Hendricks and Venice Isles

Hendricks Isle and Isle of Venice are two picturesque isles located north of Las Olas Boulevard, nestled south of Sunrise Key and west of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Surrounded by the winding Middle River, these isles are connected at both ends, with low fixed bridges at their southern entrances near Las Olas Blvd. West of Hendricks, shallow rivulets provide small boat access to the New River, making the area a favorite for boating enthusiasts.  The isles were initially created in the 1920s by W.F. Morang & Sons during South Florida’s land boom, using techniques inspired by Venice, Italy, to transform the ICW into “fingertip isles.” However, the hurricane of 1926 and the early arrival of the Great Depression in South Florida halted development, leaving the area vacant for nearly two decades. The post-war land boom of the late 1940s and 1950s finally brought the isles to life as a vibrant community. Hendricks Isle followed a different path, with individuals building apartment complexes over time rather than large-scale development as evident on neighboring Nurmi Isles. The first building on Hendricks, constructed around 1951 and known as “Hanky,” marked the beginning of its unique evolution. Though Hanky is no longer around, the property has been transformed into one of four modern, impressive complexes, reflecting the area’s continued growth and appeal.