Author: Joe Browne

City of Venice Report on Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Posted on by Joe Browne

In an unprecedented one-two punch, Southwest Florida faced two major hurricanes within weeks—Hurricane Helene in September, followed by Hurricane Milton in October. Helene, with 140 mph winds, battered Florida’s Big Bend and flooded coastal areas from Fort Myers to the Florida panhandle, setting high water records in St. Petersburg and Clearwater Beach. As residents began recovery, Milton unleashed further destruction, making landfall at Siesta Key a few miles at category 3 (111 mph+ winds) with an approximate 6′ to 7′ storm surge in Venice and category 1 winds, less than 95 mph.

Click here to view the recent report to the Venice City Council which contains a recap of the storm and surge impacts to the city, damage assessments, evacuation compliance, debris collection, plans for recovery and the after action review.

To move from page to page on the report, simply press the forward arrow key on your keyboard.

If you want to actually hear the presentation by Assistant City Manager James Clinch and Fire Chief Frank Giddens, you can go to the 9 minute mark of the Citizens Advisory Committee, Presentation

48th Annual Venice Holiday Parade

Posted on by Joe Browne

In its 48th year, the City of Venice Holiday Parade on Saturday, Nov. 30, is the perfect “kickoff” to the holiday season in Venice! Over 2,000 creative participants representing over 90 local companies, schools, churches, social organizations and music groups join together to make this community family event fun for all ages. Bring your appetite! Drinks and goodies are offered for sale by high school booster clubs, Scouts and local nonprofit service groups all along the parade route in downtown Venice.

In the spirit of this giving season, Boy Scout Troop 77 will collect nonperishable food and essential items like diapers and hygienic products at the start of the Holiday Parade, organized by the Coalition of South County Food Pantries for those in need this holiday season.

See flyer for map. Get more information on the City website here

“What Goes Around” Author Michael Wendroff Presents at the River Club

Posted on by Joe Browne

The VGRC Community Association hosted one of the VGRC’s own, Michael Wendroff, who has written a debut thriller published this month by Bloomsbury in the USA, UK, and Australia.

The event was a spectacular success held at the River Club on November 12th. We learned from him what it takes to write a novel, what it takes to get a book published, and the influence of the Venetian Golf & River Club on what he accomplished.

In addition to his talk, he conducted a marvelous Q&A when residents peppered him with numerous questions about his writing style, the process of publication, the origins of the novel and insights into various aspects of the novel.

The book, titled “What Goes Around”, is already off to a fast start judging from the enthusiasm of the Venetian residents.

We are looking forward to additional Community Association events at the River Club in the coming months. Please see Seminar and Events for the schedule.