Siesta Sand (sec. 2) - August 2023

What’s new ... on Siesta Key

good,

By Jane Bartnett

Step right up!

Porthole Grille, parked outside hotel, becomes Village’s first food truck

By Hannah Wallace

For all our varied and wonderful Village eateries, food trucks have been a long time coming. But the Porthole Grille, currently parked alongside the Big Tiki Lounge at the Siesta Key Beach Resort and Suites, might just have been worth the wait.

Since opening in May, the mobile kitchen has been gaining fans with extravagant beach fare like Wagyu beef smash burgers, “Lobster Trap Mac,” wasabi broccoli slaw and flamegrilled octopus.

“We’re fast, we’re casual, we’re doing octopus, we’ve got a footlong Wagyu hot dog,” said Porthole proprietor Maurice Dentici with his trademark enthusiasm. “I don’t want to just serve a frozen beef patty. I want to serve the best foot-long Frankfurter. I want to do lobster quesadilla.”

Dentici knows what local diners like. A

Sarasotan since age 13, Dentici graduated Sarasota High and went into the family restaurant business, embracing a long line of culinary influences from Sicily to New Jersey to the Gulf of Mexico. He currently operates four local Rico’s pizzerias and opened Siesta’s own Spearfish Grille in 2018.

A food truck was a logical extension of Dentici’s established catering operations. The problem was where to put it. Barred by a variety of state and local ordinances for decades, food trucks had never been allowed to set up shop in Siesta Village. But mobile vendors have finally gained a sliver of permission in recent years as laws changed and regulations loosened.

On Siesta, a licensed food truck can now

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Southern Tide, the classic ocean-inspired, coastal lifestyle and performance clothing and accessories brand for men, women and boys, came ashore on Siesta Key this summer.

Shoppers will feel a definite beach vibe at this welcoming and bright boutique located in the heart of Siesta Key Village and

adjacent to the Lily Pulitzer store in Davidson Plaza.

“Siesta Key has been on our radar for some time,” reported Jodi Faaborg, manager of Southern Tide.

“Everyone is so excited to be here.

It’s an ideal location for who we are.

The response has been wonderful.

“This fall, we plan on having a grand opening and a kickoff party.

Having our sibling brand, Lily Pulitzer, next door to us is also a win-win.”

Southern Tide is owned by Greenville, North Carolina-based Oxford Industries. The firm also owns Lily Pulitzer, Tommy Bahamas, Johnny Was and the Continued on page7V

A Porthole Grille food truck now resides in front of the Siesta Key Beach Resort and Suites on Ocean Boulevard in Siesta Key’s Village, offering a large variety of menu items. (photo by John Morton).

Southern Tide manager Jodi Faaborg gives a warm welcome at the new store in Davidson Plaza. (photo by Jane Bartnett)

Outdoor Waterfront Dining!

… $22

Sea Scallops … $22

Shrimp and Seafood Au Gratin … $16

Fisherman Platter … $32

Baby Back Ribs … $24

Orange Pecan Chicken … $16

Filet Mignon … $24

Filet Mignon & Stuffed Shrimp … $34

Filet Mignon & Maine Lobster Tail … $48

Stuffed Shrimp & Maine Lobster Tail … $42

Twin Maine Lobster Tails … $54

FRIED SEAFOOD PLATTERS

Coconut Shrimp … $22

Large Gulf Shrimp … $20

Fish & Chips … $19

Fried Combo … $28

PASTA & BOWLS

Shrimp & Crab Scampi … $24

Salmon Pasta … $21

Chicken & Shrimp Curry … $21

Sweet ‘n Spicy Chicken & Shrimp … $22

Pasta Primavera … $16

DESSERTS

Turtle Pie … $9

Key Lime Pie … $9

Sample Platter … $12

Ice Cream Bar … $6

*Prices subject to change

Arts on the Horizon

Tony Bennett, Whitney Houston and Madonna were born in August

“They” say that August is a big month for singers and that must be true as there are lots of them performing in Sarasota this month.

