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Venice, Laurel, Nokomis & Osprey

VENICE, SOUTH VENICE, NOKOMIS, LAUREL and OSPREY are five communities nestled along Florida's southwestern coast in Sarasota County. Venice is located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, just south of Sarasota. It is 71 miles south of Tampa and 55 miles north of Fort Myers. There are numerous Resort Accommodations available and several quality Restaurants. It's no wonder that this is a popular Retirement and Relocation destination.

With temperatures seldom dropping below 70 degrees, the changing of the seasons is more likely to be recognized by the many popular area events.

The winter season from December through February averages 72.6 degrees in temperature. Evenings are cool, requiring a light jacket or sweater. The first major holiday event occurs the first Saturday after Thanksgiving in downtown Venice. The Holiday Parade kicks off with gaily-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 Municipal Airport. The Italian-American Club's annual Italian Festival is also held on the airport grounds during the last weekend in February.

Cultural events receive much support throughout the greater Venice area. The Venice 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.

Spring, from March through May, has an average temperature of 80 degrees. With more than 100 floats, marching bands and plenty of "shenanigans" and "blarney", Venice celebrates "Wearin'o'the Green" on the Saturday closest to St. Patrick's Day. Spring also marks the arrival of professional baseball players for pre-season training. Spring also brings the annual Easter Egg Hunt downtown on the Saturday before Easter.

Picnic under the stars in early May at the annual Moonlight Campus Concert at the Manatee Community College South Campus.

Summer, June through August, has an average temperature of 89.6 degrees. The whole community celebrates the Fourth of July with spectacular fireworks at the Venice Fishing Pier. In August, the annual Sharks Tooth and Seafood Festival is also held at the Pier on the second weekend in August. The Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary of Sarasota host special marine and wildlife exhibits. An array of seafood provided by 25 restaurants highlight the festivities. While you're walking and munching, preview the original artwork, fossils, shells and shark teeth.

Fall, September through November, boasts an average temperature of 79.6 degrees. In early September, sidewalk sales, arts and crafts, and plenty of food attract many far and wide to downtown Venice. October 31st marks an evening parade with tricks and treats. Downtown Venice is a charming historical area, with buildings that are in the National Register of Historic Buildings. West Venice, Tampa and Miami Avenues offer many specialty shops and unique services. Spend the day on palm tree lined avenues. Shop in a casual elegant atmosphere. Experience the service you've come to expect and deserve.

Although the Historic Downtown District closes its shops early, there are many, quality Restaurants and Nightlife in town, along the beach, and the Tamiami Trail corridor (Route 41).

Historic Spanish Point hosts Discover the Past Festival in November. Costumed interpreters introduce visitors to the life and ways of the early settlers. Crafts, music and canoeing round out the family fun. For art enthusiasts, a juried art exhibit called The Downtown Art Fest is held along Venice Avenue in November.

For years, collecting prehistoric shark's teeth has been a favorite pastime of visitors and residents alike. Sharks of all species continually shed their teeth and grow anew. After a nice long life, dead sharks sink to the ocean floor where they're covered by layers of sand and silt. Over time their bodies decompose, while changing tides and storm activity sweep the teeth on shore. Caspersen Beach, the longest beach in the area is located south of Venice Airport on Harbor Drive. It has been left in its natural state, uncultivated, wind swept, and secluded. This is an exceptionally good area to look for and find pre-historic sharks' teeth as well as enjoyable shelling.

Venice has over 20 bike trails and lighted public tennis courts that attract visitors from all over the world who want to enjoy an active lifestyle