IV Siesta Sand - June 2017

Why the world comes to Sarasota

©

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

The Pelican Plaza has a new look and new storefronts

RED TIDE

|Landings Shopping Center could follow suit after Pelican Plaza

26-year volunteer at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium discussed red tide at the recent SKA meeting

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BRIDGE NEWS Opening times could be changing

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BEACH CLUB MENU

Yes, the Beach Club is now serving a full menu.

See coupons page

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MORE INFRASTRUCTURE More sanitary pipeline infrastructure rehabilitation

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WHO’S PLAYING

Several years ago, Pelican Plaza, across from Westfield Sarasota Square Mall, looked much different. A dilapidated facade was the most noteworthy aspect of the mostlyempty plaza. The center had struggled since its former anchor, Linens ’n Things, closed in 2008 following a bankruptcy filing by its parent company.

Then in 2012, Manatee-county based Benderson Co. purchased the 29-year-old strip center for $4 million, and re-opened it three years later after major renovations.

The Pelican Plaza now sports a neat, fresh look, and on two recent weekday mornings, the royal-palm lined parking lot was nearly full and business was brisk at new retailers including anchor Sprouts Farmers Market, Ulta Beauty, and Petco. The stream of cars was steady. On both late mornings, patrons

filled the shiny and bright new Starbucks situated on the U.S. 41 side of the center.

Ron Flynn, a commercial realtor with Key Solutions Real Estate, expects the renovated Pelican Plaza will continue to see high customer volumes as more people learn about the fresh look and new stores and as the last open space is leased inside the plaza. “That plaza is really going to pick up,” Flynn told Siesta Sand.

And just under five miles to the north on Tamiami Trail, the Landings Shopping Center, under Benderson Co. ownership, could follow suit.

The similarities include approximate age: the Landings Shopping Center was built in 1988, while Pelican Plaza was constructed in 1983.

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New Siesta Key Association president Harold Ashby

By Bob Stein Since Siesta Key is one of the few barrier islands in Florida that is not incorporated The Island Associations and the Siesta Key Chamber are Siesta Key’s closest form of local government. The Siesta Key Association is one of the largest and oldest associations in all of Florida representing a barrier island. The County Commissioners pay close attention to the needs and wants of SKA. The Siesta Key Association has a rich tradition of representing and proactively lobbying for the rights of the citizens of Siesta Key, and it is becoming ever more critical to have an active body that represents the interest of all property owners on Siesta Key. Harold Ashby is the new SKA president taking the helm at the March 2017 annual breakfast meeting. I recently sat down and had the pleasure of doing a question and answer session with Mr. Ashby.

Q: Prior to SKA, was this your first experience

being involved with an association similar to SKA? A: I’ve been involved with not-for-profit organizations most of my adult life. When I was in my 20s two other guys and myself formed a non-profit club, raised about $200,000 in memberships and built a neighborhood swimming and tennis club that is still thriving today. I was Chairman of the Baltimore Metro YMCA when we acquired the site of the former Memorial Stadium, where the Orioles and Colts once played, raised millions of dollars and built a state-of-the-art, full service, YMCA in the middle of Baltimore City. For seven years after I retired, I was a board member of a large group of non-profit retirement communities. During that time, we more than doubled our capacity to where we were taking care of about 25,000 people. More recently, I completed a six-year term as Vice President of Siesta Isles Association.

By Rachel Brown Hackney

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SAND CASTLES

Crystal Sands is an iconic community 12-story high-rise on the beach

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Harold Ashby

Continued on page 25

Rental companies will be required to pay $250 for ‘medallions’ for Turtle Beach Park program

Meet Lenny Brooks

By Roger Drouin

Representatives of kayak and paddleboard rental companies are resigning themselves to having to comply with a Turtle Beach Park management program Sarasota County will implement as of July 1.

Still, several say they feel the program is unnecessary and that the expense of purchasing “medallions” — certificates to show their conformity with county guidelines — will be a burden, especially as they are owners of small businesses.

Lido Project Challenge On Hold |Judge puts Siesta Key Association challenge of Lido Renourishment Project on hold until after administrative hearing process has concluded, but city plans to withdraw from FDEP application

By Rachel Brown Hackney A 12th Judicial Circuit Court judge ruled in late April that it was premature for the Siesta Key Association (SKA) to seek a court remedy for what it alleges is a City of Sarasota violation of Sarasota County’s Comprehensive Plan related to the city’s proposal to dredge Big Sarasota Pass to renourish South Lido Key Beach.

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JUNE 2017

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

Fishing Charters

Sportswear • Bait • Tackle

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941.349.4400

Hotel Comp Plan Amendment Remains On Hold By Rachel Brown Hackney More than five months after representatives of a Siesta Key chiropractor held a neighborhood workshop on the initiative, Sarasota County staff has yet to receive a proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment that would allow hotels on redeveloped land zoned Commercial General (CG) on the barrier islands.

That was the news from Matthew Osterhoudt, director of the county’s Planning and Development Services Department, on May 8 in response to a question.

With Commissioner Nancy Detert in the minority, the County Commission voted 3-1 on Jan. 10 to allow representatives of Dr. Gary Kompothecras to submit the proposed amendment so staff could begin its review of the matter outside the normal May cycle for such initiatives. (Commissioner Charles Hines was absent during the discussion.)

On April 24, a delegation comprising representatives of the Siesta Key Association (SKA),

Happiness is…Trying New Things Welcome to summer! Have you Speaking of trying new things, ever gone into a favorite restaurant and we’re going to have two new flavors considered breaking away from your gothis month: Peach (this delicious to order to try something new? Maybe peach ice cream is loaded with you’re the adventurous sort, willing to try peaches and would make a Southerner whatever strikes your fancy. Or maybe proud) and Banana Cream Pie (no you’re more likely to peruse the menu and monkey business here, just creamy then go with your tried and true, despite a banana ice cream with marshmallow desire to explore options. ribbon and baked pie crust pieces).

What started out as an entertaining Jerry & Jill, owners of Abel’s Ice Cream Come in and try them both. dinner conversation about this very subject We’re convinced, based on that between us, Jill and Jerry Williams, owners of Abel’s Ice dinner conversation, that the old adage about opposites Cream, has turned into a fun new experience for you! attracting is true! While you’re here enjoying your old If you’ve visited us at Abel’s Ice Cream and tasted favorite, or your newest discovery, let us know which our creamy, delicious ice cream, chances are you’ve also one of us you think is the adventurous one, and who glanced a time or two at our variety of Stonewall Kitchens is more likely to play it safe. We bet if you spend ten jams, jellies, and savory treats. Stonewall Kitchens began minutes with us, you’ll likely have no problem figuring creating specialty jams and sauces in 1991, and are famous out who is who! in the northeast for their unique blends and innovative Abel’s Ice Cream is located at 1886 Stickney Point recipes. Now is your opportunity to find a new fantastic Road, Sarasota in the South Bridge Plaza. Open Sunday dip recipe, spread, or a new favorite jelly or jam for your through Thursday from Noon-9:30 pm, and Friday and morning toast or mid-day sandwich!

Saturday from Noon-10 pm. Learn more online at our To give you a chance to try something new, every website, www.abelsicecream.com or connect with us Tuesday during the month of June, Abel’s will be on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. serving up samples of some of our customer-favorite Stonewall Kitchens offerings.

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the Siesta Key Condominium Council, the Gulf & Bay Club, the Marina Del Sol condominium complex and Tiffany Sands met individually with four of the five county commissioners to voice their opposition to the potential for new hotel construction on Siesta, Lourdes Ramirez, a past president of both the SKA and the Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA), told SNL. Additionally, she said, the Peppertree complex sent the commissioners a letter voicing its members’ aversion to the proposal.

Only Commissioner Alan Maio, who represents Siesta as part of District 4, declined to talk with the group, Ramirez noted.

In a May 9 telephone interview, Maio explained that Comprehensive Plan amendments tend to morph into requests for zoning changes and land use decisions that entail quasi-judicial public hearings before the County Commission. Board members are not supposed to discuss such issues outside the official public hearing process, they have pointed out. Therefore, even though no Comprehensive Plan amendment is under staff review to make its way to a public hearing, he told SNL, “in an abundance of caution, I did not take the meeting [with the Siesta group].”

Maio added that he had not even checked on the status of the proposal. “I haven’t inquired.”

He certainly did not intend to indicate any disrespect to the members of the April 24 delegation, he pointed out.

In January, Maio heard

considerable dissent about the potential for new hotels on the Key when he addressed the Condo Council members during a meeting. Residents of Marina Del Sol, especially, were angry that CG property near their complex might be the focus of Kompothecras’ plans. The rumor at that time was that Kompothecras was eyeing the site of the former Fandango Café on Old Stickney Point Road; it is adjacent to a storage facility at 1260 Old Stickney Point Road, which is owned by a corporation in which Kompothecras is the principal, according to state Division of Corporations records.

SKA Director Joe Volpe, who attended the Dec. 7, 2016 neighborhood workshop on the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment, told SKA members recently that attorney Charles D. Bailey III of the Williams Parker firm had yet to contact the SKA to ask to address members about the proposal, as Bailey had indicated he would.

In early March, Bailey told SNL that he had nothing new to report about the proposed amendment. He added in an email, “In response to some feedback we received from some Siesta Key stakeholders during and following our neighborhood workshop, we are working to flesh out some of the details of a proposed hotel and seek to refine and clarify the Comprehensive Plan Amendment.

We feel doing so will greatly help the discussion. We hope to recommence that discussion in the next few weeks.”

www.siestakeyassociation.com

MONTHLY MEETING Thursday, June 1 • 4:30 PM

St. Boniface Church, Parish Hall 5615 Midnight Pass Road

HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS JUNE 1 Chief Ed McCrane

Sarasota County Emergency Services public is always welcome with questions for our guests.

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JUNE 2017

The Most Unlikely Tackle Shop Owner Investing in a bait and tackle shop is a pretty unconventional wedding present to give your daughter, but my father didn’t see it that way. I was one year out of college and working in a bank in Louisville, Kentucky.

On the last day of a family vacation in Sarasota, Florida, he dragged me off the beach-a bit unwillingly-to look at a business that was for sale, Mr. CB’s Bait and Tackle.

Along with selling bait, tackle, and CB radios, they had boat and bike rentals. Not exactly every girl’s dream, but my husband and I took on the challenge together. At the very least, I was excited to be moving to the beach.

After eight years, my husband decided to change to a different business, and that left me with a difficult decision-sell or forge ahead and run CB’s on my own. I never really considered myself an angler. My family enjoyed boating. But I loved where I lived, and I loved being a business owner, so I decided on the “forge ahead” option and devoted myself to making it work. It’s my belief that anyone can learn anything, even fishing.

This year, I’m celebrating 40 years of ownership, a time-span, that has included an expansion to two additional properties and rebranding as CB’s Saltwater Outfitters.

As I look back, these are a few things I think I got right.

Bait and tackle is at our core and I never forget that, but if I didn’t expand my product offering, I don’t think I’d have made it. I had to broaden my view of who my customers could be and what they would purchase from me.

We’re located a few blocks from Siesta Beach (currently ranked as the “5th Best Beach in the World” by TripAdvisor), and I realized we could attract seasonal tourists by carrying beach clothing and essentialssunscreen, beach towels, sunglasses. The tackle business by itself is different from the clothing. It all goes together, but it’s different. Woman come in for bait and buy a dress. People will get a compliment on something they’re wearing at the beach or around and say, “I got it the bait store.”

What’s next? That’s the question I’m always asking. I make the time to attend

trade shows to see what’s new. For the latest in fishing tackle, clothing and accessories, I attend ICAST every year-and have since the beginning. Now I attend other industry shows such as Surf Expo and Outdoor Retailer. These shows are how I stay ahead of the trends so I can introduce several hot new items to my customers each season. I prefer to delight, not disappoint.

It’s better to have four eyes than just two. Networking with other shops to see what’s been doing well for them has been quite valuable. And I pushed myself to get involved with the industry on a national scale. Serving on the board of directors of the American Sportfishing Association is one of my greatest accomplishments. As a small business owner, to know that I could represent the independent retailer alongside some of the biggest companies in recreational fishing is not only an honor, but it has expanded my perspective.

I decided to be more than just a store. By creating experiences for my customers, I lure them back in more regularly. In the 90’s, we earned an Orvis endorsement for our new fly fishing outfitting services. But we could do more than just sell fly fishing trips and gear-we could cultivate new fly anglers. We started fly fishing classes and seminars, brought in fly tiers and are now hosting all-women clinics. That side of the business has rapidly grown and made us a destination for a wider base of fishermen.

I became an angler...and an avid angler, at that. I not only learned to fish, I entered tournaments. I’ve competed in the Sarasota Tarpon Tournament for the past 30 years.

I’m one of two people to ever win it three times. And while I don’t get to fish every day-as all retailers know-my commitment to fishing has taught me the most about how to cater to my customers.

Staying in business is hard. Building it is harder. You have to love every aspect of it, or you can’t do it. Forty years ago, I may have been the most unlikely person to run a bait and tackle shop, but I already loved being a business owner. I just needed to learn to love fishing, too.

Through it all, I keep in mind that it’s our job to have customers leave with a smile.

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

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By Aledia Tush

We’re not selling screen doors here. Our industry is about helping people have a good time. People only have a few days off a year and we help them enjoy it.

When other people are off, that’s when we’re on.

Aledia Tush is the Owner/ Operator of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters and Serves on the Board of Directors of the American Sportfishing Association.

Aledia wins the 86th Sarasota Tarpon Tournament. This is her third time winning this tournament tying Roy Buckelew.

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters is located at 1249 Stickney Point Road.

Just over the Stickney Point Bridge.

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Siesta Sand

JUNE 2017

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Opening times could be changing for the Siesta Key drawbridges

By Rachel Brown Hackney / www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com The U.S. Coast Guard is considering reducing the number of openings per hour for both the Siesta Drive and Stickney Pont Road drawbridges.

The service in mid-February made available a survey — published on the Federal Register — that sought public comments on the bridge schedules; interested persons had until April 14 to respond.

Thus far, no changes have been made, SNL has learned. “We’re still taking a look at the pubic comments,” Lt. Ashley Holm of the Coast Guard said on May 15. “We have no timeline on making a decision,” she added.

Ron Farwell, who has been the Stickney Point Road bridge tender since 2013, said during a telephone interview that that drawbridge continues to open on weekdays at the top of the hour, at 20 minutes past the hour and at 20 minutes till the hour — but only if boaters request the openings. Weekend and holiday openings are solely at the request of boaters, Farwell pointed out.

The Code of Federal Regulations says the Siesta Drive bridge opens on the hour, 20 minutes after the hour and 40 minutes past the hour between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays.

On weekends and holidays, the regulations note, the bridge opens on the same schedule

between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Those openings also occur only if boaters request them, the regulations add. At all other times, the bridge opens by boater request.

On Feb. 13, the Coast Guard notice said it was proposing to modify the operating schedule for the two Siesta bridges, as well as those at Cortez and Anna Maria Island, because of “an increase in vehicle traffic throughout these areas at all times of the year.” The document added, “This proposed rulemaking would change the bridges’ operating schedule from … three times an hour … to twice an hour … throughout the year.”

The proposed schedule would have the Stickney Point bridge open on the hour and half-hour from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

The north Siesta bridge would open on the quarter hour and the three-quarter hour between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily. “This will align this bridge’s schedule with the opening schedule of the other bridges to the north and south,” the tentative rule points out.

“These proposed changes will meet the reasonable needs of vessel traffic passing through the bridges while taking into account the reasonable needs of other modes of transportation,” the proposed rule adds.

A check found 125 responses altogether

were submitted prior to the April 14 deadline.

The vast majority of those provided by Siesta Key residents and property owners indicated full support of the changes.

Farwell, the Stickney Point Road bridge tender, told SNL that although he believes the current schedule “is pretty decent.”

He is well aware of people’s complaints about having to wait in traffic when the bridge opens. Still, he pointed out, “It’s only 4 minutes” from the time the drawbridge goes up until the time it is back in place. The passage of two boats, he noted, takes only an extra minute.

After motorists expressed much disgruntlement a couple of years ago about

the bridge causing traffic back-ups on the south end of the Key, he said, representatives of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office spent time with him to survey the situation. They found the problem was the volume of traffic on Midnight Pass Road, Farwell added.

Gary Yee, president of the Bay Island Siesta Association, commented that his organization, which represents 290 homes, is fully in support of the proposed changes. “As you are aware,” he continued, “traffic on the North gateway (Siesta Dr.) to Siesta Key turns to gridlock many times during the day especially during season. I have recently witnessed the traffic back up all the way to Osprey Avenue and U.S. 41 when the bridge is up.”

www.siestasand.net

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JUNE 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

DEAR SARASOTA, I’D LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK THE MANY THOUSANDS OF YOU WHO HAVE SIGNED THE REOPEN BEACH ROAD PETITIONS THAT PROTECT OUR RIGHT TO PUBLIC BEACH ACCESS.

I’D LIKE TO THANK OUR MANY VOLUNTEERS THAT HAVE HELPED US GET TO THIS POINT, AND BEYOND.

I’D LIKE TO ENCOURAGE THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO BE MORE

INFORMED TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT REOPENBEACHROAD.ORG OR TO CALL ME AT HOME AT 346-2584.

I STILL CHASTISE OUR COMMISSIONERS FOR TAKING MONEY FROM A

MICHIGAN DEVELOPER AND HIS ATTORNEY AND THEN BREAKING THE LAW FOR THEM. I CHASTISE THEM FURTHER FOR SPENDING OUR TAX DOLLARS DEFENDING THEIR ILLEGAL ACTIONS.

CO I RIDICULE THE COWARDS RESPONSIBLE FOR “THE REAL BEACH ROAD

STORY” AND I KEEP OPEN TO THEM MY MONTHS-LONG CHALLENGE FOR AN OPEN, PUBLIC DEBATE ON THIS ISSUE.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, I’D LIKE TO THANK OUR PAST AND PRESENT MILITARY PERSONNEL FOR DEFENDING MY RIGHT TO SPEAK OUT

AGAINST THE HORRIBLE ACTIONS OF OUR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

FROM SARASOTA. FOR SARASOTA.

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

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Siesta Sand

JUNE 2017

941.349.0194

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Last chance to solve parking concerns County owned abandoned building.

Separate tax parcel.

Sheriff’s Training Building

6647 MIDNIGHT PASS RD. 1.84 acres - zoned RMF-1

The Sheriff’s Training building, located at 6647 Midnight Pass Road will soon be part of the surplus property the County will either decide to retain or sell. Representatives from the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and Siesta Key Association have met and discussed retaining the property with all the County Commissioners in the past two months. The two groups representing Siesta Key see the viability

of utilizing the property as a parking lot for the area since the southern part of the island experiences the same parking shortages the Village has during Season.

The rendering below shows the property could house a 40 foot by 20 foot building along with 182 parking spots, by eliminating the two existing structures.

Parking rendering courtesy of Mark H. Smith, Smith Architects.

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JUNE 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Technology seen as one key to fighting red tide, Mote Marine volunteer tells Siesta Key Association audience

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By Rachel Brown Hackney / www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com Technological advances — including the use of drones — are among the keys expected to unlock the continuing mysteries of red tide, a 26-year volunteer at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium told about 60 Siesta Key Association (SKA) members during their May 4 meeting.

Erin Tom “Tommy” VaughanBirch, a Florida native who has lived in Sarasota since 1969, explained that while much is known about how the dinoflagellate that causes red tide affects people’s respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, scientists still are working hard to figure out exactly what sparks its quick multiplication at certain times — and how to stop such events without triggering a different type of environmental havoc.

Ozone and a larger type of algae have been shown to inhibit and even kill the red tide algae, she pointed out, but more research is underway.

“How many of you have experienced red tide?” Birch asked as she began her remarks in the Parish Hall of St. Boniface Episcopal Church. One hand of almost every person shot into the air.

Dinoflagellates, such as Karenia brevis — which causes the red tide seen in Southwest Florida — are measured in microns, Birch pointed out. A micron is onemillionth of a meter, she added.

“They’re really, really teeny things,” she added of the Karenia

brevis organisms.

