SVBET RULES OF BEHAVIOR FOR MEMBERSHIP

The SVBET has a zero tolerance policy for all forms of abuse.  Any person exhibiting argumentative, disruptive, aggressive, drunken, or otherwise socially unacceptable behavior on SVBET property will be asked to leave and may be trespassed by law enforcement off the property.  If you have a disagreement or complaint with SVBET volunteers, employees, contractors, or other members, you should contact the Trust immediately through the website (southvenicebeach.org) or by email (trust@southvenicebeach.org).

The SVBET office hours are on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.  The SVBET is a working Trust.  The volunteer Trustees attempt to review submissions from the website as soon as possible within these times.  Depending on circumstances, content, and needed actions, replies may be delayed.  The form of the response will be at the discretion of the SVBET.

Reasons the SVBET may revoke membership include, but are not limited to:

• Lending, giving, and/or allowing anyone other than the individual on the photo ID to use or attempt to use the Ferry pass.
• Any member attempting to take persons on the Ferry as their guest, who are otherwise ineligible to use the Ferry.
• Failure to obey the Ferry Captain’s direction.
• Damaging SVBET property.
• Harassing, abusive and aggressive behavior towards SVBET volunteers, employees, contractors, or other members. This also includes posting SVBET person’s personal information, such as email addresses, phone numbers, or home addresses, on social media.
• Violating Ferry, Boat Ramp, or Kayak/Canoe/Paddle Board Launch Area Access Rules & Regulations or Agreements.
• Digging anywhere on SVBET property, including the beach side and the intracoastal side of SVBET property.

We are committed to providing a safe, healthy and respectful environment that is free from violence and harassment.  If our policies, rules, regulations, or agreements are violated, we reserve the right to cease communication and take appropriate actions, including limitations or removal of privileges and legal action.  A simple majority of SVBET Trustees may revoke, or reinstate, membership and decide the duration of revocation based on the member’s actions.

BEACH FERRY RULES AND REGULATIONS

FERRY HOURS: The Beach Ferry operating schedule is 6 days a week – NO WEDNESDAYs, Thanksgiving or Christmas. October 1st thru April 30th – 9:30 AM to sunset; and 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM from May through September, every 30 minutes, no boat at 1:00 PM. From time to time, due to weather or maintenance, the Beach Ferry may be closed. We will attempt to keep the Beach Ferry operating status updated on the website, but can’t guarantee its accuracy.

Violation of SVBET Rules & Regulations, including Rules of Behavior posted on the SVBET website, or the improper use of SVBET property, including digging on the beach, may lead to Ferry membership revocation. Lost Ferry ID cards will be replaced at a cost of $25.00 per card.

The Ferry Captain on duty is in complete charge of the Ferry operation and may suspend Ferry services at any time, for any reason, with or without notice. The Captain has the duty and authority to enforce all SVBET rules and regulations:

1. All ferry passengers must have valid Ferry access or be a guest of a passenger with valid access. Ferry access is sold to a residence. It allows for up to 2 primary resident pass holders per household and 4 guests per trip, for a total of six (6) total passengers. NO EXCEPTIONS. DO NOT offer to take persons unknown to you as your guest.
2. PASSHOLDER MUST ACCOMPANY GUESTS TO THE BEACH.
3. NO LARGE COOLERS OR BEACH CARTS. Coolers MUST FIT under the benches (15” H x 18” W). Anything with wheels is subject to exclusion. No smoking is allowed in the Ferry House, on the Ferry, or on the beach. No glass containers in the Ferry House, on the Ferry or on the beach.
4. Only the Captain shall handle the barrier doors at the Ferry House or the barrier chain on the Ferry. It is at the Captain’s discretion to refuse access to anyone.
5. No animals are permitted on the Ferry or beach for any reason.
6. Per US Coast Guard Regulations, passengers must remain seated while the Ferry is in motion and until the Captain opens the barrier chain. Children are not allowed to sit on the lap of other people.
7. No grills are allowed on the Ferry or the beach. No bonfires allowed on the beach.
8. Please help to protect our beach and bring all items, including trash, back to the Ferry House and take it with you.
9. If you sell your home, ownership of Ferry access is not transferable to new owners. If this occurs, forfeiture and cancellation of your access will result.
10. No fishing or boating within 50 yards north or south of the walkway to allow for safe swimming. Please be considerate of nearby swimmers.
11. No nudity permitted on beach property.
12. Any group activity on the beach must have prior approval of the South Venice Beach Endowment Trust & Captain.
13. Swim at your own risk; there are no lifeguards on the beach; there are no bathrooms except at the Ferry House.
14. No overnight camping.
15. WHEN THE CAPTAIN LOWERS THE FLAG, AND/OR ANNOUNCES VIA BULL HORN THAT THE BEACH MUST BE CLEARED, ALL PATRONS MUST REPORT TO THE DOCK AND VACATE THE BEACH.
16. If you are caught giving your pass to renters you will lose/forfeit your access with NO REFUNDS.
17. If your property is held in the name of a trust or business entity, you must bring documentation showing members of business or beneficiaries of the trust. All passes are for individuals not trusts or businesses.
18. If you own more than one residence in South Venice Beach community you may only purchase a pass for ONE PROPERTY.

19. Absolutely no digging outside of the waters edge on the beach side or intracoastal side of SVBET property. Garden shovels will not be allowed on the Ferry. Digging may lead to revocation of all Trust memberships, including the Beach Ferry, Boat Ramp and Kayak Launch area with no refunds.

The Trust asks that you refrain from using any portion of the beach as a restroom. A port-o-potty is available at the ferry house.

Why the SVBET is here?

The South Venice Beach Endowment Trust (SVBET) was created in 2001 to hold, manage, maintain, and operate Trust Holdings, including the Beach Front Properties, Boat Ramp, Beach Ferry infrastructure, and kayak/canoe/paddle board launch area access for community residents in perpetuity. The trust is a 501(c)(3) exempt organization as described by U.S. Internal Revenue Service Code. Any contributions to the SVBET are tax deductible and will be used for eligible purposes in the performance of the Trust’s mission.

The SVBET always welcomes donations. You may make a donation when paying annual Boat Ramp, Ferry, and/or Kayak/Canoe/Paddle Board Launch Area fees, or you may contact the SVBET directly by phone at (941) 949-6013 or email at trust@southvenicebeach.org. We thank you in advance for support!

 

Get Involved

Since the inception of the South Venice Beach neighborhood in 1950’s, volunteers have historically been an important asset in operating, maintaining, and improving beach and water access infrastructure for community residents.  Past volunteer projects include landscaping, sand dune restoration, beach clean-up, security improvements, and fund raisers. More recently, volunteers have been critical in efficiently and cost effectively repairing damage to boardwalks caused by powerful storms, such as Ian.  Our Board of Trustees is made up of volunteers!

Our Volunteers are greatly appreciated and more are always welcome!  If you are interested in volunteering, submit your contact information here, or call the SVBET office Wednesday, Thursday, or Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at (941) 949-6013, or email us at trust@southvenicebeach.org.

Great examples of our Volunteers’ efforts include the “Burgers at the Beach” fundraiser and the “HITTING THE BRICKS” fundraiser.  Both have been great successes. The HITTING THE BRICKS Campaign sold over 112 bricks, which have been engraved and installed in front of the Ferry Dock House. Blank ones are still available. Please consider buying one or more as we still have bricks available! You can purchase a brick online in our Shop, or pick up an order form from our office at 4800 Lemon Bay Drive from 9 to 1 on Wednesday, Thursday, or Saturday.   Bricks are only $75 each and are a wonderful way to show your support in perpetuity. Consider making your purchase today!

Keep up-to-date on activities by monitoring the News section of the SVBET website.

The SVBET can use your help in many ways…Find out how.