IV Siesta Sand - May 2017

Why the world comes to Sarasota

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

HOW’S THE TROLLEY DOING

Q & A with Kendra Keiderling, of SCAT, on Siesta trolley

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BIG PASS Administrative Law judge Rules

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ISLAND JET SKI

Siesta Promenade Update

By Rachel Brown Hackney

|FDOT considers potential roundabout on Stickney Point Road to deal with project traffic Benderson Development Co. is considering reducing the number of residential units in its proposed Siesta Promenade project from more than 500 to a level between 300 and 350, according to a Pine Shores Neighborhood Alliance representative.

At the same time, staff of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has asked a consultant for Benderson to evaluate whether a roundabout at the intersection of Stickney Point Road and Avenue B and C would be the best way to handle the expected increase in traffic if the mixed-use development is constructed at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road.

In an April 13 email she sent to Pine Shores residents — whose neighborhood is adjacent to the approximately 24-acre Siesta Promenade site — Sura Kochman reported that she recently had talked with Todd Mathes, Benderson’s director of development.

He told her the firm is analyzing two new prospects for the project: Continued on page 38

North Beach Road

Rendering of the proposed Siesta Promenade

By Rachel Brown Hackney - www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com

|Siesta resident says judge’s ruling in North Beach Road case clears the way for his petition drive to overturn County Commission action A tropical adventure awaits at Island Jet Ski Tours and Rentals

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WALTER HAMER Through the Eyes of a Veteran

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WHO’S PLAYING

A 12th Judicial Circuit Court judge’s ruling in favor of North Beach Road property owners actually will help the fight to overturn the Sarasota County Commission’s decision to vacate a 357-foot-long segment of the road, Siesta Key resident Michael Cosentino told SNL. Late on the afternoon of April 12, Judge Frederick Mercurio granted the motion of Dennis and Wendy Madden for partial summary judgment in the case Cosentino filed against Sarasota County in June 2016, arguing that the County Commission violated a section of the county’s Comprehensive Plan in its 4-1

vote on May 11, 2016.

The ruling came exactly a week after a 42-minute hearing on the Maddens’ motion. The point around which the order pivots is whether the County Commission action constituted a development order under the guidelines of the Florida Statutes.

Cosentino has argued that the Maddens sought the road vacation so they could combine the 8,265 square feet of property with other parcels they own — landward and seaward of the road — so they could comply with the county Zoning Code in a plan to erect six new dwelling units. Their goal, the Maddens’

SKA Seeking More Help With Legal Expenses

By Rachel Brown Hackney

Meet Hatley

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SAND CASTLES

The vice president of the Siesta Key Association (SKA) told members at the April 6 meeting that the organization expects to need another $80,000 to $100,000 as it pursues two types of legal challenges in the effort to prevent the dredging of Big Sarasota Pass to renourish South Lido Key Beach.

Before the organization’s meeting had ended, one Siesta property owner had offered to match a $1,000 contribution from any other attendee.

attorney — Charles Bailey III of the Williams Parker firm in Sarasota told the County Commission — was to tear down 12 old structures that do not comply with current state and local building code standards.

The Maddens were among three sets of petitioners seeking the road vacation.

They also sought a Coastal Setback Variance, so they could undertake the new construction.

The commission approved that variance, as well, on May 11, 2016; again, the vote was 4-1, with then-Commissioner Christine Robinson in the minority.

With the ruling, Cosentino

told SNL in an April 17 telephone interview, Mercurio “did us a solid favor.”

Cosentino attorney Elizabeth A. Gomez-Mayo added in an emailed statement, “I’d say the order is good news for our petitions, which focus on regaining the public’s right to the roadway as it was dedicated 100 years ago. One of the arguments [the defendants] would try to make against [her emphasis] our petitions is that Resolution 2016-079 (street vacation) was a development order. Now, we have this hurdle behind us.

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Turtle Beach Park |Sarasota County proposes $500-per-vessel fee for new management program at Turtle Beach Park By Rachel Brown Hackney A new Sarasota County proposal to expand a management program for commercial, non-motorized watercraft from Lido Key to Turtle Beach has raised alarm among some business owners, while other are taking a wait-and-see attitude as they await more details.

The biggest concern expressed in interviews is the county’s plan to charge $500 per year for a “medallion” per kayak or paddleboard.

Continued on page 30

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Happiness is… New Seasons

New construction just off the Key

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According to the Sixties Band The Byrds, To everything, there is a season. If you’re like us, you added a few turn, turn, turns, and now that song is stuck in your head right along with us. But, didn’t season just end, you ask?

Well, yes. But there’s always a new season around the corner.

At Abel’s Ice Cream, we’re getting ready to celebrate with several of our fantastic team members, who are finishing their high school careers this month. Some will be moving away to further their education, others will be attending college locally, and still others will be moving into the work force full-time.

Whatever their direction, it will be like nothing they’ve experienced so far, a new adventure.

Each of them has unlimited potential, and we’re so excited to see what their futures hold.

Their celebrations will be filled with laughter,

shared memories, and probably a few tears.

Congratulations and good luck to each of you and all the graduates in the area!!

Speaking of new seasons, baseball season is upon us and we are having fun catching as many of the Kansas City Royals games as we can. Next time you’re in, be sure to visit with Jerry about your favorite team and enjoy one of our new summer flavors.

To celebrate with our soon-to-begraduates, we’ll be featuring two of their recommendations - Lemon Ice (Zesty and refreshing, sure to revitalize on a hot summer day) and Calypso Crunch (Rich Chocolate ice cream with peanut butter filled chocolate covered pretzels and a river of peanut butter running through it.)

We can’t decide which one tastes more like summer, but we’re looking forward to your input.

Jerry and Jill, the owners of Abel’s Ice cream

Abel’s Ice Cream is located at 1886 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota in the South Bridge Plaza.

Open Sunday through Thursday from Noon9:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from Noon10 p.m. Learn more online at our updated website, www.abelsicecream.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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162 Beach Road Update In October 2016, the Sarasota County Commission authorized County Administrator Tom Harmer and staff to negotiate with the owners of the parcels at 162 and 168 Beach Road in an effort for the county to buy the property. As Carolyn Brown, director of the county’s Parks, Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, explained, if staff were successful, the property would expand opportunities for public access to the Gulf of Mexico.

Almost exactly a year earlier, the County Commission for the third time had turned down a request by Ronald and Sania Allen of Osprey to build a three-story structure on the 162 Beach Road site. Afterward, William Merrill III of the Icard Merrill firm in Sarasota — their attorney — sought the approval of the county’s Parks Advisory and Recreation Council (PARC) for the parcels to be considered for county acquisition under the Neighborhood Parkland Program and Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP). Merrill was representing

not only the Allens but also Wendy B. Cooper, trustee of the Burton M. Cooper Shelter Trust No. 1, which owns the 168 Beach Road lot.

Both parcels won the necessary PARC approval, and both were ranked as high priority sites, Merrill told the County Commission on Oct. 11, 2016.

However, the fate of those lots as county park property appeared to be imperiled, as the County Commission discussed ways to carve out funds to help pay for the North Extension of The Legacy Trail.

During a review of property under consideration for purchase through the Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program, county staff estimated the expense of the 162 and 168 Beach Road lots at a combined $2,950,000.

Commissioner Alan Maio was the first to tackle the issue on March 29: “I’m reluctant to even talk about [the parcels] because I know the Office of the County Attorney is involved in that.”

Commissioner Nancy Detert added that she did not believe the property should be under consideration for county purchase, also referencing Merrill’s threat of a lawsuit after the October 2015 board denial of the Allens’ petition for a Coastal Setback Variance.

Commissioner Charles Hines concurred with Maio’s remark, while Commissioner Mike Moran skirted the issue.

Chair Paul Caragiulo said only that he agreed with the board majority on the topic.

As the commissioners subsequently began voting to remove items from the Parkland Program list, Detert proposed

eliminating the Beach Road parcels.

“It doesn’t mean [they are] off the list forever and ever,” she pointed out.

Then Carolyn Brown told the board, “There has been an offer on [the parcels].”

“Conditioned on board approval,” County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh was quick to add.

The county could use cash or take on debt for a transaction involving those parcels, DeMarsh said.

Merrill has been in touch with county staff to arrange a meeting to discuss the issue further, Brown noted.

Detert finally made a motion to remove the Beach Road parcels from the list, with the $2,950,000 county purchase estimate to go toward The Legacy Trail. It died for lack of a second.

“Guys not feeling adventurous today?” she joked, prompting some laughter among her colleagues.

“People are reluctant to cross you,” Caragiulo teased her.

“Apparently not,” she replied.

Then Hines suggested DeMarsh talk one-on-one with each board member about the status of the negotiations over the Beach Road parcels “and give us some better clarity of the status of the situation.

I think that would help.”

“We would be glad to do that,” DeMarsh responded.

After learning more information about the issue, Hines continued, he might be willing to second Detert’s motion during a later budget workshop.

“As always,” Caragiulo said, “Commissioner Hines is very lucid. … Let’s move on.”

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Island Jet Ski, Where Adventure Awaits A tropical adventure awaits at ISLAND JET SKI TOURS AND RENTALS. Here thrill seekers can find top-of-the-line Jet Skis to soar across the inland waters of the Bay and out to the open Gulf. Kayaks are also available, as are Paddleboards and Pontoon Boats. There’s something to fit everyone’s inner daredevil, be it laid-back or bold.

Located by Casey Key Fish House at 801 Blackburn Pt Rd. in Osprey, ISLAND JET SKI is but a 10-minute drive from Stickney Point Bridge. Their well-maintained equipment is available for hourly and daily rates, and extraordinary tours are offered which include sightings of dolphins, manatees, ospreys, and exotic seabirds, to say nothing of high-drama sunsets!

I was fortunate to go on the Dolphin Tour— my first time ever on a jet ski. After donning life jackets and given instruction, our flotilla of 7-persons-aboard- 4-crafts took off at 6 pm in the wake of our intrepid leader, Capt. Brian King. We pulled out from the Fish House dock, ducked beneath Blackburn Bridge, and headed north up the inland waterway. Midway past Casey Key, we cut the engines to admire an Osprey nest built high atop a marker post. One tall, stately parent-bird stood glaring at us with glitter-eyes.

Nearing the southern tip of Siesta Key, we slalomed along at a white-knuckled clip riding each other’s wake. Brian motioned us to throttle down and move slowly as we passed a small muffin-shaped island to watch as a vast collection of birds settled in for the night. I saw pelicans, cranes, blue herons, and redstarts, while roseate spoonbills added a spectacular splash of color.

We passed beneath Stickney Point Bridge and flew like motorbike riders across a wide stretch of the bay before slowing through narrow waters near Siesta Key’s east side— water inhabited by manatees. We drifted past beautiful homes at rocking-chair speed, waving at people drinking margaritas on their docks.

Ducking beneath Siesta Key Bridge we headed for Big Pass, our small flotilla racing through choppy waters. We circled the tip of Siesta and entered the open Gulf, whereupon sighting a group of dolphins, we turned off the engines to watch them play.

After cutting across the pass, we pulled our wave runners onto the sands of Lido Park, where we took turns riding solo for a cellphone-video moment. The Johnson family of four from Richmond hammed it up for the camera, as did my son, Kevin, and I. Captain Brian King served as the experienced beachside videographer.

Now it was home-again-home-again-hippity-hop through the bay to the northern tip of Casey Key, where we abandoned the crafts and ran up the dunes to witness a world-class sunset. (Another photo-op!)

Returning to the Casey Key Fish House dock at about 8 pm, we signed up for a table and headed for their Tiki Bar to wait. The Fish House lived up to its reputation, and the meal proved superb! What a way to end a perfect day!

Capt. Brian King is the man behind the adventure. He and his wife, Sharon, started the business in 1993, after watching a guy run an incredible jet ski business in Ft. Myers Beach.

Brian had been into Motor Cross, engines, and going fast, so jet skis were a perfect fit. The King’s built a floating deck, bought 4 brand new jet skis with an assortment of life jackets, got a credit card machine, and opened at Fisherman’s Wharf in Venice. Brian knew he had found his niche: from the very first day, the business was successful.

They opened a second location in 1995 in Englewood where they were the only game in town. They sold Englewood in 2016. Says Brian, “The new guy is doing fantastic! I trained him well!” Today, both the Englewood and Casey Key sites can be booked on line at www.IslandJetSki.com.

In March of 2013, the Kings left Fisherman’s Wharf in Venice and moved to Casey Key Fish House, just in time for Spring Break. They started with wave runners, kayaks, and paddle boards, and eventually moved into pontoon boats. (They now have a fleet of four.) These boats are good for up to 12 people, while their jet skis will hold up to 3. “We never charge per passenger,” says Brian. “We only charge for the boat.” Prices are available on their website.

Island Jet Ski is located by Casey Key Fish House at 801 Blackburn Pt. Rd in Osprey. 941474-1168. www.islandjetski.com.

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

By Diana Colson

Author and Sarasota resident, Diana Colson and Captain Brian King await the setting sun on Casey Key

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Siesta Sand

All Aboard

MAY 2017

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By Roger Drouin

|Q & A with Kendra Keiderling, of SCAT, on Siesta trolley’s first weeks on the road Trolley service is now rolling on Siesta Key, and that means the sight of tropical-shirt wearing trolley drivers and bells ringing on the roads as passengers board and exit the trolleys.

From March 20 to April 12, for the first 24 days of service, there were 39,185 passengers who hopped on the trolley, according to Kendra Keiderling, Marketing and Customer Service Supervisor at Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT).

The trolley service, which operates from 8 a.m. to Midnight daily, is the first to be funded and run by Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT), Keiderling confirmed.

On February 28, the county formally awarded a contract to Ride Right Transit LLC., of Lake St. Louis, Mo. to operate the trolley service on the Key for a six-month period. The trolley service, called “Siesta Key Breeze,” began March 20, and the service replaces SCAT’s Route 10 bus service on the Key. The contract the County Commission

approved in February includes the option for renewing the service, and the county is currently seeking funding to continue the trolley operation after August.

As riders hop on the trolley and transportation officials tweak details, such as peak hours of operation, Siesta Sand checked in with Keiderling to see how it is going and what the future holds for the Key’s trolley service: Q. The trolley drivers are distinguished by their tropical shirts; what else is unique about this trolley service?

A. “There is music playing, the bell is ringing, and the drivers are enthusiastic. And of course, it is open-air.”

Q. There have been 25,000 riders in just over two weeks — did that exceed SCAT officials expectations?

A. “Absolutely. We didn’t know how many riders there would be.”

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Q. What was the ridership on the highest single day?

A. “We had almost 2,400 riders on the highest day. It proves the trolley is taking a lot of cars off the road. Even if half of the riders would have driven a car, that’s taking a lot of cars off the road … A Thursday was our most popular day, and Mondays and Tuesdays are pretty high.

Sundays are pretty popular. And Saturdays [in general] had our lowest ridership.

Q. Why do you think Saturdays have had the lowest ridership?

A. “One reason that Saturday is not a very high day, could be that people are transiting. That’s the day people are leaving [weekly] rentals.”

Q. SCAT is testing demand and impacts of the service. Have there been tweaks in either the hours of operation or trolley route thus far?

A. “The service will run from 8 a.m. in the morning till midnight, with pick-up every 30 minutes [during off peak time], and every

20 minutes during peak time.

During off-peak hours, there are two trolleys in operation, and during peak hours, there will be three trolleys in operation.

We’ve already adjusted what those peak hours are. We thought it would be pretty early in the morning, closer to 8 a.m., when most people would ride the trolley. But the peak hours turned out to be later in the day.

Currently, the peak hours are noon to 8 p.m. We are trying to customize [the service] to when there are more people using it.”

Q. The county bid that was advertised called for the vehicles to carry a minimum of 20 passengers. How many seats do the trolleys Ride Right is operating have?

A. “They range, from about 25 to 27 seats.”

Q. Residents and business leaders have observed a noticeable decrease in congestion on the Key during the peak of the Easter break. Does the county track traffic, or have any evidence

that there is less congestion?

A. “We’ve had quite a few compliments, and some have specifically stated that there has been less congestion on the Key because of it. One couple, snowbirds from Maine, said they were so excited to hear about the trolley. Another seasonal resident noted ‘diminished traffic volume’ and that the trolley ‘opened up the Village’ to residents on the southern part of the Key and back.

One caller said they will now spend more time in the Village because they don’t have to [drive and] fight for parking.”

Q. Where do riders seem to be utilizing the trolley so far?

A. “People on Turtle Beach are saying they are using it and feel more connected. Before, they didn’t feel connected because of the traffic. There was a bus stop [on Turtle Beach], but people didn’t use that.

People are also getting on the trolley from the Village or the public beach.”

Q. How are drivers adjusting to the trolley?

A. “Many are noticing the fewer cars — which is a good thing.

The only few complaints we’ve received is that the trolley has been going a little too slow. One person said they were following the trolley towards Turtle Beach, and it was going 27 mph in a 35 mph zone.

The trolley cannot pull all the way over to the side, for safety reasons, because of bike lanes.

And it can take time for the trolley to get to speed between stops. The message we want to get out there to people is: to work with us. The trolley is getting cars off the road, so please have some patience.”

Q. Will the trolley service replace the route 10 bus route?

A. “Yes, we are removing the Route 10 route, and the trolley is replacing that. We transferred that funding and applied it to the open-air trolley.”

covered 50 percent by a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) grant and 50 percent by local funding currently appropriated in the Sarasota County Transportation Authority Fund. The pilot program goes until August, and that is when our funding runs out. We are currently looking at ways to fund it moving forward. For options, we are looking for some more grant funding, or maybe reallocating some funding from existing routes. Obviously, if this is helping traffic congestion and pulling folks off road we want to look at routes that might not be working, and reallocating some of that funding. Either option would likely have to go before the County Commission. We need to secure 100 percent of funding going forward.

Q. How much does the trolley service cost to run?

A. “One year of service costs $1 million to operate.”

Q. And how will it be funded?

A. “The funding is currently

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Public and developers should work to reach common ground on issues, such as environmental protection, Commissioner Moran tells SKA members By Rachel Brown Hackney www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com One of Sarasota County’s newest commissioners has encouraged members of the public interested in protecting the environment and promoting positive growth in the community to work with developers to reach common ground.

Commissioner Michael Moran — who was sworn in on Nov. 22, 2016 — told about 80 people during the April 6 Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting that when he attended a Florida permitting conference a couple of years ago, he saw a presentation that featured “the best minds in the state” talking about innovative practices in development — what he characterized as “fantastic projects.” Moran pointed out that the “common denominator for all of [them] … was an incredibly healthy relationship between the developer community and the environmental community. …

There needs to be a good debate to work into the middle on some of these solutions.”

SKA member Margaret Jean Cannon then raised the point of how she watches “old Florida homes torn down” on Siesta Key, to be replaced by threestory structures that can sleep 18 guests at a time. While those new houses are allowed by the county’s zoning code, she said, she still would like to know how she can find out about the site plans before construction begins.

“The constant tension” in that type of scenario, Moran responded, pits infill against

“single-subdivision sprawl.”

One of “the puzzle pieces” the community needs, he continued, is infill that is well planned.

He then noted that county staff and a consulting firm have begun a process to revise the county’s land development and zoning regulations into a Unified Development Code. The goal is to create a new code that will be easy to comprehend and utilize, county staff has explained to the County Commission.

Moran encouraged Cannon to become involved in that process.

Nonetheless, he also told her that her expression of her concerns during the SKA meeting was helpful. (This reporter watched Moran taking notes on speakers’ comments.)

Yet another issue raised on April 6 — for which the SKA sought Moran’s assistance — was the planned county decommissioning of the Siesta Key Wastewater Treatment Plant at the end of this year.

SKA Environmental Committee member Robert Luckner told Moran that the project remains on schedule. However, the “key milestone,” Luckner pointed out, will be the cessation of discharge of treated sewage into the Grand Canal, with the sewage flowing instead to the county’s mainland treatment plants.

“It’s a big deal if that slips,” Luckner added of the timeline for the switch.

An agreement the county has executed with the Florida

Department of Environmental Protection would allow treatment on the island to continue into the middle of 2018, Luckner noted, but residents will be upset if the Dec. 31 deadline is not met.

(Last year, the SKA hosted two separate presentations by county staff in regard to the project to turn the Siesta Key plant into the site of a master pumping station only.)

“We would appreciate your help,” Luckner told Moran, to ensure no delay occurs.

“Loud and clear,” Moran responded.

Another concern of island residents — raised by SKA Director Joe Volpe — involves notices provided to the public about initiatives proposed to the county. Volpe explained that late last year, representatives of Dr. Gary Kompothecras — a Siesta Key resident known for the 1-800-Ask-Gary advertising for his chiropractic clinics — conducted a neighborhood workshop on a proposed county Comprehensive Plan amendment that would make it possible for hotels to be constructed on property zoned Commercial General on the barrier islands.

“The legal notice [about such a meeting] is a little sentence in the newspaper,” Volpe pointed out, “and a lot of people don’t get the newspaper.”

