IV Siesta Sand - July 2017

Why the world comes to Sarasota

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JULY 2017 | 941.349.0194 | ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC | www.SiestaSand.net | COMPLIMENTARY

BEACH EVENTS

July Featured Beach Events

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SKA SURVEY Siesta Key Association recently surveyed its members to get their feedback on SKA’s positions regarding the major issues

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ISLAND RESIDENT WINS AWARD

Island resident, Judith Thomas Wins the 2017 Sonja Henie Award

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BARTENDER OF THE MONTH

A Vision for the Best Every time Michael Holderness drove by the Siesta Beach Resort & Suites, in the past, he thought about the potential. The only official hotel on Siesta, the property had seen more glorious days as a small, yet popular tourist mecca that was built in the fifties.

Now, Holderness is working to put his vision into reality, and transform a hotel that’s in need of refurbishing into one of the best boutique resorts the Westcoast of Florida has to offer— a full-service resort where couples and families will leave “feeling recharged and united.”

The property investor acquired the resort for $9.7 million in May, and renovation work is expected to begin as early as August, with an upgraded resort slated to open the day after Christmas.

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Ocean Blvd.

Rendering of the proposed main entrance to the Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa

Beach Road charter amendment effort continues |If successful, the charter amendments would cost the county $450,000 to hold a

countywide special election, timing may get tricky By Roger Drouin Sarasota County residents continue to sign a pair of petitions related to the increasingly tense fight over a 357-foot stretch of Beach Road.

There are two separate charter amendment initiatives spurred by longtime Siesta Key resident and carpenter Michael Cosentino — the first, if approved by voters, would prohibit the county from vacating public lands, including beach and waterside roadways, and parks and preserves; the second would overturn the county’s decision to relinquish a portion of Beach Road, the last road remaining on the Key with a direct view of the Gulf.

Cosentino is leading a passionate campaign against the County Commission, contending the board broke its own rules when it agreed in 2016 to vacate a stretch of public right of way along Beach Road to three landowners there.

Although Cosentino says petitions continue to pour in, the effort to ask voters to weigh in has some way to go before reaching the ballot box.

As of last month, Cosentino and a group of volunteers behind the political action committee “Reopen Beach Road,” was just above a quarter of the way towards the number of petitions needed to get both charter-amendment questions onto the ballot.

If successful, the effort could cost the county $450,000 to hold a countywide special election.

Cosentino wants the roadway improved and open to the public. The county, meanwhile, has accused Cosentino of conveying misinformation. The county agreement sets out a 60-foot-wide-right of way, and an additional five-foot-wide permanent beach access path at its south end, although it does

Petition for boat dock and lift on Grand Canal denied

By Rachel Brown Hackney / www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com

Meet Alex, bartender at Sniki Tiki

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SAND CASTLES

Beachside Resort Style at Sarasota Surf & Racquet Club

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By Roger Drouin

Adjacent neighbors refused to support the plan, and a county environmental specialist explained why it did not conform to standards for such projects. That led the Sarasota County Commission to unanimously deny the request of residents on Siesta Key’s Lotus Lane to construct a dock and boatlift on the canal in front of their house.

Testifying during the May 24 public hearing, neighbors pointed out that the boat the petitioners own is too big for the petitioners’ segment of shoreline. Moreover, speakers added, if the couple built a dock perpendicular to their parcel, the structure would create navigational problems for other boaters using the canal.

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not explicitly discuss improvements to the right-of-way.

As of last month, on the first issue of protecting public spaces, the group had collected 3,788 petitions that were OK’d as valid by the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office, which is tasked with making sure that valid signatures are from county residents. On the issue of overturning the Beach Road vacation, the group had collected 3,792 valid petitions, according to the Supervisor of Elections office.

In order for the initiatives to get on the ballot, the separate issues would each have to garner 13,866 petitions each. The charter amendments “are our only hope,” for defending Beach Road and public spaces, Cosentino said.

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Owner seeking coastal setback variance By Rachel Brown Hackney

|Owner wants to build house completely seaward of the county’s Gulf Beach Setback Line of protection for property owners

As sand has continued to accrete on Siesta Key’s beach, more and more property that once was completely or partly underwater has become increasingly attractive to developers.

Still, within the past four years, the Sarasota County Commission has remained stalwart in denying petitions for Coastal Setback Variances to allow new homes to be built seaward of the county’s Gulf Beach Setback Line (GBSL) - the figurative line in the sand.

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Siesta Sand

JULY 2017

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BOAT RENTALS Deck Deck Boats Boats •• Pontoon Pontoon Boats Boats •• Runabouts Runabouts

Fishing Charters

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941.349.4400

County asks Circuit Court to throw out another count in Cosentino lawsuit over the May 2016 North Beach Road vacation By Rachel Brown Hackney With one partial summary judgment ruling already having gone against the plaintiff in the case, Sarasota County is seeking a second one relating to the County Commission’s May 11, 2016 vacation of a 357-foot-long segment of North Beach Road.

In a June 2 filing in 12th Judicial Circuit Court, Assistant County Attorney David Pearce argues that Siesta resident Michael Cosentino “wrongly claims the County Charter requires a coastal setback variance applicant to disclose percentages of ownership of their property.” Additionally, Pearce writes, Cosentino is wrong in contending that the county failed to meet the legal deadline for posting the official notice of the road vacation in the aftermath of the County Commission decision.

Cosentino’s allegations of county violations on those points are contained in the second count of his Second Amended Complaint in

Happiness is…Living in the Land of the Free Ah, summer. All-American images of backyard bar-b-ques, fireworks, and apple pie. While celebrating our nation’s independence and our enduring freedoms, we would be remiss if we didn’t pause to sincerely thank our military men and women for two-hundred fifty plus years of dedication and protection.

One excellent example of service is Jill’s brother-in-law Hank, who enlisted in the U.S. Navy when he was 17 in May of 1968.

He went to Gunnery school then on to Vietnam to serve twelve months as a ThirdClass Gunner’s Mate on a PBR in the Delta and then was assigned to an F4 jet squadron on the Air Craft Carrier USS Independence. He later served at Naha US Naval Air Station on Okinawa for the remainder of his enlistment and was discharged in 1971 as an E-4.

At Abel’s Ice Cream, owner Jerry Williams, considers every day to be independence day because he and his wife Jill, are living their dream of small business ownership, a tenet of American exceptionalism. They are grateful and ever mindful of the sacrifices so many have made.

Speaking of All-American summertime, it sure tastes

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like Summer at Abel’s, too. Seasonal flavors abound including, Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream (it’s the ultimate classic cheesecake ice cream loaded with chunks of creamy cheesecake and a flavorful strawberry ribbon), Apple Pie Ice Cream (apple-cinnamon flavored ice cream stuffed with pie crust pieces & swirled with a cinnamon-apple ribbon), and Key Lime Pie Ice Cream (Key Lime done right…delicious Key Lime ice cream filled with chucks of baked pie crust). Don’t let the season go by without trying this trio of delectable, creamy delights!

And, if you missed one of their Try-It Tuesdays in June, where they sampled some of the Stonewall Kitchen favorites, it’s not too late! Abel’s is at it again during the month of July. Every Tuesday, you’ll have an opportunity to try selected jams and jellies or a savory treat.

Keep cool in the heat of summer with a visit to Abel’s Ice Cream at 1886 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota in the South Bridge Plaza in Sarasota. Open Sunday through Thursday from Noon9:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday from Noon-10 pm. Learn more online at their website, www.abelsicecream.com or connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

1886 Stickney Point Road

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WWW.ABELSICECREAM.COM

the lawsuit. Although he filed the original complaint in June 2016, he amended it on Feb. 3 of this year.

On April 12, 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Frederick Mercurio granted the motion for partial summary judgment sought by intervenors in the lawsuit — Wendy and Dennis Madden. The Maddens, who were among the three sets of North Beach Road property owners who petitioned the County Commission last year for the road vacation, argued that Cosentino was wrong in contending that the board action constituted a development order.

The Maddens also won the commission’s approval on May 11, 2016 for a Coastal Setback Variance so they could tear down 12 nonconforming dwelling units and build six new ones. They needed the 8,265 square feet of the vacated road segment — in combination with parcels they own both seaward and landward of North Beach Road — to give them enough land to comply with county zoning regulations for their construction plans, Zoning Administrator Donna Thompson pointed out during the May 2016 public hearing.

As Cosentino’s attorney —Ralf Brookes of Cape Coral — put it during an April 5 hearing on the Maddens’ motion for partial summary judgment, the Maddens’ building plans and the road vacation “were hopelessly intertwined.”

Mercurio, however, wrote in his order that the road vacation was “an independent decision and not dependent upon the coastal setback variance.”

The ruling was a victory for the County Commission as well as for the Maddens, as County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh pointed out to the County Commission during an update that was part of a regular meeting.

Cosentino argues in his complaint that the board violated its Comprehensive Plan in approving the road vacation. ThenCommissioner Christine Robinson was the only board member to vote “No” on May 11, 2016, citing that Comprehensive Plan policy.

Counts II and III In his June 2 motion for partial summary judgment, Assistant County Attorney Pearce quotes from the Sarasota County Charter to refute Cosentino’s argument that the Maddens failed to comply with county law necessitating they disclose percentages of ownership of their property when they petitioned for the Coastal Setback Variance.

The Charter does say, “All persons or entities applying for rezoning, special exceptions, or variances, shall disclose the true ownership interests in any property sought to be rezoned and shall further disclose the true parties in interest in any corporation, trust, partnership, limited partnership or any legal entity of any type in their zoning application,” Pearce points out.

However, Pearce contends, “This lawsuit does not involve an approval of a zoning variance under the Sarasota County Zoning regulations … Rather, it involves a coastal setback variance under Chapter 54, Article XXII of the Sarasota County Code.”

He adds that “use of the term ‘variance’ as a relief mechanism in an environmental code does not transform it into an approval under the Zoning Regulations.” Moreover, Pearce continues, because this case does not involve a zoning variance, “the disclosure requirements from the County Charter do not apply.”

He further explains, “Ownership disclosure alerts the public as to any potential conflicts of interest associated with a zoning approval.

Here, there is no question that the real parties in interest are Dennis and Wendy Madden. The property is jointly owned by Wendy Madden, personally, and by Wendy Madden, as trustee of the Walder Family Trust, as tenants in common.”

Regarding Cosentino’s argument that the county violated the notice requirement following the road vacation, Pearce writes that notice of the board’s adoption of such a resolution “shall be published one time, within 30 days following the board action, in one issue of a newspaper of general circulation published in the county.”

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6236 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #406

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Hunt underway for next Jo-To building tenant By Rachel Brown Hackney One of the new owners of the building that for years housed the Jo-To Japanese Restaurant in Siesta Village says it probably will take two to three months to decide on the best new tenant.

“We’re still in the looking process,“ Jim Syprett said in a June 13 telephone interview. Syprett and his business partner in other Village ventures — Jay Lancer — purchased the Jo-To parcel on May 1 for $1,350,000, according to the records of the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office.

Teshima Family Properties had owned the parcel since February 2001, those records note.

The restaurant building is adjacent to what is now The Sandal Factory at 5232 Ocean Blvd., which was home to the 7-Eleven store before Lancer and Syprett bought it in January 2016. They also own the parcels where the Daiquiri Deck, the Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar, the Siesta Key Oyster Bar and Gidget’s Coastal Provisions stand — all on the same side of the street.

Because the Jo-To structure can be home to a new restaurant, under the guidelines of the Siesta Key Overlay District (SKOD) zoning, Syprett went on to say, “that’s the most beneficial use of the property.” Still, he said, it could end up housing a new retail shop.

In response to a request from Village architect Mark Smith — who is working on the project with Syprett and Lancer — Sarasota County Zoning Administrator Donna Thompson pointed out in an April 4 letter that the SKOD parking regulations for restaurants and bars were amended by an ordinance the County Commission approved on March 18, 2009. That regulation says that “buildings and uses lawfully existing as of July 1, 1987, may be modernized, altered or repaired without providing additional off-street parking or off-street loading facilities, providing there is no increase in floor area or change in use of existing floor area that would increase parking demands (i.e., more seating,

change storage area to office or retail area, etc.)”

“I think it’s a great little spot there,” Smith said of the property when he spoke to the News Leader in a separate interview.

The first order of business, Syprett noted, was to put a new roof on the building. County staff issued a permit for that work on May 12, with A-1 American Roofing and Sheet Metal of Venice set to undertake the estimated $37,000 project, according to a county document.

Furthermore, Syprett said, “we had to get the building cleaned up enough to be able to determine the situation from a structural standpoint.” Syprett and Lancer ran into a problem in late May when that initiative was underway: They were cited for demolition without a permit.

Syprett explained that county staff will not issue a demolition permit until the applicant has produced details regarding the proposed demolition. Moreover, he said, staff will not issue a permit for any new work “until you have plans for reconstruction.”

“We didn’t consider what we were doing as demolition,” he added, as they simply were trying to determine, for example whether three or four walls were made of concrete block (three, as it turned out).

The Code Enforcement Notice of Violation, dated May 23, refers to “unpermitted demolition of walls, plumbing, electrical heating and air conditioning lines, and drywall.” A crew had been tearing out wall coverings, and pulling out the drop ceiling when a county employee came to inspect the roof work. That led to the issuance of the Notice of Violation, he said.

“Thank goodness we had gotten to the point where we could see what we wanted to see,” he noted, before the work had to cease. It is always interesting, Syprett said, “when you work on a project in the Village.”

JULY 2017

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Board of Zoning Appeals splits 3-2 in supporting county zoning administrator’s interpretation of the street setbacks required for tall buildings on Siesta Key

By Rachel Brown Hackney / www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com It all came down to a question of the correct interpretation of the Sarasota County Zoning Code involving potential commercial redevelopment on Siesta Key. In a case focused on an application from a Siesta Key resident, the county’s Board of Zoning Appeals voted 3-2 to affirm the county zoning administrator’s determination: Taller buildings need greater setbacks from the street.

During a 90-minute public hearing on June 12, Charles Bailey III— the attorney for Siesta Acquisitions LLC — told the five-member board that Zoning Administrator Donna Thompson was wrong in asserting that another section of the Zoning Code overrules the language in the approximately 15-year-old Siesta Key Overlay District (SKOD) part of the code. The SKOD, he said, was created specifically to encourage commercial redevelopment on Siesta Key. (According to the Florida Division of Corporations website, the manager of Siesta Acquisitions is Dr. Gary Kompothecras; he is a chiropractor best known for his “1-800-AskGary” advertising for medical referrals to his chain of clinics.)

The zoning determination Thompson issued on April 5 — in response to a letter Bailey had sent her — was that in the districts zoned Commercial General (CG) in the SKOD, the minimum street yard setback for a building is 2 feet. By right, under the Zoning Code, the maximum height of a structure in CG is 35 feet, she wrote; however, an applicant may request a special exception for a building to stand as tall as 85 feet on a barrier island in a CG zone. Once a structure proposed to be higher than 35 feet has been approved, she pointed out in the letter, the street yard setback “shall be 25 feet or one-half of the building height, whichever is greater.”

It took two votes before the board ultimately sided with Thompson. The first motion — to overrule Thompson’s interpretation of the Zoning Code — failed 2-3. Made by Vice Chair Frank Malatesta, it won support only from Chair Paul Radauskas.

The next motion — upholding Thompson’s

opinion — was made by board member Michael Shelton and seconded by board member Thomas Arthur. It also won a “Yes” from board member Nicolas Hemes.

At one point during the hearing, Arthur acknowledged a struggle with which Zoning Code interpretation was correct. However, he continued, the potential for an 85-foot building with just a 2-foot street setback “is a little excessive in promoting an active pedestrian life.”

Board member James Piatchuk recused himself from the hearing on the basis of ties to Siesta Key, he said.

Assistant County Attorney David Pearce — who serves as adviser to the Board of Zoning Appeals — explained that Siesta Acquisitions has the right to file a Petition for Writ of Certiorari in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in an effort to overturn the board’s decision. That action must take place within 30 days of June 12, Thompson noted.

SNL asked Bailey for a comment after the hearing, but he did not respond prior to Siesta Sand’s publication deadline.

A voice from the past During the hearing, Bailey said, “This SKOD district was to promote pedestrian life by encouraging new commercial buildings … to build to the sidewalk.”

Jim Ley, who served as the county administrator from 1997 to 2011 — the period when the SKOD was put into effect — also disputed Thompson’s interpretation of how the SKOD should be applied to street setback scenarios. Explaining that he was involved in the “lengthy but wellconsidered process” to create the SKOD, Ley told the board, “The County Commission knew it was dealing with a limited universe of commercially developable property on Siesta Key.” Even if the Board of Appeals ruled that Thompson’s interpretation was incorrect, Bailey stressed, that would not guarantee a 2-foot setback for a new building in a CG district: The County Commission could require a greater distance from the sidewalk.

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Siesta Sand

JULY 2017

SOUTH BEND ON SIESTA BEACH Allie Chrise (20), with sisters Christy (21) and Emily Schoenthaler (17) of South Bend, Indiana enjoying the benefits of spectacular Siesta Beach

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AT THE BEACH

DRUM CIRCLE BONDING Scarlett (3) perched high on her dad, John Searle’s shoulders, enjoying their first drum circle experience together. They traveled all the way from Halifax Nova Scotia, Canada and were spending a couple weeks at a Siesta Dunes Vacation rental on Siesta Key

WEDDING PARTY CRASHES DRUM CIRCLE Married just three hours earlier at The Field Club, bride, Beth Guilford of Tampa leads her husband Doug Greb of Toronto and the rest of the wedding party dancing one revolution around the Siesta Key drum circle recently

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JULY 2017

Two major traffic accidents occur within 8 hours on Siesta Key On Wednesday, June 14 around 6:15 p.m., there was a major accident involving 3 vehicles at Higel Avenue and Faubel Street, which closed the Siesta Drive Bridge for a period of time. The accident happened at the dangerous curve on Higel Avenue. There were 4 serious injuries, all taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

Of the 4 injured, one was fatal.

There have been 21 crashes in the Siesta Drive-Higel Avenue curve since 2012, according to the Sarasota Police. The curve has been called “Dead Man’s Curve” by residents that live in the area.

Siesta Drive and Higel Avenue are marked with flashing yellow lights, signs, digital speed alerts, and sharp turn arrows.

Just 8 plus hours later, less than a mile down the road, a single motor vehicle did not negotiate the curve traveling north on Ocean Blvd. crossing into the southbound lane hitting a retaining wall at a private home. This is the same wall a motorcyclist hit and died last year. The Ocean Blvd. curve has had four major accidents in less than two years.

A male was driving a 2016 Volkswagen Passat northbound on Ocean Boulevard around 2:53 a.m. when he missed the curve approaching Ocean Place. The car swerved to the right striking a tree, a landscaping wall and a second tree, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The driver was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. While the crash was not alcohol-related, the driver was cited for not wearing his seat belt, as well as careless driving, according to FHP.

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Trolley Program Update

|County administrator makes it clear that staff plans to keep the Siesta trolley running well beyond its pilot program

By Rachel Brown Hackney / www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com

The landscaped wall on Ocean Blvd. has been hit twice, in the same place, this past year

On June 14 around 6:15 p.m. a fatal three car accident occurred at the curve of Higel Avenue and Siesta Drive. Photo credit Sarasota Police Dept.

Since the free Siesta Key Breeze trolley was launched on March 20, county commissioners have joined representatives of island organizations in lauding its effectiveness. In recognition of its high ridership levels, Sarasota County Administrator Tom Harmer has assured the County Commission and the public that the circulator will continue to circulate well beyond the Aug. 11 ending date for the initial pilot program.

“We believe we can extend it for at least another six months,” Harmer reported during the board’s May 26 budget workshop. “It will give us a chance to put together a funding strategy for long-term stability of the route,” he added. “We’re optimistic that we can do that.”

Mark Smith, a Siesta Key architect who is chair of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, pointed out during public remarks that the extra six months would keep the trolley running until Feb. 11, 2018. He added, “Valentine’s Day historically is the peak of the season, so I can’t tell you how popular you all will be if the trolley stops at the same time that we have our maximum amount of visitors on the Key. … I urge you all to keep this trolley going, forever and ever, amen.”

Running on a constant loop from Turtle Beach Park on the southern end of the Key to Siesta Village, the trolley operates seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., including holidays. The cost per revenue hour is $73.95, according to figures provided to the board for the workshop.

That puts the annual expense at $1,066,174.

When Commissioner Michael Moran asked whether staff had consulted with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) about further funding for the trolley, Harmer replied, “That’s all in process right now.”

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Siesta Sand

JULY 2017

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY

AMERICA!!!

WE APPLAUD THE MANY THOUSANDS OF YOU THAT

HAVE SIGNED OUR PETITIONS. TOGETHER, WE WILL KEEP BEACH ROAD IN PUBLIC OWNERSHIP &

CONTROL - LIKE IT HAS BEEN FOR THE LAST 100 YEARS. OUR PETITIONS ARE THE VERY ESSENCE OF THE DEMOCRACY OUR FOREFATHERS ENVISIONED

FOR US. WE REFUSE TO IGNORE OUR RIGHTS, AND

THE RIGHTS OF OUR ELDERLY, MOBILITY- AND VISION-IMPAIRED CITIZENS AND VISITORS.

OUR SPECIAL THANKS AND HEARTFELT GRATITUDE

GO OUT TO ALL OF OUR PAST AND PRESENT MILITARY PERSONNEL FOR DEFENDING OUR GREAT NATION. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

FROM SARASOTA. FOR SARASOTA.

KEEP BEACH ROAD PUBLIC!!! www.reopenbeachroad.org Pd. Pol. Adv. Paid for by Reopen Beach Road, Inc. 617 Avenida De Mayo, Sarasota, FL 34242

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JULY 2017

Island Resident Wins Sonja Henie Award In May, Siesta Key’s own Judith Thomas was presented with the 2017 Sonja Henie award at the Professional Skaters Association banquet held in Franklin, Tennessee. This much-coveted award has been given annually since 1996 and is bestowed upon a female Professional Skater or Coach who has brought recognition to the sport in a positive and favorable manner.

Called Judy by friends, this beautiful and charming professional skater qualifies as a real-life “Fairy Godmother”.

Over the past 20 years, hundreds of young skater’s lives have been touched and transformed by her “hiring wand”. As Talent Director and Production Coordinator for Feld Entertainment’s DISNEY ON ICE, she has been able to open the world of skating to those she hires, providing them with opportunities to experience the joy of performing on ice all over the globe.

Born in Canada, Judy grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Her father, Pentti Lund, was a professional hockey player, the first Finnish hockey player to score a goal in the NHL. At the time, there were only 6 teams in the League. During his spectacular career, Pentti was a right winger for the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers and was also named 1949 Rookie of The Year.

Most Canadians get their first skates shortly after beginning to walk. While youngsters, the three Lund sisters enrolled in a club where they were trained in figure skating by skilled coaches.

As a child, Judy learned to skate solo and also in pairs, along with her twin sister. Soon Judy

was participating in the Winter Carnivals of Thunder Bay. In those early theatrical experiences, Judy knew she had found her niche. She truly loved the performances!

The girls practiced at their skate club both before and after school.

“You had to take the ice time when you could get it,” says Judy. “There were certain tests you had to pass.

We had school, cheerleading and all of that, but skating was our main focus. I grew up with my ‘extended’ skating family, and they continue to be a viral part of my world.”

Judy moved to Vancouver to finish school. One day, she crossed the border to go shopping in Seattle, and she saw a poster for ICE FOLLIES. “Oh… maybe I should audition for that,” she thought.

Judy auditioned, was hired, and started rehearsals in San Francisco that summer. At the age of 18 years old, her life as a professional skater had been launched!

She traveled all through the US and Canada with the ICE FOLLIES and HOLIDAY ON ICE. Then Feld Entertainment bought the show in which she was traveling, and created DISNEY ON ICE— which eventually expanded to become 9 shows which currently perform in 74 countries all over the world.

Interestingly, Feld Entertainment is located in nearby Ellenton, Florida. It’s a family-run company that has been in existence for generations. Many people in the company have come up through the ranks, as did Judith Thomas.

Judy continued as a skater and toured for 19 years before coming to her current position with the Feld Family in the 1990’s. Of her

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By Diana Colson

Judy Lund, Ice Follies ‘Dwyer Girl’ unique position, she says: “I have the most amazing job. I recruit the skaters, hire and cast them. I am blessed to be able to offer people incredible opportunities.”

As Talent and Production Coordinator for DISNEY ON ICE, Judith Thomas travels to both national and international competitions to do her recruiting.

She also visits DISNEY ON ICE shows when they are out on the road. Her busy schedule looks something like this: • January to April: visit shows and contracting meetings for the coming year.

• May and June: complete casting for the upcoming shows.

• July to November: new shows are in rehearsal and show visits.

Most rehearsals are held at the Feld studios in Ellenton. Says Judy: “Feld Entertainment provides a wonderful focused rehearsal environment—we even have our own ice floors!”

Judy’s key position allows her to create life-changing opportunities for skaters world-wide. Of her

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Disney On Ice 42nd Street Production

Ice Follies Opening production

Performers from THE ICE FOLLIES pose for a PR photo for Western Airlines profession, she says: “We are always looking for enthusiastic, athletic, talented figure skaters ready to be the hero in their own adventure.”

Judy met her husband, David Thomas, when both were performing on the ice. He, too, was a Canadian skater, who fully understands the demands and complications of the key position she now holds.

The couple lives in a lovely home on Siesta Key, and all their children have four paws.

Judy’s Dad, Pentti Lund, played hockey for the Rangers

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Siesta Sand

JULY 2017

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Financial Focus

|Declare Your Financial Independence Day We’re getting close to the Fourth of July, when we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy in this country.

The U.S. constitution grants us many of these liberties, but we have to earn others – such as our financial freedom. What steps can you take to achieve the financial independence you need to reach your long-term goals?

For starters, always work to build your resources. Contribute as much as you can afford to your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. At a minimum, put in enough to earn your employer’s matching contribution, if one is offered. If you don’t take advantage of this match, you are essentially leaving money on the table.

While how much you invest is an essential factor in gaining your financial freedom, how you invest your money is equally important. So make sure you have sufficient growth potential in all your accounts. While growthoriented investments, such as stocks and stock-based vehicles, carry investment risk, you can help moderate this risk by also including other investments, such as bonds.

Another way to gain your financial independence is to liberate yourself from the shackles of debt. This isn’t always easy, of course – most of us have experienced times when our cash flow simply wasn’t sufficient to meet our expenses, so we had to take on some type of debt, either through a credit card or a loan.

But the more you can control your

debts, the more money you’ll have to save and invest for your future.

One way to manage your debt load is to build an emergency fund, containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses, which you can use to pay unexpected costs such as a major car repair or a large medical bill. Ideally, you should keep this money in a liquid, low-risk account, so you can access the funds quickly and without penalty. Aside from possibly helping you control your debts, an emergency fund also may enable you to avoid dipping into your long-term investments to pay for short-term needs.