They become a problem only after they have begun to reproduce rapidly, Birch continued. The result is a “bloom,” she noted, “and that’s when we start to be very interested …”

Karenia brevis is named for Karen Steidinger, a scientist at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Research Institute in St. Petersburg, Birch noted, adding, “I don’t know that I’d want to have a nasty little thing like that named after me.”

And while members of the public often think Karenia brevis is a recent phenomenon, Birch continued, that is not the case at all. “It’s been around, we know, for about 10,000 years,” based on fossils found in Southwest Florida. Seventy years ago — in 1947 — Birch continued, in Venice, “people woke up and they were coughing and their eyes were burning.” Their first thought was that poison gas left over from the World Wars had been released, she said. Instead, the source of their discomfort was a red tide bloom offshore.

In collaboration many years ago with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Birch said, Mote found blooms are initiated 10 to 40 miles out in the Gulf.

Karenia brevis is measured in terms of cells per liter, she explained. When 1,000 or fewer of the cells are found per liter of water, that is considered a “background” presence,

she pointed out. If the accumulation reaches the level of 5,000 cells per liter, shell fishing in the immediate area is halted, Birch noted, because of the nine neurotoxins the organism releases. Oysters and clams, for example, will accumulate those toxins in their bodies; eating the shellfish can cause illness and even death, she said.

When Karenia brevis reaches the level of 100,000 or more cells per liter of water, Birch noted, “you’re definitely going to have respiratory problems and fish kills.”

If anyone has to be out in an area near such a high concentration of red tide, she said, the person should wear a mask or dampen a bandana and tie it around the face. “People who have compromised respiratory systems really need to avoid red tide,” she cautioned. Anyone with asthma, emphysema and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), especially, she said, should stay in air conditioning and away from the beach.

As for other effects on other creatures: Karenia brevis causes fish to die by paralyzing their gills, she continued. Its neurotoxins also can kill birds, she pointed out.

Prolonged outbreaks can harm turtles and dolphins, too Birch said; the dinoflagellate affects their immune systems, making them vulnerable to illnesses.

Erin Tom “Tommy” Vaughan-Birch Cause and kill “We don’t understand the mechanisms” that produce a bloom, Birch explained. Researchers have learned that the organism needs the right temperature and salinity, and they know it feeds on about 12 types of nutrients, including phosphorus and nitrogen. “Let’s just say it’s not a picky eater.”

Runoff from agriculture, for example, does not initiate a bloom, Birch said, but that “can help it persist.”

She reminded the audience members that Sarasota County has an ordinance that prohibits the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus from June 1 through Sept. 30 in an effort to prevent runoff during the summer, which typically is the rainy season.

Five different divisions at Mote

are participating in research with other entities — such as NOAA and NASA — to try to learn as much about Karenia brevis as possible, she explained.

One Mote scientist is hoping to secure about $75,000 to pay for small drones that could be flown over the water, where they would use “hyper-spectral imaging,” she said. That would enable researchers in the lab to know immediately whether a red tide bloom had begun, Birch added.

Among ongoing research at Mote, she continued, Jordan Beckler, who heads up the Ocean Technology Research Program, is working on the identification of the neurotoxins in the algae, and Kellie Dixon, the chief of Mote’s Chemical & Physical Ecology Program, and her team are researching how Karenia brevis responds to various nutrients.

Birch also reminded the audience that Mote has a Beach Conditions Report — which is available through an app as well as on Mote’s website — that provides a wealth of information about what is happening at 30 beaches on the west coast of Florida. Mote staff is working with NOAA and NASA to develop a new app that will allow anyone to take a water sample at the beach and determine right away the concentration of Karenia brevis, Birch pointed out.

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Financial Focus

|Don’t Let Your Investments Take a “Vacation” It’s summer again – time for many of us to take a break and possibly hit the open road. But even if you go on vacation, you won’t want your investments to do the same – in summertime or any other season. How can you help make sure your portfolio continues to work hard for you all year long?

Here are a few suggestions: Avoid owning too many “low growth” investments. As you know, different investments have different characteristics and can help you in different ways. For example, you typically own stocks because you want them to grow in value so that you can eventually sell them for a profit. Other investments, such as certificates of deposit (CDs), provide you with a regular source of income and stability of principal – two valuable contributions to your portfolio. However, investments like CDs don’t offer much in the way of growth. So if you own too many of them, you might be slowing your progress toward your important financial goals, such as a comfortable retirement.

You can maximize the productivity of your portfolio by owning a variety of investments – domestic stocks, international stocks, corporate bonds, U.S. Treasury securities, CDs and more.

How much of each investment should you own? The answer depends on a variety of factors, including your age, income, risk tolerance, family situation and specific objectives. Over time,

your ideal investment mix may change, but you’ll likely need at least some growth potential at every stage of your life.

Don’t let your portfolio go “unsupervised.” Your investment portfolio can be subject to “drift” if left alone for extended time periods. In fact, without your making any moves at all, your portfolio can move in directions that may not be favorable to you. Suppose you think your holdings should be made up of 70% stocks, but due to strong gains, your stocks now make up 80% of your portfolio. This development could lead to a risk level that feels uncomfortably high to you. That’s why you should review your portfolio at least once a year, possibly with the help of a financial professional, to check your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Don’t stop at the nearest “resting place.” Some people hope that if they can get that one “winner,” they will triumph in the investment arena. But the ability to “get rich quick” is much more of a myth than a reality.

True investment success typically requires patience, persistence and the resilience to continue investing even during market downturns.

In other words, investing is a long-term endeavor, and you need a portfolio that reflects this reality. The investment moves you make today may pay off for you decades from now. You need to establish your goals and keep

them constantly in mind as you invest. And you will never really reach the end of your investment journey, because you’ll need to make choices and manage your portfolio throughout your retirement years.

Hopefully, you will enjoy a pleasant vacation sometime this summer. But your investment portfolio shouldn’t take time off..

Advertorial

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$250,000 in Grants and Scholarships Awarded The Woman’s Exchange announced that it is awarding $250,000 to 18 arts and cultural organizations and 24 students pursuing a higher education in the arts. The monies used for this purpose were earned entirely through the organization’s 10,000 sq. ft. consignment operation, located at 539 S. Orange Avenue. The board based their decision on the long term stability and financial health of the organizations, the program’s overall appeal to the general public and the educational impact some of these same programs will have on area children. Scholarships are awarded based on grade point average, the individual’s artistic goals and achievements, as well as letters of recommendation.

The Woman’s Exchange believes that its grantees play a pivotal role in the economic health of our community, as well as the tourism industry. They provide inspiration and enjoyment to local residents and strengthen the social fiber of our community. It is the diversity of arts offered in Sarasota, which makes Sarasota such a wonderful place for all of its residents to live. Furthermore, it is the hope of the board of directors that students receiving financial support from the Exchange will aspire to be the next generation of cultural influence and bring joy to others for years to come.

The Woman’s Exchange has been supporting the local arts community for 55 years, awarding more than $8 million in financial funding. In addition to the grants and scholarships awarded each year, the Exchange has paid local residents who consign their gently used merchandise through the organization’s consignment store more that $16 million over the past 9 years, further benefiting the local economy. One of the area’s largest

recyclers, the Woman’s Exchange, is a debt free nonprofit organization.

The Woman’s Exchange Grant Recipients for the 2017/2018 fiscal year are: Arts and Cultural Alliance: Inspire Sarasota! A Celebration of Art…; Asolo Theatre, Inc.: Season Presenter; Florida Studio Theatre: Winter Cabaret Series, FSU/Asolo; Conservatory for Actor Training: Dog Days Theatre; Gloria Musicae: Mass in B Minor; Key Chorale: Honoring Heroes; La Musica di Aslo: La Musica Educational Outreach; Perlman Music Program: Everyone Loves Classical Music; Players Theatre: Season Sponsor; Sarasota Ballet: The Secret Garden; Sarasota Opera: Youth Opera-Rootabaga Country; Sarasota Orchestra: Young Persons’ Concerts 2017-18; Sarasota Pops: Concert Series 2017-18; Selby Gardens - Urbanite Theatre: Naming True by Natalie Symons; Van Wezel Foundation, Inc.: Additional Instrumentalists-3 Concerts; The Venice Chorale: Additional Instrumentalists-3 Concerts; Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe: 2017-18 Mainstage Season The Woman’s Exchange Scholarship Recipients for the 2017/2018 fiscal year are: Victoria Byrd; Anthony DeNiro; Marie Dull; Zoe Ezechiels; Joshua Galindo; Melanie Gasparoni; Abigail Hodgson; David Klos; Tyler Mathis; Douglas Ortner; Rachael Querreveld; Haley Simmons; Anna Jane Trinci; Reed Tucker; Margaux Albiez; Sommer Altier; Marissa Brotz; Anthony Cali; Evianna Gianoplus; Coralie Jean-Marie; Madison Miller; Haley Rosenthal; Nina Vanucci; Hannah Jae Wasserman.

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941.349.0194

JUNE 2017

By Rachel Brown Hackney The Tampa Bay Times reported that MTV debuted its first commercial for a reality series set on Siesta Key while presenting its MTV Movie and TV Awards on May 7.

The new show, Times staffer Christopher Spata wrote, is titled Siesta Key. The commercial — about 15 seconds long — featured a couple kissing and text that read, “From the hills. To the beach. Welcome to Siesta Key. July.”

It also showed a flyover of homes on a waterway and a pier with one rather expensive looking boat tied up to it.

Spata pointed out that last month, an Adweek profile of new MTV President Chris McCarthy mentioned Siesta Key as part of McCarthy’s “efforts to revive the network through unscripted and live programming …”

Adweek said Siesta Key, which is set to launch on July 19, “is in the vein of The Hills about a group of kids in an elite Florida enclave who return home for the summer after spending their freshman year in college) …”

McCarthy won his job in October 2016, Adweek noted. Afterward, the publication continued, “McCarthy quickly formulated his vision for the network: bring back the teens and women who had fled by shifting the focus from scripted shows back to unscripted, coming-of-age themed series, and most importantly, reestablish the brand’s live bona fides.”

Siesta has won its share of national attention over the past 12 months, with Dr. Stephen Leatherman of Florida International University — Dr. Beach — ranking the beach No. 2 on his 2016 list and TripAdvisor in late February honoring the beach as its No. 1 pick in the U.S.

Pittsburgh woman apparently drowns while snorkeling on Siesta Key The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has investigated an apparent drowning that occurred about 2 p.m. on May 10 near Point of Rocks on Siesta Key, the office announced.

Beach-goers found Aimee Sue Hoover, 44, of Pittsburgh floating face down in the water on the south side of Point of Rocks Beach, a Sheriff’s Office report said. Lifeguards with Sarasota County Emergency Services were the first to arrive on the scene, the report

added, but their lifesaving attempts proved unsuccessful.

The preliminary investigation indicated Hoover was snorkeling with her husband in the Point of Rocks area when the incident occurred, the report noted. The couple was on vacation, the report added.

While the preliminary investigation indicated Hoover drowned, “as always, an official cause of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner’s Office,” a news release said.

Point of Rocks is a popular snorkeling spot on Siesta Key because of the generally excellent visibility of the Gulf of Mexico in that area and underwater sights that snorkelers can enjoy.

A more powerful pressure washing

Business owners have expressed frustrations over the years about the inadequacy of the annual pressure washings in the Village. As Michael Shay, manager of the Siesta Key Village Maintenance Corp. has pointed out, remaining gum residue has seemed to be the worst problem.

That is all the more reason Shay happily reported to the in mid-May that the firm Sarasota County uses for projects all over the county undertook a recent pressure-washing test in the Village with excellent results.

That test section was from the northernmost property line of the Beach Club to the southernmost property line of Beach Bazaar, Shay said. About 80% of the gum was gone afterward, he noted, “which is something that we never had [seen] done before.”

The crew, he added, was even willing to go back over an area if it appeared the work was not satisfactory after the initial pass. “That’s important to me. … In the past, you got what you got.”

Shay said that Lisa Cece, the business professional in the county Transportation Department who oversees Village maintenance matters on behalf of the county, provided the firm the specs for a couple of other segments — those she felt were the worst, based on her regular visits to the Village — so the firm could provide quotes for them.

Shay learned that the cost of the t e s t s e g m e nt was “much more reasonable” compared to the expense the Maintenance Corp. has been shouldering for pressure washing, he added.

Continued on next page 13

By Rachel Brown Hackney / www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com In advance of the April 20 Development Review Committee meeting for Sarasota County staff, the agenda noted two projects proposed on Siesta Key. The first called for a “temporary parking lot located at 459 Beach Road,” while the second was for a “proposed parking lot located at 5160 Calle Minorga.”

As it turned out, both items were withdrawn from staff consideration before the meeting. In fact, county spokesman Drew Winchester told SNL in an email, the 459 Beach Road application “is no longer under review.”

Since then, a new application has been filed for the Calle Minorga lot. It was scheduled for the May 18 Development Review Committee (DRC) meeting.

During those sessions, staff members representing various departments typically offer suggestions — based on their expertise — about whether facets of a proposal need fine-tuning as the application begins the formal review process.

A perusal of the first and second applications for the Calle Minorga parking lot revealed only one significant change. The revised version does not list an owner or contract purchaser, but the original one stated the owner was CASTO, a firm with a Lakewood Ranch Boulevard office that develops and manages commercial, industrial and residential real estate, according to its website.

Both applications note that the parcel is 0.241 acres and that the project would entail a 10,000-square-foot parking lot with 35 spaces.

The applicant is John F. Cavoli, who has his own engineering firm on Bee Ridge Road.

The property is owned by a limited liability company, 5160 Calle Minorga, according to Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office records. On Sept. 1, 2011, that company purchased the land for $450,000, the records note.

In 2016, the Calle Minorga parcel was the site of a proposed miniature golf course. In November 2016, Sarasota attorney Robert Lincoln — who was acting as the representative of the couple behind that project — told SNL, “We’re still evaluating [our next steps]. “There were some local residents who indicated their vociferous objection to the project,” he added of the Nov. 2 neighborhood workshop held at St. Boniface Episcopal Church.

Siesta architect Mark Smith — who also serves as the chair of the Chamber of Commerce — handled the drafting of the parking lot layout for the new proposal for the land. When SNL spoke with him in early May about the project, he explained that the property is zoned Office, Professional and Institutional (OPI), he pointed out. Therefore, “it’s fine for an office. … But there’s not many people opening offices out here.”

On the other hand, Smith continued, quite a lot of people are interested in parking spaces.

“It’s limiting,” he added of the zoning, “but

parking’s allowed.”

“All these years,” Smith said, “somebody could have been making some money out of [the property as a parking lot]” — at least enough to pay the property taxes on the land.

Sarasota County Tax Collector’s Office records show that the total property tax bill for 5160 Calle Minorga in 2016 was $6,495.63, up from $6,070.86 in 2015, thanks to the climb in property values.

If people are willing to pay $5 an hour to park without towing worries, Smith said, the proposed parking lot on Calle Minorga might pay for itself.

As for the 459 Beach Road proposal: SNL research found in county Property Appraiser’s Office records that the property was sold on Feb. 28 to 459 Beach Road LLC. In 2016, the land alone was valued at $1,419,700.

When SNL checked state Division of Corporations records, it found that the registered agent of 459 Beach Road LLC is Najmy Thompson, a Bradenton attorney who handles transactions for developer Shawn Koleta.

Regular readers may recall that Sarasota County Building Department and Code Enforcement staff dealt with numerous complaints about Koleta’s efforts last year to transform an Avenida Messina residence into a rental property.

On March 30, county staff issued a Notice of Violation to 459 Beach Road LLC because a parking meter was installed, “but commercial parking is not permitted at residences,” county spokesman Jason Bartolone responded to a question.

“The property had come into compliance by the next day and the meter was taken out of service,” Bartolone added.

The application submitted to the county for the “Temporary Private Parking Lot” on the property listed the owner’s name as CASTO, the Lakewood Ranch real estate firm listed on the first application for the 5160 Calle Minorga parking lot project. The 459 Beach Road document said the 0.584-acre parcel is zoned Residential Multi-Family. The plan was to create 35 spaces on the site.

Because of the residential zoning of the property, Mark Smith told SNL he did not see how a parking plan would be able to proceed without a lot of opposition from the neighbors.

He reminded SNL that a number of years ago, Treasure Boat Way residents shot down a suggestion that the county construct a public parking lot on what was then a vacant parcel at the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Treasure Boat. The site seemed ideal for the purpose, he added, because of its proximity to the Village.

However, Treasure Boat way residents feared noise and other disruptions would result.

Nonetheless, Smith said, “I still hear from people that say that should have been a parking lot.”

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A new parking lot in the Village?

Siesta Key Round-Up MTV meets Siesta Key

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Turtle Beach Park program “Two hundred fifty dollars is definitely better than $500,” Nate Dunn, owner of Gulfside Paddleboards, told SNL in a May 11 telephone interview.

Still, he continued, “I was hoping it would be less.”

However, William “Scotty” Scott, co-owner of Siesta Key Bike and Kayak, said of county staff members, “I think they’ve been very fair with us.”

He told SNL on May 11, “They listened to our issues, and they helped us out. … We’re satisfied.”

When the SNL contacted her on May 15, Sheila Lewis, co-owner of Siesta Sports Rentals, said, “We’re just really disappointed, but there’s nothing we can do about it.”

In a May 11 email to the firms, Rebekka SkwireCline, business development coordinator for the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, explained that the county has reduced the proposed cost of each medallion to $250 for the initial program period, which will run from July 1 though March 31, 2018. The original plan called for a prorated fee of $400 per vessel from June 1 through March 31, 2018.

The reduced fee “will be evaluated during the program period and is subject to change,” SkwireCline added in a May 12 email.

“We have heard from two commercial operators since announcing the expansion details,” she continued, “and both have been supportive.”

When asked why staff chose to wait an extra month before launching the program, Skwire-Cline replied in the May 12 email, “Staff wanted to provide reasonable notice and felt that a July 1 starting date would give participating companies adequate time to make necessary preparations, submit their applications and receive medallions.”

Among the requirements for obtaining a medallion, a company must provide the county evidence that it has general liability insurance coverage of at least $1 million and it must name Sarasota County “as additional insured.”

The program will allow up to 16 vessels per launch, per guide, the application notes.

Since 2013, the county has had the same type of managed program at its Ted Sperling Park on South Lido Beach. Business owners who spoke with SNL pointed out that far more companies provide tours at Sperling Park than at Turtle Beach Park. “We don’t have the mangrove tunnels” at Turtle Beach Park, for example, which are a big draw for tourists on Lido, Dan Stein, owner of Siesta Key Paddleboards, noted during a May 15 telephone interview. “We’ve got signs at Turtle Beach Park about alligators and snakes …”

In her email, Skwire-Cline explained, “Although Turtle Beach Park draws fewer commercial operators of non-motorized vessels than Ted Sperling Nature Park, there is definitely a commercial presence.”

The official regulation for Turtle Beach Park, signed by Carolyn Brown, director of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, says, “The use of non-motorized water vessels, such as

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

11

Continued from cover story

kayaks and canoes, has become very popular for the general public and has created a demand for CRTOs [commercial recreation and tour operators].

Certain launch sites within Sarasota County are very desirable locations for CRTOs, and … it has been determined that site specific rules and guidelines will aid in site management, natural resource protection and fair and equal site access for all users.”

Along with kayaks, paddleboards and canoes, the rule continues, other non-motorized vessels to which the rules will apply are rowboats, inflatable boats, rafts, sculls, dories and driftboats.

“To be clear,” Skwire-Cline wrote, “the decision to expand the program to Turtle Beach Park was not driven by any specific company behavior, or by the volume of activity and it was not our intention to represent it as such.” She added, “Rather, the primary goal is the need to bring this site into compliance” with Section 90 of the County Code.

One section of that chapter, for example, forbids “the sale or rental of athletic equipment, sports equipment, jet skis and other Watercraft, or any other items; provided, however, that the County may issue permits, or enter into license agreements, leases or other agreements for the sale or rental of any of the above on such terms and conditions as the County shall deem proper and in the best interest of the citizens of the County.”

More facets of their frustrations Referring to the rental company operators at Turtle Beach Park, Stein of Siesta Key Paddleboards told SNL, “we all get along great. We’ve been doing this for years.”

