IV Siesta Sand - August 2019

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AUGUST 2019 | 941.349.0194 | ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC | www.SiestaSand.net | COMPLIMENTARY

A conversation with Dr. Gary Kompothecras

DREDGING OF BIG PASS City of Sarasota contradicts key Siesta Key Association assertion in Circuit Court case seeking to prevent dredging of Big Pass

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CASEY KEY Commissioners call for more public outreach before imposing a special tax to pay for measures to stabilize road and water line

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SIESTA PROMENADE Benderson Development affiliate wins county approval of earthmoving permit to clear site

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Questions regarding the new hotel, Crescent Beach Club, MTV’s show Siesta Key and South Siesta Bridge Village

By Bob Stein Siesta Sand recently wrapped up a Q&A session with one of Siesta Key’s most prominent resident and businessman Dr. Gary Kompothecras of “1-800-Ask Gary” at his newly acquired Crescent Club on July 18.

While sitting at one of the tables inside the club, Kompothecras laughed as he discussed his first week of ownership. “I told the bartender to buy everyone a free drink. The bartender asked, ‘at the bar?’ I said no, the whole place. This went on again the next day.

One longtime patron said to me, the old owner never done this. Needless to say, I won the crowd over.”

Siesta Sand queried Kompothecras regarding changes he may make to the property, and the recent removal of vegetation in the back of the parking lot by the water. “I will never change the inside of this iconic establishment which

poured its first drink over 70 years ago. I am improving the parking lot and outside to create an outside experience. People come to Florida to be outside not inside,” said Kompothecras.

He went on to say, “I took down the invasive plants, like Brazilian peppers and there were no mangroves on the retention pond in the back.”

Kompothecras informed Siesta Sand, the change in back now adds 10 parking spots as he lost four with the outdoor seating and large screen TVs that are now out front. He also reported that he will be installing an overhang for shade for the outdoor seating.

Kompothecras also revealed the bar will be in one of the episodes on next season’s MTV show Siesta Key. Continued on page 34

6 Davidson Drugs expands its services on the Key

GULF GATE AREA

Offering Parata® high-speed medication packaging system with an extensive free delivery program

By Debbie Flessner

Third medical marijuana dispensary wins County Commission approval

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SIESTA SOUNDS

When John Davidson, a newly graduated pharmacist from Illinois first visited Siesta Key on vacation in 1955, he most likely didn’t envision at that time that he would build a longlasting family business in the new paradise he had fallen in love with.

By 1956, he was working as a sales representative for a pharmaceutical company, but was based in Sarasota and looking for a place to open a pharmacy of his own. He decided that Siesta Key would be the perfect spot.

“John started the Siesta Key Pharmacy in 1958 in the Village,” John’s son Richard, the President of Davidson Drugs, said. “It was a very small pharmacy, with a soda fountain.”

Continued on page 23

The expanded service offered at Davidson Drugs has kept the pharmacy staff at full force

Siesta Isles Association

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

Board requesting numerous traffic changes to improve safety for residents John Holiday brings his music and new movie to south Florida

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MITIGATION PLAN Big Pass seagrass mitigation plan wins City Commission’s unanimous approval

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SAND CASTLES

With 297 single-family homes in close proximity to Siesta Public Beach and Siesta Village, members of the Siesta Isles Association board say they have seen traffic problems multiply in recent years.

In an effort to improve safety for the community’s residents, the board in February unanimously approved a set of petitions that it submitted to Sarasota County’s Traffic Advisory Council (TAC) on March 31. The Siesta Isles Association board hopes that the TAC members will concur on the need for lower speed limits, new stop signs and other measures to discourage

people from cutting through Siesta Isles in a hurry to and from other island destinations.

All of the petitions are scheduled to be heard by the TAC on Sept. 9 at the County Administration Center on Ringling Boulevard in downtown Sarasota. The session is set to begin at 2 p.m.

In a March 31 letter to the advisory council, long-time Siesta Isles leader Tony Romanus pointed out that the five entrances/exits for the community are Glebe Lane, Shadow Lawn Way, Beach Way Drive, Canal Road and Cape Leyte Drive.

“Two school bus stops used by our residents are on Midnight Pass Road,” he continued.

“Many students must walk through the blind ‘S’ curve to and from the bus stop.”

Additionally, he wrote, “Many of our residents walk to and from church” at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church or St. Boniface Episcopal Church, using the same blind “S” curve.

“Traffic volume and behavior through our neighborhood varies greatly,” he noted, from peak season to holidays to summertime.

Continued on page 32

Happiness Is… Supporting Locals

Quiet and Tropical at the Hamilton Club

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Abel’s Ice Cream has a fantastic reputation for quality ice cream and friendly service, but did you know they also make a point of supporting local businesses and artists?

In addition to offering locally made treats like Siesta Key’s Lelu Island Coffee and Sarasota’s own Tropical Shores Popcorn, you’ll find the walls of the store adorned with incredible photography from local photographer, Wendy Cohen.

Wendy’s family vacationed in Sarasota for years before making the decision to make our city their home in 2011. She’d always had a creative side and loved taking pictures of the natural beauty around her. One day, a friend suggested she share her photos on Instagram.

So her site “FollowMeToSiestaKey” began.

And if you’d like to view a few of Wendy’s amazing pictures up close and personal, stop

by Abel’s Ice Cream.

In August, 4 years straight! in honor of Wendy’s beautiful island photographs, Abel’s is featuring tastes of the islands, such as Coconut Pineapple (Tropical coconut ice cream with a delicious and chunky swirl of pineapple. A tropical paradise awaits!) and Mango Sorbet (A tropical sorbet will bring out the islander in you!). There’s nothing better than a scoop with a view.

Abel’s Ice Cream is located at 1886 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota, in the South Bridge Plaza. Open Sunday through Thursday from Noon – 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday from Noon – 10 p.m. Learn more online at

Jerry and Jill Williams, owners of Abel’s Ice Cream

www.abelsicecream.com or connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.

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AUGUST 2019

941.349.0194

SIESTA KEY VILLAGE 5124 Ocean Blvd.

349-1111

SOUTHBRIDGE MALL 6595 Midnight Pass Rd. 349-4343

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Dredging of Big Pass

AUGUST 2019

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

By Rachel Brown Hackney

3

SarasotaNewsLeader.com

City of Sarasota’s Development Services director contradicts key Siesta Key Association assertion in Circuit Court case seeking to prevent dredging of Big Pass The director of the City of Sarasota’s Development Services Department testified in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court on July 23 that he reviewed with the city’s engineer specific chapters of the city’s Comprehensive Plan to determine whether the proposed Lido Renourishment Project would be consistent with that plan.

The review took place in 2015, Tim Litchet told the court, before City Engineer Alexandrea DavisShaw signed a letter attesting to that determination of consistency. That letter had to be part of a package the city was preparing to file as co-applicant for a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) permit for the project.

He and DavisShaw spent about 30 minutes on their review, Litchet continued, opening up a copy of the city plan and going through a number of goals and environmental policies that Litchet said he believed were relevant to the renourishment of Lido Key Beach.

“My conclusion was that the project was consistent, is consistent, with the city’s Comprehensive Plan,” Litchet told John R. Herin Jr., a partner with the Miami firm of Fox Rothschild, who is the city’s outside counsel in the case the Siesta Key Association (SKA) filed against the city in March 2017. The nonprofit has been working to prevent the removal of sand from Big Sarasota Pass to place on South Lido Beach, contending that the action would lead to significant property damage on the barrier island and serious navigational problems in the waterway.

In its complaint, the SKA has argued that the project is not consistent with either the city’s Comprehensive Plan or Sarasota County’s Comprehensive Plan, with which it says city policies require the city to comply. The SKA petitioned the court for a Writ of Mandamus, seeking a ruling by Circuit Judge Andrea McHugh that although the nonprofit has asked the city to undertake the necessary consistency determination process, the city has failed to do so. Therefore, the SKA wants McHugh to require the city take that action.

When Herin asked Litchet on July 23 whether it was Litchet’s responsibility to make such consistency determinations for the city, Litchet replied that, at the time of his meeting with DavisShaw, “That was under my purview.”

At the conclusion of the five-hour hearing, McHugh gave the attorneys 15 days — until Aug. 7 — to file written briefs summarizing their arguments. Each could provide up to 20 pages, she said.

The city was a co-applicant with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for the Lido initiative, which proposes removing up to 1.3 million cubic yards of sand from Big Pass

to renourish about 1.6 miles of the South Lido Key Beach.

During his testimony on July 23, Robert Luckner, a leader of the SKA’s Environmental Committee, told the court that when he first saw DavisShaw’s letter in the FDEP application, his immediate reaction was, “Wow! This is not the truth and she signed it under oath.”

Luckner added that he believed the consistency statement was false, based on his reading of the city’s Comprehensive Plan and zoning regulations and Sarasota County’s Comprehensive Plan and zoning regulations.

Specifically, Luckner told the court, the SKA contends that the consistency determination is not compliant with Action Strategy 1.1 of the city plan, which pertains to requests for development approval.

