Latest
News in the City
DATE: Feb. 1, 2012
SUBJECT: Police catch metal thief
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Venice police officers retrieved expensive building supplies taken from the Ramada Inn construction site at 455 N. U.S. 41 Bypass, and arrested the man who was taking them. A security guard at the site saw someone leaving the property around 1:45 a.m. today with a cart full of metal pipes and copper wire. The guard contacted the Police Department. Police officers found Robert J. Tiedemann (Date of Birth: 2-10-1973) walking on Substation Road. After finding the cart, which had been placed behind an unfinished fence, police read the Miranda Rights to Tiedemann, who said he was walking past the construction site to get a beer. On his way back home, he decided to fill up the cart with the copper wire and metal scraps laying around the site and then walked home. When he was placed into custody, he said, "everybody steals copper." Tiedemann was charged with burglary of a business, trespassing on a construction site, and theft from a construction site.
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DATE: Jan. 31, 2012
SUBJECT: Last chance to apply for energy rebate
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The last day to apply to the residential Get Energy Smart Retrofit Program is February 15.
The Get Energy Smart Retrofit Program can help local homeowners reduce the up-front cost of installing energy efficient measures in your home. With rebates on many energy efficient home improvements installed by qualified professionals, the program can help you increase the value of your home, use less energy and save money. A list of pre-qualified participating contractors will be provided.
Home energy efficiency improvements can help to reduce high-energy bills, improve comfort and help to protect the environment. Improving energy efficiency is also an important first step for homeowners interested in remodeling and adding value to their homes. Residents can apply through www.getenergysmart.net or call (941) 312-2654.
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DATE: Jan. 27, 2012
SUBJECT: New water, sewer rates in Venice
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Venice City Council approved recommendations presented by Burton & Associates for a new water and sewer rate structure for Venice residents.
The recommendations were the result of a months-long study by a stakeholder work group, city staff and Burton & Associates staff. Several members of the community made up the stakeholder work group. They included Lee Lichtle and Deb Reynolds representing the master-metered multi-family class of customers; Bill Meiter, Fred Francis and Mike Rafferty, representing single-family homeowners; and Jeff Seacat and Mike Pachota representing interests of commercial property owners. Utilities Director Len Bramble and Finance Director Jeff Snyder worked with the group.
The goals of the study were to determine the best way to satisfy the annual operating and capital cost requirements, to ensure compliance with terms of existing indebtedness, to establish and maintain adequate operating reserves, and create incentives for water conservation. Most importantly, the group wanted to establish a rate that would fairly and equitably distribute the cost of providing the service.
The economy has changed some of the dynamics of providing water and sewage services. Due to foreclosures, increasing water conservation, and a reduced rate of residential growth, less water is used and less wastewater generated in the city. Consequently, less revenue is generated for the services. At the same time, costs of electricity, chemicals, fuel, petroleum and health insurance continue to escalate. Another key issue is the need to fund more than $50 million of capital improvement projects over the next five years. Finally, the need to maintain operating reserves and debt service coverage is imperative.
When the city council approved the stakeholder’s recommendation of the 3 percent increase it eliminated a previous plan to increase the rates two times by 4.5 percent as adopted two years ago. This decision will be announced on all city utility bills over the next month. The required two readings of the new ordinance should come before city council in March.
How will the new rates affect city utilities customers? One important consequence is everyone will avoid two 4.5 percent increase that were adopted two years ago. The new rate scale will involve a 3 percent increase in April, and then again every October for the next five years. The city will reevaluate rates at that time.
The new rates recognize that condominium and apartment dwellers typically use less water than those who live in single-family homes. Multi-family residents will pay 15 percent less in the base or fixed fee than single-family home residents will pay. Everyone will pay the same usage rate. For residential customers who consume less than 3,000 gallons of water per month this increase will be about 2.3 percent. Those who consume more than 3,000 gallons a month will see an increase of about 5 percent.
For more information, contact Utility Director Len Bramble, (941) 486-2641.
