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Big Pass sand borrow area offshore of Siesta Key eliminated from dredging plans page
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Speed limit change coming to Siesta Isles
By Rachel Brown Hackney
SarasotaNewsLeader.com
Siesta Isles Association wins County Commission approval for all but two requests for traffic calming measures sought to improve safety Siesta Isles petitions. “You and I are going to talk a lot this afternoon,” Maio told Hussain, “because I’ve had to listen to the thoughts of those residents on Siesta for five years.” Later, Commissioner Michael Moran asked County Attorney Frederick “Rick” Elbrecht for confirmation about the latitude the commissioners have with traffic petitions. “The board has discretion to grant or deny these,” Elbrecht replied. Approximately an hour and 2 minutes later, the County Commission unanimously had approved the speed limit change the Siesta Isles Association had requested on Glebe Lane; it had reduced the speed limit throughout Siesta Isles from 25 mph to 20 mph; and it had approved multi-way stop signs at two of the four intersections: Contento Drive at Shadow Law Drive; and Beach Way Drive at Cape Leyte Drive.
By Debbie Flessner
Sandwich she had ordered on her personal Instagram page—which currently has almost 600,000 followers. “A customer of mine came in, showed me the picture and asked, “Do you know who she is?” Paynter said. “Of course I did, but I thought that was just the end of it.” It wasn’t. In addition to Lee’s co-hosting duties on the Food Network show “The Kitchen,” she is one of the chefs who regularly makes suggestions for another show on the channel, called “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” Two weeks after she visited Anna’s Deli, the Food Network called Paynter to tell her that the restaurant and the Surfer Sandwich had been nominated for an appearance on that show.
Page 28 Siesta Sounds: Mike Tozier’s love affair with Siesta Key
• Village Map/business listings PAGE 24 • Crescent Beach Map/ business listings PAGE 26 • Gulf Gate Shops PAGE 30 • Island Humor PAGE 29 • Accommodations Map/ Listings PAGE 47
CONTENTO DR
Contento at Shadow Lawn Drive in Siesta Isles
Continued on page 20
Anna’s Deli hits it big Almost anyone who has ever visited Siesta Key has either been to or has at least heard of Anna’s Deli. A Siesta Key staple, Anna’s was originally started by Anna James in 1971. Since then hundreds of thousands of tourists, snowbirds and locals have passed through Anna’s Deli’s doors for one of their award-winning sandwiches. But a few months ago, a Food Network star was vacationing on Siesta Key, and happened to walk unrecognized through Anna’s South Siesta doors. Ashley Paynter, daughter of Anna’s Deli owner Dave Havill, was working that day in their Anna’s University location, but soon learned that Katie Lee had posted a picture of the Anna’s famous Surfer
SHADOW LAWN DR
Different board, quite a different outcome. On Sept. 9, Tony Romanus appeared before the Sarasota County Traffic Advisory Council (TAC) to request two speed limit reductions and multi-way stops at four locations in the 297-home Siesta Isles community. Representing the Siesta Isles Association Board of Directors, he figuratively was shot down on each item. The lone petition on which the TAC offered some assistance involved Glebe Lane. Instead of lowering the speed limit from 30 mph to 20 mph, as requested, however, the TAC agreed to 25 mph, based on the staff recommendation. During the Dec. 11 County Commission meeting — before Romanus ever even stepped to the podium — Commissioner Alan Maio began peppering Amjid Hussain, an engineer on staff of the county’s Traffic Engineering & Operations Division, with questions about staff’s objections to the
Continued on page 34
From a hotel and bathhouse to mansions By Philip M. Farrell, MD, PhD Siesta Key Beach resorts developed over a century as a sequence of attractive communities after the Bay Island Hotel proved successful lodging/recreational facilities were feasible along the Gulf and its tidal inlets. Opened in 1912, it also demonstrated the value of upscale accommodations, great food, and attractive, tropical landscaping. Unfortunately, the real estate bust of the 1920s and Great Depression delayed further resort development. The economic situation, however, created opportunities as audacious developers and architects began a decadeslong passion for progress throughout the island. In fact, Siesta Key achieved national
Page 17 North Beach Road vacation lawsuit
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prominence for innovative architecture long before being recognized for featuring America’s Best Beach. This overview and three articles that will follow in successive months will describe the evolution the Key’s unique development.
The Bay Island Hotel Sets the Stage The northeast tip of Siesta Key, destined to become an island through Mayor Harry Higel’s dredging project, was an early attraction for developers. Continued on page 46
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Grant funds not available to help clean up Grand Canal
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Oceane pocket park space remains work in Rachel Brown Hackney progress By SarasotaNewsLeader.com Thanks to reports of eagle-eyed neighbors, SNL learned just before Thanksgiving that a pocket park/ parking space had been restored next to the Oceane condominium complex on Ocean Boulevard. After visiting the site, this reporter could assert that the space had a much more refined look than it did in its original form. Although the surface appeared pervious, the contractor included a stop bar on the northern end of the spot. Needless to say, in an effort to maintain a park-like feel, county staff did not include such a feature in the original space. Two other prominent features not present in the past were “Do Not Enter” and “No Parking” signs on either side of the driveway, along with a chain-andpost system blocking vehicles from heading down that driveway. At least when this reporter ambled down to the two park benches overlooking Big Pass, no one appeared to question the action. About seven years ago, residents of the Windward Passage condominium complex on the north side of that driveway “pitched a fit,” as the saying goes, when Christine P. Johnson, president of the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, addressed both Siesta Key Association (SKA) members and those of the Siesta Key Village Association about the potential of what is now the Oceane property being turned into a community park. Windward Passage condominium owners complained that visitors to the park would disrupt their quality of life by being noisy, leaving trash on the ground and trying to invade their property. The Conservation Foundation was unable to generate enough interest to try to purchase the land, which had stood vacant for a number of years before the Oceane developer purchased it. As Johnson told SNL in September 2012, “Basically, something had to give,” to bring the idea of a small park to fruition. “There wasn’t enough community support for it,” she said, and “the owner was intractable” on the price, which was reported to have been between $3.5 million and $4 million. Johnson added that the foundation staff was sympathetic to the owner, however, because the property was saddled with a lot of debt. The foundation staff did search for prospective benefactors to help purchase the parcel, she said, but “everyone contacted thought that the price was too high.” On Dec. 2, SNL emailed county Communications Department staff to ask about the situation with the
Pocket park parking space facing Oceane
restored pocket park/parking space. Media Relations Officer Brianne Grant finally received answers on Dec. 11. Staff of the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department (PRNR) told SNL that it appeared the new space was smaller than the original. “We are looking into this further for appropriate amount of space for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act,” PRNR added, through Grant. Further, the PRNR response noted that the original public parking space was located closer to the Big Pass access area at Givens Street, next to Windward Passage. Staff with the county’s Planning and Development Services Department also provided comments for Grant to pass along to the News Leader. The county’s Public Works Department will be installing new county park rules signage shortly at the parking space, Planning and Development staff wrote, though no specific date was offered, Grant added. Finally, in response to a question about whether the Oceane Certificate of Occupancy (CO) had been granted, Planning and Development pointed out, “The site was certified by Land Development staff on Dec. 5. Individual CO’s will be issued on a unit-by-unit basis as those units are completed.” The News Leader later learned that the stop bar had been removed from the spot. One of the eagle-eyed neighbors reported that information on Dec. 12. Perhaps the PRNR check on the site resulted in that change.
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It’s time to step back
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By Bob Stein
To all our loyal readers and advertisers of Siesta Sand: it’s time for us to take a step back and begin taking advantage of all our island offerings and spend time with family and friends. As the New Year begins, you will be holding the last issue we produced before handing over the reigns to Siesta Key islander Todd Zerega and his managing partner Brion Palmer of 27th State Media, LLC. We are confident 27th State Media will continue the vison, quality, and standards that you have come to expect from the Siesta Sand. These past 10 years have been extremely special to my wife, Emy, and I as we’ve gotten to know many of the island business owners through our paper, and we are proud to call so many of you friends. We’re equally proud of how far we’ve taken the paper, from the then existing “Map Newspaper” as it was known to what we have today. It’s been a labor of love. We took our time revamping it. We wanted the product to appeal to both locals and visitors - something simple with a fun beach flare, covering all things Siesta. Although much has changed in the newspaper business with the emergence of new media, there is one thing I learned years ago - keep it hyper-local. This philosophy has worked well for this paper. Drawing from the information and experience I obtained sitting on three Siesta Key boards; Siesta Key Association, the now defuncted Siesta Key Village Association, and the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, helped me understand the needs and wants of both the residents and
businesses of Siesta Key. It was extremely gratifying and humbling for me when I was awarded the “2014 Business Person of the Year” from the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. Although you will no longer see me delivering the Siesta Sand, in my sleeveless T-shirts and shorts each week, I’ll still be roaming around the island among the wave of other “Q-tips” but, this time, taking in the great food, fun, and music. Complete retirement is not on the agenda just yet. I’ll continue to be involved with our other Sarasota publication, The Landings Eagle working through 27th State Media and Emy will still produce the two publications in North Fort Myers. It’s been an honor working with the various committees and being a part of helping shape the fabric of Siesta Key. We’ll continue to keep our ears open to what’s happenings on the island and also begin ticking things off our bucket list. Thanks to all for your loyal patronage over the years. A special thanks to all our amazing contributing writers, reps, and our graphic designer.
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Financial Focus The world of mutual funds can be confusing. With more than 9,000 funds on the market, how can you choose the ones that are right for you? One way to start is by considering the various categories of mutual funds – and there are quite a few of them: Small Cap Growth, Large Cap Growth, Large Cap Value, Diversified Emerging Markets, Foreign Large Cap Blend and more – the list is extensive, and for many people, confusing. However, with a little study, you can understand why these funds have their names – for example, a Small Cap Growth fund will contain stocks of smaller companies thought to offer growth potential. Once you know the goals of different categories of mutual funds, you can determine which ones fit into your overall investment strategy. This is important, because you want to ensure your portfolio is appropriately diversified. For example, if you find that almost all of your mutual funds come from the above-mentioned Small Cap Growth category, you may
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Don’t Chase Last Year’s Mutual Fund Category Winners
be taking on more investment risk than you’d like, because funds that offer the greatest growth possibilities also usually carry the highest degree of market volatility. Typically, you may be better off owning an array of mutual funds drawn from several different categories, with the percentage each category occupies in your portfolio based on your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. (Keep in mind, though, that while diversification can help reduce the effects of volatility, it doesn’t guarantee a profit or protect against losses in a declining market.) You might be tempted to choose categories by looking at which most recently outperformed the others, and just stick with those groups. But is this a good idea? It probably isn’t – and the main reason you shouldn’t chase performance this way is things change very quickly in the mutual funds arena. It’s quite possible – and has happened many times – that the top category last year can fall into one of the worstperforming ones this year, and vice
versa. Consequently, your efforts above, you can diversify further to capture a winning trend may be by owning funds from several categories. Just remember, though, futile. Of course, within the context that as you build your mutual fund of investing in various mutual portfolio, don’t get caught up in fund categories, you still need to last year’s results – because old choose individual funds. And, news just may not be that relevant as is the case with categories, today. you might be tempted to give Mutual fund investing involves risk. considerable weight to a fund’s Your principal and investment return track record. But, similar to the in a mutual fund will fluctuate in value. situation with fund categories, Your investment, when redeemed, may “chasing performance” is typically be worth more or less than the original not a good strategy – after all, cost. last year’s “hot” fund may have Advertorial cooled off considerably this year. Joe St.Onge, Nonetheless, reviewing a fund’s ChFC® longer-term track record can help you understand how it might Financial perform through the ups and Advisor downs of the financial markets. Always keep in mind, though, that Edward Jones Investments past performance can’t guarantee how the fund will perform in the 5112 Ocean Blvd., future. Siesta Key, FL 34242 Mutual funds are popular (941)-346-0560 phone investments – and for good reason. (941)-320-4030 mobile Since each fund generally contains Joe.StOnge@edwardjones.com dozens of securities, you get a degree of diversification you can’t This article was written by Edward Jones achieve from owning individual for use by your local Edward Jones Financial stocks or bonds. And, as discussed Advisor.
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Island Chatter Staff Report Annual Andrew Monroe Memorial Scholarship 5K Walk/ Run In honor of the life of Andrew Monroe, the Annual Andrew Monroe Memorial Scholarship 5K Walk/Run was established for the benefit of senior soccer players at Riverview High School in Sarasota. Senior girls and boys, soccer players, Track athletes and JROTC cadets have the opportunity to receive scholarships through an essay process. The scholarship is open for all county soccer players. The event over the last 6 years has generated $80,000, distributed 30 scholarships and has met the fund balance at the Sarasota Community Foundation. The Andrew Monroe Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation will have two $1000 scholarships in perpetuity. Continued on the next page
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Continued from the previous page
This year the event will be on Sunday, January 5, at Siesta Key Beach with same day registration 6 a.m. - 8 a.m. Chip timed 5K - 8:15 a.m. and the 1-mile fun walk - 8:20 a.m. The cost after December 19 $40 for everyone. Register: www. andrewmonroe.com/registration, Goodie bags to the first 400 entries. Andrew had a heart for the unfortunate: Please bring a can or two of food for Mayors Feed the Hungry.
Siesta Key Marina changes ownership This past month Siesta Key Marina, located at 1265 Old Stickney Point Road, on Siesta Key was sold to Safe Harbor Marinas. According to their website, Safe Harbor Marinas is the largest owner and operator of marinas in the world. The corporate office is located out of Dallas, Texas. The new name of the marina is Safe Harbor Siesta Key. They currently operate eight marinas on Florida’s west coast. On November 10, 2015 Andy Eggebrecht, Maurice Dentici and their families took over ownership of the marina, and considering their backgrounds, it came as no surprise with the acquisition. The Dentici family owns the five area Rico’s restaurants, while the Eggebrechts own Andros Boatworks, which designs and builds custom hybrid / bay and offshore fishing boats. The two planned to open a restaurant on the property, Spearfish Grille. The restaurant has been a success. Eggebrect and Dentici will retain ownership of the restaurant.
COME JOIN THE FUN
WATCH SPORTING EVENTS AT SIESTA KEY’S OLDEST BAR, INSIDE OR ON OUR LARGE OUTDOOR TV SCREENS
YOUR DESTINATION TO WATCH SPORTS! COLLEGE BOWL GAMES NFL PLAYOFFS TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING GAMES
MTV’s ‘Siesta Key’ returns It’s back, “Siesta Key,” the reality TV show returns for a third season on MTV January 7. The first episode premiered in July of 2017. The show is centered around Alex Kompothecras, the son of Siesta Key resident Gary Kompothecras, founder of “1-800-ASKGARY”, who serves as an executive producer on the show. The reality series follows Alex and a group of friends every season dealing with their relationships and everyday life with the backdrop of Siesta Key. Continued on page 8
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Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill hosts their annual fundraiser The Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill hosted their annual “Light A Tree - Brighten A Future” fundraiser last month and raised much needed funds for The Sarasota Youth Shelter located at 1106 S. Briggs Ave, in Sarasota. “Each year, our guests and local businesses sponsor a Christmas tree,” said Siobhan Fox, manager of Boatyard Waterfront Bar &
Grill. “We line the trees up on our docks and the night of the event, everyone comes for a decorating party. To add to the festivities, prizes are announced, from raffle tickets purchased, throughout the evening.” “Special thanks goes to Home Depot on Cattleman for donating all the Christmas trees, along with all the following businesses for
helping make our fundraiser such a success: Exp Realty, Sunbelt Equipment Rentals, Arney’s Army, Evie’s on Main, Beach Club, Molly’s, New Balance, Fleet Feet, Thirsty Turtle, Cannons Steak House, Shaners Pizza, Gilligan’s, Johnny’s Car Wash, Island Tap House, LongHorn Steakhouse.”
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Did You Know Siesta Key has a GEMSTONE?
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It’s no secret that the sand on Siesta Key Beach is composed of 99% pure quartz. The crystalline white sand of Siesta Key is luxurious, soft, white and cool to the touch 365 days a year. This is why our beloved beach has been revered as one of the most beautiful in the world. Wanting to capture the experience and essence of Siesta Key beach was the goal of the proprietor of Silver City, Monica. “Tourists always wish they can somehow take their vacation memories with them,” so with this in mind, Silver City designed the Siesta Key Watercolor GemstoneTM. They were able to capture the colors of Siesta Key’s blue/ green water and put it into a quartz gemstone. This quartz gemstone is a fusion of the tropical colors that surround us. Just looking into the clear, beautiful gemstone will transport you back to our island paradise representing the Sea, Sky and beautiful sand of Siesta Key Beach. Silver City has now become a “Must Stop” destination for tourists (Currently named #1 shopping destination on TRIP ADVISOR on Siesta Key). Shining brightly among the cases of this uniquely mirrored store lies the much raved about Siesta Key Watercolor GemstoneTM. Every jewelry piece is designed and made by Silver City Sarasota. The staff of Silver City Sarasota is very proud of their unique collection and variety of designs in Sterling Silver and in 14K gold.
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Continued from page 5
Siesta Key Association meeting
Will you need one or more new employees for season?
The SKA normally holds it’s monthly meeting the first Thursday of the month. Due to it falling on January 2 the meeting date has been changed to Thursday, January 9. The meeting is held at St. Boniface Church located at 5615 Midnight Pass Road at 4:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall.
The Siesta Key Chamber is hosting a “mobile” island-wide Siesta Key Job Fair Tuesday, Jan. 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Job seekers will begin their job search by stopping in the Siesta Key Visitor Center to pick-up a list of participating Job Fair employers. Applicants will then walk, bike, drive or Trolley to the participating businesses
where they wish to apply. Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, 5114 Ocean Boulevard, Siesta Key, 941349-3800.
Ailing palms in the Village In response to concerns expressed by a reader, SNL contacted county staff the second week of December to ask about an indication that Siesta Village has a number of “sick” palms.
Happiness Is…Setting a Cool New Year’s Resolution There’s got to be a reason why most people don’t follow through on their new year’s resolutions, right? Well, the folks at Abel’s Ice Cream believe they have the answer to sticking with it. How you ask? By making a resolution you’ll LOVE to achieve! As they like to say at Abel’s, “everybody needs an ice cream goal.” And what better time to set that goal than the new year? For a limited time, you can still enjoy seasonal favorite Peppermint Flash (Refreshing and vibrant peppermint ice cream filled with peppermint candy) or step on into the coming spring with Blueberry Cheesecake (Rich & Creamy Cheesecake ice cream swirled with a blueberry ribbon.) Jerry and Jill Williams, owners of Abel’s Ice Cream Come in for a cup or cone. Or enjoy any of Abel’s ice cream flavors on a Sunday through Thursday from Noon-9:30 pm, and slice of locally made hot apple or cherry pie. Yum! Friday and Saturday from Noon-10 pm. Learn more And remember to top it off with a cup of delicious online at our website, www.abelsicecream.com or Lelu’s Coffee. connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. Abel’s is even going to reward you for sticking with this sweet resolution. Grab a punch card next time you’re in and work your way toward free ice cream! Awarded their What an incentive! Certificate of Excellence Abel’s Ice Cream is located at 1886 Stickney for SIX years straight! Point Road, Sarasota in the South Bridge Plaza. Open
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Lisa Cece, special district coordinator for the county — who serves as the county liaison to the Siesta Key Village Maintenance Corp. — responded with the following information via email on Dec. 9: “Approximately fortyone palms are currently being treated in the Siesta Key Village for what is commonly known as ‘white fly’ infestation.” During the last monthly inspection of the Village, she continued, it was noted that the fronds had developed spots and unusual coloring. Wilhelm Brothers, the landscape and irrigation maintenance contractor for the Village, scheduled treatment, which commenced last week, Cece noted. “The palms that have orange ribbons are flagged for a second treatment. Once that is completed, the ribbons will be removed,” she wrote. “This pest will not destroy the palms,” Cece pointed out, “but for the health and appearance of the palms treatments were necessary to eradicate the infestation. At the same time, a follow-up pruning is being conducted in the Village as per contract requirements.” The Siesta Key Village Maintenance Corp., which directly oversees the manner in which district maintenance is performed, approved the treatment, along with the county district representative, Cece added. The Maintenance Corp. represents the property owners who are assessed annually by the county to pay for the upkeep of the Village.
Siesta Key Condo Council meeting Membership meeting notice, Tuesday, January 14, 3:00 PM at Siesta Key Chapel 4615 Gleason Ave. The main speaker is DAN LOBECK of Lobeck & Hanson, Law Offices. The subject matters discussed will be 2019 Legislation Affecting Condominiums, 2020 Legislative, Preview Are You ADA Compliant, Director Term Limits and Keeping Up With Technology followed by a question and answer session with audience.
The Corvette versus the Prius During a Nov. 19 County Commission public hearing regarding a petition for a Coastal Setback Variance for the property at 680 Beach Road, a bit of a different debate arose. Attorney John Patterson, a longtime Siesta Key resident, was representing a homeowner several doors down from petitioners’ property. In explaining his client’s position on the planned siting of a new home at 680 Beach Road, Patterson showed the commissioners a number of photos. With one image up on the “Wolf” — the overhead projector that enables the board members and the public to see slides and other documents during a presentation — Patterson paused. “That’s my Corvette, by the way,” he said, referring to the blue vehicle in his client’s driveway. Later, when the attorney for the petitioners — Charles D. Bailey III of the Williams Parker firm — stepped up to the podium for his rebuttal, Bailey said, “I have a white Prius. Continued on page 11
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We’ve Moved! We have outgrown our Siesta Key home of 37 years! Come visit our new retail shop & expanded wedding & event design studio!
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Non-surgical “facelift” for facial rejuvenation Are you tired of looking in the mirror thinking to yourself - a little nip here, maybe a tuck there would really help shave some years off of your face? But besides the cost, you think of the amount of time needed to recuperate and wonder how much pain is involved, so your logical self dismisses the thought. Instead, you buy more lotions and potions hoping to wake up to a younger you. But, it hasn’t worked yet, has it? Spa Experience Siesta Key offers a realistic alternative solution that’s safe and non-invasive called micro-current facial sculpting. It’s the new non-surgical “facelift” that requires no downtime or recovery time, has no risk of complications, is far less expensive, and above all gives instant results. How it works The gentle and 100% non-invasive treatment works in synergy with your body’s natural energy system. It sends safe, painless impulses to the muscles in the face to relax muscles that are overly tightened and strengthen those that are under-worked with very low levels of electrical current. During this luxurious and relaxing treatment, jaw lines get tighter, eyebrows lift and crow’s feet are reduced. You will see the results after just one treatment however multiple treatments are recommended for the most visible and longer lasting results. Do you sink or sag? Sinkers tend to see changes in their 30’s such as crow’s feet, and the lines around the lips and on the cheeks. Saggers see fat drifting
Before and after downwards. Over time the jaw line diminishes, fat pads appear under the eyes and the brown line flattens. A study by the University of Washington proved that micro current increases your skin’s elastin fibers by 45%, collagen by 10% and the number of blood vessels by 35%. It can increase ATP, your body’s building block, by 500%. This is how it works to “rejuvenate” your face, softening wrinkles and toning your facial muscles. Can be used with facial injections If you have received facial injections, this treatment will help maintain your lift in-between. Since the process is accumulative, more treatments bring more noticeable and lasting results. Most people see their desired results within 5 to 7 treatments. Over time and with follow-up treatments, your results can be even more visible as the body continues to produce higher levels of new collagen and wrinkles smooth out. This uplifting therapy is preventative, as well as corrective. Aesthetic benefits of the micro current machine includes softer skin, improved circulation, enhanced muscle function and balance, reduced appearance of fine lines, and enhanced natural
Connie Lewis, BS, LMT, Aesthetician and owner established Massage Experience, Siesta Key in June of 1996. She attended the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in Worcester, Massachusetts in January of 1994, then moved to Sarasota, Florida to continue her career in massage therapy. “My personal philosophy when massaging a client for the first time, or the hundred and first time, is to let my hands ‘tell me what to do.’ After so many years of practice I have a sixth sense about pressure and what the client may need from me during the session. I listen with my hands and utilize my years of practice and personal experience to give the client the perfect session for them.”
production of collagen and elastin. It is particularly effective in treating acne as it destroys the bacteria, while encouraging the healing process without harming the skin. Owner, Connie Lewis uses the Pevonia Botanica product line exclusively. The combined use of Pevonia Botanica’s ultimate antiaging products allow for maximum product penetration. Spa Experience Siesta Key is conveniently located at L’Core Paris Spa in the Westfield Siesta Key Mall, 3501 South Tamiami Trail. Spa Experience Siesta Key is open 6-days-a-week year round, and 7-days-a-week in season. Appointments may be made online at www.spaexperiencesiestakey. com or by calling 941-350-7495. (MA Lic#17596 /MM Lic#40045) (Advertorial)
New location
6119A Clark Center Ave. • Sarasota , Fl 34238 941.349.9212 Flowersbyfudgie.com
Your Go-To Store on the Island Morton’s Siesta Market is your one-stop shop for easy island living. We offer a large selection of staple groceries, beer and wine, as well as fresh produce, meats and seafood. In keeping with our Morton’s tradition, we also carry a delicious array of prepared foods, perfect for take-out, picnics, parties and more.
Please stop in and say hello!
205 Canal Road, Siesta Key • 941-349-1474 • MortonsMarket.com
VISIT OUR SIESTA VILLAGE LIQUORS JUST NEXT DOOR!
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JANUARY 2020
27th State Media LLC
Big Pass sand borrow area offshore of Siesta Key eliminated from dredging plans
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By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com
After reviewing the new U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ solicitation package for the Lido Renourishment Project, Siesta Key Association leaders expressed their delight to SNL. As SKA Director Robert Luckner pointed out in an email, the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has eliminated Borrow Area — or Cut — B in Big Sarasota Pass, which was offshore of Siesta Key’s Sandy Hook neighborhood. During a Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) proceeding conducted in December 2017, the SKA and a second nonprofit, Save Our Siesta Sand 2 (SOSS2), provided expert testimony about the spawning of seatrout in Borrow Area B during spring and summer. As a result, the permit the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) issued to the City of Sarasota and the USACE for the Lido project prohibited any removal of sand from that borrow area from April to September. Additionally, Luckner noted, the USACE has decreased the amount of sand it plans to place on the critically eroded South Lido Key Beach from 950,000 cubic yards to 590,000 cubic yards, a 38% reduction. “It’s a big victory,” Luckner told SNL. The information about the sand figure is included in the Line Items and Pricing Schedule that is part of the primary USACE solicitation document. Companies that bid on the project must provide their cost per cubic yard, the schedule shows. Published on Dec. 17, the new solicitation continues to eliminate the eastern third of Borrow Area C, Luckner added in his email. That area, he noted, was where most of the seagrass destruction was anticipated. The decision to remove that portion of that borrow area was included in the original solicitation for the Lido project, which the USACE published in May. The federal agency cancelled that solicitation in early August after receiving bids it called “unreasonably high.” “This is everything SKA was asking for except for eliminating the western part of Cut C,” Luckner
Island Chatter When I am of Mr. Patterson’s stature, I will drive a Corvette,” Bailey added with a laugh. After Commissioner Alan Maio made the motion to approve the petition, he offered comments on that exchange before addressing the petition. “Mr. Bailey, Mr. Patterson’s previous ride was much sexier, more aggressive than a Prius,” Maio said, generating more laughter. “I’m going to stop there,” Maio added, “because right now I’ve gotten myself 12 emails from Prius owners.”
