Hotel project resurfaces, community protests
Nearly 200 people attended a Zoom neighborhood workshop for a comprehensive plan amendment for a potential 120-room hotel in the commercial area south of Stickney Point Road
By ChrisAnn Allen
Safety, environmental protection and quality of life are among the primary concerns when considering development on Siesta Key.
And the 2024 hurricanes have only intensified misgivings.
A May 12 neighborhood workshop regarding a proposed Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan amendment which could allow hotels to be built in the South Bridge Area of Siesta Key was met with protest from most of the nearly 200 people in virtual attendance.
The work session, which is required by Sarasota County as part of the application process, provided the public with an
opportunity to ask questions and share comments on record in response to a forthcoming application for a comp plan amendment to allow a 120-room hotel project. The hotel project would undo policy Future Land Use Policy 2.9.1, established in 1989, as a development inhibitor and increasing density in the South Bridge Area, located south of Stickney Point Road and east of Midnight Pass Road. The change would also trigger an amendment to the county’s Unified Development Code, as well as a “special exception,” to be applied for at a later date. The comprehensive plan is a staterequired roadmap for growth within
Continued on page 22
Midnight Pass Focus of Tiger Bay Club Panel Discussion
Ayear ago, experts and residents debated on what should be done with Siesta Key’s Midnight Pass.
No one could have predicted that, thanks to the forces of nature delivered via two back-to-back hurricanes in the late days of summer 2024 some ten months ago, the pass would be opened naturally.
By Jane Bartnett
At a May 1 Tiger Bay Club meeting, held at Michaels on East, a panel of experts, led by Jon Thaxton of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, debated the future of the waterway and discussed to what degree government should intervene.
The panel, made up of Sarasota
Bay Estuary Program Executive Director David Tomasko; Jono Miller, former co-director of New College of Florida’s environmental studies program; Glenn Compton, chairman of local environmental advocacy group Manasota-88, and Mike Holderness, a board member of the Midnight
Happiness is…Summer Break
As the school year gives way to sunshine and sandals, we’re reminded of everything we love about this season—toes in the sand, baseball in full swing, and the carefree joy of lazy summer afternoons.
At Abel’s Ice Cream, they’re celebrating summer with two flavors that capture the season perfectly. Enjoy a cup or cone of the sweet, nostalgic taste of their classic Peach (This Delicious Peach ice cream is loaded with peaches and would make a Southerner Or treat yourself to their brand-new Holy Chip it’s Cherry (White Chocolate ice cream loaded with Maraschino cherries, liquid milk chocolate chips & a cherry swirl.)
Whether you're stopping by after a day at the beach, after your teams game, or just looking for an excuse to indulge, Abel’s is still the go-to destination for cool treats and warm smiles. Proudly serving JOY in every scoop since 2011, stop by and celebrate the season with them and make Abel’s Ice Cream part of your summer tradition.
Abel's Ice Cream is located at 1886 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota in the South Bridge Plaza. Open Sunday through Thursday from Noon-9:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday from Noon-10 pm. Learn more online at www.abelsicecream.com or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
Experts appearing at the Tiger Bay Club meeting in May, to discuss the future of Midnight Pass. (Photo, Jane Bartnett)
As hurricane season starts, Phillippi Creek projects trickle onward
Last year’s hurricane season wreaked havoc on Siesta Key and the SarasotaBradenton community. Nine months later, recovery is ongoing and hard-won, and many residents have ramped up their demands for authorities to better protect them and their property from natural disasters in the future.
Just across Roberts Bay from south Siesta Cove Drive, a stone’s throw from St. Boniface Episcopal Church on Midnight Pass Road, the mouth of Phillippi Creek marks the origin of arguably the most significant ongoing infrastructure initiative in Sarasota. Record rainfall last year caused catastrophic flooding throughout neighborhoods along the creek, including Pinecraft and South Gate. In addition to the physical damage, those flood waters collected and redistributed harmful bacteria and chemicals, a process that happens (albeit to a lesser extent) during almost every rainfall.
As hurricane season begins again, homeowners and residents anxiously wait for stormwater management projects—most notably dredging of the sedimentfilled creek—to move their way through the government
before becoming a reality. In a race against time and Mother Nature, the process has been painfully slow.
At just over 7 miles, stretching back east of I-75, Phillippi Creek and its various tributaries are responsible for draining a whopping 57 square miles of Sarasota County—by far the county’s largest watershed and home to nearly half a million people. Though at one point a natural stream, the creek has been dredged and altered for agricultural and residential projects for more than 100 years. And its contaminated status goes back almost as far.
“It’s been impaired forever,” said Dr. Abbey Tyrna, executive director of the Suncoast Waterkeepers and a resident of South Gate. Historical records note that one of the earliest declarations of the creek as “impaired” was in 1931 due to E. coli, and similar findings have been made throughout its history. Despite large-scale efforts, most notably a septic system replacement program that began in 2001, Phillippi Creek still harbors unhealthy levels of fecal bacteria, occasionally punctuated by spikes of harmful algae blooms caused by nitrogen runoff.
By Hannah Wallace
“The creek is not safe,” said Tyrna. Due to the creek’s current physical condition, a lot of that unhealthy water can’t go anywhere. Phillippi Creek was last dredged in 2002. Since then, silt and sediment have steadily accumulated, creating sandbars and shallow spots that have rendered the much of waterway unnavigable, even for kayaks and small boats as well as marine creatures.
Tyrna anecdotally observed that it seems to have gotten worse in the last five years.
“My neighbor’s son had a johnboat that he used to take out, and now he can’t because it’s so silted in,” she said. “In 2020 we had a manatee stuck on the creek. The silt is creating barriers.”
Those barriers are what dredging proponents hope to remedy. A deeper creek would allow more water to drain faster into Roberts Bay instead of overflowing banks and flooding homes.
Practically speaking, dredging Phillippi Creek is straightforward, if cumbersome, according to Spencer Anderson, director of the Sarasota County Public Works Department. “Typically, this will most likely look like an excavator, or backhoe, on a barge that
is scooping sediment out of the waterway and into another barge with a rolloff dumpster on it,” he explained. The sediment would then be taken to an area to dry out before most likely being transferred to a landfill.
Like the water itself, the sediment contains contaminants; in some places, there are hidden “reservoirs” of contaminants in the silt that, once established, actually contributed even more bacteria in the water. Removing them may help improve water quality. But, Tyrna pointed out, there is an “ecological tradeoff” in removing the contaminated sediment. “You’re also removing aquatic life, macroinvertebrates, things that people don’t really appreciate, but they’re also indicators of water quality and creek health. They’re also going to remove a lot of the plants in the creek that residents tend to not to like but are super important to the whole ecological circle of life. They will come back, but when there’s such a disturbance, we don’t know what’s going to come back. It could be invasive species.” Even just disturbing the silt can create “negative impacts” downstream, she added.
“When you dredge it just creates sediment movement. It might migrate south downstream, it could end up smothering oyster beds, smothering seagrass beds.” Those rich habitats are in the higher-salinity waters nearest to eastern Siesta Key, and the negative impacts may spread even farther out. A University of Miami study discovered that dredging projects can create long-distance migration of sediment, smothering coral “a long way away” from the work sites, said Tyrna, who nevertheless acknowledges the necessity of dredging ASAP to mitigate flooding. “It is going to be done on an emergency timeline, so there will be some acute effects [on habitats], but hopefully not in the long-term.”
The bureaucratic path to dredging has been equally murky.
One dredging project, which was approved by the Sarasota County Commission after Hurricane Ian in 2022, is still awaiting permitting from the Army Corps of Engineers. That project will be funded by the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND), a multi-county taxing body, and will target
Continued on page 34
It has been more than a year, but the proposal is still on the table and reinvigorated by possible funding.
Sarasota County is considering purchasing a 49-acre former golf course located in the Gulf Gate Estates area, east of Siesta Key, with the intention of potentially using the property as a source for stormwater storage and passive recreational space, with the added benefit of improved water quality by providing clean runoff into Sarasota Bay.
Purchase of the parcel was included in the plan for Resilient SRQ funding, a program resulting from $210 million awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as part of its Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery Program to assist with recovery and mitigation efforts from 2024 Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. The final draft of the plan was submitted to HUD on April 25. HUD has 45 days to review the plan and provide comments or approval before the program launches and applicants apply for funding. The county anticipates launching the program sometime in 2025.
Since the county started considering purchasing the property in 2022, questions have remained regarding removal of
County Revisits Potential Gulf Gate Golf Course Deal
The property, which could be used for stormwater and park space, was included in the county’s final draft plan for Resilient SRQ funds
high levels of arsenic and other poisons present in the soil from its previous use, and how this contributes to negotiations with the seller.
“Remediation is important and must meet EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards to ensure public safety, first and foremost. So, it could be expensive to treat the arsenic that currently exists there,” said District 4
Commissioner Joe Neunder, the representative for the district in which the property is located, who has advocated for county purchase, on May 16. “However, I don’t know that you’re going to find 50 acres of open space left in Sarasota County that could be used for a multitude of issues like this one and, immensely important for stormwater and flooding in that area.”
In 2016, the former golf course was rezoned to allow 106 singlefamily lots, prompting objections from residents of the Gulf Gate neighborhood adjacent to the property, who formed the Gulf Gate Community Association (GGCA) to advocate against development of the parcel. The group reached out to the county in 2022, pushing a plan for the county to purchase the land for stormwater retention and green space. Concerns had arisen over the level of contaminants in the
By ChrisAnn Allen
soil due to its former use, leading some developers to back away from building there. However, according to a post on the GGCA website by President Forest Balderson, “A professional study by P.E. Engineering and Consulting and RESPEC found that converting 30.5 acres of this land into a water management facility could reduce nitrogen runoff by 400 pounds and phosphorus by 250 pounds annually.”
Following the initial push, residents of the GGCA continued to rally, speaking at public meetings and sending letters to the commission, urging purchase of the property. A sample letter was posted to the GGCA website, as a template for residents to reach out to the county. The letter explains that previous development plans failed due to “known arsenic and asbestos risks” and the property is within a Federal Emergency Management Agency-designated Special Flood Hazard Area, with over 1,500 homes, leading to flooding issues.
“The Gulf Gate residents have been wonderful at advocating for their needs,” Neunder said on May 16. “They are well-versed in the history, and the science, and they see the potential, not only for their immediate area, but what it could be for the entire community.”
