Which former Venice High School standout went on to become a starting offensive lineman in the NFL—playing for the Los Angeles Chargers —and also played college football at Western Kentucky University?

Venice, Florida isn’t just famous for its pristine beaches and fossil-rich sands—it’s also notable for its historic downtown, stunning waterway trails, and Mediterranean‑Revival architecture that dates back to the 1920s planning boom

In that video, you’ll get an immersive glimpse of life in Venice—from its charming historic depot to the scenic Intracoastal waterfront—that brings this special coastal town to life. Enjoy the tour!

The beloved Wee Blew Inn, a Venice institution for 45 years, has officially closed its doors, ending an era for the local dining scene.

The heartfelt announcement came via Facebook, where owners thanked loyal customers and staff for treating the diner as a second home.

In the final days, regulars were invited back for one last meal and a chance to reminisce, as the restaurant began selling its furnishings and keepsakes.

Many in Venice are mourning the loss of this gathering place, cherished for its classic breakfast and lunch, warm hospitality, and unmistakable community spirit.

As memories from the Wee Blew Inn linger, Venice remains a lively culinary destination, with favorites like Mi Pueblo El Restaurante Mexicano and Gold Rush BBQ continuing to welcome both locals and visitors.

🛋️ Once More Decor Brings Chic, Affordable Style to Downtown Venice

A fresh wave of style has rolled into downtown Venice with the grand opening of Once More Decor, a boutique furniture and home décor store located at 520 E. Venice Avenue. Officially opening its doors on July 1, 2025, the shop has already made a stylish impression on the community—and was warmly welcomed as a new Business Partner of Venice MainStreet.

Owned by Bonnie J. Schatz and Sally S. Schatz, this mother-daughter team set out to create a space that blends upscale design with small-town charm. The store offers a curated mix of new and consigned furniture, décor, and indoor/outdoor home accents, allowing customers to shop affordably while still enjoying elegant selections. The business also purchases directly from individuals and features a flexible consignment program.

As they shared during their opening week: “We are a classy, affordable and upscale consignment store. We carry furniture, indoor and outdoor, and home décor. We can purchase directly from you or ask about our consignment program.”

Excitement around the launch was evident on social media, and the upbeat energy and genuine hospitality helped draw a steady stream of curious shoppers, consignors, and neighbors during the first days of business.

With a focus on sustainable shopping, community connection, and beautiful design, Once More Decor has quickly become more than just a store—it’s a new favorite local destination. Whether you're redecorating, downsizing, or looking for the perfect piece to complete your space, this boutique is well worth a visit.

Classic Cars Roll into Downtown Venice

Mille Miglia Returns in 2026!

Gearheads and history buffs, rejoice!

Mark your calendars NOW!

The legendary Mille Miglia auto race is making its bold comeback to Venice on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, as part of the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida—a thrilling four-day international road rally across the Sunshine State.

1000migliaexperienceflorida.us+

Organized by the City of Venice and the Venice AACA Car Club, this year’s event marks the continuation of a grand tradition: a scenic race through Naples, Venice, and onward to Tampa Expect a dazzling parade of meticulously restored classics and exotic automotive icons, with hundreds of car enthusiasts lining the streets to catch a glimpse of these rolling works of art.

The rally begins with the public-facing leg through downtown Venice, where drivers and passengers will navigate checkpoint‑based time trials in heritage vehicles, then continue their joyous journey toward Tampa.

This stop is part of a larger loop that kicks off in Naples and concludes in Miami on Monday, February 23.

Whether you're rooting for a pre‑1957 Maserati or a sleek '90s supercar, the 1000 Miglia Experience delivers heart‑pounding nostalgia, camaraderie, and timeless elegance. Early sponsors—a rare opportunity to align brands with classic elegance—are already signing on ahead of the event.

If your business would like to become a sponsor, support the race, or even showcase a local antique car, the Venice AACA Car Club encourages you to reach out via [email protected] 

Mark your calendars, Venice! This is your chance to witness automotive masterpieces rolling through the heart of downtown—an unforgettable spectacle merging history, horsepower, and hometown pride.

Captured in stunning detail, this vibrant sunset photo earned Liesl top recognition—her work was published as the “Sunset at the Pier” feature in Venice Gulf Coast Living Magazine and placed in the top 20 out of over 17,000 entries in Fine Art America’s billboard contest. 

This week's photo courtesy of Liesl Walsh

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!

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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Forrest Lamp, born and raised right here in Venice, starred on the offensive line at Venice High School, then earned national attention at Western Kentucky University, where he was named an All-American.