Downtown Venice Art Festival

http://www.artfestival.com/festivals/downtown-venice-art-festival-venice-florida/artist

 About the Festival

When:  Saturday, November 6th, 2021

10:00am to 5:00pm

Sunday, November 7th, 2021

10:00am to 5:00pm

Where:

100-300 West Venice Ave in Venice, FL

Cost:  Free Admission

Located on Florida's west coast, Venice is a vibrant town on the Gulf of Mexico, filled with historic charm, natural beauty, and independently owned shops and restaurants. Considered one of the best kept secrets in all of Florida, the community of Venice has a number of special surprises awaiting you. Whether you like shopping in the unique stores of the downtown Venice Main Street district or prefer golfing, boating, or other recreational activities, Venice has it all. 

Settled along West Venice Avenue, the Downtown Venice Art Festival adds to the ambiance of this unique town. More than 100 of the nation's most notable artists will exhibit their work, ranging in mediums from photography to jewelry, paintings to sculpture, ceramics, glass, mixed media and more during this weekend community festival.  Festival patrons and art collectors alike can meet and visit with their favorite artists, view and purchase original works, or commission custom pieces. 

Please be mindful and follow CDC guidelines.

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

19503 S West Villages Pkwy

Stes A2 (by Appt)

Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

Halloween at the farm

 https://d.facebook.com/events/1192274771252040?m_entstream_source=timeline

OCT 30

Public · Event · by Inverness Farm

Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM EDT

377 Inverness Rd, Venice, FL 34292-2554

Details

For the first time ‼️ Halloween trunk or treat event at Inverness Farm. We will have a costume party for children, adults AND animals 🥰🤩😍

We will enjoy the day of pony rides and visiting the many animals that live on the farm , from goats, geese , bunny, ducks , mini horses, horses and so many more .🐰🐱🐮🐴🦆🦄🐑🐈🐐

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

19503 S West Villages Pkwy

Stes A2 (by Appt)

Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

Downtown Wellen Park breaks ground Wednesday

By CRAIG GARRETT Staff Writer Aug 17, 2021 Updated 4 hrs ago

A rendering suggests what Wellen Park may look like some time in the near future.

IMAGE PROVIDED

 NORTH PORT — Pitched as North Port's new entertainment district, Downtown Wellen Park officially breaks ground Wednesday.

The mix of retail, dining and lakefront recreation is the centerpiece district of several upscale neighborhoods, the Atlanta Braves spring training complex, the Marketplace plaza, anchored by a Publix, and other amenities.

That area centered at Tamiami Trail and Mercado Drive sprawls over several hundred acres and also includes a North Port police/fire rescue station to service the city’s western edge. That opens next year. Assisted living and new housing are included in Downtown Wellen Park. Opening is planned for late 2022, a spokesperson said.

“Everybody gets what they’re asking for” in the new district, North Port Mayor Jill Luke said of Downtown Wellen Park. “I’m just so excited.”

Wellen Park is the renamed West Villages, a planned community covering some 11,000 acres.

Downtown Wellen Park will become its retail business hub. The enterprise had also opened a welcome center in the adjacent Marketplace plaza.

The largest four trees inside the perimeter — one with a 96-inch diameter and well over 100 years old, all salvaged from the property — will flank the entryway to the project, a welcoming canopy of green that will provide a “sense of place,” said Rick Severance, Wellen Park president, “that doesn’t feel brand new.”

The other trees get sprinkled around the development — including an 80-acre lake, restaurants, shops, concert and festival areas, a food-truck park, splash pad and a kid play area.

Downtown Wellen will serve as the premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination for our growing community. Part of the Wellen way of life, this welcoming, walkable destination will have something special for everyone, from great eateries to stylish shops and exquisite sunsets.

The first phase should open by 2022, Severance said. At build-out, Wellen Park will contain some 20,000 homes and 50,000 residents, or about two-thirds of North Port’s current population.

As Downtown Wellen Park takes shape, North Port has also boosted its campaign to push its activity centers, nine downtown-like districts within the city.

Activity centers — not to be confused with fitness hubs such as the George Mullen Activity Center — were meant for walkability or riding a bike to work, bringing retail and employment zones, for instance. Housing and recreation are part of that mix.

These districts date to 1997 and were a retooling then of the city’s future. The idea was a greater mix of retail and jobs with its housing. One district may feature medical professionals, another light-industrial businesses or corporate offices.

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

19503 S West Villages Pkwy

Stes A2 (by Appt)

Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

July 4th Fireworks Show Sun Jul 4, 2021

 https://allevents.in/venice/july-4th-fireworks-show/200021111328024

July 4th Fireworks Show

Fireworks will be shot from the South Jetty on Sunday, July 4, shortly after 9 p.m. to celebrate Independence Day. The free show will last an estimated 30 minutes.

