Posted By Ed Martin at 3:29 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Some New "Best Bytes:" Fish Tacos, Cheese Steaks, and authentic French Food.
"Best Bytes" is not a restaurant review. I had the chance to write "Power Lunch" reviews for the Trib for a couple of years and to give a place a fair review, you really have to sample several dishes, appetizers, deserts, etc. It is expensive and fattening.
So, instead, Inside Venice, finds a dish, that tastes good, and brings it to your attention. We also welcome recommendations.
Posted By Ed Martin at 2:08 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Wednesday, 28
In this corner wearing the White Trunks is Joe Mc Kee; in that corner wearing Multi-colors-J. Holic
Dear Mr. McKee,
Your thought process is way ahead of any facts pertaining to this project. If you are able, please listen to the end of yesterday's City Council meeting where I publicly gave an update to Council on the meeting with Mr. Carroll, Mr. Black, Mr. Lavallee and myself. There was one meeting, very brief (approximately a half hour, but I wasn't keeping the clock), where Challenger brought up some problems they were having trying to put in the ball field in the area where the Count
Posted By Ed Martin at 11:05 AM in Category:Inside Venice
Tuesday, 27
City Council Discusses: Pinebrook Park, Sharky’s Interest in Rent-free Solar Field, Airport Audit
Sometimes the end of City Council Meetings, when the Council members report on intergovernmental or committee meetings they have attended, raise subjects that they want to discuss, etc. are among the most interesting parts of the meeting. Not that other issues discussed earlier aren’t important.
For example, today, the Council considered two significant ordinances, one setting utilities rates and one entitled, “The City of Venice Human Rights Act.” The utilities ordinance was
Posted By Ed Martin at 4:45 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Monday, 26
Circus Aquatica—Its Fun, inexpensive and for a worthy cause
I have reviewed restaurants, jazz concerts, city hall meetings, and have written about sporting events, politics, an around-the-world cruise and more, mostly for fun and for profit, (keep your expectations low.) I have never reviewed a circus and am not sure what qualifications are needed, although some have called me a “clown.” We have seen circuses from New York to Moscow and places in between.
Here is what we saw and enjoyed:
Posted By Ed Martin at 10:05 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Sunday, 25
Kit Moran Get Standing O. for Cabaret Concert Benefit at Northport Art Center.
Jazz-notes. Last night, in a benefit for the Northport Art Center, Kit Moran provided an absolutely wonderful special Cabaret Performance, accompanied by Mike Moran and the wonderful bassist, Dominic Mancini. The cabaret setting, a small room, tables for a glass of wine and some very tasty Greek mezes, and absolute quiet, is the perfect setting for Kit. Intimate, full of feeling, and professional. I wish we had a setting here in Venice, for that kind of national quality, Cabaret.
Posted By Ed Martin at 9:30 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Saturday, 24
Jazz Corner: Tony Bennett and Bill Evans, "Waltz for Debbie"
Recently PBS presented a fantastic program, showing the recording of "Duets-2" featuring Tony Bennett and a wide array of singers: How about: Willie Nelson, Lady Gaga, and Aretha?
I was prepared to sneer at Lady Gaga, (ignorance is bliss.) Instead she was lively, spontaneous, and good. Bennett called her a great entertainer. Willie and Tony, in their scratch voices, with Willie's nasal twang, were uniquely wonderful. During his duet with Aretha, a tear ran down Bennett's chee
Posted By Ed Martin at 5:03 PM in Category:Inside Venice
"FLORIDA'S DISASTROUS SELF-DEFENSE LAW"
John Timoney, former Miami Police Chief, Philadelphia Police Commissioner and Deputy Police Commissioner in New York City, writes, that the killing by George Zimmerman was "predictable."
"In fact, he adds, "I, along with other Florida chiefs of police, said so in a letter to the Legislature in 2005, when we opposed the passage of the law..."
For more click on the link below
Click Here to Link directly to this article publisheed in the New York Times.
Posted By Ed Martin at 1:45 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Friday, 23
Joe McKee Provides Mayor Holic with Evidence that Pinebrook Park is Separate From Wellfield.
The point of this message is that certain activities are prohibited for Park usage, other than by City-wide referendum.
The Mayor appears to want to use some land for "Government Use" and the City Manager's letter to Marty Black, published yesterday, proposes plans that would impact on the Pinebrook Park area.
"Dear Mayor Holic,
Please note the Official Sarasota Land record for Pinebrook Park provided below.
Posted By Ed Martin at 12:01 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Thursday, 22
Here is the Lavallee to Black Letter re: Wellfield Park Which has Raised Concerns About Park Future
This letter which emphasizes Challenger Baseball and economic recovery from the "Lime Pits" does not mention protecting the nature trail and wooded areas of the Park, which it seemed would be protected last year. (See Council Member Jim Bennett's letter in next article.)
