Venice Area Information

Venice and its surrounding communities comprise a delightful destination situated in Southwest Florida on the Gulf of Mexico, midway between Tampa and Ft. Myers. Venice is in south Sarasota county it has retained its rural charm, yet offers all the facilities needed for a comfortable lifestyle. Known for sun, surf, boating, fishing and diving, reef divers love Venice Beach because the reef lies only a quarter mile off-shore. Collecting prehistoric sharks teeth has been a favorite pastime of visitors and residents for years and has given Venice the title of "Sharks Tooth Capital of the World."The city of Venice is divided by the Intracoastal Waterway into Venice Island and the Mainland. Additional Areas include: Nokomis, South Venice North Port.

Venice Island
True to it's name, Venice is completely surrounded by waterways. Three bridges provide access to the downtown area, which has come to be know as "The Island Avenues of Venice." Crossing one of Venice's bridges to the Island Avenues instantly transports you to a place of unparalleled historic charm and an endless array of exciting things to do and see. The Island of Venice offers the unique opportunity of living on or near the Gulf of Mexico. Residents have quick access to the Gulf, and also to shopping, Arts Center, hospital, schools, library and restaurants. Residences include condominiums, traditional Florida homes and luxurious waterfront estates. The Venice Public Beach is a wonderful place to spend the day with the family. It is located right near the heart of Venice, at the very end of Venice Avenue.

Venice Mainland
"Venice Mainland", is east of the Intracoastal and threaded by the Tamiami Trail (US 41). The "Mainland" offers neighborhoods in all price ranges from the modest to fine communities surrounding superb golf courses. New construction is plentiful here including condominiums, villas and new single-family homes. This area provide a wealth of culture, recreation, entertainments and art. The knighthoods vary greatly ranging from non-deed restricted areas to upscale gated communities. Venice Mainland offer extraordinary options in a rare community with a small-town feel and city advantages.

South Venice
Just beyond the Venice city limits lies South Venice. It is conveniently located on US 41, also known as Tamiami Trail and is a center for shopping and light manufacturing. This area is expanding and includes Manatee Community College’s South Campus, the new Venice Health Park, as well as many beautiful housing developments and golfing communities. South Venice community offers homes with deeded beach access, some creek-front properties with dockage, and a modest price range.

North Port
North Port is one of Florida's largest little cities, with 77 square miles of land, an 8,000-acre state forest within its limits, and a population of 17,000 in season. With the third-largest land mass for a city in the state, North Port is now the fourth fastest-growing municipality in the state and has a flourishing youth population. At the northern edge of town is an area known as Warm Mineral Springs, home of the Warm Mineral Springs Resort and Spa. The Springs are a popular attraction to those seeking the benefits of the relaxing warm mineral baths.

Nokomis
Venice’s closest northern neighbor once had more cows than people. Today, businesses, subdivisions, and private homes dot the area. Nokomis stretches east from Casey Key to Interstate 75 and offers elegant residential neighborhoods, shopping, and all the amenities of today’s lifestyles. Breathtaking waterfront homes are tucked amid natural splendor along the miles of shoreline of the Gulf.

Laurel
Taking its name from the trees that once grew abundantly in the area, Laurel is a small, mostly residential community between Nokomis and Osprey. Today, Laurel is growing rapidly while retaining its country flavor. There are few real boundaries, so it’s difficult for even natives to tell where Nokomis becomes Laurel.

Osprey
Northernmost of the Venice area communities, Osprey is the oldest. Several small businesses serve residents of comfortable, older neighborhoods as well as an elegant golf club community. Osprey is home to two of the area’s best recreational and educational habitats, Oscar Scherer State Park and Historic Spanish Point. These sites are characteristic of Osprey’s ability to develop while maintaining its natural beauty.

VENICE BEACHES

Caspersen Beach
The longest beach in Sarasota County, is located south of Venice Airport on Harbor Drive. It has been left in its natural state, uncultivated, windswept, and secluded. This is an exceptionally good area to look for and find pre-historic sharks teeth as well as enjoyable shelling. It is also site of the annual Sharks Tooth and Seafood Festival.

Venice Municipal Beach
The Venice Public Beach park offers concession stands, restrooms, picnic tables and even sand volleyball courts, making this an excellent place to enjoy a day in the sun with the entire family. This public beach is always posted with lifeguards during the summer months and makes a excellent beach to bring young children. This public beach is also an excellent place to find sharks teeth and other fossilized material treasures.

Brohard Paw Park (Dog Friendly Beach click here for map / directions) For dog lovers, noteworthy in Venice is The Brohard Paw Park (1600 Harbor Dr. S., 941-861-9830), with dog drinking fountains, showers on decks for dogs only, fire hydrants and leash posts. The park is also adjacent to the only beach area in the county where dogs are allowed to roam free. Dog lovers have declared this park and beach to be the best dog friendly park in the state.

Nokomis Beach
A quiet, family-oriented beach, a good place for fishing, strolling, or launching a boat.