Education

Creative Capital

Venice Photographer’s Gift Invests in Education and Outreach for Local Youth Article by Emily Leinfuss | Photography by Liesl Walsh - Liesl Walsh Photography When Venice-based photographer Liesl Walsh opened an email last March from Sarasota Police Department volunteer coordinator Michelle Kellner, she was stunned—in the best possible way. “I was blown away,” Walsh said. Kellner wrote that she had long admired Walsh’s work and had her eye on one image in particular: Walsh’s luminous...

Arts + Culture

A Lifetime Investment in Creativity

Alan Keck’s Dedication to Teaching, Learning, And Fantasy Shines in From an Ancient Seabed Article by Jessie Marie Glantz | Photography by Brian Glantz-1ST Glantz Media Alan Keck, master potter and ceramics teacher at the Venice Art Center, has conjured up a fantastical underwater scene from millions of years ago with blown glass, clay, porcelain, shells, fossilized rocks from the cretaceous period, and more. A variety of vivid creatures and delicate details bring the reef to life. Blue and...

Home + Design

Maximize Home Décor Investments

Local Experts Reveal Top Strategies for Flooring, Design, Rugs and Kitchen-Bath Upgrades Article by Emily Leinfuss Flooring Matters Most : Flooring is often one of the largest investments homeowners make in their décor — and one of the most visible. “Flooring is one of the first things people see when they walk into a home,” said Missy Montgomery Co-Owner and Sales at Montgomery’s CarpetsPlus Colortile .  “It’s not a decision you want to rush.” Montgomery says education is a key part of the...

Life + Culture

Nolen Statue Unveiled in Venice

Centennial Ceremony Honors Planner Who Shaped City's Enduring Design Article and Photography by In the mid-1920s, as the City of Venice was being formed, its founders made a bold and visionary investment: they committed to creating not just a town, but a thoughtfully planned community. They hired renowned landscape architect and urban planner John Nolen to design it. More than a century later, that decision continues to shape daily life in Venice—and now a statue/bench and interpretive panel...

Home + Design

Books For Defining & Designing Your Home

Trending tomes that inspire personal spaces, thoughtful details, and homes that truly reflect you Article and Photography by A home is shaped by intention, memory, and personal style. These six books explore what it means to truly live in a space—offering inspiration, practical guidance, and creative permission to make every home feel meaningful, lived-in, and distinctly your own. “If These Walls Could Talk: Give Your Home Personality One Decorating Decision at a Time” by Carmel Phillips ...

Home + Design

Home Sweet Home

How technology and community support help seniors "age in place" Article by Emily Leinfuss For many older adults, home isn’t just where the heart is—it’s where life feels most manageable. As Nicci Lieberman, founder and CEO of Sarasota’s Youthful Aging Home Health Care explained, “Our clients want to age in place. They want to stay independent and in control of their health.” That desire is widely shared. In fact, nearly 75 percent of seniors say they want to remain in their own homes as...

Arts + Culture

Coffee, Community, History

One of Venice’s oldest landmarks finds its purpose as a coffee house, gathering place, and warm reminder of the past Article by Jessie Marie Glantz Lord-Higel’s Coffee House, distinct in its Victorian, two-story stature, stands on 409 Granada Avenue, its roof and outdoor dining area aglow with warm, decorative lights. The front path is lined with award-winning pink and purple petunias, and the porch is adorned with bright, colorful chairs that beckon travelers to sit and relax for a while...

Home + Design

Building More Than Homes

Habitat For Humanity South Sarasota County offers a path to stability and strength Article by Emily Leinfuss For Bethany Stricker, applying to Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County came at a moment of uncertainty. Living temporarily with her parents as they prepared to sell their home, she faced a narrowing search for affordable housing and growing concern about what came next. “My discovery of Habitat’s homeownership program happened at just the right time,” she said. “I’m in a...

Home + Design

Complete Demolition Services, the Fuggedaboutit Way

From permits to final inspection, every phase handled efficiently, safely, and sustainably in-house Article and Photography by When it comes to residential and commercial demolition, Fuggedaboutit is much more than a dumpster rental company. Locally owned and operated, the company provides complete start-to-finish demolition and excavating services—handling permits, inspections, equipment, and cleanup all under one roof. “I’m boots on the ground,” said owner David DiPiazza, who launched...

Health + Wellness

Belonging and Connection

Leadership Venice shows heartfelt support by creating an inclusive disc golf course for Loveland residents Article and Photography by Venice Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Class of 2025 began their year-long journey knowing they’d learn more about Venice businesses and the Venice community. What they didn’t expect was to be so moved by their tour of Loveland Center, the area nonprofit that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Many class members had heard of...