Not only do representatives of the businesses assist clients, he pointed out, but they also help members of the public, and they even pick up trash.

“For Turtle Beach, in my opinion, it doesn’t make sense,” Dunn of Gulfside Paddleboards said of the program. Just as Sheila Lewis had pointed out after an April 18 county open house on the proposal, Dunn noted that the rental firms operating at Turtle Beach have been careful not to solicit customers onsite. Everything is handled through their shops, he added.

Stein and Dunn also expressed frustration with having to pay for medallions when they have few rentals during much of the year.

“July’s our busy month,” Stein pointed out. “I would want 20 medallions” for that month, he added, but during other periods, he rents only two or three paddleboards a day.

“This month, it’s totally dead,” Dunn said.

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Funds from Tourist Development Tax revenue account reauthorized for beach maintenance

Salute to all you Grilling Dads

By Rachel Brown Hackney / www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com

Smoking and joking! Mark and son Matt Rebhan, owners of Alpine Steakhouse and “Old-fashioned Butcher Shop” spend everyday doing what fathers across the country do on Father’s Day. Salute to all you grilling dads.

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The Sarasota County commissioners recently — and readily — approved a request by the director of the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department for the continuation of a particular funding stream to help pay for beach maintenance.

During the board’s April 26 regular meeting in Sarasota, Carolyn Brown explained that, in accord with a county ordinance, every two years she must request the apportioning of extra funding out of Tourist Development Tax revenue to cover a variety of activities designed to keep the beach parks clean and appealing to visitors and residents.

Officially, the ordinance calls for collections representing 20% of the third penny of each dollar of Tourist Development Tax revenue (TDT) to go toward beach maintenance, she pointed out. In her department’s budget for the 2017 fiscal year, she noted, that revenue stream accounts for $679,976. For the 2018 fiscal year, the estimated revenue is $736,049.

The county charges a 5% “bed tax,” with percentages of each one of the five pennies dedicated to certain expenses.

For the current fiscal year, Brown continued, her department’s total allocation for beach maintenance out of TDT revenue is $3,629,000, and the overall expense for the work has been projected at slightly more than $4 million. (Another portion of TDT revenue also is dedicated to beach upkeep.)

“If we were to lose that 20% of [third-penny] funding,” she pointed out, visitors to the beach parks would see “overflowing trash cans, unsightly restrooms, lack of customer service and [staff] supervision, and loss of resources to support events and loss of vehicles. … The implications could truly be catastrophic to our tourism and would have an impact on … the services that we are able to provide.”

For example, the county would not be able to support events such as the annual Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival on Siesta Key or beach volleyball tournaments, according to a slide she showed the board.

Furthermore, staff would be unable to clear obstructions to the shoreline, groom the beaches regularly, remove debris such as red drift algae and dead fish during red tide events, or erect information signage related to special events, she added.

Altogether, the TDT revenue pays for maintenance at 14 county beaches, she said, including Siesta, Lido, Caspersen, Manasota and Venice, as well as the 13 accesses on Siesta Key. An April 26 memo from Brown to the County Commission explained that on March 18, 2009, the board requested a report on beach maintenance initiatives paid for by the county’s General Fund

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instead of TDT revenue. (The General Fund largely is comprised of property tax revenue the county receives each year.) As a result of that review, the memo notes, on June 12, 2009, the commission cast the original vote to allocate another portion of TDT revenue to beach maintenance.

During the recession, board members and staff worked to find sources other than the General Fund to cover expenses, and the board report made it clear that the TDT ordinance would enable them to use some of that revenue for beach upkeep.

On March 23, when Brown sought the county’s Tourist Development Council’s endorsement of the renewed allocation, the members did so unanimously, recommending the County Commission follow suit.

During her presentation, Brown also showed the commissioners numerous scenes from beaches all over the county. “You could virtually go on vacation right here in your own back yard, visiting each and every beach, and have a different experience each and every day,” she pointed out.

“We have an incredibly dedicated staff,” Brown told the board. “They’re out there doing their best every day, and conditions are not always the best.”

Following Brown’s presentation, Commissioner Nancy Detert told her, “You certainly made your case, so I am happy to move approval [of the renewal of the TDT allocation].”

“Thank you,” Brown responded.

Commissioner Alan Maio, who seconded the motion, pointed out that he and his wife, Nancy, “took a quick ride [over the previous weekend] through Venice and the jetties and Nokomis and the jetties and Siesta Beach … I was looking for things to be cranky about,” he joked, “[but] everything looked just perfect, so thank you.”

Even the road to the North Jetty, he noted, which has proven to be “a bumpy ride” in the past, was “groomed very well,” he said, “and the trash cans were emptied.”

The unanimous vote to continue the TDT thirdpenny allocation came less than 10 minutes after Brown stepped to the podium to make her case for its reauthorization.

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Lido Project Challenge On Hold A judge with the state’s Division of Administrative Hearings has scheduled a proceeding in late August on challenges the SKA, Save Our Siesta Sand 2 (SOSS2) and the Florida Wildlife Federation have filed in response to the December 2016 Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) announcement of an intent to issue a permit for the project.

After the matter has been settled in the administrative hearing forum, 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Lon Arend ruled on April 24, the SKA may seek a remedy in Circuit Court, if necessary. When the SKA’s attorney, Kent Safriet of the Tallahassee firm Hopping Green & Sams, asked whether Arend would consider an emergency injunction if the conclusion of the administrative hearing process cleared the way for the issuance of the Joint Coastal Permit (JCP), Arend indicated he readily would do so. In fact, if Safriet learned that the permit would be forthcoming, Arend added, Safriet could contact the court about the scheduling of an emergency hearing.

Arend’s ruling formally granted an abeyance to the City of Sarasota, which had sought to have the SKA’s verified complaint against the city dismissed. The city’s outside counsel — John R. Herin Jr. of the GrayRobinson law firm, based in Fort Lauderdale — had sought the abeyance as an

alternative if the judge decided not to grant the city’s Motion to Dismiss the case.

As the approximately 40-minute hearing was concluding on April 24, Herin appeared to surprise Safriet and the SKA members who were present when he announced that the city was considering withdrawing as a co-applicant to FDEP for the Joint Coastal Permit.

Herin said he wanted to inquire of Safriet why the city was the only party named as a defendant in the verified complaint filed on March 9 by the SKA and Siesta Key resident David N. Patton.

In March 2015, the city and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) submitted an application together to FDEP, seeking not only to dredge about 1.2 million cubic yards of sand from Big Pass to renourish about 1.6 miles of South Lido but also to construct two groins on Lido Key to try to hold sand in place between subsequent renourishment projects.

The USACE has proposed that the latter take place about every five years over a 50-year period.

(The FDEP Joint Coastal Permit, however, would be for 15 years.)

The city is a co-applicant for the FDEP permit, Herin pointed out to Arend. “The city has advised me that I have the authority to report to this court and the [Division of Administrative Hearings] judge and to [FDEP] that we’re going to withdraw [the city’s] name as a co-applicant on that permit, and,

Siesta Key Round-Up Continued from page 9

After he and Mark Smith, director of the Maintenance Corp., review the quotes, Shay expects they will give the firm the go-ahead to tackle those two other areas.

Two new SKA board members During the SKA’s regular meeting on May 4, Secretary Joyce Kouba announced that two new people have joined the board of directors: Marilyn Romanus and Bob Spicer.

Romanus could not be present because of family illness, Kouba said.

Romanus’ first job with the nonprofit, Kouba explained, will be to serve as assistant treasurer.

Spicer was present, so Kouba invited members to introduce themselves to him after the session ended.

Spicer has lived on the Key about seven years, Kouba noted. He spent much of his career with Proctor & Gamble, she added, drawing laughter when she continued, “So he’s going to be our shampoo person.”

Continued on page 28

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

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Continued from cover story

therefore, in our opinion, moot this matter, because we no longer will be the entity responsible for this project.”

“You are going to do that?”

Safriet asked Herin.

“We are considering that,” Herin replied.

The city wants to know, Herin told the judge that if it does withdraw as co-applicant, it then can file for mootness with the court, and the SKA and Patton would agree that the complaint no longer was valid.

Safriet suggested that Herin go ahead and take the action that day, so the legal challenge could be moved to federal court.

“We could have avoided this whole hearing had you withdrawn as the applicant in the first place,” Safriet told Herin.

“We’re still considering that,” Herin replied. The city contends that the USACE needs to be party to the legal challenge the SKA is pursuing, he added.

“Nothing happens until you make the decision,” Arend replied.

On May 12, in response to a

SNL question, Herin wrote in an email, “I can say with a reasonable amount of certainty that a decision will be made before FDEP issues the [Joint Coastal Permit] at the conclusion of the consolidated [Department of Administrative Hearings] proceedings. Keep in mind that a federal agency, a state agency, and a local government agency need to consult and come to a joint decision (certainly the [USACE] and City), and each agency has their own internal decision process and timing.”

The SKA reaction to the judge’s ruling In a press release it issued after the April hearing, the SKA pointed out that its goal has been to safeguard Big Pass. “We asked the Court to enforce [a Florida statute pertaining to environmental matters] in hopes of the City and County working together for a ‘best practices’ plan, one that protects natural resources and meets the needs of critical erosion on Lido.”

The SKA and Patton point out that Big Pass never has been dredged, and sand borrow areas lie within the county’s boundaries — as SKA attorney Safriet has illustrated. The county’s Comprehensive Plan prohibits dredging of waterways within the county unless the action is necessary for maintenance purposes. Therefore, the SKA and Patton contend that the city has to win county approval before any sand can be taken from Big Pass.

In its press release, the SKA also noted that a ruling in its favor would have saved time and “significant money.”

Shortly after Safriet began his argument in court, Arend asked, “Why is it not premature for me to get involved” before a Joint Coastal Permit is issued?

“Conservation of judicial resources,” Safriet replied. The administrative hearing in August, he pointed out, involves about half-a-dozen parties and “a whole lot of experts” who will be offering opinions. “There’s a lot of expense in that.”

14

Siesta Sand

JUNE 2017

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Siesta Key Community Fireworks – Will Be Held Tuesday, July 4th Siesta Key, Florida, July 4th, 2017 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 celebration is completely reliant on generous community donations from businesses, accommodations,

The Pelican Plaza Through a foreclosure auction on Jan. 24, Benderson Development Co. — which owns and manages more than 700 properties nationally — purchased the 584,465-squarefoot Landings property that like Pelican Plaza had been plagued by vacancies in recent years.

Work is underway to renovate the Landings Shopping Center and improve the landscaping, with a goal of completing the work by this summer, say Benderson representatives.

Flynn notes the similarities between the two centers, and says the potential at the Landings could be even greater due to higher traffic counts and three separate entrances into the center.

Benderson’s recent announcement in early May, three months after purchasing the center, that two popular restaurants — Station 400 and DaRuMa — will open shop in the plaza is a good start, Flynn said.

Locally owned daytime café Station 400 and Teppan-style, Florida-based Japanese chain DaRuMa both plan to open branches and have coming-soon signs hanging at the Landings Center. “That was good news,” for the center and local patrons, Flynn said. The commercial realtor said DaRuMa could fill a void left when the popular JoTo Japanese Restaurant on Siesta Key closed earlier this spring.

“They had a following,” he said of Jo-To restaurant. “DaRuMa will probably attract a lot of that following.”

More leases expected More lease announcements at the Landings center are expected to come soon. Mark Chait, Benderson’s executive director of Florida leasing, told Siesta Sand he couldn’t disclose specifics of talks with other prospective retailers, but he said the firm expected to announce more leases in the near

and residents. All donations directly fund the fireworks! Donations of all levels are greatly appreciated, however, sponsorship packages of $500 and above include parking passes and access to the preferred viewing area which opens at

6:00 p.m. and includes complimentary beverages and light snacks. To make a donation, please visit siestakeychamber. com, or call the Chamber office at 941.349.3800.

Continued from cover story

future.

“We are very attune to how a variety of mixes would fit and enhance the shopping center, and the area,” Chait said. “We are working with several prospective tenants and will be making other announcements soon.”

When asking whether a new Starbucks — similar to the Pelican Plaza store — was a possibility in the Landings, Chait declined to comment on any possible tenant.

Chait did, however, acknowledge that such a café seems conceptually to be a good fit in the Landings center.

Flynn said that the new Starbucks was a “golden” addition at the Pelican Plaza, and would be a significant announcement at the Landings, as well.

Depending on the overall slate of other announcements, Flynn said he predicts the Landings center could become more of a destination, than just a shopping strip mall.

View of the recently renovated Pelican Plaza

Retail criteria Benderson has a strong track record of attracting larger and national retailers to their properties, as evidenced at the Pelican Plaza. In addition, retailers will consider many factors when deciding where to locate, Flynn said, and the Landings will meet some of that criteria — such as spruced-up grounds, ample parking, high traffic counts, and the easy ingress and egress from the center. Demographic considerations would also take into account nearby customer bases such as the Landings, Siesta Key, Casey Key, and downtown.

Flynn said he believes Benderson will research retailers and settle on those that will be welcome additions in the market.

One key factor to the center’s success will be which tenant Benderson lands to fill the old Office Depot space that has been

Empty storefronts line the Landings Shopping Plaza vacant since late 2015.

Several freestanding buildings adjacent to the center, including Sweet Tomatoes and Olive Garden, have other owners, and the Publix

grocery store, located at 4840 S. Tamiami Trail, is owned by Publix Super Markets, and thus was also not impacted by the shopping center’s foreclosure proceedings or

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recent sale to Benderson.

The plaza, whose address is 4800 S. Tamiami Trail, is one of the largest shopping centers of its style in the county.

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Sheriff’s Report

JUNE 2017

April 19- May 16, 2017

BREAKFAST and LUNCH

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There were a total of 16 crimes reported on the Key between 4/19 – 5/16 /17

4/21/17 Burglary- Vehicle Public Beach A man reported an unknown person leaned inside his 2014 Ford Sedan while it was parked at the Public Beach lot and stole his wallet from the center console.

The wallet contained his driver’s license, social security card and a credit card.

4/28/17 DUI - 1 Beach Rd. An officer stationary in his vehicle near the intersection of Avenida Messina and Canal Rd., noticed a car going through the four way stop without using his breaks until he was halfway through intersection. The officer fell in line behind the defendant and activated his emergency lights in reference to the traffic violation. The defendant drastically slowed his speed and continued to travel for nearly 500 feet before coming to a stop at Beach Access 2. As he approached the defendant, the officer noticed the driver’s thick-tongued speech, watery/ bloodshot eyes and the half empty travel bottle of Fireball Whiskey near his transmission.

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4/22/17 Battery –Simple 700 Block Beach Rd. A condo property Manager accused her coworker of Simple Battery after he placed both hands on her shoulders and pushed her backward out of the doorway causing the door to hit her in the wrist, which resulted in a small red mark. The coworkers were in a territorial disagreement over management of a particular rental unit and who had the rights to book the condo. According to the guest attempting to check in, the coworker did not push the victim backward, but she did see the defendant push her with the door. Another witness claimed the defendant never placed his hands on the victim or pushed her with the door but that he was only trying to hold the door shut and it hit the victim. The defendant told the deputy he had never placed his hands on the victim and that he was only trying to hold the door shut in an attempt to keep her out of the unit. He said the victim lost her grip on the door handle and was hit by the door.

15

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The defendant explained he had a disagreement with his significant other and had gone to a bar, although he could not recall which one. The defendant consented to a sobriety test after admitting how much he had to drink. He was placed under arrest after the field sobriety tests were completed.

4/28/17 Petit Theft 5100 Block Ocean Blvd.

An unknown subject stole a woman’s purse from the bar table where she and her husband were sitting. The purse contained her driver’s license, debit card and car ignition key. A search of the bar and dumpster proved negative.

The woman’s debit card was cancelled without incident.

5/4/17 Burglary- Vehicle 5000 Block Windward Way A man reported a vehicle burglary had occurred overnight.

Someone had entered his 2015 Subaru van while it was parked at his home. He explained he had recently emptied the vehicle contents into two Lululemon bags before bringing it in for service.

The bags contained; two umbrellas, some OTC medications, a Cobra Radar detector ($100), two Food and Wine cookbooks ($30) and three gift cards ($200). He advised he left the car unlocked and only noticed the bags were missing after he had been in and out of the car several times. The car was not dusted for prints due to this fact.

5/4/17 Theft - Public Beach A man reported he was at the beach with family and friends.

He was in the picnic table area surrounded by a large group of other beachgoers. Later in the day, when he returned to the table where he had left it, he realized his wallet and its contents were missing. The Gucci wallet contained; a driver’s license, social security card, a prepaid visa card and $150 in cash. The total value of all the missing items is estimated at $303. The victim searched around the table with negative results and questioned other subjects by the table. He stated no one was observed taking the wallet and there were no suspects.

5/5/17 Theft 4000 Block Ocean Blvd.

A man reported the theft of his TREK Matte Black Street Bike, estimated value $450, from a bike rack. The bike had been secured in the rack by a combination type lock. The victim discovered that the cable lock, estimated value $20 had been broken and the bike was missing. There were no suspects.

5/8/17 Grand Theft Public Beach A man who went for a swim in the gulf after wrapping his wallet in a towel and leaving it on the sand, returned after swimming to find his wallet gone. He could not recall what color lifeguard stand he was near when the incident occurred and he never saw anyone suspicious around his towel. The green camouflage wallet ($40) contained his driver’s license ($35), social security card ($75) and approximately $300 in cash.

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Siesta Sand

JUNE 2017

941.349.0194

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Siesta Key Association survey on trolley service underscores popularity of the free program By Rachel Brown Hackney / www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com The free Siesta Key Breeze trolley service launched on March 20 continues to win rave reviews — a fact reinforced when the Siesta Key Association (SKA) announced the results of a survey it sent to more than 1,000 of its members.

“We have achieved over a 30% response — quite a good return rate for a survey, I believe,” SKA Director Gene Kusekoski wrote in a May 2 email. “To us, this indicates that our members are very interested in the fate of the Trolley going forward.”

More people responded to the survey after Kusekoski discussed it during the May 4 SKA meeting: As of May 11, the number of participants had climbed to 341.

Kendra Keiderling, marketing, outreach and customer service supervisor of Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT), told SNL in a telephone interview that visitors to the Key on April 30, during the annual Siesta Fiesta art and crafts show, were especially enthusiastic about being able to leave their vehicles at Turtle Beach Park and ride the trolley to Siesta Village.

SCAT continues to get “just incredible feedback” about the open-air service, she added.

As of May 11, Kusekoski’s data showed 48.3% of the respondents voted for seasonal service while another 44.7% said the trolley should operate all year.

As county leaders explained during the March 20 ribboncutting ceremony, the Breeze is a pilot program that will run through August. SCAT staff had to win the approval of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to shift some grant funding to the service. Continuation of the trolley runs will be contingent on securing the necessary money, SCAT Director Rocky Burke has pointed out.

In response to the SKA’s question about whether the use of taxpayer funds to keep the trolley service operating without cost to riders is appropriate, 88.9% of the 324 respondents to that question said, “Yes.” Regarding the question, “Approximately how many times have you and/or your family members and friends used the Trolley since March 20, 2017?” 50.8% of the SKA members said they had not been on the Breeze but would like to ride it; 28.8% had been passengers up to 10 times; and 6% had ridden it 10 to 20 times. Another 1.5% marked the answer, “Too many to count!”

The vast majority of those who had been on the Breeze had used it to travel from their place of residence to Siesta Village: 81.2%. Siesta Beach was in second place with 27.2%.

The SKA survey also invited respondents to provide comments, and 83 had chosen to do so by May 11. Those remarks covered a gamut of issues — from wishing the service ran as far north as Higel Avenue to the suggestion that the county should be paying for “more pressing things.”

Some said the trolley slows down other traffic, but others noted that it reduces the number of vehicles on the roads.

One person wrote, “The number of cars removed from the road on [Siesta Key] is justification enough for this service.

The congestion has reached a point (during high-tourist times) that it reduces the appeal of the area. Loss of tourism dollars will be much greater than the cost of free trolley service.”

A few people suggested charging $1 per trip, though one person recommended letting children age 12 and under ride the Breeze for free. A second thought $2 a day should be considered. The latter respondent added, “We LOVE the Trolley!! Thanks.”

