The City of Venice is located within Sarasota County on the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 70 miles south of Tampa, and 200 miles northwest of Miami.  The Intracoastal Waterway traverses through the heart of the city, and the Myakka River runs along the eastern city limit boundary.  Venice is primarily a retiree and tourist area where light industry, banking and related financial institutions play a major role in the economy.  Venice has the distinction of being known as the "Sharks Tooth Capital" and enjoys over three miles of public beach in which to search for these treasures.  Other recreational opportunities consist of golf, tennis, shuffleboard, croquet, snorkeling, scuba diving, power boating, sailing and fishing.  Parks and nature trails are abundant within the city, including the Venetian Waterway Park which meanders along the Intracoastal Waterway and links several activity centers.  Downtown Venice, usually described as "quaint," features many unique gift and specialty shops, as well as varied dining options. The City of Venice became a chartered city in 1927 and has a City Council-Manager form of government with 344 employees and an annual operating budget of $74 million.  The land area of 15.5 square miles supports a population of 20,409 full-time residents and an additional 8,164 seasonal residents. For more information regarding the City of Venice, please visit the city's website at www.venicegov.com