Siesta Sand- (section two) December 2023

Things to do on and around Siesta Key

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 | S I E S TA S A N D . U S | 9 4 1 . 3 1 2 . 0 6 6 5

Siesta inspired, Santa approved Gemma Lewis has the holiday-tree touch and she’s happy to share it

By Jane Bartnett

A The big guy in red welcomes a young participant at the end of the Sandy Claws Beach Run on Siesta Key. This year’s event is Dec. 9. (photo courtesy of Sarasota County)

A joyful outing It’sYear 47 for Sandy Claws run/walk on Siesta Beach

By Hannah Wallace If you could summarize the holidays on Siesta Key with a single event, the Sandy Claws Beach Run might just be it.

In a tradition that dates back to the 1970s, more than 300 festive-dressed athletes of all ages, including dozens of Santa Clauses, elves and reindeer, gather every December on a temperate morning at Siesta Key Beach. To the sound of holiday music and their own jingling costumes, they run a mile and a half down and then back, some in sneakers and others barefoot, treading the hard-packed shoreline between the green Gulf waters and Siesta’s snow-white sand. Some runners even swerve into the wave wash, especially toward the end, to splash a path to the finish.

They will, more often than not, be congratulated there by at least one adult in a bright-red, full-body crab costume.

Dec. 9 of this year will mark the 47th annual Sandy Claws Beach Run. The chip-timed 5K race, sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club (MTC), sets off at 8:20 a.m., with an on-the-beach awards ceremony and general holiday celebration taking place afterward.

(There’s also a 1-mile fun run/walk starting at 8 a.m.) Sarasota County organizes the event, with volunteer support from MTC. Proceeds benefit the “Summer in the Parks” Adopt-a-Camper scholarship fund from the Sarasota County Department of Parks, Recreation Continued on page 15V

s the holiday season for many got underway, Siesta Key rolled out the red carpet. In the Village, festive lights adorn Ocean Boulevard, a beautiful tree went up in the gazebo, and there’s a definite festive feeling in the air.

For florist and designer Gemma Lewis, spending the holiday season on Siesta Key reminders her of many merry Christmases spent in her native Caribbean. “Siesta Key reminds me of home,” she says. “I really enjoy mixing the beauty of the coast with seasonal holiday decor.”

Here on the Key, Lewis’ decorative talents are on display at the Silver City jewelry store on Midnight Pass Road in Southbridge Mall. When store owner Monica Galfre wanted to add some coastal holiday cheer, she turned to Lewis to deliver some Siesta Keyinfluenced holiday design touches.

Galfre and Lewis have neighboring businesses in nearby Osprey. Lewis’ Flowers on Bay Street opened in May of 2023, shortly after Galfre’s Diamond Bay Jewelers opened its doors last January, in the Bay Street Village Town Center. The two business owners work together whenever possible.

“Beautiful flowers and beautiful jewelry go hand-in-hand,” said Galfre. “Gemma’s designs are exceptional and we have them on display at both of our stores.”

Last month, as the holiday season got underway, Lewis and Galfre donned red Santa caps and spent several late after-business hours adding a coastal holiday glow to Silver City’s window and exterior.

“I wanted Silver City’s decor to complement Monica’s blue-green Siesta Key Watercolor Gemstones,” Lewis said. “The store’s jewelry reflects the beauty of the gulf waters. The holiday decor just had to be filled with beautiful blue and green turtles, seahorses, dolphins and other animals that live here.”

When it comes time to decorating for the holiday season, Lewis enjoys capturing the beauty of the

Gemma Lewis decorates a holiday tree with a coastal-themed approach. (photo by Jane Bartnett)

coast. Although she also embraces traditional Christmas and holiday design, she believes that the natural beauty of Siesta Key and nearby coastal communities lends itself to a lighter, more natural design.

She draws on her lifelong passion for flowers that she discovered while teaching school in her native Continued on page 11V

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Muralist making his mark in town

Getting chatty about things

Details for some SK Christmas services

What’s biting this month? Plenty!

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Arts on the Horizon By Rodger Skidmore Not the Girl with a Pearl Earring First, Vermeer painted the girl, then Tracy Chavelier wrote the book, Scarlett Johansson played Vermeer’s maid in the movie, and Sandra Organ Solis choreographed the ballet. Such is the arc to immortality if, perhaps, the protagonist is an attractive, quietly alluring woman.

Ah, but what if the painting is of a celibate 17th century friar with a gold earring, pointing to a pile of drawings? Yes, in a Hollywood movie he might be portrayed as a lecherous Italian curate saying, “Why don’t you come up and see my etchings sometime?” to some Gina Lollobrigida-ish young starlet.

Well, yes, that is exactly what he said. Not to a young lady but to the well-to-do Medici family, as he was interested in selling those drawings for quite a few lira Or, perhaps trade them for some political favors. Or, perhaps … someone in Hollywood should option the rights for the movie. And for the background story they could go to the book GUERCINO’S Friar with a Gold Earring by David M. Stone.

When going through a museum, viewers often know the story behind the paintings. If one is of a young lady holding a baby whose head in encircled by a golden halo, they may have their own standard reaction, reverential or appreciative of 16th century brushstrokes (or both), depending upon their deepest feelings. But, if the gallery has 15 similar paintings, they may not linger when viewing the fifth toward the center of the room. And if the painting is of a large muscular man with long hair, pushing apart the pillars of a temple, they might think “Oh, Samson,” take a second look, and then move on.

More’s the pity if the painting is of a lowly cloaked figure holding up a drawing. They might just keep on moving toward a larger painting of a herd of goats on a hillside. True, a lovely green hillside, but they will have missed not only the gold earring in the friar’s left ear, but will not have read about him in the small plaque on the wall to the lower side of the painting, which gives some of that really good backstory.

It has been said that a picture is worth one thousand words but, at times, one hundred words can do wonders. One can see much in a drawing done in black ink. But, by adding color, specific details can become much clearer. Words can also add color and meaning to even the best of paintings.

And, as this exhibition is wonderfully curated by Stone and by Sarah Cartwright, chief curator at the Ringling, one sees not just this one painting by Guercino, of Friar Bonaventura Bisi, but a number of others (including one of Samson). And paintings by Bisi as well. He was a wonderful miniaturist in his own right.

“If these walls could only speak,” is often said of old buildings. The walls of the Searing wing at the Ringling speak volumes.

Like the tale of the Protestant Queen of Sweden who converted to Catholicism, went to Italy, saw a painting by Bisi (it is on display here), and wanted it for herself. But Bisi had already promised it to the Medici family. So Bisi …

Stone’s book was recently published in conjunction with the opening of this exhibition, with the same name, at the Ringling Museum. The show opened in October and will run through the first week of this coming January.

Info at Ringling.org.

Johann Sebastian Bach’s Goldberg Variations Bach wrote 30 of them in this one work.

