Mangrove tunnels. Hidden beaches. Secret lagoons. It’s your very own pirate adventure fantasy, tantalizingly close offshore, for the reasonable cost of a few paddle strokes and a modest dip into your wallet.
Just step into the kayak waiting for you, almost any day of the year, down by Turtle Beach -- one of them is run by Ultimate Kayak SRQ, which boasts of having the largest number of kayak operation permits on the Key.
Gliding offshore, it’s a smooth and easy entry to a secluded, tranquil world of mysteries hidden in plain view. With Ultimate Kayak it’s available two ways: a guided tour for newbies, or a go-it-alone rental for the confident.
New York, vacationing here on
Ultimate Kayak SRQ delivers an outstanding
a recent day, fell into the latter category. Dad Corey stepped from his kayak after a two-hour, two-kayak family outing – wife Caitlyn and kids Jonathan, Tegan and Jackson in tow – smiling. “They gave us a map, we checked out the mangrove tunnels, we went for a swim and we collected shells,” he said. “The best part was all the birds and fish we saw. It was great.”
Birchler should know great water fun. Back home, he owns a marina.
The Birchlers handed their paddles over to Dave Emerson, who would have led them on a
By Ned Steelego-it-aloners, he’s got those spots marked on a map he hands out with each rental, “Going alone,” Emerson said, “is for the well-versed. Some folks want a guide – to not get lost. In my opinion it’s not easy to get lost out there, but some people think it is.”
Guided or solo, the idea is to stick reasonably close to home base, where there’s plenty enough to see. “It’s an easy paddle,” Emerson explained. “No current, not a lot of interaction with boats.”
What there are, though, are manatees, occasionally a dolphin,
well – the history, the secrets, the descriptions of the wildlife they’re seeing, and his tips for where to Ultimate Kayak has been on Turtle Beach for more than five years, ever since manager Vince Lombardi came up with the idea. It was the first business he ever launched.
“Kayaking is a great business concept,” he said.
Looking for a location, he and his partner alighted on Siesta Key: “I saw the market there, and how it’s been evolving,” Lombardi said. Business focus aside, as a kayaking enthusiast himself he saw that it would be a natural draw: “That area is amazing. It’s amazing – the birds you see, the manatees you can see all the time,” he said. Turns out Lombardi made a good business decision. From its humble beginnings, when he did everything himself, the company has grown. There are now four tour guides, including Emerson,
and about 30 kayaks. These days, Lombardi mostly keeps to the office, running the business end of things. He also owns and operates five marketing companies, leaving him less time to paddle the waters than he once had.
The company can run up to three two-hour tours a day, for groups from four to 20. Rentals (there are also paddle boards) range from two hours to all day.
Tour hours can be flexible, depending on the customer’s preferences. The exact route varies, depending on what’s out there and what the customers are up for. There are single kayaks and double kayaks, so there’s always a configuration available for any skill level and combination of paddlers.
“We see everyone from kids to 80-year-olds,” Lombardi said. “Kayaking is for everybody, and anyone can do it.”
To learn more about details and pricing, visit ultimatekayaksrq. com or call (941) 720-8807.
BRUNCH by the
Juxtaposition
Mountain top and valley, evening gown and tuxedo, excess and need; yes, two totally different things that are conceptually linked – and often found side by side. The same crushing force of the tectonic shifting of continental plates creates, at the same time, both mountains and valleys; the bland and boring black of a tuxedo highlights the glittering beauty of an evening gown and, by proximity, the (ahem!) always beautiful person wearing it.
By Rodger Skidmore
But excess and need? Need can exist by itself and may be secured by simply achieving a sufficiency. And excess? Excess is often described as “too much of a bad thing.”
In the past, clothes for the middle and lower classes were often time-consumingly made at home out of rough, long-lasting material, and thus kept until they fell apart. For the upper classes, clothes were often, as the British say, bespoke. Made, individually out of costly fabrics, for individuals; an also time-consuming and thus expensive product.
