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SEPTEMBER 2020 | 941.312.0665 | 27TH STATE MEDIA LLC | www.SiestaSand.net | COMPLIMENTARY

FDEP finally responds to SKA requests to provide required reports on Big Pass dredging By Rachel Hackney Brown SarasotaNewsLeader.com

With the removal of sand underway in Big Sarasota Pass to renourish Lido Key Beach, leaders of the Siesta Key Association (SKA) have expressed concerns to both state and Sarasota County environmental officials about several issues, including a lack of transparency on the state’s part. At the same time, leaders of the nonprofit Save Our Siesta Sand 2 (SOSS2) have been working on options since a federal judge refused their request for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to prevent the dredging, which began on Saturday, July 18. Siesta Key architect Mark Smith, who took over late last year as chair of SOSS2, told the SNL that the organization’s goal at this point is to wrap up its lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which it filed in the U.S. District Court in the Middle District of Florida in January 2019. Although Chief Judge Steven Merryday denied the TRO motion, Smith pointed out, the case

was still pending as of mid-August. If Merryday would issue a final ruling, Smith added, then SOSS2 leaders at least would have the option of filing an appeal with the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, in Atlanta. The goal, Smith pointed out of SOSS2’s latest efforts, is to try to prevent any subsequent dredging of Big Pass, as the permit the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) issued to the USACE and its co-applicant, the City of Sarasota, in June 2018 is valid for 15 years. The USACE has said that more sand will need to be placed on Lido approximately every five years. On the morning of Aug. 6, SKA Director Robert Luckner emailed Gregory Garis, administrator of FDEP’s Beaches, Inlets, and Ports Program, to point out that it had been a week since the nonprofit had contacted Garis to request a link to the FDEP webpages where reports on turbidity would be posted for the Lido Key Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project.

Engineering drawing of the beach fill template for the southern part of Lido.

Continued on page 34

Smile...Siesta Key Village Siesta Promenade update Welcomes a New Dental Practice By Rachel Hackney Brown SarasotaNewsLeader.com Given the Second District Court of Appeal ruling for Sarasota County this summer in the Siesta Promenade lawsuit, the SNL took the opportunity to ask county staff about the status of the mixed-use development planned for the northwest quadrant of the Stickney Point Road/U.S. 41 intersection. On Aug. 6, county Media Relations Officer Drew Winchester, reported that no site and development materials had been filed with the county’s Land Development Division, which is part of the Planning and Development Services Department. Siesta 41 Associates is the Benderson Development Co. affiliate that actually is overseeing Siesta Promenade.

By Jane Bartnett Siesta Key residents, neighbors and visitors have something to smile about. As of September 1, a new professional dental office is opening at 5136 Ocean Boulevard, in Davidson Drugs Plaza, in the heart of Siesta Key Village. Dr. My-Huong Ta, DDS, who relocated to Sarasota from New York City where she had a successful mid-town Manhattan dental practice near the United Nations, will provide full service family dentistry. A practicing dentist for the past 25 years, Dr. Ta is a graduate of the

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University of Rochester, in Rochester, N.Y. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, she went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook’s School of Dental Medicine. She completed her residency at the University of California at San Francisco in Advanced Education in General Dentistry. While practicing dentistry in New York City, Dr. Ta earned certificates in Advanced Continuing Education, Full-Mouth Continued on page 34

“From the planning side,” Winchester continued, Benderson representatives did participate in a pre-application meeting on July 17. However, he wrote, “[T]hey have not requested a Neighborhood Workshop as of yet.” On Dec. 12, 2018, the County Commission approved the plans for 414 apartments/condominiums, a 130-room hotel designed to stand 80 feet tall, 133,000 square feet of retail space and 7,000 square feet of office space for Siesta Promenade. Sura Kochman, who lives in the Pine Shores Estates neighborhood next to the project site, filed suit against the county Continued on page 34

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Siesta Key Association awaiting Appeal Court’s Big Pass ruling By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com The removal of sand may be underway in Big Sarasota Pass, but leaders of the Siesta Key Association (SKA) continue to argue in their Second District Court of Appeal case that a 12th Judicial Circuit Court judge last year ignored the fact that the City of Sarasota and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers needed multiple permits — state and local — before that dredging could begin. The nonprofit’s attorney emphasized in the opening of his reply brief in the appeal that the city and the Lido Key Residents Association (LKRA) — an intervenor in the lawsuit — misconstrued the SKA’s allegations in the second amended complaint the SKA filed in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Sarasota. That “only confirms that the circuit court’s order … should be reversed and the case remanded for judgment on the merits,” Kent Safriet of Hopping Green and Sams in Tallahassee wrote in his July 21 filing. The SKA’s cause of action, Safriet pointed out, “is premised [on] the City’s failure to obtain a WNCA [Water and Navigation Control Authority] Permit from Sarasota County. Thus, the critical issue is whether a WNCA Permit is required for the Project. If it is,” Safriet added, “then the Florida Statute that Circuit Judge Andrea McHugh cited in ruling against the SKA last year does not prevent the nonprofit from claiming that the city still needs that permit.” Even before filing their suit in Circuit Court in March 2017, SKA leaders contended that because

Rockbridge dredge in Big Pass

Big Pass never had been dredged, and the waterway is within the county’s jurisdiction, the city needed to apply to the county for the WNCA permit. In March 2015, the City of Sarasota was the co-applicant with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for the state Joint Coastal Permit that would allow the USACE to remove up to 1.3 million cubic yards of sand from the pass to renourish Lido Key Beach. The city and the LKRA contend that no WNCA permit was required for the Lido Key Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project. However, Safriet continued in his reply brief to point to Section 54 of the Sarasota County Code, which says, “No work shall be performed having the effect of Altering any Jurisdictional Areas without first obtaining a [WNCA] permit from the Authority or Administrator, unless specifically exempted under the provisions of

Section 54-653(4)(g).” That portion of the code, he explained, defines “Altering” so that it includes dredging. Further, he noted, “‘Dredging’ is defined to include ‘excavating,’ by any means, in Jurisdictional Areas.’ … And, ‘Jurisdictional Areas’ are ‘all water bodies, watercourses, and waterways in the coastal areas of Sarasota County,’” according to the County Code. Conversely, the attorneys for the city and the LKRA argue that the Lido Key undertaking “is a federal construction project, which, based on the federal supremacy doctrine, is not subject to local regulation.” John R. Herin Jr. of the Miami firm Fox Rothschild is the outside counsel for the City of Sarasota, while Kevin S. Hennessy, a partner with the St. Petersburg firm of Lewis, Longman & Walker, is the LKRA attorney. While they acknowledged that “some environmental projects require more than one permit

from more than one government entity,” Herin and Hennessy wrote, “this Project simply does not require a Sarasota County permit … [The SKA leaders] incorrectly allege that the County has the authority to supersede the State’s proprietary powers of the use of sovereign submerged lands.” They added, “[T]he Florida Attorney General has opined on several occasions regarding the limits on county and municipal governments to regulate property under [their] powers as it pertains to sovereign lands.” Along with exchanging briefs, all parties have filed motions for attorneys’ fees, court records show. Additionally, the City of Sarasota and the LKRA have asked for oral arguments. As of Siesta Sand’s deadline for this issue, the court had not responded to that.

Point and counterpoint

In their joint reply to Safriet’s initial brief in the appeal, the attorneys for the city and the LKRA pointed out that the areas where the sand will be removed from Big Pass are the channel and the ebb shoal. Those “are entirely on sovereign submerged lands held in trust by [the state],” they added. However, they conceded, “A portion of the borrow areas falls within the boundaries of Sarasota County.” Herin and Hennessy further explained in their reply brief that after the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) issued a Notice of Intent to Issue the permit for the Lido project — in December 2016 — the SKA challenged the decision, which

resulted in a Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) proceeding in December 2017. The administrative law judge who heard the case, Hennessy and Herin continued, found that the city and the USACE “met all applicable rules and regulations for FDEP to issue the Lido Key [project permit], including the proprietary authorization to use state owned sovereign submerged lands as a borrow area …” SKA attorney Safriet countered that that argument is erroneous, noting that it “has been expressly rejected in GLA & Associates v. City of Boca Raton,” a 2003 Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal case. Citing a 2005 Florida Second District Court of Appeal case, Safriet added, “There is no indication in the statutes or rules that the Legislature intended to preempt the authority of local governments to regulate lands within their jurisdiction.” He further noted that the FDEP permit awarded the City of Sarasota and the USACE “expressly recognizes local permits may be required,” as stated in General Condition 3 of the permit. Yet, Herin and Hennessy pointed out, “The GLA case has little similarity to the facts in the [SKA] case other than both cases concern coastal activities.” Moreover, they added, “Sarasota County has not taken any action to stop the [Lido] Project or subject it to any County permitting despite having full knowledge of the details of the Project.”

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2020

Financial Focus If you were to inherit a large sum of money, what would you do with it? The question may not be hypothetical, especially if you are in the millennial, Gen X or Gen Z demographic groups. That’s because the baby boomers – often referred to as the richest generation in history – are poised to transfer some $30 trillion in assets over the next few decades, according to the consulting firm Accenture. Of course, this is a “macro” figure, and everyone’s situation is different. Furthermore, since baby boomers are living longer, more active lives, the total amount passed on may end up being considerably less than the estimate. Nonetheless, you may well receive a medium-to-large inheritance someday, and when that day arrives, you’ll need to decide how best to use your newfound wealth.

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What should you do with an inheritance

Your first move may be to do nothing at all. Generally speaking, you have enough time to decide how to handle the various elements of an inheritance, although if you are inheriting an investment vehicle such as an IRA or a 401(k) plan, you will eventually have to make some decisions about liquidation or withdrawals. (And since these accounts may carry tax obligations, it’s a good idea to consult with your tax advisor fairly soon after you receive your inheritance.) But if a big part of your inheritance simply consists of cash parked in a bank account, there’s nothing wrong with moving the money into a cash management account at a financial services company until you decide what to do with it. However, after some time has passed, you may want to put your inheritance to good use.

If you’re already working with a financial advisor, you might want to get some guidance on how to use your new assets to strengthen your existing investment strategy. Do you have any gaps in certain areas? Can you use the money to help diversify your holdings? Diversification can’t guarantee profits or protect against all losses, but it can help reduce the impact of volatility on your portfolio. And, of course, if your inheritance is large enough, it may permit you to “max out” on your IRA for years to come, and possibly free you to have even more of your salary deferred into your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement account. Plus, you could use the money for other long-term goals, such as funding a tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan for your children.

You also might use part of your inheritance to donate to the charitable organizations you support. Due to recent changes in tax laws that caused many people to stop itemizing their deductions, charitable groups are in more need of support than ever. And last, but certainly not least, take this opportunity to review your goals. Is your inheritance large enough for you to adjust your planned retirement age? And if that age may indeed change, what about your other plans for retirement? Will you now be free to travel more or pursue other hobbies? Will you even need to modify the way you invest for your new reality, possibly by taking a less aggressive approach? Again, a financial professional can help you answer these questions. Someone thought enough of you to leave you a valuable

inheritance – so use it wisely. Edward Jones. Member SIPC.

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.

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Island Chatter By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

Fire on Featherbed Lane leaves significant damage

A fire reported in the early morning hours of Aug. 7 resulted in an estimated $475,750 in damages to the home at 4839 Featherbed Lane on the northern part of Siesta Key, the SNL has learned. No injuries were reported; however, Sarasota County

about 2,600 square feet, the Fire Department report noted. This year, the market value of the property was put at $644,500. The Fire Department report estimated the damage to the structure itself at $225,750, with another $250,000 listed as damage to the contents, which the report valued at $500,000. The source of the fire was not determined, the report pointed out;

Aerial view of house fire incident.

firefighters noted in the incident narrative that they were able to put eyes on only three of the 12 cats the homeowner told them were inside the residence. Additionally, the Fire Department report pointed out, “There was a large bird in a cage that did not survive the smoke conditions in the house.” The report also said the homeowner declined Red Cross assistance. Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office records and the Fire Department report both named the owner of the single-story home as Barbara Martin of North Port. Property Appraiser’s Office records indicate that she took over ownership of the house from a relative in December 2010. The structure was built in 1960 with a total of 4,411 square feet, the Property Appraiser’s Office record shows. The main floor encompasses

“Unintentional” was marked as the cause of ignition. The alarm came in at 5:09 a.m.,

according to the Fire Department log. The first unit arrived on the scene at 5:16 a.m., the report noted, and the blaze was under control by 6 a.m. However, the last unit did not leave until 1:34 on Aug. 7, the report added. Details in the report indicate that the home did not have smoke detectors. Firefighters noted heavy smoke upon their arrival; the narrative said that weather conditions at the time were clear, still and dry. Along with the fire engine and rescue unit from Station 13 on Siesta, the fire engines from Stations 11 and 12 assisted in fighting the blaze, according to the report. The other equipment was called to enable the rotation of manpower “throughout the incident,” the report said. The fire was contained to the house, the report noted. Interior wall coverings — excluding drapes — and the wood used in construction of the house contributed the most to the spread of the flames, the report pointed out. The county Fire Marshal also responded to the scene, the report

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said. After the crews determined that the fire had been extinguished, the report added, the Fire Marshal “released the scene to the homeowner.”

Pandemic lowers Siesta Key Breeze ridership figures

In late March, as Sarasota County Administrator Jonathan Lewis ordered the closure of all countyoperated beaches and accesses, he also called for a halt on the Siesta Key Breeze’s operations. County documents indicated that the step was taken to deter members of the public from trying to go to the beach. And while the beaches fully reopened to the public in early May, the Breeze did not begin operating again until June 16. During the June 17 quarterly meeting of members of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce — conducted via Zoom — Nathan Reid, general manager of the Breeze, reported that drivers received warm greetings from the public as they once more navigated between Turtle Beach Park and Morton’s

Siesta Market in Siesta Village. “The reception was wonderful,” Reid said. “The constant waves and the thumbs up … It was awesome.” About every other seat has been blocked off to ensure social distancing on the trolley, he pointed out. Thus, the Breeze has been able to ferry a maximum of 12 passengers at a time. Further, Reid continued, Plexiglas had been installed to separate the driver from the passengers, and the drivers must wear masks. At the end of every loop, he noted, passengers remaining on the trolley are asked to disembark at Turtle Beach Park, so staff can undertake “an additional wipedown on the vehicle.” Riders have not complained about that at all, Reid said. “They appreciate knowing we’re going the extra mile for safety.” Ann Frescura, executive director of the Chamber, told him that she and her staff at the Visitors Center handled numerous inquiries about when the trolley would be back in operation, after the service was Continued on page 7

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your trips, excursions, or dining experiences? It’s like word-ofmouth on steroids, and studies have shown that people are four times more likely to try something that has a positive online reputation. That’s great news for Abel’s Ice Cream on Stickney Point Rd. With more than 450 ﬁve-star ratings, they’ve been awarded Trip Advisor’s Certiﬁcate of Excellence for 6 years in a row, and they just received word that they have been awarded Trip Advisor’s 2020 Travelers’ Choice Award! Once again, Abel’s Ice Cream has

shown that delicious high-quality ice cream and treats coupled with outstanding friendliness and customer service are a win-win combination, and obviously their fans and customers agree. Abel’s is celebrating the end of summer with these cool, award-winning ﬂavors: Captain’s Chocolate (smooth and triple rich, it’s our house chocolate ice cream and makes the BEST shake), and Raspberry Truffle (a heavenly combination of raspberry ice cream with raspberry ribbon and dark chocolate raspberry cups).

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Did You Know Siesta Key has a GEMSTONE? It’s no secret that the sand on Siesta Key Beach is composed of 99% pure quartz. The crystalline white sand of Siesta Key is luxurious, soft, white and cool to the touch 365 days a year. This is why our beloved beach has been revered as one of the most beautiful in the world. Wanting to capture the experience and essence of Siesta Key beach was the goal of the proprietor of Silver City, Monica. “Tourists always wish they can somehow take their vacation memories with them,” so with this in mind, Silver City designed the Siesta Key Watercolor GemstoneTM. They were able to capture the colors of Siesta Key’s blue/ green water and put it into a quartz gemstone. This quartz gemstone is a fusion of the tropical colors that surround us. Just looking into the clear, beautiful gemstone will transport you back to our island paradise representing the Sea, Sky and beautiful sand of Siesta Key Beach. Silver City has now become a “Must Stop” destination for tourists (Currently named #1 shopping destination on TRIP ADVISOR on Siesta Key). Shining brightly among the cases of this uniquely mirrored store lies the much raved about Siesta Key Watercolor GemstoneTM. Every jewelry piece is designed and made by Silver City Sarasota. The staff of Silver City Sarasota is very proud of their unique collection and variety of designs in Sterling Silver and in 14K gold.

