Dear Friends,

First of all, thank you to all the Veterans within Venetian Isles and to those families with members who are currently serving in the military for your service to our country.  The freedoms that we enjoy today are a direct result of your commitment and sacrifice.

October was a great month within Venetian Isles due to the following:

• first and foremost, we made it through hurricane season without a named storm hitting Florida or the Tampa Bay area;
  
  
• second, our community was successful in passing five Deed Restriction Revisions that had been advanced largely by property owners within VI.  Many thanks to the 82% of the property owners who submitted a ballot; and,
  
  
• finally, after canceling Oktoberfest in 2024 because of the hurricanes, we were blessed with perfect weather and a lot of neighborhood enthusiasm that made the 2025 Oktoberfest one of the best ever.  Thank you to all the volunteers whose efforts made this event possible.
  

For those of you who were not able to attend the General Meeting in person or via Zoom on October 14, it was our pleasure to have our new City Councilman, Mike Harting, come out to meet VI residents for the first time. Mike provided attendees with all sorts of information about things that are going on in the City of St. Petersburg (the “City”) and, in particular, efforts that the City is making to mitigate the impact of hurricanes and rising sea levels. He described St. Petersburg as a $1 billion corporation and there is no secret that there are a lot of demands placed upon the City. Mike did a great job of describing what those demands were and how the city attempts to prioritize those that will have the greatest impact upon City residents and those within his District 3.

The Annual Meeting is tentatively scheduled for January 22, 2026.  I would encourage you to make every effort to attend this meeting to discuss a number of significant issues, including targeted Deed Restriction Revisions for 2026 and discussion of the VIHA Budget. Like every other organization, our expenses for 2026 have increased in a number of areas, which we will detail at that meeting. The Deed Restriction Revision Committee has already targeted a number of Deed Restrictions that should be amended, and we certainly want to have input from residents on those proposed changes as well as others that could be considered.

While we made it through the 2025 hurricane season without any significant storms hitting the City or VI, our community is still suffering from the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.  In an “informal drive-by survey” that I conducted of the neighborhood in mid-October, of the 530+ homes in VI there were:

• 29 homes that were for sale (prior to the hurricanes the average number of homes sold annually was 39);
  
• 13 homes that were torn down and the properties are now vacant lots;
  
• 36 homes that appeared to be vacant; and,
  
• 36 homes that were under construction.
  

A couple of observations about these statistics:

• it is clear that construction activity within VI will remain at an elevated level for the foreseeable future;
  
  
• the significant number of homes under construction and the condition of many of the vacant lots have caused considerable traffic, noise and “nuisance” issues for VI residents;
  
  
• the Architectural Review Committee (“ARC”) has made a commitment and has been very successful in responding to resident proposals for new construction and renovation of the existing homes subsequent to the hurricanes; and,
  
  
• like other neighborhoods that you may have read about in the Tampa Bay Times, there is the very real possibility that investment firms could be looking at the purchase of some of those available properties and changing the character of our community.
  
  

In March 2025, the VIHA Board voted to suspend the enforcement of certain Deed Restrictions through September 30, 2025. We recognize that there are still a number of homes that have been impacted by the 2024 hurricanes, but there have been a number of residents who have stated something to the effect of “it has been a year since the hurricanes and now it’s time to start getting VI back to the attractive community that it was previously.”

The Deed Restriction Committee sent out over 300 Deed Restriction violation letters in October resulting from the first Deed Restriction review that occurred since the hurricanes.  We realize that many residents are still struggling with decisions about what to do with their properties that were damaged during the hurricanes and many are in the process of repairing that damage. All that we ask is that you be attentive to the condition of your properties and take whatever steps are available to help us return VI to the highly attractive community that it once was.

As I stated earlier, there are many homes located within VI on a relatively small amount of land not only on our streets but in close proximity across the canals. All Board members have received a host of complaints from residents about noise, property conditions, parking, construction issues, etc. Let us try and remember that we are neighbors and need to peacefully coexist to “all try and get along” despite the challenges of the upcoming months.

