The celebration brought together residents, their families, community partners, and supporters, all gathered to share in the excitement and the vision for more accessible and dignified housing.

The Independence Villas sit at the front of the campus. They offer a quiet, supportive setting, close to everything Loveland Center offers: programs, amenities, and that sense of belonging. Each villa includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a private lanai, and accessibility features throughout. These homes are affordable for people earning about 60% of the area’s median income. 

But it’s not just about the walls and floors; residents find access to therapies, the performing arts, dining, recreation, and supported living services through Loveland’s partners. Residents also receive a significant benefit with provided transportation, featuring on-site parking and Breeze+ service that goes right to the door. Service and emotional support animals can come too, and regular community events tie everyone together.

At the heart of the campus, the Equality Lofts overlook the lake. With both one- and two-bedroom layouts, these apartments are all about community. Residents here live independently but always have social connections close at hand, whether through shared spaces, arts, or wellness programs. Like the Villas, the Lofts are fully accessible, with elevators to make moving around easy. Every building features laundry facilities and a private resident community room, made for get-togethers. With affordable rents, easy access to therapy, recreation, and a vibrant schedule of campus events, the Lofts are lively spots within the SNCDRC. They also meet transportation needs with parking and Breeze+ service, and they welcome animal companions.

Loveland Center doesn’t walk this journey alone. The expansion bears the names of Brent and Stacy Pinkerton (Building B) and Steven and Rendenta Picazio (Building A), honoring their support. Special thanks went to Boone Law Firm for pro bono legal services, Half-Acre Construction for building the lifts, and MPS Construction for their work on the Villas. The event also recognized the ongoing support from the Sarasota County Commission, Bob and Terry Lewandowski, several Florida legislators, and Governor Ron DeSantis.

No one received deeper appreciation than Senator Nancy C. Detert. Her vision and commitment made this community possible. She spent her life advocating for Loveland Center and other social service groups, making a difference that will last well beyond her time. Senator Detert passed away before the expansion was complete, but her family was there to accept the honor on her behalf.

Stories and laughter filled the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Residents like Sandy S., Ben K., Brianna W., and Vanessa F. were there to share the joy. Brianna’s shout, “Go Loveland!” captured the mood. Sandy said, “I’m so excited to be here in my new home, my new villa. I’m a VIP and everything is nice.” CEO Patrick Guerin III summed it up best: “The initial dream here was to do something different,” and Loveland Center has delivered, bringing to life a place where people can live with true independence and belonging.

The expansion of the Senator Nancy C. Detert Residential Community keeps pushing forward Loveland’s work, creating places where everyone can belong, grow, and lead self-directed lives.

Since 1962, Loveland Center has helped people with intellectual and developmental disabilities build life skills, pursue education, find jobs, and live independently. Their mission: help every individual live life to the fullest by promoting independence and self-advocacy.

To learn more about Loveland Center and its programs, visit www.lovelandcenter.org or email info@lovelandcenter.org.

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Her father was an attorney who saw no benefit in her desire to attend Carnegie Mellon’s theater school. She then followed in his footsteps and became an attorney, and early in her career, moving on to becoming a judge. For many years, Patricia sat as a Family Court Judge, which she says was an absolute privilege. She did not give up the theater dream, and did community theater in Western New York right until she moved to Florida.

Patricia’s three grown children all live in New York State and never cease to amaze her in how they handle life’s challenges and remain kind, respectful, and compassionate people. “I can think of no greater joy than knowing my children think of others in everything they do,” she says.

Her “retired life” is here in Venice. Patricia and her husband moved permanently at the end of 2022, but she’s far from retired, as she found a new theater home at Lemon Bay Playhouse. 

Patricia says, “It’s my honor to be serving as President and cannot wait for the community to see what we have in store. I also concentrate my law practice on representing Tribal Courts in New York State, developing and enhancing tribal court systems, and furthering education on the Indian Child Welfare Act. Corner me anytime and I will tell you all about it.”

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I do not really believe anything is perfect; too subjective. To me happiness is being thankful and comfortable with the life you are living.

What is your greatest fear?

My greatest fear is that no one will remember where I am buried. Should give you an insight into my need to always have an audience, even in death!

