Jul 27, 2023 | News
Information and photo provided by Venice Area Historical Society and Florida Trust for Historic Preservation.
Photo caption: Venice Area Historical Society leaders Mary Huba (second from left) and George Miller (at right) were on hand at the Preservation on Main Street 2023 conference in Ocala to accept the prestigious award from the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. Mary and George led the decade-long rehabilitation and 2023 opening of the Circus Train Car Museum on the Historic Venice Train Depot campus, which the award recognized.
Pictured with them are Harry Klinkhamer, Historical Resources Manager for the City of Venice (on left); Jean Trammell, Chair of the Venice MainStreet Design Committee (at center); and Tracy Silver, President of Venice MainStreet (second from right). Venice MainStreet, which was co-founded by VAHS Vice President Betty Intagliata, was recognized for its 35th anniversary as an organization working to strengthen and promote Venice’s historic downtown.
Venice Area Historical Society wins 2023 Florida Preservation Award
The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation recognized excellence in historic preservation throughout the state with its 2023 Florida Preservation Awards during the 2023 Preservation on Main Street conference. The awards were conferred along with the Secretary of State Awards, which are an important event at the annual conference.
Preservation Award nominations were submitted by the public with recipients selected by a jury composed of preservationists from around the state. Preservationists and projects were recognized in five categories: Master Artisan, Restoration, Rehabilitation and Adaptive Use, Preservation Communications/Media, Organizational Achievement and the Sallye Jude Award for Resilient Preservation. Additionally, the Board of Trustees granted its prestigious President’s Award.
The Venice Area Historical Society (VAHS) was the winner of the Organizational Achievement Award. The Organizational Achievement category acknowledges achievement in preservation by a group, corporation, neighborhood or other organization.
About VAHS
For over three decades, the Venice Area Historical Society has remained steadfast in its commitment to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Venice. Through their educational programs and initiatives, VAHS has made significant contributions to the community.
Offering free tours of the Historic Venice Train Depot and hosting the Betty Intagliata Lecture Series, the organization ensures that residents and visitors alike have access to in-depth knowledge about Venice’s history. Its commitment to education extends to scholarships for graduating high school seniors and outreach programs with youth-related organizations, fostering a deep appreciation for Venice’s past among younger generations.
VAHS has actively supported the restoration of the Venice Train Depot, commissioned a statue in honor of a circus legend and played a pivotal role in preserving historic buildings and exhibits. A notable achievement is the Circus Train Car Museum project. By successfully fundraising, acquiring and rehabilitating a former Ringling circus car, VAHS created a museum that not only showcases the city’s circus legacy, but also offers visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of performers.
VAHS’s comprehensive and sustained commitment to historic preservation and education has established the organization as a leader in their field that works to enrich the local community and contribute to a broader understanding and appreciation of Venice’s history. VAHS continues to preserve, promote and celebrate the unique cultural tapestry of Venice, ensuring that future generations can cherish and learn from the city’s rich heritage.
Tours of the Circus Car and Train Depot
Saturdays – 10 AM to 1 PM
303 E. Venice Ave. Venice FL 34285
941-412-0151
Jul 26, 2023 | News
Venice MainStreet is excited to announce the winners of the gift basket give-away for our 2023 Christmas in July event! Thank you to all of the participating downtown businesses that contributed goodies to make the baskets a treasure trove of goodies this year.
Congratulations to:
• Lori Christig
• Lee Hudspeth
• John Leiby
• Susan Mangino
• Joyce McClay
• Debby Robinson
• Sara Skinner
• Chris Swenson
Jul 21, 2023 | News
Thank you, Intracoastal Cleaners Laundry Service, for joining Venice MainStreet as a Business Partner! Don’t waste your entire day doing laundry. Let Intracoastal Cleaners do your laundry for you! When you use their pickup and delivery service, they come to you to pick up your laundry right off of your doorstep. They take it back to their facility where they carefully wash and dry your clothes or linens, then return it back to you clean, neatly folded and ready to use. Residential and commercial services are available in the Nokomis, Venice and Osprey area.
Pickup & Delivery
Try our pickup and delivery laundry service.
– Schedule your pickup when it is convenient for you.
– Mobile laundry service will pick up your laundry and take it back to the facility.
– Wash, dry and neatly fold everything for you.
– Deliver your clean laundry back to you.
Commercial Laundry
If you own a business needing laundry services, let Intracoastal Cleaners do it for you.