A clarification In the November Island Chatter column, we reported that a Lido Key resident had told the County Commission that when the South Siesta Renourishment Project was underway in 2016, equipment was staged in Ted Sperling Park on South Lido Key. In response to a request for confirmation of that, county Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) staff said no such staging occurred. However, after further research, PRNR staff contacted us through
wrote of the new package. To remove sand from the western part of Borrow Area C, Luckner continued, a cut 13 feet deep and 500 feet wide has been planned in the Big Pass ebb shoal. The SKA has been in litigation with the City of Sarasota over the Lido Renourishment Project plans since March 2017, arguing that the city has failed to follow its own policies and regulations as well as several in effect for Sarasota County. After losing in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, SKA leaders agreed to appeal the decision to Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal. SKA President Catherine Luckner — Robert Luckner’s wife — told SNL that the nonprofit would file its brief with the appeals court on Feb. 6, 2020, a date to which the parties had agreed. The second nonprofit opposed to the design of the Lido project, SOSS2, is waging a legal battle against the USACE in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, in Tampa. Leaders of that organization have said they understand the federal court likely will not render its decision before February, with final motions having been filed early this month. SOSS2 has alleged that the USACE has violated a number of federal laws — including the Clean Water Act — in its plans for the renourishment of South Lido Beach. When SNL contacted SOSS2 leader Mark Smith for comments on the new Lido bid, Smith responded in a Dec. 19 email. “At first glance at the revised dredging map it appears more like a navigational dredging project than ‘Hurricane Reduction,’” he wrote. (The official USACE name for the Lido undertaking is the Lido Key Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project.) “Dredging through the shoal will reduce the velocity of the water entering and leaving through Big Pass,” Smith continued. “The reduced velocity will result in the current channel and the new channel to silt in, eventually rendering both channels Continued from page 8
county Media Relations Officer Brianne Grant to provide a clarification. Grant reported, “Although there was no staging of equipment or materials on the grounds within Ted Sperling at South Lido Beach Park, there was staging in the waters just off the bayside beach with some piping along that eastern boundary of that park.”
Staying pretty much on schedule Regular readers will recall that in September, Siesta Key Association members heard a presentation about plans for county demolition of structures that made up the Siesta Key Water Reclamation Facility near Glebe Park and Siesta Isles. During his Sept. 5 remark, John Saputo IV, construction project manager for the Capital Projects Division of Sarasota County’s Public Works Department, told SKA members that the tentative timeline called for the advertisement of the contract for the work to be published before the end of December. Continued on page 24
impassable over time,” he added. “Big Pass has never been dredged nor has it ever needed to be dredged for boating access to and from Sarasota Bay,” Smith pointed out. “This proposed channel dredging will now require periodic dredging, the same as New Pass. “Which is exactly what the City of Sarasota is counting on. Creating a problem in the guise of a solution,” Smith wrote. “There is a real possibility that the dredge through Big Pass shoal will hinder, if not totally cut off, boating access through the pass. That the construction of these massive groins will eventually cause severe erosion to Ted Sperling Park. (The USACE plans two groins on South Lido to try to hold sand in place between subsequent renourishments.) That the dredging of the new channel will result in the reduction of sand flowing southward to Siesta Key, resulting in the reduction of the width of the beaches and endangering the properties along the coast,” Smith pointed out. “The computer model the Army Corps used to predict the movement of sand around and through Big Pass after the dredging was inadequate. There is no certainty as to what is going to happen after the dredging occurs. “The Army Corps has asked us to trust them,” Smith noted. “Their track record is less than stellar.” The USACE has remained steadfast in offering assurances that its modeling has shown no harm will come to Big Pass or Siesta Key as a result of the removal of sand from the waterway or the ebb shoal, or the construction of the groins. In regard to the new Lido solicitation package, Brown of the USACE told SNL, “The Jacksonville District Corps of Engineers… is scheduled to make a formal award in early February 2020. Construction must be completed by May 1, 2021.” The solicitation webpage says offers are due by 2 p.m. EST on Jan. 23.
MEMBERSHIP MEETING NOTICE Tuesday, January 14, 2020 • 3:00 PM Siesta Key Chapel at 4615 Gleason Ave. MAIN SPEAKER:
DAN LOBECK
Lobeck & Hanson, Law Offices
2019 Legislation Affecting Condominiums 2020 Legislative Preview Are You ADA Compliant? Director Term Limits Keeping Up With Technology
QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION WITH AUDIENCE
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Siesta Sand
JANUARY 2020
941.312.0665
www.siestasand.net
Road swap concerns By Rachel Brown Hackney
The Shops of
SarasotaNewsLeader.com
Speakers implore FDOT to maintain jurisdiction over Stickney Point Road, citing its necessity as hurricane evacuation route for south Siesta residents
South Siesta Key
What will happen to one of only two hurricane evacuation routes for Siesta Key after the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) transfers to Sarasota County jurisdiction of Stickney Point Road from U.S. 41 to the Midnight Pass Road intersection? Many of the 19 speakers who addressed an FDOT project manager on Dec. 11 at Siesta Key Chapel expressed that concern, with one specifically questioning the reasoning for a road swap that will turn over to the state the control of River Road in South County in exchange for the county’s assuming authority over Siesta Key Roads. Sally Marshall, president of the Gulf Gate Garden Homes Association, pointed to the opening statement Kyle Purvis of FDOT’s District One staff made at the approximately hour-long hearing.
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The original founders of Big Olaf, Dennis & Nancy Yoder, are back! South Siesta Key, 6575 Midnight Pass Rd.
941.554.4632 • SiestaCreamery.com
Big Water Fish Market & Restaurant
By Reservation Only THE FOLLOWING MENU ITEM IS FOR RESERVATIONS ONLY Parties of 10-15 with 24 hour Notice
4 COURSE DINNER 1 Salad, your choice of 1 Appetizer, Pick your Big Water Fish Market Steampot, Key Lime Pie We offer a fun and affordable assortment of unique coastal themed souvenirs, gifts, home decor, artwork by local artists, t-shirts, hats, beach gear and more!
941.346.0226
6635 Midnight Pass Rd.
6641 Midnight Pass Road Crescent Plaza, South Siesta Key TO BOOK RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL:
404-509-5391
The purpose of the jurisdictional transfer, Purvis said, is “to give the department an opportunity to improve a high-priority hurricane evacuation route in South Sarasota County.” “We certainly care about our South County neighbors,” Marshall told Purvis. Nonetheless, she continued, “It is not a logical or sound reason for the transfer.” “You can’t get off the south end of Siesta Key during a hurricane evacuation without Stickney Point Road,” Margaret Jean Cannon stressed to Purvis. No transfer of roadway jurisdictions should take place, Cannon added, until FDOT figures out how to deal with the congestion around the intersection of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road. Traffic does not just back up into that intersection, as visitors try to head west toward Siesta Key’s beaches, Marshall emphasized. Her neighborhood is located in the vicinity of the intersection of Gateway Avenue and Stickney Point Road, Marshall explained. “We are terribly impacted during tourist season… We urge that road transfer not to occur.” Marshall and Cannon were among 85 people who signed in before the testimony began during the public hearing, Kris Cella, CEO of Cella Molnar & Associates of Fort Myers — whose firm was assisting FDOT — told The Sarasota News Leader. Kafi Benz, president of the Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA), pointed out in her statement that not only is Stickney Point Road one of the two routes off Siesta Key for emergencies, “but the only one leading to the interstate roadway system. Transfer from existing state designation to county designation is totally inappropriate.” Benz noted that CONA represents 70 neighborhoods in the county. One of the last of the speakers on Dec. 11, Bispham Road resident Steve Christophers, noted the need for the River Road improvements because of “the mess the county has made of that road.” Referring to Stickney Point Road, Christophers asked Purvis, “Do you have it on your calendar when you’re going to come back to fix that mess?”
‘The elephant in the room’ During his opening remarks, Purvis also told the audience, “This public hearing will only address the jurisdictional transfer of the roadway.” Along with Stickney Point Road west of U.S. 41, the state plans to give the county authority over State Road 758, which includes Midnight Pass Road north of the Stickney Point Road/Midnight Pass Road intersection; Higel Avenue; Siesta Drive; Bay Road; and part of Osprey Avenue west of U.S. 41. The County Commission formally approved the road swap in a unanimous vote on Oct. 8. “No future plans along the roadway will be discussed during this meeting,” Purvis added. “That also includes the elephant in the room, apparently”: Siesta Promenade. Continued on page 35
www.siestasand.net
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JANUARY 2020
Low oxygen levels reported as cause of Heron Lagoon fish kill A November fish kill in Siesta Key’s Heron Lagoon appeared to have been caused by a low level of oxygen in the water, Sarasota County staff told SNL. In a Nov. 26 email, county Media Relations Officer Brianne Grant wrote that staff members of the county’s Air and Water Quality Division — part of the Environmental Protection Division — have been to the lagoon on two separate occasions to conduct inspections. “In both instances,” she added, “no illicit discharges were observed at the time of inspections: • “On Nov. 15, staff noted a portion of the lagoon was discolored and fish were observed at the
surface piping for air. • “On Nov. 21, staff took dissolved oxygen (DO) readings. The DO level measured in the lagoon was 1.36 mg/l milligrams per liter and multiple dead fish were observed.” “(For reference,” Grant continued, “as DO levels in water drop below 5.0 mg/l, aquatic life can be placed under stress. The lower the DO concentration, the greater the stress. Aquatic DO levels that remain below 1-2 mg/l for an extended period of time may result in large fish kills.)” Grant further explained that Heron Lagoon connects to the Intracoastal Waterway by two 48inch pipes. Those were inspected
on Nov. 21, Grant added, and were “found to be open and flowing at full capacity.” Additionally, Grant wrote that when a Sarasota County Public Utilities Department field crew visited the area, “The lift station and surrounding system was found to be in working order and no spills have been reported.” Reporting extra details from the Air and Water Quality Division, Grant continued, “It is more than likely that the lagoon had an algae bloom in recent weeks. The cold snap last week and several overcast days may have contributed to the algae dying off rapidly. When algae dies off, it sinks to the bottom of the
water column and begins to decay. The process by which algae decays reduces the levels of dissolved oxygen in the water. Lower levels of dissolved oxygen may lead to fish kills.” On Nov. 21, a Siesta resident, Lynn Nilssen, contacted SNL about the situation, writing in an email that she and her husband “have experienced a horrible fish die off in the lagoon. It started about a week ago and is not getting better. We have lived here for 13 years and never experienced anything like this.” Andrew Nilssen — Lynn Nilssen’s husband — submitted a Pollution Concern Form to the county, which
13 By Rachel Brown Hackney
27th State Media LLC
SarasotaNewsLeader.com
he shared with SNL. “Water turned dark brown/’chocolate’ quickly starting Friday 11/15,” he wrote. “Lots of dead fish/fish struggling to breathe. No human respiratory irritation (so not red tide). Entire lagoon affected. Highly unusual.” As of Nov. 21, Nilssen continued, the situation was “not getting better.” Melody Kilborn, Southwest Region public information director for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), told SNL that testing of an FWC water sample taken from the lagoon on Nov. 21 showed the red tide algae “was not detected...”
Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, recap of recent events
Light Up the Village and Holiday Parade The Siesta Key Chamber would like to thank everyone who made the parade possible! This is a wonderful tradition that brings our community together to celebrate the holidays. We hope everyone enjoyed the festivities. Thank you again to our wonderful sponsors!
Volunteer Holiday Party The Annual Volunteer Holiday Party is a great way to appreciate and celebrate all of the volunteers that run the Visitor Center and help out at multiple Chamber events. Without them, we couldn’t do it! Congratulations to Felix Power for winning our ugly sweater contest- your llama sweater stole the show! Thank you, Patty Moffitt and Fleming’s Prime SteakhouseSarasota, for hosting our party and providing delicious appetizers and desserts. Also, a huge thank you to Mia Leone, our Visitor Center and Volunteer Coordinator, who put together this awesome party!
Holiday Dinner Party The Chamber’s Annual Member Holiday Dinner Party at Chef Rolf’s New Florida Kitchen was a great time! Thank you all for coming out to celebrate the holidays with us. Our wonderful guests brought bagfuls of donations for the All Faiths Food Bank. Thank you, Chef Rolf and staff, for hosting our holiday event. We appreciate the door prizes donated by the following businesses: Siesta Key Jet Ski and Veteran Air.
Also, congratulations Siesta Key Jet Ski, winner of our annual drawing of a free 1 year membership! A special welcome to the following new members since November 15: Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill, Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association, Stephanie Dubsky Photography, Big Water Fish Market and Mermaid Villas. Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce 5114 Ocean Blvd. 941-349-3800.
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Siesta Sand
JANUARY 2020
941.312.0665
www.siestasand.net
Clarifying what is a Boutique Hotel? By Bob Stein Over the last several months Siesta Sand has published several stories seeking to bring public awareness to the hotel proposed to be built by Dr. Gary Kompothecras on Old Stickney Point Road. The hotel has consistently been described as a boutique hotel. Some have asked “what does boutique hotel mean?” Some comments we have received suggest that boutique means small. Siesta Sand contacted Kompothecras to clarify his comments regarding the use of the words “boutique hotel.” How would you describe what a boutique hotel is? The term boutique might be misused by many to describe the size of a hotel or the number of rooms in a hotel. An industry spokesman, David Wallace who specializes in hotel design in Florida, says that there are boutique hotels in Florida alone that range in size from 10 rooms to 1000 rooms. The reality is that boutique hotels are about lifestyle, not size.
Boutique Hotel is a term popularized in North America and the United Kingdom since the late 1980s to describe sometimes intimate, usually luxurious or unique hotel environments. Boutique hotels differentiate themselves from larger chain/ branded hotels and motels by providing personalized accommodation, services and facilities in unique settings. The definition of boutique hotel is rather vague and relies on a subjective analysis. Whether they are exclusively modern, historic, or a mix of both, these establishments usually focus on aesthetics and offer an exceptional standard of comfort and service. Can you name any hotels in Sarasota? All major hotel chains like Marriott and IHG now have non corporate associations of sub brands in their hotel lines that describe this kind of hotel facility. The Art Ovation (Marriott Autograph brand) and Sarasota
Modern (Marriott Tribute brand) are local examples of hotels described as boutique. What is the difference between a regular hotel and a boutique one? The main difference between a regular hotel and a boutique hotel is that no two boutique hotels are alike. A boutique hotel has a strong personality. A boutique hotel produces its one-on-one five-star hospitality service and its heady ambiance. A boutique hotel strives to be one-of-a-kind. Whether it’s independently owned or a member of a luxury hotel brand or association, it has an independent attitude and works hard to not feel like a corporate hotel. Sometimes, a boutique hotel belongs to the boutique brand created by a more conventional hotel company, such as or Marriott’s Tribute Hotels or Hilton’s Curio. It has a contemporary vibe and a quirky, modern spirit. Boutique hotels are not stuffy. Their décor is typically modern and often cutting-edge, featuring stark
Big Water Fish Market Retail Market & Restaurant
6641 Midnight Pass Rd, Crescent Plaza
6639 Midnight Pass Rd, Crescent Plaza Siesta Key’s Best Fish Market
Monday - Grouper BLT Tuesday - Tuna Tuesdays Wednesday - Surf & Turf Thursday - Lobster Roll Friday - Pompano Cubano Open Mon – Sat: 11am – 9pm Sun: Noon – 8 PM Open for Lunch and Dinner www.bigwaterfishmarket.com DaRuMaLandings-SunsetSpecialsAd.pdf 1 12/12/19 941-554-8101
Fresh, Local, Wild Caught, Sustainable Seafood
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palettes with bold color splashes. Fussy, glitzy furnishings are not boutique-hotel hallmarks. A boutique hotel’s clientele is individualistic, too, appealing to guests who shy away from cookiecutter décor and business hotels. A boutique hotel can surprise and delight guests with winsome touches: a tiger-shaped faux-fur rug before the fireplace; a chocolate treat shaped like your first initial; your own (and not very corporate) temporary business cards.
A boutique hotel is often rich in local flavor. Often an urban boutique hotel affords it a stylish, dead-center location in the heart of town, and its spirited ambiance suits its lively location. You’ll find boutique hotels in fashionable resort towns, too. But whether urban or rural, a good boutique hotel reminds you of where you are. Often, it conveys a strong sense of place and pride in its location’s heritage.
www.siestakeyassociation.com
MONTHLY MEETING Thursday, January 9 • 4:30 PM St. Boniface Church Parish Hall 5615 Midnight Pass Road
Lido Key Army Corps Changes in Dredging Design
SUBJECT:
public is always welcome with questions for our guests.
www.siestasand.net
941.312.0665
JANUARY 2020
27th State Media LLC
15
All in “my opinion” WE SHOULD DEMAND THE BEST FOR OUR BARRIER ISLANDS 2004 to 2018
Aerial photographs show the change to Lido Beach’s coastline from 2004 to 2018. Images courtesy of Google Earth. In a desperate action, the City of Sarasota and ACOE attempted to reduce their costs to nourish and storm harden LIDO KEY. They reduced the amount of sand needed, they eliminated another risky dredge area off Siesta Key, they bullied Sarasota County into permitting use of Ted Sperling Park for a construction site. These changes are outside the modeled project approved by the State of Florida Dept of Environmental Protection in 2018. After receiving BIDS too high for their budget, they have modified their plans. Without any oversight? We ask, where is the County and the State of Florida in upholding Comprehensive Plans, Ordinance and environmental regulations? There are valid reasons City and ACOE must do an Independent Environmental Study (EIS) This area has no history of dredging or groins this
size on our coastal barrier island. There is minimal predictive data offered by the ACOE and what they say is only modeled out six (6) months. That model shows significant erosion on the south end of Ted Sperling Park and Sunset Point area of Siesta Key. It also shows a collapse of the existing ephemeral channel in Big Sarasota Pass. ACOE modeled a project in 2015 showing 1.5 years out having major erosion impact on Siesta Key and Ted Sperling Park. The ACOE didn’t provide that document within their application to FDEP. A Permit from County as required by Article XX. section 54-653.(4) (d)2 . The City has not applied to the County for Dredging within County Jurisdictional waters. Sarasota Bay Estuary interlocal agreement has a goal to increase seagrasses and prohibits damaging seagrass beds. All submerged land (waters) within City jurisdiction are zoned MARINE PARK DISTRICT.
ACOE now acknowledges BIG PASS has “never been dredged” No City Commission Vote has ever approved a Major Conditional Change allowing the construction of GROINS in the submerged lands. Staff Members have consistently overridden the authority of the City Commissioners and they are the only means to provide a waiver of these environmental regulations. Another CHANGE in this change in the project allows more than 50% ‘loss’ of dredged material back into the waters. The turbidity caused by this type of dredge will be a death knell to marine life and the food source necessary for maintaining our water quality. The economic impact to recreational use of the park and coastal waters is irreplaceable. We must NOT damage seagrass. It supports all that can offset the impact of red tide. *Sarasota Bay was obliterated when they dredged to construct Lido and Bird Key once
Potential danger of affecting these coastal critical erosion areas
We found no record in the Administrative Hearing or the Permit Application where FDEP could review the modeling of changes to the critical erosion control line for Siesta Key. Damage to Siesta Key will
include increased wave energy and heights already documented by the Army Corp. Was the Coastal Zone Management Act properly satisfied prior to the FDEP giving their initial Permit?
Is there anyone? Who will stand up before we lose our coastal home? TO HELP NOW Please DONATE TO Siesta Key Environmental Defense Fund, Inc. a Tax Exempt Charitable Entity. The Siesta Key Association will bring this topic up for disccusion at a session on January 9th at 4:30 p.m. in the St. Boniface parish hall. This space is paid for by Siesta Key resident and business owner, Mike Holderness
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A 12th Judicial Circuit Court judge has ruled in favor of the Sarasota Commission on several arguments in a lawsuit filed in January in an effort to prevent the construction of the Siesta Promenade mixed-use development at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road. Benderson Development Co., which has offices in University Park, is the developer of the project. It was allowed to participate in the lawsuit as an intervenor. Circuit Judge Andrea McHugh did give the plaintiff — Sura Kochman, who lives in Pine Shores Estates — the opportunity to file a different type of complaint to deal with issues that McHugh explained should not have been included in the original suit. McHugh pointed out that Kochman’s Petition for Writ of Certiorari could be applied only to issues of a quasi-judicial nature that the Sarasota County Commission approved on Dec. 12, 2018, to allow plans for Siesta Promenade to proceed. For example, Kochman argued in her complaint that she was not afforded sufficient time to address the multiple requests before the County Commission during the public hearing. In fact, instead of the standard 5 minutes for public comments allowed during a typical hearing, then-County Commission Chair Nancy Detert reduced the time limit to 3 minutes per speaker because of the number who had signed up to address the board. (Altogether, 69 people made comments.) Detert asked members of the audience to raise their hands if they supported that change, and the majority did. “Kochman had multiple opportunities to provide her input to the County and the Board regarding this project, and participated fully in each one,” McHugh wrote in her Dec. 2 order. Kochman also “attended workshops prior to the Board’s final meeting,” McHugh added, and Kochman provided the county “with copious written feedback regarding the project, including evidence submitted both before and at the final hearing.” “While the Court is sympathetic to Kochman’s argument that three minutes may seem a short time to present her argument, and that ‘justice cannot be “administered arbitrarily with a stopwatch,” McHugh continued, “the record is
www.siestasand.net
By Rachel Brown Hackney
SarasotaNewsLeader.com clear that Kochman had notice prior In response to a SNL request to the final meeting that speaking for comments, Mathes offered the time might be limited. Kochman did following: “We are very pleased not raise an objection to the three- with Judge McHugh’s decision and the court’s thorough written order.“ minute limit …” McHugh also cited a number of He added, “Benderson Development judicial precedents for her decision remains focused on delivering a topon that part of Kochman’s complaint. quality project that will revitalize McHugh did agree that Kochman and enhance the area. We also had standing “to challenge the remain steadfast in our commitment actions” of the County Commission. to be a good neighbor as we move Benderson Development had argued forward with construction.” that she did not, McHugh noted, because “she has not established Differentiating between ‘special damages’ rather than the the claims more lenient ‘affected person’ In her order, McHugh noted all the petitions the County Commission standard…” Kochman’s neighborhood is heard from Benderson on Dec. 12, immediately adjacent to the Siesta 2018 during the public hearing. Promenade site. She made it clear Along with the request for the during a number of public meetings CAP designation, the commission that she did not oppose development was asked to approve the rezoning altogether on the Benderson property of a portion of the approximately at U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road. 24-acre site and to approve a Special Rather, she said, it was the intensity Exception for a 130-room hotel on the of the Siesta Promenade plans to property. Because the rezoning and Special which she objected. The fact that Kochman is “an Exception decisions of the board adjoining property owner” affected were considered to be quasi-judicial, by the zoning change the County McHugh explained, those were Commission approved for Siesta the only ones she could address Promenade was sufficient to give her in Kochman’s Petition for Writ of standing, McHugh wrote. Certiorari. After reviewing the ruling, C o u n t y a t t o r n e y s a n d t h e Kochman’s attorney, Ralf Brookes of commissioners have pointed out Cape Coral, provided the following that quasi-judicial proceedings statement to SNL: “Of course, we are so called because they involve are disappointed we lost. The court the consideration of evidence and did not rule in our favor because testimony — similar to the process of the court held that the CAP was a court proceeding — to determine legislative and not quasi-judicial, whether requests for specific actions and therefore the court did not have would comply with county policies. jurisdiction to consider the heart I n c o n t r a s t , a l e g i s l a t i v e of our case. We are considering hearing establishes a policy for appealing, or filing a declaratory future application. For example, judgment to seek judicial review of the adoption of an ordinance is a the legislative CAP decision, within legislative matter, the Community Planning and Zoning page of the the next 30 days.” No action had been taken prior to National Cooperative Extension of the Siesta Sand deadline for this issue. the U.S. Department of Agriculture Brookes was referring to the explains. Critical Area Plan (CAP) that the “The Court finds that the CAP County Commission approved for approval was legislative, not quasi-judicial, leaving the Court Siesta Promenade. A CAP designation allows up without jurisdiction to issue a writ to 25 dwelling units per acre, of certiorari in regard to the CAP,” instead of the standard 13 per acre McHugh wrote. in a Commercial General zoning Kochman argued in her complaint district. The 414 apartments/ that the County Commission did not condominiums Benderson plans follow the prescribed county process for Siesta Promenade would put the for approving the CAP for Siesta residential density slightly above 20 Promenade. units per acre, Todd Mathes, director During an Oct. 14 hearing before of development for Benderson McHugh, Kochman’s attorney, Development, pointed out during Brookes, presented a CAP flow chart to underscore that argument. public meetings.
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North Beach Road lawsuit
JANUARY 2020
27th State Media LLC
By Rachel Brown Hackney
17
Chef Driven Cuisine with Innovative Twists on ALL YOUR FAVORITES At Cosentino’s request, Court of Appeal dismisses his appeal of Circuit Court’s SarasotaNewsLeader.com
September 2018 ruling in favor of Sarasota County in North Beach Road case At the request of Siesta Key resident Michael Cosentino, the Second District Court of Appeal has dismissed his appeal of a Circuit Court’s 2018 ruling in favor of Sarasota County in the North Beach Road vacation lawsuit. Cosentino filed the original lawsuit in June 2016. On Nov. 15, Cosentino’s attorney filed a motion pointing out that all the claims between Cosentino and Sarasota County “have not been resolved and continue to be litigated” in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court. Therefore, his attorney, Tracy S. Carlin of the Brannock & Humphries firm in Tampa, requested in that motion that the Second District Court of Appeal determine whether the appeal should proceed or dismiss it “without prejudice,” meaning a new appeal could be filed at a later time. In its Dec. 3 decision, three judges writing for the Court of Appeal ordered that the case be dismissed “for lack of appellate jurisdiction.” In a statement to SNL, Cosentino wrote, “Now we have the opportunity to supplement the record with the county produced documents that prove the validity of our allegations.” He added that he believes this step moves him closer to ultimate victory over the county. In early September, Cosentino filed a new motion in the North Beach Road case, essentially asking the Circuit Court to throw out his existing complaint and let him start all over with his litigation. He argued that materials he has obtained prove “a years long collaboration” between two sets of North Beach Road property owners and the Office of the County Attorney to achieve what he characterizes as the fraudulent manipulation of county staff reports related to potential repairs of North Beach Road. The presiding judge had not ruled on Cosentino’s Sept. 11 motion by the deadline for this issue of Siesta Sand. The Office of the County Attorney does not comment on pending litigation, county spokesmen have told SNL on multiple occasions. As a result of the Court of Appeal ruling, oral arguments that had been scheduled for Dec. 19 were
cancelled. In her Nov. 15 motion, Cosentino attorney Carlin pointed out that the county has a crossclaim pending against Cosentino in Circuit Court, and the trial judge has determined that that “is inextricably intertwined with the claims at issue in this appeal.” “Thus,” she continued, “because there is no finality between Cosentino and the County, and Cosentino’s claims are not appealable under the Florida Rules of Judicial Procedure, this Court lacks jurisdiction.” Carlin added, “If an appeal is still necessary after all the claims between the County and Cosentino are resolved … this Court will have jurisdiction to hear it at that time.” History of the litigation Cosentino’s original lawsuit focused on the County Commission’s May 11, 2016 vacation of a 373-footlong section of North Beach Road. Three sets of property owners along that segment had petitioned for the action, pointing out that the road had been damaged repeatedly over the years by storms and that the county had closed that section to traffic in 1993 because it was unsafe for vehicles. Cosentino argued that the commission had violated a policy in the county’s Comprehensive Plan, which prohibited the vacation of any road segments along the water. However, only then-Commissioner Christine Robinson — citing that policy — opposed the property owners’ petition. Subsequently, Cosentino established a nonprofit organization called Reopen Beach Road and began collecting signatures of registered county voters on petitions for two proposed Sarasota County Charter amendments related to the North Beach Road issue. He wrote the amendments, he said, as a supplemental means of trying to achieve the goals of his litigation. The first amendment called for the county to rescind the North Beach Road vacation or reacquire the affected part of the road. The second prohibited the County Commission from vacating any road segment with so much as a waterfront vista. Both won voter approval during the Nov. 6, 2018 General Election.