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SEPTEMBER 2020

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Whimsical Island Time Signs By Jane Bartnett Decorating with hand painted signs personalizes a house and adds a touch of coastal whimsy. As we spend more time at home than in the past, experts say that adding hand painted signs that feature colorful tropical landscapes, sea creatures and coastal phrases to our residential and work spaces can brighten our spirits and bring back fond memories of past vacations and beloved places. “People are missing their vacations and looking for a way to bring vacations to their home,” notes Sarasota based Island Time Signs, LLC, founder and designer Lori Milano Carpenter, who’s seen demand for her work grow greatly during these stay at home days. “I’m getting a lot of requests for signs that bring back happy memories,” she told the Siesta Sand. Lori, who works with her husband Dave to create the popular tropical art signs for home decor, began the business six years ago. At that time, neither knew that it would become the successful small artistic enterprise that it has become. When Dave, a carpenter and professional woodworker, came home one day with a collection of reclaimed wood palettes, he suggested that Lori try her hand at painting designs on the wood. With no formal art training, Lori hesitated but decided to give it a try. Using his woodworking talents, Dave edged and finished the palettes and Lori painted free-hand phrases and names of Sarasota

Lori Carpenter, co-founder and designer of Island Time Signs shows off some of her signs sold at the Coastal Flow Ocean Inspired Design & Decor store on South Tamiami Trail.

area beaches with acrylic paint. “My lettering and designs have evolved and become more refined over the years,” she said. When Lori completes a sign, Dave puts the finishing touches on the work with a water-based polyurethane to preserve the images.She attributes her ability to look at a blank space and envision a piece of art to the time that she spent as Communications Director and newsletter editor for a local Parrot Head in Paradise Club. Working on the club’s newsletter helped to hone her graphics skills which she uses in font selection, lettering and design

layout for every decorative sign that she creates. “Some words are more fun than others,” she said, “the thickness of the brush stroke influences the look of the finished sign.” The average piece of the Island Time Signs are 18 inches X 5.5 inches. They are sold ready to mount on a wall in an indoor location or covered lanai. Pricing for Island Time Signs begins at $25 - $40. Lori’s larger statement art pieces, that can be four feet in length are individually priced at $200-$250. A colorful Florida turtle hand painted on a reclaimed boogie board is one of her larger pieces. Featured along with many of her other smaller signs at the Coastal Flow Ocean Inspired Design Decor store on South Tamiami, it retails for $250.Painting tropical sea life animals is one of Lori’s favorite projects. Fanciful signs featuring purple octopus and wide eyed turtles are customer favorites. Her most popular signs featuring coastal phrases. “All my Shoes are Flip Flops,” “Island Vibes,” “Live with Promise, Love With Passion, Laugh with Pleasure,” “You are My Sunshine,” and “Lifeguard on Beer Break, Swim at Your Own Risk” are among the most asked for. “Siesta Key signs are also extremely popular,” she said. Recently, she said, one customer requested signs that carry the names of several Caribbean islands where the woman and her husband had vacationed. “When it comes to Sarasota residents,” Lori reported, “Sarasotans generally

opt for beach and water related “we’ve worked with some local landscapes and beachy phrases.” realtors who find that the signs And then, there are her clients are a great housewarming gift who have lake and ski houses for new buyers.” Other clients who’ve asked for a special sign have ordered signs for a new for their getaway place. Many baby that are decorated with restaurants and bars also have the child’s name and little sea also added the artistic casual turtles making their way to the painted wood signs to their water. Her Custom wedding decor. and retirement signs are also In addition to selling her wares at the Coastal Flow store on South Tamiami, Island Time Signs are also sold on the Etsy.com website and on Facebook. “We’ve had sales in 38 states and 15 countries,” Lori said. “In April, our Etsy orders exploded.” Lori and her signs have also been featured on the popular An Island Time Signs Florida Turtle graces a reclaimed boogie Good Day board on one of Lori Carpenter’s statement art pieces. Tampa Bay morning television show. popular gifts. “Recently, she Lori and Dave have also seen said with a smile, “I created a a strong increase in custom wonderful sign for an avid cook, orders. The hand painted signs with the phrase “Delish” written can be customized by color, and in script.” As the couple’s for the most part, with select business grows, Lori hopes exceptions, Lori is happy to to paint many larger tropical paint whatever the client asks sunset paintings. With their for. In discussing the variety of bright coastal colors and positive people and businesses that she sayings, Island Time Signs are a has designed for, Lori noted, sure mood brightener.

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Island Chatter halted. In response to a question from Chamber Director Mike Gatz, manager of Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill, Reid said that, just as in season, a driver with a full trolley will stop briefly when he or she sees passengers waiting at a stop, so the driver can tell them another trolley will be coming by soon. “Good,” Gatz replied, adding that business owners and managers were really happy to have the Breeze back on the road. “It’s very busy on the Key right now.” Reid said he believes most people are understanding about the circumstances resulting from the pandemic. Then, asked if it would be better for the driver to just put a sign in a trolley window, indicating when the Breeze is full, instead of having to stop, Reid explained that that would take a lot more time. The driver almost constantly would be taking the sign down and putting it back up, he added. A quick stop with an explanation to waiting people is more efficient, Reid said. Finally, Reid pointed out that he and his staff used the trolley’s down time to work on rewiring vehicles to effect significant improvements to the reliability of the Breeze app, which riders can use to track its progress when they are at one of its stops. Other improvements were in the works, Reid added. In response to a SNL request for ridership totals for the Breeze in June and July, Media Relations Officer Brianne Grant said the total from June 16 through June 30 was 5,162. For the month of July, she added, the figure was 8,051. In the trolley’s first June on the road — 2017 — it carried a total of 19,743 passengers. In July 2017, the figure was 25,525. Last year, the June number was 23,935, which was up 19.53% compared to the June 2018 figure. The July 2019 total was 28,123, up 18.66% compared to the July 2018 number. The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce routinely promotes the Breeze in its monthly newsletters. This month, for example, a flyer included in the newsletter notes, “Safety precautions and social distancing in place,” along with stating that the hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 2020

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Continued from page 5

Fridays and Saturdays.

Update on a trolley shelter at Siesta Public Beach

A Siesta resident recently contacted the SNL about a new bus shelter installed on Beach Road in front of the Fire Station No. 13 site, where the new building is under construction. While appreciative of the feature for riders of the Siesta Key Breeze and Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) buses that operate on the island, the resident nonetheless wondered why the structure was placed about 550 yards south of the “busy entrance to the beach.” It would make more sense, the gentleman added, to have a shelter where, he suspects, demand is far greater for it. Regular readers will recall that Commissioner Christian Ziegler has been a staunch advocate for a bus shelter at Siesta Public Beach — especially after he and his young daughters spent about 20 minutes on a spring day last year, waiting for the trolley to arrive. On May 8, 2019, when Ziegler asked staff about creating shade structures for trolley passengers, Nicole Rissler, director of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, explained that she and her staff would be working with SCAT and Public Works Department staff members to determine funding sources for such a project. Whatever can be done to improve the situation, Ziegler responded, “would significantly improve the trolley experience …” In checking county Capital Improvement Program (CIP) records for the current fiscal year — which ends Sept. 30 — the SNL was reminded that SCAT had designated several stops on the Key for new bus shelters. One of those was planned for the intersection of Beach Road and Midnight Pass Road, which is close to the Fire Station 13 site. The SNL also asked county staff for an update about a shelter at the public beach. In an Aug. 13 response, county Media Relations Officer Drew Winchester explained that planning indeed is underway for a bus shelter near the main entrance to the beach park. That structure likely will be “a bit larger” than the one near the Fire Station 13 property, he noted in

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Dogs Can’t Floss: How Nutrition Plays a Role In Dental Health By Kyle Baker Often overlooked, dental hygiene is a critical component of your dog’s overall health. But unlike some other aspects of canine health, proper dental care definitely requires more direct action on the part of the pet parent. After all…dogs can’t floss. Even without floss, the healthiest dog teeth should be white, clean, and structurally sound. There are some obvious and easy ways to take care of that—and others you may not have considered. Let’s take a look at what you can do to make your pup a chomper champ.

Oral Hygiene

Chew toys are essential for your dog’s dental hygiene.

You might have guessed: proper doggie dental care starts with regular brushing. The combination of food, oral bacteria, and salivary proteins in a dog’s mouth create a potent mixture that leads to plaque buildup. Removing this buildup is simple in that all it takes is a soft toothbrush and canine formulated toothpaste – but it does require physical brushing, which can be a chore for some pups and pet parents. If you and your best friend aren’t the biggest fans of brushing, we recommend a little patience, and maybe a treat when you’re done.

Gut Health

A less obvious but vitally important aspect of canine dental care, a healthy gut can go a long way to ensuring your dog’s teeth are top-notch. How can you quickly check your dog’s gut health? Give their breath a whiff. Bad breath can be an indicator of bacterial imbalance, one that can be solved through the use of probiotics. Known for their ability to inhibit the growth of undesirable bacteria, probiotics have long been linked to the maintenance of a healthy GI tract. Now, with plenty of clinical evidence to suggest that ability can also fight common oral and dental issues like halitosis and periodontal disease, many pet parents are turning to probiotics to work some magic. If you decide to go this route, it may take some trial and error, but thankfully there are a number of options. Probiotics come in many forms including supplements, liquids, powders, soft chews and dental bones.

Chew Time

Speaking of, let’s talk chewing. Not all dogs adequately chew their food, leaving digestion to begin once grub reaches their gut. That’s why chew bones and toys are

an important consideration in your dog’s dental care. The repetitive action of chewing can provide a number of benefits. Friction created by grinding and gnawing can help limit plaque and reduce tartar, and—while not the same as winding up some minty fresh floss—tearing and shredding can aid gum health. The available options are vast and varied, so if you’re not sure where to start, here’s a handy breakdown on chew bones, treats and toys: • Raw Bones – With their mix of meat, sinew and marrow, raw bones top many experts’ lists. Requiring dogs to gnaw through meat and bone, raw bones help remove plaque while providing extra nutrients. • Marrow Bones – Best served fresh, these partially digestible bones are an excellent source of calcium. One watchout: once the marrow is gone, the dry bone should be discarded to avoid potential splintering. • Bully Sticks – A safe, healthy, and tasty choice, bully sticks are all natural, rich with protein, fully digestible, and highly affordable. • Hooves – To dogs, cow hooves are a delicacy. While tasty and long lasting, they do require some supervision as they can sometimes fragment. • Antlers – Believe it or not, dogs love chewing on antlers. Note: tougher than most chew toys and bones, look for antlers that are split lengthwise so your dog can get to the marrow more easily. •B uffalo Horns – High in protein, calcium and phosphorus, and low in fat, buffalo horns are excellent for dental health and a great stress reliever for your pup.

• Synthetic Bones – Designed expressly to support dental health, zero-calorie synthetic bones are available in in a wide variety of flavors and sizes, and pose no bacterial risk. • Dental Chews – Many treats, bones, and biscuits are formulated to reduce plaque and tartar, and prevent bad breath—but they’re so delicious your dog may ingest them before these chews can provide the desired benefits. • Chew Toys – Products like The Kong can be filled with wet food, pâté, or peanut butter, keeping a dog busy for hours as they chew and lick to reach the tasty filling. And chewing benefits go beyond healthy teeth and gums. Puppies need to chew as they’re teething and beginning to explore the world around them; older dogs use chewing to keep their masticatory muscles strong, and their brain engaged. As usual, whether they’re big or small, young or old, it’s up to you to find the best care and products for your dog. But make no mistake: while it may not be the first thing that comes to mind, proper dental hygiene plays a big role in the long-term health and happiness of your pup.

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Paw Pals Meet Sammy

Sammy is a 6 year old Labradoodle. Loves: favorite squeaky stuffed moose, laying in a sunny spot on a breezy day, cheeseburgers from the grill (hold the bun), peanut butter, and naps with dad. Hates: chipmunk yard invasions, noisy vacuums, excessive orders, and Patriots fans. Author: Kyle Baker, Senior Pet Food Nutritionist at DOGPerfect, has a passion for educating pet parents on the power of nutrition and how it can improve their pet’s lives with proper food, supplements and treats. DOGPerfect is a locally owned and operated pet supply store with locations in The Landings, University Park, and Lakewood Ranch. Visit www.dogperfect. com for more information and to sign-up for a free one-on-one nutrition consult with Kyle.

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Siesta Key homeowner under fire from county for illegal removal of trees By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

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In early April, a Siesta Key homeowner cited for illegal removal in December 2019 of a number of trees on Sarasota County right of way asked staff to please let her know what steps to take “to get this matter resolved.” Almost exactly four months later — with the homeowner

anything from Mary AmosKing, identified on property records and county documents as the owner of the property at 5178 Oakmont Place. Semones added that he had driven by her parcel the previous day, “and it appears that more hedges have been planted down the parcel boundary that abuts the [county

of trees, giving her time to pursue mitigation. Howard Berna, manager of the Environmental Permitting Division, told the SNL in early March that an Affidavit of Violation — the next step in the Code Enforcement process — would be issued if Amos-King did not comply

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having failed to comply with staff’s recommendations for a resolution — a county land development inspector said he had no choice but to proceed with opening a Code Enforcement case against the homeowner. On Aug. 4, Environmental Specialist Darren Semones emailed Charlie Richison, the land development inspector, to ask whether Richison had heard or received recently

right of way] and are likely in the ROW [right of way].” On Aug. 4, Semones also had emailed Amos-King, saying he wanted to follow up on the “requested planting plan pertaining to your … case, Notice of Violation Letter and mitigation plan. Staff would like a preliminary plan to review by Friday, Aug. 21st.” County staff had issued the Notice of Violation this spring in regard to the illegal removal

with county directives within a certain period of time. That affidavit would initiate a Code Enforcement hearing before a Special Magistrate, Berna added. That, in turn, could lead to a fine of $500 per day for repeated violations. The maximum fine a Special Magistrate can impose is $5,000, if the Special Magistrate finds the violation “to be irreparable or irreversible in nature,” Section 2-349 of the

Continued on next page

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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.

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Illegal tree removal

Continued from previous page

County Code says. Since July 10, Amos-King has not corresponded with Semones, based on documents the SNL obtained through a public records request. In her last email, Amos-King continued to contend that she should not be liable to the county for the removal of the trees. On July 16, Semones wrote her, explaining that a property survey she had provided county staff showed that the work of the tree service company she hired in December 2019 “exceeded [Amos-King’s] parcel boundary … and impacted the county ROW and canopy road …” A week earlier — on July 7 — Amos-King emailed Semones to inform him she had been diagnosed with a serious illness and had lost her job. “So my bills will be skyrocketing and I have zero income,” she

continued. Her treatment was to begin on July 16, she pointed out, and she would be “down and unavailable for six weeks give or take a few days ... I would really like to get this resolved before July 16th if possible.” On July 10 Semones responded. “We are in active communication currently to resolve the issue and as long as we continue to see actions and progress to address the issue time frames can be adjusted.” Yet, with AmosKing remaining out of communication, Richison, the land development inspector, notified Semones via email on the morning of Aug. 5: “I have had no contact from the owner at [5178 Oakmont Place]. I guess I will have to proceed with a code case.” At the end of December 2019, neighbors of Amos-King told the SNL they first notified the

Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office that trees were being taken down all over the 5178 Oakmont Place property, including canopy oaks that were favorites of many nearby residents. County Property Appraiser’s Office records show AmosKing paid $1,125,000 for the 22,983-square-foot-parcel on Dec. 23, 2019. In an April 15 email to Semones, Amos-King pointed out that the property was the first she had owned in Florida. She indicated unawareness of any violations involving county right of way, contending that she was relying on a tree service company to ensure that the actions were legal. However, county staff members used routine aerial surveys to determine that seven cabbage palms had been removed from county right of way, plus one oak, as noted in county correspondence with

Amos-King.

Initial efforts at resolution

In an April 23 letter, Semones provided Amos-King a chronology of the events documented by staff. Amos-King responded, “At the time of all tree removal, it was unknown that the [county] ROW existed. It is my understanding that the tree company was basing [its] work off of the survey stakes in the lawn.” Semones requested in one email that she provide staff with a copy of the survey of the parcel that was completed prior to her purchase of the land. Then, he continued, staff could verify the accuracy of her claim that her boundaries differed from those indicated by county aerial imaging. “Staff also suggested a resurvey of the property by a surveying company,” he wrote, so staff could compare that to county

records. Amos-King replied that she had made multiple attempts to reach her surveyor, but she had been unsuccessful. Later, she did provide a survey to staff. However, Amos-King told Semones that she did not believe the boundary lines on his county map were 100% accurate. Finally, she wrote, “I am trying my best to work with you, but I also believe in common sense and logic. I hired a licensed professional to survey the property and I hired a licensed professional to remove trees on the property. I can assure you that the last thing I would’ve done is knowingly [pay] money to have trees removed that are not on my property. Your staff was here, they saw the location of the survey stakes. There was no reason to think these trees were on county property.”

