Why the world comes to Sarasota
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APRIL 2017 | 941.349.0194 | ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC | www.SiestaSand.net | COMPLIMENTARY
BIG PASS SKA files complaint in court to prevent dredging
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BLASE CAFE Over 20 years, a bar where Elvis and Marilyn sat, and acclaim came to Blasé Café
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NEW SKA PRESIDENT
Harold Ashby named the new SKA president
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ORANGE OCTUPUS
Free trolley comes to Siesta Key By Rachel Brown Hackney www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com “It’s a big deal,” was the common refrain as representatives of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, Sarasota County, RideRight Transit and members of the public gathered in front of an openair trolley on the morning of March 20 in Siesta Village. Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) — with the help of County Commissioners Alan Maio and Mark Moran — officially launched the long-awaited service, which will transport riders between Turtle Beach and Siesta Village. Dubbed “Siesta Key Breeze,” because a Sarasota firm owns the rights to “Siesta Trolley,” the free circulator will run as a pilot program for six months, SCAT Director Rocky Burke pointed out. “We want it to be successful.” “It’s only taken seven years,” Wendall Jacobsen, general manager of Beach Bazaar and the last president of the Siesta Key Village Association (SKVA), joked with SNL about the Breeze after the ceremony.
Siesta Key Breeze heads from Canal onto Ocean Blvd. March 20, 2017
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Davidson Plaza now has paid parking |Crescent Beach Grocery lot added on the southern part of Siesta By Rachel Brown Hackney
THE ORANGE OCTOPUS offers delicious handmade ice cream in 24 luscious flavors
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WHO’S PLAYING
A Sarasota firm has begun managing the Davidson Plaza parking lot, charging drivers $5.00 per hour unless they are dining in one of the restaurants or otherwise using services in the plaza. FL Parking Co. has been contacting private property owners on Siesta Key about managing parking spaces at businesses that close after 5 p.m., Mark Smith of Smith Architects, chair of the Siesta Key Chamber
of Commerce, told about 25 people during the Chamber’s first quarterly meeting. He explained on Feb. 15 that FL Parking Co. was expected to begin the service in Davidson Plaza in Siesta Village that evening. The business plan called for the firm to put in a “pay station,” Smith said. “They say it’s portable; it only weighs about 600 pounds,” he added, eliciting laughter. The firm will have an employee on-site to ensure that people pay,
Gulf view to disappear By Rachel Brown Hackney
Meet TJ Hitt
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SAND CASTLES
Almost exactly five years ago, representatives of the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast based in Osprey - appeared before the Siesta Key Association (SKA) with a proposal for a pocket park on almost an acre of land perched on Big Sarasota Pass. The property for years has offered a vista of the water and Lido Key, as drivers, pedestrians
and bicyclists make their way to and from Siesta Village. Community members had approached the foundation, President Christine Johnson said during that February 2012 meeting, hopeful that, if sufficient financial and philosophical support could be found, the land could be preserved for the public. Continued on page 39
Smith continued. Asher Chappell, co-owner of the firm, also assured SNL that while towing signs are still up, towing is not part of the plan. The FL Parking Co. ambassador on-site makes certain spots can be found for people using the shops and dining in the restaurants in the plaza, Chappell’s business partner, Dan McNutt, explained in a separate interview. That leaves about 10 or 12 extra spaces for others seeking places to leave their
vehicles without fear of towing. McNutt also noted that the firm is eager to work with the free ride services on Siesta, to help patrons who want to leave their vehicles at Davidson’s easily reach destinations in other areas of the island. The parking ambassador is able to provide directions and suggestions to visitors, as well, he said. “We really like to be an overall service.” Continued on page 24
Annual Children’s Easter Party and Egg hunt New Location Turtle Beach The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the Annual Children’s Easter Party and Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 15 from 9:00 AM until Noon. This year the event will be held at a new location - Turtle Beach, located at 8919 Midnight Pass, Siesta Key. Turtle Beach is
approximately 2.3 miles South of Stickney Road on Midnight Pass. Free parking is available on site. New this year! The award winning MOTE Marine Mobile Exhibit will be onsite with a saltwater aquarium, interactive sea life displays and a touch pool. Continued on page 14
Key Solutions Presents BLVD in Virtual Reality |BLVD offers 49 residences with living space ranging in size from 3,500sf to 5400sf
Discover serenity at Dolphin Bay
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Siesta Key resident, Kevin Daves, is once again looking to awe downtown Sarasota with a new project. His newest and most innovative design, BLVD Sarasota, is unlike anything that’s come before. The extraordinary design, amazing amenities and an enviable location have combined to create a new standard of luxury. Situated in the renowned arts and culture district of Sarasota, Florida, the 18-story tower showcases panoramic waterfront and city views from the expansive, private terraces. The elegant and luxurious residences at BLVD have been thoughtfully designed for today’s contemporary lifestyle. Residents of BLVD will appreciate the innovative
design that resulted in some of the most imaginative residences in Sarasota. Just this week, BLVD Sarasota announced that Key Solutions Real Estate will be the official sales broker for the BLVD’s new residential tower at the southeast corner of Boulevard of the Arts and Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41). Key Solutions will act as the main contact for those interested in making the groundbreaking BLVD Sarasota their new home. BLVD is slated to be the area’s only residential development released in the city this year offering this level of luxury, accompanied with single family home sized floorplans. Continued on page 42