IV Siesta Sand - March 2017

Why the world comes to Sarasota

©

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

Siesta Promenade

NORTH BEACH RD. Lawsuit update on North Beach Road

page

14

ABEL’S ICE CREAM

Meet Jerry and Jill Williams, owners of ABEL’S ICE CREAM

page

9

BIKE SAFETY Sarasota County staff is planning to paint “sharrows” on Ocean Boulevard

page

11

THE GREATEST GENERATION

Traffic studies and other analyses should be completed by end of March

By Rachel Brown Hackney www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com With a consultant for Benderson Development getting traffic studies underway for the firm’s proposed Siesta Promenade project, questions remain about whether the Sarasota County Commission is following the appropriate steps in considering the mixeduse development for a Critical Area Plan (CAP).

Asked in a Feb. 16 telephone interview about the analyses the county has requested, Todd Mathes, Benderson’s director of development, replied, “They’ve started.

There’s a lot of data collection.”

Kimley-Horn and Associates of Sarasota is continuing to serve as the firm’s consultant in undertaking the studies, he confirmed.

Mathes also acknowledged that he was too optimistic in late January with his hope that the firm’s application for a CAP designation for Siesta Promenade could reach the county’s Planning Commission before the end of March. After the County Commission’s Jan. 25 approval of staff’s recommendations for the scope of work for Siesta Promenade, Mathes talked of his hope that the application could undergo its first public hearing during season. However, on Feb. 16, he said March no longer seemed realistic, adding that even “April is aggressive.”

Mathes said the timeline largely will depend on county staff, as it must review

the materials Benderson provides it and then determine whether more work is necessary.

He added that it is impossible to predict how much “back-and-forth” will ensue.

A Jan. 25 staff report to the commission indicated that the staff review would take 30 to 45 days.

To comply with the commission’s stipulations for the scope of work, a study of weekend traffic during peak tourist season was planned for Saturday, Feb. 18, Mathes pointed out.

Continued on page 41

Benderson buys, plans to renovate Landings Shopping Center Told through the eyes of one veteran - Dr. Ray Doherty

page

21

WHO’S PLAYING

Meet Zooey Seraphine Warren

page

30

SAND CASTLES

Serene, from Gulf to Bay, at Excelsior

page

42

|Company will spruce up the center built in 1988; is in talks with new tenants to fill the voids

By Roger Drouin The Landing Shopping Center has a new owner, and before next tourism season arrives, the plaza will have a refreshed look and some new tenants.

Through a foreclosure auction Jan. 24, Benderson Development Co. — which owns and manages over 700 properties nationally and is headquartered in Lakewood Ranch — purchased the large center that has been plagued over the recent years by vacancies. The company

plans to undertake a renovation estimated to be completed this summer, as well as improving landscaping.

As these improvements start, Benderson also will work to fill empty storefronts in the center.

The development firm expects to have the center re-tenanted by next winter, Todd Mathes, Director of Development at Benderson, told Siesta Sand.

Continued on page 10

Page 3

Page 6

Commissioner Nancy Detert addresses SKA members

Wastewater plant’s decommissioning on schedule

Page 7 Coastal construction variance on Casey Key Road

DISCOVER THE DAVIDSON DIFFERENCE Postal Service in All Locations Southbridge Mall 6595 Midnight Pass 349-4343

Siesta Key Village 5124 Ocean Blvd.

349-1111

Midtown Plaza 1281 S Tamiami Trail 365-9116

Rx REFILLS ONLINE @ DavidsonDrugs.com

of Beach and Gift Items with coupon Good through March 31, 2017

2

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

941.349.0194

BOAT RENTALS

www.siestasand.net

Administrative challenges to Big Pass dredging remain on hold while FDEP weighs appropriate response to SKA’s plan to file suit

By Rachel Brown Hackney www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com

Deck Deck Boats Boats •• Pontoon Pontoon Boats Boats •• Runabouts Runabouts

Fishing Charters

Sportswear • Bait • Tackle

Orvis Endorsed Fly-casting school: March 25 & April 8 - Call to Reserve

www.CBsOutfitters.com • Since 1959 Open 7 Days 7am-6pm 1249 Stickney Point Rd. Siesta Key

941.349.4400

Administrative challenges the Siesta Key Association (SKA) and Save Our Siesta Sand 2 (SOSS2) filed in response to the state’s plan to issue a permit for the dredging of Big Sarasota Pass remained on hold in late February.

That resulted from the SKA’s Jan. 19 filing of notice with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the City of Sarasota that it planned to file a complaint in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court over the FDEP’s Dec. 22, 2016 Notice of Intent to issue the permit — unless the FDEP, the city and the USACE took appropriate steps to remedy issues the SKA has called into question regarding the permit application.

In the meantime, on Feb. 7, the Sarasota County Commission asked County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh to research the county’s boundaries in response to an assertion by the SKA that areas the City of Sarasota and USACE propose to dredge in Big Pass are within the county’s territorial limits.

Robert Luckner, a member of the SKA’s Environmental Committee, and Catherine Luckner, vice president of the SKA, appeared before the County Commission during its regular meeting on Feb. 7 to reiterate points in the draft complaint the nonprofit released in January.

Robert Luckner characterized the primary issue as “a Comprehensive Plan problem,” providing the board a map and other documents to illustrate his remarks. The county’s Comprehensive Plan — updated in 2016 — includes Environmental Policy 4.6.1, he noted, which says the county shall “Prohibit dredge and fill activities in the Gulf of Mexico, bays, rivers, and streams of the county except to maintain previously dredged functional navigation channels and drainage canals.”

Big Pass, he continued, “has not

ever been previously dredged.”

Furthermore, Luckner pointed out, the city’s Comprehensive Plan says city actions must be consistent with the county’s Comprehensive Plan. Therefore, Luckner explained, the city and the USACE cannot dredge any areas of Big Pass within the county unless the county grants them permission to do so.

The USACE’s own map — included in its permit application submitted to FDEP in March 2015 — shows Borrow Area B and parts of Borrow Areas C and D “are clearly outside the city limits, and, we allege, are covered by the county’s Comprehensive Plan,” Luckner added.

The letter accompanying the copy of the draft complaint that the SKA’s attorney, Kent Safriet of the Hopping Green & Sams

firm in Tallahassee, sent to the FDEP, the city and the USACE “is essentially an attempt to find a remedy that all of us can live with,” Catherine Luckner told the county commissioners on Feb. 7.

“Weekly,” she continued, “we check with the FDEP [and county staff].” As of the previous evening, she said, the county staff member she spoke with had verified that the county still had not been contacted by city representatives, seeking permission to dredge Big Pass.

Catherine Luckner emphasized — as she has countless times over the past several years — that the SKA wants to see Lido Key renourished; the nonprofit organization’s concern, she added, is protecting Siesta Key. Continued on page 22

6208 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #205

Gulf front condo that has been superbly maintained and updated. Relax and enjoy views of the pool and the tranquil gulf waters and beach beyond. Located in sought after Bldg. 5, this inviting beach getaway has an upgraded kitchen with white raised panel cabinets with glass tile back splash and white appliances, both master and guest baths are stylishly updated in neutral tones, crown molding and tile flooring throughout.

Furnishings are included, the new owner may enjoy this wonderful condo right away. The balcony is screened in, offering enjoyment of the gulf breezes. $749,000

Located Located on on America’s AmericaÕs #1 #1 Beach–Siesta BeachÐSiesta Key Key

Enjoy Enjoy the the finest finest in in resort-style resort-style living living right right on on Siesta Siesta Beach.

Beach.

Siesta Dunes is well-managed and offers an optional on-site Siesta Dunes is well-managed and offers an optional on-site rental program for your convenience. rental program for your convenience.

Your Your Siesta Siesta Dunes Dunes Preferred Preferred Partners Partners in in Real Real Estate Estate JUDY GREENE, Realtor®¨ | 941.350.0451 JUDY GREENE, Realtor | 941.350.0451 JudyGreene@michaelsaunders.com

TARA LAMB, Realtor®¨ | 941.266.4873 TARATaraLamb@michaelsaunders.com LAMB, Realtor | 941.266.4873

JudyGreene@michaelsaunders.com TaraLamb@michaelsaunders.com JudyAndTara.michaelsaunders.com

JudyAndTara.michaelsaunders.com 5100 Ocean Boulevard | Sarasota, FL 34242 | 941.349.3444 michaelsaunders.com 5100 Ocean Boulevard | Sarasota, FL 34242 | 941.349.3444 michaelsaunders.com

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Commissioner Detert indicates willingness for the county to intervene in the design of the Lido Renourishment Project, if convinced the county can do so By Rachel Brown Hackney www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com Former state senator and newly sworn-in Sarasota County Commissioner Nancy Detert told about 80 people during the Feb. 2 Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting that if she learned Sarasota County could intervene in the Lido Renourishment Project, she would be in favor of the county’s doing so.

Early in her remarks, Detert referenced the “sand wars” taking place in the community. The City of Sarasota initiated the Lido project, she continued, “not the county, and [city leaders] get to choose who they want to use for the beach renourishment.”

Asked by an audience member why the county board took no step to file an administrative appeal of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Notice of Intent to issue a permit for the project, Detert replied, “I don’t think it makes us look like leaders to be joining a homeowners’ lawsuit.”

She likened the county’s joining the SKA and Save Our Siesta Sand 2 (SOSS2) in appealing the FDEP action to “having your two sisters fight with each other, and you have to pick which sister you like best this week.”

Furthermore, Detert said she did not believe the commission should prevent the city and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from using the county’s Ted Sperling Park on South Lido as a staging ground for the work. (The USACE is the city’s joint applicant for the state permit for the project.)

“Basically, [the county has] no standing on this, as far as I’m concerned,” Detert told the audience.

Still, Detert said she would not

have chosen to dredge Big Sarasota Pass to renourish Lido Key, if she had had any choice in the matter. “I particularly would not have picked the Army Corps of Engineers. I don’t think they have a great track record.”

She cited the USACE’s decision to construct two jetties on Venice Beach, with erosion resulting on both sides of the structures. Detert also indicated the USACE had made bad decisions regarding the Everglades and Lake Okeechobee.

Sandy Hook resident David Patton then pointed out dangers to the north end of Siesta, especially, if Big Pass is dredged.

As an individual plaintiff, Patton has joined both the SKA administrative appeal and a complaint the SKA has proposed to file in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in an effort to stop the removal of sand from the pass.

“We should unite as one force, an army against the world to stop this! All of us,” Patton said.

Audience member Kent Larson asked why the city and the USACE did not propose to dredge Midnight Pass, as removing sand from that site would enable the channel to flow again for the first time since it was closed in December 1983.

“That’s what I said,” Detert responded. “I don’t know why they didn’t consider that.”

Former county Commissioner Nora Patterson, who was in the audience, pointed out that the county board and staff “spent a lot of money and time and energy” in years past, trying to persuade the state to allow the reopening of Midnight Pass. Nonetheless, Patterson said, the state would not

3

issue a permit for the undertaking.

“We’re hoping that their Big Pass idea is the right way to go and that it doesn’t do any damage [on Siesta Key],” Detert replied, referring to the city and the USACE.

Siesta Promenade During her remarks, Detert also touched on the proposal for the mixed-use Siesta Promenade development on the northwest corner of Stickney Point Road and U.S. 41.

“I am not a supporter of that potential project,” she said. “I just find it kind of outrageous that people buy a piece of property that’s zoned [for single-family homes] and think they can put up a condominium.”

The approximately 24-acre site where Siesta Promenade would stand is zoned for a mobile home park, she continued. Yet, Benderson Development has applied for rezoning and a Critical Area Plan designation that would allow the firm to construct 140,000 square feet of retail space, a hotel and several hundred dwelling units on the property — “everything but the kitchen sink,” as Detert characterized it.

Her response to Benderson is, “That’s not what you bought,’” she told the audience.

Detert added, “I’m philosophically opposed to constantly giving variances to people.”

Referring to the County Commission’s hearings on proposed developments, she continued, “Once it becomes our decision, we need to reach out to the public and see what you think and make the decision that’s the

Sarasota County Commissioner Nancy Detert best decision for the community. …

That’s where we get into trying to protect our little piece of paradise.”

In response to a question about the traffic studies Benderson will have to pursue under the scope of work four of the five commissioners approved on Jan. 25, Detert said that if the company wants to spend money to perform those analyses, that is its decision.

(Detert voted against allowing Benderson to proceed with the scope of work.) Still, she noted her frustration about how more and more studies could be required, creating a long process before the County Commission ever votes on the project.

The potential for a hotel As he did at the Jan. 12 SKA

meeting, Ed Kroninger, a resident of the Marina Del Sol condominium complex on Old Stickney Point Road, brought up the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment that could enable the construction of a hotel on property zoned Commercial General on Siesta Key. “There’s a lot of concern, I think, about the increasing density on Siesta Key,” he told Detert.

“I have not made a personal conclusion on the hotel as yet,” Detert replied. “At first blush, it doesn’t seem like a great idea.”

However, she continued, having a new hotel on the island might cut down on traffic heading onto the Key, especially during high season.

“I’d have to see a lot more on that before I make a decision,” Detert added.

4

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Laying out the facts again - Lido Beach Renourishment meetings

By Rachel Brown Hackney www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com SKA Vice President Catherine Luckner has continued to keep her composure even as City Manager Tom Barwin has recited — and written — a different version of his outreach to the SKA than she recalls.

As recently as Feb. 6, when Barwin provided the City Commission an update on the Lido Renourishment Project, he mentioned his efforts to “communicate with the objectors as much as we can …” He was referring to the SKA and Save Our Siesta Sand 2 (SOSS2), which have filed administrative challenges over the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Dec. 22, 2016 Notice of Intent to issue a permit to the city and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to dredge Big Pass. The SKA also has alerted the city and the USACE of the potential of its filing a complaint in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court.

In a commentary Barwin wrote for area publications last month, he pointed out, “The city has

repeatedly offered to meet with those who are challenging the permit.”

When she addressed the County Commission on Feb. 7, Luckner repeated comments she also has made to SKA members, so they would know her side of the story.

Last December, she told the commissioners, Barwin called her at home “three days before Christmas weekend” and asked about setting up a meeting that week. She told him she would be free both on Dec. 21 and Dec. 23.

However, she continued, she made it clear to him that she would be out of town with her mother on Dec. 22.

Although she ran out of time to finish her story that morning, she did get to complete it several days earlier, at the Feb. 2 SKA meeting.

When Barwin called her, Luckner asked him about whether any county staff members would be present. He told her, she continued, that he knows County Administrator Tom Harmer, adding, “‘We work well together,’”

and indicating he would get Harmer to join them.

“I said, ‘OK.’ … Didn’t hear from him.”

When Barwin finally called again, she added, it was about meeting on Dec. 22. She found it ironic, she noted, that he would want to schedule the meeting the same day the FDEP issued its Notice of Intent — and the single day of that week she had told him she would be unable to come downtown.

“I have never frankly met the man,” she added.

Peter van Roekens, chair of Save Our Siesta Sand 2 (SOSS2), has talked of meetings he and some of his board members have had with Barwin, noting the two sides came to no agreement. That nonprofit’s Newsletter 33 — emailed members and interested parties — said Barwin “has been telling the media that we will not talk to him. We have been talking to Mr. Barwin and/or his staff since early 2013. The meetings became more frequent in 2015 and 2016. While

our reasons are different, one area that we agree upon is the need for a Plan B that does not involve taking sand from the Big Pass shoal — a plan similar to the previous thirteen renourishments of Lido Key Beach.”

An SKA audience member on Feb. 2 pointed out that Barwin’s guest column in the area publications said, “We appreciate and respect the concerns that have been raised by several individuals on Siesta Key.” The man voiced strong objection to the characterization that only some of

the island’s residents oppose the dredging of the pass.

“We’re the troublemakers.

We’re just terrible!” Luckner said laughingly, referring to the SKA and its members.

Luckner also explained that she and other SKA members had met multiple times with City Engineer Alexandrea DavisShaw and representatives of the USACE. In fact, she reminded the audience, the SKA invited Milan Mora of the USACE, who was the Lido project manager at the time, to make a presentation on the proposal during the SKA’s December 2013 meeting at St. Boniface.

The SKA opened up that meeting to the public, welcoming residents from Lido Key, too, Luckner noted. “I don’t believe the Siesta Key Association has been a big bad meany in this, ever.”

Audience member Mark Hennessy called out thanks to Luckner for all she has done for the organization in regard to the Lido Renourishment Project, and applause ensued.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

5

6

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Wastewater plant’s decommissioning on schedule

By Rachel Brown Hackney www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com Some concern arose last fall when a contractor ran into vibration problems in the Siesta Cove neighborhood as work was underway to install a new water line and a new sewer force main between Siesta Key and the mainland.

A hairline crack in a homeowner’s garage temporarily put on hold the project designed to lead to the decommissioning of the Siesta Key Wastewater Treatment Plant by the end of this year.

Greg Rouse, the county’s utility asset manager, explained to SNL in early November 2016 that county staff was being extra cautious after the damage was discovered during a preliminary step in preparation for drilling under the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Nonetheless, he reassured that when the time came to do the serious underground and underwater boring, the equipment would be up to the task.

That has proven true, as Robert Luckner, a member of the Environmental Committee of the Siesta Key Association (SKA), recently explained to members.

The $20-million project is “on schedule,” Luckner said during the Feb. 2 SKA meeting.

On Jan. 2, the contractor resumed operations relative to the ICW crossing, according to a county email blast sent to persons who have registered for the updates.

A Feb. 6 email blast from county staff pointed out, “There will be two [horizontal directional drilling] ICW pipe pullbacks.”

The first was scheduled to begin on Feb. 7, wrote Billie R. Havey, a spokeswoman for the county’s

Public Works Department. The contractor would need to work continuously until that step was completed, which was expected to take 24 hours, she noted. The second pullback was estimated to begin either Feb. 14 or Feb. 15, Havey added. “It is anticipated that the pipe pullbacks will be completed by Feb. 16,” she wrote.

Havey was referring to the p r o ce ss t h r o u g h w h i c h t h e contractor is installing the water and sewer main lines, as Luckner reported on Feb. 2.

The pipelines went into the ground at Phillippi Estate Park at 5555 S. Tamiami Trail and were planned to come up at South View Drive on Siesta Key, in Siesta Cove.

In the meantime, Luckner said, the contractor had removed the old equipment, as planned, from the wastewater plant site. That work began in December 2016, he noted.

As of Feb. 2, Luckner added, the contractor had “dug a big hole,” poured concrete and was preparing to begin installing the new equipment that will transform the plant into a master pumping station to send effluent to the mainland.

Luckner also reported that county staff and the contractor had decided not to dig a trench along South View Drive. Instead, the horizontal directional drill process would be used, with no disruption to South View Drive or Midnight Pass Road. The work tentatively was set to begin on Feb. 20, Havey noted in a Feb. 14 update.

Luckner added that he was

certain South View Drive residents were not disappointed by that news.

Havey’s Feb. 6 update had noted that after the necessary paperwork

had been approved, “the pipe installation will last for up to 8 weeks. Restoration is estimated to be complete by the end of April.”

After the school year ends, Luckner told the SKA members — in late May or early June — the sewer main will be extended from Midnight Pass Road along Shadow Lawn Way and then Shadow Long Drive. For about a month, he noted, the Shadow Lawn Way entrance to Siesta Isles will be closed.

After he and his wife, Catherine — the SKA’s vice president — joined then-Siesta Isles Association President Tony Romanus in discussions with county staff last year, Robert Luckner continued, the staff agreed to install a temporary traffic light at the intersection of Beach Way and

Your Go-To Store on the Island Morton’s Siesta Market is your one-stop shop for easy island living.

We offer a large selection of staple groceries, beer and wine, as well as fresh produce, meats and seafood.

In keeping with our Morton’s tradition, we also carry a delicious array of prepared foods, perfect for take-out, picnics, parties and more.

Please stop in and say hello!

205 Canal Road, Siesta Key • 941-349-1474 • MortonsMarket.com

Beach Road, to facilitate Siesta Isles residents’ ability to enter and exit the neighborhood via that access.

Romanus explained last summer that Beach Road traffic flows so heavily through that intersection, using Beach Way to get into and out of the neighborhood is a challenge for residents.

Just that day, Luckner added, he had learned from county staff that the light was not included in the bid package for that phase of the construction work. However, Luckner told the audience, the staff member assured him that because the light had been promised, “‘it will be there.’”

That is good news, Luckner pointed out: “The county is living up to its promises.”

Visit our new Siesta Village Liquors just next door!

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

7

In approving another coastal construction variance on Casey Key Road, county commissioners continue to call for tweaks of petition process

By Rachel Brown Hackney www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com With their most recent public hearing on a petition regarding building beyond Sarasota County’s Gulf Beach Setback Line (GBSL), county commissioners again voiced a willingness to provide staff more flexibility to approve certain types of projects.

The same day, the board also unanimously approved a Coastal Setback Variance for new construction at 6100 Midnight Pass Road on Siesta Key. On Dec. 14, 2016, the commissioners won agreement from the owner of that property to modify his request, so a proposed new multifamily structure would be entirely landward of the GBSL. In the latest case — heard on Feb. 7 — David Jecmik and his wife were seeking permission to reinforce the foundation of an existing pool deck and install a new pool and pool cage at their home at 4005 Casey Key Road.

All the work would be within the footprint of the existing structures.

In making the motion to approve the Coastal Setback Variance petition, Commissioner Charles Hines referenced a Jan. 11 public hearing, during which the board unanimously agreed to allow a couple at 1312 Casey Key Road to build a chickee hut over a deck beyond the GBSL. “We don’t want to encourage new [structures seaward of the line],” he added. However, “we’ve got to think about scenarios like this,” he continued, referring to the petition before them.

Weiqi Lin, a staff member in

the county’s Environmental Permitting Division, had explained that almost two-thirds of the Jecmiks’ residential and ancillary buildings stand seaward of the GBSL; the 2,544-square-foot house on a slab-on-grade foundation dates to 1968, before the county established that line as a means of protecting coastal property from damage. (During a Dec. 14, 2016 public hearing, Lin referred to the GBSL as the county’s “100-year storm erosion line.”)

“I just know, for these types of applications, the cost and the stress that homeowners are put through,” Hines added. “It’s been hard [for the board] to have a consistency.”

When petitioners — such as the Jecmiks — are seeking to replace non-living structures seaward of the GBSL, Hines pointed out, a simpler process needs to be in place for them.

On Jan. 11, Hines made similar remarks in regard to a variance request regarding a chickee hut on Casey Key Road. In that case, as well, a non-living structure was the focal point. “If it gets blown down in [a] storm, so what. … There’s no harm to the public here.”

During that hearing, Hines told his colleagues he wanted to work with staff to try to expand the types of variance petitions staff can handle. On Feb. 7, he suggested the possibility of staff’s putting requests regarding non-living structures beyond the GBSL on board agendas as “Presentation Upon Request” items; those provide

for a formal public hearing only when people show up to address the board and/or the request has become controversial.

Commissioner Nancy Detert told her colleagues on Feb. 7, “I have a problem with the pool,” including the fact that two-thirds of the structures on the Jecmiks’ property are seaward of the GBSL. The staff report said the pool and deck were constructed in 1996 by a previous owner of the property, but staff could find no record that a Coastal Setback Variance was

approved for the work.

“If we keep allowing pools to go past where they’re supposed to be, and then they crumble … it’s no surprise,” she said. “So I wish we could have an ordinance that would disallow swimming pools [in such situations].”

Nonetheless, she said, in this case, because the new pool would be only 4 feet further seaward than the existing pool, she was willing to approve the variance.

Because of language in Chapter 54 of the county’s Coastal Setback

Code, Berna explained, staff is limited to making decisions on smaller projects only. Even though this petition regards construction within the existing footprint of the pool deck, Berna added, the new pool still will be 4 feet further seaward of the current one. “That’s kind of walking … that fine line” for the staff threshold to make a decision, based on the code, Berna said. This petition just did not meet the criteria for staff approval, he told the board.

Continued on page 20

Come Enjoy Our Live Music!!!

MONDAY Sandy Grecco (5-8 PM)

TUESDAY Jazz

WEDNESDAY RPM

(5-8 PM)

(5-9 PM)

THURSDAY Tommy Santelli (5-8 PM)

FRIDAY Andres Collin (5-9 PM)

SATURDAY Larry Williams or Chris Otto (5-9 PM)

SUNDAY Democracy

(Reggae Music)

(4-8 PM)

ST. PATRICK’S DAY - FRIDAY, MARCH 17 MUSIC WITH : ANDRES COLIN

Serving Rueben Sandwiches and Corned Beef & Cabbage All Day BOOK YOUR NEXT PARTY IN OUR RENOVATED PRIVATE WATERFRONT ROOM • DATES ARE FILLING UP FAST!

8

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

941.349.0194

Financial Focus

NOTICE:

Lorraine’s Island Beauty & Barber has moved Effective August 20, 2016, Doris Waywell Smith, owner of Lorraine’s Island Beauty & Barber shop moved to the Village.

After 40+ years and thousands of customers, Waywell Smith along with Brian will be working out of Salon Capelli, located at 5057 Ocean Blvd.

To make an appointment, please call Doris at 941-346-7206 or email her at Waywellsmithdoris@gmail.com

Tax Freedom Day, which typically occurs in late April, according to the Tax Foundation, is the day when the nation as a whole has earned enough money to pay off its total tax bill for the year. So you may want to use this opportunity to determine if you can liberate yourself from some investment-related taxes in the future.

