IV Siesta Sand - September 2017 by Brion Palmer

Why the world comes to Sarasota

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

Flooding on Higel Avenue

HOTEL Siesta residents vow again to fight any revision that would figuratively open the door to a big new hotel on the island

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SPEED LIMIT

FDOT lowers speed limit on Siesta Drive at Higel Avenue intersection

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SIESTA PROMENADE County staff sends Benderson Development pages of comments citing insufficiencies in latest Siesta Promenade applications

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BIG PASS UPDATE

SHERIFFS REPORT There were a total of 38 crimes reported on the Key between 7/19 - 8/21/17

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SAND CASTLES

Key West Style Townhomes just over the bridge

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Just as motorists in downtown Sarasota have learned to be wary of U.S. 41 near Gulfstream Avenue when it rains hard, drivers on a section of Siesta Key’s Higel Avenue know to watch out for flooding in one particular area. In 2014, a couple who lives on that segment of Higel, along with the president of the Somerset Cove Condominiums — whose complex is in the same vicinity — spoke with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) staff about their frustrations. FDOT engineers also talked with another couple, who lived on Shell Road at that time; their property played a key role in the situation. A subsequent FDOT study included one question and answer that summed up the Higel Avenue issue: “How frequently does the problem occur? Every year during every major rainstorm event.” The apparent cause? The property at 4013 Higel Ave. is the low point of the local basin,” the study said. “Flooding occurs along the SR [State Road] 758 corridor and eventually enters a 15-inch cross drain under SR 758 and outfalls to the existing outfall ditch,” the study pointed out. Continued on page 20

Best of the Beach Club: 70 years and counting By Charmaine Engelsman-Robins

Judge grants delay in scheduling of hearing on nonprofits’ challenges to the proposed dredging of Big Pass

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|FDOT designing drainage project to alleviate flooding on Higel Avenue near Somerset Cove Condominiums By Rachel Brown Hackney / www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com

The slick, stylish nightclub marking its 70th anniversary this month (celebrates on Sept. 2nd, featuring the Instigators) certainly belies the humble beginnings and questionable past of its seven decade history. Since 1947, the Beach Club has been many things to many people. There’s not much on record of the Beach Club’s earliest years. It’s said that it began as a slightly-disrespectable, peanut-shells-on-the-floor hangout with mismatched tables and chairs, a long bar, miscellaneous motel ash trays, and a makeshift stage that could be moved or even removed to accommodate a larger-than-normal crowd of thirsty beachgoers, fishermen, and regulars. As Siesta Key grew, the “BC” (as it was known) grew with it, changing through the decades to the flashy neon point you now see. By the 1960s and 70s, the Beach Club had cleaned up its act a bit, but was still gritty enough to feel just a little dangerous. Today’s newcomer would never suspect that in days gone by, bands performed in the unconditioned heat and smoky haze with darts flying past them to seek bull’s-eyes on the boards on either side of the stage, while a resident rat ran back and forth like a carnival shooting game target on a beam over the band members’ heads. (EUW, what?! Shhhhh…) But soon “outsiders” discovered Siesta Key. The 1980s brought a burgeoning Key population. Tomcat Blake, who moved down from St. Louis and lived right around the corner from the club, wandered in one night to hear locals play impromptu, unrehearsed, random tunes. Continued on page 26

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Paid Parking |Siesta Key Association launches another survey Staff Report 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. A note on the SKA website says, “An invitation to complete a survey seeking member views on paid parking at the Siesta Key Public Beach and other Siesta Key sites was sent to all currently active SKA members ... The survey will be open until September 6, 2017. … If you received an invitation but have not completed the survey, please take a few minutes to do so in the next few weeks. We want to hear from all members!” The survey also asks 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 inquires about members’ views on whether county property owners and/or those people whose primary legal residences are in the county should pay to park.

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Turtle Beach Campground getting water, sewer and electrical upgrades

‘SIN Party’ cancelled on the sandbar in Big Sarasota Pass

Continued on page 19

Page 16 Differing viewpoints provided regarding North Beach Road vacation

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Turtle Beach Campground getting water, sewer and electrical upgrades By Rachel Brown Hackney

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

Fishing Charters

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The Turtle Beach Campground will be closed through the end of September, Sarasota County staff informed the County Commission in July, so the water, sewer and electrical infrastructure can be replaced. By unanimous vote on July 12, the board approved the project without comment. The work was scheduled to begin in August and be completed no later than Sept. 30, according to a memo staff provided the board. The total expense will be $1,050,000, with $974,303.40 to be paid to Tampa Contracting Services of Palmetto. That aligned with county staff’s estimate for the work, the memo indicated. Commissioner Alan Maio made the motion to approve the work; Commissioner Michael Moran seconded it. No member of the public had signed up to comment on the plans.

Happiness is… Being Social In today’s busy social media-driven world, sometimes it’s nice to slow down and hang out with people the oldfashioned way - in an ice cream shop, with a cone or cup of your favorite sweet treat. That’s what happened in August at Abel’s Ice Cream. Owners Jerry and Jill Williams hosted an ice cream social with the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, bringing together community civic and business leaders for a time of collaboration and friendship. “We thoroughly enjoyed hosting,” Jerry Williams said. “The Siesta Key Chamber is an active, thriving and fun group of people. We connected with several friends, and made a few new ones, too.” There was no official vote, but there were some stand-out ice cream flavor favorites for the chamber members, including Stellar Coffee (a must have if you’re a coffee lover, coffee ice cream with delicious fudge and mini dark chocolate coffee cups), Raspberry Truffle (a Heavenly combination… raspberry ice cream with raspberry ribbon & dark chocolate raspberry cups), and Caramel Caribou (toffee ice cream overflowing with a thick river of caramel & mini chocolate caramel cups).

941-921-5700

1886 Stickney Point Road

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But this time of year, the Chamber isn’t the only group getting social. It’s an exciting time in our area with our kids back in school as well. In the waning days of summer, before the busy fall season starts, make sure to stop by Abel’s for a visit. You’re sure to find happiness in every bite. 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.

WWW.ABELSICECREAM.COM

The staff memo pointed out that the county purchased the campground in 2006. During the 2016 fiscal year, the memo continued, the facility had an occupancy rate of 83%, generating revenue of $536,000. The water and sewer lines and electrical equipment date to about 1970, the memo added. “The age of the infrastructure and the maintenance to keep it in a safe and working condition has become problematic and has increased in the last two years,” the memo explained. “The environmental impact on these systems from the salt air and moisture due to the close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico has accelerated system fatigue.” “Further,” the memo continued, “RV campers have become larger than when the campground infrastructure was first installed and their increased service demands are taxing the systems. For these reasons, the county’s Facilities Maintenance Division staff has recommended that the water/sewer/electrical infrastructure within the Turtle Beach Campground … be replaced as soon as possible … to minimize the potential for a catastrophic failure,” the memo said. Campground customers were notified that reservations would be suspended for the two-month

period projected for the work, the memo pointed out. As for hiring the firm to undertake the work: The memo said that although representatives of 70 firms viewed the solicitation, only two vendors attended the nonmandatory, pre-bid meeting, and only one submitted a bid. Procurement Department staff contacted the other vendor, the memo added, but could not get a response as to why it submitted no bid. “Noteworthy is that the qualifications were revised at the pre-bid meeting based on the vendor’s request,” the memo continued, “but even so, the firm did not bid on the project.” In evaluating potential reasons for the receipt of the single bid, staff considered the following factors, the memo pointed out: • “The construction industry is booming, resulting in fewer bidders.” Another recent project that went to bid also resulted in just one response, the memo noted. That was the Blind Pass Septic Sewer Upgrades Project. • “This project has a very tight construction schedule consisting only of the months of August and September,” and the contractor is required to pay cash damages if the work is not finished on time. “This limited schedule is designed to complete the improvements before seasonal campers return,” the memo added. • “It is primarily site work during the rainy season. • “It is in a somewhat remote area with high traffic.” On June 1, the memo continued, Procurement Department staff issued a Notice of Recommended Award for Tampa Contracting Services. Because only one firm bid on the project, the memo pointed out, staff did weigh the option of delaying the project for a year. However, that idea was rejected, the memo said, because staff determined the risk that the infrastructure could fail was too high, and construction costs likely would increase.

6236 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #406

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Siesta residents vow again to fight any revision that would figuratively open the door to a big new hotel on the island By Rachel Brown Hackney Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Frederick P. Mercurio has granted a joint motion of Siesta Acquisitions LLC and Sarasota County to hold in abeyance a dispute over a June Board of Zoning Appeals decision regarding street setbacks for tall commercial buildings in the Siesta Key Overlay District. In the joint motion — filed July 27 — Siesta Acquisitions and Sarasota County pointed out that the County Commission directed County Administrator Tom Harmer “to bring forward a possible amendment to the Zoning Regulations” that would make it unnecessary for every building taller than 35 feet to have a setback of at least 25 feet from the street. Siesta Acquisitions’ principal manager is Dr. Gary Kompothecras, known for his 1-800-Ask-Gary advertising for his chiropractic clinics. Charles D. Bailey III of Sarasota, the attorney for Siesta Acquisitions, has told the Board of Zoning Appeals and the County Commission that the limited liability company is interested in building a hotel on Old Stickney Point Road, where Kompothecras already owns some commercial property. In their joint motion, the company and the county agreed that late October would be the earliest the County Commission would be likely to take final action on a revision to Siesta Key’s zoning regulations. That is because of the commission’s summer recess until Aug. 21, the necessity of the county’s Planning Commission to consider any proposed amendment and the possibility that two hearings on the revised language might be required before the County Commission, the motion explains. Still, if the amendment wins ultimate approval, the motion points out, the legal dispute would be moot. “Judicial economy and the administration of justice will be served by abating the current proceedings until the [commission] has the opportunity to consider the zoning amendment,” the motion adds. No later than Nov. 1, Mercurio directed in his Aug. 11 order, “the parties shall submit a written status report

advising whether the County Commission has taken action” approving or denying the amendment. Sarasota County is handling the case on behalf of the Board of Zoning Appeals, just as it would handle any litigation regarding one of the county’s advisory boards, County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh has explained. On July 12 — just before the County Commission broke for its summer recess — the chair of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and representatives of island businesses asked the board to clarify the setback provisions of the Siesta Key Overlay District (SKOD) regarding commercial construction. Architect Mark Smith — the Chamber chair and longtime island leader — said the intention of the Siesta zoning regulations was to make commercial areas more pedestrian-friendly by having businesses situated close to the sidewalk. However, in response to correspondence late this spring from Bailey, county Zoning Administrator Donna Thompson wrote that if a building exceeds the 35 feet set forth as the maximum height in the Commercial General districts in the SKOD, then it must have a minimum setback of 25 feet from the street; the maximum setback would be 42.5 feet if a proposed project was granted a special exception allowing the structure to stand 85 feet tall. Based on Thompson’s interpretation, a building between 35 feet and 85 feet — the maximum height allowed on the county’s barrier islands — must have a setback of 25 feet or half the height of the building, whichever is greater. Smith said that Thompson’s interpretation was correct, but he made the point to the County Commission on July 12 that the setback requirement is excessive. Acting on behalf of Siesta Acquisitions, Bailey appealed Thompson’s interpretation to the county’s Board of Zoning Appeals. After a June 12 hearing, that board voted 3-2 to uphold Thompson’s assertions. When Bailey was informed later on July 12 that the County Commission had directed staff to research a revision of the SKOD setback requirements, he said his client still

Fandango building next to Siesta Key Storage would have to meet the 30-day requirement to file a Petition for Writ of Certiorari. That would be necessary in an effort to overturn the Board of Zoning Appeals’ decision in the event the County Commission did not approve an amendment satisfactory to his client. The petition Sarasota attorney Robert K. Lincoln filed in the Circuit Court says, “Thompson legally erred by ignoring the plain language of the Zoning Code and rewriting the ordinance to impose an incorrect street yard setback requirement for properties zoned “Commercial General/ SKOD… The singular and only provision of Sarasota County’s Zoning Regulations specifically governing street yard setbacks for property [with that zoning] states ‘the minimum street yard setback shall be two feet.’” Bailey does not handle litigation, he has explained. That is why Lincoln filed the petition. As recently as the Aug. 3 Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting, residents vowed to fight any attempt to revise the SKOD’s provisions. Lourdes Ramirez, a past president of the

SKA and the Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA), said she believes Kompothecras wants to make certain his hotel project is exempt from the current density standards for Siesta Key, as detailed in the SKOD. If Kompothecras wanted to construct a hotel, she pointed out, he could do so on property zoned Commercial General, but the building could be no taller than 35 feet, unless he sought a special exception from the County Commission. She also reiterated Thompson’s assertions about the setback requirements. A number of island residents have said during SKA meetings this year that they believe Kompothecras wants to construct a 100-room hotel, but Bailey has pointed out that no design has been proposed yet for the project. During a December 2016 neighborhood workshop on a related issue, Bailey said Kompothecras is interested in constructing a “boutique hotel” that would not be nearly as tall as the condo towers on the island. “We have to stay on top of the plans from Day One,” Ramirez told the SKA audience on Aug. 3.

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About that new Siesta Drive fence By Rachel Brown Hackney Motorists heading on and off Siesta Key in mid-August most certainly noticed that a fence and swing gate were being installed along the road just east of the north drawbridge, adjacent to the lookout over Sarasota Bay. In response to a question about the project, Jan Thornburg, senior communications manager for the City of Sarasota, wrote in an email that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is undertaking the work on the site, which is FDOT property. “The City, on behalf of the residents of San Remo and Bay Island/Siesta Association, requested enhanced safety and control/ access of the area,” Thornburg pointed out. “FDOT agreed.” The public will continue to have access to the area 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Thornburg noted. However, she added, “Vehicle access will be prohibited between 11 pm and 5 am. The surrounding neighborhoods have been kept informed during the discussion.” In response to a request for details from FDOT about the fence, Zachary Burch, government affairs and communications manager for the department, wrote in an email, “The City requested that we install the bollards and the gate and FDOT agreed. We should be finishing the installation this week. The City will be responsible for opening and closing the gate. We explained to the City

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Siesta Key Round-Up By Rachel Brown Hackney/Bob Stein As for break-ins …

that it must remain open during the daytime hours, and I believe that the agreement was that they would only close it from 11 PM to 5 AM.” On June 30, Sarasota Vice Mayor Liz Alpert notified Police Chief Bernadette DiPino and City of Sarasota senior staff members that she had received a phone call from a San Remo resident who had reported a number of attempted break-ins and one car theft. The San Remo neighborhood is on the south side of Siesta Drive, near the FDOT property. “There have been several neighborhood meetings about the incidents,” Alpert added in her email, noting that the San Remo residents questioned the safety of the city.

During the Aug. 3 Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting, Sgt. Jason Mruczek, leader of the Sheriff’s Office substation on the Key, told the audience that 10 to 15 vehicle burglaries had been reported in recent weeks on the north end of the island. He mentioned incidents on Higel Avenue, Treasure Boat Way and Commonwealth Drive, among others. Most occurred late at night, he added, and “a lot of the cars were unlocked.” Mruczek reminded the audience members, “Lock your cars; don’t keep anything in plain sight.” When Mruczek asked whether anyone had questions for him, SKA member Dave Thomas replied, “I have noticed a lot more people just driving around, kind of rubbernecking in our neighborhoods.” Thomas added, “Some look absolutely like tourists” who have taken the wrong road. However, Thomas continued, “Others [have been] a little bit questionable.” On Tuesday evenings, Thomas noted, he has grown accustomed to seeing scavengers scouring his neighborhood, looking for items that have been put out for Waste Management to collect on its Wednesday routes on the Key. He has learned to distinguish those drivers from others who appear to have no reason to be in the area, he indicated. On any occasion when someone sees someone suspicious, Mruczek responded, the person should not hesitate to call the non-emergency number for the Sheriff’s Office: 316-1201. Continued on page 11

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REOPEN BEACH ROAD INC. SPEAKS TRUTH

REOPEN BEACH ROAD INC. SAYS: YES TO FULL PROTECTION OF SEA TURTLES, WHICH HAVE NEVER NESTED ON PAVEMENT YES TO FULL PUBLIC OWNERSHIP OF BEACH ROAD’S SIXTY FOOT WIDE RIGHT OF WAY YES TO FULL ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL, INCLUDING ELDERLY, MOBILITY AND VISION-IMPAIRED YES TO RESTORING BEACH ROAD TO ITS INTENDED LEGAL USE AS A THOROUGHFARE YES TO FULL AND EQUAL USE OF BEACH ROAD FOR ALL PEOPLE WHO WALK, USE WALKERS, WHEEL CHAIRS, GOLF CARTS, BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS, SEGWAYS, TROLLEYS AND AUTOMOBILES, TOO

THANK YOU, SIESTA KEY ASSOCIATION, FOR HOSTING REOPEN BEACH ROAD INC. AT A FORUM IN AUGUST. AS ALWAYS, THE AUDIENCE WAS HIGHLY POSITIVE AND INTERESTED IN RECLAIMING OUR PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY. THE FEW PEOPLE AGAINST REOPEN BEACH ROAD WERE THE ONES WHO STAND TO BENEFIT GREATLY FROM THE COUNTY’S ILLEGAL ACTIONS. THESE PEOPLE CONTINUE TO PRODUCE AND DISTRIBUTE MISLEADING INFORMATION. PLEASE VISIT WWW.REOPENBEACHROAD.ORG TO DOWNLOAD PETITIONS AND MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION. WE WELCOME YOU TO JOIN OUR SIESTA KEY COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE WHO LOVE AND PROTECT OUR BEACHES.

REOPEN BEACH ROAD INC. SAYS: NO TO THE ONGOING PRIVATE VEHICULAR USE OF BEACH ROAD NO TO GIVING AWAY PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY TO CREATE PRIVATE PROFIT FOR ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS NO TO CONSTRUCTION OF ANY BUILDINGS SEAWARD OF BEACH ROAD EVER!!! NO TO FAKE NEWS ABOUT REOPEN BEACH RD DISTRIBUTED BY ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS NO TO FAKE, STAGED PICTURES OF THE REOPEN BEACH ROAD TRUCK

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

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Financial Focus |Are You a “Hardworking” Investor? Next week, we observe Labor Day, a celebration of the American worker. You work hard your whole life with the hope that your efforts will ultimately allow you to achieve your financial goals, such as a comfortable retirement. But for that to happen, you may need to apply some of the lessons of the workplace to your efforts as an investor. So, what are these lessons? Here are a few to consider: • Be consistent. The most successful workers are the ones who show up, day after day, and strive to overcome the inevitable obstacles that crop up. As an investor, you, too, need to be consistent in your habits – which means you should keep investing in all types of markets. If you take a “time out” every time the market drops, you might end up missing opportunities when the next rally begins. • Be flexible. When good workers see that something is not going well, they change what they’re doing. And when you invest, you also may need to make adjustments. If an investment has consistently underperformed, or if you have too many others very similar to it, or if it just doesn’t meet your needs anymore, you may be better off by selling it and using the proceeds to invest elsewhere. This doesn’t mean you should constantly be buying and selling — in fact, you’ll likely be better off by purchasing quality investments and holding them

for the long term. But you need to be flexible enough to make the appropriate moves at the appropriate times. • Be informed. The best workers are those who regularly update their skills and acquire knowledge that helps them do their jobs better. As an investor, you should also keep learning – about the investment world in general and about new opportunities for you to explore. And you should always understand what you are investing in – and why. Even if you work with a financial professional, you need to inform yourself about every aspect of your investment portfolio – after all, it’s your money and your future. • Be farsighted. Good workers not only know what they’re doing – they also can visualize the desired outcome of each task. And, of course, people who are in charge of a particular endeavor, or who are responsible for the fortunes of a business, have a clear view of what they want to accomplish, even if the achievement of that goal is many years in the future. When you invest, you also need to see where you want to go. If you can constantly keep in mind your long-term goals – such as the type of retirement lifestyle you desire – you will likely find it easier to stick with an investment strategy that’s appropriate for your needs and risk tolerance. Conversely, if you lose sight of your destination, you might be more prone to

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

taking short-term detours, which could work against you. Labor Day reminds us to appreciate the skills and dedication of all workers – and as an investor, you can put these same attributes to good use. Advertorial

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

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

Visit our new Siesta Village Liquors just next door!

