Siesta Sand - November 2021

SAVE SIESTA KEY SERVED SOME CURVEBALLS BY TWO LOCAL DELEGATION MEMBERS page

PROPERTIES ON THE BEACH CAN CONTINUE TO POST ‘NO TRESPASS’ SIGNS

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Green light for Hotel Siesta Key

Here we come, great big gulf!

Calle Miramar location approved, precedent set; is Old Stickney Point Road next?

By Phil Colpas It was close.

But in the end, by a vote of 3-2, the Sarasota County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 27 decided to remove the limit on the number of hotel rooms allowed per acre (commissioners Nancy Detert and Christian Ziegler voted against).

With the density issue resolved, developers are now free to proceed with a proposed eight-story, 170-room hotel to be built between Calle Miramar and Beach Road near the Siesta Key Village.

The ruling also bodes well for the developers of other planned projects, such as Gary Kompothecras’ proposal for a seven-story, 120-room hotel on

An artist’s rendering of the eight-story, 170room hotel that will be built between Calle Miramar and Beach Road.

Proposals for three other new hotels are awaiting a decision as well, the next coming Nov. 2. (submitted image) Youngsters Avery (foreground) and Grace take the Gulf of Mexico waters by storm with all the required beach toys. Their family was visiting from North Carolina. (photo by John Morton)

Continued on page 12

So grand to be back in the sand Crystal Classic sculpting festival returns to Siesta Beach, Nov. 12 to 15

By Hannah Wallace The 2021 Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival returns to Siesta Key public beach this month, Nov. 12 to 15. After it was canceled last year due to COVID-19, the annual celebration of Siesta’s sensational sand will once again highlight professional master sand sculptors from around the world. This year’s event is set to draw upwards of 20,000 visitors.

Founded in 2010 by Siesta native and master sand sculptor Brian Wigelsworth, the Crystal Classic quickly became a favorite

on the sand-sculpting circuit. This year, Wigelsworth has relinquished hosting duties in order to enter the competition himself; his business partner and protégé Andy Daily, also a master sculptor, is leading the event in partnership with the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

The professional competition is by invite-only, though the festival also includes a Saturday amateur competition as well as lessons and demonstrations for aspiring sand sculptors.

Continued on page 30

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Stone crabs are back, baby!

Birds in need love this guy, indeed

A sendoff for a local legend

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• Village Map/business listings PAGES 24, 25 • Music Calendar PAGE 33 • Crescent Beach Map/ business listings PAGE 34 • Gulf Gate Shops PAGE 41 • Accommodations Map/ Listings PAGE 47

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Greetings from the Gulf

Word on the beach

Let’s not fight, let’s just vote

By John Morton

H

ere’s the triumphant scene: In wet khaki pants, I’m wading up to Beer Can Island, corn cob in mouth.

Next time, it will be a corn cob pipe.

Promise.

“I have returned!” I declare, all MacArthur-like, albeit a bit garbled, while pulling those annoying yellow stringy things out of my teeth.

Still, what is left of the residents of the northern tip of Longboat Key cower in fear.

No, I didn’t leave behind my shades, flip flops, and cooler again. That’s so 2021!

Now it’s 2023, and since two members of the Sarasota County Legislative Delegation made it clear that becoming our own town may not be easy, we took matters into our own hands.

I am now your self-proclaimed general. Behind me is my trusty captain, obviously named Curt, while Siesta Funship blasts Anna’s sauce from its cannons.

“All hands on the Daiquiri Deck!” is announced by our loyal shipmate.

Good job, Gilligan. Now go walk that Old Salty Dog before there’s an accident.

In the backdrop, as far as the eye can see, are hundreds of fully stocked floating tiki huts and parasailing warriors, fully equipped with water wings.

Save Siesta Key? We saved it all right, taking down everyone in our path. We’re more than a town now.

We’re an empire.

Who bankrolled all of this? A famous wealthy family that loves the SKOB. Yes, our first lieutenant is none other than Oysters Rockefeller. Sorry.

Remember, it was state Rep. Fiona McFarland who suggested we join the city of Sarasota. What did its commissioners do? They asked if their

city could join us!

And with that, our massive, powerful ranks crossed Big Pass. Good thing it was dredged.

And when we landed on Lido Beach, whose residents also wanted to become their own town, the resistance didn’t last long. Hard to fight on that shellfilled sand when all you’re doing is the hopscotch. Serves you right.

An unarmed St. Armands Circle was next to fall. They now call that day St. Armandsgeddon.

By the way, pointing proudly at the Columbian Restaurant is hardly a defense tactic.

And it was then up to Longboat, where a takeover was eminent. Hey, in 1955 someone allowed it to become a town. And we can’t?

(By the way, Longboat, isn’t that name a bit pretentious? And no, we won’t rename you Huge Yacht. You are now North Siesta.

Trust us, it fits. You’ve been napping throughout this takeover.)

Indeed, the battle for Longboat would last mere minutes. It was truly a Crescent Clubbing, as we gained control of its town hall.

“Damn, this is nice!” I said, “and to think we were going to kick out Scooter of the Beach and set up shop in the Magical Green Lifeguard Tower.”

For now, we’ll stop here. But watch it, Anna Maria.

Don’t make us bring out the U.S.S. Foxy Lady. *** All fun aside, members of the Save Siesta Key incorporation team must have been frustrated by the comments they received by two elected officials on the state level who represent parts of the Key. They came at a Sept. 30 meeting, with McFarland and delegation chairman Will Robinson both raising an eyebrow at Save Siesta Key’s motivation. They wondered if zoning disputes with the county are really a good reason.

Well, of course it is. It is THE reason for all of these situations.

Then, Robinson said something very puzzling: “It’s not done every day in the area and, frankly, it’s not done often in the Legislature.”

Huh? For starters, it has been done again and again in the area. Just two counties north of us sits Pinellas, and lined up along the water within 11 miles there are Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Redington Shores, North Redington Beach, and Redington Beach.

All their own town, and some with as few residents as 1,500.

It seems the Belleairs didn’t get along and nor did the Redingtons.

Good thing they weren’t the Remingtons!

A look at some history shows an early 1960s effort was made to combine the Redington communities, and they voted it down.

Hey, folks want their own thing.

That’s nothing new.

As for “not done often in the Legislature,” well, that’s the place IT IS done.

Now, I do understand the need for state involvement. It protects every angry neighborhood against trying to bite off more than it can chew.

Whether right or wrong for Siesta Key, we all know the island is well established with infrastructure, civic groups, and property values that are strong and skyrocketing.

You’d think it would be considered a worthy candidate. Even a no-brainer?

On page 4 of this issue there is a list of incorporations that have taken place since the 1973 Home Rule Powers Act, which ended challenges between city and county powers.

Yes, there have been fewer incorporations in recent years, but that’s likely because the number of those on the hunt for incorporation have

dwindled.

Florida has a whopping 411 municipalities. Siesta Key shouldn’t be one of them? It’s the state’s largest barrier island that’s unincorporated.

Either way, while the Sarasota County Legislative Delegation must indeed cast a vote to move forward, Save Siesta Key is asking it to push the matter ahead and let the island itself decide.

That seems simple enough, fair enough. I can’t help but wonder if the two sceptics felt compelled to say at least something in protest -- as if it’s the duty of an elected official. To the credit of four others on that board, they said nothing. After all, they had a feasibility study and nearly 2,000 petitions in hand. They had what they needed.

And to McFarland’s and state Sen. Joe Gruters’ credit, they likely will hold a town hall meeting here on the Key in December. For the many of you who weren’t around this summer, this will be your first exposure to a public incorporation conversation. Will it be a pep rally? A courtroom drama? A showdown of sorts?

As for the name Save Siesta Key, some might feel it’s a bit dramatic and even wonder from what on earth does our island need to be saved. Isn’t it already a great place?

That slogan was obviously important to the seven-member board, but the words on its new T-shirts may be more on target at this point: “Hear our voice. Let us vote.”

And, having spoken to these people many times, I know that’s all they want.

A local referendum.

None of them is even interested in an elected position if we do indeed become a town.

If the vote is 7,000 to 7 against, I’m certain they can live with that.

What would haunt them, after all this hard work, is never getting the chance.

When you get a culinary craving on Siesta Key, what’s your destination?

And for what?

Morgan Sarasota “It’s the SKOB for oysters.

That’s an easy one.”

Mary Siesta Key “Lobster bisque at the Summer House. Yum!”

Tami Sarasota “Flavio’s for the linguine with clams. It’s fantastic.”

Ron Siesta Key “The lobster Benedict at the SKOB’s Sunday brunch.”

(John Morton is managing editor of Siesta Sand.)

801 Blackburn Point Road, Osprey, Florida

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7 Miles South of Stickney Point Road

John Sarasota “The blackened grouper at Captain Curt’s.

For sure.”

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Siesta Sand

NOVEMBER 2021

Two members of local delegation voice incorporation concerns McFarland suggests that Save Siesta Key explores joining the city of Sarasota

By John Morton It’s well known that members of Save Siesta Key want to see the island secede from Sarasota County and become its own town, but would it consider joining up with the city of Sarasota instead?

That question, posed by state Rep. Fiona McFarland, was among the few words of suggestion, concern, and even potential opposition voiced Sept. 30 after a brief presentation at the Sarasota County Administrative Center where the Save Siesta Key incorporation team pitched its reasons for seeking incorporation to the Sarasota County Legislative Delegation.

“What I’m trying to understand, as the representative of Siesta Key, is on a fundamental level what you feel is broken and how incorporating as a city might fix that,” McFarland asked Save Siesta Key board member Harry Anand after his presentation. “A lot of what I’ve heard today is that you are satisfied with the level of services you are provided by the county. Waste removal, fire and safety, law enforcement.

“Many of your concerns fall to zoning – settling zoning and enforcing zoning. I’m wondering if there are other avenues that can solve your concerns.”

The feedback came at a meeting that was only informational in purpose, as no vote was set to take place as to whether the delegation would promote the idea or not. It’s likely, according to Save Siesta Key members, that a town hall meeting will be held

on the Key in December with McFarland and state Sen. Joe Gruters for follow-up discussions and to gauge local interest prior to a Dec. 12 vote deadline by the delegation.

With that in mind, Save Siesta Key has asked residents to continue to sign petitions of support and contact delegation members with their thoughts.

Other elected officials on hand Sept.

Anand 30 who represent at least part of Sarasota County were state reps Will Robinson Jr., Tommy Gregory, James Buchanan, Michele Rayner, and Gruters.

About 30 to 40 residents of Siesta Key were in attendance -- a group made up mostly of incorporation-team ambassadors and members of local civic groups.

Save Siesta Key hopes it can bring the matter to a local vote this spring, but that can only happen if lawmakers in Tallahassee pass a bill in both houses through a special act, signed by the governor. The Legislature convenes for 60 days beginning Jan. 11, so a delegation vote will likely take place prior to that date.

The bill would have to come from lawmakers who stand behind it. And, with that in mind, having a local state rep or two championing the cause is critical. A presentation to Save Siesta Continued on page 29

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Florida municipal incorporations since Home Rule Powers Act in 1973 • Lake Mary, Seminole County, 1973 • Sanibel, Lee County, 1974 • Noma, Holmes County, 1977 • Jacob City, Jackson County, 1983 • Destin, Okaloosa County, 1984 • Midway, Gadsden County, 1986 • Key Biscayne, MiamiDade County, 1991 • DeBary, Volusia County, 1993 • Aventura, MiamiDade County, 1995 • Deltona, Volusia County, 1995 • Fort Myers Beach, Lee County, 1995 • Wellington, Palm Beach County, 1995 • Pinecrest, MiamiDade County, 1996 • Weston, Broward County, 1996 • Islamorada, Monroe County, 1997 • Marco Island, Collier County, 1997 • Sunny Isles Beach, Miami-Dade County,

1997 • Bonita Springs, Lee County, 1999 • Marathon, Monroe County, 1999 • Palm Coast, Flagler County, 1999 • Miami Lakes, MiamiDade County, 2000 • Southwest Ranches, Broward County, 2000 • Palmetto Bay, MiamiDade County, 2002 • Doral, Miami-Dade County, 2003 • Miami Gardens, Miami-Dade County, 2003 • Cutler Bay, MiamiDade County, 2005 • West Park, Broward County, 2005 • Grant-Valkaria, Brevard County, 2006 • Loxahatchee Groves, Palm Beach County, 2006 • Estero, Lee County, 2014 • Westlake, Palm Beach County, 2016 • Indiantown, Martin County, 2017

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Island Chatter MULTIPLE NEW TV’s

Red-tide warnings returned to Siesta Key on Oct. 8

Siesta Key’s Turtle Beach and Siesta Beach have joined the list of areas where elevated levels of red tide are present, the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota announced Oct. 8.

As a result, signage has been posted to warn the public of the situation.

On Sept. 29, the return of red tide had been discovered at Longboat Key, Bird Key Park/Ringling Causeway, North Lido, Lido Casino, South Lido, Nokomis Beach, North Jetty, Venice Beach, Service Club, Venice Fishing Pier, Brodhard Park, Caspersen, Manasota Key, and Blind Pass.

Earlier, on July 13, Siesta Key was among 16 county beaches designated with red tide conditions and was finally first dropped from warning status on Sept. 9.

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Many county beaches, parks now close at 10 p.m.

Starting Oct. 1, park hours for many Sarasota County-owned public beaches and parks were changed to a 10 p.m. closing time.

Previously, it was midnight.

Opening time remains 6 a.m.

The parks on and near Siesta Key that are impacted are Siesta Beach; public beach accesses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 12; Givens Street beach access; Turtle Beach; and Phillippi Estate Park.

According to the county, these changes are being implemented to improve the safety of park visitors, for maintenance considerations, and to reduce impacts on natural and cultural resources.

Continued on page 22

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Community Spotlight Fire Chief Michael Regnier

Enjoying the arrival of lucky No. 13

Q A

Please share a bit about your career path that took you to your position as Sarasota County’s fire chief, including some details about your time on Siesta Key. My career started in the city of Sarasota when the city had its own fire department. Prior to the merging of the county and city fire departments, I knew I wanted to be in a leadership role and with the merger came opportunity for promotion through the ranks.

My first promotion was that of lieutenant in charge of a single fire station, and I was assigned to Station 13 on Siesta Key. I found it was a great area and the people were terrific.

The atmosphere on Siesta Key was inviting to residents and visitors, and I was grateful to serve there for 12 months.

I was then promoted to battalion chief, which is responsible for overseeing multiple fire stations throughout Sarasota County. From there I became an assistant chief of operations and ultimately the fire chief of the Sarasota County Fire Department.

Q

The new Fire Station 13 on Siesta Key brings obvious benefits, including modernization, more space, and hurricane resistance. Now that you’ve been in it a few months, what are some of the not-so-obvious benefits you and your crew have discovered?

The benefits are the functionality of the station.

Personnel were accustomed to a smaller space that was built in the 1970s for two firefighters. Currently four to five personnel are assigned there per shift. The new station is well-built and requires less maintenance. We could not be happier with the design and construction.

A

Q A

You host a YouTube tour of the station. Can people get an in-person look at it?

Our personnel are assigned to the station 24/7 and, depending on availability, may be able to provide a tour if someone wanted to see the station in person. Note that if you do request a tour, crews may receive an emergency call or be scheduled for training. The station belongs to the community and we are happy to show it off.

(If interested in a tour, call (941) 861-5000.)

Q

The new roundabout at Midnight Pass Road and Beach Road will be near your entrance. Do you see this as helpful or a hindrance? And why?

A

The roundabout that is scheduled to be built will be a benefit to our ability to respond. The reason is that with a roundabout, traffic will continuously move through the roundabout, albeit at a slower speed. We anticipate the roundabout will help improve response times by reducing the traffic stopped at the light in front of the station. SCFD personnel regularly navigate roundabouts while responding to calls throughout Sarasota County. Motorists can help keep our first responders safe on the roads by remembering to slow down and move over when they see any emergency vehicle with lights on.

Q

Siesta Key has its share of short-term rentals owned by out-of-town entities. Are you concerned that some are not in compliance with fire code? And if so, what should be done?

SCFD works hard to provide the best service to our community with the resources we have. If we are made aware of a business that is out of compliance with fire code, we notify our fire prevention division and provide a fire inspection to bring the business into compliance.

Our top priority is to ensure the safety of the residents and visitors to Sarasota County. Having working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is an important piece of prevention.

Batteries in these devices should be changed at least twice a year – an easy reminder is to change the batteries at the beginning and end of daylight saving time. Such alarms should also be replaced every 10 years.

There will be friendly reminders of this posted to the Sarasota County Emergency Services Facebook and Twitter pages around daylight saving time (we fall back on Nov. 7).

A

Above, Fire Chief Michael Regnier discusses the fire pole at Siesta Key’s new Fire Station 13 during a video tour. Right, the chief welcomes guests during the station’s July 9 opening ceremony. Below, the brand-new station. (photos courtesy of Sarasota County)

Q

The new station features the traditional fire pole which allows personnel to slide downward from the first floor.

Is it a nostalgic nod to old-school firehouses or does to still serve a critical purpose?

Fire Station 13 is a two-story fire station. This configuration was determined to be the best fit on the existing property. The station is equipped with an elevator, stairwells and of course the fire pole. The fire pole serves a critical purpose in the timely response to emergency calls. If the fire pole was not in place, the firefighters would have to use the elevator or stairwells which would add time to our response.

A

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Grant helps mini-reef project in Grand Canal Commonwealth Lane to see as many as 30 installations, adding to the previous 121 in place

By Jane Bartnett Recently, the Siesta Key Association received a $9,000 Sarasota County Neighborhood Grant to support the installation of 30 new mini-reefs on Commonwealth Lane, on Siesta Key’s manmade, 9-mile-long Grand Canal.

As part of the group’s Grand Canal Regeneration Project that began in 2020, the reefs will join the 121 that were previously installed on docks, seawalls or piers in the canal during the past year.

According to the civic group’s Jean Cannon, there are “approximately 857 homes with docks in the Grand Canal that can use mini-reefs.”

Cannon noted that another 30 mini-reefs have also been installed in other areas outside of the canal and she said recently “10 or so Siesta Key residents have requested mini-reef installs for October/November.”

Since the project began, the effort has continued to gain support from Siesta Key homeowners as well as Sarasota County government, Mote Marine, and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Students from the Out-of-Door Academy as well as Ringling College have also joined the project and are volunteering their time for the water conservation effort.

Once homeowners purchase the minireef and grant their permission to have it installed, scientists from the non-profit Ocean Habitat attach the reefs 27 feet under the water. Each unit costs approximately $300.

Created by Florida oceanographers, scientists anticipate that each mini-reef will

A mini-reef gets lowered last year into a local canal.

A recent grant will support the addition of 30 more of them in Siesta Key’s 9-mile-long Grand Canal system. (file photos)

have a 500-year lifespan and filter 30,000 gallons of water per day. Once attached, the mini-reefs float and water flows through them. Oxygen levels increase and the quality of the water improves. In a short period of time, blue crabs, stone crabs, sponges, a variety of fish including mangrove snappers and juvenile red fish, will make the mini-reef their home.

“A food chain grows up around the dock,” said Cannon, adding that in the course of three to six months oysters begin to grow.

Earlier this year, the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program awarded the association a $1,469 grant to introduce aeration devices around the mini-reefs already installed.

Volunteers with a variety of skills and talents are needed for project. Those

interested in supporting the environmental effort in the areas of website development, educational outreach, and hands-on help and monetary donations are asked to contact Cannon via email at siestakeyassoc1947@ gmail.com.