Actually, Tax Freedom Day is something of a fiction, in practical terms, because most people pay their taxes throughout the year via payroll deductions. Also, you may not mind paying your share of taxes, because your tax dollars are used in many ways – such as law enforcement, food safety, road maintenance, public education, and so on – that, taken together, have a big impact on the quality of life in this country. Still, you may want to look for ways to reduce those taxes associated with your investments, leaving you more money available to meet your important goals, such as a comfortable retirement.

So, what moves can you make to become more of a “tax-smart”

www.siestasand.net

|Can You Make Your Investments Less “Taxing”?

investor? Consider the following: • Know when to hold ’em. If you sell an investment that you’ve held for less than one year, any profit you earn is considered a short-term capital gain, and it will be taxed at the same rate as your ordinary income. (For 2016, ordinary income tax rates range from 10% to 39.6%.)

But if you hold the investment for longer than one year, your profit will be taxed at the longterm capital gains rate, which, for most taxpayers, will be just 15%.

If at all possible, then, hold your investments at least long enough to qualify for the lower capital gains rate.

• Look for the dividends. Similar to long-term capital gains, most stock dividends are taxed at 15% for most taxpayers. Thus, dividendpaying stocks can provide you with an additional source of income at a tax rate that’s likely going to be lower than the rate on your ordinary earned income. As an added benefit, many dividendpaying stocks also offer growth potential. With some research, you can find stocks that have paid, and

even increased, their dividends over a period of many years. (Be aware, though, that companies are not obligated to pay dividends and can reduce or discontinue them at their discretion.)

• Use those tax-advantaged accounts. Virtually all retirement accounts available to you, whether you’ve set them up yourself or they’re made available by your employer, offer some type of tax advantage. With a traditional IRA, or a 401(k) or similar employersponsored retirement plan, your contributions are typically taxdeductible and your earnings can grow tax deferred. Contributions to a Roth IRA, or a Roth 401(k), are never deductible, but earnings can grow tax free, provided you meet certain conditions. The bottom line? Contribute as much as you can afford to the tax-advantaged plans to which you have access.

Tax Freedom Day is here and then it’s gone. But by making some tax-smart investment decisions, you might reap some benefits for years to come.

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

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

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

It’s a Sweet Life for This Kansas Couple

By Diana Colson In January 2016, Jerry and Jill Williams purchased ABEL’S ICE CREAM. It’s a wonderful place to chill out, for the setting takes you back to a simpler time. The place is immaculate, with six tables and twenty seats indoors, and more seating available on the sidewalk outside. It provides an inviting, relaxing escape from the Florida sun.

It’s easy to drop by for a sweet treat at Abel’s. The shop has great parking! It’s in the same Stickney Point Plaza as New Balance shoes and Stonewood Grill, across Avenue A from Peltz Shoes, Earth Origins, and Carrabba’s.

Trip Advisor calls Abel’s Florida-made ice cream the best in Sarasota, and the flavors range from classic vanilla and chocolate to more exotic tastes like Raspberry Truffle, Caramel Caribou, and Elephant Ears. They also serve a delicious, hard-tofind Italian Spumoni, which swirls together pistachios, chocolate, cherries, almonds, and a special blind of glace fruits that carries you back to old Napoli!

The variety of classic and exotic flavors are served in cups or cones (waffle, sugar, or gluten-free), or can be made into old-fashioned sodas, milk shakes, malts, sundaes, or banana splits.

Located at 1886 Stickney Point Road, Abel’s offers more than tasty ice cream. They also serve handmade and decorated gourmet truffles and chocolates from Sweet Shop USA, and a collection of gourmet food items and high-quality jams and jellies from Stonewall Kitchen.

There’s a lot to see inside Abel’s.

The extraordinary photos of Arnold Berns, owner of Studio 41, adorn the walls. The man has a vision for Sarasota landmarks, using infrared film to create stunning, dream-like works. The art will please the eye as much as the cup of Coconut Almond Fudge or Dark Chocolate Champagne Truffle will please the palate.

Jerry and Jill Williams discovered their love of Florida by vacationing in the area several times. Once they

Jill and Jerry Williams

Peanut decided to put their professional experience to work by going into business for themselves, they approached a business broker who had just received the listing for Abel’s Ice Cream. They quickly recognized the genius in the simple but successful business model created by Bill and Norma Abel years earlier.

The Williams arrived in Sarasota the weekend of “The Tornado” which struck our town on January 16, 2016. This was not without a bit of irony, the couple having just come here from Kansas! They arrived with two cars and one Dachshund/Jack Russell mix, Peanut.

Today, Jerry runs the dayto-day operation of Abel’s Ice Cream, along with several parttime high school employees. Of his workday, Jerry says, with a grin: “I show up, have fun, and meet great people. I can’t imagine a better job!” Since the store doesn’t open until noon, Jerry sometimes finds time in the morning for another of his passions: Golf.

Both Jerry and Jill enjoy the many opportunities to spend time outside. One of their newest interests? Paddle boarding.

When they’re not working, you might find them taking their boards out to the bay. Or maybe see them heading to the gulf to enjoy the crystal sands of Siesta or the quietness of Turtle Beach.

Married for eighteen years, Jerry and Jill both love island life and are so thankful to be living their dream. They promised themselves that, no matter how many glorious walks on the beach they experience, they’ll never take it for granted.

Jerry and Jill also believe in giving back to their community.

They are members of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, have joined a homeless outreach program through their church, and participate in “Hope in a Back Pack”, a program that serves needy children.

ABEL’S ICE CREAM is open 7 days a week: from noon to 9:30 p.m. daily, and from noon to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. It is in South Bridge Plaza at 1886 Stickney Point Rd. 941-921-5700.

Don’t Waste Your Island Time Crossing Bridges!

We are conveniently located just a few steps from Crescent Beach and minutes away from anywhere on the Key.

• Full Service Grocery • Party Trays • Boar’s Head Meat & Cheese • Domestic & Micro Beers • Fabulous Deli Sandwiches Made to Order! • Largest Wine Selection on Siesta Key • Farm Fresh Produce • Beach Supplies • Butcher Shop • Take Out Meals

We Deliver to Siesta Key!

941-312-0472 fax: 941-312-9588

www.crescentbeachgrocery.com

1211 Old Stickney Point Rd., Siesta Key, FL 34242 (corner of Stickney Pt. and Midnight Pass Rd.)

9

10

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

941.349.0194

Landings Shopping Center But the first order of business, Mathes said, included a walking tour of the property by Benderson representatives, as they check on what deferred-maintenance issues need to be addressed as well as aspects to include in renovation work — since the foreclosure purchase was made without inspection. “We are walking the property, getting to know it,” Mathes said.

Nearby residents, meanwhile, have voiced relief that the center, which has been struggling to fill retail spaces over the past few years and went into foreclosure last year, will get some new life. “We are all thrilled,” said Bill Whitman, president of The Landings Homeowners Association, Inc. Whitman pointed to Pelican Plaza, to the south, as an example of how Benderson can turn around an older shopping plaza. Whitman said that kind of improvement will be a welcome change at the Landings Center; he heard from a retailer who has long since

moved out of the center that the previous Michigan-based owner did not respond to necessary maintenance needs.

The Landings Shopping Center was built in 1988, and the Pelican Plaza was built in 1983, and both centers were in need of sprucing up before Benderson purchased the retail centers. Pelican Plaza, across from Westfield Sarasota Square, had a good number of vacancies when Benderson purchased it in 2012, yet now it’s home to top retailers such as Ulta Beauty, Total Wine and More, Petco, and a Sprouts Farmers Market that is slated to open in April.

A key factor With a prime location next to residential areas and easy access to U.S. 41, there’s big potential for the Landings center, says commercial realtor Ron Flynn.

Based on Benderson’s previous local projects, Flynn believes the purchase will bring a solid foundation, as the company will

Continued from cover story

invest in the property’s upkeep and appearance. Perhaps most importantly, Flynn believes the company will study the kind of retailers that will fit in the market for the area. “It’s good news for the community,” said Flynn, who lives on Siesta and shops at the center.

However, the caliber of new tenants at the center — and specifically which retailer Benderson lands to fill the void at the 30,171-square-foot anchor space left vacant when Office Depot left in late 2015 — will be a key factor in the level of success of the center. “What will be key is the tenant that fills the Office Depot space,” Flynn told Siesta Sand.

Mathes told Siesta Sand that the company is in talks with a potential tenant about the possibility of moving into the Office Depot space. In addition, the company is “actively making a decision in which way to point the center.”

Mathes said the company

Happiness is…Giving Back Nothing beats the feeling of giving back. Whether it’s donating time or money, giving back to a loved one or just being nice to a random person, when we give back it just feels great.

That’s why we at Abel’s Ice Cream have embraced the Sarasota community and appreciate our chosen opportunities to get involved and make a difference.

This month, we were extremely excited to once again be a participating sponsor of the VW Hope in a Backpack Program, a successful venture (operating on privatedonations) to provide weekend meals to children who otherwise might go hungry.

This year’s 6th annual event, which took place on February 18th, sported a “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” theme, which was particularly fun for Jerry, a sports-lover extraordinaire. Jerry happily scooped up almost 200 cups of fantastic Abel’s flavors to the event attendees and talked about his favorite baseball team, The Kansas City Royals.

What about you? What’s your favorite way to give back? We’d love for you to stop by Abel’s and let us know.

In honor of Hope In A Backpack, we are featuring the same great flavors this month that we served at the event.

Flavors such as Stellar Coffee (Rich coffee ice cream with delicious fudge & mini dark chocolate coffee cups), Coconut Almond Fudge (Tropical coconut ice cream with fudge ribbon & roasted almonds), Captain’s Chocolate (Smooth, triple rich award winning house chocolate ice cream), Raspberry Truffle (A Heavenly combination… raspberry ice cream with raspberry ribbon & dark chocolate raspberry cups.)

www.siestasand.net

Sharon Lieber, President,VW Hope in a Backpack is flanked by Jerry & Jill from Abel’s Ice Cream

Abel’s Ice Cream is located at 1886 Stickney Point Road in Sarasota, just a quick trip across the bridge from Siesta Key in the same plaza as Stonewood Grill and the New Balance store. Open Sunday through Thursday from Noon-9:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday from Noon-10 pm. Learn more online at www.abelsicecream.com or connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Trip Advisor calls Abel’s Florida-made ice cream the “Best in Sarasota”

WWW.ABELSICECREAM.COM 1886 Stickney Point Road 941-921-5700

believes the Landings center and the company’s proposed mixeduse Siesta Promenade, which includes a retail component, are two separate projects that serve distinct areas.

Financial information for the Landings center transaction, such as the sales prices was not disclosed, and was not yet available on the county’s property appraiser website as of press time.

More than a dozen of the roughly 30 retail spaces in the center that had been owned by the Landings of Sarasota Florida, LLC. remain vacant, and Benderson has plans to start filling them.

The shopping center is located on U.S. 41 just outside The Landings community, but neither the plaza nor its owner Landings of Sarasota Florida, LLC is affiliated with The Landings or the LMA in any way.

“an improvement” Whitman believes with Benderson at the helm, the center that borders his community can once again become a destination shopping center. Easy access from U.S. 41 to several residential areas, in addition to The Landings’ 700 residences, make it a great location. In addition, many Landings residents walk or bike to the plaza.

Whitman said many residents love going to Gecko’s Grill and Pub, the chain’s original location, and other staple businesses in the center. His wife shops at the Dollar Tree. Whitman said he’d like to see perhaps a few new

restaurants inside the center to replace some of the restaurants that struggled to stay open, or perhaps a café where patrons can sit outside with their dogs. But merely maintaining the property the way it should be taken care of and meeting the needs of tenants “will be an improvement.”

According to the lis pendens suit filed in December, 2015 in the Circuit Court of the 12th Judicial Circuit, the Plaintiff, U.S. Bank, National Association, as trustee for Morgan Stanley Capital Inc., had instituted the foreclosure filing against the owner, Landings of Sarasota Florida LLC. A total of at least three parcels — filling about 93,000 square feet of indoor space — within the center were included in the foreclosure suit.

However, the free-standing buildings near the shopping center — including Sweet Tomatoes and Olive Garden — are separately owned and were not impacted by the foreclosure proceedings. In addition, the parcel that houses the Publix grocery space, 4840 S. Tamiami Trail, is also separately owned, by Publix Super Markets Inc., and thus was not impacted by the proceedings or recent sale.

The plaza, at 4800 S. Tamiami Trail, was built in 1988, according to Sarasota County Property Records. Centrally located on Tamiami Trail, the shopping center is one of the largest in the county, but had been hit with a spate of vacant storefronts, including Office Depot. Starting in 2014, the national office retailer began closing hundreds of stores nationally.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

11

Updates on bicycle safety Sarasota County staff is planning to paint “sharrows” on Ocean Boulevard where no bike lane exists, SKA Director Harold Ashby told the approximately 50 people attending the nonprofit’s February meeting.

The goal in putting down these images of bikes with directional arrows, he said, is to remind motorists that they have to share the road.

“They won’t paint the pavers, but they’ll paint the asphalt,” he added of county crew members, referring to the stretch from Beach Road through Siesta Village to the Treasure Boat Way intersection where no bike lanes are designated. The work probably will be done this summer, he said.

Patrick Lui, coordinator of the county’s Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails program plans to coordinate with the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and Ashby about the timing of the addition of the sharrows to the road.

Obviously, Lui pointed out, it would be better to wait until after season to schedule the project.

Asked about the cost, Lui said he estimated it would be between $3,000 and $4,000; the funds will come out of the county’s Capital Improvement Program allocation for the county’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.

The distance the sharrows will cover is close to half a mile, Lui added. County staff plans to send a postcard to property owners in the surrounding area before the work gets underway, he noted, to advise them about what will be taking place.

Lui praised the efforts of Ashby and Gene Kusekoski — who has been collaborating with Ashby — to educate people about bike safety on the island and to make improvements. “It’s real important to have residents like Harold and Gene to be leaders in the community,” Lui added, calling them “community champions.”

Lui also pointed out that the county has put down about 10 lane miles of sharrows since the start of 2016. For more about the county’s Ride & Stride program regarding bicyclists and pedestrians, Lui refers people to the Ride & Stride Facebook page.

During the SKA meeting, Ashby also pointed out that although Florida state law allows bicyclists to ride on sidewalks, that is a dangerous practice.

During the discussion, an audience member asked Ashby how to resolve a problem on Treasure Boat Way, up to the Higel Avenue intersection. The grass has grown out into the bike lane, the woman explained, “and has never been cut back.”

Thus, the bike lane has been narrowed, she told Ashby.

“We’ll talk to them about it,” Ashby replied, referring to county staff members.

However, Gene Kusekoski suggested that that would be “the perfect thing” for

SeeClickFix, a county app that allows people to use their smartphones to take photos of problems and then email them to the county, so the issues can be remedied.

“It’s on our website,” Ashby added of the link to SeeClickFix. “These guys are good,” he said. Whenever he has used the system to report a problem, Ashby told the audience, the issue has been resolved quickly.

During the SKA’s Jan. 12 meeting, Ashby also commented on the island bicycle maps the organization had printed last year. “They’ve been flying off the shelves,” especially at the public beach, the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce’s office in Davidson Plaza and grocery stores on the island.

The SKA’s next goal, he said then, was to distribute them to the condominium complexes on the Key, so they could be inserted into visitors’ packets and placed among other informational material people could pick up for free in condo offices.

Ashby also noted that he had obtained bicycle crash data for Siesta Key for the two previous years, which was available from the University of Florida. During that period, he said, 20 crashes reported on the island involved injuries and/or property damage. “Twenty is a big deal, and fortunately, there were no deaths.”

He and Kusekoski met with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) representatives earlier that week, he said. “They were kind of shocked [at the statistics].” The data should be useful, he

continued, as the SKA seeks grant funds for repairs to Midnight Pass Road, which “is very difficult to ride because of uneven surfaces.”

He and Kusekoski showed the FDOT representatives some of the problem areas, he said. In fact, as they were walking along, Ashby noted, they passed a bicyclist at one point. When one of the FDOT representatives turned back to watch the cyclist, Ashby continued, “the guy almost fell, hitting one of the obstacles that we had pointed out. They’re convinced there’s a problem,” he added of the FDOT staff members, and they said they would work on a resolution.

The SKA also will be partnering with the Out-of-Door Academy on the Key to host a bicycle safety course, Ashby told the audience. Representatives of the school “are very enthusiastic [about it],” he said. He promised to provide more details on that in the future.

Further, Ashby continued, representatives of the League of American Bicyclists — an organization based in Washington, D.C., that advocates for cyclists — will be sending its vice president to meet with Ashby and Kusekoski this month to discuss the possibility of Siesta Key’s being designated a Bicycle Friendly Community.

“It’s like Dr. Beach for bicyclists,” Ashby explained. “It is a significant achievement.”

Stephen Leatherman of Florida International University is known worldwide as “Dr.

Beach” for his annual Top 10 list of beaches in the United States.

“It’ll probably take us a couple of years to get through the process of getting recognized [for bicycling],” Ashby pointed out. The League’s website explains that the Bicycle Friendly America “program is a tool for states, communities, business and universities to make bicycling a real transportation and recreation option for all people.”

Finally, Ashby talked about how “bicyclists are their own worst enemy,” creating problems for themselves by not obeying the law. For example, he said, some of them ride the wrong way on the street; the law calls for them to follow the same traffic patterns as motor vehicles do. “We need to talk to the Sheriff’s Office about enforcing the rules here,” Ashby added.

Audience member Margaret Jean Cannon took the opportunity to point out that cars often are parked illegally in the bike lanes on Beach Road, as well as on sidewalks. That needs to be addressed, she said, “especially with season coming up.”

That is another matter the SKA can bring up with the Sheriff’s Office, Ashby replied.

A second audience member pointed out that many of the culprits are workmen.

“They have no other place to park in most cases,” Ashby responded then, noting that residents do not want construction crew members’ vehicles in their yards for fear of oil leaks, for example.

12

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

SKCC Annual Awards Dinner – January 27, 2017 Photos by Trebor Britt

NEW BOARD MEMBERS Maria Bankemper, Stephanie Brown, Helene Hyland, Commissioner Al Maio, Mason Tush BOARD SERVICE APPRECIATION Kay Kouvatsos, Keith Martin, Bob Shaffer, Brad Stewart, Aledia Tush

AWARD RECIPIENTS SHARON CUNNINGHAM VISITORS CENTER VOLUNTEER – Rich Craig VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR – Esther Quiles SHINING STAR – Crystal Houghton, Midnight Cove BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR – Maria Bankemper, Best Western Plus, Crystal Classic Event Chair SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – Studio F Digital Marketing (Joye Argo & John Froberg) LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – Mattison’s Restaurants & Catering COMMUNITY PARTNER – Jerry Dillon, Sarasota County Parks & Recreation SKVA AWARD “Service Recognition” and “Honorary Mayor of Siesta Key Village” - Rosalind Hyman

SKVA AWARD “Service Recognition” and “Honorary Mayor of Siesta Key Village - Rosalind Hyman

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR – Maria Bankemper, Best Western Plus, Crystal Classic Event Chair

CUISINE OF NORTHEAST THAILAND

SHINING STAR – Crystal Houghton, Midnight Cove

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR – Esther Quiles

SHARON CUNNINGHAM VISITORS CENTER VOLUNTEER – Rich Craig (Photo submitted by Paige Diffley/ Chamber Promotional Events Coordinator)

ASK US ABOUT OUR DAILY SPECIALS!

daily .

3-6 p.m

Liquor ~ Wine ~ Beer • • • • • •

No MSG Vegan Vegetarian Seafood Curries Craft Beer

utt T Taakkee--doou aannd gg C Caatteerriinn

OUTDOOR

DINING

Gluten Free

With

Live Music

Fri./Sat.

4-8 PM

5758 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

941.923.1232

Next to Phillippi Estate Park.

Serving Siesta Key and Sarasota

www.IsanThaiRestaurant.com

8865 Midnight Pass Road South Siesta Key at Turtle Beach

941-349-2280

www.TurtleBeachGrill.com Sun. thru Thurs.11 AM - 9 PM Fri. & Sat. 11 AM-10 PM Every Day: Happy Hour 3 PM - 6 PM SERVING BREAKFAST 8-11 AM

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

13

14

Siesta Sand

Turtle’s

MARCH 2017

941.349.0194

ON LITTLE SARASOTA BAY CASUAL WATERFRONT DINING

8875 Midnight Pass Rd. • Siesta Key • 941-346-2207 Serving Lunch & Dinner From 11:30 AM

3-5 PM HAPPY HOUR DAILY • Discounted Well Drinks • Bar Appetizers 2.99- 3.99 $

$

Sunday Brunch $9.99 • 10 AM - 3 PM Incl. complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa

Early Bird Dinner Specials $

10.99 - $14.99 from 3-6:00 PM

Complete menu at turtlerestaurant.com

www.siestasand.net

April hearing date set for North Beach Road vacation lawsuit filed by Siesta resident

By Rachel Brown Hackney www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com A Feb. 13 hearing on Sarasota County’s motion to dismiss a complaint a Siesta Key resident filed over the County Commission’s May 11, 2016 vote to vacate a 357-foot segment of North Beach Road was cancelled on Feb. 8.

The action came as a result of plaintiff Michael Cosentino’s Feb. 3 request for court approval to file a second amended complaint in the case. Judge Frederick P. Mercurio granted that leave on Feb. 10. In the meantime, a new hearing date has been set for April 5, court records show.

In his latest filing, Cosentino incorporates an argument that his Sept. 8, 2016 purchase of a parcel at 10 Beach Road gives him greater standing to bring suit against the county. Additionally, he has pulled information from public records requests — which he has spoken of in numerous public meetings over the past months — to enhance arguments that were part of his original complaint.

Among the general allegations in his latest filing, Cosentino points out that, as owner of the 10 Beach Road property, he “has sufficient interests protected by the [county’s] Comprehensive Plan and State law to have standing in this matter, including his interest in Beach Road as a waterfront thoroughfare, and his interest in the density and intensity of development within the same subdivision plat …”

He maintains in the second amended complaint that the County Commission violated the Comprehensive Plan at the time of its May 11, 2016 decision to vacate the North Beach Road segment.

Only then-Commissioner Christine Robinson cast a “No” vote, citing the same policy Cosentino has referenced. Last summer, when the board approved an updated version of the Comprehensive Plan, it modified the language of that policy to make it less restrictive.

The original policy read, “The County shall not vacate road segments on waterfronts along any creek, river, lake, bay or Gulf access point and shall encourage right-of-way use of these areas for coastal beach and bay access.” The

new one says, “The County should not vacate road segments or access points on waterfronts along any beach, bay, creek, river, or lake, and should encourage public right-of way use of these areas for public shoreline and water access.”

The Maddens’ construction plans Cosentino’s original complaint also argued that the County Commission’s May 11 vote to give a Coastal Setback Variance to Dennis and Wendy Madden, owners of the property at 89 Beach Road, was a violation of the county’s Comprehensive Plan. The Maddens had sought the variance so they could tear down 12 dwelling units between North Beach Road and Avenida Veneccia and construct a new three-story, six-unit structure that would comply with all the current building standards.

Cosentino’s second amended complaint expands on the arguments he made in the first one in regard to the Maddens.

It says the road vacation was necessary to provide the Maddens with sufficient property to erect the six new units, as their attorney, Charles D. Bailey III of the Williams Parker firm, explained to the board in May 2016. The Maddens own property seaward of North Beach Road that they bought in August 2001, a county staff memo reported in May 2016. In a stipulation in their petition for the variance, they agreed that no construction ever would be allowed on those parcels closer to the Gulf of Mexico.

A May 11, 2016 county staff memo explained that without the

road vacation, the Maddens’ proposed new construction “would not meet current County Zoning Regulations with respect to density calculations and setbacks.” The road vacation would add 8,265 square feet to their property, the memo noted, which would allow them to increase the number of dwelling units they could build from five to six.

The complaint points out that even Howard J. Berna, the county’s manager of environmental permitting, wrote in a July 21, 2015 email, “‘It is my understanding that the purpose of the street vacation is to obtain the total lot square footage required to achieve the [Maddens’] desired outcome.’”

Additionally, the second amended complaint quotes correspondence dated Aug 10, 2015 between Bailey — the Maddens’ attorney — and Weiqi Lin, a member of the county’s Environmental Permitting Division staff. Lin wrote, “‘[V] erification of ROW [right-of-way] Vacation is required to meet density calculations,’” and Bailey answered, “‘Noted: We are processing Street Vacation Petition for Beach Road concurrently with this Coastal Setback Variance Application.’”

Cosentino also refers to Future Land Use Policy 1.1.2 in the county’s Comprehensive Plan, which says, “The intensity and density of future development on the Barrier Islands of Sarasota shall not exceed that allowed by zoning ordinances and regulations existing as of March 13, 1989,” except to allow the rebuilding of nonconforming duplexes and multi-family structures within their existing footprints, if their density exceeds the restrictions of the zoning ordinances.

A staff analysis prior to the May 11, 2016 public hearing pointed out that the total habitable area of the Maddens’ new structures would be 18,901 square feet, with an average of 3,150.2 square feet per unit, the complaint says. That would mean the living area in the new buildings would be 3.9 times larger than the average habitable area of the existing ones, it adds.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

15

More North Beach Road updates Bollards finally in place Sarasota County’s chief engineer, Isaac Brownman, confirmed on Feb. 2 that the longawaited bollards were installed in late January at the southern end of North Beach Road.

