In the early 20th century, Venice, Florida was chosen as the winter headquarters for a famous organization. Which group made Venice its seasonal base of operations, helping to shape the city’s early development?

The Beauty of Venice thru the eyes of Donna Dee Photography

Irvin Feld recognized a need to refresh the world of clowning in 1968, leading to the founding of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College in Venice, Florida.

This unique college trained nearly 1,400 graduates in slapstick, acrobatics, and clown arts, producing talents like Bill Irwin and Penn Jillette.

Though it closed in 1997, its spirit remains woven into Venice’s identity.

Made In Italy Restaurant

Located on bustling West Venice Avenue, Made In Italy brings the flavors of authentic Italian cuisine to the heart of Venice. A local favorite for years, this cozy-yet-stylish eatery serves house-made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list—all in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

🍝 Why Locals Love It:

• Authentic Recipes: Classic Italian dishes like Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, Risotto ai Frutti di Mare, and handcrafted wood-fired pizzas straight from a traditional oven.

• Vibrant Atmosphere: The restaurant’s rustic-chic décor, indoor and outdoor seating, and frequent live music create a welcoming space for date nights or family dinners.

• Full Bar & Wine List: Known for its curated Italian wines, signature cocktails, and espresso drinks.

📍 117 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285
🌐 madeinitaly-venice.com
📞 (941) 488-8282

“Keeping it Fresh” for over 5 years!

The starting salary for a police officer in Venice stands at $65,000, yet that figure pales in comparison to what’s being offered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

ICE is aggressively recruiting local Venice police officers, sending letters and emails with a $50,000 signing bonus for those willing to join their federal deportation force.

This potential windfall nearly doubles a Venice officer’s first-year income, creating a powerful incentive—especially for young officers balancing student loans or the rising cost of living in Florida.

The city of Venice, and communities statewide, now face the risk of losing local officers to ICE’s national mission.

The debate grows: should federal agencies lure away hometown talent with such lucrative offers?

This stunning aerial drone image showcases the iconic Venice Beach jetty, where turquoise Gulf waters meet the sandy shoreline beneath an expansive sky. 

This week's photo courtesy of Sun Kissed Salt

Do you have a photo that captures the spirit and beauty of Venice and would like to see yours featured in an upcoming edition?

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City Government & Utilities

• City Hall – Main
  Phone: 941‑486‑2626
  Fax: 941‑480‑3031
  Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM–4 PM
  Website: venicegov.com
  Email: [email protected]

• City Clerk – Kelly Michaels
  Phone: 941‑882‑7390
  Email: [email protected]

• Deputy City Clerk – Mercedes Barcia
  Phone: 941‑882‑7392
  Email: [email protected]

• City Council: [email protected]

• Utilities (billing/emergencies): 941‑480‑3333
  After‑hours Emergencies: 941‑486‑2770

• Public Works (trash, roads): 941‑486‑2422
  Report Issues: SeeClickFix

• Airport: 941‑486‑2711

• Building Permits: 941‑882‑7385

• Police (non‑emergency): 941‑486‑2444

• Fire (non‑emergency): 941‑480‑3030

Libraries

• William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
  Phone: 941‑861‑1110
  Curbside Pickup: 941‑861‑1225
  Website: sarasotacountylibraries.org

• Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
  Phone: 941‑861‑1110

• SCF Venice Campus Library
  Phone: 941‑408‑1435
  Text: 941‑270‑9643

Schools

• Venice Elementary School: 941‑486‑2111

• Garden Elementary School: 941‑486‑2110

• Venice Middle School: 941‑486‑2100

• Venice High School: 941‑488‑6726 – venicehighschool.org

• SCF Collegiate School – Venice Campus: 941‑408‑1430 – scfcs.scf.edu/venice

Hospitals

• Sarasota Memorial Hospital – Venice
  Phone: 941‑261‑9000
  Emergency Room: 24/7

Animal & Wildlife Services

• Sarasota County Animal Services
  Phone: 941‑861‑9500
  Lost Pets: 941‑861‑9501

• Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida
  Phone: 941‑484‑9657

Senior Services

• Senior Friendship Centers – Venice
  Phone: 941‑584‑0075
  Website: friendshipcenters.org

• Aging & Disability Resource Center (Area Agency on Aging for SWFL)
  Phone: 866‑413‑5337
  Website: aaaswfl.org

• Meals on Wheels – South Sarasota County
  Phone: 941‑488‑1889
  Website: mealsonwheelssouthsarasota.org

Local Transportation

• SCAT (Sarasota County Area Transit)
  Customer Service: 941‑861‑1234
  Website & Routes: scgov.net/scat

• SCAT Plus (Paratransit Services)
  Eligibility / Rides: 941‑861‑1230
  TDD: 941‑861‑1003

• Venice Train Depot (Historic Hub / Bus Transfers)
  Info Line: 941‑861‑5000

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The Kentucky Military Institute (KMI) moved its winter campus to Venice in 1933, bringing hundreds of cadets each year for wintertime military training until the school closed in 1970.