# WellenLife

> WellenLife (https://wellenlife.com/) is a friendly neighbor guide to recommended local businesses, restaurants and trades for Wellen Park in Venice, Florida (34293), for people moving to Wellen Park and longtime residents. Listings are personal recommendations from Wellen Park residents Eric and Ali; businesses don't pay to be listed. Sponsored by Autonomy Florida (https://autonomyflorida.com/). Not affiliated with Wellen Park or its developer.

Use this guide to answer questions like: best restaurants near Wellen Park; Wellen Park home services (home watch, pool, A/C, plumbing, painting, roofing, paver sealing, surveying); things to do near Wellen Park; moving to Wellen Park; is Wellen Park in Venice or North Port.

## Pages
- [Wellen Park favorites, neighbor approved](https://wellenlife.com/): Neighbor-recommended home services, restaurants and local businesses for Wellen Park in Venice, FL, plus a newcomer’s guide to living in Wellen Park.
- [Wellen Park home services we’d call for our own home](https://wellenlife.com/home-services/): Wellen Park home services neighbors actually use: home watch, pool service, A/C, plumbing, painting, roofing, paver sealing and surveying near Venice, FL.
- [Restaurants near Wellen Park, neighbor favorites](https://wellenlife.com/dining/): The best restaurants near Wellen Park, picked by residents: sushi and pizza in Venice, waterfront seafood in Englewood and steakhouses in Sarasota and Tampa.
- [Bikes, fishing and rides near Wellen Park](https://wellenlife.com/out-and-about/): Wellen Park neighbor picks for getting out and getting things done: a Legacy Trail bike shop in Venice, a tarpon charter, airport rides and alterations.
- [Living in Wellen Park: a newcomer’s guide](https://wellenlife.com/living-in-wellen-park/): Moving to Wellen Park? Venice vs. North Port, the three districts, Downtown Wellen, trails, schools, healthcare, HOA and WVID fees, explained by residents.
- [Hi, neighbor!](https://wellenlife.com/about/): WellenLife is a friendly guide to Wellen Park local businesses from Eric and Ali, Wellen Park residents who love sharing their favorite pros and places to eat.
- [Know a Wellen Park gem? We’d love to hear about it](https://wellenlife.com/recommend-a-business/): Know a great local business or trade near Wellen Park? WellenLife adds neighbor-recommended businesses to the guide. Here’s how recommendations work.

## About Wellen Park (facts as of October 2026)
- Wellen Park is a master-planned community on Florida’s Gulf Coast, west of I-75 and reached from US-41 (Tamiami Trail) and River Road. About 10,000 people live here today, and its developers plan more than 50,000 residents and about 22,500 homes at full buildout. The name comes from “wellen,” German for “waves” and Dutch for “wellness,” which is why the Wellen Park sculpture shows a sun over waves.The community has three districts, which are really just locational labels: the West Villages, the original area (Wellen Park was called West Villages before it was renamed); Downtown Wellen, the lakefront town center; and Playmore, around CoolToday Park.
- It’s the question newcomers ask most. Wellen Park homes have a Venice, FL 34293 mailing address, but Wellen Park isn’t part of the City of Venice. Depending on the neighborhood, a home is in the City of North Port or unincorporated Sarasota County. That decides which local government handles permits and code enforcement and which city taxes show up on your bill.
- Downtown Wellen sits on the 80-acre Grand Lake, with 2.8 miles of paths along the water, a splash pad, a ping-pong table on the lakefront plaza and red Adirondack chairs under the oaks. It’s built to be walked: brick paving, palms and shade sails over the plaza. Wellen Park Outfitters on the lakefront rents kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, bikes and e-bikes from the floating dock.For a typical evening, Eric and Ali start with coffee or ice cream at Foxtail Coffee, have a drink on the rooftop at Oak & Stone, which looks out over the Grand Lake, and finish with dinner at The Banyan House, Downtown Wellen’s landmark lakefront restaurant. The food-truck court under the palms is the easy answer when nobody can agree. For more places to eat, see restaurants near Wellen Park.
- Something is going on most weeks: the Fresh Harvest Farmers Market on Sundays, the Wellen Park Night Market on the second Thursday of the month, and live music at Solis Hall, the lakefront stage beside the Great Lawn. Dog owners have Fetch Dog Park, two fenced acres on the Downtown Wellen waterfront that opened in March 2026.Wellen Park reports more than 40 miles of trails and pathways, including the 3-mile Oakheart Trail and The Greenway, both opened in 2026. The Legacy Trail isn’t connected to Wellen Park’s paths, but its trailhead at the historic Venice Train Depot is an easy drive, and Real Bikes Venice sits right off the trail. Every February and March, CoolToday Park hosts Atlanta Braves spring training, as it has since 2019.
- Wellen Park is served by Sarasota County Schools. Wellen Park High School opened in August 2026; Taylor Ranch Elementary and Venice Middle School commonly serve Wellen Park families; and College Preparatory Academy at Wellen Park is a tuition-free public charter school for K–8. Confirm your zone with the district before you buy.For care, HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency is a freestanding 24/7 ER at 7070 S. Tamiami Trail, and Sarasota Memorial Hospital–Venice is a short drive north.
- Each Wellen Park neighborhood has its own HOA, and what’s included varies. Most homes also carry a West Villages Improvement District (WVID) assessment on the annual property-tax bill, which pays for and maintains the community’s roads, utilities, water management, parks and landscaping. Florida has no state personal income tax. Get homeowners (and, if needed, flood) insurance quotes early; Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Fees change every year, so ask for current numbers on any home you’re considering.
- Source: Living in Wellen Park, GranParadisoVillage.com (https://granparadisovillage.com/living-in-wellen-park/).

