In the darkness of night, a quiet invasion of armored intruders stealthily creeps up on gulf coast beaches from the watery depths. No it’s not a military operation or a sci-fi movie. It’s time for our annual sea turtle nesting season which runs from May 1 through October 31. The loggerhead, leather-back and green sea turtles are found on Florida beaches with the loggerhead being the most prevalent.
Only one in 1,000 hatchlings will survive to adulthood. Predators, including humans, are a constant threat to hatchlings. When hatchlings dig their way out of the nests, they race for the sea guided by the natural moonlight. Artificial lights can disorient the hatchlings and cause them to lose their bearings. In the Venice area, you may notice that street lights close to the beach are blacked out on the beach side to protect the hatchlings.
Sea turtles lay approximately 100 eggs which incubate in the sand for approximately 60 days. Sea turtles are protected by federal laws. If you witness anyone disturbing a turtle or find an injured or disoriented hatchling or adult, please notify agents with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).
Roseate spoonbills made a surprise visit to feed in the ponds in the Lakes of Jacaranda community in Venice, Florida. They attracted a crowd of spectators because of their unusual pink colors and created quite a buzz of conversation. Several visitors were overheard saying how beautiful the “flamingos” were which gave the locals quite a chuckle. The roseate spoonbills fed amongst sandhill cranes, osprey, ducks and egrets and all peacefully coexisted in the shallow pond at the entrance to the community. They made repeated visits for several days and then moved on.
Lakes of Jacaranda has numerous small lakes or ponds to be more accurate and an abundance of wildlife. The miles of sidewalks, jogging and bike paths, and nature trails that wrap around the lakes all make for an opportunity to enjoy nature. Lakes of Jacaranda is a deed restricted community with a community pool, clubhouse, and tennis courts and association fees of just over $500 per year. Contact Venice Shores Realty at 941-488-6644 for more information on the Lakes of Jacaranda or Venice Florida homes for sale or just visit our website at www.Live4Venice.com .
Sarasota County, of which Venice, Florida is a part, is showing obvious signs of a housing recovery. The latest Sarasota County Monthly Economic Report clearly shows that a recovery is in progress. Unemployment is down, building permits are up, total residential sales are up, and the median home sales are up. The report shows unemployment claims are down 26.8% according to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. The total number of building permits is up 37.5% from last year. The total number of residential sales is also up a mere 3.7%, with fewer days on the market and an increase in the median sale price of 10.4%.
For more information on Sarasota County and Venice Florida, visit www.Live4Venice.com.
In spite of weather predictions of gale force winds, hail, and rain, the Suncoast BBQ Bash 2012 in Venice, Florida opened to sunshine and a breezy day. The cloud cover kept temperatures comfortable and the event was a successful fundraiser for the Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children. The one day annual event was held on Saturday, April 21, 2012, from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM. The event opened with the presentation of Colors by the honor guard, bagpipes, the National Anthem, a fly over by the Sheriff’s Department helicopter, and the food and event were blessed by the Chaplain. The air was filled with hickory smoke and the fragrance of mouth watering BBQ and the thousands of attendees lined up to test out the culinary skills of national competitors. Approximately 50 teams competed to qualify for the JACK DANIELS world championship cook-off. There was something for all ages. Pony rides and childrens games, live bands, and the Habitat for Humanity corn-hole competition. A brief early afternoon rain slowed but did not stop the event. Thousands continued to enjoy the live music, food, and fun until closing after the awards presentation.
Events like the Suncoast Bar-B-Que Bash are part of the sense of community that makes Venice, Florida a desirable place to live. For more information on Venice, Florida, or Venice Florida homes for sale, call Venice Shores Realty at 941-488-6644 or visit www.Live4Venice.com .
Shark’s Tooth Festival 2012 in Venice Florida was a huge success. As Venice Florida’s signature event, the festival raised much needed funds for Special Olympics. Three large tents stuffed with fossils of all types to see, touch, and purchase. Trilobites, pre-historic skulls, and the most popular of all shark’s teeth by the thousands. Sharks have always inspired the imagination and young and old are fascinated by the toothy creatures. Youngsters scrambled up rock climbing walls, bounced in bungee seats, rode slides, did face painting and built birdhouses. Their older counterparts gravitated towards listening to the bands and enjoying a cold beverage. Everyone loved the food. The smell of fresh seafood, BBQ, and kettle corn filled the air. This was a fantastic event enjoyed by all.
For more information on Venice Florida and Venice Florida Homes for sale, visit www.Live4Venice.com or call Venice Shores Realty at 941-488-6644.
The Venice Jetties in Venice Florida is the epitome of the Florida lifestyle. In a single moment, you can experience the beauty of nature; land, air, and sea. Small birds scurry along the rocks, pelicans soar through the air, and dolphin frolic several feet off the rocks. An incredible show complements of mother nature.
