IV Siesta Sand - October 2017 by Brion Palmer

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

SIESTA DRAWBRIDGES

Coast Guard reducing number of daily openings on Siesta drawbridges

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ROUND HOUSE

SURVIVING IRMA As Hurricane Irma continued to move north, on Monday morning, Sept. 11, many Siesta residents and business owners surveyed the damage left in the wake of the storm. Although the Key and surrounding areas escaped a direct hit, the powerful storm left significant damage, including large downed trees, and left some without power for weeks. But Siesta residents and business owners agree: The Key fared much better than expected, and as more than one resident put it: the area missed the brunt of it. Siesta Sand looks at what some folks did to prepare, how they’ve cleaned up the mess left in the wake of the storm, and some lessons learned. Rosemary Cannon: Siesta resident and coowner (husband) Coconuts of Siesta Key shared her experience. “When we first became aware of Irma we assumed like other recent storms we would not experience a direct hit. Just as a precaution, I reserved a room at Comfort Rosemary Cannon Suites at Honore & SR72.

The winds of Irma pushed the water back into the Gulf, Sunday, September 10, 2017, exposing the rock formations at Point of Rock, Siesta Key. Photo by Todd Nahrwold, Licensed Realtor, Key Solutions Real Estate

Continued on page 16

162/168 Beach Road Round House on Sandy Hook Road wins county historical designation

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|County Commission says owners of two Siesta Key parcels can take the county’s offer for the land or take the county to court

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SKA PAID PARKING RESULTS Results from the Siesta Key Association survey emailed to members on August 4th

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By Rachel Brown Hackney / SarasotaNewsLeader.com On a 4-1 vote, the Sarasota County Commission essentially told the owners of two parcels on Siesta Key’s Beach Road that they can accept the $2,850,000 the county is willing to pay for the property, or they can file suit against the county for preventing them from building homes on the Gulf-front land. The board members also made it clear on Sept. 13 that they would not impose restrictions sought by the owner of the parcel at 168 Beach Road — Wendy B. Cooper, trustee of the Burton M. Cooper Credit Shelter Trust No. 1 — if the county ends up buying that land. The commissioners further directed staff to make the offer again in a timely fashion. A county staff report provided to the commission in advance of the regular meeting on Sept. 13 said the trust had requested designation of that property as a preserve, “with the only allowable improvement” to be a 10-foot-wide walkway from Beach Road “toward the Gulf of Mexico along the Continued on page 9 northerly boundary of the Property.”

Possible road swap Sarasota County staff has been in discussions with staff of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) about potentially assuming ownership of roads on Siesta Key in exchange for the state taking River Road, County Administrator Tom Harmer told the County Commission on Sept. 13. Improvements long planned for River Road — a county road with a regional impact

New boutique hotel on the island By Rachel Brown Hackney |If Siesta chiropractor wants to pursue hotel project, majority of County Commission decides, he can pursue a privately initiated zoning code amendment to ease street setback requirements The majority of the Sarasota County commissioners have agreed that a proposed amendment to the Siesta Key zoning regulations should be initiated privately, instead of having county staff undertake the work. A motion Commissioner Michael Moran made that called for staff to handle the changes died for lack of a second on Aug. 29. The action came in response to a staff memo following up on requests the board heard on July 12.

Siesta Key architect Mark Smith — who also serves as chair of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce — and several business owners urged the commission that day to amend the Siesta Key Overlay District (SKOD) zoning regulations to clarify that a new building constructed in a Commercial General district would not have to have a minimum setback of 25 feet from the street if it were taller than 35 feet. Continued on page 13

By Rachel Brown Hackney

— have become increasingly important as the county works with the Atlanta Braves, the West Villages Improvement District and the City of North Port on plans for the Braves’ new Spring Training complex in the West Villages. A Sept. 6 memo to Harmer from Spencer Anderson, interim director of the county’s Public Works Department, says staff has been talking about taking over portions of

Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Drive, Higel Avenue, South Osprey Drive and Bay Road, which are county routes, while the state takes ownership of River Road between U.S. 41 and Interstate 75 in South County. “Possible advantages of this transfer … may include advanced funding and construction of River Road between West Villages Parkway and I-75,” Anderson added. Continued on page 32

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SIESTA SOUNDS Music lovers are always happy when October rolls around because venues will be adding or increasing their live music

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Coast Guard reducing number of daily openings on Siesta drawbridges Early on the morning of Sept. 6, the U.S. Coast Guard announced that it will indeed be reducing the number of openings of the north Siesta Key drawbridge and the Stickney Point Road drawbridge from three times an hour to twice an hour. The change will go into effect on Oct. 5, the Coast Guard notice added, with the new rule to be in effect year-round. The Stickney Point Road Bridge will open on the hour and on the half-hour between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily, while the Siesta Drive bridge will open on the quarter hour and on the three-quarter hour between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day. Reductions in openings also will be in effect for the Cortez and Anna Maria drawbridges, the Coast Guard said. The timing of the openings for all four bridges has been adjusted to facilitate smooth transit for vessels navigating the affected waterways, the rule explains. “The request was made to the Coast Guard to change the operation of four drawbridges due to an increase in vehicle traffic throughout these areas at all times of the year,” the notice points out. The proposed rule was posted by the Coast Guard on Feb. 13; the comment period closed on April 14. Altogether, members of the public offered 125 comments. Many of those who took the opportunity to express their views were residents and business owners on Siesta Key. The vast majority supported the reduction in the number of bridge openings, especially given the extent of traffic congestion on Siesta during season.

941.349.4400 Happiness is…Working Together

At Abel’s Ice Cream, owners Jerry and Jill Williams have made no secret out of the fact they have the BEST customers in the world, but they wanted to take an opportunity to talk about their amazing employees! “We thought it would be fun to let you get to know a few of those young smiling faces you see behind the counter just a little bit better,” Jerry said. So, let’s start with their favorite Abel’s Ice Cream Flavors: Marina: Cookie Dough, because you get a piece of dough in every bite! Austin: Snickelicious, because of the combination of caramel with the chocolate and peanuts Parker: English Toffee, because it tastes so good! As a nod to our great crew, Cookie Dough (Cookie flavored ice cream loaded with chunks of cookie dough and sweet chocolate chips), Snickelicious (Snickers Candy Bar flavored ice cream filled with Snickers candy bar pieces and a thin ribbon of caramel), and English Toffee ‘N Cream (Sweet toffee ice cream loaded with Heath candy bar pieces) will be our featured flavors for the month of October, so be sure to stop by to see why these ice cream aficionados love them so much! We also asked the gang to share a funny or memorable story with us. Marina: My funniest customer experience is how many times I get asked, ‘you must have a strong arm, huh?’ In one day, I counted 32 times, and I told the 32nd person that day and they laughed so hard!

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Austin: I think the funniest moment was when this kid opened jelly beans and they went everywhere. Parker: I have lots of funny moments, like when someone tells a joke, or someone’s spoon breaks. But my best one has to be when people pay for each other and the group is surprised. We appreciate the hard work and dedication of these young people, and if they’re the future, we’re in good hands! In the wake of Irma’s unwelcome visit, the Williams also wanted to take this opportunity to express their gratitude to this incredible, supportive community. “Since our move from the Midwest two years ago, this was our first hurricane experience and we had no idea what to expect,” Jill explained. “What we found were friends who took us in to their home to get us out of evacuation zones, and business associates who kindly offered generators to keep the ice cream cold. What a blessing. In just these few short years, this area has become home. We can’t imagine living anywhere else.” They also were encouraged to see the entire area banding together. “I went out looking for people to help, and everywhere I went, people were helping neighbors and strangers alike,” Jerry added. Come share your stories with the gang at Abel’s. They’d love to see you! Abel’s Ice Cream is located at 1886 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota in the South Bridge Plaza. Open Sunday through Thursday from Noon-9:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday from Noon-10 pm. Learn more online at our website, www.abelsicecream.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Siesta Key Round-Up By Rachel Brown Hackney/Bob Stein ‘Dr. Beach’ favors keeping Beach Road segment closed No less an authority on beach issues than “Dr. Beach” himself has weighed in on the Reopen Beach Road initiative. And Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman of Florida International University has offered his professional opinion that the 357-foot-long segment of North Beach Road that the County Commission vacated in May 2016 should remain off limits to vehicles. In an Aug. 18 letter to the commission, Leatherman wrote, “I have personally inspected the section of Beach Road that is closed to vehicular traffic on Siesta Key and concluded that the present situation of pedestrian access only is best from an environmental standpoint.” Leatherman continued, “The beach is very narrow in this location, and hence this area is subject to storm-induced overwash and erosion, making it difficult to maintain a serviceable road for cars. Also, it is not necessary for this short section of Beach road to be open to cars because there is little traffic through this residential area. At the same time, there is ample access for pedestrians.” Leatherman attached his resume, which notes that he is a professor in Florida International University’s Department of Earth & Environment. He has written or edited 16 books and National Academy of Sciences reports, including articles titled America’s Best Beaches and Sea Level Rise: Causes and Consequences; and he has authored more than 200 journal articles and technical reports, including submissions that have appeared in the prestigious publications Science and Nature, the resume says. Further, he has provided expert testimony on 10 occasions for the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, the resume notes. Continued on the next page

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Siesta Key Round-Up Continued from the previous page

Leatherman most recently made a public appearance on Siesta Key when he named the public beach No. 1 in the United States just before the start of Memorial Day weekend in May. In December 2016, in conjunction with a presentation Leatherman made to Siesta Key Association (SKA) members, he made it clear that pedestrian and bicycle access to a beach — with the resulting decrease in motor vehicles — is an important consideration when he compiles his Top 10 list each year. Siesta has headed that list twice in this decade, with 2011 marking the first occasion. Leatherman’s letter came a little more than two weeks after representatives of the nonprofit organization Reopen Beach Road urged the audience members at the SKA’s Aug. 3 meeting to support them in reversing the County Commission’s road vacation vote. The affected portion of North Beach Road has been closed to traffic since 1993 because of the repeated storm damage. Two of the property owners who petitioned successfully for the road vacation have installed a rope-and-bollard barrier to prevent cars and trucks from accessing the portion of the road the county vacated in May 2016. However, public signage erected by the county makes it clear that any member of the public is welcome on that stretch, as long as the person is not in a motor vehicle.

Single-vehicle accidents reported on Ocean Boulevard

The last week of August proved problematic, one might say, for two drivers on Ocean Boulevard. Coincidentally, the men were the same age. Their involvement in two traffic accidents in the space of two days caused more than a little damage, though one incident was considerably worse than the other, based on Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office reports. On Aug. 27, a 26-year-old Sarasota man was charged with careless driving after “he suddenly struck the signs and a tree” and shrubs on Ocean Boulevard, about 115 feet from North Sandy Hook Road, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office report. The incident involving Jose M. Malave in a 2014 BMW sedan was recorded at 1:24 a.m., the report says. The damage estimate was $10,000. What he primarily hit was the big sign that welcomes people to Siesta Village. A median with similar signage on the south end of the Village was demolished in a traffic accident last year. Malave was heading north on Ocean Boulevard at the time of the incident, the report says, noting that he was not suspected to have been under the influence of alcohol and he was not distracted. Malave told the responding deputy “he didn’t know what happened,” and no witnesses were found, the report adds. He was wearing his seat belt, the report notes, and the vehicle’s air bag deployed. An EMS unit of the Sarasota County Fire Department transported Malave to Sarasota Memorial Hospital after he complained of arm pain, the report adds. The vehicle was towed from the scene, the report notes. Continued on page 9

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Sarasota man charged with using pellet gun to shoot a person in Siesta Village By Rachel Brown Hackney / SarasotaNewsLeader.com The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has charged a Sarasota man with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon in connection with the alleged Sept. 5 shooting of a person with a pellet gun in Siesta Village, the office has reported. The incident occurred in the 5200 block of Ocean Boulevard, at the intersection of Canal Road near the Village gazebo, according to information from the Sheriff’s Office. Adrian W. Andrews, 35, of 5208 Ocean Blvd., Apt. 3, has been held under $100,000 bond in the Sarasota County Jail, Sheriff’s Office records show. He was arrested at noon on Sept. 5. His arraignment was set for Oct. 6, according to records in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court. A pellet gun “has more than enough velocity to break skin if shot at a person,” the report explains. “Should the projectile hit a location where an artery is located it could cause death,” the report adds. No address was given for the victim on the Sheriff’s Office report. The initial 911 call about the shooting came from a bystander about 8:20 a.m. on Sept. 5, the report says. When deputies spoke with the 43-year-old victim, the report adds, he informed them that he had been standing on the street, arguing with a man in a second-story apartment located at 5208 Ocean Blvd.; that is above the Big Olaf ice cream shop in the Village. The victim said he heard two shots, “which sounded like metal hitting metal,” the report continues. Then a third shot hit the victim in the left side of the chest, the report says. Paramedics were called to the scene, a news

report says. During their search, Sheriff’s Office personnel found a pellet rifle inside the one-bedroom efficiency apartment, the report adds. A large scope was affixed to it, the report continues; next to it was an aluminum canister containing pellets made out of lead. “The inside angle of the window gave a clear view of the stop sign, bus stop sign and the location [where the victim had been standing],” the report adds.

Adrian W. Andrews release notes, but the victim refused treatment. A bystander who was in front of Meaney’s Mini Donuts — about 50 feet from where the incident occurred — told deputies that he initially heard “3 pops (two consecutive and one just after),” the report says. He looked up toward the second floor of the Big Olaf building and saw a male in a window, according to the report. The bystander described the sounds as those produced by a BB or pellet gun, the report notes. Deputies also saw that the pellet lodged in the victim’s chest “was consistent with a BB or pellet gun,” the news release adds. Furthermore, deputies noted that the nearby stop sign and the sign for a bus stop both showed indications of having been shot with a BB or pellet gun, the report notes. While the deputies were conducting their investigation, the release continues, Andrews identified himself as the person in the apartment with whom the victim had been arguing. Andrews did consent to a search of his apartment and vehicles, the

Continuing concerns about the gazebo Since last summer, homeless people have been gathering off and on in the gazebo, Siesta residents have reported. Sheriff’s Office personnel have reminded the public that homeless people on the island must be treated the same way any other person is treated. However, representatives of the Sheriff’s Housing Initiative Facilitating Transient Services (SHIFTS) and The Salvation Army have provided outreach to people on the island over the past year, Sgt. Jason Mruczek, who leads the Sheriff’s Office substation on Siesta, and other law enforcement officers have pointed out in community meetings. Nonetheless, on May 17, during the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce’s quarterly session for members, Michael Shay, the Siesta Village Maintenance Corp. manager, reported that he once again had been routinely observing homeless p eop le sit t ing for periods of time in the gazebo and sometimes engaging in behavior that disturbed tourists who also take the opportunity to sit on the benches in the structure. Continued on page 32

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Decommissioning of Siesta Wastewater Treatment Plant continues on schedule As Siesta Isles residents continue to deal with the physical manifestation of the project, Sarasota County staff has reported to the state that three phases of the project to decommission the Siesta Key Wastewater Treatment Plant are at least 80% completed. In a July 24 update to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Scott N. Schroyer, director of the county’s Public Utilities Department, and Patricia Nihart, an environmental specialist in the department, pointed out that at that time, the conversion of the wastewater plant to a master pump station was about 60% complete. “The master pump station and [sewer force main being extended through Siesta Isles to the plant site] will allow the facility to be taken off line and decommissioned,” the report said. Phase 1 of the overall project — which entailed drilling under the Intracoastal Waterway to extend the sewer pipeline from Phillippi Estate Park on South Tamiami Trail to Siesta Key — was approximately 95% finished, the report added. “The pipe is completed under

the Intracoastal Waterway with certification pending.” Phase 2, which involves the extension of sewer pipeline on the mainland, connecting from the Phase 1 work, was 99% finished, the report noted. Additionally, the county is expanding its Central County Water Reclamation Facility to accommodate the flow of sewage from Siesta Key, the report explained. That project was approximately 80% complete, the report added. (The March 2015 Fast Facts — county statistics and tidbits County Administrator Tom Harmer provides at County Commission budget workshops — noted that the Central County facility will be able to handle 6 million gallons per day — up from 4 million — after that part of the project has been completed.) The FDEP permit under which the county operates the Siesta Key Wastewater Treatment Plant will expire on June 19, 2018, the report noted. However, Schroyer told the County Commission a few months ago that staff still was planning on decommissioning the facility by the end of this year.

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SIESTA KEY LARGELY ESCAPED IRMA’S WRATH. THE FLORIDA KEYS WEREN’T AS FORTUNATE.

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Financial Focus |Here’s Your Retirement Countdown If you want to enjoy a comfortable retirement lifestyle, you don’t need to have been born rich or even to have earned scads of money during your working years. But you do need to make the right moves at the right time – which means you might want to start a “retirement countdown” well before you draw your final paycheck. What might such a countdown look like? Here are a few ideas: • Ten years before retirement – At this stage of your career, you might be at, or at least near, your peak earning capacity. At the same time, your kids may have grown and left the home, and you might even have paid off your mortgage. All these factors, taken together, may mean that you can afford to “max out” on your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. And that’s exactly what you should do, if you can, because these retirement accounts offer tax benefits and the opportunity to spread your dollars around a variety of investments. • Five years before retirement – Review your Social Security statement to see how much you can expect to receive each month at various ages. You can typically start collecting benefits as early as 62, but your monthly checks will be significantly larger if you wait until your “full” retirement age, which will likely be 66 (and a few months) or 67. Your payments will be bigger still if you can afford to wait until 70, at which point your benefits reach their ceiling. In any case, you’ll need to weigh several

factors – your health, your family history of longevity, your other sources of retirement income – before deciding on when to start taking Social Security. • One to three years before retirement – To help increase your income stream during retirement, you may want to convert some – but likely not all – of your growthoriented investments, such as stocks and stock-based vehicles, into income-producing ones, such as bonds. Keep in mind, though, that even during your retirement years, you’ll still likely need your portfolio to provide you with some growth potential to help keep you ahead of inflation. • One year before retirement – Evaluate your retirement income and expenses. It’s particularly important that you assess your health-care costs. Depending on your age at retirement, you may be eligible for Medicare, but you will likely need to pay for some supplemental coverage as well, so you will need to budget for this. Also, as you get closer to your actual retirement date, you will need to determine an appropriate withdrawal rate for your investments. How much should you take each year from your IRA, 401(k) and other retirement accounts? The answer depends on many factors: the size of these accounts, your retirement lifestyle, your projected longevity, whether you’ve started taking Social Security, whether your spouse is still working, and so on. A financial professional can help you determine an appropriate withdrawal rate.