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FDOT lowers speed limit on Siesta Drive at Higel Avenue intersection By Rachel Brown Hackney / SarasotaNewsLeader.com It took a few tries in August, but Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) crews finally had signage installed to lower the speed limit from 40 mph to 30 mph just in the vicinity of the sharp curve at the intersection of Higel Avenue and Siesta Drive. At first, Zachary Burch, government affairs & community manager for FDOT, told SNL, crews from the department’s Manatee Operations Office placed the signs in the wrong locations. “They should be located 110 feet south of Ogden Street and 90 feet east of Flamingo Avenue. We apologize for the confusion and will have them corrected very soon.” Traffic accidents in the sharp curves on the north end of Siesta Key have been common for many years. However, in response to recent resident complaints about speeding — and two incidents with fatalities — FDOT agreed to erect the new signage. FDOT’s District One communications specialist, Robin Stublen, announced the plan on June 29, but Burch explained that FDOT had to get a formal regulation approved to make the change. In related news, the Sarasota Police Department (SPD) charged a 39-year-old Bradenton woman with DUI manslaughter and other counts in connection with an April 3 incident in the area of the Higel Avenue/ Siesta Drive intersection. Electronic signs posted on both the northand southbound approaches to the Higel/ Siesta curve already suggested drivers reduce their speed to 25 mph. As staff of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has explained, the existence of a caution sign advising a lower speed limit may be a factor in citing a driver who has an accident in the affected area, but drivers cannot be ticketed simply for driving faster than the suggested speed. Email exchanges between Sarasota Police Chief Bernadette DiPino and other city staff members in late June indicated the

new speed limit would be marked for a longer stretch of road than Stublen and Burch had mentioned. That prompted Siesta Key Association (SKA) officers to question the decision. SKA directors were worried about the potential for residents to start a new initiative to gain local government permission for use of low-speed vehicles if the reduced speed limit were imposed over a longer stretch of Siesta Drive and/or Higel Avenue. Complaints have increased in the past couple of years about people driving low-speed rental vehicles on the Key, leading to long traffic lines with drivers tempted to make illegal passes.

The April 3 crash Regarding the SPD charges in the April incident, the department reported that Irana Negrete was the driver of the single vehicle in that crash. She was in a Dodge Journey, traveling northbound on Higel, when she failed to stay on the road as she approached Siesta Drive, the news release added. Her vehicle plowed into a tree, resulting in the death of Christopher Tirado, 29, of Bradenton, the release noted. Tirado, who was in the backseat, died at the scene, it adds. Both Negrete and a female passenger — also in the backseat — were transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with serious injuries, the news release pointed out. Along with the DUI manslaughter count, the release said, Negrete was charged with DUI with serious bodily injury; having no driver’s license in a fatal crash, which is a felony; having no driver’s license in a serious injury crash, which is also a felony; and three counts of DUI property damage, which is a misdemeanor. The Probable Cause Affidavit filed in the case said Negrete’s blood alcohol results showed readings of 0.116 and 0.117; the legal limit in Florida is 0.08. Her bond was set at $115,000, and she

was released from the Sarasota County Jail, the release added. Negrete was the only person in the vehicle wearing a seatbelt, the original news release about the crash pointed out. The most recent crash near the Higel/Siesta curve was reported about 6 p.m. on June 14. Guy Theron, 57, of Sarasota, died at Sarasota Memorial Hospital as a result of injuries sustained in that incident, an SPD news release noted. Theron was driving a 2008 Dodge mini-van that collided with a 2000 Honda and a Scion at the intersection of Higel Avenue and Faubel Street. “Both speed and a possible medical issue were factors that investigators believe caused the crash,” the SPD release said. Ian Lee, 18, of Sarasota, was driving the 2000 gold Honda, the release added, noting that he was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Killian Metz, 17, of Sarasota, also was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with serious injuries, the release said, but he is expected to recover. He was the driver of the Scion. A passenger in the Scion — Darian Callahan, 19, of Sarasota — was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, too, with critical injuries, but he also is expected to recover, the release pointed out. Investigators believe Theron was driving his Dodge “at a high rate of speed northbound on Higel Avenue and the other two vehicles were driving southbound,” the release added. Early in their investigation, it continued, officers found evidence to indicate that Theron swerved, striking one vehicle, and then he swerved again, colliding with the second one.

Crash data In response to a request for information, Genevieve Judge, the partnership policing communications coordinator with the SPD, provided data about crashes since 2006 in the area of the Higel Avenue/Siesta Drive curve. From Jan. 1, 2006 through June 28 of this year, 62 incidents had been reported. She noted that the only two fatalities recorded during the period staff researched, were the ones in April and June. Another 17 incidents resulted in injuries, Judge wrote. Three of those occurred in 2014 and another three in 2016, with two apiece in 2010, 2011 and 2013. When SNL followed up with Judge in midAugust, she reported that no new crashes had been reported in the area of the Siesta Drive/Higel intersection since the one in June.

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Restaurant Opening Announcements By Bob Stein Station 400 restaurant opened their third location on Monday, August 28th in the Landings Plaza in the former Peaches location, next to Publix. Breakfast & Lunch is served daily 7:30am -2:30pm. For more information about this restaurant, please visit their website at www.station400.com.

The former Aaron’s Fish Camp Restaurant (also former Blue Que Restaurant) located in Siesta Key Village continues its massive renovation. A new high-end steak house and seafood restaurant is expected to open sometime after the first of the year.

Gecko’s original location, which opened in 1992 at the Landings Plaza, has moved to its new location in the former Harry’s Sports Bar located next to Best Western Plus Siesta Key. The Landings location closed on August 25th and the target date for the new opening on the Trail is set for early September. For more information on their restaurant, see their website at www.geckosgrill.com.

Plaza Mexico Bar & Grill will be moving into the former Stonewood Grill building located in the Southbridge Plaza on Stickney Point Road. They are expected to open November 1st. For more information about the restaurant, see their website at www.plazamexicobarandgrill.com.

Star Thai Sushi is expected to open this fall in the former Eat Here location in the Siesta Key Village. This will be the restaurant’s third location in Sarasota. For more information about the restaurant, see their website at www.starthaiandsushi.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

‘SIN Party’ cancelled An Aug. 15 party planned with DJs on the sandbar in Big Sarasota Pass — announced late this spring on Facebook — never happened. The proposed event had raised more questions than answers. A business called Elemental Soul Productions located in the Tampa Bay area originally said on its website that it was following up its Treasure Island SIN Beach Party in June with this new event “on the beautiful Big Pass Sand Bar surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico …” The Siesta SIN Party’s Facebook page pointed out, “You NEED a boat/yacht/water cruiser for this one! This will be a ticket event. More details to come!” The Facebook page also noted that the event would begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 6 p.m. As of June 19, the page indicated that 180 people were planning to attend, even though the party was going to be on the Tuesday following the first day of the 2017-18 school year in Sarasota County. The tickets, which were available through ticketgateway.com, were advertised at $10 for general admission, the News Leader learned. The Treasure Island SIN Beach Party was held on June 20, based on that event’s Facebook page, which also provided this information: “Beach Day at Treasure Island! Bringing out the DJ gear to just have a chill day with alcohol, vibes and industry folk. Take a breather from the weekend and soak in some sun! We also have a special deal just for us on the Freestyle Slide right next to our setup spot. BOGO all day! Publix is right across the street. Parking is $2/hr and credit card ONLY. Bathroom facilities only feet away. I will have a generator going to supply power all day! Make sure you bring business cards! Let’s all NETWORK!!!” The Facebook page for the Siesta Key SIN Beach Party pointed out that five DJs were signed up to perform: Luis Martinez “(Tribal, Latin, Tech House)”; Yewplay “(Top 40 Remixes, House, Tropical)”; DjCardinal Albury “(Reggae, Dancehall, Soca)”; Jeff Haze “(House Music)”; and MPSoup

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

By Rachel Brown Hackney

“Born in South America (Venezuela) ..... worked with Tourism for more than 10 years, Graduated from Culinary School in Davie FL, Photographer since 2002, moved to Tampa in 2007, started DJing Professionally in 2008, Today MPSoup plays at the most known venues in the Greater Tampa Bay/Clearwater/St. Pete area, bringing from Open Format, Top 40, EDM, to any unconventional/underground genre required to uplift any crowd, specialized in Corporate Events, Weddings and Theme Events (Marathons, Fashion Shows, Charity Events, City Events, Latin Parties etc.).” Additionally, the Facebook information said that the organizers wanted to clarify how they could charge for the Siesta event, since it was going to be off the shore. Their response was, “This is still a public sand bar. We do not have exclusivity to it. To that I am hosting this event in accord to the Service Industry people as a day of good music and professional networking. Sure there are free bands that play on this sand bar all the time, 10% of the net ticket sales will be hand delivered to Siesta Key for Beach Care & Wildlife Protection even though they aren’t asking for one penny. I have been in direct contact with them and any and all fees/ permits if required will be taken care of. I will keep an honest [and] open tally for everyone to see … what the final figure is along with me meeting with them to show just cause.” On June 19, the Facebook page continued, “Also remember we’re supporting Siesta Key’s Save Our Sands fund to protect and maintain Big Pass Sand Bar!” The Facebook page added, “For everyone following this event this is the movement I’m supporting and a portion of the ticket sales will be donated back to Siesta Key as a thank you from all of us that attend. Save Our Siesta Sand [SOSS2] http://www.soss2. com/” When Peter van Roekens, chair of Save Our Siesta Sand 2, was contacted, he had no knowledge of the event; the organizers had not contacted him.

Photos by Elusive View Cinematography / Aaron Barnes It is possible, SNL speculates, that the organizers read about the Party on the Pass held May 13 as a means of publicizing efforts of SOSS2 and the Siesta Key Association to prevent the dredging of Big Sarasota Pass for the renourishment of South Lido Key Beach. That event is held on the sandbar, with people invited to come by whatever watercraft they choose to use. However, no admission is charged; instead, donations are welcomed. SNL tried repeatedly to contact Elemental Soul Productions, but it never received a response. The publication was able to find just an email address for the business; no phone number was provided. After Siesta Key Association (SKA) directors learned about the planning for the party, Vice President Catherine Luckner was able to reach Marcus Anderson with Elemental Soul Productions, she told SNL. He wrote her in an email that the organizers had completed the paperwork for a Temporary Use Permit from the county. Then Luckner contacted Carolyn Brown, director of the Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, to find out whether Brown was aware of the event. Brown evidently was not, but she let Luckner know later that she had asked Zoning Administrator Donna Thompson about it. Thompson had heard of the planning for the party,

Thompson responded to Brown in an email. Thompson added in that June 23 email, “Code Enforcement was going to contact the event planner and discuss. I believe that the Sheriff is aware of the event. Last time we had an event such as this, in working with our Environmental Protection Division, it was determined that these waters were within the State’s jurisdiction and enforcement was not the County’s responsibility.” When SNL asked for comments in early August from the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, county Media Relations Officer Jason Bartolone confirmed in an email what Brown had conveyed to Luckner: “Staff from the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and Planning and Development Services departments are aware of the event and have been in contact with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.” He did report, however, that the organizers would need to apply for and obtain a Temporary Use Permit from the county for such an event. Bartolone added that staff understood the party has been cancelled. By Aug. 1, SNL was unable to find any websites or the Facebook page originally linked to the Siesta Key SIN Beach Party. A Google search turned up the Facebook notice that the event had been cancelled “(for now).”

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2017

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

County staff sends Benderson Development pages of comments citing insufficiencies in latest Siesta Promenade applications By Rachel Brown Hackney / SarasotaNewsLeader.com Benderson Development Co. has been asked, figuratively speaking, to fill in a number of blanks in the latest materials it filed with Sarasota County regarding its proposed Siesta Promenade project. On July 25, county Planner Todd Dary sent Todd Mathes, director of development for Benderson, two letters detailing numerous insufficiencies in the documents the county received from the firm in late June. Benderson had revised its plans for the mixed-use development at the northwest corner of the intersection of U.S 41 and Stickney Point Road. Among the issues Dary’s letters cited were lack of figures showing maximum building heights and setbacks; no clear plan showing road width and turning radii for traffic patterns within the development; the fact that the material does not indicate which portions of rights of way of public streets the firm intends to be vacated; and insufficient data in the company’s updated traffic analysis. The latter was discussed with Benderson staff on June 26, according to one of Dary’s letters. Shannon Rodden in the county’s Transportation Planning Division wrote that the transportation analysis should address “all [Florida Department of Transportation] and Sarasota County comments” provided during that meeting. In a section regarding county Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department requirements, one letter said Benderson “should provide a private shuttle service to Siesta Public Beach, Turtle Beach Park, Crescent Beach and Point of Rocks Beach “and/or work with Sarasota County Area Transit to increase the frequency of trips to the beaches and/or look into expanding the Siesta Key Breeze Trolley service to the project site.” The free open-air circulator began service on the island on March 20; county Administrator Tom Harmer and SCAT Director Rocky Burke have vowed to find the funding to ensure its

continuing operation. The documents county staff received about Siesta Promenade on June 28 showed a reduction from 506 to 415 residential dwelling units and a hotel with 130 rooms, instead of the 150 originally planned. The firm still proposed 140,000 square feet of retail and office space. Benderson has sought a Critical Area Plan (CAP) designation for the project so it can pursue a density of up to 25 residential dwelling units per acre. That exceeds the 13 allowed in Commercial General zoning districts. The site itself — where a mobile home park once stood — is zoned for 9 units per acre. The development site is approximately 24 acres. The company also indicated in the June 28 materials that it still plans to construct condominium towers as tall as 85 feet, though — as county staff noted in the July 25 letters to Mathes — no details were provided about which buildings it would like to construct at that height. In a June 2, 2016 presentation to members and guests of the Siesta Key Association, Mathes unveiled a version of plans that he pointed out had been modified from the firm’s original proposal, dating to 2014. The new concept, he stressed, would encompass 40,000 fewer square feet than Paradise Plaza on Bay Road in Sarasota. He also talked of the “huge demand in the whole area for residential product.” On Jan. 25, the County Commission voted 4-1 to allow Benderson to continue pursuit of the CAP designation for Siesta Promenade. However, it specified a number of analyses — including those regarding traffic patterns at 16 intersections near the project site — that the firm would have to undertake as part of its application process. Commissioner Nancy Detert cast the “No” vote, saying, “I’d frankly like to stop this process, and I don’t know how to do it.” Detert joined the board in November 2016. As of Aug. 16, county staff still

Rendering of the proposed Siesta Promenade

was awaiting updated materials after providing the letters to Benderson. After all the documents have been resubmitted, county spokesman Jason Bartolone told SNL, “staff will perform another completeness review. That process typically takes 30-45 days, but we expect the next review to be no longer than 30 days.” Bartolone continued, “Then, after the material has been deemed complete, formal review will commence. We anticipate the first public hearing [by the Planning Commission] to occur approximately 60 days after the beginning of the formal review, and the County Commission hearing to occur approximately 45 days after that.”

‘INCOMPLETE’ One letter Planner Dary sent M a t h e s i n J u l y f o c u se d o n Benderson’s request to rezone the property for the development; the other discussed issues relative just to the Critical Area Plan

application. The four-page letter involving the rezoning petition included nine repetitions of the notice, “INCOMPLETE” emphasis in the document. Documentation of specific insufficiencies was listed by department. Among them, Dary asked for details about the locations and dimensions of the landscape buffers between Siesta Promenade and all the adjacent properties and streets, along with the locations and dimensions of the sidewalks and other pedestrian paths within the development. Dary also noted that one section of the application indicates a distance of 29 feet between the edge of the pavement of Glencoe Avenue and the Siesta Promenade property line; however, “the actual dimension appears to be 18 or 19 feet.” Dary added, “The graphic depictions and dimensions of ‘single family house to 3 story building’ and ‘single family house

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to edge of pavement’ are also inaccurate.” Regarding the “Roadway Vacation Plan,” Dary wrote that the concept Benderson provided “includes portions of public streets including Brentwood Avenue, Sunset Boulevard Street, and Crestwood Avenue. A plan is required that clearly indicates what portion of these rights-ofway are intended to be vacated and how alternative public access is to be provided. The plan must include a schedule showing how the vacation process relates to the rezoning/CAP process.” Furthermore, Dary noted, the development concept plan “depicts the re-alignment of Crestwood Avenue. Please provide and label buffer along Crestwood Avenue. The realignment of the street and the vacation of existing public streets require a street vacation be processed. Please coordinate with the county’s Real Property Division.”

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Flavors of India Sarasota - Authentic Indian Cuisine Flavors of India Sarasota is located in a strip mall about ¼ mile south of the Stickney Point Bridge. The outside of this restaurant appears unassuming, but when you enter it is anything but. The interior was remodeled when the new owners took over this location last year and has an amazing ceiling imported from India. You may even think you’re in Indian heaven when you enter and smell the aromas that greet you. That’s because what they serve here is authentic Indian Cuisine. The daily luncheons are modestly priced at $8.99, during the week and the selections are more than you’d normally find in an Indian buffet. On the weekends they offer a Maharaja Buffet for $11.99. Menu selections are also available for lunch. Buffet luncheons are served from 11:30 am – 3 pm. The dinner menu starts at 3 pm and lasts until 10 pm. In addition to the traditional Mango Lassi, Masala tea, and Madras coffee, beer and wine are also available for lunch and dinner. From the many positive reviews, it is evident that service and kitchen staff are professionally trained and continuously work to provide a quality service experience. As one customer noted, “Fantastic! Greeted by smiles and enthusiasm in this lovely, cozy Indian restaurant.” As for the food, well, just take a glimpse of some of the many comments posted on Yelp and Trip Advisor. ***Reeeeally great flavors. I don’t eat buffets usually but my friend and I were in a pinch for time so I made a compromise.... I’ve now returned 4 times. This is unlike any buffet I have had Indian or otherwise. It goes on and on: chutneys, salsas, salads, a couple vegetarian and several meat curries, rice and Briyani dishes, breads and desserts, with plenty of fresh Naan brought to the table - perfectly cooked and not

the chicken tikka masala is sooo good! Open on Sunday’s and has a very friendly staff. We will be returning again very soon. ***This is an excellent Indian restaurant and I’ve eaten at several throughout the US. Authentic and delicious and great service too! ***I highly recommend this restaurant! My family and I just moved here from Texas and we love Indian food so we decided to go there. We started with some samosas and as soon as we opened them steam came out; you can tell that they were just made and they tasted delicious! I split the butter chicken with my mom and that was plenty for the both of us (basmati rice included). The sauce was to die for and the chicken was extremely tender to the point where I didn’t need a knife to cut it. My dad got the chicken vindaloo and I’ve never seen him devour a meal so quickly! He even asked for a second helping of rice. Our waiter was amazing and the atmosphere was relaxing. We have definitely found our hidden gem in paradise!

greasy. Both times everything was very fresh and good quality, super flavorful! It’s only $10 too - ridiculously good - it’s a must try. ***Went for dinner on a Wednesday night and my group had a paneer dish, a lamb dish and a vegetarian dish along with Mango Lassi and paneer naan. All were excellent. The service was very good, our server was very friendly and helpful. The rice was particularly tasty, I’m always impressed when a restaurant manages to master something that is so simple. The lamb vindaloo was VERY spicy, which is exactly how I like it. Delicious food, reasonable prices and great service. Highly recommend this place if you’re in the area.

