Siesta Sand - December 2020

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COASTAL SETBACK CODE

County approves amendments to allow shoreline hardening

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New public restroom building proposed

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A season begins, Siesta Key rental market is strong

By Jane Bartnett Despite the dire pandemic warnings, as of late November, the outlook for the Siesta Key rental market during the all-important “season” remains strong, property managers on the Key tell the Siesta Sand. “Our properties are reserved a year in advance,” said Beth Dilley of Ascendia Group, in discussing the challenges posed by the Coronavirus. “We are booked for season right now, but it truly is a day-to-day, nail-biting time.

What we’re experiencing now could never have been imagined,” she said, speaking the words that ring true for everyone. With properties that include condominiums as well as single family homes, the majority of Ascendia’s guest are from the US. “We have had some cancellations from overseas customers,” she said, “which we anticipated.”

Looking ahead to the coming winter months ,Michael Holderness of Beachside Management, is also taking a positive view of the near future.

“We’re seeing more energy coming here in 2021 than in 2020,” he said, noting that bookings for the season are “stacking and pacing ahead of last season.” Beachside Management’s busiest time of the year, he advised, has always been

Valentine’s Day through Easter. “We’re doing a great amount of extra work to keep our rental properties sanitized and clean,” Holderness reported, speaking of his wide range of properties featured on the company’s website.

This year’s market, Holderness and Dilley agreed is heavily dependent on East Coast travelers as well as Floridians. “It’s going to be mostly domestic this year,” said Holderness. “We will benefit from low cost airline prices and low gas prices. Here on Siesta Key,” he stated, “we’re competing for bookings against Clearwater, St. Pete, Miami, and the Florida Keys. But,” he noted, “our great advantage is that we have the best beach in the country.” Earlier this year, Trip Advisor named Siesta Key not only the #1 beach in the country but also ranked it as the # 11 beach worldwide in their annual Travelers Choice Award. “Siesta Beach is truly a gem in our community,” said Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota.

“Siesta Key’s private home and condominium rental advantage is that the Key offers a place

Beachside Management offers this spacious coastal Siesta Key home for rent.

Continued on page 39

County Commissioners directs Siesta Key to go ‘MOD’ with staff to find $250,000 to create SCAT public transit plan Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com 22 new parking spaces in Ocean ByForRachel years, Sarasota County Finally, in late October, SCAT Director commissioners directed staff to pursue Jane Grogg won the commissioners’ Boulevard right of way initiatives that could reduce the county’s unanimous approval to go “MOD,” so to

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

On a unanimous Nov. 17 vote, the Sarasota County Commission directed county staff to find the $250,000 staff estimates it will cost to construct 22 parking spaces in right of way on Ocean Boulevard in the northern part of Siesta Village.

Commissioner Alan Maio, who represents part of the Key, brought up the issue, referencing an analysis the board directed staff to undertake

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mass transit expenses.

In late August 2017, the board received after Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce an unsolicited letter from a firm that was representatives discussed the parking interested in implementing a regional proposal during the commission’s transportation system. That led to regular meeting on Oct. 6. commission approval in January 2018 for On Nov. 17, Maio noted that county staff to issue a Request for Information, revenue sources had declined only 2% or which was designed to help staff members 3% this year as a result of the COVID-19 figure out how best to operate the Sarasota pandemic, instead of the double-digit County Area Transit (SCAT) bus system drops county financial management more efficiently while providing better Continued on page 38 service to the public.

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SKA leaders again cite lack of FDEP transparency ahead of LIDO groin construction

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speak.

As a result of staff’s work with the Tindale Oliver consulting firm of Tampa, Grogg pointed out, a new Mobility On Demand (MOD) service will be created to ensure that everyone who has been using the county’s bus system will continue to have access to transportation. However, their trips might entail a driver picking them up at their home, instead of their having to take the bus. The primary Continued on page 42

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A look at Hurricane Eta Hurricane Eta at one point a catastrophic Category 4 hurricane that wreaked havoc across parts of Central America in early November 2020, was a recordtying twenty-eighth named storm, twelfth hurricane and fifth major hurricane of the extremely active 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, The cyclone ultimately becoming a Category 4 hurricane on November 3. With a peak intensity of 150 mph), it was the third most intense November Atlantic hurricane on record. Some weakening took place as the system made landfall near Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, late that same day.

Eta rapidly weakened to a tropical depression as it meandered across Central America for two days before moving north over water. It later reorganized over the Caribbean as it accelerated toward Cuba on November 7th.

Over the next five days, the

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Letter to the Editor Dear Editor,

The Siesta Key Condominium Council (SKCC) has gone on record against the proposed addition of 22 parking spaces on Ocean Blvd on the premise that this proposal has serious safety issues and impacts the beautification/ ambience of our Iconic Siesta Key. Today the 17th of November 2020, the Sarasota County Commissioners bowing to the commercial interests on the Key authorized the expenditure of approximately $250,000 necessary to implement same.

Hurricane Eta off the coast of Siesta Key Beach. Photo by Trebor Britt

Solitaire figure along with hundreds of birds experience the surf compliments of Hurricane Eta. Photo by Trebor Britt.

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system moved erratically from The Bahamas to the southern Gulf of Mexico, its intensity fluctuating along the way. After briefly regaining hurricane strength it weakened once more and accelerated across the Southeastern United States on November 12th.

It soon became extratropical and dissipated off the Eastern United States the next day.

Locally, Eta dumped as much as 6 inches of rain in some parts of Sarasota County. The storm was responsible for the death of a Bradenton man who was electrocuted while standing in flood waters. Higel Avenue had over 400 gallons of sewage overflow onto the street. All the sewage was absorbed.

Additionally, the storm was responsible for damage to boats and docks and spread debris across the county.

The SKCC believes that this decision is faulty and that while parking continues to be an issue, alternatives were not explored.

These include alternative parking spaces/structures and the shift to enhancing pedestrian/ bicycling/ trolley alternatives to autos. This is a national trend.

To the best information of the author, no study was done on this issue.

Frank Jurenka President Siesta Key Condominium Council

A message about the remaining 2020 SKCC meetings

SKCC members gather for a January meeting. Photo Courtesy SNL.

The Board of Directors for the SKCC have cancelled membership meetings for the remainder of 2020 due to the coronavirus and difficulty arranging a meeting where the SKCC can guarantee the condition of the attendees at the Siesta Key Chapel.

We are planning on a ZOOM meeting to be held on Tuesday, January 12th at 3:00 PM. The session will be on Condominium Law with Mr. Dan Lobeck making

the ZOOM presentation.

We anticipate sending out an information package well ahead of the meeting and will solicit questions from the membership that will be submitted ahead of time.

We are asking all to plan for this meeting and be prepared to submit questions for Mr. Lobeck to answer. He has been our speaker on this subject for many years.

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SKA launches Grand Canal mini reef project

By Jane Bartnett The waters that flow through Siesta Key’s Grand Canal may have a new lease on life thanks to a pilot “mini reef” project that the Siesta Key Association (SKA) has undertaken with a Florida based oceanographic non-profit organization called Ocean Habitats, Inc. Under consideration for more than a year, the project was given the green light at the SKA’s November, 2020 meeting and has been named the Siesta Key Grand Canal Regeneration Project.

The man-mad, heart shaped Grand Canal is a dead end canal with only one outlet into Roberts Bay. The SKA choseThe Grand Canal as a mini-reef test market because the quality of the water has declined greatly during its 95-year lifetime. In 2019, the Siesta Sand reported that a local expert told the SKA that “The Grand Canal is not happy,” at a meeting for the proposed project.

“It wants to be a productive estuary,” he said. If the Canal’s water quality were to improve, he advised the group, “the canal could be come a healthful environment for blue crabs, snook and tarpon, which are popular catches for recreational fishermen in the area.”

The SKA reports that there are approximately 80 homes with docks or piers on the Grand Canal that are in the pilot program. The first phase of the project is focusing on the north side of the Grand Canal, near the entrance to Roberts Bay. SKA organizers have set an initial goal of 10 properties for the

Mini Reefs at Work

Installation of a mini reef in Sarasota.

launch phase of the test project.

Last month, SKA volunteers began contacting Grand Canal homeowners whose properties have docks, piers, or sea walls.

Interested residents will be able to visit the SKA website and purchase a mini reef for their property at a cost of $300 per unit directly from Ocean Habitat.

The project is being spearheaded by SKA board member Jean Cannon, and Phil Chiocchio, Sub Committee Chairman of the Sarasota Bay Fisheries Forum. Chiocchio has produced hundreds of scientific videos and served as a program content creator for the University of Florida’s Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. ***Once the homeowner purchases the mini-reef, they are asked to grant one-time permission for Ocean Habitat technicians to access the docks,

pier or seawall by land for the installation. Using ropes or cables, they attach the multilayered polypropylene mini reef devices that are connected together by cords and PVC tubes.

Water flows through the multiple layers and wildlife soon attach to the reef as fish are attracted to the new food source. “When the reef is full,” Ocean Habitats founder David Wolff told Chiocchio in a video interview, “they can weigh up to 200 lbs.”

On-going maintenance of the reef takes place by water.

Each reef is installed under the water and is “approximately 3’x2’x2’ in size and does float at the surface even after development,” Ocean Habitat’s website reports. “It floats so the filter feeders attached to the unit will always be where 90% of their

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Phil Chiocchio called the mini reefs “nature’s kidneys.”

Crustaceans attach to them and then fish are drawn to them. The water quality generally improves outward of each mini reef in an area ranging from 5 to 7 feet.

In January, the City of Sarasota installed mini reefs under its docks at Ken Thompson Park on City Island.

“You can go put your face under the dock and see for yourself [how they work],” Chiocchio said.

One set of Siesta homeowners who installed a mini reef about 18 months ago, he added, “have been thrilled. … Now the oysters are starting to line up on the shelf [of the device].” The woman recently “saw a baby manatee

come up and hang around it,” he noted. “Baby shrimp are now moving around there, [too].”

However, he emphasized, “You have to have enough of [the mini reefs in the water] in the long run to really make a difference.”

A SKA member who lives on Avenida del Norte told Cannon and Chiocchio that he had installed a mini reef under a dock on his property and he has plans to put in a second one. He noted that another five or six homeowners on the street have alsoinstalled mini reefs.

Mini reefs need to be 24 inches deep under a dock.

Also, according to county and state environmental regulations, the device can’t

Top view of mini reef at work : Photo courtesy of Under Dock Reef.

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DECEMBER 2020

Financial Focus Have you thought about your New Year’s resolutions for 2020?

When many of us make these promises, we focus on ways we can improve some form of our health. We vow to get more physically healthy by going to the gym, or we promise to improve our mental health by learning a new language or instrument. But it’s also important to think about our financial health – so it’s a good idea to develop some appropriate resolutions for this area, too.

What kinds of financial resolutions might you make?

Here are a few suggestions: • Increase your retirement plan contributions. One of the best financial moves you can make is to take full advantage of your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. If you contribute pre-tax dollars to your plan, the more you put

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Year-end – Time for Some New Year’s Financial Resolutions

in, the lower your taxable income will be for the year, and your earnings can grow on a tax-deferred basis. So, if your salary goes up in 2020, increase the amount you put into to your plan. Most people don’t come close to reaching the annual contribution limit, which, in 2019, was $19,000, or $25,000 for those 50 or older.

You might not reach these levels, either, but it’s certainly worthwhile to invest as much as you can possibly afford.

• Use “found” money wisely.

During the course of the next year, you may well receive some money outside your normal paychecks, such as a bonus or a tax refund. It can be tempting to spend this money, but you may help yourself in the long run by investing it. You could use it to help fund your IRA for the year or to fill a gap in another investment account.

• Don’t overreact to market downturns. You’ve probably heard stories about people who lamented not getting in “on the ground floor” of what is now a mega-company. But a far more common investment mistake is overreacting to temporary market downturns by selling investments at the wrong time (when their prices are down) and staying out of the market until things calm down (and possibly missing the next rally).

The financial markets always fluctuate, but if you can resolve to stay invested and follow a consistent, long-term strategy, you can avoid making some costly errors.

• Be financially prepared for the unexpected. Even if you’re diligent about saving and investing for your longterm goals, you can encounter obstacles along the way. And one of these roadblocks could come in the form of large, unexpected

expenses, such as the sudden need for a new car or some costly medical bills. If you aren’t prepared for these costs, you might have to dip in to your longterm investments to pay for them.

To prevent this from happening, you may want to keep sufficient cash, or cash equivalents, in your investment accounts. Or you might want to maintain a completely separate account as an emergency fund, with the money kept in low-risk, liquid vehicles.

If possible, try to maintain at least six months’ worth of living expenses in this account.

It will take some effort but following these resolutions could help you move closer to your financial goals in 2020 – and beyond.

Edward Jones. Member SIPC. Advertorial

Joe St.Onge, ChFC® Financial Advisor Edward Jones Investments 5112 Ocean Blvd., 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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Island Chatter Southwest Airlines to offer flights into Sarasota Bradenton International Airport

Southwest Airlines announced plans to add service to the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport in the first quarter of 2021, in a recent regulatory filing.

The addition of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport to its network map is the latest in a growing trend of destination additions for the Dallas-based carrier as it looks to bulk up service to leisure-heavy locales with business travel not expected to return any time soon.

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport will mark the 10th Florida airport for Southwest.

Gulf & Bay takes steps to ensure owner access to beach

New signs that the management of the Gulf & Bay Club erected on Siesta Beach close to three weeks ago have sparked a bit of discussion among visitors to the island’s shore.

They were also the topic of comments during the Nov. 5 meeting of the Siesta Key Association (SKA).

The signs note Florida Statute 177.28(1), which makes a distinction between “private” beach and “public” beach. Section 177.28(1) says, “Mean highwater line along the shores of land immediately bordering on navigable waters is recognized and declared to be the boundary between the foreshore owned by the state in its sovereign capacity and upland subject to private ownership. However, no provision of this part shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of state ownership of sovereignty submerged lands, nor shall any provision of this part be deemed to impair the title to privately owned submerged lands validly alienated by the State of Florida or its legal predecessors.”

In the Gulf & Bay Club’s case, its signs note that the condominium complex’s private property extends 94 feet to the Mean High Water Line.

This week, when the SNL

contacted the Gulf & Bay Club for comments, the SNL was directed to Darrel Peters, a member of the complex’s board of directors.

What prompted the initiative, he explained, “was the growing number of people from the public beach” who have been making their way over to Gulf & Bay’s property “and setting up their gear for the day.”

The problem began after county staff completed the improvements at Siesta Public Beach Park in early 2016, he noted. With more parking spaces on the southern side of the park site, Peters said, more people headed toward that area of the beach, closer to where the Gulf & Bay Club stands.

The condominium complex has 392 units, he pointed out. “Folks like to get down and use the beach and be close to the shore,” Peters added.

The Gulf & Bay Club is one of the largest condominium complexes on Siesta.

Asked if management has received complaints since the signs went up, Peters replied, “I would say, ‘No,’ nothing that I would consider unusual.” He added that he believes people generally do understand the reasoning behind the action.

Moreover, Peters noted, “We haven’t forced people to walk in the water” to go past the complex’s part of the beach. Everyone is welcome to cross the property, he added; they just cannot set up “tents and awnings and all their beach paraphernalia …”

He also pointed out, “We’re all fortunate because the beach has accreted. It’s grown deeper over the years.”

Anyone who has looked at photos taken of the shoreline in the 1970s can see how much more beach exists these days, Peters said. Nonetheless, he noted, the walk to the water is longer, which is another reason more people had begun setting up camp on the Gulf & Bay part of the beach.

During the SKA’s meeting on Nov. 5, President Catherine Luckner pointed out that managers of condominium complexes south of Stickney Point Road long have put up signage —

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Mini Reefs Continued from page 4 food source is found within 24” of the water surface.”

Tested for durability, the reefs have been shown to have a 500 year lifespan and filter 30,000 gallons of water per day. Once established, scientists report that the reefs will support some 300 fish and 200 crabs per year.

Research findings show that the mini reefs will create increased levels of dissolved oxygen,and improve the growth of grass habitat. This natural filter increases nutrients and an improved natural environment for sea creatures. In a short period of time, Blue Crabs, Stone Crabs, sponges, a variety of fish including mangrove snappers, and juvenile red fish, make

the reef their home. Months later, oysters will appear . “A food chain grows up around the dock,” said Cannon. She noted that the reefs are not permanent and may be removed at the owner’s request. “We also want everyone to know that no is physical access to the homeowners property is required either at the time of installation or in the future.”

The mini-reefs, she said, remain the property of the homeowner.

No permits are required for installation.

Future plans call for the creation of a SKA Grand Canal Regeneration Project website where the community can see video footage of the changes

Mini Reefs at Work Continued from page 4

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taking place in the waters and the growth of new sea life. Educational community stewardship programs for the community and students also lie ahead.

“What our unit does is replicate nursery habitat, something more like mangrove trees,” Wolff told the Sarasota Herald Tribune. “We’re trying to grow baby shrimp, crabs and fish.”

Similar mini-reef projects are also seeing success in the waters of Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and in Sarasota’s Ken Thompson Park. A Mote Marine mini-reef project is also underway in Boca Grande.

Bay Fisheries Forum. “They

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touch the bottom. Chiocchio called this an “antiquated rule” and expressed his disfavor of it.

If SKA Director Margaret Jean Cannon and Chiocchio can spark the interest of enough of the homeowners in the designated project area, then they would setup a webpage where they

would post regular updates about the initiative. Chiocchio added that they also would create a YouTube channel, so people could watch the sea life in the mini reefs.

Chiocchio further noted that he had discussed the pilot program plans with Mote Marine Laboratory scientists who are part of the Sarasota

said this would be an excellent way to see the effects [of the devices].”

Chiocchio is hoping the SKA initiative will lead to a grand celebration for the Grand Canal’s 100th birthday in 2025.

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County approves amendments to Coastal Setback Code to allow shoreline hardening

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

After making a motion to amend the Sarasota County Coastal Setback Code, Commissioner Charles Hines pointed out on Oct. 21, “This has not been easy.”

Commissioners long have maintained a stance against shoreline hardening, he said.

However, Hines continued, “The dynamics of our shoreline have changed in the last 20 to 30 years.

[That is] not going to stop.”

Thanks to the county’s Environmental Protection Division staff having worked with homeowner associations on the barrier islands in the unincorporated parts of the county, Hines said, “a good consensus” has been achieved in regard to amendments to the County Code that will help property owners protect homes threatened by storms and sea level rise.

Nonetheless, Rachel Herman, manager of the county’s Environmental Protection Division, has pointed out to the commission that the Siesta Key Association took a different view of the proposed changes than the other organizations did.

In an Aug. 10 letter to the Environmental Protection staff, SKA President Catherine Luckner wrote that the nonprofit “continues to support advance methods to preempt likelihood of shoreline collapse and damages [to] a primary dwelling. This includes enforcement of the Gulf Beach Setback Line (GBSL) and special variances when necessary [to protect] a building beyond the Coastal Construction Line (CCL).”

The latter line is a state measure implemented to protect shoreline habitat.

Luckner further explained that the SKA could not endorse shoreline hardening “as a permanent solution. … Based upon more than 35 years of nationwide research, observations of shoreline and coastal waters, there is little to support this as a first intervention. It’s well documented shoreline hardening is generally not wise; that an assessment must be site specific to

prevent harm to others.”

Commissioner Nancy Detert has talked on several occasions about the fact that erosion of property is common on either side of a seawall, for example.

As Herman of Environmental Protection pointed out on Oct. 21, beach renourishment remains the county’s preferred method of stabilizing shorelines, even with the code changes.

During her presentation, Herman noted a few late modifications recommended since the board members last discussed the issues in September.

Among those, she continued, were the additions of language pertaining to the “hardship on the land.”

That revision says that “hardship on the land” means that “under application of the Coastal Setback Code, the property cannot be used for the purpose for which it is zoned under Chapter 124, Unified Development Code, taking into considerations such factors as the shape of the parcel, size of the parcel, location of the setback line on the parcel, location of any protected habitats on the parcel, and location of any zoning setback lines.”

(The Unified Development Code combines all the county’s land-use and zoning regulations.)

“Wet sandy beach” is defined as “the area between the mean high water line and the mean low tide line.”

One other late change staff recommended, Herman explained, called for a doubling of the amount of beach-compatible sand that a property owner could place on a lot “provided that no filling occurs within public easements or rights of way and other lawful drainage systems and utility facilities.”

Instead of 100 cubic yards, Herman said, staff suggested 200 cubic yards. The county code administrator can provide a written conditioned exception for a property owner, allowing the person to place the sand on a parcel, she noted.

Shoreline hardening construction is underway.

Hines did ask County Attorney Frederick “Rick” Elbrecht about the concern that Manasota Key Association members had expressed about the “hardship on the land” consideration in the proposed amendments to the County Code. Instead of the staff recommendation, Hines continued, they sought references to “hardship on the owner.”

The Office of the County Attorney recommended the focus be on the land, Elbrecht replied, considering features such as the location on the property seaward of the county’s Gulf Beach Setback Line — the figurative “line in the sand” established to protect dunes and native beach habitation, which, in turn, protect landward structures from storm surge and

‘Hardship on the land’ or on the owner?

other flooding events. Additional factors, Elbrecht noted, would be the habitat on the property and the state of erosion.