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Deplore is too strong. Let’s say I am terribly frustrated that people do not share their talents and time with others, especially with those who are in need.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Anyone who has seen my shoe collection knows this answer, although Disney is a close second.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

If I told you what I most dislike about my appearance, I’d call attention to it, nope!

Which living person do you most admire?

Not just one, there are three, my kids who are genuinely great human beings.

Every edition, Englewood REVIEW spotlights someone who stands out in the community. We ask each person to tackle The Proust Questionnaire; a classic set of questions created by Marcel Proust, the French writer.

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Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. That’s when the Venice Community Center at 326 Nokomis Ave. S. transforms into a behind-the-scenes showcase of the city’s first responders. Ever wondered what it’s like to walk in their boots? Here’s your chance to find out.

This event isn’t just for show; it’s all about breaking down barriers between officers, firefighters, and the people they protect. It’s free to everyone, and you’ll find action throughout the building and spilling out onto the grounds. Step inside and you’ll catch the buzz, part classroom, part carnival.

Ask any kid and they’ll tell you; the “Touch-a-Truck” display steals the spotlight every year. Rows of police cruisers, fire trucks, and specialty vehicles will line up, not behind a rope or off-limits, but open for climbing, honking, and hands-on learning. Officers and firefighters will be there to answer questions and let kids try on the gear.

But it’s not just about sitting in cool trucks. Every half hour, you’ll see live safety demos that give a real taste of what it takes to handle emergencies, watch the K-9s in action, learn about fire suppression, and see drills up close. And while the excitement is high, safety stays front and center. Parents can stop by the photo ID card station for kids, a straightforward way to be prepared.

“We’re excited to welcome the community back for our fifth year,” organizers said. They’re proud to see the event become a Venice tradition.

Festivities go well beyond the equipment. Think of a true community festival with free food and snacks, live music, cakewalks, and for the younger crowd, there’s face painting and balloon twisting at no charge. While public safety is the day’s focus, designers arranged every detail for fun and connection.

So whether you want to teach your kids how their hometown works, or you’re just in the mood for a Saturday full of free, family-friendly activities, plan to stop by. Venice Fire and Police Public Safety Day is where community comes together, and everyone gets to be a hero for the day.

5th Venice Fire and Police Public Safety Day 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at the Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave. S., inside and outside.

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For residents in Venice Isles Estates, the storm on Monday, March 16, will be one for the record books. As soon as the storm passed over, neighbors spilled outside to clear branches, trade wild stories, and try to process what had just happened.

The scariest part? It happened to a local woman who never saw it coming. In the chaos, a sudden gust hit hard and actually lifted her clear off her feet. People watched, stunned, as the wind spun her a few times and hurled her fifteen feet before dumping her on the ground. The rain and wind drowned out any chance for her cries to reach help. Eventually, rescuers found her, bruised and shaken, but alive. She’s now in recovery. The neighborhood hasn’t stopped talking about it since.

The storm tore at least one roof clean off, and plenty of people admitted they were unprepared for just how quickly the weather turned. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service are reviewing footage and photos, trying to determine if a brief tornado or a waterspout hit the community. They clocked winds at 50 miles per hour or more.

Damage stayed mostly within Venice Isles Estates, but the storm signaled a big shift in the weather. Cold air blew in right afterward, causing temperatures to tumble by nearly 30 degrees. Cleanup continues, and emergency officials aren’t ready to let their guard down, and they’re advising boaters to continue to watch out for rough water and strong northeast winds that should stick around through the end of the week.

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Bevan now faces two second-degree felony charges: planting or threatening to use a hoax bomb, plus filing a false bomb report. Police first booked him into Sarasota County Jail without bond, but later records show they moved him to Charlotte County Jail.

Bevan has an arrest record and has lost his Florida Bar license more than once. He has publicly discussed his bipolar disorder, and he ran for the Sarasota County Commission at one point. Back in 2021, authorities reported him missing and considered him endangered, but he turned up safe.

Some reports list his age as 55; other reports say 56.

The post Port Charlotte Man Arrested after Hoax Bomb at Venice UPS Store appeared first on Englewood Review.

Picture citrus wood-fired steaks, fresh seafood, and pasta, plus creative small plates, all crafted by a passionate chef team. You’re surrounded by lakeside views that really set the scene.