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

***Just recently discovered via Yelp review. New owners. Food is authentic, fresh, beautifully prepared. They are from Kerala and menu offerings include many North and South

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

Siesta Key Round-Up If a matter is urgent, though, Mruczek pointed out, a person should call 911. “Definitely, keep an eye out,” Mruczek advised residents.

More information, please Regular readers of Siesta Sand will recall that on May 18, a limited liability company filed an application for a Coastal Setback Variance to construct a three-story, singlefamily home and pool on property that lies west of the house located at 654 Beach Road. The construction would be on land that is completely seaward of the county’s

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

***7 of us eat dinner at Flavors of India and we all would rate the experience with 5 stars. Every entree was well prepared, with excellent sauces, generous sizes, and good service. It’s been hard to find a 5 star Indian restaurant. While only open 5 months, they have already set a high bar. This place is now a must on all our lists. “Our customers are our guests, and we treat our guests like god,” say co-owners Lijo Lukose and Sijil Mon Thomas, “ ‘Athithi Devo Bhava’ is our motto.” That pretty much sums up why they have such a loyal following. Flavors of India is located at 7119 S Tamiami Trail, Ste. E, Sarasota, FL 34231. (941) 921-9200. Hours of operation are: Mon, Wed, and Thurs - 11:30 am - 9:30 pm. Fri, Sat, Sun - 11:30 am - 10:00 pm. They are closed on Tuesdays. (Advertorial)

Continued from page 4

Gulf Beach Setback Line (GBSL), which Weiqi Lin, a member of the county’s Environmental Permitting Division staff, has described to the County Commission as the figurative line in the sand “to protect the public interests and your investment.” The GBSL was established in 1978; in recent years, the County Commission has refused to allow any homes to be built west of it. In response to a request for an update on the status of the Saba Sands II LLC application, county Media Relations Officer Jason Bartolone wrote in an Aug.

1 email, “The project review is currently on hold, pending a response to a ‘request for additional information’ the county sent to the applicant’s team on June 26.” This project would necessitate approval of the County Commission after a public hearing, Bartolone pointed out, “because it proposed construction seaward of the Gulf Beach Setback Line, but a meeting date will not be scheduled until the application materials are deemed complete.” Saba Sands II, whose manager is attorney William A. Saba of Sarasota, filed the application for the variance. The company

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

50% discount being offered Relics on the Key, selling vintage, antiques and mid-century items is offering a 50% off coupon. The 50% off coupon is located on page 40 of this edition of Siesta Sand. Relics on the Key is located in the Siesta Key Village at 5049 Ocean Blvd. Continued on page 13

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Sheriff’s Report 7/21/17 Burglary –Residential 5000 Block Siesta Woods Drive A burglary was recorded on a residential security system. At approximately 2:47 a.m., a vehicle was seen driving down the short, dead-end road, turning the headlights off shortly after passing the victim’s residence. A suspect is seen walking up the victim’s driveway. The longhaired female disappears for 3 minutes into what is assumed to be the garage and emerges with a large bag, which presumably contains the victim’s missing snorkel gear ($600). She is then seen entering the victim’s car where she took a pair of ear buds ($40), and rummaged through the center console. At the time of the burglary, the garage door was left open and vehicles were unlocked. According to the victim, nothing else appeared to be missing. The vehicle was processed for DNA.

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There were a total of 38 crimes reported on the Key between 7/19 - 8/21/17

7/23/17 Battery 6000 Block Midnight Pass Rd. Deputies responded to an alleged battery. A man stated he was sitting at the bar with his fiancé when another man walked in holding the dog that they had left in their car. The man explained that he had left the dog with the windows down and the sunroof open. According to the complainant, a verbal altercation took place and ended with the suspect grabbing him by the throat and throwing him to the ground. The deputy did not see any marks or indications of injury on the victim and he refused medical treatment. According to an employee, a patron had asked her for a cup of water to give to a dog that had been left in a car. When he opened the door to the vehicle, the dog jumped out. At that time, the man picked up the dog and brought it inside to ask whom it belonged to. She stated that she saw the complainant spit in the patron’s face at which time the patron grabbed him by the neck and pulled him down. The complainant explained that he had been yelling and might have unintentionally spit in the man’s face. He and his fiancé were enraged that someone would think their dog was in harms way and would remove him from their car. The victim did not wish to press charges and signed a waiver of prosecution.

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The items stolen include a personal air conditioner ($64), pet water fountain ($19.99), and an inflatable bed ($240).

7/24/17 Suspicious Incident 5200 Block Ocean Blvd. A Village restaurant employee reported a couple had walked out on their bar tab. He stated he attempted to follow them but lost sight of them at Canal Rd. and Ocean Blvd. A search of the area yielded negative results. The complainant stated they ordered 7 Long Island Iced Teas and did not pay for them, totaling $56. The complainant called back on 7/26 and stated he was able to identify the subjects. A deputy made contact via phone with the woman who claimed she was unaware that she had left the open tab and agreed to pay it in full. 7/26/17 Grand Theft 6300 Block Midnight Pass Rd. A man reported a couple he had invited to share a condo rental with had stolen some of his belongings. He advised that the couple was fighting and he asked them to leave. They left; taking a golf cart that was rented. The next morning the cart was recovered, abandoned in the 6600 Block of Midnight Pass Rd. The man later discovered that the couple had also taken his laptop, shoes and a clothing bag. He received a text message from the couple stating that they were on their way back to Tennessee and had his belongings. They said they would return them when the complainant paid them back the money from the condo rental. The complainant advised he did not wish to press charges but would talk to the suspects when he returned home. A waiver of prosecution was signed. 7/26/17 Burglary- Vehicle 4000 Block Commonwealth Drive A woman reported her car was burglarized while it was parked in her driveway. The car had been left unlocked. An unknown person removed the items that were in the rear of the vehicle. The items were recently purchased and were still packaged. There were no witnesses.

7/29/17 Grand Theft 4000 Block Higel Ave. The victim of a theft called to update information on his original report. He had found the serial number for his revolver, which had been reported stolen earlier in the week. The Ruger .357, 6-shot revolver had been stolen from his house. It was valued at $650. 8/5/17 Stolen Vehicle, Petit Theft Public Beach An officer met with a man who said his vehicle was taken from the parking lot. He said he was loading his car in a parking space located in front of the playground. He explained that he had kept the car running in order to cool it down for his kids who would be riding in the vehicle. He saw two possible suspects nearby the vehicle; a short time later he noticed the car was gone. His cell phone ($100) his wallet, drivers license and a bankcard were in the car. The car was a 2007 Maroon Chevy Impala with Star Wars stickers on the rear window. There were no available witnesses and no cameras nearby. Deputies canvassed the Key and were posted at both the island bridges. Deputies were in place within 10 minutes from the time of occurrence and posted there for one hour with negative results. A BOLO was issued. 8/15/17 Burglary- Vehicle 1000 Block Northport Drive A man reported his Glock-17 handgun was stolen from his vehicle. The last time he had seen the gun was on 8/1/17. He frequently travels to Tampa, but explained that his car is parked in a private garage while he is traveling. The gun was stored in a black paddle-style holster, with a loaded magazine. Both items had been stored in the center console of his Ford Raptor. No signs of forced entry were observed and the vehicle was likely unlocked, according to the victim. Due to the delay in reporting and an unknown time frame, the vehicle had no forensic value.

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941.349.0194

Siesta Key Round-Up A bit of Key history

Lourdes Ramirez talked recently of the hours she has spent, poring through Sarasota County public records. Between 2005 and 2007, she informed SNL in a recent email, she had to resort to microfiche as she researched the Key’s zoning history. Longtime Siesta residents will recall that county staff was looking into allowing duplexes on Siesta’s non-conforming lots of record, based on staff claims that those lots were designed for duplexes. In 2007, Ramirez wrote in her email, she located old files and maps to prove that those lots indeed never were intended for duplexes. On a late July day, she continued, she was going through some of her old files when she came across minutes of long-ago County Commission meetings. Some of them, she added, had interesting information. For example, she wrote, “Did you know the first zoning code created was for Siesta Key in 1953 followed by one for Casey Key in 1954?” The countywide zoning code was not created until 1960, she pointed out. “Unfortunately, we only have minutes to show there was a Siesta Key zoning code in 1953,” she added. However, she does have actual records of the code itself dating to 1960. Ramirez also sent a copy of a page from County Commission minutes taken in 1953. It lists actions by E.S. Boyd, on behalf of the Siesta Key Association, to rename some of the island’s roads. Ramirez said she believes that Boyd Park, which is located at the intersection of Midnight Pass Road and Higel Avenue — just north of the Ocean Boulevard turnoff — must have been named after this Mr. Boyd. Dated Dec. 21, 1953, the minutes note that the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners was held in the courthouse with Chairman Leach calling the session to order at 10 a.m. E.S. Boyd, president of the Siesta Key Association, appeared before the commission “to request that the 14-acre island off Siesta Key, which the county is seeking to acquire, be retained as a bird sanctuary,” the minutes read. “Mr. Boyd further stated that he believed any commercial development of the

SEPTEMBER 2017

project manager in the county’s Public Works Division, sent SNL a notice that went to Siesta Isles residents when SNL sought more details about Luckner’s report. No more than 40 feet of area is open at any given time, Luckner wrote, and the trench is covered at night for safety purposes. “This will be a more disruptive construction process; however, the contractor will maintain traffic via flagmen as the road will be reduced to a single lane of traffic where pipe installation is taking place,” the notice to residents continues. “Access to driveways for those with even numbered addresses may be limited during the forcemain installation.” The notice also points out, “Efforts will be made to restore temporary driveway access at the end of the day for the affected homeowners. The contractor will contact you prior to any construction taking place in front of your home that will impede your access.” “In addition,” it continues, “there has been a change in pipe route at Shadow Lawn Way. Continued on page 18

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Project adjustments Last year, county staff and the contractor had settled on the horizontal directional drilling method to install new sewer pipelines in the Siesta Isles neighborhood. Those lines will transfer effluent off the island from what used to be the Siesta Key Wastewater Treatment Plant; it is being transformed into a master pump station. However, recently, as crews worked in Siesta Isles, they found they were unable to make the 90-degree turns necessary to lay the pipe by that method, Robert Luckner, a member of the SKA’s Environmental Committee, wrote in a report that SKA Director Bob Spicer delivered in Luckner’s absence during the Aug. 3 meeting of the nonprofit. Therefore, the contractor has had to switch to the conventional “open cut” method, a county notice to residents explains. John J. Saputo IV, a construction

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Continued from page 11

island would tend to jeopardize the value of property on Siesta Key.” Further, the minutes say, at Boyd’s recommendation, “the board agreed unanimously to furnish section maps of the zoned area on Siesta Key for use by the Zoning Commission to aid in setting up the zoning districts.” As for the section Ramirez mentioned in her email: Boyd asked the county commissioners to change the names of four streets on the island. Among them, he sought the renaming of “Harry Higel Avenue from the city limits to the intersection of State road 789 and 789 S … to Midnight Pass Road.” He also asked that the board rename the one-block area “at the beginning of Route 789 S” to Ocean Boulevard; and that the unpaved section of Higel Avenue “in the center of the island” be renamed Mid Island Road. The minutes say that Commissioner Harris “expressed the view that changing the name of a street or other landmark identifying those persons who pioneered the area is a serious matter and should be publicized and advertised and allow the public to decide. The Board deferred action and asked Mr. Boyd to take up the changes with the Postal Department.”

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A letter sent out by SKA

To Our Valued Siesta Key Association Members and residents of Siesta Key You may have learned in local news that the be in protecting Siesta Key. In 1993 and 1994, with Administrative Hearing of our Challenge to the strong financial support from our Members, SKA Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s successfully challenged an Army Corps’ proposal to (FDEP) Notice of Intent to issue a Permit to Dredge dredge 1.9 million cubic yards of sand from Big Pass Big Pass, which was scheduled for the last two weeks and forced them to find an alternative source of sand. of August, has been delayed. The Judge granted We used the same legal team then as we’re using now a Continuance for FDEP after their lead attorney and, with your support, we are confident we can once sustained an injury requiring surgery. We anticipate again prevent irreversible damage that will be caused the Hearing will be held mid-December, 2017. While by dredging Big Pass. this unexpected event prolongs the demanding PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING ANY AMOUNT. and expensive process, we don’t expect that it will The “Friends of Siesta Key Matching Fund” is only $5500 from meeting our goal! This translates to $3.92 adversely affect our chances for ultimate success. As we were preparing for the Administrative PER MEMBER to REACH OUR GOAL! The “Friends” Hearing, we learned that the Army Corps has fund will match up to $10,000, resulting in a total of estimated that significantly increased wave action $20,000 to protect Siesta Key. That means for every $1 (nearly 80%) is likely when the shoal protections that you donate, SKEDF will receive $2. Please go to our now exist in Big Pass are dredged. This increased wave Siesta Key Environmental Defense Fund site http:// action will have a significant adverse impact on South skedf.org/ to make your donation and receive a Lido Key, Southwest Bird Key, North Siesta Key and receipt for your tax-deductible donation. Bay Island if serious storms occur. We found this in With gratitude for your continued spirit and support, Catherine Luckner Vice President, Siesta Key the Army Corps’ own documents! We need your support for the legal proceedings still Association. ahead. Even though we have been able to conserve our financial resources by sharing legal expertise and costs with SOSS2, funds are still needed as we proceed through the, now delayed, Hearing. Imagine the expense involved when testimony from expert witnesses for two Government Agencies, the City of Sarasota, three Associations and the presence of at least eight Attorneys is required over the course of the two-week Hearing. We are so thankful for your generosity and continued expressions of support for our legal challenge. Your tax-deductible donations to the Siesta Key Environmental Defense Fund and words of encouragement Photos by Elusive View Cinematography / Aaron Barnes remind us how strong and effective we can

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Somewhere over the rainbow… Photo by Donnarose Melvin

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NEWLY REMODELED DINING ROOM

Alpine Steakhouse closed this past August for one week and remodeled the dining room. Owners Mark and Matt Rebhan invite everyone to come in for a great steak or meal at their “Old Fashion Butcher Shop, Restaurant.”

Judge grants delay of at least eight weeks in scheduling of hearing on nonprofits’ challenges to the proposed dredging of Big Pass By Rachel Brown Hackney / SarasotaNewsLeader.com sound navigation channels and beach nourishment projects require approval by the Board of County Commissioners and must be determined to be in the public interest. The dredging of new navigation channels other than those just described shall be prohibited.” Big Pass never has been dredged, a point both the Siesta Key Association and a second nonprofit fighting the proposal — Save Our Siesta Sand 2 — have made numerous times since the USACE unveiled its plan to renourish South Lido Key Beach. Big Pass was identified as the sand source in a September 2013 presentation the USACE project manager at that time made to a Sarasota County advisory board. Moreover, the FWF contended, the lack of compliance of the USACE and the City of Sarasota with the county’s Comprehensive Plan also “constitutes a failure of the Corps and the City to comply with the ‘clearly in the public interest’ requirement of Florida’s Clean Water Act water quality standard” set forth in the Florida Administrative Code. Judge Canter pointed out in his Aug. 2 order that the FWF did not raise the Comprehensive Plan issue in its petition for the administrative hearing and, moreover, that it is unreasonable to believe that FDEP would be “able to empower itself to make comprehensive plan consistency determinations for proposed development in the coastal zone, outside of and different from the consistency proceedings established in state law.” On Dec. 22, 2016, FDEP issued a Notice of Intent to provide a permit to the USACE and the City for the Lido project. Subsequently, the FWF, Save Our Siesta Sand 2 (SOSS2) and the Siesta Key Association (SKA) filed administrative challenges of the decision. However, the USACE has stood by the modeling and research it undertook for the proposal, saying Siesta residents need fear no harmful consequences from the dredging of Big Pass.

Pursuit of the continuance White, the assistant deputy general counsel for FDEP, said in his motion for the continuance that while the department “has co-counsel in this matter, his involvement to date has been limited. … Notwithstanding inexperience of current co-counsel, insufficient time exists for co-counsel to become fully apprised of the complexities of this case to adequately represent the [state’s] interests in this matter.” White added that state officials “appreciate that time is of the essence regarding re-nourishment of Lido Key. Several factors including funding, turtle season, contractor availability, and finalization of permit documents however point to the possibility that an eight-week continuance may not make a difference in terms of when this project would begin even if this trial were to proceed as scheduled.” The President’s Budget for the 2018 fiscal year did not include any funding for the Lido Renourishment Project, a USACE spokeswoman stated this spring. Yet, the USACE has said from the outset that the federal government would shoulder about 62% of the cost.

Matt invites everyone, “Come in and select a great steak of your choice, we will cook it to your liking at the restaurant.” Alpine was named #1 Steakhouse by Sarasota Magazine 2016.