If the focus were on the person, Elbrecht added, that could lead to issues regarding the owner’s finances and emotional response to shoreline problems on the property. The position of the Office of the County Attorney, Elbrecht said, is that “the board’s ruling [on a variance petition] should be the same regardless of who owns the land.”

“Thanks for putting that in the record,” Hines responded.

Yet another issue the Manasota Key Association (MKA) had raised, Hines continued, concerned the provision in the County Code that the relocation

of a home needs to be considered before the commission potentially allows the property owner to harden the shoreline. The MKA asked that the word “practical” be added, he said, so the commission would have to consider the feasibility of moving a habitable structure.

The board members know that moving a home in a coastal environment “is going to be difficult,” Hines pointed out.

“It’s a policy consideration for the board,” Herman replied. “We don’t have a strong opinion about that particular addition [of the word ‘practical’].”

Hines’ final concern, based on correspondence the board had received, was the section of the County Code that eliminates the potential of hardening actions if the affected home was built after Oct. 28, 2008. Even if a house has been constructed to comply with modern building code and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) elevation standards for coastal construction, Hines said, the land beneath the home could wash out, leading to problems.

After an exchange with Assistant County Attorney David Pearce, Hines agreed with Pearce’s proposal to eliminate the relevant paragraph altogether. Pearce said that modification of the code would achieve the goal Hines sought.

Happiness is…Finding Joy in the Holiday Season Festive lights adorn homes and businesses. Families gather to celebrate as the joy of the holiday season is reflected in the eyes of children, young and old. While things may look and feel a bit different this year, there are plenty of simple pleasures to be experienced and shared.

peppermint ice cream filled with peppermint candy), Eggnog Ice Cream (Sweet and delicious! A seasonal favorite) and Carrot Cake (You can stop baking, this is the ultimate carrot cake recipe... carrot cake ice cream with fresh walnuts and a thick ribbon of cream cheese frosting).

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“Connecting with customers, giving them a place to slow down for a minute and enjoy the season is one of my very favorite things.”

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LeLu Island coffees. For that hard to buy for person, an Abel’s gift card is a wonderful way to share the joy of ice cream all year long!

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 our website, www.abelsicecream. com or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Holiday Toys for Canines

By Kyle Baker, Senior Pet Food Nutritionist

It’s the Holidays! Here are the Top Toys for your Canine Companions It likely comes as no surprise: your pup needs to play. But as obvious as that sounds, its importance may be even greater than we think. In fact, according to one Bristol University study, play is the key to your dog’s overall well-being.

Among the many benefits, regular play can help a dog’s physical conditioning, combat canine obesity, provide mental stimulation, relieve boredom, and strengthen their bond with you, their pet parent. Additionally, it can help prevent behavioral issues like anxiety, aggression, whining, jumping up, or not coming when called. While it’s best for your dog’s development to play with you, your family, or other dogs, unfortunately there isn’t always someone available for a little roughhousing.

And that’s why there are toys! Fun, interactive, and always ready for play, toys are a great way for your dog to enjoy many of the above benefits anytime they want.

With the holidays upon us, DOGPerfect has created a list of the season’s best toys and how they can boost a dog’s health— so you can make sure you’ve got the perfect gift for the canine companions on your list.

Let’s Play Fetch

Nearly half of all dog owners say that “fetch” is their dog’s favorite game. Fetch allows your dog to burn a lot of energy, which aids conditioning and makes them less likely to misbehave or act out.

Additionally, playing fetch can also strengthen the respect a dog has for its pet parent.

When it’s time to play fetch, a classic tennis ball might get the job done – but why throw it when you can blast it? With the Nerf Tennis Ball Blaster, you can launch a ball up to 50 feet in the air for maximum fun. Plus, once retrieved, you can reload balls hands-free to avoid the slime and slobber.

Time for Tug-o-War

Another all-time favorite, “tug-owar” offers both a physical and mental challenge for your pup. As you’ve probably found, many dogs are willing to sink their teeth into whatever’s available for a little tugging match. Your slippers notwithstanding, we’ve got just the thing.

Designed by students at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota as part of a scholarship competition, SmartPetLove’s Tender-Tuffs Platypus is

made with Tear Block Technology that can withstand even the most vigorous games of tug-o-war. With a Tender-Tuffs toy, your dog will enjoy hours of fun and repeated use—and those slippers will get a welcome break.

top-rated dog toys are American made by companies that voluntarily follow the same FDA guidelines used for making children’s toys, helping them achieve top marks for safety. Additionally, Americanmade dog toys tend to be among the most durable.

Made in Montana, West Paw’s Jive Ball makes fetch more fun. Sized to fit in a standard ball thrower, and safer and tougher than a tennis ball, Jive Ball’s odd shape and bright shades bring the excitement with easy-to-spot colors and unpredictable bounces—even in the snow.

Another option, Cycle Dog Potted Ivy, is an unstuffed, super tough plush toy ideal for dogs who like to shake their play things. Plus, it’s made in Oregon from eco-friendly recycled materials.

Regular play is fun and beneficial for pups and pet parents alike. It can challenge your dog both physically and mentally, help them blow off some steam, and provide an opportunity for you to both to bond. This holiday season, stop by your local independent pet retailer to find the terrific toys that will bring joy and delight for your favorite furry friend.

Paw Pals Meet Poptarts

Just Chew It

Labrador Retriever? Bichon Frise?

Forget the slippers – your dog might be a toy wrecker, too.

If your dog likes to play tough, KONG Company rubber toys are highly durable and designed with safety in mind.

KONG has created a variety of options to accommodate light, average, or even the most powerful chewers. Plus, with the option to stuff with snacks like peanut butter, KONG toys are a great way to deliver treats that can keep your dog busy.

This is Poptarts, he is a lazy French Bulldog who loves pretty much everyone. Although lazy, Poptarts is known for his sudden bursts of energy which can rearrange an entire living room in a matter of seconds. As a true “foodie”, he is often seen peering up at the kitchen table searching for any scraps of food he can find. Poptarts holds the belief that he is a “tough” dog, when in reality he is just a big baby!

We love Poptarts for who he is and we would not change a thing about him!

Go Interactive

Speaking of keeping your good boy or girl busy, interactive toys are designed to ensure hours of play while pet parents are away. For example, ZippyPaws Burrow Hedgehog Den is a hide-and-seek toy that challenges your pup with finding three squeaky hedgehogs hidden in their den.

Recommended by animal behaviorists, these types of puzzle toys are a great supplement when you can’t be there for your dog.

Buy American

Finally, when you can, try to buy toys that are made in the USA. Many of the

Author Kyle Baker, Senior Pet Food Nutritionist at DOGPerfect, has a passion for educating pet parents on the power of nutrition and how it can improve their pet’s lives with proper food, supplements and treats. DOGPerfect is a locally owned and operated pet supply store with locations in The Landings, University Park, and Lakewood Ranch. Visit www. dogperfect.com for more information and to sign-up for a free one-on-one nutrition consult with Kyle.

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New controversy arises on North Beach Road between Holderness and Cosentino

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

A new controversy has erupted near Beach Access 2 on Siesta Key, near the intersection of Avenida Messina and North Beach Road, the SNL has learned.

Siesta resident Mike Cosentino contended that Siesta resident and business owner Mike Holderness was violating county and state environmental regulations by trying to remove sand that Tropical Storm Eta had blown onto North Beach Road.

The incident comes on the heels of a state warning issued in October that a “sand fence” Andy Cooper of Siesta Key had erected on property he owns along North Beach Road had to be removed. Cooper’s goal, Holderness told the SNL, was to try to prevent sand from continuing to blow onto a portion of that road.

The fence was removed the first full week of November, according to information Cosentino provided the SNL. Cosentino argued that the fencing prevented public access to the beach.

damages following Tropical Storm Eta and has since been removed. The department will still be pursuing formal enforcement in this matter.

If necessary, sand placement will be required to restore the landscape [and] penalties may also be assessed.”

Subsequently, just before 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 13, Sheriff’s Office Deputy Scott Bollinger responded to Beach Access 2 after having been notified of a civil disturbance between Holderness and Cosentino, both of whom had called in complaints, Bollinger wrote in a report.

Holderness told Bollinger that he had hired the firm Roots to remove sand that had piled up in front of the condominiums located from 45 Beach Road to 55 Beach Road as Tropical Storm Eta passed through the Gulf of Mexico.

Holderness added that Cosentino had parked his pickup truck in the way, preventing the Roots crew from completing its work.

Sand piled on North Beach Road. Photo courtesy of Mike Holderness

In a Nov. 17 statement in response to a request for comments, Alexandra Kuchta, deputy press secretary for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), wrote the SNL, “The unsecured sand fence along Beach Road … sustained

Cosentino told the deputy that he believed Holderness was undertaking the work without a permit.

Then Greg Young, a county employee, arrived on the scene, Bollinger continued.

Young advised Bollinger that Holderness did not have a

permit for the initiative and, therefore, should not be moving any sand.

In a Nov. 13 email, Cosentino told the SNL that he was on the phone with Kelly Cramer, an FDEP environmental protection specialist, as the deputy was talking to all the parties. Cosentino added that he asked Cramer to speak to Bollinger, as well.

Bollinger noted that in the Sheriff’s Office report.

When Bollinger Fencing along North Beach Road resulting in FDEP citation. Photo courtesy of Mike Consentino talked with Cramer, Bollinger added in his Bollinger wrote. an FDEP permit. FDEP explains narrative, Cramer told Following the incident, that the CCCL Program him that “Mr. Holderness was Holderness copied the SNL on “regulates structures and to cease and desist all activity an email he sent to Cramer. activities which can cause beach immediately. Ms. Cramer told “None of us [property] owners erosion, destabilize dunes, me she is responsible for the want you thinking we’re damage upland properties, or issuance of permits for this lawless,” he wrote. “It was my interfere with public access. disputed area and not only did understanding of the law that CCCL permits also protect sea she not issue any permits to Mr. returning windblown sand from turtles and dune plants.”

Holderness, [but] she sent him road to beach is [exempt] from Further, Holderness a [cease and desist letter via permitting under [the Florida pointed out in his email to email on Nov. 12],” Bollinger Administrative Code] as long as Cramer, guests staying in the continued in the report. this activity does not involve a condominiums in front of “Ms. Cramer advised that change in the general grade and which the sand was piled on the she would follow up with provided that any beach quality morning of Nov. 13 could not get Mr. Holderness and Sarasota sand is returned to the beach out of the garages during Eta, County,” and, if necessary, the and dune system seaward of “as wind was blowing sand all Sheriff’s Office, Bollinger wrote. the CCCL [Coastal Construction over the property.”

(Cosentino also provided the Control Line].”

The reason the sand was in SNL a copy of an email he had The section of the code piles when the deputy arrived, sent to Cramer on the evening he cited — 62B-33.004(2)(c) he continued, was that he was of Nov. 12. In that, he wrote that (6) — allows “[t]he removal of working with the Roots crew he understood that any filling windblown sand from paved to separate clean sand from and excavation in what the state roads and parking areas, dirty sand, with the intent classifies as a Coastal High of returning the clean sand Hazard area requires “a right-of- beach access ramps, pools, patios, walkways, or decks to the dunes, as called for way use permit, a variance from not involving a change in the in the section of the Florida [Sarasota County staff], and general grade and provided Administrative Code he had authorization from the DEP.”) that any beach quality sand is referenced.

After Bollinger related returned to the beach and dune “All I’m asking for is a little Cramer’s information to “all system seaward of the CCCL.” respect and understanding,” involved parties” on Nov. 13, Holderness included that part Holderness continued, as he is Bollinger added in his report, of the regulation in his email to responsible for his guests’ well the Roots employees and Cramer. being.

Cosentino left the area.

The CCCL is a figurative Sarasota County staff declined Bollinger took no further line imposed by FDEP; no to comment, citing ongoing action, he noted. He left the construction can take place litigation with Holderness and scene just before 10 a.m., seaward of the CCCL without Cosentino.

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SKA leaders again cite lack of FDEP transparency ahead of Lido Key groin construction

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

After the placement of new sand on Lido Key Beach has been completed, the construction of two groins on the southern end of the island will get underway, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) spokesman has told the SNL. That part of the project could begin in December, David Ruderman wrote in an email.

“They expect to be done working on the beach in April [2021],” he added of Earth Tech Enterprises of Fort Myers, a subcontractor hired by Cottrell Contracting Corp. of Chesapeake, Va., which won the USACE bid for the Lido undertaking.

“But they build a little extra time into the schedule for flexibility,” Ruderman said of the timeline.

“As we all know,” Ruderman added, “these dates are provisional due to possible impacts of unforeseeable weather, equipment and personnel issues.”

Ruderman’s comments came before Tropical Storm Eta halted the Lido Key Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project for approximately a week.

In anticipation of the groin work, Siesta Key Association leaders sent a letter on Oct. 7 to Gregory Garis, administrator of the Beaches, Inlets and Ports Program of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

SKA President Catherine Luckner and her husband, Robert, a director of the

nonprofit, reminded Garis that they also had contacted him in June. They again noted the insufficiency of USACE documentation regarding the construction of the groins, which are designed to try to hold sand in place on the beach between subsequent renourishment initiatives.

The FDEP permit issued in June 2018 to the USACE and the City of Sarasota for the work on Lido “lists a number of responsibilities for the contractor” in regard to the groins phase of the undertaking, the Luckners pointed out.

As a result, the Luckners noted, the SKA is concerned about several issues, including the lack of a traffic management plan involving “the delivery of the hundreds of large granite blocks [that] are needed and promised in the Environmental Protection Plan”; the “heavy truck traffic [that] will impact the roads” on Lido Key and St. Armands Key during tourist season; and traffic on the beach to haul the “marine mattresses” and armor stones that will be used in the groins.

A 2006 USACE article written

by Steven A. Hughes describes the marine mattresses used in groin construction as rock-filled containers made of “high-strength geogrid … Geogrid panels are laced together to form mattressshaped baskets that are filled

with small stones …”

The article explains that the typical width of a single marine mattress is about 5 feet.

The length can vary up to “a recommended maximum of 35 feet,” the article adds. Mattress thickness “for heavy-duty applications exposed to waves and currents” can be up to 24 inches, it notes. “Assuming the stone fill has a volumetric weight of about 110 [pounds per cubic foot], a 35-ft-long, 5-ftwide, 1-ft-thick mattress weighs approximately 9.6 tons,” the article notes.

Drilling down into the permit specifications

In their letter to Garis, the Luckners pointed to Specific Condition No. 5 in the revised FDEP permit for the project issued on April 10. That says, “For each construction event under this permit, no work shall commence until the Permittee [the USACE] has satisfactorily submitted all information specified in this condition. At least 30 days prior to the commencement of construction, the Permittee shall submit [a list of required] items for review by the Department. Unless otherwise notified by the Department within 15 days of receipt of all information specified … the Permittee shall assume the submittals are satisfactory …”

Among the required items are the following [FDEP emphasis]: “An electronic copy

of detailed final construction plans and specifications for all activities to be conducted under the upcoming event.”

The Luckners added, with their own emphasis, “FDEP must require submittal of a groin construction plan, review it and take no exception to the plan. FEDP should also post it for public reference as a preconstruction submittal.”

On Oct. 21, Robert Luckner notified the SNL that the SKA had received a response from Garis.

“The construction of these groins is authorized by Joint Coastal Permit No. 0333315003-JN,” Garis wrote. “The most recent permit drawings for the groins can be found in the plans and specifications submitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the pre-construction submittals,” Garis added, including a link to those materials.

That link provided the engineering drawings that the USACE included in its December 2019 solicitation for bids for the Lido Key Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project. Among them are detailed plans for the two groins.

Garis continued, “The Joint Coastal Permit does not regulate traffic plans for delivery of material to the site.

That is usually handled by the Local Sponsor of the project.”

The City of Sarasota is that sponsor.

The SNL did send an inquiry to FDEP’s public information staff about the SKA’s concerns, Alexandra Kuchta, the department’s deputy press secretary, replied in an email.

“The contractor has provided all required documents for commencement of construction, as required by the permit,” Kuchta wrote. “This includes permit drawings for the groins, which are accessible via the department’s public database,” she added.

After the SNL shared those comments with the Luckners, Robert Luckner responded in an email: “While SKA … believes [FDEP staff] should have required a review of the detailed construction plan for the groins [FDEP has] a different and controlling conclusion.”

Luckner added, “The bid proposal filed with the FDEP,” which included the preconstruction documents, “required a final design 45 days before start of construction including a schedule. That was what SKA asked to be reviewed by FDEP. It also required a Critical Lift Plan for the 10 ton foundation mattresses on the beach be submitted to the Corps. My work history is that is a big deal and not something to be taken lightly especially on soft sand.”

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Charter Review Board proposes changes to citizen-initiated petition drives

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com Although seven members of the public criticized them over the proposal, the six Sarasota County Charter Review Board members present for the board’s last meeting of the year — on Oct. 14 — unanimously approved amendments to the Charter that would necessitate additional steps before a citizeninitiated amendment could be placed on a ballot.

The changes likely will be on the 2022 General Election ballot, according to the board’s county staff liaison.

The primary impetus for the proposal, one board member made clear, was the November 2018 passage of two Charter amendments that Siesta Key resident Mike Cosentino wrote.

Both were related to his legal fight with the county over a vacated section of North Beach Road.

“I felt there was a huge issue with the 2018 election, and I don’t think people were well educated about the amendments,” Charter Review Board Member Donna Barcomb of Sarasota said during the October meeting. Looking at Cosentino, she added, “Especially yours.”

A couple of speakers had contended that the Charter Review Board was acting in response to the November 2018 passage of the Single-Member Districts amendment, which changed the voting method for County Commission candidates.

Among the provisions of the proposed new changes to the county Charter would be the necessity of ensuring that a citizen-initiated amendment “not conflict with the Florida Constitution, general law, or the Charter.”

Moreover, a group working on a citizen-initiated Charter amendment would have to gather signatures of at least 10% of the number of registered voters in each of the five County Commission districts at the time of the last general election.

“We chose to have each district represented,” Barcomb explained, because of the Single-Member Districts Charter amendment.

Only voters who reside in the same district as a candidate may vote for a candidate for that district seat. Previously, commissioners were elected countywide.

The concern, Barcomb added, was that a person proposing an amendment could be working on a measure, for example, that would be targeted to an issue in District 1 “but maybe negatively affect District 5. So we felt that we wanted each district to be equally represented in regards to its support.”

Among the other proposed changes to the Charter is the necessity of the county’s reviewing a citizen-initiated amendment “for legal sufficiency” and for any fiscal impacts on the county. Further,

the sponsor of a petition would be asked to appear during a Charter Review Board (CRB) meeting “between the time of submitting a Charter amendment petition form and June 1st of the year of the general election on the proposed Charter amendment,” unless a majority the Charter Review Board waived that requirement.

During the public hearing that evening, Cosentino emphasized that both of his Charter amendments won more than 60% of the vote in 2018. One amendment said the County Commission could not sell any county-owned land or right of way that had even a waterfront vista. The second called for the commission to rescind its May 2016 vacation of a 373-foot-long segment of North Beach Road on Siesta Key or to reacquire the right of way and return it to public use.

Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Hunter Carroll declared the amendment regarding North Beach Road to be invalid because of its conflict with the county Charter. Carroll also ruled that the first sentence of the other amendment was invalid because of conflicts with several state statutes, but he said it could be severed from the rest of that amendment, leaving the remainder in the Charter.

He characterized the second sentence of that amendment as “encouragement to maximize rights-of-way use for public

access and viewing waterfront vistas.”

In his ruling, Carroll also pointed out, “In considering a legal challenge to charter amendments such as these, courts presume the amendments to be valid and reasonably construe them to be valid, if possible. If, however, an amendment is unconstitutional, courts must strike the offending amendment even though it means the will of the majority of the electors who voted on the issue cannot be carried out. That is the situation here. The Court does not take this step lightly.”

“It would be mildly stated to say that his decision was legally infirm,” Cosentino told the Charter Review Board members on Oct. 14, referring to Carroll.

The ruling is on appeal, Cosentino added, and he expects Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal to overturn Carroll’s decision.

If the board members approved their proposed amendments that evening, Cosentino continued, “I will crush this in court. It is completely unconstitutional in every form, and you guys, in my opinion, need to start serving the public, which you’re currently not doing, as evidenced by this proposal.”

Among the other six speakers, Lourdes Ramirez of Siesta Key pointed out that she is a Republican, as were all the Charter Review Board members,

and “Republicans are supposed to be about limited government, deregulation and lower taxes.

Yet, time and time again, I see supposedly Republican officials increase the size of government, add regulations that impact citizens’ rights, and add another layer of bureaucracy that comes with a taxpayer cost.”

She continued, “These proposed changes today add extra layers of regulations and bureaucracy on citizens’ rights to access their own Charter.”

Another opponent of the Charter Review Board (CRB) action, attorney Dan Lobeck of Sarasota, talked of the proposed language requiring the County Commission “to say, ‘Yes, [a proposed amendment] is legally sufficient.’ A court should decide that.”

The fiscal impact provision, Lobeck continued, represents “another opportunity for the county [commissioners] to repeal an amendment that they don’t like, because that [review] is extremely subjective.”

Lobeck then called the necessity for a presentation to the CRB of any proposed Charter amendment “a stage for opponents to attack the change publicly. … Each and every one of these [proposals is] indefensible,” Lobeck said, adding that the goal is to squash citizen-initiated amendments, as they are efforts “to make an end run around the politicians.”

