Residents Orientation Was Well Attended & Received

Organized by the Community Association, reps from the “alphabet soup” of Venetian organizations spoke at a highly appreciated and well-attended Residents Orientation on January 21st. In addition to the Community Association, the CDD (Community Development District), POA (Property Owners Association), and Neighborhood Associations discussed their responsibilities and addressed numerous questions about individual issues.

This collaborative team effort provided valuable information to the attendees. Residents gained clarity on organizational roles and the appropriate contacts for any questions or concerns. The positive feedback from attendees has encouraged us to seek their input on how to enhance future resident orientations. Click HERE to download a copy of the presentation slides used at the orientation.

Venice Citizens Advice Bureau Needs Volunteers

The Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) has two resident seats expiring soon, each for a term of 3 years. This board meets bimonthly the third Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m. at City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave.

CAB members make advisory recommendations regarding specific topics of interest as determined and requested by the City Council. The board may be directed by City Council to research specific topics to provide information to Council; provide feedback on programs to preserve and enhance quality of life in Venice; assist Council with promoting or educating the public on matters of importance; or other special activities in keeping with Council’s adopted Strategic Plan. At least seven members shall be City of Venice residents or the owners of real property located within the City. One member should be from a Venice area high school student body with a written recommendation by the principal or its designee. Members should represent a broad cross-section of the City and have an interest in the overall betterment of the community. Applicants with experience or backgrounds in environmental policy, education, parks and recreation, art, cultural policy, or related fields will be prioritized.

The Citizens Tax Oversight Committee has two open seats for partial terms until Jan. 31, 2028, and until May 31, 2028. This board conducts an annual review of the expenditures made by the City from sales tax proceeds to ensure that expenditures have been made in accordance with infrastructure project lists and any changes thereto. Members shall be residents of the City. No member may be a full-time employee of the City or private individuals or employees of private firms under contract with the City. The board meets annually or as needed to review any changes made by the City to the infrastructure projects or to the allocation of sales tax proceeds for the sole purpose of ensuring that all procedural requirements have been followed.

More information on these boards and requirements to serve, as well as an application, can be found online here. You can also contact Amanda Hawkins-Brown in the City Clerk’s Office at ahbrown@venicefl.gov or 941-882-7391.

Deadline for applications is 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.

All past applicants must reapply for consideration. If you are selected to serve on a City board, you will be required to comply with the state public records, sunshine laws, and financial disclosure requirements.

Super Bowl Predictions for 2026

Click on the image or HERE for all predictions by residents and point spreads.

Sarasota County to get a new Home Depot

by Earle Kimel

Sarasota Herald-Tribune USA TODAY NETWORK

According to the January 15, 2026 edition of the Sarasota Herald Tribune, a Home Depot has been approved for the new Venice Crossing Commercial Center on Laurel Road. There will also be a Walmart in the same shopping center. Other occupants are a Panda Express, a proposed car wash and Laurel Civic which is relocating to Venice Crossing from the Sandra Sims Terry Community Center.

The Venice Planning Commission approved the site and development plan for an 11.29-acre parcel that would include a 106,651-square-foot store, an accompanying 28,156-square-foot garden center and a parking lot. The site plan has two entrances to Home Depot from Twin Laurel Boulevard. See HERE for the complete article.

“Self Protection Tool Box” Presented by Sheriff’s Office

On January 13, Sarasota County Deputy Lt. Cathy Duff of the Crime Prevention Unit reviewed all that we can do to provide for our own personal safety.

Lt. Duff made us aware to lock our doors, never open doors to strangers, have a peep hole in your door, invest in a doorbell camera (they are cheap!), keep a clear view to your door, and install a good dead bolt.

Events Scheduled in January

January 24th Bik-O-Rama, River Club parking lot, 9-11 am Probably the longest running Community Association event is the always popular Bike-O-Rama in cooperation with Bicycles International on Tamiami Trail. For those who have never been to this well-attended event, just bring your bike to receive a free maintenance check by the highly trained mechanics from Bicycles International. Consider bringing some cash to tip the mechanics for their free service. There will also be items for sale for bicycle enthusiasts. A Community Association membership table will be present for those who need to renew or join the Community Association. Don’t be late, Bike-O-Rama closes promptly at 11 am.

January 26th Developer Approval Process, River Club, 3:30 pm What did you say? They are building another &(%^%^(^ development nearby!!!!! Certainly, we have heard that comment numerous times over the years. Many residents are curious of the approval process that the city goes through when facing a development proposal. That process will be addressed at the seminar, “Developer Approval Process” on Monday, at 3:30 pm (note time change) at the River Club when Roger Clark, head of the Venice Planning and Zoning Department, will provide a presentation on this topic. Getting the facts may help residents gain a better understanding of a process associated with a growing Venice.

See Active Petition Schedule on Venetian Gems. This is a map of the intended developments in our area.

See the full Seminars and Events schedule HERE.

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

Venice Police on Scams and Fraud

On December 8, two officers (Sgt Montez and Det. Lt. Kenny) from the Venice Police Department presented an informative overview of prevalent predatory scams that pose a significant threat to everyone. The presentation was well-received and provided valuable insights into the extent and severity of these dangers.

The officers highlighted the risks associated with using debit cards to pay online demands and emphasized that government agencies will never request money or personal information over the phone. Threats to citizens can manifest in various forms, including exploiting vulnerable individuals. See this US government website for common types of scams, identify theft and how to protect yourself HERE.