One person commented, “When we return to the Key we will use this service and be more apt to go to the Village for shopping and restaurants. Right now, parking is such a problem. Good Luck!!”

Yet another wrote, “Mix public and private support,” noting that the service is very convenient, “and vacationers as well as [residents] can afford to pay a reasonable fee.

Public support should also be present as the [Key] provides a great deal of revenue for the County which likely exceeds the services provided.”

One complained about too many people being on the Breeze at one time. “I had to jump off because it was too hot and people were wall to wall. It was not safe!”

Yet another wrote, “I see the trolley but it never seems to be full.”

One person seemed to sum up the views expressed by many: “The trolley creates a vacation atmosphere. Just a great idea and cuts traffic. Makes me smile.”

Early figures indicated the service was averaging about 1,500 passengers a day, Mark Smith, chair of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, pointed out to SNL during a May

2 telephone interview. If one considered the typical motor vehicle has two people in it, he added, that meant the trolley was eliminating 750 vehicles a day from Midnight Pass and Beach roads. That added up to 25,000 fewer cars, trucks and SUVs a month during high season on the Key, he pointed out. “That’s huge. That’s a serious impact.”

Smith said he believes SCAT’s staff will find the means to keep the Breeze operating beyond the period of the pilot program. “To me, this is money in the bank to the county,” he added.

Traditionally, Sarasota County Tax Collector Barbara Ford-Coates reminded the county’s Tourist Development Council members on March 23, Siesta Key accounts for close to one-third of the county’s annual Tourist Development Tax revenue.

Making it easier for people to enjoy being on Siesta Key without traffic worries, Smith pointed out, “is an investment.”

On a final note, the trolley is averaging over 500 riders a day in the month of May, one of the slowest months of the year for visitors to the key.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JUNE 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

17

Señor Siesta’s Menu in Profile: Empanadas Baked not Fried, Fresh Mussels not Frozen

In early May, Señor Siesta rolled out its new menu including several crowdpleasing appetizers. Two of those appetizers have been particularly big hits – Empanadas and Mussels—and each showcases the new chef team’s talent and passion to please the palate.

Beyond the clever plate presentation, two things set Señor Siesta’s empanadas apart from those typically found at other Latin restaurants. First, Señor Siesta’s empanadas are baked and not deep fried.

Second, the fillings are more creative than your typical Latin variety. For instance, in addition to hickory smoked pulled chicken or traditionally seasoned ground beef, the fillings include stuffed green olives, cauliflower, carrots, and celery. Each empanada is cut in half forming a formation of four easy to share sections garnished with julienned aji amarillo onions, cilantro and paired with a house-made blue cheese buttermilk crema for dipping.

Señor Siesta brings fresh mussels to the kitchen and sautés them to order with Mexican chorizo, garbanzos, shallots, and minced garlic in a poblana bouillabaisse rich broth.

These treasures are garnished with fresh cilantro over a stack of herb buttered crostinis for your dipping pleasure. Nary has a single drop of the sauté remained, simply the shells.

Señor Siesta invites you to try these and other appetizers, including the grilled romaine Caesar salad and the house barbeque sauce drenched hickory smoked baby back ribs to cite two other very popular choices.

Also, check out their vegan and gluten free options. Señor Siesta adds no MSG. Buen Provecho.

Empanadas Baked not Fried

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Consult with your dentists for their opinion of what can wait and what shouldn’t.

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18

Siesta Sand

JUNE 2017

941.349.0194

Great Mother’s Day Race

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More than 350 participants of all ages gathered on spectacular Siesta Beach for the sixth annual “Great Mother’s Day Race”. This delightful race brought entire families together to honor or remember their moms by running, jogging or even walking the 3.1 mile/5K distance.

Everyone registered received free race pictures, a dry fit T-shirt, a metal, and a goodie bag. Prizes

www.siestasand.net

By Trebor Britt

were awarded for the top finishers in all age groups.

Sponsors for this year’s race included, Crunch Fitness, Tampa Bay Ultimate, Tijuana Flats, Fit2Run and Premier Photo booth. Co-race director, Claire Selius said, “We are very happy to bring the community together here on Siesta Key and it’s just a beautiful place to bring your family in the morning.”

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Snowbird, Mary Ann Jones of Williamsville, NY, with granddaughter Caroline Hobson (18) soon to attend UCF and daughter Deborah Hobson of Nokomis excited to make family history. This is the first time these three generations have run together

Dan Condell of Crunch Fitness leading the enthusiastic pre-race warmup and stretch. He is their personal training manager and injury prevention specialist. Crunch Fitness is a race sponsor

Co-race director, Claire Selius proudly displaying this year’s Great Mother’s Day Race medal awarded to all participants

First time volunteers, Abby Daunt (16) of Sarasota and Katherine Polaski (16) of Bradenton. Both volunteered because of their commitment to their high school Key Club. Abby is the Vice President and Katherine is the Treasurer

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THEY’RE OFF More than 350 enthusiastic participants leave the starting line for this year’s Great Mother’s Day 5K Race.

Women make up about 75% of those registered.

Several men run to honor their moms.”

www.siestasand.net

Off Key

941.349.0194

JUNE 2017

|From Fancy Kitchens to Ruffled Feathers

“I Got Thumped...”

That was Martin Hyde’s reaction in the press after his outof-the-money finish in the recent Sarasota city commission race that pitted him against eventual winners Jen Ahearn-Koch and Hagen Brody in a three-way race for two open at large seats on the board.

“It’s better to get thrashed than to get beat by 26 votes,” Hyde was quoted as saying in the Herald Tribune last week. “It doesn’t leave a lot of doubt.”

Hyde’s ‘thumping’ was yet another blow to the ‘Citizens United’ argument that contends money is the dominant factor in deciding elections; Hyde committed a record amount of cash for a Sarasota city commission race, over $74,000, most of it from his own holdings...more than his two opponents combined.

It didn’t matter.

Hyde brushed off criticism of his campaign spending, saying: “I spent the price of a fancy kitchen or a modest boat, so what..?” Adding: “I’ll make the money back.”

Sorry, but that’s not an especially good sound bite, perhaps hinting at a bit of arrogance voters may have picked up on. And some probably questioned the fiscal wisdom of raising and spending such big bucks on a commission seat with an annual salary of just $26,000.

Why, that’s barely enough for a down payment on a new kitchen, right?

Visit Florida Violates Travel Ban? Was Florida’s tourism agency trying to make a trendy political statement by signing a contract with a European advertising agency to market the state as a vacation destination in Syria

and nine other Middle Eastern Countries (as reported by the Naples Daily News)...or simply exercising the kind of prodigal, bone headed judgment that led Florida Speaker of the House Richard Corcoran to slash the agency’s budget in the final annual spending package sent to Governor Scott for his signature last week?

Neither scenario helps Scott advance his argument that fully funding Visit Florida is critical to creating and maintaining jobs across the state.

The Trump administration’s travel ban was designed to prohibit travel from Syria, not encourage it. So what were the folks at Visit Florida really thinking?

Apparently they weren’t thinking at all.

The agency said it was a ‘clerical error’ that led to the addition of Syria to a list of countries it planned to advertise in, adding the mistake has now been corrected.

More on the cigarette litter campaign Siesta Beach and Turtle Beach,” the release explains. “Nearly 40 receptacles will be installed throughout the public access areas along the beaches over the summer months,” it notes.

Keep Sarasota County Beautiful is one of 37 organizations to receive the grant funding for 2017, which totaled $297,500, the release adds.

Now in its 15th year, the Cigarette Litter Prevention Program “is the nation’s largest aimed at reducing cigarette litter,” the release points out.

Communities that implemented the Cigarette Litter Prevention Program in 2016 realized an average reduction of 60% in cigarette litter, an 8% increase over the 2015 results, the release notes.

“We are honored to be one of the 37 organizations selected to receive grant funding for the 2017 Cigarette

19

By Robert Frederickson

STOP USING THE BEACH AS YOUR ASHTRAY! In April, Michael Shay — a longtime leader of cleanup efforts on the Key — said that Sarasota County had received a grant to help staff encourage people not to litter the beaches with cigarette butts. The county recently issued a news release about that initiative, which, it turns out, is focused on Siesta Key. 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 “to combat cigarette litter in our community,” the release says.

“Staff of Keep Sarasota County Beautiful and the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department partnered to apply for the grant to purchase and install ash receptacles in an effort to reduce cigarette litter along

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Litter Prevention Program,” said Keep Sarasota County Beautiful’s Program Coordinator Wendi Crisp in the release. “Our hope is that the installation of ash receptacles in high use areas at Siesta Beach and Turtle Beach will help make a tremendous impact in the number of cigarette butts that are disposed of properly and not found as litter.”

“Since its establishment, the Cigarette Litter Prevention Program has consistently cut cigarette butt litter by approximately half based on local measurements taken in the first four months to six months after program implementation,” the release continues. “Survey results also demonstrate that as communities continue to implement and monitor the program those reductions are sustained or even increased over time,” it adds.

Bumper Sticker of the Day

“Honk If any Kids Fall Out.”’

Pass the Salt Please?

Some readers may recall the Woody Allen film “Sleeper” about a Greenwich Village health food store owner living in the 1970s – played by Allen – who wakes up 200 years in the future only to discover that his supposedly healthy eating habits are anything but. After ordering a breakfast of wheat germ, organic honey and tiger’s milk, two medical technicians in lab coats monitoring his adjustment to their brave new world have a brief conversation about his breakfast request: “Ah yes,” says the first: “those are substances that years ago were thought to have life preserving properties.”

To which a colleague replies incredulously: “You mean there was no deep fat, steaks, cream pies or hot fudge?”

“Those were thought to be unhealthy...” replies the first, “... precisely the opposite of what we now know to be true!”

Which brings us to yet the latest example of the enduring wisdom in Oscar Wilde’s quip about life imitating art far more than art imitating life.

The New York Times ran a story on May 8th under the following headline: “Why Everything We Know About Salt May Be Wrong...”

Yes, science may be on the verge of back-peddling once again: “Oops...Listen up everyone. You know that stuff we told you about the

earth being flat? Well, our bad!”

When it comes to salt, it seems the body has the ability to regulate sodium levels in ways heretofore not fully appreciated according to the Times’ piece; and in some cases, a higher intake of salt may actually improve one’s overall health by helping promote weight loss.

Caveat: This story was from The New York Times, which means it should be taken with...errr...a grain of salt? Please check with your doctor before changing any dietary recommendations he or she may have prescribed for you!

Attack of the Sacred Goose!

Oh the injustice of it all...

An Indiana man was ticketed for attacking a goose with a bat after it allegedly threatened his four-year-old son.

James McDaniel told a local Indiana television station the goose came across a field and chased his boy; so he did what any good father would: he stepped in to protect the terrified youngster. It should be noted, the bat was plastic, not a full-fledged hardwood variety Louisville slugger; and the goose apparently survived the encounter, though a few feathers were likely ruffled...especially among animal rights advocates.

Who knew? India has its sacred cows and now we learn Indiana has its sacred geese. Good to know if you’re ever passing through.

But four-year-olds? Well, they apparently hold no such exalted status...

Continued on page 36

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Siesta Sand

JUNE 2017

941.349.0194

Snapshots of Island Visitors

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

www.siestasand.net

3

2

1

4 5 1. Tony, Kaeden age 4, and Jared from OH 2. Marc, Emila age 3, Erin, and Magnolia age 5 months from OH 3. Lee from Chicago and Carissa from KY 4. Tristan age 2, Darrell, Whitney age 8 months, and Bethany from DE 5. Randy & Liz from OH

News Up & Down the Trail County approves portion of Braves funding The City of North Port could be playing ball soon, as plans for a spring training facility for the Atlanta Braves have advanced.

The plan is to transform a 70acre vacant lot into a state of the art spring training facility. It’s a project with a $75 million dollar price tag, and last month Sarasota County commissioners voted to redirect tourism development taxes to pay a $22 million portion of that price tag. It’s a decision they said won’t come at the expense of any other tourism programs.

But the change to the tourist development tax is just one of several agreements that must be in place before the Braves move to North Port. The County Commission unanimously endorsed the plan to revise the distribution of the county’s tourist development tax, collected on overnight stays at hotel rooms and short-term rentals, to help pay for a little less than one-third of the planned $75.4 million stadium facilities at the West Villages.

The West Villages, where the facility is to be built, is applying for $20 million in state funding.

They’re also providing the property and infrastructure at a combined cost of about $ 15 million, according to media reports. As for the braves, they will pay about $7.5 million upfront for construction followed by annual lease payments. The City of North Port plans to pay about $4 to 5 million over several decades and finally, Sarasota County plans to pay about $22 million in tourism taxes for the facility.

LA Fitness coming to Westfield Southgate LA Fitness is slated to fill the old Dillard’s storefront at Westfield Southgate mall, with a soft opening, as of press time, expected soon.

In total, at least eight new retailers are in the works, there’s been no shortage of movement at the mall this year.

The shopping mall at U.S. 41 and Siesta Drive is midway through its transformation into a modern lifestyle and entertainment center.

That began in 2013 with new fixtures and picked up momentum in 2015 when Westfield demolished the vacant Saks Fifth Avenue and built a Cobb CineBistro movie theater on that site. Now, the new LA Fitness is in the works, and the chain has been retrofitting the old Dillard’s property. The mall also has five restaurant spaces, a day spa and a new coffee shop under construction. Meanwhile, Benderson Development Co., which owns the old Dillard’s anchor, has a Lucky’s Market in the works adjacent to the LA Fitness.

The new LA Fitness will join an existing LA Fitness five miles away on Cattlemen Road.

Bayfront home fetches $4.7 M A home in Oyster Bay Estates, on Sarasota Bay, netted a $4.7 million sale price last month. Built in 1990, the home at 1124 N. Lake Shore Drive has three bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,723 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $2.3 million in 1997. The neighborhood of Oyster Bay Estates is one of the earliest waterfront luxury developments in Sarasota.

IT company chooses University Parkway Another business is heading to the Sarasota area. ITelagen LLC, an IT support and hosting service for health care providers and practices, is establishing its new company headquarters at Honore Avenue, just south of University Parkway.

The New Jersey-based company, which is receiving up to $40,000 from a local economic incentive grant, says the new office includes 32 work stations at 5901 N. Honore Ave., the home of Sarasota County’s Integraclick Inc., an online marketing solutions company. The property includes a 6,000-square-foot game room/ arcade, a 2,000-square-foot chef’s kitchen, a 2,000-square-foot café and a 3,000-square-foot gym with showers, ITelagen said. The building also includes a children’s daycare center and is next door to a Whole Foods and a Wawa that

By Roger Drouin are under construction.

ITelagen also has offices in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Brody and Ahearn-Koch sworn in Attorney Hagen Brody and neighborhood leader Jen AhearnKoch emerged victorious in the May city election for two at-large seats on the City Commission.

The two edged-out small business owner Martin Hyde, the third candidate to advance to the runoff election.

Several days after the election, Brody and Ahearn-Koch were sworn in at a City Commission meeting May 12. At the meeting, city commissioners also selected Shelli Freeland Eddie as mayor.

Annually, the board selects a new representative to hold the ceremonial title of mayor, and unanimously chose Freeland Eddie for the position. The commission selected Liz Alpert to serve as vice mayor. Eddie highlighted issues such as homelessness and the development of new zoning regulations as issues the board would have to work together to address during the next year.

During the election, Brody earned a vote from 74.6 percent of the 8,534 voters who participated in Tuesday’s election. AhearnKoch got 59.5 percent of the vote, and Hyde earned 36.5 percent.

Voter turnout was 22.8 percent, nearly a 4 percent increase from the first election in March and higher than typical for run-off elections in the city.

Based on early voting and voting-by-mail, Sarasota County Elections Supervisor Ron Turner predicted above average turn-out for Sarasota before the results were in.

First Gov. candidates gear up for 2018 The state’s next governor will succeed Gov. Rick Scott, who is forced to leave office next year because of term limits, and some of the first candidates vying for the post are gearing up for 2018.

On the Republican side, Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner, Adam Putnam, has filed papers to run for

governor in 2018, making official what has been long expected. The 20-year office-holder was the first major Republican to enter the race. Since his 2014 re-election as agriculture commissioner, Putnam has been working quietly laying the foundation for a gubernatorial run.

Republican Usha Jain, physician and candidate for the Orange County Board of County Commissioners in 2016 also declared his candidacy.

Democratic former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham of Tallahassee also geared up last month for a governor bid. Graham, 54, is the daughter of Bob Graham, the popular twoterm governor and three-term U.S. senator from Florida. Graham was elected to Congress in 2014, narrowly defeating U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, R-Fla. She declined to seek re-election last year after a court-mandated redistricting plan reshaped her district into a Republican bastion.

Democrats Andrew Gillum, mayor of Tallahassee, and businessman Chris King, also declared their candidacy, as of press time late last month.

St. Armands aims for improved landscaping St. Armands’ stakeholders plan to take the circle’s beautification into its own hands.

After months of negotiations with city staff, the St Armand’s Business Improvement District (BID) is ready to ask the City Commission for its blessing to take over the responsibility of maintaining the median landscaping, according to media reports. The city would provide $72,000 annually to the BID to fund the maintenance, and spend another $80,000 as a one-time expense to restore the current landscaping.

The change came about after the BID voiced dissatisfaction with the city’s work managing the landscape in medians around St. Armands Circle.

Homes prices rise 6 percent Local home prices continue to rise. Prices in the North

Port-Sarasota-Venice market — factoring in distressed sales — rose 6 percent in March when compared with the same month in 2016, according to an analysis released recently by CoreLogic, a national data provider.

Month-to-month, prices, including distressed properties rose 0.6 percent from February to March.

Charlotte County saw prices rise 7.2 percent in the year-over-year measure and 0.4 percent monthto-month. Florida overall posted a year-over-year price gain of 6.6 percent, CoreLogic reported.

Nationwide, home prices rose 7.1 percent in the year-over-year measure and 1.6 percent in the month-to-month tally.

The Irvine, California-based data provider is predicting that home prices will rise by 4.9 percent from March 2017 to March 2018 and by 0.6 percent from March to April of this year. “Home prices posted strong gains in March 2017, and the CoreLogic Home Price Index is only 2.8 percent from its 2006 peak” at the height of the real estate boom, CoreLogic chief economist Frank Nothaft said in a news release last month. “With a forecasted increase of almost 5 percent over the next 12 months, the index is expected to reach the previous peak during the second half of this year.”

Wildfire largest in 20 years During two days alone in May, a wildfire burned 4,000 acres east of North Port, according to media reports.

Forest Service officials said Sarasota County has not seen a wildfire of this magnitude in nearly 20 years. Fire departments from North Port, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, DeSoto, and Collier counties, and strike teams from Gainesville, Jacksonville, Lake City, Myakka, and South Carolina Forestry battled the blaze, which is believed to be the biggest fire in Southwest Florida since around 1998. The fire had closed a portion of Interstate 75, near Toledo Blade Blvd, for a weekend, and officials expected it to take several weeks to fully contain the fire.

www.siestasand.net

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JUNE 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

VILLAGE MAP pgs 22 - 23

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 42

GULF GATE SHOPS pgs 30 - 31

CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 24

LOCAL MAPS INSIDE

LIVE MUSIC PAGE 26

21

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 Aaron Martin/Drum Circle FB page.

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

22

Siesta Sand

JUNE 2017

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

941.349.0194

Siesta Fiesta sparks contrasting views Some business owners have made known their displeasure that vendors during the 39th Annual Siesta Fiesta were not placed north of the four-way intersection on Ocean Boulevard.

Views about the quality of the show’s offerings are mixed, too, based on several interviews conducted.

Produced by Howard Alan & American Craft Endeavors, the event traditionally follows the end of high tourist season. As Mark Smith, chair of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, pointed out, “The whole reason [we created the festival] … was to bring visitors to the Village and Siesta Key during the slow period.”

Yet, the event has had its critics over the years, with some restaurant and bar owners complaining that the closure of part of Ocean Boulevard has reduced their business over Siesta Fiesta weekend. The decision to keep the road open last year resulted in a smaller show, which organizers agreed was not as successful.