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Round House on Sandy Hook Road wins county historical designation By Rachel Brown Hackney Standing at 172 Sandy Hook Road North on Siesta Key, the one-story octagonal, woodframe structure built in 1952 is famous not only because of its design but because of its designer: Mary Rockwell Hook. The second woman to graduate from the prestigious Ecole Des Beaux-Arts in Paris, in 1906, Hook had a successful career in Kansas City before she retired to Sarasota, county historical documents explain. In her plans for the single-family home on Sandy Hook Road, she created what is recognized as “an excellent example of a Florida Regionalist Modernist residence,” Robert Bendus, the county’s manager of historical resources, wrote in an Aug. 30 memo to the County Commission. Because of the structure’s shape, it came to be known as the “Round House.” On Dec. 21, 2016, the current owners of the home — Tomas and Sofia Fiedler — applied to the County Commission for historical designation of the main structure, as well as a garage, utility building, fountain, seawall and landscape features of the property. It took less than a minute for the full Sarasota County Commission to approve that application on Aug. 30. A memo Bendus provided to the board in advance of that meeting explained that the Sarasota County Historic Preservation Board had voted unanimously on Jan. 24 to recommend the historic designation, in accordance with the criteria for such actions found in Chapter 66 of the County Code. Lorrie Muldowney, past manager of historical resources for the county — and now a professional consultant on such matters — worked as the agent for the Fiedlers on the application. In it, she explains that Hook first came to Sarasota in 1935. “While visiting Lido Beach,” the application says, “Hook decided to purchase land in the Sarasota area,” ultimately acquiring 55 acres on Siesta Key “in the general location of today’s Sandy Hook, Sandy Cove and Whispering Sands developments.” The architect’s first project in Sarasota was The Whispering Sands Inn, which was

completed in 1937, “immediately to the south of Sandy Hook,” the application notes. The inn was “planned as a haven for painters, writers, and other creative people,” according to Hook’s 1970 autobiography, This and That. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported that the inn burned down in 1969, the application says. In 1945, Hook sold part of her Siesta land holdings — including the property where the inn stood — “and turned her attention to the development of Sandy Hook,” the application explains. “Named for its location and natural beauty,” the land was “nothing but sand and hook,” as the architect described it, the application notes. “She developed Sandy Hook as a place where she and others would realize exciting modern, architectural design. It was platted as Sandy Hook Subdivision on November 25, 1957,” the application says. Hook designed the first two homes in the subdivision in the early 1950s. The third was the project of a young architect at the time named Paul Rudolph. He would go on to achieve international acclaim for his “Sarasota School of Architecture” designs and chair the Department of Architecture at Yale University for six years. “The Post-World War II homes at Sandy Hook were designed to fit in with their surroundings, yet have a distinctly modern feel,” the application explains. Hook and her husband, Inghram D. Hook, occupied the Round House for “several years,” Mary Hook wrote in her autobiography, as the application notes. “The wide deck built out over the bayou” was a feature the couple shared with herons, ducks and other birds, Hook added in her book. “According to property records compiled by the Sandy Hook Homeowners’ Association, which describe the history and ownership of

house at 15 Sandy Hook Road North in 1956 and then a second structure in 1957 at that location. The first of those two buildings became a guesthouse, the application adds. Hook lived in the main house until 1970, when she moved into the home at 37 Sandy Hook; she lived there until 1978. In 1977, the application points out, residents of Kansas City celebrated Hook’s 100th birthday by focusing on her career, offering “a tour of the famous and magnificent homes she designed there.”

The structure itself

each Sandy Hook property,” the application continues, “Hook swam daily from ‘a wide deck built over the lagoon …’” By 1970, the Round House had been bought by Elizabeth “Betty” Strawbridge, the application says. Mary Hook built another

“Hook was interested in the use of poured concrete construction, incorporating native materials in her designs and inviting the outdoors in, two of the central ideas of the Sarasota School of Architecture movement,” the application explains. “The poured concrete slab foundation at the Round House is noteworthy as it was completed just a few years after some of the earliest examples of poured concrete on Siesta Key,” the application adds. Continued on page 35

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Beaches fared quite well during Irma Sarasota County’s Environmental Protection Division staff reported late on Sept. 13 that the county’s beaches fared “very well following Hurricane Irma.” On Sept. 12, the summary says, staff of the division conducted a countywide, post-storm inspection of the beaches and dune conditions on the unincorporated barrier islands, including Siesta and Casey keys. These assessments followed pre-storm inspections conducted on Sept. 5 and Sept. 6, the summary notes. The assessments following Irma were “based on visual inspections, local knowledge of our beaches, and comparisons of the photo-documentation of prestorm and post-storm conditions,” the summary explains. “No specific surveying or topographic measurements are taken during these beach and dune assessments,” the summary points out. “Therefore, the evaluation is qualitative rather than quantitative and should not be used to make conclusions on estimated volumes of sand lost or gained in our coastal areas.”

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By Rachel Brown Hackney • “The majority of public beach accesses on Siesta Key experienced flooding of varying degree. Several public access points had a few to several inches of standing water on the public footpaths leading to the beach” at the time of the Sept. 12 assessment, the summary said.

Siesta Beach

Crescent Beach For Siesta Key, the summary reported the following findings:

• Wind-blown sand accumulated over portions of the restored dune vegetation at the South Siesta Key Beach Renourishment area at Turtle Beach. • The southernmost property on Siesta Key (9230 Blind Pass Road) showed minor

Turtle Beach beach and dune erosion (less than 5 feet), but only minor dune vegetation loss was noted in this area. “Overwash deposited a layer of sand on the pool deck at this property.” • Minor beach and dune erosion (approximately 5 to 10 feet) was observed at the southern end of Crescent Beach, immediately north of Point of Rocks on Siesta Key.

The report contained the following information about Casey Key: • The step revetment area on North Casey Key Road saw wave overwash, sand deposition and impacts to guardrails. The road remained

passable. • At 2007 Casey Key Road, the recent sand placement had washed out, exposing previously installed sandbags that continued to provide protection to the foundation. The septic tank at this location also had been exposed because of the loss of sand placed in the area; this site was reported to the Health Department.

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OCTOBER 2017

162/168 Beach Road The memo added, “An additional restrictive condition states that Sarasota County remove all invasive vegetation on the Property within one year of purchase,” and if the county could not accomplish the work within that timeframe, “the owner of 145 Beach Road would have the right to remove the invasive vegetation at the county’s expense.” The owner of the property at 145 Beach Road also is Wendy B. Cooper, trustee of the Burton M. Cooper Credit Shelter Trust No. 1, county property records show. The restrictions were part of a verbal counter offer the county received from the owners of the two parcels on April 27. Ronald and Sania Allen of Osprey, who own the 162 Beach Road land, wanted $1.7 million for it, the staff report noted, while Cooper wanted $1.8 million, for a total of $3.5 million. After two failed motions from Commissioner Michael Moran and Commissioner Nancy Detert, a motion by Commissioner Alan Maio prevailed at the conclusion of almost one hour and 10 minutes of discussion on Sept. 13. Maio called for repeating the county’s March offer, with “no … strings attached.” Commissioner Charles Hines seconded the motion, which won approval from all the board members except Detert. The county would pay $1,400,000 for 162 Beach Road and $1,450,000 for 168 Beach Road. Detert made the first motion, which called for the board to inform the owners that the county was not interested in moving forward with the acquisitions. That died for lack of a second. Moran later made a motion calling for the board to split the difference between county staff’s March offer and the owners’ April counter offer. That would give the Allens $1,550,000, he said, while the trust would receive $1,625,000. It died for lack of a second, too. During the discussion, Hines, especially, focused on the fact that Sarasota County

In the second incident — which occurred at 2 a.m. on Aug. 29 — a 26-year-old Georgia man was heading southbound on Ocean Boulevard, toward the Village. After he rounded the curve at Given Street, the report says, he saw a tree lying across the road. Although he was able to slow down, his 2004 Honda Civic “skidded into the tree,” causing approximately $300 in damage to the front bumper and scratches to the hood. The incident was close to the Pass Key

Continued from cover story

Property Appraiser Office records show that the Allens paid $5.4 million for the parcels at 162 and 168 Beach Road in May 2009, but the land never has been valued close to that amount. “It does not make sense,” Hines added, noting that the highest value the Property Appraiser’s Office ever gave the 162 Beach Road land was $1,215,100 in 2014. In fact, Hines pointed out, the 2017 value of the parcel is $137,500. The current value of the land at 168 Beach Road, according to the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office, is $140,500. Yet, the $5.4-million figure “is still being used today against us, to say, ‘You guys are getting a good deal,’” Hines continued. “I would like to buy these two properties,

but not at this price and not with these stipulations.” William Merrill III of the Icard Merrill firm in Sarasota, who represents the Allens, explained that after the commission denied the Allens’ last petition for a Coastal Setback Variance to build a house on the 162 Beach Road parcel — in October 2015 — the Allens were able to get the taxable value of the property lowered. Addressing Merrill, who also was speaking for Wendy Cooper’s attorney, Hines said that the county’s offer is “cash in the bank.” If the Allens and Cooper do not want to accept that, Hines added, they can file suit against the county over the economic value of the land, and “let the lawyers fight that out.” However, he continued, if the Allens and Cooper took the county’s offer, that would “put money in their pocket very quickly; a lot of money.” If they choose to file suit against the

Siesta Key Round-Up

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

View of the vacant lot located near beach access #4

county, Hines also pointed out, they run the risk of having the court rule for the county. “I agree with that,” Chair Paul Caragiulo responded. Since he was elected to the board in 2012, Hines pointed out, he has heard four petitions for county Coastal Setback Variances from the Allens, who sought first to build two homes — one each on the 162 and 168 Beach Road parcels and, later, just on the 162 Beach Road land. The commission denied their request each time, he added, because the construction would have been fully seaward of the Gulf Beach Setback Line (GBSL). That line was implemented to preserve the coastal environment — including dunes — and offer protection to nearby property owners when storms batter the island. Hines acknowledged that the board has allowed some structures, such as pools, to be built partly beyond the GBSL. “But

we’ve kind of held the line when it comes to living structures in this situation.” Referring to the Beach Road parcels, he added, “The entire property is past the Gulf Beach Setback Line.” Detert also commented on an assertion Merrill made regarding the board’s granting of CSV petitions: “I’m always shocked when Mr. Merrill keeps pointing out that 90% of the time we grant variances. … I think we ought to work on that number to make it 20% of the time, because, obviously, we’re doing something wrong. So it would be in Mr. Merrill’s best interest to quit saying that.” Merrill told the board that the Allens had evacuated to North Carolina before Hurricane Irma struck, and he had been unable to reach them for the past week. He indicated, therefore, that he was not certain what their response would be to the board’s decision.

Would you like to be a volunteer?

notes. The Chamber has a web address for people wishing to sign up, with slots open each day of the event. The Crystal Classic typically draws tens of thousands of visitors to Siesta Key. For more information about becoming a volunteer, email Mia Leone at the Chamber: mia@siestakeychamber.com.

Continued from page 3

Road intersection, the report points out. County staff had to remove the tree, the report says. A Florida Power & Light Co. crew assisted, as the tree was leaning on a power line. It took the deputy until 5 a.m. to clear the scene, the report notes. Samir Bakul Cholera also was wearing his seat belt, the report says; no air bag deployed in his sedan. He was not sure of his speed at the time of the crash, the report adds.

In its September newsletter, the Siesta Chamber has put out a call to volunteers for the Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival, which will be held Nov. 9-15 at Siesta Public Beach. Volunteers are needed to assist with admissions; help direct guests waiting in line; and to handle beer, water and merchandise sales, the Chamber newsletter

Your Go-To Store on the Island Morton’s Siesta Market is your one-stop shop for easy island living. We offer a large selection of staple groceries, beer and wine, as well as fresh produce, meats and seafood. In keeping with our Morton’s tradition, we also carry a delicious array of prepared foods, perfect for take-out, picnics, parties and more.

Please stop in and say hello! 205 Canal Road, Siesta Key • 941-349-1474 • MortonsMarket.com

Continued on page 15

Visit our new Siesta Village Liquors just next door!

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2017

941.349.0194

A tax exemption for an historic cottage The pared-down agenda the County Commission handled post-Irma on Sept. 13 included one item related to a historic beach cottage near Point of Rocks. Under the heading of Presentations Upon Request, staff of the county’s Libraries and Historical Resources Department were seeking adoption of a resolution “granting ad valorem tax exemption status to the designated historic single-family residence located at 7132 Point of Rocks Circle, Sarasota, for 100 percent of the value of the qualifying improvements made to the property,” the agenda item said. The exemption would be good for 10 years, commencing on Jan. 1, 2018. With no member of the public present to make comments, and no board member seeking a presentation, Commissioner Alan Maio made the motion to adopt the resolution and to approve an historic preservation property tax exemption covenant between the county and the Barry J. Eckhold Trust, which the agenda identified as the owner of the property. The covenant requires the trust “to maintain the integrity of the qualifying property improvements for the duration of the exemption period.” Commissioner Michael Moran seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The focus of this action is a structure known as the PalmerHonore Beach Cottage. Based on research conducted in the Manatee County historical archives, ownership of the property dates back to 1911, a 2015 county report said. “This information supports the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s record that dates the house as c. 1918. The owner at that time was Mrs. Bertha Potter Palmer,” the report added. “Following her death in 1918, the property went to her estate,” with her brother, Adrianne Honore, acting as executor, the report noted. Bertha Potter Palmer, as many people in this area know, arrived in Sarasota from Chicago in the winter of 1910 and fell in love with the area. She became one of the most prominent people in the history of the county’s development. When she first traveled to Sarasota, “she was preceded by her reputation as a keen businesswoman, a patron of the arts, an international socialite and the widow of Chicago multi-millionaire Potter Palmer,” according to the Sarasota County History Center. “The cottage is historically significant,” the 2015 county report said, because of

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By Rachel Brown Hackney

its “association with early beachfront development in Sarasota County. The simple vernacular style was typical of beach cottages scattered along Siesta Beach up until Sarasota’s post World War II development boom. … Although larger permanent residences have been constructed in the Point of Rocks area, several remaining early beach cottages exist as a reminder of the low scale, small size seasonal structures that had been so common on the barrier islands.”

Honore Palmer cottage beachfront view

Point of Rocks circa 1950 The report also noted the cottage’s “integrity of materials”: original framing, pier foundation, masonry fireplace, exterior siding and interior pressboard wall sheathing, which convey material use and craftsmanship typical of the period in which the structure was built. On April 21, 2015, the County Commission adopted a resolution granting the historic designation of the cottage. A staff memo provided to the board in advance of that meeting said that on Jan. 27, 2015, Greg Hall of Hall Architects, the authorized agent for the property owner — Barry Eckhold — had submitted an application to the county’s Historical Resources Division staff, seeking that designation. A staff memo provided to the board on May 31 of this year explains that the county’s staff and its Historic Preservation Board (HPB) took the necessary steps to ensure that the rehabilitation of the

historic building met the necessary criteria for the trust to seek the ad valorem tax exemption. The HPB provided a recommendation to the County Commission, dated Jan. 24, saying that the County Code allows designated historic sites within the county to seek such exemptions for restoration, renovation or rehabilitation work. However, the overall project cost has to exceed 15% of the value of the property at the time the rehabilitation is undertaken. In this case, the memo notes, the total of

the rehabilitation was $507,530.27. As the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office valued the cottage at $150,200 in 2015 — the year the application for the work was submitted to county staff — that far exceeded the 15% mark, the memo added. According to the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office, the total assessed value of the land and buildings this year is $1,377,200. The Eckhold Trust has owned the property since May 2014, the records show, paying a total of $1.8 million for it.

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941.349.0194

OCTOBER 2017

Start Your Morning on the Right Track at Station 400 There once was a time when all businesses were family businesses, where relatives worked together and as a matter of pride gave their customers/neighbors the very best they possibly could provide. There was no anonymous “they” hovering in some other state making decisions in a corporate office that knew nothing of the towns where their stores were placed, and the people running these shops were not only part of the local business world but of the community they served. What a great time that was, before cold, impersonal chains ruled the business world. Husband and wife Deen and Kelly Fox worked in that corporate world, she in marketing and he for 30 years in the world of big chain restaurants. The hours were long, the cause not their own, and they knew they could do better. Could have better. Could give better. Firm believers in giving back to the community, they take pride in consistently supporting local charities, schools, first responders, sponsoring little league teams, and their very special charity of choice, The Mark Wandall Foundation (a non-profit providing support and assistance to grieving children who have lost a family member or guardian). So they walked away from the corporate safety net and started their own business. And not just any business, but one of the riskiest and most competitive businesses: a restaurant. It was a business they knew and loved but wanted to do their own way, as something that instead of keeping them away from their family would give them something to work on together. When they found the two Station 400 restaurants on the market they were drawn to the picturesque vintage downtown Sarasota railroad station in which the original was housed, as well as the wealth of possibilities offered by its sister restaurant in the upscale Sarasota/Manatee Lakewood Ranch community. Sticking with the kind of “simple” that’s actually sometimes a rather complicated commitment, they chose what and whom they knew and trusted. Local sourcing for their menu went right down to using local honey, and the downtown general manager who just happened to be the longtime friend who initially introduced them. (Talk about job security!) After a while they were looking at a mid-Sarasota location on U.S. 41 known as The Landings Plaza, located at 4832 S. Tamiami Trail. The plaza, named for the gracious residential neighborhood it borders and serves, had seen some businesses come and go through the years, and that included a few restaurants. So what made them dare to step into a space just barely cleared of the ghosts of restaurants past? “It was when it became a Benderson property” Kelly

explains simply. “We were acquainted with the Bendersons, and we knew how properties responded to their touch; it was like King Midas, just turning them to gold.” So they took the leap, transforming the space to a welcoming contemporary French-flavored décor. A model train runs slowly around the walls and past other railroad-related art that keep with the station atmosphere of the original sister restaurant. The decision to be a 7 a.m.to 2:30 p.m. breakfast, brunch, and lunch room was one designed to allow them and their staff a life outside of work, allowing ample time with family despite being open seven days a week (and an hour or so later in the busy season). In the case of the owners it almost seems unnecessary: son Austin is an assistant manager while son Justin is a server; youngest boy Prestin is only five and has already declared in a “What I Want to Be When I Grow Up” school assignment that it’s the restaurant life for him as well. The Landings location managing partner, Kirk Tyree, is a family friend who had worked with Deen at a chain restaurant before they jumped ship to take the restaurant biz to a more personal level. But no amount of determination, good intention, and dashing decor is enough to make a restaurant a success if the food isn’t exceptional. Having lived in Sarasota since 2002 had given the Foxes ample opportunity to become familiar with the restaurants around town and what they offered. In a field this competitive and a town this saturated with places to eat, you’d have to be very, very good to survive. And they are. Station 400 devotees are in love with the Truffles Eggs Benedict and the Fried Green Tomato BLT, but if you’d like to try something different, the Pancake Parlor allows you to choose just one, ranging from Bacon and Salted Caramel to Tiramisu, or plain Buckwheat or Buttermilk. The Mimosa “Craft Concoctions” include: Blood Orange, Hibiscus; Pomegranate Juice; Elderflower, Cucumber, Lemon; Blackberry Bramble; and various seasonal specials. (Check the menu on their website! www. station400.com) No matter what you select from the menu, one thing you’re sure to have at Station 400 is a great time. All aboard!

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

By Charmaine Engelsman-Robins

This Fried Green Tomato BLT and Egg is a favorite among the Station’s devotees

Deen and Kelly Fox

Station 400 / Landings Plaza location: 4832 S. Tamiami Trail 941-927-0402 www.station400.com

The Mimosa Bar offers a selection of seven varieties and various seasonal specialties

You can order this self-indulgent Tiramisu Pancake creation from the Pancake Parlor

A model train runs slowly around the walls and past other railroad-related art that keep with the station atmosphere of the original sister restaurant

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.

