Venice Gondolier

08/17/2024

ONE 'CRAZY' NIGHT: Charlotte honors superfans with volleyball preseason event

PUNTA GORDA — “Crazy” Jim Walzak was more than just a huge fan of Charlotte High School athletics; he also went above and beyond whenever the school needed him for

08/17/2024

'Our Slice of Paradise': Manasota Mystique theme revealed

ENGLEWOOD — The Englewood Chamber of Commerce’s Fun After 5 event at Michael Saunders & Company revealed the theme for the chamber’s signature event.

08/16/2024

Cops: Man had child p**n

PUNTA GORDA — State authorities arrested a man on charges of possessing child p**nography after a months-long investigation.

08/16/2024

Humphris Park reopens but Jetty stays closed

VENICE — With tons of sand restored, Humphris Park reopened to the public Thursday after being closed prior to Tropical Storm Debby passing by.

08/16/2024

Sheriff candidates discuss ma*****na, budget cuts, new headquarters

PUNTA GORDA — Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell told voters he’s against legalizing recreational ma*****na during a recent forum between him and sheriff candidate Ryan Barber.

08/16/2024

Taking center stage: Contestant fights homelessness, finds spotlight

NORTH PORT — Niki Briley suffers from depression, anxiety, OCD and ADHD, but when she’s singing on stage, she’s at ease and in control.

08/16/2024

Englewood Sailing Association trains young sailors

ENGLEWOOD — The members of the Englewood Sailing Association have once again forwarded their mission to build confidence, character and community by teaching dozens of new students the skill of

08/16/2024

Group: Missing man's body found in river

VENICE — The body of a man reported missing after a wreck on a river has been found, according to a group searching for him.

08/16/2024

Number of landlines in Florida continues to drop

TALLAHASSEE — Floridians continue to cut their telephone landlines, with the number of the once-standard connections dropping 17.7% from 2022 to 2023, according to a new report by the state

08/16/2024

A big bite: Shark teeth bring in more than $1 million to region

VENICE — Venice has gained the title “The Shark Tooth Capital of the World” due to the large amounts of fossilized shark teeth found along its Gulf of Mexico beaches.

08/16/2024

Community outreach helps underprivileged children

VENICE — Nearly 250 underprivileged boys and girls of the Suncoast received an early boost for the academic year last Saturday at Venice Presbyterian Church’s Day 4 Hope event.

08/16/2024

Remembering Rachel: Dean’s South of the Border mourns longtime bartender

PUNTA GORDA — This Tuesday marked the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Charley’s catastrophic visit to Dean’s South of the Border.

08/16/2024

When two strangers meet by letter during World War II, a love story begins https://bit.ly/46eI0c3

08/16/2024

Post-storm rebuilding costs could pose problems

TALLAHASSEE — As the Atlantic Ocean shows signs of heating up, potentially fueling damaging hurricanes, a former state and national disaster chief warned Tuesday of working-class Floridians being priced out

08/16/2024

What's next for North Port Art Center?

NORTH PORT — The North Port Art Center isn’t being forced to move from its current home — but it is time to look for another headquarters.

08/16/2024

HISTORY COLUMN: When the Civil War came to Charlotte Harbor

Good day to all!

08/16/2024

🌟 Don't Forget to Vote Daily for Our FIERCE Environmental Women! 🌟

We're celebrating four incredible women making a huge impact on our environment, and we need your help to choose the FIERCE Woman of the Month!

Vote every day at sunfiercewomen.com to show your support for these environmental warriors:

🐝The Beekeeper - Nurturing our essential pollinators and promoting sustainable beekeeping practices.

🪶The Pelican Rescuer - Dedicated to saving and rehabilitating our coastal feathered friends, ensuring they thrive in their natural habitat.

🐢🐻The Turtle and Bear Advocate - Passionately working to protect and conserve the delicate ecosystems that support our beloved turtles and bears.

💧The Water Preserver - Committed to maintaining the purity and health of our water sources, ensuring clean water for all.

Your vote makes a difference—support these incredible women and their efforts to protect our planet! 🌿

08/16/2024

School Notes: Graduations celebrated, academics lauded

University of Alabama graduates honoredThree area residents recently graduated from The University of Alabama.

08/16/2024

What is 'Project 2025' and does it matter?

As the 2024 presidential election heats up, some people are hearing about the Heritage Foundation for the first time. The conservative think tank has a new, ambitious and controversial policy

08/16/2024

Venice Chorale announces director, new season

VENICE — Brent Douglas of St. Petersburg will return as artistic director and conductor of Venice Chorale, the chorale’s Board of Directors announced.

08/16/2024

Man charged with arson, insurance fraud

ENGLEWOOD — A man was arrested Wednesday after fire investigators concluded he set his own home on fire last year.

08/15/2024

IT'S A TRAP! A look at potential upsets lurking on each team's slate

OK, so Admiral Ackbar and the Rebel Alliance might have experience with being caught in a trap, but they’re not the ones to ask about “trap games” in the realm

08/15/2024

PREP FOOTBALL: Babcock banking on swift learning curve

BABCOCK RANCH — These are busy times for Andy Habing, Babcock High football coach and, apparently, event coordinator.

08/15/2024

PREP FOOTBALL: Bobcats seek to maintain forward momentum

NORTH PORT — The North Port High football team is about to begin one of the most crucial seasons in program history.

08/15/2024

Approved: Naming rights for Port Charlotte, Lemon Bay football stadiums

PORT CHARLOTTE — As expected, the Charlotte County School Board set its maximum property tax rate a tick below last year’s rate this week as they work toward a budget

08/15/2024

PREP FOOTBALL: Lemon Bay's overhaul ready for prime time

Don Southwell left a lasting legacy on the Lemon Bay High School football team, and left his best work for last, with a deep trip into the postseason in 2023.

08/15/2024

PREP FOOTBALL: Port Charlotte eager to meet all challenges

Port Charlotte head football coach Jordan Ingman doesn’t like all the expectations many have made for his football team, especially from the media.

08/15/2024

PREP FOOTBALL: Brick-by-brick, Tarpons building back better

PUNTA GORDA — The overall record is a really bad way to gauge the progress that has been made at Charlotte after two years of the Cory Mentzer era.

08/15/2024

County buys environmentally sensitive South Venice land

VENICE — Sarasota County has acquired 4.38 acres of environmentally sensitive land in South Venice as part of the county’s Land Acquisition and Management Program.

08/15/2024

Love of music and family helped Robert Gomes establish a record label https://bit.ly/4bW9699