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Public restroom facility proposed for Siesta Key’s Nora Patterson Bay Island Park

By Jane Bartnett

Sarasota County held a virtual public hearing to announce the creation of a new building in the Nora Patterson Bay Island Park, at 946 Siesta Drive, Siesta Key, that would hold two “family style” public restrooms. The public Zoom event was held on the evening of November 18, 2020.Located on the south side of Siesta Drive, in the middle of the park, the proposed structure would, a spokeswoman said, “be settled in amidst existing trees near ADA (Americans with Disability) parking locations.”

The proposed public restrooms will be located on the elevated first (and only) floor of the building. An ADA compliant ramp will provide access to the restrooms. Two benches for seating will also be installed, one mid-way up the ramp, the other at the top of the ramp. The building’s design, County Parks officials said, allows for compliance with FEMA regulations. Open space on the ground level will avoid flooding. Currently, the park contains Porta Potties for visitor’s use. The elevated

Architectural rendering of proposed Nora Patterson Bay Island Park Bathroom Pavilion, designed by Siebert Architects. Ramp access is ADA compliant and adjacent to handicapped parking spaces and faces the water.

first floor will also allow for views of the water. Siebert Architects of Sarasota are designing the structure in the

style of the Sarasota School of Architecture.

The final design will be subject to change as the

Side view of proposed architectural rendering of Nora Patterson Bay Island Park Bathroom Pavilion, designed by Siebert Architects.

Ramp access is ADA compliant and adjacent to handicapped parking spaces.

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approval process and public comment period continues.

Officials said that there are no plans to change current access to the park’s entrance and no changes to traffic flow are expected. Open daily, the waterfront park is known for its views of downtown Sarasota. It features park benches, picnic tables, fishing and scenic walking paths.

A number of community members voiced concern and disapproval of the structure during the presentation.

Residents questioned the county’s plans for regulating after-hours use, illegal sales and rentals on the premises, as well as concerns that homeless people will use the structure as a shelter. Parks officials said that the County has established plans to work closely with the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), as well as Sarasota County and Sarasota City law enforcement officials to ensure that the

structure remains a safe place.

Officials also advised that the public bathrooms will feature doors that will automatically lock after-hours. Police will monitor the facilities each day to ensure that no one is locked inside.

The County is accepting feedback and public comment from the community and will continue to review plans before moving forward. The current timeline for the new bathroom structure in the Nora Patterson Bay Island Park is to have the design completed and permitted by August 2021. Should the Board of County Commissioners vote to approve the facility, the building is expected to be completed by the summer of 2022.

Comments about the proposed family style bathroom structure in the Nora Patterson Bay Island Park may be submitted to PRNRmeetings@SCgov.net.

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Grand opening celebration for Siesta Key’s new dental practice

By Jane Bartnett On Friday, December 11, from 12 noon - 5 pm, Dr. MyHuong Ta, DDS, will host a grand-opening celebration at her new full-service family dentistry practice in the Davidson Drugs Plaza, 5136 Ocean Boulevard, Siesta Key Village. Dr. Ta began her Sarasota practice on September 1, 2020, after relocating from mid-town Manhattan, in New York City.

“I’m very excited to meet all of our new neighbors and become a part of the greater Siesta Key community,” Dr. Ta said. She told the Siesta Sand that the catered event will feature individually portioned hors d’oeuvres and individual beverages. During the event, a special drawing will be held for those who make a dental appointment with Dr. Ta. Three lucky winners will take home an Oral-B Electric Toothbrush.

That afternoon, from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm, Dr. Ta will also conduct free oral cancer screenings. At 3 pm, the Siesta

Key Chamber of Commerce and Dr. Ta will take part in an official ribboncutting.

Since opening her office this fall, to better care for her patients, Dr. Ta has been adding state-ofthe art dental diagnostic equipment.

During an interview, Dr. Ta demonstrated the new Seiler Precision Microscope and explained that “this dental microscope Dr. Ta and her staff are preparing for their December 11 grand allows me to opening celebration. conduct a much more precise procedures is also being added. examination.”

“I am very committed to New equipment for patient care and their comfort,” dental implants and other she said. “My patients have told us that they really appreciate our new chairs that are equipped with back massage features. They also find it calming to look out on our peaceful tropical gardens,” she said.

A practicing dentist for the past 25 years, Dr. Ta is a graduate of the University of Rochester, in Rochester, N.Y. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, she went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook’s School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Ta completed her residency at the University of California at San Francisco in Advanced Education in General Dentistry.

She also provides emergency dental care for patients visiting Siesta Key and the surrounding area, as well as for full-time residents and those spending the season here.

Dr. Ta examines a patient using a state-of-the-art dental microscope.

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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.

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Siesta Key Beach Hosts Sunshine State Outdoor Volleyball Association Tournament Story and photos by Trebor Britt Adult and Junior volleyball players from across the country gathered on Siesta Beach for the Sunshine State Outdoor Volleyball Association (SSOVA)Tournament. Men’s and women’s adult teams played on Saturday and Junior and Co-Ed teams competed on Sunday.

Tournament Director, Casey related

they are continuing to seek local and national sponsors. He said, “This tournament is run by the players for the players.”

Created in 2004, the Sunshine State Outdoor Volleyball Association has been dedicated to growing the sport of beach volleyball. Their love for the game and their volleyball community

motivates them to offer the best, for the best! Although the tournament focuses on amateur players, the top 3 finishers in the Men’s Open Division do earn prize money. For more information visit their website www. ssova.com/about-us.

These 16 year old Club Division players were overjoyed to be competing in the SSOVA Beach Volleyball Tournament on spectacular Siesta Beach recently. More than twenty players entered the tournament in this division.

Running to keep a ball in play is Montana-Rae Pelak (18) of Naples. She and her partner have played in six Co-Ed tournaments.

Vanessa Moriarty (13) of Cape Coral and Gabby Dwyer (14) of Ft. Meyers wearing medals from winning the 14 Open Championship.

They’ve been beach volleyball partners for about six months competing in 13 tournaments as far away as Coco Beach, FL, including the AAU National Tournament.

Christopher Connelly (16) of Naples checking the player positions on the other side of the court just before serving. He and his partner are playing a critical AA Co-Ed Division match. This is Connelly’s fifth year playing beach volleyball.

Montana-Rae Pelak (18) of Naples sets the ball to her partner for a point winning spike. Pelak plays beach volleyball on a scholarship at Webber International University.

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Sarasota Artist’s Pottery: An Ode to the Gulf Coast

By Jane Bartnett Sarasota Artist’s Pottery: An OThe art of ceramics, or handthrown pottery, has become one of the fastest growing trends in today’s art world. For Gretchen Singh, a professional graphic artist who discovered ceramics after a successful career in the corporate world, it has given her a new world to explore. As one of 33 featured artists at the Coastal Flow ocean inspired design and decor store on South Tamiami Trail, near Stickney Point Road, Singh’s handmade pottery items are a customer favorite, according to Jesse Gill, Coastal Flow’s owner.

“They’re kind of peaceful,” said Gill, as she held one of Singh‘s coffee mugs decorated with a whimsical seahorse.

“Holding it in your hands and looking at the beautiful blue-green glaze is somehow comforting. I think it makes you feel the beauty of Siesta Key beach,” she said.“People are

attracted to these handmade, beautifully colored items,” Gill noted. Singh agrees and says that she finds “there is a renewed interest in things that are handmade and made here in America.”

“Pottery,” ceramic artist Amelia Johannsen wrote, imbues “everyday objects with purpose and beauty; it gives them a soul. When an object is made by hand, you will care for it and cherish it.” As the growth of the website Etsy has shown, the pandemic has fueled growth in the world of handcrafted art. With the holiday season upon us, seasonal gift guides are reporting that handcrafted items such as handmade ceramic cups, dishes, vases, and all things for the home are extremely popular. Perhaps the unique nature of the pieces, each one unlike any other, gives us a sense of wonder. As the Los Angeles Times reports, “with

Ceramic artist Gretchen Singh at the pottery wheel in her Coastal Clay Studio. Photo: Coastal Clay Studio

everything upside down” handmade items by talented artists are special.

They bring a bit of beauty and calm and let the gift recipient know that no one else in the world has this special gift.

A visit to Singh’s website CoastalClayStudio. com offers a glimpse into the artist’s work.

Her “decorative and functional pottery” as she calls it, reflects the colors of the Siesta Key coastline in soft shades of blue, green and sand.

Her hand-thrown clay designs range from mugs to small dishes, spongeholders, desk items, and larger vases and dishes. In addition to selling her wares at the Coastal Flow store, Singh is also a weekly featured artist at the Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch, located at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, where she exhibits her pottery every Sunday from 10 am - 2 pm. She also sells her pottery designs at regional art fairs and on special order. Upon request Singh will create custom pieces and produce select pieces for wholesale. A graduate of Texas Woman’s University, Singh holds a bachelor’s degree in art.

“I enjoy pottery because the possibilities are endless,” said the artist. “Anything you can dream of you can pretty much make with clay,” she says of her new passion.

Singh made the Sarasota area her home in 2017 when she re-located to Venice from Toledo, Ohio. Drawing on her professional corporate background she launched a graphic design business called Coastal Creative Studio that caters to small area businesses.

Coastal Flow store owner Jesse Gill displays pottery designs by artist

Her graphic work also helps to support her ceramic business.

“I design websites, logos, print materials, business cards, and promotional post cards for small businesses,” she told the Siesta Sand. “I enjoy creating logos and helping small businesses to build their identities.” Her graphic design

allowed her to not only continue her graphic design work but also provided an opportunity for her to branch out into stonework clay and to build a new business as a ceramic artist. “I left the corporate world to channel my creative energies into pottery full time,” she said.

“The Sarasota community,”

Coastal Flow is located at 7216 S Tamiami Trail and is open Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

work draws on Singh’s 15 years as a professional graphic artist in the corporate world. For 12 of those years, Singh worked with the Boy Scouts of America and during that time, she served as the organization’s Art Director for their national office in Irving, Texas. During that time she was involved in shaping the organization’s national advertising campaigns as well as overseeing their corporate messaging. Her move to Venice

Singh says of her new home “is a welcoming place for artists.”

Speaking passionately of her art, Singh explains that “a brick of stoneware clay is spun and pressed with a finite attention to detail. It is bisque fired then dipped, rubbed, and brushed with a carefully selected glaze combination. Finally, it is fired again at temperatures exceeding 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit. The end product is a beautiful piece of art.”

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Island Chatter

and even ropes, on occasion — to prevent members of the public from accessing the private areas on that portion of the beach.

When Siesta resident Nora Patterson still was serving on the County Commission, the SNL saw her take questions on the issue from time to time.

Patterson patiently would explain that Mean High Water Line was the figurative line of demarcation between private and public beach property.

Condo Council members strongly opposed to hotel plans

On Aug. 27, the Siesta Key Condominium Council sent a survey to its members, asking their views about a proposed 170-room hotel — with a restaurant, bar and shops — that has been proposed on four parcels between Beach Road and Calle Miramar, just a short walk from Ocean Boulevard, near Beach Access 5.

The height of the building would be 80 feet above base flood elevation, which has been in the 18- to 19-foot range on the Key in the past several years.

Thus, the hotel likely would be taller than 90 feet.

Altogether, the Condo Council has reported, 239 surveys were completed, representing individuals and homeowner associations. “All voted against the proposal,” a news release said.

Many respondents, the release noted, expressed fears that, if constructed, the hotel would exacerbate the congestion with which homeowners already contend near the intersection of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road during tourist season.

“One person said, ‘Please do not sell out our beach again,’” the release added.

Another wrote, “As a Sarasota resident, I am against the proposed changes that would forever turn our small piece of paradise into a congested commercial traffic jam, and run off our long term guests accustomed to quiet, peaceful family comfort.”

The following are other

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Continued from page 7

samples of comments: • “During the high season when I occupy my condo, the traffic is already horrendous.”

• “WE ARE AGAINST THE PROPOSED CHANGES.” • “We have been longtime owners (and our parents before us) across from the beach on Siesta Key since the 1970’s. We cannot let this happen. Thanks for your efforts to prevent this.”

• “We are the owners of a property on Stickney Point Road since 1986. This is used only by our family as a second residence. We are seasonal residents who fell in love with Sarasota and Siesta Key beaches. Over the past few years our enjoyment of the beaches and other attractions on Siesta Key have been diminished due to traffic congestion caused mainly by major changes to various building codes. Traffic congestion on Stickney Point Road during the ‘season’ greatly diminishes our access to and from our condo.”

During the Nov. 5 Siesta Key Association meeting, President Catherine Luckner talked of the ongoing efforts of the SK Coalition, which was organized during the summer to fight the hotel proposal. The intersection of Beach Road and Ocean Boulevard — close to the planned site of the 80-foot-plustall hotel — is “one of the worst [the developers] could possibly pick on Siesta Key,” Luckner pointed out.

Serious accidents are not uncommon in the vicinity of that intersection, she said.

The Coalition members have stressed that they are not opposed to development on the barrier island; however, they believe any new projects should comply with the Siesta Key Overlay District zoning regulations that long have been in place. For example, those rules restrict the height of any new structure to 35 feet above base flood elevation. To go higher,

the County Commission has to approve a Special Exception.

When the SNL checked in with county staff in early November about the status of the hotel proposal, a representative of the Planning and Development Services Department reported that the formal application had not been submitted.

Prior to the deadline for this issue of Siesta Sand, staff added that the hotel project team also had not submitted a request for the required neighborhood workshop before the formal application can be turned in to Planning and Development.

The owner of the parcels that comprise the 0.96-acre site of the planned hotel is Louise Khaghan of New York City, the preliminary application said.

The long-time lessee of the property is Robert T. Anderson Jr., a RE/MAX real estate agent whose company SKH 1 LLC, is listed on the application.

Several persons on the Key have told the SNL that Anderson has been making presentations to groups about the proposal, working to gain support for it.

City of Sarasota beats Siesta in ‘TDT competition’

For years, the accommodations on Siesta Key that collect the county’s 5% Tourist Development Tax (TDT) — or “bed tax” — have won the figurative fiscal year competition among all county locations for the amount of money turned over to the Sarasota County Tax Collector’s Office.

Last year, though, the City of Sarasota prevailed for the first time, a fact noted in the Tax Collector’s Office’s final report for the 2019 fiscal year, which ran from Oct. 1, 2018 through Sept. 30, 2019: “Traditionally, the City of Sarasota and Siesta Key are the locations with the highest collections. For FY19 as of 12/31/19, the City of Sarasota generated the highest percentage of collections at 30.62% (compared to 29.73% in FY18) followed by Siesta Key with collections of 29.71% (compared to 31.08% in FY18).”

And based on the final

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collections for the 2020 fiscal year — which ended Sept. 30 — it appears the city has won again.

The most recent data from Sarasota County Tax Collector Barbara Ford-Coates and her staff show the city barely edging out Siesta, however. City accommodations accounted for 27.77% of the fiscal year total, while Siesta entities collected 27.74%, the report says.

Ford-Coates and her staff also note that, thanks to audits and other enforcement actions, figures may change from monthto-month. In other words, Siesta ultimately could eke out a win.

Whither the Rockbridge during the Eta event?

With county and city emergency management staff members keeping an eye on where Eta would go the second week of November, the SNL thought about the crew on the Rockbridge dredge that had been removing sand from Big Pass to renourish Lido Key Beach.

As a result, the SNL asked Sarasota City Engineer Alexandrea DavisShaw where the dredge and its crew members would ride out the storm.

In a email, she wrote, “They have moved into the place the Contactor has identified as the safe harbor spot. I would expect them to stay there for the next several days.”

The contractor is Cottrell Contracting Corp. of Chesapeake, Va. Early on the afternoon of Nov. 9, Ed McCrane, emergency management chief for Sarasota County, offered comments on Eta’s winds and rain at that time.

Areas of the county were seeing gusts of 10 mph to 20 mph, he said, with some sustained winds of 20 mph and 30 mph.

At that point, he noted, weather forecasters were expecting Eta to stall after “traversing to the west and south into the Gulf of Mexico.”

Although modeling indicated a turn to the north later in the week, McCrane added, no one could predict with certainty what Eta would do.

By Nov. 11, with Eta having

taken a turn back toward Southwest Florida, tropical storm force winds and rainfall were battering the county. The highest gust reported at the SarasotaBradenton International Airport on Nov. 11 was 52 mph, the SNL learned by reviewing National Weather Service records for the location.

In a Nov. 11 Facebook Live video, McCrane urged people to stay out of the Gulf of Mexico — thinking of surfers’ attraction to the conditions, no doubt. “It’s amazing to see those waves crash,” he said, but he advised people to stay indoors, if at all possible.

The lifeguard stands on the county-operated beaches were moved back from the shoreline in an effort to protect them, Jamie Carson, manager of communications, added in the Facebook Live segment.

Surfline, which provides online reports on conditions at numerous county beaches, listed the surf height at 6 to 10 feet near Point of Rocks on the southern part of Siesta on the afternoon of Nov. 11. The wind speed was 30 knots, Surfline added.

About 9 p.m., the Sarasota Police Department closed Siesta Drive just east of the north bridge to Siesta Key because of high water. Genevieve Judge, the department’s public information officer, told the SNL on Nov. 12 that no major damage was reported in the city in the aftermath of the storm.

Lights on again

Last month, it was reported that one streetlight in Siesta Village was out, and the Florida Power & Light Co. streetlight at Beach Access 5 was no longer shining at night.

Lisa Cece, Sarasota County’s special district coordinator, who serves as the county liaison to the Siesta Key Village Maintenance Corp., told the SNL she would work to remedy those situations.

And, indeed, she was successful, according to a reader who expressed enthusiasm for her efforts. As of last week, the reader Continued on page 38

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WORD SEARCH PAGE 29 VILLAGE MAP pgs 22 -23 CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 24 ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 43 GULF GATE SHOPS pg 33 941.312.0665

Flag Ceremony

By Randall Townsend

Teri Gadd, (in red) and her family and friends calls out and honors her father, Navy Chief Petty Officer Merlin Allshouse from Michigan for his 20 years of service in the Navy.

In Honor of Captain Ralph Styles (a Decorated WWII Submarine Captain in the Pacific Theater), who began our Tribute Ceremonies approximately 30 years ago.

Each Sunset, our community comes together with new friends from around the world on Siesta Key at 10 Beach Road as we say: “Welcome to Patriots Pier at Sunset Point! We thank you for joining our nightly tribute to honor the sacrifices of our military and service personnel and first responders in protecting our country and our freedoms! We are the land of the free because of the brave!”

This Month our Special Veteran’s Day Sunset Ceremony this year was delayed from 11/11 until 11/14 because of an unexpected guest—Hurricane Eta that surprised many with her rapid formation in the Gulf.

Few dared attending the ceremony on 11/11, because Eta’s storm line was arriving at about the same time. However, this experience served as a little reminder little reminder that the WWII landing on Normandy Beach was like on June 6, 1944.

Reports say the weather also changed rapidly that early morning. The conditions contributed

to many soldiers drowning as the 6300+ boats could not get closer to the shores! However, despite the bad weather, historians say the weather that day also helped serve as a cover for the Allied Forces and helped surprise the Nazi’s in the Allied invasion crossing the English Channel to Normandy Beaches.

So, as we remember and honor those that served in our 12 major conflicts: 41,892,128 service men and women; 21,800,000 living veterans; 14,302,290 wounded veterans; 1,190,085 dead.

We also paused in a moment of silence to ask for peace and for safety for our first responders in “The Longest War”—our patriots daily combat on terror, greed, fraud, and corruption from bad hearts!

We also paused and honored Navy Chief Petty Officer Merlin Allshouse from Michigan as called out by his daughter, Teri Gadd (in red) and her family for his 20 years of service in the Navy. The family was presented Our Patriots Pier Flag that we retired 11/11/2020 during the Hurricane Eta. You can watch each Ceremony with us at “Patriots Pier at Sunset Point” or see us on Facebook and Instagram at “Patriots Pier at Sunset Point”.

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Blooming This Month: Tree Morning Glory (Ipomoea arborescens) Ipomoea arborescens, the tree Morning Glory, is a plant coming from the family Convolvulaceae. It grows fast and produces semi-succulent stems.

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Haircut? That’s gonna cost you…$15, if we like you, $25 if you’re a P.I.T.A. “Best Local Barbers” 20 years in the running Kyle and Scott “to the second power”

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

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 Local Chill Ice Cream................... Map-D #60 Made in Rome Organic Gelato......Map-C #53 Meany’s Mini Donuts.....................Map-C #24 Stefano Versace Gelato...................Map-C #50 SubZero Ice Cream/Yogurt.......... Map-D #16 The Fudge Factory..........................Map-A #36 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs............................ Map-D #65 Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company......Map-B #31 JEWELRY Created Gems..................................Map-C #51 Mount -N- Repair Jewelers............. Map-D #9 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

Currently in bloom in the Butterfly Garden at Sarasota Garden Club.1131 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota, Florida.