Although the South Jetty and Jetty Jacks Refreshment Deck will be closed for safety July 3-4, the fireworks display may be viewed on area beaches from Caspersen to Nokomis, as well as from other locations around Venice. Arrive early to secure your spot. Social distancing between groups is encouraged.

Boats should be at anchor by 8:30 p.m. July 4; the Venice Inlet will be closed to boat traffic at 8:45 p.m. until about 45 minutes after the display’s grand finale.

In the case of inclement weather, the fireworks show may be delayed. Please visit this Facebook page, the City's Twitter (@CityofVeniceFL), or the News section of the City website, www.venicegov.com, for updates.

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

19503 S West Villages Pkwy

Stes A2 (by Appt)

Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

 https://www.visitvenicefl.org/st-patricks-day-downtown-2021

Let’s get into the Irish spirit on Wednesday, March 17th in historic downtown Venice! Wear something green (so you don’t get pinched) and come downtown for music, beer and fun at participating stores and restaurants. Masks are strongly encouraged to keep this a safe event.

DOWNTOWN ENTERTAINMENT

Miami Avenue West:

Abby’s on Miami– Music by Karen

West Venice Avenue:

Café Venice – George DeJong and Rick Aaron 5-8pm

Daiquiri Deck– Nick Sperry and Forrest Shafer 12-3pm; Geoff Ramsey 4-8pm

Made In Italy– DJ Scrappy

TJ Carney’s– featuring Irish dancers, bagpipers, and Ken McBride

Venice Wine & Coffee Company– Nick Sperry’s Yacht Rock Review 6:30-9pm

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

19503 S West Villages Pkwy

Stes A2 (by Appt)

Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

Sunsets in Venice Florida

https://venicetravelplanner.com/beaches/sunsets.html
Unknown Author, Venice Florida Travel Planner


Spectacular! There's no other word. Venice's west-facing beaches provide the most pleasant and convenient vantage point for nature's nightly sunset extravaganza. The brilliant colors and changing cloud-shapes are never boring.

Pick your Venice beach, get there early, and plan to stay well after the sun goes down—sunset doesn't end the show by any means.

The sun below the horizon can still shine up on the underside of the clouds, spreading incredible color.

Here's what I mean:








Note that tables at Sharky's on the Pier are in highest demand an hour before and during sunset, but you can buy a drink and climb to the upper lookout to enjoy the view. (No alcohol permitted outside the restaurant property.)




Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

19503 S West Villages Pkwy

Stes A2 (by Appt)

Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

Masks now required at Venice Farmers Market

Face coverings are now required for those visiting the Venice Farmers Market at City Hall on Saturdays. If customers do not have a face covering, cloth masks will be provided for them by the Market, while supplies last.


Farmers Market fruit July 2020 Market staff and vendors have gone to great lengths to create a CDC compliant and safe socially distanced outdoor shopping experience for our community. Please follow the posted signage.

The Market reopened on July 11, with all staff and vendors wearing masks and gloves and sanitizing stations available. Their plan has been approved by the City of Venice in order to comply with all federal, state and local guidelines for food and personal safety. Please visit the Market website, www.thevenicefarmersmarket.org, and select the FAQ tab to read about the new operating guidelines.

The Market’s summer vendors are offering amazing produce, fresh baked goods including breads, pies, bagels and pretzels, wild caught seafood, Florida grown mushrooms, boutique cheeses, locally roasted coffee, kettle corn, hand crafted soap, essential oils, nursery plants, and fresh cut flowers. In addition, your favorite local artists will be attending the market offering award-winning photography, unique clay art and jewelry, hand designed clothing for children and adults, and much more.

During the construction of the new Fire Station 1 and expansion of Venice City Hall, the Farmers Market has relocated out of the parking lot but is still operating at City Hall. The Market will set up on W. Venice Avenue between Harbor Drive and Avenue des Parques, located between City Hall and the Hecksher Park tennis courts. Summer hours are from 8 a.m. to noon. Only service animals will be allowed during current COVID-19 rules.

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

19503 S West Villages Pkwy

Stes A2 (by Appt)

Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

Sea turtles are nesting more, laying more this year

https://www.yoursun.com/englewood/sea-turtles-are-nesting-more-laying-more-this-yea

• By STEVE REILLY Staff Writer
 
• Jul 12, 2020
• • 
    

A loggerhead hatchling, newly emerged from its nest, heads to the Gulf where it will begin its life journey.
Photos provided by Mary Lundberg


ENGLEWOOD — On a good year, Brenda Bossman might expect loggerheads to lay 100 or 125 eggs in a nest.

This season, Bossman, who tracks nesting on Don Pedro and Knight Islands, has discovered nests with 144 eggs and another with 149 eggs. So far this season, volunteer sea turtle patrols on those barrier islands off the coast near Englewood counted 250 or more loggerhead nests and 20 green sea turtle nests.

