Which historic Venice building once housed a pink onyx soda fountain and a telephone switchboard, where a red light on its roof was activated during emergencies to alert local police?

Venice, Florida is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail—making it a prime spot for birdwatching right in the city.

From wetlands to shorelines, you can spot roseate spoonbills, ospreys, herons, wood storks, and lots more.

Venice, FL, is seeing a population boom, with nearly 16.6% growth since 2020, intensifying the demand for flexible housing options.

As high property taxes, soaring insurance rates, and elevated mortgage costs push homeownership out of reach, more Americans are opting to rent—Venice residents included.

Recent surveys reveal a record 36% of movers now prefer renting, while new research confirms renting is, on average, 38% less expensive than buying per month in the nation’s 50 largest metro areas.

LendingTree found 34% of renters, and a striking 84% of baby boomer renters, would rather lease—a trend especially pronounced in retirement-friendly communities like Venice.

With rental demand climbing and ownership costs rising, renting is quickly becoming the smarter, more affordable choice for a growing, diverse local population.  In addition,

Tip of The Day... Flying Allegiant from Sarasota?

Flying Allegiant out of Sarasota–Bradenton (SRQ)? You can avoid the online “carrier usage” fee (about $22 per person, per flight segment) by buying tickets in person at the airport counter.

SRQ counter hours (very limited):

Monday: 8:00–9:00 AM
Thursday: 8:00–9:00 AM

Here's how.....

1. Arrive a few minutes before the window opens (lines happen).

2. Bring your photo ID and preferred flight details.

3. Ask to purchase at the ticket counter to bypass the online fee.

The Results? Family of 4, round trip (no connections):
$22 × 4 passengers × 2 directions = $176 saved.

Keep in mind

• Fares can change—what you saw online might shift by the time you buy.

• Seats, bags, and add-ons cost the same either way.

• Factor in parking/time to be sure the savings pencil out.

Discover how a one-hour stop on Mon/Thu mornings could cover your extra baggage fees—or a celebratory meal at your destination.

Check out this striking waterfront image by local photographer, John Lewis, and enjoy a special moment of sunset splash!  You can discover more  on his website or Facebook page

This week's photo courtesy of John Lewis

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

 Reach out!

Venice’s Spotlight Business program is being offered to local business nominations for FREE for one issue from September through December.

Each month, one standout Venice business will be featured with a dedicated FREE dedicated spotlight feature in the Venice Matters Newsletter, a highlighted post on the Facebook page, and an exclusive feature in the Venice Voices Matter Facebook group.

This triple exposure connects your business with thousands of highly engaged local residents, boosting your visibility and community reputation.

The program is completely free—an initiative to support the Venice business community and foster local pride.

We will make selections soon, so apply now for your chance to be in the spotlight and reach more Venice locals than ever before! To apply, first simply make sure you have subscribed to VeniceMatters.com and submit your interest through the provided application link located at...

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

A beloved landmark and local hangout, BrewBurgers on Rt 41 and on Venice Island serves up gourmet burgers, craft beers, and casual comfort in a family-friendly setting. Known for their juicy patties, creative toppings, and relaxed atmosphere, it's the perfect stop whether you're catching the game or winding down after a beach day.

BrewBurgers started in 2010 with a simple goal—make the best burger in town and pair it with a cold beer. As evidence of their success, have been voted the “Best Burger” in Venice year after year!

It's always easy to focus on what's new in town, but when push comes to shove, let's face it....it's hard to beat the best when you already know where it is!

📍 525 Tamiami Trail S, Venice, FL 34285

📍 370 Commercial Court, Venice, FL 34292
📞 (941)-484-2337
🌐 brewburgers.com

“Burgers. Beer. Beach Vibes. Only in Venice.”

We're more than a just a Newsletter.......

Did you know.....?

You can follow and like, and stay on top of things at our Facebook page HERE

You can read our news feed for Venice articles and features that might never make it to our newsletter HERE 

You can read our Newsletter Back issues HERE 

And ....we have just created a new place for Venice residents to voice their thoughts, opinions and community news HERE   Let's hear YOUR voice!

Know someone else who would also enjoy our Venice, FL

 Good News Neighborhood Newsletter?

No arrests, no bad news, or police blotter reports!

Tell them to Subscribe to Venice Matters.

It's informative and FREE!

That unique landmark is the Johnson‑Schoolcraft Building, constructed in 1926 in the Mission/Spanish Revival style. Originally designed with retail space below and five apartments above, it featured a lavish pink onyx soda fountain and mahogany fixtures in its pharmacy. In 1928, the city’s telephone switchboard operated from there—and during emergencies, the operator would turn on a red light atop the roof to alert the police. The building remains largely unchanged today.