Volpe also noted that Kompothecras’ agents at the workshop did not offer any details about the hotel plan, other than to

Commissioner Michael Moran maintain it would be a boutique structure. It would seem, Volpe said, that when developers seek such changes, county disclosure guidelines should require “clear notice about what they want to do.” Furthermore, he continued, county regulations for legal notices should “come into the real world of iPads and the internet.”

At the very least, Volpe said, county staff should make certain neighborhood organizations such as the SKA receive notice of meetings on potential changes in their communities, so those organizations can alert their members to upcoming meetings planned by county staff.

During the April 6 SKA meeting, members — and SKA Vice President Catherine Luckner — did voice disappointment that Moran would offer no comment on his views about the City of Sarasota’s plan to dredge Big

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Sarasota Pass to renourish about 1.6 miles of South Lido Key Beach.

“It’s a real worry to me and a real concern to all of us,” a woman in the audience told Moran. “It just can’t happen.”

Moran replied simply that he could not respond.

(Luckner pointed out later that the SKA has filed a complaint against the City of Sarasota in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, but the county is not a party to the suit. Retired County Commissioner Nora Patterson responded that the Office of the County Attorney probably has advised the commissioners not to speak on the issue because any remarks they make could be used against them in future, related litigation.)

Before Moran began his remarks, President Harold Ashby referred the attendees to copies of the April 6 agenda provided for them that afternoon. On the back, a note from SKA Director Gene Kusekoski explained that a Florida Supreme Court ruling several years ago requires county commissioners to refrain from listening to comments — and, especially, offering remarks themselves — on any issues that might or will come before them regarding rezoning matters and other action expected to take place in a public hearing.

The only times they can hear discussions on those issues are during formal proceedings, Kusekoski stressed.

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During the County Commission’s regular meeting on April 3, Matt Osterhoudt, director of the county’s Planning and Development Services Department, provided an update on the county’s request to the state for extra funding for the South Siesta Key Renourishment Project, which was completed almost exactly a year ago.

The state initially gave the county $2.75 million for that project, he said, which cost about $21.9 million. However — as county Coastal Initiatives Manager Laird Wreford told members of the Tourist Development Council last summer — the county is eligible for more money. To that end, it is on the list to receive $5.9 million out of the beach renourishment funding pool the Legislature will vote on this

year, Osterhoudt noted. The total available to communities is $50 million, he added, which is double the amount the state offered last year.

“We’re looking OK at this time,” he continued. The Sarasota County funding request is “about $26 million down on that list.” If the county is successful in winning the money, Osterhoudt added, the state will end up funding about 41% of the project.

Commissioner Nancy Detert — who served terms in both the State House and Senate prior to her election to the commission in 2016 — pointed out in an earlier discussion that the county’s position on that list indicated it should receive the money it is seeking.

The South Siesta Renourishment Project discussion came in the

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context of concerns about erosion on Manasota Key. When Detert asked Osterhoudt about the stance of South Siesta property owners regarding a Municipal Service Benefit District (MSBU) to help fund the project that also encompassed Turtle Beach, he replied, “There was overwhelming support.”

No survey of those property owners was needed, he added, to make that determination.

In late 2015, a consultant to the county explained to the County Commission how an MSBU is created for such a project. The South Siesta property owners will pay assessments totaling $3,732,000 to repay the loan the county took out to cover 17.02% of the cost of the renourishment initiative.

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Siesta Key Round-Up SKA membership update During the April 6 SKA meeting, President Harold Ashby reported that membership already was 27% ahead of the total for last year.

Moreover, he continued, the SKA has 432 new members — people who never had been associated with the nonprofit in the past. “That’s a lot,” he pointed out. “But we know we have to earn our members.”

Referencing County Commissioner Mike Moran’s remarks that evening as a guest of the organization, Ashby told the attendees that the SKA’s board members are their conduits to the county’s elected officials. “We’re your voice [but] you’ve got to be a member to get your voice heard.”

He noted that membership applications were available at the back of the room.

Furthermore, Ashby said, “We’re going to survey our membership this year … on several targeted points.” The directors

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By Rachel Brown Hackney and Bob Stein

will collect all the information and publish it in a format that they will make available to the news media, he continued. “And we’re going to use it in our discussions with the commissioners.”

When an audience member asked how one gets to be an SKA director, Ashby replied, “Tell us you want to be on the board.”

He added that applications are available through the nonprofit’s website. Whenever the board members receive one, Ashby continued, they review the material and then schedules interviews with the person. “That’s how I got on the board,” he pointed out.

As for emailing comments or questions to the SKA directors: Ashby said the address is info@ siestakeyassociation.com.

Secretary Joyce Kouba checks the emails that come in, Ashby added, and then she sends them to the appropriate board member for a response. “She’s the ‘decider,’” he joked, referencing a remark President George W. Bush made when he was president.

Public Utilities [Department].”

The memo pointed out that the county acquired the Siesta Key Utility Authority wastewater system in 2006 and that the plant — which stands next to the Siesta Isles neighborhood — is under a Florida Department of Environmental Protection consent order to be decommissioned.

After the pump station has been completed — which is scheduled for the end of this year — it will send about 1.5 million gallons of wastewater per day from Siesta Key to two of the county’s water reclamation facilities on the mainland, the memo added.

Another step along the pathway …

During their regular meeting on April 3, the county commissioners took one more step — albeit a smaller one than those residents soon will be observing — toward the decommissioning of the Siesta Key Wastewater Treatment Plant.

With the unanimous approval of its Consent Agenda of routine business items, the board approved

a temporary easement to Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL) to provide overhead electrical service during the transformation of the wastewater plant into the Siesta Key Master Pump Station.

After FPL has been able to schedule its work on a new electrical feed, an April 3 county staff memo said, “a permanent easement will be presented to the [commissioners] for their approval to meet the longterm needs of FPL and [the county’s]

Dr. Koster retiring Patients of long-time Siesta dentist Dr. Erwin K. Koster have been notified that he is retiring and turning over his practice to Dr. David C. Schirmer.

Koster recently sent a letter to patients, explaining, “As you probably know I have been having some health issues.

So it is with mixed emotions that I must retire from dentistry.”

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AT RISK NOW!

Siesta Key Public Beach - Our Coastal Homes Sarasota Big Pass Siesta Key Association is FIGHTING for YOU! Legal Action Sarasota 12th Judicial Circuit Court April 24, 2017.

A second Legal Action to be scheduled in May, 2017.

SKA working for You! www.siestakeyassociation.com

Under FL Statute 403.412 also known as the Environmental Protection Act of 1971, City of Sarasota may not conduct any project (e.g.,dredge) that is not consistent with a State Agency or state approved rules that protect our natural resources.

Donate NOW – Help SKA Fight for YOU! Save our world famous Siesta Key beach, Shoreline, BIG PASS waters, wildlife YOUR LIFE in our Coastal Paradise More legal action ahead and SKA needs YOU.

Donate to the SIESTA KEY ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND at WWW.SKEDF.ORG The fund is fully registered with the IRS and Florida to accept tax-deductible donations from concerned citizens. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

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Administrative law judge sets August hearing dates for petitions opposing FDEP’s intent to issue permit for dredging of Big Pass

By Rachel Brown Hackney www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com A Florida administrative law judge has denied a motion by the Siesta Key Association (SKA) and three Siesta Key residents to delay an administrative hearing on petitions they and two other organizations filed in January.

Their action responded to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Dec. 22, 2016 notice of its intent to issue a permit that would allow the dredging of Big Sarasota Pass to renourish South Lido Key. Instead, Judge Bram D. E. Canter has set the dates of Aug. 22-25 and Aug. 28-31 for a hearing on the petitions of the SKA, Save Our Siesta Sand 2 (SOSS2) and the Florida Wildlife Federation (FWF) petitions. The proceeding will be conducted in Sarasota, his March 21 order says. However, no exact time or location is available at this point.

On March 14, FDEP filed a motion with the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings, asking that all three petitions be consolidated. The motion said that “would promote a just, speedy, and inexpensive resolution of the proceedings by using legal and scientific resources efficiently, by averting duplication in the preparation for and the conduct of hearings and by insuring a consistent result for all parties similarly situated in all cases.” The motion added, “There is no basis apparent at this time for any prejudice to any party to arise as a result of the consolidation of these cases.” Moreover, it said, none of the parties involved objected to the action. Canter granted the motion on March 15.

The SKA motion to delay the hearing, filed on March 13, pointed out that on March 9, the SKA and Siesta resident David Patton filed a complaint in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court seeking an injunction to prevent the dredging until the City of Sarasota complies with the Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan and its own Comprehensive Plan in its joint proposal with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to remove about 1.2 million cubic yards of sand from Big Sarasota Pass. The SKA and Patton had sought an abeyance of the administrative hearing until after the Circuit Court case had been decided, arguing that the administrative hearing might not be necessary if the court ruled in their favor.

In his March 28 order, Canter wrote that while the SKA and others have asserted that the county’s Environmental Policy 4.6.1 prohibits dredging, “there is some ambiguity in the policy because it also allows for nourishment projects, which usually involve dredging. The policy does not mention renourishment.”

Canter continued, “It is not unreasonable to believe that Sarasota County’s approval is needed for the proposed project, but the argument that the proposed project is inconsistent with Policy 4.6.1 is not obvious.”

That policy 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, Robert Luckner pointed out to the County Commission in public remarks on Feb. 7, “has not ever been previously dredged.”

Furthermore, he told the board, 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 SKA’s attorney — Kent Safriet of Hopping Green & Sams in Tallahassee — included a state legal description of Sarasota County’s boundaries in the SKA Circuit Court complaint in making the SKA’s argument that areas of the pass slated for dredging are within the county’s boundaries.

In his order, Canter wrote, “It remains significant to the Administrative Law Judge that the SKA and the other parties who assert that County approval for the proposed renourishment project must or might be refused do not support their assertion with any allegation that the County has ever expressed this view.”

On Feb. 7, County Commissioner Charles Hines asked County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh to research Robert Luckner’s point about the county’s boundaries and report back to the board.

In response to a SNL question regarding any subsequent staff action, county spokesman Drew Winchester wrote in an April 4 email, “[T]here was no board assignment on this request, so the Office of the County Attorney has not provided a memo to the board.”

In a Sept. 14, 2016 memo to the commission, Matt Osterhoudt, then-interim director of the county’s Planning and Development Services Department, wrote that the county’s Comprehensive Plan was not applicable to the city/USACE project. He added that the county’s Comprehensive Plan “applies to development proposals through implementation of the Sarasota County Code of Ordinances,” and the code provisions “relating to coastal systems are either: (1) not applicable to incorporated areas; or (2) have provisions exempting municipal, state, and federal projects.”

During the April 3 regular meeting of the City Commission, City Manager Tom Barwin called Judge Canter’s order “a good thing,” as it has cleared the way for the administrative hearing.

The SKA position During a telephone interview, SKA Vice President Catherine Luckner voiced disappointment with the judge’s order on the motion for abeyance.

Referring to the August hearing, she added, “We have plenty of time [to prepare for that].”

In its March 13 motion, the SKA pointed out, “A favorable ruling by the circuit court for [the SKA and Patton] will necessitate the current proposed project be dramatically revised to eliminate Big Pass as a dredging location.”

Furthermore, the motion said, a favorable ruling likely would make the administrative law hearing unnecessary.

“As such,” the motion continued, “proceeding with the Administrative case that will involve numerous expert witnesses testifying regarding the current design of the project could be a large waste of resources of the Court and the numerous parties in this case and the other two related cases,” involving the FWF and SOSS2.

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Siesta Key Waste Water Treatment Plant Update On April 20, Catherine and Bob Luckner, representing the Siesta Key Association, visited the Siesta Key Waste Water Treatment project work site with Construction Project Manager John Saputo, a Sarasota County employee. The following report updates the status of this project: • The project is on schedule for completion and start-up before year-end 2017. The Luckners reinforced to Saputo (as they did to Commissioner Moran earlier this month at the SKA meeting) that it will be a big deal if the county does not get the new project up and running by the end of the year and the existing plant shutdown.

Saputo clearly understands that.

• While touring the site they noted that the existing plant’s operation was essentially without odor thanks to the ongoing efforts of Dave Cash and his staff.

• They asked about any complaints from the work site neighbors. Saputo related stories about working with neighbors along the east side of the work site (houses on Winding Way) on tree removal on the edge of the plant site to make room for the new fresh water and forced main pipelines and said they had no problems.

Neighbors surrounding the work site had also not reported any noise or dust complaints.

• The onsite construction looks to be on schedule. The original schedule called for the large, two cell poured concrete pump well and it is complete and on schedule.

It is a 14.5 feet deep by 30 feet long by 20 feet wide structure with a deck 13.5 feet above sea level with

local grade at 6 feet. It has a large back-up generator pad that is also complete.

• This week they were installing the new power line from the north gate on Commonwealth.

• The two new large submerged pumps (100% back-up) were onsite and the two smaller pumps are to be delivered shortly. The new diesel back-up pump is also about to be delivered.

• The worksite was well maintained and everyone was using proper safety equipment.

• The first 500 feet of pipe along Winding Way south from the plant has already been installed and you cannot even tell it was complete as the drilled installations required NO surface disruption of yards or the intersection of Shadow Lawn Drive and Idlewild Way. • The next 500 feet is being drilled and the pipeline fabricated onsite and will be pulled along Shadow Lawn Drive in a few days and installed. Pipeline fabrication

Schirmer, the letter says, is a native of western New York; he is an honors graduate of the Georgetown University School of Dentistry. Furthermore, the letter notes, Schirmer “has received the three highest honorary awards that a dentist can receive from his colleagues: Fellowships in the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.”

The dental practice is located at 5136 Ocean Blvd. in Siesta Village.

Free Donut or coffee Make sure to stop in at the new Donut Experiment location in the Village and treat yourself to a free donut or coffee while you are in the Siesta Key Village. Every donut is made fresh. Just redeem the coupon located on page 10 of this edition.

The Donut Experiment is located at 217 Avenida Madera next to Solorzano’s Pizzeria.

Vacation Bible School This year, St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church located on Siesta Key is hosting Vacation Bible School. The program is entitled “Maker Fun Factor—Created by God and Built for a Purpose.” It is scheduled to run from Monday, June 12th through Friday, June 16th. Attendance will be limited.

The cost is $30 for the first child and $25 for each additional child.

If you would like your child or children to participate, please call Lynda Fischer to register as soon as possible. Lynda is also in need of volunteers to assist the program. If anyone reading would like to help sponsor a child for Vacation Bible School, we would be very grateful.

means stringing out the long lengths of plastic pipe and bonding it together by using an electric heating system to meld the joint together.

• The contractor is working well with residents along the road.

Almost all residents are not having their yards disrupted. One drill hole is at a new house site and the contractors are working well together.

• Construction at Shadow Lawn Way is still scheduled for June after school is out and the school bus stop at Midnight Pass and Shadow Lawn Way is not being used.

Arrangements are well underway for a temporary traffic light at Beach Road and Beach Way Dr. while Shadow Lawn Way is closed for less than a month.

• Overall, this looked like a well-managed project by a good contractor (Cardinal) operating under a lump sum contract. Saputo was understandably proud of the project progress.

Pipe is 28” inside and 4 inch thick walls

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Canopy oak trees were protected throughout the construction

Bob Luckner; John Saputo, Construction Mgr. reviewing project schedule

Crew clearing area for new pipe

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Lynda may be contacted at 941-3494174 ext. 208.

Farmers Market TUP renewal

In what practically has become an annual ritual, the Siesta Key Farmers’ Market recently won the annual renewal of its county Temporary Use Permit (TUP), so it can continue operating in Davidson Plaza.

The latest County Commission vote came on March 22, after a brief presentation by county Zoning Administrator Donna Thompson.

The original vote on the TUP was recorded on July 23, 2008.

A March 22 memo to the County Commission says Bryan Eible — who founded the market — submitted the application to obtain the renewal of the permit for the market to operate on Sundays for another year. “There have been no complaints against the [farmers’] market since its inception,” the memo notes, “and the community has continued to generally support the farmers’ market.”

‘Breeze’-ing right along During the April 3 County Commission meeting, Commissioner Mike Moran took a few moments to congratulate Rocky Burke, director of Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT), and Burke’s team for “just an amazing event for the trolley” on Siesta Key. Moran was referring to the March 20 ribbon cutting that launched the Siesta Key Breeze, during which he and Commissioner Alan Maio participated.

The Breeze even won a mention during the April 3 Sarasota City

Commission meeting, with Commissioner Liz Alpert pointing out “how much more fun” it is to ride in an open-air vehicle of that type, and how such a mass transit service is far more likely to win fans.

Sarasota County staff also has a promo about the trolley — featuring footage from the March 20 event — airing on its government access TV channel.

By the way, during that March 20 ceremony, Maio joked that he and commission Chair Paul Caragiulo had lobbied hard for the trolley to be painted red, white and green, as both he and Caragiulo have Italian ancestry. Nonetheless, Maio acknowledged, the bright orange shade associated with the Florida Gators won out.

Great American Cleanup accomplishments Siesta resident Michael Shay organized a group of 20 volunteers on March 25 to clean up three areas on the island during the first of two events scheduled this spring under the auspices of the Great American Cleanup.

Six of Shay’s volunteers worked at the beach, he pointed out, noting in an email, “The County just recently received a grant to deal with cigarette butts at the beach.

They had asked me and my group to help them do a “butt count” (no pun intended) around the pavilions. We spent 2 hours and picked up a total of 2981 cigarette butts.”

In response to a question about the grant, county spokesman Drew Winchester pointed out in an April 4 email that Keep Sarasota

County Beautiful was one of several communities to receive a $5,000 grant through a Keep American Beautiful initiative.

In an April 4 press release, Keep America Beautiful announced that communities that implemented its Cigarette Litter Prevention Program in 2016 achieved a 60% reduction in such trash, a 10% increase over the results of its 2015 program.

As a result, Keep America Beautiful has announced the total award of nearly $300,000 to 37 organizations in an effort to achieve even better progress this year.

“We are increasingly optimistic about ending cigarette butt litter in America,” said Keep America Beautiful Chief Operating Officer Becky Lyons in the news release.

“Keep America Beautiful and our Cigarette Litter Prevention Program partners are dedicated to educating consumers on the hazards of litter and providing the tools to change their behavior,” she continued. “Recent cigarette litter reduction numbers show we are moving in the right direction towards making the littering of cigarette butts — and littering in general — socially unacceptable in our country.”

The release adds, “Since its establishment, the Cigarette Litter Prevention Program has consistently cut cigarette butt litter by approximately half based on local measurements taken in the first four months to six months after program implementation.

Survey results also demonstrate that as communities continue to implement and monitor the program those reductions are sustained or even increased over

time. Keep America Beautiful has distributed nearly $3 million in grant funding since 2006 to support local implementation of the program in more than 1,700 communities nationwide,” the release points out.

As for the other cleanup efforts on March 25: In his note to SNL, Shay added, “The Bay Island Siesta Association (BISA) cleaned the north end of Higel [Avenue]” and Siesta Drive, while another group “cleaned the length of Ocean Blvd!”

An Avenida Milano stop sign As part of the County Commission’s approval of its Consent Agenda of routine business items on March 21, it adopted a resolution to install a one-way stop sign on Avenida Milano at the intersection of Calle Minorga.

The sign has been installed, county spokesman Drew Winchester told SNL. The initiative came in response to a petition that the county’s Traffic Advisory Council (TAC) addressed on Dec. 12, 2016; the members recommended the County Commission approve the request.

The Jan. 15, 2016 petition, submitted to the TAC by Kim Langedyk — who listed a Calle Minorga address — says, “I work on Calle Minorga and have nearly been hit multiple times by drivers failing to stop at [the Avenida Milano] intersection. It should be clear that drivers turning onto Calle Minorga should yield to oncoming traffic, but evidently, it isn’t. A stop sign would make it more obvious.”

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Sgt. Mruczek Updates Residents At SKA Meeting About those ATV’s…

During peak tourist season, the leader of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office substation on Siesta Key generally fields a lot more questions when he appears at a Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting. That proved to be the case on April 6, when Sgt. Jason Mruczek kept his opening remarks simple and then opened the floor for audience member queries.

“After this weekend,” he told the approximately 80 audience members, “it should be calmed down a little bit for us.”

Moments before Mruczek stood to speak, SKA President Harold Ashby joked that, typically, two or three Sheriff’s Office personnel attend the nonprofit’s monthly meetings. “I see they’re out chasing spring break-ers,” he added. The department always steps up patrols on the Key during March, especially, and April, when college students from around the country are on spring break.

When Mruczek asked for questions, one man responded, “Do you have any guidance for

the ATV vehicles going up and down Crescent Beach?” The man added, “They are really whizzing by, [especially when they are out in pairs]. … I would say that they’re going at least — or more than — 20 mph.”

Mruczek asked if the man knew which condominium complex or company the drivers represented, noting that he had heard no complaints from other people.

Mruczek added, “They’re not supposed to be driving on the beach.”

“These are 4-wheelers,” the man replied.