Visit siestakeyassociation.com to learn more.

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When there is a seabird to save, count on Dave Siesta Key resident never thought he’d dedicate himself to rescuing our fine-feathered friends, but he’s become great at it

S

aving Siesta Key’s seabirds is a pursuit for which Siesta Key resident Dave Thomas has become passionate.

He is “our best seabird rescuer and our only volunteer on the Key,” said Jocelyn Shearer of the non-profit Save Our Seabirds organization.

Delivering an impassioned plea for volunteers while speaking last month to the Siesta Key Association, Shearer said “We have over 5,000 distress calls every year and 12 full-time staff. We need more people like Dave Thomas.”

During the course of the past three years, Thomas has rescued hundreds of birds including eagles, blue herons, owls and a variety of smaller seabirds. He has been responsible for saving the lives of abandoned baby birds, pelicans and other birds that are accidentally hooked by fishermen, those that suffer from collisions with with cars, boats, golf balls, and home and office windows.

He’s also come to the aid of birds that have been injured by cats or dogs that disrupt their nests.

“Red tide has also impacted our shore birds,” said Thomas, who has had a number of dramatic rescues with eagles and other birds of prey that are injured and those that have eaten poisoned mice and rats.

Although Thomas is a true animal lover, the welfare of seabirds was not always foremost on his mind. He began his career as a professional ice skater and went on to hold executive positions at Palmetto-based Feld Entertainment.

When he retired from Feld as a senior executive, he never imagined that his days would be filled with rescuing injured seabirds. It was a far cry from his high-level work in the entertainment industry that brought him to all points of the world.

By Jane Bartnett

Above, Dave Thomas goes after an Anhinga that was tangled in fishing line and hanging from its beak in a tall mangrove. Left, he holds an eagle he rescued after it had a midair fight with another eagle. After rehabilitation, it was released back into the wild. (submitted photos)

It all began one day when Thomas was out for a walk with his dog and he discovered a baby owl on the side of the road.

“It was a fledgling and looked kind of stunned, as though it had fallen out of its nest,” he recalled. “I took the owl to Blue Pearl Pet Hospital, the emergency veterinary hospital on South Tamiami.”

The Blue Pearl veterinary team told Thomas that the little bird would be all right, but it needed further care at the Save our Seabirds avian clinic. Thomas agreed to

drive the animal to the hospital for injured birds near the Mote Marine campus on City Island.

The trip with the baby owl, who was later released into the wild, became the first of many.

Intrigued by the Save our Seabirds hospital, which is staffed with a resident veterinarian and houses the organization’s Wild Bird Learning Center where birds that have been rescued but not able to return to the wild have a permanent home, Thomas

decided to volunteer his time.

He registered for a one-time rescue class that runs for about three hours and invested in gloves, nets, eye-protection gear, and other equipment recommended for bird rescues.

In the beginning, Thomas said, volunteers are encouraged to begin as drivers, transporting injured birds to the hospital.

As time went on, Thomas became more involved in a rescuing birds whose injuries were more critical.

“Saving a life and helping a helpless animal in a tough situation so that they can go free again is a very rewarding experience,” Thomas said of his work. “The problem is that I can’t be everywhere.”

Currently, he explained, “I cover the Key, and as far south as Venice and as far north as Bradenton and in extreme cases, east to Arcadia.”

A strong advocate for the organization, Thomas encourages others to volunteer and to get involved.

“We really need people with free time to transport the birds,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity. Every area of the Key and south Sarasota needs help. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these beautiful animals.”

One of Thomas’ fondest memories is of a rescued and rehabilitated swallow-tailed kite that the National Audubon Society calls the epitome of beauty and grace.

“They ride the winds from Sarasota to Peru,” said Thomas, recalling his discovery of the large migratory bird that was helplessly tangled in a bougainvillea plant.

Because of the bird’s need to soar, Thomas took him to a rooftop and set the bird free.

“To see him fly away was just wonderful,” Thomas said.

Contact saveourseabirds.org to volunteer.

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NOVEMBER 2021

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27th State Media LLC

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or Siesta Key’s own resident artist and forever beach boy who made the island his canvas, it was a fitting final tribute.

On the evening of Oct. 9, Shawn McLoughlin’s family and friends came together in numbers more than 100 strong at Siesta Beach to give a fond farewell. It was a true celebration of 68 years of a life well-lived, the past 50 of which Siesta Key enjoyed his many contributions.

McLoughlin died Sept. 12 after a year-plus battle with pancreatic cancer.

A large framed photo of Shawn, who was also known as Siesta Shawn, wearing a Siesta Key baseball hat with the beach in the background, graced the platform at the Sea Turtle Pavilion and captured his warm smile.

As the gathering began, the sounds of steel drums and pans filled the air as Shawn’s friend Dave Naumann, better known as Captain Dave Panman, played the Caribbean, pop and Floridian island songs that bring back happy memories of days at the beach. Friends embraced, laughed and cried as they spoke of their old friend.

Shawn’s sons, Robbie and Ryan McLoughlin, created a small display of their father’s paintings.

“We brought the paintings to give to his friends,” said Robbie. After speaking with a woman who came to offer her condolences and reminisce about his father’s unsuccessful attempts to teach her to paint clouds, he presented her with an original Shawn McLoughlin beach scene.

Through her tears, she said “Shawn would say, just take the brush and paint this way,” as he created a perfect cloud.

“My clouds never looked like his,” she said, admiring the Siesta Beach landscape with those perfect clouds.

As the music paused, Shawn’s nephew Josh Wynne took the microphone and spoke of his uncle.

“He loved travel, adventure and meeting people. He had a lust for life and loved being a father, uncle and grandfather,” he said, choking back tears.

Wynne added that “Shawn was always there with a smile and that infectious laugh when you needed it most.”

Calling his uncle a “remarkable human,” Wynne said that Shawn McLoughlin found true happiness in talking to people, painting on the beach and sharing his art.

Ryan McLoughlin recalled his father’s battle with cancer and the difficulty that he faced in fighting the disease that took his life. He told the gathering that he finds solace in knowing that his father is now free of pain and “filled with joy.”

In his final days, Ryan said, Shawn found the strength

Above, an enlarged painting that graces the children’s book that Shawn McLoughlin completed before his passing. Left, an invitation for all to pay tribute on Siesta Beach, home to so much of his work. (photos by Jane Bartnett)

to complete his last artistic project. That project, Ryan told the gathering, was a children’s picture book called The ABC’s of Siesta Key, illustrated by Shawn McLoughlin.

A publication of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, the book was a project that was dear to Shawn’s heart.

It was, he believed, a gift that he was leaving to his own Continued on page 38

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Hotel Siesta Key Old Stickney Point Road and a five-story parking garage on Stickney Point Road. Beyond that, two additional Siesta Key hotel proposals wait in the wings.

But not everyone is happy.

The Siesta Key Coalition, which was formed last year to limit highdensity construction projects on Siesta Key, has steadfastly fought any changes to the law affecting density on barrier islands beyond those established in the county’s 1989 Comprehensive Plan, which it says this project would violate.

“We were becoming increasingly concerned about hotel developments that were seeking height and density code special exceptions that were far in excess of what was allowed in their commercial zoning,” said Mark Spiegel, Siesta Key Coalition president and commercial real estate developer. The coalition represents 70 neighborhood and condominium associations comprising more than 6,500 Siesta Key households.

“Plus, they were proposing to make text amendments to our Comprehensive Plan and the Siesta Key Overlay District (SKOD) that have protected us from this type of density and intensity on the barrier island,” he added.

Of the more than 50 people who signed up to address the commissioners for five minutes each at the public hearing, the lion’s

www.siestasand.us

Continued from page 1

share was opposed to eliminating the hotel room density limit, citing the existing regulations which set the limit at 26 hotel rooms per acre on commercially zoned property on barrier islands.

It is important to note that this ruling affects all of Sarasota County, not only Siesta Key. But it was this Siesta Key hotel project that provided the final impetus for the county commission to remove hotel room limits from the zoning code.

“The No. 1 role of government is public safety,” said Lourdes Ramirez, former president of the Siesta Key Association. “Density on barrier islands has been limited for decades because of this reason.”

She insisted the proposal is in violation of the Comprehensive Plan.

In addition to determining transient accommodations are not residential units in commercialzone districts for density calculation, the commission’s 3-2 vote also found the ordinance consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, and allowed transient accommodations and an increase in height up to 80 feet in the Commercial General/SKOD zone district.

Proponents of the Calle Miramar project point to the nearby 16-story Terrace condominium as evidence the proposed eight-story hotel fits the

landscape. According to Spiegel, the Terrace is not compatible with the neighborhood because it was built 50 years ago, before limits were in place. In fact, the building was one of the reasons for imposing height and density limits in the first place, he said.

“While the chamber is in favor of boutique hotels, the proposed development is too big for the size of the land,” said Steve Cavanaugh, chairman of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. “It’s going to reduce property values.”

Meanwhile, the coalition has vowed to fight on, as evidenced by an 11-page letter delivered to the county commission before the public hearing from Bradenton law firm Dye Harrison on behalf of the Siesta Key Coalition. The letter discusses how the hotel project may be in violation of the county’s Comprehensive Plan, despite county staff’s insistence it is not.

“Why is an owner of less than 1 acre on Siesta Key allowed to amend the Unified Development Code in a manner that will have countywide impact?” asked Patricia Petruff, land-use attorney with Dye Harrison, at the Aug. 19 Sarasota County Planning Commission public hearing on the project. “Most people don’t even know about it. There need to be more public hearings to educate people about what is going on.”

UP NEXT:

The Sarasota County Board of Commissioners will be voting on the application for a seven-story, 120-room hotel on Old Stickney Point Road (artist’s’ rendering is right). A five-story parking across the street on Stickney Point Road is part of the plan (artist’s rendering is below).

The county’s Planning Commission voted 5-2 in favor of the plan in September.

When: 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Where: Sarasota County Adminstration Center, 1660 Ringling Blvd.

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NOVEMBER 2021

Cheers to Clayton’s!

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New chef, new energy reinvigorates Old Stickney Point Road restaurant

By Jane Bartnett “We’re the Cheers of Siesta Key,” said Clayton Thompson, the long-time owner of Clayton’s Siesta Grille, as he relaxed in the restaurant that bears his name.

The Siesta Key landmark, found at 1256 Old Stickney Point Rd., has been a cherished dining establishment for close to 18 years.

“People know us as a great restaurant with a cozy little bar,” Thompson said. “Our emphasis has always been on our food and atmosphere. We even have some customers who come for dinner three to four nights a week -- we’re that kind of place.”

As this year’s tourist season begins, Clayton’s diners will discover a new menu that reflects executive chef Mike Yoder’s culinary talents. Since joining the restaurant in May, Yoder has been putting important culinary changes in place.

His work “reflects the core items that we execute so well,” Thompson said.

The macadamia crusted grouper, a best-selling item, along with Clayton’s scallops and gnocchi and cauliflower steak are just a few of the new entrees that are Yoder’s creations.

“We’re getting back to our roots with our excellent new dinner menu,” Thompson said of the restaurant’s days following a months-long shutdown for COVID-19. “Clayton’s re-opened for business in November, 2020, and when Mike Yoder joined our team six months later … we had the opportunity to reinvigorate the restaurant. That included opening for dinner only.”

Clayton’s new executive chef is an Ohio native who was raised in Sarasota, bringing 25 years of experience as a chef in Sarasota and Philadelphia to his new role. Yoder’s distinguished culinary resume includes stints as head chef

at such well-known Sarasota establishments as Libby’s, Tableside, Epicurean Life, and Morton’s Market. For close to six years, Yoder also served as owner and executive chef of Roy’s, a popular dining spot in downtown Philadelphia.

When discussing his approach to cooking and fine dining, Yoder said “In the kitchen at Clayton’s, I work the line side by side with our cooks. We work together, it’s the way that I like to work and it is also the way that we like to work here at Clayton’s.”

Yoder considers his sauces to be a vital part of the dishes that he creates.

“In addition to being flavorful, I’ve made the sauces for the dishes that we prepare here at Clayton’s easier to execute,” he explained, allowing the cooking staff to create more consistent creations.

“Plate presentation is also very important,” said Yoder.

“And when it comes to our desserts, I highly recommend our own key lime pie and seasonal upside-down cake.”

Pausing for a moment, he said with great sincerity: “And then there are our brownies. They are truly thick, fudgy and decadent.”

Dinner entrees are not the only changes diners will find at Clayton’s, as the restaurant’s wine menu has also been elevated. Customers, Thompson said, will now find “an extensive list of fine wines that are reasonably priced.”

Although not on the menu, diners will also enjoy yet another new addition to the restaurant -- on Clayton’s walls is an array of curated, whimsical and colorful original Siesta Key paintings by local artist Brendan Coudal that are available for sale.

Meanwhile, local fishermen may be surprised to learn that they are welcome to bring their fresh catch of the day

Chef Mike Yoder has fired-up Clayton’s Siesta Grille with some extraordinary entrees. The establishment is located at 1256 Old Stickney Point Road near the Key’s south bridge. (right-side photos by Jane Bartnett and submitted photo in the center)

Continued on page 43

Did you know that Siesta Key has a Gemstone?

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It’s no secret that the sand on Siesta Key Beach is composed of 99% pure quartz. The crystalline white sand of Siesta Key is luxurious, soft, white and cool to the touch 365 days a year. This is why our beloved beach has been revered as one of the most beautiful in the world.

Wanting to capture the experience and essence of Siesta Key beach was the goal of the proprietor of Silver City, Monica.

“Tourists always wish they can somehow take their vacation memories with them,” so with this in mind, Silver City designed the Siesta Key Watercolor GemstoneTM. They were able to capture the colors of Siesta Key’s blue/green water and put it into a quartz gemstone. This quartz gemstone is a fusion of the tropical colors that surround us. Just looking into the clear, beautiful gemstone will transport you back to our island paradise representing the Sea, Sky and beautiful sand of Siesta Key Beach.

Silver City has now become a “Must Stop” destination for tourists (Currently named #1 shopping destination on TRIP ADVISOR on Siesta Key). Shining brightly among the cases of this uniquely mirrored store lies the much raved about Siesta Key Watercolor GemstoneTM. Every jewelry piece is designed and made by Silver City Sarasota. The staff of Silver City Sarasota is very proud of their unique collection and variety of designs in Sterling Silver and in 14K gold.

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Siesta Sand

NOVEMBER 2021

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www.siestasand.us

Third hotel has date with county

100-room project at former Wells Fargo site will be discussed by Planning Commission on Dec. 2

By John Morton The 100-room, five-story boutique hotel being proposed by Dave Balot will be reviewed by the Sarasota County Planning Commission on Dec. 2. The meeting will take place at 5 p.m. at the Sarasota County Administration Center, 1660 Ringling Blvd.

Balot plans to appear in person before the commission.

“As I’ve stated previously, I’m not a developer, I’m an operator,” said Balot, who is involved in operations with the Siesta Key Beach Resort & Suites in the Village -- a business also looking to become a new hotel, from 55 to 170 rooms, after being torn down. “As such, and so I don’t make any legal or procedural mistakes, my attorney Scott Rudacille will be assisting me. Although Scott is capable of handling the meeting, I plan to share the podium and available time presenting. I also plan to answer any questions the commissioners may have for me.”

Balot and his team seek a hotel and restaurant combination at 5810 Midnight Pass

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Rd., the location formerly home to Wells Fargo.

The parcel is slightly larger than 2 acres.

It would stand about 54 feet above grade, at the roofline, which would require a special exception to go above the 35 feet currently allowed.

A code amendment would also be needed to increase the density now allowed for such a parcel, which is only 56 rooms.

Balot has yet to receive an artist’s rendering, but said “I’ve asked for more of a Key West/ modern coastal appearance from the front, in an attempt to keep the Key, the Key.” He said the interior would likely have a more traditional modern look.

The Planning Commission serves only as an advisory body. The Sarasota County Board of Commissioners will have final say, and no date has been set for its vote.

Another new hotel has recently received final approval by that board.

In total, four hotel proposals have surfaced on Siesta Key in the past year.

The former Wells Fargo bank building at 5810 Midnight Pass Rd. would be torn down and replaced with a 100-room hotel, if Sarasota County officials approve of the plan. (file photo)

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Fishing tourney reels in a great outing for a great cause

The annual Casting for the Kids fishing fundraiser, held in late September in Osprey, was a huge success, bringing in $48,000 after expenses to the Dancing with Clayton Foundation for the fight against pediatric cancer. Above, the Aqua Plumbing team took the first-place prize for its fishing prowess. Right, little Ava, who is battling cancer, attended the event. Below, from left, Jamie Van Landuyt, Cynthia Stevens, Dawn McGrew, and Angie Gatewood enjoy being together for the cause. (submitted photos)

www.siestasand.us

Sheriff’s Report Sept. 19: burglary Complainant owns a main house and guest house currently under renovation. He received a call from a neighbor who saw an unknown male on his property. Investigation revealed that the suspect entered the unlocked guest house where miscellaneous property is being stored during construction. The suspect made a bed in the garage area and utilized the air conditioning and restroom area. Examination of property and garbage left behind revealed clothing and a job application with name included. Investigation is complete. Witness sightings provided a description of the suspect.

Investigation is closed.

Sept. 21: forgery A representative of a local church reported that counterfeit checks were distributed bearing the church’s name, address, and former bank account number. Complainant advised the checks were being used as part of a scam in which recipients were instructed to deposit the checks into their accounts then purchase gift cards in order to evaluate customer service. As the former bank account was closed and no funds were missing from the current account, the case was held inactive and the Internet Crimes Taskforce database was updated.

Sept. 25: theft Victim reported that she left her backpack on a table next to the playground at Siesta Key Beach between 6 and 7 p.m. While she played with her daughter at the playground, someone stole all of her prescription medications from the backpack. In total, there were three medications, all of which had been filled the day before. A signed medical theft affidavit was attached with the report. The case remains open.

Oct. 1: theft Complainant reported that his shoes and cell phone were stolen from the beach at approximately 6 p.m. His Apple iPhone XR valued at approximately $350 was located by a finder app the following day at

a Sarasota address. Investigation continues and the case remains open.

Oct. 2: battery Complainant and her husband were waiting for an Uber to pick them up on Ocean Boulevard when two males walked up and began grabbing and hitting her. She asked them to stop multiple times before she poured her drink on one of the suspects. He responded by slapping her in the face and starting a physical altercation. When her husband stepped in, both suspects shoved him to the ground and kicked him repeatedly. When their Uber arrived, the suspects fled the scene. Both complainant and her husband suffered injuries, but declined treatment.

Investigation continues, and the case remains open.

Oct. 4: burglary The victim reported that an unknown subject entered his unlocked, screened lanai and stole four fishing poles with reels and a fishing net. The property is valued at approximately $525. The case remains open.

Oct. 5: burglary A property manager for an absentee owner arrived to check the property and found a sliding glass door shattered. The guest house had been forcibly entered and paint poured on the floor and slung along the walls and windows. The patio was also damaged with paint. The estimated damages total approximately $3,000. Investigation has been completed.

Oct. 7: grand theft Complainant reported that U.S. Cellular had a cellular phone delivered to the main office front door of a beach resort. Since delivery occurred after hours and the office was closed, the package was left outside the door. When Complainant arrived at the address, she discovered the package had been stolen.

The property is valued at $1,000. The case remains open.