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DATE: Jan. 6, 2012
SUBJECT: Holiday closure
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Venice City Hall will be closed Monday, Jan. 16 in observance of Martin Luther King Day. Garbage, recycling and yard waste will be collected as usual.
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DATE: Dec. 27, 2011
SUBJECT: Aircraft accident at Venice Airport
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Venice police and firefighters responded to the crash of a 1965 Aero Commander, twin engine aircraft, Dec. 26 around 2 p.m. at Venice Municipal Airport. Firefighters fought the engine fire for nearly an hour before Venice detectives could begin to investigate the physical scene. In the meantime, witnesses were sought and interviewed. The aircraft was completely destroyed.
The accident is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. A representative of the Federal Aviation Administration was at the scene Monday.
The pilot, and sole person on board, died in the crash. He was 63-year-old Andre Bustillo of Davie, Fla.
While the investigation is ongoing, the cause of the accident has not been determined. The aircraft came down on the southeast side of the airport between the two runways.
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DATE: Dec. 13, 2011
SUBJECT: Sewage spill in Venice
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About 4,000 gallons of raw sewage spilled on the ground in the 200 block of South Nokomis Avenue in Venice Dec. 13 around 8:50 a.m. when a 12-inch force main developed a leak. Venice Utilities crews responded immediately and were able to stop the leak after about 15 minutes. The system was shut down and the failed pipe was replaced. The discharge entered the stormwater drainage system and some may have entered the Intracoastal Waterway. The water is being tested.
The area of the spill was completely cleaned and disinfected. All appropriate agencies were notified.
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DATE: Dec. 13, 2011
SUBJECT: New T-hangar under construction at Venice airport
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A new T-hangar is under construction at Venice Municipal Airport. The eight-unit building, which will be hardened for protection from hurricane-force winds, is expected to be complete by spring 2012. There is already a waiting list for occupancy of the small aircraft storage facility.
A grant from Florida Department of Transportation will pay 80 percent of $1.2 million cost, with the airport enterprise fund providing the remainder. Hangar rental revenue goes to the airport enterprise fund to be used for operations and capital improvements. No ad valorem (property) tax revenues are used by the airport.
Work will begin on numerous airfield safety improvements in the near future. The airport is replacing 30-year old lighted airfield signs that pilots use for ground maneuvering with energy efficient LED signs. It is updating taxiway pavement markings, installing a wildlife deterrent fence and removing trees that are too close to airport runways. The $300,000 project is also being funded in part by a grant from FDOT.
Mayor John Holic added, "These improvements will help ensure the financial stability of the airport and provide a safe and efficient gateway through the air to Venice's beautiful beaches, shops and restaurants."
For more information contact Airport Administrator Chris Rozansky at (941) 486 - 2711.
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DATE: Dec. 9, 2011
SUBJECT: Aircraft crash in Venice
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A Cessna 152, single-engine aircraft crashed today around 10:45 a.m. in the 500 block of Base Avenue in Venice. The aircraft, owned by Florida Flight Training, is a total loss.
The only person onboard, a student pilot who once served as a jet pilot in the Russian Air Force, walked away uninjured. (No one else was injured, as well.) Oleg Anatollyevich Bachurin told police he was practicing touch-and-go exercises at Venice Municipal Airport when he lost power shortly after take off and tried to get the aircraft back to the airfield. Bachurin is taking flying lessons to get his commercial pilot's certifications.
Bachurin reportedly said the aircraft clipped an electric pole, hit a business building and dropped to the ground in a fenced storage area. Because the pilot speaks little English, police used a law-enforcement translating service to interview him.
Venice firefighters and police officers responded to the scene within moments after receiving the call. Firefighters stood by in case of fire, fuel spill and to prevent injuries from downed power lines, while police notified FAA, NTSB, secured the site and interviewed the pilot.
Florida Power and Light reported about 250 customers out of service due to the crash. They expect to have electricity restored to all customers by early evening today.
Avenida del Circo was closed until FPL could secure the electric wires damaged by the crash. The electricity outage necessitated police to direct traffic at Avenida del Circo and U.S. 41 Business where the traffic signal was not functioning.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to investigate the accident.
