IV Siesta Sand - January 2015

Why the world comes to Sarasota

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JANUARY 2015 | 941.349.0194 | ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC | www.SiestaSand.net | COMPLIMENTARY

County Postpones New Rules for Turtle Beach Park

Island Construction Has Its Perks While work took place on the new Tiki roof for Gilligan’s Island Bar, located in Siesta Key Village, three customers came out to help facilitate the project with an impromptu photoshoot.

These ladies were modeling the 2015 Floridita swimwear line.

Owner Scott Smith, stood at the ready to make sure all went smoothly.

By Bob Frederickson

Kayaking and stand up paddle boarding have become increasingly popular in recent years. So much so that Sarasota County introduced new rules regulating commercial vendors in January of 2014 to address complaints of over commercialization and lack of access for the public at Ted Sperling Park on Lido Key, home to the area’s most popular launch point, the trail head for the paddling trail that weaves its way through the mangrove tunnels that hug the shore of South Lido Key on the bay side.

Now those same rules are coming to Turtle Beach, surprising some on Siesta who say they didn’t realize decisions made in late 2013 concerning problems on Lido would some day apply to Siesta as well.

Originally set to take effect on January 1st, in a late breaking development the county on December 17th indicated the rollout will be “postponed until mid-year 2015.”

“Based on feedback received and questions that arose during the public meetings (in early December), we determined that delaying this program would be beneficial to all.”

The e-mail message was sent by Sarasota County Business Development Coordinator Patricia Wisner.

In an earlier interview with Siesta Sand, Wisner had explained why the rules plannedfor Siesta were originally introduced at Ted Sperling Park.

“People were complaining that the park looked more like a retail store than a park, with all the kayaks and vendor trailers lined up” she said.

Those vendors compete for what has become big business locally. According to Park Ranger Pete Garcia, there were over 49,000 launches of non-motorized watercraft at Ted Sperling Park last year.

32,000 of those were commercial rentals, the balance private citizens launching their own craft. Exact numbers aren’t available for Turtle Beach, but Garcia agrees with estimates putting the number at about one/third the number on Lido.

Figuring an average rate of $45 per rental, that adds up to almost $1.5 million in economic activity annually.

Continued on page 29

Wastewater update on the Key

|It will take four phases of construction work to decommission an aging wastewater plant. By Roger Drouin At the end of Shadow Lawn Drive, there is a gate. On the other side, sits a wastewater treatment plant that was built decades ago, and now is located in the middle of the residential neighborhood of Siesta Isles.

Although mostly hidden from view, noises and sometimes odors emanate from the plant. Numerous trucks pass through with chemicals used to treat wastewater.

But that won’t be the case once Sarasota County completes a $9.1 million project to decommission the Siesta Key Wastewater Treatment Plant and replace it with a modern and much smaller lift station.

“All the old buildings and old tanks will be removed,” said Dave Cash, water/ wastewater division manager for Sarasota

CRYSTAL BALL EVENT Page 29

County. “You won’t have all the noises, and traffic and chemical trucks coming in and out of there. It should be a much more passive installation there.”

The county plans to decommission the old wastewater plant by December, 31, 2016. That plan has to come to fruition in order to meet an agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), which is mandating shutting the facility down.

The treatment plant is a remnant of a previous type of wastewater treatment. It is the only wastewater facility currently in the county that treats water and discharges it into a waterway.

Continued on page 24

Continued on page 29

Photo courtesy of Floridita Swimwear Be sure to see which one of these lovely ladies is our January island girl on the back page

St. Michael the Archangel Church asks parishioners for help By Debbie Flessner The economic downturn of the past seven years or so has been difficult for many individuals, but perhaps none are more adversely affected than organizations that depend upon the generosity of others for their survival.

St. Michael the Archangel Church on Siesta Key, is a Catholic parish in the middle of perhaps one of the wealthiest areas of the Venice Diocese, but that location has not made them immune to financial difficulties.

In November, the Pastor of the church, Msgr.

Joe Stearns, sent out a letter to parishioners, advising them of some news he had received from the church’s Financial Committee.

The letter explained that for the past two years, St. Michael had been seeing a negative financial trend, and was currently facing a deficit. Fr. Leo Smith, Associate Pastor, said that many of the parishioners were shocked at the report.

“We genuinely believe that the parishioners didn’t know there was a problem, and because it’s Siesta Key, people just think everything is ok,” he said. “The parish has shrunk over time,

ISLAND FISH MONGER Page 21

KEY SOLUTIONS REAL ESTATE

from 1200 families to about 850, and also over time, the collections have gotten smaller.”

Plus, since the church is in a tourist area, many of those who attend services there are snowbirds who are only in town for half the year.

Diane Marcus, Administrative Assistant with St. Michael, said that because the buildings on the parish property are from the 1950s and have many elements in need of repair, the lack of funds being placed in the collection plate affects our ability to maintain our facilities.

“We had a leak in the air conditioning unit, which was a huge undertaking,” she said.

“The other buildings also need maintenance and air conditioning repairs.”

It’s important to note that St. Michael the Archangel Church is not in debt, it is showing a financial deficit, which is why the parish’s Financial Committee believes that with an increased offertory and cutting overall expenses, the deficit can be erased.

WHO’S PLAYING TONIGHT Page 22

Continued on page 18

CONDO LIGHTING Page 33

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Don’t miss the Siesta Key Association’s January 8th meeting. Guest Speaker is Todd Mathes Director of Development, Benderson Development Company LLC. Mathes will discuss the proposed 250,000 sq. ft. Siesta Promenade Shopping Center, corner of Stickney Point and Tamiami Trail.

The Meeting is at 4:30 PM, St. Boniface Church 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Room F.

Siesta Key Association meeting notes Community Reports: Sheriff’s Office:

Sgt. Scott Osborne was pleased to report that there were no real crime trends. He feels this was because the department practices Intelligence Led Policing (ILP).

Says Sgt. Osborne: “Since 6 % of the population commits 60% of the crimes, we follow that 6% very carefully. They know it. We don’t hide this. Our goal is to prevent crimes.”

The Sheriff’s Office was very busy during the Turkey Trot because college kids have big parties, and do a lot of pub crawling. The Village was packed during the “Light up the Village” Parade. There was also some traffic gridlock during the Crystal Classic.

“There is a point when the event is too big for the venue,” cautioned Sgt. Osborne.

A question was posed to Sgt. Osborne from one of the attendees, regarding keeping our gates open or closed during the day. As for

keeping the gates shut in front of various condos and developments, he advised doing so. “Basically people are lazy, including robbers.

When they see something is easy to get, it’s almost a crime of opportunity.”

Community Reports Code Enforcement

Illegal Rentals continue to take up most of John Lally’s time. He spends 5 months getting offenders into the courtroom because they stall and stall. When he ultimately gets them into court, they become compliant and the judge does not fine them. He will be in court again in January. The law reads that a property may be legally rented only one time in a 30 –day period.

Overview of Lido / Big Pass Project Scope; Status of 3rd Party Review

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Continued on page 14

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Engineers, meaning it is both a City and a Federal project. The County also is involved: they are not only the stewards of our coastal system; they also own Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach. The project calls for 3 groins to be placed on Lido, one at the southern tip of the park.

Laird S. Wreford, Sarasota County Environmental Protection Division, reported on the status of the 3rd Party Review. “Of primary concern is the impact that might be made on the area if volumes of sand are taken out. The goal is to have a beautifully nourished Lido Beach with insignificant damage to other places.”

Laird Wreford went on to say that the Army Corps has done a great deal of research. Based on their studies, they have reached certain scientific conclusions. “The point of the 3rd Party Review is not to redo work that the Army Corps did well.

The point is to examine, review and evaluate their conclusions.”

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SIESTA SAND January 2015 • www.siestasand.net

OUT-OF-DOOR-ACADEMY Turns 90 The Out-of-Door School was established in 1924. Renamed The Out-of-Door Academy in 1977, it celebrates its 90th year of continuous operation. In spite of the advent of technology and dramatic changes in curriculum, the Academy has remained true to the original mission of the two amazing women who were its founders.

Fanneal Harrison and Catherine Gavin were both nurses during World War I. When the war was over, they traveled Europe studying the best educational practices of the era. Both came away from that experience believing that a school’s focus should be to educate the “whole child”—intellectually, socially, and physically. Both women were visionaries, convinced that fresh air, physical activity, and immersion in the arts would develop graduates that would be skilled, confident, and successful.

Today, academics, arts, athletics and character education continue to be the focal points of the ODA mission.

Out-of-Door-Academy is an independent, co-educational college preparatory school located on two separate campuses in Sarasota. Current total enrollment is 685, with 255 students in grades 9-12. The school is unique in that every member of the ODA community is held accountable to follow the school’s Core Values, including faculty, parents and students. As guidelines, a list of these Core Values is posted in each classroom: Excellence, Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, and Service. Academic integrity is of primary importance, and ODA requires all students to abide by the Honor Code.

The Lower School is located on Siesta Key on the site of the original Out-of-Door. This campus is small and charming, and sits on five acres of land. It is home to 245 younger students, pre-kindergarten through 5th. A log cabin stands in the center of the complex. Designed by the architect, Ralph Twitchell, it

was built as a library in the 1930’s by students and members of the faculty.

In those early days, morning lessons integrated academics with a schedule of outdoor activities.

Indeed, the philosophy of the school dictated that most classes be held out-of-doors. The dining hall was an open air spot on the Gulf of Mexico, looking out over swim docks, which included diving boards and shark netting.

Students swam every day before dinner at one o’clock, and then rested for one hour on mats in the sun while teachers read to them. The rest of the afternoon was devoted to the arts and to the care of gardens and pets.

In the words of founder Fanneal Harrison,” Rest and fresh air, freedom, and as much time as possible in the open are more important, if one has to choose between them, than strenuous programs of study for school children.” Intellectual curiosity was fostered. Children took nature walks and field trips. It was truly progressive education.

Today, Pre-K – 5 students enjoy the ambiance of towering banyan trees and historic buildings alongside modern classrooms. A first-rate technology infrastructure is in place which includes labs and mobile laptop carts. The Lower School also has a 17,000+ volume library, music room, art studios, science labs, and a studio for the studentrun campus TV station, WODA. Activities reflect an ambitious age-appropriate curriculum, while maintaining a focus on nurturing and mentoring each individual child. Emphasis is on the early establishment of self-confidence, a sense of responsibility, and an enjoyment of learning. At the end of the school day, students are encouraged to participate in a variety of organized activities, with importance placed on service and enrichment.

Since 1996, the Middle and Upper School has been housed on

By Diana Colson

the Uihlein Campus at Lakewood Ranch. The site is large: 85 acres.

Here, 440 students in grades 6-12 experience a core college preparatory curriculum with electives in the performing arts, fine arts, sciences and humanities.

It offers a variety of athletic, extracurricular and community service activities.

The success of the ODA program is demonstrated in the fact that 100% of the graduating Class of 2014 has matriculated to a four year college or university. Furthermore, 98% of those 54 students received more than $8,390,000 in unsolicited academic scholarships, an impressive average of $156,000 per scholarship recipient over a period of four years.

The high-caliber education provided by ODA comes at a cost.

However, 20% of ODA students receive financial assistance, allowing an inclusive community which welcomes students from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

This year, 1.75 million dollars were given in financial aid so that children who otherwise could not attend ODA were able to experience an independent school education. No Merit Scholarships are provided: instead assistance is simply given to families in need.

ODA was originally a boarding school, and students were drawn from all over the United States.

Today, however, students are recruited both nationally and internationally, and the school serves youth from over 30 countries. In this age of globalization, ODA gives students and faculty opportunities to explore beyond the boundaries of textbooks, classrooms and borders. The Academy partners with a premier school in China with the goal of developing a more global perspective.

International exchange programs are in place, with technology being used to increase international understanding.

ODA encourages intellectual diversity in the classroom as well as demographic and ethnic diversity in the community.

In the words of David V. Mahler, Head of School, “The world is changing very quickly.

ODA is trying to be thoughtful and visionary in creating a classroom of the future, not a classroom of the past. The integration of technology is important, as is the mastery of language. Every 6th grade student studies Latin. Mandarin has been added to the language offerings, along with Spanish, French and Arabic. Out-of-Door Academy has remained true to the vision of the original founders, but it also continues to evolve and change, making sure that the next generation is exceptionally well prepared for college and for life.”

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

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Come Toast and Roast Tom and Kay Kouvatsos and support Pine View Band Bring your appetite and reserve your seat in the coliseum to cheer along as Kay and Tom Kouvatsos, owners of Village Café on Siesta Key, are thrown to the lions at a special event to benefit Pine View Band.

The Pine View Band is holding a Toast & Roast honoring Kay and Tom Kouvatsos, owners of Village Café on Siesta Key, on Friday, February 6, 2015, at the Heritage Oaks Country Club, 4800 Chase Oaks Drive, Sarasota, 34241.

Proceeds of this event will benefit The Kouvatsos Coaching Fund for the Pine View Band Program.

The Kouvatsoses have been strong supporters of the Pine View Band for over ten years and Pine View parents since 1997. Music has always been a part of their lives. Since he was a young boy, Tom has played the piano and guitar, and has been known to sing a little, too.

Kay played clarinet and bassoon throughout high school and into

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college. All three of their children were introduced to music with piano lessons at the age of five and played various instruments as part of the Pine View Band program. The Kouvatsos family has always valued music for its therapeutic benefit, mental development as well as for pure enjoyment.

Tom and Kay are strong and longtime supporters of their community, as well as Pine View School. They have owned and operated the Village Café for over 16 years, have donated and catered countless Pine View events, have been members of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, served on the Siesta Key Chamber Board of Directors as well as Siesta Key Village Association Board members and event planners.

They’ve sponsored and hosted the Pine View Jazz Band at the Siesta Key Christmas Stroll annually since 2006. Tom has been a member of the Board of St. Barbara Greek School for 11 years,

serving as President for the past eight years.

The Pine View Band program is one of the premier music study programs in the state of Florida.

The Kouvatsos Coaching Fund will help provide small group instruction for ALL band students throughout the year, every year.

Tickets for the Roast are $100 per person. Sponsorships are available. For tickets, more information or to sign up as a sponsor, contact: Rebecca St. Pierre at (941) 356-3612 / rlstpierre2@aol.com; or Zoltan Karpathy at (941) 809.2229 / zsiesta@aol.com.

SIESTA SAND January 2015 • www.siestasand.net

Siesta Key Round-Up Compiled by Roger Drouin Teens in a jeep try to scale a house

the home. A concerned Siesta Key resident said he called the office of the Sherriff’s Department on the Key and left a message, but didn’t think anyone came by. He said the parents of the teens eventually showed up in a mini-van and pulled the jeep out of the dirt.

There was no damage to the concrete structure.

Buccaneer Landscaping and SK Village Maintenance now on same page

By all appearances, it seemed that the two teens shown in the picture were trying to drive right up onto the foundation of a home that was being built on the corner of Treasure Boat Way and Ocean Blvd.

Not successful, they added insult to injury when they got the jeep stuck in the thick dirt alongside

Even the longest-lasting relationships sometimes have rocky starts.

Buccaneer Landscaping took over the maintenance contract for Siesta Key Village in the middle of September, after having replaced Championship, the former maintenance company. But the Siesta Key Village Maintenance Corp. chair said that by the beginning of December, it was clear that there were some issues Continued on page 5

Siesta Key Round-Up

Back in October, Ben Loeser, project manager with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) made a proposal to the Sarasota County Commissioners on a project that would give new life to the aging Stickney Point Bridge. In general terms, it would include reconditioning the drawbridge’s electrical system and machinery, and repairing and refurbishing the concrete and seawall.

According to the public information officer for District 1 of the FDOT, the six to sevenmonth project is scheduled to begin on time, just after Easter. Robin Stublin says that the scope of the bridge repair project will address the following: * Steel components on the movable spans. *Deteriorated concrete throughout the bridges. * Seawall * Machinery that operates the movable spans. * Electrical system that controls the movable spans. * Control House.

Work will be completed during the nighttime hours of 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., and there will be lane closures, similar to when the Siesta Drive Bridge project was being worked on in 2012. The entire project is expected to be finished by the fall of 2015.

LIVE

Public Beach parking project moving along

Since work began at Siesta Public Beach in 2013, it seems like there is something new and different every time you go. The

Abel’s Ice Cream a great place to visit!

Abel’s Ice Cream focus is to offer the South Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch residents and tourist a nationally award winning premium ice cream at a competitive price with generous portions. The ice cream they offer is Florida made and is the recipient of 24 national awards issued by the National Ice Cream Retailers Association since 2009.

Sarasota’s best Specialty ice cream flavor Spumoni (swirled pistachio, chocolate and cherry ice cream, almonds and a special blend of fruits) was awarded to Abel’s in the July 2012 issue of Sarasota Magazine.

Abel’s hot fudge, malted milk shakes and Dreamsicle flavored ice cream will remind you of the product quality from the 1960’s drug store soda fountain era. Other historical menu item favorites include root beer floats, ice cream sodas, banana splits and brownie sundaes. Of the 36 flavors offered including two no sugar added and two frozen yogurts, their three best sellers are:

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“The parking lots that you see now will be what’s available until late February or early 005722_MHBF_LandingsEagle_Mech Revision: 0 Created: 8/21/13 Printed 100%the March, @ when next phase turns Client: M. Heights Creative Director: REX GEE over,” he said. “Jon Art Director: REYNOLDS Smith (the ALAN general contractor on the project) is actually Bleed: N/A Copywriter: project’s main objectives were to ahead of schedule on the parking Trim: N/A Proofreader: NANCY TUCKER increase and improve parking and lot component.”