In September 2023, county
commissioners unanimously approved a motion by Neunder requesting that staff investigate the feasibility of purchasing the golf course and present options to the board. During an October 2023 commission meeting, County Public Works Director Spencer Anderson updated commissioners and provided them with several options for how to proceed. At that time, the property was still being inspected for contaminants, and the seller was asking for a higher figure than the county appraisals could justify.
The matter lost traction as it appeared the county was lacking a funding source and the owner was considering development. Then, in early 2025, with the property purchase added to the list of possible HUD-funded projects, the county again reached out to the representative of the property owner, who said “there had been various reasons for delay in the development of the property and his belief would be that the property owner would be willing to listen to an offer of ‘fair market value’,’” according to a May 2 memo from Matt Osterhoudt, county director of planning and development services, to Jonathan Lewis, county administrator.
In a follow up May 9 memo from Osterhoudt to Lewis, Osterhoudt
said the property representative responded, stating the likely cost of the property at $13-14 million. “They believe this number is supportable by appraisal and in line with current market value,” Osterhoudt’s memo reads. The next steps for the county require two more appraisals, according to state statute. In conclusion, Osterhoudt writes, “It is also important to take into consideration that any agreed upon purchase price exceeding the average appraised price of the two appraisals would require the board of county commissioners to approve the purchase by an extraordinary vote (at least four votes), also per Florida statute.”
“I think the purchase price is going to be the big thing, but our real estate team will do what they need to do to get an appraisal and try to come up with a fair number that is equitable for both sides, considering necessary remediation,” Neunder said on May 16. “I think it’s a wonderful project if we could just get to the right price. There could be some synergy there with our parks and our stormwater departments. Siesta Key has the beach, which is wonderful, but to be able to hop over the bridge and in a relatively short period of time be in a walkable, open space park like that, would be awesome.”
There are hotel pools and then there’s the breathtaking 43,500-gallon Lucas Lagoons’ pool that guests at the Tropical Beach Resort, just off Midnight Pass on Siesta Key, are enjoying. The exquisite aquatic space was designed by the award-winning pool design and landscaping firm, Lucas Lagoons.
If the name Lucas Lagoons sounds familiar, it may because of the company’s numerous appearances on HGTV, the Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel. Several years ago, explained Bill Jones, general manager of the Tropical Beach Resort, the hotel owners made the decision to elevate the hotel’s pool experience for their guests. With deep roots in the Siesta Key and Sarasota area, the hotel ownership group, whose other local entities include Calusa Brewing, Inn at the Beach, in Venice, and General Propeller, in Bradenton, turned to Lucas Congdon and his Nokomis based team at Lucas Lagoons. The result is nothing short of a showstopper.
Although the 23-year-old
Tropical Beach Resort’s TV Ready Makeover
By Jane Bartnett
firm has designed and built hundreds of luxurious pools on Siesta Key, in the Sarasota region, throughout Florida and around the nation, this was their first time working with a commercial property.
As planning began, Congdon arranged for the hotel team to visit with several Siesta Key homeowners who were Lucas Lagoons’ clients to see the company’s work firsthand.
“We visited local homeowners to take a look at how their projects turned out and we walked away feeling confident that they would be able to turn our vision into reality,” said Jones.
Designing and building the pool took several years to complete. “It was three years in the making, once the decision to update the existing pool was made,” Jones stated.
Along with the extensive redesign and reimagining of the pool and its surrounding recreational area, bathrooms were also refurbished and updated. The roadways and landscaping also underwent an extensive upgraded.
Surrounded by lush tropical
plantings, the signature Lucas Lagoons natural stone, astroturf and water features that are reminiscent of a luxurious Caribbean resort, guests can enjoy not only the pool but three tiki huts, an outdoor grill and a portable screen for kid-friendly movie nights.
There is poolside seating for 66 people. Steps away, a quiet area for lounging and relaxing is surrounded by large plantings. The rest of the world seems to fade away as the soothing sound of the luxurious pool’s waterfall creates a quiet sense of peace.
Last fall, as planning and execution of the new lagoon pool was underway, the hotel also became the site of a major, although unexpected renovation effort.
“After flooding from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the entire property underwent a complete renovation,” said Jones.
“Thanks to our tremendous staff, we made it through. Everyone pitched in and did an amazing job. Our staff is simply outstanding,” he said. “We’d been planning for the lagoon pool, but the other renovations were a surprise. While certainly not planned, they may have been a blessing in disguise.”
As Jones surveyed the property with its meticulously manicured lawn, well maintained common areas and the luxurious and magnificent new pool, he could only smile. His guests were enjoying the pool and lounging in the comfortable chairs under large umbrellas as palm trees swayed in the light breeze.
A Grand Opening Celebration
To celebrate the dramatic transformation of the resort’s pool area that now rivals grand locations in Hawaii or the Caribbean, a grand camera-ready reveal party took place on Sunday, May 18.
Cameras rolled as the Lucas Lagoons’ TV crew documented the awe and delight of the Tropical Beach Resort team when they opened the gate and saw the finished project.
The grand reveal will be a part of Lucas Lagoons’ upcoming YouTube TV show “Insane Pools, Off the Deep End.” It will air on their YouTube TV channel soon.
The resort is comprised of a collection of boutique hotels found on the property’s four acres with direct access to Crescent Beach. A variety of accommodations including suites, efficiencies, studios and specialty rooms can be found.
“Along with many return
visitors, we also welcome a number of local guests who come for a staycation,” Jones reported. No doubt many more locals will consider a convenient getaway this summer with a chance to enjoy the celebrated new lagoon pool. “We keep the water cool in the summer so that it’s refreshing and it will be heated and comfortably warm in the winter months.”
With magnificent sunsets showcasing the natural rock landscaping and the pool, the Tropical Beach Resort has another benefit: it is a perfect setting for those very “Instagramable” vacation photos.
Bill Jones, general manager of Tropical Beach Resorts, Siesta Key, stands ready to welcome guests to the new pool area. (Photo by Jane Bartnett)
The Tropical Beach resort's new pool designed by the award-winning Lucas Lagoons has drawn rave reviews. (Photo provided by Tropical Beach Resort)
Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay – Still Open
Offering waterfront views, great drinks, and great food
By Jane Bartnett
News alert: Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay, the popular Midnight Pass waterfront restaurant, is open and welcoming guests for lunch and dinner as they have for the past 39 years. It’s business as usual reports Turtles’ owner Sean Flanigan who commented on recent news reports that their neighbor, the Turtle Beach Grill, was closing at the end of May, and the confusion that ensued about the two similarly named eateries.
“We are open and celebrating 39 years in business,” said Flanigan. “We’re excited about our future and we’re also adding great new cuts of beef and new seafood offerings.”
“Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay is such a unique property. We are one of very few waterfront restaurants in this whole area. I want people to understand that we are not closing. We are a legacy business, a heritage restaurant started by six local Siesta Key residents. We have a lot of new things coming up,” Flanigan stated. He and long-time restaurant manager Alex Ortega are both looking forward to a busy summer.
The re-opening of Turtle Beach and Midnight Pass brought people back to the south end of Siesta Key, Ortega said. Turtles was spared from water damage following last year’s hurricanes and now, he says, it’s time to look ahead. “Our 40th anniversary is next year and we’re planning to celebrate.”
Turtles Happy Hour Is Back
“We’re bringing Turtles Happy Hour back, starting June 1,” said Ortega with a smile.
Monday through Thursday, from 3-5 p.m., Turtles Happy Hour will feature draft beers for $1 off their regular price; $6 single mixed drinks, and $7 margaritas. Appetizers, Ortega reported, will be sold separately at the bar. However, happy hour drink prices will be available at the bar and for
those enjoying a seated late lunch or early dinner.
Enjoying a drink at Turtles while looking out on the bay, happy hour or not, is one of the pleasures of visiting the quiet side of south Siesta Key. “Since Midnight Pass opened, we’ve had dolphins and manatees in these waters,” said Ortega. In addition to their extensive drink menu, Turtles cocktail menu also includes non-alcoholic pina coladas, strawberry daiquiris and mango daiquiris.
The restaurant may be known for their seafood and fish, but
Ortega wants diners to know that the menu also features choice meats such as filet mignon, prime rib and New York strip steak. “Filet is always on the menu,” he said. “We offer our prime rib and New York strip steaks as specials.”
Turtles’ enticing weekly specials are well priced and offer dishes that are sure to please a variety of tastes. Breads are baked locally, and Turtles’ desserts are made in-house. Salads include the garden, Caesar, wedge and kale salads. New England clam chowder and lobster bisque are the two soup options. Weekly specials, featured in May included: a loaded New York Strip steak topped with grilled shrimp in a cheese sauce, $30: an 8 ounce filet of sesame crusted ahi tuna served with wasabi and soy sauce, $26, stuffed founder with crab meat and drizzled with Turtles’ own
Key Lime Burre Blanc Sauce, $27 and a Maine lobster roll served cold on a buttered New England roll for $34. Lobster raviolis, stuffed with Turtles’ house-made lobster bisque and two sides was the highest priced entree among the specials at $40. Appetizers featured lobster raviolis, $16, lump crab cake, $14, ahi tuna, $13 and avocado fries, $12.
Entrees that are always on the menu include delightful seafood dishes such as stuffed shrimp, grouper, scallops and salmon and lobster tails. A variety of fried seafood platters are also available and range from $21 for large Gulf shrimp to $29 for a combination plate of shrimp, mahi mahi and scallops. The orange pecan chicken with orange pecan butter, priced at $17, is a nod to the sunshine state, and meat lovers will enjoy Turtles full rack of tender smoked Bar-B-cue ribs, $26, as well as the six-ounce filet mignon with onion straws at $25.
Pasta lovers are not forgotten. The tempting pastas include pasta primavera, $17, salmon pasta, $23, and shrimp and crab scampi, $25. For a spicy delight, try Turtles’
Jambalaya, $24, or the chicken & shrimp curry, $22.
Turtles’ grouper sandwich is a bestseller and there’s a reason why. It is delicious. A vegan burger is also on the menu, as is the salmon BLT, chicken sandwich and an Angus beef cheeseburger. All are well priced.
Time for dessert? Turtles own, house-made Turtle Pie, made of Oreo crusted praline ice cream pie, covered with caramel, chocolate, whipped cream and roasted almonds is a delight. Also crafted in Turtles’ own kitchen is their traditional and tempting Key Lime pie. Or try the vanilla ice cream bar.