Mr. Lavallee is new, of course, and it could be that he has not been fully informed about the history--he soon will be. City Hall insiders say that Mayor Holic has given unclear signals, sometimes favoring the Nat
Posted By Ed Martin at 9:05 PM in Category:Inside Venice
City's Position on Use of Wellfield Park Causes Concerns and Appears to be An About-Face Jim Bennett
Editor's note: This is an email from Venice Council Member Jim Bennett to interested constituents. It is associated with the Park issue and also with a recent memo from City Manager, Ed Lavallee to Marty Black, who is now a consultant in private practice and who is also on contract working for the City. No formal conflict of interest law in Florida appears to bar that practice, although Black's advocacy for outside groups while on the City contract may need a closer look.
Posted By Ed Martin at 4:07 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Wednesday, 21
Council Member Writes, (Poorly), Ignoring Constitution as well as Facts About the Finance Director
From Daniels to City Manager Ed Lavallee.
< "It's my understanding that our finance director is lobbing (sic) council members for changing what the Venice voters voted on in 2006.
/> I personally don't appreciate his lack of professionalism on the 2006 voter action.
/> Please inform him to discontinue these actions and get back to his job as the city managers (sic) finance director.
< /> Thanks,
/> Bob Daniels
The Good News is Daniels is working thro
Posted By Ed Martin at 9:40 AM in Category:Inside Venice
Tuesday, 20
Planning Commission Rejects Airport Interests Suggested Key Changes to Comprehensive Plan
Airport administrator, Chris Rozansky, following the lead of Nick Carlucci of the Venice Aviation Society, Inc., "Chuck" Hollowell, an airplane owner and "Chuck" Schmeiler, the head of the Venice Airport Business Association, proposed a variety of changes to the Comprehensive Plan, primarily aimed at cutting back the City's involvement in safety, compatibility of airport properties and their neighbors, leasing rates for airport properties, and most significantly, the City's policy of not-condemn
Posted By Ed Martin at 7:54 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Monday, 19
Airport Interest Groups Recommendations on Changing Comp Plan protections for the City Need Study
This article is in the form of a letter to the Planning Commission. It touches only on a few of the suggested changes, and is intended to encourage the Commission to look critically at the Airport Director's suggested changes. Some appear designed to hinder the City's concern for safety, compatibility, protection of citizens from involuntary condemnations, and more.
The letter follows,
Dear Commissioners,
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in your revie
Posted By Ed Martin at 9:04 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Sunday, 18
INVITATION TO A GREAT LECTURE ON MARCH 27 ORGANIZED BY VENICE AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Hi Ed:
The Venice Area Historical Society is sponsoring a truly interesting lecture being funded by Village on the Isle and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. We would like to invite you and all your readers to attend this free and open to the public lecture.
The lecture is part of a two-year series on The Great Depression of the U.S. of the 1930's with a focus on Florida and Venice, FL.
Kirstin Downey is a former Washington Post journalisit...with Post
Posted By Betty Intagliata at 12:56 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Saturday, 17
Emilio Carlesimo's Personal Attack on Bob Anderson Rejected by Council 6-1.
Emilio Carlesimo is best liked by those who see him least, the average person who does not follow his antics closely in Council. He is an indefatigable campaigner showing up everywhere and making a pleasant appearance for the most part. Legislating is something else.
During the last Council he began to attack City Attorney Bob Anderson because Anderson did not agree with his approach to cutting off Council retirement benefits--dictated by State law and so not open to City manipul
Click Here to Link directly to this article publisheed in the Venice Gondolier Sun.
Posted By Ed Martin at 6:44 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Friday, 16
Small Plane Runs Through Airport Fence, Seemed to Have Minor Damage.
At the east end of the airport, near the Circus Arena and the Intercoastal a small plane went through the fence and tipped on its nose wheel in a small gulley. The time was about Noon.
Fire and police were on scene with the airport dirt road blocked, so I could not learn more. In a few minutes the plane was tipped back onto its wheels in level position. (By the time I turned around to snap a cell-phone picture, it was already righted.)
Posted By Ed Martin at 7:26 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Thursday, 15
HT Columnist Eric Ernst Writes on "Slam Ad" signed by Fake Group of "Concerned Citizens"
Congratulations to Eric Ernst for following up on the story posted here last Sunday. He also agrees that the Florida Election Commission missed an opportunity to deter such acts by giving a "wrist slap" $200 settlement opportunity to former Suncoast Aviation (Jet) Center manager, Donald "Marty" Kretchman.
Ernst's column will appear in tomorrow's print edition.
Click Here to Link directly to this article publisheed in the Sarasota Herald Tribune.
Posted By Ed Martin at 8:52 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Wednesday, 14
Venice Symphony to Perform Saturday, 4 p.m. at Maxine Barritt Park
The story of Maxine Barritt Park is a lengthy one, but here is a short background.
