|
| |
You are here: Home > Latest News
Latest News
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
|
DATE: April 5,
2013
SUBJECT: Minnesota town models its program after
VPD's
|
The
Police Department in Eveleth, Minn. recently established a SAFE program patterned
after the one in Venice.
SAFE,
which is Senior Assistance Freedom Enrichment, was rolled out by Venice Police
Chief Tom McNulty last year. The program
allows people over 60, who have special needs and live alone to call into the
Police Department daily, after registering for the program. If they do not call
by a specific time, the department will try to contact the senior. If
dispatchers are not able to contact the seniors, a police officer will go to the
person’s home to check on them.
Last
year, when an elderly man failed to call in, police officers found him on the
floor of his home and were able to call an ambulance and get him to the
hospital.
The
program is also available to handicapped people over the age of 18 if they live
alone.
When
Eveleth Police Officer Mark Chad came to Venice on vacation, he learned about
the SAFE program and was so impressed he took the news back to his chief.
“I give
him (Chad) a lot of credit. It’s a great idea. It’s something that can be done
at really no cost, just a little maintenance on our part. But I think it will be
of great benefit to the community,” Eveleth Police Chief Tim Koivunen reportedly
told the Mesabi Daily News. “It is our way to provide another service and give
back to the community,” he said.
To
receive the Venice service, seniors or handicapped people living alone must
first register at the police station, 1350 E. Ridgewood Ave. in Venice. For more
information about the program call (941) 486-2444.
Another service offered at the police station is the drop box for
pharmaceuticals. The box is available in the lobby. Users of the service should
bring their expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications in their
original containers, dump the pills in the box and take the containers home with
them to dispose of in the garbage. |
DATE: March 21,
2013
SUBJECT: City of Venice supports Military Family and
Community Covenant Day |
Venice Mayor John Holic will proclaim April 17 Military Family and
Community Covenant Day at the regular city council meeting April 9. The meeting
takes place at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers at Venice City Hall, 401 W. Venice
Ave.
The proclamation represents the city's continuing commitment to supporting
and honoring all military service members, veterans and their families. Venice
is one of Florida's 410 municipalities partnering with Florida Military Family
and Community Covenant, Florida League of Cities, and Florida Regional Planning
Councils Association to show support for those who make sacrifices daily for the
nation.
Several military and former military families will be on hand to receive
the proclamation.
For more information about FMFCC and its supporting initiatives such as
Operation Strong Families and the Civilian Battle Advocacy Buddy Battalion,
visit www.fmfcc.org. |
|
DATE: March 22,
2013
SUBJECT: Venice Book Fair and Writers Conference
offers opportunity for aspiring writers
|
As part of the Venice Book Fair
and Writers Conference April 6, editor and literary agent Camille Cline will
provide feedback to 12 lucky authors whose names will be drawn at 9:30 a.m.
Interested writers should place
their names in the drawing between 9 – 9:30 a.m. in the Venice Theatre lobby,
140 W. Tampa Ave., for an opportunity to meet with Cline for 5 minutes either
between 10-11 a.m. or 2-3 p.m., as assigned.
Authors should bring a one-page,
double-spaced synopsis of a project described in 25 words or less with room left
at the bottom of the page for comments and names of publishing companies and
agents to be provided by Cline.
The critique is part of a day
full of interesting activities including a workshop for aspiring writers of
children’s books led by author Nancy Buscher, a workshop about writing
historical novels led by Clarissa Thomasson, and a panel discussion about how to
get published led by Kim Cool. Other programs include talks by authors such as
Tim Dorsey, David Hagberg, Jim Swain, Ward Larsen, Daniel Rubin, state Sen.
Nancy Detert and Lisa Daily. The cost for the entire day is $10.
The adjacent book fair
activities in Centennial Park include more than 30 booths with authors selling
and signing their books, ranging in subjects from fiction to baseball to sharks’
teeth. This part of the event takes place from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and is free.
For more information, call (941)
486-2626, ext. 24005.
|
DATE: March 20,
2013
SUBJECT: Closing exhibit promises fun for the whole family
|
Venice
Museum and Archives and VABI hold a free event Saturday, March 30, at the
Triangle Inn, 351 S. Nassau St. in Venice’s Cultural Campus, to mark the closing
of the Venice Area Beautification Inc. exhibit, "VABI Knits a
Community."
