Pinkerton Theatre

Winner of two Tony Awards! This hilarious, heartwarming musical follows six quirky kids in a high-stakes spelling bee, revealing relatable stories of pressure, identity, and growing up—complete with catchy songs, witty lyrics, and lovable characters. Performed by teenaged and young adult students in Venice Theatre’s SummerStock musical theatre bootcamp. Details at venicetheatre.org

ARTICLE BY EMILY LEINFUSS

SWEET, TANGY & HOT

CHEF JIMMY NADELL LOVES A GOOD SMOKER—ON THE 4TH OF JULY AND EVERY DAY

Chef Jimmy Nadell, the culinary force behind Tuscany Nokomis, is a man who knows his way around a smoker. He tells us the word “barbecue” comes from the Caribbean term barabicu, meaning “fire pit.” And when it comes to fire pits, few can compete with his: a custom-built, 18-foot smoker created in 2017 for a major event—the 75th anniversary of Harley-Davidson in Sturgis, South Dakota.

“I was the only caterer in the Glencoe Campground with 40,000 people,” he recalled.

These days, Chef Nadell rolls out the smoker whenever and wherever the party calls. “I can fill it with 100 pork butts, 70 racks of baby back ribs, or 300 pieces of chicken,” he said.

So what’s the secret to great barbecue? “Start with a high-quality cut of beef, pork, or poultry. Coat it with a dry rub. Cook it low and slow—using live fire and smoke—at a temperature between 190°F and 275°F. Then finish it with a killer BBQ sauce.”

CHEF JIMMY’S SIGNATURE DRY RUB

Ingredients :

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup Spanish paprika

• ½ cup powdered garlic

• ½ cup kosher salt

• ¼ cup onion powder

• ¼ cup chili powder

• ¼ cup freshly ground black pepper

• 2 tbsp cumin

• 1 tbsp coriander

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Store in an airtight container.

ADD ZING TO YOUR BBQ SAUCE

Give your favorite sauce a flavor boost with Chef Jimmy’s tips:

For sweet: Add mango or papaya purée

For sweet & tangy: Stir in Thai chili sauce

For tangy & hot: Kick it up with Sriracha