Also, because of the number of homes that are vacant or under construction, the Christmas Eve display of luminaries will be limited to Grand Canal, as it was last year after the hurricanes.

Finally, nominations for the 2026 VIHA Board are open with a nomination form posted to www.ourvi.org. We need residents to fill a couple of Board positions and, more importantly, we are always looking to fill positions on the committees that keep VI the highly desirable community that it has been and will be in the future.  Getting involved is a great way to learn more about VI and get to know your neighbors.

Thanks for your continued support of VIHA and please feel free to email me with your comments and concerns.​

Sincerely,
Rich Scanlon
VIHAPresident
[email protected]

Dear Friends,

I hope you all had a safe and happy 4th of July weekend. This will be a short President’s Letter this month so I can provide updates on the DR Restrictions Revisions.

First, there is clearly a significant amount of construction going on in VI and there will be for some time. Please notify contractors or subs working on your property to keep their vehicles locked while they are working. I’ve heard from James Fuchs, our Community Policing Officer with SPPD, that numerous thefts of tools, etc. have been reported. Also, please have them park on the east side of the street, even numbered houses, so we can provide for traffic to move as freely as possible. ​

Below is an update on the ballots submitted for the 5 Deed Restrictions Revisions (“DRR”) that the Deed Restriction Revision Committee had advanced for consideration by VI property owners:  

Dear Friends,

Good Morning America featured a story on June 11 about the “Tik Tok Door Kicking Challenge.” If you
did not see this story the link to paste into your browser is:
https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/video/122726672

The police are issuing a warning about this trend “saying the prank is not only illegal but also potentially
dangerous for everyone involved.”
​
This alarming trend is happening in Venetian Isles. A VI Property Owner has been the victim of this “prank”
for over a year and has involved the St. Pete Police. Now, it is time to involve the VI community. Attached
is a “ring cam” photo of one of the persons involved in this prank. If you know the person pictured, or he
is one of your children, have a conversation with him to get this behavior to STOP. The SPPD are not
treating this lightly and arrests will be made.

Lastly, as our community continues its recovery, let’s continue to be patient and kind to our neighbors.

Sincerely,
Rich Scanlon
VIHA President

Dear Friends,

By this point, we all know what June 1 represents…the “official beginning of Hurricane Season.” For many years VI residents may have taken this date for granted. After what we experienced in 2024 I think we all need to take Hurricane Season more seriously and begin the preparations NOW. Stock up on all the items that have been described by all the major new outlets and consider picking up sandbags that are available from the City. If anyone has heard of unique surge protection measures let me know and I’ll pass your suggestions along in the next President’s Letter. These may be helpful to all VI residents especially those who have moved into the neighborhood recently.

After the May President’s Letter, wherein I wrote that the VIHA Board voted to temporarily suspend DRs 19, 20 and 34 which pertain to “Property Maintenance” with the understanding that VI is still recovering from the effects of the 2024 hurricanes, we received a number of reported DR violations through phone calls, emails and posting to the website. On June 7, members of the Deed Restriction Committee performed a street side review. It appears that at least 35 percent (my estimate only) of the homes in VI are still being repaired, under construction or unoccupied. The DR violations found on this review largely pertained to the parking of golf carts and boats/trailers in driveways, which were NOT temporarily suspended. As you were informed when you moved into VI, the Deed Restrictions are not voluntary, please abide by them.

It was clear from the streetside review that many property owners have worked very hard and incurred considerable expense to maintain/repair the appearance of their homes. The VI community THANKS each and every one of you for your efforts!!!!​

Below is an update on the ballots submitted for the 5 Deed Restrictions Revisions (“DRR”) that the Deed Restriction Revision Committee had advanced for consideration by VI property owners:  

As of May 11, 2025, 143 ballots have not been returned. The ability to use electronic balloting for future DRR approval has the requisite number of approvals and we are so close on the 4 others that were proposed based upon RESIDENT input!!! The DRs require 66.7% of property owner approval on any DRR. If you have not yet received a ballot or misplaced it, please let me know IMMEDIATELY and we will have one sent to your current location. This is your opportunity to determine the future of your neighborhood. Please vote, even if you are not in favor of any, or all, of the proposed DRRs.