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DATE: Nov. 22, 2011
SUBJECT: Venice Firefighters hold fundraiser Dec. 11
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The Venice Fire Fighters Benevolent Fund, a 501(c)(3), is sponsoring a fundraiser for the family of Kristina Konovalov, a Venice High School senior who passed away in a tragic car accident last week.
The event takes place Sunday, Dec. 11, noon- 5 p.m., at Centennial Park in downtown Venice. Firefighters will be serving barbecue chicken dinners. There will be live music and family activities.
For more information, or to volunteer to help, contact Jerry Collins, (941) 809-3476 or e-mail jcollins@iaff2546.com.
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DATE: Nov. 22, 2011
SUBJECT: Venice Police report
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Venice Police were called to a disturbance in the 1200 block of Barbara Drive around 11:20 p.m. Nov. 19 involving an intoxicated person. A group was immediately dispersed by the responding officer. However, William S. White (Date of Birth: June 10, 1992) approached the officer and intentionally interfered with the officer's attempts to identify the people involved in the disturbance. White, who was carrying a cane, walked into the officer after being told numerous times to step back. The officer attempted to arrest White, who pulled away. With the help of a second officer, White was detained in handcuffs and dropped his cane, exposing a 20-inch sword that was hidden in the cane. White was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and obstructing an officer without violence.
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DATE: Nov. 17, 2011
SUBJECT: Holiday Schedule
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Venice City Hall will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24 and 25 in observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Garbage, recycling and yard waste will not be collected on Thursday. All items will be collected on Monday, Nov. 28. Garbage, recycling and yard waste will be collected as usual on Friday.
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DATE: Nov. 17, 2011
SUBJECT: Road Closure Sunday
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The westbound lanes of West Venice Avenue, between Nokomis Avenue and the beach, will be closed Sunday, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. for the Cyclovia event, sponsored by the South County Family YMCA.
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DATE: Nov. 15, 2011
SUBJECT: Crash kills 17-year-old driver
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A 17-year-old died from injuries sustained in an accident that happened when she lost control of the vehicle she was driving, hit the median and became airborne. Kristina Elisabet Konovalov was ejected from the vehicle, which rolled onto her. According to the Venice Police Department report, Konovalov was traveling at a high rate of speed northbound on U.S. 41 Business, drove across Hatchett Creek bridge and turned onto U.S. 41 Bypass in the southbound lanes where the accident took place, just south of the intersection of U.S. 41 North and U.S. 41 Business. She is believed to have been involved in a minor accident shortly before the crash that claimed her life. The fatal accident happened around 12:40 p.m. on Nov. 14.
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DATE: Nov. 14. 2011
SUBJECT: Venice Police investigating burglaries, seeking help from residents
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The Venice Police Department is investigating three residential burglaries in the Sawgrass and Brenner Park subdivisions. The homes were entered through the rear sliding doors in the evening around dinner time. The burglar(s) took jewelry from the master bedrooms, but did not enter other parts of the house.
The Police Department recommends that residents who have alarms make sure they are activated before leaving their homes. Any one having information about these events should call The Venice Police Department at (941) 486-2444.
Residents who see any suspicious behavior, strangers or strange vehicles in their neighborhoods should notify the Police Department immediately at (941) 486-2444.
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DATE: Nov. 10, 2011
SUBJECT: Venice looking for items from airport history
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As part of the City of Venice 85th anniversary of incorporation celebration, Venice Municipal Airport will be observing the role of the former Venice Air Base during World War II. The event takes place on Armed Forces Day, May 19 at the airport. There will be vintage vehicles and a static air show, as well as a Forties Dance at the Venice Mobile Home Park Recreation Center, which once served as the Student Officers Club. The Bill Millner Trio will provide the music of that great decade.
The organizing committee is looking for memorabilia, artifacts and great local stories associated with the air base in the 1940s. People who were associated with the air base and who have items of interest from the air base are asked to contact Venice Municipal Airport Administrator Chris Rozansky at (941) 486-2711 or crozansky@ci.venice.fl.us.
