Venice Area Beautification, Inc.

06/14/2026

📬 Stay Connected with VABI!

Want to see how volunteers, community partners, and supporters are helping make a difference throughout Venice each month?

Subscribe to the VABI Community Newsletter and receive updates on team projects, upcoming events, and community news.

Discover the people, projects, and partnerships helping keep Venice, Florida beautiful, vibrant, and thriving. 💙

Sign up today and stay connected with the work happening across our community!

🔗 Subscribe here: https://vabi.org/contactus/

05/25/2026

🇺🇸 Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their courage and service will never be forgotten. Wishing everyone a meaningful and reflective Memorial Day. 💙

05/19/2026

Venice Area Beautification, Inc. (VABI) was honored to recognize two outstanding City of Venice employees, Derek Self and Dustin Little, during yesterday’s VABI Board of Directors meeting with Certificates of Appreciation for their quick thinking and heroic actions during the April 7th fire at the VABI building.

Because the office was closed and the building unattended that day, the situation could have resulted in catastrophic damage. Thankfully, Derek and Dustin happened to arrive at just the right time, discovered the fire, and immediately took action by reporting the incident and summoning emergency services.

Their prompt response helped save a building that has long served not only as VABI’s home, but also as a valuable community asset supporting organizations such as the Venice Historical Society and Venice Theatre, while also serving the public along the Venetian Waterway Park and Legacy Trail.

VABI expressed its heartfelt gratitude to both gentlemen and shared how proud the organization and community are of their actions and dedication.

Thank you, Derek and Dustin, for helping protect an important part of our community. 💙

APPRECIATION POST 👏 On April 7, a fire occurred at the Venice Area Beautification, Inc. building on the 200 block of Tamiami Trl. N. while the office was closed and unattended. Fortunately, City of Venice Utilities employees Derek Self and Dustin Little happened to discover the fire and immediately contacted emergency services.

Their quick actions are credited with helping prevent potentially catastrophic damage to a building that serves not only as VABI’s longtime home, but also as an important community asset used by local organizations and visitors along the Venetian Waterway Park and Legacy Trail.

During Monday's VABI Board of Directors meeting, Derek and Dustin were recognized and presented with Certificates of Appreciation in recognition of their outstanding actions and dedication to the community. Their actions also serve as an important reminder: If you see something, say something!

📷 by Donna Martinek: City Manager James Clinch, Utilities Field Operations Specialists Derek Self and Dustin Little, and VABI Board President Bill Wilson

05/07/2026

💙 What a beautiful and well deserved honor for two people who have given so much to our community.

Bob and Sue Vedder’s dedication, leadership, and love for Venice has left a lasting impact that can be seen throughout our downtown and felt throughout our community. From the Bloom Team to countless organizations, projects, and volunteer efforts, their legacy continues to help make Venice such a special place.

Thank you, Bob and Sue, for your decades of dedication, passion, and commitment to making Venice more beautiful for everyone 🌺

05/03/2026

We’re so grateful for partners like this 💙

Thank you so very much for giving your time to support the Venice Urban Forest and help care for our community. It truly takes all of us working together!

05/02/2026

What a special moment for our community 💙

Bob and Sue Vedder have given so much to Venice through their dedication, passion, and partnership with VABI and the City. Their impact can be seen and felt throughout downtown, and this recognition is so well deserved.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating them next Wednesday at Centennial Park!

05/01/2026

KVB’s beloved “Russ” pickup truck has officially reached the end of the road 💔

For years, Russ has been a reliable part of keeping our parks, green spaces, and community areas clean and cared for, but now it’s time for a replacement and we need your help.

If you have any ideas, leads, or suggestions for a replacement truck, we would truly appreciate it. Whether it’s a recommendation, a connection, or even a potential donation opportunity, every bit helps.

Thank you for always supporting the work that keeps Venice beautiful 💙

04/29/2026

We are so grateful for this recognition 💙

This is what community looks like. From flowers in bloom to clean and welcoming spaces, it all happens because of dedicated volunteers and strong partnerships.

Our volunteers truly are the heart of everything we do, and we’re proud to work alongside the City to help keep Venice beautiful.

Thank you to every one of our VABI volunteers who gives their time and care to this community.

04/22/2026

🌿 We’d love to see our Venice community there! This is a FREE Arbor Day event at the Monty Andrews Arboretum.

Have you ever been to the Arboretum before? 👇

04/19/2026

DON’T MISS THIS 🌿
ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION – FREE!

👉 FREE Tree Giveaway, guest expert speakers on Butterfly Gardens, Native Plants, and Invasive Plants, plus a personal tour with Monty Andrews 🌺

This is more than an event. It’s Nature, Community, and Connection.

📅 April 24, 2026
⏰ 9–11 AM
📍 West Blalock
Monty Andrews Arboretum

✨ Plus, get a sneak peek of what’s ahead for the Holiday Tree Lighting 2026

Mayor Nick Pachota will be there to recognize the banyan tree at the Arboretum, gifted to the City by the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in celebration of Venice’s 100th anniversary. It was grown from a cutting taken from the magnificent banyan that still stands in the Estates’ historic gardens today.

👉 Learn more: https://vabi.org/events/

Bring your friends. Bring your family. See you there 🌿