With the advent of the French prêt-à-porter (ready to wear), clothes become cheaper and many could wear wellfitting clothing. But, if one is making a cheaper product, the way to high profits is high volume. Drive down the cost of material and sell more.
So, if a more cheaply made shirt or blouse lasts only one season, they can change the fashions every season.
What to do with the old clothing that is still not worn out but is out of fashion, so not to be worn? Discard. And where does old (fashion-wise, but not in years) clothing go to die? Every year, 60,000 tons arrive in the Atacama Desert in Chile (really, Google it). And yet, there really are places in the world where people wear too-thin, ragged, ill-fitting clothes – a real
juxtaposition of excess and need. Go to Chile? Or go to Shinique Smith’s exhibit Parade at the Ringling Museum, on view through the first week of 2025.
Her columns of clothing, shaped to look like bales of cotton, are spotted throughout the French Rococo rooms of the museum, a true juxtaposition if ever there was one. Some glorious items to be kept forever and others to be forever gone.
One old thing that the Ringling did not throw away but instead restored is a painting, Watermelon Regatta. It depicts a supposed race on the canals of Venice in the early 1700s with various animals manning the gondolas and sandoli, some made of watermelon rind. Sort of like a humorous Hieronymus Bosch. Part of this exhibition shows how the painting was restored.
On the performance side, at the Historic Asolo, Paris and Music–two things that actually go together very well. EnsembleNewSRQ will be performing four different concerts May 9 through 11. All will be centered around Paris, highlighting the similarities and differences (ah! -- juxtaposition) of musicians who have been changed by Paris.
Info for all at ringling.org.
Fireworks, but no cannon
The Baltimore Orioles will be playing in Cincinnati on May 3 and 4 so the Orioles’ ball fields in Baltimore and Sarasota will be available for other events on these two days. Don’t know about Baltimore, but things will be popping at Ed Smith Stadium on 12th Street in Sarasota. Popping, as in pop music, played by the Sarasota Orchestra.
The theme is Decades: Back to the ‘80s. No, not Marty McFly in Back To The Future, but ‘80s hits like Madonna’s Material Girl, Cyndi Louper’s Time After Time, and Huey, Dewey, and Louie and the News’ The Power of Love. Yeah, sure, also stuff by Queen, Phil Collins, Stevie Nicks, and, of course, etc. (Spoiler alert: There will be three vocalists for your listening pleasure.)
For the hungry and thirsty there will be ball-park type food and drinks available. Afterwards there will be, just to keep the neighborhood dogs barking, a dazzling fireworks display.
Being John Malkovich was, sort of, a hit film back in 1999. Playing off that theme, the Sarasota Orchestra will be presenting a concert on May 11 at the Sarasota Opera House, Becoming Tchaikovsky, where they go into Pyotr
Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s mind and develop a modern playlist that he might have loved.
Yes, he probably appreciated the works of Bizet, Grieg, Schumann and Mozart (which will be on the program) but there is also a piece that you will hear by Missy Mazzoli titled These Worlds in Us. A hint as to why Tchaikovsky might have liked her music, even though it was not written until 2006 – the New York Times is quoted as saying, “One of the more consistently inventive, surprising composers now working in New York.”
As the Sarasota Orchestra is playing with fireworks at Ed Smith stadium on the 3rd and 4th, they will be completing the program on the 11th with Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, but without cannon.
One thing to be aware of in early June is Two, Three, Four This chamber concert at Holley Hall on June 2 features the Borromeo String Quartet with a mix of two, three, and four musicians playing works by Françaix, Schulhoff, Ravel and Bacewicz. If you are not familiar with all of these composers, now is your chance.
More info at sarasotaorchestra.org.
The O’Keeffe connection
How many people in the world want to be an artist, how many are artists, and how many are world famous artists?
The numbers go down from a bajillion to just a few. And are there any connections between those oh-so-many wannabes and the ones that have achieved fame? Yes.