However, Litchet testified that that strategy deals with issues such as zoning, conditional uses and site plans, for examples, “And this project is none of those.”

Yet another section of the city plan that the SKA contends the Lido project violates regards the “disposal of dredge material within the City limits for the renourishment of Lido Beach, subject to approval by the City.”

Litchet told the court that the City Commission had discussed the Lido project on a number of occasions and had approved various facets of it. The commission is supportive of the disposal of dredge material on Lido Beach, Litchet added.

In considering the consistency of the project with the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Herin asked whether Litchet had “read all these provisions as a whole …”

“I try to look at the overall intent,” Litchet replied. “I think they all work together.”

The May 2017 meeting Another focus of the hearing was a May 23, 2017 meeting between SKA representatives and senior city staff members.

During that meeting, “Did the SKA make a demand of any of the city officials for a consistency determination?”

SKA attorney Kent Safriet of the Tallahassee firm Hopping Green & Sams asked Luckner.

“We did,” Luckner replied.

“The specific demand that we made,” Luckner added, was that the city request to negotiate with Sarasota County for the county’s approval of the sand borrow areas shown on maps to be within the county. One of them is Borrow Area B, which runs from the tip of Siesta Key south, he noted. “It’s an existing boat channel. … I thought that the city should clearly go talk to the county because those areas are in the county’s jurisdiction as defined by the Florida Constitution.”

Then Luckner referenced Section 4.6.1 of the county’s Comprehensive Plan, which prohibits “dredge and fill activities in the Gulf of Mexico, bays, rivers, and streams of the county except to maintain previously dredged functional navigation channels and existing drainage canals.”

Big Pass never has been dredged.

“They still haven’t … sought county approval,” Luckner added of city leaders.

When Safriet then asked whether the SKA heard anything further from city staff after that meeting, in regard to making a consistency determination, Luckner replied, “Never.”

City Engineer DavisShaw and City Manager Tom Barwin contradicted Luckner’s testimony about the discussions on May 23, 2017.

When city counsel Herin asked Barwin whether Luckner directed to city staff “a clear and … unequivocal request” about the city’s making a consistency determination, Barwin replied, “I do not recall one conversation on that subject, or one syllable.”

A correction An article published in the July Siesta Sand incorrectly stated which public parking spaces on North Shell Road have been proposed for elimination.

The residents who submitted a petition to the Sarasota County Traffic Advisory Council (TAC) are seeking a prohibition of parking on both sides of the road just between the house at 3935 N. Shell Road and the cul-de-sac at Beach Access 1, SNL has learned.

As one resident wrote SNL in an email, “These areas have been most problematic with the parking problems (cars blocking residence driveways and preventing vehicles, emergency and others, from turning around in the cul-desac).”

The Traffic Advisory Council is scheduled to address the petition during its meeting on Sept.

9. The session will be conducted at 2 p.m. at the Sarasota County Administration Center in downtown Sarasota.

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AUGUST 2019

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Staff Report

Anna’s Deli receiving national acclaim

For the past two decades, the Surfer Sandwich at Anna’s Deli has been voted best sandwich by local magazines and newspapers. Anyone that’s ever tasted this sandwich can understand why.

But according to a recent post on Anna’s Deli Facebook page this sandwich is now receiving national attention as well. Filming was recently completed at their Siesta Key location (6535 Midnight Pass Road) for an upcoming episode of the TV show “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” Their post says, “For all who haven’t heard, pretty cool stuff happening for your neighborhood Anna’s Deli.

Katie Lee, a popular TV chef and author, visited the Siesta Key location last year and proceeded to nominate Anna’s famous Surfer sandwich for the TV show ‘The Best Thing I Ever Ate.’ Well they’ve decided to include us in an upcoming episode and came in to do some filming on July 16. That’s a wrap!! We’ll let you all know as soon as we hear about our episode airing on the Food Network!”

It goes on to say, “we always appreciate all the support our loyal fans have given us and want to give a special shout out to Katie Lee for nominating our Surfer for the show. We’re beyond flattered and super excited.”

At the time of press, manager Ashley Paynter, stated no final date has been set for the episode’s airing, but said the episode will be shown either in September or October. Once she is notified she will post it on their Facebook page.

When asked how she felt being the center of attention while filming, Paynter laughingly admitted,

“Having everyone staring at you while feeding you your lines can get a bit overwhelming. Makes me realize this line of work is not for me.”

The Breeze extends its morning hours The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce announced in a July 18 email blast that the Siesta Key Breeze has extended its morning hours.

The trolley service begins at 8 a.m. each day of the week, the Chamber points out. Previously, the Breeze started its route from Turtle Beach Park to Siesta Village at 10 a.m.

The longer morning hours will continue through Labor Day, the email blast says. From Sunday through Thursday, service continues until 10 p.m.

On Fridays and Saturdays, the Breeze operates until midnight.

Typically, the trolley service has maintained shorter hours in the summer, after peak tourist season has ended.

SCAT will evaluate the success of the extended two hour start time in a late August meeting. Siesta Sand will keep all posted.

A roundabout near Beach Access 2?

Siesta property owner and manager Michael Holderness has been communicating with Sarasota County Public Works staff about ideas to ameliorate traffic congestion issues related to Beach Access 2, he has told SNL. Continued on page 11

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AUGUST 2019

A special tax on Casey Key homeowners

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

By Rachel Brown Hackney

5

SarasotaNewsLeader.com

Commissioners call for more public outreach before imposing a special tax to pay for measures to stabilize road and water line Before they agree to impose a special tax on Casey Key homeowners to help cover the cost of significant repairs to Casey Key Road, the Sarasota County commissioners want to be sure those homeowners are aware of the prospect of the payments.

The majority of them made that clear during a June budget workshop discussion.

In summing up comments from Commissioners Michael Moran and Christian Ziegler, as well as his own thoughts, Chair Charles Hines directed staff to send a letter to each owner of a Casey Key parcel that would be covered by what is called a Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU).

The commission sitting in July 1988 created an MSTU district to pay for a road stabilization project on North Casey Key, staff has pointed out, so the current commission legally could set a new millage rate for that district for a subsequent project. The MSBU tax has been shown as zero on the Casey Key property owners’ bills since the funding was recovered for that earlier project, County Engineer and Public Works Director Spencer Anderson explained on June 19.

However, Hines, Moran and Ziegler said they felt it would be unfair to approve a new tax without giving the owners of the approximately 300 affected parcels this time the opportunity to comment on the prospect of paying $1,200 or more each year for the new improvements.

Anderson pointed out — as staff had during a previous discussion of the issues, in December 2018 — that county representatives talked about the potential revival of the MSTU when they attended a Casey Key Homeowners Association (HOA) meeting in November 2018. However, Anderson also indicated on June 19 that only a small number of the property owners attended that session. “There wasn’t a significant amount of feedback that we received.”

Still, Anderson acknowledged, one or two people did have a lot of questions about the prospect of the county’s using the MSBU once again.

Hines’ direction to staff followed a failed vote on a motion

by Commissioner Nancy Detert, seconded by Commissioner Alan Maio, calling for the affected property owners to pay 0.6022 mills per year for 10 years to cover 50% of the estimated $7.6-million expense of the road repairs on the northern part of the Key and in an area about midpoint of Casey Key. The annual amount would be $602 per $1 million of

value of the property, Anderson noted. Given the fact that the average value of a Casey Key parcel is $2 million, he continued, that would put the yearly tax bill at $1,204.

“I don’t know how anybody living on Casey Key would object to that, considering the dire condition of the road,” Detert said, adding that a county potable water line also is threatened by the worsening erosion. “We’re in an emergency mode, I think.”

Maio noted that Anderson also had suggested a five-year payback schedule with an annual millage rate of 1.110 — meaning a tax of $1,110 per $1 million in property value.

Maio added of Detert’s motion, “I think this is a happy medium and certainly solves at least the immediate set of circumstances there.”

Yet, when Hines asked for the vote, only Detert and Maio supported the motion.

“I do have a little trouble with the lack of taxpayer input on this,” Moran said, adding that he thought he was in the minority with that view. “I really want to hear … from the residents of this community in detail, for or against.”

Moran then was quick to point out that he was not criticizing Anderson. “Spencer, you’re absolutely doing your job and doing a fantastic job at it.”

Still, Moran, Ziegler and Hines agreed that more public outreach is necessary.

If, after those communications take place and the majority proves to be in opposition to paying an annual tax for the improvements, Hines said, “We’ll see how the board vote goes next time.”

Getting to this point On Dec. 11, 2018, Anderson led a discussion with the board members that took close to 90 minutes. It focused on the continuing loss of Casey Key shoreline, which is threatening both Casey Key Road and the county water line.

To stabilize the road, Anderson and Larry Mau, assistant county engineer, proposed not only a rock revetment on the northern part of the barrier island but also one at mid-key, in the vicinity of 2120 Casey Key Road.

In 1990, Mau explained in December 2018, a step revetment system was constructed at the northern location in an effort to prevent further erosion.