Three very special singers will be at Florida Studio Theatre’s Court Cabaret through Sept. 10. They bill themselves as Divas

Three and will sing some of the big hits that were made famous by Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Tina Turner, Bette Midler, and Whitney Houston. Songs that can connect to and with all members of the audience, like “Stop! In the Name of Love,” “We are Family,” “It’s Raining Men,” and “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”

Did we say that these songs from the ‘60s through the ‘90s include hits by Celine Dion, Cher, and Dolly Parton? Oh, and also ones by Donna Summer and Abba. Yes, lots of songs, from lots of great singers, to sooth our collective nostalgia.

If four is better than three, then The Surfer Boys might be right up your alley. Four tenors will be crooning that “California Sound”, made famous by The Beach Boys. These hits will include “California Girls,” “Good Vibrations,” “Barbara Ann,” and “Surfin’ USA.”

Remember, this is August -- so if you love the beach, but it’s too hot along the Gulf, head for FST’s Goldstein Cabaret any day through the 13th of this month.

If surfer music and girl groups aren’t your thing, then, starting on the 22nd, how about a little Country Rock? Or maybe, some big Country Rock, like the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival? Their hit songs, “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,” “Fortunate Son,” and “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” just might put you in your own private groove. It seems that in the movie world, everyone loves sequels. However, there aren’t too many of them arriving on the Broadway stage as good playwrights like Shakespeare

By Rodger Skidmore

mostly killed off their top characters (think of Othello, King Lear, Julius Caesar, The Merchant of Venice, etc.). All very tragic. But a real Broadway sequel has arrived in Sarasota -- and everyone is laughing at it. But that’s a good thing as it’s a comedy. Ken Ludwig, who’s written 24 plays and got his start with his Grammy-awardwinning hit Lend Me a Tenor, has followed that hit up with A Comedy of Tenors.

This show, at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, takes place in Paris in the 1930s where an aging tenor wants to drop out of a show, causing turmoil and panic, as the producer seeks a replacement. Info for all these singers at Floridastudiotheatre.org.

A beach too far

The Hermitage Artists Retreat down on Manasota Key really isn’t too far, especially if you like poetry. Two prize winning poets, John Murillo and Nicole Sealey, will be reading some of their works there on Aug. 4. However, if you like your culture a bit closer to home then a quick jaunt over to the Westcoast Black Theatre’s Donelly Theatre (comfortable seats and ample parking) might just be the thing to do in the early evening on the 18th. They will be showcasing From the Heart of Philly: The works of Dave Harris. Mr. Harris is a Hermitage Fellow and awardwinning playwright (Lorraine Hansberry Award, and Mark Twain Award from The Kennedy Center, among others). His first film, Summertime, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020. And completing the literary trifecta (besides working a TV project for AMC -- Interview with the Vampire) he’s won a Cave Canem poetry fellowship. The Los Angeles Times wrote that his work “surges with raw theatrical power.” He will be sharing some of his work and discussing

his creative process.

A great many of the Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys books had the word “mystery” in their titles, so that you knew there was a mystery. But did you know there was a mystery associated with Alban Berg’s composition Lyric Suite written for string quartet?

Berg, like many modern composers, used a method derived from Arnold Schoenberg’s 12-tone technique. While Berg dedicated this work to Alexander von Zemlinsky, who wrote the similarly named Lyric Symphony, it seems that there might have been a “secret dedication” to someone with whom he’d had an affair. Perhaps the public dedication was a dark ruse (not a russe au chocolat, as the young lady’s name was not Charlotte) to cover up his secret love.

On Aug. 23, Secret Song: Unraveling the Mystery of Berg’s Lyric Suite will be presented by Hilan Warshaw, a Heritage Fellow, at the Sarasota Opera House. Lyric Suite has been called “a latent opera” and attendees can hear, besides Mr. Warshaw, the Emerson String Quartet and René Fleming. All of these Hermitage Retreat Artists presentations are free but a reservation fee is necessary -- at Hermitageartistretreat.org.

Too hot for pickleball?

In a pickle about how to get your exercise and yet stay cool? Not to worry, help is not far away. Instead of going for a walk at the mall, head for the Sarasota Art Museum on South Tamiami Trail. It’s air conditioned and there are five things to do inside Sarasota’s old (and refurbished) high school. Actually, not five things to do, but five exhibitions through which you may stroll --- with many things to see.

And, if you are there between nine and three and feeling a tad hungry, or just want

All Roads Lead to Made in Rome Organic Gelato on Siesta Key!