Happy Hour runs every day from 3 to 6 p.m. It’s the perfect way to unwind, watch the sunset, and try something new off the menu.

This place is more than just a restaurant; it’s Downtown Wellen Park’s landmark spot on the lake. The Banyan House also serves as the exclusive caterer for Solis Hall, the destination for weddings, reunions, and special events in the area. Food and drink options are booming throughout Downtown Wellen, and The Banyan House is right at the heart of it.

Every detail about The Banyan House is intentional, from the menu to the design. It’s this attention to detail that makes The Banyan House special. 

Surrounded by the picturesque Downtown Wellen’s architecture and the views of Grand Lake, The Banyan House designed the restaurant to bring the outdoors in. Enormous windows frame the restaurant and fill it with natural light. Diners feel like they’re dining amongst the trees, surrounded by hand-crafted banyan trees, natural colors, wood, and leaf patterns everywhere you look. The space feels alive.

As stunning as the restaurant appears, the best part is when you taste their creations. The space is comfortable, but the food? They have curated the menu with so much care. They balanced every dish in terms of ingredients, presentation, texture, and flavor brightness, leaving nothing to chance. The Banyan House is Wellen Park’s go-to spot for dining.

A family-owned restaurant, The Banyan House isn’t just another storefront. What gives the restaurant its spark is that it isn’t just another chain franchise. 

For The Banyan House, it’s all about the community. Restaurants with heart, like The Banyan House, are the backdrop for neighborhood celebrations or comfort on hard days. Restaurants feed us, but they also provide a place to belong. It’s like “Cheers” where everybody knows your name. That’s the atmosphere you find at The Banyan House Restaurant.

The Banyan House Restaurant
19725 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice, FL 34293
General info: info@banyanhouserestaurant.com
941.584.5300

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West, who lived in Bradenton, disappeared on September 13, 2024. Three days later, after she missed a flight and never returned home, her housemate reported her missing to Bradenton police. According to the housemate, West left their home with someone driving a white sedan. She never came back.

The case quickly shifted from a missing person’s report to a homicide investigation as police gathered evidence. Understanding the situation hinged on the fact that West and Racki knew each other and had met in Venice that day. Investigators say multiple independent pieces of evidence lined up over time, giving them probable cause for the arrest. No single clue solved it—it was the bigger picture.

Police arrested Racki on February 20. As of now, there’s no word on his legal representation or whether he’s entered a plea.

Authorities haven’t found West’s remains yet. Venice Police Captain Eric Hill made it clear at a press conference that the search isn’t over. Even though they have an arrest, they’re still working to bring closure to West’s family, who’ve been waiting for answers since last fall. Police are urging anyone with information, no matter how minor it seems, to come forward.

The Venice and Bradenton police departments, along with the FBI, coordinated Racki’s arrest. They haven’t shared details about the relationship between Racki and West, and because the investigation is ongoing, some facts are staying confidential for now.

Florida law allows investigators to charge someone with homicide when evidence supports it, despite the victim’s body remaining unfound. That’s the situation here; police believe they have enough to move forward.

If you know anything about Laikyn Marie West’s disappearance, police want to hear from you. Call Sarasota County Crime Stoppers at (941) 366-8477. West’s family deserves answers.

The post Venice Resident Ronald Racki Held in Connection With Laikyn West’s Slaying appeared first on Englewood Review.

Some people love to dance. Others just love the music; the energy, the rhythm, the feeling that comes with great dance tunes. Either way, this concert has something for you.

The night kicks off with the bold Spanish flair of “España Cañí,” one of the most iconic paso dobles ever written. The band keeps that Spanish heat going with “Spanish Fever,” packed with drum set solos, and “Libertango,” spotlighting soprano saxophone soloist Vince Loose. The flute section steps into the limelight during “Fiesta for Flutes,” and you’ll hear a fresh arrangement of Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana” which is always a crowd-pleaser.

Switching gears, the band dives into the classical side of dance with “Cake Walk,” a lively, syncopated piece with roots on pre-Civil War plantations. Originally called the “prize walk,” dancers competed for a lavishly decorated cake. This number practically begs your feet to move.

Waltz lovers don’t miss George Bizet’s graceful “Menuet,” featuring flute soloist Mary Duer.