This year, Kay Kouvatsos, co-owner of Village Café, told SNL she felt the show was “essentially half the size, if you ask me,” of its

installments prior to 2016. “There was nothing from the [four-way] stop sign all the way up to the Old Salty Dog.” She felt that was a disappointment to visitors.

Rick Lizotte, co-owner of Comfort Shoes in Davidson Village, was even more adamant about his distress over the vendor layout.

“I was quite upset with the festival.” When he drove into the Village on April 29, he continued, he was surprised to see no booths standing on the north end of Ocean Boulevard.

He has been the co-owner of his shop for about a decade, he pointed out. Up until this year, he added, Siesta Fiesta meant “the two single largest days of the year” for visitors in Siesta Village.

In years past, he added, the SunTrust bank parking lot next to the Old Salty Dog restaurant was filled with vendor tents, for example. Plenty of food vendors added to the festive atmosphere, too, he said. This year, he saw only one booth offering food and two lemonade stands.

Moreover, Lizotte continued, he felt the items for sale were of lesser quality than he has seen in the past. “I remember five or six

S I M P LY R AWSO M E !

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Island of Venice 5250 Ocean Blvd 300 West Venice Ave Venice, FL Sarasota, FL34285 34242 941-488-0649 941-349-8697

Island of Venice Siesta Key 300 WestOcean VeniceBlvd Ave 5250 Sarasota, 34242 Venice, FLFL34285 941-349-8697 941-488-0649

ACCOMMODATIONS Siesta Beach Resort .........................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

Map B #42

COFFEE SHOPS Lelu’s Coffee Lounge......................... Map-B #31 The Local Bean.....................................Map-D #62

Delicious Daiquiris, Seafood and So Much More!

DRUGSTORE Davidson’s Drugs................................Map-D #65

Find current specials and promotions at DaiquiriDeck.com

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 Cotton Company...................... Map-C #29 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

Find current specials and promotions at DaiquiriDeck.com

GAS STATION Circle K Store...........................................Map-E #6 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Beach Bazaar........................................ Map-C #28 Island Trader......................................... Map-C #51 Sea Pleasures & Treasures.................... Map-C #2 Siesta Key’psakes..................................Map-B #29 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

www.siestasand.net

By Rachel Brown Hackney www.Saraso

years ago when there was bona fide artwork” — one-of-a-kind items going for $5,000 to $6,000, he pointed out.

“I would not call it a quality show” this year, Lizotte added. “Way too much jewelry.”

One resident who has lived on Siesta for almost 20 years, she, too, found the offerings to pale in comparison to those she had seen in the past. “I wasn’t thrilled with a lot of it [this time],” Harriet Cuthbert said of Siesta Fiesta.

She walked the entire length of the show — covering both sides of the street, she pointed out. “I was very surprised to see not as many booths.”

Yet, Cuthbert said she was awed by one vendor from St. Augustine, Andrew Mosedale, who was selling photographic works. “I thought he was spectacular. … His work really stood out.” Because of that, she noted, he drew lots of people to his booth.

When she was in Davidson’s early this week, Cuthbert said, she heard several people chatting who shared her assessment about the smaller number of interesting vendors.

Smith of the Siesta Chamber had a different view, as did his friend, Esther Quiles, who is

an artist.

“I think year].” “ crafts. …

Smith sai Althou about the he person artists of In past Village A the show Alan oft given we responsi participa Howard April 29show in F As for Smith exp over whe put [the b talked wi of the Sie the firm t

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Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

otaNewsLeader.com

k [Siesta Fiesta] was much better [this “We had some real artists, not just the [Quiles] had the same opinion I had” id. ugh he had heard some comments e smaller number of vendors, he said nally would prefer fewer booths with superior caliber. t years, members of the Siesta Key Association — which used to sponsor w — pointed out that Howard ten has more than one event on a eekend, and the firm handles the ibility of choosing which vendors ate in which show. A check of the Alan calendar for the weekend of -30 found the firm was producing a Fairfax, Va., at the same time. the Siesta Fiesta set-up this time, plained, “We don’t have any control ere [Howard Alan representatives] booths].” Still, he continued, he had ith Ann Frescura, executive director esta Chamber, about working with to ensure vendors are situated along

the northern part of Ocean Boulevard in the future. “It would be a good thing to bring ’em further down.”

One other person who was pleased with the event was Peter van Roekens, who lives in the Terrace East building in Siesta Village. For a number of years, Van Roekens has managed the sales of the annual Siesta Fiesta T-shirts; the proceeds went to the Siesta Key Village Association (SKVA). (At the end of 2016, the Chamber absorbed the SKVA.) “People seemed happy,” van Roekens said .

He and his team of volunteers sold about 200 shirts, he pointed out, so they talked to quite a few visitors.

“Overall,” Smith said, “I think [Siesta Fiesta] went well.”

F r e s c u r a h a d s e n t a n e ma i l t o t h e Howard Alan firm in early May, seeking its representatives’ assessment of the event.

The Chamber will work to address the concerns of business owners, she added, noting that she, too, had heard some of the concerns voiced to SNL. “With any event,” she pointed out, “there is always room for improvement.”

A beautiful angel’s wing presents itself for Mother’s Day right before sunset.

Photo by Donnarose Melvin

• segway rentals • PaDDleBOarDs • scOOter cars • kayak tOurs/rentals • Bikes • scOOters Map B #34 • Beach gear

Gizeh

5255 Ocean Blvd • Siesta Key Village www.robinhoodrentals.net

Mayari

941-554-4242

MAILING - SHIPPING UPS store............................................... Map-A #41 US Post Office....................................... Map-D #65

Boston

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

Arizona 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 #32 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

JUNE 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

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SOUTHBRIDGE MALL

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MAP B-3#14

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

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RepaiRs, sales anD accessORies New 50cc Scooters

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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

JUNE 2017

New SKA president Harold Ashby Continued from cover story

Q: Who or what prompted you to get involved with SKA? A: I started to attend the monthly meetings because somebody told me that SKA was the organization that made things happen on Siesta Key. I was impressed by the Board and the interest shown by the other attendees, so I became a member. After about a year, I decided to approach SKA and ask them if they would be interested in working with me on a bicycle safety campaign; something I had been thinking is needed but realized that I couldn’t get it done as an individual citizen. I thought SKA was the perfect organization to work with because of their reputation, purpose and their ability to open doors for me. I presented a plan to the Board and they asked me if I wanted to join the Board. I thought being a Board member would be an even better opportunity to leverage the bicycle safety program, so I agreed. I’m glad I did.

Q: Are you now involved in any other associations on the island or in Sarasota?

A: No. It looks like SKA can be almost of full time job if I let it. I have other hobbies that I like. I call myself a competitive photographer because I like to enter my photos in competitions. I belong to several camera clubs as well as non-profit art galleries which sponsor competitions and juried exhibitions. I really enjoy the learning experience as well as winning, which doesn’t happen very often. When I’m not working on SKA stuff, I’m traveling, working on photography or riding my bike.

Q: I like to call Florida a huge refugee camp. Are you a transplant or a native of Florida?

A: Transplant. Judy and I moved to Tampa from Annapolis, MD when I retired in 2001. Our son and his family live in Tampa and that’s the only place in Florida that we knew anything about. After five years in Tampa, we decided we wanted to live in a place that was not so city-like, so we started to look around. One day, some friends from Annapolis called to invite us to visit them at the Turtle Beach Campground. We had never been to Siesta Key. We loved it. That was Friday night. We bought a house the following Sunday morning.

Q: Where did you go to school and how far did you go up the ladder in education?

A: I had a lot of fun in high school, but not in the classroom. My parents didn’t have much money, and no college wanted me, so after high school, I went to a non-accredited two-year school---on probation---that taught accounting. I finally realized that going nowhere was not a good career choice, so I knuckled down and did well. While going to school I got a job with a small CPA firm, but wanted to be part of a bigger operation. I got real lucky. The Viet Nam war was raging and one of the then Big-8 accounting firms desperately needed more accountants. They hired me, even though I didn’t measure up to their education requirements. Nine years later they made me a partner.

I managed significant parts of the business and landed some big-time clients for the firm. I loved my career with PWC because initiative and creativity were rewarded. Early in my career I felt I had to dodge questions about my education because I was in a profession full of people with fancy degrees. After a while, I found It didn’t matter.

Q: Are you retired or still working for a living?

A: I retired from Pricewaterhouse Coopers in 2001 after 32 years.

Q: I’m aware of your passion for bicycling. What challenges do you see for the Key to make it safer for everyone; riders, pedestrians and auto drivers?

A: During Season, about 20% of Siesta Key’s population turns over every week or so. Added to that are the daily visitors. A lot of drivers, bikers, pedestrians are in unfamiliar territory and many of them are looking for where they want to be.

They’re not paying attention to what’s happening around them.

Whether its drivers, pedestrians or bikers, we should be in their face to make sure they see the dangers. A good example is the cross walks on Midnight Pass Road. They’re hard to miss and people quickly understand their purpose. They work. On the other hand, the crosswalks in the Village and South Village are just paver strips across the road. People don’t see crosswalks like that at home and they don’t recognize them as crosswalks. I think they’re dangerous. They need to be more obvious.

Another problem is Midnight Pass Road between Beach Road and Stickney Point Rd. The road has raised edges between the sidewalks and the asphalt that are downright dangerous to cyclists. Many of our visiting cyclists are inexperienced.

They fall when their bike wheel bounces off one of those raised edges.

I’ve seen the accident statistics. The overwhelming majority of cycling accidents involving cyclist injuries or property damage occur in that stretch of road. SKA has met with FDOT to review the issues. They understand.

We’re hoping for a solution, but it’s hard because there isn’t much room to add more space for cyclists and pedestrians in that area. We’re working on it.

Q: Besides the Big Pass Shoal dredging what are the other major issues SKA will be working on this year?

A: One of the great things about SKA is that we have a Board consisting of people who are very talented and really committed to making Siesta Key better. We follow just about everything that is happening on the Key if it involves land use, traffic, parking, safety, environmental concerns, etc. When I became President I asked every Board member to pick an issue that they were passionate about and take it on. It’s working great.

I think everybody knows that Catherine Luckner has been all over the Big Pass issue for years and she’s doing a magnificent job. Now we have Gene Kusekoski monitoring Siesta Promenade, Joe Volpe following the hotel issue and, Bob, you’re working with the County to get the Sheriff’s training site converted to a much needed parking lot south of Stickney Point Rd. We also have Bob Miller handling our treasury and membership records. He’s been a busy guy as we have processed over 1,300 new memberships and renewals since the beginning of the year.

That’s more than 2,000 individual members. Joyce Kouba has been our Secretary and she is now taking on managing our “info line,” making sure all communications from our members are handled by the right person. Gene Kusekoski has taken over our technology platform from the contractor we formerly used, which has reduced our costs and improved our response times. This summer we’re planning to revamp our website to a more modern format to better serve our members. Then there’s Dan Lundy who is a retired lawyer. He is a quiet guy who always seems to chime in with a sensible answer when we need one. We don’t necessarily take on every issue out there, but we give every issue consideration.

We’re also making progress on our objective to make Siesta Key

a Bicycle Friendly Community.

That’s a designation by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB), the foremost bicycle advocacy organization in the US. That designation will make a big positive statement about the quality of life on Siesta Key. To help us qualify as a Bicycle Friendly Community, we need to show that our streets are safe for cyclists and we have an inviting cycling culture. A recent positive step to that end is, with the support of SKA and the Siesta Key Chamber, the County has agreed to install bicycle safety street markings and signs in the Village. We’re also hoping to get bicycle racks installed in the South Village where there are none. That’s a big void, because LAB looks for things like bike racks at destinations like parks, shopping areas, restaurants, etc.

Q: What are the goals and challenges you face for 2017?

A: I’m not like most of my predecessors. I’m not an activist.

I wouldn’t be good at working complex issues like Big Pass or Siesta Promenade. It’s too much detail for a guy with a short attention span. I view my role in SKA as a leader and a manager. One of my major goals is for all the board members and volunteers to enjoy their roles as volunteers.

Volunteers’ rewards are satisfaction and a sense of achievement. SKA works best when the volunteers are pursuing their passions and we’re sharing our successes and ideas among the other board members and with our members. I am very pleased with how quickly that “team concept” is coming together. A big challenge is being able to do all we want to do. We’re eight board members. Hardly a day goes by when we’re not emailing or talking to one another about something. Our board members are working at full capacity. We need more volunteers.

In January we formed Siesta Key Environmental Defense Fund which gives us the ability to raise taxdeductible contributions targeted to address environmental protection and preservation issues on Siesta Key. SKEDF is quickly getting traction and we’re very optimistic that our goal of raising $80,000-$100,000 this year will be achieved. We’re real excited that a retired marketing executive from the second largest consumer products company in the world has started to work with us to develop and implement fund raising strategies. That’s real fire power.

At our Annual Breakfast in March I described our goal of growing our membership. We now have more members than we’ve had in quite a while. But we really need to be much bigger if we want to wield the influence to tackle the issues. I think we can have 2,000 memberships and 3,500 individual members by 2019.

To do that we need to be really good at engaging our members and being effective in our advocacy.

Another big goal that we have is to work more closely with, and strengthen our relationships with, the peer organizations on the Key, like the Chamber, the Condo Council, condo associations, homeowners’ associations, SOSS2, etc. There should be no significant differences among us. We’re all working for Siesta Key. Q: What would you like to say to the Siesta Key residents and the business community?

A: Just one thing. A big Thank You!!! Whatever successes SKA has enjoyed is because of the support we get from the residents and business community. It means everything.

Please keep it up.

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

25

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Josey age 8 and Atalie age 10 from GA

Atalie age 10 and Bryan from GA

Bryan, Josey age 8, Atalie age 10 and Danah from GA

26

Siesta Sand

JUNE 2017

941.349.0194

Who’s Playing Tonight My favorite interviews are with artists of whom I’m already a fan before I write about them.

I first heard Lenny’s name when he was recommended as the “go to” guy to solve a problem I was having with my new-to-me Fender Stratocaster. I met him at his Twinkle gig to drop it off and became an instant fan when I poked my head into the club to hear him shred on lead guitar…and shortly after, I became yet another satisfied customer when the guitar came back good as new!

I interviewed him at his luthier shop, surrounded by specialized tools and dozens of instruments awaiting surgery.

WPT: Where are you from?

Lenny: I grew up an Army brat, moving every 2 years…I was born in Dyersburg TN, but lived in Germany, Italy, Kentucky, Alabama and graduated in North Carolina.

WPT: When did you start playing guitar?

Lenny: It started out as pure laziness…I took a Folk guitar class, as an elective, to get out of a history class. My dad bought an old guitar off the wall of a bar for $25…terrible guitar.

WPT: How long did you have it?

Lenny: I had it for 2 years, actually. I put steel strings on it and ripped the bridge off 2 times before the luthier in town, finally told me I was using the wrong strings. I eventually worked my way into my first electric guitar, it was a Sears Silvertone…a Gibson SG copy.

WPT: Did you just start out with Folk music?

Lenny: It was the early 70’s, so Folk music was real big, but the class was an elective and some of the students were advanced players, in there for an easy ‘A”…one of the girls in the class taught me how to play “Stairway to Heaven”, and from there I was hooked on playing rock music.

WPT: Where did your music study evolve from there?

Lenny: Just one day, while hanging out with my friend, I heard Robin Trower’s album, “Bridge of Sighs” coming from his brother’s room, playing on a stereo…it blew

CLUB BLASE CAFÉ

In the Village 941‐349‐9822

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

MONDAY

Drag Queen Bingo: 5th & 19th 8:30pm Tim Sukits: 7pm

941‐346‐5443 THE BEACH CLUB In the Village 941‐349‐6311

THE COTTAGE In the Village 941‐312‐9300

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

BACKROOM SALOON @ CAPT. CURTS Crescent Beach Shops

941‐349‐3885 SNIKI TIKI @ CAPT CURTS

Crescent Beach Shops

941‐349‐3885 Turtle Beach Grill Southern end of SK 941‐349‐3839 BOATYARD BAR & GRILL 941‐921‐6200

Over the South Bridge SAND DOLLAR POOL BAR @ Best Western Plus 6600 S. Tamiami Trl. Sarasota 941‐924‐4900

Lenny Brooks

photo by Rock The Lens bass in the first Showcase band with me and was up in New Jersey with his brother playing in a Southern Rock band. He was asking if I’d like to move to Florida, where we’d visited, to play at his dad’s wedding…I put my notice in at work.

Our first gig on Siesta Key was at the Beach Club and we also had a cool gig at what is now Gilligan’s…it was called the “Key Hole” at the time and we’d set the stage up like a living room, and do an unplugged show, like we were hanging out at the house.

Sometimes we’d wear pajamas…it was a regular thing and some of the audience started showing up in pajamas too.

WPT: How would you describe your guitar playing these days?

Lenny: Loud and sloppy (laughs). I think of my influences as Robin Trower and Jimi Hendrix and my tone has a strong influence from the 80’s rock bands.

WPT: When did you start playing with Twinkle?

Lenny: Twinkle is Tony’s half sister, so that’s how I met her. I played with her as a fillin for a couple of years and when she booked the Van Wesel for the 25th Anniversary of her Warner Brother’s record, we spent a lot of time with a full band rehearsing all of the songs from the album. I played guitar for that show and during breaks, I would play around with songs I’d written and she liked

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Soundpainters w/ Mike Tozier: 7pm Evan Eastmoore & Karaoke w/Emcee Zack Yoder 7pm Dallas: 10pm

THURSDAY Rob Viola 7pm

941‐966‐1901

You can find Lenny Brooks on Reverbnation.

Twinkle music is available on iTunes and at twinklerocksoulradio.com Blasé Café features live music weekly and is located at 5263 Ocean Blvd in the village.

Mike Sales is a local singer/songwriter for more information log onto mikesalessings.com

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Callie & the Whole Band 7pm

Twinkle (6/3) 7pm Rallo Pucci (6/17) Live Music 7pm

Bird Tribe or Jason Haram: 7pm

LIVE MUSIC (3‐7pm) DJ TJ (10pm)

LIVE MUSIC (3‐7pm) DJ Crawford (10pm)

BREE (3‐7pm)

DJ ‐ 10pm

Acoustic Pete 2‐6pm DJ ‐ 10pm

Live Reggae with Desi 2 ‐ 6pm

RPM 6 ‐10pm

Patrick 6 ‐10pm

RPM 6 ‐10pm

Ben Hammond 7‐11pm

Open mic night 7‐11pm

Kettle of Fish 7‐11pm

Barry Oakley’s Folklab 7‐11pm

Ladies Night DJ Coz or Kensi 9pm – 2am

Sink or Swim DJ Coz 9pm‐2am

Swamp Donkey 2‐6pm Rising Tide 8pm – 12am Live Band: 8 – 11pm Live DJ 11‐2am

Live Band: 8 –11pm Live DJ: 11pm‐2am

Live Music 6‐9pm

Live Music 7‐10pm

Live Music 7‐10pm

Live Music 7‐10pm

Live Music 6‐9pm

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

Live Music 1 – 4pm

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

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

Trivia Night 7‐9pm

Ladies Night DJ Cox or Kensi 9pm‐2am

Live Music 6‐9pm

Live Music 6‐9pm

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

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

th

th

5 & 26 Jordy Christo

Every Tues Sunny Jim 6‐10pm

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

Every Wed Paul Duffy 6‐10pm

Karaoke 9:30pm ‐1:30am Every Thurs.

Chris Otto 6‐10pm

4:30 – 7:30pm 8:30 –midnight

Eddie James Jazz Band 7‐10pm

Dana & Co 2‐6pm Mike Tozier 8pm – 12am

T.B.A: 2‐6pm Tozier: 5‐9pm Chriss Otto: 11pm Reggae Sunday Reggae Bands 9pm‐1am

Karaoke 9pm – 1am

2nd, 16th, & 30th Chris Otto 6‐10pm

10 & 17 Jordy Christo 6‐10pm

Matt Gerhardt (4th) th Nick LeValley (25 ) 6‐10pm

th

th

LIVE MUSIC 5‐9pm

LIVE MUSIC 5‐9pm

LIVE MUSIC 5‐9pm

Marcel Almanzor (5‐8PM)

Jazz (5‐8PM)

RPM (5‐8PM)

Bri Rivera (5‐8PM)

The Richy Kicklighter Band 5‐9pm

Larry Williams 5‐9pm

Reggae Music

3‐7pm

Live Music 3‐6PM

Live Music 3‐6PM

Live Music 3‐6PM

Live Music 4‐8pm

Live Music 3‐7pm

Live Music 3‐7pm

CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE 801 Blackburn Pt. Rd, Osprey

them. We co-wrote songs and I became her full-time guitar player…that’s also how our first album came together.