Customers enjoying Alpine Steakhouse signature all Natural Bone Broth and Prepared Meals By Robert Goggin Alpine Steakhouse For this new and popular craze in health-conscious eating we are doing all of the work for our customers. We take the time to slow roast all of our bones to intensify the flavor and color of the broth. This is a very traditional method that chefs have been using for hundreds of years. We use only hormone and antibiotic free meats in the store; therefore, all of our broths are hormone and antibiotic free. That being said, we also us the freshest produce available to strengthen the flavor of our broths. We offer broth flavored with celery, carrot and onion, a classic mirepoix, and we also have a few varieties that will have the addition of freshly grated ginger and apple cider vinegar. All of the broths, after the bones are roasted, simmer on our stoves for at least 24 hours. The thought process behind such a long cook time is it will help blend the flavors from all of the vegetables, meats and seasonings added. After the broths are simmered all of the residual fat is removed and the broths are frozen immediately for sale in the meat market. There are many people who swear by the health effects of bone broth. It is said to aid in digestive issues and provide a

great source of protein to customers either with difficulty swallowing, or those that are restricted to a liquid diet. Many customers are using bone broth as an alternative to caffeine. Doing so also decreases the amount of sugar that is consumed. All of our broths are sold frozen as mentioned. We sell the broths frozen because we do not add any preservatives to the broth. The only ingredient in the broth that acts as a preservative is coarse ground kosher salt. This is added sparingly, only to enhance the flavor. The varieties of broth that we produce are not only limited to beef. We produce three different types of beef broth, one unflavored, one flavored with the ginger and vinegar as stated, and one flavored broth that is made with only grass-fed bones. We also produce flavored broths from pork, chicken and turkey. All of these broths do not have excess sodium added to them, use only the freshest ingredients and are great tasting. We take pride in the quality of the bone broth, and strive to make the most consistent product possible by our strict guidelines and recipes. Other uses besides

drinking the broth include making soups, sauces and roasts. Broth is a great ﬂavor enhancer and helps keep pot roasts moist, and provides layers of ﬂavors in soups. Alpine Steakhouse also offers a number of prepared meals to help customers during these trying times. The variety of delicious prepared meals range from smoked ribs, soups, salads, desserts, and homemade chicken pot pies - a particular favorite with Alpine customers. The homemade chicken pot pies are made fresh daily and sell for $19.99. Come in and expedience

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County to improve signs on land development and public hearings By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com At various times in recent years, Siesta Key residents have complained about the inadequacy of signage Sarasota County staff uses to identify properties that will be the focus of public hearings. The county’s Unified Development Code, which contains all the land development and zoning regulations, included no specifications for design of the signs, or their size, Michele Norton, manager of the county’s Planning and Zoning Division, told the County Commission during its regular meeting on July 8. Determinations about those features was left to administrative staff, she added. Norton showed the board members a typical sign, noting, “It is my understanding this has been the sign used for quite some time.” At 2 feet by 3 feet, she continued, “It is handwritten …

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Draft of new sign publicizing Public Hearing Notice on petition for a Coastal Setback Variance.

by the project planner.” County staff orders the signs and charges the expense to the applicants for the hearings, she added. As a result, the Planning and Development Services Department staff undertook research into best practices in regard to design, clarity, scale of lettering for visibility, and size options, to find out whether the county could improve the effectiveness of its signage, a staff memo explained. Norton credited that effort to Jacob Hunt, who, as a Florida State University student, was an intern at the time with Planning and Development. Since then, she said, he has become “our newest long-range planner.” As a result of Hunt’s research, Norton continued, the consensus among Planning and Development staff was to improve the look of the signs. She unveiled four new examples for the County Commission, explaining that each would be 3 feet by 3 feet and “professionally printed for clarity.” As in the past, she noted, the applicant would pay the expense of the new signs. Among other features, she pointed out, the petition number for the project at the heart of an upcoming hearing will be enlarged. Further, a different color scheme will be used for each type of hearing — a rezoning,

a Special Exception petition, a Comprehensive Plan amendment proposal and a request for a Coastal Setback Variance. Another new feature will be the inclusion of the county webpage where all the details will be available about the application: www.scgov.net/ petitions. That page has a map on which a person can click to bring up a number of details about the application, Norton said. Moreover, the full array of materials will be available on a list on the right of that page, she noted. Each sign also will have a QR code that a person can scan with a smartphone, for example. Finally, the webpage offers direction to email Planner@scgov. net for more information about an application, if a person desires extra details. “We’re continuing to finalize the design templates,” Norton told the board members. (Each design she showed them was marked with the word “Draft” in red.) The July 8 staff memo provided to the board members said, “The large letters and specific color [palette] for each petition type should over time create a recognizable County sign that alerts neighbors and passers-by” that the property where the sign stands will be Continued on next page

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Public Hearings the focus of a petition coming before the commission. “These improvements also take the safety of the driver and other members of the public [on foot or in vehicles] into consideration,” the memo pointed out. “We look to implement this new sign transition in the fall of this year,” Norton told the board members. Staff will be working with the county Communications Department, she pointed out, to ensure members of the public are aware of the changes.

SEPTEMBER 2020

Continued from previous page

tracking the QR codes?” Commissioner Christian Ziegler asked, so staff can determine how many people end up scanning them. “I’m just curious what the signs are really doing,” he added, if that tracking would be possible. “Perhaps we could implement some community surveys,” Norton responded. No board action was needed that day, Norton told Chair Michael Moran as she concluded her presentation.

Draft of new sign publicizing Public Hearing Notice on petition to Rezone.

Additionally, staff is engaged in making improvements to the active petition’s webpage, to provide more transparency to the members of the public in regard to applications for land development changes. “Can we make sure we’re

The staff report

In advance of the July 8 meeting, the commissioners received a copy of the report staff completed as a result of the research into signage in other communities. Such signs, the report said,

offer the first opportunity for many residents to learn about proposed land use changes in their community. In regard to visibility, the report noted, “The California Institute of Technology has produced a table … that provides a scale of letter heights and the distance at which they are readable and the distance where they have the greatest impact. A good rule of thumb for maximum visibility is one inch in letter height for every 10 feet of distance.” The report acknowledged that the largest lettering on the Sarasota County signs that have been in use is 2.5 inches, while most of the letters “are less than one inch high.” “The other aspect of sign design that impacts visibility is color,” the report pointed out, especially in terms of contrast. “The most visible combination is black/yellow with combinations becoming less and less visible as the contrast increases,” the report said. Although Sarasota County staff uses black lettering on a yellow background, the report continued, such signs — as well as those with black lettering on orange backgrounds — can resemble road warning or construction site signs. “These connections to safety signage,” the report pointed out, “could make the public ignore the notice, fear that the change is dangerous, or think that the information on the sign has already been decided on and their input is not needed.”

Siesta Key Chamber August Networking Luncheon at Grillsmith Grillsmith was the host for the Chamber’s August networking luncheon. Member attendees had a great time connecting with each other over delicious meals such as Chicken Milanese, Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta, and

Southwest Cilantro Lime Salad. Thank you to Grillsmith for their excellent hospitality. Also, thank you to the following businesses for donating door prizes: SERVPRO of South Sarasota, Stichin’ Memories,

Sherwin Williams, Tropical Beach Resorts, OneGroup Wealth, and Sarasota Gateway Hotels. September’s networking luncheon will be at Plaza Mexico on Friday, September 4, from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM.

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Celebrating on a Sailboat is a (Key) Breeze! Current and former owners of Key Sailing reunite By Lisa Codianne Fowler It was a dark and cloudy morning. The skies were menacing. Yet, today was to be a special afternoon at sea, and my husband and I were delighted to be included in the celebration. Every year for the last 14 years, Jan and Tim Solomon of Key Sailing reunite with original owners Tom and Sally Reed for a festive sail. On this day, both captains Tim and Tom predicted the conditions would be ideal during our allotted time on the water, regardless of the turbulence on land. But based on the weather at the moment, I lacked confidence that the trip would take place. I should have known better.

Here comes the sun

Just as we arrived at Marina Jack, the rain came to a sudden halt, the sun broke through, and the winds picked up. Turns out the passing morning downpour left us with stellar conditions for a picture-perfect sail. Once underway, Tim and Tom took turns at the helm, Tom steering with his feet – just like he used to when we sailed with him, Sally, and their seafaring dog Abby, many years ago. The guys quipped back and forth, joking about each other’s sailing skills and changes to the boat since Tim and Jan took over.

The Solomon “Sailing Home” story

Key Sailing Reunion - includes the key to the city of Sarasota

Though it had been a few years since Tom captained a yacht, he seemed comfortable and adept at managing the 41’ Morgan. “It’s like riding a bicycle,” he said. Tim serenaded us with his guitar, and we sang boomer favorites. His repertoire is wide and varied, and even includes a boatload of melodic Spanish hymns. Tom and Sally brought their lovely teenaged granddaughter, Hattie. Tim gave her a sailing lesson under the shade of the Bimini, after which she sunbathed on comfy cushions at the bow. We glided through Sarasota’s mellow waters, with waves gently lapping against

the hull, and playful dolphins leaping alongside.

The frosting on the cookie

Just when we thought it couldn’t get any sweeter, Jan brought out decorative freshbaked cookies from Publix that read “Your boat is my boat” and “My boat is your boat” in honor of the couples’ reunion. She brought out the Key to the City, presented the girls with bouquets of brightly colored roses, and, as she does for all of her guests, she served us mouthwatering fine chocolates. Jan presented one last treat when we arrived back at the marina… a delightful docking song she performs at the end of every trip.

Jan is a local girl from 1960, whose hometown roots include 60 years of offering official prayers along with her family at our Bayfront ceremonies, including Jan’s original dedication for the iconic statue which marks the end of WWII. She was asked to return for prayer to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VJ Day. The monument of the “sailor and nurse” is slated to be removed and replaced by a roundabout and, in an ironic twist of fate, may just end up in the bayfront park named in honor of Jan’s father, Chaplain Hamel, if the official recommendation of the Sarasota County Veterans Commission is approved by the city commissioners this fall. Tim is a U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain and a licensed and ordained minister. He grew up overseas as a “Missionary Kid,” but learned to sail with Jan in 1975 at Sarasota High School. Tim and Jan were married in 1977 by both fathers, and together with their young children, they set off to change the world. Their global great adventures have taken them to more than 30 countries on five continents, and, as Jan quips, “It seems the world has followed us home.”

The company

Key Sailing is the longestrunning sailboat charter in the history of Sarasota and Manatee Counties, with the ONLY sailing yacht (41’) in our city, and the ONLY company in our history hosting guests as a couple sailing at the helm together! It comes as no surprise that this relaxing, educational, and historical attraction has been recognized with multiple awards and the Trip Advisor Five Star Hall of Fame! Founded by Tom and Sally, it is now 24 years in operation. Previously frequent guests, The Solomons are now in their 14th year of operation, with Jan as the owner and Tim as captain.

Ready, set, sail!

Key Sailing currently only accepts private charter requests so that you will be sailing with your own family and friends. For details, directions, pricing, FAQ, and About Us pages, visit www. siestakeysailing.com. Call or text 941-346-7245 for the quickest response, 24/7. Already sailed on Key Breeze? Catch up by writing: siestakeysailing@gmail.com Want to help others? Key Sailing supports www.hopefleet. org

Commmorating VJ Day! By Lisa Codianne Fowler Jan Solomon commemorates the 75th anniversary of VJ Day with the opening prayer. The Sarasota Bayfront ceremony was organized by various veterans’ groups to celebrate the unconditional surrender of Japan to the United States, thus ending WWII.

www.siestasand.net

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SEPTEMBER 2020

15 Paid Advertorial

27th State Media LLC

The Death of Siesta Key By Michael Holderness, all in my opinion

PUBLIC NOTICE

Is this “Environmentally Friendly and in Public’s Best Interest” or an ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER IN THE MAKING? You decide! If you feel dredging the marine park does not make environmental and economic sense, it’s your money being spent, DEMAND they HALT and ASSESS DAMAGES. commissioners@scgov.net; Commissioners@SarasotaFl.gov

Before After

The New Norm! No Swim Advisory issued for Siesta Beach

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota Department of Health in Srasota County has Issued a precautionary “No Swim” advisory for Siesta Beach. This comes after high levels of bacteria are found in the water at the location of 948 Beach Road. A Water quality test was being conducted by the Health Department when the bacteria levels were discovered. The beach remains open, however, wading, seimming and water recreation is not recommended as long as there is an advisory in place.

A month or so before dredging

Current Status

Public access 3b likely lost 25’ to 50’ of beach and homes along Big Pass are taking a real beating

Several turtle nests have been washed over Lights at night and massive turbidity

Why are we seeing damage already?

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2020

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.net

September, The Peak of Hurricane Season By Jane Bartnett September signals the height of the hurricane season. “Now is the time to plan ahead and to be aware of weather conditions,” advises Sarasota County’s Chief of Emergency Management Ed McCrane. The last time that Siesta Key faced mandatory evacuation orders was in 2017, when Hurricane Irma arrived. Residents were given 36 hours to evacuate. When the storm veered to the east, Siesta Key was spared. Only minimal damage from the storm surge damage was left behind. As we move into the fall months, McCrane urges all Siesta Key residents, visitors and business owners to “use this time to plan and to have sufficient supplies for themselves and their pets for a week to 10 days.” The federal agency NOAA has predicted that the 2020 season will be “one of the most active seasonal forecasts that they have produced in their 22-year history of hurricane outlooks,” according to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. The agency has also increased their forecast for the development

of a La Nina weather system, indicating that conditions will be more favorable for the development of Atlantic Ocean storms and an increase in

A NOAA satellite photo shows Hurricane Florence along the Eastern US Coastline in 2018.NOAA Imag

Caribbean Sea disturbances. In less active years, there are usually 10-12 storms during the hurricane season that begins on June 30 and ends on November 30. For the 2020 season, NOAA has called for a total of 19-20

The Shops of Siesta Village Plaza

1. Café Gabbiano 2. Island House 3. Edward Jones 4. Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce 5. Tropical Sands Accommodations 6. Lilly Pulitzer

7. Davidsons Drugs 8. Comfort Shoes 9. Sarasota Medical Center 10. Open for Rent 11. Open for Rent 12. The Local Bean 13. Siesta Key Wine Bar 14. Local Chill Ice Cream

OCEAN BLVD.

2 4 5

storms. Planning ahead, experts say is especially important this year. “Keep COVID-19 in mind when revising or making

6 7 8

your plan for you and your loved ones, and don’t forget your pets,” said FEMA’s acting deputy administrator Carlos Castillo. FEMA’s free mobile app provides updates on weather, nearby shelters and other emergency information at www.fema.gov. The National Hurricane Center’s website: www.hurricanes.gov also carries current hurricane watch and warning information. According to Sarasota County, homes built under the 2002 Florida Building Code that are equipped with storm shutters had less damage after a storm and “may be safe to stay in as long as they are not in an evacuation area.” However, “homes built between 1994 and 2001 under the Standard Building Code sustained more damage and homes built before 1994 fared even worse.” Sarasota County recommends that Siesta Key residents who decide to shelter in place should prepare their home by: •C leaning the bathtub or other large containers and fill them with water

•S tocking up on drinking water. Allow for one gallon per person, per day, for a week to 10 days. •H aving a supply of canned food and a can opener. • Having necessary paper items. • E nsuring that you have sufficient foods and supplies for babies and children. • C hecking your supplies of medications, prescriptions and have a first aid kit. • Battery-operated television or radio, flashlight and extra batteries. • C ash (ATMs may be outof-service). • Stocking up on pet supplies, including pet food, and a crate for your pet if you have to go to a shelter • Making photocopies of important documents (birth certificate, license and insurance). • Keeping a full tank of gasoline in your car. Also, locate the water shutoff valve for your residence and if you have a pool, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for turning off your pool and/or water heater and unplug them, and switch off the circuit breaker. If you make the decision to leave the area, experts advise that you don’t wait until the last minute. Coastal roads such as Midnight Pass Road and Ocean Boulevard may be underwater. Should officials call for mandatory evacuations, Sarasota County EMS states that “you will be without fire rescue, law enforcement or emergency medical support until winds and waters subside.” Sarasota County maintains 11 evacuation centers. All are pet-friendly but residents arriving at shelters with their pets must bring a crate to hold that animal in the shelter. Only

Sarasota County’s 11 Evacuation Centers Are: • Fruitville Elementary School, 601 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota • Brookside Middle School, 3636 S. Shade Ave., Sarasota • S outhside Elementary School, 1901 Webber St., Sarasota • R iverview High School, 3636 S. Shade Ave., Sarasota • B ooker High School, 3201 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota • P hillippi Shores Elementary, 4747 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota • Gulf Gate Elementary School, 6500 S. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota • North Port High School, 6400 W. Price Blvd., North Port • Heron Creek Middle School, 6501 W. Price Blvd., North Port • Woodland Middle School, 2700 Panacea Blvd., North Port • Atwater Elementary School, 4701 Huntsville Ave., North Port If a hurricane watch is issued, all Sarasota County evacuation centers will open at the same time. Officials warn that the centers are “not hotels and will not be able to provide any conveniences or luxuries. You will have no privacy, limited space approximately 20 square feet per person in a public classroom or hallway, and meal service may be delayed. Evacuation centers cannot provide bedding, cots or blankets.” Masks will be required. A full list of recommended items can be found along with other important information for Sarasota County at www. scgov.net/government/ hurricanepreparedness

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SEPTEMBER 2020

27th State Media LLC

HOROSCOPE PAGE 31

CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 20

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 35

VILLAGE MAP pgs 18 - 19 GULF GATE SHOPS pg 27

941.312.0665

Flag Ceremony In Honor of Captain Ralph Styles (a Decorated WWII Submarine Captain in the Pacific Theater), who began this Tribute Ceremony about 30 years ago. Each Sunset, our community comes together with new friends from around the world, on Siesta Key at 10 Beach Road, and says: “Welcome to Patriots Pier at Sunset Point! We thank you for joining our nightly tribute to honor the sacrifices of our military and service personnel and first responders in protecting our country and our freedoms! We are the land of the Free because of the Brave!” Each ceremony our patriots are called out loud and proud to honor their dedication and service that enables us to live

in this country and enjoy our Siesta Key paradise. The personal events of these lives that are shared are many times very emotional. It’s inspiring to hear their sacrifices and stories. At each nightly ceremony, we also seek to educate our next generations about what patriots have done and sacrificed for their futures. Here is a picture featuring many young people learning how to fold our flag and what each fold represents: Liberty, Unity, Justice, Perseverance, Hardiness, Valor, Purity, Innocence, and Sacrifice (Congress 1901). Join us on our Facebook page --Patriots Pier at Sunset Point to watch the live ceremonies and/or visit us at the Sunsets.