Submitted by Kay Weber, Botanical Gardens Chair, Sarasota Garden Club

941.312.0665

DECEMBER 2020

lasé Ca

HAPPY HOUR 4-6 PM Daily

& Martini Bar

941.349.9822

Anhinga

theblasecafe.com

Anhinga anhinga Nicknamed the snakebird in many parts of the world, the anhinga’s long, slender head and neck certainly give that impression while slithering just below the water’s surface. Its bill resembles a lethal dagger and the anhinga wields it nimbly to stab and grab any fish that gets too close.

After each swim, the anhinga perches upon the nearest low branch, log, or rock where it spreads its wings to dry out soaked feathers. The anhinga is happiest near shallow freshwater lakes, ponds, and streams with edges sheltered by vegetation. On a warm, sunny afternoon you may spot an Anhinga soaring high above Siesta Key’s beaches. Much like a paraglider, the anhinga uses rising thermals from the hot sand to gain and maintain altitude. The bird’s outstretched neck, broad wingspan and long, straight tail give the anhinga a distinctive silhouette that resembles a cross when flying directly overhead.

Jan Baumgartner’s handmade notecards showcase Siesta Key natural scenic beauty and wildlife.

Siesta Key Siesta Key notecards are available in two locations:

HI 0 92

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HAPPY HOUR 4 - 7 pm Daily

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

Blvd. || Siesta LET US CUSTOMIZE SHIRTS FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT!

WE’VE MOVED

a few doors down Map D #11

BLVD Beachwear 5239 Ocean Blvd 941-349-2583 Shelly’s Gift and Christmas Boutique 4420 S Tamiami Trail 941-260-8905

WHAT BETTER WAY TO START YOUR DAY IN PARADISE! • Organic and Fair Trade Coffees & Teas • Cold Pressed Coffee • Organic Smoothies • Light Lunch (Sandwiches) • Breakfast Sandwiches, Bagels & Lox • Homemade Pastries

MASSAGE Hands of Light Massage................ Map-B #35 The Spa at Calle Minorga............... Map-E #74 MEDICAL - DENTAL Sarasota Medical Center................ Map-D #63 Siesta Dental..................................... Map-B #49 Siesta Key Physical Therapy......... Map-D #20 MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce................Map-D #67 Prime Audio Video........................... Map-E #1 Roberti Enterprises.........................Map-A #39 Village Arcade..................................Map-C #53 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Attorney Fleming.............................. Map-E #1 Edward Jones Investments.......... Map-D #68 Smith Architects.................................Map-E 74 REAL ESTATE / RENTAL SERVICES Amy Robinson RE............................. Map-E #1 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

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941.346.1188 siestapi.com

MARKETS/FOOD STORES Circle K Store..................................... Map-E #6 Morton’s Siesta Market................ Map-C #25

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3.14 PI T1 A E Awesome pizza, AS L B wings & bartenders!

MAILING - SHIPPING US Post Office................................. Map-D #65

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RESTAURANTS / CAFÉS Another Broken Egg..............Map-C #54 & 55 Blasé 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#37 Ripfire Pizza..................................... Map-B #47 Siesta Key Oyster Bar....................Map-B #45 Solorzano Bros. Pizzeria.............. Map-D #15 Subway Sandwiches....................... Map-B #30 Summer House................................Map-C #57 Sun Garden Café............................ Map-D #19 The Cottage......................................Map-C #58 The Hub - Baja Grill........................Map-C #59 The Seafood Joint.......................... Map-D #15 The Star Thai Sushi............... Map-D #17 & 18 Village Café.................................... Map-D #14 SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY Sassy Hair Salon............................ Map-A #40 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

941-260-6400

Map D #62

Coffee Shop • Tea Room • 5138 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key Village

Happy s! ay Holid Arizona EVA Grenada Habana

Mayari Mocca Zermatt Slipper

Map D #64

Birkenstock & More Bringing you quality and comfort for more than 40 years!

5128 Ocean Blvd. Siesta Village

941-346-7425 www.rickscomfortshoes.com

Gift Certificates Available

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BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Capt. Curt’s Backroom Saloon................B-3 #7 Crescent Club.......................................... C-3 #13 Sniki Tiki....................................................B-3 #8 COFFEE SHOPS Coffee Garden................................... B-3 #8 DELIS / BAKERIES Anna’s Deli & Sandwiches.................. C-3 #14 Nutritious You......................................... C-3 #14 The Beach Deli @ Crescent Beach Grocery......B-3 #1 DRUG STORES Davidson Drugs..................................... C-3 #14 FASHION & ACCESSORIES Fin Island Co.............................................. A-3 #2 CB’s Saltwater Outfitters........................ A-3 #4 Coconuts Fashion......................................B-3 #1 Green Turtle Swimwear......................... C-3 #14 Key Casual Fashions............................... D-3 #17

941.312.0665

CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX

Things You Like....................................... C-3 #14 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Capt. Curt’s Souvenirs.............................B-3 #8 Green Turtle Shells & Gifts................. C-3 #14 Sunshine Sand Hidden Treasures...... D-3 #17 Silver City Jewelry................................. C-3 #14 HEALTH & BEAUTY 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 Siesta Creamery....................................... C-3 #14 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs..................................... C-3 #14 Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14 LIQUOR STORES Crescent Beach Grocery...........................B-3 #1

Crescent Club...........................................B-3 #13 Siesta Spirits............................................. C-3 #17 MAILING & SHIPPING Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14 US Post Office Sub Station..................... C-3 #14 MARKETS 7-11 Store.................................................. C-3 #16 Big Water Fish Market.......................... C-3 #17 Crescent Beach Grocery...........................B-3 #1 REAL ESTATE / RENTALS Beckmann Properties.............................. C-2 #15 Homes & Condo Rentals........................ D-3 #17 Re/Max Tropical Sands............................B-3 #1 Siesta 4-Rent............................................ C-3 #14 Waterside Realty.................................... C-3 #17 RESTAURANTS / CAFES

www.siestasand.net

Capt. Curts Crab & Oyster Bar.................B-3 #7 City Pizza Italian Restaurant................. D-3 #17 Clayton’s Siesta Grille...............................B-3 #9 Daiquiri Deck.................................................A-3 #2 Spear Fish Grill..............................................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 Waves Boat & Social Club...................... A-5 #12

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

To advertise in

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

call: 941-312-0665 BREAKFAST and LUNCH

SERVED ALL DAY Full

Breakfast

Siesta Key

and

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es tD

ine r

Lunch

in Flo rida

MSN Food and Drink Jan. 2015

Menu

All Natural

Fresh Fruit and Veggie

Smoothies

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

www.ToastedMangoCafe.com

“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!

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

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Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill 1500 Stickney Point Rd.

Anna’s Deli 6535 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Road

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters 1249 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-3 #4

Coconuts Fashion MAP 1215 Old Stickney Point Rd. B-3 #1&8

Crescent Beach Grocery 1211 Old Stickney Pt. Rd.

MAP B-3 #1

Davidson Drugs 6595 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Siesta 4-Rent 6555 Midnight Pass Rd.

Toasted Mango Cafe 6621 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #17

MAP C-4 #17

MAP C-3 #14

MAP A-5 #12

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

DECEMBER 2020

Snapshots of Island Visitors

“Stairway to Delicious” Veronika Lokshin of Sarasota and vacationing Adaline (2) of Illinois ready for a tasty lunch on the Sun Deck restaurant overlooking spectacular Siesta Beach. This was Adaline’s second consecutive day playing on the flat, shallow shoreline of America’s No. 1 Beach.

27th State Media LLC

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Photos by Trebor Britt

“Family Skimmers” First timers Odessa (5) and brother, Colter Crain (9) of Milwaukee posing with their ‘rockin’ skim boards along the Gulf of Mexico shoreline.

They already packed in a few hours of unusually high surf fun on the coast their mom grew up on. They traveled from Ft. Meyers to be on the No. 1 beach in the U.S

“Saving Lives” One of Siesta Beaches newest Life Guards, Lucy Spoon of Venezuela has been standing guard on Siesta Beach for nearly a year and a half. Before moving here This dual citizen was a lifeguard in Palm Beach for 12 years and a certified Yoga Instructor before moving to Sarasota. As a 30 year resident of the United States Spoon said, “It’s the wonderful place in the world to live.”

“Score Her a 10” Addison Butler (11) of Indiana prepares to do a personal record of 10 consecutive back hand springs on the soft sands of Siesta Beach.

Her favorite tumbling passes are aerials.

“A Return is Certain” More first timers, Theodore Reid (20) and Constance Hennig (18) of Michigan can’t get enough of Siesta Beach. Reid’s grandparents live in North Port, but he’d never been to this amazing beach. Reid works at a car dealership while Hennig works at a hair salon. She described Siesta Beach by saying, “It’s absolutely gorgeous.”

“Gulf View” McKenzie Bray (24) and Kasey Arbuckle (21) of Greenwood Indiana finding it easy to relax on America’s No. 1 beach. Bray acquired the coronavirus as a nursing home CNA with many cases. She reported being very sick for 1 day then quickly recovered although quarantined herself from her children for two weeks.

“Strumming on the Beach” Former Kansas City resident Monte Weaver of Sarasota enjoys swimming and strumming a few songs on Sieasta Beach about once every week. He just returned from an incredible 3-week trip to the Maldives Islands. You’ll find Weaver many days as a self check-out cashier at a local Walmart.

“Hawaii in Sarasota” Hobbiest Ethan Dennerstein (23) of Sarasota demonstrating expert skills performing Polynesian Poi Balls accompanied by music on the shallow edge of the Gulf of Mexico shoreline. He also does fire spinning as part of his Flow Art performance. The performance of Poi refers to both the ball and the dance, which normally includes hitting and swinging the ball on its string, usually accompanied by music or a chant of some kind.

“Suspended In Midair” As if hanging from a string, Addison Butler (11) of Indiana in the middle of a back hand spring tumbling pass on America’s No. 1 beach. She’s coached by Danielle Simpson of All Stars Cheer in Eaton, OH and competes in both team and individual competitions.

“Leashed Cutie” Stylish French Bulldog Bailey, (15 weeks) enjoying her first visit to Siesta Key. Bailey’s owner Morgan Kelley (19) of Cape Coral has owned several French Bulldogs. She loves their inquisitive demeanor. “

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Siesta Sand

DECEMBER 2020

941.312.0665

Serving Sarasota Since 1975

Sarasota’s only old-fashioned Meat Market, Deli and Restaurant under one roof

www.siestasand.net

Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Update Siesta Key Safe Treats

Home of the Sarasota TurDucKen as seen on The Food Network with Guy Fieri the host of Diner’s, Drive-In’s and Dive’s

ORDER NOW FOR THE Time to order for Christmas:

HOLIDAYS:

TurDucKens Shipped Anywhere in the U.S.

GREAT GIFT!

* Beef Tenderloin * Prime Rib * TurDucKen * Crown Roast (Pork or Lamb) * Party Platters * Stone Crab Claws

VOTED THE #1 STEAKHOUSE

BY SARASOTA MAGAZINE 2018-2019 Prime Aged Steaks, Chops, Seafood, NY Deli Meats, Sausage, Salads

We Offer Complete Catering Services

Voted SaraSota’S BeSt Philly CheeSeSteak and ny reuBen!

4520 S. Tamiami Sarasota, FL 34231

GIFT CARDS

941.922.3797

Recipient of Best of Sarasota Home Care Award

Serving Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte Counties

FL License #230517

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941-925-2433

www.abridgeforindependence.com

Everyone had a blast on Siesta Key for Halloween! Visitor Center volunteers Sharon Stephens and Van Withey sent candy down a homemade candy chute to eager trick-or-treaters (see photo). We loved seeing all the creative and fun costumes this year!

Gather and Give Back at Gilligan’s!

Our community showed up in full force to the Chamber’s Gather & Give Back event to help support the All Faiths Food Bank and Toys for Tots. A huge thank you to everyone who donated! We filled two boxes with toys and raised $225 for the food bank. Thank you, Mike, Melissa, and Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill staff for hosting our fun event. We appreciate GEM Travel Consultants for donating a door prize.

Join us in a fun, upbeat and positive living environment!

941-927-0139 www.crotonmanor.com

KIMBERLY STANFORD, RN, BSBA, QMHP Business Owner/Operator

RATES START AT $2,000 (L-R) Annetta Bargar from Fifth Third Bank and Penny Murphy from SunTrust

NOW OPEN FOR INDOOR DINING

(L-R) Mike Gatz and Melissa Gerber from Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill

Online Ordering for Take out and Delivery (L-R) Jessie Gill & John Henrshott from Coastal Flow and Jeanette & Dean Miller from Pesky Bug Stay Away Spray

New Members Off the Hook Seafood Restaurant and Market 6630 Gateway Avenue Sarasota, FL 34231 941-923-5570 offthehooksrq.com Off the Hook Restaurant and Market is a locally sourced fresh seafood restaurant & market located in Gulf Gate, Sarasota, FL. Conveniently located to Siesta Key we also have a premium wine selection and signature craft cocktails. Please call us for dining reservations, catering, and private dining.

Glow Beauty by Desiree 5353 S Tamiami Trail, Unit N Sarasota, FL 34231 941-284-9606 glowbeautybydesiree.com With a passion and love for all things beauty, I have spent years in the industry perfecting my trade. Glow Beauty by Desiree is proud to offer our clients the very best in the world of beauty and aesthetics.

Miguel’s 6631 Midnight Pass Road Siesta Key, FL 34242 941-349-4024 miguelsrestaurant.com Miguel’s Restaurant specializes in French and continental food and offers a wide selection of appetizers to suite anyone’s taste. Entrees include fresh gulf seafood, the choicest cuts of filet mignon, delicious poultry, and veal dishes. Finish the night off with decadent desserts including banana fosters, cherries jubilee and traditional creme caramel.

Miguel’s has an extensive wine selection and a full bar.

TD Bank 3450 Clark Road Sarasota, FL 34231 941-225-4394 td.com We run on human hours, so you can pop in early, late and weekends. Stop by for an instant debit card or new savings account—stay for the lollipops and dog biscuits. And, of course, we’ve got you covered on all the usual banking stuff, including 24/7 ATMs, foreign currency exchange, notary services, safe deposit boxes, and more. If your closest store doesn’t have what you need, we’ll help you find another TD Bank nearby that does.

www.siestasand.net

Off Key

941.312.0665

DECEMBER 2020

27th State Media LLC

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By Robert Frederickson

Dali Museum is featuring multimedia exhibition of Vincent Van Gough.

Dad’s House, Dad’s Rules?

One of New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s four daughters, Cara Kennedy Cuomo, moved back in with dad at the governor’s mansion in Albany earlier this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. She might have assumed that at 25 years-ofage her dad would cut her some slack as far as dating goes. But shortly after the Gov got wind of an intensifying romantic liaison between Cara and a state trooper assigned to his security detail, the trooper, Dane Pfeiffer, 35, was banished...err...‘reassigned’ to the farthest reaches of New York’s north country, just a screen door away from Canada at the NY State Police barracks near Plattsburg, New York.

Now some say this was simply a routine administrative move on the part of the trooper’s superiors.

But other observers familiar with Cuomo’s penchant for (and delight in) insinuating himself into all manner of his citizens’ heretofore personal affairs (especially since the onset of the pandemic) aren’t buying that explanation.

The New York Post quoted one such skeptic as saying “He was transferred to keep him away from the daughter because the governor didn’t like what was going on.”

But alas, as princes and kings have learned from time immemorial, affairs of the human heart are often impervious to the dictates of those whose power respects no boundaries, a vexing lesson the king of New York may yet learn, as his daughter’s relationship with her banished suitor continues apace with long distance commutes up and down the I-87 Northway between Albany and Plattsburg.

The final act for this passion play remains to be written. But as the houses of Capulet and Montague learned, the price for love denied can be steep.

Man Fingers Himself in Log Splitter Theft A Tennessee man implicated himself in the theft of a log

the evenings.

The park claims it can keep the snow flying even with temperatures in the 80s, but you might want to check ahead if the temperature climbs much above 85 or 86 degrees just to make sure your tubing run won’t turn into a slush fest.

Oh, and one more thing: The park advises guests dress in layers and to wear closed-toed shoes.

Xxxxxxxxx

splitter after Anderson County Sheriff department investigators found evidence at the scene allegedly left behind by the thief.

That Evidence? A finger.

Hugh John Seeber, 50, was charged with felony theft and arrested after investigators found the finger, leading them to check area hospitals for ER patients seeking treatment for a missing digit.

Such a case was discovered at Methodist Medical Center, leading Anderson County Sheriff Russell Baker to praise his deputies for their efforts, and unabashedly add “Mr. Seeber’s finger pointed us in the right direction...”

Trump Wins Siesta Key by Wider Margin in 2020 than 2016

Support for President Trump increased among voters on the Island in the recent election compared to 2016.

On November 3, Trump received 3242 votes from Siesta’s four voting precincts (401, 403, 411 & 421) vs. 2615 for former Vice President Biden, which translates to a margin of Trump 55.4% vs.

Biden 44.6%.

In 2016 in his race against Hillary Clinton Trump’s margin of victory was 53.2% to Clinton’s 44.3%.

Quote of the Day

“I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but I see you are unarmed.”

-Winston Churchill (disputed).

Ouch! That’ll Put a Dent in the Bottom Line

A tree-trimming firm that cut

down 28 trees in a mobile home park along Gandy Boulevard in Tampa was fined nearly $250,000 for violating the city of Tampa’s tree ordinance.

Looking for a Change of Pace?

It’s been a long, hot summer and fall and if the recent coldfronts pushing through the area have left you yearning for a more substantial taste of winter, a new Pasco County attraction may be just what you’re looking for.

Florida’s first snow park, Snowcat Ridge, is slated to open in Dade City, Florida the week before Thanksgiving.

The park will feature a 60foot snow covered tubing hill where you and the kiddos can experience the exhilaration of a downhill run over-and-over without having to hike back to the top of the hill after each descent.

Automated conveyors known as Magic Carpet Lifts take care of that for you.

There’s also a smaller bunny hill for younger kids and an area set aside for making snow angels or a snowman (or woman).

Snowcat Park is about an hour and twenty minutes north of Siesta Key at 27839 Saint Joe Road, Dade City. Admission is $24.95 for two hours on the tubing hill, but you will need to reserve your time in advance at snowcatridge. com. Prices will vary according to the day you choose to visit and while there is a two-hour limit on the hill, there’s no such limit on exploring the park’s other attractions, which are to include an Alpine Village of shops and food. Fireworks are scheduled for

New local option for personal meal delivery service Chef Mike, a caterer and private chef service located in Gulf Gate has announced a personal meal delivery service to provide customers in the Sarasota-Manatee area with safe, great food, at affordable prices, and all with impeccable customer service.

“Going to the grocery store during these times can pose a huge risk for infection, and deliveries from companies like UberEats can cost upwards of $30 a meal,” claims Chef Michael Donnerstag, owner of Chef Mike.

Comparatively speaking, Chef Mike offers his delivered meals for $16.75 a plate. “We do not charge delivery fees, gratuity, and there no hidden percentages for the software company,” said Chef Mike.

“Other meal delivery services charge percentages for the software company, the delivery driver, and a convenience fee.”

Lower cost doesn’t mean lower quality of food. In fact, the Johnson and Wales

Hello Dali!

If careening through the snow doesn’t appeal to you but you’re still looking to get out of Dodge for an afternoon, the Dali Museum has unveiled what sounds like an interesting multimedia exhibition showcasing the works of Vincent Van Gogh.

Titled “Van Gogh Alive,” the exhibit promises what the museum describes as an “immersive art installation that opens a new window into the celebrated painter’s artistic genius. From his famous “Starry Night” to his radiant “Sunflowers,” Van Gogh’s vibrant work invites viewers to revel in color, light and sound. Visitors will feel the sensation of walking right into Van Gogh’s paintings – an experience that is both educational and inspiring.”

The exhibit features over 3000 Van Gogh images enlarged through high-def projectors and synchronized to classical music played through cinema quality surround sound amplifier and speaker systems. The installation is powered by SENSORY4TM, a unique system developed

by Grande Experiences of Melbourne, Australia.

The Dali Museum is less that an hour up the road in St. Petersburg. Tickets for “Van Gogh Alive” are $25 for adults (18-64); $23 for Seniors, Educators, Fire Police and military; $18 for students (teens 13-17, college 18+); $10 Youth (age 6-12). No charge for children under 5.

Follow this link for tickets: tickets.thedali.org

“We’re Back” The Puccio family welcomes you to their new location.

Come and enjoy the Italian comfort food you remember…

Hot & Cold Entrees, Sandwiches, Salads and Pizza.

Eat-in or Takeout.

Prepared foods to go fresh daily from our Grab ‘n Go Case Now Taking Holiday Food Orders!

4944 South Tamiami Trail The Landings, Sarasota 941.365.2998 www.anthonys-deli.com

GRAND OPENING!

941.263.2014 5709 Beneva Road Sarasota, FL

Chef Mike at the farmer’s market.

educated chef takes quality very seriously.

“Our meals are made with the highest quality meats and vegetables available,” said Chef Mike. “We use locally sourced ingredients and all our food is prepared fresh and delivered the next day.”

A recent Yelp review confirmed not only the quality of the food but also all the other attributes Chef Mike is committed, too. The reviewer wrote: I have been using Chef Mike’s meal delivery service for about

Continued on page 39

Adult Games of Skill Bridge & Marjane Game Clubs Forming Meet New Friends Fun Things to Do Complimentary Refreshments & Food Casual Atmosphere & Super Staff Covid Compliant & Temperature Checks Open 7 Days a Week — 10am-10pm Bring this ad in for a free gift: SS

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Siesta Sand

DECEMBER 2020

941.312.0665

Explore Our $ 4.49 Daily Specials

www.siestasand.net

Santa is Coming to Town

Great Sandwiches

Since 1994

Sandwich Construction Specialists

“The Landings Plaza”

A couple of children get their time with Santa.

