IV Siesta Sand - September 2014 by Brion Palmer

Why the world comes to Sarasota

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Who’s PLAYING TONIGHT

Carla O’Brien is a gifted clay artist. She creates lovely utilitarian pottery, bowls casseroles, goblets and the like...

Mike Tozier is one of those singer/guitar players with a complete mastery of the interpretation of cover songs....

Read more on page 22

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Project Atticus An exciting project is soon to be launched from Sarasota. An adventurous young couple— Desiree Golen and Jordan Wicht— soon will set sail on a 51 year old fiberglass sailboat named The Atticus, and they plan to circumnavigate the globe. While exploring the world, the daring pair intends to shoot an adventure travel documentary series. What puts a remarkable dream like this into somebody’s head? Well, as a young child, Desiree Golen lived in Tokyo, Japan and often traveled to her mother’s hometown in Tela, Honduras. Growing up, she shared many faraway adventures with her parents and siblings. These experiences colored her view of life, and she grew up eager to explore the world. She also learned to overcome adversity. You see, early on, her mother noticed that Desiree was limited in what she was physically able to do. Her worried parents took her to medical specialists in NYC, where she was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid

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Arthritis. The prognosis was not good. As a young girl she was never allowed to do sports or tackle anything physically challenging. However, after working with her doctors for many years, she began a regimen that used a miraculous new drug on the market. Eventually she experienced 100 % recuperation. It was in high school that Desiree first started to participate in sports.

Her family had moved to Charlotte, NC, and Desiree saw boys at her school doing the pole vault. “Are girls allowed to do that?” she asked her coach. Soon after, she was given a custom made pole that was just her size, and –being the first and only girl at her school to pole vault— she started jumping with the boys, all who were vaulting 10 or 12 feet into the air. Continued on page 29

The problem with illegal rentals on the Key By Debbie Flessner As one of the top tourist destinations in the world, Siesta Key has an abundance of rental properties. You can choose from condos, villas and even single homes when coming to visit this beautiful island. But unfortunately, it’s the illegal rentals of some of those homes that is causing a problem within the community. The rules for renting out a home on Siesta Key are a little different than the county-wide rule, but in a nutshell, all short-term rentals of private homes on the island must be for a month, or 30 days--not by the week or the day. Private homes must also be rented as a whole (not divided up) and are to be rented no more than once every 30 days.

Recently in the enclaves of Siesta Key neighborhoods, especially those close to Siesta Village and the beaches, year-round residents have been noticing more and more transient renters. These would be visitors who stay in the houses for less than the designated time, and/or have multiple families living there, which is also not allowed. John Lally, Code Enforcement Officer with the Sarasota County Planning & Development Services Department/Code Enforcement, said that the rise in the numbers of illegal rentals on Siesta Key is in direct correlation with the area’s excellent international reputation. “The popularity of Siesta Key

Beach and the shortage of hotel rooms and RMF (residential multifamily) zoned properties has created an overflow into the residential neighborhoods,” he said. “VRBO Sarasota (Vacation Rentals by Owner) lists 426 properties for rent in Sarasota. Some of these properties are zoned RMF and can rent by the day and week on the key, but the listing for private homes by the day or week is a violation.” Lally added that he is currently working on 26 active cases against homeowners who are illegally renting their residences, and already seven of those cases are scheduled to be heard by a Special Magistrate. Continued on page 12

Notes from the island fishmonger “FLORIDA PINKS ARE IN” Page 21

WHAT CAN $3,700,000 BUy ON SIESTA KEY? Page 32 St. Michael’s welcomes Father Leo Smith By Diana Colson In August, St. Michael’s Church on Siesta Key welcomed Father Leo Smith as their new Associate Pastor. His journey to the priesthood is fascinating. Born in Boston in 1954, Fr. Smith grew up in a town called Milton, a suburb of Boston. (It was also the home town of the first George Bush.) Leo Smith attended Catholic Schools during his elementary and high school years, and then graduated from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he majored in History. From there he went to the University Of Notre Dame, where he received a Master’s Degree in Medieval History. His original plan was to enter the PhD program and teach University level courses. However, the Vietnam War ended, and his career prospects changed. (At that time, many young men were attending University simply to avoid the draft. As the draft threat dissipated, they left

Sand sculpTing Pages 18-19

KEY SOLUTIONS REAL ESTATE

school in droves. With the resulting drop in enrollment, teaching Medieval History at a university was no longer a career possibility.) Young Leo Smith now returned to Washington, D.C., and went to work for the Department of Defense. He was to stay on that job for 25 years. All of the positions he held related to national security, jobs that dealt with the measurement of human reliability and trustworthiness, security clearances, and the like. Continued on page 7

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MONTHLY MEETING

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The First Brass of Sarasota Presents Heroic Brass Surviving |Brass & Organ Concert Sunday, September 14, 4:00 P.M., St. Boniface Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key The First Brass of Sarasota and St. Boniface Church organist, Neil Page, will present “Heroic Brass – Surviving”, a musical reflection on the events that took place on 9-11 and will honor First Responders and those who lost their lives. The performance will showcase three of this regions young virtuosos: Carlann Evans, Sara Peeples-McNatt and Federico Valencia.

Carlann Evans is a member of the Sarasota Orchestra and Musicians Out of the Box. She enjoys teaching, working on recording projects and playing jazz violin. One of the pieces Carlann will play is “Schindler’s List” by John Williams.

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The First Brass includes trumpets, trombones, French horns, tubas, percussion and keyboard. Repertoire includes John Williams’ “Summon the Heroes,” and “The Theme from Superman”, “Mars from The Planets” by Gustav Hoist and in keeping with the groups sacred roots, the brass will raise the roof with original arrangements by Rick Nichols: “Holy, Holy, Holy”, “Worship the King”, and “Be Still My Soul”.

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Compiled by Debbie Flessner/Bob Stein of the parcel at 162 Beach Road, was postponed until September 16. This decision to reschedule resulted from a private mediation session between the Allens and county staff. It was determined that additional information was needed beforehand, but could not be accomplished by the August 5 date. This is the third petition brought by the couple, with the previous two petitions of January 9, 2013 and April 23, 2014, unanimously denied by the Sarasota County Commissioners.

the foreclosure process the home is in, squatters can end up not only staying a long time, but also even entering into the landlord/tenant protection territory, which could allow them to live there indefinitely. If you suspect squatters may be in a home in your neighborhood, contact the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office at 941-861-5800.

162 Beach Road Petition Delayed

The August 5 hearing originally scheduled on the Request for Relief by Ronald and Sania Allen, owners

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Showing quite a bit of ingenuity, some folks have been researching which homes on Siesta Key and countywide are in various stages of foreclosure. Once they discover that the home is empty, they then move right into it. Sgt. Scott Osborne, of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, said that in the limbo that exists between the time an owner loses possession of a house and when the bank gets it back, is when this practice is most used. Depending on what part of

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Federico Valencia was born 20 years ago in Columbia. At age 18, Federico won his country’s National Trumpet Competition and this past year he came in 4th place at the United States Trumpet Competition held in Harrisburg, PA. He is currently a student at University of South Florida and a member of the First Brass. Federico will play the solo part in “Summon the Heroes” by John Williams.

941-961-8238 941-961-8238 Siesta Key Round-Up www.surfsidefreeridesiestakey.com Squatters in Siesta Key foreclosed homes

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Soprano, Sara Peeples-McNatt, has been described by the Tampa Bay Times as “impressive,” “moving,” and “charming.” She has performed throughout Florida and with several orchestras in the Tampa Bay Area.

Patrons of the Siesta Key Oyster Bar in Siesta Key Village no longer have to look at just a huge cement wall while enjoying great food and live music. Brian Wigelsworth, owner of Gidget’s Coastal Provisions and founder of Siesta Key’s Crystal Classic Sandsculpting event, painted a mural on the side of his building.

Siesta Key Round-Up Prior petitions submitted by the couple requested a Coastal Setback Variance allowing them to build on the lot. This latest petition, filed on May 21, known as the Florida Land Use Environmental Dispute Resolution Act (FLUEDRA), says that the board’s denial of their variance petition in April left them not only unable to construct a house on the site, but also unable to “make any other beneficial use of the Property.”

Outdoor Dislplay/ SKOD update

Executive Director for the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Debra Lynn-Schmitz spoke in favor at the Planning Commission meeting August 7th with Wendall (Beach Bazarr) and Mark (Robin Hood Rentals). They all spoke to support the outside display issue and it passed through the Planning Commission unanimously. The Planning Commission will forward their recommendation to the County Commissioners for approval. That means the new regulations are not in effect yet, but according to the Planning Commission office, the

A new mural featuring Dolphins now appears between The Hub Baja Grill and The Cottage on Avenida Messina in the Siesta Key Village. The restaurants also added a new colorful fence with a an island theme.

The finishing touch was added by The Cottage. A new Tiki Roof was constructed over the front outside deck. This adds to the tropical island theme and provides shelter from the sun and rain. Photo taken while the roof was under construction.

Continued from previous page

recommendation will likely be viewed favorably by the County. If passed, the amendment would allow business owners to display items outside their businesses, for a fee of $25 per year. There would also be restrictions on the displays, such as the size (can’t be more than 240 square feet) for bike rental retailers. When and if the new ordinance takes effect, the, Siesta Key Village Association plans to make sure current Village business owners fully understand it, and create and distribute packets to new businesses to educate them about the various display rules that apply to Siesta Village. Sarasota County has scheduled two more Public Hearings on the proposed text amendment to allow outdoor displays for retail and rental businesses on Siesta Key. The hearings will all take place at 1660 Ringling Blvd., in the County Commission Chambers. The dates and times are as follows: Wednesday, September 24, 9:00 a.m.; Tuesday, October 21, 1:30 p.m. Please note that this is one of numerous items scheduled for each hearing.

private pilot’s license and had flown with Swan before The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport received the mayday call and reported it to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Communications Center.

Plane crashes on Siesta Key beach

In the afternoon of August 12th there were numerous fire trucks and sheriffs vehicles racing towards the 7900 block of Sanderling Road. As residents and visitors to the Key soon discovered that a small twopassenger plane had just crashed on the beach. The pilot Earle Swan, 75, of Bradenton, told officials that the engine on the certified commerciallymanufactured biplane just cut out and he landed on the beach. The passenger Martin Thomas, 51 from Cape Coral received minor injuries. Swan a pilot for more than 50 years was taking Thomas for his second ride in the 1986 Pitts 52B biplane when the plane developed engine trouble. Thomas also holds a

New maintenance company for Siesta Key Village

August 20 was the last day of Championship Landscape Management Professionals’ contract for the upkeep of Siesta Village. And by August 26, ( at the time of press ) it is expected that Buccaneer Landscape Management, from Pinellas County, will have been named the new contractor for the Village’s maintenance. The 65-employee company’s bid of $129,041.50 was in fact the only proposal submitted for the job. Buccaneer Landscape will be performing all of the duties that Championship Landscape did, but with at least one additional one that Siesta Village previously had to hire an additional contract for--power washing. Continued on page 4

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Siesta Key Round-Up There will be a two-week lapse between the end of one contract and the beginning of another, but Sarasota County will be accepting bids for contractors to handle the Village garbage pickup during that time.

The Chamber is looking for volunteers for the Visitors Center

If you know of anyone who would be a great fit for a volunteer position at the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce office, please have them go to the office and fill out an application. This position is open to all members as well. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Chastanna or Desiree at 941349-3800. The office is located at 5114 Ocean Blvd in the Siesta Key Village.

August SKA Environment Report:

Least Terns had a surprising good year on Siesta Key. Last year there were only 6 Terns that

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hatched and survived. This year there were 20. Bob Luckner reported that we have had vandalism. Both a motorcycle and a golf cart had driven across the nesting area, causing distressed birds to fly to Lido abandoning their nests. Over the 4th of July, SKA hired a security guard, which helped to avoid vandalism. Big-footed person/ persons have been tearing down the buffer protection for the nests. One vandal has left size 13 footprints. There is a $50 reward leading to this person’s arrest. Cameras and overtime police shifts have been watching for the culprit. A special thank you to the condos at Access #3 & #5 has really been helpful. They have allowed buffers to be built. They did not groom the area during nesting season so as not to disturb the birds.

The election process: How it works in Sarasota

Ron Turner, Chief of Staff for Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections, spoke at the August SKA monthly meeting. He covered how

the process works here in Sarasota. As he was covering the August 26th primary elections most will still be relevant for the November elections. •The position of supervisor is an elected office. It comes on the ballot every 4 years, along with the Presidential Election. •29 people work permanently for the Supervisor of Elections. There are 99 precincts. In addition to 100-200 temporary staff, 700+ poll workers are hired to work on Election Day. There are offices in Sarasota at the Terrace Building, and also in Venice and Northport. •There are 3 ways to vote: 1.) on Election Day at your precinct; 2.) during “Early Start”, which lasts 8 days from Saturday through Saturday before the election; 3.) by Absentee Ballot. •There are 7 ballot styles countywide, based on political party affiliation. (Democrat, Republican, or Non-Partisan.) •Universal Primary Contest: That means ‘decided in primary”, not in the later election. For example, the Hospital Board is

SIESTA SAND September 2014 • www.siestasand.net

decided in the primary. •There are new Electronic Poll Books. These are I-pads. The advantage is that these are very quick. They replace provisional ballots in Sarasota County. •With Absentee Ballots, many come back unsigned. (Voter forgot to sign envelope.) With the new Electronic Poll Books, that can now be cured. •For information on candidates, go to www.SarasotaVotes.com. There is also information on Facebook and Twitter. •Voter ID consists of a Driver’s License or Florida Identification Card. Passport and/or Student ID are also accepted.

The Ohio State University, Buckeyes Football games

Attention all Ohio State Alumni. You can bond with other Ohio Football Buckeye fans this fall. Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar located at 1200 Old Stickney Point Road on Siesta Key is the place to watch your favorite team

play. Members from The Ohio State University Alumni Family in Sarasota-Manatee are there every week during season.

Don’t be a Grinch, participate

The Siesta Key Village Association has already been gearing up for the Light Up the Village 2014 event taking place Saturday, Nov. 29 from 6-9 pm. Volunteers and parade participants (floats, marching bands, etc.) are needed. For more information contact either Rosalind Hyman at 941-349-2770 ext. 227 or email her at rhyman@sentinelfl.com or Cherylgaddie@gmail.com Continued on next page

Siesta Key Round-Up Signs, signs, and more signs

Questions about Sign placement: signs, political or otherwise, cannot be placed on right of way or public property. This includes county and state roads where the row is 30ft on either side of the center line. Sarasota County code

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enforcement officer John Lally said he’s already removed more than 130 signs in a couple of days prior to the primary election. Seventy five signs were on the County courthouse property. Lally didn’t say whose signs but sounds like everyone. The county tries to be lenient if the sign placement is on the far side of electrical poles and to the

far side of sidewalks no medians, and not inside people’s property. Some signs are being placed on property where there’s construction or abandonment with no owners on site to give permission. These are illegal. Code enforcement will pick up signs that are in violation.

News Up & Down the Trail

Abel’s Ice Cream getting ready for Fall

Compiled by Debbie Flessner/Bob Stein Sarasota deputies find two pounds of marijuana during a routine traffic stop

When Sarasota County deputies stopped 20 year-old Carmon Meredeth for following another car too closely in his 1990 Ford F-150 truck, they found that the driver had a little extra cargo inside. During a probable cause search of Meredeth’s truck, deputies uncovered nearly two pounds of marijuana, $740 in cash and a set of weighing scales covered in marijuana residue. Though Meredeth said he lives in Pompano Beach, he was carrying an Indiana driver’s license. Needless to say, he was arrested and charged by the Sheriff’s Office with possession of cannabis with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia. This is not Meredeth’s first encounter with the law, as he was also arrested in 2012 on similar charges. At that time, police found 250 grams of marijuana, a BB gun, cocaine and $18,000 in cash on his person.

Sarasota’s annual street repaving

Each year, the city of Sarasota initiates a repaving program for its nine miles of streets. This year’s milling and resurfacing project recently began, and is expected to last through January, 2015. The scheduling of work on each particular street is prioritized, based on a rating system the Public Works Department employs throughout the year. As workers are driving around the city, they assign a rating of the condition of the roads, on a scale of 1 to 100. The streets in the worst condition receive first priority on repaving, though the communities’ residents also have a say. Prior to the commencement of

work in each neighborhood, signs will be posted with the dates crews will be in the area. For more information on the city’s repaving schedule, visit the website at https://www.scgov.net/ ConeZone/Pages/default.aspx.

The future of Longboat’s beach

One could make a cogent argument that as Longboat Key’s beaches erode, so do property values and the enjoyment of both residents and visitors. In many ways the days of simplicity are long gone; the cost of dumping millions of yards of sand in island-long beach renourishments appears to be over. The economic pressure has ushered in another set of beach engineers and a Town Commission adopting a far different approach that targets addressing hotspots – areas of severe erosion – and structural solutions such as cement groins to trap sand and stand against the ravages of wave action. (Long Boat Key News)

Selby Gardens, Forty Carrots Create “Partners in Play”

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in September will embark on a new school-year partnership with Forty Carrots Family Center. One Saturday a month, Forty Carrots will bring its “Partners In Play” program to the Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden. “Partners In Play” is a parenting education program that provides parents with support and information about early childhood development, while creating an enriching learning environment for children. The sessions held at Selby Gardens will be garden-themed. They will give children and their parents a chance to explore the rainforest garden and

learn about the environment.

New GFS Marketplace store opening in Sarasota

GFS Marketplace, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan is opening its newest location in Sarasota. The new store is located on 6307 South Tamiami Road. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on October 7th at 10 a.m., kicking off a week of grand opening events. At the ribbon cutting ceremony, GFS Marketplace staff will present a $1000 check to a local charity. GFS Marketplace has locations throughout the U.S., with the nearest being in Bradenton at 4605 14th Street. The foodservice store offers a unique shopping alternative for retail and wholesale consumers. GFS Marketplace customers can shop without membership and purchase restaurant quality items at affordable prices. Customers also enjoy wide aisles, quick checkouts and expert advice from knowledgeable staff, which distinguishes GFS Marketplace from traditional grocery and bigbox bulk food stores. “We are pleased to be opening this new location in Sarasota,” said Jay Zylstra, president. “We appreciate the opportunity to be able to offer our quality products and services to the residents of Sarasota, Florida.” After the ribbon cutting, the celebration will continue with a week of grand opening festivities through October 11th. There will be food tastings each day and a drawing for a $300 shopping spree. Shoppers will have an opportunity to sample some of GFS Marketplace’s most popular items at their Giant Taste Fest which will be held from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday of that week.

Now that the summer tourist are gone, Abel’s Ice Cream is bringing back a couple of the popular fall/ winter ice cream flavors, Carrot Cake (carrot cake ice cream with fresh walnuts and a cream cheese frosting weave ) and Maple Walnut. These flavors have been very popular for residents, snowbirds and residents who leave for the summer months in previous years. If you are planning to entertain at home this fall, you may want to consider either an Ice Cream Pie or an Ice Cream Cake (2 flavors of ice cream with a layer of Abel’s famous hot fudge mixed with cookie crumbs,

frosted and decorated with home made butter cream frosting). They offer 38 flavors of ice cream to choose from for either their pies or cakes. To ensure the best quality, every pie or cake is made to order requiring one day advance notice for pies and two days advance notice for cakes. Abel’s ice cream cakes are always a big hit at birthday parties and other special events. To learn more or get directions visit www.abesicecream.com or visit Tripadviser click on Restaurants Sarasota Florida. Abel’s is located at 1886 Stickney Point Road 921-5700.