Group of youngsters learning about the history of the flag and how to fold it at a recent sunset ceremony at Patriot’s Pier.

Don’t Waste Your Island Time Crossing Bridges! We are conveniently located just a few steps from Crescent Beach and minutes away from anywhere on the Key.

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

We Deliver to Siesta Key!

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

www.crescentbeachgrocery.com

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

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2020

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.net

Blooming This Month:

Island Humor

When Susan’s boyfriend proposed marriage to her she said: ‘’I love the simple things in life, but I don’t want one of them for my husband’’.

old uncle, “She’s so  stubborn.”

‘My therapist says I have a preoccupation with vengeance. We’ll see about that.’’

I asked my brother-in-law, the  father of four boys, “If you had to do it all over again, would you still have kids?”

He shook his head sympathetically and warned, “You’re going to have trouble with her when she gets old.”

Hanging up with my 90-year-old DaRuMa-LandingsAd SunsetSpecials.pdf 1 7/20/20 PM “Yes,” he said. “Just not these2:17 four.” mother, I sighed, then said to my 96-year-

OPEN DAILY 8 AM - 2 PM SAFELY SERVING INSIDE & OUTSIDE DINING IN THE HEART OF THE VILLAGE

349-2822

JATROPHIA TREE

Jatropha is an evergreen shrub or small tree with stunning scarlet or coral flowers that will attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to your gardens. There are two species of Jatropha that grow quite well in South and Central Florida, Jatropa Intergerrima and Jatropha multifidi. They are very easy to grow, drought resistant, can take full or dappled sunlight. Blooms all year, what a bonus. Can be grown as a single trunk tree or pruned into a small multi trunked bush. Glossy pointed green leaves about 5” long and the flowers bloom in clusters at the branch tips. If you have room for a specimen tree that can get about 15’-20’ tall and about 15’ wide, this can be a statement tree or can be pruned into a smaller tree. Currently, there are several trees in bloom at The Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Blvd of the Arts, along our sidewalk area. Also, as you circle the driveway, many trees are in bloom there. Save the Dates: 12/6/201919-Holiday High Tea; 2/10/2020-Fashion Show (SHIVOO GARDEN PARTY); 3/14/2020-Gardens in Paradise Tour and Plant Sale. Submitted by Kay Weber, Botanical Gardens Chair, Sarasota Garden Club.

ACCOMMODATIONS Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa.......... Map-A #38A ATM / BANKS PNC ATM.........................................Map-C #61 Sun Trust Bank & ATM..................... Map-E #4 BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Blase Café....................................... Map-A #38 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar........... Map-B #42-43 Gilligan’s.........................................Map-B #33 My Village Pub......................... Map-C #53/54 Siesta Key Oyster Bar....................Map-B #45 The Beach Club............................... Map-D #22 The Cottage......................................Map-C #58 The Hub-Baja Grill......................... Map-D #59 COFFEE SHOPS Bean Coffeehouse......................... Map-D #62 Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company......Map-B #31 DRUGSTORE Davidson 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 Foxy Lady Fashions...................... Map-A #40 Ganja Mon Vibes.............................. Map-D #9 Gidget’s Coastal Provisions.........Map-B #44 Island Boutique............................... Map-B #50 Island Style.......................................Map-C #53 Lilly Pulitzer.................................. Map-D #66 Sea Shanty........................................Map-C #24 Siesta T’s........................................... Map-B #30 The Sandal Factory......................... Map-B #46 GAS STATION Circle K Store..................................... Map-E #6 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Beach Bazaar.................................. Map-C #28 Gilligan’s Gift Store......................... Map-B #32 Island Trader....................................Map-C #51 Sea Pleasures & Treasures..............Map-C #29 Siesta Key Outfitters.....................Map-D #12

Barber Scott Reich

Formerly of the Village Barber

Gulf Gate Barbershop Making Gulf Gate look good since the ‘60’s Bringing over 70 years of life lessons and local knowledge to your haircut (trust us, we know alllll about what you did last summer). It’s not just a haircut, it’s life. We know all about it. Let’s laugh, have a beer, and talk nonsense….that’s free. Haircut? That’s gonna cost you…$15, if we like you, $25 if you’re a P.I.T.A. “Best Local Barbers” 20 years in the running Kyle and Scott “to the second power”

6575 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, FL 34231 941-809-9028 Walk-ins Welcome

HEALTH & FITNESS Indep. Lifestyle Solutions ............ Map-D #10 Siesta Healing................................... Map-D #9 Siesta Key Fitness..........................Map-B #73 ICE CREAM/SWEETS Big Olaf Creamery...........................Map-C #52 Curly Cream Ice Cream................... Map-D #9 Local Chill Ice Cream................... Map-D #60 Made in Rome Organic Gelato......Map-C #53 Meany’s Mini Donuts.....................Map-C #24 Stefano Versace Gelato...................Map-C #50 SubZero Ice Cream/Yogurt.......... Map-D #16 The Fudge Factory..........................Map-A #36 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs............................ Map-D #65 Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company......Map-B #31 JEWELRY Created Gems..................................Map-C #51 Mount -N- Repair Jewelers............. Map-D #9 LIQUOR STORES / FINE WINES Gabbiano’s Wine Club................. Map-D #70 Gilligan’s.........................................Map-B #33 Siesta Key Wine Bar..................... Map-C #61 Siesta Village Liquors.................. Map-C #26 The Beach Club............................... Map-D #22

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

SEPTEMBER 2020

27th State Media LLC

Sea turtles

Limpkin

Jan Baumgartner’s handmade notecards showcase Siesta Key natural scenic beauty and wildlife. Siesta Key Notecards are available in two locations:

Aramus guarauna The limpkin, a tropical wetland bird, is one of Siesta Key’s year-round natives. The bird’s unusual name comes from the European explorers who first noticed its uneven gait as it hurried away. Long legs and a long bill give the limpkin an advantage as it methodically stalks its next meal along the edges of freshwater wetlands or slow-moving waterways in search of snails. A long, slender bill is the perfect utensil to probe the mud for snails. With tweezer-like precision, the limpkin pries open the snail shell for the treat inside. Limpkin nests—whether in tall marsh grasses, atop floating vegetation, or in the tree canopy—are never far from the water. While this subtropical wading bird is sometimes mistaken for a night heron or an ibis, it is more closely related to cranes and rails. The best time to observe the limpkin in action is at dawn or dusk as it forages for a tasty snail.

BLVD Beachwear 5239 Ocean Blvd 941-349-2583

Limpkin

Shelly’s Gift and Christmas Boutique 4420 S Tamiami Trail 941-260-8905

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium provide weekly updates on the number of sea turtle nests in the area. Here is their data for the week of August August 9-15 Longboat Key Lido Key Siesta Key Casey Key Venice Totals

Loggerhead Loggerhead Nests Nests FCs 5 10

9th-15th. The data below shares activity for the week plus a cumulative total for the season.

Green Nests 1

Green FCs 1

Yearly Nests 1136

Yearly FCs

0 1

0 3

0 0

137 445

215 577

1512

1983

1 14

2 18

0 4

0 2

476 3706

683 4765

LET US CUSTOMIZE SHIRTS FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT!

WE’VE MOVED

a few doors down

• SEGWAY RENTALS • PADDLEBOARDS • SCOOTER CARS • GOLF CARTS • BIKES • SCOOTERS • BEACH GEAR Map B #34

1307

Map D #11

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

941-554-4242

MAILING - SHIPPING US Post Office................................. Map-D #65

WHAT BETTER WAY TO START YOUR DAY IN PARADISE!

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

• Organic and Fair Trade Coffees & Teas • Cold Pressed Coffee • Organic Smoothies • Light Lunch (Sandwiches) • Breakfast Sandwiches, Bagels & Lox • Homemade Pastries

MASSAGE Hands of Light Massage................ Map-B #35 The Spa at Calle Minorga............... Map-E #74 MEDICAL - DENTAL Sarasota Medical Center................ Map-D #63 Siesta Dental..................................... Map-B #49 Siesta Key Physical Therapy......... Map-D #20 MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce................Map-D #67 Prime Audio Video........................... Map-E #1 Roberti Enterprises.........................Map-A #39 Village Arcade..................................Map-C #53 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Attorney Fleming.............................. Map-E #1 Edward Jones Investments.......... Map-D #68 Smith Architects.................................Map-E 74 REAL ESTATE / RENTAL SERVICES Amy Robinson RE............................. Map-E #1 Coldwell Banker Realty................. Map-D #20 EXP Realty.........................................Map-E #4 Judith Guzzi & Assoc..................... Map-E #74 Keller Williams Real Estate............Map-D #11 Michael Saunders Realty..............Map-E #72 ReMax Alliance Group................ Map-C #29 RentSiestaKey.com........................... Map-D #9 Robasota Rentals & Real Estate.....Map-A #39 Siesta Key Rental Prop.................. Map-D #10 The Ringling Beach House Rentals...Map-D #9 Tropical Sands Accommodations......Map-D #67

48 47 46

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 Island House Bar & Grill............. Map-D #69 Lobster Pot...................................... Map-C #23 Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company......Map-B #31 Old Salty Dog Rest. & Pub............... Map-E #2 PI Pizza & Craft Beer..................... Map-A#37 Ripfire Pizza..................................... Map-B #47 Siesta Key Oyster Bar....................Map-B #45 Solorzano Bros. Pizzeria.............. Map-D #15 Subway Sandwiches....................... Map-B #30 Summer House................................Map-C #57 Sun Garden Café............................ Map-D #19 The Cottage......................................Map-C #58 The Hub - Baja Grill........................Map-C #59 The Seafood Joint.......................... Map-D #15 The Star Thai Sushi............... Map-D #17 & 18 Village Café.................................... Map-D #14 SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY Sassy Hair Salon............................ Map-A #40 Siesta Key Nails & Spa..................Map-D #9 Shaman Sanctuary Salon................. Map-D #9 SPORTS INTEREST/RENTALS CaliFlorida........................................Map-C #29 Robin Hood Rentals......................Map-B #34

941-260-6400

Map D #62

Coffee Shop • Tea Room • 5138 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key Village

Gizeh EVA Gizeh EVA Gizeh Silver Arizona EVA

Arizona EVA

Great For the Beach or the Pool! $ 95

Map D #64

Birkenstock & More Bringing you quality and comfort for more than 40 years!

5128 Ocean Blvd. Siesta Village

941-346-7425 www.rickscomfortshoes.com

Gift Certificates Available

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2020

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.net

CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Capt. Curt’s Backroom Saloon................B-3 #7 Crescent Club.......................................... C-3 #13 Sniki Tiki....................................................B-3 #8 COFFEE SHOPS Coffee Garden................................... B-3 #8 DELIS / BAKERIES Anna’s Deli & Sandwiches.................. C-3 #14 Nutritious You......................................... C-3 #14 The Beach Deli @ Crescent Beach Grocery......B-3 #1 DRUG STORES Davidson Drugs..................................... C-3 #14 FASHION & ACCESSORIES Fin Island Co.............................................. A-3 #2 CB’s Saltwater Outfitters........................ A-3 #4 Coconuts Fashion......................................B-3 #1 Green Turtle Swimwear......................... C-3 #14 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 Sunshine Sand Hidden Treasures...... D-3 #17 Silver City Jewelry................................. C-3 #14 HEALTH & BEAUTY Sanctuary Siesta Key............................... A-5 #12 Siesta Key Salon & Spa........................... D-3 #17 The Key Spa & Salon.............................. A-5 #12 ICE CREAM & TREATS Orange Octopus ........................................B-3 #8 Siesta Creamery....................................... C-3 #14 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs..................................... C-3 #14 Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14 LIQUOR STORES Crescent Beach Grocery...........................B-3 #1

Home of the Orange Squeeze

Crescent Club...........................................B-3 #13 Siesta Spirits............................................. C-3 #17 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 REAL ESTATE / RENTALS Beckmann Properties.............................. C-2 #15 Homes & Condo Rentals........................ D-3 #17 Re/Max Tropical Sands............................B-3 #1 Siesta 4-Rent............................................ C-3 #14 Waterside Realty.................................... C-3 #17 RESTAURANTS / CAFES Big Water Fish Market................................C-3 #17 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 Spear Fish Grill..............................................A-4 #5 Toasted Mango Cafe....................................C-3 #17 Miguel’s Restaurant................................ C-3 #17 WATER SPORTS - FISHING - RENTALS A to Z Beach & Bike Rentals.................. A-5 #12 FIN Island Co. ........................................... 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 Key Jetski ........................................ A-3 #2 Siesta Sports Rentals............................. C-3 #14 Waves Boat & Social Club...................... A-5 #12

To advertise in

HAND MADE:

941.346.0202

• Ice Cream • Sundaes • Shakes

www.orangeoctopusicecream.com

OPEN DAILY 11AM - 10PM

1220 Old Stickney Point Road

call: 941-312-0665 BREAKFAST and LUNCH

SERVED ALL DAY

Siesta Key B

es tD

ine r

in Flo rida

MSN Food and Drink Jan. 2015

Full

All Natural

and

and Veggie

Breakfast Fresh Fruit Lunch Menu

Smoothies

Beer, Wine and

Bloody Marys

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

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

www.ToastedMangoCafe.com

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill 1500 Stickney Point Rd.

Anna’s Deli 6535 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Road

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

Davidson Drugs 6595 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Siesta 4-Rent 6555 Midnight Pass Rd.

Toasted Mango Cafe 6621 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #17

MAP C-4 #17

MAP C-3 #14

MAP A-5 #12

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

SEPTEMBER 2020

Snapshots of Island Visitors

“Going the Extra Mile” Owner of the Siesta Beach concessions, Warren Labonte hired an entire hazardous materials team (HASMAT) to clean, disinfect and sanitize every surface and handle of his concessions to protect everyone on his staff and the general public. Every staff member wears a mask and gloves, changing them often, as they serve customers. “We wanted to show our staff and all our outstanding customers that we care deeply about their safety”, Labonte said.

27th State Media LLC

Photos by Trebor Britt

“Met on the Beach” New friends Makayla Welch (19) and Haley Phillips (20) of Bradenton enjoying the crystal waters of the Gulf of Mexico along the Siesta Beach shoreline. Haley loves being a new server at Pinchers Crab Shack in Lakewood Ranch. Makayla is a pet sitter who also works at Carrabba‘s Italian Grill.

Siesta Key resident, Benn Dover (16), happily skimming across a rain created pond, on Siesta Beach.

“BFF’s” Siesta Key residents, Hannah Olson (16) and Lauren Burd (14) became close friends four years ago through their contact playing volleyball. These teens soak up the sun and fun on Siesta Beach every chance they get.

“Comfortable on their own Skim” Key friends, Benn Dover (16), Marco Schanz (17), Ethan Jarr (18), and William Patrick (16) of Siesta Key skim board across a large Siesta Beach pond created by all the recent heavy rains. Ben contracted coronavirus after attending a bar-b-que with someone who unknowingly infected all the attendees putting around 20 people in quarantine. No one suffered serious complications.

William Patrick (16) of Siesta Key sprinting across a pond in order to skim board on incredible Siesta Beach.

“Shoreline Sisters” Geovanna (8), Maria (11) and Yasmin Zanon (10) of Coconut Creek, FL enjoying the shallow warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and sculpting the soft sand. The three sisters agreed they loved the cleanliness of Siesta Beach and there were so many places to hang out with family.