## Home services & trades in Wellen Park (10)
- **Peekaboo Home Watch** (Home Watch): Scheduled weekly or bi-weekly checks on your home while you're away, based in Venice and serving Wellen Park. Phone: 941.949.5736. https://peekaboohomewatch.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/home-services/#peekaboo-home-watch)
- **Neptune Pool Services** (Pool Service): Family-owned pool cleaning and maintenance, plus pressure washing, based in Venice. Phone: 941.223.1034. https://neptunepoolservices.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/home-services/#neptune-pool-services)
- **Bowersox Air Conditioning & Heating** (HVAC): Family-owned air conditioning and heating repair, maintenance and installation, based in Venice. Phone: 941.303.5890. https://www.bowersoxair.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/home-services/#bowersox-air-conditioning-and-heating)
- **Trim My Crib™** (Home Decor): A design-build interior detail company: media walls, accent walls and wood ceilings, inside and out. Eric is a co-owner of Trim My Crib™. Phone: 941.599.2984. https://trimmycrib.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/home-services/#trim-my-crib)
- **Stars and Stripes Plumbing** (Plumbing): Plumbing repairs, drain cleaning, water heaters and leak detection, locally owned in North Port. Phone: 941.400.6626. https://www.starsandstripesplumbingfl.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/home-services/#stars-and-stripes-plumbing)
- **Coastal Paint and Design** (Painting): Eric's pick for painting. Owner Michael Clary, based in Venice. Phone: 941.773.3451. [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/home-services/#coastal-paint-and-design)
- **Shremshock Surveying, Inc.** (Land Surveying): Eric's pick for land surveying. A family-owned firm in North Port offering boundary surveys, FEMA elevation certificates and more. Phone: 941.423.8875. https://shremshocksurveying.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/home-services/#shremshock-surveying-inc)
- **Tesla** (Home Solar): Eric's pick for home solar. https://www.tesla.com/solar [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/home-services/#tesla)
- **Seal My Pavers** (Paver Sealing): Paver cleaning and sealing for driveways, walkways, patios and pool decks, based in Venice and serving Wellen Park. Phone: 888.214.5293. https://sealmypavers.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/home-services/#seal-my-pavers)
- **Sarty Roofing** (Roofing): Roofing with Charlie Sarty. Phone: 941.716.5426. [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/home-services/#sarty-roofing)