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The Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) proceeding on challenges to the proposed dredging of Big Sarasota Pass will be held in December, the parties agreed on Aug. 14. A Notice of Hearing that Judge Bram D.E. Canter issued in the case on Aug. 16 says the hearing will be conducted Dec. 12 through Dec. 15 and on Dec. 18 and 19 in Sarasota. On Aug. 3, Canter granted the request of the lead counsel for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), who sought a delay of at least eight weeks in the hearing because of the counsel’s need to undergo surgery on Aug. 4 for an injury. The proceeding had been set to start on Aug. 22 at the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center in Sarasota and conclude on Aug. 31. On Aug. 14, a filing in the docket said all the parties had concurred that during a telephone conference that day that the hearing “can be completed during the consecutive period between December 4th through December 19th, 2017,” the document says. In a motion filed on Aug. 2, Kirk S. White, assistant deputy general counsel for FDEP, wrote that he “incurred an injury on July 26, 2017 and is scheduled for surgery on August 4, 2017.” White identified himself as the department’s lead attorney in the case. He added, “Full recovery from the surgery will take at least eight weeks and will require periodic doctor visits during this time. The nature of the injury and repair schedule make attendance and performance of a two-week trial impossible.” He pointed out that he was attaching a note from his doctor as Exhibit A. In the meantime, Canter has denied a second motion from the Florida Wildlife Federation (FWF), which was seeking an order from Carter that would keep FDEP from issuing the permit for the proposed Lido Renourishment Project. Carter also denied the nonprofit’s first motion, filed in late June. On July 25, the FWF filed its new motion, which said “undisputed facts and the existing controlling laws” made it clear that the proposal of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the City of Sarasota to use about 1.2 million cubic yards of sand from Big Pass to replenish South Lido Key Beach “is inconsistent with the enforceable policies of Florida’s Coastal Management Program (FCMP).” Taking a tack the Siesta Key Association has pursued in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, the FWF said in its second motion that the proposed dredging of a new navigation channel in Big Pass would violate Environmental Policy 4.6.1 in Sarasota County’s Comprehensive Plan. The FWF argued that the county has not approved the removal of sand that would create the new channel; therefore, FDEP would be violating a section of the Florida Statutes that “mandates that all development undertaken by government agencies shall be consistent with the elements of adopted local government comprehensive land use plans.” The motion added that the county’s Environmental Policy 4.6.1 says in part that “all new environmentally

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Differing viewpoints provided to SKA audience regarding North Beach Road vacation By Rachel Brown Hackney / SarasotaNewsLeader.com The Sarasota County commissioners did not have information about previous discussions of staff and their predecessors regarding potential repairs to North Beach Road when they voted 4-1 last year to vacate a 357-foot segment of it, a supporter of Reopen Beach Road told about 65 people attending the Aug. 3 Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting. “The commissioners make decisions based upon the information that’s given to them by their staff,” Brian Lichterman of Vision Planning & Design said. He was one of three speakers during a presentation about Reopen Beach Road’s efforts to reverse the May 11, 2016 road segment vacation. “Sometimes that information is good and sometimes that information could be better.” Lichterman spent 22 years as a senior planner for the county before he started his own firm, he has explained in public meetings. Nonetheless, one of the

petitioners for the road vacation cast doubt during the SKA meeting about whether any effort to protect the road segment — including construction of a seawall, as touted by Reopen Beach Road — would win the necessary state permit for construction. Dennis Madden pointed out that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) limits hardening of shorelines. Lichterman told the approximately 65 audience members that the road vacation was necessary to create a unified lot — encompassing the land along the road — to meet the county’s zoning regulations for new development planned by the Maddens. A proffer from all three sets of the property owners/petitioners said that in exchange for the board’s approval of their request, the lots they own seaward of the road “will never be developed,” Lichterman added.

Parcel Boundary Coastal Construction Control Line Gulf Beach Setback Line Shoreline Study Area Sewer Standard Manhole

Continued on page 36

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Restaurant/Fish Market Serves Up a Big Dose of Seafood Freshness

By Rachel Brown Hackney During the August Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting, the new executive director of Reopen Beach Road, Mary Anne Bowie, told the approximately 65 people present that the nonprofit has been growing the signatures needed to hold a special election on the two proposed Sarasota County Charter initiatives it launched last year. Bowie added that Reopen Beach Road also hopes to set a record for the shortest amount of time needed to get privately initiated amendments before voters. “We should be on the ballot before the end of the year,” she added, drawing applause. Mike Cosentino, president and treasurer of the nonprofit, told the audience that the record is 18 months, but the average amount of time it takes is 36 months. In response to a question, Cosentino added that no time limit exists on a charter petition initiative. Sarasota County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh indicated that, as well, in an answer last year to the same question. Cosentino also told the SKA audience that the county will call an election within 90 days of receiving the necessary number of valid signatures on a petition. However, SNL found that the Sarasota County Charter provides for 60 days. “These things are very expensive,” Cosentino did acknowledge in discussing special elections. On Aug. 7, an inquiry to the Supervisor of Elections Office staff about the cost of a special election for such ballot initiatives. Administrative Assistant Cathy Fowler responded that the expense would be between $450,000 and $500,000 for a standalone election. However, she explained, if Reopen Beach Road waited for “a regularly scheduled election,” such as a primary or general election, no additional expense would be necessary. A majority of the county’s voters must approve a proposed amendment for the section to become part of the charter, the charter points out.

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A slide Bowie showed the SKA audience on Aug. 3 said that from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, Reopen Beach Road representatives gather petitions at the corner of Adams Lane and Washington Boulevard, in front of the Sarasota County Tax Collector’s Office in downtown Sarasota. The Tax Collector’s and Supervisor of Elections’ primary offices are in the Terrace Building. Reopen Beach Road was incorporated in the State of Florida on June 22, 2016. Along with Cosentino, who lives on Avenida de Mayo on Siesta Key, the officers named in the state Division of Corporations records were Eric Seace of Roberts Point Road, vice president; Jill Lyons of Calle de Costa Rica, secretary; and Jamey Burns of Island Circle, director. In the most recent filing with the Florida Division of Corporations, Burns has been replaced by Linda Valley of Moonmist Circle. The organization is a 501(c) (4), which designation — under IRS guidelines — allows it to engage in lobbying efforts “if the causes coincide with the organization’s purpose,” according to nonprofithub.org. If an organization is a 501(c)(3), any lobbying or other legislative activity it undertakes “must be kept insubstantial,” nonprofithub. org explains. As for the proposed amendments themselves: The first says the following: “Article III, Section 4.1. Preserve County-Owned Parks, Preserves, Beach and Water Access and Waterfront Vistas. The County shall not sell, and shall retain ownership of, Countyowned Parks and Preserves, and shall not vacate or sell Countyowned road segments or right of way along or abutting any beach, river, creek, canal, lake, bay, gulf access or waterfront vista. The County shall encourage maximum right of way use for public access and viewing of waterfront vistas. Whenever feasible, the County shall make these areas accessible to mobility impaired persons.” Continued on page 35

On Vacation, gone fishing, closed Sept 11-18

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.

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 same salsa….absolutely the best fish taco ever. Than….

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Graffiti found at beach park About 4 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12, a homeless person from Pennsylvania discovered that graffiti had been sprayed on the outside walls of the main restroom building at the historic pavilion in Siesta Public Beach Park, the Sheriff’s Office reported. More graffiti covered the wall where the soft drink machines are located, the Sheriff’s Office report added. A Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department (PRNR) attendant contacted the Sheriff’s Office shortly before 8 a.m. on Aug. 12 and spoke with Deputy Chris McGregor, the report said. She added that no video cameras operate in the vicinity of the pavilion, according to the Sheriff’s Office report. The 56-year-old homeless man told McGregor he left the pavilion about 11 p.m. on Aug. 11. The man added that he had not seen any possible suspects in the area, the Sheriff’s Office report noted. McGregor spoke to a second homeless person who also said he had not seen any potential suspects, the report added. In response to a query, county Media Relations Officer Jason Bartolone wrote in an Aug. 14 email, “Staff from our Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department and from our facilities maintenance team have begun to paint all the areas impacted and we expect the cleanup to be completed today, barring any weather issues.” The damage was estimated at $900, the Sheriff’s Office report noted. In a related incident, graffiti also was discovered on property at 5600 Midnight Pass Road owned by Frontier Communications. That apparently occurred on the night of Aug. 11, as well, according to two Sheriff’s Office reports, filed by separate officers. In the first report, Deputy Kyle McNight wrote that on Aug. 12, he was conducting business checks about 6:30 p.m. in the area “after hearing about the criminal mischief” at the beach park. When he entered the Frontier site, he continued, he “noticed several different areas had been vandalized with spray paint. Several of the markings and phrases were a … match to the other criminal mischief that had occurred at 948 Beach Rd …”

Siesta Key Round-Up The pipe will now be installed on the North (Westbound) side of the road. This change will reverse the detour necessary for ingress and egress to Siesta Isles subdivision and will eliminate the need for a temporary signalized intersection at Beach Road and Beach Way Drive.” The notice explains that residents will have access to Midnight Pass Road as an exit and that they will be able to return to Siesta Isles via Beach Road and Beach Way Drive. Luckner’s report, as delivered by Spicer, made clear that not only is the work on schedule but, in fact, “it’s ahead of schedule.” The decommissioning of the wastewater treatment plant is planned by the end of the year, county staff members have explained numerous times in recent months. The sewage will flow to county mainland treatment plants. Some Siesta Isles residents no doubt are

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Photos by Bob Brown

He had been in the area between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. and had not seen any graffiti or “suspicious looking persons around the building,” he wrote. McKnight was unable to contact anyone at the substation, he added, noting that “work vans are in and out of the area during normal business hours.” A deputy on routine patrol just before 8 a.m. on Aug. 13 also noticed the graffiti, which — he wrote — had been spray-painted on a mirror, a building and a generator fuel tank at the unmanned location. As with the beach park, Deputy Scott Baker noted, no surveillance cameras appeared to be positioned on the property. “There are no known suspects or witnesses at this time,” he added.

Continued from page 13

disappointed that the temporary signal is no longer going to be needed at the Beach Road/Beach Way intersection. As Tony Romanus, the former longtime president of the neighborhood association, stated last year, it can be problematic for drivers to get out onto Beach Road from Beach Way at times when tourist traffic is heavy. The temporary signal was seen as a “foot in the door,” so to speak, in an effort to persuade county leaders to install a permanent traffic signal at that intersection.

Drowning victim’s autopsy An autopsy conducted by the District Twelve Medical Examiner’s Office shows that a visitor from Pittsburgh who was found floating facedown in the water near Point of Rocks early on the morning of May 10 did indeed drown. SNL had requested the report; it was not

released until last month because of the wait on toxicology reports, according to staff in the Medical Examiner’s Office. Beachgoers looking for shells discovered Aimee Sue Hoover, 44; she apparently had been out snorkeling by herself in the Gulf of Mexico, based on her husband’s statement to Sheriff’s Office personnel. Steven Andrew Hoover, 44, said he had not seen her for 30 to 40 minutes before her body was found, the Sheriff’s Office report said. Steven Andrew Hoover also told the responding officers that she had epilepsy, but “to his knowledge she had not had a seizure for over a year and was taking medication as prescribed,” the Sheriff’s Office report noted. The husband “said he did not know of any other medical conditions of the victim,” the report continued. Several beachgoers took turns doing chest compressions on Aimee Hoover after they pulled her to shore, the report added.

When the officers arrived, the report said, paramedics already were on the scene, and Hoover had been pronounced dead. The autopsy report — signed by Associate Medical Examiner Suzanne R. Utley — says that while drowning was the cause of death, epilepsy and hypertensive heart disease were contributory causes.

Trolley riders The number of riders from March 20 to the end of July was 121,059. The number of riders for the month of July was 25,506 or 873 riders a day.

SKA news On August 21, Bob Spicer stepped down from the board of the Siesta Key Association. Spicer joined the board this past March. Spicer indicated reasons to pursue other interests.

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Options for Paid Parking at Siesta Beach The article titled “Paid Parking at Siesta Beach” from the August edition garnered many responses when it was shared on our Facebook page. Below are three different views on the subject received via email.

Paid parking only on holidays The hot topic on the island after the recent Siesta Beach trashing from Memorial Day and Fourth of July is “Paid Parking”. Years ago the County Commission came close but failed the approval by a 3/2 vote against paid parking after a couple of go arounds. Unfortunately, now with the recent graffiti defacing the new facility, it could be the tipping point in favor of paid parking. Let’s compromise, have paid parking on holidays only. A simple $10 a car, all day pass for holiday weekends, a weekend would start on a Friday. This will help to pay for cleaning up the park and paying for attendees to handle the parking lot. The beach would have staff cleaning the trash continuously similar to how Disney handles their grounds. If paid parking is permitted at Siesta Beach, where does it stop? Should paid parking be at all locations on the key, beach accesses, the Municipal Parking lot in the Village, the new parking lot coming from the Sheriff’s Training facility and Turtle Beach? Alan Cannestra

Valet Parking option is the answer NO to paid parking, Dr. Beach would agree! The problem is that our parking lot gets jammed by 10:00 a.m. Paid parking does NOT help the issue of relieving traffic flow nor is it friendly. Many Sarasota families cannot afford paid parking (they use the beach as an inexpensive way to spend the day as a family). Many guests to our area save the entire year just to get here. Others that can afford paid parking expect something for it. The issue is that beachgoers rush to the parking lot, jamming up Midnight Pass Rd. If the OPTION exists some will take their time. Free parking w/the option of Valet is your answer. a.) Valet parking can address the “lot is full“ issue that clogs up Midnight Pass Rd. Cars will no longer be circulating in the parking lot and driving back and forth on Midnight Pass Road wondering where to park. Not to mention, a steady flow

created in the evening. Everyone can’t rush out the moment the sun sets. After all, best to pour our coffee rather than dumping it. b.) A professional valet company can utilize a section of Glebe park or somewhere else closeby – even a section of the main lot, furthest away. How many spots could be added to say the Sherriff’s old training facility if vehicles could be double and triple stacked by professionals? c.) If private land is used, with the correct zoning, offer a tax break. d.) A professional company eliminates insurance concerns as well as trash left behind. e.) Part of the revenue generated from valet parking should be returned to the county and reinvested in all things Siesta Key, more revenues without upfront cost. Valet means better guest and visitor services. This better revenue source approach serves our community and residents much better. It’s what I call a “Value Add”. Solve the Problems(s) by addressing the issue(s). Michael Holderness

In favor of paid parking On September 16, the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce voted in favor of paid parking at Siesta Beach under certain conditions. An email from Mark Smith, chair of the chamber was sent to Carolyn Brown at Sarasota County informing her of the decision. In his email, Smith said, “To follow up on our Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Board meeting today regarding paid parking at Siesta Beach, the board voted to support paid parking at Siesta Beach under the following conditions:” 1. All Sarasota County property owners will have free parking at Siesta Beach. Parking decals, (2) per household, could be dispensed with the annual property tax TRIM notice. 2. Non-property owners, renters could purchase a yearly parking pass/decal. 3. Visitors to Siesta Beach would pay an hourly and/or day parking rate. Rate to be in line with other/similar beach communities. 4. All proceeds from the Siesta Beach paid parking will be used on Siesta Key.

Commentary Everybody’s A Critic The older we get, the more often we use the phrase “back in the day”. Well I remember back in the day if you needed directions you wrote them on paper, stuck it in your pocket and if you got lost, you got lost. We went into hotels and restaurants blind hoping for the best. If you did have a recommendation from a friend we called that “word of mouth”. Present day (as we all know) word of mouth is an international concept posted on social media for all to see. These days the annoying voice from the device in your pocket tells us to turn left on Midnight Pass Road in .25 miles and between all social media sites such as TripAdvisor, Yelp, Google and Expedia you should know what to expect when you reach your dining or hotel destinations while visiting new areas. I’m not going to lie…the first thing I do when I decide to go on a trip is pull up my TripAdvisor app. Along the way I have learned that not everyone, as a matter of

Paid Parking

fact none of us, agree on everything. We all have different needs, expectations, wants and taste. With that being said, when I scan the sites and people’s reviews, I have learned to read through the BS because today everyone is a self-proclaimed critic. A decade ago chefs and restaurant owners lived or died by the pen of the local food critic. Today TripAdvisor has replaced the feared and respected newspaper critic that might visit your restaurant one or two times a year depending on how good you were. It is fair to say that restaurant operators are on their toes these days as the so called food critic comes over the internet with several reviews every single day. I say read through the BS because even though these sites are respected and respectable, the reviews are written by a variety of personalities all of whom are amateur critics. If you’re not being paid, that makes you of the amateur status. If you are getting paid to write reviews on these sites, then you’re just plain cheating.

Overall, as an avid reader of reviews, I do believe this new technology works for many reasons but it does have its pros and cons like everything else. One of the pros are people actually enjoy sharing their experiences and pictures online with others around the world. As a restaurant owner myself, I get a good feeling when customers take pictures of the food you serve them before they eat. In the food industry we call this act of taking pictures food porn. As an owner, you pray they enjoy eating the food as much as they liked looking at it because as soon as the camera phone comes out, we all know they are going to write about it. Restaurant review writing actually makes people more aware of the quality of the food they’re being served and it also keeps chefs and owners from becoming lazy. If you care about your business you know a couple of things… (a) Big Brother is always watching today and (b) You will be reviewed and rated on a daily basis. The con to this privilege of posting your

opinion freely is often it can be skewed by different circumstances that the writer may not be aware of. I believe before you write and share damaging words to the world about a person, business, or operation you should know what you’re talking about and be aware that both good and bad reviews affect people’s lives in many different ways. Here are the things I keep in mind when reviewing a business as I feel there should be proper review etiquette adhered to by all... 1. Fully know the place you’re writing about. Don’t write a bad review because you’re mad that you went to a busy restaurant during rush hour in peak season and had to wait to be seated. Don’t write a bad review if you were expecting a fine dining experience and you showed up at a casual dining dive. Don’t order something you’re not familiar with and publish a bad review that you did not like your food.

diverse areas, there are two areas that were mentioned by many members and I believe merit attention:” “Many residents are concerned that paid parking will drive beachgoers into the neighborhoods where they will park illegally. SKA has received many complaints about the lack of enforcement of no parking laws and the lack of law enforcement support for dealing with people who park on private property without the owner’s permission. The County will no doubt need to address that issue as part of any plan to convert to paid parking.” “Many residents felt that Siesta Key residents and/or Siesta Key property owners should be entitled to free or reduced rate parking. We deliberately did not ask that question because the Trolley already provides most of those people with a viable alternative to driving to the Beach or the Village. However, SCAT has declined to provide Trolley service to the north end of Siesta Key (north of the Village) which may contain as many as 1,000 residential properties.” “I spoke to Dr. Beach last week to determine his reaction to paid parking at Siesta Beach. He was generally OK with paid parking and mentioned a suggestion that it be implemented for peak periods only. He also emphatically said that he would not want to see paid parking

develop into a “money grab” by the County whereby the proceeds were not used to improve the condition or maintenance of the beach or provide facilities for nonmotor vehicle access to the Beach. He said he has taken negative views on beaches that have implemented significant parking and access charges, well beyond what would be considered reasonable user fees.” Following are the results of the survey so far in regards to the main questions: Q1: Are you in favor of Sarasota County charging for parking at Siesta Key Public Beach? If you answer YES to this question, you will be asked to answer additional questions regarding exemptions from paid parking, use of paid parking proceeds, etc. There were 582 responses with basically 76% (441) in favor of the paid parking. Q4: What percentage of the proceeds from paid parking do you believe should be invested in projects that support Siesta Key needs for transportation and parking? Of the 426 responses, 258 wanted 100% of the revenue to be invested for transportation and parking. Q5: Do you believe Sarasota County should aggressively seek to acquire parking facilities located off Siesta Key together with mass transit options to reduce the number of cars on Siesta Key? Of the 426 responses, 337 or 79% believe the county should seek off island parking.