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DATE: Nov. 8, 2011
SUBJECT: Holiday schedule for Venice
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Venice City Hall will be closed Friday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Garbage, recycling and yard waste will be collected as usual.
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DATE: Nov. 3, 2011
SUBJECT: Venice Police arrest suspects in purse snatching
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Venice Police arrested A'Darius Williams (DoB: July 9, 1993), Jerrell Williams (DoB: Sept. 15, 1993), Adam Williams (DoB: March 11, 1992), Bernard McKenzie (DoB: Oct. 1, 1991) and Erica Jusino (DoB: Jan. 17, 1993) and charged them with four counts of robbery by sudden snatching and four counts of theft from a person 65 years or older.
The arrests end the investigation of an incident that occurred Oct. 9 at CVS Pharmacy, 100 U.S. 41 Bypass N., around 11:35 p.m. The 70-year-old victim and her husband went to CVS after leaving Venice Regional Medical Center. As they went out the door of the pharmacy, the defendants allegedly rushed the victim, snatched her purse, and fled the area. The defendants allegedly divided the proceeds of the contents of the purse. According to police, the defendants each admitted their participation in the crime. A tip from Crime Stoppers aided the investigation, as did clear video of the defendants presence in the store moments before the incident occurred.
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DATE: Nov. 1, 2011
SUBJECT: Reception to honor John Moore
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Venice Council Member John Moore will be leaving the City Council after nine years of service to the City of Venice. City Council members may serve three consecutive terms of three years each. The public is invited to attend the City Council meeting Nov. 8 at 1:30 p.m. to see him receive a plaque in appreciation for his service, and to attend a reception at 3 p.m. in the conference room at City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave.
In 2000, Moore and his wife, Linda, moved to Venice from Virginia Beach, Va., where he served as circuit court judge. Moore received a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Virginia Military Institute and a law degree from Georgetown University.
Before being elected to office in 2002, he was the chairman of the Municipal Code Enforcement Board. Since then he has served as ex-officio on many city boards and as the city representative on several regional boards.
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DATE: Nov. 1, 2011
SUBJECT: Utilities Project in Venice
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City of Venice Utilities Department will begin a replacement valve project on the island Nov. 8. About 14 new valves will be installed in the water distribution system. The project, which will help the system to be more reliable and efficient, is expected to be complete by Jan. 8, 2012.
Several residences and business properties will experience a water outage for about 8 hours when work is being done in their neighborhood. As a precautionary measure, those affected by the project should bring their water to a hard boil for three minutes before using it for drinking or cooking for 72 hours after their water service is restored; or they may use bottled water.
The areas that will be affected will receive a notice about three days before the work starts in their neighborhood. Those areas are:
Castile Avenue at Armada and Menendez avenues; Lisbon Street at Menendez Avenue and Valencia Road; South Harbor Drive and Alhambra Road; the north ends of Nassau Street and Nokomis Avenue; St. Augustine Avenue; Santa Maria Avenue; Nokomis Avenue and Calle Central; Parkside Drive and Narvaezi Street; Serata Street at San Marco Drive and Coral Street; Savrano Road and Nokomis Avenue; and Firenze Avenue and The Rialto.
For more information, contact the Utilities Department at (941) 480-3333, ext. 223.
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DATE: Nov. 1, 2011
SUBJECT: Sewage spill in Venice
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City utilities crews were called to the corner of Bahama Street and Indian Avenue Oct. 31 around 2:40 p.m. when a gravity sewer main began to discharge raw sewage due to grease blocking the pipe. About 300 gallons of sewage went into a storm drain that connects to the Intracoastal Waterway near Venice High School. The blockage was cleared and samples of water were taken from the ICW. The surrounding area was disinfected.
Grease should never be disposed of down a sink drain or other pipes leading to the sewage system. Always throw grease in the garbage. Restaurants should have grease traps cleaned frequently.
