Venice Florida Daily Photo

Green Living Expo

2010-04-12T10:49:00.000-04:00

There was actually a lot happening in Venice FL this last weekend, but the big thing for me was the first annual Green Living Expo put on by the Venice Board of Realtors to support Habitat For Humanity and promote greener living. It was a great first event, with about 30 vendors, speakers, good food, and music from the Venice High School Orchestra.

Watery Reflections

2010-04-05T11:15:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful day of Florida sunshine. I love the reflections of the water on the boats.

Easter Fun

2010-04-04T09:24:00.001-04:00

Families had a fun day in the park for Easter, face painting, egg hunt, music, and more. Happy Easter Everyone!

Origami Swans

2010-04-03T14:59:00.000-04:00

With the untypical cool weather it had actually been some months since I've been to the Saturday Farmers Market. As I was visiting with a friend in one booth I was commenting on the wonderful Origami Swans in the next booth. Just as I was taking a photo the lady in the booth poked her head around the corner with a big smile. Great candid shot!

Freinds at Business After Five

2010-03-26T09:40:00.000-04:00

Every month the Venice Chamber Of Commerce has several events, last night was the Business After Five. It was a great time outdoors in wonderful Florida spring weather. Here are a couple of my local business friends clearly enjoying the evening Debbi Walters with Calypso Graphics and Paul W. DeClark with Health Products Powerhouse, Inc.

Orange Blossom Special

2010-03-25T12:00:00.000-04:00

At last the weather has started to warm up and plants hit hard by the cold are springing back. I really enjoy these Orange Blossoms and clearly the Bees do to.

On the Corner

2010-03-24T18:55:00.000-04:00

I've been by and in this old building in downtown Venice many times but sometimes it pays to look up. I got an angle on it with the palm tree that I really like.

Back at the beach

2010-03-15T14:08:00.000-04:00

After a long cool spell (I won't say cold in respect to those up north!) I got back to the beach Sunday. I was far from the only one, this beach is never as crowded as big city or resort beach's, but the parking lots where jammed and people where parking anyplace they could find to get to the beach.

It was still a bit cool but obviously people had been hold up inside long enough and had to get out and enjoy the sun.

Crop Walk

2010-03-02T15:30:00.000-05:00

Crop Walk took place this last Sunday afternoon here in Venice. It is neighbors walking together to take a stand against hunger in our world. Walking for those who have to walk to get water and food. Crop Walk raises awareness and funds for international relief and development, as well as fighting hunger locally.

Seeing the Beauty of Green

2010-02-19T09:30:00.000-05:00

With the light behind it, I was sure how this photo would turn out, but the trees diffused the light very well. Besides being one of the older homes in Venice FL, the trees are what caught my attention here. In my opinion trees are essential to making anyplace livable. I'm sure there are a lot of environmental experts who would agree with me.

But just from a simply aesthetic viewpoint the trees, flower box's, and other plants make this an absolutely beautiful home, without them I don't think I would care for it much at all.

Alley Cats

2010-02-17T08:34:00.000-05:00

Getting a good look over by a couple cats wondering why I'm taking their picture.

Burgundy Square

2010-02-16T11:10:00.000-05:00

Many times I have been by Burgundy Square on Miami Ave. in Venice Florida but I hadn't noticed it in the morning light from this angle before. I thought it looked very inviting over the knoll and through the trees.

Wall Flower

2010-02-11T16:11:00.000-05:00

This medallion is on the wall of the historic Granada Apartments in Venice Florida, I don't know if the lady it may have been modeled after was herself a wall flower or not. Regardless, as she is on a wall and wearing a flower I could not resist the pun!

From the Jetty

2010-02-10T09:55:00.000-05:00

It's a cooler day here but sunny so I thought it was time for a view from the south jetty. This is at the far northern end of Venice Island looking south. There is no beach at this park, but there are great views all around. This to the south, west to the Gulf of Mexico, north to the north jetty and a much larger park with beaches on Casey Key, and east into Roberts and Donna Bays with a lot of boats.

Watching the boats go by is a popular past time here as is fishing from the jetty. There is also a snack shop, restrooms, benches and picnic tables.

Island View

2010-02-08T12:29:00.000-05:00

This view of Venice Florida is taken from a balcony on the towers shown in the Feb 3rd photo. These towers sit on one side of the island with this view to the other side. It's really not that far across but there is a lot here.

One example is the Venice Theater in the bottom left of this photo. I will be talking much more about the theater on this site. It is amazing, Venice FL really isn't that large of a community, yet this is the third largest community theater in the United States!

Evening Sun

2010-02-06T13:51:00.000-05:00

Recently I was showing a friend around town and got this photo of the evening sun from the pier. No photo though can replace the beauty of the moment or really show how the sun sparkled off the water.