The park is on the site of the City's former wastewater treatment plant. The City decided to move the plant to the eastern end of the City, leaving behind three waste treatment facilities and the pond which has treated but not potable water today.
Discussion in the City, including by Council Members, centered on commercial development of the area. Maxine, already in her 70's, led a
Posted By Ed Martin at 8:57 PM in Category:Inside Venice
South County Jazz Announces March Concerts
Ira Sullivan Concert
March 24th 7:30PM
The South County Jazz Club is sponsoring a not-to-be-missed event featuring Ira Sullivan. The 2 hour concert showcases Ira on a variety of instruments, with Dick Reynolds on piano, Mark Neuenschwander on bass, and Patricia Dean on drums. It will be held at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center on Palmer Ranch, 7333 Scotland Way OFC, Sarasota, FL 34238. Admission is $15.00 for jazz club members and $20.00 for non-members. For more info
Posted By Ed Martin at 8:26 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Sunday, 11
Martin Kretchman and Citizens For Quality Government Found to Violate Law in 2010 Venice Election
In separate cases the Florida Election Commission found events that violated the Florida Election Law involving Martin Kretchman, at the time manager of the Suncoast Aviation Center at Venice Airport, and the long-standing Citizens for Quality Government, a PAC known for close ties with developers, managed for years by E.G. Boone of the Boone Law Firm. Boone also represented the Jet Center and its owner, Arthur Nadel in various matters.
Posted By Ed Martin at 2:02 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Consumate Musicians Shine at Sarasota Jazz Festival: Venice's Dick Hyman and Derek Smith- "Smash!"
Dick Hyman and Derek Smith gave a two-piano, improvised jazz concert based on themes or songs from movies, a nice structure, at the Sarasota Jazz Festival. They showed a clip from the movie and then performed their own versions, all four hands.
Among those chosen, "As Time Goes By" from Casablanca, "Singing in the Rain," "Laura," and a delightful clip of Edward Norton singing, "Just You, Just Me," from Woody Allen's film, Everyone Says I Love You, Dick Hyman, Music Director.
Posted By Ed Martin at 12:16 AM in Category:Inside Venice
Wednesday, 7
Venice City Council to Consider Civil Rights Ordinance at next Meeting, March 13,2012
Venice has civil rights protection for minority racial groups, religions, women, persons with disabilities, etc. under local, State or Federal law. Persons who are Gay, Lesbian, etc. do not have protection by statute preventing discrimination in employment, housing, etc.
This issue was raised more than a year ago, and the ordinance needed additional work. However, it appeared that a majority of Council members at that time viewed it favorably. I support the ordinance and hope you
Posted By Ed Martin at 8:47 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Update on Resort Dwelling Discussions at Planning Commission
The direction the Planning Commission is heading toward seems a ueful one, essentially taking all of the defined terms in the Comprehensive Plan and including them in a new section of the Land Development Code which is being revised.
That puts the emphasis in the correct place in terms of legal direction of the City's growth plan. Existing defined terms in the current Code, can then be compared with them and modified if necessary to come into compliance.
Posted By Ed Martin at 7:49 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Monday, 5
Language on Resort Dwellings in Definition Causes Confusion: Seems to Differ from Comprehensive Plan
In a multitudinous, complicated attempt to reconcile definitions in the current Land Definition Regulations and bring them into conformity with the Comprehensive Plan, one definition dealing with "Resort Dwellings" needs to be considered by the Planning Commission in tomorrow's meeting.
The definition, according to Planning Director, Chad Minor appears in the current City standards, but it appears to provide opposite guidance to the same topic in the Comprehensive Plan.
Posted By Ed Martin at 7:39 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Saturday, 3
"Occupy the Circus Arena"- Council Member Jim Bennett Has Terrific Ideas for Rehabilitated Arena
Reprinted from the Venice Gondolier Sun, March 3,2012, see link below. With Thanks to the Gondo.
"Warning: This is not the second in a series of articles on the Venice Bypass. This is about a visible, unappreciated asset that can turn Venice into a destination beyond imagination.
Just walk through the creaky, ill-fitting door of the apparently ramshackle Circus Arena off Business 41, our other “main” street, on airport property owned and controlled by the city. Look
Click Here to Link directly to this article publisheed in the Venice Gondolier Sun.
Posted By Ed Martin at 12:45 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Friday, 2
Circus Italia's "Aquatic" Will Open U.S. Tour in Venice, March 23-25 Under Big Top at K-Mart Plaza
Here is a chance to see a modern circus in Venice under the big top. Aquatic is a water spectacular in the modern style of Cirque do Soliel. Wonderful entertainment for children of all ages.
Here is a link to the Circus Arts Foundation website with ticket info. Lots more publicity to come. Let's help save the Arena and make Venice a continuing part of Circus History.
Click Here to Link directly to this article publisheed in the Venice Circus Arts Foundation.
