Siesta Sand- (section one) December 2023

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Benderson hotel proposal emerges

Another classic takes shape

Meanwhile, some hotels and local chamber submit comp plan suggestions

By John Morton In the ongoing Siesta Key saga regarding new hotels, not only has the first and largest one initially approved returned to the fold but a new one proposed by a large, prominent developer has also emerged.

All this, less than two months after a court ruling deemed that Sarasota County’s decision to take it upon itself to grant unlimited density, through the misinterpretation of its own comprehensive plan, was unjustified.

The newcomer is Benderson Development, which has expressed interest in building an 85foot, 210-room hotel in the Village. It owns parcels at two different locations: at 5221 and 5239 Ocean Blvd. where Favio’s Brick Oven Pizza & Bar and two small strip centers are located, combining for 1.14 acres; and across the street at 5214 Ocean Blvd. where Bonjour French Café and other small

INSIDE: Appeals not coming, page 8 businesses reside.

“We have another big battle in front of us,” said Lourdes Ramirez, the winning plaintiff in two hotel-related lawsuits against Sarasota County, in a letter to supporters prior to a Nov. 2 victory party that drew as many as 150 attendees in the Casarina condominium clubhouse.

Meanwhile, the field is getting crowded for those seeking to amend the county’s comprehensive plan – the very plan that was upheld to only allow, as established in March of 1989, 36 rooms per acre (adjusted from 26) and a maximum height of 35 feet.

What was allowed by county vote the past two years blew those numbers out of the water.

Continued on page 24

Sand-sculpting artist Ian Deibert applies some fine touches to his creation during the Crystal Classic on Siesta Beach. For more highlights of the festival, turn to page 16. (submitted photo)

The story of an angel named Ernie

By Hannah Wallace

I Ernie Luke, metal detector guy

n November, a few hours before their flight was to take them back home to Chicago, Joanna Abdelhadi took her four kids to Siesta Beach one last time.

The family owns a vacation home in Cape Coral, and while Abdelhadi’s husband of 11 years, a Chicago police officer, had to stay home this time to work, she was determined to make the most of

their four-day weekend in the sun.

“We always make it a point to visit Siesta,” she said.

But while playing volleyball in the waves with her daughter, disaster struck.

“All of a sudden my rings just fly off!”

Abdelhadi said. Her platinum wedding band, along with her $6,500 engagement ring, disappeared into the Gulf of Mexico.

Distraught, Abdelhadi recruited everyone in the water around her to help with the search, but it seemed hopeless.

“There’s boats, there’s people, there’s sand,” she said. “And then this gentleman walks in with this metal detector.”

Joanna Abdelhadi, rings gal

Continued on page 20

Page 6

Page 10

Page 20

Page 27

Boat captains get county brass’ ear

Our little beach cottage makes history, lives on

Swim the English Channel? Check

The SK highs and lows of what sold

IN OUR SECOND SECTION: • Music Calendar PAGE V3 • Village Map/business listings PAGES V8, V9 • Crescent Beach Map/ business listings PAGE V10 •Gulf Gate Shops PAGE V13

Happiness is…the Holidays Oh, the weather outside is frightful…just kidding.

We’re in sunny Florida! But the holiday season is here and with it comes shopping, menu planning, gift giving, and gatherings with family and friends.

All pleasures that define this time of the year.

Abel’s Ice Cream is here to help with hard-to-buy-for friends and family. Their wide selection of nationally recognized gourmet chocolates from Sweet Shop USA are a treat for anyone on your list. These amazing chocolates also make wonderful hostess and teacher gifts.

And when you find a moment to get away from the hustle and bustle, stop into Abel’s to relax with a cup or cone of one of our award-winning flavors. Or try out one of our specialty seasonal

flavors like Peppermint Flash (Refreshing and vibrant-Peppermint ice cream filled with peppermint candy), Egg Nog (Sweet and delicious-a holiday favorite!), or a taste of Rum Raisin (Fantastic Rum flavored Ice cream loaded with raisins), a truly traditional touch of holiday spirit.

The Abel’s family wishes you and yours a wonderful holiday season, filled with love, laughter, and ice cream. Happy Holidays!

Abel’s Ice Cream is located at 1886 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota in the South Bridge Plaza. Open Sunday through Thursday from Noon-9:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday from Noon-10 pm. Learn more online at www.abelsicecream.com or connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.

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Greetings from the Gulf A sign of the times, and then not so much

By John Morton

T

here I was, enjoying my evening at Blase Cafe, wearing my Groucho Marx disguise glasses just to be safe. After all, I had what I thought was a big secret, so I had to remain incognito.

That’s when someone approached, said “You’re the newspaper guy, right?” and, before I could counter with something like “Of course I can write, but I’m not so fond of your grammar,” he dropped the bomb: “I heard that Tommy Bahama is going in where Davidson’s used to be.”

I asked him how he knew. Did he have inside information? Secret sources? Are we talking espionage here? Wire-tapping?

He said no, he had a wife back home in Cincinnati who just texted him.

Ah yes, the widespread power of the Siesta Key rumor.

The rumor has actually evolved to this: It’s an Alvin’s Island beachwear and surf store that’s going into the 8,5000 square feet in the center of Davidson Plaza, where the drugstore used to be, and the Tommy Bahama clothing store is going into the vacant corner spot there -- temporarily, until it can find more space.

The information came from two sources who own property in the Village and are reliable with their information. However, Richard Davidson was unwilling to comment on the Tommy Bahama scenario, noting a lease was in place but only the tenant should be announcing its arrival. Fair enough.

As for the big space where his family business stood, he said no lease was signed and he was still pursuing a taker.

Oh, as a note to you snowbirds or tourists who just arrived, the Davidson’s on the south end of the island remains open. It just will no longer have a pharmacy.

Anyway, in the interest of responsible journalism -something that John Davidson himself started here with the Pelican Press -- we are not going to put in print that TOMMY BAHAMA and ALVIN’S ISLAND ARE COMING TO DAVIDSON PLAZA. By the way, an interesting and, for some, alarming pattern may be developing at that plaza. If these two chains do arrive, they will join fellow chains Lilly Pulitzer, Southern Tide, and Kilwins. When Sassy ... the Little Day Spa relocates in the near future across the street, it will be interesting to see if another chain comes in.

Many of us always hoped Siesta Key would be mostly exclusive to local Mom and Pop businesses -- stuff you couldn’t find anywhere else. In fact, when the Best Western was bought by local owners, when Subway was swallowed-up by Flavio’s, and one of the two 7-Eleven stores said goodbye, that concept seemed to receive some reinforcement.

Of course, how many Mom and Pop operations can now afford the rent that the Key is suddenly commanding? Especially in one of the Village’s most prime locations?

Recently, the Davidson family presented me an image of patriarch John on the cover of a business-themed magazine in 1986, championing his success as an independent pharmacist in a world where the chain stores were emerging.

Its headline reads “Can the drug chains

beat our Prince of Pills?”

It’s an interesting dichotomy of how things have turned, and it’s finally even catching up with our little island.

And, to whom did the Davidsons sell their pills and prescriptions?

Walgreens -- one of the ultimate chains.

However, they are close to both of our bridges so conveniently serving Siesta residents was certainly part of that strategy. It just might sound unfortunate, I suppose.

Either way, Mr. Davidson is a man I respect and admire immensely. Now in his 90s, his 65-year commitment to both serving Siesta Key as a pharmacist and always as a community leader are to be applauded.

For those who think his family has “sold out,” you’re not being fair and certainly not being realistic. *** In the classified section of this issue, there’s a call-out to anyone interested in forming a knitting club. Well, I have your first project for you!

With that, we head to the south end of the Key to Pizza N’ Brew, which has been dark for months and leaving us in the dark along the way. Whether closed or what the owner said was a temporary break from doing business, the fact it hasn’t reopened with the arrival of tourist season is a bad sign.

And speaking of bad signs, the torn vinyl banner really needs to be fixed, whether the business is open or not. People wonder

if one of the hurricanes caused it, but I’m told it’s the result of a careless delivery truck driver who snagged it.

So, it’s not like anyone is waiting on funds from FEMA. The lousy look is not fair to the other businesses in Crescent Plaza. To be the anchor of the plaza, with high visibility right on the street, it doesn’t set a positive vibe one bit.

Meanwhile, the south end continues to look better and better. The facelift at the plaza that’s home to Crescent Beach Market is close to completion and even the 7-Eleven repaved its crater-ridden parking lot.

As for Pizza N’ Brew, we are all cheering for you. That spot has a 30-plus-year family history, formerly carrying the name City Pizza, and upgrades on the inside were taking place as recently as this summer.

Online, a new website exists that rebrands the business with the new name Hammerheads and touts an influx of Caribbean dishes to go with its pizza offerings. It’s even seeking employment applications. Check out Hammerheadsgrill. com.

No doubt there is a lot to shake out, and if you plan to change your name I realize you don’t want to invest in a new sign, but until that occurs a little seamstress activity would go a long way.

Sew there. Ha! (John Morton is managing editor of Siesta Sand.)

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From the Publisher’s Desk ... by Brion Palmer

D

ear loyal Siesta Sand readers: We are committed to continuing to provide excellence in reporting and serving as the trusted and definitive resource for Siesta Key. However, during the past several years we have been experiencing soaring costs, most notably with respect to paper, printing, and mailing.