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Siesta Sand

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Sheriff’s Report

941.349.0194

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August 22- September 19, 2017

There were a total of 19 crimes reported on the Key from 8/22-9/19/17

8/24 Burglary- Vehicle Public Beach A man reported a vehicle burglary that occurred in August. His car had been parked at the public lot when someone entered his car and stole his wallet and a laptop. The man explained he had been having trouble with his key fob and power locks and assumes the door locks had not properly functioned, leaving his car unlocked at the time of theft. The wallet contained four credit cards, a birth certificate, and Connecticut gun permit. Also stolen were a wedding ring ($850) and a MacBook Pro ($2300) No criminal activity on the cards had been reported. There are no suspects. 8/27 Burglary- Vehicle 600 Block Beach Rd. A gun was reported stolen from a rental vehicle. The car had been parked overnight in a driveway. The Semi Automatic Smith and Wesson Model SW VE handgun ($400) was taken from the center console of the vehicle. There were 14 rounds in the magazine. The victim would be returning to Georgia the following day and said he would call back with the serial number. 8/28/17 Burglary –Residential 600 Block Canal Rd. A man called to report an unknown person(s) had entered an unsecure residence that is currently under construction. A Westinghouse flat screen monitor ($110), a Ryobi Sawzall ($ 80) and Ryobi Drill ($99) were taken from the master bedroom area. There were no serial numbers available for the items taken. 9/3 Battery 5200 Block Ocean Blvd. An officer responded to a village bar in reference to a battery. The manager stated that a male subject had been escorted out of the bar after security witnessed the subject grab the buttocks of a waitress, twice. The man fought with staff and was placed on the ground. The subject, who appeared intoxicated, had blood on his lip and could not explain what had happened. He stated several times that he knew the owner of the bar and that he may become the new owner after this incident. The waitress explained

that she had told the man not to touch her buttocks after he did it the first time but that he did it again. She said that he also grabbed her wrist before security escorted him away. She wanted the incident documented but did not wish to press charges. The manager asked that the subject be removed from the property. 9/5 Battery 5000 Block Ocean Blvd. An officer was called to a disturbance between a man and a woman in a village parking lot. The victim said she and the suspect were in an argument because he wanted her to give him money and that the suspect had grabbed her neck. She wanted to file charges against the defendant for battery. She said she and the defendant are not married, do not have children together and have never lived together. She and the suspect explained that they went to get married, but never validated the marriage license and that the man had never battered her in the past. The suspect said he and the victim had been arguing because she had agreed to get a hotel together, but then she refused. The couple are homeless and have been seen hanging out together around the Key. Officers did not see any visible signs of injury and witnesses said they saw no violence, only a lot of yelling. The victim completed the domestic violence paperwork. She got on a bus and left the Key and the suspect left on foot in the opposite direction. 9/6 Petit Theft 200 Block Canal Rd. The manager of a village grocery reported a theft. According to the manager, a man entered the store,

grabbed some cheese from a shelf and placed it in his cargo pants. He then attempted to buy a bag of chips. When it was discovered that he didn’t have enough money, he put the chips back and walked towards the exit of the store with the cheese still in his pocket. When the manager confronted him about the cheese, he took it out of his pocket, gave it back and ran out of the store. He was later identified and placed under arrest for petit theft. The suspect has multiple prior petit theft convictions. 9/8 Theft 5000 Block Midnight Pass Rd. An unknown suspect entered onto a condominium property and removed an ATV that the business uses on the beach. The manager stated that she had possession of the keys and that the suspects must have rolled it on to a truck or trailer in order to remove it. 9/11 Burglary- Residential 7100 Block Point Of Rocks Cir. A man returning to his home after the storm noticed a window on the east side of his residence was open. He assumed it had to do with the storm and checked his residence. He noticed two Omega watches ($800 each) were missing from his upstairs bedroom nightstand. He checked the dishwasher where he stored a jewelry box. That box which contained a gold bracelet and several other pieces of jewelry ($900) was also missing. The scene was examined and pry marks were found on the window, possibly from a screwdriver. The man said his neighbors had nothing missing from their homes and didn’t observe anything suspicious.

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OCTOBER 2017

New boutique hotel on the island In a report to the board dated Aug. 11, Matt Osterhoudt, director of the county’s Planning and Development Services Department, and Zoning Administrator Donna Thompson wrote that they believed a privately initiated zoning amendment would be more appropriate than a public one, because “the issue appears to focus on a specific project …” Since late last year, Dr. Gary Kompothecras, a chiropractor known for his “1-800-AskGary” advertising, has been working on an initiative to construct what his attorney has described as a boutique hotel on the island. “When that attorney, Charles Bailey III of the Williams Parker firm, asked earlier this year for an interpretation of the SKOD language regarding commercial construction setbacks, Thompson responded in writing that the island’s regulations are superseded by the general county regulations. Therefore, a building taller than 35 feet in a Commercial General district would have to be set back a distance equal to half its height, with 25 feet as the minimum. The maximum height for commercial structures on the county’s barrier islands is 85 feet, she pointed out, so 42.5 feet would be the maximum setback. Bailey appealed Thompson’s findings to the county’s Board of Zoning Appeals. On June 12, that board voted 3-2 to side with Thompson. Subsequently, Sarasota attorney Robert Lincoln filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court on behalf of Kompothecras’ limited liability company, Siesta Acquisitions, seeking to overturn the Board of Zoning Appeals decision. However, based on the July 12 County Commission discussion, Judge Frederick Mercurio agreed to a joint motion of the county and Siesta Acquisitions to put the litigation on hold, pending the outcome of the zoning amendment process. During the County Commission’s Aug. 29 meeting, Moran brought up the Aug. 11 staff report. “We need guidance, I think,” he told County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh. He was afraid if the commission insisted on a privately initiated SKOD amendment, he said, that that “would impair [the] litigation in some way.” “I don’t have an intended outcome or suggestion,” DeMarsh replied. County Administrator Tom Harmer pointed out that the staff memo said the SKOD change essentially would apply to a specific situation. He also referenced a second statement in the memo: “Please note that staff is unaware of any other circumstances where the SKOD setbacks have been a critical issue for an applicant or property owner.” “I think the answer is for us to take leadership in this,” Moran said. Then he made the motion to direct staff to pursue the

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Continued from cover story

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Fandango building next to Siesta Key Storage publicly initiated SKOD amendment, but it died for lack of a second. Commissioner Charles Hines said he concurred with staff that, until Kompothecras, Mark Smith and others broached the issue on July 12, he had not heard from anyone who desired to have the SKOD commercial setback requirements changed. “Let them bring [the proposed amendment] to us,” he added of representatives of Siesta Acquisitions. “Then we’ll hear the debate …” If they disagreed with the board’s decision, Hines added, they could go back to Judge Mercurio. DeMarsh said the case has been held in abeyance until after a conclusion has been reached at the County Commission level. Replying to a request for comment, Siesta Acquisitions’ attorney, Charles Bailey III, wrote in an Aug. 31 email, “In short, I do understand the County Commission’s desire … that the amendment be privatelyinitiated. From a practical standpoint, it does not matter whether a clarifying amendment to the Zoning Regulations is initiated by the County or a private landowner. … We thought this made sense as a publicly-owned amendment process, controlled by the County, would give a greater opportunity for public input. Nevertheless, as there are several engaged Siesta Key commercial property owners concerned over this issue and aware of the substantial negative impact the [Board of Zoning Appeals] interpretation has on their ability to redevelop their lands, I suspect many are eager to work with the County on this to process a clarifying amendment to the County Commission.”

Siesta residents’ continuing opposition On Aug. 29, Catherine Luckner, vice president of the Siesta Key Association (SKA), sent the board a letter, indicating support of the privately initiated zoning code amendment. As the organization “represents residential and other property owners on Siesta Key,” she wrote on behalf of the SKA directors, “we ask you consider our primary goal is to support and maintain the standards within the Siesta Key Overlay (SKOD) regulations. … Any modification of the SKOD Zoning is worthy of public input and we would request participation in any such process.” When news of Kompothecras’ hotel plans first broke in December 2016, Siesta resident Lourdes Ramirez was among the first to oppose them, citing concerns about increasing density and intensity of commercial uses on the barrier island. The SKOD already allows for tourist accommodations, she pointed out. Ramirez is a past president of the Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA). When SNL notified her about the Aug. 29 County Commission discussion, she responded in an email, “I’m not thrilled with the idea of going through the text amendment process when I know Siesta’s residents will overwhelmingly oppose the change to reduce setbacks on commercial buildings. It’s a waste of our resources. But at least the county commissioners recognize that this request is to benefit just one entity and if this entity wants the shorter setbacks for his upcoming project then he should pay for the text amendment process.

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Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2017

941.349.0194

Restaurant/Fish Market Serves Up a Big Dose of Seafood Freshness Living in Florida, you expect to find fresh seafood no matter where you dine. If you are a local seafood lover, you probably have a mental list of go-to restaurants which serve the freshest seafood. This new, up and coming restaurant/fish market will undoubtedly find a place on your list. Fresh Catch Fish Market & Grill, located at 7119 S. Tamiami Trail, just south of Stickney Point Road in the Buccaneer Plaza, is a casual restaurant/market with indoor and outdoor seating for close to 30. It occupies the space formerly known as G’s Pizza. The father/son duo, Bob and Devon Provost have a serious passion for seafood which started way back when the family lived in the Boston area. Their simply prepared, never-fried, never-frozen dishes are paired with a variety of simple sauces that serve to complement, so the freshness of the seafood shines.

www.siestasand.net

Shop Local Card to make its debut

the freshest key lime pie. This is a fresh market and restaurant. I highly recommend. Family owned and small. You watch the meal being prepared while you wait. • If you like a quiet, small intimate Restaurant with very good food - this is the place. The staff is very accommodating and looking to please the patrons. When the sides didn’t meet the dietary needs of one of our party, they offered off the menu choices. The Restaurant is a small storefront location that you need to know is there or you will miss it. Make the effort and try this place if you are looking for great food, fresh fish and pleasant staff. Did I mention all of this at a very good price. !!! • Wow! If you want FRESH local fish that is fairly priced than this is your place. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and experience. Everyone left saying “That was amazing!” Fortunately

for us we went after the Your fish/seafood lunch rush so we enjoyed a selection goes from personalized tour of the fish the case onto the grill. Prepared grilled or case and menu. Since we are blackened, topped with from the west coast many lemon and butter, Pico fish were new to us. We all de Gallo or tropical salsa. chose the Snowy Grouper Served with a fresh ear of grilled to perfection for corn on the cob and baby either the fish plate, tacos As seen on abc7, Suncoast View with chef Judy, roasted potatoes. Soups, and a sandwich. We have Best New Restaurants (April 5, 2017) salads, sandwiches and one family member who steam pots round out the refuses to eat fish and he menu. If room permits, be sure to order said the cheeseburger was amazing. The a slice of their homemade key lime pie. restaurant is casual, nicely decorated and Bob’s wife, Debra, makes the key lime very clean. The grill and fish case are right pie, using freshly whipped cream. The up front so you know exactly what you restaurant also offers a nice selection of are getting. It’s also a market if you want beers and wines. fresh fish to go. You will be glad you went! See more reviews online at Yelp and Trip Advisor Here’s what patrons are saying Special orders and reservations about the restaurant online: accepted • “Freshest place in Town” Absolutely must try this one. Lobster Fresh Catch Fish Market and Grill bisque and clam chowder started out the is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., meal. Very fresh and abundant clams and Devon, Debra, and Monday through Saturday. lobster. Then we tried the grilled amberjack Bob Provost 941-413-7133 with pineapple salsa and garden fresh corn freshcatchfishmarketandgrill.com on the cob. Also had the blacked grouper tacos with the

The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce is preparing to kick off a new promotion at the end of September, inviting people to “Shop, Dine & Stay Local.” Cards that will be valid for 12 months will offer specials from participating restaurants, retail stores and accommodations, Ann Frescura, the Chamber’s executive director, reported at the Chamber’s quarterly meeting in August. Although the promotion originally was planned to begin Sept. 1, she and her staff are aiming for the end of September. “The cards are at the printer.” Nearly 30 businesses have signed up, she added. During the Aug. 16 meeting, Frescura said she was pleased to see diversity among the participants in the promotions. “That’s what we were looking for.” For examples of what the cards will offer, Frescura called on Kay Kouvatsos, co-owner of Village Café. The restaurant already had added to its menu “little doughnuts filled with Nutella,” Kouvatsos said. The holder of a Shop Local Card would be able to get a free order with the purchase of two breakfasts, she added. The doughnuts are priced at $6.95, Kouvatsos noted. “It’s a decent value.” The Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB) will offer drink specials, General Manager Stephanie Brown pointed out, while Mason Tush of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters said CB’s will give a cardholder a $20 discount on a boat rental. “We can continue to add [businesses to the list] as new members come in,” Frescura explained. “It’s kind of an evolving promotion.” A sign-up sheet she provided at the meeting said the cards will be sold at the Chamber for $25 each, or five for $100. They will be made of a hard plastic, similar in style to a credit card. “These are perfect for residents, tourists, gift giving, and make great stocking stuffers!” the sheet adds. Each participating businesses will receive a sign that can be placed in its window, it will be featured on a printed flyer and it will be included on the Chamber website’s list touting the promotion.

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Crystal Classic dates announced The 2017 Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival will be held Nov. 10-13, organizers have announced. This will be the eighth installment of the event on Siesta Public Beach, which will feature 24 “of the premier master sand sculptors from all over the world,” competing for first place on the No. 1 beach, a news release points out. Several artists from past years will be present again, including last year’s first-place winners, Abe Waterman and Walter MacDonald, as well as Kirk Rademaker and Matt Long, the release notes. The Siesta Key Crystal Classic has hosted more than 200,000 attendees, the release adds. In only 24 sculpting hours — spanning the four-day event — the artists create sand masterpieces — some more than 10 feet tall — “and transform the always beautiful Siesta Beach into an outdoor art gallery,” the release says. This year, the event hours will be extended to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 2017 Chair Maria Bankemper announced during the May 17 Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce general meeting. The reason: “to light up the sculptures with colored light and make [them] a spectacular centerpiece.” She pointed out that the sand “is very reflective.” Live music will be presented by Reverend Barry & Funktastic Soul on Friday night and by One Night Rodeo on Saturday night, the release says. “Drinks

will be flowing at the party tent,” it notes. The festival is more than just a matter of sand, the release explains. It also features live music along with a large village of vendors with all sorts of items to sell, including food and drinks. Among the other activities are the “Quick Sand” competitions — during which the artists demonstrate just how fast they can transform a small amount of sand into a sculpture — sand sculpting lessons, an amateur competition and The Learning Curve, an educational and fun area for children. For more information and to purchase advance tickets and parking passes, visit the website: www.siestakeycrystalclassic.com.

Siesta Key Round-Up Graffiti not gang-related Because the Aug. 16 Siesta Chamber quarterly membership meeting followed so soon after graffiti was found spray-painted at Siesta Public Beach and in other locations on the island, that topic also arose. Chair Mark Smith noted that a fence along Treasure Boat Way, a facility used by Frontier Communications and a condo building also were spray-painted, or “tagged,” as the addition of graffiti is called. Smith pointed out that when the county undertook its two-year renovation project at the beach — which officially concluded in February 2016 — staff included wiring for security cameras. However, apparently because of the expense, no cameras ever were installed. Perhaps it is time the county found the funding to take that extra step, Smith continued, as surveillance video might have led

Continued from page 9

to the identification of suspects. “This is a real shame,” he added of the situation. Kay Kouvatsos of Village Café suggested that perhaps, because of concerns about disrupting turtles during nesting season, the county had installed such a low level of nighttime lighting that cameras would not be able to pick up images well after dark. More sophisticated cameras that could operate in such low-level lighting, she added, would be a lot costlier. “We’re talking Green Beret type of stuff,” Smith concurred laughingly. “We just all need to be vigilant,” he added, keeping an eye out for suspicious activity at night and in the early-morning hours. Then Michael Shay asked Sgt. Jason Mruczek, the Sheriff’s Office’s substation leader on the Key, whether the graffiti appeared to be gang-related. Shay added that he had heard a rumor that since “Orlando” was one of the words spray-painted on structures, the perpetrators were from an Orlando gang.

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“It did not appear to be associated with any known gangs,” Mruczek replied, noting that was the view of the department detectives who deal with gangs.

County property owners should get to park for free During the most recent quarterly general meeting of members of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, Chair Mark Smith announced that the Board of Directors finally had settled on a position on the potential for a paid parking program at Siesta Public Beach. “All Sarasota County property owners,” he said, should be able to park for free at the beach. That was the decision the board members arrived at “after much discussion,” Smith pointed out during the Aug. 16 meeting, which was held at St. Boniface Episcopal Church. Continued on page 28

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Surviving Irma As I was packing a small suitcase for a three day stay, I tuned into our local channel 7 Weather. Bob Harrigan gave the news that we could indeed get a direct hit. That began a cascade of emotions and thoughts of what I needed to pack up in the event our home might be gone. I evaluated items in my home and closet that I would surely miss and proceeded to pack them up. In order to prepare for the possibility of being without power, I cooked food from the freezer then froze again with the thought that they could be thawed and eaten at room temp. (a hint from Judy Gallagher Ch. 7 dining) We packed up a few meals that could be heated in the microwave at the hotel and enjoyed with a glass of wine. Sunday evening our hotel lost power. We then relied on the battery-operated radio from our hurricane survival box. Hearing that Irma made landfall in Naples we felt relief for ourselves but so sorry for our neighbors to the south. Monday morning we got a text from Mike Cosentino with a photo of a huge tree blocking access to our street. By the time we got there Mike was cutting up a 40 ft. cedar tree. Mike stayed on the key through the storm checking on friends homes and clearing access for their return. We are so grateful for the blessing of returning to our home that sustained no damage other than fallen branches. Never lost power, TV or internet. … We discovered that Crescent Beach Grocery lost power and unfortunately lost all of their perishable food and had to throw out two commercial dumpsters with spoiled food. Nancy Connelly and her crew worked tirelessly to get restocked, sterilize the store, and are ready to serve the needs of our Siesta Key community. We are so happy to see they reopened.” Zach Peavler, owner of the Local Bean stayed at a friend’s condo down at the Excelsior at the Gulf. “Their building was hit by the tornado in 2016, and their unit didn’t suffer any damage during that storm. We had power

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Zach Peavler through the whole thing during Irma. I think that was a matter of luck. I stocked up on some water bottles I bottled at home. I had food, but maybe not enough; had it been worse, say a Category 4, I would have been woefully unprepared for that one. I brought myself a book and the water and some food, and I tried to just ride it out like it was a weekend at a cabin or something. I couldn’t ask for a better bomb shelter there. It was category one, had it been worse than that I probably should have gotten out of town. I live here on the island I have a business on the island, and I wanted to be close by to survey the damage. Power returned by Tuesday at the business; we had to toss some things out; and we opened on Wednesday. But at my home on the Key power was out until Friday.”

Michael Shay Michael Shay, maintenance manager for the Siesta Key Village Maintenance Corp. [Siesta Key Improvement District] found the Village to be in good shape. “We really didn’t have any significant damage in the Village, other than fallen fronds and some street lamps that aren’t working and some map kiosks that aren’t lit. On at least two of the decorative lamp posts, the

globe is gone from the posts. One of the globes was laying on the side of the road, and I grabbed it. I notified the county that I have it, and the county’s transportation operations will eventually repair it. The other one is missing. In the scheme of things these are minor issues. At the last minute, it [Irma] shifted east, and we are very, very lucky. Thank God. I know many businesses were up and running. There are some very big trees throughout the Key down, but in the Village I didn’t see any large trees down.”

Connie Lewis Connie Lewis, Siesta resident since 1994 and longtime owner of Massage Experience Siesta Key, located in the Village didn’t stick around. “I decided to leave on Tuesday [Sept. 5] when I saw the cone of uncertainty was the entire peninsula, because I live on the Key and knew there would be a mandatory evacuation. I knew we were going to have to leave. I took my inventory of skincare products and expensive machine to do facials with and brought them home and put it all as high as I could in the loft. I got tickets to Bruce Springsteen on Broadway for October and took those tickets and put them in a plastic bag in my purse so they would be with me. Most places north and west were all booked up, and I was lucky to find an air bnb that was an old mansion in Marianna, Florida, this small, historic town near Alabama. We had a huge suite with two rooms and they said I could take the dogs because it was an evacuation. It was not that easy getting there and worse coming home. It was very surreal there, because every one else was

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an evacuee. But the manager of the air bnb was a massage therapist and she gave me a massage. The worse part was on Sunday watching on CNN the mayor of Tampa telling everyone this worst kind of hell that will happen to us. That was when they were expecting a direct hit … that was the most awful, scary part of it for me. I had to come to terms with everything I worked for, for 20 years, my home and my office could be destroyed. I cried for a little bit, and had to come to terms with that maybe it would be time for a new start. … I opened the business as soon as I could, after I returned, but nobody was around when I came back — the girls working for me were out of town or taking care of their properties. I had one lady come in and she was so thankful, she wrote me a handwritten, beautiful card. She was so astounded I opened the day after I came back from an evacuation, and she needed a massage so badly. It made me feel good to get some semblance of normalcy. Now, we have some people with post traumatic stress coming in, they just want to sleep. Everyone is sore and tired from moving debris and emotionally drained. Locals are coming in as they try to get over it and some people who booked vacations are still coming in. We were lucky, obviously, but the sentiment has been it was like Russian roulette, with the anticipatory stress and then relief.”

Mike Cosentino Mike Cosentino, longtime Siesta resident and president of Reopen Beach Road decided to ride out the storm. “Right at the peak, I drove down to the pier and stood on the beach.