When the parking partLUIS of ARRIAGADA the Studio Artist: pedestrian access, upgradeLive: and10"x5.125" expand recreational opportunities project is completed, there will beInspected By: and facilities and restore the 143 new spaces, with what Gaubatz Colors: Production Manager: CAPOSINO a much betterCAROL layout. historic pavilion, which was built4/c said will be encouraged in the 1950s.

DPI: 300 He says he feels Project Manager: LAURA by WILMESMEIER Brad Gaubatz, who works in the compliments he’s been getting Capital Projects - for Sarasota about the Public Beach work that County Public Works, said that has been completed so far. the project is steadily moving in “ I h a v e n ’ t h e a r d m a n y stages. The next phase begins in complaints, and that’s always a good thing,” he said. the spring.

Photo by Debbie Flessner

Stellar Coffee Rich coffee ice cream with fudge and mini dark chocolate coffee cups

Raspberry Truffle Raspberry ice cream with raspberry ribbon & dark chocolate raspberry cups Coconut Almond Fudge Tropical coconut ice cream with fudge ribbon & whole roasted almonds If you are seeking a place to enjoy great ice cream in a squeaky clean shop, Abel’s is the shop you should visit. The owners Bill and Norma serve fresh filtered water to enjoy with your ice cream.

They are located at 1886 Stickney Point Road between New Balance Shoes and Stonewood Grill - 9215700 or visit their web site for directions: www.abelsicecream.com.

2121 Siesta Drive Sarasota, FL 34239

Local Artist Vince Brennan painted a watercolor of the Local Bean.

Brennan has prints and postcards of his work available for purchase at the Local Bean located at 5180 Ocean Blvd on Siesta Key.

now to next.

Stickney Point Bridge repairs still on schedule

Studio Rubylake conducts the Sunset Fusion Class on the beach.

For more information about these classes go to www.studiorubylake.com or call 941-312-0700

MECHANICAL

that needed to be addressed with the new company.

“They didn’t understand the full duties and responsibilities of the contract,” said Mark Smith. “But we had a meeting with the County and with Buccaneer, and we’re all on the same page now.”

The contract with Buccaneer does not just include trash collection and landscaping, it also encompasses repairs on benches, statues, fountains and even the gazebo.

Coming up soon will be the planting of some new annual plants, which had been delayed because of a leak in the Village irrigation system.

Continued from page 4

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941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, 8/21/13 LLC 2:07 PM 5

News Up & Down the Trail A big bayfront impact

After sitting vacant since 2007, when a planned mixed-use development fell through, the former Sarasota Quay site has sold.

The sale of the bayfront site could have a big impact on the future of the area. Because of the property’s location and size, it’s considered a prime development opportunity.

GreenPointe Communities, a subsidiary of Jacksonville-based GreenPointe Holdings, announced its purchase of the Quay property for $27 million in a statement Dec. 5. The 13.9-acre parcel is located near Fourth Street on the bayfront.

GreenPointe said it plans to build a mixed-use project that can link downtown with the Arts District and will include residential, commercial, retail and hospitality elements. The company bought the site from the Irish government, which owned the property following a foreclosure.

The project will be a mixture of residential, commercial and retail, and could include hotels, restaurants and entertainment

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By Roger Drouin

venues. The company’s president, Grady Miars, said in a statement that he hoped the development would help bridge Sarasota’s downtown and cultural arts district.

“We look forward to working with the City of Sarasota and other stakeholders to finalize a plan,” he said.

GreenPointe Communities was founded in 2008 and has development more than 100,000 acres of land, according to a news release from the company.

Pub applies for downtown locale

A new Irish pub could be coming to the heart of downtown Sarasota.

Owners of the Paddy Wagon Irish Pub have applied for a Major Conditional Use with the city to allow the use of a liquor license at the space between Pho Cali and Drunken Poet Cafe on the 1500 block of Main Street, in a building purchased for $2.08 million 2012

by Entrepreneur Jessie Biter.

According to paperwork filed Dec.

18 with the city, the pub owners hope to open the1,940-square-foot establishment in summer 2015.

The Irish-themed bar has another location on Clark Road. On it’s Facebook page, that location is described as Sarasota’s premier Irish pub, with 25 beers on draft.

It is a smoker-friendly bar. The Sarasota-based Paddy Wagon bar chain has grown to six locations, with the most recent opening in the Braden River Plaza in Bradenton.

The bar owner is applying for an adjustment to the planning board that would allow the bar at 1576 Main Street to operate with a liquor license within 500 feet of a house of worship and/or alcoholic beverage store.

SMH plans St. Armands satellite

Sarasota Memorial Hospital may build an urgent care center off St. Armands Circle. It would become the hospital’s sixth urgent care center.

A hospital subcommittee has given preliminary approval to a

SIESTA SAND January 2015 • www.siestasand.net

$3.6 million deal to buy property at 500 John Ringling Blvd.

Slated to open in late 2015 or early 2016, the new urgent care center would extend the hospital’s reach into Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key and St. Armands Circle. Current SMH urgent care centers include: Heritage harbor; University Parkway; Bee Ridge Road; Stickney Point; and Venice.

Mason named county commission chair

The County Commission has a new chairperson at the dais. On Dec. 2, the board selected Carolyn Mason, District 1, as chair and Alan Maio, District 4, as vice chair for 2015. Paul Caragiulo, District 2, will serve as Pro Tem. The chair presides at commission meetings. The commissioners voted to select the position, which are effective Jan. 1. The votes were unanimous.

Current Chair Charles Hines and Vice Chair Christine Robinson will continue to serve in those roles for the remainder of 2014.

“I appreciate the confidence that my colleagues have shown in me by selecting me, and I look forward to the coming year,” Mason said.

Sarasota County hires development coordinator

Sarasota County has hired a development services manager for its Planning and Development Services department.

Dennis Murphy started Dec. 15.

Murphy will report to Tom Polk, the planning and development services director. Murphy’s position is a part of the restructuring of the county government’s organization, which was initiated by County Administrator Tom Harmer after he was hired in February.

Planning and Development Services is now the departmental center for several other services, including planning services, environmental protection, permit intake services and development services. Development services is a compilation of further services, Continued on page 7

News Up & Down the Trail including land development, building inspections and code enforcement.

Murphy will be paid $87,505 annually and oversee 73 employees.

His duties will include a high degree of public involvement with citizens, neighborhood groups and building/ construction stakeholders, as well as interaction with the service unit managers and team members, according to a Sarasota County press release. “We look forward to bringing Dennis’ talents into the Planning and Development Services organization,” Polk said.

“His background and experience make him well suited for furthering the county’s goal of planning for positive development and redevelopment.”Murphy worked 13 years in Charlotte County and nine in Punta Gorda, where he managed daily operations of the city’s divisions of land zoning, compliance and development as the director of growth management.

Bicycle power

Sarasota County wants to be a bit more friendly to those who travel by foot or pedal power. That goal is evidenced by the hiring of Patrick Lui. Although Lui is new to the county, the position isn’t exactly.

Sarasota County used to have a bike-pedestrian coordinator, but that position was phased out during the recession. The county reinstated the position.

As the new Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, Lui is tasked with encouraging and improving safety for bicyclists and pedestrians and helping to develop multi-modal, alternative transportation in Sarasota County.

Lui previously spent seven years working for the town of Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada; six as a parks planner; then a year as the sustainable transportation coordinator. In that position, he was responsible for managing the implementation of a pedestrian and cycling master plan for the community. Lui worked with residents, businesses and consultants to develop design guidelines and policy tools that would support a sustainable transportation network.

Sarasota’s pleasant weather was a draw for Lui and his family in relocating from Canada — he and his wife, Megan, have a 2-year-old daughter, Sally, and are expecting a second child — but it also

Continued from page 6

provides a great opportunity for this particular role, he said. “What I like about Sarasota County is the weather is great for sustainable transportation,” Lui said. “You’re dealing with this issue every day in this area.”

Lui’s responsibilities will include acting as a liaison for the county’s Bicycle/Pedestrian/Trail Advisory Committee and working closely with the public, said Paula Wiggins, the county’s transportation planning manager.

New SCAT director on board

The county has named a new SCAT director to replace Glama Carter, who was fired in July.

The new director, Rocky Burke, of Lexington, Ky., has more than 15 years of leadership and management experience within the public transit industry. He previously served as the general manager of Lextran in Lexington, where he oversaw a program that included 75 fixed bus routes and 49 contracted para-transit buses, more than 200 employees and an operating budget of $21 million.

Since he began serving in that role in 2008, Burke has helped increase ridership by more than 15 percent, added more passenger amenities and implemented a downtown trolley service and late-night university services in Lexington.

“We are pleased to welcome Rocky to our community,” said County Administrator Tom Harmer. “We expect that his years of experience in public transportation will help us improve customer service and continue to grow ridership here in Sarasota County.”

Burke is tentatively scheduled to begin employment Dec. 29. “I’m looking forward to this new job both personally and professionally,” Burke said. “My feeling after talking with the leadership of Sarasota County is that we will all be trying to make SCAT the best transit service of its size in the country.”

were chosen to fill two vacated seats on the City Commission.

Zimmerman, most recently wrote for Siesta Sand and the now in-active Sarasota News Leader.

At a special meeting in November, the three remaining city commissioners selected Normile and Zimmerman to join the board through May 2015. The two new commissioners were sworn in Nov. 19.

The two will serve the remainder of the District 2 and District 3 terms, which became open following the resignations of Paul Caragiulo and Shannon Snyder, both of whom ran for a Sarasota County Commission seat. Those terms expire in May following the spring municipal election.

Design approved for city lift station

The city’s beleaguered lift station moved a step ahead Dec. 1 when city commissioners approved a final design meant to house the new station—and hide the sewer pumping equipment from the public view.

Continued on page 10

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Two new city commissioners

The city of Sarasota has two new commissioners. Eileen Normile, chairwoman of the city’s Independent Police Advisory Panel, and Stan Zimmerman, writer and former president of the Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations,

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Siesta Key Residents Witness Homecoming

By Trebor Britt

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What an honor it was for my wife Sandy and me to witness the triumphant return of our grandson, Hospital Corpsman Third Class, Taylor Larson and his crew after nine months of combat off the coast of Iraq.

He is one of more than 300 brave sailors aboard the USS Philippine Sea. His crew and ship made the national news after having the unique distinction of firing the first Tomahawk Cruise Missile into an ISIS stronghold.

Tears of patriotism and pride roll down my cheek as I write about this. If you have one drop of patriotic blood in your body, and ever have the opportunity, you don’t want to miss a welcome home like this.

Forever etched in my heart and mind are the hundreds of family members cheering and waving US flags while music played in the background as this U.S. Navy battle ship slowly crept dockside.

May God bless and guide our servicemen and women all over the globe.

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SIESTA SAND January 2015 • www.siestasand.net

Sheriff’s Report

Nov. 18- Dec. 15, 2014

There were a total of 26 crimes reported on the Key from 11/18-12/15/14 11/16/14 Grand Theft/Felony 200 Block Tenacity Lane

A man called the Sheriff’s Department to report the theft of his laptop computer and backpack. The theft occurred sometime between 11-14-14 and 11-16-14 while he was visiting family on the Key. The man stated he had the computer in a backpack which he had placed in the rear seat of a Hertz rental car and had visited several different locations in Sarasota during this time frame. There was no evidence of forced entry and it was assumed the bag was taken while the car was parked in the driveway of the house on Tenacity Lane. There were no suspects or witnesses.

11/27/14 Battery 5000 Block Ocean Blvd.

Officers responded to a fight and observed a man lying on the ground bleeding from his head and another man (his brother) kneeling next to him. The brother explained that a couple of the girls who were in their group had begun to fight with each other. The injured brother was encouraging everyone to let the girls fight it out, but when other girls jumped into the fight as well, he tried to break them up. At this time, an unknown third male came in and yelled to stop putting his hands on the females and blind-sided the man causing him to fall to the ground. The brother then started fighting with the unknown man until he noticed his brother lying, bleeding on the ground. The unknown male, who was the only one not intoxicated, flagged down EMS to help the injured man. He stated that when he noticed the man getting physical with the second group of females, he felt a need to defend them. He then had to defend himself against two intoxicated subjects fighting with him. The deputy believed, based on the entire situation that the unknown man should not be charged with a crime.

11/22/14 Stolen Vehicle 300 Block Canal Rd

A man advised his Alamo Rental car 2014 Ford Expedition was stolen from his driveway. The vehicle was unlocked and the keys were inside.

11/27/14 Battery/ Possession of Marijuana/Resisting Without

Violence/ Misdemeanors Ocean Blvd/Canal Rd

While on foot control, an officer observed a fight occurring at the intersection of Ocean and Canal.

As he got closer, he observed the victim being handcuffed by deputies, and the defendant on the ground resisting arrest from another deputy. He attempted to assist the deputy in the arrest but the defendant would not place his hands behind his back and tried to get up repeatedly. Officers noticed the odor of Marijuana coming from the man’s body. Upon searching him, they found a yellow pill bottle with a marijuana cigarette inside.

The defendant denied ownership of it. According to the victim, he and the defendant had been in a verbal altercation, which appeared to be over after both parties shook hands and went their separate ways. The victim then stated that the defendant then turned around and began to punch him multiple times along with two other unknown persons. The victim was intoxicated and uncooperative the whole time.

Witnesses corroborated the victim’s story and the defendant was placed under arrest.

11/29/14 Grand Theft Ocean Blvd

An officer was dispatched to the intersection of Beach Rd. and Ocean Blvd. in response to a reported theft. The complainant and her boyfriend had left their belongings on the beach while they went into the water. When they came out only a couple of minutes later, their wallets and phones were missing.

The Deputy used the find my iphone application to locate one cell phone

in the sea oats by Access 4. Both cell phones, as well as the woman’s wallet were found in the sea oats by a bench. The man’s wallet was not found. However, a citizen found the man’s credit cards and driver’s license scattered on the beach. The woman stated that her wallet did not seem to be missing anything.

The department helicopter and responding units checked the area, though no suspects were identified.

11/30/14 Battery/ Criminal Mischief/ Misdemeanor 1000 Block Point Of Rocks Rd

A distraught woman reported a battery to the Sheriff’s office. She stated that her ex-boyfriend had gone to her residence and found her outside on her patio drinking a cocktail with one of his previous supervisors who had fired him from a job. She stated that the exboyfriend was very upset about this and engaged in a verbal altercation with her. Once the boyfriend had arrived, the supervisor left the residence to avoid a confrontation.

The ex-boyfriend became enraged and began shoving the woman out of anger. She stated that after several shoves, he broke the passenger side mirror of her vehicle, which was parked outside her residence. While he was breaking the mirror, she attempted to get him away from her vehicle, where he then picked her up and slammed her on the ground. The woman reported that she was hurting from the physical altercation but refused when asked if she needed medical assistance.

Continued on page 26

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9

Even Santa needs a holiday. Santa (Rev. Bongo from Venice) was spotted at the end of Messina by Beach Road testing out his newest toy, a custom made bike which uses mostly retrofitted Volkswagen parts.

Photo by Diane Erne

News Up & Down the Trail Commissioners chose Mediterranean Revival style.

The unanimous decision came after months of public meetings and architectural choices for the longtroubled sewage project known as Lift Station 87 in Luke Wood Park. But while residents and city officials discussed the building’s facade, potentially bigger problems remained unsolved, and it has since become clear the project would be delayed another two years.

The lift station is needed to replace a failing facility and would move about one-third of the city’s wastewater under Hudson Bayou.

It was originally meant to be built underground, but hurricane impact studies convinced city officials that it must be above ground.

Lift Station 7, the older sewage facility near Hudson Bayou that is to be replaced, started leaking sewage 10 years ago. A 2008 consent order from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection called for that to be done by March of 2016.

Sunday alcohol ban lifted

Also at the City Commission’s Dec. 1 meeting, commissioners lifted a ban on Sunday morning alcohol sales, matching a recent move by Sarasota County. The

10

SIESTA SAND January 2015 • www.siestasand.net

Continued from page 7

ordinance makes legal sales hours uniform for all days of the week: 7 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. For years, Sunday was the exception, with sales prohibited until noon.

Sunday morning ordinances remain in North Port, Venice, and the town of Longboat Key.

Sarasota Garden Club Restores Historic Lantern

On December 5, Sarasota Garden Club hosted a dedication ceremony for a recently restored lantern that was donated to the Club back in 1939 by Ralph and Ellen Caples, a prominent Sarasota couple whose estate is now part of New College of Florida campus.

No one seems to know exactly how the lantern ended up in Tuttle’s Puddles Pond. It was either vandalism or a storm that brought down the big oak tree that used to be north of the Pond.