Many residents have expressed their concern about the increased number of investor-owned properties in VI. The Tampa Bay Times has also featured articles about Blackrock, and other investment firms, acquiring numerous properties in a neighborhood and leasing them. The impact of this is to reduce the “community feel” of a neighborhood. With a large number of homes in VI currently unoccupied and awaiting repairs, that the current property owners may not be able to afford, there is the potential for an increased level of investor interest in VI. If purchased, some of these homes may be redeveloped and sold but others may be offered under long-term leases. The VIHA Board will be discussing this trend. Regardless of form of ownership or intention, EVERY property owner must abide by the DRs.

Finally, thanks to the 297 property owners who have paid their $200.00 annual VIHA Dues as of April 30. We’ve been featuring advertisers in the Homeowners Directory in each of the 2025 President’s Letters and this month we feature Klement Family Dental. We have a number of new directory advertisers this year so please try and patronize these companies, many of which are run by VI residents, and thank them for supporting the VIHA.

Lastly, as our community continues its recovery, let’s continue to be patient and kind to our neighbors.

Sincerely,
Rich Scanlon
VIHA President
[email protected]

Dear Friends,

April is such a beautiful time of the year to be in VI, and this year is no exception!!! However, it is clear that our community is still in recovery mode. I’d estimate that 30% of the homes in VI are still unoccupied or under construction/renovation. While our community will be attractive and more resilient to storms after all these projects are completed, we still have a way to go. Please be patient with your neighbors as they deal with permitting, hiring contractors and rebuilding.

The Architectural Review Committee (“ARC”) is ready to assist you with timely review and approval of your plans or suggesting changes to ensure compliance with current Deed Restrictions. Please contact any of the ARC members if you have a question regarding your projects after reviewing the materials posted on our website at http://www.ourvi.org/architectural-review.html

Update:

In summary, 313 (60%) of the ballots have been returned to date so there are 209 still outstanding.  At this point, none of the 5 proposed DRRs have received the required 349 (66.7%) votes for approval. So your vote is crucial. We understand that many of you have still not moved back into your homes so if you have not yet received a ballot, please let me know IMMEDIATELY and we will have one sent to your current location.

The Board believes 60% of the property owners voting is not yet representative of our community, so we extended the voting period until September 30, 2025.  This gives us more time to receive ballots during the summer months.

Also, the Deed Restriction Committee continues to enforce the Deed Restrictions within VI.  However, after consulting with our counsel, the Board approved a temporary suspension of the Deed Restrictions pertaining to the maintenance of the exterior of properties, specifically Deed Restrictions 19, 20 and 34.  ARC continues to review projects that require their approval in an expedited manner. Many thanks to Bob Brett and his team for keeping up with all the requests.

Thanks to the 294 property owners who have paid their $200.00 annual VIHA dues as of March 31.  As a reminder, we did not increase the annual dues in 2025. The 2025 VI Homeowners Directory has been delivered to dues paying members. We have a number of new directory advertisers this year, many of whom are VI residents, so please try to patronize these companies to thank them for supporting the VIHA. I’ll feature one, or a number, of these advertisers with each President’s Letter that I send out for 2025.

Also, if you are on social media, I’d encourage you to “like” the “Venetian Isles of St. Petersburg, FL” page on Facebook.  This page is supported by VI residents Jeff and Claire Copeland.

We really NEED more volunteers for VIHA Committee positions, particularly on the Deed Restrictions Committee.   This is a great way to meet your neighbors, work for the betterment of our community and have a little bit of fun while you are at it!!!  
The Committees within VI can be found on our website at:
http://www.ourvi.org/viha-committees.html

As evidenced by the 2024 Hurricane Season, it is never too early to start preparing for 2025. Let’s hope for the best but prepare for the worst.  Lastly, as our community continues its recovery, please continue to show your neighbors a little kindness, that can go a long way!!!


