Put on your best German lederhosen and get ready to sample beers and shop during Oktoberfest on September 13th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Ticket holders will be able to enjoy a fall-themed beer tasting at each of the participating locations in Downtown Venice as live, traditional German music fills the air. Attendees will receive a small sampling stein on a lanyard and get to sample a variety of brews in 3-ounce tastings, as they follow a map of beer-tasting locations.
“We are excited, for the second year, to bring in a great selection of new and innovative craft and seasonal beers to Downtown Venice. Pair that with the sounds of traditional, live German music being heard on the street corners, and I believe guests will be treated to a one-of-a-kind experience,” said Nick Sperry, Events and Partnership Coordinator for Venice MainStreet, Inc., the organizer of this annual event. “With our great partnership with Gold Coast Eagle Distributing and Venice MainStreet partners, we look forward to a great evening of festivities.”
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance online at www.visitvenicefl.org; at the Venice MainStreet office at 101 W. Venice Ave., Suite 23; or purchased the day of the event at 5:00pm at the kiosk in Centennial Park. Attendees will be able to pick up their stein, lanyard and map at the kiosk at 5:00 p.m. when the event begins. Proceeds from ticket sales go to support Venice MainStreet’s mission to enhance the quality of life in our community by preserving, protecting, and promoting Historic Downtown Venice.
Venice MainStreet is excited to introduce one of our new partners, Butterfly Family Chiropractic. As a teenager, after being involved in a car accident, Joe Indelicato visited a chiropractor. He left the office pain-free and with a new career ambition. He wanted to be a Chiropractor! “It worked wonders for me and I developed a passion for natural healing,” Dr. Indelicato said. “So, I wanted to continue with that passion and use it to help others.” Dr. Indelicato and his wife, Elyse, recently brought their 30-plus year practice to Venice with the opening of Butterfly Family Chiropractic Center in April.
After graduating from New York Chiropractic in 1984 and opening his practice that same year, Dr. Indelicato moved to Florida in 2014 and opened the practice in Nokomis. The new location in Venice, which is on East Venice Ave and includes a parking lot behind the office, was attractive to the Indelicatos because of the neighborhood’s town feel. “Venice has such a great vibe and sense of community. We just love it!” says Elyse, who has run the business operations of the practice since it first opened.
Dr. Indelicato utilizes Activator technique, which he describes as an extremely gentle and specific approach to treating pain. Additional services include applied kinesiology, therapy, nutrition and exercise. During his career, Dr. Indelicato has treated children, families, athletes in high school, college and the pros. He now hopes to help the residents of Venice just as his chiropractor once helped him. Dr Joe says “It’s important to treat every patient as an individual. Each patient presents with different needs and health history, hence each requires their own customized treatment, wellness plan and protocol.”
Butterfly Family Chiropractic is located at 645 East Venice Ave., 941 484-0008.
Spend the evening strolling the avenues of Historic Downtown Venice while sampling more than 25 varieties of wine. Take the opportunity to check out the many boutiques and independently owned shops offering everything from resort wear to beach-themed gifts, specialty foods and home décor. There also are many restaurant options that will not disappoint, from American to Italian to Middle Eastern cuisine. And if that is not enough, soak in Venice’s visual artistry from its year-long downtown beautification project, nature-inspired murals, and unique art galleries.
Presented by Venice MainStreet, the event runs from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 15, 2019. The $10 tickets entitle you to partake in wine tastings—1 ounce pours—at each participating location. All proceeds from this event benefit Venice MainStreet. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Venice Wine and Coffee Company, 201 West Venice Avenue, and at the Venice MainStreet Office, 101 W. Venice Avenue, Suite 23. Tickets can be purchased online at visitvenicefl.org or the day of the event at three locations: the kiosk in Centennial Park and the Venice Wine and Coffee Company. Participants—must be 21 to sample wines—will receive a wristband along with a map listing participating businesses.
Grab some friends or your special someone and enjoy an evening of fun in charming downtown Venice. For more information, visit visitvenicefl.org; call 941-484-6722; or email info@venicemainstreet.com.
Opening its doors just a few weeks ago in Venice, the COLAB coworking space is ushering in a new era of opportunities for individuals trying to start a new business, freelancers, remote workers, and other independent professionals. Conveniently located on Miami Avenue, COLAB is a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs, providing a spectrum of communication services—web development, social marketing, photography, business cards, logos, signs, and other business literature—as well as a sleek, professional coworking space with state of the art technology.
Andre Carrero of the Venice Sign Shop, creator of the COLAB space along with Ken Wagner of Shine Media, says “we want to be the Mercedes-Benz of the communication world for entrepreneurs. Many new entrepreneurs can’t afford infrastructure start-up costs, but with COLAB they can look like a Fortune 500 company without the headaches and high costs.” It is hard for Carrero—a challenge-seeker by nature—to contain his enthusiasm and energy when describing his vision for COLAB. Looking to tap into the growing creative, artistic community in the Venice area and the changing demographics in Southwest Florida, he is passionate about “bringing collaboration to communities and seeks to nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs, hoping to be a part of their success stories.”