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News Up & Down the Trail The new GFS Marketplace location employs approximately 35 people including store manager Matt Blank. GFS Marketplace will be open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m.

Luckily, since the members came across them early and took the hatchlings out of the hole, they were all able to get out to the ocean. The volunteer group wanted to use this event as a reminder for people who use the beach to fill in any holes they make or find. (Long Boat Key News)

Sarasota Police Department to crack down on drunk drivers during holiday weekend Stranded sea turtle babies saved In August Longboat Key Turtle Watch Volunteers found a hole dug in the sand in what is termed as Zone C. There was a hole that beachgoers had dug and had not filled in. The nest nearby had hatched, and 16 hatchlings were found by the volunteers stuck in the hole on their crawl to the ocean.

The Sarasota Police Department will be out in full force to aggressively target drunk drivers during the Labor Day weekend holiday. As part of the nationwide effort to end drunk driving and save lives, the department hopes the ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign will increase public awareness and result in fewer drunk drivers on Sarasota’s roads. Kevin Stiff, assistant commander,

Patrol Division, Sarasota Police Department, said that there will be no warnings and no excuses, especially during the weekend campaign. If you are caught driving under the influence, you will be arrested. The department released statistics that stated more than 10,000 people die on the roads each year as a result of drunk driving. And last Labor Day weekend, one person was killed every 34 minutes in an alcohol-related crash. This holiday weekend, don’t let your or your loved ones’ festivities turn into fatalities--don’t drink and drive.

Venice MainStreet proposes LED sign for Venice Avenue When entering onto Venice Avenue from US 41 Business, there is a marquee where information about happenings on the Island of Venice are posted. Venice MainStreet, an association dedicated to preserving, protecting

SIESTA SAND September 2014 • www.siestasand.net

and promoting historic Downtown Venice, is responsible for the content of the sign. Recently, Kat Quast the Venice MainStreet director, proposed replacing the sign with a modern, energyefficient LED version. Quast said that the new sign would be black and white and would fit into the theme of the downtown area. Venice MainStreet’s hope is to first raise money to produce the sign, and then they will ask for the Venice City Council to approve the installation.

Sarasota News Leader suspends publishing Here is part of the announcement sent out August 15 to all the on-line readers from Rachel Hackney. It is with a heavy heart that I must let you know we have suspended publication of our weekly digital edition of The Sarasota News Leader. Advertising revenue never amounted to nearly enough to sustain the publication, and costs of staff and publishing were coming

from our personal funds. Fortunately, based on our recent survey of subscribers, there is strong support for a paid subscription to the News Leader. If we can sign up enough subscribers to cover our basic editorial budget, then we can recommence publication. In the interim, we will continue to maintain our website and all of our archival issues, dating back to Sept. 21, 2012, all accessible at SarasotaNewsLeader.com. Additionally, we will use that website to provide news reports and commentaries about events we feel are of importance to our readers; we will alert subscribers to any published articles by email. We are so grateful for our readers, whose words of encouragement and gratitude, along with frequent social media shares, helped boost the profile of the News Leader and earn us almost 6,000 subscribers. You are the ones who have valued our comprehensive coverage and unique voice in the community. We hope the silencing of that voice is only temporary.

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Rebecca from Kingsport TN., has been coming to SK for 36 years with her family.

Father Leo Smith His last job was at the Pentagon. As September 11, 2001, approached, the Pentagon was under renovation. The pie-shaped layout of the Pentagon had been divided into 5 “slices”, and reconstruction on the first wedge had just been completed. 5000 people had been temporarily removed from that first wedge, and had been reassigned to nearby locations, among them Leo Smith. “We were just getting ready to move back in when the plane hit. It was the only part of the building that was capable of withstanding the force of an airplane. After 9/11 they had to rebuild. I ended up never going back. It was not because of 9/11. It was because at the very same time that happened, I was discerning my calling to become a priest. “I had been very fortunate. I was happy with my life before I became a priest. I loved my job, my home, and my friends. I was 48 and living in Fairfax, Virginia. Now I found myself spending time discerning what God was calling me to do. “I tried bargaining with God by doing good works—Big Brothers, the Aids Ministry, working with the Blind—but these were not enough,” says Fr. Smith. At the time, he lived in the diocese of Arlington and was considered too old to be sponsored by that diocese, 35 being the maximum age they would consider. Now 48, Leo Smith applied to the diocese of Venice. His sister lived in Bradenton, and he had been coming to visit her

Continued from cover story

every year for a week or ten days. “To be accepted to study for the priesthood, you have to fill out a lengthy written application,” explains Fr. Smith. “You have to get references from friends and employers. You have to get a reference from your priest and be interviewed by the Vocations Director of the diocese. You are interviewed by men and women in the diocese, and then interviewed by the Bishop. You also have to undergo psychological testing. “I went through the whole process with the diocese of Venice, and they accepted me. The Vocational Director said I needed to attend a seminary. He sent me to interview at Christ the King in East Aurora, NY, near Buffalo. It was the summer of 2002. I felt so good about the seminary interview that I drove back to Washington, listed my house on Monday and by Thursday I had competing bids, one of which was $10,000 more than my price. I sold everything I owned except my bike, my clothes, and my car—a Subaru Station Wagon which I am still driving. I suddenly went from living in a 2000 square foot house filled with stuff to living for four years in a seminary.” Fr. Leo Smith graduated from the seminary in October of 2006, and was ordained a priest at the Cathedral in Venice, Florida. Now 52, Fr. Smith was assigned to St. Charles Borromeo church in

Port Charlotte. He served there for five years until the Bishop transferred him to Church of the Incarnation in Sarasota, where he served for two more years before being transferred to St. Francis Xavier in Ft. Myers. Finally, on August 1, 2014, Fr. Smith was sent to St. Michael’s Church on Siesta Key, where he will serve until the Bishop chooses to send him elsewhere. Today, Fr. Smith is the Associate Pastor at St. Michaels. He visits homebound parishioners, helps people prepare for marriage, and also arranges funerals. “I love being an Associate. I don’t have to worry about paying the electric bill. I don’t get blamed for anything. I get to just be a priest. A lot of people have said to me, ‘How different the church must be from life at the Pentagon.’ I tell them I’ve just gone from the world’s largest bureaucracy to the world’s oldest. “Now that I am a priest, I’m filled with joy. I love being a priest. I really do. People constantly say to me: ‘Thank you for everything you gave up to become a priest.’ And I tell them I haven’t given up anything: I’ve gained.” St. Michael the Archangel Parish was dedicated on January 10, 1960. It is part of the Diocese of Venice, and Msgr. Joseph Stearns is the pastor. St. Michael’s is located at 5394 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota, FL 34242. Phone: 941.349.4174. hhttp:// www.stmichaelssiesta.com

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Off Islands

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Oops, my bad. It was a free document-shredding event aimed at getting a lot of unwanted paper – like old tax documents, bank statements, and other sensitive papers, recycled, rather than having them taken to the county dump. The town of Longboat Key and Quickshred, the shredding service company, jointly sponsored this service. Thousands of pages of unwanted material were shredded.

Besides establishing some of our first National Parks, President Theodore Roosevelt set up our National Wildlife Refuge system. And Passage Key, located a bit to the north of us, at the entrance to Tampa Bay, was one of the first. Back in 1905, according to the U.S. What to do with an Fish & Wildlife Service, Passage Key was over 60 acres in size and extra $13 million contained its own freshwater, Manatee County School District spring fed lake. By 1910 it even had officials found themselves in a bind. its own Audubon game warden to They need to finalize their budget help protect the over 100 species in September and discovered that of birds that were sighted on the they had overtaxed residents by island. millions of dollars. You can’t just Unfortunately the 1921 hurricane sweep that much money under the that battered the Tampa Bay area rug (unless, of course, you bought also did a job on Passage Key a bigger rug). and it pretty much disappeared. One way to guarantee that the Fortunately the currents that had money will be spent is to start built it up in the first place are spending it before the budget is still in play and the key has begun finally approved, which is the to emerge once more. While still board’s plan. Their idea was to fluctuating in size, it is large enough hire about 35 security officers and (four acres) and high enough for administrators for the county’s shore birds to wade there catching elementary schools before school fish with some actually nesting on opened on August 18th. They the highest portions. The birds that already have guards in all their have been sighted there include middle and high schools. various species of terns as well as Over the past few years there a fair number of pelicans. have been a number of school Another species, the human shooting incidents, estimated at variety, has also been sighted in the 22 per year by Everytown for waters off the edge of the island as Gun Safety, since the Sandy Hook nudists have begun to flock there shooting of 2012. Given that there as well. As the only way to the are 138,925 public, private and island is by boat, these naturalists post-secondary schools in the (nudists) tend to stay on board or US (as of 2010), this was .00016 frolic in the water. They are not shootings per school. Many times supposed to walk on the sand that one hears the phrase “if spending makes up the refuge, as it frightens a million dollars (in this case $1.68 the birds. million) saves one life, it will be In years past, knowledge about worth it”. Or, to quote, Manatee 005722_MHBF_LandingsEagle_Mech a nudist beach or island was passed Revision: 0 Created: 8/21/13 Printed @ 100% County board member Barbara along by word of mouth. Today Harvey, “an old dress is better than Client: M. Heights Creative Director: REX GEE with social media and blog sites no dress at all.” on the Internet like TripAdvisor, Art Director: ALAN REYNOLDS But is .00016 an accurate number Wikipedia and Fox News, everyone for the elementary schools in Bleed: N/A seems to be fully informed Copywriter: (but not Manatee County? As many of Trim: N/A clothed) on the subject. Proofreader: NANCY TUCKER the shootings across the nation were gang related, that number is Live: 10"x5.125" Studio Artist: LUIS ARRIAGADA Thousands of Books Inspected too high for schools where there By: burned on Longboat Key is little or no gang activity and Colors: 4/c Production Manager: CAROL CAPOSINO perhaps too low for those with such In late August Longboat Key action. Given that most gangs are DPI: 300 hosted a book Project Manager: LAURA WILMESMEIER burning. High party active in high schools, with some officials had “strongly suggested” in middle schools, the incidence that residents bring books and in elementary schools should other papers that were deemed prove to be quite low. While the “offensive”, to the square in front young children of Guatemala and of the town hall for the high noon Nicaragua are fleeing violence in burning. Regime members were their countries, the Bloods and the pleased with the outcome.

Crips are not yet recruiting kids in kindergarten thru fifth grade. A side issue is that the majority of those asking for security guards tend to be the more vocal and affluent parents. So what to do? Perhaps they should be hiring security guards only for the schools most apt to need them - mainly selected area high schools. This tax money might be spent more wisely on anger management courses. These courses could be instituted for all grades in all schools, starting in kindergarten. Such an approach might reduce school shootings and bullying now, and later in life reduce the flair-ups between spouses and partners. Teaching something of lasting value might be a better approach than putting our students into a prison like situation with armed guards patrolling the hallways.

Here comes the Double Whammy

Longboat Key Town Manager Dave Bullock has proposed a property tax increase of over $959,000 for the coming fiscal year starting October 1st. This is on top of the extra revenue generated by the 5.5% rise in assessed property values over the previous year. Actually the two amounts are both part of the overall property tax system. The current assessed rate of 2.0760% combined with the proposed increase of 0.1003% will total 2.1763%. Increased property values generate additional tax revenue and an increased millage rate generates additional tax revenue. Both are tax increases so this really sounds like a double whammy for the residents of Longboat Key.

Unclaimed property auction raises $1.3m for schools

Thousands of items abandoned in safe-deposit boxes will translate into $1.31 million for Florida public schools, state Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced August 12. Atwater’s office held an auction Saturday of unclaimed property, with the proceeds going to schools. The item that fetched the most money was a Cartier platinum and diamond watch that sold for $24,000, Atwater’s office said. The property had gone unclaimed for years.

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Summer Beach Runs

By Trebor Britt

Kids Summer Beach Runs are held every Tuesday at 6:30 PM on incredible Siesta Beach for ten consecutive weeks. A more serious run for adults and others usually follows at 7 PM. The runs are sponsored by the Manasota Track Club and each weeks run is just a little different. They begin in June and end in August. If you’ve never joined the hundreds who participate, you’re just not cool. And so sorry for you, you’re going to have to wait until June 2015 to be cool again.

Multirace Triathlon

By Trebor Britt

Above: Care 2 Tri Vice Pres., Stephanie Rodriguez nearing the mounting area of the bike race portion of the Multirace Triathlon. She will pull Danny Frank through the 10-mile course that weaves through Siesta Key. Top Right: Nadia McKinnon (kyak), although a victim of cerebral palsy, is a five year veteran of triathlons. She’s enjoying a pre-race peptalk by Care 2 Tri volunteers while volunteer/competitor, Gary Fecher completes an important equipment and safety check prior to the swim portion of the Multirace Triathlon held in the warm gulf waters off Siesta Beach. Nadia was the first participant when the organization was founded. Right: Care 2 Tri Vice Pres., Stephanie Rodriguez assisting Gary Fecher with the kayak harness he will wear while he swims and pulls Nadia McKinnon through the triathlon course in the kayak. Care2tri.org is a non-profit corporation of caring individuals with the common goal of helping those with disabilities gain a sense of fulfillment by giving them opportunities that they wouldn’t otherwise have.

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Beach Wedding

By Trebor Britt

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A light gulf breeze and powdery white sand set the stage for another breathtaking Siesta Beach wedding. Julieth Mazo of Medellin, Colombia and Jarrod Gelling of California, exchanged vows surrounded by family, and close friends at an intimate wedding ceremony held on stunning Siesta Beach recently. Even some of Julieth’s family in Columbia were able to enjoy the ceremony simulcasted live on FaceTime. Asked about when they first met Julieth replied, “We meet at the gym, “Fitness for 10”, in Brandon Fl, where he goes every day and I go once a month...lol.” Their memorable first kiss came in the parking lot of a movie theater in Ybor City after seeing the movie “Sherlock Holmes” on their first date. Just a couple months later they knew they were in love. They were enjoying a jacuzzi, when they both said “I love you” at the same time. Julieth recalled the day she realized he was the one. “He said: “I love you” and I said: “I love you more” and he got mad because he said that is not possible.” The deal sealer came for Jarrod when he realized how big her heart was and how much she supported him in anything he did. Jarrod decided to go public with his marriage proposal by asking Julieth to marry him in front of 300 tourists on the top of the Empire State Building earlier this year. Both are budding entrepreneurs. Julieth has an online retail business and Jarrod owns Southern Muscle Sports Nutrition store. In addition to Jarrod’s retail success, he recently finished fourth in the nation in the Mr. Universe competition. After their wedding and a few days in Sarasota, they’ll begin the next chapter of their exciting lives together by moving into a new house in Tampa. They’re delaying their honeymoon until this winter when they’ll spend it skiing in Colorado. Choosing Siesta Beach for their wedding was a no-brainer. They often spend time on the beach here and agree with most Americans it’s the best beach in the United States. Sun Weddings of Venice, Florida (SunWeddings@aol. com) provided everything in Julieth and Jarrod’s beach wedding package.

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Sarasota History

By Paul Roat Republished in memory of Paul Roat (1957 - 2014)

|Another generation of Siesta’s home-grown characters... Siesta Key has a history of unusual characters. The trend continues to this day. When was the last time you were at the Sunday sunset beach drum circle? The reason for character congregation could well be explained by the late novelist Douglas Adams in his sci-fi book “Mostly Harmless”: “We all like to congregate at boundary conditions. Where land meets water. Where earth meets air. Where body meets mind. Where space meets time. We like to be on one side and look at the other.” Perhaps the first “character” in Siesta Key history was Rube Allyn in the early 1910s. He was an actor, publisher of the short-lived “Sarasota Sun” newspaper, and accused but acquitted of killing Sarasota’s political poster child and long-time mayor Harry Higel. Rube Sr. left Siesta and Sarasota with his wife and two children and moved to a village southeast of Tampa. It was later named Rubonia. The following is from Great Outdoors Publish Co. “Rubert Royce Allyn Jr. learned the publishing business at his father’s knee. After a stint in the U.S. Navy, Rube Junior wrote for the St. Petersburg Times newspaper, ultimately becoming its outdoor columnist. His primary beat was the fishing pier [in downtown St. Petersburg], and he enthusiastically reported who was catching what and where. “Some of his ‘fish stories’ were just that. Many of them were illustrated with goofy cartoons created by friend and fellow columnist Dick Bothwell, who was frequently called upon to confirm the veracity of whatever howler Rube came up with. “Although Rube traveled around Florida reporting on all sorts of outdoor activities, he was especially keen on fishing. While quizzing local anglers at the dock about their day’s catch, he was so often asked ‘What kind of fish is this?’ that he compiled his first book, ‘Dictionary of Fishes,’ eventually publishing it himself, printing it on a press that was housed at one time in a tent, at another aboard a boat in the municipal basin. “After Rube retired from the Times he became a fulltime publisher, producing more fishing books, fishing maps, boat plans and tide charts. Expanding beyond the realm of fishing and boating, he did books on shells, birds, reptiles, camping, Florida history, and other topics, and was a founding member of the Florida Outdoor Writers Association. “In 1964, Great Outdoors moved to the Lealman area of St. Petersburg. Rube’s business was not only a publishing house, but a commercial print shop as well, with complete offset and letterpress services. He also sold tide charts, custom printed with the name and logo of fish camps and bait and tackle stores. He would fill his motor home with books and tide cards and travel around the state, visiting shell shops, bookstores, magazine stands, tourist attractions, and Seminole and Miccosukee Indian villages, delivering his wares and collecting information for his books.” We’re obviously talking old-school, hands-on marketing back then. But Rube Jr. was more than just a showman. His daredevil act rivals current local acts.

The Best Happy Hour Food In Town. Above: Rubert Royce “Rube” Allyn Jr. Left: Charlie Allyn

From the St. Petersburg Times, July 19, 2009, comes the following report. “It was July 1954, two months before the original Sunshine Skyway opened, and Rube Allyn could smell a good story. With photographer Bob Moreland right behind him, snapping pictures, he became the first to cross the 15-mile bridge from end to end. “Part of the trip was by car — no sweat. But when the two journalists got to the still-incomplete middle span, 11 stories above the water, it took an hour to negotiate, walking and crawling over 8-inch-wide steel girders and planks. “’Up there,’ he reported, ‘it is a lot higher than I expected, the wind was blowing harder than I supposed — and the bridge, which looked solid from a distance, was swaying like a hammock.’ “That was vintage Allyn. In his quarter century as the Times outdoors writer, he was known for both his daily column and his showmanship. He peppered his columns with fishing tips and calls for conservation. He loved a good adventure, like the time he and two companions became the first to cross the Florida Straits from Key West to Cuba in an outboard motor boat. “Allyn was an entrepreneur as well, founding a company that published a number of outdoors books. One of those books, his ‘Dictionary of Fishes’, sold more than a half-million copies. “He died in 1968 after he was struck by a car while bicycling. At his request, he was buried at sea, wrapped in sail cloth, at a spot near Egmont Key ‘where the kingfishing is best.’’” Great Outdoors Publishing Co. is still in existence. Rube Sr.’s son Charlie and wife Joyce took it over and kept the presses running. It changed hands a few times and, after Charlie’s death in 1988, Joyce ran the business until she died in 2005. Great Outdoors continues. It now publishes more than 40 Florida titles and distributes about 400 other publications. Rube Allyn’s “Dictionary Of Fishes” was pretty much on every bookshelf of every fisher back in the 1950s through the 1980s, published by Great Outdoors Publishing Co. of St. Petersburg.

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Aledia Tush, owner of CB’s had the opportunity to meet Governor Scott at the ICAST show in Orlando in July at the ICAST Breakfast. Governor Scott enjoys fishing, too.