Thank you to all of our costumers from Paola, Sierra, Kylie, Taylor, Anna, Stefania, Giada, Alexis, Alice, Sage, Emma, Anna and Nora. And, of course, Diane & Massimo say grazie to all of our costumers and staff!

to take a break, there is a bistro with real food -- soups, salads, tartines (the crab and avocado is pretty good), and sandwiches.

But the pièce(s) de resistance are the exhibitions, three of which will be there until Sept. 17. The first is New Black Vanguard Photography between Art and Fashion. These photographs are hard to put into one category, other than to say they are vibrant, alive, colorful, thought provoking, and worth seeing. The second is a solo photograph exhibit titled Stephanie J. Woods: my papa used to play checkers, showing photographs by Mr. Woods’ daughter. These are photos, some with a loop of a moving audio, taken after a residency in Dakar, Senegal in 2021. Ms. Woods handcrafts many of the props used in her photographs.

Some people come out of the closet, some people stay in the closet, and some people are the closet. The third show is titled Sara Berman’s Closet. The show is Mrs. Berman’s closet, containing the closet things that were there during her end time -- everything white, including the socks she always ironed. The show was curated by her daughter and grandson.

Chakaia Booker: Surface Pressure runs through Oct. 29 and contains sculptures of rubber, steel, paint, paper and wood. All are produced under extreme pressure creating new configurations of those materials. Additional works include innovative creations in printmaking and painting.

Also through the end of October is Reassembling Split Light: An Immersive Installation by Carlos Bunga. This exhibition transforms the spatial configuration of the Koski Gallery on the Museum’s third floor using cardboard, tape, and reflected light as his material. Info at Sarasotaartmuseum.org.

Family Day

On Aug. 19 from noon to 2 p.m. the whole family can attend a free Family Day at the Sarasota Opera House to see what the Youth Opera is all about. Enjoy fun acting games, make props, and watch a wig and makeup demonstration. Wow!

5204 Ocean Blvd. in Siesta Key Village

Diane

Owner Diane Theron-Cuna invites you to watch the process as she creates a batch of her sinfully delicious gelato from scratch every 15 minutes.

“We are very proud and happy each day. to be here on Siesta Key,” says Theron-Cuna.

If you’re lucky enough to catch Theron-Cuna at the shop, she will happily entertain you with stories of her earlier days as a circus performer. She comes from three generations of circus entertainers and has traveled around the world performing with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

The family earned their own “Star of Fame” at St. Armands CircleThe Theron Cycling Troupe.

Sage

Kylie

Giada, Anna & Alexis

Sierra & Paola

Taylor & Stephania

Anna Nora

Alice Emma

Florida Fish of

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Forecast

Tarpon will still be a good option this month. Shallow-water action for reds and big trout will be best early and late in the day. Some of the best action will be with trout, blues, pompano and more on deep grass flats. Catchand-release snook fishing in the Intracoastal Waterway at night or in the surf should also be good options.

Large schools of tarpon will dwindle in size and numbers to singles, doubles and small schools of post spawn fish. I usually find tarpon to be aggressive now, with spawning completed. I also find them to be more curious this time of the year, often swinging closer to check out the sound of a landing bait, lure or fly.

Spin anglers will do best by setting up in travel lanes and drifting live baits under floats while staying ready to sight cast to fish that may pop up with no notice.

The DOA Baitbuster is my “go-to” lure for tarpon. The DOA Swimming Mullet, 4-inch Shrimp and CAL 4-inch swim bait are also good choices, depending on the situation.

This is my favorite time to fly fish for tarpon. The tactics are the same as earlier in the season, anchoring or staking out on travel routes, although fish are in a better mood. Large schools of tarpon are impressive now, but if you spook the lead fish you will spook all of them.

Tarpon will thin out toward the end of the month as they begin to move to inside waters of Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. They move into these areas to rest and feed following spawning. They can be targeted in these areas with flies, a variety of DOA lures or live bait.

Also look for tarpon feeding in schools of “breaking” ladyfish in these areas.

Regulations have returned to normal for reds and snook in Sarasota. Spotted seatrout have changed in southwest Florida to a three-fishper-person bag limit and a six-fish boat limit.