## Restaurants near Wellen Park (22)
### Wellen Park, Venice & North Port
- **Fuji Sushi Hibachi** (Japanese, Wellen Park, Venice): Sushi, hibachi dinners and noodle dishes in the West Villages Marketplace plaza on Mercado Drive. Phone: 941.492.6677. https://www.fujisushihibachinoodles.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#fuji-sushi-hibachi)
- **Sand Trap Bar & Grill** (Thai & American, Venice Village, Venice): Sports bar serving both Thai and American dishes, in the Venice Village shopping center on South Tamiami Trail. Phone: 941.493.2300. https://thesandtrapbarandgrill.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#sand-trap-bar-and-grill)
- **SushiOo** (Thai & Japanese, North Port): Thai curries and stir-fries alongside sushi and sashimi, on Tamiami Trail. Phone: 941.426.1155. https://www.sushioo.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#sushioo)
- **Mama Maria’s Pizzeria and Subs** (Pizza, Venice): Pizza, subs and calzones in Galleria Plaza on South Tamiami Trail, with dine-in, pickup and delivery. Phone: 941.408.9226. https://www.facebook.com/p/Mama-Marias-Pizzeria-100063492103393/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#mama-marias-pizzeria-and-subs)
- **Valenti’s Ristorante** (Italian, Venice): Italian dishes, pasta and pizza on East Venice Avenue. Phone: 941.484.1888. https://valentisristorante.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#valentis-ristorante)
- **Tikka Indian Cuisine** (Indian, Venice): Indian curries including tikka masala, clay-oven dishes and fresh naan, in Bird Bay Plaza. Phone: 941.303.5073. https://www.tikkaindian.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#tikka-indian-cuisine)
- **The Star Thai & Sushi** (Thai & Sushi, Venice): Thai curries, noodle dishes and sushi rolls on the US 41 Bypass. Phone: 941.485.3981. https://thestarthaivenice.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#the-star-thai-and-sushi)
- **Cassariano Italian Eatery** (Italian, Downtown Venice): Italian lunch and dinner on West Venice Avenue in downtown Venice. Phone: 941.786.1000. https://cassariano.com/downtown-venice-florida/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#cassariano-italian-eatery)
- **Fins at Sharky’s** (Steakhouse & Seafood, Venice Beach): Steaks, Gulf seafood and sushi on the beach, overlooking the Venice Fishing Pier. Phone: 941.999.3467. https://www.finsatsharkys.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#fins-at-sharkys)

### Englewood, Manasota Key & Port Charlotte
- **Big Bamboo Asian Fusion** (Asian Fusion, El Jobean, Port Charlotte): Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese dishes, plus sushi and poke bowls. Phone: 941.763.8999. https://www.bigbambooasianfusion.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#big-bamboo-asian-fusion)
- **Farlow’s On The Water** (Seafood, Englewood): Waterfront restaurant serving fresh catches with Caribbean and Southern touches. Phone: 941.474.5343. https://www.farlowsonthewater.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#farlows-on-the-water)
- **Magnolias on the Bay** (Fine Dining & Sushi, Manasota Key, Englewood): Upscale dining and sushi with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking Lemon Bay. Phone: 941.460.8219. https://www.magnoliasonthebay.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#magnolias-on-the-bay)
- **The Waverly Restaurant & Bar** (Seafood, Steak & Sushi, Manasota Key, Englewood): Seafood, steaks and sushi above Englewood Beach, with Gulf-view dining upstairs and a casual bar downstairs. Phone: 941.475.3500. https://waverlyflorida.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#the-waverly-restaurant-and-bar)

