Venice is located on Gulf of Mexico on the west coast of Florida about 75 miles south of  Tampa and 20 miles south of Sarasota. The Venice area is actually made up of five communities located in Sarasota County; Venice, South Venice, Nokomis, Laurel and Osprey. The population of Venice is about 17,000, while the greater Venice area population is about 84,000.

In 1925, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers engaged famous city planner John Nolen and landscape architect Prentiss French to design a town reminiscent of its Italian namesake. Venice was incorporated as a town at that time.

The average annual temperature is 75 degrees, and the waters in the Gulf will rise to a high of 89 degrees in the month of August. The winter low in Gulf waters averages about 70 degrees. Most of the year's average rainfall of 51 inches comes in the summer months.

The Venice area has more than 14 miles of beaches, from Casey Key to Manasota Key. Venice has long been known as "Sharks Tooth Capital of the World," so it goes without saying there many opportunities to find many different sharks teeth along the shoreline.

Golfing is great in Venice, Florida!  There are a large variety of courses, public and semi-private as well as wonderful golfing communities.

Fishing enthusiasts can find plenty of enjoyment in Venice. Residents can fish from the beach, piers, or local charter boats. The Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota Bay, Little Sarasota Bay, and the Inter-coastal Waterway offer excellent marine fishing. A wealth of lakes and tributaries and the Myakka River provide endless possibilities for fresh water fishing. Venice Municipal Fishing Pier, located adjacent to Sharky's Restaurant on Harbor Drive, has a bait shop, terrific views of the sunset and is a favorite spot for fishing.

There are also many beautiful parks in the Venice area, many of which include recreational activities such as tennis, baseball, soccer, nature trails and boat launch ramps. Humphris Park, also known as the South Jetty, is located at the northern end of the city. The jetty provides a great fishing area and boat access between the Gulf of Mexico and the Inter-coastal Waterway.

Sarasota County

In 1902, a serious railroad reached Sarasota County, connecting it to Tampa and to the outside world for the first time. The railroad brought a few settlers to Sarasota County including John Ringling, head of a circus family. Ringling bought property all around Sarasota County and moved his circus' winter home here.  His mansion, art museum, circus museum are part of Sarasota County’s cultural attractions.

 Known as Florida's "Cultural Coast", Sarasota County is home to many professional theaters, art galleries, symphonies, ballets and operas. Attractions include the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Asolo Theatre Company, Florida West Coast Symphony, Jazz Club of Sarasota, Sarasota Ballet of Florida, Sarasota Film Festival and Towles Court Art Association.

Sarasota Year-round Average Temperatures and Rainfall