Thus far, we’ve only discussed achieving your financial freedom through methods of saving and investing. But you also need to consider your protection needs, too. If you were to become ill or suffer a serious injury, and you could not work for a while, your financial security could be jeopardized. Your employer might offer you disability insurance as an employee benefit, but it may not be enough for your needs, so you might need to purchase some additional coverage on your own.

And to help ensure your family’s financial security, you’ll also need sufficient life insurance.

You also might want to protect yourself from the catastrophic costs of long-term care, such as an extended nursing home stay. The average annual cost for a private room in a nursing home is more than $92,000, according to the 2016 Cost of Care Study issued by the insurance company Genworth.

And Medicare generally covers

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

only a small percentage of these expenses. You may want to consult with a financial professional to learn about ways you can protect yourself from the long-term care burden.

By following these suggestions, you can go a long way toward declaring your own financial independence. Consider taking action soon. Advertorial

Joe St.Onge, ChFC® Financial Advisor Edward Jones Investments 5112 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key, FL 34242

(941)-346-0560 phone (941)-320-4030 mobile Joe.StOnge@edwardjones.com This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Visit our new Siesta Village Liquors just next door!

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941.349.0194

JULY 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Boaters/Businesses:

9

Will this recreational area be destroyed?

Army Corps proposes dredging of Big Pass A 13 ft deep x 500 ft wide x 2 mile long dredging project will remove sand from the shoals and cut straight through the ebb shoal at the mouth of Big Pass. These shoals protect the Pass from storm wave action which could otherwise impact S Lido Key, S Bird Key and N Siesta Key. This dredged sand provides nearly 1 Million cubic yards of sand they plan to use for Lido beach nourishment. The Pass has never been dredged. The Corps will return every 5-7 years to dredge sand from the Pass up to 50 years. In reality, Lido beach only needs about 500,000 cubic yards of sand for the nourishment of the beach itself. [planned nourishment area is 200 ft wide, 10 ft deep, and 1.6 miles long] Yes, the proposed solution by the Army Corps would help Lido Key have sand.

But, what is the true cost of this?

Big Pass is the Mote Marine ‘go to’ place for marine life research.

The Pass has designation as Outstanding Florida Waters with abundant sea grass and mangrove , supporting life for fish, scallops and shrimp. Florida protected Manatee and Spotted Eagle Ray use Pass shoals for rest and food. Repeated proposed dredging of this area will cause much of the aquatic life to disappear.

Once dredged, all sea grass will be removed forever.

Significant new rip current will be introduced to the Pass.

Once dredged, a favorite recreational area used daily by tourists, boating community, fisherman, kayakers and beach-goers, disappears forever. Local commercial business has benefitted by supporting and using this recreational area, providing boat trips, guided treks in and around the Pass and shoals, Kayak tours, paddle boarding , picnics and special events are held on the sand bar.

The Army Corps reveals clearly in their Plan the results of removing the shoals. According to their study, once the shoal is removed, wave intensity increases by a factor of 60 - 80%.

A 3 foot storm wave now becomes more than a 5 foot wave with Nearly 80% increase in destructive energy.

This destructive energy will mostly impact South Lido Key County Park, interior shoreline of North Siesta Key, and southwest Bird Key. The planned dredge area will become a permanent part of our coastal landscape for routinely dredged sand from Big Pass. Without the shoal protection, the Pass changes forever while potential storm impact increases for those living along Big Pass.

Above photos by Elusive View Cinematography / Aaron Barnes

There is an answer right now that causes no harm.

The earliest the Army Corp plan could happen is 2018.

Congress hasn’t approved Funds for this project. Federal dollars would supply 60% of the cost. Multiple sources of sand are available immediately, such as nearby New Pass, in dire need of dredging.

It’s currently closed to navigation by the Coast Guard because of dangerous unpredictable shoals that block it. State approved sand sources known to Corps also are available off site.

We don’t need to risk the loss of major sources of tourist income and and potential damage to real estate.

We don’t need to destroy what is now a fantastic recreation area and one- of-a- kind coastal environment in our County.

The solution should be a WIN - WIN for everyone.

It exists now, without dredging Big Pass.

Contact your commissioners and say we don’t want this.

BCC@scgov.net or call 941-861-5000 Ad paid for by the Siesta Key Association.

SKA working for You!

For More Detailed Information, visit www.siestakeyassociation.com

DO YOU WANT THIS? OR THIS?

10

Siesta Sand

JULY 2017

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JULY 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

11

Flavors of India Sarasota - Authentic Indian Cuisine Flavors of India Sarasota is located in a strip mall about ¼ mile south of the Stickney Point Bridge. The outside of this restaurant appears unassuming, but when you enter it is anything but. The interior was remodeled when the new owners took over this location last year and has an amazing ceiling imported from India.

You may even think you’re in Indian heaven when you enter and smell the aromas that greet you. That’s because what they serve here is authentic Indian Cuisine. The daily luncheons are modestly priced at $8.99, during the week and the selections are more than you’d normally find in an Indian buffet. On the weekends they offer a Maharaja Buffet for $11.99.

Menu selections are also available for lunch. Buffet luncheons are served from 11:30 am – 3 pm. The dinner menu starts at 3 pm and lasts until 10 pm. In addition to the traditional Mango Lassi, Masala tea, and Madras coffee, beer and wine are also available for lunch and dinner.

From the many positive reviews, it is evident service and kitchen staff are professionally trained and continuously work to provide a quality service experience.

As one customer noted, “Fantastic! Greeted by smiles and enthusiasm in this lovely, cozy Indian restaurant.”

As for the food, well, just take a glimpse of some of the many comments posted on Yelp and Trip Advisor. ***Reeeeally great flavors. I don’t eat buffets usually but my friend and I were in a pinch for time so I made a compromise.... I’ve now returned 4 times. This is unlike any buffet I have had Indian or otherwise. It goes on and on: chutneys, salsas, salads, a couple vegetarian and several meat curries, rice and Briyani dishes, breads and desserts, with plenty of fresh Naan brought to the table - perfectly cooked and not

the chicken tikka masala is sooo good! Open on Sunday’s and has a very friendly staff. We will be returning again very soon. ***This is an excellent Indian restaurant and I’ve eaten at several throughout the US. Authentic and delicious and great service too! ***I highly recommend this restaurant! My family and I just moved here from Texas and we love Indian food so we decided to go there. We started with some samosas and as soon as we opened them steam came out; you can tell that they were just made and they tasted delicious!

I split the butter chicken with my mom and that was plenty for the both of us (basmati rice included). The sauce was to die for and the chicken was extremely tender to the point where I didn’t need a knife to cut it. My dad got the chicken vindaloo and I’ve never seen him devour a meal so quickly! He even asked for a second helping of rice. Our waiter was amazing and the atmosphere was relaxing. We have definitely found our hidden gem in paradise!

greasy. Both times everything was very fresh and good quality, super flavorful! It’s only $10 too - ridiculously good - it’s a must try.

Indian favorites. Kerala style shrimp curry was outstanding. Lunch buffet is varied and generous! Wait staff informative, welcoming and kind-hearted!!

***Went for dinner on a Wednesday night and my group had a paneer dish, a lamb dish and a vegetarian dish along with Mango Lassi and paneer naan. All were excellent. The service was very good, our server was very friendly and helpful. The rice was particularly tasty, I’m always impressed when a restaurant manages to master something that is so simple. The lamb vindaloo was VERY spicy, which is exactly how I like it. Delicious food, reasonable prices and great service. Highly recommend this place if you’re in the area.

***I have dined here once and I have to say the food was outstanding. When I dine out I rarely eat Indian as I never feel that the food taste like home (I am Indian). But my experience at Flavors of India was different. The beef fry was so much like the one u get back home. I tried beef, shrimp, Chole Bature and also a goat curry. Every single dish was delicious! Great staff and friendly service!!!

***Just recently discovered via Yelp review.

New owners. Food is authentic, fresh, beautifully prepared. They are from Kerala and menu offerings include many North and South

***The best buffet selection I’ve seen in a long time! The food was delicious. They have a great assortment of food from samosas to goat rogen josh! Everything is worth trying! And

Harbour Towne Yacht Club 3 Beds / 2 Baths This turnkey furnished immaculate townhome comes with Deeded Boat Slip, attached garage, and incredible storage space. Just a short walk to Siesta Key Beach.

Crescent Siesta Key 2 Beds / 2 Baths Luxurious turnkey furnished beach front condo, lives like a home with large indoor and outdoor living areas. Enjoy the 2 pools, spa, fitness center and miles of legendary Siesta Key Beach.

Dolphin Bay 3 Beds / 2 Baths Enjoy the sunshine and watch the boats go by from this Bay front condo with 3 outdoor patios. Immaculate property offers private garage, pool, tennis, clubhouse, fishing pier.

Just a short walk to Siesta Key Beach.

Bay Island Shores 3 Beds / 2 Baths This home sets on Sailboat water with breathtaking views of Roberts Bay and ICW. New seawall and dock with lift in place. Minutes to Gulf by boat!

***7 of us eat dinner at Flavors of India and we all would rate the experience with 5 stars.

Every entree was well prepared, with excellent sauces, generous sizes, and good service. It’s been hard to find a 5 star Indian restaurant.

While only open 5 months, they have already set a high bar. This place is now a must on all our lists.

“Our customers are our guests, and we treat our guests like god,” say co-owners Lijo Lukose and Sijil Mon Thomas, “ ‘Athithi Devo Bhava’ is our motto.” That pretty much sums up why they have such a loyal following.

Flavors of India is located at 7119 S Tamiami Trail, Ste. E, Sarasota, FL 34231.

(941) 921-9200. Hours of operation are: Mon, Wed, and Thurs - 11:30 am - 9:30 pm.

Fri, Sat, Sun - 11:30 am - 10:00 pm. They are closed on Tuesdays. (Advertorial)

12

Siesta Sand

JULY 2017

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Potential for a new public parking lot at 6647 South Midnight Pass steaming ahead

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Lin Kurant, manager of the county’s Real Estate Services Division, had identified the 1.84-parcel as owned by the county’s Utilities Department, with a structure on it used for training purposes by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. Although the commissioners were talking about surplus property the county could sell, Kurant recommended the board hang on to the Midnight Pass Road parcel.

Commissioner Alan Maio wholeheartedly concurred with that. “That property, I would say, may be our last and only opportunity for a parking lot on Siesta” or for a turnaround area for a trolley or bus, Maio pointed out.

During the board’s May 26 budget workshop, the commissioners not only reinforced their desire to keep the property, but they also directed staff to begin working with “folks on Siesta Key” — as Commissioner Charles Hines put it — to come up with prospective parking lot proposals.

Siesta Chamber Chair Mark Smith addressed the board that morning during the Open to the Public period, pleading the case for the parking lot as well as for continuation of the open-air trolley service.

He believes, he said, that the South Siesta parcel will hold 182 parking places plus a building in the center that could be used as a facility for people wanting to catch rides on the trolley. An architect with his own firm in Siesta Village, Smith presented the board members with a copy of the concept for the parking lot, including the 20-foot by 40-foot Siesta Key Breeze trolley stop with a courtyard.

When Chair Paul Caragiulo asked about Smith’s recommendation that shell be used for the surface of the lot, instead of asphalt, Smith noted that shell is allowed under the guidelines of the Siesta Key Overlay District zoning for the island.

It would be an enormous benefit to the Utilities Department not to pave the lot, Smith pointed out.

Because the site originally belonged to the Siesta Key Utility Authority, pipes are still in place underground, Smith said. All county employees would need to do to reach those pipes would be to remove the shell and begin digging, Smith added.

Commissioner Hines asked for clarification about which of the two buildings on the site is used by the Sheriff’s Office. Smith replied that the red property lines on his drawing encompassed that one. The other structure — outside the property boundaries — is owned by the Utilities Department.

“Thanks for the work you’ve done on this,” Caragiulo told Smith.

When the board members began their surplus property review later that morning, Kurant reiterated her February remark that the county’s Utilities Department staff “recommended hanging on to that parcel.” However, she noted, “that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be revisited as a temporary parking lot” until the Utilities Department staff needs it for another purpose.

“They currently have no need for it,” Commissioner Alan Maio stressed of Utilities Department staff members. “But a non-intrusive use could be accommodated there,” he added, such as a shell parking lot.

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Maio repeated Smith’s earlier comment about the ease of digging up the shell to reach the underground infrastructure.

“I am 100% in support of that concept,” Caragiulo said of the parking lot proposal. “Perfect,” Maio responded.

“I think, considering the critical situation of parking on Siesta Key, we would look crazy for putting this parcel out to bid, frankly,” Commissioner Nancy Detert pointed out. “I think we need to deal with our parking gridlock, first, and if we have a bare piece of ground, good for us.”

That was when Hines suggested staff start the process of turning the space into a parking lot. “That’s just a good use …”

“Just to make sure that we have a full house here,” Commissioner Michael Moran added, “I completely agree.”

“Five of a kind,” Caragiulo joked. “It’s a new [poker] hand.”

County Administrator Tom Harmer explained that after the Sheriff’s Office later this year moves several of its departments into a building the county has purchased on Cattleridge Boulevard, it no longer will need the training facility on South Midnight Pass Road.

In mid-February, Chief County Engineer Isaac Brownman told the board staff expected the Sheriff’s Office facilities relocation to occur in late summer.

Harmer also acknowledged the board’s direction to begin working on designs of the parking lot, which will be brought back to the commissioners.

In a May 30 telephone interview, Smith of the Siesta Chamber said one purpose in his making the comments at the board workshop was to make sure “everybody is informed and for the parking plan.”

As for actually creating the lot, he added, “It’ll take a little while to get it going. ”He and Bob Stein, publisher of Siesta Sand, had met with the board members individually prior to the workshop, Smith noted, to discuss the potential use of the parcel. “They could see that this is definitely something we need.”

In a separate telephone interview on May 30, Maio said “the relatedness of things.” The county’s $16.5-million purchase of the Cattleridge Boulevard building will enable the Sheriff’s Office to vacate that training space on Siesta Key, he noted. “With that happening, people came to the commission and said … the Midnight Pass Road property would make a great parking lot.”

He emphasized that the Utilities Department staff also was supportive of the use of the parcel for a surface parking lot. “That, to me, is definitely a non-intrusive use.”

And given county staff’s intent to keep the Siesta Key trolley service operating on a permanent basis, Maio continued, the South Midnight Pass Road property also can be used as a trolley turnaround location. “All inter-related,” he reiterated his earlier point.

Maio was especially pleased, he indicated, that the board members on May 26 were unanimous in agreement about the proposal for the site.

“When people are patient, calm, make their case full of facts, Maio said, “I think they have a commission that hears them loud and clear and does their very best to make things happen.”

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JULY 2017

Restaurant/Fish Market Serves Up a Big Dose of Seafood Freshness Living in Florida, you expect to find fresh seafood no matter where you dine. If you are a local seafood lover, you probably have a mental list of go-to restaurants which serve the freshest seafood. This new, up and coming restaurant/fish market will undoubtedly find a place on your list.

Fresh Catch Fish Market & Grill, located at 7119 S. Tamiami Trail, just south of Stickney Point Road in the Buccaneer Plaza, is a casual restaurant/market with indoor and outdoor seating for close to 30. It occupies the space formerly known as G’s Pizza.

The father/son duo, Bob and Devon Provost have a serious passion for seafood which started way back when the family lived in the Boston area.

Their simply prepared, never-fried, never-frozen dishes are paired with a variety of simple sauces that serve to complement, so the freshness of the seafood shines.

Your fish/seafood selection goes from the case onto the grill. Prepared grilled or blackened, topped with lemon and butter, Pico de Gallio or tropical salsa. Served with a fresh ear of corn on the cob and baby roasted potatoes. Soups, salads, sandwiches and steam pots round out the menu. If room permits, be sure to order a slice of their homemade key lime pie. Bob’s wife, Debra, makes the key lime pie, using freshly whipped cream. The restaurant also offers a nice selection of beers and wines.

Here’s what patrons are saying about the restaurant online: • This is my new favorite place in Sarasota or Siesta Key. It’s so good and fresh. I could eat here every night and you could with their daily specials. I want them all! We had the clam chowder and lobster bisque both wonderful, some of the best ever. The salads were nice and very good grilled bread slices to go with each. Steamed shrimp with old bay were fresh and delicious. The Royal Reds shrimp came on a skewer and were very good and big!! This dinner came with fresh corn on the cob and wonderful herb new potatoes. The crab pots looked so good I wish I could have had that too. Their one dessert key lime pie looked so good but too full to find out this time! Nice friendly services with a family run business in attractive casual surroundings. Will be back anytime I’m in the area.

As seen on abc7, Suncoast View with chef Judy, Best New Restaurants (April 5, 2017)

Welcomed warmly by the owners and felt the pride they take in their establishment. I had the fish stew and crab cakes. Stew was thick and hearty and the portion was huge. Crab cakes are all crab and perfectly prepared. Wife had a side salad and grouper fish tacos that she is still raving about. Given the quantity and quality of the food, prices are very reasonable. Will definitely be a regular.

• Tried this place on the recommendation of a friend.

Came by for lunch. Staff is very friendly. It’s a new place and one can tell they are new to the restaurant business. However, that’s not a negative. The effort they are putting in shows.

They really care about experience they are providing. I had the grouper tacos. My wife had the grouper sandwich. The grouper tasted like it was caught this morning. Perfectly seasoned and cooked. The sides are fresh and healthy tasting. We also got a pound of jumbo stone crabs that were excellent. This is definitely worth the stop.

• This Restaurant is a Wonderful Find! Excellent fresh fish. We had the See more reviews online at Devon, Debra, and Fish (Mahi Mahi) Tacos and the Fresh Yelp and Trip Advisor Bob Provost Catch. We brought a picky friend from Special orders and reservations accepted Belgium and she LOVED the food. The restaurant is tucked away in Buccaneer Plaza off 41 just Fresh Catch Fish Market and Grill is open from south of Stickney Pt. Bridge that goes to Siesta Key. We 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. will definitely be back.

941-413-7133 • Wife and I totally enjoyed our meal at Fresh Catch. freshcatchfishmarketandgrill.com (Advertorial)

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

13

14

Siesta Sand

JULY 2017

Sheriff’s Report

Siesta Key Round-Up

By Rachel Brown Hackney/Bob Stein During the May 17 Siesta Chamber membership meeting, Chair Mark Smith reported, “We have very sad news.” Brian Wigelsworth, Siesta’s own master sand sculptor who originated the idea for the Siesta Key Crystal Classic, “is battling throat cancer,” Smith said, “and he doesn’t have any insurance.”

Maria Bankemper, who has been a chair of the Crystal Classic for most of its existence, has set up a Go Fund Me page for people who would like to help Wigelsworth, Smith added. The Go Fund Me site reports that Wigelsworth remains “positive that he will become healthy again,” but he is concerned about his family.

The webpage assures readers that they do not have to give money; they can show their support by sending Wigelsworth a message. “Every little bit will help him along the way through his journey,” the page adds. The webpage address is www.gofundme.com/helpBrianfight.

Bankemper, who is the Chamber’s treasurer, is co-owner of the Best Western Plus-Siesta Key Gateway Hotel on South Tamiami Trail, just off Stickney Point Road.

Lifeguard hours extended on county beaches Sarasota County’s beach lifeguard operational hours have been extended on all guarded beaches from 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Those hours will be in effect through Labor Day weekend, a news release says.

Sarasota County’s guarded beaches are Lido Beach, Siesta Beach, Nokomis Beach, North Jetty Beach, Venice Beach and Manasota Beach, the release adds. For more information, call the county Contact Center at 861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net.

Continued on page 17

5263 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key Village vvv

www.siestasand.net

May 17 - June 19, 2017

There were a total of 39 crimes reported on the Key between 5/17-6/19/17

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5/20 Grand Theft 100 Block Columbus Blvd.

A woman attending an outdoor wedding placed her iPhone7Plus on a table and stepped away for an undetermined amount of time.

When she returned to the table, it was gone. An attempt was made by the victim to locate the phone and the locator showed that it was located in the area of 4000 N. Tuttle Rd. When she attempted to confirm the location prior to filing a report, the phone was shut down. The victim stated that she suspected one of the employees of the catering company but there were no witnesses to the incident and no physical evidence. The phone was valued at approximately $750.

5/22 Burglary /Vehicle 4000 Block Higel Ave. A set of golf clubs was stolen out of the rear of an unlocked hatchback. The car was parked in the driveway of the owner. The articles taken included: Titleist golf bag ($250), Taylor Made driver ($500), Taylor Made club ($500) Titleist clubs ($250 & $450), Bogey club ($300), Momentus club ($80), Scott Cameron club ($450) and a Bushnell range finder ($250).

No other items were missing or disturbed. There were no witnesses.

5/27/17 Grand Theft Criminal Mischief Public Beach A man reported 3 Harley Davidson decals were pried off his silver Ford F150 (Harley Davidson Edition) truck while it was parked at the public lot. The decals had been on the driver’s side, passenger side and rear of the vehicle. The investigating officer noted the scratches to the vehicle’s paint where the decals had been removed. The value of the decals was approximately $200 per decal.

The cost of the damaged paint for the vehicle is estimated at $300. The new car had been purchased two weeks prior to the incident.

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5/28/17 Assault 5000 Block Ocean Blvd.

The Sheriff’s office responded to a disturbance at a Village

nightclub. An intoxicated patron hit a club employee in the face.

The victim stated he had asked the suspect to remove his gold chain as per dress code policy. The suspect became verbally aggressive and demanded that a banner inside the club be sold to him. When the suspect began using profanity, he was asked to leave. At this time, he raised his hands behind his head and hit the employee in the eye.

The suspect was very intoxicated and could not explain what had happened. He could only state: “He told me something I didn’t like”. The victim did not wish to press charges and requested the suspect be issued a trespass warning.

5/30/17 Petit Theft 200 Block Canal Rd. An employee of a Village grocery store witnessed a man remove a bottle of wine from display, place it in his pants, and then walk out of the store without paying. The wine was valued at $17.99. The incident was caught on video. The next morning, an officer noticed the man from the video in the 5200 block of Ocean Blvd. He was wearing the same clothing he wore in the video. He admitted he took the wine and was charged with petit theft.

5/31/17 Battery On a Person Over 65 Undisclosed Location An officer was dispatched to a family disturbance where he met with the victim. She advised that she had been in a verbal, then physical altercation with her husband. She stated that the argument was in reference to her wanting to give a large sum of their money to her brother so that he could have a house. After finding

out that she had already given the brother some of the money, the husband became enraged and started to scream and hit her. According to the victim, she was hit in the head with an open hand followed by multiple pushes to her chest and shoulder areas.

The officer could not find any marks on her body. The husband admitted to making physical contact with her and was placed under arrest for battery.

6/3 Burglary/ Residential 9000 Block Midnight Pass Rd. A woman left her house to go shopping while her husband went for a walk. She said they left the front door, which is on the third floor, open since the husband was expected to return in a short while. The husband did not return as quickly as she had anticipated.

When she returned home, she realized the jewelry that had been lying on her dresser, was gone.

The items missing included: a gold necklace ($1000), gold charm ($1000), diamond bracelet ($1000), gold earrings ($800) and 2 gold bangles ($600). The incident had occurred more than a week before the report was filed. The delay was due to the victim’s daughter assuming the items had simply been misplaced.

6/9/17 Battery On a Person Over 65 700 Block beach Rd. An officer met with the victim of an assault he said took place approximately 6 weeks ago. The victim had decided that he wished to pursue charges at this time.

According to the victim, he was at the condominium at the request of the board to participate in water pressure testing of several units, which included a unit owned by the defendant. While inside the unit, the victim and suspect were discussing a conversation that had taken place during a previous meeting. The suspect became agitated and shoved the victim, as he demanded that he leave his unit.

The victim stated the shove left a bruise on his shoulder, which is no longer visible. He was unsure if the other people present at the time observed the incident.

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Sergeant peppered with parking questions 21 Years of a Massage Experience |Concerns this will happen again in July on Siesta Key 1996-2017

By Rachel Brown Hackney / www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com When exactly is a parking situation illegal? That was the question Sgt. Jason Mruczek, leader of the Sheriff’s Office substation, made an effort to explain during the June 1 Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting.

A woman who lives in Siesta Estates — which is across Midnight Pass Road from St. Boniface Episcopal Church — raised the question after Mruczek opened the floor to questions.

On Memorial Day, the woman told him, a number of vehicles parked on the grass in front of the wall that separates Siesta Estates homes from the road. Five people called the Sheriff’s Office, she said, but no deputies were dispatched to the scene.

“We just spent a lot of money on our landscaping in front of the wall,” the woman added.

When she spoke on the phone with someone at the Sheriff’s Office, the woman continued, the response she received was, “It’s private property,” so no deputy could respond to the situation. “I don’t understand why not one person from the sheriff’s department came out to try to help us resolve the problem,” the woman said. If someone is damaging private property, shouldn’t the Sheriff’s Office handle the situation, she asked.

If someone has parked on county right of way, Mruczek replied, a deputy could write the person a ticket.

“Five people called [the Sheriff’s Office],” the woman told him, noting that she called twice.

The person who answered her calls, the woman added, “tried to argue with me.”

Moreover, the woman pointed out, she and other Siesta Estates residents called about five towing companies, and all refused to come to the scene unless a deputy would be there. Towing company personnel indicated that they were worried about the harassment they would have to deal with from irate vehicle owners if a deputy were not present to ameliorate the situation, the woman said.

“There’s damage now on all our brand new grass that we just paid a lot of money to fix,” she added. At one point, she continued, about 16 vehicles were parked on that grass.

“We were on ATVs all day,” Mruczek replied, “and I didn’t hear one call” from dispatch regarding parking problems at Siesta Estates.

“I’m totally dumfounded,” the woman told him, adding that she wanted to prevent a similar situation from occurring over the July Fourth holiday. She also told Mruczek that the Sheriff’s Office “could have made a lot of money” from issuing tickets, mentioning a figure of $80 per citation.

In that type of situation, Mruczek told SNL, a ticket generally is $25.

“We can issue parking tickets to people that are illegally parked on rights of way,” Mruczek explained, adding that he would look into the circumstances of the Siesta Estate calls on Memorial Day. He noted that deputies issued about 200 parking

Turtle’s

tickets over the Memorial Day weekend on Siesta Key. “There were a lot of areas to get to.” Mruczek asked the woman to pick up one of his business cards on the table at the back of the room and give him a call.

Then SKA Secretary Joyce Kouba asked what she should do, for example, if a person she did not know pulled into her driveway and just left the vehicle there while the person went to the beach.

“It’s private property,” Kouba said.

“We have no right to tow someone off private property,” Mruczek explained, prompting murmurs among the approximately 60 people in the audience.

What if someone stole a bicycle from her yard, Kouba asked.

That would be theft, Mruczek replied. As for trespassing: Mruczek said the county ordinance necessitates signage forbidding trespassing and other criteria before a deputy can issue a citation.

