Upcoming Seminars Feb 3rd and 10th

ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd, 9 AM

If you are new to Florida or have become a Florida resident recently, you will especially find this seminar very helpful to attend. On Tuesday, February 3, at 9 am in the River Club Dining room, the Community Association will once again host an Estate Planning seminar. Not only will our expert speaker provide practical advice about getting your estate in order but also provide information specific to those considering Florida as their primary place of residence. Residents who have attended this past seminar have found it to be very helpful. This is purely an educational seminar for our residents.

THE MANY ORIGINS OF SARASOTA, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10th, 5 PM

How old is Sarasota? That depends on what you’re asking. Sarasota is a city, a county, and a bay – each with its own origin story. Join Dr. Josh Goodman, manager of the Sarasota County History Center, for a closer look at the history of Sarasota in all its forms, a story that stretches back to the Spanish colonial era and ties in with some of the most exciting developments of Florida’s fascinating past. The program will feature maps, photographs, and archival records from the History Center’s collections.

Dr. Josh Goodman is an excellent speaker who hosted a similar event last February titled “History of Venice” to a full house at the River Club. He has authored two books and a variety of articles on Florida history topics.

Venice Planning and Zoning Presented the “Development Approval Process”

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.

City of Venice Solid Waste & Fleet operations relocate

The City of Venice Public Works Department has successfully completed the move of all staff, equipment, and daily operations from the old Seaboard Avenue location to the new Solid Waste, Recycling, and Fleet Division Facility at 1280 U.S. 41 Bypass S.

The City purchased the 4.7 acre-site from Douglas Jeep Inc. last fall. The final negotiated purchase price of $11.8 million included a range of personal property items valued around $250,000 – office suite furniture, vehicle lifts and other fleet maintenance equipment. The building was fully renovated in 2023 to function as a pre-owned vehicle mega center, with upgrades that included office space, vehicle storage, and fleet operation areas. The City is investing another $1 million to fence in the facility, install new fuel tanks, build interior walls and install additional bathrooms.

Lorraine Anderson, Public Information Officer, City Manager’s Office, City of Venice, landerson@venicefl.gov

12th Annual Bike-O-Rama Held at the River Club

On Saturday, January 24th, the Community Association sponsored its 12th annual Bike-O-Rama which is a free maintenance bike inspection by the professionals at Bicycles International. Over 60 residents participated in the service during the two hours that it was in operation. Another successful event for our community!

WANTED: A Volunteer “Web Wizard”

Do you have a knack for keeping things running smoothly online? The Community Association is looking for a tech-savvy neighbor to help us maintain and support our community website!

We aren’t looking for a full-time job commitment—just a little bit of your expertise to ensure our digital home stays updated, secure, and user-friendly for everyone in the neighborhood.

What We’re Looking For:

The Community Spirit: This is a volunteer position, perfect for someone who wants to give back and help keep our residents informed.

The Maintainer: Someone to help with regular updates, troubleshooting occasional “hiccups,” and ensuring our information stays current.

The WordPress Whiz (Optional but Awesome): We’d love someone with WordPress experience, but if you’re a general tech enthusiast who’s quick to learn, we still want to talk to you!

Why Help Out?

As we demonstrated in our recent Residents Orientation, our website is the “Wi-Fi” of our community spirit. By volunteering your skills, you’re helping us provide the news, seminars, and community information that make our paradise special.
Interested?

Interested? If you’re willing to lend a hand (and a few clicks), please reach out to us at vgrccaweb@gmail.com or come find us at the next Community Association meeting on February 16th at the River Club, 10 am.

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.

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.

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.