However, even before the election, one set of the original groups of petitioners for the road vacation filed suit, claiming that the amendments contravened state law in terms of the powers accorded to local government boards. The county also launched an effort to have the amendments declared void. On Oct. 28, Circuit Judge Hunter Carroll ruled that Amendment 3.9 — regarding the directive for the county to rescind the road vacation — “is contrary to Sarasota’s Charter and is therefore invalid.” He also ruled that the first sentence of Amendment 3.10 — regarding future vacation petitions — violates the Florida Statutes. However, he ruled that the second sentence of Amendment 3.10 is “an encouragement to maximize rights-of-way use for public access and viewing waterfront vistas, while the third sentence “requires these areas to be made accessible to mobility-impaired persons whenever feasible.” Thus, Carroll wrote, the first sentence could be severed from the rest of the text and the remainder of the amendment could stand. The county’s position on the appeal In the county’s Nov. 25 response to Cosentino’s efforts to have the appeal dismissed, Assistant County Attorney David Pearce pointed out that the appeal “involves the trial court’s order granting partial final judgment which disposed of all pending claims against Sarasota County.” The only portion remaining of the North Beach Road case involves one of the sets of property owners, who were allowed to intervene in the litigation. Pearce argued that the Court of Appeal had jurisdiction “because the trial court’s Sept. 11, 2018 order disposed of Cosentino’s existing claims as to the County.” He did acknowledge, though, that the day after the trial court judge granted that final judgment for the county, intervenors in the original lawsuit “dragged the County back into the case” through an amended counterclaim and third-party complaint.
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Alpine Steakhouse is proud to be the recipient of the Sarasota Magazine Readers’ Choice award for “Best Restaurant for Steak” for the past six consecutive years. If you haven’t yet, it’s time for you to discover the Alpine Steakhouse, Florida’s oldest premier restaurant, steakhouse, meat market (butcher shop) and small specialty grocery all under one roof. The Alpine is something of a cultural landmark, being more than 40 years old, the first place in Sarasota to specialize in prime meats of the New York City steakhouse persuasion, and has continually been operated and crafted to perfection by the same family. Come in and enjoy a great steak in the recently remodeled 70 seat dining room. You can choose your own steak from the meat case. “The thing that makes me the proudest is that virtually nothing we serve comes out of a box or shrink-wrap,” says co-owner Mark Rebhan. Owners Mark and son Matt Rebhan, want to invite everyone to come and enjoy a great meal in this unique restaurant. Here is what they are saying online: “Pittsburgh Style” We had the NY Strip “Pittsburgh Style” which means heavy sear on both sides. Lots of flavor. Mmmmm. We had a twice baked potato to go with it. We are on our way again for the second time this week. Great Atmosphere. Also, an in house butcher shop right inside. Next time I’m going to come here to pick up my steaks and fresh ground sirloin for some tasty burgers.
“What an amazing place! It is not fancy or pretentious!” Just excellent food and great service. We had the NY strips and the filet mignon...all cooked perfectly and melted in your mouth. The twice baked potatoes are amazing as is the homemade clam chowder. We were full but we HAD to try dessert...we had the truffles mint chocolate chip and spumoni with fresh whipped cream. Even the coffee was good... what took us so long? Also want to order from the meat market... wow. One of my new favorite places.
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The Rebhans want everyone to know that they offer a complete catering service for business, holiday and events. The restaurant is located at 4520 S. Tamiami Trail, one block north of Proctor Road at traffic light of Field Road and US 41. Hours; Mon-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri & Sat 9am-9:30pm, Sun Closed. (941) 922-3797 www.alpinesteak.com Advertorial
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941.312.0665
JANUARY 2020
27th State Media LLC
19
Big G’s Oyster Happy Hour from 3-6 Every day 1/2 Priced House Oysters
A temporary Tide Station was installed by contractor JOA Surveys, LLC for National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) to collect new or update historic tide data at the Siesta Public Access at Givens Street on Monday, December 16. The GPS receiver on the yellow tripod was just there for the day measuring the bench mark that was installed in the seawall.
Siesta Key Oyster Bar, or “SKOB” as the locals call it, is the hangout with the laid-back, beachy atmosphere that will get you right into the Island Spirit. One of the things that set SKOB apart from the other restaurants in Siesta Key Village is that we have some of the best food on the Key.
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Siesta Sand
JANUARY 2020
941.312.0665
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Initiatives to clean up waterways, including use of ‘mini reefs’
By Rachel Brown Hackney
Chair and CEO Sandy Gilbert of Solutions To Avoid Red Tide (START)
SarasotaNewsLeader.com
A nonprofit organization called Solutions To Avoid Red Tide (START) is working on a variety of measures to remove from waterways the nutrients that feed harmful algae such as the one that produces red tide, Chair and CEO Sandy Gilbert told members of the Siesta Key Association (SKA) on Dec. 5. For example, he said, by the end of 2020, START will have seeded about 1 million clams in Sarasota Bay just north of the Ringling Bridge, as each clam can filter 20 to 30 gallons of seawater a day. Additionally, he pointed out, “They don’t die in red tide.” In Manatee County, START has been collecting oyster shells from restaurants for another program. START’s website explains that the Gulf Coast Oyster Recycling and Renewal program began in 2017 “to bring back this vital species to our waterways.” The oyster shells, the website says, “form the structure for a new oyster reef.” Additionally, Gilbert explained, START has been collaborating with the Bay Park Conservancy, which is managing The Bay project on about 53 acres of City of Sarasota waterfront. START is funding the first stormwater nutrient barrier, which will be included in Phase I of the design of the park and cultural and
Siesta Isles
arts amenities in the area of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Gilbert noted. The goal is to filter harmful nutrients out of stormwater before that water moves from the park to Sarasota Bay, he added. START also will be putting clams and oysters into the lagoon on the property, he pointed out. Yet another initiative START is promoting, Gilbert told the SKA audience, is the installation of “mini reefs” under private docks. Made by a company called Ocean Habitats, each mini reef is 24 inches by 36 inches by 24 inches deep, Gilbert added. It floats about 3 inches above the water line, he said, which makes the device pretty much invisible to neighbors. Every mini reef has four shelves. “You’re creating a hotel for sea life …” START has three primary objectives, Gilbert explained: It works with policymakers to “try to get them to fund things that would take nutrients out of the water;” it undertakes in-water projects to filter out nutrients; and it engages in community outreach to educate members of the public about steps they can take to reduce red tide. Phil Chiocchio of the Sarasota Bay Fisheries Forum — who talked about mini reefs during an October SKA presentation — joined Gilbert for the Dec. 5 discussion.
Although Sarasota County Environmental Permitting Division staff still will not issue permits for mini reefs, Chiocchio explained, the Town of Longboat Key and the City of Sarasota are allowing their residents to use the devices. Gilbert noted that the mini reefs “filter about 30,000 gallons of seawater every day… You’re simulating mangrove roots. … You’re creating a place for sea creatures to hide, a place to light. You’re creating food for fish… You’re creating the habitat.” Gilbert reiterated points Chiocchio made in October: A mini reef is made of polypropylene, which “doesn’t deteriorate.” About 3,000 mini reefs have been installed throughout the state, he continued. Most have been in place more than 10 years; about a dozen, as long as 25 years. “None of them have collapsed,” Gilbert stressed, except in one situation during a hurricane. In that case, he added, the dock itself collapsed. Furthermore, Gilbert said, “They’re not a lot of work to you.” He suggested that anyone who installs a mini reef check under the dock once a month, just to ensure it is still floating as it should. As for the expense: Ocean Habitats charges $235 right now, Gilbert continued, plus the 7% state sales
tax. However, he noted, the price is expected to go up by the end of this year. The installation fee is $50, he added, which makes the total $300 for each mini reef. If a person buys a mini reef through START, he pointed out, the person essentially can save $50, as the person will get a receipt for a $50 tax-deductible donation to the nonprofit. “The City of Sarasota is about ready to order 20 of them,” Gilbert continued. “We’ve been working with them.”
Constraints and opportunities In response to a question, Gilbert said he has an agreement with Howard Berna, manager of the county’s Environmental Permitting Division, not to sell mini reefs for installation in county waterways. When SNL checked with county staff following the Dec. 5 SKA meeting, Media Relations Officer Brianne Grant reported that the information staff gave SNL in October — after Chiocchio’s presentation to SKA members — remains current. Staff of the Planning and Development Services Department “attended a demonstration installation earlier this year with
the owner of Ocean Habitats at a location in Manatee County,” Grant wrote in an email. Ocean Habitats has been working with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) “to determine how the state might permit or exempt these mini reefs. Planning and Development is waiting to hear the outcome from the state. Currently these structures are not exempt in Sarasota County and those interested in these devices are encouraged to wait until the county has received input from the state.” During the Dec. 5 SKA meeting, Gilbert told the audience, “Berna would love for the FDEP to give a statewide waiver.” “It’s pretty much up to the governments,” Gilbert continued, referring to questions about whether the mini reefs are legal. Gilbert encouraged the SKA members to call Berna if they are interested in installing the devices.
Continued from cover story
Maio made the motion for each one, and Commissioner Christian Ziegler seconded them. County Media Relations Officer Drew Winchester told SNL in a Dec. 18 email that the speed limit signs would be installed Dec. 19, while the new stop signs possibly could be put up the following week. Although the Siesta Isles Association had sought multiway stop signs at two other intersections, Maio indicated wariness that he had full board support for all four requests. At one point, Commissioner Nancy Detert voiced her reservation about having “this many all in one neighborhood.” Nonetheless, she pointed out, “Nobody knows a neighborhood like the people who live in the neighborhood.”
Thus, Maio sought approval of the two the Siesta Isles Association had deemed its top priorities. Prior to that vote, Ziegler said, “Let’s try it out and see how it works.” In the future, Ziegler continued, if the association board still feels the other two intersections need the signage, “We can always revisit it.” Asked for comments on the Dec. 11 votes, Romanus responded in an email to SNL: “My overall feeling is how attentive and responsive the commissioners were. Commissioner Maio, as our representative, was very supportive. It seemed like the other commissioners took his lead. Keep in mind, as we navigated the process, County Staff and the Traffic Advisory Council recommended denial for
Siesta Isles traffic volume and speeds
every one of these requests. All five commissioners were engaged in discussion on our agenda items. I believe it was Commissioner Detert who commented that the residents are the experts since we know the issues best. Commission Chair Charles Hines asked for our prioritization of the stop sign
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requests and the BCC approved our top two. Amazing!” Romanus added, “We’re hopeful that these changes contribute to the goal of improving pedestrian and bicyclist safety in our fine neighborhood. Our lack of sidewalks or bike lanes creates unique challenges. Time will tell!”
The first petition In his opening presentation to the commission — regarding the Glebe Lane petition — traffic engineer Hussain explained that Glebe Lane is only 600 feet long. Six single-family homes are on one side of the street, he continued; on the other, St. Michael the Archangel Church. The road is 22 feet wide, with 11-foot-wide travel lanes, he added. “There are not sidewalks or bike lanes on Glebe Lane.” A traffic study county staff conducted showed that the speed for the 85th percentile of traffic — a standard used in such studies — is 27 mph, Hussain noted. The average speed is 23 mph. Staff disagreed with the request to lower the speed to 20 mph, Hussain said. That would be “difficult to enforce,” he told the commissioners. “What would be the harm to lower the speed limit?” Maio asked, emphasizing the 600-foot length of the road, which leads to a county park. “I’m not sure how you get up to 30 mph without driving like a — foolishly. So what would be the harm?” Maio added, “There is a
groundswell out there for these type of traffic reductions. … Do I break some sort of rulebook? Do I create a safety hazard?” Maio then acknowledged, “I’m being sarcastic here.” Hussain referenced the standards provided in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which staff uses as a guide for its recommendations. During his first trip to the podium, Romanus explained the efforts the Siesta Isles Association’s Traffic Safety Committee put into exploring options for improved safety in the neighborhood. Residents held multiple meetings with county staff, he said, and the committee polled residents. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office assisted by conducting a traffic study in March 2018, he added. Because that was undertaken during the height of tourist season, Romanus said, its results varied considerably from those produced by the county study conducted out of season. Additionally, noting Siesta Isles’ location on the Key, Romanus said the neighborhood has become a cutthrough for drivers from Midnight Pass Road to Siesta Village and Siesta Public Beach. “We could have come here and asked for a million bucks for a sidewalk from Midnight Pass Road to Siesta Village and the beach,” he continued. Instead, he told the board, “These are simple, low-cost requests that we are making on the agenda today.”
www.siestasand.net
941.312.0665
JANUARY 2020
Crime stats remain low for November By Rachel Brown Hackney
person chose not to press charges. Another “smash-and-grab” was reported in November, this one at Beach Access 4, Smith told the audience members. He reminded them that the Sheriff’s Office investigated a number of such incidents in October involving vehicles at Beach Access 8. The perpetrators smash vehicle windows and grab items they believe to be valuable enough to take, he explained last month. “This looks like it’s a little different” from those in October, Smith pointed out on Dec. 5. (He told the SKA audience last month that the incidents at Access 8 likely were perpetrated by a group out of the Tampa area that targets locations easily reachable from Interstate 75. After they steal items from vehicles, they clear out quickly, making it difficult for the Sheriff’s Office to find them, he pointed out.) In the Access 4 case, Smith said, the person used a rock to break the window of a vehicle, from which a purse was stolen. A man was arrested “for a very similar burglary off the Key,” Smith continued, “and we think it’s the same guy” who was responsible for the Access 4 case. After Smith concluded his report, a woman in the audience asked whether golf carts are legal on Siesta roads. She and her husband recently had encountered such a vehicle — without lights — near twilight on Midnight Pass Road, she added. Golf carts are legal on roads with low speed limits, Smith explained. However, if they are traveling regular roads, they must have lights, license plates and other equipment, just like regular vehicles, he pointed out. Some roads on the Key have signs posted to warn that lowspeed vehicles are not allowed, because those stretches of road have higher speed limits, he added. The popular three-wheel rental vehicles also are prohibited on those roads, he noted.
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11/29/19 Petit Theft 200 Block Canal Rd. A Village grocery store was the victim of a theft. The manager of the store reported he noticed two males approximately 18 years of age were dressed suspiciously, so he began to watch them in the store. He noticed one of the males putting something down his pants. He confronted the suspect and told him,” If you give it back, I won’t call the police.” The male proceeded to run out of the store with the bottle. The other suspect stated, ”He didn’t take anything” before he left the store. The two subjects then left the area in a red Dodge Charger. Video showed the male taking a 375ML bottle of “Martini and Rossi “Extra Dry Vermouth valued at $5.99. Photos of the video were submitted as evidence. 12/2/19 Theft Location Withheld A woman reported unknown persons removed three Christmas decorations from a lawn. The suspects were described as possibly two males and one female. The suspects drove a small dark SUV. The items taken were a lighted pink pig ($100), a lighted wreath ($100), and a lighted deer ($100). The incident was captured on camera but was too dark for details.
THEFT
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ASSAULT
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5
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THE VILLAGE FRAUD ROBBERY
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1 1 12/3/19 Burglary- Vehicle Location withheld Unknown persons entered a marina overnight and removed several items from two boats. A trolling motor was attached to the front of the first boat. A pin was removed and the trolling motor and its mount ($3500) were taken. The pin was found on the transom of the second boat. This boat had an engine cowling taken from one of its outboards. There are currently no cameras on the premises. DNA was collected from the handle of the outboard motor that had been handled. The owner of the boat was not present. The marina advised they would contact the owner and update him. 12/5/19 Battery 5200 Block Ocean Blvd. A man advised deputies on routine patrol that he had been battered by two men. He was bleeding from the nose. He explained the suspects were in a village establishment causing a disturbance. When the victim told the suspects to leave, they continued causing a disturbance on their way out. Once they were outside the suspects grabbed the victim by the neck and punched him in the face before running away. Both suspects denied attacking the victim and claimed they were defending themselves. They also claimed they were never told to leave. A bartender at the establishment confirmed the suspects were asked to leave. The victim did not wish to press charges and the suspects signed
TURTLE’S
a trespass warning. 12/8/19 Battery Public Beach Deputies were dispatched to the Public Beach in reference to a battery. They observed three male subjects matching the description of the possible suspect descriptions given to dispatch, walking along Beach Rd. Contact was made with the possible suspect who advised he and his friends were in an Uber when an unknown female jumped in front of the vehicle asking for help. He stated he told the Uber driver to unlock the window so he could make contact with the female. He said the driver refused to pull over to help the female and a verbal altercation ensued. He advised the driver pulled over and kicked them out of the vehicle and that the altercation was only verbal and never physical. A deputy made contact with the driver who agreed with the suspect statement although, he added, that during the altercation, he was slapped in the back of the head by the suspect. The victim later said he did not want to press charges and signed a waiver of prosecution. 12/12/19 6000 Block Midnight Pass Rd. A man reported he locked his electric bike to a post at Access #12. When he returned, it was gone. No sign of the lock or evidence of the bike was present. The area was checked with negative results. The bike was valued at $600.
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There were 17 crimes reported on the Key between 11/18-12/18/19
11/27/19 Petit Theft 1000 Block Point of Rocks Rd. A front desk supervisor reported one of their guests rented a bike from them for the day and rode it to Access #13. The guest left the bike at the beach unlocked. It was gone when they returned for it. The beach cruiser was valued at $75.
Sgt. Arik Smith After stepping to the front of the room on Dec. 5, Sgt. Arik Smith, leader of the Sheriff’s Office substation on the Key, told Siesta Key Association (SKA) members, “As you can imagine, this past month has been pretty busy, with the holidays coming up.” The Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpting Festival, the Turkey Trot and the Light Up Siesta Key activities all went well, he reported. Next up was the Siesta Key Beach Seafood & Music Festival and then the Santa Stumble, Smith continued. (Both the Turkey Trot and the Santa Stumble are pub crawls organized by the Daiquiri Deck, the Siesta Key Oyster Bar and Gilligan’s Island Bar and Grill. The Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB) hosts the Santa Stumble, which will mark its 11th anniversary this year, according to information published by the Best Western Plus Siesta Key Gateway Hotel on its website.) “A lot of people are coming to the Key,” Smith emphasized. As for the November crime statistics: Smith said the Sheriff’s Office received about 300 calls for service in that month. “We’re still around our 4% mark,” for the Part 1 crimes, he added, referring to the more serious incidents, as classified by the FBI. “We usually stick around 4% out here on the Key.” He then noted the following Part 1 incidents: one aggravated assault; one auto theft; one residential burglary; one vehicle burglary; a couple of thefts; and one robbery. Explaining the residential burglary, Smith said, “Guy came home and found someone living in his house.” The Sheriff’s Office arrested the allegedly unlawful occupant, who remained in jail as of Dec. 6, Smith added. In another incident, a purse was stolen during the Turkey Trot, which was held the night before Thanksgiving, he continued. Sheriff’s Office personnel found the purse, he said, and all the contents were returned to the owner; the
Sheriff’s Report November 18- December 18, 2019 11/24/19-Theft Location Withheld A man parked his vehicle outside his residence. His bike was unlocked on a bike stand on the rear of his car. The unlocked bike was gone the next morning. There was no video and no witness to the crime. The bike was valued at $1000.
SarasotaNewsLeader.com
27th State Media LLC
Outside Dining Offered Bay Front
22
Siesta Sand
Off Key
JANUARY 2020
By Robert Frederickson
Dumb and Dumber Climb a Tree Shortly after erecting and decorating their city’s annual Christmas tree display in early December, workers at the Largo Parks and Recreation Department had a reclamation project on their hands. It seems two dim bulbs were so taken with the sheer magnificence of the shimmering spectacle before them that they decided there was just one thing left to do: climb the dang thing! 27-year-old Alex Lachey and 28-year-old Shay Tracy allegedly trashed the artificial tree, it’s ornaments and many of its electric bulbs when they tried – unsuccessfully – to reach the tree’s 25 foot ‘summit.’ No word as to whether any holiday beverages were involved here, but you would almost hope so. I mean who sees a 25-foot Christmas tree, turns to their buddy and says “Race you to the top!”
The Continuing Saga of the Imperious Martin Hyde The last time political gadfly Martin Hyde set his sights on winning a seat on the Sarasota City Commission he came in third in a three-person race. That’s despite outspending the combined total of his opponents Jen AhearnKoch and Hagen Brody by a wide margin. Hyde’s total spending: $75,000, the majority of which came out of his own pocket. When asked by a reporter after the 2017 loss how it felt to come in last after spending so much of his own money on a commission seat that only pays a $26,000 annual salary, Hyde brushed off the implied criticism by saying “I spent the price of a fancy kitchen or
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From Lights Out in Largo to Ending E-Bike Embargo...
a modest boat, so what? I’ll make the money back.” We commented in this space at the time that it was precisely this kind of haughtiness that likely doomed Hyde’s candidacy. So fast forward two years and here he is, at it again. Back in the hunt for a city commission seat, Hyde was forced to withdraw from the race after cell phone video recorded him allegedly telling several young Puerto Ricans to “go cut the grass” in the course of an argument over noise Hyde claimed the group was making on a tennis court at The Sarasota Bath and Racquet Club where Hyde is a member. The Puerto Ricans were reportedly practicing at the club in preparation for the upcoming Casely International Championship. After initially dropping out of the race, Hyde later said he might jump back in, so stay tuned. But if he is indeed finished for this election cycle, at least he hasn’t dropped seventy-five large on the effort, making him flush for another kitchen ‘touch-up’ or a small ‘runabout’ to putter about the bay in.
A Neighborly Thing to Do A Webster City, Iowa man really admires Mr. Rogers; so much so that he approached the manager of the historic Webster Theatre in downtown Webster City and told her he wanted to pay for the tickets of anyone and everyone coming to see the recently released film starring Tom Hanks in the role of the iconic host of the long running children’s show “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.” The theatre has 236 seats and the film was slated for a six day December run is Webster City with multiple screenings each day,
so if you do the math, the dollar value of this act of kindness is considerable, potentially measured in the multiple tens of thousands of dollars. But the thing that struck me most about the gift when I first read about it was that in this age of runaway vanity and unrepentant virtue signaling it was made anonymously. And that would certainly make Mr. Rogers smile.
Legacy Trail Opening to E-Bikes Electric bicycles have been prohibited from the Legacy Trail since it opened over a decade ago. But that will soon change according to a county announcement reported last month in The Herald Tribune, though no exact date for the change was given. My wife and I have been avid cyclists most of our adult lives. We have enjoyed many road trips out west in our younger days, traveling to cycling Meccas like Moab, Crested Butte and Manitou Springs, thanks in large part to our both being employed by a Canadian publishing company which offered that nation’s typically liberal vacation policies to its US employees. For most of our time with the company in the 1990s and early 2000s we could throw our mountain bikes in the back of our Ford van and light out each summer for four or five weeks of exhilarating rides up and down some of the most inspiring wilderness trails this beautiful nation has to offer. Back then there was a need for speed and the adrenaline rush that comes with it. But now, well...not so much. We still enjoy taking our bikes out a few times each week, but 63 yearold bones don’t heal as quickly as younger ones once did. So after
a broken hip following a tumble precipitated by a vehicle turning in front of me off University Parkway a while back, we decided to nix any future rides along roadways with any appreciable auto and truck traffic. The speed, size and weight differential between cars and bicycles just doesn’t make for a fair fight. So we now head for places like Myakka River State Park, the Legacy Trail or more frequently The Celery Fields or Rothenbach Park for our ‘thrills.’ The last two spots, Rothenbach and the Celery Fields even have several small climbs, which though they pale by comparison to those along the 401 trail in Colorado or the Poison Spider in Utah, are good enough for us now at this stage of life. But back to the Legacy and the new policy regarding e-bikes: the difference in weight and top speed - while not as great as between cars and bikes is still wide enough to cause concern.
Cruising speeds among trail riders on the Legacy already cut a wide swath: from perhaps 4-10 mph for kids, or older riders, 10-15 mph for casual riders on 26” balloon tire bikes like the mountain bikes my wife and I still ride, 15-20 mph for those
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pursuing a good aerobic workout; 20-25 mph for those on 27”-29” racing frame bikes; and topping out at 25-30 mph cruising speeds for ‘hammerheads’ in great shape trying to push themselves to ever greater levels of performance. But there are far fewer hammerheads than there are riders on the slower end of the spectrum. So for the most part every one is able to stay out of each other’s way on the Legacy. But I do remember a bad accident a few years back when a man on a racing bike collided with a woman from behind who was going much slower along the Legacy. Both riders were injured, the woman seriously. And the man who caused the accident felt terrible. It was an accident. Still, he was responsible. The thing is, it’s a relative rarity to propel a bike along at 30 mph on a level surface. Few can do it mile-after-mile without the aerodynamic benefit provided by a peloton of riders around them. But it’s no problem cranking up an e-bike to maintain speeds of 25-30 mph. And with this area’s affluence, there will likely be many more e-bikers on the trail in coming years hitting those higher speeds than there will be hammerheads who do it the old fashioned way. Yes, I know. There’s a speed limit on the trail, but then there’s one on I-4 too. And have you noted lately how effectively it’s being recognized? I just hope chasing ROI in terms of generating more dollars for E-Bike rental places and by adding tourist dollars via trail riders doesn’t do to the Legacy trail what I-4 has done to the Tampa/ Orlando corridor. Kathryn Frederickson rides trail along the ‘O Be Joyful River’ near Crested Butte, CO, Summer 2007. Photo by R. Frederickson.