Library Garden

2010-02-04T10:16:00.000-05:00

My favorite parts of Venice Florida, where I take most of my photos are on the island. But there are some very nice spots off the island as well. One of those is the Jacaranda Library. The whole library is very nice one of things that makes it so is the garden and pond outside. It is a feature that can be enjoyed from large windows inside as well.

Bridge View

2010-02-03T08:44:00.001-05:00

Not just a view of a bridge, this is a view from one of our bridges to another. Sometimes it really pays to walk in areas most people don't. This is a place where most people drive by and don't really enjoy the view, in a car you miss it because of the bridge railings as well. But as you can see the view of the Inland Waterway is wonderful from the bridge.

Actually I wouldn't recommend for most people to make the walk for this view, but I'm glad I did I can share it with you.

Alien Seed Pod

2010-02-01T09:55:00.000-05:00

There is this thing in our yard that looks to me like an alien seed pod, I've been around here over six years and had never seen anything like it before. It's actually from a common plant, so common that it's best known as the cardboard plant. Technically it's Zamia furfuracea an evergreen plant that grows in Mexico and Southern Florida. If I understand it though the seed pod is not as common, it appears only when the plant feels threatened so constant trimming and our recent cold snap might have caused that.

Palmy sky

2010-01-30T09:18:00.000-05:00

Right now it's very mild and pleasant, aka balmy. We are said to have rain heading our way though so I thought I'd post this photo with the brighter sky before it started turning darker.

Hob Nobbing

2010-01-29T08:29:00.004-05:00

Through my position as a sales associate with Gorilla Direct Marketing. I am able to get actively involved in the Venice Florida Chamber of Commerce. This is something I greatly look forward to as the chamber is THE most important resource in the community for promoting and helping locally owned businesses, a strong passion of mine. I am glad to do my part to help further promote locally owned businesses through Gorilla Direct Marketing and this site but the Chamber is key. Without it we would simply not have the strong, vibrant local business community that we do.

Last night the Chamber held their annual Hob Nob at Cramer Toyota. The event was packed with several hundred local business people and community leaders. Cramer Toyota did a great job as outstanding hosts with live music, and fantastic spread of food, and a great space for such a well attended event.

These business people are all our friends and neighbors, they work hard to help make Venice FL the wonderful community that it is. When you do business with a locally owned business research shows that for every $100 spent in a national or international chain business only $14 stays in the local economy. It's even worse for online shopping that is based out of the area as none of your money will stay in this community. Yet for every $100 spent in a locally owned business $45 - $68 stays here in Venice. Please support our local businesses and make them your FIRST choice as you do business.

Train Station Tour

2010-01-27T19:16:00.000-05:00

Today I took the opportunity to take a tour of the historic train station. A few years ago this building was in total disrepair. Today it is a beautiful landmark in Venice. This was largely due to the foresight of making it a transit transfer station the the county public transit system. It's a very logical use that made funds available for restoration.

We had a great guide name John (in the photo) who really brought local history alive for us. If you're in the area I recommend taking some time for this tour. Check out the Activity/Program Calendar on the Venice Area Historical Society's web site for times.

Johnson-Schoolcraft Building

2010-01-26T08:23:00.001-05:00

One of the earliest buildings in Venice Florida is the Johnson-Schoolcraft Building. Built in 1926 originally it had a pharmacy with a soda fountain. Today it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has a wine shop, a kitchen/gourmet store and a bunch of nifty nic nacs. Umm, I meant there is a gift shop here called Nifty Nic Nacs that has a bunch of well, nifty nic nacs!

The Venice Beach Pavilion

2010-01-25T08:22:00.000-05:00

In my photo last Thursday this structure was silhouetted against a dramatic sunset. Today I thought I'd share it in it's daytime brilliance. The Venice beach pavilion is a great example of the local "Sarasota School" mid-century modern style. It was designed by renowned architect: Cyril T. Tucker and built in the early 1960's.

Venice had two major building booms with distinctly different styles of architecture in the 1900's one in the 30's with the originally planned Italian influence and another in the 50's and 60's that was very modern. This pavilion is one of the best examples of the modern style in Venice Florida.

The pavilion features a dramatic hyperbolic paraboloid roof soaring over two low buildings of coral stone and a large open air area with tables for eating ice cream from the pavilion shop or playing chess, etc.

Foggy Day

2010-01-24T14:20:00.000-05:00

This is not typical here in Venice Florida, but sometimes we do get foggy days. And this was a whole day as this photo was around 4pm not early in the morning.

Grand Opening - Kitchens by Kerrie

2010-01-23T08:03:00.004-05:00

Yesterday evening Kerrie Ann Lehnert held the grand opening for her very successful Kitchens by Kerrie business. The event was well attended by community leaders and very enjoyable with good music, good food, and good people. It and Kerrie's business growth, with other signs of growth around town, are good signs of a strong economic rebound here in Venice Florida. Especially for locally owned businesses.

Discover the quality work Kerrie does on her Kitchens by Kerri website You can also read more about it on my previous Venice Small Business Blog Post.

