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.
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“Staying Connected When the Cell Towers Are Down: A Guide to Satellite Texting” by Joe Browne
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.
- Who has this capability: Anyone with an iPhone 14, 15, 16 or 17.
- How to use it: Simply dial 911 as younormally would. If the call fails because there is no network connection, a green button will appear on your screen that says “Emergency Text via Satellite.” https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/use-emergency-sos-via-satellite-iph2968440de/ios
- What happens next: Tap that button. The phone will ask a few quick multiplechoice questions (e.g., “What is the emergency?”) so you don’t have to type out a long message. It will then instruct you to point your phone at the sky to connect to a satellite and send your answers and GPS location to emergency responders. https://support.apple.com/en-us/101573#:~:text=Once%20you’re%20connected%2C%20your,battery%20life%20for%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
- Newer Google Phones: The newest Google Pixel 9 and 10 models have a built-in “Satellite SOS” feature that works almost exactly like the iPhone’s 911 emergency system. https://support.google.com/pixelphone/community-video/335215357/pixel-9-satellite-sos-the-lifesaving-feature-demoed-step-by-step?hl=en#:~:text=It’s%20an%20emergency%20service%20allowing,%22Pixel%20Satellite%20SOS%22%20setting.
- Standard Android Phones: Major cellular carriers (like T-Mobile) are launching networks using Starlink satellites. This means even older Android phones will automatically connect to a satellite in a complete dead zone, allowing you to send normal text messages without needing to buy a brand-new phone.
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.
VGRC Brochure – Where Living is an Art
Residents Visit Venice Water Booster Station
On April 14th, residents visited Venice’s water booster station off Gene Green Road. The visit was sponsored by the VGRC Community Association and was very informative of the impact of the WBS to Venice, operations of utilities during an emergency, and the general strategy of water treatment and distribution in Venice. Residents appreciated the opportunity to visit the site, engage in a free-flow Q&A, and receive very knowledgeable information from city officials.
The main benefits of the WBS are stabilization of the water pressure levels and an increase in reliability pressure levels to facilitate firefighting water requirements. Go HERE to read the full article.
Community Forum 2026
The VGRC Community Association presented “Community Forum 2026” on March 16, 2026 to a packed house at the Venetian River Club.
Information updates by Tom Jones concerning external developments outside the gates included:
- Venice Crossings Shopping Center home to a Walmart and Home Depot to be constructed on Laurel Road
- the Village at Laurel and Jacaranda across from the VGRC entrance,
- two hotels being built nearby, one on Laurel Road and another on Pinebrook Road
- the newly constructed Water Booster Station close to and northwest of the community, and
- other issues in the city of Venice and Sarasota County.
Mayor Nick Pachota spoke on the Water Booster Station and issues related to water pressure for NE Venice, upcoming elections for seats on the council, the status of property taxes in the state, the new city Fire Station under construction on Venice Avenue next to the Police Department, and the need to either harden the city water treatment plant or move it elsewhere since it sits in a flood plain.
Dr. Joe Neunder, County Commissioner for District 4, spoke about the long awaited construction on Laurel Road for its widening to 4 lanes. He expects construction to begin by December of this year, although it could start sooner. Dr. Neunder also briefly described the strategic plan for the county, the budget and traffic issues in the city, as well as county preparations for hurricanes and the opening of Midnight Pass.
In addition to external developments, representatives from the CDD and the POA gave updates. CDD Vice Chairman Cheryl Harmon Terrana spoke on the newly hired amenity management company for the River Club, budget issues, staffing stabilization at the River Club, access to the community and the use of the Ciltadella Road exit There are no plans to upgrade this exit until the shopping center is open across the street. Finally, Cheryl discussed the need to update the irrigation system in the community. Barbara Silkworth of the POA described the need for volunteers for the HOA and POA boards and the committees. Barbara stressed the need to give the Venetian a “Wow!” factor by replacing landscaping, especially hardwood trees which were either destroyed by hurricanes and disease or were removed prematurely.
The highlight of the forum was the presentation of the Gratitude Awards to John Moeckel, Steve Thomaston, Pamela Henard and Nancy Spokowski. This was the third year that gratitude awards were presented to residents and has become the most rewarding feature of these annual gatherings. The true strength of a community like ours is found in the quiet, selfless actions of the people who live here. This award was created for those who make the community a better place to live.
For those who could not attend the forum in the River Club or the LaSala room, the Community Association organized a live TV presentation and a “Zoom” feature so that others could view the proceedings from outside the main dining room or from home. While the video quality was excellent, the audio was not. The reconstructed video with improved audio is available on our YouTube Channel. Click on the yellow card on the YouTube page to view the video.
The Community Association sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience or frustration to those residents who participated in the Zoom session and those in the LaSala room for the sound distortion of the presentations.
For those who wish to reference the various handouts used by Tom Jones for his presentation of external developments in the area during the video:
Preparing Your Final Wishes
On Tuesday, March 10th, the Community Association hosted their 17th “Knock Your Socks Off” Seminar at the River Club titled “Preparing your Final Wishes”. The Presenter, Mr Darwin Reeck, spent an hour advising fifty community members about actions recommended for people to complete before the death of a loved one. Mr. Reeck has years of experience assisting people plan memorial and burial services as the Director of Lay Ministries at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church along with being a Family Service Coordinator at Toale Brothers Funeral Home.
Click HERE for the After Death Comprehensive Checklist of Actions.
Super Bowl 2026: Seattle beats New England 29 to 13
Tad Johnson won the contest with a selection of Seattle and a spread of 13 points. Congratulations! Click on the image or HERE for finalists and their predictions.
A seminar delves into the reasons behind trusts and their inherent value
Al Pandl visited the Venetian for the third year to educate residents about the importance of protecting their assets for their heirs as well as the processes involved. Pandl explained the terminology and potential predators who may attempt to exploit these assets. The seminar sponsored by the Community Association took place on February 3, 2026
What is and how to avoid probate was a primary topic. The seminar covered various options, including power of attorney, living wills, and healthcare POAs. It also explained Florida-specific laws and the state tax structure. The goal was to provide residents with the knowledge and tools to protect their assets from potential threats.
Christmas Golf Cart Parade @ Venetian
Shout out to all the golf cart owners, cheerleaders, carolers & festive friends! You all brought such a bright light to the holiday season by participating!
See the Christmas Golf Cart Parade around the Venetian Golf and River Club HERE.
Photo of all 3 winners together
3rd Place Cart Alene Iafelice – Stockings & Gift Décor theme (left)
1st Place Cart The Mangiaranos – Elves, Santa, Gifts & Tree theme (middle)
2nd Place Cart Ethel and Lucy – Light-Up Candles & Christmas Décor theme (right)
Costume winners
Alene Iafelice and
Sean Gerahty
Venetian Gets Sharp!
Eddie Swing sharpened our knives and other implements for us on November 22 in the golf course parking lot. His ‘dance card’ was full with all appointments taken as residents took advantage of his expertise. Eddie’s grandfather in North Carolina started the family tradition.
His customer, resident Jack Pritchard, bought knives made from Chinese artillery shells by a master craftsman in Taiwan. The original steel was a Chinese artillery shell shot from canon on the mainland. From a craftsman in the Republic of China to our local craftsman in Venice — Eddie Swing.