For example, he said, a Girl Scout can go up to a private residence and try to sell cookies, and that is not considered trespassing.

Another person sought further clarification: What if a driver parks a truck in his driveway “two blocks from the beach and just walks away, the man asked. “That’s not a crime?”

“No,” Mruczek responded. However, the homeowner can have the vehicle towed.

“It’s legal to have them towed?” the man asked.

“Sure,” Mruczek said. “[The truck is] on your property.”

Mruczek added that the Sheriff’s Office can have a vehicle towed if the vehicle is on public right of way.

“Then I can take a sledgehammer—” the Siesta Estates woman began.

“That would be criminal mischief,” Mruczek told her.

He indicated that if a disturbance ensued over a parking situation on private property, a deputy would be able to respond to that.

“The law works in funny ways,” SKA President Harold Ashby said after Mruczek concluded the discussion.

In a follow-up email exchange, Mruczek wrote that he found one call Dispatch had handled about the parking at Siesta Estates on May 30; however, he has had difficulty nailing down whether a deputy did end up going to the scene.

On May 29, he continued, a deputy did respond to a complaint from Siesta Estates, but the deputy had to leave because of the outbreak of a fight at the public beach. The deputy was unable to return to that neighborhood until later that day, Mruczek wrote; by that time, only one car was left on the right of way, Mruczek added. That vehicle was ticketed.

Mruczek also explained that he called the woman who brought up the issue at the SKA meeting and “let her know we will check the right of way in front of Siesta Estates July 4th weekend” and on July Fourth itself.

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Siesta Sand

JULY 2017

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Holiday trash, embracing for the month of July By Rachel Brown Hackney Sarasota County Commissioner Alan Maio told SKA members during their June regular meeting that he and his colleagues on the board had received emails — and he already had talked with staff — about the Memorial Day garbage “from our visitors.”

He commended representatives of Siesta organizations — including the SKA — and “citizen volunteers” for their hard work on May 31, helping clean up the beach and putting bags of the debris in “big roll-off dumpsters.”

Maio readily acknowledged that people can be most inconsiderate about their disposal of trash. “They just drop stuff when they’re done with it.”

One member of the SKA board told him last year, he continued, that half a case of raw hamburger was left on the beach following one big holiday weekend. Apparently, the people who bought the meat cooked what they needed and just “left the rest rotting in the sun,” Maio said.

Noting that Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office deputies were standing in the back of the room, he added that his son is a deputy, too. “If I were king,” Maio said, sparking a wave of laughter among the audience members, “I’d have a deputy follow every one of the people visiting. … Obviously, I’m being silly; that can’t happen.”

Speaking again of county staff, Maio told the SKA members, “We’re doing the best we can.”

Sgt. Jason Mruczek of the Sheriff’s Office told the attendees that Deputy Chris McGregor, who has worked on the island for 18 or 19 years, reported Memorial Day this year was “probably the busiest he’s seen …”

The weekend for deputies “was extremely busy,” Mruczek said, prompting titters of laugher among audience members.

Michael Shay, a long-time volunteer who organizes cleanup efforts on the Key under the auspices of Keep Sarasota County Beautiful, shared a response he received from Carolyn Brown, director of the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, about the garbage. He had asked whether county staff would be willing to revisit an initiative he tried to start when he was serving as SKA president: a proposal for the county to install plastic bag dispensers at the beach accesses, to encourage visitors to dispose of their garbage as they leave the beaches.

Brown wrote Shay, “For every holiday, we order additional dumpsters, put out additional trash cans which are collected many times throughout the day and bring on additional staff resources. We have been discussing the circumstances from Memorial Day and do have plans to distribute garbage bags to beach patrons as they enter the

beach. We also plan to launch a campaign to educate the public and provide awareness of the importance of maintaining a clean beach environment.”

Shay also reported that he has a group of seven signed up for the Liberty Litter Cleanup scheduled for 7 a.m. on July 5 on Siesta Beach.

Brown noted in her response to Shay that Keep Sarasota County Beautiful expects to have hundreds of volunteers assisting with that July 5 undertaking on county beaches.

“We will be diligent in our efforts and continue to evaluate and make adjustments to trash collection as well as educate the public to protect our beautiful resources; however, it is truly the responsibility of the park users to clean up after themselves,” Brown concluded in her email.

On a related topic …

During his remarks at the SKA meeting, Commissioner Maio also announced that over the previous two weeks, county staff began installing 40 cigarette butt receptacles on Siesta and Turtle beaches in an effort to keep the shoreline free of that type of trash.

Keep Sarasota County Beautiful received $5,000 in the form of a 2017 Cigarette Litter Prevention Program Grant from the national nonprofit Keep America Beautiful, which is paying for the receptacles, county staff announced in May. Maio pointed out that “thousands of cigarette butts” are being left on Siesta’s beaches.

Michael Shay, the long-time leader of cleanup efforts on the Key, led a group in March in counting butts at the county’s request; they collected a total of 2,981 in two hours near the pavilion on Siesta Public Beach.

In concluding remarks on a variety of topics during the June SKA meeting, Maio said, “Put your cigarette butts in the beautiful new, free boxes we got with a grant.”

Just a day later, Shay emailed a photo of one of the receptacles, which had been installed at the beach access west of the Givens Street intersection with Ocean Boulevard. He noted that it has a lock on it, so someone on county staff will have to empty it.

Off Key

www.siestasand.net

By Robert Frederickson

|From Inventing Reality to the Greening of Sarasota Reality Up for Grabs?

You may recall Rachel Dolezal, the former head of the Spokane Washington chapter of the NAACP who self-identifies as black despite being born to white parents of northern European descent. You just knew this story wouldn’t end there though, but be just the jumping off point to a long strange trip down a bunny hole of Alicein-Wonderland proportions. And sure enough, now comes word of a University of Arizona scholar who identifies as...wait for it...a Hippopotamus. No, this is not fake news or this writer’s mistimed stab at an April Fools Day joke.

The news comes to us from the peerreviewed academic publication “Journal of Theoretical Humanities,” wherein Florentin Felix Morin reveals that his ‘hippo’ identity offers him the ability to break free from the constraints that “govern human bodies.”

He even explains that his hippo persona makes him feel ‘sexy.”

And of course, as is the standard these days, his friends, and colleagues at the University of Arizona play along so as to not appear “transphobic.”

My phobia? That it is far too late in the game to point out what should be obvious: that when reality is up for grabs there really is no reality...just a succession of ever deeper and ever stranger bunny holes to stumble into.

More Shape-Shifting Reality News Snapchat has announced an upgrade to their ‘Spectacles,’ those goofy looking glasses with small built-in video cameras that let wearers transmit whatever reality they are immersed in to any and all members of snapchat nation. The big new feature: Augmented Reality, so just in case your own personal reality is a bit too boring, you can spice things up with, say...a Tyrannosaurus Rex or giant Crocodile entering stage right for a little added drama.

Don’t judge...haven’t you noticed?

‘Fake’ is the new ‘real thing.’

Missing the Forest for the Trees?

‘Sustainable’ community that it is (with it’s very own ‘Green Team’ and full fledged sustainability manager) Sarasota proudly proclaims on its website that green space is “a top city priority,” even encouraging the public to call the city’s ‘green police’ (my

phrase, not theirs) “if you see any illegal tree removal activity.”

But a recently proposed stiffening of the existing rules protecting the city’s trees had some scratching their heads over the math involved. The change would have replaced current requirements that allow property owners to replace older, larger trees with smaller ones, opting instead for a new formula (proposed by Planning Board member Patrick Gannon) that would require that new trees replace mature ones inch-for-inch...either on the build site in question or elsewhere in the city.

But the proposed change was nixed after architect Michael Halflants gave a real world example of what the change would mean using the 160 unit Whitaker Bayou Condo project as a case study. Halflants explained that the proposed new rule would require planting 237 four inch trees on the site, effectively turning the property into a tree farm with no room left for any actual buildings.

But, as mentioned, common sense prevailed and the change was voted down.

The new course of action adopted by the City Commission?

Why of course, creation of a brand new “tree advisory committee,” demonstrating yet again that incubating and nurturing bureaucracy is the kind of ‘sustainable growth’ that comes naturally to government.

Quote of the Day “If I had a nickel for every time I said ‘Why me?’ I’d have probably said ‘Why me?’ more often.”–Tom Wilson

Prayers for Clyde Butcher Accomplished nature photographer Clyde Butcher is focused on recovery after a stroke suffered on May 6th. The legendary master of large format photography – much of it focused on revealing the hidden beauty of Florida’s interior – is back home now according to daughter Jackie where he is undergoing at-home rehab so he can get back to doing what he loves most: photographing nature and bringing it to those who appreciate his awe-inspiring work at his galleries in Big Cypress and Venice.

Our prayers are with Clyde and his family. If you’d like to reach out to him yourself, address your thoughts and wishes to Clyde Butcher, Venice Gallery and Studio, 237 Warfield Avenue, Venice, FL, 34285.

Continued on page 27

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Mary White of Still Waters Alternative Healthcare Incorporated, brings alternative and complimentary medicine to Siesta Key and surrounding islands of Sarasota. Wellness, at least for Mary, offers a fusion of many disciplines. Her years of higher education and experience assists her when considering your individual medical needs.

Services are available for the individual, couples or small groups.

Locations of services may vary depending on the client’s needs. “Our wellness spa is located just steps from Siesta Key beach where Midnight Pass Road meets Beach Road. However, you may see us on Longboat Key or our newest location coming soon to St. Armand’s Circle,” noted White.

Wellness services include Yoga Therapy for the islands. “The practice of this ancient healing art is centuries old,” says White. “With each pose or ‘asana’ you are powerfully affecting and altering your overall health, well-being, your life and those around you. Yoga Therapy is not only a practice, but very much a discipline offering numerous benefits; pain and stress relief, muscle and soft tissue rehabilitation as well as relief from symptoms of PTSD.” To the novice it may seem overwhelming. You say, “Where do I begin? I could never do this!”

Getting started is the most difficult step. First comes the desire and interest. Next is to contact Still Waters.

Third, allow qualified staff to evaluate your medical condition, make recommendations and work with you on developing a personalized routine.

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Still Waters is growing its professional team members. They offer both luxury spa and wellness served in a boutique spa environment.

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Siesta Key Round-Up 162/168 Beach Road

The fate of two Siesta parcels on the list for potential purchase by the county’s Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program remains up in the air.

When questions arose on March 29, Carolyn Brown, director of the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, and County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh told the County Commission she was trying to schedule a discussion regarding a proposal from the owners of 162 and 168 Beach Road that the county purchase the vacant lots.

Both parcels were the subjects of public hearings regarding Coastal Setback Variance petitions; each time, the petitions, which would have led to the construction of homes, were denied.

Subsequently, talks ensued about the county’s buying the parcels to add them to its parkland inventory.

In response to a question the last week of May about the status of the negotiations, county spokesman

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Continued from page 14

Drew Winchester said no update could be provided at that time.

Trolley detractors

Celebrating the Turtle Beach Park improvements

Although leaders on the Key have pointed to overwhelming support of the free Siesta Key Breeze, one group of business people has proven disgruntled.

During a May 30 telephone interview, Mark Smith, chair of the Siesta Chamber, acknowledged that owners and employees of the free ride services on the Key have complained that the trolley has proven tough competition.

Still, Smith said, he believes plenty of business is out there for those free ride companies. They are more of a “custom” transportation service, he pointed out. Whereas the trolley is “more for the masses,” Smith added, the free ride vehicles take people specifically from one point to another without the need to accommodate other passengers wanting to stop at a variety of places.

County commissioners, county staff and representatives of the firm that handled the work — Magnum Builders of Sarasota — gathered at Turtle Beach Park on the morning of May 31 for a ribboncutting ceremony to recognize the completion of renovations on the site earlier this year.

Begun in 2016, the county project included a new parking lot with 35 extra spaces; a new playground; covered picnic areas; a kayak launch and kayak washdown area; new sidewalks, paths and pedestrian crossings; and a stormwater conveyance system with a rain garden.

Turtle Beach Park has been welcoming lots more visitors, thanks to its serving as one of the primary stops for the Siesta Key trolley.

Continued on page 35

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Back at it, Cosentino is not giving up on North Beach Road For a couple of months, Siesta resident Mike Cosentino stopped making appearances at County Commission meetings. He was back at it on May 23, as the board held two regular sessions in Sarasota.

On May 23, Cosentino voiced admiration for Commissioner Nancy Detert, who was elected last fall, but he indicated he did not know that much yet about Commissioner Michael Moran, who also was elected in 2016.

Cosentino then accused the other three board members of being corrupt.

More than a year ago, Cosentino said, he undertook research at the Supervisor of Elections Office, where he discovered that Dennis and Wendy Madden had given money to the 2014 election campaigns of both Chair Paul Caragiulo and Commissioner Alan Maio.

The Maddens were among the three sets of owners of North Beach Road property who petitioned the board last year for the vacation of

a 357-foot segment of that road. The board also voted to allow the Maddens to combine the square footage of the abandoned road section with parcels they own landward and seaward of the road, so they had enough property to qualify for the construction of six new dwelling units in place of 12 units that do not meet modern building standards.

“You’re clearly outside of the law,” Cosentino told the commissioners on May 23, citing the county Comprehensive Plan policies he has referenced in his lawsuit against the county over the North Beach Road vacation.

“Everybody keeps saying, you know, ‘Mike, calm down,’” he continued. “When I started out, I said to the board, ‘This May 11, 2016 vote was a mistake. Let’s get together and fix this mistake.’ There has been no

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By Rachel Brown Hackney want to rebut.”

Allowing Cosentino to levy allegations against the board members without their offering any responses — as is their protocol — is “kind of a new concept to me,” Detert added. “To be accused of some of the things that speaker comes and tells us at every meeting, it’s a little hard to sit through. I just congratulate your calmness and fairness, frankly,” she told Caragiulo.

“Thank you, Senator,” Caragiulo replied. (Detert served in the state Senate prior to her election to the commission.)

attempt to fix this mistake.”

Cosentino then repeated a claim he has lodged in the past — that “numerous counts of false testimony were given under oath” during the May 11, 2016 public hearing on the road vacation and Maddens’ petition for a Coastal Setback Variance.

“You guys are using taxpayer dollars to cover up your illegal acts and to keep me from being able to speak,” Cosentino added of the county’s fighting his lawsuit. “I think it’s despicable.”

As that appearance came before Memorial Day, Cosentino also thanked all the members of the military “for giving me my right to free speech.”

The following day, Cosentino started out his comments with the remark, “Interestingly enough, social studies show that the biggest liars on the Earth all tell the truth 85% of the time … I stand before you to speak of the collusion and corruption that led to the horrible vote on May 11,” which, he continued, was predicated on lies, as demonstrated by “the various county documents” that he has obtained through public records requests.

Then Cosentino pointed out that May is Older Americans Month.

As he has many times in the past, he singled out Commissioner Charles Hines. On this occasion, he said that because of the May 11, 2016 vote, Hines’ mother “can’t walk down that street anymore,” referring to the vacated segment

of North Beach Road. The 2016 action has kept all of the elderly people and “mobility-impaired” from access to the road, Cosentino added.

In 1993, the county closed that portion of North Beach Road to vehicular traffic because the road had been damaged repeatedly by storms. The vacation the board approved last year allows all public access to the road, except by motor vehicle.

Cosentino proceeded to criticize County Administrator Tom Harmer for what Cosentino alleged was collusion with the three sets of property owners to close the North Beach Road section — again, citing documents Cosentino had obtained through his public records requests. (Many of them are referenced in his second amended complaint against the county. In April, the Maddens won a partial summary judgment ruling from 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Frederick Mercurio, in response to arguments in a counterclaim they filed against Cosentino.)

After Cosentino finished his May 24 remarks, Commissioner Detert asked to make a comment. She wanted to congratulate Caragiulo, she said, for his style of leadership.

Addressing Caragiulo, she continued, “Apparently, you believe in true democracy, where anybody can get up and say anything to us for 3 minutes, and it’s kind of a nice philosophy. Most of us would get angry or upset or

As for those proposed charter amendments …

Mike Cosentino is continuing to add valid voter signatures on his petitions for two proposed Sarasota County Charter amendments, which would reverse the County Commission’s 2016 votes regarding North Beach Road.

A May 31 check with the Supervisor of Elections Office found that the total on proposed amendment 4.1 is 3,788. That says, “The County shall not sell, and shall retain ownership of, Countyowned Parks and Preserves, and shall not vacate or sell Countyowned road segments or rights of way along or abutting any beach, river, creek, canal, lake, bay, gulf access or waterfront vista. The County shall encourage maximum right of way use for public access and viewing of waterfront vistas.”

Amendment 4.2 would rescind the abandonment of, or have the county re-acquire, the section of North Beach Road that the commissioners voted to turn over to the Maddens and the two other sets of petitioners. The total number of valid county voter signatures on that one as of May 31 was 3,792.

On April 17, the total on 4.1 was 1,563, while the total for 4.2 was 1,559, the Supervisor of Elections Office said at that time.

Altogether, Cosentino must have 13,866 on each proposed Charter amendment to get it on a ballot, the Supervisor of Elections Office has explained.

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A Vision for the Best Architecturally, Holderness plans to return the resort to its former glory, removing stucco added over the years and restoring the buildings with a nod to its mid-century clean lines.

“We’re changing today, to bring back what was yesterday, quality vibes and values of yesterday,” he told Siesta Sand.

The resort’s footprint and number of rooms won’t change.

But there will be plenty of upgrades, including plans to add a spa and remove one of the stairwells to make space for an in-house kitchen. From the added kitchen, quality food will be prepared for guests. “There will be a very nice breakfast with menu items such as cage-free eggs and organic fruits,” Holderness said.

Plans also call for an upgraded courtyard, along with the modern technologies and conveniences in each room. Room interiors will feature Coastal Contemporary styling, and exposed ceilings outside will have cedar or teak planks, Holderness said.

To make room for the addition of the upscale spa, some rooms could be reconfigured at the Siesta Key Resort — which was formerly a Best Western. The name of the resort will be tweaked as well, to: “Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa.” Through the addition of the variety of amenities and modern technology, the project is designed to cater to couples and families who want to do more than only spend time at the beach.

“Guests of today demand more,”

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Holderness said.

Holderness feels that tourist accommodations on the Key have come to rely on their location to the beach — instead of offering conveniences that today’s tourist wants. “People think we’ve got the No. 1 Beach, and that’s enough,” Holderness said.

“Well, it’s not” enough to keep tourists coming back. The resort’s amenities and creature comforts, Holderness noted, will be second to none.

At the upgraded Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa, amenities will almost rival the beauty of the beach. For instance, through an App for their cell phones, guests at the new Siesta Resort will be able to check in or ask room service for towels. Holderness, however, said he wants hotel staff to anticipate a need before a guest has to request — such as a family needing that extra towel upon check in, for example.

Calle Miramar Rendering of the new spa to be added as one of the updates for guests

Complimentary bikes and more From the courtyard, guests will be able to pick-up complimentary environmentally-safe bottled water, bicycles, beach towels, masks and snorkels, and find complimentary paddleboards, kayaks and Hobie Cats on the beach. Guests will be given bracelets, so staff will be able to identify who is a guest before giving them items for use.

Guests will also have use of a volleyball net that has been set up on the beach. Holderness believes protecting the natural wildlife is a

Complimentary teal bicycles are available for resort guests’ use

Rendering of the pool area

priority, and has incorporated turtle-safe poles for the volleyball net and has worked to preserve areas with native vegetation on the privately-owned beach, creating a buffer for endangered nesting seabirds.

Last month, at the courtyard area, Holderness added the teal bicycles that are available for complimentary use.

The resort fronts Ocean Blvd., and has rooms on both sides of Calle Miramar, with the pool on the north side of the road. The poolside rooms will soon have new patios overlooking the pool.

There will be new landscaping throughout the property, Holderness said, including shadeproviding palms anywhere his guests walk. “We have the choice location — not only on Siesta Key but front and center in the Village of Siesta Key,” Holderness told

Siesta Sand.

All of the work is designed to meet an ambitious goal: “It will be the nicest boutique hotel on the West Coast of Florida,” Holderness says.

The resort will be run by Beachside Management, Holderness’ rapidly growing management company based on Siesta Key. The company’s holdings include Siesta Key Beachside Villas, which Holderness renovated.

Holderness said the company’s systems lead the industry and the company works to provide both what’s trending and guest needs at its accommodations.

Rates will likely go up at the renovated Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa, although Holderness expects couples and families will be able to find a deal during off season.

Vision into Reality The investor purchased the hotel on May 15, under the company name of Siesta Key Resort Spa, LLC, according to the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s office. The two-story hotel includes a total of four buildings. It was built in 1955.

The new ownership group (SKRS,LLC) is applying for permits with Sarasota County.

To make the Christmas time line, crews will be working hard to wrap up the project, Holderness says. That means, for instance, different crews will be working one after another within each room.

In addition, the resort will have transportation available. And resort guests can take a spin to the beach or through the Village on one of the teal bicycles.

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Advice and entertainment SKA members who have seen Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Ed McCrane make presentations on preparations for hurricane season know McCrane is a man with a good sense of humor. McCrane sprinkles in plenty of anecdotes to drive home his points. That was the case again recently, when he addressed SKA members on June 1, the start of the current hurricane season.

“You did pick a pretty good area to live,” McCrane told the approximately 60 people in the audience. “From what I understand [Siesta Key is] protected by Indian spirits. I choose to believe that.”

Local lore says the Seminoles hundreds of years ago used the area as a sacred burial ground.

McCrane also pointed out, “We don’t have volcanoes; we don’t have blizzards. We don’t have big earthquakes or tsunami threats.

But we do live in the tropics,” which means the potential exists for hurricanes each summer and fall.

And while tornadoes often form in conjunction with hurricanes, he said, “we don’t get the tornadoes like the one that took Dorothy’s house to the Wizard of Oz.” Although mobile home residents were not among the audience members, he explained that anyone living in such a dwelling always is advised to evacuate if a hurricane is approaching. However, if someone has not evacuated and a storm is about to strike, McCrane said, the advice emergency management personnel traditionally give mobile home dwellers is to go outside and lie in a ditch. “In Florida, I don’t get in ditches,” he added. “Alligators are usually in ditches.”

Because all of Siesta Key is in Evacuation Zone A, McCrane pointed out, every resident should evacuate if a hurricane is predicted to affect the area. Asked if hotels are safe, he replied that if they were built since 2000, structurally, they are safe. Nonetheless, he cautioned, anyone planning to stay in a hotel or motel should call the facility and ask whether it has hurricaneresistant windows and whether staff will be on hand during the storm to provide services.

When laughter ensued at the latter part of that answer, McCrane provided his firsthand example about why the question is necessary.

In 2004, he said, when Hurricane Frances was assaulting Florida, he was on his way to the East Coast to assist with emergency management operations. “It was raining very hard,” he continued, and he needed to stop somewhere to use the restroom. He ended up stopping at a hotel he had spotted with a parking lot filled to capacity. When he entered the building, McCrane said, “four people in the lobby stopped me.” They were locked out of their rooms and wanted help, he continued, but he told him he had no way to assist them.

When McCrane asked about the hotel staff, the people told him all the staff had left, pointing to a sign on the front desk that said the hotel management wanted to ensure all of its employees would be safe, so it had sent them home. The sign directed people needing help to call a telephone number, McCrane noted. When he asked if any of the four people who had stopped him had tried the number, he said, all of them replied that they had. “The phone rang right next to the sign.”

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Petition for Boat Dock Denied One neighbor on the same canal — Larry Redell of Mangrove Point Road — told the board he has been in his home 24 years. When he and his wife saw the petitioners’ boat on the water, “we were quite bewildered” because of its size, at 27 feet. Then, when they learned of the request for the dock and lift, Redell said, “frankly, we were stunned.”

Robyn Marin - another Mangrove Point Road resident - faced the petitioners in the audience when she said, “You knew the property couldn’t accommodate the dock.”

Given the length of the petitioners’ shoreline and the need for buffers between the property at 601 Lotus Lane and the parcels on either side, the appropriate size of the vessel would be 17 feet, Chance Steed of the county’s Environmental Permitting Division staff explained.

One adjacent neighbor would have to back his boat out of its dock, Steed said, and then take care in turning around, to avoid hitting the petitioners’ pier or boat.

In his rebuttal, Derek Rooney, the attorney for the petitioners — Steven J. Becker and Sherri L. Fowser — told the board he had seen or heard nothing in the testimony or in correspondence from the public that he would “deem competent substantial evidence” in calling for the board to deny the permit request.

Commissioner Alan Maio took exception

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to that statement in making the motion.

Having read the documentation from staff “many times,” Maio said, “I think there’s ample findings by our staff … for this denial. … I wish people would do a better job of due diligence.”

In seconding the motion, Commissioner Michael Moran called the decision “very difficult,” saying he traditionally supports the rights of taxpayers to use their property to the fullest. However, Moran added, “I can just tell you what’s before us today is just much too aggressive for my liking.”

In a June 2 telephone interview, Rooney said, “The Beckers are considering other design options. … Unfortunately, because of the very narrow space [on the canal] … they will pretty much have to get neighbor signoff for any proposal.”

He added, “We don’t really know what remaining options there are.”

The request As a May 24 county staff memo explained, Becker and Fowser purchased the property at 601 Lotus Lane in 2011. The parcel “is located on the interior of Siesta Key and has shoreline fronting a canal within the Grand Canal System,” the memo adds.

On Dec. 13, 2016, the memo continues, staff received an application for the construction of the dock and boatlift. However, it notes,

the structures would exceed the maximum area allowed for them under the county code: The dock and boatlift would take up about 418 square feet. Yet, the memo says, “The standard siting criteria for a staffadministered Minor Work Permit would limit the subject property to no more than 334 square feet of preempted area …”

Steed showed the board members several slides, so they could see the 27-foot vessel Becker and Fowser have been keeping on the canal. “When it is parked here,” Steed said, “it is too long for the site.”

During his presentation, Rooney pointed out, “There’s no consideration [in the county code] for unusual standards,” such as those existing with the property at 601 Lotus Lane.

Additionally, he said, if the dock were built perpendicular to the shoreline, the boat no longer would encroach on the neighbors’ access to the water.

Becker explained to the board that he and Fowser moved permanently to Siesta Key in 2013 “and expect to retire here.”

Over the past year, he continued, they had built a new house on their property, making it only the second one in the neighborhood to conform to modern building codes. “We love to boat,” he said. “We really just want to get the boat out of the corrosive seawater that you know exists.”

More protests Among the other Siesta residents who protested the Beckers’ proposal, Gregory Montwill of Higel Avenue told the board he has no access to the davits on his shoreline because the Beckers’ boat encroaches on his property.

“This is about a community of respect and kindness, so we do work with our neighbors,” he added. “But what [the Beckers are] requesting is beyond respectful.”

If the board allowed the couple to build the perpendicular boat dock, Montwill continued, other boaters who come into that part of the canal would have no way to turn around so they could leave it. Before buying a 27-foot boat, Montwill said, the Beckers should have thought about the fact that they had only 33 feet of shoreline.

