A hub for research, medical education and innovation, the Kolschowsky Institute nurtures next-generation clinicians and attracts top physicians from around the world. It ensures SMH remains at the forefront of medical excellence. Community support is the lifeblood of the Institute.
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This month’s issue of Venice City Lifestyle explores the many meanings of home—a concept that resonates deeply here in Venice. Home is more than a structure; it is the community we share, the history we preserve, and the spaces that bring comfort, connection, and purpose to our lives. Venice itself feels like home, defined by coastal beauty, vibrant local character, and a welcoming spirit.
Within these pages, we celebrate home in all its forms. For some, it is a sanctuary for rest and reflection; for others, a place to gather, grow, and build memories. This issue also highlights the dedication of local business owners and organizations who help shape how we live and thrive in our community—partners I am truly proud to work alongside.
We are especially excited to feature a story by Jessie Marie Glantz on the revitalization of the second-oldest house in Sarasota County. Built in 1896, the LordHigel House has been thoughtfully reimagined as a coffee house and gathering place, honoring its past while serving today’s community.
For older adults, home often represents independence and peace of mind. “Home Sweet Home” explores how technology can support aging in place—an important topic, as nearly 75 percent of seniors say they wish to remain in their own homes as they age.
Amid the rapid growth reshaping our region, we spotlight David DiPiazza, founder of Fuggedaboutit. In “Complete Demolition Services,” we explore how his company oversees demolition and excavation projects from permitting through final cleanup.
In “Books for Defining & Designing Your Home,” you’ll find inspiration for refreshing your living space, and we urge you to support your local bookstores—or ask them to order the thoughtfully chosen titles for you. This issue also includes a heartfelt story featuring Bethany Stricker, a soon-to-be homeowner whose diligence and determination through Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County have brought her to this well-earned threshold.
As you explore this issue, I hope you feel inspired to reflect on what home means to you—and to make your own home a place of beauty, comfort, and joy.
March 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
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Brian Glantz/1st Glantz Media
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.
he
Our entire team of multi-disciplinary, board certified physicians, along with our advanced practice providers, have spent the past two decades caring for patients in our community who are suffering from chronic pain.
As we continue to grow, we are excited to bring the most innovative pain relieving procedures to more communities and help even more patients minimize their pain and maximize their life.
Lord-Higel
Habitat
Sarasota County’s second-oldest home, the LordHigel House, has reopened as Lord-Higel’s Coffee House, marking the successful conclusion of a 20-year restoration led by the City and Venice Heritage Inc.
How
1-7: Smiles filled the room and patio as patrons and well-wishers gathered to celebrate Paradise Grill’s 10th Anniversary on January 16, 2026— marking a decade of fabulous food, shared memories, and community connection. Great fun and camaraderie was had by all. “These 10 years have been very good to us! Thank you to a memorable night and everyone who made it happen,” said owner MaryBeth Hansen, adding “here’s to 10 more years!”
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation hosted its ninth annual Hospital Gala at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, welcoming more than 650 guests. The record-breaking evening netted over $1.9 million to support Sarasota Memorial Health Care System’s greatest needs. Foundation President Stacey Corley highlighted community commitment to innovation, research, and patient care. CEO David Verinder (pictured) thanked donors for advancing medicine’s future. A mission video, followed by live music from The Royals, concluded the celebration and dancing afterward. smhf.org
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Volunteering is central to life at VOTI. In 2025, residents supported Venice Area Mobile Meals, Inc. by providing kitchen and office space and hosted a campus Relay for Life walk for the American Cancer Society. They also partnered with Jessy’s Toy Box, a local nonprofit delivering toys to hospitalized children, donating nearly 500 toys to the charity founded by a local family after the loss of their son Jessy. villageontheisle.com, jessystoybox.com, veniceareamobilemeals.com.
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Wellen Park has earned a spot among the nation’s fastest-selling master-planned communities, ranking No. 8 in RCLCO Real Estate Advisors’ annual Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities report. The recognition reflects sales of nearly 1,000 new homes and continued buyer demand. According to Rick Severance, president of Wellen Park, the community’s momentum is fueled by new neighborhoods, diverse home designs, Downtown Wellen’s expansion, and growing healthcare and commercial amenities.
