In a Venice minute

The city of Venice, a beach hamlet and hub for snowbirds and retirees, is where the action is Thursday nights.

The auction action, that is.

Indeed, the Venice Auction Company Inc., which sells anything and everything, from Jet Skis and toolboxes to clown paintings and couches, has turned the auction into a theatrical event. Led by owner Joe La Raviere, the firm's auctions, which sell goods on consignment, have become see-and-be-seen happenings. All 250 seats are filled by the 5 p.m. start time, says La Raviere. Some people come from Naples and Longboat Key, and others wait in line to enter.