Less natural but just as entertaining the beaches were adorned by sunbathers, beach goers, and brightly colored umbrellas. The rocks were speckled with fishermen; husband and wives, father and son, and those who were there to escape. The sounds of Gulf waters slapping against the rocks were interrupted by line peeling off of fishing reels. One after another, fish were plucked out of the Gulf and added to stringers. Overhead, couples dangle from para-sails as mere specs below a bright yellow sunflower in the sky. They float high in the sky and descend slowly until their legs dip briefly in the water. Jet-skis, pontoon boats, luxury yachts and fishing boats speed through the jetties heading west for the aqua depths of the Gulf of Mexico with engines roaring while sailboats lazily drift through the channel markers under partial sail. The best entertainment of all is the throngs of tourists photographing everything. They photograph the boats, dolphins, fishing, sun, water, rocks, other tourists, and tourists taking pictures of other tourists.
One hour at the Venice Jetties and it becomes obvious why Venice Florida is in the top ten retirement destinations in the United States. For more information on Venice, Florida or homes for sale in Venice, Florida, visit http://www.live4venice.com or call Venice Shores Realty at 941-488-6644.
Lakes of Jacaranda is an exquisite community that boasts amenities such as tennis courts, walking paths, a clubhouse, community pool and beautiful lakes. It’s annual association fees of just over $500. per year maintain the beautiful entrances, landscape, lakes, and the many amenities. On any given day, you can see bald eagles, osprey, herons, egrets, turtles, rabbits, and a host of other wildlife. Of course, any body of water in Florida can have the occasional alligator. In addition to the natural beauty, wildlife is a sign of a healthy environment.
The homes are all newer, consistantly high quality homes with tile roofs, irrigated lawns and landscapes. Many are lakefront and have custom pools. For more information on Lakes of Jacaranda and Venice Florida homes for sale, contact Venice Shores Realty at 941-488-6644 or visit www.Live4Venice.com .
The February 29, 2012 Wall Street Journal has just recognized Venice, Florida as being in the Top Ten places to retire in the United States. Their link http://www.marketwatch.com/story/10-best-places-to-retire-in-the-us-2012-02-29?dist=countdown has the complete details. The theme of being in the Top Ten places to retire in the United States is a theme that is echoed over and over by top publications throughout the country. In the Sept/Oct 2010 edition of Where To Retire Magazine, Venice Florida received similar accolades. Again in December of 2010, Portfolio.com touted the area as one of the top places to retire in the U.S..
Pristine beaches, walkable downtowns, quality health care, arts, aquatic access and beauty all are contributory factors. Over 3 million Americans reached age 65 in 2011. It is no wonder why many are selecting Venice Florida’s palm tree lined streets to call home. For more information on why Venice Florida or Venice Florida Homes for Sale, contact Venice Shores Realty at 941-488-6644, email us at VeniceShoresRealty@gmail.com, or visit www.Live4Venice.com
Venice Shores Realtyhas just opened its new location at 211 Tamiami Trail S. in Venice, Florida. They are the recent winner of the Venice Gondolier Sun’s “Best of Venice” award for “Best Real Estate Team. Wayne Welsh, Broker-Owner has put together a team of top Realtors® with the knowledge and experience to provide superlative service to their customers, both buyers and sellers. They feel their location on the Island of Venice, near Business 41 and Miami Ave. provides high visibility and convenience for their customers. Call them today at 941-488-6644, email at VeniceShoresRealty@gmail.com, or come in for a hot cup of coffee and discuss your real estate needs. For more information on Venice Shores Realty or Venice Florida property for sale, visit our website at http://www.live4venice.com/
Tell your Realtor…”I WANT TO SEE THIS HOUSE.” This southern charmer is located at 4751 Egret Road in Venice, Florida. Elegantly appointed & decorated custom home with stately columns at an economical price. Pride of ownership is obvious with this original owner. Enjoy the S. Venice Beach Ferry and private boat launch.3/2/2 with side loading garage and plenty of add. parking, and buried elect to home. Over-sized corner lot with beautiful oaks, concrete landscape curbing & rain gutters encircle home, and beautiful columns on the front elevation. Hip roof provides aesthetic charm and lower insurance rates. This jaw dropping interior shows like a model with elegant columns, beams with upper lighting, cathedral ceilings, plantation shutters and crown molding throughout home. gorgeous designer tile and wood laminate flooring are both durable and drop dead gorgeous. Home is complete with all appliances including washer & dryer. The kitchen is fully equipped and functional and the shine of the granite counter tops completes the look. Split BR plan with an over-sized master suite and elegant master bath with wainscoting & deco trim. Modern originally-installed CPVC plumbing ensures no future issues with copper pipes. Upgraded hi-efficiency AC 1-1/2 years new. Upgraded water system for ease of maintenance and quality water. Enjoy family BBQ’s with the FREE gas grill on your screened lanai, complete with fountains and a pvc privacy fence. Freshly painted inside and out. Nothing to do with but go shopping or go to the beach which is minutes away!
