The Spookier Side of Venice: Haunted Tales Within 20 Miles of Paradise

When you think of Venice, Florida, you probably picture sugar-sand beaches, charming downtown streets, and our iconic pier glowing in the sunset. But as Halloween creeps closer, it’s worth remembering that this peaceful Gulf Coast town has a darker side — one whispered through old buildings, moonlit streets, and the lingering spirits of our storied past.

Here’s a look at some of the most haunted (and fascinating) spots within 20 miles of Venice — perfect for your next ghostly adventure.

🏫 The Kentucky Military Institute (KMI)

Long before condos and boutiques, Venice was home to the Kentucky Military Institute, which operated here each winter from 1933 to 1970. The KMI cadets marched through town and lived in what’s now the historic San Marco Building.

Legend has it, not all of them left.
Visitors have reported cold drafts, strange footsteps echoing down empty hallways, and the ghostly figure of a young cadet who appears in mirrors or doorways — only to vanish when approached. One former restaurant worker even swore she saw a uniformed young man disappear into the pantry.

🏨 The 1927 San Marco Hotel

Now part of the KMI’s historic footprint, this elegant old building has seen it all — from glamorous gatherings in the Roaring Twenties to eerie quiet during the Great Depression when Venice briefly became a ghost town.
Today, some say guests still hear the faint strains of music from long-ago dances or see flickering lights when the halls are empty.

🌿 Historic Spanish Point (Osprey)

Just a short drive north toward Osprey lies Historic Spanish Point, one of Southwest Florida’s oldest and most atmospheric sites. With more than 5,000 years of human history layered into its landscape, it’s no wonder visitors occasionally feel they’re not alone.

The ghost of Mary Sherrill, who died in 1892, is said to linger near the small chapel named for her. Locals claim they’ve heard faint church bells ringing in the distance — even when the chapel doors are closed. Others say they’ve glimpsed the spirits of the Webb family, early pioneers whose homestead still stands proudly on the grounds.

🌙 Downtown Venice at Night

Even downtown Venice, with its Mediterranean architecture and palm-lined avenues, has stories to tell after dark. During the 1928 real estate crash, Venice nearly became a literal ghost town — abandoned dreams, empty buildings, and all.

Some say those early dreamers never really left. If you stroll through at night, especially around the Venice Theatre and nearby alleyways, you might feel a sudden chill or catch a whisper in the still air. Coincidence? Maybe. But locals know better.

👣 Want to See (or Feel) It for Yourself?

If you’re brave enough, you can join one of the local ghost tours:

• Venice Florida Tours offers guided walks through the city’s haunted history, blending fact and folklore.

• Sarasota Suncoast Tours runs evening tours that dive into ghostly tales stretching from Venice to Sarasota.

🎃 Final Thoughts

Venice’s beauty isn’t just skin-deep — it’s layered with history, mystery, and a few restless spirits who seem to love it here as much as we do.
So this spooky season, skip the horror movie. Take a twilight walk through our town’s historic heart… and listen closely. You just might hear Venice whisper back.