Olivia Haynes, The Club’s President, spoke about the history of the lantern. Larry Kellehler, Sarasota Historic Alliance, touched on the history of the Club and Sarasota. John Chrzczonowski, explained how he and the Garden volunteers found the pieces of the Lantern and gave credit to

Sean Colson who helped in the restoration, and Robert Albritton from Albritton Nurseries for his help in supplying the equipment and pulling the very heavy pieces out of the Pond.

Since the Sarasota Garden Club is maintained solely by volunteer club members, donations are welcome.

Also, “Gardens in Paradise” tour will on March 21, 2015 and will be tours of private premier gardens.

Contact the Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236 – (941) 955-0875 – Website www.gardensinparadise.com Submitted by CJ Danna, Vice President, Sarasota Garden Club. Photo Courtesy of Sarasota Garden Club

Off Key

By Robert Frederickson

|From Unanticipated Medical Procedures to Working in the Sunshine

The Rising Cost of Health Care

A Lakewood Ranch Medical Center ER nurse faces theft charges for allegedly lifting the credit card numbers of patients who were undergoing tests while at the facility. The victims’ wallets were left in an examination room while their owners were undergoing the tests in another room. Unfortunately, the wallets apparently underwent an examination of their own while their owners were away.

It was a serious violation of protocol. The “wallet extraction procedure” usually comes later, when the bill arrives.

And You Thought Your Power Bill Was High...

The biggest building in Florida is the Vehicle Assembly Building at Cape Canaveral. But did you know the second largest freestanding building in the state is just across the Manatee River in Palmetto? That’s where Feld entertainment’s new 600,000 square foot world headquarters is located. The building is the winter home of the company’s Ringling Brothers & Barnum Bailey Circus as well as its Disney Holiday on Ice and Monster Truck Jam productions. It includes rehearsal, office and warehouse space for all three.

Finally, the city named after a bug has new claim fame.

How Do You Cross Hudson Bayou?

Don’t ask the City of Sarasota.

It’s clear no one there – from the city commission on down – has a clue. Witness the continuing saga of lift station 87 and the recent announcement that the already long delayed and woefully over budget project will be delayed again – until at least 2018 and

cost millions more than the most recently revised, revised, revised estimates anticipated. What was originally pegged as a $9 million project has ballooned to the latest figure of $27 million.

It seems tunneling beneath Hudson Bayou has become the city’s Waterloo.

Too bad Rube Goldberg isn’t still around to offer the city some expert consulting advice.

Lower than a Snake’s Belly in a Wagon Rut...

That would be morale at the Sarasota Police Department.

According to a report recently released by the Florida Police Benevolent Association, 83 percent of respondents at the department reported morale is low. 95 percent said there was favoritism shown at the department and 83 percent say the Chief of Police doesn’t look out for them.

Ouch...

Maybe it’s time for Chief DiPino to initiate another of her community outreach programs, this time in her own backyard.

Jumping in with Both Feet

At his first meeting after being appointed to the Sarasota City Commission, Stan Zimmerman suggested that the prior commission’s decision to end financial support for fellow commissioner Susan Chapman in her defense of a lawsuit filed against her by Citizen for Sunshine be reconsidered at an upcoming commission meeting in January. The legal action against Chapman alleges Florida sunshine law violations surrounding a meeting in October of 2013 on homelessness.

In comments posted online in response to a story on the subject

by Ian Cummings of the Herald Tribune, Zimmerman writes as follows: “Chapman is the first official in the city’s history stripped of legal protection for the performance of her duties. Mayor Ron Norman decades ago lost his legal protection after indictment for bribery. Chapman is not charged with any criminal offense.

The Citizens for Sunshine complaint is a civil tort. Stripping officials – including volunteer advisory board members – of legal representation for performance of their duties is a serious matter. It should not be taken for ad hoc, knee-jerk or superficial reasons.

We were not told what reasons or grounds were used to take the action against Chapman.

Reasonable standards are needed before such a serious action is taken. Fear of such a lawsuit is keeping people from volunteering for advisory board positions and running for election as city commissioners next spring. Our city is weaker because of it.”

Valid points to consider.

Still, Given Chapman’s vote just two weeks prior supporting Zimmerman’s application to fill one of the open seats on the commission, one wonders where Citizens for Sunshine will turn their scrutiny next.

For his part Zimmerman, seems ready for a fight if it comes on this issue, though he may be missing the protections afforded him by the First Amendment in his former role as a journalist.

Anti-Social Media?

Have you had your fill yet of the oft-repeated insight about how adept the terrorist group ISIS is at using social media to attract converts to its cause? My question is this: how can it still be called “social” media when the message conveyed is so virulently “anti” social?

Blackthorne Checks Out… Good riddance!

News came down recently of the death in prison of Allen Blackthorne who plotted the murder of his ex-wife, Sarasota mom Sheila Bellush. Bellush was brutally killed by a hit man hired

by Blackthorne in her Gulf Gate home in 1997 in front her young quadruplets.

One can only hope his last thought as he left this earthly realm was of Freddie Mercury singing Queen’s famous rock opus Bohemian Rhapsody and the line “Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me…”

Tom Walkins, playing at the annual Christmas sing-along, at the YMCA in Sarasota.

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Beach Wedding

By Jaye Clements

|Phil & Emma’s Love Story

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On a picturesque, Friday afternoon, Phil & Emma exchanged vows on the beautiful powdery white sands of Siesta Key beach, surrounded by their closest friends and family. Phil an Air force civilian, was stationed in the United Kingdom, where Emma worked as a child care provider. That was where their courtship began.

Nine months later, Phil brought Emma to his hometown of Chicago to meet his friends and family. As he sat back and watched her laughing with his grandfather and family, he knew that he had found the one! He planned a romantic proposal, in Paris France, at none other than, the Eiffel Tower. Moments later, they shared the great news! Phil’s excited cousin suggested a Siesta Key Beach wedding, where she was currently visiting family. The idea blossomed from there. Phil & Emma also enjoyed their destination wedding as a mini-honeymoon, and have plans to travel to Germany for a long weekend together.

Phil & Emma shared how much they enjoyed their Siesta Key visit. They had a lovely dinner at Turtle’s and also enjoyed a Dolphin Sunset cruise. They especially loved Daiquiri Deck and can’t wait to visit again!

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Off Islands Seek, and ye shall find Luke 11:9 Matthew 7:7 Google 3.0

By Rodger Skidmore

One nice thing about Google is that when you look for something you will find it. Another nice thing about Google is that sometimes you can look for something and find nothing. And that seems to be the case when trying to find the rationale behind what is going on up in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island.

For the last few months ViceMayor Jack Clarke has been trying to give the old Heave-Ho to his boss, Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon. In mid-September Mr. Clarke filed an Agenda Request Form for a Special Commission Meeting where he wished to file a motion to initiate a Forfeiture of Office Proceeding against the mayor. In other words, to dump him.

So far, dozens and dozens of pages of allegations, claims and counter claims have been generated and filed by both sides in this really big He Said/She Said case. But September could not have been the beginning of all this. Like a blister that is ready to pop, there had to have been a great deal of friction going on for some time to bring things to a head, and yet in September the mayor had been in office for less than a year.

So, to create this much schadenfreude Shearon must have, during his first few months in office, committed enough high crimes and misdemeanors of Clintonian proportions, to truly upset the good people of Bradenton Beach, or at least their commissioners.

Evidence of these acts, as detailed by Mr. Clarke, bring to mind the types of novel that start off with the line “It was a dark and stormy night”. Using the metaphor of a “ship” for the “city” he states that “the ‘Ship’ has been repeatedly taken off course”, “has been directed into the eye of many storms”, “we are taking on water”, “the ship is barely seaworthy” and “our crew…well they are exhausted and battered”.

He went on to write “Let me be more specific”, as if he had been somewhat specific up to that point.

He then accused the mayor, in many different ways, of not being a good administrator and of being hard to deal with. While these charges may be true (or not), they don’t qualify as felonies – unless you count the one where Mr. Clarke accused the mayor of purchasing a software package produced my Microsoft.

Since it pretty much takes his committing a felony, or of not attending 3 commission meetings in a row without a written note from his mother, it will be pretty hard to oust Mayor Shearon anytime soon. In fact, since Shearon’s term of office is only two years, he will be up for reelection this coming November.

Then why, one might ask, try to get rid of him so close to the next election as the ouster might not take place until the middle of 2015 at the earliest.

Oh, did we mention that Jack Clarke, being Vice-Mayor, will become the mayor of Bradenton Beach if he is successful in getting rid of Mayor Shearon? Or that Commissioner Jan Vosburgh, who also voted against Mayor Shearon, is running for re-election against Tjet Martin, who is Mayor Shearon’s life partner? Or that the lawyer claiming that the forfeiture procedure is legal is also the lawyer previously involved in a lawsuit against the mayor?

As previously stated, this is a big He Said / She Said case, but it should also be noted that the commissioners trying to oust the mayor are running up legal fees and administrative costs that will rival the unproven charges of misspending that have been brought against the mayor.

In related news

Longboat Key is the key to the south of Anna Maria Island, on which Bradenton Beach is located.

Both keys have restaurants run by Ed Chiles, son of former governor Lawton Chiles.

A good question might be, So What? Well, the lawsuit that Mayor Shearon was involved in was against Ed Chiles and his Bradenton Beach restaurant, claiming that the restaurant was taking up too much of a city park for its own customers’ parking spaces. And now Mr. Chiles’ Longboat Key restaurant, the Mar

Vista, has just had a plan approved whereby it can add a second floor deck to that restaurant.

Local residents complain that a second floor, open air restaurant will dump noise all over the neighborhood and that the restaurant had not submitted a noise analysis.

However local residents can relax as the Mar Vista will not be violating any Longboat Key noise ordinances – for the simple reason that, according to Longboat Key Planning, Zoning and Building Director Alaina Ray, there are no decibel restrictions for noise.

Planning Board member Andrew Aitken said the town needs a decibel restriction and “when we rewrite the codes, we can be a little more specific”.

Of course by then, the second floor of the restaurant will have been built.

Round and round we go

Every few years the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) plops a roundabout into some intersection in our area. And, of course, every time they do so, a very vocal group gets up in arms about it. They attend meetings, say how terrible roundabouts are and admit that they have never driven around one. Why would they drive around one, they hate them. After the roundabouts are installed one never hears from the group again. No “I told you so” is heard as traffic moves more smoothly and accidents are down. But, strangely, when the next roundabout is proposed, that group is out there again, as vocal as ever. Well, they now have their next chance to complain. It appears that one is in the process of being proposed for Longboat Key at the Broadway intersection.

The FDOT feels that the intersection is not a good place for a crosswalk and that everyone would be better served with a roundabout. Four other intersections will, however, get crosswalks in the near term.

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13

Financial Focus

|Consider These New Year’s Financial Resolutions Now that 2015 is upon us, you may be thinking about making some New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps you’ll decide to take up a musical instrument, or hit the gym more often, or even learn a new language.

All these are worthy goals, of course — but you could also gain some key benefits by working to achieve some financial resolutions.

Here are a few to consider: • Fill “gaps” in your investment portfolio. From time to time, you — or possibly your financial advisor, if you work with one — might identify “gaps” in your investment portfolio. For example, you might find that you are making insufficient progress on a key goal, such as saving for a child’s college education. Or you might discover that you need to place additional resources in a particular asset class to achieve proper diversification, which can help reduce the impact of market volatility on your portfolio. (Keep in mind, though, that diversification, by itself, can’t guarantee profits or protect against loss.) So, put “filling portfolio gaps” high on your list of New Year’s financial resolutions.

• Boost your 401(k) contributions.

If your salary has gone up with the New Year, consider boosting your contributions to your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. You may not be able to afford to contribute the maximum annual amount — which, in 2015, is $18,000, or $24,000 if you’re 50 or older — but if you increase your contributions every year, you can greatly speed your progress toward your retirement

savings goals. You can put this New Year’s resolution into effect by contacting your human resources or benefits department as soon as you get back to work in 2015.

• Eliminate “unhealthy” investment habits. As part of your general New Year’s resolutions, you may have decided to cut back on “carbs” and sugar-laced soft drinks, with the expectation that these moves could help your overall health. But you can also make “unhealthy” financial moves, such as chasing after “hot” stocks (which may already have cooled off by the time you find them) or selling quality investments just because their price has temporarily dropped. Strive to focus more intently on your long-term investment strategy, as opposed to reacting to short-term stimuli.

• Review your estate strategy.

During any given year, you might experience major changes in your life — marriage (or remarriage), new child, new home, etc. — and these changes will have profound effects on your estate plans. But whether or not you encountered any of these events in 2014, it’s a good idea to look over your estate planning documents* — such as a will, living trust, power of attorney, and so forth — to make sure they are still current with your wishes. It’s especially important to update beneficiary designations on your insurance policies and retirement accounts, so that they are aligned with the wishes you have expressed in your will. And if you haven’t drawn up your estate plans* yet, make a New Year’s resolution

to do so in 2015 — because it’s never too soon to take the steps necessary to protect your loved ones in the future.

Unlike some New Year’s resolutions, these financial ones won’t require a big shift in your lifestyle.

But if you can stick to them, they can make a big difference in your life.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. * Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice.

You should consult your estate-planning attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

quickly. If not, it will take extra time to vet a new firm. After the chosen firm has completed its review, it would be at least 2-3 years before construction would begin.

Old Business Siesta Promenade Update

Michael Shay reported for Bob Stein: within the next few weeks we’ll see some concrete plans and find out if SKA’s concerns about traffic have been answered.

Old Business Roundabout

Catherine Luckner said that the State and County people still have a whole spectrum of choices on

Permit us to introduce you to our civic organization, the Siesta Key Association (SKA). We are in our 66th year of service to all residential property owners here on Siesta Key. Our mission is to provide full and part-time residential property owners with a voice to County government and other entities, and advocate for you on the issues that are important to all of us who call Siesta Key our home. Our SKA Board of Directors works actively and tirelessly to improve our quality of life here on the Key and to ensure that we receive a fair share and return for the taxes we pay to the County. After all, 10% of County taxes are paid by the value of Siesta Key residential properties.

Current Projects and Goals for 2015

Joe St Onge Jr, 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

Siesta Key Association meeting notes This is done in hopes of assuring three things: that the impact on the Lido shoreline and Ted Sperling Park is a positive one; that Siesta Key Beaches and shorelines are not negatively impacted; and that the Navigation Channel in Big Pass is also not adversely affected.

The Coastal Engineering Firm ultimately selected to do the review will be assigned to look at the Big Picture. Sarasota County Staff will work with them by finding answers to specific questions.

Says Laird, “We are in process of finalizing the scope. Next we will sit down with the Procurement Office.” If a Coastal Engineering Firm is selected from a group already vetted by the Procurement Office, the project will move ahead

Siesta Key Association, SKA working for you

• Sarasota Big Pass: Safeguard our shoreline from proposals of dredging or coastline hardening which could have a negative impact on our beaches, residential community and natural coastal habitat. Participate in scope of peer review process prior to approval of existing Army Corps of Engineers plan to dredge and place groins on south Lido shore.

• Work with Planning Staff, Siesta Key residential community,

Chamber of Commerce and developers to prevent adverse impact of new commercial development located at or near traffic intersection entering Siesta Key from Stickney Point Bridge.

Request Access Management Plan review and FDOT Study, Esplanade development and the now proposed Siesta Promenade Shopping Center, located at the corner of Stickney Point Road and Tamiami Trail.

• Develop process of public input and review for FDOT Safety Enhancement Project for Midnight Pass/Beach Road intersection, possible Roundabout being proposed.

• Legislative advocacy to restore local governance of smoking ordinance as it applies to use of tobacco products within our County parks, specifically our Siesta Key public beach parks.

• Ensure maintenance and enforcement of Siesta Key Overlay District standards. This includes collaborative efforts with County Code Enforcement Officers for property ordinance and parking standards.

Please become an SKA member for only $30 annually (membership fee) online at www.siestakeyassociation.com or call 941-364-4880.

Continued from page 2

the table, from doing absolutely nothing to building a roundabout.

A safety assessment is going on right now. If a roundabout were built, it’s at least 2 years away.

Fire Rescue Advisory Council has reapplied for licensing. (They were once a real force on Siesta Key, having brought the first ambulance out to the Key decades ago.)

New Business Community Events

New Business Membership

Joe Volpe said the parade was “fantastic.” It was unbelievably crowded, and the kids loved it.

New Business Fire and Rescue

Bob Luckner said all emergency vehicles in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties will now be using the same radio station to communicate in times of crisis.

He also said that the Siesta Key

He also asked all members to go on line to send in their membership fees. It saves SKA a huge amount of time.

New Business Crystal Classic

In future years, SKA needs to request that the organizing body of the Crystal Classic involves SKA in their plans for handling cleanup and parking problems.

Siesta Key Association president, Michael Shay stands with Nora Patterson. The Island Associations and CONA gathered at The Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar on Siesta Key to honor Nora’s many years of exemplary service as Commissioner of the 4th District.

She’s been hailed as the Champion of Siesta Key but due to term limits, she stepped down in November.

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Sandy Claws Beach Run

By Trebor Britt

Companionship & In-Home Care

The front of this year’s custom designed T-shirt.

Lower temperatures didn’t seem to bother the nearly 500 participants in this year’s 38th Annual Sandy Claws Beach Run. It also didn’t change the fact they were running on the fabulous powdery sands of Siesta Beach, recently named the number one beach in the United States.