In addition, we have made significant investments in our operations, such as a revamped website, a weekly news email providing timely updates to our readers and, most importantly, investments in our editorial staff.

To offset some of these rising costs and to support continued investments into the quality of the paper we are asking residents of Siesta Key to help support the Siesta Sand through an annual subscription in the amount of $60. This will ensure that you will continue to receive the Siesta Sand every month in the mail. We will cease the

complimentary mailing of the Siesta Sand to Siesta Key residents effective with the February 2024 issue.

We hope you will consider a subscription to continue to support having a dedicated community paper that provides the following benefits: • Local news coverage providing detailed coverage of the stories and issues affecting Siesta Key. • A platform for community engagement that serves as a medium for residents, local organizations, and the business community to come together.

• Promoting Siesta Key and its businesses to our many visitors from around the country and from around the world.

• Preserving local history by continuing as an ongoing publication that documents the history of Siesta Key. Therefore, we ask that you consider supporting local journalism in your community by subscribing to the Siesta Sand today. You may subscribe by: 1. Going to https://siestasand.us/

www.siestasand.us

Your mail-in form

keep-one-foot-in-the-sand/ and entering your mailing address and credit card information; 2. Filling out the form printed in this article and returning it with payment to:

Name ________________________________ Primary Address _______________________ City __________________________________

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Note: If you are a seasonal resident, we will mail your subscription to either residence. Simply enter your primary residence in the main form and enter your secondary address in the “notes” field on the subscription form. You should also indicate the months in which it should be mailed to each residence in the “notes” field.

We thank you for your continued support of the Siesta Sand and look forward to providing you with the quality journalism that Siesta Key deserves.

Sincerely, Brion Palmer Publisher, Siesta Sand

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Months to receive @ secondary address ______________________________________ Send this form and a check to the address previusly listed in the article. Thank you!

LOVE A B U N D A N T LY Savor every moment and do more of what you love with the special people in your life.

To schedule a tour and to learn more, please call us at 941.966.5611 BAYVILL AGE.ORG

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SK resident denied role on TDC The Sarasota Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 24 unanimously selected Todd Mathes, director of development for Benderson Development, for a fouryear spot on the county’s Tourist Advisory Council (TDC).

Siesta Key businessman Mike Holderness also applied for the position but did not receive a nomination from any commissioner.

He is owner of Beachside Management and co-owner of both Siesta Key Beach Holderness Resort and Suites and Siesta Key Beachside Villas.

“I am honored to have been nominated to apply for the TDC board. I’m, obviously, disappointed not to be appointed to this specific ‘payer of the tax’ position, Holderness said. “We [his businesses] are taxed around a $1 million per year for the TDC budget, and I believe I would have been the best advocate for them. I will continue to look for opportunities to serve my community while also serving the guests who enjoy Siesta Key and continue looking out for our locals that call Siesta home.”

The TDC utilizes the Tourist Development Tax – or “bed tax” – that is collected from lodging entities.

In recent years, Holderness has been involved in disputes with the county involving land use and other matters. He was deemed as qualified for the TDC seat by county staff – those qualifications are: • Be collectors of tourist development tax or involved with/ interested in tourist development.

• Be a Sarasota County resident.

Among Benderson Development’s projects is the mixed-use Siesta Promenade coming to the corner of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road. It also owns land in Siesta Village and has recently expressed interest in building a hotel there.

-- John Morton

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County to develop task force to consider commercial boating at public accesses

By ChrisAnn Allen They decided it required a “deeper dive.”

During their Oct. 24 meeting, members of the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners reached a consensus to pause and consider the best way to handle commercial boating businesses -- such as charter fishing, tour boats and scuba diving -- using county recreational water accesses as points for loading and unloading clients.

On Siesta Key, Turtle Beach Park on Midnight Pass Road and Nora Patterson Bay Island Park on Siesta Drive are examples of such locales.

This comes on the heels of the county’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources researching and possibly developing a permit program for such commercial boating businesses. However, commissioners determined it would be difficult to regulate and the parks do not have enough parking to support such a program.

Nicole Rissler, the department’s director, gave a presentation requesting an amendment to the county code due to an increase in unauthorized use of these water access points and asked the commission for updated language delegating authority to the county administrator or designee to issue and change fees associated with this use.

While charter fishing businesses are subject to the proposal, it does

would still have to possess a business-use permit and, to operate in the Marine Park District, it must have an “abutting lease” which means a slip at a marina in the district or some other type of ownership within that district.

A concerned District 3 Commissioner Neil Rainford said charter fishing, tour boats, and other water recreation activities bring tourism to Sarasota County that affects all branches of the industry, including restaurants and vacation rentals. “I think the unintended consequences might be significant,” he said.

Rissler responded, “This is not just about fishing charters. This is across the board … You can’t operate a business without a permit in our parks.”

Nora Patterson Bay Island Park, along Siesta Drive near Siesta Key’s north bridge, is a focal point for issues with tourism-related businesses using waterfront county parks to pick up and drop off customers. (photo by David Geyer)

not include commercial fishing boats, such as ones which provide wholesale seafood. Those are exempt through a separate section

of the county code.

“This is clarifying language,” Rissler said. “Right now, today, our county code in Chapter 90

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prohibits commercial activity from occurring in our parks. So, what we are proposing to change today does not affect that this activity already is prohibited within our parks.”

Rissler also said she has heard people saying that the county is trying to regulate commercial businesses launching from the boat ramps. “That is untrue,” she said, adding that it does not regulate the types of vessels launching from the ramps but doing business in county parks without a permit is currently prohibited.

Lastly, she said that even if there was a permit program allowing this type of use, the recipient

Business owners make their case During public comment, Robert Breton, known as “Captain Bob” of Serenity Offshore Fishing Charters, was one of several dozen people in the gallery opposing the proposed amendment. He said there are almost no other options or charter boats to launch, other than county parks. He suggested that there should be a permit program attached to the county charter fishing license.

“That way, each charter could be dealt with differently, and you’d be able to keep track of what’s going on with that,” Breton said.

He also asked the enforcement be halted as tourist season is starting and with it comes business for charter fishing and tour boat operations.

Claire Kobza, who owns Low Tide Tours with her husband, Jason, said they’ve been running their business since 2020 on Siesta Key. Initially they operated out of Bayfront Yacht Works and Marina near the south end, but a change in management led them to pursue Continued on page 26 Claire Kobza of Low Tide Tours addresses the Sarasota County commissioners. After starting at the south end of Siesta Key on private property, the operation has moved to the county’s Nora Patterson Park to pick up and drop off customers. (meeting screenshot, web photo)

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Hotel-related appeals will not occur

By John Morton

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No appeals in court will be the desirability of renting in our coming from Sarasota County single-family neighborhoods.” as far as high-density hotels are He also feels transportation concerned. studies should help determine any On Oct. 24, the five county hotel-related decisions. commissioners voted unanimously “The development of a Siesta to heed the advice of Josh Moye, Key traffic model that would be the county attorney, and not fight required to be used for county their Aug. 21 loss in the case filed approval of redevelopment on

by Siesta Key resident Lourdes Siesta Key is critical to ensuring Ramirez. It was that day that that the intensity of development 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge on Siesta Key doesn’t increase,” Hunter Carroll ruled in a summary Smith said. “This effort is one judgment that Sarasota County of my major focuses as county in October 2021 violated its own commissioner.” comprehensive plan when allowing While Ramirez is not entitled to unlimited density, giving the green attorneys fees in the state ruling, light to approving three large hotels she is entitled to them at the county to be constructed. level and on Oct. 12 she filed the Carroll decided that the paperwork. guidelines put in place in March “Let’s hope the circuit court 1989 were what counted, limiting agrees with our motion so that hotels to 26 units per acre and some of the legal costs are covered,” 35 feet in height (he’d recalculate she recently wrote to supporters via the density to 36 rooms per acre an electronic newsletter. in his ruling). The three hotels In Moye’s Aug. 29 letter to subsequently approved by the commissioners, he warned them county all greatly exceeded those that ongoing legal parameters. battles would Commissioners also agreed be costly above to drop their appeal of a state and beyond Division of Administrative what is already Hearings ruling in April that also significant money supported Ramirez. Four of the five owed to Ramirez. commissioners originally voted “The attorneys’ in favor of that appeal, with Siesta fee award may be Moye Key’s Mark Smith dissenting. several hundred At that time, Commissioner Mike thousand Moran said the county should “do dollars,” he wrote. whatever it takes” to reverse the Previously, he had warned rulings against the county. commissioners in a letter that Said Smith afterward in an email fighting the Carroll ruling “would to Siesta Sand, “I am, and always be an uphill battle.” have been, against unlimited The current commissioners that density for hotels on Siesta Key. I voted in favor of unlimited density DaRuMa-ChristmasAd.pdf 1 AMMoran 11/18/19 and 8:25 Ron AM DaRuMa-ChristmasAd.pdf 1 11/18/19 8:25 believe boutique hotels, in scale are Cutsinger. Neil DaRuMa-ChristmasAd.pdf 1 AM 11/18/19 who 8:25 was AM DaRuMa-ChristmasAd.pdf 1 the 11/18/19 8:25 with Siesta Key, would serve Rainford, on the county’s DaRuMa-ChristmasAd.pdf 8:25 AM DaRuMa-ChristmasAd.pdf 1 11/18/19 8:251 AM 11/18/19 community well in supporting planning commission at the time, local retail, restaurant, and touristalso favored it. related activities.