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27th State Media LLC

County approves new signage regulations Gulf & Bay Club resident influential in size, placement of ‘no-trespssing’ beach signs

By Phil Colpas It was just a matter of time.

As the popularity of Siesta Key continues to grow, ownership of its beaches’ fine crystalline sand — and exactly what that means for property owners and beach visitors — is increasingly a topic of discussion. Formerly a mostly peripheral subject, no-trespassing signs on the beach have become a top-of-mind issue for many property owners as land disputes continue to explode.

Some of these residents decided to bring their concerns to the Sarasota County Commission.

Darrel Peters was the only citizen to address the commission at the first signage public hearing on Aug. 24, and he was one of five to speak at the second public hearing on Sept. 28. Peters definitely has a vested interest in the subject — he serves on the board of directors at Gulf & Bay Club, a condo that is located immediately south of Siesta Key’s public beach.

At the second hearing, Peters reiterated his belief that the problem isn’t flags or signs, but rather the huge influx of people that is moving into private beach property.

Since its construction in 1964, Gulf & Bay condominiums did not mark its beach with signage until October 2020, Peters said. Because there were so many people impeding owners’ and guests’ access to the shoreline, condo owners felt they had no choice but to erect signs along their property line.

Peters said that Gulf & Bay sets aside 20 to 25 feet of its private beach for public use, and that the signage program is working well. Peters and fellow Gulf & Bay resident Susan Lister thanked law enforcement for working in tandem with them.

At the first hearing, Peters asked the commissioners to include flags and sandwich boards in the sign ordinance, and requested that the signage be allowed to be a maximum of 6 square feet per sign, instead of 4 square feet. The county commissioners appeared impressed with Peters’ cogent presentation, essentially adapting his suggestions into the proposed ordinance revisions.

At the second hearing, Peters was instrumental in convincing

Gulf-front properties such as the Gulf & Bay will be able to continue using signage such as flags and sandwich boards in establishing their property lines. (file photos)

Continued on page 38

Maximize Your Charitable Giving Sarasota Local Brings Experience & Trust to Siesta Key The Tuesday after Thanksgiving has become known as Giving Tuesday, when people are encouraged to donate to charitable organizations. If you’d like to take part in this special day, you’ll want to maximize the effectiveness and benefits of your charitable gifts.

though you’d want to evaluate each charity individually, since extenuating circumstances can occur. Keep in mind, though, that smaller charities may not have the same resources as a national organization to provide the reporting necessary for Charity Navigator.

So, consider these questions: · Is the charity reputable?

Does it use its resources wisely?

Most charitable organizations are honest and dedicated to helping their specific causes.

But sometimes there are a few “bad apples” in the bunch.

These groups aren’t necessarily fraudulent (though some are), but they may spend an inordinate amount of their donations on administrative expenses, rather than directing this money to where it’s most needed.

Fortunately, you don’t have to guess about the trustworthiness or the efficiency of a particular group, because you can check on it.To make sure that a charity is an actual charity – one that is tax-exempt and listed as a 501(c) (3) organization – you can go to

Joe St. Onge outside his office on Siesta Key.

www.irs.gov, the website of the Internal Revenue Service, and hit the “Charities & Nonprofits” link. An organization called Charity Navigator (www. charitynavigator.org) tracks charitable groups’ financial health and accountability, including how much is spent on administrative and fundraising costs. Generally speaking, a charitable group that dedicates more than about 30% to 35% of its total costs to administration and fundraising expenses might be considered somewhat inefficient,

· Will my employer match my contribution? You can make your charitable gift go a lot further if your employer matches it. Typically, companies match donations at a 1:1 ratio, but some will match at 2:1 or even higher. Check with your human resources department about your company’s policy on charitable matches. · Are my charitable gifts tax deductible? A few years ago, Congress significantly raised the standard deduction, which, for the 2021 tax year, is now $12,550 for single taxpayers, $25,100 for joint filers and $18,800 for heads of household. As a result of this increase, many people no longer itemize and thus have less financial incentive to make charitable contributions.

If you still do itemize and

you’re thinking of making charitable gifts, you generally have a choice between giving cash and another asset such as stocks. Each type of gift could earn you a tax deduction, but a gift of appreciated stocks could be more beneficial because you may also be avoiding the capital gains tax you might incur if you eventually sold the stocks.

You should consult with your tax advisor and the charity (not all accept investments) before making the cash-versus-stock decision.

Even if you don’t itemize, you could still get a tax benefit from making a charitable contribution. That’s because Congress has extended part of the COVID-19-related legislation that allows taxpayers to claim charitable deductions of $300 (for single filers) or $600 (for married couples) if they claim the standard deduction. The charitable donations must be made in cash, not stocks.

Giving Tuesday comes just once a year, but your gifts can have lasting benefits. So, be as generous as you can afford – and

enjoy the good feelings that follow.

Joe St. Onge, ChFC® Financial Advisor Edward Jones Investments 5112 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key, FL 34242 (941)-346-0560 phone (941)-320-4030 mobile Joe.StOnge@edwardjones.com

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones. Member SIPC. Advertorial

Your Go-To Store on the Island Morton’s Siesta Market is your one-stop shop for easy island living. We offer a large selection of staple groceries, beer and wine, as well as fresh produce, meats and seafood.

In keeping with our Morton’s tradition, we also carry a delicious array of prepared foods, perfect for take-out, picnics, parties and more.

Please stop in and say hello!

205 Canal Road, Siesta Key • 941-349-1474 • MortonsMarket.com

VISIT OUR SIESTA VILLAGE LIQUORS JUST NEXT DOOR!

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Siesta Sand

NOVEMBER 2021

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Pet owners rejoice at Blessing of the Animals

Join us for a holiday feast!

Open Thanksgiving Day 12 - 8pm

Herb Roasted Turkey

Yukon Gold Mashed Potato, Candied Sweet Potato with Pecans, Green Bean Almondine, Corn and Chorizo Stuffing, Cranberry Relish, and Giblet Pan Gravy

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Call for Reservations 941-349-2800 Regular Menu Available Please contact us to set up a free consultation or get more info www.claytonssiestagrille.com 941.349.2800 * 1256 Old Stickney Point Road, Sarasota contact for catering: 941-321-2679, FredComic@aol.com

The Rev. Wayne Ferrell on Oct. 9 presided over the annual Blessing of the Animals at St. Boniface Episcopal Church on Midnight Pass Road. The event featured several dogs and cats looking for a pat on the head, and was hosted by the church’s Bonafice Eco-Stewardship Team.

Said director Grace Riker, “We’ve even had exotic pets like tarantulas and lizards throughout the years.” Last year, due to the pandemic, it was a drive-through ceremony. Those in attendance brought donations of pet food and supplies for the Sarasota Humane Society. Above, Karen Schreyer of Siesta Key holds on to to Leonardo, a Bernese mountain dog she rescued, while Ferrell gives his blessing. (photo by John Morton)

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SIESTA KEY

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NOVEMBER 2021

27th State Media LLC

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Crystal Classic INTERNATIONAL SAND SCULPTING FESTIVAL November 12-15, 2021 • SiestaKeyCrystalClassic.com

ADMISSION & HOURS

10 am – 5 pm Friday, Sunday & Monday 10 am – 9 pm Saturday

One-day adult admission One day ages 5 – 17 admission One day Seniors 65+ & Veterans

10 ea $ 5 ea $ 8 ea

Greg Grady Sr. USA

John Gowdy Italy

Emerson Shreiner USA

Dan Belcher USA

Christy Atkinson USA

Bert Adams USA

Charlie Beaulieu USA

Ron MacDonald USA

Greg Grady Jr. USA

Rick Mungean USA

Chris Guinto USA

Thomas Koet USA

Scott Dosch USA

Brian Wigelsworth USA

Ian Deibert USA

Matt Long USA

Karen Fralich Canada

Matt Deibert USA

$

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE Tropicool Kara Nally Band Out of the Blue Midnight Mama Fleetwood Max Tropical Ave. Band Kettle of Fish Master Sculptor Awards Chris Otto & Matt Drummer Ariella

Friday Friday Saturday Saturday Saturday Sunday Sunday Sunday Monday Monday

10:00–1:00 2:00–5:00 10:00–1:00 2:00–5:00 6:00–8:30 10:00–1:00 2:00–5:00 3:00–3:30 10:00–1:00 2:00–5:00

Sèveline Beauregard Canada

Laura Cimador Gowdy Italy

Todd Pangborn USA

Lucinda Weregna USA

Walter McDonald USA

Craig Mutch Canada

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS • Eight doubles teams, Eight solo artists • Vendor Village – Over 70 vendors! Retail, Food, Beer • Party Tent & Food Court • Quick sand speed sculpting, sand sculpting lessons • Amateur sand sculpting contest Saturday 9 am Why drive when you can take Sarasota County’s OnDemand service or the FREE SK Breeze Trolley right to the beach!

Open Sat Night until 9 PM LIVE MUSIC LIGHTED SCULPTURES PARTY TENT

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Questions? 941.349.3800 Full Festival Schedule at

SiestaKeyCrystalClassic.com

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Grace and beauty combine for Key Chorale’s Sheer Grace performance, featuring The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company and Trainees Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, is excited to be back on the stage and is looking forward to a season mixed with dynamic collaborations and unique programming that have become their hallmarks under the guidance of Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins.

Coming up Thanksgiving weekend is a show not to be missed! This performance will appeal to all audiences with one offering at the Sarasota Opera House.

Christopher Hird, The Sarasota Ballet’s Educational Director says, “I’m thrilled that The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company and Trainees will be performing once again with the wonderful Key Chorale. We truly value our collaborations with our community arts partners and Sheer Grace will be a true celebration of music and dance.

The performance will include brand new choreography

by The Sarasota Ballet Company dancers Arcadian Broad and Richard House.”

On Sunday, November 28, grace and beauty will combine in “Sheer Grace,” featuring Key Chorale and The Sarasota Ballet’s Studio Company and Trainees. The elegance and dreaminess of Eric Whitacre’s Five Hebrew Love Songs, and his setting from the beloved children’s book Good Night Moon, contrasts with the cinematic drama of Ola Gjeilo’s Dark Night of the Soul and John Rutter’s tuneful and brilliantly colorful Magnificat.

Crystalline soprano Mary Wilson adds her soaring voice to a perfect afternoon of ethereal beauty. “Although neither of these works has been set to ballet yet, the first time I heard both of these pieces they just seemed so perfect for dance. Full of variety and rhythmic drive, these works will be elevated even more with the addition of dance,” says Artistic Director, Joseph Caulkins.

The performance takes place: Sunday, November 28, 4:00 PM at the Sarasota Opera House.

Tickets are $20-$55.

For tickets, go to keychorale.org or call the box office at 941-552-8768.

ADVERTORIAL

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All Art is Original, Personally Handmade & for Sale by the Artist Present at the Show Saturday, November 20 & Sunday, November 21 ~ 10am-5pm Daily Free Admission; Parking $5 supports Plus! Call for Entries: Youth Art Competition for grades K-8 or ages 5-13.

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A ‘Most Valuable Patio’ is open at MVP

A new patio is open for business at My Village Pub, also known as MVP, at the corner of Ocean Boulevard and Avenida Messina. Construction began in the middle of September and the work took about a month. It sits 40 with nine tables, and plans are in place for the addition of a canopy and the installation of several TVs and speakers. (photo by Jane Bartnett)

NOVEMBER 2021

27th State Media LLC

Out-of-Door Academy names new head of school After an extensive nationwide search, Out-of-Door Academy’s board of trustees has announced the appointment of Debra Otey as the next head of school, effective July 1.

The academy’s lower school is located on Siesta Key. James Connor currently is serving as interim head of school for the 2021-2022 school year.

Otey was selected from a pool of impressive candidates after a thorough search Otey process. The school’s advisory and search committees found Otey to be a dynamic, accomplished, passionate educator, and well-poised to lead Out-of-Door into its next chapter.

Tom Murphy, chairman of Out-of-Door Academy’s board of trustees, led the search committee through this process alongside Educators’ Collaborative, an executive search firm.

“As Out-of-Door prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024, this transition of leadership creates a wonderful opportunity for our next head of school to guide us to new levels of academic, athletic, and artistic success while never forgetting our core

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values of respect, integrity, service, excellence, and responsibility,” Murphy said. “This search -- for an individual of outstanding character and professional experience, demonstrated ability to inspire and encourage faculty, staff, students, and alumni, and support the forward momentum of the school’s growth -- resulted in the appointment of Mrs. Debra Otey.”

Otey holds a Bachelor of Science in secondary education (English), a Master of Science in secondary education (English), and is currently completing an Ed.D. in educational leadership from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She has taught middle school English, and held positions as an elementary school principal, head of middle school, Assistant School Superintendent, and most recently as the Head of Upper School at Cannon School in North Carolina.

“I am excited to join a pre-K through 12 community that emphasizes character education and student well-being,” Otey said. “Building on established programs while maintaining Out-of-Door’s traditions will create opportunities for inspiring growth and development. As we move into the next phase of ODA’s educational and community impact, we look forward to a bright and impactful future filled with student-centered, engaging experiences inside and outside of the classroom.”

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Arts on the Horizon By Rodger Skidmore When pigs fly

We’ve all heard that expression, representing something that can’t happen. The equivalent in France is, “When chicken get teeth.” In Russia, it’s, “When the crayfish will whistle on the top of the hill” -that one’s a bit cumbersome, and might lead one to believe that crayfish can whistle, just not on the top of a particular hill. Anyway, while there are many such sayings in different countries, one cannot say, “When an orchid flies on a trapeze” as indicating that something is impossible, because orchids do just that at Selby Botanical Gardens, just off Mound Street here in Sarasota -- at least until Nov. 28.

More than any other flowering plant, orchids are the aerialists of the plant world just ask David Berry, Chief Museum Curator for Selby Botanical Gardens. Orchids, being perched high in the tree tops are provided with more sunlight, permitted better seed disbursement, and protected against roving herbivores. And don’t just take Dr. Berry’s words for it, the Ringling Circus folks must also agree as they’ve linked up with The Selby to put on an off-season circus show: Aerialists from the Tree Top to the Big Top. As you wander through the Orchid Conservatory, you not only see orchids on trapezes and the high wire, but in a spectacular display of circus colors and posters.

According to the Selby, there are more than 27,000 species of orchids located around our planet -- mostly in humid tropical climes.

And the Selby, which is the leading museum of Orchids in the world, has more than 35,000 specimens preserved in glass jars so that researchers of all-things-epiphyte will have something at which to look.

NOTE: The Royal Botanical Gardens in London has more than three million specimens (not just orchids) in their collection -- talk about being OCD. Take the pleasant walk along the bay, from the conservatory to the Selby manor

house, and you will find a great display, not only of vintage circus posters, but of some of those orchids specimens, along with a great many quotable factoids about orchids. Being November, it is also a great time to stroll through the entire garden as mosquitos and humidity seem to have left.

And, speaking of taking a stroll, one cannot stress enough about the fantastic augmented reality show Seeing the Impossible at Spanish Point -- just a few minutes south of our fair city. Take your smart phone or tablet (the bigger the better) and be truly amazed. Truly.

More info at Selby.org.

Astrophysicists and the stars

Neil deGrasse Tyson, head of the Hayden planetarium in New York, has seen and known more stars than most of us ever will.

One of the most astounding stars that he has known died just two years ago, on July 23, 2019. Given that there are multiple billions of stars scattered throughout the universe, how could anyone have known that a particular star died on a particular day? Because the star was Chaser, the smartest dog in the world. Sure, each of us knows that our own dog, cat, hamster, or pet rock is the smartest of its type in the world, so, why this specific dog? And, tangentially speaking, what do we mean by smart? We now feel that early IQ tests were flawed because they actually tested knowledge rather than true intelligence.

If, in 1920, you’d asked a random Pacific islander which was worth more, a canoe or a steam locomotive, the correct answer, in that person’s world, would be the canoe -- and they would be marked as being mentally deficient.

Chaser was a border collie, acknowledged by many to be one of the smarter breeds of dog, who played with stuffed animals and other stuffed objects (easy to pick up in her mouth). Over time, each of a thousand different toys was given a different name when Chaser first started playing with it.

For example, a stuffed octopus was named “inky” -- not so much for Chaser’s sake but more for the person, Professor John Pilley of Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, so that he could remember what to

Weekly Specials

call out to Chaser. On the PBS show NOVA, Mr. Tyson randomly picked out 10 stuffed toys, put them where Chaser could find them, and one by one Chaser brought back the one whose name had been called. That’s called knowledge -amazing enough that a dog had that much knowledge.

But then Tyson picked another group of toys and added one that Chaser had never seen before. After picking the first two named toys, Tyson called out a name that Chaser had never heard. Chaser brought back the new toy -new toy I’ve never seen must be new name I’ve never heard - that’s intelligence.

So, where did Chaser, who knew more words than any other non-human animal, go when she died? To Dog Heaven? To live with the essence of Einstein, Aristotle, and Darwin?

Who knows -- maybe that intelligence is beyond us? But Chaser’s memory, like the memories of so many other pets, came to the BronzArt foundry here in Sarasota where her replica, after she’d found a blue ball, was created.

That bronze tribute, along with the blue ball, is now in Morgan Square Park in Spartanburg, South Carolina. More info at Bronzartfoundry.com and search YouTube for Neil deGrasse Tyson Chaser dog.

Did you see the movie?

I certainly hope so. Music by Leonard

SARASOTA

5446 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL 34232 941-444-7823

Bernstein; book and lyrics by Comden and Green; acting by Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Betty Garrett, Ann Miller, Jules Munshin, and Vera-Ellen; choreographed and directed

by Gene Kelly; and sets by New York. On the Town was a great musical of the 1940s and therefore had no real plot (three sailors having fun on a weekend in New York), but great musical numbers that just kept things moving and attendees humming.

Fact checking shows that, while the music for the stage play on which the movie was based was by Bernstein the movie producers thought it was too complex, so most of the music in the film was by Roger Edens. Also, while Kelly did the choreography for the film, the choreography for the original stage play was by Jerome Robbins and was based on Fancy Free, his 1944 ballet.

As Jimmy Durante would say, “Everybody wants to get into the act.”

Now eight soloists and the singers of the Choral Artists of Sarasota have gotten into the act and are doing a concert version of On the Town on Nov. 7 at the Riverview High School Center for the Performing Arts.

More info at Choralartistssarasota.org.

Bits and Pieces

For many, many pieces, the place to go is MARA Art Studio+Gallery at 1421 5th St., where a whole lot of paintings are being viewed throughout November.

Brian and Debbie Miller painted more than 4,000 small paintings in 2,000 days (one/day each) because … well you know … because.

For the bits, remember December is just around the corner, thus time to see (with you and yours) the Nutcracker Suite.

The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School version will be at the Gulfcoast Event and Conference Center on Cattlemen Road for three shows this Dec. 3 and 4. For more info, contact Info. sarasotacubanballet@gmail.com

GULF GATE

EATFOODDRINKBEER.COM

6528 Superior Ave Sarasota, FL 34231 941-952-3361

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NOVEMBER 2021

27th State Media LLC

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LIVE MUSIC, page 33

VILLAGE MAP, pages 24 -25

ACCOMMODATIONS, page 47

CRESCENT BEACH MAP, page 34 GULF GATE SHOPS, page 41

941.312.0665

Playing it smart with the cart New business owner touts the benefits of golf-cart rental on Siesta Key

By John Morton There’s nothing like enjoying Florida in an open-air vehicle, Ed Arsenault says, and with an ongoing push to create more parking for golf carts there may also be nothing more convenient.

