venice city e-news

May 2016
VENICE CITY E-NEWS
A PUBLICATION FOR THE CITIZENS OF VENICE, FL
MAYOR
John Holic
VICE MAYOR
Kit McKeon
Be prepared for the storm
Annual hurricane seminar set
for May 25 at City Hall
The area hasn’t seen a major hurricane in over a
decade. But residents are warned not to get complacent just because one hasn’t hit.
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Deborah Anderson
Rich Cautero
Bob Daniels
Fred Fraize
Jeanette Gates
In an effort to provide information to citizens, the
City of Venice will hold its Annual Hurricane Preparedness Seminar at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 25
in Council Chambers at City Hall, 401 W. Venice
Ave. Hurricane season runs from June-November.
"Over the past 100 years there have been decades in which hurricane activity slows down for
Florida, and then all of a sudden the pattern shifts
Hurricane Charley approaches Southwest Florida in this NOAA
and storms start coming one after another,” said
satellite image taken on Friday, Aug. 13, 2004.
ABC-7 meteorologist Bob Harrigan. “This year, ‘La
www.venicegov.com
Nina’ is expected to be around in the latter half of the season, which means storms will have a much better
chance of having an impact on the United States. Now is the time to prepare.
CHARTER OFFICERS
City Manager Ed Lavallee
City Clerk Lori Stelzer
City Attorney David Persson
“Don't be fooled by the recent downturn in hurricanes — they will be back like an unwanted guest."
Along with Harrigan, the event will feature Venice Police Chief Tom Mattmuller and Fire Chief Shawn Carvey,
Photo
Caption
To be
placed on the newsletter distribution list, email city
Public Information Officer Lorraine Anderson at
[email protected] or call 941-882-7401.
Continued on Page 5
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May 2016
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May 2016
Venice police officer receives SAR Commendation Medal
The Saramana Sons of the American Revolution Chapter has
awarded Venice Police Detective Robert W. Goodson III with the
SAR Law Enforcement Commendation Medal.
In nominating Goodson, Police Chief Tom Mattmuller recommended him for the award for his work on a 20-year-old child
sexual battery case. “The State Attorney’s Office has re-evaluated
the previous North Port case, and Jamison Johnson will soon go
to trial on two life felonies for our case and a capital felony for
the North Port case,” the nomination reads. “Without Detective
Goodson’s diligence, dedication and professionalism, Johnson
would be free to victimize other children in the community.”
Saramana Chapter president Richard Mahaffey presented
Goodson with the award.
The Law Enforcement Commendation Medal is presented to
those who have served with distinction and devotion in the field
of law enforcement, according to information provided by SAR.
The medal recognizes exceptional service or accomplishment in
the field of law enforcement. Eligibility is not limited to peace
officers but extends to the entire range of persons who make
Venice Police Detective Robert W. Goodson III, left, who received the SAR Law Enforcement Comand enforce the law, including attorneys, judges, prosecutors,
mendation Medal April 15, is pictured with his wife, Lisa, and VPD Chief Tom Mattmuller.
and legislators who have performed an exceptional act or service beyond that expected.
Sheriff: Motorcycle crashes a frightening trend in area
As part of a continuing investigation into the aggravated fleeing arrest of 20-year-old Sergey Baygulov on April
7, Sarasota County Sheriff’s deputies on April 21 released
additional video from a GoPro camera mounted to
Baygulov’s motorcycle helmet.
On the day of his arrest, Baygulov’s motorcycle and
GoPro camera were seized by deputies. Video obtained from his helmet cam showed Baygulov traveling
at speeds more than 110 mph on River Road and Interstate 75 in South Sarasota County. The video shows
Baygulov weaving in and out of traffic and coming within
a few inches of other vehicles including a school bus. The
video also captures Baygulov speed past a marked law
enforcement vehicle before fleeing to his place of employment where he was later arrested. Deputies are confident that at the speed he was traveling, Baygulov is
lucky to be alive.
This video comes after 84 reported traffic crashes involving motorcycles in Sarasota County since Jan. 1,
2016. Here is the breakdown by investigating agency:
SCSO, 14; Sarasota Police Department, 21; Florida Highway Patrol, 37; Venice Police Department, 6; and North
Port Police Department, 6.
“This is a frightening trend,” said Sheriff Tom Knight.
“If these motorcycle crashes aren’t waking people up, I
don’t know what will.
“As for the thrill seekers, they should know this behavior is not tolerated in Sarasota County.”
The investigation is ongoing, however at this time
Baygulov is not facing any additional criminal charges.
Watch the video on the Sheriff’s Office YouTube channel.
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Venice City E-News
Venice makes Happiest Cities in America list
The North Port-SarasotaBradenton metropolitan statistical area (MSA), which includes Venice, has made No. 3
on a list of Happiest Cities in
America in a ranking conducted by 24/7 Wall St.
24/7 Wall St. reviewed polling company Gallup’s 2015
Healthways Well-Being Index,
which measures the wellbeing of Americans in each
MSA based on interviews conducted over the last two
years. The index incorporates
a range of metrics grouped
into five categories: the purpose, social, financial, community and physical elements of well-being.
Stats for our MSA include:
Poverty rate: 12.0%
2016 unemployment rate: 4.7%
Adult obesity rate: 22.4%
Violent crimes per 100,000: 542.8
In North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, 30.1% of residents are 65 or older, making it the sixth oldest community in the United States. The Sarasota metro area is one of many elderly communities in Florida
among the happiest in the country. Although Sarasota’s $52,077 median household income is slightly