Continued on page 28

Continued from cover story

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 mixed-use development at the intersection of Stickney Point Road and U.S. 41. Harold Ashby, President of the Siesta Key Association, sent an email to Carolyn Brown at Sarasota County on August 14 with the preliminary results of the survey. The info was sent so the county will have an idea where the members of SKA stand regarding the idea of paid parking at the beach for a commissioners August 29 session of business. In the email, Ashby states,” The Survey was sent to the 1,060 SKA members (households) for whom we have valid email addresses. We have 1,405 active members (households); however some have not provided email addresses, some email addresses have become stale and some members have requested that we exclude them from eblast emails. As the survey document indicates, we received 582 total responses so far. We released the survey on August 4 and it will be closed on September 6. A few days prior to closing the survey, those who have not responded will receive a notice that the survey is about

to close. Our experience has been that the notice usually triggers a spurt of responses, but the overall percentages change very little.” The email goes on to say “The survey was structured so that only the addressee can answer it once. It cannot be forwarded or answered multiple times. If the member answered “no” to the first question, they were not given the opportunity to answer the other questions.” “The members were also given the opportunity to provide written comments. We received almost 300 comments, many of which provided advice on how to implement paid parking, the types of systems to be used, etc., etc. We deliberately avoided many “how to” questions in our survey, but that didn’t stop many members from offering “how to” advice in the comments. At this point, we wanted to hear from our members on the question of paid parking, yes or no, and the related significant questions of which Siesta Key parking lots to implement paid parking, exclusions and discounts and use of proceeds. We also recognize that the notion of using paid parking proceeds to finance the acquisition of off-key parking sites may be considered at some point, so we asked the members to chime in on whether they would support a County decision to acquire off-key parking site(s). Although the comments we received covered many

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2017

Flooding on Higel Avenue

That ditch is located north and northeast of 4013 Higel Ave.; it is within the private property of 3975 Shell Road, the study added. The outfall is to Coconut Bayou. However, the study noted, “The outfall ditch is overgrown with sediment and vegetation from Higel Avenue to Coconut Bayou.” The study was prepared by Sergio Figueroa, an engineer for FDOT’s District One, which includes Sarasota County. FDOT maintenance crews have cleaned the 15inch cross drain frequently, the study said, and the property owners at 3975 Shell Road have cleaned the outfall ditch. However, the study continued, “Due to the recent construction of new homes built above the 100-year floodplain, poor roadway grading, and minimal storm sewer collection systems on the west side of SR 758, flooding occurs frequently along the roadway during most rainfall events.” It has taken some time, but if all goes as planned, within the next couple of years, FDOT “will construct a closed storm sewer system along the west side of SR 758 from Little Pond Lane to Somerset Drive and continue the storm sewer system east directly to the existing outfall, Coconut Bayou,” Zachary Burch, government affairs & communications manager for FDOT, told SNL in mid-August. “The proposed improvements will alleviate flooding issues along SR 758 and adjacent properties,” he added. The project is in the design phase, Burch wrote in the email. “The current right of way estimate is approximately $785,000 and is funded in FY 2018/2019. The current construction estimate is about $1.3 million, which is not … funded,” he added, “though we are looking for funding opportunities.” The 2014 study estimated the construction expense at $421,073.19. Each fiscal year begins on Oct. 1. “It’s a great project,” Ben Quartermaine, engineering and operations manager for Sarasota County’s Stormwater Division, told SNL. Although the county will not be involved in the project, Quatermaine said, staff was provided copies of the engineering drawings and asked to comment on the design. SNL was unable to reach the owners of the 4013 Higel Ave. property — Andres and Marta Rios — for comment. The 2014 FDOT study pointed out that their “patio deck has been damaged, the garage has seen frequent high levels of water, and the back and side yards of the property have to be re-sodded every year” because of the frequent flooding. The couple who owned the property at 3975 Shell Road sold it in May 2016, Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office records show. The new owner is a limited liability company based in Suwanee, Ga. According to an internet search, the company — CG Shell Siesta Key — is managed by Randy Moore, who also is the co-founder and managing partner of a real estate investment company called Crossgate Partners LLC, which also is headquartered in Suwanee, Ga.

Alleviating the problems FDOT’s 2014 study said that, based on a permit from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), “approximately 3.91 miles of roadway and offsite area percolates into the soil and discharges into

941.349.0194

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Continued from cover story

Somerset Dr.

Higel Av e.

Hamilton Club Cir.

Little Pond Ln.

the existing ditch east of SR 758,” with the outfall ultimately ending up in Coconut Bayou. Along with the issues mentioned earlier, the study listed other reasons for the flooding along the road in the vicinity of 4013 Higel Ave.: • “Major vegetation along the ditch. • “Existing outfall ditch is silted up and poorly graded. • “Existing ditch size is not sized properly to handle the runoff from SR 758 and offsite areas. • “High seasonal high water table along the ditch and property.” The 2014 study called for a drainage improvement project to run 0.152 miles — from milepost 4.858 to milepost 5.010. However, based on the documents provided to Sarasota County Stormwater Division staff, the project as designed is to begin at milepost 3.480 and end at milepost 3.590. The latest documents also indicate that a 60-day maintenance-of-traffic plan will be needed. Such a plan is routine when FDOT and local governments undertake

initiatives that will involve a road. The goal with the traffic plan is make certain the contractor on a project will have crew members directing traffic around the work area, to ensure motorists’ safety. One document in the packet provided to Sarasota County staff says no lane closures on Higel Avenue will be permitted between 6 and 9 a.m. or between 4 and 7 p.m. The design work dates to May of this year, the cover sheet says. One of the engineering schematics in the documents provided to county staff also notes, “Special attention is directed to the fact that portions of some drainage structures extend into the stabilized portion of the roadbed and extreme caution will be necessary in stabilization operations at these locations.” Another page points out that the milling and resurfacing of part of Higel Avenue will be necessary after completion of the drainage work. That segment is only 0.12 miles, the document says.

www.siestasand.net

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SEPTEMBER 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 Trevor Kescott.

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

Off Key

SEPTEMBER 2017

941.349.0194

By Robert Frederickson

A Day of Celebration for Snooty! September 10th will be a day long celebration of all things Snooty as the South Florida Museum in Bradenton remembers the life and times of its number one CashCow...err, make that Sea-Cow, Snooty the manatee who died shortly after celebrating his 69th birthday last month. Depending on your point of view, that death was either the result of a terrible accident or a heinous conspiracy worthy of a full-fledged FBI investigation. Who’d-a-thunk it? The gentle giant Snooty at the center of a controversy sparking worldwide media attention, with front page headlines locally and protests by the group Florida Justice for Animals outside the museum where one of the organizers, Denise Anderson, told a local reporter “We want justice for Snooty and we want it now!” One tongue-in-cheek theory bandied about a local media outlet’s water cooler holds that the two younger manatees that

DISCOVERTHEYEAROFTHE

shared the spotlight with Snooty finally got fed up with all the attention lavished on the ‘Star’ attraction; so they exacted their revenge in the dead of night after yet another over-the-top birthday celebration for the ‘anointed one’ by goading the big oaf (their words, not ours) into the narrow tunnel that proved his undoing.

Famous Last Words... Former Herald Tribune reporter Craig Pittman, now a columnist for the Tampa Bay Times, was at the Gulf Gate Library recently signing copies of his latest book, “Oh Florida,” a collection of essays and stories highlighting...how shall we say this...the uniqueness of our beloved state. One of his anecdotes recounts the story 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. (His shot missed the mark, killing the mayor of Chicago instead). Zangara’s last words while strapped to

the electric chair? “Push the button.”

Low-Tech Child Safety Reminder After another summer of tragic deaths involving children left in the back seats of cars baking under blazing summer skies, NBC news ran a segment recently on a company that thinks it has the perfect high-tech solution. David Bink of IEE Sensing described the company’s new VitaSense technology, saying: “It uses a very sophisticated electronic sensor on the ceiling of a vehicle that detects a sleeping child anywhere in the back seat.” (Kind of the way parents used to before their attention came to be pulled in a million different direction by all the ‘smarttechnology’ devices designed to ‘simplify’ their hectic lives...). Flashers are activated and the horn sounds if the VitaSense system senses a child within the car after a short interval with the car off and in park. A push

Daiquiri

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

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

Coming Soon to a Hospital Near You? In what CNN calls a worldwide first, a Canadian newborn was assigned a sex not

of ‘M’ or ‘F’ b requisite bir The child parent who not going to an arbitrary based on an Arbitrary All I can

Punta G while S A

Punta G continues to 45 consecut passengers SRQ barely June, the las counts were press. Which m campaign SR the tag line, Well, appa

For those that have enjoyed Village Barber over the years, yo at his new location. In July 2015, out of the Village and off the Ke Sparks had been servicing patro years. The Siesta Center was sol Ocean Blvd building wasn’t qu he and Sparks had of the new l retirement and Reich announce 6625 Gateway Ave. in Gulf Gat 941-346-0222. His hours are 8:30 Sat from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. www

3-7 PM Y L I A D S I DAIQUIR

NOW WITH 4 LOCATIONS...

notification is also sent to the driver’s cell phone. Pretty ginchy, no? But we kind of like the low-tech solution long-time WWSB weather caster Wendy Ross suggested on-air recently. She said her daughter and son-in-law simply take off their left shoe and place it in the back seat whenever they buckle their little one in. Makes sense to me. And it would seem to be a virtually fail-safe solution except perhaps for the most absent-minded among us; and even those misguided ‘souls’ (pun intended, of course) would likely be rescued by a curious bystander or co-worker upon seeing them trudging along equipped with but one shoe. Too bad you can’t patent common sense...

NOTICE: Looking fo

MEET ME AT THE DECK!

2-4-1

www.siestasand.net

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

www.siestasand.net

but ‘U’ for ‘Unspecified’ on the rth certificate. d was born to a transgender o reportedly explained: “I am o foreclose (choices) based on y assignment of gender at birth n inspection of genitals...” y? say is...good luck kid.

Gorda Airport Soars SRQ…Rolls out New Ad Campaign?

Gorda Airport’s air traffic o climb, having now risen for tive months. In July 116,000 used the facility. Meanwhile, y topped the 80,000 mark for st month for which passenger e available when we went to

might explain the new ad RQ launched recently, featuring “You’ll Fly Through Here...” arently not.

941.349.0194

SEPTEMBER 2017

The Calle Minorga parking lot This spring, a Sarasota engineering firm sparked interest when it filed an application with Sarasota County for a proposed private parking lot at 5160 Calle Minorga in Siesta Village. When SNL checked in early August to learn whether any more detailed documentation had been submitted, county Media Relations Officer Jason Bartolone reported that staff thus far had not received anything. On Aug. 7, SNL called the office of the applicant — John F. Cavoli — to ask for an update. Jim Ready, a partner with the firm, responded, “That is not moving anywhere at this moment.” The parking lot, he added, “is in the early conceptual design process.” Ready suggested to check back in about three months. For a period of time, a “For Sale” sign was posted on the fence around the parcel. However, the “For Sale” sign had been removed. The property still is owned by 5160 Calle Minorga LLC, whose registered agent is Sentinel Management LLC of Sarasota. The two members of Sentinel Management are Barry Silverstein and Dennis J.

By Rachel Brown Hackney

McGillicuddy, according to state records. Siesta architect Mark Smith — who owns his eponymous firm in the Village — created a potential parking lot design for the property, which Cavoli submitted along with the application to the county. When the parking lot proposal went before the county’s Development Review Committee on May 19, a Zoning Division staff member did note that

or the Village Barber?

the cuts and comradery at The ou can still continue to see Scott , Scott Reich announced moving ey. Reich and his stepfather Pete ons in the Village for the past 20 ld and the new ownership of the uite meeting up to expectations landlord. Sparks announced his ed a move to The Shop SRQ at te. You can reach Scott Reich at 0 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tues – Fri, and w.SiestaKeyBarbershop.com

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

commercial parking is a permitted use for Office, Professional and Institutional (OPI) districts in the Siesta Key Overlay District zoning; the Calle Minorga parcel is zoned OPI. Kristin Hellman also pointed out that spaces must be 9 feet wide by 18 feet in length, and a two-way drive aisle must be 24 feet wide. Hellman further indicated, “Alternative parking surfaces” are allowed in the overlay district; shell, gravel or similar material may be used, “provided that any such driveway shall have along its edges at the street access point a ribbon curb or similar limiting structure to ensure that the entrance is not enlarged over time.” Additionally, Hellman noted that a 6-foot-wide buffer would be required along Calle Minorga, and the lot would have to be separated from the alley to the west, “to keep cars from pulling straight out of the lot into the alley.” Zoning Administrator Donna Thompson said a 6-foot-wide buffer between the lot and the alley would be sufficient, Hellman added.

END-OF-SEASON

CLEARANCE SALE

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10%

% 50 OFF *Excluding Birkenstock *

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

941-554-4242

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

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

Bringing you quality and comfort for more than 30 years!

Birkenstock & More 5128 Ocean Blvd. Siesta Village

941-346-7425 www.rickscomfortshoes.com

Map D #11

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

941-346-8000

WHAT BETTER WAY TO START YOUR DAY IN PARADISE?

Map D #62

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

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 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

SEPTEMBER 2017

Snapshots of Island Visitors 2

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography 3

8 7

1. Yasmin, Jean, and Josue from Orlando 2. Beth & John from Siesta Key 3. Jake, Shannon, and Jarod from GA 4. Jayne & Jemma from PA 5. Jarod from GA 6. Clay, Cole age 5, and Reid age 3 from Sarasota 7. Bill Stone from TN 8. Jaimie from Sarasota 9. Meredith, Cheryl, Megan, and Aimee from Tampa

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2017

941.349.0194

Best of the Beach Club: 70 years and counting

Continued from cover story

Circa 1947, The Beach Club back in the day “Someday I’m going to play on that stage,” he remembers thinking. And he did, becoming one of the truest blues players in Florida, touring Europe with the infamous Rock Bottom and the Cutaways before settling in France; his old time blues are a huge hit with French musicians and music lovers. Fellow ex-pat Mike Shannon, aka Dan Electro, tore up the BC with his band, The Silvertones, before settling in Barcelona, Spain, where he too has blues enthusiasts flocking to his shows. John Prestia relocated here from New York and “really dug” the beach bar vibe. He played the BC as a solo act, in the duo Chuck and John (with Chuck Caudill), and with his band, Pirate. Now approaching his second decade based in Nashville working for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, John’s favorite memory of the Beach Club is the night his band was wailing inside while hurricane sidewinds wailed outside. When the power went out, John grabbed his acoustic guitar and strolled among the dimly-candlelit tables, playing and singing, dodging raindrops that leaked through the dilapidated roof. From 1990 – 2000 the Beach Club, under its manager James Bianci, really took off.

www.siestasand.net

The Beach Club today

Above: 1986 - Beach Club regular Tomcat Blake had a dream come true when he not only met his idol, the legendary Henry Townsend, but got to record with him in St. Louis. Photo by Tomcat Right: 1998 - Rock Bottom (aka David York) had just returned from a European tour and played a local gig to a full house. He then drove himself home and died of an apparent heart attack. He was 53. Rock’s motto (which he wrote a song about) was “If you don’t live it, you can’t give it.” Photo by Charmaine Engelsman-Robins

Continued on the next page

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE CLUB BLASE CAFÉ In the Village 941-349-9822 DAIQUIRI DECK RAW BAR In the Village 941‐349‐8697

MONDAY Closed Except Sept. 4: Open 4 PM Drag Queen Bingo (8:30PM)

TUESDAY Sound Paint 7 PM

WEDNESDAY Open Mic 7 PM

THURSDAY Al Fuller 7 ‐10 PM TH

FRIDAY

(CLOSED SEPTEMBER 20 – OCTOBER 4 )

SATURDAY

Callie & the Whole Band 7pm LIVE MUSIC (3‐7 PM) DJ TJ (10 PM)

Dr. Drive (2nd) Rallo Pucci th th (9 & 16 ) 7pm LIVE MUSIC (3‐7 PM) DJ Crawford (10 PM)

SUNDAY rd Al Fuller (3 ) th Jason Harram (10 ) th Bird Tribe (17 ) 7pm BREE (3‐7 PM)

Mitch Warner (1 only) Desi Adams: 2 – 6 PM 2‐6PM Acoustic Pete 1‐5 PM ………. ………………………. ……………… rd th SoundPaint: 3 & 10 ) nd th Nick LeVally Band Ted Stevens (2 , & 16 ) rd Bird Tribe (3 ) st nd th (1 & 22 ) Beach Monkeys (9 ) th Scott Curts: (17 ) th th Roger Lambert (8 ) Goodbye Eddie (30 ) th Vince Cilaiocco (24 ) th Chris Otto (29 ) 6‐10 PM 6‐10 PM 6‐10 PM ………………. ………… …………………. DJ – 10 PM DJ – 10 PM DJ – 10 PM Eddie James Jazz Band 7‐10 PM

Rodney Shenk 6 ‐10 PM

Vince Colaiocco th (Sept. 5 Only) RPM th (Sept. 12, 19, & 26 ) 6‐10 PM

Tozier th th (Sept. 6 & 20 ) Soundpaint th th (Sept. 3 & 27 ) 6 ‐10 PM DJ – 10 PM

RPM 6 ‐10 PM Ladies Night w/ DJ 10 PM

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

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

Al Donadi 7‐11 PM

Open mic night 7‐11 PM

Kettle of Fish 7‐11 PM

FolkLab 7‐11 PM

THE BEACH CLUB In the Village 941-349-6311

Service Industry Night Half off Drinks 9PM‐CLOSE

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

Ladies Night DJ Coz or Kensi 9 PM – 2 AM

Sink or Swim DJ Coz 9 PM‐2 AM

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

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

THE COTTAGE In the Village 941-312-9300

Live Music 6-9 PM

Live Music 7-10 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GILLIGANS In the Village 941-346-8122

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

Every Tues Sunny Jim 6‐10 PM

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

Every Wed Paul Duffy 6‐10 PM

Chris Otto th th (Sept. 7 & 14 ) 6‐10 PM

Marcel Almanzor (5‐8 PM)

Steel Drums & Island Sounds (5‐8 PM)

RPM (5‐8 PM)

Bri Rivera (5‐8 PM)

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

Karaoke st th (Sept. 1 & 8 ONLY) 9PM – 1AM

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

T.B.A: 2‐6 PM Tozier: 5‐9 PM

Chris Otto: 11 PM – 3 AM

Live Band: 8‐11PM DJ: 11PM – 2AM

Jordy Christo th (Sept. 15 ) 6‐10 PM

Jordy Christo nd rd (Sept. 2 & 23 ) 6‐10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5‐9 PM

The Richy Kicklighter Band 5‐9 PM

Larry Williams 5‐9 PM

Reggae Music 3‐7 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

SEPTEMBER 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Continued from the previous page

Cleaned up a bit but still boasting the old ambiance of its original little fireplace and stage, it was bursting at the seams most nights, showcasing top local bands and singles (Shark/606, Twinkle, the DTs, Stryker, Eclipse featuring Lynell, Marc Mosby and the Instigators, Paul Galestro and The Blynders, Mindy Simmons, the Hurricanes, Callie Chappell, Randy Marsh and R.P.M.) as well as occasional surprise national bands like Bad Company, who showed up with James’ blessing to try out material they’d be performing soon on tour. Area natives now known worldwide (Neil Larson, Richy Kicklighter, Willie Royal, Gregg Allman) hit the BC to perform, often unannounced, creating a hot spot that drew not only from the tri-county mainland but well beyond. No reminiscence of Beach Club history would be complete without mention of (trumpet fanfare) The Halloween Costume Contests. The diverse Key population was reflected in contestants’ costumes, ranging from extravagantly expensive and professionally made Marie Antoinettes, Chers, naughty librarians, and clumsy mermaids to homemade, sometimes hard to identify originals, including one winner no one will ever forget: He stepped up on stage wearing a full-body grey trash bag he’d cut leg holes and arm holes in and overstuffed full of wadded newspaper. Face covered in grey makeup, hair hidden in a grey rubber swim cap, on top of which sat an upright little child’s plastic chair secured by a bungee cord under his chin. The puzzled crowd threw out a few random guesses but quickly gave up. The contestant approached the mike, arms held out in a “what else?” gesture, and told the

1988 - Marc Mosby & the Instigators (playing the Beach Club’s 9/2 anniversary, 2 - 5 p.m.) were one of the first area bands to exclusively play reggae. They have a huge following that keeps turning out for the talented players’ Marley covers, along with Mosby’s extensive catalog of original tunes.

