Some years ago a marine historian said, "A Crossing is not a Cruise." And while the wonderful stabilizers make crossing in virtually any weather smoother than plane or train travel, there is something magical about an ocean scene with nothing but sea and sky in all directions.
The MS Noordam headed north by northeast from Ft. Lauderdale, paralleling the coast at roughly the distance of the Gulf Stream as we headed on a "Great Circle" Route to the Azores. Looking like a loop on a
Posted By Ed Martin at 9:07 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Wednesday, 27
Council Member John Moore Cleared of Bogus Ethics Charges filed by Bill Willson of Roberts Insurance
Former council member Bill Willson filed charges of violation of ethics against Sue Lang and John Moore. I wrote earlier this week about Lang having been cleared of the baseless charges.
I knew Moore had been cleared as well but he wanted to decide when he would make that information public.
I met Moore through his role on Council and admired him greatly for his intelligence, careful study of issues, independence and integrity.
Posted By Ed Martin at 10:50 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Night Noises for Neighbors, Courtesy of Martin Black and the Then City Council--Good Planning!
Mr. Kubilis:
Acting City Manager, Dr. Nancy Woodley, has approved the April 26, 2011 request from APAC for night operations (loading of trucks) to occur on May 4, 5 and 6, 2011 between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. The approval is authorized in accordance with the Pre-Annexation Agreement between the City of Venice and APAC-Southeast (Exhibit B - Exception Event/Circumstances 2. "Any construction project located in southwest Florida of demonstrable public or economic signif
NEWS UPDATE—COUNCIL APPROVES MCNULTY AS CHIEF OF POLICE
The prospect of a 4-3 vote on the “advise and consent” of the Council to the Acting City Manager’s seemed to loom as Emilio Carlesimo spoke against the City Manager’s recommendation, treating allegations in a pending law suit, as reports of negative behavior by former Chief Williams, and Captains Dunaway and McNulty. Jeanette Gates expressed her preference for Northport’s former chief, Terry Lewis. Bob Daniels stopped short of expressing his preference while other Council Members were waiting
Posted By Ed Martin at 9:30 PM in Category:Inside Venice
VENICE POLICE CAPTAIN TOM MCNULTY IS CITY MANAGER'S CHOICE FOR CHIEF: COUNCIL APPROVAL SOUGHT
Captain Tom McNulty, a twenty-three year veteran of the Police Department in Venice, is the choice of Acting City Manager Nancy Woodley, a choice the City Manager makes under the City Charter, which calls for Council approval.
(See Inside Venice posting April 11 for earlier discussion.)
So far McNulty's appointment looks good, especially considering the people who have been critical: Earl Midlam, Ed Taylor and Emilio Carlesimo-none of whom have any experience or insight into
Posted By Ed Martin at 6:01 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Kitt and Mike At Heron Creek, April 29,2011
It's Kitt Moran and the Mike Moran Trio at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club this Friday, April 29.
The music goes from 6:30 to 9 PM in the main dining room. Reservations are suggested.
Heron Creek is open to the public and is Located off Sumter Blvd. in North Port, Florida. Call 941-240-5100 for reservations, and information. Dress is "country club casual."
Posted By Ed Martin at 4:54 PM in Category:Jazz Corner
Monday, 25
BREAKING NEWS!
SUE LANG CLEARED BY ETHICS COMMISSION ON BILL WILLSON'S RECKLESS, POLITICAL CHARGE.
The Florida Ethics Commission has notified former Council Member Sue Lang that after careful investigation they found no basis for the Ethics complaint filed by former Council Member Bill Willson.
Willson and former Mayor Fred Hammett were described by their friends and associates as very bitter after the 2007 election when they both were defeated while incumbents.
Willson's complaint was filed concerning the Council's resolution of the lawsuit, following the City Attor
Posted By ED MARTIN at 8:26 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Sunday, 24
Member of "Lunatic Fringe" Recommends a Candidate for Police Chief.