Venice
Area Garden Club members will have gardening activities for children, tips on
how to divide plants for repotting, and other gardening information. Pomello Park
Nursery will have orchids for sale and tips on orchid care. Free
refreshments will be provided by VABI.
"VABI Knits a
Community," which ends April 3, celebrates the history of this local nonprofit
organization and its mission of “Making the Venice area a more beautiful place
to live, work and play."
The exhibit
includes highlights from VABI's archives, photographs of beautification
projects, and information about the history of the organization and upcoming
projects. Visitors may share their ideas for future beautification projects in a
journal at the exhibit.
Venice Area
Beautification Inc.’s positive impact on Venice’s environs began in 1990 with
the “Gateway to Venice” and downtown landscape project. More than two decades
later, VABI’s projects, such as the Venetian Waterway Park, Venice Arboretum at
West Blalock Park, and numerous public art projects have enriched the natural
environment through improved parks, recreational opportunities and expanding
venues for public art.
The Venice
Museum and Archives is open Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On
Saturday, March 30, it will be open from noon - 4 p.m. There is no admission
fee.
|
DATE: Feb. 7,
2013
SUBJECT: Holiday
schedule - Venice |
Venice City Hall will be closed in observance of Presidents Day, Monday,
Feb. 18. Garbage, recycling and yard waste will be collected as usual. |
DATE: Jan. 31,
2013
SUBJECT: Trees to be trimmed over Venice
streets |
Trees in the right of ways along roads in the City of Venice will be
trimmed in the near future to facilitate the passage of large vehicles, such as
fire engines, garbage trucks and RVs.
Work is expected to begin in the next few days. Canopies throughout the
city will be trimmed to allow for the height of the trucks as well as for the
aesthetics and the health of the trees.
The trimming will help the trees
withstand windstorms and reduce debris after a storm and damage to nearby
property.
The project is a collaborative effort of the City of Venice and Sarasota
County |
|
DATE: Jan. 9,
2013
SUBJECT: REV 3 Triathlon to air on Jan.
12 |
WTSP-TV10 (CBS) will air the 2012 REV 3 Florida Triathlon Saturday,
Jan. 12 at 2:30 p.m. The national sporting event took place in Venice in
October. Athletes came from across the nation to participate. The event was
estimated to have a $600,000 impact on the local economy. Plans are in the
making for the event to return in November 2013.
|
DATE: Nov. 30, 2012
SUBJECT: Venice utilities begins improvement project |
Several residents on the island of Venice will see improvements in their
water pressure and the convenience of the location of their water main and
meter.
The city will abandon water mains now situated in the rear easements of
homes. Some of these are 50-year-old unlined, cast iron pipes with layers of
mineral deposits, which greatly reduces water flow.
New pipes, most of which will be larger than the existing pipes, will be
installed in front of the homes along the street. This will eliminate the need
for city employees to gain access to the backyards of these homes and, when
necessary, allow them to work on pipes in the city easement near the street,
causing minimal disruption to homeowners.
In the meantime, there may be
some inconvenience as some of the old pipes are filled with concrete and
buried, and while new ones are placed in the new location.
All homeowners who are in the project area will be notified by mail and
may also be visited on-site by a Utilities Department representative.
The first homes to benefit from this project will be those inside the
boundaries of Armada Street, Villas Drive, Harbor Drive and Park Boulevard. This
phase also includes a portion of Ponce de Leon Avenue.
Construction is expected to begin in early spring 2013. Each phase will
take six to nine months to complete.
For information, contact Arlena
Dominick, the city's right-of-way coordinator, at (941) 929-3277 or e-mail at arlenadominick@comcast.net. She
will be available to meet with homeowners by appointment on site or at Venice
City Hall.
DATE: Oct. 12, 2012
SUBJECT: Venice earns Silver Bicycle Friendly designation
|
The City of Venice is the recipient of the Silver Bicycle Friendly
Community designation. The award comes from the League of American Bicyclists in Washington,
D.C.
To
earn the designation, volunteers Monty Andrews and Steve Christian worked with
Community Development Director Chad Minor for about three years, to make biking
safer and more comfortable in Venice. Others greatly involved in the process include Russ Johnson, Mike Gippert and Huss Malik.