It was awesome. It was just a really cool sort of display of nature’s power. It was safe, actually, because the wind was blowing straight onshore so there was no debris; what would have been more unsafe is standing in your front yard. And I never lost cable or power, so I was watching the coverage, so I knew at that point the eye of the storm was just south of Arcadia and inland ... If my power had went out, and it was still a Category 4, that would have been a different situation. I was working boarding up people’s homes, and I spent Saturday boarding up my house. Between that, I was going to see my friends’ houses and businesses and just making sure I didn’t see anything off, any signs of looting. I didn’t see anything [here].” … I have a big truck and chains, and on Monday was out just driving around the Key clearing trees out of roads.”

Ann Frescura Ann Frescura, Siesta Key Chamber Executive Director helped provide important information before the arrival of Hurricane Irma. “The Chamber gathered and shared local resource information for County and emergency services, weather reports, shelters, evacuation, etc. Our volunteers did an excellent job fielding numerous phone calls, emails, and walkin visitors. Some visitors had evacuated from Miami or South Florida, to Siesta Key, and now were looking for yet another place to relocate to. “In the office, we secured the back door as best we could; unplugged and covered all computers, printers, etc., and took a box of important papers and contacts, the laptop computer, Continued on the next page

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Hurricane IRMA Images

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Additional photos on pages 18 and 38

A large Australian Pine hangs precariously over Midnight Pass Road near the Tropical Circle neighborhood. Photo by Bob Stein Lost tree limbs on tree near public restrooms at Siesta Beach. Photo by Lourdes Ramirez

Tree near concession stand lost a few big limbs. Area cordoned off so crews can work on it. Note the Siesta Key sign survived the storm. Photo by Lourdes Ramirez

Continued from the previous page

and an external hard drive with us when we left. With office phones out on Monday, September 10, calls were transferred to my cell phone – which rang off the hook! Everyone I spoke to was very appreciative to hear a real voice and relieved that Siesta Key was alive and well. The Chamber is very proud of our community and the way everyone has come together to help and support one another. “A transformer blew Friday (Sept. 15) evening which caused a power outage to some businesses, including the Chamber office, located in the Davidson Plaza in the Village. Power came back on that Saturday evening – so we are all good. The Chamber Office was closed Saturday, September 9th due to impending evacuation of Siesta Key, and Saturday, September 16, due to the temporary power outage.” Ali Mammana, Siesta resident and co-owner of Judith Guzzi and Associates Real Estate in Siesta Village, decided to evacuate ahead of the possible storm surge. “We bought all the food we could and a ton of ice, then we went to the Hibiscus Suites Inn just off the Key on Stickney Point Road. We were worried about the surge. We came back after the storm to check our house and my parents house on the Key and now we are staying at a friend’s house here. We are very fortunate

Low hanging wires on Columbus Blvd. Photo by Bob Stein

Ali Mammana

Brian Wigglesworth

we have somewhere to stay. We were going to try to suck it up and stay at our home, but it is like a hot box. As of Sept. 18, we still did not have power. I check the FPL website everyday. A large tree almost hit the building we own [housing the real estate company] behind the Sun Trust on Siesta Key. It just missed the front porch. We drove up, and I was like “Oh my God.” We are looking into getting a generator. We really lost all our food. We are from New Jersey, and Sandy had hit us before we moved here. But we lost power for a week, only about five days then. A friend saw five or six trucks coming over the north bridge, so we thought we would have power soon, but nope….”

Bee Ridge Road area in Center Gate, and we stayed at Brookside Middle School shelter. There was a ton of dogs and no dogs were fighting. It was almost like they knew. By the time I got down to the Key after the storm, the power was on there. There was no damage at all to Gidget’s. Even our flower boxes out front were fine. That building was built recently, so it is one of the few hurricane resistant buildings on the Key. But we worried about friends and neighbors. We closed early this Thursday but just because not a lot of people were around and we had employees that were coming back from out of town. I am sure they needed some rest. It is our slowest time of year anyway. There was a big two-foot wide tree that fell on Ocean just before the curve into the Village and I know a condo lost its carport. But the Indian Mound saved us again. We missed the brunt of it.

Brian Wigglesworth, co owner of Gidget’s Coastal Provisions in the Village and founder of the Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting evacuated to a nearby shelter. “We live near Cattleman and

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Hurricane IRMA Images Additional photos on page 38

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Irma By Sandra Tugwell

Hurricane Irma came to visit the world Her winds were vicious counterclockwise they twirled Born in the Atlantic the worst of her kind She put all in her path in a terrible bind Her track was unknown as each day went by And forecasters were flummoxed yo predict where she’d climb But climb she did steadily northwest Putting each island she encountered to a terrible test Flinging their buildings hither and yon Turning dry land into raging ponds Barbuda was shattered, Antigua as well And people in Cuba thought they were in hell

Downed palm on Avenida Veneccia. Photos by Bob Stein

Then on to Florida the keys her first stop The land there is low so everyone closed shop Miami was next on her dangerous route But she didn’t care, she didn’t give a hoot And then she decided to make her turn north And on to the Gulf Coast she went forth First to Marco Island her landfall was there And as happened before she didn’t care What damage she caused, what destruction she wrought And to us human beings this lesson she taught Don’t live here unless you can put up with my kind To my power I warn you, you shouldn’t be blind

Downed tree on Midnight Pass near Shadow Lawn

Then on up the coast with flooding and wind She made a move east which caused much chagrin On to Orlando in the midst of the night She put many a sleeper in a terrible plight Water rose fast in their bedrooms and more They had to be rescued and that made them sore But their plight was our savior, our winds were much less And for this I wonder can we thank the princess? Her damage continued on up the east coast Jacksonville, Savannah, and Charleston were her hosts But finally her wrath began to be spent As a tropical storm onward she went

Blown out fences are spotted down Midnight Pass Road

And now she’s just rain, a storm, nothing more But we’ll all remember Irma, her name used no more.

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Paid Parking: Results from the Siesta Key Association survey On Aug. 4, the SKA emailed its latest survey to members. This one is in response to a July 11 County Commission discussion regarding the potential for charging people to park at Siesta Public Beach. Commissioners indicated a keen interest in using the resulting revenue to boost mass transit options that would decrease traffic on the Key. The survey also asked members how they feel about the possibility of the county’s charging for parking at Turtle Beach, in the public parking lot in the Village, at a proposed new parking lot/Siesta Key Breeze stop on South Midnight Pass Road and at all the county’s beach accesses. Further, it inquired about members’ views on whether county property owners and/or those people whose primary legal residences are in the county should pay to park. This survey is the third the SKA has undertaken thus far this year. The first was on the open-air trolley — the Breeze — that the county operates for free. The second encompassed questions about a series of hot topics on the Key — from the potential for a new hotel to members’ views on the proposed Siesta Promenade mixeduse development at the intersection of Stickney Point Road and U.S. 41. The final results of the paid parking closed on September 6 with the results being forwarded on to Carolyn Brown at Sarasota County. Note the responses are not individuals but SKA member households. SKA has 1,405 active members/ households. The number of responses were 693 households.

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Monday, the day after hurricane Irma, the lifeguard stand was moved closer to the dunes by the county. Note how far the water was the day after the storm. Photo by Lourdes Ramirez

Literally sweating it out By Rachel Brown Hackney While many Sarasota County operations were returning to near normalcy by the afternoon of Sept. 14, residents still without power were the most frustrated. As of 4 p.m. Sept. 14, Florida Power & Light Co. reported that 67,000 customers in the county had no electricity, out of the 218,840 affected by Irma. The good news was that 151,840 customers once again were enjoying use of the internet and their televisions, among all the other modern conveniences operated by electricity. FPL continued to post this note on its Power Tracker website: “We estimate we will have restored power to essentially all of our customers along the west coast service territory by the end of day, Sept. 22, with the possible exception of areas impacted by tornadoes, severe flooding and other pockets of severe damage.” That was no comfort whatsoever to Siesta Key resident Michael Shay and 52 other customers apparently served by the same part of FPL’s grid. What infuriated Shay was that he had been reporting outages each month since April to FPL. They ranged from one hour in duration to three or four hours, he added. Each time, he learned from the power company’s online reporting system that 53 customers were affected. “The same 53 customers,” he felt sure, he said. “We’ve had a problem, a consistent problem, that FPL has not addressed, he added. After filing a formal complaint in August, Shay continued, he learned from a company representative who called him that the matter was being turned over to an FPL engineer and it would be resolved. He never heard another word from the company about it, he said, and then Irma hit. “Right now, I’m sitting here in the house,” he said, with the temperature in the 80s. He was keeping the windows shut, he continued, for fear that the high humidity would exacerbate his misery. Still, Shay was left to wonder whether repairs to what he suspects was a single piece of equipment would have meant his power would have been restored before that afternoon. He and his wife and dog did evacuate the Key, as directed by Sarasota County Emergency Management staff on Sept. 8, and while the power did go out at the home of his host, it came back on within probably 12 hours, he added. Although he could continue to spend nights at the host’s home, Shay said, he feared leaving his house unoccupied for long stretches. Already, he pointed out, he had seen several suspicious vehicles driving through his neighborhood. He added that he remained wary not only of scam artists, but also opportunists looking to break into unoccupied homes. “There’s nobody in my complex. It’s a ghost town.” “I know this is a difficult time for FPL,” he acknowledged, but he hoped company reps would take him more seriously whenever he actually could reach an FPL employee again, with emphasis on the “whenever.” Power was finally restored on September 18.

Florida’s first execution in 18 months took place on August 24th. It carried out a sentence handed down almost 30 years ago when Mark Asay was convicted of the racially motivated murder of Robert Lee Booker and Robert McDowell in 1987. Booker was black and trial testimony established Asay used a racial epithet before he fired the shot that killed him. Part of the delay in Asay’s execution – the last 18 months – was due to a review by the Florida Supreme Court of the state’s death penalty guidelines, with the result that those guidelines have now been revised to require a unanimous jury decision for the death penalty to be applied. Which means losers like Joseph Smith, who raped and murdered Sarasota preteen Carlie Brucia in 2004, now gets a new sentencing trial since the death penalty handed down by the jury that convicted him in 2005 was not unanimous decision. Friends and supporters of the Brucia family protested Smith’s vacated death sentence in downtown Sarasota last month, poignantly pointing out that there can be no such vacated sentence for Carlie. Just consider the numbers here: 30 years for Asay’s sentence to be carried out? 12 and counting for Smith, who may now get a life sentence instead. Last month in this space we mentioned the case of Giuseppe Zangara who was convicted of murder and attempted murder in the aftermath of his failed attempt to assassinate Franklin Delano Roosevelt in Miami Beach in 1933. (As explained, his shot missed the mark, killing the mayor of Chicago instead). His famous last words were “Push the Button.” Now consider this: Zangara’s crime took place on February 15, 1933. He was tried, convicted and executed over a span of just five weeks, culminating in his death in the electric chair on March 20, 1933. Now that’s a swift administration of Justice.

Working Against a Stiff Headwind Throughout most of September the folks at Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates (SANCA) – the group charged with pulling off the World Rowing Championships finishing up this week at Benderson Park – must have felt like Sisyphus pushing his legendary boulder up the hill only to have it tumble back down to the bottom as it neared the top, sending the forlorn Sisyphus back down to retrieve it and begin the task anew.

Besides all the other obstacles involved in pulling off an undertaking of this magnitude, the group had to deal with 18 inches of rain on August 27-28 that swamped the park, washing away freshly laid sod near the northern entrance, inundating picnic tables along the shore and costing valuable time needed to pull everything together before the arrival of thousands of rowers, their support staff, families, spectators and members of the media in the days leading up to the event’s start date of September 24th. Then came Hurricane Irma on the 10th of September, with more rain (though less than the earlier deluge) and wind gusts of up to 70 mph.

Trees were uprooted at the south end of the lake and dozens of recently planted Royal Palms on the north end were knocked down like dominoes. Of all the thought and planning that went into this event over several years, the one vulnerability that remained unchanged throughout was the start date near the peak of Hurricane season. There are few places more beautiful and better equipped to stage a competition like this than here in Sarasota. Just the same, there are few places in the nation more dangerous from the standpoint of weather than Florida in September, a lesson we all just learned anew.

A Fan to the End... Longtime Philadelphia Eagles fan Clayton Riegel passed away recently, but before he did, he added one final wish to his last will and testament: that eight members of the team serve as pallbearers at his funeral so that, in his words, “The Eagles can let me down one last time.”

25-Year Columnist Tom Lyons Leaves Herald Tribune Veteran Sarasota Herald Tribune columnist Tom Lyons left the paper recently due to a disagreement with management stemming from his being reassigned to an editor he says he is unwilling to work under. That explanation comes from the award-winning columnist’s Facebook page, where he goes

on to say: “had my new editor been, say, Steve Bannon, I might have given it a go. Assigning this particular editor to me was a sharp stick in the eye.” Lyons does not name the editor he was reassigned to, but local private investigator Bill Warner reports on his web page billwarnerpi.com that it was ‘apparently’ Lee Williams, formerly a Herald Tribune reporter and author of gunwriter. com. Williams was recently named the paper’s new Topics Editor. Warner describes the animus between the two men as being rooted in the same clash of ideologies that has surfaced in so many corners of daily life in recent months, describing Lyons as ‘anti-cop, anti-local government, anti-US military’ and more while describing Williams as ‘pro-cop, pro-local government and pro-US Military.’ I haven’t read much of Williams’ work, but I have been a regular reader of Lyons since he arrived at the Herald Tribune from the Gainesville Sun twenty or so years ago. While I wouldn’t be surprised if his political leanings are left of center (not unusual among journalists), I have always found his reasoning to be fair to those on both sides of the issues he has written about, even if I disagreed with his ultimate conclusions on a particular subject. And I certainly wouldn’t call him anti-cop, unless questioning the conduct of one cop in one instance can be considered an indictment of all cops in all cases. I think the best thing you can say about a columnist dealing with personal and policy disputes like Lyons has for so many years is that he or she is fair. Or at least tries to be. I believe that can be said about Lyons. I wish him luck. And the Herald Tribune too. I still love newspapers. He made theirs better.

Bumper Sticker of the Day

My Reality Check Bounced

Sarasota Disappoints NBC News? Lester Holt and the whole NBC Evening News team showed up in Sarasota the day after Irma swept through the area. And you just know it wasn’t to highlight our luck in dodging a direct hit. More likely, it was in anticipation of what was expected to be landscape of mayhem and loss. Oh well, their loss is our gain...

Instant Karma? University of Tampa sociology professor Kenneth Storey blew up the twitersphere in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey’s Texas landfall when he tweeted that while he didn’t believe in instant karma, it just might explain the devastation in Houston the storm caused as being pay back for Texas voting Republican in the last national election. The University of Tampa promptly fired the professor, proving that, yes professor, there really is such a thing as Instant Karma.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

OCTOBER 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

VILLAGE MAP pgs 22 - 23

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 42

GULF GATE SHOPS pgs 28 - 29

CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 24

LOCAL MAPS INSIDE

LIVE MUSIC PAGE 26

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 by Ethan Dennerstein

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

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2017

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Irma-Sucks-A Lot-A-Palooza The Irma-Sucks-A-Palooza event, hosted by Gilligan’s Island Bar & Restaurant which is located in the Village, was a great success. “Thank you to all the bands, sponsors, partners, neighbors and staff that helped make it so great. We’d especially like to thank those of you that participated and donated. Because of you we were able to raise just over $10,000 to help the hurricane relief

DISCOVERTHEYEAROFTHE

effort in SW Florida. We had several people from the Keys that were at the event. They were all so grateful for the effort being made on their community’s behalf. We are proud and happy to have been able to help. We are also looking to support other businesses with their events to help the hurricane relief effort. Thanks again for all your support,” said Manager, Mike Gatz.

Daiquiri

NOTICE: Looking fo

For those that have enjoyed The Village Barber over the yea Scott at his new location. In Jul moving out of the Village an stepfather Pete Sparks had been for the past 20 years. The Siesta ownership of the Ocean Blvd bu to expectations he and Sparks h announced his retirement and R Gate Barbershop at 6575 Gatew reach Scott Reich at 941-346to 4:30 p.m. Tues – Fri, and Sat

MEET ME AT THE DECK!

2-4-1

3-7 PM Y L I A D S I DAIQUIR ACCOMMODATIONS Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa.....Map-A #38A ANTIQUES Relics on the Key .................................Map-D #9 ART GALLERY / STUDIO Calle Studios..........................................Map-B #32 The Gallery on Siesta Key................... Map-D #11 ATM / BANKS PNC ATM.............................................. Map-C #61 Martin Funding.......................................Map-E #1 Sun Trust Bank & ATM..........................Map-E #4 BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Blaśe Café.............................................Map-A #38 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar.................Map-B #42-43 Gilligan’s.............................................. Map-B #33 Siesta Key Oyster Bar......................... Map-B #45 The Beach Club...................................Map-D #22 The Cottage........................................... Map-C #58 The Hub-Baja Grill............................... Map-D #59

NOW WITH 4 LOCATIONS...

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

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

DAIQUIRIDECK.COM

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

Map C #61

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

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OCTOBER 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Yes Solórzano’s Late Night Pizzeria NEVER CLOSED! Let me tell you guys about our experience By Phil Solorzano I am so proud of my team, and the hard work we all put in Monday, September 11, following Irma’s pathway through Sarasota, to serve our area in such hard times. The amount of people we took care of was unimaginable. We did it with no power, no electricity, no AC, just a generator, flashlights, candles (donated from our loving customers) and lots of ice from our loving neighbors next door at Monk’s Steamer Bar. I was on the phone all day with my good friend Nick at IL PANIFICIO trying to see if we could use his dough mixer when we ran out of dough. He of course said no problem; as soon as we get our mixers on he would let us know. Nick was dealing with the same problem we had, so we were going to let each other know as soon as one of us got our electricity working again. That’s how businesses come together and work together baby. The electricity never went on, customers kept coming in, and I had to come up with something fast. My brother’s store Solorzano Bros. is closed on Mondays and he let me

take all his cheese and dough he already had in his cooler. That was a huge help. I thought that would last but man was I wrong. We were already over 500 pizzas sold by 3pm. Channel 7 News, Channel 8 News and the radio had us on the air and people came pouring in the doors. We were at almost a 2 - 3 hour wait time on pizza. We had to make only small pies with one or two toppings, four max per person, just to make sure we could feed everybody. My manager Kenny said, “Phil, we’re running out of dough again.” I said, “that’s impossible!” We went through 8 batches of dough by 5 pm. I’m running out of dough, no one has electricity to let me use their dough mixer, I got a line around the block, and over 100 ticket orders on the board, what do you do? I start making the dough by hand. Four 50 pound bags of dough rolled by hand, just me for 2 1/2 hours straight, customers were happy, they got hot food and we were able to take care of our community during a time when no one had electricity. The amount of love and respect that was in

the building the whole day is something I will never forget, something positive came out of something so negative, but our community Sarasota, got through it. I love you all, and thank you for such an amazing experience. #RealJerseyPizza #PieItFowardMovement #NobodyMakesPizzaLikeWeDo #HurricaneIrma #WeMadeIt #Sarasota #TeamNoSleep #GetToWork

or the Village Barber?

d the cuts and camaraderie at ars, you can still continue to see ly 2015, Scott Reich announced nd off the Key. Reich and his n servicing patrons in the Village a Center was sold and the new uilding wasn’t quite meeting up had of the new landlord. Sparks Reich announced a move to Gulf way Ave. in Gulf Gate. You can -0222. His hours are 8:30 a.m. t from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

Gizeh

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

Mayari

941-554-4242

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

Boston

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

Arizona Map D #64

MASSAGE Hands of Light Massage......................Map-B #35 Massage Experience Siesta Key........Map-D #62 Massage Therapy....................................Map-E #1 Siesta Key Massage Ctr........................Map-D #9 MEDICAL - DENTAL Siesta Medical Center.......................... Map-D #63 Siesta Key Physical Therapy............... Map-D #20 Siesta Dental........................................ Map-B #49 MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce....................... Map-D #67 Roberti Enterprises.............................. Map-A #39 Tarot Card Reading & Gifts.................Map-B #50 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Edward Jones Investments................Map-D #68 Smith Architects...................................... Map-E 74 REAL ESTATE / RENTAL SERVICES Ascendia Real Estate............................ Map-D #11 Coldwell Banker Realty....................... Map-D #20 Horizon Realty......................................Map-B #34 Island Homes........................................ Map-C #51 Key Realty.............................................. Map-E #5 Michael Saunders Realty................... Map-E #72 Re/Max Alliance Group..................... Map-D #60 ReMax Tropical Sands.......................Map-D #67 Robasota Rentals & Real Estate.......Map-A #39 Siesta Key Realty...................................Map-D #9 Waterfront 7 Realty.............................. Map-C #56 Waterside Realty.................................. Map-C #29 RESTAURANTS / CAFÉS Another Broken Egg................... Map-C #54 & 55 Blasé Café.............................................Map-A #38 Bonjour French Cafe............................ Map-C #47 Café Gabbiano.....................................Map-D #71 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar.................Map-B #42-43 Flavio’s Brick Oven & Bar....................Map-B #29 Flavio’s Italiano Ristorante..................Map-B #30 Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill............ Map-B #33 LeLu’s Coffee Bar................................ Map-B #31 Lobster Pot............................................ Map-C #23 Napoli’s Italian Restaurant................. Map-C #53 Old Salty Dog Rest. & Pub.....................Map-E #2 PI Pizza & Craft Beer...........................Map-A#37 Señor Siesta..........................................Map-D #69 Siesta Key Deli...................................... Map-A #37 Siesta Key Oyster Bar......................... Map-B #45 Solorzano Bros. Pizzeria....................Map-D #15 Subway Sandwiches.............................Map-B #30 Sun Garden Café.................................. Map-D #19 The Cottage........................................... Map-C #58 The Hub - Baja Grill............................. Map-D #59 Village Café..........................................Map-D #14 SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY LaPlaya Spa........................................... Map-C #50 Sassy Hair Salon................................... Map-A #40 Siesta Key Nails.....................................Map-D #9 SPORTS INTEREST/RENTALS CaliFlorida..............................................Map-B #29 Robin Hood Rentals........................... Map-B #34 Siesta Village Outfitters....................... Map-C #53

Bringing you quality and comfort for more than 30 years!