“The businesses and the county have been meeting to discuss the importance of creating more spaces for carts,” said Arsenault, owner of the new Salt Water Therapy business that will feature golf-cart rentals. “So often you go to a business where there’s already 70 cars and nowhere to park.”

Currently on Siesta Key, only Captain Curt’s and the south Daiquiri Deck provide such spots, Arsenault believes.

“But that’s going to change,” he said. “And it will be a win-win for everyone.”

The shortage of rental cars also bodes well for the golf-cart business, Arsenault said.

He is setting up shop at 5249 Ocean Blvd. in Siesta Beach Plaza in the Village, with a Nov. 1 opening the target. Starting in mid-October, he established a temporary business with Siesta Key Aqua Adventures on Tamiami Trail, just north of Phillippi Creek.

His carts are street-legal, and are recommended only for use on the Key as they can’t exceed 35 mph.

His current inventory consists of three carts -- two four-passenger vehicles he calls “Woodys” (thanks to their wood paneling) and one six-passenger vehicle he calls “Scooter of the Beach” in tribute to Siesta Beach lifeguard Scot Nuberg, whose Facebook posts are popular on social media.

Driving is restricted to those 23 years of age and up and require a driver’s license and proof of insurance.

Rates for the four-seater are $125 for one day, $225 for two days, $350 for three days, and $600 for a week.

The six-seater goes for $175 for a day, $325 for two days, $450 for three days, and $650 for a week.

The carts are fuel-injected, 15 horsepower 2022 Kawasaki models.

Customers get free delivery, free pick-up, a free tank of gas that Arsenal says will take you about 250 miles, and a free Salt Water Therapy T-shirt.

“We’re also an apparel company. We’ve got lots of cool stuff,” Arsenault said.

For more information, call (941) 960-6350 or visit swtcarts.com.

Salt Water Therapy is planning to open a business in the Village that features golf-cart rentals. (submitted images)

You’ve picked the perfect month Congratulations! You nailed it!

You’re visiting Siesta Key in November.

Some could argue that October here is better, seeing as the gulf is still plenty warm. But when the colors up north are changing, it’s hard to leave those leaves.

Of course, a lot changes there during turbulent November.

Yet our region stays consistently perfect with crisp mornings and nights, and always a warm-up in between.

And a big drop in humidity.

Then there’s our signature event -- the Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival (Nov. 12 through 15).

We’re proud of our worldfamous powder, and seeing it come alive in amazing forms of art is a delight.

Its return this year after a coronavirus hiatus will make it all that more special.

Those who were here for the Fourth of July fireworks can attest to the level of energy and relief a community gathering brought us all.

The Crystal Classic will no doubt take that up another notch.

Then, on Nov. 27, our holiday parade lights up the Village.

We’ll all be busting at the seams by then.

Will it be a November to remember? For sure.

-- John Morton

Don’t Waste Your Island Time Crossing Bridges!

We are conveniently located just a few steps from Crescent Beach and minutes away from anywhere on the Key.

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

We Deliver to Siesta Key!

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

www.crescentbeachgrocery.com

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

Siesta Sand

NOVEMBER 2021

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Island Chatter

Register now for Sandy Claws Beach Run

Early registration is underway for the Sandy Claws Beach Run, held Dec. 11 at Siesta Beach.

Those who register by Nov. 17 receive the best price, plus a long-sleeve performance event T-shirt and runner bag (no-shows forfeit these items).

To register, visit tinyurl.com/43ja48ht.

Those who register after Nov. 17 receive an event shirt and runner bag while supplies last.

The event features a 1-mile Hot Cocoa Run at 8 a.m. and the 5K race at 8:20 a.m.

An early-packet-pickup party is set for 3 to 6 p.m.

Dec. 9 at New Balance Sarasota, 1872 Stickney Point Rd. the 5K race will is chip-timed and sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club. Medals will be given to

Our cameras are rolling

Furniture being rented at public beach

Did you know that the Siesta Sand has a YouTube channel? Currently, the channel has 19 videos posted and each one offers a snippet of life on Siesta Key. The Siesta Sand also publishes a new video weekly in the Siesta Sand eNewsletter, along with the latest current news impacting life on Siesta Key and special offers from local businesses.

To subscribe to the Siesta Sand eNewsletter, simply go to our website (siestasand.us) and click on “subscribe” in the top right corner on the homepage and you will be directed to the subscription form.

You can also easily subscribe to our Siesta Sand YouTube channel. All you need is a YouTube account.

Simply watch one of our videos on our website and you will be taken to YouTube and just click on “subscribe.”

Annual holiday parade is Nov. 27; participants, sponsors, volunteers sought

Nov. 27 is the big day for the 36th annual Light Up Siesta Key & Village Holiday Parade.

A festive decor and a holiday atmosphere will be on display, beginning at Avenida del Mare and Beach Road at 5:30 p.m., traveling north on Beach Road onto Ocean Boulevard into the Village.

Those looking to participate should visit siestakeychamber.com for more information, including a required pre-registration form. There is a $50 fee per entry; $35 for non-profit organizations).

Santa will arrive at the Siesta Center at 6:30 p.m. and will greet children and pose for pictures until

WHAT BETTER WAY TO START YOUR DAY IN PARADISE! • Organic and Fair Trade Coffees & Teas • Cold Pressed Coffee • Organic Smoothies • Light Lunch (Sandwiches) • Breakfast Sandwiches, Bagels & Lox • Homemade Pastries

941-260-6400

ACCOMMODATIONS Beach Palms ........................................................ B-#74 Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa............. Map-A #38A ATM / BANKS PNC ATM........................................... Map-C #61 Sun Trust Bank & ATM.......................Map-E #4 BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Blase Café..........................................Map-A #38 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar.............. Map-B #42-43 Gilligan’s........................................... Map-B #33 My Village Pub............................ Map-C #53/54 Siesta Key Oyster Bar...................... Map-B #45 The Beach Club.................................. Map-D #22 The Cottage........................................ Map-C #58 The Hub-Baja Grill............................ Map-D #59

SIESTA KEY

SOUTH SIESTA

1250 Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242 NI CE ND O F VE IS LA

ST ARMANDS CIRCLE

325 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236

ISLAND OF VENICE

300 W. Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285

Anna Maria Island

107 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, FL. 34217

JEWELRY Created Gems.................................... Map-C #51 Mount -N- Repair Jewelers................ Map-D #9

DAIQUIRIDECK.COM

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

SAFELY SERVING INSIDE & OUTSIDE DINING IN THE HEART OF THE VILLAGE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Attorney Fleming.................................Map-E #1 Edward Jones Investments.............Map-D #68 Smith Architects................................... Map-E 74 REAL ESTATE / RENTAL SERVICES Amy Robinson RE................................Map-E #1 Beach Palms................................................... B-74 Coldwell Banker Realty.................... Map-D #20 EXP Realty............................................Map-E #4 Judith Guzzi & Assoc........................Map-E #74 Keller Williams Real Estate.............. Map-D #11 Michael Saunders Realty.................Map-E #72 ReMax Alliance Group................... Map-C #29 RentSiestaKey.com.............................. Map-D #9 Robasota Rentals & Real Estate....... Map-A #39 Siesta Key Rental Prop..................... Map-D #10 The Ringling Beach House Rentals......Map-D #9 Tropical Sands Accommodations....... Map-D #67

48 47 46

HAPPY HOUR 5-7 PM Daily

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IG N 941.349.9822 IC S theblasecafe.com U M HAPPY E V I L HOUR G N 3.14 PI 2 - 7 pm Daily I U R Awesome pizza, T A F E wings & bartenders!

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349-2822

MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce...................Map-D #67 Prime Audio Video..............................Map-E #1 Roberti Enterprises........................... Map-A #39 Village Arcade................................... Map-C #53

GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Beach Bazaar..................................... Map-C #28 Gilligan’s Gift Store...........................Map-B #32 Island Trader...................................... Map-C #51 Sea Pleasures & Treasures............... Map-C #29 Siesta Key Outfitters........................Map-D #13

INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs...............................Map-D #65 Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company........ Map-B #31

OPEN DAILY 8 AM - 2 PM

MEDICAL - DENTAL Siesta Village Dentistry.................... Map-D #63 Siesta Dental........................................Map-B #49 Siesta Key Physical Therapy............ Map-D #20

GAS STATION Circle K Store........................................Map-E #6

ICE CREAM/SWEETS Big Olaf Creamery............................ Map-C #52 Curly Cream Ice Cream...................... Map-D #9 Local Chill Ice Cream......................Map-D #60 Made in Rome Organic Gelato........ Map-C #53 Meany’s Mini Donuts....................... Map-C #24 Stefano Versace Gelato..................... Map-C #50 SubZero Ice Cream/Yogurt............. Map-D #16 The Fudge Factory............................ Map-A #36

The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Reception is set for Dec. 2 at Marina Jack.

Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts will be served. Tickets are $65 each or $120 for two.

A gift raffle will be held.

RSVP is required. Visit siestakeychamber.com.

MASSAGE Hands of Light Massage...................Map-B #35 The Spa at Calle Minorga..................Map-E #74 Sassy ... the Little Day Spa.............Map-D #62

FASHION & ACCESSORIES Beach Bazaar’s & Swin Shack........ Map-C #28 Blvd. Beachwear.................................Map-B #30 Casa Smeralda Fashion’Style............. D #12-11 Comfort Shoes-Birki & More........Map-D #64 Foxy Lady Fashions.........................Map-A #40 Ganja Mon Vibes................................. Map-D #9 Gidget’s Coastal Provisions........... Map-B #44 Island Boutique..................................Map-B #50 Island Style......................................... Map-C #53 Lilly Pulitzer.....................................Map-D #66 Sea Shanty.......................................... Map-C #24 Siesta T’s..............................................Map-B #30 The Sandal Factory............................Map-B #46

HEALTH & FITNESS Indep. Lifestyle Solutions ............... Map-D #10 Siesta Healing...................................... Map-D #9 Siesta Key Fitness............................ Map-B #73 Studio Yooga ................................... Map-B #51

Chamber holiday event is Dec. 2

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

DRUGSTORE Davidson Drugs...............................Map-D #65

5250 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34242

Chairs, loungers, umbrellas, and cabanas are among the items now available for rent on Siesta Beach.

Boucher Brothers, a hospitality management firm doing business on both Florida coasts, is offering the rentals daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Set-up of all items is included.

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

COFFEE SHOPS Bean Coffeehouse............................Map-D #62 Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company........ Map-B #31

Daily Drink Specials

Continued from previous page

8:30 p.m. The first 250 kids who visit Santa will receive a gift bag, courtesy of Beach Bazaar.

Free transportation is provided by the Siesta Breeze Trolley, from Turtle Beach to the Village, with multiple stops in between.

Sponsorships are available, as are volunteer opportunities. Email mand@siestakeychamber.com or call (941) 349-3800.

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

Live Music Every Day and Night

NOVEMBER 2021

5K finishers and ribbons to 1-mile finishers. Custom awards will go out to first- through sixth-place finishers in all age categories.

Music, food and a raffle will highlight the event, along with a holiday-themed costume contest.

Proceeds benefit the “Summer in the Parks” Adopta-Camper Scholarship Fund.

For more information, call (941) 861-5000.

Continued on next page

Siesta Key Oyster Bar, or “SKOB” as the locals call it, is the hangout with the laid-back, beachy atmosphere that will get you right into the Island Spirit.

One of the things that set SKOB apart from the other restaurants in Siesta Key Village is that we have some of the best food on the Key.

941.312.0665

fé

Sarasota County is hosting a Veteran’s Day Camping Weekend at Turtle Beach Campground, 8862 Midnight Pass Rd., on Nov. 12 through 14.

Special activities will be planned for participants.

To sponsor a campsite for a veteran, or to make a campsite reservation, call (941) 861-2267. For more information, go to loom.ly/U6xMtZU.

www.siestasand.us

Island Chatter

Continued from page 5

Sponsors sought for veterans camping weekend at Turtle Beach

Big G’s Oyster Happy Hour from 3-6 Every day 1/2 Priced House Oysters

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RESTAURANTS / CAFÉS Another Broken Egg................ Map-C #54 & 55 Blasé Café..........................................Map-A #38 Bonjour French Cafe......................... Map-C #47 Café Gabbiano..................................Map-D #71 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar.............. Map-B #42-43 Flavio’s Brick Oven & Bar.................Map-B #29 Flavio’s Italiano Ristorante...............Map-B #30 Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill......... Map-B #33 Island House Bar & Grill................Map-D #69 Lobster Pot......................................... Map-C #23 Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company........ Map-B #31 Old Salty Dog Rest. & Pub..................Map-E #2 PI Pizza & Craft Beer........................Map-A#37 Ripfire Pizza........................................Map-B #47 Siesta Key Oyster Bar...................... Map-B #45 IL PANCIFICO.................................Map-D #15 Subway Sandwiches..........................Map-B #30 Summer House.................................. Map-C #57 Sun Garden Café............................... Map-D #19 The Cottage........................................ Map-C #58 The Hub - Baja Grill.......................... Map-C #59 The Seafood Joint.............................Map-D #15 The Star Thai Sushi.................. Map-D #17 & 18 Village Café.......................................Map-D #14 SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY Sassy Hair Salon...............................Map-A #40 Sassy ... the Little Day Spa.............Map-D #62 Siesta Key Nails & Spa.....................Map-D #9 Shaman Sanctuary Salon.................... Map-D #9 SPORTS INTEREST/RENTALS CaliFlorida.......................................... Map-C #29 Robin Hood Rentals........................ Map-B #34

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Siesta Sand

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Captain Curt’s has everything you need to feel Totally Refreshed!

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Mind Body Soul: Whole Wellness

By Dolores Day

“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens.”

-- Carl Jung

T

here is a famous children’s nursery rhyme that goes like this: “Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream.”

We know this song. It warmed our hearts then and even now it begs a certain comfort and knowing of that time when we too were as little children, dreaming, imagining and creating from moment to moment. Time seemed to stretch on until eternity. This rhyme feels natural at this age because it is in fact what they are doing. Up until around age eight, the child’s brain is found to be in a constant theta state.

This is a brain wave state that is almost like dreaming. In this state the mind is downloading all types of data and information that it will use later to help define and make up its world. The mind is collecting information that it processes and inputs to combine with one’s unique personality to create an understanding of life. This time period is vital in the development of a child because they learn to make sense of the world. Sponges they are, just accepting all that comes into their view as reality and of course truth.

However, as childhood becomes adulthood, life continues to flow down the stream, but not always gently or merrily. In fact, many of us feel constrained by limiting belief systems and constructs that affect our lives. Life can feel unsatisfying, off track, and often times unfulfilling, as we go about our habitually patterned life. One might even question whether the individual ever really comes out of this unconscious state of mind, or have they just assumed what others

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taught them? Do we continue to look at the outside world through external influences, environment, and the circumstances that surround us to determine our reality and be our truth? Jung suggests a different approach, to go within and seek inside the heart to awaken.

Have you spent quality time alone to know the depths of who you really are apart from all that you adopted and learned from your culture and well-meaning parents?

Through my personal experience and also working with others, until one deliberately chooses to take an internal journey within one can get stuck in the patterns of unconscious living.

For many it may take a near death experience, a bottoming of our life, or a tragic loss to cause a greater search within. But we need not wait for these moments to arise in our life. We can choose to seek and awaken in any moment.

We don’t need another to help us connect to our own heart. That can often distract and distort our perception even more.

We also do not need a mediator to get to know our true self. We need only seek in the quietude of our minds. The outcome is sure if we have willingness in our hearts.

Often the language of our true soul speaks quietly, this is not the language of the world that is noisy and filled with distractions, loud voices and opinions. Our true self does not shout at us to get our attention.

No, it speaks in whispers and nudges us along softly. This makes it necessary for us to create quiet, solitary moments to seek, reflect and find. We will feel and know truth if we are paying attention, that is to say in a conscious awake like state.

Please note it is almost impossible to receive the communication if we are attached to things, ideas, beliefs or old perceptions. Rather, if we put aside all that we have learned and come to a quiet place with expectancy of knowing, for even an instant, we will find that our true self does in fact have a voice and gives true inner knowledge and offers peace. Many times, what it may say is contrary to what the psyche has downloaded in our youth filled dreams. It is difficult to take what we have professed and believed our whole life to be true and even consider that perhaps there is more. This requires true humility.

If you are seeking clarity and peace, know that your heart, your true self (soul), is always present and calling you home to awaken.

And in this place deep within, an inner sense of belonging and connection and a oneness with the interconnectedness of all of life exists. May your soul be light and your spirit shine forth as the real you is illumined and released as you take the necessary steps to go within.

Peace be with you, friends.

(You can connect with Dolores Day on Facebook, or Instagram @de.day. love, or visit her website at www.deday.com.)

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Scenes from the island Lordy, a visit from Stanley!

Thanks to another Tampa Bay Lightning conquest of Lord Stanley’s Cup, former Lightning standout Dave Andreychuk was able to treat patrons throughout the Key with a photo opportunity as he made several appearances on Sept. 29. From left, Andreychuk delivers the Cup to Gilligan’s, where owner Scott Smith posed with his family; the Bolts great posed with Old Salty Dog manager Nick Hahn; and local musician Bobby Schneck has what he calls a “bucket-list moment” at Captain Curt’s upon the Cup’s arrival. My Village Pub was also on the list of stops. (submitted photos)

A Sassy salute to a new Siesta business

An Oct. 22 ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the arrival of Sassy ... The Little Day Spa to Davidson Plaza in Siesta Key’s Village. Co-owner Jeris Tuccinardi did the honors alongside her co-owner mother, Bobbie Tuccinardi, while the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce’s executive director Ann Frescura (far right) and membership director Nacy-Jo Manney (far left) held the ribbon. Staff members of the spa and business neighbors were also in attendance for the event, enjoying lunch and refreshments beforehand. (photo by Jane Bartnett)

Have wine, will carve

Customers, neighbors, employees, and everyone else who happened upon Siesta Key Wine Bar had a blast Oct. 18 during a pumpkincarving event. From top left and heading clockwise, contest winner Walt Griffith gets busy with a tribute to the host; establishment owner Melanie Dodge (left) and Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce volunteer Chris Marano begin workling on a pumpkin fitting for the wine lover; Caroline Williams means business; Karen Griffith’s toast to the evening took third place; a glass of wine was the reward for intense carving; bartender Kasey Gamble and Michael Rubin cretaed their hilarious spin on a couple of newlweds with kids in tow; Scott McCampbell took second place with a loving tribute to presumably a special someone. (submitted photos)

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www.siestasand.us

Get to know some of the new members of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Argus Vacation Rentals provides management services for a large selection of quality resort accommodations on Siesta Key and in Venice, along Florida’s central gulf coast. We can help you rent a unit from 1- to 3-bedrooms, from casual beach house to elegant townhouse, and from gulf view to bay view.

Whether you want a quiet spot to enjoy the tropical weather or a vacation spot to drop into between fun activities, Argus has just the place you need.

Info: Argus Property Management Dylan Clements/Director of Vacation Rentals 2477 Stickney Point Road, Suite 118-A Sarasota, FL 34231 941-914-6636 Dylan@ArgusMgmt.com argusvacationrentals.com Beachin’ Charters started in 2016 after hearing so many horror stories about other charter companies and we knew we could provide the best fun-filled time on the water with top notch customer service. Our company is about family and we strive to make you feel as though you are family. We offer sunset cruises, sunrise cruises, dolphin/manatee tours, fun fishing, sight-seeing, custom charters, tiki bar hopping, sandbar and shelling, etc.