Following the public comments, Chair Paul Caragiulo looked at an aerial map of the Beckers’ property and noted the boat was visible. “The amount of space that it consumes is pretty conspicuous.”

Rooney, who told the board he has expertise in riparian rights, said that because the canal is man-made, the property owners do not have the same right of access to it that they would if the waterway were a natural one.

“There’s actually no shortage of artificial canals in Florida,” Caragiulo replied.

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News Up & Down the Trail Marketing company relocates west Another company is relocating to Sarasota, this one is moving from Boca Raton. The software and digital marketing company FloorForce is relocating to downtown Sarasota and has announced plans to hire 72 fulltime employees over the next five years.

The company will be housed inside Bold, 1680 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, the former home of the Hub, and will receive $144,000 in county tax dollars as part of an incentive package that will be paid out over eight years as jobs are created and maintained.

FloorForce works with more than 250 flooring manufacturers and more than 1,000 floor-covering retailers. The company bills itself as “maintaining the largest database of flooring products in the world” and provides website and marketing services to manufacturers, distributors and flooring retailers across North America.

Homestead fraud in the millions Homestead exemptions can save resident homeowners thousands, but recent fraudulent exemptions have cost the county millions.

Sarasota County is slated to receive $8.3 million more in property tax revenue, thanks to an extensive homestead fraud audit that found $76 million in new taxable property value across the county.

The audit uncovered more than $8.3 million in property taxes owed from fraudulent homestead exemptions claimed throughout Sarasota County. The audit found nearly 550 cases of homestead exemption fraud.

Sarasota County is believed to be the first in the state to conduct such an extensive audit into the lucrative exemption for resident homeowners. The county property appraiser submitted a total of 110,000 homestead exemptions to an outside auditing firm. Of those, 98,000 were analyzed. The other 12,000 had been recently reviewed and approved in 2016, so they were excluded.

In Florida and many states, property owners can claim a tax break for the home they live in fulltime, referred to as a homestead

exemption. Owners cannot claim the benefit on more than one property, but it can be difficult for property appraisers in different jurisdictions to track, leading to some accidental and some more intentional attempts to claim residency. The 547 cases of fraud represent only about 0.5 percent of local properties receiving the exemption in the county.

City, county mull tax increases Residents should get prepared for the possibility of saying “Goodbye” to flat tax millage rates.

As the city and county work through the summer on respective budget processes, each government is proposing the first property tax increases in years.

Both the City and County Commissions are considering increases of 0.1 mill to their respective property tax rates, according to budget proposals.

Each increase, if implemented, would cost the owner of a $250,000 home with a homestead exemption a little more than $20 more on their tax bill for the coming year, which would mean about $40 for a home within city limits subject to both increases, city and county financial staff said. That amount would increase for the properties worth more this year as part of the county property appraiser’s increased values. Sarasota County also will consider a new 5 percent “public service tax” on utilities — electric, gas and water consumption — for customers in the unincorporated county to help close the county’s projected budget gaps in the next five years, according to the proposal. The state allows certain local governments to charge up to a 10 percent tax on those services, which the city already levies.

Budget workshops began in June, for both the county and city. Sarasota County finalizes its budget in September after public hearings. If OK’d this year, the county’s tax increase would be the first in two decades. The increase, according to county officials, would help cover funding several new and deferred capital projects, such as a new sheriff’s office headquarters on Cattlemen Road, a new sheriff’s office fleet facility, a renovated south county courthouse, and preliminary plans to replace the county’s energy

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By Roger Drouin plant that distributes power and air conditioning to the jail, county offices and courthouses.

New Bobby Jones design takes shape A golf architect has been wrapping up design work for the Bobby Jones Golf Club master plan.

Richard Mandell held recent public workshops at the city-owned golf course to provide updates on his work and seek public feedback on the plans. Most of the more significant improvements Mandell is recommending are contained to the Gillespie Executive Course west of Circus Boulevard, which he wants to transform into a training area with a larger driving range. Mandell is also recommending significant infrastructure improvements, including improved stormwater drainage. On the two 18-hole courses, the American and British courses, Mandell wants to preserve the character of the 36 holes while also improving the conditions for golfers.

The city has voiced a goal of reinvigorating Bobby Jones as both revenue and public use of the course have declined annually. In 2015, a citizen advisory committee recommended $14.5 million in improvements. In January, the city approved a $115,000 contract with Richard Mandell Golf Architecture to develop a master plan. There’s no timeline on the improvements at this point, but improvements would likely be conducted in phases. Mandell is scheduled to present a final report to the City Commission this month (in July).

Bayfront group sets planning goal The Sarasota Bayfront is going to look different soon, if planning efforts come to fruition — and a blueprint of those plans could take shape as early as next year.

By June 2018, Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 wants to have a Master Plan for the bayfront. In the meantime, the group wants to generate some activity on the property.

Sarasota Bayfront 20:20, the group leading the bayfront planning effort, has set the goal of submitting to city officials a community-driven Master Plan for redeveloping more than 40 acres of city-owned bayfront land near the

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

The Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization, composed of a group of residents working in coordination with the broader Bayfront 20:20 community group, is searching for a planning consultant to take the lead in developing the master plan. Between July and September, the Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization will solicit responses. The group hopes to choose a company by October.

Comp Plan earns reward The county’s Comprehensive Plan has received the 2017 Award of Merit from the Florida Planning and Zoning Association (FPZA).

The FPZA is a professional planning organization consisting of planners, zoning officers, property owners, developers, engineers, private and public lawyers, landscape architects, appointed and elected officials, lay persons, businesses and administrators. The organization’s awards committee noted it was impressed with the streamlined, user-friendly plan, which guides the county’s decision-making related to the physical development of the county.

Last year, the county’s Planning and Development Services staff, as well as more than 50 subject matter experts from each county department, completed an 18-month update to this important, overarching plan in order to reflect changes to community characteristics and demographics.

Staff received the Award of Merit during the 2017 FPZA Awards Luncheon at the Ritz Carlton Golf Resort in Naples.

Honoring Mr. Downtown June 17 was Paul Thorpe Day at the downtown Sarasota Farmers Market. In 1979, Thorpe, a local merchant, started the market.

According to the Farmers Market website, it started with only a few vendors and has grown over the last 38 years into being recognized throughout the country as one of the most successful markets. Paul, known as Mr. Downtown, has organized many events that have attracted people to the downtown core, including the farmers market.

Burn ban lifted in county Recent rain did more than

green lawns and landscaping.

Last month, Sarasota County Fire Chief Michael Regnier lifted the countywide recreational burn ban that was put in place back in April.

The mandatory burn ban for the county was put in place until weather conditions changed and the chances of wildfire were reduced. Since seasonal rain patterns have begun, officials have seen a reduction in the wildfire threat throughout Sarasota County.

When Sarasota County enacted the ban, wildfires had affected 88,434 acres of land in Florida between Jan. 1 and April 21, according to the Florida Forest Service.

Although the burn ban was lifted, Regnier urged Sarasota County residents to always be safe when dealing with fire and to always follow local open burning ordinance rules and regulations.

Coast Guard closes New Pass The U.S. Coast Guard closed New Pass to boaters in the middle of last month. The Coast Guard closed the channel between Longboat and Lido Keys and removed the navigational markers.

“In nine months, the channel has become unsafe due to shoaling that was intensified following the major storms during the 2016 hurricane season,” a Coast Guard official said in a news release. Two channel lights will be changed into “Danger Shoal” markers.

The Coast Guard says boaters should avoid the area until after it is dredged, and they say aids to navigation will be returned once conditions improve.

North Port leads growth According to the U.S. Census, all nine municipalities in the SarasotaManatee region experienced population growth, but at varying rates. As a continuing sign of recovery from the Great Recession, the region experienced population growth during 2015-16, according to data released in late May by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The growth varied considerably, with 2,056 new residents who settled in North Port — making it the fastest growing city in the twocounty area — to 20 newcomers new to Bradenton Beach.

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VILLAGE MAP pgs 24 - 25

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 46

GULF GATE SHOPS pgs 32 - 33

CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 26

LOCAL MAPS INSIDE

LIVE MUSIC PAGE 28

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

Siesta Key Drum Circle Before You Leave...

If you have any non-perishable food items that have not been opened, the Siesta Key Chamber, located at 5114 Ocean Blvd, in the Village at the Davidson Plaza along with St. Michael’s Parish, located at 5394 Midnight Pass Road will gladly take these items and pass them on to the less fortunate in the Sarasota area.

Chamber hours for items to be dropped off are as follows: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For instructions on after hour drop-offs, please contact the Chamber office at 941-349-3800.

St. Michael’s hours for items to be dropped off are as follows: Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – Noon and again from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. – Noon.

If you are dropping off items after hours, please leave any items at the front door of the parish office.

For any additional questions, please contact the office at 941-349-4174.

Every Sunday is a perfect time to come to the Key to reconnect with Mother Nature and to enjoy some wonderful entertainment. I’m talking about the Siesta Key Drum Circle that takes place each Sunday starting about an hour before sunset and lasting until 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 Courtesy of Samantha Rose.

Before you leave Sarasota, you must try this one!

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

941-922-3797

Lunch Turducken Sandwich $8.95 and Dinner Turducken $18.95 w/mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce

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NOTICE: Looking for the Village Barber?

For those that have enjoyed the cuts and comradery at The Village Barber over the years, you can still continue to see Scott at his new location. In July 2015 Scott Reich announced moving out of the Village and off the Key. Reich and his stepfather Pete Sparks had been servicing patrons in the Village for the past 20 years. The Siesta Center was sold and the new ownership of the Ocean Blvd building wasn’t quite meeting up to expectations he and Sparks had of the new landlord. Sparks announced his retirement and Reich announced a move to The Shop SRQ at 6625 Gateway Ave. in Gulf Gate. You can reach Scott Reich at 941-3460222. His hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tues – Fri, and Sat from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.

SiestaKeyBarbershop.com

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Trolley Program Update Continued from page 5

As for the amount of state financial support the county might win, Harmer noted only, “We’re not anticipating zero. … I think there’s a lot of interest in the route at the state level, as well. Everyone sees how popular it is.”

Not only is the service free, but Harmer also noted that all a person has to do is flag down the vehicle to catch a ride if the person is between the regular stops.

Referring to the annual expense of the circulator, Commissioner Nancy Detert pointed out, “Sometimes, for a million bucks, you’re getting 5 million dollars’ worth of good will and just a happier experience.” She continued, “I would really kind of support keeping it free for at least another full year, till people get used to it and appreciate it. Then, if it becomes too much money, we look at

DISCOVERTHEYEAROFTHE

charging people.”

Still, Detert pointed out, charging riders entails its own set of problems, including the need to make change. “It just becomes a very complex issue.”

“For right now,” she said, “anything free in today’s world is a lovely surprise. We do cater to tourists and vacationers and want them to have a good experience while they’re here.”

“Commissioner Detert said what I was about to say and said it very well,” added Commissioner Alan Maio, who represents Siesta Key in District 4. “We don’t always do everything right,” he said, noting that members of the public readily point to things they feel the board and staff do not handle well. The Breeze, he continued, “washed away heartburn. It was a tsunami of heartburn being washed away.”

Maio praised Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) staff for the way it had worked with representatives of Key organizations who long had called for an open-air, island-atmosphere trolley. “It’s just been an enormous thing.”

Drawing laughter, he added, “Even with my sense of embellishment and exaggeration, I would never come up with the actual ridership

Daiquiri

MEET ME AT THE DECK!

2-4-1

3-7 PM Y L I A D S I DAIQUIR ACCOMMODATIONS Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa.....Map-A #38A ANTIQUES Relics on the Key .................................Map-D #9 ART GALLERY / STUDIO Calle Studios..........................................Map-B #32 The Gallery on Siesta Key................... Map-D #11 ATM / BANKS PNC ATM.............................................. Map-C #61 Martin Funding.......................................Map-E #1 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 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

NOW WITH 4 LOCATIONS...

SOUTH SIESTA KEY • ISLAND OF VENICE • SIESTA KEY VILLAGE • ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE Map B #42

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COFFEE SHOPS Lelu’s Coffee Lounge......................... Map-B #31 The Local Bean.....................................Map-D #62 DRUGSTORE Davidson’s Drugs................................Map-D #65 FASHION & ACCESSORIES Beach Bazaar’s & Swin Shack........... Map-C #28 Blvd. Beachwear....................................Map-B #30 Comfort Shoes-Birki & More...........Map-D #64 Everything But Water.......................... Map-D #12 Foxy Lady Fashions............................. Map-A #40 Gidget’s Coastal Provisions.............. Map-B #44 Island Boutique.....................................Map-B #50 Island Style............................................ Map-C #53 Lotus Boutique..................................... Map-D #66 Marley Vibes........................................... Map-D #9 Sea Shanty............................................. Map-C #24 Siesta T’s.................................................Map-B #30 The Sandal Factory...............................Map-B #46

DAIQUIRIDECK.COM

GAS STATION Circle K Store...........................................Map-E #6 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Beach Bazaar........................................ Map-C #28 From God’s Garden............................... Map-D #9 Island Trader......................................... Map-C #51 Sea Pleasures & Treasures.................... Map-C #2 Siesta Key Outfitters...........................Map-D #11 Siesta Kids..............................................Map-B #36 HEALTH & FITNESS Indep. Lifestyle Solutions .................. Map-D #10 Siesta Key Fitness............................... Map-B #73 ICE CREAM/TREATS Big Olaf Creamery............................... Map-C #52 Ciao Gelato............................................ Map-C #50 Made in Rome Gelato........................ Map-C #53 Meany’s Mini Donuts.......................... Map-C #24 SubZero Ice Cream/Yogurt................ Map-D #16 Sunni Bunni Frozen Yogurt................ Map-C #53 The Donut Experiment........................ Map-D #16 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs..................................Map-D #65 Internet Cafe........................................... Map-D #9 Lelu Coffee Lounge............................ Map-B #31 The Local Bean.....................................Map-D #62 JEWELRY Created Gems....................................... Map-C #51 Mount -N- Repair Jewelers.................Map-D #9

Map C #61

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

numbers that independent people are giving us. They are phenomenal.”

Figures provided by SCAT showed that from March 20 through April 30, the total number of riders was 58,478.

Maio further concurred with Detert about wanting to see the service remain free, at least through the six-month extension of the current contract.

Staff may have to re-advertise the bid for the service, Harmer explained, but extending the current contract for six months will allow staff to work on the details of a longer-term agreement. The latter can include tweaks to the route, he indicated.

Smith of the Siesta Chamber stated in a May 30 telephone interview that he remains hopeful the trolley’s route can be broadened to encompass stops on Higel Avenue, with the Breeze eventually traveling into Siesta Village from both the north and south.

Applause for the county’s action During the telephone interview, Smith reiterated the positive impact the service has had on island traffic. The Siesta Chamber board recently committed another $5,000 to

market provide and eve promot In th of how many Associa meeting absorbe after SK fall.)

Long Associa trolley Breeze, Grail ty More importa … that because a coup and Co extreme The proven “It reall

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ting for the Breeze, he said; it earlier ed $5,000 for banners, signs, buttons en videos for Facebook and YouTube to te the service. he May 30 interview, Smith also talked w dreams of a trolley service dominated discussions at Siesta Key Village ation (SKVA) and Siesta Chamber gs through the years. (The SKVA was ed by the Chamber at the end of 2016, KVA members approved the action that

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AT THE BEACH 2

1: Abby of Grand Rapids, MI, enjoying the sunshine and super soft sand of Siesta Beach, again named the No. 1 beach in the U.S. 2: Jessie of Terra Ceia has been enjoying our beautiful beach since she was a child 3: Jess a student at Hope College near Holland, MI, enjoying a stress free, first time visit to incredible Siesta Beach

3

g-time directors of the Village ation lobbied for decades to see the become a reality. The creation of the , Smith added, “has been almost a Holy pisode.” eover, Smith said, “It’s always ant in any endeavor with government you have someone champion the cause, e you just need someone that can make ple of phone calls and nudge folks … ommissioner Maio has been that. We’re ely grateful for it.” other commissioners this time have n “very supportive,” too, Smith noted. hasn’t been a hard sale.”

• segway rentals • PaDDleBOarDs • scOOter cars • kayak tOurs/rentals • Bikes • scOOters Map B #34 • Beach gear 5255 Ocean Blvd • Siesta Key Village www.robinhoodrentals.net

941-554-4242

MAILING - SHIPPING UPS store............................................... Map-A #41 US Post Office....................................... Map-D #65 MARKETS/FOOD STORES Circle K Store...........................................Map-E #6 Morton’s Siesta Market...................... Map-C #25 Map D #64

MASSAGE Hands of Light Massage......................Map-B #35 Massage Experience Siesta Key........Map-D #62 Massage Therapy....................................Map-E #1 Siesta Key Massage Ctr........................Map-D #9 MEDICAL - DENTAL Siesta Medical Center.......................... Map-D #63 Siesta Key Physical Therapy............... Map-D #20 Siesta Dental........................................ Map-B #49 MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce....................... Map-D #67 Roberti Enterprises.............................. Map-A #39 Tarot Card Reading & Gifts.................Map-B #50 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Edward Jones Investments................Map-D #68 Smith Architects...................................... Map-E 74 REAL ESTATE / RENTAL SERVICES Ascendia Real Estate............................ Map-D #11 Coldwell Banker Realty....................... Map-D #20 Horizon Realty......................................Map-B #34 Island Homes........................................ Map-C #51 Key Realty.............................................. Map-E #5 Michael Saunders Realty................... Map-E #72 Re/Max Alliance Group..................... Map-D #60 ReMax Tropical Sands.......................Map-D #67 Robasota Rentals & Real Estate.......Map-A #39 Siesta Key Realty...................................Map-D #9 Waterfront 7 Realty.............................. Map-C #56 Waterside Realty.................................. Map-C #29 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 LeLu’s Coffee Bar................................ Map-B #31 Lobster Pot............................................ Map-C #23 Napoli’s Italian Restaurant................. Map-C #53 Old Salty Dog Rest. & Pub.....................Map-E #2 PI Pizza & Craft Beer...........................Map-A#37 Señor Siesta..........................................Map-D #69 Siesta Key Deli...................................... Map-A #37 Siesta Key Oyster Bar......................... Map-B #45 Solorzano Bros. Pizzeria....................Map-D #15 Subway Sandwiches.............................Map-B #30 Sun Garden Café.................................. Map-D #19 The Cottage........................................... Map-C #58 The Hub - Baja Grill............................. Map-D #59 Village Café..........................................Map-D #14 SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY LaPlaya Spa........................................... Map-C #50 Sassy Hair Salon................................... Map-A #40 Siesta Key Nails.....................................Map-D #9 SPORTS INTEREST/RENTALS CaliFlorida..............................................Map-B #29 Robin Hood Rentals........................... Map-B #34 Siesta Village Outfitters....................... Map-C #53

Bringing you quality and comfort for more than 30 years!

Birkenstock & More 5128 Ocean Blvd. Siesta Village

941-346-7425 www.rickscomfortshoes.com

Map D #11

THE LOCAL BEAN • Internet Café • Coffee Shop • Tea Room 5138 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key Village

941-346-8000

WHAT BETTER WAY TO START YOUR DAY IN PARADISE?

Map D #62

Organic and Fair Trade Coffees & Teas Cold Pressed Coffee Organic Smoothies Light Lunch (Salads & Sandwiches) Breakfast Sandwiches, Bagels & Lox Local Pastries Free Snacks

Siesta Sand

JULY 2017

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

941.349.0194

CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX

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

Siesta Key Winery and Bootlegger’s Moonshine Company.................................................... A-4 #5 MAILING & SHIPPING Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14 US Post Office Sub Station..................... C-3 #14 MARKETS 7-11 Store.................................................. C-3 #16 Big Water Fish Market.......................... C-3 #17 Crescent Beach Grocery...........................B-3 #1 MISCELLANEOUS Moving & Storage....................................B-3 #10 Flowers by Fudgie................................... D-3 #17 REAL ESTATE / RENTALS Homes & Condo Rentals........................ D-3 #17 Re/Max Tropical Sands............................B-3 #1 Siesta 4-Rent............................................ C-3 #14 RESTAURANTS / CAFES A Taste of Germany................................ C-3#14

www.siestasand.net

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill...............A-5 #12 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 Toasted Mango Cafe....................................C-3 #17 Miguel’s Restaurant................................ C-3 #17 Munchies.................................................. C-3 #17 WATER SPORTS - FISHING - RENTALS A to Z Beach & Bike Rentals.................. A-5 #12 CB’s Island Outfitters.............................. A-3 #2 CB’s Saltwater Outfitters........................ A-3 #4 Parasail Siesta............................................ A-3 #2 Siesta Key Bike & Kayak . ......................B-3 #8 Siesta Key Marina..................................... A-4 #5 Siesta Sports Rentals............................... A-3 #2 Siesta Sports Rentals............................. C-3 #14 Waves Boat & Social Club...................... A-5 #12

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

“Home of the Orange Squeeze!”

“A Tropical Department Store“

SHELL & GIFT CITY

Bathing Suits $

Siesta Key’s Most Friendly & Unique Shopping Spot!

SOUTHBRIDGE MALL

OPEN 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM DAILY

G

IN FEATUR

Homemade Ice Cream

Map B-3#8

941-346-0202

19.95 Reg. To $49.00

SIESTA KEY

Siesta Key’s Largest Seashell & Coral Selection!

Sundaes l Shakes l Smoothies l Coffees Espresso l Cappuccinos

1220 Old Stickney Point Rd., Siesta Key In the Captain Curt’s Plaza

CRESCENT BEACH

er Sale up Ladies

!

THE GREEN TURTLE

S

26

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

6525 Midnight Pass Road

MAP B-3#14

green TURTLE COUPON

FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE! A Free Tropical Gift! 79 c Just For Stopping In

349-4751

VALUE

With This Coupon

No Purchase Necessary

EXPIRES:7/05/2010 Expires 12/31/17

Map C-3#14 Open 7 Days 9 am-5 pm

941-346-1797

“Voted Small Business of the Year

by Siesta Key Chamber”

RepaiRs, sales anD accessORies New 50cc Scooters

HOuRly • Daily • Weekly

TREK BIKES • BEACH WHEELCHAIRS • PADDLEBOARDS SCOOTERS • SCOOTER CARS • KAYAKS • KAYAK TOURS CHAIRS/UMBRELLAS • STROLLERS • SNORKELING GEAR

KAYAK TOURS ONLY 45/PERSON • BEST PRICE AROUND FREE DELIVERY AND P/U ON SIESTA KEY FOR MOST RENTALS $

6551 Midnight Pass Rd., Siesta Key, FL in Southbridge Mall • Map C-3#14

5

$

SCOOTER RENTALS f f o Half Days/Full Days/Multi Day Rentals with this Coupon EXPIRES 12/31/14 12/31/17

Bikes • Kayaks • Scooters • Kayak Tours

welcome!

Willkommen

GERMAN BAKERY & CAFE

© Island Visitor Publishing, LLC 2012

German café offering fresh soups and sandwiches on freshly baked breads!

Rum Cakes Breakfast Lunch German Beers and Brats

941-346-1800 • www.ATasteofGermany.net 6575 Midnight Pass Rd., Siesta Key (South of Stickney Pt.)

Map C-3 #14

Map B-3#8

A Taste of Germany 6575 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Anna’s Deli 6535 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Road

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill 1500 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-5 #12

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

Siesta 4-Rent 6555 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Toasted Mango Cafe 6621 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-4 #17

MAP C-3 #17

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JULY 2017

AT THE BEACH

FLAG FOOTBALL By Trebor Britt Young players, coaches and parents gathered at Glebe Park on Siesta Key for a makeup game that would end the Suncoast Sports Club flag football season.

This year’s league, which started 19 years ago, long before the 1.4 million dollar renovation, involved 12-15 players ages 5-9 in non-contact, non-competitive flag football.

In this group, learning and safety are more important than winning.

Most of the time no one keeps track of the score. Players learn offensive and defensive positions and practice together once a week.

All games are played at Glebe Park on Siesta Key, Saturdays from 8:30-9:30 a.m.

(For additional details, contact sweeks111@verizon.net).

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

27

Morgan Ferrara (14), Lily McPherson (14), and Hanna Chriss are schoolmates from the Chicago area.

First time visitor Morgan loved Siesta Beach and said it was the biggest, coolest, neatest beach she had ever seen

Recent H.S. graduates from Genoa-Kingston, Illinois, C. J. McPherson (18), Rachel Hughes (18), Carli Schmidt (18), and Cally McPherson enjoying Siesta Beach. Visiting for the first time, Carli said, “The beach is super great, super beautiful, love it, wanna move here.”

Dad/Coaches Joe DeRosa (L) and Doug Fagan (R) instruct the Seminole flag football players between plays at a recent game at Glebe Park on Siesta Key

Siesta Key Association Members Overwhelmingly Support SKA’s Positions on Major Issues Siesta Key Association recently surveyed its members to get their feedback on SKA’s positions regarding the major issues SKA has been addressing in recent months. The survey addressed the Big Pass dredging proposal, Siesta Promenade, the potential hotel proposal, SKA’s Bicycle Safety Initiative, the County’s decision to vacate a portion of Beach Road and the petitions for County Charter Amendments currently being circulated for signatures. SKA also asked their members if they would like SKA to hold a presentation at one of its monthly meetings about the proposed Charter Amendments.

Harold Ashby, President of SKA, said, “The response to our survey was phenomenal. We received responses from over 50% of our members and, in all cases; we received overwhelming support for SKA’s positions on the important issues we’re managing for our members. It shows that our members are engaged and interested in the work of SKA. We also received 710 comments and suggestions from members, many of whom said that our survey helped them better understand the issues and they appreciated being kept informed.”

SKA also asked its members if they would support SKA hosting a presentation on the proposed County Charter Amendment Petitions at one of its monthly public meetings. Six out of ten members supported such a presentation while four out of ten members did not or had no opinion. Said Mr. Ashby, “The Beach Road issue has received much publicity over the last year. We’re pleased to accommodate our members’ wishes by hosting a presentation that will explain the Petitions that are intended to get the Charter Amendments on the ballot in a future election while, at the same time, avoid commentary on the ongoing litigation related to the County’s Commission’s decision in May, 2016, which will be decided by the Courts. Petitions for ballot initiatives are part of our democratic process, which SKA supports. If the Petitions receive the necessary number of signatures to be placed on a future ballot, SKA will consider taking a position on the issues at that time.”

SKA said this is their second survey in recent months. Their first survey was designed to measure the level of support for the Siesta Key Breeze Free Trolley that was started in March. That survey showed that SKA members overwhelmingly support the Trolley which helped SKA successfully advocate for continued county funding for the Trolley after the initial funding expires in August. Recently, the

Off Key

SKA encourages all to read the call to action on page 9 of this issue.

Please contact your commissioner concerning this important matter.