The family friendly Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay is open daily, 365 days a year, for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. A children’s menu, as well as vegan and gluten free options, are available. A private room seats up to 40 people. Come by car, boat, trolley or by foot and enjoy this waterfront dining delight at 8875 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key. Call 941-346-2207. Visit on Facebook, Instagram and at Turtlesrestaurant.com.
Alex Ortega, Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay manager welcomes guests. (Jane Bartnett photo)
Turtles offers one of the area’s few true waterfront dining experiences. (Photo provided)
A delectable shrimp dish at Turtles. (Photo provided)
Key Casuals
4-29 Burglary
Complainant stated that she and her daughter left their condo around 9:30 a.m. and returned around 3:30 p.m.
Shortly after arriving at the condo, they noticed some money missing from their rooms. Approximately $200 was missing from one room and approximately $100 was missing from a second room. Nothing else in the condo appeared to be disturbed or taken. Complainant advised that prior to deputy’s arrival an unknown male attempted to enter her unit by trying to open the door, and when confronted the male stated it was the wrong unit and left. Video footage is being requested from the condo complex.
4-23 License Plate Theft
Complainant indicated that his trailer license tag was stolen. He remembered seeing it the prior day around 9:30 a.m. when he took his family to Turtle Beach. Complainant’s
parents were in the truck towing the trailer and didn’t notice anything unusual. The tag was entered as stolen.
4-17 Fraud
Complainant reported that she received a call from
someone purporting to be from her bank advising her of fraud on her account. She stated that she was advised that her account was hacked. She stated that she went the next day to the bank and was advised that no employee of the bank had contacted her with respect to her account. She stated that the unknown subject charged $700 on her bank credit card and paid approximately $800 in bills from her bank checking account.
4-15 Residential Theft Deputy was dispatched to a residential address where complainant indicated that a safe was missing or stolen. The safe was not bolted to the floor and was kept in a closet. Complainant recalled that the last time she had opened the safe was on 4-3-25 when she placed a bracelet inside of it.
4-15 Battery
Complainant reported that she was in a bar on Siesta Key and had just returned from the restroom when an unknown female came up to her, shoved her, threw a drink in her face and threw candles from a table at her. Complainant indicated that other patrons of the establishment stepped in and separated the suspect from her. The suspect finally left without further incident. Complainant believes that the suspect may
On June 1, the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane season begins. June 1 marks the first day of the five-month season that continues through November 30. The peak months of the hurricane season are August, September and October.
On April 3, Colorado State University, one of the first leading organizations to release annual hurricane season forecasts, announced their 2025 seasonal hurricane forecast and predicted an above-average Atlantic hurricane season.
CSU researchers anticipate 17 named storms and nine hurricanes. Four storms are expected to reach major hurricane strength (Category 3, 4 or 5) with sustained winds of 111 miles per hour or greater. Researchers caution that these predictions are early, and considerable changes can occur in the atmosphere and ocean waters ocean between April and the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season.
Updates will be issued on June 11, July 9 and Aug. 6. NOAA announced their first forecast (after press time) on May 22.
Along the Gulf coast, CSU predicted a 33% probability of a major hurricane making landfall in the area ranging from the Florida panhandle westward to Brownsville, Texas. The average from 1880-2020 is 27%.
Sarasota County Urges
Residents to Prepare
In early May, Sarasota County held a free hurricane preparedness
Hurricane Season Has Begun, Time to Prepare
meeting at the Riverview High School auditorium.
A series of speakers that included federal officials from the National Weather Service, Florida Division of Emergency Management as well as Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief, Sandra Tapfumaneyi, and Sarasota County Emergency Services Director Richard Collins, addressed the audience.
“The greatest tool to assess your personal risk is to determine wind threat, storm surge, flooding and rain threat and the threat of tornadoes,” said Jennifer Hubbard, of the National Weather Service. “Storm surge,” she stated, “does not depend on the category of the storm.”
“Last year, our community was impacted by storm surge in a tremendous way,” said the county’s Chief of Emergency Management. She urged everyone to prepare now. “Get a plan, build a kit and stay informed. Evacuation levels,” she cautioned, “are not the same as flood zones.” Residents, she stated, can determine what zone they are in by typing in their street address at scgov.net/beprepared County issued alerts are posted at alertsarasota.com.
Kevin Guthrie, executive director of the Florida division of emergency management agency, urged residents to “keep the gas level in your car to at least halfway full. Halfway is the new empty,” he said. Early planning was the theme of the evening.
By Jane Bartnett
Here are tips from experts on how to use these early days of the season to prepare and ensure that you and your family, as well as your pets and property, stay safe.
For you, your family and pets:
• Determine your evacuation zone at scgov.net/beprepared
• Sarasota County evacuation levels range from A to E. Siesta Key is in zone A. Gulf Gate is in zone B.
• If you are in a likely evacuation area, create a route, decide on meeting places and know what to do if your residence loses power. It is not always necessary to travel far away to move to a safer location.
• If you are not in an evacuation zone, decide if your home is safe and if you want to seek shelter at a hotel or with friends.
• Plan an evacuation route and select a safe nearby location on higher ground. It is not always wise or necessary to travel long distances.
• Identify nearby shelters. Remember - shelters should be a last resort, if you must leave and cannot stay with family, friends or at a hotel.
• All Sarasota evacuation shelters accept dogs, cats, birds, rodents and turtles. Service animals are allowed at all evacuation centers. If you must go to a shelter, do not leave your pets behind.
• Plan for your pets and include them in your evacuation plans. Have pet IDs and pack pet supplies. Take photos of your pets in case you are separated from them.
• Create a communication plan for
family and friends. Know your emergency contacts.
• Build an emergency kit with a ”go-bag” that contains water, food for people and pets, a whistle, flashlights, batteries and a batterypowered or hand-crank radio.
• Pack a first-aid kit and have medications for at least 3 days.
For your home:
• Use hurricane shutters or plywood to protect windows.
• Check your roof for damage. Repair it now.
• Trim trees and shrubs.
• Stow outdoor furniture and other outdoor items.
• Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water buildup.
• Secure any fuel tank and outdoor barbecue grills.
Stay Informed:
• Sign up for Sarasota County and national weather alerts and warnings.
• Monitor local news. In Sarasota, the ABC 7 First weather alert app provides up to date local news and weather.
• Know the difference between hurricane watches and warnings. Know what to do for each instance.
To obtain a free copy of the Sarasota County Emergency Preparedness Guide, filled with useful information, websites and contact information, visit online at scgov.net/beprepared or call 311.
Sarasota County emergency management chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi addressed hundreds of residents who attended the county’s Hurricane Preparedness Community Conversation. (Sarasota County photo.)
Kale Salad … $22 SANDWICHES
Grouper Sandwich … $22
BLT … $21 Mahi Mahi Sandwich … $21 Chicken Sandwich … $15 Cheeseburger … $15
Burger … $13
Shrimp …
Orange Pecan Chicken … $17 Filet Mignon … $25
Filet Mignon & Stuffed Shrimp … $36
Filet Mignon & Maine Lobster Tail $50
Stuffed Shrimp & Maine Lobster Tail $42
Maine Lobster Tails … $55
Shrimp … $23
Gulf Shrimp … $21
& Chips … $20
Combo … $29
PASTA & BOWLS
Shrimp & Crab Scampi … $25
Salmon Pasta … $23
Chicken & Shrimp Curry … $22
Sweet ‘n Spicy Chicken & Shrimp $22
Jambalaya … $24
Pasta Primavera … $17
DESSERTS
Turtle Pie … $10 Key Lime Pie … $10
Sample Platter … $13 Ice Cream Bar … $7 *Prices subject to change
News Briefs
Siesta Beach Among the World’s Top 50 Beaches
Siesta Beach ranked among the World’s 50 Best Beaches. The list, Forbes Magazine reported, was “determined by votes from more than 1,000 travel industry professionals and influencers who know the world’s coastlines best.” Siesta Beach, ranked #42, was the only American beach chosen.
Two Italian beaches took the #1 and #50 positions. Other well-known beaches included Bermuda’s Horseshoe Beach (26), Grace Bay in the Turks & Caicos (10) and Turquoise Bay in Australia (11). See the full list at: https://worlds50beaches. com/
Kid’s Summer Beach Runs
Sarasota County’s annual free Kids’ Summer Beach Runs, presented by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and New Balance of Sarasota, returns to Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key. Runs are scheduled for Tuesday evenings from June 3July 29 at 5:30 p.m. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. near the playground at Siesta Beach
The County’s Kids’ Summer Beach Runs are also scheduled for North Brohard Park, 1400 S. Harbor Drive, Venice, near the Venice Fishing Pier on Wednesdays, June 4 through July 30, at 5:30 p.m.
Participating kids receive a finisher ribbon. Those who complete four runs receive a free T-shirt, a free kid’s meal coupon for Gecko’s Grill & Pub, and a 50% off coupon for kid’s New Balance shoes.
Kids who take part in the summer beach runs may complete four runs at either Siesta Beach or North Brohard Park. They may also mix and combine their runs between the two locations.
Additional sponsors include the Florida Department of Health-Sarasota, Friends of Sarasota County Parks, Gecko’s Grill & Pub, Manasota Track Club, Sharky’s on the Pier and Siesta Beach Eats. For weather updates and to learn more visit SarasotaCountyParks. com or call 311.
Sunday, June 8, World Oceans Day
Meet at the Sea Turtle Pavilion, Siesta Beach at 948 Beach Road, at 8 a.m. and join in a trash removal effort to keep Siesta Beach beautiful and clean. Stay for a 9 a.m. presentation. No registration required.
Siesta Key Farmer’s Market, Siesta Village
Visit the Siesta Key Farmer’s Market on Sunday mornings and early afternoon, from 9- 2 p.m. in Siesta Village, at 5211 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, in the Beach Bazaar parking lot. Discover fresh produce, local vendors and gift items. To learn more, check out the Siesta Key Farmers Market on Facebook.
Free Yoga on Siesta Beach
Free beach yoga classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. Yoga instructor Lynn Hagen, Siesta Key Beach Yoga Tranquility by the Sea, runs the class. Donations are welcome. Meet on Siesta Beach between the green and red lifeguard chairs. See more at: siestakeyyoga.net.