“Burning Calories on the Shoreline” Demetrio Arencibia (60) of Apollo Beach keeps his eye squarely on the ball while playing paddle ball with his son on Siesta Beach

“Students on the Beach” College students, Kaylee Bechard of Connecticut, Chase Loxley (19) of Sarasota and Tamara Millan (20) of Parrish. Kaylee and Tamara are Juniors at Florida Southern University, Chase attends USF.

“Beach Canvas” Professional Event Painter, Heidi Schwartz of Nashville, TN displays her acrylic painting “Scooter’s Beach” of Siesta Beaches’ famous green lifeguard tower. Popular and long time lifeguard, “Scooter” has lovingly cared for the safety of beach goers from this tower for years. Basically out of work from all the event cancellations, she decided to bring her paints to the beach while visiting family in Sarasota. Scooter suggested she auction the painting on his Facebook Page and the current high bid is $2,000. Abstract painter Schwartz will capture significant life moments by painting live at a wedding, corporate fundraiser or any special event and present the finished painting to the coordinator at the end.

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2020

941.312.0665

Off Key

By Robert Frederickson From Too Gauche by Half to Too Close to Pass...

City to Statue: ‘Kiss-Off!’

As chronicled in this space many times over the years, a small but vocal minority of selfimportant, self-appointed art ‘experts’ has been horrified by the presence of the Unconditional Surrender statue standing at the high-visibility intersection of Gulfstream Avenue and US 41 ever since it arrived as part of a temporary ‘Season of Sculpture’ exhibit in 2005. No matter that it delights most visitors and locals passing by each day, with many tourists stopping for a selfie while assuming the iconic pose of its subjects, themselves patterned after the famous Alfred Eisenstadt photo of a sailor on VJ Day in Times Square sweeping a nurse into his arms and exuberantly planting a kiss on her. I mentioned back in March that shortly after its arrival the Herald Tribune quoted local artist Virginia Hoffman as calling it ‘just horrible.” “It has been getting all of the attention of an escapee from the

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Macy’s Day Parade, which is what it looks like,” she continued. It has so offended the feigned sophisticates of the enlightened faculty lounge set hereabouts that they have lobbied for its removal for years, until now without success. But now, opponents have seized the opportunity to finally banish from their (and a large portion of everyone else’s) view what they clearly consider to be nothing less than an abject artistic abomination. Construction of a new roundabout on the bay front means the statue would have to be removed...temporarily. But at a recent meeting of the Sarasota Public Arts Committee members instead voted to make the removal from the bay front permanent; a plan is in the works to move it to a site where it will have a much lower profile… the Shriner’s Temple on Beneva Road near Fruitville, a plan reportedly embraced by the Temple’s members, but one which will clearly lessen its visibility compared to its current location

where it mars the views of so many art sophisticates looking out the windows of some of the highest priced real estate on Florida’s west coast.

Some Things Never Change...

Few things fire the imagination of teens like trying to figure out new and inventive ways to skirt underage drinking laws. Not that we would ever condone such behavior, but we need only examine our own generation’s conduct in this regard (and just about every other generation’s before that) to know the score here. But Gen Zers may have broken the code for success on this field of play, at least if recent posts on social media are to be believed. A New York Post article describes how teens have refined the fake ID ruse for the current Covid-19 era by dressing up as elderly grandmas wearing oversized face masks before heading out to the neighborhood liquor store. They seem to have found there’s something of a cloak of invisibility surrounding older folks that allows them www.TheMariner.com www.TheMariner.comto slip through many social interactions virtually unnoticed. At least that’s the hoped for effect among the G-Zers trying to score some booze using this novel approach. They cover the bottom third of their face with the covid mask, add some strategically applied makeup around the eyes and cheek bones, add some baby powder combed through the hair, a pair of reading glasses on a chain and perhaps a cane or a walker and volia! Grandma’s good to go. The ploy is all the rage on sites like TikTok with teens and young adults boasting about their successful execution of the con, enthusiastically expressing on camera a thrill that is likely much greater than any they will ever find at the bottom of a bottle. But I guess that’s a lesson we all must learn on our own, no?

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Father Richard Sutter of Saint Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Sparta, NC had a little help making sure his congregation

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was paying attention to his sermon a few Sundays back. He had just finished reading from the 19th chapter of 1 Kings about Elijah, saying “After the wind there was an earthquake – but the Lord was not the earthquake...” when suddenly the parish walls began to shake and the floor began to move beneath the congregation’s feet...and in a literal, not figurative sense. A 5.1 magnitude earthquake had struck near Sparta, the first in more than a century, bringing with it a newfound appreciation for Father Sutter as a man of considerable vision.

Builder Requests Mulligan for Setback Screw-Up

When Kirk and April Shanara arrived from Alabama to move into their new home in the Rosedale subdivision of Manatee County they noticed construction of a new home was substantially complete on a lot adjacent to their own. But something looked odd to them. The new home was much closer to their own than the house on the other side of their lot...and much closer than all the others in the neighborhood are to each other as well. How close? Just 7 feet 6 inches away. Well, it turns out Manatee County requires a 12 foot setback between homes in that part of the county. Ooops! So, the county slapped a ‘stopwork’ order on the home and gave the builder, Ashton Woods, a choice: Tear down the home or move it at least another fourand-a-half feet away from the Shanara’s new homestead so it complies with county rules. The builder has suggested an alternative: a variance that would allow the home to stay where it is. There’s a hearing on the matter in several weeks. I hope the County does right by the Shanaras. It doesn’t seem right that they should have to pay (with a neighbor right on top of them and a hit to their property value) for the builder’s inability to properly read a tape measure. We’ll post an update when the hearing is complete.

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SEPTEMBER 2020

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Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Report 7/18 Robbery with Firearm The two victims were sitting in their car when a man came to their window and asked if they wanted some marijuana. The man then abruptly pushed his arm against one of the victimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faces, pointed a handgun at them, and requested that they give him money. After receiving $90, the subject turned the gun towards the second victim and commanded she give him her purse. After refusing to do so, the victims escaped and recounted the story to a nearby deputy in his marked police vehicle. They had seen the subject enter a black BMW, driven by another man, after they fled. The vehicle was soon stopped and both subjects were arrested.

7/23 Possession of Marijuana Two officers were at a traffic stop when one of them noticed a vehicle driving without headlights. After pulling them over and requiring their license, the officer caught a strong smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The defendant said he did not have his driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license on him, and the officer asked if there was anything illegal inside the vehicle based on the smell he identified. The defendant stated that all he had was a partially smoked marijuana cigarette, and he did not have a medical marijuana card. When conducting a search of the vehicle, the officer discovered a vacuum-sealed bag that smelled like and strongly resembled marijuana. He also found the partiallysmoked marijuana cigarette. The defendant indicated that he had bought the bag of marijuana earlier in the day and had been smoking it for the past several hours. A field test confirmed the substance was marijuana and weighed

109.6 grams. The defendant was then arrested on the scene for possession of marijuana over 20 grams.

7/26 Theft The complainant, an employee at a nearby resort, stated that she left her phone on the counter while she was checking people into the resort. When she was done with check-in, she threw her belongings in her bag and didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize her phone was missing until she couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find it on the drive home. She then returned to work, thinking she had left it there. After being unable to locate the phone, she used the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Find My iPhoneâ&#x20AC;? feature on her computer and saw that her phone was showing up at Higel Ave and Ocean Blvd. The victim went to the location to investigate and found her phone in a bush, then went back to work and called 911. The case remains open.

him home and gave him his keys. The victim recalled the last place he was before he blacked out was Gilliganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar & Grill, and then he woke the next morning unsure how he had gotten home. He also could not find his vehicle. He reported it stolen, but there were no cameras or security footage that gave any information to the case. The vehicle was logged as stolen, and the case remains open.

8/4 Burglary The victim, while in Canada, was contacted by her neighbor and informed that two kayaks she stored under the clubhouse were missing. The neighbor reviewed security footage from the nearby area and saw two unknown males take the kayaks, paddles, and life preservers from under the clubhouse on Sunday, 8/2. The video showed them taking the items north up the intercoastal waterway. The case remains open.

8/4 Theft

7/29 Theft The victim stated that he was at the beach and had placed his pocket knife, car keys, and two fishing poles down while he swam in the ocean. While in the water, he saw the suspect take his keys and knife, but after he approached the suspect, she gave the items back. After the suspect left, she was found by police and questioned. She claimed that she had picked up the items because they were on top of a scuba mask that belonged to her, and that she was just moving the items. The victim waived all charges.

8/1 Stolen Vehicle The victim told an officer that the prior night he had been intoxicated and unable to drive. He asked a man he had just met to drive

Both victims were at Siesta public beach, swimming in the ocean, when they returned to their area and found that their phones, keys, backpacks, wallet, credit card, and cash had been stolen. The stolen phones were tracked and found at a nearby Shell gas station, along with all of the stolen items except the wallet, cash, and credit cards. One victim was notified that his card had been used to pay for gas at that same station, and immediately canceled both credit cards. The gas station security footage showed a black pickup truck at the pump at the time the stolen card was used. Investigation continues.

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SEPTEMBER 2020

Florida Fish of Siesta Key

Red Snapper

Yellowtail Florida Puffer Sailfish Spanish Mackerel

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Water World Fishing Report

Fishing Report

Capt. Rick Grassett, Sarasota CB’s Saltwater Outfitters (941) 923-7799 (office)

My boat is soaped every day after each trip and I only fish one trip per day until it’s safer!

Fly anglers fishing the coastal gulf with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action with tarpon recently. After an extended period of west wind, we finally switched to an east wind pattern for a few days. Justin Hamblett, from Sarasota, fished a day with me and caught and

Captain Brandon Naeve

Spanish mackerel. Fishing dock lights before dawn is usually dependable for snook and more and is a great way to beat the heat. Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and

Dohlpin “Mahi-Mahi”

Mangrove Snapper Scoolmaster Lane Snapper Scamp Black Mullet Snook

Brian and his two sons had a great day on the water catching over 40 fish! The highlight was this beautiful snook who decided to give Brody the thrill of his young life!

Red Drum “Redfish” Justin Hamblett, from Sarasota, fights a tarpon that was caught and released on a fly while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Tarpon

Baracuda

Gulf Flounder

Florida Pompano Jack Crevalle

AmberJack

Spotted Sea Trout Michael Chandler of Charlotte NC lands a nice Mackrel near the entrance to Big Pass. Cobia

Black Drum

Catfish

Dean Poetzl, from PA, with a nice trout and a red caught and released on a DOA Lures while fishing Gasparilla Sound with Capt. Rick Grassett. King Mackerel

Blue Marlin

Black Grouper

Sheesphead

released a tarpon. After a couple of refusals, a fly change resulted in a hook up. Great job! Dean and Jana Poetzl, from PA, also fished a day in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me recently. They had good action catching and releasing numerous trout to 4-lbs and a red on DOA Deadly Combos and CAL jigs with jerk worms and shad tails. Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and

habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit! Tight Lines, Capt. Rick Grassett FFI Certified Fly Casting Instructor Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis Outfitter of the Year-2011 Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. www.snookfin-addict.com and www. flyfishingflorida.us E-mail snookfin@aol.com (941) 923-7799 (office)

Brendan Collins, visiting from Massachusetts, and Todd Zerega catch a nice Grouper trolling in Big Pass.

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SEPTEMBER 2020

27th State Media LLC

Captain Jim Klopfer’s Notes from the Island Fishmonger partake in a vacation lobster feast. If you can’t SPINY LOBSTER SEASON Fishing Forecast August 2020 FLORIDA make it to the Keys no worries – come, see us at August, September, and October brings Adventure Charters 941-371-1390

Big Water Fish Market for the occasional stuffed us Florida Spiny Lobster season. Not to be Spiny Lobster specials and as always our lobster confused with American Lobsters that are rolls every Thursday. Big Water Fish Market available all year round (mostly out of the cold will be closed for summer vacation September waters of Maine), Spiny Lobsters are a Florida 21 -September 30. Can you guess where we’re delicacy that is only available in the summer going? months and are harvested from Florida and the Caribbean waters. They are primarily marketed as lobster tails or whole lobsters without the claws. The Florida lobsters diet consists of clams, snails, seaweed and small organisms that creates a delicious tail meat that has a rich, lean white meat, course texture and a sweet distinctive flavor. Spiny Lobsters have numerous spines on their bodies, 2 large hooked horns over the eyes, a pair of Mangrove snapper fishing peaks in September in the waters near Siesta Key long jointed antennas, 5 pairs of walking September is the month tides. The bars and mangrove legs and a large Clark and Juan ge4ng ready to serve up and some delicious Spinys at Big Water Fish Market that redfish begin schooling shorelines along Siesta Key are edible tail but no up in Sarasota. The expansive prime spots as the fish move claws. shallow flats in Sarasota Bay are towards their fall feeding areas. In September many traditionally the most productive Artificial baits will allow anglers recreational divers areas to fish. A low, incoming to cover more water, while a head to the Florida tide in the morning is preferred, well full of pilchards practically Keys for their lobster allowing anglers to see the large guarantees success. Redfish, schools of reds. As the tide rises, large speckled trout, jack crevelle, fix. They fill their the fish will work up from the and mangrove snapper may also bags with the days limit catch and enjoy edges of flats and holes onto the be encountered while pursuing grass to feed. Locating the fish the mighty snook. Lighted docks a vacation feast at their resort or venture can be difficult under flood tide and bridges are snook magnets conditions; there is just too much and will provide great action for out to one of the many water up on the flat to effectively anglers looking to catch fish and local fish shacks for sight fish. escape the summer sun. Live and a lobster dinner. Most of the lobster Speckled trout fishing has been artificial shrimp free lined in we eat in Sarasota rebounding this year and this the tide are deadly, as are small is commercially should continue in September. white flies. harvested off of Deeper flats will produce more Surf fishing off the Siesta the southern tip fish, while the larger specimens Key beaches should be good of Florida and are may be found in shallow water. A for snook, ladyfish, Spanish caught live using topwater or shallow diving plug mackerel, pompano, and other special traps set worked over bars at first light is species. Point of Rocks is the at depths of 6 to a deadly technique for fooling best spot as there is a lot of fishgator trout. Anglers fishing the holding structure, but any stretch 300 feet. The retail lobsters are sold at deep grass will catch a variety of beach is likely to produce. local fish markets of species this month including Live bait such as shrimp and Florida Spiny Lobster bluefish, Spanish mackerel, small bait fish works great. A #1 such as Big Water Fish Market on Siesta Key. mangrove snapper, pompano, live bait hook with a short piece In the fall, generally in September coinciding Live well...Eat fish gag grouper, and ladyfish. Both of leader and a split shot is the live bait and artificial lures preferred rig. Spoons, plugs, and with deteriorating weather conditions, Florida Scott Dolan will catch plenty of fish. A Bass jigs are also effective baits in the lobsters migrate from the shallows to deeper water in long continuous lines, antennae to tail. Big Water Fish Market Assassin grub on a ¼ ounce jig surf. This is known as “the lobster march”. I have my head is a great choice for anglers The rocks and bridges in Big www.BigWaterFishMarket.com own version of the lobster march when I march who enjoy casting artificial lures. Pass will be excellent spots to myself down to Marathon every September to 6641 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key Olive (08) X-Raps and other plugs target mangrove snapper this are also effective along with gold month. These tasty saltwater and silver spoons. A live shrimp panfish will be migrating out under a popping cork is a timeof the bay and into the Gulf of proven technique for catching Mexico. Slack tides are the best Florida, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Sarasota Bay September 2020 “specks” on the West Coast of times to drop a live shrimp or N 27° 20' / W 82° 33' Florida. bait fish along the structure. Date Day High Tide High Tide Low Tide Low Tide Sunrise Sunset Moonrise Moonset Phase Snook will migrate from the Don’t be surprised if a big snook 1 Tu 1:48a 1.6 12:28p 2.4 6:49a 1.2 8:15p 0.3 7:10a 7:51p 7:57p 6:29a beaches back into the bays. Both intercepts a bait meant for a 2 We 1:58a 1.7 1:08p 2.4 7:30a 1.1 8:41p 0.5 7:10a 7:49p 8:30p 7:24a Full 3 Th 2:07a 1.7 1:45p 2.3 8:08a 0.9 9:04p 0.6 7:10a 7:48p 9:01p 8:18a passes will be great spots to fish, mang! 4 Fr 2:18a 1.8 2:23p 2.2 8:45a 0.8 9:26p 0.7 7:11a 7:47p 9:30p 9:10a especially on afternoon outgoing