The run, presented by Sarasota County Parks and Recreation and Natural Resources is also a sanctioned run of the Manasota Track Club. Participants could compete in a 5K timed run or, for the less serious, enjoy a casual 1 mile fun/run.

Each runner took home a custom designed T-shirt and were provided a variety of refreshments and snacks including Buffalo Wild Wings. Race Director, Diana Finnegan was pleased to report attendance grew by more than 10%, making this year’s run the largest ever.

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Elf, Carolyn Brown, Director of Sarasota County Parks and Recreation and Natural Resources at the starting line with a few of the many characters happy to pose with participants.

Derek Houghton from Ottawa Canada, with his daughters Katie Raska from Inuvik Northwest Territories near the Arctic, and Melissa Houghton from near Toronto, pleased to be in their first Sandy Claws Beach Run. Ken and Jessica Banks with their children, Ava (8) and Ethan (3), excited to be in their first Sandy Claws Beach Run after moving here from Jacksonville just six months ago.

Pam Baad and Pennie Hodges of Sarasota enjoying the beach before their first Sandy Claws Beach Run.

Holly Cipriani of Toledo, Ohio and her sister Kerri Cipriani left Tampa at 5:30 AM to get to Siesta Beach in time for their first Sandy Claws Beach Run.

Designed to Appeal to Residents And Visitors Alike! Come Visit Us!

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

15

Featured Resturant

By Diana Colson & Emy Stein

|A Taste of Germany has German food on Siesta Key

A Taste of Germany once again participated in the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Competition. Brats on the beach? Perfect combo.

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Somehow mixing German/Bavarian food and the beach just doesn´t seem right, but A Taste of Germany Bakery & Cafe and Siesta Key end up being a perfect match.

A Taste of Germany is in Siesta Village. Owner Tanja Hofmann opened the establishment in 2011.If the line of patrons on a recent weekday was any indication, the restaurant is a success.

A Taste of Germany serves German breads, rolls, pretzels, cakes, deli sandwiches, Schnitzel (pork or chicken), German brats and weekly specials. Tea and hot cocoa is offered for cold days; ice coffee, ice teas, German beer and wine along with other drinks for warmer beach times. During Season (End of January - April) their hours are from Monday - Sunday -7 Days- from 8am -8pm; off season: Tuesday-Sunday from 8am - 4pm. They are currently open for breakfast and lunch.

There is seating inside and on the outside deck, making the place a perfect spot to stop or grab and enjoy something for the beach.

Parking is available in the lot front and side of Key Corners, too.

Breakfast croissants provide a good morning wake-up. The loaded croissant is filled with tomatoes, lettuce, egg, cheese, bacon, mayo or butter and is priced from $7.99 to $11.89, depending how many eggs and how much bacon you order.

No croissants for you? You can opt from a selection of omelets priced from $8.89 to $12.99. Their specialty bratwurst and onion omelet goes for $10.99.

Another specialty is a Strammer Max: bread with black forest ham, sunny side up eggs and melted cheese (choices) and a German pickle for $9.99.

For the lighter fare they offer a roll with butter and Schwarzwälders chinken (black forest German ham) for $4.99.

Sandwiches are very popular, and the Robin Sandwich is one of a few specialties.

The sandwich has fresh mozzarella, turkey, lettuce, and pesto on a ciabatta roll. It is served cold or warm with a bag of chips for $10.89. The Roma,a vegetarian sandwich on a multigrain carrot roll or ciabatta roll with tomato pesto, fresh mozzarella, balsamic vinegar, tomato, onion, cucumbers, lettuce with a bag of chips goes for $10.89 (meat can be added for the carnivore).

No German restaurant is complete without bratwurst, and A Taste of Germany offers three varieties, all at $6.99,all served on a Kaiser or crusty roll with German mustard or ketchup and a bag of chips. You can add sauerkraut on it.

The German bratwurst (white) or Bauern bratwurst (red) are pork brats and you can have it as a Curry-Ketchup Brat too. There is also a Chicken Mozzarella-Roasted Garlic Brat.

A Bratwurst plate (red, white or Chicken) with Red Cabbage, Sauerkraut and German Mustard costs $9.99.

Brats on the beach? Perfect combo.

Schnitzel Sandwich on a Ciabatta Roll with Lettuce, Onion, Tomatoes, Cheese (choices), German Mustard, Mayo or Ketchup $12.99.

On most days, they offer different home-made German soups such as: German lentil soup, German sauerkraut soup, pea soup, chicken noodle, and a lot more.

They also have weekly specials: Bavarian loaf (pork) with one sunny-side up egg and a small crusty roll with butter at $10.99 or gulasch (Angusbeef) with Spätzle, noodles or potatoes for $13.99.

A Taste of Germany has myriad pastries and cakes. Most change often, all are baked in the shop. Highlights are the black cherry lattice, hazelnut pastry, apple cinnamon-sugar cake, apple spice buttercrumb cake, German dark chocolate cake, homemade German cookies: Spekulatius, vanilla-Kipferl & Lebkuchen (gingerbread)and more. It’s a must to go look.

They also have gluten free cakes.

“Everything is German, light, and fresh.” said Robin Hofmann.

He added that there are daily &weekly specials, and homemade soups to further tempt the dining desires of patrons.

And, be sure to save room for dessert like a Buzz Bar AlcoholInfused Ice Cream for ADULTS. This dessert comes in 6 different flavors, such as: Vanilla Daze w/ Cognac or the Drunken Cookie w/ Bourbon.

A Taste of Germany does prove that German food and the beach make a match on Siesta Key. (5204 Ocean Blvd. 34242 Sarasota, 941346-1800, www.atasteofgermany.net

SIESTA SAND January 2015 • www.siestasand.net

The smiling faces of Chris Mercadante and Robin Hofmann greet customers at A Taste of Germany of Siesta Key.

Inge Angie enjoying the Schnitzel at A Taste of Germany on a recent visit.

(941) 706-3421 FREE DELIVERY TO THE KEY 11 AM-6 PM DAILY

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VILLAGE MAP pgs 18 - 19

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 34

GULF GATE SHOPS pg 25

CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 20

The Publication with “Key” Information | www.SiestaSand.net | 941.349.0194

Siesta Key Drum Circle

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

Please note the following rules of

etiquette that need to be observed at the Drum Circle so that all can enjoy the experience: the inside of the drum circle is for participants only, not for people standing around.

Feel free to enter the circle, take a picture and dance, but always keep moving. Never play someone’s drum without getting clearance from the owner. Always ask before borrowing other people’s

property, especially hula hoops.

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

Photo by Emy Stein.

Before you leave Sarasota, you must try this one! As seen on the Food Network Guy Fieri’s “Diner’s, Drive-In’s and Dive’s” show. The TurDucKen “One big bird” Boneless chicken stuffed in a boneless duck stuffed in a boneless turkey with a variety of great seasonings. Alpine Steakhouse just off of Siesta Key located between the bridges at 4520 S. Tamiami Trail. 941-922-3797

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

17

St. Michael the Archangel Church Continued from cover story

Light Up the Vi

Dr. Benedict Nguyen, Director of Communications for the Diocese of Venice, said that when parishes are in financial crisis, that is usually the first step.

“It is not unusual for pastors or administrators to appeal to the parish community in matters of financial stewardship,” he said.

“In fact, the Diocese encourages this type of communication to keep parishioners informed of the financial well-being and needs of the parish on a regular, ongoing basis.

Generous sharing of time, talent, and treasure by the parishioners is always encouraged, and through good stewardship, the financial challenges of each parish can and are met. “ Typically, those parishes most in need are in the eastern areas of

Parade goers lined the stree along Ocean Blvd.

After the parade; music, ref entertainment extended the festi made a special trip to visit with the Village.

According to Sgt. Osborne, thi the largest since its inception. P

the Diocese, where there are more economically stressed situations.

But the position St. Michael currently finds itself in is not at all unusual.Nguyen said that when needed, the Diocese is happy to offer assistance and advice to any of its 60 parishes.

“The Diocese has been ready to help in various ways, such as advice

regarding specific needs, arranging for financial reviews every three years, and promotion of fundraising initiatives,” he said. “In addition, the Diocese has a savings and loan program to render assistance to parishes who may be in need.”

In the meantime, St. Michael plans to not only decrease expenses and increase the offertory, but also increase the church’s registration

Map B #42

numbers, which will help to formalize families’ relationship with the parish.

“We’d like to have even more people from our community be parishioners here,” Marcus said.”We invite all people to come join us, and we welcome anybody.”

St Michael the Archangel Church is at 5394 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key. For more information, call the parish office at 941-3494174.

Blvd. Beachwear.................................. Map-B #30 Comfort Shoes-Birki & More.........Map-D #64 Foxy Lady Fashions........................... Map-A #40 Gidget’s Coastal Provisions.............Map-B #44 Island Cotton Company.....................Map-C #29 Island Boutique...................................Map-C #50 Island Style...........................................Map-C #53 Lotus Boutique................................... Map-D #66 Reel Hobby.......................................... Map-D #10 Siesta T’s............................................... Map-B #30 Sun Glass Outlet..................................Map-C #24 Women’s World................................... Map-D #9 GAS STATION Circle K Store......................................... Map-E #6 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Beach Bazaar...................................... Map-C #28 Created Gems......................................Map-C #51 Hurricane Rita’s Gifts.........................Map-C #51 Mount-N-Repair.................................. Map-B #48 Sea Pleasures & Treasures...................Map-C #2 Siesta Key Bead Shack....................... Map-A #36 Siesta Key’psakes................................ Map-B #29 Siesta Key Outfitters.........................Map-D #11 Siesta Key University.......................... Map-B #36

ACCOMMODATIONS Siesta Beach Resort ........................Map-A #38A ART GALLERY / STUDIO Calle Studios.........................................Map-B #32 Siesta Key Art Gallery........................Map-D #11 ATM / BANKS PNC ATM............................................. Map-C #61 Martin Funding......................................Map-E #1 Sun Trust Bank & ATM.........................Map-E #4 BAKERY A Taste of Germany............................Map-C #53 Meany’s Mini Donuts......................... Map-C #24 BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Blase Café.............................................Map-A #38 Blu Que Island Grill..........................Map-C #57 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar................Map-B #42-43 Gilligan’s...............................................Map-B #33 Siesta Key Oyster Bar........................ Map-B #45 The Beach Club....................................Map-D #22 The Cottage.......................................... Map-C #58 The Hub-Baja Grill..............................Map-D #59 BOOK STORES Used Book Heaven...............................Map-B #48 COFFEE SHOPS Lelu’s Coffee Lounge...........................Map-B #31 The Local Bean.....................................Map-D #62 DRUG & HARDWARE Davidson’s Drugs................................Map-D #65 Village Hardware................................ Map-C #26 FASHION & ACCESSORIES Aqua Beachwear................................ Map-D #12 Beach Bazaar & Swin Shack........... Map-C #28

Map D #11

Map C #61

18

SIESTA SAND January 2015 • www.siestasand.net

illage 2014

et as the colorful floats drifted

freshments, face painting and ive mood as Santa and his elves h all the good boys and girls in

is year’s parade attendance was Photos by Peter van Roeken.

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

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

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

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

19

CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX

Things You Like...................................... C-3 #14 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Capt. Curt’s Souvenirs.............................B-3 #8 Green Turtle Shells & Gifts................. C-3 #14 The Silversmith ...................................... D-3 #17 Silver City Jewelry.................................. C-3 #14 HEALTH & BEAUTY Lorraine’s Beauty & Barber.....................B-3 #8 Salon Siesta............................................... D-3 #17 Siesta Key Salon & Spa........................... C-3 #14 The Key Spa & Salon.............................. A-5 #12 ICE CREAM & TREATS Orange Octopus .......................................B-3 #8 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson’s Drugs.................................... C-3 #14 Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14 LIQUOR STORES Crescent Beach Grocery...........................B-3 #1 Crescent Club............................................B-3 #13

Siesta Spirits............................................. C-3 #17 MAILING & SHIPPING Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14 US Post Office Sub Station..................... C-3 #14 MARKETS 7-11 Store.................................................. C-3 #16 Big Water Fish Market.......................... C-3 #17 Crescent Beach Grocery...........................B-3 #1 MISCELLANEOUS Moving & Storage....................................B-3 #10 Flowers by Fudgie................................... D-3 #17 REAL ESTATE / RENTALS Homes & Condo Rentals........................ D-3 #17 Moynihan Realty..................................... D-3 #17 Re/Max Tropical Sands............................B-3 #1 Siesta 4-Rent.............................................. C-3 #1 RESTAURANTS

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

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

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

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CB’s Saltwater Outfitters 1249 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-3 #4

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

Siesta 4-Rent 6555 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #1

City Pizza 6645 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP D-3 #17

Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Road

MAP C-4 #17

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill 1500 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-5 #12

PLACE YOUR AD HERE Island Visitor Publishing 941-349-0194 20

SIESTA SAND January 2015 • www.siestasand.net

Water World

Captain Jim Klopfer Adventure Charters 941-371-1390

Big snook migrate into the Myakka River in the winter and are terrific sport!

January fishing in Sarasota is all about the weather, pure and simple. Angling success is determined by the ability to adapt to the existing weather conditions. Tides will often times be very low in the morning. Couple that with a northeast wind and the flats will not have very much water on them. Water temperatures will be at their annual low. It is time to change tactics!

I spend a lot of my time fishing the area around Siesta Key in the winter. Both passes and the surrounding flats will be productive under ideal conditions. Weekly fronts will stir up the Gulf, bringing cold, dirty water in through the passes and up onto the nearby flats. However, the area down south stays protected, and this will result in better fishing. Extreme low tides will force the fish off of the flats and into the channel. This actually makes locating them easier. 1/4 ounce jigs in olive and rootbeer/gold are very productive, as is a shrimp free lined with a small split shot.

Speckled trout, ladyfish, jack crevelle, and pompano will be the primary catches, but sheepshead, grouper, flounder, and bluefish will also be found in the deep water.

As the tide rises and the day warms up, fish will move out of the deep channel and up onto the flats to feed. A late Afternoon high tide can offer great fishing for speckled trout, with jigs and live shrimp under a popping cork producing a lot of action. The flats south of Spanish Point are very productive, but any flat in four to six feet of water with grass will hold fish, keep moving until you find them.

Creeks and residential canals are great spots to fish this month. Besides offering protection from harsh winds, they provide cover for bait, which attracts fish, and the water is normally a few degrees warmer. A large hand picked shrimp is a great bait for redfish, snook, sheepshead, drum, and jacks. Deeper water is the key, find a dock or area in a creek with a little more depth and there should be fish there. A few pieces of shrimp tossed out as chum can help get the bite going. Rapala X-Raps are a terrific artificial bait to use in creeks. They are deadly on snook and jacks, and a lot of water can be covered quickly. Go with smaller lures this time of year to imitate the bait that is present.

South of Siesta Key lies the Myakka River, where snook migrate up in the winter. I offer a unique charter and the chance to catch a big snook on light tackle in January.

Surf casters will do well off of the Siesta Key beaches during periods of light winds when the water is clear.

Small pieces of live or frozen shrimp fished on a small hook with a bit of weight will catch plenty of whiting, along with trout, flounder, pompano, and other species. Jigs and silver spoons are effective artificial baits to use, especially when surface activity is seen, this indicates feeding fish.

Notes from the Island Fishmonger Happy New Year & Welcome to 2015!

I hope for nothing but a healthy and happy year for us all. The New Year inspires many of us to make resolutions to set new goals and improve on our flaws. I have never been a big fan of the New Year’s resolution because I’ve never seriously stuck to my plan. The way I see it, if you need a change in your life, every day is a good day to make that change. Even though I’m not a big fan of it, every year I (as many others) set one realistic and attainable goal that will have beneficial health and financial results and always look forward to feeling the gratification of obtaining my goal (when I actually stick to it and obtain it!).

This year I’m sure I will stick to my plan because this year my New Year’s Resolution is.....wait for it...... to eat more soup!

Not just any soup but healthy, inexpensive, delicious, hearty soups that are packed with fresh seafood and vegetables in every bite. What could go wrong? This time of year I think a lot about soup. You know, chilis, Cajun gumbos and jambalayas, clam chowders, clear fish chowders, seafood stews and my favorite, cioppino. These cooler months produce great soup eating weather to make you feel warm and comfortable on the inside. To me that is the definition of comfort food.

Chowder is a seafood or vegetable stew often served with milk or heavy cream, a tomato base or a simple fish or vegetable stock. Following are some primary variants and different style of chowders.

New England clam chowder is a milk or cream based chowder and is traditionally of a thicker consistency and commonly made with chopped potatoes, celery, onions, and chopped clams. I make a similar version only I add bacon for flavor, corn for some color and chopped carrots for the crunch.

Serve with oyster crackers, green onion garnish and hot sauce.

Of all the chowders,Manhattan clam chowder always seems to get a bad rap. Either you love it or you hate it. Apparently baseball is not the only rival between Boston and New York as this tomato based chowder is not only shunned in Boston but in 1939 a bill was introduced in the Maine legislature making chowders with tomatoes illegal.

