Venice - The Shark Tooth Capital of the World

A small seaside city on the Gulf Coast, situated midway between Tampa and Ft Myers. In 1925, the brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers engaged a landscape artist and city planner to design a town reminiscent of its Italian namesake. Building began in 1926 and the result is what you see today. Venice became known as the City on the Gulf because it is one of the few cities on the West Coast of Florida that occupies a coastal area with no barrier island. The 'Island of Venice' was created in 1967 when the Army Corps of Engineers completed the Intracoastal Waterway through the city.

Venice Beach is a glorious stretch of pristine white sand interupted only by the occasional man made structure. 'Sharky's On The Pier', being one such building. An almost ramshackle property by the pier, where for very little money you can enjoy the beautiful views whilst, eating lunch on the 'Deck' or walk along the shore line and collect handfulls of Shark's Teeth.

The Turtle nesting season is from May 1st - Oct 31st, when sea turtles make their way onto the beaches of Southwest Florida to lay nests of as many as 180 ping-pong ball size eggs. These are protected under the endangered species act and it is a violation to touch or otherwise disturb a turtle nest, egg or hatchling. During the nesting season, county and city ordinances forbid the use of artificial lights, including flashlights along the beach. Hatchlings can become disoriented by the lights as they try to make their way back to the sea and the authorities will be swift to act if anyone is seen to break the law. The survival rate is only one in 2,500 hatchlings of the five species of sea turtle that inhabit the Gulf of Mexico.

The Island of Venice is a delightful place to be and has many tree lined boulevards, with individual speciality shops. You are able to dine alfresco at some of the sidewalk restaurants or stroll around the pretty inlets or see the waterfront homes on the canals. For a really lovely view try eating at the Crow's Nest down by the harbour, but turn up early, in line with most restaurants bookings are not taken and it is first come, first served. Venice also has a number of large supermarkets to cater for your everyday needs and more.

Venice and the Island of Venice is a little gem, small enough to be friendly but big enough to cater for all your needs.