That seems like a lot of variations, all based on one aria (a particularly beautiful melodic and tranquil bass line). It should be noted that, while 30 is a pretty nice number, Handel, in 1733, published his Prelude and Chaconne in G major HWV 442, an aria with 64 variations.

Mozart, not to be left out, wrote 12 variations on a children’s folk song from France. We know one variation of that tune as “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.”

Variations on a theme can also be done by abstract painters, Sidney Guberman, a painter based in Atlanta, once did a series titled One Hundred Views of Mont Blanc. The outlines of the mountain were not different, but the colors of the slopes, valleys, and precipices, in each painting, were. So too, can choreographers. One being George Balanchine; Balanchine based his Theme and Variations of classical ballet on the final movement of Tchaikovsky’s third orchestral suite which, like Mozart’s, contained 12 variations.

The ballet opens with a corps of 12 women and a principal couple. The two principals move amongst the women during the variations with a finale of the full corps of 26 dancers.

One of Twila Tharp’s most famous ballets, In the Upper Room, is danced to the nine pieces that Philip Glass wrote for this most physically exhausting work. It takes a tremendous amount of energy to project softness, tension, and restraint. Dancers appear like waves at dusk – advancing and subsiding in apparently equal amounts but nevertheless still moving forward.

By Dec. 15 and 16, you should have recovered from Thanksgiving dinner and eaten all the leftovers. What better way to finally get some exercise than by watching the ballet corps, soloists,

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Info at Sarasotaballet.org.

A destination wedding When two people wish to become united, and share their joy with those who share such joyful wishes, they often come together at a particular destination. In late December and early January, that destination is Sarasota. The occasion is the wedding of the love of music to the playing of that music during the 20th anniversary season of the Perlman Music Program-Suncoast.

While young performers from around the world will be arriving earlier to start practicing the playing of music, from Dec. 29 through Jan. 5, we will be able indulge in our love of music on the grounds of the University of South Florida SarasotaManatee. There will be a series of viola and cello masterclasses, chorus and orchestra rehearsals, and works in progress recitals.

Hearing the formation of the music, followed by how it is progressing, will culminate in a celebration concert on Jan. 6 at the Opera House. The PMP string orchestra will be conducted by Itzhak Perlman and the PMP chorus by Patrick Romano.

For those that choose to attend the celebration dinner that follows, both Toby and Itzak Perlman, as well as students, staff, and faculty of the Perlman Music Program will be in attendance at Michael’s on East – along with entertainment by PMP students and faculty.

The orchestra and chorus, having had their day at the Opera House, the PMP chamber quartet will get to shine with a recital held Jan. 8 at First Presbyterian Church on Oak Street. The students are paired together in quartets that blend their individual styles, showcasing their talents.

More info at Perlmanmusicprogramsuncoast.org.

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DECEMBER 2023

Siesta Sand

Florida Fish of Siesta Key

Red Snapper Florida Puffer Yellowtail Florida Puffer Sailfish Sailfish Spanish Mackerel Dohlpin “Mahi-Mahi”

Mangrove Snapper Scoolmaster Lane Snapper Scamp Black Mullet Snook Red Drum “Redfish”

Tarpon

Baracuda

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Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Forecast CB’s Saltwater Outfitters (941) 923-7799

Y

ou may find blues, Spanish mackerel and pompano mixed with trout on deep grass flats this month. You should also find larger trout in skinny water along with reds.

Snook will stage around bars and on shallow flats as they make their move towards winter areas.

Action in the coastal gulf with false albacore, tripletail, Spanish mackerel, blues and more should explode!

Spotted seatrout has reopened to harvest in southwest Florida with a three-fish-per-person bag limit and a six-fish boat limit. Trout must be from 15 to 19 inches with one allowed per vessel more than 19 inches. I feel that it’s important to protect these larger trout, which are usually female breeders. Full regulations and details can be viewed at myfwc.com.

You should find snook staging around docks and bridges in the Intracoastal Waterway and along sandbars and in potholes on shallow flats. They may be along mangrove shorelines when the tide is high. I like CAL jigs with 3-inch and 4-inch shad tails and surface-walking top-water lures like the DOA “PT” in shallow water for snook.

CAL jigs with shad tails or jerk worms, DOA TerrorEyz, DOA Shrimp and small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow, will work well around dock and bridge fender lights.

Fish the strongest tides for the best action.

Reds will spread out on shallow grass flats right now. You should find them along bars, in potholes or around docks. Look for them along mangrove shorelines when the tide is high, but they are just as likely to be roaming with mullet schools in shallow water. CAL jigs with shad tails, grubs or jerk worms and gold spoons should work well for reds in shallow water.

Fly anglers may score with lightly weighted flies, such as Clousers, spoon flies or my Grassett Flats Minnow fly.

You may also find big trout along with reds in shallow water

Many types of fishing should be good on inshore waters during this time of year. Here, Brian Nafzinger of Maryland shows off a trout he caught and released on CAL jigs with shad tails. (submitted image)

this month. The same lures and flies that you use for snook and reds in shallow water will also work for trout. You’ll also find trout on deep grass flats in water from 3 feet to 7 feet deep. I like to drift and cast quartering ahead of my drift with CAL jigs, DOA Deadly Combos or weighted flies on sink tip fly lines to locate trout. In addition to making a series of drifts to find fish, look for baitfish on the surface or birds to find them.

You may also find blues, Spanish mackerel, flounder or pompano on deep grass flats this month.

The techniques to find them is the same as for trout, although blues and Spanish mackerel may feed on the surface making them easier to find. Likewise with pompano, that may skip on the surface when you run or drift past them. When that happens, circle back upwind and drift back through the area, casting ahead of your drift. I like a 1/16- or

1/8-ounce chartreuse CAL jig head with a gold grub for pompano.

You’ll need to add wire or heavy fluorocarbon when toothy fish are around to keep them from biting you off.

You may find flounder on a mixture of grass and sand, particularly on the edges of bars or in potholes.

There should be good action in the coastal gulf with false albacore (little tunny), Spanish and king mackerel, blues, tripletail or cobia.

Look for Spanish mackerel, blues or false albacore feeding on the surface to find them. Diving terns or terns hovering just above the surface of the water and moving fast will give their presence away if they aren’t on top. CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms and top water plugs will work well.

Fly anglers should score with small white flies, Ultra Hair Clousers, poppers or Crease flies.

Look for tripletail around crab trap floats and cast DOA Shrimp, CAL jigs with shad tails or DOA TerrorEyz to them.

Cobia may also be found around crab trap floats, swimming on the surface or over structure. They will require medium-heavy spinning tackle or at least a 9-weight fly rod.

Larger baits like DOA Baitbusters, CAL jigs with 5½-inch jerk worms or the DOA SnakeKoil should work well for cobia on spinning tackle.

Fly anglers should score with wide profile baitfish patterns.

This a great time of year for fishing the flats or the coastal gulf.

Since the action in the coastal gulf is seasonal and will end when it gets cooler, I like to fish there when conditions allow it.

