Food + Beverage

Allegro Bistro: Where Music Connects Community

Enjoy Music, Dancing, & More, at Venice’s go-to Lounge For the Holidays & All Year Round Article by Emily Leinfuss Nella Valenti opened Allegro Bistro in 2006 and later expanded it by adding the Entertainment Lounge a few years afterward. “The Lounge is dedicated to my family. My mom had six brothers, and my uncles were all musicians. I grew up in Siracusa, on the southeastern coast of Sicily, surrounded by music, dancing, and singing,” she fondly recalled. In the 15 years since it opened...

Style + Beauty

Sparkle for the Holidays!

Reflections in Gold’s Tony Maggio Talks About Thoughtful, On-Trend Gifts for the Holidays, and the Importance of Peace and Happiness in Turbulent Times Article by Emily Leinfuss As the holidays approach, Tony Maggio is ready to help you find a jewelry gift that will be cherished for years to come. Not only does he stay on top of jewelry trends, but he also upholds Reflections in Gold’s decades-long tradition of exceptional customer service and quality. “This year, I’m seeing a lot of...

Life + Culture

Feeding Hurricane Heroes

BrewBurgers BackPorch Thanks Florida National Guard For Their Service During Hurricane Milton Article by Emily Leinfuss When the Florida National Guard was called in to assist with the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton in the beginning of October, it had been only about two weeks since they’d finished helping with Hurricane Helene. About 3,600 Florida National Guard soldiers and airmen, including Emergency Management Assistance Compact units, came back to assist in response operations all...

Arts + Culture

Local Experiences: Holiday Gifts

Shop Downtown Venice for All Your Festive Needs & Wants! Article by Emily Leinfuss 1 Venice Olive Oil Company Spice up your holidays with gourmet oils, vinegars & more! veniceoliveoil.com 2 Collectors Gallery & Framery Unique art, custom frames, and local treasures for you and yours!  collectorsgalleryframery.com 3 DanaTyler Jewelry Shine this season with affordable, dazzling jewelry from Venice’s DanaTyler! danatyler.com 4 Venice Stationers Find festive essentials like...

Shopping

Florida-Friendly Fashion

Lisa’s Classic Rose Delivers Versatility & Style While Also Giving Back to the Community Article and Photography by Emily Leinfuss Lisa’s Classic Rose has provided its stylish, comfortable fashion to downtown Venice since 2005. Founded by former airline professional Lisa Vander Wall, the boutique caters to both locals and visitors, including vacationers and destination wedding shoppers. The boutique emphasizes practical, yet chic pieces tailored to the Florida lifestyle, with easy-care...

Home + Design

Transform Your Home with Dzinly

Virtual Makeovers Bring Your Dream Home to Life Article by Lynne Konstantin | Photography by Dzinly In 2021, Dzinly launched with the goal of transforming how homeowners approach exterior home improvement by utilizing advanced digital design tools. As a digital home design company, Dzinly specializes in creating virtual exterior makeovers, allowing homeowners to upload a photo of their property and explore various design options like different paint colors, siding, roofing, and landscaping...

Life + Culture

Choose Joy

Cantor-Rabbi Marci Vitkus Discusses Gratitude, Blessings, and the Power of Embracing all of Life's Moments Article by Emily Leinfuss Rabbi-Cantor Marci Vitkus hadn’t planned on becoming a Cantor, much less a Rabbi. Her career began in early childhood education. “I always wanted to be a teacher,” she said. “I stayed on that path for years and loved it.” Twenty-three years ago, she got a call from a choir director for the Jewish Congregation of Venice (JCV). They were searching for a new...

Life + Culture

Gratitude in Action

3 Venice Business Leaders Reflect on Thankfulness Article by Emily Leinfuss 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...

Life + Culture

Nourishing Hope This Thanksgiving

All Faiths Food Bank Steps up its Efforts to Provide Thanksgiving Relief to Community Members in North Sarasota, through Venice, Englewood and Desoto Counties Article by Emily Leinfuss Thanksgiving is a time when many families gather and enjoy a heartfelt holiday feast–but what about people in our community who are experiencing the crisis of food insecurity? Enter All Faiths Food Bank.  Each year, the 35-year-old nonprofit ramps up to address the problem of hunger during the holiday...

Life + Culture

On Faith, Blessings, and God’s Gifts

Two Local Pastors Reflect on How Thankfulness Impacts Their Lives and Congregations Article by Emily Leinfuss In this season of gratitude, two local pastors share their heartfelt reflections on the power of thankfulness. Lakeside Lutheran’s Pastor David Dahlke offers insight into how gratitude shapes his ministry, while First Baptist Church’s Pastor Tom Hodge reflects on how faith and thankfulness transform life’s challenges. Their thoughts remind us of the profound impact of living with a...