Venice
already has remarkable assets for those interested in biking. Venetian Waterway
Park and Legacy Trail offer about 18 miles of uninterrupted biking and hiking on
concrete trails where motor vehicles are not allowed. There are many bike lanes
in the city. Even the Venice Police Department has developed a bike patrol of
six officers who patrol on bicycles. The city developed a bike trail map, which
was printed by Venice Area Beautification Inc., and is available online at the
city and VABI websites.
The
League offers awards in bronze, silver, gold, platinum and diamond. The
designation is good for four years. Already, plans are in the works to increase
the level for the next designation for Venice.
A
community celebration of the award takes place Friday, Nov. 9 at 4 p.m. at the
Historic Venice Train Depot, 303 E. Venice Avenue, where Legacy Trail meets
Venetian Waterway Park. Everyone is welcome to attend.
To
learn more about League of American Bicyclists, see www.bikeleague.org. To learn
more about biking in Venice, see www.venicegov.com and www.vabi.org.
|
DATE: Oct. 12, 2012
SUBJECT:New fireboat offers better service
|
With nearly 30 miles of shore along the Gulf of Mexico, Roberts Bay
and the Intracoastal Waterway, and year around sunny weather, Venice is a
perfect playground for those who enjoy boating, kayaking, parasailing, swimming
and diving. But sometimes things can go wrong in the beautiful water that
surrounds the area. That is why having the ability to respond to emergencies by
boat is key to the safety of Venice residents and visitors.
West Coast Inland Navigation
District recently provided the Venice Fire Department with a grant for $226,100
to purchase and outfit a 32-foot Boston Whaler Justice for search and rescue,
fire suppression and emergency medical responses. The boat has twin 300 Mercury
Verado engines, the quiet operation of which allows for better radio
communications with dispatch and other emergency responders. The fire pump
produces 500 gallons of water per minute. Raymire GPS chart plotter with radar,
a Humming Bird GPS with sonar, and a night vision FLIR system help responders
locate people in distress, even in the dark or under water. A gunwale door,
which is an opening on the port side, makes moving a patient from water to the
boat an easier, faster and more stable operation.
The department has 15 fully certified
boat operators whose training was paid for by the grant. All Venice fire
personnel are certified emergency medical technicians. During a multi-agency
response, the Venice fire boat may be required to travel as far as 30
miles.
The boat replaces the department’s 2001 24-foot Hydra Sport Vector, which
is no longer reliable, is costly to maintain and doesn’t have the most modern
technology. The WCIND grant covered the entire cost of the new
boat.
Above:
The Venice
Fire Department is currently training its personnel on the new 32-foot Boston
Whaler Justice, completely paid for with a grant from the West Coast Inland
Navigation District.
|
DATE: Oct. 8, 2012
SUBJECT: VPD receives accreditation
|
Venice Police Department received re-accreditation Sept. 27 as a result of
three years of committed and professional work toward that goal. The ceremony
took place in Sarasota, where Venice was one of 16 agencies from across the
state to receive the recognition.
Accreditation is a process that validates an agency through review of
outside peers and determines that the agency works in the most ethical,
professional and safest manner possible. It serves to define clear policies set
by the department and understood by all its employees.
"The accreditation process is the vehicle that guides our agencies in the
efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement services," Venice Chief Tom
McNulty said. "In reality, the accreditation process is really much larger. It
strengthens our foothold on our Constitutional foundation, demonstrating our
commitment to be the best we can be while building confidence and trust with the
various components of our communities and citizens."
"If you look up 'community policing' in the dictionary, the definition
would be the Venice Police Department," said Pete Marcus, Edgewood, Fla., police
chief and accreditation review commissioner.
Among those in the audience lending support to the department were Mayor
John Holic, Vice Mayor Kit McKeon and Council Members Jim Bennett, Emilio
Carlesimo and Dave Sherman.