Birkenstock & More 5128 Ocean Blvd. Siesta Village

941-346-7425 www.rickscomfortshoes.com

Map D #11

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

941-346-8000

WHAT BETTER WAY TO START YOUR DAY IN PARADISE?

Map D #62

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

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2017

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

941.349.0194

CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX

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

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

www.siestasand.net

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

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

“Home of the Orange Squeeze!”

“A Tropical Department Store“

SHELL & GIFT CITY

Bathing Suits $

Siesta Key’s Most Friendly & Unique Shopping Spot! SOUTHBRIDGE MALL

OPEN 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM DAILY

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

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

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

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

OCTOBER 2017

Snapshots of Island Visitors 2

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography 3

8 7

1. Mason age 10, Hudson age 9 from Sarasota, McKinley age 7 from PA, Elaina age 5 from Sarasota, Gracie age 6 from PA 2. Maria Fatima from Brazil, Jan from Sarasota, and Karsten from Brazil 3. Eleanor age 6 and Andy age 12 from Orlando 4. Sanat and Anne from Boston, MA 5. Stacey and Jacey age 3, from Sarasota 6. Vasily from Northport and Viktor from WA 7. Regina from Germany, Michaela â&#x20AC;&#x153;beauticianâ&#x20AC;?, and Anna from Sarasota 8. Gabrielle from GA and JenniLyn from Bradenton 9. Margaret and Ally age 11 from Ft. Myers, FL 10. Debbie and Kevin from OH

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2017

Siesta Sounds

BLASE CAFÉ

In the Village 941-349-9822

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

Evan Eastmore Key, The Daiquiri Deck in Siesta Key Village (www.daiquirideck.com) has a reputation for its variety of the frozen favorites for which it’s named and a penchant for supporting animal rights events; the combination makes them an area favorite. Live music on weekend cinches it: featured performers are Fridays with Evan Eastmore (www.facebook.com/evan. eastmoore) Note to Evan: love the profile pic! lol. Miles Eastworth on Saturdays; Bri Rivera takes Sundays (www.facebook. com/evan.eastmoore). And PS - The Deck on South Siesta may be offering music as soon as next month, so watch this space. If you’re in the mood for something really different and intriguing, give a listen to the “swinging, versatile, refined Gypsy jazz” of violin and guitar duo Hot Club SRQ Duo (www.hotclubsrq.com) at the Cottage Restaurant on Thursdays, 7 to 10 p.m. How different is it? Here’s a quote from the group’s web site: “We play Gypsy Jazz that is deeply rooted in the style of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. This music simply swings and is full of beauty and romance! We emulate the style of what the French call ‘Jazz Manouche’ and ‘Le Jazz Hot’ in the style of Sinti virtuosos and

Scott Curtis the ‘Quintette du Hot Club de France’ circa 1934-1948.” Sounds intriguing to me! Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill (www. gilligansislandbar.com) on the main drag in Siesta Village features Scott Curts from 6 to 10 p.m. on two lazy October Sundays (10/15 and 29) plus one energetic Friday (10/20), 6 to 9 p.m. A master of many styles and endless repertoire, Scott’s

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE MONDAY

CLOSED MONDAYS UNTIL TH OCT. 16 OCT 16 & 30: DRAG QUEEN BINGO (8:30pm) (ALSO CLOSED OCT. 1‐4)

TUESDAY

Sound Paint 7 PM

WEDNESDAY Live Music 7 PM

THURSDAY Al Fuller 7 ‐10 PM

FRIDAY

RPM 6‐10 PM

In the Village 941-346-5358

SIESTA KEY OYSTER BAR

Al Donadi 7‐11 PM

Open mic night 7‐11 PM

Kettle of Fish 7‐11 PM

FolkLab 7‐11 PM

Whiteleather 2‐6 PM Rising Tide 8 PM – 12 AM

Ladies Night DJ Coz or Kensi 9 PM – 2 AM

Sink or Swim DJ Coz 9 PM‐2 AM

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

Lelu’s Coffee Lounge

(SKOB) In the Village

941‐346‐5443

Tic Toc Tuedays

RPM 6 ‐10 PM Ladies Night w/ DJ 10 PM

SATURDAY

Rallo Pucci (7TH) th the Whole Goodby Eddie (14 ) Band Dr. Drive (21ST) 7pm Garry William Soul & th Funk (28 ) 7pm LIVE MUSIC LIVE MUSIC (3‐7 PM) (3‐7 PM) DJ TJ (10 PM) DJ Crawford (10 PM)

Rodney Shenk 6 ‐10 PM

In the Village 941-346-8122

been entertaining in SW Florida to packed houses for years now and no one ever gets tired of his unlimited talent. Get a sample on his site www. scottcurts.com and you’ll want to hear more. Also at Gilligan’s (10/14 & 28, 6 to 10 p.m.) dig Ted Stevens and the Doo Shots (store.cdbaby.com/cd/ tedstevensandthedooshots) roots rock and rockabilly. And finally, for the whole Siesta Key Experience in one place at one time, be sure to check out the musical and visual art at the Lelu Coffee Lounge (lelucoffee.com/cool-pics-local-art), the home of Caffeine and Cocktails with a side of surfboards, local artwork, and some sweet jazz with Eddie James, Saturday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m. They also have family friendly daytime hours (7a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon. – Thurs. & 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays), with fresh fruit smoothies, gourmet pastries, and a variety of coffees that put the chains to shame. Lelu’s is right next to Gilligan’s in the Village, with parking lot off Calle Menorca. Do something different this month! Have a Happy Halloween and we’d be Thankful to see you again in November.

Kettle Of Fish

Tozier (Oct 4th & 18th) Sound Paint th th (Oct. 11 & 25 ) 6 ‐10 PM / DJ – 10 PM

GILLIGANS

www.siestasand.net

By Charmaine Engelsman-Robins

Music lovers are always happy when October rolls around because the beginning of the winter “season” usually means that more venues will be adding or increasing their live music menus. One of the places to catch a lot of different sounds with little or no need to drive is Siesta Key in general, and the Village in particular is an especially compact source for a variety of entertainment. Just look at this: The Blasé Café (www.theblasecafe.com) now in its 20th year of serving “Siesta Key’s Best Martini’s,” has a bag full of musical treats for you all through October, and tops it all off with a fun Halloween Party on 10/28 (costumes optional but probable). Taylor filled us in on all the fun they’ve stocked up on to hand out to you, beginning when they reopen on 10/5 (with the exception of Mondays until 10/16). When Mondays do kick in mid-month, they’ll feature the riotously popular Drag Queen Bingo on 10/16 and again on 10/30. Tuesdays will be Sound Paint nights, then there’s an open mic every Wednesday, so get down there among friends and feed your inner rock star! Thursdays bring Al Fuller and Burt Engelsman (who so many faithfully followed once a week for more than a decade at the 5-0 before it sold). Fridays will feature The Whole Band kicking off the weekends. In addition to these regulars, Saturdays will change from week to week with Rallo Pucci playing on 10/7, Goodbye Eddie on 10/14, Dr. Drive for 10/21, and taking the last Saturday will be Garry Williams and Soul Funk on 10/28 which is, don’t forget, the Halloween bash. Sundays are divvied up between Jason Haram (10/8 and 15) and Bird Tribe (10/22 and 29). So that should keep you out of trouble for the month! Every Wednesday, 7 to 11 p.m., Siesta Key Oyster Bar (a.k.a. “SKOB” www.skob.com) features Kettle of Fish (www.kettleoffish. net) for some diverse entertainment. With four locations, two on Siesta

CLUB

941.349.0194

SUNDAY

Jason Harram th th (8 & 15 ) Bird Tribe (22nd & 29th) 7pm BREE (3‐7 PM)

Acoustic Pete: 1‐5 PM Desi Adams: 2 – 6 PM th Pressure Dem (Oct. 7 ) Vince Cilaiocco (8th) th th Ted Stevens (14 & 28 ) Scott Curts (15th & 29th ) st Bird Tribe ( Oct. 21 ) Sound Paint: (22nd) 6‐10 PM / DJ – 10 PM 6‐10 PM / DJ – 10 PM 6‐10 PM / DJ – 10 PM LeVally Band th th (Oct. 6 & 27 ) th Billy Lyon (Oct. 13 ) th Scott Curts (Oct. 20 )

Eddie James Jazz Band 7‐10 PM Dana & Co 2‐6 PM Mike Tozier 8 PM – 12 AM

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

THE BEACH CLUB

Service Industry Night Half off Drinks 9PM‐CLOSE

THE COTTAGE

Live Music 6-9 PM

Live Music 7-10 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM

THE HUB‐BAJA GRILL

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

Live Music Noon – 3 PM

Live Music 1 – 4 PM

Live Music 1-4 PM 4:30 – 7:30 PM 8:30 PM - midnight

Live Music Noon – 3 PM

In the Village 941-349-6311 In the Village 941-312-9300

In the Village 941-349-6800

BACKROOM SALOON @ CAPT. CURTS Crescent Beach Shops

941‐349‐3885 SNIKI TIKI @ CAPT CURTS Crescent Beach Shops 941‐349‐3885 Turtle Beach Grill Southern end of SK 941‐349‐2280 BOATYARD BAR & GRILL Over the South Bridge 941‐921‐6200

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

CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE 801 Blackburn Pt. Rd, Osprey 941‐966‐1901

9 ‐10:30 PM 50 cent Beer & Cocktails

3:30 – 6:30pm / 7-10pm

Sunny Jim (Oct.3rd & 10th) 6‐10 PM

3:30 – 6:30pm / 7-10pm

Every Wed Paul Duffy 6‐10 PM

3:30 – 6:30pm / 7-10pm

No Karaoke for October

LIVE MUSIC 5‐9 PM

Marcel Almanzor Acoustic Guitar (5‐8 PM)

4:30 – 7:30 PM 8:30 PM –midnight

Steel Drums & Island Sounds (5‐8 PM)

RPM (5‐8 PM)

Bri Rivera (5‐8 PM)

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

LIVE MUSIC 5‐9 PM

The Richy Kicklighter Larry Williams / Band Skip Eaton 5‐9 PM 5‐9 PM

3:30 – 6:30pm / 7-10pm

Reggae w/Tribal Love

4‐8 PM

Live Music 3‐6 PM

Live Music 4‐8 PM

Live Music 3‐7 PM

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

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

OCTOBER 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Island Humor [ Husband contacts the sheriff’s office to report his missing wife. Husband: I’d like to report my missing wife. She went shopping yesterday and hasn’t come home. Sheriff: What is her height? Husband: Gee, I’m not sure. A little over five-feet tall. Sheriff: Weight? Husband: Don’t know. Not slim, not really fat. Sheriff: Color of eyes? Husband: Sort of brown, I think. Never really noticed. Sheriff: Color of hair? Husband: It changes a couple time a year. Maybe dark brown now. I can’t remember. Sheriff: What was she wearing? Husband: Could have been pants, or maybe a shirt or shorts. I don’t know exactly. Sheriff: What kind of car did she go in? Husband: She went in my truck. Sheriff: Make and model of truck? Husband: A 2015 Ford F150 King Ranch 4X4 with eco boost 5.0L V8 engine, special ordered with manual transmission and climate controlled air conditioning. It has a custom

matching white cover for the bed, which has a matching aftermarket bed liner. Custom leather 6-way seats and “Bubba” floor mats. Trailering package with gold hitch and special wiring hook-ups. DVD with full GPS navigation, satellite radio receiver, 23-channel CB radio, six cup holders, a USB port, and four power outlets. I added special alloy wheels and off-road Michelins. It has custom running boards and indirect wheel well lighting. At this point, the husband started chocking up. Sheriff: Don’t worry buddy, we’ll find your truck. [ A grizzled old man was eating in a truck stop when three Hell’s Angels’ bikers walked in. The first walked up to the old man, pushed his cigarette into the old man’s pie and then took a seat at the counter. The second walked up to the old man, spat into the old man’s milk and then he too took a seat at the counter. The third walked up to the old man, turned over the old man’s plate, and then he took a seat at the counter. Without a word of protest, the old man quietly left the diner. Shortly thereafter, one of the

HOTTEST BAR IN GULF GATE... MLB/College Packages FULL BAR

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

bikers said to the waitress, “Humph, not much of a man, was he?” The waitress replied, “Not much of a truck driver either, he just backed his big-rig over three motorcycles.” [ There once was a blind man who decided to visit Texas. When he arrived on the plane, he felt the seats and said, “Wow, these seats are big!” The person next to him answered, “Everything is big in Texas.” When he finally arrived in Texas, he decided to visit a bar. Upon arriving in the bar, he ordered a beer and got a mug placed between his hands. He exclaimed, “Wow these mugs are big!” The bartender replied, “Everything is big in Texas.” After a couple of beers, the blind man asked the bartender where the bathroom was located. The bartender replied, “Second door to the right.” The blind man headed for the bathroom, but accidentally tripped over and skipped the second door. Instead, he entered the third door, which lead to the swimming pool and fell into the pool by accident. Scared to death, the blind man started shouting, “Don’t flush, don’t flush!” [ A man coughed violently, and his false teeth shot across the room and smashed against the wall. “Oh, dear,” he said, “whatever shall I do? I can’t afford a new set.” “Don’t worry,” said his friend. “I’ll get a pair from my brother for you.” The next day the friend came back with the teeth, which fit perfectly. “This is wonderful,” said the man. “Your brother must be a very good dentist.” “Oh, he’s not a dentist,” replied the friend, “he’s an undertaker.”

Siesta Key Chamber Comedy Night at McCurdy’s! In light of Hurricane Irma, it’s definitely time for some comic relief! Join the SKCC on Thursday, October 12 for Siesta Key Chamber night at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre. There will be a social hour from 5:30 - 6:30 featuring complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. The show will begin at 7:00 p.m. and feature headliner Drew Hastings.

When?

Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017

Social Hour: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Showtime: 7:00 p.m.

Where?

McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre 1923 Ringling Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34236

Tickets are $20

(includes social hour at 5:30)

To purchase tickets go to www.mccurdyscomedy.com and under “Shows” click the show called “Fundraiser Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce” For more information, call the Chamber at 941-349-3800

[ Young Judy, the editor of a trivia publication, was having trouble with her computer. So she called Prem, the computer guy, over to her desk. Prem clicked a couple buttons and solved the problem. As he was walking away, Judy called after him, “So, what was wrong?” And he replied, “It was an ID ten T error.” A puzzled expression ran riot over Judy’s face. “An ID ten T error? What’s that ... in case I need to fix it again??” He gave her a grin... ;-) “Haven’t you ever heard of an ID ten T error before?” “No,” replied Judy. “Write it down,” he said, “and I think you’ll figure it out.” (She wrote...) I D 1 0 T.

Karaoke Thursday, Friday & Saturday

Drew Hastings Drew Hastings is a comedian, farmer, and mayor (not necessarily in that order). As a comedian, Drew has been a well known stand up for over 20 years with comedy specials, Tonight Show appearances, and as a regular favorite on the National Bob & Tom Radio Show. Once a loft living city dweller, Drew left Los Angeles at age 50 to take up farming in rural Ohio, where he has a cow/calf operation and the funny stories to go with it. Drew was also recently re-elected to his second term as mayor of the city of Hillsboro, Ohio, where his politically incorrect candor is often controversial, but usually well received.

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2017

Siesta Key Round-Up

941.349.0194

Perhaps two parking decals for the beach could be distributed on an annual basis with each Truth in Millage (TRIM) notice mailed out by the county, he suggested. (The TRIM notices go out each summer after local government bodies set their not-to-exceed millage rates for the coming fiscal year.) People in the county who do not own property — as well as those who rent homes — could purchase a yearly decal, Smith said. Visitors to the beach would pay an hourly or day rate, in line with what other beach communities charge, he continued. “All proceeds from Siesta Beach paid parking would be used on Siesta Key,” he stressed as the Chamber board’s view. “That’s what we believe it should be.” Kay Kouvatsos, co-owner of Village Café in Siesta Village, suggested that only homesteaded property owners in the county be provided the decals to enable them to park for free, as many property owners rent their houses and condos. Smith responded that he believes everyone who pays property taxes should be able to park for free at the beach. However, Kouvatsos countered, “If Mr. and Mrs. Smith own seven homes, I don’t think they should have seven passes.” If they rent out those homes, Smith replied, the passes would be passed along to the renters as a benefit. Smith also emphasized, “Other folks, on the mainland, shouldn’t have a problem with us using the revenue on Siesta Key, because it’s being generated by visitors to Siesta Key.” When Siesta resident Michael Shay asked whether owners of hotels and bed-and-breakfast accommodations in the Mira Mar district in Siesta Village also should be allowed to get parking decals, Smith responded, “This is the position of the Chamber… the broad brush. … This issue was brought up by our illustrious county commissioners, who then went on summer break.” The paid parking discussion arose during the county board’s regular meeting on July 12, the last one the commissioners conducted before heading out for their annual summer recess. “I’m not saying it was a bad idea,” Smith added of the potential for the county to charge visitors to park at the beach. Still, he continued, by raising the issue and then leaving for five weeks, the commissioners “left the rest of us holding the bag.” “We have no authority, FYI,” he said. On September 6, a staff report the County Commission requested on

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE

Continued from page 15

The new roped posts being placed on Midnight Pass Road facing Winding Way by St. Michael’s Church is being erected by the Hidden Harbor Community to help delineate lot lines. The fencing will serve as a guide for state prisoners when they make their bi-annual trek down Midnight Pass Road trimming any and all foliage on state property.

July 12 had not been completed by the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department (PRNR) staff. That assignment called for staff to research options and then offer scenarios for the board’s consideration. A notice on the commission’s Aug. 29 meeting agenda said the report was due on Aug. 25. However, given the hurricane preparations, SNL learned from county staff that no definitive timeline exists for PRNR staff to finish the initiative.