September 2020 TIDE CHART

2:34a

1.9

3:03p

2.1

9:25a

0.7

9:49p

0.8

7:11a

7:46p

10:00p

10:01a

2:56a

2.0

3:47p

1.9

10:09a

0.6

10:12p

1.0

7:12a

7:45p

10:31p

10:53a

3:22a

2.1

4:39p

1.7

10:59a

0.6

10:35p

1.2

7:12a

7:44p

11:04p

11:45a

3:54a

2.2

5:48p

1.6

11:58a

0.6

10:58p

1.3

7:13a

7:43p

11:41p

12:39p

4:32a

2.2

7:40p

1.5

1:10p

0.6

11:17p

1.4

7:13a

7:41p

5:20a

2.2

2:33p

0.6

7:14a

7:40p

12:21a

2:29p

6:22a

2.2

3:51p

0.4

7:14a

7:39p

1:07a

3:25p

1:33p

7:41a

2.3

4:56p

0.3

7:15a

7:38p

2:00a

4:20p

12:13a

1.6

9:03a

2.3

3:27a

1.6

5:49p

0.2

7:15a

7:37p

2:58a

5:12p

12:28a

1.7

10:14a

2.5

4:44a

1.5

6:34p

0.1

7:16a

7:36p

4:00a

6:01p

12:44a

1.7

11:15a

2.5

5:40a

1.3

7:15p

0.2

7:16a

7:34p

5:06a

6:45p

1:00a

1.7

12:10p

2.5

6:30a

1.1

7:52p

0.3

7:16a

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6:13a

7:27p

1:17a

1.8

1:03p

2.5

7:18a

0.8

8:25p

0.5

7:17a

7:32p

7:21a

8:07p

1:36a

1.9

1:56p

2.5

8:06a

0.6

8:57p

0.6

7:17a

7:31p

8:28a

8:46p

1:58a

2.0

2:51p

2.3

8:58a

0.4

9:25p

0.9

7:18a

7:30p

9:35a

9:26p

2:24a

2.2

3:52p

2.0

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0.3

9:51p

1.2

7:18a

7:29p

10:43a

10:07p

2:55a

2.4

5:06p

1.7

10:56a

0.3

10:13p

1.4

7:19a

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11:50a

10:52p

3:32a

2.5

6:56p

1.6

12:08p

0.3

10:25p

1.5

7:19a

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12:56p

11:41p

4:17a

2.5

1:31p

0.3

7:20a

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1:59p

5:15a

2.4

2:59p

0.3

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2:59p

12:34a

6:39a

2.3

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0.3

7:21a

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3:52p

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8:25a

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7:21a

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4:39p

2:28a

12:03a

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9:53a

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0.3

7:22a

7:20p

5:21p

3:26a

12:17a

1.8

10:57a

2.2

5:33a

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6:35p

0.4

7:22a

7:19p

5:58p

4:23a

12:31a

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11:48a

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6:18a

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0.6

7:23a

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6:32p

5:19a

12:42a

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0.6

7:23a

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7:03p

6:12a

3rd

New

1st

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2020

Arts on the Horizon

941.312.0665

By Rodger Skidmore

Cool, Calm, and Collectable

Did you know that it’s Summer? Sometimes it’s hard to tell which season it is when you’re hibernating in the air-conditioned wonderland of your own living room. Summer, if you remember from years past, is that seemingly long, long, unending stretch of time between Spring and Fall. So, you have a choice to make: stay in the stale air of your home or, for a change, go out into the blinding light and hot searing air of Sarasota’s summer. That is not a great choice unless you fine tune your destination. How about viewing nature that is frozen in time? Nature, captured, in all its beauty, in a myriad of colors and displayed in a a series of lovely settings? Nature, truly alive: normally grown in a hot jungle climate, growing in the shade midst light breezes, along a serene tropical shore? Where could such a place be - Bali, Fiji, New Caledonia - or here in Sarasota? You, of course, know the answer -

www.siestasand.net

Selby Gardens, along Mound Street, on lovely Sarasota Bay. You will be able, thru September 20th, to get to know and appreciate the works of Duncan McClellan and his studio artists, both inside and out. “Inside”, and up close, in Selby’s Museum of Botany & the Arts; “out” around the koi pond, found down a shaded path; and “outside in”, where nature is brought indoors, in the orchid conservatory. The show, In Dialogue with Nature: Glass in the Gardens, is the third collaboration between this McClellan’s St.

Petersburg gallery and Selby Gardens. It is possible, of course, that, while viewing these creations of nature, you will fall in love, either with that special person by your side, or with the works of art on display in the Selby gift shop. There you can always find some bit of nature to bring home or to give to a friend - a plant or a silicabased representation of nature your choice. Selby Gardens are not just beautiful during the first few weeks of September, they are glorious every day of the year, from sunrise to sunset, and that makes it a bit difficult to see so many aspects of the gardens all in one visit. A special way to view a multitude of views is to see the gardens virtually. Also, through September 20th, you may visit the 40th annual juried photographic exhibition of Selby Gardens. The Selby has, for this show, partnered with the Observer Media Group to exhibit - at Selby.org and at YourObserver.com - the gardens, the bugs and birds that live there, and art shots in black and white. Also visit Selby.org for the hours of the gardens, the museum and the conservatory.

circus parade wagons on display, ones that carried the clowns and wild animals down the Main Streets of countless American cities - baggage cars, a smaller wagon from 1911 that was used for collecting tickets, and even a wonderfully appointed Pullman train car: The Wisconsin, from 1904, that carried the friends and family of the Ringlings. And it is not just these rejuvenated wagons that are of interest, the Circus Museum itself has been expanded, with new space, and buffed to a high shine with new items on display. There are two kinds of history: The official version, which is provided to everyone, and the other, which is the one that people actually lived through. The Chinese artist Sun Xun grew up after the Cultural Revolution that took place in China in the 60s and 70s, but knew of both versions of that history. He created a multiform video of his vision of those differing versions for the Piquet Art Commission of Switzerland and now has his 3D vision on this on display at the Pavilion gallery at the Ringling Museum thru October 20th. A condensed version

Wheels within wheels

HOTTEST BAR IN GULF GATE...

Things in art are not always what they seem. What appears to be a tray of lovely cupcakes may actually be beach umbrellas unfurled on black lava sand on the shores of Molokai. Then again, they just might be a series of spoked wheels from circus wagons at the Circus Museum on the grounds of The Ringling Museum, here in Sarasota. And not just the wheels, there are complete

was shown at night in Times Square in New York in 2017.

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In the Monda gallery another high-tech exhibit has been installed - a 75-foot-long hand drawn animation titled Retainers of Anarchy, created by Howie Tsui, about the social and political realities that took place in Hong Kong. Still on display is the Syd Solomon exhibit Concealed and Revealed. Concealed relates to his art work, which began when he created new forms of camouflage for the US military during World War II. Revealed is a visual and written display of his later life. More information for all of this at Ringling.org. An extra added attraction from the Ringling is an hour and ten minute long YouTube video by the quartet Ethel. They are usually heard in Sarasota when they perform at New College, but this performance was filmed at the Historic Asolo Theatre. See it - Listen to it - at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=GTMbMXV4nZw . The quartet performs Circus: Wandering City on stage with a changing backdrop of circus visuals projected behind them.

In the dark about where to go and what to do?

Have you been binge watching every Sitcom, Romcom, and mystery series ever produced from the comfort of your living room sofa? Time for a change? Some think so. This is the personal choice section of the Arts on the Horizon column for those who want to get out and about for shows that are a bit more current. And who can blame those that feel that way. Burns Court Cinema has been open for a while and may be showing, among other films, The Burnt Orange Heresy - and the 12 screen AMC theatre down south of town in the Costco complex is re-opening on August 21st. The Russell Crowe drama, Unhinged, should be playing there as well as a number of horror shows and some golden oldies. Not sure how the seating arrangements will work, but as stated above, this listing is for those who feel safe about returning to a darkened place to see horror shows. Kind of a horror in and of itself perhaps, but we are talking personal choice here.

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DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE 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. 6500 Gateway Ave. – 941-554-8905. 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. Solórzano’s Late Night Pizzeria (S-32): At every Solórzano’s, they offer an experience familiar to those 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 3:30 a.m. 6574 Superior Ave., 941-9245800. Pride of the South (S-34) Pride of the South has been awarded Top 1

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 size. Call (941)926-0099. See you soon. Gulf Gate Food + Beer (S-51): Sarasota’s late-night hot spot for the service industry, night owls, and midnight snackers. It’s not your typical sports bar offering unique menu selections for carnivores and vegetarians. Be sure to check out their menu online at: eatfooddrinkbeer.com. Hours: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. (Sun. - Thurs.) open until 2 a.m. (Fri & Sat.). ROBERTS REALTY, Inc. (M5) John Garner, Broker Assoc. & Diane Shane, Broker Assoc. have a combined 40 years’ experience in Sarasota of making dreams come true for our clients. FOR BUYERS, we have had great success in finding the right property for our clients because we listen closely to their wants and needs

and matching that as close as possible. FOR SELLERS, over the years we have successfully listed and sold many, many properties throughout Sarasota County. OUR PHILOSOPHY is to have fun, enjoy the experience, achieve great results, make friends and receive referrals. We’re with you every step of the way! Call 941-924-2330 or drop by our office. Only Eyes, Optical (S-24) brings a new, exotic, eclectic, eccentric, unique collection of vintage, hipster, contemporary eyeglasses and sunglasses to the community. Licensed and experienced optician available to fill your prescriptions. Only Eyes Optical has a large assortment of free frames with the purchase of new lenses. Call 941-444-7984 to set up an appointment with their licensed optician. Mellow Mushroom serves a one of a kind pizza pie. The flavors and ingredients are just as unique and special as the restaurant’s design. Try a Mellow Mushroom stone-baked pizza, munchies, calzone, salad, hoagie, or even a burger. Pick from our selection of 24 draft beers or tasty, handcrafted cocktails. And, many of our pizzas can be made gluten-free or vegan. Located at 6727 S. Tamiami Trail. 941-388-7504.

Siesta Nails & Spa

Hooters

Stein Mart

Publix

Michaels

Ba Am nk o eri f ca

Panera Bread

Bed Bath & Beyond

This section helps highlight what you’ll find within this walkable Gulf Gate shopping Village.

Ross

Dress for Less

Iberia Bank

Five Below 1

G12 G11 G10 G9 G8 G7 G6 G5 G4 G3 G2 G1

G24

G14 G13

EYE EXAMS AVAILABLE

complete frames* & lenses

89 bifocal

| $189 progressive digital lenses

69 single vision

bring your prescription • FREE FRAMES while supplies last. Pay only for plastic lenses • FREE ultrasound cleaning of glasses • Most repairs available on site

6541 Superior Avenue Gulf GAte BuSineSS DiStrict SArASotA, fl 34231

941.444.7984 onlyeyesoptical.com

S30 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

G-4 D

Gulf Gulf Gate Gate Drive Drive

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

Lo Ho ng rn

Marshall’s

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

Books-AMillion

Beall’s Outlet

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Gateway Avenue

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.

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

From Vintage to Modern An extension of your personality

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

M5 M4 M3 M2 M1

GULF GATE Sun Trust

With our map, located below, you’ll be able to navigate your way to our featured shops with ease. 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. 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. Gulf Gate Barber Shop (G-11): has been an institution in the community for years, owned by Kyle Flannery. The super-clean barbershop’s clientele is E comprised of primarily men, but the shop services children as well. Scott Reich, formerly of the Siesta Key Village Barber Shop has relocated to this location. D At the original Word of Mouth Restaurant (G-31), every seemingly insignificant detail receives special attention C from the warm, inviting decor to each specially crafted variety of freshly baked muffins to the signature menu items. B This small diner is where the locals come to eat breakfast and lunch. Take a look at their menu at originalwordofmouth.com. Hours: Mon-Sun.: 8 a.m. – 2 A p.m. West End Pub (G-49)

• SEGWAY RENTALS • PADDLEBOARDS • SCOOTER CARS • GOLF CARTS • BIKES • SCOOTERS • BEACH GEAR

G-2

5255 Ocean Blvd • Siesta Key Village www.robinhoodrentals.net M-5

941-554-4242

S-34

Catering Available

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

941.926.0099

COUPON

FREE SIDE With the purchase of ANY entreé

S-16

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Casey Key Shoreline

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ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 47 HOMES FOR SALE PAGE 45 SIESTA KEY MARKET STATS PAGE 40

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 RESIDENCE 6629 PEACOCK ROAD $6,950,000 The owner of one of Sarasota’s most beautiful homes will entertain a lease purchase, owner financing, or a trade for smaller residential or a variety of commercial properties. Steeped in luxurious privacy with 152’ of Bay frontage on a walled & gated acre of tropical perfection, this grand LOWEST PRICED SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE 4408 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD $487,500 A quintessential Siesta Key Opportunity! Rarely available half acre lot comes with multiple structures & Coconut

Bayou beach access! The main Siesta Key Vintage Cottage & Guest House needs repairs & waiting for its new owner to bring it back to life. Just a short stroll away is the private gated access to the Coconut Bayou private beach. $800/year optional HOA membership.

Hamptons style home is a vision right out Architectural Digest. Extraordinarily expensive finishes throughout. Millwork rarely seen in our market blend with designer lighting from Italy and Newport R.I., tumbled travertine patios, ebony-stained maple floors, 4-stop elevator, and smart-home technology. This home has over 10,000 sq. ft., including a dramatic 2-story living room, a formal dining room w/butler’s pantry, a game

No need to fight the crowds! For the investor, update the property now for rental income or look at the potential for a new build. Owner has obtained multiple renovation quotes and can provide to prospective buyer. Situated on over a 1/2 acre parcel on the North end of

HIGH CONDO 1330 MOONMIST DR #B-9 $1,330,000 Siesta Key - Intracoastal Water Front. This one of a kind, stand-alone villa has been completely re-constructed and is located directly on the Intracoastal waterway on Siesta Key. With impeccable attention to details, this gem boasts a modern design with an open floor plan. The essence of the home is to optimize bringing the beauty

LOW CONDO 5621 MIDNIGHT PASS RD APT 620 $345,000 Completely redone repainted and re-furnished turnkey unit at beautiful White Sands Village. Move in ready, nothing to do but

relax and enjoy. Complex has been redone recently with metal roofs, new clubhouse, grills and brand new paver driveways thru out. White Sands Village is directly across from world famous Siesta Key Beach. You can jump onto the free shuttles daily to Siesta

room, and a spired family room overlooking Sarasota Bay. A generous guest suite occupies the first level. The chef’s kitchen is extreme in every sense of the word and boasts professional appliances, walk-in pantry, four dishwashers, and dining alcove. Upstairs are three suite bedrooms. The master suite boasts a domed seating area, private terrace, and marblefinished his & her bathrooms joined by a steam shower.

Separate, though attached, is “The Cottage” guest quarters that features an informal living area, sleeping quarters, his & her offices, and a craft room. The sprawling estate offers many outdoor areas for enjoying the Siesta Key lifestyle including infinity-edge pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, roof-top deck, and a dock with boat lift. Courtesy of Michael Saunders

Siesta Key, this property offers the benefit of a short distance to Siesta Key Village and a stone’s throw from the renowned Out of Door Academy. There are multiple ways a great home could be designed on this parcel. Courtesy of Trend Realty

of the outside to the indoors. Windows surround a palm-lined courtyard with a bubbling fountain and the living area has a 14 ft ceiling that allows unobstructed views of the bay where manatee, dolphin, osprey and other wildlife can be seen. The gourmet kitchen was built to maximize the joy of entertaining and built with tons of storage. There is a sub-kitchen to discreetly tuck away essential kitchen equipment. The 2 large master bedrooms each have en-suite

bathrooms with beautiful design elements. Every aspect of the home has been carefully constructed to maximize easy living in a beautiful surrounding. The landscape is tropical with numerous large coconut and palm trees swaying in the breeze. The garage is spacious and designed with lots of storage and work space. The house is energy efficient with PGT windows and doors and spray foam insulation.

Key Village with shops, clubs and restaurants. The complex also has boat docks! You will enjoy the social community and for your convenience there is an onsite rental office for rentals for added income. Courtesy of Michael Saunders & Company

It’s a strong Sellers Market! Call today to list your home.

SETH: 941. 342. SOLD (7653) AL: 941. 479. 1175

July 2019

151

July 2020

July 2020 July 2019

NMLS #1783476

Marty Remillard

NMLS#343653

No Lender Fees

Al Nemore & Seth Westerberg

July 2019

941. 223.9416

July 2020

highdeﬁnitionmortgage.com * Stats are for Siesta Key only

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THINKING OF SELLING? CALL JOE & WENDY KE DEDICATED TO SERVING OUR CUSTOMERS =-=--=;.;........;_ __ _

PENDING! OUR HOUSE AT THE BEACH THIS CAN BE YOUR HOUSE AT THE BEACH!