Mruczek promised to investigate the situation. Then he asked the color of the ATVs. “They are green ones,” the man told him.

In that case, Mruczek replied, the people the man had seen could be Sheriff’s Office deputies, as the department has green ATVs. Laughter rippled through the audience.

If officers are not following proper procedures, Mruczek added, he would ensure they do.

Speeding boats…

On a related question, Lourdes Ramirez pointed out that she has seen “a lot of speeding boats” in Siesta’s canals this tourist season.

Again, Mruczek said he could not recall having read or heard any complaints, but that was a matter for the Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol. “I’ll bring that up with them,” he added, noting that one or two boats should be on regular patrol in the canals this time of year.

Another person complained that speeding boats in the Intracoastal Waterway are endangering manatees. “They’re not slowing their boats at all,” a woman remarked about people on the waterway who should be complying with slow-speed regulations.

When Mruczek asked where she lives, she told him that she resides in a Gulf and Bay Club condo on the bay.

Mruczek said he would alert the Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol about that situation, too, and he also would contact the Florida

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By Rachel Brown Hackney

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, so its officers could step up enforcement of the area.

Traffic congestion in the Village…

Another woman brought up concerns about the valet service blocking traffic at the four-way intersection in Siesta Village, especially with the number of people who head to the beach at the end of Avenida Messina in the evenings to watch the sunset.

Could the Sheriff’s Office start posting a deputy there to direct traffic?, she asked, adding that she has seen “people screaming out their [vehicle] windows” with traffic not able to move.

Mruczek indicated that, in spite of the multitude of vehicles that navigate that intersection in the evenings, accidents are rare.

The woman also pointed out, “People will not walk on the sidewalks [along Avenida Messina]. They walk down the street” — another factor that exacerbates the problems.

Mruczek told her he would talk

with representatives of the valet service to try to come up with remedies to the congestion.

Michael Holderness suggested the valets find a better way to manage the service without blocking the roads at the 4-way stop.

The woman responded that she knows the valets work as quickly as they can.

“There’s not enough room,” Mruczek added.

Another person broached yet a different traffic concern: “I’ve been driving up and down Midnight Pass,” he began. Recently, he has seen “car after car … flying down the middle [turn] lane, just cutting people off.”

“That’s something we do keep an eye out for,” Mruczek assured the man, noting that he would talk with the deputies who patrol the Key at night, to make certain they are watching out for such violations.

The man told Mruczek he has been observing drivers taking such illegal shortcuts in the daytime.

“It’s annoying and unsafe,” the man added.

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Sheriff’s Report

MAY 2017

March 21 – April 18, 2017

There were a total of 33 crimes reported on the Key between 3/21-4/18/17 The car was not dusted for prints, as the victim was en route to the airport in the vehicle at the time of the report.

3/21/17 Petit Theft 8000 Block Midnight Pass Rd. A woman reported an unknown subject stole mail out of her mailbox.

The victim said she placed some tax documents and a check written out to the State of Connecticut in her mailbox. The next morning when she came out to place more items in the mailbox, she realized it was empty and the postal worker had not been by yet to deliver her mail.

The victim wanted the incident documented in case she is the victim of identity theft.

3/22/17 Theft 5200 Block Ocean Blvd.

A woman reported her wedding rings were stolen in a theft by distraction that occurred in the Village. The complainant noted that she had gone swimming in the gulf earlier in the day, but her husband confirmed he saw the rings on her hand after they had left the beach.

The unknown suspect had two exotic birds, a red one and a green one, and was trying to get tourists to hold the birds so he could charge them to take their picture. When the complainant refused, the man quickly grabbed the birds and left.

The woman discovered later that the man had grabbed her left arm in getting the birds. She thinks this is when he stole the rings off her left hand. The 2 rings (one white gold, one yellow gold) were valued at $1250 each.

3/24/17 Burglary- Vehicle 800 Block Idlewild Way An unknown suspect pried open the locked rear passenger door of a rental car parked in a residential driveway. Numerous items were stolen from inside the car. They included: a passport ($100), MacBook ($3500), Apple watch ($500), Ray ban sunglasses ($200), 2 car keys (200), iPad ($350), and other items. The victim will provide serial numbers when he returns home to Albuquerque, NM.

3/26/17 Burglary of Occupied Dwelling 6700 Block Midnight Pass Rd. A deputy responded to a residential burglary in progress.

The victim was located outside the listed location. He stated that loud screaming and yelling coming from inside the bathroom awakened him and his family. When the victim looked into the bathroom he found the defendant taking a shower while yelling and screaming. He was not sure if he had locked the front door before going to sleep.

He advised he had no idea who the defendant was and had never seen him before. He told the defendant, “you’re in the wrong room” before leaving with his family and calling 911. The Deputy made contact with the defendant who was still in the bathroom with his clothes and a crushed Bud Light can on the floor.

The defendant stated he had been walking around the location for about an hour before he became very tired and walked into the unit because he didn’t know what else to do. He stated he thought he had rented a room at a hotel somewhere but couldn’t remember where.

He said he had been drinking but couldn’t remember how much or at which bar. He advised he just walked through the door, took a beer off the counter and proceeded to take a shower. The victim was placed under arrest and transported to jail without incident.

3/27/17 Grand Theft 5300 Block Midnight Pass Rd. A golf cart was reported stolen from a condominium property when a security guard left it unattended with the keys inside. The cart was recovered by condominium residents in Siesta Village. The keys were still in it. A patrol request was requested for the property.

4/3/17 Felony Battery 5900 Block Midnight Pass Rd. A young woman approached an off duty deputy to advise that she and her friend had been the victims of battery. The young woman and her friend had been dancing on the

beach when at least one unknown subject struck her friend in the face, knocking his teeth out. After her friend was hit, she was struck in the back. The deputy met with the friend who had had at least two teeth missing from the upper row of his mouth. He stated he had felt someone attempting to pick his pocket. When he and his friend tried to move away, they were followed and taunted by a few male subjects.

At that time he was struck in the face. He didn’t know how many times or by how many people.

4/6/17 Concealed Firearm Without a License - Public Beach An 18-year-old Indiana student was arrested after pointing a gun at a juvenile’s face. Two witnesses said the defendant was in a verbal argument with an unknown juvenile. They heard the defendant say, ”Say something about my friend again and see what will happen” while pointing the handgun at the juvenile. He then placed the gun back into his waistband. Witnesses alerted deputies and positively identified the defendant as the person with the gun. The firearm was found in the sand in close proximity to where the incident occurred. The defendant identified the recovered gun as his and claimed he had only displayed the gun to warn people off. He stated he had bought the gun from a person on the street in Fort Wayne for $50. The person who sold it to him told him it was a stolen gun.

The defendant admitted he did not have a concealed carry permit and was arrested for this violation. The investigation is ongoing.

4/7/17 Burglary - Vehicle 1000 Block Crescent St. A construction worker reported his car was burglarized while he was on a jobsite. He had parked his 2014 VW while he worked. The windows were left down but he had secured the car doors. When he returned to his car he discovered an unknown suspect had taken his wallet from the center console. The Gucci wallet contained cash, credit cards, and a social security card.

The approximate value of the items taken was $303. There were no witnesses.

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More than just a Restaurant Spoil Island Plan Spoiled Again and Old-Fashioned Butcher Shop By Rachel Brown Hackney www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com Alpine Steakhouse is more than just the #1 Steakhouse in Sarasota.

Recently named the #1 Steakhouse by Sarasota Magazine 2016, this unique restaurant also offers complete catering services.

Wedding catering event recently held at the Ringling Museum in the Courtyard

Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Platter, Pickled Ginger, Wasabi, Soy

Pan Seared Duck Breast, Braised Belgian Endive, Roasted Vegetable Risotto, Cherry Bing Gastric Chargrilled Swordfish, Roasted Vegetable Risotto, Baby Arugula, Tomato Butter

If you’re planning a holiday party, Thanksgiving meal, wedding or office party, they can accommodate any size event and have been doing it for years. They offer a variety of meats, seafood, salads, hors d’oeuvres, party platters and specialty desserts.

“OUR POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS” is the motto on their catering menu.

Alpine Steakhouse is located at 4520 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. www.alpinesteak.com serving Sarasota since 1975, 941-922-3797.

(Advertorial)

Once more, county plans to finish the restoration of Palmer Point Park have fallen by the proverbial wayside. This time, the action came in the wake of commission and staff efforts to find every conceivable dollar to help pay for several high-priority projects, including the North Extension of The Legacy Trail to downtown Sarasota.

On March 29, as the County Commission participated in its most recent budget workshop, Matt Osterhoudt, director of the county’s Planning and Development Services Department, explained the Spoil Island Restoration Project.

The goals, he said, are to restore degraded coastal habitat, provide additional recreational benefits — including better fishing and boating opportunities — improve habitat for fish and wildlife, and foster ecotourism.

The county’s five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget for fiscal years 2017-21 included $100,000 for Palmer Point Park this year, as well as $2.3 million in the 2019 fiscal year for work on other spoil islands, he noted.

And just what are those islands?

They were created by the dredging of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) in the 1940s and 1950s, Osterhoudt said.

A 2004 feasibility study undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers identified six sites where improvements could be made, Osterhoudt continued. As a result, the county restored the Bird Colony Islands off the north end of Siesta Key in 2008, and the West Coast Inland Navigation District completed a project on Snake Island in 2014, he said.

Along with Palmer Point Park, the other sites proposed for restoration are Jim Neville Marine Preserve and Big Edwards and Little Edwards islands, Osterhoudt added.

Palmer Point Park, located on the north end of Casey Key, comprises about 2.5 acres. It has endured what one easily could call a series of travails.

In May 2011, the County Commission authorized a $559,650 contract with Tampa Contracting Services Inc. to remove and dispose

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of exotic vegetation; excavate and grade dredge spoil material; transport the excavated material; and supply and plant wetland and upland vegetation on the southeastern section of Palmer Point Park, staff documentation shows. It was the first spoil island restoration project designed to improve water quality in Little Sarasota Bay, returning the body of water to the level of health it enjoyed before the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredged the ICW. However, a resulting dispute with the contractor over a sediment management plan for the dredge material led to the project’s cessation before completion, staff explained to the commission in November 2011.

Controversy also ensued during that first attempt to restore the island, because plans called for

putting material removed from the island on barges and transporting it via the ICW to a site in the Vamo Road community south of Siesta. Then, the material would be trucked through the neighborhood.

Needless to say, residents voiced more than a few complaints about that proposal.

As a result, staff switched to a new plan, which called for bringing the barges to a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) right of way on the north side of the Siesta Drive bridge. Trucks would take the material from that site, along Siesta Drive, to access U.S. 41.

As late as 11 months ago, county staff was sticking with the latter plan. Spencer Anderson, a senior manager in the county’s Public Works Department, explained it during a May 2016 County Commission budget workshop.

Continued on the next page

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Señor Siesta Restaurant Refreshes Menu and Delivery Options As of May 5th, the Señor Siesta banner will once again be prominently displayed at this popular Siesta Key Village restaurant located two doors down from the Siesta Key Chamber office. According to owner Rob DiSilvio, “When I bought this place last summer, it was pretty much turnkey.

So I let it run on autopilot and sat back to see what we were doing well and where we were falling short. I listened carefully to what customers were saying because at the end of the day, I want this restaurant to be a place where locals and seasonal visitors, alike, come and enjoy the total experience—uniquely innovative menu, flavorful food, and friendly casual service.”

The new format really reflects DiSilvio’s own personality—friendly and fun. Rarely can Rob enter a room without striking up a conversation with others. “Anyone who meets me knows immediately that I like to eat and I like to enjoy life,” Rob explains with a big smile. Whether he is changing out a craft beer keg, adding charcoal to a caja china, or working a wok, he does it with the same passion and warm friendly smile. “Siesta Key is paradise and I know that people who come in here want to enjoy good food and drink and a

welcoming atmosphere. I guess you can say that’s exactly what drives me and I love it.”

While the restaurant sits in the Village Plaza shopping center two doors down from the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, it is tucked in the corner and off the beaten path. Some describe it as a hole in the wall.

Most are fascinated with the big flavors and creativity coming out of its kitchen.

Interestingly, Señor Siesta seats over 60 people, when you combine indoor with outdoor covered seating options, while offering lunch and dinner eat-in or takeout menus and featuring live music on many weekends.

The revamped menu can best be described as a fusion of Latin and Asian influences underscored by healthy, unique (to Siesta Key) signature dishes, and interesting chef specials. Whether you are looking to dine in, order out, or have your order delivered, check out Señor Siesta Restaurant.

Buen Provecho.

Señor Siesta Restaurant 5110 Ocean Boulevard, Siesta Key 941-349-0818 Advertorial

ASK US ABOUT OUR DAILY SPECIALS!

Continued from previous page

Turtle’s

available. That would make the total of $2.7 million available for other projects, such as The Legacy Trail extension.

Even if the board chose the deferment scenario, Osterhoudt noted, about $620,000 still would be available for spoil island initiatives, thanks to other funding sources, including a Community Foundation grant.

Yet another potential means of paying for the spoil islands restoration, he said, might be what staff has referred to as the “local

pot” of funds that will come to the county through the RESTORE Act. About $5.5 million is anticipated by 2031 from the BP settlement over the Deepwater Horizon oil rig disaster in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, he pointed out. The timeline for the county’s receipt of that money has yet to be determined, Osterhoudt said.

With no discussion, Commissioner Nancy Detert made a motion to go with Option 2.

Commissioner Alan Maio seconded it, and it passed unanimously.

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On March 29, Osterhoudt told the commission that although staff had been proceeding with plans to finish the Palmer Point Park Project, responses to the bid it had advertised had exceeded the engineer’s estimate of $677,250. In fact, the lowest valid bid came in at $1,199,048.55, according to a slide he showed the board.

Given the total project budget, Osterhoudt said, that would leave an estimated shortfall of $425,000.

Since the design and permitting work had been completed, however, Osterhoudt advised the commissioners that they could take the $425,000 out of the $2.3 million allocation programmed in the 2019 fiscal year for spoil islands restoration and complete the Palmer Point Park Project. If they proceeded along that path, the approximately $1.9 million left for FY19 could be used for other county CIP initiatives.

Staff also wanted to offer an Option 2, he continued: Defer the Palmer Point Park Project and other spoil island restoration work — or revisit those efforts in the future when funding became

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MAY 2017

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Massage Experience, Siesta Key: Your Premiere Destination for Advanced Aesthetics, Therapeutic Massage, Reiki and Medical Intuitive Readings

Continued from page 13

ASS GL R U HO WAY

AVENIDA LEONA

AVENIDA MILANO W SAHIS N PE D R S IN CI G R

Since its incorporation in 1996, Massage Experience, Siesta Key (MESK) has been offering professional experienced bodywork to visitors and residents on the Key. Ever expanding their offerings and services, they are now proud and happy to introduce their current staff: Linda Conti, Karen Boone, Jennifer Pealer, and Spa Director Connie Lewis.

Everyone on staff brings their own passions and experiences, and are exceptional in working and incorporating their passions into each massage and facial they offer.

Karen is known in the athletic circles for her ability to provide Active Isolated Stretching for athletes as well as those in need of some loosening up and pain relief. Karen’s massages and myofascial stretching release creates an overall feeling of realignment and relief. Some compare her work to feeling as though they had just done an advanced yoga class.

Linda is certified in neuromuscular therapy and loves doing deep work. Athletes and body builders are her specialty. Joining us several months ago from a successful career in aesthetics in a high end spa in Bradenton, Linda also excels at dermaplaning facials, a deep exfoliation of skin cells and all that unwanted peach fuzz. Dermaplaning offers immediate results and continued benefits with the skin’s response of added collagen and elastin. Dermaplaning his recommended once per month for lasting, luminous, healthy skin.

Jennifer Pealer brings her unique massage skills to the table. Jenn is great working on children and older adults and everyone in between. She has a warm welcoming presence and has earned many repeat clients during her time here.

Over the past 21 years, Spa Director Connie Lewis has grown the business by expanding the services offered. Here is a sampling of the spa’s current menu: Massage Therapy - choose 30, 60, or 90 minutes. Add hot stones for that little extra touch of warmth and soothing for the body, mind, and spirit.

Our deluxe facial is a deeply relaxing and therapeutic treatment. It includes a fruit Peel for exfoliating extractions if needed and customized serums and creams chosen for your specific skin type. We offer the best in anti-aging products - sensitive skin, spa teen facials and the gentlemen’s facials all exclusively from Pevonia Botanica - Paris, France.

Connie offers the area’s only Facial Sculpting Microcurrent facial treatments that use a small amount of painless low level electrical current to stimulate your own collagen and tighten your facial muscles. A series is recommended for optimal results. This service is normally $125 per treatment, however, for the month of May, if you purchase a series of 5 you will receive a 15% discount from the total cost.

New to her offerings, Connie now is offering Medical Intuitive Readings. If you are interested in Reiki and beyond please don’t hesitate to ask about this new offering. Universal energy healing and spirit to help

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Siesta Key Round-Up

Connie Lewis 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.” guide and assist you. Complimentary readings for the first 5 people to respond and mention this offering.

Last, but not least by far, we welcome Dr. Jeff Goldstein once a month for our SPA PARTY Botox Fillers and more. Normally held on the second Wednesday of the month, we get together with light bites and refreshments, camaraderie and of course, beautification. Complimentary chair massage and mini-facials for those receiving injections. Please call for details and to reserve your spot.

MESK is conveniently located in the Davidson Plaza in the Village and is open 6-days-a-week, year-round and 7-days-a-week in season. Appointments may be made online at www.MassageExperienceSK.com or by calling 941-349-4833. massageexperiencesk.com (MA00017596/ MM0006727) (Advertorial)

AVENIDA MILANO CALLE MINORGA

Siesta Sand

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18

AVENIDA MADERA

Altogether, 15 people — including Langedyk — signed the petition.

Among them was Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Chair Mark Smith, whose firm, Smith Architects, is located at 5032 Calle Minorga.

As a staff memo to the County Commission explained, Avenida Milano is a local road with two 14-foot-wide travel lanes and no sidewalks or bike lanes. On-street parking is allowed on both sides.

Calle Minorga, the memo continued, is a local road with two 10-footwide travel lanes — again, with no sidewalks or bicycle lanes.

The speed limit on both roads is 30 mph, the memo added.

“The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) provides guidelines for placing stop signs at the intersection of two local roads,” the memo says. “Stop signs should be considered when engineering judgment determines a restricted view exists that requires road users to stop to adequately observe conflicting traffic on a through street,” it notes.

Avenida Milano, the memo continues, has an average daily traffic count of 468 vehicles, while Calle Minorga’s count is 308. “According to the County’s crash database, one crash has occurred at the subject intersection within the last three years. Staff has determined that eastbound vehicles should stop to adequately observe traffic on Calle Minorga,” the release points out. “A stop sign in this location would reinforce driver expectations and enhance the safety of the intersection,” it adds.

During the TAC meeting, the memo pointed out, “two citizens spoke in favor of [the request for the stop sign].”

No to hotels

During its March meeting, the Board of Directors of the Siesta Key Condominium Council “went on record as being against any changes to the Sarasota County Codes that would allow hotel construction on Siesta Key that does not meet the current codes for density and height,” the organization announced.

The statement was signed by Condo Council President Frank Jurenka.

A news release said the council recently received information from one of its members — the Gulf and Bay Club — that the Gulf and Bay board had passed such a resolution and was asking the Condo Council board to take similar action.

Furthermore, the news release noted, the Gulf and Bay Club board had asked that the council “take steps to advise other Condo Association members [of the action], thereby raising awareness and consolidation of efforts to thwart these changes.”

The Gulf and Bay Club resolution was approved during its association’s March 23 board meeting, the release noted.

During the Jan. 17 meeting of the Condo Council, residents raised objections to a proposed county Comprehensive Plan amendment that would allow hotels to be built in districts zoned Commercial General on Siesta Key. Continued on page 25

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Through the Eyes of a Veteran Walter Hamer was born in 1932 in Puerto Cortes in the Republic of Honduras. His mother was American, but his father was British, and so, according to the laws of the time, he became a British subject. This fact influenced his later career in the United States Air Force.

Walter’s dad was an executive with the United Fruit Company, and the family lived in several Latin American countries until Walter’s high school years. Completely bilingual, his command of Spanish would help him in business throughout his life.

Although the United Fruit Company provided schooling for employee’s children, they made no provision beyond 8th grade, and youngsters went to the States for their high school education. Walter received his first taste of the military when he attended Castle Heights Military Academy in Tennessee from 1946 to 1950. Here he also learned to fly, becoming a licensed pilot in his senior year.

On June 27, 1950, President Truman committed U. S. armed forces to the defense of South Korea. That same summer, Walter enrolled in Civil Engineering at Tulane University, in New Orleans.

After a year of study, he decided to change to Agricultural Engineering. He was accepted at Cornell, but Cornell required one year of practical farm experience as a prerequisite for their Ag Engineering curriculum. Walter arranged to meet this requirement by working in the United Fruit Company’s banana farms in Latin America.

As a foreigner in America on a student visa, Walter was required to register for the draft.

