Venice acquires new property for certain public works activities along US 41 Bypass.

$11.8 million purchase clears the way for Venice to move solid waste and fleet maintenance operations out of the Seaboard District; start remediation of contaminated property

VENICE – The City of Venice will allocate $11.8 million to acquire 4.7 acres on U.S. 41 Bypass in Sarasota County from Douglas Jeep Inc. The city plans to
relocate solid waste, recycling, and fleet maintenance operations from the Seaboard District.

The sale is expected to finalize in September, with operations set to transfer by year-end. The City Council endorsed the purchase on Tuesday.

“The facility is almost turn-key,” remarked Assistant City Manager James Clinch.

Besides the purchase cost, the city will invest an additional $1 million for fencing, new fuel tanks, interior walls, and additional bathrooms.

This price is roughly $6 million less than previously budgeted for acquiring eight acres on Knights Trail Road and establishing a facility closer to the Sarasota County landfill.

By purchasing the facility on U.S. Highway 41, Venice can proceed with redevelopment plans for the Seaboard District more swiftly.

“You had me at cost savings and I certainly support this,” stated Council Member Ron Smith.

Why are solid waste and fleet maintenance moving from the Seaboard District?

The Public Works department has occupied the Seaboard District for nearly six decades, a time frame preceding the Intracoastal Waterway’s completion in 1967.

In March, the City Council approved a vision to transition the Seaboard District from light industrial to a mixed-use area incorporating residential and entertainment options.

Relocating the solid waste and fleet maintenance operations is essential to achieving that vision.

Additionally, the facility at 221 Seaboard Avenue is dealing with significant petroleum contamination stemming from leaking underground storage tanks identified by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection since 1990.

The city has monitored this issue but needs to demolish the current facility to properly remediate and prevent further contamination.

“There was more urgency to this than we may want to talk about,” noted Vice Mayor Jim Boldt.

Both Mayor Nick Pachota and City Manager Ed Lavallee were attending the June 11 Congressional Baseball Game in Washington, D.C.

Where will the funding come from?

Approximately $4.5 million will originate from sales tax revenue and general government impact fees, with an additional $1 million from these impact fees specifically earmarked for the project.

Financing for the solid waste segment will be covered by a bond issue of up to $17.5 million intended to fund this project and the construction of a new Fire Station 5.

The city still holds a contract for purchasing eight acres in Northeast Venice, though City Attorney Kelly Fernandez confirmed a maximum liability of only a $50,000 deposit.

“While there’s been no formal decision to abandon the purchase, we don’t require two facilities for solid waste and fleet services,” Clinch explained.

Key Information

• Purchase Price: $11.8 million for 4.7 acres from Douglas Jeep Inc.
• Uses: To relocate solid waste, recycling, and fleet maintenance from the Seaboard District.
• Funding Sources: $4.5 million from sales tax revenue and impact fees; solid waste financed by a bond issue of up to $17.5 million.
• Timeline: Anticipated close of sale in September; relocation by year-end.
• Contamination Issue: Active petroleum contamination at the current Seaboard facility.