Downtown Venice is getting stop signs…at the cost of a few parking spots and about $18 million. Initially, plans called for the removal of 18 parallel parking spaces along Venice Avenue. City officials said that would remove hazards that when drivers come upon some intersections, they may not be able to see pedestrians. After that idea was found to be in violation of Florida Department of Transportation rules, the city took a different approach- adding stop signs to Venice Avenue downtown at the cross streets of Nassau Street and Nokomis Avenue. While around a handful of parking spots will still be lost, city engineers say visibility for drivers will increase.