WPT: When you’re not playing, you’re working on instruments…recommended by everyone I’ve asked in town; when and how did you pick up this trade?

Lenny: When my wife and I had our child, we agreed she’d return to work so I looked for a trade that would facilitate my role as Mr. Mom. I’d always had a meticulous nature so I went away to the Galloup School of Lutherie, in Grand Rapids Michigan, learned how to build & repair guitars, came back, invested in tools and started this business…it’s actually my primary profession. I work about 30 hours a week at this and play 2 nights a week with the band.

WPT: How often do you play on Siesta Key? Lenny: We play just about every Saturday at Blasé Café 6:30 to 10 p.m.

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

Lenny: A Twinkle show is a concert. We have an excellent band, we do a lot of 70’s rock classics, some 80’s covers, some originals and we craft our show.

WPT: What is your favorite thing about performing?

Lenny: Writing the music; those moments onstage, when the band is going full bore, putting on a good show, connecting with the people, having a great time and dancing to songs that we created and I think to myself, “we wrote this song”…I love that, it’s the best feeling.

Rodney Shenk 6 ‐10pm

In the Village 941‐346‐5358

(SKOB) In the Village

my mind…I asked if I could borrow the tape, went home and practiced with it for hours and hours on my little cassette player…that’s where it really came together for me and later I got turned onto Jimi Hendrix.

WPT: So, other than what you learned in Folk guitar class, you were self-taught?

Lenny: Pretty much, I listened to people and asked questions but I did a lot of woodshedding with recordings, wrote songs and even went on tour before I went to college to study classical guitar…I actually met with the instructor in advance and took private lessons with him for 2 years to learn sightreading and pick up what I lacked in my background and then enrolled.

WPT: You went on tour?

Lenny: I got a gig with a company called “Young American Showcase”…they had 8 bands and sent them out across the country to play high school assemblies…comedy, skits and music and then at night they’d play a concert, with just music. They came to my school and invited us to audition, so I got a card, sent for an audition kit, recorded some songs, got accepted and went out on the road when I was 19.

WPT: How long were you with the company?

Lenny: I was on the road with them for 3 years. We would do 3 to 5 shows a day, 5 days a week, a night show on Saturday and travel on Sunday. The company paid us a salary and took care of everything. It was a great way to get experience and see the country.

WPT: When did you start writing?

Lenny: Almost from the beginning…I would experiment with different guitar lines and I’ve been writing ever since.

WPT: How did you wind you playing on Siesta Key? Lenny: Well, one morning at around 2:30 a.m., during the 4th Nor’easter of the season, after shoveling my car out of the snow and going inside to take a shower; I came back outside to find the snowplow had covered me back up with slush and ice. Driving to work, I got a phone call from Tony, who’d played

By Mike Sales

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE

Lelu’s Coffee Lounge SIESTA KEY OYSTER BAR

|An interview with Lenny Brooks

www.siestasand.net

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

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JUNE 2017

Island Humor [ O n t h e f i r s t n i g h t o f their honeymoon, the husband isn’t sure how to tell his bride about his stinky feet and smelly socks, while the wife is wondering how to break the news to him about her awful breath, which so far, she’s been able to cover up. After some soul-searching, the husband gathers his nerve and says, “I have a confession.”

She draws closer, peers into his eyes, and says, “Darling, so do I.” Recoiling, he says, “Don’t tell me—you’ve eaten my socks.” [ I once gave my husband the silent treatment for an entire week, at the end of which he declared, “Hey, we’re getting along pretty great lately!” [ An irate patient called our pathology group, demanding that I explain every lab test on her statement. “Of course,” I said. I brought up her bill: “Number one, urinalysis …”

She interrupted me: “I’m a what?!”

[ I’ve been working on my PhD in engineering for the past five years, but my kids don’t necessarily see that as work.

As we were driving past Walmart one day, my son spotted a Now Hiring sign and suggested that I could get a job there.

Hoping to make a point, I asked, “Do you think they’re looking for an engineer?”

“Oh, sure,” he said. “They’ll hire anybody.” [ After i-messaging back and forth with my wife, I jokingly commanded Siri to pass along this message: “You need to get back to work now; you have a husband to support.”

Here’s what Siri sent: “You need to get back to work now; you have a has-been to support.” [ “Has your diet changed?” I asked an 87-year-old woman I was admitting into the hospital.

“Yes,” she said. “For Lent, I gave up whipped cream on my Jell-O, hard candy, and my two beers a night. [Pause] And look where it’s gotten me.”

[ A child psychologist had twin boys—one was an optimist; the other, a pessimist. Just to see what would happen, on Christmas Day he loaded the pessimist’s room with toys and games. In the optimist’s room, he dumped a pile of horse droppings.

That night, the father found the pessimist surrounded by his gifts, crying.

“What’s wrong?” the father asked.

“I have a ton of game manuals to read … I need batteries … and my toys will all eventually get broken!” sobbed the pessimist.

Passing the optimist’s room, the father found him dancing for joy around the pile of manure. “Why are you so happy?” he asked.

The optimist shouted, “There’s got to be a pony in here somewhere!”

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

27

th... n o M e h T f o r e d n Barte 9.2280 ll - 941.34 ri G ch a e B le rt u T ass Rd., 8865 Midnight P 4242 Siesta Key, FL 3

[ My three-year-old sat in the bathroom with me, watching as I removed my dentures and brushed them. After a few minutes, he asked, “Can you take your ears off too?”

Name of Bartender: Ashley Q: How long have you been bartending?

A: For 7 years and counting.

HOTTEST BAR IN GULF GATE...

MLB/College Packages FULL BAR

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

A: We have 3 signs pointing to where the bathroom is.

Every customer always goes down the other way.

So I had this guy one day. When he realized it wasn’t down that way he asked me “Where’s the bathroom?” I point and said, “It’s around the corner.” He starts to walk outside around the corner of the pub thinking it was outside. I always see and hear crazy stuff here.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

A: I have the weekends off. Saturdays I’m a soccer mom.

I enjoy being outside. Going to the beach, fishing, or Busch Gardens.

Anytime I can enjoy the sun I’m a happy girl.

Q: How would you describe yourself?

A: I’m a simple, fun, laid back kind of girl with a big heart.

I love to laugh and have a great time with good people.

Q: How would you describe where you work?

A: We have people from all over the world come see us year after year.

It’s a cute, crazy little pub. I’m glad I work with amazing people and management! Pub food and cold beer; what more can you ask for?

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

Q: When’s the best time to see you?

A: Monday through Friday, 11AM until 4PM. We have new drinks and new entrees, so stop by for lunch and say “Hi”.

Karaoke Thursday, Friday & Saturday

28

Siesta Sand

JUNE 2017

941.349.0194

Siesta Key Round-Up In reality, Kouba explained, the other board members hope that Spicer — who has a marketing background — will help with fundraising for the SKA’s Environmental Defense Fund. The administrative appeal of the Dec. 22, 2016 Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Notice of Intent to issue a permit for the dredging of Big Pass will take place in late August, Kouba said.

The SKA, Save Our Siesta Sand 2 and the Florida Wildlife Federation all have filed appeals of the FDEP decision and will be fighting it during a hearing scheduled in Sarasota over the last two weeks of August.

Finally, Kouba told the audience of about 60 people, “We now have three Bobs on the board, which is going to be a lot,” eliciting more laughter.

‘A visual reference’ As the SKA directors were finishing up their monthly meeting on May 4, Director Joe Volpe “took the stage,” so to speak, to talk about the Lido Key Renourishment Project.

He offered what he called a “visual reference,” starting with points in the Parish Hall at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, to help members understand just how much sand the City of Sarasota and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are proposing to remove from Big Sarasota Pass to renourish about 1.6 miles of South Lido Key. He put things into writing after the meeting. The 1.2 million cubic yards from Big Pass, he pointed out, would be equal to a digging out a trench 1,950 yards long, 3 yards deep and about 200 yards wide.

“I call it the ‘boat channel,’” Volpe told the SKA members during the meeting.

For years, rumor has swirled that one significant, associated goal of the Lido project is to create a new channel to the Gulf of Mexico for the yachts that dock at Marina Jack.

“I’m a boater,” Volpe continued, noting that he has lived on the Key for 22 years. The accretion of sediment has produced the sandbar in Big Pass, he added, so he has been able to take his small boat there for picnics with his grandchildren. If the city and the USACE succeed in undertaking their Lido project, Volpe said, that sandbar will be gone.

Cosentino’s quest for a special SKA meeting An attorney for Siesta resident Mike Cosentino appeared before the SKA members during the May 4 meeting to announce that a new petition drive is underway in the effort to persuade the organization to hold a special meeting on the issues relating to the County Commission’s May 11, 2016 vacation of a 357-foot segment of North Beach Road.

Continued from page 13

On April 6, Cosentino argued with SKA President Harold Ashby that the nonprofit’s bylaws call for the scheduling of a special session if at least 100 members request it. Ashby explained that the bylaws are not written clearly.

Nonetheless, Ashby indicated the board might consider a special session if Cosentino collected the necessary number of member signatures.

On May 4, attorney Elizabeth Gomez-Mayo said the board had given her 120 seconds to address the petition drive. It was almost a year ago, she added, that “our county commissioners colluded with three property owners on our island to give away a piece of road that does not belong to them.”

Cosentino has brought suit against the county in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court. The first hearing in the case was conducted on April 5. It focused on a motion for partial summary judgment filed by intervenors Dennis and Wendy Madden, one of the three sets of property owners to whom GomezMayo alluded on May 4. The judge ruled in favor of the Maddens.

County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh reported that action to the County Commission during its regular meeting on April 25, as the judge’s order was a victory for the county, as well.

During her May 4 comments, Gomez-Mayo indicated that Cosentino merely wants the SKA members polled as to how they feel about the road vacation. “After the meeting,” she continued, “I’ll have all my papers out here. If you’d like to talk with me, I will be at your disposal.”

Her remarks lasted almost exactly 1 minute. Applause rang out in the Parish Hall at St. Boniface Episcopal Church — where the SKA meeting was taking place — as she prepared to sit back down.

Restaurant closes its doors On Monday, May 15 business owners located in the South Bridge Plaza were surprised to see moving trucks loading up equipment and supplies. The Stonewood Grill & Tavern located at 1894 Stickney Point Rd, just off the south bridge closed its doors. The restaurant has been an anchor for the strip center for years. There was no mention from corporate headquarters that the location was set to close at the end of season.

New Members

Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome the following new members: Florida Suncoast Tourism Promotion, Inc., Sarasota Sunny South RV Park & Cottages and Thriveology, LLC A Holistic Wellness Center. The chamber office is located on Siesta in the Village, 5114 Ocean Blvd.

(941) 349-3800.

www.siestasand.net

2017 Civic Beautification Press Release Summary Civic Beautification has always been one of the Sarasota Garden Club’s main objectives.

In 2017, the Garden Club will be celebrating 90 years, and for more than 50 of those years, the Sarasota Garden Club has been encouraging outstanding landscaping in both the commercial and community sectors by giving awards to those properties that have continually maintained outstanding landscaping with outstanding curb appeal.

Members of the Civic Beautification Committee canvas the Sarasota County zip code areas looking for outstanding landscaping of both large and small, community and commercial properties. Members complete the survey of assigned zip codes during summer and fall and photographs of outstanding properties are taken and presented to the committee for selection of awards. Winners are notified by letter that they have been chosen and are invited to an Awards Ceremony, but are not given the specifics of their award until the day of the event.

For the year, 2016, awards were presented on February 9, 2017 at a luncheon at the Garden Club. Several major new “Plaque” awards were presented this year, among them the Suncoast Award, Outstanding Community & Outstanding Commercial Landscaping, and ReDevelopment Award. As in other years, American and Preservation awards were also given. The City of Sarasota and Sarasota County were recipients of several awards.

Zip code areas that were recipients of Certificates are properties located in 34236, 34238.

34240, 34241, 34242 and 34243 and were recognized for maintaining outstanding landscaping the past year and included commercial/ retail establishments, residential communities in the Eastern county area, and a downtown church.

and lauding the merits of the College student winner. Parents were in attendance for the high school students, but the College student was unable to attend due to an out of state commitment related to the Natural Sciences.

Judy Schneider, Chair, provided an overview of the history of the scholarship program and introduced committee members (Lynn Biega, Nancy Lewis, Vera Furtick and Andy Papineau).

Jayna Shaffer from Riverview

High School will enter Florida State University to study Biological Sciences. She had an impressive resume reflecting her academic interests and received a $2,000 scholarship.

Brady Schwabach, a senior at Booker High School, received $2,000 and will attend University of Florida. He will be studying Ocean engineering and Oceanography.

His resume is outstanding and will be reflected as he moves forward toward a successful career. College student Matthew Press, who attends State College of Florida Manatee in Sarasota, was awarded the $4,000 College Natural Science Scholarship. He has completed two years of college with a major in Associates in Arts (Environmental Sciences) with a grade point average of 3.64.

Matthew will continue toward a Bachelor of Science degree. His major interests are in the fields of ornithology and environmental science.

Sarasota Garden Club Awards Scholarship at Annual Meeting Mable Ringling and her friends would be proud of how the Sarasota Garden Club has contributed to the community since its founding on May 6, 1927.

Since the Club celebrates their 90th Anniversary this year, a Birthday Cake for the 90th Anniversary was created by the 1st Vice President, Jan Leonberger and Dorothy Thompson.

What a day it was at the Annual Meeting presenting to the two individual winners of the High School Natural Science Scholarship

Left to right: Sheila Simmington (mother of Jayna Shaffer), Jayna Shaffer, Robert Shaffer, Deborah Schwabach, Brady Schwabach, Reid Schwabach (father of Brady)

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JUNE 2017

29

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Snapshots of Island Visitors

Water World Captain Jim Klopfer’s Fishing Report

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Adventure Charters 941-371-1390

2

1

3 Snook will please Siesta Key anglers in June

June will find Sarasota beaches lined with anglers in search of the ultimate gamefish, tarpon, especially early in the month.

Catching these giants is really not complicated. Rig a 25 lb. spinning outfit with 36” of 80 lb. flourocarbon leader and a 5/0 hook, then position the boat 100 yards off the beach and cast a live crab, pinfish, sardine, lure, or fly at any pod that presents itself.

One benefit of the popularity of tarpon fishing is that pressure in the bay will be light. With many anglers “out on the beach” the bays are relatively un-pressured. Bait will be plentiful, those proficient in cast-netting will have no problem filling their live-wells with frisky pilchards. Once the well is filled, you can choose to anchor up on a likely spot or drift across a large flat. Live shrimp is also deadly on most species, but as we move into summer the pinfish become more of a problem. Anglers casting artificial baits will do well with jigs, Rapala X-Raps, and spoons.

The flats around both passes will be productive for speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, pompano, bluefish, and ladyfish. Shrimp under a popping cork, live pilchards, and artificial lures are all productive baits. 4” Bass Assassin Sea Shad baits in Red/Gold Shiner and Glow/Chartreuse on a ¼ oz. jig head will account for plenty of fish.

Redfish will begin to school up

on the shallow flats this month. A low, incoming tide is preferred, the fish will move up onto the flats with the rising tide. Scented soft plastics, weedless spoons, and topwater plugs work well for those who prefer to cast artificial lures.

Live bait can be extremely effective, anchoring up and fishing potholes is a proven technique.

You can count on one thing in June in Sarasota, it is going to be hot! One way to beat the heat is to fish in the evening and at night.

Snook are nocturnal by nature and feed heavily in the dark. Working lighted docks and bridges is the most popular night fishing method.

Anchor a cast away up-current of the light, then toss a live or artificial shrimp, baitfish, small jig, plug, or fly into the shadow line of the light.

You may also catch mangrove snapper, speckled trout, ladyfish, jacks, and maybe even a tarpon fishing the bridges at night.

Beach fishing for snook was decent last season, and it should be good again this summer, especially with the mild winter that we had.

Walk the beach in the morning, looking for snook in the surf line.

Cast out a small spoon, plug, or jig in front of any snook that you spot. This is a great time to break out the fly rod, white baitfish patterns are best. Flounder, trout, ladyfish, mackerel, jacks, pompano, and other species will hit live and frozen shrimp and jigs off the Siesta Key beaches in June.

4

5

1. Reid, Parke, Christian, Brooke, and Molly from VA 2. Joe & Sunday from St. Augustine, FL 3. Mel, Sarah, and Tori from OH 4. Emilia age 3 from OH 5. Natalie, Lucy, and Juliet from PA

|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.

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

June 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

Th

8:33a

High Tide 1.6

6:37p

High Tide 1.6

1:42a

Low Tide 0.1

1:54p

Low Tide 1.2

6:35a

8:22p

1:36p

1:49a

1st

2

Fr

9:06a

1.6

8:21p

1.5

2:34a

0.3

3:31p

0.9

6:35a

8:23p

2:31p

2:27a

3

Sa

9:37a

1.8

9:51p

1.4

3:22a

0.5

4:42p

0.7

6:34a

8:23p

3:25p

3:03a

4

Su

10:06a

1.9

11:05p

1.4

4:05a

0.6

5:37p

0.5

6:34a

8:24p

4:18p

3:38a

5

Mo

10:33a

2.0

4:43a

0.7

6:22p

0.3

6:34a

8:24p

5:10p

4:13a

6

Tu

12:07a

1.4

10:59a

2.1

5:16a

0.9

7:02p

0.1

6:34a

8:24p

6:02p

4:48a

7

We

1:01a

1.4

11:23a

2.2

5:44a

1.0

7:39p

0.0

6:34a

8:25p

6:53p

5:25a

8

Th

1:49a

1.4

11:47a

2.3

6:09a

1.1

8:13p

-0.1

6:34a

8:25p

7:45p

6:05a

9

Fr

2:33a

1.3

12:13p

2.3

6:33a

1.1

8:47p

-0.2

6:34a

8:26p

8:35p

6:47a

10

Sa

3:12a

1.3

12:42p

2.4

6:58a

1.2

9:21p

-0.2

6:34a

8:26p

9:24p

7:32a

11

Su

3:47a

1.3

1:15p

2.4

7:28a

1.2

9:56p

-0.2

6:34a

8:26p

10:12p

8:19a

12

Mo

4:22a

1.3

1:53p

2.3

8:06a

1.2

10:33p

-0.2

6:34a

8:27p

10:57p

9:09a

13

Tu

4:57a

1.4

2:35p

2.3

8:55a

1.2

11:13p

-0.1

6:34a

8:27p

11:39p

10:02a

14

We

5:36a

1.4

3:23p

2.1

9:57a

1.2

11:56p

0.0

6:34a

8:28p

15

Th

6:17a

1.5

4:20p

2.0

11:12a

1.2

6:34a

8:28p

12:20a

11:50a

16

Fr

6:58a

1.6

5:30p

1.8

12:43a

0.1

12:38p

1.1

6:34a

8:28p

12:59a

12:46p

17

Sa

7:39a

1.6

6:54p

1.6

1:31a

0.3

2:07p

0.9

6:35a

8:28p

1:37a

1:44p

18

Su

8:19a

1.8

8:29p

1.5

2:20a

0.4

3:28p

0.7

6:35a

8:29p

2:16a

2:43p

19

Mo

8:58a

2.0

10:03p

1.4

3:07a

0.6

4:38p

0.5

6:35a

8:29p

2:56a

3:45p

20

Tu

9:37a

2.1

11:28p

1.4

3:53a

0.7

5:40p

0.1

6:35a

8:29p

3:38a

4:49p

21

We

10:17a

2.3

4:35a

0.9

6:36p

-0.1

6:35a

8:29p

4:24a

5:55p

22

Th

12:43a

1.4

10:58a

2.5

5:14a

1.1

7:29p

-0.4

6:36a

8:30p

5:15a

7:02p

23

Fr

1:51a

1.4

11:41a

2.5

5:52a

1.2

8:19p

-0.5

6:36a

8:30p

6:11a

8:08p

24

Sa

2:52a

1.4

12:25p

2.6

6:31a

1.2

9:08p

-0.5

6:36a

8:30p

7:12a

9:11p

25

Su

3:45a

1.4

1:12p

2.6

7:14a

1.2

9:55p

-0.5

6:36a

8:30p

8:16a

10:08p

26

Mo

4:31a

1.4

2:01p

2.5

8:07a

1.2

10:40p

-0.3

6:37a

8:30p

9:21a

10:59p

27

Tu

5:12a

1.4

2:53p

2.3

9:10a

1.2

11:24p

-0.1

6:37a

8:30p

10:24a

11:44p

28

We

5:50a

1.5

3:50p

2.1

10:25a

1.2

6:37a

8:30p

11:25a

29

Th

6:28a

1.6

4:55p

1.8

12:08a

0.1

11:51a

1.1

6:38a

8:30p

12:23p

12:25a

30

Fr

7:07a

1.6

6:16p

1.6

12:51a

0.3

1:23p

1.0

6:38a

8:30p

1:19p

1:03a

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

Full

10:55a

3rd

New

30

Siesta Sand

JUNE 2017

941.349.0194

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE

What’s Happening 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…

• JUNE – AUG (M-F) 8 a.m. – 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 • JUNE – AUG (TUES) 5:30-7:30 p.m. / 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.

