VENICE – The inaugural Battle of the Bridges Rowing Regatta took place today on the Venice intracoastal waterway.


Wishing to bring a regatta to Venice, The Sarasota Scullers hosted the free event. Bringing together high school and master program teams, athletes worked together to steer boats under three bridges, traveling a total of 5,000 meters through.


Drawing spectators from far and wide, volunteer coordinator Kelly Olliver says this event comes at a great time, helping boost the off-season economy.


“And it’s a little bit slower for us local business owners , and this is something that’s going to be bringing hundreds of people, especially in the future in for the races. It’s going to be such a unique thing for our small little town, and we look forward to doing it again in the future,” said Olliver.


The Sarasota Scullers are already planning for next year’s regatta and are excited to bring this type of competition to Venice.