Author: Karl Seidel

Photo Submission Guidelines

Posted on by Karl Seidel
← Back to Your Featured Photo

Thank you for helping showcase the beauty of our community through the Community Photo Feature. These guidelines explain how photos are submitted, reviewed, and selected for display on the Community Association website.

Please Note: Photo submissions are welcome throughout the year. While every submission is appreciated, not every photo will be selected. Selections are based on what is most suitable and visually engaging for the website at the time.

Eligibility

  • Open to Community Association (CA) members.
  • Photos should be taken within the City of Venice and preferably on the grounds of VGRC.
  • You may submit photos at any time.
  • You’re welcome to submit additional photos throughout the year.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for photographs that highlight the beauty and spirit of our community. Examples include:

  • Landscapes and scenic views
  • Sunrises and sunsets
  • Flowers and gardens
  • Wildlife and nature
  • Community activities
  • Residents enjoying community life
  • Interesting moments that tell a story

Photos that are political, controversial, offensive, or created using Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not be used.

Photo Recommendations

To help your photos look their best on the website, we recommend the following:

  • Send the original photo from your phone or camera whenever possible.
  • Landscape (horizontal) photos generally work best for the website.
  • JPG (.jpg/.jpeg) is the preferred file format. PNG files are also accepted.
  • Avoid screenshots or photographs of printed photos whenever possible.
  • High-quality photos provide the best results.
  • If your device offers image size options when emailing, choosing the original or actual size is recommended.
  • Large image files are acceptable. The Community Association may resize or crop photos for the best appearance.
  • Very low-resolution photos may not be suitable for display.
  • Please submit no more than 1 photo per email. You’re welcome to send additional emails if you’d like to share more photos.

Information to Include

Please include the following information with your submission:

  • Your name.
  • Date the photo was taken (if known).
  • Location where the photo was taken.
  • A brief description of the subject.

If you prefer not to have your name displayed as the photographer, simply let us know.

People appearing in submitted photos will not be identified by name. If your photo is selected, only the photographer’s name (unless anonymity is requested) and the general location of the photo may be displayed.

How Photos Are Selected

  • Photos are reviewed by the Community Association.
  • Selections are based on overall visual appeal, seasonal interest, and suitability for the website.
  • Not every submitted photo will be featured.
  • Submitting photos regularly may increase your chances of being featured.

Consent and Permissions

By submitting a photo, you confirm that:

  • You took the photograph or have permission to submit it.
  • If identifiable people appear in the photo, you have their permission to submit it.
  • If identifiable minors appear, you have permission from a parent or legal guardian.

Photo Usage

By submitting your photo, you grant the Community Association permission to:

  • Display the photo on the Community Association website.
  • Crop, resize, or make minor edits to improve its appearance.
  • Use the photo as part of the Community Photo Feature without compensation.
  • Credit you as the photographer unless you request anonymity.

Important Notice

The Community Association will use submitted photographs responsibly. However, because photos displayed on a public website may be viewed, downloaded, copied, or shared by others, the Community Association cannot control or prevent such use by website visitors.

Email Your Photos To

vgrcca@gmail.com

We appreciate your participation and look forward to sharing the beauty of our community through your photography.

“`

Your Featured Photo

Posted on by Karl Seidel

Help showcase the beauty, nature, and community spirit of VGRC by sharing your favorite photographs. Selected photos will be featured on the Community Association website for everyone to enjoy.

Share Your Favorite Community Photos

We’re inviting Community Association members to help keep our website fresh and engaging by sharing photographs taken around VGRC and the City of Venice.

Whether it’s a colorful sunset, beautiful flowers, wildlife, scenic views, or neighbors enjoying community life, we’d love to see your perspective.

Each month, one or more submitted photos will be featured at the top of our website. While every submission is appreciated, not all photos will be selected for display.

Before You Submit

Photos should be taken within the City of Venice and preferably around VGRC.

Landscape (horizontal) photos generally work best.

Original photos from your phone or camera produce the best results.

Please submit no more than 1 photo per email. However, you may submit as many separate emails with one photo each at any time.

AI-generated images will not be considered.

Want to Learn More?

Want to learn more about photo recommendations, how photos are selected, privacy information, and usage permissions?

