Arts + Culture

Sarasota Ballet Marks 20 Years With Legacy and Vision

Anniversary season blends returning favorites, bold premieres, and a balance of classical and contemporary works Article by Emily Leinfuss From Program One through Program Seven, The Sarasota Ballet’s 20th anniversary season is both a celebration and a clear statement of where the company stands today under the leadership of Artistic Director Iain Webb. The 2026–27 season features 16 ballets by 13 choreographers, including eight company premieres—one of the most ambitious lineups in its...

Home + Design

Decorating Therapy: Where Home Begins

Interior Decorator Gayle Rector takes clients on a journey of self-discovery and intention Article by Jessie Marie Glantz Venice Living Furniture & Interiors’ president and CEO Gayle Rector has been transforming indoor spaces in Southwest Florida since 1963. From Grey Oaks Country Club and Sharky’s on The Pier to private homes, retirement communities, and apartments, Rector puts the unique wishes of her clients at the forefront of her design philosophy. This warm, personalized approach to...

Home + Design

Design With Confidence

Here's what every Venice homeowner should know about hiring an interior designer Article and Photography by Whether you’re refreshing one room or giving your entire home a new look, hiring an interior designer can make the process easier—and often more enjoyable. But like any important partnership, finding the right person is about more than loving their portfolio. Start by defining your own style. Spend some time saving photos of rooms that catch your eye. Are you drawn to coastal comfort...

Arts + Culture

Beloved Favorites, Brilliant New Moments

Venice Performing Arts Center's 2026–2027 season takes center stage Article by Yvette Wasserman The stage is set for an unforgettable season at the Venice Performing Arts Center, where legendary music, spectacular performances, and unforgettable nights await. The Venice Institute for Performing Arts Management (VIPAM) has unveiled its highly anticipated 2026–2027 Season, featuring the return of audience favorites alongside exciting new productions making their Venice debut. From timeless...

Entertainment

Art, Community and a Shared Vision

Venice exhibition and global celebration invite the community to reflect on humanity through art Article and Photography by The global nonprofit I AM HUMANITY is returning to Venice for a second year, inviting the community to celebrate creativity, connection and a shared vision for the future through art and conversation. The Washington, D.C.-based organization is collaborating with the Venice Art Center on an exhibition from Sept. 18 through Oct. 8, 2026, featuring works by local artists...

Home + Design

VOTI Launches Plans for Arbor Vita Campus

Village On The Isle’s new satellite campus will include 130 independent living apartments and 50 standalone cottages with resort-style amenities Article and Photography by Village On The Isle (VOTI)  is expanding its vision for active senior living with the announcement of Arbor Vita, a new 50-acre satellite campus planned for 2705 E. Venice Ave. in Venice. Designed as a welcoming neighborhood rather than a traditional retirement community, Arbor Vita will feature 130 independent living...

Event Planning + Services

Where Creativity Blooms, One Bouquet at a Time

Venice artist Haley Ponder's mobile flower bar lets guests create personalized bouquets for every celebration Article by Emily Leinfuss Venice artist Haley Ponder is known for her colorful resin artwork, handcrafted charcuterie boards and years of teaching at the Venice Art Center. This year, she added a fresh chapter to her creative journey by launching Comet Creation Flower Bar, a part-time mobile business that brings interactive floral experiences to parties, markets and special events. ...

Education

Scholarships Built on Vision

VIPA celebrates student apprentices, honors Bonnie Hartley and awards its first apprentice scholarships Article and Photography by The Venice Institute for Performing Arts (VIPA) recently recognized the achievements of its student apprentices while also honoring one of the people most responsible for the program’s success: Bonnie B. Hartley, Ph.D. A VIPA founder and the driving force behind the Venice High School Apprenticeship Program, Hartley helped create an opportunity that teaches far...

Life + Culture

Four Girl Scouts, Four Lasting Legacies

Girl Scouts gold award recipients tackle mental health, animal welfare, accessibility, and environmental challenges Article by Emily Leinfuss From helping vulnerable animals and supporting teen mental health to rebuilding therapeutic spaces and protecting local beaches, four members of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida  (GSGF) are proving that age is no barrier to making a meaningful difference. GSGF, which serves girls throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties, recently recognized four...

Sports + Recreation

Adventures at Kid- and Pet-Friendly Parks

From playgrounds to wilderness escapes, area parks offer plenty to discover Article by Edited by Emily Leinfuss | Photography by Sarasota County Looking for a place where kids can burn off energy, discover wildlife and maybe even spark a lifelong love of nature? Megan Eidel, Sarasota County’s Parks, Natural Areas, and Trails (PNT) Manager, and the PNT team shared their top recommendations for family-friendly outdoor adventures around Venice. Among Eidel’s personal favorites are North Jetty...