However, if that’s not for you or if conditions won’t allow it, there will be plenty of action for a variety of fish on shallow and deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay.

DECEMBER 2023 TIDE CHART

Spotted Sea Trout

www.USHarbors.com

Sarasota, FL - Dec 2023

Cobia

High

Date

Catfish

King King Mackerel Mackerel

Blue Marlin

Black Grouper

Sheesphead

ft

Fri

12:50

2.2

2

Sat

1:36

2.1

3

Sun

2:31

1.9

7:01

1.3

4

Mon

3:43

1.6

7:17

1.4

5

Tue

5:18

1.4

7:36

1.5

12:46

6

Wed

7:02

1.3

7:56

1.6

7

Thu

8:35

1.2

8:16

8

Fri

9:54

1.2

9

Sat

11:03

10

Sun

11

1

Black Drum

Low

AM

PM

ft

AM

ft

10:05

-0.3

10:53

-0.2

11:43

-0.1

PM

ft

Rise

Set

7:01

5:36

7:02

5:36

10:45

1.2

7:03

5:36

12:31

0.1

7:03

5:36

1.1

1:17

0.2

7:04

5:37

2:14

0.8

1:58

0.4

7:05

5:37

1.7

3:17

0.5

2:35

0.6

7:05

5:37

8:37

1.9

4:07

0.2

3:08

0.8

7:06

5:37

1.2

9:01

2.0

4:50

-0.1

3:36

0.9

7:07

5:37

12:07P

1.2

9:28

2.1

5:31

-0.3

4:00

1.1

7:07

5:37

Mon

1:08P

1.2

10:00

2.3

6:13

-0.5

4:19

1.1

7:08

5:38

12

Tue

2:11P

1.2

10:38

2.4

6:55

-0.6

4:33

1.2

7:09

5:38

13

Wed

11:20

2.4

7:41

-0.7

7:09

5:38

14

Thu

8:29

-0.8

7:10

5:39

15

Fri

12:08

2.4

9:20

-0.7

7:11

5:39

16

Sat

1:01

2.3

10:12

-0.6

7:11

5:39

17

Sun

2:01

2.1

6:06

1.1

11:04

-0.4

9:27

1.0

7:12

5:40

18

Mon

3:12

1.9

6:24

1.2

11:54

-0.2

11:33

0.9

7:12

5:40

19

Tue

4:43

1.6

6:48

1.4

12:41

0.0

7:13

5:41

20

Wed

6:34

1.3

7:15

1.6

1:23

0.6

1:24

0.3

7:13

5:41

21

Thu

8:28

1.1

7:44

1.8

2:49

0.2

2:02

0.6

7:14

5:41

22

Fri

10:09

1.1

8:17

1.9

3:57

-0.1

2:36

0.8

7:14

5:42

23

Sat

11:38

1.1

8:51

2.1

4:53

-0.4

3:05

1.0

7:15

5:43

24

Sun

12:55P

1.1

9:27

2.2

5:43

-0.6

3:30

1.1

7:15

5:43

25

Mon

10:05

2.2

6:28

-0.7

7:16

5:44

26

Tue

10:44

2.2

7:10

-0.8

7:16

5:44

27

Wed

11:24

2.2

7:48

-0.7

7:17

5:45

28

Thu

3:43

1.0

8:25

-0.7

5:51

1.0

7:17

5:45

29

Fri

12:05

2.1

3:56

1.0

9:01

-0.6

6:52

1.0

7:17

5:46

30

Sat

12:49

2.0

4:12

1.0

9:35

-0.5

7:58

0.9

7:18

5:47

31

Sun

1:35

1.8

4:31

1.1

10:10

-0.3

9:14

0.8

7:18

5:47

Moon

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Some big, bold mural therapy

Brandon Thrift’s ‘love each other’ message receives a touch-up as his artistic creation continues to shine bright it Siesta Key’s Village

O

nly something special could replace a mural created by the late, great Shawn McLoughlin.

At Siesta Key’s Beach Club, they found someone up to challenge in Brandon Thrift.

The Sarasota artist had made his mark around the difficult time of the pandemic with his “spread the love” message on what he called trash art. He’d literally spray paint abandoned items and leave them behind, creating a sort of finders-keepers culture throughout the region for those who stumbled upon his work.

And Katie Spelman took notice.

“A few years ago, we had to repair the stucco on the outside of the building, and unfortunately we lost the mural,” Spelman, who is the night club’s assistant operations manager, said of McLoughlin’s beachthemed piece along the three-paneled exterior wall. “At first, when we learned that Shawn wasn’t feeling healthy enough to replace it, we just painted over it for the time being. Eventually, we started discussing what should be next.

“Then, when I saw some of the ‘spread the love’ art, I thought ‘How cool would that be?’”

Her bosses loved the idea, and Thrift was tracked down for the project. And it catapulted him into a new mode of not only artistry but earning power.

“The Beach Club was one of my first murals and it opened a lot of doors for me,” said Thrift, who first spray-painted his bubble-love motif in 2021 and has since twice touched it up, including an overhaul featuring more color and more pop that he completed in late October. “The sun and weather take a toll on the work, but at least the concept should stand the test of time.”

That concept, big and bold, simply reads “love one another.”

“COVID amplified the division of

By John Morton

humankind,” Thrift said. “I wanted to change that.”

And the Village’s happy-go-lucky scene was the perfect place for him to do his thing.

“I felt really cozy there. So many friendly people would stop, take pictures, and ask me about myself,” said Thrift, who has since been hired to create four separate pieces for Siesta Key residents along with some exterior

work at the nearby Meaney’s Mini Donuts building where he created images of donuts and ice cream, and a tropical sunset.

He also liked the perks that come with working on Siesta Key. “Whenever I got too hot and sweaty, I’d just jump in the gulf and I’d be good to go,” he said.

Meanwhile, Thrift’s recent facelift at the Beach Club can be seen via a cool video set to

music at SiestaSand.us.

“I hope to get other opportunities to work on Siesta Key. It’s a great place, a great vibe,” said Thrift, who has also donated some of his work to community fundraising events held at the Beach Club. “I’m glad that people are taking notice.”

Said Spelman of his mural, “It’s one of my favorite pieces on Siesta Key.”

Celebrate the holidays with Key Sailing!

Mention Siesta Sands for… $20 off any Key Sailing Gift Certificate! $50 off any two Key Sailing Gift Certificates!

Call Tim and Jan at 941-346-7245 for details! www.siestakeysailing@gmail.com Key Sailing is the current Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year!

Tim and Jan are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their first beach kiss on our SIESTA SANDS! The SMOOTH SAILING began immediately with sailing classes at Sarasota High School. They “retired” in 2007 by purchasing the Key Breeze and have taken over 45,000 guests sailing. YOU could be next !

