This new park has plenty to offer, with green space where you can relax, play, and connect with neighbors. They’re proud to add it to the city’s park system and keep their promise to build great public spaces for everyone, residents and visitors alike.

City leaders, project partners, and community representatives will say a few words before the official ribbon-cutting. Afterward, everyone is welcome to walk around and check out all 4.8 acres of the park’s amenities: 8 outdoor pickleball courts, a fitness trail with equipment, a walking path, two separate playgrounds with shade (one for ages 2 to 5, and another for ages 5 to 12), dog park areas for both large and small dogs, restrooms, and paved parking.

The planning for this park began in fall 2021 with a meeting with a Stakeholders Group to hear what the community wanted. Construction began in May 2025, led by Kimley-Horn and A2 Group, Inc.

Many people are expected, so please carpool if possible. 

Here’s what you need to know:
Date: Monday, June 15 
Time: 9 a.m. 
Location: Northeast Venice Park, 3560 Laurel Road E.

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Sarasota County firefighters rushed to Tempest Harbor Loop as flames threatened the neighborhood. By late afternoon, the fire had scorched 41 acres before crews managed to contain it completely. The Florida Forest Service joined the effort, working alongside local firefighters. Despite the chaos, no one sustained injuries, and homes remained undamaged.

Southwest Florida’s been baking under a persistent drought, the kind that doesn’t let up easily. Wildfires have surged, with thousands of acres burned, smoke hanging in the air, and the region now dotted with burn bans. Recent storms have dropped some rain here and there, but the ground is so parched it barely makes a dent. Rainfall hasn’t kept up. Since the start of the year, much of Southwest Florida and the Tampa Bay area have faced Extreme to Exceptional Drought. Some spots are running 8 to 14 inches below their usual rain totals. Rivers are running low. Shallow aquifers are strained, and soils crack open in the heat. 

In response, the Southwest Florida Water Management District tightened rules even more. Lawn watering is down to once a week, private wells included. This isn’t just a gentle suggestion; it’s a full Phase II water shortage. Even as the rainy season kicks off, all that dry vegetation soaks up water faster than the storms can provide. Rain helps, but it’s just a drop in a very large and empty bucket so far.

The fire numbers tell their own story. Since January, the Florida Forest Service has fought over 2,100 wildfires, and over 140,000 acres have burned statewide. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index, which measures soil dryness, has climbed into the danger zone. Fires now start easily, sometimes just from a backyard grill gone wrong or, worse, arson. They can race across thousands of acres before crews get the upper hand.

With the risk so high, more than half of Florida’s counties, including most of the Southwest, have put mandatory burn bans in place. If you break the rules, the penalties are steep.

For the most current updates, you need to check local resources. The Southwest Florida Water Management District posts up-to-date watering schedules and water shortage notices by county. For fire bans and current wildfire activity, look to the Florida Forest Service’s site. And to stay on top of weather or drought status, check the National Weather Service for alerts and statements. If you live in the area, stay vigilant, as conditions can change fast.

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Florida Highway Patrol said the crash happened around 4:05 a.m. at mile marker 193, by Jacaranda Boulevard. Multiple vehicles were involved. 

Traffic had to detour off the interstate for several hours while crews cleaned up and investigated the scene. By 8:39 a.m., all northbound lanes had reopened, but drivers were still dealing with heavy traffic in the area. So far, authorities haven’t released any more details about the crash.

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Venice, Florida stood out, as its Hurricane and Home Expo drew a sizable crowd at the Venice Community Center. The event ran from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days, packed with over 50 vendors offering tips on home improvement, landscaping, and storm recovery. They handed out giveaways, hosted expert presentations, and even held raffles for generators and weather radios.

Meteorologist Matt Devitt was a highlight that drew an enormous amount of support. He spent Saturday sharing hurricane season predictions, focusing especially on storm surge and the impact of wind direction. He encouraged everyone to come out, chat, and get prepared, and his energy really brought the event to life.

The Venice expo is a public service aimed at helping locals get ready for whatever the season brings. Admission was free, and the lineup included federal, state, county, and city groups, plus nonprofits and businesses specializing in storm prep and recovery.

Each speaker dove into lessons from past hurricanes, details on what emergency services and city departments do during a storm, myths and misunderstandings, and practical advice for what to do before and after a hurricane. They talked about flooding, stormwater management, evacuation centers, and even how county transportation plays a role.

Don’t worry if you missed any of the hurricane expos, as each county has multiple resources and hurricane education and preparedness programs. 

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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.

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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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