Venice Fire Rescue Chief Frank Giddens has issued a citywide recreational burn ban effective today, Wednesday, March 26 due to the dry weather conditions that pose a risk for increased wildfire potential.
This burn ban mirrors a countywide ban issued today by the Sarasota County Fire Department.
Outdoor cooking fires in approved grills such as gas or charcoal BBQ grills are permitted; however, extreme caution is urged with these devices as well. Fire pits/cooking pits are not permitted. Remember to not leave a grill unattended and make sure coals are completely cooled before disposing.
The citywide burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning that has not been specifically permitted by the Florida Forest Service. Bonfires, campfires, and the burning of vegetative (yard) debris is not allowed. Should a wildfire erupt, nearby residents are urged to follow directions from authorities. This may include evacuations of localized areas.
We ask all residents to stay vigilant during these dry conditions.
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.
Florida Friendly Landscaping for Residents
Residential Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Ashley Ellis provided guidance on how to landscape in Florida to ensure we are synchronizing with the environment, conserving water and friendly to wildlife while maintaining an attractive, colorful and diverse yard.
The Community Association sponsored event was held at the River Club on Monday, March 24th. Ashley is from the University of Florida, Sarasota County Extension Services on Clark Road. Click here for their website. There are nine Florida Friendly Principles to follow as on the right.
History of the Ringling Circus & Museum, Monday, April 7 at 5 pm
For 65 years, The Greatest Show on Earth wintered in Sarasota and Venice, Florida, leaving those two cities forever different. What these gulf coast cities are today can be traced directly back to the King of the Circus himself, John Ringling — Renaissance man, real estate magnate, showman and visionary. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus departed Venice in 1992 but more than the memories live on. Kim Cool, Features Editor at Venice Gondolier Sun, will be our speaker for this fascinating seminar.
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 March 2025
Please enjoy the March 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 March 2025 City of Venice Newsletter.
Community Association Board and Annual meetings to be held Monday, April 21st
The next VGRC Community Association Board meeting will be held at the River Club on Monday, April 21st at 3 pm. Residents are welcome to give their views!
The Community Association Annual meeting will occur at 4:30 PM at the River Club. Members and non-members are welcome to attend.
Agenda will be published.