Above: Attending the Venice Police Department accreditation ceremony are,
from left, Vice Mayor Kit McKeon; Mayor John Holic; Capt. Tom Mattmuller; Chief
Tom McNulty; Lee Lyons, who led the department through the accreditation
process; Commissioner Butch Arenal, chairman of the Florida Accreditation
Commission and Punta Gorda police chief; Lori Mizell, executive director of the
commission; Lt. Mike Rose; and Council Members Emilio Carlesimo and Jim
Bennett.
|
DATE: Oct. 8, 2012
SUBJECT: City App to launch Oct. 19
|
The City of Venice and Your Custom Apps will launch the first community app
in the region on Friday, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. at City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave., in
the community room.
The app will work on Android and I-phones to provide direct contact with
city government information and emergency alerts, while serving the public with
information about the daily services provided by area businesses.
To learn more about this unique app concept, please attend the launching.
All are welcome. It is free of charge. Don't forget to bring your Smart
Phone.
For more information, call Jim Foubister, (941) 315-8277. |
DATE: Aug. 29, 2012
SUBJECT: Venice holds meeting about downtown parking
|
The City of Venice will hold an important meeting regarding seasonal
parking issues in downtown Venice on Wednesday, Sept. 5 at 5 p.m. in Council
Chambers at Venice City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave. Anyone who has an interest in
this issue should attend. Several decisions will be made based upon input at
this meeting. For more information, call (941) 486-2626.
|
DATE: Aug. 28, 2012
SUBJECT: Venice selects new fire chief
|
Venice
City Council appointed James A. Warman to serve as Venice fire s
 meeting.
Warman, a 28-year veteran of fire service, currently serves as the
Largo Fire Department deputy chief. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public
administration from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg and an associate degree in
fire science from St. Petersburg College.
Warman
began his fire service career as a firefighter/emergency medical technician and
quickly rose through the various levels of responsibility, obtaining many
certifications along the way. He was selected from among 84 applicants for the
Venice position.
Warman
replaces Venice Chief John Reed, who retired in February. Battalion Chief Shawn
Carvey will continue to serve as acting chief until Warman takes his office as
Venice chief in October.
|
| |
DATE: Aug. 24, 2012
SUBJECT: Wood carved dolphin greets jetty visitors
|
 Humprhis Park at the South Jetty has a new work of art on display. Where a
rotting tree stump stood in the entrance to the parking lot, a friendly dolphin
carved by Tony Minio now greets visitors. The area, popular with fishermen, is
known for its dolphin and manatee sightings. The project was initiated by
Charles Alfano, a nearby resident and member of the Venice Parks and Recreation
Board. Venice City Council approved the project at the request of the board. The
Crow's Nest restaurant and its owner, Steve Harner, contributed toward the
expense of the project. The dolphin, leaping from its Australian pine tree
roots, is stained and protected with linseed oil. The artist will continue the
maintenance for two years. It is surrounded by a landscaped bed of indigenous
plants surrounded by boulders.
|
| |
DATE: Aug. 16, 2012
SUBJECT: Chris Rozansky wins state award
|
Venice
Municipal Airport Administrator Chris Rozansky is the 2012 recipient of the
Aviation Professional of the Year Award, presented by the Florida Department of
Transportation Florida Airports Council.
Rozansky was recognized for his leadership in rehabilitating the
airfield to include many safety and noise mitigation efforts. Since coming to
Florida in 2010, a contentious time in the community regarding airport concerns,
Rozansky has engaged the community in a better understanding of the airport’s
role and future, created an updated rental fee schedule for t-hangars and added
two new fees to increase the airport’s financial self-sufficiency.
“His
focus, determination and professionalism have helped him resolve some
long-standing issues for the Venice general aviation facility,” City Manager Ed Lavallee said.
|
| |
DATE: July 24,
2012
SUBJECT: VPD earns
award
|
Venice Police Department received a third-place award in the Florida
Transportation Department’s Florida Law Enforcement Liaison program DUI
Challenge July 13 in Orlando.
Venice was one of more than 40 law enforcement agencies from around the
state competing in various categories.
The award is based on an evaluation point system. Ultimately, an agencies
points may be exchanged for education and law enforcement equipment.
“We were able to receive this award because of our efforts in education
and law enforcement regarding drinking and driving,” Traffic Officer Andy
Levesque said.
Some of those efforts included communication with the public through
media, banners and other programs about the hazards of drinking and driving. DUI
stops and arrests reflect the enforcement side of the equation.