Canal Road $1.125.000 Derby Lane $880.000 Island Reef $540.000 O u r House@ the Beach $484.000 Legacy Estate Palmer Ranch $ 8 9 0 . 0 0 0 $1.370.000 Island Circle

PENDING

Across the street from the world-famous. white. crystal-sand Siesta Key Beach. this c o n d o has it all! You'll be living the ultimate Island Lifestyle! Excellent income producing potential. MLS#A4460491

JOE & WENDY KESSLAK R E A L T O R SÂŽ

WENDY 941.321.7484

JOE 941.321.8585

Wendy4Siesta@gmail.com JKesslak@Kesslak.com

www.GulfCoastGrp.com

O u r House @ the Beach

$529.000

TARA PRESERVE: READY TO MOVE IN! EXPERIENCE EASY LIVING IN THIS BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED & DECORATED HOME.

Bright. inviting. coastal-style 3/2 is turn-key ready & tastefully furnished. The impressive upgrades. beautiful furnishings. & serene color palette make this coastal cottage the perfect retreat. What are you waiting for? MLS#A4467532

195 Vista Hermosa Circle, Unit#9-A, Sarasota, Florida

Wonderfully remodeled Freestanding Vista Hermosa Villa just a short walk to World Famous Siesta Beach. You will fall in love with this 2-bedroom, 2-bath villa. Two week rentals make this a very attractive property for a investor or just picking up some extra income when you are not enjoying the property for yourself. Custom solid wood cabinets in the kitchen with granite counters & upgraded stainless steel appliances. Designer bathrooms boasting tumbled marble & granite. Smooth ceilings with custom lighting. Designer tile & carpet throughout. Nothing has been spared. New A/C in 2017 and also a recently installed tankless water heater. The association replaced the roof in 2016. You are just a short walk to dining & nightlife. This villa is being sold turnkey furnished (with some exclusions). Already booked for 2021 Season.

$399,000

322 Island Circle, Sarasota, Florida

Beaches, Boating & Bistros!! Live the island lifestyle in this spacious 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom house located on desirable Palm Island when rented was grossing approx. $60k in rental income. Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master bedroom and master bathroom. This house boasts a new boat lift on the Grand Canal. Lounge in the heated pool and spa or enjoy your favorite libation at your own private Waterfront Tiki Bar. Privacy abounds with a lovely tropical view across the canal. Huge bonus area on lower level. This house is located on Palm Island which is a Island on a Island and is a sort walk to World Famous Siesta Beach(Beach Access 10) and Siesta Village with all its excitement and wonderful dining. This is the Perfect Home or Investment property for the discerning buyer.

$857,000

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2020

Give your home curb appeal Curb appeal, real estate experts report, is one of the most important factors in selling a home. Anyone who’s watched one of the many HGTV home renovation programs has seen firsthand what a difference professional landscaping can make in a home’s appearance. Think of it as exterior “staging,” one real estate pro told the Siesta Sand. “Home buyers form their first impression of a home from its curb appeal,” said realtor Nancy Endara, of Peter G. Laughlin Group, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, a leading Sarasota based luxury real estate firm. “This is especially true in the photos they see online when deciding which homes to “love,” she said. “Adding color with beautiful tropical plants and creative landscaping can transform the presentation of your home from drab to wow! The best time to refresh your landscape is before

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By Jane Bartnett

Designing a large home landscaping project is intricate and exacting.

listing your home for sale,” noted Endara . Creating a beautiful “garden curb appeal” is a specialty of Hidrogreen Landscape & Design. The Venice based landscape company is new to the Siesta

Curb appeal at its finest.

Flowering shrubs and grasses create a welcoming staircase entrance to a home designed by Hildogreen Landscape & Design.

Key and Sarasota area. Owned and operated by Hector Ruiz Malinarich, a trained architect, and his artist and designer partner Paola Seguel, the talented pair bring more than 20 years of experience in the Atlanta market to the Sarasota community. “Home owners can improve their curb appeal with creative landscaping and design,” said Seguel. “Even if you are not planning to sell,” she counseled, “improving your home’s appearance is always a positive step to take.” As we spend more time in our homes, many people are looking for ways to give a house a new look. Why not make your “castle” a place that you look forward to entering? Working together, the two meet with the client at their home, learn about their interests and budgets and then create a plan that may include a sketch of the area that Seguel will create so that the client can see what the finished product will look like. Projects may be small or large and because each one is unique; each design is budgeted individually. Looking back on their favorite designs, the couple recalled a desert landscape that they created for one suburban Atlanta home, and their largest project, an 8,000 square foot house on five acres. For the five-acre Atlanta estate, Malinarich explained that they basically began with a blank canvas of grass. The client, Seguel said, wanted to create

a series of gardens, “they were actually individual living rooms that were filled with flowers, bushes and lush greenery. She enjoyed reading and we created a series of magnificent walkable gardens where she could walk, read and relax.” With a touch of longing in his voice, Malinarich said, “I maintained and redesigned those gardens for seven years. When we made the move to Sarasota, I had to say goodbye to those wonderful gardens.” But, he said, they are now both looking forward to designing new gardens and tropical spaces in Siesta Key, and other Sarasota neighborhoods. A visit to Hidrogreen Landscape & Design’s Facebook page showcases many of the homes that the pair have transformed. The talented pair shared their top 10 suggestions for increasing a home’s curb appeal: #1 - Take care of your grass and maintain a healthy, manicured lawn. #2 - Plant the right plants in the right places and create a cohesive appearance that complements the entire landscape of the house. When choosing plants and ornamental grasses, make sure that they will thrive in the same growing conditions. #3 - Beautify your front door by placing beautiful pots filled with seasonal plants on either side of

your entrance way. #4 - Add colorful flower beds. Create depth by placing lower growing plants in the front and taller plants behind them. #5 - Don’t forget about your mailbox! Add plants and flowerbeds around the mailbox and dress it up with a mix of plants. #6 - Invest in an irrigation system to keep your yard and plants hydrated. #7 - Add interesting rock and water features. #8 - Create contours and edges for plants. #9 - A water fountain that flows over beautiful stones can transform a yard. #10 - Add ornamental grasses or a flowering bush to your front yard. “Here in Siesta Key and the Sarasota area, there are a wonderful number of beautiful plants that thrive in this tropical climate,” said Seguel. “We’re very experienced at creating visually appealing spaces with stairs, water features and beautiful pottery. It’s very exciting and gratifying to work with our clients and to transform a home and make it an even more welcoming and beautiful place to come home to.” Hidrogreen Landscape & Design can be contacted at: 707-374-1643.

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Island Chatter his email. That will necessitate the traditional design and construction process staff pursues, Winchester added. He had no further details at that point, he continued, “but SCAT personnel indicated [the shelter] was forthcoming.”

Easing hospitality restrictions

On Aug. 6, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new Executive Order that rescinded travel restrictions for visitors from the Tri-State Area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce announced to its members in an email blast. On March 24, DeSantis implemented those restrictions after New York, especially, became a major center where spread of the novel coronavirus was documented. That order said, “Florida is experiencing an increase in individuals fleeing to Florida from states where ‘shelter-in-place’ orders are being implemented …” Therefore, DeSantis called for all persons entering Florida from the Tri-State Area “to isolate or quarantine for a period of 14 days from the time of entry into the State of Florida or the duration of the person’s presence in the State of Florida, [whichever] is shorter.” That did not apply to airline employees or “those performing military, emergency or health

SEPTEMBER 2020

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response.” Additionally, the new Executive Order rescinded the previous COVID-19 screening requirements for restaurant employees, the Chamber email blast said. Staff members who previously tested positive for the virus “do not need to receive two negative tests before they can come back to work,” the Chamber pointed out. “Employers are required only to implement screening protocols pursuant to CDC [U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidance.” The CDC website says a person can end home isolation as follows: • “10 days since symptoms first appeared and • “24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and • “COVID-19 symptoms have improved (for example, cough, shortness of breath).” However, the website does add, “Note that these recommendations do not apply to persons with severe COVID-19 or with severely weakened immune systems (immunocompromised).” Further, DeSantis’ new Executive Order eliminated the requirement that employees who have traveled through an airport in the past 14 days be prohibited from working in a restaurant.

Final two Oceane units sold

Your September Horoscope • ARIES (March 21–April 19): Just when you feel like you’re on a roll with a personal initiative, wham! Your cosmic ruler, driven Mars, slams on the brakes when he turns retrograde (backward) in your sign on the 9th for two months. Disappointment could set in, but look for the silver lining. Were you going too fast or cutting corners? Slow down, get it right—and enjoy the ride! The Virgo new moon on the 17th can inspire a health kick. But pace yourself there too! • TAURUS (April 20–May 20): Cautious Taurus: What have you allowed yourself to do that brings your true joy? If you’ve prioritized safety over fun, no one would blame you. Still, the sensual Bull needs its creature comforts! This month, at last, two of the more influential planets of 2020 season— Jupiter and Saturn—end their long backspins and resume forward motion on the 12th and the 29th. Find ways to return to favorite activities, even if it all looks very different from the outside. • GEMINI (May 21–June 20): Regardless of how your work has shifted, you have a brilliant opportunity to make a bold move or be acknowledged on the 2nd, when the year’s only Pisces full

27th State Media LLC

moon illuminates your professional sector. This lunar lift will influence events for the next two weeks, so rally support, start a buzz, plaster the news across your social media platforms. This is also a great time to set some new career goals to work toward over the coming six, hopefully less surreal, months. • CANCER (June 21-July 22): Just when you thought you were reaching cruising altitude, you may feel like someone clipped your wings. Blame it on motivated Mars, which is on an unusually long tour of your career sector (six months as opposed to its usual six-seven weeks). But on the 9th, he shifts into reverse (retrograde) for two months. Things won’t necessarily grind to a halt, but you may need to adapt quickly. Pro tip: Don’t take it personally; just be the consummate professional! • LEO (July 23–August 22): Charm magnet Venus makes her annual grand entrance into your sign on the 6th, turning all eyes your way! This is good news for all Leos but especially for single Lions or those looking to drum up support for a new project. You won’t have to resort to hyperbole or even subtle subterfuge. You’ll be

On July 9, CG Oceane LLC, a Georgia company, sold the last two units of its Oceane condominium complex located just north of Siesta Village, Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller records show. Pamela A. Garvin, trustee of the Pamela A. Garvin Survivors Trust of West End Avenue in New York City, paid $4,050,000 for Unit 101. Garvin is an attorney, the SNL found in an online search. The last condominium, Unit 102, went to Vibeke C. Olson and James A. Rotenberg — a married couple with a Wilmington, N.C. address — for $3,850,000, that deed says. The highest price for a solitary condominium in the project — Unit 201 — was $4,250,000, based on the Clerk of Court’s records. That was paid by trusts established by a couple listing a Chicago address.

undertaking will be completed in the fall. Crews have begun clearing the

drainage easement and have started the shoulder work, the report said.

LET US BUILD YOUR

“GARDEN CURB APPEAL”

Higel Avenue drainage project underway

A county initiative to improve drainage, as well as the sidewalk and shoulder, on Higel Avenue from Little Pond Lane to Somerset Drive has begun, county staff reported in the Aug. 10-16 Construction — One Week Look Ahead report produced by the county’s Capital Projects Division. The roadway also will be resurfaced in that area, the report noted. Weather permitting, that

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By Suzanne Gerber so on your game it’s not fair to your “competitors.” More good news: The Virgo new moon on the 17th activates your money mojo, which could bring a windfall! • VIRGO (August 23September 22): Not only is it Virgo season—i.e., your annual month to rise and shine—but the year’s only new moon in your sign on the 17th brings the opportunity to get a passion project off the ground… finally! What is still needed to pull this off: investors, supporters, collaborators? Take till the end of the month to get your ducks in a row, but then, be ready to hit the ground running. Done with Virgo panache, this thing has the potential to be major! • LIBRA (September 23– October 22): Romance, interrupted? Randy Mars, which is spending an unusually long six months in your partnership house, turns retrograde (backward) on the 9th for two months. This doesn’t mean things will end (necessarily)—just that cracks in the foundation will be revealed. Weak unions may not survive, but solid couples should use this an opportunity to finally address that issue! And with Jupiter and Saturn straightening out in your home zone, you can look forward to the return of domestic bliss! • SCORPIO (October 23– November 21): Don’t let a few speed bumps derail your best intentions! You tapped into new

inspiration this summer, but when your co-ruler Mars turns retrograde (backward) in your wellness corner on the 9th for two months, don’t stop working out or go back to eating fast food. Get an accountability buddy—perhaps your S.O.—to keep each other motivated. Communication gets back on track when Jupiter and Saturn straighten out in your expressive house this month. So, what’s been on your mind? • SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21): Wrap up those summer home projects you didn’t quite finish by mid-month. The Pisces full moon on the 2nd can inspire you to sift through all those photos, cards and mementos that take up too much space—physically and energetically! But set a deadline because the Virgo new moon that lands in your career sector on the 17th will fill your head with all kinds of thrilling new professional ideas, and you want to able to hit the gas and go! • CAPRICORN (December 22–January 19): If you’ve felt like you haven’t been able to get any new projects or relationships off the ground in the past few months— and not because of Covid—here comes the news you’ve been waiting (not so patiently) for! Three heavyweight planets have been spinning backward in your sign, and this month two of them correct course. Lucky, expansive Jupiter blasts ahead on the 12th followed

by structured Saturn on the 29th. Be cautiously optimistic—but get going! • AQUARIUS (January 20– February 18): Your love life gets a transfusion on the 6th when vixen Venus vamps into Leo and your relationship realm. Single? This could mean meeting someone on your wavelength (and let’s face it, there aren’t that many to begin with!). Put yourself out there to the degree that feels safe, but mostly, keep an open mind! Couples can respark the embers with generosity and patience. Short on either? Intensify your workouts or talk to a coach to bring back that lovin’ feeling! • PISCES (February 18–March 20): September might find you redrawing some boundaries—and no, it’s never too late! The full moon in your sign on the 2nd is a reminder that if you don’t put your needs first, no one else is going to do that for you! Then, on the 17th, a new moon in Virgo activates your relationship zone. You can meet someone new, solidify a “situationship” or talk through a sticky issue with your partner. Note: You may have to take the lead! Suzanne Gerber, a locally based intuitive astrologer, shamanic/ energy healer and spiritual life coach with a global practice, is available for readings and healings by appointment: https://www. starsandstoneshealing.com/booking.

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2020

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Classifieds / Here’s My Card ACCOMMODATIONS / VACATION RENTALS • Best Western Plus Siesta Key – AAA -3 Diamond Property, Free shuttle service to and from Siesta Key 941-924-4900, 6600 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota. • Landings Carriagehouse, $2,500 per month. Call Jim 941-539-0774. • Siesta 4 Rent - Vacation Rentals, from studios to 5 bedrooms. Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500

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CONTRACTORS • 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 homeimprovement dreams into a beautiful reality. Call 941-650-9499 or visit their website: www.hawksnestconstruction.com Lic#CGC060852.

