Gulf Coast city of Venice is world’s shark tooth capital
Known as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World,” the Gulf Coast city of Venice has much to offer, from its namesake beach to its lively historic downtown. Its many waterfront parks, year-round events and a vibrant cultural scene add to the city’s appeal. “People are friendly. I mean, they’re happy! It’s a lovely place to live and work,” says Lorraine Anderson, public information officer for the City of Venice. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are about 28,000 residents in Venice, over half of whom are 65 years or older. Like many of Florida’s coastal cities, there is a population increase during winter, when snowbirds come in from colder states.
Major employers in the area include school and government jobs with Sarasota County Schools and the City of Venice and manufacturers like PGT Innovations, which makes impact-resistant doors and windows. Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, which has a new branch in Venice, also provides many jobs.
There is an abundance of shells and sharks teeth to be found on Manasota Key.
Downtown Venice comes alive during the Christmas in July celebrations.
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Venice’s miles of beaches
Venice’s 14 miles of beaches are popular with beachgoers and those hunting for shark teeth; these fossilized teeth date back millions of years. Another big beachside draw is the Venice Fishing Pier, a 700-foot-long pier that’s as well known for its sunsets as it is for fishing. It has partially reopened following hurricane damage. Brohard Park is one of the many parks along the shoreline and is home to Paw Park, the only dog-friendly beach in the county. Centennial Park is at the heart of Venice, with a waterworks area for kids to run around and a gazebo that frequently hosts free concerts and movie nights. There are over 30 other parks throughout the city, including pocket parks. “I’ve been on this island for many years, and until I started walking it, I never noticed them,” says Realtor Jo-Anne Sckowaska with Michael Saunders and Company. “I love the pocket parks.”
Venice Beach's 700-foot pier is a great location for fishing.
The Gentlemen of Jazz group performs in Centennial Park each Wednesday afternoon.
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Boutiques and eateries in Downtown Venice
Historic Downtown Venice is a mix of boutiques, bars and eateries that sit among mossy oaks in buildings from the 1920s. “I like to describe Downtown Venice as the heart of the city,” says Kara Morgan, chief executive officer of Venice Main Street. The family-run Soda Fountain of Venice has been around since 1926 and is a local favorite for its vintage vibe, classic egg creams and ice cream sodas. The Venice Farmers Market, just west of Centennial Park, takes place every Saturday morning and features fresh produce and artisan goods. Many larger stores and supermarkets can be found along Tamiami Trail, which runs through the city.
Attractions around the historic downtown include the Venice Theatre, one of the country’s largest community theatres per capita, with a program that includes cabarets, musicals and plays. Epiphany Cathedral is one of the many houses of worship in the city. The congregation now meets in a church downtown but first met in the Gulf Theatre in 1935, where the altar was set up next to concessions. Art is celebrated throughout the city, from downtown murals to statues lining walking trails.
The Venice Farmers' Market is the best place to get local produce on Sunday mornings.
Sarasota National is bursting with life and color that can be seen in the city's murals.
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Sharks Tooth Festival is every spring
Venice hosts over 50 special events throughout the year, including the Fourth of July Fireworks, Downtown Halloween Strut and Holiday Parade every December. The annual highlight is the Sharks Tooth Festival, put on by Venice Main Street in spring. Residents and tourists flock to Downtown Venice to hear live music, try local food and explore the vendors selling shark teeth and other beach-themed goods. “It’s a big, family-friendly event,” Realtor Kathleen Stansfield with Exit King Realty. Morgan says. There is a kid’s zone where children can get their faces painted and go hunting for shark teeth.
The Venice Sharks Tooth Festival is family friendly and all ages are welcomed.
Sun Fiesta is an annual event occurring each January in Centennial Park.
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Mediterranean influences in Venice homes
Venice’s homes have a median price of $440,000. Average home values increased significantly from 2020 to 2023, and while there was a slight drop in 2024 after Hurricane Milton, the value is slowly climbing. Most of the older properties in the city are ranch-style homes from the 1950s and 1960s, like those in South Venice and Edgewood, although there are some that date back to the 1920s. Newer homes in planned communities like Pelican Pointe display the Mediterranean influences found throughout the city. Condos in the bayfront neighborhood of East Gate typically range from around $300,000 to $400,000, though those along the water can soar to over $1 million. Manufactured homes here can be had for under $100,000.
Sarasota National's larger estate homes have three-car garages and brick-paved driveways.
Beach homes are nestled next to condominiums on Manasota Key.
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A-rated Sarasota County Schools serve Venice
Venice is served by Sarasota County Schools, which receives an A rating from Niche and has school choice. Venice High School’s performing arts department calls the neighboring Venice Performing Arts Center home. The center also hosts national and international acts and is home to the Venice Concert Band, the Venice Symphony and the Venice Chorale, which anyone can join. Venice Christian School is a private Christian institution for kindergarten through 12th grade with a B rating. State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota has a satellite campus outside city limits.
Venice Performing Arts Center in Venice FL is an A rated school.
Venice SDA Christian Elementary School in Venice East is a private school grades K-6th grade
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Severe weather preparations and general safety for Venice
Like most of Florida, Venice has a warm, humid climate for most of the year. Even in January, the city’s coldest month, temperatures rarely drop below 50 degrees. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Sarasota County has a very high risk of hurricanes. In 2024, the city experienced three storms in two months. In preparation for hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 to November 30, Venice hosts the annual Hurricane Expo. “We want you to be prepared, not scared,” Anderson says. “If you’re armed with information on what to do and where to go and how to prepare, most of the time, you’ll be fine.”
According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, violent crime rates in 2023 were down by 15%, while property crime rates were about 7% lower. Violent and property crime rates are significantly lower than the national average.
Major roads and public transportation in Venice
Interstate 75 and U.S. Route 41, known as the Tamiami Trail, run through Venice. Most of the city has free parking. Most roads downtown are pedestrian- and bike-friendly. Breeze, Sarasota County’s public transportation, has a bus route through the city. Tamiami Trail leads to Downtown Sarasota, less than 25 miles away, and to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, about 25 miles away. The airport will have a new terminal in early 2025, introducing more direct flights. The Venice Municipal Airport, located in town, is for private flights.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
