"The Legacy Trail" Connecting Venice to Sarasota and a Link to the Past

With its grand opening in March of 2008, the Legacy Trail became the largest public recreation project to be constructed in Sarasota County. More than 10 miles in length, the trail runs from south Sarasota to Venice and is a Sarasota County Rails to Trails project, following the old CSX railroad corridor.

The Legacy Trail is a great recreational resource for our community; biking, rollerblading, running, or just walking the dog along the smooth pavement. Although there are a few crossovers at roadway intersections, the trail allows you to enjoy these activities without the dangers of traffic. Trailheads are located at the Venice Train Depot, Patriot’s Park, Nokomis Community Park, Laurel Park, Oscar Sherer State Park, and at McIntosh Road. Other than park benches and port-a-potties, amenities are not yet available, but as the county get funding, more will be added to the trail.

The naming of the Legacy Trail is said “to reflect the heritage of the former railroad corridor and the trails lasting legacy for future generations”. At the request of Sarasota socialite, Bertha Palmer, the railroad corridor was extended to Venice in 1911. The railroad lines were used to transport the US Army during World War II, the Kentucky Militia, and the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, who spent the winters in Venice from 1962-1992. It addition, it was the earliest way the area was discovered by future inhabitants looking for their spot in Paradise.

The Legacy Trail is easily accessed from many area Golf Course Communities, including Pelican Point Golf & Country Club, Venetian Golf and River Club, The Oaks, Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club, Prestancia, and Calusa Lakes Golf Club.


Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the properties listed on any of the golf course communities or Sarasota’s Barrier Island of Casey Key, Manasota Key, Siesta Key, Lido or Longboat Key. Call 941.350.5035

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

Snook Haven Retreat and Restaurant Experience the Natural Beauty, Tastes, and Sounds of “Old Florida”

The Myakka River, one of Florida’s “Wild and Scenic Rivers”, acts as a backdrop for this unique dining and entertainment experience. A Venice fixture for over 50 years, Snook Haven is Old Florida at its finest. Take a backwoods drive onto E. Venice Ave off of River Road down the old dirt road canopied by Spanish oaks and palms and enter into life along the river.

With its quirky décor and paintings of alligators and turtles, Snook Haven claims to be the “Home of the Killer Turtles”, rumored descendants of extras used in the 1930’s movie shoot of Johnny Weismuller’s Tarzan film “Attack of the Killer Turtles”. The restaurant serves up some authentic Florida favorites like gator bites, grouper nuggets, Southern style Okra, Fried Grouper sandwiches, BBQ pulled pork, and Catfish along with the more traditional selection of steaks, pork cutlets, ribs, and burgers. An indoor dining area and bar offers an array of seating, but to really experience “Old Florida” sit at one of the picnic tables on the outdoor deck overlooking the natural beauty of the Myakka River.

Live entertainment kicks up on the outdoor stage almost every evening and weekend with local favorites such as Smoked Mullet, Skunk Monkey, and Bruce Nye the Elvis Guy. Experience the river firsthand by launching your boat at the boat launch, renting one of Snook Haven’s canoes or kayaks, or by taking a leisure boat ride with your own personal tour guide on Captain Terry’s River Tour.

Snook Haven is close to I-75 on Venice Avenue and is conveniently located a short distance from several golf course communities and is accessible by canoe or kayak from the Venetian Golf and River Club.

Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the properties listed on any of the golf course communities or Sarasota’s Barrier Island of Casey Key, Manasota Key, Siesta Key, Lido or Longboat Key. Call 941.350.5035

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

News in our Golfing World

THE WORLD & NATION: Feb. 5, 2009—today marks the opening tournament of the 20th season of the Nationwide Tour, the official proving ground for younger players striving to reach the PGA Tour. The Nationwide Tour was the brainchild of former PGA Tour Commissioner Deane Beman who helped launch this significant golf series as a system that offered younger players the opportunity to learn to compete at a near-PGA level. The Nationwide Tour opens in Panama City. Panama is one of five countries and 18 states that are part of the Tour schedule.

FLORIDA: Meanwhile, the PGA Tour is just a month away from arriving in Florida for what’s known as the Florida Swing. Florida PGA tournaments include: March 5, The Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens; March 12 at the Doral Golf Resort in Miami; March 19 at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor; and March 26, the Arnold Palmer Invitational at the Bay Hill Club in Orlando.