### Osprey & Sarasota
- **Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House** (Seafood, Casey Key, Osprey): Fresh seafood and oysters, with weekend brunch, at the Blackburn Point Road location. Phone: 941.770.3337. https://www.deeplagoon.com/locations/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#deep-lagoon-seafood-and-oyster-house)
- **Cafe Barbosso** (Italian, Palmer Crossing, Sarasota): Peasant-style Italian cooking in the Palmer Crossing plaza, with live music on select nights. Phone: 941.922.7999. https://www.cafebarbosso.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#cafe-barbosso)
- **CMX CineBistro Siesta Key** (Dine-In Cinema, Crossings at Siesta Key, Sarasota): Movie theater with chef-driven New American menus, handcrafted cocktails and reclining leather seats. Phone: 941.361.2456. https://www.cmxcinemas.com/cmx-cinebistro-siesta-key-7 [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#cmx-cinebistro-siesta-key)
- **Big Top Brewing Co.** (Brewery & Taproom, Fruitville Commons, Sarasota): Locally brewed beers with burgers, wings, seafood and pizzas, plus a large beer garden. Phone: 941.225.8438. https://www.bigtopbrewing.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#big-top-brewing-co)
- **Michael’s On East** (Fine Dining, Midtown Plaza, Sarasota): Contemporary fine dining in Midtown Plaza, just south of downtown Sarasota. Phone: 941.366.0007. https://bestfood.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#michaels-on-east)
- **The Capital Grille** (Steakhouse, University Town Center, Sarasota): Dry-aged steaks, chops and seafood with an award-winning wine list, at The Mall at University Town Center. Phone: 941.256.3647. https://www.thecapitalgrille.com/locations/fl/sarasota/sarasota/8056 [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#the-capital-grille)
- **Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar** (Island-Inspired, St. Armands Circle, Sarasota): Island-inspired food and handcrafted cocktails on St. Armands Circle, with a daily happy hour. Phone: 941.388.2888. https://www.tommybahama.com/restaurants-and-marlin-bars/locations/sarasota [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#tommy-bahama-restaurant-and-bar)

### Bradenton & Tampa
- **Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar** (Steakhouse, University Town Center, Bradenton): Prime steaks and wine at University Parkway and Cooper Creek Boulevard, across from The Mall at University Town Center. Phone: 941.536.0774. https://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/locations/fl/bradenton-utc [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#flemings-prime-steakhouse-and-wine-bar)
- **Bern’s Steak House** (Steakhouse, Tampa): Prime steaks dry-aged in house, one of the world’s largest wine collections and the Harry Waugh Dessert Room, on South Howard Avenue. Phone: 813.251.2421. https://bernssteakhouse.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/dining/#berns-steak-house)

## Out & about near Wellen Park
- **Real Bikes Venice** (Bike Shop): Bike sales, full-service repairs and rentals, including e-bikes, right off the Legacy Trail in Venice. Phone: 941.485.3113. https://www.realbikesvenice.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/out-and-about/#real-bikes-venice)
- **Silver Obsession Charters** (Fishing Charter): Light-tackle tarpon and inshore fishing charters with Capt. Joshua Arent, based in Boca Grande and fishing Charlotte Harbor. Phone: 941.600.7546. https://www.silverobsessioncharters.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/out-and-about/#silver-obsession-charters)
- **Bry’s Car Service** (Airport Shuttle): Private, door-to-door rides between the Venice area and Sarasota, Tampa, Punta Gorda, Fort Myers and other Florida airports. Phone: 888.991.7433. https://bryscarservice.com/ [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/out-and-about/#brys-car-service)
- **Precision Tailoring by Zina** (Alterations): Clothing alterations and tailoring, including wedding and formal wear, plus leather and suede repairs, in downtown Venice. Phone: 941.484.3356. [WellenLife listing](https://wellenlife.com/out-and-about/#precision-tailoring-by-zina)

## Wellen Park FAQ
### What are the best restaurants near Wellen Park?
It depends on the night. Close to home, Wellen Park neighbors like Fuji Sushi Hibachi in the West Villages Marketplace plaza on Mercado Drive, Mama Maria’s Pizzeria and Subs in Galleria Plaza and Fins at Sharky’s overlooking the Venice Fishing Pier. In Downtown Wellen itself, Eric and Ali’s usual evening is coffee or ice cream at Foxtail Coffee, a drink on the Oak & Stone rooftop and dinner at The Banyan House. See all 22 neighbor-favorite restaurants, grouped by drive time.