Dennis and Wendy Madden had been working on the project for months, Dennis Madden told SNL in late December 2016. He and his wife were among three sets of property owners on North Beach Road who petitioned last year for the county’s vacation of a 357-foot segment in front of houses they own.

The property owners’ attorney, Charles D. Bailey IIII of the Williams Parker firm, promised the commissioners bollards would be erected to prevent vehicular traffic on the stretch of road that has been closed since 1993 because of repeated storm damage.

Linda Valley, a supporter of Siesta resident Mike Cosentino — who has fought the County Commission’s May 11, 2016 approval of the road vacation petition on a 4-1 vote — mentioned the bollards during the Jan. 25 County Commission meeting.

Brownman added in his note to SNL — sent via county spokesman Drew Winchester — that the Maddens obtained a county right of way use permit to erect the structures. The effort was coordinated with the county’s Transportation Department, Brownman noted.

Limiting appearances before the County Commission Ever since the latter part of May 2016, Siesta resident Mike Cosentino has been a regular speaker at County Commission meetings, using Open to the Public segments to press his case that the board violated its Comprehensive Plan in voting on May 11, 2016 to vacate a 357-foot segment of North Beach Road.

In more recent months, Cosentino has addressed the board more than once during a meeting.

That action led to a request from Commissioner Charles Hines to the Office of the County Attorney.

Cosentino stepped to the podium on the afternoon of Jan.

25 — one of a number of people utilizing the Open to the Public period, because a discussion on the proposed Siesta Promenade was the first business item for board that afternoon. The Benderson Development project was not the focus of a public hearing.

Therefore, anyone wishing to comment on it had to speak during Open to the Public.

Cosentino told the commissioners he was out of town the previous day for a funeral, which was the reason he did not appear before them that morning. “I’m sure you all missed me,” he added and then chuckled.

Before Cosentino could say anything further, Hines turned to Deputy County Attorney Alan Roddy.

His understanding, Hines said, is that under the board’s Administrative Rules of Order, an individual can speak on any topic during Open to the Public.

However, the individual may not offer comments on a specific subject more than once during a meeting unless the board grants the person additional time. “Is that accurate?” Hines asked Roddy.

“I would have to check on that,” Roddy replied. “I’m sorry.”

Hines then pointed out that Cosentino already had appeared before the commission that morning to discuss the North Beach Road vacation. “He’ll probably stay and speak again a third time,” Hines added, referring to the Open to the Public period provided at the end of that afternoon’s agenda.

Nonetheless, Hines continued, he did not hear the commissioners grant Cosentino permission to talk about North Beach Road more than once on Jan. 25.

“I’ll let it go today,” Hines said, “but I’d like [the rules] reviewed.”

Chair Paul Caragiulo concurred, asking that the board have the information prior to its next meeting, which was set for Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the R.L. Anderson Administration Center in Venice.

When Cosentino began speaking again, he indicated he had planned to address all the board members.

Instead, Cosentino continued, “Mr. Hines, I guess we’ll just stay with you.”

That morning, one of Cosentino’s supporters who has preceded him in numerous Open

to the Public appearances had responded to questioning from Hines about one particular facet of the North Beach Road issue. It focused on whether the segment the board vacated actually is on the waterfront. Hines argued that it is not. Lots stand seaward of the road, Hines told Linda Valley of Siesta Key. The property owners who petitioned for the vacation of the portion of North Beach Road own those lots; part of their agreement with the county regarding the road vacation was the stipulation that they never would attempt to build on those parcels.

Valley insisted that the lots were not buildable, anyway. Hines disagreed with her.

Cosentino and Valley continue to point to part of the county’s Comprehensive Plan that was in effect on May 11, 2016. Parks Policy 1.1.13 said, “The County shall not vacate road segments on waterfronts along any creek, river, lake, bay or Gulf access point and shall encourage right-of-way use of these areas for coastal beach and bay access.”

In response to a SNL question about the Office of the County Attorney’s determination regarding the board’s Administrative Rules of Order, county spokesman Jason Bartolone provided a copy of the rules. In a Jan. 30 email, Bartolone wrote, “Section II.3(b) on Page 14 [addresses] speaking twice on the same subject at the same meeting, and II.2(7) on Page 13 addresses redundancy.”

The first section he referenced says, “No person may speak more than once on the same subject at the same meeting unless granted permission by the Board.”

The second section to which Bartolone pointed reads, “All public comments shall avoid personal attacks, abusive language and redundancy.”

By the way, when Cosentino made his first appearance at the Jan. 25 County Commission meeting, he was wearing an eyecatching item of clothing. “I got you guys a new jacket so you could see me coming,” he joked.

The white linen jacket has “RBR” stitched on both lapels.

“RBR” stands for Cosentino’s nonprofit organization, Reopen Beach Road.

ALPINE STEAKHOUSE St. Patrick’s Day Fri., Mar. 17

Corned Beef Briskets, NE Gray Corned Beef Shepherd’s Pie, Club Condo Parties, Etc. Also available in restaurant.

Easter Favorites Order Soon!

Leg of Lamb, Duck, Rabbit, Smoked Ham, Turducken, Polish Kielbasa, Bockwurst

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

Home of the Sarasota TurDucKen as seen on The Food Network with Guy Fieri the host of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

JOIN OUR FREE V.I.P. MOBILE CLUB RECEIVE WEEKLY SPECIALS!

Prime Aged Steaks, Chops, Seafood, NY Deli Meats, Sausage, Salads

Serving Sarasota Since 1975

Voted SaraSota’S BeSt Philly CheeSeSteak and ny reuBen!

We Offer Complete Catering Services

OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY www.alpinesteak.com

4520 S. Tamiami Sarasota, FL 34231

941.922.3797

16

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

5105 Ocean Blvd.

Sarasota

FLORIDA 34242

941-346-7218 mountnrepairsiestakey.com FB Mount-N-Repair Siesta Key, Sarasota, FL

Aquarium Trips Weddings • Any Occasion Group Rides On And Off The Key

SERVICING SARASOTA

941.952.TAXI (8294)

SiestaKeyFreeRide.com

Island resident, Mike Cosentino shared his huge heart with visitors and locals on Valentine’s Day. The heart was positioned to capture the gorgeous Siesta Key sunset

Siesta Key Round-Up

By Rachel Brown Hackney www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com Free Pizza on the Key Solorzano’s Pizzeria on Siesta Key will celebrate their 10th Anniversary operating on the Key. Phil Solorzano wants to thank everyone that has helped make this happen.

On Sunday March 12, FREE PIZZA from 3pm to 4pm celebrating 10 amazing years on Siesta Key. PARTY IS AT THE SIESTA KEY LOCATION located at 215 Avenida Madera, Siesta Key Village. See their current ad located on the back page of this edition.

Letter to the Editor

New Location In Chili’s Plaza

4141 S. Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, FL 34231

941.924.5155

sarasota@merlenormanstudio.com

Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios have been independently owned and operated since 1931

My comments are in response to the front page of Siesta Sand, February 2017 issue, Ms. Hackney’s excellent article re History of Midnight Pass.

It was widely known that ‘owners’ started the campaign to fill in Midnight Pass, and many folks were unaware of names, dates, etc. However, now we learn, home owners Messrs, Solomon and Carter were so alarmed about their precious property maybe tumbling into Midnight Pass and that in 1983 Sarasota County Commission granted ‘permission’ to bulldoze and close the Pass, is beyond belief.

This was an egregious act that they and local officials are to blame.

Further reading, shockingly, the ‘blessed’ plan was granted without environmental studies, no baseline data, no water monitoring, etc., Without these findings, ultimately, with amazing speed (two months) the “permission’ granted, makes one believe today’s used term… ..”Follow the Money”.

We moved here to Siesta Key in 2006 and were surprised when taking a boat ride south to Venice that the water is so blue and clear.

From the Midnight Pass up to Big Pass the Intercoastal water is brackish, brown and murky, very unpleasant to look at. All this due to the haste and selfishness of individuals who colluded with local government, never giving thought to the ramifications that we now live with. Beach erosion on Turtle Beach, south Siesta, and now south Lido beach are ALL clear signs that this horrific act in 1983 is the absolute reason why today, taxpayers are funding these pitiful hasty decisions. Not to mention, since living here, the expense incurred by many environmental impact studies to open Big Pass….all failed.

Today, we must wonder if the go-ahead is approved to renourish south Lido Key, what will happen to Crescent Beach - our Number One tourist attraction here in Sarasota.

Ms. Patterson’s words “it’s hard to trust folks once they’ve fooled you”.

Beware, the wrath of Mother

Solorzano’s offering FREE PIZZA, March 12, from 3-4PM Nature, there are consequences.

Sincerely, Lynne A. Croshier.

Good news from FEMA In late January, Matt Osterhoudt, interim director of Sarasota County’s Planning and Development Services Department, notified County Administrator Tom Harmer that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has informed the county that it is eligible to claim reimbursement for disaster-related expenses associated with thenTropical Storm Hermine on south Siesta Key. An approximately $21.5-million project to renourish about 2 miles of that part of the Key — including Turtle Beach — was completed in late April.

Osterhoudt added in his Jan. 24 email that staff was in the process of surveying the area “to determine the scope of the issues and a potential project.” Staff also met that week with FEMA representatives in Sarasota, he noted.

“From what we understand,” Osterhoudt continued, “there would be some level of matching funds required to move forward with this initiative.

“We will provide an update to administration when more information is available regarding the extent of the affected area, what a project could entail, the associated funding plan, and next steps,” he wrote.

In early September 2016, staff surveys of the shoreline following Hermine’s passage found that an area at Turtle Beach showed signs of beach erosion and approximately 5 to 10 feet of dune erosion, including a limited loss of

some of the recently planted dune vegetation at the south end of the project area.

Free Donut or coffee Everyone can treat themselves to a FREE Donut or coffee from the new Donut Experiment location in the SK Village. Just redeem the coupon located on page 21 of this edition. Every donut is made fresh. Here is what they are saying online; The Donut Experiment on Anna Maria Island has been on my “bookmark” list for months, but it’s just a little out of the way, so we had not made it there...but when I found out a location was moving on Siesta Key, I was SO excited!

My daughter and I visited today around lunchtime and we had a really great experience! The staff was very friendly, the donuts were fun to pick out (and very tasty) and the prices were reasonable. I also loved the house iced coffee! The Donut Experiment is located at 217 Avenida Madera, 941-312-0521.

SKA Annual Breakfast Meeting The Siesta Key Association will hold its annual breakfast meeting Saturday March 4 at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, Community room. Doors open at 8:30 am for Coffee, Tea, and Juice. Breakfast Buffet starts at 8:45 am, Annual Meeting from 9:20-11:00 am.

Free breakfast for all members with a reservation, Email: info@ siestakeyassociation.com or call 941-364-4880, $20 for Visitors or join at the door. Speaking at our Breakfast, The Honorable Allan Maio Commissioner, Sarasota County and Tom Harmer, Sarasota County administrator.

Continued on the next page

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Naturally More Beautiful There are many options when considering how to keep your skin and body younger looking and feeling great. At Massage Experience, Siesta Key we offer safe and effective ways to pamper and improve your skin’s health and appearance. These options include combinations of therapeutic Massage and Facial treatments.

Our anti-aging facials and rejuvenating advanced aesthetic protocols, which include Microcurrent “non-surgical facelift” facials, Dermaplaning facials, and Micro-Retinol Clinical Peels, are non-invasive and highly effective treatments that will leave you looking and feeling refreshed and renewed. These pampering and relaxing treatments provide results that are clearly visible on the first visit and improve as you progress with a series. Following a series, simple monthly maintenance treatments will help you retain your healthy skin and smooth, luminous glow. In addition, these facial treatments are a great alternative to surgery or expensive injections.

With the addition of Linda Conti, Paramedical Aesthetician, to our staff, we can now offer dermaplaning facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and luxurious European facials using Pevonia Botanica that contain all natural, organic ingredients which produce professional results.

Together Connie and Linda offer advanced skin care in tandem, (duel/same time) appointments allowing same time facial appointments perfect for special spa days for friends, mothers and

Linda Conti daughters, and couples. Massage Experience, Siesta Key is the only spa providing this service option.

Dermaplaning facials use a custom dermaplaning blade to provide the ultimate exfoliation of your skin, removing surface hair and 3 weeks of dead skin that results in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improvement of cellular turnover, increased absorption of skin care products, and a smooth luminous skin glow that lasts for weeks. That nasty “peach fuzz” facial hair is removed, allowing flawless makeup application.

Our micro-current “non-surgical facelift” facial utilizes very low levels of electrical current to lift, tone, and tighten facial muscles.

A study by the University of Washington proved that microcurrent increases your skin’s elastin fibers by 45%, collagen by 10% and the number of blood vessels by 35%. It can increase ATP, your body’s building block, by 500%.

This is how it “rejuvenates” your

Siesta Key Round-Up A suggestion for the wastewater plant site With county work proceeding on schedule for the decommissioning of the Siesta Key Wastewater Treatment Plant at the end of the year, members of the Siesta Key Association (SKA) last month heard a proposal for a potential use of the site.

Philip Chiocchio told the attendees at the Jan. 12 meeting that he is chair of a subcommittee

face, softening wrinkles and toning facial muscles. The effects are immediate and cumulative. This uplifting therapy is preventative, as well as, corrective. It is a great alternative to surgery, as it is noninvasive, requires no recovery time, has no complications, is far less expensive than plastic surgery, and above all gives instant results. If you have received facial injections (such as Botox or Juvederm), this treatment will help maintain your lifting results between injections.

The micro-current facial offers the most beneficial results on a cumulative basis with a series of 5 treatments, followed by a monthly maintenance treatment.

During the months of March and April, Linda is offering her signature dermaplaning facial (a $125 value) at the special introductory price of $95. Connie will be offering her micro-current “non-surgical facelift” at a 15% discount when a series of 5 treatments is purchased, during the months of March and April.

Call today to book your advanced facial service or massage!

Our talented licensed massage therapists offer therapeutic massage, which includes Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage,

Neuromuscular / Medical Massage, Sports Massage, or Reiki in 30, 60, 90, and 120 minute sessions. Massage upgrade options include a hot stone treatment; aromatherapy oils (which includes oil to take home); a hand or foot scrub, and/or an herbal infused full body polish.

Massage Experience, Siesta Key is conveniently located in the Davidson Plaza in the Village and is open 6-days-aweek year round, and 7-days-aweek in season. Appointments may be made online at www.

MassageExperienceSK.com or by calling 941-349-4833.

17

Connie Lewis

(MA00017596/ MM0006727) (Advertorial)

Connie Lewis, BS, LMT, Aesthetician and owner established Massage Experience, Siesta Key in June of 1996.

She attended the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in Worcester, Massachusetts in January of 1994, then moved to Sarasota, Florida to continue her career in massage therapy.

“My personal philosophy when massaging a client for the first time, or the hundred and first time, is to let my hands ‘tell me what to do.’

After so many years of practice I have a sixth sense about pressure and what the client may need from me during the session.

I listen with my hands and utilize my years of practice and personal experience to give the client the perfect session for them.”

Continued from the previous page

on mangrove awareness, living seawalls and living shorelines for the Sarasota Bay Fisheries Forum.

That group comprises anglers, scientists and others “seeking to proactively address fisheries management and science topics in the Sarasota Bay area,” according to a Mote Marine press release.

The forum partners with Mote and the Florida Sea Grant program, Chiocchio told the audience.

He then explained that New College of Florida “cut a hole in

YUM, GUM!

We never used to recommend or discuss chewing gum. In fact we discouraged it because it “pulled out” fillings and crowns, etc.

But we’ve learned a few things. First...that gum never “pulls” out acceptable fillings or crowns, only those that really needed to be changed anyhow. And we learned that chewing gum helps to stimulate saliva and moisten the mouth and teeth. As our population grows older we find that many of us have to take medications that dry up the mouth which is leading to increased decay and gum disease. Also many of us are not as dexterous as we once were. And we have gums that are sweetened with Xylitol that inhibits cavity producing microorganisms and neutralizes acids these microorganisms produce.

So for many of our patients, young and old, we now actively recommend using gum with Xylitol right after eating and at least twice a day.

It’s easier to prevent oral disease than treat it. And it’s far less costly.

Palmer Ranch Dental Richard J. Greenspan DDS

8800 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida 34238

Call Today For An Appointment!

941-966-5603

www.palmerranchdental.com

its seawall and dug out an area upland” to create a living shoreline lagoon, “which is now a nursery.”

Red mangroves and birds are making the area their home, he continued.

The New College website points out that, with funding from the state, the school in 2012 was able to replace the seawall that was constructed in 1925-26.

The effort included the creation of “an intertidal lagoon with a sloping shoreline and additional

intertidal habitat,” giving students and visiting schoolchildren better access for “studying the natural environment.”

If the SKA was interested in pursuing a similar project on the wastewater plant property, he said, he would be happy to provide more details at a future meeting.

It took about a year-and-a-half for the New College initiative to come to fruition, he noted. “This might just be a beautiful project for Siesta Key.”

“That’s my pitch,” Chiocchio added.

Crystal Classic has quite an economic impact The 2016 Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival in November 2016 had an economic impact on Sarasota County of $8,134,000, the organizers have announced.

Continued on page 19

18

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

Sheriff’s Report

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Jan. 19-Feb 19, 2017

There were a total of 19 crimes reported on the Key between 1/19-2/19/17

Airport Transportation

941-343-2277

IN-STORE

COUPONS AVAILABLE!

Officially licensed accessories from the NFL, MLB, NCAA and NHL Mon. - Fri. 10 - 5 Sat. 10 - 4

www.skyboxstore.com

2163 Siesta Drive Sarasota, FL 34239 941-923-0635

1/21/17 Stolen Vehicle 8400 block Midnight Pass Rd. A boat and the trailer it was sitting on were stolen from a man’s yard. The boat was sitting on a silver double axel aluminum trailer of unknown brand ($1000.). The unregistered trailer was secured with a padlock. The boat is described as a 1992 22ft. Crowline bay style boat with a grey cover on it ($7000). The incident location is lined with trees and a privacy fence, except for the frontage on Midnight Pass Rd. There are no suspects.

1/23/17 Robbery 5200 Block Ocean Blvd.

A cab driver flagged down a patrol unit to report a juvenile had been robbed and beaten up near a Village bar. The victim was bleeding from the mouth and had an abrasion under his chin. A short while later the same cab driver arrived at the bar with the defendant in his vehicle. “ I think I might be in trouble, I just hit someone”, uttered the defendant before handing over a baggie filled with cash and a substance believed to be marijuana. According to the victim, he had been walking around the Village when he was approached by the defendant and asked if he wished to purchase drugs. The victim declined the offer but was followed by the defendant. When the victim stopped to talk to the defendant again, he was punched in the face and the $50 he was holding was taken by the defendant. After interviewing him, deputies charged the defendant with robbery with sudden snatching.

1/24/17 Burglary Residential 1000 Block Midnight Cove PL. A woman preparing for a night out laid out her outfit on her dresser and placed a gold box that contained the earrings she planned to wear next to the outfit. She left her items out and took her dog for a walk, which lasted about 40 minutes.

After returning from the walk, she continued to do things around the house until she was ready to get dressed. At that time she realized the gold box containing her David Webb earrings, valued at $18,000, was missing. The woman and her neighbor looked all around her

residence to no avail and realized they must have been stolen. Nothing else in her house was missing or moved. Deputies processed the scene and were able to lift several fingerprints from the sliding door.

1/27/17 Grand Theft 4900 block Higel Ave. A woman reported her pressure washer was stolen from the side of her garage. The washer was valued at $480. Further investigation is pending.

2/4/17 Burglary Residential 5000 Block Hidden Harbor Rd. A man checked on his vacant property today and discovered someone had been in the residence.

The house was secure but a security sign that was on the inside of the rear sliding door had been turned upside down. A wooden bar securing the sliders had been moved. A burner on the stove was discovered on.

No other items were moved. A few beer cans were on the rear deck of the home. The residence sits on a wooded lot sheltered for privacy and is not visible from the roadway. The complainant believes that construction workers from next door or the children of a former tenant that was evicted three months ago may be involved. All the locks to the residence were changed except for one after the tenants left. Security systems were discussed with the complainant.

2/6/17 DUI Property Damage, DUI .15 or higher, Resisting Arrest w/o Violence 6100 Block Midnight Pass Rd. An officer investigating a hit and run involving a pedestrian on a bicycle and a green BMW convertible was informed of another incident involving the same car.

Apparently, the BMW had also crashed head-on into a pole. A witness informed the officer that the man sitting on the sidewalk was the person driving the vehicle that was involved in the crash. The bicyclist also identified the man as the driver who struck him with his vehicle. The victim suffered abrasions to his arms consistent with road rash. The defendant showed obvious signs of extreme impairment and stated, “I’m sorry, I’m drunk”. When asked where he was coming from, the defendant replied ”Philadelphia”. Although the defendant stated that he was not involved in a crash, his car sustained heavy front-end damage to the bumper, the air bag was deployed and the passenger side mirror was missing. The man eventually admitted he had had “a few beers”.

After he was unable to complete the sobriety test due to constantly falling over, he was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI. 2/7/17 Burglary Residential 4400 Block Midnight Pass Rd. A contractor hired to make repairs on a home reported multiple tools stolen from the vacant residence.

After finishing work for the day, workers secured the doors to the residence and left. Upon their return the next morning, they noticed their tools missing from inside the residence and that the back door had been forced open. A $500 dry wall sander was missing as well as a Craftsman table saw ($200) and Ridgid Miter saw ($100). Officers noticed the backdoor had been pried open, possibly with a flat head screwdriver. Several fingerprints were collected and placed into evidence for processing.

2/10/17 Grand Theft 222 Beach Rd. The maintenance supervisor for Sarasota County Parks and Recreation reported sometime between 1/27 and 2/10, and unknown person took Beach Access sign #5. The sign was valued at $400.

There are no suspects in the case. A separate report was filed on the same day for the theft of the #12 Beach Access sign during the same time frame.

Gifts

For All Occasions

Shopping Monday - Saturday,

10 AM - 6 PM Closed Sundays

4420 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 941.260.8905

www.siestasand.net

Off Key

941.349.0194

By Robert Frederickson

Slow Down and Enjoy the View...

Part of the allure of Island life has always been the prospect of living life at a slower pace. Now at least one island community has undertaken enforcement of that ideal. The town of Holmes Beach has lowered its speed limit from 35 to 25 mph. Reaction so far has been decidedly mixed, generally breaking along the lines of whether or not you have somewhere you absolutely have to be in five minutes, in which case perhaps the town should post the Jamaican mantra “Irie mon, Irie...” beneath the new speed limit signs.

Bridge Opening Schedule to Change?

Meantime, the Coast Guard is accepting public comments on possible changes to bridge opening schedules along the gulf coast, potentially moving from three to two openings per hour. Under a proposal being considered, the Siesta and Stickney Point bridges would open only at the top and bottom of the hour from 6:00 am through 7:00 pm, while the Cortez and Manatee Avenue bridges leading to Anna Maria would switch to 15 and 45 minutes past the hour.

If you’d like to be heard on the matter, just follow this link through April 14: www.regulations.gov.

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

19

|From Island Traffic to Airport Lapses

Type in: Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Sarasota, FL., in search box on top of site.

Sarasota Traffic Update, 2027...

Speaking of traffic, planners from seven SW Florida Counties are uniting to back a proposed consolidation of existing and planned bike trails throughout the region. Dubbed the Gulf Coast Trail effort, backers envision a continuous trail stretching from Clearwater to Naples.

Talk about foresight...dust off your bikes and check your tires: given current traffic trends locally the proposed trail system might just be the fastest way to get around these parts if and when it is ever completed.

Homeless Going Mobile?

The city of Sarasota has entered into an agreement with the Gotcha Group to provide a free trolley service around town, ostensibly for tourists and city residents needing a quick lift from point A to point B. But it’s sure to be a big hit with the homeless population as well...just another on a long list of amenities that have made Sarasota the Riviera of homeless resort communities, especially during the winter months.

Siesta Key Round-Up The figure was based on data compiled by Research Data Services Inc., a news release says.

The Tampa firm has handled such research in the past for Visit Sarasota County.

Other data the release pointed to follows: • Total attendance for all areas of the festival was 56,500. (Along with the sand sculptures, the event features a Vendors Village.)

• 31% of attendees were “day trippers,” and 28.7% were overnight visitors, totaling 59.7% in out-of-county patronage.

• Average length of stay was 7.5 nights, with 16,800 room nights generated in area lodging.

• 37% of attendees came to the Crystal Classic for the first time,

MARCH 2017

Gotcha’s business model relies on selling advertising space in and on its vehicles. Still, the city of Sarasota has contributed $330,000 to the project. Why? I haven’t a clue...Unless it’s part of some clever plan to keep the homeless from blocking city sidewalks by making them mobile.

Lift Station 87 Update #478 (and counting) Work on the city of Sarasota’s ill-fated lift station 87 project got underway...again...last month with a new contractor and a brand new plan for micro-tunneling beneath Hudson Bayou, a distance you’d think was wider than the expanse of the Grand Canyon given the city’s woeful failure to make the crossing in its efforts to date. What was supposed to be a three year excursion with a price tag of $9 million has ballooned into a decade (at best) long project with a price tag north of $25 million.