As a result of the points the department earned, it was able to purchase
several tools that it did not have the budget to acquire otherwise.
Among the tools earned by competing in the DUI Challenge are an in-car
video system that will record traffic stops worth about $5,000; an updated laser
mapping system for scaled diagrams of traffic accidents and crime scenes, valued
at about $5,000; and a traffic data collecting device that measures speed,
vehicular counts and other data, worth around $2,200.
 Venice Police Traffic Officer Andy Levesque displays the
Florida Transportation Department’s Florida Law Enforcement Liaison program DUI
Challenge third-place award on behalf of the Venice Police Department, July
13.
|
|
DATE: July 17, 2012
SUBJECT: Missing Alzheimer's patient found with help from community
|
When an 89-year-old man wandered from his home, the Venice Police Department put out “A Child Is Missing” bulletin, which is a reverse 911 call that goes to residences in a particular neighborhood.
In Venice, some people who got the call around 2 p.m. Monday set out on their bicycles or on foot to search for the missing Alzheimer’s patient. Because the man had once lived in the Capri Isles neighborhood, police focused their search in that area. A mail delivery person advised an officer that he’d seen an elderly man being picked up and taken to the golf club. The officer found the missing man safe at the club.
“This is great example of the Venice Community helping the Police Dept. achieve a positive outcome for a vulnerable citizen,” Venice Police Chief Tom McNulty said.
Police say the program, “A Child is Missing” is a valuable tool to use looking for both missing youngsters and oldsters. If the missing adult is driving a car, the Silver Alert can be issued. But if the adult is walking, the Silver Alert is useless due to its focus on notifying drivers to be on the lookout.
If you should receive a reverse call regarding a missing person, be mindful of anyone you see who might match the description and call the police immediately if you think you see that person. You just might save a life.
|
DATE: July 16, 2012
SUBJECT: Accidental shooting in Venice
|
A 14-year-old juvenile was showing a gun to a 12-year-old juvenile when the gun went off leaving a .22 caliber bullet in the 12-year-old's leg. Venice police and firefighters responded to the scene of the accident in the 1000 block of Myrtle Avenue around 11 a.m. today (July 16). The juvenile was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital. His injury is not considered life threatening. The accident continues to be under investigation.
|
DATE: July 12, 2012
SUBJECT: Police arrest convicted felon for possession of firearm, assault
|
Venice Police arrested Michael Morris (date of birth: 5/17/1981) and charged him with aggravated assault with a weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Police received a disturbance complaint from the 1400 block of The Rialto July 12 around 1:45 a.m. Morris was found inside the apartment of a woman he knows. Morris allegedly brandished a weapon in the room where the woman and her two guests were and pointed the gun at the forehead of the woman and threatened her. A loaded 357 Magnum was found inside the apartment.
|
DATE: July 9, 2012
SUBJECT: small sewage spill
|
About 30 gallons of sewage spilled on the ground when a lateral sewage pipe in the Calle de Toro alley became blocked July 8 shortly after noon. Most of it went on the ground next to the service cleanout. A small portion made its way into the stormwater box, but was contained. Consequently, no sewage entered any body of water. The blockage was cleared and the area disinfected. There is no danger to humans or the environment. All appropriate agencies were notified.
|
DATE: June 29, 2012
SUBJECT: Small spill in Venice
|
About 200 gallons of sewage spilled this morning around 11 a.m., when a concrete coating on a manhole in the 100 block of East Tampa Ave. became dislodged and blocked a gravity pipe. The blocked pipe caused the manhole to overflow to the ground. Some sewage may have seeped into the Intracoastal Waterway. The pipe was repaired and the area disinfected. All appropriate agencies were notified
|
DATE: June 29, 2012
SUBJECT: Fourth of July
|
Venice City Hall will be closed in observance of Independence Day, July 4. There will be no collection of garbage, yard waste or recycling. It will be collected on the next regularly scheduled day, Saturday.
Venice fireworks display will take place at sunset. The display will be shot from the jetties and will be visible from area beaches and other places in town. The South Jetty will be closed July 4 and Tarpon Center Drive will be closed to all but local traffic during the afternoon and evening.
|
DATE: June 26, 2012
SUBJECT: Police apprehend burglary suspects
|
Venice Police arrested Michael Meachem (birth date: 12-6-89) and a 16-year-old juvenile and charged them with burglary and theft June 26 around 1:30 a.m.