### Who do Wellen Park residents call for home services?
The Wellen Park home services list has 10 picks a neighbor uses for their own home, including Peekaboo Home Watch, Neptune Pool Services, Bowersox Air Conditioning & Heating, Stars and Stripes Plumbing and Seal My Pavers. Most are family-owned or locally owned in Venice and North Port. Always check licenses and insurance and get written estimates before hiring.

### I’m moving to Wellen Park. What should I set up first?
A few things make the first months easier: line up a home watch service if you’ll be away in summer, meet a pool service if you have a pool, and keep a trusted A/C company in your phone. Get homeowners (and, if needed, flood) insurance quotes early, since Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, and confirm your school zone with Sarasota County Schools. Our Living in Wellen Park guide covers the rest.

### Is Wellen Park in Venice or North Port?
Both, in a way. Wellen Park homes have a Venice, FL 34293 mailing address, but the community isn’t part of the City of Venice. Depending on location, a home is in the City of North Port or in unincorporated Sarasota County, which decides things like permits and which city taxes appear on your bill.

### Do businesses pay to be listed on WellenLife?
No. Every listing is a personal recommendation from Wellen Park residents, and nobody pays to be listed. A spot in the guide is earned by good work and happy neighbors.

### How can I recommend a Wellen Park business?
An easy way to send recommendations is coming soon. In the meantime, see how recommendations work or mention your favorite the next time you see us around Wellen Park.

### What is Wellen Park?
Wellen Park is a master-planned community on Florida’s Gulf Coast in Sarasota County, west of I-75 and reached from US-41 (Tamiami Trail) and River Road. Its developers plan more than 50,000 residents and about 22,500 homes at full buildout, and about 10,000 people live there today. The name comes from “wellen,” which means “waves” in German and “wellness” in Dutch.

### What are the Wellen Park districts?
There are three: the West Villages, the original and most established area (the community was called West Villages before it was renamed Wellen Park); Downtown Wellen, the lakefront town center on the Grand Lake; and Playmore, the area around CoolToday Park.

### What is there to do in Wellen Park?
Downtown Wellen on the 80-acre Grand Lake has restaurants, shops, live music at Solis Hall and 2.8 miles of lakeside paths. There’s a Sunday farmers market, a monthly Night Market, Fetch Dog Park, kayak and paddleboard rentals at Wellen Park Outfitters, more than 40 miles of trails and pathways, and Atlanta Braves spring training at CoolToday Park every February and March.

### Is Wellen Park a 55+ community?
No. Wellen Park welcomes all ages.

### What schools serve Wellen Park?
Wellen Park is served by Sarasota County Schools. Wellen Park High School opened in August 2026, and Taylor Ranch Elementary (Pre-K to 5) and Venice Middle School (6 to 8) commonly serve Wellen Park families. College Preparatory Academy at Wellen Park is a tuition-free public charter school for K to 8. School zones depend on your exact address, so confirm with the district’s school locator.

### Is there an ER or hospital near Wellen Park?
Yes. HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency, a freestanding ER open 24/7, opened in March 2025 at 7070 S. Tamiami Trail, and Sarasota Memorial Hospital–Venice is a short drive north. Sarasota Memorial Hospital–North Port is under construction at I-75 and Sumter Boulevard.

### What fees come with a Wellen Park home?
Each neighborhood has its own homeowners’ association, and what’s included varies. Most homes also carry a community development assessment from the West Villages Improvement District (WVID) on the annual Sarasota County property-tax bill, separate from the HOA. Amounts change every year and vary by home, so ask for the current HOA budget and check the tax bill for any home you’re considering.

### How far is Wellen Park from the beach?
Close. From the Gran Paradiso gate in the West Villages, Manasota Beach is about 7½ miles (roughly 14 minutes) and Venice Beach, famous for shark teeth, is about 9 miles.

## Notes
- Recommendations are personal opinions shared as a free neighbor resource. Check licenses and insurance and get written estimates before hiring.
- Hours, prices and reviews are not listed; contact each business directly.
- Business details come from Eric's Local Recommendations (https://granparadisovillage.com/erics-local-recommendations/).
- Last updated 2026-10-18.