Venice, Florida—today a thriving, sun-soaked coastal community—had humble beginnings that few would recognize in the city’s current landscape. As we continue our centennial celebration, let’s step back to the early 1920s to explore how vision, grit, and a little luck transformed this patch of Florida wilderness into the “City on the Gulf.”
Before the Blueprints: Wild Beginnings
A hundred years ago, much of what’s now Venice was wild, marshy terrain dotted with palmettos, oak hammocks, and freshwater creeks. Early settlers were drawn by the promise of fertile land and the Gulf’s shimmering beauty, but daily life was anything but easy—mosquitoes, heat, and muddy trails were the norm.
Enter John Nolen: The City Planner with a Vision
In 1925, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (yes, a railroad union!) purchased thousands of acres here, dreaming of a planned city for retirees and working families. They hired John Nolen, a renowned city planner, to design Venice from the ground up. Nolen’s vision? Wide boulevards, Mediterranean Revival architecture, and a walkable downtown core—ideas that still shape Venice today.
Building the Dream
Nolen’s plans quickly turned into action. Construction crews drained swamps, built roads, and started work on the first homes and civic buildings. Venice Avenue became the city’s beating heart, lined with shops and shady palm trees. By 1926, the city was officially incorporated, and the first residents began to move in, drawn by the promise of a better life by the sea.
Challenges and Triumphs
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Hurricanes, the Great Depression, and the ups and downs of Florida’s real estate booms all tested the town’s resilience. But Venice’s community spirit carried it through. Neighbors helped neighbors, and the city’s unique character began to emerge.
Legacy of a Planned City
Today, you can still see Nolen’s influence everywhere—from the inviting downtown layout to the Mediterranean-style buildings that give Venice its distinctive charm. The city’s early planners set a foundation for growth, community, and a coastal lifestyle that continues to attract new generations.
Share your favorite Venice memories in the comments below—we’d love to hear your stories!
Looking for a classic cut or shave while you’re in town? Stop by Venice Barbershop—where traditional barbering never goes out of style. Walk-ins always
Venice Florida history, John Nolen Venice, Venice FL founding