lower than the national median, residents report the highest level of financial well-being in the country.
This may be due in part to the large number of retirees with pension incomes and the relatively low
cost of goods and services in the area, according to 24/7 Wall St.
As the baby boom generation ages and the national population that is 65 and older grows to record
size, places such as the Sarasota metro area will likely experience further population expansion. Over
the past five years, 77,820 more people moved to North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton than left, one of the
largest net migrations of any metro area in the country, 24/7 Wall St. states.
For more information and to see 24/7 Wall St.’s complete report and methodology, go to:
http://247wallst.com/special-report/page/2/.
May 2016
Help out Fire Rescue - take the survey!
Venice Fire Rescue
has developed a short
community safety
survey it is asking residents to take.
The survey includes
questions about
smoke detectors and
fire extinguishers in
the home, evacuation info and storm preparation.
“The survey is being used as a tool to allow
our department to assess our community
preparedness as a whole,” said Fire Chief
Shawn Carvey. “After results are gathered,
this will allow our department to provide
better education to the community in areas
that may be deficient, to enhance the quality
of life for the citizens of Venice.”
The survey is posted on the city’s website,
www.venicegov.com.
Hurricane seminar, continued from Page 1
Sarasota County Emergency Management
Chief Ed McCrane, Red Cross Disaster Program Manager Steve Guetschow, and City
Engineer Kathleen Weeden.
Additionally, there will be information tables with agencies and businesses including
the Red Cross, FPL, Suncoast Humane Society, Lowe’s, Home Depot and Publix, and refreshments will be provided by Bella Vita.
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Eagle Point tours net $7,000 for Venice Museum & Archives
Proceeds from tours of the historic Eagle Point Club community in March generated more than $7,000, which
has been generously donated to the Venice Museum & Archives.
“The tours were completely sold out. A total of 292 tickets were sold during the two weekends the tours were
conducted,” said Robert Bethke, a resident of Eagle Point and
chair of its Centennial Committee. “The tours were conducted by
residents and the public expressed great interest in learning
about the community’s unique history.”
Located on the eastern shore of Roberts Bay, Eagle Point was
founded by Bertha Palmer in 1916. Until its redevelopment in
the early 1990s, the Old Florida-style, rustic winter resort operated continuously as an exclusive club that featured hunting, fishing, boating, beach access and other amenities. A portion of the 24-acre property was designated as a historic
district by the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. Nearly a dozen of the original buildings still exist and
are maintained by residents or the Eagle Point Homeowners Association.
In addition to planning and conducting tours of the historic grounds, the Centennial Committee also partnered
with the museum to help create the current Eagle Point exhibit at the VMA, which is on display until July 27. EPC
community historian Robert Bethke was instrumental in the research and writing that contributed to the exhibit.
“Focusing on Eagle Point’s history served to reveal new details about its past, for which the community is very
grateful,” Bethke said.
“Local residents, who have always been curious about what’s behind the gates at Eagle Point, have been so
enthusiastic about the exhibit and the tours. It’s a great way to honor and celebrate Eagle Point’s 100th anniversary this year,” said Michelle Harm, co-curator of the exhibit.
“We are grateful to the residents and to the members of the Centennial Committee, not only for their assistance in sharing this amazing chapter of Venice’s history, but also for their dedication in continuing to care for this community treasure,” said James Hagler, director
of the museum and Department of Historical Resources for the City of Venice. “By donating the tour proceeds to the museum, they are enabling us to continue
sharing Venice’s heritage.”
The VMA is open year-round Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the first and third Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. seasonally from
October through April. It is located in the historic Triangle Inn listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This rooming house, built in 1927, is located at the
west entrance of the Venice Cultural Campus at 351 Nassau St. S, Venice, FL 34285.
Visit the VMA's website at www.VeniceMuseum.org and on at www.facebook.com/veniceflarchives.
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Venice City E-News
May 2016
Venice to host state public art conference
Venice will be the site May 4-6 for the Florida Association of Public Art Professionals 2016 Conference, “Developing, Maintaining and Energizing Public Art.”
There will be presentations, workshops and other activities at locations including the Venice Art Center, Venice Community Center, Venice Museum and Ar-
chives, West Blalock Park, Snook Haven and Venice Theatre.
On Thursday, May 5, keynote speaker Robin Franklin Nigh, City of Tampa Art Programs Division, Americans for the Arts Public Art Network vice chair, will
give a talk on “How Can You Tell What’s Coming and Be Ready For It?” at the Venice Yacht Club.
“It is an honor to host the 2016 Florida Association of Public Art Professionals. This three-day conference is an invitation to all artists in our local area to participate in these workshops,” said City of Venice Director of Historical Resources James Hagler, who will offer welcoming
remarks to participants on Wednesday, May 4. Hagler will also lead a stroll to the Venice Museum and Archives building, 351 Nassau St. S., later that day to view the exhibit “Historic Eagle Point: A Legacy of Old Florida in Venice, 1916-