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• 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

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SEPTEMBER 2020

27th State Media LLC

HOMES FOR SALE • THE POINTE - Lovely well maintained fourth floor 2/2. Water views from every room. Spacious lanai spanning across the unit overlooks Little Sarasota Bay and the ICW. Inside washer/dryer closet and abundant closet space. Furnished - just bring your clothing and personal items and you can have the best of everything. Gated community with every amenity. MLS# A4470344 $429,000.00. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. EXCELSIOR - TRULY FABULOUS 2 /2 WITH PRIVATE BEACH ACCESS. Completely recently remodeled one of a kind END UNIT with exquisite finishes, the unit is being sold beautifully furnished. The open floor plan with vaulted ceilings and abundant new High Impact WINDOWS features a huge living room with big views of the ICW and Bay. MLS #A4468456 $744,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz, Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. SUMMER COVE - Enjoy the finest of Siesta Key in this fully upgraded 3 bedroom, 2½ bath luxury condo. A light and bright end unit with abundant windows and doors (all with impact glass built to hurricane code), enter the unit from your private elevator into a large lovely foyer. Enjoy natural light on 3 sides; 9’ ceilings; a gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances, wood cabinets, granite counter-tops, and breakfast bar, this unit offers incredible island living. MLS #A4469222 $975,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz, Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-4004186. THE POINTE - ENJOY AWESOME SUNRISES AND SUNSETS from this lovely one bedroom one bath condo at the southernmost end of Siesta Key. If you seek INCREDIBLE VIEWS, look no further. Beautifully remodeled and tiled throughout, this stunning unit is light and bright to make the most of the water views from every room. The newer kitchen includes wood cabinetry, lovely stone counter tops, stainless appliances and a breakfast bar looking toward the Gulf. An open floor plan, the living room and lanai are just beyond the kitchen and offer incredible views of the Bay and ICW. The bedroom, too, offers direct Bay views and the large bathroom has been completely renovated to include a dual sink freestanding vanity and a beautifully tiled and glassed shower. Sold turn-key furnished, the decor is simply stunning. Furniture pieces combine with great closet space to provide abundant storage. An in-unit utility closet provides additional storage and houses a full sized washer/dryer. Located at the southernmost tip of Siesta Key, this gated community is beautifully landscaped and features every amenity: a heated pool and spa, lighted tennis court, private boat docks, kayak and canoe racks and launch, renovated club house with full kitchen, sauna, great fitness center, island pavilion with grills, and on-site management and maintenance staff. This five plus acre property is conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from Turtle Beach and three restaurants. MLS #A4462930, $365,000, Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz, Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB - Bright and spacious 3/3 townhome directly across the street from Siesta Beach and yards to the ICW by boat. Deeded slip with 20k pound lift directly outside the unit. Attached garage. Gated community with tennis, pool, clubhouse, etc. MLS# A4447427, $599,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

NEW PRICE CHARMING NEWER SIESTA KEY HOME. This home exudes all the best qualities of island living from the moment you walk through the door you’ll notice the open floor plan and brightness, this is a 3/2 home with fully fitted kitchen with stainless appliances tiled floors, and garage would make great holiday home/rental investment or a great alternative to a condo. 5025 SANDY BEACH AVE, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4455201, $765,999, KeySolutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255 MODERN KEY WEST- STYLE HOME in a secure water community with the coveted Easy On/ Easy Off North Island Location. Priced well below similar nearby homes for quick sale. Beautiful, low maintenance heated-lighted saltwater pool and spa is hidden behind an 8-foot high privacy fence and

enclosed in a covered, screened Cabana Entertainment patio. Lighted covered dog run and lush tropical low maintenance landscaping add to your outdoor paradise experience. 4847 COMMONWEALTH DR, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS#A4472487, $994,500. Key Solutions Real Estate, 941-894-1255 ONE OF A KIND 3 BED condo at the south end of Siesta Key. Impeccably renovated corner unit on the 9th floor. There are high-end finishes throughout including solid wood kitchen cabinets with granite counter-tops and stainless appliances. The very large master bedroom with ensuite bath features a jetted shower and walk-in closet lined with custom cabinetry, a storage dream. 9397 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #901, SARASOTA, FL 34242 , MLS# A4456891, $789,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255 50k PRICE REDUCTION! Surrounded by water, this light and bright, rarely available PENTHOUSE END UNIT affords some of the BEST VIEWS on Siesta. Look to the north to the GULF and LITTLE SARASOTA BAY, west to spectacular sunsets over the Gulf and east to the abundance of WILDLIFE in the bay. This nicely appointed 10th-floor unit is being sold partially furnished - just bring your clothing and personal items! 9393 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #P1, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4458168, $625,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941-894-1255 Beaches, Boating & Bistros!! Live the island lifestyle in this spacious 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom house located on desirable Palm Island when rented was grossing approx. $60k in rental income. Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master bedroom and master bathroom. This house boasts a new boat lift on the Grand Canal. Lounge in the heated pool and spa or enjoy your favorite libation at your own private Waterfront Tiki Bar. Privacy abounds with a lovely tropical view across the canal. Huge bonus area on lower level. This house is located on Palm Island which is an island on an island and is a sort walk to World Famous Siesta Beach(Beach Access 10) and Siesta Village with all its excitement and wonderful dining. This is the Perfect Home or Investment property for the discerning buyer. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical sands, 941-376-7442.

WONDERFULLY REMODELED FREESTANDING VISTA HERMOSA VILLA, $399,000, 195 Vista Hermosa Circle, Unit#9-A, Sarasota, Florida. Just a short walk to World Famous Siesta Beach. You will fall in love with this 2-bedroom, 2-bath villa. Two week rentals make this a very attractive property for an investor or just picking up some extra income when you are not enjoying the property for yourself. Custom solid wood cabinets in the kitchen with granite counters & upgraded stainless steel appliances. Designer bathrooms boasting tumbled marble & granite. Smooth ceilings with custom lighting. Designer tile & carpet throughout. Nothing has been spared. New A/C in 2017 and also a recently installed tank-less water heater. The association replaced the roof in 2016. You are just a short walk to dining & nightlife. This villa is being sold turnkey furnished (with some exclusions). Already booked for 2021 Season. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical sands, 941376-7442.

THE BAMBOO BUNGALOW - WEST OF THE TRAIL - $675,000, Absolutely charming inside and out! It’s time to own a home that you never want to leave! Your dream backyard awaits with tropical foliage surrounding an amazing saltwater pool that can be both heated or chilled! The pool boasts Pebble Tec surface, sun shelf, polar plunge and waterfall! Enjoy the Florida lifestyle with easy-maintenance astroturf throughout the entire yard, plus a putting green, outdoor shower, fire pit, and dining trellis. Tastefully

remodeled in 2015, the owners spared no expense while meticulously redesigning this Selby-like retreat. Stepping inside, you’ll love all the charming features that makes this house a home. Abundant natural light greats you through the large windows and french doors. Original crown molding, natural bamboo wood floors and recessed shelving are just a few details that give the home its character. The adorable kitchen was lovingly designed in keeping with a 1950s era motif with retro style pink appliances, white subway tile, and boomerang style pulls. In the master bath, an artist installed whimsical mosaic tiles for a one-ofa-kind feature you won’t find elsewhere! Opening from the master suite is an office, which could be converted into a third bedroom. The second bedroom is tucked away for privacy and features a stylish, painted wood accent wall. Off the living room is the second bath with frameless glass walk-in shower & designer glass tiles. Known as the Bamboo Bungalow, this charming home is centrally located in a desirable west-of-the-trail neighborhood— 1 mile to Siesta Key, and 2 miles to downtown. Love where you live in this slice of paradise! KW on THE Water, MLS # A4444487, presented by The Westerberg Group, Call Seth: 941342-SOLD (7653).

EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A PIECE OF PARADISE ON SIESTA KEY! It’s rare to find an 18,000 Sq.Ft. WATERFRONT LOT at this price! You get 90 feet of concrete seawall with a dock, located just off the Grand Canal. Easily navigate your boat to Sarasota Bay in under 10 minutes! The property is situated at the end of a very private cul-de-sac on a designated canopy road. The majestic oak trees create a peaceful retreat, which is perfect for someone who wants a secluded oasis, yet live around the corner from #1 rated Siesta Beach, Out-Of-Door Academy, and the Siesta Key Village. If you’re looking for a midcentury modern home with 1st floor living, this home is primed to be remodeled to your taste. The original terrazzo flooring has recently been restored in the main living areas and are STUNNING! The home has been well maintained, boasts a large open floor with lots of natural light and three sliders looking out to the pool. The pool deck was replaced with travertine in 2017, as was the entire 1600 sq/ft screen cage. If you’re looking to build new, the Vision Group has designed a phenomenal floor plan with 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, gourmet kitchen, vaulted ceilings, elevator, 3 car garage, and ample deck space. This property has a great rental history. Call for floor plans. You need to experience this property in person, and make it your slice of paradise! Oxford Drive is a designated canopy road in a very quiet neighborhood. 4848 Oxford DR. Sarasota, FL 34232 PRICE REDUCED - $1,200,000. MLS# A4440889 The Westerberg Group with Keller Williams on the Water. Call Seth Westerberg 941.342. SOLD (7653) or Al Nemore 941.479.1175 Ready to move in! You’ll experience easy living when you enter this beautifully maintained & decorated Lee Wetherington Home in Tara Preserve Golf Club Community. This bright, inviting, coastal-style home has 3 bedrooms & 2 full baths. Turn-Key ready, this tastefully furnished home boasts many impressive upgrades including: custom plantation shutters, extensive crown molding, tray ceiling, 10 ft. doors, 11 ft. ceilings, ceramic tile, cathedral ceiling in main living area, and watering & security systems. The beautiful furnishings & serene color palette makes this coastal cottage the perfect retreat. Enjoy colorful sunsets from your private, screened in lanai with rolldown shades. This community offers many appealing amenities for a healthy lifestyle including: walking/ jogging/biking trails, heated swimming pool, tennis & pickleball courts, clubhouse as well as the 18 hole Championship Golf Course designed by Ten McAnlis. Membership not required. Conveniently located just one mile west of I-75, you’re a short drive to Tampa, UTC Mall, Downtown Sarasota, Airport, & the pristine Beaches! If you’re sitting up North reading this, I have only one question...What are you waiting for? Call Joe Kesslak (941-321-8585 or Wendy Kesslak or email at jkesslak@kesslak.com or Wendy4Siesta@gmail.com at Gulf Coast Group.

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2020

Dredging in Big Pass “These weekly reports are required per specific condition 32 [of the FDEP permit],” Luckner added. “SKA understands there have now been two violations that required project shutdown [of the dredge] in the past three weeks.” Finally, on Aug. 6, Garis responded: “I have staff working to get them uploaded. I apologize for the delay.” Then Garis added, “To clarify, turbidity exceedances are not permit violations. It is the [Department’s] understanding the contractor has followed permit requirements once notified of an exceedance.” The contractor for the Lido initiative is Cottrell Contracting Corp. of Chesapeake, Va. A section of the revised FDEP permit, issued on April 10, says, “If monitoring reveals turbidity levels at the compliance sites are greater [than the maximum limits], construction activities shall cease immediately

Dentist

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[emphasis in the document] and not resume until corrective measures have been taken and turbidity has returned to acceptable levels.” That section notes that Big Pass has been designated Outstanding Florida Waters, as shown on USACE documents related to the Lido project. Further, the permit section says, “Any project-associated turbidity source other than dredging or fill placement for beach nourishment (e.g., scow or pipeline leakage) shall be monitored as close to the source as possible.” Again, it continues, if the turbidity level exceeds the maximum limits allowed in Outstanding Florida Waters, “the construction activities related to the exceedance shall cease immediately and not resume until corrective measures have been taken and turbidity has returned to acceptable levels [emphasis once more in the permit]. … The Permittee shall

notify the Department’s [Joint Coastal Permits] Compliance Officer … of such an event within 24 hours of the time the Permittee first becomes aware of the discharge.” SKA President Catherine Luckner pointed out that the permit makes it clear that monitoring reports must be submitted to the Compliance Officer. “Failure to [do so] in a timely manner constitutes grounds for revocation of the permit,” the permit states. A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) article defines turbidity as “an optical quality of light transmission through a fluid containing sediment particles …” That article also notes that too much turbidity negatively affects life forms in the lower levels of a waterway, as they need light to survive. On the afternoon of Aug. 6, Robert Luckner provided the SNL copies of two emails he

finally had found, through an FDEP records search. Sent from USACE personnel, they noted that the first turbidity exceedance incident occurred just after 1 p.m. on July 20, “at the beach fill sampling site.” By 2:07 p.m. that day, the email said, the turbidity had subsided “and was within acceptable level.” Another USACE email, sent on July 22 to the FDEP compliance officer, reported a second incident, on July 21. Again, the location was the beach fill site. Through July 31, five exceedance incidents had been reported.

Extra sand in front of Sperling Park?

Yet another concern the SKA has raised is whether the USACE’s contractor has complied with the template for placement of sand on South Lido. On July 20, Robert Luckner sent Garis of FDEP a series of aerial photos of the Lido shoreline,

provided by SKA member Michael Holderness, who employed a drone to obtain the images. “Could you please have someone look at this and determine whether the nourishment sand is outside the approved beach template plate 7 attached,” Robert Luckner wrote Garis. Although the FDEP permit allows for up to 1.3 million cubic yards of sand to be removed from Big Pass, the USACE solicitation for the Lido project calls for only 710,000 cubic yards to be placed on the beach. In a July 28 email to the Luckners, Garis wrote, “Based on available information, it appears work is being conducted in compliance with the permit and surveys will be conducted to ensure this.” No further information was available from FDEP prior to publication of this issue of Siesta Sand.

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Reconstruction, Implantology -- Surgical and Prosthetic Treatment and Advanced Aesthetics at New York University. A strong supporter of the under-served dental needs population, Dr. Ta has been an active volunteer with the non-profit medical service organizations, Operation Smile, and Tampa, Florida based Cardio Start International. After selling her New York City dental practice in 2016, Dr. Ta and her family relocated to Sarasota, from Long Island, New York. Florida is her husband’s home state, she told the Siesta Sand, and after visiting, they both knew that the Sarasota/Siesta Key area offered the lifestyle that they were looking for. After accepting a position as a Professor of Dental Medicine at the LECOM (Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine) School of Dentistry, in Lakewood Ranch, Dr. Ta taught doctoral dental students

Her work in New York City, Dr. Ta said, brought her into contact with patients “from all walks of life.” Many of her patients included television network employees who were based in New York City. Dr. My-Huong Ta, DDS, at her new family dentistry “My practice grew practice, in the Davidson Drugs Plaza, in Siesta by word of mouth,” Key Village. she said. “I believe in compassionate working toward doctorates care and I want to provide in dental education (DDM) the best dentistry possible for two years. As she was to my patients. Continuing teaching, she also studied professional education is for her Florida dental license also extremely important to which made it possible for her me. I have a high standard of to return to private practice. excellence.” After considering many dental That high standard of office locations around the excellence is visible in the Sarasota area, Dr. Ta said that dental technology that Dr. Ta when she discovered that the is bringing to her new practice. office in Siesta Key Village was On a tour of the new offices, available, she knew that this Dr. Ta said that “this is a family was the right place to begin her dentistry practice. I want my new professional practice. patients to know that they are www .TheMariner .com

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receiving the highest care and I want them to be comfortable here.”All three examination room chairs have a massage function, large screen TVs, and look out on a tropical garden. For necessary dental X-Rays, Dr. Ta uses the Cone Beam CTDental Imaging that produces three dimensional (3-D) images of a patient’s teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways and bone in a single scan. For dental cleanings, Dr. Ta has installed a Sirona Cavatron Ultrasonic Scaling System equipment that she or a dental hygienist will use, instead of the traditional hand scaling to remove plaque. To treat gum disease and to promote periodontal health Dr. Ta explained that she has acquired a Picasso Light Laser. Used after dental cleanings, the laser “shortens healing and destroys bacteria. It is also helpful,” she noted, “in treating canker sores and areas of the gum with deep pockets. This is important because bacteria

can be transmitted to the heart. Dental health can have a great effect on a person’s overall health and well-being.” As Dr. Ta opens her doors she advised that her fee structure will be competitive with area dentists. She will also offer patients a free second opinion consultation for a specific dental issue. Patients will be able to arrange third party financing (up to 12 months) with no interest. Financing, Dr. Ta explained, can be beneficial for patients requiring implants, crowns, extractions and other costly dental procedures. The office will accept all dental insurance programs toward payment. “In this age of Covid-19,” she said, “infection control is very much a priority.” In her new Siesta Key practice, Dr. Ta will also provide emergency dental care for patients visiting the area on vacation or for those who spend the season here.

Promenade update

er es

in January 2019. After losing at the 12th Judicial Circuit Court level last year, she appealed to the Second District Court of Appeal, which has offices in Lakeland and Tampa. On June 23, the attorneys conducted oral arguments with three Appeal Court judges via virtual meeting technology, a precaution taken because of the COVID-19 pandemic. During neighborhood workshops held years ago to explain Benderson’s proposal for Siesta Promenade, Todd Mathes, the company’s director of development, talked of

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hopes to secure a contract with a major grocer for a store that would occupy part of the retail space within Siesta Promenade. However, the longer the pandemic has been underway, with negative effects on the economy, the more national retailers of various types have filed for bankruptcy. Tourism also has been depressed, with county accommodations in June reporting a 20% decline in occupancy and hoteliers marking a 24.2% drop in the number of rooms sold, according to figures the county’s tourism office, Visit Sarasota County, has reported.

Answers to the WORD SEARCH from page 22

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Published by 27th State Media LLC Contributing Writers and Photographers will be noted with bylines. Guest commentary not necessarily the opinion of 27th State Media LLC Reproduction without written permission prohibited. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement. All business bios are extensions of the display advertisements. 27th State Media 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. 27th State Media LLC is not responsible for claims made by advertisers.

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27th State Media LLC

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

Sunset Beach Resort Siesta Key Dream Inn

Still Family Owned and Operated Since 2007 6600 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota BestWesternSiestaKey.com 941.924.4900

AAA-3 Diamond Property

• 114 Guest Rooms • One and Two Bedroom Suites Now Available • Complimentary Grab & Go Breakfast Every Morning • Free Shuttle Service to and from Siesta Key every day. • Microwave/Fridge in every guestroom *Amenities and services may be adjusted due to COVID-19, please contact the hotel or visit our website for details

*Use of the pool for Registered Guests Only

Complimentary shuttle service to and from anywhere on Siesta Key. Running daily from 10AM-11PM (driver tips only)

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2020

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.net

Volleyball Fanatic

Hannah and Haley

Hannah

This months Volleyball Fanatics are twin sisters, Hannah and Haley of Lakewood Ranch. Though not tournament players, they love playing volleyball any chance they get just for the fun of it. Both are students at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Hannah, a Graphic Design Major, is pursuing a career in photography. Her favorite movie is “Talladega Nights” and she enjoys listening to rap music. Haley, a Hospitality Management Major is pursuing a career in real estate. She said, “My favorite movie is “Legally Blonde” and I am into any kind of music that I can vibe to but mostly rap/pop.” During college breaks, you’ll find them both soaking up the sun and fun nearly every day on Siesta Beach. -30- “

Haley