The recent renourishing of eroding shorelines of Manasota Key, Don Pedro and Knight islands hasn't dissuaded the sea turtles from nesting.

Two weeks ago, Charlotte County Natural Resources project manager Jamie Scudera told the Beaches and Shores Advisory Committee how the county's barrier islands were enjoying a bountiful nesting season.

The Coastal Wildlife Club — which oversees nesting on Manasota Key — agrees.

"The only year with higher number at this time was 2016," CWC board member Carol Leonard said.

As of Friday, CWC patrols identified 3,728 loggerhead nests, 72 green and two Kemp's ridley sea turtle nests on Manasota Key. Kemp's ridley are the smallest and most endangered sea turtle species.

Mote Marine Laboratory oversees volunteer sea turtle patrols from Venice north to Longboat Key.

As of July 4, Mote reported 2,803 loggerhead nests and 40 green sea turtle nests. Casey Key is seeing the most nests — 170 loggerhead and nine green sea turtle nests.

Predators and people

Coyotes are preying upon nests on the north end of Knight and Don Pedro islands. Armadillos are preying, more so than the coyotes, upon nests on the south end of the islands, Bossman said.

But people can pose an even greater danger to sea turtles, especially for the hatchlings emerging from their nests and making a mad scramble to the Gulf.

"Nests have begun to hatch, so now is the time to be especially cautious of any lights visible from the nesting beaches," Leonard said. "Ideally at night, sea turtles would have dark, quiet beaches all to themselves."

Artificial light is especially disorientating to the nesting turtles and their hatchlings emerging from their nests. Instincts tell them to head for the Gulf and the lighted horizon, but artificial light can lead them to head into the opposite direction.

"While red is the least disruptive color for sea turtles, red is seen by the turtles and they can find it disturbing enough to abandon their attempt to nest," Leonard said. "Many red flashlights are actually white lights with red coverings that actually allow other wavelengths through. LED lights emit limited wavelengths (colors) but are often much brighter."

"Flashlight beams narrow your field of vision," said Leonard, who is a retired Lemon Bay High School science teacher. "Letting your eyes adjust to the darkness allows you to observe more of the beach."

She recommends people reserve using flashlights or phone lights for their personal safety, such as on stairs. Hold the light in one hand and shield it with the other, directing the light downward, so that the light is least visible.

"Leave any headband lights at home," Leonard said.

To learn more about sea turtles and nesting, visit myfwc.com.

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

19503 S West Villages Pkwy

Stes A2 (by Appt)

Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

Link to our West Villages blog page

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Our Venice Florida Real Estate Website

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Our Gran Paradiso Website

Our new listing featured in Sarasota Magazine's Real Estate News Online

Check out the Link to the online article here

This exceptional home is located at 20218 Passagio Drive in Gran Paradiso at the West Villages (MLS#N6110551). Check out the full listing here.

IMPRESSIVE DETAILING is plentiful in this in this custom-built Sam Rodgers Platinum water view home. With both formal and casual dining, this spacious - yet open - Riviera I plan provides 3 bedrooms plus a den, 3 full baths, and a generous (~22'8"x32') 3 car garage. Its 2600 square feet of living space has the best of everything for those that truly know the difference. The homeowners spared no expense in selecting the highest quality fixtures and fittings, from the plantation shutters and crown molding to the gourmet kitchens, both indoors and out. Never worry about putting up hurricane shutters, as the whole house is fitted with impact glass for complete peace of mind. Other lavish finishings include Medallion Valencia Maple Sesame raised panel cabinetry with burnt sienna glazing, custom closet organization systems, designer fans and lighting, and stunning low-maintenance landscaping. This home's superiority even goes beyond what the eye can see. The Sam Rodgers luxury brand itself is known for its superior quality and attention to detail. Their method of framing is wood studs rather than metal, solid core 8’ doors, CPVC plumbing versus plastic tubes, and the plywood roofing has a thermal aluminum backing for better insulation. Enjoy your lovely water view from the existing oversized lanai or put in your own pool, or even just take a short walk to the clubhouse and sprawling resort style community pool. Gran Paradiso community is replete with amenities, clubs, and activities to match a multitude of interests. It is golf cart friendly, has a state of the art fitness center and a variety of classes, locker rooms with both steam rooms and saunas, tennis, pickleball, crafting/hobby clubs, game groups, and so much more. This is the preeminent Florida lifestyle home and community for those that appreciate being immersed in comfortable opulence.

Come feel it for yourself at our OPEN HOUSE on Sunday, June 14th, from 1pm to 4pm!

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate
REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

19503 S West Villages Pkwy

Stes A2 (by Appt)

Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

West Villages Realty's Website 

Link to our West Villages blog page

Our Gran Paradiso Blog Page

Our Venice Florida Real Estate Website

Our West Villages Real Estate Site

Our Gran Paradiso Website