A leader in the "legal lynching" of a City Manager, and a person who left the Council with a negative reputation for having secretly taped his colleagues, Earl Midlam has a recommendation for chief.
With no disrespect to his candidate, anyone Earl Midlam recommends should be viewed with suspicion. Political friends of a feather flock together.
Posted By Ed Martin at 3:30 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Friday, 22
How the Nation Got to the Current Deficit. It did not Begin with President Obama
Ed:
Further to our discussions regarding the Country’s horrible economic situation (e.g. S&P’s negative outlook on the US for the first time in history), this graph is worth a look. It makes very clear why the House Budget is the only proposal out there that makes any sense. Since his election, Mr. Obama has increased spending as a % of GDP and he’s increased it BIG TIME! In 2009 it was 20.6%. It is now 24.4%! His budget proposes to make this spending increase permanent. Rep Ry
Posted By Ed Martin at 6:40 PM in Category:Inside Venice
This Weekend, Kitt, Mike and Talented Friends
Hi Ed,
This Saturday, April 23, Kitt and I are performing with John Lamb at Tapas One in Punta Gorda. I don't know if that's within range of your blog. In any case, on Friday the 29th our quartet (Dom Mancini and John Pickering) is playing at Heron Creek in North Port, the next town south of insidevenice.
I have added your blog address to our regular E-blast list. We are grateful for any publicity you can give us, and we hope we see you and Peggy at one of our gigs again soon.
Kit and Mike, Bassists Dominic Mancini and John Lamb and John Pickering on Drums in Area Apperances.
Readers know how much I admire Jazz/Cabaret vocalist Kitt Moran and her talented keyboard hubby, Mike. They are always accompanied by talented musicians.
I have encouraged jazz musicians, the Sarasota and South County Jazz Groups to let me know of their local appearances and will post them in the Jazz Corner as well as alerting folks here to keep checking Jazz Corner. Note from Mike follows:
Hi Ed,
This Saturday, April 23, Kitt and I are performing with John Lamb at T
Posted By Ed Martin at 6:28 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Sunday, 17
Circus Day Hits The Media and Public: Celebration attracts hundreds: Caio Stolia a Hit at 8 p.m.
Reports on the efforts by the Venice Circus Arts Foundation to save the old Ringling Circus Arena and bring the crowds back to Venice, have attracted hundreds to various performances and tremendous efforts by a similar number of volunteers.
Yesterday's parade and celebration of World Circus Day attracted media attention from local papers and television from Charlotte County to Bradenton.
For one example, click below
Click Here to Link directly to this article publisheed in the Sarasota Herald Tribune.
Posted By ed martin at 6:46 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Florida House to Respect Local Fertilizer Ordinance, Not Override Venice's
Sue Lang sent a note to IV:
Good News: The Fertilizer Bill with wording that respects and recognizes local ordinances passed the Florida House. Thanks to our Environmental Task Force in Venice that we appointed after being elected in 2007, we have a local fertilizer ordinance. Sarasota County has one also.
Posted By Ed Martin at 1:17 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Marshall Happer Writes on the Police Chief Hiring; Joint Activities with the Sheriff's Department.
Marshall, in January, made some suggestions about the process of considering the future of police services in the City and the hiring of a Chief. The City proceeded on a different course and while the Council expressed satisfaction at the search, only one member of the selection committee had any police background or depth knowledge. That is not to demean the others on the committee, but, as Marshall points out, this could be a long-term "find" for the City if a national search had been held.
<
Click Here to Link directly to this article publisheed in the Venice Gondolier Sun.
Posted By Ed Martin at 12:55 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Saturday, 16
A Wonderful Circus Day in Venice: Let's Work to Keep Venice a Circus Town
At 10:30 a.m., just south of the Circus Bridge a varied group of Venetians gathered to parade,(sort of strolling) across the Circus Bridge to the Arena grounds.
There were two clowns in full regalia, several young women in clown-like makeup, one did cartwheels across the bridge, and one led a greyhound dressed for the circus in white zebra stripes. There was also a small dog, dressed like a person.