Smith and Joe Neunder had yet “Boutique hotels on commercially to be elected, joining the board in zoned property wouldDaRuMa-ChristmasAd.pdf also1lessen November 2022.

1 AM 11/18/19 of 8:25 AM DaRuMa-ChristmasAd.pdf 11/18/19 8:25

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ST. PETERSBURG/TAMPA/ GULF BEACHES

What Makes the Gulf Beaches Paradise?

By Peter A. Roos, Paradise News They say “the three most important factors determining the value of real estate are 1. Location 2.

Location 3. Location” Proximity to what you might ask. The beaches are a given, and there are residential opportunities as varied as the communities that dot the coast and form the chain of barrier islands from St. Pete Beach to Clearwater Beach.

Two world-class airports, winning football, baseball, hockey and soccer teams, the season’s first grand prix, multiple performing arts centers, Florida’s best orchestra and opera, all connected by an updated system of interstates and local toll roads and an improving public transport system, that works well.

Local colleges and universities welcome experienced learners, providing outlets for students who are young at heart.

Florida’s lack of an income tax and favorable inheritance tax climate has long attracted retirees with savings.

While a melting pot of folks from out of state, with a sprinkling of Europeans, Asians and Caribbean Islanders, Tampa Bay has traditionally attracted mid-westerners, retirees from Michigan to Minnesota and farmers from Illinois to Nebraska.

With many communities surrounded by water, Tampa Bay has the most boat registrations in the state.

It is a world class fishery, with boats and captains waiting. It also has miles of shoreline to explore by canoe or kayak.

Tampa Bay’s healthcare environment, both mainstream and alternative, is one of the best in the state.

From John’s Hopkins All Children’s, BayCare’s St. Anthony’s, Bayfront Health and Tampa General Hospital to Moffitt Cancer Center, world class care is readily available. Need a massage or acupuncture?

No problem.

There is a fresh market nearby almost every day of the week, year-round. There are more pets here per capita than any similar sized metro area in the state.

Tampa was named #2 by Wallethub and St. Petersburg #3 out of 100 metro areas in the state, for pet friendliness. Budget was one of three factors used, and this corner of the world is still an affordable destination that is being discovered by relocating Floridians, Californians, and Coloradans, in addition to a steady stream of the usual mid-western retirees.

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That classic little white cottage lives on Structure at Beach Access 7 will receive historic designation, thanks to narrow vote by Sarasota County commissioners

By ChrisAnn Allen

It has weathered storms for more than 90 years.

And during an Oct. 24 Sarasota County commission meeting it weathered another one, so to speak, as the board narrowly voted 3-2 to add the Curione Beach Cottage, 5404 Calle De La Siesta, to the Sarasota County Register of Historical Places.

District 1 Commissioner Mike Moran and District 3 Commissioner Neil Rainford cast the dissenting votes.

Josh Goodman, manager of the Sarasota County Division of Historical Resources, led a presentation at the meeting, explaining the county adopted its historic preservation ordinance in 1997 to “provide public and private landowners with tools and incentives for identifying and preserving historic structures around the county.”

Other examples of properties on the register include the Phillippi Estate Park, the Sarasota Terrace Hotel, and the HermitageWhitney Historic District on Manasota Key. In March, the historic preservation board unanimously recommended that the county-owned cottage, built circa 1932 in the Craftsman bungalow style, should be added to the registry as it “maintains a high degree of history and physical integrity,” Goodman said, noting it has seen minimal renovations.

He added, “It is significant as it is associated with the pre-World War II development of Siesta Key, specifically, the Crescent Beach area, and is a rare surviving example of typical structures built on barrier islands between the mid-1920s and 1945.”

The cottage is located near Beach Access 7, is used as a small county office and meeting space, and is flanked by beach access parking.

“To me, this wants to be parking,” Rainford said. “It’s not the Ca’ d’Zan, not The

Ringling, this is not the Phillippi mansion.”

He said preserving a nonconforming house in a flood zone goes against resiliency efforts. “We have some amazing historic buildings here, but this one, I am totally against.”

County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Director Nicole Rissler, said it appears there is work that could be done on the site to increase parking without removing the cottage.

District 2 Commissioner Mark Smith, whose district includes the property, asked Rissler if granting the designation would allow the county to avoid the Federal Smith Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 50% rule, which prohibits improvements to a structure exceeding 50% of its market value unless the entire structure is brought into compliance with current flood regulations, including elevation. She said the designation would eliminate the stipulations of the 50% rule.

Smith said they would be able to install much-needed public restrooms by avoiding the 50% rule and motioned for the cottage to receive the historic designation.

“We’d be able to adapt it much easier because we don’t have the 50% rule to deal with,” he said. “And if we could get a toilet room, it’d be great.”

Currently, there are no public restroom facilities near any of the Siesta Key beach accesses.

“This thing is an anomaly. Of all the storms we’ve had, it is still sitting there,” Smith said. “So, if you believe in destiny, we need to save this. But if it gets wiped out, it gets wiped out.”

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The interior and exterior of the little old house at 5404 Calle De La Siesta. It stands near Beach Access 7 on Crescent Beach. (photos

by John Morton)

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‘Wait and see’ is golf course conclusion

By ChrisAnn Allen “I think we’re in a wait-andsee kind of period right now,” Ron Cutsinger, Sarasota County’s District 5 commissioner, said Oct. 24 regarding a possible purchase of a 49-acre former golf course.

The rest of the board agreed.

Residents of the Gulf Gate neighborhood adjacent to the golf course, who formed the Gulf Gate Community Association, have addressed the commission in pushing a plan for the county to purchase the land and enhance it for stormwater storage, clean runoff into Sarasota Bay, and potentially reduce flooding in the area before it is developed as residential housing.

In September, commissioners unanimously approved a motion

by District 4 Commissioner Joe Neunder to request staff to investigate the feasibility of purchasing the golf course and present options to the board.

During the commission meeting, Public Works Director Spencer Anderson updated commissioners and provided them with several options for how to proceed.

Anderson said he met with the property owner Oct. 19, who told him they would be interested in selling for “a multiple of the appraisal value” the county provided, which was $3.8 million at the lowest and $4.6 million at the highest appraisal.

“They are a willing seller, but they want to sell at something much greater than what our appraisals came in at,” Anderson said.

He said other nearby counties

have undergone similar projects, and cited Pinellas’ BayPointe Stormwater Conservation Area, at an estimated cost of $10 million, as a “nearly identical project.”

He said the site contains groundwater and soil contamination with arsenic, due to previous agricultural and golf course maintenance practices, and the owner is currently going through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection process for remediation to move forward with residential development. The property owner said they should have FDEP clearances within two weeks, then start work on the site 90 days later.

“If we were to purchase it, there would be a substantial amount of additional cost for the soil management efforts on our behalf,”

Anderson said.

Currently, there is no funding source for the project, though it could be eligible for Resilient SRQ funding, a program resulting from $201 million awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of its Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery Program to assist with Hurricane Ian recovery and mitigation efforts.

Additionally, a Public Improvement District (PID) could be created within the project to help fund it, with benefit to be determined by a survey, and the affected neighborhood residents responsible for a portion of the overall cost.

District 3 Commissioner Neil Rainford asked about the public Continued on page 30

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Guest editorial

It’s been 75 years ... are we there yet?

By Catherine Luckner, president, Siesta Key Association “Don’t it always seem to go, you don’t know what you got ‘til it’s gone …”

-- Joni Mitchell, “Big Yellow Taxi”

B

etween 1942 and 1946, Sarasota provided a training ground for the U.S. Army Air Corps. British and U.S. Air Corps recruits viewed our barrier island from a perspective seldom seen.

Imagine their aerial glimpse of blue-green water surrounding crystal white sand beaches of our barrier island!

This view, for some, became a lifechanging invitation answered after the war’s end. Many returned to Siesta Key, building homes, roads, businesses, and starting family life. Word of Siesta Key continued to circulate and Siesta Key, for many, became a family vacation spot until retirement permitted full-time residency.

No one could predict how their dreams of a life on this barrier island would be realized. What had been a limited-access barrier island prior to 1940 became home to 550 permanent residents by 1953.

On Nov. 18, 1948, two Siesta Key residents incorporated the Siesta Key Association.

The work behind it all would serve to improve the quality of life, maintain a beautiful natural environment, and improve life on the Key for all who lived here. It had been a limited-access island with only fishing boats and small vacation cottages. Developing bridges, roads, a fire service, a water utility, and small storefronts for groceries, a pharmacy, medical care, and eating spots added comforts to what was still a rustic feeling of “being away” from the city life.

The Siesta Key Association focused on the needs of people living here. Being part of the larger Sarasota County, adding

zoning and building standards became necessary. All along the way, a purpose was placed on maintaining a naturally beautiful island home.

The rest of the story is well known: We grew.