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KEY COCKTAILS Hot Chocolate Cow Made After traveling all the way to Siesta Key from the North Pole, Santa will be delighted to discover a delicious cup of Siesta Key Hot Chocolate Cow Made with Siesta Key Coffee Rum waiting for him.

During the holiday season, when Santa and other friends come to visit, it is the perfect drink to serve. It’s sure to add to the merriment this holiday season!

It’s so easy to make and totally delicious.

Whip-up a cup of hot chocolate, then add Siesta Key Coffee Rum and Frangelico. Stir and top it off with whipped cream.

Sit back and savor the wonderful, blended taste of Siesta Key Coffee Rum, chocolate, hazelnut, and cream.

Santa would agree, you’d have to go to the North Pole for a tastier treat!

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Ingredients 1 ounce of Siesta Key Coffee Rum 3 ounces of Hot Chocolate (prepared) 1 ounce of Frangelico Whipped cream 1 Serving Preparation Combine all ingredients in an Irish coffee glass or mug. Top with whipped cream and enjoy!

Have a very merry holiday season!

Key Cocktails is sponsored by Siesta Key Rum, Florida’s finest craft rum producer that uses all natural ingredients in its distillery process. Siesta Key Rums are smooth enough to be enjoyed on their own but also make a great base for cocktails!

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Breakfast & Lunch

Serving breakfast all day Hours of operation 7:30am-1:30pm VOTED BEST

Breakfast, Outdoor Dining and Bacon!

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The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce will hold a holiday reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill, 5253 Ocean Blvd.

Festive holiday attire is encouraged. Please consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy to benefit Toys for Tots and receive a complimentary drink ticket.

Visit siestakeychamber. chambermaster.com/ eventregistration/register/1731.

Seafood & Music Festival is Dec. 1-3 on Siesta Beach

The fifth-annual Seafood & Music Festival is Dec. 1-3 on Siesta Beach. Admission is free.

Friday hours are noon to 9 p.m., Saturday is 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday is 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Enjoy fresh seafood and outstanding live musical performances. Also experience shopping in a marketplace of fine arts and crafts.

Visit paragonfestivals.com.

Stokes joins chamber team

Former Siesta Beach lifeguard Brittany Stokes has been hired by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce as its new Visitor Center and volunteer manager.

Stokes Stokes has more than 10 years of professional experience in management, recruitment and volunteerism, having worked with the YMCA, Food Bank of Manatee, Special Olympics, and the Haven.

The weekly Siesta Key Farmers Market has moved to a new location at 5211 Ocean Blvd., in front of the Beach Bazaar business.

It is held each Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Michael Crider of Fouta Spa is now serving as manager of the market, replacing Lloyd Dobson.

The market was previously held in Davidson Plaza’s parking lot.

Fitness class on beach begins in December Santa to visit Daiquiri Deck South on Dec. 17

Children can take pictures with Santa Claus from 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 17 at Daiquiri Deck South, 1250 Stickney Point Rd. The event is free and all children will receive a small gift.

Chamber award nominations being sought

Nominations are now being accepted through Dec. 14 for various awards presented by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

To learn about the categories and to submit a nomination form, visit siestakeychamber.com/siesta-

Beginning in December, a fitness class will be held each Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Siesta Beach.

For more information call Kathy Oravec at (941) 7249719 or visit kathyoravec.com.

Christmas service on Siesta Beach is Dec. 23 The Church of the Palms will hold a Christmas service at the Siesta Key public beach, 948 Beach Rd., beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 23.

The service is contemporary with an emphasis on holiday songs. Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs and/or blankets.

941-260-6400

Coffee Shop • Tea Room • 5138 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key Village MARKETS/FOOD STORES Circle K Store........................................Map-E #6 Morton’s Siesta Market................... Map-C #25 MASSAGE Hands of Light Massage...................Map-B #35 The Spa at Calle Minorga..................Map-E #74 Sassy ... the Little Day Spa.............Map-D #62

BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Blase Café..........................................Map-A #38 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar.............. Map-B #42-43 Gilligan’s........................................... Map-B #33 My Village Pub............................ Map-C #53/54 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

MEDICAL - DENTAL Siesta Village Dentistry.................... Map-D #63 Siesta Dental........................................Map-B #49 Siesta Key Physical Therapy............ Map-D #20

COFFEE SHOPS Bean Coffeehouse............................Map-D #62 Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company........ Map-B #31 Project Coffee.....................................Map-D #9

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Attorney Fleming.................................Map-E #1 Edward Jones Investments.............Map-D #68 Smith Architects................................... Map-E 74

FASHION & ACCESSORIES Beach Bazaar’s & Swin Shack........ Map-C #28 Blvd. Beachwear.................................Map-B #30 Casa Smeralda Fashion’Style............. D #12-11 Comfort Shoes-Birki & More........Map-D #64 Foxy Lady Fashions.........................Map-A #40 Gidget’s Coastal Provisions........... Map-B #44 Island Boutique..................................Map-B #50 Island Style......................................... Map-C #53 Lilly Pulitzer.....................................Map-D #66 Sandbar Swimwear............................Map-B #50 Sea Shanty.......................................... Map-C #24 Siesta T’s..............................................Map-B #30 Southern Tide.....................................Map-D #60 The Sandal Factory............................Map-B #46

REAL ESTATE / RENTAL SERVICES Amy Robinson RE................................Map-E #1 Beach Palms................................................... B-74 Coldwell Banker Realty.................... Map-D #20 EXP Realty............................................Map-E #4 Judith Guzzi & Assoc........................Map-E #74 Keller Williams Real Estate.............. Map-D #11 Michael Saunders Realty.................Map-E #72 ReMax Alliance Group................... Map-C #29 RentSiestaKey.com.............................. Map-D #9 Robasota Rentals & Real Estate....... Map-A #39 Siesta Key Rental Prop..................... Map-D #10 The Ringling Beach House Rentals......Map-D #9 Tropical Sands Accommodations....... Map-D #67

GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Beach Bazaar..................................... Map-C #28 Gilligan’s Gift Store...........................Map-B #32 Island Trader...................................... Map-C #51 Sea Pleasures & Treasures............... Map-C #29 Siesta Key Outfitters........................Map-D #13 HEALTH & FITNESS Indep. Lifestyle Solutions ............... Map-D #10 Siesta Healing...................................... Map-D #9 Siesta Key Fitness............................ Map-B #73 ICE CREAM/SWEETS Big Olaf Creamery............................ Map-C #52 Curly Cream Ice Cream...................... Map-D #9 Kilwins ...............................................Map-D #60 Made in Rome Organic Gelato........ Map-C #53 Meany’s Mini Donuts....................... Map-C #24 Stefano Versace Gelato..................... Map-C #50 The Fudge Factory............................ Map-A #36 JEWELRY Created Gems.................................... Map-C #51 Mount -N- Repair Jewelers................ Map-D #9

Daily Drink Specials

Local farmers market moves

The 47th annual Sandy Claws Beach Run is set for Dec. 9 on Siesta Beach.