Going after Detert

Even though county staff had scheduled just one business item on the County Commission’s Aug. 23 agenda — a public hearing on a construction and yard waste recycling plant proposed near the Celery Fields — the board allowed public comments on other topics, as always. Only two speakers took advantage of that Open to the Public period before the hearing began, and one of them was Mike Cosentino. This time, Cosentino identified himself as president of Cosentino Construction as well as president of Reopen Beach Road. “You all know who I am,” he quickly added. “You know why I’m here.” When he appeared before the board on May 24, he continued, he “brought to light” the fact that two of the commissioners had received campaign contributions from an individual who does not live in the county or vote in the county. Yet, those commissioners “voted for the illegal and short-sighted giveaway of Beach Road.” During those May comments, Cosentino talked of his research regarding Dennis and Wendy Madden, who were among the couples who petitioned last year for the 357-foot-long road segment to be vacated. Cosentino said they had given money to Chair Paul Caragiulo and Commissioner Alan Maio, who were elected to the board in 2014. After he concluded his remarks that day, Cosentino pointed out on Aug. 23, Vice Chair Nancy Detert told her colleagues, “‘I didn’t know we had to listen to that,’” as Cosentino put it. As SNL reported in early June, what transpired was as follows: Addressing Caragiulo, Detert said, “Apparently, you believe in true democracy, where anybody can get up and say anything to us for 3 minutes, and it’s kind of a nice philosophy. Most of us would get angry or upset or want to rebut.” Allowing Cosentino to levy allegations against the board members without their offering any responses - as is their protocol - is “kind of a new concept to me,”

Detert added. “To be accused of some of the things that speaker comes and tells us at every meeting, it’s a little hard to sit through. I just congratulate your calmness and fairness, frankly,” she said to Caragiulo. On Aug. 23, Cosentino told the board members that Thomas Jefferson said, “It’s not only our duty but our obligation to bring light when our government is not being responsive to us.” Therefore, Cosentino added, “I feel it is my duty and obligation to point these things out. That is why I have a lawsuit against this county. … That’s why you are going to keep seeing me until Beach Road has reopened and justice is served.” Singling out Detert, he reminded her that when she was sworn in as a commissioner in November 2016, she told the audience she felt that she had become akin to a police officer in that it is her duty on the board to serve and protect. “You’re either part of the problem or you’re part of the solution,” Cosentino said to her on Aug. 23. “In my opinion, you have chosen to not be part of the solution. I am not quite certain who it is you are protecting and serving, but it is not me.”

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 (M-10) is a little neighborhood bar at 2639 Mall Drive, where everyone knows your name type of establishment and friendly staff. TV’s with the MLB and NFL packages, pool table, and full Florida Lottery games. Happy hour daily from opening to 7pm. Hours: Mon – Sat, 8am – 2:30am and Sun., noon – 2:30am. Continued on the next page

Ravioli Special

13.95

• Meat $ • Cheese • Shrimp Free Donut or coffee • Mushroom

Make sure to stop in at the Donut Experiment location in the Village and treat yourself to a free donut or coffee with any purchase while you are in the Siesta Key Village. Every donut is made fresh. Just redeem the coupon located on page 13 of this edition. The Donut Experiment is located at 217 Avenida Madera next to Solorzano’s Pizzeria.

Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome 11 new members. 1. Beach Rentals, Mobi 2. Connors Steak & Seafood 3. Sanctuary Siesta Key 4. Valcarcel Law with Attorney Erika Valcarcel 5. Positive Re:Percussions 6. Bravo Coastal Bar & Kitchen 7. Sarasota – Manatee Originals/ Eat Like a Local 8. Sarasota Apothecary – Dr. Jillian Dano 9. Sandventure 10. AMC Sarasota 12 Theatres 11. Florida Community Bank – Tom Sorrentino – Mortgage Lender The SKCC office is located in the Siesta Key Village at 5114 Ocean Blvd. If you would like to be part of the Chamber please contact Suzanne Roberge membership@ siestakeychamber.com or call 941349-3800.

Reservation Required

A Real Hoboken, NJ Restaurant

S-55

941-906-9444

Italian/American Restaurant

White Tablecloth Restaurant

6516 Superior Ave. (Gulf Gate)

Sarasota, Florida

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

• St. Andrew United Church of Christ (Protestant) (In the Gulf Gate area, near Beneva and Gulf Gate Drive) 6908 Beneva Road, Sarasota, 941.922.7595 www.uccstandrew.org • The Superior Word Rev. Charlie Garrett Service starts Sunday mornings at 10am. Bring a friend and share in God’s word. 6512 Superior Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34231 • First Christian Church 7601 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34241. 941-922-4434 www.fccsarasota.com

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

OCTOBER 2017

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 service and quality food so you’ll 1

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.

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. 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)926-0099. See you soon.

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

Hooters

Sun Trust

Publix

Michaels

D Beall’s Outlet

Bed Bath & Beyond

Books-AMillion

Ross

Dress for Less

Ba Am nk o eri f ca

Iberia Bank 3

G8 G7 G6 G5 G4 G3

THESHOPSRQINC.

G-2

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

G-4

All packaged liquor sold until 2 AM

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!

www.TheShopSRQ.com

941-925-2400

S30

Gulf Gulf Gate Gate Drive Drive

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

G24

G12 G11

Gulf Gulf Gate Gate Drive Drive

SRQ

G14 G13

Eat Where The Locals Eat!

Lo Ho ng rn

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)

G23 G22 G21 G20 G19 G18 G17

Gateway Avenue

Marshall’s

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

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

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, and maybe even one of Frank Sinatra. Reservations are required for this intimate setting. 941-906-9444, 6516 Superior Ave.

M5 M4 M3 M2 M1

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

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2017

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Water World

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

Local realtor Danielle Calderaro (941) 525-4168 shows off a Siesta Key Spanish mackerel October is a fabulous month to be fishing on Siesta Key! Shorter, cooler days result in water temperatures dropping into the low 70s, bait will be thick in the bays and out on the beach, and that will attract the gamefish. Many species are going to be caught using a variety of angling tactics. Redfish will still be schooled up on the flats in the north bay, snook will be in the bays, speckled trout, pompano, and Spanish mackerel will be feeding on the deep grass flats, and the beach should be outstanding for king and Spanish mackerel, false albacore, cobia, sharks, and even a stray tarpon. Anglers with small boats can catch large fish this month. The techniques and methods are really pretty simple. Mornings that dawn with easterly winds will find the inshore Gulf of Mexico flat and calm. Pods of baitfish will be seen on the surface, along with schools of feeding fish. Threadfins caught on Sabiki rigs and free lined out behind the boat will catch just about everything. Anglers fishing the surf off of the Siesta Key beaches should experience good action this

month. Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, pompano, flounder, and more will hit live and artificial baits. Mackerel like fast, flashy lures such as Gotcha plugs and silver spoons while the pompano and flounder prefer a bait that is moving slowly near the bottom. Jigs and live shrimp are a good choice. Casting jigs while drifting over deep grass flats will produce a lot of fish in October. Speckled trout, pompano, bluefish, mackerel, jacks, and ladyfish will hit a gold or Glow Bass Assassin Sea Shad soft plastic grub on a ¼ ounce jig head. Rootbeer and olive are also productive colors. Use light colored baits in clear water and dark colored baits in stained water. Spoons, plugs, and flies will also work well, as will live or artificial shrimp under a noisy cork. These same lures fished in Big Pass and New Pass will result in plenty of hook-ups as the fish migrate from the Gulf into Sarasota Bay. Fish right on the bottom for pompano and just under the surface for blues and macks. Redfish will still be schooled up, but their numbers will be diminishing. The shallow flats in Robert’s Bay and the north end of Siesta Key are great spots to try. The docks and oyster bars off of Siesta Key will also produce redfish, along with snook, snapper, flounder, and drum. A live shrimp is a a great bait for fishing docks while Bass Assassin Elite Shiners are very effective working bars and points. A high, outgoing tide is best. Snook will be back in the bays and feeding aggressively on the flats, bars, and mangrove shorelines. Shallow diving plugs such as an (08) olive X-Rap are very effective and allow anglers to cover water quickly. Creek mouths, points, bars, and docks that have current are likely ambush spots. Bridges will produce a lot of snook for nocturnal anglers.

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 941346-1024 for information. (Access #5 is in Siesta Village, where Beach Rd meets Ocean Blvd.)

Joe, visiting from Ohio, caught and released a Snook on a silver spoon, Pt. Of Rocks, Siesta Key, the day after IRMA passed! Photo submitted by Aledia Tush

Tarpon time with TNT Freedom Fishing Charters 941-400-2452

What’s Happening Open; Men’s AA; Men’s A; Men’s B; Women’s Open; Women’s AA; Women’s A; Women’s B; Coed’s AA; Coed’s A; Coed’s B; Boys 18 & Under; Boys 16 & Under; Boys 14 & Under; Boys 12 & Under; Girls 18 & Under; Girls 16 & Under; Girls 14 & Under; Girls 12 & Under. Go to following website to register online: http://www. eevb.net/how-to-register/ • OCT 15 (SUN) 6-10AM / TROPICAL SPLASH OPEN WATER SWIM COMPETITION: This annual open water swim has three distances to choose from: 1K, 2.5K, or 5K. This event now comes in regularly at about 400 swimmers and is hailed as a premier open water swim in the southeast. To register go to website: https:// www.clubassistant.com/club/meet_information. cfm?c=1290&smid=8309

• FREE YOGA - Mon.-Wed.-Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m. Classes held between blue and green lifeguard station. Call 941-320-6693 to register or go to website for more info. www.yogaonsiestabeach.com/about • NIA - Tues. & Thurs., 9 a.m., Siesta Public Beach (yellow lifeguard chair). Contact Kathy Oravec at 941724-9719 for more info or check website: www.nianow. com/kathy-oravec

• OCT 28 (SAT) 8-11AM / INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP: Rain Date: Nov. 4 (Sat). Register your friends, family, neighbors, community organizations, youth groups, sports teams, etc., or come as an individual. Ocean trash is a serious pollution problem that affects the health of people, wildlife and local economies. Trash in the water and on the shore can kill marine animals, injure swimmers and beachgoers, and ensnare boat propellers. For more information, or to register for the event, call 941-861-5000 or visit scgov.net (keyword: Keep Sarasota County Beautiful). Around the island…

On The Beach… • OCT 14-15 (SAT-SUN) 8 AM – 7PM / VOLLEY AMERICA TOURNAMENT: 27 Reflekt Polarized Big Shot Volleyball. Presented by Spalding. Divisions: Men’s

• BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: To celebrate the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi (Patron Saint of animals), St. Boniface Episcopal Church and St. Michael the Archangel Church will be offering an event to bless your pet(s). Please be sure your pet is approprately caged or leashed for this special occasion. Following are the dates each church will administer the pet blessings: OCTOBER 7 (SAT) 10 AM: ST. BONIFACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 5615 Midnight Pass Road. The blessing will be held in the Labyrinth Courtyard. OCTOBER 4 (TUES) NOON: ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CHURCH: The blessing will be held under the portoco (between the Church and Parish Center). • OCTOBER 31 (TUES) 3-6PM VILLAGE TRICK-ORTREAT: Join the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce for a fun and safe trick or treat in Siesta Village along Ocean Blvd. and the surrounding streets. Look for participating members displaying orange and black balloons and pumpkin flyers in their windows. This free event provides a safe venue for children on Halloween. For more information visit the web site at http://events.siestakeychamber.com/events/details/ halloween-safe-treats-for-kids-1152 And Beyond… • PALM AVENUE FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK / 6-9PM: Every month local galleries open their doors to the public for the evening, offering a chance to meet with artists and admire their work. See website for location map. http://palmavenue.org/

• SIESTA KEY BEACH HOOP JAMS – Every Tuesday one hour before Sunset on Siesta Key beach we gather for a community Hoop Jam. (Between the red lifeguard stand and the pavilion; around where the Sunday drum circle happens.) Register at: www.outwardspiral.net WEEKLY DRUM CIRCLE: • Every Sunday about an hour before sunset. South of the main pavilion. You can participate or watch this weekly gathering and dance, hoop, play the drum or other musical instrument, and enjoy the spectacular Siesta sunset.

• FREE EXERCISE CLASSES FOR SENIORS: Every Thursday morning at 9 a.m. Focus will be on stretching, strengthening, toning, posture and balance. Call 941870-5811 for more info. SK Sports & Physical Therapy is located in the Village.

• WEEKLY FARMER’S MARKET IN THE VILLAGE: Every Sunday from 8am – 1pm in Davidson’s Plaza in the Village. 5124 Ocean Blvd. Produce, Plants & Flowers, Music, Art, Organic Skincare, Italian Olive Oil, and Freshly Prepared Foods. Listen to live music while you shop.

• 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.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

OCTOBER 2017

Notes from the Island Fishmonger

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

By Scott Dolan, Big Water Fish Market HOW I SURVIVED IRMA ON SASHIMI & SHRIMP I have lived on Siesta Key for the last 17 years. 2004 was the summer of storms. That was also the year when the Category 4 Charley devastated our Gulf Coast area and all of the lesser hurricanes and tropical storms since then like Debbie came but we’ve never had a storm of such magnitude and potential for catastrophe cause so much stress and disruption into our lives over the entire state of Florida as last month’s Hurricane Irma did. Everybody in Sarasota and on Siesta Key has a story to tell about Irma. Everything from madness on the highways during evacuation to hunkering down at home. I know the stress of this storm brought a lot of us together as I finally met all my neighbors but the anxiety also was extremely hard to handle for most. I know couples who split before the storm over the indecision of should we stay or should we go. There were arguments over pre-andpost Irma that temporarily split some couples and I have friends who hurt themselves because they over medicated. I know of many people who ended up at Sarasota Memorial Hospital after overexerting themselves helping others board up while also protecting their own. I also had a friend who had a heart attack that I would blame on Irma. One fool in my neighborhood lit his backyard on fire while grilling over an open flame in 30 mph winds the day after. He didn’t want to lose his chicken in the freezer, I guess. I will not lie…this was a stressful time for me as well. After dealing with the early panicked crowds for water, ice and gas, it was time to make my own plan. In anticipation of a power outage I decided that my best plan of action was precooked peel-n-eat shrimp, sashimi grade fish, wasabi and soy sauce. I also bought sandwich ingredients in case I ate all the high-grade sashimi fish. The thought behind this was that I would not have a way to cook once the power

was out so eat it raw. On the day of the approaching storm my friend, who decided to ride the storm out with me and my pets, showed up with a flashlight, a bag of batteries and 5 ½ gallons of Vodka. A bit excessive I thought but at least she had her plan for a power outage. We did not eat or drink during the storm as nerves overwhelmed our stomachs and sobriety seemed like the best idea in order to stay alert during a Cat 4. Once the storm passed and the power was out, we had coolers of ice full of precooked seafood and cocktails that provided the energy and nutrition we needed. That allowed us to decompress and survive in a thankful calm while waiting for the power to be restored and allow for the clean up to begin. Most of us right here at home got lucky. The loss of power, the loss of work and the cleanup has been frustrating and tedious but at least we didn’t lose any lives and we are all here to help each other to get back to normalcy. Some of us were not as lucky such as my friends in the Keys. One friend of mine in Marathon described the scene as “like a bomb went off.” Since visitors are not even allowed back on the Keys for at least another 30 days, I was told the best way to help the recovery of my favorite staycation was to help financially. Despite our own financial hits, there are many local businesses and individuals in town holding fundraisers/collecting needed items to help with the destruction (kudos to Gilligan’s and Hurricane Mike’s among many others). The

Raise a Fork

for 2 Great Causes: Oct 6th Hurricane Irma Relief for the Keys

10% of entire day’s profits raised along with any other donations will be used to purchase supplies to REBUILD THE KEYS.

Oct 27th

Think Pink & Support Breast Cancer Awareness

10% of entire day’s profits raised will help sponsor a select group of Siesta Key girls on their walk for cancer taking place on Oct. 28th at Nathan Benderson Park.

www.bigwaterfishmarket.com • 941-554-8101

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Big Water Fish Market is donating $2000 in Home Depot and Publix gift cards to individuals in the Islamorada and Marathon area to those who are in desperate need of help. We have handpicked three families and a business in that area that desperately needs assistance. On Friday, October 6th, Big Water Fish Market will be holding a fundraising dinner donating profits and collecting donations from those of you who can afford to help rebuild the Keys. On October 7th, Marathon resident Pete Castro will be flying into Marathon with supplies and our donations to distribute to the families in need. Be Safe, Be Healthy and Eat Fish!! Scott Dolan Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key 941-554-8101 www.BigWaterFishMarket.com

Marjorie from Venice celebrating her birthday with her children & grandchildren from FL, MA, CO, TX, & CA. #MarJoReunon

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.

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

October 2017

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33' Date

Day

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

9:47a

High Tide 2.1

11:34p

High Tide 1.8

4:34a

Low Tide 1.4

5:34p

Low Tide 0.5

7:23a

7:16p

4:51p

3:18a

10:45a

2.2

11:53p

1.8

5:23a

1.2

6:13p

0.5

7:24a

7:15p

5:32p

4:13a

11:34a

2.2

6:04a

0.9

6:46p

0.6

7:24a

7:14p

6:11p

5:10a

12:11a

1.9

12:20p

2.2

6:43a

0.7

7:17p

0.6

7:25a

7:13p

6:51p

6:09a

12:30a

2.0

1:04p

2.2

7:22a

0.6

7:47p

0.7

7:25a

7:12p

7:30p

7:09a

12:52a

2.1

1:50p

2.1

8:03a

0.4

8:15p

0.9

7:26a

7:11p

8:12p

8:10a

1:18a

2.3

2:40p

2.0

8:48a

0.3

8:43p

1.1

7:26a

7:10p

8:55p

9:13a

1:48a

2.4

3:37p

1.8

9:38a

0.2

9:11p

1.2

7:27a

7:08p

9:43p

10:17a

2:23a

2.5

4:46p

1.7

10:35a

0.1

9:40p

1.4

7:28a

7:07p

10:34p

11:22a

3:04a

2.5

6:20p

1.6

11:40a

0.2

10:11p

1.5

7:28a

7:06p

11:28p

12:25p

3:53a

2.4

12:56p

0.2

7:29a

7:05p

4:58a

2.3

9:55p

1.6

2:17p

0.3

7:29a

7:04p

12:27a

2:22p

6:30a

2.2

10:29p

1.7

12:59a

1.6

3:31p

0.3

7:30a

7:03p

1:27a

3:14p

8:20a

2.1

10:55p

1.7

3:05a

1.5

4:32p

0.4

7:30a

7:02p

2:28a

4:01p

9:50a

2.1

11:19p

1.8

4:30a

1.2

5:22p

0.5

7:31a

7:01p

3:29a

4:44p

10:59a

2.1

11:41p

1.9

5:29a

1.0

6:02p

0.6

7:31a

7:00p

4:28a

5:24p

11:55a

2.1

6:17a

0.7

6:36p

0.7

7:32a

6:59p

5:26a

6:02p

12:00a

2.0

12:43p

2.0

6:59a

0.6

7:04p

0.8

7:33a

6:58p

6:22a

6:38p

12:19a

2.1

1:25p

1.9

7:36a

0.4

7:28p

0.9

7:33a

6:57p

7:18a

7:15p

12:37a

2.2

2:06p

1.8

8:12a

0.3

7:50p

1.1

7:34a

6:56p

8:12a

7:52p

12:57a

2.3

2:45p

1.7

8:48a

0.2

8:12p

1.2

7:34a

6:55p

9:06a

8:30p

1:21a

2.3

3:28p

1.6

9:25a

0.2

8:35p

1.2

7:35a

6:54p

10:00a

9:10p

1:48a

2.3

4:17p

1.6

10:05a

0.2

9:01p

1.3

7:36a

6:54p

10:52a

9:52p

2:20a

2.3

5:18p

1.6

10:51a

0.2

9:31p

1.4

7:36a

6:53p

11:43a

10:37p

2:57a

2.2

6:38p

1.6

11:44a

0.3

10:15p

1.5

7:37a

6:52p

12:32p

11:25p

3:42a

2.1

8:04p

1.6

12:44p

0.3

11:35p

1.5

7:38a

6:51p

1:18p

4:42a

2.0

9:01p

1.6

1:50p

0.4

7:38a

6:50p

2:03p

12:15a

6:07a

1.8

9:37p

1.6

1:31a

1.5

2:53p

0.4

7:39a

6:49p

2:45p

1:06a

7:49a

1.7

10:05p

1.7

3:08a

1.3

3:49p

0.5

7:40a

6:48p

3:26p

2:00a

9:16a

1.8

10:29p

1.8

4:14a

1.1

4:37p

0.5

7:40a

6:48p

4:05p

2:55a

10:24a

1.8

10:52p

1.9

5:05a

0.8

5:19p

0.6

7:41a

6:47p

4:44p

3:52a

Phase

Full

1:26p 3rd

New

1st

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2017

941.349.0194

Arts on the Horizon

www.siestasand.net

By Rodger Skidmore Theatre brings us one of the most talked-about and provocative new dramas - White Rabbit Red Rabbit. This play, written in Iran and forbidden to be performed there, arrives on stage in a sealed envelope. The actor, who performs this work, opens the envelope and sees the script for the first time. Thus each performance is done by a new actor and interpreted in a different way. With no rehearsal and no director, this drama is realized in real time by actor and audience together. It is not recommended to see this show more than 7 times. But wait, you say, there are only four performances at the festival. True, but the show continues at the Urbanite Theatre on Second Street from October 25th thru November 5th. More info on RIAF at www.ringling.org/riaf and on the Urbanite theatre at www.urbanitetheatre.com.