• JUNE 3-4 (SAT & SUN) 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. / SAND SOCCER TOURNAMENT: This will be the first annual Siesta Key Sand Soccer Tournament. 5V5 Competition, Max Roster 10 players, Youth Boys & Girls U8-U19.

Open to both Travel & Rec players. Vendors on site with Soccer Gear.

On site Concessions. First & Second Place Medals.

Quality Referees. To register or for more info, see their website: www.siestakeysandsoccer.com • JUNE 7-9 (WED-FRI) 9 a.m. – NOON / SAND SCULPTING CAMP: Amaze your family and friends with the sand-sculpting skills and techniques you’ll learn from a master sand sculptor on beautiful Siesta Beach. Fee includes a sand-sculpting tool kit for campers to keep. Bring plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen. A shade tent will be provided for breaks from the sun. Age: 6-12.

• JUNE 10 (SAT) 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. / USAV BEACH 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/ usa-teams/beach-volleyball/junior-programs/2017usav-junior-beach-tour • JUNE 12-16 (MON-FRI) 8:30 a.m. – 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 self-confidence! 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.

• JUNE 17 (SAT) 7-11 a.m. / GREAT FATHER’S RACE: The Great Father’s Day Race is a 5K run/ walk that the whole family can do together to create a unique, and lasting, family memory.

The event is family-friendly and focuses on health and wellness, plus competition. The focus is to have families and friends get off the couch, get moving, and create exciting memories of fun and adventure.

For more info go to: www.greatfathersdayrace.com/ sarasota • JUNE 19-22 (MON-THURS) 9 a.m. - NOON / SAND SCULPTING CAMP: Amaze your family and friends with the sand-sculpting skills and techniques you’ll learn from a master sand sculptor on beautiful Siesta Beach. Fee includes a sand-sculpting tool kit for campers to keep. Bring plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen. A shade tent will be provided for breaks from the sun. Age: 6-12.

• JUNE 25 (SAT) 6 a.m. – NOON / SIESTA SIRENS TRIATHLON: Honoring Sharon Butler.

Bike 11 miles, Run 3.1, Swim ¼ mile. Register online https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Sarasota/ SiestakeySirenswomentriathlon or email for a mail in form at rouillard64@msn.com Early Packet Pickup: TBA. Race awards. Event participants will enjoy post-race food and beverages, Entry Fee: $75.

• JUNE 26-30 (MON-FRI) 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. / JUNIOR LIFEGUARD CAMP fundamentals of lifeguarding. This program offers hands-on learning experiences and character-building activities while having fun. Lifeguards with Sarasota County Beach Patrol train participants in water safety, rescue techniques, rescue paddling, competitive lifeguard events, how to identify and treat marine life, CPR and first aid. The fee includes a rash guard, T-shirt, bag and water bottle. Swimsuits are required. To participate, all potential campers must attend a 30-minute tryout session and demonstrate the ability to swim 100 yards freestyle in two minutes 15 seconds, tread water for five minutes and retrieve an object from the bottom of the pool. Returning campers that have demonstrated the necessary skills in previous tryouts, are exempt. The lead instructor will contact any potential returning campers that need to be re-evaluated based on previous years’ performances. Tryouts are offered every Saturday in May, including Memorial Day weekend at either Lido Beach Pool or Arlington Park Pool. Instructors will contact parent/guardian prior to tryouts with location and time. Reserve your date during online registration or indicate date on mail-in form; walkups are not allowed. No additional tryouts will be offered. Age: 9-17.

And Beyond…

• PALM AVENUE FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK / 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.: 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 / 5-9 p.m.: 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 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.

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

Sarasota 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Dragged through the garden

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

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 (M10) 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.

Continued on the next page

Italian/American Restaurant

Around the island…

• WEEKLY FARMER’S MARKET IN THE VILLAGE: Every Sunday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. 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 9 a.m. 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.

www.siestasand.net

White Tablecloth Restaurant

A Real Hoboken, NJ Restaurant

S-55

• 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

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JUNE 2017

31

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.

2

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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

Michaels

D Beall’s Outlet

Bed Bath & Beyond

Books-AMillion

Ross

Dress for Less

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Tonsorial Artistry

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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.

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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.

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941-923-2202

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Siesta Sand

JUNE 2017

941.349.0194

Arts on the Horizon

Snapshots of Island Visitors

When is 13 a lucky number?

Aimee and Mia age 9 from PA

Kirsten & Lauren age 7 (twins) from Scotland

Valentina age 9 and Damian from NYC

By Rodger Skidmore

year’s will be on June 17th. Not detailed here are seven other performances as well as the master classes, orchestra and artist rehearsals, and ensemble coaching which may also be attended by those who wish to see how the music develops. More information on the venues and times, as well as greater details on the selections being performed, the 40 faculty members and the 60 students, may be viewed at SarasotaOrchestra.org/Festival.

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

When it’s June in Sarasota, that’s when. Spring is turning into summer and the Sarasota Music Festival is turning in a stellar series of 13 performances at the Sarasota Opera House and Holly Hall. Composers, they have a few - from the well known to the little heard. Yes, they do have Beethoven, Rachmaninoff and back to back Bach, but they also have Ibert, Maslanka and Andres. Surly you will want to email all your snowbird friends that you’ve just heard Röntgen-Maier’s Violin Sonata in B Minor - and then gloat while they rush to their copy of Grove’s Dictionary of Music and Musicians to get the real skinny on that fair 19th century Swedish violinist/composer.

The festival kicks off on June 4th with Three Preludes

by Gershwin: all light and fanciful with overtones of Brazil, the blues and some Spanish flamenco. And while not unlucky, two pieces on this program are quite haunting: Three pieces for Horn (French horn and piano) by Glière and Rachmaninoff’s Cello Sonata in G Minor. And, of course, to add some flair, this session will include Beethoven’s Piano Sonata no. 17 (Tempest). The all Bach concert on June 9th is also all Brandenburg, with 27 different musicians performing in the six concertos. A student recital (yes, the festival is also a training ground for up and coming new artists) is set for Sunday, June 11th with a unique roster of composers from Fauré (piano quartet) to Dvorák (piano quintet) to Nielsen (wind quintet) to Schubert (string quartet) and yes, a bit of Beethoven (string quartet) as well.

A must see/hear program is on June 15th with current and previous festival music directors Jeffrey Kahane and Robert Levin performing Schubert’s Fantasie in F Minor for piano, four hands. To hear both, together will be a unique treat. The opening and closing acts on this day will be works

by Telemann and Dohnányi. On the 23rd there will be six commissioned pieces performed by a new ensemble, yMUSIC (your typical trumpet, flute, clarinet, violin, viola and cello group), from New York.There will also be a quite lyric wind quintet by Haas as well as Schumann’s melodic Piano Quartet in E-flat Major.

For many years Robert Levin has been giving music lectures while also holding down the post of Music Director. While he has passed that position on to Jeffrey Kahane, Mr. Levin continues with his lectures. This

®

To advertise in print or online contact: Bob or Emy Stein at 941.349.0194 Send editorial and/or photos via email to: islandvp@verizon.net

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The Ringling Bros, Barnum and Bailey Circus has been shut down So, where can we see a circus in June and July? Why up near the Ringling museum, of course, just a thousand feet from John and Mable Ringling’s home, Ca’ d’ Zan. Sort of like “The King is dead. Long live the King.” Truth be told, it is not the Ringling Circus

that is coming to the Historic Asolo theater, but the star of the show is Bello Nock, who amazed and astounded Sarasotian circus-goers when he was a headliner with the Ringling Circus for 8 years. And he, and his new show IncrediBello!, is being presented by the Feld organization, which purchased the Greatest Show On Earth from John and Henry Ringling North in 1967. Sort of a case of what comes around, goes around.

Performing in Sarasota is natural for Bello as he was born here to a long line (try seven generations) of circus performers that started their own circus in Switzerland in the 1700s. A late bloomer, Bello did not start in show business until he was three, when he appeared in the Disney production Dumbo’s Circus. Three years ago he was on Good Morning America and continued to give media interviews in New York for eight straight hours - while balancing on a high-wire over Times Square the entire time.

It is almost certain that Bello will be up on the high wire during his shows at the Asolo but, as his career has been a long one, there are plenty of other acts from which to choose. Some of his most daring involve riding a motorcycle on the high wire and running and jumping on the outside of a spinning steel wheel while it twists and turns overhead.

Given the small size of the stage at the Asolo, Mr. Nock will probably not do his acrobatic feat of leaping over an elephant but may do some of his bungee and trampoline stunts. Perhaps he feels safe while doing his work because he builds and replaces all of his own gear.

The twice per day shows start on June 13th and continue through July 29th. The reasonably priced tickets (check times and dates) can be purchased at www.Ringling.org/ events/Incredibello.

Kids find Sarasota summers boring? Vacation in Brazil.

It can get fiercely hot here in Sarasota so why not fly away to Brazil? Remember, south of the equator the seasons are reversed so you will be having a winter get-a-way. And, if you leave Rio you can chill out deep in the shade of a rain forest. What, the kids will drive you crazy on such a long flight but you still like the idea of the rain forest? Problem solved: take them to Splashin’ Saturdays at Selby Gardens from June 10 - July 15. There, from 10 AM until Noon, there will be water slides, activities and games for toddlers to 10 year olds around the lagoon and the waterfall of the Ann Goldstein Children’s Rain Forest. There are not only fun places for the kids to explore in this magical place but, for adults, there is beauty in every direction. What better way to spend a Saturday morning, reading a book or newspaper while your kids splash themselves silly.

Afterwards there can be a light lunch at the Selby House Café before strolling through the gardens for a leisurely look at all the botanical beauties.

If the young ones (age 6 - 11) can’t get enough of the gardens they can attend Selby Summer Camp Lookout!

from June 12 - 30 (9:00 AM until 3:00 PM with drop off at 8:30 AM - pickup by 3:30 PM). Registration can be for 1, 2 or 3 weeks. After the morning’s outdoor activities and lunch, Camp Lookout moves indoors and becomes Camp Look!Art!.

Don’t have water/rain forest oriented kids to deal with but are still reading this column? Then how about Monday mornings doing Yoga in the Gardens: Session II starts on June 5th, or the Tuesday morning watercolor sessions. Plus the on-going show Marc Chagall, Flowers, and the French Riviera: The Color of Dreams is still going on through the end of July. As they say “All this and more” at Selby. org.

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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All ads are subject to the approval of the publisher. It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in Siesta Sand to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with town, county and state codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

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DearDonnarose

Q: Dear Donnarose, I cannot tell you how many times I’ve gone against my intuition to do something, and allowed my ego to once again send me on the wrong path. As a result, I’ve lost time, money and relationships.

What will it take to listen to my intuition and stop going on all these detours? ~Thanks, P.J.

A: ““When you raise your vibration, what will come to fruition, is a path set before you that will be guided by your intuition.” ~Donnarose Melvin When we listen to our ego it usually indicates we’re connecting more to the lower versions of ourselves, which means our vibration is at a low level of energy. If we stay at this level of energy, the ego will have a ball playing with our minds, tricking us to make choices that appear to be the ones that will feel good. But basically it’s like the ego is a wolf wearing a sheep costume. Then we get cheated, or fail, or lose money, and feel angry. Hence, the cycle continues because anger resides at a low vibration.

And disharmony, mistrust, unworthiness, etc., also reside there. So if we stay there, more matching low-vibration ego-driven situations will continue to manifest.

The only way to be relieved of this cycle, is to connect to the higher version of yourself, which is at a higher vibration. You’ll know when you’re there, because as you make your decisions, your shoulders will fall from your ears, and a feeling of peace will come over you. And you’ll notice positive and/ or more harmonious outcomes will be the norm.

You’ll even find yourself handling challenges from a higher perspective which is from a place of peace.

This is what happens when we maintain at a higher vibration. But to achieve this, the “light-work” as I like to call it, has to be done. And a different way of thinking and living will need to be considered.

But oh will it be worth it. To help get you started, view the 1st Q & A in below link. Tweak it to your liking, and be sure to be consistent. And instead of more detours, you’ll soon see yourself walking with more ease and peace on a much straighter path to your destination. ~♥ http://siestasand.net/soulfully-yours-donnarose-7-16/ Q: Dear Donnarose, I recently read about a person who no longer believes in psychic readings.

He claims to have been deeply involved in it, but had such negative experiences he now views it as something evil. Can you explain why he would have such an adverse encounter? ~Regards, T.Q. A: “Go into your readings open, alert and protected, and you’ll find most to be positive, just as you expected.” ~Donnarose Melvin

Well it looks like he had some good experiences initially, which is most likely why he had a lot of readings. However, all it takes for some people is to have a couple negative experiences to change their perspective about something they once enjoyed. It feels like he had a reader or two who may not have kept in alignment with the level of integrity most of us in this business uphold to. But, as I always say, in all occupations there may be scammers and those who are in their business for the wrong reason.

And unfortunately, some people in spiritually-based businesses are included. Before I started doing this work, I used to get readings for years. Once, maybe my 4th reading, I experienced a negative session. The reader said I needed all kinds of help and it would cost a lot of money. My gut felt something was not right, and I politely left. It was clear she was working on the dark side rather than in the Light. However, it helps to be aware that not all experiences are like that. This gentleman knows this, but chose to allow the negative experiences to close his mind.

The key is, before booking any reading, it’s important to do the research on the reader.

Word of mouth is always good too. Then most importantly, before one arrives to a session, say, thank you Archangel Michael for protecting me, and keeping me safe, please and thank you. This keeps the energy nice and clean during the session.

Had this gentleman protected himself prior to all his sessions, there is a high probability he wouldn’t have had such a negative experience, or would have been nudged to leave sooner to avoid it.

And finally, over all, it’s important to bring one’s own intuition into the mix. Be awake and alert during any service rendered. And if one’s gut says to leave, then heed to that. But from my experience, these negative experiences are few and far between. Stay tuned for a video I’ll soon be recording on how to get the most out of your intuitive reading. ~♥ 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. Gift certificates are available.

WORD SEARCH MarinerWord Search MarinerWord Search

Answers on page 41

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Greek Sea Greek SeaGods Gods

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Siesta Sand

JUNE 2017

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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: 3935 SHELL RD. SOLD FOR: $3,500,000 The ultimate in Florida living awaits you at this amazing custom home. Situated on a beach with 3/4 of an acre including amazing full views of the bay, intracoastal waterway and the Gulf of Mexico, this home proves that yes, you can have it all. Located on the coveted north end of Siesta Key, this home is all about the ultimate Florida lifestyle.

Just minutes from downtown Sarasota, the shops and restaurants of both Siesta Village and Southside Village and world famous Siesta Beach, this home is all about location, location, location. Pull your boat up to the beach to unload the days catch, cook it up on your outside grill and summer kitchen and dine outdoors while you watch the sun set over the Gulf. Shoot a game of pool while you watch your guests swimming in the pool, complete with waterfall and grotto. The entire property is fenced/ walled and gated for privacy and includes your own private lagoon with fishing dock.

Your private, fenced beach area includes a deck for live bands should entertaining be your thing. This imposing home boasts 4 en

suite bedrooms, home office, game room, 4 car garage and fabulous covered and open outdoor entertaining areas with 9,000 SF of living area, 4,471 SF of it air conditioned. You’ll be hard pressed to find a home with this kind of quality, lifestyle options and style for this price anywhere. The sale of this property came to $784.93 a square foot. Courtesy of ReMax Alliance.

HIGHEST PRICED CONDO: 309 BEACH RD, #309-S2: SOLD FOR: $2,200,000 This is the ultimate penthouse lifestyle on Beach Road in Siesta Key. This rarely available penthouse with a rooftop terrace is perched high for stunning, panoramic views of the beach. Mediterranean enchantment abounds in this exclusive gated coastal community, from the tile roof and paver brick driveway to the six turret balconies for viewing dramatic sunsets, passing boats and beach lifestyles. A private foyer entrance with elevator leads you to two expansive floors with upscale finishes throughout.

This 3,236-square-foot residence boasts a luxurious master bedroom, three guest bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths with two large gathering areas on both levels. A chef’s kitchen complete with double oven, double dishwasher, Wolf gas cooktop, Eurotech custom cabinetry and large Sub-Zero refrigerator adjoins the dining and living room for views of the Gulf of Mexico. An undercounter wet bar, media room and family room are on the lower

level, with natural stone floor covering. Security system, heated pool and spa are also included in this exquisite maintenance-free residence. Close to the Village, dining and shopping. Penthouse and villa can be purchased together. The sale on this unit came out to $679.85 a square foot. Courtesy of Premiere Sothebys.

LOWEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY PROPERTY: 5234 WINDING WAY, SOLD FOR: $420,000 Post-modern enthusiasts will appreciate this gem from the Sarasota School of Architecture. Sited on a quiet, shaded circle on Siesta Key just under a mile from main Siesta Pavilion, this slice of paradise affords the casual relaxed lifestyle. Maintained and renovated in keeping with the original character, this home makes a statement of style and class. The stylish siesta classic priced at market bottom for Siesta. Play bocce or volleyball in the backyard beach sand.

Enjoy the new brick paver sundeck and new landscape.

Bathroom recently renovated with new fixtures, vanity and granite counter. The sale of this property came out to $321.10 a square foot. Courtesy of Ascendia Real Estate.

LOWEST PRICED CONDO: 6713 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #4: SOLD FOR: $202,000 This beautifully updated Siesta Key condo is a two minute walk to the crystal sand and sparkling blue water of #1 Ranked Beach. No need for a car, shopping and dining is just a short stroll. Plenty of storage for your beach toys. The sale came out to $337.79 a square foot.

Courtesy of Waterside Realty.

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Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

More Infrastructure Replacement Work Planned Residents of the Sanderling Club and Dolphin Bay are next in line for “sanitary pipeline infrastructure rehabilitation,” thanks to unanimous votes by the County Commission on May 9.

As with similar work last year, the contractor will be Insituform Technologies LLC, which has an office in Tampa.

The Sanderling Club Basin contract is for $192,786.41; the Dolphin Bay Basin contract, $107,084.04, according to memos from the county Utilities Department staff to the

commission.

Both projects have been planned to begin early this summer and last all through the summer, the memos note. Residents in the immediate areas “will be notified by postcard of upcoming construction at least two weeks prior to the start of work,” each memo points out.

In both the Sanderling Club and Dolphin Bay basins, Insituform will undertake “trenchless reconstruction” of 8-inch diameter vitrified clay pipe (VCP). The projects

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should extend the life of the infrastructure by more than 50 years, the memos point out.

The Sanderling Club work will involve about 5,569 linear feet of pipeline; in Dolphin Bay, approximately 2,782 linear feet of pipe.

The projects will be paid for with revenue from the county’s penny surtax program and sewer rates, the memos add.

Paradise Awaits...

E IC ED! R P UC D RE

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.

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 .

MUST SEE!