One such connection included a young woman, Yayoi Kusama, who grew up in a small rural town in central Japan. Her parents raised pumpkins so, of course, her
Continued on page 10V
SOUPS
New England Clam Chowder
Cup … $7 Bowl … $9
Signature Crab Bisque
Cup … $9 Bowl … $13
APPETIZERS
Sweet ‘n Spicy Shrimp … $12
Coconut Shrimp … $13
Shrimp Cocktail* … $12
Calamari … $13
Stuffed Mushrooms … $12
Fish Bites … $13
SIDE SALADS
Fresh Garden Salad* … $8
Caesar Salad … $9
Turtles Wedge* … $13
Kale Salad … $12
SALADS
Turtles Salad … $21
Turtles Deluxe Salad … $17
Caesar Salad … $20
With grilled shrimp or chicken
Kale Salad … $21
SANDWICHES
Grouper Sandwich … $21
Salmon BLT … $20
Mahi Mahi Sandwich … $20
Chicken Sandwich … $14
Cheeseburger … $14
Vegan Burger … $13
*Prices subject to change* Outdoor
ENTREES
Stuffed Shrimp … $24
Potato Crusted Haddock … $22
Coconut Crusted Mahi Mahi … $21
Gulf of Mexico Grouper … $24
Salmon … $24
Sea Scallops … $23
Shrimp and Seafood Au Gratin $17
Fisherman Platter … $32
Baby Back Ribs … $25
Orange Pecan Chicken … $17
Filet Mignon … $25
Filet Mignon & Stuffed Shrimp … $35
Filet Mignon & Maine Lobster Tail … $50
Stuffed Shrimp & Maine Lobster Tail $42
Twin Maine Lobster Tails … $55
FRIED SEAFOOD PLATTERS
Coconut Shrimp … $23
Large Gulf Shrimp … $21
Fish & Chips … $20
Fried Combo … $29
PASTA & BOWLS
Shrimp & Crab Scampi … $25
Salmon Pasta … $22
Chicken & Shrimp Curry … $22
Sweet ‘n Spicy Chicken & Shrimp $22
Jambalaya … $23
Pasta Primavera … $16
DESSERTS
Turtle Pie … $10
Key Lime Pie … $10
Sample Platter … $13
Ice Cream Bar … $7
Breakfast & Lunch
The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce has announced that all the 2023 Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival winners will participate in this year’s event, scheduled for Nov. 15 through 18. Additionally, vendor registration for the event is now open. Vendors can register at siestakeycrystalclassic.com.
Easter egg hunt a success
More than 150 kids and families participated in the annual Siesta Key Easter Egg Hunt held Saturday, March 30, at the Siesta Key Chapel. The event was hosted by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, the Child Protection Center, and Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida.
In addition to hunting for eggs, the kids were treated to surprise guests including a few big cats and a baby sloth courtesy of Big Cat Habitat, a fi re truck tour courtesy of the Sarasota Fire Department, and of course Mrs. Bunny who passed out sweet treat bags compliments of Kilwin’s.
Fore! Chamber golf outing is May 6
The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce’s 24th annual Golf Tournament at TPC Prestancia’s Stadium Course is on May 6. Cost is $175 per golfer or $650 per team.
Registration includes continental breakfast, 18 holes of golf, cart fee, awards, prizes, contest holes, lunch and more.
Registration opens at 7:30 a.m.
and the shotgun start begins at 9 a.m.
Deadline to register for golf is April 30.
Bridge to Bridge Bay Slam is May 18
Sarasota County Parks is hosting a catch-and-release fishing tournament for nonmotorized vessels on Saturday, May 18 on Sarasota Bay.
The event, called the Bridge to Bridge Bay Slam, kicks off with a pre-tournament meeting on Friday, May 17, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Phillippi Estate Park pavilion, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail.