Personally I prefer a red based chowder over a cream based any day. They are much healthier as the cream adds many

|Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans

Let’s go sailing, KATHLEEN D Sailing Catamarans, serving Siesta Key from 3 locations, Downtown Sarasota, Longboat Key and Anna Marie Island. If you would like to experience being on the water viewing Dolphin Watches, Sunset Sails, Snorkeling and Shelling call us at 941870-4349 or go to our web site for detailed information www.kathleend.net USCG Certified for 20 passengers.

|The Rumrunner

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

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

calories and you have many more options of ways to flavor and thicken.

Clear chowder is a chowder made strictly with a clear fish stock, fresh herbs, vegetables and some kind of a local fresh whitefish. Here in Florida we use Grouper.

Cioppino and tomato based fish stews are my favorites. Cioppino is an Italian-American dish originating in San Francisco, CA. Cioppino supposedly originated on Italian fishing boats in the 1800’s. This stew was made on the boats while out at sea for the fishermen to eat.

The name Cioppino means “to chop” referring to the process of making the stew by chopping up various leftovers of the days catch.

In the upcoming winter and spring months look for all these stews and chowders at your Big Water Fish Market and feel free to call us ahead of time to make a special batch just for you and your family/friends.

Seafood Stew (serves 4-6)

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil • 10 peeled and seeded Roma tomatoes cut into chunks (or you can use 1 can of diced tomatoes) • 4 crushed and diced garlic gloves • 2 large Bay leaves • 2 stalks chopped celery • 1 whole diced onion • Fresh or dried thyme, oregano, parsley and/or Italian seasoning • 2 quarts of fish stock (homemade or buy from Big Water Fish Market or bouillon cubes are always a good substitute) • 8 chopped red skin potatoes • 2 peeled and chopped carrots • 1 pound of Grouper skinned, deboned and cut into thick cubes • 16 Gulf Shrimp, peeled and deveined • 16 medium sized Scallops • 12 Florida Clams • 12 Florida Mussels

I usually start off by heating the oil in a sauce pan.

Sauté bay leaves, chopped garlic, chopped onion, chopped celery and fresh tomatoes for about 5 minutes.

Stir and when the tomatoes begin to soften add fresh herbs and lightly salt & pepper (I like to layer my soups with a light seasoning each time you add more ingredients opposed to adding all your seasoning at one time.

Just be careful not to add too much salt as some seafood like Clams will add a salty brine to the mix and taste as you go). Add your fish stock and bring to a boil. Add your potatoes and carrots and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. Now you add your fish and clams. When the clams open you add your shrimp and mussels and stir gently and cook for 2 minutes then turn off and serve with red or white wine. You can cook the soup base longer if you wish but do not overcook the seafood.

By making a few changes such as leaving out the potatoes & carrots and using less tomatoes you will then have a version of cioppini or add more seafood totaling 7 different kinds of seafood (Fish, shrimp, clams, mussels, crab, scallops, and octopus) and you have a version of “The dish of 7 fish” stew that is a Friday tradition for many until Easter. These are available at BWFM for special orders with a 24 hour notice.

Know our soup of the day by following us on Facebook or by signing up for our weekly e-mail at www. bigwaterfishmarket.com. Look for a Conch Gazpacho recipe in next month’s issue of Water World. Live well...Eat fish Scott Dolan, Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass, Siesta Key, 941-554-8101

JANUARY 2015 TIDE CHART Florida, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Sarasota Bay

January 2015

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33' Date

Day

1

Th

1123am

High Tide 1.0

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

910pm

2

Fr

1218pm

3

Sa

101pm

4

Su

5

High Tide 1.9

456am

Low Tide -0.4

320pm

Low Tide 0.8

721am

547pm

311pm

358am

1.0

951pm

2.0

544am

-0.5

406pm

0.9

722am

547pm

359pm

454am

1.1

1029pm

2.0

625am

-0.6

450pm

0.9

722am

548pm

450pm

548am

133pm

1.1

1105pm

1.9

701am

-0.6

533pm

0.9

722am

549pm

542pm

638am

Mo

158pm

1.1

1142pm

1.9

733am

-0.6

615pm

0.8

722am

550pm

635pm

725am

6

Tu

219pm

1.1

803am

-0.6

658pm

0.8

722am

550pm

727pm

809am

7

We

1219am

1.8

239pm

1.1

833am

-0.5

744pm

0.7

723am

551pm

819pm

849am

8

Th

1258am

1.7

301pm

1.2

903am

-0.4

834pm

0.6

723am

552pm

911pm

926am

9

Fr

141am

1.6

327pm

1.3

935am

-0.2

928pm

0.6

723am

553pm

1002pm

1001am

10

Sa

228am

1.5

358pm

1.4

1008am

-0.1

1030pm

0.6

723am

553pm

1052pm

1035am

11

Su

322am

1.3

434pm

1.4

1043am

0.1

1141pm

0.5

723am

554pm

1143pm

1109am

12

Mo

429am

1.1

514pm

1.5

1120am

0.3

723am

555pm

13

Tu

558am

0.9

558pm

1.6

1258am

0.3

1201pm

0.5

723am

556pm

1235am

1220pm

14

We

751am

0.8

646pm

1.6

215am

0.1

1246pm

0.6

723am

557pm

128am

1259pm

15

Th

939am

0.8

736pm

1.7

323am

-0.1

138pm

0.7

723am

557pm

224am

142pm

16

Fr

1058am

0.9

826pm

1.8

421am

-0.3

236pm

0.8

722am

558pm

321am

229pm

17

Sa

1152am

1.0

916pm

1.9

511am

-0.6

334pm

0.8

722am

559pm

419am

322pm

18

Su

1232pm

1.0

1006pm

2.0

557am

-0.6

429pm

0.8

722am

600pm

517am

421pm

19

Mo

105pm

1.1

1056pm

2.1

640am

-0.7

522pm

0.8

722am

601pm

615am

524pm

20

Tu

134pm

1.1

1146pm

2.1

721am

-0.8

614pm

0.7

722am

601pm

709am

630pm

21

We

202pm

1.1

801am

-0.7

708pm

0.6

722am

602pm

800am

737pm

22

Th

1238am

2.0

230pm

1.2

841am

-0.6

805pm

0.5

721am

603pm

848am

844pm

23

Fr

132am

1.8

301pm

1.3

919am

-0.4

907pm

0.4

721am

604pm

933am

949pm

24

Sa

229am

1.6

335pm

1.4

957am

-0.2

1017pm

0.3

721am

605pm

1016am

1052pm

25

Su

334am

1.4

414pm

1.5

1034am

0.1

1136pm

0.2

720am

605pm

1059am

1154pm

26

Mo

456am

1.0

459pm

1.6

1111am

0.4

720am

606pm

1141am

27

Tu

648am

0.8

552pm

1.6

104am

0.0

1150am

0.6

720am

607pm

1225pm

1254am

28

We

901am

0.8

652pm

1.7

232am

-0.1

1237pm

0.7

719am

608pm

110pm

153am

29

Th

1041am

0.9

754pm

1.7

345am

-0.3

141pm

0.8

719am

609pm

157pm

250am

30

Fr

1138am

1.0

852pm

1.7

444am

-0.5

257pm

0.9

718am

609pm

247pm

344am

31

Sa

1214pm

1.0

944pm

1.8

531am

-0.5

404pm

0.9

718am

610pm

337pm

435am

Phase

Full

1143am 3rd

New

1st

©2014 FreeTideTables.com - For comparison only - Times are local - Tides in feet from MLLW

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

21

Who’s Playing Tonight

By Mike Sales

|An interview with Chris Otto I first saw Chris Otto perform, when I was at a gig, on break, taking a walk and heard the most amazing guitar-shredding solos echoing over the water from across the marina. I HAD to go see who and what was making that sound, so I borrowed my venue’s golf cart and drove over to find him on the stage, layering everything and playing beautifully.

I interviewed Chris over a table full of his latest press-kit material and a hot tea on the breezeway of The Local Bean coffee shop, which

he incidentally co-founded…

WPT: Where are you from?

Chris Otto: Cleveland, Ohio WPT: How did you get to Siesta Key? Chris Otto: I was headed down to Key West with a friend who’d gotten me some gigs there. I wound up spending 6 months doing research and handing out press kits. I made connections in Key Largo, where I’d play 3 nights there and then head down to Key West to play a few nights per month. On my way down there, I stopped on Siesta Key, played, and returned, because I liked beaches. Down in Key West, without beaches, I imagined I’d have nothing to do but drink all of the time. I prefer to wind surf and hang on the beaches.

WPT: How long did it take you to get a full schedule on Siesta Key? Chris Otto: I got a gig at SKOB on Sundays right away, then made the rounds to create a Gulf Coast music career from there. It took a little while to fill in the schedule on the island, because I wouldn’t compromise my price. I have spent time honing my craft and know what it’s worth, so I played as far away as Bradenton and even went on an East Coast tour, before my Siesta Key schedule came together.

It was tough driving all that way for 3 years, but I’m glad I held out instead of marking down my fees. It’s a trade off between how much I truly love what I do and how much more money I’d make with the same level of study and competence at a more traditional career.

CLUB

WPT: What is your favorite thing about being a full-time professional musician?

Chris Otto: I like connecting with people. I love putting smiles on their faces and watching as they open up and interact with the music. I love to hear that I’ve played a part in making their vacation so enjoyable. I even have people tell me they heard me the year before and sought me out when they came back to the island!

WPT: How many instruments do you play?

Chris Otto: At the same time? (laughs) I sing, play guitar, bass, harmonica, and percussion.

WPT: What can people expect to see at your show?

Chris Otto: A barefoot, sizzling guitar action, non-stop, acrobatic, watch the feet, feel the beat, step to the street…I layer, rhythm, bass & percussion and then play a lead and sing over that…I like to refer to myself as a 5-piece act.

WPT: You write songs; what kind of music do you write?

Chris Otto: It’s considered “Americana/Folk”, but I’m really everywhere, its always upbeat.

I write about current events and matters of the heart and family related subjects, I’ve written 4 songs about my son’s life and how he’s growing up. I have a lot of songs about moving down here and all of the well-to-do hippies I met. I like to joke that not all of them are all that bright, but they know how to have fun…I managed to blend right in!

Chris Otto I don’t like to write about negative stuff and prefer the songs have meaning.

WPT: What process do you use to write songs?

Chris Otto: I just catch ideas as they come to me when I’m playing. I can’t abide trying to force things or make them up and I don’t edit or pander. I rely on inspiration entirely, practice what comes to me, record it and copy-write it.

WPT: Where do you see your career growing from here?

Chris Otto: I’d eventually like to see myself making the rounds in my rv, up and down the Coast to play the area festivals and sell merchandise, during the season.

WPT: Who do you like to go see when you’re not playing?

Chris Otto: Al Donati, he’s quite a performer. I love when Damon Flower and Chuck come into town and Callie Chapel and whomever she plays with is always a great show. If you’re looking for a nice date night, Chris Rolo and Nick LeValle are mellow, up-to-date and have great harmonies…there are a lot of great choices on the Key. For more information about Chris Otto visit: www.facebook.com/chris.otto.52 Chris Otto plays weekly at: Captain Curts – SnikiTiki 1200 Old Stickney Point Rd. Siesta Key S.K.O.B. 5238 Ocean Boulevard, in the village Mike Sales is a local singer/ songwriter.

For more information visit mikesalessings.com

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE

BLASE CAFÉ

MONDAY

In the Village 941‐349‐9822

BLU QUE ISLAND GRILL In the Village

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

941‐349‐8697

1‐3 –Bain Buckely 5‐9pm ‐ Marcel

TUESDAY

Live Music 6‐10pm 1‐3 –Bain Buckely 5‐9pm – Tommy D

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Live Music 6‐10pm

Live Music 6‐10pm

Live Music (6‐10pm)

Live Music 6‐10pm

Live Music 6 ‐10pm

1‐3 –Bain Buckely 5‐9pm – Democracy

1‐3 –Bain Buckely Patrick Stouteneorough

1‐3 Pain Buckley 6‐10pm – Steve Sipes

1‐4 ‐ Live Music Jillian Traxx 6‐10pm

1‐5pm Georgia & Mike Marcel 6‐10pm

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

Matt Gerhart 4‐8pm DJ Daze 10pm – cl

Live Music 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

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

5‐9pm

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

Rodney Shenk 6‐10pm

RPM 6‐10pm

Patrick 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

RPM 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

Acoustic Open Mic w/ Nally&Egglefield6‐ 10pm

Tony Tyler 7‐11pm

Ben Hammond Open mic nite 7‐11pm

Kettle of Fish 7‐11pm

Berry Oakley’s Skylab 7‐11pm

THE BEACH CLUB

DJ Coz 10pm – 2am

Kettle of Fish 9‐11pm

DJ Rev Kev 10pm – 2am

DJ Xtreme 11pm‐2am

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

Live Band 8 –11pm DJ Rev Kev11pm‐2am

THE COTTAGE

Live Music 6‐9pm

Live Music 6‐9pm

Live Music 6‐9pm

Live Music 7‐10pm

Live Music 7‐10pm

Live Music 7‐10pm

Live Music 6‐9pm

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

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

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

Live Music 1 – 4pm

4:30 – 7:30pm 8:30 –midnight

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

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

Karaoke 9pm – 1am

Karaoke 9pm – 1am

Chris Otto/TBA 6‐10pm

Tommy Rox 6‐10pm

Paul Duffy 6‐10pm

Chris Otto (Every other Fri) Andres Collin 5‐9pm

Larry Williams 5‐9pm

(Reggae Music)

GILLIGANS

In the Village 941‐346‐8122

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

SIESTA KEY OYSTER BAR (SKOB) In the Village

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

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

BACKROOM SALOON @ CAPT. CURTS Crescent Beach Shops

941‐349‐3885

SNIKI TIKI @ CAPT CURTS Crescent Beach Shops

941‐349‐3885

BOATYARD BAR & GRILL Over the South Bridge

941‐921‐6200 BOB’S BOATHOUSE 5515 S. Tamiami Trail 941‐312‐9111 CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE

801 Blackburn Pt. Rd, Osprey

941‐966‐1901

Nick LeValley 6‐10pm

Sunny Jim 6‐10pm

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

RPM 6‐10pm

Karaoke

Country

Latin

Karaoke 9pm ‐1am Chris Otto 6‐10pm

SEE FACEBOOK

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

22

SIESTA SAND January 2015 • www.siestasand.net

Swamp Donkie 2‐6pm Rising Tide 8pm – 12am

FOR DETAILS Live Music 4‐8pm

Eddie James Jazz Band 6‐10pm Dana & Co 2‐6pm Mike Tozier 8pm – 12am

Reggae Live Music 4‐8pm

Chris Otto 2‐6pm

Democracy (Reggae) 10pm‐2am

Democracy 4‐8pm

Reggae

Live Music 4‐8pm

Island Humor [ There were five people aboard an airplane having engine trouble getting ready to crash, however, there were only four parachutes.

Everyone wondered what should be done to determine who should get the parachutes. One person said that he was the smartest thing that hit the face of the Earth, and that he was too smart to die. So, he took one of the parachutes and jumped out of the aircraft.

The second person said that she was too important to die, she had children and a family to take care of, and they depended on her to care for them. So, she took one of the parachutes and jumped out of the aircraft.

The third person said that he was too important to die because his family depended on him for survival. He was the head of household and the sole bread winner. So, he took one of the parachutes and jumped out of the aircraft.

Finally, there were only two people left, and one parachute. One person was a 12 year old boy, and the other was a 65 year old man.

The old man said, “Well son, I have lived a good life, and you are too

young to die, you have a long life ahead of you. So, you take the last parachute. The boy asked, “Why, Sir?” The old man said, “Well, there is only one parachute left.”

The little lad said, “Sir there are really two parachutes left.” The old gentlemen asked, excitedly, “Yeah?

How?” “Well,” replied the boy, “you know that guy who thought he was the smartest and greatest thing that hit the face of the Earth?

He grabbed my backpack.” [ A psychiatrist was conducting a group therapy session with three young mothers and their small children. “You all have obsessions,” he observed. To the first mother he said, “You are obsessed with eating. You’ve even named your daughter Candy.”

He turned to the second mom.

“Your obsession is money. Again, it manifests itself in your child’s name, Penny.” At this point, the third mother got up, took her little boy by the hand and whispered, “Come on, Dick, let’s go.” [ Three ladies were discussing the travails of getting older. One said, “Sometimes I catch myself

with a jar of mayonnaise in my hand, while standing in front of the refrigerator, and I can’t remember whether I need to put it away or start making a sandwich.” The second lady chimed in with, “Yes, sometimes I find myself on the landing of the stairs and can’t remember whether I was on my way up or on my way down.” The third one responded, “ Well ladies, I’m glad I don’t have that problem.

Knock on wood,” as she rapped her knuckles on the table, and then said, “That must be the door, I’ll get it!”

231

, Sarasota, FL 34

ve.

6500 Gateway A

941.554.8905

Name of Bartender: Lori Hometown: Sarasota Q: How long have you been bartending?

IN GULF GATE...

New Year, New You Source: Smirnoff.com

Ingredients: 41/5 oz. Smirnoff Sorbet Light Pineapple Coconut 2 oz. Coconut Water 1 ox. Pomegranate Juice

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

WEST END PUB

[ An Amish husband, wife and son travel to the city on vacation.

They visit a shopping mall and while the mother is shopping, the father and son are standing in awe in front of an elevator (having no idea what it is). As they watch, an elderly lady walks into the strange silver doors and the doors close.