Biehl Park

2010-01-22T08:52:00.002-05:00

Sandwiched between the back wall of the Venice Theater and the ramp of the north bridge this property is one of the most visible on the island. It is a highly visible yet oddly a terrible location for a business, thus for years it was sitting as a vacant eyesore. It wasn't a very inviting welcome to Venice Florida.

Today it is a wonderful, delightful and very inviting welcome to the island with a large mural of local wildlife, fountains, the city plan etched in stone, and beautiful landscaping. This property is a great real life example of an ugly duckling that has been transformed into a gorgeous swan.

Sweeping Sunset

2010-01-21T08:32:00.000-05:00

This area has many dramatic sunsets and I realized that I hadn't shared one in a while. This is from a few years ago but it is one of my personal favorites. The sweeping roof of the Venice Beach pavilion is in the foreground and the sunset seems to take it's lead from the pavilion roof with a dramatic dark sweep through the clouds.

Beach Side Art Class

2010-01-20T10:05:00.000-05:00

As I was driving down by the beach I saw this art class in progress and thought it was a great photo opportunity. It's an great opportunity for many classes are taught for free by Madge Meyer a former art teacher for eighteen years.

Drawing classes on Saturdays are at the pavilion close to Sharkey's Restaurant and Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays they are here in the park between Venice Beach and the Army Air Base Sign. Paper and pencil are provided or you nay bring your own, bring a chair. Ask Madge about the advanced drawing class as well.

Not so mellow yellow!

2010-01-19T07:37:00.000-05:00

While this may look like construction scaffolding to some, it's part of the finished design of a local mid-century modern building here in Venice Florida. I'm not sure what the building was built as but today it is a Japanese Restaurant downtown on Venice ave. where most of the buildings have an Italian look. I feel the building style fit's it's current use very well.

There was a boom in Venice in the 1950-60's which brought a lot of mid-century style to town, some of it very well done, which I feel this is, some not so much.

I very much like the pattern of the yellow on blue in the top photo. Today I'm adding another photo to put this in context of the building.

Outdoor Room

2010-01-18T07:26:00.000-05:00

There is a new show on HGTV called the Outdoor Room it's all about creating outdoor spaces that have a sense of place like a room. As I was walking around town the other day I saw this space at the Emeritus at Venice. It is an assisted living facility in one of our historic buildings. This space between a couple buildings really gave me that sense of an outdoor room. A delightful space to spend some contemplative time in.

Gunther Gebel-Williams Statue

2010-01-17T15:35:00.000-05:00

As the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus made their winter home here in Venice for many years, so did it's performers and workers. Some choose Venice as their home and where active in the community after the circus as well. One of those was famed animal trainer Gunther Gebel-Williams.

Mr. Williams died in his Venice home in 2001. Today his life in this community is honored with a statue in his memory standing by the train station that he and his Circus family departed from and arrived to with great fan fair for many years.

Historic train depot and Legacy Trail

2010-01-15T08:05:00.001-05:00

In 1927 the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers built this train depot to bring people in and market Venice. It was the last stop of the rail line and for many years it also welcomed students from the Kentucky Military Academy and The Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus to their winter homes here in Venice.

Today the depot is on the national register of historic places it also serves as a bus transfer station for Sarasota county transit. The rail tracks between Venice and Sarasota are a walking and biking path known as the Legacy Trail. There is a park just west of the depot that features a public boat ramp to the Inland Waterway and there is soon to be a new city park just to the east.

More information on the depot history can be found at the Venice Area Historical Society web site and through tours, please see their web site for tour times.

Hecksher Park

2010-01-14T19:48:00.000-05:00

On Venice Ave. about half way between Tamiami Trail and the beaches (right in the heart of town) is this park full of tennis and other sport courts. Actually I had thought that was all there was to it, today I discovered there is also a nice picnic and play area on the Barcelona Ave. side.

Artful Steps

2010-01-13T08:38:00.000-05:00

This colorful stairway leads to Venice West Gallery and Hand Crafted Gifts which I profiled on my local small business blog yesterday. Linda made the mosaic stair a wonderful invitation to her gallery. It makes you want to know whats at the top of the stairs, at least it did me. Climb the stairs and discover what's there, you'll be glad you did!

The Venice Bridge

2010-01-12T08:04:00.002-05:00

As things are really coming together for this site, the thought came to me that I should share the full photo of the bridge that I use in the masthead, on business cards, etc.

This is the south bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway, one of three bridges connecting Venice Island to the mainland. All three are draw bridges allowing taller vessels to sail these waters.

It as my hope that this site will also serve as a great connection for people to Venice.

The building at the base of the bridge is the home of Venice Area Beautification Inc. a non-profit with a mission to make Venice a more beautiful place to live, work. and play.

One of their biggest accomplishments the Intracoastal Waterway Park with walking and biking trails that extend along both sides of the waterway for miles. The northern island side of the park ends around their building with landscaping, benches, tables, a playground, and public restrooms.