Sincerely,
Rich Scanlon
VIHA President

[email protected]g

Dear Venetian Isles Property Owners,
Our community stands at a crossroads. In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we’ve faced unprecedented devastation—flooded homes, shattered roofs, and a long road to recovery. These changes—DR-50, DR-8, DR-3, DR-10, and DR-42—are not just updates; they’re a lifeline to rebuild smarter, stronger, and together. We need your vote now, and we need it “For” these revisions. Here’s why.
The Stakes Are High
Under our current rules, not voting counts as an “Against” vote. To pass, each revision needs 348 “For” votes—two-thirds of our 522 properties. Of the 53% that voted, the five DR revisions averaged over 86% approving. With only 278 ballots in, we’re falling short, not because these changes lack merit, but because silence is stifling progress. The storms damaged 80% of our homes and 50% sit empty, with owners displaced, rebuilding, or waiting for insurance checks. Property values have plummeted in the last five months—over 20 homes are for sale, and only a handful have sold this year. We can’t afford to let outdated restrictions hold us back when modern solutions are within reach.
Why These Changes Matter
These revisions aren’t arbitrary—they’re responses to your feedback, crafted by our Deed Restriction Revision Committee to meet today’s realities. Let’s break them down:
1. DR-50: Electronic Voting
o Why It’s a No-Brainer: For 50 years, we’ve relied on slow, costly mail ballots. Electronic voting streamlines elections, saves money, and ensures everyone—especially those displaced—can participate. It’s 2025—let’s join the digital age and make our voices heard effortlessly.
o Benefit: Faster decisions mean quicker action to protect and enhance our community.


2. DR-8: Seamed, Non-Corrosive Metal Roofs
o Why It’s Essential: Clay tile roofs, our current standard, became deadly missiles in Helene and Milton’s winds—cracking, leaking, and driving up repair costs. They were not made for Florida’s hurricanes. Seamed metal roofs (e.g., aluminum) are hurricane-resistant and can handle winds from 140-180 MPH, are leak-proof, and are virtually indestructible. They’re standard on high-end homes across Florida for a reason—they withstand high winds, hail, and debris. Take a short drive down Bayshore or Brightwaters and you’ll see that most of the new homes that are built or being built are using these types of roofs. They look modern and fabulous!
o Benefit: Stronger roofs mean fewer claims, lower insurance rates, and homes that endure. Plus, they boost curb appeal and property values in a market desperate for resilience.


3. DR-3: Cul-de-Sac Setback Alignment
o Why It Makes Sense: This aligns our rules with City code, letting cul-de-sac owners build garages 20 feet from the front setback (vs. 25 feet). It maximizes usable space on unique lots, mirroring  what’s already allowed citywide.
o Benefit: Increased functionality raises property values—not just for cul-de-sac homes, but for all of us, by showcasing a forward-thinking neighborhood.