1,399,000

$

959,000

$

LE !

SA ING ND PE

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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Siesta Sand

Off Key

JUNE 2017

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Continued from page 19

A Sign We Can Live With...

A while back in this space we bemoaned the proliferation of signs popping up like weeds around the rowing lake at Benderson park, comparing the scene to the visual assault of billboards in both directions along I-95 in North and South Carolina advertising Pedro’s famous (infamous?) roadside attraction South of the Border.

We also pointed out that in the aftermath of an alligator attack that

resulted in the death of a three-yearold visiting with his family at Disney World in Orlando a while back, the folks in charge there probably wish they had posted some signs around the lake where the attack took place warning that there were gators in the area. We suggested Sarasota County might want to learn from that mistake and post such signs around Benderson Lake, lest the upcoming World Rowing Championship become the subject of a Lifetime Channel disaster movie with Sarasota in a starring role.

Well, two such signs have popped up at the park recently, one on the south end of the park by the boat ramp and another on the east side where I have seen a healthy looking six footer sunning from time-to-time along the bank during bike rides around the lake.

So kudos to the county for these latest constructive additions to the park’s landscape, though I would point out that most of the spectators will be on the opposite side of the lake from where the signs are posted when viewing the big event this fall; and in case park officials have forgotten, gators can swim. So perhaps a few more signs might be advisable, even if no sightings of the reptiles have been noted recently on the west side of the lake.

Oh, and one more thing: tourists don’t always think clearly when on vacation; they often give their judgment time off for the duration of their travels. So with that in mind, it might be wise to keep the signs back a bit from the lake. I happened to see a smiling couple composing a selfie standing next to one of the warning signs

last week with their backs to the water and their attention fully focused on the composition of their digital masterpiece (an activity that could have put the kabash on their vacation fun had a gator been intent on photo-bombing their effort).

Embracing Our Differences?

That’s the name of the colorful, long-running art exhibit currently underway along the bayfront downtown. It’s worth a look if for no other reason than to gain a better understanding of the current sway of identity politics over Millennials and many if not most arbiters of politically correct popular culture in today’s entertainment industry.

How refreshing would it be to actually see an exhibit titled “Embracing our Commonality,” focused on those things we share in common instead of those things that define us as different from one another? Such an exhibit might reacquaint those who have forgotten – or never learned in the

first place – with the uniqueness of a form of government that allows for the redress of any grievance by any citizen, and features corrective mechanisms designed to counterbalance and roll back inevitable abuses of power, understood as such by the lesson of history that absolute power corrupts absolutely. Look no further than the sad state of affairs today in Venezuela.

No, this nation is not perfect and never will be, because mankind itself will never reach that lofty plane. But there has never been a system of government that better equips ordinary citizens with the tools necessary to counteract those dark forces of greed and oppression that are every bit as much a part of the human condition as compassion, hope and love.

The folks who scare me the most? Those who would claim to know the secret for creating a perfect world.

Such a place may exist somewhere, I don’t profess to know; but not here, not in this world.

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Sand Castles

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Crystal Sand views and strong rental history in iconic building

By Roger Drouin Crystal Sands is an iconic community, easily recognizable by the S shape of it’s 12-story high-rise on the beach.

Located right on Crescent Beach, in addition to 131 one and two-bedroom units in the high-rise, there are 22 villas in the luxury community. Units rarely come on the market, with only four selling in the past year, and when they do, the units are in high demand, say realtors.

Matt Moore, a realtor with Trend RE LLC, says Crystal Sands is an attractive locale for buyers who are interested in either a full-time paradise or a unit they can live in seasonally and rent out as a vacation rental during other times of the year.

Moore and colleague Joshua Blank have a renovated, two-bedroom unit currently listed for sale for $1.049 million. The 11th floor unit’s main feature is a panoramic view that includes not only beach and water, but a nice view of Downtown Sarasota and the Village on Siesta Key, Moore told Siesta Sand.

A two-week minimum rental period and a strong rental history within the community make Crystal Sands a great investment property, adds Realtor Bob Ruiz, of Key Solutions Real Estate. “The condominium has on-site management, concierge, and rental services to assist with owners’ every need,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz notes the S-shape of the main building, constructed in 1970, is a landmark on the Key. “It serves as a beacon for anyone searching for his/her whereabouts on the beach,” he said.

The high-rise building’s height and shape, as well as its location on the beach, also make for incredible views from virtually every unit in the building. Situated almost midway between Siesta and Crescent Beaches, views extend from the north end of the Key to Point of Rocks and beyond, Ruiz noted.

Over the past year, only four units have sold — all in the high-rise building —and the 11th floor unit for sale was the only one listed on the market as of press time. Moore said many owners keep ownership of their unit within the family. Thus rarely-available units are highly-desirable when they come on the market.

The units with the most optimal views — those on higher floors and on the “left” side of the building — tend to list for higher prices.

Moore estimates that about 70 percent of owners in the high-rise rent their units at least part of the year, and about 30 percent reside full-time there.

Moore shared a rental history of the unit he has listed with Siesta Sand. In calendar year 2014, the two-bedroom unit had an overall rental history of $45,780. In 2015, it brought in $60,453; as well as $48,919 in 2016, and $42,181 thus far in 2017. The unit has 1,271 square feet, and the list price comes out to $825 a square foot.

The furnished condo unit features quartz kitchen counters, LG stainless appliances and solid wood cabinets.

Light tile plank flooring throughout complete the light and bright feel of the unit. Other features, according to MLS information, include: a new hurricane slider in the living

room and both bedrooms; two renovated bathrooms; plantation shutters, new washer and dryer; and expanded second bedroom that allows for two queen size beds.

The amenities on the gated property grounds offer 2 pools, grilling and picnic areas, carport parking, and it is pet friendly. Many units have washer/dryers inside the unit — for others, community laundry facilities are available.

According to the Crystal Sands website, a villa that was available for rent had room to sleep six. The villa has a King bed and two twin beds, and includes a washer and dryer inside.

Recent Sales and listings: There are four units that sold recently in Crystal Sands.

All four units were two-bedroom, two bath units: • In April, 2017, a 1,271-square-foot unit sold for $700,000, or $551 a square foot. This modern spacious condo came furnished and offered an open kitchen and a split bedroom floor plan with walk-in closets. Interior features, according to MLS information, includes stainless steel appliances, Kraftmaid cabinetry, granite counter tops and a designer back splash. Other features included new sliding doors in both bedrooms and the living room, opening to the screened lanai.

• In October, 2016, a unit with 1,271 square feet sold for $755 a square foot. The unit had been listed for $960,000, and sold for the list price. The unit has a Gulf view.

• Also in October, another unit sold for $810,000, or $637 a square foot. The 1,271-square-foot unit was completely renovated with a beachy, elegant atmosphere, and includes an updated kitchen. Brand new floors and water heater were also installed, according to MLS information.

• An 11th floor 1,240 square foot unit sold for $690,000, or $556 a square foot, in May, 2016. The end unit has an expanded lanai.

Making Things Happen on Siesta Key...BOB and SHERI RUIZ deract n U ntr Co

Dolphin Bay

840 Siesta Key Circle

The ultimate 2/2 in over 1900 square feet of living space. Exceptional property with over-sized living space. Split floor plan with large bedrooms each with its own bath.

Spacious lanai with great views of the ICW. Garage. Walk to Siesta Beach.

MLS #A4178449 $849,000

Lovely Old-Florida style home just minutes to Siesta Beach and Village. Dock w/lift, minutes 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

Excelsior

Exceptionally renovated and designed unit in coveted Excelsior complex. 2/2 sold furnished - move in and enjoy all the luxurious finishes. 1st floor is actually one floor above the garage. Elevator. Under building parking, resort-style amenities, beach access.

MLS #A4183673 $529,000

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 $475,000

Your Resident Siesta Key Realtors

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 water views. Both beautifully renovated and furnished with attached garages. Resort-style amenities.

$649,000 and $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

The Pointe On Midnight Pass

This impeccable 2/2 has been fabulously renovated from floor to ceiling - tile 499,900 throughout, granite, stainless, built-ins, great lighting features. Beautifully furnished.

Incredible views of the Gulf and Bay. Every amenity.

MLS #A4183189 $490,000

Bob Ruiz 941-544-3299 RobertRuizRR@aol.com Sheri Ruiz 941-400-4186 Sheri Lasley@aol.com www.SiestaKeyNow.com

Key Solutions Real Estate Group

38

Siesta Sand

JUNE 2017

941.349.0194

Blooming this month

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

www.siestasand.net

GARDENIAS

Gardenias are generally found outdoors in southern regions and are admired for their glossy green foliage and fragrant blossoms. These beautiful plants are grown as ornamental shrubs in warm regions. However, they are very particular about their growing conditions and require some consistent maintenance in order to keep beautiful. Once you understand what a gardenia needs to survive, growing them is very rewarding.

Well-drained, acidic soil is ideal for gardenias. Moderate humidity assures a healthy plant. Adding peat moss to the soil will benefit your plant by helping it retain moisture without becoming too wet. While the gardenia likes humidity, misting the leaves can cause problems. Water droplets can lead to fungus on leaves. You don’t want to place it under plants that drip onto its leaves. A lack of air flow also causes fungus. Outdoor gardenias prefer full sun, with some shade in the hottest summer months.

Subbmitted by Sarasota Garden Club www.sarasotagardenclub.org

APRIL

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JUNE 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

39

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 3B D/3 BA. Lushly landscaped tropical lot with Tiki Bar in the pool/spa area. Dan Miller, Re/ Max Tropical Sands. 941-3767442 • 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. 941-3767442 • “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 • 1696 PINE HARRIER DR, THE LANDINGS, $699,900: MLS #A4168186 Family home with 4 BD/ 3 BA, Caged Lanai and Pool. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed

storage. Beautifully renovated.

MLS# A4167104, $699,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-5443299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186

Real Estate Broker. 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) • 5408 EAGLES POINT CIR #102 THE LANDINGS $399,000: MLS #A4182828 2 BD/2 BA 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)

• 840 SIESTA KEY CIRCLE Lovely old-Florida style 3 BR / 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.

• 1734 KESTRAL PARKWAY S, LANDINGS CARRIAGE HOUSE $315,000: MLS #A4180684 2 BD with Den / 2 BA. Great location near Pool. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara)

• 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: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941400-4186.

• 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)

• DOLPHIN BAY The ultimate 2/2 in over 1900 square feet of living space.

Exceptional property with split floor plan, each bedroom with 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: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941400-4186.

• 5272 HERON WAY, LANDINGS COACH HOUSE $330,000: MLS #4185882 3 BD/2 BA 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) • 1610 STARLING DR, LANDINGS COACH HOUSE $295,000: MLS 4182814 2 BD / 2 BA 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)

• 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

• 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

Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-5443299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• HARBBOUR 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, $475,000.

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.

• THE POINTE ON MIDNIGHT PASS Incredible views of the Gulf and Bay. Impeccable 2 BR / 2 BA. Fabulously renovated with tile throughout, granite, stainless, built-ins, great lighting features. Beautifully furnished.

Every amenity. MLS#A4183189, $490,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz.

Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941400-4186.

• 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 Town, 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 3 BD / 3 BA 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, 941- 894-1255

• TURNKEY FURNISHED TOWNHOME This 3 BD / 2 BA 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 on 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, 941894-1255

Exceptional Water Views Fabulous light and bright condo within walking distance to Siesta Beach and Village! More outdoor living at the front of the unit in a fenced and gated patio allows for grilling.

Secluded Island Condo This impeccable condo unit has been beautifully renovated from floor to ceiling. The utmost attention to detail - wood paneled interior doors, a wall of closets in the master, recessed lighting throughout - truly sets this unit apart.

00 ,0 50 $1 ,1

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This Week’s Featured Listings

Lovely Old-Florida Style Minutes to the Beach/Siesta Village & a short drive to downtown Sarasota! Made for entertaining, the living area's pocketed sliding glass doors open directly to the very large screened lanai and pool.

View All Siesta Key Listings: www.keysolutionsrealestate.com Or Call 941-894-1255

40

Siesta Sand

JUNE 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.

• Condo For Rent - Unfurnished, newly renovated 2 BR 2 BA, 3rd floor condo in Whispering Sands. Annual rental preferred.

Community center, gym and 2 pools on property. Private beach and walk to everything in Siesta Village. Contact Tom at 941-8123381 • Siesta 4 Rent - Vacation Rentals, from studios to 5 bedrooms.

Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500 • Siesta Key Realty Rentals, Reservations, and Property Management. Homes and Condos, 1-3 Bedrooms. Serving Siesta Key since 1992. Siestakeyrealtyrentals.com, 941-349-8900.

Bring In This Ad And Receive

10

%

20With%ThisOFF Ad

Call

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 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) 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.

• 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

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

BEACH & BABY EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Shower & Bath Makeovers Free Estimates Call John 941.377.2940

Sarasota resident since 1974

SARASOTA’S BEST BABY RENTAL CENTER SELF SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE Order online or by phone Available 24/7 CLEAN • SAFE • RELIABLE

941-929-1850

5700 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key www.abcbabyrental.com

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

www.showerandbathsarasota.com • 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.

BOATING RENTALS / FISHING CHARTERS

LAWN CARE

e r a C n w a L 941-343-2277

Having Fun Fishing in The Sun

941-400-2452

Tony Fudoli Sr. CAPTAIN tntfreedomfishing@yahoo.com

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

MEDICAL

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

941.756.1082 Carpet, Tile and Upholstery Cleaning Sailing From Marina Jack, Sarasota

Kathleen D Sailing Catamaran 941-896-6400

from your home or business

941-275-4647

ExEcutivE Shirt SErvicE • houSEhold itEmS • SamE day SErvicE availablE

CLEANING SERVICES

Relics on the Key

7210 s taMiaMi trail

Free Pick Up & Delivery Service

One Coupon Per Purchase

941.312.4118 candytimesarasota@gmail.com 2067 Siesta Drive • Sarasota, FL 34239 www.itscandytime.com

Vintage, Antique, Mid-Century

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All Summer Themed Items

A family owned business with 16 years of experience.

ANTIQUES

omplete aCkle

Environmentally Conscious Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service

www.KathleenD.net

• Free Estimates • Satisfaction Guaranteed • Stain Specialists • Chamber of Commerce Members

Serving Manatee and Sarasota Counties Locally Owned and Operated

Dermatology Skin CanCer laSer, Botox anD Hair/nail DiSorDerS 1952 Field Road Sarasota, Florida 34231

www.dermatologyexperts.com

J Morgan O’Donoghue, MD.

Amy Fenenga PA-C

Sara Popovich PA-C

941.926.7546

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JUNE 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Classifieds / Here’s My Card PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY

• For 100 years, we have provided the most comprehensive property • Massage Experience Siesta Key Open 7-day a week. 5138A management services in both the commercial and residential industries. Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4833. (MA17596/MM6727).

Your investment is our priority. Experience the difference. Call today for a free rental price analysis. 941-952-3168. McMullenProperties.com

Tara Nelson

REAL ESTATE AGENTS REALTOR®

5145 Ocean Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34242

4141 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231

941-925-0928

JUNE SPECIAL on Keratins SILKY SMOOTH Hair for Summer! Starting at $150

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

• Dollar Limo – holds up to 10 people and is cheaper than a D.U.I or taxi. Call 941-735-4732

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

www.SheSellsSiestaKeySarasota.com

Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC

CONTINUED

Master Stylist / Colorist

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

TRANSPORTATION

CONTINUED

41

Piro & Associates REALTORS®

Expert in 1031 Exchange

Office: (941) 923-3900 Cell: (941) 356-8699 Fax: (941) 924-0086 mail: piroassociates@comcast.net Website: www.pirorealty.com

Kayla Kunz Hair Stylist

4141 S. Tamiami Trail - Sarasota, FL 34231 - 941-685-4994

James J. Piro, MAI, CCIM

SPORTS RENTALS / ACCESSORIES

Licensed Real Estate Broker

7719 Holiday Drive, Sarasota, FL 34231

Siesta Beach Realty SARASOTA FLORIDA Steven Whitmore, Broker

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

941-993-5722

• Robin Hood Rentals – for all your Siesta Key rental needs with a wide variety segways, bikes, kayaks, scooters and more, free pickup and delivery anywhere on the key. 5255 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key Village. 941-554-4242 • Siesta Key Bike & Kayak – Located on Siesta Key in Capt Curts Village serving Siesta Key, Lido Beach and Sarasota. We offer bikes, kayak rentals, kayak eco tours, paddleboards and scooters.

1224 Old Sickney Pt Rd. 941-346-0891 • 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

SENIOR SERVICES

SPECIAL OFFER : List Your Home With Me For 4%!

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

• 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

• Your Siesta Dunes and Landings Preferred Partners in Real TRANSPORTATION Estate, Judy Greene 941-350-0451 and Tara Lamb 941-266-4873 with Michael Sanders & Company 5100 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key • Sun Ride Pedicab – Eco-friendly Pedicabs. Siesta Key Tours 34242 JudyGreene@MichaelSanders.com and rides – tips only, 941-343-3400 • Siesta Key Free Rides – Siesta Key Free island shuttle for beach, village, condo and tours – tips only. Electric vehicles. Call 941952-8294

Airport Rides From Sarasota To:

SEEKING EMPLOYMENT • 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.

SRQ

$ 30

$ 40

TPA/St. Pete

$105

$125

Punta Gorda

$ 70

$ 80

Miami

$250

$300

Orlando

$200

$220

South Gate Barber Shop (Across from Southgate Mall)

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

941-928-9200

RIDE THE KEY FREE

Answers to the Search WORD SEARCH found on page 33 MarinerWord www.TheMariner.com

15-20 MINUTE RESPONSE TIME (Based upon traffic)

SERVICING Answers from

Siesta Key Beach Page 14 Siesta Village Turtle Beach

DRIVER TIPS ONLY

Greek Sea Gods

Restaurants and Accommodations Operating 10AM to 2AM Daily

www.JonnysOriginalFreeRide.com

Walk-Ins Welcome

Transportation for everyone on the Sun Coast Friendliest Ride In Town

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-349-0194

954-789-7530

ritz”

Monday-Friday 9 AM-6 PM; Saturday 9 AM-4PM

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.

CALL NOW FOR FAST, EASY SALE

Ask for Eddie

2081 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239

www.SouthgateBarbers.com

WANTED:

All Motor Homes, 5th Wheels and Travel Trailers Any Condition! Cash Paid On The Spot!

“For F

Tapers • Flattops • Fades • Styling • Razor Cuts • Shaves

941-312-6001

AY WE PH! S A C

Prices Include Tolls, Fuel & Parking For Airport Pickups your Chauffeur will have a sign with your name on it.

Olde Fashion Barber Shop ther”

941.735.4732

RV4CASH

Picked up from Airport:

SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY

“Hot La

WANTED TO BUY

42

Siesta Sand

JUNE 2017

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Accommodations Locator Map

On May 15, Mike Holderness, a Sarasota Real Estate agent, purchased the Siesta Beach Resort Hotel & Suites located at 5311 Ocean Blvd in the Siesta Key Village. The name of the hotel will be changed to Siesta Key Resort & Spa. There will be a whole new level of guest services offered with some minor renovations to the outside of the buildings

F Siesta Key Inn F Siesta Palms by the Beach

Š Island Visitor Publishing, LLC 2012

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JUNE 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

24/7 Emergency Dentistry Call for your appointment now! (941) 244-4944

$100

Single Extraction Uninsured patients only. During regular business hours.

Not valid with any other offers.

After hours and weekends are extra.* Expires 6-30-2017.

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 6-30-2017.

Code 026

EmergencyDentistry.com

43

44

Siesta Sand

JUNE 2017

941.349.0194

Island Girl

Carissa

This month’s Island girl is Carissa, a Sarasota native.

She works for a local dermatologist and is a devoted mother to her two year old son. Carissa loves to stay busy and is always on the go, enjoying the beach, fishing, and other outdoor activities but her passion is fitness and working out.

Carissa will often be found at the gym or participating in a race or fitness event and is in the process of launching a fitness apparel line.

She also does some modeling in her spare time, enjoying the travel and all of the interesting people that she meets. Carrisa was enjoying a day on the water with Adventure Charters, Captain Jim Klopfer 941-371-1390.

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