View Photo Submission Guidelines

Email Your Photos To

vgrcca@gmail.com

Please include your name, the location where the photo was taken, and a brief description of the subject.

Thank You!

Your photographs help highlight the beauty of our community and make our website morviewe enjoyable for residents and visitors alike.

We appreciate your participation and look forward to seeing your favorite moments.

“`

Major Venice Beach Renourishment is Ongoing

Posted on by Karl Seidel

Beginning with preparations in May of 2026, a major project has been taking place under the auspices of the Army Corps of Engineers to fill in shoreline that has eroded due to storms. It is a $27.5 million project that is expected to be complete in September.

Read more and see diagrams of the affected areas by clicking HERE.

More details and the latest updates can be obtained at any time on the City of Venice website:

Venice Beach Renourishment Project

The project is focused on restoring and renourishing areas of shoreline affected by erosion and storms. The work is being carried out under the auspices of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is expected to continue through September 2026.

For the latest information, project updates, maps, and additional details, visit the official Venice Beach Renourishment Project page.

Northeast Venice Park opened

Posted on by Karl Seidel

As long planned, the Northeast Venice Park on the south side of Laurel Road near Knights Trail opened to the public on June 15.  The Venetian was represented at the opening by Community Association (CA) board members Mark Faford, Tom Jones, Steve Hefler and Roger Effron.  As reported earlier, the CA has been appointed “sponsor” of this park, meaning we will participate in quarterly inspections to assess the safety and cleanliness of the park.  The park’s many features are listed in the email below, sent to demonstrate our commitment to maintaining friendly and constructive relations with our local government. We hope you and your family will avail yourselves of this new attraction.  Lastly – if you would like to participate in the Park’s sponsorship group, please drop a line to vgrcca@gmail.com 

June 17 email from Community Association Co-Presidents

To: Mayor Pachota and members of the Venice City Council:

On behalf of the Venetian Golf and River Club’s Community Association, we would like to congratulate all City employees-past and present-involved with the planning, financing, engineering, construction and maintenance of the new Northeast Venice Park located on Laurel Road. This new park is beautiful and has exceeded all expectations! Venice residents will be thrilled with the 8 outdoor pickleball courts, fitness trail and equipment, children’s playgrounds, dog parks, restrooms and paved parking area. We think it will be a significant enhancement to the Northeast Venice neighborhood and will show current and prospective residents why living in our city is a great value. 

We had the pleasure to personally meet and thank A.J. Ribas of A2 Group Construction, Kelsie Shy of Kimley Horn Engineers, Ricky Simpson, Venice Public Works Director, Tricia Matero, Public Works Administrative Coordinator and, of course, James Clinch, our City Manager.  Clearly, this project, started in 2020, required extensive coordination and you all hit a “home run”!

Our Community Association is honored to be chosen to “Adopt” the Northeast Venice Park and we look forward to assisting the city in maintenance of this beautiful park.  

Please extend our congratulations to all involved with this amazing new park! A sincere “thanks” to all of you! 

Kind regards, Mark Faford and Tom Jones, co-presidents

Venetian Golf & River Club Community Association

Same day reply from Rachel Frank of the Venice City Council

Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your feedback. We are grateful for the Community Association’s ongoing support of the park. 

2026 Annual Hurricane Preparation Meeting well-attended

Posted on by Karl Seidel

June 1st was not only the first day of the hurricane season, but also the day that Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Chief of Emergency Management for Sarasota County, James Clinch, Venice City Manager and Frank Giddens, Fire Department Chief educated and motivated our community about the need for hurricane preparedness.  They presented information on how to prepare for storm emergencies and explained the roles and responsibilities shared by their three organizations in preparing for and responding to storms.

Sandra, James and Frank were each presented with a plaque indicating our appreciation for speaking at our event and for what they do for our community. The members of the HRT had their pictures taken with each speaker.

The River Club room was largely filled with members of the community, some of whom attend this event annually and others who are new to the community.  The audience warmly applauded the HRT members who were recognized for their commitment and service.  Several photos of this event are shown above.

We encourage residents who are interested in learning about hurricane preparedness and about volunteer opportunities with our HRT to explore the information on the Hurricane Corner page of this website.