Siesta Village Plaza 1
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9 11 13 14 10 12 1. Café Gabbiano 2. Island House 3. Edward Jones 4. Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce 5. Tropical Sands Accommodations 6. Lilly Pulitzer
7. Davidsons Drugs 8. Comfort Shoes 9. Sarasota Medical Center 10. Open for Rent 11. Open for Rent 12. The Local Bean 13. Siesta Key Wine Bar 14. Local Chill Ice Cream
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27th State Media LLC
LIVE MUSIC PAGE 28
VILLAGE MAP pgs 24 - 25
ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 47
CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 26 GULF GATE SHOPS pgs 30 - 31
Siesta Key Drum Circle Every Sunday is a perfect time to come to the Key to reconnect with Mother Nature and to enjoy this collaborative community event. I’m talking about the Siesta Key Drum Circle that takes place each Sunday starting about an hour before sunset and lasting until about 10 p.m. 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 John Newcombe as shared in Siesta Key Drum Circle Facebook page.
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1211 Old Stickney Point Rd., Siesta Key, FL 34242 (corner of Stickney Pt. and Midnight Pass Rd.)
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Siesta Sand
JANUARY 2020
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Island Chatter
Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography
Continued from page 11
SKA Director Robert Luckner recently contacted Saputo, Luckner reported after the Dec. 5 SKA meeting, to ask for an update. In a Dec. 5 email that Luckner shared, Saputo reported that the design of the project was at the 100% mark. “We should have the specifications completed next week,” Saputo added. The package would go to the county’s Procurement Department for review, Saputo continued, “and we should… see an advertisement for the bids go out in the January/February time frame.” In September, Saputo told SKA members that the tentative schedule called for the demolition to begin in May 2020, with completion in October 2020, barring any unexpected developments. Through a county project, the water reclamation facility was transformed into a master pump station. Since April 2018, all the wastewater has been sent off the island for treatment at one of two county water reclamation plants on the mainland. The master pump station is located at 5200 Oakmont Place.
Jessica & Jade age 2 from MI
www.siestasand.net
A different perspective on the planned road swap Near the end of the Dec. 11 public hearing the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) conducted on the planned swap of Siesta roads from the state to the county, one speaker offered a different perspective on the issue than the majority had voiced that night. Pat Wulf, representing the Bay Island Siesta Association — whose members reside on the north end of the Key — told FDOT Project Manager Kyle Purvis that his organization had been leading an initiative called Make Siesta Drive Safer (MSDS). “We were very thrilled about the transfer,” Wulf said, noting that Bay Island is a residential area with a 40 mph speed limit. County staff “has been very helpful” to MSDS, Wulf added, especially in working with its members to create
improvements to the near intersection of Higel Aven Drive. (Those are plann authority over those roa effective in September 2 Engineer Spencer An explained to the County C However, Wulf said characterize the swap as “ roads.” “Sitting here listening continued, “you’ve got a to intersection at Stickney Po U.S. 41.” He added that he thou make sense for FDOT to ma of Stickney Point Road from intersection to the Midnig intersection. Then, he said, the state w to continue to lend its ex the issues associated with of road, and the county c expertise to the residential c of Siesta Drive and Higel A Wulf was one of the during the public hearing
WH
Map B #42
SIESTA KEY
5250 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34242
SOUTH SIESTA
1250 Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242 N IC E N D O F VE IS LA
ST ARMANDS CIRCLE
325 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236
Map D #62
Coffee Shop • Tea Room • 5138
ISLAND OF VENICE
300 W. Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285
Anna Maria Island
107 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, FL. 34217
ACCOMMODATIONS Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa.......... Map-A #38A ATM / BANKS PNC ATM.........................................Map-C #61 Sun Trust Bank & ATM.................... Map-E #4 BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Blaśe Café....................................... Map-A #38 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar........... Map-B #42-43 Gilligan’s.........................................Map-B #33 My Village Pub......................... Map-C #53/54 Siesta Key Oyster Bar....................Map-B #45 The Beach Club............................... Map-D #22 The Cottage......................................Map-C #58 The Hub-Baja Grill......................... Map-D #59 COFFEE SHOPS Bean Coffeehouse......................... Map-D #62 LeLu’s Coffee Lounge...................Map-B #31 DRUGSTORE Davidson Drugs............................ Map-D #65
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FASHION & ACCESSORIES Beach Bazaar’s & Swin Shack..... Map-C #28 Blvd. Beachwear.............................. Map-B #30 Comfort Shoes-Birki & More..... Map-D #64 Foxy Lady Fashions...................... Map-A #40 Ganja Mon Vibes.............................. Map-D #9 Gidget’s Coastal Provisions.........Map-B #44 Island Boutique............................... Map-B #50 Island Style.......................................Map-C #53 Lilly Pulitzer.................................. Map-D #66 Sea Shanty........................................Map-C #24 Siesta T’s........................................... Map-B #30 The Sandal Factory......................... Map-B #46 GAS STATION Circle K Store..................................... Map-E #6 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Beach Bazaar.................................. Map-C #28 Gilligan’s Gift Store........................ Map-B #32 Island Trader....................................Map-C #51 Sea Pleasures & Treasures.............Map-C #29 Siesta Key Outfitters..................... Map-D #12
Barber Scott Reich
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HEALTH & FITNESS Indep. Lifestyle Solutions ............ Map-D #10 Siesta Healing................................... Map-D #9 Siesta Key Fitness..........................Map-B #73 ICE CREAM/SWEETS Big Olaf Creamery..........................Map-C #52 Curly Cream Ice Cream................... Map-D #9 Local Chill Ice Cream................... Map-D #60 Made in Rome Organic Gelato......Map-C #53 Meany’s Mini Donuts.....................Map-C #24 Stefano Versace Gelato...................Map-C #50 SubZero Ice Cream/Yogurt.......... Map-D #16 The Fudge Factory......................... Map-A #36 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs............................ Map-D #65 LeLu’s Coffee Lounge...................Map-B #31 JEWELRY Created Gems..................................Map-C #51 Mount -N- Repair Jewelers............. Map-D #9 LIQUOR STORES / FINE WINES Gabbiano’s Wine Club................. Map-D #70 Gilligan’s.........................................Map-B #33 Siesta Key Wine Bar........................Map-C #61 Siesta Village Liquors.................. Map-C #26 The Beach Club............................... Map-D #22
www.siestasand.net
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JANUARY 2020
Flag ceremony
rly 90-degree nue and Siesta ned after the ads becomes 2020, County derson has Commission.) d, he would “a tale of two
g to this,” he otally different oint Road and
ught it would aintain control m west of that ght Pass Road
would be able xpertise to all h that stretch could lend its characteristics Avenue. 19 speakers g, which was
planned just to hear comments on the jurisdictional transfer of roadways, Purvis explained to the nearly 100 audience members. In exchange for the county’s assuming control of Siesta roads, the state will take control of River Road from U.S. 41 to Interstate 75. The County Commission formally approved the swap on Oct. 8, a little more than two years after staff began working with FDOT representatives on the proposal. The goal was to achieve long-needed improvements on River Road, county leaders stressed. The very last speaker at the FDOT hearing on Dec. 11 was Siesta Key Association (SKA) President Catherine Luckner. She had asked to make her comments after her husband, Robert — an SKA director —offered his remarks early on in the hearing. However, Purvis had misunderstood that and skipped over her. First, after she stood to address Purvis, Catherine Luckner thanked him for conducting the hearing. Continued on page 31
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27th State Media LLC
By Randall Townsend
Our nightly flag ceremony pays homage to Captain Ralph Styles (a Decorated WWII Submarine Captain in the Pacific Theater) who began this tribute ceremony about 30 years ago. Each sunset our community comes together with new friends from around the world at Siesta Key’s public access #2, at 10
Beach Road. All are welcome as we begin each tribute with the following: “Welcome to Patriot’s Pier at Sunset Point! We thank you for joining our nightly tribute to honor the sacrifices of our military and service personnel in protecting our Country and our freedoms. We are the land of the free because of the brave!” Our Patriots Pier at Sunset Point “Pearl Harbor Day” December 7, 2019 ceremony was honored by attendees: daughter of Captain Ralph Styles, Ann Styles; many veterans, and The Chaplain JD Hamel’s daughter Janet Hamel Solomon who lead our invocation with her grandchildren! We were blessed to hear Ann Styles tell us the story of how her family was at Pearl Harbor that “Day in Infamy” in 1941, and how her mother and father watched from their home as the Japanese planes destroyed the harbor thus inspiring his patriotism! We were honored to present to Ann the flag that has been waving over Patriots Pier at Sunset Point since our rededication ceremony! Both Ann and Janet said they were very blessed our ceremonies honor their families’ service and our traditions!
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MAILING - SHIPPING US Post Office................................. Map-D #65 MARKETS/FOOD STORES Circle K Store..................................... Map-E #6 Morton’s Siesta Market................ Map-C #25 MASSAGE Hands of Light Massage................ Map-B #35 The Spa at Calle Minorga............... Map-E #74
Gizeh Cherry Map D #64
MEDICAL - DENTAL Sarasota Medical Center................ Map-D #63 Siesta Dental..................................... Map-B #49 Siesta Key Physical Therapy......... Map-D #20 MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce................ Map-D #67 Prime Audio Video........................... Map-E #1 Roberti Enterprises........................ Map-A #39 Village Arcade.................................Map-C #53 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Attorney Fleming.............................. Map-E #1 Edward Jones Investments.......... Map-D #68 Smith Architects.................................Map-E 74 REAL ESTATE / RENTAL SERVICES Amy Robinson RE............................. Map-E #1 Coldwell Banker Realty................. Map-D #20 EXP Realty.........................................Map-E #4 Judith Guzzi & Assoc..................... Map-E #74 Keller Williams Real Estate........... Map-D #11 Michael Saunders Realty..............Map-E #72 ReMax Alliance Group................ Map-C #29 RentSiestaKey.com........................... Map-D #9 Robasota Rentals & Real Estate.... Map-A #39 Siesta Key Rental Prop.................. Map-D #10 The Ringling Beach House Rentals...Map-D #9 Tropical Sands Accommodations.....Map-D #67
48 47 46
RESTAURANTS / CAFÉS Another Broken Egg..............Map-C #54 & 55 Blasé Café....................................... Map-A #38 Bonjour French Cafe.......................Map-C #47 Café Gabbiano............................... Map-D #71 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar........... Map-B #42-43 Flavio’s Brick Oven & Bar.............. Map-B #29 Flavio’s Italiano Ristorante............ Map-B #30 Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill.......Map-B #33 Island House Bar & Grill............. Map-D #69 LeLu’s Coffee Bar...........................Map-B #31 Lobster Pot...................................... Map-C #23 Old Salty Dog Rest. & Pub............... Map-E #2 PI Pizza & Craft Beer..................... Map-A#37 Ripfire Pizza..................................... Map-B #47 Siesta Key Oyster Bar....................Map-B #45 Solorzano Bros. Pizzeria.............. Map-D #15 Subway Sandwiches....................... Map-B #30 Summer House................................Map-C #57 Sun Garden Café............................ Map-D #19 The Cottage......................................Map-C #58 The Hub - Baja Grill........................Map-C #59 The Seafood Joint........................... Map-D #15 The Star Thai Sushi............... Map-D #17 & 18 Village Café.................................... Map-D #14 SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY Sassy Hair Salon............................ Map-A #40 Siesta Key Nails & Spa.................. Map-D #9 Shaman Sanctuary Salon................. Map-D #9 SPORTS INTEREST/RENTALS CaliFlorida........................................Map-C #29 Robin Hood Rentals......................Map-B #34
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Siesta Sand
JANUARY 2020
BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Capt. Curt’s Backroom Saloon................B-3 #7 Crescent Club.......................................... C-3 #13 Sniki Tiki....................................................B-3 #8 COFFEE SHOPS Coffee Garden................................... B-3 #8 DELIS / BAKERIES Anna’s Deli & Sandwiches.................. C-3 #14 Nutritious You......................................... C-3 #14 The Beach Deli @ Crescent Beach Grocery......B-3 #1 DRUG STORES Davidson Drugs..................................... C-3 #14 FASHION & ACCESSORIES Fin Island Co.............................................. A-3 #2 CB’s Saltwater Outfitters........................ A-3 #4 Coconuts Fashion......................................B-3 #1 Green Turtle Swimwear......................... C-3 #14 Key Casual Fashions............................... D-3 #17
941.312.0665
CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX
Things You Like...................................... C-3 #14 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Capt. Curt’s Souvenirs.............................B-3 #8 Green Turtle Shells & Gifts................. C-3 #14 Sunshine Sand Hidden Treasures...... D-3 #17 Silver City Jewelry................................. C-3 #14 HEALTH & BEAUTY Sanctuary Siesta Key............................... A-5 #12 Siesta Key Salon & Spa........................... D-3 #17 The Key Spa & Salon.............................. A-5 #12 ICE CREAM & TREATS Orange Octopus .......................................B-3 #8 Siesta Creamery....................................... C-3 #14 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs..................................... C-3 #14 Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14 LIQUOR STORES Crescent Beach Grocery...........................B-3 #1
Crescent Club...........................................B-3 #13 Siesta Spirits............................................. C-3 #17 MAILING & SHIPPING Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14 US Post Office Sub Station..................... C-3 #14 MARKETS 7-11 Store.................................................. C-3 #16 Big Water Fish Market.......................... C-3 #17 Crescent Beach Grocery...........................B-3 #1 REAL ESTATE / RENTALS Beckmann Properties.............................. C-2 #15 Homes & Condo Rentals........................ D-3 #17 Re/Max Tropical Sands............................B-3 #1 Siesta 4-Rent............................................ C-3 #14 Waterside Realty.................................... C-3 #17 RESTAURANTS / CAFES Big Water Fish Market................................C-3 #17 Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill...............A-5 #12
www.siestasand.net
Capt. Curts Crab & Oyster Bar.................B-3 #7 City Pizza Italian Restaurant................. D-3 #17 Clayton’s Siesta Grille...............................B-3 #9 Daiquiri Deck.................................................A-3 #2 Spear Fish Grill..............................................A-4 #5 Toasted Mango Cafe....................................C-3 #17 Miguel’s Restaurant................................ C-3 #17 WATER SPORTS - FISHING - RENTALS A to Z Beach & Bike Rentals.................. A-5 #12 FIN Island Co. .......................................... A-3 #2 CB’s Saltwater Outfitters........................ A-3 #4 Parasail Siesta........................................... A-3 #2 Siesta Key Bike & Kayak . ......................B-3 #8 Siesta Key Marina.................................... A-4 #5 Siesta Key Jetski . ...................................... A-3 #2 Siesta Sports Rentals............................. C-3 #14 Waves Boat & Social Club...................... A-5 #12
“Home of the Orange Squeeze!”
OPEN 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM DAILY
ING FEATUR
Homemade Ice Cream
Sundaes l Shakes l Smoothies l Coffees Espresso l Cappuccinos
1220 Old Stickney Point Rd., Siesta Key In the Captain Curt’s Plaza Map B-3#8
941-346-0202
Expires 12/31/20
BIKES · BEACH STUFF · KAYAKS PADDLEBOARDS · SCOOTER CARS BEACH WHEELCHAIRS · SCOOTERS
Book Your Next Adventure Online. We Deliver! BOOK ONLINE OR CALL AT:
RideAndPaddle.com
(941)-346-1797 6551 Midnight Pass Road Southbridge Mall Siesta Key, FL 34242
BOOK ONLINE & SAVE $5.00 OFF YOUR NEXT WEEKLY BIKE RENTAL WITH COUPON CODE: V2019
Map B-3#8
Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill 1500 Stickney Point Rd.
Anna’s Deli 6535 Midnight Pass Rd.
MAP C-3 #14
Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Road
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters 1249 Stickney Point Rd.
MAP A-3 #4
Coconuts Fashion MAP 1215 Old Stickney Point Rd. B-3 #1&8
Crescent Beach Grocery 1211 Old Stickney Pt. Rd.
MAP B-3 #1
Davidson Drugs 6595 Midnight Pass Rd.
MAP C-3 #14
Siesta 4-Rent 6555 Midnight Pass Rd.
Toasted Mango Cafe 6621 Midnight Pass Rd.
MAP C-3 #17
MAP C-4 #17
MAP C-3 #14
MAP A-5 #12
www.siestasand.net
941.312.0665
JANUARY 2020
Snapshots of Island Visitors
27th State Media LLC
27
Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography 2
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1. Team Thorns U15 - Top Ranked team! Erica, Ava, Jasmine, Peytan, Kaiya, Jordon, Mia, KK, Lola, Lexi, Ella, Malia, Zoe, Kendall, Maria from CA. ages 14 &15 here to compete in Soccer at Premier Sports Campus in LWR – Girls Winter Showcase 2. Eileen, Sue, & Debbie from The Villages, FL 3. DL from Sarasota 4. Jessica, Jade age 2, Karen from MI 5. Scott & Sven age 3 from NY 6. Emi age 6, Sergio, Veronica, & Juan Pablo age 5 7. Krista & Carrie from ME 8. Patrick from Sarasota 9. Etan & Nicole from Maryland 10. Darryl, Luke age 3, Meagan, & Hannah age 5 from Ontario, Canada 11. Micaela from AL & Jennifer from Sarasota
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Siesta Sand
JANUARY 2020
Siesta Sounds
By Charmaine Engelsman-Robins
Mike Tozier’s love affair with Siesta Key Mike Tozier is so much a part of Siesta Key that you’re almost sure to discover him if you make the rounds of the Key’s clubs that offer live music. His popularity with audiences old and new keeps him working steadily at Gilligan’s, SKOB (Siesta Key Oyster Bar), the Hub Baja Grill, the Island House Tap and Grill, the Sniki Tiki at Captain Curt’s … and maybe a couple more that I’ve forgotten … prompting one fan on Mike’s Facebook page to note “Dude … You’re everywhere!” (https://www.facebook.com/mike. tozier.5 ) With approximately 20 years of performing on the Key, this true Tampa native so loves it here that it’s been his musical home since his first gig … and that was at SKOB, where he still performs today. Before he moved to Sarasota, playing the Key meant a long drive from and back to Tampa every performance night. Some would consider that just way too much trouble to play a beach bar or club, but Mike loved it and showed up for every chance he got to play the island. Siesta Key is as much a part of Mike as he is of it. “It’s changed my life and I love it,” he explains. When he gave in to the all-toofamiliar musicians’ obligatory move to Nashville, he held out for just 18 months before he could no longer resist the sound of the Key calling him back. “I was so homesick,” he recalls. “I just had to try it (Nashville) so I wouldn’t have any regrets, and I don’t; I learned a lot. “ One of the things he learned was that he didn’t belong there.
CLUB
941.312.0665
“I’m just not the road-dog type,” he concedes. “It just isn’t for me. I like to work, come home, have a life.” You don’t have that stability if you live on the road, but he did still play a couple of big gigs opening for Dr. John and Leon Russell. Though he writes some of his own material (and put out the album Road to Life a while back), recording isn’t high on his list of priorities. Right now he has enough original material to put out a couple more albums, bit Mike’s true joy stems from working with other dedicated, talented musicians and performing for people who appreciate all the hard work it takes to be able to do that. Everyone has heard about “paying dues” and what a long, hard haul it is to get to the point that you can actually make a living with your music but hearing about it is a lot different than living it. Sure it’s fun to be on stage and have appreciative audiences applaud you … but that’s a very small part of the effort that goes into getting there. As part of that effort Mike has taught himself to play guitar, dobro, harmonica and slide guitar “I try to keep everyone happy,” he explains, and he does that by performing the wide variety of music styles learned through listening to performers he admires. “I call it ‘adult music,’” Mike says. “Bob Dylan, Robert Johnson, the Beatles, Buffet, the Eagles, Allman Brothers Band, Tom Petty, some reggae … I always say, ‘If you don’t like what you hear when you walk in, just wait three minutes; you’ll probably like the next song.”
MONDAY
BLASE CAFÉ In the Village 941-349-9822
CLOSED MONDAYS
DAIQUIRI DECK RAW BAR In the Village 941‐349‐8697
Rodney Shenk: 6‐10 PM
Lelu’s Coffee Lounge In the Village 941-346-5358
SIESTA KEY OYSTER BAR (SKOB) In the Village 941‐346‐5443
And probably the one after that. When a musician really loves what he’s doing and where he’s playing, it comes through in his performances… and Mike definitely loves Siesta Key. “Siesta Key is a great place to be,” he enthuses, “and a really great place to be an entertainer.” At press time Mike’s Siesta Key gigs for January include: Jan. 01, 08 and 22: Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill, 6 to 10 p.m. Jan. 04, 11, 18, 25: Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB) 8 p.m. Jan. 12 & 26: Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB) 10 a.m. Jan. 12 & 26: The Hub Baja Grill, 6:30 p.m. All dates and times subject to change, check Mike’s website for updates and additional locations: www.miketozier.com You can also hear some of Mike’s recordings there.
WEDNESDAY
Frankie Lombardi 6‐10 PM Callie
Evan Eastmoore 6‐10 PM
GILLIGANS ILAND BAR & RESTAURANT In the Village 941‐326‐8122
Mike Tozier
TUESDAY
THURSDAY nd LIVE MUSIC (2 ) Rob Viola (9,16, & 23) Frankie Lombardi th (30 ) 6‐10 PM
FRIDAY Callie & The Whole Band 6‐10 PM LIVE MUSIC (3‐7 PM) DJ TJ (10 PM)
1 PM: Chris Otto rd 6‐10 PM: Beach (3 ) th Bill Seward (10 ) th Lisa Ridings (24 ) st Kach/Seward (31 ) DJ KConn – 10 PM
RPM LIVE: 6‐10 PM
6‐10 PM Mike Tozier OR Deven Starr
RPM LIVE ‐ 6‐10 PM DJ Nate – 10 PM
1‐5 PM: th Michael Cole (6 ) th Charles Morris (13 ) th Hoosier Daddy (20 ) th Chris Warner (27 ) ………………………………. Al Donadi 7‐11 PM
1‐5 PM: J. Gilton (7 & 21) th Tim O’Conner (14 ) th John Bastiani (28 ) …………………………….. 7‐11 PM th Open Mic (7 ) Audio Orchid (14, 21 & 28)
1‐5 PM: Deven Starr (1,15 & 29) th nd Frankie Raye (8 & 22 ) ) …………. Kettle of Fish 7‐11 PM
1‐5 PM: Dana & Co. ………………………. 7‐11 PM Folklab
2‐6 PM John Whiteleather Band 8‐Midnight rd Jason Haram Band(3 ) th Last Minute Band (10 ) th Deven Starr (17 ) th Schmitz Bros. (24 ) st Frankie Raye Band (31 )
Karaoke Mondays 9 PM – Midnight
THE COTTAGE In the Village 941-312-9300
Live Music 6-9 PM
Live Music 6-9 PM
Live Music Noon – 3 PM 3:30 – 6:30 PM 7-10 PM
Live Music Noon – 3 PM 3:30 – 6:30pm 7-10pm
THE HUB‐BAJA GRILL In the Village 941-349-6800 BACKROOM SALOON @ CAPT. CURTS 941‐349‐3885 Crescent Beach Shops SNIKI TIKI @ CAPT CURTS Crescent Beach Shops 941‐349‐3885 Spearfish Siesta Grille Southern end of SK 941‐349‐3474 Turtle Beach Grill Southern end of SK 941‐349‐2280 SAND DOLLAR POOL BAR @ Best Western Plus 6600 S. Tamiami Trl. Sarasota 941‐924‐4900 BOATYARD WATERFRONT BAR & GRILL 941‐921‐6200 1500 Stickney Pt. Rd. CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE 801 Blackburn Pt. Rd, Osprey 941‐966‐1901
LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM
LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM BREE (3‐7 PM) 1 PM th Deven Starr (5 only) 6‐19 PM Bird Tribe (12 & 26) th Kach/Seward (19 ) DJ Tuesday – 10 PM
6‐10 PM: Kach/Seward (4 ) th
Kettle of Fish (11 ) th Unbed (18 ) DJ KConn – 10 PM
Eddie James Jazz Band 7‐10 PM
10 AM ‐ 1 PM Vince Colaiocco (5 & 19) Mike Tozier (12 & 26) th 2‐6 PM: Mick Fury (5 ) th Rob Viola (12 ) th N Trl. Band (19 )
11 AM – 2 PM Brek Milo 3‐7 PM th John&Karla Reynolds (4 ) Evan Eastmoore (11 & 25) th Rob Viola (18 ) 8‐Midnight Mike Tozier
John & Karla Reynolds(26th) 7 ‐11 PM: Hatley or The Whole Band
th
DJ Coz or DJ Kensi 9 PM – 2 AM
DJ Coz & DJ Xtreme 10 PM
Live Music 6-9 PM
Live Music 7-10 PM
Live Music 7-10 PM
Live Music 7-10 PM
Live Music 6-9 PM
Live Music Noon – 3 PM 3:30 – 6:30 PM 7-10 PM
Live Music 1 – 4 PM 4:30 – 7:30 PM 8:30 PM –midnight
Live Music 1-4 PM 4:30 – 7:30 PM 8:30 PM - midnight
Live Music Noon – 3 PM 3:30 – 6:30 PM 7-10 PM
KARAOKE 9 PM – CLOSE
KARAOKE 9 PM – CLOSE
LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM
LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM
LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM
Live Music Noon – 3 PM 3:30 – 6:30 PM 7-10 PM
KARAOKE 9 PM – CLOSE LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM
LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM
8‐11 PM: Griswolds (4 ) th Otis on Top (11 ) th Bully for You (18 ) th Live music (25 ) DJ Kensi: 11 PM – 2 AM
8‐Midnight th Nick LeValley (5 ) th Noel Rochford (12 ) th Billy Lyon (19 ) th Live Musicf (26 )
LIVE MUSIC 6‐9 PM
LIVE MUSIC 6‐9 PM
LIVE MUSIC 6‐9 PM
LIVE MUSIC 6‐9 PM
LIVE MUSIC 5‐9 PM
LIVE MUSIC 5‐9 PM
LIVE MUSIC 5‐9 PM
LIVE MUSIC 5‐9 PM
Fawny Frost Motown/Disco/R&B 5‐8:30 PM
Kevin Thompson 5‐8:30 PM
SUNDAY
8 – 11 PM: Flyte Bankd (3 ) th Stereo FM (10 ) th th TL (17 ) Billy Lyon (24 ) st New Divide (31 ) Live DJ: 11 PM‐2 AM
LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM
SATURDAY Shift Change Band TH TH (4 & 11 ) Kat Crosby Rhythm Gators th th (18 & 25 ) 6‐10 PM LIVE MUSIC (3‐7 PM) DJ K Conn (10 PM) 1 PM: DYMD (4, 11 & 25) th Kach/Seward (18 ) th
rd
THE BEACH CLUB In the Village 941‐49‐6311
www.siestasand.net
John Patti / James Albritton Steel Drum & Acoustic Guitar 5‐8:30 PM
LIVE MUSIC 3‐6 PM
LIVE MUSIC 3‐6 PM
LIVE MUSIC 3‐6 PM
Bri Rivera 5‐8:30 PM
Vince Barardi 5‐9 PM
Jokers Duo 5‐9 PM
Desi Adams Island Sounds 4‐8 PM
LIVE MUSIC 4‐8 PM
LIVE MUSIC 3‐7 PM
LIVE MUSIC 3‐7 PM
Above information is subject to change. We suggest calling venues for confirmation.
www.siestasand.net
941.312.0665
JANUARY 2020
Island Humor Tony had just finished reading a new book entitled, ‘You Can Be The Man of Your House.’ He stormed to his wife in the kitchen and announced, ‘From now on, you need to know that I am the man of this house and my word is Law. You will prepare me a gourmet meal tonight, and when I’m finished eating my meal, you will serve me a sumptuous dessert. After dinner, you are going to go upstairs with me and we will have the kind of sex that I want. Afterwards, you are going to draw me a bath so I can relax. You will wash my back and towel me dry and bring me my robe. Then, you will massage my feet and hands. Then tomorrow, guess who’s going to dress me and comb my hair?’ His Sicilian wife Gina replied, “The funeral director would be my first guess.” I picked up a hitchhiker last night. He seemed surprised that I’d pick up a stranger and asked, “Thanks, but why’d you pick me up?” How do you know I’m not a serial killer?”