The contract for the design of the two rock revetment

systems should be ready for commission consideration in August, Anderson noted on June 19.

In the meantime, the county is using large sandbags at the mid-key location to keep the road stabilized, he said.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) granted the county a permit for the “trap bags” as an emergency measure extending several hundred feet, Anderson added; the permit will expire in 2021.

Anderson characterized the mid-key situation as, “for all intents and purposes, a hot spot on the shoreline,” with the beach eroded up to the road. “Sand fluctuates on a yearto-year basis up and down the shoreline here.”

Given the estimated construction expense of $7.6 million, Anderson said, staff had considered a number of funding options. The county receives $1.2 million a year from a gas tax, he added, but that money would be needed for other purposes, as well.

If the county were to borrow half of the $7.6 million with a 10-year amortization period, he continued, the county would have to pay debt service of about $859,000 per year.

Maio said he understood from residents’ emails that many take the view that Casey Key Road serves the public as well as the property owners on the barrier island. Still, he said, if the board did nothing that day, “Who pays?”

Would all county taxpayers have to help shoulder the expense, he asked.

“We would bring back some additional options,” Anderson replied.

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Siesta Promenade

By Rachel Brown Hackney

Midnight Pass Road public parking lot project continuing

SarasotaNewsLeader.com

Benderson Development affiliate wins county approval of earthmoving permit to clear site On July 15, an engineering company filed a new permit application with Sarasota County on behalf of an affiliate of Benderson Development Co., in conjunction with plans to clear the Siesta Promenade site.

On July 11, county staff approved Siesta 41 Associates LLP’s application for a minor earthmoving permit, county Media Relations Specialist Brianne Grant told SNL. The final point of concern for that permit focused on protecting the trees on the approximately 24 acres in the northwest quadrant of the intersection of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road. (The official address of the Siesta Promenade site is 6450 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, Benderson Development documents show.)

On July 10, Darren Semones, representing the county’s tree protection staff, signed off on the earthmoving permit.

Nonetheless, he wrote that before Siesta 41 Associates could allow a contractor to start removing septic tanks, asphalt roads and concrete pads from the former Pine Shores Trailer Park property, the company had to apply for a tree permit.

That application had to be accompanied by a site plan for staff review, he pointed out.

Additionally, he wrote, the company would have to provide a full count of the trees that would be removed.

In accord with that direction, on July 15, WRA Engineering, with an office on Cooper Creek Boulevard in University Park, formally filed for a tree permit, at a cost of $3,515.

County spokeswoman Grant reported on July 18 that Planning and Development Services Department staff had indicated to her that it would take some time for the new application to be processed.

In response to another request, the Public Records staff provided a copy of the application. (That document, by the way, incorrectly notes that the property is in the southwest corner of South Tamiami Trail and Stickney Point Road.)

The trees to be removed are as follows, the application says: four maples, 31 oaks, 88 palms, 51 pines and 21 trees of unknown species.

The trees to be protected, it continues, are two Grand Pines and “various others shown on plan that were identified by County Staff.”

Further, on July 16, county Archaeologist Steven Koski had put a note in the tree permit record, emphasizing that no tree could be removed “within 100 feet of the historic Pine Shores chimney other than those needed to be removed

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to facilitate chimney removal for relocation.”

Koski has been working to protect that chimney, which was left standing after a fire destroyed the log structure that served as the clubhouse for the Pine Shores Trailer Park. A note Koski added to the earthmoving permit record made it clear that the chimney would be relocated to the county’s Urfer Family Park, which stands at 4012 Honore Ave. in Sarasota.

The tree permit application includes a document listing the six criteria for county staff to consider in granting a tree permit. No. 4 says, “The trees unreasonably prevent development of a lot or the physical use thereof …”

The WRA Engineering application points out that the impacted area encompasses 984,456 square feet. (A webbased calculator says that that square footage is equal to 22.6 acres.)

Benderson and Siesta 41 Associates plan 414 condominiums/apartments, a 130-room hotel, 133,000 square feet of commercial space and 7,000 square feet of office space on the approximately 24 acres. On Dec. 12, 2018, the firms won County Commission approval to undertake the development.

Todd Mathes, director of development for Benderson and manager of the Siesta Promenade project, signed the tree permit application on July 15.

In response to a related SNL question, spokeswoman Grant said on July 18 that Paula Wiggins, manager of the county’s Transportation Planning Division, had affirmed that the contractor hired for the work on the Siesta Promenade site would be able to use only one street in the adjacent Pine Shores Estates neighborhood for ingress or egress to the property at U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road.

That street is Crestwood Avenue, a portion of which the County Commission agreed to vacate to facilitate Benderson’s Siesta Promenade design.

Because of the planned realignment of Crestwood Avenue on part of the Siesta Promenade perimeter, Grant added, county staff agreed to its use by the contractor.

Although the prohibition involving the other neighborhood roads is not included in writing on the earthmoving permit, Grant said Wiggins told her, “That was verbally agreed upon.” Therefore, Wiggins said, staff will work to ensure the contractor abides by that prohibition.

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

During the County Commission’s June budget workshops, Commissioner Alan Maio asked whatever had become of the county property located at 6647 S. Midnight Pass Road, which the board members previously had eyed as a possible turnaround spot for the Siesta Key Breeze.

As he recalled, Maio said, the board members had considered that site as a potential location for restrooms and perhaps a kiosk with Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and other community information and brochures.

Rob Lewis, interim director of Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT), replied that he was not certain, but staff would look into the status of the property, which once housed a training facility for the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and still has a building that encloses a Public Utilities Department water tank.

In response to a request, Kim Francel, the county’s public records coordinator, provided materials in a June 21 email.

The documents show that staff has been working on an internal application for a Special Exception to change the portion of the site where the Sheriff’s Office structure stood, with parking spaces, to “public parking only.”

Pre-application materials submitted to the county’s Development Review Committee (DRC) in advance of that group’s May 16 meeting said the 1.83-acre site is zoned Residential Multi-Family (RMF) 1; staff proposes that section of the property retain that zoning designation.

Staff also is seeking to create a public surface parking lot comprising 11,070 square feet, the material said.

The anticipated construction timeline called for the work to begin in July, the document noted, with completion planned in October.

Among DRC member comments about the project, a notation from a SCAT representative explained that the trolley stops at the nearby SCAT stop. “Upon completion of the parking lot, SCAT will move this stop closer/in front of said parking area,” the notation added, referring to the South Midnight Pass Road site.

The amount of impervious area on the parcel is 8,672 square feet, the staff material pointed out.

Continued on the next page

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Continued from previous page

That is proposed to increase to 16,114 square feet. An engineering drawing accompanying the material indicated a mix of concrete and stone would be used to create the parking area.

However, a Zoning Division representative on the DRC explained, “Siesta Key Overlay District does not require paved parking, so alternative surface is permitted.” That notation did point out, though, that the overlay district includes a restriction that puts the maximum impervious lot coverage at 50% in the RMF Zoning District.

Stormwater facilities already are on the property, the document noted, but new facilities would be added.

The following is a sampling of other comments: • A 10-foot-wide buffer would be required along Midnight Pass Road.

• A 20-foot-wide landscaped buffer with a minimum of 20% opacity would be required between the property and Crescent Plaza to the north.

• “Parking lots shall contain no more than 15 parking spaces in a row without a [10-footwide] landscaped island. Each island shall be Future site of the public parking lot at 6647 Midnight Pass Rd. curbed and contain a large tree.

• “All rows of parking spaces shall terminate in a “Beach visitors? General public? Other?” curbed landscaped island.”

In her June 21 email, Francel, the public records Another DRC member asked about the intended coordinator, wrote that the proposed project had not users of the lot, noting that Beach Access 12 is nearby. proceeded beyond pre-application status.

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1249 Stickney Point Road, just over the Stickney Point Bridge

4 Bedroom, 5 bath, 4,767 sq. ft.

Enjoy exclusive access to Tampa Bay and panoramic views of the rising and setting sun in waterfront luxury.

This palatial estate offers the ideal setting to relax and watch the dolphins frolic nearby or to host parties for all your family and friends. Spanning 4,767 square feet, a grand foyer complete with an elegantly-curving staircase welcomes you into this home with its beautiful formal dining and living rooms. The gourmet kitchen features cherry cabinetry, an oversized pantry, granite throughout, center island/breakfast bar and professional grade appliances including Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf range and Scotsman nugget ice maker. The master bedroom, one of four en-suite bedrooms, features one-of-akind open water views from the sitting room, a fireplace and a walk in closet.

You’ll also find an expansive spa bath that can be used as a sauna with his-and-her vanities, a Jacuzzi and more. This beautiful resort-style sanctuary can be enjoyed from the sprawling balcony that overlooks the lush landscaping, gorgeous pebble tech saltwater pool with hot tub and the bay. The lanai offers an idyllic place to host your next party or to simply relax with cypress ceilings, travertine decking, a cozy gas fireplace, lighting, watering and sound systems and an outdoor kitchen with a gas grill. The commercial grade seawall was newly upgraded while the dock features a jet ski/boat lift and a second oversized boat lift. A three-car garage with finished floors and overhead storage racks provide additional space.