Still, we are working always for preservation of our unique crystal sand beach, water access and safety. SKA advocates for the natural island, involving local county government as well as other legislative support.

And now, we recognize our island is being developed without adherence to codes, regulations, or fact-based recognition of Siesta Key’s “vulnerabilities” -- e.g, the loss of natural resources.

We are at risk. The natural environment which supports the very basis for all who love Siesta Key is now disappearing in spite of well-written regulations and rules to protect.

We did think ahead and write laws, rules and regulations to protect all that is a limited resource. Our work is collaborative with anyone who understands this island resource.

With Siesta Key as a global presence, and a destination for generations of families, our collective stewardship for the “long view” of our future is essential. We DO know what is at risk and are willing to go the distance. We are, in this moment, facing the most difficult work to maintain what makes Siesta Key as a most unique barrier island.

How can we keep what we love?

We ask for a response from: 1. All who helped develop and, with duty, to enforce Siesta Key zoning regulations (1989) and all who currently have duty to enforce and protect the Siesta Key Overlay District (1999) in the Siesta Key Community Plan (also 1999) for future

development and improvements.

2. Those who developed the research, the history and methods for improving and maintaining Siesta Key through the Siesta Key Community Plan. These commitments were generated with the collaboration of citizens (property owners, both business and residential) with the county. The Siesta Key Community Plan guides the future zoning and regulatory language for the Village’s appearance along with business and residential development. It established the specific zoning areas for future land use.

We ask that you keep your word as described in the community plan. You can do it by maintaining the legal standards written.

For those of you not familiar with the Siesta Key Community Plan, it will be available for perusal at our Jan. 4 SKA meeting. It’s at 4:30 p.m. at St. Boniface Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Rd. Meanwhile, should the tactic of “a new word meaning” be permitted in a court of law where words have discrete and distinct meaning and have been agreed to in use?

Can we agree that coastal regions have unique natural attributes that require protections under the law? Especially in Florida?

Can we agree to encourage building in an area that benefits by its support of people?

Can we agree that people who live under agreement with those who regulate laws should expect their word to be faithful and binding?

When people believe they make a difference, they will develop courage, ethics and future thinking. And ACTION. Please feel free to comment and send your thoughts.

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Downsizing the house, but not the lifestyle One of Siesta’s most prized residences enters the growing luxury-home market as the Crouses stay on the Key but get closer to the city

By Jane Bartnett “I grew up along the Atlantic Ocean in New Jersey. I like being near the water,” said Siesta Key resident William Crouse who, along with his wife, Elaine, listed their dazzling waterfront Siesta Key home last month for $21 million. “We spend winters here.

We’re not moving out of the area.”

They are, however, downsizing to a smaller Siesta Key home that is less than 6,000 square feet. Like their current 7,800-square-foot Sanderling Club home, located at 8250 Sanderling Rd., it was also designed by the renowned Sarasota architect Guy Peterson.

The couple’s new residence will be “a little closer to the city,” Crouse said. Citing easier access to the north bridge, Crouse said that the move will allow the couple easier access to downtown Sarasota and less traffic.

While they value the privacy that their life on Siesta Key affords them, they also maintain a busy social calendar. “We go into town almost every night for dinner and we participate in social functions and charitable activities,” said Crouse.

The couple has been avid collectors of art deco posters, glassware from the 1930s, and cocktail shakers for many years and share a fascination with this iconic and celebrated art form.

Elaine Crouse is a Ringling College of Art and Design trustee.

Earlier this year, she and her husband opened their Siesta Key

Elaine and William Crouse in their Sanderling Road home, posing in front of their collection of vintage glasswear and cocktail shakers. The home also features an impressive art collection with an emphasis on art deco posters. (submitted photos)

home to Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College supporters who viewed the Crouse’s extensive collections.

A venture capitalist and former worldwide president of Ortho Diagnostics, William Crouse is the author of two art deco poster books. Antiques and Arts Weekly, a highly regarded arts world publication, heralded Crouse’s The Art Deco Posters: Rare and Iconic, as “a feast for the eyes. This book is a wonderful study of an important graphic design genre,” wrote a critic. His second book, Grand Prix Automobile de Monaco Posters, the Complete Collection: The Art, the

Artists and the Competition, 19292009, also won accolades for its text and beautiful photographs.

He takes great pride in the collections that he and his wife have built over the years, which include works by French commercial poster artists Cassandre, Jean Carlue, Charles Loupot, Paul Colin and Sepo. The couple also own a work

by Spanish surrealist artist Joan Miró. The Crouses’ collection, he noted, include “the rarest and most important works” of the genre, and “100% between the two world wars.”

Continued on page 25

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Gilligan’s, county at impasse regarding music hours

By ChrisAnn Allen It appears they are deadlocked.

Following a sound study conducted for Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill to measure ambient and live music sound levels, Sarasota County staff and Gilligan’s representatives met in a special magistrate mediation hearing Oct. 31 to discuss the results.

According to Gilligan’s attorney Casey Colburn, as a result of the study and subsequent hearing “the county refused to settle, even though we did everything we were asked to do and we implemented the scope of study that the county approved. The mediator has declared an ‘impasse.’”

The study was performed Sept. 29 by Keane Acoustics of Oldsmar. Gilligan’s is located at 5253 Ocean Blvd. in Siesta Village.

Gilligan’s owner Scott Smith was negotiating with the county toward possibly providing live music past the current required 10 p.m. cutoff. Initially, Smith was pushing for music until 2 a.m. but was willing to end live music at an earlier time, matching sound from neighboring establishments, in an attempt to work with the county.

The study pointed out the excessive sound

Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill at night. The establishment is seeking later hours to host live music. (file photo)

was coming from street traffic and other, nearby businesses, including the Siesta Key Oyster Bar and the Blase Cafe, which reverberated off of surrounding structures.

The study also led to the recommendation of a “stoplight visual sound level meter,” which mimics the actions of the traffic control device to let management know when sound is exceeding the decibel level limitations of the county’s noise ordinance so it can be

lowered.

Additionally, sound-dampening materials, including concrete block and vinyl, have already been installed onsite.

However, in response to the sound study, assistant county attorney David Pearce said the study did not do what the county envisioned, which would’ve been to look at the proper location for live entertainment and mitigation.

“The study provided just reaches the conclusion that there is no problem,” Pearce said.

So, in an Oct. 31 addendum, Keane provided indoor and outdoor locations optimal for live music without sound issues, including the “dance floor” and “existing outdoor covered stage.”

Colburn said Nov. 8 the reaction of the county staff was “disappointing.”

“We did what they asked and completed the scope of work at our expense,” he said.

“And it showed the surrounding condos are getting bombarded with sound, but none of it is from Gilligan’s. We are doing everything right. There’s no violation of any sounds leaving Gilligan’s.”

Colburn said the next step would be another special magistrate hearing regarding the impasse to determine whether both parties are “reasonably dealing with the matter,” from which the mediator will issue a ruling to be heard by the board of county commissioners.

“Right now, the commission is still in the dark,” Colburn said. “We need to be given a fair opportunity for them to hear it.”

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h what a night! And oh, what a weekend it was for Siesta Beach. The Crystal Classic was on!

Thousands of visitors had come to see the exceptional sand sculptures designed and created by 24 of the world’s master sand sculptors who traveled here from all over the U.S. and Canada, and from as far away as the Netherlands, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Latvia, and Ukraine. I’d been looking forward to getting to the beach to see what this year’s artists had accomplished.

Wow, was it worth the wait!

When my friend Lisa and I arrived on Saturday in the late afternoon, there was music in the air and a lot of smiling faces. I’ve never seen so many people on Siesta Beach.

It was the perfect evening. The sand was soft, the temperature was just right, and as the sun started to set the beach took on a golden glow.

Magic.

As we entered the gate for the event, a large welcome sculpture of a smiling Scooter of the Beach, Siesta Key’s most famous lifeguard, greeted us. I learned that several other large

sculptures that appeared at the festival were the result of what is called a “community carve” -- that’s when all the sculptors got into the act. Talk about teamwork. Impressive is too small a word to describe how amazing they all were.

Yes, these artists created these gigantic designs together and then got to work on their own projects.

One amazing sculpture after another seemed to magically appear in the sand.

People stopped to gaze and some seemed to be totally awestruck. These sculptures have that effect on you!

Lots of kids were perched on their dad’s shoulders and enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the spectacular display of art, humor and wonder. Sounds of laugher and oohs and ahhs everywhere could be heard as people stopped to stare at the amazing designs and the sheer size of many of the sand sculptures.

I was amazed at not only the expertise and craftsmanship that goes into creating these spectacular pieces of art but also the cleverness and humor. A large work called “Birds of a Feather Flock Together” showed an eagle with sharp talons and a wise old owl looking on.

There were castles in the air and a sweet tribute to a smiling Jimmy Buffett, the ultimate beach boy, complete with parrots and a guitar. In my mind, I could hear him singing about his beloved Margaritaville.

One of my favorites was a magnificent creation called “A Change of Season” from the Canadian team of Dan Belcher and Karen Fralich. Both have won so many world championship titles that it’s hard to count and she is the only woman to win the

Solo Canadian World Championship. Their design, as I interpreted it, in my self-made title as sand-sculptor-critic-at large, was a tribute to their Canadian roots. It depicted Old Man Winter and the fall season. Fall is shown in the form of a fair goddess, wearing Canadian maple leaves and acorns as a crown on her head. She appears to be drifting off to sleep as the cold winds of winter drifts by.