4982 S. Tamiami Trail

* Authentic Italian food from Italian chefs

Sarasota, FL 34231 941-925-3955 Fax 926-0066 View menu at corkscrewdeli.com

* Fresh housemade pasta

BEST HAPPY HOUR IN TOWN Daily 4pm - 6:30pm

Sharing time with Santa is always special.

Open for dinner from 4pm - 9pm 3900 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233 (941) 952-3186 www.chiantisarasota.com

Paradise Dermatology

A practice defined by its innovation and compassion.

The importance of keeping your skin healthy cannot be overstated. It is your body’s largest organ and your first defense against infection, environmental exposures and the outside world.

Your skin also tells your story. It provides a window into your overall health. Dermatology practitioners are skilled in treating all forms of skin issues – from breakouts and itchy rashes to skin cancers, including melanoma. They can also recommend treatments to improve the look and feel of the skin, including lasers, peels and injectable treatments.

Led by Dr. Michelle Pennie, Paradise Dermatology offers compassionate,

advanced care for a range of both medical and aesthetic dermatological needs, including full-body skin checks, acne and other chronic issues, Mohs skin cancer surgery, as well as a variety of revolutionary cosmetic treatments.

In 2012, Dr. Pennie took over a solo practice in Englewood from a retiring physician. She had moved to Sarasota a year prior and was ready to stay put after moving her twin boys from Atlanta and then St. Louis for her training. While there was a great opportunity for her to join the faculty at the University of Florida, she decided to call Sarasota home.

Acquiring the practice allowed her to

build a business based on her values – patient centered, compassionate, caring and family-friendly. This approach brings a blend of personal attention and expertise that is loved by patients. As such, Paradise Dermatology has expanded from a small five exam room clinic to its two modern offices in Sarasota and Englewood. The team includes board-certified Dr. Chelsea Duggan, three Physician Assistants, two Nurse Practitioners, and over 30 staff – several of which have been with Dr. Pennie since the beginning.

Medical dermatology requires patience and innovation along with a thirst for lifelong learning and exploration. Dr. Pennie is a board-certified dermatologist and a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon.

In fact, she is one of only a handful of dermatologists on the west coast of Florida to complete a year-long fellowship training program in Mohs micrographic surgery. This procedure is considered to be the most effective treatment for most types of skin cancer. Additionally, she is skilled in reconstruction, so she is able to

Santa Visits South Siesta Key: Sunday, December 20, 2020 from 3-5 PM. Santa Claus is coming to town! Bring your children to see Santa and take pictures.

Small gift for each child.

surgically remove all the cancer cells and repair the defect in one visit.

Dr. Chelsea Duggan focuses her practice on the art of medical dermatology and aesthetic dermatology. She enjoys treating patients of all ages, from young kids to our oldest citizens.

She oversees the team who provides medical dermatology services as well as aesthetic treatments.

Aesthetic dermatology treatments continue to be in high demand for their consistent results with minimal downtime. The highly trained and experienced professionals at Paradise Dermatology offer the latest in scientific technology and advancements.

They take the time to meet with each patient to develop a customized plan based on individual goals and expectations. They use precise techniques to provide a non-invasive approach to anti-aging, delivering consistently optimal and notable results. Some of the aesthetic services offered include Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling, Plaxpot plasma resurfacing, Broadband Light (BBL), Excel V vascular laser and Laser Genesis. These can combat the signs of aging by tightening and smoothing the skin, stimulating collagen production and naturally decreasing wrinkles

Location: TBA. Social distancing practices will be in place and masks are encouraged. For more information please visit www. siestakeychamber.com.

and sagging skin – all with minimal downtime. They can also address a wide range of complexion concerns, including redness and brown spots, to restore a more youthful appearance.

The results can be dramatic, but natural and long-lasting.

Keeping your skin healthy is essential.

At Paradise Dermatology, they believe that ensuring your ongoing skin wellness requires a comprehensive, compassionate approach where medical, cosmetic and surgical experts collaborate to bring patients the highest level of care. “We aim to make all our patients feel better about their skin and about themselves,” said Dr. Pennie. “Whether it is a skin cancer screen or a cosmetic procedure, our patients feel comfortable and confident in their treatment.”

Paradise Dermatology is currently accepting new patients at their locations in Sarasota and Englewood.

To schedule an appointment, visit ParadiseDerm.com or call 941.921.4131 (Sarasota) or 941.474.8811 (Englewood).

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

DECEMBER 2020

Siesta Key crime statistics reported During the Nov. 5 Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting, Sgt. Arik Smith, leader of the Sheriff’s Office substation on the island, provided an overview of crime statistics for October.

Altogether, he said, officers handled 362 calls for service.

And while the number of more serious crimes — those classified by the FBI as Part I incidents — generally make up only about 4% of the total, he continued, the October figure was 6%.

Among the incidents, Smith said, were an auto theft, a residential burglary, a couple of bicycle thefts and a vehicle burglary.

The auto theft, Smith pointed out, involved a golf cart.

In the case of the residential burglary, he noted, a house was being remodeled and the doors had been left unlocked. (The

official report says fixtures and a television were reported stolen.)

The October overview the Sheriff’s Office provided to the SNL also noted that, among the other Part I cases, three political signs were stolen, beer was taken from an outdoor bar area on two occasions (with an arrest made), a boat was burglarized at a marina, a backpack was stolen from the beach, a phone was stolen after it fell off the roof of a car, and a vendor reported that camping equipment was stolen while an event was underway.

Smith also took the opportunity of his appearance at the SKA meeting to emphasize, “We are 100% not allowing dogs on the beach,” unless the dog is a service animal. The Sheriff’s Office does not consider emotional support dogs to be service animals, he stressed.

“If you guys see dogs at the beach,” Smith told the SKA members, they should call the Sheriff’s Office. “We’ll educate [the owners] on what the rules are.”

County residents do try to sneak dogs onto the beach, Smith noted, even though “they know the rules.”

The county has banned dogs from the public beach for many years, as the animals can disturb beach-nesting birds, which then will abandon nests, even with eggs close to hatching.

Smith also has pointed out to the SNL that dogs can bite, and some people simply are fearful of the animals.

“We do our best,” he said during the SKA meeting, to ensure dogs are not on the beach. “We try to stay very vigilant.”

27th State Media LLC

29

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Sheriff’s Report Grand Theft 10/25 The complainant reported that while he was swimming in the Gulf, he had left a bag on the beach with several personal belongings, including his credit cards, keys, license, and phone.

When he returned, the bag had been stolen and he did not see any possible suspects around the area. He also reported that his credit cards had been used after the incident, but the locations, times, and amounts are unknown because the transitions have not yet gone through.

Drug/Weapon Possession 10/26

An officer pulled a vehicle over when they observed it perform a traffic violation. The driver advised that he did not have a driver’s license, and he and the other two passengers in the vehicle were quickly identified. Upon being asked if there was anything illegal in the vehicle, the driver said there was not, and then consented to the officer searching the car. On the driver’s floorboard, the officer found a backpack

that held several rounds of 9mm luger ammunition, two empty 9mm luger casings, and one tip of a bullet. Then, the officer discovered two bags of suspected narcotics and two more luger ammunitions on the passenger side of the car.

The driver admitted that the ammunition belonged to him, and it was later confirmed that he was a convicted felon for battery on law enforcement in 2018. He was then charged with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. The defendants also stated that the two bags of suspected narcotics, which tested positive for MDMA, belonged to one of the other passengers, who was charged with possession of MDMA.

Golf Cart - 10/27

A golf cart was reported stolen from a residence. The golf cart is red and black with red and grey seats and has a rear rack on the back of it.

Neighborhood security footage is being collected and reviewed.

Theft 10/30

DUNKLEOSTEUS DUNKLEOSTEUS ELASMOSAURUS ELASMOSAURUS GIANT GIANTSTINGRAY STINGRAY HELICOPRION HELICOPRION JAEKELOPTERUS JAEKELOPTERUS KRONOSAURUS KRONOSAURUS LIOPLEURODON LIOPLEURODON LIVYATANMELVILLEI MELVILLEI LIVYATAN MAUISAURUS MAUISAURUS MEGALODON MEGALODON NOTHOSAURUS NOTHOSAURUS PLIOSAURUS PLIOSAURUS RHENANIAE RHENANIAE SPINOSAURUS SPINOSAURUS Answers on Page 45 Answers on Page 45

CRAFT BEERS

Battery 10/30

Victim was laying on the beach in an area she believed to be the public beach. Defendant informed the victim that she was on hotel property and needed to move. A verbal argument ensued during which the defendant picked up a hose and started spraying the victim with water in an effort to get her to leave the property. The defendant also took her beach towel but later gave it back.

Victim attempted to enter hotel to discuss the incident with the management of the hotel but was denied entry. She was later given contact information for hotel management.

Get That Old Florida Flavor!

CAPTAIN CURT’S CAPTAIn

WORLD FAMOUS CLAM CHOWDER 1200 Old Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key FL 34242

941-349-3885

The complainant called to report that a Wacker trash

Answers on page 42 MarinerWord Search MarinerWord Search WORD WORDLIST LIST BASILOSAURUS BASILOSAURUS

compactor, worth $6410, had been stolen from a work site by an unknown subject between the night of 10/30 and the morning of 11/2. There were no cameras on the scene and the complainant, who is also the safety officer at the location, had not seen any other unusual activity. The investigation is ongoing.

www.TheMariner.com www.TheMariner.com

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941-925-1025 by appointment www.antiqueorientalrugs.com

30

Siesta Sand

DECEMBER 2020

Florida Fish of Siesta Key

Red Snapper

Florida Puffer Yellowtail Florida Puffer Sailfish Sailfish

941.312.0665

Fishing Report

Water World Fishing Report

Captain Brian Boehm Enjoy a fishing charter with CB’s and Captain Brian.

Captain Terry Simmons Coastal Fishing Adventures Guide at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters (941) 923-7799 (office) This week, fishing aboard the “Coastal Fishing Adventures” with Captain Terry Simmons, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key. It’s been a little windy most of the week, but early in the week I chartered “Dave Lovell” and

www.siestasand.net

although we had to move around a lot we caught several small trout, a few bluefish, jack crevelle, and a small cobia. We were using gold flake CAL lures with 3/8 ounce jig heads over the deep grass flats.

See you on the water!

Captain Brian Boehm Quiet Waters Fishing Guide at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Sarasota, FL 34242 941-400-6218 https://www.quietwatersfishing.com

Spanish Mackerel Dohlpin “Mahi-Mahi”

Mangrove Snapper Scoolmaster Lane Snapper Scamp Dave Lovell with one of his catches

Black Mullet

Mid-week I chartered the “Luke Bourns” group. Their young boys had a blast learning how to cast for the first time and were rewarded with catching their first saltwater fish, speckled sea trout and jack crevelle. We used

Snook

Red Drum “Redfish”

Sam Dischinger shows off her prize catch while fishing Charlotte Harbor with Capt.

Brandon Naeve out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters.

chartreuse DOA cal baits with 1/4oz jig heads and live shrimp.

It started out to be a trip for the young boys but ended up as a contest between the boys and their dads. Good job dads.

Tarpon

Baracuda

Gulf Flounder Aledia Tush fishing Charlotte Harbor with Capt. Brandon from CB’s Saltwater Outfitters landed a 30” snook. Great way to celebrate 44 years at CB’s.

Florida Pompano Jack Crevalle

AmberJack

Spotted Sea Trout

Cobia Kids showing off their catches.

Black Drum

Josiah from Sarasota fishing on a CB’s Boat Rental.

Catfish

King King Mackerel Mackerel Blue Marlin

Dads join the fun as boys challenge them to competition.

Black Grouper

Sheesphead

When you need a good dose of Vitamin Sea. Let’s go fishing.

Captain Terry

Boating fun with “Capt. Bob” and friends on CB’s Boat Rental.

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

Captain Jim Klopfer’s Fishing Forecast December 2020 Adventure Charters

941-371-1390 December is a month that will test an angler’s ability to adapt to current conditions.

Water quality will vary throughout the area as passing cold fronts churn up the Gulf of Mexico. The flats north and south of the passes will be more productive under these circumstances. After several days of nice weather, the water near the passes will clear and those areas will once again be good spots to fish. Creeks and canals will attract fish as water temperatures drop.

Often times the tides will be very low in the morning in December. This will move trout, pompano, and other species off of the flats and into the deeper channels. There simply is not enough water up on the flat for them to be comfortable. Bouncing a jig down the sides of channel edges can be very productive.

As the tide rises, fish will move up onto the flats to feed.

Afternoon high tides can be the best time to fish the deep flats this time of year. A live shrimp under a cork is very effective, as are jigs with plastic grub tails. Natural colors such as olive, root beer, and motor oil work well in the slightly darker water.

There are several creeks and countless canals in our area, and all of them are productive winter time spots. Phillippi Creek and the Grand Canal on Siesta Key are some of the most popular fishing holes.

Rapala X-Raps work very well on snook and jack crevelle for anglers who prefer to cast artificial baits. They elicit explosive strikes and allow anglers to cover a lot of area

fairly quickly. Once fish are located, large live shrimp and slowly worked soft plastic baits will also catch their share.

Sheepshead and black drum will be found in the deeper holes, a live shrimp works best for these tasty bottom dwellers.

Several rivers lie a short drive east of Siesta Key and offers visitors a unique angling opportunity; the chance to catch a trophy snook casting plugs while experiencing fantastic scenery. This is truly “Old Florida” and is a quiet and serene trip in a great natural setting. Along with snook, bass, baby tarpon, gar, and other species are encountered. Alligators and exotic bird life is seen on most trips as well.

Both Big Pass and New Pass will be good spots to fish when the water is clean, especially on the morning incoming tide. Jigs bounced off the bottom will catch pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and ladyfish. Structure in both passes will attract sheepshead, along with grouper, snapper, flounder, and other species.

Slack tides are the best times to fish these spots, a swiftly moving tide makes getting the bait to the bottom difficult. The many docks along Bird Key are especially productive for sheepies.

Surf casters all along Siesta Key will score on whiting, silver trout, flounder, and more using live and frozen shrimp.

A #1 hook with just a little bit of weight works best. Silver spoons will catch mackerel if they are still around, along with ladyfish.

DECEMBER 2020

27th State Media LLC

Notes from the Island Fishmonger Shrimpin’ ain’t easy With the holidays quickly approaching, family meals are being planned in the spirit of the season.

We’ll have our hams, turkeys and duck entrees but almost all of us will be serving a shrimp cocktail appetizer. Other great holiday seafood suggestions include smoked fish spread, stone crabs, crab cakes, smoked salmon, caviar, oysters, and live lobsters - all available at Big Water Fish Market on Siesta Key Not everyone takes into consideration what it takes to put that delicious shrimp on your plate. First, the shrimpers wake up at the crack of dawn, load the gear and prep a boat, rain or shine. They set out to sea sometimes for days or weeks at a time with a bunch of guys they may or may not even like. They drag nets, hand pick, process and separate the shrimp catch, then they ship via truck or plane all around the world. It’s a process, man. The next time we say grace over a seafood fest someone should thank the fishermen because shrimpin’ ain’t easy.

October through May is shrimp season in our Gulf waters. Just in time for the holidays, gulf Shrimp is presently in the prime of its season.

Here is a fun fact…. shrimp is the singular most popular food in the world and is a naturally renewable resource. Shrimp are an excellent source of high quality protein and are naturally low in fat, carbohydrates, calories and are a great source of Omega- fatty 3 acid.

Fresh and fresh / frozen Gulf shrimp are definitely available all year around. Locally, our biggest resources come from the Fort Meyers beach to Key West area. Shrimp boats leave Fort Meyers everyday headed south and return to the docks with fresh shrimp on a daily basis. The shrimpers are met by Big Water Fish Market buyers on a weekly basis as they buy fresh off the boat.

The bigger companies such as Trico Shrimp Boats head out deep sea trawling from Florida to Louisiana and Texas where they process, freeze and package the shrimp while still on the boat. This is called fresh / frozen and makes fresh shrimp available all year round. During the summer season, look for good deals on mouthwatering treats of the sea such as Fresh Key West Pinks, Gulf Pinks, Browns, Whites, Darien Georgia fresh shrimp, Rock shrimp, and Royal Reds from both the Gulf and Atlantic Florida oceans.

Pink shrimp make up the majority of Florida’s wild caught shrimp. Big Water Fish Market manger Daniel Lindsey comments, “The shrimp we buy off the boats, mostly pink shrimp from the Dry Tortugas, are always still alive when we make the purchase.”

That’s as fresh as it gets, folks. Pink shrimp make up the majority of Florida’s wild caught shrimp.

“The meat is white with pink tones and has a firm, tender texture and a mild sweet flavor,” explains Daniel, an experienced Siesta Key fishmonger.

Brown Shrimp have a stronger ocean flavor due to a

Enjoy a holiday surf & turf at Big Water Fish Market.

higher iodine content. The shells are brownish but the meats turn pink when cooked.

Royal Red Shrimp have a deep red color, a much more of a soft and delicate texture and a unique briny flavor. The Reds taste a lot like a crawfish, lobster and shrimp combination if you can imagine that.

Rock shrimp are my favorite, named for its tough rock hard shell. This shrimp is usually sold peeled and deveined so you don’t have to work past the hard lobster like shell. The cooked meat with red skin tones has a sweet shrimp taste with a firm lobster like texture.

It can’t be easy going through life as a shrimp. Trust me, I would know. There’s still a popular sandwich named after me in Georgia, “Scott’s a Shrimp Po Boy”.

Press like that might give a guy a napoleon complex and force him to drive big trucks and such.

Any way growing up as a shrimp, alive or not, your end result is being part of the food chain. Your either shark dinner, trapped in a trawling net by Bubba Gump’s shrimp boat, or bait at the Siesta Marina.

If you’re a shrimp, the best you can hope for is to become a taco.

Happy Holidays and don’t forget your shrimp cocktail from Big Water Fish Market.

Everyone be safe, stay in small groups and social distance so in 2021 we can celebrate the holidays proper like.

Live well...Eat fish Scott Dolan Big Water Fish Market www.BigWaterFishMarket.com 6641 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key

December 2020 TIDE CHART Florida, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Sarasota Bay

December 2020

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33'

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

31

Date

Day

1

Tu

2 3 4

High Tide

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

7:52a -0.4

5:54p

1.1

7:04a

5:35p

6:43p

8:07a

1.2

8:30a -0.5

6:15p

1.1

7:05a

5:35p

7:33p

9:02a

2.3

9:13a -0.5

7:06a

5:35p

8:28p

9:55a

12:58a

2.2

9:59a -0.4

7:07a

5:35p

9:27p

10:45a

Sa

1:47a

2.1

6:03p

1.3

10:51a -0.3

9:13p

1.2

7:07a

5:35p

10:28p

11:31a

Su

2:47a

1.9

6:38p

1.3

11:45a -0.2

11:09p

1.1

7:08a

5:35p

11:29p

12:12p

Mo

4:07a

1.7

7:09p

1.4

12:41p -0.1

7:09a

5:36p

8

Tu

5:47a

1.6

7:40p

1.6

12:57a

0.9

1:36p

0.1

7:09a

5:36p

12:31a

1:27p

9

We

7:32a

1.5

8:10p

1.6

2:22a

0.6

2:26p

0.4

7:10a

5:36p

1:33a

2:03p

10

Th

9:05a

1.4

8:41p

1.8

3:31a

0.3

3:10p

0.6

7:11a

5:36p

2:36a

2:40p

11

Fr

10:27a

1.4

9:13p

2.0

4:30a -0.1

3:48p

0.7

7:12a

5:36p

3:42a

3:19p

12

Sa

11:40a

1.3

9:47p

2.2

5:24a -0.5

4:21p

0.9

7:12a

5:37p

4:49a

4:03p

13

Su

12:49p

1.3

10:23p

2.4

6:15a -0.6

4:48p

1.0

7:13a

5:37p

5:59a

4:52p

14

Mo

1:55p

1.2

11:01p

2.4

7:05a -0.7

5:13p

1.1

7:13a

5:37p

7:08a

5:46p

15

Tu

11:41p

2.4

7:52a -0.8

7:14a

5:38p

8:15a

6:46p

16

We

8:39a -0.7

7:15a

5:38p

9:15a

7:49p

17

Th

12:24a

2.3

9:24a -0.6

7:15a

5:39p

10:08a

8:52p

18

Fr

1:10a

2.1

5:20p

1.1

10:09a -0.5

8:21p

1.0

7:16a

5:39p

10:54a

9:53p

19

Sa

2:01a

1.9

5:49p

1.2

10:54a -0.3

9:58p

1.0

7:16a

5:39p

11:33a

10:51p

20

Su

3:03a

1.6

6:18p

1.3

11:39a -0.1

11:43p

0.9

7:17a

5:40p

12:08p

11:46p

21

Mo

4:23a

1.4

6:47p

1.4

12:24p

0.1

7:17a

5:40p

12:40p

22

Tu

6:06a

1.2

7:18p

1.5

1:19a

0.7

1:10p

0.3

7:18a

5:41p

1:09p

12:39a

23

We

7:51a

1.1

7:48p

1.6

2:36a

0.5

1:54p

0.5

7:18a

5:42p

1:39p

1:31a

24

Th

9:22a

1.1

8:17p

1.6

3:37a

0.2

2:36p

0.6

7:19a

5:42p

2:08p

2:23a

25

Fr

10:38a

1.1

8:46p

1.7

4:28a -0.1

3:13p

0.8

7:19a

5:43p

2:40p

3:15a

26

Sa

11:43a

1.1

9:15p

1.8

5:12a -0.3

3:45p

0.9

7:20a

5:43p

3:15p

4:08a

27

Su

12:41p

1.1

9:44p

1.9

5:53a -0.5

4:11p

1.0

7:20a

5:44p

3:54p

5:03a

28

Mo

1:32p

1.1

10:16p

2.0

6:32a -0.6

4:36p

1.0

7:20a

5:44p

4:38p

5:59a

29

Tu

2:14p

1.1

10:51p

2.1

7:08a -0.6

5:02p

1.0

7:21a

5:45p

5:27p

6:55a

30

We

2:47p

1.1

11:29p

2.1

7:45a -0.6

5:37p

1.0

7:21a

5:46p

6:22p

7:50a

31

Th

3:13p

1.0

8:22a -0.7

6:22p

0.9

7:21a

5:46p

7:20p

8:41a

2:37p

1.2

We

3:27p

Th

12:16a

Fr

5 6 7

High Tide 11:40p

2.3

Low Tide

Low Tide

©2020 FreeTideTables.com - For comparison only - Times are local - Tides in feet from MLLW

Phase

12:51p 3rd

New

1st

Full

32

Siesta Sand

DECEMBER 2020

941.312.0665

Arts on the Horizon Old White Men

No, we’re not talking politics.