- Hotels / Motels – towels, comforters, sheets
- Hospitals / Clinics – uniforms, bed linens, scrubs
- Doctor’s Offices – uniforms, gowns
- Pet Grooming – towels, pet beds
- Airbnb / VRBO – area rugs, towels, beach towels, sheets, blankets, kitchen towels
- Gyms / Spas – towels and robes
- Industrial Businesses – uniforms, rags, towels
- Restaurants / Catering – chair covers, linen napkins, tablecloths
About Intracoastal Cleaners
I decided to get into the laundry pickup and delivery business because I saw a need for it in my community. People are so busy these days, there isn’t time to spend all day doing laundry. So I teamed up with my neighbor, who has been doing laundry for years, and we created Intracoastal Cleaners. Give our service a try and save yourself loads of time. – Ed Buxton
Contact
941-599-2020
intracoastalcleaners@gmail.com
intracoastalcleaners.com
Jul 20, 2023 | News
Neal Communities donated $15,000 to Venice MainStreet to sponsor its Friday Night Concert Series and marketing efforts. It is the second consecutive year that Southwest Florida’s largest private homebuilder has supported the popular entertainment series in downtown Venice.
For more than 35 years, Venice MainStreet has hosted special events like the Friday Night Concert Series in the city of Venice’s historic downtown district. On the second and fourth Fridays of each month, free music performances take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Centennial Park. “Last year, the concert series, which is open to the public, drew an attendance of 15,000,” said Kara Morgan, CEO of Venice MainStreet.
The year-round program is designed to attract both tourists and residents to the thriving business district along Venice Avenue. “We encourage people to visit downtown, have dinner, enjoy a little shopping and then enjoy the concert at 7 p.m.,” Morgan said.
Last year, Neal Communities was the first ever corporate sponsor of the event and donated $15,000. This year’s sponsorship makes a grand total of $30,000 that the homebuilder has put toward the event.
“We are thrilled that Neal Communities is going to sponsor our 2023-2024 Friday Night Concert Series. Just like last year, the funds will be used to pay local artists to perform and support marketing efforts for downtown,” Morgan said. “We’re excited to have them participate as a partner with us again and appreciate their ongoing support.”
Venice MainStreet is an accredited Main Street organization through the Florida Main Street Program and Main Street America. Its mission is to preserve and enhance the character, beauty and economic vitality of historic downtown Venice. The organization achieves its goals through marketing, promotions, special events and historic preservation advocacy.
“We are happy to support Venice MainStreet and a program that assists local businesses while also providing residents and visitors safe and fun events to attend,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities.
During the company’s 50-year history, Neal Communities has built more than 20,000 new homes in more than 90 acclaimed communities from Tampa to Naples. With a core belief that “Where You Live Matters,” the company has given more than $7.75 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to the communities where it builds.
For more information about Venice MainStreet’s concert schedules, performers, or to join the Venice MainStreet e-newsletter visit www.VisitVeniceFL.org. For more information about Neal Communities, visit www.NealCommunities.com.
About Neal Communities
Neal Communities, based in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, is Southwest Florida’s largest and most established locally owned and operated private builder. During the company’s 50-year history, it has built more than 20,000 new homes in more than 90 acclaimed communities from Tampa to Naples. The company consistently ranks among the nation’s top 100 home builders and has earned numerous awards including the prestigious Builder of the Year from Professional Builder in 2015 and America’s Best Builder in 2012 from BUILDER Magazine. With a core belief that “Where You Live Matters,” Neal Communities has given more than $7.75 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to the communities where they live, work and build. Company sales in fiscal year 2022 were just over $600 million.
Additional Neal Communities brands include Neal Signature Homes, Charlene Neal PureStyle, Waterscapes Pools & Spas, Neal Communities Funding and Allegiant Title Professionals. For more information, visit NealCommunities.com.
PHOTO CAPTION: Patchouli & Terra Guitarra performed on January 27, 2023, at the gazebo in Centennial Park in downtown Venice as part of Venice MainStreet’s Friday Night Concert Series. Neal Communities sponsored the series last year and announced it will sponsor the event again this year. Photos by Venice MainStreet.
Jul 3, 2023 | News
Thank you, Creator’s Farm and Garden, for joining Venice MainStreet! Creator’s Farm and Garden is an agritourism destination offering an old Florida experience where you can tour grand oaks intermingled with lush gardens. Enjoy self-guided tours through a shady 5-6 acre site with over 400 varieties of exotic, tropical, rare, common, native edible and non-edible plants and trees arranged in biblical themed areas. You will learn about the plants, permaculture farming, aquaponic farming, landscaping, as well as the Bible. Feel free to bring refreshments or purchase healthy snacks, drinks and ice cream on site and hang out on the breezy covered porch. Wi-Fi and restroom available. For ticket prices, CLICK HERE.
Creator’s Farm and Garden
3025 Frederick Drive, Venice, FL 34292
Located off of Jackson Road between Jacaranda Rd exit 193 and River Rd exit 191 off I-75.
creatorsfarm@yahoo.com
creatorsfarmandgarden.com
Summer 2023 Dates & Times: Thursday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Jul 3, 2023 | News
Thank you, Joel Trippiedi and Pro Measure Service LLC, for joining Venice MainStreet as a Business Partner! Pro Measure Service can create an accurate floor plan of your home or project using laser measuring and a mobile CAD system, whether it is a penthouse on the Gulf or a beautiful house inland.