Simply beautiful.

We wandered over to the Barefoot Beach Bar Party Tent and caught a few tunes as the From the Edge Band played to a full house.

The bar was doing a brisk business and after grabbing a beer, beach-goers danced and sang along.

It was one of those late afternoons that makes you think that life doesn’t get much better than this. I don’t think anyone on the beach would disagree.

At the sand-sculpting lessons area, families with young kids were having a great time.

There was some real talent there. I bet we’ll be seeing some of these budding young artists at a future Crystal Classic in the years ahead.

Next door to the lessons were sculptures that had been created earlier in the day during the amateur sand sculpting completion. It’s

amazing to see how much talent there is out there in the world.

“Take my picture with Cookie Monster” said one little girl to her mother, when she spotted a small sculpture of the Muppet character munching on a cookie with his cookie jar close by.

Several small and intricate castles were on display as was a sea turtle that appeared to be emerging from the water. And to think, these were created by amateurs.

I wonder how many sandcastle photos made their way to “the cloud” during those four days? No doubt, Siesta Beach is probably now even more famous than ever before.

Since I’m a recent transplant to Sarasota, I’ve only visited the Crystal Classic for the last few years. Last year, the Key was still recovering from Hurricane Ida and dealing with Hurricane Nicole. It was amazing that the festival went on at all, yet it did.

This year was a real turning point. If anyone has any doubt, Siesta Key and this beautiful beach are back. The Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival, as it’s formally known, is one of the crowning achievements of the year.

I can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2024!

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Time for tax-loss harvesting?

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Sarasota Local Brings Experience & Trust to Siesta Key

It’s been a bumpy year for the financial markets — which means that some of your investments may have underperformed or lost value.

Can you use these losses to your advantage?

It’s possible. If you have some investments that have lost value, you could sell them to offset taxable capital gains from other investments. If your losses exceed gains for the year, you could use the remaining losses to offset up to $3,000 of ordinary income. And any amount over $3,000 can be carried forward to offset gains in future years.

This “tax-loss harvesting” can be advantageous if you plan to sell investments that you’ve held in taxable accounts for years and that have grown significantly in value. And you might receive some gains even if you take no action yourself. For example, when you own mutual funds, the fund manager can decide to sell stocks or other investments within the fund’s portfolio and then pay you

a portion of the proceeds. These payments, known as capital gains distributions, are taxable to you whether you take them as cash or reinvest them back into the fund.

Still, despite the possible tax benefits of selling investments whose price has fallen, you need to consider carefully whether such a move is in your best interest. If an investment has a clear place in your holdings, and it offers good business fundamentals and

favorable prospects, you might not want to sell it just because its value has dropped.

On the other hand, if the investments you’re thinking of selling are quite similar to others you own, it might make sense to sell, take the tax loss and then use the proceeds of the sale to purchase new investments that can help fill any gaps in your portfolio.

If you do sell an investment and reinvest the funds, you’ll want to be sure your new investment is different in nature from the one you sold. Otherwise, you could risk triggering the “wash sale” rule, which states that if you sell an investment at a loss and buy the same or a “substantially identical” investment within 30 days before or after the sale, the loss is generally disallowed for income tax purposes.

Here’s one more point to keep in mind about tax-loss harvesting: You’ll need to take into account just how long you’ve held the investments you’re considering

selling. That’s because long-term losses are first applied against long-term gains, while short-term losses are first applied against short-term gains. (Long-term is defined as more than a year; shortterm is one year or less.) If you have excess losses in one category, you can then apply them to gains of either type. Long-term capital gains are taxed at 0%, 15% or 20%, depending on your income, while short-term gains are taxed at your ordinary income tax rate. So, from a tax perspective, taking shortterm losses could provide greater benefits if your tax rate is higher than the highest capital gains rate.

You’ll want to contact your tax advisor to determine whether taxloss harvesting is appropriate for your situation — and you’ll need to do it soon because the deadline is Dec. 31. But whether you pursue this technique this year or not, you may want to keep it in mind for the future — because you’ll always have investment tax issues to consider.

Joe St. Onge, ChFC® Financial Advisor, Edward Jones Investments 5011 Ocean Blvd., suite 205 Siesta Key, FL 34242 (941)-346-0560 phone (941)-320-4030 mobile Joe.StOnge@edwardjones.com This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

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Sheriff’s Report Oct. 9 theft Victim advised that someone entered his vehicle and took his phone and wallet while he and his daughter were at the beach.

Victim advised that he was parked at Sunrise 2 toward the south east of the parking lot and arrived at the beach at approximately 5 p.m. and came back to his vehicle at approximately 6:40 p.m. Victim sought to locate the phone through the “find my phone” app but the phone was turned off.

Victim also indicated that charges were made to a credit card in the wallet.

Oct. 15 stolen vehicle Sheriff’s deputy responded to an address in response to a stolen vehicle. The reportedly stolen vehicle was a 2023 Chevy Suburban with Florida plates.

The vehicle was last reported to have been seen on Oct. 14

at approximately 4 p.m. The complainant had the key for the vehicle and was not aware if there was a spare key. There was no personal property in the vehicle.

Oct. 18 possession of drugs with intent to sell, firearm violation Deputy responded to a call at the Turtle Beach boat ramp. After investigating the call, the deputy observed four subjects near a picnic table by the boat ramp.

Deputy observed a dog with them in violation of a county ordinance and also observed a strong odor of cannabis coming from the table. The subjects initially denied they were smoking cannabis but defendant stated he had a medical marijuana card.

Deputy asked that defendant retrieve his card from his vehicle and observed a strong odor of cannabis coming from the vehicle.

After proffering his license and

medical marijuana card, which was expired, the defendant was asked if there was marijuana in the vehicle. After further discussions a bag of marijuana with a scale and two firearms were recovered from the vehicle.

Oct. 19 possession of drugs Defendant was at beach parking lot after hours and when pulling out of it almost hit a sheriff’s deputy after shining high beams at the officer’s vehicle.

After pulling defendant over for a citation, drugs and drug paraphernalia were found in plain view in the vehicle. Defendant was charged with possession of controlled substance and issued a traffic citation for the flashing of high beams.

Oct. 28 loud music on beach Victim reported that the suspect was playing his music at the beach

at an excessively loud volume.

Victim approached subject and requested that the volume be turned down.

A verbal argument followed and during the course of the argument the suspect pushed the victim with such force that his glasses were knocked from his face.

Suspect indicated he pushed the victim as he believed the victim might attack him and that he was not aware of any sign saying how loud he could play his music.

Various witnesses to the incident were interviewed. The victim indicated he wished to sign a waiver of prosecution.

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Taking the dip of a lifetime Siesta Key training set the stage for swimmer Allen Hillman to cross the English Channel

By Ned Steele

W

hat kind of person eagerly jumps into 10-foot storm-surge waves for a bracing two-hour swim from Siesta Beach to the Point of Rocks?

The kind of person who’s training to swim the English Channel, that’s who.

Such a person is Allen Hillman. After two years of training – including several stormy Siesta Beach adventures – the longtime competitive swimmer and software engineer crossed the Channel successfully in September, covering the 20-plus miles in 11 hours and 44 minutes. He entered an elite club: Just 127 of his fellow natators worldwide reached this pinnacle of aquatic achievement in 2023. That’s far fewer than the number of mountain climbers who summit Mount Everest yearly.

Even more impressive: Hillman was 55 at the time, and just three years removed from suffering a stroke that landed him in intensive care.

“I’d always thought about it,” recalled Hillman, a swimmer since age 5 in his native Pennsylvania and a competitive aquatic racer since moving to this area about 15 years ago.

“When one of my swim teammates did it in 2021, I decided I would go for it.

“It just required bumping up the level and the intensity. I like swimming long distances.

The longer the better, the more comfortable I am. Once I’m warmed up, I stay nice and relaxed and I can keep going.”

But Allen … warm up? Relax? It’s cold in the Channel, with water temperatures from the mid 50s to the mid 60s – chilly enough to intimidate most, and do-in many, would-be crossers.

“I did the qualifying swim you have to do to make the try,” Allen reported. “A six-hour swim in water below 60 degrees. I did it in Lake Tahoe.”

Upper left and clockwise: Allen Hillman swimming across the English Channel; proudly displaying his cetification of accomplishment at a banquet in England; standing on Siesta Key on a cool, cloudy day that’s perfect for training; celebrating on the English Channel with supporters after his monumental achievement. (submitted photos and local photo by Ned Steele)

Oh, and there’s an ice-plunge pool at a wellness center in Sarasota where the mercury – if it doesn’t freeze over – reads 35 degrees. Hillman’s been there, too.

Those locales can test cold-water mettle, but it was the Gulf waters off Siesta where Hillman confronted another great challenge to a successful Channel crossing:

choppy waters.

That’s where the swims to Point of Rocks came in. Whenever a storm kicked up, Hillman waited for the surge – and dove in.

“Siesta Key is my favorite swim when I’m trying for distance over open water,” he explained. “You need the cold-water acclimation, but open water swimming in

waves and chop is a big part of the training.