I told him the chances of two serial killers being in one car would be astronomical. My partner asked me if she could have a little peace and quiet while she cooked dinner. So I took the battery out of the smoke detector. Mr. Johnson, a businessman from Wisconsin, went on a business trip to Louisiana. He immediately sent an e-mail back home to his wife, Jennifer. Unfortunately, he forgot his wife’s exact e-mail address and the e-mail ended up going to a Mrs. Joan Johnson of New Jersey, the wife of a preacher who had just passed away. The preacher’s wife took one look at the e-mail and promptly fainted. When she was finally revived by her daughter, she nervously pointed to the message, which read: “Arrived safely, but it sure is hot down here. “ A man who smelled like a distillery flopped on a subway seat next to a priest. The man’s tie was stained, his face was plastered with red lipstick, and a half-empty
HOTTEST BAR IN GULF GATE... MLB/College Packages FULL BAR
6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905
bottle of gin was sticking out of his torn coat pocket. He opened his newspaper and began reading. After a few minutes the disheveled guy turned to the priest and asked, “Say, Father, what causes arthritis?” “My son, it’s caused by loose living, being with cheap, wicked women, too much alcohol, and a contempt for your fellow man.” “Well, I’ll be damned,” the drunk muttered, returning to his paper. The priest, thinking about what he had said, nudged the man and apologized. “I’m very sorry, I didn’t mean to come on so strong. How long have you had arthritis?” “I don’t have it, Father. I was just reading here that the Pope does.” An old, tired-looking dog wandered into the yard. I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home. He followed me into the house, down the hall, and fell asleep on the couch. An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out. The next day he was back, resumed his position on the couch and slept for an hour. This continued for several weeks. Curious, I pinned a note to his collar: ‘Every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap.’ The next day he arrived with a different note pinned to his collar: ‘He lives in a home with four children -- he’s trying to catch up on his sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?’ All Bill asked for was a little good-night kiss, but Anne haughtily rebuffed him with, “I don’t do that sort of thing on my first date!” “Well,” Bill replied with sarcasm, “how about on your last date?” An 80-year-old woman was arrested for shop lifting. When she went before the judge he asked her, ‘What did you steal?’ She replied: a can of peaches. The judge asked her why she had stolen them and she replied that she was hungry. The judge then asked her how many peaches were in the can. She replied 6. The judge then said, ‘I will give you 6 days in jail.’ Before the judge could actually pronounce the punishment the woman’s husband spoke up and asked the judge if he could say something. He said, ‘ What is it? ‘ The husband said ‘She also stole a can of peas.’
27th State Media LLC
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Bartender of the Month... My Village Pub (MVP) 941-777-6787 5200 Ocean Blvd, in the Village
What better way to ring in the New Year than with a congratulatory clink of your drink to our January bartender of the month – Kelly. Buffalo, NY is Kelly’s hometown and, you guessed it, she’s a huge Buffalo Bills fan! Following is a light-hearted Q&A with our island celebrity: Q: What’s your bartending experience and how long have you worked at My Village Pub? What drink have you perfected? A: I have been bartending for 12 years! I moved to Sarasota, FL in February and have been working at MVP since opening day in June! Since working at MVP I have perfected our Grapefruit BasilTini! Q: What was the strangest or funniest experience you witnessed or were party to at work? A: Lets be real there are many strange experiences that can happen when you mix alcohol and good company! The best experience I have had at MVP has to be feeling at home while watching my hometown football team, The Buffalo Bills with fellow #BillsMafia! Win or lose we still booze! Go Bills!! Q: Any hobbies, goals, etc. you enjoy when not working? A: I love to cook and craft in my downtime. I also enjoy beautiful beach days on Siesta Key!
Q: How would you describe yourself? A: I am outgoing and bubbly. I am passionate about my work and everything I love. I am ambitious and driven. Meeting new people truly makes me love my job as a bartender. Q: What makes MVP a special place to visit? A: MVP Is the first sports bar on Siesta Key! With 37 TV’s, 20 beers on tap and an incredible staff you will never miss out on any of the action! Our perfectly crafted menu has something for everyone! Come in for Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays and enjoy one of our specialty Build Your Own Bloody Marys! They are a meal in itself! Q: What special drink is MVP noted for? A: Delicious, tropical cocktails are our specialty! Q: When is the best time for locals and visitors to enjoy your company at MVP? A: I work evenings during the week & daytime on the weekends! You can always catch me on Football Sundays cheering on the Buffalo Bills! #GOBILLS. So next time you’re at MVP, and Kelly is your bartender, please be sure to raise your glass this month in her honor.
CAPTAIN CURT’S VILLAGE
Siesta Key’s “Old Florida” Shopping Village In The Heart of Crescent Beach
BEST SHOPPING, DINING AND FUN ON SIESTA KEY
Enjoy specialty coffees and craft beers
SIESTA KEY’S OLDEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
941-349-3885 CAPTAIN CURT’S CAPTAIn
WORLD FAMOUS CLAM CHOWDER
FUN RENTALS OF ALL KINDS 941-346-0891
Island Apparel, Souvenirs, & Chowder Kits 941-349-3885
Ice Cream and more! 941-346-8080
Outdoor Dining / Food until 2am LIVE MUSIC
1200 Old Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key FL, 34242
30
Siesta Sand
JANUARY 2020
941.312.0665
DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE
SIESTA NAILS & SPA
(941) 556 9048 Mon-Fri: 9am - 7pm Sat: 9am - 6pm 6517 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 At Sarasota Pavilion Center, Publix Supermarket, next to Hooters.
Enjoy a ComplimEntary Glass of WinE With a $35 and up pEdi Group spECial: ChampaGnE party for Group of 7-10
Marta Wilczynski
Hairstylist/Colorist at Evan’s Hair Studio 6620 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, FL 34231
Specializes in precise hair cutting techniques, razor cutting technique Balayage, root shades, dimensional hair color and foiling technique. Formal, wedding styling!
G-27
FREE HAIRCUT
with any color work done
561.704.6770 1
With our map, located below, you’ll be able to navigate your way to our featured shops with ease. Siesta Nails & Spa, located in the Sarasota Pavilion (6517 S. Tamiami Trail), a few doors down from Hooters Restaurant, recently changed hands and remodeled their shop. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine with their $35 and up Pedi. Call them at 941-556-9048 to set up an appointment. The Shop SRQ (G-2) offers flat-tops, fades, tapers, blowouts, razor cuts, and straight razor shaves. Owners, Erick and Dawn use a back to basics approach to grooming with a precise attention to personal detail. Their commitment to excellence has provided them with many loyal customers. They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust. Hours: Tues. – Fri. 8:30am – 6pm, Sat., 8:30am – 3pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Sarasota Brewing Co. (G-4) Sarasota’s first micro brew pub always has something new to offer. From over 20 seasonal beers that rotate throughout the year, the Brewing Company always has at least five unique brews online as well as several favorites from around the world. Established in 1989, their menu has been a winner in the Reader’s Choice Awards of the Sarasota Herald Tribune featuring their mouth-watering burgers, Chicago style pizzas, and Chicago beef sandwiches. With dozens
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of televisions, it’s a great place to catch a game with friends and family. Gulf Gate Barber Shop (G-11): has been an institution in the community for years, owned by Kyle Flannery. The super-clean barbershop’s clientele is comprised of primarily men, but the shop services children as well. Scott Reich, formerly of the Siesta Key Village Barber Shop has relocated to this location. At the original Word of Mouth Restaurant (G-31), every seemingly insignificant detail receives special attention from the warm, inviting decor to each specially crafted variety of freshly baked muffins to the signature menu items. This small diner is where the locals come to eat breakfast and lunch. Take a look at their menu at originalwordofmouth.com. Hours: Mon-Sun.: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. 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. Continued on the next page
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GULF GATE
© Island Visitor Publishing, LLC 2018
Ba Am nk o eri f ca
Panera Bread
Marshall’s
Bed Bath & Beyond
This section helps highlight what you’ll find within this walkable Gulf Gate shopping Village.
Ross
Dress for Less
Iberia Bank
Five Below 1
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From Vintage to Modern An extension of your personality
G12 G11 G10 G9 G8 G7 G6 G5 G4 G3
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S29 S28 S27 S26 S25 S24 S23 S22 S21 S20 S19 S18 S17 S16 S15 S14 S13 S12 S11 S10 S9 S8
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Gulf Gulf Gate Gate Drive Drive
Gulf Gulf Gate Gate Drive Drive
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PICCOLO
SRQ
Italian Market & Deli
S-16
$
complete frames* & lenses
89 bifocal
| $149 progressive digital lenses
59 single vision bring your prescription
• FREE FRAMES while supplies last. Pay only for lenses • FREE ultrasound cleaning of glasses • Most repairs available on site
941.444.7984 onlyeyesoptical.com
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THE SHOP SRQ 6625 Gateway Ave.
G-2
“We Straight Razor Shave” 15 Years + Experience
www.TheShopSrq.com
& Vegetarian Sandwiches S-24
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Traditional, Old School Barber Shop
Hot or Cold
6541 Superior Avenue Gulf GAte BuSineSS DiStrict SArASotA, fl 34231
G14 G13
S30
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G16 G15
G2
G24
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S59 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
G23 G22 G21 G20 G19 G18 G17
Superior Avenue
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Beall’s Outlet
Mall Mall Drive Drive
G50 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
Gateway Avenue
Books-AMillion
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HOURS: Monday - Sunday 8:00AM to 2PM www.originalwordofmouth.com
Siesta Nails & Spa
941-925-2400
Hooters
Sun Trust
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Original Word of Mouth 6604 Gateway Ave. Sarasota, FL 34231
Publix
Sarasota Pavilion is a popular shopping destination for numerous locals and visitors alike. Its prime location is close enough to the island for frequent trips with a nice selection of chain stores set in one convenient location. But what truly lends to the uniqueness of this district is the host of small, locally owned, specialty shops, boutiques, restaurants, and neighborhood bars bordering this pavilion. It makes for a fun and rewarding shopping experience. Over 150 businesses make up this district.
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Eat Where The Locals Eat!
Stein Mart
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M22 M21 M20 M19 M18 M17 M16 M15 M14 M13 M12 M11 M10 M9 M8
M7
M6
M5 M4 M3 M2 M1
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G-31
www.siestasand.net
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.
GG-46 G-47 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
941.626.4894 / 941.536.1656 • No Appointment Needed •
TONSORIAL ARTISTRY BY ERICK & DAWN
Open Tues.-Fri. 8:30 AM-6 PM Sat. 11/1 - 5/30; 8:30-3 PM Sat. 6/1 - 10/31; 8:30 AM - 1 PM
S-34
Catering Available
We Put the South in Your Mouth 6616 Superior Ave. Sarasota
941.926.0099
COUPON
FREE SIDE With the purchase of ANY entreé
www.siestasand.net
941.312.0665
JANUARY 2020
DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE Continued from the previous page
West End Pub (G-49) Where else can you watch your favorite game with a great selection of beers, wines and liquors served by a friendly staff AND where you’re allowed to bring your own restaurant or deli food? Right here. 6500 Gateway Ave. – 941554-8905. Tony’s Chicago Beef Company (S-16) is owned and operated by true Chicagoans. Dedicated to deliver Chicago’s best food - Chicago style Hot Dogs wit’ the works...dragged through the garden on poppy seed buns with fresh cut fries, Italian Beef Sandwiches anyway you like, dipped or dry, sweet or hot. All served in true Authentic Chicago Style. Solórzano’s Late Night Pizzeria (S-32): At every Solórzano’s, they offer an experience familiar to those who understand the importance of family and dedication. Their recipes and techniques have been perfected through three long generations based on the traditional simplicity of the methods used by their
G-4
Italian ancestors. Dine inside, outside, pick up, or DELIVERY anywhere on Siesta Key, or in Sarasota until 3:30 a.m. 6574 Superior Ave., 941-924-5800. Pride of the South (S-34) Pride of the South has been awarded Top Barbeque in Sarasota for 2016 by Trip Advisor and Yelp. It has been awarded for the best Southern Hospitality. Pride of the South has a brisket BLT, hands down, one of the best sandwiches you ever tasted. The smoked chicken wings are unbelievable. Backed up with the pulled pork sandwiches, the smoked bologna, the smoked Turkey, the collard greens, fried corn on the cob, fried okra, fried green tomatoes and one of the best mac n cheese you ever tasted. We do catering with no limit to size. Call (941)9260099. See you soon. Gulf Gate Food + Beer (S-51): Sarasota’s late-night hot spot for the service industry, night owls, and midnight snackers. It’s not your typical sports bar offering unique menu selections for carnivores and vegetarians. Be sure to check out their menu online at: eatfooddrinkbeer.com. Hours: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. (Sun. Thurs.) open until 2 a.m. (Fri & Sat.). One Minute Key Shop (GG51): Left your keys in the car? No worries, the One Minute Key Shop will help you safely unlock and retrieve your keys. They specialize in high security locks, keys, re-keying, master keying and safes for residential, commercial or automotive. Call for more info: 941-924-8020 or visit their showroom.
Roberts Realty
ROBERTS REALTY, Inc. (M5) John Garner, Broker Assoc. & Diane Shane, Broker Assoc. have a combined 40 years’ experience in Sarasota of making dreams come true for our clients. FOR BUYERS, we have had great success in finding the right property for our clients because we listen closely to their wants and needs and matching that as close as possible. FOR SELLERS, over the years we have successfully listed and sold many, many properties throughout Sarasota County. OUR PHILOSOPHY is to have fun, enjoy the experience, achieve great results, make friends and receive referrals. We’re with you every step of the way! Call 941924-2330 or drop by our office. Only Eyes, Optical (S-24) brings a new, exotic, eclectic, eccentric, unique collection of vintage, hipster, contemporary eyeglasses and sunglasses to the community. Licensed and experienced optician available to fill your prescriptions. Only Eyes Optical has a large assortment of free frames with the purchase of new lenses. Call 941-444-7984 to set up an appointment with their licensed optician. Mellow Mushroom serves a one of a kind pizza pie. The flavors and ingredients are just as unique and special as the restaurant’s design. Try a Mellow Mushroom stone-baked pizza, munchies, calzone, salad, hoagie, or even a burger. Pick from our selection of 24 draft beers or tasty, handcrafted cocktails. And, many of our pizzas can be made glutenfree or vegan. Located at 6727 S. Tamiami Trail. 941-388-7504.
John Garner Broker Associate
Diane Shane Broker Associate
941-924-2330
Working with Sarasota Buyers & Sellers since 1969 • Local Expertise • Proven Track Record • Happy Clients Condos, Villas, Single Family Homes & Investments
We are with you every step of the way! M-5 2621 Mall Dr., Sarasota RobertsRealty@comcast.net www.SarasotaCoast.com
27th State Media LLC
Island Chatter
31
Continued from page 25
She next concurred with the view that FDOT’s expertise is needed on issues involving Stickney Point Road. Then she told Purvis, “If I can help you change your mind about the road swap by giving you lots of compliments, they would all be true.” That comment drew laughter from audience members. Luckner also talked about the fact that Stickney Point Road just seems to be an unusual road. She pointed out that she has been involved in two accidents on the section between U.S. 41 and Siesta Key, and she was not found at fault in either of them. In one incident, she said, “I was sitting at a red light, doing absolutely nothing,” when her vehicle was struck. In the second, she continued, “Someone came from a side street and never seemed to see me.” Finally, Luckner asked Purvis, if the road transfer takes place as proposed, “What are you going to call State Road 72 which is the official name of Stickney Point Road? Not State Road 72?” That remark drew more laughter.
Another demolition As plans remain underway for his proposed hotel on Old Stickney Point Road, Dr. Gary Kompothecras — of 1-800-ASK-GARY fame — told Siesta Sand last month that he would be tearing down the building he owns that formerly housed a storage business. It stands at 1260 Old Stickney Point Road. That structure is adjacent to the site of the former Fandango Café, which Kompothecras demolished in the spring. A check of county permitting records found that Kompothecras received the demolition permit on Aug. 13, and it is good through May 19, 2020. The notation on the online permitting form says, “Demo Mini Storage Warehouse.” The fee for the permit was $397.14. Sarasota County Property Appraiser Office records show that a company Kompothecras established called 1260 Inc. bought the storage building property for $400,000 in early December 2011. The parcel, which is already zoned Commercial General, comprises 14,950 square feet — slightly more than one-third of an acre. This year, the property has a taxable value of $518,700, but most of that rests with the land itself: $442,400. The building dates to 1980, the tax records show. The former Fandango site, the Property Appraiser’s Office records say, has a taxable value this year of $1,053,500. It comprises slightly more than eight-tenths of an acre. As of Dec. 11, county staff reported, Kompothecras had yet to file an application with county staff for the hotel project.
St. Michael’s reports on building project In a recent email to parishioners the parish said: We are pleased to report that the Capital Campaign will officially kick-off the weekend of January 17 and 18. Our planning has proven to us, that we are a Parish who depends on our Seasonal Parishioners and Visitors to supplement our year-round members. Father will be talking about our Campaign every month during “season,” we’ll be sending out mailings and attachments to Flocknotes next month. It is our intent to overcommunicate now and going forward because our congregation changes nearly every week from now through Easter. We hope to see you all in the coming weeks and months. Thank you for being with us. May God bless you all at this special time of the year. Your Saint Michael the Archangel family.
32
Siesta Sand
JANUARY 2020
Florida Fish of Siesta Key
Red Snapper
Yellowtail
Mangrove Snapper
Lane Snapper
Black Mullet Snook
www.siestasand.net
Water World
Dolphins, Drinks and Sunset Cruises with a Dynamic Duo: Meet the Fun Boat Crew By Kandace P. / Siesta Key Marina
It’s no secret Siesta Key is one of the top ranked beaches in the US. Why is the key such Florida a desired destination? Many Puffer people say it’s the sugary sand, the beauty of the water and the laid-back lifestyle. Sailfish But what about the variety of ways to enjoy our little piece Spanish Mackerel of paradise? From fishing, to playing on the sandbars and enjoying the pictureDohlpin perfect sunsets by boat, the “Mahi-Mahi” key and the Sarasota area attracts locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy all of these adventures with Fun Boat Tours, the local charter company operating out of Scoolmaster Siesta Key Marina. We’ve written an article on Fun Boat Tours in the past, and now introduce you to the crew that keeps attracting repeat customers. Captain Kevin Hagerty and First Scamp Mate Jenna Powell are super fun, friendly, and very accommodating, ensuring you have a blast on the boat. Amy NaDell is a Siesta Key local and gave the Fun Boat Crew a 5 star review. “Kevin and Jenna are
Red Drum “Redfish”
941.312.0665
Captain Kevin Hagerty and First Mate Jenna Powell
the absolute best, hands down. My family always books the Fun Boat when they come to town and we also book it for birthday parties,” Amy says. Kevin grew up in southwest Florida, earned his degree in Culinary Arts and spent 23 years in the restaurant/hospitality industry working in various cities. Kevin says Sarasota will always
be home to him. “Sarasota has most of the amenities of a larger city but still has its small-town atmosphere which is why I love it so much.” Kevin started with Fun Boat as a mate and within a year was promoted to head Master Captain. Prior to Fun Boat Tours he managed the largest restaurant and night club in Nashville, Tennessee. “Although I have a tremendous passion for the hospitality industry my lifelong love of boating led me to my amazing new career as a Master Captain,” Kevin says. When you meet him, you too will instantly know this guy has a knack for making people feel welcomed and will do whatever it takes to make sure his guests are happy. “Being on the water everyday is most enjoyable but we feel most rewarded when people are leaving the boat saying the tour was the best part of their vacation here on Siesta Key. That never gets old!” First Mate Jenna Powell grew up
in Ohio and says she’s wanted to live in Sarasota for years. “I fell in love with the beach and water here and knew I wanted to be here. I like that it’s more laid back here versus some other beach towns,” she said. Jenna met Kevin through work in Nashville. She says Kevin told her about the opportunity to work with him on the Fun Boat and two weeks later she made Sarasota her home. “Everyday we meet new people from all over the country and world!” We go out on a variety of different trips where we look for wildlife, watch amazing sunsets, paddle board, play games and have a great time with our guests,” Jenna says. Siesta Key local Amy NaDell agrees this crew guarantees a good time. “We have booked with them (Kevin and Jenna) multiple times and they never disappoint.” If you want to enjoy dolphin watching, complimentary drinks and sunset cruises with this dynamic duo call or go online to book today (www.FunBoatTours. com 941-400-2763).
Grant funds not available to help clean up Grand Canal By Rachel Brown Hackney
SarasotaNewsLeader.com
Tarpon
Baracuda
Gulf Flounder
Florida Pompano Jack Crevalle
AmberJack
Spotted Sea Trout
Cobia
Black Drum
Catfish
King Mackerel
Blue Marlin
Black Grouper
Sheesphead
In October, in conjunction with a presentation on potential ways to clean up the Grand Canal, the Siesta Key Association (SKA) board expressed hope that the Sarasota Bay Fisheries Forum could win a grant through Sarasota County to help with one or more initiatives. Such assistance will not happen, Phil Chiocchio of the Forum told about 40 SKA audience members on Dec. 5. Howard Berna, manager of the county’s Environmental Permitting Division staff, said no West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) grant could assist with his proposals, Chiocchio added. The reason? “The Grand Canal is not a public waterway,” Chiocchio reported from Berna. One hope Chiocchio had harbored was that WCIND money could be used to dredge a shoal in Roberts Bay, near the mouth of the Grand Canal, he reminded SKA members this month. However, the shoal is too close to the canal’s mouth to be considered part of the public waters of Roberts Bay, he added. Thus, Berna had pointed out to him, Chiocchio indicated, that the Sarasota Bay Fisheries Forum should not even apply for a WCIND grant. The mission of the multijurisdictional WCIND, its website explains, is “To preserve and enhance the commercial, recreational, and ecological values of waterways within the District we serve.” In response to a SNL request for comments about what Berna told Chiocchio, county Media Relations Officer Brianne Grant reported in an email, “Public funds through WCIND to perform the dredge at the mouth of the Grand Canal are not likely available.” She added, “Mr. Chiocchio was advised of permitting requirements for a maintenance dredge at that location, which would include a Sarasota County Water and Navigation Control Authority WNCA permit, a Florida Department of Environmental Protection FDEP permit and possibly a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit.”
In October, Robert Luckner, an SKA director, indicated he also felt a mini reef project for the Grand Canal would stand a good chance of winning WCIND support. However, Berna reminded Grant — which she conveyed to SNL — that county staff still is working with FDEP on how the state might exempt or permit the installation of such devices. (See the related story in this issue.) On Dec. 5, Chiocchio reiterated some of the remarks about the history and health of the Grand Canal that he made during his October SKA appearance. The 9-mile waterway was dug in 1925, he pointed out. The flow of water is poor, he explained, and “sediment has been filling the canal with a jellylike mud.” He asked the audience members to imagine that the Parish Hall at St.
Boniface Episcopal Church — where the meeting was taking place — was the Grand Canal. The height of the ceiling, he said, reflected the depth of the canal when it was built. Then he asked them to picture the door as the mouth of the canal at Roberts Bay, with the shoal essentially keeping the door half closed. “We’re not getting much flow right now.” Because of the lack of water flow and low oxygen levels, he noted, the canal is not a welcoming environment for sea life. “What I’d like to do is figure out,” he continued, “as a concerned citizen, with others, how we could turn the canal into something that could be as internationally famous as the beach right across the street.” Referring to county staff members’ stance on permitting of mini reefs,
Chiocchio continued, “I sent ’em a nice little letter, which I haven’t heard back from.” He pointed out in that letter, he said, that the Grand Canal was dug decades ago without any permit. He also suggested that the canal should be put under the auspices of the SKA. During his Dec. 5 presentation, Chiocchio elicited plenty of laughter from the audience members, in spite of the seriousness of his topic. For example, he began his remarks by saying, “This presentation has not been vetted for accuracy because I’m just a concerned citizen…” He also used stills from the opening credits of The Andy Griffith Show and stills from Seinfeld — including the latter’s famous episode featuring the “Soup Nazi” — to make many of his points.
www.siestasand.net
941.312.0665
Captain Jim Klopfer’s Fishing Report Adventure Charters 941-371-1390
January is a great month to target snook in rivers and creeks
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 Bass Assassin jigs in New Penny and Glow 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. 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. Local rivers such as the Manatee, Braden, and Myakka will hold snook, jacks, and even bass in January. Fish move up there to keep warm and feed. This is a unique fishing experience that is best suited for more experienced anglers. 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.
JANUARY 2020
27th State Media LLC
Notes from the Island Fishmonger OYSTER MADNESS While it is true that Stone Crabs are a must have this time of year and so far the catches have been plentiful don’t overlook the Quahogs, Mollusk and bivalves. A few uncommon names for the common Clams, Mussels and Oysters that thrive in the colder months as the water temperatures fall. It’s the time of year when we look for seafood delights that are a little heavier than the summer shrimp Gazpacho dish like Mussels Marinara, Seafood Gumbo or Linguini with Clams. But my favorite is the granddaddy of all shellfish - the Oyster. Right now, the Oyster profile is that of a very briny, buttery and clean taste with a salty finish. Oysters are most commonly eaten raw, steamed, or grilled. Recent travels to New Orleans and Pensacola, Florida have opened my eyes to a variety of creative and delicious ways to serve Oysters. Most of us are all familiar with the traditional Oyster Rockefeller and the Oyster Casino but some of these oyster bars in the Gulf panhandle have taken the oyster to another level. Smoked oysters with bacon, jalapenos, cheese and bread crumbs was one menu item that left a delightful impression on my taste buds while a broiled oyster with a Buffalo Wing Sauce and crumbled blue cheese left me dazed and confused. As a self-proclaimed Oyster Expert, it is essential that before I eat an oyster, I will actually need to witness the opening of the shell to ensure maximum freshness and taste. The best oyster bars shuck the oyster in front of you and serve your freshly shucked dozen with a cold draft beer. If you haven’t sat at the bar of Monks Oyster Bar and had a dozen of Monkafellers or an Oyster Bourdain at The Big Water Fish Market’s raw bar you are missing out on two local oyster recipe favorites. May the world be your Oyster....Whatever that means?