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Venicedentist.com
One of Venice’s oldest landmarks finds its purpose as a coffee house, gathering place, and warm reminder of the past
ARTICLE BY JESSIE MARIE GLANTZ
Lord-Higel’s Coffee House, distinct in its Victorian, two-story stature, stands on 409 Granada Avenue, its roof and outdoor dining area aglow with warm, decorative lights. The front path is lined with award-winning pink and purple petunias, and the porch is adorned with bright, colorful chairs that beckon travelers to sit and relax for a while. Local passersby frequently stop and acknowledge the newfound beauty of the historic landmark, now in full bloom. In all its 130 years, the house has never seen the amount of community appreciation it does today.
On December 10, 2025, Lord-Higel’s Coffee House officially opened for business, and the public gained access to Venice’s second-oldest structure along with the promise of fresh-ground coffee, expertly sourced wine, first-rate cakes, unique beer options, and more. The December ribbon-cutting ceremony not only marked the commencement of the new coffee house, but the successful conclusion of a 20-year restoration project. The City of Venice, the Historic Preservation Board, and Venice Heritage Inc. came together to celebrate their hard work and the continuation of the house’s legacy.
The city council considered multiple business proposals for the space, but Gary Lauters and Alyssa Williams, owner and general manager of Black Gold Coffee Roasters and now Lord-Higel’s Coffee House, put forth the exceptional vision of a gathering spot that both honors the past and fosters a sense of connection and belonging in the present. Their proposal was chosen unanimously. Jean Trammell,
“Lord-Higel’s Coffee House is committed to sharing the house’s fascinating past and one room is dedicated solely to its history.”
Venice Heritage vice president, noted that these ideals closely align with the original plan for the city put forth by John Nolen in 1926. “The John Nolen plan was so concerned with creating places where people can gather,” Trammell explained.
“Community gathering spots were very much on Nolen’s mind, and I think this house will definitely serve as one of those.”
The coffee house has quickly become popular, and it’s not hard to see why. Every detail of LordHigel’s Coffee House is intentionally infused with a passion for flavor, history, and the people who made – and continue to make – it all happen.
“Nothing just happens,” said Lauters. He emphasized that there are people behind all the treasures the coffee house has to offer, from the Colombian farmers who tend to the fields where the coffee beans are harvested, to the individuals from Venice Heritage who bought the grand wooden rocking chairs that grace the back of the wraparound porch. Lauters has established personal relationships with the very farmers who produce his company’s coffee beans and shows a deep
appreciation for their work and expertise. The high quality of the coffee itself reflects the care that goes into its creation and distribution. Even the relaxing act of rocking on the charming wrap-around porch is enhanced by the plaques before each chair honoring the donors who made the experience possible. Each product offered at the coffee house is thoughtfully chosen and impressively sourced. Coffee beans are brought from Colombia and Guatemala, and wines are procured from the U.S., Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, and Africa. The cake bars are provided by Crème de la Cocoa in St. Augustine – the co-owner of which, Nils Rowland, is a Food Network champion. All aspects of Lord-Higel’s Coffee House contribute to a special experience that can’t be found anywhere else.
Lauters and Williams are also committed to sharing the house’s fascinating past, and one room is dedicated solely to its history. Patrons can sip on a cup of coffee and look Joseph Lord and George Higel in the eyes – their images displayed on the wall alongside their personal histories and connections to the house. Large, weighted windows and an exposed area of the wall revealing the interior lumber are preserved behind glass. The original wood flooring extends to the rest of the house, and one must only walk through the next doorway to marvel at the late 19th century fireplace. However, before the house was restored, these artifacts were dispersed and concealed. According to Dorothy Korwek, current Venice Heritage treasurer and former director of historical resources, an original door was obscured behind an added wall, the wood flooring was buried under tile and carpeting, and the fireplace sat in storage for over 50 years. “The house was owned by a number of different individuals,” Korwek said. She explained that each owner made their own additions, and the original pieces “faded away” over time.