About the Company
I started Pro Measure Service in 2016 because I saw a need for accurate measuring in the flooring and Real Estate market. Floorplans provide a way to visualize how people will move through the space. Floor plans makes it easier to check if the space is suitable for its intended purpose, work through any potential challenges and redesign before moving forward into more elaborate planning or building stages. The time has come to offer this service to the homeowner as a way for you to plan for remodeling, new floors and cabinets or even to help sell your house. – Joel Trippiedi, Owner
Contact Pro Measure Service LLC to schedule a measure
Email: promeasureservice@gmail.com
941-716-1972
Serving Sarasota & Manatee Counties
promeasureservice.com
Jun 20, 2023 | News
The City of Venice received notification June 16 from the National Park Service that it has officially been certified and accepted into the Certified Local Government (CLG) program. The CLG program is a federal program recognizing counties and municipalities for achieving certain standards in historic preservation. The City joins 83 other communities in Florida who now have access to technical assistance, training, and grant funds from the Florida Division of Historical Resources.
“The unanimous support of pursing CLG designation by the City Council is one of the many steps we have taken to preserve our heritage and history,” said Venice Mayor Nick Pachota. “I have so many fond memories from my childhood here in Venice, I am just so glad that the City Council, of which I am honored to be a part of, has marked this certification as important for us to pursue.”
The City had considered being part of the CLG program since 2015. It was the update and adoption of the new Land Development Regulations that spurred serious discussion and consideration of the idea.
“Being part of CLG is great recognition of the hard work done by the Planning Commission, City Council, the former Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Boards, the current Historic and Architectural Preservation Board (HAPB), and City staff to set a standard for historic preservation in the new land development regulations,” said Harry Klinkhamer, Historical Resources Manager.
Funding and assistance from the state will allow Venice to better educate citizens and promote historic preservation in the community. In addition, the program requires and funds surveying what historical properties are in Venice. The last survey of historic structures in Venice happened in 1985 and was only done for the 1920s-era buildings around downtown. Klinkhamer, who will manage the program for the City, is looking forward to working with the HAPB on historic preservation awareness and education.
Photo and information provided by Lorraine Anderson, City of Venice Public Information Officer
City of Venice website: venicegov.com
Jun 19, 2023 | News
Thank you, Hotworx of Osprey, for joining Venice MainStreet as a Business Partner! Hotworx is a virtually instructed exercise program created for users to experience the many benefits of infrared heat absorption, while completing a 30-minute isometric workout or 15-min High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session.
Hotworx has created this infrared sauna workout program for people who want to flush toxins from their bodies, increase flexibility, balance, tone, and burn massive amounts of calories in the process. So whether you want to polish off your gym workout, or you’re strictly a spa-goer who wants to enhance your regime, this innovation could be a major component of your wellness program in the future.
Hotworx of Osprey
1266 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229
941-867-7304
hotworx.net/studio/osprey
Jun 19, 2023 | News
Thank you, Abondanza Italian Deli, for joining Venice MainStreet as a Business Partner! Located in Downtown Venice, the deli brings Italian specialty items straight from Italy to Venice, Florida. Enjoy sandwiches, panini, hot prepared foods, salads, desserts, and beverages. Dine-in, take-out and outdoor seating is available.
200 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285
(941) 303-6748
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abondanza/
Jun 15, 2023 | News
Thank you, Gilly Francis Weddings & Events for joining Venice MainStreet as a Business Partner! Gilly Francis can help you create timeless memories for your wedding or other celebratory event by planning every detail so your day is perfect. Her team utilizes their extensive knowledge, logistic and execution skills while incorporating your personal vision to plan and produce meaningful and memorable events. As a client-focused, small business, they offer a highly personalized service by really getting to know the brides, families and clients. This allows them to manage and oversee all of the details of your special day. Services include: Weddings (Full, Partial and “Month of ” packages available), birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers and custom packages.
About Gilly Francis
I am originally from the UK and have lived all over the world before settling in the Venice area in 1998 to raise my two daughters. I spent 20 years in the hospitality business before implementing the wedding programs at Historic Spanish Point and The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast in Osprey, along with coordinating their events.
From intimate events and lavish destination weddings to birthday/anniversary parties and baby showers, I enjoy coordinating them all. We are a small, but mighty team that uses our local knowledge, designer skills, experience and expertise to help plan and execute any celebration you desire. Reach out for a quote or a quick consultation. You deserve the best, and we strive to make your celebration perfect! Cheers! – Gilly Francis
Contact Gilly Francis Weddings & Events
941-716-2767
gillyfrancis65@gmail.com
gillyfrancisevents.com
