On Wednesday, January 21st, at the River Club, there will be a Resident Orientation which will include a presentation to inform residents of the responsibilities of the various organizations in the Venetian community, including the Community Association, the CDD, the Property Owners Association, as well as the different HOAs. New residents will find this presentation particularly beneficial, while long-time residents may find it a very useful refresher course. A Q&A session will be included, and refreshments will be served. More information will be released in the coming weeks.
Author: Joe Browne
Updates from the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Seminar

Stacey Corley, the Foundation President at Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH), provided an update on the remarkable growth and development at SMH. During a seminar held at the River Club on October 28, several growth initiatives were discussed. Notably, Sarasota Memorial stands as the only hospital in Florida to have consistently earned the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid’s highest 5-star rating for overall quality and safety since the rating system was introduced in 2016.
Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Sarasota has earned its fifth consecutive Magnet recognition, the most prestigious designation for quality patient care and nursing excellence in healthcare organizations. This achievement is remarkable, as fewer than 2% of the nation’s hospitals have attained this distinction. The Venice hospital is well on its way to earning that distinction as well.

Residents were presented with renderings of the two-story, 24,000 square foot addition that will enhance radiology and MRI services in Venice Fall 2026. Furthermore, the SMH-Venice Rehab Pavilion is expected to be completed in early 2028.
Venice, a 65-acre hospital located just a few miles from the Venetian, opened in 2021. It offers a comprehensive range of hospital services, including an emergency room, cardiology, orthopedics, rehabilitation, and comprehensive labor and delivery.
The hospital recently completed an expansion that included a 102-bed patient care tower, 31 emergency rooms, and enhanced diagnostic capabilities. The Venice hospital has the capacity to double in size, reaching over 400 private suites in the future.



SMH, a safety net hospital, serves all patients irrespective of their financial capabilities. However, not all costs are covered. Donors, on the other hand, can make a significant difference. The SMH Healthcare Foundation offers crucial resources that enable SMH to maintain its esteemed position as one of the nation’s top hospitals. You can conveniently donate online at https://smhf.org/donate/
Next Community Association Board Meeting on Monday, December 15th
Our next VGRC Community Association Board meeting will be at the River Club on Monday, December 15th at 10 am. Residents are welcome to give their views!
Dr. Cortman on being NICE

Dr. Christopher Cortman, a psychologist with over 35 years of experience, captivated the Venetian audience with an engaging presentation on how to stay connected and lead a fulfilling life in later years. The acronym NICE, which stands for Necessary, Invested, Connected, and Exercise, serves as the guiding principle for this journey for a purpose in life. Be active and don’t retire. Be involved in your community, invest in causes you care about, volunteer your time, and nurture your friendships. Social relationships are crucial for your well-being. Exercise regularly and make sure to move about regularly.



See the entire 2025-26 season of Seminars and Events HERE as well as reports and photos at some of last season’s events.
Summation and Photos from Medicare 101 Seminar on September 29
Key options and benefits of Medicare were presented at the River Club. The event, sponsored by the Community Association, is the kick-off to the “Knock Your Socks Off” 2025-26 season.

The “Knock Your Socks Off” season began with a very well-received talk on Medicare. Residents were treated to an outstanding review of current Medicare coverages, options, and costs by Venetian resident Gayle Cain.
Gayle covered basic and original coverage, prescription coverage, provider networks, benefits like dental and vision, out-of-pocket costs like copays and deductibles, and coverage out of state. Original Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Original Part B is the medical coverage for doctor’s services, outpatient medical and surgical services, clinical lab tests, medical equipment, and preventative services.


Gayle emphasized the need to ask questions in order to match the right plan to your needs and goals. Much attention was focused on Medicare Advantage Plans and Supplemental coverage. Resident participation was high as question after question was handled expertly with insight and recommendations.









Thank you, Gayle, from the Community Association!!
Be Cyber Safe — Mentoring on Tuesday, December 16th at the River Club
Please register by sending an email to vgrccaweb@gmail.com.
Gain confidence using your computer and phone. Protect your on-line data. Guard against scams, identify theft and fraud. And much more. See the National Cryptologic Foundation brochure HERE. #1 directive is building strong passwords and using a password manager so you don’t have to remember them nor write a password down. The Community Association will show you how to be safer on the internet. Usually on a Tuesday. Next one is December 16th at 10 a.m. in the River Club bar area. Please register by sending an email to vgrccaweb@gmail.com. Please bring your mobile device and use the Wi-Fi password posted on the wall in the bar area.
Visit the Venice Farmers Market on Saturdays!
Support local businesses and shop fresh by making a habit of visiting the Venice Farmers Market on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Click here for FAQ and also the map of the vendors. The location is in the parking lot behind City Hall at 401 West Venice Ave. The market is open year round.
Comcast Service is Out — What do I do?
A resident recently experienced a total internet outage. Comcast was called, however, the tech would not be able to visit straightaway. So, he followed these procedures and connection was re-established. Problem solved!!
Home Depot may be coming to Venice
According to the August 21st edition of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, the Home Depot will be located near a planned Walmart expected on Laurel Road across from the Laurel-Nokomis School.

City of Venice Newsletter for December 2025

Please enjoy the December edition of the Venice City E-News by clicking on this image or the link below. Navigate the City’s e-newsletter by using the left and right arrows on your keyboard, or flip to the next page by using the arrows on the viewing screen. Explore additional resources and information by clicking on hyperlinks. Click here for the website location December 2025 Newsletter. The issue contains a report on the newly constructed Water Booster Station to the north of the VGRC as well as progress in the construction of Northeast Park on Laurel Road.