“The Lord-Higel House was saved from demolition and moved twice – once in the 1950s and again in 2005.”
The Lord-Higel House currently resides on Granada Ave, but its journey began in 1896 at a 90-acre citrus grove south of Roberts Bay (now Bayshore Estates). From 1896 to 2025, it would serve as a living-quarters for a citrus grove manager and his family, a duplex, a single-family residence, and now, a coffee house. The house was moved twice and has resided in three different Venice locations. Its survival and restoration reflect a collective desire to remain connected to the city’s rich history.
The story of the Lord-Higel House begins with Joseph Lord – real estate attorney, entrepreneur, and prolific Sarasota County landowner. Lord, a Maine native, relocated from Chicago to Orlando in 1885. There, he constructed a citrus grove on the land of his father-in-law, Frank Webber, before arriving in Sarasota in 1889. Over the course of the next seventeen years, Lord became a significant public figure in Sarasota County.
Lord and Webber established the 90-acre citrus grove south of Robert’s Bay in 1891 and built a house in the middle of the property in 1896. That same year, George Higel, who came from one of Sarasota’s oldest families, secured a position as Lord’s citrus grove manager. Higel previously worked on his own father’s citrus grove, and his first-hand knowledge prepared him for overseeing Lord’s latest endeavor.
Higel took up residence in the house Lord built on the grove (today’s Lord-Higel House), where he raised a family and recorded the happenings around him for the Sarasota Times. Higel wrote anonymously about what life was like in his time under the pen name “Nemo” (inspired by the name of his father’s boat). Interestingly, “Nemo” also means “nobody” in Latin – which perhaps reveals a clever double-meaning denoting Higel’s anonymity, or an amusing coincidence. Regardless, Higel’s writing created a time capsule for future generations –not unlike the house in which he lived.
The Lord-Higel House was saved from demolition and moved twice – once in the 1950s by George Higel’s son, George Wesley Higel, and again by the City of Venice in 2005. The night the city transported the structure to its current lot, locals gathered outside to watch the house travel the streets of Venice in the dark. “All the neighbors were there in their pajamas with flashlights watching, it was like this pajama party block-style along the route,” remembered Trammell. There was no official notice that the house would be moved that night, but news had spread and the impromptu “pajama party” ensued. Despite the community’s initial interest, the house would sit empty for the next 20 years.
The house needed intense repair and restoration when it first arrived on Granada Ave. The porch was gone, the gable roof was missing, and the windows were boarded up from previous renovations. “It looked pretty sad,” Korwek said. Over the next two decades, volunteers and contractors would work to restore the original charm of the house. One of the biggest challenges, however, was raising enough funds to cover the reconstruction. Korwek said that “convincing individuals that something is worth saving is probably the most difficult part of the whole process,” adding that imagination is key when envisioning the future potential of historic homes in distress.
As the Lord-Higel House transformed, interest followed. When Lauters started renovations to accommodate his new business, so many curious bystanders stopped by each day that he had to station someone on the corner of the street to field questions. The excitement toward the new coffee house was already building, and people were eager to be part of it. The first day Lauters installed the espresso machine, a light Florida
Lord-Higel’s Coffee House has become a gathering place John Nolen would be proud of, where people can connect, unwind, and enjoy the beauty and history that surrounds them. “You don’t know where you’re going unless you know where you’ve been,” said Korwek.
breeze carried the smell of coffee through the house’s open doorways and into the parking lot. People soon began to follow their noses and ask if they could have a cup; and they haven’t stopped asking since.
Lord-Higel’s Coffee House has become a gathering place John Nolen would be proud of, where people can connect, unwind, and enjoy the beauty and history that surrounds them. “You don’t know where you’re going unless you know where you’ve been,” said Korwek. Lauters’ “adaptive reuse” of the space honors history without the otherwise cold atmosphere of a museum, allowing people to experience the importance of the past in a place that feels like home. “It’s a beacon of life,” said Lauters, “it’s like your front porch, except you don’t have to do the dishes.” If Joseph Lord could see the house he built in 1896 today, Lauters hopes Lord would be delighted that so many people enjoy his home – and that he’d stay for a piece of cake and a cup of coffee.