And to think, the Empire State building, at a height of 1,250 feet, was built in less than 14 months!

SRQ Security Breach Sixties/seventies rocker and local resident Rick Derringer (of ‘Hang on Sloopy’ and ‘Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo’ fame) is facing federal charges in Atlanta for carrying a loaded revolver in his carry-on bag during a January 9th flight from Cancun, Mexico

Continued from page 17

which means 63% of the people were returning fans.

• Total economic impact of outof-county visitors was $7,647,000.

The production of the 2016 festival was a partnership between the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and Mote Marine Laboratory.

Founded in 2010, the Crystal Classic “is a collaborative community event that supports the cultural arts and celebrates beautiful Siesta Key Beach,” the release adds.

The event was established as the result of discussions between master sand sculptor and Siesta Key resident Brian Wigelsworth and representatives of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of

Commerce, the Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, Mote Marine Laboratory and Visit Sarasota County.

For more information about the Crystal Classic, visit www.

SiestaKeyCrystalClassic.com.

New SKA director Attendees of the Feb. 2 Siesta Key Association meeting formally met a new director for the organization: Gene Kusekoski. “[He] has actually been working for us the better part of last year,” Director Harold Ashby noted, primarily on initiatives the SKA has begun to make bicyclists safer on the Key. Continued on page 24

to Atlanta...something he told a federal air marshal investigating the incident that he does on a regular basis – “30 to 50 times a year.”

Derringer was on his way home to Sarasota – SRQ International – where his trip had originated on January 5th. This of course points to a breakdown of security here as well...in Sarasota, at the very airport where Air Force One sat on the tarmac on 9/11 as President Bush was addressing students at Booker Elementary School when he got word that the nation had been attacked by Islamic terrorists – some of whom we later learned had lived among us, planning and training for their attack right here in our community (several having attended flight training classes at Hoffman Aviation in Venice).

In an AP report, published last month in the Herald Tribune, SRQ Airport CEO Rick Piccolo is quoted as saying “The person who missed this in the screening (in Sarasota) was terminated.”

But if by Derringer’s own admission he has boarded 30-50

flights a year over multiple years with a loaded firearm and we logically assume that many if not most of those trips originated in his hometown of Sarasota, well, just how warm and fuzzy does that make you feel about our airport, and more generally the Transportation Security Administration’s efforts to secure air travel nationwide?

I was home that morning of 9/11. And living just three miles east of SRQ I felt our house shake as it never had before from the full throttle, tactical high angle ascent of Air Force One as it attempted to evade potential threats from the ground and air as the 747 rose up and banked steeply west, out over the gulf, destination unknown for a time, for all aboard and indeed, the entire nation.

We all recall the frightening events of that day. But also frightening is this security breach that continues the sad saga of our community’s association with the events that unfolded on that terrible day.

20

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

AT THE BEACH

BOOKENDS - These two sisters from Bradenton absolutely love Siesta Beach. Candice Riedel (21) and Cheyenne Verhelle (16) have been coming to Siesta for much of their lives.

Dario Diaz serenading his wife Erin of Chicago with his Fender ukulele on the powdery sands of Siesta Beach.

They’re enjoying a weeklong vacation here.

Casey Key Road The petition A memo Lin provided to the board in advance of the Feb. 7 public hearing explained that the Jecmiks had proposed converting 82 square feet of non-habitable area to habitable area by adding to the existing foundation of the pool deck and then replacing the pool of irregular shape with a rectangular one of similar size — 277 square feet. The new pool would be a maximum of 43.6 feet seaward of the GBSL and 113.1 feet landward of the Mean High Water Line.

Sarasotan’s Eliana Zehr (9), Tenley Zehr (5) Chloe Hoeper (5), TJ Zehr (4), Kennedy Hoeper (8), and Jaela Zehr all smiles on fabulous Siesta Beach.

High School soccer athlete, Caitlyn Carver (17) relaxing in the bright sun on Siesta Beach.

She will graduate from Sarasota High School this year and will likely attend State College of Florida in the fall.

University of South Florida senior, Emily Carver (22) of Sarasota enjoying a perfect day on Siesta Beach. She hopes to work in the health field and will soon leave on a European vacation.

Continued from page 7

Additionally, a new 1,185-squarefoot pool deck would replace the existing 1,194-square-foot deck, and a new patio of 417 square feet would be added to replace an existing paver and planter area of 104 square feet.

No members of the public had shown up to make comments, Chair Paul Caragiulo told his colleagues.

Lin also noted that he had received no correspondence on the petition since county staff published the agenda packet the previous week. No letters or emails

were included in that material, either.

6100 Midnight Pass Road As part of its unanimous approval of its Feb. 7 Consent Agenda, the County Commission adopted a resolution regarding the 6100 Midnight Pass Road construction on which it held a public hearing in December 2016.

The property owner originally applied for a variance that would have allowed him to demolish

two existing houses and replace them with an eight-unit structure that would have been 32.7 feet seaward of the GBSL. However, Commissioner Maio suggested the new dwelling units be moved completely landward of the GBSL, but the pool and deck could be seaward of that line.

Attorney William Merrill III of the Icard Merrill firm in Sarasota conferred with his client before agreeing to the suggestion.

A staff memo prepared for the board’s Feb. 7 meeting said the revised plans the petitioner

submitted on Jan. 9 showed the proposed swimming pool would be 17.1 feet farther landward than previously planned; that would put it 38.3 feet seaward of the GBSL. The deck, the memo noted, would be about 193 square feet larger than the originally proposed deck of 2,638 square feet, but it would be a maximum of 72.7 feet seaward of the GBSL. That will be no further seaward than the original design of the deck, the memo noted.

Great Sandwiches

Since 1994

Explore Our $3.99 Daily Specials

BREAKFAST and LUNCH

SERVED ALL DAY

Siesta Key B

es tD

ine r

in Flo rida

MSN Food and Drink Jan. 2015

“The Landings Plaza”

4982 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 941-925-3955 Fax 926-0066 View menu at corkscrewdeli.com

Full

All Natural

and

and Veggie

Breakfast Fresh Fruit Lunch Menu

Smoothies

Beer, Wine and

Bloody Marys

6621 Midnight Pass Road Just S. of Stickney Pt. Road

941-552-6485 Open 7 Days A Week ~ 7 AM - 3 PM

www.ToastedMangoCafe.com

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2017

21

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

The Greatest Generation: Through the Eyes of One Veteran

By Diana Colson Dr. Ray Doherty was born in 1926 in Gary, Indiana. He was just a kid when World War II broke out, and graduated from high school in 1944, when the war was nearing its end. It was a time of great patriotism, and every redblooded American lad was eager to get into service. Ray’s two older brothers were already in the army, but he wanted to join the navy, and enlisted at age 18. Unfortunately, his vision was less than perfect, and he failed the eye exam. Four months later he was drafted.

Given this second chance, Ray was determined to pass the eyetest. He decided one way to beat the system would be to memorize all three of the eye charts. Therefore, when he and a busload of fellow draftees went for their physicals, he stood back, letting the others go first. Moving at the back of three lines, he assessed the situation, memorized the three charts being offered, picked the chart he wanted to try for, and passed the test with flying colors.

Another visually challenged lad proved not so lucky. This young man had invested in new-fangledcontraptions called contact lenses.

They were big, thick, made of glass, and uncomfortable. These clumsy contacts so inflamed the poor man’s eyes that he couldn’t see a single thing! Unlike Ray, he was not accepted by the navy.

Ray went on to train as a Pharmacist Mate (PHM/Second Class). During his training as a corpsman, he enrolled in a voluntary boxing program.

Today, Ray’s scrapbook includes a yellowed 1944 edition of the Hospital Corps Camp newspaper in which he was mentioned: “With the boys in top shape and anxious to please, the six bouts of the program were packed with fast, clean action. Considerable class was shown by Ray Doherty, Co. 19—1, of Gary, Indiana, who beat Denny Rehman, Co. 27-2, of New York City, in the third bout.”

Ray’s scrapbook also includes a copy of his very own “fake ID”, which indicated he was born in 1925 (not 1926), so that he could enter a bar and drink!

PHM/Second Class Ray Doherty ended up serving all over the USA. Because hospital personnel were required to be standing on flight decks as pilots took off and landed, he was sent to posts where American pilots were being trained

The brother on Ray’s left is John (Jack) Doherty, 6 years older and the brother on Ray’s right is Charles, 2 years older

FREE

to fly from the deck of a ship.

This type of landing was dangerous. Each plane was equipped with a hook near the back. This hook was designed to be caught by a cable when the plane touched down, much like threading a needle. If the hook didn’t catch, a second cable was deployed as a fail-safe, bringing the plane to a gut-wrenching halt. Says Ray: “This was all splitsecond stuff, and everything had to be timed to perfection. Planes got wrecked a lot. There were celebrations on the days we did not have a single accident.”

Every ship had a sick bay with perhaps ½ dozen beds. However, this was a group of young, healthy men who rarely became ill. Most patients who landed in sick bay were there because of an accident.

After assignments in Illinois, San Diego, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Seattle, Ray was finally sent to join the USS RENDOVA. However, before reaching that ship, the war suddenly ended. The time for giving out medals had passed, so young Ray was never to receive one.

The USS RENDOVA continued going up and down American coast training pilots to take off—which was easy—and how to land— which was exacting and dangerous. As he observed the skills and leadership of the ship’s doctor, young Ray was so impressed that he decided he would become a doctor himself when he was out of the service.

He left the navy at age 20,

although he stayed in the Navy reserves for over 20 years and retired as a LT. Commander.

Entitled to one day of college education for every day he had spent in the service, Ray found he was eligible for 720 days of schooling paid for by the G I Bill.

He decided to save those days for medical school, and paid for his own pre-med studies. Ray attended Western Kentucky State Teacher’s College for two years, then—being a good Catholic—transferred to St. Thomas College in St. Paul, Minnesota, where studies were more rigorous. Nonetheless, after only one year at St. Thomas, he was accepted into Indiana University’s Medical School in Indianapolis, where he graduated four years later.

Dr. Ray Doherty, MD, was to be in Family Practice for over 50 years. He lived in a suburb of Gary, Indiana, and spend days and nights delivering babies, doing minor surgery, and making house calls. For many years, he and his partner were the only doctors in town, and their phones rang 24/7.

“I thought it was the best job in the world!” he exclaims.

Ray has been married for 55 years to Donna, a lovely woman whom he met when she came to work as a nurse in his office. The couple had two boys and two girls of their own, but also opened their doors to many fascinating children from faraway places. For a quarter century, the Doherty’s were active in the Irish Children’s Fund, bringing two Irish kids into

ONE DONUT ~ or ~ CUP OF COFFEE

their home each summer. Some summers they even added two more children from France.

Ray’s welcoming attitude towards visiting children was no doubt inspired by some of his naval experiences. He says, “A lot of navy training is designed to make a cohesive group out of a variety of individuals on the ship.

In the navy, we all learned how to get along with other people.”

The Doherty’s were Florida snowbirds for about twenty years.

Five years ago, they purchased a Carriage House at the Landings and took up permanent residence. The couple has traveled extensively, most recently to Cuba.

Coupon valid only at

The Donut Experiment Siesta Key One coupon per customer

Expires 3/31/17

217 Avenida Madera Siesta Key 34242

(941) 312-0521

www.siestakeyassociation.com

SKA BREAKFAST 2017

Saturday, March 4 • 8:30 AM St. Boniface Episcopal Church 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Room F

Coffee, Tea, JuiCe and BreakfasT BuffeT FREE BREAKFAST for all MeMBers WiTh a reservaTion,$20 for visiTors Join ska for $30 and reCeive 2 BreakfasT TiCkeTs Please make reservations by email: info@siestakeysassociation.com or by phone (941) 364-4880 (leave message, we prefer email) Meeting is 9:20 AM to 11:00 AM

Speaking at our Breakfast Meeting: The Honorable Alan Maio and County Administrator, Tom Harmer

puBliC is alWays WelCoMe WiTh quesTions for our guesTs.

Phone APP

Ride in style. We’ll take you there!

P& Mobile Phone AP er Google Trip Plann

Map out s route bu ur yo online & on your phone!

Schedules Arrivals

be

Watch us on Youtu

Like us on Facebook

Trip Planner NEW! Maps out your routes and bus numbers

Join up on Linked

er Follow us on Twitt le+ Follow us on Goog ble Follow us on Dribb

Stops Near Me

Follow our RSS Feed

Social Networks

ook

Sign in with Faceb

Flash Light for night time and early riders!

Download Sarasota County See Click Fix from the APP Store.

on Sign in with Amaz Follow us on Vine

in

lr Follow us on Tumb o

Watch us on Vime

rest Follow us on Pinte le

Sign in with Goog

Sign in with Paypal gram Follow us on Insta

est he B

t B est of2014

Check out our website to view our award winning music video

SCAT.SCGov.net

“We’ll Take You There!”

22

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

941.349.0194

News Up & Down the Trail Downtown shuttle gets rolling A free, on-demand circulator will be rolling in the heart of the city. The new transit shuttle service was slated to make its debut in downtown Sarasota after the City Commission voted 5-0 Feb. 6 to approve a contract with The Gotcha Group, a Charleston, S.C.-based transportation company that will operate the new transportation service. That means small electric vehicles will soon be traversing up and down Main Street and the downtown area.

The two-year contract will pay up to $338,747.50 to subsidize the private operation, with the goal of making the service self-sustaining by the time the contract is up. To start, the company will operate a fleet of seven six-seat electric vehicles in the downtown area.

The boundaries of the free service are 14th Street, School Avenue, Mound Street and the Sarasota bayfront. Users will be able to request rides via a mobile app, phone number or by hailing a vehicle on the road. The city and The Gotcha Group are targeting an average wait time of 5-10 minutes. The service will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Gotcha Ride largely serves college campuses and operates throughout the southeast, including at Florida State University and the University of Florida, according to its website.

Meanwhile on Siesta Key, Sarasota County Area Transit leaders are working to establish a new open-air trolley service along the key from the village to Turtle Beach, with numerous stops in between.

Sarasota recognized for sustainability initiatives A local nonprofit called “This Spaceship Earth” has named Sarasota its first “crew friendly” city last month. The nonprofit’s leaders define being “crewfriendly” as viewing the planet as a spaceship that all people have a responsibility to take care of as members of its crew. The recognition is the culmination of the city’s recent efforts to prioritize the environment in city planning.

Among those initiatives is the installation of sea-level rise markers in early March on Lido Beach and the creation of a climate change vulnerability

assessment and adaptation plan.

The sea-level markers will be placed at four entrances to the beach and display how much the sea level is expected to rise over a period of time. On the back of the marker, they will tell people what they can do to offset some of the effects.

According to a city of Sarasota website, the city envisions a sustainable future that unites the three pillars of economic development, social equity, and environmental protection through actions that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. To achieve this, the City of Sarasota’s Sustainability program strives to implement projects, programs, and policies to improve the sustainability of city operations and the community.

County seeks input on Ted Sperling Park Sarasota County Government is looking for input from residents on plans to make improvements to Ted Sperling Park, on Lido Key. The public is invited to review and provide comments on Sarasota County’s MultiYear Implementation Plan for an improvement project at the park that would use RESTORE Act funds from the BP oil spill.

The review and comment period started today and will be open through Wednesday, April 5.

Money for the proposed project will come from the RESTORE Act, the civil penalties paid under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act) for damages associated with British Petroleum’s Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

According to Sarasota County, 80 percent of the penalties resulting from violation of the Clean Water Act are generally applied toward the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund administered by the U.S. Treasury Department.

The proposed project at Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach, located at 2201 Ben Franklin Drive and 190 Taft Drive in Sarasota, will include the following improvements: • Construction of a multi-use recreational trail within the park, completing a segment of the City of Sarasota’s Bayfront multi-use recreational trail • Replacement of an existing wooden boardwalk At the end of the review and comment period, the plan will be

Big Pass dredging Commission discussion Later on Feb. 7, Commissioner Charles Hines said he found it a source of concern “any time somebody tells us we’re violating the Comprehensive Plan.” When he asked County Attorney DeMarsh about the Luckners’ statements, DeMarsh reminded him of the report staff had provided the board in advance of its first meeting of the year, on Jan. 10. Staff’s view is that the county’s Comprehensive Plan has not been violated because it does not apply to the proposed Lido Renourishment Project, DeMarsh added.

“I think the gist of what [the Luckners] are saying is not we, but the City of Sarasota permit application violated Sarasota

www.siestasand.net

By Roger Drouin revised if needed and submitted to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for approval. Following approval, the county must apply to the Treasury for project grant funding.

Rep. Gruters requests $15 M for trail Florida Rep. Joe Gruters has a budget request: He is asking for $15 million in state funding to support the extension of the Legacy Trail into downtown Sarasota. So far this budget year, it is the most expensive budget request from any Florida state representative. Gruters filed H.B. 2109 about a month after the Gulf Coast Community Foundation gifted $50,000 to the Trust for Public Land, which is negotiating on behalf of Sarasota County to buy the railroad corridor for the trail extension. The current Legacy Trail runs 10.6 miles south of Palmer Ranch into south county.

The show goes on After what he said was the most difficult day of his life, wirewalking legend Nik Wallenda said the “show must go on.” Then on Feb. 9 he walked the tightrope during an invitation-only dress rehearsal for Circus Sarasota 2017, which officially opened Feb. 10, on property adjacent to The Mall at University Town Center.

The appearance put Wallenda on the wire just one day after a devastating accident in which five of eight troupe members sustained injuries after falling from more than 25 feet in the air during practice.

On Feb.7, a rehearsal for a dramatic eight-person pyramid resulted in an incident that injured five high-wire circus performers who tumbled about 25 feet, according to news reports.

Wallenda, a member of the famed aerialist family, was among three performers on the wire who were not injured Wednesday. He and two others grabbed the wire and didn’t fall.

Ballpark gets new name Last month, the Pittsburgh Pirates put on their cleats and made their way to the traditionrich ballpark in downtown Bradenton to prepare for the coming baseball season. It’s been a tradition since 1969, the Pirates first season in Bradenton.

This time, however, they will

be playing and practicing at a stadium with a different moniker.

On Feb. 10, the Pirates announced they will now be playing their Grapefruit League games inside LECOM Park, having entered a 15-year naming agreement with the medical college based in Erie, Pennsylvania, that has a branch campus in Bradenton.

Sheriff’s Office to get new HQ Sarasota County plans to buy a 71,600-square-foot office building just off Interstate 75 to reconfigure into a new Sheriff’s Office administration headquarters later this year.

The $16.3 million project will include the purchase and renovation of the corporate office building at 6010 Cattleridge Boulevard -- a former office for the Hoveround motorized wheelchairs and scooters -- just north of the Bee Ridge Road and I-75 interchange.

It appeared at first that the vote for the new facility would be 4-1.

However, after hearing more details regarding the annual debt service and related cost savings, Sarasota County Commissioner Nancy Detert joined her fellow commissioners on the board in approving the approximately $16 million cost for the 71,592-squarefoot office building on Cattleridge Boulevard in Sarasota for Sheriff Tom Knight’s administrative staff, evidence storage and consolidation of his department’s scientific divisions, including Forensics and the Drug Lab. The new office will be designed to supplement the Sheriff’s Office location in downtown Sarasota, which has battled roof leaks, rodents and space issues in recent years, and consolidate it with other Sheriff’s Office locations throughout the county.

The Cattleridge office is a variation on the public safety campus Sheriff Tom Knight and county leaders had originally planned as part of a $176.2 million voter referendum last year. However, Knight and commissioners ultimately abandoned putting the measure on ballots in last November and instead spent the year figuring how to cut costs for the new office, a new fleet facility and improvements to the south county courthouse projects so they could be constructed without a single, big loan.

As part of that process, the sheriff’s staff examined existing

office buildings throughout the county for a suitable new home that could be leased and upgraded to meet some of the agency’s buildings needs.

Lakewood Ranch sells 10,000th home Lakewood Ranch has started 2017 with a milestone: It has sold more than 10,000 total homes.

Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch announced 86 new homes were sold in January 2017 — bringing the total number of homes sold in Lakewood Ranch to 10,026, with overall sales values close to $4 billion.

The January figure is a 32-percent increase in new home sales over January 2016. There are more than 20 builders in the master planned community, and more than 50 models with home prices ranging from the $200,000s up to $1-million-plus.

A Vue fight A battle over the recent rise in downtown development got a little more tense last month.

A panel slated to discuss the criticism and merits of the Vue Sarasota Bay condominium and hotel downtown got lively as the community debated the downtown development boom and critics proposed expanded citizen input on major projects.

The towering project at the corner of Gulfstream Avenue and U.S. 41 has become the object of intense debate among city residents and neighborhood leaders who believe it is a prime example of city development codes run amok.

The Better Government Association of Sarasota County panel on Feb. 11 titled “The Vue: Model or Mistake?” sought to explore whether changes advocated by groups such as STOP! or the city’s current procedure for administrative review of projects are more appropriate, according to a news report in the Sarasota HeraldTribune. But the already tense discussion turned intense — with audience members’ interrupting, shouting and sneering throughout the two-hour forum, according to the Herald-Tribune. Ultimately the panel broke little new ground on the subject of the Vue’s development approval process, and came to no conclusions on the ongoing questions.

Continued from page 2

County’s Comprehensive Plan,” Commissioner Alan Maio pointed out. Prior to earlier County Commission discussions, Maio continued, he had not seen the maps to which the Luckners had referred in making their argument.

Yet, it appears that 80% of the area proposed for dredging is within the county’s boundaries, he added.

“I presumed [beforehand] that it was state sovereign lands …”

Maio told his colleagues, “This is exactly why the commission unanimously voted for an [Environmental Impact Statement on the Lido project], so these type of discussions and these type of interactions [with the city and the USACE] would take place.”

The vote approving the request for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) came on Aug. 23,

2016, at the SKA’s request.

Yet, the county board’s request was “just summarily rejected,” Maio reminded his colleagues.

“Nobody wants to do any harm to Lido. We’ve said that over and over again. We all have said individually and as a group, ‘Where is Plan B?’ And there never was a Plan B.” The city and the USACE could have sought a permit for the removal of 50,000 cubic yards of sand from Big Pass, for example, Maio continued.

Instead, the application seeks the dredging of about 1.2 million cubic yards of sand to renourish the approximately 1.6-mile stretch of South Lido.

Finally, DeMarsh told the board, “We’ll be glad to take a look at that.”

“Thank you,” Hines responded.

The status of the legal issues Just a few days earlier, Catherine Luckner told about 80 SKA members during their Feb. 2 meeting that representatives of the nonprofit were in discussions with FDEP regarding the draft complaint prepared for the Circuit Court. The SKA’s notice of its willingness to file suit, she said, essentially had stopped plans for the dredging of the pass.

“It’s very possible we won’t need to have an administrative appeal,” she added.

In a telephone interview with Kent Safriet, the SKA’s attorney, he emphasized that the main question “is do the city and the Corps have to get the permission of the Board of County Commissioners to

dredge the areas of the project?”

Based on his and the Luckners’ research, he said, the answer is, “Absolutely.”

He continued, “Assuming we’re right, and assuming [FDEP] agrees with us, the question is, Do the city and the Corps go to the county now and obtain permission” or hear rejection from the commissioners?

If the city and the USACE asked for a formal response from the county, Safriet said, the county’s answer would tell everyone “if this project needs to be changed from a design standpoint.”

The process of going through state administrative challenges, he added, “is very expensive.”

Therefore, it makes sense to have the city and the USACE take that step with the county first.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

VILLAGE MAP pgs 24 - 25

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 46

GULF GATE SHOPS pgs 28 - 29

CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 27

LOCAL MAPS INSIDE

LIVE MUSIC PAGE 30

23

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 Kenny Brooks.

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

24

Siesta Sand

MARCH 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 Key Round-Up Additionally, Ashby said, Kusekoski, who has information technology skills, “has agreed to help us get our technology brought in-house — at least some of it.”

A sense of humor County residents who have been watching County Commission meetings since former state Sen. Nancy Detert was sworn-in as a board member on Nov. 22, 2016 know she has a keen wit. It was on display on Feb. 2, when she was a guest at the Siesta Key Association meeting.

Detert opened her remarks by saying, “I never give a canned speech, so I can’t wait to hear what I have to say, frankly.”

She added that it was her husband’s idea to move to Venice 38 years ago. “I didn’t want to come,” she said. “I was young at the time, and I thought everybody here was old.

And my prediction’s come true.”

Detert also told the audience that her two sisters from Chicago had just spent 10 days visiting her. Because they wanted to take tourist-type outings, she continued, she and her sisters drove to Miami. Noting that the

Continued from page 19

state recorded 105 million visitors in 2016, Detert said, “Sounds great until you’re stuck at a stoplight with all 105 million, it seems like.”

She won plenty of laughs from the approximately 80 people at the SKA meeting.

New SK Chamber members The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce would like all to welcome the following new members: • Siesta Village Liquors • Wallace, Welch & Willingham Insurance Agency • LifeSquire Gulf Coast – Personal Services • Still Waters Alternative Health Care/Wellness Spa • Sandal Factory • The Donut Experiment • Gulf Sands Beach Resort – Casey Key • Michael Saunders Real Estate – Suki Scollo - Realtor The SKCC encourages all residents and visitors to support local businesses.

S I M P LY R AWSO M E !

