If you are a member, thank you for your support.
Outside the Gates
Jacaranda Extension: A secondary outlet — The VGRCCA led the effort by Venetian residents to lobby for this new road, which was constructed in 2013.
Town Hall Meetings — The VGRCCA conducts an annual meeting for Venetian residents, presenting speakers to address key issues in the area. Speakers include elected officials, land developers and others of interest to our community. The Community Association recognizes selected residents’ volunteer efforts by presenting the Gratitude Award at these meetings.
Adopt A Road Project — VGRCCA originated and will maintain Laurel Road as part of Sarasota County’s anti-litter campaign. Laurel Road from Knights Trail to the entrance of the Venice Myakka Park is cleaned on a periodic basis by volunteers from the VGRCCA.
Gateway to North Venice — Working with various government and private entities, the VGRCCA spearheaded the Bold Landscaping project that enhances the entrance to North Venice at the Laurel Road interchange of I-75 with plantings of palm trees on both sides of the freeway.
Landscape Buffer — Secured restrictive stipulations from the mining and industrial companies along the northern border of the VGRC that included funding for the cost of planting two landscape buffers at that end of the Venetian property.
Pipeline Project — The VGRCCA successfully worked with the City, County and the Peace River Authority during the construction of a water pipeline on Laurel Road in 2014-15. This involvement secured the paving of the road leading into the Myakka River Park. Extensive landscape buffering and a security fence were also installed.
Candidate Forum — The VGRCCA provides residents an opportunity to hear from candidates for city and county offices, including The Venetian’s own CDD board.
Noise Ordinance— Worked with the Venice City Manager and Police Chief to reinterpret the City’s noise ordinance resulting in more stringent control of noise sources from the industrial area to the north.
Governmental Relationships — The VGRCCA has established very important relationships with both the City of Venice and Sarasota County government officials.
Citizens Advisory Board — a member of the VGRCCA was appointed by the Venice City Council in 2024 to serve on the first Citizens Advisory Board for the City of Venice. The CAB works to make advisory recommendations regarding specific topics of interest as determined and requested by the City Council.
Venice Police Relationship— A member of the VGRCCA served as a contact person as part of the Venice PD’s “Community Outreach Program.” Although this specific program has ended, a good relationship remains.
Sarasota Memorial Hospital – The VGRCCA spearheaded a campaign to convince the hospital that the new SMH-Venice location should be approved and built, and it opened in late 2021. A board member serves on the hospital advisory board.
Land Development at Laurel Road and Knights Trail – Mirasol Property – Representatives from the VGRCCA serve on an advisory board, lending advice to development of this 50-acre commercial site.
Widening of Laurel Road – Spent countless hours writing letters, attending meetings and giving presentations over the years to: 1) Widen and beautify East Laurel Road between Knights Trail and Jacaranda and, 2) Create a Northeast Venice Park. We have finally reached the point (2024) where initial funding has been made available for both projects.
Candidate Meetings – Held face-to-face meetings for almost every election cycle with all City Mayoral and Council candidates to assure that they fully understand our positions on local issues that affect Venetian homeowners’ property values and quality of life.
School Supply Drive – Provided community donations of money and supplies to the Laurel Nokomis School for the school year 2020–2021.
Inside the Gates
Parcels from Paradise — A monthly electronic newsletter provided to all Venetian residents. It keeps residents informed of proposed developments near the Venetian, reports on important activities being discussed by City officials, highlights upcoming events, and much more. This has become the primary source of information for all residents. See Parcels.
Community Directory — Our membership director plays a central role working with the POA on the annual update of the all-important community directory that is available to all residents. With the constant turnover of properties, the directory would quickly become obsolete without this research and verification. In addition to residents’ data (by name and by street), the directory contains useful contact information for all Venetian organizations and key community resources.
Educational Seminars — the VGRCCA conducts educational seminars on a wide variety of subjects. Medical, financial, legal, safety, history and nature are just some of the topics covered. Seminars are free of charge to all Venetian residents.
River Club audio system – In 2023 the Community Association purchased the audio system that is used at many events, allowing attendees to clearly hear what is going on. The system consists of two speakers on stands, an amplifier and several wireless microphones.
VGRC’s Best Website – The Community Association manages the most up-to-date website, VRGCCA.ORG, that contains up-to-date news and information about what is happening at The Venetian and in the wider community. There are links to the other major boards (POA and CDD), the City of Venice and many other helpful sources of information, with the Hurricane Corner supplying valuable information for preparation and use during hurricanes. There’s a section called “The Wall of Something” that serves as a residents-only community bulletin board for buying and selling items, recommending services or favorite restaurants and much more.
Hurricane Response Team — the HRT maintains a comprehensive plan that is implemented during and after a hurricane when Venetian employees or their service providers are absent from the property. The HRT consists of dozens of resident volunteers with specific assignments. Residents have commended the HRT for its great value when it was activated during Hurricanes Irma in 2017, Ian in 2022, Milton in 2024 and no doubt more to come. See Hurricane Corner.
Bike-O-Rama — This annual event gives members an opportunity for a free safety and maintenance check on their bikes. New styles of bikes and other equipment are available as well.
Salute to America — as part of its community betterment project, volunteers place American flags throughout the Venetian on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and the 4th of July. We also hold a 9-11 remembrance ceremony.
Bike Rack — As part of its community improvement project, the VGRCCA provided funds to purchase an additional bike rack, used by those children waiting for the school bus.
CPR Training – Working closely with the Venice Fire Department, CPR Training is offered annually on site to all Venetian residents. Training includes the use of AEDs and the Heimlich Maneuver.
Shredfest — Provides all VGRCCA members an annual opportunity to dispose of their old documents, paper products and many bulk items on site.
Boardwalk plaques — The VGRCCA provided the funding to replace all of the existing plaques on the Boardwalk with new ones in 2011.
Flagpole — funded the installation of a permanent and lit US flag at the entrance to the Venetian.
Park Benches — Donated funds to build and place park benches at several convenient locations, including Veneto Blvd, Pesaro Drive and the boardwalk.
Baskets for Heroes – Collected baskets for Venice Bayfront Hospital workers during the Covid pandemic.
SharpFest – Initiated an annual event for residents to get their knives and tools professionally sharpened at nominal cost.
Fill the Barrels Campaign – With the support of the Ajax Paving Co. and the Venetian Golf Club, we initiated a Thanksgiving food drive in 2023 that has always resulted in a generous outpouring of donations of shelf-stable foods from Venetian residents to help those in need.