Twinkle has been singing in clubs since she was too young to be allowed into the places. Having recorded for Warner Bros. and just back from a tour that included a gig with Mike Shannon in Barcelona, Spain, she’s still dedicated to local causes, events, and fans. Pictured here with drummer Kenney Crawley, who now lives in the U.K.

crowd he was “used gum stuck under a chair.” Following a three-count of stunned silence, the room absolutely erupted, laughing judges jumping to their feet and wildly whooping and cheering. The disappointed contestants in the expensive elaborate outfits were not amused, but everyone else was. ( Best. Costume. EVER.) And the Beach Club beat goes on, changing with the times. Instead of word-of-mouth you can nowadays find out what’s going on there by checking the website. Happy 70th, “BC;” here’s to many more.

Island Humor [ One day, in line at the cafeteria, Bob says to Stanley behind him, “My elbow hurts like heck. I guess I better see a doctor.” “Listen, you don’t have to spend that kind of money,” Stan replies. “There’s a diagnostic computer down at WalMart. Just give it a urine sample and the computer’ll tell you what’s wrong and what to do about it. It takes ten seconds and costs ten dollars...a lot cheaper than a doctor.” So Bob deposits a urine sample in a small jar and takes it to WalMart. He deposits ten dollars, and the computer lights up and asks for the urine sample. He pours the sample into the slot and waits. Ten seconds later, the computer ejects a printout: “You have tennis elbow. Soak your arm in warm water and avoid heavy activity. It will improve in two weeks.” That evening while thinking how amazing this new technology was, Jack began wondering if the computer could be fooled. He mixed some tap water, a stool sample from his dog, urine samples from his wife

and daughter, and masturbated into the mixture for good measure. Bob hurries back to WalMart, eager to check the results. He deposits ten dollars, pours in his concoction, and waits. The computer prints the following: 1. Your tap water is too hard. Get a water softener. 2. Your dog has ringworm. Bathe him with anti-fungal shampoo. 3. Your daughter has a cocaine habit. Get her into rehab... 4. Your wife is pregnant. Twins. They aren’t yours. Get a lawyer. 5. If you don’t stop playing with yourself, your elbow will never get better. And, as always, thank you for shopping at Walmart. [ A physician, an engineer, and an attorney were discussing who among them belonged to the oldest of the three professions represented. The physician said, ‘Remember, on the sixth day God took a rib from Adam and fashioned Eve, making him the first surgeon. Therefore, medicine is the oldest profession.’

The engineer replied, ‘But, before that, God created the heavens and earth from chaos and confusion, and thus he was the first engineer. Therefore, engineering is an older profession than medicine.’ Then, the lawyer spoke up. ‘Yes,’ he said, ‘but who do you think created all of the chaos and confusion?’ [ A man is in a bar having a drink. The guy next to him falls off of his barstool. The man picks up the guy and sits him back on the barstool, and he falls off again. This time he picks the guy up and asks, “Where do you live?” Being a kind soul, the man takes the guy to his car, puts him in the back seat, and drives him home. When they get to the guy’s house, the man helps the guy out of the car, but he falls down 3 times before getting to the front door. The man rings the doorbell and the guy’s wife comes to the door. The man says, “Hello, I’ve brought your husband home.” The wife looks at the man and asks, “Where’s his wheel chair?”

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

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

Karaoke Thursday, Friday & Saturday

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2017

941.349.0194

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE

Ordination at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, Siesta Key

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.

Wednesday evening, June 28, The Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith, Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, ordained The Rev. Jonathan Evans, to the Sacred Order of Priests in the Episcopal Church. Jonathan serves as curate at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, Siesta Key, assisting the Rev. Wayne Farrell, Rector of St. Boniface. The Rev. Canon Edward M. Copland, retired rector of St. Boniface and The Very Rev. Fredrick Robinson, Rector of Sarasota’s Church of the Redeemer, assisted in the ordination. Jonathan William Evans (top left photo) holds a B.A. in psychology from the University of Georgia, a M.A. from Southern Methodist University and a Master of Divinity from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Prior to his arrival in Sarasota in May, Fr. Evans was deacon and youth minister at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church in Naples, Florida after 6 years as a pastor in the Presbyterian Church. His family includes his wife, Barbara, and children Luca and Vittoria (top right photo). The ceremony was attended

Commentary

by Jonathan’s family, members of the parish and Episcopal clergy from throughout the Diocese, who came forward

to add their blessings (photo below) and was followed by a celebration dinner.

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

Italian/American Restaurant

White Tablecloth Restaurant

A Real Hoboken, NJ Restaurant

S-55

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

6516 Superior Ave. (Gulf Gate) Sarasota, Florida

have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all…unless they really, really deserve it. 3. I don’t feel the need to write a review about every place I go into. I am only inspired to write a review of a 4 or 5 rating and in a severe situation a 1 if absolutely required. A 3 is really not worth my time.

Reservation Required

941-906-9444

Places of Worship

Continued from page 19

2. Always keep in mind you never know what’s happening behind the scenes at a particular business. You may encounter a short term employee with a bad attitude, the chef may have called out sick or you simply might catch them on a bad day as we all know that this stuff happens. Like momma always said if you don’t

www.siestasand.net

4. Before you publish your review, consider all the circumstances and know the consequences of your review. Why intentionally damage one’s lifetime reputation over your one time experience? 5. If you have a bad experience, talk to the owner/management and tell them you were not satisfied but also give them the chance to make the situation right. They should be given the opportunity to make the experience pleasurable because as we all know…when there are humans involved, there are bound to be mistakes but how a business recovers from those mistakes to me shows their true value and worth. We live in America and we have the right to share how we feel. All I ask, as an American entrepreneur, is that you review responsibly. Scott Dolan

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

SEPTEMBER 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

SEPTEMBER 2017

941.349.0194

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

www.siestasand.net

Water World

Captain Jim Klopfer’s Fishing Report Adventure Charters 941-371-1390 Speckled trout will please Siesta Key anglers in September

Sergio, Faith from MD and Brittany (16) from Orlando

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.) • FREE YOGA - Mon.-Wed.-Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m. Classes held between blue and green lifeguard station. Call 941-320-6693 to register or go to website for more info. www.yogaonsiestabeach.com/about • NIA - Tues. & Thurs., 9 a.m., Siesta Public Beach (yellow lifeguard chair). Contact Kathy Oravec at 941724-9719 for more info or check website: www.nianow. com/kathy-oravec • SIESTA KEY BEACH HOOP JAMS – Every Tuesday one hour before Sunset on Siesta Key beach we gather for a community Hoop Jam. (Between the red lifeguard stand and the pavilion; around where the Sunday drum circle happens.) Register at: www.outwardspiral.net WEEKLY DRUM CIRCLE: • Every Sunday about an hour before sunset. South of the main pavilion. You can participate or watch this weekly gathering and dance, hoop, play the drum or other musical instrument, and enjoy the spectacular Siesta sunset. On The Beach… • SEP 23 (SAT) 8-11AM /1st ANNUAL GREAT GAY 5K: This fun run/walk is a celebration of the LGBT+ community, supporters, and athletes of all shapes and

September is the month that redfish begin schooling up in Sarasota. The expansive shallow flats in Sarasota Bay are traditionally the most productive areas to fish. A low, incoming tide in the morning is preferred, allowing anglers to see the large schools of reds. As the tide rises, the fish will work up from the edges of flats and holes onto the grass to feed. Locating the fish can be difficult under flood tide conditions; there is just too much water up on the flat to effectively sight fish. Speckled trout fishing has been outstanding this year and this should continue in September. Deeper flats will produce more fish, while the larger specimens may be found in shallow water. A topwater or shallow diving plug worked over bars at first light is a deadly technique for fooling gator trout. Along with trout, anglers fishing the deep grass will catch a variety of species this month including bluefish, Spanish mackerel, mangrove snapper, pompano, gag grouper, and ladyfish. Both live bait and artificial lures will catch plenty of fish. A Bass Assassin grub on a ¼ ounce jig head is a great choice for anglers who enjoy casting artificial lures. Olive (08) X-Raps and other plugs are also effective along with gold and silver spoons. A live shrimp under a popping cork is a time-proven technique for catching “specks” on the West Coast of Florida. Snook will migrate from the beaches back into the bays. Both passes will be great spots to fish, especially on afternoon outgoing tides. The bars and mangrove shorelines along Siesta Key are prime spots as the fish move towards their fall feeding areas. Artificial baits will allow anglers to cover more water, while a well full of pilchards practically guarantees success. Redfish, large speckled trout, jack crevelle, and mangrove snapper may also be encountered while pursuing the mighty snook. Lighted docks and bridges are snook magnets and will provide great action for anglers looking to catch fish and escape the summer sun. Live and artificial shrimp free lined

What’s Happening sizes. Simply put, if you love the amazing and cheerful community, show your support and enjoy the day with us! A portion of proceeds will go to a local non-proft charity. For more information, go to website: https:// www.evensi.us/the-great-gay-5k-runwalk-sarasotasiesta-key-beach/202405183

• SEP 30 (SAT) 7-11AM / YMCA SHARKS TRIATHLON: Registration Deadline: September 23, 2017. The 33rd Annual Sharks Siesta Key Triathlon is at the Siesta Key Beach. This is a Sprint Triathlon with a 0.5 mile swim, 12.75 mile bike and a 3.1 mile run. All Sharks Families are encouraged to Race, Sponsor or Volunteer to put on an exceptional race that is renown for its hospitality and athlete support! Go to website for more information: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/ discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=8470&page=1 Around the island… • WEEKLY FARMER’S MARKET IN THE VILLAGE: Every Sunday from 8am – 1pm in Davidson’s Plaza in the Village. 5124 Ocean Blvd. Produce, Plants & Flowers, Music, Art, Organic Skincare, Italian Olive Oil, and Freshly Prepared Foods. Listen to live music while you shop. • FREE EXERCISE CLASSES FOR SENIORS: Every Thursday morning at 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. And Beyond… • PALM AVENUE FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK

in the tide are deadly, as are small white flies. Surf fishing off the Siesta Key beaches should be good for snook, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, pompano, and other species. Point of Rocks is the best spot as there is a lot of fish-holding structure, but any stretch of beach is likely to produce. Live bait such as shrimp and small bait fish works great. A #1 live bait hook with a short piece of leader and a split shot is the preferred rig. Spoons, plugs, and jigs are also effective baits in the surf. The rocks and bridges in Big Pass will be excellent spots to target mangrove snapper this month. These tasty saltwater panfish will be migrating out of the bay and into the Gulf of Mexico. Slack tides are the best times to drop a live shrimp or bait fish along the structure. Don’t be surprised if a big snook intercepts a bait meant for a mang!

/ 6-9PM: Every month local galleries open their doors to the public for the evening, offering a chance to meet with artists and admire their work. See website for location map. http://palmavenue.org/ • TOWLES COURT THIRD FRIDAY ARTWALKS / 5-9PM: Gallery and studio openings on a moonlit evening of fun and beauty- both natural and handcrafted beauty. Free music, events, refreshments. Meet the artists, shop and dine in authentic “ Old Florida” in downtown Sarasota. 1938 Adams Lane Sarasota, Florida 34236. http://www.towlescourt.com/index.htm • Friends of the Sarasota County History Center Fall Schedule of Activities - Sat., Sept. 16th, 1 pm - 2:30 pm Meet at Chidsey Library 701 N. Tamiami Trail. FREE Powerpoint Presentation and Discussion Sarasota from 1840 to 1884 - Sat., Sept. 23rd, 1 pm - 2:30 pm Meet at Chidsey Library 701 N. Tamiami Trail. FREE Powerpoint Presentation and Discussion Sarasota 1885 to 1903 - Sat., Sept. 30th, 1 pm - 2:30 pm Meet at Chidsey Library 701 N. Tamiami Trail. FREE Powerpoint Presentation and Discussion Sarasota 1903-1913 For more information, see website: www.foschc.org or call 941.361.2453 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

SEPTEMBER 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Notes from the Island Fishmonger

By Scott Dolan, Big Water Fish Market SEAFOOD STEAM POT SCIENCE There is something about the combination of shellfish, potatoes, corn-on-the-cob and smoked sausage all steamed together in one big stockpot that makes this one of the tastiest and easiest dinners on the planet to make. Some people use the same concept as putting all of the kids in the pool by putting all of your delicious shellfish and ingredients in a pot of boiling water all at the same time. True seafood cooks know that there is an actual science to this masterpiece. First you must realize that all foods have different cooking times. You can’t throw everything into a pot at the same time and expect everything to be cooked to perfection. For instance, you would never expect a shrimp to cook as long as a potato unless you want shrimp jerky! Of course there is no exact science to seasoning as we all have different taste buds but here are some basic steps to cooking the perfect seafood steam pot at home. I always start by bringing my chicken stock with bay leaves to a boil (you can also use veggie stock, beer or just water). I add my shrimp or crab boil seasoning to the stock. I also like to cut a lemon in half and add both sides of the lemon to the stock. Then you should cook in layers with the ingredients that take the longest to cook going in first. I start with the potatoes and cook them for about 8 minutes. Then I add the corn for another 2 minutes. After that I add Crab Legs or Lobster and Sausage and cook them for 3 minutes. The next items I add are the shrimp and clams and I cook those until the clams open which will take approximately 2 minutes. Once the clams open up, the final step is to add the mussels and cook them until the mussels open which again will only take approximately 2 minutes at the most. I save some of that stock juice and then pour your meal into a strainer and serve with melted butter, lemons, cocktail sauce and enjoy!! Halfway through the meal I pour some of the saved stock juice over the meal just to refresh it. It sounds more complicated than it is…simply cook in layers, strain and serve. Clean up can even be easy by serving all of the food on an outside table covered with newspaper. Peel, crack and shuck all your goodies on the newspaper and when you’re done simply roll up the newspaper and discard into the trash bin. It’s truly easy peasy, fun, delicious and for many it’s a family gathering tradition. Seafood steam pots are on the Big Water Fish Market menu or you can even order a precooked or raw steam pot to carry out. Pictured is a BWFM Spiny Lobster steam pot that comes with ingredients, instructions and even the pot. If the raw product looks tempting, wait until you see the finished product!

Spiny Lobster steam pot

Retail Market & Restaurant

The Big Water Fish Market…

where it’s a seafood festival every day! Monday - Grouper BLT Tuesday - Tuna Tuesday Wednesday - Soft Shell Crab Sandwich Thursday - Lobster Roll Day! Friday - Pompano Cubano Closed Sundays until November

Live well…Eat Fish Scott Dolan

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

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

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

September 2017

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33'

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.

Date

Day

9:09a

High Tide 2.2

High Tide

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

3:33a

12:11a

1.6

10:10a

12:36a

1.6

11:00a

12:56a

1.7

1:12a

Low Tide 1.5

5:39p

Low Tide 0.4

7:09a

7:51p

4:45p

2:52a

2.2

4:39a

1.4

6:23p

0.4

7:10a

7:50p

5:31p

3:43a

2.3

5:30a

1.3

6:59p

0.3

7:10a

7:49p

6:15p

4:35a

11:45a

2.4

6:12a

1.2

7:32p

0.4

7:11a

7:48p

6:57p

5:30a

1.7

12:26p

2.4

6:51a

1.0

8:02p

0.4

7:11a

7:46p

7:37p

6:27a

1:27a

1.8

1:06p

2.4

7:30a

0.9

8:31p

0.5

7:12a

7:45p

8:16p

7:24a

1:46a

1.9

1:48p

2.4

8:10a

0.7

8:59p

0.6

7:12a

7:44p

8:55p

8:23a

2:09a

2.0

2:34p

2.3

8:54a

0.6

9:29p

0.7

7:13a

7:43p

9:35p

9:22a

2:36a

2.1

3:24p

2.1

9:43a

0.6

9:59p

0.9

7:13a

7:42p

10:16p

10:23a

3:09a

2.2

4:23p

1.9

10:40a

0.5

10:31p

1.1

7:14a

7:41p

10:59p

11:24a

3:47a

2.3

5:40p

1.6

11:46a

0.5

11:04p

1.3

7:14a

7:39p

11:47p

12:27p

4:34a

2.3

7:30p

1.6

1:06p

0.5

11:43p

1.4

7:14a

7:38p

5:32a

2.3

9:48p

1.6

2:34p

0.4

7:15a

7:37p

12:38a

2:31p

6:48a

2.3

11:04p

1.6

12:45a

1.5

3:56p

0.3

7:15a

7:36p

1:33a

3:30p

8:19a

2.3

11:42p

1.6

2:30a

1.6

5:03p

0.3

7:16a

7:35p

2:32a

4:25p

9:43a

2.4

4:04a

1.5

5:57p

0.3

7:16a

7:34p

3:34a

5:16p

12:10a

1.7

10:51a

2.4

5:15a

1.3

6:41p

0.3

7:17a

7:32p

4:36a

6:03p

12:33a

1.7

11:48a

2.4

6:10a

1.1

7:18p

0.4

7:17a

7:31p

5:37a

6:46p

12:53a

1.8

12:38p

2.4

6:57a

0.9

7:49p

0.6

7:18a

7:30p

6:37a

7:26p

1:11a

1.9

1:22p

2.3

7:40a

0.7

8:16p

0.7

7:18a

7:29p

7:36a

8:04p

1:29a

2.0

2:04p

2.2

8:20a

0.6

8:41p

0.8

7:19a

7:28p

8:32a

8:41p

1:49a

2.1

2:45p

2.0

9:00a

0.6

9:05p

1.0

7:19a

7:27p

9:28a

9:18p

2:12a

2.2

3:28p

1.9

9:42a

0.5

9:30p

1.1

7:20a

7:25p

10:22a

9:55p

2:38a

2.2

4:18p

1.7

10:27a

0.5

9:57p

1.2

7:20a

7:24p

11:16a

10:34p

3:10a

2.3

5:21p

1.6

11:19a

0.5

10:26p

1.4

7:21a

7:23p

12:08p

11:15p

3:47a

2.2

6:50p

1.6

12:20p

0.6

11:03p

1.5

7:21a

7:22p

1:00p

11:58p

4:33a

2.2

8:47p

1.6

1:32p

0.6

7:21a

7:21p

1:50p

5:35a

2.1

10:05p

1.6

12:05a

1.5

2:47p

0.6

7:22a

7:20p

2:38p

12:44a

7:00a

2.0

10:45p

1.7

1:51a

1.6

3:54p

0.5

7:22a

7:18p

3:24p

1:33a

8:33a

2.0

11:12p

1.7

3:27a

1.5

4:49p

0.5

7:23a

7:17p

4:09p

2:24a

Phase

Full

1:29p 3rd

New

1st

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2017

941.349.0194

Arts on the Horizon

And now for something completely different A couple of years back Tony Bennett played the Van Wezel here in Sarasota. And here he is again. When you open a really good bottle of wine it tastes wonderful. Put the cork back in and sample it a week later and, sorry, its on its way to becoming vinegar. But sample a really good bottle of cognac (or better still, armagnac) and you can go back again and again. It warms you and makes everything else good as well. Armagnac, France was, back in the day, under Roman rule and Anthony Benedetto is of Italian extraction so there is actually a geographic connection as well as the fact that the drink and the man can age extremely well. Mr. Bennett has gone through many phases (collecting 19 Grammies along the way). He became famous singing popular ballads but has achieved critical acclaim with his jazz tinted easy listening work. So, if you want to lean back and hear songs like The Shadow of Your Smile, I Left My Heart in San Francisco and Fly Me to the Moon, on Friday, September 8th at the Van Wezel you should be in for quite a treat. When the last mentioned song was performed in Atlanta and the Albert Hall in London, it was done without a microphone and only a guitar to back up Mr. Bennett. A great close to a great act. The show opened with his daughter, Antonia, warming up the audience with a handful of standards. Check out www. vanwezel.org/boxoffice/tony-bennett/. For music that is completely different, go to the Van Wezel on a different Friday - Friday, September 15th to be exact - and hear Reverend Barry & The Funktastic Soul. They are appearing for free on the Friday Fest stage on the grounds of the Van Wezel. While Tony Bennett is inside at 8:00 PM the week before, Reverend Barry and his music will be on the outside from 5 until 9 PM weather permitting. If you are of a certain age, your music will be the music they play - dance hits originally done by James Brown, Kool & the Gang, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Earth, Wind & Fire. While the

