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In Historic Venice Florida 
Just south of Sarasota, along the Gulf of Mexico are the communities of NOKOMIS, LAUREL and OSPREY anchored by the CITY of VENICE and Venice Beach. Back in the early 1920’s, Venice, Florida was developed by urban planner, John Nolen along with landscape architect Prentiss French. Graced by Northern Italian Renaissance architecture, beautifully landscaped boulevards and parks, the city of Venice is an exception to most beach communities. It is completely surrounded by water with three bridges providing access to the downtown area. Don’t hesitate to take a tour on foot. Start on the corner of Miami Avenue where you’ll discover a small park and fountain. Across the avenue browse charming shops and boutiques with exotic imports as well as antiques and restaurants. Turn left, where Nassau Street intersects. You’ll find the Triangle Inn with its Italianate tower. It houses the VeniceArchives and Area Historic Collection. It is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., but tours on other days can be arranged. Return to Miami Avenue and walk west to Granada. Shaded by a canopy of live oaks you’ll progress to the Gulf of Mexico, where Venice Beach has picnic areas, volleyball nets and lifeguards on duty. The beach, starting at the northern edge of the city, from the Intracoastal Waterway to the Gulf of Mexico, extends for about three miles. Much of it undeveloped merges into Caspersen Beach Park. Prehistoric sharks’ teeth are found on the beaches at Venice and Caspersen. Turn right at Venice Avenue and walk through the shaded median known as Heritage Park and learn about some interesting points of Venice history. You’ll also see the beautiful homes built in the 1920s to lure people to Venice during the early development of the city. At the end of Heritage Park is Heckersher Park with playground, tennis, and basketball courts, lighted for nighttime play. Venice Avenue turns into main street America just four blocks from the beach where you return to the hustling downtown that reminds you of another era. Eclectic shops and wonderful restaurants line the streets of Venice and Tampa avenues. A delicious meal served al fresco is always a few steps away. In between the two streets is Centennial Park. The park’s gazebo, is the site of frequent free concerts throughout the winter and the customary Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings. The interactive fountain is a favorite of children of all ages and a great place to cool down on a hot day. Temps from December through February average 72.6 degrees with cool evenings requiring a light jacket or sweater. There’s an art center with exhibits, gift shop and café, a symphony orchestra, an award-winning community theater and festivals throughout the year. Holiday events kick-off the first Saturday after Thanksgiving in downtown Venice with lighted floats and lively entertainers. Festivities continue with the annual Christmas Boat Parade at dusk on the first Saturday in December. Lighted boats cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway, from the Albee Road Bridge to Circus Bridge. On the third weekend in January the the annual Rotary Arts and Crafts Festival is held at the Venice Florida Municipal Airport. The Italian Feast and Carnival is also held on the airport grounds during the third weekend in February. The Venice Florida Symphony begins its season in December and has concerts on the first Friday of the month through April. Venice Theatre productions run from October through May. In March, Venice MainStreet holds its Downtown Art Classic during the first weekend. The Saturday before Easter is the annual Eggstravaganza egg hunt for children. April brings the long awaited Sharks Tooth Festival on the second weekend. Music under the stars played by the Venice Symphony takes place at State College of Florida in early May. The Fourth of July is celebrated with spectacular fireworks from the Venice Jetty, that can be seen from most beaches in the area. For the athletically inclined, the YMCA Triathlon draws a crowd from across the country in early September, followed by a Jazz Fest at the end of the month. Sun Fiesta is the official start of what native Venetians refer to as “season.” Its bed races, parade, crafts fair and music provide family entertainment during the third weekend of October. Don’t forget the Halloween festivities with an evening parade and plenty of treats on October 31st (unless it falls on a Sunday, then it is moved to Oct. 30). In November, Historic Spanish Point, just north of Venice, hosts Discover the Past Festival. Costumed interpreters introduce visitors to the life and ways of the early settlers. Crafts, music and canoeing round out a day of family fun. For art enthusiasts, The Downtown Art Fest is held along Venice Avenue the first weekend. Collecting sharks' teeth is a favorite pastime of many visitors. Millions of prehistoric sharks’ teeth are buried in the gulf sands and wash ashore with most storms. With three miles of beach, more than 20 miles of bike trails, including the Venetian Waterway Park and Legacy Trail, a new 9-hole disc golf course, public lighted tennis courts and numerous Golf Courses to challenge you...What are you waiting for? There are great Resort Accommodations available and several quality Restaurants. It's no wonder that this is a popular Retirement and Relocation destination.
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