More Hibiscus

2010-01-11T08:11:00.000-05:00

Unlike yesterdays hibiscus I don't think cold would effect these. This is a recent find for me, a very large mural on the back of one of the Venice Gondolier's buildings. Most of it covers Venice history including the air base and the circus. There is also a time-line on the sidewalk.

I will share more photos of it, but if you want to see it for yourself take Venice Ave to where it ends under the bridge on the island. Facing the Inland waterway the Venice Gondolier's buildings are on your right. This is on the further building, closest to the Inland Waterway bike and walking trail.

Red Hibiscus

2010-01-10T14:40:00.000-05:00

It seems to be cold all over right now. I thought I'd warm it up a bit with a beautiful red bloom. Our plants aren't used to the cold snap like we are having at this time and we all hope they do well. Even with the cold, we are thankful it is not as bad as much of the rest of the country.

Heritage Park

2010-01-06T08:31:00.000-05:00

It's good to see someone besides myself enjoy this delightful park. I know other people do, but most drive right by it heading for the beach.

Heritage Park is a four block long narrow park between the East and West bound lanes of Venice Ave. that ends right at the beach.

Here you will find very pleasant winding trails, several monuments, and wonderful landscaping including some very impressive banyan trees.

January at the Beach

2010-01-05T08:02:00.000-05:00

Crisp and sunny not time for crowds at the beach, but I feel that many up north would gladly trade places with us!

Fountain Park

2010-01-04T14:31:00.000-05:00

This is my favourite small park in Venice. Right at the end of a line of antique and other shops on Miami Ave. this park offers a delightful, shady respite.

Changes

2010-01-02T08:58:00.001-05:00

I meant to share this yesterday but had a computer problem. A friend had to wipe my PC clean and I'm working on getting things reloaded and working again.

The theme day for City Daily Photo was Changes this month, and while a construction photo is an obvious choice, it's what I wanted to share. To me it's an indication of positive changes not just for Venice FL, but for our national and even world economy.

This site is one of the most desirable in Venice and the building has been sitting vacant for at least six years. That is changing now, it is being converted to (I believe) a restaurant/night club. That and other new construction in the area is an indication that things are picking up and 2010 holds promise to be a better year.

Happy New Year, I wish you a prosperous one.

One Last Christmas Photo

2009-12-30T09:10:00.000-05:00

One of the more unusual, but tropical, holiday displays at the Venice Arboretum was my pick for last Christmas photo of the season. Nothing about this display is typical Christmas, except ornaments and tinsel, but it has a very Florida beach feel.

I've enjoyed sharing a bit of Christmas in Venice Florida and hope you enjoyed it too.

Florida Ice

2009-12-29T09:53:00.000-05:00

In the six years I've lived in Florida I have never seen ice cycles. So to get that shimmering look here we have to hang fake ice. I'm sure there are a lot of people up north that would rather have that then the real thing!

So Long Santa

2009-12-28T19:11:00.000-05:00

Rumor around here has it that after his Christmas rounds Santa stopped by Venice for a good meal and a bit of a break before heading back to the North Pole. Like a lot of people up north he will very likely head south again ASAP for a well deserved vacation. So long for now Santa, we’ll see you next year.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

Ribbons and Shells

2009-12-26T09:47:00.000-05:00

One of many decorated tropical plants at the Venice arboretum decorated by different groups. I thought this one did a great job of giving the holidays a more tropical feel.

Merry Christmas from TheVeniceBridge.com

2009-12-25T09:24:00.001-05:00

This wonderful display is at one of the most beautiful historic homes on the island. About three blocks east of the beach on Venice Ave. See the daytime photo below as well.

The candles have words on them such as peace, joy, love, health, prosperity, this got me thinking about the most important things in live. The things in life that make it a gift and a joy. I received this from a friend and wanted to pass it on today.

In the Christian tradition, Christmas
is a time for families and friends to
gather together.

So today I'd like to invite you, no
matter what your tradition is, to
stop and consider the people in
your life.

See what they have brought you,
think about how they have supported
you, realize how different your life
would be without them.

Then tell them. Appreciation that
is not expressed is wasted.

The people that you care about,
and that care about you, are the
greatest treasure in your life!

So, go ahead, make someone's
day brighter. You'll be grateful
that you did, and so will they.

One of the greatest gifts in life is our relationships with others. Tell those you love how much you appreciate them.

I wish you all a year filled with peace, joy, love, health, and prosperity in all your relationships.

Blessings,

David

Christmas Tree On Miami Ave

2009-12-24T13:46:00.000-05:00

Just one block south of Venice Ave., Miami Ave. is a destination for antique shops, restaurants, and more. I found this nice Christmas display in a shopping arcade there. Merry Christmas, just one more day to go!

Santa Afloat

2009-12-23T15:35:00.000-05:00

You know in some places a sleigh just isn't very practical, and to get everything delivered on time Santa would have to use the most appropriate transport. I've heard in some places he swaps the sleigh for a boat. I got lucky and captured photo evidence of that right here in Venice!

