Which hotel chain scrapped plans in November 2007 to build a resort and PGA golf course on public land at the Venice Municipal Airport, after a post-election shift in city politics?

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is set to build an $82.5 million rehabilitation pavilion at its Venice campus, aiming to boost inpatient and outpatient therapy services for South Sarasota County residents.

This four-story, 83,000-square-foot facility will include therapy and administrative space on the first floor, two inpatient rehabilitation levels with about 50 private suites, and a fourth floor ready for future expansion.

Construction begins in 2026, with an opening planned for 2028.

Recent zoning changes by the Venice City Council now allow taller hospital buildings, signaling local support for expanding healthcare infrastructure.

The project is expected to provide jobs and attract healthcare professionals to the area, while easing pressure on SMH’s main Sarasota campus and reducing local travel for patients seeking rehabilitation.

Venice continues to grow as a healthcare hub, with new investment fueling economic benefits for local businesses and families.

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Venice’s home crowd cheered on a powerful performance Friday as the Indians secured a commanding 46–23 win over rival Riverview (Sarasota) at Powell-Davis Stadium.

Balanced offense, sharp defense, and explosive special teams fueled the victory, giving fans a thrilling taste of playoff intensity.

Venice’s aggressive play set the tone from the opening drive, with highlight-reel catches and game-changing moments building momentum.

The Indians’ attack kept the Rams on their heels, while timely defensive stops ensured Riverview never mounted a serious comeback.

After a challenging September, Venice’s rhythm on both sides of the ball proved pivotal, marking its ninth straight win in this storied rivalry.

Riverview arrived undefeated but left 6-1-1, while Venice’s 4–3 record now carries new energy into October.

The Indians next face Clearwater Central Catholic at home, their confidence surging for the season’s final stretch.

Essential Venice Links, Phone #'s & Directions

City Government & Utilities

• City Hall – Main | 941-486-2626 | Maps
• City Clerk – Kelly Michaels | Email | Maps
• Deputy City Clerk – Mercedes Barcia | Email | Maps
• City Council | Email | Maps
• Utilities Department | 941-480-3333 | Maps
• Public Works | 941-486-2422 | Maps
• Venice Municipal Airport (VNC) | 941-486-2711 | Maps
• Building Department | 941-882-7385 | Maps
• Venice Police Department | 941-486-2444 | Maps
• Venice Fire Department | 941-480-3030 | Maps

Libraries

• William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library | 941-861-1110 | Maps
• Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library | 941-861-1110 | Maps
• SCF Venice Campus Library | 941-408-1435 | Maps

Schools

• Venice Elementary School | 941-486-2111 | Maps
• Garden Elementary School | 941-486-2110 | Maps
• Venice Middle School | 941-486-2100 | Maps
• Venice High School | 941-488-6726 | Maps
• SCF Collegiate School – Venice | 941-408-1430 | Maps

Hospitals

• Sarasota Memorial Hospital – Venice | 941-261-9000 | Maps

Animal & Wildlife Services

• Sarasota County Animal Services | 941-861-9500 | Maps
• Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida | 941-484-9657 | Maps

Senior Services

• Senior Friendship Centers – Venice | 941-584-0075 | Maps
• Aging & Disability Resource Center | 866-413-5337 | Maps
• Meals on Wheels – South Sarasota County | 941-488-1889 | Maps

Local Transportation

• Breeze Transit (SCAT) | 941-861-1234 | Maps

• Other

• Venice Train Depot | 941-861-5000 | Maps

Origin Pizza Cafe is set to open a new full-service restaurant in Venice at 1693 S Tamiami Trail by March 2026.

Owner Rami Nehme plans to seat up to 130 guests and offer a full bar, bringing the brand’s crowd-pleasing pizzas, “best-in-Florida” wings, and Mediterranean classics like falafel, hummus, and the signature Origin Salad to a broader audience.

With hours running from 11 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and until 1 a.m. on weekends, the new spot will give Venice locals and visitors another vibrant late-night dining option along the busy Tamiami corridor.

Since launching in 2016, Origin has been a Sarasota favorite, with five other locations and a well-known food truck at Big Top Brewing.

The Venice expansion is designed to serve both year-round residents and seasonal guests.

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System has opened its new Rehabilitation Pavilion, bringing advanced care and innovative technology to local patients recovering from illness or injury.

This state-of-the-art facility features 60 private inpatient rooms, cutting-edge robotic gait training, and a unique outdoor mobility garden that lets patients practice walking, wheeling, and daily life skills in realistic settings.

Therapy gyms are equipped with Bioness, Ekso, and Lokomat systems, supporting customized programs for neurological, orthopedic, stroke, and oncology recovery.

The Pavilion also includes fully furnished apartments for real-world readiness, easy-access parking, and a focus on specialty therapies from pet therapy to women’s health and pain management.

With its blend of privacy, compassion, and pioneering rehabilitation tools, the Pavilion sets a new standard for local healing—helping Sarasota residents....

Photo of the Week

We simply cannot get enough of the Venice Beach photos, can we?

This week's photo courtesy of Claudia Daniels

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!

The Marriott