To register, visit loom.ly/yMCX-90. Proceeds benefit the Summer in the Parks Adopt-A-Camper scholarship fund.

LIQUOR STORES / FINE WINES Gabbiano’s Wine Club....................Map-D #70 Gilligan’s........................................... Map-B #33 Siesta Key Wine Bar........................ Map-C #61 Siesta Village Liquors..................... Map-C #26 The Beach Club.................................. Map-D #22

MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce...................Map-D #67 Prime Audio Video..............................Map-E #1 Roberti Enterprises........................... Map-A #39 Village Arcade................................... Map-C #53

RESTAURANTS / CAFÉS Another Broken Egg................ Map-C #54 & 55 Blase Café..........................................Map-A #38 Bonjour French Cafe......................... Map-C #47 Café Gabbiano................................... Map-D #71 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar.............. Map-B #42-43 Flavio’s Brick Oven & Bar.................Map-B #29 Flavio’s Italiano Ristorante...............Map-B #30 Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill......... Map-B #33 Island House Bar & Grill................Map-D #69 Lobster Pot......................................... Map-C #23 Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company........ Map-B #31 Old Salty Dog Rest. & Pub..................Map-E #2 PI Pizza & Craft Beer.........................Map-A #3 Ripfire Pizza........................................Map-B #47 Siesta Key Oyster Bar...................... Map-B #45 IL PANCIFICO.................................Map-D #15 Summer House.................................. Map-C #57 Sun Garden Café............................... Map-D #19 The Cottage........................................ Map-C #58 The Hub - Baja Grill.......................... Map-C #59 The Star Thai Sushi.................. Map-D #17 & 18 Village Café.......................................Map-D #14 SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY Sassy Hair Salon...............................Map-A #40 Sassy ... the Little Day Spa.............Map-D #62 Siesta Key Nails & Spa.....................Map-D #9 Shaman Sanctuary Salon.................... Map-D #9 SPORTS INTEREST/RENTALS CaliFlorida.......................................... Map-C #29 Robin Hood Rentals........................ Map-B #34

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ATM / BANKS PNC ATM........................................... Map-C #61 Sun Trust Bank & ATM.......................Map-E #4

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Sandy Claws run is Dec. 9 on Siesta Beach

• Organic and Fair Trade Coffees & Teas • Cold Pressed Coffee • Organic Smoothies • Light Lunch (Sandwiches) • Breakfast Sandwiches, Bagels & Lox • Homemade Pastries

GAS STATION Circle K Store........................................Map-E #6

Live Music Every Day and Night

Mote Marine Laboratory’s annual monitoring of sea turtle nests for Siesta Key show that 2023 saw a total of 376 nests and 687 false crawls documented during the season, which runs between May 1 and Oct. 31.

The numbers in 2022 were 531 and 584, respectively, indicating a down year locally for the reptiles.

T-SHIRTS • SWEATSHIRTS • SOUVENIRS

ACCOMMODATIONS Beach Palms ........................................................ B-#74 Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa............. Map-A #38A

27th State Media LLC

key-chamber/awards/.

Awards will be presented at the chamber’s annual Awards Dinner on Jan. 31 at Marina Jack.

Turtle nests here were down

WHAT BETTER WAY TO START YOUR DAY IN PARADISE!

5131 Ocean Blvd.

Siesta Key Village 941-349-3490

Siesta Key Oyster Bar, or “SKOB” as the locals call it, is the hangout with the laid-back, beachy atmosphere that will get you right into the Island Spirit.

One of the things that set SKOB apart from the other restaurants in Siesta Key Village is that we have some of the best food on the Key.

DECEMBER 2023

CUSTOMIZE YOUR OWN SHIRT FROM HUNDREDS OF DESIGNS

LET US CUSTOMIZE SHIRTS FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT!

Big G’s Oyster Happy Hour from 3-6 Every day 1/2 Priced House Oysters

941.312.0665

Island Chatter

Island Chatter Chamber holiday reception is Dec. 6 at Gilligan’s

www.siestasand.us

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HAPPY HOUR 5-6 PM Daily

& Martini Bar

941.349.9822 theblasecafe.com

HAPPY HOUR

2 - 6 pm Daily

3.14 PI

$5 Wells $2.50 Bud Light Drafts

Awesome pizza, wings & bartenders!

941.346.1188 siestapi.com

TWO GREAT ONELOCATION! LOCATION! TWO GREATPLACES PLACES ONE 5263 SiestaKey Key 5263Ocean Ocean Blvd. || Siesta

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Siesta Sand

BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Capt. Curt’s Backroom Saloon................B-3 #7 Crescent Club.......................................... C-3 #13 Shebeen Irish Pub & Kitchen....................C-3 #17

Sniki Tiki....................................................B-3 #8 COFFEE SHOPS Coffee Garden................................... B-3 #8 Meaney’s Mini Donuts..............................B-3 #4 DELIS / BAKERIES Anna’s Deli & Sandwiches.................. C-3 #14 Crescent Beach Market ..........................B-3, #1 Nutritious You......................................... C-3 #14 DRUG STORES Davidson Drugs..................................... C-3 #14 FASHION & ACCESSORIES Fin Island Co.............................................. A-3 #2 CB’s Saltwater Outfitters........................ A-3 #4 Coconuts Resort Wear...............................B-3 #1

941.312.0665

CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX

Green Turtle Swimwear......................... C-3 #14 Key Casual Fashions.............................. D-3 #17 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Capt. Curt’s Souvenirs.............................B-3 #8 Green Turtle Shells & Gifts................. C-3 #14 Sunshine Sand Hidden Treasures...... D-3 #17 Silver City Jewelry................................. C-3 #14 HEALTH & BEAUTY Eye Style Optical ....................................C-3 #17 Sanctuary Siesta Key............................... A-5 #12 Siesta Key Salon & Spa........................... D-3 #17 The Key Spa & Salon.............................. A-5 #12 ICE CREAM & TREATS Orange Octopus ........................................B-3 #8 Jake’s Creamery....................................... C-3 #14 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs..................................... C-3 #14 Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14

LIQUOR STORES 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 Market ..........................B-3, #1 REAL ESTATE / RENTALS Beckmann Properties.............................. C-2 #15 Homes & Condo Rentals........................ D-3 #17 Re/Max Platinum Realty........................ C-3 #17 Siesta 4-Rent............................................ C-3 #14 Waterside Realty.................................... C-3 #17 RESTAURANTS / CAFES

www.siestasand.us

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill...............A-5 #12 Capt. Curts Crab & Oyster Bar.................B-3 #7

Clayton’s Siesta Grille.............................B-3 #9

Daiquiri Deck.................................................A-3 #2

Pizza ‘N Brew Siesta Key...................... D-3 #17 Shebeen Irish Pub & Kitchen....................C-3 #17 Spearfish Grille...............................................A-4 #5 Toasted Mango Cafe....................................C-3 #17

Miguel’s Restaurant................................ C-3 #17 WATER SPORTS - FISHING - RENTALS A to Z Beach & Bike Rentals.................. A-5 #12 FIN Island Co. ........................................... A-3 #2 CB’s Saltwater Outfitters........................ A-3 #4 Parasail Siesta........................................... A-3 #2 Siesta Key Bike & Kayak ........................B-3 #8 Siesta Key Marina.................................... A-4 #5 Siesta Key Jetski ........................................ A-3 #2 Siesta Sports Rentals............................. C-3 #14

Big Water Fish Market................................C-3 #17

BREAKFAST and LUNCH

SERVED ALL DAY Full

Siesta Key

Breakfast

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in Flo rida

MSN Food and Drink Jan. 2015

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Lunch Menu

All Natural

Fresh Fruit and Veggie

Smoothies

Stop By and Say Hi!