Chrismas on Venice Ave.

2009-12-22T09:30:00.000-05:00

Venice Ave through the heart of downtown is a wonderful divided street with with palms and landscaping down the center. Closer to the beach it becomes an even wider, full fledged, delightful park. During the holidays the three blocks of palms in shopping district are bedecked with lights.

I was able to get this shot of one block after the lights had come on and there was still just enough background light to see the outlines of the palms.

Flamingo's like Christmas too

2009-12-21T09:50:00.000-05:00

Not your traditional snowy themed Christmas display! Not very typical of Venice either. This display brings a bit of Christmas glitter with more of a funky Key West feel. This is one of the many unique displays at the Venice Arboretum.

Pink Poinsettias

2009-12-20T13:55:00.001-05:00

These look rather red to me here but they are actually very pink. A little darker perhaps than pink flamingos but I thought the color was a little more "Florida"!

Venice Mall Tree

2009-12-19T09:09:00.000-05:00

The Venice Mall has a very nice tree and other Christmas decorations among it's shops. This is not one of those big suburban malls. This delightful mall is in the old historic KMI building in the heart of downtown next to Centennial Park. It is a delightful place with some great shops, but sadly most people seem to miss it. It just doesn't get the foot traffic that Venice Ave. on the other side of the park does. If you are downtown I encourage you to walk across the park and see what you've been missing.

Under the Sea Christmas

2009-12-18T12:15:00.001-05:00

Sirene Coastal Interiors holiday window on Venice Ave. downtown is a wonderful display of aqua blue and white with an under the sea feel. Very beautiful and appropriate for this area.

Christmas Sharks

2009-12-17T10:49:00.000-05:00

As much as possible I am trying to share images of the season that are unique to this area rather than something you could see most anyplace. While the light prevented me from capturing the beach and Gulf of Mexico beyond (just imagine them in the blinding white area), I still thought Christmas trees with sharks hanging from the ceiling was pretty unique!

This photo was taken at Sharky's on the Pier, the only beach front restaurant I know of not just in Venice but in this central gulf coast area. It's decked out for Christmas, including the beach side decks, and is a fun place to enjoy a good meal and some holiday cheer.

Ornamental Palms

2009-12-16T08:36:00.002-05:00

While driving around Venice the other day I came across a wonderful group of palms. I think it’s a great example of holiday decor with a Florida flair! I like this close up, but the extra large ornaments worked very well on the whole group. I also noticed that I wasn’t the only one taking photos.

Holidays Afloat

2009-12-15T08:50:00.000-05:00

When there are as many boats around a community as there are in Venice you just know that at some of them will be decked out in holiday style. Well if you get down around the yacht club you'll find that Christmas cheer seems to be very contagious.

Christmas at the Historic Triangle Inn

2009-12-14T09:38:00.002-05:00

Originally built as an inn today this beautiful building is residence to the Venice Archives with changing exhibits on the history of Venice Florida. Through the holidays it is featuring "Yes, Venice, there is a Santa" A delightful fun exhibit if Santa's donated over the years. See photo below.

The Inn is officially open Mon - Wed 10 am to 4 pm in season, however someone is usually there every weekday and will always open to the public if someone would like to stop by. It is located at 351 S. Nassau St. behind the library and community center. It is also right across from the Venice Arboretum. With a park full of tropical trees decked out for the season, this makes for a wonderful holiday destination in Venice.

Park Tree Lighting Festivities

2009-12-13T09:39:00.000-05:00

Last night there was a very nice holiday celebration at West Blalock Park, this is the location of the Venice Arboretum and the trees here are lit up for Christmas. The festivities included a choir, Santa Claus, hot chocolate, hammered dulcimers (pictured here), and lot's of lights.

Different groups decorated trees in the park and are quite interesting day or night. Many of them are palms giving it a distinctly Florida feel. I will be sharing other photos from this park as well.

The park is located right behind the library, art center, and community center, if you'd like to see it for yourself. There is also a nice Santa Display across the street at the history center in the Historic Triangle Inn

Holiday Farmers Market

2009-12-12T15:34:00.000-05:00

The Farmers Market is a fixture in Centennial Park on Saturday's year around. This time of year it's a bit bigger and takes on festiveness of the season with candy cains attatched to several palm trees.

Florida Snowmen

2009-12-11T09:43:00.001-05:00

As I mentioned yesterday snow at Christmas is a very popular theme even in Florida and further South. Yet I think about the only kind of snow you will see this far south in paradise is the fake kind such as these inflatable snowmen.

Oh Christmas Tree

2009-12-10T10:04:00.000-05:00

Yes Virginia, there are more traditional Christmas trees in Florida, most of them in fact. But I just had to share a tree with a distinctive Florida flair. One of the things that surprised me here in FL where we typically enjoy Christmas in warm weather is how much people seem to long for a white Christmas. It's on the radio in song, and it's big time in Christmas decorations.