The problem with illegal rentals on the Key By Debbie Flessner

Dental Anesthesia

There’s no doubt about it, teeth and gums can be sensitive. Often, local anesthetics are administered to make patients feel more comfortable and treatment easier by numbing the gums and teeth. Incredibly, there are those patients who don’t need local anesthesia. Others just need some anxiety control with nitrous oxide, oral medications and/or hypnosis to help them feel comfortable. Some request deep sedation using IV or oral medication. At Palmer Ranch Dental we are very sensitive to our patient’s needs as discomfort and anxiety control is extremely important to us. Basically there are two types of local anesthesia based on how long they last and how profound the result. A new type of local anesthesia is available that shortens the amount of time the numbness persists. It may appeal to patients who need to eat right after treatment or those who cannot tolerate the “numb” feeling. If any of these issues are important to you, check with your dentist or give us a call. Oral health is important. Maintaining proper oral health and function is one of the keys to a long and productive life. It’s up to you!

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Continued from cover story

If a home in a residential neighborhood is being rented by the week or the month, and people are constantly going in and out of the home, it can be a little disconcerting to people who live around it. But even though the county code enforcement officers try their best to keep up with the illegal rental situation, there are still many instances that go undetected--that is unless residents who live in neighboring homes report the violations. Joe Volpe lives in a quiet neighborhood on Siesta Key, but near a home that has been illegally rented off and on for the past year. He said that the homeowners live out of the area and have hired a local rental company to lease their home for them. When one particularly large group was in the home for just a week, Volpe brought it to the attention of both the code enforcement office and to the owners themselves. “They had owned the house for about two years and there was no problem prior to this, as they didn’t rent the first year,” he said. “They are aware of the 30-day rule and did not know that the realtor was doing what she was doing. They were not happy to find that 10 people were living in their house.” He said that the owners were rightfully concerned about the possible wear and tear on their home, with a group of that size staying there, and they certainly didn’t

intend for their house to be used to break any county rental rules. Volpe is on the board of the Siesta Key Association and is well aware of the restrictions involved with renting a home on the island. Some of those rules take into consideration people who are using the property without permission, for which the owner or property manager is also responsible. Because of his position on the board, and as a good neighbor, Volpe takes notes of those instances as well. In one particular case with his neighbor’s home, before he reported the perceived violators to the code enforcement office, he wanted to make sure they were not related to the owners. He said he saw about ten people out by the pool and, because they had Pennsylvania license plates on the cars, asked them where they were from, since he grew up in that state. “Since there was no rental sign there was no way to know if these people were renting or not,” Volpe said. “As it turned out, people were using the pool on Memorial day that had no business to do so as the house was not rented at that time, according to the owner.” Subsequently, Volpe filed a violation report with the county. After a homeowner or property manager is reported, the code enforcement office first confirms that there is indeed a possible violation. Lally said that if a neighbor has kept records of the particulars of

instances, or if the property is listed on a property manager’s website as a weekly rental, those are a good basis for an investigation. “A Notice of Violation to obtain rental and leasing records for the property is then sent to the property owner and leasing/real estate agent,” he said. “When we receive those records back and compare to the neighbors’ input and an advertisement/website, if a violation exists, they are sent a Notice of Violation to stop using the property as a Transient Accommodation. If the records indicate multiple rentals in any 30-day or monthly period, a hearing is scheduled before the Special Magistrate.” He also said that while he appreciates neighbors keeping a watchful eye on properties in their community, he doesn’t advise directly addressing possible violators. “I do not want or expect anyone but myself confronting any renters, but if they happen to be in conversation with the renters and find out how they rented the property it is a help,” Lally said. For more information about Siesta Key’s short-term rentals rules, visit the website at www. siestakeycommunity.com/ Zoning.html. If you suspect illegal use of property in your neighborhood, contact the Planning & Development Services Department/Code Enforcement office at 941-915-7548.

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Sheriff’s Report

July 22-August 18,2014

There were a total of 29 crimes reported on the Key from 7/22 – 8/18/14

7/29/14 Misdemeanor Disorderly Intoxication, Resisting Arrest Without Violence 5000 Block Ocean Blvd

An officer responded to a disturbance at a bar in the village. At the time of his arrival, bouncers were holding a male subject on the ground. The officer was attempting to talk to the subject on the ground when a woman became loud and irate. He tried to talk to the woman to conduct the investigation but she was uncooperative, yelling and screaming. He asked the woman, who was friends with the male subject, for identification but she refused and ran away down Ocean Blvd., The woman then came back and was in the middle of the street, yelling and cursing; ” record them, record them!” She ran away again and was followed by deputies. She was intoxicated and causing a disturbance of the peace. The deputy ordered her to stop but she ran into the street in front of a car and almost caused an accident. While she was running, she called 911 and stated she was running from the police. A deputy finally caught up with the woman and placed her under arrest. The woman was transported to jail without incident. The manager of the bar wrote a witness statement.

8/71/14 Felony Grand Theft 500 Block Beach Rd

A man called The Sheriff’s Office because his brother, the victim, was traveling back home. He said he and his brother were sitting on the beach behind the home. They spoke with two unknown females who were walking by on the beach, later identified as “Kris” and “Chris”. The man said the two females, who said they were from Tampa, stayed overnight. When they woke up the next morning, the victim’s ipad was missing. The man said they had “snap chatted’ with one of the subjects. She claimed she had found the ipad in the backseat of her car and would return it before the victim had to leave town, but she failed to return it. The man said the “find my ipad” app had been shut off, but his brother had sent Apple a message to disable the ipad. The man said if it is returned, he does not think his brother will want to pursue the matter any further.

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8/8/14 Felony Burglary 1000 Block South View Drive

A man reported that while he was away on vacation between 6/1 and 6/30/14, three firearms were stolen from the garage of his home. The man stated that he moved into a different house shortly after returning from vacation and thought that the firearms were in with the packed items that were to be moved and were stored in the garage. However, after moving to the new home and unpacking the final box, he realized the firearms were not there. The man stated that his mom had a habit of leaving the garage door open. He assumes that an unknown person entered the garage while the door was open and stole the firearms. The stolen items included a Smith and Wesson semiautomatic pistol and a Springfield semi automatic pistol.

8/9/14 Felony Grand Theft Siesta Public Beach

Two witnesses advised that a female suspect was seen taking money out of an unattended wallet on the beach. As the suspect walked out of the water, she was identified as the person observed taking money out of the wallet. The victim was located and advised that 3, hundreddollar bills were missing from his wallet. The witnesses stated that they had observed at least 1, hundreddollar bill taken. The suspect was also observed eating the victims’ food valued at $10.00. During the investigation, the boyfriend of the suspect was located but not implicated in the crime. The suspect stated that she took money out of her boyfriend’s wallet but could

not say how much money she had taken. She also gave conflicting statements about where she placed the money. It was not believable that she had mistakenly picked up the victim’s wallet, thinking it was her boyfriend’s. The suspect was detained and taken up to the Beach Office. Her boyfriend was left on the beach and was able to pay back the victim in $20.00 bills. The victim declined to press charges so a waiver was signed and the suspect was released.

8/12/14 Felony Burglary - Vehicle Siesta Public Beach

A woman called the Sheriff’s Office to report someone had entered her vehicle and stolen her purse while it was parked at the main beach parking lot. She stated she left her purse in the vehicle’s trunk. She also stated that the vehicles door locks do not work so the vehicle is never properly locked. She stated there were fishing poles and other items in the trunk, but the only item taken was the purse. The purse contained cash, a driver’s license and other cards and papers. There are no suspects or witnesses in the crime.

8/12/14 Felony Burglary - Vehicle Siesta Public Beach

A woman reported unknown person entered her vehicle and stole a purse containing a driver’s license, an ipod touch, other cards and papers and some clothing. The vehicle was parked in the main parking lot of Siesta Beach. The victim stated she could not remember if the vehicle’s doors were locked. There were no signs of forced entry. There were no witnesses or suspects.

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Big Sarasota Pass- Lido Key Update The Board of County Commissioners fast tracked the review process for the Big Sarasota Pass dredging proposal from the Army Corps of Engineers. On August 20, 2014, the Board of County commissioners unanimously approved funding to support an Independent Peer review of the most recent Army Corp of Engineering proposal. The recent public input and scoping meetings occurred July 23 and reflect some modification in the original sand borrow areas. Additional concerns were highlighted for South Lido County Park (Ted Sperling Park), a popular park for fishing, swimming, kayak, canoe and paddleboards along the Mangrove tunnel shoreline. Impact on water quality as it applies to recreation and environment, are highly significant in an Environmental Impact Statement

required by DEP prior to permitting. Most of the community focus has been on changes in sand accretion for our public beach and navigational channels. However, South Lido Key Park is also a County park of concern. It became a focus for review after SKA provided historical data surrounding the purchase of this land using Federal Funds in 1973. These Federally Funded grants to the State of Florida allowed for purchase of land to “maintain open spaces and recreational use by the public forever in their natural state.” The Provider for an Independent Peer Review will be chosen from a Library of (7) approved Coastal Resource Engineers. The expectation, expressed by the BCC, will be to review and interpret the project scope, methods and provide professional opinion of the results

Tallahassee Shorts Feds ok Medicaid Managed Care Program for three years

Federal officials have approved a three-year extension of a program that requires almost all Florida Medicaid beneficiaries to enroll in managed-care plans. The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, in a letter, formally approved the extension of what

is known as a Medicaid “waiver.” The move was expected, as federal officials indicated in April they would approve the extension, which will last through June 30, 2017. Florida lawmakers in 2011 approved a controversial plan to use a statewide managedcare system in Medicaid. The state Agency for Health Care Administration in recent months

By Catherine Luckner

as well any alternative suggestions. For more immediate help to critically eroding areas of Lido Key, SKA supported and City and County effort to increase sand allocation and funding for the TS Debby damage of 2012. Funds for the storm damage come from FEMA but would require supplemental local funding for an increase. The shoreline damage has increased since the original permit was approved. In the budget Agenda of Aug. 20, The BCC stated they would be willing to provide funds and await a formal request from the City of Sarasota. It’s estimated 44,000 cy of sand would be added to existing permit for 125,000 cy If approved, the project would begin in late November after turtle nesting. For Lido Residents, a beautiful shoreline, relief and less urgency is anticipated.

has phased in the new system, which took effect August 1 in the final 13 counties. The approval also extended for one year a program known as the “Low Income Pool,” which funnels extra money to hospitals and other health providers that serve large numbers of low-income and uninsured patients. Continued on page 24

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Off Key

By Robert Frederickson

|From Seeking Shelter in Sarasota to Scaring the Wildlife on Passage Key Requiem for a Homeless Shelter?

Support evaporated on the city commission last month for consultant Robert Marbut’s recommendation that a come-as-you-are shelter be built near downtown as a means of addressing the city’s growing homeless problem. Marbut’s plan is still being considered by the county, but without the city’s support it will be difficult to gain a consensus as to where to place any such facility, which according to Marbut, should be near the resources used and needed most by the homeless (most of which are clustered around downtown Sarasota). Some have maintained that the driving force behind the city’s efforts to address the issue of homelessness has from the start been less about actually dealing with the root causes and more about maintaining a tidy, tourist friendly facade for the city, one marred by the constant presence of those pesky homeless folks wandering around town, panhandling and generally making a nuisance of themselves. Supporters of the Marbut plan counter that even if the motivation is less than fully altruistic, it would still allow the police to deal with vagrancy in a non-criminal manner by taking offenders to the proposed shelter instead of to jail, where the cost to taxpayers is significantly greater and the prospect for a solution to the underlying causes of an individual’s homelessness is virtually nonexistent. The shelter would be part of a larger effort designed to provide incentives to help people overcome the circumstances that have led them to end up on the street in the first place, according to the outline of Marbut’s plan. The debate reminds me of something I saw while taking a bike ride through the Celery Fields bird sanctuary east of town recently. On Raymond Road, south of the sanctuary (named for the area’s former claim to fame as celery capital of the nation) utility companies have installed spikes to prevent birds from taking up residence on their poles. The clear message: “Keep moving... don’t even think about trying to roost here...” akin to the city’s long standing law enforcement approach to dealing with the homeless. But just a quarter mile away, along Palmer Boulevard, the main drag through the

increasingly popular bird-watching park, instead of spikes, someone had the bright idea to build a higher perch on similar utility poles where birds can now land and even nest, above the sensitive electronic equipment down below...an alternative perch... and a creative approach to problem solving as well (one likely lost on city commissioners).

Speaking of Birds

I’ve lived in the same neighborhood for over twenty-five years and have never had the occasion to observe a single peacock in my yard...until now. It seems one rather large example of the exotic Asian genus has adopted our subdivision as its new home and shows no sign of wanting to move on. Now that the initial curiosity and spectacle of it all has worn off, we’re left with the reality of a large, territorial creature making a mess of our patio, climbing on our vehicles with massive (read scratch producing) talons and the prospect of potential damage to the shingles on our roofs when the majestic creature seeks higher ground after being spooked by something down below. So my question to our readers is this: has anyone out there dealt with this type of ornithological annoyance, and if so, are there any tried and true (and humane) methods that can be offered to get this noble but ultimately wayward interloper to move along? If so, please send any suggestions my way, c/o the Siesta Sand. Unfortunately, I don’t enjoy the luxury of being able to hire a consultant (whose expensive advice I can later ignore) to help me with this matter and provide political cover later if things don’t work out!

Sarasota Gets Sexy

By now you’ve likely heard about the latest top ten list that puts Sarasota at the head of the class as “Sexiest

Small City in America.” The list, compiled by the real estate web site Movoto, also includes Bradenton in its top five, which right there should make you pause as to its seriousness. But then again, Sarasota does have some things working in its favor here. For instance, what other city do you know of that has a naked guy as part of its official logo? For a while, the silhouette of Michelangelo’s David was even emblazoned on the side of the city’s police cruisers (much to the annoyance of some harder-nosed members of the force). Then there’s the famous Seward Johnson statue “Unconditional Surrender” on the city’s bay front. It attracts visitors by the scores who stop to have their pictures taken beneath the largerthan-life depiction of the famous throat probing smooch a sailor laid on a nurse in Times Square in 1945 as Japan’s surrender ending WW II was announced. And don’t forget North Lido Beach. For generations it enjoyed worldwide fame (and still does, especially among Europeans) as a world-class nude beach (though unsanctioned). So it’s no surprise Sarasota would make the list. Still, I suspect the real motivation was simply a tight deadline and an editor’s impatient entreaty to the next writer up on the assignment list: “Quick, I need 200 words on the sexiest small cities in the USA...” (Yes, your suspicions are correct...that is still how it sometimes works in the world of modern journalism...).

Speaking of Showing a Little Skin

The Dog Ate my E-mails

IRS manager Lois Lerner and her IRS minions have stretched credibility to the point of utter ridiculousness with their continued inability (unwillingness?) to produce subpoenaed email records concerning Lerner’s role in the alleged targeting of conservative leaning political groups legitimately seeking non-profit status. First the hard drive crashed on her desktop computer. Then the back-up service that administered the servers

her e-mails would have been backedup to was replaced with a new service provider, which conveniently made for a gap -surprise! - right at the time the records should have been backed up. Next we’ll hear her dog ate them. The irony here is that if you or I were to use a similar set of excuses about a gap in the documentation related to our tax filings, we’d be ordered to immediately pay up or face the consequences. Period. End of story.

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Like North Lido Beach, Passage Key off the northern tip of Anna Maria Island has become a favored spot for those who prefer to do their sunbathing au naturale. The problem though is that all that bare skin is scaring away the native wildlife, especially the bird population, for whom the island was set aside in the first place over a hundred years ago. And so Federal wildlife officers have started posting signs on the island reminding the nudists who have adopted the key as their own that they are not the wildlife being encouraged to flock there. The signs warn visitors that trespassing on a protected federal wildlife refuge is a felony punishable by fines and even jail time. Ouch! That could sting worse than a sunburn where the sun doesn’t usually shine!

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Pet Talk

Snapshots of Island Visitors

By Dr. Anne Chauvet

Q: Why is dark (baking) chocolate more toxic to dogs than milk chocolate? A: All chocolates are not created equal and any chocolate lover can tell you so. Many have only chocolate flavors. Milk chocolate, for example, has a low percentage of coco bean. Dark chocolate, on the other hand has a high percentage of coco bean, ranging from 50-90%. The more coco, the darker and the more bitter the chocolate, the more risk arises. Coco has an agent called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and like caffeine, can lead to tremors, seizures and even death. Toxin doses are 20 mg/kg and up and death can occur at 200 mg/kg of theobromine. Baking chocolate has about 150450 mg of theobromine per ounce and is very dangerous if ingested. Chocolate toxicity signs may not arise for hours and can last days. The rule of thumb is, if in doubt call your vet clinic and let them know what chocolate your dog ingested. They will guide you to either induce vomiting if needed, or to bring your dog in for treatment even before the symptoms arise.

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Q: Cats seem so limber; do they also have back (spine) problems? If yes – what type? A: Yes, cats also suffer from disc herniation albeit rare. Spine cancer is another problem cats may face. Some breeds have anomalies of the spine (Manx). In general, cats do indeed present with less back problems than dogs. Q: My poodle had a surgery for bloat (stomach torsion). What is the likelihood of this happening again? A: Bloat, which is gas filling of the stomach, can happen again. If the stomach is tacked however, torsion is unlikely anymore. This is why we often recommend doing stomach tacking in large breed and deep chested dogs before the problem arise. For example, my dachshund Tommy had bloat and torsed his stomach like a wet cloth that you ring out. His stomach needed to be tacked on both ends. His problem was inflammatory bowel disease. He still gets gas and I have to watch his food (no gluten), but overall he’s a happy dog now. Dr. Chauvet earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, completed a small animal medicine/surgery internship at the University of Illinois in Urbana and finished her residency in neurology/ neurosurgery at the University of California, Davis. She has been trained in small animal rehabilitation by the Canine Rehabilitation Institute of Wellington, Florida and is known internationally for her specialized work in the relatively rare field of veterinary neurology speaking to, training, and consulting with veterinary practices and organizations globally. If you have a question about your pet, please email your question to criticalvetcare@gmail.com Each month, Dr. Chauvet will choose a few questions to share with readers.

1: Riley, Katlyn (siblings) enjoying the SK area for the week. 2: Ricardo & Jessica from Miami having a little fun in the sun on SK! 3: Olivia from Tampa, Lindsay from Madeira Beach, Fl, & Allison from Michigan “sisterly love”. 4: Bria age 2 months, Kaylee age 16 sisters having fun on SK beach. 5: Brian from TN – enjoying the week on SK.

|Pet Friendly Beaches Although dogs are not allowed on any of the beaches on Siesta Key, there are a few places you can take your furry pal. Brohard Paw Beach, 1600 Harbor Drive, Venice, FL 34285. Hours: 24 hours per day, 365 days per year (parking closed from 12 AM – 6 AM); dogs allowed on the designated portion of beach from 7 AM to dusk only Paw Park is one of the few places along the beach where dogs are allowed. The park features an enclosed run for big dogs and one for small dogs, as well as an open beach area where dogs can swim. This park, across from Venice’s airport, is where you and your “best friend” can play in the gulf and socialize with other dogs, offering doggie drinking fountains; showers on decks for “dogs only”, fire

hydrants and leash posts, dog lovers have declared this park… and beach… to be the best doggie park in the state! Shaded by towering oaks, small dogs will enjoy their fenced in arena while the big boys can frolic in the larger pen. Double gates access both parks and the beach. A paved walkway leads directly to the beach where your best friend will delight in this 300’ section of sand and water. Note: Summer months may force you to carry your furry friend as the sand can be hot under paw. Doggie waste bags and receptacles are provided and strategically placed around the park. Human comforts include drinking fountains, picnic tables and restrooms. Parking is very limited although off road parking is across the street.