His draft board did not consider the work year to be a part of his education. He was told that as soon as he left Tulane he’d lose his student deferment and would probably be drafted.

At 19, Walter wanted to serve but preferred to serve in the Air Force, where his flight training would be put to better use. He tried to enlist in the U. S. Air Force but was ineligible because of his non-citizen classification. He couldn’t enlist, he could only be drafted.

He visited the British Consulate in New Orleans to see if there was some alternative military service he might perform. He was told that the Australian Air Force was actively recruiting pilots and that, as a British subject, they would gladly take him in. When Walter advised the American draft board of his intentions, he was told that foreign military service would not change his status, and he would still be eligible for the draft upon completion. A sympathetic and far-sighted recruiting officer delved in to the legalities of the situation. He found that if Walter were to file a Declaration of intent to Become an American Citizen, he would qualify for enlistment. However, he could not become a pilot, as all pilots in the U. S. Air force are commissioned officers, and only American citizens could hold military commissions.

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

19

By Diana Colson

“Fine,” said Walter. “I’ll serve as an enlisted man.”

He went through Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, becoming an Airman Basic. Along with other recruits, he was given aptitude tests which, not surprisingly, proved him to be good pilot material. He was encouraged to apply for pilot training but was once again turned down because of his British citizenship. A second visionary officer researched the situation and found that the filed Declaration of Intent was sufficient for him to enter the Aviation Cadet program.

Upon completion, Walter became one of the few commissioned officers in the service who was not an American citizen.

He received Primary Training at Columbus, Mississippi; Basic Instruction in Enid, Oklahoma, and Advanced four-engine bomber qualifications at Randolph AFB in Texas.

He was given survival training in Nevada, followed by overseas assignment to Kadena AFB in Okinawa.

The heavy bombardment of North Korean cities from Okinawa was one of the main factors in bringing about the Cease-Fire and eventual peace negotiations between the warring sides. As Walter explains, “We continued flying fully armed missions with briefings for North Korean targets but would turn around upon reaching the 38th parallel, which was the cease-fire demarcation line. The idea was to encourage the Korean negotiators at the bargaining table.” The big bombers could take off with a full bomb load, but could not land with such high weight, so they had to drop their loads on the return leg. A group of small unpopulated Okinawan islands was assigned as a practice range and bombs were dropped as a training exercise. Local fishermen discovered that the exploding bombs killed and stunned hundreds of fish which they could scoop out of the water. Keeping the drop area clear of fishermen was an ongoing problem handled by the Navy. Of his Air Force career, Walter says, “I never dropped a bomb in anger, but I probably killed a lot of fish.”

An armistice agreement was reached in 1953, and Walter’s overseas tour ended. His squadron flew the now-obsolete B-29s back to Tucson, Arizona, to be stored or scrapped.

He was assigned to Altus AFB, Oklahoma, from where he completed training in the new B-47 strategic jet bomber and spent the rest of his active service flying various missions as a Strategic Air Command bomber pilot.

In 1956, he was discharged from active duty and went into the Air Force Reserve.

He returned to Tulane to pick up his Civil Engineering studies, where he reconnected with Susan Trafton, whom he had known since childhood. Like him, she was a “banana brat”, born in Panama to another United Fruit family.

In 1959, Walter graduated and married Susan. The young couple moved to the Azores where Walter worked for

a construction company doing projects on the joint PortugueseAmerican air base at Terceira.

They then moved to another job in Puerto Rico, where their daughter was born and where Walter became an American citizen. After that, they lived in Spain for almost fifteen years in both Barcelona and Madrid, working mostly for

Our 50th anniversary celebration (2009)

The photo is of my crew graduation from Heavy Bomber school at Randolph AFB near the end of 1953.

The officers are squatting in the front and the enlisted crewmen are standing behind.

I’m second from the left in the front row.

This is the 307th Bomb Squadron on one of the B-29 bombers that made up the unit. I’m somewhere in the agglomeration on the ground just outboard of the No. 1 engine ((rightmost engine in the picture).

This was at Kadena AFB on Okinawa in the summer of 1954.

American companies doing construction and development work there. In 1978, they moved to Tampa, where Walter was employed by a development company, traveling to Latin America looking for investment capital for the company’s projects.

Their fluency in Spanish has served the couple well. Susan is a Certified Federal Court Interpreter who has worked since the 1980’s with Spanish speakers at the Federal District Court in Tampa.

The Hamers retired in 2001, moving into a Carriage House in the Landings. Walter has

taken up writing for pleasure and is currently working on his mother’s life story. Sue continues her free-lance interpretation work at the Tampa court, although on a reduced schedule.

As a young man, Walter learned much from his military experience, particularly the values one gets from working closely with a group of people. He says, “A B-29 crew was twelve people working together in a big pressurized tin can, bringing all of their various specialties together to accomplish complicated common goals.”

20

Siesta Sand

Off Key

MAY 2017

By Robert Frederickson

Fore!

I got a chuckle out of the news report that the Downtown Improvement District has provided the Sarasota Police Department with a $9,000 grant to buy golf carts to help patrol certain areas of the city.

Remember the breathless concern a few years back over police departments becoming

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

|From Low Speed Pursuits to Circular Logic

overly militarized with Department of Defense handme-downs?

Well, it now seems the pendulum has finally swung fully the other way as efforts to neuter the police have reached the point where a perp might now conceivably outrun a police pursuit...on foot!

www.siestakeyassociation.com

MONTHLY MEETING Thursday, May 4 • 4:30 PM

St. Boniface Church, Parish Hall 5615 Midnight Pass Road

PRESENTATION ON RED TIDE

Guest Speaker: Tommy Baughan-Birch Volunteer with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium/Mote Speaker Bureau

public is always welcome with questions for our guests.

Florida’s Loss is this Family’s Gain How often have you returned from a vacation with more cash in your pocket than when you left? Never, right? …unless you happen to be a professional gambler returning from a ‘working’ vacation in Vegas.

But that wasn’t the itinerary for the Bloom family of New York; instead the family of three headed out recently for what they thought would be a quick weekend vacation in the Sunshine State.

But then they got bumped from their Friday morning Delta flight out of LaGuardia Airport in New York. That earned each member of the family $1300, plus $45 for lunch and $50 for taxi fare, for a total of $3995. Then as luck would have it, they were bumped again the following day (Saturday) for another four grand pay off. By Sunday, bad weather across the nation had backed up flights so severely that they were offered $1000 each to give up their seats...adding another three grand to their total.

The Bloom family never did make it to Florida, but on the plus side, they returned home $11,000 to the good.

Bumper Sticker of the Day… Breaking News: “I Don’t Care...”

Euphemism of the Day… The Pentagon described a friendly fire incident that struck allied rebel forces near Raqqua, Syria as a “Misdirected Coalition Airstrike,” Translation: We screwed up...

My Personal, Nitpicking Rant of the Day...

Ultima Morgan of the law firm Morgan and Morgan is showcased in a current television ad for the firm in which she speaks the following line: “Talking the talk means walking the walk.”

Okay, here comes the rant…

She – like many others – gets the saying wrong.

As Siesta Key resident and noted language observer (and fellow Syracuse University alum I might add) J. Robert Parkinson notes in a recent Herald Tribune column, the current incorrect phrasing dates back to someone misquoting the 2003 book “Walk the Talk,” a phrase that actually means something, i.e. backing up something that’s been said.

But “walk the walk?”

What ‘walk’ would that be?

Ambling along some sidewalk?

Purposefully striding like John Travolta in the opening scene of Saturday Night Fever? High stepping through Grosvenor Square like John Cleese in his Ministry of Silly Walks bit for Monty Python’s Flying Circus?

Yes, we all know what Ultima ultimately meant. But there are still a few areas of human endeavor where precision in language is important, and I would suggest that people looking to hire a lawyer might consider the field of law to be one of those.

Quote of the day…

“This is not how poodles behave...”- Piers Morgan on Donald Trump’s recent dust-up with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

“In Memory of...

Peace Love and Understanding?”

It was a curious sight: Donna Betts – wife of renowned Allman Brothers Band co-founder Dickey Betts – smiling and flashing a peace sign for the TV cameras during her first court appearance to face charges of 18 counts of aggravated assault for allegedly brandishing a rifle as Sarasota Crew members gathered for rowing practice on property adjacent to the Betts home on Little Sarasota Bay. Perhaps the script would have read better had the peace sign been flashed earlier in the narrative, replacing the rifle that was allegedly turned in the

direction of team coaches before being tossed into the bay.

If not for his fame with the Brothers, Dickey Betts might have left his mark in Nashville as a singer/songwriter, given his considerable talents in the musical genre that defines that city, as illustrated by his country influenced Allman Brothers hit Ramblin’ Man. It can only be hoped this episode will be resolved in similar fashion to the formula that drives so many popular and successful country tunes: with a final verse that resolves loss, longing or other human failings with recognition, grace, remedy and in the end, redemption.

Daily Affirmation...

A photo and short AP story caught our eye recently. It shows and describes a young girl walking along Clearwater beach hand-in-hand with a police officer. It turns out the girl was lost and had asked another family for help in finding her own. So that family called the police and officer Rich Edmonds responded. After the young girl refused to get into his patrol car to start the search, he took her by the hand and walked with her along Clearwater Beach until she was finally reunited with her family.

With so many stories about bad behavior from officers that get page one treatment under 48 point boldface headlines, it’s worth remembering that the vast majority of officers perform their jobs with the kind of understated professionalism exhibited by officer Edmonson with little need or expectation of recognition.

If You Build it They Will Crash...

Can you imagine a massive multilane roundabout at the intersection of busy US-41 and Fruitville Road as now under consideration by various government and transportation officials? If so, you’re imagination is better than mine.

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MAY 2017

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21

8th Annual Fiesta on Siesta Women’s Collegiate Sand Volleyball Tournament Photos by Trebor Britt Spectacular Siesta Beach was the host location for the Eighth Annual Fiesta on Siesta Collegiate Volleyball Tournament, the largest collegiate sand volleyball competition in the United States. Thirty colleges from across the country were represented by 325 female athletes. Now that it’s an official NCAA sport, its popularity and growth has been substantially boosted. The soft, powdery white sand of Siesta Beach

makes Sarasota the ideal location to host this rapidly growing sport. Competition director, Dave Carstenson was pleased to announce the addition of a college club men’s division to this year’s competition. New sponsor, Orange Theory Fitness joined returning sponsors, Red Bull, Rox Volleyball, Massage Envy and others.

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

Athletes from the Division 2, University of Tampa indoor volleyball team with assistant coach, Cody Liner. This is their second consecutive year competing in sand volleyball.

They will begin their Sand Volleyball program next year.

Part of the Missouri Baptist University beach volleyball team who made the trip from St. Louis to compete. They finished fourth last year in the NAIA division.

SERVICING SARASOTA

941.952.TAXI (8294)

SiestaKeyFreeRide.com

Pizza Burn

Saint Leo University Volleyball head coach, Sam Cibrone discovers what team balance is all about. Cibrone has coached at this Dade City, Florida college for 13 years and led his team to a Conference Championship this year.

University of Tampa athlete, Molly Mcalvany (21), sets the ball for her partner. She’s a UT student from Roswell, Georgia.

Sand volleyball player, Molly Mcalvany (21), fully extends herself for a dig.

Members of the Saint Leo Volleyball team cheering for two teammates competing in a tight match.

From time to time we see patients with mouth discomfort caused by eating and/or foods. We see burns, lacerations, scrapes and swellings which can interfere with eating, swallowing and talking. They can even break teeth and fillings/crowns, etc.

Usually these discomforts are diagnosed with examination and a careful history. The things we consume can be too cold or hot, too sharp and poky, or too hard. Very occasionally they can be allergenic.

The top three offenders are ‘Pizza Burn’ (also from hot liquids), ‘Triscuit Trauma’ and ‘Chewing Gum’ crowns.

The big healers here are ‘tincture of time’ or repair the broken, loose or fractured area. Any injury lasting more than two weeks needs immediate observation.

Avoid pizza burn? Cut up the first few bites until it’s cool enough to chow down.

Almost all of these problems are preventable and avoidable. It’s up to you!

Palmer Ranch Dental - Richard J. Greenspan DDS Call today for an appointment! (941) 966-5603 8800 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34238

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.)

22

Siesta Sand

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News Up & Down the Trail Orioles attendance second highest The weather is heating up, and Spring Training season has come and left Sarasota. But 2017 was a good season for the Orioles, which have played seven in the renovated Ed Smith Stadium.

The Orioles attracted a total of 119,742 fans for 17 home games in Sarasota — the second-highest spring attendance in club history behind only the 120,455 total set in 2013. The high point for the Orioles, according to TCPalm newspaper, was a matchup against the Minnesota Twins at Ed Smith Stadium before a crowd of 8,171.

The Orioles had six consecutive sellouts from March 16 to March 27, helping the team to finish among the best in attendance in the Grapefruit League this spring.

Across the Sunshine State, spring training entertained more than 1.5 million fans. For the 15th time in 18 years, Florida Spring Training Baseball total attendance surpassed the 1.5 million mark, according to figures from the Florida Sports Foundation. Over the course of those 18 years, since 2000, over 28 million fans have attended Major League Baseball Spring Training Games in Florida.

Sprouts opens A new grocery store that bills itself as an indoor farmer’s market has opened a store on South Tamiami Trail, in Pelican Plaza, right across the street from the Westfield Sarasota Square Mall.

Sprouts Farmers Market is best known for affordable prices and an assortment of natural and organic foods. The stores are inspired by traditional farmers markets, yet are entirely indoors.

Sprouts Farmers Markets are usually about half the size of a Publix store, and their prices are considerably cheaper than Whole Foods’ market.

Sprouts Farmers Market is a popular growing retail store and plans to open 11 new locations in the second quarter of 2017. Sprouts will open a total of 35 stores in 2017. The new South-Sarasota store was estimated to bring more than 100 career opportunities to its neighborhood.

City Center building sells Large commercial property transactions are heating up downtown. In the latest sale, A North Carolina based firm has acquired the 13-story Sarasota City Center office tower on Main Street for $36.5 million, making it the third major office sale in downtown Sarasota over the past year.

Durham, N.C.-based investment firm The Dilweg Companys is planning to invest $4 million to enhance the 245,293-square-foot building’s fitness center, hallways,

bathrooms, lobby and courtyard in the wake of its purchase.

Dilweg also plans to create a conference facility and a tenant social space inside the 1819 Main St. building. The 28-year-old tower is occupied by financial firms Merrill Lynch, UBS and Wells Fargo, Boar’s Head Provisions Co., among and other tenants.

City Commission runoff election to be held May 9 Two at-large City Commission seats will be decided this month.

Eight candidates originally ran for the two seats. In March’s nonpartisan primary, Jennifer Ahearn-Koch, Hagen Brody, and Martin Hyde all advanced to the runoff city election to be held May 9. Ahearn-Koch was the top vote-getter in March, with 2,700 votes cast for her. Turnout in the election was about 19 percent of eligible voters. Lone incumbent Susan Chapman narrowly missed the top three, only 52 votes behind Hyde.

Neighborhood leader Ahearn-Koch is confounder of the grassroots slow growth STOP!; was a Sarasota Planning Board member 2009 to 2015; and is president of Tahiti Park Neighborhood Association.

Brody, an attorney, was a state prosecutor from 2012 to 2016; and a Sarasota Teen Court and Booker High School Mock Trial Team volunteer.

Hyde, a businessman, is president of Gulf Business Systems.

City Commission approves DeMarcay construction The city has approved the DeMarcay on Palm, removing a requirement that would have forced the developer to use precast construction for a portion of the building in an attempt to minimize construction impacts.

On April 17, the City Commission in a 4-1 vote removed the requirement, and the developer is now free to use whatever construction method it choses to build the project, an 18-story, 39-unit condominium.

In addition to the construction method, the project was controversial because of the PalmAvenue site’s historic nature.

A historic 1920s building was developed on the site by Owen Burns.

Back in 2006, the city included the provision in an attempt to minimize the impacts of the construction.

At the time, a representative for the developer said precast construction would achieve that goal. But now a new developer has convinced the commission that precast construction would actually be more time-consuming

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

By Roger Drouin and dangerous than post-tension construction, the standard technique for building high-rises in Sarasota.

222 apartments pitched for Ringling Plaza A West Palm developer has submitted plans to build a 222unit apartment complex on the site of the Ringling Shopping Center, where a debate has been simmering over how to redevelop the property.

The Richman Group of Florida submitted preliminary plans for the mixed-use project late last week to redevelop the 9.7-acre property at the center of a long legal battle over a once-planned Walmart on Ringling Boulevard just outside downtown. The Richman Group of Florida, listed as the contract purchaser for the property on a city development application, plans to construct a four-story multifamily building on the 9.7-acre site at 2260 Ringling Blvd. The plans also include a commercial segment, though the project would mainly be a residential project.

The proposal comes after a yearlong conversation between the city and the current property owner, the Doyle Family Trust, regarding the future of the property, which once housed the now-closed Publix.

County Commissioners approve incentive grant Sarasota County commissioners last month approved a $144,000 jobs performance-based incentive package to lure a digital-marketing company to relocate to Sarasota.

On April 3, four of the Sarasota County commissioners approved an offer of $144,000 — which equates to $20,000 apiece for 72 jobs — to enable county staff and the Economic Development Corp. (EDC) of Sarasota County to continue negotiations with a digital technology firm interested in relocating to the county.

The company isn’t named in public documents, and the

financial agreement is listed under the codename Project Polish.

The “Project Polish” company “has recently signed a long term contract with the largest floor manufacturer in the world, to supply websites and digital marketing services to 2,500 of [the manufacturer’s] top flooring retailers.” As a result, the memo continued, the company needs to hire more staff and move out of its current location.

County named one of best workplaces for commuters Sarasota County Government has been named to the 2017 List of Best Workplaces for Commuters by a Tampa-based organization that ranks the best workplaces for commuters across the nation.

The honor was awarded for the county’s “exceptional employeeprovided commuter benefits,” the county has announced.

“Sarasota County Government is on the cutting edge of a national movement,” said Julie Bond, program manager for Best Workplaces for Commuters, in a news release. “They have listened to their employees’ challenges with traffic flow and their concerns over reducing emissions. By offering a range of commuter benefits, such as subsiding bus fares, carpooling and access to Emergency Ride Home programs,” she continued in the release, “Sarasota County gives its employees the support they need to get to and from work so they can be at their best.

These benefits are good for the organization and its employees.”

Sarasota County is among 231 employers in the United States to receive this award, the Best Workplaces for Commuters website points out.

The membership program is based in Tampa, according to the organization’s website.

“April is Earth Month, so receiving this recognition now is perfect timing to recognize the county for promoting green commuting efforts and sustainable transportation options throughout the year,” said Sarasota County

Administrator Tom Harmer in the release.

Measuring rising seas Last month, the city of Sarasota installed an eight-foot high marker on Lido Beach bearing facts about the projected sea level rise at the beach over time, stating which buildings will be underwater as levels rise and noting what people can do lessen the impacts.

The long, white pole, with blue wrapping on all sides, greets visitors at the end of the wooden walkway by the northern edge of the public beach.

Despite the positive response from initial onlookers, the pole reflects some frightening statistics.

In less than 15 years, by 2030, sea levels are expected to rise between 1.2 to 7.2 inches. Only 30 years later, in 2060, sea levels could rise as much as 0.4 to 2.4 feet. To put that in context, the marker states that at two feet, 30 percent of St. Armands Circle and South Lido Beach would be underwater. At 3 feet, that would include access to Mote Marine and Ken Thompson Park, as well as the intersection at Gulf Stream and U.S. 41, which the pole notes is a “major evacuation route.”

But the installation is not all doom and gloom. On one side of the marker is a list dedicated to how the public can help. Some of the offerings include calculating one’s carbon footprint online, replacing appliances with energy efficient models, and wasting less food.

The impetus for the markers came from City Manager Tom Barwin, who noticed a similar project while walking along Hallandale Beach in Broward County during a conference last year. Public education on sea level rise is particularly important in an area like Sarasota, where residents are threatened by the phenomenon’s effects, he said. Meanwhile, in North Broward County, a resident there and geoscientist has recently published a doctoral dissertation that said residents living in huge swaths of low-lying land there underestimated their vulnerability.

Siesta Key Chamber call for volunteers The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce is updating and expanding their volunteer database and is now accepting applications.

Volunteers are needed throughout the year for a variety of duties including the Visitors Center, events (Egg Hunt, Golf Outing, 4th of July, Halloween, Crystal Classic, Holiday Parade, etc.), special projects, and delivery of guides, maps, posters, etc.

Requests for student community service hours and intern requirements will also be considered.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and to request an application form, please contact Mia Leone, Visitor Center & Volunteer Manager, at the Chamber office at 941-349-3800 or email her at mia@siestakeychamber.com.

Once accepted, volunteers will be added to the database and alerted as opportunities occur.