It’s Beach Volleyball Time on Siesta Beach
Get ready for an exciting weekend of top-tier beach volleyball on Siesta Beach. On Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22, the Sunshine State Outdoor Volleyball Association will present the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) Next Beach Volleyball Tournament!
This event brings together rising stars and seasoned athletes competing for $9,000 in cash prizes and AVP points. It all takes place on Siesta Beach, recently named one of the 50 best beaches in the world. In other words, players will be displaying their volleyball skills on some of the most excellent sand in the world!
Don’t miss this fun-filled weekend. Watch great volleyball and enjoy some great live music. To learn more and to check on times and schedules, visit SSOVA.com.
Culver’s of Sarasota
Sarasota,
Culver’s of Sarasota
Culver’s of Sarasota 2605 University Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34243
Premier Sotheby’s powerhouse Judie Berger, the #1 realtor on Siesta Key. She delivers an exclusive Q1 2025 market update and what’s next for real estate on the Key.
EPISODE 14
Scott Gerber, former yacht builder in Sarasota, now the Tube Dude, creating beautiful hand-crafted metal crafted art for businesses, homes, and public spaces shares his story. Also, Raul Jimenez, founder of Siesta Key Music Scene Facebook page and musician J Santi talk about the Siesta Key vibrant music scene.
EPISODE 13
Mike Granthon, partner at Above the Bar Hospitality Group and a board member of the Siesta Key Association. Granthon discusses a range of topics, including his passion project—the rebeautification of Siesta Key.
Qinspired you to get involved civically?
Several things. My initial interest in civic engagement started in college. I studied at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University and took courses in state and local budgeting, urban policy, and planning. While that may not sound thrilling to everyone, what
HOW TO WATCH & LISTEN: In-person at the Sniki Tiki, online at Siestasand.us, our dedicated Siesta Sand Live YouTube channel, our dedicated Siesta Sand Live Facebook page, and listen on Apple Podcasts.
hurricanes only made it more apparent that Siesta Key was in need of significant capital improvements. A group of us — from local organizations, businesses, property owners, and concerned citizens — came together with a shared vision: to restore, refresh, revitalize, and rebrand Siesta Key. We decided
Talking with residents, building relationships with business owners, and working to help Siesta Key recover post-hurricane has enriched my understanding of the community in a way that directly shapes my work on the podcast.
QPodcasts are increasingly popular. What do you enjoy
Neighbors say hello on the street.
And when someone needs help, the community steps up.
I’ve enjoyed every podcast I’ve hosted. From county commissioners and business owners to civic leaders and everyday residents, people have been eager to share their stories. The more people I meet and
scheduled four guests. But on the day of the first taping, my co-host — who had been displaced by Hurricane Helene — couldn’t make it. In just a few hours, the show became a one-woman operation. It was unexpected, but it turned out to be a great adventure.
Siesta Sand Live host Natalie Gutwein.
Siesta Sand Live host Natalie Gutwein
Looking for a good casual fish house in Sarasota, we discovered Fresh Catch Fish Market & Grill, tucked away in a strip mall on 41. What a wonderful find. There were four of us for dinner, and we made a reservation-thankfully so, as by 6 PM on a weekday, all the dining tables were full. This place is clearly popular, and for good reason. Here are three highlights:
1. Fresh, Well-Seasoned Fish
I ordered the grilled grouper sandwich on a brioche bun, and it was delicious; perfectly cooked, properly seasoned, and a generous portion. For my side, I had coleslaw, which was fresh and light, not overpowered by too much mayonnaise.
2. Relaxed, Comfortable Atmosphere
The restaurant has a casual coastal vibe. It's a neighborhood spot that feels welcoming and unpretentious, perfect for hanging out over a good meal and a cold beer. Wear your shorts and flip-flops if you want. They have outdoor patio seating, too.
3. Attentive, Efficient Service
Our server was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, explaining the menu without being pushy. Everyone in our group got exactly what they wanted, and all the dishes were served just as ordered. In addition to my grouper sandwich, two of us had the red snapper plate, and the other had mahi-mahi plate. Everyone raved about their meals.
If you're looking for fresh fish in a casual setting, give this place a try. You won't be disappointed. Salute!
Les George of Tupelo, MI, puts the final touches on the sandcastle that he and his friends created that includes a long staircase over the mote.
SSandcastles on
By Jane
andcastles. Beyonce sings about them; books have been written about them. Who doesn’t love the idea of sitting on a sandy beach and creating their own masterpiece? There’s something whimsical and magical about castles made of sand.
No wonder that on a pleasant late May afternoon, some 50 people of all ages came to Siesta Beach to learn the fine art of sandcastle building from one of the greats, Andy Daily. Daily is an award-winning Sarasota artist, sand sculptor and expert instructor whose talent and expertise also recently landed him on the Travel Channel’s “Best in Sand” show. Daily and Brian Wigglesworth, who have backgrounds in commercial design and illustration, operate their Sarasota-based company, The Sandventure Crew. Brian is a master sand sculptor. Together they create sand sculptures for private and corporate events, festivals and fairs. They also offer private and group lessons in the fine art of sand sculpting.
Daily has been the sand manager of the Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival for seven years. He’s looking ahead to this year’s 2025 Crystal Classic that will be held on Siesta Beach, November 14-17.
The two-hour, mid-May, free sandcastle class was a gift to the
community from the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.
As Daily began the two-hour session, he spoke to the group and offered his design tips for creating a memorable sandcastle from the white crystal sands of Siesta Beach. “Sandcastles don’t last forever,” he said. “But you’ll have great memories of this day.”
“Water is key. And the wetter the better. It’s important to learn how to properly mix the sand and water,” he said. Walking among the groups as they began their projects in his sandy Siesta Beach “classroom,” he checked on their progress.
With buckets of water at hand, the families and groups of friends got to work. Different architectural styles emerged as the time slipped by. There wasn’t a sand artist at work who wasn’t having a great time. Parents and children worked side by side and groups of friends worked together offering tips and suggestions to each other.
As Daily walked among the sandcastles that were in various stages of development and completion, he offered tips and guidance.
Stopping to talk to a young family of five, Daily explained that “the sand on Siesta Beach doesn’t hold water. The sand runs through it.” As the three young girls ran to fill their buckets with water, their father
Sand castle artist and instructor Andy Daily gives a young sandcastle designer a hand during his Siesta Beach sandcastle class.
on Siesta Beach
Bartnett
told Daily, “We’re here on vacation from Argentina and we’ll be going home to autumn weather. Sadly, no sandcastle building for us for many months to come!”
Lara Daily, a noted sand sculptor herself, was also on hand to offer lessons on the unique art form. As she assisted a family from Port Charlotte, she offered tips on how the family could create their own memorable sandcastle. They plan to come back to Siesta this fall for the Crystal Classic.
When Andy Daily saw a large complex castle rising from the sand, he knelt and observed the detailed structure that a group of friends from Tupelo, Mississippi, were constructing. “Our castle is an example of asymmetrical architecture,” said Les George with a grin, as he stood before the creation as his wife Bianca and friends looked on.
“What do you think of our mote?” Bianca George asked Daily who offered advice on how to create the perfect mote “Excellent. We have to keep the enemies and the alligators away,” said Daily. “But we do need a drawbridge to cross the mote,” he said. With Daily’s guidance, Bianca poured a mound of wet sand against the castle. “Don’t we need stairs too?” Bianca asked. The drawbridge plan was abandoned as a set of stairs took
shape instead.
With a painter’s palate, Daily deftly drew a sharp line into the mound of sand and cut out a wedge. “Now we have stairs” he told the couple as he handed Les the tool. “Now you try it.” Within minutes, Les had successfully created a staircase.
Standing back to admire their handiwork, the group took pictures. “I’ve never made a sandcastle before,” said Les with pride. “We don’t have sandcastles in Tupelo!”
As the class ended, Daily surveyed his students’ work with great satisfaction, accepting thanks. Next up on Daily’s summer schedule are more sandcastle lessons on beaches up and down the East Coast as well as a stop in Colorado for a community sand event called Sand in the City.
He’s already begun planning for the November 2025 Crystal Classic. Speaking of the 24 sand sculptors who will create the stunning designs that will grace Siesta Beach, he advised, “I’ve started lining up the international sand sculpting artists,” he said. “We conduct worldwide outreach to artists everywhere.”
Looking at the row of majestic sandcastles that stood in the sand, Daily smiled. It was a good day at Siesta Beach.
A young sand artist created a turtle and her eggs during Andy Daily’s Sandcastle Class on Siesta Beach.
Sand artist Lara Daily offered tips to young castle designers.
A family from Argentina designed a majestic castle together.
June may well be the tastiest month of all here in Siesta Key and Gulf Gate. For the first 20 days of the month, from Sunday, June 1, through Friday, June 20, two Siesta Key and three Gulf Gate restaurants (as of mid-May, more may be joining) are participating in the annual Savor Sarasota dining event. The countywide dining celebration is sponsored by Visit Sarasota, the official provider of visitor information for Sarasota County. Hunter Carpenter of Visit Sarasota recommends checking back often to discover additional restaurants that may have joined the promotion.
During these first 20
20 Delicious Days in June
days of June, Visit Sarasota officials expect more than 50 area dining establishments to join in this year’s 20th anniversary event. “We thought that making this year’s Savor Sarasota a 20-day event was a perfect way to mark 20 years,” said
By Jane Bartnett
Carpenter. He was speaking of the popular campaign that spotlights area restaurants ranging from well-known casual dining spots to fine cuisine establishments.
“Whether you seek an upscale steakhouse, trendy pizzeria, casual cafe or a waterfront bistro, there’s no shortage of cuisine styles and eateries to choose from,” Savor Sarasota reports on their webpage. Carpenter called the extended program “a great way to discover new dining spots,” noting that diners have close to three weeks to take part in the special anniversary offseason promotion.
This year’s Savor Sarasota lunch menus are priced
at $25 per person. Savor Sarasota dinner menus are $45 per person.
Two Siesta Key restaurants are joining in this year’s Savor Sarasota. They are:
• Cafe Gabbiano, 5104 Ocean Boulevardcafegabbiano.com
• Flavio’s Brick Oven & Bar - Siesta Key, 5239 Ocean Boulevardflaviosbrickovenandbar. com
Gulf Gate visitors and residents may also enjoy discovering Savor Sarasota menus at these three participating restaurants:
• Grillsmith Sarasota, 6240 South Tamiami Trailgrillsmith.com
• Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill, 6444 Gateway Avenue - kolucan.com
• Mattison’s Forty-One, 7275 South Tamiami Trail, mattisons.com/ forty-one
Another new addition to this year’s event is a new free digital pass called the Savor Sarasota Flavor Trail. Register for the pass online by visiting: visitsarasota. com/savor-sarasota-flavortrail.