Info: Beachin’ Charters 235 Lookout Point Drive Osprey, FL 34229 941-303-2557 info@beachincharters.com beachincharters.com Cruisin’ Tikis Sarasota offers the original fun tiki cruises in beautiful Siesta Key and Sarasota. We offer a variety of private charters including fun tiki ruises, sunset cruises, sandbar and swim, custom, and special events packages for birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor/ bachelorette parties, retirements, sandbar and swim cruises, corporate events/conferences, and waterfront home and property showings. Let your imagination design your fun tiki cruise today.

Info: Cruisin’ Tikis Sarasota “Cap’n K” (Kristian Dennis) 1984 Country Meadows Way Sarasota, FL 34235 941-253-5404 www.cruisintikissarasota.com Desiree Hanright, realtor with RE/MAX Alliance Group, has been a resident of Sarasota for more than 28 years, Desiree has considerable knowledge of the area. Her family moved here from Canada to enjoy the sunny, warm weather and have never looked back! Now raising her own two children here, she and her husband enjoy all that the Sarasota lifestyle provides.

She previously was the Membership Director at the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association, which both allotted her the fierce belief that her clients are always No. 1.

Info: RE/MAX Alliance Group Desiree Hanright/Realtor 941-773-9498 desireehanright.com Peaks & Palms Vacation Rental Group is a small family-operated vacation rental group with locations in the Smokies and Siesta Key. We are known for our high standards, impeccable property upkeep, and personal service! When you call, we answer; when you message, we respond quickly.

Avoid the big, impersonal rental companies and check out our reviews! Check us out at www.peaksandpalmsrentals.com Peaks & Palms Vacation Rental Group Dave Bruder 985 Springbrook Drive Cincinnati, OH 45224 513-400-4636 info@peaksandpalmsrentals.com peaksandpalmsrentals.com Vacasa is the trusted partner whether travelers are looking to book a weekend getaway or the trip of a lifetime. Vacasa homeowners enjoy industry-leading financial returns on their vacation homes, delivered by the company’s unmatched technology platform that ensures revenue is always maximized. Guests can relax in

one of Vacasa’s professionally managed homes, knowing that 24/7 customer care is just a phone call away. Contact us at 1-800-544-0300 or Vacasa.com.

Info: Vacasa Julie Wilson 2625 Rose Street Sarasota, FL 34239 941-735-5761 Julie.wilson@vacasa.com Vacasa.com

Siesta Key Beach Resort & Suites is a quaint, coastal retreat residing alongside Siesta Key Village. With only 17 units, we offer a variety of room types which range from studios to suites.

Siesta Key Beachside Villas offers complimentary bicycles, Wi-Fi, beach wagons, beach chairs, and coolers. We invite you enjoy the Siesta sunsets with exclusive beach access.

Info: Siesta Key Beach Resort & Suites Siesta Key Beachside Villas Danielle Hohn General Manager 941- 349-3211 skrsandskbv@gmail.com siestakeybeachresortandsuites.com Robin Hood Rentals is the best place for all your Siesta Key rental needs. Not only do we have a wide range of golf carts, scoot coupes, bicycles, paddle boards, kayaks, and more we also offer free delivery on most items on Siesta Key. Info: Robin Hood Rentals, Inc Mark Toomey 5255 Ocean Boulevard Sarasota, FL 34242 941-554-4242 marktoomey@gmail.com robinhoodrentals.net Sallee Technology, LLC is a technology consulting, design and web development resource. Local owner, striving to grow local businesses and provide technical solutions ranging from small electronics to cloud based web enhancements. What do we do? Web, UX, SEO, hosting, IT/IT services, analytics, etc. For a full list of services, clients and support, check out our website.

Info: Sallee Technology, LLC Brandon Sallee 4250 Higel Avenue Sarasota, FL 34242 941-500-2134 webmaster@salleetech.com salleetech.com Sunshine Baskets offers unique, gourmet gift basket for all occasions including birthdays, baby, get well, thank you, sympathy, weddings, holidays and more. The retail store has pre-made baskets and lots of unique and delicious gourmet items that you can purchase individually or put your own custom basket together. We deliver locally and ship throughout the United States. We have a large selection of Florida and Sarasota made items and specialize in large parties, conventions, corporate events, meetings and hotel welcome gifts. Order safely online 24 hours a day, call or come to our retail store.

Info: Sunshine Baskets Tamara Davis 7222 S Tamiami Trail, Suite 103 Sarasota, FL 34231 941-320-7219 sunshinebaskets@verizon.net www.sunshinebaskets.org

www.siestasand.us

941.312.0665

NOVEMBER 2021

Incorporation presentation Key in May by Florida League of Cities representative Lynn Tipton included those very words while she warned that lawmakers were “cooling off” on endorsing incorporation efforts.

In the past five years, only two have come to fruition. Between 1995 and 2000, 12 were approved.

Meanwhile, delegation chairman Robinson, whose District 71 includes a small part of the northern part of Siesta Key, warned the incorporation team regarding its pursuit that it’s “a big jump” and “it’s not done every day in the area and, frankly, it’s not done often in the Legislature.”

He also said he had some questions regarding the feasibility study, but did not elaborate.

Robinson went on to say he also feels uncomfortable with a proposal that would add another layer of government, more taxes, and felt he and his colleagues were being asked to settle zoning disputes.

“It seems like at some level, the Legislature’s getting asked to mediate a couple of zoning issues that are going on between Sarasota County and the area of Siesta Key,” he said, mirroring McFarland’s thoughts.

Indeed, land-use issues have been at the forefront of Save Siesta Key’s incorporation campaign -- notably the recent push for new hotels.

The massive Siesta Promenade project at its U.S. 41/Stickney Point Road doorstep, along with the dredging of Big Pass to provide sand to Lido Key, are others.

A curious turn of events?

As for the comments by McFarland, who was elected last fall and whose District 72 includes the balance and majority of the Key, they come several months after Save Siesta Key reported at its July public meeting that it had met individually with all the delegation McFarland members, and that they were open-minded about incorporation provided a feasibility study was sound.

As for McFarland, former Save Siesta Key member Rick Munroe said “Fiona has expressed her willingness to sponsor the local bill” at that meeting.

But during the Sept. 30 meeting, McFarland suggested that the group consider approaching the city of Sarasota for annexation, noting the Key could potentially have a stronger voting block to earn council seats within an entity of roughly 60,000

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Continued from page 4

Several supporters of Save Siesta Key, clad in T-shirts, gathered for the Sept. 30 meeting with the Sarasota County Legislative Delegation. (submitted photo)

residents vs. the county, which has roughly 440,000.

Interestingly, residents of Siesta Key’s Bay Island neighborhood near the north bridge are already part of the city.

Anand, who said he knew he didn’t have time allotted for a thorough response, instead sent an email to McFarland the next day that outlined his group’s disinterest in such an idea.

“I wasn’t entirely surprised,” Anand said of her suggestion. “Her job is to look at alternatives, which I respect. But I don’t think that is what we’re looking for and it would not solve what we’re trying to do.”

The four reasons, Anand said he stated in his email to McFarland, are: 1) The fact that the city requires more than 4 mills in taxation to operate, plus the 3.2 all county residents must also pay to the county, far outweighs the modest .25 mills that Save Siesta Key’s feasibility study has established as a starting point. “We can own our own township for just a quarter of a mill,” he said.

2) The Key and the city are two very distinct communities, he said, with different lifestyles and different land use.

3) The Key generates about the same amount of bed tax at 27% as the city (27.75% Sarasota, 27.70% Siesta Key in fiscal year 2020). “It shows we can stand on our own,” he said.

4) The city continues to grow, while the Key holds mostly still with less than 9,000 residents and less than 7,000 voters. Like with the county, he said the Key would continue to have “a smaller and smaller part” of representation with the city, “and that is a problem.”

In conclusion, “All negatives, no positives” Anand said of the idea.

He said he also wouldn’t be surprised if the Bay Island residents would eventually seek inclusion in the Key, although they are not currently part of the incorporation proposal.

Anand added that his group has never discussed anything with the city and the only conversation it had with the county was

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with Commissioner Christian Ziegler, who Anand said expressed an open mind to the idea.

Kurt Hoffman, the county’s sheriff, also conferred with Save Siesta Key and wrote a letter of support as part of its application.

Said Hoffman, according to Anand, “A lot of what you’re saying Harry makes sense. I’ll keep open-minded on it.”

Even with Siesta Key’s satisfaction regarding some county services, many of which would continue to be supplied if Siesta Key became a town, Anand said incorporation would help determine how they are applied.

“It’s better if residents have a seat at the table,” he said. “We have no local voice on to further our causes and collaborate better.”

The incorporation group, which spoke first and only briefly during the meeting, considered the rest of what it saw and heard as a microcosm of its problems. Afterward, on its website it wrote: “After our presentation, we watched County Commissioner Ziegler and mayors from the city of Sarasota, Longboat Key, Venice and North Port further their agendas with the local delegation. There were no elected officials to represent Siesta Key on issues affecting our island. Siesta Key has no seat at the table and has been ignored by the county because they have bigger countywide issues to deal with.”

Let us vote Back to Anand’s presentation, he highlighted the various challenges the Key’s residents face. For starters, no members of the current Board of County Commissioners live on the island.

“Our needs or not necessarily understood unless you live here,” Anand said. “The residents are the best stewards.”

He outlined the need for local code enforcement, as illegal short-term rentals continue to cause trouble on the Key. Then there’s the hotels issue. Within a year the builders of four large hotels -- each consisting of 100 or more rooms -- have filed

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applications on the Key, and the county commissioners will be the ones to vote on them. Anand said it’s an example of the Key’s inability to control growth and density.

“They will absolutely change the face of Siesta Key,” he said of the hotels, one of which has already been approved. “The infrastructure is not there to support it.”

As for the proposed structure of the group’s desired government, Anand reiterated the “government lite” concept where only about five employees would be needed and elected council spots would be unpaid.

He said 39% percent of the budget would go toward employee salaries and operations, 36% toward infrastructure, and 25% would be earmarked as reserves.

Regarding taxes, the bill would be $97.65 a year for the owner of a median home in terms of appraised value ($440,602).

“That shows how fiscally conservative we are,” he said.

In regard to community support, Anand pointed to the fact the Save Siesta Key campaign recruited 25 neighborhood ambassadors, collected nearly 2,000 petitions of support during offseason, and raised more than $91,000 (now more than $93,000) with contributions as small as $20.

“It was truly a grassroots effort,” he said.

Finally, Anand pounded away at the notion that every community has the right of self-determination, pointing to the 1973 Florida Legislature’s Home Rules Powers Act. In summary, it ensures that the state’s counties and municipalities are effectively and efficiently providing for the wishes of their citizens.

This was a critical reminder, in Anand’s mind, as he emphasized how all that Save Siesta Key wanted was to bring the incorporation matter to a local referendum vote, and not be at the mercy of Tallahassee.

Said Anand, “At the end of the day, you guys in the delegation and in the Legislature are not voting to create the town of Siesta Key. You’re not voting to create another layer of government. You are not voting to raise those taxes.

“You are merely checking that feasibility study and confirming that yes, this town is feasible. It comes back after that to the people. And that vote up or down – and we accept that. All we are asking is you allow that opportunity for the residents of Siesta Key.” In a follow-up conversation, he made the same emphasis.

“We’ve delivered. Now it’s up to the local delegation to take it to the next step,” Anand said.

“We even presented them with a draft of the bill.”

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NOVEMBER 2021

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Crystal Classic is packed with action Nine bands will perform under a massive tent during the family-friendly Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival, and the lineup will include an eclectic roster of popular area acts. The music kicks off Friday morning, Nov. 12, and will conclude Monday, Nov. 15.

Saturday night is a highlight as the festival is open until 9 p.m. with music, a party tent, food court, and a fabulous light display of the 16 amazing sand sculptures by the esteemed contestants.

Meredith, co-host of the popular Jones and Company morning show on 107.9 WSRZ, will be on location that day from 10 to 11 a.m.

Kara Nally Band

Midnight Mama

Live music line-up

Friday, Nov. 12: Tropicool, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kara Nally Band, 2 to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 13 Out of the Blue, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Midnight Mama, 2 to 5 p.m.

Fleetwood Max (authentic Fleetwood Mac tribute band) 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 14 Tropical Ave. Band, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kettle of Fish, 2 to 5 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 15 Chris Otto & Matt Drummer, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ariella, 2 to 5 p.m.

Other festival attractions include free sand sculpting lessons and demos, an amateur competition on Saturday, Quick Sand speed sculpting, and an array of food, drink and retail vendors.

Information regarding the 2021 festival schedule and ticket options can be found on the website www.siestakeycrystalclassic.com.

Sand sculpting

Fleetwood Max (authentic Fleetwood Mac tribute band)

Kettle of Fish

Continued from page 1

“It took me 10 years to become a master-category sculptor. It’s not like you can just show up and think you’re going to be invited to compete,” said Daily.

“It takes a lot of work.”

Despite some COVID-19--related travel bans in other parts of the world, Daily believes they’ve put together an exceptional international field this year — including some past winners looking to repeat.

During the festival, eight solo artists and eight teams of two will compete to create towering, intricate and unbelievably eye-catching sculptures out of Siesta’s 99 percent quartz sand. The ephemeral nature of the medium is part of the appeal, according to Daily.

“Sand is cheap. Water is cheap. Instead of a $20,000 block of marble I’ve got a free block of sand,” he said. “You can get the feel of a grand project right here. We make these huge monstrosities out of blocks of sand.”

The professional competitors have three eighthour days and one four-hour day to finish their projects. Sculptures will be judged on plot usage, composition, and how technically difficult the design is in terms of height, realism and overhangs.

Siesta’s sand actually adds to the difficulty factor when it comes to emphasizing details.

“Siesta has this startling white crystal sand. [The artists] have to make some pretty deep cuts to create

the shadows,” Daily explained. Deeper cuts increase the risk of dreaded collapses.

While Daily won’t be competing, he has designed the event’s centerpiece sculpture as well as a photoopportunity sculpture where visitors can pose for pictures. The Crystal Classic’s photo op pieces have traditionally been holiday-themed so families can use the image on their Christmas cards.

Daily has also designed the event’s layout specifically to promote social distancing. Wider walkways encourage flow and keep people moving.

On Saturday night, the festival area will be open after dark so the sculptures can be viewed under theatrical lighting. In addition to the sand sculptures, the festival features food trucks, merchandise booths, live music and the Barefoot Beach Bar Party Tent.

(See above and flyer on page 19 for more details.)

One-day tickets and four-day passes are available at siestakeycrystalclassic.com, with discounts for seniors, children and military servicemembers.

Parking is limited, so visitors are encouraged to use the free Siesta Key Breeze Trolley or Sarasota County’s OnDemand service, available at scgov.net/ ondemand or (941) 300-1553.

“Don’t be in a hurry. Just come out, have fun, and relax,” said Daily. “And be prepared to have the best day of your year.”

Tropicool

Tropical Ave.

Andy Daily, this year’s Crystal Classic chairman, gets the party started by designing a promotional sand sculpture outside the Siesta Key’s Visitor Center. The finished product now sits in the lobby.(photos courtesy of Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce)

www.siestasand.us

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Off Key!

NOVEMBER 2021

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By Robert Frederickson

From missing the turn to investment returns Roundabout Blues

D

etours come with the territory in these parts. But the latest local example spawned by the construction of an $8.6 million roundabout project at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue in downtown Sarasota has challenged the patience of even the most battlehardened local road warriors.

Looking more like a Rube Goldberg cartoon than a serious exercise in sound traffic management, the detour takes southbound U.S. 41 traffic on an island-hopping adventure across the John Ringling Bridge to Bird Key and – initially at least – all the way to St. Armands Circle and Lido Key. Thankfully, in a rare burst of common sense, FDOT modified the traffic flow to allow a U-turn at Bird Key to re-route southbound traffic back to the mainland.

So, a two-minute left-turn signal has grown faster than the Federal budget into delays of anywhere from 10 minutes to a half hour or more depending on the time of day.

But not to worry. The roundabout project is scheduled to wrap up in the fall of 2022, a mere 12 months down the road.

Unsolicited advice of the day

If at first you don’t succeed, skydiving is probably not for you.

Truth in advertising?

We’ve all seen those tongue-incheek signs in bars and certain casual chainrestaurants that bear a message along the lines of “Warm Beer. Lousy Service.”

Now, in something of a twist, the U.S. Postal Service has seemingly adopted a similar credo, but without the tongue-in-cheek part.

The price of a first class “forever” stamp recently increased 6.8 percent to 58 cents. In return, it announced it will take longer –

up to a day or more – for your first-class letter or package to be delivered.

And therein lies a cautionary tale as to the downside of permanent bureaucracies.

Of course, the USPS doesn’t need to advertise, but you can guess what its message would be if they did: “Pay More! Get Less!”

Finished? Coach Jon Gruden now officially a ‘non-person’

A fair portion of you dear readers are – like me – Tampa Bay Bucs fans. So, likeyou I was dismayed by the details of former Bucs’ coach Jon Gruden’s recent fall from grace for what most if not all observers agree were racist comments made in emails he assumed would remain private.

That was of course not the case once a defamation lawsuit got underway between Washington Football Team owner Dan Snyder and former Bucs’ GM (and later Washington GM) Bruce Allen; all correspondence between the principals involved and those they communicated with were then instantly subject to the lawsuit’s discovery process.

Someone involved in those legal proceedings was likely the source of the leaks that led to the New York Times report that in turn led to Gruden’s forced resignation as coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Less than a day after that resignation/termination, the Tampa Bay Bucs announced they would be removing Gruden’s name from the Ring of Honor at Raymond James Stadium, the Bucs’ home field.

But as sports commentator and OutKick founder Clay Travis pointed out recently, the name of standout Tampa Bay defensive lineman Warren Sapp remains on the ring, despite that star on-field performer having faced multiple domestic violence charges throughout the years.

Also, Travis continued, at least two starters on the Bucs’ current squad have recently or are currently facing their own domestic violence charges.

Which begs the question: Why

is it those charged with thought crimes like Gruden can lose the opportunity to earn a living in their chosen profession ... effectively facing total banishment, forever, while those who commit actual physical crimes against others often get off with a slap on the wrist in the form of a fine or a three- or fourgame suspension after which they head straight back to work ... or into the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Just asking.

Notre Dame coach flagged for ‘offensive’ foul

Back in the earliest days of the Tampa Bay Bucs, as the NFL team plumbed the depths of athletic incompetence going 0-26 before winning its first game, the team’s coach, John McKay, was asked after one particularly innovative losing performance what he thought of his team’s on-field execution.

He replied: “I’m in favor of it.”

Everyone at the press conference that afternoon was amused. No one was offended. Nary a penalty flag in sight.

Well, fast forward to the hereand-now. Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly recycled McKay’s “execution”

comment recently as he described his heavily favored team’s lackluster performance as they squeaked out a victory against underdog Florida State in the season opener for both schools. Kelly made his comment after being asked – like McKay before him – about his team’s execution.

“I’m in favor of execution.

Maybe our entire team needs to be executed after tonight,” was Kelly’s exact quote.

But nowadays of course we have Twitter. And right on cue it blew up in instant outrage over Kelly’s comments. So much so that the coach had to actually come out and publicly explain that he didn’t really want to “kill” each and every member of his team.

Yet another example of the thoroughly humorless world we’ve come to live.

Strong men create good times.

Good times create weak men. Weak men create hard times.

Any doubt as to where we currently fit in terms of that progression?