Bird Key Park is located on Bird Key, Florida, at the foot of the Ringling Causeway Bridge, which leads to Sarasota. This small stretch of beach along Sarasota Bay is a well-known spot for dog lovers. You and your dog can swim together while enjoying stunning views of the blue-green water. The park is open from 6 a.m. until 12 a.m. year-round, and admission is free. (Source: eHow) Ken Thompson Park, a small beach on the Gulf Coast of Florida, is a hidden treasure near the Mote Marine Aquarium on Sarasota Bay. Here you will also find the New Pass Fishing Pier, which winds through the mangroves. You and your pet can stroll along the pier or relax in the sun while watching the kayakers launch their boats. The beach is open from 5 a.m. until 11 a.m. and admission is free. (Source: eHow)

I can smell again! Thank you endoscope!

Cats are prone to certain upper respiratory diseases, such as nasal polyps - common, noncancerous, teardrop-shaped growths that form in the nose or sinuses, usually around the area where the sinuses open into the nasal cavity. Symptoms include: nasal congestion, nasal discharge unresponsive to antibiotics, sneezing, decreased nasal airflow and noisy breathing, especially when inhaling. Surgical procedures are performed endoscopically, with a small telescope, which removes the polyps while preserving normal tissue.

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Your dog just can’t get enough of “catch.” Yes, he has plenty of toys, and just picking one up incites a glint-eyed round of the game. Nothing, apparently, is better than snatching something from the air. He’d play til he dropped, if you’d let him. Some dogs love a ball. Some dogs love squeakytoys, while others crave complicated playthings. And in the new book “A Wolf Called Romeo” by Nick Jans, some dogs have unusual playmates, too. Nick Jans was astounded at the size of the pawprints. They weren’t ordinary, dog-sized prints; these were huge, indicative of a wolf prowling near the city limits of Juneau, Alaska. It was a late afternoon in December 2003 and, though most residents of the Last Frontier “spend a lifetime” without ever spotting a wolf, here one was, almost teasing Jans with its bold presence. Days later, while walking their dogs, Jans and his wife encountered the wolf. He was full-coated, black, in the prime of his life, tipping the scales near 120 pounds – and before they could stop her, their Lab, Dakotah, dashed out to meet him, and to play. The wolf seemed smitten with the yellow (spayed) dog, a puppylove that ultimately gave him his name. Though the Janses tried to keep Romeo under wraps, other dog owners also noted throughout that winter that the wolf interacted happily with their pets, too. From a handful of neighbors, Romeo’s fan club grew. When he returned for a second, then a third winter to the edge of Juneau, so did people who enjoyed his friendliness but often disregarded that he was still a wild animal. That made some Juneauites clamor for the wolf’s removal. Others, believing him a danger, wanted Romeo dead. But, as Jans noted, fatal wolf attacks are extremely rare. “You have

267 pages

to be… unlucky – right up there with being struck dead by a piece of space junk – to be killed by a wolf.” And so Romeo stayed because “there was no basis for action unless something actually happened. And then it did.” There’ll be two camps that will read this review: those who love wolves and the natural history behind them, and those who think they’re varmints and want them eradicated. “A Wolf Called Romeo” is for the former type of reader. And yet, author Nick Jans offers his readers balance: in his basic overview of Canis lupus, he admits that attacks happen and that the presence of a wolf can be problematic; indeed, Romeo reverted to his natural behavior more than once, and may have killed a pet dog or two. Still, what happened to him, the controversy that swirled around him, and the aftermath of his unfortunate death are things that no self-respecting animal lover will want to miss. In addition to the wolfish tale here, I also enjoyed the travelogue that’s inherent in a story like this. I think that if you love wildlife, if you love nature, or you enjoy spending time outdoors, then “A Wolf Called Romeo” is a book to catch.

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Siesta Key Drum Circle Every Sunday is a perfect time to come to the Key for some wonderful entertainment. I’m talking about the Siesta Key Drum Circle that takes place each Sunday starting a couple hours before sunset and lasting until sunset. The gathering meets up just south of the main pavilion - just follow your ears and watch for the swelling crowd. Please note the following rules of

etiquette that need to be observed at the Drum Circle so that all can enjoy the experience: the inside of the drum circle is for participants only, not for people standing around. Feel free to enter the circle, take a picture and dance, but always keep moving. Never play someone’s drum without getting clearance from the owner. Always ask before borrowing other people’s property, especially hula

hoops. Flash photography and bright video lights are distracting, so photograph during daylight or use a night vision camera. And finally, please do not drink alcohol or smoke inside the circle and respect our beach by placing all trash in the appropriate receptacles. Photo courtesy of Rick Benitez.

Fundraising is Cool Bob’s Boathouse Operations Manager, Christine Vale enjoying a cool moment as Bartender, Michael Uribe and guest Steve Beauregard poor ice water over Assistant General Manager, Russ Swan during their recent ALS Ice Bucket Challenge promotion. They raised $500 and challenged The Cottage, The Hub Baja Grill, Reflections by Diane, and Doctors Transport to do their part. Swan and Vale are part of the new management team that is transforming the restaurant into the wonderful, fun place the Boathouse was on Siesta Key. They are committed to providing outstanding customer service and incredible food quality. ALS was first found in 1869 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot, but it wasn’t until 1939 that Lou Gehrig brought national and international attention to the disease. Ending the career of one of the most beloved baseball players of all time, the disease is still most closely associated with his name. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed.

Beach Reads Bio: The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and she never goes anywhere without a book. She lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 12,000 books.

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Sand Sculpting Common Q&A’s

GAMES ON THE BEACH Nigel Lewis (25) of Tampa hoping to eliminate one of his buckets during a friendly game of beer pong on the cool white sands of magnificent Siesta Beach. He and his brother challenged two friends from Chicago and Cincinnati. Photo by Trebor Britt

If you haven’t caught this column before, I’m Brian Wigelsworth and I am one of only about 250 Master-class sand sculptors in the world. I’m also the creator of the Siesta Key Crystal Classic, the world’s largest ‘doubles only’ master sand sculpting competition, held right here on Siesta Key, Nov. 15-18th this year. Here I try to give you upand-coming sand sculptor’s techniques, tricks, and insight on how to create better and stronger sand creations. In the last couple editions I talked about how to make a stronger sand sculpture by creating a strong block of sand to carve by pounding sand and water in to a removable form, and then gave you an idea of some of the varied tools we use to sculpt our creations. But we haven’t had a way for you to send in specific questions you may have, so I thought I would cover the most common and general questions that we hear a lot from the people who come to watch us on the beach, or at competitions. The first and most popular question is one that I mentioned in our first column, “How do you make the sculpture so strong, or stand so high?” Again, we

compact, very tightly, the sand into two foot high boxes, stacked, or layered, on top of each other. Then we remove the boxes one at a time, starting at the top, to reveal a very hard, compacted block of sand which we then sculpt, one layer at a time, carving it totally to finish before taking off the next box and working our way down to the bottom. Another question asked many times a day at every event is “what happens if it rains?” We are constantly spraying our sculptures with water because it is water that holds a sculpture together. A normal rain shower won’t really hurt the sculpture much at all, it can actually strengthen it. A driving rain can put little stipple marks on the face of the sculpture which an artist can easily smooth out. A heavy downpour can do a little more damage, but nothing an experienced sculptor worries about, it just may take a little more time to sculpt the detail back in. But keep in mind, now that the sculpture is saturated with water sculpting is much easier, the sand will cut smoothly when very wet. If it rains heavy for an extended period of time, that’s when we start to see major

By Brian Wigglesworth

damage. But the sky has to drop more water than the sand can absorb before we get a major collapse, and that’s a whole lot of water. But rain can hurt an event in other ways, by killing our visitor attendance. It almost seems as though people will melt in the rain before sand sculptures will. Then, we also get the entertaining questions as well. At last year’s Crystal Classic we were working on the very large center sculpture when a lady walked up behind me and asked if she could ask me a question. I responded, “Sure!” She said, “Where do you get all the sand?” I looked puzzled, turned my head and looked down the huge expanse of beach to my left, then turn my head again and looked at the huge expanse of beach to my right, and then turned around and looked at the football field length of beach before you reached the water, I turned back and looked at the ladies face, surprisingly still poised, waiting for an answer. I pointed to the red life-guard chair and said “right over there, that’s where the best sand is”. She seemed satisfied. In fact, with all the huge piles of sand

Map B #42

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Beach Bazaar & Swin Shack........... Map-C #28 Blvd. Beachwear.................................. Map-B #30 Comfort Shoes-Birki & More.........Map-D #64 Foxy Lady Fashions........................... Map-A #40 Gidget’s Coastal Provisions.............Map-B #44 Island Cotton Company.....................Map-C #29 Island Boutique................................... Map-B #50 Lotus Boutique................................... Map-D #66 Siesta T’s............................................... Map-B #30 Sun Glass Outlet..................................Map-C #24 GAS STATION Circle K Store......................................... Map-E #6 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Beach Bazaar...................................... Map-C #28 Created Gems......................................Map-C #51 Hurricane Rita’s Gifts.........................Map-C #51 Mount-N-Repair.................................. Map-B #48 Sea Pleasures & Treasures...................Map-C #2 Siesta Key Bead Shack....................... Map-A #36 Siesta Key’psakes................................ Map-B #29 Siesta Key Outfitters.........................Map-D #11 Siesta Key University.......................... Map-B #36

AccomModations Siesta Beach Resort ........................Map-A #38A ART GALLERY / STUDIO Calle Studios.........................................Map-B #32 Siesta Key Art Gallery........................Map-D #11 ATM / BANKS PNC ATM............................................. Map-C #61 Martin Funding......................................Map-E #1 Sun Trust Bank & ATM.........................Map-E #4 Bakery & Deli A Taste of Germany............................Map-C #53 Meany’s Mini Donuts......................... Map-C #24 BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Blase Café.............................................Map-A #38 Blu Que Island Grill..........................Map-C #57 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar................Map-B #42-43 Gilligan’s...............................................Map-B #33 Siesta Key Oyster Bar........................ Map-B #45 The Beach Club....................................Map-D #22 The Cottage.......................................... Map-C #58 The Hub-Baja Grill..............................Map-D #59 BOOK STORES Used Book Heaven...............................Map-B #48 COFFEE SHOPS Lelu’s Coffee Lounge...........................Map-B #31 The Local Bean.....................................Map-D #62 DRUG & HARDWARE Davidson’s Drugs................................Map-D #65 Village Hardware................................ Map-C #26 FASHION & ACCESSORIES Aqua Beachwear................................ Map-D #12

Map C #61

Map D #11

SIESTA SAND September 2014 • www.siestasand.net

the event you might wonder ll came from. But seeing as protected beach, we are not bring in foreign sand, nor take nt of sand from this beach. So rge front loaders skim just up es of sand, evenly, off a large he beach to use for sculpting. the event the sand must be ht back from where it came so ent has a near zero impact to beauty of our beach. also always want to know the sculptures will last?” And s depends on really one major mans. There are always those eel the need to destroy. It’s a it’s a fact of life. But much to s of art enthusiasts and other we have a need to destroy the ourselves after an event. They e serious hazards to young ho seem to possess a natural dig tunnels in sand. These consist of tons of sand and ollapse a tunnel dug through ibly burying someone inside. closely watched, all night, by rds, until they can be safely

leveled and returned to the beach. It seems a lot of folks are very curious of where we get our ideas for what we create. Professional sculptors in competitions are trying to think of something that hasn’t ever been done before. And that means something none of the other sculptors have seen done before either. And let me tell you, to a Master sand sculptor working for the last, say 20 years, EVERYTHING has been done before. So it is a daunting task to come up with something new. For instance, when I came up with the idea and design for a 5 foot high, 70 foot long catwalk, with a 15 foot high backdrop sculpture to hold a Margaritaville Apparel fashion show on top of last year, I was ecstatic to find out that it seems it had actually never been done before! A sand sculpting first for Siesta! Some sculptors struggle with coming up with an idea months before an event while there are some that don’t have any idea what they’re doing until they have pounded up their sand, then sit and stare at the pile until something in its form speaks to them. These are the ‘never do today what you can put off ‘til

tomorrow” kind of people. (Yes, they are always male sculptors). Other questions are: “How long does it take?” As you can imagine, that all depends, on size, sand quality, complexity, etc. “Can you do it inside?” Yes and we do quite often, for resorts, trade shows, weddings and banquets. “Have you ever had a collapse?” Most definitely, we all have. All it takes is one small area at the bottom of a sculpture that didn’t get wet or compacted, that later, under the weight, compresses causing a shear that can take off a whole side of a sculpture. But we don’t let it defeat us, we always go right back to work fixing it. (But it can make us rather grumpy.) “Do you add anything to the sand besides water?” No, we sculpt with just sand and water. If the sculpture is to last multiple days, we may spray a thin layer of an environmentally safe sealer on the finished sculpture to hold the moisture in. “What are the wires sticking out of the top of the sculpture, part of the framework that’s inside?” As much as

we like to make up all kinds of ridiculous answers for this question like, ‘they’re up there to improve our cell reception out here on the beach’ or ‘they’re to attract lightning in the hopes we can turn the sculpture to glass’. The short wires we stick in the top of sculptures are called ‘bird wires’ or ‘butt pokers’ and keep the sea birds from landing on the art. Because gulls and other sea birds like to perch on high spots on the beach and

they can do quite a bit of damage. But the hardest question we get usually comes from the smallest guests, “How do you do that?” Well…I…I still haven’t figured out the answer to that one. If you have a sand sculpting question you’d like to ask, feel free to email me at gotsand@gidgetssiestakey. com and I’ll try to answer it. But until then, save me a spot by the red life guard chair, it has the best sand!

HEALTH & FITNESS Indep. Lifestyle Solutions ................ Map-D #10 Siesta Key Fitness..............................Map-B #73 Studio Rubylakes................................ Map-B #49 ICE CREAM/treats Big Olaf Creamery..............................Map-C #52 Ciao Gelato...........................................Map-C #50 Siesta Key Sweet Shop......................... Map-D #9 SubZero Ice Cream Yogurt............... Map-D #16 Sunni Bunni Frozen Yogurt...............Map-C #53 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs................................. Map-D #65 Internet Cafe......................................... Map-D #9 Lelu Coffee Lounge............................. Map-B #31 The Local Bean.................................... Map-D #62 JEWELRY Created Gems......................................Map-C #51 Michael & Co. Jewelers...................... Map-B #29 Mount -N- Repair Jewelers................ Map-B #48 LIQUOR STORES / Fine Wines Gabbiano’s Wine Club....................... Map-D #70 Gilligan’s.............................................. Map-B #33 Siesta Key Wines............................... Map-C #61 The Beach Club................................... Map-D #22

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MAILING - SHIPPING UPS store............................................. Map-A #41 US Post Office..................................... Map-D #65 MARKETS/FOOD STORES 7-11 Store.............................................. Map-B #46 Circle K Store......................................... Map-E #6 Siesta Market........................................Map-C #25 MASSAGE Hands of Light Massage.................... Map-B #35 Massage Experience Siesta Key......Map-D #62 Massage Therapy.................................. Map-E #1 Siesta Key Massage Ctr......................Map-D #9 MEDICAL - DENTAL Dr. Barry LaClair MD.........................Map-C #56 E.K. Koster DMD................................ Map-D #63 Karen F. Leggett, D.O.........................Map-C #56 Siesta Key Physical Therapy............. Map-D #20 Siesta Smiles Dentistry....................... Map-B #49 MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce..................... Map-D #67 Roberti Enterprises............................ Map-A #39 Sheriff’s Office...................................... Map-D #9 Tarot Card Reading & Gifts............... Map-B #50 PROFESSIONAL SERVICEs CG Designs...........................................Map-E #1 Edward Jones Investments............... Map-D #68 Smith Architects.................................. Map-E #74 REAL ESTATE / Rental SERVICES Ascendia Real Estate.......................... Map-D #11 Beachside Resorts Rental.................. Map-D #11 Charles Rutenburg Realty..................Map-C #53 Coldwell Banker Realty..................... Map-D #20 Horizon Realty.................................... Map-B #34 Island Homes.......................................Map-C #51 Key Realty.............................................Map-E #5 Michael Saunders Realty..................Map-E #72 Re/Max Alliance Group................... Map-D #60 ReMax Tropical Sands....................... Map-D #67 Robasota Rentals & Real Estate..... Map-A #39 Siesta Key Realty.................................. Map-D #9 Waterside Realty.................................Map-C #29

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RESTAURANTS 314 II, Craft Beer board Room........... Map-A #37 Another Broken Egg..................Map-C #54 & 55 Beach Bites..........................................Map-D #16 Blase Café............................................ Map-A #38 Blu Que Island Grill......................... Map-C #57 Bonjour French Cafe...........................Map-C #47 Café Gabbiano.................................... Map-D #71 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar............... Map-B #42-43 Eat Here Restaurant.....................Map-D #17-18 Flavio’s Brick Oven & Bar.................. Map-B #29 Flavio’s Italiano Ristorante................ Map-B #30 Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill.............. Map-B #33 Jo To’s Japanese Restaurant...............Map-C #47 LeLu’s Coffee Bar................................ Map-B #31 Lobster Pot.......................................... Map-C #23 Napoli’s Italian Restaurant................Map-C #53 Old Salty Dog Rest. & Pub................... Map-E #2 Señor Siesta......................................... Map-D #69 Siesta Key Oyster Bar........................Map-B #45 Solorzano Bros. Pizzeria.................... Map-D #15 Subway Sandwiches........................... Map-B #30 Sun Garden Café................................ Map-D #19 The Cottage..........................................Map-C #58 The Hub - Baja Grill........................... Map-D #59 Village Café........................................Map-D #14 SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY Nails By Iris..........................................Map-C #50 Salon Capelli......................................... Map-D #9 Sassy Hair Salon................................ Map-A #40 Siesta Key Nails...................................Map-D #9 Village Barber....................................... Map-D #9 SPORTS INTEREST/Rentals CaliFlorida............................................ Map-B #32 Robin Hood Rentals.........................Map-D #34 Siesta Village Outfitters......................Map-C #53

941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX

Things You Like...................................... C-3 #14 Gifts & Souvenirs Capt. Curt’s Souvenirs.............................B-3 #8 Green Turtle Shells & Gifts................. C-3 #14 The Silversmith ...................................... D-3 #17 Silver City Jewelry.................................. C-3 #14 Health & Beauty Lorraine’s Beauty & Barber.....................B-3 #8 Salon Siesta............................................... D-3 #17 Siesta Key Salon & Spa........................... C-3 #14 The Key Spa & Salon.............................. A-5 #12 Ice Cream & Treats Orange Octopus .......................................B-3 #8 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson’s Drugs.................................... C-3 #14 Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14 Liquor Stores Crescent Beach Grocery...........................B-3 #1 Crescent Club............................................B-3 #13

Siesta Spirits............................................. C-3 #17 Mailing & Shipping Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14 US Post Office Sub Station..................... C-3 #14 Markets 7-11 Store.................................................. C-3 #16 Big Water Fish Market.......................... C-3 #17 Crescent Beach Grocery...........................B-3 #1 Miscellaneous Moving & Storage....................................B-3 #10 Flowers by Fudgie................................... D-3 #17 Real Estate / RENTALS Homes & Condo Rentals........................ D-3 #17 Moynihan Realty..................................... D-3 #17 Re/Max Tropical Sands............................B-3 #1 Siesta 4-Rent.............................................. C-3 #1 Restaurants

Capt. Curts Crab & Oyster Bar.................B-3 #7 City Pizza Italian Restaurant............... D-3 #17 Clayton’s Siesta Grille...............................B-3 #9 Javier’s Restaurant.................................. C-3 #17 Miguel’s Restaurant................................ C-3 #17 Munchies.................................................. C-3 #17 Water Sports - Fishing - RENTALS A to Z Beach & Bike Rentals.................. A-5 #12 CB’s Island Outfitters.............................. A-3 #2 CB’s Saltwater Outfitters........................ A-3 #4 Parasail Siesta............................................. A-3 #2 Sarasota Wind and Water Adventures.. A-5 #12 Siesta Key Bike & Kayak . ......................B-3 #8 Siesta Key Marina..................................... A-4 #5 Siesta Key Parasailing............................... A-4 #5 Siesta Sports Rentals............................... A-3 #2 Siesta Sports Rentals............................. C-3 #14 Waves Boat & Social Club...................... A-5 #12

Big Water Fish Market................................C-3 #17 Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill...............A-5 #12

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ATM & Banks Bank of America........................................ A-3 #3 Bars & Nightclubs Capt. Curt’s Backroom Saloon................B-3 #7 Crescent Club........................................... C-3 #13 Sniki Tiki....................................................B-3 #8 Delis & Sandwiches Anna’s Deli & Sandwiches.................. C-3 #14 The Beach Deli @ Crescent Beach Grocery..... ......................................................................B-3 #1 DRUG STORES Davidson’s Drugs..................................... C-3 #14 Fashion & Accessories CB’s Island Outfitters.............................. A-3 #2 CB’s Saltwater Outfitters........................ A-3 #4 Coconuts Fashion......................................B-3 #1 Coconuts / Island Colors..........................B-3 #8 Green Turtle Swimwear......................... C-3 #14 Key Casual Fashions............................... D-3 #17

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City Pizza 6645 Midnight Pass Rd.

