Venice has evolved into a charming and lively gulf coast town, an outstanding example of a planned Florida community with a wealth of "northern Italian" style structures populated by a warm and caring population. A truly unique and wonderful place to call home. Click the LINK to the right to search for homes in and around Venice and/or read on to learn more about the rich history that is Venice, Florida.
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Venice was first settled in the 1870s by Robert Rickford Roberts who established a 121-acre homestead on the south end of the bay which was named for him. In 1882, he sold some of his property to Frank Higel who established a citrus operation and whose descendants dominated the Venice area until the mid-1910s.
Originally called "Horse and Chaise" because of a carriage-like tree formation that marked the spot for fisherman, the city acquired its more elegant name in 1888. That was the year the city acquired its first post office "Venice" - a name suggested by Frank Higel and adopted by the city as its own, after the canal city in Italy.
Mrs. Bertha Palmer, with a portion of the magnificent fortune inherited from her late husband and owner of Chicago's famed Palmer House Hotel, purchased 140,000 acres of wild Florida frontier land. She built The Oaks, an elegant winter residence in nearby Osprey which attracted notice in northern newspapers of the time. Mrs. Palmer successfully lobbied to have the railroad line extended to Venice in 1911. The importance of this event can not be overstated as it placed Venice on the path of progress and new development.
Just five years later, noted New York physician, Dr. Fred Albee came to Venice with a dream. He wanted to build a "model city," and commissioned John Nolan to create what may have been Florida's first master-planned community. Albee envisioned agriculture, industry, commerce, housing, and recreation harmoniously coexisting. During the real estate boom of the 1920s and thanks to a cash infusion by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) of Cleveland, Ohio, the plans began to turn into reality. Homes and businesses featuring graceful Italian architecture were constructed, and the town became home for many of the retired members of the wealthy union. By June 1926, the three-story Venice Hotel (now Park Place) was completed by the BLE and the $1 million per month development of a model city had begun. The New York architectural firm of Walker and Gillette was hired to ensure that all construction would conform to the "northern Italian" theme designed to give the community its unique character. By 1927, the City of Venice was incorporated.
But hard times were just around the corner. The Great Depression left Venice and most other Florida cities in desolation. Venice was a virtual ghost town with more than 200 commercial and residential structures, 141 apartments, 10.5 miles of paved streets, 15 miles of sidewalks, seven miles of underground storm drains, 13 miles of water pipes and a water treatment plant. The real estate operations of the BLE went into receivership and most of the unsold land reverted to Albee and other creditors.
Venice began its economic recovery in 1932 when the Kentucky Military Institute (KMI) rented the Venice Hotel (now Park Place) and the San Marco Hotel (now Venice Centre Mall) as winter quarters for its cadets.
In 1933, Dr. Albee purchased the Park View Hotel (later demolished for a post office) and established the Florida Medical Center as a successful teaching hospital. In 1942, the U.S. government began construction of the Venice Army Air Base on property south of the city. The base trained fighter pilots throughout World War II and was a major influence on the development of the city.
In the 1960's, the Corps of Engineers initiated work on the Intracoastal Waterway as a way of moving freight through the state. The happy result was the increase in pleasure boating in Venice and across Florida.
The 1960s also saw the arrival of the famous Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. In 1968 the circus founded the Clown College in Venice, renowned as one of the most prestigious training schools in the world for professional clowns. Clown College left the area in 1994. At press, time negotiations were underway to bring the Florida Military Aviation Museum on the property that housed the circus.
Former site of the new Venice Regional Bayfront Health Hospital. This 50.09 acre site is now available for sale. Prime location, minutes to I-75, perfect for a sprawling ...
Just shy of 47 acres (46.9547 acres) of undeveloped land. Perfect for a custom builder, estate builder, RV Park and much more! Could build 4-5 waterfront multi-million do...
Size: 10 AC +/- Zoning: OUE1 Highlights: Very little to no wetlands, 957 ft of frontage, and shovel ready Future land use information: MODERATE DENSITY RESIDENTI...
Land Use Designation: High Density Residential (allowing >9 & <13 du's /acre) / Sarasota County Site Description: The subject property is a triangular shaped parcel ...
Peaceful and secluded natural riverfront property of 21+ acres now available for residential use. With 630 feet of frontage on one of the widest sections of the fascinat...
The elegance of Old-World Florida yet minutes from shopping, dining and entertainment, Myakka River Trails is Venice’s best kept secret. This 11.13 acre lot with a commer...
Highly visible .89-acre commercial land offers 215 feet of frontage on one of the city's main thoroughfares in the heart of Venice, FL. This ideal location is just one bl...
RARE OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME ON THIS WATERFRONT PROPERTY IN MYAKKA COUNTRY! Enjoy breathtaking views from almost 3 acres situated in a prime location between...
Ready to build your Florida dream home? This 14.49-acre lot has 675-ft of waterfront with a boat dock that sits gracefully along the banks of the Myakka River in the gate...
OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE! Build your dream home today on this 14.3 of prime acreage located in Myakka River Trail allowing 1 home per 5 acres. You can build up to 2 addi...
........6 ACRES…………..…EQUESTRIAN VACANT LOT……….GATED COMMUNITY…….down the street from........THE NEW ATLANTA BRAVES TRAINING……..located IN beautiful LAKE GERALDINE, a pri...
AMAZING VENICE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY! How many development opportunities have you missed only to drive by the same neighborhood later to see your dreams realized by som...
Prime vacant lot on VENICE ISLAND ~ Ideal location for your new home in Paradise. West of The Trail, minutes to beaches, including Caspersen Beach, the shark tooth capita...
This highly sought after buildable land Located in Country club estates (With a Zero HOA), Is one of only a handful of lots left on The Island of Venice. The Island of ...
Spectacular location, situated in the Venezia Historic District you will find this lot offering approximately 8,100 square feet looking for that person with a vision to b...
Have you been searching for that perfect piece of Florida to build your dream home? You have found it here in the Fabulous Lake Geraldine Community in Northport Florida....
2.3 acres available on HWY 41 BETWEEN PLANTATION AND WEST VILLAGES.GREAT SPOT FOR STORAGE OR A HOTEL.MUST REZONE CURRENTLY RESIDENTIAL.
ONLY 6 blocks from the Gulf of Mexico!! Build Your New Custom Dream home on this Amazing property. This Beautiful, Large Vacant Property is West of the Trail and only 6 b...
Beautiful residential lot .88 acre for your new home! 193x200. Located just 5 minutes to Manasota Beach & boat launch. Bring your boat or RV No HOA, Deed Restrictions, o...
These two parcels are being sold together to equal approximately 2.02 acres. Build on one or both. The Myakka River is only a stones throw away. The Wellen park develo...