After tracking the subjects with the K-9, police found them in the 300 block of East Venice Avenue, along with burglary tools and items that were apparently stolen, including synthetic marijuana used to make incense. The juvenile was treated by paramedics for a dog bite he received while trying to evade the K-9.
|
DATE: June 21, 2012
SUBJECT: National Triathlon
|
Attached (here) is a news release from the Local Volunteer Coordinator Candice Roberts regarding the national triathlon taking place in Venice Oct. 28. This is a very exciting event for our community. We hope you will share this information with your readers and viewers. Thanks for your support. Pam
|
DATE: June 18, 2012
SUBJECT: VPD to aggressively enforce vessel anchoring laws
|
Venice police will be aggressively enforcing state boating laws, especially involving boats anchored in the Higel Basin, just east of the Venice Yacht Club.
The marine patrol will check each vessel to be sure it is in compliance with laws governing the anchoring and operation of boats, including but not limited to current registration, a working mast light at night, and checking for worn anchor lines and even excessive growth on the hulls that would make the vessel difficult if not impossible to safely navigate.
If violations are found, a tag that lists the violations will be left on the vessel. Already two boat owners receiving tags have called to police department to tell them when they will have the violations rectified.
In the event that the violations are not fixed in a timely manner, the police will make an effort to contact the owners by mail or phone. If that fails, or if the violations are not addressed by the owner, the vessel could be declared derelict and in accordance with state law, hauled away and destroyed.
Anyone who has a boat moored in the Higel Basin and has questions about the active enforcement should call Marine Officer Paul Joyce at (941) 486-2444.
|
DATE: June 18, 2012
SUBJECT: VPD in process of receiving accreditation
|
The Venice Police Department is in the final stages of earning its accreditation from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement. There are 260 standards with which the department must comply in order to receive accreditation. Earlier last week, law enforcement professionals came to Venice to run a drill for the real assessment process coming up in August. From left are Accreditation Manager Beverly Minnix, Palmetto Police Department; Lt. Barry Sullivan, retired Sarasota County Sheriff's Office; Lt. Josh Stone, Gulfport Police Department; and Accreditation Manager Linda Blanning, Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.
|
DATE: June 13, 2012
SUBJECT: New fire inspection fees implemented
|
The Venice Fire Department is charging a fee for fire inspections in order to cover its costs in providing plans review, life safety inspections, and the annual/periodic inspections of all commercial and multi-family dwellings. The inspections are mandated by state law. The new fees are based on the square footage of the building that is inspected.
This fee allows users of the service to pay its costs rather than all taxpayers paying for it through property tax revenues. The fee is lower than that charged by neighboring agencies.
The enabling resolution, No. 2012-02, was approved by Venice City Council on May 2. For more information, contact the Venice Fire Department at (941) 480-3030.
|
DATE: June 13, 2012
SUBJECT: Water outage for some during improvement project
|
The city of Venice will be upgrading its water distribution system beginning Monday, June 18, with a project to replace about 12 water main valves on the island. The work will take about three weeks to complete and will require some residents in the work area to experience a water outage. Each building should experience no more than 8 hours of water outage.
Those who lose water service should be prepared to use bottled water or boiled water for drinking and cooking for 72 hours after the water service is resumed. The area where the work will take place is north of Fiesole Street, south of Milan Avenue, west of U.S. 41 Business and The Rialto, and east of Ravenna Street. Residences affected by the work will receive a boil-water notice at their front doors. Those who have questions should call (941) 270-1476.
|
DATE: June 12, 2012
SUBJECT: Road construction in Venice
|
Beginning Monday, June 18, the city of Venice will be working on the intersection of Harbor Drive and West Venice Avenue. The contractor will be repairing crosswalks. There will be lane closures throughout the construction period, however one lane will be open in each direction at all times. The work is expected to be completed around July 3.