The SKA positions the members were asked to evaluate are:

Issue Big Pass - SKA’s legal actions to stop the permitting process for dredging Big Pass so other solutions can be evaluated that will do no harm to Siesta Key and Big Pass.

22 to 1

Siesta Promenade - SKA’s push for no increase in density or intensity and oppose any plan that will exacerbate traffic congestion.

23 to 1

Potential Hotel Proposal – Oppose any increase in intensity or density over what is currently allowed in the County’s Comprehensive Plan

18 to 1

South Siesta Key Parking Lot – SKA’s support for developing a parking lot at the County-owned site along Midnight Pass Rd., south of Stickney Point Rd.

15 to 1

Bicycle Safety Initiative – Support for SKA’s Bicycle Safety Initiative including gaining Bicycle Friendly Community Status for Siesta Key.

16 to 1

Beach Road Vacation – SKA’s decision to take no further action following the County Commissions decision to vacate a portion of Beach Road; a decision which SKA directors opposed at the time it was made by the County Commission.

3 to 1

County Charter Amendment Petitions – SKA’s decision to take no position regarding the petitions.

2 to 1

County Administrator announced that the Trolley would receive continued county funding for another six months while the county looks for ways to make the Trolley a permanent fixture on Siesta Key. “We are very pleased that our members value our surveys as a way to have their voices heard by decision makers. We’re committed to listening to our members and we invite all who would like their voices heard to join SKA and speak out for Siesta Key. Our website,

Continued from page 16

Publix Teams with Instacart for Same Day Grocery Delivery While other delivery operations offer to pickup and deliver groceries from Publix locations, the company Instacart is the only service that Publix officially collaborates with. The company offers a free twoweek trial. After that, the service is available for $99

Ratio of “Yes” to “No”

per year. According to the firm’s web site, access to Instacart includes unlimited free deliveries, even at peak times, and the ability to shop a variety of stores (Costco and Whole Foods are listed for the Sarasota area); free one-hour rush delivery is also available.

While already available in most of Sarasota, the service is expected to be available in all areas Publix serves by 2020.

For more information, go to instacart.com.

SiestaKeyAssociation.com describes the issues we are following in more depth and we invite the public to share their thoughts with us through email at info@SiestaKeyAssociation.com” said Mr. Ashby.

28

Siesta Sand

JULY 2017

941.349.0194

Who’s Playing Tonight Two very cool things happen on Sunday mornings; I get to sleep in and enjoy another glorious day of summer hiatus and the Siesta Key Farmer’s Market, in Davidson’s Plaza, is once again, open for business.

While the fruit and vegetable stand is the market’s cornerstone, you’ll also find a wide variety of offerings including; sea shell crafts, colorful fashions, European-style towels and wraps, olive oils and breads, scented candles, original ceramics, trinkets & jewelry....and several very talented artists showcasing their original paintings and photographs. There is even a booth with rather unique LED back-lit wood art. If you are hungry, Alex will cook up one of the best egg sandwiches you’ve ever had.

For our visitors, it is a memorable little market, but for our residents...it’s a fun place to take a Sunday morning bike ride to... or to stop by after church services. Have a leisurely breakfast at The Village Café across the road, and enjoy the live music by Siesta John as it drifts across the street. You’ll always know when Siesta John is playing as his 1967 Volvo Woody will be on display nearby. He calls it his “MTV”, Music Transport Vehicle.

John began playing music, in his teens, in the 1960’s, “during the Beatles heyday”.

His first band, for which he played rhythm guitar and sang, performed at church dances and parties. The band also featured a left-handed bass player, a lead guitarist and two drummers. The band apparently needed two drummers, because one of them could always be relied upon to be too inebriated to play, so they kept a spare.

Once John got performing in his blood he was hooked; so, as we flash forward to the present, we find him retired and residing on the Gulf Coast and still playing, every week.

A couple of times per month, you can find him at the Siesta Key Farmers’ Market. He enjoys those gigs, because he’s a morning person and, as he puts it, “These markets are the incubators for many of today’s entrepreneurs. There are quite a few vendors that started their businesses in these morning markets, and they’ve grown them into successful storefronts and online outlets. The variety of products and the creativity of the vendors is really impressive, too.” In addition to the Siesta Key Farmer’s Market, he can be found at other farmers’ markets in the area as well.

www.siestasand.net

|An interview with Siesta John (Sollazzo) Revisited

John plays songs from Jimmy Buffett, The Eagles, some Alan Jackson, Zac Brown Band, Bob Dylan, The Drifters, Creedence Clearwater Revival and some original tunes, like “The Lower The Latitude, The Better The Attitude”, “Common Sense” which he says, “isn’t all that common these days” and of course, “The Siesta Key Song”.

The term, “one man band”, is thrown around the Key like beads at Marti Gras, but keep your shirt on. If you go looking for them, you’re likely going to discover the term just referring to the many talented solo musicians. When I was growing up, a one-man-band, or OMB, was the guy at the fair, with a guitar, a harmonica, cymbals on his knees and a bass drum on his back, singing and playing everything, simultaneously. It’s kind of a humorous image, but the fact is, those guys were blessed with talent even in their kneecaps!...simply because they were required to play everything live, in real time… enter Siesta John, the modern day OMB, once again, in his own words; “I play a keyboard with my feet, using a set of midi foot pedals. I’m basically a guitar player and singer, but having played for years with 3 and 4 piece bands, I missed that full sound. It took a while, but I figured out how to play the single-finger feature of a keyboard with foot pedals. I’m able to play real-time background tracks with minor, major and seventh chords… literally with my toes. This gives me full organ chords, whatever drum style I need, and a bass line. I trigger every chord change as you hear it. Nothing is pre-recorded…I also use a vocal harmonizer to create 2 or 3 part harmonies with my own voice...” He prefers this approach to canned backing tracks because he can go wherever he wants with the song based on how he reads the audience.

If you’d like to see him in action, do yourself a favor, get up bright and early on a beautiful Siesta Key Sunday morning and visit the Farmers’ Market!

To watch videos of Siesta John playing live, visit youtube.com keyword: SiestaJohn or simply go to his website: www.SiestaJohn.com.

The Siesta Key Farmers’ Market is held at Siesta Village Plaza, 5124 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key every Sunday 8 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information visit www.siestafarmersmarket.com.

By Mike Sales

Siesta John (Sollazzo)

Mike Sales is a local singer/songwriter. For more information visit MikeSalesSings.com

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE CLUB BLASE CAFÉ In the Village 941-349-9822

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Drag Queen Bingo July 3, 17 & 31 (8:30 PM) Burlesque Show July 10 & 24 (9 PM)

Soundpainters w/ Evan Eastmoore & Zack Yoder 7 PM

WEDNESDAY Mike Tozier Open Mic July 12 & 26 7 PM Karaoke w/Emcee Dallas: 10 PM @ Pi

THURSDAY Jul.6 ONLY: Rob Viola Richy Kicklighter Blues 7 PM

DAIQUIRI DECK RAW BAR In the Village 941-349-8697 GILLIGANS In the Village 941-346-8122

Rodney Shenk 6 -10 PM

RPM 6 -10 PM

Patrick 6 -10 PM

RPM 6 -10 PM Ladies Night w/ DJ 10 PM

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Callie & the Whole Band (Jul. 7,14, & 21) Rallo Pucci (Jul. 28) 7pm

Barn Burners (Jul. 1 & 22) Pressure Dem (Jul. 8) Dr. Drive (JUl. 15) Live Music (Jul. 29)

Al Fuller (Jul. 2) Jason Haram (Jul. 9 & 16) Bird Tribe (Jul 23 & 30) 7pm

LIVE MUSIC (3-7 PM) DJ TJ (10 PM)

LIVE MUSIC (3-7 PM) DJ Crawford (10 PM)

BREE (3-7 PM)

Acoustic Pete 2-6 PM DJ – 10 PM

Live Reggae with Desi 2 – 6 PM

DJ – 10 PM

Eddie James Jazz Band 7-10 PM

Lelu’s Coffee Lounge In the Village 941-346-5358 SIESTA KEY OYSTER BAR (SKOB) In the Village 941-346-5443

Open mic night 7-11pm

Kettle of Fish 7-11pm

Skylab 7-11pm

Swamp Donkey 2-6 PM Rising Tide 8 PM – 12 AM

Dana & Co 2-6 PM Mike Tozier 8 PM – 12 AM

T.B.A: 2-6 PM Tozier: 5-9 PM Chris Otto: 11 PM – 3 AM

Live Band: 8 – 11 PM Live DJ 11 PM -2 AM

Live Band: 8 –11 PM Live DJ: 11 PM-2 AM

Reggae Sunday w/Live Band 9 PM-1 AM

THE BEACH CLUB In the Village 941-349-6311

Trivia Night 7-9 PM

Tic Toc Tuedays 9 -10:30 PM 50 cent Beer & Cocktails

Ladies Night DJ Coz or Kensi 9 PM – 2 AM

Sink or Swim DJ Coz 9 PM-2 AM

THE COTTAGE In the Village 941-312-9300

Live Music 6-9 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM

Live Music 7-10 PM

Live Music 7-10 PM

Live Music 7-10 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM

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

Live Music Noon – 3 PM 3:30 – 6:30 PM 7-10 PM

Live Music Noon – 3 PM 3:30 – 6:30pm 7-10pm

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

BACKROOM SALOON @ CAPT. CURTS Crescent Beach Shops 941-349-3885 SNIKI TIKI @ CAPT CURTS Crescent Beach Shops 941-349-3885 Turtle Beach Grill Southern end of SK 941-349-2280 BOATYARD BAR & GRILL Over the South Bridge 941-921-6200 SAND DOLLAR POOL BAR @ Best Western Plus 6600 S. Tamiami Trl. Sarasota 941-924-4900 CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE 801 Blackburn Pt. Rd, Osprey 941-966-1901

Live Music Noon – 3 PM 3:30 – 6:30 PM 7-10 PM

Karaoke 9:30 PM -1:30 AM Every Tues Sunny Jim 6-10 PM

Every Wed Paul Duffy 6-10 PM

Every Thurs.

Chris Otto 6-10 PM LIVE MUSIC 5-9 PM

Marcel Almanzor (5-8 PM)

Steel Drums & Island Sounds (5-8 PM)

RPM (5-8 PM)

Bri Rivera (5-8 PM)

Karaoke 9 PM – 1 AM July 14 & 28 Chris Otto 6-10 PM LIVE MUSIC 5-9 PM The Richy Kicklighter Band 5-9 PM

Live Music 3-6 PM

Live Music 4-8 PM

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

LIVE MUSIC 5-9 PM Larry Williams 5-9 PM

Reggae Music 3-7 PM

Live Music 3-6 PM

Live Music 3-6 PM

Live Music 3-7 PM

Live Music 3-7 PM

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JULY 2017

Island Humor [ An old guy approaches the window of the movie theater with a chicken on his shoulder, and asks for two tickets. The girl at the counter wants to know who is going in with him.

He replies, “Well, my pet chicken, of course!”

“I’m sorry,” The girl tells him.

“We can’t allow animals in the theater.”

The guy goes around the corner and stuffs the chicken into his pants. He returns to the window, buys his ticket and goes in. Inside the theater, the chicken starts to get hot and begins to squirm. The man unzips his pants so the chicken can stick its head out and watch the movie. Seated next to him is a woman. She looks over at his lap and is horrified.

She elbows her friend and whispers, “Blanche, this man over here has just unzipped his pants!”

Blanche whispers back, “Oh, don’t worry about it...you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.”

Louise says, “I know, but this one’s....EATING MY POPCORN!”

[ The room was full of pregnant women with their husbands.

The instructor said, “Ladies, remember that exercise is good for you. Walking is especially beneficial - strengthens the pelvic muscles and will make delivery that much easier.

Just pace yourself, make plenty of stops and try to stay on a soft surfaces, like a grass path.

“Gentlemen, remember -you’re in this together. It wouldn’t hurt you to go walking with her. In fact, that shared experience would be good for you both.

“The room suddenly became very quiet as the men absorbed this information.

After a few moments a man, named Jerry, at the back of the room, slowly raised his hand.

“Yes?” asked the Instructor.

“I was just wondering... would it be all right if she carries a golf bag?”

Brings a tear to your eye, doesn’t it? THIS LEVEL OF SENSITIVITY CAN’T BE TAUGHT. [ An old geezer became very bored in retirement and decided

HOTTEST BAR IN GULF GATE...

MLB/College Packages FULL BAR

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

to open a medical clinic. He put a sign up outside that said: Dr. Geezer’s clinic. $500 for treatment. $1000 back if I can’t cure you. Dr. Young, who wanted to teach this old geezer a lesson and show him he didn’t know a hill of beans about medicine, decided to pay him a visit.

Dr. Young: Hi Doc, I’ve lost all taste in my mouth. Can you help me?

Dr. Geezer: Nurse, please bring me medicine from box 44 and put a few drops in his mouth.

Dr. Young: This is gasoline!

Dr. Geezer: Congratulations!

You’ve got your taste back. That’ll be $500.

Annoyed, Dr. Young leaves but returns a few months later and tells Dr. Geezer that he’s lost his memory and can’t remember anything.

Dr. Geezer: Nurse, please bring me medicine from box 44 and put a few drop in his mouth.

Dr. Young: Oh no you don’t.

That’s gasoline in that box.

Dr. Geezer: Congratulations!

You’ve got your memory back.

That’ll be $500.

Fuming, Dr. Young leaves and returns after a few months to try and get his money back. He tells Dr. Geezer that his eyesight has become so weak he can hardly see anything.

Dr. Geezer: Well, I don’t have any medicine for that so here’s $1000.

Dr. Young: But this is only $10!

Dr. Geezer: Congratulations!

You got your vision back!. That’ll be $500. [ Two ropes walk into a bar.

They sit down and the bartender says. “Hey we don’t serve ropes in here.”

Both ropes get up and step outside. One rope says “I’m going to find another bar” and the other rope starts to ruffle and tie himself in a knot. “Well I’m going back in there, who does he think he is?”

So the rope goes back into the same bar. When the bartender comes over and spots the same rope he says, “Hey didn’t I just tell you that I don’t serve ropes?....”

The rope says “Yep” and then the bartender asks, “You are a rope aren’t you?”

The rope replies, “I’m a frayed knot.”

29

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

h...

Mont Bartender of The 85

-349-38 Sniki Tiki - 941 int Road, o P y e n ck ti S ld 1200 O 4242 Siesta Key, FL 3 s.com www.captaincurt

Name of Bartender: Alex Hometown: Saline, MI Q: How long have you been bartending?

A: 6 years.

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

A: I love when people dance at bars and the energy it can spread.

With that in mind, this young lady was dancing with her friends in front of our “stage” while we had live entertainment. The next thing I knew, she cleared her friends out of the way and began performing ballet/modern dance and when she was done, everyone was dancing to the next song, right alongside her.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

A: I love the sun so I love anything that puts me in the sunshine: beach, pool, etc. I am an artist so I love relaxing with a paint brush or pen.

I also enjoy experiencing restaurants/bars in the Tampa Bay area.

Q: How would you describe yourself?

A: I am high energy and have an outgoing personality but am

also down to earth with a quirky twist.

Q: How would you describe where you work?

A: The Sniki Tiki is a really fun beach bar that makes you feel like you’re with family whether you are 1,000 or 1 mile(s) away from home!

Q: When’s the best time to see you?

A: I do not have a set schedule, so it doesn’t hurt to just swing by and see if I am working.

(But don’t worry because if I am not there, our staff is amazing!)

Karaoke Thursday, Friday & Saturday

30

Siesta Sand

JULY 2017

941.349.0194

Water World

Beach Events

www.siestasand.net

Science Has Crowned This the Most Perfect Beach in America |It takes many millions of years to make the world’s best sand

By Jacqueline Ronson

Sarasota native Candice, Siesta Sand’s February featured Island Girl, welcomes you to the No. 1 beach in the U.S. See page 34 for a complete list of beach events taking place in July

Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival

The 33rd Annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival returns June 24-July 4 with events for the entire family to enjoy. Powerboat and AquaX Pro race teams will compete for the checkered flag on July 1 and 2 just off Lido Beach with televised coverage to over 100 countries beginning in late July.

This year the Grand Prix Race will air on Fox Sports and Comcast Regional Sports Networks, with the addition of national broadcaster Eleven Sports. Eleven Sports boasts a reach to over 60 Million homes within the United States.

“The Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix includes 3 different platforms of marine motorsport – P1 SuperStock, P1 AquaX as well as the larger Offshore Powerboats.

Powerboat P1 strives to replicate the model of the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix at other race sites to continue to grow the series as a whole. This event is one of the most highly attended powerboat races in the world and this has elevated the level of racing, participation and sponsorships,” said Azam Rangoonwala the Director of Powerboat P1.

Last year’s Festival generated an economic impact of $37 million and 18,300 hotel room nights. Over the past five years, documented economic impact reports total $116 million for the local area. The Sarasota Superboat Grand Prix is one of the most anticipated events of the year in Sarasota.

27th annual Siesta Key Community fireworks

Come to the beach for the day, and experience the spectacular fireworks display in the evening. Fireworks begin at 9:15 PM. Sponsored by community businesses, individuals and the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. For more information call the chamber office at 941-349-3800.

Volleyball tournaments on Siesta Beach

50 courts and over 500 participants will fill the beach with the Dig the Beach Volleyball Tournament. The tournament starts on Saturday, July 8 and wraps up on Sunday, July 9. The games start at 8 a.m. until 7 PM on both days.

On Monday, July 17 the USAV National Juniors Volleyball tournament begins.

There will be over 1500 players with 60 courts. The tournament runs through Wednesday July 26. The games are played daily starting at 8 AM until 8 AM.

What’s SUP?

Stephen Leatherman loves beaches.

“I love waves; I love the salty air; I love seafood; I love fishing, boating, body boarding, riding the waves — just about everything about it,” he tells Inverse.

As a geologist and coastal scientist, Leatherman has researched beaches professionally for decades. He started out watching storms and studied patterns of erosion, but he’s equally preoccupied with a more pleasant question: What makes a perfect beach?

Leatherman, who also goes by “Dr. Beach,” releases an annual ranking of United States beaches, and this year’s big winner is Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida, known for its expanse of powdery white sand. “It just feels so good to walk on it, he says. “If you wear your shoes on that beach, you’re not getting the full experience.”

The rankings are scientific only insofar as you agree with the system that produces them.

Leatherman has developed 50 criteria, and each is ranked on a scale from one to five. These are large, public beaches, and he’s looking for the sorts of things that would make them attractive to a large number of people: warm, clear water; nice sand, and lots of it; safe swimming; and a natural setting.

Whether Siesta Beach is your ideal beach or not, some incredible feats of geology made it. Tens of millions of years ago, great rivers flowed south, all the way from the Appalachian Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico, carrying enormous volumes of sand and sediment.

But over time, the courses of the rivers shifted, until they no longer flowed all the way south, and the place that would become Florida was cut off permanently from its source of sand. “Today, there’s not a river in Florida that carries any real sand,” says Leatherman. It’s just too slow a flow.”

Those early beaches would have been made up of the coarse, brownish sand that is common in many places on the planet. If you looked closely, you’d see a great diversity of mineral types, colors, shapes, and sizes. But over time, the steady pounding of the waves and chemical interactions with the water broke down those minerals until all of them eroded away into dust.

Well — almost all of them. Those minerals ground down and flushed away until just one thing was left — tiny quartz crystals of an identical

By Capt. Klopfer / Adventure Charters / 941-371-1390

“Look over to your right, guys”, the guide said excitedly. “There are a couple of dolphins!”

Debbie jerked her head around to look, almost losing her balance and falling off the board. A hundred feet away were a pair of bottlenose dolphins playing on the surface, breaking the water every few moments. The awestruck group watched in amazement, shouting with glee each time the dolphins surfaced. Eventually they moved on, leaving the paddleboarders to continue their adventure.

Debbie is like a lot of people who move to Florida from the Northeast and Midwest in that the weather and water were major factors in their decision to move to Sarasota.

She has always been drawn to the water and was excited to try the various water sports that Floridians enjoy all year long.

Paddleboarding was at the top of the list. Even though it was her first time, she quickly learned to stand up and balance herself and handle the board. She was even doing little “tricks” in the first hour.

As the owner of Adventure Charters, I have been a fishing guide in Sarasota since 1991 and have seen a lot of changes in that time. One of those changes has been the dramatic increase in popularity of paddleboarding, and kayaking as well. It is easy to understand the attraction of silently moving through shallow water, enjoying the tranquility while exploring such a unique marine environment. It has never been easier to enjoy “Stand up paddleboarding” or SUP for short. I recently spoke with Sheila Lewis, owner of Siesta Sports Rentals.

“Paddleboarding is not difficult or strenuous and is an activity that almost everyone can enjoy. The main hurdle to overcome is balancing on the board, once accomplished the rest is quite easy,” said Lewis. “We can deliver paddleboards right to your condo or resort and we also launch at Turtle

Beach on the south end of Siesta Key to access the Neville Preserve. We prefer that experience as there is much less boat traffic and activity and really increases the chance to see manatees and other wildlife. SUPs are also relatively inexpensive, a 4 hour rental is only $40 and a 24 hour rental is $60; that provides a LOT of fun for a few dollars.”

Calm water is essential to enjoying stand up paddleboarding, and that is what makes the Neville Preserve so attractive. The water is too shallow for most boats and numerous mangrove-lined islands block the wind while adding to the scenery. Paddlers can also go to old Midnight Pass and enjoy some time on a relatively quiet stretch of beach. Paddling out in the Gulf of Mexico can be great fun, though sea conditions must be optimal. In the warmer months the wind is generally out of the east in the morning, flattening the seas, making that the best time to enjoy paddling out on the Gulf.

If you love the water, nature, and marine life, give paddleboarding a try. You may get hooked!

Dr. Beach naming Siesta Beach Number one Beach 2017 wearing a “I rode the Trolley button”.

The free ride trolley was one of the items that help propel Siesta to the top of the rankings.

shape and size. Quartz is the hardest and most stable common mineral on Earth, and when the crystals grind down they will eventually reach what is known as their “terminal size,” at which they are even more stable and resistant to erosion than before.

It is these crystals of terminal size that make up the powder white beaches of many parts of Florida. Once everything else had eroded away, these beaches reached a geological equilibrium, with particles of just the right size so that they would be trapped indefinitely by the action of the waves.

Zoning

Continued from page 3

The focus of the discussion On June 12 — for the first time — Bailey also acknowledged that the focus of his client’s interest is in property zoned CG on Old Stickney Point Road.

During a December 2016 neighborhood workshop, Bailey and Robert “Bo” Medred, a former county planner who heads up his own firm in Bradenton, proposed amending the county’s Comprehensive Plan to allow for property zoned CG on the barrier islands to be redeveloped to provide transient accommodations. At the time, Bailey emphasized that Siesta Acquisitions had not settled on a site for a boutique hotel project it was considering, if the amendment were approved.

However, Kompothecras owns CG property at 1260 Old Stickney Point Road, adjacent to the site of the former Fandango Café, according to the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office.

Bailey stressed on June 12, “To be clear, there’s not a specific project before the Board of Zoning Appeals this evening.”

Nonetheless, board member Hemes asked Bailey, “Do you have a specific address on Siesta Key for the building of a structure?”

Then Bailey explained that on the whole island, only about 30 acres of area zoned CG is available. Siesta Village and Old Stickney Point Road have the majority of that property, Bailey added, noting that a project for his client would “likely not be in the Village. We would likely be down on Old Stickney Point Road.”

(In response to a request for an update on the status of the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment, Brett A. Harrington, a county planner, reported on June 13 that staff has not received any formal application yet.)

Nine members of the public urged the board on June 12 to uphold Thompson’s interpretation of the Zoning Code. Many of them voiced concerns about increasing population density and intensity of uses on the island. Among the speakers were Joe Volpe, a director of the Siesta Key Association (SKA), and Diane Erne, vice president of the Siesta Key Condominium Council.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

Captain Jim Klopfer’s Fishing Report Adventure Charters 941-371-1390

JULY 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Notes from the Island Fishmonger

31

By Scott Dolan, Big Water Fish Market

Shrimpin’ Ain’t Easy

Some large snook will be caught in Big Pass at the north end of Siesta Key in July

July fishing can be excellent, but tactics need to be a little different and windows of opportunity are smaller. It is simply too hot to fish in the middle of the day. Early morning will be the most reliable time to fish, evenings are good too, but frequent thunderstorms can make planning a trip difficult.

Anglers who don’t mind fishing in the dark will have success at night, and they will beat the summer heat!

Action on the deep grass flats from the north end of Siesta Key should be very good for speckled trout, along with bluefish, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, pompano, and jacks. A high tide in the morning is favored for anglers to drift the flats and cast Bass Assassin jigs, plugs, spoons, and live shrimp under a popping cork. Netting up a bunch of shiners and chumming the deep flats will usually result in non-stop action.

The flats and oyster bars south of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at Stickney Pt. down to Blackburn Pt. will hold some nice trout in July, and that area gets very little pressure in the summertime. The key is water temperature; if it is too high the bait and gamefish will not be there. Redfish and snook will also cruise the bars and shorelines in search of prey. Areas that drop off quickly into three or four feet will be the most productive spots.

A hand-picked shrimp is deadly fished early in the morning on a high tide. Anglers choosing artificial lures will score with

topwater and shallow diving plugs, scented soft plastics, and weedless gold spoons.

Redfish will begin to school up in July and can be caught in very shallow water The largest trout also prefer shallow water, so don’t be surprised if a “gator” intercepts an offering meant for a redfish. These fish should be released unharmed, they are the female breed stock and are crucial to a healthy trout fishery.

Night fishing will be exciting and productive in July. Lighted docks and bridges attract glass minnows and shrimp, which in turn attract the gamefish. Snook are abundant, but trout, reds, jacks, ladyfish, and snapper will also be caught at night. Live shrimp works very well free lined in the current with little or no weight.

A 24” piece of 25 lb. flourocarbon leader and a 1/0 live bait hook is the basic rig. Lures will also catch fish, but can be difficult to cast at night. Fly fisherman will score with a small white snook fly such as the Grassett’s Snook Minnow tied on a #4 hook.

Tarpon will still be plentiful in the Gulf of Mexico, although the anglers will not be. The large schools will have broken up, and although the fish don’t show as well, they eat better. Pinfish and crabs drifted out 6 feet under a cork at first light will catch tarpon in July. Point of Rocks on Siesta Key is a proven spot to fish.

Not everyone takes into consideration what it takes to put that delicious shrimp on your plate.

First the shrimpers wake up at the crack of dawn, load the gear and prep their boat, rain or shine.

They set out to sea (sometimes for days or weeks at a time) with a bunch of guys they may or may not even like. They drag nets, hand pick, process and separate the shrimp catch and then they ship via truck or plane all around the world. It’s a process man. Next time we say grace over a seafood fest someone should thank the fishermen because shrimpin’ ain’t easy and neither is being a shrimp!