2016.” At the same time as the stroll, 4:15 p.m., participants will have the option of walking through the Monty Andrews Arboretum in West Blalock Park across the street from the Venice Museum to see sculptures of Florida endangered species, led by the arboretum’s namesake, longtime Venice resident Andrews.
Other presentations will include “Creating, Installing and Conserving Public Art,” by Kelly Ciociola, senior conservator,
Rosa Lowinger & Assoc. Conservation of Art & Architecture in Miami; “Preserving Public Art,” by Viviana Dominguez,
chief conservator, Art Conservators Lab,
and Kelly Ciociola, senior conservator;
and “Memorials as Public Art” by Ann
Wykell of Social Sector Solutions and Robin Franklin Nigh, City of Tampa Art Programs Division.
Above, Florida manatee statue by
Atlanta artist Thomas Prochnow in the
Monty Andrews Arboretum, West
Blalock Park. At right, the “Venice
Remembered” mural by artist Coleen
Additionally, on Friday, May 6, a Tour of
Memorials as Public Art will be held at
Patriot Plaza, Sarasota National Cemetery.
More information and registration is
Henry on the side of the Venice
available at www.floridapublicart.org/
Gondolier newspaper building.
conference.
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Venice City E-News
May 2016
IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Liver recipient
James Lavery of
LifeLink Foundation
with City Council
Member Deborah
Anderson, shortly
after Anderson read
a proclamation April
12 naming April as
Donate Life Month.
Mayor John Holic reads a proclamation in City Council chambers
April 12 decreeing April 2016 as Child Abuse Prevention Month,
presented to Tamara Tridle of the Child Protection Center.
Vice Mayor Kit McKeon
reads a proclamation
April 12 recognizing
March 29, 2016, as
Welcome Home Vietnam
Veterans Day, presented
to Jean Catsakis, chair,
DAR Service for Veterans
Committee; and Clarissa
Thomasson, Sara De
Soto Chapter regent.
Edie Driest of North Port Friends of Wildlife holds a proclamation
given to her April 12 by City Council member Fred Fraize, left,
recognizing April 10, 2016, as Gopher Tortoise Day.
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Venice City E-News
May 2016
Honore extension now open
The Honore Avenue/Pinebrook extension is now open, providing improved traffic circulation and increased capacity on Sarasota County's north/south roadways.
The Honore extension opened to traffic early April 22 after contractor Russell Engineering
Inc. completed its work. The county project included the design and construction of two
lanes within a four-lane right-of-way from State Road 681 to Laurel Road, where it connects
with Pinebrook Road in Venice. The extension provides a north/south alternative to Interstate 75. This is the final segment of the Honore extension project, which stretches from
Fruitville Road in north county to Venice.
The $11.7 million construction contract for this latest phase was funded through state
grants and local taxes, and the project included extensive coordination between county
staff and the Florida Department of
At left, a view of the new Honore Avenue/Pinebrook
Transportation.
extension, which provides a north/south alternative to
Interstate 75.
Wanted: A few good flags
IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
City Council Member
Bob Daniels with city
Utilities Director Tim
Hochuli and Operations Supervisor Jim
Anderson after Daniels read a proclamation April 12 naming
April 2016 as Water
Conservation Month.
The City of Venice instituted a flag
donation program in 2012 to provide
an opportunity for American flags to
once again fly in honor of our country and those whose courageous acts
stand for a free United States.
The city accepts as donations American flags that citizens have received as memorial gifts, or others
that individuals or organizations may wish to donate in recognition
or memory of a person or institution. The city will accept the flags
with the expressed purpose of flying them on public grounds. The
donor will receive a letter of appreciation from the m a y o r a n d
City Council. With their permission, donors will also be publicly recognized by the council for their civic contribution.
Donated flags may be brought to Public Works, 221 S. Seaboard Ave.,
Venice.
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Venice City E-News
May 2016
Historical Society, Unitarian church partner to present Summer History Discussion Forum
Beginning in May and continuing through September, the Venice Area Historical Society and Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice will partner to present a History Discussion Forum focusing
on the history of the
American South since
the Civil War. This is a
free program.
The monthly
meetings will take
place on the first Tuesday of the month at 2
p.m. in the sanctuary
of UUCOV, located at 1971
Pinebrook Road. This facility is easily accessible from both the Laurel
and Jacaranda exits of Interstate
75. Enter the parking lot from Ed-
Forum topics are as follows:
Tuesday, May 3, 2:00 p.m., “Reconstruction,
1863-1877”
Foner, Eric. A Short History of Reconstruction,
Updated Version, 2015.
Stampp, Kenneth. The Era of Reconstruction,
1967.
Tuesday, June 7, 2 p.m., “Farming on Shares,
1865-1960”
Agee, James and Walker Evans. Cotton Tenants:
Three Families, 2013
Agee, James and Walker Evans. Let Us Now Famous Men, 1939.
Jenkins, Bradford. “So I Sung to Myself.” Southern Exposure (Spring, 1979).
Maharage, Dale and Michael Williamson. And
Their Children After Them, 1990.
mondson Road.
Suggested readings for the sessions, most of which are available at the Sarasota
Tuesday, July 5, 2 p.m., “Black Life in the South,
1900-1960”
County Library and Amazon, are listed here. Each
DuBois, W.E.B. The Souls of Black Folk, 1903.
session will have a discussion leader and will ad-
Gaines, Ernest J. The Autobiography of Miss Jane
dress the overall topic. Participants may select the
sources they wish to read before the discussion or
read whatever they choose to prepare for the discussion.
Pittman, 1971.
Rosengarten, Theodore. All God's Dangers: The
Life of Nate Shaw, 1974.
Wright, Richard. Black Boy, 1945.
Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2 p.m., “Miss Scarlet's South”
