Edie Lomason, BA, ABR

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This is a Black Drum caught off my dock on Robert's Bay. They are delicious eating. This week we also caught some Red Fish and Snook.

We clean the fish and cook them in a huge cast iron skillet over the gas grill outside with lots of blackened redfish seasoning and butter. A side of roasted red garlic potatoes and tossed salad - yummy!

Come to Venice and fish off the Jetty's or any public park. By the way our beaches are all public parks - with free parking and plenty of it.

I can't think of a better place to live. You can walk or bike to the beach or adorable downtown area from most any condo or home on the island. Condo prices start at under $100,000 and go over $1,000,000. Homes begin in the low $200,000s up to $4,000,000. Since Venice Island has 3 bridges to get off and on we don't suffer the traffic jams that other islands and keys in the area have.

The following are the amenities we have on the island:

1. Gulf Beaches, including a designated dog beach

2. Shops and restaurants, including a beachfront restaurant with fishing pier called Sharky's

3. Venice Yach Club - low summer rates

4. Library, art center, community center, theatre, symphony

5. Boating, kayaking, canoeing, skiing, snorkeling, diving, all water sports

6. Free yoga on the beach with Elin - for all ages

7. You don't have to leave the island for gas or groceries - we have Publix and gas stations

8. Quick access to the Gulf of Mexico by boat through the Venice Jetties

I have a client who currently lives on the island and would like a larger waterfront home where they can keep their boat and enjoy everything that waterfront living has to offer. There are many homes off the island that would meet their needs but, they will wait for one to come on the market on Venice Island because the whole family (4 boys included) will not move off the island.

Living here is especially great with kids. They can ride their bikes all over the island and parents don't have to worry about them, the highest speed limit is 45 and they don't need to go near that road.

We have short term rentals so drop by for a weekend in Paradise, bring your pets and kids - or not. You won't want to leave.