May through October is shrimp season in our Gulf waters. They come just in time for the 4th of July and summer vacations. Gulf shrimp is presently in the prime of its season.

Here is a fun fact…shrimp is the singular most popular food in the world and are a naturally renewable resource. They are an excellent source of high quality protein and are naturally low in fat, carbs, and calories and are a great source of omega3 fatty acids.

Both fresh and fresh/frozen Gulf shrimp are always available during the summer months.

Locally our biggest resources come from Fort Myers to the Key West area. Shrimp boats leave Fort Myers every day and head south and return to the docks with fresh head-on shrimp on a daily basis. That’s where they find a Big Water Fish Market buyer patiently waiting their return as they buy fresh, off the boat on a weekly basis.

The bigger companies such as Trico Shrimp Company send their boats out deep-sea trawling from Florida to Louisiana and Texas where they process, freeze and package the shrimp while still on the boat. This is called fresh/frozen and makes fresh shrimp available all year round.

During the summer season look for good deals on mouthwatering treats of the sea such as fresh Key West pinks, Gulf pinks, browns, whites, Darien, Georgia fresh shrimp, rock shrimp, and royal reds from both the Gulf and Atlantic Florida oceans.

Pink shrimp make up the majority of Florida’s wild caught shrimp. Big Water Fish Market manager Sebastian “Cheech” Marin comments that the shrimp we buy off the boats (mostly pink shrimp from the Dry Tortugas) are always still alive when we make the purchase. That’s as fresh as it gets folks. “Pink shrimp make up the majority of Florida’s wild caught shrimp. The meat is white with pink tones and has a firm, tender texture and a mild sweet flavor,” explains Ross Galbraith, Siesta

BWFM manager, Sebastian “Cheech” Marin and BWFM’s newest fishmonger, Ross Galbraith show off the day’s fresh Gulf shrimp catch

Key’s newest fishmonger.

Brown Shrimp have a stronger ocean flavor due to a higher iodine content. The shells are brownish but the meat turns pink when cooked.

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

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

It can’t be easy going through life as little as a shrimp. Trust me…as a little guy I would know!

There’s still a popular sandwich named after me in Georgia called the “Scott’s a Shrimp Po’ Boy”. Press like that might give a guy a Napoleon complex and force him to drive giant trucks and such.

Anyway, growing up as a shrimp of the sea they must realize their end result is being part of the food chain. They’re either shark dinner, trapped in a trawling net by Bubba Gump’s shrimp boat, bait at the Siesta Key Marina or in a shrimp taco.

No matter what the end result is, we should all give thanks for the life of a shrimp who suffers for years under a rock to end up on our dinner plate. Praise to the shrimp!

Live well, Eat Shrimp!

Scott Dolan Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key 941-554-8101 www.BigWaterFishMarket.com

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

JULY 2017 TIDE CHART Florida, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Sarasota Bay

July 2017

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33'

The Big Water Fish Market…

where it’s a seafood festival every day!

Monday - Grouper BLT Tuesday - Tuna Tacos Wednesday - Soft Shell Crab Sandwich Thursday - Lobster Roll Day! Friday - Grouper Reuben Saturday - Shrimp Po’ Boy Sunday - Pompano Cubano

Open for lunch and dinner www.bigwaterfishmarket.com • 941-554-8101

Date

Day

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

Phase

1

Sa

7:47a

High Tide 1.7

7:51p

High Tide 1.4

1:35a

Low Tide 0.5

2:51p

Low Tide 0.8

6:38a

8:30p

2:12p

1:39a

1st

2

Su

8:27a

1.9

9:29p

1.3

2:18a

0.6

4:07p

0.6

6:39a

8:30p

3:05p

2:14a

3

Mo

9:06a

2.0

10:55p

1.3

3:02a

0.8

5:09p

0.5

6:39a

8:30p

3:57p

2:50a

4

Tu

9:43a

2.1

3:45a

1.0

6:00p

0.3

6:40a

8:30p

4:49p

3:26a

5

We

12:07a

1.3

10:18a

2.2

4:25a

1.1

6:44p

0.1

6:40a

8:30p

5:40p

4:04a

6

Th

1:05a

1.4

10:51a

2.3

5:02a

1.2

7:24p

0.0

6:40a

8:30p

6:31p

4:45a

7

Fr

1:53a

1.4

11:24a

2.3

5:36a

1.2

7:59p

-0.1

6:41a

8:30p

7:21p

5:29a

8

Sa

2:31a

1.4

11:56a

2.4

6:09a

1.2

8:32p

-0.1

6:41a

8:30p

8:09p

6:16a

9

Su

2:59a

1.4

12:31p

2.4

6:45a

1.2

9:04p

-0.1

6:42a

8:30p

8:55p

7:05a

10

Mo

3:22a

1.4

1:08p

2.4

7:24a

1.2

9:36p

-0.1

6:42a

8:29p

9:39p

7:57a

11

Tu

3:43a

1.4

1:47p

2.4

8:09a

1.2

10:09p

-0.1

6:43a

8:29p

10:21p

8:51a

12

We

4:07a

1.5

2:31p

2.3

9:00a

1.1

10:44p

0.0

6:43a

8:29p

11:00p

9:46a

13

Th

4:35a

1.6

3:20p

2.2

9:57a

1.0

11:21p

0.2

6:44a

8:29p

11:39p

10:42a

14

Fr

5:09a

1.6

4:15p

2.0

11:02a

1.0

6:44a

8:28p

15

Sa

5:48a

1.7

5:21p

1.7

12:01a

0.3

12:16p

0.9

6:45a

8:28p

12:16a

12:35p

16

Su

6:30a

1.8

6:43p

1.6

12:43a

0.5

1:39p

0.7

6:45a

8:28p

12:55a

1:34p

17

Mo

7:16a

2.0

8:25p

1.4

1:27a

0.6

3:04p

0.6

6:46a

8:27p

1:35a

2:35p

18

Tu

8:05a

2.2

10:14p

1.4

2:13a

0.9

4:22p

0.4

6:46a

8:27p

2:17a

3:38p

19

We

8:57a

2.3

11:49p

1.4

3:01a

1.0

5:31p

0.1

6:47a

8:27p

3:04a

4:43p

20

Th

9:49a

2.5

3:50a

1.2

6:30p

-0.1

6:47a

8:26p

3:56a

5:48p

21

Fr

1:01a

1.4

10:42a

2.5

4:42a

1.3

7:22p

-0.3

6:48a

8:26p

4:54a

6:52p

22

Sa

1:55a

1.4

11:33a

2.6

5:35a

1.3

8:10p

-0.3

6:48a

8:25p

5:55a

7:51p

23

Su

2:35a

1.4

12:24p

2.6

6:29a

1.2

8:53p

-0.3

6:49a

8:25p

7:00a

8:46p

24

Mo

3:07a

1.5

1:14p

2.5

7:24a

1.2

9:33p

-0.2

6:49a

8:24p

8:05a

9:35p

25

Tu

3:35a

1.5

2:03p

2.5

8:20a

1.1

10:10p

0.0

6:50a

8:24p

9:08a

10:19p

26

We

4:02a

1.6

2:52p

2.3

9:18a

1.0

10:45p

0.2

6:50a

8:23p

10:09a

10:59p

27

Th

4:30a

1.6

3:44p

2.0

10:19a

1.0

11:20p

0.4

6:51a

8:23p

11:07a

11:37p

28

Fr

5:02a

1.7

4:42p

1.8

11:26a

0.9

11:55p

0.6

6:51a

8:22p

12:03p

29

Sa

5:39a

1.8

5:51p

1.6

12:39p

0.8

6:52a

8:22p

12:57p

12:13a

30

Su

6:21a

1.9

7:21p

1.5

12:33a

0.8

2:00p

0.7

6:53a

8:21p

1:50p

12:49a

31

Mo

7:08a

2.0

9:10p

1.4

1:13a

1.0

3:20p

0.6

6:53a

8:20p

2:42p

1:25a

©2017 FreeTideTables.com - For comparison only - Times are local - Tides in feet from MLLW

Full

11:38a 3rd

New

1st

32

Siesta Sand

JULY 2017

Coastal setback variance

941.349.0194

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE

Continued from cover story

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

As Weiqi Lin, a member of the county’s Environmental Permitting staff, explained to the commissioners during a hearing earlier this year on just such a petition: The GBSL was established in 1978 “to protect the public interests and your investment.”

Nonetheless, within recent weeks, yet another Coastal Setback Variance petition has been filed, this one involving plans for a three-story, single-family home and pool on property that lies west of the house located at 654 Beach Road. The construction would be on land that is completely seaward of the GBSL. The applicant, according to documents county staff received on May 18, is Saba Sands II LLC, whose manager is attorney William A. Saba of Sarasota.

Saba Sands II also wants to use Beach Access 10, which is adjacent to the land, as access to the house, according to the materials submitted to the county.

Attorney Robert Lincoln of Sarasota, who is serving as the agent for Saba Sands II, says in the application that a denial of the variance would be an unjust act.

In the introduction to an environmental study of the property provided to county staff, the Steinbaum and Associates ecological consulting firm in Sarasota wrote that, as indicated by Lincoln, the Saba Sands II parcel “is the only privately owned property from the County Beach to property north of the Terraces that is both west of Tenacity [Lane] and not owned by the same entity as the landward lot along Beach Road.

As further indicated by Mr. Lincoln, such unique aspects are reasons that a denial of the right to build on the subject lot would in turn deny the applicant all property rights.”

The application itself states, “The requested variance is the minimum variance necessary to permit reasonable use of the property.”

Opposition to the plans already has begun mounting among Siesta Key residents, led primarily by Sherrill Mills, who has lived for 45 years at 560 Beach Road.

She owns the parcel seaward of her house, which is adjacent to the site where Saba Sands II proposes the new structure.

Asked about the status of the application, county spokesman Jason Bartolone said in an email, “It is in the completeness review stage and therefore there is no date set for a public hearing at this time.”

‘Unjust and unreasonable’

The proposed three-story house would have a footprint of 1,590 square feet, the application says, while the walkways and driveway would cover an additional 1,274 square feet.

The application received by the county on May 18 says Saba Sands LLC “also proposes installation of a 20-foot paver drive and utilities in existing County right-of-way” on Calle de Invierno. As the application points out, west of Beach Road, Calle de Invierno is designated as Beach Access 10.

The application explains that the subject property

“has been extended by accretion since it was platted and now has a total area of more than 37,000 square feet, or .85 acres.”

Moreover, the application says that all of the proposed development would “lie behind the line of construction established by the Tiffany Sands condominium complex,” approximately 175 feet to the north.

“While there are a number of condominiums and single family homes that have been constructed west of Tenacity Lane in the areas north of the Subject Property,” the application notes, “the County Commission has previously denied some requests for GBSL variances for property west of Tenacity Lane and lying north of the public beach and south of Plaza de Las Palmas.” However, the application says, in those cases involving property west of Tenacity Lane, each lot “was under common ownership or control with property fronting Beach Road east of Tenacity Lane.”

It adds, “The Subject Property has been in separate ownership from any other property, developed or not, since prior to the County’s adoption of the GBSL ordinance … Given the unique circumstances, and Saba Sands II’s lack of alternatives for developing the Subject Parcel or using its development rights on adjacent property,” the application says, “denying the variance request would be particularly unjust and unreasonable.”

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Emergency (General)................................................. 911 Emergency Animal Clinic........................ 941-929-1818 Fishing & Hunting Licenses.................... 941-362-9888 FPL – Florida Power & Light................... 941-917-0708 FPL – Outage Report............................. 1-800-468-8243 Marriage License Bureau......................... 941-362-4066 Poison Info Center................................. 1-800-282-3171

Piccolos Italian Market & Deli (G-47) carries a full line of imported cheeses, fresh baked bread daily, homemade sausages, fresh mozzarella, and numerous hard to get items.

They now carry Khorasan Wheat which is an ancient and organic grain. Their deli is complete with huge hot and cold sandwiches, salads, fresh homemade lasagna and baked ziti. And, you cannot leave without trying their cannoli filled with their own homemade cannoli cream or the tiramisu or Sfogliatelle from Brooklyn.

Here is where you will find great Italian specialty gourmet items without the gourmet price.

Tony’s Chicago Beef Company (S-16) is owned and operated by true Chicagoans.

Dedicated to deliver Chicago’s best food - Chicago style Hot Dogs wit’ the works...

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

Dragged through the garden on poppy seed buns with fresh cut fries, Italian Beef Sandwiches anyway you like, dipped or dry, sweet or hot. All served in true Authentic Chicago Style.

Sarasota Brewing Co. (G-4) Sarasota’s first micro brew pub always has something new to offer.

From over 20 seasonal beers that rotate throughout the year, the Brewing Company always has at least five unique brews online as well as several favorites from around the world. Established in 1989, Their menu has been a winner in the Reader’s Choice Awards of the Sarasota Herald Tribune featuring their mouth watering burgers, Chicago style Pizzas, and Chicago beef sandwiches.

With dozens of televisions, it’s a great place to catch a game with friends and family.

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

Right here.

Hurricane Mike’s Saloon (M-10) is a little neighborhood bar at 2639 Mall Drive, where everyone knows your name type of establishment and friendly staff. TV’s with the MLB and NFL packages, pool table, and full Florida Lottery games.

Happy hour daily from opening to 7pm. Hours: Mon – Sat, 8am – 2:30am and Sun., noon – 2:30am.

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Italian/American Restaurant

White Tablecloth Restaurant

A Real Hoboken, NJ Restaurant

Leading the charge Sherrill Mills, who has lived for 45 years at 560 Beach Road — just northeast of the Saba Sands II property — has been leading the opposition to the development plans. She explains in an essay she has distributed to the Siesta Key Association (SKA), friends and neighborhood groups, “Many lots along Beach [Road] are double lots like mine. I own the lot my house sits on as well as the seaward lot.”

Her neighbor to the south, she points out, “whose house abuts Access 10, does not own the lot seaward of his house.” Instead, she notes, that is the land owned by Saba Sands II. “IF SABA SANDS IS GRANTED THESE VARIANCES THE PRECEDENT ESTABLISHED BY THAT ACTION WILL OPEN WIDE AN ENTIRELY NEW ROW OF DEVELOPMENT ON SIESTA BEACH SEAWARD OF THE GULF BEACH SETBACK LINE AND SEAWARD OF ALL EXISTING BUILDINGS!!!” she adds.

She already has “been made aware of other beach lot owners who would rush in to develop their seaward lots,” she continues.

“The detriment to the environment and the beach would be irreversible,” she writes, “if the county commissioners accede to this plan [proposed by Saba Sands II.” She urges people to call and send letters to the commissioners to let them know “that you are WATCHING and that you CARE, her emphasis again.”

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• Lobster & Shrimp • Salmon & Scallops • Broccoli Rabe • Escarole • Clams • Mussels • Veal • Chicken • Beer • Wine

6516 Superior Ave. (Gulf Gate) Sarasota, Florida

Reservation Required

941-906-9444

Places of Worship Island Churches: • Siesta Key Presbyterian Chapel - 4615 Gleason Ave, Siesta Key, 941-349-1166 www.siestakeychapel.org • St. Michael’s Catholic Church 5394 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4174 www.stmichaelssiesta.com • St. Boniface Episcopal Church - 5615 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, 941-349-5616 www.bonifacechurch.org Off- Island: •Temple Sinai, a Reform Congregation (The closest Jewish congregation to the Key for visitors) 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, 941-924-1802 www.templesinai-sarasota.org

• St. Andrew United Church of Christ (Protestant) (In the Gulf Gate area, near Beneva and Gulf Gate Drive) 6908 Beneva Road, Sarasota, 941.922.7595 www.uccstandrew.org • The Superior Word Rev. Charlie Garrett Service starts Sunday mornings at 10am.

Bring a friend and share in God’s word.

6512 Superior Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34231 • First Christian Church 7601 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34241.

941-922-4434 www.fccsarasota.com

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Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE

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. 6625 Gateway Ave, 941-626-4894.

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.

Each staff member works hard to make sure you receive the best 1

service and quality food so you’ll want to return often. Take a look at their mouth-watering menu at www.originalwordofmouth. com. Hours: Mon-Sun.: 8AM2PM. 6604 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, 34231, 941-925-2400.

Moments In Time Photography (G-28) specializes in several different photography Beach portraits starting at just $49 and wedding beginning at $495. Check out their website: www.sarasotaphotos.com or visit their store to see why they have been the photographer of choice for over a decade and a half.

Pride of the South (S-34) 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 the size of the group. Come in and follow your nose to 6616 Superior Ave, Sarasota, FL 34231. Call (941)9260099. See you soon.

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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. Give them a call at 941-924-8020 or visit their showroom where they have a large display of locks and safes. 2120 Gulf Gate Drive.

Solorzano’s Late Night Pizzeria (S-32): At every Solorzano’s, they offer an experience familiar to those 4

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Hooters

Sun Trust

Publix

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D Beall’s Outlet

Bed Bath & Beyond

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Tonsorial Artistry

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Catering Available

We Put the South in Your Mouth 6616 Superior Ave. Sarasota

941.926.0099

FREE SIDE With the purchase of ANY entreé

Golden Tee Megatouch

FREE Pool ALL DAY Sunday thru Wednesday

2639 Mall Drive One mi.from Siesta South Bridge (behind Publix)

941-923-9827 Open Daily 9 AM-2:30 AM

Hot or Cold

Authentic New York Italian Market & Deli

COUPON

Mike’s Bud Select Brew $1.50/Pints • BEST Bloody Mary’s in Sarasota • Pool Table-

PICCOLO

6625 Gateway Ave.

S-34

• 9 AM - 7 PM EVERY DAY

Italian Market & Deli

& Vegetarian Sandwiches

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

Open Daily from 9 AM ‘til 2:30 AM

• 12 TV’s with MLB and NFL ticket sports package • All Florida lottery games • Smokers Welcome!

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www.TheShopSRQ.com

941-925-2400

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Original Word of Mouth 6604 Gateway Ave. Sarasota, FL 34231

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Solorzano’s Italian Ristorante (S-55) Solorzano’s brings a true Hoboken, New Jersey attitude to the area and offers a nice selection of made-to-order dishes.

Stepping into their restaurant feels like you just entered an old-world Italian family’s dining room, complete with portraits of family and friends, maybe even one of Frank Sinatra.

Reservations are required for this intimate setting.

941-906-9444, 6516 Superior Ave.

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who understand the importance of family and dedication.

Their recipes and techniques have been perfected through three long generations based on the traditional simplicity of the methods used by their Italian ancestors. Dine inside, outside, pick up, or DELIVERY anywhere on Siesta Key, or in Sarasota until 4:00 a.m. 6670 Superior Ave., 941-924-5800.

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

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Siesta Sand

JULY 2017

North Beach Road

941.349.0194 Continued from page 2

“As indicated by date stamps on its surface,” Pearce adds, the resolution vacating the North Beach Road segment “was rendered on June 27, 2016,” and it was published on July 2, 2016.

Additionally, he notes, it was recorded in the County’s Official Records on October 24, 2016.”

Pearce explains, “The Board’s decision is rendered when it has been filed with the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, and “the deadline to complete post-hearing publication only begins to run when the resolution is rendered, and not when the Board votes orally at the public hearing.”

The only count not addressed yet in motions for partial summary judgment in the case involves Cosentino’s allegation that because he

owns the property at 10 Beach Road, he has the “private right … to continue to use Beach Road ‘for thoroughfare purposes.’” The latter phrase refers to language in the Mira Mar Subdivision Plat Book, “which provides that Beach Road was dedicated to public use ‘for thoroughfare purposes only, reserving all other rights,’” as Cosentino points it in his Second Amended Complaint.

The parcel at 10 Beach Road, he argues, is only 465 feet north of the vacated segment of North Beach Road. He should be able to “drive his vehicle on Beach Road between Columbus Boulevard and Avenida Messina,” he contends in his Second Amended Complaint.

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. 8 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 941724-9719 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 dance, hoop, play the drum or other musical instrument and enjoy the spectacular Siesta sunset.

On The Beach…

• JULY –AUG (M-F) 8AM – NOON / PRNR SUMMER CAMPS: For a complete list of summer camp activities for the kids or event guide, please go to Sarasota County’s website: https://www.scgov. net/prnr/Pages/default.aspx • JULY – AUG (TUES) 5:30-730PM / KIDS SUMMER BEACH RUNS: This is a one-mile fun run for kids of all ages. Weekly registration held at 5:30 p.m. with race time at 6:30 p.m. Registration is on-site. All participants receive a ribbon and a popsicle. Free T-shirts are earned after 4 runs are completed. There is a one-time, $1 registration fee. Contact County for additonal info: 941-861-5000.

• JULY 4 (TUES) 8 – 10PM / JULY 4TH COMMUNITY FIREWORKS SHOW: The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce (SKCC) is proud to announce the 27th Anniversary of the 4th of July Community Fireworks Celebration, Tuesday, July 4th, at Siesta Key Beach.

The fireworks show will launch at dusk at the Siesta Key Public Beach (948 Beach Road) and is free and open to the public.

The Chamber works in partnership with Visit Sarasota County to present the celebration and also receives generous community donations from local businesses, accommodations, and residents.

Donations of all levels are greatly appreciated.

Sponsorship packages of $500 and above include parking passes and access to the preferred viewing and hospitality area. To make a donation, please visit siestakeychamber.com, or call the Chamber office at 941.349.3800.

• JULY 8&9 (SAT-SUN) 8AM – 7PM / DIG THE BEACH VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT: Dig the Beach Volleyball Series is the most established and successful grassroots series of its kind catering to both professional and amateur players. Some of the top professionals on the Domestic & World Tours have graduated from this organization. To register or for additional info, see website: www.digthebeach. com

Up & Down the Trail Sarasota ranked as the second-fastest expanding city in the area, with its population climbing 2.5 percent from 55,181 to 56,610. Back in March, the bureau identified Sarasota-Manatee as the 10th fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States during the period between July 1, 2015 and July 1, 2016.

Iconic bar under contract for sale The Five O’Clock Club, a long-time Sarasota live music venue and bar in the Hillview area, is under contract for sale.

Real estate agent John Caragiulo at Hembree & Associates has a listing

What’s Happening Spectators will be able to watch the courts from the elevated East Concession stand.

• JULY 10-14 (MON-FRI) 8:30AM – NOON / BEACH VOLLEYBALL CAMP: Campers will master the fundamentals, develop proper mechanics and gain game play experience in this camp directed by Megan Wallin, Sarasota’s own professional volleyball player who is currently ranked in the nation’s top 10. Coaches cover the rules, player rotation and zones. Camp includes fun games and maybe a few dance moves! Megan has a hands-on coaching style with a philosophy that practice repetition creates performance perfection. Your camper’s performance as an athlete will skyrocket, along with her or his selfconfidence! Campers should bring water, healthy snacks and lunch; they should wear comfortable clothing, spandex or swimsuit, a shirt and sunscreen.

Open to players of all ability levels. Shade tents provided. Ages: 8-15.

• JULY 20-25 (THURS-TUES) 8AM – 8PM / USAV NATIONAL JUNIORS VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT: The USAV Junior Beach Tour is the premier junior beach volleyball tour in the United States. The Tour has more than 80 events in 26 states and 30 USAV Regions. JBT registration is open to any athlete ages 10-18 looking to participate in beach volleyball. Visit the Junior Beach Tour Page. http://www.teamusa.org/usa-volleyball/usateams/beach-volleyball/junior-programs/2017usav-junior-beach-tour Schedule: July 20-22 = Girls 12U & 16U & Boys 12U & 14U: Thurs., July 20 Boys 12U and 14U(Open and Club) Girls 12U and 16U (Open and Club) - 7 a.m. - AM check in begins - 7:40 a.m. - Player, coach and parent meeting at center court - 8 a.m. – Players head out to assigned courts - 8:15 a.m. – Games start - 1 p.m. – Pool play begins to wrap up - Friday, July 21 Boys 12U and 14U (Open and Club); Girls 12U and 16U (Open and Club) - 8 a.m. - AM pool play begins - 1:30 p.m. - 1st round Gold Division (only) playoffs - match play (if necessary) Saturday, July 22 Boys 12U and 14U (Open and Club); Girls 12U and 16U (Open and Club) - 8 a.m. - Boy and Girls Single elimination playoffs All Divisions (Gold, Silver, Bronze and Copper) - 12:30 p.m. - Bronze, Copper Finals - 1 p.m. - Silver Finals - 3 p.m. - Gold Finals July 23-25 = Girls 14U & 18U & Boys 16U & 18U Sunday, July 23 Boys 16U and 18U (Open and Club); Girls 14U and 18U (Open and Club) - 7 a.m. - AM check in begins - 7:40 a.m. - Player, coach and parent meeting at center court - 8 a.m. – Players head out to assigned courts - 8:15 a.m. – Games start - 1 p.m. – Pool play begins to wrap up Monday, July 24 Boys 16U and 18U (Open and Club); Girls 14U and 18U (Open and Club) - 8 a.m. - AM pool play begins - 1:30 p.m. - 1st round Gold Division (only) playoffs - match play (if necessary) Tuesday, July 25 Boys 16U and 18U (Open and Club); Girls 14U and 18U (Open and Club) - 8 a.m. - Boy and Girls Single elimination playoffs All Divisions (Gold, Silver, Bronze and Copper)

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posted for the “iconic and legendary Sarasota bar,” that has been in constant operation for over five decades, according to a media report in the Sarasota HeraldTribune. Priced at $475,000, it’s marked as a pending sale.

So what will go in its place?

The realtor told the Herald-Tribune both parties want to keep terms of the sale confidential for now, but the prospective owners have expressed interest in maintaining a live music element and keeping the business open through the transition.

- 12:30 p.m. - Bronze, Copper Finals - 1 p.m. - Silver Finals - 3 p.m. - Gold Finals *Final times subject to change ** All times may vary depending on number of teams in each division • JULY 17-21 (MON-FRI) 9AM - NOON / WOODSHOP 101 CAMP: This event takes place at Turtle Beach Park. Here is an opportunity for campers to really get busy with a hammer and nails! What joyous things we can create with wood. Campers go home with a one-of-a-kind wooden masterpiece. All supplies and tools included.

• JULY 24-28 (MON-FRI) 8AM-NOON / SKIM, SURF & PADDLE CAMP: This event takes place at Turtle Beach Park. Let’s go surfin’ now, everybody’s learnin’ how! Suitable for all skill levels, this camp consists of skim, surf and stand-up paddle board instruction, demonstration and practice, mixed with beach activities and plenty of summertime fun.

Qualified instructors focus on board awareness, balance, flexibility and strength. Campers also learn basic ocean knowledge on tides, wind and waves; sports nutrition and fitness; and environmental awareness from professional instructors and educators. Meet at beach pavilion. Snacks, sunscreen, and plenty of shade and water are provided. Loaner equipment is available by calling the Compound Boardshop in advance at 941-923-0430.

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.

• FREE EXERCISE CLASSES FOR SENIORS: Every Thursday morning at 9am. Focus will be on stretching, strengthening, toning, posture and balance. Call 941-870-5811 for more info. SK Sports & Physical Therapy is located in the Village.

