The City of Venice will present its 5th Fire and Police Public Safety Day event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at the Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave. S., inside and outside.
Fun for the whole family, the free event will include first responder vehicles and big trucks that children can sit in and learn about; demonstrations every half-hour; photo ID cards for kids; free food, snacks, face painting and balloon twisting; music; and other activities and giveaways. In addition, come check out the nearby Venice Museum (open that Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Old Betsy Museum.
NFL Coach Seminar Postponed to June 16th
We are fortunate to have a current NFL Assistant Coach living in the VGRC who will be conducting an informal seminar as to what it is like to be in the big leagues of professional football. The seminar was originally scheduled for today, March 31st, but due to his scheduling conflicts, it has been changed to June 16th at 5pm. Flag it on your calendar.
Hurricane Preparation Checklist
As many of our seasonal residents begin preparing to leave for the summer months, we want to ensure everyone has the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding hurricane preparedness. Taking these steps now can greatly reduce potential damage and help safeguard your property while you are away. Please review the updated preparation reminders below:
Secure all outdoor furniture, umbrellas, grills, flowerpots, garden hoses, flag poles, and any items that could become projectiles during high winds.
Inspect your roof for any loose tiles and ensure no repair tiles are left unsecured on the roof.
Check your trees and remove any dead or loose limbs.
Hurricane shutters may be deployed when a watch or warning has been issued for Sarasota County, or earlier if authorized by the Property Manager and approved by the POA Board. Shutters must be those originally supplied with the home or those approved by the Architectural Control Committee under the Community-Wide Standards.
Inform your home-watch provider, neighbor, or designated contact of your departure date and share your updated contact information.
Inform your home-watch provider, neighbor, or designated contact of your departure date and share your updated contact information.
Keep an eye out for communications from Mary Rau-Foster and the Community Association Hurricane Response Team as the season approaches.
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.
Cheryl Harmon TerranaBarbara Silkworth
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.
John Moeckel and Tom JonesSteve Thomaston and Steve HeflerSharon George and Pamela HenardDarlene Schimberg and Nancy Spokowski
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:
Page 1AgendaPage 2 Survey TopicsPage 3 NE Venice Map Page 4 NE Venice Development DataPage 5 Milano Shopping Center Map
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.
Shredfest-Junkfest-Goodwill Was a Fabulous Success!! Thank you, Venetian!
Thank you all for a very successful event with a team of volunteers, the City of Venice, Goodwill and Shred-Medic participating, as well as all the residents who junked, shredded and donated to Goodwill!
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.
A Frightening Scam Attempt Involving Venetian Residents
A recent incident involving a local resident serves as a chilling reminder of how sophisticated—and aggressive—phone scams have become. What began as a quiet drive between two friends quickly escalated into a high-pressure psychological ordeal designed to extort thousands of dollars.
Venice Planning and Zoning Presented the “Development Approval Process”
Updated February 3, 2026
On January 26th, Roger Clark, the head of the Planning and Zoning Department in Venice, delivered an exceptional information presentation to residents attending the Community Association sponsored seminar. He delved into the history, background, and significance of the development process, shedding light on the state’s influence on the process and its potential implications for the city’s residents. The audience was thoroughly engaged and posed numerous questions, which Roger answered with utmost clarity and detail. Roger’s staff, including John Nolen, albeit a cardboard representation, attended the presentation. Nolen, the original planner for the city, expressed his pride in Venice, describing it as his best Florida project and the most original plan his office had ever produced.
Venice’s population, comprising both full-time and seasonal residents, currently exceeds 35,000 and is projected to reach 50,000 by the year 2040. The high median house price in Venice has made it challenging for many individuals to purchase a single-unit house, which is the primary reason behind the construction of mixed-use family dwelling housing along Laurel Road and in other areas. Mixed-use developments offer economic benefits to governments, consumers, and developers.
Roger mentioned that the maximum building height has actually decreased over the years. In 2002, it was possible to obtain approval for a height of 105 feet. However, now it is only 85 feet, with an exception for the new Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Venice. Roger believes that this site will become the main location for the SMH. The site has a potential expansion area of 60 acres, while the location in Sarasota is less than half of that area.
Roger stated that the Venice government cannot refuse, according to the law, a developer’s plan if it complies with the Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Regulations, and the Binding Master Plan. A plan can only be rejected if there is competent and substantial evidence to deny it. The Bert Harris Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2011 (referenced HERE) provides relief to owners of “inordinate burdens.” This act was the primary reason why local homeowners and residents were unable to prevent the development of the natural area across the road from our entrance. As a result, there is now worrisome and potentially dangerous road traffic outside our main entrance and directly across from the main shopping center entrance, as indicated by an audience question.
The development process, to which Roger referenced, is HERE.