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Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill 1500 Stickney Point Rd.

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PLACE YOUR AD HERE Island Visitor Publishing 941-349-0194

SIESTA SAND September 2014 • www.siestasand.net

Notes from the Island Fishmonger

Water World

Captain Jim Klopfer Adventure Charters 941-371-1390 September is the month that redfish begin schooling up in Sarasota. The expansive shallow flats in Sarasota Bay are traditionally the most productive areas to fish. A low, incoming tide in the morning is preferred, allowing anglers to see the large schools of reds. As the tide rises, the fish will work up from the edges of flats and holes onto the grass to feed. Locating the fish can be difficult under flood tide conditions; there is just too much water up on the flat to effectively sight fish. Speckled trout fishing has been outstanding this year and this should continue in September. Deeper flats will produce more fish, while the larger specimens may be found in shallow water. A Rapala Skitter Walk or X-Rap worked over bars at first light is a deadly technique for fooling gator trout. Along with trout, anglers fishing the deep grass will catch a variety of species this month including bluefish, Spanish mackerel, mangrove snapper, pompano, gag grouper, and ladyfish. Both live bait and artificial lures will catch plenty of fish. A gold Cotee grub on a ¼ ounce jig head is a great choice for anglers who enjoy casting artificial lures. Olive (08) X-Raps and other plugs are also effective along with gold and silver spoons. A live shrimp under a popping cork is a time-proven technique for catching “specks” on the West Coast of Florida. Snook will migrate from the beaches back into the bays. Both passes will be great spots to fish, especially on afternoon outgoing tides. The bars and mangrove shorelines along Siesta Key are prime spots as the fish move towards their fall feeding areas. Artificial baits will allow anglers to cover more water, while a well full of pilchards practically guarantees success. Redfish, large speckled trout, jack crevelle, and mangrove snapper may also be encountered while pursuing the mighty snook. Lighted docks and bridges are snook

Florida Pinks Shrimp is the most popular seafood in the United States due to its firm tender texture, mild sweet flavor, and because they are plentiful. They reproduce rapidly and spawn offshore in deep water from early spring to early fall making them a naturally renewable resource. Even though farm-raised and white shrimp from Asia now represent more than half of all shrimp supplied to the U.S., the buyers for Big Water Fish Market concentrate on buying only fresh / frozen Gulf shrimp caught by local shrimpers. Not only are they trying to support our local fishing industry but Gulf shrimp is simply the best! As the shrimp is landed the heads are usually removed and the shrimp gets graded by size. Because shrimpers can be on the boat for up to 30 days at a time, the shrimp is frozen immediately on the boat and usually processed into five pound blocks. Only on a boat’s return will the heads be left on and the shrimp sold as fresh...never frozen. We buy both. Our shrimp suppliers leave port from Ft. Myers and shrimp the Dry Tortugas in Key West, Louisiana and Texas. We also have suppliers in the Florida Panhandle and the Alabama coast. Five different shrimp are commercially harvested in Florida from the Gulf of Mexico. Pink Shrimp is our favorite. Sanibel Pinks and Key West Pinks are caught from Ft. Myers to the Dry Tortugas. Shells are light pink with a pearl like texture. The meat is white with pink tones and has a sweet flavor like no other. When these are not available, we will buy the white and brown shrimped from Florida’s East Coast. Royal Reds have become very popular in recent years. They come from the deep waters of both the Gulf and Atlantic. Deep water shrimp harvesting is more difficult and limits the Royal Red’s availability. They have a deep red color, a soft delicate texture, and have a sweet shrimp / lobster

Snook will start moving back into Sarasota Bay in September, Sarasota resident Doc Dojutrek holds a nice one that he fooled using a topwater plug.

magnets and will provide great action for anglers looking to catch fish and escape the summer sun. Live and artificial shrimp free lined in the tide are deadly, as are small white flies. Surf fishing off the Siesta Key beaches should be good for snook, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, pompano, and other species. Point of Rocks is the best spot as there is a lot of fishholding structure, but any stretch of beach is likely to produce. Live bait such as shrimp and small bait fish works great. A #1 live bait hook with a short piece of leader and a split shot is the preferred rig. Spoons, plugs, and jigs are also effective baits in the surf. The rocks and bridges in Big Pass will be excellent spots to target mangrove snapper this month. These tasty saltwater panfish will be migrating out of the bay and into the Gulf of Mexico. Slack tides are the best times to drop a live shrimp or bait fish along the structure. Don’t be surprised if a big snook intercepts a bait meant for a mang!

|Siesta Key Fishing Charters Welcome aboard the top charter fishing service in Siesta Key & Sarasota, Florida for fishing both inshore and offshore. Siesta Fishing Charters will customize any charter

to your specific party! All guys, all gals, families, kids? we’ve got you covered! All ages & experience welcome. We strive to make your fishing trip with Siesta Key Fishing

like taste. Rock shrimp is also available. Rock Shrimp is named for its rock-hard shell. Cooked meat is white with red skin tones and has a sweet shrimp taste with a lobster like texture. I am asked on a daily basis....what is the best way to cook my shrimp? Since I’m Irish I tell them to boil it. The Irish boil everything. If you eat in at the Big Water Fish Market we will serve you large Key West Pinks steamed in Old Bay, butter and garlic; served with homemade cocktail sauce and a wedge of lemon and lime. Simple but great! Then there is Fried Shrimp, B.B.Q. Shrimp, Shrimp Gumbo, Shrimp Salad, Shrimp Po Bo, Shrimp Sausage, and the list goes on. That joke never gets old? Here is a great shrimp recipe that’s easy to prepare at home. RASTA PASTA 1 Green Pepper 1 Red Pepper 1 Yellow Pepper Deli dust and Jerk seasoning to taste...only available at Big Water 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp 1/2 pound sea scallops Pasta of your choice Chopped garlic 1 Tablespoon butter Cook Pasta to taste. Put butter, garlic and the colors of Jamaica (Red, Green and yellow) in a pre-heated sauté pan. Add Deli Dust to taste and Jerk seasoning to taste. Cook 4 minutes. Add shrimp and scallops and cook for 3 more minutes. Pour over pasta. Enjoy Mon. All these ingredients should be available at the Big Water Fish Market on a daily basis. If you want to get more information like this and a weekly update of the inventory at the Fish Market just go to www.bigwaterfishmarket.com and sign up for our weekly e-mail list. Live well...Eat fish Scott Dolan, Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass, Siesta Key, 941-554-8101

|Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans

Let’s go sailing, KATHLEEN D Sailing Catamarans, serving Siesta Key from 3 locations, Downtown Sarasota, Longboat Key and Anna Marie Island. If you would like to experience being on the water viewing Dolphin Watches, Sunset Sails, Snorkeling and Shelling call us at 941-870-4349 or go to our web site for detailed information www.kathleend. net USCG Certified for 20 passengers.

Charters the best experience you will ever have fishing in Siesta Key, Sarasota bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Give us a call today to book your next fishing trip! Expect a great time & an excellent fishing adventure with us! Located East Side of the Stickney Pointe Bridge in the lower docks of the Boatyard Village, 1500 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota FL 34231. (727) 641-2665

SEPTEMBER 2014 TIDE CHART

Florida, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Sarasota Bay

September 2014

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33'

|The Rumrunner Located at Turtle Beach Marina in South Siesta Key | 941.349.3119 www.siestakeycharterfishing.com Captain Joe Bonaro offers more than exciting deep sea fishing opportunities aboard “Sarasota’s

fastest charter boat,” the Rumrunner (941/349-3119). The skipper offers special boat and fishing trips for families – and for families with small children – as well as customized day and overnight trips.

Date

Day

437am

High Tide 2.3

532am

640am

High Tide

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

709am

751pm

119pm

Moonset

Phase

710am

750pm

710am

749pm

216pm

1226am

1st

313pm

119am

0.3

711am

0.2

711am

748pm

409pm

216am

747pm

502pm

633pm

0.2

318am

712am

746pm

553pm

1.0

714pm

423am

0.3

712am

744pm

641pm

646am

0.8

530am

751pm

0.5

713am

743pm

726pm

2.4

736am

637am

0.6

824pm

0.6

713am

742pm

810pm

214pm

2.3

744am

826am

0.5

855pm

0.8

713am

741pm

854pm

849am

2.2

306pm

2.3

401pm

2.1

917am

0.4

923pm

1.0

714am

740pm

938pm

953am

1.8

1010am

0.4

950pm

1.1

714am

739pm

1023pm

1055am

307am

2.3

347am

2.3

505pm

1.6

1108am

0.4

1019pm

1.3

715am

737pm

1110pm

1155am

631pm

1.6

1214pm

0.5

1052pm

1.4

715am

736pm

1158pm

435am

1252pm

2.3

829pm

1.5

128pm

0.6

1140pm

1.4

716am

735pm

537am

2.2

1001pm

1.6

245pm

0.6

716am

734pm

1247am

235pm

703am

2.1

1045pm

1.6

117am

1.5

355pm

0.6

717am

733pm

137am

321pm

837am

2.1

1115pm

1.7

307am

1.5

451pm

0.6

717am

732pm

228am

403pm

953am

2.1

1140pm

1.7

425am

1.4

537pm

0.6

718am

730pm

319am

443pm

1051am

2.1

1159pm

1.8

520am

1.2

615pm

0.6

718am

729pm

410am

520pm

1138am

2.2

603am

1.0

646pm

0.6

718am

728pm

501am

556pm

1215am

1.9

1218pm

2.2

639am

0.8

713pm

0.7

719am

727pm

552am

631pm

1229am

1.9

1254pm

2.1

713am

0.7

737pm

0.8

719am

726pm

644am

705pm

1244am

2.0

128pm

2.1

746am

0.6

758pm

0.9

720am

725pm

736am

741pm

102am

2.1

203pm

2.0

820am

0.5

820pm

1.0

720am

723pm

829am

817pm

125am

2.3

242pm

1.9

858am

0.4

843pm

1.1

721am

722pm

923am

856pm

153am

2.4

326pm

1.8

940am

0.4

908pm

1.2

721am

721pm

1018am

938pm

226am

2.4

421pm

1.7

1029am

0.3

937pm

1.3

722am

720pm

1114am

1024pm

305am

2.4

532pm

1.6

1127am

0.4

1011pm

1.4

722am

719pm

1211pm

1114pm

352am

2.4

712pm

1.6

1237pm

0.4

1058pm

1.5

723am

718pm

107pm

647pm

1.5

2.3

851pm

2.3

1030pm

801am

2.4

922am

2.4

1033am

2.5

1220am

1.7

1135am

1245am

1.8

109am

11 12

Low Tide 1258pm

0.6

1.5

221pm

0.5

1.6

1232am

1120pm

1.6

1153pm

1.6

Low Tide 1137pm

1.3

1.4

341pm

0.4

202am

1.5

449pm

336am

1.4

545pm

451am

1.3

2.5

552am

1231pm

2.5

1.9

123pm

134am

2.0

202am

232am

Full

145pm 3rd

New

941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

Who’s Playing Tonight

By Mike Sales

|An interview with Mike Tozier me play guitar like I’d do during the week when it was slow, said he was a drummer and suggested we start a band. I agreed and recruited a classmate from USF who played guitar & bass. We practiced in my garage and thought it was just a fun thing, until the drummer went out and booked us a gig at…well, to call it a dive would be a compliment. It was called the “Time Tunnel Pub”, on Fletcher Avenue in Tampa, which used to be the bad part of town. We played there for a while. It’s the good part of town now, but the pub is not there anymore. After that I met some other musicians and joined their band. I was in college and had a lot of fun playing and we got a Budweiser sponsorship. We were making some money but after we graduated the band broke up, so I started doing a solo thing. After that, I joined another band. Each opportunity just unfolded in the course of being drawn to and doing what I enjoy. There was never any big plan, but I always stayed after it.

Mike Tozier is one of those singer/guitar players with a complete mastery of the interpretation of cover songs. His guitar playing is accomplished to the point of being able to present the iconic parts we all know and love, so while the song remains totally recognizable, he delivers it with his own unmistakable style that is nothing short of incredible, even if you hang onto every note, as we found ourselves doing when we went to SKOB to catch his band and get an interview… WPT: Where are you from? Mike Tozier: My hometown is Temple Terrace. WPT: I understand you’re currently based in the Tampa area, but you play here (SKOB) every week; how many zip codes do you play weekly? Mike Tozier: I play in 4 different zip codes; Temple Terrace, Davis Island, Downtown Tampa, Hillview Drive in Sarasota and of course here on Siesta Key, every Saturday night.

WPT: How did you wind up playing on Siesta Key?

WPT: So you play 6 nights a week?

Mike Tozier: I was friends with Damon Fowler, before he became a national recording artist and his uncle referred me to play here at SKOB, which led to offers to play at other venues in the area.

Mike Tozier: 7 WPT: Which did you learn first, vocals or guitar? Mike Tozier: Definitely guitar. It was about 25 years ago.

WPT: How long ago did you start playing here?

WPT: How did you come to start playing professionally?

Mike Tozier: Over 13 years ago.

Mike Tozier: When I was a lifeguard at Temple Terrace Country Club one of the other lifeguards who heard

CLUB

BLASE CAFÉ

WPT: So, you’ve been playing here every week for more than a decade?

In the Village

941‐346‐0738 DAIQUIRI DECK RAW BAR In the Village

941‐349‐8697

WPT: Just outside of Nashville, why Nashville? Mike Tozier: From my understanding, New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Nashville are the music hubs, nothing against them, but the other cities just didn’t have the same appeal to me so I chose Nashville. WPT: Did you make any headway there? Mike Tozier: When I first moved up there, it seemed like I was. I was invited to play at the Americana songwriters’ conference and I got work pretty quick, but just in barrooms, which didn’t pay very well. I wanted to roll the dice while I was still young enough, and shoot for a record deal, but as it turns out, the fact that I don’t sing like a country guy or play country guitar, matters in Nashville and I came up snake-eyes, so, I moved back here when I realized what a good situation I’d walked away from and they were gracious enough to welcome me back. It’s good too, because I missed my family when we were gone. WPT: Have you released any CDs? Mike Tozier: I released a CD in 2006, pressed 1000 copies, sold about 800 and gave all the rest away but half a dozen I’m holding onto, just because. You can get it on iTunes, but make sure to look for the album entitled “Road of Life”, because there’s another Mike Tozier on there that isn’t me.

WPT: That’s heartbreaking and I know how you feel. There’s a barber on YouTube named “Mike Sales.” (laughs) Mike Tozier: Well, apparently up in the Northeast somewhere, there’s a kid named “Mike Tozier” who’s a real (tail)-kicking wrestler, because “Mike Tozier wins wrestling tournament…” comes up when you Google my name. WPT: (laughs) Mike Tozier: I’m considering putting a link to that on my website, just to mess with people. WPT: How many originals do you write? Mike Tozier: I used to write more before I went to Nashville and played my best songs for the people at ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers). They informed me that the reason people here liked my songs was because they liked me, not that they were good songs. That lack of encouragement kind of took the wind out of my sails. It was kind of demoralizing. I tried to adjust my writing style to something more country, but I like what I like and don’t really enjoy trying to be something I’m not. WPT: Now that you’re back, what are your current career goals? Mike Tozier: Right now, I’m reassessing that very thing. Its actually funny you asked, because in the last month my fiancé told me, “You need to have a come-toJesus meeting.” I wouldn’t say I’m

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE

MONDAY

In the Village 941‐349‐9822

BLU QUE ISLAND GRILL

Mike Tozier: Yes, minus a year & a half when my fiancé and I moved to Murfreesboro Tennessee.