The Venice Circus Marching Band--a drum majorette, and the "band,"
Click Here to Link directly to this article publisheed in the A Few Photos from the Parade and Grounds from Inside Venice's Facebook.
Posted By Ed Martin at 10:11 PM in Category:Inside Venice
For a Reaction by JP to the Airport article and some additional thoughts, see Comments on article.
The road to approval of airport plans has had many twists, some published, some requiring following the dots a bit, always valuable. is the phrase now in the public domain, "Follow the money. See comments at the end of the original article.
Posted By Ed Martin at 10:02 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Rep. Ryan, Some folks' economic guru, will sock it to 55ers.
Are you 55 or under, or do you have children, friends, or relatives in that age-bracket? Rep. Ryan, (R.Wisc) has a few "Modest Proposals" for Medicare and other healthcare.
This editorial, based on the study by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office will put grey into their hair, and yours, unless it is headed off.
Click Here to Link directly to this article publisheed in the New York Times.
Posted By Ed Martin at 3:48 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Wednesday, 13
Council Approves Use of Airport Funds to Plan Renovation of Runway 5-23.
Funds from the operation of the Airport and from leased properties such as Sharky’s, the Lake Venice Golf and the City’s Mobile Home Park, have been growing faster than expenditures in the Airport Enterprise Fund, creating a capital reserve. City tax revenues do not support the airport. Under the agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration, the City must charge “market rates” for leasing airport property to private business operators, for aeronautical uses, etc.
Posted By Ed Martin at 9:09 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Tuesday, 12
Council Interviews Police Chief Candidates: Discusses Charter Review Panel: Rejects Carlesimo Proposal on Healthcare.
Venice, Florida-April 12, 2011 City Council today interviewed three candidates for Chief of Police, Tom McNulty, presently Captain in Venice, Mark Teunis of Clearwater and Terry Lewis, former Chief in Northport.
Each council member had already had a half-hour interview this morning with each candidate, and the afternoon session exposed the public to the responses to questions, some of apparently mirrored the morning sessions.
Posted By Ed Martin at 10:34 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Jonathon "Jazz" Russell, 15 year old virtuoso, to play in Venice April 16 at Bay Indies.
Jazz vibe player Jack Fanning and Mike Dowd, afficianado, have brought to my attention the terrific opportunity to hear a fine professional jazz group with guest star, Russell. See Jazz Corner for a full report. Click on Jazz corner on right of page.
Posted By Ed Martin at 9:52 AM in Category:Inside Venice
15 Year Old Violin Virtuoso Performs in Venice April 16 With Very Strong Group
Jonathan “Jazz” Russell with Bud Leeds Ensemble – April 16, 2011
Young violin sensation Jonathan "Jazz" Russell listened and watched. The event: the 2008 Presidential Inauguration. Days later he scored his own version of what he had seen and heard. 'Twas Jonathan's take on John Williams' arrangement of "Simple Gifts" performed by Anthony McGill, YoYo Ma, Gabriela Montero, and Itzhak Perlman. We've all heard this mid-19th century Shaker hymn by itself or as part of Aaron Copeland
Posted By Ed Martin at 9:46 AM in Category:Jazz Corner
Monday, 11
RATING THE POLICE CHIEF CANDIDATES: CAPTAIN MC NULTY OR “NONE OF THE ABOVE”
In reviewing the credentials of the three finalists for consideration as Venice Polaice Chief it is clear that each has had a long career in law enforcement. That is to be respected but it is also why I have wondered about “none of the above.” More about that later.
Northport Chief, Terry Lewis, now acting Northport City Manager, has 35 years of experience and as of this month will have retired twice, once from the Sarasota County in 2004 and once from Northport this year.
Posted By Ed Martin at 7:58 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Friday, 8
HEALTH INSURANCE FOR CITY COUNCIL—WHY NOT?