Trout must be from 15 inches to 19 inches with one allowed per vessel larger than 19 inches. In my opinion it’s important to protect larger trout, which are usually female breeders. Full regulations and details for all species can be found at myfwc.com.

Catch-and-release snook fishing will be a good option this month. With very warm water this time of year, it is important to use tackle heavy enough to land them quickly. Spin anglers should do well fishing lighted docks and bridges in the Intracoastal Waterway with CAL jigs with shad tails or jerk worms or DOA shrimp. Fly anglers should do well with clear intermediate sink-tip lines and wide-profile flies, such as Lefty’s Deceiver or EP flies, since larger baitfish may be more predominant. Docks and bridges close to passes should be the best ones.

You’ll also find snook in the surf, where you can walk along the beach and sight cast to them in shallow water. Gibby’s DT Variation is a “goto” fly for many snook surf anglers.

You’ll find reds very active in shallow water this month. With plentiful baitfish and higher tides, they’ll spend more time feeding over shallow grass flats. Look for them along the edges of bars or in potholes when the tide is low or along mangrove shorelines and around oyster bars when the tide is high.

You’ll also find big trout in many of the same areas where you find reds, but the bite for big trout is usually best early or late in the day. Surface walking top-water plugs or fly poppers and Gurglers may draw some big explosions! Casting CAL jigs with shad tails or jerk worms ahead of your boat is a good way to locate reds.

I like to drift deep grass flats and cast ahead of my drift with CAL jigs and shad tails or jerk worms, DOA Deadly Combos or Ultra Hair Clouser flies tied on long shank hooks on sink tip fly lines to find trout. A drift anchor will slow your drift to a more manageable speed if it’s windy. Look for birds or baitfish on the surface to find fish. You may find Spanish mackerel, blues, pompano and more mixed with trout on deep grass flats. Flats close to passes or on points that get good tidal flow are usually productive.

In addition to tarpon, you might find false albacore (little tunny), tripletail or cobia in the coastal gulf this month. Look for albies feeding on the surface. I have seen large schools of albies “blitz” the beach while tarpon fishing this time of year. They are usually feeding on larger baits, such as threadfins or pilchards,

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters (941) 923-7799

so flies and lures should be sized accordingly. You might even find cobia swimming with tarpon or cruising bars in shallow water along the beach. You can use your tarpon fly or spin tackle for cobia, but a medium spinning outfit or an 8 to 9-weight fly rod will be better suited for mackerel and albies.

I also occasionally run into tripletail this

time of year, either around a crab trap buoy, navigational marker or floating debris. There are lots of options this month -- lateseason tarpon, snook in the surf or at night, or fishing skinny water for reds or big trout. Tarpon fishing is best when sweat is pouring down your back, but you’ll want to fish early in the day in shallow water.

Above, Justin Hamblet of Sarasota lands a tarpon. Below, Connor Shoemaker with a redfish in Sarasota Bay. (submitted images)

Food truck

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operate on a private business property with permission from the owner, provided the property still allows an adequate number of parking spaces. But out on the Key, there often aren’t parking spaces to spare.

Just as this small window of regulatory opportunity opened, as Dentici tells it, he just happened to meet the owners of the Siesta Key Beach Resort, whose popular Big Tiki Lounge serves plenty of tropical cocktails but no food. The property also happened to have a porch area large enough for a food truck to operate without taking up any parking spaces.

“It fit the parameters [for a food truck],” said Dentici. “It’s one of the few spots you can do it.”

The property owners and management were equally enthusiastic about what an on-site food vendor could offer — not just to the tiki bar customers, but to people staying at the resort, too.

“Many of our guests have children, are short on time and simply don’t want to travel far for a decent, quick meal,” said resort manager Dani Hohn, adding that restaurant wait times during season can exacerbate the time crunch. “The food trailer seems to solve some of those problems.”

When it came time to build the truck itself, Dentici followed his impulses. “You’d start with one concept and you end up with another,” he said. “What I want to serve will change at any given

moment. I’m very fluid that way.”

Ultimately what you’ll find inside the Porthole Grille food truck is a monument to Dentici’s enthusiasm and adaptability.

