Why the world comes to Sarasota
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ILLEGAL RENTALS Illegal short-term rental fine up to $5,000 wins County Commission’s unanimous approval
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PARKING WORKSHOP Variety of ideas given to staff to research as County Commission continues focus on easing traffic congestion and parking problems related to Siesta Public Beach
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KAHWA COFFEE
Siesta Key is a Spring Break Destination and Haven
Spring break vacations for college students have become an American tradition that is valued at least as much as summer vacations. Occurring from late February to mid-April, the spring break developed because U.S. schools at all levels have designated a week, or even two weeks, for suspending classes. Other countries also have spring breaks but Americans use it uniquely as a welcome opportunity for a beach vacation that features social diversions and relaxation, particularly somewhere with a warm climate. For students, the main goal of spring break is non-stop partying— ideally on Florida’s Atlantic or Gulf coast beaches. Not surprisingly, among Florida sites, Siesta Key with “America’s Best Beach” has become very popular.
Origin of Spring Break Vacations in Florida New Coffee and Craft Beer Garden in Captain Curt’s Village
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SIESTA SOUNDS
Fort Lauderdale is the origin of the spring break vacation, dating to the 1930s when Colgate University men’s swim team traveled there to practice for spring competitions in a much publicized trip during Christmas week of 1934. After a lull period during the Great Depression and World War II, college students rediscovered Fort Lauderdale in the 1950s. A gathering of about 20,000 students visited annually throughout that quiet decade. Although not low profile, they were
relatively well behaved on the beach and in the city, particularly in comparison to what was on the horizon.
Evolution after “Where the Boys Are” The game changer was the combination of a clever novel, record-breaking movie, and hit song— all entitled “Where the Boys Are.” The seminal event in the modern spring break was the publication in 1958 of Glendon Swarthout’s phenomenal book originally entitled “Unholy Spring.” It was inspired by his two weeks on the beaches of Fort Lauderdale during a break from teaching English at Michigan State University. Escaping from a bitter cold winter, his trip with some of his English Honors students provided experiences and personal observations that soon led to the influential novel. Published in the same year that oral contraceptives were approved by the FDA, the book tells the story of four girls who were students at a Midwestern university taking a spring vacation in Florida. In the opening scene, the assertive leader of the quartet expresses her opinion in class that premarital sex might be something young women should experience. Soon after arriving in Fort Lauderdale, this speech results in one of the girls losing her virginity when they go to the beach and find out where the boys are. Continued on page 27
The game-changer for spring break vacations was the movie “Where the Boys Are”
Complaints about dogs on Siesta Key beach arise again By Rachel Brown Hackney
Taylor Taylor continues drawing new fans into faithful following
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VOLUNTEER Meet Michael Knupp, volunteer at Conservation Foundation
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SAND CASTLES
SarasotaNewsLeader.com At least once a year, the issue arises. Most often it comes during a meeting of the Siesta Key Association (SKA). This time, it came up during a recent meeting of the Siesta Key Condominium Council. Following a presentation by Sarasota County Administrator Jonathan Lewis and two county department leaders, an audience member who identified himself only as Rod explained that he had been coming to Siesta since 2006. Signage, reflecting county regulations, says, “No dogs on the beach,” Rod told Lewis. Yet, at Beach Access 2, around sunset, “There’ll be at least 20 dogs on leash …” Some of them defecate on the beach, Rod continued. And no one from the county confronts the owners, he added. The sign at that access — as at all beach access points on the Key —
clearly says, “‘No dogs,’” Rod reiterated his opening remark. “Is there any way they can enforce that?” “The sheriff will do it when he thinks it’s appropriate,” Lewis responded. “That is our challenge,” Nicole Rissler, director of the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department added of the effort to keep dogs off the county’s beaches. “We have a great relationship with the Sheriff’s Office,” she stressed. Still, she acknowledged, “We know that’s an ongoing issue.” Not only are complaints common from visitors to Access 2, she indicated, but also from people at Beach Access 1, which is at the western end of Shell Road. Continued on page 36
Third emergency variance issued in the past year to stabilize a structure on Casey Key Road property Rachel Brown Hackney threatened by shoreline erosion By SarasotaNewsLeader.com For the third time in less than a year, the Sarasota County Commission has agreed to issue a Coastal Setback Class II Emergency Variance to property owners on Casey Key dealing with severe erosion.
With no indications that anyone opposed this latest petition, the commission voted unanimously on March 12 to approve the request. The item was listed on the agenda as “Presentation Upon Request,” and no board
member asked for a staff report. Chair Charles Hines did not have any cards, either, from people wanting to address the commission. Continued on page 31
Make Sarasota Midnight Cove II: Nestled along the Intracoastal with top amenities
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