Edwards, Anne. The Road to Tara: The Life of
Margaret Mitchell, 2014.
Mitchell, Margaret. Gone with the Wind, 1936.
Pyron, Darden. Southern Daughter: The Life of
Margaret Mitchell, 1991.
Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2 p.m., “Dixie Becomes America or Vice-Versa”
Bartley, Numan V. The New South, 1945-80: The
Story of the South's Modernization, 1995.
Daniel, Pete. Standing at the Crossroads: Southern Life in the Twentieth Century, 1996.
The series is presented for VAHS members and
the public, and is supported by grants from the
Florida Humanities Council.
To learn more about this free program, email
[email protected], or
visit the VAHS website at
veniceareahistoricalsociety.org.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice can be reached at 941-485-2105, or go to their
website at www.uucov.org.
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Venice City E-News
May 2016
Shark’s Tooth Festival fun
The 24th Annual Ven-
ice Shark’s Tooth Festival was held April 810 at the Airport Festival Grounds. At left,
aluminum sculpture
artist Dale Dimke with
his work. At right,
George Lochan mans
the paella at the Greek
Flame Foods booth.
Above, Jim Pendergraft of J&S Fossils with his daughter,
Savannah. Below, Venice residents Janine and Vinnie
Valle check out shark’s tooth necklaces.
At right, Pete
Cilluffo and his
son Joey, 12,
select some
shark’s teeth.
Far right, Jack
Sparrow impersonator
Stuart Hales.
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Venice City E-News
May 2016
Volunteers needed to serve on city boards
The City of Venice is seeking volunteers to serve on the following boards. certify allowances, establish rules, receive and process applications, authorize
Qualification, duties and meeting schedules are as follows:
payments, and other duties as required.
Two members must be city residents. Two members shall be members of
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD – One vacancy
the system. One member shall be chosen by a majority of the previous four
Conduct studies and make recommendations to City Council for the adoptrustees.
tion, administration and enforcement of reasonable architectural and aesMeets at least quarterly.
thetic standards to apply in appropriate areas or districts of the city. Upon the
adoption by ordinance of City Council of such architectural and aesthetic
TRAFFIC ADVISORY TASK FORCE – One vacancy
standards, it shall be the duty of the board to administer and enforce such
Participate with city staff to coordinate a series of public forums for the acstandards pursuant to the procedures to be adopted by City Council.
tive engagement of various segments of the Venice population. Open workMust be a city resident with the exception of one registered architect. One shops and charrettes will provide an opportunity for citizens, resident groups,
board member shall be a member of Venice MainStreet, Inc. Others shall
business groups, social and civic organizations to brainstorm issues, analyze
have background in building design or similar fields.
data and formulate recommendations for the adoption of public policy and
Meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 9 a.m.
related decision-making on the proper and effective use of public and private
resources. The Task Force will address the following issues: safe bicycle operCITIZEN TAX OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE – One vacancy
ation, use of golf carts, alternative energy vehicles, traffic influx and egress,
Conduct an annual review of the expenditures made by the city from the
street design and amenities, street signage, public transportation, parking,
sales tax proceeds to ensure that expenditures have been made in accordwalking, public-private partnerships, and public safety conditions and strateance with infrastructure project lists and any changes thereto. The board shall gies.
meet as needed to review any changes made by the city to the infrastructure
Comprised of citizens who collectively represent a broad range of transporprojects or to the allocation of sales tax proceeds for the sole purpose of en- tation and traffic perspectives.
suring that all procedural requirements have been followed.
Meets the 1st Thursday of each month.
Must be a city resident. May not be full time employee of the city or private
individuals or employees of private firms under contract with the city.
If you are interested in serving on a board, please submit your application
Meets at least annually or as needed.
online at www.venicegov.com, or at the City Clerk’s office, 401 W. Venice
Ave., Venice, FL 34285. If you would like more information on a particular
FIRE PENSION BOARD OF TRUSTEES – One vacancy
Determine questions relating to eligibility and membership, determine and board, please contact the Mayor’s office at 941-486-2626. All resumes will
be considered when vacancies occur.
Exhibit on the move
The Venice Museum & Archives’ exhibit “Design for Living: John Nolen and the
Renaissance of New Urbanism” will be traveling to Sarasota. In May, you can catch
the exhibit at the Historical Exhibits and Educational Center, located in the historic
Chidsey Library Building, 6062 Porter Way. In 2017, the exhibit is headed to Rollins
College in Winter Park, Fla.
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Venice City E-News
May 2016
Venice blooms for national contest
This is the third year that Venice
Area Beautification Inc. (VABI) has
entered the City of Venice in a national contest put on by America in
Bloom, a nonprofit with a mission to
make cities of all sizes better in all
facets of community growth.
Judges will be in Venice on April 2829 to judge the city in six categories:
Floral, Landscaping, Trees, Environmental, Heritage and History Preservation, and Overall, which covers
components including the arts, recreation opportunities, community spirit
and volunteerism.
“The America in Bloom competition
inspires not only the volunteers like
VABI, the Garden Club, (Venice)
MainStreet and others to make our
city better for the judges, but also,
Above, Fountain Park at Miami and Nokomis avenues. Below, new landscaping