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For Bethany Stricker, applying to Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County came at a moment of uncertainty. Living temporarily with her parents as they prepared to sell their home, she faced a narrowing search for affordable housing and growing concern about what came next.
“My discovery of Habitat’s homeownership program happened at just the right time,” she said. “I’m in a temporary housing situation, and the search for affordable housing had left me feeling hopeless. Habitat for Humanity was an answered prayer when I wasn’t sure what my next steps would be.”
The path to homeownership through Habitat begins with a roughly three-month application and approval process that includes references, financial review, and an assessment of readiness to partner. Once accepted, families typically spend about a year and a half completing program requirements. Sweat-equity hours range from 150 hours for single-adult households to 300 hours for two-adult families, with many participants completing their final hours working directly on their own homes— learning systems, maintenance, and basic repairs firsthand.
Bethany admitted she was unsure about the construction side of the journey. With no building experience, she worried about
ARTICLE BY EMILY LEINFUSS
keeping up on the job site. “I was nervous about how difficult it might be to help build homes with no construction experience,” she said.
Fortunately, those early nerves faded quickly while participating in Habitat’s “Women Build 2025,” a weeklong event that brings together female volunteers, sponsors, and future homeowners to work side by side.
Women Build places women at the forefront of construction, creating an atmosphere of encouragement, teamwork, and shared purpose. The experience was empowering for Bethany. “The volunteer team was amazing and patient, teaching me everything I needed to know.”
“The sweat-equity and volunteer hours go by faster than anticipated,” she said. “Being there with so many supportive women made it feel less intimidating and more inspiring.”
Working on the construction site reshaped how Bethany thinks about homeownership. Seeing each stage of the build—from framing to finishes— gave her a new appreciation for what goes into creating a safe, lasting home. “It’s shown me how much time, effort, and love go into these homes,” she explained, “and how important it is to maintain everything they provide.”
That perspective matters most when she thinks about her daughter. “It means everything,” Bethany said. “Home is where the heart is—a place where we’ll build happy memories
and possibly lifelong friendships. It also means a constant feeling of security and familiarity.” She added, “My daughter already pictures us living in our new home.”
As Bethany nears the final stretch of her Habitat journey, watching the house take shape has been emotional. “It’s been unforgettable watching our home take shape,” she said. “Closing day is something we’ve looked forward to for months, and it’s been worth the wait.”
Habitat’s support continues beyond construction, with longterm homeowner services that help families remain stable. Since 1992, Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County (HHSSC) has built and renovated safe, energy-efficient, affordable homes.
For Bethany, the journey has brought confidence and possibility. “A fresh start feels close,” she said with a smile. “I’m truly blessed and grateful for this opportunity.”
Learn more about the HHSSC program, or how to donate “time or treasure” at habitatsouthsarasota.org.
MAR. 1 | 7 PM
Big voices. Big hits. Big fun. Turn back the clock for a nonstop party with Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons—plus bonus hits from Billy Joel and Earth, Wind & Fire. Four powerhouse vocalists, a killer live band, and classics like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” and “Candy Girl.” Pure nostalgia. One unforgettable night.
MAR. 28 | 7 PM
Free fall into rock ’n’ roll bliss. The Wildflowers bring the ultimate Tom Petty tribute—loud, joyful, and packed with hits you know by heart. Sing along to “Free Fallin',” “American Girl,” “Refugee,” and “I Won’t Back Down.” Crank it up. Sing every word. Relive the music, the magic, and the legend.
MAR. 14 | 7 PM
One night. One legend. All the hits. Jenene Caramielo’s Celebrating Celine brings the power, passion, and goosebumps with jaw-dropping vocals and pure showstopping energy. From “My Heart Will Go On” to “Because You Loved Me” and “The Power of Love,” every note soars.