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. http://palmavenue. org/ • 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. http://www.towlescourt. com/index.htm • JUNE 29 – JULY 2 (THURS -SUN) 8AM – 5PM / SARASOTA POWERBOAT GRAND PRIX FESTIVAL: The annual Grand Prix Race will be held off Lido Beach on Sunday, July 2. Event schedule and VIP race day tickets are available for purchase on the Festival website: www.suncoastoffshore.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.

www.siestasand.net

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JULY 2017

Arts on the Horizon

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By Rodger Skidmore St. Petersburg; the Tampa Museum of Art; and the Ringling Museum of Art. Stop by the Ringling’s visitors center for exact locations and view more at www.ringling.org/kidsfamilies. There is also a great children’s playground near Mable’s Rose Garden.

Want lots of different shows for kids all under one name at one location? Take them to see Just For Laughs, which is a kind of improv for kids (yes, of all ages). They take place at Florida Studio Theatre on each Thursday and Friday from June 29th thru July 28th at 9:45 AM, 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. The cast will perform scenes, make up songs, and tell stories that will be appropriate for all ages (4 and up).

No two shows will be alike. If your kids are daring enough, they can go up on stage and join in the fun. Check this out at www.floridastudiotheatre.org/just-laughs.

George Orwell’s Newspeak In Orwell’s novel, 1984, “blackwhite” referred to the usage of a word with the understanding that it meant its opposite. Thus., when the leaders spoke of peace, everyone understood them to mean war, and it is sometimes the same with theater. When one says Absolute Brightness everyone should understand that we are talking about a Very Dark play indeed. The Florida Studio Theatre’s production of The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey is a case in point: in the New York Times review of the play, Charles Isherwood believed that the brutal murder of a 14 year-old boy would leave you beaming with joy. This play by James Lecesne does not glorify murder or other horrors, but rather uses them, with a very noir bent, to help us to understand more about ourselves and our relationships, in a comedic way.

In another stretching of terms, this is not a one person play, but rather a play with twelve characters that are all played by the same actor. 12 to 1 is a great role per actor ration and certainly keeps down production costs, but it also permits the actor to get into the heads of all those that he plays. Sort of like a person with a multiple personality disorder telling one story from 12 different angles.

Action takes place in the urban portions of New Jersey, home to Bruce Springsteen and Governor Chris Christie.

A ten year old case file rises to the surface in the mind of a Guy Noir-ish detective named Chuck DeSantis, and the action begins. As the relationships spin and the characters twirl, we meet all those who revolved about Leonard - his supposed aunt, her daughter, a mob widow, and those who bullied him (Chris Christie was not involved in this particular escapade). A key to Leonard’s persona is that when he disappeared he was wearing a pair of rainbowcolored platform sneakers that he’d made himself by gluing half a dozen flip-flops to the bottom of his Converse hightops.

Kate Alexander, who has directed many of FST’s great plays, is at the helm of Absolute Brightness. Jeffrey Plunkett, who has appeared in the films Millennium Crisis and Alien Uprising, takes on all the roles in these performances which are scheduled for July 5th thru August 6th at the Keating Theater on 1st Street. As performance times vary for evenings and matinees please check out the full schedule at floridastudiotheatre.org.

Siesta Key Round-Up

Two left feet?

What have you done with all the children When the children got a bit too rowdy one summer, the good people of Hamlin hired a pied piper to get them all out of town (or so one version of that tale goes).

How to calm down the children of Sarasota without taking them to some alternative universe? Try a bit of entertainment. It may not give them an out-of-body experience but it might give you a they’re-out-of-thehouse experience, which could be just as satisfying for all concerned.

A four week long summer camp (July 10th - August 4th) is being held at The Players Center for the Performing Arts for those between the ages of 8 and 17. The culmination of this activity will be their performance of Madagascar Jr. at 7:00 PM on August 4th: everyone is invited. There are also a number of one week sessions where the young ones will play themed characters (pirates and mermaids, Vampires and Zombies, Star Wars, Superheroes, etc.) Please see www.theplayers.org/ studio/#tab-players_kids for details.

Are toddlers and preschoolers your concern? If so, then the Ringling Museum’s ROAR! program is ready to come to your rescue. The Ringling Order of Art Readers is being held on June 30th, July 7th and July 14th (all beginning at 10:30 AM) and is designed to engage those between 4 and 7 in activities that connect art with early literacy - good stories with great art and activities. On July 3, 10, 17 and 24, there is also Museum of Art Mondays, with a special art making program, from 11 AM until 2 PM, that is tied to the art on display in the museum’s galleries. Visit the Ringling on July 15th for Family Day which celebrates the special exhibition now on view - Skyway! This show features art from Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties and was put together by curators from the Museum of Fine Arts,

Continued from page 17

40% discount being offered

Relics on the Key, selling vintage, antiques and midcentury items is offering a 40% off coupon. The 40% off coupon is located on page 44 of this edition of Siesta Sand. Relics on the Key is located in the Siesta Key Village at 5049 Ocean Blvd.

Keep Siesta Beach clean The month of July is one of the busiest months for our beaches.

With all the major events and summer visitors enjoying staycations and vacations, the beach will be a swarm of people. Siesta Sand encourages all to enjoy themselves, and to remember to pack up your trash before leaving the beach. Bring an extra garbage bag; one for your trash and pass one out to another beachgoer. We have the best beach in the USA and #5 in the world so let’s take pride in keeping it No. 1.

to have been awarded the prestigious 5 star award as a practicing professional therapist.

She’s developed a menu of services tailored to the needs of her clients.

White believes and teaches that many chronic and acute aliments can be treated naturally with powerfully effective and lasting results. Check out her website for more info: www.siestakeyretreats.com, or call with any questions: 941-404-0881.

New business on the Key

The MTV reality series

Still Waters Alternative Healthcare opened up shop at 5700 Midnight Pass Road. Owner, Mary White offers a unique approach to wellness. With over 25 years of experience in luxury spa, health destinations & hospitality, White is the first, and only,

No, more like eight left feet and seven right feet, or something like that. Yes, Sarasota Contemporary Dance is doing its summer thing and you can join in. First by watching - and enjoying. A three session series entitled Timeline is being performed at the New College of Florida’s Black Box Theater (5850 General Dougher Place) at 7 PM on July 20th and 21st and at 2 PM on July 23rd. It features a new work choreographed by the troupe’s artistic director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott. This riveting solo is based on the life of Stephanie Bastos, who performs the dance with the aid of a prosthetic leg.

A different set of performances titled ‘In the Round is set for 2 and 7 PM (also in the Black Box) on July 29th where four choreographers from the SCD Summer Dance Intensive will join SCD members in performing in an intimate setting.

And a performance of SCD Dance Repertory Showing is scheduled for the 27th at New College’s College Hall at 2:30 PM. Want to not just watch but also to learn more about contemporary dance by going Behind the Curtain with two of America’s up and coming choreographers? Millicent Johnnie will be discussing Urban Technique on July 26th and Rosanna Tavarez discusses Countertechnique on the 27th. Both classes are at 11:30 AM and are at College Hall. Ms. Johnnie worked on the choreography for the musical Rent and recently on the new Broadway version of Disney’s Frozen. Ms. Tavarez is one of only six certified countertechnique teachers in the US. First there’s watching, then learning and now, finally, doing. There is a SCD Kids and Juniors program from July 10th - 14th as well as programs for all ages and abilities during the summer and throughout the entire year. There is much to check out at www.sarasotacontemporarydance.org.

Much buzz ensued last month when MTV unveiled an ad for its new reality series set on Siesta Key. Apparently, the news also generated calls and emails to the Siesta Key Association (SKA).

On May 18, Catherine Luckner, Vice

President emailed her fellow SKA board members to let them know she had spoken with Major Paul Richard of the Sheriff’s Office that day. “He is aware of news which characterizes [the MTV show] as unwelcome and wanted to give some factual background,” she wrote.

The series’ executive producer had several meetings with Sheriff’s Office staff prior to the start of the filming, she continued, and completed all the requirements for permits from the county. “They’ve already finished filming,” she wrote, noting that the last episode was shot at Owen’s Fish Camp, a downtown Sarasota restaurant.

It focused on a date between two college students, who discussed their families and life at school, Luckner added.

The series is about students who have known each other for some time who have come home to Siesta Key from college and are catching up with each other, Luckner pointed out. “It is not a ‘spring break’ type series as many have feared.”

Richard told her that, at all times during the filming, “Sgt. Jason Mruczek was on speed dial” in the event any problems arose. Mruczek is the leader of the Sheriff’s Office Siesta Key substation. “The [executive producer] was extremely sensitive to any

disruption of life here,” she pointed out.

The first episode is set to air in July, she added. According to Adweek, the date for the premiere is set for July 19.

Ask and you shall receive People who stayed until the end of the May SKA meeting know that Siesta property owner and Realtor Michael Holderness offered to match a $1,000 contribution to the Siesta Key Environmental Defense Fund.

As it turns out, Vice President Catherine Luckner announced during the June 1 SKA meeting, one person did accept that challenge.

Luckner added that she had not gained the contributor’s approval to reveal her name.

The donation “was awesome,” Luckner said.

In fact, she noted, it ended up exceeding $1,000.

“Thank you so much for what you’ve been doing,” Luckner told the audience, referring to all the contributions people have provided for the nonprofit’s fight of the proposal to dredge Big Sarasota Pass to renourish a 1.6-mile stretch of South Lido Key. The next step in the SKA’s fight is a Florida Department of Administrative Hearing procedure this summer: Aug. 22-25 and Aug. 28-31 in Sarasota. Save Our Siesta Sand 2 (SOSS2) and the Florida Wildlife Federation also will plead their cases in opposition to the dredging plan.

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1. Kristen, Dad – Brian, Oldest -Nick, Gianni and Youngest - Andrew “Drew” from NY 2. Neal, Nicole, Kaiden age 5, Oakley age 2, and Brextyn age 8 months from OH 3. Raelee age 4, Sean, Ashley, and Cole 1 ½, (just married on Siesta Key) from PA 4. Nathaniel age 12 and Ethan age 12 from Sarasota 5. Marc, Audrey & Jordan – twins age 8, and Leah from GA 6. Jack 11 and Brian from OH 7. Brooke, Addilyn age 1, and Kay from south GA 8. Kesey from Sarasota and Lee from Brooksdale, FL 9. Aimee, Hadley and Trenton from Indian Shores 10. Stephanie, Charlie and Kyle from TX 11. Caleb age 9, Landon age 11, Hayley age 14, and Emerson age 6, from MT

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Published by Island Visitor Publishing, LLC Contributing Writers and Photographers will be noted with bylines.

Guest commentary not necessarily the opinion of island Visitor Publishing, LLC Reproduction without written permission prohibited. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

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Just roll out of bed...your hair looks great!

Shampoo and towel dry.... and you’re done!

The style is in the cut, not the blow-dry, so you don’t have to fuss with your hair to look good... even fine, limp or curly hair... and my new steam color process + Olaplex creates richer brunettes and spectacular blondes. The colors go deeper and last longer, yet are far more gentle to the hair.

John-Ryan, Kim, Hannah, Mollie, Mark, Carrie, Emma, Allie, William, Bruce, Norma from TN

Q: Dear Donnarose, there’s been some disruption from negative spirits in my home for approximately 8 months.

I’ve seen some things move, and my cat also seems to be reacting to something.

Someone suggested I get a distant house clearing. Is that as good as in person? ~Regards, M.G A: “If you’ve had it with negative energies being in your space, consider a distant house clearing to put them in their place.” ~Donnarose Melvin There may be differing opinions on this topic, but I can only speak from the work I personally do. But it’s always good to google house clearings to see what those opinions are. From my experience, and the way I do the clearings, in-person and distant house/space clearings are equally effective.

A couple examples are, I had a client whose family member was pushed down the stairs by a spirit, and her family saw other things happen as well. Another client had chairs put in the bathtub and on her bed by a spirit. Both situations were resolved from me doing a distant clearing. I have a testimonial from the first one somewhere. But bottom-line, yes, distant house/ space clearings work the same as in-person, and are very convenient for my clients. I started doing distant space clearings when a friend’s family member contacted me from out of state. He had a spirit driving him a little crazy going up and down the stairs almost nightly. And the distant clearing did the job. So it doesn’t matter where you live or the distance. And equally important, it doesn’t matter how long the spirit has been in the house or on the premises. I bring in Archangel Michael for every clearing and He takes care of what’s needed, with love of course. If you can’t find someone to help, feel free to contact me. ~♥ Q: Dear Donnarose, I seem to be struggling with regret and guilt about things I’ve said and done when I was younger. I’m on a spiritual path, but this guilt seems to be hindering my progress. It’s like part of me feels I don’t deserve to progress because of my past. ~Please advise, A.H. A: “Clearing stuck energy makes room for more Light.” ~Donnarose Melvin Your concern is actually very common. For the most part, the things that cause us to get stuck on our path as well as feel undeserving of all great things, are the

By Appointment Only with Ian:

ego and unforgiveness. The ego strives to restrict us from having experiences in alignment with love. It wants to stop us from raising our vibration, as that would connect us to the Higher version of ourselves, where our actions are more in alignment with our soul’s purpose. The ego tries to remind us of what we feel we did wrong a long time ago, and then tries to convince us to feel unworthy and punish ourselves for life. Also, not forgiving others and ourselves for what happened in the past can contribute to keeping our vibration low, which then keeps us in that guilty and unworthy state of energy.

But, the good thing is that you’re on a spiritual path. And all that it entails will help you to continue to raise your vibration, which will help you to have Higher thoughts about yourself. And in turn, situations at the same higher frequency will manifest. But let’s include the forgiveness aspect and clear out some of the stuck energy that may be holding you back. Consider this peacemaking prayer: “Infinite Source, for me, my family, our entire lineage and all our relationships throughout all time-past, present and future: For all hurts and wrongs; for all the things we said and done in word, thought or action that caused any of us to feel unlike love; for all feelings of unworthiness, guilt, resentment and regret, please help us all forgive each other, forgive ourselves, forgive all people, and all people forgive us completely and totally, now and forever, no matter what happened, please and thank you.” Feel free to insert anything else you need to make peace on. Making peace with your past pushes out the dark intentions of the ego, which then, like my quote above says, makes room for more Light. ~♥ Donnarose Melvin is a professional Ancestral Energy Clearing Intuitive, and a Medium. Her knowledge from her BA degree in Psychology, along with her natural intuitive gifts, have helped thousands achieve increased peace and success. Please send your questions to: Donnarose1010@ gmail.com or Facebook private msg her at Donnarose. She will select questions each month to share with you. Donnarose regrets that unpublished questions cannot be answered individually. If you’d like a powerful distant energy clearing, or an intuitive reading, please contact Donnarose at the email address above.

MarinerWord Search Answers on page 45 WORD SEARCH MarinerWord Search WORD LIST

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Siesta Key REAL ESTATE & HOME SECTION ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 42 SAND CASTLES PAGE 37

HOUSE HUNTING PAGE 39 SIESTA KEY MARKET STATS PAGE 38

The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key

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

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

HIGHEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY PROPERTY: 365 AVENIDA DE PARADISIO, SOLD FOR: $829,900 The ultimate in Florida living awaits you at this great opportunity to live the Siesta Key lifestyle. Your private paradise is located on a dead end street with pool, dock and boat lift. This John Cannon built home is a short stroll to the many shops and restaurants that Siesta Village has to offer.

This three story Key West design gives the homeowner many entertaining options.

Large great room opens up to a large deck overlooking the canal. With 3 bedrooms and 3 baths upstairs. A separate bonus living area on the lower level (with its own full bath) would be a great in-law suite or pool bar area. Also has a full sauna. Newer Hardie siding, A/C, water heater. For the boaters there is only one bridge to the open bay. This home also has great income producing opportunities. Price reduction is

reflective of seawall repair cost. The sale of this property came to $326.48 a square foot. Courtesy of Coldwell Banker.

HIGHEST PRICED CONDO: 1245 DERBY LN, #A: SOLD FOR: $1,395,000 This spacious bay front townhome with deeded beach access to the powdery white sands of world-famous Siesta Beach comes with a private 40’ dock and 10,000lb. boat lift on the Intracoastal Waterway. Located in a quiet, tree-lined enclave of only 5 homes where you’ll enjoy colorful sunrises, balmy bay breezes and frolicking dolphins from all four terrace levels. A perfect full-time residence or vacation home that lives like a single-family home with the ease of condo ownership, this expansive four-bedroom floor plan, plus bonus room and office, features fine upgrades throughout including hardwood floors, plantation shutters, columns, crown molding, granite countertops and wood cabinetry. The main level features a covered entry, foyer and dining room with French doors, kitchen and breakfast room, which are open to the great room, offering a gas fireplace and large bay front terrace, all with spectacular water views. A guest room and bath complete this floor. The upstairs master suite is bathed in natural light, thanks to a wall of floor-to-ceiling glass sliders, and enjoys a large, private bay front terrace, the perfect place to savor your morning coffee, plus a spacious bath

and two walk-in closets. Also on this floor are two guest bedrooms, a full bath, office, and laundry room.

Upstairs, the penthouse bonus room enjoys a rooftop, bay front terrace with north and south views of the ICW. A private elevator services all floors and air-conditioned garage accommodates four cars in tandem. The sale on this unit came out to $418.67 a square foot. Courtesy of Premiere Sothebys.

LOWEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY PROPERTY: 5208 WINDING WAY, SOLD FOR: $400,000 Best Value on Siesta Key. Your tropical paradise awaits in this charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath home at an affordable price. Located under a mile from Siesta Key Beach, this is the perfect getaway for full and part time residents. The interior features a cute kitchen with sliders that open to the deck and stone patio. Both bathrooms have had some updating and there is a separate utility room. The entire front yard has pavers for easy maintenance and the back yard is fenced for privacy. The HOA fees are $150 per year which is just another reason to make this your new island home or weekend getaway! The sale of this property came out to $289.02 a square foot. Courtesy of ReMax Alliance.

LOWEST PRICED CONDO: 5641 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #908: SOLD FOR: $270,000 This unit in White Sand Village was totally remodeled.

Tile floors throughout, beautifully turn-key furnished. Lovely second floor view out over the courtyard. Terrific rental!

Newly renovated clubhouse offers heated pool, outdoor grills and boat docks (available at $386 a year per slip). Active social committee with pot luck dinners, coffee gatherings, cards, etc.

The sale came out to $338.77 a square foot.

Courtesy of Michael Saunders.

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1. Hailey and Syndey from MO 2. Nancy, Mallory age 9 and Stacy from IN 3. Francaa & Francesca from Italy, and Sophia from Germany

Paradise Awaits...

E IC ED! R P UC D RE

322 Island Circle Sarasota, FL

Beaches, boating and bistros! Live the island lifestyle in this spacious 4 BR, 4 BA house located on desirable Palm Island. Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master BR and master BA. Lounge in the heated pool and spa. Perfect home or investment property .

959,000

$

418 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL

Single Family Home, 3 BR, 2.5 BA Key West Style Grand Canal home on Siesta Key. Built in 2005. Huge lower level bonus area, pool shower, 4-car garage.Open floor plan. Custom touches. MUST SEE!

1,399,000

$

!

LD

797 Beach Road, #305 Sarasota, FL Full Gulf view of #1 Beach in the USA. Completely remodeled, priced to sell! High end tile floors in main living area, quality custom kitchen cabinets, deisgner kitchen.

Crescent Royale offers an onsite rental program, heated pool and much more!

550,000

$

LE !

SA ING ND PE

SO

389 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL

Single Family Home, 4 BR, 4.5 BA, Private Pool, Corner Lot, 1 Car Attached Garage, Located on Palm Island on Siesta Key, A Short Walk To The Beach, Wood and Marble Flooring Throughout, Low Maintenance Yard, Private and Secluded

779,000

$

5206 Winding Way, Sarasota, FL

Great Siesta Key home just a short walk to the sugary sands of Siesta Key Beach. Full remodeled with new stucco, paint and custom woodwork on the exterior. Brand new A/C unit, new stainless steel appliances. Bonus glassed-in Florida room is a pure joy for relaxation.

413,900

$

405 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL

“Island Style” Tropical Beach Home located on Palm Island. Palm Island is an “Island on an Island” accessible via a Humpback Bridge with no through traffic.

Close to all the excitement of Siesta Key, yet secluded. Tastefully decorated weith bright and warm tropical colors. This home is a must see.

Tropical Sands Dan D. Miller 941-376-7442 Licensed Real Estate Professional

ddm1@comcast.net

590,000

$

Service.

Integrity.

Results.

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Beach Road charter amendment effort continues Several questions remain: • Will the group be able to get the required number of signatures?

It is fairly uncommon for a citizen-led initiative to make it on the ballot in Sarasota County, Ron Turner, the county’s Supervisor of Elections told Siesta Sand. “It’s not something that happens that often,” Turner said.

In 2006, a successful citizenled charter amendment effort asking voters whether to use voter-verified paper ballots and random audits in forthcoming

elections reached the ballot box.

But typically, charter amendments that make it onto the ballot are the result of efforts led by the county’s Charter Review Board or the County Commission.

• And secondly, if the number of signatures are achieved, a big question revolves around the timing and cost of such a ballot initiative.

A charter amendment can be timed to appear on a primary general election ballot at no additional cost to the county. But

Cosentino told Siesta Sand that the group is aiming for a date next year that would not fall close to an election. In this case, the cost to hold a special countywide election is approximately $450,000, bore by the county’s general tax fund, Turner said.

• Another significant question arises: What if the county approves construction of a Beach Road development before, or roughly simultaneous, with a successful charter amendment drive?

The Supervisor of Elections Office’s duty is to place the amendment questions on the ballot, unless ordered not to do so by a judge, Turner said. “There is no quick or easy answer to that question,” Turner said. “I would have to do what I legally am required to, which is conduct an election, unless it is stopped by a court.”

For his part, Cosentino, who has also filed a lawsuit against the county, challenging the Beach Road decision on the grounds that it violates the county’s comprehensive plan, says isn’t worried about the long-term

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outcome. He points to the court case decision Pinecrest Lakes, Inc. vs. Shidel, involving a community north of Tampa. In that case, a judge ordered a developer to completely demolish several multistory buildings that challengers argued was inconsistent with the county’s Comprehensive Plan and was built when the appeal case regarding the project was in court.

“Go ahead and build what they want to build,” Cosentino said about any potential developments on the tip of Beach Road. “When we prevail, we will tear that ---down.”

Cosentino argues the cost of the election could have been avoided if the county had proceeded with initial plans in 2009 to improve Beach Road and retain its ownership as is. That project came with a $500,000-plus cost, but it would have been a better investment — Cosentino argues — than the cost of a special election.

A later county study in 2013 showed a cost of $3 to $4 million to add improvements that could preserve the road.

The proposed amendments Amendment 4.1: “The County shall not sell, and shall retain ownership of, County-owned Parks and Preserves, and shall not vacate or sell County-owned road segments or rights of way along or abutting any beach, river, creek, canal, lake, bay, gulf access or waterfront vista.

The County shall encourage maximum right of way use for public access and viewing of waterfront vistas.”

Amendment 4.2: Would rescind the abandonment of, or have the county re-acquire, the section of North Beach Road that the commissioners voted to turn over to the Maddens and the two other sets of petitioners.

Publishers Note: Representing Reopen Beach Road, Mary Anne Bowie, FAICP Urban Planning and Sustainability Advocate will be presenting the two charter amendments at the August 3 Siesta Key Association meeting.

The meeting will be at St. Boniface Church located at 5615 Midnight Pass Road. The meeting starts at 4:30 PM.

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Beachside Resort Style at Sarasota Surf & Racquet Club

By Roger Drouin Condominium owners at Sarasota Surf & Racquet Club have a lot to love when they are here. But for the majority of owners, that might not be that often.

Built on over 13 acres of beachfront property, with four tennis courts (including two clay courts) and one of the Key’s few beachside pools, Sarasota Surf and Racquet Club is a resort-like condominium community, located midisland at 5900 Midnight Pass Road. And in fact, most of the owners at the 189-unit community rent their units for the majority of the year, and the community is operated more like a resort than a condominium, said Carlin Strouse, General Manager for Sarasota Surf & Racquet.

The vacationers who end up renting at Sarasota Surf & Racquet Club enjoy the beachside location and amenities.

About 70 percent of those renters end up returning, Strouse told Siesta Sand.

“You can’t beat it,” added Realtor Ty Bruno, who has a 1,352-square foot, two-bedroom tower unit listed for sale in the community. “You literally walk out the door and are at the beach.”

“It is a beautiful area, a beautiful beach,” said the realtor with Horizon Realty.

The direct beachside location is the biggest draw, added Realtor Bob Ruiz, with Key Solutions Real Estate.

“Fabulous Gulf views and the ability to walk out your door and be on the beach without crossing a road is a huge factor in the desirability of this community,” Ruiz said.

Bruno said the community’s on-site rental office and minimum three-day rental period make it convenient for investment seekers to rent their units. Owners who participate in the on-site rental program take advantage of having everything taken care of for a percentage of the charged rent, Bruno said. From scheduling rentals to maid services, the office makes renting out units easier for owners, Bruno said.

The minimum three-day rental period is less common on the Key, and offers more flexibility to owners who are renting their units. “They can rent to someone coming into town for business for just a few days,” Bruno said.

Most renters who vacation at the Sarasota Surf & Racquet Club opt to stay for longer than three nights, however. The average rental period at the resort is a five-night rental, Strouse noted.

Recent Sales and listings: Of 189 units, 155 owners take part in the community’s rental program and rent their units approximately full time, Strouse said. Those owners typically only use the unit for one month or less at a time, and rent it out for the remainder of the year through the rental office. The other unit owners are seasonal residents who rent for a shorter period of the year or are full time residents.

“It is a beautiful property and beach,” Strouse said. “It’s a great community that offers things like live music, yoga and organized tennis tournaments.” Tennis aficionados are drawn to the four courts, and especially the clay courts, Strouse noted.

The community is operated like a resort; it has a fulltime staff of 36 — from yards maintenance to maids who clean rented units weekly and after renters check out.

Palm Bay Club, located next door, is also operated in a similar fashion.

Units at Sarasota Surf & Racquet Club range from tennis court villas (at the front of the property next to the tennis courts), a 3 story building with views of the grounds, 2 five story buildings with Gulf views, and the Tower - a 12 story, 83 unit building, with Gulf views. Amenities include: two heated pools, including the Beachside pool and a Courtyard Pool; Four Tennis Courts (two Har-Tru courts and 2 Laykold courts); fitness center; business center with complimentary Computer Access and Printers; Wireless Internet throughout the property; Recreation Room available for small gatherings; beach pavilion and beachside BBQ grills; beach cabana chair rentals, canopies and umbrellas available for rental.

Most of the units have some degree of water view, with only about 40 not having a water view, Strouse said.