COLAB offers a variety of membership options to meet your business needs as well as a host of networking opportunities to grow your network. Among the many perks, members can receive 24 hour key access to the coworking space, private parking, a downtown Venice mailing address, placement in COLAB’s website directory, and access to freshly brewed coffee and cold drinks all day long. For more information or to view their spaces, contact COLAB, 250 Miami Avenue West, at 941-786-1596 or visit colabvenice.com. The office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Venice MainStreet, Venice’s proud advocate of preservation and economic vitality for all things Downtown Venice, brings you Christmas in July 2019. Don’t miss the biggest two-day shopping spree of the year for bargains, discounts and ideas for Christmas and all your holiday gift needs. This event started with a small group of business owners over 10 years ago and this year the stores on “the Avenues” will celebrate from 10am to 5pm on Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20. Participating stores will offer entry forms for a chance to win one of several gift baskets totaling as much as $1,000 containing gifts and certificates donated by various downtown merchants. Many stores will continue the holiday cheer until 7pm on Friday. Shoppers can ride the free Christmas Trolley, sponsored by Gulf Shores Realty, the Venice Gondolier Sun and 92.1 WCTQ, winding past the shops on the avenues downtown. Santa and Mrs. Claus will ride the trolley along with women from the Venice-Nokomis Women’s Club. They will be handing out sale flyers and cold water to the riders. You may be lucky enough to sit next to Santa himself and tell him want you want for Christmas. He’ll be seen riding along with Mrs. Claus between 11am and 4pm on both days. Santa and Mrs. Claus will stop for lunch at Abby’s on Miami, 220 W. Miami Ave, on Friday at 12:30pm. Saturday they will have lunch at Bodrum Mediterranean Restaurant, 225 W. Miami Ave, at 12:30pm. On Saturday, July 20, Santa will take a ride on Venice’s own 100’ Ladder Truck courtesy of the fine first responders of the Venice Fire Department, down to the Venice Farmer’s Market on Avenues Des Parques in front of City Hall. Santa will enjoy the Venice Farmer’s Market before hopping on the trolley at 11am. You will find the Participating Merchant’s List on the Trolley and in stores during the two-day event. We are proud to announce the stores and restaurants that are participating in this iconic event: B&B Bootery, Bodrum Mediterranean Restaurant, Bonnell’s Boutique and Winery, Cafe Venice, Captain’s Landing, Celebration Corner, Ciao Gelato, Cote France, Crate & Marrow, Croissant & Co, Crow’s Nest, Daiquiri Deck, Dana Tyler, Dick’s Shoes, Down Island Way Boutique, DP Fitness and Wellness, Elephants Trunk, Freedom Boat Club, Heitel Jewelers, Island Gift Nook, Laurie Jean & Co., Lisa’s Classic Rose, Luxurious Interiors, Mother’s Cupboard, Nana’s: A Children’s Shop, Needlefish Yarns of Venice, Patchington, Scarlet Macaw, Shirt Stop, Sirene Coastal Interiors, Southeast Salt, St. Marco Boutique, SunBug, Tangi & Jess, TJ Carney’s, Twist Boutique, Venice Avenue Creamery, Venice In Vogue, Venice Olive Oil, Venice Stationers, Venice Trading Co, Venice Wine & Coffee. A special thank you to Venice Wine and Coffee for volunteering to put the beautiful gift baskets together. For more information, keep checking our website www.visitvenicefl.org or contact the Venice MainStreet office at 941-484-6722 or info@venicemainstreet.com.
The beautification of historic downtown Venice is complete. The roads are paved and open. The sidewalks are wide and inviting. New trees, potted plants and hanging flower baskets adorn the avenues adding charm and a pop of color.
Venice MainStreet, Inc. is lucky to have a home in the 100 block of West Venice Avenue and the staff has the pleasure to be a part of historic downtown interacting with visitors. The month of June has been a wonderful rejuvenation and we have seen an increase in foot traffic. This past weekend, June 15 and 16, the craft festival and farmers market saw an increase in attendance of 30%, stated by Lee Perron with the Venice Farmers Market. Venice MainStreet CEO, Kara Morgan, encourages everyone to come and see the improvements and spend the day in Venice. “There is something for everyone here; varieties of restaurants, stores and services,” said Morgan. “There is also the opportunity to spend time outdoors with family and children in Centennial Park, the Intergenerational Children’s Fountain and of course our brand new interactive art mural on the corner of Nassau St and W Venice Ave.”
City Engineer Kathleen Weeden added, “We want to thank the voters who passed the road bond referendum in 2016, as well as the Florida Department of Transportation and the state Legislature, which provided funds along with the 1-cent sales tax to complete this important project. This combined funding effort allowed us to do major improvements. We worked hard to keep the charm of downtown while rehabilitating the infrastructure so it will last for decades. Come see this beautiful gem!”
The City of Venice is celebrating all of the accomplishments of the beautification on July 8th at 11am with a short ceremony in Centennial Park, followed by a ribbon cutting on West Venice Avenue to officially present the downtown improvements to the citizens and visitors of the city. The City of Venice welcomes the public to be a part of the celebration. We can’t wait to see you in Venice!
