1/4/24

Venice MainStreet, Inc. is a nonprofit organization committed to preserving and

enhancing the character, beauty, and economic vitality of historic downtown Venice.

Centennial Park restroom closure through 1/26


The restrooms at Centennial Park on West Venice Avenue will be closed Thursday, Jan. 4 through Friday, Jan. 26 as a contractor conducts much-needed repairs and enhancements to the location’s 25-year old water/wastewater utility infrastructure and amenities. 


While this work is being done, there will be 10 regular and 4 ADA portable restroom units and 4 handwash stations available for the public in the parking spaces closest to the permanent restroom building at Centennial Park. Public restrooms are also available at Hecksher Park and the Venice Beach pavilion. 


Your patience is appreciated as this important update is completed.


Information provided by City of Venice

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Downtown sidewalk tree replacement starts 1/8


Starting Monday, Jan. 8, the City of Venice will initiate the replacement of downtown sidewalk trees that were lost due to Hurricane Ian. The project will primarily affect the sidewalks of the 200 and 300 blocks of West Venice Avenue, mainly on the eastbound side, as well as the 200 block of Miami Avenue. 


To ensure the safe completion of the tree replacements, periodic lane and parking space closures will be necessary from Jan. 8 to Feb. 16. Some parking spaces may be closed overnight.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Motorists and pedestrians should exercise caution during tree replacement and be alert for changing traffic patterns and sidewalk work zones.


Information and map provided by City of Venice

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Are you a fan of live music, art, photography, and storytelling? Imagine putting them all together in one performance. That's Art in the Afternoon! Started by a resident of IslandWalk of the West Villages, 2024 marks the seventh season of celebrating community talent with a series of three programs held in January, February and March at the Community Room of the William H Jervey, Jr Venice Public Library in downtown Venice. See the poster below for details!  


Questions? Contact Trena Kelly, Creative Director at 302-344-7949 or by email: iwartintheafternoon@gmail.com


Art in the Afternoon is sponsored by IslandWalk at the West Villages and promoted by the Venice branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW).

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Rum cocktails from participating locations must be purchased on or before the afternoon of January 12, 2024 in order to enter your coupons no later than 4pm on Friday, January 12, 2024 at the Venice MainStreet office (open Mondays-Fridays from 10am-4pm).

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From 8 a.m. to noon this Saturday, Jan. 6, the City of Venice and Sarasota County Government will be collecting household hazardous waste at South Brohard Park, 1900 S. Harbor Drive, Venice.


Materials being accepted: adhesives and glues, aerosols, antifreeze, automotive products, cleaners, electronics, fertilizers, fluorescent lamps, gasoline, household fire extinguishers, mercury, motor oil, oil filters, paint, pesticides, pool chemicals, propane cylinders, rechargeable batteries, solvents and thinners, vehicle batteries.


Materials not being accepted: containers over 5 gallons, fireworks, flares, medications, radioactive materials, sharps, tires, ammunition.


Place materials in your trunk. Remain in your vehicle. Staff will unload materials. No walk-ups accepted. Collection is for City of Venice and Sarasota County residents only; proof of residency may be requested. No commercial waste.

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Learn more from Deb Peters about the upcoming 2024 program Independently Strong, where you can build your strength, stability and mobility so you will feel strong and confident with your body at any age. 


Open House


Saturday, January 6 from 10am to 11:30am


210 Miami Ave. West, Venice, FL 34285

(813) 731-8767

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Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 7:00pm


Our HIGH ENERGY SHOW with audience participation is sure to get you out of your seats while you sing along to so many of Tina’s HITS! Simply Tina is a full live band – no lip syncing, no backing tracks all singing & every note is performed live.

Lead singer, Karena Korokous, brings the essence of Tina Turner during the band’s amazing show. 

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A Tribute to Elvis Starring Dwight Icenhower

Balcony seats now available at the Venice Performing Arts Center, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. 


Celebrate Elvis' Birthday with Dwight Icenhower and Venice Theatre! Dwight is back with his ultimate tribute to the KING! Considered one of the best Elvis tribute artists in the country today, Dwight has mastered the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s eras of Elvis’ career and has won a myriad of national Elvis awards. Orchestra Seating is sold out. Balcony Seating is now available.

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Monthly Branch Meeting

"Collegiate Connections"

January 11th at 10am


At the January 11 member meeting, the presenter is Kaitlyn Kramer-Reeves, Associate Director of Development & Advancement for the University of South Florida (Sarasota/ Manatee campus). In her presentation, “Collegiate Connections,” she will share many innovative ideas for our members to volunteer on and off campus. Here’s a ‘tickler’ of what you will hear: 


•National Conference for College Women Student Leaders •Sip & Chat salons on campus

•A ‘West Coast’ Tech Trek possibility

•AAUW student membership 

•Mentoring/supporting scholarship applicants


Be sure to schedule Thursday, January 11, at the William H. Jervey Library in your calendar! Invite a guest! 

