Avoid Expensive Water Bills with Eye On Water

Have you ever discovered a running toilet after it cost you hundreds of dollars? You’re not alone — and the City of Venice has made it easier to prevent this from happening again.

The solution is Eye On Water, a free app available on either the App Store or the Google Play Store.  Once registered, you will be able to see your water usage.  That capability is also available on your computer as well at eyeonwater.com. Once you register using your name, address, and water account number, you’ll be able to monitor your water usage daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly. Most importantly, you can set up leak alerts to catch problems early — before they become costly — by setting up an alert.

There are over 17,000 water meters within the city limits, and each one communicates directly with the city. If there’s a continuous flow of water for more than 24 hours, the system can detect it — making this tool especially valuable for part-time residents who aren’t always around to spot issues, if they don’t wish to shut their water off when away for an extended period.

The city will begin promoting the app soon, and there may be classes at City Hall on how to use it. In the meantime, the Community Association is happy to help you get started — just contact us at vgrccaweb@gmail.com.  

Or you can watch a video on how to install the app here.

Venetians Visit the Rookery

Venetians by the dozens visited the famous Venice Area Audubon Rookery Park on April 10th. The tour by Rick Cordner was the highlight of a remarkable season of Community Association-sponsored events. The park hosts an “active roosting and breeding site for several species of wading birds, a Purple Martin breeding colony and numerous species of birds and wildlife that use the Rookery Park and surrounding County property for nesting and foraging throughout the year.” It is an ideal location to observe and photograph birds and wildlife.

Thanks to VGRC resident Rick for his enthusiastic presentation and guidance throughout the visit. The presentation before the tour was so informative, helpful and interesting! The following link is a large download so be aware if you have a slow or limited connection. For a download of Rick’s presentation go here.

The following is a gallery of photos taken by Tom Jones. If you have any photos of the birds from that day that you would like to share, we would be happy to post on the website. Please send photos to vgrccaweb@gmail.com

See this video of the bats leaving their home to go nighttime foraging, provided by Mark Faford. Thanks, Mark!

Cool on “The Greatest Show on Earth”

Kim Cool, Editor Emeritus of “Our Town” at the Gondolier Sun, delighted attendees at our April 7th Seminar with her engaging presentation, “The History of the Ringling Circus and Museum in Sarasota and Venice.” A longtime Venice resident of over 30 years, Kim’s connection to the circus began during childhood visits to the area.  She shared fascinating stories from a vibrant chapter of local history, when Sarasota (beginning in 1927–28) and later Venice (from 1960 to 1992) served as the winter homes of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Audiences in Venice had the rare treat of previewing new acts as performers trained for the upcoming season right in their backyard.

Kim highlighted legendary figures such as animal trainer Gunther Gebel-Williams, iconic clowns Emmett Kelly, Lou Jacobs, and Frosty Little, as well as the daring wire walkers, The Great Wallendas. Her presentation offered a behind-the-scenes look into this rich era, much of which is captured in her book, Circus Days in Sarasota and Venice.

Nature Reserves and Preserves near the Venetian

The Venetian is nestled between the natural beauty of the Myakka River and several expansive nature reserves. To the north and east, our community is surrounded by Carlton Reserve, Rocky Ford Preserve, Sleeping Turtles Preserve and Pineland Preserve, offering a serene and scenic environment. Just off Honore Avenue, the Scherer Thaxton Preserve provides a perfect spot to observe local wildlife, including a majestic eagle’s nest. See this map for the Eagles Nests in the vicinity.

In Carlton Reserve, photo taken near the Venetian, across the Myakka River, on the east side, looking north

The Carlton Reserve (T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve) stands out as the largest county preserve, offering a diverse range of outdoor activities. Visitors can explore its extensive network of biking, walking, and equestrian trails, launch a boat, set up camp, or enjoy a picnic under the pavilion. Accessible via Border Road—recently reopened after closures due to the 2024 hurricanes—the reserve is once again ready for exploration. In addition to its natural beauty, Carlton is home to North America’s largest electrodialysis reversal water treatment facility. Guided tours of the plant are available for those interested in learning more about this innovative technology.