Participating Savor Sarasota restaurant menus are featured, and diners may also check in at each restaurant that they visit during the June 1 - June 20 period. Once checked in,
Come experience Bay Village’s stunning and expansive renovation, where every detail was crafted to enhance the experience and beauty of this vibrant and caring community.
Please call us at 941.966.5611 to schedule a tour and learn more. Scan the QR Code to visit our website.
each participant will be automatically registered for a special 20th anniversary Savor Sarasota contest. Visit Sarasota will notify the top three pass participants who check in at the most unique Savor Sarasota restaurants during the 20 days of the program. The three winners will receive:
• 1st Prize: Three $50 gift cards to local restaurants and one insulated cooler tote bag.
• 2nd Prize: Two $50 gift cards to local restaurants and two wine tumblers
• 3rd Prize: One $50 gift card to a local restaurant
“Savor Sarasota is more than just an annual dining event. It’s a celebration of Sarasota’s diverse culinary landscape, from the barrier islands of Longboat Key and Lido Key to the downtowns of Venice, Sarasota and Englewood— and the talented local chefs who bring it all to life,” proclaims the website.
To see a full list of all restaurants that are joining in this year’s program, see the Visit Sarasota website at: visitsarasota.com/savorsarasota.
Treat yourself to lunch or dinner at one of these Siesta Key and Gulf Gate dining spots. Cheers.
BOURBON DINNERS
a community and contains plans for transportation, capital improvement, economic and coastal development, as well as environmental protections. The unified development code contains the zoning map, outlining density and intensity requirements and is subject to the comp plan. A special exception is required for any changes and only is granted by the county commission is cases where a property owner is deemed “burdened” by the codes.
The applicant is listed as 1620, Inc., and Stickney Storage, LLC, with Joe Medred of Genesis Planning and Development and Charlie Bailey III, a land use attorney with Williams Parker Law Firm, as agents for the May 12 session.
The project, spearheaded by businessman Dr. Gary Kompothecras of the 1-800-ASKGARY accident helpline, was initially approved in 2021, but, due to legal challenges, now requires amendments to move forward. Two lawsuits filed by Siesta Key resident Lourdes Ramirez, community advocate and president of the neighborhood not-for-profit Protect Siesta Key, determined the county commission violated its own policies in previously allowing unlimited density when approving several hotels between the fall of 2021 and the fall of 2022. That 2024 ruling said
no hotel can be taller than 35 feet or have more than 26 rooms per acre (recalculated by the judge to 36) as set forth in 1989. The judges determined amendments must be made to the comp plan to move forward with the hotel applications.
Following the May 12 workshop, the applicant planned to file the amendment by May 15, then feedback is provided to the county as part of the application and, the developer can choose to incorporate the suggestions or make changes to the application based on community response. Subsequently, the application, including information from the neighborhood session, is reviewed by members of 15 county departments, known collectively as the Development Review Coordination (DRC), which provide comments to the applicants before it moves to the planning commission for a formal public hearing. Planning commissioners will vote and make a recommendation to approve/deny to the county commission, which will then hold two hearings and make the final approval or denial.
Community response
Attendee John Doherty, a veteran of 40 years in the transportation industry, said, “There’s no question more people will increase the density and intensity of a property,” adding the part of the comp
plan the applicant is attempting to amend was put in place by the commission in 1989 to maintain the “old Florida charm” of the Key in light of growing congestion. He also pointed out limited beach access in the area of the proposed hotel will “crowd out and infringe on people that live along the beach,” and with public beach parking often full by 10 a.m., spaces for locals will be severely limited. Additionally, Doherty said the size of the parcel could allow more than one hotel to be built. “The density would be horrendous,” he said.
Bailey said Doherty was correct, “the policy would be applicable to other properties along Old Stickney Point Road,” but noted, due to the zoning, another applicant would require a special exception approval. He also said there currently are other allowable uses, such as restaurants or nightclubs, which could equate to just as much, or greater density than a hotel.
Rob Sax, vice president of Protect Siesta Key and board president of Siesta Key’s Marina Del Sol Condominium Association, rhetorically asked Bailey if he is aware the hotel would be built on a two-lane, dead-end street, with about 74 households using the road for egress. “This impacts, obviously, their health, safety and quality of life,” Sax said, adding the intersection with Midnight Pass
Road is already “overwhelmed with traffic,” during peak season and infrastructure is lacking, leading to flooding issues during heavy rains and excessive runoff.
“My point is, there are a number of negatives to people who live in the neighborhood,” Sax said. “My question to you is, how do these neighborhood taxpayers benefit by removal of transient accommodation density limits provided in Policy 2.9.1?”
Bailey said the benefit would be new hotels in commercial districts instead of “hotelhouses” in residential areas. “I know what it used to be like on Siesta Key and the lack of new transient accommodations where they belong – in commercial districts – has done a number on neighborhoods,” he said.
Resident Jann Webster said she attended the annual county hurricane preparedness workshop, in which speaker Jennifer Hubbard of the National Weather Service in Tampa said, from 1960-2016, there was one Category 4 storm every seven years, but from 2017-2024, there was one Category 4 storm each year. “So, the reason for the density and intensity caps that we have has to do with safety, and really, the safety risks have accelerated since your client proposed this same exemption in 2021,” Webster said, and asked Bailey the justification for allowing such a development near a heavily trafficked
intersection when weather patterns have intensified since the project initially was brought forward.
“In regard to hurricane evacuation, this is commercial use, it’s not a condominium that would have a number of homesteaded individuals making this a residence that would have need to evacuate,” Bailey said, adding that vacationers would cancel ahead of a hurricane or leave the key upon its approach.
Maria Shay, Siesta Key Condominium Council board member, addressed infrastructure issues which result in storm runoff and flooding. She said the current wastewater system cannot support the current capacity, let alone during or following a major storm. “Are you aware that many residents on Siesta Key had wastewater in their homes up to their knees? And the reason is because the system could not handle the volume,” Shay said, referencing the 2024 hurricanes. In response, Bailey said infrastructure and utility concerns must be reviewed before the project can proceed.
“Once you open the barn door and the horse is out, it’s kinda hard to get the horse back in the barn,” Shay said. “They go hand in hand with density and intensity.”
Bailey replied, “Noted.”
This Father’s Day, Give Dad the Gift of Deep Relaxation at Spa Experience Siesta Key
He’s been your rock, your cheerleader, your fixer of everything. Isn’t it time Dad got the royal treatment?
This Father’s Day, skip the ties and toolsets and give Dad something he truly deserves: peace, relaxation, and a rejuvenating escape at Spa Experience Siesta Key
Nestled in the heart of one of Florida’s most beautiful coastal communities, Spa Experience Siesta Key offers more than a massage—it’s a sanctuary designed for total wellness and tailored luxury. Whether your dad is the laidback beach type or a busy professional in need of serious stress relief, there’s something here to help him unwind.
Father-Focused Favorites
Our curated Father’s Day Spa Packages are crafted specifically with men in mind, blending therapeutic techniques with holistic wellness.
• Full Body Deep tissue massage with hot stone therapy, scalp massage
• 90 minutes of focused relaxation to soothe sore muscles and melt away tension.
• Gentleman’s Facial with deep tissue head, neck, and shoulder massage
• Designed to revive and refresh while addressing skin concerns unique to men.
• Dad & Me Spa Sessions
• Enjoy a side-by-side experience with Dad ! Custom-tailored to your preferences, choose from facials massages and body scrubs please call for pricing. Can be up to 2 hours
• A bonding experience for fathers and their kids—because wellness is better shared.
Why Dads Love Spa Experience Siesta Key
At Spa Experience Siesta Key, we understand that self-care isn’t just for mom. Our treatments
are designed to be approachable, effective, and genuinely restorative. From calming aromatherapy to skilled massage therapists trained in therapeutic bodywork, Dad will leave feeling recharged in body and spirit.
Make It Memorable
Book ahead and receive a complimentary Father’s Day Gift Bag, featuring spa-quality skincare samples and a personalized card.
Appointments fill fast—reserve Dad’s escape today.
Spa Experience Siesta Key (941) 349-4833
SpaExperienceSiestaKey.com
Open Daily: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Additional hours by appointment)
Prepare for Sarasota’s ‘Fifth Season’
By Makenna Anthos
sunshine and warm weather—but it also means staying vigilant during hurricane season.
From the beginning of June through the end of November, Sarasota faces a heightened risk of hurricanes, particularly due to its extreme wind exposure. This time of year demands serious preparation, as hurricanes can bring catastrophic winds and flooding with little warning.
Homeowners are encouraged to take proactive measures to secure their property and ensure personal safety. This includes clearing gutters of debris, turning off utilities (such as gas, water, and electricity), and securing outdoor items that could become dangerous projectiles in high winds.
Reinforcing the roof with hurricane clips and installing storm shutters or heavy-duty locks on windows and doors are also recommended. Even if you plan to stay home, it’s essential to stock up on non-perishable food, bottled water, battery-powered lights, and other essentials. Avoid using open-flame light sources such as candles or oil lamps, which pose a significant fire risk.
Unfortunately, many Sarasota residents wait until the last minute to prepare, often rushing through tasks or overlooking key steps—like reinforcing windows. This lack of preparation can lead to irreversible damage when powerful winds and flooding strike. Additionally, some residents underestimate the danger and fail to make evacuation plans, putting their lives in jeopardy.
One critical resource is the Sarasota County evacuation map. It’s colorcoded to show the risk level by area and includes locations of nearby evacuation centers. For evacuation information, residents can call 941-861-5000.
For seasonal or absentee homeowners, home watch services provide extra peace of mind. These services monitor properties in the owner’s absence and can be especially helpful during hurricane season.
One such service is Citizen Jack Home Watch Services, a professionally accredited company recognized by the National Home Watch Association.
The Sarasota-based business is owned by Jim Farley, a Miami native who has
lived through multiple hurricanes and owned second homes on Florida’s west coast for decades.
“I understand the anxiety that can arise when problems occur in your home away from home and you’re 500, 1,000 or more miles away,” said Farley.