7

$2,599,900

WATERFRONT LIVING AT ITS BEST....WIDE OPEN WATERVIEWS!

2030 CAROLINA AVE NE, SAINT PETERSBURG, FL 33703

www.2030Carolina.com

THE HISTORY OF VENETIAN ISLES In 1958, developer George R. Davis began acquiring the submerged land rights to the area that is now Venetian Isles.

This was a landfill project. At the time, it was one of St. Petersburg’s most costly development projects to date.

Over the next few years, a man-made archipelago emerged out of Tampa Bay and Venetian Isles was born. Building began in the late 1960s and early 1970s. As a result of its engineered origins, Venetian Isles has an elevation of approximately five to seven feet above the natural shoreline.

This raised elevation has proven to be successful in sparing Venetian Isles the same flooding problems as neighboring areas during Florida’s hurricane season. In fact, of the over 19 hurricanes to hit Florida since 1950, only a few homes on the outlying shoreline were ever effected by the flooding.

8

Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2019

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

All Roads Lead To… 5204 Ocean Blvd., in the Siesta Key Village Made In Rome Organic Gelato (MIROG) will be debuting a new flavor for August which they say is typical Italian. It’s a ricotta cheese and honey creation that’ll tickle your palate.

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

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 Music Every Day and Night

Take the taste-test challenge Made In Rome Organic Gelato, owned by authentic Romans, uses all certified USDA organic ingredients and offers sugar-free, gluten-free, and vegan options.

Although there are numerous shops around the U.S. selling gelato, you’d have to take a trip to Italy to find another gelateria where only organic ingredients are used exclusively, and a new batch, made from scratch, is created every 15 minutes. The taste is incomparable and the owners dare you to take their taste-the-difference challenge.

There are 48 flavors to choose from and the staff at Made In Rome Organic Gelato generously provide samples of their made from scratch, inhouse gelato. No hydrogenated fats or colorants, or preservatives are ever used.

By using more milk than cream, no egg yolks, along with a slowchurn process, your taste buds will be doing a happy dance with the intense flavors and silky textures this low calorie option provides. Old family recipes that have been improved over the decades are in use and new

flavors are developed every month.

Vegans rejoice Yes, vegans, you can make this one of your go-to places because Made In Rome Organic Gelato is vegan friendly offering a selection of gelato, cones, shakes, and even a vegan affogato al caffe.

Whether you choose veganfriendly or not, the affogato al caffe; a double shot of espresso topped with a scoop of gelato… any flavor, continues to be a customer favorite. Says owner, Diane Theron-Cuna, “People go crazy for this!”

What customers are saying One way to gauge the type of experience you can expect at any establishment is by customer feedback.

Best gelato spot in all of Siesta Key Village. The service is excellent and the gelato is the best I’ve ever eaten.

They care about the environment and quality ingredients.

I got a gelato milkshake with a shot of espresso in it and It was amazing!!!!!! Don’t waste your time at another ice cream spot in Siesta Key Village. ~ Yelper Alyssa F., June 26, 2019 I was able to sample a few flavors before choosing the mango. Everything tastes very fresh and light.

One scoop is plenty but if you know you like your sweets go ahead and ask for more here. Treat yo’self! ~ Yelper Valerie W., June 4, 2019 Watch the process Diana and husband, Massimo enjoy showing off the method used to construct their gelato.

They invite you to watch the process as they create a batch of their sinfully delicious gelato, then take their taste-test challenge.

If you’re lucky enough to catch Diane 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 performers 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 Circle – The Theron Cycling Troupe.

Made In Rome Organic Gelato is located at 5204 Ocean Blvd., in the Siesta Key Village. Their hours are 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. (941) 960-5344.

(Advertorial)

Daily Drink Specials

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 new Siesta Village Liquors just next door!

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

Gulf Gate area

AUGUST 2019

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

9

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

Third medical marijuana dispensary wins County Commission approval Before approving the third medical marijuana dispensary in the unincorporated areas of Sarasota County, county commissioners expressed dismay that the latest company was not represented by anyone other than the local agent for the project.

They also asked multiple questions of the county planner who presented the proposal, as well as the agent — Don Neu of NeuMorris LLC in Sarasota — about the security measures that will be taken at this third location.

Finally, they repeated a concern they raised with the two earlier applications: They do not want to see the medical marijuana facilities automatically transformed into shops selling recreational marijuana, if the latter drug becomes legal in the state of Florida.

“By the time we get to the sixth or seventh one of these dispensary applications,” Commissioner Alan Maio said on July 10, “they’ll just be rolling right through.”

Nonetheless, only Commissioner Michael Moran voted against granting the Special Exception to Columbia Care Florida, so it can open the dispensary in a building located at 6979 S. Tamiami Trail, in the Gulf Gate area.

Columbia Care Florida LLC’s website says the firm is “the nation’s leading medical cannabis company.”

Moran explained that he supports the use of medical marijuana. However, as he did with the previous applicants for Special Exceptions for dispensaries, Moran asked whether Columbia Care would be willing to stipulate that it would not at any point in the future sell recreational marijuana at the site.

“I don’t know that I’m authorized to answer that,” Neu replied. “I’m here as the agent.”

No company representative was present, Neu added.

“That’s an interesting question,” Commissioner Christian Ziegler said of Moran’s inquiry. “Could this site just make a flip?” Ziegler asked, if recreational marijuana became legal in Florida. “Would that have to come before us?”

Ziegler added, “I wouldn’t want it to expand to recreational marijuana.” (Ziegler was not on the board when it approved the first two dispensaries in 2018.)

Assistant County Attorney Joshua Moye explained that the ability of the board members to have any say-so on such a change of the business model would be dependent upon how a state recreational marijuana law was written.

Details of the latest plans During the staff presentation, Planner Everett Farrell pointed out that the Special Exception petition focused on property that

last housed a mattress store. The parcel is zoned Commercial General, he said, which is one of the county zoning districts in which medical marijuana dispensaries can be located, in accord with county regulations.

The property is about 0.55 acres, a staff report noted. It is north of Bispham Road and west of South Tamiami Trail, an aerial map showed.

In compliance with other facets of the applicable county ordinance, Farrell continued, the dispensary will be open only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and between 7 a.m. and noon on Saturdays. No Sunday hours are allowed.

“An alarm system is required,” Farrell added.

Commissioner Nancy Detert was the first board member to ask for more details about the security plans for the dispensary.

“We require just the alarm system,” Farrell explained. State regulations, he continued, make it necessary for the business to have a security guard present when the facility is open.

Ziegler questioned Farrell about whether the business has to comply with the state security requirements.

“Yes, automatically,” Farrell responded.

Then Maio pointed out that he voted in favor of the first two dispensary petitions. “I think we’re just being spoon-fed.”

With those earlier Special Exception requests, Maio continued, the company representatives gave the board “elaborate presentations,” including details about plans for armed security guards on the premises. “The third one comes to us, and all they’re doing is fulfilling the requirement that they’ll have a security system.”

Maio asked Farrell, “Are we being put on some sort of slippery slope here?” “I don’t believe so,” Farrell told him.

“Maybe they’re meeting a bare minimum,” Detert said, “and the other two … went the extra mile on security.”

During his presentation, Neu, the agent for the applicant, pointed out, “Yes, there will be armed guards. That’s part of the state statute. … “It’s a heavily regulated industry with security required.”

He also explained that the necessary landscaping and parking spaces already are on site for the business to be able to comply with the applicable county regulations.

“You put on the record what I needed,” Maio told Neu. “I maybe jumped the gun. I’m just uncomfortable with the whole thing.”

Future applicants for dispensaries, Maio added, “need to just make that crystal clear” that they will comply with the state security stipulations.

Moran also asked Neu how customers of the dispensary

6979 S. Tamiami Trail, in the Gulf Gate area

Columbia Care Medical Marijuana Dispensary aerial

would pay for the products.

Columbia Care will take credit cards, Neu said, along with cash. After Chair Charles Hines closed the public hearing, Detert made the motion to approve the Special Exception, and Maio seconded it.

“These are our rules,” Maio said, referring to the discussion that the new business would comply with the county and state regulations. Nonetheless, Maio continued, “I will tell you that years down the road … a different commission … will be wondering what we were thinking when we approved all of these — three so far — when they flip to recreational marijuana.

We’re just caught in that dilemma.”

Perhaps the commissioners should have another discussion about their own policy, Detert suggested.

Yet, she pointed out, she lives near the medical marijuana dispensary in Venice that the board members approved last year. She drives by it regularly, she continued, and she has seen no problems. “The parking’s good. There’s no congestion. You almost wouldn’t know it’s there. … So far, so good.”

Still, she said, “I think going forward, we need to monitor the ones that we have approved.”

10

Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2019

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Island Jet Ski, Where Adventure Awaits

By Diana Colson

Open Daily 7am-9pm

Broasted Chicken Dinner on special every Wednesday!

only $9.99

4 pcs. of our Broasted Chicken A Cup of Soup or Tossed Salad Potato Choice & Dessert

And, our breakfast menu is available all day, every day!