Big voice. Big emotion. Big moments. An breathtaking tribute to a true icon.
MAR. 29 | 3 PM
Soulful grooves, warm harmonies, and pure throwback joy. Step back in time with Natural Woman, a joyful tribute to Carole King, led by pianist-vocalist Katie Pinder Brown. All the classics, all the feels— from “It’s Too Late” and “I Feel the Earth Move” to “You’ve Got a Friend.” Come for the nostalgia. Leave humming all the way home.
FROM PERMITS TO FINAL INSPECTION, EVERY PHASE HANDLED EFFICIENTLY, SAFELY, AND SUSTAINABLY IN-HOUSE
When it comes to residential and commercial demolition, Fuggedaboutit is much more than a dumpster rental company. Locally owned and operated, the company provides complete start-to-finish demolition and excavating services—handling permits, inspections, equipment, and cleanup all under one roof.
“I’m boots on the ground,” said owner David DiPiazza, who launched Fuggedaboutit in 2012 after recognizing a gap in the local market. With family roots in construction going back generations, DiPiazza learned the trade from his father and grandfather at an early age. That hands-on background, paired with decades of experience, sets the company apart. Unlike many demolition firms that rely heavily on subcontractors, DiPiazza owns all of his equipment—from multiple sizes of excavators to a full fleet of dump trucks and dumpsters—keeping projects efficient and tightly managed.
What truly defines Fuggedaboutit is the company’s ability to oversee every detail of a job. On a typical house demolition, DiPiazza, a licensed contractor, pulls the permit, coordinates with licensed plumbers and Florida Power & Light to disconnect utilities, works with the county for approvals, and then mobilizes his crew. Excavators and dumpsters are brought on site, and materials are carefully sorted throughout the process.
Construction debris such as drywall, plywood, roofing, and doors is removed, while concrete is separated and sent to recycling partners to be crushed and reused for driveways and foundations. Metals—including copper and aluminum—are also recycled, reflecting the company’s eco-conscious approach.
Most residential demolitions take just three to five days, ending with a clean site and final county inspection. From trailer parks to waterfront properties in Venice, as well as on Casey Key, Longboat Key, and Siesta Key, Fuggedaboutit has built its reputation largely through word of mouth.
More than just dumpster rental, Fuggedaboutit provides complete start-to-finish demolition and excavating services.
The company’s start-to-finish approach not only streamlines demolition but also delivers strong value for clients. By managing every phase in-house, Fuggedaboutit avoids the delays and added expenses that come with coordinating multiple vendors. “When everything is done under one roof,” DiPiazza says, “the job runs more smoothly, and that efficiency really benefits the customer.”
With safety, efficiency, and sustainability at the forefront, Fuggedaboutit delivers exactly what its slogan promises: "We tear it down so you don’t have to." To learn more visit fuggedaboutitfl.com.
How technology and community support help seniors “age in place”
For many older adults, home isn’t just where the heart is—it’s where life feels most manageable. As Nicci Lieberman, founder and CEO of Sarasota’s Youthful Aging Home Health Care explained, “Our clients want to age in place. They want to stay independent and in control of their health.”
ARTICLE BY EMILY LEINFUSS
That desire is widely shared. In fact, nearly 75 percent of seniors say they want to remain in their own homes as they age, valuing familiarity, independence, and personal control. Aging in place, Lieberman noted, isn’t simply about staying put—it’s about staying safe, connected, and confident in daily life.
Experts report that this preference is more than a lifestyle choice. It’s a powerful force reshaping how healthcare is delivered and is driving innovation in home-based care services and supportive technology designed for an aging population.
Safety is a key part of that equation. According to Senior Friendship Centers of Sarasota, known locally as The Caregiving Place of Venice, nearly 25 percent of injuries among seniors occur at home. While that statistic may sound concerning, the encouraging reality is that many risks can be reduced through practical home adjustments and increased awareness.