St Armands

St Armands 325John JohnRingling RinglingBlvd Blvd 325 Sarasota, Sarasota, FL FL 34236 34236 941-388-3325 941-388-3325

Map B #42

Siesta Key

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

Delicious Daiquiris, Seafood and So Much More!

Find current specials and promotions at DaiquiriDeck.com

Find current specials and promotions at DaiquiriDeck.com

Map C #61

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 Bistro..........................................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 COFFEE SHOPS Lelu’s Coffee Lounge....................... Map-B #31 The Local Bean.................................. Map-D #62 DRUGSTORE Davidson’s Drugs............................. Map-D #65 FASHION & ACCESSORIES Beach Bazaar’s & Swin Shack.........Map-C #28 Blvd. Beachwear................................. Map-B #30 Comfort Shoes-Birki & More........ Map-D #64 Everything But Water........................Map-D #12 Foxy Lady Fashions...........................Map-A #40 Gidget’s Coastal Provisions............ Map-B #44 Island Boutique.................................. Map-B #50 Island Cotton Company.................... Map-C #29 Island Style.......................................... Map-C #53 Lotus Boutique...................................Map-D #66 Siesta Key Mermaids...........................Map-D #9 Siesta T’s.............................................. Map-B #30 The Sandal Factory............................ Map-B #46 GAS STATION Circle K Store........................................ Map-E #6 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Beach Bazaar......................................Map-C #28 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 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

Comfortable Shoes Are Comfort Shoes has the distinction of being the first shoe store on Siesta Key. Formally known as Rick’s Birkenstock, this family-run business opened its doors in 1978.

In 2008, Rick Lizotte came into the picture.

Originally from a little town in Massachusetts, he had lived the life of a successful businessman.

When he realized that Rick’s Birkenstock was on the market, he felt the hand of Providence!

Originally from a tiny town in Massachusetts, Rick Lizotte grew up on a street that had only 20 houses. He went to Massachusetts State College where he studied to be a teacher, then immediately sidestepped this teaching career by going into the business world. For the next 25 years he worked for a wholesale manufacturer of shoes, and traveled much of the country calling on stores both big and small, many of them large chains. Says Rick, “It was the 70’s, and we still had shoe factories in this country. Back then, shoes were 98% domestic and 2% foreign. Today that statistic is reversed.”

Rick Lizotte and his family settled in Sarasota 29 years ago, and he commuted around the USA as needed for his various business operations.

His sons, Todd and Joshua, went to high

school her in town, ha and four so In the 19 wholesale into busine companie 1995, he e Printing Bu 50 employ was going s Katrina to Comfort S Todd, ran went off to more,” say involved w Comfort Sh Many kn from wear the store a improving all about c FUN store! people loo local busin return eve

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

e His Business

re, moved away, and are now back aving brought with them two wives ons of their own.

990’s Rick stopped working for the manufacturer of shoes, and went ess for himself. He bought 7 small es and merged them into one. In ended up owning a Commercial usiness in New Orleans which had yees. This was a large operation. All smoothly until 2005, when Hurricane ook him out. In 2008, Rick bought Shoes on Siesta Key. His oldest son, it for the first two years while Rick play golf five days a week. “I needed ys Rick, so he became increasingly with the operation of his shoe store. hoes felt like home from Day One. nee, hip and back problems stem ring the wrong shoes, and Rick saw as a way to make a contribution to g people’s health. “Our shoes are comfort,” says Rick. “Ours is a fun, ! I’m very proud of our lines. A lot of ok at us as just a resort store, but our ness is very good. Even the seasonals ery year, and that is kind of neat.

MARCH 2017

25

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

By Diana Colson They all come by to say hello.” In addition to the 200-year-old Birkenstock line, Comfort Shoes handles A’RCOPEDICO, and Taos footwear. They also carry Naot (a 60 year old shoe company from Israel); and Mephisto (a 65 year old French company). Other shoe offerings include Merrell, Teva, Sebago, OluKai, Ecco, Chaco, and—my personal favorite— OOFOS, a newly invented modestly priced sandal made from gel foam.

Not so long ago, people used to stop in to see Barney, a real live Bassett Hound who ‘worked’ at the store for 5 years. (Bassetts are the logo dogs for Hush Puppies.) Rick grins: “Barney’s union contract cut him down to 3-days-a-week, and now he is retired.” Today, a small toy Bassett sits on a shelf reminding visitors of the Barney days.

Only 500 yards from the beach, Comfort Shoes is located in the village at 5128 Ocean Boulevard, right next to Davidson’s Drugs. It is open 7 days a week: 10 to 5 on Monday through Saturday, and 9 to 1 on Sunday. Many of their shoes can be seen on their website at www. comfortshoessiestakey.com . The store can be reached by phone at (941) 346-7425.

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

941-554-4242

MAILING - SHIPPING UPS store.............................................Map-A #41 US Post Office.....................................Map-D #65 MARKETS/FOOD STORES Circle K Store........................................ Map-E #6 Morton’s Siesta Market..................... Map-C #25 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 Bistro..........................................Map-A #38 Blasé Pizza & Craft Beer.....................Map-A#37 Bonjour French Cafe.......................... Map-C #47 Café Gabbiano.................................. Map-D #71 Cevi-Chela...........................................Map-D #69 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar...............Map-B #42-43 Eat Here Restaurant................... Map-D # 17-18 Flavio’s Brick Oven & Bar................. Map-B #29 Flavio’s Italiano Ristorante............... Map-B #30 Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill.......... Map-B #33 Jo To’s Japanese Restaurant.............. Map-C #47 LeLu’s Coffee Bar.............................. Map-B #31 Lobster Pot..........................................Map-C #23 Napoli’s Italian Restaurant............... Map-C #53 Old Salty Dog Rest. & Pub.................. Map-E #2 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 Salon Capelli.........................................Map-D #9 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

Map D #64

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

26

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

941.349.0194

Snapshots of Island Visitors

4

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

2

1

www.siestasand.net

3

6

5

8 7

9

10 11

1. Stephanie, Camille, Camber, and Sam, (UF students) from Sarasota 2. Taitin, Kyle, and Anthony from Sarasota 3. Adeline age 13 months from Parrish 4. Liani and Mason age 1 from Naples 5. Bret, Nora, Tina, and Cooper from PA 6. Letitia and Brelan from Bradenton 7. Sofia age 6, Zach from Lakewood Ranch, Chelsea, Jake, and Samuel age 2 from NY 8. Tyson and Adam from PA 9. Carol & Jim from Canada 10. Ireland and Brittney from IL 11. Chelsea & Chris from Sarasota

941.349.0194

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

MARCH 2017

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

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

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

“Home of the Orange Squeeze!”

“A Tropical Department Store“

SHELL & GIFT CITY

Bathing Suits $

Siesta Key’s Most Friendly & Unique Shopping Spot!

SOUTHBRIDGE MALL

G

IN FEATUR

Homemade Ice Cream

Map B-3#8

941-346-0202

19.95 Reg. To $49.00

SIESTA KEY

Siesta Key’s Largest Seashell & Coral Selection!

Sundaes l Shakes l Smoothies l Coffees Espresso l Cappuccinos

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

CRESCENT BEACH

er Sale up Ladies

!

THE GREEN TURTLE

OPEN 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM DAILY

27

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

S

www.siestasand.net

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

6525 Midnight Pass Road

MAP B-3#14

green TURTLE COUPON

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

349-4751

VALUE

With This Coupon

No Purchase Necessary

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

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

941-346-1797

“Voted Small Business of the Year

by Siesta Key Chamber”

RepaiRs, sales anD accessORies New 50cc Scooters

HOuRly • Daily • Weekly

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

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

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

5

$

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

Bikes • Kayaks • Scooters • Kayak Tours

welcome!

Willkommen

GERMAN BAKERY & CAFE

© Island Visitor Publishing, LLC 2012

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

Rum Cakes Breakfast Lunch German Beers and Brats

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

Map C-3 #14

Map B-3#8

A Taste of Germany 6575 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Anna’s Deli 6535 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Road

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill 1500 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-5 #12

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters 1249 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-3 #4

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

Crescent Beach Grocery 1211 Old Stickney Pt. Rd.

MAP B-3 #1

Nutritious You 6583 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Siesta 4-Rent 6555 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-4 #17

MAP C-3 #14

28

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE

GATEWAY AVENUE SHOPS G-2 THE SHOP SRQ G-3 KOEN JEWELERS G-4 SARASOTA BREWING COMPANY G-5 PRIMROSE G-6 HOUSE OF MAPS G-7 BARREL 87 SALOON G-8 THE MODERN SEWIST G-9 BOOST MOBILE G-10 KELLY’S COMPLETE PET GROOMING G-11 G.G.BARBER SHOP G-12 MOSS BROS & SONS G-15 VIZEN JAPANESE CUISINE G-16 INSIDE OUT/NUTRITION & FITNESS G-17 DOLCE ITALIA G-18 RICO’S PIZZERIA G-21 HAIR OF THE DOG SALOON G-22 CHESTER’S REEF G-23 CAR CARE CONNECTION G-24 IL PANIFICIO G-24 SOL’S NYC DELI G-25 OFF THE HOOK G-26 ATTORNEY G-27 EVAN’S HAIR STUDIO G-28 MOMENTS IN TIME PHOTOGRAPHY G-30 ESTATE SALES OUTLET G-31 WORD OF MOUTH RESTAURANT G-32 MOLLY MALONE’S IRISH PUB G-33 SAL’S PIZZERIA & PASTA HOUSE G-34 NONTANDO GIFTS FROM AFRICA G-35 G8WAY GIFTS G-36 HOOKAH BAR G-37 BLIND DEZIGN G-38 KAZU’S 2.0 G-39 CONSIGNMENT CONNECTION G-39 JANE FIDALGO ART STUDIO (UPPER) G-40 KIYOSHI’S SHUSI

G-41 AIKO’S ALTERATIONS G-42 DETAILS SALON G-43 HEAVENLY CUPCAKES G-44 JUST A BASKET CASE G-45 THE CLEVER CUP COFFEE SHOP G-46 LUCKY LOCKS PET STUDIO G-47 SUNCOAST LASER G-48 (6518) PICCOLO’S ITALIAN MARKET & DELI G-49 GULF GATE FRAME CENTER G-50 WEST END PUB GULF GATE DRIVE SHOPS GG-1 JIM’S SMALL BATCH BAKERY GG-3 OH MAMMA MIA’S ITALIAN GG-5 C.R.O.P. GG-6 GS DISCOUNT BEVERAGES GG-7 ORIENTAL FOOT MASSAGE & SPA GG-8 CHANCELLOR INS. & TRAVEL CTR. GG-9 FLORIST GG-10 EVOLUTION 420 GG-11 KENNETH KANDEFER CPA GG-12 SANTA MARIA REALTY GG-15 KINKY KITTY GG-16 THAI-JAPANESE RESTAURANT/SUSUHI GG-17 TASTEFULLY BRITISH GG-18 JURACI’S PLACE GG-19 VACUUM DOCTOR GG-20 TOP DOG PETS GG-21 GATEWAY MEDIA PRINT & DESIGN GG-22 CHIROPRACTOR GG-23 TASTE OF HONG KONG GG-24 TANGERINE SALON GG-25 PERSONAL TANNING GG-26 ORIENTAL FOOD & GIFTS GG-27 UPTECH COMPUTER 1

GG-28 GULF GATE MEDICAL CTR. GG-29 FASHION FOCUS HAIR ACADEMY GG-30 GROOMING LOUNGE BARBER SPA GG-31 COBBLER & CLEANER GG-32 ANN’S FRAMING GALLERY GG-33 BOHO COTTAGE MARKET GG-34 JEFFREY JEWELRY DESIGNER GG-35 GULF GATE PACK AND SHIP GG-36 HEARING AIDS GG-37 SCANDINAVIAN GIFTS GG-38 VEG VEGETARIAN & SEAFOOD GG-39 SEASCAPE AQUARIUM & PET CTR. GG-40 M’ORELLI ITALINA SHOES GG-41 SALON PLATINUM GG-42.THE WINE TO BUY.COM GG-43 GIFFORD & ASSOC GG-44 ELAINE’S FASHION NAILS GG-45 GULF GATE PHARMACY GG-46 WELDON’S JEWLRY & ANTIQUES GG-47 A TASTE OF EUROPE GOURMET SHOP GG-48 SIESTA KEY ASIAN MASSAGE GG-49 GERMAN BAKERY GG-50 COMPREHENSIVE DENTISTRY GG-51 ONE MINUTE KEY SHOP GG-52 A NU U SALON GG-53 CHOCOLATE BARK CO. GG-54 UNIFORM WORLD

M-5 ROBERT’S REALTY INC M-6 COWORX M-8 ROCKETMAN M-9 JAMAICAN AFFAIR M-10 HURRICANE MIKES SALOON M-11 TOMMY KNOCKERS M-12 MR. BEERY’S M-13 HAM HEAVEN & DEVIL DOGS M-14 444 RADIO M-15 EXCLUSIVELY YOURS HAIR SALON M-16 USCHI’S EUROPEAN SKIN CARE M-17 REFRESHED FURNITURE M-18 OOH-LA-LA FRENCH BAKERY M-19 ST. VINCENT DE PAUL THRIFT STORE M-20 SARASOTA KUNG FU M-21 PEARL CREAM SKIN REJUVENATION M-22 ANOTHER IMAGE HAIR SALON

SUPERIOR AVENUE SHOPS S-1 MUNCHIE’S 420 CAFE S-4 KIMMIE B SALON S-6 ROYAL MAIDS (UPPER) S-7 SARASOTA MOPEDS & SCOOTERS S-9 PIEROGI INN POLISH DELI S-11 ORLANDO’S GOURMET EXPRESS S-11 CANOPY ROAD MARKET S-12 PRZYBYLA LAW, PA S-13 SARASOTA TROPHY & AWARDS S-14 5000 RECORDING STUDIO S-15 GULF GATE MOOSE LODGE S-16 TONY’S CHICAGO BEEF CO S-18 ABLE & WILLING S-19 WILD GINGER APOTHECARY S-21 WILD GINGER LIFESTYLE

MALL DRIVE SHOPS M-1 MY WAY ALTERATIONS M-2 TURQUOISE SKY M-4 THE THIRSTY TURTLE

2

3

4

5

S-22 HIS & HERS BARE BEAUTY S-23 KAREN’S PET PALACE S-24 HOOKAH LOUNGE S-25 DOLLHOUSE BEAUTY LOUNGE S-26 STÄLLE beauty bar S-27 OPA! OPA! S-28 SCHNITZEL KITCHEN S-30 BOB’S CLEANERS S-31 MONK’S STEAMER BAR S-32 SOLORZANO’S PIZZA S-33 COIN LAUNDRY S-34 ST. BONIFACE THRIFT SHOP S-35 PRIDE OF THE SOUTH BBQ S-36 POKI JOE’S CATERING S-37 ADRIATICO S-38 TATTOO S-39 PASTA LA PIZZA, BABY! S-40 MISS JODI’S SCHOOL OF DANCE S-41 CHEFS2U RESTAURANT & CATERING S-42 FRAME IT UP GALLERY S-43 BADDA BING NIGHTCLUB & BAR S-44 FRANK BECK UPHOLSTERY S-45 PAWSH S-46 FORMS IN SCULPTURE S-47 SARASOTA CATERING CO. S-48 SUPERIOR HAIR STUDIO & SPA S-49 SARASOTA CATERING CO. S-50 CANNON’S STEAKHOUSE & TAVERN S-51 MADD HATTER S-54 STRINGER MANAGEMENT S-55 SOLORZANO’S RISTORANTE S-56 THE SUPERIOR WORD S-57 THESE QUIET SOUNDS S-58 RAMATE CONSTRUCTION CO. S-59 SHANER’S PIZZA 6

7

M-10 GULF GATE Publix

Michaels

D Beall’s Outlet

Bed Bath & Beyond

Books-AMillion

Ross

Dress for Less

Golden Tee Megatouch

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

2639 Mall Drive

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

M-12

A

Panera Bread

㌀ 吀愀瀀猀

䄀洀攀爀椀挀愀渀 䴀椀挀爀漀 䈀爀攀眀猀 ☀ 匀瀀攀挀椀愀氀琀礀 䤀洀瀀漀爀琀 䈀攀攀爀猀

猀洀漀欀攀ⴀ昀爀攀攀 ⨀ 昀爀椀攀渀搀氀礀 欀渀漀眀氀攀搀最攀愀戀氀攀 猀琀愀昀昀 㤀㐀㄀ⴀ㌀㐀㌀ⴀ㈀㠀㔀㐀 ⨀ ㈀㘀㐀㔀 洀愀氀氀 搀爀椀瘀攀 ⠀最甀氀昀 最愀琀攀⤀

洀爀戀攀攀爀礀猀猀爀焀⸀挀漀洀

2

3

4

G10 G9 G8 G7 G6 G5 G4 G3 G2 G1

G24

5

G12 G11

S29 S28 S27 S26 S25 S24 S23 S22 S21 S20 S19 S18 S17 S16 S15 S14 S13 S12 S11 S10 S9 S8

D

C

B

S7 S6 S5 S4 S3 S2 S1

Gulf Gulf Gate Gate Drive Drive

Gulf Gulf Gate Gate Drive Drive

A

Lo Ho ng rn

1

1

G14 G13

S30

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

One mi.from Siesta South Bridge (behind Publix)

Ba Am nk o eri f ca

Iberia Bank

G16 G15

S59 S58 S57 S56 S55 S54 S53 S52 S51 S50 S49 S48 S47 S46 S45 S44 S43 S42 S41 S40 S39 S38 S37 S36 S35 S34 S33 S32 S31

E

2

S-19/21

3

4

5

6

7

NATURAL + ORGANIC PRODUCTS HEALTH + WELLNESS CLASSES YOGA + MOVEMENT STUDIO

6557 SUPERIOR AVENUE • SARASOTA, FL • 34231

941.312.5630 • WILDGINGERAPOTHECARY.COM

GG-33 Where cottage meets tropical with a mix of hand-picked, clever gifts!

Exclusive retailer of Coton Colors Happy Everything line. BEST GIFT EVER! Mention this ad & get $5 off a $25 gift purchase & Free Gift Wrapping!

2176 Gulf Gate Dr | 941-388-7819 | bohocottagemarket.com

XNLV13200

Sunday thru Wednesday

B

© Island Visitor Publishing, LLC 2016

FREE Pool ALL DAY

G23 G22 G21 G20 G19 G18 G17

Superior Avenue

(BOX STORES AND SO MUCH MORE)

C

Mall Mall Drive Drive

G50 G49 G48 G47 G46 G45 G44 G43 G42 G41 G40 G39 G38 G37 G36 G35 G34 G33 G32 G31 G30 G29 G28 G27 G26 G25

Gateway Avenue

Marshall’s

• 9 AM - 7 PM EVERY DAY

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

Hooters

Sun Trust

All packaged liquor sold until 2 AM

Open Daily from 9 AM ‘til 2:30 AM

Stein Mart

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

M7

M6

M5 M4 M3 M2 M1

E

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE

Wild Ginger Apothecary

Mr. Beery’s

Swing by Mr. Beery’s each Tuesday to grab yourself a fresh glass of J. Wakefield Brewing Hops 4 Teacher IPA for Loyalty & Special Tapping - Every Tuesday!

This deep orange 6.0% India Pale Ale has refreshing crisp notes of citrus and tropical fruits with a well-balanced solid malt backbone.

Boho Cottage Market

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.

With our map, located on the previous page, you’ll be able to navigate your way to our featured shops with ease. Oh Mamma Mia! (GG-4) Offers a truly unique dining experience with dinner shows by Chef Giuseppe Urbano.

Enjoy the family ambiance as you watch him prepare an authentic Italian regional dish with fresh ingredients just for you.

Fine dining, great atmosphere at casual dining prices. Reservations

G-4

highly recommended.

Chef Urbano is offering an early dinner special from 3:30 – 5:30 pm. Buy one entrée and receive the second entrée of equal or lesser value for half the price.

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

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

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

Tony’s Chicago Beef Company (S-16) is owned and operated by true Chicagoans. Dedicated to deliver Chicago’s best food Chicago style Hot Dogs wit’ the works...

Dragged through the garden

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

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

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

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

Hurricane Mike’s Saloon (M-10) is a little neighborhood

bar at 2639 Mall Drive, where everyone knows your name type of establishment and friendly staff. TV’s with the MLB and NFL packages, pool table, and full Florida Lottery games. Happy hour daily from opening to 7pm.

Hours: Mon – Sat, 8am – 2:30am and Sun., noon – 2:30am.

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 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.: 8AM-2PM. 6604 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, 34231, 941-925-2400.

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

SRQ

29

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.

G-31

Eat Where The Locals Eat! Original Word of Mouth 6604 Gateway Ave. Sarasota, FL 34231

941-925-2400

HOURS: Monday - Sunday 8:00AM to 2PM www.originalwordofmouth.com

THESHOPSRQINC.

G-2

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

“Straight Razor Shaves”

Combined 25+ Years Experience

941.626.4894 / 941.536.1656

Tonsorial Artistry by

www.TheShopSRQ.com 6625 Gateway Ave.

Tonsorial Artistry

by Erick & Dawn

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

PICCOLO

Italian Market & Deli GG-4

Hot or Cold & Vegetarian Sandwiches

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

GG-46 G-47 Specialty Italian gourmet items without the gourmet price

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

941-923-2202

www.PiccoloMarket.com

S-16 S-34

Catering Available

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

941.926.0099

COUPON

FREE SIDE With the purchase of ANY entreé

30

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

941.349.0194

Who’s Playing Tonight A little over a year ago, I had the privilege of playing New Year’s Eve with a husband and wife duo at The Hub. Sammy “Barefoot” Warren, who plays percussion, interviewed for the Nov. issue of the Siesta Sand Newspaper and in the time since then, I’ve seen and heard some beautiful and inspiring music from both Sammy and his wife, Zooey, who was absolutely amazing (accurate use of the word) on her violin, with no rehearsal and with whom I’m fortunate to interview for this month’s issue…

WPT: Where are you from?

Zooey: I was born in Mexicali, Mexico, but I lived in Rochester, NY until I was about 11 when we moved to El Centro, CA, a town out in the desert, just over the border from where I was born.

WPT: When did you start playing music?

Zooey: When I was 6 years old, my dad brought home a little 3-octave keyboard. I played around with it and started learning songs by ear until my mom noticed I had a real interest and went to the library, checked out books on music, studied them and worked music theory and playing into my home-school lessons.

WPT: How did your lessons progress from there?

Zooey: A few years after my initial introduction to music study, a woman at church heard me play and was so impressed with the progress I’d made at home that she gave me some lessons at no charge, and then recommended me to an instructor in town who provided a music scholarship program for young people with a gift.

I studied with her until after high school. She cultivated

CLUB

BLASE CAFÉ

everything I love about music to this day, by transforming my concept of music. She helped me connect emotion to music and urged me to compete. At 16 I won a young artists competition for my performance of Mozart’s Piano Concerto number 20 in D minor. I was already playing at church and in recitals, but performing with an orchestra behind me was mind blowing. It was my first introduction to playing with other musicians.

WPT: How did you wind up playing violin?

Zooey: I was homeschooled for most of my life and when I was 14 my mom took me to a community concert to see the Imperial Valley Symphony. The chamber orchestra from the local charter high school opened the show…before that I hadn’t realized that people my age could play in an orchestra, so I asked my mom if I could do it. She noted that I’d have to learn a string instrument to do that, so she got me some videos and a cheap violin, which I worked with for 6 months and then auditioned my way into the last chair. The director was very stern, but with her guidance, the encouragement of working with fellow music lovers and lots of work, I moved up.

WPT: How did you wind up in the Siesta Key area?

Zooey: That was a journey…

I did my undergrad work in Riverside, CA, where I earned a degree from La Sierra University.

I initially went to school for music, but found the classical program to be rigid. My first love was fusion, but they discouraged it in favor of competition that really crushed my love of music, in the way they would scrutinize every note and criticize

personal expression. I Photo by Gail Gerdes tried different subjects of BOSK and wound up getting Photos really involved with social activism. In the interest of helping people I studied their backgrounds and cultures in order to understand them. I moved to Statesboro, GA and attended Georgia Southern University where I got my Masters in Applied Anthropology, where my internship and thesis were based on domestic violence against Latino women in rural Southern Georgia and got to do work with non-profits who educate women and equip and assist them in freeing themselves from unlivable situations.

After graduation, I had to face the realization that I couldn’t abide sitting in an office all day, nor was I too keen on a lot of the corruption that seemed to plague not only politics, but also many non-profits.

To make a living, I returned to my art and started writing and recording. I met Sammy, who is now my husband, at a music store he managed, when he invited me to play any instrument in the store, which was a lot more relaxed policy than I was used to at the other store in the area. I sat down at a piano and started playing a classical piece that coincidentally was the same piece of music on the demo of that instrument, so Sammy came over to help me shut it off, but upon realizing I was actually playing it, offered me a job as a teacher, right there on the spot. I worked it into my schedule and, in the process rediscovered the magic of being there with students as they have

their, “ah ha” moments and realize their hard work into being able to play difficult pieces or read sheet music they couldn’t understand or create their own music to share with someone who appreciates it…it inspired me to get back into creating my own music.

When our situation changed and facilitated a move, we decided to relocate to the Siesta Key area, where we’d visited Sammy’s grandmother.