www.siestasand.net

By Rodger Skidmore life in Sarasota - candid street photographs, fashion shots and landscapes. His eye, trained in the crisp light of the Ligurian Apennines, helps to highlight his subjects at his local photography studio in north Sarasota, as well as the art he creates here and around the world. See representations of his work at www.Lunardi.com. The latest in an ongoing series of peerjuried shows, this one entitled Line, Form & Color, is in Gallery IV. The artists, usually from the greater Sarasota area, who submit their work have created their art in every form of media - stone and glass sculpture, oil paintings and watercolor, carved wood, dry point etchings, photographs and more, and in every conceivable style. Given that a new show of this type appears at Art Center Sarasota every few months, it is quite astonishing how often a gem appears to take a well deserved prize.

Van Wezel is not big on dancing in the aisles, there is no problem doing it outside on the south lawn. The Funktastic Soul is an 8 piece funk and soul band that will be playing with their core group, the Hellacious Horns, as they do at many venues around Sarasota and St. Petersburg. Vocal solos are handled by Yaya Diamond, Reverend Barry and lead guitarist Chet Gass. So listen to Barry and his friends and get your groove on.

Collage at College

September isn’t big enough Art Center Sarasota is having an opening reception on August 31st (from 5 - 7 PM) for four new exhibitions. Three of those gallery shows run until October 6th so even if you don’t come and visit with the artists for the opening reception on the last day of August, you’ve got more than a month to get over to 707 N. Tamiami Trail, just south of the Van Wezel, for these shows. The first is a solo by Carol Prusa, entitled Thin Spaces, which was on display in Geneva, Switzerland earlier this year. Ms. Prusa, based in Boca Raton, works in ceramics, clay, paper and acrylic domes. Her work is in the permanent collection of a number of museums, including the Museum of Arts and Design in NYC and the Talfair in Savannah. Each of her pieces, especially her silverpoint drawn domes, can take hundreds of hours of meticulous work to complete. To see Ms. Prusa and her technique go to YouTube and enter Carol Prusa Methods and Materials or Carol Prusa Silver Universe. Enjoy. In Gallery II, another solo show contains paintings by local artist Lowell Gilbertson. These “modern realism” paintings depict biblical stories in a world without men and range

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

from Adamina and Eve (who are proud rather than ashamed of the knowledge they received) to Christine, daughter of God, and on to Mermaid Emerging (from the Gulf of Mexico on the beach on Siesta Key). Gilbertson uses a special acrylic paint imported from Italy, made with a recipe hundreds of years old. A number of these paintings were created before live audiences at local night spots. Gallery III focuses on the photographs of Giovanni Lunardi, the fashion photographer, in a show called “Every Subject a New Obsession”. These black and white photos have been selected as being representative of his 50 year career, capturing subjects from his home town of Parma, Italy to his current

Decoupage is often a layering of photos or cut-outs from magazines - sometimes like a painting and sometimes to decorate a cigar box or a wooden tray. This month’s decoupage is a layering of art exhibits at the Ringling College of Art and Design. The base layer is that of Jeffery Cornwell, at the Patricia Thompson Gallery; his show runs thru the 22nd of September. His work has been exhibited in galleries in the Southeast, Texas and California and is in many private collections. Cornwell is an active member of SARTQ artists and an Adjunct Art Instructor teaching two and three dimensional studio art at Booker High School. In addition, he is the coordinator of the Ringling’s Summer Teen Studio program. Many of his acrylic paintings on canvas or panel board explore the relationship between sky and land and could be considered reminiscent of Edward Hopper’s landscapes - the difference being Hopper was more land and Cornwell considerably more sky. Just opened at the Willis Smith Gallery, and on view until October 4th, is an exhibit of art by the college staff and continuing studies instructors. The 2017 Annual Ringling College Faculty Exhibition, also on display until October 4th, is at the Lois and David Stulberg Gallery. The blue bordered fabric piece pictured above, by Nathan Skiles, a member of the Fine Arts faculty, illustrates how technique and vision are joined together. Both galleries are in the Basch Visual Arts Center.

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

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

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

SEPTEMBER 2017

DearDonnarose

A: When we maintain at a higher vibration, it’s easier to handle people’s negative intentions.” ~Donnarose Melvin

Q: Dear Donnarose, I recently started doing energy work. And I noticed I feel a little tense when some of my clients show resistance to healing. How can I get to the point where I let go of the outcome? ~Blessings, K.M. A: “Make peace within yourself regarding whatever feels unlike love, and chances are you’ll leave the outcomes to the Angels above.” ~Donnarose Melvin

Most of us who are in this line of work want to see our clients be able to heal and soar to new heights. As you know, some do take off pretty fast after a session. Then there are those clients who need more time, yet your sessions may at least get some of them to the starting line. For some, that’s huge. Now even though you may know your client is very capable of soaring, your client may not know or feel that way, yet. Also keep in mind, if you put a mental time-frame as to when you feel your client should respond 100%, it may not match what’s on their soul’s contract. Meaning, it may take your client two, three or however more sessions with you to take bigger steps forward. For some, that can be considered what I call “perfection in imperfection”, as it may just be what they needed to learn to persevere, have faith and not give up. Again, this may be totally in alignment with your client’s soul agreement. So try to support your clients with patience and love at the pace they’re progressing. They’ll feel that energy coming from you, and will continue to trust you to guide them towards their goals. In addition to considering the above, try to assess the real reason your body feels tense when your sessions don’t turn out as you expected. I do have clients who are healers, intuitives, etc., who have similar concerns. And, like for them, what may help you, is to ask Spirit to help you make peace with any feelings of let down from others or yourself, as well as unworthiness, resentment, impatience, fear, and any other feelings unlike love that you may be carrying from this or any lifetime. This can actually help you release the tension and attachment to the outcomes of your sessions. And instead, you’ll find yourself trusting the process, knowing that the results that unfold are being orchestrated in perfect Divine order. ~♥ Q: Dear Donnarose, I’m soon to start doing Facebook Live videos. But being a sensitive and an empathic soul, I’m concerned about how to handle the inevitable negative comments. I’ve seen the most popular kind-hearted people get scorned upon. Any input would be appreciated. ~Thank you, K.T.

It’s a wonderful thing to be an empath and a sensitive, as these gifts can really help you stay connected to the Higher version of yourself, and receive Divine guidance with more ease. The thing is, as an empath, we can absorb negative energy from the atmosphere, and anyone physically around us, and yes, people’s negative written comments. So it’s important to keep your energy and space clean and protected daily no matter where you are. A nice way to do this is to say, “Thank you Archangel Michael for clearing my body and space, for cutting all energetic cords unlike love, for protecting me and keeping me safe, please and thank you.” This, along with practicing meditation, deep breathing, reinforcing positive affirmations, as well as forgiveness towards others and especially yourself, will help you to maintain at a higher vibration. And as a result, you’ll more often refrain from even acknowledging the negative comments. Or your responses will come from a much Higher perspective. But keep in mind, depending on where people are vibrationally will determine how receptive they’ll be to your attempted helpful response. Therefore, it’s suggested to refrain from commenting back. And instead, direct your high vibrating energy towards them, which is what they would most likely need at that time. To conclude, if your intentions you have with your live videos are pure, and you keep your energy clean and vibration high, you’ll start to notice the angry comments being replaced with more love and gratitude from those you are helping. ~♥ 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.

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Siesta Key REAL ESTATE & HOME SECTION ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 42 SAND CASTLES PAGE 37

HOUSE HUNTING PAGE 39 SIESTA KEY MARKET STATS PAGE 38

The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key

Provided by Key Solutions Real Estate / www.keysolutionsrealestate.com

Following are properties sold on Siesta Key in the last 60 days, providing a snapshot of home values on the Key for both single family homes and condominiums.

HIGHEST PRICED SINGLE FAMILY PROPERTY: 1208 NORTHPORT DR, SOLD FOR: $2,575,000 Coastal design and Architecture sitting perfectly among old oaks on the north end of Siesta Key. This 6,000 s.f. waterfront home has no bridges to open water and has every amenity possible. The deep water wide canal provides easy maneuvering for large boats

and the well outfitted dock includes 2 boat lifts. A 16,000 lb. and a 7,000 lb. lift plus under water lights and water and power. The home has an incredible family floor plan with 5 BR, 5.5 BA, (Separate private 1 BR guest area) family room and living room, wine room, formal dining, game room with full wet bar, wood paneled office, huge screened lanai with cozy fireplace and a tropical grotto style pool with several waterfalls and a true Tiki hut bar. It also has unique solid granite and marble counter tops and Australian cypress wood floors and a grand 2-story staircase. Many areas are accented with tongue and groove walls and use of pecky cypress. The exterior is concrete block along with hardy plank and smooth stucco and a 4-5 car garage, generator, extensive landscaping and lighting. This home feels like new and has been meticulously maintained. The sale of this property came to $430.60 a square foot. Courtesy of Michael Saunders.

LOWEST PRICED CONDO: 5830 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #32: SOLD FOR: $250,000 A fabulous location makes this pied-a-terre the perfect place to enjoy a beach getaway and/or to generate rental income. Patio adjacent to pool offering immediate and direct access to (1) one of the (3) three pools offered in the community and easy walk to the beach straight down the lushly landscaped pathway. No need to drag your chairs to the beach either – Jamaica Royale offers

comfortable chaises already placed on the beach plus (2) two covered gazebos if you want some shade. Grilling out is easy here with (2) two separate barbecue areas. Want to play shuffleboard - they have that too! Not only is this condo perfectly positioned in the complex, it’s also just ½ mile to the Siesta Key public beach and its recently renovated facilities offering snack bar, playground, picnic tables, volleyball, tennis courts and more! Just another ½ mile beyond that to Siesta Key Village with its myriad of dining and shopping choices. Transportation choices abound for getting around the island – easy biking, sidewalks for walking, free trolley and shuttle rides, too. Keep your car in the shade of your reserved carport directly outside the front door, and there is ample guest parking directly across from the condo. Inside the unit you will find an efficient and comfortable use of space with (2) Murphy beds, comfortable seating and updated kitchen. On-site management and rental company makes this an easy one for you to own. The sale came out to $637.76 a square foot. Courtesy of Michael Saunders.

LOWEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY PROPERTY: 5206 WINDING WAY, SOLD FOR: $393,500 Great Siesta Key home a short walk to the sugary sands #1 Siesta Key Beach. This beautiful home is fully remodeled, which is first apparent in the all new stucco, paint, and custom woodwork on the home’s exterior. Enter your home to a brand new AC unit. All new stainless steel

appliances, solid wood kitchen cabinets, granite counter-tops, and ceramic tile flooring in the large open floor plan. Observe the attention to detail with the new, custom bathroom tile, new light fixtures, faucets, ceiling fans, and hand-crafted wall finishes under a fresh coat of interior paint. This home truly defines the Florida lifestyle! Enjoy the comfort and relaxation of a Florida home while sitting in your plush exterior seating area. The bonus glassed-in Florida room is a pure joy in which to relax and enjoy the sunny Florida days in the comfort of your air-conditioned home! Additional Extras: New pebble driveway, Carport, New sod, two attached storage units. Interior Washer and Dryer included. The sale of this property came out to $340.69 a square foott. Courtesy of ReMax Tropical Sands.

HIGHEST PRICED CONDO: 1132 WINDSONG LN, #B: SOLD FOR: $1,357,500 A beach-side family home. This “new” 6-bedroom 5-bath condo with private elevator, lives like a single family home with a guest apartment. Located on the beach-side of Midnight Pass Rd. just a short stroll down Windsong Ln. through the private gated beach access to the #1 beach in the USA. Ground floor: 3 garages and

a 16 x 30 bonus room. Second floor: feels like a 2bd. 2ba. “guest apartment” with family room, kitchenette and 17 x 30 patio. Third floor: 3bd., 3ba. and laundry room. Fourth Floor: Living room, dining room, kitchen another bathroom and den or 6th bedroom, plus private swimming pool and patio. Enjoy Gulf views from inside or while lounging by your salt-water, heated pool. Roof-top sun-bathing accessible on the 5th floor deck. Elevator in building. Separate a/c’s for each floor. Two fireplaces. gas appliances & pool heater. Tankless gas water heater. Hurry for an opportunity to buy the adjoining home too! All patios have gas, water and electric & can accommodate a spa/hot tub. Great for user and/or investor. The sale on this unit came out to $284.11 a square foot. Courtesy of Coldwell Banker.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Signatures growing for Reopen Beach Road The second says, “Article III, Section 4.2. Siesta Key Beach Road as Public Right of Way. The County shall rescind the vacation of, or re-acquire, Beach Road on Siesta Key as it existed on January 1, 2016, and shall not vacate or sell this County-owned road segment(s) or right of way. The County shall provide maximum right of way use of Beach Road for public access, including vehicular use and viewing of waterfront vistas. The County shall make Beach Road accessible to mobility impaired persons.” As of Aug.7, staff of the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office stated that the office has received 6,608 valid signatures on proposed Amendment 4.1 and 6,501 on proposed Amendment 4.2. To get either initiative on a ballot, Reopen Beach Road needs 13,866 valid signatures of registered Sarasota County voters.

A different Cosentino nonprofit On Aug. 3, not only did SKA members hear about Reopen Beach Road’s efforts, they also learned about a new nonprofit organization Mike Cosentino has established. Incorporated with the State of Florida on June 8 of this year, Siesta Key Beach Community Trust, whose mission — according to that documentation — is to support “Sarasota & Siesta Key Community by acquiring and

protecting beach & water access property and by providing amenities necessary for accessibility for our elderly [and those who are mobility- and vision-impaired].” Along with Cosentino, the directors are Thomas Jackson and Cynthia Breslin of Sarasota. During the SKA meeting, Mary Anne Bowie, executive director of Reopen Beach Road, talked of plans to rebuild the old groin — which she referred to as a pier — on the property Cosentino bought last year at 10 Beach Road. That work would be done through the new nonprofit, she added. When Cosentino spoke to the audience later, he said it is his intention to give both the 10 Beach Road parcel and a second one he owns west of it to the new trust. His focus, he added, “is access for the elderly and mobilityimpaired.” He wants to create the Sunset Point Community Pier, he said; he is working on how best to ensure his property will remain available to the public in perpetuity. Bowie talked, too, of Cosentino’s lawsuit against Sarasota County, which seeks to overturn the County Commission’s May 11, 2016 vote in favor of the road segment vacation. If the entire length of North Beach Road again were open, she continued, it would “in all likelihood be a worldwide attraction, with its amazing unobstructed gulf

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Continued from page 17

were among the three sets of couples who petitioned last year for the road segment vacation. (See the related story in this issue.) In his June 2 filing in the case, Assistant County Attorney David Pearce argued that Cosentino “wrongly claims the County Charter requires a coastal setback variance applicant to disclose percentages of ownership of their property.” Additionally, Pearce wrote, Cosentino is wrong in contending that the county failed to meet the legal deadline for posting the official notice of the road vacation in the aftermath of the County Commission decision.

view drive, bike/walk/skate and travel way.” “We’re holding our own right now on the lawsuit, Bowie said. Another hearing has been set in that case for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 27. At that time, Judge Frederick Mercurio will consider a Sarasota County motion for partial summary judgment on another count of Cosentino’s second amended complaint, 12th Judicial Circuit Court records show. In April, Mercurio granted a motion by intervenors in the case — Dennis and Wendy Madden — to dismiss one count of Cosentino’s complaint. The Maddens

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5206 Winding Way, Sarasota, FL

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

413,900

405 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL

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

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SEPTEMBER 2017

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North Beach Road vacation However, “a lot of information that was not included in the agenda packet for May 11, 2016 could have helped the commissioners make a better decision,” Lichterman said. After the county closed North Beach Road to vehicular traffic in 1993 because of repeated storm damage, Lichterman continued, “the county continued to maintain it,” he said, “but the county failed to take adequate measures to protect it from storm-related damage.” In the summer of 2009, Lichterman told the audience, a memo to the board from James K. Harriott Jr. — who later was appointed the county’s chief engineer — recommended the county reconstruct the road. Staff acknowledged the county’s obligation to keep the road open as a thoroughfare and to eliminate wasting taxpayer money for “the enormous cost of repair,” he added and then discussed the memo’s contents. In an Aug. 21, 2009 memo, Harriott wrote, “Staff recommends that in order to regain the intended use of the road and protect it against future storm events, 825 feet of Beach Road from Columbus Boulevard to Avenida Messina should be reconstructed with a Soil Cement Revetment System.”