It’s a two-hour swim, a good warmup for the Channel.”

And for this swimmer, it’s enjoyable.

“I like those waves; they are fun to swim through. Once there was a 10-foot wave, it Continued on page 28

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Spa Experience Siesta Key

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Clients normally fall asleep during the facial as it is extremely relaxing and painless. There is no downtime and clients may go outside with no concerns after treatments. Spa Director, Connie Lewis has been performing micro-current facials since 2005 after learning the technology during her studies at Fashion Focus Academy where she earned by the results I personally experienced on my own face I immediately acquired the machine right out of school,” says Lewis.

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Microcurrent treatments are usually performed within 45-60 minutes, and are usually prescribed in a series of 6 to 12 treatments over a course of 60 days with one to two treatments a week recommended for maximum results.

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Our non-invasive treatment usually offers noticeable results even after just one session and effectively gives you Like exercise for the other parts of the body, the facial muscles need a regular workout to achieve good muscle tone. Muscle reeducation by microcurrent is often referred to as “sculpting” and “lifting.”

The lifting and strengthening action have an accumulative effect on the face with each systematic series of treatments, increasing the holding action of the muscles. Through repeated sessions, facial muscles will hold their tone. Just like the stomach muscles will “re-tone” after repeated sessions of sit-ups. During the initial program, we recommend one to two visits a week with the total number depending on the individual needs. A typical course of treatment will range from six to twelve sessions. And after that a visit once a month is usually all that is required to maintain good facial muscle tone and youthful appearance.

When you stop exercising the body, over a period of time the muscle will lose their increased tone and the face. It will not suddenly “fall,” but overtime will begin to resume its normal aging process.

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Ernie the angel

Continued from page 1

Ernie Luke, a Sarasota native and county employee, only recently got a metal detector and started combing the sand on his afternoons after work. Luke was still working on calibrating the machine, and he’d had almost no luck so far finding things in the water. He mostly uncovered torn-up aluminum cans and discarded vapes; the most valuable item he’d located thus far had been people’s car keys momentarily hidden in the sand.

But he wanted to help.

“One of her daughters came up to me and said, ‘My mom lost her wedding ring, can you help us?’” said Luke. “As we’re walking over there, she’s so sweet, like, ‘Thank you for helping us.’

“I have two grandkids.

[Abdelhadi’s daughters] were great kids. But it’s hard, because [the rings] could’ve been anywhere.”

Luke even comforted her while he looked.

“He was like, ‘Don’t cry,’” Abdelhadi said. “He was so nurturing.”

Just five minutes later, Luke heard a telltale “blip.” He scooped the area with his net and brought up a small, shiny loop. “He’s like, ‘Is this your ring?’” Abdelhadi said.

“And it was my wedding ring!”

But with time winding down, Abdelhadi felt that she’d run out of miracles for the day, and she needed to get her family members back to the house to pack for their flight. She exchanged numbers with Luke’s wife, Tara, while Luke promised to continue looking.

“I couldn’t give up, but I was losing hope,” Luke admitted. “I couldn’t see through the water, it started getting windy, the current was picking up.”

In the car, Abdelhadi called her husband.

“I said, ‘I have very bad news.

I lost my rings. The really good news is, I found my wedding ring,’” she said. “He was like, ‘What idiot wears their rings to the beach?’”

Twenty minutes into their drive back to Cape Coral, Abdelhadi’s phone rang. It was Tara Luke, saying, “He found your ring!”

“We did a U-turn,” said Abdelhadi. “I was like, ‘I’ll feed my kids on the plane.’”

At the designated meet-up spot, Luke presented her with the ring, saying, “I guess we’re engaged now.”

Abdelhadi still can’t believe that she encountered a random stranger on the beach who would put so much effort into looking for the ring in the first place, and then returning it to her instead of keeping it for himself.

“He could’ve said, ‘I won’t look anymore after she leaves.’ Or he could’ve just sold it. But he was honest enough to call me,” said Abdelhadi, who first shared her story on the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce website contact form.

She called Luke “an angel and a blessing.”

“It’s actually the first really expensive thing that I’ve found,” Luke explained. “I just wanted to see her face, her reaction. It’s priceless.”

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Continued from page 1

That said, the three submissions for an amendment have come from: • Potential hotelier Dave Balot, representing his project at 5810 Midnight Pass Road where the old Wells Fargo bank resides.

• The Benderson group and Realtor Robert Anderson through a joint request (sharing the same legal representation on the matter); Anderson still seeks his project between Calle Miramar and Beach Road that was the first approved and the focus of the first two rulings against it by both a state court in April and a county court in August.

• The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, which once again filed suggestions as it did previously in 2021 prior to the hotels first being approved.

The Sarasota Board of County Commissioners was scheduled to discuss the submissions at its Nov. 28 meeting. If indeed an amendment is selected, it would go through the process of a neighborhood workshop, a planning commission recommendation, and finally a county commission vote in this case needing a 4-of-5 super majority vote.

It would come as an “out of cycle” decision, as consideration for comp plan amendments typically come during a predetermined legislative time period. It was last updated in 2016 after an 18-month review.

The key players First, the new hotel proposal that may be joining the fray: In an Oct. 2 letter to the county’s Planning and Development Services Department, the Kimley-Horn engineering firm, on behalf of Benderson Development, requested a pre-

application conference to discuss comp plan amendments that would support its desire for the parameters of its desired project.

With that in mind, it could be the fourth to submit an amendment.

Benderson is the company that recently won another round of approvals for its mixed-use Siesta Promenade project at the corner of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road.

On Oct. 19, the chamber chimed in with a request similar to what it made two years ago in support of what it calls boutique hotels that match the character of the island: No more than 52 rooms per acre and no more than 75 overall. Regarding height limits, they should correspond with the neighbors: 35 feet if next to a residential are and 45 feet if next to a commercial area.

What’s new for the chamber is its request for a thorough traffic study to accompany any consideration.

District 2 Commissioner Mark Smith, a Siesta Key resident who used to sit on the chamber’s board of directors, earlier this year asked that the chamber proposal get first consideration seeing as it had submitted one previously. No action was taken upon that request.

Smith also suggested that Siesta Key residents Jim Wallace and Bill Oliver, a transportation professional, participate in creating the traffic model.

As for Balot, whose project is where the Wells Fargo bank used to reside, his comp plan amendment was the first to be submitted – it coming on Sept.

28. It also calls for no more than 52 rooms per acre and suggests parcels be at least 1 acre in size. He is seeking six stories and 112 rooms

www.siestasand.net These properties in the Siesta Key Village are under consideration

by Benderson Development as the site for a possible hotel. (photo

by John Morton)

on 2.15 acres.

Next is the Calle Miramar project, which has adjusted its size to seven stories and 163 rooms on its .96 acres parcel.

Previously, it asked for eight stories and 170 rooms. A letter seeking involvement in a comp plan amendment was filed Oct. 10 and designated as a joint request piggybacking the one submitted by Benderson Development.

Meanwhile, waiting in the wings is the hotel approved on Old Stickney Point Road where Siesta Key businessman Gary Kompothecras was approved to build a seven-story, 120-room hotel on 1.17 acres. Across the street would be a five-story parking garage.

No November trial was needed Finally, a second lawsuit against Sarasota County was mostly closed Nov. 6 in the form of a partial summary (non-trial) judgment submitted by Hunter Carroll, judge for the county’s 12th Judicial Circuit Court who also ruled on the Ramirez case.

The judgment was similar to the August ruling involving Ramirez, putting a halt to the start of any development orders.

Like Ramirez, the plaintiffs in the second case alleged the county violated its own comp plan by approving a special exception for not only the Calle Miramar project but also the Old Stickney Point Road project. The plaintiffs were the owners at the 222 Beach Road condo complex across from the proposed Anderson hotel along with Robert Sax and Marina Del Sol, residing near the proposed Kompothecras hotel.

A trial had been on the docket for a Nov. 13 start date to settle both lawsuits, with the Ramirez case eliminated via the August ruling, but a ruling on the second one was still pending.

A few loose ends remain and will be revisited early next year.

In October, Sarasota County commissioners voted unanimously to not appeal any of Carroll’s rulings. Also that month, Ramirez filed with the county for reimbursement of her attorneys fees which she has stated have reached “deep into six figures.”

Ramirez, who is against all the proposed amendments, said she plans to continue to participate in opposition in what appears to be a second round against the possibility of high-density hotels.

In an online communication to supporters, she said: “I was approached by three mutual friends of one hotel developer, Dave Balot. He wanted to discuss his mega-hotel proposal.

I refused to meet with any hotel developer as I am still in litigation and because I see no room for ‘compromise’ when it comes to protecting human life.

“For two years, I’ve fought in court with the focus that increasing density on an overcrowded barrier island will threaten human lives. Why would I even consider changing that position? Is losing a few lives better than losing lots of Ramirez lives? Ridiculous.

The proposed increase in density on Siesta Key is not about inconveniences but a real threat to us.

“The three recent hotel proposals for mega-sized hotels for Siesta Key require the county commissioners to make one choice: the public safety of residents and visitors of Siesta Key versus the desire for supersized hotels by developers.”