“It’s a full kitchen in there,” he said. “It has everything — it’s got a cheese melter, steam table fryers, fry choppers, everything. There’s restaurants in town that would be envious of that kitchen.”

Those comprehensive furnishings explain why the food truck can cover such a far-reaching menu. Proteins served up by the Porthole Grille include Wagyu ground beef as well as frankfurters, fish, fried shrimp, lobster, pulled pork, chicken, tuna, and flame-grilled octopus. (Both Dentici and Hohn say the lobster roll has been the standout seller so far this summer.)

Veggie appetizers include wasabi broccoli slaw and Thai Brussels sprouts.

And when Dentici offers “loaded fries,” he means it.

“You could put octopus on the fries, tuna on the fries, pulled pork. Whatever you want to put on the fries, I’m going to load it up. Nothing’s too crazy,” he said. “If you’re willing to pay for it, I’m willing to do it.”

Despite Dentici’s lifetime of restaurant experience, the food truck has given him a few new challenges. Most noticeably, he discovered that even the most well-equipped of mobile kitchens has very little storage. Everything is fresh because it has to be.

“Space is an issue,” explained Dentici. “It’s just something you have to learn. You’re not storing product for two weeks; you’re making daily runs to Detweiler’s and getting every-other-day deliveries from your food purveyors. There’s only so much space on the truck. There’s no room for old.”

And if they run out of an item? They run out. “That’s fine. Next time get there earlier,” he said. Where “there” is might change in the future, but for now, the Big Tiki location is working out well for everyone involved. And if business slows? Well, that’s the beauty of a food truck: They can just go somewhere else for an afternoon or a weekend. Dentici is already eying other potential locations, in addition to offering up the Porthole Grille for weddings and other private events.

Most of all, the Siesta food truck has been yet another venue for Dentici to get to know his customers. And he really does listen. In a bid to stand out from other local food trucks, Dentici had sworn off tacos at first. But after several requests, he happily added them to the Porthole menu.

“I’m always open for suggestions. I’ll listen to anyone once. I might be like, ‘I never thought about that before.’ Or I might tell you you’re crazy,” he said. “I’m at a point in my life where I can experiment and do different things. I found a pretty cool spot to slide into.”

Siesta Snapshots Photos by Trebor Britt

“Strolling Siesta”

-- Although the shoreline was slightly covered with a bit of seaweed, it didn’t stop Sarasota resident Nancy Sherk from enjoying a Spotify radio station while she got some exercise walking on Siesta Beach. Sherk is a retired intensive reading teacher in the Sarasota County school system.

Southern Tide

Beaufort

Bonnet Company.

“Our Southern Tide client base is 60% men who golf, fish, play tennis, sail, etc.,” said Faaborg.

The beautifully appointed Siesta Key store offers a well-curated collection of men’s performance shirts, shorts, pants, and jackets, all found at the front of the store. The signature Skipjack Polo, made from certified organic cotton, is a best-seller. A selection of print performance polos crafted from the Southern Tide patented Brrr line of sustainable quick-dry materials -- made with UV protection and stretch and created to cool the wearer while providing stretch and comfort -- are also on display. Other styles of men’s shirts include printed camp and sport shirts as well as long-sleeve performance fabric shirts that look good under a blazer. Long pants, shorts and swim trunks in solid and print styles are geared for an active man’s lifestyle.

Golfers have made the Southern Tide men’s Birdie short, designed with an interior elastic waist-grip, a best seller. In November 2022, the company increased its presence in the golf world by signing emerging PGA tour rookie Kevin Roy as its first PGA tour ambassador. On the golf course, Roy wears the brand’s skipjack logo.

Women will find stylish, preppy golf and tennis wear that features pockets for scorecards and cell phones. These looks also look fit right in on a pickle ball court or while taking a bike ride around the Key.

“A Book and a Beach” -Relaxing together under their popup wind and sun shade are Sonia and her 1-year-old son Gabriel. His father grew up here and has been coming to Siesta Beach since he was Gabriel’s age.

Continued from page 1V

The women’s line, Faaborg said, features the same Brrr performance fabric. “It’s also anti-microbial,” she said.

Casual pullovers and a selection of softly colored women’s dresses and bathing suits are also in store.

