29 December 2024 – On December 22, the Ferry was put back in its slip in the Ferry Dock House. Thanks to Captain’s Phil and Eric, along with volunteer Gary Cole. In addition , we now have water and electric service restored to the Ferry Dock House. We evaluated the Ferry recharging cables, since we determined they were exposed to salt water during Hurricane Milton. They do work! Cleanup was completed and the storage room was cleared out. Our next step is to repair the low-water dock, which will take place soon. We will keep all updated. Please continue to check our website. Finally, Boat Ramp and Kayak access has been extended to 31 January 2025, since we are unable to conduct Trust business due to hurricane damage. Thanks to all for your efforts and your patience. Happy New Year!

11 December 2024 – The Trust wishes all have a wonderful time during this holiday season. We do have some positive items to report. The Ferry Dock House now has electric! Now that everything has power, we discovered a pump in the Captain’s bathroom needs to be repaired. This is needed to supply water. The company that maintains it is scheduled for the repair. We are evaluating the Ferry charging cables to ensure they work properly. They were protected during the hurricanes, but still must be evaluated. The battery chargers and the Ferry lift are working. The Ferry will be returning to its slip in the Ferry Dock House very soon. The low-water dock has been cleared of debris, and is awaiting repair by a marine contractor. We will update this report as soon as we have additional information.

25 November 2024 – Trust members, experienced volunteers, and a debris removal contractor cleared the low-water dock of all debris on Saturday, 24 November 2024. The debris present was from both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. It was extensive, thick, and dangerous to remove, and required experienced professionals for the worst of it. Trust members and experienced volunteers, who provided water transportation, assisted. All the debris has been removed. The picture below shows the extent of the debris. Once debris was removed, the extent of the damage could be evaluated. The storms raised the walkway several feet and tore away the portion that extended up to the key. Walkway piles will need to be reset lower and the portion lost will need to be rebuilt. Also, the Ferry dock will need pile work and to be repaired. The Trust is working to arrange for this repair to be completed.

The Trust has also been assisting the SVCA to restore the Civic Association building. The Trust funded a dumpster and paid for workers to gut both offices. Trust tools and materials were loaned to the SVCA.

Progress is being made. We thank the Trust and volunteers for their time and talent. Three hurricanes, with one direct hit, is enough for one season.

6 November 2024 – Significant progress is being made on repairs. The marine contractor has finished repair of the Ferry slip bulkheads today! This will enable the Ferry to be placed back into its slip. An electrician has been selected to rebuild the Ferry Dock House electrical system. They will secure the permit and will coordinate with Florida Power & Light to complete the work. Our marine mechanic is currently working on the donated pontoon boat that we will use to clear debris from the low-water dock. Once cleared, the marine contractor will begin repairs on the dock. Finally, new doors are being ordered to replace the 3 that were destroyed on the Captain’s office, storage room, and restroom. We have no estimate yet on when Ferry service will begin again, but we will continue to make progress and provide updates here.

1 November 2024 – Due to the severe damage to the FPL electrical service infrastructure, the SVBET was instructed to keep the entire park at 4800 Lemon Bay Drive closed until FPL was able to make repairs. On Friday, 25 October 2024, FPL was able to replace the transformer that provided electrical service to the Ferry Dock House and replace/adjust the overhead service line. With utility power restored, the SVBET was able to assess the damage to the electrical systems at the Ferry dock House. The damage is more extensive than originally thought. Unfortunately, the repair will be lengthy and costly. Quotes from three companies are being received and evaluated (you may have seen the email last week).

The main gate, which was temporarily restored, but not operable due to a snapped pole, was repaired yesterday. The park is now open to Boat Ramp and kayak-launch area users. The Ferry, however, still remains closed. The good news is a marine contractor is scheduled to repair the Ferry slip bulkheads (damaged and repaired after Helene) next week.

We do not have an estimated Ferry or Office opening date, but we are making good progress on repairs. As stated in the last update, the SVBET received a donated pontoon boat that can be used for repair/construction and get debris off the beach. The boat is being readied for use. Finally, one of our Trust members, Dan Atkins, developed some medical issues and had to resign. He will continue to volunteer, as able, for the SVBET. As per the Trust Agreement, the SVBET Board of Trustees can appoint a replacement trustee to serve the remaining time. Glen Haggett has accepted a Trustee position to replace Dan. Glenn has been a volunteer for years and has saved the SVBET tens of thousands of dollars over the years. He was one of the volunteers that repaired the main gate yesterday (see pics below). He looks forward to serving as a Trustee.