Instead, the topic is something that is actually a bit more relaxing - music. But first, let’s address an important question. Why are so many of the composers we hear in today’s concerts old white men - specifically dead old white men?

Is it sexism? Well, yes and no.

Not sexism - in that a lot(?) more music directors and conductors are woman, so the works of more female composers are being performed each year. But yes, sexism - in that not many women were composing back before the start of the 20th century.

So, blame it on old sexism, not (necessarily) the sexism of today.

Also blame it on money and laziness. If a concert contains a really modern piece, whether by a man or a woman - royalties need to be paid. Thus, some really nice compositions are not heard. But, you say, there are many older (some even dead) 20th century female composers for whose works royalties are no longer due.

Well, consider this: All music schools have books full of old white men’s music. New books with music by people with whom no one is familiar cost money.

And students who have paid good money for more music than they will ever play don’t want to buy more either - especially if they have not been exposed to it in their music schools (selfperpetuating sexism). So, money and laziness. Also, the laziness of concert and opera goers who say, “I’m not going to ‘that’ concert because I’ve never heard the music before.” A final reason that this old music continues to be played is that it really is good.

Speaking of old white men, Beethoven is now 250 years old, and his 4th and 10th String Quartets (C Minor and E-Flat

CLUB

Nature and you together…

Major) are being performed by members of the Sarasota Orchestra on December 10th - 13th at Holley Hall. These 4 evenings will be a wonderful time to zero in on the individual elements of his music as Daniel Jordan and Chris Takeda, violins; Rachel Halvorson, viola, and Nalalie Helm, cello, bring out the lasting beauty of Beethoven’s quartets. Already booked to binge watch season 4 of The Crown that weekend? That’s OK, you can watch/listen/enjoy the streaming edition of this concert December 17 - 22.

Also interested in some warm and pleasing tunes to bounce around in your head during the holiday season? How about orchestral arrangements of favorites like We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Custer’s Chanukah Festival Overture, Carol of the Bells (a Ukrainian carol), O Holy Night, and Silent Night. Or more pop oriented works made famous by Mannheim Steamroller (Bring a Torch Jeannette, and Isabella); Leroy Anderson’s Suite of Carols, or that old movie favorite, the theme from It’s a Wonderful Life - live December 17-20 at Holley Hall, and streaming on the 24th - 29th. Info at Sarasotaorchestra.

Org (including info on a string quartet by Caroline Shaw coming in January). Live performances have limited seating so book early.

Timely reminder

Get those tickets! What tickets?

The tickets for the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota presentation of Dick Hyman’s Jazz Masters sextet performing at Selby Gardens at 3 PM on Sunday, December 6th. Listen to/watch the concert, smell the flowers, and see the sunset - please all of your senses in one outing. Tickets and

MONDAY

TUESDAY

www.siestasand.net

By Rodger Skidmore

info at Artistseriesconcerts.org.

was choreographed to a string quartet by Dvorák, right?)? Well, now’s your chance to see it again for the very first time. Earlier that same year the Sarasota Ballet, at a high-ticket-price gala, performed Peter Wright’s The Mirror Walkers after having done his Summertide a few months earlier. Which one did you prefer?

Why not jog your memory by seeing them both again? And after viewing Summertide, with music by Mendelssohn, why not check out Kenneth Millan’s Concerto, choreographed to Shostakovich’s 2nd Piano Concerto? Don’t just critique the dance - which of those stand-a-lone musical selections was best suited as a vehicle to portray the choreographer’s ideas? These gems of dance along with 4 other equally fine pieces choreographed by Bourne, Walsh and Graziano will be streamed December 18 - 22 on Sarasota Ballets Digital Program 3. More info at Sarasotaballet.org.

Legendary pianist Dick Hyman.

Knock-your-socks-off performances

Not just your socks but take your shoes off too - to watch an evening of ballet. Ballet at any time of the day or night can be enchanting, especially if it is the World Famous Sarasota Ballet. And that “World Famous” business is not just small-town big puffery. When the New York Times sends reviewers to Sarasota to cover our “local ballet”, and Jacob’s Pillow invites the Sarasota Ballet to dance there (twice), it means that this is a bigtime dance troupe.

But admit it, not every item on a ballet program is better than both the one before as well as the one after. Really, there has to be a favorite. So, here’s the question: What would it be like to see the best performances from a number of evenings - all on the same night. Remember when, in late April, 2016, you watched Christopher Wheeldon’s The American danced by the Sarasota Ballet at the Sarasota Opera House? What, you missed it? Or slept through it because it was the third ballet on the program (you do remember it

trails leading to the south which go around a small lake.

There are birds and rabbits to see along the way. These two trails actually form a loop, so going on either one brings you back to where you started. At the far end of that loop another trail branches off to the east to take you on a pleasant stroll around the entire mountain.

The total for this look is about 3 miles. What makes it pleasant is the fact that there are 16 benches along the way. The mountain itself (admittedly, more of a nice hill) is covered in a luscious green carpet of grass. There are two types that go for this kind of walk. The early risers who go out before the day heats up and love to be invigorated before their day starts - it gets them going. The others go in the late afternoon

Climb every mountain

The fun thing about landfills is that they get filled up. All those old bedsprings, nacho bags, coffee grounds, and empty mayonnaise jars get covered over with good clean dirt. And, then like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, they become beautiful green semi-demi mountains. One such unsightly site that has outlived its old usefulness is Rothenbach Park (just east of I-75 where Bee Ridge crosses Lorraine). On entering the park area there is parking off to the right, along with a nice playground, and restroom facilities. Back across the entrance road there are two

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Nick Levalley 6-10 PM

Jersey Lake Band (3 ) Rob Viola (10 &17th) Rob Garcia (24th) TBD (31st) 6-10 PM

Map of Rothenbach Park.

when day is cooling down and the breezes are starting up again.

Besides the lovely walk, they get to see those fawn-colored creatures called fawns. Also, their mothers and aunts which are so dear to them. And, as an added attraction, the sunset over the trees off to the west.

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Zack Yoder Band 6-10 PM

Rob Garcia & Paul Crotty TBD (12 & 26th) 6-10 PM

Ron Kraemer Trio 6-10 PM

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BLASE CAFÉ In the Village 941-349-9822 GILLIGANS ILAND BAR & RESTAURANT In the Village 941-326-8122

Rodney Shenk: 6-10 PM

RPM LIVE: 6-10 PM

6-10 PM Mike Tozier OR Deven Starr

RPM LIVE - 6-10 PM

SIESTA KEY OYSTER BAR (SKOB) In the Village 941-346-5443

1-5 PM: Jordy (7th) Frankie Lombardi (14th) Vince Berardi (21st) John Bastiani (28th) ……………………………….

Al Donadi 7-11 PM

1-5 PM: Nick Levalley (1st) J. Gilton (8th) Rob Viola (15th) J. Gilton (22nd) Gary Dilley (29th) ……………………………..

7-11 PM Open Mic (1st) Audio Orchid (8, 15, 22 & 29)

1-5 PM: Deven Starr (2, 16 and 30) Frankie Raye (9 & 23) ………….

Kettle of Fish 7-11 PM

1-5 PM: Dana & Co. ……………………….

7-11 PM Pedro & Zoey

2-6 PM John Whiteleather Band (4, 11 & 18th) 8-Midnight Band of Gypsies (4h) Jason Haram Group (11th) Deven Starr (18th) Jason Haram Group (25th)

11 AM – 2 PM Rob Viola (5 & 12th) Brek Milo (19 & 26th) 3-7 PM Money & The Bear 8-Midnight Mike Tozier

10 AM - 1 PM Vince Colaiocco (6 & 20th) Mike Tozier (13 & 27th) 2-6 PM: Money & The Bear (27th)

THE COTTAGE In the Village 941-312-9300

Live Music 6-9 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM

Live Music 6:30-9:30 PM

Live Music 6:30-9:30 PM

Live Music 6:30-9:30 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM

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

Live Music 6-9PM

Live Music 6-9 pm

Live Music 1 – 4 PM 4:30 – 7:30 PM 8:30 PM-mignight

Live Music 1 – 4 PM 4:30 – 7:30 PM 8:30 PM –midnight

Live Music 1-4 PM 4:30 – 7:30 PM 8:30 PM - midnight

Live Music Noon – 3 PM 3:00 – 6:00 PM 6-10 PM

SNIKI TIKI @ CAPT CURTS Crescent Beach Shops 941-349-3885

LIVE MUSIC 6-10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6-10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6-10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6-10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6-10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6-10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6-9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6-9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6-9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6-9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6-9 PM

Turtle Beach Grill Southern end of SK 941-349-2280

LIVE MUSIC 5-9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5-10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5-10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5-9 PM

SAND DOLLAR POOL BAR @ Best Western Plus 6600 S. Tamiami Trl. Sarasota 941-924-4900

LIVE MUSIC 5-8 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5-8 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5-8 PM

LIVE MUSIC 3-7 PM

LIVE MUSIC 3-7 PM

Spearfish Siesta Grille Southern end of SK 941-349-1971

CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE 801 Blackburn Pt. Rd, Osprey 941-966-1901

Live Music 6-9 PM LIVE MUSIC 6-10 PM

DJ Kkonn – 10 PM

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

Zack Yoder- 1 PM DJ Kkonn – 10 PM

7 -11 PM: Hatley or Vince at Night

LIVE MUSIC 3-7 PM

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

DECEMBER 2020

27th State Media LLC

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DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE free frames with the purchase of new lenses. Call 941-444-7984 to set up an appointment with their licensed optician.

Mellow Mushroom serves a one of a kind pizza pie. The flavors and ingredients are just as unique and special as the restaurant’s design.

Try a Mellow Mushroom stonebaked pizza, munchies, calzone, salad, hoagie, or even a burger. Pick from our selection of 24 draft beers or tasty, handcrafted cocktails. And, many of our pizzas can be made gluten-free or vegan. Located at 6727 S. Tamiami Trail. 941-388-7504.

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

From Vintage to Modern An extension of your personality

EYE EXAMS AVAILABLE

Roberts Realty

John Garner

$

complete frames* & lenses

Diane Shane

$

89 bifocal

| $189 progressive digital lenses

69 single vision

Broker Associate Broker Associate

bring your prescription • FREE FRAMES while supplies last.

Pay only for plastic lenses • FREE ultrasound cleaning of glasses • Most repairs available on site

941-924-2330

Working with Sarasota Buyers & Sellers since 1969 • Local Expertise • Proven Track Record • Happy Clients

6541 Superior Avenue Gulf GAte BuSineSS DiStrict SArASotA, fl 34231

Condos, Villas, Single Family Homes & Investments

We are with you every step of the way!

941.444.7984 onlyeyesoptical.com

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This section helps highlight what you’ll find within this walkable Gulf Gate shopping Village.

Marshall’s

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Mall Drive

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Gateway Avenue

Sarasota Pavilion is a popular shopping destination for numerous locals and visitors alike. Its prime location is close enough to the island for frequent trips with a nice selection of chain stores set in one convenient location.

But what truly lends to the uniqueness of this district is the host of small, locally owned, specialty shops, boutiques, restaurants, and neighborhood bars bordering this pavilion. It makes for a fun and rewarding shopping experience.

Over 150 businesses make up this district.

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(S-16) is owned and operated by true Chicagoans. Dedicated to deliver Chicago’s best food Chicago style Hot Dogs wit’ the works...dragged through the garden on poppy seed buns with fresh cut fries, Italian Beef Sandwiches anyway you like, dipped or dry, sweet or hot. All served in true Authentic Chicago Style.

Solórzano’s Late Night Pizzeria (S-32): 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 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., 941-9245800.

Pride of the South (S-34) Pride of the South has been awarded Top Barbeque in Sarasota for 2016 by Trip Advisor and Yelp. It has been awarded for the best Southern Hospitality. Pride of the South has a brisket BLT, hands down, one of the best sandwiches you ever tasted. The smoked chicken wings are unbelievable. Backed up with the pulled pork sandwiches, the smoked bologna, the smoked Turkey, the collard greens, fried corn on the cob, fried okra, fried green tomatoes and one of the best mac n cheese you ever tasted. We do catering with no limit to size.

Call (941)926-0099. See you soon.

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. (M5) 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

Sun Trust

With our map, located below, you’ll be able to navigate your way to our featured shops with ease.

The Shop SRQ (G-2) offers flattops, 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. – Fri. 8:30am – 6pm, Sat., 8:30am – 3pm.

Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Sarasota Brewing Co. (G-4) Sarasota’s first micro brew pub always has something new to offer. From over 20 seasonal beers that rotate throughout the year, the Brewing Company always has at least five unique brews online as well as several favorites from around the world. Established in 1989, their menu has been a winner in the Reader’s Choice Awards of the Sarasota Herald Tribune featuring their mouth-watering burgers, Chicago style pizzas, and Chicago beef sandwiches. With dozens of televisions, it’s a great place to catch a game with friends and family.

Gulf Gate Barber Shop (G11): 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.

At the original Word of Mouth Restaurant (G-31), every seemingly insignificant detail receives special attention from the warm, inviting decor to each specially crafted variety of freshly baked muffins to the signature menu items. This small diner is where the locals come to eat breakfast and lunch.

Take a look at their menu at originalwordofmouth.com. Hours: Mon-Sun.: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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

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HOTTEST BAR IN GULF GATE...

S-16

MLB/College Packages FULL BAR

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

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Siesta Sand

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941.312.0665

www.siestasand.net

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 43 HOMES FOR SALE PAGE 41 SIESTA KEY MARKET STATS PAGE 39

The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key

Provided by Key Solutions Real Estate / www.keysolutionsrealestate.com

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 6701 PEACOCK ROAD $7,825,000 A hidden paradise on prized Siesta Key, enjoy over 10K square feet of immaculately designed living on over 2.5 acres. Poised on its own peninsula with 389 feet of bay frontage along Little Sarasota Bay, the 2008-built estate is comprised of a main house with full inlaw suite and an adjacent platted, buildable lot of 1.2 acres. Elegant on approach with the concrete structure of a fortress, towering Oaks to lead you to the French door entry.

LOWEST PRICED SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE 466 AVENIDA DE MAYO $592,000 Did you always search for a vacation gateway on Siesta Key? Well here is it. A charming cottage on a beautiful landscape corner lot. You won’t find anything like this on Siesta Key. Walk 3 blocks to the Village and 4

The sheer spaciousness of the grand formal room is awe-inspiring, offering wood floors, two-story ceilings, hand-tooth crown molding, and a fireplace. Windows along the rear of the home entreat the eye with water views, and a stunning staircase with French cathedral wrought-iron detail leads upstairs.

Utilities are tucked away, and a gourmet kitchen with Miele, Wolf, Sub-Zero, and Fisher-Paykel appliances is centrally located to flow into the formal dining room, butler’s pantry with wet bar and wine refrigerator, breakfast nook, family room and outdoor terrace. No matter where you spend time,

blocks from your evening sunset on the beach. Relax or entertain in your private secluded backyard.

Create your art in your 222 Square foot private studio adjacent to your residence. A 1, 222sqft cozy 2 beds + den, 1 Bath. Over 9, 000 sq. Ft. corner lot with mature landscaping. New roof 2020, New floors & bathroom remodel 2015, new A/C 2017, private

you’ll enjoy exceptional views. Both the office and library feature custom wood built-ins, one offers views of greenery, the other of water. All bedrooms have the same luxury with the bonus of custom walk-in closets, knotty pine ceilings, and en-suite bathrooms.

Not to be outdone, the upstairs master wing is opulently appointed with a sauna, coffee bar, massive custom closets, soaking tub, steam/rain shower, and more. A secondfloor balcony stretches across the back of the home and connects to the master and rear guest suite. Life on Siesta Key wouldn’t be complete without outdoor recreation and this

home has it in spades. The open-air travertine terrace includes a heated saltwater pool, spa, full summer kitchen and bar, covered dining areas, and a 1.5-acre greenspace for a future guest house or tennis court. No longer permitted, you’ll be one of the only homes in the area with an extended pier. Perfectly located on the deep waters of the ICW, with a 13K-lb boat lift. Additional items of note are the gym and second walk-in pantry.

Courtesy of Michael Saunders and Company

patio, outdoor shower, parking for 4+ vehicles, Large multi-purpose den or use as game room or 3rd bedroom conversion. The detached insulated studio w/electrical make this property so special. This home has a proven seasonal rental income for 3 years. This has a great potential for expansion if needed.

Courtesy of Action Realty of Sarasota HIGHEST PRICED CONDO 4750 OCEAN BLVD #PH302 $4,450,000 Boasting an immense 4,500sf of living space, an additional 800sf of outdoor terrace space, and an unheard of 70+ feet of width per residence facing directly onto the Gulf of Mexico, these are the views of imagination.

Unlike direct beach-front settings where sunset is followed by darkness, at Oceane sunsets are only the beginning. In true encore fashion, as the sun disappears, the real show begins as you witness the magical twinkling

LOWEST PRICED CONDO 9200 MIDNIGHT PASS RD APT 15, $283,000 Located on the south end of Siesta key where the pace is a bit more relaxed, this newly renovated, turnkey furnished, 1 bedroom 1 bath unit is just waiting for your enjoyment. The kitchen offers an open view to the living area perfect for entertaining and features stainless

steel appliances, new lighting, double stainless-steel sink with spray faucet, granite countertops and beautiful new cabinetry. The wood plank tile flooring has a warm beachy tone and runs through the entire home, no carpets here! There is storage galore in this unit with room for all of your things.

Relax and enjoy the extra-large lanai with walkout access to the sparkling

lights of the city skyline come to life each evening. Built to the highest of standards in both fixtures, finishes and construction, and upgrades, there is no substitute to the safety and security of concrete walls topto-bottom and high impact glass at every opening. Soaring ceilings, an incredibly open and connected floor plan, an outdoor summer kitchen, private pool-side cabana, an expanded 3 car garage, and at the touch of a button you can shut out the outside world with beautiful automatic blinds.

Courtesy of Michael Saunders

pool that overlooks the Intracoastal waterway. Beautiful sunsets and the antics of tropical wildlife are your vistas from this great retreat. Kayaking, fishing and boating (first come first serve with slips available) are at your fingertips offering that island lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of..

Courtesy of ICON PREMIUM REALTY LLC

Rare Waterfront Home For Sale 5450 Shadow Lawn $925,000

What a fabulous canal front home!

Perfectly situated on the Key with a short walk to Siesta Key Beach and a quick boat ride to the Bay & ICW. Set on a private road in Siesta Isles where most homes line the Grand Canal with deep bathing water and offer oversized lots for added privacy. This home is in move-in ready condiHon, and can come turnkey furnished.

SETH: 941. 342. SOLD AL: 941. 479. 1175

Property Features

Al Nemore & Seth Westerberg

Christmas has come Early!

3 Bedrooms 2 Baths 2 Car Garage 1,638 Sq.Ft. 13,523 Sq.Ft. 85 Frontage Ft. Block Construction Well Irrigation Epoxy Garage floors New Exterior Paint

Large Chef’s Kitchen Updated Throughout Split Floor Plan Very Large Bedrooms Built-in Bookcase Whole Home Audio Plantation Shutters Recessed Lighting Sliding Glass Doors Large Screened-in Lanai

NMLS #1783476

Marty Remillard NMLS#343653

No Lender Fees 941. 223.9416

highdefinitionmortgage.com

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

DECEMBER 2020

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195 Vista Hermosa Circle, Unit#9-A Sarasota, Florida

Wonderfully remodeled Freestanding Vista Hermosa Villa just a short walk to World Famous Siesta Beach.

