Venice accepts federal funds for creek cleanup

VENICE, Fla. (WWSB) - The City of Venice voted Tuesday to accept $360,525 in federal funding to clean up local creeks, primarily focused on Curry Creek and Hatchett Creek.

City Council member Rick Howard said to the council that this effort “needs to be shared across the city and county.”

“The water has effects on all of us ... it’s not just a one-neighborhood issue,” Howard said.

Lifelong Sarasota county resident Katelin Fifarek said she is glad the creek she lives on will finally be cleared.

“Last year, we and our neighbors went out with chainsaws to clear the water,” Fifarek said. “I’m really glad the city is taking action on this issue.”

The council will hear a progress report on the cleanup on July 8.