Broadway fans get their due with two showstoppers: “Mambo” from West Side Story and “Shall We Dance” from The King and I.

Before the music starts and during intermission, resident artist Wayne Ramirez will display his artwork, including a painting of a dancing couple featured on the concert program.

Mark your calendar for February 23. This is a concert you won’t want to miss. Tickets go on sale February 9 at 10:00 AM. Buy them online at www.VeniceConcertBand.com or in person at the Venice Performing Arts Center box office from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You can also pick up tickets the night of the show for $17 cash at the box office. Even if the official box office sells out, people often have extra tickets available at the door.

The post Venice Concert Band Presents “Dance with Me” at Venice Performing Arts Center, Feb 23, 7 p.m. appeared first on Englewood Review.

On February 3, someone reported to school officials that a student had a weapon. Administrators moved quickly, working with law enforcement to locate and remove the firearm. Principal Zoltan Kerestely told families that everyone on campus was safe and said there was never an ongoing threat.

The next day, Kerestely sent another message, calling it “a serious safety incident.” He said the situation happened because some staff didn’t follow the established safety protocols, allowing the weapon onto school grounds. An investigation later confirmed that members of the school support team failed to do their jobs correctly. “This should not have happened and is unacceptable,” Kerestely said.

Authorities also arrested the student’s mother, Amber Dawn Strong, 45. According to a probable cause affidavit, she told a deputy the firearm was hers and that she’d left it inside a laptop bag in her daughter’s room. The sheriff’s office said Strong was arrested on February 3 for violating pretrial release conditions in a domestic violence case. She hadn’t turned over her firearm as required. Police seized the weapon.

Kerestely said the school has fixed the security lapse and is taking all necessary disciplinary actions. District security advisers are now on campus, and staff will undergo mandatory safety training as the school reviews and strengthens its supervision procedures.

Venice High’s principal emphasized that Sarasota County Schools enforces a zero-tolerance policy for weapons. He thanked the students who spoke up and the staff who responded when they saw something was wrong.

The 15-year-old faces a charge of possessing a firearm on school property.

The post Venice High School: Teen Charged After Weapon Discovery on Campus appeared first on Englewood Review.

The 1920s brought a real estate frenzy. Bertha Palmer sold 112 acres to Dr. Fred Albee, an orthopedic surgeon with big dreams for Venice. He wanted to build a medical center and turn the city into something special, so he brought in John Nolan to design it. Nolan went for a European- Mediterranean style that still gives Venice its charm.

But Dr. Albee didn’t hang on to his investment for long. He sold to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE), which had big plans to develop the area, market the property, and build a city right on the Gulf of Mexico. Five-acre plots farther inland would serve for agriculture. In 1926, Dr. Nolen finished the city plan.
 
Everyone was chasing quick money back then, flipping land and hoping to cash in. It looked like a sure thing until 1928. Suddenly, the money dried up. The BLE packed up and left.
 
That’s when Venice turned into a ghost town. The population dropped to just 300 people, and this was a year before the Great Depression hit. Things looked grim.
 
Then, in 1932, the BLE leased out the San Marco Hotel and the Venice Hotel to the Kentucky Military Institute (KMI) for use as classrooms and dorms. The town welcomed the cadets with open arms; thousands showed up at the train station to greet them. The money the school brought in saved Venice, and overnight, the cadets doubled the town’s population.
 
KMI needed a place to escape the harsh Kentucky winters, so the deal worked out for everyone. For almost 40 years, cadets, teachers, and some parents would roll into town by train right after New Year’s and stay until Easter. But in 1971, with the Vietnam War stirring up controversy, the school closed for good.
 
Over the years, plenty of interesting folks have called Venice home. The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus even set up their winter headquarters here in 1960, putting on shows for 31 years.
 
These days, the circus, the railroads, and the military school are all gone. But Venice? It’s thriving, more beautiful than ever.
 
The old San Marco Hotel is now a retail building, and inside, you’ll find a display dedicated to the Kentucky Military Institute’s history.
 
And if you’re curious about famous KMI alumni, here’s a little trivia: Fred Willard of Modern Family fame once walked these streets, and so did Jim Backus, better known as Thurston Howell III from Gilligan’s Island. Not bad for a town that refused to disappear.

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