Venice City Council Meeting – September 22, 2026

The Venice City Council held a regular meeting on September 22, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM and concluding after 5:00 PM, following an executive session at noon. The agenda included ceremonial recognitions, public comments, consent agenda items, public hearings, new business presentations, and council discussions. Key topics included a Parks Master Plan update, proposed airport hangar rate increases, and pedestrian access to the South Jetty.

Recognition

• Four new Firefighter/EMTs (Hudson Taylor, Shiloh Senne, Marcus Gaipo, Eli Manley) were ceremonially sworn in.
• Tracy Self (Public Works Office Manager) received a 10-Year Service Award; David Guilmette (Utilities Inspector) received a 20-Year Service Award.
• Proclamations were issued for Fire Prevention Week (Oct 4–10, 2026), Constitution Week (Sept 17–23, 2026), and Florida Native Plant Month (October 2026).

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of the September 8, 2026 regular meeting and budget public hearing were approved.
• Public hearing dates were set for Ordinance 2026-32 (Data Center Moratorium) on October 13 and October 27, 2026.
• Authorized the Mayor to execute a $41,600 State Historic Resources Grant for a survey of Golden Beach and Gulf Shores.
• Approved an Interlocal Agreement with Sarasota County for disaster debris management sites.
• Authorized acceptance of a utility easement from BBYF42, LLC (Gibbs Rd HOA).
• Item 26-0750 (a $500,000 FDEP grant for the Utilities Water Treatment Plant RO Membrane Production Enhancement Project) was pulled for discussion, then approved unanimously after staff explained the process and benefits.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Matt Gehring (Gulf Shores resident) urged the council to reduce plane and jet noise over his neighborhood, referencing a letter from Greg Michaels that recommended revising fly-friendly instructions and disallowing touch-and-goes from Runway 31. He also asked to terminate the proposal for a separate virtual tower building.
• Christine Davis opposed the airport manager's proposal for a remote tower and property acquisition in Gulf Shores, stating it was not in the airport master plan and had not been approved by council. She also questioned the justifications for the tower and raised concerns about FAA grant strings.
• Don Dallanegra (homeowner, retired Air Force) requested that the council work to ensure public access to the South Jetty, emphasizing its iconic and cultural importance.
• Sue Perry (Tuscana Isles resident) requested a traffic signal at Knights Trail and Technology Drive, noting that the need was identified in 2011, mobility fees have been collected, but infrastructure has not kept pace with growth.
• Manuel Heretia requested a common-sense parking solution for surfers at the South Jetty, noting that nearly all parking was eliminated after the 2024 storms and that unfair ticketing is occurring.
• Jonathan Barrett (South Venice resident) asked whether a safe and lawful pedestrian route to the beach at the South Jetty can be provided while the damaged area remains closed. He submitted an open letter signed by community members.
• Jacob Shields (former Venice resident) spoke in favor of South Jetty access, highlighting its positive impact on youth and the community, and noted that surfers are good stewards of the area.
• David Wimberley (airport hangar tenant, pilot) asked for fair and reasonable hangar rent increases, urging the council to use CPI-based inflation and to compare Venice hangars (described as “Chevrolet”) to newer, higher-quality facilities (“Cadillacs”) at other airports.
• Jay Springer requested timely action on South Jetty access and repair, noting the approaching winter swell season.
• Joshua Ull (retired Air Force meteorologist, South Venice) declared the South Jetty has the second-best wave on the Gulf Coast and urged the city to allow legal access, noting that surfers are respectful and pick up trash.

Discussion Items

• Parks Master Plan Update (26-0751): GAI Consultants presented a first update on the Parks Master Plan, including an inventory of city parks, public outreach plans (survey open through Nov 8, 2026; workshops at Sunfest, farmers market, and City Hall in late October), and a timeline for a needs assessment and final recommendations. Council members emphasized the need to address geographic gaps in park access, especially east of I-75, youth amenities (e.g., skate park, BMX), and coordination with Sarasota County on influencing amenities like Wellfield and Chuck Ryder parks. The public was encouraged to participate.
• Airport Rates and Fee Adjustments (26-0752): Airport Director Nick Dumas and appraiser Andrew Magenheimer presented a proposal to raise hangar and tie-down rates after 19 years without adjustment. The proposed rates (e.g., shade hangars to $275/month; largest modified T-hangars to ~$1,000/month) are based on an independent market study of 50 peer airports. A three-year phase-in (beginning Jan 1, 2027) was proposed, followed by 4% annual increases from 2030-2033, then a reappraisal in 2034. The fuel flowage fee would double from 5¢ to 10¢/gallon. Tie-down rates would shift from engine-type to wingspan-based. Council members raised concerns about the timing (workshop scheduled after council consideration), the magnitude of increases (over 100% for some hangars), and the condition of existing hangars (“Chevy vs. Cadillac”). Tenants and public speakers (Paul Hollowell, Brett Spengler, Christine Davis) urged a slower process and more transparency. After extensive debate, a motion to approve a 55% increase with a three-year phase-in and a reinvestment plan was withdrawn. The council unanimously voted to hold the scheduled public workshop and bring the item back for action on October 13, 2026.
• South Jetty Beach Access (26-0753): Mayor Pachota introduced a discussion on pedestrian access to the South Jetty, directing staff to research solutions for a safe route from Humphreys Park and to add the South Jetty to the 2027 state and federal priority list. Public speakers (Don Gillespie, Chris Johnson, Linda Johnson, Jonathan Barrett, Jacob Shields) shared perspectives: Jetty Villas residents emphasized private property and liability concerns; surfers and residents urged modest improvements (sidewalk, bike rack) and noted the cultural significance. City Manager Clinch updated that an Army Corps of Engineers report on jetty repairs is expected in November 2026, with the South Jetty likely the first phase. A prior agreement with Jetty Villas for a maintained path (with city assuming liability) is still viable. The motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved with item 26-0750 discussed and approved separately (unanimous).
• Ordinance 2026-28 (mailed notice distance extended to 500 feet; neighborhood workshops required in-person with optional online component) approved on first reading (unanimous).
• Ordinance 2026-27 (unsolicited proposals for public-private partnerships) approved on final reading (unanimous).
• Ordinance 2026-30 (parks code update adding Northeast Venice Park and removing two county-owned parks) approved on first reading (unanimous).
• Ordinance 2026-31 (filling of council vacancies and emergency succession) approved on first reading (unanimous).
• Parks Master Plan: Council provided input; public workshops will continue; final plan expected in 2027.
• Airport rates: Council voted unanimously to hold the public workshop (Sept 30, 2026) and bring the rate proposal back for action on October 13, 2026.
• South Jetty: Motion passed unanimously to direct staff to research pedestrian access solutions and add the South Jetty to the 2027 state and federal priority list.
• Joint meeting with Sarasota County scheduled for February 18, 2027.