Anglers should bring their own gear and kayak to have the opportunity to fi sh for red drum, spotted seatrout and snook. Each angler must catch and release one of each species, and the
largest overall length of all three species combined will be the winner.
Fishing begins at 7 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, covering the expansive Sarasota Bay from the Coon Key Bridge and Ringling Causeway to Blackburn Point Bridge. Photo submissions will be scored at 2 p.m. with results announced at 4 p.m.
This tournament offers a unique opportunity for anglers to showcase their skills and compete in a friendly environment.
The event is supported by the generous donations of Economy Tackle, Dolphin Paddle Sports, CBs Outfitters, All About Fishing, Kayaking SRQ and Paradise Adventures.
Registration is open with a fee of $45 per angler. Anglers must complete registration by 5 p.m. on May 17 to secure their spot.
With a limited entry of up to 100 anglers, onsite registration will not be available.
The tournament features three divisions to accommodate anglers of all ages:
• Small Fry (ages 9 and under)
• Junior (ages 10-17)
• Open (ages 18 and over)
Scoring will be based on a catch, measure and photo and release method, promoting marine conservation and sustainable fi shing practices. To register, please visit bit.ly/ btbbayslam or call 311.
World Ocean Day scheduled for Siesta Beach Sarasota County Parks will host World Ocean Day on June 8 from 8 to 11 a.m. Participants will meet at the pavilion located at 948 Beach Rd. on Siesta Beach.
In addition to starting the day with a beach clean-up, there will be educational presentations starting at 9:30 a.m. Participants will be doing their part to ensure a cleaner, healthier future for our marine life.
No registration required
Kids’ Summer Siesta Beach Runs begin June 4
This weekly one-mile fun run for kids ages 1-17 is a summer favorite and a great opportunity for families to exercise together and have fun at Siesta Beach!
Weekly registration begins at 5:30 p.m. with runs starting at 6:30 p.m. Kids receive a participation ribbon at each run. Complete four runs and earn a free custom T-shirt. No run on the week of July 4. For details, call 941-861-7275.
Key Oyster Bar, or “SKOB” as the locals call it, is the hangout with the laid-back, beachy atmosphere that will get you right into the Island Spirit. One of the things that set SKOB apart from the other restaurants in Siesta Key Village is that we have some of the best food
Foxy Lady Fashions Map-A #40
Gidget’s Coastal Provisions Map-B #44 Island Boutique Map-B #50
Island Style Map-C #53
Lilly Pulitzer Map-D #66
Sandbar Swimwear............................Map-B #50
Sea Shanty Map-C
MARKETS/FOOD STORES
Circle K Store Map-E #6
Morton’s Siesta Market Map-C #25
MASSAGE Hands of Light Massage Map-B #35
The Spa at Calle Minorga Map-E #74
Sassy ... the Little Day Spa.............Map-D #62
MEDICAL - DENTAL
Siesta Village Dentistry 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
Beach Palms B-74
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
RESTAURANTS CAFÉS
Another Broken Egg Map-C #54 & 55
Blase Café Bonjour French Cafe
Café Gabbiano
Daiquiri
This is a great month for snook on shallow flats. Reds and trout will also be more active as the water warms and baitfi sh become more plentiful. You might fi nd Spanish mackerel, blues and pompano in passes or on deep grass flats. Look for Spanish mackerel, false albacore (little tunny), cobia and tripletail in the coastal gulf this month. Tarpon should also make an appearance in back country areas and in the coastal gulf.
rigged and ready, this time of year so you’re able to take advantage of any opportunity that arises.
Spotted Seatrout have changed recently in southwest Florida to a three-fi sh-perperson bag limit and a six-fi sh boat limit. Trout must be from 15 to 19 inches with one allowed per vessel above 19 inches. In my opinion it’s important to protect these larger trout, which are usually female breeders.
