1944 Map of Venice

About this map

Venice Army Air Base dominates the mid-century coastline on this Sarasota County survey, reflecting the region's mobilization during World War II. The base is positioned just south of the main Venice townsite and the Municipal Airport, bordering the waters of the Gulf and Deerborn Gully. The transport network of the era is clearly defined by the Seaboard Air Line railroad, which services settlements from Laurel and Nokomis in the north down toward the timber and agricultural operations at Woodmere. Along the Manasota Peninsula, the landscape is a network of tidal inlets and creeks, including Dona Bay, Roberts Bay, and Alligator Creek. This 1940s topography shows the transition from early coastal hamlets like Manasota to a more structured inland grid at Venice Farms, all connected by the emerging corridor of Route 41.