Proposed language for a referendum vote on whether citizens favor allowing Venice City Council members to participate in the City’s Health Plan is on the agenda for Tuesday, April 14. Council should reject or postpone action on this item pending further consideration, including consideration of other options.
This is an issue pushed by City Council Member Emilio Carlesimo, who does not participate in the City plan, but who is a retired fireman from Detroit, where one would suppose
Posted By Ed Martin at 3:44 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Thursday, 7
CARLESIMO OFF TARGET AGAIN: CITY MANAGER WOODLEY SETS HIM STRAIGHT
In the past I have referred several times to my belief that Council Member Carlesimo, while an effective campaigner, does not pass scrutiny when it comes to performance on the Council in understanding issues and procedures. These failings do not deter him from pursuing unproductive paths with great confidence. Gradually, however, his abilities and lack thereof are becoming clear to more and more people.
A recent example was his email to Council Members questioning City Manager
Posted By ed martin at 9:59 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Letters to Editor of NY Times, reflect on "Pros" and "Cons" of Rep. Ryan's Budget-Mostly "Con"
Here is a sample. Click link for Today's Letters
People in the United States ought to be asking why it is that other countries are able to provide decent health care, child care, less expensive college educations and forms of social security for all their citizens while here all these programs are under attack. Clearly, something is amiss with our values and priorities.
Click Here to Link directly to this article publisheed in the New York Times.
Posted By Ed Martin at 6:08 PM in Category:Guest Bloggers
The Budget Battles: The Threat to Medicaid and Medicare
The New York Times editorial echoes the theme of Inside Venice article.
"Representative Paul Ryan’s proposals to reform Medicare and Medicaid are mostly an effort to shift the burden to beneficiaries and the states. They have very little reform in them." Click below.
For another Times editorial on the Budget Battle and Closing Government see "Guest Blogs"--click on headline in right column or scroll down to Guest Bloggers
Click Here to Link directly to this article publisheed in the New York Times.
Posted By Ed Martin at 5:49 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Hey Gang--Let's Unload the Deficit Onto the Backs of Folks on Medicare and Medicaid-Social Security?
The new House of Representatives economic guru, Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, along with the House Leadership has unveiled his economic plan.
Cut Medicaid, eliminate national standards, caveat emptor poorer citizens living in the wrong state.
Carefully avoid the politically active older folks currently on Medicare, but privatize the program for those under 55 so it will have all the advantages we have seen offered by the private sector for our next generati
Posted By Ed Martin at 4:53 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Sunday, 3
Columnist Eric Ernst Adds His Views to HT Editorial and Inside Venice's Views. Legislative Nightmare
Here are some quotes to introduce you to Eric Ernst's column in today's Herald Tribune. Everyone knows this is a disaster but will citizens raise hell with Senator Detert and Rep. Holder?
"To embellish the paternalistic analogy, it's sort of like Dad handing over the family car keys to the teenager for a solo run. One problem. Dad has removed the steering wheel and the brakes. The car is going to careen unchecked as soon as it hits the road."
"One thing is for sure. No
Click Here to Link directly to this article publisheed in the Sarasota Herald Tribune.
Posted By Ed Martin at 8:44 PM in Category:Inside Venice
Saturday, 2
Matthew Dowd, Who Writes for the National Journal and Huffington Post, Blogs on Obama Re-election
A short while ago I posted a link to an article by Matthew Dowd in the prestigous National Journal. The blog linked here identifies his view on the President's re-election chances.
Dowd has family ties here in Venice.
Click Here to Link directly to this article publisheed in the Huffington Post/National Journal.
Breaking News:April 1, 2011: Bob Daniels Offers to Resign with Condition.
Knowledgeable sources say that Council Member Bob Daniels, notorious for his unathorized, after-hours, raid on former City Manager Isaac Turner, has floated the idea that he might resign if the City met his conditions.
Unverified sources say that Daniels wants the City to rename the Circus Bridge for him. The reasoning is that the City has known no greater clown.
E.G. "Dan" Boone is taking the suggestion under advisement and will tell the Council what to do, when he dec
