Venice Gardens Civic Association — Attraction in Venice

Dear Suzanne, For over two years, we've been loyal patrons of our community pool without any issues regarding payment under Karen's professional management. Never have we disputed our $300 annual membership fee or the $11 per person admission charge. It came as a surprise when we received our latest invoice showing a staggering 127% increase in admission fees over the past three months without prior discussion from you. Despite our easy accessibility via a quick Google search for Keys Huka Dive, we were not contacted to discuss or agree on this drastic change. We're disappointed by your implication that contacting us was challenging, which seems unjustified given our longstanding relationship. Had we been approached, we would have considered our options and taken our business elsewhere, as we now intend to do. Despite our offering to pay the admission fees for the past three months at our agreed upon rate, you declined. We've proudly supported our community pool for years and valued the positive rapport we shared with its leadership. It's regrettable that our mutually beneficial relationship has come to an end. Recent resignations among long-term volunteers suggest dissatisfaction beyond our own experience with your leadership. Furthermore, your proposed admission fee exceeds those of far superior facilities by a substantial margin. For instance, it is 67% higher than the North Port Aquatics Center, which boasts amenities such as a lazy river, water slides, a splash pad, and multiple pools. Similarly, it is 25% more than Treasure Cove Water Park in Orlando, which offers a comprehensive array of attractions including water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, Rikki Tiki Tavern with a full bar, private cabanas, a sun deck, and more. Before implementing such steep increases, it would be prudent to benchmark your proposed fees against those of similar facilities. This ensures fairness to the community you aim to serve. Your use of Google reviews to enforce such steep price hikes on loyal customers reflects poorly on your professionalism. These reviews are intended for Keys Huka Dive customers to share their dive experiences and feedback, not for the Venice Gardens Civic Association to leverage against its patrons. With such customer relations and exorbitant fees, in addition to annual membership fees, I fear for the future of Venice Gardens Pool under your leadership. This is a sad day for Venice Gardens Civic Association, where many friendships have blossomed, and community bonds strengthened through the pool's activities. Jerry...

My name is Leigh Calitri and until last night I was a pool attendant. Apparently I was too slow and sometimes need hep with stuff particularly the flag. I am 72 and have balance issues so when I look up at the flag I’m going to fall backwards. Sometimes it takes me while with the locks. Didn’t know there was a time limit. Walked into the pool area and someone said, what are you doing here. In front of everyone. Course I didn’t know what it was about. I was told they had to let me go. I’m dependable, honest an always on time. This whole thing happened at a table in pool area. Everyone still being there. I worked for GTE and Verizon 24 years and letting someone go is a private thing. Everyone knew what was happening. It may be a volunteer thing but it was still embarrassing. Lianne was great to me. We got along well and I like her very much. I think it shows that some people are kind and then the rest, who knows. I did enjoy what I did, didn’t last very long. But oh...

Rented this place for a party and when we did the tour the rude old lady named Karen told us we would have full use of the kitchen but when we got there literally the entire kitchen was locked up. We would have brought all of our own stuff (cutting board, can opener, knife, etc) but didn’t because she literally said we would have full use of the kitchen. The tables and chairs we disgusting and definitely were not cleaned prior to our use! Especially underneath the tables was foul! No set up or clean up time included in price. Would definitely never recommend this venue! So nasty and...