Venice MainStreet is hosting the Second Annual Barstool Open on June 29th from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. Teams of four will play putt-putt golf through 12 holes located in various businesses throughout Tampa, Venice and Miami Avenues. The cost is $20 per person and tickets can be purchased at Made In Italy or online: visitvenicefl.org/product/barstool.
This year there will be 105 teams, totaling 420 available spots. Those who are interested in joining can sign up as doubles or as a team of four. If participants sign up with less than four, they will be placed in a randomly-made team of two doubles. This event will have a shotgun start where everyone will start simultaneously at their assigned location.
Holes will be placed at Burgundy Square Cafe, Cafe Venice, Coté France, Daiquiri Deck, Made In Italy, Mature Image Barbershop, Old Venice Pub, Mother’s Cupboard, The Parlor Barbershop, TJ Carney’s, Venice Wine & Coffee and Venice Museum & Archives whose hole will be located at the Centennial Park Gazebo.
Participants can check in early on Friday, June 28th from 4-7pm at Daiquiri Deck to receive their packets or they can check in on the day of the event at the Centennial Park Gazebo between 10am and 12pm. Participants will receive two vouchers for beer provided by Michelob Ultra in their packet. The prizes for the first place winners of the open are still being finalized, but they will also receive the coveted Golden Putter traveling trophy. Various other prizes will be handed out continuously throughout the day for numerous contests. Prizes include a Mermaid Vodka gift basket and a Jack Daniels gift, along with other fantastic prizes.
Sponsors include Michelob Ultra, 92.1 CTQ-FM and the Venice Gondolier. For more information, to purchase tickets, or to sponsor the event please visit our website www.visitvenicefl.org or contact the Venice MainStreet office at 941-484-6722 or info@venicemainstreet.com.
It is with great pleasure and excitement that I extend this greeting to you and recognized the privilege I have been given to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Venice MainStreet. MainStreet is proud to have served our community since 1987, and has rapidly met the growing needs of the community through high quality marketing, special projects, and preservation efforts. It has become a leader in the State of Florida Main Street Districts. For these reasons, and my passion for Venice as a resident for four years, I am thrilled to be joining this team.
The work done by Venice MainStreet, its partners, and friends has impact. As we get to know one another, I will demonstrate that the work we now share is not only professional, but also personal. Preservation and beautification of historic downtown Venice are critical to the character and vitality of this area. These assets, which lie at the heart of our mission are critical tools for remaining a destination, place of business, and home.
As part of our commitment to our community, and with the help and support of our staff, board of directors and volunteers, we continue to expand our services, receive numerous accolades and recognitions. Although Venice MainStreet appreciates these awards, we are most honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve the community.
Our focus now is to continue to distinguish historic downtown Venice as a leader in the MainStreet community. We’re committed to continuously search for new ways to improve our quality and make Venice the best place for visitors, residents, and business owners to live, work and play. On behalf of your Venice MainStreet staff, I extend our sincere thanks for all your support. This is a proud day for me and I look forward to learning from all of you and working alongside you.
Sincerely,
Kara Morgan Chief Executive Officer Venice MainStreet, Inc.
The 27th Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival will be on Saturday, June 15th and Sunday, June 16th from 10am-4pm. Located in Historic Downtown Venice, this event follows the popular March Art Classic. Some of the nation’s best crafters will converge along Miami Avenue, one of Venice’s popular downtown streets. Peruse booths filled with stained glass, photography, personalized products for both children and dogs alike, and much more! Stroll the Green Market for plants, handmade soaps, tangy BBQ sauces and live orchids. Back by popular demand, the 2nd Annual Barstool Open will take place Saturday, June 29, 2019. Put on your knickers and your golf shirts and get ready to putt your way through Historic Downtown Venice! Teams of 2 or 4 will putt-putt through 9+ fun holes in their favorite downtown spots while participating in wacky competitions and enjoying great specials. We’re adding more holes, more games and tons of great prizes! The cost is $20 per person which includes 2 complimentary beer vouchers. You must be 21 or older to participate in this event. Tickets for the Barstool Open can be purchased at www.visitvenicefl.org/product/barstoolopen. If you prefer not to purchase online, you can also purchase tickets at the Venice MainStreet office located at 101 West Venice Ave, Suite 23. Come July, you can forget your stresses and get in the spirit at the Downtown Venice “Christmas in July” event on July 19th and 20th from 10am-5pm. Get a jump on your Christmas shopping while you catch Santa and Mrs. Claus riding the trolley and visiting the shops. Attendees can ride the trolley on both days from 11am to 4pm. We will also be raffling off large gift baskets and you can pick up your free raffle tickets at many of the participating downtown businesses. The raffle drawing will be done on Tuesday, July 23rd and winners will be contacted at that time. For more information on any of these great events, visit our website: www.visitvenicefl.org, email us at info@venicemainstreet.com, or find us on Facebook @VeniceMainStreet.