Citizen Jack Home Watch Services performs regular home inspections to check for signs of trouble, including unlocked doors or windows, water leaks, tripped breakers, pest infestations, and pool issues. After each visit, photos are sent to the homeowner via email, and any issues are addressed promptly.
Unlike traditional alarm systems or neighborhood watches, Citizen Jack offers hands-on service that helps prevent both interior and exterior property damage.
Last hurricane season, Farley recalled two particularly devastating storms—Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Some of his clients suffered major losses and were forced to relocate. However, the majority had little to no damage thanks to proactive maintenance.
As hurricane season approaches, Sarasota residents—especially absentee homeowners—should consider home watch services as part of their preparation plan.
For more information, contact Jim Farley and Citizen Jack Home Watch Services at 941-350-3610 or info@ citizenjackhws.com.
Enjoy life in paradise—but don’t forget to prepare for the storm.
Jim Farley, owner of Sarasota-based Citizen Jack Home Watch Services, a professionally accredited company recognized by the National Home Watch Association. (Photo provided)
The heart is a muscle. It needs a workout like every other muscle. Physical fitness training for the heart, lungs, and blood vessels (the circulatory or cardiovascular system) is commonly referred to as “cardio.” Cardio is short for Cardiorespiratory Training. For most people, cardio means walking or jogging. But there is so much more to heart-healthy endurance training. Your personal cardio workout will be determined by your goals and what you enjoy in the form of exercise. Once upon a time I was required to chase humans, occasionally. Prior to that I was on the track team as a hurdler. You should notice a pattern. I only ran short distances. I still prefer sprinting to running far and slow. However, plenty of people enjoy long distance running, just for the sake of running.
In 490 B.C., a Greek professional courier/runner ran 26 miles to deliver a message of victory over the Persians at the Battle of Marathon. Pheidippides announced the good news and dropped dead. I’m not sure what possesses people to replicate the event that killed the first guy to perform it, but I digress.
Let’s look at cardio from the
Get Fit With George
4 CARDIO: The Heart of The Matter
By George Demetriou
lens of evolution. As hunters, we humans would follow our food by walking and when the prey was exhausted, we would sprint up to it and stick it with sharp things to kill it. We were designed to walk, sprint, and perform powerful movements in short bursts. Then we would have to carry the food back home. This is what our bodies are designed to do whether we are hunting with spears or not. The cardio needed for a pre-historic hunt is the same cardio we need today.
Walking is a great exercise. You can do it almost anywhere and don’t need special equipment. It’s easy to start even if you haven’t exercised since the internet was invented. And it’s even easier to make more challenging as you get better conditioned. Is walking not for you? No problem. You can engage in other steady-state exercise. You can cycle on an actual bike or a stationary bike. You can also use an elliptical trainer. For upper and lower body work you can use an air bike, a rower, or swim. All of these are good choices that require about 40 minutes, 3 days a week. You can begin your sessions at an easy pace and build up to the 40-minute mark. When that becomes
easy, increase the speed or increase the time. You can even incorporate High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).
HIIT is a good way to work strength and power into your cardio routine. HIIT is also good for fat burning and saving you time since the sessions are generally shorter than steady-state training. If you enjoy running, there
are several effective sprint protocols:
• Sprint for 30 seconds, rest for 4 minutes, and repeat 4 times
• Sprint as fast as possible for 20 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, and repeat 8 times
• Sprint as fast as possible for 6 seconds, walk for 54 seconds, and repeat 15-40 times (depending on your
condition)
The idea is to run fast, recover, and gradually increase the intensity over time. These types of workouts should only be done once or twice a week.
HIIT workouts can also be done by combining sprints with calisthenics, sprints with dumbbells, or kettlebells or calisthenics with dumbbells or kettlebells. Same idea. Keep the intensity level high.
If you’d like to do HIIT training but don’t want to sprint, you can substitute running with swimming, rowing, or bike sprints. These are good options for those concerned about their knees, ankles, and feet.
Steady-state work is easier on the body and great for mental clarity. HIIT is usually 10-20 minutes long and is good for those with a busy schedule. Ideally, you’d do both steadystate and HIIT a few times a week. So, start small. Try steady-state for 10 minutes and HIIT for 3 minutes. Your time will naturally increase as your condition improves!
George is the Lead Flexologist at StretchLab South Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. He owned and coached a strength and conditioning gym in New York. He is a retired NYPD detective.
Questions to Ask Your Financial Advisor
You should always be able to ask as many questions as you’d like when working with your financial advisor. So, before you have your annual review, think carefully about what you’d like to ask.
Here are a few suggestions:
• Are my goals still realistic? When you first began working with your financial advisor, you may well have articulated several financial goals. For example, you might have said that you wanted to pay for most of your children’s college education, or that you›d like to retire at age 55, or that you hope to travel internationally every year during retirement. In fact, you could have many different goals for which you’re saving and investing. When you meet with your financial advisor, you’ll certainly want to ask whether you’re still on track toward meeting these goals. If you are, you can continue with the financial strategies you’ve been following; but if you aren’t, you may need to adjust them. The same is true if your goals have changed. You and your financial advisor will want to build a strategy to address any new or different goals such as emergency cash needs, having adequate insurance protection or estate planning.
• Am I taking on too much — or too little — risk? Put market declines in perspective.
The financial markets always fluctuate, and these movements will affect the value of your investment portfolio. Suppose you watch the markets closely every day and track their impact on your investments. You may find yourself fretting over their value and wondering whether you’re taking on too much investment risk for your comfort level. Conversely, if during an extended period of market gains your own portfolio appears to be lagging, you might feel that you should be
investing more aggressively, which entails greater risk. In any case, it’s important to consult with your financial advisor to determine your risk tolerance and use it as a guideline for making investment choices.
• How will changes in my life affect my investment strategy? Your life is not static. Over the years, you may experience any number of major events, such as marriage, remarriage, loss of a spouse, birth of children or grandchildren, changing jobs or illness leading to early
retirement. When you meet with your financial advisor, you will want to discuss these types of changes, because they can affect your long-term goals and your investment decisions.
• How are external forces affecting my investment portfolio? Generally speaking, you will want to create an investment strategy based on your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. And, as mentioned, you may need to adjust your strategy based on changes in your life. But should you also make
changes based on outside forces, such as interest rate movements, political events, inflation, new tax legislation or news affecting industries in which you have invested substantially? Try not to make long-term investment decisions based on short-term news. Yet, talk with your financial advisor to make sure your investment portfolio and spending strategy are not out of alignment with relevant external factors.
By making these and other inquiries, you can help yourself stay informed about your overall investment picture and what moves, if any, you should make to keep advancing toward your goals. A financial advisor is there to provide you with valuable guidance — so take full advantage of it.
Joe St. Onge, ChFC® Financial Advisor, Edward Jones Investments
Broken Plank Rum hearkens back to Siesta’s bootlegging days
Siesta’s Broken Plank Rum channels the history of the Midnite Pass Fishing Camp of the 1940s with both its labels and its head distiller. But the brand’s spirit recalls the adventures of a few decades prior.
Sarasota (then united with Manatee and DeSoto) had been a dry county even before Prohibition took effect in 1920. But in the 1920s, an influx of illegal Cuban rum from rumrunners and homemade moonshine from bootleggers coincided with the area’s land boom, and the liquor resonated with locals.
According to the website Sarasota History Alive, “The ‘noble experiment’ of prohibition proved to not be a success in Sarasota County.”
Nearly 100 years later, Broken Plank head distiller Marty Martel honors this history with his small-batch rum. Martel also channels his days as a child fishing and swimming at the Midnite Pass Fish Camp, which his grandparents owned. His childhood instilled in him a love of all things saltwater; as an adult, he developed a passion for rum as well. Ultimately, that
By Hannah Wallace
led him to learn everything he could about it and eventually try his hand at distilling.
“The coastal area and the water were part of our heritage and upbringing,” said TJ Nutter, another Sarasota native and Martel’s partner in Broken Plank, along with CEO, Rex Raymond. Nutter and Raymond got the idea to invest in Martel’s distilling after trying one of his early rums. Broken Plank was licensed in 2023.
“Marty is the brains and soul behind this,” Nutter added. “I’m a builder by trade and that’s my primary focus.”
As such, the distilling business has been eye-
leadership, they have been committed to high-quality ingredients. “This is a company that was launched by a love of the craft. This is a great, great opportunity for everybody to have a great product.”
Still, “everybody” is currently limited to Sarasota and Manatee counties, while supplies last. The company is committed to its smallbatch recipes, releasing only a limited number of bottles at a time at select local liquor stores, including Siesta Village Liquors, Norman’s Liquors on Clark Road, and Tonique Liquor on the corner of Bee Ridge and McIntosh roads. Curious tipplers can also try the rum at Star Thai and Sushi on Siesta Key and at upcoming tastings, including at Siesta Village Liquor on May 24.
“We’re not trying to compete with the big producers. That way we can maintain quality, drinkability. Our rum is a sipping rum,” Nutter explained. “We don’t want to over-commit and underdeliver. We only want to market what we can produce.”
In the end, even as they’re committed to building slowly, Nutter said the sky’s the limit. After all, Sarasotans have been known to appreciate the joys of well-made spirits.
“We’re targeting people that can appreciate the history of distilling,” said Nutter. “Sarasota and Siesta Key have a big history of distilling and bootlegging some of these same products. They paved the way for the ones that wanted to do it legally.”
Crab Traps and Trade Winds: Navigating the Crustacean Current
By Chelsea Malcolm & Scott Dolan
One crab trap door closes, and another opens—literally and figuratively. As stone crab season winds down, seafood lovers are already pivoting toward the next delicacy: soft shell crabs. The buzz is real, and the timing couldn’t be better. These briefly available, completely edible crabs are showing up on menus and in markets, signaling a new chapter for seafood seasonality.
Soft shell crab season is short and sweet—just like the delicacy itself. These crabs are harvested right after molting, when their shells are still soft enough to eat whole. Lightly fried, tucked into a sandwich, or perched atop a salad, soft shells are a summertime treat that locals are clawing to get their hands on.
Like most gifts of the sea there is a best season to buy your favorite shellfish – and soft-shell crabs are no exception. Typically, the season begins in April when water temperatures rise and trigger the molting process.
Soft shell crabs primarily found along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, and Louisiana are states that soft shells crabs are sourced.