The father and son watch as the numbers go up, and then back down. When the doors open, a beautiful young woman walks out. The father leans over and whispers to the son, “Son, go get your mother!”

HOTTEST BAR MLB/College Packages FULL BAR

...

Month e h T f o r e d n e t r a B

Fill rocks glass with ice and add above ingredients. Stir and garnish with lime wheel or pineapple wedge.

A: 12 years.

Q: What was the strangest or funniest thing you experienced at work?

A: A guy comes in with his date. A few drinks later, a woman comes up to him and knocks him off the bar stool.

Then another woman comes up to him moments later and asks him, “You stood me up for her?”

As it turned out, his two other girlfriends turned up at the same bar he took this date to.

BUSTED! Moral of the story: Only date one girl at a time OR don’t take her to the same bar.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

A: I enjoy spending my days off volunteering at the Humane Society of Sarasota and anything in the sun.

Q: How would you describe yourself?

A: I’m a giving, fun loving and loyal person.

I’ve been working at West End Pub for over 5 years.

Q: How would you describe where you work?

A: West End Pub is a friendly neighborhood sports bar with happy, silly bartenders. A place where people come back to play.

Q: When’s the best time to see you?

A: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

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

23

Snapshots of Island Visitors

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography 2

1

3

5 4

1: Chris & Lori from Englewood, enjoying a bike ride on Beach Rd, SK. 2: Jeff, Kristi from SRQ, Brandi, Windy from TX, Shara from MD., making some memories in Sarasota! 3: Brandy & Alex cruising SK on his eye-catching, Ducati 748. 4: Annie age 14 & Blake from Venice taking in some quality fishing time together. 5: Carmen from TX and Jackson, age 2, from SRQ. Beach bonding time.

Wastewater update on the Key In this case, the treated wastewater is released into Grand Canal. It was built before many of the current homes were constructed, Cash said.

As part of an agreement with the Siesta Key Water Authority franchise utility, the county purchased the treatment plant in 2006, with the intention of replacing it with a lift station. “It was a utility authority established back in the 60s,” Cash said.

The new lift station will pump wastewater through a force main that will carry the wastewater off the key, where it will be treated.

The wastewater will mainly be treated at the Bee Ridge Water Reclamation Facility, Cash said, where it will be treated to the required standard so it can be used as reclaimed water, used to irrigate golf courses and landscaped areas.

According to a Capital Improvement Project description, “The p u r p o s e o f t h e S i e s t a Key Master Pump station and Force Main project is to replace existing facilities at the Siesta Key Advanced Waste Water Treatment Plant with a new master pump station and a force main to transfer wastewater flow to the regional Central County and/or Bee Ridge Water Reclamation Facilities.

Several Phases

The project to decommission the old wastewater plant requires several phases of construction work stretching across a swatch of the county. According to a Capital Improvement Project description, the cost to design the overall improvement project is $1.05 million.

In order to connect to the wastewater system on the mainland, contractors need to construct three segments of a “force main” sewer pipe. The furthest phase of the force main away from the Key is already constructed. That segment extends from Lockwood Ridge (where it connects to another force main) to U.S. 41 near Phillippi Estates Park.

The second phase stretches from U.S. 41 under the Intracoastal Waterway. That phase of work will be sent to County Commissioners

24

in January for approval.

Simultaneously, a larger, parallel water main will replace a 40-year old pipe that is the main water pipe for the Key. “We felt since we will be there doing work [for the sewer main] to go ahead and install the water line,” Cash said.

The old water line is a cast-iron pipe; that type of pipe last 50 years maximum in a salt-water environment, Cash said.

The final phase of the sewer force main will go from the Intracoastal to the current site of the wastewater plant.

The lift station to be built in place of the Siesta Wastewater Plant will be smaller and be able to pump a higher capacity of wastewater. Right now, design plans for the lift station are about “90 percent” complete, Cash said.

The plant handles an average of 2 million gallons of wastewater a day, but the new lift station is designed to handle more than 5 million gallons a day.

That improved capacity will be beneficial during peak tourist season, spring break, or holiday weekends. “During peak demand we see flows much higher” than average, Cash said.

In the case of a storm, the lift station will lessen risks, and make it easier to pump wastewater off the Key in case equipment is damaged, Cash said. If the current plant was damaged during a storm, an entire temporary sewer plant would have to be brought in to treat the wastewater.

All three phases of the sewer main, along with the lift station, are part of the effort to take the old wastewater plant offline.

“All of that needs to happen to decommission the plant,” Cash said. Once the new lift station is set up and tested by the county, the old plant will be demolished, Cash added.

Property Options

There is a question of what to do with the remaining land at the end of Shadow Lawn once the new lift station is built. The property, which is just under 4 acres, fronts Grand Canal, and the new lift station will take a

Continued from cover story

significantly smaller footprint than the treatment plant. The 10-acre Glebe Park is also close by.

The two options include: developing the property into several different alternatives for public use; or for the county to sell the land so it can be developed.

No decision will be made until the input of nearby residents and the community is considered, Cash said.

One possible park use raised previously by a resident who suggested it to former county commissioner Nora Patterson, who lives on Siesta Key, is a bicycle and pedestrian path to connect to other streets. That option could offer connectivity in the area.

“With a path, they could get all the way to the beach without having to get through Midnight Pass Road,” Cash explained.

The board has also discussed the possibility of selling the property, in order to pay off utility bonds.

After input is gathered, all possible options would have to be vetted by the water/wastewater division along with the county’s parks and recreation department.

The County Commission would have final say on what’s done with the property.

SIESTA SAND January 2015 • www.siestasand.net

A new sewer force main will be constructed in phases.

The map shows areas that will be impacted by construction.

The Siesta Wastewater Treatment Plant is located at the end of Shadow Lawn Drive.

Discover Gulf Gate Discover Gulf Gate:

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

Oh Mamma Mia! (GG-4) Offers a truly unique dining experience with dinner shows by Chef Giuseppe Urbano. Enjoy the family ambiance as you watch him prepare an authentic Italian regional dish with fresh ingredients just for you. Fine dining, great atmosphere at casual dining prices. Reservations highly recommended.

Gulf Gate Golf Course – Conveniently located just a stones throw from the Gulf Gate Shops, this 27 hole Executive Course offers men’s and women’s rental clubs. You can start your day with a round of golf, enjoy a bite to eat at the many wonderful restaurants or simply relax with a pint of ale at the pub before you head out to explore the many fine shops. Moments In Time Photography (G-28) specializes in several different photography services including Siesta Key Beach portraits starting at just $49 and wedding beginning at $495. Check out their website: www.sarasotaphotos. com or visit their store to see why

they have been the photographer of choice for over a decade and a half.

Piccolos Italian Market & Deli (G-47) carries a full line of imported cheeses, fresh baked bread daily, homemade sausages, fresh mozzarella, and numerous hard to get items. They now carry Khorasan Wheat which is an ancient and organic grain. Their Deli is complete with huge hot and cold sandwiches, salads, fresh homemade lasagna and baked ziti. And, you cannot leave without trying their cannoli filled with their own homemade cannoli cream or the tiramisu or Sfogliatelle from Brooklyn. Here is where you will find great Italian specialty gourmet items without the gourmet price.

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

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.

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.

Hurricane Mike’s Saloon (M-10) is a little neighborhood bar at 2639 Mall Drive, where everyone knows your name type of establishment and friendly staff. TV’s with the MLB and NFL packages, pool table, and full Florida Lottery games. Happy hour daily from opening to 7pm. Hours: Mon – Sat, 8am – 2:30am and Sun., noon – 2:30am.

© Island Visitor Publishing, LLC 2012

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

THESHOPSRQINC.

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

G-2

Flat-Tops, Fades, Tapers, Blowouts and Razor Cuts

SRQ

“Straight Razor Shaves”

Combined 25+ Years Experience

941.626.4894 / 941.536.1656

Tonsorial Artistry by

ERICKANDDAWNSBARBERSHOP.COM 6625 Gateway Ave.

Tonsorial Artistry

by Erick & Dawn

Open Tues.-Fri. 8:30 AM-6 PM Sat. 8:30 AM - 3 PM Closed Sun. & Mon.

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

M7

M6

M5 M4 M3 M2 M1 Iberia Bank

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. 6625 Gateway Ave, 941-626-4894.

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

NEWERS N OW

M-10

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

Daily from open ‘til 7 PM All packaged liquor sold until 2 AM

• ALL DAY-EVERY DAY Mike’s Bud Select Brew - $1.50/Pints • Pool TableGolden Tee Megatouch FREE RIDES! • 12 TV’s with MLB and NFL ticket sports package • All Florida lottery games • Smokers Welcome!

2639 Mall Drive

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

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

G-4

PICCOLO

Italian Market & Deli

GG-4

Hot or Cold & Vegetarian Sandwiches

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

G-47 GG-46

S-16

Specialty Italian gourmet items without the gourmet price

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

941-923-2202

www.PiccoloMarket.com

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

25

SKCC Annual Holiday Luncheon

Food and Wine Pairings

This year’s Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Holiday Luncheon was held at Mattison’s Forty-One. Executive Director, Debra Lynn-Schmitz

By Maureen Rooney, Siesta Key Wines & Gifts

(l-r) Alana Tomasso, SKCC Board Chair/Midnight Cove Management and Aledia Tush, SKCC Chair-Elect/ CB’s SaltwaterOutfitters.

(l-r) Lynn Hunter and Ginger Fannin of Sterling Manufacturing; Mary Ponder,Kimberly Ross and Catherine Mozzicato of PCM Cleaning.

thanked everyone for their membership and shared well wishes for the year ahead.

Executive Director of Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, Debra Lynn-Schmitz

• The Superior Word Rev. Charlie Garrett Service starts Sunday mornings at 10am. Bring a friend and share in God’s word. 6512 Superior Avenue Sarasota, Florida 34242

Winter gives us the perfect excuse to open up those big, bold reds we’ve been storing in our wine racks all year. There is nothing better than your favorite comfort foods served up with great comfort wines. As with any comfort food, we expect the same pleasure from our wine: passionate bold flavors, deep warmth and smooth texture.

There are wines in every price range that will keep you warm this winter. Chile offers many options in the under $20 price range and they produce a much better quality wine than the price reflects. Our favorite is Estampa Malbec-Petite Syrah.

The richness of flavors in this wine is reminiscent of a more expensive Argentine Malbec, but has a unique smooth finish attributed by the Petite Syrah. This blend is a nice medium weight wine and is perfect for those who like to enjoy more than one glass.

A heartier wine offering a more sophisticated palate is Abstract

by Orin Swift, Napa. Although I refrain from writing about pretentious wines from Napa, there are some that stand out as exceptional wines and should be mentioned. Abstract is a blend of Grenache, Petite Sirah and Syrah from Napa, Sonoma and

• First Christian Church 7601 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34241. 941-922-4434 www.fccsarasota.com

Sheriff’s Report

(backrow, l-r) Elyse Byler of Beauty Beyond The Natural; Donna Marie Thorsen, Acupuncture Physician with Fusion Skin Care & Body Works; (front row, l-r) Jessica Stevens of Mattison’s; Michelle Christine Mattison of Totally Naked Organics,and Ricardo Dixon of Fusion Skin Care & Body Works

Places of Worship Island Churches: • Siesta Key Presbyterian Chapel 4615 Gleason Ave, Siesta Key, 941-349-1166 www. siestakeychapel.org • St. Michael’s Catholic Church 5394 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4174 www.stmichaelssiesta.com • St. Boniface Episcopal Church 5615 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, 941-349-5616 www.bonifacechurch.org Beach Service: • Point of Praise – (Sat. 5-7pm) Live praise and worship music. Free concert on the beach. Public invited. Held the last Saturday of each month on the main beach just to the left of the volleyball nets.

Contact Aaron Martin at 941-914-3433, to confirm time and location.

Off- Island: •Temple Sinai, a Reform Congregation (The closest Jewish congregation to the Key for visitors) 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, 941-924-1802 www.templesinai-sarasota.org

• St. Andrew United Church of Christ (Protestant) (In the Gulf Gate area, near Beneva and Gulf Gate Drive) 6908 Beneva Road, Sarasota, 941.922.7595 www.uccstandrew.org

•Center for Metaphysical Fellowship Sunday Service at 10:30am includes healing, inspirational talk, special music & spirit messages.

NEW - Healing Service: 1st tues. of the month at 7pm.

2044 Bispham Road, Sarasota 34231, 941-266-8435 www.cmfsarasota.org

Beach Reads By Terri Schlichenmeyer “Five Days Left” by Julie Lawson Timmer

©2014, Putnam $26.95 / $31.00 Canada - 345 pages

Grandma was right. Darn it.

Every year, when November rolled around and you longed for the holidays, she told you not to wish your life away. Time moved fast enough, she said, and it went faster the older you get.

Back then, a week lasted forever; today, you blink and where did it go? And in the new novel “Five Days Left” by Julie Lawson Timmer, even that’s not enough time.

Texas lawyer Mara Nichols always did her research.

It was something she prided herself on – until Huntington’s Disease robbed her of her moods, memory, and then her job. What horrified her more than this loss of identity, though, was that, if her disease progressed as she understood it, she would lose control of her body more and more, little by little, until there was no Mara left. She’d be a burden to her husband, Tom, and an embarrassment for their daughter, Lakshmi – and that, to Mara, was unacceptable.

Four years prior, when she received her diagnosis and knew what was to come, she made a decision: if symptoms progressed beyond a certain point, she would take her own life. That was best – a gift, really – for her parents, and for Tom and Laks.

She could never tell them this, but they’d understand later.

She now had five days to wrap up her life.

Laurie Coffman always wanted a family but fostering a grade-school child from inner-city Detroit wasn’t what she had in mind – particularly since she was pregnant with her first baby. For her husband, Scott, though, having Curtis for a year was so incredibly rewarding.

It had been a challenge, for sure; Scott was happy to get advice from friends on an online forum, and it really helped him and Laurie to raise Little Man. Scott fell hard for Curtis in the past, fleeting year, but he never forgot one thing.

Curtis wasn’t his son. And in five days, the boy would return to his mother…

Here’s one thing you might as well warm up to: you will cry when you read “Five Days Left.” You. Will. Cry. First-time author Julie Lawson Timmer hasn’t merely just penned a good novel; she leaps out of the chute here with this keeps-youguessing story of two people who have a finite time – real or imagined - to spend with those they love. It’s that guessing part, the will-shewon’t-she on Mara’s behalf, and the frustration from Scott that kept me turning pages well into the night. I also found myself wondering what I’d do if I was in their shoes, which led me to ignore my clock as I got wrapped up in their lives and this story – and if that’s not the mark of an exceptional novel, well, then I don’t know what is.

This is one of those winners that’ll be passed from reader to fan to book group and beyond. It’s a novel that people will buzz about awhile. Start it, and I think you’ll agree that “Five Days Left” is a right fine read.

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

26

SIESTA SAND January 2015 • www.siestasand.net

Officers noted that the woman stated she had several cocktails and appeared intoxicated as they spoke with her. She stated that the ex-boyfriend was drunk when he arrived at her residence and engaged in the altercation. Deputies went to the residence of the suspect but were unable to make contact. The victim stated that he had left the area and she was unsure when he would return. Deputies were unable to see any visible injuries determined to be from the altercation. Although the woman stated that her foot and arm were hurting, she decided to sign a waiver of prosecution, and was provided with a victim’s rights brochure. No further action was taken.

12/10/14 Burglary/Felony Whispering Sands Dr.

A woman reported that she was missing numerous rings from her master bathroom and suspected the management had let workers into her apartment while she was out of the country. When she returned from that trip she conducted a thorough search for her rings and was unable to locate them. She later told condo management who told her to call law enforcement and report it.

Management stated that during the woman’s absence, a company was working inside her condo. Neighbors advised that the plumbing company had been in the condos to test their toilets. There were no witnesses or suspects at this time, and due to the 4-month time frame, no fingerprints were obtained.

12/13/14 Grand theft/Felony 8000 Block Blind Pass Rd

A seasonal resident called the

Mendocino.

The color is dark inky purple with scents of blackberry and sage. The palate boasts flavors of roasted plums, mulberry, black tea and even dark chocolate. The tannins are surprisingly smooth and is not over-powered by oak.

Swift allowed 10 months aging in French oak which allows for the fruit flavors to shine. Depending on whether you find this wine in your favorite wine shop or in a restaurant, pricing should be under $50. Yes, $50. I did mention it was from Napa!

Another Napa wine that is perfect for winter is Trinitas 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon . This release of this wine was held until this past year so that it is perfect to drink right now. Trinitas was aged for 18 months in mostly French oak allowing intense flavors of cherry, espresso and chocolate to develop.

The finish is smooth and lengthy.

This is the wine to pair with your filet mignon or prime rib and grilled vegetables.

Join us at Siesta Key Wines and sample a few of our wines for yourself. You are always welcome to attend one of our monthly wine events or daily tastings. Cheers!

5138C Ocean Blvd., in the Village, 941-552-9105.

Continued from page 9

Sheriff’s office to report an unknown subject stole his kayak from behind his condo sometime during the time he was away. Between 10-02-14 and the morning of 12-13-14, someone stole his tandem ocean kayak. It had been locked to a boat rack, but the victim was unable to find the lock anywhere on the property. There are no surveillance cameras on the property.