While it surprised me in Florida, it surprised me even more further south. An image search of Christmas in places like Australia and Brazil where Christmass is in their Summer still shows that snow themes still make popular Christmass decor.

So far I've only heard one song (in the Venice Christmas Parade) about Christmas in Paradise, and I'm still trying to track it down.

Tasty Treat

2009-12-09T15:03:00.000-05:00

One of the homes in Venice's historic area looks like a pretty tasty treat for the holidays. One of the things I really like here is that this is an attractive holiday display both day and night. Many homes Christmas decorations look great at night but not so tasty during the day, some even look awful in daylight with deflated inflatables. This one looks just as delightful in daylight if not more so.

Santa Whale

2009-12-06T09:02:00.001-05:00

Stuck at home recovering from surgery I missed the Venice Christmas Boat Parade this year, so I thought I'd share a photo from years past. I'm sure everyone who went had a whale of a good time. I will try to get some current Christmas boat photos around the yacht club.

Red Christmas Window

2009-12-05T10:23:00.000-05:00

This elegantly simple arrangement of red ornaments is in the window of The Tabletop a wonderful store on Venice Island for fine china, glassware, cutlery, and more.

I have to admit though that the reason I chose this photo today is the white string background reminds me of the heavy rain we are having today. A bit unusual for this time of year.

Penguin Paradise

2009-12-04T09:07:00.001-05:00

The other night I was driving down Shamrock Blvd near 41 and came across this home that I had to stop at, I call it Penguin Paradise. They have a huge structure shaped like an igloo that is filled with inflatable lighted penguins, as well as more around the yard. Really cool.

Today I’m including two photos, a cute close up I like and one showing the larger context.

If anyone reading this knows of other great holiday displays in yards around Venice FL I’d sure appreciate a tip so that I can share it with others.

Jacaranda Library Tree

2009-12-02T09:01:00.001-05:00

This stunning holiday tree was gifted to the Jacaranda Library by Target over ten years ago when the library first opened. Volunteers wheeled it over on dollies from the nearby store fully decorated. A lot has changed at the library in the last ten years, including a major expansion. One thing that has not changed is long time volunteer Chuck faithfully putting up and decorating the tree every year.

Waiting to Start

2009-12-01T09:15:00.000-05:00

This months theme in the City Daily Photo community is "waiting". The other night at the Venice Christmas Parade I walked through much of the staging area where units wait their turn to start down the parade route. That is where I got this shot of people waiting on their float, I thought it fit both the theme day and the holiday season perfectly.

Click here to view thumbnails for all City Daily Photo Theme Day participants

Dreamy December Evening

2009-11-30T15:37:00.000-05:00

How about a dreamy December evening at the Dream Cafe in Venice? I haven't eaten there myself yet, but it does look good, and always seems to be busy, a very good sign. These folks look like they are enjoying a good meal before the Christmas Parade. Folks up north would be jealous to see they are in short sleeves!

Art Center Trees

2009-11-29T12:29:00.001-05:00

During the holiday season the Venice Art Center features an extravagant display of artfully decorated trees. This year the central tree is decked out in gold and white with splashes of red among it's flowers, sea shells, cherubs and baubles.

An abundance of smaller trees are also bedecked in a verity of colors and themes. There is also an abundance of local art to enjoy here, including several Christmas themed paintings, I particularly enjoyed a very close up portrait of Santa with his hat hanging on the corner.

The center is open all year long Monday through Saturday 9-5 except major holidays. It features the work of many local artists, traveling exhibitions, and many classes for artists to enhance their skill. The Art Center is at 390 Nokomis Ave. Right across from the public library and adjacent to the community center.

Christmas Parade

2009-11-28T22:31:00.000-05:00

The largest Christmas Parade in Florida is right here in Venice. As you can till it's after dark with lots of light, rather difficult to shoot with my camera but I got some worthwhile images that I will share over the next few weeks. I highly recommend the parade if you are in the Venice area on Thanksgiving weekend in the future.

Lolly pop, Lolly pop

2009-11-27T11:27:00.000-05:00

These two lolly pops are part of the Christmas Decore that you can buy at Holiday Tresures right on Venice Ave downtown, a wonderful shop bursting with the hilidays all year long.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T08:23:00.001-05:00

A photo of city workers decorating for Christmas on Thanksgiving? Yes, I took this a bit over a week ago (not too early these days) posting it today is a rather nostalgic trip down memory lane when such decorating in stores malls and cites actually did happen on this day. When Thanksgiving really marked the start of the Christmas season with this seemingly magical transformation over the Thanksgiving holiday.

It does mark it here as I hope to have some element of Christmas in my photos here from today through Christmas.

I wish all who enjoy this blog a very Happy Thanksgiving today, I hope you are able to enjoy it with family and friends. May you have a wonderful and blessed holiday season.