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DATE: Oct. 21, 2011
SUBJECT: Small sewage spill in Venice
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A gravity sewer line in the 1000 block of Venetian Parkway in Venice overflowed after it became blocked with grease. Venice Utilities employees worked for around an hour to stop the flow and clear the pipe. The incident took place around 8:50 a.m. today (Oct. 21). About 250 gallons of raw sewage spilled into a grass easement where it was contained, cleaned up and the area treated with disinfectant.
Later in the morning, around 11 a.m., utilities crews were called to the 900 block of Roseau, where about 10 gallons of sewage spilled from another sewer line when it became clogged with rags. Again the sewage was contained in the grass easement, which was cleaned and disinfected.
Neither spill presents a hazard to people or the environment.
Items such as rags should not be flushed down the toilet, or otherwise placed in the sewage system.
Grease should never be put down the sink or into the sewer system in any way because it clogs pipes. Restaurants are required to use a grease trap. Residents should dispose of grease in the garbage collection.
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DATE: Oct. 20, 2011
SUBJECT: Drug Take Back Initiative at Venice Police Station Oct. 29
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Do you have potentially dangerous or outdated prescription drugs in your medicine cabinet? Now is the time to get rid of them.
Saturday, Oct. 29, bring them to the Venice Police Station, 1350 E. Ridgewood Ave., Venice between 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
This is the third Drug Take Back Initiative sponsored by the Venice Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and other law enforcement agencies around the state. During this one-day event, the public may voluntarily surrender expired, unwanted and unused pharmaceutically controlled medications.
For more information, call (941) 486-2444.
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DATE: Oct. 19, 2011
SUBJECT: Legacy Trail Pedestrian Overpass Grand Opening Nov. 5
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The Legacy Trail Pedestrian Overpass grand opening takes place Nov. 5 at the Historic Venice Train Depot, 303 E. Venice Ave., beginning at 9 a.m.
The event marks the bridging of Venetian Waterway Park and Legacy Trail, making a motor vehicular-free trail of about 25 miles between Shamrock Park and Caspersen Beach to the south, and Clark Road in Sarasota to the north.
The opening will include train depot tours, refreshments, free helmets and fittings for children and other entertainment at the train depot, beginning at 9 a.m. A ceremony, featuring speakers Venice Mayor John Holic, Sarasota County Commissioners Jon Thaxton and Nora Patterson, and Florida Department of Transportation Sarasota County Representative Lance Grace, will take place at 9:30 a.m. at the west entrance of the new overpass. Following the ribbon cutting at 10 a.m., walkers and bikers will cross the bridge and receive a commemorative medal. The event will continue until noon.
The bridge, which spans six lanes of U.S. 41 Bypass, was funded by state stimulus money. For more information, contact Sarasota County Call Center, (941) 861-5000.
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DATE: Oct. 17, 2011
SUBJECT: Vandalism at pier results in temporary night closures
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Due to vandalism occurring in the construction site at the Venice Fishing Pier, the pier will be closed at night, shortly after sunset through around 6 a.m. until the work is completed. Completion of the underside of the pier work is expected to take place by Wednesday, Oct. 26.
At this time, Ehrlich Pest Control is in the process of installing safe and humane bird avoidance netting underneath the pier to keep pigeons from roosting and nesting in the area. Pigeons, which can carry disease, have been multiplying in the area for some time.
The netting is black, knotless polypropylene with a three-quarter inch mesh size, which excludes all birds down to the size of a house sparrow. The material is very strong with a break strength of 50 pounds per strand. It is highly resistant to ultraviolet light, chemically inert and highly resistant to a wide variety of chemicals so it will not rot.
A scaffolding system of ropes and other materials under the pier for the installers to work on was damaged at night and delayed the progress of the job.
A pontoon boat is staged in the area as a safety boat in case of emergency.
Once the netting installation is complete, workers will be placing stainless steel spikes on the ends of concrete protrusions on the pier to keep birds from roosting in those spots.
The entire project should be complete by the middle of November.
Anyone who sees vandalism taking place to the project site or to the pier itself should call Venice Police Department, 486-2444.
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DATE: Oct. 17, 2011
SUBJECT: Venice Charter Review invites public participation
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