Originally home of the Calusas, Native Americans who lived more than 12,000 years ago, occupied by the Spanish in the sixteenth century and settled in the early 1900’s by farmers and cattle ranchers, Venice has evolved into a thriving town full of beauty and rich history. The Gulf Coast paradise of Venice Island was carefully planned by well-known Boston city planner, John Nolen. He artistically designed the landscape along the boulevards with Royal palms, vibrant flowers, silver trumpet trees, live oaks and pines. As you wind through these amazing residential areas to the pristine beaches, parks and the Intracoastal Waterway you’ll enjoy a range from Waterfront High-Rise Condominiums, canal-backed Ranch homes, Italian Renaissance style and little Beach Bungalows. Much like its canal city namesake, many of the homes and businesses were constructed in the Northern Italian Renaissance style of architecture and an Architectural Review Board has been established to continue the architectural character of the original city.
Locals and Visitors can be seen surfing at the Venice Jetties, the best surfing in the area, soaking in the sun at Venice Beach and playing with their dogs at Brohard Paw Park – the area’s only dog beach. Catch a spectacular sunset while dining at Sharky’s on the Pier or drop an anchor and snorkel for shark’s teeth – Venice is considered the “shark teeth capital of the world”.
Notably, Venice and South Venice were recently named as one of the “Best Place to Retire” due to the unique amenities , low cost of living, opportunity for volunteering, continued learning, stable housing market and access to health care. There is also an airport on the island – as well as a Yacht Club!
Golf Communities, such as the Venetian Golf and River Club, offer mainland residents a lifestyle of world-class resort amenities.
Venetian Golf & River Club
Set on the meandering emerald waters of the Myakka River, WCI’s Venetian Golf & River Club is the masterpiece of Venice. Mediterranean-style Carriage homes, Villas, Condos and Estates homes line the lush greens of the meticulously sculpted championship golf course and the many sparkling lakes throughout the community. With amenities that exceed your expectations from resort swimming pools to tennis and exceptional dining there is always something to do in this active piece of paradise.
Venice, Florida is the Shark Tooth Capital of the World. Teeth shed by living sharks and those from bodies of dead sharks are often found on the beaches of the city.
Venice is just one of three mainland cities in Florida that is actually on the water but does not have any barrier islands.
The Venice Centre Mall on Tampa Avenue was once a classroom building for the Kentucky Military as well as a hotel.