Inviting Entry

2009-11-24T08:52:00.000-05:00

Walking around one of the Islands historic districs I came across this older home with a very inviting entry. The landscaping, fountian, and arched porch give a real sense of welcoming people in.

Urn

2009-11-23T11:42:00.000-05:00

Part of the charm of Luna Cafe downtown is the outside patio area with plant filled urns, wine barrels, and more. Additionally there are a couple very nice water fountains, it makes for a wonderful setting to enjoy a good meal.

Another Angle

2009-11-22T08:01:00.000-05:00

Clearly I couldn't resist taking another angle on the fishing pier, or using a pun on fishing. It looks like there is someone else that fishing from another angle here as well.

Venice FL Fishing Pier

2009-11-21T09:52:00.001-05:00

While browsing through old posts I realized that I wasn't showing the Fishing Pier yet on this blog. Not sure how it escaped as it is one of my (and many other folks) favorite places around these parts. It is in fact the only fishing pier located directly on a gulf beach in Sarasota county.

This photo is taken from Sharky's On The Pier, one of very few beach front resturants in the Venice/Sarasota area. All in all this is a great beach to enjoy for many activities and facilities.

On the Trail

2009-11-20T09:49:00.000-05:00

One of many nature trails in Shamrock Park, it's a great place to get close to nature, close to the city. The park also features a nature center with educational programs as well as a great play area, picnic area, tennis courts and more.

Morning Sun

2009-11-18T08:21:00.000-05:00

Beautiful morning sun, hours before Luna Cafe opens. Always nice, I thought this was a very serene view of this popular Venice spot downtown. Especially with the Venice theater across the street there are many times this place is very busy.

Decking the Streets

2009-11-17T11:40:00.001-05:00

In remembrance of my childhood when malls, towns, and cities seemed to magically transform into Christmas wonderlands over Thanksgiving I wasn't going to start with Christmas photos till the day after. However I was downtown today just as city employees where working to bring some Christmas cheer to sunny and warm Venice FL.

So here is a little sneak peak of Venice at Christmas. But no more until at least Thanksgiving day.

Art Festival

2009-11-08T07:46:00.000-05:00

The 22nd annual Art Fest is happening this weekend. It covers three blocks of Venice Ave. downtown and is well worth a visit. I saw several new artists this year. There is art in the form of jewelry, music, paintings, photography, sculpture and more. Styles range from the sublime to the whimsical such as these fanciful creatures.

Garden Bird Feeder

2009-11-05T09:12:00.001-05:00

I'm essentially going to allow this photo speak for itself. Let the tranqulity of the garden bring you peace this day.

Bird on Fence

2009-11-04T09:47:00.001-05:00

I have to admit that I don't know birds that well, so I can't identify this little one. The reason I'm sharing it is that I really like the lines and composition of this photo.

What may look like snow in the background is actually foam on the surf. This photo was taken on the Venice fishing pier and the bird is most likely looking for scraps from those on the pier fishing.

November in the 80's

2009-11-02T10:12:00.001-05:00

Unusual even for central Florida but in right now in November while most of the nation is in the 50's and lower we are still having temperatures in the 80's! I'm sure it can't last much longer so we should get out to the beach and enjoy it while we can.

Doorway

2009-11-01T07:10:00.000-05:00

The 1st of the month is always my favorite time in the City Daily Photo Community as it's Theme Day. Here is my entry for this months theme of Doorways. Entry, Doorways, cute play with words huh? Oh well, this Doorway is on the old KMI building downtown.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Welcome, Foolish Mortals, to Halloween!

2009-10-31T09:57:00.000-04:00

When hinges creak, in doorless chambers. And strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls. Whenever candlelights flicker, where the air is deathly still, that is the time when ghosts are present. Practicing their terror, with ghoulish delight! Welcome, Foolish Mortals, to Halloween!

The above words may be from the Ghost Host at Disney's Haunted Mansion, but on Halloween night they apply everywhere including Venice FL. So keep your wits about you this night or you may end up as some ghouls delight!

Halloween Flag

2009-10-30T08:58:00.000-04:00

Halloween for so many is associated with the Fall, leaves that are turning shades of yellow, red, and orange and falling from the trees, if most aren't already gone. It is also strongly associated with New England and stories of witches in Salem Massachusetts and the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow. So lush green palm tress in Florida makes for a contrasting setting for this jack-o-lantern flag.

100th Post

2009-10-27T09:01:00.001-04:00

Today celebrates my 100th Venice FL Daily Photo posting. Well it hasn't quite been daily but pretty close. I thought that an overall view of town from above was a good way to mark the occasion. Most of what we see here is trees though which I really like, I think that's exactly the way it should be. Cities, towns, suburbs should always be filled with an abundance of trees.

This view is from one of the beach side condo towers looking straight towards downtown. The three towers in the center are just past downtown along the bank of the inland waterway on the other side of the island.