Also at the state level, Florida Governor Charlie Crist met recently with sports industry officials to discuss how sports—including golf, auto racing, fishing, baseball spring training, and college sports—supports Florida’s economy. Even in economic downturns, people still play and the state continues to attract events. The recent Superbowl was a huge success and Florida was proud to host it.

SARASOTA: In Sarasota golfing news, Sarasota City commissioners recently reviewed a report indicating that the city-owned golf course, Bobby Jones Golf Club, has untapped earning potential that could attract more golfers to Sarasota. The city hopes to make improvements.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Do you live in a golfing community? No? Would you like to? Nick and Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance, can help you locate the hidden gems and values in your ideal golf course neighborhood. We know the area and have been established in real estate sales for many years. We’ll help you find that golfing destination that you’ll call “home.” And you’ll love Sarasota’s beautiful barrier islands such as Casey Key, Siesta Key, Lido Key, and Longboat Key and our cities and towns including Sarasota, Nokomis, St. Armands, Osprey, Venice, and Anna Maria. Call or Email Nick or Kathleen to find out more.

Golf Course Home Reduced at Venetian Golf and River Club

Herron Group Just Reduced

at Venetian Golf and River Club
Price: $447,000

The Herron Group just reduced a golf course home at Venetian Golf and River Club. The seller is motivated and ready to receive an offer on this wonderful house at 158 Montelluna Drive, North Venice, FL. New residents will enjoy sitting on the fabulous lanai overlooking course views of second hole signature sand traps and green. Great outdoor living space awaits the new owners of this resort home with a salt water waterfall lagoon style pool, spa & fire pit. Upgrades include: lighted tray ceiling, herringbone wood floors in the master, large ceramic tile on the diagonal in the living area, surround sound & extra speakers, granite kitchen counters, central vac., paver drive & lanai. Great room concept The Correggio with side load garage. Golf Membership available at reduced rate!

Get ready for a relaxed winter, and unpack your suitcase, move right in to enjoy the amenities of Venetian Golf and River Club: a beautiful club house with one main and two private dining rooms, lounge, pool/spa, outdoor kitchen with huge entertaining area, day spa and fitness center. There are six tennis courts, two resort pools, nature walk and a canoe launch.

If you are looking for a golf retreat, Annette Smith and Nick Herron, the Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group, are experienced in Sarasota golf course real estate sales and are ready to assist you in finding the perfect golf course home in Sarasota. Email Nick for a list of luxury homes available if Florida is your choice.

For waterfront home, visit our Casey Key real estate site.

Country Club Home Just Listed in North Venice, FL

Herron Group Just Listed a Great Deal

at Venetian Golf and River Club

The Herron Group just listed a great country club home, and it's a deal at Venetian Golf and River Club in N Venice, Florida. It's not a short sale, just a very motivated seller. This is a courtyard home ROSA extended model. Two bedroom and two baths with 1,833 sq.ft of spacious golf course living. The main living area has 18" tile on the diagonal and window treatments. In the kitchen, the countertops are granite with tile backsplash, highlighted by undercounder lighting. This home built in 2006 offers in-wall pest control and is prewired for speakers. The two-car attached garage has a utility sink.

New owners will enjoy the screened lanai across the back. Golf membership at Venetian Golf and River Club is available too. See the full listing info on our site at 290 Mestre Place, North Venice FL.

Leave the cold behind and get ready for a relaxed winter Just bring your toothbrush and move right in to enjoy the amenities of the River Club: a beautiful club house with one main and two private dining rooms, lounge, pool/spa, outdoor kitchen with huge entertaining area, day spa and fitness center. There are six tennis courts, two resort pools, nature walk and a canoe launch.

If you are looking for a golf retreat, Annette Smith and Nick Herron, the Herron Group, RE/MAX Properties, are experienced in Sarasota country club real estate sales and are ready to assist you in finding the perfect country club home in Sarasota. Email us for a list of luxury Sarasota real estate available if Florida is your choice.

Home Just Sold in Venice, Florida

Venetian Golf & River Club Home Just Sold

This Venetian Golf & River Club home in Venice Florida just closed on Friday. The selling price for this Classic Series Da Forli model in North Venice Florida was $441,500 for a wow house. The paved pool and lanai area have a great view of the lake in this affordable golf course community.