3 Olivier awards - London) will run from October 11th thru November 19th with more information about this show, and other shows this season, at www.westcoastblacktheatre.org. Even though Halloween has not yet arrived, many stores are selling Christmas items so it might be time to tout A Motown Christmas, a festive holiday review with traditional Christmas carols performed in the style of Motown’s own Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, the Jackson Five and Marvin Gaye. This holiday show runs from November 29th - December 23rd. And if you’re really into Motown and the spirit of holiday celebrations there is Motown Mania cocktails, dinner and a Motown Show at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium on November 17th. This a fundraiser honoring Audrey Coleman and Eva Slane. You may receive more information on this event by contacting Debra Flynt-Garrett at dfgarrett@westcoastblacktheatre.org.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton to be performed in Sarasota

There are that many species of orchids spread around the world and now is the time to see many of them at Selby Gardens. From October 12 - November 26, the exhibit Earth * Air * Fire * Water is featured, using these four elements to explore the science and splendor of the largest family of flowering plants on the face of the earth. On Oct. 18th, Dr. Antonio Toscano de Brito will give a luncheon talk on Sex, Lies, and Orchids describing how these flowers rely on enticement and deception to lure their pollinators. Interested in how best to display your own orchids in the soil, on stone and in the air? Then attend one of two Walk-N-Talk Tours on October 26th. The tours are included with general admission. On six successive Wednesday evenings, starting October 18th, there will be orchid-inspired cocktail receptions with music, light hors d’oeuvres, wine and craft beer tastings, and after-hours lighted viewings of the orchid displays. The first Orchid Evening features Tasha Robinson, Principal Resident Harpist with the Venice, Ocala and South Shore symphonies. The next Wednesday brings John Patti, a master artist with the steel drum; following him will be Peter Simms, a solo guitarist who has played at the great resorts in Southwest Florida for the last 12 years. November 8th showcases Karen Tuttle, violinist/violist with the Venice, North Port and Charlotte symphonies. She is followed by Steve Martinucci (Bossa Nova and Samba) and then ending with Bryan Spainhower (Nuevo Flamenco, jazz and country). Interested in the Orchid Craze in Victorian Britain? Then attend Dave Berry’s lecture on Orchid Mania on November 15th. Go to www.selby.org/calendar/featured-events/ for exact times and details for things orchid related.

How do you pronounce RIAF? The Ringling International Arts Festival (RIAF) has been an evolving thing. “Evolving” as in something continually changing. “Thing” as in we don’t always know what to make of it. And that is a good thing. What we do know is that it is always in October and that it brings interesting and entertaining acts from around the world to expand our own personal universe. The festival runs from October 18th through October 21st, with First Night being a gala celebration highlighted by a performance of WANTED by an Italian group called eVenti Verticali. They’ve been amazing festival attendees around the world since 2006. The Verticali in their name comes from the fact that their stage is a vertical wall on which they cavort, prance and generally run amuck. Of course they do not fly but are magically suspended by ropes (or perhaps cables) as they do their circus/ballet/mystery show. If watching performers on a vertical stage puts you on edge, perhaps listening to the Zimbabwean a cappella quintet Nobuntu will be more your cup of tea. There will be a mix of folksongs, Afro Jazz and Gospel that is soothing and stirring at the same time with bright, beautiful costumes, unusual instruments and dancing. While the word Nobuntu is an African concept that values humbleness, love, unity and family from a woman’s perspective, it can additionally mean good musical entertainment for festival goers. Rocking back and forth from the sublime to the ridiculous brings us to happy hour. Definitely the time to drink, in a show put on by Monica Bill Barnes & Company. She and her partner Anna Bass crash a party playing two guys whose every desperate attempt to win over the crowd reveals how hilariously unsuited they are for the roles they insist on playing. Another duo performs in James | McGinn & Again: Ing an Die. Mr. McGinn was born and raised in Sarasota and choreographs and performs in Brooklyn and Antwerp, Belgium. His piece is set in a pre-apocalyptic landscape within a post-contemporary context. Keeping within a Sarasotian context, ensemblenewSRQ performs two different programs in a evocative encounter with new music. There are a number of other shows. A collaboration between RIAF and Sarasota’s Urbanite

Possible road swap

Do you have 20,000 cousins?

Oops, right playwright but different show. Miranda’s previous musical, In The Heights, will be on stage here in Sarasota at 1646 10th Way in the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s production of that show. Nominated for 13 Tony awards, In The Heights won for Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations. It also won a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album, and was nominated for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Not bad for a musical about living in upper Manhattan. Specifically, the Hispanic-American section of upper Manhattan - Dominican Republic district. Mr. Miranda wrote the first version of the play while a sophomore at Wesleyan University where it was first performed. Broadway’s musical version ran for over 1,200 performances with Lin-Manuel taking on the role of Usnavi de la Vega, the show’s leading character. This is not just an updated version of West Side Story but more of a true Romeo and Juliet without the war between clans. It is love on a more personal level - a series of vignettes, over a three day period - showing the relationships of lovers and their rivals, with Latin-tempered overtones. Yes, there is joy and sorrow, poignant love and poignant death, and lottery tickets. Actually, poignant lottery tickets. Is there life after death? And is there life after lottery tickets? So many questions - and, thankfully, so many songs. This award winning show (9 Drama Desk nominations, the Outer Critics’ Circle Award for Outstanding Musical and

Continued from cover story

During his report to the board as part of its Sept. 13 meeting, Harmer noted that Stickney Point Road also has figured into the discussions with FDOT. “We’re not sure if that’s something that we would recommend at this point,” he added of the swap in general. Staff has been analyzing the potential, Harmer continued, and will prepare a report for the commission that will include information about the potential expenses for capital improvements and maintenance to the Siesta roads, South Osprey and Bay Road. “We anticipate further deliberation with FDOT over the next 30-60 days and a formal update to the Board of County Commissioners within the next 45-90 days,” Anderson wrote in his memo. Formally, the discussions regard State Road 758, which encompasses Midnight Pass Road, Higel, Siesta Drive, South Osprey Drive and Bay Road. That segment is about 5.3 miles, Anderson noted. The Stickney Point Road stretch is about 6.5 miles, according to Anderson’s memo. Commissioner Nancy Detert asked that Harmer have staff “include any bridges that we would be responsible for” in its analysis and report. Harmer responded that he has talked with L.K. Nandam, secretary of FDOT’s District One, which includes Sarasota County. The state “has indicated a willingness to removing the drawbridges” from the swap, if that transaction takes place, Harmer explained. “We’re still talking to them about the two fixed bridges and the entire segment” considered for the exchange, he added. “So that’s a good point,” he told Detert.

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

Gazebo Concerns It seems that one group of homeless individuals lingers in the gazebo over a period of time and then apparently moves on to another location, he added. “All of a sudden,” Shay said, “we have new ones … What I’m seeing in the Village itself is a turnover [of homeless people].” For example, he noted, one person had been sleeping on cardboard on the ground in the gazebo. Shay added that he saw the man at 5:30 that morning, when Shay was checking on the Village for the Maintenance Corp. “He is new.” Later that morning, Shay pointed out, two men were sitting on opposite sides of the gazebo when a couple came in with doughnuts and sat down to eat them. The homeless men tried to strike up a conversation with the couple, Shay said, and the couple left. “We try to refer people to places if they

Continued from page 3

want help,” Mruczek explained of the homeless individuals with whom SHIFTS representatives speak. While some individuals choose to accept the assistance, he added, “they don’t have to.” “There was one gentleman who was sleeping on the beach for a while,” Mruczek continued, and that man finally decided to go to The Salvation Army facility in Sarasota. Sheriff’s Office personnel do try to keep an eye on activity in the gazebo as much as they can, he said. None of the activity he observed between the men and the couple that morning appeared to be of a criminal nature, Shay responded. It appeared to be more of a situation in which the couple with the doughnuts felt “they were being hassled.” “I know you can’t do anything about that,” he told Mruczek.

Published by Island Visitor Publishing, LLC Contributing Writers and Photographers will be noted with bylines. Guest commentary not necessarily the opinion of island Visitor Publishing, LLC Reproduction without written permission prohibited. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement. All business bios are extensions of the display advertisements. Island Visitor Publishing, LLC is not responsible for claims made by advertisers. All ads are subject to the approval of the publisher. It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in Siesta Sand to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with town, county and state codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property. DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that when you hire an unlicensed/uninsured person to do work at your home, you accept the liability. Island Visitor Publishing is not responsible for claims made by advertisers.

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DearDonnarose

A: “Replace fear with trust, and a favorable outcome often becomes a must.” ~Donnarose Melvin

Q: Dear Donnarose, I can’t for the life of me get my sister to have energy work done. She has this fear of trying anything new. Any suggestions would greatly help. ~M.A. A: “We tend to bring near, that which we fear, when information we obtain, makes things more clear.” ~Donnarose Melvin

It can tend to be frustrating when someone closes their ears to what you feel could help them. But keep in mind, many people often fear what they don’t understand. But like my quote indicates, learning more about a subject or issue of concern, can broaden a person’s perspective. What also helps, is to not take on another person’s beliefs about what that person experienced. I’ve had clients who waited years to have a session because one of their friends didn’t like an experience they had. But there could have been many factors as to why her friend had a negative experience. It could have been as simple as her mother feared anything spiritually-based, and therefore, she took on that fear. There are many who miss out on having an amazing session of a spiritual nature, due to other people’s beliefs they chose to take on. Therefore, it is gently suggested to refrain from listening to those offering strong opinions, especially when it’s against having any type of work done of a spiritual nature. And instead, consider learning about the topic on one’s own, and then going with what’s felt in the heart. So, that being said, regarding your sister, rather than trying to verbally persuade her to have energy work done, provide her with some easy reading on the topic. Send her some testimonials and information about it. View the first post on my Donnarose Facebook page-> (https://www.facebook.com/ permalink.php?story_fbid=908535329298463& id=648641418621190). There’s some information and client feedback she can read that can really give her an understanding of what to expect. Perhaps have her attend one of your sessions. To conclude, remember to refrain from trying to force your sister to go your way, as that never works. Instead, encourage, inspire, leave some information with her, and completely detach from outcome. Truly know and trust that those who are meant to have energy work done will receive it at the perfect time. And your more relaxed peaceful energy will allow your sister to make her decision with less resistance, and more ease. ~♥ Q: Dear Donnarose, every time my friend prays, she starts worrying her prayers won’t get answered, and then sits around and fears for the worse. Doesn’t worrying cancel out the prayer? ~Thanks, R.F.

Quite often I’ve heard people say they always pray, but nothing ever works out. And yes, part of that is due to what you mentioned, which coincides with a quote, “Worrying is like praying for what you don’t want.” The thing is, everything is energy. And whatever we pray for, the universe conspires to match what we place our energy on. Let’s say your friend prayed that her house gets sold, but then continued to fear and worry that it wouldn’t. The universe will more often than not, manifest what is being focused on. It’s often that simple. Now someone may say they don’t blame your friend for worrying since she can’t afford the mortgage anymore, etc. This is understood, however when it comes to energy, there’s a big difference between worrying, and being what I call, “responsibly concerned.” Worrying lowers our vibration, clouds our thinking, and causes us to put even more energy on what we don’t want to happen. Being responsibly concerned invites trusting our Higher power and Divine order, which keeps our vibration at a higher level where clarity and calmness reside. The latter allows us to focus our energy on what we’re praying for, and to hear and apply Divine guidance in whatever form it arrives in. It will even allow us to detach from outcome after we pray, as that’s another key to producing the desired results. The bottom-line is, in order for prayers to work, instead of fear, we must attach trust to them. What I mean by trust, is after we pray, we need to trust that all details are being orchestrated by our Higher power in perfect Divine Order. If at any time, what’s written all above becomes difficult, one can say something like, “Source (God, Universe or whoever you pray to), I embrace my current situation, and thank you for helping me with it. Help me to trust, and to feel your love and peace in my heart during this process, please and thank you. The more your friend practices this new way of thinking, it will become habit. And whatever outcome her prayers bring, she will find herself handling her situations with more peace. ~♥ Donnarose Melvin is a professional Ancestral Energy Clearing Intuitive, and a Medium. Her knowledge from her BA degree in Psychology, along with her natural intuitive gifts, have helped thousands achieve increased peace and success. Please send your questions to: Donnarose1010@ gmail.com or Facebook private msg her at Donnarose. She will select questions each month to share with you. Donnarose regrets that unpublished questions cannot be answered individually. If you’d like a powerful distant energy clearing, or an intuitive reading, please contact Donnarose at the email address above.

MarinerWord Search MarinerWord Search WORD SEARCH

Answers on page 41

WORD LIST

WORD LIST Beautiful beaches Beautiful Boating beaches Boating Cabbage palmetto Charlottepalmetto Harbor Cabbage Everglades Charlotte Harbor Fishing Capitalx Everglades Floribbean cuisine Fishing FloweryCapitalx Land Floribbean Fountain ofcuisine Youth Frostproof Flowery Land Jacksonville Fountain of Youth Key West Frostproof Lakes Jacksonville Longest coastline Key West Miami Oldest city Lakes Orange groves Longest coastline Palm trees Miami Peninsula Oldest Ponce city de Leon Orange Seafoodgroves restaurant Seminole Palm treesIndians Shark Tooth Capital Peninsula Snowbirds Ponce de Leon Spanish explorers Seafood restaurant Sugarcane Seminole Indians Tallahassee Waterski Shark Tooth Capital Snowbirds Answers on Page 21 Spanish explorers

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Siesta Key REAL ESTATE & HOME SECTION ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 42 LANDINGS POLICIES PAGE 37

HOUSE HUNTING PAGE 39 SIESTA KEY MARKET STATS PAGE 39

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: 7858 SANDERLING RD, SOLD FOR: $9,000,000 Majestically poised along the shimmering gulf of Mexico waters bordering Siesta Key, this masterfully designed retreat invokes distinctive Asian-inspired aesthetics to achieve a unique harmony with nature. A feeling of tranquility prevails as this private sanctuary rests on two sprawling acres stretching from the white sands of the beach to a calm lagoon, and encompassing a main residence and a two-story guesthouse buffered by a lush Japanese garden. Following an irreproducible,

HIGHEST PRICED CONDO: 5921 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #2: SOLD FOR: $1,150,000 Spectacular waterfront Siesta Key living awaits you in this three story townhouse located directly on the Intercostal. This very private, secure location is nestled at the end of a private drive

detailed plan of reconstruction, the owners enhanced the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original footprint to create a true haven of serenity resplendent with the beauty of water, nature and relaxation. Chosen for its distinct color and texture, rich cypress wood adorns the guesthouse and forms a welcoming covered walkway leading to the main residence. Embellished with walls of glass and a dramatic open plan to accentuate its extraordinary beachfront placement, a calming impression permeates the main estate, adorned with a modern French motif and striking Polynesian touches. Floor-toceiling glass doors open to panoramic views of Gulf waters in the expansive master suite, which manifests the sensation of ultimate seclusion on one of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most revered beaches. Pocket sliding glass doors help create an indoor/outdoor feel for the expansive kitchen. Perfect for enjoying undisturbed reflection or entertaining guests, the open courtyard pool and summer kitchen area is enveloped by South African ipe wood decking. The sale of this property came to $1,425.86 a square foot. Courtesy of Michael Saunders. on an acre of waterfront property. This gated enclave is home to only 3 residences. Enjoy the Luxury of Estate Home Living with the Convenience of Condominium Management. Relax and Revive on one of your many Four-Season Lanais, or lounge next to your infinity edged pool as you watch the boats sail by. Keep your boat at your convenient backyard boat dock and entertain your guests in your pool level game room/cocktail room that has its own separate kitchen and laundry room. No expense was spared in the exceptional waterfront townhome. Some extras included in this special home are private elevator, central vac, crown molding, attached garage and marble floors. Home sold as-is. The sale on this unit came out to $295.40 a square foot. Courtesy of Sarasota Suncoast Realty Inc.

LOWEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY PROPERTY: 5125 SANDY BEACH AVE, SOLD FOR: $485,000 Charming Siesta Key home just minutes from the Village and Siesta Key Beach. This is a 3 bed 2 bath home with the 3rd bedroom being a conversion from the original garage, but easily converted back if necessary. Very private screened and heated pool with large garden area and extended deck outside of the screen, all perfect for entertaining. The roof was new in 2016. This home has a living room and family room and sliding glass doors from the family room directly out to the pool area. Perfect for residential or rental use. The sale of this property came out to $313.92 a square foot. Courtesy of Buy Florida Realty Group Inc.

LOWEST PRICED CONDO: 6157 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #G21: SOLD FOR: $235,000 Terrific price on this rentable furnished condo on Siesta Key. One bedroom/ one bath plus a bonus room currently being used as a 2ND bedroom. 1st floor for easy access to amenities and covered parking. Outside private storage for beach chairs and a short walk to the famous Siesta Key beach. The complex has community pool area, tennis courts, fishing pier, grilling area, picnic tables, & club house with pool tables and kitchen. Weekly rentals allowed. The sale came out to $340.58 a square foot. Courtesy of ReMax Tropical Sands.

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Be wary of scam artists while pursuing repairs, Sheriff Tom Knight warns the public Staff Report

Round House on Sandy Hook Road Continued from page 7

“Hook was the first architect in Kansas City to use cast-in-place concrete walls, experimenting with the material early in her career,” the application notes, referencing the International Archive of Women in Architecture Newsletter, Volume 3, No. 1. Hook described the Round House’s original appearance in her autobiography: “‘an octagon with each pie-shaped section forming a room. The center circular section served as a coat closet for the entrance hall, a fireplace area for the living room, the little kitchen for the dining room and the two baths for the bedrooms. The outer wall was almost entirely of glass, giving a feeling of being out of doors which was a bit advanced at the time.’” The 1,769-square-foot house is constructed of wooden board and batten exterior siding, accentuated with large expanses of fixed glass, multiple operable windows — paired and individual — and several doors, the application says. “Today, the plan of this single-story house is largely unchanged because of the sensitivity of the alterations and additions,” including a kitchen, dining room, pool and deck extension, the application points out. “Many original windows and doors remain.”