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This concert features swashbuckling music from Captain Blood and Pirates of the Caribbean, Mulan and How to Train Your Dragon. Guest Vocalist Lauren Jelencovich, who has toured with Yanni as his featured vocalist, will wow you with songs from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Aladdin and The Little Mermaid in a concert that will be treasured by music lovers of all ages. 

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Venice Presbyterian Church

825 The Rialto, Venice, FL 34285

(941) 488-2258

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Ruth Bader Ginsburg Presentation

Sunday, January 14 from 6-9pm


Ruth Bader Ginsburg is brought to life in the person of actress, Sheryl Faye. Ginsburg was a lawyer, professor of law and a judge who went on to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court associate justice for 27 years. She championed fairness and equality and was a leading voice for gender equality, women's interests and civil liberty rights. 


6 p.m. - Reception with Champagne and Appetizers, Champagne generously sponsored by Lueanne Wood, PA. 

7 p.m. - Performance

Tickets are $40.00 with a limitation of 150 attendees. 

Sponsored by Venice Branch of American Association of University Women. 

Funds raised from this event support the Venice Branch's scholarships. 


Venue: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Avenue South 

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THE WORLD OF KABBALAH:

Revealing how its mystical secrets relate to you

 

Discover the core mystical and spiritual teachings of Kabbalah and their relevance to everyday life. You’ll learn to think like a Jewish mystic and gain powerful insights to fuel deeper self-understanding and personal growth. Curious why there’s so much buzz around Kabbalah? Discover it for yourself by attending The World of Kabbalah.


6 Tuesdays, 12:30 pm (Lunch 12:00 pm). At Chabad of Venice

Begins January 16, 2024


The option to join by Zoom will be available. Meeting ID to be provided upon registration.  

Unsure about the full 6-course series? Join us for the first class—on the house! Can't make it to every session? No worries. All classes will be recorded and sent to registered students.


Chabad of Venice & North Port

21560 Angela Lane • Venice, FL 34293

941-493-2770

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JAN 19 - FEB 18


Raymond Center at Venice Theatre

140 Tampa Ave W., Venice, FL 34285

941-488-1115

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Tours start January 23rd

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Join the orchestras of Venice High School and the Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota as they combine for their annual concert.


FREE CONCERT!

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Next plant sale is February 3rd

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Carillon Recitals

Saturdays at 10am

Venice Performing Arts Center


Abundant parking is available but only limited seating is provided. Attendees may listen from their cars or bring their own seating. Recitals last 30-45 minutes and take place rain or shine (but not when electrical storms are nearby).

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Hecksher Park

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Deadline to apply for new Venice Citizen Advisory Board is 1/18


The City of Venice is looking for motivated individuals to serve on its new Citizen Advisory Board (CAB) starting this year. Applications for this nine-member volunteer board (including 1 student member and 1 Venice Art Center member) will be accepted through Thursday, Jan. 18, followed by Venice City Council evaluation and selection of the new members. 


This is an excellent opportunity for City residents who have a passion for community service and a desire to support the ongoing strategic plan of the City Council. The Citizen Advisory Board will be assigned specific initiatives, topics, and policies by City Council for the purpose of research, feedback, and recommendations. These Council assignments can include a variety of topics such as parks, recreational systems, environmental initiatives, sustainability, public art, and bicycle facilities. The board will also review and make recommendations on all public requests for the placement of amenity donations, memorials, and art onto public property. The board will meet at least quarterly at City Hall, and potentially more frequently depending on the board’s project workload. The objective of this advisory board is to perform in-depth evaluation, research, and public education into specific topics as assigned by City Council, then, to bring these work products back to Council as recommendations to support the strategic decision-making process.


The City of Venice is inviting you to participate in this new board opportunity and would encourage you to apply online using this link: Venice, FL: Boards (granicus.com) or in person at City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave. You can also contact Amanda Hawkins-Brown in the City Clerk’s Office for more information at ahbrown@venicefl.gov or 941-882-7391.

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233 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285

(941) 321-5845

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Venice Olive Oil Company

101 W Venice Ave #5, Venice, FL 34285

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Reserve Your 2024 Issue or Subscribe here

VeniceGulfCoastLivingMagazine.com 

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Specials through 1/12

Seed and Bean Market

116 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285

(941) 220-3234

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Business Partners

Aqua Silks Studio

Daiquiri Deck

Seed and Bean Market


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

Venice MainStreet Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit registered with the
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR VISIT WWW.FDACS.GOV. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. [s.496.405(1)(c), F.S.] Registration # CH50211