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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 New York’s Central Park landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmstead. Graced by Mediterranean 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, built in the style of the Italian Renaissance with tower and loggia, housing historical memorabilia on the first floor. 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 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 observe stately Mediterranean homes with charming courtyards. Discover parks and fountains as well as benches along the way to sit and take in the views. The main street, Venice Avenue, is a palm lined boulevard with small shops, restaurants as well as Centennial Park featuring something for everyone. Water and play areas provide great entertainment for kids while weekly events, including jazz concerts are planned at this and other park locations. Blocks away is Hecksher Park with playground, tennis, basketball and handball courts as well as shuffle board that are lighted for nighttime use with sheltered picnic areas and restrooms. Temps from December through February averages 72.6 degrees with cool evenings requiring a light jacket or sweater. There’s an arts center, social clubs, award-winning community theater, as well as festivals and events 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 from the Venice Jetties through the Intra coastal Waterway. On the fourth weekend in January the Annual Arts and Crafts Festival is held at the Venice Florida Municipal Airport. The Italian Festival is also held on the airport grounds during the last weekend in February. The Venice Florida Symphony begins its season in January and has concerts on the first Friday of the month through April. The Venice Little Theatre runs from October through May, while the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre features year round performances. March through May featuring temps in the 80’s marks the arrival of professional baseball and their annual pre-season training as well as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and annual Easter Egg Hunt. In early May, picnic under the stars at the annual Moonlight Concert on the Manatee Community College South Campus. The Fourth of July is celebrated with spectacular fireworks from the Venice Fishing Pier. On the second weekend in August, the annual Sharks Tooth and Seafood Festival is held at the Pier. Exhibits from Mote Marine Laboratory and Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary are featured with an array of succulent seafood provided by 25 restaurants. While there walking and munching, preview original art, fossils, shells and shark teeth. September is dotted with sidewalk sales and craft shows and don’t forget the Halloween festivities with an evening parade and plenty of treats on October 31st. 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. Collecting shark's teeth has been a favorite pastime of many visitors. Sharks of all species continually shed their teeth and grow anew. Caspersen Beach, on Harbor Drive, will provide you plenty of opportunities. With fourteen miles of beach, over 20 bike trails, including the Legacy Trail (an 8 mile trail from Venice to Sarasota), 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.
Come for a visit and plan to stay a lifetime.
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