4. DR-10: Garage Size and Modern Landscaping
o Why It’s Practical: This sets a clear 400-square-foot minimum for garages—ensuring space for two cars—and allows artificial turf, stone, and mulch in defined areas. Turf cuts water bills (a scarce and expensive resource post-storms), eliminates mowing costs, and resists drought and disease.
o Benefit: Sustainable, low-maintenance yards save money and time while enhancing our community’s appeal to buyers seeking eco-friendly homes.
5. DR-42: Dock Relief at Canal Pinch Points
o Why It’s Fair and Smart: Homes at canal ends—larger, often pricier lots—face “pinch points” that limit dock size under current rules. This revision adjusts limits (e.g., half the width beyond 50 feet for canals under 120 feet), ensuring 50-foot navigable channels—wider than city minimums. Of the 32 non-compliant docks in Venetian Isles, most would comply if it passes.
o Benefit: Compliant docks and lifts make these homes more attractive and desirable. This would help to lift all our property values. Without it, the VIHA faces costly lawsuits against 32  owners—or worse, a countersuit by the 32 owners could force even laxer rules. Let’s avoid division and expense; this compromise works for everyone.
Beyond the Basics: A Vision for Venetian Isles
These revisions aren’t just fixes—they’re investments. If all 278 ballots received so far were “For,” every DR would pass if abstentions didn’t count as “AGAINST”. That tells us the will is there—we just need everyone to act. Here’s what’s at stake:
 Property Values: Modern roofs, flexible setbacks, and dock relief signal a premium, resilient community. Buyers want homes that won’t crumble in the next storm—who doesn’t want that?
 Community Strength: Most of us are still rebuilding. These changes ease that burden—metal roofs resist hurricanes, turf saves resources, and docks enhance waterfront living. Voting “For” is a vote to help our
neighbors stand tall again.
 Unity Over Conflict: DR-42 alone could spark legal chaos—suing 32 owners would drain VIHA funds (dues haven’t risen despite our needs), and a countersuit could unravel all dock rules. Let’s unite for a solution, not fracture over enforcement.
Your Vote Is Your Voice
We get it—life is chaotic. If you haven’t received your ballot because you’re not home or if you need a replacement, you can request a new copy by sending an email to [email protected]. Our VIHA President, Rich Scanlon, sent a letter to all of us on 2/1/2025 asking us to contact him at 727-560-3655 or email him at [email protected] if you have any questions, I’m sure he’d be happy answer any questions or to rush a new ballot to your current address. Voting is simple: mark “For” on each of the five revisions, sign, and mail the prepaid postcard. Do it today, remember, not voting, counts as a, “Against” vote!
​A Call to Action
Spring is here, but hurricane season looms on June 1. We’ve lost enough—let’s not lose this chance to rebuild better. Picture Venetian Isles five years from now: storm-proof roofs gleaming, lush yards thriving without waste, docks welcoming boats, and property values climbing because we chose progress over stagnation. That starts with you.
Vote “For” all five revisions. Show kindness to your neighbors still piecing their lives back together. Let’s lift each other up and make Venetian Isles a beacon of resilience and pride. Mail your ballot now—every “For” vote brings us closer to 348.
Together, we rise.
Sincerely,
Bill Birkins
2080 Hawaii Avenue NE

Dear Friends,
For those of you who were not able to attend the January VIHA Annual Meeting, we had considerable discussion on the 5 Deed Restrictions Revisions(“DRR”) that the Deed Restriction Revision Committee had advanced for balloting by VI property owners.   The ballots were mailed to each property owner shortly thereafter and the preliminary results as of March 3, 2025 are shown below:

n summary, 234 (44.8%) of the ballots have been returned to date meaning there are still 288 that have not been returned.  With only 234 ballots returned to date, none of the 5 proposed DRRs have received the required 349 votes for approval, remember, we need 66.7% approval on any DRR, so your vote is crucial.  We understand that many of you have still not moved back into your homes yet.  If that is the case and you have not yet received a ballot, please let me know IMMEDIATELY and we will have one sent to your current location.

Also presenting at the 2025Annual Meeting were (i) Georgia Janas and Peggy Naruns from Northstar Realty providing their views of the future of VI property values; and (ii) Jeremy and Loretta Patterson from Modern House & Building Movers who explained the process for raising a structure.  As of the end of February, there are 26 homes listed for sale in Venetian Isles of which there are contracts on six of them.  Three homes have sold so far in 2025.

We understand that many of you are still working through the process of the “repair, renovation, or re-build” of your homes following last year’s hurricanes.  The Architectural Review Committee (“ARC”) is ready to assist you with timely review and approval of your plans or suggesting changes to make sure they are compliant with current Deed Restrictions.  Please contact any of the ARC members if you have a question regarding your projects after reviewing the materials posted on our website at http://www.ourvi.org/architectural-review.html 

We’ve gotten a number of suggestions from residents about community activities for this Spring, but the Board has decided to wait to resume events until Fall, with our signature “Oktoberfest”,in order to allow for more residents to move back into their homes and complete repairs.  We will also reschedule the New Resident Reception which was cancelled in 2024.

