Hello Venice! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: A new chocolatier, Ginger’s baby and waterslide, and Cars & Coffee Venice + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
A sweet new arrival: Bissinger's Handcrafted Chocolatier, with Paris roots, opened its first Sarasota County shop at University Town Center on Monday, bringing centuries-old 1668 recipes to the region for fans of handcrafted chocolate -- tour the new chocolatier.
New voting details arrive: 48,000 Sarasota County voters, including Venice, are receiving voter cards after a split into Districts 16 and 17, confirming voting in District 16 and listing districts, precinct, and polling place -- see what changed for voters.
Budget plans in flux: Sarasota County commissioners cut $5 million as they brace for a Nov. 3 property tax vote, eliminating a projected 2027-28 deficit and keeping next year’s spending growth within 1.6% -- see the budget cuts.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
You've traveled abroad without being able to speak the local language. You can change that in just 10 minutes a day. Most people are holding real conversations within three weeks. In fact, 92% of users improved their proficiency in just two months, with 25 million subscriptions sold -- take 55% off.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Weekend yard glow-up: Whether your palms took a beating last season or you just want less HOA side-eye, Hazeltine Nurseries has a legit 90-acre nursery and a design crew that can rework beds, lighting and irrigation so your yard looks like you actually planned it.
Quick Venice breather: When you need a low-stress reset between errands or a mellow pre-beach leg stretch, Heritage Park delivers with easy stroll vibes, leafy shade, and just-enough people watching. Bring your coffee, a friend, or the dog, then let the gulf breeze do the rest.
Rediscover your backyard: Historic Downtown Venice is perfect for an easy reset, from unhurried strolls under the trees to ducking into locally owned spots you somehow still haven’t tried. Take a quick lap after work, people-watch, and remember why errands feel better here.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Makeup for skin that's changed, now up to 65% off: Laura Geller has built its following on formulas made for mature skin, led by the baked foundations women over 40 keep coming back to. Right now, new email subscribers get up to 65% off plus an extra 22%. Enter your email on the page and the discount activates. *See the VIP pricing →
Need cash but can't take on another monthly payment? This gets you a lump sum from your home's equity with no monthly bill and no interest, because it isn't a loan. Use the funds for anything, whether that's home improvements, paying off debt, or a large purchase, and pay it back by the end of your 30-year term. Checking your offer is easy, fully online, and won't affect your credit score. *See your cash offer →
Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
Wish you had someone to talk to right now? The quiet hours are the hardest, especially when you just want someone to talk to. That's exactly what this is built for: real conversations, real matches, real people. Not endless swiping, but actual chats with singles who want to connect as much as you do. Someone to talk to could be a message away. *Join now and start chatting → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎮 Homeschool Pokemon Day @ Venice Sports Cards & Collectible FL | Friday (6/26) at 1:30 PM – Homeschool Pokémon meetup at the Pokémon Store, where the kids trade, battle, and call it social studies, and you finally learn what EVs are, and not the car kind. New trainers, seasoned pros, and parents pretending to supervise are all welcome.
🐷 Wake Up with the Farm: Meet Gingers Baby & Waterslide @ Nokomis | Saturday (6/27) at 9:30 AM – Start the morning with farm rounds, then meet Ginger’s baby, yes, an actual kid, not a reality show teaser. Poke around the barns, pet something with opinions, and cool off on an 18-foot waterslide, because adulthood deserves a little chaos, and grass stains.
🔫 First Shots @ Total Impact Guns & Indoor Range (Nokomis) | Saturday (6/27) at 10:30 AM – A session at Total Impact’s indoor range means trading small talk for safety briefings, and it’s refreshing. First Shots is a low-pressure intro to responsible handling, with firearm, ammo, and safety gear included. Families are welcome, kids 10+, everyone learns proper range manners.
🚚 Red, White & FOOD Truck Festival @ The Mall at University Town Center (Sarasota) | Saturday (7/4) at 12:00 PM – Skip the backyard grill and let the Suncoast’s largest food truck festival do the heavy lifting for Independence Day weekend. More than 40 trucks, local vendors, and small businesses take over The Mall, serving everything from smoky barbecue to desserts. Fireworks optional, elastic waistbands encouraged.
🎨 Create & Connect - Paint Your Own Succulent Planter @ Venice YMCA | Saturday (7/11) at 12:00 AM – If you've been meaning to be 'crafty' without glitter explosions, the Venice Y has your speed. Paint a planter, pick a sturdy succulent, and leave with something that thrives on minimal attention, unlike that treadmill resolution. Low pressure, locally minded, plus chance to meet neighbors.
🎬 Monday Movie Night @ William H. Jervey, Jr., Venice Library | Monday (7/13) at 5:30 PM – Kick off Monday Movie Night with My Neighbor Totoro, plus snacks and water so you can focus on the fuzzy forest magic. Ideal for easing into the week, entertaining the grandkids, or reminding your inner child that whimsy still outruns email.
🌯 Vikings End of Summer Chipotle Spirit Night @ Chipotle | Sunday (8/9) at 4:00 PM – Send summer off with a burrito that pulls its weight. Chipotle is kicking 25% back to the Venice Vikings football and cheer program, bring the crew, eat well, feel noble. Venice location only, show the digital or printed flyer, or use code 7H7PAB8 for pickup.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Venice report Weather forecastToday — High: 90°F — Low: 79°F — Precip: 11%
Sunny, with a high near 90. Heat index values as high as 101. West northwest wind 3 to 12 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 79. Heat index values as high as 100. West northwest wind 2 to 12 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 90°F — Low: 79°F — Precip: 11%
Sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind 2 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 79. South wind 2 to 8 mph. This house is wildThis one-of-a-kind Stone Walk custom home delivers over 3,400 square feet of polished living, with long lake views, a grand foyer, coffered ceilings, and a dream kitchen anchored by two oversized islands. A screened lanai with resort-style pool and retractable canopy steals the show, while the oversized lot, climate-controlled storage, and low-maintenance landscaping add everyday ease.
Take a peek inside → |
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