the city has targets to meet to be at
its best,” said Bob Vedder with VABI.
at Venice Municipal Airport.
Some of the items nearing completion or that have just been completed are new
wayfinding signs, an immense amount of landscaping at the Venice Municipal Airport, new
pavers on Miami Avenue, mulching and many
new plantings downtown, new irrigation on East
Venice Avenue, a new fountain in the retention
pond at the water plant, new flags on the north
and middle bridges, and banyan tree lights.
The first year of the contest, Venice was
awarded 4 stars out of 5. Last year, the city received 5 stars and won first place in the 20,00030,000 population category.
For more information, visit
www.americainbloom.org.
At right
and above
right, floral
projects
and landscaping
along West
Venice
Avenue.
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Venice City E-News
May 2016
Stay informed! Sign up for CodeRED
With May kicking off hurricane season — it’s time to sign up for CodeRED!
The City of Venice uses CodeRED to send emergency notifications by phone, email, text and
social media to keep citizens informed of emergencies such as evacuation notices, utility outages, water main breaks, fire or floods, chemical spills, or other emergency situations.
The city also uses CodeRED Weather Warning, a unique service that automatically notifies citizens in the path of severe weather just moments after a warning has been issued by the National Weather Service. The CodeRED Weather Warning is available to city residents at no cost.
The city may also activate CodeRED to send general notifications to registered subscribers to communicate non-life safety matters, such as planned road
closures, water main repairs, and water and power service interruptions. By selecting the box for general alerts, you will also receive these types of notifications. Registering for CodeRED is quick and easy:
Sign up for CodeRED online at www.venicegov.com/Disaster_Links/code_red.asp. Add the following numbers to your caller ID: 866-419-5000, Emergency
Calls; 855-969-4636, General Calls; and 800-566-9780, Weather Warnings.
Things to know about CodeRed
CodeRED delivers notifications by phone calls to landlines and cell phones, emails, texts, social media, and/or mobile alerts.
CodeRED is compatible with TDD/TTY devices for those with hearing impairments.
Individuals and businesses may add as many phone numbers, emails and text numbers as desired.
Residents and visitors alike can receive enhanced public safety alerts no matter where you are located via the CodeRED Mobile Alert app, a free public safety app for both Android and iPhone users. The CodeRED Mobile Alert app delivers community and emergency alerts to individuals targeted within an impacted geographical area so that you may also receive timely notifications when you’re on the road, or away from home.
If you are currently a CodeRED subscriber who has already registered your mobile phone to receive notifications from the City of Venice, you will continue
to receive calls. However, if you download the CodeRED Mobile Alert app, you will also receive alerts via your smartphone anywhere in the country, including
Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Alaska. To download the free CodeRED Mobile Alert app, visit the Google Play or iTunes store.
For more information about the CodeRED service, or to sign up by phone, call 941-882-7401.
Connect to city government bid opportunities
If you are a local vendor interested in doing business
with the City of Venice, you can register with Onvia DemandStar at www.demandstar.com and be notified by
email when city government posts bid solicitations that
interest you.
A subscription to DemandStar offers business vendors
a number of important benefits:
· Find out about bid and quote opportunities as soon
as they are announced
· Get a head start on your proposal
· Stay up-to-date on bid and quote documents and
addenda as they are published
· View previously awarded bids to help you strategize
Onvia offers vendors the option to register for notification from a single agency at no cost. Access includes
full functionality of the DemandStar platform — you can
view the agency’s bids, quotes and download documents for free.
To receive the city’s notifications, vendors must register with DemandStar online or by calling 1-800-711-
1712. By registering, vendors who have downloaded a
bid opportunity will automatically receive notification of
related addenda. If you register solely for the City of
Venice under the DemandStar "Free Agency" checkbox,
there is no cost for this bid notification service. Onvia
also offers a variety of subscription-based notification
services; to find out more, go to www.demandstar.com.
Interested bidders can also go to the city’s website at
http://venicegov.com/Municipal_links/Finance/bids.asp
to see current bid solicitations.
Page 15
Venice City E-News
All fired up
The 7th Annual Suncoast BBQ &
Bluegrass Bash, held April 15-16
at the Venice Airport Festival
Grounds, attracted top grill
masters, bands like Swinging
Bridge (bottom right), and
barbecue aficionados of all ages.
May 2016
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Venice City E-News
May 2016
Backflow program preparation and information
In late 2012, city utility staff began conducting site surveys for every property served by the utilities potable water system to determine the degree of hazard
related to potential cross-connection. The data was recorded and utilized to determine the appropriate type of backflow preventer required, or in some cases,
no longer required.
The Cross-Connection Control Program Manual was revised based on regulation changes by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Implementation of the City's Backflow Program started in early June 2015. Letters began to be sent to both residential
and non-residential zones, 12 in all, on a monthly basis. There are different requirements for non-residential
and residential properties.
Non-Residential
All non-residential customers are required to have a reduced pressure backflow preventer (BFP), and to