The new owners will enjoy a view from their beautiful living room which features tile floor on diagonal. The room is accented with crown molding. There are 3 bedrooms and 3 baths and also a den or office with wood floors. Kitchen area has stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. The original price for all this luxury was $527,000 and the home has $100,000 in upgrades! For more pictures and details, see the home in Venice Florida on our main site.

For top amenities, check out the River Club: a beautiful club house with one main and two private dining rooms, lounge, pool/spa, outdoor kitchen with huge entertaining area, day spa and fitness center. The new Golf Club is completed and open to members. There are also six tennis courts, two resort pools, nature walk and a canoe launch.

If you are looking for a golf course home, Annette Smith and Nick Herron, the Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group, are experienced in Sarasota country club real estate sales and are ready to assist you in finding the perfect golf course home in Sarasota. Email us for a list of luxury Sarasota FL real estate available or search our site on the Sarasota FL MLS database which is now the Mid-FL Regional MLS.

Sarasota Golf Course Home Price Reduced

Venice Florida Home Reduced at Venetian Golf & River Club

If you are looking for a good buy, check out this beautiful home. It has been professionally decorated and is being offered turnkey furnished. The home is an Angelico Classic style in the Venetian Golf & River Club featuring a beautiful pool and spa area. Pre-wiring is in place for a summer kitchen and many other upgrades are available including stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, in-wall pest guard control system. Beautiful crown molding accents are throughout the home. The home has been reduced to $470,000 and is considerably less than the seller's cost. See the full listing info on our site for Venice FL golf course homes.

You don't have do bring a thing but your toothbrush. Move right in to enjoy the amenities of the River Club: a beautiful club house with one main and two private dining rooms, lounge, pool/spa, outdoor kitchen with huge entertaining area, day spa and fitness center. There are six tennis courts, two resort pools, nature walk and a canoe launch.

If you are looking for a golf retreat, Annette Smith and Nick Herron, the Herron Group, RE/MAX Properties, are experienced in Sarasota golf course real estate sales and are ready to assist you in finding the perfect golf course home in Sarasota. Email us for a list of luxury Sarasota real estate available if Florida is your choice.

Sarasota Golf Course Communities, Affordable Properties Available

Sarasota Area Golf Course Home Just Reduced

South of Sarasota off Interstate 75, take Laurel Road, East to Venetian Golf and River Club near Venice, FL. Our listing at 158 Montelluna Drive is now offered at $475,000. This beautiful home features a lanai with a lagoon pool and views of second hole, signature traps and green. View details of the complete listing on our Sarasota real estate website.

The Venetian Golf & River Club offers its residents a chamionship golf course, one main and two additional dining rooms, lounge, cabanna bar without outdoor grill, day spa, aerobics, fitness center, tennis courts, pro shop, two resort swimming pools, nature park and canoe launch.

If you are looking for a golf retreat, Annette Smith and Nick Herron, the Herron Group, RE/MAX Properties, are experienced in Sarasota golf course real estate sales and are ready to assist you in finding the perfect golf course home. Email us for a list of luxury Sarasota real estate available if Florida is your choice.

Just Listed Venetian Golf & River Club, Venice FL

Waterfront Villa in Venice, FL Just Listed

Wonderful lake views await you at this affordable villa just listed in Venetian Golf and River Club. Sit on your paver lanai and enjoy the wildlife. With over $77,000 in upgrades including stainless steel appliances, paver entry and lanai, intercom, surround sound in den and great room, water softner, large tile on diagonal, upgraded cabinets and lighting -- the lists continues, this Sarasota area golf course home is affordable. See the full listing info on our site at 141 Treviso Ct, Venice FL.

After purchasing just move in and enjoy the amenities of the River Club: a beautiful club house with one main and two private dining rooms, lounge, pool/spa, outdoor kitchen with huge entertaining area, day spa and fitness center. There are six tennis courts, two resort pools, nature walk and a canoe launch.

If you are looking for a golf retreat, Annette Smith and Nick Herron, the Herron Group, RE/MAX Properties, are experienced in Sarasota golf course real estate sales and are ready to assist you in finding the perfect golf course home. Email us for a list of luxury Sarasota real estate available if Florida is your choice.