Remembering 9/11

A 1962 Marvel comic book featuring the debut of your friendly neighborhood Spider Man recently fetched a record $3.6 million at auction.

So, how are your investments doing?

Recent reminders of the sacrifices

by New York City police and firefighters on 9/11 (343 firefighters, 92 police lost) got me thinking about these words from author G. Michael Hopf: Hard times create strong men.

Depressed?

Turn off your phone

New iPhone software from Apple could help diagnose such mental health issues as depression, reports say, which is altogether appropriate, since many mentalhealth professionals maintain that smart-phone obsession is often a key contributor to depression.

Quote of the day

America doesn’t have to be perfect to be good -- Victor Davis Hanson

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Siesta Sand

NOVEMBER 2021

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Nanday parakeet Aratinga nenday

This medium/small parrot whose origin story begins in the tropics of central South America is not native to Florida. However, permanent colonies became established in the lower latitudes of the U. S. when these popular pets either escaped or were released into the wild in the 1960s.

The greater Tampa Bay area boasts one of the largest enclaves of these feathered expats, measuring about 13 inches, head-to-tail, and

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weighing 5 ounces.

Its black head and face — in stark contrast with the vibrant green, yellow, red, and blue plumage — is the reason the nanday is informally called the black-hooded parakeet.

This colorful character is often heard before being seen thanks to its sociable and boisterous nature.

Diners at many of the outdoor restaurants along Siesta Key’s Ocean Boulevard and Midnight Pass Road are often regaled by groups of nandays congregating noisily on overhead powerlines and in palm trees.

Calling back and forth, their animated conversations exemplify a shared sense of community — sometimes as idle gossip, sometimes as an early warning system for a perceived threat.

Jan Baumgartner’s handmade notecards are available at BLVD Beachwear, 5239 Ocean Blvd., and Shelly’s Gift and Christmas Boutique,

Blooming this month: Blue porterweed

BEST HAPPY HOUR IN TOWN Daily 4pm - 6:30pm

Open for dinner from 4pm - 9pm 3900 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233 (941) 952-3186 www.chiantisarasota.com

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Prime Aged Steaks, Chops, Seafood, NY Deli Meats, Sausage and Salads Voted Sarasota’s Best Philly Cheesesteak and NY Reuben Serving Sarasota Since 1975 We offer takeout and complete catering services.

Porterweed is best in full sun or partial shade. When first planted, it needs moist soil. However, once established it is drought resistant.

It can tolerate salty conditions, too.

It’s a great addition to any butterfly garden, as the flowers are rich in nectar and popular with many butterflies and bees.

Deep indigo blue, quarter-inch blooms adorn the long spike-like stems. This plant blooms off and

on all year. The green leaves are kind of shiny with acute marginal leaves that are numerous and are outward pointing. This plant is about 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide.

Porterweed is currently in bloom in the Butterfly Garden at the Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Boulevard of the Arts.

Submitted by Kay Weber, Botanical Gardens Chair, Sarasota Garden Club

Sea turtle nest count (through Oct. 25) Place your holiday orders now!

Review our menu at

Siesta Key: Turtle nests 521, false crawls 603.

Lido Key: Turtle nests 107, false crawls 279.

Longboat Key: Turtle nests 1,032, false crawls 1,442.

Casey Key: Turtle nests 1,471, false crawls 1,773.

Venice: Turtle nests 632, false crawls 590.

Information gathered by Mote Marine.

www.siestasand.us

941.312.0665

NOVEMBER 2021

27th State Media LLC

Spa Experience Siesta Key

Newly Expanded Location and Services Welcome back all our seasonal residents, tourists and locals Having worked in the massage and beauty industries for almost 30 years on Siesta Key, owner Connie Lewis has realized her dream to be back on Siesta Key with a spacious new location, a larger multi-talented staff and the capability to serve eight guests at a time.

We are newly relocated by the public beach at 5700 Midnight Pass Road, upstairs in Suite 4B., right next door to the new fire station and just steps from the Siesta Key public beach.

Our beautiful and tranquil new spa is nestled upstairs with plenty of space for you and your loved ones to enjoy your “Spa Day”. The beautiful group room is perfect for bridal parties, reunions and anniversaries. Or, if you just want to enjoy your massage with friends.

The new service menu includes our classic therapeutic and relaxation massages (we offer 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes of bliss).

All of our massage sessions come with hot towels and organic aromatherapy to help soothe mind, body and spirit. We invite you to try our heavenly embellishments including CBD, Hot Stones and Full Body Aromatherapy Salt Glow.

In addition to massage therapy, we offer facials, spa packages and Acupuncture.

One of our most popular Spa Packages

is the Siesta Sun ‘n Smoother. The Sun ‘n Smoother includes a full body hot stone massage followed by a body exfoliation and moisturizing treatment. You will feel relaxed, pampered and beach body ready!

Other treatments exclusive to Siesta Key are the best in Anti-Aging Facials, performed by Connie. She has been offering her Microcurrent Facial for many years and has had so many happy clients leave younger looking, refreshed and acne free.

For a consultation for this treatment, please call for further information and prices.

Other facial offerings include Connie’s Signature Treatment which includes a full body massage and a custom organic facial with Pevonia Botanica products which are available to take home after your service.

Spa Experience established in 1994 is going strong and we are looking forward to having you as our guests and help you unwind, recharge and take some “ME” time during your time on Siesta Key. Please call (941-350-7495) or email (siestakeylmt@ gmail.com) to schedule your next “special occasion” or for more information on custom service packages.

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Siesta Sand

NOVEMBER 2021

BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Capt. Curt’s Backroom Saloon................B-3 #7 Crescent Club.......................................... C-3 #13 Sniki Tiki....................................................B-3 #8 COFFEE SHOPS Coffee Garden................................... B-3 #8 DELIS / BAKERIES Anna’s Deli & Sandwiches.................. C-3 #14 Nutritious You......................................... C-3 #14 The Beach Deli @ Crescent Beach Grocery......B-3 #1 DRUG STORES Davidson Drugs..................................... C-3 #14 FASHION & ACCESSORIES Fin Island Co.............................................. A-3 #2 CB’s Saltwater Outfitters........................ A-3 #4 Coconuts Fashion......................................B-3 #1 Green Turtle Swimwear......................... C-3 #14 Key Casual Fashions............................... D-3 #17

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Toasted Mango Cafe 6621 Midnight Pass Rd.

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941.312.0665

Siesta Snapshots

NOVEMBER 2021

27th State Media LLC

35

Photos by Trebor Britt

“Shoreline Snuggle” -- Chloe Broadwater and Josiah Bracken of Tennessee are all relaxed along the Siesta Beach shoreline. Broadwater is a supply chain management major at University of Tennessee and Bracken started a respectability men’s fashion brand called Decency Clothing.

He’s primarily marketing through Instagram and his website, decencyclothingline.com.

“Beach Champs” -- Soccer teammates, Andres Villegas, 11; Diego Araujo, 9; Leonardo Pirela, 11; and Lukas Araujo, 10, celebrate on Siesta Beach after winning the Youth 12 division of the Charger Cup soccer tournament in Sarasota.

“Beach BFFs” -- Kaitlyn Hruza of Chicago and Hailey Crooke of Sarasota relish a gorgeous day on Siesta Beach. Hruza manages a restaurant and Crooke works at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

“Alone Time” -- Two-year Fort Myers resident Alexandria Christakis takes in the sun and some quiet moments re-energizing on Siesta Beach. The skin care and makeup artist who moved here from a Chicago suburb said “I love the crystal-clear water and the cool white sand.”

“Always Ready” -- Siesta Key lifeguard Mark Miller of Pennsylvania keeps watch on the hundreds of beach-goers. Miller described his 15 years on the job by saying “What I like most about lifeguarding is this, and this is the best description I’ve ever heard of the beach environment: Where the land and the sea meet and the elements come together in grand celebration.

It’s an elevated place of residence and it’s a privilege to work in this environment on a daily basis.“

“Siesta on Siesta” -- Cory Jones of Nashville lives life easy by taking a siesta on Siesta. Not long ago, Jones turned lemons into lemonade -- he lost his job in structural steel sales during the pandemic and started a successful lawn care business. He now has 60 accounts and says “I’ve already doubled my quality of life.”

“Racing the Waves” -- Two-year-old Gavin of Rhode Island attempts to out-run the mild waves rolling into the Siesta Beach shoreline.

Gavin’s mom heard about the amazing beach from one of her family members. His dad is a Marine veteran now helping build nuclear submarines. They were excited to relate they would be back.

“Beach Reception”-- Lakewood Ranch graduate Nicholas Walling receives a spiral pass on the powdery sands of Siesta Beach.

He is a skilled Toro mechanic in Sarasota. Walling commented, “The beach is a great place to make new friends. I love the atmosphere.”

“Smiley Faces” -- Sisters Yisele, 9, and Valeria, 8, Gonzalez of New Jersey are all smiles bringing their dolls to enjoy the beach. Valeria’s favorite beach feature are the small waves and swimming. So far their annual vacation on Siesta Beach has lasted eight years.

“Beach Rinse” -- Sisters Faith, 6, and Hope, 7, Kostyuk of South Carolina rinse off the sand during their fourth visit to Siesta Beach.

What couldn’t be rinsed off were Hope’s memories of learning to swim without a lifejacket and witnessing what she thought was a sea lion swimming off the coast.

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Plenty for Pups – How to Help Your Dog Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner Safely Kyle Baker, Senior Pet Food Nutritionist at DOGPerfect Food and football are great, but the best part of the Thanksgiving holiday is gathering together with our family and friends. If you’re a pet parent, it’s even better as the furriest members of your family provide love and warmth to be extra thankful for.

Keep in mind though, while you, your family and your dog can savor the holiday together, your pup shouldn’t partake in the entirety of the family feast. There are a number of traditional Thanksgiving foods that aren’t healthy for dogs, and it’s important to be mindful of which items to avoid. That said, several items on the traditional Thanksgiving table are great for dogs to sample.

Let’s take a look at each to help you, your family and your pup enjoy a happy and healthy holiday.

Unsafe and Unhealthy Thanksgiving Foods Unsurprisingly, the Thanksgiving holiday coincides with an uptick in emergency vet visits, so it’s especially critical that you take extra care to not allow your dog to consume anything that may make them sick. Here are a few to look out for.

• Not every bone is a good bone – While dogs of almost every stripe famously love bones, poultry bones can damage a dogs digestive tract.

• Take it easy on the trimmings – Rich and delicious turkey skin, trimmings, and gravy can over-stimulate or inflame a dog’s pancreas, potentially leading to life threatening pancreatitis.

• Let the sides slide by – Some of our holiday favorites like stuffing, casseroles, mashed potatoes, and creamed peas are loaded with fat and spices that can also cause your pup pancreatic or digestive issues.

• Lay off the sweets – Sugar is generally not good for dogs, and anything containing Xylitol — like many baked goods — can be toxic.

Speaking of baked goods, it’s sometimes safe for dogs to consume certain breads.

However, items containing ingredients such as garlic, onions, raisins, chocolate, or even yeasted dough can result in issues ranging from bloat to dangerous levels of toxicity.

Lastly, though this should go without saying: No, your dog should not be drinking any type of alcoholic beverages.

easily craft a sumptuous Turkey Day spread exclusively for your furry friends.

Savory snacks like Remy’s Kitchen Just Turkey Hearts or Einstein’s Turkey Time treats made with real turkey can make for tasty appetizers. Next up, Hound & Gatos Turkey Kibble and Health Extension Dog Turkey Entrée offer terrific main course options. Need sides? Evanger’s Grain-Free Sweet Potato for Dogs & Cats has got you covered.

And it wouldn’t be a holiday without dessert. Products like Boss Dog Pumpkin Yogurt, Bocce’s Bakery Pumpkin Cheesecake Treats, or Sammy Snack with Pumpkin can satisfy your dog’s sweet tooth.

Thanksgiving Food Fit for Sharing As we mentioned, while there are many Thanksgiving favorites that dogs should avoid, there are just as many you can happily share.

• It’s Turkey Day after all – In general, the big spread’s main course is OK for canines provided their portion hasn’t been prepared with seasoning, butter, or other fatty ingredients. Again, remember to avoid turkey bones and skin. White meat or dark?

That’s a matter of pup’s preference, of course.

• A sweet they can eat – Unlike most other Thanksgiving sweet stuff, sweet potatoes are a terrific option and a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and beta-carotene – just skip the marshmallows.

Oh, and moderate helpings of boiled or baked potatoes can also be an excellent alternative provided they’re served without butter, sour cream, salt, or pepper.

• Favor fruits and veggies – In addition to potatoes, there are other traditional Thanksgiving fruit and vegetable options that dogs are welcome to put on their plate — with a few watchouts. With ample amounts of plant fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and K, green beans (without butter or spices) are great for dogs; high in fiber and vitamins A and C, apples (without the core or seeds) also make a tempting treat; and as an aid to digestive, skin and coat health, canned pumpkin (without sugar or pie seasonings) is also a winner.

Of course, if you aren’t cooking a traditional Thanksgiving meal or just don’t want to feed your pup “people food,” there are plenty of perfectly safe commercial alternatives. So many, in fact, that you can

$

Have a Happy, Healthy Holiday Whether you’re sharing from the big table or opting for dog-safe meals and treats, this holiday, make sure to let your best friend know you appreciate them. One option?

Make a healthy choice for you both and take your pup for a walk to burn some calories before the post-dinner slumber.

Who knows, you may start a new holiday tradition to enjoy with your dog for years to come.

www.siestasand.us

Paw Pals Meet Bear

Bear is a Shar Pei bear coat dog with a bit of pug mixed in. This type of the breed is known for its soft fur.

He’s 2 years old and weighs 47 pounds.

His hobbies include fetching toys, chasing squirrels, and napping afterward in a big way.

His owners report that a new puppy roommate of the same breed will soon arrive to their Sarasota home, which they will appropriately name Grizzly.

(Submit your Paw Pal to the Siesta Sand at info@27statemedia.com.)

Kyle Baker, senior pet food nutritionist at DOGPerfect, has a passion for educating pet parents on the power of nutrition and how it can improve their pet’s lives with proper food, supplements and treats. DOGPerfect is a locally owned and operated pet supply store with locations in The Landings, University Park, and Lakewood Ranch. Visit www.DOGPerfect.com for more information and to sign-up for a free one-on-one nutrition consult with Kyle.

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Signage

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Continued from page 17

commissioners to reduce the minimum space in between signs from 250 feet to 50 feet.

Commissioners tasked staff with augmenting the amendment to include these revisions. According to county zoning administrator Donna Thompson, revisions included the aggregate size of an incidental sign permitted in residential zoning districts to be increased to 24 square feet;, and a flag attached to a whip pole is to be

Siesta Shawn

a maximum of 6 square feet and 8 feet tall.

At the second public hearing, Sarasota County Commissioners heard comments from five concerned citizens: Darrel Peters and Susan Lister of Siesta Key; and Clayton Taylor, Chris Tribelli and Laly Ballard of Casey Key. Despite an argument from Taylor that the ordinance restricts “free speech from dusk till dawn, for our ability to have a sign or

a message on our property,” the signs will still have to be removed at night for the safety of both humans and endangered nesting sea turtles.

Likewise, commissioners were not receptive to Casey Key residents’ suggestions of rope-andpost fencing to cordon off private property.

According to Assistant County Attorney David Pearce, any area seaward of the mean high-water

line is open to the public.

Said County Commissioner Nancy Detert, “We need to start educating the public about these rules. I think no individual owns the natural environment. I care about … (resolving) conflicts between people who are lucky enough to live on the beach and people who would like to walk on the beach, because they think they have a right to do that.”

Based on public input, the Board

of County Commissioners also decided to increase the height maximum of flags from 6 feet to 8 feet; decrease the separation distance of incidental signs from 250 feet to 50 feet; and allow the use of sandwich boards as a form of advertisement.

The board found the proposed ordinance to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and approved it by a 5-0 vote.

Continued from page 10

family and the many families who treasure their days on Siesta Key, as he did.

Ann Frescura, executive director of the chamber, told the group that the book became “Shawn’s legacy.”

Frescura said that when she first approached Shawn about illustrating the book he accepted it immediately with the same

enthusiasm and spirit that he brought to all of his work.

“This book was special for Shawn. He lit up when we talked about it and he was so enthusiastic, so precise in his work,” she said.

“He truly gave it his all.”

In the early months of 2021, Shawn was hopeful that the major surgery that he had undergone would allow him to have a healthy

life and more time. The book project gave him great hope. As the months went by, Shawn began to lose his battle. Determined to finish and despite his failing health, Shawn bravely worked to completed his project, applying the final touches only days before his death.

As the sun began to set, Frescura introduced a special

video presentation of the book that was shown on a large screen, marking its official debut. As page after page of the letters of the alphabet appeared on the screen alongside Shawn’s whimsical illustrations of Siesta Key, his friends and family admired the beauty of the book.

The ABC’s of Siesta Key book will be on sale at the upcoming Siesta

Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival, held Nov. 12 to 15 on Siesta Beach. It will also be available at the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce office and at other select locations.

As seen through the eyes of the artist known as Siesta Shawn, the story of Siesta Key, its people, and the island’s natural beauty, will live on.

DUTCH VALLEY RESTAURANT

Sarasota’s Family Diner since 1972!

Open Daily 7am-9pm

Over 100 menu items Open 7 days a week Daily specials Breakfast served all day, every day!

Join our Team - Now Hiring!

Online Ordering for Take out and Delivery

6721 S. Tamiami Trl, Sarasota • 941.924.1770

DutchValleyRestaurant.net

SUNSET SPECIALS

• Sunset Chicken • Sunset Fish

$

• Sunset Shrimp • Sunset New York Strip

$

(Salmon, Tuna, Cod or Grouper)

15.95 $17.95 18.95 $21.95

All Dinners Include:

Oriental Clear Soup, Green Salad, Shrimp Flambé, Stir Fried Vegetables, Japanese Steamed Rice and Japanese Green Tea 5:00pm-6:00pm Daily. Must be seated by 6:00pm.

Excluding Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and New Year’s Eve.

4910 S. Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, FL 34231 941.552.9465 www.DaRuMaRestaurant.com

Big Water Deli

SPECIALIZING IN CORNED BEEF, PASTRAMI, PORK, AND ROAST BEEF. ALL IN-HOUSE MADE.

Hours 11am–4pm • Closed Sundays 6641 Midnight Pass Rd Crescent Plaza • Siesta Key

941-554-8101 bigwaterfishmarket.com

www.siestasand.us

941.312.0665

NOVEMBER 2021

Notes from the Island Fishmonger

Capt. Dawson Day’s Fishing Forecast Catch Sarasota Fishing Charters (941) 586-0204

39

27th State Media LLC

Florida Fish of Siesta Key

Red Snapper

Here’s to the season of the ‘sweet meat’ Florida Puffer Yellowtail Florida Puffer Sailfish Sailfish Spanish Mackerel Dohlpin “Mahi-Mahi”

A nice gator trout is displayed, caught with a live pilchard while fishing the grass flats in Sarasota Bay. (submitted photo)

F

all is here and with it comes cooler air and water temperatures. A great variety of species can be found inshore and offshore of Siesta Key, but make sure you have some cool-weather gear to keep you warm.

With the drop in water temperatures, we will start to see large schools of baitfish -- including threadfin, pilchards, and sardines -- off of our local beaches, bringing large schools of actively feeding king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and sharks.

We tend to see these large schools of fish anywhere from a few hundred yards off the beaches to 15 miles or so offshore.

