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

Education

From Classroom to Cosmos!

Meet Susie Bennett, Venice HS STEM teacher and future NASA Scientist-Astronaut (Hopefully!) Article by Ellen Brakman Inspired by her father, an engineer who brought the family to the US from Honduras when she was two years old, Susie Bennett felt the lure of science early on. “I was a third-grade student reading science textbooks,” she said.  From their home in North Port, Bennett’s dad taught her about the impact and wonder of the sciences, explaining the details of the space program while...

April 2024

Life + Culture

Beyond the Page

Strategies for Building Community and Fostering Connection From The Island Bookshop's Michael Rank Article by Emily Leinfuss | Photography by Stephanie Snow Photography Five years ago, if you had asked Michael Rank if he envisioned himself as the owner of a bookstore in Venice Island's historic downtown district alongside his wife, Aimee Odette, he would have likely said 'no.'  However, that's precisely what occurred when the couple opened The Island Bookshop in 2021. What’s more, the couple...

March 2024

Arts + Culture

Art Matters!

Two Dynamic Woman Champion Venice Art & Artists: VAC’s CEO Mary Moscatelli & Collectors Gallery & Framery Co-Owner Aimee Odette Article by Emily Leinfuss | Photography by Stephanie Snow Photography Venice Art Center: A Haven for Community, Creativity and Growth Much growth, and many changes have occurred during the 65+-year tenure of the Venice Art Center: but one thing remains steadfast. Its dedication to exhibiting art, supporting area artists, and enhancing our community’s overall...

March 2024

Life + Culture

Smart Giving Helps Local Organization Fly High

Secure Technology Helps Charitable Giving to Agape Flights Take Flight Photography by Agape Flights “Give from your wealth, not just your wallet.” That’s the advice of Tim Kenny, development director for Venice-based Agape Flights. Using two turboprop aircraft and volunteer pilots, the 43-year-old nonprofit provides weekly delivery of critical supplies to Caribbean-based missionaries. Agape receives 100 percent of its support from donations. “Most of our lives, as generous people, we invest...

March 2024

Finance + Legal Services

Mastering a Family Transition

Essential Strategies for Navigating Sudden Financial Leadership of Your Family's Investments Article by Kate Hyland Mercer, Financial Advisor, Ferris Wheel Finance, Inc. Suddenly finding yourself in charge of the family's financial accounts and decisions can be overwhelming. Whether due to unforeseen circumstances like a parent's incapacity or passing, or the dissolution of a marriage, taking on this responsibility can feel daunting. However, with a structured approach and support, you can...

March 2024