Marcel 5‐9pm

TUESDAY

Live Music 6‐10pm

Tommy D 5‐9pm

WEDNESDAY Live Music 6‐10pm

5‐9pm Georgia & Mike (Sep.3 & 17) TBA (Sep.10 & 24)

THURSDAY Live Music 6‐10pm

6‐10pm Tim Chandler

(9/11 & 25) Backstreet (9/4 & 18)

FRIDAY

Mike Tozier in transition, because I love what I do and where I play, but I am thinking hard as to what my next move is going to be, how the next opportunity for career growth is going to come from and what I should do to prepare myself for it, because I don’t think its going to just present itself…I’ll have to do something and I’m not sure what that is yet. In the meantime, I’m constantly increasing my cover repertoire. WPT: What can the audience expect when they come to see you. Mike Tozier: Entertainment; ice cold drinks & good food from a friendly staff and familiar songs they may not have heard in a while. They can expect a great show. Mike Tozier plays Saturdays at SKOB. For more information visit www.miketozier.com SKOB (Siesta Key Oyster Bar) has live music 7 days a week and is located at: 5238 Ocean Blvd, in the village on Siesta Key. Mike Sales is a local singer/ songwriter for more info visit www.mikesalessings.com

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Live Music (6‐10pm)

Live Music 6‐10pm

Live Music 6 ‐10pm

Steve Sipes 6‐10pm

Frankie Catalina (1‐4) Tommy D (6‐10pm) (Sep. 6 & 13) Matt Coats – 6‐10pm (Sep. 20 & 27)

Georgia & Mike 1‐5pm Marcel 6‐10pm

Marvin (acoustic) 4‐8pm DJ Scotty B 10pm‐cl

Matt Gerhart 4‐8pm DJ Daze 10pm – cl

Live Music 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

Acoustic Pete 1‐5pm Live Music 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

DJ Haile Bless Reggae 4‐8pm Road Block 2‐6pm Live Music 6‐10pm Venturas on the back patio (5‐9pm) DJ 10pm – 2am

Rodney Shenk 6‐10pm

RPM 6‐10pm

Patrick 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

RPM 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

Acoustic Open Mic w/ Nally & Egglefield 6‐10pm

Ediie James Jazz Band 6‐10pm

Tony Tyler 7‐11pm

Ben Hammond Open mic nite 7‐11pm

Kettle of Fish 7‐11pm

Acoustic Pete 7‐11pm

Swamp Donkie 2‐6pm TBA 8pm – 12am

Dana & Co 2‐6pm Mike Tozier 8pm – 12am

THE BEACH CLUB

DJ Coz 10pm – 2am

Kettle of Fish 8‐11pm

DJ Rev Kev 10pm – 2am

DJ Xtreme 11pm‐2am

Live Bands 4‐7pm 8 – 11pm* DJ Gravity 11‐2am

Mighty Mongoes 8 –11pm DJ Rev Kev 11pm‐2am

THE COTTAGE

Live Music 6‐9pm

Live Music 7‐10pm

Live Music 6‐9pm

Live Music Noon – 3pm 3:30 – 6:30pm 7‐10pm

Live Music 1 – 4pm

4:30 – 7:30pm 8:30 –midnight

Live Music 1‐4pm 4:30 – 7:30pm 8:30 ‐ midnight

Live Music Noon – 3pm 3:30 – 6:30pm 7‐10pm

Karaoke 9pm – 1am

Chris Otto/TBA 6‐10pm

TBA 6‐10pm

Chris Otto or Andres Collin 5‐9pm

Larry Williams 5‐9pm

GILLIGANS

In the Village 941‐346‐8122

Lelu’s Coffee Lounge In the Village 941‐346‐5358

SIESTA KEY OYSTER BAR (SKOB) In the Village

941‐346‐5443 In the Village 941‐349‐6311 In the Village 941‐312‐9300

THE HUB‐BAJA GRILL In the Village 941‐349‐6800

BACKROOM SALOON @ CAPT. CURTS Crescent Beach Shops

941‐349‐3885

SNIKI TIKI @ CAPT CURTS Crescent Beach Shops

941‐349‐3885

BOATYARD BAR & GRILL Over the South Bridge 941‐921‐6200

BOB’S BOATHOUSE 5515 S. Tamiami Trail 941‐312‐9111 CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE

801 Blackburn Pt. Rd, Osprey

941‐966‐1901

Nick LeValley 6‐10pm Karaoke

Sunny Jim 6‐10pm Jazz 5‐8pm Country

Live Music Noon – 3pm 3:30 – 6:30pm 7‐10pm

RPM 6‐10pm

Karaoke 9pm ‐1am Chris Otto 6‐10pm

Cort Ferris & Cougar Wranglers 2‐6pm

Democracy (Reggae) 10pm‐2am

Paul Duffy 6‐10pm

Latin

SEE FACEBOOK

FOR DETAILS

CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE WILL BE CLOSED FROM SEPTEMBER 2ND THROUGH SEPTEMBER 25TH

Above information is subject to change. We suggest calling venues for confirmation.

SIESTA SAND September 2014 • www.siestasand.net

Democracy

(Reggae Music) 4‐8pm

Reggae

Live Music 4‐8pm

Island Humor [ A police officer in a small town stopped a motorist who was speeding down Main Street. “But officer,” the man said, “I can explain”. “Just be quiet!” snapped the officer, “or I’m going to let you cool off in jail until the chief gets back”. “But officer, I just wanted to say…” “OK, that’s it, I’m taking you in. Come on…” A few hours later the officer checked up on his prisoner and said, “Lucky for you the chief is at his daughter’s wedding. He should be in a good mood when he returns”. “Don’t count on it,” said the prisoner. “I’m the groom!” [ A family brings their elderly mother to a nursing home. The nurses bathe her and set her in a chair near the window. After a while, she slowly starts to lean over sideways in her chair. Two attentive nurses immediately straighten her up. Again, she starts to tilt to the other side. Both nurses rush back to put her upright. This goes on all morning. Later, the family arrives and asks, “Are they treating you well?” “Yes,” replies the old woman. “The only problem is that they won’t let me fart.” [ Four Old Catholic women sit and brag about their sons. The first Catholic woman tells her friends, “My son is a priest. When he walks into a room, everyone calls him ‘Father’”. The second Catholic woman chirps, “My son is a bishop. Whenever he walks into a room people call him ‘Your Grace’”. The third Catholic woman says, “My son is a cardinal. Whenever he walks into a room he’s called ‘Your Eminence’”. The fourth Catholic woman says, “My son is incredibly handsome, 6’2” with broad shoulders, good manners and impeccable style. Whenever he walks into a room, women say, ‘OH-MY-GOD!” [ Two old men, Joe and Paul, sit on a park bench feeding pigeons and talking about baseball. Joe turns to Paul and asks, “Do you think there’s baseball in Heaven?” Paul thinks about it for a minute and replies, “I dunno. But let’s make a deal – if I die first, I’ll come back and tell you if there’s baseball in Heaven, and if you die first, you do the same.

They shake on it and sadly, a few months later, poor Joe passes on. Soon afterwards, Paul sits in the park feeding the pigeons by himself and hears a voice whisper, “Paul… Paul…” Paul responds, “Joe! Is that you?” “Yes it is, Paul,” whispers Joe’s ghost. Paul, still amazed asks, “So, is there baseball in Heaven?” “Well,” says Joe, “I’ve got good news and bad news”. “Gimme the good news first,” says Paul Joe says, “You can play baseball in Heaven as much as you’d like”. Paul says, “That’s great. What could be so bad about that?” Joe sighs and whispers, “You’re pitching on Friday”. [ A smart alec teen gets on the cross-town bus. He’s got spiked, multi-colored hair that’s green, purple and orange. His clothes are a tattered mix of leather rags. His legs are bare and he’s wearing worn-out shoes. His entire face and body are riddled with pierced jewelry and his earrings are big, bright feathers. He sits down in the only vacant seat that’s directly across from an old man who glares at him for the next ten miles. Finally the teen gets selfconscious and barks at the old man, “What are you looking at you old fart…didn’t you ever do anything wild when you were young?” Without missing a beat, the old man replies, “Yeah, back when I was young and in the Navy, I got really drunk one night in Singapore and made love to a parrot…I thought maybe you were my son.” [ A man gets home early from work and hears strange noises coming from the bedroom. He rushes upstairs to find his wife on the bed, sweating and panting. “What’s the matter?” he asks frantically. “I’m having a heart attack,” cries the woman. He rushes downstairs to grab the phone for an ambulance, but just as he’s dialing, his 4-year-old son comes up and says, “Daddy! Daddy! Uncle Fred is hiding in your closet and he’s got no clothes on!” The man slams the phone down and storms upstairs into the bedroom, past his screaming wife, and rips open the wardrobe door. Sure enough, there is his brother, totally naked, cowering on the closet

floor. “You jerk,” the man says,” my wife is having a heart attack and you’re running around naked scaring the kids!” [ A couple of friends were playing golf together one afternoon when one noticed that the other had been standing over his tee shot on the 450-yard 18th hole for what seemed like an eternity. The man adjusted his position again. Finally his exasperated partner asked, “What in the world is taking you so long?” “My wife is watching me from the clubhouse balcony,” the man explained. “I want to make a perfect shot.” “You’re wasting your time,” his friend replied. You don’t have a chance in heck of hitting her from here.” [ A wife comes home dead-tired from working late, goes directly to the bedroom and starts taking off her clothes when she realizes there are four legs sticking out of the blanket. Angerly, she reaches for a baseball bat and starts to whack away at the two blanketed figures. With shaking hands she decides to go to the kitchen and pour herself a stiff drink to calm her nerves. As she enters, she sees her husband reading a magazine. “Hi Sweetheart”, he says, “Your parents have come to visit us, so I let them stay in our bedroom. Did you stop and say ‘hello’?” [ A guy walks past a high, solid wooden fence at the insane asylum and he hears all the residents inside chanting, “Thirteen!, Thirteen!, Thirteen!” He continues walking along the long fence, but, can’t help wondering why they’d be chanting, “Thirteen!” over and over again. Are they chugging beer? Or maybe they are taking turns beating one of the inmates? They could even be counting the number of patients that have jumped off the roof. As he continues to walk along the fence wondering what they are doing, he comes to a spot with a hole in the fence. Hah, he thinks, now’s my chance to see what the heck is going on in there. He turns and peeks into the hole. As he looks, someone inside pokes him in the eye. Then everyone inside the asylum starts chanting, “Fourteen!, Fourteen!, Fourteen!”

Lounge Lizard Drink

By Colleen Graham/ About.com Photo Credit: Shannon Graham The dedicated lounge lizard is going to want a tall, lasting drink that not only quenches their thirst, but has a robust base spirit. Allow me to introduce you to the Lounge Lizard, a simple mixed drink that you could sip all night long. This is a nice variation of a Rum & Coke and is sweeter and warmer than a Cuba Libre because the amaretto adds depth and a welcomed almond flavor to your favorite cola. Ingredients: •1 1/2 ounces dark rum •1/2 ounce amaretto liqueur •Cola Preparation: Pour the dark rum and amaretto into a collins glass filled with ice. Top with cola. Stir well.

HOTTEST BAR IN GULF GATE... MLB/College Packages FULL BAR

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

Featured Artist

By Diana Colson

|Carla’s Clay Carla O’Brien is a gifted clay artist. She creates lovely utilitarian pottery—bowls casseroles, goblets and the like. She also creates whimsical, sculptural forms— pieces that bring a smile to one’s face. Besides throwing, firing and glazing her own beautiful work, she is a master teacher, conducting classes for all ages at her Sarasota shop, a busy place called Carla’s Clay. Born Carla Schaefer, she was born and raised in Lowville, New York, where she grew up in a Mennonite family, one of seven children: four girls and three boys. Lowville was a dairy community, a town that had more cows than people. “My eldest sister, Gail, helped raise us all,” says Carla. “That‘s what you do when you’re the eldest girl. We went to church every Sunday, plus meetings during the week. Men sat on one side and the women on the other. “All of us kids had chores from feeding baby calves to feeding the cats and dogs. We had a huge garden, and helped pull weeds. We had chickens, we had pigs. We raised, froze and canned everything. Mom was an excellent cook, of course. She still is. She’s 89 now, and still making raspberry jelly and homemade donuts. She still lives in Lowville. “My folks and grandparents came to Sarasota to vacation in the winter months. My dad was an excellent dairy farmer, always learning cutting edge techniques to increase efficiency. He was one of the first in the area to utilize the “milking parlor” system. Cows were brought in on an upper level, while milkers stood on a lower level, and udders could be easily reached. It was a free-stall barn situation: cows were not tied in, but able to move around the barn. “The clay studio is like a farm, almost. During the season, kilns have to run practically every day. We are always busy loading or unloading the kilns. There are supplies to be ordered, pots to be inventoried and shipped, glazes to be mixed, and clay to be recycled. “Carla’s Clay sounds like a little hobby shop. But when people walk in, they go WHOA! This is a big operation. We run classes for all ages five days a week. Clay is a commitment, you know. It’s a process. You make it one time, let it dry, and fire it to 1800 degrees. Then

it gets glazed, and fired again to the appropriate temperature.” Each year, more than 100 adult students come to work with Carla. In addition, she holds summer camp for the kids and various outreach programs for both children and adults. Carla got into clay when she was a junior in high school. Her choice for an art class was ceramics. “Thea Wolfe, my instructor, reminded me of Sophia Loren. When I tried the wheel, I was automatically good at it. Of course when you’re good at something, you can’t get enough of it. I became Mrs. Wolfe’s assistant. Every year we’d do a little field trip to Munson-Williams, an art school in Utica. There a man named Vincent Clemente did a demo for us. He showed us the workings of a real clay studio, complete with gas Kilns. I was hooked.” At first Carla looked for a more practical way to earn a living. “I went to college at Agricultural and Technical School at Canton, NY, and received an Associate Degree in medical lab technology. I got a medical job in Utica, and then started taking classes at Munson-Williams. Clay became my after-hours passion. “My husband and I grew up together. We were buddies, friends and classmates. His name is Tim O’Brien. We married and moved to Sarasota in 1981. I worked as a medical lab technician, while Tim was in Commercial construction – a field he still follows. “ Meghan, their daughter was born in 1985. (She’s now a licensed massage therapist and aroma therapist working here in Sarasota.) While Meghan watched from the play pen, Carla studied with ceramicist Frank Colson, working with him on a series of clay Chinese horses. As Meghan grew more active, however, Carla shifted her focus to raising her child. When Meghan was about ten, Carla returned to clay. She started taking classes at Adult Community Ed at SCTI campus. Two years later they asked her to teach. She also started teaching clay at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts. Between those two part time jobs, Carla was at last making a living working with clay. In October of 2002, she started Carla’s Clay, and her husband, Tim, was completely supportive. In 2005, they bought a warehouse in Northgate. In true barn-raising

Tallahassee Shorts But in extending the so-called LIP program through June 30, 2015, federal officials made clear they expect the state to move away from the funding program in the future. The letter requires the state to commission an independent report on Medicaid provider payments. “The report shall recommend reforms to the Florida Medicaid financing system that can allow the state, beginning in state fiscal year 2015-2016, to move toward Medicaid managed-care and feefor-service payments that ensure access for Medicaid beneficiaries to providers throughout the state through such payments rather than through over reliance on supplemental payments,’’ the letter said. The LIP program is a supplemental-payment program. Also, the letter indicates that some past LIP payments to providers were improper. It said federal officials had found $104.3 million in improper payments and that the federal government will seek to recoup its share of the money. Medicaid programs are funded, in part, with federal matching money.

style, family and friends rallied to help renovate the building and turn it into the 5,000 square foot pottery studio that exists today. Says Carla: “I love the business part – my dad instilled great business ethic in us all. My siblings are all successful business people. We learned early that working hard pays off. That part of me, I don’t want to give it up, but the creative still has got to come out. If it doesn’t, it’s simply not good for your soul.” By this time, Carla had developed a devoted following of students and collectors. “I’ve always done the utilitarian stuff—casseroles, bowls, goblets and the like. Soon, however, I began doing those crazy little jars.

Movement has become important to me. Whimsy has become important to me. It was nice to do something a little bit more complex – something that requires thought. “I’ve always loved doing boxes. Lidded forms in all kinds of colors. Many are organically fumed— wrapped with organic materials—a

banana peel perhaps, or a copper scrubby. The organic material leaves behind unexpected but beautiful colors and patterns. With clay, success is 2-stage process. A beautiful form with an unsuccessful glaze simply does not work. A weak form with a glorious glaze might be attractive, but it’s not a winner. “ At Carla’s Clay, LEGALIZED

POT is the annual student show and sale. This year it will be held on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21-22. The opening reception is Friday night, and that’s the night of the party! Carla’s Clay is located at 1733 Northgate Blvd, SRQ, 34234. Phone: 941.359.2773. www.carlasclay.com

Beach, Hillsborough, Orange, Duval and Pinellas counties. The largest margin for Democrats is in Broward, a longtime stronghold, where there are 540,249 registered Democrats and 234,693 registered Republicans. But the numbers show major advantages for Republicans in many mid-sized and suburban counties in areas such as the Panhandle, Northeast Florida and Southwest Florida. As an example, registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by a margin of 169,770 to 114,466 in Lee County. Similarly, Republicans have an edge of 71,241 to 24,760 in Okaloosa County and an edge of 82,702 to 38,401 in St. Johns County. Statewide, Florida has 4,599,326 registered Democrats and 4,144,186 registered Republicans, according to the numbers, which were tallied after a registration deadline to vote in the Aug. 26 primary elections.

have been formally moved to the front of the state’s Five Year Work Program. The change means work on the projects, some of which hadn’t been scheduled to begin until after 2020, will start in 2015, a state Department of Transportation spokesman said. The projects, mostly involving reconstruction and adding lanes, are on U.S. 41 in Charlotte County; Interstate 75 in Hernando County; State Road 30 in Bay County; Interstate 295 in Duval County; Interstate 95 in Volusia County; and State Road 821 in Miami-Dade County. The work in Volusia County, to sixlane a 14-mile stretch of I-95, is the most expensive at $255 million. “These projects will enhance our infrastructure to support commerce, decrease commute times and make our roads safer for families,” Gov. Rick Scott said in a prepared statement August 14. The money for each project had been approved as part of the state’s budget for the current fiscal year. The governor’s office announced the allocations in June.

Continued from page 14

FMA Opposes Medical Marijuana Proposal

The Florida Medical Association, a politically influential doctors’ lobby, came out forcefully in August against a proposed constitutional amendment that would legalize medical marijuana. The announcement came after the FMA’s House of Delegates voted in July to oppose the marijuana proposal, which will appear on the November ballot as Amendment 2. “Providing compassionate care to our patients is something we do every day. We believe the unintended consequences of Amendment 2 are serious and numerous enough for us to believe they constitute a public health risk for Floridians,” FMA President Alan B. Pillersdorf said in a prepared statement. Pillersdorf also said the amendment “does not have the proper regulations in place, approves an unsafe method of drug delivery and puts a substance that has drug abuse potential in the hands of Floridians, if approved in November.” A

recent Quinnipiac University poll showed overwhelming support for legalizing medical marijuana, and backers of the amendment say it would help patients who suffer from diseases such as cancer. “People United for Medical Marijuana,” a political committee backing the amendment, reported raising $261,587 from July 19 to July 25. In all, it had raised a total of $3.87 million in contributions and received $1.9 million in loans, though much of that money went to gathering enough petition signatures to get on the ballot.

Dems hold voter edge in big counties; Gop elsewhere

Democrats hold a voterregistration edge in each of Florida’s seven most-populated counties, but Republicans have an advantage in many midsized counties, according to newly released voter-registration numbers. Registered Democrats outnumber registered Republicans in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm

SIESTA SAND September 2014 • www.siestasand.net

State sets six major road projects for 2015

Six large road projects throughout Florida, with a combined cost of $806.7 million,

(Source: News Service of Florida)

|Discover Gulf Gate... With our map, located below, you’ll be able to navigate your way to our featured shops with ease. Oh Mamma Mia! (GG-4) Offers a truly unique dining experience with dinner shows by Chef Giuseppe Urbano. Enjoy the family ambiance as you watch him prepare an authentic Italian regional dish with fresh ingredients just for you. Fine dining, great atmosphere at casual dining prices. Reservations highly recommended. Gulf Gate Golf Course – Conveniently located just a stones throw from the Gulf Gate Shops, this 27 hole Executive Course offers men’s and women’s rental clubs. You can start your day with a round of golf, enjoy a bite to eat at the many wonderful restaurants or simply relax with a pint of ale at the pub before you head out to explore the many fine shops. Moments In Time Photography (G28) specializes in several different photography services including Siesta Key Beach portraits starting at just $49 and wedding beginning at $495. Check out their website: www. sarasotaphotos.com or visit their

store to see why they have been the photographer of choice for over a decade and a half. Piccolos Italian Market & Deli (G-47) carries a full line of imported cheeses, fresh baked bread daily, homemade sausages, fresh mozzarella, and numerous hard to get items. They now carry Khorasan Wheat which is an ancient and organic grain. Their Deli is complete with huge hot and cold sandwiches, salads, fresh homemade lasagna and baked ziti. And, you cannot leave without trying their cannoli filled with their own homemade cannoli cream or the tiramisu or Sfogliatelle from Brooklyn. Here is where you will find great Italian specialty gourmet items without the gourmet price. Tony’s Chicago Beef Company (S-16) is owned and operated by true Chicagoans. Dedicated to deliver Chicago’s best food - Chicago style Hot Dogs wit’ the works...dragged through the garden on poppy seed buns with fresh cut fries, Italian Beef Sandwiches anyway you like, dipped or dry, sweet or hot. All served in true Authentic Chicago Style.