WPT: What drew you to this area?

Zooey: We fell in love with it.

I really appreciated the variety of music and the diversity in general.

I’d had no clue there was a place we could live that had musicians playing Jazz, Blues, Latin and World music at a variety of venues all over the area. I had always been in love with fusing different styles of music together and it was just a dream come true. We’ve met and continue to meet so many musicians.

Sarasota is such a hub, here and the surrounding cities for us to meet beautiful spirits, not just in the music community, but in the yoga and health communities as well.

WPT: Which venues have you played on Siesta Key? Zooey: We’ve played at the Blasé Café, The Hub, Siesta Key Oyster Bar and The Cottage, where they have such a great world vibe.

WPT: What styles of music do you play?

Zooey: I segwayed into the scene with a country band…I’ve played rock, blues, reggae and island music as well as flamenco instrumental music, but I love world music.

By Mike Sales WPT: What is your favorite part about performing live?

Zooey: I love that moment when you cease to be a person and it’s just about the music and the connection with the audience, whether you make eye contact with an individual or feel a shift in the venue toward the music…it’s about letting go.

WPT: How would you describe your originals?

Zooey: Our duo, Zen Seraphine plays originals that are a blend of World/Funk/Fusion with influences of Acid Jazz and Neo Soul, and the lyrics are all socially conscious, but with a sense of unity and togetherness. In addition to vocals and violin solos, the songs include pre-recorded keyboard loops that serve as backing tracks.

Sammy has also worked up some auxiliary percussion rhythms on the octapad that he blends with his acoustic drum set.

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

Zooey: We’re currently working on an album and planning to shoot video. I hope to have them completed by the end of spring.

I look forward to working with a band on a regular basis, like we get to do every now and then and am really looking forward to getting into the festival scene.

You can hear Zen Seraphine music at their website www.zenseraphinemusic.com as well as stay posted on upcoming video and album releases and performance dates.

Blasé Café, The Hub Baja Grill, SKOB and The Cottage are all located in SK Village.

Mike Sales is a local singer/ songwriter. www.mikesalessings.com

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE MONDAY

In the Village 941‐349‐9822

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

|An interview with Zooey Seraphine Warren

www.siestasand.net

TUESDAY

Live Music 6‐10pm

WEDNESDAY Live Music 6‐10pm

THURSDAY Live Music 6‐10pm

LIVE MUSIC (3‐7pm) DJ TJ (10pm)

Live Music 6‐10pm LIVE MUSIC (3‐7pm) DJ Crawford (10pm) Acoustic Pete 1‐5pm Live Music 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am Eddie James Jazz Band 6‐10pm Dana & Co 2‐6pm Mike Tozier 8pm – 12am Live Band 8 –11pm DJ 11pm‐2am

SUNDAY Live Music 6 ‐10pm BREE (3‐7pm)

RPM 6‐10pm

Patrick 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

Al Donadi 7‐11pm

Open mic night 7‐11pm

Kettle of Fish 7‐11pm

Baby 9pm‐midnight

DJ Coz or Kensi 10pm – 2am

DJ Coz 9pm‐2am

THE COTTAGE

Live Music 6‐9pm

Live Music 6‐9pm

Live Music 6‐9pm

Live Music 7‐10pm

Live Music 7‐10pm

Live Music 7‐10pm

Live Music 6‐9pm

THE HUB‐BAJA GRILL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Karaoke 9pm – 1am

Karaoke 9pm – 1am

Matt Gerhardt (3) Chris Otto (10 & 24) Jordy Chirsto (17) 6‐10pm

Jordy Christo (11 & 25) Chris Otto (18) 6‐10pm

Nick LeValley (5 & 19) 6‐10pm

LIVE MUSIC 3‐6pm

LIVE MUSIC 3‐6pm

Andres Collin 5‐9pm

Larry Williams or Chris Otto 5‐9pm

(Reggae Music)

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

SIESTA KEY OYSTER BAR (SKOB) In the Village 941‐346‐5443 THE BEACH CLUB In the Village 941‐349‐6311 In the Village 941‐312‐9300

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 Over the South Bridge

941‐921‐6200

SAND DOLLAR POOL BAR @ Best Western Plus 6600 S. Tamiami Trl.

Chris Otto (6) Nick LeValley (20 & 27) 6‐10pm

Sunny Jim 6‐10pm

Paul Duffy 6‐10pm

Sandy Grecco Acoustic 5‐8PM

Jazz 5‐8PM

RPM 5‐9PM

941‐924‐4900

Karaoke 9pm ‐1am Chris Otto 6‐10pm

Tommy Santelli 5‐8PM

941‐966‐1901 FANDANGO 1812 s. Osprey Ave, 941‐954‐5400

Whiteleather 2‐6pm LIVE BAND 8pm – 12am Live Band 8 – 11pm DJ 11‐2am

Road Block 2‐6pm Live Music 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

TBA – 10am Tozier – 2pm Chris Otto ‐ 7pm Democracy (Reggae) 10pm‐2am

Democracy 4‐8pm

Live Music 3‐6PM

Live Music 3‐6PM

Live Music 3‐6PM

Live Music 3‐7pm

Live Music 3‐7pm

Live Jazz 7‐10PM

CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE 801 Blackburn Pt. Rd, Osprey

Live Music 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

SATURDAY

Rodney Shenk 6‐10pm

In the Village 941‐346‐8122

RPM 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am Acoustic Open Mic w/ Nally & Egglefield 6‐10pm Berry Oakley’s Skylab 7‐11pm

FRIDAY

Live Music (6‐10pm)

Live Music 4‐8pm

Live Jazz 7‐10PM

Live Jazz 7‐10PM

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

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2017

Island Humor [ T w o I r i s h m e n , P a t r i c k Murphy and Shawn O’Brian grew up together and were lifelong friends. But alas, Patrick developed cancer, and was dying. While on his deathbed, Patrick called to his buddy, Shawn, “O’Brian, come ‘ere. I ‘ave a request for ye.” Shawn walked to his friend’s bedside and kneels.

“Shawny ole boy, we’ve been friends all our lives, and now I’m leaving ‘ere. I ‘ave one last request fir ye to do.”

O’Brian burst into tears, “Anything Patrick, anything ye wish. It’s done.”

“Well, under me bed is a box containing a bottle of the finest whiskey in all of Ireland. Bottled the year I was born it was. After I die, and they plant me in the ground, I want you to pour that fine whiskey over me grave so it might soak into me bones and I’ll be able to enjoy it for all eternity.”

O’Brian was overcome by the beauty and in the true Irish spirit of his friend’s request, he asked, “Aye, tis a fine thing you ask of me, and I will pour the whiskey. But, might I strain it through me kidneys first?”

[ Two Irishmen were walking home after a night on the beer when a severed head rolled along the ground.

Mick picked it up to his face and said to Paddy “Jez, that look like Sean.”

To which Paddy replied “No Sean was taller than that.” [ Q. How can you tell if an Irishman is having a good time?

A. He’s Dublin over with laughter! [ McCarthy walked into a bar and ordered martini after martini, each time removing the olives and placing them in a jar. When the jar was filled with olives and all the drinks consumed, he started to leave.

“Excuse me,” said a customer, who was puzzled over what McCarthy had done. “What was that all about?”

“Nothing,” he replied, “my wife just sent me out for a jar of olives.” [ It’s Saint Patrick’s day and an armed hooded robber bursts into the Bank of Ireland and forces the tellers to load a sack full of cash. On

HOTTEST BAR IN GULF GATE...

MLB/College Packages FULL BAR

his way out the door with the loot one brave Irish customer grabs the hood and pulls it off revealing the robber’s face.

The Robber Shoots the Guy Without Hesitation!

He then looks around the bank to see if anyone else has seen him. One of the tellers is looking straight at him and the robber walks over and calmly shoots him also.

Everyone by now is very scared and looking down at the floor.

Did anyone else see my face?’ screams the robber.

There is a few moments of silence then one elderly Irish gent, looking down, tentatively raises his hand and says, ‘I think me wife may have caught a glimpse.’

31

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

h...

Mont Bartender of The

Bar (SKOB) r e st y O y e K a st Sie in the Village, ., d lv B n a ce O 8 3 52 2 Siesta Key, 3424 w.skob.com 941-346-5443 ww

[ A drunk staggers into a Catholic Church, enters a confessional booth, sits down, but says nothing.

The Priest coughs a few times to get his attention, but the drunk continues to sit there.

Finally, the Priest pounds three times on the wall.

The drunk mumbles, ‘Ain’t no use knockin, there’s no paper on this side either.

Name of Bartender: Kevin Hometown: Sarasota, Florida Q: How long have you been bartending?

A: I just started bartending two weeks ago although I began working at SKOB 3 ½ years ago shucking oysters and washing dishes. I worked my way to cooking on the line, then moving to front of the house doing every job possible, working my way up to where I am now.

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

A: After working on the island for as long as I have, I’ve been through many pub crawls. I’ll put it this way; there was a dude after hours, pants down, sitting in the bushes out front at the Turkey Trot 2016.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

A: In my spare time, I like to go out on my paddleboard, spearfish, go camping, watch Netflix, and drink around the island.

Q: How would you describe where you work?

A: If you don’t like good times in paradise with awesome people, lots of drinks, good music, and great food, then maybe it wouldn’t be your thing. If you are into that then you should come to SKOB and drink at the coolest spot on Siesta Key.

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

Q: When’s the best time to see you?

A: Nights at the back bar and Sunday brunch.

Karaoke Thursday, Friday & Saturday

32

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

941.349.0194

Arts on the Horizon

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Claudia & Victor from Bradenton

Lilian, Renier and Jacob age 16 months from North Port

Kaila age 3 and Kohen age 5 from Canada

Jade age 8, Jasmine age 5, Josh, Rosalia, and Teresa from Tampa

The Hurricane that missed Sarasota Hurricane season is June - November, and October is one of the season’s peak months. The areas affected include the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. The storms usually form off the southern edge of Africa and are driven west as far as the coast of Mexico, although most swing north before that. Some turn and move up the east coast of Florida while others wait a bit and wreak havoc up our side of the peninsula.

Hurricane Joaquin, in 2015, was never slated to come near the Gulf of Mexico as it had formed much further north near the Canary Islands and was moving southwest when it hooked north upon reaching the Bahamas.

While it had only become a tropical storm on September 30th, within two days it became a major hurricane when it came into contact with the forty year old cargo ship, El Faro. That ship lost power and began leaking as it neared the eye of the now category 3 hurricane.

While the El Faro started and ended its life ferrying cargo between the US mainland and Puerto Rico, it had transported over 73,000 tons of supplies between California and Kuwait during the first invasion of Iraq between 2003 and 2005. Its weekly voyage that should have been a typical Jacksonville to San Juan round-trip journey, became its last; a tragedy for those living in the greater Jacksonville area, home to many crew members.

At the one year anniversary of its sinking, a park, one of the last points of land in Jacksonville that crew members may have seen, was renamed the El Faro Memorial at Dames Point Park. It is also now home to a memorial statue commemorating those that lost their lives, the El Faro 33. That statue, shaped like a lighthouse (El Faro means The Lighthouse in Spanish), with its bright beacon, seems to cast a light straight towards Puerto Rico. In March it will be joined by a sister memorial lighthouse in San Juan harbor, beaming its light at 47º NNW back towards Jacksonville. A walkway at the Jacksonville memorial will be lined with 33 plaques, each with the name of an El Faro crew member along with a message - such as You Are Loved Beyond Words And Missed Beyond Measure and Your Wings Were Ready But My Heart Was Not - written by a surviving loved one, adorning each

®

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

www.siestasand.net

By Rodger Skidmore

plaque.

Tote Maritime, which owned the El Faro, commissioned Bronzart, Sarasota’s own foundry, to construct the statures and cast the plaques, all designed by St. Augustine’s sculptor, Chad Light. The 8’ 2” tall replicas of a lighthouse are small relative to some of the statues and art pieces done at Bronzart. They have done human size works by Sarasota’s Jack Dowd and larger works by the artist Robert Rauschenberg (basically replicating, in bronze, an assemblage in wood, by making molds of the original in order to make an exact replica, down to the grain in the wood). In the case of the lighthouses, they took a foam model, made a mold, poured in molten steel, detailed it to perfection, and added a rich bronze patina.

The craftsmen at Bronzart can take a small work of art, perhaps the head of a child, and, through scanning and computer imaging, scale it up to the desired size. Indeed, going to Bronzartfoundry.com/projects/ is like going to an art gallery or sculpture garden from the convenience of one’s own home.

France and where to find it Sure, France is over there, but some French things we love are over here. If it’s wine and cheeses you crave, you probably already know where to find them. But French music? Well, it is scattered all about during Sarasota’s French Cultural Festival - thru March 24th. A good place to start might be with a combination of wine, cheese and song with the Belle Canto singers at Michael’s On East on March 16th at 11:00 a.m. The singing comes first, followed by lunch. Under the aegis of the Sarasota Artist Series, this A Cappella group will be performing selections by Debussy, Ravel and Porter. While Porter was not French, he did write the song I Love Paris, which makes him legit. Want music with your songs? Try the seven-piece La Vie en Rose Band with the French singer Violette. This Artist Series concert will include American standards, French Jazz and a tribute to Edith Piaf on March 19th at the Venice Performing Arts Center.

And speaking of the Artist Series (but not things French), Liz Callaway, who will be here singing with the Sarasota Orchestra (see below), and her sister, Ann Hampton Callaway, will be singing together at Church of the Palms on March 26th. Alex Rybeck will accompany them on piano. For these, and more about French music, lectures and food during March, go to www.

artistseriesconcerts.org. And, if you like Duruflé’s Requiem and Poulenc’s Gloria, you can hear them both, March 5th, with choral artists Gloria Musicae - more info at www.gloriamusicae.org.

Sarasota Orchestra Large and Small The Sarasota Orchestra, with over 70 musicians, can make a lot of noise. That is one reason why you don’t see them all on stage all the time. Only musicians that are needed for a particular piece are on view when that piece is performed.

A Rachmaninoff or Shostakovich symphony, with their tremendous variety of color, volume, scope and tone will require more musicians on stage than a Chopin concerto. The orchestra’s playlist is also as varied, from classical works by Mahler to Broadway tunes

by Richard Rodgers (of Rodgers and Hammerstein).

One reason that theater-goers attend Broadway musicals is that they love each show’s top songs. But why go to a dozen Broadway shows (and pay a few thousand dollars for the privilege) when you can hear our orchestra play each show’s top song with top Broadway singers like Susan Egan, Liz Callaway and Deedee Magno Hall. And if you like the light touch but just not Broadway, the orchestra’s handling of Copland, Mancini, Gershwin and John Philip Sousa would be just the thing.

Of course, if it really is Mahler that tickles your fancy, then his Symphony No. 1 (the Titan) along with works

by Bernstein, Tchaikovsky, Rossini, Beethoven and Mendelssohn might just be your cup (or cups) of tea. All of these pieces are played during the month of March as part of the orchestra’s Masterworks, Pops and Great Escapes series.

When is an orchestra not an orchestra? When some of its members get together as a string quartet. And that is exactly what Christopher Takeda and Daniel Jordan, violins, Steven Laraia, viola and Natalie Helm, cello do when they play string quartets by Dvorák and Shostakovich. These quartet pieces are gems that are best appreciated up close - which is why they are performed in Holly Hall where everyone can get up close and personal. Dvorák wrote 14 string quartets and the one they are performing is the 14th, his last. A rather fitting way to end this season’s Sarasota Orchestra chamber series.

Dates and times for March and April’s remaining orchestra and chamber performances may be viewed at www. sarasotaorchestra.org/concerts.

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.

All business bios are extensions of the display advertisements.

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC is not responsible for claims made by advertisers.

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

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that when you hire an unlicensed/uninsured person to do work at your home, you accept the liability. Island Visitor Publishing is not responsible for claims made by advertisers.

P.O. BOX 35086, SIESTA KEY, FL 34242

www.siestasand.net

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

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

Doc Dojutrek holds up a nice Siesta Key sheepshead

March is a great month to fish on Siesta Key. It is the first month of spring, both on the calendar and outside. The list of available species is long; snook, redfish, trout, pompano, cobia, king and Spanish mackerel, sheepshead, flounder, snapper, grouper, jack crevelle, and sharks just to name a few.

Big Pass will be very productive this month, particularly when the water is clean. Ladyfish are usually thick, with bluefish, mackerel, and pompano mixed in. The sheepshead run will peak this month. Just about any structure near either pass will hold these tasty critters. A live shrimp fished on the bottom should result in a fish dinner pretty easily.

Speckled trout will be schooled up over deep grass flats throughout the entire area. Incoming tides are best, but as long as the water is moving the fish will bite. A live shrimp under a noisy cork is a proven trout slayer. Bass Assassin Sea Shad baits on a ¼ ounce jig head will fool many fish, too. Pompano, mackerel, ladyfish, bluefish, jacks, and a stray cobia will also be encountered when fishing over the grass flats. These are large areas, the key to success is to keep moving until fish are located, do not spend too much time in one spot if it is not producing.

Snook will move out of their winter retreats on their way out to the Gulf to spawn. The Myakka River will still produce some good

fish as they migrate down river.

Any structure with a depth change is a likely place to catch a snook.

Docks, bridges, and oyster bars are all very productive, especially those with some current. Plugs and scented soft plastic baits are the top choices, along with a large hand-picked shrimp.

Surf fishing should be good for a variety of species providing the water is clear and not roiled up.

Whiting, silver trout, flounder, pompano, Spanish mackerel, and ladyfish with hit both live shrimp and artificial lures. A jig tipped with a small piece of shrimp works well bounced along the bottom.

Mackerel and ladyfish will hit flash lures such as silver spoons and plugs. A live shrimp fished on the bottom with just enough weight to get down is a simple but effective technique and will catch anything that swims. Anglers targeting pompano will do well with live or frozen sand fleas.

The beach should come alive this month, provided the winds cooperate. Spanish and king mackerel will invade the area, along with cobia, sharks, and false albacore. The inshore reefs off of Lido Key are a great place to start, they hold a lot of fish. Trolling spoons and plugs is a deadly technique and will fill the cooler in short order. For more sport, look for breaking fish on the surface and cast plugs, spoons, or flies out into the frenzy, a vicious strike should occur immediately!

MARCH 2017

33

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Notes from the Island Fishmonger

By Scott Dolan, Big Water Fish Market

Where’s The Fish?

During the spring, when the beaches are crowded and the population is plentiful, us Siesta Key locals are asked for advice on a daily basis. What to do, which restaurants are good and especially where is the fish? All good questions but it is surprisingly hard in Sarasota to find a good local fish monger and/or restaurant unless you know what you’re doing.

Let’s face it, if you’re coming from the Midwest to thaw out for a week you want to walk the beach and take in its glorious aura, hang out by the pool and eat some seafood; NOT beef, NOT chicken but FISH. That is the Florida vacation dream. The problem is, despite the fact that you are in one of the largest fishing capitals in the world, you still need to know where to go or you will end up with a subpar fish product. I’m talking about previously frozen haddock, farm raised salmon or tilapia; the type you can find at any grocery chain store up north. What we should be talking about is fresh, local, wild, and sustainable, line caught fresh fish. Grouper, Snapper, Mahi, Pompano, Hogfish, shrimp, Scallops and Oysters all come to mind.

Locals know seafood is delicious and nutritious.

Seafood’s nutritional payoffs are too high to ignore so take my advice and seek out a fish monger near you. If you’re looking for great Florida seafood near the beach, there are only a few places to go. Right here on Siesta Key where you will find one of the best fish markets in the state and over the South Bridge, Sarasota’s longest standing and most well-known fish broker. You guessed it, Big Water Fish Market and Walt’s Fish Market are the two biggest retail players in town. Florida fishermen are continually harvesting sustainable seafood from the Gulf and Atlantic coasts and providing their fresh catch to Big Water Fish Market and Walt’s Fish market who, in turn, inspect, prepare, process and provide it to you in their chilled and clean fish counters.

Whether you are buying retail to take home and cook for yourself or having a night out in the Village, here are my recommendations for the best seafood on Siesta Key. 1. Big Water Fish Market: Retail Market and Restaurant. Small yet high profile retail market and restaurant with beer and wine. 6641 Midnight Pass Rd., Sarasota, 34242.

2. The Cottage: Siesta Key Village restaurant and bar. Chef Evan Gasman is a Seafood Tapas genius and the Cottage provides a great and fun atmosphere with a full bar, music and outdoor seating. 1053 Avenida Messina.

Big Water Fish Market sells the freshest stone crab claws and lobster rolls on the island

3. Cevichela: Peruvian Ceviche style and Craft beer restaurant operated by a local chef; Santa Maria Darwin. 5110 Ocean Blvd.

If you do venture off-island, these two seafood places are must stops: 4. Walt’s Fish Market: Restaurant and retail market. Larger operation with dining and full bar.

4144 S. Tamiami Rd. 5. Lotsa Lobsta: Retail Market only. They specialize in New England style retail such as live Maine lobsters, swordfish and clams. 8780 S. Tamiami Trail.

Here are a few must know tips while buying fish from a retail counter.

1. Only buy seafood from a reputable source.

Ask where the seafood came from?

2. Always buy sustainable seafood.

3. Fresh fish should have a mild, fresh sea breeze odor. A strong fish odor is not acceptable and happens when the fish is old and/or going bad.

4. When buying whole fish, look at the eyes.

They should be clear not cloudy.

5. Shellfish should be alive. Tap the shell and it should close. If not, they are dead and you should not buy them.

6. Purchase your seafood last and keep it cold.

7. Benefits of Omega 3 outweigh Mercury concerns.

8. A ½ pound filet is the average dinner serving per person.

9. Cook fish for 10 minutes per inch of thickness at 350°.

10. A grilled piece of seafood with a side of steamed broccoli should be part of your weekly diet.

Live well, Eat Fish!

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

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

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

March 2017

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33'

The Big Water Fish Market…

where it’s a seafood festival every day!

Start your year off with a great seafood sandwich at BWFM!!

Monday - Grouper BLT Tuesday - Soft Shell Crab Sandwich Wednesday - Grouper Reuben Thursday - Lobster Roll Day! Friday - Aaron’s Triple Decker Sea Club Sandwich Saturday - Shrimp Po’ Boy Sunday - Pompano Cubano

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

Date

Day

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

1

We

1:50a

High Tide 1.6

2:07p

High Tide 1.6

8:48a

Low Tide 0.1

9:14p

Low Tide 0.0

6:55a

6:31p

9:02a

9:50p

2

Th

2:45a

1.5

2:39p

1.7

9:18a

0.3

10:16p

-0.1

6:54a

6:32p

9:45a

10:53p

3

Fr

3:51a

1.2

3:18p

1.8

9:48a

0.6

11:29p

-0.1

6:53a

6:32p

10:30a

11:56p

4

Sa

5:23a

1.0

4:04p

1.8

10:16a

0.7

6:52a

6:33p

11:18a

5

Su

7:59a

0.9

5:03p

1.8

12:54a

-0.2

6:51a

6:34p

12:09p

12:58a

6

Mo

6:19p

1.8

2:23a

-0.3

6:50a

6:34p

1:04p

1:59a

7

Tu

11:11a

1.1

7:48p

1.8

3:39a

-0.4

1:58p

1.0

6:48a

6:35p

2:02p

2:57a

8

We

11:32a

1.2

9:07p

1.8

4:38a

-0.4

3:39p

1.0

6:47a

6:35p

3:01p

3:51a

9

Th

11:52a

1.3

10:11p

1.8

5:26a

-0.4

4:48p

0.8

6:46a

6:36p

4:01p

4:41a

10

Fr

12:11p

1.3

11:04p

1.8

6:05a

-0.4

5:40p

0.6

6:45a

6:36p

5:00p

5:26a

11

Sa

12:27p

1.4

11:50p

1.7

6:38a

-0.2

6:24p

0.5

6:44a

6:37p

5:57p

6:08a

12

Su

1:42p

1.5

8:06a

-0.1

8:04p

0.4

7:43a

7:38p

7:54p

7:47a

13

Mo

1:31a

1.6

1:58p

1.6

8:31a

0.1

8:43p

0.2

7:42a

7:38p

8:48p

8:24a

14

Tu

2:11a

1.6

2:16p

1.6

8:55a

0.2

9:21p

0.1

7:41a

7:39p

9:42p

9:00a

15

We

2:50a

1.5

2:37p

1.7

9:17a

0.4

10:03p

0.1

7:40a

7:39p

10:35p

9:36a

16

Th

3:33a

1.4

3:03p

1.8

9:41a

0.5

10:48p

0.0

7:39a

7:40p

11:27p

10:13a

17

Fr

4:23a

1.2

3:33p

1.8

10:04a

0.6

11:41p

0.0

7:37a

7:40p

18

Sa

5:28a

1.1

4:08p

1.8

10:28a

0.7

7:36a

7:41p

12:19a

11:30a

19

Su

7:07a

1.0

4:51p

1.7

12:44a

0.0

7:35a

7:41p

1:10a

12:13p

20

Mo

5:46p

1.7

1:57a

0.0

7:34a

7:42p

2:00a

12:58p

21

Tu

7:01p

1.6

3:12a

0.0

7:33a

7:42p

2:49a

1:47p

22

We

11:35a

1.2

8:30p

1.6

4:17a

-0.1

3:22p

1.1

7:32a

7:43p

3:37a

2:38p

23

Th

11:53a

1.3

9:46p

1.7

5:10a

-0.1

4:41p

1.0

7:31a

7:44p

4:23a

3:33p

24

Fr

12:10p

1.4

10:48p

1.7

5:54a

-0.2

5:36p

0.8

7:30a

7:44p

5:07a

4:30p

25

Sa

12:27p

1.5

11:41p

1.8

6:32a

-0.1

6:21p

0.6

7:28a

7:45p

5:50a

5:29p

26

Su

12:44p

1.6

7:07a

-0.1

7:03p

0.4

7:27a

7:45p

6:32a

6:29p

27

Mo

12:30a

1.8

1:02p

1.6

7:39a

0.1

7:45p

0.2

7:26a

7:46p

7:14a

7:32p

28

Tu

1:18a

1.8

1:24p

1.7

8:09a

0.2

8:29p

0.0

7:25a

7:46p

7:56a

8:35p

29

We

2:07a

1.7

1:50p

1.9

8:37a

0.4

9:17p

-0.2

7:24a

7:47p

8:39a

9:40p

30

Th

3:00a

1.6

2:20p

2.0

9:05a

0.6

10:10p

-0.2

7:23a

7:47p

9:24a

10:45p

31

Fr

4:01a

1.4

2:55p

2.1

9:32a

0.7

11:11p

-0.3

7:22a

7:48p

10:12a

11:50p

10:39a

10:51a

0.8

0.9

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

Phase

1st

Full

10:51a

3rd

New

34

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

Say I Do, Again 2017 Each year hundreds of couples from all over the globe, celebrate Valentine’s Day on Siesta Beach and Venice Beach, to participate in the annual, “Say I Do, Again” event organized by Sarasota Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources.