Beer, Wine and

Bloody Marys

6621 Midnight Pass Road Just S. of Stickney Pt. Road

941-552-6485 Open 7 Days A Week ~ 7 AM - 3 PM

Nobody in the World Sells More Real Estate!

www.ToastedMangoCafe.com

Home of the Orange Squeeze HAND MADE:

941.346.0202

• Ice Cream • Sundaes • Shakes

www.orangeoctopusicecream.com

OPEN DAILY 11AM - 10PM

1220 Old Stickney Point Road

To advertise in Siesta Sand, call 941-312-0665

The Sniki Tiki

Tiki Bar Come for Cocktails, Daiquiris, and great food at our Outdoor Tiki Bar—stay for daily live music and twice weekly Karaoke

Food & Drinks ‘til 12am Located in Captain Curt’s Village, under the giant American Flag

“A Tropical Department Store“

THE GREEN TURTLE SHELL & GIFT CITY

$

Siesta Key’s Most Friendly & Unique Shopping Spot!

SOUTHBRIDGE MALL

CRESCENT BEACH

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Siesta Key’s Largest Seashell & Coral Selection!

Home of the World’s Best Clam Chowder

GIFTS & SOUVENIRS BEACH FASHIONS BEACH SUPPLIES BEACH COVER-UPS LADIES & JUNIORS FASHIONS SUPER MEN'S LINE In South Bridge Mall

6525 Midnight Pass Road

MAP B-3#14

349-4751

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www.siestasand.us

941.312.0665

Holiday decorating

DECEMBER 2023 Continued from page 1V

Trinidad. After opening her own floral shop there, Lewis’ career led her to Washington, D.C., and New York City. Her floral designs appeared at special events on Capitol Hill, in New York City’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral, at the Plaza Hotel, and leading museums in both cities.

Queen Elizabeth became an admirer of Lewis’ floral designs when the late monarch stopped to view Lewis’ work at the Royal Horticultural Flower Show in London.

“I love what I do and I’ve never thought of it as work,” said Lewis.

When she and her husband relocated to Sarasota in 2010, Lewis spent the next 10 years with Beneva Florists and Luxe Art Silks of Sarasota, before opening her own shop, last year.

As the holiday season moves into full swing, Lewis is enjoying these busy days.

When she isn’t working with clients and managing her own shop, Lewis offers monthly design classes where she teaches her students how to create silk flower designs.

If interested, visit flowersonbaystreet.com or call (941) 445-5698.

27th State Media LLC

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Ready to decorate, Siesta Key style?

Here’s what you need to know To create a Siesta Key-inspired holiday coastal look this season, Lewis offers these design tips: 1. Select your colors. Blue and green are good choices. Pops of soft white and pale beige will bring in the look of Siesta Key’s soft white sands.

2. “Decide on a sub-theme that will determine what ornaments and decor will be added to your tree, wreath or swag,” Lewis said.

She suggests these Siesta Key decorating sub-themes: • Boating and fishing • Sailing • Sealife • Shells • Siesta Beach • Turtle Beach “Shells come in all kinds of shapes and colors,” Lewis said. “For a more formal design, use strings of pearls in place of garland. Seagrass and driftwood can also add interest and color.”

Another alternative to the traditional gold or silver rope that Lewis suggests is white sailing rope.

For a twinkling tree that will add to your Siesta Key coastal look, use small white lights and place them throughout the tree, not only on the edge of the branches.

To crown a tree, consider a starfish, a beautiful shell or a glittering manatee who will look over the festivities through the season.

And for a tree skirt, Lewis suggests large matching beach towels.

If space is limited, decorate a wreath or swag with ribbon, ornamental sea creatures, shells and pieces of driftwood. Hang it from a door or on a main wall and enjoy your Siesta Key-themed holiday season!

-- Jane Bartnett

Gemma Lewis (inside store) and Monica Galfre (foreground) enjoy getting Silver City in festive holiday shape. (photo by Jane Bartnett)

Spa Experience Siesta Key The Synergy of Acupuncture and Infrared Light Therapy: A Powerful Healing Duo In the pursuit of holistic healing, the convergence of ancient wisdom and modern technology has given rise to innovative therapeutic approaches. Spa Experience Siesta Key is now offering a combination of acupuncture, an age-old practice rooted in traditional medicine, and infrared light therapy, a cutting-edge technology, to help promote healing and well-being. Together, they form a dynamic synergy, addressing both the body and mind's intricate needs.

Acupuncture, based on the principles of balancing Qi, taps into the body's energy pathways, addressing physical and mental imbalances. Through the strategic insertion of fine needles, acupuncture stimulates natural healing processes, addressing issues such as chronic pain, digestive disorders, and immune imbalances.

Infrared light therapy, on the other hand, harnesses the healing power of light wavelengths. Penetrating deep into tissues, infrared light stimulates cellular activity,

enhancing circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue repair. This non-invasive therapy has gained recognition for its ability to accelerate healing and relieve pain.

When acupuncture and infrared light therapy are combined, their benefits amplify. Acupuncture prepares the body's energy pathways, optimizing the receptivity of cells to light therapy. The infrared light, in turn, enhances the effects of acupuncture by promoting faster recovery, reducing pain sensitivity, and aiding in the resolution of chronic conditions.

The combination of acupuncture and infrared light therapy is particularly effective in addressing chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and musculoskeletal disorders. The therapy duo reduces inflammation, eases muscle tension, and promotes joint mobility, offering relief to those suffering from persistent pain.

Both therapies also contribute significantly to mental well-being and clarity.

ADVERTORIAL

Acupuncture's stress-relieving properties, coupled with infrared light's ability to regulate neurotransmitters, create a powerful synergy for managing anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders. This dual approach not only fosters emotional balance but also enhances overall cognitive function.

The integration of acupuncture and infrared light therapy marks a significant milestone in the realm of holistic healing.

By combining ancient wisdom with modern technology, individuals can experience profound relief from pain, enhanced mental wellness, and accelerated healing. As this dynamic duo continues to garner attention in the healthcare landscape, it offers a beacon of hope for those seeking comprehensive and effective solutions for their physical and mental well-being.