10 Oyster Facts You Didn’t Know Get ready to be a connoisseur, because after you read these oyster facts, you’ll be able to impress your savviest friends and family with your oyster information. You might even change the way you eat oysters and enjoy flavors you never knew were there. 1. Oysters change their gender One of the most interesting oyster facts is that oysters change their sex during their lives, starting as males and usually ending as females. The shape of oysters varies and depends mainly on how many other oysters crowd about them in the bed as they develop. 2. An oyster can filter 1.3 gallons of water per hour Oysters filter water in through their gills and consume food, like plankton, in the process. Oysters can maintain the balance of a marine ecosystem by reducing excess algae and sediment that can lead to hypoxia, or low oxygen levels, causing other marine life to die. The oyster population of Chesapeake Bay used to filter the entire water volume of the bay in just three days.
33
3. Oysters are shaped by their beds Once an oyster attaches to a bed (a surface occupied by a group of oysters), it grows and forms around the surface it attaches to as well as the other oysters around it. 4. Pearls don’t only come from oysters All oysters are capable of producing pearls, but not the shiny, pretty pearls of value. In fact, most pearls are harvested from an inedible type of oyster as well as from freshwater mussels. 5. Humans have been eating and cultivating oysters for thousands of years Oysters have been eaten by humans since prehistoric times and cultivated at least since the times of the Roman Empire. The Roman Sergius Orata was the first person known to cultivate oysters by building a system that could control water levels. 6. Most American oysters are of the same species Get your oyster facts straight — oysters harvested from the Gulf of Mexico, Chesapeake Bay and off the coast of Virginia are all the same oyster, Crassotrea virginica. This oyster species is native to the Gulf Coast and the East Coast. However, this does NOT mean they all taste the same. 7. Gulf oysters used to have different names Other than Gulf oysters, you may have tried Blue Points or Quonset Points. These are all the same species of oyster, but they are named after the specific locations where they are harvested. Once upon a time, Gulf oysters were also named after specific bays, but distributors started to group them all into the same category. This may change again in the future. 8. Oysters get their flavors from their environments Although most American oysters are the same species, they have different flavors. Because oysters filter so much water, they develop a flavor profile from their environment. Different bodies of water have varying levels of salt and different kinds of nutrients. 9. Like wines, Oysters have a variety of flavor profiles The flavor of oysters can be categorized mainly by the following flavor characteristics: briny, buttery, sweet, metallic and mild. Experts can break down these flavors even further, picking out flavors like melon, cucumber, mushroom and more. Keep this tidbit of oyster information in mind next time you try an oyster on the half shell. 10. Oysters are rich in vitamins and nutrients Oysters contain a variety of vitamins and nutrients including zinc, calcium, magnesium, protein, selenium, and vitamin A. They also contain especially high levels of vitamin B12, iron and monounsaturated fat – the “healthy” kind of fat that you also find in olive oil. (Source: https:// www.originaloysterhouse.com/oyster-facts.php) Big Water Fish Market www.BigWaterFishMarket.com 6641 Midnight Pass Road, Crescent Plaza – 941-554-8101 6639 Midnight Pass Road, Crescent Plaza – 941-203-5972
JANUARY 2020 TIDE CHART Florida, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Sarasota Bay
January 2020
N 27° 20' / W 82° 33' Date
Day
1
We
3:16a
High Tide 1.5
5:33p
High Tide 1.3
11:22a
Low Tide 0.0
2
Th
4:31a
1.2
6:06p
1.4
12:04p
0.2
3
Fr
6:07a
1.0
6:40p
1.5
1:13a
4
Sa
7:53a
0.9
7:16p
1.6
2:27a
Low Tide
Sunrise
Sunset
Moonrise
Moonset
7:21a
5:47p
11:50a
11:45p
7:22a
5:47p
12:21p
7:22a
5:48p
12:51p
12:36a
0.6
7:22a
5:49p
1:23p
1:28a
11:49p
0.7
0.6
12:47p
0.4
0.3
1:29p
5
Su
9:31a
0.9
7:51p
1.6
3:30a
0.0
2:10p
0.7
7:22a
5:49p
1:56p
2:21a
6
Mo
10:54a
1.0
8:28p
1.8
4:24a
-0.2
2:48p
0.8
7:22a
5:50p
2:33p
3:16a
7
Tu
12:03p
1.0
9:05p
1.9
5:12a
-0.5
3:24p
0.9
7:23a
5:51p
3:15p
4:13a
8
We
1:00p
1.0
9:45p
2.0
5:57a
-0.6
3:59p
0.9
7:23a
5:52p
4:02p
5:13a
9
Th
1:46p
1.1
10:27p
2.2
6:39a
-0.7
4:36p
1.0
7:23a
5:52p
4:56p
6:13a
10
Fr
2:22p
1.0
11:12p
2.2
7:21a
-0.8
5:20p
0.9
7:23a
5:53p
5:57p
7:13a
11
Sa
2:51p
1.0
8:03a
-0.9
6:11p
0.9
7:23a
5:54p
7:01p
8:09a
12
Su
12:01a
2.2
3:17p
1.0
8:45a
-0.8
7:09p
0.8
7:23a
5:55p
8:08p
9:01a
13
Mo
12:53a
2.1
3:43p
1.0
9:27a
-0.7
8:14p
0.7
7:23a
5:56p
9:14p
9:48a
14
Tu
1:49a
1.9
4:11p
1.1
10:10a
-0.5
9:28p
0.6
7:23a
5:56p
10:19p
10:31a
15
We
2:53a
1.7
4:42p
1.2
10:52a
-0.3
10:51p
0.5
7:23a
5:57p
11:23p
11:11a
16
Th
4:07a
1.4
5:18p
1.4
11:34a
0.1
7:23a
5:58p
17
Fr
5:42a
1.1
5:58p
1.5
12:21a
0.3
12:14p
0.4
7:22a
5:59p
12:26a
12:26p
18
Sa
7:41a
0.9
6:43p
1.6
1:53a
0.1
12:54p
0.6
7:22a
6:00p
1:28a
1:04p
1st
Full
11:48a
19
Su
9:46a
0.9
7:31p
1.8
3:15a
-0.2
1:33p
0.7
7:22a
6:00p
2:30a
1:45p
20
Mo
11:29a
0.9
8:21p
1.9
4:24a
-0.5
2:14p
0.8
7:22a
6:01p
3:31a
2:29p
21
Tu
9:09p
1.9
5:20a
-0.6
7:22a
6:02p
4:32a
3:17p
22
We
9:56p
2.0
6:08a
-0.7
7:21a
6:03p
5:30a
4:09p
23
Th
1:54p
1.0
10:40p
2.0
6:48a
-0.7
4:52p
0.9
7:21a
6:04p
6:25a
5:04p
Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans
24
Fr
2:13p
1.0
11:21p
1.9
7:24a
-0.7
5:43p
0.9
7:21a
6:04p
7:15a
6:00p
25
Sa
2:27p
1.0
7:56a
-0.6
6:32p
0.8
7:20a
6:05p
8:00a
6:56p
Let’s go sailing, KATHLEEN D Sailing Catamarans, serving Siesta Key from 3 locations: Downtown Sarasota, Longboat Key, and Anna Maria Island. If you would like to experience being on the water viewing Dolphin Watches, Sunset Sails, Snorkeling and Shelling call us at 941-870-4349 or go to our web site for detailed information www.kathleend.net USCG Certified for 20 passengers.
26
Su
12:02a
1.8
2:38p
1.1
8:25a
-0.6
7:20p
0.7
7:20a
6:06p
8:40a
7:51p
27
Mo
12:43a
1.7
2:51p
1.1
8:53a
-0.5
8:09p
0.6
7:20a
6:07p
9:16a
8:44p
28
Tu
1:27a
1.6
3:08p
1.2
9:22a
-0.3
9:00p
0.6
7:19a
6:08p
9:49a
9:36p
29
We
2:13a
1.5
3:31p
1.3
9:51a
-0.1
9:56p
0.5
7:19a
6:09p
10:21a
10:28p
30
Th
3:04a
1.3
3:58p
1.4
10:21a
0.1
10:59p
0.4
7:18a
6:09p
10:51a
11:19p
31
Fr
4:05a
1.1
4:30p
1.5
10:51a
0.3
7:18a
6:10p
11:22a
©2019 FreeTideTables.com - For comparison only - Times are local - Tides in feet from MLLW
Phase
3rd
New
34
Siesta Sand
JANUARY 2020
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Key Chorale fiddles with Bluegrass Bluegrass and choir combine in the genre-bending concert “American Roots: Grassical,” featuring the DePue Brothers Band with the Key Chorale Chamber Singers The Key Chorale Chamber singers will present their fourth installment in their American Roots series on January 11-12 with American Roots: Grassical. The 7-member DePue Brothers Band joins the singers in a program from the hills of Appalachia to progressive bluegrass sounds of today. These classical violin virtuosos, with blazing bluegrass chops, have pioneered the term “grassical,” a vivid blend of bluegrass, gypsy, and jazz. They have been the subject of a PBS documentary, named “Musical Family of America” by presidential decree and released 3 acclaimed CDs. Experience a one-of-a-kind program taking our popular bluegrass concert onto a new set of tracks. “This concert has become such an audience favorite that it is a challenge to keep raising the bar,” said Maestro Caulkins. “By adding such a polished ensemble like the DePue Brothers Band, along with brand new charts written especially for this concert, I am certain this will be an unforgettable experience.” Hear contemporary and old-time bluegrass from the Wailin’ Jennys, Emmylou Harris and Ricky Skaggs, to Flatts & Scruggs, The Foggy Mountain Boys and the immortal Ralph Stanley. Guest vocalist and audience
favorite Madison Spahn, who joined us last year for American Roots: Digging Deeper, will be back again this year. The shows take place: Saturday, January 11, 4:00 PM at St. Boniface Episcopal Church (5615 Midnight Pass Rd., Siesta Key); and Sunday, January 12, 4:00 PM at Venice Presbyterian Church (825 The Rialto, Venice). Tickets are $30-$40. For tickets, go to keychorale.org or call the office at 941-921-4845. Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, is dedicated to transforming lives through innovative programming, artistic excellence, educational outreach and service to the community. Key Chorale, led by Joseph Caulkins, produces high quality collaborative musical events that engage and enrich our community. This anniversary season is the biggest and boldest in Key Chorale’s history. Dynamic collaborations abound as they take you to unexpected places exploring almost every corner of choral music in unique one-of-a-kind concert experiences. Through dynamic collaborations with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, The Sarasota Ballet, The Venice Symphony, and The Circus Arts Conservatory, Key Chorale is able to create unforgettable programs that continue to push the boundaries of choral music. Advertorial
Anna’s Deli hits it big “When they called, I thought it was a joke at first,” Paynter said. “They told me they would be here in July to film. When they came, we were open at the time and they were here all day..” According to the Food Network website, “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” is the “ultimate guide to the country’s most amazing meals, eats and treats as told by the pros who spend their lives obsessing over food, from a barbecue sandwich worth driving over 1,500 miles for to cannoli so good that it completely healed a bad breakup.” No doubt, Katie Lee felt the Surfer Sandwich fit into that prestigious category. Anna’s will be featured in “The Stuffed Episode” of the show, will be aired January 13, 2020. This is not the first time both Paynter and Anna’s have been featured on a television show. In 2012, just after the family closed the Siesta Village store and opened one up in University Park, which Paynter’s brother Eric Havill manages, WFTS, the ABC affiliate in Tampa arrived to interview her. And then a week before the Food Network came in to film, John Roberts, from WFLA-TV in Tampa visited the deli to talk to Paynter about that. But before the regional and national recognition, Anna’s Deli enjoyed its own sort of local fame, courtesy of not only their delicious sandwiches, but also their customer service. Paynter said that is a result of the dedicated longtime staff hired by her father and his wife Denise, who co-own Anna’s. “Most of the customers who come here are on a first-name basis with our staff, and that says a lot about us,” she said. “We have some of the best people working for us, and they’re so great that our family can go away for the weekend and we know that they have everything taken care of.” Paynter said that her father’s mission for Anna’s is: To provide 100 percent great sandwiches
DuPue Brothers Band
Madison Spahn
Continued from the cover story
100 percent of the time. No doubt, that’s the kind of approach to his business that led to a television star becoming so enamored with his signature sandwich that she wanted to feature it on a show. Paynter said that though both the family and staff are excited about the January airing of “The Best Thing I Ever Ate,” the bottom line is that everyone takes pride in their work. It’s certainly not a bad thing to be recognized for it, though. “It was really flattering that Katie Lee did this—I watch her show all the time,” she said. “But I tell my staff, you never know who you’re going to meet, so try to always make the day a little better, because you also don’t know what people are going through.” Anna’s Deli is located at the Southbridge Mall, 6535 Midnight Pass Road, on South Siesta Key. It’s open every day of the week, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the website at annasdelis.com. Place a to-go order by calling 941349-4888. For updates about the air date for the television show where Anna’s will be featured, keep an eye on the Facebook page: facebook.com/AnnasDeli941.
Anna’s Deli has been in its South Siesta Key location for decades
Ashley Paynter, the daughter of Anna’s Deli owner Dave Havill, helps to manage the two properties
The art on the walls at the Anna’s Siesta Key location is appropriately beachy
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Arts on the Horizon
Ice cold or stone cold January and February are the coldest months in Sarasota but it simply doesn’t snow here. At least not since January 17th, 1977, when the last recorded blizzard hit our fair city. The National Weather Service recorded that devastating event as “only a trace of snow” but that was simply their opinion. Still, stone can feel really cold and that is why a stone cold snowman is standing outside the Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy located on North Tamiami Trail. The museum is open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 1-4 PM. Standing inside or strolling around talking with visitors, one can often find Ms. Marietta Lee, who conceived and created this most astonishing place. “Place” is a good moniker as it is more than a museum: it is a refuge, a location of ticklish delight, a spot of serenity, a point of respite - well you get the idea. A place to recharge ones batteries amongst human beings of all ages who are as happy as you will be. Parking is difficult along Tamiami Trail so the museum has provided three parking lots. Extremely convenient (no fee) parking is a great way to start your excursion - just don’t run over the giraffes or flamingos or knock the monkeys out of the trees. On entering the museum one
Road swap
JANUARY 2020
27th State Media LLC
By Rodger Skidmore
immediately feels safe as there is an ever alert security guard stationed behind his desk. “Ever alert” as he is there 24/7, with unblinking eyes, until the museum shuts down for the summer on May 25th, 2020. When thinking about whimsy, cats often come to mind. Have no fear, there are cats galore - pictures and statues in every conceivable pose. There is even a free game of skill which emits a “meow” if the rolling ball goes down the correct path. Also dogs, fish, parrots, people (think Elvis), mermaids and penguins are in every direction. And speaking of penguins - and gnomes - and zombies - the illustrations by Greg Stones, while not for all, are great fun. The series of seashell portraits in one of the main galleries must have taken artist Carl Mayle an untold number of hours to collect - and then again to assemble into true works of art. Attend a discussion about this artist on February 21st. Outside in the garden are sculptures of flying pigs, more hanging monkeys, a lovely ballerina, and so much, much more. Allow no more than an hour, so that you can come back again and see what you’ve missed - you don’t want too much of a good thing all at once. More info at WhimseyMuseum.org.
Tony, Tony, Tony, Tony, Tony, Tony The 2004 musical Caroline, or Change was nominated for six Tonys, including Best Musical. It opened in 2003 at New York’s Public Theater and transferred to the Eugene O’Neill theater on Broadway the following year. In 2006 its London production won the Olivier Award for Best Musical and this year it will have performances in Sarasota and again on Broadway. Why Broadway? Because this musical, with lyrics
Caroline, is a maid and spends lots of time with the washer/dryer combo so it is natural that they would play a major part in how she sees life and how life sees her. These anthropomorphic representations are not done for laughs but are an integral part of the action and help move things along. Check out WestcoastBlackTheatre. org
by Tony Kushner (Angels in America), is really good. Why Sarasota? Because the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe got the rights to do it. Broadway or Sarasota? Take your pick but, spoiler alert, Sarasota got first dibs, so its production runs from January 8th thru February 16th in the WBTT playhouse on North Orange Avenue just north of 10th. Another reason to see it in Sarasota is that it will be directed by Jim Weaver who has worked his musical magic at Florida Studio Theatre and the WBTT for lo these many years. Musicals of the 40’s crooned about June and Moon and while this one does have a song, Moon Change, believe me, it is not your father’s Oldsmobile. To parallel its musical diversity (spirituals, Motown, blues, classical, klezmer, and folk) there are confederate statues, washer/ dryers, stepmothers, bus rides, JFK, and a whole bunch of interesting songs - remember, they’re by Tony Kushner. There are 15 characters in this musical and the term character is used very loosely. In shows like this there can be main characters, subsidiary characters, and protagonists can be portrayed by character actors, etc. But here even the washer and dryer get to act, along with the radio and the moon. The main character,
Solo, duo, sextet and orchestra The Sarasota Concert Association’s Great Performers series is bringing in Behzod Abduraimov, pianist, to play forty (40) selections for you. Yes, forty. As in Frédéric Chopin’s 24 Preludes, Op. 28 - plus six lullabies from Claude Debussy’s Children’s Corner - plus the ten pictures from Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. This modest exercise will be at the Van Wezel the evening of January 15th. In 2009, at age 18, Abduraimov won first prize at the London International Piano Competition. Reviews in the New York Times, The Guardian, and the Daily Telegraph all think Mr. Abduraimov is terrific. As part of the SCA Music Matinee series, Russell Andrade, a tenor from the St. Petersburg
opera, will be singing operatic selections on the 22nd at David Cohen Hall, behind the Arts Center on Tamiami Trail. Lee Dougherty Ross, founder of the Sarasota Artist Series, will be providing the piano accompaniment that these arias need. As a pianist she has performed the Rachmaninoff 2nd Piano Concerto with the Rochester Symphony. On the 29th, the SCA brings the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra to the Van Wezel to perform Tchaikovsky’s The Seasons followed by Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. That’s a lot of seasons for one night in January. For information on all the above performances visit SCASarasota. org. If you’re interested in a change of pace and would like a few other instruments alongside the piano, a jazz sextet will be appearing at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota on Fruitville Road January 17th at 2 PM. This Art of Jazz session will be fronted by pianist Bill Buchman, featuring Rick Aaron on flute, along with other talented local musicians playing originals and standards. If you can’t make it on the 17th, you can catch them on the 23rd at the Burns Court Bistro and/or again on February 7th at Café in the Park on the Adams Street side of Payne Park. They play well together. See BillBuchman.SquareSpace.com. Another change of pace is a concert celebrating Stephen Sondheim. Mr. Sondheim will be 90 this year but his musicals are ageless. The concert will be presented at 4 PM on Jan. 18th at Riverview High’s performing arts center with Choral Artists of Sarasota singing special arrangements from A Little Night Music, Company, Sweeney Todd, Merrily We Roll Along, and Sunday in the Park with George. Augmenting the choral will be a number of musical theater artists as soloists. More information at ChoralArtistsSarasota.org.
Artwo Local rk by & Cel Artis ts ebriti es
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In spite of that admonition, numerous speakers did refer to that project, though not by name. Benderson Development Co. plans 414 apartments/condominiums, a 130-room hotel, 133,000 square feet of retail space and 7,000 square feet of office space in the northwest quadrant of the U.S. 41/Stickney Point Road intersection. Concern about the estimated 8,000 to 12,000 additional vehicle trips expected to be generated in the vicinity of that intersection — if Siesta Promenade is completed — was the reason many speakers cited for their decision to make public statements during the Dec. 11 hearing. In fact, the first person to address Purvis that night was Sura Kochman, leader of the Pine Shores Estates Alliance, which fought the Siesta Promenade plans, as proposed. On Dec. 12, 2018, the Sarasota County Commission approved the mixed-use development on a series of votes, some of which were split. Kochman filed suit against the county in January, arguing that the board did not follow the applicable county procedures and had ignored county policies in making its decision. On Dec. 2, 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Andrea McHugh denied those among Kochman’s arguments that McHugh could address in the type of complaint Kochman had filed. Other allegations in the lawsuit, McHugh ruled, could be included
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in a new complaint. During the Dec. 11 hearing, Robert Luckner, a Siesta Key Association director, read a section of McHugh’s order that referenced plans for a new traffic signal on Stickney Point Road at the intersection of Avenue B and C. “It is not in dispute that installing a traffic light is subject to approval by the Department of Transportation and that construction of Siesta Promenade cannot begin until the signal is installed and the intersection completed,” McHugh wrote. “After the road transfer,” Luckner asked Purvis, will FDOT “abide by this commitment that was made to the court?” Residents on Siesta Key and in the area around the U.S. 41/ Stickney Point Road intersection have expressed worries about plans for that light. They believe it will exacerbate the congestion on Stickney Point Road, especially given the constraints on traffic flow imposed by the drawbridge between U.S. 41 and Midnight Pass Road. (FDOT is retaining jurisdiction over both drawbridges leading to Siesta Key.) FDOT “should be the controlling voice as to what is feasible vis a vis driveway cuts and a traffic light at Avenue B and C on the approach to Siesta Key,” Kochman of Pine Shores Estates stressed to Purvis. “Inconsistent transportation management will affect the entire corridor.”
presents
Angels for Artists ART AUCTION & ROCK N’ ROLL BENEFIT
— Supporting Visual Artists —
Thursday, January 30, 2020 5:30pm to 10:00pm Sarasota Municipal Auditorium 801 N Tamiami Trail
Eats - Cocktails - Dancing Host: David Jones
LIVE MUSIC!
Local Fav
Kettle of Fish
Tickets: $100 EVENT SPONSORS:
Jackie & John Cutrone
Haloartsproject.com • 941.328.8052
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SARASOTA INSTITUTE OF LIFETIME LEARNING Our 49th Year For more information www.sillsarasota.org
Global Issues Lectures 10:30 am: First United Methodist Church 104 S. Pineapple Ave. Monday Music sessions 10:30 am: Church of the Palms 3224 Bee Ridge Rd TUESDAY (GLOBAL) 7
St. Michael’s Catholic Church 5394 Midnight Pass Rd., Siesta Key 941-349-4174 www.stmichaelssiesta.com
Turkey and Its Neighbors Yüksel Sezgin
J 14 U.S. Intelligence: Current A Challenges and Future N Directions: Mark Lowenthal U 21 Mass Migration A and National Security R Daniel Vara Y 28
How to End Income Inequality and Grow the Nation Peter Georgescu 6
St. Boniface Episcopal Church 5615 Midnight Pass Rd., Siesta Key 941-349-5616 www.bonifacechurch.org
Siesta Key Chapel, Presbyterian 4615 Gleason Ave, Siesta Key 941-349-1166 www.siestakeychapel.org
MONDAY Anthony Dean Griffey (MUSIC) Tenor
WEDNESDAY (GLOBAL)
THURSDAY (GLOBAL)
8
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15
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Religion, Law, and the State Yüksel Sezgin
Truth and Power? Policy Makers and Intelligence Officers Mark Lowenthal Central American Caravans and Immigration Politics Daniel Vara
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Business and Society: A Broken System Peter Georgescu Xavier Foley Double Bass
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The National Security Challenge of China: Game On Gary Roughead Iranian-American Relations Update Mohsen Milani
Changing Climate: Changing... Well… Everything Terry Root
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The European Union in Uncertain Times Martin Walker
Charlie Albright Piano
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Brad Williams Trombone
Blooming This Month: Climbing Asters Ampelaster or Climbing Aster is a native flowering plant in the daisy family. To get the best flowering display, give Climbing Aster as much sun as possible. This sparsely branched plant with a woody stem climbs on a fence to 6’ to 12’ tall. The leaves are simple, alternate, and narrowly oval. Lavender-pink, aster like flowers are subtended by whitish bracts. Native habitat, varies from wet shores to open, dry, and sandy woods. Bonus is the blooms attract butterflies and bees. Currently in bloom at the Butterfly garden at Sarasota Garden Club at 1131 Blvd of the Arts. SAVE THE DATES: February 10, Shivoo Garden Party fashion show and March 14, Gardens in Paradise tour. Submitted Kay Weber, Sarasota Garden Club, Botanical Gardens Chair. www.sarasotagardenclub.org We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, please be sure to always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.
Looking for Siesta Sand off-island? Pick up a copy at the following locations: 4&20 Pasty Co....................................................... 5638 Swift Rd. A’s Sandwich........................................... 6300 S. Tamiami Trail Abel’s Ice Cream: Southbridge Plaza.......1886 Stickney Pt. Rd. Alpine Steak House................................ 4520 S. Tamiami Trail Best Western Plus.................................... 6600 S. Tamiami Trail Casey Key Fish House................ 801 Blackburn Point, Osprey Corkscrew Deli: Landings Shopping Plaza * .......................... .................................................................... 4982 S. Tamiami Trail Culver’s..................................................... 7520 S. Tamiami Trail Dutch Valley Restaurant....................... 6721 S. Tamiami Trail Eager Beaver Carwash *......................... 6449 S. Tamiami Trail Economy Tackle *.................................... 6018 S. Tamiami Trail Fresh Catch Market & Grill: Buccaneer Plaza.......................... .................................................................... 7119 S. Tamiami Trail Gecko’s Restaurant................................. 6606 S. Tamiami Trail Grasshopper Mexican Restaurant & Bar................................... .................................................................... 7253 S. Tamiami Trail Gulf Gate Food + Beer................................6528 Superior Ave. Hibiscus Suites..................................... 1735 Stickney Point Rd. Jalisco’s Mexican Grill............................ 8389 S. Tamiami Trai McDonalds................................................ 6347 S Tamiami Trail Only for Eyes Optical / GG........................6541 Superior Ave. PDQ........................................................... 5164 S. Tamiami Trail Philadelphia Cheesesteaks.................... 7523 S. Tamiami Trail Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar.................... 5353 S. Tamiami Trail Plaza Mexico Restaurant: Southbridge Plaza........................... ................................................................. 1894 Stickney Point Rd. Pride of the South Restaurant/GG............6616 Superior Ave. Rico’s Pizzeria & Pasta House..............................1902 Bay Rd. Sarasota Brewing /GG................................ 6607 Gateway Ave. Solorzano’s Pizza /GG.................................6670 Superior Ave. Special Nutrition Store: Southbridge Plaza.............................. ......................................................................1882 Stickney Pt. Rd. The Shop SRQ/GG..................................... 6625 Gateway Ave. Tony’s Chicago Dogs/GG...........................6569 Superior Ave. Word of Mouth/GG.................................... 6604 Gateway Ave. Interested in Distributing our Publication? Call 941-312-0665 NOTE: * Denotes availability first week of each month only.