Laid Back Sunday

2009-10-25T08:45:00.000-04:00

Life these days can be so stressfull that I thought I'd share a relaxing image from the beach today. Our beaches here can indeed be very quite, calm, and relaxing. A perfect place to just relax and let stress melt away. If you can't make it here in person focus in on this photo for a while. Hear the seagulls, hear the surf, feel the cool breeze and relax, you deserve it.

Venice FL Consumer Expo

2009-10-24T09:20:00.000-04:00

Yesterday and today there is a Consumer Expo at the Venice Community Center put on by the Chamber of Commerce. Lots of great information from Chamber members. I was especially glad to see several companies with green products such as solar. I also really enjoyed the motor homes outside. It runs today until 3pm, so check it out if you are in the area.

By The Waterside

2009-10-22T09:31:00.000-04:00

The Marker IV Oyster Bar Restaurant has a great casual Florida beach or island vibe. It sits right on the water front of the Inland Waterway and has the feeling one thinks of when looking for a Florida experince in a restaurant rather than a resturant that you can find anywhere. The waterside atmosphere is enhanced by loads of outside seating and decks.

Family Beach Fun

2009-10-21T08:59:00.001-04:00

The beaches in Venice FL are great places for families like this, one of the reasons is they are less crowded than many other beaches another is all the interesting shells and discoveries like fossilized sharks teeth. Our beaches here are considered one of the best place in the world for finding sharks teeth. It looks here like perhaps the boy has found something and mom and dad are looking.

In this photo I think I captured well a family and others nearby enjoying themselves at one of our beaches, I also really like the composition.

Cat in the Grass

2009-10-20T16:11:00.000-04:00

My friends cat Clancy was in the fountain grass very attentive to something when I was able to capture this image. Clancy is a wonderful cat who can be a bit of a challenge when trying to get a good photo, just when you think you've got a good one the moment is gone before you can get it. But we are all very pleased with this one, it even got framed and hung, I hope you enjoy it too.

Seeing Red

2009-10-19T08:48:00.000-04:00

Some of my friends here have a wonderful backyard with all kinds of plants that are local to the area. Such plants creates a very lush yard while using very little water, FAR less water in fact than the plain grass lawns most yards are filled with. Personally I think such low-impact landscaping should be required. It doesn't look low impact, it looks stunning, such as this Swamp Hibiscus.

Cheeburger, Cheeburger

2009-10-18T08:41:00.000-04:00

The fun at the Sun Fiesta continues today, if you are in the area check it out. There is lots of good food and entertainment. Some of the food venders are very entertaining themselves. That was certainly the case at this cheeseburger place. The people working there where clearly having a lot of fun, and they make good cheeseburgers too!

Fiesta Bunny

2009-10-17T14:04:00.000-04:00

This weekend is the Sun Fiesta in Venice, one of the biggest events of the year. I missed the parade but still got a good shot of this fun pinata style bunny truck float. Don't know what was on the back during the parade but the float is a lot of fun.

Third Thursday Stroll

2009-10-15T19:51:00.004-04:00

Downtown Venice really comes alive on the 3rd Thursday evenings. The stores are open later, with several having sidewalk sales. There are also artists, magicians, and lots of music. Most of the music is from performers set up in front of stores, some of which (like a barbershop chorus) wonder from store to store. One very entertaining group in the photo above, wonders the streets on a flatbed pulled by an old steam car!

Third Thursday Strolls are sponsored by Venice Main Street check their events for more Venice fun including the Sun Fiesta this weekend, one of the biggest events of the year.

Peacocks in the lobby

2009-10-14T08:17:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I showed the courtyard of Summerville at Venice a local retirement and assisted living community inside of one of Venice Florida's most beautiful and historic buildings. Today I thought we would go inside. While the whole place is very impressive there is one thing that I particularly wanted to show you. That is the stunning Peacock light fixture/sculpture. This photo was taken on a tour a couple years ago and I actually should go back to find out more about them. (Notice one in the background by an open door as well.) I've never seen peices quite like these before and thought they are very beautiful.

Fountian Court

2009-10-13T08:08:00.003-04:00

In my opinion this is one of the most beautiful buildings in Venice. Originally it was built as the Venice Hotel today it is Summerville at Venice a retirement and assisted living community. The building features this lovely courtyard and the inside is even more elegant. There is an abundance of dark hardwood ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and a massive fireplace in the lobby area giving it an aura of sophistication.

Once there was another hotel very similar in design to this building, for a while it had been converted to a hospital, later it was torn down and replaced by a very unimpressive modern post office. To me that is one of the greatest losses of Venice history. How wonderful it would be today if that building was still here. The community is very fortunate that this one is.

Camping

2009-10-12T13:29:00.003-04:00

If you enjoy RV Travel I highly recommend Oscar Scherer State Park in the Venice area. It has very beautiful secluded campsites and lots to see and do including 15 miles of trails.

For me this photo is inspiration for my goal of getting a Motor Home and seeing more of this great country. From more charming small towns like Venice to natural wonders and big cities.