|
DATE: June 12, 2012
SUBJECT: Venice Police looking for carjacker
|
Venice Police were called to the 200 block of U.S. 41 Business in regard to a carjacking. The victim told police that he was loading newspapers into his 2011 silver Kia Soul June 8 around 2 a.m. at the Herald-Tribune building on U.S. 41 Business when a white man wearing a black tank top and black hat told him to get away from the car, suggested he might have a weapon, jumped into the vehicle and drove north on U.S. 41 Business. The vehicle was later found in Nokomis. Anyone having information about this incident should call the Detective Division at (941) 486-2444.
|
DATE: June 12, 2012
SUBJECT: Venice Police nab robber
|
Venice police chased a man suspected of stealing a cab driver's gold shark's tooth, retrieved the stolen item and placed John Samuel Gay (Date of Birth: 2-1-55) under arrest. The cab driver told police Gay was a customer in his cab when they began talking about collecting sharks' teeth. He said he let Gay hold a gold shark's tooth when Gay allegedly got out of the cab with it. The driver confronted Gay and told him to return the item when Gay allegedly pushed the cab driver to the ground. The driver told police the suspect's stated destination was Motel 6. An officer went to the area and saw the suspect walking in front of the nearby carwash. A K-9 was used to track the path the suspect took and the police officer found the gold shark's tooth in the carwash. The suspect confessed to committing the crime. Gay was charged with robbery. The incident took place June 7 around midnight.
|
DATE: June 4, 2012
SUBJECT: Venice Police arrests
|
Venice Police arrested Juan Ernesto Ramos (date of birth: 1-27-1987) and Brock Daniels-Lee Tommas (4-9-1987) and charged them with carrying a concealed weapon. Ramos has an additional charge of carrying a concealed firearm by a convicted felon. The incident took place June 3 around 3 a.m. in the 100 block of Milan Avenue.
The two men were stopped for speeding 16 miles over the speed limit. The arresting officer noticed one of them moving his legs in a strange manner and saw a portion of a firearm on the floor. He ordered the occupants from the vehicle at gunpoint and discovered a collapsible baton between the cushions in the front seat and a gun in a holster under the seat, readily accessible.
|
DATE: June 4, 2012
SUBJECT: Small sewage spill in Venice
|
Grease caused a gravity sewer main to become blocked and discharge about 20 gallons of raw sewage June 3 around 1:45 p.m. at the corner of Calle de Toro and North Warfield Avenue in Venice. Venice Utilities crews responded and contained the spillage in the adjacent manhole and cleared the blockage. The area was cleaned and disinfected. No sewage entered any body of water and there is no danger to humans or the environment. All applicable agencies were notified. Grease should never be disposed of down a sink or in any other fashion that would cause it to enter the sewage system. Restaurants should use grease traps that are regularly maintained, and residents should dispose of grease in the garbage collection.
|
DATE: May 31, 2012
SUBJECT: Venice Police Department seeks accreditation
|
ACCREDITATION TEAM INVITES PUBLIC COMMENTS ABOUT
Venice Police Department
Venice Police Chief Tom McNulty announced today that a team of assessors from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) will arrive July 31 to examine all aspects of the Venice Police Department policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services. In order to receive the accreditation, the department must comply with approximately 260 standards. Many of the standards are critical to life, health and safety issues.
As part of the on-site assessment, agency members and the public are invited to offer comments to the assessment team. A copy of the standards is available at www.flaaccreditation.org.
For more information regarding CFA or to submit written comments about the agency’s ability to meet the standards of accreditation, please write: CFA, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, Florida 32302, or email to info@flaccreditation.org.
The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar agencies, Venice Police Department Accreditation Program Manager Deborah Moody said. The assessors will review written materials, interview individuals, and visit offices and other places where compliance can be witnessed. The CFA assessment team leader is Lt. Scott A. Grant, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Capitol Police. Other team members are Master Police Officer Tammy Farnham, Stuart Police Department;p and Officer Jeff Watson, Titusville Police Department.
Once the commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they report to the full commission, which decides if the agency is to receive accredited status. Venice Police Department’s accreditation is for 3 years.