Your support and community service is sincerely appreciated!

www.siestakeychamber.com

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MAY 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

VILLAGE MAP pgs 24 - 25

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 46

GULF GATE SHOPS pgs 32 - 33

CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 26

LOCAL MAPS INSIDE

LIVE MUSIC PAGE 28

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 Aaron Martin/Drum Circle FB page.

Before you leave Sarasota, you must try this one!

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

941-922-3797

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

24

Siesta Sand

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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

It’s Graduation Season again.

If your child is graduating from high school or college, you have reason to celebrate. But what should you give to your newly minted diploma holder? You might want to consider offering a combination of financial gifts and tips, which, taken together, could set your graduate on a path toward a successful, independent life.

What sort of gifts and tips should you consider? Here are a few ideas: • Give a few shares of stock.

Everyone should understand the financial markets and how they work. One great way to encourage this interest is to give your child a few shares of stock. Young people enjoy owning a piece of a company that makes the products and services they like – and the very act of ownership can inspire them to learn more about investing and to ask questions: What causes

|Financial Gifts – and Tips – for New Graduates

the stock price to go up or down?

How long should I hold this stock?

Should I own several stocks like this one, or is it better to branch out to find new opportunities?

Over time, in learning the answers to these and other questions, your child can become familiar with investing and how to make the best choices.

• Encourage your graduate to open an IRA. Your child can open an IRA as long as he or she has some earned income. You might want to suggest that your child consider a Roth IRA, which, at the child’s age and income level, may be a good choice. With a Roth IRA, children can access their contributions at any time, tax- and penalty-free.

They can’t touch the earnings without incurring both taxes and penalties, however, until they reach 59½. But you will want to

encourage them to keep the money in their IRA intact, giving it the chance to grow.

• Provide some financial education.

Unfortunately, most young people don’t really receive any kind of formal financial education.

Of course, you can try to provide some of this knowledge to your own children, but, as you know, advice from Mom and Dad sometimes gets ignored. However, you might get better results if you arrange for your recent graduate to meet with a financial professional. As mentioned above, owning stocks, and following their progress, can teach your children a great deal about investing, but a financial professional can paint the “big picture” and explain how all aspects of money management – such as borrowing, budgeting, saving and investing –fit together

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

www.siestasand.net

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 Marley Vibes.........................................Map-D #9 Sea Shanty........................................... Map-C #24 Siesta T’s.............................................. Map-B #30 The Sandal Factory............................ Map-B #46 GAS STATION Circle K Store........................................ Map-E #6 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Beach Bazaar......................................Map-C #28 From God’s Garden.............................Map-D #9 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

to help individuals stay in control of their finances and make progress toward their important financial goals, such as buying a house and retiring in comfort. Recent graduates, whether leaving high school or college, are at “turning points” in their lives and can benefit greatly from understanding the importance of developing good, lifelong financial habits.

Most of us can think of several money-related mistakes we’ve made over the course of many years. And your children will make some errors, too. But by providing them with some appropriate financial gifts and valuable advice upon their graduation, they may well be better prepared to keep those mistakes to a minimum – while maximizing their ability to make good decisions. Advertorial This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Jo F

Edw

( ( Joe.St

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MAY 2017

Siesta Key Round-Up SNL is not aware of any further action having been taken on that proposal since a December 2016 workshop was held on the issue.

The Condo Council news release also pointed out that the Gulf and Bay board members planned to meet with the county commissioners to express their opposition to the proposed change in the Comprehensive Plan and that they were requesting owners of condos in their complex who are registered Florida voters to write or email their views on the matter to the county commissioners.

oe St.Onge, ChFC® Financial Advisor

ward Jones Investments 5112 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key, FL 34242

(941)-346-0560 phone (941)-320-4030 mobile tOnge@edwardjones.com

CodeRed sign-ups encouraged Sarasota County staff is encouraging property owners to sign up for the free CodeRED alert notification system, which provides phone and text message alerts to property owners about important issues in their neighborhoods.

“Getting accurate and fast information on an event in your neighborhood can save you time, money

Continued from page 18

and possibly even your life,” said Paula Parsons Grubb of Sarasota County Public Utilities in a news release. “The free CodeRED system can alert you to evacuations, severe weather warnings, water and sewer service interruptions, road closures, Amber Alerts and more,” she added in the release.

“Sarasota County does not share [registration] information with private third-party vendors,” the release pointed out.

During the SKA’s March 4 Annual Breakfast Meeting, Vice President Catherine Luckner strongly encouraged members to sign up for CodeRed. In the aftermath of county staff’s discharge into the Grand Canal of 3.3 million gallons of partially treated wastewater from the Siesta Key plant during torrential rains associated with then-Tropical Storm Hermine in late August 2016, residents’ ire was one factor in county staff’s decision to use CodeRed for environmental alerts, Luckner pointed out. (State guidelines

25

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

allow such discharges in emergency situations when heavy rain or another problem might cause the overflow of untreated sewage from a wastewater plant into a body of water. However, at the time of the Siesta incident, Sarasota County had no policy calling for notice to be provided to the public, other than erection of signage at the Grand Canal.)

For more information about the system, call the county Contact Center at 861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net. Anyone may sign up for the service through a link listed under the Emergency Services tab, the release notes.

Red Tide discussed

The guest speaker for the May Siesta Key Association monthly meeting is Tommy Baughan-Birch with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. She will be discussing the effects of Red Tide. The meeting will be May 4 at St. Boniface Episcopal Church 5615 Midnight Pass Road at 4:30 PM in Parish Hall.

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

• 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

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 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 Café...........................................Map-A #38 Bonjour French Cafe.......................... Map-C #47 Café Gabbiano.................................. Map-D #71 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar...............Map-B #42-43 Flavio’s Brick Oven & Bar................. Map-B #29 Flavio’s Italiano Ristorante............... Map-B #30 Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill.......... Map-B #33 LeLu’s Coffee Bar.............................. Map-B #31 Lobster Pot..........................................Map-C #23 Napoli’s Italian Restaurant............... Map-C #53 Old Salty Dog Rest. & Pub.................. Map-E #2 PI Pizza & Craft Beer.........................Map-A#37 Señor Siesta....................................... Map-D #69 Siesta Key Deli....................................Map-A #37 Siesta Key Oyster Bar....................... Map-B #45 Solorzano Bros. Pizzeria................. Map-D #15 Subway Sandwiches.......................... Map-B #30 Sun Garden Café................................Map-D #19 The Cottage......................................... Map-C #58 The Hub - Baja Grill...........................Map-D #59 Village Café....................................... Map-D #14 SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY LaPlaya Spa......................................... Map-C #50 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

Siesta Sand

MAY 2017

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

941.349.0194

CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX

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

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

www.siestasand.net

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

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

“Home of the Orange Squeeze!”

“A Tropical Department Store“

SHELL & GIFT CITY

Bathing Suits $

Siesta Key’s Most Friendly & Unique Shopping Spot!

SOUTHBRIDGE MALL

OPEN 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM DAILY

G

IN FEATUR

Homemade Ice Cream

Map B-3#8

941-346-0202

19.95 Reg. To $49.00

SIESTA KEY

Siesta Key’s Largest Seashell & Coral Selection!

Sundaes l Shakes l Smoothies l Coffees Espresso l Cappuccinos

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

CRESCENT BEACH

er Sale up Ladies

!

THE GREEN TURTLE

S

26

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

6525 Midnight Pass Road

MAP B-3#14

green TURTLE COUPON

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

349-4751

VALUE

With This Coupon

No Purchase Necessary

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

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

941-346-1797

“Voted Small Business of the Year

by Siesta Key Chamber”

RepaiRs, sales anD accessORies New 50cc Scooters

HOuRly • Daily • Weekly

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

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

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

5

$

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

Bikes • Kayaks • Scooters • Kayak Tours

welcome!

Willkommen

GERMAN BAKERY & CAFE

© Island Visitor Publishing, LLC 2012

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

Rum Cakes Breakfast Lunch German Beers and Brats

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

Map C-3 #14

Map B-3#8

A Taste of Germany 6575 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Anna’s Deli 6535 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Road

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill 1500 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-5 #12

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters 1249 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-3 #4

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

Crescent Beach Grocery 1211 Old Stickney Pt. Rd.

MAP B-3 #1

Siesta 4-Rent 6555 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Toasted Mango Cafe 6621 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-4 #17

MAP C-3 #17

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MAY 2017

Snapshots of Island Visitors

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

2

1

4

27

3

5

7

8

6

9

10

1. Nicole & Mike from IL 2. Jake & Lindsay from OH

11

3. Freya from the UK 4. Don Burns from Siesta Key flying his WW2 Bomber 5. Cale age 7, Grace age 9, Grant age 7, from Sarasota 6. Asa, Jorgen, Kim age 11, and Mex age 13 from Sweden 7. Chiara age 11, Valeria, Alan, and Nicole from Argentina 8. Joe born & raised in Sarasota 9. Keira and TJ from NC 10. Jada and Taylor from upstate, NY 11. Kyle age 10 and Greg from NY

28

Siesta Sand

MAY 2017

941.349.0194

Who’s Playing Tonight A few months ago, while setting up to play a party in one of the private rooms at the Polo Grill, I heard a band on the other side of the wall playing country music for a wedding in the banquet hall. The music sounded so good and the songs were so well chosen that it made setting up a breeze.

It turned out to be The Hatley Band performing during the cocktail hour in the foyer.

It also turns out that the songs sound even better coming from the cd I was given after this interview…but I’m getting ahead of myself.

WPT: Where are you from?

Hatley: I’m originally from Michigan.

WPT: When did you start playing music?

Hatley: I started playing guitar when I was 17 and pursued singing after that… experimenting with different styles until I settled on country…it was a perfect fit for my voice.

WPT: When did you start playing live?

Hatley: I started playing out in my 20’s and played more in my 30’s, just on the weekends because I was working full time too.

WPT: What were some of genres you played early on?

Hatley: I tried popular music of the time…Pearl Jam…different genres of pop.

WPT: How did you make the transition into being a fulltime musician?

Hatley: I sold a pizzeria I owned and operated in Michigan…sold everything else I owned as well, packed what was left, moved to Key West and lived out of my van until I got enough gigs to support me.

WPT: Why Key West?

Hatley: It was either there or Nashville…

I’d never been to Key West, but figured it would be easier to get gigs there as a solo

CLUB

BLASE CAFÉ In the Village 941‐349‐9822 DAIQUIRI DECK RAW BAR In the Village 941‐349‐8697 GILLIGANS In the Village 941‐346‐8122

|An interview with Hatley

www.siestasand.net

By Mike Sales I’m always hustling to keep the band booked. The next level is when people start to call me about bookings and from there I’d like to play the larger gigs at festivals and open for major label acts, but ultimately I’d like to score a hit, either as a songwriter or as a recording artist with one of my songs.

guitar/vocalist.

WPT: How long did it take to get your first gig in Key West?

Hatley: The very first day I was there; I went into a restaurant called Mangrove Mama’s and asked the owner about playing music. He asked what I played and said he didn’t like country music…I told him I wasn’t leaving until I got a gig and after a few hours he sat down to talk with me and we hit it off. He invited me to come back the following Sunday and play for free and by the end of it he gave me a gig playing Sundays and I played there every week for the next couple of years…he’s one of my best friends now.

WPT: These days, what makes up the Hatley Band?

Hatley: It’s most always a 4-piece band, but sometimes I have a duo or trio.

WPT: When do you play on Siesta Key?

Hatley: We play at the Siesta Key Oyster Bar 7-11pm, every other Sunday.

WPT: How long did it take to fill up the schedule?

Hatley: It took 3 or 4 months of visiting places everyday…Key West is very competitive with lots of musicians who want to live that lifestyle, but the cost of living is high and its very transient, so the club owners want to see you around for awhile, but I hustled and hung in there until spots opened up and I got the gigs.

WPT: What can people expect when they come to hear you play?

Hatley: Fun and interaction with the crowd…it’s not about coming to see a band and just watching a show, its about the audience being a part of it… singing along, dancing, coming up on stage and even playing an instrument with us…hanging with the band and being a part of the show.

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

Hatley: …by way of Nashville…I was playing at a Key West venue that was open to the street and a guy who owns a chain of restaurants in Florida came by, liked what he heard, and invested money for me to go to Nashville and record with Grammy Award winning producer; Mark Lambert.

After that, I moved back down here because I wanted to keep the band working.

Key West is mostly singles and duos, so I looked at the map, checked out the East Coast and West Coast and found the West Coast to be a little more laid back with more work for a band.

Hatley photo by Luis Vera

You can hear the Hatley Band, watch videos and check the schedule at hatleyband.com

Siesta Key is kind of the midway point. I play up in Tampa and I hit Key West every other month.

Siesta Key Oyster Bar features live music everyday and is located at 5238 Ocean Blvd

WPT: Do you write songs?

Hatley: Yes, there are 4 originals on my current cd.

WPT: What are your plans for your career?

Hatley: I’m going to keep playing, always pursuing the next level.

At this level, there are plenty of gigs, but

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

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE MONDAY

Drag Queen Bingo: th nd 8 & 22 8:30pm Gabriel Strange: 5pm

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Soundpainters w/Evan Eastmoore & Zack Yoder 6pm

Mike Tozier: 6pm Karaoke w/Emcee Dallas: 10pm

THURSDAY Rob Viola 6pm

FRIDAY

Callie & the Whole Band 6pm

SATURDAY

Endless Vibes: 2pm Twinkle: 6pm

LIVE MUSIC (3‐7pm) DJ TJ (10pm)

LIVE MUSIC (3‐7pm) DJ Crawford (10pm)

DJ ‐ 10pm

Acoustic Pete 2‐6pm DJ ‐ 10pm

SUNDAY

Live Music: 2pm Bird Tribe or Jason Haram: 6pm BREE (3‐7pm)

Rodney Shenk 6 ‐10pm

RPM 6 ‐10pm

Patrick 6 ‐10pm

RPM 6 ‐10pm

Open Mic Jam w/Matt Gerhardt 7‐10pm

Eddie James Jazz Band 7‐10pm

SIESTA KEY OYSTER BAR (SKOB) In the Village 941‐346‐5443

Live Music: 1‐5pm Al Donadi: 7‐11pm

Live Music: 1‐5pm Open mic night 7‐11pm

Frankie Raye or Deven Starr: 1‐5pm Kettle of Fish 7‐11pm

Gabriel Strange or Evan Eastmoore 1‐5pm Folklab: 7‐11pm

Whiteleather 2‐6pm Nick Levalley Band 8pm – 12am

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

THE BEACH CLUB In the Village 941‐349‐6311

Trivia Night 7‐9pm

Al Donadi Band:2,16,30 th Snyde Remarks (9 ) rd Kettle of Fish (23 ) 9pm‐1am

DJ Coz or Kensi 9pm – 2am

DJ Coz 9pm‐2am

Live Band: 8 – 11pm DJ Battles: th 9pm‐2am (12 only) DJ 11‐2am

Live Band 8 –11pm DJ 11pm‐2am

THE COTTAGE In the Village 941‐312‐9300

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 In the Village 941‐349‐6800

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. Sarasota 941‐924‐4900 CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE 801 Blackburn Pt. Rd, Osprey 941‐966‐1901 FANDANGO 1812 s. Osprey Ave, 941‐954‐5400

th

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

nd

th

th

2 , 9 & 16 Sunny Jim 6‐10pm

rd

Karaoke 9pm ‐1am

th

th

3 , 10 & 17 Paul Duffy 6‐10pm

Sandy Grecco Acoustic (5‐8PM)

Jazz (5‐8PM)

RPM (5‐8PM)

Every Thurs.

Chris Otto 6‐10pm

Tommy Santelli (5‐8PM)

th

Karaoke 9pm – 1am

th

5 & 19 only Chris Otto 6‐10pm

Live Reggae with Desi 2 ‐ 6pm

Vince Colaiocco / Mike Tozier: 10am ‐1pm Live Music: 2 ‐ 6pm Kevin & Callie or The Hatley Band: 7‐11pm Sunday Funday Live Band 9pm‐1am

LIVE MUSIC 3‐6pm

LIVE MUSIC 3‐6pm

Andres Collin 5‐9pm

Larry Williams or Chris Otto 5‐9pm

Democracy (Reggae Music) 4‐8pm

Live Music 3‐6PM

Live Music 3‐6PM

Live Music 3‐6PM

Live Music 4‐8pm

Live Music 3‐7pm

Live Music 3‐7pm

Live Jazz 7‐10PM

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

MAY 2017

Island Humor [ A blonde goes to her local pet store in search of an ‘exotic’ pet.

As she looks about the store, she notices a box full of frogs.

The sign says: ‘SEX FROGS’ Only $20 each! Comes with ‘complete’ instructions.

The girl excitedly looks around to see if anybody’s watching her.

She whispers softly to the man behind the counter, ‘I’ll take one!’

As the man packages the frog, he quietly says to her, ‘Just follow the instructions!’

The blonde nods, grabs the box, and is quickly on her way home.

As soon as she closes the door to her apartment, she opens the instructions and reads them very carefully. She does EXACTLY what is specified: 1. Take a shower.

2. Splash on some nice perfume.

3. Slip into a very sexy nightie.

4. Crawl into bed and place the frog down beside you, and allow the frog to do what he has been trained to do.

She then quickly gets into bed with the frog and to her surprise ...

NOTHING happens! The blonde is very disappointed and quite

upset at this point. She re-reads the instructions and notices at the bottom of the paper it says, ‘If you have any problems or questions ... please call the pet store.’

So, she calls the pet store.

The man says, ‘I’ll be right over.’

Within minutes, the man is ringing her doorbell. The blonde welcomes him in and says, ‘See, I’ve done everything according to the instructions. The dang frog just SITS there!’

The man looking very concerned, picks up the frog, stares ‘directly into its eyes’ and STERNLY says: ‘LISTEN TO ME!! I’m only going to show you how to do this ONE MORE TIME! [ Larry’s kindergarten class was on a field trip to their local police station where they saw pictures tacked to a bulletin board of the 10 most wanted criminals. One of the youngsters pointed to a picture and asked if it really was the photo of a wanted person. ‘Yes,’ said the policeman. ‘The detectives want very badly to capture him.’ Larry asked, “Why didn’t you keep him when you took his picture?”

[ A woman call the Southwest airline customer-service desk asking if she could take her dog on board.

“Sure,” remarked the rep., “as long as you provide your own kennel.” She further explained that the kennel needed to be large enough for the dog to stand up, sit down, turn around, and roll over.

The customer was flummoxed: “I’ll never be able to teach him all of that by tomorrow!”

29

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

...

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

Beach Club ., Siesta Key 5151 Ocean Blvd 941-349-6311 akey.com st e si b u cl ch a e .b www

[ The math teacher saw that Larry wasn’t paying attention in class.

She called on him and said, ‘Larry!

What are 2 and 4 and 28 and 44?’

Larry quickly replied, ‘NBC, FOX, ESPN and the Cartoon Network!’ [ When you’re a father you censor yourself. You get just as angry with a child but you don’t want to say, “What the filth and foul and I’ll filth and foul, filth and foul and, yeah, ya filth and foul face, and I’ll filth and foul, foul, filth!” You don’t want to say that to a child so you censor yourself and you sound like an idiot: “What the... Get your... I’ll put a... Get out of my face!”

Name of Bartender: Johnny Hometown: Hardy, Arkansas

HOTTEST BAR IN GULF GATE...

MLB/College Packages FULL BAR

Q: How long have you been bartending?

A: I’ve been bartending for four years, but I’ve been in the bar industry for 10 years.

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

A: It’s hard to pick just one, but I will say the funniest moments happen during the afternoon shift when I have more one-on-one time with my guests.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

A: I like to golf when I can, hang out with my friends, and when I get the chance have “a couple cocktails.”

Q: How would describe yourself?

A: I’m like Siesta sand…I’m pale, always a great time, never too heated, and my goal is to always create a lasting memory.

Q: How would you describe where you work?

A: Beach Club is a fun environment where I get to work with a great group of people I consider my family!

Q: When’s the best time to see you?

A: The best time to come see me is Tuesday and Sunday afternoons as well as Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights.

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

Karaoke Thursday, Friday & Saturday

30

Siesta Sand

MAY 2017

Water World Photos submitted by CB Saltwater Outfitters

941.349.0194

Turtle Beach Park

www.siestasand.net

Continued from cover story

Ed Nordgren, from Ft. Myers, with a nice flounder caught in a shallow water pothole on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Mark Wayde, from MI, with a bluefish caught and released on Ultra Hair Clouser flies while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Steve Dornbos, from MI, with a trout caught and released on Ultra Hair Clouser flies while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.

The Owen family from Fairborn, Ohio had a great time fishing with Capt. Roy String Jr of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters. They look forward to coming down and visiting again.

Brant Boram from Noblesville, Indiana fished ALL week.

He was so HAPPY to catch & release the Snook

Essentially, a medallion is a certificate that proves the commercial operator who owns the watercraft has obtained a permit from the county and, therefore, has met the necessary requirements of the program, including obtaining adequate insurance, Rebekka Cline, business development coordinator with the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, stated.