6721 S. Tamiami Trl, Sarasota 941.924.1770

DutchValleyRestaurant.net

A tropical adventure awaits at ISLAND JET SKI TOURS AND RENTALS. Here thrill seekers can find top-of-the-line jet skis to soar across the inland waters of the bay and out to the open gulf. Kayaks are also available, as are paddleboards and pontoon boats. There’s something to fit everyone’s inner daredevil, be it laid-back or bold.

Located by Casey Key Fish House at 801 Blackburn Pt Rd. in Osprey, ISLAND JET SKI is but a 10-minute drive from Stickney Point Bridge.

Their well-maintained equipment is available for hourly and daily rates, and extraordinary tours are offered which include sightings of dolphins, manatees, ospreys, and exotic seabirds, to say nothing of high-drama sunsets!

I was fortunate to go on the Dolphin Tour—my first time ever on a jet ski. After donning life jackets and given instruction, our flotilla of 7-persons-aboard- 4-crafts took off at 6 pm in the wake of our intrepid leader, Capt. Brian King. We pulled out from the Fish House dock, ducked beneath Blackburn Bridge, and headed north up the inland waterway. Midway past Casey Key, we cut the engines to admire an Osprey nest built high atop a marker post. One tall, stately parent-bird stood glaring at us with glitter-eyes.

Nearing the southern tip of Siesta Key, we slalomed along at a whiteknuckled clip riding each other’s wake. Brian motioned us to throttle down and move slowly as we passed a small muffin-shaped island to watch as a vast collection of birds settled in for the night. I saw pelicans, cranes, blue herons, and redstarts, while roseate spoonbills added a spectacular splash of color.

We passed beneath Stickney Point Bridge and flew like motorbike riders across a wide stretch of the bay before slowing through narrow waters near Siesta Key’s east side—water inhabited by manatees. We drifted past beautiful homes at rocking-chair speed, waving at people drinking margaritas on their docks.

Ducking beneath Siesta Key Bridge we headed for Big Pass, our small flotilla racing through choppy waters. We circled the tip of Siesta and entered the open Gulf, whereupon sighting a group of dolphins, we turned off the engines to watch them play.

After cutting across the pass, we pulled our wave runners onto the sands of Lido Park, where we took turns riding solo for a cell-phonevideo moment. The Johnson family of four from Richmond hammed it up for the camera, as did my son, Kevin, and I. Captain Brian King served as the experienced beachside videographer.

Now it was home-again-homeagain-hipp-ity-hop through the bay to the northern tip of Casey Key, where we abandoned the crafts and ran up the dunes to witness a world-class sunset. (Another photo-op!)

Returning to the Casey Key Fish House dock at about 8 pm, we signed up for a table and headed for their Tiki Bar to wait. The Fish House lived up to its reputation, and the meal proved superb! What a way to end a perfect day!

Capt. Brian King is the man behind the adventure. He and his

Big Water Fish Market Retail Market & Restaurant Now with 2 Locations on Siesta Key to Serve You

Original Location: 6641 Midnight Pass Rd, Crescent Plaza

Monday - Grouper BLT Tuesday - Tuna Tuesdays Wednesday - Softshell Crab Sandwich Thursday - Lobster Roll Friday - Pompano Cubano Open Mon – Sat: 11am – 9pm Open for Lunch and Dinner Sun: 4-9PM (Dinner Only) www.bigwaterfishmarket.com 941-554-8101

wife, Sharon, started the business in 1993, after watching a guy run an incredible jet ski business in Ft. Myers Beach. Brian had been into Motor Cross, engines, and going fast, so jet skis were a perfect fit. The King’s built a floating deck, bought 4 brand new jet skis with an assortment of life jackets, got a credit card machine, and opened at Fisherman’s Wharf in Venice. Brian knew he had found his niche: from the very first day, the business was successful.

They opened a second location in 1995 in Englewood where they were the only game in town. They sold Englewood in 2016. Says Brian, “The new guy is doing fantastic! I trained him well!” Today, both the Englewood and Casey Key sites can be booked online at www.

IslandJetSki.com.

In March of 2013, the Kings left Fisherman’s Wharf in Venice and moved to Casey Key Fish House, just in time for spring break. They started with wave runners, kayaks, and paddle boards, and eventually moved into pontoon boats. (They now have a fleet of four.) These boats are good for up to 12 people, while their jet skis will hold up to 3. “We never charge per passenger,” says Brian. “We only charge for the boat.”

Prices are available on their website.

Island Jet Ski is located by Casey Key Fish House at 801 Blackburn Pt. Rd in Osprey. 941-474-1168. www.islandjetski.com (Advertorial)

941.346.0226

6635 Midnight Pass Rd.

North Siesta Key Location: 217 Avenida Madera, in the Village

Fish Tacos Fish Sandwiches Fish Plates Open For Lunch & Dinner Open Mon-Sat: Noon – 9PM Open for Lunch and Dinner Sun: 4-9PM (Dinner Only) 941-552-8826

Ask us about our many “products with a purpose!”

We offer a fun and affordable assortment of unique coastal themed souvenirs, gifts, home decor, artwork by local artists, t-shirts, hats, beach gear and more!

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

Island Chatter

Continued from page 4

AUGUST 2019

At The Beach

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

11

Photos by Trebor Britt

In a July 3 email to Spencer Anderson, county engineer and the county’s Public Works Department director, Holderness proposed a roundabout at the intersection of Avenida Messina and Avenida Veneccia, saying that he had learned by talking with other property owners in that area of the island that the roundabout is their preference.

As part of that plan, he continued, Avenida Veneccia should be made a oneway street between Columbus Boulevard and Avenida Messina, which would stop what he characterized as “the ‘racetrack’ through the neighborhood.”

Traffic would have to access Avenida Veneccia via Columbus Boulevard, he noted.

Holderness also has proposed a gate west of the roundabout, which he said the property owners would pay for and maintain as part of the effort to eliminate what those property owners consider to be an excess of vehicles in the neighborhood.

He did emphasize in his email that maintaining public pedestrian access would be a key factor in the plans.

Responding to an earlier exchange with Holderness over the Beach Access 2 traffic issues, Anderson wrote in a June 21 email, “We have something in the works for the intersection of Veneccia and Messina. Not quite as restrictive as your outline but hopefully productive. We’ll provide once it’s fully developed.”

In a July 9 email, Anderson reported, “At this time, Beach Access #2 (at the north end of Beach Road) provides one handicap spot and appropriate signage to allow for enforcement of No Parking areas along Beach Road within the Mira Mar subdivision. We are working on plans to potentially reconfigure the intersection of Avenida Veneccia and Avenida Messina to try and redirect automobiles from Beach Access #2 as parking is not permitted in the public right of way at this location other than the one handicap spot.”

Another parking petition for the Traffic Advisory Council Along with the North Shell Road parking changes on its Sept. 9 agenda, Sarasota County’s Traffic Advisory Council (TAC) is scheduled to consider a petition regarding parking restrictions on Avenida Leona.

For those unfamiliar with the street, it intersects Calle Minorga in the area behind the SunTrust bank branch and the Old Salty Dog restaurant in Siesta Village.

The petition formally was submitted to the TAC on Dec. 27, 2018 by Edward Braun, an Avenida Leona resident.

“During tourist season,” the petition says, “our street is used extensively for parking by visitors. Although Avenida Milano and Avenida Madero, neighboring similar streets, have signs prohibiting parking on both sides of the street, Avenida Leona does not have such signs.”

The petition adds, “Cars are constantly parking on both sides of the street endangering pedestrians and bicyclists, making it difficult for our service vehicles to travel, and no doubt obstructing emergency vehicles if such were needed.”

Along with Braun, five other Avenida Leona residents signed the petition.

Under the county’s guidelines for TAC petitions, a certain number of signatures of unrelated affected residents is necessary to get an item on a TAC agenda. For local streets, the form points out, the threshold is five signatures, or 20% “of the local street’s abutting property residents (within 1500 feet of the same street),” whichever figure is greater.

The TAC is set to meet at 2 p.m. on Sept. 9 in the County Commission Chambers in the County Administration Center in downtown Sarasota, which is located at 1660 Ringling Blvd.

Yana Kayrevich of Denver, Olya Kay of Sarasota, and Katia Gritsak of Chicago basking in the sun on spectacular Siesta Beach. All three came to the United States from Ukraine.

TURTLE’S

On little Sarasota Bay CASUAL WATERFRONT DINING

8875 Midnight Pass Rd. • Siesta Key • 941-346-2207 Serving Lunch & Dinner From 11:30 AM

3-5 PM Turtle’s End of Season Special Dinner Menu: $19.99 (Avg. 30% Savings)

H APPY HOUR

DAILY

Add an Appetizer for $5.99 (reg. $8): Bang Bang Chicken, Fish Bites, or Our Famous Fried Avocado $ $ • Discounted Well Oscar, Drinks • Bar Appetizers 2.99 3.99 Entrée Choices: Gulf Grouper Large Baked Stuffed Shrimp, Ahi Tuna, stuffed -Flounder, Certified Black Angus Prime Rib (8oz. cut), Mango & Kiwi Mahi and Baby Back Ribs, N. Atlantic Wild-Caught Salmon, Surf ‘N’ Surf, Georges Bank Sea Scallops, Surf ‘N’ Turf.