WEEKLY BEACH CLASSES: • FREE T’AI CHI CHIH - Siesta Beach, Access #5 Every Monday, 15 minutes before sunset. Open to all, no experience necessary. Contact Diana Daffner 941-346-1024 for information. (Access #5 is in Siesta Village, where Beach Rd. meets Ocean Blvd.) • FREE YOGA - Mon.-Wed.-Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m. Classes held between blue and green lifeguard station. Call 941-320-6693 to register or go to website for more info. www.yogaonsiestabeach.com/about • NIA - Tues. & Thurs., 9 a.m., Siesta Public Beach (yellow lifeguard chair). Contact Kathy Oravec at 941-724-9719 for more info or check website: www.nianow.com/kathy-oravec • SIESTA KEY BEACH HOOP JAMS – Every Tuesday one hour before Sunset on Siesta Key beach we gather for a community Hoop Jam. (Between the red lifeguard stand and the pavilion; around where the Sunday drum circle happens.) Register at: www.outwardspiral.net. WEEKLY DRUM CIRCLE: • Every Sunday about an hour before sunset. South of the main pavilion. You can participate or watch this weekly gathering and dance, hoop, play the drum or other musical instrument, and enjoy the spectacular Siesta sunset.
AROUND THE ISLAND… • WEEKLY FARMER’S MARKET IN THE VILLAGE: Every Sunday from 8am – 1pm in Davidson’s Plaza in the Village. 5124 Ocean Blvd. Produce, Plants & Flowers, Music, Art, Organic Skincare, Italian Olive Oil, and Freshly Prepared Foods. Listen to live music while you shop. • JANUARY 18 (SAT) 3-6PM FLY FISHING SCHOOL: CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, 1249 Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL has announced dates for their OrvisEndorsed fly fishing schools. There will be another class set for Saturday, February 8, 2020. Located on Siesta Key, the schools will cover fly casting basics, line control, shooting line and the roll cast. Instructors, Capt. Rick Grassett and Capt. Ed Hurst, will also cover leader construction, fly selection and saltwater fly fishing techniques. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basics but also work with intermediate casters on correcting faults and improving casting skills. Cost for the schools, which will run from 8:30 AM to 2 PM, is $195 per person and includes the use of Orvis fly tackle and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations.
ON THE BEACH… • JANUARY 1 (TUES) 7-11AM/ NEW YEAR’S DAY FUN RUN: Manasota Track Club get together. Join your MTC family with a New Year’s Day fun run (walk, stumble, whatever) and potluck at the beach. Meet at the pavilion, then head to the beach. Members only event.
AND BEYOND… • PALM AVENUE FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK / 6-9PM: Every month local galleries open their doors to the public for the evening, offering a chance to meet with artists and admire their work. See website for location map at palmavenue.org
• JANUARY 5 (SUN) 7-11AM/ ANNUAL ANDREW MONROE MEMORIAL 5K RUN/WALK: Timed Run, 8:20 - 1 mile fun walk. 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 signup for the race, go to: www.andrewmonroe.com
• TOWLES COURT THIRD FRIDAY ARTWALKS / 5-9PM: Gallery and studio openings on a moonlit evening of fun and beauty- both natural and handcrafted beauty. Free music, events, refreshments. Meet the artists, shop and dine in authentic “Old Florida” in downtown Sarasota. 1938 Adams Lane Sarasota, Florida 34236. towlescourt.com
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JANUARY 2020
Your Monthly Horoscope
without putting too much pressure on yourself to start new initiatives or be more social than you have the energy for. The Sun, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn are hunkered down in your home zone, and on the 13th, Venus invites you on a decluttering mission. However, a full moon/ lunar eclipse in your public zone on the 10th may force you out onto the dance floor. • SCORPIO (October 23– November 21): You’ll be happiest on a short leash this month—especially if the holidays fried your circuits. There’s nothing wrong with laying low and recharging your batteries. Invite people over to your place rather than always going out. Of course, all that could change on a dime when a full moon/lunar eclipse lands in your travel and adventure zone on the 10th. Who’s up for a music festival—or any road trip? • SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21): If your finances took a hit over the holidays, you can get things back on track now—and maybe a faster track at that! With the Sun, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn in your money sector, the emphasis is on long-range planning and big-ticket goals. On the 10th, a full moon/lunar eclipse in your house of shared resources bodes well for you to make some very strategic mergers in the coming months. • CAPRICORN (December 22–January 19): Thanks to a platoon of powerful planets (the Sun, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn) activating your sign, you’re in the driver’s seat—with a full tank of rocket fuel! Before you blast ahead, do what Capricorns do best and decide where you want to go and map out your route. On the 10th, a full moon/lunar eclipse in your partnership house electrifies that area of life, boding well for single and coupled Goats. • AQUARIUS (January 20–February 18): If you lost momentum over the holidays, you can get things back on track now. But you may need to take a pass on a few social or cultural activities. Driven Mars in your house of career goals and Venus in your sign (until the 13th) helps you focus on you. A great day to tackle a decluttering mission is the 10th, when a full moon/lunar eclipse kicks off two weeks of inspired reorganization. • PISCES (February 19–March 20): Just because you’ve taken down the holidays decorations and reconfigured the furniture doesn’t mean your social life is going to calm down, Pisces. With the Sun, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn heating up your house of friendship and cultural activities, you may be busier than ever! Romance (re)ignite on the 10th as a full moon/lunar eclipse electrifies your flirty, flamboyant zone. The next two weeks are prime time for meeting kindred spirits or taking significant next steps. Suzanne Gerber (www.starsandstoneshealing.com) is a locally based intuitive astrologer, shamanic/energy practitioner and spiritual life coach is available for oneon-one private sessions in-person and over the phone (by appointment).
MarinerWord Answers on page 46 MarinerWord Search Search WORD LIST WORD LIST Adopt A Pet Adopt A Pet Be Happy Be Happy Buy A Boat Buy AThe BoatBig One Catch Cook CatchSeafood The Big One Count Blessings Cook Seafood Dine CountOnboard Blessings Eat Healthy Dine Onboard Enjoy Life Eat Healthy Exercise EnjoyPerspective Life Gain Exercise Go Fishing Have Gain Fun Perspective Help Others Go Fishing Laugh More Have Fun Learn Stuff Help Others Lose Weight Laugh More Love Family Learn Friends Stuff Make Lose Weight Reduce Stress See Florida Love Family Shop MakeLocal Friends Sleep More Reduce Stress Swim See Florida Think Green Shop Local Vacation SleepThe More Visit Beach
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• ARIES (March 21–April 19): You won’t be able to hide out much this month with the Sun, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn lighting up the sky in your most visible chart sector. People, and possibly the spotlight, will find you, so you might as well get used to it. If you absolutely need some quiet downtime, schedule it for the 10th, when a full moon/lunar eclipse emphasizes all things domestic, whether a romantic evening in or a pull-out-the-stops dinner party. • TAURUS (April 20–May 20): If you hate the thought of getting on a plane now, you can still scratch any wanderlust itches with local explorations. All month, a raft of action planets is firing up your travel and adventure zone, yanking you out of your cozy bubble and onto the open road. If you’ve been waiting for the new year to launch a new business idea, the full moon/lunar eclipse on the 10th may finally be your green light! • GEMINI (May 21–June 20): You could feel pulled in two directions—for a change!—as the planets power up your travel and adventure zone and your intimate, permabonding sector. There is a way to have it all, as long as you’re flexible. You might feel a sea change on the 6th, when your ruler (Mercury) dangles a sweet getaway. And on the 10th, a full moon/lunar eclipse activates your money house, turning your attention to your finances for the next several weeks. • CANCER (June 21-July 22): Romantic reboot! Your two most relationship-oriented houses are on fire all month as six planets two-step through them. Single Cancers will be motivated enough to try some new tactics for meeting a quality partner. Couples can reignite the embers with a weekend getaway or just talking through your concerns (and fantasies!). On the 10th, a full moon/lunar eclipse in your sign hits reset on any stalled initiative—provided the desire is there! • LEO (July 23–August 22): Love, romance and relationship are high-priority items all month thanks to your ruler (the Sun) and passionate Venus activating those chart sectors. Have you been getting closer to someone? Make your feelings known or take a bold risk (‘cause, really, Leo: What have you got to lose?). Stop taking your intuition for granted! After a powerful full moon/lunar eclipse on the 10th in your mystical center, those divine downloads could come through fast and furious! • VIRGO (August 23-September 22): Hibernation season ends on the 3rd, thanks to the Sun, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn crammed into your flirty and fun-loving house for seven weeks. An activating full moon/lunar eclipse in your social sector on the 10th put you in high demand. But because there are only so many hours in the week, prioritize quality over quantity. And once Venus bolts in your partnership corner on the 13th, you’ll want to build in plenty of time for that! • LIBRA (September 23–October 22): If you’re still recovering from the holidays, ease into the new year
By Suzanne Gerber
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27th State Media LLC
ine r
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ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 47 HOMES FOR SALE PAGE 45 SIESTA KEY MARKET STATS PAGE 40
The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key
Provided by Key Solutions Real Estate / www.keysolutionsrealestate.com
Following are properties sold on Siesta Key in the last 60 days, providing a snapshot of home values on the Key for both single family homes and condominiums.
LOWEST PRICED SINGLEFAMILY PROPERTY: 1302 ROBERTS BAY LN., SOLD FOR: $422,000 Towering ceilings greet you when entering the foyer opening to the spacious living room with a wood burning fireplace. The dining room is large enough accommodate your entertaining needs and plenty of space for your favorite hutch and dining table. The kitchen opens to the generous sized family room with a cooking island large enough for all of your gatherings at the breakfast bar. The open plan is great for all of your guests to enjoy and feel at home. The family room boasts a wall of windows to view the backyards lush mature landscape. All of the bedrooms are good sized and the
master bedroom has a great walkin closet. Nice yard and plenty of room for a pool. This home is right next door to the popular Tropical Circle neighborhood. Getting to the beach is a breeze as is the fun filled Siesta Key Village. The sale of this property came out to $201.43 a square foot. Courtesy of Michael Saunders. HIGHEST PRICED CONDO: 5740 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #401, SOLD FOR: $1,425,000 Shimmering turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico and pillowsoft sands of Siesta Key Beach grant an experience of retreat living from the moment you enter this perfectly appointed residence. Completely renovated, this condominium has undergone
restructuring and updates to bestow a well-deserved luxurious lifestyle. Natural light cascades in from three sides of this desirable corner unit, allowing you the sense of being on top of the world and one with nature. The tropical décor complements the stunning backdrop to make the spaces feel even more light and bright. Your inner host will relish in entertaining from the inspiring and spacious kitchen, while two guest bedrooms allow company to feel right at home during their visit. The master suite faces the Gulf for incredible vistas and features a spectacular en-suite bath showcasing a jacuzzi tub and separate shower – the epitome of pampered indulgence. Sliders in the living room, master
HIGHEST PRICED SINGLE FAMILY PROPERTY: 145 / 168 BEACH RD., SOLD FOR: $3,100,000 Siesta Key Direct Gulf Front with Private Beach Access and Full Gulf views. The property listed here at #145 Beach Road comes with an additional vacant beach lot @ #168 Beach Road (8,300 SF +/-). This additional “Gulf Front Parcel” protects your Gulf Views and provides Private Beach Access. The property @ #145 Beach Road currently has a single family home and a separate cottage. One has many choices; keep everything as
is - remodel the home / cottage - raze home / cottage and build either a single family home or two condominium units. Whichever use chosen, the much sought after zoning; RMF-1 will allow daily / weekly / monthly / annual rental way into the future - great income opportunity. All these choices coupled with direct full Gulf views / private beach access. Very easy show. Many clarifying documents on file; survey / elevation / site plans / other. The sale on this unit came out to $1,720.31 a square foot. Courtesy of ReMax Alliance.
suite, and guest bedrooms bring the fresh air and sunshine in. A separate laundry room with full-size washer and dryer leads to a generous storage closet, perfect for storing beach toys and clutter. In desirable Gulf & Bay, the extensive amenities of three heated pools, tennis courts, indoor basketball and racquetball courts, clubhouses and card rooms, fitness center, sauna and, of course, 300-feet of beautiful beachfront is the true meaning of resort living.The sale on this unit came out to $811.04 a square foot Courtesy of Michael Saunders.
updated in 2016 including all furniture, bedding and kitchen essentials. These are all included in the price. The unit is located on the 2nd floor and the washer/ dryers are located on the 1st floor close to the unit. Crescent Beach is 1 block and it is a short walk. Short walk to many restaurants as well. It sleeps six which includes a king bed in the master, twin beds in the guest room and a queen sofa bed. There are 2 LED flat screen TV’s. 48” in the living room and a smaller TV in the master bedroom. The kitchen table seats 6 + 2 on the bar. Heated pool close to the condo. The sale came out to $339.41 a square foot. Courtesy of Briko LLC.
LOWEST PRICED CONDO: 6703 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #216, SOLD FOR: $335,000. This beautiful condo was newly
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941.312.0665
JANUARY 2020
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Paradise Awaits... 322 Island Circle
5563 Cape Aqua Drive, Sarasota, FL
Siesta Key, FL
Beaches, Boating & Bistros!! Live the island lifestyle in this spacious 4 BR, 4 BA house located on desirable Palm Island, grossing approx. $60k in rental income. Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master BR and master BA. New boat lift on the Grand Canal. Lounge in the heated pool and spa or enjoy your favorite libation at your own private Waterfront Tiki Bar. Huge bonus area on lower level.
Great location only a 3 minute walk to world famous #1 Siesta Beach. 2 BR / 2 BA home in desirable Siesta Isles. Home is partially renovated. 14,050 sf lot. Existing home has split bedroom floorplan, den/office (add a Murphy bed), designer stone flooring, 2 car garage and open floor plan. Large yard with room for a pool. This is a much sought after location just steps to the beach and close to Siesta Village. Property is being sold as is. Bring your ideas.
156 Givens Street Sarasota, FL Welcome to Casa Azul. Spectacular sunsets meet designer decadence in this show shopping 4 BR/5.5 BA modern-luxe masterpiece. 5,040 sq. ft. beauty boasts expansive terraces and floor-to-ceilign walls of glass indulging in the best views. This stunning home is just a short stroll from the famous white sparkling sands of America’s number one beach. You don’t want to let this one get away!
6,300,000
$
825,000
$
559,000
$
IN ! D S L SO DAY 4
621 Treasure Boat Way, Sarasota, FL Siesta Key living at it’s Finest. You will love this 4 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom Home Fully Remodeled in 2017 being sold TURNKEY FURNISHED. Just bring your boat (7 minutes to the ICW) & you are all set to enjoy this Island Paradise. You are also just a short stroll to Siesta Village
1,475,000
$
5157 Sandy Shore Ave., Sarasota Florida
Spacious Siesta Key home on excellent boating water. Located on quiet low traffic dead end “Sandy” Street. Split plan 4 BR, 3 BA, 2,493 sq. ft. home with recent updates. PGT Wind Guard Hurricane Impact windows and sliders, hurricane garage door for extra security.Short walk to famous Siesta Key Village with world class bistros and nightlife.
999,900
$
214 Island Circle, Sarasota Florida
Wonderful Siesta Key Grand Canal home located on desirable Palm Island. 2,600+ sq. ft., 4 BR, 2.5 BA waterfront oasis. Loft area on 2nd level makes nice office space. Screened pool area. Short walk to World Famous Siesta Beach, close to world class dining and night life of Siesta Village.
974,000
$
165 Island Circle, Sarasota Florida
Wonderful Siesta Key Grand Canal home located on desirable Palm Palm Island - Paradise on Siesta Key. Excellent 2nd home or investment property. A cute beach house a short stroll to famous Siesta Beach. This house is located on a tropical lagoon with a fenced yard with room for a pool and a dock to relax with your fishing pole while enjoying the gulf breezes. This house has been updated with updated kitchen and baths is just a short walk to all the shopping, bistros & nightlife Siesta Key Village has to offer. You will love Palm Island, “An Island on Siesta Key”, close to everything , yet secluded. Being sold turnkey furnished
575,000
$
Tropical Sands Dan D. Miller 941-376-7442 Licensed Real Estate Professional
ddm1@comcast.net
Service. Integrity. Results.
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Siesta Sand
JANUARY 2020
941.312.0665
www.siestasand.net
2019 SKCC Holiday Lighting Contest winners Photos by Trebor Britt Another huge thank you to all participants of the 2019 Siesta Key Condo Council (SKCC) Holiday Lighting Contest for putting on another magical Christmas lights display and for all the judges who’ve been tasked with determining the winners. This annual contest is co-sponsored by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and Siesta Sand paper. Bragging rights for the 2019 SKCC Holiday Lighting Contest are as follows:
Category 1 – Large Condos (101 or more units) 1st place Excelsior Beach to Bay (tie) 1st place Siesta Dunes (tie) 3rd place Siesta Harbor Category 2 – Midsize Condos (51 to 100 units) 1st place Fisherman’s Cove 2nd place Casablanca 3rd place Island House Beach Resort Category 3 – Small Condos (50 or fewer units) 1st place Sea Shell Condo 2nd place Marina del Sol 3rd place Harbor Town Yacht Club
CITIZEN JACK
HOME WATCH SERVICES Accredited, Bonded, Insured & Certified
Happy New year welcome Back SNowBirdS! As You Pack To Head Back...
Citizen Jack's Got Your Back! Jim Farley (#06190076)
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• 2ND Month Free • Free Move-In Truck • Entire Facility Carpeted • Free Lock & Keys • Big Garage Bay For Loading And Unloading • Climate Controlled 941.315.5222 5260 Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, FL 34231 www.thelockup.com
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Your neighborhood Real Estate agents Seth Westerberg, a Chicago native, came to Florida ten years ago. He fell in love with “paradise” and decided to make Sarasota his home. Soon after, he met his wife, Sunny, on Siesta Beach! Together they enjoy the wonderful south Florida climate by playing yearround golf and tennis, and by taking their daughter to the pool and the beach. This has inspired him to help others, whether they are local or new to the area, to find their home in paradise as well. Growing up, Seth played ice hockey, both on a travel team and for his high school. After graduation, he coached his high school team. He brings that wonderful team spirit and Midwest work ethic everywhere he goes. While still in high school, he helped build custom homes, and then went on to work as a commodities broker and trader at the Chicago Board of Trade while studying finance and marketing at St. Xavier University. Seth continued in the finance field for about a decade. Today, he has combined his knowledge of homes with his experience negotiating deals into a passion for real estate. Now a seasoned real estate professional, he is dedicated to earning his clients’ trust by working tirelessly to find their dream home or complete a stressfree sale. In 2019, he used his market knowledge and extensive network of contacts to close more than ten off-market deals. This resulted in quick and easy sales for his customers who enjoyed a stress-free transaction. You can reach Seth Westerberg at 941-342SOLD (7653). Seth’s partner, Al Nemore has
worn many hats in his life, the most current being that of a licensed real estate agent in both Florida and New Jersey for a total of 13 years. Al grew up in the Philadelphia suburb of Pennsauken, NJ. After graduating from Pennsauken High School, he attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick. Armed with his BS in Physical Education, Al returned to his high school alma mater as a Health and PE teacher. He coached middle and high school basketball in Pennsauken, as well as being assistant men’s basketball coach for the nearby Rutgers Camden Scarlet Raptors for 3 seasons. Al retired from education as a 30-year veteran, just a few years after he sold Nemo’s Family Restaurant, the Avalon, NJ business that he built, owned, and operated for 20 years. Al was still teaching when he and his wife, Cindi, went on vacation in Clearwater, Florida, primarily to see a Bruce Springsteen concert. Al is an avid fan and was unable to get tickets for Springsteen’s Philadelphia stop. Neither Al nor his wife had ever been to the west coast of Florida, and both fell in love very quickly. Another trip was immediately planned, and this time it was to find a forever home! While scouring the coast from Clearwater to Fort Myers, the couple stumbled upon Siesta Key. Of course, they were enamored with all things Siesta, especially the beautiful beach, the island’s quaint village, and the nearby arts and entertainment scene in Sarasota. Never being one to sit still for very long, Al found
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By Cindi Kievit
Al Nemore
himself coaching again, when Riverview High School recruited him to coach JV Girls’ Basketball for the 2017-18 season. The most important human qualities to Al Nemore are honor, integrity, and relationships built on trust. He has taken what he has learned in his career and life
Seth Westerberg experiences to transition into a successful career in real estate, where he is highly regarded by his loyal clients, as well as by his peers in the field. As a coach and educator, he learned to be patient, detailoriented, and proactive, as well as how to use strong communication skills to be an advocate for all of his students. As a restaurateur, he learned to stay cool under pressure, both from staff and customers, and to use his business sense, personality, and propensity to multi-task (oh, and the ability to make an awesome pizza) to run a very successful seasonal restaurant at the Jersey Shore. Even in his personal life, his friends have always recognized
Al as a great negotiator; he is often asked to accompany them to help in the process of buying or selling cars. As a full-time real estate agent, Al works hard to lower his clients’ stress levels and to make their home buying and selling experiences pleasurable. The bottom line is, Al fell in love with the area when he moved to Siesta Key, and that passion has inspired him to help others make Sarasota their home. You can reach Al Nemore at 941-479-1175. Seth and Al formed the Westerberg Group because of their shared values and beliefs, and, most importantly, their mutual conviction that their clients and friends always remain foremost in their minds. Allow the Westerberg Group to make you part of this excitement as you search for “Your Bridge to Paradise.”
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Siesta Sand
Aloha Kai
JANUARY 2020
941.312.0665
www.siestasand.net
By Debbie Flessner
Tucked behind an unassuming 1960s block building that serves as an office is a five-acre Gulf front community unlike any other on Siesta Key. Aloha Kai was built in 1964, and currently consists of 68 private villas and apartments. But while the structures on the property are primarily original, and are seemingly a throwback to a much earlier era, the community is wellmaintained and has retained its unfettered access to the snowy white Siesta Key sand. Bob Ruiz of Key Solutions Real Estate said there are several reasons why there have only been three sales in the community in the past year, and there are currently only two units for sale there. “It has a location on Siesta Key that is less than a mile up from the south bridge,” he said. “It’s also on Crescent Beach and that fine white sand. Plus, it has a liberal short-term rental policy, which makes the property a great investment with strong rental income.” Key Solutions’ owner/broker Susan Saltalamacchia is the listing agent for one of the two Aloha Kai listings. Number 46 is a freestanding bungalow, and with its original, shiny terrazzo floors and modern, yet retro, furnishings, it’s certain to be a sought after acquisition for a lucky investor. The current owner of the unit lives out-of-state, and used to stay in it only a few times a year. For the past six years, Saltalamacchia and her partner Michelle Borysek have managed the property for the owner, and have rented it for the family during the times they haven’t needed to use it. Saltalamacchia explained that in many ways, Aloha Kai is not a typical Siesta Key rental community. “It’s not a condominium complex, it’s a co-op, which means that the owner gets stock in the corporation,” she said. “It’s also kind of secluded, and has deeded beach access and beach chairs set out just for the residents.” Number 46 is being sold furnished, and potential buyers will no doubt love the way the current owners have managed to marry the mid-sixties vibe of the building with new interior furnishings. There is a parking pad on the side of the villa, allowing vehicles to be stowed off-street. From there, the entry door opens up into a comfortable Florida room, with large windows meant to open up to refreshing Gulf breezes. Once inside the living room, modern furniture is reminiscent of an earlier time, and inside a console under the TV is even a record player, which will appeal to both folks who grew up with vinyl and those of newer generations who are just beginning to learn about it. In addition to a table and chairs, the dining room also holds a double desk, in case you just can’t get away from work during your stay at the beach. There is a small, but well-equipped kitchen, one bedroom and a completely renovated bathroom, with fashionable glass-tiled walls. The whole villa is painted in a calming seafoam green color, which contributes to its relaxing, island feel. Out the back door is a little patio with a table, chairs and grill, perfect for al fresco lunches, dinners and drinks. Borysek says that Aloha Kai is a favorite destination for visitors who request the same units for rental year after year.
Part of the reason they keep coming back is the many amenities that are available to them. “It has the biggest pool on Siesta Key—Olympic-sized and heated,” she said. “So year-round, people get both the beach and the pool. Alongside the pool, there is a large game/community room, a shuffleboard court, laundry facilities and an on-site rental office. The property is also well-located, almost mid-way along the island. For those who don’t care to drive to either the Siesta or Crescent Villages, the Siesta Key Breeze trolley has a pickup point directly in front of the complex. Most units at the Aloha Kai have been purchased for investment purposes, and then placed in a rental program like the one at Key Solutions. Saltalamacchia says that the property holds quite a special attraction for both the owners and vacation renters. “Investors love it because these units have a three-night minimum stay,” she said. “So this unit we have for sale, you can rent out as many times a year as you want. And our owner, because he and his family used his three or four times a year, put especially nice furnishings in it.” For most Siesta Key rentals in other communities, the County Zoning Code only allows for one rental every 30 days, so the three-night, unlimited numbers of times a year rule for Aloha Kai is a big perk. As the lowest-priced out of only two real estate listings in Aloha Kai, Saltalamacchia said she doesn’t feel #46 will be on the market for much longer. The listing price is $405,900. “These may have been built in the sixties, but they are welllocated and really cute,” she said. “Plus, there are just not a lot of new condos being built around here anymore.” Aloha Kai is located at 6020 Midnight Pass Road, on Siesta Key. To learn more about the community and #46, contact Key Solutions Real Estate, at 941-544-3299.
Number 46 is a free-standing villa in Aloha Kai with its own off-street parking pad
The décor of #46 in Aloha Kai is a playful nod to the 1960s, which is when the property was built
The updated restroom has clean glass-tiled walls
All of the lovely furnishings in #46 are included in the sale of the villa
The front porch/Florida room in front of the villa provides additional relaxing space
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JANUARY 2020
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Locating Your Gulf Coast Lifestyle!
On the Grand Canal! 5636 Avenida Del Mare offered at $994,000
Amazing Grand Canal location on Siesta Key. 5 minute walk to the world famous sugary sands of Siesta Key Main beach. Walk, bike, or take the free trolley to Siesta Key Village for happy hour or dinner. Hop in the boat and catch some fish in the Grand Canal or head out to the Inter coastal. Splash in the pool and rinse off in the outdoor shower at the end of your beach or boating day. Built in 1999, no HOA fees or deed restrictions. Unique layout with extra high ceilings and open floor plan. Transom windows contribute to let the Siesta sky and sunshine indoors. Extra large kitchen with tall windows facing the canal has plenty of storage and counter space. Open loft family room has it’s own balcony. Third bedroom has a built in Murphy bed for extra guests. Master and second bedroom overlook mature foliage and the water. This could be your AWESOME year round, vacation home, or investment property. Location, location, location!