Fall prevention is often the first place to start. Simple steps—such as removing loose rugs, improving lighting, adding grab bars in bathrooms, and installing handrails—can significantly lower the risk of injury. Fire safety is another important consideration. Smoke detectors on every floor, checked regularly, along with an easily accessible fire extinguisher, provide essential protection.
Medication management also becomes more complex with age. Managing multiple prescriptions can be confusing, and missed or doubled doses are more common than many realize. Tools such as pill organizers, reminder apps, and automated medication dispensers help reduce stress while supporting consistency and safety.
Equally important is staying socially connected. Isolation can quietly affect both physical and mental health. Senior Friendship Centers emphasized the value of community engagement—whether through senior centers, educational classes, or group activities—to help older adults remain active, supported, and connected.
Technology doesn’t replace human care, but it can quietly support daily routines in ways that feel empowering rather than intrusive. When paired with strong community resources, it helps make aging in place not only possible, but truly sustainable.
1. Smartphones and Tablets
Far from being “just for the kids,” smartphones and tablets offer dictation, text-to-speech, visual aids, reminders for medications and appointments, brain games, and voice assistants like Siri or Alexa. They also make staying connected easy through phone calls, video chats, and social media.
Wearable devices and home monitors can track vital signs, sleep patterns, and physical activity. This information can be shared directly with healthcare providers, allowing for early detection of concerns and better management of chronic conditions.
Automated dispensers provide reminders and release the correct dosage at the appropriate time. This support is especially helpful considering nearly 35 percent of adults ages 60 to 79 take five or more prescription medications daily.
Modern fall-detection devices now include GPS and twoway communication, making it easier to get immediate help— whether at home or away—after a fall or medical emergency.
Telehealth brings routine checkups, therapy sessions, and mental health counseling directly into the home, reducing travel while maintaining consistent care and meaningful connection.
The importance of aging in place can’t be overstated, said Lieberman. It supports independence, emotional well-being, and comfort by allowing seniors to remain in familiar surroundings filled with memories and routines. Aging at home also simplifies caregiver support and minimizes disruption to daily life. With thoughtful safety measures, supportive technology, and strong community connections, aging in place becomes less about limitations—and more about living well, right where you are. Learn more at friendshipcenters.org and youthfulaginghomecare.com.
Trending tomes that inspire personal spaces, thoughtful details, and homes that truly reflect you
A home is shaped by intention, memory, and personal style. These six books explore what it means to truly live in a space—offering inspiration, practical guidance, and creative permission to make every home feel meaningful, lived-in, and distinctly your own.
“If These Walls Could Talk: Give Your Home Personality One Decorating Decision at a Time” by Carmel Phillips
This thoughtful guide invites readers to look inside and decorate with intention. In it, the author encourages homeowners to see their spaces as living stories rather than showroom replicas. Through practical advice and relatable insights, she shows how to make deliberate choices that reflect family life, values, and personal history. The book champions “slow decorating”—collecting meaningful pieces over time, mixing heirlooms with thrifted finds, and embracing color and pattern. It’s an empowering reminder that a well-designed home doesn’t chase perfection; it tells the truth about who lives there.
“The Forever Home: Classic, Clever Design to Help You Put Down Roots” by Mikel Welch
Mikel Welch redefines the idea of a “forever home,” making it accessible no matter how long you plan to stay. With a practical, budget-conscious approach, Welch walks readers through timeless design principles that work in houses and apartments alike. Featuring guidance on color palettes, rug sizing, and furniture selection—along with forewords by Drew Barrymore and Shea McGee—this book demystifies decorating and helps readers build spaces that feel settled, comfortable, and enduring.
“Coastal Blues: Home Decorating Ideas Inspired by Seaside Living” by Sally Hayden & Alice Whately
A love letter to life by the water, “Coastal Blues” captures the relaxed beauty of seaside homes from around the world. From the Bahamas to Denmark, the book explores how color, texture, materials, and light come together to create calm, breezy interiors. Organized by both design elements and individual rooms, it offers inspiration for every space—from kitchens to outdoor living areas. Even landlocked readers will find plenty to borrow, as the book shows how to create an easy, beach-inspired atmosphere anywhere, emphasizing simplicity, comfort, and an unpretentious sense of style.
