City of Venice:
The City of Venice is located in Southwest Florida on the Gulf of Mexico, midway between Tampa and Ft. Myers. Venice is known for its beaches, prehistoric sharks' teeth, scenic parks and Northern Italian Renaissance architectural style. It is one of the earliest planned cities in the country, planned by John Nolen for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers in the 1920's.
The city takes pride in its many parades, art fests, nationally award-winning community theatre, and preserved natural environments. Venice is one of the few cities on Florida's west coast that is not separated from the Gulf by a barrier island. Construction of the Intracoastal Waterway in 1963 made an island of the Venice municipal and commercial district and helped maintain the pattern of growth that continue.
Venice, Florida has been listed in many publications as being the 'Shark's Tooth Capital of The World'. It hosts an annual festival, the 'Shark's Tooth Festival', every year.
Venice's Cultural Attractions:
The Venice Symphony (941-488-1010) concert season runs from January through April.
The Venice Opera Guild is an outreach and fund-raising arm for the Sarasota Opera, promotes interest in opera, brings professional singers from the Sarasota Opera to the Venice membership meetings and presents 24 opera singers in an annual Opera Gala performance at the Venice Community Center.941-484-7446
The Venice theatre (941-488-1115), recognized as one of the most successful, non-profit community theatres in the country, entertains with full-scale musicals, one-act plays, other stage
Sarasota's Attractions:
Sarasota is recognized as Florida's Cultural Coast and is home to a professional symphony, ballet and opera. In addition, more than 10 theaters and 30 art galleries are located in Sarasota. The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art is Florida's State Museum, and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, known for its architecture and great acoustics, seats 1,700 people and features a dazzling season of music, shows and programs for all ages.
From antique cars to a year-round spring with 87-degree waters, Sarasota has a variety of attractions appropriate for family enjoyment. Visitors to the area can visit Mote Marine Laboratory, G-WIZ (Gulfcoast Wonder & Imagination Zone), Historic Spanish Point, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Warm Mineral Springs, Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary, and more.
Other Activities:
2 hours to Disneyland and other Orlando theme parks