“As is the case on all of Siesta, units with direct Gulf views come with a higher price tag than others - the nearer the beach and the better the view, mean relatively higher prices,” Ruiz said. “All things being equal, larger units are in greater demand and carry a higher price tag.”

There have been eight sales in the past year. Recent sales have ranged from $645 to $520 a square foot. The sale price was influenced largely by type of water view and location on the property.

There are two units listed for sale: • The unit listed by Horizon Realty is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom with 1,352 square feet. It is listed for $765,000, or $565 a square foot. It has a Gulf view from the enclosed sunroom. The unit is owned by daughter and son-in-law of Jack Hanna, Zookeeper and TV host, and the couple is selling the unit so they can purchase a unit on Florida’s east coast, Bruno said. “The unit is very clean and well kept,” Bruno noted. “It’s nicely furnished and set up for someone to move in or rent it out, or do both.”

• Another, larger tower unit with panoramic water views, including from the interior living areas, is listed for $1.55 million. Its center-tower location affords the direct water views. The completely renovated unit has two bedrooms and two baths, with 1,789 square feet. The listing price comes out to $866 a square foot.

This 1,352 square foot unit is listed by Horizon Realty

Making Things Happen on Siesta Key...BOB and SHERI RUIZ

Dolphin Bay

The ultimate 2/2 in over 1900 feet of living space. Exceptional property with over-sized living space. Split plan with large bedrooms each with its own bath.

Spacious lanai with great views of the ICW. Garage.

MLS #A4178449 $849,000

840 Siesta Key Circle

Lovely Old-Florida style home just minutes to Siesta Beach and Village. Dock w/lift, quick boat ride to the ICW. 3 -3 1/12 with pool and 2 car garage. Large corner lot.

Prestigious Siestas Bayside Community.

MLS #A4173735 $1,150,000

Gulf & Bay Bayside

Exceptional upscale renovated 3/2 with loft and glassed-in lanai. Attached garage.

Deeded beach access. Ideal vacation or investment property - 1 week min with on-site rental management.

MLS #A4185953 $649,000

Harbour Towne Yacht Club

Walking distance to Siesta Beach with deeded dock and water views! Fabulous 2/2 end unit. Attached garage. Gated community with pool, tennis, clubhouse and grill/picnic area.

MLS #A4185066 $449,000

Your Resident Real Estate Professionals Bob Ruiz 941-544-3299 RobertRuizRR@aol.com

Gulf & Bay Bayside

Great beach home, vacation or rental property. Deeded beach access just across the street. 2/2 with water views. Beautifully renovated and furnished with attached garage. Resort-style amenities.

MLS #A4182348 $539,000

Harbour Towne Yacht Club

Beautifully renovated and turnkey furnished 3/3 with deeded 40’ dock and 10k lift. Garage and abundant storage. Just across the street from Siesta Beach.

Great deep water boating community of just 50 units.

Pool and Tennis.

MLS #A4167104 $699,000

Sheri Ruiz 941-400-4186 Sheri Lasley@aol.com www.SiestaKeyNow.com

Key Solutions Real Estate Group

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Siesta Key Round-Up New chef, new menus at SKOB

Stephanie Brown, general manager of Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB), has announced the hiring of Gino Calleja as the restaurant’s new executive chef. “Chef Calleja has extensive experience in the restaurant industry,” a news release notes, including his most recent, 10-year stint as executive chef “at a very well-known restaurant in downtown Sarasota.”

Before coming to Florida, the release continues, Calleja worked in New York City as the executive chef and manager of three popular restaurants. “Chef Gino is a brilliant chef of superior quality and talent, and we are fortunate that he has joined our team,” said Brown in the release. “His culinary talent and experience, business sense, management skills, and dedication are going to help SKOB grow to the next level which includes increasing the diner’s choices of quality ingredients.”

Calleja is introducing new menus for brunch, lunch and dinner, along with new ingredients sourced from local and/or sustainable farms, the release adds. “Siesta Key Oyster Bar is a popular restaurant and I wanted to introduce creative menu items while retaining the most popular choices,” Calleja continued in the release. “SKOB has a solid

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Continued from page 35

number of loyal local fans who let me know which menu items were sacred,” he added with a laugh, the release noted. SKOB is located in the Siesta Key Village at 5238 Ocean Blvd.

owners on Siesta Key. When the SKA board held its last meeting, he continued, he mentioned that the nonprofit needed someone to oversee issues relating to waterways. Then, whenever pertinent questions arose, that person could undertake the necessary research or action.

Director Joe Volpe responded, “‘I’ll do it,’” Ashby said. “Joe is our new waterways captain.” As a punctuation mark to those comments — so to speak — the board had a nautical cap ready for Volpe to don, complete with “scrambled eggs.” A round of applause ensued.

New Members for the SK Chamber

New responsibility for Volpe

SKA President Harold Ashby talked during the June meeting about how “we, as board members, wear a lot of hats,” working as volunteers in service of residents and business

Handmade Antique Rugs Bought and Sold

Florida’s Largest Selection of Antique Oriental and Chinese Rugs for 45 Years

Mosby oriental rugs

941-925-1025 by appointment

www.antiqueorientalrugs.com

The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce would like all to welcome the following new members: New Members May through June 15th, 2017 1. Florida Suncoast Tourism Promotions, Inc. 2. Thriveology, LLC 3. The Reserve Coffeehouse, Bookstore & Tavern 4. LA Fitness - Southgate Mall 5. Kona-Ice Sarasota

6. Homewood Suites by Hilton Sarasota Lakewood Ranch 7. Siesta Key Fitness Center

Up & Coming Village Businesses

Residents have been speculating on the type of business that will be occupying the site of the vacated BluQue Island Grill restaurant located on Avenida Messina, next to The Cottage in the Village. The existing building has been razed and construction on a new structure is currently underway. Co-owner, Mike Granthon has confirmed a high-end steak and seafood restaurant will be opening up once construction has been completed. This latest project is expected to be completed early spring 2018.

For those lamenting the closing of the sole sushi restaurant in the Village, take heart. A sign posted on the window for the existing site of the closed Eat Here restaurant located on Avenida Madera, across the street from Solorzano’s Bros. Pizzeria, indicates that Star Thai & Sushi will be coming soon. Star Thai’s website shows two other locations; one on Beneva Rd., with the other located in Venice.

The new location in the Village will be their third restaurant.

Blooming this month PLUMERIA

Plumeria, or Frangipani, is a tropical tree or shrub with clusters of beautiful, waxy, fragrant, 2” tubular flowers, that bloom freely from spring until fall in a large variety of colors. Although they are perhaps best known for their use in leis, plumeria wasn’t introduced to Hawaii until 1860, from Mexico and Guatemala.

May

The scientific, or botanical, name, Plumeria, honors a French monk and botanist, born in 1646, who is credited with discovering Begonias, Fuchsias, and Magnolias, and many other New World plants and animals. The common name, Frangipani, honors the Marquis Muzio Frangipani, a 16th-cent.

Italian nobleman who invented a perfume for scenting gloves.

Plumeria can reach 20’ X 20’, but are easily pruned in late winter to be short trees or shrubs. They work well as freestanding specimens, potted plants, or as part of a shrubbery border.

Plumeria perform best in full sun, but can take some shade. They prefer moist, rich, well-drained soil, and are very salt and drought tolerant. But, they do not tolerate temperatures at or below freezing.

Some Plumeria are evergreen, while others lose their leaves for a few winter months. To soften the deciduous effect, they can be mixed with broadleaf evergreens, such as Viburnum, Magnolia, Dombeya, or small palms. The 8” to 12” long new leaves appear after the flowers begin to bloom in the spring.

These plants are easily propagated by taking 12” to 15”

cuttings, from which the flower stalks and most of the leaves have been removed, leaving only a few leaves at the top. Allow the cutting to dry out for several days. Be aware that a milky, sticky sap is exuded when these plants are cut, but it washes with soap and water. Sink the “healed” cutting about 3” to 5” into a premoistened potting soil-filled container, with good drainage.

Drainage is very important because Plumeria do not like wet feet! Do not water for the first 4 to 6 weeks, or until new leaves begin to grow.

As the new leaves become fully developed, establish a regular watering routine, allowing the top of the pot to feel dry to the touch between waterings. Slow release fertilizer, for flowering plants, may be applied, following the package directions. Reduce the water in late fall and stop watering completely when the plant becomes dormant in winter.

Plumerias are the host plant for the brightly colored caterpillar of the Tetrio Sphinx Moth. Though usually pest free, they should be checked periodically for pests such as spider mites, white flies, and mealybugs. If present, a strong spray of water from the hose, or an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil may be applied.

And remember: if you make a lei with your Frangipani flowers, custom dictates that, when you are done with it, you must return it to nature: hang it on a tree, bury it in your backyard, or unstring it and give it to the ocean!

Submitted by Ann Madden, Master Gardener, Sarasota Garden Club.

www.siestasand.net

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House Hunting Siesta Key to Longboat Key • KEY WEST STYLE GRAND CANAL HOME ON SIESTA KEY: $1,399,000 418 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL. MLS#A3990080 3BD/3BA. Lushly landscaped tropical lot with Tiki Bar in the pool/spa area. Dan Miller, Re/ Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • HOME ON CANOPIED ROAD: $413,900 5206 Winding Way, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4163466 Fully remodeled home just a short walk to the sugary sands of Siesta Key beach. Single family home located in a canopied neighborhood with new stucco paint and custom woodwork on exterior. New A/C unit and stainless steel appliances. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands.

941-376-7442 • RECENTLY RENOVATED PALM ISLAND HOME: $959,000.

322 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4170620 Spacious 4 BR, 4 BA house.

Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master BR and master BA. Lounge in the heated pool and spa. Dan Miller, Re/ Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • FULL GULF VIEW OF #1 BEACH: $550,000 797 Beach Rd, #305, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4188853 Completely remodeled unit with high end tile floors in main living area, quality custom kitchen cabinets with granite counters. All the lighting has been upgraded throughout this TURNKEY FURNISHED (some artwork excluded) unit. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands.

941-376-7442 • “ISLAND STYLE” TROPICAL BEACH HOME: $590,000.

405 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4185123 Located on Palm Island. Palm Island is an “Island on an Island” accessible via a Humpback Bridge with no through traffic. Close to all the excitement of Siesta Key, yet secluded. Tastefully decorated with bright and warm tropical colors. This home is a must see.

Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442

• 1413 CEDAR BAY LANE, THE LANDINGS, $995,000: MLS #A4189600 Main house with separate Guesthouse.

Impeccably maintained. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker. 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara)

• 1610 STARLING DR, LANDINGS COACH HOUSE $285,000: MLS 4182814 2BD/2BA Ground floor condo with patio overlooking a fabulous lake view. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara)

private bath. Large kitchen with sit-in area and expansive living/ dining space. Spacious lanai with great views of the ICW. Garage.

Pool, clubhouse, tennis, and day dock. Short walk to Siesta Beach.

MLS #A4178449, $849,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-5443299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• 5408 EAGLES POINT CIR #102 THE LANDINGS $399,000: MLS #A4182828 2BD/2BA Condo- Updated kitchen, Lake View, New Windows. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara)

• 1610 STARLING DR, LANDINGS COACH HOUSE $295,000: MLS 4182814 2BD/2BA Ground floor condo with patio overlooking a fabulous lake view. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara)

• 1704 KESTRAL PARK DR, LANDINGS CARRIAGE HOUSE $375,000: MLS #A4186635 2BD with Den/2BA. Updated, lovely setting with lake view.

Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara)

• HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB Minutes’ walk to Siesta Beach with deeded 40’ boat dock with 10k lift. 3/3 on 2 floors with garage and abundant storage.

Beautifully renovated.

MLS# A4167104, $699,000.

Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-5443299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186

• GULF & BAY BAYSIDE 2 units for sale! Great beach home, vacation, or rental property. Deeded beach access just across the street. 3/2 end unit or 2/2 with views of ICW. Both beautifully renovated and furnished with attached garages. Resort-like amenities.

MLS #A4185953, $649,000 and MLS#A4182348, $539,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-5443299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• 1734 KESTRAL PARKWAY S, LANDINGS CARRIAGE HOUSE $325,000: MLS #A4180684 2BD with Den/2BA. Great location near Pool. Judy Greene/ Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) • 4967 KESTRAL PARK WAY N., LANDINGS CARRIAGE HOUSE $449,500 MLS#A4183699 2 BD with Den/2 BA Significantly updated.

Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) • 5272 HERON WAY, LANDINGS COACH HOUSE $330,000: MLS #4185882 3BD/2BA Southern exposure with lake view. Judy Greene/ Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara)

• 840 SIESTA KEY CIRCLE Lovely old-Florida style 3 BD - 3 1/2 BA home on large corner lot. Abundant glass doors and windows bring the outdoors in! Large pool. Boat dock (minutes to the ICW) with 10k lift. 2 car garage. A short walk to Siesta Beach and Village.

MLS#A4173735, $1,150,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-5443299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• LIDO AMBASSADOR Direct Beachfront community just 10 minutes’ walk to St. Armand’s Circle and a short drive to downtown Sarasota. Large 1 1 1/2 unit beautifully renovated and furnished. Move right in.

Beachfront pool, clubhouse, fitness, etc.

Low HOA fees.

MLS #A4174292, $370,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-5443299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• DOLPHIN BAY The ultimate 2/2 in over 1900 square feet of living space.

Exceptional property with split floor plan, each bedroom with

• HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB Short walk to Siesta Beach with deeded dock and water views! Fabulous 2/2 end unit with attached garage.

Gated community with pool, tennis, clubhouse, grill/picnic area, and marina.

MLS#A4185066, $449,000.

Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz.

Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941400-4186.

Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz.

Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941400-4186.

• TURNKEY FURNISHED TOWNHOME This 3BD/2BA townhome, is totally updated. The gated waterfront community features fabulous recreational facilities, a private boat slip, garage, and is just a short walk to the beach.

1267 Dockside PL #214, Siesta Key, $699,000 MLS #A4155386, Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)894-1255 • LUXURIOUS BEACHFRONT CONDO Located in the fabulous Crescent Siesta Key, this 2 BD/2 BA condo offers a view from your sunny lanai with outdoor kitchen.

Community offers 2 pools, spa, fitness center, outdoor grills, and convenient walking to everything South Siesta Village has to offer. 6512 Midnight Pass

Rd #406, Siesta Key, $1,249,000 MLS #A4171720, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941-894-1255 • JUST MINUTES TO SIESTA BEACH This 3 bed, 3 bath condo with garage has a deep water boat basin with private dock for 40’ boat. Located in Harbour Towne, beautifully landscaped and features heated pool with spa, tennis court, pickle ball courts, and clubhouse. 1251 Dockside Pl #210, Siesta Key, $699,000. MLS #A4167104, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941-894-1255.

• MID CENTURY BEAUTY This 3BD/3BA home, is a former Ralph Twitchell show home with an amazing open floor plan and high ceilings located on a quiet canal front corner lot.

Has a 7K lbs. boat lift and is a short 5-minute commute to the bay. Has a new modern kitchen with gorgeous Brazilian granite counter tops. 505 Givens St, Siesta Key, $859,000 MLS #A4160488, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941894-1255

44

Siesta Sand

JULY 2017

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Classifieds / Here’s My Card ACCOMMODATIONS / VACATION RENTALS

CANDY & SWEETS

DRY CLEANERS

• 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 • Canal Pool B&B – Master bedroom with private bath. California King bed. 1 mile to Siesta’s Public Beach. Call Shawna at 941-5187774.

Bring In This Ad And Receive

• Siesta 4 Rent - Vacation Rentals, from studios to 5 bedrooms.

Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500

ANY PURCHASE

• Siesta Key Realty Rentals, Reservations, and Property Management. Homes and Condos, 1-3 Bedrooms. Serving Siesta Key since 1992. Siestakeyrealtyrentals.com, 941-349-8900.

40With ThisOFF Ad %

Vintage, Antique, Mid-Century

Relics on the Key

www.relicsonthekey.com relicsonthekey@gmail.com (941) 346-3600 Phone 5049 Ocean Blvd Like us on (941) 346-7600 Fax Relicsonthekey Siesta Key Village

BAIT & TACKLE

Bradenton Bait sn &tghings C t ,B ,C ait

offe hop

ifts

proudly serving CuBan Coffee proud retailer of roCking BeaChwear • Free Bait Deliveries *with $40 MiniMuM (call For Details) • one Day Fishing $15 (incluDes: roD, tackle, Bait) 7210 s taMiaMi trail

Environmentally Conscious Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service

OFF

Free Pick Up & Delivery Service

One Coupon Per Purchase 941.312.4118 candytimesarasota@gmail.com 2067 Siesta Drive • Sarasota, FL 34239 www.itscandytime.com

Call

sarasota, Fl 34231

(941) 227-5771 | (786) 975-0939

www.BraDentonBaitnthings.weBs.coM

ENTERTAINMENT

Green Magic Cleaning Service

“Residential and Commercial”

We don’t cut corners, we dust them.

A family owned business with 16 years of experience.

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

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

(941) 780-4248

HOUSE WATCH

COMPUTER SUPPORT The

Digital Handyman Computer Support Specialist

In-Home and Remote Support Software Installation and Training Virus Recovery and Security Home and Office Networking

Steve Lombardo support@dhdym.com

Digital Photograpy and Video Smartphone Configuration Smart TV Configuration Disaster Recovery and Backup

(941)266-5005

(941) 961-4309

www.dhdym.com

CONTRACTORS

BEACH & BABY EQUIPMENT RENTALS

from your home or business

941-275-4647

ExEcutivE Shirt SErvicE • houSEhold itEmS • SamE day SErvicE availablE

CLEANING SERVICES

ANTIQUES

omplete aCkle

10

%

New Look-

www.SuncoastHomeConcierge.com

House Watch Sarasota Licensed and Insured

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

Reasonable Prices!

Shower & Bathtub Walls

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

SARASOTA’S BEST BABY RENTAL CENTER SELF SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE Order online or by phone Available 24/7 CLEAN • SAFE • RELIABLE

Shower & Bath Makeovers Free Estimates Call John 941.377.2940

Sarasota resident since 1974

941-929-1850

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

BOATING RENTALS / FISHING CHARTERS

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

Call 941-650-9499 or visit their website: www.hawksnestconstruction.com.

5700 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key www.abcbabyrental.com

Having Fun Fishing in The Sun

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

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

housewatchsrq.com

MEDICAL

Dermatology Skin CanCer laSer, Botox anD Hair/nail DiSorDerS 1952 Field Road Sarasota, Florida 34231

www.dermatologyexperts.com

941-400-2452

Tony Fudoli Sr. CAPTAIN tntfreedomfishing@yahoo.com

Amy Fenenga PA-C

Sara Popovich PA-C

941.926.7546

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

Veteran Owned Business

• 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.

Dolphin Watch • SunSetS • half Day aDventure SailS

LANDINGS RESIDENT OWNED AND OPERATED

• Wilson Windows is a State Certified General Contractor specializing in glass porch enclosures and window replacement.

They offer only top quality products installed by professionally trained technicians. All projects are engineered and permitted to meet the new state building codes related to impact, water infiltration and high velocity windload calculations. Their services include window repair, new custom screens, glass cut to size, and hard to find window parts inventory at both locations.

Fully insured and their work is guaranteed. 941-921-1113, www. wilson-window.com.

www.qualitycountscleaning.com Sailing From Marina Jack, Sarasota

Kathleen D Sailing Catamaran 941-896-6400

J Morgan O’Donoghue, MD.

www.KathleenD.net

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-349-0194

941.756.1082 Carpet, Tile and Upholstery Cleaning • Free Estimates • Satisfaction Guaranteed • Stain Specialists • Chamber of Commerce Members

Serving Manatee and Sarasota Counties Locally Owned and Operated

Place your classified ad here for $6.

(15 words) and $.10 for each additional word. Copy must be submitted with payment on or before the 15th of the month prior to publication.

For display ads, please call 941-349-0194 for rates.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-349-0194

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941.349.0194

JULY 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Classifieds / Here’s My Card SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

HELENE M. HYLAND REALTOR®

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

Tara Nelson

4141 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231

941-925-0928

JULY SPECIAL on Keratins SILKY SMOOTH Hair for Summer! Starting at $150

REALTORS®

SPORTS RENTALS / ACCESSORIES

Expert in 1031 Exchange

Office: (941) 923-3900 Cell: (941) 356-8699 Fax: (941) 924-0086 mail: piroassociates@comcast.net Website: www.pirorealty.com

James J. Piro, MAI, CCIM Licensed Real Estate Broker

7719 Holiday Drive, Sarasota, FL 34231

Siesta Beach Realty SARASOTA FLORIDA Steven Whitmore, Broker

• 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

941-993-5722

RATES START AT

100

$

• 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE • DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE • • AIRPORT & TRAVEL TRANSPORTATION TO: TAMPA, FT. MYERS, ORLANDO, MIAMI, NAPLES, ST. PETERSBURG

Call 941-284-8840 or 941-323-0442

• Siesta Key Bike & Kayak – Located on Siesta Key in Capt Curts Village serving Siesta Key, Lido Beach and Sarasota. We offer bikes, kayak rentals, kayak eco tours, paddleboards and scooters.

1224 Old Sickney Pt Rd. 941-346-0891 • Siesta Sports Rentals – Located on Siesta Key, bike, kayak, kayak tours, scooter, children strollers and car seats. Delivery and pickup available, 6551 Midnight Pass Rd, 941-346-1797

Use my 30 years of experience to help you with your property.

Visit our website at: SiestaBeachRealty.com Call or email me stevenwhitmore@verizon.com

• Dollar Limo – holds up to 10 people and is cheaper than a D.U.I or taxi. Call 941-735-4732

Master Stylist / Colorist

www.SheSellsSiestaKeySarasota.com

Piro & Associates

CONTINUED

• Massage Experience Siesta Key Open 7-day a week. 5138A • Jonny’s Original Free Ride – The Original Ride the Key Free Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4833. (MA17596/MM6727). service on Siesta to anywhere, everyday from 10 AM – 2 AM. Driver tips only. Call 941-928-9200.

5145 Ocean Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34242 Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC

TRANSPORTATION

CONTINUED

45

SENIOR SERVICES • A Bridge for Independence provides in home companion services including companionship, transportation, light housekeeping, medication reminders and meal preparation and planning.

Call us at 866-279-4390, FL License #230517

SPECIAL OFFER : List Your Home With Me For 4%!

WANTED TO BUY

RV4CASH

TRANSPORTATION

• Making things happen on Siesta Key with Real Estate agents Bob and Sheri Ruiz from Key Solutions Real Estate Group. If • Sun Ride Pedicab – Eco-friendly Pedicabs. Siesta Key Tours you are looking to buy or sell on the Key contact us. Bob Ruiz and rides – tips only, 941-343-3400 941-544-3299 RobertRuizRR@aol.com, Sheri Ruiz 941-400-4186 • Siesta Key Free Rides – Siesta Key Free island shuttle for beach, SheriLasley@aol.com village, condo and tours – tips only. Electric vehicles. Call 941• Your Siesta Dunes and Landings Preferred Partners in Real 952-8294 Estate, Judy Greene 941-350-0451 and Tara Lamb 941-266-4873 with Michael Sanders & Company 5100 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key 34242 JudyGreene@MichaelSanders.com From Sarasota To: Picked up from Airport:

Airport Rides

941.735.4732

SRQ

$ 30

$ 40

TPA/St. Pete

$105

$125

Punta Gorda

$ 70

$ 80

Miami

$250

$300

Orlando

$200

$220

Ask for Eddie

Prices Include Tolls, Fuel & Parking For Airport Pickups your Chauffeur will have a sign with your name on it.

AY WE PH! S A C

WANTED:

All Motor Homes, 5th Wheels and Travel Trailers Any Condition! Cash Paid On The Spot!

CALL NOW FOR FAST, EASY SALE

954-789-7530 WELNESS CENTER

• Still Waters Alternative Healthcare offers a variety of alternative modalities for stroke recovery, hip and knee replacement rehabilitation, pain, PTSD, dementia and more. For more information go to: www.siestakeyretreats.com or call 941404-0881. (MM35956)

941-928-9200

RIDE THE KEY FREE

SEEKING EMPLOYMENT

15-20 MINUTE RESPONSE TIME (Based upon traffic)

• Early retired Executive/Administrative Assistant interested in personal aide/assistant position in the Siesta Key area. Can livein part time if necessary. 727-385-3536, Sue.

Siesta Key Beach Siesta Village Turtle Beach

SERVICING

DRIVER TIPS ONLY

SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY

Restaurants and Accommodations Operating 10AM to 2AM Daily

www.JonnysOriginalFreeRide.com

Olde Fashion Barber Shop

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-349-0194

Tapers • Flattops • Fades • Styling • Razor Cuts • Shaves

ther”

“Hot La

941-312-6001

South Gate Barber Shop (Across from Southgate Mall)

2081 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239

Walk-Ins Welcome

Monday-Friday 9 AM-6 PM; Saturday 9 AM-4PM

www.SouthgateBarbers.com

Answers to the Search WORD SEARCH found on page 37 MarinerWord www.TheMariner.com Answers from Page 18

Marinas

• Massage Experience Siesta Key Open 7-day a week. 5138A Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4833. (MA17596/MM6727).

Transportation for everyone on the Sun Coast Friendliest Ride In Town

Kayla Kunz Hair Stylist

4141 S. Tamiami Trail - Sarasota, FL 34231 - 941-685-4994

ritz”

“For F

46

Siesta Sand

JULY 2017

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

941.349.0194

Accommodations Locator Map

www.siestasand.net

Hayley from CO and Shelby from GA

F Siesta Key Inn F Siesta Palms by the Beach

© Island Visitor Publishing, LLC 2012

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JULY 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

24/7 Emergency Dentistry Call for your appointment now! (941) 244-4944

FREE

Emergency Exam Uninsured patients only. During regular business hours.

Not valid with any other offers.

After hours and weekends are extra.* Expires 7-31-2017.

Code 026

FREE

Oral Sedation

(D9248) Will need driver.

During regular business hours.

After hours and weekends are extra.

Uninsured patients only. Not valid with any other offers.* Expires 7-31-2017.

Code 026

EmergencyDentistry.com

47

48

Siesta Sand

JULY 2017

941.349.0194

Island Girl

Mariah

Mariah Rivera is a local Florida girl, living in Sarasota. She is adventurous, outgoing and all around fun. If she’s not home studying to become a nurse, she’s out finding new locations for her many photo shoots.

Through social media she’s been given the opportunity to grow into the model that she is today. She still has a lot to learn but she’s open to learning new things and overcoming all the challenges that are thrown at her. Mariah is modeling Floridita Swimwear line.

Siesta Key resident Charlotte Marin, owner and designer of Floridita Swimwear, invites all to go to CaliFlorida Surf and Skate Shop in Siesta Key Village at their new location: 5221 Ocean Blvd., next to Flavio’s Brick Oven & Bar to shop her swimwear line or go online www.floriditaswimwear.com If you would like to be considered for our next Island Girl, contact us at islandvp@verizon.net (You must be at least 18 years old to participate)

www.siestasand.net