Editor’s Note: Dr. Karen Helmick is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Board-Certified Acupuncturist. She owns Healthy Body Acupuncture located at 1511 Tamiami Trail just off Venice Island near the south bridge. Call 941-228-4688; learn more at AcupunctureVenice.com. Karen, please introduce your local practice.Healthy Body Acupuncture specializes in pain relief and the well-being of your entire…
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Brenda Mitchell’s passion for photography began in Ann Arbor, Michigan when she received a Pentax K1000 camera as a Christmas gift. She ended up using the family’s tornado shelter as a dark room where she would spend many hours mixing chemicals, developing film and making proof sheets. She even bought film in bulk to save…
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By Randy Moore, Publisher – Clare Harvey and Barry Thorne, a couple in North Port, have been honored with our inaugural Inspiring Artist Award. The acclaimed art teachers have developed one of the region’s best children’s art programs at the North Port Art Center. Dee Gozion, the Executive Director of the North Port Art Center,…
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Editor’s Note: We spoke with Dr. Michele Gero, a Board-Certified Family Medicine physician and owner of Aspire DPC located at 415 Commercial Court (Suite C) in Venice. DPC is an acronym for Direct Primary Care. Call 941-800-1630 for a free meet and greet with Dr. Gero. Visit AspireDirectPrimaryCare.com. Aspire DPC was one of the two…
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Editor’s Note: We spoke with Aimee Odette, one of the owners of The Island Bookshop with Michael Rank. Their business is located at 206 Miami Ave. W. on Venice Island. Call 941-416-5511 and visit TheIslandBookshop.com. Aimee, please introduce The Island Bookshop?It’s a sweet and mighty bookshop on the island of Venice at the corner of Miami…
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Editor’s Note: We spoke with Daniela Koci, a licensed insurance agent and owner of Koci Insurance Services. She helps her clients choose the right Medicare plan for their individual needs. Call 941-462-3653 for a free consultation. Visit KociInsurance.com. Daniela, please summarize how you help your clients?As an independent agent, I represent several major insurance carriers…
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Michelle Held is an award-winning fine artist living in Sarasota. Often commissioned for custom paintings and murals, her vibrant paintings express her passion for wildlife, the natural world, interesting places, and colorful things. “I love exploring the outdoors from serene marshes to rickety oyster towns with their rainbow colored buoys and boats,” she said. “I’m guided…
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Editor’s Note: We spoke with Joe Monach and Andrea Meythaler, the owners of Bambooty Bodygear. You can shop at their mobile store at the Venice or Sarasota Farmers Market Saturday morning and the Englewood Farmers Market on Thursday. Shop online at BambootyBodygear.com. Joe, what makes bamboo fiber appealing?The initial appeal is the softness. Many of our sales begin with…
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Editor’s Note: We spoke with Pamela Fiume, the owner of Big Bam Bikes with her husband Ray. The popular store is located at 412 E. Venice Ave. near the Venice Train Depot. Call 941-240-1717 and visit BigBamBikes.com. Big Bam Bikes received one of our Venice Spirit Awards in 2022. Pamela, please introduce Big Bam Bikes.We…
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By Mary Lundeberg – Black Skimmers are one of Florida’s more unique birds. Although related to terns, the skimmer doesn’t dive for fish. Instead, this amazing bird forages for fish in flight. It uses its brilliant orange-red bill to plow through the surf as it glides expertly over the water. Their long, broad wings beat…
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Editor’s Note: We spoke with Christopher and Kimberly Recchia, the owners of Seed to Table Vegan Eatery located at 2357 Tamiami Trail S. in Venice. Call 941-492-6232. Visit EatSeedtoTable.com to see their menu. Open Tues-Sat, 11am to 3pm with dine in, pick up and local delivery. Why is vegan cuisine important to health and longevity?A…
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Editor’s Note: We spoke with Mike Austin, the new owner of Austin’s North Port, also known locally as Olde World Restaurant. The popular full-service family style restaurant is located at 14415 Tamiami Trail in North Port. Please call 941-426-1155. Visit their Facebook page. Mike also owns Coastal Automotive in Englewood managed by his wife, Kelly.…
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