Because staff is proposing that the Turtle Beach program begin on June 1, she said, a reduced fee of $400 would be charged per vessel for the rest of the year. Cline also pointed out that the program year would run from April 1 through March 31.

The plan is to manage the commercial activity at the launch site on Blind Pass Lagoon, in the center of the park, Cline noted. “It’s a beautiful lagoon,” she added. “We want to find a way to make it available to everybody.”

A ranger would be on-site at least part of the time to assist with the launching of the commercial vessels, Cline told one person who declined to provide his name to SNL. “The ranger’s your coordinator,” she added. “We [will] keep track of the numbers, so we know use of the park.”

Another county staff member explained that the ranger would help with assigning launch times, to ensure a more orderly process.

Only those commercial operators registered through the program would be able to solicit customers, Cline pointed out.

Staff waited until after the recent improvements to Turtle Beach Park were completed before proceeding with the proposal.

The County Commission would not have to approve the program, she added, because this would be an expansion of the initiative that began in 2013 at Ted Sperling Park, the countyowned facility on Lido Key. The only necessary sign-off, staff indicated, would come from Carolyn Brown, director of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department.

On April 18, about half a dozen representatives of the department held a three-hour open house in the Community Room at Turtle Beach Park to present facts about the proposal and listen to public comments. “I’m hoping we’ll get some good feedback today,” Cline stated shortly after the event began.

Among those who voiced their objections to the program were Mike and Sheila Lewis, owners of Siesta Sports Rentals, which was established in 1995.

“There was so much opposition” from a number of owners of kayak and paddleboard rental businesses, said Lewis in an April 19 telephone interview. “It’s worth noting that

quite a few local residents gave us support, as well.”

The biggest concern, Lewis continued, is the proposed fee. The $500 annual payment for the certification would mean an expense of $15,000 for operators who put 30 vessels on the water at one time. It is not uncommon for Siesta Sports Rentals to have 30 kayakers out on a tour, she added. “It’s a chunk of money [and] it’s going to be paying for a warden all day …”

Lewis said she believes county staff is trying to stop business owners who come to Turtle Beach sporadically, but regulars, such as her company, will suffer as a result.

On Lido Key, she continued, the situation is far different. The County Commission authorized the program at Ted Sperling Park because of the large number of commercial businesses bringing guests there and the constrained site from which to launch non-motorized watercraft.

Before that program began, county staff also voiced concern to the County Commission about the potential for extensive damage to the mangroves, with multiple groups of kayakers on the water during some periods.

Siesta Sports Rentals stopped offering tours at Lido because of the situation, Lewis pointed out.

Regarding county concerns about commercial operators soliciting business at Turtle Beach Park, she continued, “We may get walk-ups.”

However, she said, “We don’t take cash there like those [operators] that just come up for the day.” Anyone who wants to rent a kayak or paddleboard from Siesta Sports Rentals has to handle the transaction through one of its two locations on Siesta Key, she added.

“We’re not doing anything we shouldn’t be doing there, and we’re being penalized for it,” Lewis said.

William “Scotty” Scott, co-owner of Siesta Key Bike and Kayak, which long has had a shop on Old Stickney Point Road, told SNL that while he also went to the meeting on April 18, he would prefer not to comment on the county’s proposal at this time.

Mark Toomey, owner of Robin Hood Rentals in Siesta Village, rents kayaks, too, but he did not take time to go to the April 18 open house, he said. Although people may think tourist season ends with Easter, he added, he was too busy to leave his shop.

“I’ve been hearing about this [county proposal] for a year now,” Toomey noted.

“Whatever happens, happens. I’ll roll with it,” he said. “There’s always something to worry about. I have to choose my battles.”

In response to follow-up questions, Cline wrote in an email, “We received a number of comments on the proposed program, including comments on the proposed fee structure. We will be reviewing all comments and input received before finalizing the program model and fees.”

Regarding whether staff remains firm about beginning the program on June 1, she added that, that date “is still our target but, like all aspects of the program as proposed, is subject to review and change.”

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

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

Jolene Derry from the UK holds up a big summer speckled trout

May is a transition month in Sarasota. Although the calendar says it is still spring, by late May it will definitely feel like summer time. Pelagic species such as king and Spanish mackerel will have migrated north, inshore fishing will be best early and late, and giant tarpon will invade the inshore Gulf of Mexico, a sure sign that summer is here!

Speckled trout fishing should be outstanding in May. It has been unseasonably warm and bait will be scattered all throughout the bay. The flats near Big Pass will be productive. Casting Bass Assassin 4” Sea Shad baits on ¼ ounce jig heads in front of a drifting boat will produce a lot of speckled trout. A live shrimp under a noisy cork is a deadly technique for catching trout. Pinfish and grunts will produce less fish, but generally larger ones.

The shallow flats will be very active as they flood with bait. A low, incoming tide is the best time to search for reds and snook in the skinny water. Fish will stage in holes and deeper water then move up onto the shallow flats as the tide floods. Scented soft plastics, weedless gold spoons, topwater plugs, and live bait are all effective.

Lures work best when looking for fish, water can be covered quickly.

Live bait is best once the fish are located. Some of the largest trout will also be found in shallow water.

Snook will be moving out to

the beaches and will be scattered out all over. Mangrove points and bars near the passes should hold snook, as will structure in both Big Pass and New Pass. Outgoing tides are preferred, but as long as the water is moving, fish can be caught. Plugs are great baits that cover a lot of water quickly and are great fun to fish. Jigs and other soft plastics work well, too.

Anglers who are proficient with a cast net will load up the well with pilchards and catch a lot of fish.

Surf fishing should be excellent and by the end of May there will be decent numbers of snook in the surf line. Small white jigs and flies work well on snook, as does live bait fish. Silver spoons cast out and retrieved in quickly will fool mackerel and ladyfish.

Live shrimp will fool a variety of species.

By the middle of the month, many guides and recreational anglers will be focusing on one of the most exciting angling challenges found anywhere, light tackle casting to giant tarpon!

This is truly world class big game fishing. Tarpon that migrate up our coasts are large fish that average 80 pounds, but reach over 200 pounds. 25-30 lb. spinning tackle and 12 weight fly rods are used most often. A live crab is the preferred bait, but live pinfish and other bait fish work well, too.

These baits are fairly light and spinning tackle works best to cast and present baits.

MAY 2017

31

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Notes from the Island Fishmonger Soft Shell Crab 101 One of the sweetest, most tender and mouthwatering foods in the world is the white succulent meat from a Crab. Sometimes you have to work for it but a mouth full of butter dipped crab meat is one of life’s greatest pleasures.

As of May 15th we Floridians say goodbye to our beloved Stone Crabs and hello to the Southern Soft Shell Crab. The end of a good crab season is always disappointing but it is not the end of the world. When one crab season ends, another begins.

On the west coast from Seattle, Washington to Vancouver, Canada the Dungeness crab season is now open and provides a delicious crab feast. Right around the corner it’s ON in Alaska as the King Crab and Snow Crab captains gear up to set sail.

As the Stone Crab traps come to shore, they will be replaced by the buoy of the Blue Crab traps that will be strategically placed in our waters. Unlike in Maryland, these swimming crabs are a tough catch in Florida as Blue Crabs are not overly abundant in this area. It’s estimated that one-third of the nation’s catch of Blue Crabs come from the Chesapeake Bay area. People from Maryland love their crabs.

One thing we have learned here at Big Water Fish Market is that a discussion comparing crab cake recipes with Maryland folk is always a losing battle.

I have spent many afternoons or evenings picking away at Blue Crabs. If you have ever picked through the calcified shell of a Blue Crab in search of that tender meat, you know that it’s hard work. As a matter of fact, I feel like it’s a lot of work for very little reward and frankly I find it to be boooooring.

That’s why I get excited when the weather warms up and the southern cities like Charleston and New Orleans Gulfport’s deliver a crop of floppy Soft Shell Crabs to Florida.

Now the Soft Shell Crab is a meal. You eat the whole crab and every bite explodes with crab juiciness. Soft Shell crabs are Blue Crabs harvested right after they shed their exoskeletons. Once they have busted out of their old shells, replacements begin to regrow and the new shell will begin to harden within hours. The trick to harvesting Soft Shell Crabs is to catch them in the transitional stage.

Fishermen typically capture the crabs before they molt and hold them in cages in the sea or saltwater tanks instead of scouring the ocean. As soon as the crabs drop their shells they are removed from the water which stops a new exoskeleton from hardening as these creatures of the sea become people food.

All Soft Shell Crabs will come from your local

retail fish counter either fresh or frozen. Most Soft Shell Crabs are frozen within minutes after being removed from the water and cleaned. If you’re lucky enough to find actual fresh live Soft Shell Crabs, that’s the way to go. Live crabs should still be moving and smell like an ocean breeze. Any good fish monger can clean your fresh crabs for you in a matter of minutes. A few snips with a pair of scissors and your crab will be ready for this delicious Southern Fried Soft Shell Crab recipe.

• Dip your cleaned soft shell crabs in an egg wash then dip and coat with breading mixture of flour, Creole Seasoning, salt and pepper.

• Pour oil an inch deep into a heavy frying pan and heat to 350°F. • Fry the breaded crab for 4-5 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F. • Remove from oil and place on a plate lined with paper towel to dry.

• Sprinkle with Creole Seasoning, salt and pepper to taste.

• Serve over grits, salad, veggies or as the popular Soft Shell Crab sandwich.

Live well, Eat Crabs!

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.

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

May 2017

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33'

The Big Water Fish Market…

where it’s a seafood festival every day!

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

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

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

Phase

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New

32

Siesta Sand

MAY 2017

941.349.0194

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE

What’s Happening WEEKLY BEACH CLASSES: • FREE T’AI CHI CHIH - Siesta Beach, Access #5 Every Monday, 15 minutes before sunset. Open to all, no experience necessary. Contact Diana Daffner 941-346-1024 for information. (Access #5 is in Siesta Village, where Beach Rd meets Ocean Blvd.)

graduated from this organization.

This tournament is open to competitors of all levels and divisions and is open to 500 players - registration is required for all players and coaches.

To register or for additional info, see website: www.digthebeach.com

• FREE YOGA - Mon.-Wed.-Fri.-Sat. 9am. Classes held between blue and green lifeguard station. Call 941-320-6693 to register or go to website for more info. www.yogaonsiestabeach.com/about

• MAY 20 (SAT) 10 AM – 2 PM / FLORIDA UNDERWATER SPORTS GEAR DEMO/ INSTRUCTION: Event takes place at Turtle Beach.

Florida Underwater Sports will be providing an opportunity for certified divers to demo the latest suba gear free of charge. Contact Bo for additional info or any questions. 941-870-4461

• 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 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…

• MAY 6 (SAT) 8AM-2PM / 45TH ANNUAL AMATEUR SAND SCULPTING CONTEST: Come enjoy some fun, sun, and sand at the 45th annual Siesta Key Amateur Sand Sculpting Contest! This free, family-friendly event is open to competitors of all ages and skill levels. Cash prizes will be available and are sponsored by Friends of Sarasota County Parks and the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

Competing categories include adult individuals, adult teams, children (10 and younger) and youths (ages 11-17).

This event is open to 25 contestants and if you are interested in signing up, please contact Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (941) 861-5000 or visit http://www.scgov.net.

• MAY 7 (SUN) 7AM - NOON / GREAT STRIDES WALK: Hosted by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

This event is a fun, family-oriented event with a healthy 5k walk, children’s activities, food and festivities that participants look forward to year after year.

Participants can form teams through their workplace, clubs and organizations, or just with family and friends. This event features a healthy 5K walk, plenty of children’s activities, food, and other festivities!

Check-in is at 8 a.m. For additional info call 813374-9041. www.cff.org • MAY 13 (SAT) 7-11 AM / GREAT MOTHER’S RACE: This event is in its 6th year and is a fun event that the entire family can enjoy together. Everyone is welcome.

All participants will receive free race pictures, a dry-fit T-shirt, medal, and a goodie bag. There will be prizes and awards for the top finishers in all age groups. There are only 300 available spots for participants and registration is required. To register, go to: www.greatmothersdayrace.com/sarasota/ • MAY 20-21 (SAT & SUN) 7 AM – 9 PM / DIG THE BEACH VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT: Dig the Beach Volleyball Series is the most established and successful grassroots series of its kind catering to both professional and amateur players. Some of the top professionals on the Domestic & World Tours have

Places of Worship Island Churches: • Siesta Key Presbyterian Chapel - 4615 Gleason Ave, Siesta Key, 941-349-1166 www.siestakeychapel.org • St. Michael’s Catholic Church - 5394 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4174 www.stmichaelssiesta.com • St. Boniface Episcopal Church - 5615 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, 941-349-5616 www.bonifacechurch.org

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.

• WEEKLY LINE DANCING: Held each Monday afternoon from 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM at St. Michael’s the Archangel Church. 5394 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key. Call office for more information: 941-349-4174.

And Beyond…

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

They say, “April Showers Bring May Flowers” and Phillippi Estate Park annually partners with the BRADENTON-SARASOTA ROSE SOCIETY to bring the most beautiful roses at their annual ROSE FESTIVAL. The Rose Society maintains the Nettie Keener Keith Rose Garden in the park. If you haven’t walked through the garden lately, please enjoy doing so now as Old Garden Roses, gardenias and African Iris are all blooming profusely now.

On Saturday May 13, the Rose Society will open the Edson Keith Mansion for a Rose Festival featuring exhibits, seminar and the Rose Doctor will tell you how to cure your rose problems. Rose Bouquets and Rose Bushes will be for sale at the Mansion. Think MOTHER’S DAY (Sunday, May 14) and you will have the perfect gift.

The Rose Festival is open free to the public from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information, please visit: www.b-srs.orgor call 941-316-1309.

The Sarasota Concert Band will be presenting its annual MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT on Monday, May 29. This patriotic tribute to veterans will begin at 2 p.m. and extend until 4 p.m. Cost is $5.00, children under 12 free. There will be food trucks available.

Bring our lawn chair and enjoy two hours of wonderful music.

Well-behaved dogs on leash are always welcome.

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

• PALM AVENUE FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK / 6:00PM to 9:00PM: Every month local galleries open their doors to the public for the evening, offering a chance to meet with artists and admire their work.

Key Gallery, a contemporary fine arts gallery, will be making its debut in time for the May gallery walk. See website for location map. http://palmavenue.org/ • TOWLES COURT THIRD FRIDAY ARTWALKS / 5-9PM: Gallery and studio openings on a moonlit evening of fun and beauty- both natural and handcrafted beauty. Free music, events, refreshments.

Meet the artists, shop and dine in authentic “ Old Florida” in downtown Sarasota. 1938 Adams Lane Sarasota, Florida 34236. http://www.towlescourt. com/index.htm 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.

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

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

941-922-4434 www.fccsarasota.com

www.siestasand.net

Sarasota Pavilion is a popular shopping destination for numerous locals and visitors alike. Its prime location is close enough to the island for frequent trips with a nice selection of chain stores set in one convenient location. But what truly lends to the uniqueness of this district is the host of small, locally owned, specialty shops, boutiques, restaurants and neighborhood bars bordering this pavilion. It makes for a fun and rewarding shopping experience.

Over 150 businesses make up this district. This section helps highlight what you’ll find within this walkable Gulf Gate shopping Village.

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

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

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

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

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

Dragged through the garden

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

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

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

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

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

Right here.

Hurricane Mike’s Saloon (M10) is a little neighborhood bar at 2639 Mall Drive, where everyone knows your name type of establishment and friendly staff.

TV’s with the MLB and NFL packages, pool table, and full Florida Lottery games. Happy hour daily from opening to 7pm.

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

Continued on the next page

Italian/American Restaurant

White Tablecloth Restaurant

A Real Hoboken, NJ Restaurant

S-55

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

6516 Superior Ave. (Gulf Gate) Sarasota, Florida

Reservation Required

941-906-9444

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

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MAY 2017

33

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE

The Shop SRQ (G-2) offers flat-tops, fades, tapers, blowouts, razor cuts, and straight razor shaves. Owners, Erick and Dawn use a back to basics approach to grooming with a precise attention to personal detail.

Their commitment to excellence has provided them with many loyal customers.

They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust. Hours: Tues.

– Fri. 8:30am – 6pm, Sat., 8:30am – 3pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. 6625 Gateway Ave, 941-626-4894.

At the original Word of Mouth Restaurant (G-31), every seemingly insignificant detail receives special attention from the warm, inviting decor to each specially crafted variety of freshly baked muffins to the signature menu items.

This small diner is where the locals come to eat breakfast and lunch.

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

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

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

Pride of the South (S-34) has been awarded Top Barbeque in Sarasota for 2016 by Trip Advisor and Yelp. It has been awarded for the best Southern Hospitality. Pride of the South has a brisket BLT, hands down, one of the best sandwiches you ever tasted. The smoked chicken wings are unbelievable.

Backed up with the pulled pork sandwiches, the smoked bologna, the smoked Turkey, the collard greens, fried corn on the cob, fried okra, fried green tomatoes and one of the best mac ‘n cheese you ever tasted. We do catering with no limit to the size of the group. Come in and follow your nose to 6616 Superior Ave, Sarasota, FL 34231. Call (941)9260099. See you soon.

2

3

One Minute Key Shop (GG51): Left your keys in the car?

No worries, the One Minute Key Shop will help you safely unlock and retrieve your keys.

They specialize in high security locks, keys, re-keying, master keying and safes for residential, commercial or automotive. Give them a call at 941-924-8020 or visit their showroom where they have a large display of locks and safes. 2120 Gulf Gate Drive.

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

5

Hooters

Sun Trust

Publix

Michaels

D Beall’s Outlet

Bed Bath & Beyond

Books-AMillion

Ross

Dress for Less

B

© Island Visitor Publishing, LLC 2017

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Ba Am nk o eri f ca

Iberia Bank 3

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THESHOPSRQINC.

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

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

“Straight Razor Shaves”

941.626.4894 / 941.536.1656

Tonsorial Artistry

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All packaged liquor sold until 2 AM

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Catering Available

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

941.926.0099

FREE SIDE With the purchase of ANY entreé

Golden Tee Megatouch

FREE Pool ALL DAY Sunday thru Wednesday

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

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

Hot or Cold

Authentic New York Italian Market & Deli

COUPON

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

PICCOLO

6625 Gateway Ave.

S-34

• 9 AM - 7 PM EVERY DAY

Italian Market & Deli

& Vegetarian Sandwiches

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

Open Daily from 9 AM ‘til 2:30 AM

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

by

www.TheShopSRQ.com

941-925-2400

S30

Gulf Gulf Gate Gate Drive Drive

5

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

M-10

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 3

Combined 25+ Years Experience

Tonsorial Artistry

by Erick & Dawn

G10 G9

G2

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Gulf Gulf Gate Gate Drive Drive

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Eat Where The Locals Eat!

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Panera Bread

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

Superior Avenue

(BOX STORES AND SO MUCH MORE)

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Gateway Avenue

Marshall’s

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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

G-31

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

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M7

GULF GATE Stein Mart

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

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

Reservations are required for this intimate setting.

941-906-9444, 6516 Superior Ave.

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M6

M5 M4 M3 M2 M1

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who understand the importance of family and dedication.

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

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

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

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

941-923-2202

www.PiccoloMarket.com

S-16

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Siesta Sand

MAY 2017

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Arts on the Horizon

Snapshots of Island Visitors

By Rodger Skidmore

2:00 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. More information about the workshop and the play itself are at westcoastblacktheatre.org.

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

www.siestasand.net

“Musings” will be presented with Tom Perviance at the piano. Additional concerts are scheduled for July after their Summer Intensive program.

Information about these performances and the Summer Intensive may be seen at www.sarasotacontemporarydance. org.

Madea it ain’t

Danielle, Larissa, Emily, and Ian from NY

Danyl and Jim from NY

Colette age 4 and Will age 6 from Lakewood Ranch

But that could be a good thing. Tyler Perry has written a slew of movies starring the character Madea, an elderly black lady who gets into (and out of) a ton of predicaments. But while many of the various Madea movies have been presented as plays across the US, none have been performed here in Sarasota. Lucky for us the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has found a play, Dearly Departed, by another set of playwrights, that is completely different from any of Perry’s works, while being strangely similar.

This Off-Broadway farce by David Dean Bottrell and Jessie Jones was later made into a movie entitled Kingdom Come, starring Whoopi Goldberg and L.L. Cool J. The action takes place in the home of Bud Turpin, the late patriarch of a rural Southern family.

[Side note, Ben Turpin was a turn of the century - 19th, not 20th - silent movie comic.] To say that this family is dysfunctional would be understating their relationship. The play is different from the Madea productions in that it is about a family trying to bury one of its members despite their inherent (and inherited) disabilities, which is a plot line not yet mined by Tyler Perry. One of the main similarities is that Nate Jacobs, the founder of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, plays Marguerite, Bud’s bible-thumping sister. Jacobs has also performed in drag as Aunt Rudele, in a number of different plays based on that character, to good effect. Like Madea (as played

by Tyler Perry) and Aunt Rudele, Marguerite is a strong woman and helps to drive the show. [Another side note: if Marguerite looks more attractive in some performances it will be because Ariel Blue will be performing rather than Mr. Jacobs.]