Our HRT shares knowledge with the city-wide community at 2026 Hurricane Expo

Posted on by Karl Seidel

The City of Venice hosted another Hurricane Expo on Friday, May 29th at the Venice Community Center. For the second consecutive year, city officials invited our HRT to host a table and to share information with attendees on how to create and maintain a community hurricane response team program. The VGRC was the only community asked to participate and showcase its program, and there was a great deal of interest and appreciation expressed by those who stopped by. A couple attendees said that they had a group of CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) members who are activated after a storm; but unfortunately, most of those with whom we spoke said that there was no team in their community and agreed that one was needed. Handouts with an outline of our program contents and contact information was provided to anyone who was interested. City officials stopped by the booth and, as in the past, applauded the community for such a wonderful program.

“Staying Connected When the Cell Towers Are Down: A Guide to Satellite Texting” by Joe Browne

Posted on by Karl Seidel

Emergency Communications
Staying Connected When the Cell Towers Are Down: A Guide to Satellite Texting


This informal guide covers how to use these life-saving features on an iPhone, with a brief look at similar options for Android below.

When severe weather or power outages take down local cell towers and Wi-Fi, modern smartphones can now act as satellite
communicators. This means you can bypass the cell network entirely by pointing your phone at satellites orbiting in space. https://support.apple.com/en-us/105097#:~:text=Satellite%20features%20on%20iPhone,family%2C%20and%20share%20your%20location.

1. Reaching First Responders (Emergency SOS)

If you are in a life-threatening situation (such as a medical emergency or severe accident) and have no cell service, your iPhone can contact 911 dispatchers directly. https://mashable.com/article/apple-emergencysos-via-satellite-iphone-14-nowlive#:~:text=Emergency%20SOS%20on%20iPhone%3A%20How,emergency%20services%20through%20your%20iPhone.

2. Contacting Loved Ones (Messages via Satellite)

You don’t have to be in a 911-level emergency to use the satellite. If you just need to tell your family you are safe after a storm, you can send standard text messages. https://support.apple.com/en-us/105097#:~:text=Satellite%20features%20on%20iPhone,family%2C%20and%20share%20your%20location.

  • Who has this capability: You need an iPhone 14, 15, 16 or 17, and your phone must be updated to iOS 18 or newer.
  • How to use it: When your phone loses all cell and Wi-Fi service, open your normal Messages app. A prompt will appear at the top of the screen offering to use the satellite connection.
  • What happens next: The phone will guide you to point your device toward a satellite. Once connected, you can text your friends and family.
  • Keep in mind: Satellite signals travel a long way and are much slower than regular cell service. A short text may take a minute or more to send. You cannot send photos, videos, or group texts—only words and emojis

How to Practice Safely (The Connection Demo)

The best time to learn how to connect to a satellite is before an emergency happens. Apple includes a risk-free “Demo Mode” that lets you practice aiming your phone at a real satellite without actually calling 911. https://mashable.com/article/apple-emergency-sos-via-satellite-iphone-14-now-live#:~:text=The%20demo%20will%20temporarily%20disable,and%20receive%20messages%20via%20satellite.

1.Step Outside:

You must be outdoors with a clear view of the sky. Trees, tall buildings, and roofs will block the satellite signal.

2.Open the Control Center:

Swipe down from the very top-right corner of your iPhone screen.

3.Tap the Cellular Icon:

Look for the button with the antenna icon on the right side of the Control Center and tap it.

4.Select Satellite:

Tap the Satellite option, then select Try Demo. (Note: This will temporarily turn off your cell service and Wi-Fi to simulate a power outage).

5.Follow the On-Screen Tracker:

The screen will show a radar graphic. Simply turn your body left or right as the arrows instruct until your phone connects with a satellite passing overhead.

Once you are done practicing, you can exit the demo, and your normal phone service will immediately return.

What About Android Phones?

Android devices also offer satellite connections, though the method depends on the phone you have: https://www.att.com/device-support/article/wireless/000107337/Google/GoogleGGX8B

Where to Learn More

For official details and troubleshooting directly from Apple, you can read their comprehensive guide: Use Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone.