Venice Gondolier

07/25/2025

Big changes could be coming for Charlotte County Schools! The district is considering lowering its millage rate, which could impact local taxes and school funding. Earlier this year, Michelle Weir, principal of Florida SouthWestern State Collegiate High School, shared an update on the school’s growth. The district had budgeted 128 new positions for 2025, but a hiring freeze has now been proposed for next year.

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Read more: https://www.yoursun.com/charlotte/news/charlotte-county-schools-to-potentially-lower-millage-rate/article_aeee24ad-8071-4d53-bffc-6fa0a721d16b.html

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MURDOCK — Despite facing an estimated $9.5 million shortfall, the Charlotte County School Board is rolling back a proposed millage rate not to exceed 6.28 mills. This year’s rate is

07/25/2025

Big news for Venice book lovers! This year’s Off the Page event will feature Amy Tan, internationally acclaimed author of “The Joy Luck Club.” Tan is set to discuss her latest memoir, “The Backyard Bird Chronicles.” From the Daily Sun: Don’t miss this chance to hear from a celebrated writer right here in our community.

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Read more: https://www.yoursun.com/venice/news/off-the-page-lineup-announced/article_788ac975-68d0-43b4-a6fa-788224579414.html

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Continuing its annual celebration of literature, Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources is set to host its 2025 Off the Page literary event.

07/25/2025

Venice remembers Ozzy Osbourne and the mark he left on music fans everywhere. The singer, who performed during halftime of an NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Buffalo Bills in Inglewood, Calif., on Sept. 8, 2022, died July 22. His influence is still felt in our community.
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Read more: https://www.yoursun.com/venice/news/see-you-on-the-other-side-ozzy-osbournes-impact-felt-locally/article_8542b923-8b00-42b4-ae96-a91268a451bd.html

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James Ehrhardt’s birthday gift took on more significance with Ozzy Osbourne’s death July 22.

07/24/2025

You still have time to vote!
🌍✨ Born Abroad, Building a Life Here ✨🌍
Meet our four incredible July FIERCE nominees — women who left everything behind to build bold, beautiful lives in the U.S. 🇺🇸

💪 Ama (Romania): Waited 7 years and 8 tries for her green card. Now she's living her American dream with strength and grace.

🌟 Liana (Greece): A proud business owner lifting up women while honoring her roots.

💖 Mehtap (Turkey): Brings light and kindness everywhere she goes, inspiring others through culture and connection.

🌼 Heidemarie (Germany): A lifelong giver, helping others feel at home through decades of service.

🗳 Vote DAILY for your favorite at sunfiercewomen.com!
Let’s celebrate these powerful journeys and show them some FIERCE love! 💥

Follow along FIERCE Women

07/24/2025

TRAFFIC ALERT: Lanes to close tonight for new Sunseeker light at US 41

CHARLOTTE HARBOR — A long-promised traffic light in front of the Sunseeker Resort will be operational soon, transportation officials say.

07/24/2025

Venice families have new support for prenatal care! Sarasota Memorial Hospital has launched the Pregnancy Care Team to help address the shortage of obstetrician/gynecologists in the area. This new team aims to fill a critical gap and ensure local moms-to-be get the care they need.
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Read more: https://www.yoursun.com/venice/news/new-smh-team-helps-fill-ob-gyn-gap/article_cb851b85-a383-43d4-84d1-5948db1c8a52.html

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SARASOTA — Prenatal care is essential to the delivery of healthy babies, but a shortage of obstetrician/gynecologists has made it more difficult for women to get it.

07/24/2025

Ever wondered what it’s like to fly straight into a storm? Take a look at the view from a flight through Tropical Storm Idalia on NOAA WP-3D Orion N43RF Miss Piggy, captured on August 28, 2023. This glimpse into the heart of the storm brings the action close to home for Venice residents. From the Daily Sun—don’t miss stories that matter to our community.
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Read more: https://www.yoursun.com/venice/news/hurricane-hunters-flying-into-danger/article_81300a92-4982-40e6-b42d-35a73887e186.html

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VENICE — While the local TV meteorologist remains a popular source for hurricane forecasts, the real root of data comes from a bigger entity — hurricane hunters.

07/24/2025

Venice families, changes are coming to school taxes and vouchers. Sarasota County Schools is sharing concerns about next year’s budget as they await key funding details from the state. The district has also received notice of a DOGE-affiliated audit, adding to the challenges ahead.
LISTEN NOW to the Daily SunCast podcast for more local news at podcast.yoursun.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Read more: https://www.yoursun.com/venice/news/school-tax-school-vouchers-to-increase-again/article_d2bc09e7-bf08-446b-9875-49f8a232ddd2.html

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SARASOTA — Less than two months away from finalizing its annual budget, Sarasota County Schools revealed the effect of property values on taxpayers.

07/23/2025

Charlotte County schools face $9.5 million shortfall

PORT CHARLOTTE — At a Thursday morning meeting, Charlotte County Public School Board members will tackle a projected $9.5 million budget shortfall.

07/23/2025

Police, state officers announce arrest in fake Amazon driver robbery

NORTH PORT — The North Port Police Department, in collaboration with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, announced the arrest of three men for their suspected involved in a targeted

07/23/2025

CHARLOTTE COUNTY: Paving work starts Monday for south parking lot at Englewood Beach

ENGLEWOOD — With the north parking lot open, Charlotte County workers will shift their focus to fixing up the south lot and the drop-off circle at Englewood Beach, officials announced

07/23/2025

Cops: Two charged with s*x act on flight

SARASOTA — A couple from Connecticut was arrested after arriving on a commercial flight to the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.