Legacy Award Board Selects Earl Midland for 2025 Recognition in City Meeting

The Venice Historic and Architectural Preservation Board convened on August 28, 2025, to discuss the selection of the recipient for the 2025 Legacy Award. The meeting focused on reviewing voting results for nominations and establishing guidelines for future awards.

During the meeting, the board reviewed the nominations and voting results, which indicated that Earl Midland received the highest ranking, while Ralph Twitchell and the Venice Area Historical Society tied for second place. After a motion was made and seconded, the board unanimously voted to award the Legacy Award to Earl Midland for 2025. The board plans to prepare a certificate and coordinate a presentation at an upcoming city council meeting.

The discussion also touched on the process for future nominations. The board acknowledged that this was the first year under the new guidelines, which allow for both individuals and organizations to be nominated. There was a consensus that establishing a timeline for nominations would be beneficial, with suggestions to open nominations to the public from January to March, aiming for a decision by May each year.

Additionally, the board considered the frequency of nominations for organizations, noting that there are currently no guidelines limiting how often an organization can be nominated. This led to a broader discussion about the potential for multiple recipients and the need for clear criteria moving forward.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to recognizing contributions to historic preservation while also refining the nomination process for future awards. The next steps include finalizing the award presentation for Earl Midland and developing a structured timeline for future nominations.