Since 1988, Venice MainStreet, Inc. has operated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our community by preserving, protecting, and promoting, historic Downtown Venice.  We work in Historic Preservation, Beautification, and Economic Restructuring.  Our Community Vitality efforts can be seen in the numerous free activities we present throughout the year, to residents and visitors alike, including:

• 2 juried art shows on Venice Avenue (November & March)
• 3 craft festival on Miami Avenue (January, June, & September)
• Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Halloween Parade
• Concerts on select Friday nights, Sidewalk Sales, Chalk Art Festival, and much, much more!

As a non-profit organization, Venice MainStreet is governed by a Board of Directors.  The Venice MainStreet year is the same as a calendar year; the board serves from January 1 through December 31.  The current Venice MainStreet board is as follows:

President:  Larry McLaren, Englewood Bank

Immediate Past President:  Janis Fawn, Community Member

President-Elect:  Kate Heddings, The Crow’s Nest

Treasurer:  Ernie Skinner, Community Member

Rosanne Brown, Venice Stationers

Kathy Crisman, Dick’s Shoes

Sandy McGowan, Sandy’s Designer Clothing

Justin Pachota, Sharky’s On The Pier

Deb Petty-Cole, Community Member

Dave Sherman, General Contractor

Sister Maureen, Stillpoint Studio

Jean Trammell, The Venice Company

Liaisons

Councilman Emilio Carlesimo, City of Venice

Commissioner Jon Thaxton, Sarasota County

Andrea Cooper, Venice Area Chamber of Commerce

The Venice MainStreet office is managed by Mindy Pieper.  Numerous volunteers, as well as Venice High School intern Heather Parrish, help Venice MainStreet conduct business on a daily basis.

Visit Florida MainStreet  and the National Trust for Historic Preservation