Hurricane Mike’s Saloon (M-10) is a little neighborhood bar at 2639 Mall Drive, where everyone knows your name type of establishment and friendly staff. TV’s with the MLB and NFL packages, pool table, and full Florida Lottery games. Happy hour daily from opening to 7 p.m. Hours: 8 a.m. – 2:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and Sunday, noon – 2:30 a.m. Sarasota Brewing Co. (G-4) Sarasota’s first micro brew pub always has something new to offer. From over 20 seasonal beers that rotate throughout the year, the Brewing Company always has at least five unique brews online as well as several favorites from around the world. Established in 1989, Their menu has been a winner in the Reader’s Choice Awards of the Sarasota Herald Tribune featuring their mouthwatering burgers, Chicago style Pizzas, and Chicago beef sandwiches. With dozens of televisions, it’s a great place to catch a game with friends and family. West End Pub (G-49) Where else can you watch your favorite game with a great selection of beers, wines

G49 G48 G47 G46 G45 G44 G43 G42 G41 G40 G39 G38 G37 G36 G35 G34 G33 G32 G31 G30 G29 G28 G27 G26 G25 G24

G23 G22 G21 G20 G19 G18 G17 G16 G15 G14 G13 G12 G11 G10 G9 G8 G7 G6 G5 G4 G3 G2 G1

Pizzeria, Bakery, Market & Deli that offers Hot Italian Dishes from Italian recipes. Delicious Appetizers, Deli Sandwiches, Old World Style Bakery items and Desserts. They also have a Cappucino & Espresso Bar and serve beer and wine. Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 9AM to 9PM Friday & Saturday : 9AM to 10PM. View website for menu: http:// panificiousa.com/gulfgatemenu. html Located right next to Off the Hook Seafood Co.

WE NOW DELIVER

VOTED BEST PIZZA!!

PIZZA, SALADS, SUBS, SANDWICHES, DESSERTS, BEVERAGES M-SUN 5 PM - 9 PM

PH: 941.921.5570 www.ilpanificiousa.com

M22 M21 M20 M19 M18 M17 M16 M15 M14 M13 M12 M11 M10 M9 M8

M5 M4 M3 M2 M1 Iberia Bank

and liquors served by a friendly staff AND where you’re allowed to bring your own restaurant or deli food? Right here… Off the Hook Seafood Co. (G25) Features “simply prepared local seafood”. Come in and socialize at the bar for classic martinis, cocktails and their unique collection of wines. Get hooked ‘where the locals hang out!’ Hours: Tues – Sun. 5 p.m. 6630 Gateway Ave. Corner of Gulf Gate Dr. and Gateway Ave. 941-923-5570 Il Panificio (G-24) is an Italian

S58 S57 S56 S55 S54 S53 S52 S51 S50 S49 S48 S47 S46 S45 S44 S43 S42 S41 S40 S39 S38 S37 S36 S35 S34 S33 S32 S31 S30

M-10

NEWERS N OW

S29 S28 S27 S26 S25 S24 S23 S22 S21 S20 S19 S18 S17 S16 S15 S14 S13 S12 S11 S10 S9 S8 S7 S6 S5 S4 S3 S2 S1

Daily from open ‘til 7 PM

All packaged liquor sold until 2 AM

• Pool TableGolden Tee Megatouch • 12 TV’s with MLB and NFL ticket sports package • All Florida lottery games • Smokers Welcome!

2639 Mall Drive

GG1 GG2 GG3 GG4 GG5 GG6 GG7 GG8 GG9 GG10 GG11 GG12 GG13 GG14 GG15 GG16 GG17 GG18 GG19 GG20 GG21 GG22 GG23 GG24 GG25 GG26 GG27 GG28 GG29 GG30 GG31 GG32 GG33 GG34 GG35 GG36 GG37 GG38 GG39 GG40 GG41 GG42 GG43 GG44 GG45 GG46 GG47 GG48 GG49 GG50 GG51 GG52 GG53 GG54

G-4

941-923-9827 Mon.-Sat. 8 AM-2:30 AM Sun. 12 PM-2:30 AM

PICCOLO

Italian Market & Deli

GG-4

Hot or Cold & Vegetarian Sandwiches

Authentic New York Italian Market & Deli We carry a full line of Imported Cheeses, Boars Head Luncheon Meats, Pasta, Olive Oil, Assorted Imported Olives, Khorasan Wheat (ancient & organic grain), and more. G-47 GG-46

S-16

Specialty Italian gourmet items without the gourmet price

Come See Our New Location Store Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10am - 6pm 6518 Gateway Ave.

941-923-2202

www.PiccoloMarket.com

941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

SIESTA SAND September 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ www.siestasand.net

Snapshots of Island Visitors

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THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME This photo of a rainbow over the yellow lifeguard tower on beautiful Siesta Beach was taken by Siesta Key resident, Darbi Bossman.

LIVE ART ON SIESTA Garrett Sweetman (29) of Bradenton exhibits his tattoos along the shoreline of spectacular Siesta Beach. He got his first tattoo when he was 12, and now has over 100 covering 85% of his body. His first was a dragon and his favorites are the ones on his head. Tattoos are more popular than ever. Even Chuck Taylor entered the arena by producing a tattooed sneaker. Photo by Trebor Britt.

Soulfully Yours Donnarose Q: Dear Donnarose, how can I help raise someones vibration who’s suffering with cancer? It’s been a challenge since he often has the “when one door closes, a better one does not open” mentality. Regards, Jill A: ~ “Forgive yourself for regretful actions you took in the past, and any negative influence from them, will cease to last.” -Donnarose Melvin Energetically, what I’m getting is that his “it is what it is” mindset seems to stem from guilty energy from his past actions. And as a result, he accepts whatever “punishment” comes his way. Remind him that even though he can’t change the past, he surely can control the positive deeds he does from this point on. His current low level of self-love will keep him in that “I don’t deserve any good to come to me” state of mind. This can cause him to push away those that love and support him, as well as an improvement in his immune system to fight the cancer. It’s important to refrain from feeding into his negative energy. Do your best to stay positive, as it’s the light coming from your beautiful energy that can truly help him see the way to an alternative way of thinking.~♥ Q: Dear Donnarose, I haven’t seen this particular person in a long time. And the last time I did, there was a lot of emotional attachment and dysfunction with him. When I saw him recently, I chose to be very nice and offered a huge hug and smiles. But after I did that, the energy was so bad that my whole body and hands were shaking. It was so bad, that my handwriting looked like a child’s while completing paperwork. Why would I have such a reaction like that? Thanks for your input.~ Brenda

WORD LIST:

A: ~ ~ “If the energy during an encounter makes you feel weak at the knees, know you have the power to release it with ease.” ~Donnarose Melvin It feels like your reaction was a response to the energetic cord you both still share that stems from a past life. It’s like a feeling of inferiority, or subservience that came up, where he had some kind of physical control over you. This energetic cord simply needs to be severed. Even without being around someone for years or lifetimes, this cord of energy you share can make the encounter feel raw and fresh which caused that reaction. But, no worries, you’ll be ok. But that experience did give you a sign that you need to cut all emotional connections energetically with this man. The process is simple and it works. First take two deep breaths. Then visualize you taking a hedge cutter and cut completely in the middle, the invisible energetic cord attached to your solar plexus chakra area, which is connected to him in the same area. Simultaneously say, “(His name), I truly release you with peace regarding this or any other lifetime I’ve known you.” You should then feel a shift and lift in your energy, as well as peace. Donnarose Melvin is a professional psychic, medium and energy healer, whose pleasure is to assist clients worldwide. She incorporates knowledge from her degree in psychology, along with her clairvoyant, clairaudient, clairsentient and empathic gifts to guide her clients towards peace and success. Please send your questions to SoulfullyYoursDonnarose@gmail.com or private message her via facebook: Soulfully Yours Donnarose. Donnarose will select questions each month to share with you. She regrets that unpublished questions cannot be answered individually.

WORD SEARCH

Answers on page 28

941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

What’s Happening …on the beach EACH WEEK: • BEACH HOOP DANCE CLASS – Thurs. one hour before sunset. For more information or to register go to: www.outwardspiral.net • FREE YOGA Mon-Wed.-Fri.-Sat. 8-9:30 am. Classes held between blue & green lifeguard station. Call 941-320-6693 to register or www.yogaonsiestabeach.com • PILATES – Every Mon & Wed, 45 minutes before sunset. Beach access 4, on the sandbar. Register online: www.studiorubylake.com • SUNSET FUSION – Every Mon & Wed, 45 minutes before sunset. Beach access 4. For additional info and to register online go to: www.studiorubylake.com • DRUM CIRCLE – Every Sunday two hours before sunset and lasts until around 10pm. South of the main pavillion. EVENTS FOR SEPTEMBER: • SEPTEMBER 27 (SAT) 5-7 P.M.: POINT OF PRAISE - Free concert on the beach, public invited, last Saturday of each month. Live praise & worship music. Be sure to call ahead to confirm time and location. 941-914-3433 www.powerunderproductions.com …around the island • SEPTEMBER 25, (6:30-9PM) LOCAL BEAN BEAUTY WELLNESS & ART EVENT Featuring: doTERRAEssential Oils, youniqueall natural cosmetics, Rodanand Fields Pharmaceutical Skincare, MaggieDillon Photography, & Artworkby Tracy Kegerreis $5 Entrance Fee includes complimentary wine, beer, & essential oil infusedsnacks and a raffle ticket to win prizes • SIESTA KEY FARMER’S MARKET – every Sunday from 8am – 1pm in Davidson’s Plaza in the Village. 5124 Ocean Blvd. Fresh fruits, vegetables, music, art. …and beyond • PHILLIPPI ESTATE PARK September is a wonderful time to walk the park. Phillippi Estate Park (5500 South Tamiami Trail) has shell trails along Phillippi Creek and in the coastal hammock behind the park’s Gazebo to take a casual stroll, a power walk, or interval training (walking, bursts of running and then walking). Of course, these walks can also turn into photo opportunities or bird watching events. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. until midnight for your enjoyment. On Wednesday, September 24 at 10 a.m., there will be a free, guided tour of the Edson Keith Mansion. These tours of the 1916 Italian Renaissance home are led by knowledgeable docents and take about 30 - 45 minutes. You will learn all about the Keith’s who built the home, Mae Prodie, the Barbie doll lady who lived there, and the early history of the Sarasota community. There are no reservations necessary; just meet on the front porch a few minutes before 10 a.m. We look forward to seeing you! For more information, please call 941-861-5000. Don’t forget, October is coming soon and the Phillippi Farmhouse Market will re-open for its 6th season on Wednesday, October 1. The market is open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and features local fruits, vegetables, herbs and plants as well as prepared foods, talented artisans with local handicrafts, live music and the friendliest volunteers at the market’s Welcome Tent. Dogs are welcome on leash and there is ample free parking. SEE YOU AT THE MARKET! For more information about Phillippi Estate Park, please call 941-861-5000 or visit Sarasota County web site: www.scgov.net, link to Parks and Recreation, link to Phillippi Estate Park. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should alwayscall ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

Answers to the WORD SEARCH from page 27

Arts on the Horizon

Have you been to the Art Center in Sarasota yet? The Art Center boasts many gifted artists and a beautiful garden highlights talented sculptors from around the area. The Art Center provides art education, exhibitions and cultural programs. The community has access to the visual arts as an artist or a viewer. You may visit any of the four galleries at no charge. Each feature different exhibits. There are established and emerging artists displayed throughout the year. Exhibits generally run for 6 weeks. A large part of their goal is to promote local artists. This month will feature in Gallery 1: Organic Mechanic by Russ Bellamy, Gallery 2: Back Roads to Back Home, Gallery 3: Black Box Project – these projects are student based, Gallery 4: Coming Home (members only) all media juried. http:// artsarasota.org/ There is a beautiful garden next to the center that was donated by Sally & Sam Shapiro – Sam was a past president of the Art Center. The garden is small and relaxing. It features many beautiful plants, a quaint brick path and sculptures throughout. You can see butterflies fluttering about while enjoying some peace and quiet in this charming garden. Take a moment to enjoy this tranquil setting, just on the outskirts of downtown Sarasota. The Art Center is open Mon – Sat from 10am to 4pm. It is located at 707 North Tamiami Trail | Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.365.2032 http://artsarasota.org/shapirogarden Sept 1 Pioneer days in Englewood www.englewoodpioneerdays.com/ 8:00 am Kids Fun Run; Dearborn St. 9:00 am 58th Annual Pioneer Days Parade; Dearborn St. – at the end of the parade there will be a car show on Dearborn until 3pm – if you would like to participate in the car show contact diana.woodruff@aol.com There will be live music & entertainment. 8:00 am-3:00pm Pioneer Days Festival; Pioneer Park. Sept 1 to Sept 20 – on exhibit at Ringling College in the Selby Gallery Selby Gallery I: Low Fidelity: Still Photographs by Bobby Grossman 19751983 Selby Gallery II: Underground Forces: Target Video 1977-1984 These two exhibitions offer a distinctive perspective on the “Punk” music scene through the lens of photographer Bobby Grossman and Target Viedo’s. Both had the opportunity to document the musicians and celebrities associated with the

By Jaye Clements

punk era. Attendees are encouraged to come in “punk” fashions. http://www. ringling.edu/index.php?id=88 All month long – CHARLIE BELL, oils artist, named September Featured Artist at Island Gallery West. The gallery was established over 24 years ago by a small group of local artists. It has become an artist’s cooperative with about thirty members offering original, fine art paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, stained glass, basketry and more. During season, the gallery offers free art demonstrations on Saturday mornings from 10am to noon. Also every month during season, the gallery presents free public art receptions with other Holmes Beach galleries. Open Monday - Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Admission is free. http://www.islandgallerywest. com/ All month long continuing until Dec. 18 - Louis Cabot Photography – at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts open Tues to Friday (11am to 5pm) 6860 Longboat Drive S., Longboat Key, FL 34228. The arts center is a division of Ringling College and offers quality arts based educational and cultural programs to the community. There are classes, workshops, exhibitions and events to inspire, enrich and engage the area with the arts, creativity and culture. http://www.ringling.edu/ index.php?id=877 All month through Oct 26 – paintings and works on paper by Thomas Chimes at the Ringling Museum 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota http://www.ringling.org/events/ thomas-chimes-permanent-collection Sept 2, 4 – auditions to sing with Key Chorale. Key Chorale is one of Sarasota’s finest performing arts organizations, from classical to contemporary. It’s your chance to perform with the Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Ballet, and the Circus Arts Conservatory with over 100 singers. If you would like to audition to be a part of our dynamic ensemble you may contact Jan Docking at 941924-0790 or email dockhere@msn.com or visit: http://keychorale.org/about/ sing-with-us/ Sept 4, 8 to 11pm – Ringling Underground – Live music $10, free with college id. http://www.ringling.org/events/ ringling-underground-090414

Blooming this month: Ixora is a genus of flowering plants in the Rubiaceae family. It consists of tropical evergreen trees and shrubs and holds around 500 species.[1] Though native to the tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world, its centre of diversity is in Tropical Asia. Ixora also grows commonly in subtropical climates in the United States, such as Florida. It is commonly known as West Indian Jasmine. Other common names include: rangan, kheme, ponna, chann tanea, techi, pan, santan, jarum-jarum, Jungle flame, Jungle geranium, and many more. The plants possess leathery leaves, ranging from 3 to 6 inches in length, and produce large clusters of tiny flowers in the summer. Members of Ixora prefer acidic soil, and are suitable choices for bonsai. It is also a popular choice for hedges in parts of South East Asia, like in Thailand. In tropical climates they flower year round. Red ixora flowers are commonly used in Hindu worship, as well as in ayurveda and Indian folk medicine. Source: Wikipedia / Photo Source: Creative Commons

SIESTA SAND September 2014 • www.siestasand.net

Sept 5 to Nov 16 - Florida’s Fascinating Flora, a Batik exhibit by Angela Maria at Selby Gardens. http://www.selby.org/events/ exhibit-florida%E2%80%99s-fascinatingflora-batik-exhibit-angela-maria-isaza Sep 10 – Feb 2 - Ladies of the Ring at the Ringling Museum - Flying through the air, above the ring, with the strength of their jaws, and shooting out of a cannon, women have participated in every circus act imaginable. These lovely ladies were used in advertising with posters illustrating their incredible performances, classic beauty, and the evolving femininity in American society. http://www.ringling.org/events/ ladies-ring Sept 11 to 28 - Dames at Sea (musical) Stone Hall - Manatee Players Theatre – for times & tickets: http://www. manateeplayers.com/ticketoffice. html#dames Sept 13, 1 to 4pm Food & Wine Fest at the Sarasota Opera House - 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Twenty downtown restaurants will participate, along with wine tasting, in a historic setting that will benefit the Sarasota Youth Opera. http://www.sarasotaopera.org/ taste.aspx Sept 18, 5:30 – The Sarasota Orchestra at Holley Hall – featuring flutist Betsy Traba. http://www.sarasotaorchestra.org/ chamber/flute Sept 18 to Oct 5 - Mornings at Seven (comedy) Bradenton Kiwanis Theatre at the Manatee Players… Located at 502 3rd Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 visit: http://www.manateeplayers. com/ticketoffice.html#mornings

Sept 26, 5pm - Friday Fest at the Van Wezel - Adrian Ray – country music… http://www.vanwezel.org/ boxOffice/event.cfm?eveID=1199#.U7DN9gU_IU

Project Atticus

By Diana Colson

Continued from cover story

Before Desiree knew it, she was flying over a bar that was 10 feet high as well. However, when she was sent to compete in meets against other girls, she was astonished to find that her competitors only jumped heights of 6 or 8 feet. Desiree had surpassed all odds without even knowing they were there! In a way, that was the story of her life. She graduated from Pomona College in Claremont California, and then moved to Silicon Valley where she quickly immersed herself into the StartUp World. She started her own company when she was 23, a gaming company. Before long she began working at Airbnb, one of the most successful travel startups in the world. She then went on to found a food startup. She loved being surrounded by people who believed in the potential of the human spirit, the idea that people’s passion might drive the success of a product or an idea. After four years in Silicon Valley, however, Desiree was getting restless. She met a girl who worked as a stewardess on a Super Yacht. Her new friend began speaking of the extraordinary adventures she was having as she traveled around the world. Not only that, her friend had been able to save some serious money. Desiree decided it was time to try something else. She quit her job, dissolved the companies, moved to Ft. Lauderdale, and underwent stringent training to become a Super Yacht Stewardess. She had entered a world that very few people even knew about. “I was picked for my first boat because the Captain wanted someone who was good with computers,” says Desiree. “I ended up doing little videos for our guests, compiling all the pictures and videos of their adventures on the boat.” She added a soundtrack of music and beautiful scenic shots, and all were impressed with the professional results. Her second job was with Motor Yacht Limitless, the largest flagged American Super Yacht in the world. Desiree really liked meeting people with different stories who had traveled to the four corners of the earth. Enter Jordan Wicht, a deck hand on Limitless. Jordan had grown up in Santa Cruz, California, and had graduated in film production from San Diego State University. He had also developed a deep appreciation for the wilderness. Being of the adventurous sort, Jordan had backpacked extensively through California, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Canada, Europe, and Southeast Asia. He had also become a sailing instructor, a motorcycle enthusiast, a rock climber, and more. Together, Desiree and Jordan began adventuring on their days off: rollerblading, shark diving, rock climbing, running, swimming and kayaking. When Jordan told Desiree of his dream to one day circumnavigate the globe

Before

After

Outfitted with a solar panel, all new energy efficient LED lighting, state of the art 12 V refrigeration, and iPad charging station, the Atticus and crew are gearing up for their journey around the world.

on a sailboat, she was hooked! Together they jumped ship and took a trip into the back county of Laos, where they met traveling filmmakers doing a documentary in one of the villages. Watching these filmmakers in action, Jordan and Desiree decided then and there that they would travel the world and make documentaries wherever they went. Their Captain was sad to see them go, but most supportive. The young couple packed up and moved to Sarasota where Desiree’s father owns a restaurant called Señor Siesta. (The restaurant features Latin American recipes from all over the world, including Honduras, where her mother grew up.) The couple soon found a really good, seaworthy sailboat in Key West. It was an Allied Seawind, the first fiberglass sailboat to circumnavigate the world. They named it The Atticus after the iconic character, Atticus Finch from the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Their craft is small: only 30 feet long.