Depending on the region, soft shell crabs will be available thru the summer and into early fall. Case in point - The Big Water Fish Market typically quits preparing them in early July because soft shell crabs don’t travel well with summer heat.
Any fishmonger and their crew should know their crabs – and they should not be shellfish about sharing tips. They’ll walk you through prep (there is a small amount of prep work involved), recipes, and even tell you what’s expected to hit the market next.
Siesta Key is the kind of place where seafood meets soul, and every crustacean comes with a side of conversation.
.If you’re fishing for flavor, look no further than Big Water Fish Market on Siesta Key or Walt’s Fish Market Restaurant on Tamiami Trail.
Crabby but in a Good Way
With stone crab season behind us and soft shells making waves, it’s clear that crab is still king. And while global trade winds (and tariffs) may soon pinch prices on Alaska snow and king crab, there’s plenty of other local flavors to keep things delicious.
So go ahead—crack into something new, get a little shell-shocked (in the best way), and savor the season while it lasts. The tide’s turning, and it tastes like summer.
You drive past it every day. Maybe it’s the local gym with the big windows where you can see people running on treadmills, or perhaps it’s that intimidating fitness center that always seems packed with incredibly fit people. But what if there was a place that felt different? A place where every detail was designed to make you succeed?
Welcome to The KoR—where your transformation begins the moment you walk through the doors.
What if I told you that the person you want to become is waiting for you at The KoR, and they’ve created the perfect environment to help you get there faster than you ever imagined?
The Science of Transformation
Let’s start with what happens in your body within the first few weeks of regular exercise. Your cardiovascular system begins to adapt almost immediately. After just one workout, your heart becomes more efficient at pumping blood. Within two weeks, your muscles start producing more mitochondria—the powerhouses of cells—giving you more energy for daily activities.
But the real magic happens in your brain. Exercise releases endorphins, dopamine, and norepinephrine— nature’s own antidepressants. Studies show that regular exercise is as effective as medication for treating mild to moderate depression. That fog you feel on Monday mornings? That afternoon energy crash? Regular gym sessions can eliminate both.
Breaking the Intimidation Barrier
“Everyone will stare at me.” This is the number one reason people avoid gyms, and at The KoR,
Transform Your Life at The KoR
Where Fitness Meets Recovery and Community
they’ve completely eliminated this concern. Here’s what makes The KoR different: their staff doesn’t just work there—they’re genuinely invested in your success. They act like personal trainers for every single member, offering guidance, encouragement, and expertise without the expensive price tag.
Picture this: You walk in on your first day, and instead of feeling lost or judged, a knowledgeable team member approaches you with a warm smile, ready to show you exactly what to do. They’ll teach you proper form, adjust exercises to your fitness level, and celebrate your progress every step of the way.
The KoR isn’t just a gym—it’s a supportive community where everyone is rooting for your success. The atmosphere is infectious; you’ll find yourself looking forward to each workout because of the energy and encouragement around you.
Beyond the Basic Workout: The KoR
Experience
The KoR isn’t just ahead of the curve—they’re setting an entirely new standard for what a gym can be. After crushing your workout with their expertly designed daily programs, imagine the luxury of stepping into their premium sauna. Feel your muscles relax, your stress melt away, and your recovery accelerate.
Then comes the game-changer: their cold plunge. This isn’t just a trendy wellness feature—it’s a scientifically-backed tool that supercharges your metabolism, reduces inflammation, builds incredible mental toughness, and leaves you feeling absolutely unstoppable. The rush you’ll feel
after emerging from that cold plunge? It’s addictive in the best possible way.
These aren’t just amenities—they’re your secret weapons for faster results, better recovery, and an experience so transformative that you’ll wonder how you ever worked out anywhere else.
The Ripple Effect of Physical Fitness
When you commit to regular exercise, everything else in your life begins to improve. Your sleep quality increases dramatically. You’ll find yourself falling asleep faster and waking up more refreshed. Your confidence grows—not just because you look better, but because you’ve proven to yourself that you can commit to a goal and achieve it. Your productivity at work increases. Physical exercise improves cognitive function, memory, and focus. That project that’s been sitting on your desk? You’ll tackle it with newfound energy and clarity. Your relationships improve too—when you feel good about yourself, you show up differently for the people you care about.
Starting Small, Thinking Big
You don’t need to spend two hours at the gym every day. You don’t need to lift the heaviest weights or run the fastest miles. Start with 30-40 minutes, three times a week—and here’s where The KoR truly shines. Forget about wandering around wondering what to do next. The KoR’s expert team creates dynamic daily workouts that are posted for all members. No more decision fatigue, no more wondering if you’re doing enough—just show up, follow the
professionally designed program, and watch your body transform.
Whether you prefer cardio, strength training, or a mix of both, their daily programs ensure you’re getting exactly what your body needs for optimal results. You can focus entirely on pushing yourself while they handle all the planning and programming.
The goal isn’t perfection; it’s consistency. And with The KoR’s foolproof system, consistency has never been easier or more rewarding.
The Time Investment That Pays Dividends
“I don’t have time” is the excuse we tell ourselves, but let’s do the math. There are 168 hours in a week. Spending 3-4 hours at the gym means you’re investing just 2% of your week on your health. Consider what you’ll gain in return: more energy for work and family, better sleep, improved mood, increased longevity, and reduced healthcare costs.
You’re not spending time at the gym—you’re investing in having more quality time in every other area of your life.
Your Future Self is Counting on You
Six months from now, you’ll either be thankful you started today, or you’ll be kicking yourself for waiting another six months. Your future self—the one with more energy, better sleep, improved confidence, and glowing health—is counting on the decision you make right now.
The gym isn’t just about building muscle or losing weight. It’s about building the mental strength to tackle any challenge life throws at you. It’s
about proving to yourself that you can set a goal and achieve it. It’s about joining a community of people who prioritize their health and wellbeing.
Take the First Step into Your New Life
Don’t wait for motivation to strike—create momentum through action. The KoR is waiting for you right now, ready to provide an experience that will completely change how you think about fitness.
Imagine walking into a space where you’re immediately welcomed, where every workout is planned for you, where recovery is built into the experience, and where success feels inevitable. This isn’t just another gym membership—this is your gateway to becoming the strongest, healthiest, most confident version of yourself.
Visit The KoR today. Experience the energy of their community, feel the rush of their cold plunge, enjoy the deep relaxation of their sauna, and discover what it’s like to have a team of experts invested in your success. Your first workout could happen as soon as this afternoon. Your transformation starts the moment you walk through The KoR’s doors. The only question is: are you ready to see what you’re truly capable of?
Your best life is waiting at The KoR. The only question is: when will you claim it?
The person you want to become is already inside you—The KoR just provides the perfect environment, expert guidance, and cutting-edge recovery tools to bring them out faster than you ever thought possible. Today could be the day everything changes. Will you let it be?
Nestled in the heart of Sarasota, Florida, the Bobby Jones Golf Club stands as a testament to the city’s rich golfing heritage and commitment to preserving green spaces. Established in 1926 and dedicated to the legendary golfer Bobby Jones in 1927, this municipal course has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly a century.
A Storied Past
Designed by renowned golf course architect Donald Ross, the original 18-hole layout was part of Sarasota’s vision to create a premier golfing destination. Over the years, the club expanded to include two 18-hole courses—the American and British Courses—and a 9-hole executive course named after Colonel John Hamilton Gillespie, Sarasota’s first mayor and a pioneer of golf in the United States. The club has hosted numerous notable figures, including Babe Ruth and PGA Champion Paul Azinger, further cementing its place in golfing history.
Siesta Sand Trap
Bobby Jones Golf Club: Sarasota’s Historic Golfing Gem
By Scott Dolan
Modern Revival
In recent years, the Bobby Jones Golf Club underwent significant renovations to restore its former glory and adapt to contemporary standards. The revitalized facility now boasts:
An 18-hole Championship Course, offering a challenging yet accessible experience for golfers of all skill levels.
The John Hamilton Gillespie Course, a 9-hole adjustable par-3 course designed by Richard Mandell, providing a dynamic and inclusive golfing experience.
A state-of-the-art practice facility, including a driving range, short game areas, and a large putting green.
Community and Conservation
Beyond golf, the club serves as a community hub, hosting tournaments, charity events, and social gatherings. In January 2022, the City of Sarasota took a significant step by placing the land under a conservation easement, ensuring its preservation as green space for future generations.
Plan Your Visit
Conveniently located within 15 minutes of Sarasota’s beaches, Lakewood Ranch, and downtown, the Bobby Jones Golf Club offers a blend of historical charm and modern
amenities. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a newcomer to the sport, the club provides a welcoming environment to enjoy the game and the natural beauty of Sarasota.
Rates to play range from
$74-$80 for 18 holes and after 2 p.m. the green fees are $59. The course also offers 9-hole rates. For more information or to book a tee time, visit bobbyjonesgolfclub.com.
The Bobby Jones Golf Club offers a recently renovated 18-hole Championship Course, New Gillespie 9-Hole Adjustable Par 3 Course, and state of the art practice facility. (Photo provided)
The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key
The 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.
LOWEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE
782 BIRDSONG LANE
$415,000
Opportunity knocks in one of the most soughtafter locations on Siesta Key! This prime property offers the perfect chance to create your ideal coastal retreat. Situated just moments from worldfamous Siesta Key Beach, this lot presents a blank
HIGHEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE
3500
BAYOU LOUISE LANE
$7,825,000
Elegantly appointed, this home offers an effortless transition for new owners, allowing immediate enjoyment. Located on the coveted north end of Siesta Key, the home provides unrivaled beach access and sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico and Big Pass. Whether it’s spectacular sunrises, sunsets, or the tranquility of island living, this residence is a true escape. The open-concept living space flows seamlessly, with soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling impact windows framing panoramic, 180-degree views of the sparkling waters. A private elevator transports you between levels, adding both convenience and sophistication. The gourmet/chef’s kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances (Wolf, Miele, etc.). This home’s five spacious en-suite bedrooms, provide luxurious comfort and privacy.
renovation. Currently, the property features a 2-bed, 2-bath home, which has been stripped to the studs following storm damage. Whether you choose to restore and reimagine the existing structure or start fresh with a custom-built masterpiece, this is your chance to bring your vision to life while incorporating modern building codes and coastal design elements.
