The City of Venice is once again partnering with the Venice Gondolier Sun to hold a Home & Hurricane Expo on Friday, May 19, 2023 at the Venice Community Center, as a public service prior to hurricane season from June through November. The Expo runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. If you are new to the area, this Expo should not be missed!

Speakers from the City will be Fire Chief Frank Giddens, Police Lt. Louis White and City Engineer Kathleen Weeden. Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Ed McCrane will also speak, along with ABC-7 Chief Meteorologist Bob Harrigan, who emphasizes, “We’re here to prepare you, not scare you.” Presenting sponsor Jansen Shutters will be sharing tips from the business community. 

Speaker topics will include information gained and lessons learned from Hurricane Ian, storm prep, the role of emergency services, stormwater/flooding, evacuation centers and the County transportation plan, common myths and misconceptions, and what to do following a hurricane. The Gondolier Sun will be publishing the full speaker schedule in the newspaper, which the City will make available on this website and Facebook page.

The Venice Community Center, located at 326 Nokomis Ave. S. on the island, will have seating for 300 people to listen to speakers, and standing room for more. Vendors will be offering invaluable hurricane- and storm-related information, products and services, and raffles and other giveaways are planned. At the City of Venice table, there will be a raffle for three weather radios. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Interested in being a vendor? Limited spaces are available by calling 941-207-1220 by Wednesday, April 26.

Be prepared for hurricane season 2023 and plan to attend this informative Expo!