In this season of gratitude, three local leaders—Lori Turkovics, David Jasik, and Melanie Delehanty Smith—share what they’re most thankful for. From community connections to family traditions, each reflects on the values that shape their lives and their work in Venice.
Lori Turkovics on Venice, Family, and Giving Thanks
For Lori Turkovics, Venice is the heart of her family and business. Twenty-five years ago, she visited with her husband, who grew up here, and they quickly realized it was the perfect place to raise a family. Today, she is a Certified Global Luxury Broker Associate at The Turkovics Group/Coldwell Banker Realty. “I sell this area because I love it,” she said. “I’m deeply rooted in the community and have firsthand knowledge of the wonderful lifestyle it offers.”
What Turkovics is most thankful for about Venice is the sense of community. “This is a place where people rally together, especially in difficult times,” she explained. During Hurricane Ian, her neighborhood came together to help one another by clearing fallen trees and offering food, electricity, and cell service. “That’s what makes Venice special—the way people show up for each other,” she said.
Through her work as a realtor, Turkovics doesn’t just sell homes; she sells the Venice lifestyle. “From Friday night high school football games to the incredible local organizations like The Child Protection Center and The Twig, Venice is a town that gives back,” she said. “It’s a small-town feel with big-city conveniences, and I love being a part of that.”
Turkovics is incredibly grateful to the Venice community for supporting her business, since the lion's share is built on referrals. “My friends, family, and clients are my greatest cheerleaders,” she said. “I’m so blessed that my clients share their positive experiences with others—that’s the best marketing you can get.”
When Thanksgiving rolls around, Turkovics’s family celebrates with friends who have become like family. “We play themed games and make memories year after year,” she said. “It’s all about sharing gratitude and joy with those we love. We are truly blessed.”
David Jasik: Painting Life with Thankfulness
David Jasik is the owner of seven Sarasota Paint stores across Sarasota and Manatee Counties, with the newest location set to open the first of this month. "This store was previously Venice Paint, and the owner was simply ready to retire."
However, Jasik’s connection to Venice started years ago when he bought Gulf Harbor Marina in Nokomis. "I’d come down here to have fun. Boating was my passion. If I could go offshore twice a month, I was happy. Four times? I was ecstatic and thankful," he observed.
Five years ago, he opened his first paint store in Venice after frequently passing by Palm Square Plaza during its construction. "I always thought that would be a great place to open a paint store," he said. "The customer base in Nokomis and Venice was fantastic. I loved the culture here. It’s a retired community, and the people have enjoyed their lives. They want to enjoy the fruits of their labor, and the stress is lower in Venice," he noted.
When asked what he’s most thankful for about doing business in Venice, Jasik pointed to his core values. "Thankfulness, relationships, diligence, and consistency—they’re everything. I appreciate each moment. I’m thankful for all my employees and customers. Even if there’s a problem to solve, I appreciate it. It’s cool when you finish. Every day there’s something new, and now, with the new store in Venice, I think about the opportunities and all the things to be thankful for," he said.
Jasik also reflected on Thanksgiving itself: "I think about the people who risked their lives to come to America, searching for freedom. And personally, I’m thankful for the amazing relationships I have with family, friends, and coworkers. That’s just wonderful," he shared. Learn more at sarasotapaint.com.
Melanie Delehanty Smith on Community and Connection
Born and raised in Venice, Melanie Delehanty Smith, PE, is deeply thankful for the community that shaped her. A proud graduate of Venice High School, Smith’s family moved to the area when her grandparents retired, drawn to its kind and community-oriented spirit. “Venice was always about community,” she said. In 2021, she opened Mel-Haven Engineering, LLC, with a goal of giving back. “I’m grateful to be able to make a positive impact on the community that’s given me so much.”
For Smith, the sense of connection in Venice is what she’s most thankful for. “The rich, active community here is incredible,” she shared. “From local charities to sports, theater, and outdoor events, Venice has so much to offer. It’s a great place for families, and I’m thankful to be a part of it.” Though she lives in Sarasota now, she spends plenty of time in Venice, enjoying old stomping grounds like Venice Main Street, Fins, and the Jetty with family and friends.
As a civil engineer and the President and Owner of Mel-Haven Engineering, LLC, Smith sees her work as a way to give back. “We design public works and infrastructure that shape Venice’s future,” she explained. “I’m thankful to play a part in ensuring thoughtful, sustainable growth for this special place.”
The support she’s received from the Venice community is something she treasures. “I’m so thankful for the friends, family, and connections I’ve made here over the years,” she said. “Venice still has that same sense of connection my family sought out years ago, and being part of local projects is truly rewarding.”
Thanksgiving is a time for Smith to reflect on her blessings. “I’m so grateful for the chance to work and live where I grew up,” she said. Her favorite memory? A blue crab feast her pop once prepared—a reminder that thankfulness often comes from shared moments.
Venice still has that same sense of connection my family sought out years ago, and being part of projects tied to schools, churches, 501c3 groups, and sports clubs is truly rewarding.