Women, she noted, have discovered the men’s navy blue Charleston blazer. “They’re wearing it with a skirt or over a dress. It looks great on both women and men,” she said. “It’s also very travel friendly, lightweight and unpacks wrinkle free.”

Flipjacks, Southern Tide’s take on the classic flip-flop, are sold in men’s and women’s sizes. Hats, blue-and-white-striped pickle ball paddles, fragrances, candles and a Southern Tide-branded Yeti cooler and tumblers are among the store’s accessories and gift items.

Boys’ wear includes T-shirts, shorts, and trunks. “We specialize in boys’ youth,” said Faaborg. “Lily carries girls’ youth items.”

This fall and in the early part of 2024, Southern Tide’s new men’s line will feature “reversibles” and vests for golfers with placket zips for stashing scorecards and cell phones. A larger selection of women’s wear for golf, pickle ball, tennis, power walking and more is also coming.

A new stand-up women’s paddle board two-piece suit with UV-protection long sleeves and a built-in bra, along with new oneand two-piece bathing suits and dresses, both short and long, are among the new women’s items that will be coming in the next few

months.

The June opening of the Siesta Key store marked the brand’s first entry into the Sarasota market. A second Southern Tide store opened last month at the University Town Center Mall. In addition to stores that dot the east coast, from as far north as Cape Cod, Nantucket and Newport, Rhode Island, there are 10 Southern Tide stores in Florida. Specialty retailers and department stores at more than 850 locations across the United States also carry Southern Tide merchandise. In keeping with Southern Tide’s commitment to coastal well-being, the company implemented its Reclaim the Tide sustainability movement that is dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of its products.

Southern Tide has also partnered with the non-profit Folds of Honor organization, a group that supports children and spouses of fallen military personnel and first responders with educational scholarships.

“We’re very excited to be a part of the Siesta Key community,” said Faaborg. “To show our support we are offering all military personnel, teachers, police, firemen and EMT’s with identification a 20% discount at the Siesta Key store.”

Southern Tide is located at 5116 Ocean Blvd. Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit online at southerntide.com. or call (941) 2100018.

“Getting A-head” -- Osceola High School cross country teammates decided to bury runner Kiki Rodriguez in a 4-foot-deep hole in the Siesta Beach sand. She is actually sitting on her knees. The team competes throughout the state of Florida and Sarasota is the furthest they travel south. (Back row from left) is Kelliana Mack, Keira Suro, Aaliyah Crespo, Tyler Payne, Rhett Karlskin, and Kiki Rodriguez.

“The Five on Siesta” -- These four sisters and a friend, all from Philadelphia, enjoy the beach while here to support a friend in a 10day USA Baseball tournament. (Back row from left) are Abby and Ella with (front row from left) Maggie, Lauren, and Molly.

“Beach Birthday” -- Eighth-grader Sofia King (bright pink T-shirt in the middle) celebrates her 14th birthday with all her friends from St. Martha’s School in Sarasota. An excellent writer, her favorite subjects are math and English and, time permitting, she loves volleyball and dance.

Above, manager Jodi Faaborg makes a blazer and dress shirt look sharp, while assistant manager Michele Olup (below) organizes beach-themed shirts. The new Southern Tide store is located in Davidson Plaza. (photos by Jane Bartnett and John Morton)

Big G’s Oyster Happy Hour from 3-6 Every day

Island Chatter

Local lifeguard completes charitable paddling mission

A Siesta Key lifeguard not only finished a charitable mission by paddling 80 miles across a portion of the Atlantic Ocean, he won the best time in his surf and ski division.

Island Chatter

Great Strides event is Sept. 30 on Siesta Beach

The annual 3-mile Great Strides walk on Siesta Beach will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on Saturday, Sept. 30, beginning at 9 a.m. Check-in is at 8 a.m.

Crystal Classic tickets now on sale; event is Nov. 10-13

Advance-sale tickets and parking passes are now on sale for the annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival, slated for Nov. 10-13 on Siesta Beach. Visit siestakeycrystalclassic.com to make your purchase.

Leaving Bimini in the Bahamas at midnight on June 25 with a group of brave participants, Robert Martini reached Lake Worth Beach on Florida’s east coast in 13 hours and 54 minutes. In doing so, he raised $2,500 for cystic fibrosis and an additional $1,335 for Sarasota’s Better Life Academy.