Snook should be staging on flats, around sand and oyster bars, on points of islands and around docks and bridges close to passes in the Intracoastal Waterway. Spin anglers should score with CAL jigs and a variety of plastic tails including the 4-inch CAL Shad, DOA Baitbusters or surface walking top water plugs, like the DOA PT.
Tarpon will become more plentiful as resident fi sh make their way out of rivers and creeks and early arriving migratory fi sh begin to show along beaches. Water temperature in the gulf is a key factor with 80 degrees being an optimum temperature. As the water warms toward that, fi sh will become more plentiful.
Resident fi sh may be rolling on deep grass flats in some of the same places that you fi nd trout, laid up on edges of shallow grass flats or along sand bars.
Spin anglers might score with a DOA Shrimp, Baitbuster or 4-inch CAL Shad Tail while fly anglers might connect with a black Deceiver or Tarpon Bunny fly. Keep your tarpon tackle,
Fish the edges of bars and potholes when the tide is low and mangrove shorelines or points of islands when the tide is high. You’ll also fi nd snook around docks and bridges in the Intracoastal Waterway. Night snook fi shing should be productive with small white fl ies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow fly, CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms, DOA Shrimp and Tiny TerrorEyz. Fish peak tidal flows for the best action.
fast moving fi sh, feeding just below the surface.
Pompano may “skip” when you run or drift past them giving their location away. When that happens, circle back upwind and drift the area. Flounder are often found in potholes, on the edges of bars or on mud bottom.
Reds will spend more time feeding on shallow flats due to more plentiful bait. Look for them in potholes, the edges of bars and around docks when the tide is low. You should fi nd them higher on flats over shallow grass or around mangrove shorelines when the tide is high. I like a
1/16-ounce CAL jig with a shad tail or jerk worm for reds in shallow water. They are easy to fi sh in shallow water, come in multiple colors and are a good way to fi nd reds. My Grassett Flats Minnow is my go-to fly for reds. It fi shes well in shallow water and its bend back design makes it very weedless. You may also fi nd big trout in skinny water in many of the same places that you fi nd reds. The same lures, fl ies and techniques used to fi nd and catch reds will also work for big trout. Trout should be plentiful on deep grass flats. I like to drift and cast ahead of my drift with CAL jigs and a variety of plastic tails or DOA Deadly Combos. Fly anglers should score with weighted fl ies on sink tip fly lines. I tie Clousers with Ultra Hair on long shank hooks so that they are durable and will hold up to toothy and rough mouth fi sh. Deep grass flats with a close proximity to passes and usually good due to strong tidal flow. You might also fi nd blues, Spanish mackerel, pompano or flounder mixed with trout on deep grass flats. The same lures, fl ies and techniques that you use to fi nd trout on deep grass will work for these species, too. You’ll need to tip your leader with wire or heavy fluorocarbon when blues and mackerel are around. I prefer heavy fluorocarbon and long shank hooks whenever possible, since that usually won’t affect the trout bite. Blues and mackerel usually don’t feed on the surface in the bay like they do in the open gulf, but you may see bait showering or boils indicating
MAY 2024 TIDE CHART
There should be good action in the coastal gulf this month with Spanish and king mackerel, false albacore (little tunny), cobia and tripletail. Look for Spanish mackerel or albies feeding on the surface. You might fi nd tripletail or cobia around crab trap floats. Your tarpon spin or fly tackle can do double duty for cobia and medium spinning tackle or an 8- or 9-weight fly rod will cover everything else. Artificial reefs or natural areas of hard bottom may hold any of these species. When fi shing these areas you will need to get your lure, fly or bait down in the water column to the level where fi sh are located.
April and May are two of my favorite months. There should be good action in Sarasota Bay on both shallow and deep grass flats, in the coastal gulf for mackerel, albies, cobia and tripletail, and eventually with tarpon.
I like early season tarpon, since they are usually aggressive, but there should be lots of other options, too.