Build your Dream Home on this Large Deep Salt Waterfront Lot! 1212 Port Lane Offered at $1,060,000.00
Exceptional WATERFRONT opportunity! Bring your boat to this wide Waterfront lot with BRAND NEW Seawall. This 15,452 sq. ft. property is on the widest part of the cove with long water views. Room for two docks off the 130 feet of frontage on this deep salt water cove, seconds from the Inter Coastal Waterway and out to the Gulf of Mexico. This Private road setting is ready for you to build a magnificent Siesta Key Home. Expertly cleared lot with County water and sewer on site. The Siesta Key lifestyle is sure to impress with the surrounding multi-million dollar homes and Sanderling Club just across the street. A short walk to restaurants and watering holes or enjoy the world famous Siesta Key Beach. Bring your plans and your builder to this EXTRA large vacant lot and make your Waterfront home a reality. Boating, fishing, beaches, and more!
Anne Friedland 941-894-7248 Anne@BlueSRQ.com
Angela Florian 941-809-0454 Angela@BlueSRQ.com
LIC#CGC060852
HARBOR TOWERS | UNIT 332 2 BED | 2 BATH | 1257SF • HURRICANE SLIDERS • BRAZILIAN CHERRY FLOORING • BOAT SLIPS AVAILABLE
44
Siesta Sand
JANUARY 2020
941.312.0665
Classifieds / Here’s My Card ACCOMMODATIONS / VACATION RENTALS
LIGHTING
• Custom Lampshades • Recovering • Lighting Components
CLEANING SERVICES
• 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.
LIZ MARTIN
Green Magic Cleaning Service
3519 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd. • Sarasota, FL 34234
“Residential and Commercial”
941-312-5183
We don’t cut corners, we dust them. • High quality services • Competitive rates • Great references • Always the same crew www.SarasotaHouseCleaningService.com
• Siesta 4 Rent - Vacation Rentals, from studios to 5 bedrooms. Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500
AUTOMOTIVE DELIVERY
Fax 941-312-5683
www.lizslampshades.com Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10 AM- 6 PM
A family owned business with 16 years of experience.
• Landings Carriagehouse, $2,500 per month. Call Jim 941-539-0774.
www.siestasand.net
10% OFF ONE ITEM WITH THIS AD! One Coupon Per Customer • Expires 3/31/2020
MEDICAL
GreenMagicCleaning@gmail.com Call for a FREE estimate today!
(941) 780-4248
CONTRACTORS screen repair
Board-Certified dermatologist skin CanCer • laser • Botox and Hair/nail disorders
• power washing • pool cage restoration J Morgan O’Donoghue, MD.
• DRIVER for YOUR vehicle, cargo and pets. Sarasota/Siesta Key/Port Charlotte area to MICHIGAN ONLY. Offering services that carriers/haulers are unable to provide. Background check. Bonded. Insured. Chauffeur’s license. Retired law enforcement officer. 941-323-3945 or 313-434-2070 or www.yhvaletdriving.com
BOAT SALES
Spindrift
410 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228
Yacht Sales
Brian Mouldey
“Licensed & Bonded Yacht Broker” Check out Brian on Facebook @ spindriftbrian
Direct: 941-374-1697 Office: 941-383-7781 Email: spindriftbrian@gmail.com
BOATING RENTALS / FISHING CHARTERS
Captain Jacks Yacht Charters
1952 Field Road Sarasota, Florida 34231
CAGE RESTORATION MASTERS Paint Your Pool Cage Today!
315-395-5889
MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES
www.cagemasters.org
• Hawk’s Nest Construction Inc. is a certified Class A general contractor licensed in all phases of construction. Owner, Mark Hawkins Sr. personally oversees every aspect of your project from start to finish, using only the best and most reliable licensed artisan and craftsmen. His passion is delighting his clients by turning their homeimprovement dreams into a beautiful reality. Call 941-650-9499 or visit their website: www.hawksnestconstruction.com Lic#CGC060852. • Nutter Construction is your local Siesta Key builder. We have a strong team with over 30 years of combined high end residential construction experience in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. We offer custom construction, remodeling services, management and consulting, concierge service, and we are committed to protecting our resources by using construction techniques that are environmentally friendly. Call us at 941-924-1868, visit our showroom at 3534 South Osprey Avenue, or check us out online at www.nutterconstruction.com. LEED AP | FL Licensed Building Contractor CBC060004 | FL Licensed Real Estate Sales Associate BK322256 | Certified Home Inspector HI4630
Capt. Jack Wallace 941.320.8700 www.sarasotachartervessel.com Pleasure Cruises only Sunsets/Weddings/Special Occasions Hourly, Daily, Weekly
• 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. See our website: www.CBsOutfitters.com or stop in their store for additional info. 1240 Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key. (941)349-4400.
941.926.7546
www.dermatologyexperts.com
MOVING & STORAGE
AAA FLAT RATE MOVING AND STORAGE CO. SARASOTA’S MOVER OF CHOICE SINCE 1980 AROUND THE CORNER OR AROUND THE WORLD CALL OR EMAIL FOR A FREE MOVING ESTIMATE 941-922-4466 / AAAFLATRATE@AOL.COM
www.aaamovingsarasota.com REAL ESTATE AGENTS
HELENE M. HYLAND
LANDINGS RESIDENT OWNED AND OPERATED
REALTOR®
(941) 685-2274 Cell (941) 349-4411 Office (800) 237-9403 Toll Free (941) 349-8090 Fax HeleneHyland@comcast.net
DRY CLEANERS
5145 Ocean Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34242
Having Fun Fishing in The Sun
Environmentally Conscious Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service
Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC
Denise Driscoll
Free Pick Up & Delivery Service
941-400-2452
Tony Fudoli Sr. CAPTAIN tntfreedomfishing@yahoo.com
Veteran Owned Business
Dolphin Watch • SunSetS • half Day aDventure SailS
Sailing From Marina Jack, Sarasota
Kathleen D Sailing Catamaran 941-896-6400
www.KathleenD.net
Call
REALTOR-Licensed Sales Associate
from your home or business
941-275-4647
ExEcutivE Shirt SErvicE • houSEhold itEmS • SamE day SErvicE availablE
HOUSE WATCH
direct 941-586-6833 email denise.driscoll@exprealty.com web denisedriscoll.exprealty.com Curious about the Value of Your Home?
House Watch Sarasota Licensed and Insured
Affordable and Dependable Service Solutions For Your Home While You Are Away
R. BRuce Whittinghill, llc (941) 955-1864
Call or e-mail sarasotabruce1@housewatchsrq.com housewatchsrq.com for quotes and references Serving SaraSota and Surrounding areaS Since 1979
• Making things happen on Siesta Key with Real Estate agents Bob and Sheri Ruiz from Key Solutions Real Estate Group. If you are looking to buy or sell on the Key contact us. Bob Ruiz 941-544-3299 RobertRuizRR@aol.com, Sheri Ruiz 941-400-4186 SheriLasley@aol.com
RESTAURANTS
One Small Cinco Queso With Any Entreé Purchase One Small Cinco Queso reServationS accepted Per Table
CHURCH SERVICES
DINE-IN ONLY! Expires 1/31/20
• WEDNESDAY CHURCH - Traditional worship every Wednesday at 6 PM. Committed to reaching 55+ Widows, Widowers, Veterans, Singles, and Adults. 7811 Kennedy Ln., Sarasota, FL 34240. Pastor Trebor Britt, 941320-4309. SJG5232@verizon.net Insured, Bonded and Licensed by The National Home Watch Association.
TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-349-0194
www.SheSellsSiestaKeySarasota.com
(941) 961-4309
www.SuncoastHomeConcierge.com
Bite Squad delivery Service
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 11am-9pm Fri. & Sat. 11am-10 pm Closed Sunday
3218 Clark Road
Southwest Mexican Food Sarasota FL 34231 and Bar
eltorobravosarasota.com
941.924.0006
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RESTAURANTS CONTINUED
N
OW
OP
E
SPORTS RENTALS / ACCESSORIES CONTINUED
• 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. • Dollar Limo – holds up to 10 people and is cheaper than a D.U.I or taxi. Call 941-735-4732
Sarasota’s Premier “Chauffeur”
Airport Rides Starting At Only
30 941.735.4732 $
All Ports In Florida
Stress Free • Smooth and Easy Ask for Eddie
NOW OPEN!
941-928-9200
RIDE THE KEY FREE
4242 South Tamiami Trail
SARASOTA
15-20 MINUTE RESPONSE TIME (Based upon traffic)
(941) 260-9194
FRESH • FAST • QUALIT Y
Open 6:30 AM - 4:00 PM
SERVICING
Monday through Saturday
Use Uber Eats or Bite Squad Curbside by phone 941-260-9194 or online at omeletteandco.com or
Siesta Key Beach Siesta Village Turtle Beach
Build Your Own Omelette for only
8.95
$
DRIVER TIPS ONLY
Restaurants and Accommodations Operating 10AM to 2AM Daily
www.JonnysOriginalFreeRide.com
Or try our burrito omelette or bagel sandwich omelette!
THE ONLY PLACE FOR EGG-CEPTIONAL OMELETTES
SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY Hair by
Cherene Carroll
Shear Perfection Master Stylist and Goldwell Color Specialist
Only Goldwell when you want the BEST CARE for your hair COLOR/HIGHLIGHTS/OMBRE/BALAYAGE
Sarasota to Tampa Airport $ 89 each way
Airport Shuttle Limo/Taxi
FREE 5-6 FOILS
any Evan’s Salon with color service 6620 Gateway Avenue Sarasota, FL 34231
HOMES FOR SALE
315.480.6555
Hair Unlimited Lakeshore Village Plaza
3900 Clark Rd., Bldg. K, Sarasota, FL 34233
NEW CLIENTS $10.00 OFF
Kathy Sapp
Call 941-356-0495
Gordokat@gmail.com Open Monday thru Friday
New to Landings Shopping Center
4850 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 (The Landings Shopping Center)
Walk-Ins Welcome
Specializing in Pink & White
Mon.- Sat. 9 AM-7 PM Sun. 11 AM-5 PM
Olde Fashion Barber Shop
Tapers • Flattops • Fades • Styling • Razor Cuts • Shaves
ther”
“Hot La
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HOMES FOR SALE CONTINUED
• Siesta Sports Rentals – Located on Siesta Key, bike, kayak, Canal home located on desirable Palm Island. 2,600+ sq. ft., 4 kayak tours, scooter, children strollers and car seats. Delivery and BR, 2.5 BA waterfront oasis. Loft area on 2nd level makes nice pickup available, 6551 Midnight Pass Rd, 941-346-1797 office space. Screened pool area. Short walk to world famous
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SPORTS RENTALS / ACCESSORIES • 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. 941-554-4242 • 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
• AMAZING LOCATION! 3Bd/2BA Florida style ranch home has it all! Don’t hesitate to see this tropical beauty! Meticulously maintained, Siesta Key Village and Beaches just minutes away. 1728 Billings St. $428K. For your personal viewing please call 941-587-4256. See additional pictures on Zillow! • INVESTOR’S PARADISE - 3 homes on adjacent lots located in the expanding Pine Shores Neighborhood. Minutes from the beach, restaurants, and shopping. Asking 2,300,000. Call 941-224-3944. • LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! GRAND CANAL HOME ON PALM ISLAND. 476 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL This ultimate family beach house is 2 blocks from Siesta Key Beach and 5 blocks from the Village. 3 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, heated pool, dock with electricity, even a working elevator. This beach oasis is well maintained and waiting for you! $1,250,000 MLS# 4443903 CONTACT DIANE GOODWIN, 941-706-6620, #LoveWhereYouLiveSRQ, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty. • PALM ISLAND HOME ON THE GRAND CANAL: $825,000. 322 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4199085. Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master BR and master BA. This house boasts a new boat lift on the Grand Canal. Privacy abounds with a lovely tropical view across the canal. Huge bonus area on lower level. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • CANAL FRONT HOME: $999,900. 5157 Sandy Shore Ave, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4427877. Canal front home on a quiet low traffic dead end “Sandy” street. Split plan 4 bedroom & 3 bath 2,493 square foot home with recently updated kitchen & bath. PGT Wind Guard Hurricane Impact windows and sliders for added storm security. You will love lounging around the large pool on this oversized lot (14,352 SF) and dock with lift on the wide canal with easy access to world class boating & fishing. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • GRAND CANAL HOME: $974,000. 214 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4435268. Wonderful Siesta Key Grand
Siesta Beach, close to world class dining and night life of Siesta Village. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • GULF AND BAY VIEWS HOME: $6,300,000. 156 Givens Street, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4438489. Spectacular sunsets meet designer decadence in this show stopping 4BR/ 5.5 BA modernluxe masterpiece designed by world acclaimed architect, Guy Peterson. Each room possesses unparalleled panoramic views of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico by day and breathtaking sunsets and twinkling lights of Lido Key skyline by night. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • PALM ISLAND BEACH HOUSE: $575,000. 165 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL. MLS#A4448257. Don’t miss this heated 1,034 sq. ft. home built in 1964. Includes 2 BR, 1/1 BA on a .12 acre lot. Features an attached garage with one space. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB - Across the street from Siesta Beach with a private deeded boat dock and water views! Renovated two bedroom, two bath. One car garage with attic storage. Gated community on a deep-water marina. Pool, hot tub, tennis/pickle ball, clubhouse. MLS# A4433033, $539,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • THE POINTE - Priced to Sell. Largest floor plan at 1380 square feet in a 2/2 with spacious lanai overlooking the ICW and Bay to the east and the Gulf and Siesta sunsets to the west. Amazing views from every room. Gated with every amenity. MLS# A4438186, $495,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • THE POINTE - Exquisitely renovated 2/2 with incredible 270 degree water views! Beautifully decorated and movein ready. Gated community with every amenity - pool, spa, tennis, pickle ball, fitness, clubhouse, boat docks, kayak racks and launch, picnic area, grills and on-site management. MLS #A4448625 $535,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB - Bright and spacious 3/3 townhome directly across the street from Siesta Beach and yards to the ICW by boat. Deeded slip with 20k pound lift directly outside the unit. Attached garage. Gated community with tennis, pool, clubhouse, etc. MLS# A4447427, $649,900. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB - Your Island Paradise Awaits! Across the street from Siesta public beach, this 2 /2 showplace has been beautifully renovated. Tile throughout. Water views. Deeded dock behind the unit and attached 1 car garage. Gated with pool and tennis. MLS# A4451556, $599,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • THE POINTE - This spectacular 9th floor unit has been totally and beautifully renovated with coastal colors to complement the water views from every room. The light 2/2 features tile throughout., an all-new kitchen with stunning white granite countertops and so much more. This is a must see. MLS# A4450026 $599,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB - Water views with private deeded boat dock on deep water marina and 10 minute walk to Siesta Beach. This renovated 2/2 unit is tiled throughout. Slip will accommodate a 43’ boat on a 13k lb. lift. 1 car attached garage with attic storage. Gated property. MLS# A4449225, $545,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • SUMMER COVE ON SIESTA KEY - Enjoy the best of Siesta in this beautiful, light and bright 3/2.5 luxury end unit. Private elevator. Tile flooring throughout; gourmet kitchen with wood cabinets, granite, stainless steel, and double oven, 9 foot ceilings, and 2 huge open lanais. Beautifully turnkey furnished. MLS# A4451557, $925,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • TRULY FABULOUS 2/2 WITH DIRECT GULF VIEWS. This Gulfside, 1st-floor unit is perfectly positioned overlooking the pool & amazing direct gulf front views of world-famous Siesta Key Beach!! Walk right out the patio to the pool/beach - no stairs or elevators!! A very open, spacious, clean & cared for condo with full-sized washer/dryer, expansive lanai, walk-in closets, and extra storage. 6342 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #415, SARASOTA, FL 34242 , MLS# A4444324, $1,050,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255 • ENJOY STUNNING SUNRISES AND SUNSETS from this lovely two bedroom, two bath PENTHOUSE condo at the southernmost end of Siesta Key. If you seek incomparable views look no further - wake to awe-inspiring sunrises over Neville Preserve on Little Sarasota Bay and marvel at the spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. 9393 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #P2, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4406101, $469,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255 • NEWLY CONSTRUCTED Coastal Contemporary on the Grand Canal. Centrally located to Siesta Village and beaches. Natural light abounds this 3 bedrooms 3.5 bathrooms open floor plan with direct walkout access to the open designed saltwater pool and deck. Enjoy sunsets from your pool deck and Balconies. This home is minutes by boat, paddleboard or kayak to the Intercoastal Waterway. 4866 COMMONWEALTH DR, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4437382, $1,659,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255 Continued on page 46
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Hotel and bathhouse to mansions
HOMES FOR SALE CONTINUED • YEAR-ROUND SUNSETS! This 10th-floor unit is perfectly positioned to enjoy gorgeous beachfront views! A very spacious, light, bright, clean and cared-for condo with a split floor plan and walk-in closets. The hurricane impact sliding doors (replaced 2018) lead from the living room and bedrooms to the huge screened lanai. Furniture is negotiable. 6300 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #1009, SARASOTA, FL 34242 MLS# A4425862, $949,900, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941-894-1255.
• LEAST EXPENSIVE HOME ON SIESTA KEY! $400,000 4BD/3BA. Less than 1 mile from Siesta Beach and adjacent to Glebe Park, this midcentury modern home located on a designated Canopy Road is still occupied by its original owner. This home boasts “Old Florida Charm,” featuring vaulted ceilings, terrazzo floors throughout, and a combination of jalousie and clerestory windows. With 2100 Sq. Ft. of living space and situated on a 9000 Sq. Ft. lot, the floor plan allows for either a variety of renovation concepts or the ability to build your dream home! KW On The Water, MLS # A4437571, presented by The Westerberg Group, Call Seth: 941-342-SOLD (7653) or Al: 856-2787522
• 1835 GOLDENROD ST, SARASOTA, 34239 - This charming home has been lovingly remodeled in 2015, with no expense spared. Located in the desirable west-ofthe-trail neighborhood of Poinsettia Park 2, you’ll be only 1 mile to Siesta Key and 2 miles to downtown. Fall in love with the gorgeous tropical landscaping and large pool with its New Pebble-Tec Surface, relaxing waterfall, sun-shelf, and Polar Plunge. This “Selby-like retreat” features 2 bedrooms, plus an office (possible third bedroom), 2 full baths, and several amenities. Enjoy the dining trellis, fire pit, puttAnswers fromall putt golf, and outdoor shower, Page 17& pavers surrounded by AstroTurf for easy maintenance. Inside boasts Year’s an abundance of New natural light with “floor-to-ceiling”Resolutions windows and French doors, beautiful bamboo wood floors, and designer features in the kitchen and baths. Many more surprises await, a must see home in the heart of Sarasota! Make this tropical oasis your piece of paradise! KW on THE Water, MLS # A4444487, $724,900, presented by The Westerberg Group, Call Seth: 941-342-SOLD (7653).
• 2610 WOODGATE LN, SARASOTA, FL 34231 - Only 3 miles from Siesta Beach, this turnkey villa comes fully furnished! The home was remodeled in 2017 and features 16-inch ceramic tile throughout, all white kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, and plenty of closet space! The master bedroom is spacious and could easily fit a king sized bed. You will love the 8 x 6.5 Ft. L-shaped master walk-in closet. The sun room is very light and bright, perfect for relaxing and laying back to read a good book. Occupied for only a few months each year, the home’s updates and furnishings are like new! The homeowners’ association has many amenities, including a heated pool, shuffleboard courts, and a clubhouse with a gym. Enjoy an amazingly low monthly fee of just $320, which includes internet, water, sewer, and trash. Make this spectacular home yours today! KW on The Water, MLS # A4433486, $160,000, presented by The Westerberg Group. Call Seth: 941-342-SOLD (7653) or Al: 856-2787522.
• WATERFRONT PROPERTY with OVERSIZED LOT! Located just off the Grand Canal, this home features 90 feet of concrete seawall including a dock with electric, lighting, and water. The original block ranch home sits on an oversized 18,000 Sq. Ft. lot, situated on a private cul-de-sac, located on a designated Canopy Road. Boasting 2200 Sq. Ft. of living space, this split floor plan includes 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a 2-car garage. Travertine pool deck and cage were updated in 2017. Just around the corner from Siesta Village and a mile to Siesta Beach provides for the ultimate Siesta Key Experience! KW On The Water, MLS #A4440889, $1,250,000, presented by The Westerberg Group, Call Seth:941-342-SOLD (7653) or Al: 856-278-7522.
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During 1906, E.M. Arbogast visited Sarasota from West Virginia and ferried over on Captain Roberts’ boat to explore opportunities for real estate development projects. Soon thereafter, he not only bought prime acreage but also invested $25,000 in constructing, furnishing, and landscaping ten acres with shrubbery to blend in with the natural beauty of moss-grown oaks and stately palms on the island. The Bay Island Hotel thus opened in 1912 with rooms for $2.50 per night. It was described as follows: “The hotel is three stories and has 65 rooms. The first floor holds the offices and the dining room. Private bathrooms are provided on the second floor and every room provides views of the Bay and Gulf... None of the pleasant home comfort has been sacrificed for the more modernistic decorations while at the same time every modern facility has been preserved.” The utilities were perfect for the time and boats were always available for guests to enjoy the fantastic fishing. Featuring Florida cuisine, the menu consisted of local oysters, stone crabs, clams, and a variety of fish with fresh fruits and vegetables. Its extraordinary amenities, clever marketing as a “home-hotel,” and superb management first by J.H. Faubel and later by Edward St. Phillips ensured 40 years of success.
The Archibald Bathhouse built in 1919 where Siesta/ Crescent Beach crowds gathered in a circle for pleasure (Photograph courtesy of IG Archibald’s granddaughter, Peggy Westerfield, and digitally enhanced thanks to Larry Kelleher, Sarasota County Historical Resources).
A Spectacular Bathhouse on Crescent Beach becomes a Magnet
The magnificent “Ask Gary” mansion at the south end of Crescent Beach near Point of Rocks. (Photograph is from An Illustrated History of Siesta Key: The Story of America’s Best Beach.)
After the Higel (North) Bridge opened in 1917, Crescent Beach became readily accessible for Sarasota residents and tourists alike. Cars driven onto the beach also served as cumbersome changing facilities— especially for the ladies. At the dawn of the Roaring 20s, Ira Archibald solved that problem by building a large gendersegregated bathhouse. Soon, it was a magnet and stimulated construction of several smaller bathhouses. The Archibald family lived across the street. In fact, most Siesta Key properties then were typically purchased as beach-to-bay parcels. Homes tended to be on the bayside and a private bath house would be built across the public road, which is now Midnight Pass Road. In 1925, the Gulf View Inn, a short-term lodging facility was also built on the beach to attract real estate buyers to the nearby 800-lot “Spanish streets” subdivision. Unfortunately, however, the Great Depression struck and land values plummeted.
A Pioneer Architect Arrives and Finds Unique Opportunities Plummeting land values, in retrospect, created a welcome opportunity for entrepreneurs. During the winter of 1935, a rare species of architect— a woman— bought 55 acres of northwestern Siesta Key land that was destined to become renown for innovative architecture. Taking a break from her expanding architectural business in Kansas City, Mary Rockwell Hook drove down from the cold North to relax on www.TheMariner.com the Ringling Isles and enjoy Lido Beach. After a delightful stay, while seeing her son off on a northwardbound train, Mary encountered a realtor who sold her at a bargain price the unsuccessfully developed acreage she eventually named Sandy Hook. Soon thereafter, it featured the famous Whispering Sands Inn with 1,000 feet of beach frontage and lush tropical vegetation. It embodied the theme woven through the Key’s development by emphasizing a connection with nature and combining luxurious lodging with the natural beauty of the island. Later, thanks to Mary,
the adjacent 30 acres of Sandy Hook became a kind of incubator for the design of unique modern homes where innovative architects like Paul Rudolph and Ralph Twitchell established an openplan style that eventually would become known as the Sarasota School of Architecture.
Exclusive Clubs Evolve: Sanderling and the Gulf & Bay Club After World War II, increasingly affluent Americans were poised to enjoy the Sunshine State and take advantage of pristine real estate. Undeveloped or partially developed Siesta Key property was still being sold at bargain prices. In addition to beach cottage motels that ultimately gave way to condominiums, several enclaves developed on Siesta Key that provided not only privacy but also exclusivity. Most noteworthy are the Sanderling Club, which is now approaching its 75th year, and the Gulf & Bay Club which was established by Standard and Poor’s founder Paul T. Babson and Edward St. Phillips— former manager of the Bay Island Hotel.
Fast Forward to Luxurious Accommodations Once the shores of Siesta Key were heavily developed with condominiums, the current trend toward large, distinctively designed mansions and luxury condos emerged and attracted prosperous people of the 21st century enjoying America’s Best Beach. The architectural styles of these sumptuous environments varied, but many have combined features of Sarasota Modernism with natural tropical landscaping. A good example is Casa del Cielo designed by Carl Abbott for the Gregg Family near the middle of Crescent Beach but now replaced by a luxury condominium project. Another style is the prominent home just north of Point of Rocks, the “Ask Gary” mansion, which was built to reproduce the Vanderbilt’s Marble House in Newport RI. Several luxury condos— effectively shared mansions— have also appeared in recent years. Clearly, Siesta Key architecture has progressed from the early bathhouse days to an island with luxurious, innovative homes. You can read more about this topic and others in An Illustrated History of Siesta Key: The Story of America’s Best Beach, which is sold at both Davidson Drugs stores, Captain Curt’s gift shop, and Crescent Beach Grocery.
Published by 27th State Media LLC Contributing Writers and Photographers will be noted with bylines. Guest commentary not necessarily the opinion of 27th State Media LLC Reproduction without written permission prohibited. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement. All business bios are extensions of the display advertisements. 27th State Media LLC is not responsible for claims made by advertisers. All ads are subject to the approval of the publisher. It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in Siesta Sand to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with town, county and state codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property. DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that when you hire an unlicensed/uninsured person to do work at your home, you accept the liability. 27th State Media LLC is not responsible for claims made by advertisers.
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Emergency (General)..................................................................... 911 Emergency Animal Clinic.............................................941-929-1818 Fishing & Hunting Licenses.........................................941-362-9888 FPL – Florida Power & Light........................................941-917-0708 FPL – Outage Report................................................. 1-800-468-8243 Marriage License Bureau..............................................941-362-4066 Poison Info Center..................................................... 1-800-282-3171 Sarasota / Bradenton Intl. Airport..............................941-359-2770 Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT)........................941-316-1234 Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce..............................941-349-3800 Sheriff / non-emergency..............................................941- 861-1601 Waste Management.......................................................941-924-1254
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Volleyball Fanatic
Nid This month’s Island Girl is beach volleyball fanatic Nid of St. Petersburg. Currently working in procurement for a global steel company, she is a graduate of the University of South Florida in Tampa with a double major in Mass Communications and Psychology. Her favorite movie is “Remember the Titans.”
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