What City Ordinance did Venice approve in 2010, that was later repealed in 2017, yet remains in effect to this day?

For years, North Venice near Laurel Road was seen mostly as untapped potential, but that’s quickly changing.

Plans for a 100,000-square-foot Home Depot alongside a future Walmart at Venice Crossing signal a turning point for this once-quiet stretch.

The proposed site, near Laurel Road and Twin Laurel Boulevard, is fast becoming a magnet for national retailers eager to tap into the city’s surging growth.

For many locals, this means less travel for major shopping and home improvement needs—reflecting Venice’s rise from a stopover town to a commercial destination.

While the promise of jobs and convenience excites some, others are concerned about increased traffic and changing community character.

This partnership between two retail giants underscores North Venice’s shift from future promise to present investment, transforming open land into a bustling commercial hub.

With change underway, the area’s identity is poised for a new era, as residents weigh the benefits and challenges of this rapid evolution.

Venice and Sarasota County residents are being targeted by alarming TV commercials promoting costly home title protection services.

These companies, like Home Title Lock and Norton LifeLock Home Title, claim to "lock" your property title – but in reality, no private service can block fraudsters from filing fake deeds in the public record.

What they offer is just monitoring, alerting you after the fact.

The good news? Local homeowners don’t have to pay for this peace of mind.

Sarasota County Clerk of the Court, Karen E. Rushing, provides a free Property Fraud Alert system.

Simply register your name and email with the Clerk’s office, and you’ll ....

Venice homebuyers are increasingly backing out of deals even after contracts are signed, a trend now spreading across Florida.

While buyers are still interested in Florida living, many return to the bargaining table—or walk away—after confronting higher insurance premiums, unexpected HOA fees, or costly inspection issues.

According to a Redfin report, nearly 15% of pending U.S. home sales were canceled in mid-2025, with Florida communities like Venice among the hardest hit.

This shift is driven less by “cold feet” and more by harsh financial realities surfacing late in the process, as insurance quotes soar and HOA documents unveil expensive surprises.

Sellers can no longer take offers as guarantees—transparency and solid property conditions are now essential.

For buyers, protecting finances has become top priority, with many choosing to walk away rather than gamble on unpredictable future costs.

This careful approach marks a new ...

Venice has earned national attention, landing on WorldAtlas’s list of Florida’s 9 Unsung Small Towns thanks to its unique mix of historic charm, coastal beauty, and vibrant community.

The city’s walkable downtown showcases Mediterranean Revival architecture, boutique shops, and lively cultural venues, with Centennial Park at the heart of local gatherings and celebrations.

Venice’s status as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World draws locals and visitors alike to Caspersen Beach, renowned for fossil hunting along its pristine, natural shoreline.

Outdoor lovers are drawn to the Venetian Waterway Park and Legacy Trail, offering scenic routes for walking and biking that link the city to Sarasota.

Historic neighborhoods like Venezia Park underscore Venice’s roots as a thoughtfully planned, Mediterranean-inspired city and ....

World Turning, a nationally touring Fleetwood Mac tribute band of seasoned musicians, is set to bring its acclaimed live experience to the Venice Community Center this winter.

The concert, billed as The Live Fleetwood Mac Experience, is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at 326 Nokomis Avenue South.

Lead singer Jacqi Michaels channels Stevie Nicks with a career spanning Broadway and work with icons like Barbra Streisand.

The band’s line-up features guitarist John Mahoney and drummer Mike Zimmerman, both well-traveled Nashville performers, along with versatile pianist Beth Dean, veteran guitarist Gary McGuire, and bassist Ralph Graham, each bringing decades of music industry experience.

Tickets are available online, and with World Turning’s national reputation, this Venice show promises an evening that captures the magic of Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits.

Venice Photo of the Week

Whether it's warm or cold, day after day, nature always reminds us why we're "living the dream" here in Venice

This week's photo courtesy of Melinda Gartrell

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

 Reach out!

No Smoking On Beaches...

In 2010, Venice City Code explicitly prohibited cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco products on beaches. However, it was repealed in a 2017 amendment to the city code in order to align with Florida state law (because the state had primary jurisdiction over smoking regulation at the time).