(Package includes a delectable entrée w/ starch and veggies, hot rolls w/butter PLUS a House Salad or Clam Chowder) Pair with 9 oz. Carafe of Our Fine House Wine. Choose from: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, White Zinfandel, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon - $6.50 (reg. $7.50) *Appetizer and Wine Pricing for package add only

HAPPY HOUR 3-6 PM DAILY • Discounted Well Drinks • Bar Appetizers $2.99- $3.99

Sunday Brunch $10.99 • 10AM-3PM Incl. complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa

Early Bird Dinner Specials Complete menu at turtlerestaurant.com Complete menu at turtlerestaurant.com

$10.99 - $14.99 from 3-6:00 PM

Deep discounts being offered Siesta Nails & Spa, located a few doors down from Hooters Restaurant, in the Sarasota Pavillion, is under new management and offering some deep discounts August 1 – 7, to celebrate their grand re-opening. Their spa has been completely remodeled and refurnished and they’re eager to show it off. Call them at 941-556-9048 to find out what specials they have in store for you or stop in to see all the updates. Siesta Nails & Spa is located at 6517 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Continued on page 14

Outside Dining Offered Bay Front

12

Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2019

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

FPL at work on hurricane-hardening Rachel Brown Hackney measures on the Key By SarasotaNewsLeader.com For several months, Siesta residents have been seeing plenty of signs of a hurricane-hardening project Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL) is undertaking.

After receiving some inquiries about facets of the project, SNL contacted FPL for more details.

In an email, FPL spokesman Matt Eissey wrote that the company’s “hardening project of the energy grid that serves Siesta Key began in April and is expected to last until the end of 2019. This includes replacing some concrete poles, many of which were installed in the 1960s, with new stormhardened wood poles.

The new wood poles are stronger than the existing concrete poles and are also more cost-efficient, allowing FPL to enhance

CUISINE OF NORTHEAST THAILAND

• • • • • •

Gluten Free

No MSG Vegan Vegetarian Seafood Curries Craft Beer

utt T Taakkee--doou aannd gg C Caatteerriinn

5758 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

941.923.1232

Next to Phillippi Estate Park.

Serving Siesta Key and Sarasota

www.IsanThaiRestaurant.com

the reliability of its service in good weather and bad.”

He added that, as with all its projects, “FPL is ensuring the work is completed safely.” People may learn more about what “FPL is doing to continue providing reliable service at www.fpl.com/reliability,” he pointed out.

Additionally, anyone who wants to check on company projects in close proximity to his or her neighborhood may visit FPLmaps.com and enter the person’s address. A map pops up with the details.

When SNL chose a Tropical Circle address at random, the map that appeared said FPL is clearing vegetation from neighborhood power lines and from main power lines. Icons on the map show the work sites.

Eissey also provided SNL with a fact sheet regarding the energy grid improvements the company will have completed in Sarasota County from 2006 through this year. Among the details are the following: • Will have installed 3,250 smart grid devices, including 161 automated switches on main power lines and 3,089 automated switches on neighborhood power lines “to help detect and prevent power issues and get life back to normal faster if outages occur.”

• Will have upgraded and strengthened 46 main power lines, with 18 on the schedule for this year.

• Will have trimmed trees and vegetation along 9,376 miles of power lines, an average of 721 miles per year. “Trees and other vegetation growing near power lines are a major cause of outages,” the fact sheet explains. By Dec. 31, the fact sheet notes, FPL is scheduled to have trimmed vegetation from 1,103 miles of its Sarasota County power lines.

• Will have inspected all 85,639 power poles for strength. This year alone, inspections of 2,571 poles have been scheduled.

• Will have inspected 272 main power lines, using advanced infrared cameras that help detect and address potential problems with equipment before outages occur. By the end of this year, FPL plans call for company workers to have completed inspections of 10 main power lines.

FOOD in town A E S T S E B e th e ’r e We think w rd for it .. o w R U O e k ta ’t n o But d

ENJOY OUR STEAMPOT FOR 2

7119 S. Tamaimi Trail, Sarasota Just off the Key, 1/4 mile south of Stickney Pt Rd

Open Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Yelp Review: Words cannot describe my delight!

Everything was fantastic! Amazing fresh fish I think it was still swimming this morning!

Smoked Mahi Mahi dip, Crab Cakes, Shrimp Cocktail, blackened grouper sandwich, Tripletail with watermelon salsa and shrimp tacos!

Bounty from the sea delivered with excellent service and topped off with homemade key lime pie!

- Yelper, Kara T.

5 STAR REVIEWS THE NORM FOR THIS SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

From the Market...

Large selection of fresh seafood. Special Orders Welcome!

From the Grill...

Fresh fish your way: Grilled or Blackened & topped with Lemon Butter, Pico or Salsa, Soups, Sandwiches, Steam pots & more!

941-413-7133 | www.FreshCatchFishMarketandGrill.com

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

Trolley ridership soars

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

County Commission attention also focused on the Siesta Key Breeze open-air trolley as the board members reviewed the Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) budget for the next fiscal year.

The Breeze, SCAT Interim Director Rob Lewis said on June 18, “remains one of our, if not the, most popular routes.”

As of that date, he continued, 233,822 people had ridden the trolley during the fiscal year that began on Oct. 1, 2018. “We certainly expect that in four months, we will break last year’s record of 250,000.”

Lewis added that the trolley’s popularity just continues to grow.

Not only has it led to a reduction in the number of vehicles on Siesta’s roads, Lewis continued, but it also has led to more economic development on both ends of the island, with people using the Breeze to easily access businesses and restaurants.

As he has in the past, Commissioner Alan Maio talked of his fear that, after pushing for the establishment of the trolley, he would see ridership at no more than 3,000 a month. “We’re now … seeing 40,000 riders a month. That’s just a phenomenal thing, the trolley.”

The lowest ridership count for any month thus far this fiscal year has been 12,400,” Lewis responded.

Then Chair Charles Hines referenced past comments from Siesta residents and the commissioners themselves about the potential of extending the Breeze’s route to the northern end of the island, as well as finding spots for pullouts, where the trolley could stop to allow vehicles to pass it legally.

Reprising remarks he made to members of the Siesta Key Condominium Council in March, Lewis responded that the problem has been identifying a suitable location for the trolley to turn around on the northern end of Siesta. From the Turtle Beach Park parking lot, he noted, it travels to Morton’s Siesta Market in Siesta Village.

No area on the northern end — except potentially Nora Patterson Bay Island Park — has been found thus far to have enough room to accommodate the turnaround, Lewis added. Yet, the park is not the perfect location, he continued, because of the difficulty in making left turns out of it.

Moreover, Lewis said, if the trolley continued to a park-and-ride spot on the mainland, that would add “time and effort,” as well as expense.

Additionally, he noted, people might be reluctant to use park-and-ride lots because of worries about handling beach gear, such as chairs, on the Breeze.

As for the pullouts: Most of that comes down to a matter of right of way access, Lewis explained, and it would be expensive for the county to try to acquire any of that right of way on the Key. He could not imagine any property owner, he said, “being happy with eminent domain to take right of way.” He suggested such a county initiative would be “a tremendously poor use of … time and our resources.”

Further, he told the board, “There are some parts of Siesta Key that really don’t want a pullout in front of their property. We’ve experienced that in my past lives with the county.”

This is not Lewis’ first time serving as interim SCAT director. He has held a number of other positions with the county, too, through his decades of service on the staff.

Lewis did point out to the commissioners that mobile apps for the trolley are available on both the Android and Apple operating systems. “You can, with a great degree of predictability,” pursue other activities, such as shopping, while being assured of the time when you should be at a SCAT stop to catch the trolley, he pointed out.

2017, 2018 and 2019 Siesta Key Breeze Ridership Comparison Month 2017 2018 2019 January -:12,133 27,469 February -:20,007 38,336 March 19,984 34,848 62,699 April 18,190 34,458 48,067 May 17,809 16,475 24,906 June 19,743 20,025 23,935 July 25,525 23,700 August 14,043 8,253 September 7,098 6,277

AUGUST 2019

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

South Gate Barber Shop: An “Olde Fashion” Place The South Gate Barber Shop has been in existence for over fifty years. It was fading into obscurity when taken over by TJ Vincent in 2014, who came in, redid the shop, and kept it all going.

TJ Vincent is a lady barber in a field usually dominated by men. At the time she got her first license, she was the first female in Florida to be tested for barbering. TJ—also known as Teresa—first graduated from Beauty School before deciding that becoming a barber would be even more appealing. She attended Barber College in Ft. Lauderdale, passed stringent state tests with flying colors, and—before long—was a full-fledged barber with three shops in Orlando and one in Old Englewood Village. She had but one goal: to provide first-class barber services.

