The Venice City Council held a special meeting on June 25, 2025, to conduct final interviews and select a new city manager. A key highlight of the meeting was the discussion surrounding the qualifications and experiences of the candidates, particularly one who drew parallels between Venice and his previous roles in similar coastal communities.

The candidate emphasized his background in managing cities with economies heavily reliant on tourism, like Key West, Florida. He noted the similarities between Key West and Venice, highlighting both cities' small-town atmospheres and vulnerability to natural disasters. His experience as the commanding officer at the Naval Air Station in Key West, which oversees multiple bases in the Florida Keys, was presented as a valuable asset. He described Venice as a perfect fit for his skills, given its unique challenges and opportunities.

The council members engaged in thoughtful discussions about the candidates' qualifications, focusing on their ability to navigate the specific needs of Venice, especially in terms of disaster preparedness and economic development.

As the meeting concluded, the council expressed optimism about the selection process and the potential for the new city manager to lead Venice into a prosperous future. The decision is expected to have significant implications for the city's governance and strategic direction moving forward.