Nearly 400 couples on Siesta Beach were led to renew their vows by 12th

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Photos by Trebor Britt

Judicial Circuit Judge, Debra Johnes Riva as the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico.

Visit Sarasota County participated this year by providing a nice getaway package and contributing the “I Snap” computer allowing participants to take a photo and email it to themselves.

The “Say I Do, Again” event brings couples together from all over the nation.

(Front) Tim and Sarah Smith, of Sarasota, married 10 years.

(Row 2) Joe and Patty Doyle of Lakewood Ranch, married 34 years next to Michelle and Mark Danies of Boise, ID, married 31 years.

(Back) Shelley and Tim Chimskey of Westminster, MD, married 30 years.

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. 9am. Classes held between blue and green lifeguard station. Call 941320-6693 to register or go to website for more info. www.yogaonsiestabeach.com/about • NIA Tues. & Thurs., 9a.m., Siesta Public Beach (yellow lifeguard chair). Contact Kathy Oravec at 941-724-9719 for more info or check website: www.nianow.com/kathy-oravec • SIESTA KEY BEACH HOOP JAMS – Every Tuesday one hour before Sunset on Siesta Key beach we gather for a community Hoop Jam. (Between the red lifeguard stand and the pavilion; around where the Sunday drum circle happens.)

Register at: www.outwardspiral.net • TUESDAY MORNING YOGA AT TURTLE BEACH: March – April: Every Tuesday, 8:30-9:30 am. For more information about registration, please e-mail Julie at: julie@chesapeakeyoga.com 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…

• MARCH 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (WEDS) 8-9:30AM / SUNRISE BEACH WALKS: Participants pay a one-time $5 registration fee and receive an event t-shirt with orginal design and sponsor logos and a punch card. Each week, participants check in with Parks and recreation staff between 8-9:30AM and after walking four weeks they are entered into a drawing for prizes. Contact 941-861-5000 for details.

• MARCH 1,8,15,22,29 (WED) 9:30-10:30AM/ BEACH UNIVERSITY: This FREE environmental education series will take place at the main Siesta Key pavilion. The series will cover a new topic each month. Call 941-861-5000 for topic of the week.

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

Wearing her original wedding veil, Linda Brucksieker stands with her husband, Bob of 45 years, minutes before re-taking their vows on incredible Siesta Beach. Married in Toledo, OH they have two children and several grandchildren.

Nearly 400 couples participated in this year’s “Say I Do, Again” event under the main pavillion on spectacular Siesta Beach. When you include children and friends the crowd likely reached 1,000.

What’s Happening Around the island…

• WEEKLY FARMER’S MARKET IN THE VILLAGE: Every Sunday from 8am – 2pm 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.

• MARCH 7 (TUES) 7PM / INAUGURAL ORGAN RECITAL: The Siesta Key Chapel Arts Series will present internationallyrenowned concert organist Chelsea Chen performing on the newly-installed 2017 Schantz pipe organ. The concert is free; freewill donation to the Siesta Key Chapel Arts Series. Siesta Key Chapel is located at 4615 Gleason Avenue, Siesta Key, FL 34242. 941-349-1166; siestakeychapel.org • MARCH 19 (SAT) 8:45 & 11AM / ORGAN DEDICATION SERVICES: The worship services at 8:45 and 11:00 a.m. will feature and dedicate the newly-installed Schantz pipe organ. Music for organ, brass, and choir, and congregation will be offered by Cynthia Roberts-Greene, Music DirectorOrganist, the Chapel Choir, and a brass quintet. Siesta Key Chapel is located at 4615 Gleason Avenue, Siesta Key, FL 34242. 941-349-1166; siestakeychapel.org • MARCH 25 & APRIL 8 (SAT) 8:30AM-2PM / FLY FISHING CLASS: CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, 1249 Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL will have an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Sat, Mar 25, 2017. Located right off the Stickney Point Bridge on Siesta Key. The school will cover fly casting basics, line control, shooting line and the roll cast.

Instructors, Capt. Rick Grassett and Capt. Ed Hurst, will also cover leader construction, fly selection and saltwater fly fishing techniques. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basics but also work with intermediate casters on correcting faults and improving casting skills. Cost for the school, which will run from 8:30 AM to 2 PM, is $150 per person and includes the use of Orvis fly tackle and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations.

And Beyond…

• PHILLIPI ESTATE PARK: 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231.

MARCH roars in like a lion with lots of activities and events at Phillippi Estate Park.

Jazz In The Park returns to Phillippi Estate Park. The Jazz Club will be starting their Annual Jazz Week on Sunday, March 5 at the park Gazebo. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy delightful jazz from noon until 4 p.m. Event is free and

Barette and Brian Best with their children Degan (5) and Mason (9) from Apollo Beach, FL anticipating their first “Say I Do, Again” ceremony. They heard about the ceremony through a friend, who also attended, and have been married eleven years.

there will be food/beverage vendors for your convenience.

Each Wednesday, there is a Farmhouse Market in the front field at Phillippi from 9 am until 2 pm. There are 5 local produce vendors, including USDA Certified Organic growers, local artisans with handcrafted goods, food trucks, live music and a Welcome Tent brimming with information and flyers on events in Sarasota.

Each Thursday, there is a FREE concert at the Gazebo.

The Brown Bag Concert Lunch Series occur every Thursday during March from noon to 1:00 p.m. Please bring your brown bag lunch and lawn chair and enjoy delightful music in a beautiful park setting. The final concert also features an Art “S”How and Sale beginning at 11:00 a.m. with watercolor and oil paintings for purchase.

Saturday, March 11 and Sunday, March 12 there will be an Arts And Crafts Show in the front field of Phillippi. This event is FREE and open to the public. Parking is also free.

For more information, please contact Carmen Lambert at: calsrp@verizon.net Wednesday, March 15 will feature an Archaeological Tour of the park with Sarasota County archaeologist Steve Koski . Meet at the Keith Farmhouse at 11:30 a.m. and learn about the native Americans who lived on the property 2,500 years ago. Following the archaeology tour, there will be a radiocarbon dating workshop in the Edson Keith Mansion.

For more information on the radiocarbon dating workshop, please call 941-316-1309.

The Light Chasers Art Show & Sale will benefit the renovation of the Keith Farmhouse on Fri. March 17 and Sat. March 18 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The Sunday sale will be from noon until 5 p.m.

Saturday, March 25 we will have The Great American Clean Up at Phillippi Estate Park. Come out and join the effort to keep our parks looking beautiful. The clean-up begins at 8:00 a.m. and lasts until noon.

Well-behaved dogs on leash are always welcome.

For more information, please call 941-316-1309.

• MARCH 1 is St. David’s Day, honoring the Patron Saint of Wales. The Welsh Society invites those with Welsh heritage and those who love Wales and its music to attend the annual St. David’s Day celebration. This year’s festivities will be at The Meadows Country Club beginning at 5:30 for socializing, dining and singing. Special music by harp and piano. Details and Reservations: www.sarasotawelsh.com.

Email sarasotawelsh@yahoo.com. Phone 941-349-6069.

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.

Places of Worship

941-349-5616 www.bonifacechurch.org

6908 Beneva Road, Sarasota, 941.922.7595 www.uccstandrew.org

Island Churches: • Siesta Key Presbyterian Chapel 4615 Gleason Ave, Siesta Key, 941-349-1166 www.siestakeychapel.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

• 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

• 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,

• St. Andrew United Church of Christ (Protestant) (In the Gulf Gate area, near Beneva and Gulf Gate Drive)

• First Christian Church 7601 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34241.

941-922-4434 www.fccsarasota.com

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2017

Snapshots of Island Visitors

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Wake & Shake Just roll out of bed...your hair looks great!

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Shampoo and towel dry.... and you’re done!

The style is in the cut, not the blow-dry, so you don’t have to fuss with your hair to look good... even fine, limp or curly hair... and my new steam color process + Olaplex creates richer brunettes and spectacular blondes. The colors go deeper and last longer, yet are far more gentle to the hair.

Margo age 6, Ava age 11, Emma age 10, Matthew age 3, Judah age 3, Caleb age 8, Karrie age 8, Abby age 14, and Kiah age 14

By Appointment Only with Ian:

DearDonnarose

Q: Dear Donnarose, I was recently criticized about still praying to Jesus even though I no longer believe in the Christian religion I grew up on. While some may think it’s hypocritical, I still feel connected to Jesus.

Does this make sense? ~Blessings, D.A. A: Even when others put you on the spot, Jesus still loves you, religious or not.” ~Donnarose Melvin Absolutely, it makes total sense to me. The reason you still feel connected to Jesus, is because He doesn’t abandon us if we put the bible down to then pray to Him outside of the church. I know this firsthand because I quit the 1st day of catechism class at age 5.

Yet, Jesus (Mother Mary and others) lovingly appear and assist me during my intuitive readings and energy clearings from time to time. The thing is, Jesus is about Love, period. Regarding the person who told you “Jesus is the way” and wants you to stay with the Christian religion, you can say, the “Love” of Jesus is the way, which covers everything. Meaning, the love of Jesus, is the same as the love of God, Buddha, etc.

They’re All One and hold no judgment, and love all people, animals, nature, etc.

It’s wonderful that you’re still embracing and connecting to Jesus. It’s that connective force that leads us on the path of our souls, which consists of solely that which is for our Highest good. Enjoy your beautiful connection. ~ ♥ Q: Dear Donnarose, one of our newer co-workers became a friend of mine. She’s nice outside of work, but things tend to change when we’re in the office.

She gets competitive, and always makes me look bad in front of our team. I’m unsure if this is the type of friend I want to have. ~Please advise, K.L. A: “Handle challenges from a higher vibration, and you’ll manifest more peace rather than frustration.” ~Donnarose Melvin It looks like you may have resolved your own issue by your last statement. The thing is, people who carry out negative intentions, whether subconsciously or consciously, are more often than not, the ones who

suffer the most. That old adage, “I’m rubber, you’re glue, whatever you say, bounces off of me and sticks to you” or, “What you give is what you get” are both true in my opinion. Meaning, many don’t realize for instance, that the cold they keep getting, or that step they keep hitting their toe on, or the continuous tension at home, etc., often relates to the negative energy they’re carrying around and inflicting on others. And, unless their negative or “stuck” energy gets cleared out, their matching low vibration intentions usually remain the same.

Regarding advice, if you quit your job to avoid your co-worker’s office antics, it’s highly likely you’ll start to recognize her same negative behavior, but in a social setting. So it is suggested to release with peace the friendship with your co-worker, put more positive energy into your job, and raise your vibration so you’ll manifest friendships at that same level. And if you maintain that higher vibration (which includes forgiving all your co-worker’s wrong-doings towards you, as well as any self-blame), like my quote above indicates, you will manifest peace. And you will develop relationships more in alignment with love, in and outside of the office. ~ ♥ Donnarose Melvin is a professional intuitive medium, and also does powerful distant energy clearings. 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 an energy clearing, or an intuitive reading, please contact Donnarose at the email address above. * E-Gift Certificates are available!

MarinerWord Search WORD SEARCH Trawler Brands MarinerWord Search WORD LIST Alaskan Albin American Tug WORD LIST Atlantic Alaskan Beneteau Albin Bristol American Tug Californian Atlantic CHB Beneteau Cheoy Lee Bristol CT Californian Defever CHB Eagle Grand CheoyBanks Lee Great CT Harbour Hampton Defever Hatteras Eagle Heritage (Morgan) Grand Banks Independence Great Harbour Island Gypsy Hampton Jefferson Hatteras Kha Shing Heritage (Morgan) Krogan Independence Litton Island Gypsy Lord Nelson Marine Trader Jefferson Marlow Kha Shing Monk Krogan Nordhavn Litton Nordic Tug Lord Nelson Nova Marine Trader Ocean Alexander Marlow Prairie Monk Present Nordhavn Ranger Tug Nordic Tug Selene Senator Nova Sundowner Ocean Alexander Symbol Prairie

Answers Presenton Page 25 Ranger Tug Selene

35

Trawler Brands

www.TheMariner.com

Answers on page 45 www.TheMariner.com

941.356.0295

iansalon.com

36

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Siesta Key REAL ESTATE & HOME SECTION ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 46 SAND CASTLES PAGE 42

HOUSE HUNTING PAGE 43 HIGH & LOW OF SOLD PROPERTIES PAGE 36

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: 95 Columbus Blvd: Sold For $2,500,000 Located in the Mira Mar Beach neighborhood, just a two minute stroll to Siesta beach or to

Siesta Village. This stunning two-story, three bedroom, three bath single family home is surrounded by lush foliage and a privacy wall with a gated entrance.

A wood burning fireplace, marble floors, great room, living room/ dining room combo, volume ceilings, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, bonus room and loft are some of the luxuries you’ll find in this 2,560 square foot home. The outdoor amenities are just as stunning and includes an in-ground pool with attached spa located in a private courtyard surrounded by mature trees, porticos, and an outdoor shower. The sale of this property came to $976.56 a square foot.

Courtesy of Premier Sarabay Real Estate

LOWEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY PROPERTY: 5254 Winding Way: Sold For $450,000 Canopied Neighborhood, with tropical pond out front.

Walk to beach, bike ride into the Village for shopping. Enjoy the many restaurants. Beautiful quaint neighborhood. This home features 3 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths. This home would make a great rental. This home could be a 5 bedroom house for winter residents, or long term rental. Master bedroom is on the main floor, with private bath, walk in closet, and sliders out to the patio. Front bedroom has private bath and beautiful garden tub. This bedroom has a loft for storage.

The second floor has a landing large enough for an office, or play area, closets for storage. Full bath with tub, and the bedroom was built to be a 2 bedroom. Each side has a

closet. You can just drop a wall in the middle. Doors installed for separate entry. The 2nd floor has a wrap-around deck.

Office area also has a door for going outside. The living room has two large sliders looking out at the pool area, with another slider off of the dining room for lots of light.

Hallway between kitchen and bonus room have closets on both sides for lots of storage.

Garage was professionally remodeled for a recreation room, large bedroom, billiard room, whatever you need it for. It has a half bath and separate entry to the home.

Pond across the street with bench for enjoying birds and some quiet time. Metal roof.

3 ton AC, heat pump, split system 15 seer installed in 2014. Inside utility room has a Bosh washer and dryer. No lawn mower needed. Walk to Glebe Park. The sale of this property came out to $180.36 a square foot. Courtesy of Future Home Realty Inc.

HIGHEST PRICED CONDO: 1660 Summerhouse Ln, #604: Sold For $2,000,000 It’s all about the view with this one.

South stack end unit in Summer Cove with sweeping views of the intercoastal, this 6th floor unit is magnificent. The owners have made nice upgrades to this home. A private entry with tile floors on a diagonal thru living area with wood floors in bedrooms, built in closets, a well-equipped gourmet kitchen with granite counters, high end stainless appliances, upgraded lighting, decorative kitchen back splash and much more. Located in gated Summer Cove and nestled in a canopy of majestic oaks, the direct bay view is endless.

The beautiful and open 2490 square foot Acacia floor plan features 3 bedrooms with en-suite baths plus a powder room. Designer window treatments.

Custom closets and multiple terraces overlooking the intercoastal waterway.

Spacious master bedroom with views of the bay. Master bath with jetted tub and

walk-in shower and upgraded lighting make this a special master suite.

Fabulous separate dining room with bay views and wrap around balconies.

The building has lots of security features including private elevators to your residence. Underground parking for two cars plus extra storage. Plus all the great amenities of Summer Cove including a resort style pool/spa and club house with fully equipped fitness center, social room and kitchen. Beach Access. Pet friendly building. Under building parking has two spots. The sale on this unit came out to $803.21 a square foot Courtesy of Waterside Realty

LOWEST PRICED CONDO: 5955 Midnight Pass Rd, #4E: Sold For $165,000 This bayfront complex has gulf-beach and bay access with a private boat basin, weekly rentals with onsite management, heated pool, picnic areas, fishing pier, located between the 2 village shopping areas with access to the white sands of Crescent Beach. The unit needs updating and is the lowest priced unit on Siesta at time of listing. The sale came out to $316.09 a square foot. Courtesy of Ascendia Real Estate

Spacious Island Home

Located in the quiet northern end of Siesta Key, this Key West style home is close to just about everything! Enjoy the day on secluded Shell Beach a few streets south!

Surrounded By Water Views

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.

99 ,9 99 $6

,0 80

9

00

$4

$5

0 8,

00

This Week’s Featured Listings

Secluded Home On Siesta Key

This Siesta Key gem is on quiet street in the heart of charming Siesta Village. Leave the car at home!

No worries about parking or traffic.

Just the quiet pleasure of winding your way around the village, to the beautiful sandy beach.

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

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2017

Siesta Key Condominium Hosts USF Class The Crescent Siesta Key condominiums hosted 23 seniors from a University of South Florida (USF) Lodging Management class recently. This is the first time a USF college class has visited a Siesta Key facility in this kind of unique hands on learning project. This is also a first for Condominium Facility Manager, John Yilmaz, CAM. He is helping educate and inspire future hospitality leaders and hopes the success of this project will lead to a repeat of this unique training opportunity. He

said, “a Hospitality Management degree is no longer reserved for just the restaurant and hotel markets”, while briefing students about condominium rentals and management – another face of the growing lodging industry. USF Professor, Dr. Ali Faizan said, “visiting these establishments and talking to industry leaders help our students get inspired and understand various career paths within the lodging industry.”

During a presentation Yilmaz demonstrated how courses in

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

37

By Trebor Britt

marketing, finance, information systems and hospitality and lodging management could be used in the successful operation of a condominium complex.

Making sure a condominium is well managed is a top priority. A focus on customer service, while also keeping an eye on the building maintenance and finances, takes skill and resourcefulness. Yilmaz said, “With over 200 condominium complexes on Siesta Key, only a degree in Hospitality Management can be a marketable asset.”

Paradise Awaits...

E IC ED! R P UC D RE

322 Island Circle Sarasota, FL

Beaches, boating and bistros! Live the island lifestyle in this spacious 4 BR, 4 BA house located on desirable Palm Island. Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master BR and master BA. Lounge in the heated pool and spa. Perfect home or investment property .

959,000

$

1122 Horizon View Drive, Sarasota, FL

418 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL

Deeded Beach Access!!! Your feet will be in the Gulf of Mexico in 60 seconds. This immaculate pool home features large rooms and volume ceilings. Lovely oak Floors and stylish tile will dazzle you. 3 BR, 3.5 BA with LL bonus area for generational living. A truly unique find!

Single Family Home, 3 BR, 2.5 BA Key West Style Grand Canal home on Siesta Key. Built in 2005. Huge lower level bonus area, pool shower, 4-car garage.

Open floor plan. Custom touches, must see!

5206 Winding Way, Sarasota, FL

5350 Calle Florida, Sarasota, FL

959,000

$

1,415,000

$

E IC D! PR UCE D RE

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

$

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.

419,900

$

Currently the lowest priced duplex close to the beach. 2 BR, 1 BA on each side.

Possibilities abound on this property with room for a pool and low maintenance landscaping,. Rent out one side and use the other, or rent both sides for a great return on your investment.

Tropical Sands Dan D. Miller 941-376-7442 Licensed Real Estate Professional

ddm1@comcast.net

500,000

$

Service.

Integrity.

Results.

38

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

The Sarasota Garden Club annual fashion show The Sarasota Garden Club (SGC) had their annual fashion show “Isn’t it Grand” January 19th at Michael’s on East. There were over 230 attendees and everyone had a grand time dressing to impress. John and Mable Ringling (aka Will Pearson & Jean Ruff), Ida, Mable’s sister (aka Kathryn Chesley) were there.

Fashions by Camilyn Beth, Martin Freeman and L. Boutique & Spa. Hair and Make-up by Ana Molinari. Photgraphy by RBphotos.com.

The fashion show was a fundraiser co-chaired by Terry Damm and Deborah Grigaitis. The funds raised from the fashion show help support our missions and the most important is the scholarships for high school and college students in the environmental sciences. Since the scholarship program’s inception in 1982, SGC has donated almost $100,000. The other fundraisers that they have each year

are Gardens in Paradise which will be March 18th, Fashion Show and GardenFest. They also have an annual flower show which is free to the public and is a juried show where the public can enjoy Sarasota Garden Club members’ home-grown horticulture and creative floral designs. Sarasota Garden Club is open to the public 365 days a year at 1131 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 955-0875.

Meridith Stanton Terry Damm & Deborah Grigiatis

Elizabeth Intagliata & CJ Danna

Jackie Cutrone, Harold Freeman & CJ Danna

Mable & John Ringling

Kathryn Chesley (aka Ida North)

Camilyn Beth (Designer)

Patricia Driessen

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

DECEMBER

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

39

USA Volleyball National Qualifier Photos by Trebor Britt Nearly 500 enthusiastic junior boys and girls volleyball players from the Florida region competed in the USA Volleyball National Qualifying Tournament on beautiful Siesta Beach.

Mark Paaluhi Junior Beach Tour Manager for USA Volleyball was pleased with the response. This is one of 90 stops across the country where juniors will compete for a bid to the USA Volleyball National Championships that will be played on Siesta Beach in July 20-25. Juniors are competing in 4 divisions.

Divisions include 12 and under, 14 and under, 16 and under and 18 and under.

Stefani Keller (16) of Bradenton, Malia Barker (15) of Palm Harbor, Mazarine Tsuji (17) of Hallendale Beach and Erica Brok (18) of Daytona Beach. Playing in the 18-year-old division, several of these players earned an invitation to the national finals last year.

Taylor Wooldridge (17) of Tampa reaches high to tap a ball just over the net as her partner Lily Curci (17) of Clearwater watches.

They compete in the 18-and-under, Gold Division.

Amanda Chambers (12) of Delray Beach in perfect position to set her partner up for a spike. They were undefeated in the 14-and-under pool play. She’s been playing volleyball for 2 1/2 years.

Johannah Cummines (17) of New Port Richey, Lily Curci (17) of Clearwater, Taylor Wooldridge (17) of Tampa and Reagan Evans (18) of St. Petersburg.

As you can see from their smiles, these young athletes were enjoying the competition during the 18-and-under, Gold Division, open-pool play.

Nikki Baer (13) of Delray Beach setting up her partner. They were undefeated in their 14-and-under pool play and have been playing volleyball 2 1/2 years.

First, Second and Third place in their division were Haleigh Savage (13) of Tampa 3rd, Lola Ackman (12) of Orlando 1st, Lulu Phegley (11) of Tampa 1st, Erin Hamilton (12) of St. Petersburg 2nd, and Rosemary Mallon (13) of St. Petersburg 2nd.

40

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

Blooming this month:

Phalaenopsis Orchids

Orchids are the most intriguing flowering plants.

They are very easy to grow. I am going to tell you about Phalaenopsis, the Moth Orchid. It is one of the most common and the easiest to grow in Florida.

It is an especially good choice for a beginner. They are large and come in a wide variety of colors. Most have several flowers per stem, but some have more, and others have as few as one. There are several hybrid varieties that one can purchase. Low lighting is preferred by Phalaenopsis. They prefer shaded windows, or east-facing windows. Leaves will tend to become greener when lighting is low, and yellower with red spotting when there is a lot of light. If too much sun, black or brown patches appear on the leaves, reduce the lighting.

It is important to repot orchids every couple years.

If the potting mix has started to decompose, it will retain too much moisture and prevent air getting to the roots, causing root rot. The plant may also have outgrown its pot. Do not repot orchids while still in bloom.

Subbmitted by Sarasota Garden Club

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Siesta Promenade news briefs Rhana Bazzini has not given up her dream of turning the site of the proposed Siesta Promenade mixed-use development into a park.

During the June 2, 2016 Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting, she told Benderson Development’s director of development, Todd Mathes, that she felt a park would be the best use of the approximately 24 acres at the northwest corner of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road.