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Continued from page 14

Currently, more than 50 posters from the Crouses’ collection are being shown at an exhibit called Art Deco: Commercializing the AvantGarde, at Poster House, a New York City museum in Manhattan that is open to the public. The exhibit will be on display through Feb. 25.

The couple, who had previously owned a home on Casey Key, purchased their five-bedroom, fivebathroom Siesta Key Sanderling home in 2014 for $9 million. They conducted an extensive multimillion renovation on Peterson’s 2000 design that included landscaping and interior redesigns to better display their art and to make the home their own.

Crouse said that he has no concerns about having less space to display the couple’s posters in their new home. Many pieces, he said, are currently in storage and others will join them there.

When not on Siesta Key, the couple plans to divide the rest of its time between homes in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

Luxury market: robust to steady The Crouses’ Sanderling home listing is in keeping with the strength of the luxury and ultraluxury marketplace on Siesta Key. Realtor Joel Schemmel of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, who is the broker for the property, noted that the market has become more balanced and that there is more from which to choose.

“The pace of sales for the luxury and ultra-luxury market is back to normal, vs. the COVID years,” he said. “Average prices in the luxury

and ultra-luxury market have remained steady from 2022 to 2023.

On Siesta Key, in the $4 million-plus range, there have been 14 sales, year to date, vs. 17 in the same period last year.”

Also commenting on the postCOVID-19 real estate boom on Siesta Key, Natalie Gutwein of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Judie Berger Team said that she has seen a dramatic increase in prices over the past five years. The increase in remote workers and an influx of affluent buyers from New York and California are the biggest reasons.

“They peaked in 2022 and prices are steady now,” she said.

Mirroring William Crouse’s thoughts on why Siesta Key, with its easy access to Sarasota’s cultural and philanthropic offerings, is so appealing to the luxury and ultra-luxury buyer, she said that people are simply drawn to this community.

The Crouse listing marks the second time this year a Siesta Key resale property listing has hit the $20-million-plus plateau. In February, a listing of Schemmel’s, located at 3799 Flamingo Ave., hit the market at $22 million.

In mid-November, another notable Siesta Key home entered the market. New York Times bestselling author Glenn Cooper’s 6,827-square-foot residence at 749 Freeling Drive on the northern end of Siesta Key was listed for sale for $7 million. Schemmel is the listing agent for this property as well.

Ned Steele contributed to this report.

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Commercial boat access other options.

She said, with only one other marina on Siesta Key, they chose to use Nora Patterson Park to pick up and drop off clients.

“Many of these companies have endured years of hard work to build a Siesta Key customer base and this decision could possibly take away all of our livelihoods,” she said. “The amendment will not only affect charter boats but instead create a ripple effect.”

She added that they direct clients to use transport services such as Uber and the Frog Hop, another local business, so they don’t park onsite.

“Eliminating this will also eliminate numerous jobs,” Kobza said. “Not just within our company, but everyone that’s here, and then the ones that aren’t here because they’re out trying to fight for that extra dollar that they need to make today, in fear that they’re not going to have a business.”

Capt. Michael Pines, also with Low Tide Tours, pointed out that their business, along with other, similar pleasure trips, does not actually do business in the park – rather, money is changing hands through online booking.

“The signs there say ‘Drop off and pick up only.’ We are dropping off and picking up only,” he said.

Capt. Matt Fueyo of Reel Tight Fishing Charters out of Siesta Key asked what the reason was for the sudden enforcement and bemoaned the possibility of a $500 fine, or worse, 60 days in jail.

www.siestasand.net

Continued from page 6

“Imagine 60 days in jail for just trying to put food on your family’s table,” he said. “Imagine 60 days in jail for being an entrepreneur in a small, tourism-based town. Wow. Unbelievable.”

Fueyo offered several possible solutions to the issue, including paid parking at the waterfront accesses, proof of licensure to operate out of a county park, or possibly establishing another county location for commercial boating businesses to provide drop off and pick up.

“Now that there’s development, the infrastructure just can’t keep up with it,” he said. “So, now all of a sudden, it’s a problem. So, I think we do need to come up with solutions to the problems and not put all of these people out of business.”

Cliff VandenBosch, a Sarasota resident for 20 years, said the passing of this amendment will have a severe effect on every business associated with tourism in the county.

“How many tourists plan their vacations around fishing and boating in our county? And this includes shopping, vacation stays, as well as the charters they’ve come to enjoy,” he said. “These ramps and access areas have to be available to continue an industry as it has operated for decades without any permits.

“How much revenue will we lose? Our county will lose hundreds of charters overnight if you folks pass this proposed amendment.”

The board responds Rainford said it was a fishing trip that first brought him to Sarasota. He said that the businesses leaving and returning from the water accesses are not renting or selling anything at that location and that these business owners are taxpayers and Rainford members of the community.

“At the end of the day, they’re a community member and I think I’ve heard you loud and clear, and I think we need to protect our charter captains,” he said.

A task force to look at current regulations and those which might be implemented, as well as a “critical look at the Marine Park District,” would be the next steps moving forward, Rainford added.

District 1 Commissioner Mike Moran said he came to Sarasota in his childhood for charter fishing.

“I think the basics of this is just honest, hard-working people trying to make a living,” he said.

However, he pointed out that staff was just carrying out policy created by the board, so they should not be the target of this issue of “private, commercial businesses operating from public land.”

He concluded by saying he would support a “pause” on moving forward with enforcement while the board and staff determine the best way to address

the situation, while possibly instituting a pilot program to come up with a long-term solution.

District 4 Commissioner Joe Neunder asked Rissler if it is correct that the affected businesses are not participating legally under the current code, to which she responded, according to code, they cannot do commercial business in the parks without a permit, and there is not a permitting program that includes the Marine Park District, adding that businesses with slips or similar in a marina are likely operating within the code.

Neunder said, “This is a very complicated question, but at the same time, this is something that has not been permissible in our ordinance for a long time and personally, you should know that,” adding, “actions have consequences.”

However, he agreed there should be a break in enforcement while staff determines the best course of action.

“We need to look into this further,” District 2 Commissioner Mark Smith said, citing a shortage of boat ramps in the county. “We have the same number of boat ramps as when my family moved here in ‘63.”

He said the commission has been focusing on purchasing waterfront property, which could create more accesses.

“We have to find a way to work with these businesses and make it all legal,” Smith said.

District 5 Commissioner Ron

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Cutsinger said he has “nothing but respect” for the struggle faced by the commercial businesses, and agreed the situation is “really challenging,” but operating businesses on county property sets a precedent and expenses, such as permitting, are Cutsinger part of operating any business.

Cutsinger also agreed on stopping enforcement until a task force can take a “deeper dive.”

County Administrator Jonathan Lewis said staff will start working on the matter and will bring it back to the commission in early 2024.

Smith suggested suspending fines. Rissler said since the state attorney threw out a previous citation, staff had not been issuing fines until the language was addressed by the commission.

“These folks have been working hard and making a living,” Smith said. “Perhaps they didn’t follow all the rules, but until we get a handle on it, I sure the heck don’t want to see these folks getting fined every day or thrown in jail because of this.”

In lieu of a motion, the commission reached a consensus for Lewis to bring back a list of options, including a task force and consideration of the Marine Park District, at a future meeting.

No fines will be issued in the meantime.

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The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key

27th State Media LLC

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Provided by William Raveis Real Estate / www.raveis.com

The following are properties sold on Siesta Key in the last 60 days, providing a snapshot of home values on the Key for both single-family homes and condominiums.

HIGHEST-PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE 7340 POINT OF ROCKS RD. $5.35 MILLION Tucked away on a stunning tree-canopied street, this twostory main residence features five exquisitely remodeled ensuite bedrooms, plus an updated one-bedroom, one-bath guesthouse with an adjoining a three-car garage. Hurricane-impact glass and a new metal roof provide peace of mind. New wood-look porcelain tile flows through most of the residence, including the expansive open great room with adjacent wet bar and dining area. The chef’s kitchen includes brand-new appliances and sunset views every evening, plus an island/breakfast bar, quartz counters, walk-in pantry and windows showcasing endless views of the azure water.

Sliding glass doors in the dining room open to a sizable covered and open patio surrounded by palms and lush tropical foliage.

Inside the home, there is plenty of space for overnight visitors, with LOWEST-PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE 5168 SANDY SHORE AVE. $1.8 MILLION This four-bedroom, two-bathroom home offers a slice of paradise.

With a prime location on a peaceful cul-de-sac, lush tropical landscaping, and the sparkling waters of a canal, pool, and hot tub out your backdoor, this residence is a true gem for those seeking the ultimate coastal lifestyle.

As you approach, you’ll be immediately captivated by its charming curb appeal with palm trees and a grand oak. Step through the front door into a light-filled, open-concept living space that invites you to unwind and relax. The sliding glass doors throughout the home offer an abundance of natural light and scenic views of the pool and canal. The

light travertine marble flooring in the main living area enhances the airy feel of the space.

The expansive outdoor space includes two dining areas, perfect for al fresco meals, and a sparkling pool and hot tub where you can cool off on warm Siesta Key days.