An added attraction is that after the Sunday, May 7th matinee performance, Mr. Bottrell, the playwright, will do a special talk-back session with the audience. On Monday, May 8th (no performance on Mondays) he will host an audition workshop for local performers. The director, Harry Bryce, has some good actors to work with in this production. Dametria Selmore plays Raynelle, Bud’s long suffering wife - or is it Raynelle who causes the suffering? Ms. Selmore, when she isn’t performing, is a professor of theater at Tallahassee Community College. Ian Fermy (Junior) is new to WCBT but not to Sarasota audiences. He played Stokely Carmichael in the recent Asolo Repertory production of The Great Society.

This show runs through May 27th at the troupe’s theater at 1646 10th Way (off Orange Avenue, north of 10th Street). Performances are Tuesday - Saturday at 8:00 p.m. with

®

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

Spring training baseball games are over So what highly athletic event do we watch now? Fast moves, contact, spills, leaps, short dashes, slides, twists and turns, that’s what we want to see. Some say that ballet is the most athletic of all arts and sports but that really isn’t true.

It’s contemporary dance that stresses more muscles and requires more endurance. Not that there’s anything wrong with ballet, of course. However, in ballet there are a limited number of different steps (which choreographers links together beautifully) and so many of the women’s costumes are tu-tu the same. In contemporary dance they can wear many different costumes to set the scene although, admittedly, there is a distinct preference for sweats or tights and halters. But the movements are so full of tension and vitality!

Truly anything goes, as long as it portrays the motion or emotion that the choreographer wishes to exhibit. And it is not big muscles that rule the day, it is the sleek physique of a swimmer and the limber ligaments of an acrobat that generate all the applause.

Some of the more famous contemporary dance companies in the US are the Alvin Ailey and the American Ballet Theatre, while in Europe it is the Nederlands and Toulouse dance companies that rule the roost. And in Sarasota it is Sarasota Contemporary Dance that is the Go See troupe. The Cook Theater at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, up next to the Ringling Museum, is the venue to see contemporary dance at its finest on four days in May - Thursday the 11th thru Sunday the 14th. The Sunday performance is a 2:00 p.m. matinee while the other shows are at 7:30 p.m. Evolving/Revolving, the dance concert being presented in May is a compendium of re-staged favorites

by Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott and Liz Bergmann and some new works by Alyson Dolan (winner of the Austin Critics Best-Dancer Award), Sarasota’s Kris ‘Tetris’ Powell, and Resident Choreographer Erin Fletcher.

The Wilmot piece “Summer Days” was inspired by the artwork of Georgia O’Keeffe, which was displayed last year at the Ice House here in Sarasota.

A re-staged version of Bergmann’s

Are you old enough to remember the past?

Water-ski attractions first opened in Florida in 1943 at Cypress Gardens to entertain soldiers returning home from active duty. It was such a hit that the gardens became known as the Water Skiing Capital of the World. Other theme parks, like Silver Springs, soon added water-skiing shows in order to compete. For those unfortunates who were unable to drive down to the fair state of Florida, the gardens and water-skiing events could be viewed in the Ester Williams film Easy To Love (also starring Van Johnson). Perhaps because water-skiing is so difficult one associates danger with this activity.

A search of films featuring this art brings up such titles as Jaws 2, Jaws 3, Piranha 3D, Shark Night, Friday the 13th and Last House on the Left. Slightly more mainstream films are the James Bond thriller, License to Kill, along with A Place in the Sun. The main reason for water-skiing in all these films is that they act as food delivery systems for sharks, piranha and other forces of evil. Water-skiing in Florida in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s was more of an art form that also provided all the thrills of circus aerial acts. There is speed, skill, standing uncomfortably on someone’s shoulders, and the possibility of everyone crashing into the water.

In 1958 Sarasota wanted to have a hit act for its County Pageant and contracted with Cypress Gardens to put on a BIG show. They did and Sarasota loved it. The next step, of course, was local talent putting on their own water-ski shows, and thus the Ski-A-Ree team grew and grew.

If you would like to watch this thrilla-second activity but don’t want to travel back fifty years in time to see it, the Ski-A- Ree team is performing at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 9th, in Ken Thompson Park, which is located between St. Armand’s Circle and Longboat Key - on the right, behind the Mote Marine parking lot. The SkiA-Ree team competes in the Florida State, Regional and National Show Ski Championships and continues to win top honors in all those events.

More photos and information at www.

Skiarees.com.

Published by Island Visitor Publishing, LLC Contributing Writers and Photographers will be noted with bylines.

Guest commentary not necessarily the opinion of island Visitor Publishing, LLC Reproduction without written permission prohibited. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

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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.

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MAY 2017

DearDonnarose

Q: Dear Donnarose, I’ve been trying to connect with my angels and guides.

I know meditation is one of the best ways to achieve this. However, when I try to meditate, my thoughts get quickly scattered or I fall asleep. Any quick tips? ~VT

Q: Dear Donnarose, when it rains it pours, it never fails. As soon as one bad thing happens, I always brace myself for the avalanche of more bad things to follow. How does one get rid of the dark cloud? ~PN

A: “Positive situations will manifest more, when you keep your vibrational frequency on the ‘highest floor’.“ ~Donnarose Melvin

A: “Meditating helps us to receive with ease, the answers that we truly need.“ ~Donnarose Melvin No worries, as with more practice, you’ll eventually be able to meditate to your satisfaction. But go easy on yourself. When I started meditating years ago, during a session I’d have zero attention span, and would spend more time thinking of what I was going to eat, or what task was next on my list. So give it some time. Regarding tips, it’s definitely suggested to consider guided meditations, as you’ll be forced to listen to what’s being said as you follow the steps.

And rather than thoughts of what to cook for dinner later, before you know it, you’ll be through with the meditation. After awhile, try meditations with just peaceful music or ocean waves, etc. And don’t be surprised if along with the music, you hear your needed answers. Before any meditation, be sure to ask Spirit your question of concern. This will help you focus on receiving an answer in whatever form Spirit knows is best.

As far as falling asleep, no problem, Spirit doesn’t mind, as They’ll just work with your subconscious without distraction from your ego. So when you wake up, you’ll become aware of new ideas that were given to you. After awhile, you’ll vary your times to meditate, and most likely be awake for a bunch of them.

To start out, here are some suggestions below.

The first link is Ros Place. I love her voice. Start out with her morning meditation, and then at night, do the evening one. This will help you to develop the habit of meditating. The second link is Deepak Chopra’s site. Look for information on his 21-day free meditation. Oprah does the beginning part, and Deepak takes over the rest. They have one going on at this writing, but they’ll have replays for a fee. Or just sign up for his newsletter and you’ll be alerted for their next free one. They’re very enjoyable.

The key is to make meditating a habit. Just keep at it without judging the outcome. And the more you get used to being still within, what will start to happen, is you’ll be able to receive answers and messages from your angels, guides, etc., even when you’re cooking, driving, etc. This is what happens when we’re calm at the core. And the latter is what meditating helps us to achieve. Enjoy your connection. Namasté. ~♥ 1- https://www.google.com/search?client=opera&q=r os+place+chakra+meditation&sourceid=opera&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF-8 2- https://chopracentermeditation.com/about-us

Well, in my line of work, when we have the “dark cloud” hovering over us, I describe this as meaning we are vibrating at a lower frequency. Now of course there will be challenges and sad occurrences in our life. And it’s important to embrace how we feel. But then the time comes when we want to feel better. But when we’re feeling low energy emotions like depressed, angry, stressed, resentful, frustrated, etc., that’s like being on the dimly lit windowless basement floor of a 70 floor building. At the time, these feelings may serve the purpose to match the situation at hand. But if we stay in the dark, so to speak, it will cloud our perspective on the current situation, and those that follow. This leads us to the cliché you mentioned, “When it rains it pours”.

The reason there seems to be a repeat of negative situations after the first one, is because many never get off the dark basement floor, so to speak. So situations that manifest will simply match the lower vibration on that floor.

After a tough situation, in order to feel better and be able to move forward and up as soon as possible, it’s important to ask for Divine assistance. Spirit will comfort your heart, help with whatever forgiveness is needed, and lift your energy to a higher frequency (floor), where acceptance, healing, peace, love, faith and trust reside. And if you make it a habit to raise your vibrational frequency, you’ll often find yourself on the opposite end, where instead of under the dark cloud, you’ll manifest more experiences in the light.

To help get you started with raising your vibration which is the ultimate key, view and apply this link below. And soon you’ll enjoy being on the “higher and brighter floors” where you’ll find laughter and joy waiting for you.~♥ http://siestasand.net/soulfully-yours-donnarose-7-16/ Donnarose Melvin is a professional Ancestral Energy Clearing Intuitive, and a Medium. Her knowledge from her BA degree in Psychology, along with her natural intuitive gifts, have helped thousands achieve increased peace and success. Please send your questions to: Donnarose1010@ gmail.com or Facebook private msg her at Donnarose.

She will select questions each month to share with you.

Donnarose regrets that unpublished questions cannot be answered individually. If you’d like a powerful distant energy clearing, or an intuitive reading, please contact Donnarose at the email address above. Gift certificates are available.

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Siesta Sand

MAY 2017

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Siesta Key REAL ESTATE & HOME SECTION ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 46 SAND CASTLES PAGE 40

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: 5137 Jungle Plum Rd. SOLD FOR: $4,150,000 Offering an experience seldom found on our coastline is the 150’ of direct and private bay frontage where all you see is a vast expanse of water wrapped in the tropical seclusion of the old canopy on this estate size property. A 40’ span of floor to ceiling aquarium style glass draws you in and never lets you go. Hop on your boat moored at the 100’ deep water dock just outside your door. Casually elegant and stylish best describe this contemporary home with warm magazine quality interiors, built to the highest standards, perfectly remodeled by the fastidious owners, and boasting real hardwood floors, clean modern lines, and organic textures and colors. Designer furnishings included. Newer gourmet kitchen with cozy built-in breakfast banquette, glamorous bayside dining room, and waterside den with fireplace. The Master retreat enjoys complete privacy on the main level with custom built-ins and an amazing rich bath with circular glass shower, soaking tub, exotic onyx, rich wood cabinetry,

plus wrap-around screened terrace perfect for your morning Joe. The guest wing enjoys the flexibility of 2 bedrooms and 2 offices along with its own family/game room or could be converted to 4 guest bedrooms. 1500+- sq. ft. lower level, 3 car garage with room for 2 more, elevator, generator.

Sexy resort style vanishing edge pool and outdoor dining area. A true retreat for those seeking solitude at a distinctive Siesta Key address, home to world famous Crescent Beach and the Village, with easy access to Downtown Sarasota. The sale of this property came to $726.03 a square foot.

Courtesy of Michael Saunders.

HIGHEST PRICED CONDO: 9008 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #5: SOLD FOR: $1,700,000 Experience some of the most exciting Gulf and Sunset views from this full-floor Penthouse at Siesta Key’s Sea Breeze. Located on the quiet South end of the Key, you are never going to want to leave this 3700 sq. ft. furnished home in the sky.

It’s open and spacious with expansive water views from every room. Along with its sunrise terrace and its Gulf front unit-length balcony, this one of a kind residence exclusively includes a huge roof top terrace-a spectacular venue for entertaining large parties or equally perfect for a champagne sunset for the two of you. Focused on easy, luxury living some of the features include 10’ ceilings, travertine floors, hurricane resistant windows and doors, a private two car

garage, waterfront pool and boat dock. You can even bring your pet. You are going to love the cool breezes while relaxing and watching the dolphins play and the boats go by. For sure, this is island living at its best. The sale on this unit came out to $459.46 a square foot.

Courtesy of Michael Saunders.

LOWEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY PROPERTY: 5315 Avenida Del Mare, SOLD FOR: $450,000 Great opportunity to live approximately 2 blocks from Siesta Key Beach and Siesta Key Village. This 3 bedroom 3 bath home also offers an attached studio/apartment with bathroom at rear of the property. The property needs some TLC. Large fenced back yard, big enough for a pool. Perfect place to enjoy island living.. The sale of this property came out to $144.60 a square foot.

Courtesy of Michael Saunders.

LOWEST PRICED CONDO: 5955 Midnight Pass Rd, #8A: SOLD FOR: $242,500 Step back into the shaded bliss of old Florida island living. This resort complex has gulf and bay access with boat slip. You’ll love the old Florida feel of this detached 2br/2ba ground floor unit nestled in the tropical landscape and perfectly situated in the center of the Key. Amenities include pool, BBQ picnic areas, fishing pier, gated access, onsite mgr. Just 3 blocks to main beach park with tennis and concessions.

Offered furnished. Recently pre-inspected and corrected, re-sided and insulated/water-sealed. Income producing and booked into 2018.

Potential $15-30k income enjoy the good life on world famous siesta beach. This property has on-site Management and makes a fantastic investment property. The sale came out to $366.31 a square foot.

Courtesy of Ascendia Real Estate

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MAY 2017

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Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Ryan, Leaha, Alivia age 5, and Mackenzie 18 months, from Michigan

Paradise Awaits...

E IC ED! R P UC D RE

418 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL

Single Family Home, 3 BR, 2.5 BA Key West Style Grand Canal home on Siesta Key. Built in 2005.

Huge lower level bonus area, pool shower, 4-car garage.

Open floor plan. Custom touches.

322 Island Circle Sarasota, FL

Beaches, boating and bistros! Live the island lifestyle in this spacious 4 BR, 4 BA house located on desirable Palm Island. Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master BR and master BA. Lounge in the heated pool and spa. Perfect home or investment property .

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389 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL

Single Family Home, 4 BR, 4.5 BA, Private Pool, Corner Lot, 1 Car Attached Garage, Located on Palm Island on Siesta Key, A Short Walk To The Beach, Wood and Marble Flooring Throughout, Low Maintenance Yard, Private and Secluded

779,000

$

5206 Winding Way, Sarasota, FL

Great Siesta Key home just a short walk to the sugary sands of Siesta Key Beach. Full remodeled with new stucco, paint and custom woodwork on the exterior. Brand new A/C unit, new stainless steel appliances. Bonus glassed-in Florida room is a pure joy for relaxation.

419,900

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5350 Calle Florida, Sarasota, FL

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.

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Siesta Sand

MAY 2017

941.349.0194

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Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Above: Emerest and Gabby, tennis instructors from Miami Top Right: Andrew age 4, (uncle) Joe, Patrick age 2, Margie, and Thomas age 6 from OH Bottom Right: Michael age 10, Caryn, Joey age 8, and Makayla age 10 from NY

Siesta Promenade Update • 300 residential units and two hotels, plus the originally proposed 140,000 square feet of retail space.

• 350 residential units and one hotel, plus the 140,000 square feet of commercial space.

Mathes did not respond to a number of messages SNL left him, seeking comment.

During the April 6 Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting, Director Gene Kusekoski reported not only that Benderson is considering the reduction in residential density but that it also might focus on petitioning for Commercial General zoning instead of pursuing the Critical Area Plan (CAP) designation it applied for last year. Although fewer dwellings would be preferable, he noted, if Benderson opted simply for the rezoning, it would not be required to pursue the traffic studies authorized under the CAP process.

Kochman has made that point numerous times, as well.

Noting the same number of residential units Kochman referenced in her email to Pine Shores residents, Kusekoski further told the SKA members that if Benderson does opt to go with a rezoning petition, “[that figure is] probably realistically about the best you could expect, and they have a right to do this.”

“Before you all see this as a ‘win,’” Kochman wrote in her email, “IT IS NOT! [her emphasis].”

Based on her math, she continued, both of the new options would constitute a density of 18 units per acre, which is higher than the 13 allowed in a county district zoned Commercial General (CG).

The density would include any hotel units, she added, each of which equates to half a residential unit.

Because the site encompasses 23.4 acres, Kochman wrote, Benderson would be entitled to a total of 304 units under CG zoning. That could equate to 250 residential dwelling units, plus a 108-room hotel, plus the retail/service shops, she noted.

During a June 2, 2016 presentation to SKA members, Mathes talked of the firm’s plans for four buildings with a total of about 600 dwelling units — primarily one-bedroom rental apartments and condominiums — and a 150-room hotel, which he said most likely would be a Marriott or Hilton “product,” along with the 140,000 square feet of retail space fronting on U.S. 41.

He pointed out that the current zoning

Continued from cover story

for the property allows for up to 300 mobile homes.

At that time, Mathes also talked of Benderson’s decision to seek county approval for a Critical Area Plan that would encompass the site.

Following a Jan. 25 discussion, the County Commission voted 4-1 to approve staff proposals for specific analyses Benderson would need to complete in its effort to obtain Critical Area Plan (CAP) approval for Siesta Promenade.

Among them were traffic studies of the surrounding area conducted during the peak of tourist season. (Commissioner Nancy Detert, who voiced her objections to the proposed development, cast the lone “No” vote during the meeting.)

Mathes told SNL after that discussion that the firm was going to “start right away” on the entire scope of work staff had outlined. Later, during a Feb. 16 telephone interview, Mathes said that the KimleyHorn and Associates consulting firm had begun the data collection on the firm’s

behalf. The traffic studies were expected to continue through February, Mathes noted.

“From there, we’ll produce the report,” Mathes stated, anticipating that would happen before the end of March.

When SNL checked recently with county staff, spokesman Jason Bartolone wrote in an April 10 email, “Nothing has been submitted, and staff has received no timeline of when materials will be submitted.” Bartolone added, “There has been no discussion with staff with respect to the project not utilizing the CAP. Planning Services is awaiting submittal of updated applications.”

In her email to Pine Shores residents, Kochman also wrote that she had talked recently with Todd Dary, the county planner supervising the Siesta Promenade project. He “expects that no hearings before the [county] Planning Commission or the [County Commission] will take place until sometime in the fall.”

Correspondence on traffic studies As Kimley-Horn has been working on new traffic studies for Benderson, the potential of a roundabout at the intersection of Avenue B and C and Stickney Point Road has arisen, based on documents provided to SNL. In a March 17 letter to Nathan Kautz of FDOT’s District One staff, KimleyHorn Senior Vice President Christopher Hatton and Project Manager Adam Gibson responded to a March 10 FDOT letter regarding the department’s review of the Siesta Promenade CAP application. They acknowledged that the firm would look not only at the potential need for a traffic signal at the Avenue B and C intersection but that it also would evaluate whether a roundabout might be more appropriate.

Furthermore, Hatton and Gibson acknowledged FDOT’s request that Kimley-Horn address the potential for increased queuing of southbound traffic on U.S. 41 in regard to a proposal for a Siesta Promenade driveway from U.S. 41.

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MAY 2017

SKA Seeking More Help With Legal Expenses ordered that work can take place on Lido Beach during the day and night only between Nov. 11 and April 30.

In regard to the funding: The USACE has requested that $11,780,000 for the project be included in the federal budget this year, Susan J. Jackson, a USACE spokeswoman at the agency’s Jacksonville District Office, told SNL. Jackson said it probably would be mid-May before the USACE knows whether it will receive the money.

The rest of the funding for the Lido project is expected to be in the form of a $3,610,000 FDEP grant and $3,610,000 in Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenue set aside for city renourishment projects, the current city budget says.

“What I am concerned about is our funding,” Luckner added during the SKA meeting. “We’ve been using money that you all had given to us over a number of years, and we are going to ask people if they can do anything to help us.”

The Lido Key Residents Association, which was accepted as an intervenor in the FDEP administrative challenge, is the only organization involved in that case that has filed for discovery, she continued. That action will entail even more legal expenses for the SKA, she pointed out.

“Anything that you all can do” Luckner said, would be appreciated.

“Anything. Please, please, we need you right now. I told you all that we would not ask until we did [need help].”

During the SKA’s membership drive this year, she noted, people donated amounts ranging from $10 to $1,000 for legal assistance. “But we’re going to have to ask for more. … None of it will be used for administrative expenses” or marketing of the SKA, she promised.

One possibility people might consider, she continued, is that some companies will match employees’ — and retired employees’ — charitable contributions. If anyone wanted to pursue that option, Luckner said, she would be happy to provide more details from the research she and her husband, Robert Luckner, have undertaken on that.

One audience member voiced confusion about the fundraising SOSS2 has been doing for legal expenses at the same time the SKA has been seeking support. “I think we all need to get some clarity in this

community,” the man told Luckner.

Jeanne Ezcurra, an SOSS2 board member, sought and received Luckner’s permission to respond to the question. SOSS2 was formed in 2014, Ezcurra said, with the sole purpose of stopping the dredging of Big Pass. All donations the nonprofit receives go directly to that effort, she added.

“Our legal teams are working on common issues,” Ezcurra noted.

“We started a little late,” Luckner acknowledged, in terms of establishing the Siesta Key Environmental Defense Fund.

In response to a question about how much money the SKA needs, she said, “I would like for us to actually add $80,000 to $100,000.” The board already has spent about $20,000, she said. Not all of the extra money might be needed this year, she pointed out, adding that the SKA is being as economical as possible with its expenses.