The sailboat’s original owner had once hoped to sail around the world, but sadly contracted cancer. Now the 51-year old sailboat would be making the trip with Jordan as captain and Desiree as first mate. You can follow their journey online as they explore the most remote corners of the earth. They will share everything they experience through video “webisodes” being sent from the craft as it circumnavigates the globe. The couple will sail The Atticus up from Key West to Sarasota as soon as she is ready for the trip. Once in Sarasota, the couple plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign to fundraise for the first leg of their trip to the Caribbean and Central America. If you would like to partake of this adventure, go to www.projectatticus.com and take a look at the films Jordan and Desiree have already shot. Perhaps you will even join the Kickstarter campaign and help send this daring young couple on their way.

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Jordan documenting one of many videos detailing the progress of Atticus.

Desiree and Jordan take a break from the sweltering summer sun.

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Snapshots of Island Visitors

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography 1

1: Declan age 2 from Sarasota. 2: Lizabeth & Richard her cabana boy! From SRQ. 3: Front row left to rt. Jana, Aidan age 6 and Matt – back row John, Sherry all from Tampa. 4: Jordan age 6 from Bradenton. 5: Jayla age 5, Val age 7, & Jessee age 4 from SRQ – they were so excited to be at the beach! 6: Back row – Troy & Jenniffer, front row – Connar age 3, Madelyn age 20 months from Mt. Dora, FL. 7: Rick from TN - enjoying some relaxing fishing on the water behind SK village. 8: Natalie age 6, Andre, Naomi age 3 & mon from Lake Worth, FL

Here’s My Card a minute

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Restaurants and Accommodations

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SIESTA SAND September 2014 • www.siestasand.net

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Classifieds

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ACCOMMODATIONS: • Best Western Plus Siesta Key – AAA -3 Diamond Property, Free shuttle service to and from Siesta Key 941-924-4900, 6600 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota • Siesta 4 Rent - Vacation Rentals, from studios to 5 bedrooms. Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500 • Robasota Real Estate – Annual and Seasonal Rentals, 941-926-1800, ext. 102 HEALTH: • A Bridge for Independence provides in home companion services including companionship, transportation, light housekeeping, medication reminders and meal preparation and planning. Call us at 866-279-4390, FL License #230517 • Senior Home Companions – companionship and In-Home care. daily living needs, hourly, overnight, 24-hour care, 941-924-0494 • Siesta Key Massage & Therapy Center – Relieve all that pent –up tension and improve circulation with a soothing massage or facial by Ali. Call to book your appointment today. 941-349-0408

• Massage Heights -1-hour massage $49.99, custom facial $59.99 – intro offers, 4948 S. Tamiami Trl, 941-9271030 (See Display ad in this paper) • Massage Experience Siesta Key Open 7-day a week. 5138A Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4833 TRANSPORTATION: • Dollar Limo – holds up to 10 people and is cheaper than a D.U.I or taxi. Call 941-735-4732 • Jonny’s Original Free Ride – The Original Ride the Key Free service on Siesta to anywhere, everyday from 10 AM – 2 AM. Driver tips only. Call 941-928-9200. • Siesta Key Free Rides – Siesta Key Free island shuttle for beach, village, condo and tours – tips only. Electric vehicles. Call 941-952-8294 • Sun Ride Pedicab – Eco-friendly Pedicabs. Siesta Key Tours and rides – tips only, 941-343-3400 • Surfside Free Ride – Provides free Taxi service all over Siesta Key and short distances off the north & south bridge on the mainland from 10am to 2am 7 days a week, tips only, 941961-8238

Services

SPORT RENTALS: • Robin Hood Rentals – for all your Siesta Key rental needs with a wide variety segways, bikes, kayaks, scooters and more, free pickup and delivery anywhere on the key. 5255 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key Village. 941554-4242 • Siesta Key Bike & Kayak – Located on Siesta Key in Capt Curts Village serving Siesta Key, Lido Beach and Sarasota. We offer bikes, kayak rentals, kayak eco tours, paddleboards and scooters. 1224 Old Sickney Pt Rd. 941-346-0891 • Siesta Sports Rentals – Located on Siesta Key, bike, kayak, kayak tours, scooter, children strollers and car seats. Delivery and pickup available, 6551 Midnight Pass Rd, 941-346-1797 BEACH & BABY EQUIPMENT RENTALS: • ABC Rentals – We are family owned and operated baby and equipment rental and retail store. We provide top quality baby equipment such as cribs, highchairs, strollers and car seats. Beach rental equipment includes umbrellas, beach hammocks, cabanas and beach

Services

chairs. View our complete inventory on line www.abcbabyrental.com 2300 Bee Ridge Rd Ste. 204 Sarasota 941-929-1850 FISHING CHARTERS: • Siesta Key Fishing Charters – Welcome aboard the top charter fishing service in Siesta Key & Sarasota, Florida for fishing both inshore and offshore. Siesta Fishing Charters will customize any charter to your specific party! All guys, all gals, families, kids? we’ve got you covered! All ages & experience welcome. We strive to make your fishing trip with Siesta Key Fishing Charters the best experience you will ever have fishing in Siesta Key, Sarasota bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Give us a call today to book your next fishing trip! Expect a great time & an excellent fishing adventure with us! Located East Side of the Stickney Pointe Bridge in the lower docks of the Boatyard Village, 1500 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota FL 34231. (727) 641-2665 COMPUTER SERVICES • Discount Computers – Your Computer Experts. We offer “local”

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service and support, and we take the time to answer your questions and find the right INTEL Computer, Laptop, All-in-One or Ultrabook for your needs. Whether for use at home or a business, our large selection features the latest generation of devices. 6524B South Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231, (941) 925-2215 HOME IMPROVEMENT • Hawk’s Nest Construction Whether you’re building a new home, remodeling your existing home, creating an outdoor living area, or safeguarding your home – one call does it all. We offer a full range of building and remodeling services under one roof. 4525A S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231, Office 941.650.9499 • L.L. Armstrong, LLC – A Painting Co. This family run company has been in business since 1978 and specializes in custom painting, removal of virtually all types of wall coverings and Venetian Plastering. Reference available upon request. Call or email: 941-323-5074 or armstronglle5@aol.com

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Sand Castles

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A division of KJIMS Homes Jeanie Donahue, Realtor

8141 Lakewood Ranch Main Street Suite 208, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

Roberts Point Neighborhood With less than 100 residences, this prestigious neighborhood has lush mature tropical landscaping which exudes an “Old Florida” charm. A variety of older and newer waterfront mansions, a sprinkling of smaller homes and a number of luxury homes off the waterfront are all part of this upscale community. Robert’s Point is located towards the northern end of the island on a secluded peninsula just south of the Siesta Drive Bridge. This neighborhood appeals to people who enjoy boating and water sports. The waterfront residences have access to Roberts Bay and the Gulf of Mexico via Big Pass. The waterways are deep and many of the homes can accommodate sailboats and large yachts. This peninsula is named for Captain Louis Roberts, whose Siesta Land Company platted Siesta Village in 1907 and gave Siesta Key, formerly known as Sarasota Key, the name that’s now synonymous with America’s Best Beach, Siesta Beach, which is only minutes south of Roberts Point.

MLS# A3997172 This month’s highlight is a custom home currently under construction. The home is scheduled for completion December 2014. Located at 3970 Roberts Point Road, this home features 5887 square feet of air conditioned luxury living space with 1836 square feet of spacious outdoor living area. It includes five en suites with an additional powder and pool bath. Laundry rooms can be found on both levels. The second level has an over-sized bonus room with access to three covered upstairs balconies. Extraordinary water views can be enjoyed from most rooms of the home. Outside, you will find a large pool and spa surround by an expansive deck area. Waterfront deep enough to accommodate your large boat with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico completes this grand home. To enjoy this perfect opportunity for the peace and quiet of graceful island living on world famous Siesta Key, contact Jeanie Donahue: C-941-720-2795, KJIMS Real Estate, List Price: $3,700,000.

3970 Roberts Point Road Siesta Key, FL 34242

SIESTA SAND September 2014 • www.siestasand.net

The board of directors “runs” the association. Even if there is a professional manager employed, the board is responsible for making policy decisions and directing the manager. So what can the members do if they feel the board of directors is not representing their best interests? The members can attempt to “recall” all, or some, of the directors. Both Chapters 718 (condominiums) and 720 (homeowners’ associations) of the Florida Statutes, and the related sections of the Florida Administrative Code, have detailed provisions related to “recall.” It is not an easy process to perform correctly, and the rules must be followed exactly. A board member may be “recalled” by a majority of those entitled to vote. No particular reason has to be given. If it appears the necessary vote has been obtained, either in writing or at a members’ meeting called for that purpose, then the current board is required to either certify the recall (in which case any members “recalled” must step down immediately) or file a petition for arbitration with the Division of Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes (“the Division”). The existing board must take one of those actions within 5 business days after the adjournment of the members’ recall meeting or within 5 business days after being served with a written agreement for recall signed by a majority of the members. If the existing board fails to act, there are procedures the members can follow to involve the Division. The Division will not get involved in the recall process if there are 60 or fewer days left in the director’s term. (Simply wait and vote the person out of office instead!) Similarly, the Division will not get involved if the director sought to be recalled has not served for at least 60 days. (Let’s give the new folks a chance to get up to speed before seeking to oust them!) If less than a majority of the board members are removed by recall, then the remaining board members are entitled to fill the vacancies. If the recall removes a majority of the board, then the members vote for replacement directors at the recall meeting. Again, the Florida Administrative Code contains detailed rules governing every aspect of a recall and these must be followed. Recalls often fail for technical reasons. Even when they succeed, the effort and cost, and the negative energy

generated, seem to result in a “lose, lose” situation, rather than a “win, win.” Unless conditions are simply intolerable, spending time and energy to come up with a better slate of candidates for the next election is generally the better option. While removal of directors is sometimes an issue, it is more common for an association to have the opposite problem; that is, what to do when there are not enough volunteers to serve as directors? Directors are either elected by the members or appointed by a majority of the existing directors. Generally, directors may only exercise their power to appoint other directors when there is an opening on the board caused by the resignation or death of a director, or the failure of enough candidates to run for the available positions. It is common to find associations where the members of the board have served for years with little turn over. When those board members finally step down, it may be difficult to obtain others to fill the open positions. If it is always difficult to find qualified candidates to fill all open positions, the association may wish to consider amending its documents to reduce the number of required board members. An odd number is desirable to avoid tie votes. If an association cannot get enough members to fill the vacancies on the board so that there is a quorum (the minimum number of directors required to conduct association business), any member may apply to the circuit court for the appointment of a receiver. Since the association will be responsible for paying the salary of the receiver, along with court costs and attorneys’ fees, this is an expensive option. All of the members will share this cost as part of their assessments. When members are made aware of the cost of this alternative, volunteers will often step forward to serve to avoid a receivership. Next month, we will consider some ways to address the lack of volunteers to serve as directors. This column is not intended to provide specific legal advice and should not be relied upon for that purpose. Every situation is unique and this general discussion is not necessarily applicable to your situation. Please consult an attorney for advice regarding your particular situation.

Island Design

Concierge realtors

|Horticulture on Siesta Key...

We work with you from beginning to end to make a smooth transition. CALL us for a FREE Market Analysis of your home TODAY.

By Cheryl Gaddie

If you’ve been sitting on the fence,

Before

NOW

After

Siesta Key presents a beautiful environment to create an outdoor space that will offer you the best of all worlds. Nature has provided the footprint; it is our ability to create outdoor space taking advantage of all we have been offered. When I began my research on landscape design for two new homes under construction on Siesta Key, I did what I normally do, consulted a professional. After weeks of research for landscape partners, through professional acquaintances and reviewing websites, I discovered work I found simplistic and enjoyable “…Young has a distinct perspective and inherent passion for native horticulture with a keen understanding of sustainable design.” http://dwylandscapearchitects.com/the-firm/. David W. Young, ASLA Principle, DWY Landscape Architects met with me first in his office and a few weeks later; we met at the job site. The experience I have working with David is enjoyable and holds an obvious passion he brings with his work. He is a professional with good concepts and the ability to help you understand his vision after understanding your design requirements. David’s approach to landscape architecture is taking a lot of time to think about your family and lifestyle. His ideas range from simple tasks to complicated circulation. David states “I want to make your life easier and more enjoyable.” David’s current project on Siesta Key includes a family that recently remodeled their home. Until remodeling was completed, they spent a lot of time outdoors enjoying the luxury of our island. However once their home again became a comfortable and inviting space, they found most of their time was being spent inside. Understanding the reason for being indoors was due to the outdoors being less inviting and offered fewer creature comforts. They phoned David for a design plan. The work is still in progress as he quickly pointed out. “Another 3 weeks and it will be finished…” I feel he is inviting nature with his designs and I readily

visualize the completed project. There are so many things to consider about horticulture, it overwhelms me. Being the type personality that cringes at any “do over”, I attempt to cover my bases. I have worked with landscape contractors without landscape architects, and will work with them alone in the future. Those experiences have been mixed with favorable results and then some, well maybe not so much. To begin your research: 1. Think about what you need your landscape to provide. Aesthetics? Privacy? Shade? 2. Minimal vs. Heavy Designs – What is your vision? 3. Review the circulation of your area. 4. For a more tranquil setting, review water elements. 5. Visit nurseries, search online landscaping and of course, clip those pics from magazines.

Andrea Smith 320-7020 ________________

Providing Unique and Highly Successful Marketing and Sales Systems.

is the time to sell.

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Carolyn Kofler 780-0605 _______________ Customer Satisfaction is the Ultimate Goal

If you have been considering selling your home, right now may the BEST time to get the HIGHEST PRICE possible!

Call today to list your property.

Sarasota Real Estate Trends Annual Sales - 2000 to Current

12000

Condo

10000

Single Family

Total

8000 6000 4000 2000 0

After

'00

'01

'02

'03

'04

'05

'06

'07

'08

'09

'10

'11

'12

'13

Annual Median Sale Price - 2000 to Current

$400k $300k $200k $100k $0k

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

KEY SOLUTIONS REAL ESTATE

Cheryl Gaddie, owner of C.G. Designs 5011 Ocean Blvd. #203, Siesta Key Village, 941-346-7401, www.CGInteriorDesign.com

For more information call (941)894-1255 Or visit www.keysolutionsrealestate.com

Single Family Condos *Statistics provided by MFR MLS

2013 may have held the 2nd highest number of sales in SAR’s history, but that could soon be topped by an even busier 2014. Sales in 2014 have already reached 6,875, which is higher than the 6,786 sales in 2013 at this same time.

941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

Accommodations Locator Map

SIESTA SAND September 2014 • www.siestasand.net

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Trebor Britt

Island Churches:

Places of Worship

• Siesta Key Presbyterian Chapel 4615 Gleason Ave, Siesta Key, 941-349-1166 www. siestakeychapel.org • St. Michael’s Catholic Church 5394 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4174 www.stmichaelssiesta.com • St. Boniface Episcopal Church 5615 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, 941-349-5616 www.bonifacechurch.org

Beach Service:

• Point of Praise – (Sat. 5-7pm) Live praise and worship music. Freeconcert on the beach. Public invited. Held the last Saturday of each month on the main beach just to the leftof the volleyball nets. Contact Aaron Martin at 941-914-3433, to confirm time and location.

Off- Island:

Left: Allison Lose (22) of Bradenton and her mom Tracy Sanner of St. Petersburg, sporting their rented mermaid tails just before hitting the crystal gulf waters off Siesta Beach. Allison has a degree in communications from USF and Tracy is a property manager in St. Pete. Right: Jayde Morgan, owner of Siesta Key Mermaids, helping Allison Lose (22) of Bradenton, get into her shiny mermaid tail on beautiful Siesta Beach recently.

•Temple Sinai, a Reform Congregation (The closest Jewish congregation to the Key for visitors) 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, 941-924-1802 www.templesinai-sarasota.org • St. Andrew United Church of Christ (Protestant) (In the Gulf Gate area, near Beneva and Gulf Gate

Drive) 6908 Beneva Road, Sarasota, 941.922.7595 www.uccstandrew.org • The Superior Word Rev. Charlie Garrett Service starts Sunday mornings at 10am. Bring a friend and share in God’s word. 6512 Superior Avenue Sarasota, Florida 34242 • First Christian Church 7601 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34241. 941-922-4434 www.fccsarasota.com

Church News:

BOOK PERFORMANCE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 9:00 AND 9:45 A.M., SIESTA KEY CHAPEL, 4615 GLEASON AVE, SIESTA KEY Howard Binkow has written a series of children’s books. He will perform one of the books using the character’s name of Howard Wigglebottom. Everyone is welcomed to attend and there is no charge. COMMUNITY-WIDE SYNAGOGUE OPEN HOUSE, SEPTEMBER 14, 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. 11 Jewish congregations are hosting their annual Open House. See the best of what they all have to offer. Addresses can be found on the website: www. synagoguessarasota-Manatee.org Sponsored by the Synagogue Council of SarasotaManatee.

941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

Island Girls Sarah, from Orlando enjoys beach volleyball, swimming, and movies. She stays busy by raising a family and donating a lot of time volunteering for organizations she supports. A graduate of the University of Central Florida, she visits Siesta Beach several times a year. “Siesta Key is a peaceful, surreal beach I love it!” Photo by Trebor Britt

If you would like to be considered for our next Island Girl, contact us at islandvp@verizon.net (You must be at least 18 years old to participate)

Allie is from NC. She loves the island and has been coming to SK since she was 5 and visits 5 or 6 times a year – her grandfather developed a lot in the SK area… Allie is 22 and a student at UNC. She loves the art & culture in Sarasota. Photo by Jaye Clements/Sarasota Photography

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SOLD

SOLD 6208 MIDNIGHT PASS RD #100

always in demand- Building 5 at Siesta Dunes- a ground floor 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with glassed in lanai and patio deck off the master bedroom. Turnkey furnished. Offered at $595,000.

6204 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD UNIT #105

Lg 17.85

Recently remodeled master suite.This recently updated gulf side end unit will be the next sale at Siesta Dunes. You’ll love the new kitchen and baths. Offered at $475,000.

6206 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD UNIT #102

Here is your opportunity for your own Siesta Key beach retreat or an investment with great rental history! This 2 bedroom 2 bath condo is very inviting. Offered at $485,000.

Located on America’s #1 Beach–Siesta Key

Enjoy the finest in resort-style living right on Siesta Beach. Siesta Dunes is well-managed and offers an optional on-site rental program for your convenience.

Your Siesta Dunes Preferred Realtors JUDY GReeNe,

Realtor® | 941.350.0451

JudyGreene@michaelsaunders.com

Tara LamB, Realtor® | 941.266.4873 TaraLamb@michaelsaunders.com

JudyAndTara.michaelsaunders.com 5100 Ocean Boulevard | Sarasota, FL 34242 | 941.349.3444 michaelsaunders.com

SIESTA SAND September 2014 • www.siestasand.net