To walk, support a walker, or volunteer, go to: fightcf.cff.org/site/TR/ GreatStrides/36_Florida_ Tampa?pg=entry&fr_id=9563

Aug. 3 is next meeting for Siesta Key Association

The Siesta Key Association civic group will next meet Thursday, Aug. 3, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the community room at St. Boniface Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Rd. Visit SiestaKeyAssociation. com for more information and membership details.

Continued on next page

Siesta Key houses for sale are featured in HGTV contest

Three houses for sale on Siesta Key are part of HGTV’s “Ultimate House Hunt” competition. All listed by Michael Saunders & Company, they are among several properties in eight categories showcased by the show and awaiting your vote. You have until Aug. 3 to do so by visiting hgtv. com/design/ultimate-house-hunt.

Voters can also register to enter a $10,000 sweepstakes afterward.

The local houses on Siesta Key are: 7430 Point of Rocks Rd. (on the Gulf), 8324 Sanderling Rd. (on the Gulf), and 5131 Jungle Plum Rd. (on the Intracoastal Waterway).

The categories are Amazing Kitchens, Beachfront Homes, Countryside Retreats, Curb Appeal, Downtown Dwellings, Homes with a History, Outdoor Escapes, and Waterside Homes.

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.

Live

Beach House Rentals Map-D #9 Tropical Sands Accommodations Map-D #67 RESTAURANTS CAFÉS

Another Broken Egg Map-C #54 & 55

Blase 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

Paw Pals Meet Pinto

HAPPY HOUR 4pm-6:30pm Happy Hour Food & Cocktails

MONDAY PRIX-FIXE MENU

3 Course Menu for $25 — Every Monday

OPA WEDNESDAY!

Saganaki Opa! Appetizer $7

WINE THURSDAY

This 8-pound chihuahua thinks he’s 80 pounds, according to his owner. Now 7, he was rescued at 4 years of age in Atlanta and enjoys the good life on Siesta Key.

Among Pinto’s turn-ons are the hot dog Saturdays at the Crescent Club, the cute bartenders along the

Key, reggae music, and Chick-fil-A nuggets.

Turn-offs include Amazon delivery people, car rides, and squirrels.

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

KEY COCKTAILS Florida Float

It’s August and the world seems to be on vacation. Why not take a tip from the wise folks at Siesta Key Rum, who know a thing or two about vacations and staying cool in our tropical paradise. Take a break and whip up a delicious Florida Float made with Siesta Key Spiced Rum.

This cool and tasty cocktail takes the classic ice cream float up a nautical notch. Easy to create, after one sip you and your guests will feel as though you’re on “island time.” Can’t you hear that calypso beat as you enjoy the wonderful mix of sweet and spice?

P.S. Siesta Key Rum’s Florida Float is so rich and delicious that you can serve it as dessert! Just sit back and take in the compliments.

Ingredients

1.5 oz Siesta Key Spiced Rum

Dr. Pepper Vanilla Ice Cream

Whipped Cream Cherry

1 Serving Preparation

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream into a glass. Add Siesta Key Spiced Rum and top with Dr. Pepper.

Garnish with whipped cream and a cherry.

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE

With our map on the next page you’ll be able to navigate your way to our featured shops with ease.

The Shop SRQ (G-2) offers flat-tops, fades, tapers, blowouts, razor cuts, and straight razor shaves. Owners, Erick and Dawn use a back to basics approach to grooming with a precise attention to personal detail.

Their commitment to excellence has provided them with many loyal customers. They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust. Hours: Tues. – Fri. 8:30am – 6pm, Sat., 8:30am –3pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Gulf Gate Barber Shop (G-7) has been an institution in the community for years, owned by Kyle Flannery. The super-clean barbershop’s clientele is comprised of primarily men, but the shop services children as well. Scott Reich, formerly of the Siesta Key Village Barber Shop has relocated to this location.

West End Pub (G-49) Where else can you watch your favorite game with a great selection of beers, wines and liquors served by a friendly staff AND where you’re allowed to bring your own restaurant or deli food? Right here. 6500 Gateway Ave. 941-554-8905.

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

Solórzano’s Late Night Pizzeria (S-34): 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., 941924-5800.

