WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

As a Colorado native, I must admit, I used to scoff when I heard people talk about how they love Florida for its nature.

For me, “nature” meant big snow-capped mountains, ridges filled with trees as far as you could see, and big, scary beasts ranging from bears to bison wandering around.

But while Florida may not have the people-free views a mountain that spends most of its year covered in snow can offer, I have realized something in 15-plus years of living in Sarasota: Upon a closer inspection, it’s every bit as wild.

Although our landscape is a bit more crowded with homo sapiens and their creations, it has another thing going for it: We barely have to leave home to be immersed in nature — especially on the keys.

As contributor Lesley Dwyer’s story on Lido Key’s mangrove tunnels shows (Page 62), you don’t even have to leave town to escape to another world, one in which you’re surrounded by nature.

These tunnels show how living on a coast means the ecosystem that supports our living things is all around us. Which is also why we have to work to keep it protected and healthy.

On that front, our area is home to numerous organizations dedicated to protecting this ecosystem and everything in it. Contributor Eric Snider highlights one such nonprofit, Save Our Seabirds, which specializes in saving animals of the winged variety. Read all about how its post-pandemic recovery and plans for expansion on Page 46.

Another is The Bay Park Conservancy, which is restoring natural areas on Sarasota’s bayfront (Page 88). With the completion of its first phase, the organization removed feet of toxic silt from the bayou, improved stormwater filtration and planted Florida-friendly flora. In doing so, it fulfilled another one of its goals, which is to increase access to these wild areas so the public can learn about them and enjoy them. So the next time you feel like you need to get away, you need not go far to get your nature fix. Just pause and look around — you’re surrounded.

Kat Wingert Executive Editor

BETSY DE MANIO & JACKIE EBERLEY

Betsy, the number one agent in the Siesta Key office for 29 years, and her daughter Jackie are both Certified Waterfront Specialists and Global Luxury Specialists. By building client trust through integrity, dedication, communication, and determination, they are amongst the top 3% of Coldwell Banker agents worldwide. Their extensive market knowledge and strong negotiation skills ensure favorable outcomes.

201-233-1959 | JACKIE@JACKIEEBERLEY.COM

DEMANIOEBERLEYGROUP.COM

TOM "WOODY" WOODWARD

Born in Columbus, Ohio and now a resident of Siesta Key, I have been serving my clients for more than 30 years. I am true people person, and I have a passion to help my clients and ensure the transaction is as seamless as possible. I am the Realtor you can trust to keep it Real.

614-348-8578 | TOM.WOODWARD@CBREALTY.COM

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Linda Ren

Originally from Michigan, I moved to Sarasota in 2005. I am a licensed real estate broker in Florida and a Certified Waterfront Specialist. Most of my career in Michigan was spent in the real estate and mortgage industry, managing our family-owned mortgage brokerage for over 20 years. Exceptional customer service is my goal!

941-928-1393 | LINDA.REN@FLORIDAMOVES.COM

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Julia Montei

I am best known for my winning attitude, connections throughout the country and proven track record. I am Certified Waterfront Property Specialist, Global Luxury Property Specialist and achieved Guild recognition through Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. I use my knowledge, keen business sense and negotiation skills to get the job done for my clients.

941-702-3098 | JULIA.MONTEI@CBREALTY.COM

JULIAMONTEI.COM

Julie Ponder

Sharing time between Park City UT and Siesta Key FL, I am uniquely positioned to help beach and mountain lovers find their perfect home or investment property. A decade in consulting and 30 years of real estate experience honed my distinct skill set to better serve my clients. I'm thrilled to be in the top 3% of CB agents worldwide, I would love to talk to you about your real estate journey!

714-675-0739 |

JULIE.PONDER@CBREALTY.COM

JULIEPONDER.COM

Christa Spalding

Siesta Key’s Biggest Fan! After visiting many of Florida’s gulf coast towns, I decided to trade in the chilly Maryland winters for year-round sunshine and sparkling white sand beaches. I would love to share my experience and personal knowledge of the Sarasota area with you. Global Luxury Specialist • Resort, Second Home & Investment Property Specialist • Certified Waterfront Specialist

941-529-6978 | CHRISTA.SPALDING@CBREALTY.COM

SIESTAKEYDREAMHOMES.COM

John Mcsweeney

Raised in Michigan, my first visit to Siesta Key was at my Grandparents condo as a child in the 70's. I've now been a resident of Siesta Key for 25 year and there's no place I'd rather be! With a degree in business and major in marketing, I made the switch over to real estate 10 years ago. I love bringing my expertise and local knowledge to the home-buying/selling process.

248-917-7329 |

JOHN.MCSWEENEY@FLORIDAMOVES.COM

JOHNMCSWEENEY-CBFLORIDA.SITES.CBMOXI.COM

Jessica Arens

Having lived in Wisconsin, Mississippi, Missouri and Florida, I'm no stranger to relocating. My personal knowledge, coupled with attention to detail and a servant nature, drives my passion for creating the best possible home-buying/ selling experience for my clients. Let's start the journey of finding you the perfect home that fits your lifestyle!

941-952-8979 | JESSICA.ARENS@CBREALTY.COM

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