Never Puzzled For More Than 20 Seconds Ben Christie (14) of Colonial Beach, Virginia demonstrating his skill at solving a Rubik’s cube puzzle while enjoying beautiful Siesta Beach with his family. He was here to compete in a World Cube Association competition held at the Museum of

Science and Industry in Tampa. Ben advanced to the second round by finishing 22nd in the first round.

He solved the puzzle in 19.14 seconds.

By Trebor Britt

WAKE & SHAKE Just roll out of bed - your hair looks great.

Shampoo and towel dry - you’re done!

The style is in the cut, not the blow-dry, so you don’t have to fuss with your hair to look good. Even fine, limp hair.

By Appointment:

941.356.0295 www.iansalon.com

Dimension Color

Soulfully Yours Donnarose Happy anniversary to Soulfully Yours Donnarose! It’s 2 years ago January 1st since I began writing this column!

I am enormously grateful to all of you who have supported my column since day one, and to Emy & Bob for having me on board. Blessings, and a very happy & healthy 2015 to all! Donnarose. ~ ♥ Q: Dear Donnarose, I’m an intuitive reader but I never charged anyone since I have a regular job. I just read for friends and family. Story short, I know Spirit is telling me to do readings full time. I feel fine with that, only I feel awkward asking for money since everyone is used to getting readings for free. Please advise. ~ Valerie A: ~ “When you use your gift as you serve, like any other job, money is deserved.” ~Donnarose Melvin It’s best to handle it the same way you expect a paycheck for the current work you do. Your current boss wouldn’t think twice about paying you. And guess what? Your customers who will come to you for readings will feel the same way. The only thing that has to be altered are your thoughts. Meaning, when your confidence in doing readings matches the confidence you have in your current job, your expectation of receiving a check will become as natural as it is now. The more readings you do, eventually it’s going to click, and it is then you’ll be ready to charge for your work. And if your family and friends you’ve been reading for free really have your best interest in mind, they will be the first in line to pay you. ~ ♥ Q: Dear Donnarose, I’m 65 years old, and think it may be time to leave my husband of 30 years. But I’d feel guilty knowing it would really hurt him since he depends so much on me. I’m unsure which way to go. Thanks for your insight. ~Marilyn

WORD LIST:

A: ~ “Release the weight, and the balloon shall fly. If this is what you desire, you’ll feel it deep inside.” ~Donnarose Melvin

Spirit is actually telling me that the reason your husband has been acting the way you described, is because he feels your “on the fence” energy and tension.

Everything is energy. And it’s actually one’s vibe (energy) we respond to rather one’s words. What will help you make your decision is your body’s own natural indicator. Visualize being divorced from your husband and see how your body reacts. Was this thought accompanied by feeling a knot in your stomach and a racing pulse? Or was it the opposite where your shoulders fell from your ears, followed by a nice relieving peaceful breath? And to double check, do the same with visualizing you two staying together for the rest of your lives. See how it feels in your gut. And that...will be your answer. I feel our gut feeling is our intuition and will always guide us.

Also, I can sense your husband wants peace for both of you and truly does care. There is limited space here for detail, but if you decide to stay, if you allow yourself to alter your delivery of the messages you are trying to convey, and speak with love, for yourself, I’m hearing that your husband will definitely begin to respond much more to your satisfaction. ~ ♥ Donnarose Melvin is a professional psychic, medium and energy healer, whose pleasure is to assist clients worldwide. She incorporates knowledge from her degree in psychology, along with her clairvoyant, clairaudient, clairsentient and empathic gifts to guide her clients towards peace and success. Please send your questions to SoulfullyYoursDonnarose@gmail.com or private message her via facebook: Soulfully Yours Donnarose. Donnarose will select questions each month to share with you. She regrets that unpublished questions cannot be answered individually.

New shuttle service based on Siesta Key covering all of Sarasota County for weddings and group events. 941 735 7515.

Connie Lewis, BS, LMT,Aesthetician Owner & Associates

Massage Experience

Siesta Key

Office: 941.349.4833 Cell: 941.350.7495

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WORD SEARCH Answers on page 28

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

27

What’s Happening …on the beach

EACH WEEK: • FREE YOGA Mon-Wed.-Fri.Sat. 10 am. Classes held between blue & green lifeguard station. Call 941-320-6693 to register or www. yogaonsiestabeach.com • Nia Tues. & Thurs. 9a.m., Siesta Public Beach(yellow lifeguard chair) Joy Donation: $12. Contact Kathy Oravec at 941-724-9719 or Kathyoravec@gmail.com • SUNSET FUSION – Every Mon &Wed,45 minutes before sunset.

Beach access 4. For additional info and to register online go to: www. studiorubylake.com • DRUM CIRCLE – Every Sunday about an hour before sunset. South of the main pavillion. You can particpate or watch this weekly gathering dance, hoop, play the drum or other musical instument and enjoy the spectacular Siesta sunset.

EVENTS FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY: • JANUARY 10 (SAT) 8:15AM- 2ND ANNUAL ANDREW MONROE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 5K WALK/RUN: This event was established to honor the life of Andrew Monroe. Proceeds benefit senior soccer players at Riverview High School in Sarasota. Senior, girls and boys, soccer players have the opportunity to receive scholarships through an essay process. For more information or to sign up go to: www.andrewmonroe.com

…around the island

• SIESTA KEY FARMER’S MARKET – Every Sunday from 8am – 2pm in Davidson’s Plaza in the Village. 5124 Ocean Blvd. Fresh fruits, vegetables, music, art.

…and beyond

• PHILLIPPI FARMHOUSE MARKET: continues in full swing every Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. during the month of January.

The market features local fruits and vegetables from Brown’s Grove (including their signature citrus and all-natural, hormone-free meats) ,Honeyside Farms (famous for their delicious strawberries) Greens on the Gro ( hydroponic produce and wonderful leafy greens) and Geraldson’s Community Farms (USDA certified organic produce).

Of course, the market has lots of food vendors, who use the market’s fresh produce in their prepared foods, live music each week, local artisans with unique handicrafts and the friendliest, most helpful volunteers at the Welcome Tent to give out brochures, flyers and information on what’s happening in Sarasota.

The market features a 10 a.m. free tour of the Edson Keith Mansion.

This 1916 Italian Renaissance home was built by Edson Keith, a member of the “Chicago Colony” in the early days of our community. A wellinformed docent will lead guests through the house and talk about the history of the area. For more information on the market and the Mansion, please call 941-316-1309.

On Wed Jan 21 – there will be a Downton Abbey Dinner at the Edson Keith Mansion. Dress is formal (black tie preferred) and period dress. There will be a wine dinner, entertainment and dancing.

For more information, please call 941-366-7950.

On Sat Jan 31 and Sun Feb 1, Winterfest in the Park returns to the front field with Arts and Crafts from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. This event is free, open to the public and has ample parking available.

• LEGACY TRAIL (FLT) SURREY RIDE PROGRAM: Starting Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, FLT volunteers will be pedaling the surrey and passengers on 30-minute surrey trips that will leave from Laurel Park at the Sandra Sims Terry Community Center. The surrey rides will be held Wednesdays and Thursdays from Jan. 7 through March 26, with times available each day at 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Riders can sit back and enjoy the ride on a four-passenger, four-wheeled canopy covered surrey type bicycle while FLT volunteers provide the pedal power. A small indoor lobby area will provide information and educational materials about the animals and plants of The Legacy Trail corridor for passengers while they wait.

Pre-registration is required for your surrey ride by visiting www. scgov.net/parks, clicking on “View Activities” and searching forkeyword “surrey.” The rides are free, but donations are appreciated.

The Legacy Trail is the regional backbone of a recreational and nature-based trail system connecting communities across Sarasota County and stretching into neighboring Charlotte County. The trail offers several areas to stop, rest, learn about its history or just enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the trail.

For more information call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Legacy Trail Surrey Rides or visit http:// www.legacytrailfriends.org.

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

Answers to the WORD SEARCH from page 27

Arts on the Horizon Season in Sarasota begins!

Welcome back Snowbirds!!!

• January 2 - 6 to 9pm – Lakewood Ranch Music on Main St. (1st Friday of each month) http://www.lakewoodranch.com/musiconmain • January 2 – 6 to 9pm – First Friday Art Walk on Palm Ave. Galleries are open with artists on hand and music on the street.

• January 6 to April 11 – The Matchmaker – comedy at the Asolo Rep http://asolorep.org/shows/thematchmaker/2014-2015 • January 7 to Feb 8 – Knock me a Kiss at the West Coast Black Theatre Troupe http:// westcoastblacktheatre.org/performances/knockme-a-kiss • January 9 to 11 – In Love – Sarasota Orchestra http://www.sarasotaorchestra.org/masterworks/ in-love

• January 2 - 3:00 PM at Perlman Music Program at the Sarasota Opera House and January 3, 2015 @ 5 pm: Celebration Concert http://www. perlmanmusicprogramsuncoast.org

• Through January 11 – Parallel Universes at the Art Center – open media. http://artsarasota.org/ paralleluniverses

• January 2 – 8pm – Vanessa Williams at the Van Wezel http://www.vanwezel.org/boxoffice/event. cfm?eveID=1495#.VJAqH9h0yP8 • January 2 & every Friday Jazz at 2 to 4pm. www.jazzclubsarasota.org • Through January 11 – “Behind Closed Doors” at the Ringling Museum. Art in the Spanish American Home 1492 to 1898. Explore the private lives and interiors of Spain’s colonial elite from Christopher Columbus to the Spanish American war. http://www.ringling.org/events/behindclosed-doors-art-spanish-american-home-1492 • January 5 to 25 – Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story at the Venice Theatre http://venicestage.com/buddythe-buddy-holly-story/

• January 12, 8pm – Foreigner at the Van Wezel http://www.vanwezel.org/boxOffice/event. cfm?eveID=1499#.VJAvU9h0yP8 • January 15, 5 to 8pm – Ringling by the Bay – Kettle of Fish at the Ringling Museum – included with Art After 5 admission. http://www.ringling.org/ events/ringling-bay-kettle-fish • January 16, 6 to 10pm – 3rd Friday Art walk with Music at Towles Court Artist Colony http://www.towlescourt.com/events.htm

• January 6, 5:30 to 7pm – January 8, 5:30 to 7pm. Families are invited to see what Sarasota Youth Opera has to offer. Ages 8 to 18. https:// www.sarasotaopera.org/educationandoutreach/ youthopera.aspx • January 7th Caberet at the Players Theatre http://theplayers.org/index.php/events/cabaret/ • January 8 to 11 – Thunder by the Bay! Benefitting Suncoast Charities for Children. Jan 8 is the sporting clay tournament, at Knight’s Trail Park in Nokomis and “Born To Be Wild” Kickoff Party at The Francis Ballroom in downtown Sarasota, live music with John Rinell “The Voice of Solid Gold”. A “Food Truck Round-Up” is scheduled at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds featuring live music by Shotgun Justice…

• January 10th & 11th. - A two day downtown festival on Main Street in Sarasota. Continuous live music featuring 80’s classic rock. Bands scheduled to perform include Full Circle, Category Three, Rockit Fly, Stormbringer, Dyersburg, Lazy Bonez, with Special Guest the Bobby Friss Band performing Saturday and Headliner Great White performing on Sunday. Also, on Sunday, “Cruise for Cash” motorcycle charity ride. www.thunderbythebay.org/

• January 6, 7:30 - The Beach Boys at the Van Wezel http://www.vanwezel.org/boxOffice/event. cfm?eveID=1497#.VJAwTth0yP8

28

By Jaye Clements

SIESTA SAND January 2015 • www.siestasand.net

• January 16, 7:30 An evening of swinging Jazz with Eddie Metz, Jr Trio with Nicki Parrott, Rossano Sportiello & Eddie Metz, Jr. at Riverview HS Performing Arts center. http://www. jazzclubsarasota.org/ • January 16 & 17 – Pops – Sarasota Orchestra http://www.sarasotaorchestra.org/ • January 10, 17, 24, 31 – 1 & 3pm Family workshop at the Ringling – a hands on experience for children ages 4 – 10 accompanied by an adult. $5. http://www.ringling.org/events/familyworkshop-glass-class • January 21, 8:30 Michael Bolton at the Van Wezel http://www.vanwezel.org/boxOffice/event. cfm?eveID=1501#.VJAuz9h0yP8 • January 21 – 24 – Here, There and Everywhere at Holley Hall http://www.sarasotaorchestra.org/ great-escapes/here-there-and-everywhere

• January 27 – 8pm – Frankie Valli at the Van Wezel http://www.vanwezel.org/boxoffice/event. cfm?eveID=1505#.VJAqb9h0yP8 • January 30, 5 to 8pm Historic Downtown Village - www.downtownvillagesarasota.com

Looking Into the Crystal Ball In a town that abounds with dazzling fundraisers, the CRYSTAL BALL emerges as an event that is both delightful and affordable.

Created and produced by Friends of the Selby Public Library, this amazing soiree takes place from 6-9 pm on Wednesday, January 14, 2015.

Most Sarasota fundraising events have price tags in the hundreds, but not the 5th annual CRYSTAL BALL. With its modest price of $25 in advance, and $30 at the door, it is famed county-wide as the “People’s Gala.” The magical event is held inside the Selby Library located at 1331 First Street in Sarasota.

What does one receive for this very affordable tax-deductible investment? A potpourri of wonders! 30 quality performances take place in the Library’s glorious rotunda, and they include dancers, singers, musicians and specialty acts. Models will strut down the curving staircases, displaying stunning outfits. Intuitive readers, artists, authors, wellness experts, and various local businesses will bewitch and beguile with their talents. More than two dozen local restaurants and food vendors will offer generous samplings of enticing cuisine.

And of course there will be those ubiquitous Cash Bars.

Kenney DeCamp is the man who puts this event together.

Currently serving as President of the Friends of the Selby Public

By Diana Colson

Library, Kenney used his theatrical expertise to create the original

Solutions. Tickets are now on sale in the Selby Friends Bookstore.

Call 941.861.1140 for information.

All proceeds from the gala will go to benefit Selby Library’s youth programs.

The Friends of the Selby Public Library have chosen their mission: it is to partner with the Selby

Performer at the Crystal Ball

Delightful Dee - The Gypsy Dancer Suzanne Stacy, Crystal Ball’s Official gypsy

CRYSTAL BALL five years ago, and has recreated it every January since. Indeed, the event’s colorful posters bear his signature stamp: A Happy KDC Show.

Proud Sponsors of the CRYSTAL BALL include iBERIABANK, Living on the Suncoast, J.L. Bainbridge & Company, Inc., and Digital Image Business

Library in developing services, providing free programs, raising funds and advocating for library resources all in coordination with community interests. The organization achieves this goal by raising funds via the Selby Friends Bookstore, and by presenting events such as the CRYSTAL BALL. Through The Friends and their impressive efforts, the lives of many of our citizens have been enriched by experiencing the values, pleasures and rewards of

literacy.

During the past fiscal year, Friends of the Selby Public Library have supported the Library in a multitude of ways: They have generated over $55,000 in support of hundreds of free youth programs and events. They have contributed more than $7,000 for the presentation of over 200 free special events and programs for adults. They have given almost $5,000 for appreciation events for Library Volunteers. Last but not least, they have bankrolled more than 480 free events for children and youth.

To look at the bigger picture, over the past ten years, this group has generated more than a million dollars in support of Selby Library’s mission and programs. They have also underwritten over 12,000

County Postpones New Rules for Turtle Beach Park That points to real progress in the county’s stated goal of bolstering eco-tourism in the area. But on the down side come worries that a diminished park experience may ultimately harm Sarasota’s reputation as a tourist friendly destination.

As Lance Harden of Siesta Key Bike & Kayak told Siesta Sand recently, “I’ve lived here all my life. No one wants to see this place turn into the boardwalk on Atlantic City.”

Beyond issues of commercialization there were also complaints of rental companies soliciting customers at the park, a violation of park department policy.

In one well-publicized incident over the Labor Day weekend in 2009 David Wells, owner of Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures was charged with soliciting business on public property, a second-degree misdemeanor carrying a possible fine of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail. Wells had accepted $45 from an undercover Sheriff’s deputy dressed in Bermuda shorts and a t-shirt posing as a tourist looking for a kayak rental.

The sting took place within clear view of “No Soliciting” signs the county had posted at Ted Sperling Park.

According to reports in the Sarasota Herald Tribune, some in the business community thought the charges against Wells were a waste of Sheriff Department resources, at odds with the county’s stance on boosting ecotourism.

Sheriff Knight responded by pointing out that the no solicitation laws were written in such a way that his officers were unable to simply fine offenders; instead, the statute mandated misdemeanor charges.

The new rules that went into effect in January 2014 mandate that all vendors at Ted Sperling Park – referred to by the county as “Commercial Recreation Tour Operators” or CRTOs – purchase

“medallions” at a price of $500 apiece annually for each “vessel” (kayak, canoe, paddleboard) available for rental. Each vendor is required to provide a $1 million certificate of liability insurance and proof of workers compensation coverage, naming Sarasota County as an additional insured. Additionally, they are required to review a copy of the rules and regulations governing their use of the park, review safety and environmental briefings and provide the county with a list of all employees acting on their behalf.