You will fall in love with this 2-bedroom, 2-bath villa. Two week rentals make this a very attractive property for a investor or just picking up some extra income when you are not enjoying the property for yourself. Custom solid wood cabinets in the kitchen with granite counters & upgraded stainless steel appliances. Designer bathrooms boasting tumbled marble & granite. Smooth ceilings with custom lighting. Designer tile & carpet throughout.

Nothing has been spared. New A/C in 2017 and also a recently installed tankless water heater. The association replaced the roof in 2016. You are just a short walk to dining & nightlife. This villa is being sold turnkey furnished (with some exclusions).

Already booked for 2021 Season.

$399,000

322 Island Circle Sarasota, Florida

Beaches, Boating & Bistros!! Live the island lifestyle in this spacious 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom house located on desirable Palm Island when rented was grossing approx. $60k in rental income. Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master bedroom and master bathroom. This house boasts a new boat lift on the Grand Canal. Lounge in the heated pool and spa or enjoy your favorite libation at your own private Waterfront Tiki Bar. Privacy abounds with a lovely tropical view across the canal. Huge bonus area on lower level.

This house is located on Palm Island which is a Island on a Island and is a sort walk to World Famous Siesta Beach(Beach Access 10) and Siesta Village with all its excitement and wonderful dining. This is the Perfect Home or Investment property for the discerning buyer.

$857,000

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803 Paradise Way Sarasota, Florida

This Fully Renovated Siesta Isles Home is located on the Grand Canal at the intersection of the canal with 205 ft of seawall on Excellent Boating water. When you step into the home you are greeted by unobstructed water views with the Clearview Non-Vertical Support Pool Cage. Unbelievable Chefs Kitchen with 16 foot Quartzite all-natural stone counter. Master Bath has Multiple Shower Heads & Rain Shower. All bath counter tops are Quartzite all natural stone. The lighting throughout interior and exterior of the home is new, as is the electric main service & sub panel. Lot is freshly landscaped with new Paver driveway & decking with outdoor low voltage lighting. Lovely Pebble Tec Mediterranean Blue Pool surface graces the saltwater pool with a new 130k BTU pool heater for those cooler months. The huge fenced yard includes a secluded dog run. Just a short walk to #1 Siesta Beach’s soothing white sand & sparkling emerald waters.

$1,595,000

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458 Island Circle Sarasota, Florida

Wonderful Siesta Key Grand Canal home located on desirable Palm Island (a Island on a Island) just a few minutes walk to Siesta Beach. You will fall in love with this 3,366 square foot 4 bedroom/3.5 bathroom Key West style home. Chill in the Mangrove shaded yard around the Fire Pit. This incredibly light & bright home features gleaming hardwood floors throughout the home, arched walls, crown molding. Glazed wood cabinetry in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, gorgeous custom granite counters & designer tile backsplash. Upstairs is a large master bedroom suite with tray ceiling & balcony with lovely water views, 2 additional oversized bedrooms and bath. The en-suite 4th bedroom is located on a separate, private level, ideal for a home office or guests. Relax on the multiple screened-in lanais overlooking the private backyard with heated swimming pool. Screened pool area on the canal with a boat lift & dock.

$1,315,000

1122 Horizon View Drive, Siesta Key, Florida DEEDED BEACH ACCESS!! Your feet will be in the Gulf of Mexico in 60 seconds!!! This immaculate pool home features large rooms and volume ceilings.

Lovely oak floors and stylish tile will dazzle you. 3 Bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms along with the lower level bonus area for generational living or guests. The huge bonus area downstairs would be perfect for storage, workout center, hobby room or workshop.

The oversized garage could handle your cars, boat, jet skis, kayaks & bikes. Extensive decks for enjoying your Island Paradise abound!! You are walking distance to renowned local dining and a marina. In addition to all that, next door is Turtle Beach Park with kayak and boat launch facilities. This is one of the closest properties to the beach without having the direct beachfront price on a street of multi million dollar properties. A truly unique find!!

$849,000

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www.siestasand.net

A Siesta Key Home to Float Your Boat

By Lisa Codianne Fowler & Jane Bartnett A Siesta Key home with a boat slip, only steps away from your residence or lanai, is what realtors call a dream home. As the pandemic wears on, buyers’ interest in homes with private docks to house their sailboats and motor boats has grown.

Siesta Key realtor Bob Ruiz of Key Solutions has seen sales of luxury properties with boat slips

increase significantly in the past year. “Waterfront properties, both single-family homes and condos with boat docks, are in particularly high demand,” he said.

A mid-November 2020 search of Realtor.com, by the Siesta Sand found 24 properties with boat docks listed for sale. Of that group, eight were single family homes, 14 were condominium units,

there was one townhouse, and one piece of open land. Prices for the condominium listings ranged from $365,000 for a 831 square foot unit with one bedroom and one bath, to $975,000 for a three bed, 2,166 foot unit with 2.5 baths.

The lone townhouse was listed at $649,000 for a 3-bedroom, 2 bath, 1,827 square foot unit. Of the eight single family homes with boat

docks, prices ranged from a low of $995,000 for a 3-bedroom, 3.5 bath, 2, 798 square foot house, to a high of $6,200,000 for a 4-bedroom, 5.5 bath home, with 6,413 square feet.

The open waterfront land, a .9-acre lot, was listed at $2,995,000.

According to data supplied to the Siesta Sand by the Westerberg Group for waterfront Siesta Key homes, in October 2019, there

Homes on Siesta Key’s canals with private docks are a unique segment of the market. Photo credit: The Westerberg Group

were 68 waterfront homes (not all with boat slips) available for sale.

In October 2020, only 46 were on the market. Average days on the market also showed a steep decline from 160 in 2019 to 137 days in 2020.

In October 2019, the average price for a Siesta Key waterfront home was $2,177,000. One year later, the average was $2,908, 000, reflecting a 33% price increase.

www.siestasand.net

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Float Your Boat

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27th State Media LLC

Continued from previous page

LET US BUILD YOUR

“GARDEN CURB APPEAL” CONSULTATION • DESIGN • MAINTENANCE • OTHER MONTHLY SERVICES 6701 Peacock Rd. Team Dunn Michael Saunders recently sold this luxury Siesta Key single-family home at 6701 Peacock Lane with a private dock, for $7,825,000. Photo credit: Gianfranco Spagnolo Photography

Canal-front single-family homes are another unique and desirable category in this market. “Homes on canals with boat slips have special appeal to buyers who want easy access to open waters,” notes Siesta Key realtor Joe Kesslak of the Gulf Coast Group. “I’ve had clients say, ‘Purchasing a home on a canal, close to the beach, gives us the best of both worlds.” Dan Miller of Re/Max reported that “canalfront properties are extremely hot.

Having the ability to walk out your patio door and get on your boat, and not have to go through pulling it out of the water and trailering it somewhere is incredibly convenient,” he noted.

“All real estate has gotten stronger over the past six months, but properties that have boating

water have gotten even stronger, and sellers are getting their prices,” according to Linn Dunn of Team Dunn/Michael Saunders. “They are selling quicker and closer to full asking price. In the past,” he stated, “we would have had more negotiating room.”

For boat owners in the market for a new home and a dock, properties with existing docks have an advantage. “Many of those docks are grandfathered in,” Dunn advised. “It’s very difficult, time-consuming, and expensive to get permitting for new ones,” he explained. “To maintain or refurbish one is a lot cheaper than adding a new one.”

Demand for single family homes with boat slips remains stronger than for condos with dock space,

CALL US TODAY AT 770-374-1643

according to local realtors. Seth Westerberg of the Westerberg Group/Keller Williams on the Water noted, “”We see people with condos looking for houses, and that’s putting a further strain on the market.” Last year there were 15 waterfront homes for sale under a million. Now there are two,” he advised. The scarcity, Westerberg explained, has caused asking prices to hold at a historical high.

The growing number of younger, affluent buyers who want to live and work from their Siesta Key home with access to the water is also changing the market. “It’s the ultimate social distancing activity,” commented Sunny Westerberg of the Westerberg Group. “Going out on your boat, it gets you away from the rest of the world.”

Let me help you make Siesta Key your home Who is Gina? She is a full-time realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty.

She is also a proud member of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. Her fondness for Siesta Key started at the early age of 8 when her family of 6 trekked down here from the Midwest.

Gina’s story: What began as a family affair, so to speak, was our cherished drives in a station wagon down to Siesta Key. I’ll always remember the friendships

we made and the family time shared, centered around the white sand beach, pristine and empty of shells. My fondest memory is of my beloved father going fishing with me by the Point of Rocks in Siesta Key. Why Gina? So, you ask me what makes me different than maybe another realtor? It is my experiences over all those years with Siesta Key, Sarasota, and the surrounding areas. I made the full-time move here a few years ago. I understand the stresses

one has in moving from out of state to be in the Florida sunshine.

Yes, this could be you, if you dare.

Are you tired of the cold? Would you like change in your life? Do you have fond memories Siesta Key or other surrounding areas? I would love, love, love to help you fulfill your dreams.

To reach me, please call or text 941-780-7323 or email ginalovesrq@gmail.com. I would love to help you or answer questions about the market or areas of interest.

Sarasota real estate update MOVE-IN READY

Gina Love

RELATIONSHIPS A PERSONAL TOUCH TO EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE.

UNE RELATION

BEACHFRONT

for life

pour la vie

TEAM DUNN 11-Year Recipients of the

5780 Midnight Pass Rd, #102 | Gulf & Bay Club

2BR | 2BA | 1,361 SF | $725,000 | MLS# A4464913

DOWNTOWN & BAY VIEWS

6480 Midnight Pass Rd, #615 | Siesta Breakers

2BR | 2BA | 1,265 SF | $875,000 | MLS# A4482092

WATERFRONT VIEWS – TURNKEY FURNISHED

FURNISHED

Maurice Menager

Lin Dunn

REALTOR ®

REALTOR ®, SRES, LSS, LSE

941.238.8119

941.809.2154

TeamDunn.michaelsaunders.com 1990 Main St, #7 | Cityscape at Courthouse Centre 2BR | 2.5BA | 1,293 SF | $599,000 | MLS# A4481614

8897 Midnight Pass Rd, #504 | Sunrise Cove

1BR | 1BA | 903 SF | $399,000 | MLS# A4479965

5892 Driftwood Pl, #5892 | Baywood Colony

2BR | 2BA | 1,155 SF | $249,000 | MLS# A4474413

Call Team Dunn to see one of these extraordinary homes or discuss your real estate goals.

5100 Ocean Blvd | Sarasota, FL 34242 | 941.349.3444

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DECEMBER 2020

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Continued on page 1

staff had anticipated. Therefore, Maio indicated, if his colleagues agreed, the funds likely could be found for the project.

No commissioner voiced opposition to the proposal, so Maio made a motion for staff to add the project to the county budget for this year.

Five years ago, Maio said on Oct. 6, when the parking concept first was raised, “We didn’t have the money for this.”

He added on Oct. 6, “We’ll find the money.”

Maio originally represented all of Siesta Key as part of his District 4 territory. After the redrawing of the commission district lines in November 2019, the island was split between Districts 2 and 4.

Commissioner Christian Ziegler, who represents District 2, also voiced his support for the parking proposal on Oct. 6.

The Nov. 3 staff report did point out that the proposal originated several years ago, but no action was taken because it was not made a county priority “or due to public opposition.”

“If directed to move forward with this project,” the report added, “staff will prepare a funding plan …”

Among sources of funding, the report continued, are

the county’s General Fund, which is made up largely of property tax revenue; gas tax revenue; mobility fees; the county’s 1-cent infrastructure sales tax, or “surtax”; Tourist Development, or “bed tax,” revenue; and private contributions.

On Oct. 6, Siesta architect Mark Smith, a long-time leader of the Siesta Chamber, and Chamber Chair Mason Tush, whose family owns CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, requested that the commissioners consider the revived parking proposal.

“Parking is a premium on Siesta Key,” Smith said, “and this, we believe, is a good solution.”

Smith had created a potential design, which he showed the commissioners that day. In the right of way on the western side of Ocean Boulevard — across from the Old Salty Dog restaurant — he indicated room is available for 18 diagonal spaces. Then, in the right of way on the eastern side of the street, in front of the building located at 5011 Ocean Blvd., next to the Old Salty Dog, pace is available for another four diagonal parking spots, Smith added.

The Nov. 3 staff report did note, “One suggestion

Island Chatter reported, both lights were back on.

Reality show “Siesta Key” gets greenlight for 4th season

The MTV reality show has officially been renewed for a 4th season. Production for the show will start locally in late November. However, the cast and crew will eventually move to an international resort to film the majority of the season’s episodes. The location of the resort has not been announced.

received was to mark these new spaces with a stated time limit or hours they could be used. Without an effective enforcement means, this is not a recommended measure.”

Adamant opposition

The Nov. 3 report also pointed to continuing opposition on Siesta to the parking proposal.

On Oct. 20, during the commission’s regular meeting, Bernette B. Hoyt, a resident of the Whispering Sands condominium complex — in front of which 18 of the spaces are proposed — protested the plan. She and two other representatives of Whispering Sands had met with Commissioner Ziegler, she said, to voice their concerns.

Referring to Ocean Boulevard, Hoyt said, “This well-traveled roadway … is the northern entry to the Village, with incoming traffic from the north bridge, delivery trucks, municipal buses, bicyclists and pedestrians, all heading south from Ocean. This stretch of road is already congested.”

Hoyt continued, “Adding 22 pull-in parking places will increase the hazards along this roadway [and] alter the lush welcome to our Village to one of a strip mall.”

The center lane on Ocean Boulevard, she pointed out, is used routinely by delivery trucks, including 18-wheelers.

“How well can a sober driver, let alone someone who’s had a few, back out into oncoming traffic, avoiding the center [turn lane] with left-turners in it and then maneuver around the bus or a driver exiting Whispering Sands Drive?” she asked.

Members of the community would like to work with the commission to come up with parking solutions, Hoyt told the board members. “We can do this without a piecemeal approach of 20 spaces here, there, sprinkled throughout the Village.”

Opposing views expressed in correspondence

The Nov. 3 staff report did include a letter of support for the parking proposal from Tush, chair of the Siesta Chamber. “This is a rare opportunity for the County to add public parking that is located within a business district,” Tush pointed out.

With the creation of the new spaces, he added, 22 fewer vehicles will be “driving up and down the street searching for a place to park or illegally parking down a side street in a residential neighborhood.”

A second attachment to the staff report was a letter to the commissioners and County Engineer Spencer Anderson, signed by Frank Jurenka, president of the Siesta Key Condominium Council. Noting that the Council’s members represent approximately 100 condominium complexes on the island, Jurenka also decried the parking proposal. He expressed safety concerns similar to those Hoyt voiced on Oct. 20.

A third attachment was a letter from Tony Arena, president of the Whispering Sands Condominium Association. That letter said, “We ask that you study and consider these significant issues thoroughly before proceeding any further with plans to irretrievably alter our landscape with more traffic, more cars, more asphalt, more parking,” the letter said.

Siesta Key Association President Catherine Luckner told the News Leader in October that that nonprofit opposes the plan, primarily out of concern for the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians.

Continued from page 20

A premiere date for season has not yet been announced.

Halo Arts Project has two upcoming events – one virtual & one in person

On Wednesday, January 27, 2021 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., you can participate in the Angels for Artists Virtual Art Auction from the comfort of your own home. This fun online event is a great opportunity to add exceptional art to your h o m e / o ff i c e c o l l e c t i o n a n d support the Halo Fellowship Program. Bids start at $75 and

select pieces will have a “buy it now” price. Artwork will be previewed on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.

Angels for Artists Events help support the Fellowship Awards Program. This year ’s theme: “COME TOGETHER 2020 – Quite the Year” provides artists with a 10”x 10” canvas to explore their feelings and express themselves. They create their artwork which is donated to be auctioned in support of the program. Last year, 110 canvases were donated and

purchased in the gala event.

O n T h u r s d a y, J a n u a r y 2 8 , 2021 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the MARA Gallery 1421 5th Street, Sarasota. Halo Arts Project will have on display over 50, 10”x 10” canvases. It will be socially distanced following all Covid-19 guidelines available for purchase at silent auction bidding.

The artwork is lively, sometimes edgy, sometimes traditional, but never ordinary.

For more information or re-

q u e s t v i s i t : h a l o a r t s p ro j e c t . com941-328-8052 or info@ haloartsproject.com Halo Arts Project Inc., founded in 2019, core values are to embrace diversity and support a diverse range of visual artists, applaud innovation and challenges, and strive to work for artists who establish their roles as part of a larger community of artists and citizens, deriving a sense of purpose, aesthetic, social or both.

www.siestasand.net

Rental

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Continued on page 1

Key property management firm, Rent Siesta Key’s website, found rental properties that include “stunning ocean view homes, sophisticated townhomes, and beachy bungalows with unique features that may include resort-style heated pools, rooftop decks, huge kitchens, tiki huts, and elevators.” During season, Holderness stated, his firm’s houses and condos may average out at $179 a night, depending on market demand. “They can rise to $1,500 a night for Gulf-front during peak season,” he said.

For the traveler to Siesta Key,

A bird’s eye view of Siesta Key beach comes with this property from Beachside Management.

where people can drive and maintain a safe distance,” Dilley advised. “They can safely quarantine here and enjoy a peaceful getaway.” In a November 2020, Forbes magazine news article, Siesta Key property managers said that they are seeing great demand for “retreat properties,” as families and individuals look for safe, clean places to escape not only the cold weather but the confines of their homes during Coronavirus lockdowns imposed by many northern states and cities.

There have been random cancellations from concerned domestic travelers, managers say.

“Some have requested refunds or we have moved their reservation to another time,” Dilley said.

Prices for Siesta Key rentals range and depend on the size of the unit, as well as the number of luxury accommodations in each unit. A review of the Siesta

Ascenida Group’s offering include this Siesta Key home located on a canal with its own pool.

An Ascendia Group Siesta Key rental home on a canal offers a retreat from the world.

Personal Meal Delivery 3 weeks, and I get 5-6 dinners a week. I’d give him a rating of 6 out of 5, if I could. His meals are

and European market has been impacted, professionals believe that overseas travelers will return when countries open up for international travel and when the scientific community makes progress with vaccines to fight the virus.

For the near future, Holderness has funneled his short term advertising money online. As we head into the winter months, the Herald Tribune reported that “the visitors bureau continues to focus its advertising on the drive market — residents of Charlotte, North Carolina, or closer, with the exception of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. The area is hoping to catch spontaneous travelers looking for a quick getaway.”

As the season begins, “I am hopeful,” said Dilley.

Continued from page 27

invariably nutritious, delicious , and attractively presented. There is plenty of food for a filling

Chef Mike prepping a meal.

many price options are available and are dependent on the individual property, its location, size and time of the year. The advantage, property managers say of renting from established Siesta Key firms as opposed to individual property owners, is that these rentals are legal and professionally managed. Houses and condominiums with pools, additional bedrooms and beach access command higher nightly and long term fees.

As the Siesta Sand reported earlier this year, Visit Sarasota County’s professional Consumer Sentiment Study, designed to understand what travelers planned for the upcoming months after the virus struck, found that Siesta Key held great appeal to East Coast and Florida vacationers who could drive here. While the Canadian

dinner for one. It is like going to a good restaurant each night. All I have to do is go to my refrigerator, pick out what I want and heat it up in the microwave for about 2.5 to 3 minutes right in its own container. There is a menu of 4 different dishes for each night, and the menu changes weekly.

He offers touchless delivery at no additional cost right to doorstep each day M-F. I have tried a number of the national meal delivery services like Freshly. Chef Mike beats those by a country mile. Try them for a week. I am confident you’ll be hooked.

Every Thursday, Chef Mike changes his menu for the following week. All meals are a single portion except for the family meals that offer 4-6 portions. Ordering is due by 4 p.m. to assure next day delivery.

All food is prepared fresh the day before and arrives cold. Heating instructions are included to guarantee a delicious experience.

Chef Mike plans to expand his meal delivery business to holiday meal delivery and

All packaged and ready to go.

athletic meal preparation. In fact, he offered a Thanksgiving holiday feast for one or for the whole family.

With Chef Mike, you can now order for the whole week and forget about having to make dinner plans. All you need to do is simply chose,

heat, and eat.

You can order online at www.chefmikesrq.com/mealdelivery-menu or call 941-8222807. Currently, Chef Mike is offering a discount for your first order. Simply use the code CHEFMIKE1 and you will save $5 on your first order.

40

Siesta Sand

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Classifieds / Here’s My Card ACCOMMODATIONS / VACATION RENTALS

BOATING RENTALS / FISHING CHARTERS CONTINUED

www.siestasand.net

HOUSE WATCH CONTINUED

• Best Western Plus Siesta Key – AAA -3 Diamond Property, Free shuttle service to and from Siesta Key 941-924-4900, 6600 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.

• CB’s Saltwater Outfitters – CB’s Saltwater Outfitters is an ORVIS Endorsed Outfitter Fishing Charter Service serving Siesta • Landings Carriagehouse, $2,500 per month. Call Jim Key as well as Longboat Key, Lido Key, Sarasota, and Venice.

941-539-0774.

Our veteran guides offer exciting Fishing Adventures for • Siesta 4 Rent - Vacation Rentals, from studios to 5 bedrooms. anglers of all ages from novice to the expert. See our website: www.CBsOutfitters.com or stop in their store for additional info.

Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500 1240 Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key. (941)349-4400.

AUTOMOTIVE DELIVERY

Insured, Bonded and Licensed by The National Home Watch Association.

(941) 961-4309

CLEANING SERVICES

www.SuncoastHomeConcierge.com

Green Magic Cleaning Service

“Residential and Commercial”

We don’t cut corners, we dust them.

A family owned business with 16 years of experience.

• High quality services • Competitive rates • Great references • Always the same crew www.SarasotaHouseCleaningService.com

• DRIVER for YOUR vehicle, cargo and pets. Sarasota/Siesta Key/Port Charlotte area to MICHIGAN ONLY. Offering services that carriers/haulers are unable to provide. Background check.

Bonded. Insured. Chauffeur’s license. Retired law enforcement officer. 941-323-3945 or 313-434-2070 or www.yhvaletdriving.com

GreenMagicCleaning@gmail.com Call for a FREE estimate today!

(941) 780-4248

Sarasota to Tampa Airport $ 89 each way

Airport Shuttle Limo/Taxi

MEDICAL

CONTRACTORS

AUTOMOTIVE VALET

• Hawk’s Nest Construction Inc. is a certified Class A general contractor licensed in all phases of construction. Owner, Mark Hawkins Sr. personally oversees every aspect of your project from start to finish, using only the best and most reliable licensed artisan and craftsmen. His passion is delighting his clients by turning their home-improvement dreams into a beautiful reality. Call 941650-9499 or visit their website: www.hawksnestconstruction.com Lic#CGC060852.

Board-Certified dermatologist skin CanCer • laser • Botox and Hair/nail disorders

J Morgan O’Donoghue, MD.

1952 Field Road Sarasota, Florida 34231

941.926.7546

www.dermatologyexperts.com

Day Drinking Club

Your Companion

SiestaKeyEddie@gmail.com

Offering Transportation and Companionship to....

Shopping • Drinking • Dining

Please call for complimentary interview:

Compassionate Company To Help You Through The Day

941.735.4732

* Doctor Appointments * Beauty Salon Appointments * Shopping and more!

Patricia Newman from 9am-5pm

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

BOAT SALES Eddie Ward_Wine Card 07-2020.indd 2

Spindrift

HELENE M. HYLAND

8/27/2020 3:12:44 PM

Yacht Sales

941-923-4301

410 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228

REALTOR®

(941) 685-2274 Cell (941) 349-4411 Office (800) 237-9403 Toll Free (941) 349-8090 Fax HeleneHyland@comcast.net

LANDINGS RESIDENT OWNED AND OPERATED

DRY CLEANERS

5145 Ocean Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34242

Brian Mouldey

“Licensed & Bonded Yacht Broker” Check out Brian on Facebook @ spindriftbrian

Direct: 941-374-1697 Office: 941-383-7781 Email: spindriftbrian@gmail.com

Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC

Environmentally Conscious Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service

BOATING RENTALS / FISHING CHARTERS

Dolphin Watch • SunSetS • half Day aDventure SailS

Free Pick Up & Delivery Service Call

from your home or business

941-275-4647

ExEcutivE Shirt SErvicE • houSEhold itEmS • SamE day SErvicE availablE

www.SheSellsSiestaKeySarasota.com

• Making things happen on Siesta Key with Real Estate agents Bob and Sheri Ruiz from Key Solutions Real Estate Group. If you are looking to buy or sell on the Key contact us. Bob Ruiz 941-544-3299 RobertRuizRR@aol.com, Sheri Ruiz 941-400-4186 SheriLasley@aol.com

RESTAURANTS

HOUSE WATCH

House Watch Sarasota Licensed and Insured

Affordable and Dependable Service Solutions For Your Home While You Are Away

Sailing From Marina Jack, Sarasota

Kathleen D Sailing Catamaran 941-896-6400

www.KathleenD.net

Captain Jacks Yacht Charters

Capt. Jack Wallace 941.320.8700 www.sarasotachartervessel.com Pleasure Cruises only Sunsets/Weddings/Special Occasions Hourly, Daily, Weekly

R. BRuce Whittinghill, llc (941) 955-1864

Call or e-mail sarasotabruce1@housewatchsrq.com housewatchsrq.com for quotes and references Serving SaraSota and Surrounding areaS Since 1979

SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY

SARASOTA HOME WATCH INC. Cheryl@SarasotaHomeWatchInc.com

941-404-7464

APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE HOURS: MON. - FRI.: 9AM - 6PM

941-312-6001 bonded | insured | accredited

www.SarasotaHomeWatchInc.com

2081 SIESTA DRIVE SARASOTA, FL 34239

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

DECEMBER 2020

27th State Media LLC

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HOMES FOR SALE • THE POINTE - Lovely well maintained fourth f loor 2/2. Water views from every room. Spacious lanai span ning across the unit overlooks Little Sarasota Bay and the ICW. Inside washer/dryer closet and abundant closet space. Furnished - just bring your clothing and personal items and you can have the best of everything. Gated communit y with every amenit y. MLS# A4470344 $429,000.00. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941- 400- 4186.

SUMMER COVE - Enjoy the finest of Siesta Key in this fully upg raded 3 bedroom, 2½ bath luxury condo. A light and bright end unit with abundant windows and doors (all with impact glass built to hurricane code), enter the unit from your private elevator into a large lovely foyer. Enjoy natural light on 3 sides; 9’ ceilings; a gourmet kitchen with stain less appliances, wood cabinets, g ranite counter-tops, and break fast bar, this unit offers incredible island living. MLS #A4469222 $975,000.

Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz, Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941- 400- 4186.

NE W LUXURIOUS BEACHFRONT CONDO In the prestigious communit y, CRESCENT SIESTA KEY. This TURNKEY FURNISHED unit with a large West facing covered lanai, featuring an OUTDOOR KITCHEN, lives like a home on the beach. Highly sought after location, as it is one of on ly four units in the complex to allow direct access from the private lanai to the beautiful court yard pool area.

Averaging near six fig ure g ross an nual RENTAL INCOME, this unit provides the owner both a resort lifest yle and a sound investment. Perfectly located within walking distance to the restaurants and shops of South Siesta Village and Siesta Key Marina.

6512 Midnight Pass Road, #206, Sarasota, FL 34242 , MLS# A4478581, $1,379,000. Key Solutions Real Estate, 941-894-1255 NE W SURROUNDED BY WATER ON THREE SIDES The POINTE affords incomparable views.

From this lovely t wo bedroom, t wo bath condo at the southern most end of Siesta Key you will wake to awe-inspiring sun rises over Neville Preserve on Little Sarasota Bay and marvel at the spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. This impeccable unit has been beautifully renovated from f loor to ceiling to include diagonally inset tile f looring th roughout, solid-wood cabinets with g ranite counter-tops and stain less appliances in the open kitchen, and renovated baths. 9393 Midnight Pass Road, #205, Sarasota, FL 34242, MLS# A4472542 , $495,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255

week rentals make this a very att ractive propert y for an investor or just picking up some ext ra income when you are not enjoying the propert y for yourself. Custom solid wood cabinets in the kitchen with g ranite counters & upg raded stain less steel appliances. Desig ner bath rooms boasting tumbled marble & g ranite. Smooth ceilings with custom lighting. Desig ner tile & carpet th roughout.

Nothing has been spared. New A/C in 2017 and also a recently installed tan k-less water heater. The association replaced the roof in 2016. You are just a short walk to dining & nightlife. This villa is being sold turn key furnished (with some exclusions).

Already booked for 2021 Season. Dan Miller, Re/ Max Tropical Sands, 941-376-7442.

Wonder ful Siesta Key Grand Canal home located on desirable Palm Island (an island on an island) just a short walk to Siesta Beach. 458 ISLAND CIRCLE, $1,315,000. You will fall in love with this 3,366 square foot 4 bedroom/3.5 bath room Chill in the Mang rove shaded yard around the fire pit. This incredibly light & bright home features gleaming hardwood f loors th roughout the home, arched walls, crown molding. Glazed wood cabinet ry in kitchen with stain less steel appliances, gorgeous custom g ranite counters & desig ner tile backsplash.

Separate eating area and a spacious break fast bar for casual gathering along with a separate dining room . Upstairs is a large master bedroom suite with t ray ceiling & balcony with lovely water views, 2 additional oversized bedrooms and bath. The ensuite 4th bedroom is located on a separate, private level, ideal for a home office or g uests. Relax on the multiple screened-in lanais overlooking the private backyard with heated swimming pool. Screened pool area off the main living area on the canal with a boat lift & dock. You can step out of your back yard onto your boat & head off to exciting watersports and the best fishing Southwest Florida has to offer.

Palm Island is an Island on Siesta Key. It is a very short walk to World Famous Siesta Beach just over the Palm Island Bridge at Beach Access 10, while also close to the World Class Dining & Night life of Siesta Village. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands, 941-376-7442.

NEW GULF-FRONT VIEWS The location is second to none, directly on the beach and just steps away from the heart of the village. Enjoy all the restaurants, boutiques, markets, spas, and nightlife within t wo blocks. This fabulous beach front corner unit has five oversized balconies with stun ning sunsets. The building recently underwent major renovations; plumbing, AC, generator, well, exterior concrete restoration, new fences, new ent ry securit y, interiors updated in the lobby, lounge, fit ness/game area, and elevators. 9393 Midnight Pass Road, #P1, Sarasota, FL 34242, MLS# A4458168, $625,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941-894-1255 NE W PRICE CHARMING NE W ER SIESTA KEY HOME . This home exudes all the best qualities of island living from the moment you walk th rough the door you’ll notice the open f loor plan and bright ness, this is a 3/2 home with fully fitted kitchen with stain less appliances tiled f loors, and garage would make g reat holiday home/rental investment or a g reat alternative to a condo. 5025 Sandy Beach Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34242, MLS# A4455201, $760,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941894-1255 Beaches, Boating & Bist ros!! Live the island lifest yle in this spacious 4 bedroom, 4 bath room house located on desirable Palm Island when rented was g rossing approx. $60k in rental income. Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master bedroom and master bath room. This house boasts a new boat lift on the Grand Canal. Lounge in the heated pool and spa or enjoy your favorite libation at your own private Waterfront Tiki Bar. Privacy abounds with a lovely t ropical view across the canal. Huge bonus area on lower level. This house is located on Palm Island which is an island on an island and is a sort walk to World Famous Siesta Beach(Beach Access 10) and Siesta Village with all its excitement and wonderful dining. This is the Perfect Home or Investment propert y for the discerning buyer. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands, 941-376-7442.

WONDERFULLY REMODELED FREESTANDING VISTA HERMOSA VILLA, $399,000, 195 Vista Hermosa Circle, Unit#9-A, Sarasota, Florida. Just a short walk to World Famous Siesta Beach. You will fall in love with this 2-bedroom, 2-bath villa. Two

Siesta Cove Pa radise: Island Life is easy in the impressive, newly remodeled, generously spacious home located in an exclusive, family-friendly communit y of Siesta Cove. This 4-bedroom, 4 full bath home provides the perfect backdrop for entertaining & family gatherings. Plent y of natural light f lows th roughout the home’s open, airy layout.

It’s beautiful coastal finishes, desig n, & t ranquil color scheme, makes this home a perfect beach ret reat!

French doors lead out from the living area, den & master suite to a large, paved lanai that st retches the entire back of the home. Enjoy the private, t ropical oasis in the back that includes a resort-st yle Lagoon Pool with integ ral spa. MLS# A4478244 $1,395,000 RE/MAX Alliance Group, Wendy & Joe Kesslak Joe:941-321-8585 Wendy:941-321-7484 MOVE -IN READY CONDO: Welcome to one of the most desirable units in all of Serenade on Palmer Ranch, which even has its own garage! This corner penthouse unit overlooks a large pond and faces west for gorgeous sunsets every night from your screened-in covered lanai! Walking in, you’ll immediately notice the ext ra tall 10-foot ceilings with double crown molding and open concept living. This is the largest unit available with th ree bedrooms and t wo baths on a split f loor plan, with lots of storage. Updated appliances include a Samsung range, KitchenAid convection microwave, ult ra-quiet Samsung dishwasher, and new washer.

The A/C was replaced in 2020 and comes with a dehumidifier. The generously-sized master suite easily fits a king-sized bed, and has a large walk-

in closet and ensuite bath room. In the g uest bath, you’ll find updated porcelain tile f looring and new vessel sin k with desig ner faucet. Ample storage is found th roughout with a coat closet at the ent rance, closet pant ry in the kitchen, linen closet in the hallway, and a storage room just outside your front door. This is a gated communit y full of resort-st yle amenities, including t wo large heated swimming pools, hot tub, fit ness center, ten nis court, club house with entertaining space both inside and out, and BBQ g rills. You also have the added benefit of sending your kids to the most desirable of Sarasota schools. This Condo t ruly must be seen in person.

You won’t be disappointed! KW on The Water, MLS # A4478624, $218,000, presented by the Westerberg Group. Call Al (941) 479-1175 or (856) 278-7522 or Seth (941)-342-SOLD (7653).

GREAT INVESTMENT PROPERT Y! 2 bedroom, 2 bath villa located just a few miles to #1 rated Siesta Key Beach! This g round f loor villa has large bedrooms, a spacious living room with separate dining space, plus a covered Florida room. Ample storage is found in the large closets, pant ry closet and separate laundry room. Fresh paint th roughout and recessed lighting makes for a bright living space. Set in a fantastic communit y with a low HOA, yet you get a multitude of amenities. The large communit y pool has a peaceful setting and is the perfect place to soak in some rays. You also get use of the large clubhouse, which houses a kitchen, gathering spaces, fit ness center and billiard room.

Great rental income, on ly $140,000, 2782 Woodgate Lane Unit #16, MLS# A44080339, KW on the Water presented by The Westerberg Group, Call Seth 941.342.7653 or email sethw@kw.com RARE WATERFRONT HOME FOR SALE: It’s time to LOVE where you live in this divine mid-century modern dwelling, just steps to the purest white sand you’ll ever find! With deep boating water, you can be enjoying the rays on Sarasota Bay in just minutes.

Spacious and airy, the open concept & split f loor plan lives like a dream and is perfect for entertaining with whole home audio in every room. The amazing Chef’s Kitchen is just what you are looking for, with top-of-the-line appliances, custom cabinet ry, large island, and layered lighting. Desig ned specifically to feature roomy work zones for prep, clean up, and storage. Architectural details and custom millwork make this space the centerpiece of the home. Other custom features include plantation shutters on every window, built-in entertain ment center in the living room, and pocketing sliding glass doors.

The bedrooms are all generously sized, boast large closets, and each has their own sense of privacy.

An expansive lanai overlooks the Grand Canal and offers a beautiful place to relax while enjoying those amazing sunsets. The home has been wellmaintained and beautifully updated th roughout, most recently with fresh exterior paint, epoxy f loors in the garage, and a new driveway. Set on an ext ra-large lot with beautiful live oaks, several fruit t rees, and a large banyan. This quiet neighborhood of Siesta Isles is deed rest ricted, and makes for the perfect peaceful and private ret reat. Check out the virtual tour, and call for a private showing and full list of features! 5450 Shadow Lane, MLS # MLS# A4478851 KW on the Water presented by The Westerberg Group, Call Seth 941.342.7653 or email sethw@ kw.com

The Landings Property

FOR RENT Coach House 3 bedrooms 2 baths 2nd Floor corner unit close to Tennis Club Furnished

Looking for 1-year lease or more $3,500 per month (security deposit required) For more info email wakeme45@aol.com or call 847-630-5828

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Continued from page 1

factor is that the service can be provided within SCAT’s budget.

And Siesta Key will be one of four new zones on which SCAT will focus as it implements the changes, which are expected to be fully in effect by March or April 2021. The Siesta Key service would operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

“Anyone that had some kind of service before will continue to have access to service [and] there should be additional … flexibility options [and a] faster response time,” Grogg told the commissioners.

As part of the proposal, SCAT staff plans to eliminate a number of its fixed bus routes with low demand. Instead, the four Mobility On Demand (MOD) zones will be implemented, Grogg said. A person will be able to use a mobile app, the internet or the county call center to reserve a trip, with the target that each rider will have to wait no longer than 30 minutes for the driver to show up.

Persons desiring to do so will be able to connect to a fixed-route bus from what staff is calling “mobility hubs,” she added.

Along with Siesta Key, the other three MOD zones are Lido-Longboat-St. Armands keys; North Port; and VeniceEnglewood, Grogg noted.

“How much of a better experience is that?”

Commissioner Christian Ziegler pointed out after Grogg’s presentation.

“You’ve got to be able to move with the times,” Chair Michael Moran added.

“I think we need to state why we’re doing this,” Commissioner Nancy Detert said of the proposal Grogg presented that day. “What we’re trying to do is spend the same amount of money and provide better service.”

One slide Grogg showed the commissioners pointed to answers to a county survey regarding persons’ interest in using SCAT if certain improvements were made.

If more direct service were provided to attractions such as the beaches, malls and the downtown areas of the county’s municipalities, then 51.6% of survey respondents said they would be likely to use SCAT. With a same-day reservation system utilizing a curb-to-curb service, similar to Uber or Lyft, then 49.5% of the respondents indicated their likelihood of using SCAT, the slide also noted.

A consultant’s study of the SCAT system showed that the annual operating cost of the current bus route network is $10,560,138. That analysis said the county could save $2,494,561 by implementing changes in the service.

The MOD program would require 18 vehicles, consultant Tindale Oliver suggested, with anticipation of 66,034 annual revenue hours. The firm estimated the annual operating cost would be $3.17 million.

However, the new program would be expected to replace almost all of the county’s existing paratransit services — which transport persons with disabilities — in the four proposed MOD zones, saving the county $1,026,480 a year.

Thus, Tindale Oliver put net annual savings for SCAT at $351,418.

Through November, Grogg told the board members, staff would work with Tindale Oliver on developing what she called the “Fixed Route Run Cut.” Then, if all goes as expected, she continued, she would be back before the commissioners no later than January 2021 with a proposed contract related to market analysis and branding, as

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well as a MOD contract.

“Staff is preparing for communicating new service information and scheduling to the public,” a county staff memo noted. “To ensure that SCAT customers are aware of the new service plan and route modifications,” the memo said, “the information will be posted … on the SCAT website, via social media, on buses, at transfer stations, and as appropriate at SCAT bus stops.”

Details of the analysis

The county staff memo provided to the commissioners in advance of the Oct. 21 meeting pointed out that Tindale Oliver began a route optimization analysis and work plan on June 3.

The firm’s resulting report, dated Oct. 8, noted that in February, the commissioners directed the SCAT staff “to move forward with an implementation plan for a new SCAT Mobility Network.”

“Ridership is a key measure of success in the transit industry,” the study pointed out. From 2009 through 2011, it said, SCAT ridership increased steadily, climbing 13%. Then passenger counts reached a plateau between 2.8 million and 2.9 million; that came between 2011 and 2014, the study noted. By 2019, the study added, ridership had declined by 15% from the 2014 peak, settling at 2.4 million passengers in 2018 and 2019.

Already, SCAT Routes 4, 11, 18 and 33 have been suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic, as SCAT’s webpages point out. Instead, on-demand, curb-to-curb service has been implemented.

Route 11 was the primary service to Siesta Key. Route 33 also ferried passengers between the Amish-Mennonite community of Pinecraft and Siesta Public Beach.

Answers to the WORD SEARCH from page 29

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IMPORTANT NUMBERS Emergency (General)......................................................................911 Emergency Animal Clinic.............................................941-929-1818 Fishing & Hunting Licenses.........................................941-362-9888 FPL – Florida Power & Light........................................941-917-0708 FPL – Outage Report.................................................. 1-800-468-8243 Marriage License Bureau..............................................941-362-4066 Poison Info Center..................................................... 1-800-282-3171 Sarasota / Bradenton Intl. Airport..............................941-359-2770 Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT).........................941-316-1234 Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce..............................941-349-3800 Sheriff / non-emergency..............................................941- 861-1601 Waste Management........................................................941-924-1254

Sunset Beach Resort Siesta Key Dream Inn

6600 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota BestWesternSiestaKey.com 941.924.4900

Complimentary shuttle service to and from anywhere on Siesta Key. Thursday-Sunday 10AM-11PM (driver tips only)

Still Family Owned and Operated Since 2007 AAA-3 Diamond Property

• 114 Guest Rooms • One and Two Bedroom Suites Now Available • Complimentary Grab & Go Breakfast Every Morning • Free Shuttle Service to and from Siesta Key every day.

• Microwave/Fridge in every guestroom *Amenities and services may be adjusted due to COVID-19, please contact the hotel or visit our website for details

Hours: Thursday 2:00PM - 8:00PM Fri.& Sat. 2:00PM - 10:00PM Happy Hour 3-6PM OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Live Music every weekend (check the schedule on Facebook or call 941-924-4900) *Use of the pool for Registered Guests Only

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Volleyball Fanatic

Jennifer This month’s Volleyball Fanatic is Jennifer (25) of Delrey Beach. A serious beach volleyball player, she and her partner play in the Women’s Pro Division. The winners of this division often win a cash prize of more than $1,000. If there’s a tournament on gorgeous Siesta Beach, you’ll likely find Jennifer in the draw.

Photos by Trebor Britt

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