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Harriott noted, “Staff will return with a discussion on funding for this project …” Harriott indicated that staff was responding to a June 9, 2009 County Commission request that staff “provide a report regarding the condition and cost to repair the road …” As for the history of the road segment: Harriott wrote that over the previous 20 years, the road had been “severely battered by hurricanes and tropical storms, leaving it eroded. … What was once a two-lane roadway from Columbus Boulevard to Avenida Messina has been reduced to a one-lane road and at one point is closed to thru-traffic. County crews have attempted to fix potholes, remove crumbling asphalt and sand accumulation after the storms.” Nonetheless, he continued, the roadbed “has been compromised from multiple storm events and the protection of the underground infrastructure for both water and sewer is a concern.”

Debating the road’s future Fast-forward to Dec. 10 2012, Lichterman told the audience: Another Harriott memo responded to a Dec. 4, 2012 County Commission discussion, which had included direction to staff “to acquire a

legal and independent engineering analysis report, determine what obligations the County has as far as access, and what the County can expect from FEMA regarding repairs to North Beach Road.” That document also noted erosion along the road resulting from “severe tropical storms (Isaac, Debby, and Sandy) and inclement weather in recent years.” The result, Lichterman continued, was the hiring of Taylor Engineering of Jacksonville to assess the situation on the road and offer options. One of latter — a concrete seawall — was estimated at $1,838,500. A cross-section of the road in the Taylor Engineering report depicting that option is the source of the rendering Reopen Beach Road uses on its website to show how the thoroughfare could look, Lichterman pointed out. A new permanent structure such as a seawall could not be built without state authorization, Lichterman added. However, he noted that the Taylor Engineering report said, “Given the purpose of the project and public benefits (i.e. road protection), we believe the state would authorize the project under a consent of use.” Taylor Engineering’s estimate of the

cost of the county to maintain the road if the county did nothing to stabilize it was $5,835,525 over 50 years, Lichterman said. “We as taxpayers are still on the hook for the estimated $6 million in ongoing repairs.” Yet, Madden disputed part of Lichterman’s assertions. The FDEP will not allow the county to make any improvements to the road, Madden said. Moreover, if the vacated segment were reopened so the entire 825 feet of thoroughfare between Columbus Boulevard and Avenida Messina were available to motor vehicles, Madden continued, that would lead to more traffic congestion on the island. In the 24 years since the road has been closed to traffic, Madden said, the natural environment has been able to flourish. People can walk down the vacated segment and enjoy the beach —including the sunsets — without having to worry about vehicles. “You want to come in and destroy that!” Madden told Lichterman and Mary Anne Bowie, the recently hired executive director of Reopen Beach Road. “It’s a very good point,” Volpe responded.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Sand Castles Key West Style Townhomes just over the bridge The 19 townhomes at Siesta Pointe Sarasota are situated just over the Stickney Pointe bridge — a short stroll or bike ride from Siesta Key. Perhaps the best attribute of Siesta Pointe is that proximity to the Key and nearby restaurants such as Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar and the new Daiquiri Deck South Siesta location, says Rod Ayer, who owns an investment unit in the community. “It is so close to Siesta,” Ayer said. And while the community, located on Duval Lane on the southern side of Stickney Point Road, doesn’t offer water views, there is a breeze from nearby Little Sarasota Bay, and the units’ terrace doors let the breeze flow right through. “Come middle of October, you can open the front and back terrace screen doors on the main living floor,” Ayer said, “and let the breeze through.” One thing the community doesn’t include is the higher price-per-square-foot that comes with Siesta condos, says Bob Ruiz, a realtor with Key Solutions Real Estate who has a 1,983-square-foot unit listed for sale for $375,000 in the community. The per-square-foot price is between $150 to $200 a square foot at Siesta Pointe, well below that of Siesta Key condos, Ruiz said. There have been just four units on Siesta Key in the past year that sold for under $240 a square-foot; most units sell for much more. The HOA fees of approximately $300 a month at Siesta Pointe are also less than the typical unit on the Key. Only a very few units on the Key require fees even close to this, Ruiz notes. The relatively lower HOA cost, Ruiz said, still covers comparable items included in far-more expensive HOAs —such as insurance, heated pool, property manager, escrow reserves, the roads and grounds maintenance, building exteriors and roofs, and pest control. Additionally, the curb appeal is enviable, Ruiz adds. The “West Indies/Key West style” townhomes are very attractive — painted in coordinating pastel colors, with balconies, brick paver road and driveways, and beautiful landscaping. “These units make a great impression from first sight,” said Ruiz, who has a three bedroom, two-anda-half bath unit listed for sale for $375,000. The townhome community features a pool and sundeck. The units are all around 2,000 square feet, with three bedrooms. All of the units are a similar size, but the end units are slightly larger, Ayer said. Ayers has owned an investment unit in Siesta Pointe for two years, and his previous tenant just left because of a move out of the state. But the family really enjoyed it while they lived there. “She had high-school age children, and they loved it,” Ayer said. “She didn’t have to drive them around, they took their bikes right down to the beach.” Ayer said there is a mix of full time and seasonal residents at Siesta Pointe. And a total of about three units are investment properties that are rented out either on an annual or seasonal basis. Ayer, who lives on Siesta Key and owns several investment units on and around the Key, is currently updating his Siesta Pointe unit, and once the work is complete will either rent it out again, or sell the unit.

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

By Roger Drouin

In addition to the great location just off the Key, the unit’s layout is another attribute of the community. With large windows and sliding doors, “the units are very bright and airy,” he said. The first floor of the townhomes contains the master bedroom and the garage. The main living area, one floor up, has the kitchen and living area, and two terraces. The third floor has the two other bedrooms. Recent Sales There is one active listing and one recent sale in the community of 19 units: • Ruiz has a three bedroom, two-and-a-half bath unit with 1,983 square feet listed for $375,000. That listing price comes out to $189 a square foot. Some finished touches include wood flooring, ceiling fans throughout, tile on the diagonal, and a kitchen with granite counters, wood cabinets and stainless appliances. The master bath has a garden tub and walk-in shower. • A slightly larger unit with 2,012 square feet sold for $385,000 in July, 2017. The sale came out to $191 a square foot. This three-floor unit has a brand new feel inside, with extensive updating that was completed in February, 2017. According to the MLS listing, both the bathrooms and kitchen were completely re-designed and re-done. The kitchen featured with new cabinetry, quartz kitchen counter tops, all new appliances, including cook top and separate built in oven, french door refrigerator, glass back splash, and 20 inch porcelain tile. The unit also featured views from most rooms of the community pool and palm trees.

Your Resident Real Estate Professionals - - SHERI and BOB RUIZ R DE ACT N U TR N CO

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.

$849,000

Somerset Cove

Boaters paradise. 3 BR, 3½ BA with 35’ 16k lift, minutes to the Gulf and easy walking distance to the beach and Village. Luxuriously appointed. New elevator. 2 car garage.

$865,000

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

Harbour Towne Yacht Club

Walking distance to Siesta Beach with deeded dock and water views! Fabulous 2/2 end unit. Attached garage. Gated community with pool, tennis and clubhouse.

$439,000

Gulf & Bay Bayside

Sheri Ruiz 941-400-4186 Sheri Lasley@aol.com www.SiestaKeyNow.com

$539,000 and $649,000

Key Solutions Real Estate Group

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.

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2017

941.349.0194

Handmade Antique Rugs Bought and Sold

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Mosby oriental rugs

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Blooming this month Dwarf Poinciana or Caesalpinia Pulcherrima

No room for a big Royal Poinciana tree? Consider the Dwarf Poinciana, with fern like foliage topped with beautiful, show stopping flowers. Not actually related to the enormous Royal Poinciana, the dwarf’s bloom is the national flower of Barbados, where the plant is known as “Pride of Barbados.”

May

The Dwarf Poinciana or Caesalpinia Pulcherrima is native to the West Indies but was introduced to, and is commonly found in, Texas, Arizona, California, and Southern Florida. The species name, Pulcherrima, is Latin for “most beautiful.” Perhaps the most distinctive visual feature of this plant, that really lives up to its name, are its bright red, orange, dark pink and yellow flowers with long red stamens that are found on terminal ends of branches. They bloom profusely in the hot summer months and are an excellent draw for butterflies and hummingbirds. Plant specs: Dwarf Poincianas like full to part sun and are fast growers to 10 or 12 feet, but can be kept trimmed at 6 to 8 feet. It is adapted to ZONES 8 – 11 and thrives in extreme heat. It is tolerant of both alkaline and acidic soils as long as they are well drained. Young trees have thorns on the branches but they’ll disappear as the plant matures and bark begins to form. Seed pods form as the flowers die, and you can leave them there or remove them for a

cleaner look. This dwarf tree is moderately salt-tolerant and drought-tolerant once established. Landscape uses for the Dwarf Poinciana tree: Anchor for a butterfly garden or other bed. Accent near the entry or for the corner of the house. Single yard specimen tree along a fence. A plant to add height and interest to a blank wall. If you are looking for a shrub that is heat loving and drought tolerant, or maybe you just want a unique specimen to show off in your yard or garden, you might want to give Caesalpinia Pulcherrima a try. Stop by the Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota on Saturday, October 21st for the Annual Plant Sale/ GardenFest. 10am to 4pm. There you will find many Dwarf Poincianas in all colors that have been locally grown and propagated by Garden Club Volunteers. Submitted by Jackie Cutrone, Sarasota Garden Club. SarasotagardenClub.org

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SEPTEMBER 2017

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 • 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. 941-3500451 (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 941266-4873 (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, 941-3500451 (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, 941-3500451 (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, 941-3500451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) • 1610 STARLING DR, LANDINGS COACH HOUSE $285,000: MLS 4182814 2BD/2BA Ground floor condo with patio overlooking a fabulous lake view. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) • 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, 941-3500451 (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, 941-3500451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara)

• DOLPHIN BAY The ultimate 2/2 in over 1900 square feet of living space. Exceptional property with split floor plan, each bedroom with private bath. Large kitchen with sit-in area and expansive living/dining space. Spacious lanai with great views of the ICW. Garage. Pool, clubhouse, tennis, and day dock. Short walk to Siesta Beach. MLS #A4178449, $849,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-4004186.

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

• 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: 941-544-3299 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)8941255 • 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, 941-894-1255 • MID CENTURY BEAUTY This 3BD/3BA home, is a former Ralph Twitchell show home with an amazing open floor plan and high ceilings located on a quiet canal front corner lot. Has a 7K lbs. boat lift and is a short 5-minute commute to the bay. Has a new modern kitchen with gorgeous Brazilian granite counter tops. 505 Givens St, Siesta Key, $888,000 MLS #A4160488, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255.

Amy, Jeremy, Izabelle age 7, and Abigail age 3 from TX

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2017

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Classifieds / Here’s My Card ACCOMMODATIONS / VACATION RENTALS

CLEANING SERVICES

• 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

Green Magic Cleaning Service

• Canal Pool B&B – Master bedroom with private bath. California King bed. 1 mile to Siesta’s Public Beach. Call Shawna at 941-5187774.

A family owned business with 16 years of experience.

• Siesta 4 Rent - Vacation Rentals, from studios to 5 bedrooms. Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500

“Residential and Commercial”

We don’t cut corners, we dust them. • High quality services • Competitive rates • Great references • Always the same crew www.SarasotaHouseCleaningService.com

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

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

50With%ThisOFF Ad Vintage, Antique, Mid-Century

Relics on the Key

www.relicsonthekey.com relicsonthekey@gmail.com (941) 346-3600 Phone 5049 Ocean Blvd Like us on (941) 346-7600 Fax Relicsonthekey Siesta Key Village

BAIT & TACKLE

Bradenton Bait sn &tghings C t ,B ,C ait

offe hop

ifts

sUmmer speCials:

25% off a B a LOW PRICE BAIT GUARANTEE: ll

eaCh

20%

SaraSoTa, Fl 34231

(941) 227-5771 | (786) 975-0939

www.bradenTonbaiTnThingS.webS.com

FREE COFFEE EVERY SATURDAY / 49¢ WATER

BEACH & BABY EQUIPMENT RENTALS

The

Digital Handyman Computer Support Specialist

In-Home and Remote Support Software Installation and Training Virus Recovery and Security Home and Office Networking

Digital Photograpy and Video Smartphone Configuration Smart TV Configuration Disaster Recovery and Backup

Steve Lombardo

(941)266-5005 www.dhdym.com

support@dhdym.com

(941) 961-4309

www.SuncoastHomeConcierge.com

CONTRACTORS

New LookReasonable Prices!

House Watch Sarasota Licensed and Insured

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

Shower & Bathtub Walls

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

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.

941-400-2452 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

MASSAGE

Massage Experience

Siesta Key

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

Intuitive Therapeutic Massage

Spa Director

5138-A Ocean Blvd. Siesta Key, FL 34242

941-929-1850

Having Fun Fishing in The Sun

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

Connie Lewis

#MA00017596

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

BOATING RENTALS / FISHING CHARTERS

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

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

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

Tony Fudoli Sr. CAPTAIN tntfreedomfishing@yahoo.com

HOUSE WATCH

Shower & Bath Makeovers

CCessories

Bring in oUr Competitors sales reCeipt and We Will Better YoUr next Bait pUrChase BY 7210 S Tamiami Trail

(941) 780-4248

COMPUTER SUPPORT

ANTIQUES

omplete aCkle

ENTERTAINMENT

MassageExperienceSK.com

#MM6727

Massage Experience 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.

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

Serving Manatee and Sarasota Counties Locally Owned and Operated

DERMAPLANING UPGRADE ($30 value) with purchase of Deluxe Facial, exclusively with

Linda Conti

LMT, Paramedical Esthetician #MA84893

5138-A Ocean Blvd. Siesta Key, FL 34242

Sailing From Marina Jack, Sarasota

Kathleen D Sailing Catamaran

Environmentally Conscious Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service

www.KathleenD.net

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-349-0194

Free Pick Up & Delivery Service Call

from your home or business

941-275-4647

ExEcutivE Shirt SErvicE • houSEhold itEmS • SamE day SErvicE availablE

#MM6727

#FB9741005

941-349-4833 Office

MassageExperienceSK.com

Massage Experience

www.qualitycountscleaning.com

941.756.1082

Siesta Key

5138A Oce an Bouleva Siesta Key rd , FL 34242

Siesta Key

5138A Oce an Bouleva Siesta Key rd , FL 34242

Gentle Pain-Free Muscle Relief and Release via Vibrational

ROCK-AWAY METHOD

Releases the Stagnant Emotional and Physical Tension from Muscles and Fascia

VIRGINIA SILAS LMT

5138-A Ocean Blvd. Siesta Key, FL 34242 MA85887

MM6727

DRY CLEANERS

941-896-6400

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

941-349-4833 Office MassageExperienceSK.com

MEDICAL

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

www.dermatologyexperts.com

J Morgan O’Donoghue, MD.

Amy Fenenga PA-C

Sara Popovich PA-C

941.926.7546

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

SEPTEMBER 2017

Classifieds / Here’s My Card MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

SPORTS RENTALS / ACCESSORIES

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

• 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

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

HELENE M. HYLAND REALTOR®

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

5145 Ocean Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34242 Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC

www.SheSellsSiestaKeySarasota.com

• 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

TRANSPORTATION • Sun Ride Pedicab – Eco-friendly Pedicabs. Siesta Key Tours and rides – tips only, 941-343-3400 • Siesta Key Free Rides – Siesta Key Free island shuttle for beach, village, condo and tours – tips only. Electric vehicles. Call 941952-8294

• 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

Airport Rides SRQ

$ 30

$ 40

TPA/St. Pete

$105

$125

• 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

Punta Gorda

$ 70

$ 80

Miami

$250

$300

Orlando

$200

$220

From Sarasota To:

The Kostyrko Family from the Ukraine

941.735.4732

Picked up from Airport:

Ask for Eddie

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

941-928-9200

RIDE THE KEY FREE

15-20 MINUTE RESPONSE TIME (Based upon traffic)

SERVICING

Siesta Key Beach Siesta Village Turtle Beach

DRIVER TIPS ONLY

Restaurants and Accommodations Operating 10AM to 2AM Daily

www.JonnysOriginalFreeRide.com

SEEKING EMPLOYMENT • Early retired Executive/Administrative Assistant interested in personal aide/assistant position in the Siesta Key area. Can livein part time if necessary. 727-385-3536, Sue.

SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY

Olde Fashion Barber Shop

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

ther”

“Hot La

941-312-6001

South Gate Barber Shop (Across from Southgate Mall)

2081 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239

Walk-Ins Welcome

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

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

IMPORTANT NUMBERS Transportation for everyone on the Sun Coast

Emergency (General)..................................................911 Emergency Animal Clinic......................... 941-929-1818 Fishing & Hunting Licenses..................... 941-362-9888 FPL – Florida Power & Light.................... 941-917-0708 FPL – Outage Report..............................1-800-468-8243 Marriage License Bureau.......................... 941-362-4066 Poison Info Center..................................1-800-282-3171 Sarasota / Bradenton Intl. Airport.......... 941-359-2770 Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT)........................... • Jonny’s Original Free Ride – The Original Ride the Key Free ...................................................................... 941-316-1234 service on Siesta to anywhere, everyday from 10 AM – 2 AM. Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce................................. Driver tips only. Call 941-928-9200. ...................................................................... 941-349-3800 • Dollar Limo – holds up to 10 people and is cheaper than a D.U.I Sheriff / non-emergency.......................... 941- 861-1601 or taxi. Call 941-735-4732 Waste Management................................... 941-924-1254 Friendliest Ride In Town

Answers to theSearch WORD SEARCHwww.TheMariner.com found on page 33 MarinerWord

WANTED TO BUY

Answers from Page 14

RV4CASH Ernest AY WE PH! CAS

Kayla Kunz Hair Stylist

4141 S. Tamiami Trail - Sarasota, FL 34231 - 941-685-4994 • Massage Experience Siesta Key Open 7-day a week. 5138A Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4833. (MA17596/MM6727).

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-349-0194

Jean and Dave from Brooksville, FL

Hemingway WANTED:

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

CALL NOW FOR FAST, EASY SALE

954-789-7530 WELNESS CENTER

• Still Waters Alternative Healthcare offers a variety of alternative modalities for stroke recovery, hip and knee replacement rehabilitation, pain, PTSD, dementia and more. For more information go to: www.siestakeyretreats.com or call 941404-0881. (MM35956)

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2017

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Accommodations Locator Map

Mija and Josue from Orlando, FL

F Siesta Key Inn F Siesta Palms by the Beach

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

SEPTEMBER 2017

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

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

$100

Single Tooth Extraction Uninsured patients only. During regular business hours. Wisdom teeth extra. Not valid with any other offers. After hours and weekends are extra.* Expires 10-31-2017. 941-244-4944

FREE

Oral Sedation

(D9248) Will need driver. During regular business hours. After hours and weekends are extra. Uninsured patients only. Not valid with any other offers.* Expires 10-31-2017. 941-244-4944

EmergencyDentistry.com

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2017

Art at the Beach

Anya

941.349.0194

You never know who or what you’ll find gracing the shores of our No.1 beach. Our lenses captured Anya Sager of Saratoga Springs, NY practicing ballet leaps for her mom, Jen. Anya’s passion is ballet; she’s been dancing since she was three years old and aspires to have a dance career with a professional ballet company. She also loves to listen to jazz music and often practices her saxophone when she isn’t dancing. Photo by Trebor Britt (Archived from Sept. 2015)