have those devices tested annually with results submitted to the city for verification. Where appropriate,
double-check assemblies are allowed to remain in place until the initial 12-month program start-up period
has ended. There are additional requirements if a fire sprinkler system is involved.
The implementation of the program for these customers required staff to ensure they had some level of
backflow prevention, and to ensure that each customer with an existing backflow preventer had a certified
test performed. Each month, reminder letters of the testing requirements are being sent to one of the nonresidential zones.
Residential
For residential customers, there were three different tasks involved. The first notified them if they were
required to install a reduced pressure (RP-BFP), which is the highest level of protection. Second, if they were
required to install a dual check valve (DuC). The third informed customers with an existing backflow preventer Above, reduced pressure (RP) BFP (installed above
ground, downstream of meter box). Below, dual
that exceeds the current program requirements they may replace their device with one approved for lower
(DuC) BFP (installed underground, typically in
level protection or possibly remove their existing BFP, if they choose. No action is required by these custom- check
a meter box).
ers.
Following the initial 12-month start-up period, residential customers who have an RP-BFP will be required
to have those tested every other year.
Residential customers who have the DuC-BFP will not be required to perform testing, but will have to refurbish or replace the DuC no less than once every 10 years.
General requirements that determine the type of BFP required for residential customers:
Potable water used for irrigation requires a RP-BFP
Surface water used for irrigation requires a RP-BFP
Well water used for irrigation requires a DuC-BFP
Reclaimed water used for irrigation requires a DuC-BFP
None of the above means no BFP is required.
There are minor exceptions to these requirements; the above covers the vast majority of city customers.
Please call the Utilities office at 941-480-3333 or review information on the city website at http://
venicegov.com/Municipal_links/Utilities/backflow.asp if you have any questions about your specific circumstances.
Examples of two BFP assemblies are shown at right.
Page 17
Venice City E-News
May 2016
UTILITIES
U.S. 41 Bypass construction update
The Florida Department of Transportation began the widening of the U.S. 41/Venice
Bypass in November.
This project includes widening U.S. 41 from four lanes to a six-lane roadway, improving
Cleaning, CCTV inspection
of sanitary sewer lines
This project provides closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection and cleaning services for existing sanitary sewer lines
roadway drainage, installing retention ponds, constructing 7-foot bicycle lanes, adding
within the City of Venice. Included are 6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch,
concrete sidewalks and relocating and/or replacing City of Venice water and sewer lines.
12-inch, 15-inch, and 16-inch sewer mains and 4-inch and 6-
Upgrades to lighting, signalization and bus pads are a part of the project as well.
inch sewer laterals. The remotely operated camera also rec-
The $16.6 million project is expected to be completed in spring 2018. Bergeron Land
Development is the contractor.
ords video and data to aid in identifying service lateral locations, structural condition of the pipes, and obstructions such
Currently, crews are continuing to install the utility and storm drain systems and con-
as grease, roots, and other debris. The principal use of the
structing temporary pavement. Expect intermittent nighttime/overnight northbound and
information collected is to prioritize, budget and schedule
southbound lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. throughout the project limits while
repairs. The project was awarded to UIT LLC, approved by City
crews are working. Motorists should be mindful of the construction signs in place and use
Council March 22, and scheduled to commence this summer.
caution while traveling through the project area.
Ridgewood Avenue at the U.S. 41 Bypass is reopened, and the detour discontinued at
this time. The contractor will implement the detour again in the next few weeks, so be
alert for message boards and detour signage at that time.
The temporary detour for local traffic uses East Venice Avenue and Bay Indies Boulevard. Be aware that only local traffic may access the Ridgewood Mobile Home community. It is not for use by through traffic.
Detour information is as follows:
At left, a CCTV en-
· From U.S. 41 Bypass to Ridgewood: Take the Bypass to E. Venice Avenue and travel
tering a manhole.
east to Bay Indies Boulevard. Take Bay Indies Boulevard north one block to Ridgewood
Avenue.
· From Ridgewood Avenue to U.S. 41 Bypass: Take Ridgewood Avenue to Bay Indies
Boulevard and travel south to E. Venice Avenue. Take E. Venice Avenue west to the Bypass.
At right, video and data
inside a sewer line.
Page 18
Venice City E-News
May 2016
IN TRAINING
Venice Fire Rescue held firefighter
training March 29 at a house set to be
demolished off South Nokomis Avenue and The Rialto. At left, firefighters
Geoff Struble and Matt Tomer
(standing) escape from one room to
another as part of firefighter survival
training. At right, Struble uses a slice
pack for forcible entry of a garage
door.
Below, firefighter Brandon Folkers prepares to use a K-12 resBelow, firefighters Geoff Struble and Chad Meyers (standing)
during survival training in the fire house.
cue saw after consulting with Battalion Chief Scott Blanchard.
At left, Folkers uses a sledgehammer to breach a garage door.
Page 19
Venice City E-News
May 2016
Cut the lights for sea turtle nesting season
Sea turtle nesting season begins May 1 and continues through Oct. 31.
During the nesting season, city ordinances prohibit the use of artificial lights, including flashlights, vehicle