When fishing for these species, it is best to have a live well filled with plenty of live bait. Make sure to also have plenty of small-gauge single-strand-wire kingfish rigs, or long shank “J” hooks, that can be found at any of our great local tackle shops.

The best tactics for finding the mackerel is by slow trolling free-lined live baits around the large schools of bait that you will see working the surface of the water above hard bottom, wrecks, and reefs.

These mackerel make for great filets to throw on the smoker to make some delicious fresh fish dip.

Cobia will start to flourish on our nearshore wrecks and reefs as well. Cobia can be a very curious fish as they will oftentimes swim up to your boat just to see what you are. Be sure to always have an extra rod or two rigged up with 40- to 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and 7/0 Mustad UltraPoint circle hook ready to cast a bait at them, as they will only give you a short time to present to them before they vanish.

I prefer to cast a live pin fish at them, but if they are hungry they usually will eat a variety of soft and hard plastic baits.

Remember that cobia have a minimum size limit of 33 inches to the fork of the tail, so it is best to have a large net handy for a fish that may be right on the edge of keeper size.

Moving inshore, we are seeing a hot bite of trout, Spanish mackerel, blue fish, and lady fish on the deeper grass flats of Sarasota Bay. When looking for these fish on the grass flats, a great starting point is where you see birds actively feeding on the surface, which means predator fish nearby. It is recommended to have a bait well full of live pilchards ready to chum the waters to get the fish feeding and hanging close to the boat. You can also drift the flats with small MirrOdine hard plastic lures and DOA CALs to cover more water and find the fish.

The season on trout remains closed, so it is best to snap a quick picture of your fish and return them back to the water as quick as you can to ensure the fish swims away healthy.

Siesta’s Premier Fishing Charter Operation!

CatchSarasota.com

941-586-0204

Kid Catch of the Month!

Tully Jones shows off a juvenile tarpon he caught on the inshore waters of Sarasota Bay. (submitted photo)

Above, a giant stone-crab claw (next to a quarter to demonstrate scale) is ready to make someone’s day at Big Water Fish Market. Left, employees Bubbles and Thomas celebrate the arrival of a bunch of these Gulf Coast greats. (submitted photos)

Mangrove Snapper Scoolmaster Lane Snapper Scamp

S

o, two crabs swim up to a sand bar.

The crustaceans ask, “Do you serve crabs here?”

The sand bartender says, “Of course ... we serve everyone!”

Well, your local fish markets are now also serving crabs to everyone. The one and only Florida stone crabs are now available as stone crab season just started on Oct. 15 and this Gulf Coast delicacy, nicknamed “sweet meat” (by me), will continue to be served until May 15.

Here are some super fun facts about crabs that you might not know: • If a crab loses a claw it will grow it back, making it sustainable (most of us locals know that).

• A crab’s teeth are in its stomach (I just learned that myself).

• Males grow one larger claw. The purpose is to impress the female crabs.

• The largest variety of crab species in a single country is found in the U.S. -probably the main reason we are the greatest country in the world.

• Crabs have 10 legs, making them bad dancers because of their five left feet.

Also, they walk and swim sideways, so I assume they dance sideways.

• Crabs are carnivores, herbivores and omnivores.

• Crabs are delicious, as their taste reflects their diet of plants, fish and shellfish.

• Crab is a great source of protein, B12 and Omega3.

Stone crabs are a bit scarce in the beginning of the season and during the holidays, as there are more people in Florida who want to eat them than the crab boat captains can supply.

Because of this supply-and-demand issue, it makes this particular crab a bit expensive at times. There are only a few places in our surrounding area where you can either buy or be served them at a reasonable price and on a consistent basis. Local stone crab boat captains don’t usually supply the big supermarkets, so you need to know the local spots of which to go.

Here are some of the places to find stone crabs in our immediate surrounding area during the crab season: Big Water Fish Market, Walt’s Fish Market, and Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar. Crabs are already cooked when you purchase them. If you’re taking some home to eat, a good fish market will crack them for you. The traditional Floridianway to serve is cracked, with a lemon, and served chilled with a stone crab mustard sauce -- and nothing else.

Life is good when you have stones on your plate. Time to get crackin’ and enjoy!

Live well ... eat crab.

-- Scott Dolan BigWaterFishMarket.com 6641 Midnight Pass Rd.

November 2021

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33' Date

Day

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

1

Mo

10:33a

High Tide 1.9

11:03p

High Tide 1.9

5:10a

Low Tide 0.8

5:35p

Low Tide 0.5

7:42a

6:46p

4:06a

4:57p

2

Tu

11:33a

2.0

11:22p

2.0

5:55a

0.6

6:09p

0.6

7:42a

6:45p

5:09a

5:32p

3

We

12:30p

1.9

11:43p

2.2

6:39a

0.2

6:39p

0.8

7:43a

6:45p

6:13a

6:08p

4

Th

1:27p

1.8

7:24a

-0.1

7:05p

1.0

7:44a

6:44p

7:20a

6:48p

5

Fr

12:09a

2.4

2:27p

1.7

8:12a

-0.3

7:26p

1.2

7:44a

6:43p

8:30a

7:32p

6

Sa

12:39a

2.5

3:36p

1.6

9:04a

-0.4

7:42p

1.4

7:45a

6:43p

9:42a

8:23p 8:21p

7

Su

1:13a

2.6

9:00a

-0.5

6:46a

5:42p

9:53a

8

Mo

12:52a

2.6

10:01a

-0.4

6:47a

5:42p

11:00a

9:24p

9

Tu

1:37a

2.5

11:09a

-0.3

6:47a

5:41p

12:00p

10:30p

10

We

2:32a

2.4

12:20p

-0.1

6:48a

5:40p

12:51p

11:35p

11

Th

3:50a

2.1

9:06p

1.6

1:28p

0.0

6:49a

5:40p

1:35p

12

Fr

5:52a

1.8

9:10p

1.6

1:00a

1.5

2:27p

0.2

6:50a

5:39p

2:13p

12:38a

13

Sa

7:49a

1.7

9:24p

1.7

2:50a

1.1

3:16p

0.4

6:50a

5:39p

2:46p

1:38a

14

Su

9:13a

1.6

9:41p

1.8

3:54a

0.8

3:55p

0.6

6:51a

5:39p

3:17p

2:34a

15

Mo

10:18a

1.6

9:58p

1.9

4:43a

0.5

4:28p

0.7

6:52a

5:38p

3:47p

3:29a

16

Tu

11:14a

1.6

10:14p

2.0

5:24a

0.3

4:55p

0.8

6:53a

5:38p

4:16p

4:23a

17

We

12:03p

1.6

10:31p

2.1

6:01a

0.0

5:17p

1.0

6:53a

5:37p

4:47p

5:16a

18

Th

12:49p

1.5

10:49p

2.2

6:36a

-0.1

5:34p

1.1

6:54a

5:37p

5:19p

6:10a

19

Fr

1:35p

1.5

11:10p

2.3

7:10a

-0.2

5:48p

1.2

6:55a

5:37p

5:55p

7:05a

20

Sa

2:21p

1.4

11:35p

2.4

7:44a

-0.3

6:01p

1.2

6:56a

5:36p

6:35p

8:00a

6:13p

1.2

8:55a

Su

3:13p

1.3

8:21a

-0.3

6:57a

5:36p

7:20p

22

Mo

12:05a

2.4

9:00a

-0.3

6:57a

5:36p

8:09p

9:48a

23

Tu

12:40a

2.3

9:44a

-0.3

6:58a

5:36p

9:02p

10:38a

24

We

1:21a

2.2

10:33a

-0.2

6:59a

5:35p

9:58p

11:24a

25

Th

2:10a

2.0

7:06p

1.4

11:27a

-0.1

7:00a

5:35p

10:55p

12:06p

26

Fr

3:15a

1.8

7:26p

1.5

12:23p

0.0

7:00a

5:35p

11:53p

12:44p

27

Sa

4:43a

1.6

7:48p

1.5

12:05a

1.3

1:18p

0.1

7:01a

5:35p

28

Su

6:26a

1.6

8:11p

1.6

1:42a

1.0

2:09p

0.3

7:02a

5:35p

12:51a

1:54p

29

Mo

8:01a

1.6

8:36p

1.7

2:52a

0.7

2:56p

0.4

7:03a

5:35p

1:51a

2:27p

30

Tu

9:22a

1.6

9:01p

1.9

3:50a

0.4

3:36p

0.6

7:03a

5:35p

2:52a

3:01p

1.3

©2021 FreeTideTables.com - For comparison only - Times are local - Tides in feet from MLLW

Red Drum “Redfish”

Tarpon

Baracuda

Gulf Flounder

Florida Pompano Jack Crevalle

AmberJack

Spotted Sea Trout

Black Drum

Phase

New

Catfish

1st

21

9:53p

Snook

Cobia

NOVEMBER 2021 TIDE CHART Florida, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Sarasota Bay

Black Mullet

1:20p

King King Mackerel Mackerel

Full

3rd

Blue Marlin

Black Grouper

Sheesphead

40

Siesta Sand

NOVEMBER 2021

941.312.0665

What’s new ... beyond the bridges

W

elcome to November, the start of the “season” in Sarasota.

A number of exciting new restaurants are making debuts this fall, just in time for those special get-togethers with family and friends.

In Gulf Gate, the long-awaited Opus SRQ restaurant and lounge has opened its doors as a new upscale eatery offering small plates and a late-night elegant lounge and

bar at 6630 Gateway Ave. Occupying the space that once housed Off the Hook and Il Panificio Pizzeria, diners will enjoy chef Kyle Harrington’s Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, classic cocktails and fine wine. Visit opus-srq.com or call (941) 925-2313.

The delightful Breakfast at Victoria’s, at 4141 S. Tamiami Tr. #10, is open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Saturday from

Opus SRQ has opened its doors in Gulf Gate, specializing in Mediterraneaninspired dishes. (photo

by Jane Bartnett)

By Jane Bartnett 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday hours are 9 a.m. to 3 pm. Breakfast at Victoria’s website reports that the new eatery is “a fusion of authentic Italian and American bakery and restaurant.”

Run by Luigi and Eleanora Rasso, a husband-and-wife team of Italian culinary school graduates who are natives of Napoli and Firenze Italy, this is a convenient new spot for enjoying a delicious breakfast or lunch. Visit Breakfastatvictorias.com or call (941) 923-6441.

St. Armand’s Circle is fast becoming a very exciting destination for new restaurants and shops.

In January, the new Lobster Craft restaurant is expected to open at 28A South Boulevard of the Presidents. The restaurant will serve genuine Connecticut-style lobster rolls filled with delectable lobster, along with their own

HAPPY HOUR 4pm-6:30pm Happy Hour Food & Cocktails MONDAY PRIX-FIXE MENU 3 Course Menu for $22 — Every Monday OPA WEDNESDAY! Saganaki Opa! Appetizer $7 WINE THURSDAY 1/2 Off Bottles of Wine HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday - Thursday 11:30 - 9 | Friday & Saturday 11:30 - 10 | Sunday 11:30-8

Gift Certificates available

UNIVERSITY PARK

8235 Cooper Creek Blvd, University Park, FL 941-359-4816

SARASOTA LANDINGS

4956 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 941-927-2270

www.ApolloniaGrill.com

NEW CLIENT SPECIAL

2 FREE OUR PASSION IS TO INSPIRE AND EMPOWER PEOPLE WHO: >>> ARE TOO BUSY >>> DON’T LIKE BIG GYMS >>> JUST DON’T LIKE EXERCISE >>> ARE AFRAID OF GETTING HURT

SESSIONS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS BEST EVER OFFER! ZERO OBLIGATION. First time clients only.

One promotion per person.

Offer expires December 31, 2021.

4333 S. TAMIAMI TRAIL • STE E1 | SARASOTA, FL 34231

941.259.4863

www.siestasand.us

variations on the traditional lobster roll theme.

For the steak lover, Lobster Craft offers a surf n’ turf sandwich with a minced marinated flank steak.

Try the LBLT sandwich for a twist on the classic BLT that adds lobster to the bacon, lettuce and tomato.

Other new tempting emporiums on the Circle that offer a nice place to enjoy dessert and watch the world go by are the new Crisp Waffle Company and Ephesus Mediterranean Delights.

The Crisp Waffle Company offers Belgian-style made-toorder Liege waffles made from dough imported from Belgium with caramelized Belgian pearl sugar that can be topped with fresh fruit, chocolate, whipped cream and other delights. Pop in for a delectable waffle and a cup of coffee, tea or a cool smoothie at 17 Fillmore Drive. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday. Visit crispwafflecompany.com.

At Ephesus, enjoy exotic Turkish coffees and teas as well as desserts that will transport your tastebuds across the sea. A selection of Turkish gifts is also sold.

The location is 27 N. Boulevard of the Arts. Call (352) 217-3195.

Taco fans, you’re in luck. In the near future, two new taco restaurants will be making an appearance in Sarasota. The owners of the popular Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar of West Palm Beach, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, penned a lease for space in the West District of the University Town Center mall near Target and Best Buy.

The new Crisp Waffle Company is among the places that continue to make St. Armand’s Circle a treat. (submitted photos)

In other local taco news, according to the Restaurants in Sarasota website, the popular Tacos and Tequila Cantina of Naples is preparing to open in the Westfield Siesta Key mall.

Next, a new physical therapy clinic called Fyzical Therapy and Balance Center at 5980 S. Tamiami Tr., has opened.

A national franchise, Fyzical accepts most medical insurances as well as Medicare and HMO plans. The therapy team focuses on a holistic therapy approach to wellness and healing, offering individualized treatments and state-of-the-art strength and cardio equipment for treating orthopedic issues, neurological conditions, sports injuries, balance disorders and other concerns that can benefit from physical therapy treatment.

Visit Fyzical.com or call (941) 8946848.

Finally, make plans to lace up your sneakers on Thanksgiving Day. The fourth-annual 5K Turkey Trot at Nathan Benderson Park will be a fun way for the whole family to start the holiday. The race begins at 8 a.m. and benefits Nathan Benderson Park, the multiuse sports venue. Kids 12 and under can join in the Kids’ Turkey Dash.

Visit raceroster.com for pricing and ticket information. Everyone receives a race shirt, race bib and finishers medal.

Gobble, gobble!

The annual 5K Turkey Trot at Nathan Benderson Park offers a great way to burn off the Thanksgivingtime feasting. (photo courtesy of SANCA at Nathan Benderson Park)

Best Burgers & Tacos on the Island!

5110 Ocean Blvd. • Siesta Key Village 941-487-8116 • IslandHouseTapAndGrill.com

www.siestasand.us

941.312.0665

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE

With our map, located below and to the right, you’ll be able to navigate your way to our featured shops with ease.

The Shop SRQ (G-2) offers flattops, fades, tapers, blowouts, razor cuts, and straight razor shaves.

Owners, Erick and Dawn use a back to basics approach to grooming with a precise attention to personal detail.

Their commitment to excellence has provided them with many loyal customers. They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust.

Hours: Tues. – Fri. 8:30am – 6pm, Sat., 8:30am – 3pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Sarasota Brewing Co. (G-4) Sarasota’s first micro brew pub always has something new to offer. From over 20 seasonal beers that rotate throughout the year, the Brewing Company always has at least five unique brews online as well as several favorites from around the world.

Established in 1989, their menu has been a winner in the Reader’s Choice Awards of the Sarasota Herald Tribune featuring their mouth-watering burgers, Chicago style pizzas, and Chicago beef sandwiches. With dozens of televisions, it’s a great place to catch a game with friends and family.

Gulf Gate Barber Shop (G-11): has been an institution in the community for years, owned by Kyle Flannery.

The super-clean barbershop’s clientele is comprised of primarily men, but the shop services children as well.

Scott Reich, formerly of the Siesta Key Village Barber Shop has relocated to this location.

West End Pub (G-49) Where else can you watch your favorite game with a great selection of beers, wines and liquors served by a friendly staff AND where you’re allowed to bring your own restaurant or deli food? Right here. 6500 Gateway Ave. – 941-5548905.

Tony’s Chicago Beef Company (S-16) is owned and operated by true Chicagoans. Dedicated to deliver Chicago’s best food - Chicago style Hot Dogs wit’ the works...dragged through the garden on poppy seed buns with fresh cut fries, Italian Beef Sandwiches anyway you like, dipped or dry, sweet or hot. All served in true Authentic Chicago Style.

Solórzano’s Late Night Pizzeria (S-32): At every Solórzano’s, they offer an experience familiar to those who understand the importance of family and dedication. Their recipes and techniques have been perfected through three long generations based on the traditional simplicity of the methods used by their Italian ancestors.

Dine inside, outside, pick up, or DELIVERY anywhere on Siesta Key, or in Sarasota until 3:30 a.m. 6574 Superior Ave., 941-924-5800.

Gulf Gate Food + Beer (S-51): Sarasota’s late-night hot spot for the service industry, night owls, and midnight snackers. It’s not your typical sports bar, offering unique menu selections for carnivores and vegetarians. Be sure to check out their menu online at: eatfooddrinkbeer.com.

Hours: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. (Sun. Thurs.) open until 2 a.m. (Fri & Sat.).

Roberts Realty, Inc. (M-5) John Garner, Broker Assoc. & Diane Shane, Broker Assoc. have a combined 40 years’ experience in Sarasota of making dreams come true for our clients. FOR BUYERS, we have had great success in finding the right property for our clients because we listen closely to their wants and needs and matching that as close as possible. FOR SELLERS, over the years we have successfully listed and sold many, many properties throughout Sarasota

Roberts Realty

John Garner Broker Associate

Diane Shane Broker Associate

941-924-2330

Working with Sarasota Buyers & Sellers since 1969 • Local Expertise • Proven Track Record • Happy Clients Condos, Villas, Single Family Homes & Investments

We are with you every step of the way!

2621 Mall Dr., Sarasota RobertsRealty@comcast.net www.SarasotaCoast.com

HOTTEST BAR IN GULF GATE...

MLB/College Packages FULL BAR

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

County. OUR PHILOSOPHY is to have fun, enjoy the experience, achieve great results, make friends and receive referrals. We’re with you every step of the way! Call 941-924-2330 or drop by our office.

Only Eyes, Optical (S-24) brings a new, exotic, eclectic, eccentric, unique collection of vintage, hipster, contemporary eyeglasses and sunglasses to the community. Licensed and experienced optician available to fill your prescriptions. Only Eyes Optical has a large assortment of free frames with the purchase of new lenses. Call 941-444-7984 to set up an appointment with their licensed optician.

Mellow Mushroom serves a oneof-a-kind pizza pie. The flavors and ingredients are just as unique and special as the restaurant’s design. Try a Mellow Mushroom stone-baked pizza, munchies, calzone, salad, hoagie, or even a burger. Pick from our selection of 24 draft beers or tasty, handcrafted cocktails. And, many of our pizzas can be made gluten-free or vegan. Located at 6727 S. Tamiami Trail. 941-388-7504.

NOVEMBER 2021

27th State Media LLC

41

Customized sunglasses available, with or without prescription. Polarized lenses enhanced colors, contrast and clarity, also protect from glare and 100% of harmful UVA & UVC rays.

Full Service Optical Boutique. Call today and make an appointment with our Board Certified Optometry Physician. Discover this hiding gem in Gulf gate.

Unique Contemporary & Vintage Eyeglasses.