17 October 2024 – SVBET members are very busy planning for repairs. Repair proposals are being evaluated. A pontoon has been donated to the SVBET that can be used as a work vessel. The SVBET is engaging with FPL on the downed electrical line. There are no specifics yet on when work will be accomplished. The SVBET will let all know here on the website when we have specifics.

The South Venice Civic Association has sent out an email to its membership for help to repair/restore the Civic Association building on Alligator Drive. This building is important to the community. The SVBET office is located in this building as well. The SVBET strongly encourages members to answer SVCA’s call for help. The SCVA is asking for volunteers to show up this Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Civic Association building located at 720 Alligator Dr. at 9:00 am. Here is their email for specifics:

Dear SVCA Family-
By now, most of you have heard that our building sustained much water damage from hurricane Milton. The roof will need repairs or replacement. The soffits were damaged with some missing. Both office are uninhabitable and need to be gutted. The SVBET has already made arrangements to have this work done professionally. We don’t know how much more will need to be torn out until the work begins.

On a positive note, the hall is block which is impervious to water and both air conditioners are working. The floor is in good condition but needs a thorough cleaning. 

We are so disappointed because we have worked so hard to add new and fun things to our calendar which can’t take place until our hall is safe and clean. We need help both physically and financially. The Board will pursue all available avenues for financial assistance. But, we’ll need your help too!

HELP WITH YOUR HANDS: We’re getting things started this Saturday with a work party. Show up at 9:00am and join in. We need to:

1. Move furniture
2. Clean up the floors and windows
3. Clean debris up from the grounds.

If you have tools or supplies (shop vac, rakes) to assist with these chores, please bring them. Don’t forget work gloves. We do have some cleaning supplies, but additional buckets and cleaning rags, etc. would be helpful. The air conditioners in the hall have been on full blast so there is no strong odor or mold.

HELP WITH YOUR DOLLARS: We know that you’re probably already exhausted from your own clean-up and repairs, but we hope you still want to help our Civic Association building get back in business quickly. Please consider making a donation – whatever the size. Your contribution will go directly toward the restoration of the SVCA. You can do it now through the website, southvenice.org – just click the Donate! button. If you prefer to send a check, please mail it to my home address since the office is currently closed. Of course, you can hand deliver any donation directly to any Board member as well (I promise you they will be more than happy to receive it)! Together, we’ll make it happen.

Thank you everyone-
Sandy Tulenko, SVCA Board President
5199 Lemon Bay Dr
Venice FL 34293

Board Directors:
Bobbie Drummon
Susan Juranek
Paul Gilmartin
Mario Florentino
Ray Martinez

16 October 2024 – SVBET Chair, Joe Lewis, Capt Phil, and 2 volunteers (Nancy and Zane) spent several hours this past Monday cleaning the Ferry Dock House. Our thanks to them. Please see the pics below. Also, here is a link to a video of the beach posted on YouTube (https://youtu.be/pCHlodXu-oI).

14 October 2024 – Sorry to report that Hurricane Milton finished the job that Hurricane Helene started. Here is the bad news first. The Ferry Dock at the beach is completely buried and its condition is unknown. The boardwalk is completely destroyed. Only piles remain. The Ferry Dock House was more severely flooded and the Ferry slip was more severely damaged than with Helene. The Ferry slip bulkheads were damaged. All electrical systems were under water.  Also, there is a downed electrical line (NFI) in the boat trailer parking area. An electrician is needed to work on the line and the Ferry Dock House electrical systems.  A marine contractor is needed for the Ferry slip and beach dock repairs. Debris in the water will need to be removed.  Also, unfortunately, someone decided to trespass onto the property when the damaged security gate was down and drive over the very soft grassed parking area, creating deep ruts that will need to be addressed before reopening. All facilities, including the Ferry, boat ramp, and office are closed until further notice. We have no reopening estimate as of now.

The good news is that the Ferry weathered the storm.  Replacing the Ferry would be an expensive and long-term undertaking.  Also, a marine contractor is available to help us restore the Ferry Dock House and beach dock and they have given inputs on the best way forward on beach access.   The plan is to use the existing low-water dock.  It was damaged in Helene, but it is still intact and can be repaired relatively quickly.  It is also more sheltered from future storms. The distance from the dock to the beach is longer, but it offers the safest, quickest and most economic course of action to get Ferry service operational.  Also, the security gate has been temporarily repaired, so, hopefully, parking areas will not be further damaged. Once repairs are completed, the Trust will put out a call to members who want to help remove debris (similar to cleanup after Ian). There is much debris, including trees, in the water, including around the boat ramp, and we will remove what we can . Team members will be at the Ferry Dock House today to clean it! Our thanks to these team members!