TJ soon went back for additional studies. “I wanted to know it all and become well-rounded,” says this entrepreneurial woman. She took a course in the Roffler method of hair design. The program was designed by Edmond “Pop” Roffler in 1958. It brought advanced European hair cutting methods to America, translating those methods to fit American taste and style. Entirely new and different, Roffler used the straight razor to cut and blend the lengths of hair. His system caught on quickly and he began to teach courses in his advanced technique. TJ signed up for one, and soon was completely enthralled!

When the South Gate Barber Shop became available in 2014, TJ jumped at the chance to take it over. Her goal was to run a real “Olde Fashion” Barber Shop with a candy stripe barber pole out front. She came in and redid everything. She brought Old Tampa Theater seats to use as her waiting chairs. She filled the place with Burma Shave pictures, hung lures from a fishing pole, and stocked the room with a lot of antiques. TJ put in five stations for haircuts, bought red and white striped capes, and found four other lady barbers to help—as well as a gentleman barber who fills in when snowbirds arrive.

Before long, customers came streaming in, for the services were truly professional. South Gate Barber Shop offers a variety of haircuts: Tapers, Flattops, Fades, and Razor Cuts. They also offer beard trimming, full face shaves, men’s hair color, and shampoos on request. Attention is paid to various grooming needs, including ears, nose, eyebrows, and mustache. The shop is “real picky” about sanitation, and all haircuts are finished with a hot lather neck shave.

“We don’t cook breakfast, but we do serve coffee,” says TJ, and two large screen television sets are housed at either end of the shop to keep adults entertained. The shop also specializes in serving children, for TJ feels that “Kids are our future!”

She keeps a few toys on hand to amuse kids as they wait, and every boy’s haircut ends with the

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By Diana Colson

TJ finishing up her signature hot lather neck shave

presentation of a Tootsie Roll.

The aim of the shop is to be homey and comfortable. As TJ puts it, “A lot of oldfashioned barbershops have faded away, but we are here to stay! No appointments are necessary. A guy can come in, relax, and have a good time.”

Don’t let the down-home approach fool you.

The haircuts being offered at South Gate are both skilled and sophisticated, for the Roffler technique is one in which TJ is utterly proficient.

This method is an approach that focuses on understanding and mastering the hair design process. It uses classic principles of art and beauty, as well as proven cutting techniques.

The use of quality products completes the Roffler look.

Gentlemen—you are going to emerge from this barbershop looking GREAT! Famed for its fair prices and friendly atmosphere, South Gate Barber Shop is located at 2081 Siesta Drive in Sarasota, opposite LUCKY’S in the same strip mall as the Siesta Drive Post Office. It is open Monday through Friday from 9 to 6, Saturday from 9 to 4, and is closed on Sunday. Call 941-312-6001 or simply walk in.

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Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2019

Island Chatter Coconuts Outlet Store closing After 37 years we are closing our Coconuts Outlet Store in the corner of Captain Curt’s Plaza, directly behind Captain Curt’s restaurant.

Everything must go, Clothing/ Bags/Jewelry/Crocs- $5 $10 $20 and 50% off racks- Open Daily 10-6.

Located at 1218 Old Stickney Point Road, Siesta Key in Captain Curt’s Plaza. Many thanks to the Stewart Family of Captain Curt’s for being such great landlords over the years.

This does not affect our main store Coconuts next to Crescent Beach Grocery.

About 36,000 of untreated sewage spilled into Grand Canal on Siesta Key Approximately 36,000 gallons of untreated sewage spilled into the Grand Canal from Siesta Key’s master pump station on July 9, the county reported to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

941.349.0194

Continued from page 11

focused on the swales around the master pump station. Residents had not reported any odor issues, she added.

However, she continued, SKA leaders were surprised that the county did not issue an alert via its CodeRed system, which is used in public safety and emergency situations.

In a July 12 statement emailed to SNL, Dave Cash, manager of the county’s Water/Wastewater Division, reported that the Public Utilities Department staff was working to correct the issue that resulted in no CodeRed alert to residents living around the Grand Canal. He added that staff would work to make certain that a CodeRed notification would go out “if another spill occurs.”

“In addition,” he wrote in the email, “utilities staff continues to review the incident in order to identify additional enhancements to the sewer system.”

SNL also learned that Jamie Carson, manager of the county’s Communications Department, interviewed Mike Mylett, director of the county’s Public Utilities

The incident was a result of a failure at Sarasota County’s Lockwood Ridge Road booster station, the FDEP report explained.

County staff manually opened a valve at the Lockwood Ridge facility to divert some of the flow of effluent to the north, which eased the pressure in the sewer force main from Siesta Key, the report said. Then the flow increased from the Siesta master pump station, the report added, which stopped the spill.

The incident occurred about 5:30 p.m. on July 9, the county report added. The Siesta facility is adjacent to the Siesta Isles neighborhood.

About 14,700 gallons of the wastewater was recovered from the canal, the report noted. Samples were taken, the report said, and lime was distributed in the immediate vicinity of the spill as a mitigation measure.

The National Lime Association explains that treatment with lime helps limit the growth of pathogens in wastewater.

Catherine Luckner, president of the Siesta Key Association (SKA) reported that the recovery effort

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Department, during a Facebook Live event after the spill, asking him about the lack of CodeRed notification.

Mylett’s responses mirrored the email from Cash. Mylett affirmed for Carson that the issuance of a CodeRed alert in such a situation is “standard protocol.”

In early 2018, county staff completed its years-long project to transform what had been the Siesta Key Wastewater Treatment Plant into the master pump station, which sends effluent off the island for treatment. If Hurricane Irma had not struck the state in September 2017, the project probably would have been completed before the end of 2017, Robert Luckner, a member of the Siesta Key Association’s Environmental Committee, told the nonprofit’s members in January 2018.

Prior to the Siesta plant’s decommissioning, the county was operating it under a Consent Order with FDEP. That order officially called for the cessation of wastewater treatment at the facility before the end of June 2018.

SOSS2 achieves a milestone In his 55th newsletter for Save Our Siesta Sand 2 (SOSS2), issued on July 15, Chair Peter van Roekens had big news.

“For the past six years the Board and I have dedicated our lives to achieving two goals,” he wrote: “1. Stopping the dredge of the Big Pass Shoal.

“2. Raising enough money to pay for our attorneys and expert witnesses so we can achieve our number one goal.”

Van Roekens continued, “I am very relieved and pleased to announce that with the donations received after our last newsletter, we have reached our funding goals for this phase! I especially want to thank our Matching Fund donors and all our friends, family and those members who we do not know personally, who have so steadfastly contributed to achieve this result.”

He added, “Now, with renewed energy, we can devote all our attention to our primary goal of stopping the dredge of the Big Pass Shoal.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

(USACE) and the City of Sarasota have proposed publicly since late summer of 2013 to remove sand from Big Pass to renourish South Lido Key Beach. SOSS2 was established as a Florida nonprofit organization in March 2014 to fight those plans, fearing that the dredging of the pass — which never has been done — would lead to severe property damage on Siesta Key and drastically impede navigation in the waterway.

(See the related story in this issue.)

As van Roekens has pointed out on numerous occasions, SOSS2 is fully supportive of the proposal to stabilize the Lido Beach. However, he and his board members and supporters believe the sand should come from a different source.

In January, SOSS2 filed a lawsuit against the USACE in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, arguing that the USACE has violated a number of federal policies by proceeding with plans for the Lido project without ever having conducted an in-depth analysis called an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

The USACE has maintained that its modeling shows no harm will come to Big Pass or Siesta Key if it dredges the pass.

In his newsletter this week, van Roekens reported that SOSS2 had sought the court’s approval to file additional materials for the case record.

The USACE did submit into the record one of the documents on the SOSS2 list of materials the nonprofit believes the court should review, van Roekens added. The USACE conceded that its failure to provide that material to the court was an oversight. However, the USACE has argued against the inclusion of the rest of the supplemental materials SOSS2 cited in its June 6 motion.

After the judge reviews the latest filings by the USACE and SOSS2 related to the administrative record, van Roekens wrote, SOSS2 would file its opening motion for summary judgment in the case. He anticipated that would take place in August.

“We expect a ruling in this case early next year,” he added in the newsletter, although the original timeline the court laid out indicated the litigation likely would be concluded late this fall.

Continued on page 27

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AUGUST 2019

Sheriff’s Report June 18- July 22, 2019

7/6/19 Theft 900 block Beach Rd. A woman visiting the public beach accidentally left her phone in the restroom at the south end of the park. When she returned to get it, it was gone. She stated when she tried to call the phone, it went straight to voicemail. The Samsung LG phone also contained her driver’s license, social security card and a credit card. She was able to cancel her credit card before it was used. The items were valued at approximately $815.