6541 Superior Ave. • Sarasota, FL 34231 GULFGATE Business District.

941-444-7984 Onlyeyesopticalboutique.com

G-4

42

Siesta Sand

NOVEMBER 2021

941.312.0665

HOMES FOR SALE PAGE 46

The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key

www.siestasand.us

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 47 Provided by William Raveis Real Estate / www.raveis.com

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.

HIGHEST PRICED SINGLEFAMILY RESIDENCE 4300 HIGEL AVE. $12 MILLION Private yet convenient; casual yet elegant; this soothing seaside retreat on coveted N. Siesta sets the standard for Gulf-front living with much to offer including a private sugar sand beach, room to roam on a spacious lushly landscaped 2-acre

property; and a beautifully built newer manor-like home with the finest in timeless finishes. Undeniably one of the prettiest & most tasteful homes in Sarasota, features include 12-ft ceilings, marble countertops & fireplace, substantial wood trim/ moldings, walnut & marble floors and cypress ceilings.

With calm coastal colors throughout, the owners’

suite on the main level features breathtaking views to the water. The second level includes four generous-sized private guest suites and a guest lounge; all with either views of the Gulf or the immaculate gardens. Also featured: separate guest/staff quarters with kitchen and washer/dryer.

Courtesy of Living Vogue Realty

LOWEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE 4852 FEATHERBED LANE $574,000 Live the Siesta Key lifestyle where you can enjoy the warm waters, sunsets and white sands of Siesta Key Beach this four-bedroom & three-bath pool homes offers. Open split plan, large rooms, gourmet kitchen and lots of storage . Entertain family and friends poolside in your HUGE screened lanai. (Note: Short-sale, thirdparty approval. Handy-man special. Remodel or build, needs work. AS IS.) Courtesy of Bright Realty HIGHEST-PRICED CONDO 5880 MIDNIGHT PASS RD. #611 $1.7 MILLION This very spacious home is 2,481 square feet and includes a beautiful wide entry, custom lighting and updated engineered wood flooring throughout main living areas.

The home features two spacious guest bedrooms with private ensuite baths (all updated), a real coat closet and the updated half-bath too. Take in LOWEST-PRICED CONDO 9011 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #228 $390,000 This gem has an eastern exposure and is located on the south end of Siesta Key in the bayside community of Sunrise Cove.

One bedroom, one bathroom with a

custom-built Queen Murphy bed for extra sleeping space. An updated kitchen with tile in the kitchen and entryway, this fully furnished condo is ready to move in to with maintenance-free living. Plantations shutters in the bedroom and impact windows in the bedroom and kitchen. This condo is in

“

”

941- 479-1175 • 856-278-7522 realtornemo@gmail.com

view the beach and Gulf with evening sunsets and waterfront breezes, an outside storage closet close to the front door, large laundry room, bonus room off the second bedroom to use as you wish, high-end fixtures, hardware, appliances, beautiful doors with trim, new hurricane sliding doors to lanai, mature tropical foliage throughout the approximately 7-acre property on 200 feet of beach frontage.

Courtesy of Premier Sotheby’s

Building 4 on the second floor -- it is the closest building to the water!

Sunrise Cove has all of the amenities you’ll need for relaxing or entertaining, plus you’ll enjoy water sports, lounging at the beach or swimming in one of the two bayside pools.

My husband and I have just been through a nail-biting process of buying our dream home, from a distance and solely online, during this recent bullish housing market. We never had the opportunity to step foot into our house until the day before closing! Nevertheless, our trust in Al Nemore paid off. His professionalism, knowledge of the area, and productivity are why we chose him to represent us. When we spoke to him, we felt very comfortable that we had chosen the right agent. Al was on point in providing timely updates and detailed information, which aided in securing our home. He helped us formulate a fair and solid offer in this competitive market, and was very professional in his dealings with everyone concerned with the purchase. Even though the distance was a barrier, he was 100% available to us for all questions and concerns, from start to finish. We could not have made a better choice in having Al Nemore represent us as our realtor. This is what competency looks like!

— Amber and Kevin

Al Nemore

the views from the huge great room/ dining and living area.

The massive owner’s suite with a double door, updated and stunning bath with loads of cabinetry, all very light and bright and a roomy walk-in closet with another set of mirrored double doors.

The kitchen has beautiful cabinetry and lighting.

Other important features include two screened-in lanais to sit back and

Courtesy of Judith Guzzi & Associates

NMLS #1783476

Marty Remillard NMLS#343653

No Lender Fees 941. 223.9416 highdefintionmortgage.com

www.siestasand.us

Clayton’s

941.312.0665

NOVEMBER 2021

27th State Media LLC

Word Search

Continued from page 13

to Clayton’s for their dinner, where their treasures will be cooked under the watchful eye of Yoder.

“We’ll cook their legal catch as they select two side dishes and one of Clayton’s homemade sauces for their meal,” said Thompson. “It’s always fun to watch when the waiter presents the fish to the table. Their eyes get really big.”

In season or not, as the late afternoon arrives each day, Clayton’s happy hour is a popular way to celebrate any occasion. Offered daily from 4 to 6:30 p.m., the same menu items that are featured on the dinner menu are offered, although served on small plates.

Full-service outside catering is also available for gatherings small or large.

“Clayton’s can cater an event for two people or 400,” said Thompson. “From private homes to condominiums, all area pavilions, as well as venues such as The Devyn, our catering menu is reasonably priced and offers a selection ranging from a five-course wine dinner to a simple burger and beer affair.”

Other organizations that have utilized the catering service include various churches, the local Boys and Girls Club, and the Edson Keith Mansion at Phillippi Estate Park.

Private luncheons at the restaurant can be arranged for groups as large as 90.

And seating is available both inside and outside.

For more information, call (941) 349-2800, or visit claytonssiestagrille.com.

“We’re looking forward to a great season,” said Thompson. “We’re lucky to be a part of this wonderful, friendly neighborhood on Siesta Key.”

WORD LIST Anaerobic Bird rookery Brackish water Breeding ground Bromeliad Brown pelican Coastline Collier County Ecosystem Endangered Erosion Estuaries Everglades Fish nursery Indigo snake Key deer Manatee Mudskipper Nesting Nutrients Prop root Propagule Red black white Saltwater Sea turtle Sediment Swamp Tidal Tropical plant Wetlands

Gathering in the kitchen (from left) are chef Mike Yoder, Clayton’s owner Clayton Thompson, and general manager Fred Brown. (photo

by Jane Bartnett)

Florida Mangroves

Answers on Page 46

Stay connected to life on Siesta Key.

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The Terrace | Siesta Key

Sandy Toes Townhomes | Siesta Key

The Terrace | Siesta Key

5400 Ocean Blvd. #2-1 | $2,599,999 Holly Parry | 941.809.8050

6810 Midnight Pass Road | $1,350,000 Dawn Bear | 941.468.7224

5400 Ocean Blvd. #1-3 | $1,599,999 Holly Parry | 941.809.8050

#1 Family-Owned Real Estate Company in Florida and the Northeast Recognized in 2018 as the #1 Luxury Broker by Luxury Portfolio International

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Siesta Sand

NOVEMBER 2021

941.312.0665

Classifieds / Here’s My Card AUTOMOTIVE DELIVERY

CONTRACTORS

www.siestasand.us

MEDICAL

DR. AMY TAFEEN, D.C.

INJURY & WELLNESS CARE FOR ADULTS, PRENATAL, NEWBORN AND PEDIATRIC CARE

Specialized Chiropractic that Comes to You!

• DRIVER for YOUR vehicle, cargo and pets. Sarasota/Siesta Key/Port Charlotte area to MICHIGAN ONLY. Offering services that carriers/haulers are unable to provide. Background check.

Bonded. Insured. Chauffeur’s license. Retired law enforcement officer. 941-323-3945 or 313-434-2070 or www.yhvaletdriving.com

MOBILE CHIROPRACTIC | COVID SAFETY PRECAUTIONS BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY CHIROPRACTIC PHONE CONSULTATION NOW!

DRY CLEANERS

dramytafeenchiropractor@gmail.com | dramytafeen.com (941) 447-2041 | Sarasota and Bradenton offices

AUTOMOTIVE VALET

Environmentally Conscious Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service CONTACTLESS!

Sarasota to Tampa Airport $ 89 each way

Airport Shuttle Limo/Taxi

Free Pick Up & Delivery Service Call

from your home or business

941-275-4647

Board-Certified dermatologist skin CanCer • laser • Botox and Hair/nail disorders

J Morgan O’Donoghue, MD.

1952 Field Road Sarasota, Florida 34231

941.926.7546

www.dermatologyexperts.com

ExEcutivE Shirt SErvicE • houSEhold itEmS • SamE day SErvicE availablE

POOLS

FOR SALE Refrigerator for sale, great condition, 3.5 years old, bisque color, $200. Call 941-925-1291.

RELIABLE AIRPORT RIDES

Long Distance Trips We Specialize in Helping the Elderly, Handicapped and We are Pet Friendly

PLEASE CALL: 941.735.4732 BOATING RENTALS / FISHING CHARTERS

HOUSEKEEPER WANTED Housekeeper wanted for Covid Conscious Family Hope to connect with a caring, experienced individual who has availability at least 5 days a week and willing to work some weekends. Flexible hours. Prior housekeeper experience and provide references. We are in Siesta Key. If you are interested, please call Barb at 530-263-7818.

LANDINGS RESIDENT OWNED AND OPERATED

HOUSE WATCH

House Watch Sarasota

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

HELENE M. HYLAND

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

REALTOR®

Dolphin Watch • SunSetS • half Day aDventure SailS

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

R. BRuce Whittinghill, llc (941) 955-1864 Sailing From Marina Jack, Sarasota

Kathleen D Sailing Catamaran 941-896-6400

www.KathleenD.net

Captain Jacks Yacht Charters

Capt. Jack Wallace 941.320.8700 www.sarasotachartervessel.com Pleasure Cruises only Sunsets/Weddings/Special Occasions Hourly, Daily, Weekly

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

SARASOTA HOME WATCH INC. Cheryl@SarasotaHomeWatchInc.com

941-404-7464

5145 Ocean Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34242 Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC

www.SheSellsSiestaKeySarasota.com

Book your slice of paradise today!

Weekly rentals on Longboat Key, Siesta Key, and St. Augustine in Florida!

Book online today at: www.floridarent.com or call 800-851-1096 to speak to a vacation specialist!

bonded | insured | accredited

www.SarasotaHomeWatchInc.com

RESTAURANTS

COMPANIONSHIP

Your Companion

Compassionate Company To Help You Through The Day

Offering Transportation and Companionship to.... * Doctor Appointments * Beauty Salon Appointments * Shopping and more!

Please call for complimentary interview:

Patricia Newman from 9am-5pm

941-923-4301

“Serving All of Southwest Florida” • Companionship • Dementia/Alzheimers Care • Medication Reminders • Meal Preparation • Transportation/Errands • Light Housekeeping • Shopping

941-499-4008 Family Owned and Operated H2H.companions@gmail.com Heart2HomeHealthCare.com

Insured, Bonded and Licensed by The National Home Watch Association.

(941) 961-4309

www.SuncoastHomeConcierge.com

CITIZEN JACK

HOME WATCH SERVICES Accredited, Bonded, Insured & Certified

AmericAn Born, A FloridiAn By God's GrAce! Honest As ABe...responsiBle As GeorGe!

citizen JAck's Got your BAck tHis president's dAy And Beyond!

Jim Farley (#06190076) 941.350.3610 info@citizenjackhws.com www.citizenjackhws.com LODGING/RENTALS • Best Western Plus Siesta Key – AAA -3 Diamond Property, Free shuttle service to and from Siesta Key 941-924-4900, 6600 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.

• Siesta 4 Rent - Vacation Rentals, from studios to 5 bedrooms.

Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500

Open Tuesday-Saturday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Closed Sunday and Monday

4944 South Tamiami Trail The Landings, Sarasota 941.365.2998 www.anthonys-deli.com

Anthony’s Italian Deli & Eatery is under new Ownership!

Check out our NEW Self-serve Wine Stations!

Bring in this ad to receive a FREE $5 Wine Card

SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE HOURS: MON. - FRI.: 9AM - 6PM

941-312-6001 2081 SIESTA DRIVE SARASOTA, FL 34239

www.siestasand.us

941.312.0665

NOVEMBER 2021

27th State Media LLC

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Classifieds (cont.)

SPORTS

SPIRITUALITY

Certified Pickleball Coach Scott Pintchuck 941-315-0857 PPR Member #2769

Mah Jongg • God the Father invites you to worship His Son Jesus ... SIESTA BEACH PRAYER CIRCLE ... Every Saturday ... an hour before Sunset ... The Original Pavilion ... 948 Beach Road, Sarasota, FL USA ... Look for the American flag ... ”The Spirit and the Bride say ‘Come.’” Siesta Beach Prayer Circle is registered as a fictitious name with the state of FL and operates as a non-profit. Donations are welcome.

EXPERIENCED PLAYERS ARE INVITED TO JOIN NEW GROUP AT PEPPERTREE BAY ON WEDNESDAY OR FRIDAY AFTERNOONS CALL PATRICIA - 941-312-2452

Barber Scott Reich Formerly of the Village Barber

MARKET & GRILL

217 AVENIDA MADERA SIESTA KEY

941-552-8826

www.THESEAFOODJOINT.com

CATERING AVAILABLE

Gulf Gate Barbershop Making Gulf Gate look good since the ‘60’s

Bringing over 70 years of life lessons and local knowledge to your haircut (trust us, we know alllll about what you did last summer).

It’s not just a haircut, it’s life. We know all about it.

Let’s laugh, have a beer, and talk nonsense….that’s free.

Haircut? That’s gonna cost you…$18, if we like you, $25 if you’re a P.I.T.A. “Best Local Barbers” 20 years in the running Kyle and Scott “to the second power”

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

46

Siesta Sand

NOVEMBER 2021

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.us

HOMES FOR SALE GULF-FRONT UNIT Rarely available, spacious three-bedroom, three-bath. On the beach in The TERRACE building. The location is second to none, directly on the beach and just steps away from the heart of the village. This fabulous beachfront corner unit has five oversized balconies with stunning sunsets. The swimming pool is fantastic; over-sized, extremely deep, heated, saltwater with full gulf-front views. If you enjoy sunsets and walking the beach you have found paradise. The award-winning white sugar sand of Siesta Key, the finest white sand in America is at your doorstep. Dreams do come true and this can be yours. 5400 OCEAN BLVD, #2-1, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4472758, $2,599,999, William Raveis Real Estate, 941-894-1255 NEW BEACH ACCESS & BOAT DOCK Tortuga is a dream come true. Directly located on the Gulf of Mexico, this two-bedroom, two-bath condo is available turnkey furnished. The lanai has a beautiful view of the Gulf where you can admire gorgeous sunsets. New impact windows and doors add value and give peace of mind. Tortuga Beach Club has an indoor/ outdoor heated pool, saunas, tennis and pickle ball, beach access, boat docks, fishing pier, a clubhouse, library, secure building entry, and on-site management. Seller to offer $2,500 credit for washer & dryer hook up. 8750 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #404c, SARASOTA, FL 34242 MLS#A4512610, $625,000, William Raveis Real Estate, 941-894-1255 PERFECT INVESTMENT PROPERTY. NO minimum stays and NO pet restrictions. The premier location of Sandy Toes is one of the most desirable spots on Siesta Key within close walking distance to everything that is needed for a memorable world-class island vacation experience. Park the cars in your two-car garage and walk to shops, restaurants, boutiques, and the newest most popular nightlife and live music on the island or jump on the Siesta Key Breeze Trolley to experience Siesta Village. 6810 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4507853, $1,350,000, William Raveis Real Estate, 941-894-1255

MOVE-IN READY Spanish-style Siesta Key home, only 1.5 miles to the beach and in a quiet non-HOA community with pride of ownership. Completely updated three- bedroom, two-bath, with features such as a newer barrel tile roof 2017, HVAC 2019, hurricane shutters 2019, salt system & heated pool completely updated 2019, whole house Generac generator 2020, All new windows, sliders and doors, nest smoke detectors, lights and cameras, remote control screen door for two-car garage, HVAC 2019. A low maintenance property, Excellent for rental income! 726 BIRDSONG LANE, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS # A4515030, $1,085,000, Al Nemore, 856-278-7522

Word Search Answers from Page 43

Florida Mangroves

PRICE DROP STUNNING VIEWS from three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom beach condo. The views are stunning, and the sunsets never disappoint. The total square footage is 2,245 with 1,845 square feet of air-conditioned space with five private balconies, three of which are oversized. This flowing open floor plan is perfect for beachside living and elegant entertaining. A walker’s paradise on the white sands of Siesta Beach to the heart of the village, restaurants, boutiques, and nightlife. 5400 OCEAN BLVD, #1-3, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4486556, $1,599,999, William Raveis Real Estate, 941-894-1255

®

To advertise in print or online contact: 27th State Media LLC at 941-312-0665 Send editorial and/or photos via email to: info@27statemedia.com

Published by 27th State Media LLC Contributing Writers and Photographers will be noted with bylines.

Guest commentary not necessarily the opinion of 27th State Media LLC Reproduction without written permission prohibited. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

All business bios are extensions of the display advertisements.

27th State Media LLC is not responsible for claims made by advertisers.

All ads are subject to the approval of the publisher. It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in Siesta Sand to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with town, county and state codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that when you hire an unlicensed/uninsured person to do work at your home, you accept the liability. 27th State Media LLC is not responsible for claims made by advertisers.

P.O. BOX 35105, Sarasota, FL 34242 www.siestasand.us

www.siestasand.us

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Sunset Beach Resort Siesta Key Dream Inn

• 2ND Month Free • Free Move-In Truck • Entire Facility Carpeted • Free Lock & Keys • Big Garage Bay For Loading And Unloading • Climate Controlled 941.315.5222 5260 Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, FL 34231 www.thelockup.com

6600 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota BestWesternSiestaKey.com 941.924.4900

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

Still Family Owned and Operated Since 2007 AAA-3 Diamond Property

• 114 Guest Rooms • One and Two Bedroom Suites Now Available • Complimentary Grab & Go Breakfast Every Morning • Free Shuttle Service to and from Siesta Key every day.

• Microwave/Fridge in every guestroom *Amenities and services may be adjusted due to COVID-19, please contact the hotel or visit our website for details

Hours: Thursday 2:00PM - 8:00PM Fri.& Sat. 2:00PM - 10:00PM Happy Hour 3-6PM OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Live Music every weekend (check the schedule on Facebook or call 941-924-4900) *Use of the pool for Registered Guests Only

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Siesta Sand

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www.siestasand.us

Key Employee

Christopher

He’s the epitome of the small-business owner who does it all.

Each day, Christopher can be found behind the counter of Bean Coffeehouse serving up roasted organic coffee from Java Dawg. Frozen blended lattes, loose-leaf teas from Local Tea Company, and frozen-fruit smoothies are also available.

Sandwiches, fresh-baked pastries, muffins, and scones also grace the menu.

“I’ve always been in the restaurant business,” said Christopher, whose business is located in Davidson Plaza. “It was my first job and I never really left it.”

He’s a native of Indianapolis and purchased the business in 2014.

“We love seeing all these folks on vacation, having a good time,” he said.

Photos by Jane Bartnett (To nominate a Siesta Key employee worthy of recognition, email: info@27statemedia.com.)

Sun Garden Cafe recognizes the impact that quality workers can have on a business, and is proud to sponsor the Key Employee each month.

Congratulations, Christopher!

Your dedication has resulted in a gift certificate for breakfast for four at Sun Garden Cafe, located at 210 Avenida Madera in the Village.