“Dream Rooms for Children: Inspiring Spaces for Sleep, Study, and Play”
by Susanna Salk
“Dream Rooms” shows how thoughtful design can support a child’s growth, imagination, and everyday life. Featuring spaces designed by top names such as Kelly Wearstler and Nate Berkus, the book spans styles from whimsical to refined. It addresses real-life challenges— shared rooms, limited space, evolving needs—while offering solutions that balance play, rest, and study. With beautiful photography and designer insights, the book empowers parents to create spaces that feel magical yet functional, adapting as children grow and change.
“Call It Home: The Details That Matter” by Amber Lewis
Amber Lewis’s design philosophy centers on the small decisions that make a big impact. Here, she walks readers through real-life projects while explaining how choices in finishes, fabrics, paint, tile, and flooring shape the final result. Through personal essays and more than 200 photographs, Lewis demystifies the renovation process, from assembling the right team to navigating inevitable challenges. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or building from the ground up, this book offers a grounded, intuitive approach to creating spaces that feel layered, personal, and lived in.
“Living Bright: Fashioning Colourful Interiors” by Matthew Williamson
Bold, joyful, and refreshingly fearless, “Living Bright” encourages readers to embrace color as a mood-lifting design tool. The author blends practical advice with personal storytelling, drawing inspiration from his own homes in London and Mallorca. The book shows how vibrant hues and playful patterns can work in spaces of any size or budget, offering simple guidance for choosing colors that resonate emotionally. It is an invitation to move beyond neutrals and create interiors that feel optimistic, expressive, and unmistakably alive.
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
MARCH 1ST
25th Annual Downtown Venice Art Classic
Downtown Venice – West Venice Avenue | 10:00 AM
Enjoy the second and final day of this popular outdoor art festival, featuring juried artists from across the country. Browse sculptures, paintings, jewelry, ceramics, and more as downtown Venice becomes an art lover’s paradise. This free event benefits the nonprofit Venice Main Street. From 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. visitvenicefl.org
MARCH 7TH
Agape Flights, 100 Airport Ave. E. | 11:00 AM
Celebrate “Tropical Vibes” at this family-friendly open hangar event honoring the Caribbean communities served by Agape Flights for more than 40 years. Enjoy food, games, a live auction, flight simulator, and hands-on experiences while learning about Agape’s Christ-centered mission. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. agapeflights.com
MARCH 13TH
The Gazebo at Centennial Park | 7:00 PM
Enjoy live music in historic downtown Venice at the bimonthly Friday Night Concert Series, hosted by Venice MainStreet and sponsored by Neal Communities. This free, outdoor concert is held the second and fourth Fridays of each month. Bring your own chairs. Friday March 27 features musician Dwight Sullivan. visitvenicefl.org
MARCH 17TH
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice | 7:00 PM
Education is central to the mission of the Venice Area Historical Society. That’s why the VAHS provides educational opportunities for its members and the general public like this one: VHAS Board member Irvin Lewin will present “John Nolen’s Venice and Mariemont Projects: Communities in Contract." Visit veniceareahistoricalsociety.org to learn about more educational events.
MARCH 20TH - 22ND
Venice Airport Festival Grounds
Enjoy live music on two stages from both national and regional touring acts. Experience award-winning BBQ and various food trucks, live muralists ' painting, cold drinks, lots of vendors, and fun for the whole family while supporting Coffee Talk Venice – a group of volunteers who work to help our area’s homeless. Kids 12 and under are free! venicebluesandbbq.com
MARCH 27TH - 28TH
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Sarasota Ballet’s Program 6 features "Still Life at the Penguin Café," choreographed by Sir David Bintley and George Balanchine’s "Stars & Stripes," set to the iconic music of John Philip Sousa. “Still Life” has been called “witty and enjoyable," and "a poignant look at humankind’s effect on the world.” Balanchine’s “Stars & Stripes” will honor the USA’s 250th Anniversary. sarasotaballet.org.