"Verification by the team that the Venice Police Department meets the commission’s standards is part of a voluntary process to gain or maintain accreditation--a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence," Chief McNulty said.
|
DATE: May 23, 2012
SUBJECT: Victory procession planned for state champion Venice baseball team
|
The Venice High School Baseball Team became the 2012 Class 7A state champion with its victory Sunday. The community will celebrate the team's achievement May 29, beginning at 7 p.m. when the team will leave the high school, 1 Indian Ave., travel north on U.S. 41 Business, and west on West Venice Avenue to the downtown Gazebo, where a ceremony will take place. The Venice Fire and Police departments will escort the team. Everyone is encourage to line the processional route and come to the Gazebo to show support for the team that ended its season with 24 wins.
|
DATE: May 22, 2012
SUBJECT: Holiday Schedule
|
Venice City Hall will be closed on May 28 in observance of Memorial Day. Garbage, recycling and yard waste will be collected as usual.
|
DATE: May 15, 2012
SUBJECT: 85th Anniversary Celebration Saturday at Venice Municipal Airport
|
An event on Armed Forces Day takes place Saturday, May 19 takes place at Venice Municipal Airport as part of the City of Venice 85th Anniversary celebration. The airport was built in 1942 and served as the Venice Army Air Base, where many young airmen were trained to fly fighter aircraft and support the air missions. At 10:30 a.m., a ceremony takes place honoring World War II veterans, and recognizing three of those who served at VAAB. Vintage aircraft and vehicles will be on display from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. At 3:30 p.m., Bill and Rob Millner will play music from the 1940s for dancing in the former Student Pilots Officers Club. The event is free and open to the public. The entrance is located at Elite Flight Academy, 220 E. Airport Ave.
|
DATE: May 15, 2012
SUBJECT: Police apprehend armed felon
|
Around 11 p.m. Monday night a Venice police officer was patrolling in the area of Laurel Road and Interstate-75 when he heard a report that a blue or green Ford Crown Victoria with three people in it might be headed north to Tampa after one of the car’s occupants allegedly committed a robbery in Port Charlotte.
About that time, a vehicle matching the description came off I-75 to Laurel Road and immediately went on the northbound ramp back onto I-75.
The police officer radioed for backup and a felony stop was initiated with Sarasota County Sheriff’s deputies. A Charlotte County detective arrived with an affidavit. I-75 was shut down to traffic for a short time. A loaded revolver was found under the driver’s seat and blood was discovered inside the car.
Shervin M. Franklin (Date of Birth: July 7, 1989) of the 4000 block of Perch Street in Tampa was arrested and charged with armed robbery, aggravated battery, and possession of a firearm by a felon. The other two occupants of the car were determined to be witnesses only and were released.
|
DATE: May 3, 2012
SUBJECT: City of Venice holds annual Hurricane Preparation Seminar
|
June 1 - Nov. 30 is hurricane season in Southwest Florida. Now is the time to prepare. The City of Venice holds its annual Hurricane Preparation Seminar Friday, May 11, 8 a.m. - noon, in Council Chambers at Venice City Hall, 401 W. Venice Avenue. ABC Channel 7 Meteorologist Bob Harrigan will be the key note speaker, giving you ideas about how to keep your family and possessions safe during a big storm. You'll hear how the city prepares and services offered by the county and Red Cross. Other speakers include Venice Interim Fire Chief Shawn Carvey, Police Chief Tom McNulty, City Engineer Kathleen Weeden, American Red Cross representative Cindy Desmond and Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Ed McCrane. Bella Vita is providing refreshments. The event is free and open to the public.
|
DATE: May 2, 2012
SUBJECT: Venice police arrest two for shoplifting
|
On Sunday, April 29, Venice police responded to a shop lifting in progress at Beall's Outlet on S. U.S. 41 Business. Around 2:30 p.m., a store employee observed two women matching an in-store "be on the lookout for" notice enter the store. The women were captured on video surveillance placing numerous items of clothing into several bags and large purses. They walked past the cashier and ran out of the store, according to the police report. Police intercepted them in the parking lot.
Tametris Lashawn Wilson (birth date: Oct. 4, 1979) and Alecia Marie Hughes (birth date: Dec. 21, 1973) were arrested and charged with retail grand theft and possession of an anti-shoplifting control device. The clothing was valued at $629.44. Wire stripper/cutters were found in one of the bags. Police also discovered many bags of new clothing still on hangers and several packages of linens in the suspects' vehicle.
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
|
|
|
|
|
