Venice Area Beautification, Inc. (VABI) was founded in 1990 by the Venice Chamber of Commerce to spearhead beautification projects in South Sarasota County, including Venice and Nokomis.

In 1993, Sarasota County organized a Charrette to plan for future growth and development. A series of workshops gathered input from residents and culminated in an intensive weekend of presentations to determine priorities. The renovation of the historic train depot and the development of a linear trail along both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway emerged as top priorities for South Sarasota County.

Inspired by the vision of a recreational trail in the community, VABI took on these two transformative projects:

• The restoration of the Historic Train Depot
• The creation of a linear park along the Intracoastal Waterway, extending from the former Chamber Building near the Hatchett Creek Bridge to Caspersen Beach on the west side and from the Train Depot to Shamrock Park on the east side.

Since the depot is adjacent to the east side of the waterway, the two projects naturally complemented each other. One of the most spectacular outcomes of this initiative is the Venetian Waterway Park (VWP)—a sustainable public resource that celebrates the area’s natural beauty, history, and diverse community interests. VWP provides recreational, environmental, historical, and cultural value, leaving an enduring legacy for future generations.

VABI thrives thanks to its strong volunteer base, which includes landscapers, trail security teams, and community outreach efforts. The organization is proud to collaborate with partners such as the Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice, Sarasota County, and the City of Venice to fulfill its mission of enhancing the beauty and livability of the area.