Marika Doviak is a Florida licensed Acupuncture Physician and Massage Therapist.

You can find her at Spa Experience Siesta Key, located at 5700 Midnight Pass Rd. Unit 4b, Siesta Key, 34242. Office Tel: (941) 202-1270.

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Siesta Sand

DECEMBER 2023

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.us

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE

6541 SUPERIOR AVE. SARASOTA FL. 34231 Gulf Gate

Phone : 941 444 7984 Not combine with other offers. Not valid for previous sales. Expire 12/31/23

Onlyeyesopticalboutique.com

We’re So Much More Than Frozen Yogurt!

20% OFF FIRST TIME CUSTOMERS

FROYO: The guilt-free classic packed with probiotics GELATO: A fancy shmancy name for lowfat ice cream SORBET: Sorta like a non-dairy soft serve snow cone SKINNY 8: Froyo 8 CALORIES per ounce!

VEGAN: A dairy free froyo

6616 Gateway Ave • Sarasota

With our map on the next page you’ll be able to navigate your way to our featured shops with ease.

The Shop SRQ (G-2) offers flat-tops, fades, tapers, blowouts, razor cuts, and straight razor shaves. Owners, Erick and Dawn use a back to basics approach to grooming with a precise attention to personal detail.

Their commitment to excellence has provided them with many loyal customers. They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust. Hours: Tues. thru Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat., 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Gulf Gate Barber Shop (G-7) has been an institution in the community for years, owned by Kyle Flannery.

The super-clean barbershop’s clientele is comprised of primarily men, but the shop services children as well.

Scott Reich, formerly of the Siesta Key Village Barber Shop has relocated to this location.

West End Pub (G-49) Where else can you watch your favorite game with a great selection of beers, wines and liquors served by a friendly staff AND where you’re allowed to bring your own restaurant or deli food? Right here.

6500 Gateway Ave. 941-554-8905.

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.

Solórzano’s Late Night Pizzeria (S-34): At every Solórzano’s, they offer an experience familiar to those who understand the importance of family and dedication. Their recipes and techniques have been perfected through three long generations based on the traditional simplicity of the methods

www.ilovetheskinnydip.com • 941-923-6680

Roberts Realty

used by their Italian ancestors. Dine inside, outside, pick up, or DELIVERY anywhere on Siesta Key, or in Sarasota until 3:30 a.m. 6574 Superior Ave., 941924-5800.

Gulf Gate Food + Beer (S-51): Sarasota’s late-night hot spot for the service industry, night owls, and midnight snackers. It’s not your typical sports bar, offering unique menu selections for carnivores and vegetarians. Be sure to check out their menu online at: eatfooddrinkbeer.com.

Hours: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. (Sun. - Thurs.) open until 2 a.m. (Fri & Sat.).

Roberts Realty, Inc. (M-5) John Garner, Broker Assoc. & Diane Shane, Broker Assoc. have a combined 40 years’ experience in Sarasota of making dreams come true for our clients. For buyers, we have had great success in finding the right property for our clients because we listen closely to their wants and needs and matching that as close as possible. For sellers, over the years we have successfully listed and sold many, many properties throughout Sarasota County. Our philosophy is to have fun, enjoy the experience, achieve great results, make friends and receive referrals. We’re with you every step of the way! Call 941-924-2330 or drop by our office.

Only Eyes Optical (S-24) brings a new, exotic, eclectic, eccentric, unique collection of vintage, hipster, contemporary eyeglasses and sunglasses to the community. Licensed and experienced optician available to fill your prescriptions. Only Eyes Optical has a large assortment of free frames with the purchase of new lenses. Call 941-444-7984 to set up an appointment with their licensed optician.

Seascape Aquarium & Pet Center (GG**) Serving the area since 1975, this lively critter emporium features

10,000 feet of showroom, 25,000 gallons of freshwater, saltwater and coral, and adventures galore. Hours are Mondaythru Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 am. 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

Scandinavian Gifts Baked Goods and Grocery (GG-37) A fixture in Sarasota for 32 years, Scandinavian Gifts offers an assortment of linens, glassware, cookbooks, jewelry, candles, food items, and Christmas collectibles.

Located at 2166 Gulf Gate Drive, the store is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Skinny Dip (G-26) Established in 2020. The Sarasota Skinny Dip location is a family-owned business, with husband-and-wife Alex and Sorelly, and their kiddos, Sophie and Noah. The business specializes in letting you make your frozen yogurt the way you want it! We specialize in Skinny8 Froyos, which are only 8 calories per once! Also available vegan and low-fat options so that all Dippers can, well, dip!

Apothecary Shoppe (S-6) Eric and Laurie’s knowledge of pharmaceuticals and natural/holistic remedies enables the safe integration of traditional and natural therapies. Their organic skincare line is compounded on site

by Laurie who started her career as a make-up artist for the Today Show, Saturday Night Live, and so many more.

Eric is a pharmacist and also certified in naturopathy, wanting the best natural options for his clients. Open M-F 10-5 pm, Sat 10-3 pm.

L’Opera Bakery Bistro (GG1) This French bakery and pastry restaurant has a great dedication to freshness with sweets and breads baked on site.

Also features salads and sandwiches along with homemade macaroons and chocolate. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tuesday thru Sunday. Located at 2336 Gulf Gate Drive. Call 941-922-2253.

Blooming this month: Poinsettias

John Garner Broker Associate

Diane Shane Broker Associate

941-924-2330

Working with Sarasota Buyers & Sellers since 1969 • Local Expertise • Proven Track Record • Happy Clients Condos, Villas, Single Family Homes & Investments

We are with you every step of the way!

2621 Mall Dr., Sarasota RobertsRealty@comcast.net www.SarasotaCoast.com

Siesta Coin Laundry High Vibration Boho Boutique PSYCHIC + TAROT READINGS + Yoga CBD + DELTA-8 THC CRYSTALS + JEWELRY + Apparel Metaphysical Gifts + Apothecary

6557 Superior Avenue Sarasota, FL 34231 941.312.5630 wildgingerapothecary.com View schedule & book online!

FB | Instagram | YouTube | Google @wildgingerapothecary

Open Daily 7am - 10pm Last Wash 9pm

941.924.0722 6640 Superior Ave Sarasota, FL 34231 We appreciate your business!

Drop-off laundry service available

The familiar red poinsettias, which are a favorite flower for the holiday season, every year grow well in this area – given the proper care.

The bright-red petals are actually leaves in the top of the plant; they surround the actual flowers, which are yellow or green and accent the center of the display.

Natives of Mexico, they bloom in late December in the semi-tropical climate.

They can be grown here after the holidays by simply planting the individual plants in the ground, after making sure the soil is rich but has a lot of sand in it – and be sure to keep the soil fairly moist.

This works well sometimes but fails sometimes, too.