Rocky Ford Preserve is located along the western side of the Myakka River, directly adjacent to the perimeter road to our north.  Environmental protection has precluded development in this area, maintaining the river wild and scenic for future generations. Additionally, the land is now part of over 130,000 acres of conservation lands on the Myakka.  This preserve is protected by the Big Waters Land Trust which was an acquisition agent for Sarasota County’s purchase of environmentally sensitive lands protection program.  The Rocky Ford Preserve was selected because of its beautiful oak hammocks, shoreline on the Myakka River, and adjacency to other conservation land. The land was purchased in 2008, and effectively absorbed into Pinelands Reserve, according to their website.  It is not open to public access at this time.  Called “Rocky Ford,” it takes its name from the limestone outcroppings that hang over the water and line the shallow rocky bottom.

Pinelands Preserve, off 4000 Knights Trail Road in Nokomis, is a reserve with an equestrian trail and an unpaved trail for hiking.  There are several Eagles Nests in the preserve. According to the Park Status Report, the trailhead is closed at this time while “A new trailhead is being constructed … ”. Estimated opening is Spring 2025. Sighting reports of Birds of Pinelands Reserve are here.

Land for the Scherer Thaxton Preserve was acquired in 1992 to continue the natural landscape and wildlife corridor adjacent to the Mary Thaxton Memorial Preserve of the Oscar Scherer State Park. Elsa Scherer Burrows left her family’s ranch to the state in memory of her father, Oscar. Former Sarasota County Commissioner Jon Thaxton, a local Florida scrub jay expert, led the effort to protect additional lands adjacent to the park. This preserve is open to the public and here is a detailed trail map for 13125 Honore Ave, Nokomis.

Along a sleepy section of the Myakka River off Border Road, Sleeping Turtles Preserve North buffers its west side with 174 acres of floodplain swamp, pine flatwoods, and oak hammocks.

See this link for Natural Areas and Nature Centers including a guide book

New Resident Trolling in Pool, Asked to Leave

It’s mating season, so Al E Gator is trolling in the pool! It didn’t have its TEKWave card, so it was asked to leave!

Breaking News: New Resident Ejected

Although this new resident was enjoying the pool at the Venetian, it was clear it wasn’t wanted.

The mystery is “Where did it come from?”

And, “Is its mama nearby?”

Finally, “Had it been drinking?”

Beware of Sandhill Crane Crossings

It’s that time of year!   These Sandhill Crane parents are showing off their young – called Colts while observing the crosswalk on Padova. Peak egg-laying period is February to March. They nest on mats of vegetation in wetlands with shallow water.

Two subspecies of Sandhill Crane occur in Florida. The Florida Sandhill Crane numbering 4,000 to 5,000, is a non-migratory year-round breeding resident. They are joined every winter by 25,000 migratory Greater Sandhill Cranes, the larger of the two subspecies. In the VGRC we mostly encounter the Florida Sandhill Cranes.

Two eggs are normally laid. Cranes are monogamous breeders. Within 24 hours of hatching, the young are capable of following their parents away from the nest.  These colts are probably a week old.  Click here for more information on Sandhill Cranes.

Thanks to Rick Cordner for another outstanding contribution! As Rick writes, we have our Abbey Road, too.

Rare Bird Alert in the VGRC! Great White Herons!

What’s odd about the birds in this nest?   The parent is a Great Blue Heron – Blue Morph.  The two chicks are White Morphs (subspecies) which are very rare for this part of Florida.  Both parents are Blue Morphs which makes it even more intriguing.   Some recessive genes at work.

Photos by Nancy Edmondson   

The birds have now fledged but return to the nest in the evenings hoping for one last handout from their parents.  Golfers might see them from the 12th tee – the two islets to the east.   Let’s hope they return next season!

These rarities were first discovered by Marnie Briggs, VGRC resident and local Birder and reported to the birding community via the eBird Rare Bird Alerts messaging.  Rick Cordner led small groups of A-list birders to the site with the permission of the local homeowners – we are grateful to their support.  Thanks to Rick Cordner for this contribution.

Venice Main Street Weekly

Venice MainStreet, Inc. is a nonprofit organization committed to preserving and enhancing the character, beauty, and economic vitality of historic downtown Venice and surrounding areas. See webpage.

City of Venice Newsletter for April 2025

Please enjoy the April edition of the Venice City E-News by clicking on 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 April 2025 City of Venice Newsletter.