BARS & NIGHTCLUBS
Capt. Curt’s Backroom Saloon B-3 #7
Crescent Club C-3 #13
Shebeen Irish Pub & Kitchen C-3 #17
Sniki Tiki B-3 #8
COFFEE SHOPS
Coffee Garden B-3 #8
Meaney’s Mini Donuts B-3 #4
DELIS / BAKERIES
Anna’s Deli & Sandwiches C-3 #14
Crescent Beach Market ..........................B-3, #1
Nutritious You C-3 #14
DRUG STORES
Davidson Drugs C-3 #14
FASHION & ACCESSORIES
Fin Island Co A-3 #2
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters A-3 #4
Coconuts Resort Wear B-3 #1
Green Turtle Swimwear C-3 #14
Key Casual Fashions D-3 #17
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
Eye Style Optical ....................................C-3 #17
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
Jake’s Creamery C-3 #14
INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES
Davidson Drugs
LIQUOR STORES
C-3 #14
Mail Pack Center C-3 #14
artistic renderings were of pumpkins. Working as a 13-year-old sewing parachutes in a military factory, she experienced hallucinations including fields of dots.
As art in Japan moved from stylized realism to minimalism and surrealism, her talent moved her into the “local artist” category. Wanting to develop further, she took a flying leap and wrote a letter to Georgia O’Keeffe, one of the most famous artists of the 1950s, asking for guidance.
Ms. O’Keeffe responded to this message-in-a-bottle that had traveled halfway around the world and suggested that the 25-year-old move to New York. Which she did.
The result? Inspired by American Abstract Impressionism, Kusama has been acknowledged as “one of the most important living artists to come out of Japan, the world’s top-selling female artist, and the world’s most successful living artist.”
The exhibit, Yayoi Kusama: a letter to Georgia O’Keeffe, is the eighth Jean & Alfred Goldstein
Exhibition at Selby Botanical Gardens and will be on display through June 30. While it is great to have pumpkins on display at a botanical garden, there is much more of her works to see there.
And if realism is more your thing, then the exhibit Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens, through Aug. 31 at the Historic Spanish Point campus of Selby Gardens, is right up your alley.
Info for both at selby.org
With our map on the next page 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. thru Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat., 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Gulf Gate Barber Shop (G-7) has been an institution in the community for years, owned by Kyle Flannery. The super-clean barbershop’s clientele is 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.
West End Pub (G-49) Where else can you watch your favorite game with a great selection of beers, wines and liquors served by a friendly staff AND where you’re allowed to bring your own restaurant or deli food? Right here. 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.
Solórzano’s Late Night Pizzeria
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., 941924-5800.
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. (M-5) 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
10,000 feet of showroom, 25,000 gallons of freshwater, saltwater and coral, and adventures galore. Hours are Mondaythru Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 am. 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 4 p.m.
Scandinavian Gifts Baked Goods and Grocery (GG-37) A fixture in Sarasota for 32 years, Scandinavian Gifts offers an assortment of linens, glassware, cookbooks, jewelry, candles, food items, and Christmas collectibles. Located at 2166 Gulf Gate Drive, the store is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The Skinny Dip (G-26) Established in 2020. The Sarasota Skinny Dip location is a family-owned business, with husband-and-wife Alex and Sorelly, and their kiddos, Sophie and Noah. The business specializes in letting you make your frozen yogurt the way you want it! We specialize in Skinny8 Froyos, which are only 8 calories per once! Also available vegan and low-fat options so that all Dippers can, well, dip!
Apothecary Shoppe (S-6) Eric and Laurie’s knowledge of pharmaceuticals and natural/holistic remedies enables the safe integration of traditional and natural therapies. Their organic skincare line is compounded on site by Laurie who started her career as a make-up artist for the Today Show, Saturday Night Live, and so many more. Eric is a pharmacist and also certified in naturopathy, wanting the best natural options for his clients. Open M-F 10-5 pm, Sat 10-3 pm.
L’Opera Bakery Bistro (GG1) This French bakery and pastry restaurant
