Home + Design

Wellen Park's Visionary

Rick Severance: master planner of joyful, community-focused spaces Article by Emily Leinfuss | Photography by Wellen Park In the realm of community development, Rick Severance is more than just a president; he's a visionary. With a wealth of experience spanning over six large-scale master plan communities across the United States and the Caribbean, Severance's journey to Wellen Park has been a testament to his ability to turn ideas into real and thriving communities. Before taking the helm at...

May 2024

Food + Beverage

Favorite Guy-Go-To Eateries

Raising a gentleman's glass to local food & drink destinations Article by Jodi Rall 2 BrewBurger’s Back Porch 'Widow Maker' A half-pound burger topped with bacon, ham, pulled pork, chili, and American cheese. 545 S Tamiami Trail, Venice | Brewburgers.com 3 Irma’s Tacos Craft Beer & Tequila Bar  Irma's offers a variety of street and ethnic tacos specially crafted by Chef Mike Leopold, along with craft beer and tequilas from around the world!  12221 Mercado Drive, Wellen Park | ...

May 2024

Life + Culture

Beyond the Badge

The compassionate world of Venice Police Community Outreach Sergeant Sean Hammett Article by Emily Leinfuss Sergeant Sean Hammett lives by the motto "Work hard and be nice to people," not just as a quote above his desk but as a personal mission at the Venice Police Department. In his role as the community outreach officer, Hammett touches the lives of diverse citizens, from young students to elderly residents in assisted living facilities and families in need, with his dedicated kindness. “I...

May 2024

Sports + Recreation

Revolutionizing Mobility

Affordable Golf Cars of Venice leads the way Article by Jodi Rall Golf cars, once reserved for the manicured greens, have transcended that role, and nobody champions this evolution more than Affordable Golf Cars of Venice. This family-owned dealership has been serving Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties’ carting needs, with innovation and customer care since 2010. Specializing in custom golf cars and street-legal low-speed vehicles, the dealership offers a diverse range of brands and...

May 2024

Shopping

Adventurous Gifts for Sporty Dads

Fathers’ Day gear for anglers and archers from Cook’s Sportland Article by Emily Leinfuss   Gear up for Father's Day with help from the ultimate sportsman's gift guide! From top-of-the-line fishing rods to precision archery equipment and essential accessories, find the perfect gifts for any outdoor-loving dad at Cooks Sportland.    1 Give the gift of precision and performance with Quantum fishing rods. Renowned for cutting-edge technology and superior engineering, these rods are crafted...

May 2024

Food + Beverage

Seasonal Roasted Beet Salad

Venice Olive Oil's Orange & Roasted Beet Salad with Lavender Balsamic, Herbs de Provence OO & Greek Honey Article by Marci Weidemiller | Photography by Venice Olive Oil Co. ingredients: 4 tbsp.  Lavender Balsamic Vinegar   2 tbsp.  Liokareas Greek Honey 4 tbsp.  Herbs de Provence Olive Oil 1 lb. red beets, trimmed 1 lb. golden beets, trimmed 2 cups spring mix 1 navel orange 1 blood orange 1/2 cup red onions, sliced thinly 1 tbsp. rosemary black pepper   directions: Preheat oven...

April 2024

Life + Culture

VCL's First-Ever “Remarkable Woman”

Kelly Olliver's commitment to service uplifts the Venice community with heartfelt commitment Article by Emily Leinfuss | Photography by Stephanie Snow Photography Kelly Olliver’s primary mission is to “make things better for people.” It’s clear to see that she takes it seriously, while also maintaining a convivial sense of humor–she IS the co-owner of Venice’s The British Open Pub, after all.  For Olliver ‘making things better’ is a remarkably large container that holds the many ways she...

April 2024

Life + Culture

3 Community-Dedicated Women of Real Estate

Spotlight On: Realtor Sally Abdella, Lori Turkovics, and Pamela H. Phildius Article by Emily Leinfuss Sally Abdella: A Passionate Realtor with a Heart of Gold More than just a dynamic professional real estate agent, Sally Abdella is a woman who embodies empathy, compassion, and community spirit. She is both a caring individual and a successful businesswoman. Originally from Wisconsin, Sally and her husband relocated to Venice at the end of 2018. Shortly thereafter, she started working at...

April 2024

Style + Beauty

'Cuff Me' Celebrity Collaboration

Nau-T-Girl Jewelry’s Pam Duke & Below Deck Med Star’s Fiancé Leah Rae Shafer Launch new line of bold bracelets and rings Article by Emily Leinfuss | Photography by Kelly Martucci Pam Duke, Owner/Designer of Nau-T-Girl Jewelry, and Leah Rae Shafer, a Medical Esthetician and Professional Singer, and soon to be the wife of Captain Sandy Yawn from Bravo’s Hit Show Below Deck Med, have joined forces to create a new and unique line of cuff bracelets they’ve named “Cuff Me!”  "We’ve launched this...

April 2024

Life + Culture

What's In Her Bag?

A peek at what a busy career woman and mother of five needs with her every day Article and Photography by Jodi Rall Nicole Britton, director of development for The Twig, juggles a busy career while raising five children. Let’s look at what she carries in her Kate Spade bag, or should we say, bags… “It is kind of a joke that I carry a purse upon purse as it has a multitude of functions,” says Britton.  For work, there’s a laptop, planner, notebook, Twig brochures and a smaller purse.  For...

April 2024