lights and lights shining on the beach from windows and walkways of nearby structures. Sea turtle hatchlings are often drawn to light, which consequently causes them to move away from the water instead of toward it after hatching. If hatchlings do not get to the Gulf water right away, they can become dehydrated,
are more likely to be eaten by other animals, or may end up in a street where they can be crushed by passing motorists.
Sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act. It is a violation of the law to touch or otherwise disturb a turtle, turtle nest, egg or hatchling.
During the nesting season, sea turtles come ashore at night, dig their nests and deposit as many as 180
eggs, each about the size and appearance of a ping-pong ball. Although the time varies due to species, number of eggs in the nest, temperature and humidity, most nests will hatch in 45-70 days. Species of sea turtles common to the area include Loggerhead, Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback and Kemp's Ridley.
If you see lights shining on the Venice beaches during nesting season, contact City of Venice Code Enforcement Inspectors Debbie Sanacore at 941-8827437 or George Nixon at 941-882-7436. If you see a sea turtle or hatchling in danger, call Mote Marine Sea Turtle Program at 941-388-4331 or the Venice Police Department at 941-486-2444.
AT YOUR SERVICE
The following individuals have been appointed or
reappointed to serve on city boards, commissions,
committees and task forces:
Andrea Stulz, reappointed student representative to the Environmental Advisory Board, to
serve until Jan. 11, 2017.
Arianna Murdocca, appointed student representative to the Environmental Advisory Board, to
serve until Jan. 11, 2017.
Angela Potier, appointed student representative to the Public Art Advisory Board, to serve until
Jan. 11, 2017.
Thomas Murphy, reappointed to the Planning Commission, to serve until Jan. 31, 2019.
Jerry Towery, reappointed to the Planning
Commission, to serve until Dec. 31, 2018.
Helen Moore, reappointed to the Planning
Commission, to serve until Jan. 31, 2019.
Richard Lanigan, re-elected as the fifth trustee
to the Fire Pension Board of Trustees, to serve until
Nov. 7, 2019.
Jeffrey Matthews, reappointed to the Architectural Review Board, to serve until Jan. 31, 2019.
Janis Fawn, appointed to the Planning Commission, to serve until Jan. 31, 2019.
Jim Bennett, appointed to the Policy Advisory
Task Force, with an appointment date of Jan. 26,
2016.
John Burton, reappointed to the Citizen Tax
Oversight Committee, to serve until Feb. 28, 2020.
Richard Francis, reappointed to the Citizen
Tax Oversight Committee, to serve until Feb. 28,
2020.
Anthony Pinzone, reappointed to the Citizen
Tax Oversight Committee, to serve until March 31,
2020.
Donna Pachota, reappointed to the Environmental Advisory Board, to serve until March 31,
2019.
David Williams, appointed to the Citizen Tax
Oversight Committee, to serve until April 30, 2019.
Joseph Pokorney, appointed to the Economic
Development Advisory Board, to serve until April
30, 2019.
David Kotek, appointed to the Construction
Board of Adjustments and Appeals to complete the
term of Seth Hill, until July 31, 2017.
Fred Gibson, appointed to the Construction
Board of Adjustments and Appeals to complete the
term of James Soller, until July 31, 2018.
Kevin Collins, appointed to the Economic Development Advisory Board, to serve until April 30,
2019.
Page 20
AROUND TOWN
The 14th Annual Venice Shark’s
Tooth Fishing Tournament, sponsored by the Venice Police Department, was held April 7 at
MarineMax of Venice. Thirty-five
Special Olympics athletes joined
local boat captains for a day of fun
and fishing, then returned to
MarineMax for lunch. Above, Rico
Sisbalo shows off his catch, a 9inch mangrove snapper. Far right,
VPD Marine Patrol Officer Paul
Joyce, his wife Tabitha, Officer
Paul Freeman, his wife Dana, and
Chuck Speake with Venice Public
Works, the raffle winner of a Yeti
cooler filled with gear. In front is
Special Olympian Virginia Reiter,
11, who picked Speake’s winning
ticket.
Venice City E-News
May 2016
Page 21
Venice City E-News
AROUND TOWN
More images on land and water of the 14th
Annual Venice Shark’s Tooth Fishing Tournament on April 7, sponsored by the Venice
Police Department with lunch afterward at
MarineMax. At left, angling from Capt.
Brian McMurphy’s vessel, with Special
Olympics athlete Nick Angelicas fishing in
the foreground. At right, Capt. Eddie
Toomer with a group of athletes; his boat is
pictured below.
At left, Special
Olympians
Adam Laing,
Steve Parrott
and Scott Baker.
May 2016
Page 22
Venice City E-News
AROUND TOWN
Participants in the annual Relay for
Life April 22-23 at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds “painted the
town purple” in the fight against
cancer. The book-themed event’s
45 teams raised nearly $168,000 for
the American Cancer Society as of
April 27, according to Relay’s website, and monies continue to come
in. Keynote survivor speaker was
Chris Cornette, at right, who spoke
about his personal battle while
event leader Maryanne Bolduc
looked on.
May 2016
Page 23
Venice City E-News
May 2016
AROUND TOWN
At left, the Newcomers of Venice Alumni
kick off their St. Pat-
rick’s Day history tour
at the Venice Museum
& Archives. Right,
Bekah, one of the dedicated members of Girl
Scout Troop 542,
tends to the troop’s
butterfly garden at the
museum.
Below, kids scramble for eggs during the Easter Eggstravaganza March 26 in
Centennial Park.
Above, Ron Koehl reads from Deuteron-
omy during the Bible Readathon April 13
at the Centennial Park Gazebo. At right,
Christin Martin donates blood during a
drive April 13 at City Hall, as Devin Lane
with OneBlood looks on.
Page 24
Venice City E-News
May 2016
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
Sidewalk construction underway
A City of Venice contractor began installing public sidewalks April
25 to close multiple existing sidewalk gaps in order to improve connectivity and increase pedestrian safety.
The contractor started at Armada Road N. and will work sequentially through the list below. Notification letters have been sent to all
adjacent property owners.