Just last week, she renewed her call for that approach when she addressed the County Commission before it considered the scope of work for Benderson in its efforts to create Siesta Promenade.

On Jan. 25, she also gave the clerk to the board copies of a petition with more than 200 signatures of people supporting her view.

“It is clear that there are several negative components [of the Siesta Promenade plan],” she told the commissioners.

Among them are the potential for exacerbation of the traffic congestion in that immediate area, incompatibility with the neighborhood and adding more vehicles to a major hurricane evacuation route.

Not only was she proposing a park, she continued, but she also wanted to recommend the site be the location of a

“shuttle station,” which could provide much-needed transportation to Siesta Key and its beaches.”

To make all that possible, she added, Benderson “would need to divest itself” of the property. “I imagine Benderson has a cadre of accountants and lawyers who could figure out how to implement this,” she said. “They could donate the property to the county; they could sell it to the county.”

Bazzini told the board that she had been talking with Mathes about her ideas and hoped, at some point, to have the opportunity to speak with Randy Benderson, CEO of Benderson Development. Then, she said, she could “remind him that being a successful businessman and an enlightened corporate citizen are not mutually exclusive.”

Her conversations with Mathes, she noted, “have been always respectful.

We may disagree as to the merits of the proposal, but we have never been disagreeable.”

A Siesta Promenade factor to consider During the Jan. 25 County Commission meeting, Margaret Jean Cannon was among numerous Siesta residents who

voiced concerns about traffic relative to the proposed Siesta Promenade project at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road.

One big issue that seems to have been overlooked in the traffic studies the county is requiring of Benderson Development, she said, is that congestion at the south access to the Key affects the north access.

“As soon as the south end begins to back up,” Cannon told the board, people head north, to Siesta Drive.

The City of Sarasota’s utility project on Siesta Drive just east of the north Siesta bridge in mid-January produced such long lines of waiting vehicles, she continued, that drivers started eschewing the north route to the island in favor of Stickney Point Road. That was an excellent example of what happens, she explained.

Therefore, she said, the traffic studies for Siesta Promenade need to include analysis of the potential for congestion on Midnight Pass Road and Higel Avenue, as well as on the part of U.S. 41 in the vicinity of Siesta Drive.

No commissioner addressed those comments in the discussion of the scope of work, and staff did not include those road segments on its list of areas Benderson’s consultant will have to analyze.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

Siesta Promenade All the traffic analyses will involve the road segments and intersections the board approved on Jan. 25, he added.

The traffic data collection was expected to continue through February, Mathes said. “From there, we’ll produce the report.”

He added that he expected that to happen before the end of March.

Traffic congestion has been the predominant concern of residents and business owners in the vicinity of the approximately 24-acre Siesta Promenade site.

The property is on the northwest corner of Stickney Point Road and U.S. 41. Benderson’s application — submitted in August 2016 to the county’s Planning and Development Services Department — called for up to 140,000 square feet of retail space, a 150-room hotel and 501 multi-family dwelling units. The CAP designation would allow density up to 25 units per acre, instead of the standard 13 units per acre allowed under Commercial General zoning, county Planner Todd Dary explained to the County Commission on Jan. 25.

Benderson also has requested a special exception to allow buildings to be constructed as tall as 85 feet. Mathes has explained that the residential structures and the hotel would be on the western side of the property, with commercial uses along U.S. 41.

MARCH 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

41

Continued from cover story

Siesta Promenade Boundary Commercial Center S.R. 72 From Midnight Pass Rd. to Swift Rd. Swift Rd. From S.R. 72 To Constitution Blvd.

U.S.41 From Constitution Blvd. To Beneva Rd. Intersections

Alleged violation of the ordinance During the Open to the Public portion of the County Commission’s regular meeting on Feb. 15, Sura Kochman, a leader of Pine Shores Estates residents fighting the Siesta Promenade plans, reprised a concern she raised on Jan. 25. Citing a chart from the county’s webpage outlining the Critical Area Plan process, she maintained that a boundary should be established before the Siesta Promenade proposal goes before the Planning Commission.

Kochman gave each board member a copy of the document before she stepped to the podium.

In October 2016, she reminded the board members, three of them voted to delay setting the boundary for the Siesta Promenade CAP. (Commissioners Nancy Detert and Mike Moran were not sworn in until Nov. 22, 2016.)

Instead, the commissioners agreed to consider the boundary, the rezoning of the property and the CAP all in one public hearing, after the Planning Commission has voted on those issues.

Kochman added that, based on the Jan. 25 discussion, staff will schedule the Planning Commission hearing after it has determined that Benderson has complied with all the requests under the scope of work.

“There are a number of stakeholders who have an interest in this,” Kochman continued, “especially businesses south of Stickney [Point Road], because [the Florida Department of Transportation] will likely close the median cut at Avenue A,” which intersects with Stickney Point Road.

The Pine Shores residents also will experience significant impacts if the project is

constructed as proposed, she told the board. Pine Shores abuts the Siesta Promenade property.

“A Critical Area Plan is not a critical parcel plan. It’s an area plan,” she stressed. “There’s a difference between an impact area and the critical area.”

After the studies have been completed under the scope of work, Kochman continued, “I strongly suggest [the matter be brought back to the board members, so they can] decide what the boundaries should be.”

She added that the county’s chart describing the CAP process calls for another neighborhood workshop after the boundary has been settled — before the

application goes to the Planning Commission. “Therefore, you are limiting public input.”

Kochman again pleaded, “Please do not be in violation of your ordinance.”

Commissioners traditionally do not respond to public comments, unless a speaker raises a point that prompts one or more of them to seek a response from staff. On Feb. 15, none of them addressed Kochman’s remarks after she left the podium.

During the Jan. 25 meeting, Brian Lichterman, who served as a senior planner with the county for 22 years, also advised the board members they were in

violation of the county policy by allowing the Siesta Promenade application to proceed as staff had suggested.

He told the SNL in an interview that he had been involved with more than 30 Critical Area Plans. It was on the basis of that expertise, he added, that he had recommended to the commissioners — during public comments that afternoon — that they set a boundary for Siesta Promenade that encompasses all four quadrants of the Stickney Point Road/U.S. 41 intersection.

The CAP process, Lichterman pointed out to the board, was intended to create a comprehensive planning tool

to address area-wide solutions in regard to future land use, compatibility, transportation, traffic circulation, cut-through traffic, walkability, drainage, utilities and urban design.

When Chair Paul Caragiulo questioned county staff about Kochman’s and Lichterman’s assertions on Jan. 25, Planner Dary responded, “We have been following [the process], per the rules.”

The Siesta Promenade proposal, Dary added, “doesn’t fit perfectly with the traditional development or plan that CAPs have been used for .…”

42

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

941.349.0194

Sand Castles

Serene, from Gulf to Bay, at Excelsior A tornado came from the Gulf at 3:30 a.m. Jan. 17, 2016 and bore down on Excelsior Beach to Bay Condominiums.

Several storms landed in the area that evening, including the tornado that hit Excelsior condominiums on the Gulf before crossing Midnight Pass Road and then damaging the community’s bayside area as well.

But more than a year later, the Gulf to Bay community that had been known for its impeccable grounds is now “more beautiful than ever,” says unit owner Chuck Lannon.

Several projects to make repairs and improvements to damaged buildings were wrapped up in October.

Much of the lush landscaping, including bottlebrush trees, along a bayside tropical pathway was spared, said general manager Dan Watnem, and other impacted landscaping has been replaced or will be replaced soon.

“If you didn’t know there was a tornado, you would never know it,” Watnem said.

The serene community has 166 two and three-bedroom condominium units throughout 14 acres. There are approximately 8 acres of common space on the property that spaces Gulf to Bay, said Realtor Bob Ruiz, of Key Solutions Real Estate. “Bayside units reside in a park-like setting with fountained ponds beautiful treed grounds, and a lovely pool,” Ruiz said. “The Beach (Gulf) side units are equally lovely.”

When Lannon and his wife come to Siesta from their suburb outside of Buffalo, New York, they most look forward to the sunshine.

And that carries into their two-bedroom, bayside unit they have owned for about three years. “There is beautiful sunshine all throughout the unit,” Lannon told Siesta Sand.

Lannon says it is 150 steps from his unit to the beach.

That’s part of the reason why the Lannons are spending more and more time at Excelsior.

Amenities at Excelsior include 2 heated pools with spas, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, shuffleboard, clubhouse with fitness and of course, a private beach. All units have free WiFi. The mid Key location, at 6263 Midnight Pass Road, is

www.siestasand.net

Excelsior

By Roger Drouin

walking distance to shopping, boat rentals, and restaurants nearby, including the soon-to-open Daiquiri Deck restaurant and coffee shop planned for a new three-story building. Lannon said the new restaurant will be a “pretty cool” addition to the area.

Excelsior has a rental program for investment owners to use, and about 80 unit owners rent out their unit, said Watnem. The other owners are seasonal or permanent residents.

Recent listings: • Two, two-bedroom units sold over the past year; both sales were in February.

A 1,550-square foot bayside unit with courtyard view sold for $397,500. The sale of the furnished unit came out to $256 a square foot. The unit also came with some rental bookings for 2017.

Another two-bedroom unit with 1,469 square-feet sold for $365,000, or $248 a square foot. This unit is located on the second floor with a courtyard view, as well.

• Six units are currently listed for sale — including two new listings put on the market last month.

In the middle of the price range, a two-bedroom beachside unit with updated kitchen and baths is listed for $679,400, or $493 a square foot.

A bayside unit, with 1,306 square feet, is listed for $524,400, or $402 a square foot. The unit is full of numerous upgrades, from clerestory windows and glassed lanai to kitchen with granite and stainless appliances. The breakfast bar was redesigned to create a true open floor plan, perfect for entertaining, according to the MLS listing.

A two-bedroom 1,435 square foot beachside unit is listed for $884,900, or $617 a square foot. Features include new furnishings, plantation shutters, and hurricane windows.

One of the new listings is a bayside unit with 1,456 square feet that is on the market for $495,000, or $340 a square foot. The well maintained unit has tiled flooring and an updated kitchen.

Making Things Happen on Siesta Key...BOB and SHERI RUIZ

840 Siesta Key Circle

Peppertree Bay

Excelsior

Dolphin Bay

minutes boat ride to the ICW. 3 3 1/12 with pool and 2 car garage. Large corner lot.

Direct bay views from this fabulous 2/2 in sought-after Peppertree community.

Tastefully, turnkey furnished. Private garage. Beach access just across the street.

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 from above the garage. Elevator

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.

MLS #A4149391 $1,150,000

MLS#A4149092 $590,000

$549,000

$849,000

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

Your Resident Siesta Key Realtors

D L O

S

The Pointe on Midnight Pass

Lovely 1/1 on the 9th floor with incredible water views. Turnkey furnished.

The Pointe is a beautiful 5+ acre community at the southernmost end of Siesta Key with every amenity. Enjoy sunrises and sunsets.

MLS #A4169754 $359,000

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 boating community of just 50 units.

MLS #A4167104 Just Reduced For Value Sale $699,000

Lido Ambassador

Direct beachfront community just 10 minutes walk to popular St. Armand’s Circle and a short drive to downtown Sarasota. Amenities abound-beachfront pool, clubhouse, fitness, etc. Large 1, 1-1/2 beautifully renovated and furnished MLS #A4174292 $370,000

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

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

House Hunting Siesta Key to Longboat Key •TUSCAN INSPIRED MASTERPIECE ON PALM ISLAND: $779,000 389 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4110340.

4,134 sq. ft. single family home. 4 bedrooms, 4 ½ baths, roof top pool, private spacious in-law/guest apartment with separate entrance.

Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • KEY WEST STYLE GRAND CANAL HOME ON SIESTA KEY: $1,415,000 418 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL. MLS#A3990080 3BD/3BA. Lushly landscaped tropical lot with Tiki Bar in the pool/spa area. Dan Miller, Re/ Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • HOME ON CANOPIED ROAD: $419,900 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 • DEEDED BEACH ACCESS: $959,000 1122 Horizon View Drive, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4163952 This immaculate pool home features large rooms and volume ceilings. Lovely oak floors and stylish tile will dazzle you.

3BD/3.5BA with LL bonus area for general living. Dan Miller, Re/ Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • RECENTLY RENOVATED PALM ISLAND HOME: $959,000.

322 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4170620 Spacious 4 BR, 4 BA house.

Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master BR and master BA. Lounge in the heated pool and spa. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • LOWEST PRICED DUPLEX CLOSE TO THE BEACH: $500,000 5350 Calle Florida, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4169144 2 BR, 1 BA on each side.

Possibilities abound on this property with room for a pool and low maintenance landscaping. Dan

Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands.

941-376-7442 • 1696 PINE HARRIER DR, THE LANDINGS, $775,000: MLS #A4168186 Family home with 4Bd/ 3BA, Caged Lanai and Pool.

Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker. 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) • 5430 EAGLES POINT CIR #203, THE LANDINGS $787,000: MLS #4162162 3 BD plus Den / 4.5 BA with private garage. Spacious floor plan.

Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker. 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) • 1695 STARLING DR, LANDINGS VILLA $499,999: MLS #A4163378 3BD/2.5BA Villa at Eagles Point- spacious and bright- master downstairs/2 beds and a loft up.

Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) • 1734 Starling Dr., LANDINGS COACH HOUSE $315,000: MLS #A4171338 2BD/2BA ground floor condo with lake view. Judy Greene/ Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941266-4873 (Tara) • PEPPERTREE BAY Direct bay views from this fabulous 2/2 in sought-after Peppertree community. Tastefully, turnkey furnished. Private garage.

MLS# A4149092, $590,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB Minutes’ walk to Siesta Beach with deeded 40’ boat dock with 10k lift. 3/3 on 2 floors with garage and abundant storage.

Beautifully renovated.

MLS# A4167104, $699,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186 • 840 SIESTA KEY CIRCLE Lovely old-Florida style 3/3.5 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#A4149391, $1,150,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• LIDO AMBASSADOR Direct Beachfront community just 10 minutes’ walk to St. Armand’s Circle and a short drive to downtown Sarasota. Large 1 1 1/2 unit beautifully renovated and furnished. Move right in for season.

Beachfront pool, clubhouse, fitness, etc. Low HOA fees. MLS #A4174292, $370,000.

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

• EXCELSIOR Exceptionally renovated and designed unit in coveted Excelsior complex. Beautifully furnished 2/2. Resort style property with beach access just across the street.

Elevator building. Buy now and enjoy for season. $549,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

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

Exceptional property with split floor plan, each bedroom with 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. $849,000.

Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz.

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

• TURNKEY FURNISHED TOWNHOME This 3BD/2BA townhome, is totally updated. The gated waterfront community features fabulous recreational facilities, a private boat slip, garage, and is just a short walk to the beach.

1267 Dockside PL #214, Siesta Key, $699,000 MLS #A4155386 Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)8941255 • SIESTA KEY GEM This 3 BD/2 BA home in the heart of charming Siesta Village features a split floor plan with a loft and cathedral ceilings.

House has a large yard (.39 of an acre) perfect for entertaining and relaxing poolside. For investment opportunity, home can rent for $4000-5000 per month. 4868 Featherbed Ln, Siesta Key, $699,999 MLS#A4174977 Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)894-1255 • SPECTACULAR BAYFRONT TOWNHOME This 2,326 square foot 3 bed, 3 bath Condo with Gourmet kitchen and lots of upgrades has an attached garage, deeded 25’ boat slip with new lift, and is just a short walk to Siesta Key Beach. 1333 Dockside PL # 223, Siesta Key, $979,000 MLS # A4157478 Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)8941255 • BUILD YOUR DREAM CUSTOM HOME WEST OF THE TRAIL In one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Sarasota. The over-sized lot allows flexibility of construction. 16,436 SqFt. $359,000.

Maria Rocha 941-275-6266 Keller Williams On The Water.

If interested in a spacious 4th floor level 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom condo, on Eagles Point Circle with a commanding view of Roberts Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway; and want to avoid paying a realtor commission, Google the following: 5408 eagles point circle #303 sarasota fl/zillow

43

How much are they asking for that house?

How many bedrooms does it have?

What does the interior look like?

Download my free mobile app to find your answers

Text KW2QX474R to 87778 Visit http://app.kw.com/KW2QX474R

or scan the QR code below

941.914.0667 22 S. Links Ave. Sarasota, FL. 34236

44

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Classifieds / Here’s My Card ACCOMMODATIONS / VACATION RENTALS • 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

CLEANING SERVICES

Green Magic Cleaning Service

“Residential and Commercial”

We don’t cut corners, we dust them.

A family owned business with 16 years of experience.

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

(941) 780-4248

DAZZLE CLEANING SRQ

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

Residential - Commercial FREE ESTIMATES

ANTIQUES

GREEN PRODUCTS

941-822-4405

20With%ThisOFF Ad

State License

DAZZLECLEANINGSRQ@yahoo.com

Vintage, Antique, Mid-Century

www.relicsonthekey.com relicsonthekey@gmail.com (941) 346-3600 Phone 5049 Ocean Blvd Like us on (941) 346-7600 Fax Relicsonthekey Siesta Key Village

BEACH & BABY EQUIPMENT RENTALS

COMPUTER SUPPORT

941-929-1850

BOATING RENTALS / FISHING CHARTERS

Having Fun Fishing in The Sun

941-400-2452

Tony Fudoli Sr. CAPTAIN tntfreedomfishing@yahoo.com

Veteran Owned Business

from your home or business

941-275-4647

ExEcutivE Shirt SErvicE • houSEhold itEmS • SamE day SErvicE availablE

DENTIST

Scott G. Ames

www.scottamesdmd.com

D.M.D.

General & Cosmetic Dentistry

941-923-1910

The Office Park, Suite 101-B 2477 Stickney Pt. Rd. Sarasota, FL 34231

Computer Support Specialist

In-Home and Remote Support Software Installation and Training Virus Recovery and Security Home and Office Networking

Digital Photograpy and Video Smartphone Configuration Smart TV Configuration Disaster Recovery and Backup

(941)266-5005 www.dhdym.com

PATIO, WICKER, & CAS FURNITUR ALL ON SALE AT HUG

CONTRACTORS

New LookReasonable Prices!

Shower & Bathtub Walls

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Shower & Bath Makeovers Free Estimates Call John 941.377.2940

Sarasota resident since 1974

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.

• 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.

FURNITURE PATIO FURNITURE DIRECT Bring in this ad to get

20%

off your TOTAL PURCHASE

*Expires January 31 2017, not valid on BBQ grills and accessories*

PATIO OUTLET LOCATION: 7261 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 HOURS: Open 10am-6pm daily Sun 12pm-5pm | Closed Wednesday

HOUSE WATCH

(941) 961-4309

www.SuncoastHomeConcierge.com

Dolphin Watch • SunSetS • half Day aDventure SailS Sailing From The

Call

Digital Handyman

support@dhdym.com

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

Free Pick Up & Delivery Service

ENTERTAINMENT

The

Steve Lombardo

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

Environmentally Conscious Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service

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

• Siesta 4 Rent - Vacation Rentals, from studios to 5 bedrooms.

Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500

Relics on the Key

DRY CLEANERS

House Watch Sarasota Licensed and Insured

Affordable and Dependable Service Solutions For Your Home While You Are Away LANDINGS RESIDENT OWNED AND OPERATED

MARINA JACK,

www.qualitycountscleaning.com

Sarasota

Kathleen D Sailing Catamaran 941-896-6400

www.KathleenD.net

CANDY & SWEETS

941.756.1082 Carpet, Tile and Upholstery Cleaning • Free Estimates • Satisfaction Guaranteed • Stain Specialists • Chamber of Commerce Members

Serving Manatee and Sarasota Counties Locally Owned and Operated

Bring In This Ad And Receive

10%OFF One Coupon Per Purchase

All Marked St. Patrick’s Day and Easter Items

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

• 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.

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

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

LANDSCAPING

Florida Topdressing

A Division of McKinney Landscape Services, Inc. - LAWN TOPDRESSING - Rejuvinate your soil by adding an organic compost - MULCHING - For weed control and curb appeal - LAWN CLEANUPS - Including pruning & hedgetrimming

CALL FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE

941-705-0106

floridatopdressing.com

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Classifieds / Here’s My Card MEDICAL

TRANSPORTATION

SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY

Deep tissue massage is our specialty

Dermatology Skin CanCer laSer, Botox anD Hair/nail DiSorDerS

941.920.0010 Airport Rides MA34776

65/hr.

$

From Sarasota To:

For First Massage

1952 Field Road Sarasota, Florida 34231

J Morgan O’Donoghue, MD.

Amy Fenenga PA-C

Sara Popovich PA-C

A Healer’s Touch

941.926.7546

www.dermatologyexperts.com

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

3800 Tamiami Trail

(Corner of Bay Street & Hwy 41/Paradise Plaza by Silverberg Jewelry)

45

CONTINUED

941.735.4732

Picked up from Airport:

SRQ

$ 30

$ 40

TPA/St. Pete

$105

$125

Punta Gorda

$ 70

$ 80

Miami

$250

$300

Orlando

$200

$220

Ask for Eddie

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

• Massage Experience Siesta Key Open 7-day a week. 5138A Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4833. (MA17596/MM6727).

941-928-9200

RIDE THE KEY FREE

15-20 MINUTE RESPONSE TIME (Based upon traffic)

SERVICING

Siesta Key Beach Siesta Village Turtle Beach

DRIVER TIPS ONLY

Restaurants and Accommodations Operating 10AM to 2AM Daily

www.JonnysOriginalFreeRide.com

• 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.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • For 100 years, we have provided the most comprehensive property management services in both the commercial and residential industries.

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

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

HELENE M. HYLAND REALTOR®

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

5145 Ocean Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34242 Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC

www.SheSellsSiestaKeySarasota.com

Piro & Associates

Olde Fashion Barber Shop

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

ther”

“Hot La

941-312-6001

South Gate Barber Shop (Across from Southgate Mall)

Friendliest Ride In Town

Walk-Ins Welcome

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

www.SouthgateBarbers.com

Tara Nelson

Master Stylist / Colorist

4141 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231

941-925-0928

Expert in 1031 Exchange

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

Transportation for everyone on the Sun Coast

2081 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239

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

REALTORS®

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

FIRST RIDE

10% DISCOUNT

30 YEARS EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE 24/7 ACCOMMODATES UP TO 7 PASSENGERS

Call 941-284-8840 or 941-323-0442 For Current Rates

WANTED TO BUY

James J. Piro, MAI, CCIM 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

RV4CASH

Kayla Kunz Hair Stylist

4141 S. Tamiami Trail - Sarasota, FL 34231 - 941-735-1625

SPORTS RENTALS / ACCESSORIES • Robin Hood Rentals – for all your Siesta Key rental needs with a wide variety segways, bikes, kayaks, scooters and more, free pickup and delivery anywhere on the key. 5255 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key Village. 941-554-4242

AY WE PH! S A C

WANTED:

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

CALL NOW FOR FAST, EASY SALE

954-789-7530

MarinerWord Search

• Siesta Key Bike & Kayak – Located on Siesta Key in Capt Curts found on page 35 Village serving Siesta Key, Lido Beach and Sarasota. We offer Answers to the WORD SEARCHwww.TheMariner.com bikes, kayak rentals, kayak eco tours, paddleboards and scooters.

• Making things happen on Siesta Key with Real Estate agents Answers from 1224 Old Sickney Pt Rd. 941-346-0891 Bob and Sheri Ruiz from Key Solutions Real Estate Group. If Page 14 you are looking to buy or sell on the Key contact us. Bob Ruiz • Siesta Sports Rentals – Located on Siesta Key, bike, kayak, 941-544-3299 RobertRuizRR@aol.com, Sheri Ruiz 941-400-4186 kayak tours, scooter, children strollers and car seats. Delivery and SheriLasley@aol.com pickup available, 6551 Midnight Pass Rd, 941-346-1797 SPECIAL OFFER : List Your Home With Me For 4%!

Trawler Brands SENIOR SERVICES

• Your Siesta Dunes and Landings Preferred Partners in Real Estate, Judy Greene 941-350-0451 and Tara Lamb 941-266-4873 with Michael Sanders & Company 5100 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key • A Bridge for Independence provides in home companion ser34242 JudyGreene@MichaelSanders.com vices including companionship, transportation, light housekeeping, medication reminders and meal preparation and planning.

Call us at 866-279-4390, FL License #230517

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.

• Sun Ride Pedicab – Eco-friendly Pedicabs. Siesta Key Tours and rides – tips only, 941-343-3400

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-349-0194

• Siesta Key Free Rides – Siesta Key Free island shuttle for beach, village, condo and tours – tips only. Electric vehicles. Call 941952-8294

TRANSPORTATION

46

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Accommodations Locator Map

See our maps of the island online at

F Siesta Key Inn F Siesta Palms by the Beach

www.siestasand.net/maps

© Island Visitor Publishing, LLC 2012

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

47

48

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2017

941.349.0194

Island Girl

Nevada

www.siestasand.net

This month’s Island Girl is Nevada from Little River, South Carolina. Her true love is performing.

She plays piano, sings and has recently become a songwriter. She’s blessed to be performing at her local Opera House and many lounge “open mics”.

Recently, a casting producer from “America’s Got Talent” loved her but it was too late to get a private audition for the show. She may try to get an audition again next season or audition for “The Voice”.

This awesome young performer was homeschooled by her mother her entire life.

Although Nevada is also an abstract artist, she hopes to develop a full time career as a musician.

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)