154 permits were sold to 11 participating vendors, generating $77,000 in medallion fees for the program.

In return, licensed vendors are now able to accept payment on park property, though they are still not allowed to solicit business on the premises. “They can accept business from a park visitor approaching them, asking to rent a watercraft,” added Wisner.

Signs are limited to those affixed to their vehicles, with no kiosks or sandwich board type signs allowed.

To settle disputes between vendors and enforce parking issues and other rules, a full-time park ranger position was created to monitor the park.

That ranger, Pete Garcia, has by most accounts done a good job keeping the peace at Ted Sperling since the program’s rollout.

“He was a contract employee working at the campsite on Siesta Key, but was put on full time when the program was launched,” said Wisner. His duties continue to include some work at the campground so some of his salary represents an expense the county would have had even without the adoption of the new program.

On Siesta, some long standing businesses can’t understand why the Lido rules are coming to Turtle Beach.

Among those are Mike and

Sheila Lewis, who operate Siesta Key Sports and Rentals located at 6551 Midnight Pass Road. They have rented Kayaks at Turtle Beach for years and are one of the closest brick and mortar business to the park.

“Turtle Beach is nowhere near the problem Lido was,” said Sheila Lewis in response to queries from Siesta Sand on the issue. “There have been some problems with the appearance of companies operating out of the back of a truck. The County says they have had complaints but did not quantify them. We believe the situation could be controlled via compliance with existing laws such as being a registered business paying sales tax and not conducting business on County property.”

Lewis went on to say the $500 “fee” is not really a fee at all, but rather a tax and that traditional brick and mortar businesses already pay a variety of taxes that many of the other rental companies don’t.

Aledia Tush of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Stickney Point Road on Siesta and new chair of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce agrees.

“I just think that when people have a business storefront they are working from, paying rent and paying sales taxes, or real estate taxes if they own the property, then that is different from those who don’t have that storefront or don’t have to pay for an occupational license. I just don’t think it’s fair that store owners should be penalized.”

Asked if she had been contacted about the new rules coming to Siesta, Tush replied, “I was personally unaware that it was coming. I hear there were signs posted down there (at Turtle Beach), but I was never contacted personally.”

When Siesta Sand asked Wisner about the number of complaints the county has received that led to the program being extended

Library presentations and events given free to the public. (For more information, go to www. selbylibraryfriends.org.)

So—come to the CRYSTAL BALL and support the fine work being done by this grand organization!

And don’t forget to visit the Friends Bookstore located inside Selby Library. It’s a great place to browse among thousands of books in every genre. There you will find interesting cookbooks, out-of-print classics and unique titles that defy a set genre. Prices are low and the value is “priceless.” The Bookstore also offers Baubles, Bling & other donated items such as giftware, jewelry, art, accessories and ceramics. These eclectic offerings are outstanding values, and many are one-of-a-kind. P.S. Donations are always welcome!

Continued from cover story

Kayak vendors parked at Turtle Beach boat ramp last week.

New rules that were slated to take effect at the start of the new year have been postponed until summer according to the county.

Photo by Bob Frederickson.

to Turtle Beach she was unable to give an exact number but did indicate it was more than a dozen but perhaps less than a hundred over several years.

Al Hurxthal, a long time area kayak seller and tour operator with Economy Bait and Tackle on South Tamiami Trail views the matter philosophically. “We’re going to be buying medallions,” he said, adding that the expense will be worth it if it improves the experience for visitors at Turtle Beach.

“Looking at it from the public perspective, which is how I think it should be viewed, I think it’s going to make for an enhanced user experience for the public,” he said.

As for the cost to implement the program on Siesta, when asked if an additional ranger would be hired to monitor compliance at Turtle Beach, Wisner replied that there are no such plans at this point, adding that Garcia will assume the new monitoring responsibilities, adding them to his current duties at Ted Sperling and the county campground on Siesta.

In addition to the medallion requirement, all non-motorized launches – both commercial and private – are slated to move to the north end of the Turtle Beach lagoon, leaving the gulf side for motorized launches only.

In an ironic twist, the success of the county’s program to tame the circus-like atmosphere at Ted Sperling likely assured that the medallion program and associated rules would be proposed for Siesta Key. “The pressure on Turtle Beach has certainly increased because of the medallion program at Sperling,” said Hurxthal. “A number of the vendors that didn’t want to pay the $500 per medallion per year moved to Siesta and that’s had an impact there. More traffic.

More commercialization.”

So despite having less kayak and paddleboard launchings overall, less congestion and fewer disputes among vendors than Lido over the years, on August 24th, the county commission voted to “expand” the program “as needed” and the need identified focused on the southern tip of Siesta.

To some observers the decision is but the latest example of a “one size fits all” approach by county government that fails to adequately account for the unique circumstances and qualities of life on Siesta Key, which though separated by only the distance across Big Pass is a world apart from Lido.

As one Siesta based vendor who didn’t want his name used quipped with a shrug of the shoulders: “The county’s going to do what the county wants to do.

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

29

Snapshots of Island Visitors

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography 2

1

3

5

4

1: Tylor from MN. Photo op, with a SK snowman!

2: Family time with Ashley, Nate, Aaliya age 11, Presley age 6 and Bryce age 10 from Iowa. 3: Making vacation memories with Kurk, Drew age 9, Truitt age 7, mom, Daisha, age 5 & Danae age 3 from IN. 4: Siesta Key beach fun with Sydney, Shantel from GA. 5: Elisabeth, Bill & Eleanor - from Kentucky.

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ACCOMMODATIONS: • Best Western Plus Siesta Key – AAA -3 Diamond Property, Free shuttle service to and from Siesta Key 941-924-4900, 6600 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota • Siesta 4 Rent - Vacation Rentals, from studios to 5 bedrooms. Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500 • Robasota Real Estate – Annual and Seasonal Rentals, 941-926-1800, ext.

102 HEALTH: • A Bridge for Independence provides in home companion services including companionship, transportation, light housekeeping, medication reminders and meal preparation and planning. Call us at 866-279-4390, FL License #230517 • Senior Home Companions – companionship and In-Home care. daily living needs, hourly, overnight, 24-hour care, 941-924-0494 • Siesta Key Massage & Therapy Center – Relieve all that pent –up tension and improve circulation with a soothing massage or facial by Ali. Call to book your appointment today.

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• Massage Heights -1-hour massage $49.99, custom facial $59.99 – intro offers, 4948 S. Tamiami Trl, 941-9271030 (See Display ad in this paper) • Massage Experience Siesta Key Open 7-day a week. 5138A Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4833

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TRANSPORTATION: • Dollar Limo – holds up to 10 people and is cheaper than a D.U.I or taxi.

Call 941-735-4732 • Jonny’s Original Free Ride – The Original Ride the Key Free service on Siesta to anywhere, everyday from 10 AM – 2 AM. Driver tips only. Call 941-928-9200.

• Siesta Key Free Rides – Siesta Key Free island shuttle for beach, village, condo and tours – tips only. Electric vehicles. Call 941-952-8294 • Sun Ride Pedicab – Eco-friendly Pedicabs. Siesta Key Tours and rides – tips only, 941-343-3400 • Surfside Free Ride – Provides free Taxi service all over Siesta Key and short distances off the north & south bridge on the mainland from 10am to 2am 7 days a week, tips only, 941-9618238

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

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cabanas and beach chairs. View our complete inventory on line www. abcbabyrental.com 2300 Bee Ridge Rd Ste. 204 Sarasota 941-929-1850 FISHING CHARTERS: • CB’s Saltwater Outfitters – CB’s Saltwater Outfitters is an ORVIS Endorsed Outfitter Fishing Charter Service serving Siesta Key as well as Longboat Key, Lido Key, Sarasota and Venice.

Our veteran guides offer exciting Fishing Adventures for anglers of all ages from novice to the expert.

We offer Inshore, Backcountry and Offshore fishing charters for both fly-fishing and spin anglers. They will do their best to make sure your stay in our Sarasota, Siesta Key area is memo-rable. Let us arrange an exciting trip to the shallow water back country to sightfish for snook, red-fish, speckled trout and other species, or trips to the inshore reefs of the Gulf of Mexico for giant tarpon, bonito, cobia, tripletail, jack crevalle, kingfish, spanish mackerel. Fly and Spin fishing for all ages. 1240 Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key. (941)349-4400

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HOME IMPROVEMENT • Hawk’s Nest Construction Whether you’re building a new home, remodeling your existing home, creating an outdoor living area, or safeguarding your home – one call does it all. We offer a full range of building and remodeling services under one roof. 4525A S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231, Office 941.650.9499 • L.L. Armstrong, LLC – A Painting Co. This family run company has been in business since 1978 and specializes in custom painting, removal of virtually all types of wall coverings and Venetian Plastering.

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

31

Association Matters, Legally Speaking

By Vanda Y. Bayliss, Esq

|Amending the Governing Documents In Sarasota there are many condominiums and subdivisions over twenty years old. The governing documents (the declaration, bylaws, articles of incorporation) may be out of date.

The relevant Florida Statutes, Chapter 718 (condominiums) and Chapter 720 (homeowners’ associations), have been amended and expanded significantly over the years. In some instances, the changes to those statutes may take precedence over the language in the governing documents, causing confusion for those who refer to the documents for guidance.

Additionally, the documents may still refer to “the developer” when the developer has had no interest in the project for years. Therefore, the question arises, “Should the documents be rewritten?”

“Amending and restating” the documents is a much more extensive process than simply amending a few provisions. If the documents are “amended and restated,” all provisions will be brought up to date and in conformance with current law.

Furthermore, “amending and restating” the documents has the added advantage that owners, managers, and attorneys will no longer need to refer to the original outdated documents and the (possibly) numerous amendments that have been made to them over the years. Only the “amended

Sarasota Real Estate Trends

and restated” documents would need to be referred to in the future, saving time and legal fees for all concerned.

A major point when considering amending the documents is the cost. Amending and restating the documents is expensive as it is a very time consuming process.

Generally, it will cost more than $4,000 when all fees and costs are considered. Depending on the extent of the amendments that are included in the new version, and whether the bylaws and articles of incorporation are being amended also, the cost may be significantly higher.

I suggest an amendment committee begin the process by reading each provision of the documents and determining whether changes are necessary or desirable based on real life experience. The committee does not need to come up with the wording for the new provisions, just a description of what it would like to see accomplished. A list of desired changes and outcomes may then be presented to an attorney who should determine if the proposed changes would be legal and the appropriate language to use to accomplish the desired outcome. Additionally, the attorney should review the documents to eliminate unnecessary references to the developer and to bring all other provisions up to date

Blooming this month: Brazilian Button-flower

Annual Sales - 2000 to Current

12000

Condo

10000

Single Family

Total

8000 6000 4000 2000 0

'00

'01

'02

'03

'04

'05

'06

'07

'08

'09

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

KEY SOLUTIONS REAL ESTATE

'10

'11

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with current law. The attorney may also make suggestions as to additional provisions that might be appropriate and additional clarifications that might avoid future problems.

Before the proposed amended and restated documents can be presented to the owners for a vote, the board of directors will need to approve the final proposed version. Prior to the board’s vote, I think it is wise to provide all of the owners with a copy of the proposed document and then hold a “town hall meeting” with the lawyer present. Not only will such a meeting give the owners an opportunity to have their questions answered, but it will also give them the opportunity to point out any issues that may have been overlooked. Also, the meeting may highlight which amendments may be the most controversial.

Those “contentious” amendments may then be voted on separately, rather than risk failure of the entire project because of one or two hot issues. (Increasing or decreasing the number of pets allowed is an example of an issue that should be voted on separately if disagreement on the issue is apparent.)

I will address this subject further next month.

'13

Single Family Condos *Statistics provided by MFR MLS

When comparing the September 2014 to December 2014 median sales price to that of the same period last year, zip code 34242 has seen a 17.7% increase, with the average price at $503,000. Even more impressive is the increase of the price per square foot by 18.2%, averaging $397 per square foot currently.

A very hardy plant that blooms in January is the Brazilian Button-flower.

With serrated 3” blue-green foliage & 1” blue blooms they are a welcome addition to your Winter garden. It makes a lovely cut flower to put in small bouquets.

The flowers lasting for 8-10 days. Just remember to change the water. Grown as a bedding or border plant it reaches a height of two feet or so & has a full bushy growth pattern.

This plant can tolerate semishade or full sun.

An added bonus is the flat blooms attracts butterflies.

Propagation is by seeds that self-sow themselves or by cuttings. Cuttings or seedlings can be shared with other

gardeners. Button-flower is very drought tolerant & has no pests or diseases to speak of. It does however need well drained soil.

If spent blooms are pinched off this plant will continue to bloom for several months.

Submitted by Kay Weber, Horticulture Co-chair of the Sarasota Garden Club

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SIESTA SAND January 2015 • www.siestasand.net

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‘Twas the Judging Night of the Siesta Key Condo Council’s Christmas Lighting Contest

By Trebor Britt ‘Twas the night of the contest, and all through the Key, The judges were stirring, ‘bout who the winners might be.

The clipboards were ready, with pens in their hands, In hopes that the trolley, would make it to Siesta Sands.

Contestants were hoping all snug in their condo beds, While visions of Christmas lights danced in their heads.

One judge in a hat And one in a cap, Their brains were a workin’ some for an eggnog frap(pe) When out on condo lawns there arose such a clatter, Contestants sprang from their beds to see what was the matter.

Away to the window owners flew like a flash.

Realizing what was happening, they threw out some cash.

Contestants were hoping the judges could be bought, But who could really blame them, since it was winning they sought.

Now! Diane, now! Michael, now!

Helen, now! Jeff and Al, On! Mark, on! Walt, on! Nancy, on! Kay and Patricia.

Judges were tasked with weighing each lighting display based on the following criteria.

UNIQUENESS COLOR TELLS HOLIDAY STORY WOW FACTOR And the results for the 2014 Siesta Key Condominium Council Christmas Lighting Contest Results are as follows:

First Place Category 1

Category 2 (51-100 Units) First Place, Island House Second Place, The Anchorage Third Place, Beachaven Honorable Mention, Crescent Arms

When judging was over, let it be said, ‘Twas the eggnog that caused, everyone’s nose to turn red.

The judges all knew, the contest would be tight.

So here are the results, of what they determined that night.

First Place Category 3

Judges Category 1 (101 or more Units) First Place, Peppertree Bay Second Place tie, Whispering Sands, & Excelsior Third Place, Siesta Dunes Honorable Mention, Siesta Harbor

First Place Category 2

Category 3 (50 or fewer Units) First Place, Sandpiper Beach Club Second Place, Siesta Sands Third Place, Terrace East Honorable Mention, Sunset Royale

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Accommodations Locator Map

© Island Visitor Publishing, LLC 2012

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SIESTA SAND January 2015 • www.siestasand.net

Tallahassee News Briefs Bill would shield taxpayer email addresses

Warning of identity theft and other crimes, a Pinellas County lawmaker has filed a proposal that would prevent the release of taxpayers’ email addresses held by tax collectors. The proposal (SB 200), filed this week by Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, will be considered during the 2015 legislative session, which starts in March. The proposal would create a public-records exemption for email addresses that are used in the course of communications between taxpayers and tax collectors.

“In order to conduct business electronically with a tax collector, the taxpayer must report his or her personal email address,’’ the bill said. “Under current law, email addresses are public records available to anyone for any purpose. However, such addresses are unique to the individual and, when combined with other personal identifying information, can be used for

identity theft, taxpayer scams, and other invasive contacts. The public availability of personal email addresses invites and exacerbates thriving and welldocumented criminal activities and puts taxpayers at increased risk of harm.”

Senate could consider tougher texting law

A Brevard County senator filed a proposal that would strengthen Florida’s ban on texting while driving. The bill (SB 192), filed by Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, would allow enforcement of the ban as what is known as a “primary” offense. That would mean police officers could stop motorists for texting behind the wheel.

Under current law, texting while driving is considered a “secondary” offense, which only allows drivers to be cited if they are stopped by police for other reasons. Rep. Richard Stark, D-Weston, also has filed has a similar bill (HB 1) to be

considered during the 2015 legislative session.

Bill would require police to wear body cameras

Amid a broader national debate about the issue, a state House Democrat filed a proposal that would require body cameras for all Florida police officers who primarily are assigned to patrol duties.

The bill (HB 57), filed by Rep. Shevrin Jones, D-West Park, will be considered during the 2015 legislative session. Under the proposal, officers would have to use the cameras “to record activities that take place during motor vehicle stops or other law enforcement actions taken during the course of his or her official duties.” The bill comes amid a national debate, fueled by fatal incidents in New York and Missouri, about police use of force.

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Island Girl This month’s island girl is Emily, a Floridita Swimwear brand ambassador, 2015 Hooters Calendar Centerfold, billboard and taxi top girl, and Turner Motorsport’s model.

She is always in a bikini and ready for anything!

Emily is wearing Floridita Swimwear. Inspired by the combination of Florida fun-living, vintage glamour, and the sultriness of Latin America, each piece is uniquely handcrafted and consists of gorgeous embellishments and embroidery. In Spanish, Floridita means “little Florida.” www.floriditaswimwear.com

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

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SIESTA SAND January 2015 • www.siestasand.net