Armada Road N. — From W. Venice Ave. to Barcelona Ave.

Armada Road S. — From Granada Ave. to W. Venice Ave.

Ave de Parques — From Granada Ave. to John Nolen Park

Menendez Street — From Harbor Dr. S. to John Nolen Park

St. Augustine/Santa Maria intersection

1164 Ridgewood Ave.

809 Ridgewood Ave.

Home Park Road — From Cypress Ave. to E. Venice Ave.

Field Avenue — Adjacent to Student Leadership Academy
Please expect periodic lane closures and traffic delays at these locations over the next two months.
For more information, call Assistant City Engineer James Clinch at
941-882-7410.
Page 25
Venice City E-News
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
Utilities Dept. contact procedures for service emergencies
The City of Venice Utilities Department has recently reviewed and updated contact
procedures for the public to use in the event of service emergencies like a water line
break. The emergency phone line for utility service problems is 941-486-2770. This is
not a new number, but it should be noted that this line is designated for emergencies
only. A Utilities employee is on duty, including after regular business hours, to receive
emergency calls.
The Utilities Department phone system protocol has been changed to accommodate
emergency situations where a number of residents may be calling at the same time.
After discovery of an emergency situation (either detected by city staff or via a resident
call), the system will be programmed to provide an automated message to subsequent
callers indicating that the problem is known and is being addressed. The automated
message will also afford the caller an option to leave a message and their contact information if they wish to receive a return call about the incident.
May 2016
Page 26
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
Venice City E-News
May 2016
Page 27
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
Venice City E-News
May 2016
Page 28
Venice City E-News
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
Parks Visioning Workshop set
The City of Venice will hold a Visioning Workshop for its parks
on Tuesday, May 17. The workshop will take place in Community
Hall at City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave.
Members of the public are invited to attend the workshop. The
day is divided into various topics, so the public can come and go
depending on their interest in the topics. The day will end with an
open session between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
The tentative schedule is as follows:

7-7:15 a.m. — Continental breakfast

7:15-8:30 a.m. — Overview of needs assessment
 8:45-9:15 a.m. — Discussion of maintaining the integrity
and character of a John Nolan Public Realm

9:30-11:30 a.m. — Session 1: Beach Access Parks

11:40 a.m.-noon — Lunch

12:15-2:15 p.m. — Session 2: Neighborhood and Community
Parks, including a discussion about Wellfield Park and the Ajax
Property

2:30-4:30 p.m. — Session 3: Natural Areas and Habitat
 4:45-6 p.m. — Session 4: Trails, Greenways, Bikeways and
Streets

6:30-8 p.m. — Public Open House
May 2016
Page 29
Venice City E-News
May 2016
Venice Performing Arts Center
Venice Art Center
Venice Theatre
1 Indian Ave.
941-480-3191
www.veniceperformingartscenter.com
390 Nokomis Ave. S.
941-485-7136
www.veniceartcenter.com
140 Tampa Ave. W.
“Feelin’ Groovy”
Venice Symphony
April 29, 7:30 p.m. and April 30, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
“Angles, Lines and Curves”
April 8-May 6
Sign of the times
“South Sarasota County School Show”
May 11-27
“Celebrate the Blues”
June 10-July 8
941-488-1115
www.venicestage.com
Box Office open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
and one hour before the show
“Metamorphoses”
April 28-May 15
“James and the Giant Peach”
May 17-22
Loveland presents: “The Unbroken Circle”
June 2-5
“Gotta Luv It”
June 18
Thanks to Venice MainStreet and local businesses, the main
entranceway sign to downtown has been updated. It's now
LED with panel lights and controlled digitally. Multiple
events and other messages can be programmed into the
sign operation to help promote more business activities and
events, and assist in traffic movement.
Page 30
Venice City E-News
WATER RULES
City of Venice residents are permitted to irrigate lawns
one day per week:
Even addresses on Tuesdays
Odd addresses on Thursdays
Before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. for properties under 2
acres. For properties 2 acres or greater, watering is allowed before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
Hand watering hot spots and micro-irrigation of other
plants is allowed on any day, at any time.
New and replaced lawns get a 60-day exemption. Irrigation can occur any time of day on the day of installation,
and during the restricted hours on any day thereafter for up
to 60 days.
There are no restrictions on car washing, pressure washing, use of fountains or use of reuse or reclaimed water. A
shut-off nozzle on hoses should be used for car washing and
hand watering of garden plants. Conservation is encouraged.
Follow city meetings
To access meeting agendas, visit
www.venicegov.com.
On the left of this page, click on
Meetings, find the meeting you want
to view, look to the right of it and
click on Agenda, click open and view.
To listen to live audio of meetings,
or to watch City Council meeting live
videos, instead of clicking on Agenda,
click on Video or “In progress.”
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Venice, Florida Municipal Government
May 2016