Margaret Jean Cannon suggested the SKA create a feature on its website where people can see the accumulation of contributions to the Environmental Defense Fund. Luckner told her that was “a very good idea.”

Robert Luckner has figured out that if every SKA member gave $71, Catherine Luckner continued, that would cover the organization’s legal expenses. Still, she was quick to add, “We don’t want to put a mandate on people. We just appreciate anything you can do.”

As Luckner was concluding her remarks, Michael Holderness told her, “I’ll match another $1,000 before we leave [this meeting].”He won a round of applause.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” Luckner responded.

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Griffin and Shannon from OH

Publishers Note: SKA is asking that you please consider helping to protect Siesta Key’s Beaches and Big Pass by contributing to Siesta Key Environmental Defense Fund, or SKEDF for short. (See the ad on page 11) All contributions are tax-deductible and will be gratefully acknowledged.

Please use the online donation page at SKEDF.org to donate using a credit card, or to register a pending offline donation by check. Please make checks payable to SKEDF and send to: SKEDF, PO BOX 35200, SARASOTA, FL 34242.

Griffin and Sofia from OH

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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!

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Snapshots of Island Visitors

Continued from cover story

Earlier this year, Vice President Catherine Luckner reminded the approximately 80 people in the audience, the board members established a separate entity to which the public can make donations. The Siesta Key Environmental Defense Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, she added, so any contribution to it is taxdeductible. People may donate to it through the SKA’s website, President Harold Ashby noted.

The SKA not only has filed a complaint against the City of Sarasota in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in an effort to prevent removal of about 1.2 million cubic yards of sand from Big Pass, Luckner explained, but it also stands firm in opposing the decision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to issue a permit to the city and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for the renourishment project.

A Florida administrative law judge’s ruling in late March will make it necessary for the SKA and two other petitioners — Save Our Siesta Sand 2 (SOSS2) and the Florida Wildlife Federation — to prepare for a hearing in late August on the challenge to FDEP’s Dec. 22, 2016 Notice of Intent to issue the permit, Luckner said. The SKA board had sought an abeyance of that proceeding until after the Circuit Court matter was settled, she continued, because a favorable decision in court might make the administrative hearing unnecessary.

“We wanted time to focus on [the court case] first,” she said.

However, the administrative law judge ruled against the SKA. “It does seem like about a year has gone by in the last, oh, 45 days,” she told the audience, adding, “We’re getting a lot of pushback from the City of Sarasota.”

Yet, Luckner continued, “I don’t think the Lido residents really understood that they weren’t going to get a renourishment … project this year.”

That is because of a lack of federal funding thus far for the initiative, as well as a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Opinion — issued in late December — that prohibits the construction of the two planned groins on South Lido while sea turtle nesting season is underway. Turtles typically lay eggs on county beaches between May 1 and Oct. 31. Therefore, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has

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Sand Castles

New construction just off the Key When Lou Cerchio and his wife purchased their villa in Esplanade by Siesta in May, 2015, it was after an exhaustive search.

Cerchio initially was looking at condos on Siesta Key, including Peppertree Bay, where they could stroll to the beach. But the Esplanade villa offered upwards of sixhundred square feet more space than many of the island units they were looking at. The Esplanade also offered full amenities, no mortgage requirement for flood insurance, and two entrances with easy access both via Stickney Point to the Key and from Constitution Boulevard into town. Although now they can’t walk to the beach, the couple enjoys the quiet and ease of the Esplanade. “The Key has many benefits, for sure,” Cerchio told Siesta Sand.

“But when you want to get off the Key when everyone else wants to get off, it can be rough. So we decided this was better for us. We get more breathing room.”

The Cerchios three-bedroom villa has approximately 1,900 square feet, high ceilings, and a covered lanai that looks out on to a pond that’s home to turtles and birds.

The villa was almost-new construction.

“We bought it from another couple, who decided they wanted a single family home, instead of a villa,” Cerchio said. “So they decided to build new. They stayed in the esplanade, and built a single family home [there].”

Esplanade by Siesta is a newly-constructed community with maintenance-free villas and single-family homes.

The last home built was finished at the end of 2016 and was just sold.

Realtor Bob Ruiz, of Key Solutions Real Estate, notes that the community has attracted quite a few residents who have relocated from Siesta or were looking at properties on the Key. “New Construction on Siesta Key would be close to double the price of properties at Esplanade,” Ruiz said. “In addition, insurance costs off the island at Esplanade are very reasonable, due to the new construction, gated security and less of a flood zone [than Siesta Key]. We know several Siesta Key people who we have represented and have purchased both homes and villas at Esplanade.”

Located approximately one-third of a mile east of 41 on the east side of Stickney Point Road, this gated community has it all, Ruiz said. Built by Taylor Morrison, the community includes both villas and single-family homes. Quality construction with high end finishes, all units include 2 car garages, Ruiz notes. And resort style amenities include a beautifully appointed clubhouse, with a fitness center, gathering room, catering kitchen and library. Dogs are welcome in this family friendly community.

As part of Taylor Morrison’s signature brand of Esplanade properties, the community offers residents a variety of resort-style amenities as well as a full-time Lifestyle Director.

The property was owned by the Wilson family, which has a rich history, according to Taylor Morrison’s website: “The Wilson family originally settled in the region in 1877 when Gus Wilson moved to Miakka to become the

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By Roger Drouin

area’s postmaster, Indian agent and state legislature. His son Cullen Bryant Wilson became a prominent physician, served as president of First Trust Company of Sarasota and was a founding member of Sarasota Memorial Hospital. His widow purchased the now-Esplanade property in 1945. It had been used during WWII as a training survival camp for military pilots, but Mrs. Wilson turned it into a hobby ranch and named the lake “Lake Frances” after her own first name. Their son, Clyde H. Wilson Sr., built a home on the property and lived there until his death in 1994. Over the years, the shores of Lake Frances were used by countless civic, charitable, business and professional groups for picnics and gatherings.

Taylor Morrison acquired the property in 2006 and broke ground on Esplanade by Siesta Key in 2013.”

Some buyers have looked at the Esplanade community at Lakewood Ranch, or new-construction communities further east on Clark Road, and ended up at the Esplanade

by Siesta, Ruiz said. “Esplanade by Siesta Key is a very unique property as you cannot duplicate its proximity to Siesta Key,” the realtor said.

The villas generally list for approximately $75 per square foot less then the single family homes, Ruiz said.

This is for the reason that there is no shared wall with a single-family home, and they also tend to add 300 to 800 square feet over a villa.

Recent Sales and listings: • There are currently three properties for sale in Esplanade.

Ruiz, of Key Solutions Real Estate, has a single-family home built in 2013 listed for $689,900. The two-bedroom, two-bath home has 1,914 square feet, and is listed at $360 a square foot. Some features include: Gourmet Kitchen with desk area and plenty of cabinets, large Master and guest bedrooms plus den, and 8’ interior doors throughout (see accompanying photos of this home). Master and Great Room have tray ceilings. According to MLS listing information, recent upgrades also include a screened front entry, crown molding as well as chair rail/bead board in the entry and great room. The closets have all been customized and the garage floor has been finished with upgraded coating. The home is a short walk to the clubhouse and pool, and has a comfortable extended outdoor living space with a new outdoor kitchen and fireplace.

A 1,639-square foot villa is also listed for sale for $445,000, or $271 a square foot. This villa is being marketed as a perfect full time residence or vacation home. It has pond views, and an upgraded kitchen with granite and stainless appliances.

• Eleven properties have sold over the past 180 days.

The sales ranged from $645,000, for a 2,104-square-foot three-bedroom and two-and-a-half bathroom home, to $377,000, for a 1,639-square-foot, two-bedroom, two bath villa.

A 1,914 square-foot, two-bedroom home with den is listed for sale at $689,900

Making Things Happen on Siesta Key...BOB and SHERI RUIZ

840 Siesta Key Circle

The Pointe On Midnight Pass

Lovely Old-Florida style home just minutes to Siesta Beach and Village. Dock w/lift, minutes boat ride to the ICW. 3 -3 1/12 with pool and 2 car garage. Large corner lot.

Prestigious Siestas Bayside Community.

MLS #A4173735 $1,150,000

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

Incredible views of the Gulf and Bay. Every amenity.

MLS #A4183189 $490,000

Excelsior

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

MLS #A4183673 $529,000

Dolphin Bay

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

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

MLS #A4178449 $849,000

Your Resident Siesta Key Realtors

Gulf & Bay Bayside

2 units for sale! Great beach home, vacation or rental property. Deeded beach access just across the street. 3/2 end unit or 2/2 with water views. Both beautifully renovated and furnished with attached garages. Resort-style amenities.

$650,000 and $539,000

Harbour Towne Yacht Club

Beautifully renovated and turnkey furnished 3/3 with deeded 40’ dock and 10k lift. Garage and abundant storage. Just across the street from Siesta Beach. Great deep water boating community of just 50 units.

Pool and Tennis.

MLS #A4167104 $699,000

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

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Siesta Key Children’s Easter Party & Easter Egg Hunt Photos On Saturday, April 15th, nearly 175 children and their families came out to enjoy the Siesta Key Children’s Easter Party & Easter Egg Hunt at Turtle Beach. Family-friendly activities included the egg hunt, face painting, games, Mote Marine’s mobile laboratory, the Girl Scouts, Sherriff’s mounted patrol, as well as fire truck and ambulance tours. This event was presented by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and generously supported by our local business sponsors and volunteers!

Photos courtesy of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

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AT THE BEACH

North Beach Road

Above: BEACHIN’ IT - Who of these four is the happiest to be spending the day along the shoreline of fabulous Siesta Beach, recently named America’s number one beach? Mariana (4), Kayla (4), Malena (6) or Anthony (5) of Lancaster, PA. Left: TAKE IT FOR A SPIN Aerialist, Mari Vi (30) of Sarasota, dangerously spinning on an Aerial Silks rig owned by her aerialist friend Taylor, at the drum circle on Siesta Beach recently. Originally from Mexico and formerly a yoga instructor, Vi now teaches locally at CircuSoul.

We will, of course, still seek to challenge the development allowed by the resolutions, and we still have multiple avenues for fighting the street vacation, but will take this chance to redouble our efforts to have every voter registered in Sarasota County sign petitions 4.2 and 4.1.”

Cosentino pointed out that state law forbids a county charter amendment from calling for a development order.

Last summer, in conjunction with filing his Circuit Court complaint, Cosentino began an initiative to put two Sarasota County Charter amendments on the ballot. Amendment 4.1 says, “The County shall not sell, and shall retain ownership of, County-owned Parks and Preserves, and shall not vacate or sell Countyowned road segments or rights of way along or abutting any beach, river, creek, canal, lake, bay, gulf access or waterfront vista. The County shall encourage maximum right of way use for public access and viewing of waterfront vistas.”

Amendment 4.2 would rescind the abandonment of, or have the county reacquire, the section of North Beach Road that the commissioners voted in to turn over to the Maddens and the two other sets of petitioners.

On April 17, according to the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections’ Office, the number of valid signatures on the proposed Amendment 4.1 is 1,563; on 4.2, it is 1,559. Cosentino needs 13,866 on each, Supervisor of Elections Office staff says.

“Now they can’t challenge our petitions, which is phenomenal,” Cosentino added on April 17.

However, the Maddens have argued in a counterclaim against Cosentino that he has violated state law by indicating that voting for the charter amendments is necessary for the public to maintain access to the vacated road segment and for motorists once again to be able to drive on it. The road has been closed to motorized vehicles since 1993, when repeated storm damage led the county to erect signage to that effect.

However, the 2016 County Commission vote ensured the public could continue to use the

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Continued from cover story

road in perpetuity, except by means of motorized vehicles.

Regardless of Cosentino’s view of the judge’s decision, Dennis Madden called the ruling “very exciting” in a brief telephone interview with SNL on April 14. Madden later emailed a written statement: “We are happy to hear the news that the Court upheld the Commissioners’ authority and decision as to what is best for the environment, the neighborhood the local community and the County. The Judge obviously spent time researching and understanding the real facts about the case.”

Asked whether he plans to appeal Mercurio’s decision, Cosentino said he and his attorneys were reviewing it, “and we will act accordingly.”

Along with Gomez-Mayo, Cosentino is represented by Ralf Brookes of Cape Coral, who filed the original complaint against the county last year.

Details of the judge’s order In his April 12 ruling, Mercurio explains Florida Statute 163.3164’s definitions of a development order and then writes that the County Commission’s decision to vacate Beach Road is “the termination of rights to land. The County could have vacated the road without approving the coastal setback variance. Thus, vacating the road is an independent decision and not dependent upon the coastal setback variance.”

Lewis Hall III of the Williams Parker firm — who is representing the Maddens — argued on April 5 that the County Commission’s decision was predicated upon a financial decision: The cost of continuing to maintain the damaged road “outweighed any benefit to the county …”

However, Brookes said the road vacation petition and the Coastal Setback Variance petition — “were hopelessly intertwined” and that County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh had to remind the commissioners that they could not grant the variance unless they approved the road vacation beforehand.

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43

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: $1,399,000 418 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL. MLS#A3990080 3BD/3BA. Lushly landscaped tropical lot with Tiki Bar in the pool/spa area. Dan Miller, Re/ Max Tropical Sands. 941-3767442 • 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 • RECENTLY RENOVATED PALM ISLAND HOME: $959,000.

322 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4170620 Spacious 4 BR, 4 BA house.

Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master BR and master BA. Lounge in the heated pool and spa. Dan Miller, Re/ Max Tropical Sands. 941-3767442 • 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. 941350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) • 5408 EAGLES POINT CIR #102 THE LANDINGS $399,000: MLS #A4182828 2BD/2BA Condo - Updated kitchen, Lake View, New Windows. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) • 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 941-266-4873 (Tara) • 4967 KESTRAL PARK WAY N., LANDINGS CARRIAGEHOUSE $449,500 MLS#A4183699 2 bedroom with Den / 2 bath.

Significantly updated.

Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) • HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB Minutes’ walk to Siesta Beach with deeded 40’ boat dock with 10k lift. 3/3 on 2 floors with garage and abundant storage.

Beautifully renovated.

MLS# A4167104, $699,000.

Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-5443299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186 • 840 SIESTA KEY CIRCLE Lovely old-Florida style 3 - 3 1/2 home on large corner lot. Abundant glass doors and windows bring the outdoors in!

Large pool. Boat dock (minutes to the ICW) with 10k lift. 2 car garage. A short walk

to Siesta Beach and Village.

MLS#A4173735, $1,150,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-5443299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• LIDO AMBASSADOR Direct Beachfront community just 10 minutes’ walk to St. Armand’s Circle and a short drive to downtown Sarasota.

Large 1 - 1 1/2 unit beautifully renovated and furnished. Move right in.

Beachfront pool, clubhouse, fitness, etc. Low HOA fees. MLS #A4174292, $370,000.

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

• 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. Underbuilding parking.

Ideal for personal use or as an investment property. On-site rental office.

MLS#A4183673, $529,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-5443299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

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

Exceptional property with split floor plan, each bedroom with private bath. Large kitchen with sit-in area and expansive living/ dining space. Spacious lanai with great views of the ICW. Garage.

Pool, clubhouse, tennis, and day dock. Short walk to Siesta Beach.

MLS #A4178449, $849,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-5443299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• GULF & BAY BAYSIDE 2 units for sale! Great beach home, vacation, or rental property. Deeded beach access just across the street. 3/2 end unit or 2/2 with views of ICW. Both beautifully renovated and furnished with attached garages.

Resort-like amenities. $650,000 and MLS#A4182348, $539,000.

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

• TURNKEY FURNISHED TOWNHOME This 3BD/2BA townhome, is totally updated. The gated waterfront community features fabulous recreational facilities, a private boat slip, garage, and is just a short walk to the beach.

1267 Dockside PL #214, Siesta Key, $699,000 MLS #A4155386 Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)894-1255 • SPECTACULAR BAYFRONT TOWNHOME Major price reduction! 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, $879,000 MLS # A4157478 Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)8941255

OPEN HOUSE

Sundays: March – May 1-4PM 5408 Eagle’s Point Circle, in The Landings Spacious 4th Floor Condo 3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms Commanding View of Roberts Bay and Intracoastal Waterway

• LUXURIOUS BEACHFRONT CONDO Located in the fabulous Crescent Siesta Key, this 2 BD/2 BA condo offers a view from your sunny lanai with outdoor kitchen. Community offers 2 pools, spa, fitness center, outdoor grills, and convenient walking to everything South Siesta Village has to offer. 6512 Midnight Pass Rd #406, Siesta Key, $1,249,000 MLS #A4171720 Key Solutions Real Estate, 941-894-1255 • JUST MINUTES TO SIESTA BEACH This 3 bed, 3 bath condo with garage has a deep water boat basin with private dock for 40’ boat. Located in Harbour Towne, beautifully landscaped and features heated pool with spa, tennis court, pickle ball courts, and clubhouse. 1251 Dockside Pl #210, Siesta Key, $699,000. MLS #A4167104 Key Solutions Real Estate, 941-894-1255.

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Classifieds / Here’s My Card ACCOMMODATIONS / VACATION RENTALS

CANDY & SWEETS

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• 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

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• Canal Pool B&B – Master bedroom with private bath. California King bed. 1 mile to Siesta’s Public Beach. Call Shawna at 941-5187774.

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

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

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

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• 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.

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SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY

TRANSPORTATION

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CONTINUED

• Massage Experience Siesta Key Open 7-day a week. 5138A • Jonny’s Original Free Ride – The Original Ride the Key Free Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4833. (MA17596/MM6727). service on Siesta to anywhere, everyday from 10 AM – 2 AM. Driver tips only. Call 941-928-9200.

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941-925-0928

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

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

• 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

RATES START AT

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

HELENE M. HYLAND

Kayla Kunz

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 www.SheSellsSiestaKeySarasota.com

Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC

Piro & Associates REALTORS

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

SPORTS RENTALS / ACCESSORIES

100

• 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE • DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE • • AIRPORT & TRAVEL TRANSPORTATION TO: TAMPA, FT. MYERS, ORLANDO, MIAMI, NAPLES, ST. PETERSBURG

Call 941-284-8840 or 941-323-0442

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

1224 Old Sickney Pt Rd. 941-346-0891

®

Expert in 1031 Exchange

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

Hair Stylist

$

• Siesta Sports Rentals – Located on Siesta Key, bike, kayak, kayak tours, scooter, children strollers and car seats. Delivery and pickup available, 6551 Midnight Pass Rd, 941-346-1797

James J. Piro, MAI, CCIM

SENIOR SERVICES

Licensed Real Estate Broker

7719 Holiday Drive, Sarasota, FL 34231

Siesta Beach Realty SARASOTA FLORIDA

• A Bridge for Independence provides in home companion services including companionship, transportation, light housekeeping, medication reminders and meal preparation and planning.

Call us at 866-279-4390, FL License #230517

Steven Whitmore, Broker

941-993-5722

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

• Making things happen on Siesta Key with Real Estate agents Bob and Sheri Ruiz from Key Solutions Real Estate Group. If you are looking to buy or sell on the Key contact us. Bob Ruiz 941-544-3299 RobertRuizRR@aol.com, Sheri Ruiz 941-400-4186 SheriLasley@aol.com • 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 34242 JudyGreene@MichaelSanders.com

RV4CASH

TRANSPORTATION

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

WANTED TO BUY

• Sun Ride Pedicab – Eco-friendly Pedicabs. Siesta Key Tours and rides – tips only, 941-343-3400 • Siesta Key Free Rides – Siesta Key Free island shuttle for beach, village, condo and tours – tips only. Electric vehicles. Call 941952-8294

Airport Rides From Sarasota To:

941.735.4732

AY WE PH! CAS

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

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.

ritz”

“For F

941-928-9200

RIDE THE KEY FREE

Answers to the Search WORD SEARCH found on page 35 MarinerWord www.TheMariner.com

15-20 MINUTE RESPONSE TIME (Based upon traffic)

Answers from SERVICING

SiestaPage Key Beach 16 Siesta Village Turtle Beach

DRIVER TIPS ONLY

SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY

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)

2081 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239

Walk-Ins Welcome

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

www.SouthgateBarbers.com

Unusual Spring www.JonnysOriginalFreeRide.com Fruits & Veggies Restaurants and Accommodations Operating 10AM to 2AM Daily

46

Siesta Sand

MAY 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

MAY 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

47

48

Siesta Sand

MAY 2017

941.349.0194

Island Girl

Brooke

www.siestasand.net

This month’s Island Girl is Brooke, the sister of last month’s Island Girl Brandie. She was visiting from Little Falls, MN. This St. Cloud Technical Community College student has a passion for both dancing and fishing. She said if she could spend a day with anyone in the world, living or deceased, hands down it would be Miley Cyrus. Her self-described “obsession” with Miley began with the show “Hannah Montana.” Brooke fell in love with her music and has followed her ever since. She was thrilled to be warm and laying on a colorful blanket enjoying America’s number one beach. If you ever get to Little Falls you’ll find her buried under college textbooks or serving tables at Buffalo Wild Wings.

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)