Thanks to the 230 property owners who have paid their $200 annual VIHA Dues as of February.  As a reminder, we did not increase the annual dues in 2025 as property owners are still recovering from the impact of the hurricanes.  The 2025 VI Directory has been printed and thos eowners who have paid their dues will be receiving your copy shortly.  We have a number of new directory advertisers this year so please try and patronize these companies, many of whom are run byVI residents, and thank them for supporting the VIHA.  I’ll feature one, or a number, of these advertisers with each President’s Letter that I send out for 2025.

Also, if you are on social media, I’d encourage you to “like” the “Venetian Isles of St. Petersburg, FL” page on Facebook.  This page is supported by VI residents Jeff and Claire Copeland.

Spring is nearly upon us and we’ll all look forward to the favorable weather that brings. Remember that hurricane season officially starts on June 1, so don’t wait till the last minute to begin making your 2025 storm preparations!!!

Lastly, as our community continues its recovery, don’t forget to show your neighbors a little “kindness,” that can go a long way!!!
​
Sincerely,
Rich Scanlon
VIHA President
​[email protected]

Dear Friends,
This Holiday Season will be like no other that we have ever had in Venetian Isles.  So many of our neighbors are still unable to live in their homes and are making the really difficult decisions of repair, raise or re-build new.  As I discussed in the November President’s Letter, the VIHA Board is trying to make changes to facilitate the “three R’s” that many in VI are faced with.
The Architectural Review Committee (“ARC”) is ready to assist you with timely review and approval of your plans or suggesting changes to make sure they are compliant with current Deed Restrictions.  Please contact any of the ARC members if you have a question regarding your repair or renovation projects after reviewing the materials posted on our website at http://www.ourvi.org/architectural-review.html
The VIHA Annual Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Lutheran Church of the Cross.  A “social” starts at 6:30pm with the actual meeting starting at 7:00pm. A Zoom option will be available for those who cannot attend in person.  The link will be sent out in advance of the meeting.  The agenda will include the following topics:

• Election of VIHA Board Members for 2025;
  Discussion of proposed additional Deed Restrictions (“DR”) and revisions to certain current DRs, which may include:
  
• o  DR 3 - revising the placement of buildings or structures on cul-de-sac lots if approved by the City;
  

o  DR 8 - approval of non-corrosive metal roofing materials;
o  DR 10 – clarification that garages are required, need to been closed and must be at least 400 sq. ft.;
o  DR 42 - revising the required navigable width of waterways from 80’ to 50’ facilitating the placement of docks within far North and South ends of the interior canals;
o  DR 50 - Allow voting on future VIHA matters via “electronic” means:

•  A presentation by Modern Movers (www.modernmovers.com) on the process and considerations for raising an existing home;
  

• Presentations by invited guests.
  

We strongly encourage you to attend the Annual Meeting.  We need your input, we need your ideas, and we need your support of the DR revisions when ballots are distributed to property owners, especially since many of the proposed changes will help your neighbors who need to repair or rebuild as a result of the hurricanes.  Remember, we need 66.7%approval on any DR addition/amendment, so your vote is crucial.
Also, if you are on social media, I’d encourage you to “like” the “Venetian Isles of St. Petersburg, FL” page on Facebook.  This page is supported by VI residents Jeff and Claire Copeland.
As I mentioned last month, the traditional seawall candle lighting on December 24 starting at 5:30pm will be limited to Grand Canal Boulevard.
I hope everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the holiday season despite some of the challenges many of us are still facing as we rebuild.  I wish you all a you all a happy, healthy 2025!
Sincerely,
Rich Scanlon
VIHA President
[email protected]