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

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

Roberts Realty, Inc. (M-5) John Garner, Broker Assoc. & Diane Shane, Broker Assoc. have a combined 40 years’ experience in Sarasota of making dreams come true for our clients. For buyers, we have had great success in finding the right property for our clients because we listen closely to their wants and needs and matching that as close as possible. For sellers, over the years we have successfully listed and sold many, many properties throughout Sarasota County. Our philosophy is to have fun, enjoy the experience, achieve great results, make friends and receive referrals. We’re with you every step of the way! Call 941-924-2330 or drop by our office.

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

Zuzu’s & Moondoggy’s (GG26, GG25) Ready for an evening out?

Choose from Zuzu’s -- an exotic Polynesian top shelf cocktail lounge where you can dress to impress and enjoy cocktails with friends, or Moondoggy’s -- a fun surfing-theme atmosphere where you can chill and have fun. Located at 2234-2236 Gulf Gate Drive, Zuzu’s & Moondoggy’s has 13 big screen TV’S, MLB Package, ACC, BIG10, SEC, NFL Package, pool table, SUPER CHEXX BUBBLE HOCKEY and a punching bag! Zuzu’s is open 12:00 PM – 2:30 AM daily. Moondoggy’s is open 7AM – 2:30AM daily.

Scandinavian Gifts Baked Goods and Grocery (GG-37) A fixture in Sarasota for 32 years, Scandinavian Gifts offers an assortment of linens, glassware, cookbooks, jewelry, candles, food items, and Christmas collectibles. Located at 2166 Gulf Gate Drive, the store is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Skinny Dip (G-26) Established in 2020. The Sarasota Skinny Dip location is a family-owned business, with husband-and-wife Alex and Sorelly, and their kiddos, Sophie and Noah. The business specializes in letting you make your frozen yogurt the way you want it! We specialize in Skinny8 Froyos, which are only 8 calories per once! Also available vegan and low-fat options so that all Dippers can, well, dip!

Apothecary Shoppe (S-6) Eric and Laurie’s knowledge of pharmaceuticals and natural/holistic remedies enables the safe integration of traditional and natural therapies. Their organic skincare line is compounded on site by Laurie who started her career as a make-up artist for the Today Show, Saturday Night Live, and so many more. Eric is a pharmacist and also certified in naturopathy, wanting the best natural options for his clients. Open M-F 10-5 pm, Sat 10-3 pm.

Roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja)

Thanks to its bright pink plumage, the spoonbill might be mistaken for a short, odd-looking flamingo from a distance. However, that’s where the similarity ends. The spoonbill is a full-time resident of south Florida’s coastal areas, like Siesta Key, and prefers wetland marshes with tree cover.

Shallow waters — salt or fresh — teeming with small crustaceans and fish are prime feeding grounds for the spoonbill. Its unique style of hunting will have you tapping your toe! With a steady upbeat rhythm

the bird sweeps its head side-toside; its eponymous spoon-shaped bill, slightly open, trawls just below the water’s surface. Attuned to the slightest touch of a tasty tidbit, the bill snaps and traps its prey in a flash. The spoonbill owes its pink panache to the types of aquatic delicacies it eats.

This bald adult spoonbill lost the once-feathered crown of its youth and, in the process, gained mesmerizing ruby eyes that were previously dull and dark brown.

Jan Baumgartner’s handmade notecards are available at Sunshine & Sand Hidden Treasures, 6635 Midnight Pass Rd., in Crescent Plaza.

Blooming this month: Wild coffee

BEST

* Authentic Italian food from Italian chefs Open

Wild coffee is a native shrub that makes for a versatile addition to your landscape in southern Florida. This lovely, graceful shrub that produces red berries similar to coffee beans will attract lots of birds in your garden.

As a member of the family Rubiacea, the shiny evergreen leaves have very deeply impressed veins. The tiny white blooms resemble little white stars that will soon

attract butterflies.

This is a plant that can take full sun and is drought resistant. Currently in bloom in the Butterfly & Falling Waters Gardens located at the Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Boulevard of the Arts, at Sarasota Garden Club. Go to our website at SarasotaGardenClub.org.

Submitted by Kay Weber,GardensBotanical chair