The canal frontage is fenced for little ones. This home is ideally located for boating and beach lovers, as it’s just a short boat ride to the Intracoastal Waterway and a stroll or bike ride away from the worldrenowned Siesta Beach. atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a serene retreat, while still being conveniently close to Siesta Key Village’s restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.

Courtesy of Coldwell Banker

HIGHEST-PRICED CONDO 84 AVENIDA VENECCIA, #304 $4.569 MILLION Welcome to 89 Beach. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own in a boutique building overlooking the coveted sandy shores of Siesta Key.

LOWEST-PRICED CONDO 5667 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD, #712 $499,000 Welcome to White Sands Village condo on Siesta Key. This highly desirable condominium is located across the street to one of Florida’s top beaches, Siesta Beach! This beautiful turnkey furnished two-bedroom, two-bath, pet-friendly condo overlooks the garden and is steps away to the heated community pool. There is a clubhouse

three guest bedrooms in separate wings, and a laundry room with a half bath accessible from the pool area. The great room’s expansive east-facing windows overlook the private courtyard’s abundant palms, flourishing gardens and saltwater pool.

Upstairs, a serene retreat awaits in the impeccably appointed owner’s suite, featuring refinished hardwood floors, shiplap ceiling, built-in shelves and cabinetry, large walk-in closet with built-ins and walk-in shower.

The bedroom also has an alluring sitting area with multiple windows boasting views of the enchanting seascape. A generous bedroom across the hall overlooks the courtyard and pool.

Across the courtyard, there is a charming guesthouse, featuring wood-look porcelain tile, a full kitchen with shiplap ceiling, quartz counters and stunning backsplash, bedroom and bath with shiplap walls, and private patio with a barbecue area.

Courtesy of Michael Saunders

and outdoor grills for your enjoyment.

This community also has spots for your boat, on a first-come, first-serve basis, with direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico.

Unit 712 offers a newer HVAC (2021) and water heater (2021) along with your own laundry.

Ready to use as a primary, second home, or an investment property.

Courtesy of Fine Properties

Built to the highest standards, this unique and rare building sets the bar for island luxury living. This property features three bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and 3,414 square feet and includes access to freshwater canal with lift that leads to salt water canal.

Courtesy of Michael Saunders

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Continued from page 20

was amazing. Impressive and fun.”

Have we mentioned that when he’s not swimming, this man is a sensible software engineer?

Fun aside, those storm-surge sessions off Siesta were key to Hillman’s training (And let’s note that he did not attempt one during Ian or Idalia.) Swimmers encounter rough surf often on their Channel crossings. Although through plain

luck of timing Hillman did not, he had to prepare for it as bodies use different muscles, it turns out, when swimming in waves as opposed to calm waters.

Aside from some forearm pain in the last hour, Hillman reported that his Channel swim was uneventful.

“I get into a focused meditation state. I think about nothing,

absolutely nothing,” he said.

Surely some unwelcome thoughts crept in somewhere in those nearly 12 water-bound hours?

“I did think a few times, ‘This is a freaking long swim,’” he said.

For his accomplishment, Hillman received a certificate last month at a gala dinner in England of the Channel Swimming Association.

“I knew his steady tempo would

carry him across, not too fast and not too slow,” said Rick Walker, a former Siesta Key resident who heads the Sarasota Sharks swim team. “Quite a feat and something he will recall fondly for the rest of his life.”

What’s next after this extraordinary achievement? Doing it again blindfolded? With one arm tied? Or perhaps tackle another

slice of the Oceans Seven challenge – the famed list of impossibly demanding crossings around the world, of which the English Channel is one?

Nope.

“That’s it,” Hillman solemnly declared, looking as if he meant it. “There are no other major challenges I want. I have no desire.

One and done.”

The Landings – Beautifully updated home, $1,850,000 4975 PEREGRINE POINT WAY | THE LANDINGS | SARASOTA Make wonderful memories in this nearly 4,000-SF light-filled home on 2/3 acres. Sitting at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, it offers a flexible floorplan for gracious, easy living on one level.

Call Anne today to schedule a tour of this incredible home.

Anne Mitchell REALTOR® MOBILE OFFICE

941.725.0227 941.388.4447

AnneMitchell@michaelsaunders.com AnneMitchell.michaelsaunders.com 61 S. Boulevard of the Presidents | Sarasota, FL 34236

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27th State Media LLC

Keeping it Real By Natalie Gutwein

T

It’s time for the (almost) year-end wrap-up

he last few years in real estate (and in the world in general) have been quite the ride. When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, people were panicking over more than just toilet paper. At first, there were a few alarmed sellers and, as a result, some buyers were able to get great deals. Those sellers were taking any offer they could get thinking the world was ending and they needed to cash out before that happened.

However, that didn’t last long. By the end of 2020, it was obvious Florida was going to handle the pandemic much differently than the rest of the world. Our state was totally open, has no state income tax, and the weather is near perfect. That, coupled with so many people being able to work from home, changed our market forever.

Suddenly, our inventory shrunk to less than a month’s worth of available houses and condos and the number of properties sold on Siesta Key went from 498 in 2019 to 856 in 2021!

So, after the dust has finally settled with the pandemic, where are we now and what does my crystal ball say for 2024?

The most obvious effect has been in the value of our properties on Siesta Key. The average sales price has continued to climb year after year. It went from $793,627 in 2018 to $983,919 in 2020 and, as of the time of this writing (Nov. 10) to $1,354,365.

Also, two luxury homes above $8 million are under contract and scheduled to close before the end of the year, which will bring up the average.

Our inventory is still low as well. Prior to

the pandemic, the average number of listings closely, you are probably scratching your on Siesta Key was 353 in 2018 and 393 in 2019. head right now trying to figure out how this That average dropped slightly in 2020 and could possibly be true. You are seeing price plummeted in 2021 to 123 and again in 2022 decreases daily on both single-family homes to 129. and condos, yet I’m telling you the average is But we are on the uptick here as well. We still going up? are currently averaging I will start with this: 224 listings for 2023 and the numbers don’t lie. we still have a month and The average sales price a half left for the average HAS increased this year Siesta Key / Oct. 2023 to increase. Traditionally, despite what the media is we have a significant telling you. What you’re Active listings 88 number of new listings in seeing, as price decreases, Days on market 142 November and December are homes that were Closing price to in anticipation of “season,” significantly over-priced original price ratio 90.1% so I expect that average to to begin with and are now Avg. sale price $3,964,667 go up slightly by the end being adjusted to current New listings 17 of the year. market levels.

Number of sales 3 But, for those of you In my 20 years of real Mos. of inventory 29 who follow the real estate estate, I’ve never seen Sold price by sq ft $886 market here on the Key price adjustments like

Natalie’s Numbers

we did this year. One house started at $8.9 million and closed after 284 days on the market for $5.6 million! That’s only 62% of the original list price!

Another one started at $7.9 million, was on the market for 168 days, and finally closed at $5.35 million. That’s only 68% of original price.

Agents and sellers were literally just pulling numbers out of the air.

Just know, however, that the average closing price to original price on Siesta Key is 94.3%. Homes and condos that are priced right are still going under contract quickly.

Of the 25 most expensive properties sold on the island so far this year ($12.25 million was the highest), 13 went under contract in less than 30 days and 11 of those sold for list price or higher.

So, what does my crystal ball say? I believe 2024 is going to see a more stable market in many ways than we saw in 2023. We’re still trying to figure out what the baseline is going to be, and I’ll be watching with bated breath to see at what price the ultra-luxury homes will sell.

I think our inventory is going to increase and so will the number of homes sold.

Interest rates are still higher than we’d like, but the majority of our closings are cash so that doesn’t affect us like it does the rest of the country. This is an election year, and that can slow the real estate market, but we’ll have to wait and see how that works out.

Either way, I’m looking forward to 2024.

Stay sunny, Siesta.

(Natalie Gutwein is a licensed Realtor with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Judie Berger Team and a member of the board of directors of the Siesta Key Association.)

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Golf course

Continued from page 13

buy-in to create a PID. Anderson confirmed, at the amount the seller is asking, the cost could amount to about $8,000 over the course of seven years for residents in the neighborhood for the district to be established.

Rainford also asked about the water-quality benefits, to which Anderson responded there would be some benefit, but “these are all very conceptual ideas at this point.”

Finally, Rainford said the county would likely have to move fast to acquire the property before development begins, a move it is not ready to make without funding in place.

District 4 Commissioner Joe Neunder, who heads the district in which the property is located, pointed out there is much public interest for the project and residents of the area have Neunder worked hard to see it through, but he is concerned that the owners are “basically holding the cards

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here,” and considering the lack of established funding, it appears the county must wait to see what happens with current plans for the property and possible funding before proceeding.

Anderson agreed with Neunder and said other developers have considered the project then dropped it, so there is a chance the current owner will do the same.

District 1 Commissioner Mike Moran said the contamination issue could be more substantial than they are aware of now, which would add to the expense.

“I would like to commend the neighborhood for bringing this forward, and Commissioner Neunder for his efforts and, of course yours, Spencer,” District 2 Commissioner Mark Smith said, adding he also thinks the developer might put not the property back on the market for a potential sale to other developers once it realizes the amount of mitigation required.

“So, I think we must wait, unfortunately for the neighborhood, and see how this unfolds,” Smith said. “But we’re not in control.”

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