LOWEST PRICED CONDO
5641 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD, #903
$303,500
Lowest price condo on Siesta Key. Rarely available first-floor 1/1 condo located right across the street from Siesta Key public beach in
Courtesy of Re/Max Alliance
HIGHEST PRICED CONDO
5780 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD, #501B
$1,910,000
This rarely available, turnkey furnished, 3-bedrooms, with 2.5 baths, offers 1919 sq. ft. of luxurious living space. This stunning end unit at the prestigious Gulf & Bay Club boasts expansive windows filling the condo with natural light and providing breathtaking views of the freshwater lakes and fountains. The open kitchen is the heart of the condo featuring Corian countertops, Kitchen
beautiful White Sands Village. Onsite management, heated pool, community boat docks that are available on a first-come basis for a small fee, and a recently renovated clubhouse are only a few perks of owning in White Sands Village. This adorable unit comes turnkey furnished and there’s
nothing to do but move in. There’s also an additional 60 square feet of glass enclosed lanai space perfect for an extra seating area. The hot water heater is 2022 and A/C is a bit older but is serviced annually and works great.
Courtesy of Michael Saunders
Aid appliances, and a walk-in pantry. Both full bathrooms offer dual sinks, and both walk-in closets have built-in organizers offering ample storage. Enjoy serene evenings on the enclosed lanai and year-round comfort with the brand-new AC. Located within the exclusive 24-hour guard gated community of Gulf & Bay Club on Siesta Key, this condo offers access to top-notch amenities spread across 32 acres. Don’t miss the opportunity to make this extraordinary condo your home.
Courtesy of Coldwell Banker
Keeping it Real
By Natalie Gutwein
Your Agent Matters: Why Strategy, Experience & Local Expertise Win on Siesta Key
It’s wild how casually people treat the sale or purchase of their biggest asset— whether buying or selling on Siesta Key. Would you trust a major financial decision to someone just because they were cheap or available? Probably not. But in real estate, that happens far too often.
But think about it: is that how you would choose a surgeon? Would you hand over your health to someone because they were the cheapest? Because they were the first listing in the Yellow Pages (had to throw that in for us old school people)? Absolutely not! You’d do your research, check reviews, ask for referrals, and make sure you were working with the very best. You’d choose someone like your life depended on it.
So why would anyone treat one of their biggest financial moves—buying or selling a dream home or beach property—with anything less than precision?
In today’s market, working with the right agent isn’t just important—it’s essential. Buyer behavior is shifting. Inventory is climbing. And
here on a tropical island like Siesta Key, there are countless hidden variables that only an experienced local expert can help you navigate.
This is not the time to “give someone a shot.” It’s the time to be strategic.
Whether you’re preparing to sell or trying to buy the right home at the right price, success comes down to strategy—preparation, pricing, marketing, negotiation, and deep local knowledge.
I’ve seen properties sit for months because they were overpriced, under-marketed, or simply handled by someone who didn’t know how to position them correctly. On the flip side, well-prepared, smartly listed homes get multiple offers—even in a slower market.
Whether you’re listing your home or writing an offer, real estate is not just about a sign in the yard or browsing photos online. It’s about creating a strategy tailored to your property and your goals. That includes professional photography, compelling marketing, local network exposure, and honest conversations that help you make smart decisions from day one. It’s working with someone
who knows the local players, what’s selling and why, and what buyers are really looking for.
And it’s not just your real estate agent who matters— this philosophy applies to every professional involved in your transaction. Your home inspector, contractor, builder, attorney—each one plays a
critical role in protecting your investment and making the process as smooth as possible.
It’s tempting to go with someone inexpensive or out-oftown, but cutting corners here can cost you far more in the long run.
Always choose local. Choose experienced. Choose qualified. Because every piece of the
puzzle matters—whether you’re buying your first beach home or selling a long-loved property on Siesta Key.
Natalie Gutwein is a buyers agent with the Judie Berger Team at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. Real estate market data via Judie Berger Team and Stellar MLS as of 4/3/2025.
Midnight Pass
Pass Society II, debated a series of ideas and made recommendations on what to do to support Midnight Pass.
On the issue of dredging, Tomasko argued that since the pass now has a tidal connection, it should be maintained. There is, he stated, an ecological value to keeping the pass open. “Sarasota Bay is cleaner than it was 20 years ago,” he said, noting that the county has spent money on improving the water quality. He called it a success story.
“Let the science lead the way,” stated Tomasko. He said that the county has been surveying the pass weekly and there is no sign that it will close. “Passes like this created by hurricanes can last,” he said. Referring to Collier County’s inlet management plan for Clam Pass, he said that he believes that the pass will remain open for years. “It will migrate. The pass has already moved a few hundred feet in the last six months.” Miller agreed that Collier County is a good example and should be considered.
Raising the issue of inland storm surge, Compton reported that county consultants say that dredging is not necessary. He said that the pass has never been dredged and a consultant’s report to the Sarasota County Commission pointed out the need for DEP permitting as well as approval by an administrative law judge. “There will be pushback from the state,” he said. Barrier islands change, he said. “It’s what they do. The pass may not be there 10-20 years from now.”
As the topic changed to water quality, there was consensus. “The water quality should be better than when the pass was closed,” said Tomasko.
“Mother Nature put the pass where it is and we need to maintain it,” said Holderness. “It should stay where it is. We need to make it sustainable. Referring to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s rejection of a 2008 Sarasota County plan to open Midnight Pass, Holderness said, “We need to remember that this is a different culture. It needs to happen.” He said that the permitting process should begin. “We need to get started on a permitting process and it needs to start right now.”
Referring to Clam Pass, Tomasko argued that the pass
Continued from page 1
may not need to be dredged but monitored instead. “Spot dredging,” he said, may be called for. Tomasko again urged officials to learn more about Collier County’s Clam Pass program. Monitoring the pass, he said, is what is needed to maintain water flow. “We need to learn from other locations,” he said.
Possible Funding sources for Midnight Pass
Before last fall’s hurricanes, Holderness reported that $500,000 had been set aside by the Florida state legislature to investigate dredging of Midnight Pass and to determine what impact that would have. “They have $500,000 sitting there waiting for the permitting process,” said Compton. “Let’s get started on the permitting process.”
The county could, said Holderness, spend West Coast Inland Navigation District Board monies, because Midnight Pass had been named a public channel. “We need a permanent, resilient and sustainable solution.” Miller recommended that funds be put toward an inlet management program.
Following the May 1 meeting, the Herald Tribune reported that following their inquiry, a county official stated that “the county is not pursuing permits and has no plans to dredge or otherwise stabilize Midnight Pass.”
Discussing a recent visit to Midnight Pass, Tomasko said, “I was out at Midnight Pass yesterday and it’s a beautiful place and it really doesn’t show a lot of signs that it will close, but the depths range from three feet to 13 feet. Right now, you have a pass that can be used by boats but not every boat. A 13-foot boat? No problem. A 20foot boot boat? No problem. A 31-foot boat? I wouldn’t do it and I have a 31-foot boat, so I’m not going to go through it with a 31foot boat. We used to say make the boat fit the landscape. Now, all of a sudden, we have to make the landscape fit our boats.”
As another hurricane season looms, experts will continue to watch and monitor Midnight Pass.
Phillippi Creek
Continued from page 3
the mouth of Phillippi Creek up to U.S. 41/South Tamiami Trail. Because the WCIND expressly funds projects for public waterways, other parts of the creek did not, at the time, qualify for those funds. After the 2024 hurricane season, Sarasota was eligible for “expedited permitting” from the Army Corps of Engineers for projects directly addressing issues caused by last year’s storms. (The 2022 project, still awaiting a permit, did not
qualify for expedited status as it was linked to a previous storm and to the 20-year lack of dredging.)
The county has developed a two-part dredging plan, according to Anderson. Phase one of that project, which would target about a dozen high spots in the creek, is currently under expedited permit consideration by the Army Corps. (There was no decision as of press time, though Anderson believed that a response was potentially imminent.) Phase two of that project would be a “very thorough dredge from U.S. to Beneva,” he said. “But we’re trying to knock the high spots out [first] to be sure we have as much conveyance as we can.”
INSTANT FUEL DISCOUNTS
To fund both phases, the Sarasota County Commission has requested that a larger portion of Phillippi Creek be designated a public waterway by the WCIND, so that the creek up to the Pinecraft Park would qualify for the district’s funding. (That designation was not yet been adopted by the WCIND as of press time.) On April 25, the county also submitted a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to allocate $75 million of a $201.5 million federal disaster grant for maintenance of major waterways, starting
with Phillippi Creek. (HUD officials have 45 days from submission to respond; they had not as of press time.)
The uptick in Phillippi Creek activity is a positive sign for many residents who suffered flood damage, though grumbles remain that action wasn’t taken sooner.
Still, the current solutions are hardly clear-cut.
“We were first advocating for an ecological lens in this dredging to reduce unintended consequences,” said Suncoast Waterkeepers’ Tyrna. “But after hearing resident after resident talk about flooding issues, it was clear that a faster approach must be made, to be sure that people along the creek are not flooding again.”
She added, “It’s important that we advocate a long-term plan that’s attached to this dredging project. Otherwise, we will just see this sediment build up again, and we’ll be here again in 10 to 20 years.”
Tyrna points out that some of the issues with silt buildup stem from neighborhoods like her own South Gate, where sandy topsoil makes it hard for grass to grow. And without nearby stormwater treatment systems, the sand creates immediate problems.
“When you can’t lock down soil with root systems, it all moves along our streets and canals and into the
creek,” she said. (Likewise, pet waste in that runoff also contributes to the creek’s bacteria levels.)
And sand isn’t the only problem. Anderson adds that flooding events can be exacerbated when stormwater picks up debris from yards and subsequently creates waterway blockages. “We’ve been trying to focus on making sure people are not just preparing their homes and their plans but also their properties,” he explained.
“After the storms, we redo our beautiful landscaping, but all that mulch, lawn chairs, lawn ornaments, things from your workshop in your yard—all that flotsam and jetsam gets washed downstream. Just tighten things up so it doesn’t get picked up.”
As they slowly move into view, dredging projects promise some semblance of relief for many residents of Sarasota County. But in the end, while county officials don’t like to speculate, Anderson admits that even effective flooding mitigation won’t stem the tide entirely—especially in the occurrence of another recordbreaking rainfall.
“It’s Florida, it rains, it’s flat, and there’s floodplains,” he said. “I’ve heard it said, ‘If you live in a place where it rains in Florida, you should have flood insurance.’”
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