However, the most pleasure

comes from making cuttings from branches of the mother plant and rooting them in pots. The soil should be rich potting soil mixed with clean sand and kelp slightly moist. They thrive in high heat and humidity, but they need dark nights in the late fall for nearly two months for flower bracts to develop.

Remember, not every cutting will survive, but many will do well.

It is a true delight to grow your own plants to be given as gifts that will be happily received. Have fun!

The Sarasota Garden Club is at 1131 Boulevard of the Arts. Visit SarasotaGardenClub.org and be sure to join us at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 for our Holiday in the Gardens event. Call Kelly Goodwin at (941) 718-3359 or email her at klgbrg@ me.com for more information.

www.siestasand.us

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Panera Bread

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KRINGLE

Danish Pastry Made in Racine, WI The Original O&H Danish Kringle

OV E R 1 5 F L AVO R S T O CHOOSE FROM Oldest barbershop in Gulf Gate, styling all the locals since the 60’s.

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6575 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, FL 34231 941-809-9028 Walk-ins Welcome

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Siesta Sand

DECEMBER 2023

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6515 S. TAMIAMI TRAIL STUDIO 109, inside SOLA SALON SARASOTA, FL 34231 tel: 941-318-0686

Stay connected to life on Siesta Key.

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Visit siestasand.us to sign up.

Reddish egret -white morph (Egretta rufescens) Two color morphs are found in reddish egrets — the common dark morph with its steel gray and rust plumage, and the rare all-white morph. The birds don’t notice plumage color during breeding season as chicks of both color morphs may be found within a single nest.

Along the Gulf coast of central and south Florida, the reddish egret is a year-round resident and is typically found foraging in shallow salt flats or inlets during low tide. With a flair for the dramatic, it’s “dinner and a show” when the reddish egret appears.

Racing around a tidal pool on foot, turning tight circles punctuated by

animated hops and wing-flaps, the egret’s erratic movements certainly keep the fish and photographers guessing.

Wings are alternately tucked, then extended to cast shadows on the water giving the bird a better view of the main course.

Favoring small minnow-like fish, it is not unheard of for this agile performance artist to consume a dozen or two in a single meal.

As 2023 draws to a close and Siesta Key sparkles with festive colors and lights, the “Tweet Life” birds of the Siesta Sand wish you and your whole flock a most joyous holiday season.

Jan Baumgartner’s handmade notecards are available at Sunshine & Sand Hidden Treasures, 6635 Midnight Pass Rd., in Crescent Plaza.

www.siestasand.us

941.312.0665

DECEMBER 2023

Sandy Claws Continued from page 1V and National Resources.

Many seasoned participants bring their swimsuits and beach gear to hang around after the festivities and make a day of it. Sandy Claws has been going on for so long that it now serves as an ongoing tradition for longtime friends and multiple generations of families.

“People have been running this race for a long time.

Now they come back and bring their kids,” said Siesta Beach manager Jonathan Poyner, who worked his first Sandy Claws event just after he was hired by the county 19 years ago. “It holds a lot of meaning for the community.”

When Siesta Key resident Monica Condon first came to Siesta in the 1960s, she used to jog from Point of Rocks to Avenida Messina, stopping along the way to chat with neighbors. “It was a little village,” she remembered.

Beginning in 1977, the Sandy Claws event naturally embodied that same community spirit. When Condon and her husband moved back to Siesta permanently in 2013, she was delighted to see that the annual beach run was thriving. “It’s just bloomed so beautifully,” she said. She began participating in 2014, cheered on by her husband and seeing the same neighbors and fellow runners in her age group year after year.

Trophies are awarded to the top finishers overall and in each age class, though not everyone tackles the course with a competitive mindset. Sandy Claws is more festive than fierce.

And then there are the costumes.

Sandy Claws’ award categories include an official holiday-themed costume contest. But, like the run itself, it seems most people don’t need any extra incentive to up their race-day wardrobe in honor of the season.

“I’ve seen people dress like Santa Claus, definitely some elves. There are people wearing Christmassy shirts, headbands that have snowflakes or ornaments.

People wear their Christmas socks,” said Jennifer Gallagher, vice president of the Manasota Track Club.

Last year, Gallagher marked off the 5K course in a beach cart decorated like Santa’s sleigh.

Condon, who won’t be able to attend this year’s event, fondly remembered the festive atmosphere from Sandy Claws past. “There were funny hats, a lot of people had bells on. One time, there was a family with all their kids dressed as little reindeer, and one was Rudolph,” she said. “I always made sure that I had some kind of outrageous stretch pants, either the

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5900 South Tamiami Tr. • Sarasota, FL 34321 • 941-926-2692

A festive look is as much a part of the competition as the race itself each year at the Sandy Claws Beach Run.(photo courtesy of Sarasota County)

Grinch or Mickey Mouse, in the gaudiest Christmas colors you can think of. If you can imagine an ugly Christmas sweater and put it onto stretch pants, that’s what I wore.”

And that celebratory feeling of togetherness seems to be what always stands out most, year after year.

“It’s a fun race. People are just happy to be there. It’s really joyful,” said MTC’s Gallagher.

“I can’t ever remember it not being a beautiful day,” said Condon. “It fits into the start of the festive season, and it gets everyone thinking about family and being together and community.”

Register for the Sandy Claws Beach Run 5K or 1-miles fun run/walk until 7:45 a.m. the day of the event by visiting runsignup.com/47thannualsandycla wsbeachrun.

Local Christmas services SIESTA KEY CHAPEL PRESBYTERIAN (USA)

Christmas Eve Services 9:00 AM Chapel on the Beach

Beach Rd. & Avenida Messina, near beach access #2, at the flagpole 10:30 AM Worship in the Chapel Fourth Sunday of Advent 5:30 PM Worship in the Chapel

Family Service with Live Nativity 8:00 PM Worship in the Chapel

Candlelight Service with Communion

941.349.1166 4615 Gleason Ave. Siesta Key, FL

siestakeychapel.org

2023 St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church 5394 Midnight Pass Rd., Siesta Key

941.349.4174 • stmichaelssiesta.com

December Liturgy Schedule Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Friday, December 8, 2023 – 9:00 am

Advent Penance Service

Tuesday, December 12, 2023 – 6:30 pm

Christmas Eve

(Sunday, December 24, 2023) Children’s Christmas Pageant - 3:30 pm Christmas Eve Mass - 4:00 pm Christmas Music Prelude - 6:30 pm Christmas Eve Mass - 7:00 pm

Christmas Day

(Monday, December 25, 2023) Christmas Day - 10:00 am

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Siesta Sand

DECEMBER 2023

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.us

Happy Holidays from Big Water

Fish Market Retail Market & Restaurant

SPECIALS: wine wednesday 1/2 off bottles of wine.

Lobster roll thursday Friday night free draft with entree’s ‘Tis the Season for Stone Crabs.

6641 Midnight Pass Rd, Crescent Plaza

941-554-8101 11 AM- 9 PM Daily

www.bigwaterfishmarket.com