After a hurricane strike, unlicensed contractors and illegitimate handymen typically come into a community, according to Sheriff Knight. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is reminding the public in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma “to be aware of unlicensed contractors and other service providers trying to take advantage of residents who experienced property damage.” While cleanup efforts continue throughout Sarasota County, a Sheriff’s Office news release says, many residents are seeking services such as roof repair, tree removal and electrical maintenance. This is a time when unlicensed contractors and illegitimate handymen around Florida and from out-of-state will offer their services in an attempt to perpetrate scams on those affected by the hurricane, the release points out. “This is a good opportunity following Hurricane Irma, to remind consumers to always seek legitimate service providers to perform work on their homes or businesses,” Sheriff Knight stressed in the release. “When hiring an individual to repair damages, residents MUST verify their contractor is legitimate before allowing any work to be done

Sheriff Tom Knight Photo courtesy of Sheriff’s Office

on their property,” he added with emphasis in the release. “Unfortunately, service providers might target the elderly or other vulnerable people who aren’t knowledgeable of repair work and associated costs.” “To check a Sarasota County license or report someone you suspect is acting as an unlicensed contractor or performing work without a permit,” the release says, call 861-5214 or 8615000 or visit www.scgov.net/contractors.

Paradise Awaits... LE G SA DIN YS! N A PE 10 D IN

621 Treasure Boat Way Sarasota, FL 4 BR, 3 BA, .22 acre lot, 2,549 sq. ft. 2 car garage, private pool. Built in 1970.

195 Vista Hermosa Circle, #9-A

Sarasota, FL

Wonderfully remodeled Vista Hermosa Villa just a short walk to World Famous Siesta Beach. Fall in love with this 2 BR, 2 BA villa. Two week rentals make this a very attractive property for an investor or just picking up some extra income when you are not enjoying the property for yourself. Custom solid wood cabinets in the kitchen with granite counters & upgraded stainless steel appliances. Designer bathrooms boasting tumbled marble & granite. Smooth ceilings with custom lighting. Designer tile & carpet throughout. New A/C in 2017 and recently installed tankless water heater. Roof replaced in 2016. Just a short walk to dining & nightlife. This villa is being sold turnkey furnished (with some exclusions).

1,465,000

450,000

! D L

797 Beach Road, #305 Sarasota, FL Full Gulf view of #1 Beach in the USA. Completely remodeled, priced to sell! High end tile floors in main living area, quality custom kitchen cabinets, deisgner kitchen. Crescent Royale offers an onsite rental program, heated pool and much more!

550,000

418 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL New listing! 2,818 heated square feet, 3 bedrooms/3 baths, private pool, 4-car attached garage, circular drive

405 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL

“Island Style” Tropical Beach Home located on Palm Island. Palm Island is an “Island on an Island” accessible via a Humpback Bridge with no through traffic. Close to all the excitement of Siesta Key, yet secluded. Tastefully decorated weith bright and warm tropical colors. This home is a must see.

1,290,000

Tropical Sands Dan D. Miller 941-376-7442 Licensed Real Estate Professional

ddm1@comcast.net

590,000

Service. Integrity. Results.

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2017

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Handmade Antique Rugs

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Miami evacuees, Mario and Vanessa stopped at the No. 1 beach before heading to New Orleans to ride out hurricane Irma, taking in the scenery along the way. Photo submitted by Alexander Fenn

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Storm Plan was put in place during Irma

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

By Roger Drouin Photos by Heidi Bodor and Tere Manteiga

|Now, after the storm, Landings Management Association makes tweaks to its Storm Procedures Publishers Note: The Landings is one of Sarasota’s most beautiful communities and is ideally situated just minutes south of downtown in the desirable west-of-the-trail (Route 41) location, located between the two Siesta Key bridges on the mainland. It is a gated and deed-restricted community with a unique selection of estate homes, luxury condos, villas and townhomes. Housing styles vary widely and include Key West, Mediterranean and traditional. The Landings is a lush setting with homes nestled among stately oaks and pines, and is designed to provide premium views of tranquil lakes and the beauty of nature. Our residents are a mix of families, professionals, retirees, snowbirds and second-home owners. As Irma made its approach to the Florida peninsula, Landings Management Association President Dick Bayles realized that one aspect of the community’s storm plan was a failure. The LMA had sent the first of several planned robocalls out to update residents on Hurricane Irma and operations to prepare for the storm within The Landings; yet the calls proved ineffective. “It failed for two reasons,” Bayles told Siesta Sand during an interview a week after the storm. “The robocall was limited to 30 seconds, and I was very rushed to get all the information into the call. And only 40 percent of calls hit someone. The rest went either to voicemail or were sent to a bad number.” The good news is Bayles immediately shifted to a substitute approach — email. The LMA president used The Landings’ internal web site e-mail server to send emails to residents. Another note was then sent immediately after the storm left the area. “We reached 624 of 700 residents,” Bayles said. Smart phones likely aided in residents’ ability to see the messages. That will now be the default mode of communication leading up to and following a storm occurrence, Bayles said. Bayles is now working to contact the small portion of Landings residents who did not provide a working email address to the Landings Management Association. He notes that residents need not have their own email; they can provide the address of a relative or neighbor they trust to convey the information to them.

Most of the rest of the Storm Procedures, besides the robocalls, “went well,” Bayles added. As the storm approached the area, the community’s gates were left open so residents could evacuate. Because of the storm, 404 Landings residents, living in Flood Zone A, were part of the county’s ordered evacuation. Another 296 residents were not impacted by the evacuation. “I believe most people impacted by the mandatory evacuation did evacuate,” Bayles said. Landings security returned immediately after Sarasota County gave it’s all clear — as specified in the Landings storm procedures — and residents who left began returning. Bayles sent an email letting residents know there was little major damage, and it was safe to return. Tweaks, however, in the way the community responds to storm events will be made in regards to two additional changes. The LMA is working on investigating which of the community’s lift station serve which residences in The Landings. In the event of a shutdown lift station, due to a power failure, residents impacted can be notified to use water sparingly to avoid wastewater spills. The project was spurned by one consequence of Irma. “About 60 private homes in The Landings north, lost power for about two days,” Bayles said. “One consequence of that was a sewer lift station was impacted by that, and of course it backed up. Once the power came back on, it was fine. “If we know power is out at a certain lift station we can send an email to impacted residents notifying them to use water sparingly,” including not flushing toilets. The LMA also worked to implement a plan to arrange for storm debris pickup for single-family residences. Sarasota County does not collect storm debris from private roads. After Irma, the Landings Homeowners Association arranged for a contractor to collect the storm debris for its owners, as lawn maintenance contractors generally aren’t equipped to remove that quantity of material. Storm debris for condos and townhomes within The Landings was arranged by their specific associations.

One of the procedures, in the two page Landings Storm Procedures will be changed to substitute email in place of bulk phone calls, which proved ineffective during Irma. LMA Storm Emergency Procedures g. LMA2 will use a bulk outgoing call service to call residents’ cell or “away” numbers prepared from emergency information provided to LMA with a message saying security measures are suspended and to listen to local radio stations for information regarding possible evacuation3. If neither number has been provided, the calls are made to the local number, if known.

Your Resident Real Estate Professionals - - SHERI and BOB RUIZ

Dolphin Bay

The ultimate 2/2 in over 1900 feet of living space. Split plan with large en-suite bedrooms. Spacious lanai. Awesome water views. Private garage. Easy walk to Siesta Beach. MLS A4178449 $849,000

Siesta Pointe

Lovely 3/2,5 Key West style townhome in the ideal location!!! Very short walk over Stickney Point Bridge to Siesta Key. Avoid the traffic and the higher property costs. MLS A4192292 $375,000

Bob Ruiz 941-544-3299 RobertRuizRR@aol.com

Gulf & Bay Bayside

Harbour Towne Yacht Club

2 Units For Sale!! 3/2 end unit or 2/2 with water views. Both beautifullty renovated and furnished with attached garages. Deeded beach access. Resort-style amenities.

Beautifully renovated and furnished 3/3 with deeded 40’ dock and 10k lift. Garage and storage. Across the street from Siesta Beach, 2/2 end unit also available.

$539,000 and $649,000

$669,000 and $449,000

Sheri Ruiz 941-400-4186 Sheri Lasley@aol.com www.SiestaKeyNow.com Key Solutions Real Estate Group

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OCTOBER 2017

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Hurricane IRMA Images

Blown out fences on Beach Road near Beach Access 4. Photo by Bob Stein

Fences and tress downed throughout the island. Photo by Lourdes Ramirez

The winds of Irma pushed the water back into the Gulf, Sunday September 10, 2017, Point of Rocks Siesta Key Photo by Todd Nahrwold Licensed Realtor, Key Solutions Real Estate

The stop sign at Treasure Boat Way and Primrose Path. Photo by Lourdes Ramirez

Car port at Siesta Towers. Photo by Lourdes Ramirez

Palm trees at Siesta Public Beach Parking lot. Photo by Lourdes Ramirez

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House Hunting Siesta Key to Longboat Key SHORT WALK TO SIESTA BEACH 195 Vista Hermosa Circle, #9-A, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4189942 Wonderfully remodeled 2 BR, 2 BA villa. Designer tile & carpet throughout. This villa is being sold turnkey furnished (with some exclusions). Dan Miller, Re/ Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 FULL GULF VIEW OF #1 BEACH: $550,000 797 Beach Rd, #305, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4188853 Completely remodeled unit with high end tile floors in main living area, quality custom kitchen cabinets with granite counters. All the lighting has been upgraded throughout this TURNKEY FURNISHED (some artwork excluded) unit. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 KEY WEST STYLE GRAND CANAL HOME ON SIESTA KEY: $1,290,000 418 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL This 3 bedroom / 3 bath single family house boasts an open floor plan with custom touches. It has a lushly landscaped tropical lot with Tiki bar in the pool/spa area. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 5420 EAGLES POINT CIR #402, EAGLES POINT CONDO at THE LANDINGS $549,000: MLS #A4193155. 3BD/2BA Penthouse condo- Updated to a High Standard. Judy Greene/ Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker. 941-350-0451 (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 KESTRAL PARKWAY S, LANDINGS CARRIAGE HOUSE $315,000: MLS #A4180684 2BD with Den/2BA. Great location near Pool. Judy Greene/

Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) 4967 KESTRAL PARK WAY N., LANDINGS CARRIAGE HOUSE $425,000 MLS#A4183699 2 BD with Den/2 BA Significantly updated. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) 5272 HERON WAY, LANDINGS COACH HOUSE $295,000: MLS #4185882 3BD/2BA Southern exposure with lake view. Judy Greene/ Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara)

with great views of the ICW. Garage. Pool, clubhouse, tennis, and day dock. Short walk to Siesta Beach. MLS #A4178449, $849,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941400-4186. GULF & BAY BAYSIDE 2 units for sale! Great beach home, vacation, or rental property. Deeded beach access just across the street. 3/2 end unit or 2/2 with views of ICW. Both beautifully renovated and furnished with attached garages. Resort-like amenities. MLS #A4185953, $649,000 and MLS#A4182348, $539,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-5443299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

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, $649,000 MLS #A4155386, Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)894-1255 LUXURIOUS BEACHFRONT CONDO Located in the fabulous Crescent Siesta Key, this 2 BD/2 BA condo offers a view from your sunny lanai with outdoor kitchen. Community offers 2 pools, spa, fitness center, outdoor grills, and convenient walking to everything South

Siesta Village has to offer. 6512 Midnight Pass Rd #406, Siesta Key, $1,229,000 MLS #A4171720, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941894-1255 MID CENTURY BEAUTY This 3BD/3BA home, is a former Ralph Twitchell show home with an amazing open floor plan and high ceilings located on a quiet canal front corner lot. Has a 7K lbs. boat lift and is a short 5-minute commute to the bay. Has a new modern kitchen with gorgeous Brazilian granite counter tops. 505 Givens St, Siesta Key, $888,000 MLS #A4160488, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255.

1610 STARLING DR, LANDINGS COACH HOUSE $269,000: MLS 4182814 2BD/2BA Ground floor condo with patio overlooking a fabulous lake view. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) 1363 LANDINGS DR TREEHOUSE $490,000: MLS 4192826 3BD / 2.5BA Expanded floor plan with screened deck overlooking lake view. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) 1380 LANDINGS PT TREEHOUSE $439,000: MLS #A4187270 3BD 2.5BA Private Setting with Lush Landscape Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) DOLPHIN BAY The ultimate 2/2 in over 1900 square feet of living space. Exceptional property with split floor plan, each bedroom with private bath. Large kitchen with sit-in area and expansive living/ dining space. Spacious lanai

August

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2017

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Classifieds / Here’s My Card ACCOMMODATIONS / VACATION RENTALS

CONTRACTORS

MASSAGE

CONTINUED

• 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

Massage Experience

Siesta Key

• Canal Pool B&B – Master bedroom with private bath. California King bed. 1 mile to Siesta’s Public Beach. Call Shawna at 941-518-7774.

5138A Oc ea Siesta Ke n Boulevard y, FL 3424 2

Facials & Skincare • Wellness Coaching • Reiki Microcurrent (Non-Surgical Facelift) • Custom Day Spa Packages

• 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.

BEACH & BABY EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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

Connie Lewis

LANDINGS RESIDENT OWNED AND OPERATED

• Wilson Windows is a State Certified General Contractor specializing in glass porch enclosures and window replacement. They offer only top quality products installed by professionally trained technicians. All projects are engineered and permitted to meet the new state building codes related to impact, water infiltration and high velocity windload calculations. Their services include window repair, new custom screens, glass cut to size, and hard to find window parts inventory at both locations. Fully insured and their work is guaranteed. 941-921-1113, www. wilson-window.com.

941-929-1850

Having Fun Fishing in The Sun

Spa Director

5138-A Ocean Blvd. Siesta Key, FL 34242

www.qualitycountscleaning.com

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

BOATING RENTALS / FISHING CHARTERS

Intuitive Therapeutic Massage

941.756.1082 Carpet, Tile and Upholstery Cleaning • Free Estimates • Satisfaction Guaranteed • Stain Specialists • Chamber of Commerce Members

#MA00017596

941-349-4833 Office 941-350-7495 Mobile

MassageExperienceSK.com

#MM6727

MEDICAL

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

J Morgan O’Donoghue, MD.

Amy Fenenga PA-C

Sara Popovich PA-C

941.926.7546

www.dermatologyexperts.com

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

Serving Manatee and Sarasota Counties Locally Owned and Operated

941-400-2452

Tony Fudoli Sr. CAPTAIN tntfreedomfishing@yahoo.com

DRY CLEANERS

Veteran Owned Business

• CB’s Saltwater Outfitters – CB’s Saltwater Outfitters is an ORVIS Endorsed Outfitter Fishing Charter Service serving Siesta Key as well as Longboat Key, Lido Key, Sarasota and Venice. Our veteran guides offer exciting Fishing Adventures for anglers of all ages from novice to the expert. See our website: www.CBsOutfitters.com or stop in their store for additional info. 1240 Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key. (941)349-4400.

Dolphin Watch • SunSetS • half Day aDventure SailS

Environmentally Conscious Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Free Pick Up & Delivery Service Call

HELENE M. HYLAND

from your home or business

941-275-4647

REALTOR®

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

ExEcutivE Shirt SErvicE • houSEhold itEmS • SamE day SErvicE availablE

ENTERTAINMENT

5145 Ocean Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34242

Sailing From Marina Jack, Sarasota

Kathleen D Sailing Catamaran 941-896-6400

Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC

• 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

www.KathleenD.net

CLEANING SERVICES

Green Magic Cleaning Service

“Residential and Commercial”

We don’t cut corners, we dust them.

A family owned business with 16 years of experience.

www.SheSellsSiestaKeySarasota.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

HOUSE WATCH

• High quality services • Competitive rates • Great references • Always the same crew www.SarasotaHouseCleaningService.com

SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY

GreenMagicCleaning@gmail.com Call for a FREE estimate today!

(941) 780-4248

CONTRACTORS

New LookReasonable Prices! Shower & Bathtub Walls

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

(941) 961-4309

www.SuncoastHomeConcierge.com

House Watch Sarasota Licensed and Insured

Affordable and Dependable Service Solutions For Your Home While You Are Away

Shower & Bath Makeovers Free Estimates Call John 941.377.2940

Sarasota resident since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com • Hawk’s Nest Construction Inc. is a certified Class A general contractor licensed in all phases of construction. Owner, Mark Hawkins Sr. personally oversees every aspect of your project from start to finish, using only the best and most reliable licensed artisan and craftsmen. His passion is delighting his clients by turning their home-improvement dreams into a beautiful reality. Call 941-650-9499 or visit their website: www.hawksnestconstruction.com.

R. BRuce Whittinghill, llc (941) 955-1864

Call or e-mail sarasotabruce1@housewatchsrq.com for quotes and references Serving SaraSota and Surrounding areaS Since 1979

housewatchsrq.com

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-349-0194

Place your classified ad here for $6. (15 words) and $.10 for each additional word. Copy must be submitted with payment on or before the 15th of the month prior to publication. For display ads, please call 941-349-0194 for rates.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

OCTOBER 2017

Classifieds / Here’s My Card SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY

CONTINUED

ther”

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

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

RV4CASH

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

“Hot La

Snapshots of Island Visitors

WANTED TO BUY

Olde Fashion Barber Shop

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

AY WE PH! S CA

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

• Massage Experience Siesta Key Open 7-day a week. 5138A Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4833. (MA17596/MM6727).

Kayla Kunz Hair Stylist

ritz”

“For F

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

SPORTS RENTALS / ACCESSORIES • Robin Hood Rentals – for all your Siesta Key rental needs with a wide variety segways, bikes, kayaks, scooters and more, free pickup and delivery anywhere on the key. 5255 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key Village. 941-554-4242 • Siesta Key Bike & Kayak – Located on Siesta Key in Capt Curts Village serving Siesta Key, Lido Beach and Sarasota. We offer bikes, kayak rentals, kayak eco tours, paddleboards and scooters. 1224 Old Sickney Pt Rd. 941-346-0891 • Siesta Sports Rentals – Located on Siesta Key, bike, kayak, kayak tours, scooter, children strollers and car seats. Delivery and pickup available, 6551 Midnight Pass Rd, 941-346-1797

SENIOR SERVICES

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

• 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

Emergency Animal Clinic..........941-929-1818

TRANSPORTATION

Fishing & Hunting Licenses......941-362-9888

• Sun Ride Pedicab – Eco-friendly Pedicabs. Siesta Key Tours and rides – tips only, 941-343-3400

Airport Rides From Sarasota To:

941.735.4732

Picked up from Airport:

SRQ

$ 30

$ 40

TPA/St. Pete

$105

$125

Punta Gorda

$ 70

$ 80

Miami

$250

$300

Orlando

$200

$220

Ask for Eddie

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

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

15-20 MINUTE RESPONSE TIME (Based upon traffic)

Sheriff / non-emergency...........941- 861-1601

SERVICING

Waste Management....................941-924-1254

Siesta Key Beach Siesta Village Turtle Beach

DRIVER TIPS ONLY

Emergency (General).................................. 911

941-928-9200

RIDE THE KEY FREE

Carina, Markus, Mayla, and Lennon from Germany

Bob and Jennifer from Bradenton

Restaurants and Accommodations

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

Operating 10AM to 2AM Daily

www.JonnysOriginalFreeRide.com

Answers from Page 14

The Sunshine Friendliest Ride In Town State

Transportation for everyone on the Sun Coast

• Jonny’s Original Free Ride – The Original Ride the Key Free service on Siesta to anywhere, everyday from 10 AM – 2 AM. Driver tips only. Call 941-928-9200. • Dollar Limo – holds up to 10 people and is cheaper than a D.U.I or taxi. Call 941-735-4732

Rachel and Marley age 3 – from Sarasota

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2017

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Accommodations Locator Map

Patti from CO

F Siesta Key Inn F Siesta Palms by the Beach

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

OCTOBER 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Emergency Dentistry 24/7 - Extractions - Pain Relief - Root Canals - Dental Fillings - Trauma - Broken Teeth

- Swollen Jaw - Prescriptions - Denture Repair - Objects Caught Between Teeth - Infections - Re-cement Crowns - Abcesses

941 - 244 - 4944

If you are in need of emergency dental care, please do not hesitate to contact us, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

www.EmergencyDentistry.com

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2017

Island Girl

Marianna

941.349.0194

This monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s island girl is Marianna on a visit to our tropical paradise from NJ/NYC. Marianna is originally from Russia and has been living in the US for 12 years. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a hairstylist, model and proud American citizen. She absolutely loves the Gulf Coast of Florida and thinks Siesta Key is number one from all the keys. She looks forward to visiting us again.