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6/23/19 Battery 1000 Block Old Stickney Pt Rd. A woman reported she had been thrown out of a Jeep. She stated while she and the suspect were at a Village restaurant, the suspect yelled derogatory names at her and became verbally abusive. They later drove to a restaurant on the south end where the suspect pushed her out of the vehicle and began to drive away. The victim chased down the Jeep to retrieve her phone that was still in the vehicle.

The suspect threw the phone out the window and it was found in the parking lot, undamaged. The victim stated when she approached the window of the suspect, he punched her in the chest and in the arms. Red marks and scratches were observed on the victim’s chest and neck area. She declined medical attention. The victim stated she was afraid the suspect would come to her home and attack her and that she would spend the night at a friend’s house. The deputy advised the victim to obtain a restraining order against the suspect. After completing his investigation and based on previous history of the suspect, the deputy found probable cause for arrest for the battery charge.

Siesta Key Sand

6/20/19 Battery 6100 Block Midnight Pass Rd. A man reported a battery by a former employee.

The complainant said he was out with the suspect when they began to argue. The victim advised the suspect threw him to the ground and the bottom of his toe was cut. A deputy observed the cut toe, however there were no other injuries. The victim said there were no witnesses to the incident. The suspect advised he had been working for the victim and that the victim had not paid him according to their agreement. The suspect said the argument was verbal only and no physical contact occurred. The case was forwarded to the State Attorney’s office for review due to the lack of witnesses or other physical evidence.

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SilverCitySarasota.com

There were 27 crimes reported on the Key between 6/18-7/22/19 6/18/19 Theft 5200 Block Ocean Blvd.

An employee of a Village restaurant reported a “dine and dash.” He said six subjects were seated at the establishment where they ordered two Buffalo wings appetizers and three orders of fries valued at $45.95.

The subjects finished eating and left without paying the bill. One of the juvenile subjects forgot his phone on the table. The phone displayed his name on the home screen. This led deputies to the suspect’s mother’s name and phone number. She was contacted and arrived within 15 minutes to pay the bill in full and retrieve the phone. The complainant did not wish to press charges because the bill had been paid in full.

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Silver City 6539 Midnight Pass Road • 941.349.5030

7/8/19 Burglary 1200 Block Old Stickney Pt Rd. The manager of a rental business reported a burglary. He stated someone had entered the curtilage of the rear most building and had cut through the plastic on a locked outside storage box and stole items out of it. Three “drybags” containing multiple items for jet skis including tools and lanyards to start them.

Other items stolen included four anchors ($480), hand tools ($25), and four hose tips ($70).

7/8/19 Theft 5700 Block Midnight Pass Rd. A woman reported her Nikon camera ($250) was stolen from the pool area of her mother’s condo. She and her mother had both assumed the other had picked it up when they left the pool. They stated they knew most of the people at the pool that day and didn’t see anyone suspicious. No neighbors had found the camera or turned it in. The woman said she didn’t care about getting the camera back and didn’t wish to press charges, she only wants the memory card returned.

7/10/19 Grand Theft 5000 Block Ocean Blvd.

A woman reported her phone was stolen. She stated between 1-2 a.m. on 7/8, she had been drinking at a Village bar. She recalls being loaded up into a cab that was paid for by some deputies ($30) and left the bar. However, she claimed the driver didn’t want to take her home, and dumped her out in front of a convenience store in the village.

Continued on page 18

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Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2019

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

Siesta Nails & Spa, located a few doors down from Hooters Restaurant, is under new management and offering some deep discounts August 1 – 7, to celebrate their grand re-opening. Their spa has been completely remodeled and refurnished and they’re eager to show it off. Call them at 941556-9048 to find out what specials they have in store for you or stop in to see all the updates. Siesta Nails & Spa (6517 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota) is located in the Sarasota Pavilion Shopping Center.

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.

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

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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.

At the original Word of Mouth Restaurant (G-31), every seemingly insignificant detail receives special attention from the warm, inviting decor to each specially crafted variety of freshly baked muffins to the signature menu items. This small diner is where the locals come to eat breakfast and lunch. Take a look at their menu at originalwordofmouth.com.

Hours: Mon-Sun.: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Piccolos Italian Market & Deli (G-47) carries a full line of imported cheeses, fresh baked bread daily, homemade sausages, fresh mozzarella, and numerous hard to get items. They now carry Khorasan Wheat which is an ancient and organic grain. Their Deli is complete with huge hot and cold sandwiches, salads, fresh homemade lasagna and baked ziti.

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GULF GATE

© Island Visitor Publishing, LLC 2018

Ba Am nk o eri f ca

Panera Bread

Marshall’s

Bed Bath & Beyond

This section helps highlight what you’ll find within this walkable Gulf Gate shopping Village.

Ross

Dress for Less

Iberia Bank

Five Below 1

2

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G14 G13 G12 G11 G10 G9 G8 G7 G6 G5 G4 G3

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S30 S29 S28 S27 S26 S25 S24 S23 S22 S21 S20 S19 S18 S17 S16 S15 S14 S13 S12 S11 S10 S9 S8

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S7 S6 S5 S4 S3 S2 S1

Gulf Gulf Gate Gate Drive Drive

Gulf Gulf Gate Gate Drive Drive

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Lo Ho ng rn

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Only Eyes OPTICAL

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PICCOLO

SRQ

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Authentic New York Italian Market & Deli We carry a full line of Imported Cheeses, Boars Head Luncheon Meats, Pasta, Olive Oil, Assorted Imported Olives, Khorasan Wheat (ancient & organic grain), and more.

GG-46 G-47 Specialty Italian gourmet items without the gourmet price

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SARASOTA

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THE SHOP SRQ 6625 Gateway Ave.

G-2

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www.TheShopSrq.com

& Vegetarian Sandwiches S-24

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Traditional, Old School Barber Shop

Hot or Cold

S-16

G16 G15

G2

G24

5

S59 S58 S57 S56 S55 S54 S53 S52 S51 S50 S49 S48 S47 S46 S45 S44 S43 S42 S41 S40 S39 S38 S37 S36 S35 S34 S33 S32 S31

G23 G22 G21 G20 G19 G18 G17

Superior Avenue

B

Beall’s Outlet

Mall Mall Drive Drive

G50 G49 G48 G47 G46 G45 G44 G43 G42 G41 G40 G39 G38 G37 G36 G35 G34 G33 G32 G31 G30 G29 G28 G27 G26 G25

Gateway Avenue

Books-AMillion

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Michaels

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GG1 GG2 GG3 GG4 GG5 GG6 GG7 GG8 GG9 GG10 GG11 GG12 GG13 GG14 GG15 GG16 GG17 GG18 GG19 GG20 GG21 GG22 GG23 GG24 GG25 GG26 GG27 GG28 GG29 GG30 GG31 GG32 GG33 GG34 GG35 GG36 GG37 GG38 GG39 GG40 GG41 GG42 GG43 GG44 GG45 GG46 GG47 GG48 GG49 GG50 GG51 GG52 GG53 GG54

HOURS: Monday - Sunday 8:00AM to 2PM www.originalwordofmouth.com

Siesta Nails & Spa

941-925-2400

Hooters

Sun Trust

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Original Word of Mouth 6604 Gateway Ave. Sarasota, FL 34231

Publix

Sarasota Pavilion is a popular shopping destination for numerous locals and visitors alike. Its prime location is close enough to the island for frequent trips with a nice selection of chain stores set in one convenient location.

But what truly lends to the uniqueness of this district is the host of small, locally owned, specialty shops, boutiques, restaurants, and neighborhood bars bordering this pavilion. It makes for a fun and rewarding shopping experience.

Over 150 businesses make up this district.

D

Eat Where The Locals Eat!

Stein Mart

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M22 M21 M20 M19 M18 M17 M16 M15 M14 M13 M12 M11 M10 M9 M8

M7

M6

M5 M4 M3 M2 M1

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G-31

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DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE

Continued from the previous page

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. – 941554-8905.

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

G-4

Roberts Realty

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.

Wild Ginger Apothecary (S-19) has been successfully providing sustainable, ethically produced, and nontoxic products for beauty, home and nutrition to the health conscious consumers of Sarasota since October of 2014. Their latest offerings is a CBD Boutique area featuring hundreds of hemp and CBD products.

Wild Ginger Apothecary also offers classes and workshops for a variety of audiences on topics that cover lifestyle, creativity, health, and more in the Studio + Lounge.

Z6557 Superior Ave. 941-312-5630, www.woldgingerapothecary.com 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.6670 Superior Ave., 941924-5800.

Pride of the South (S-34) Pride of the South has been awarded Top Barbeque in Sarasota for 2016 by Trip Advisor and Yelp. It has been awarded for the best Southern Hospitality. Pride of the South has a brisket BLT, hands down, one of the best sandwiches you ever tasted. The smoked chicken wings are unbelievable. Backed up with

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the pulled pork sandwiches, the smoked bologna, the smoked Turkey, the collard greens, fried corn on the cob, fried okra, fried green tomatoes and one of the best mac n cheese you ever tasted. We do catering with no limit to size.

Call (941)926-0099. See you soon.

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.).

One Minute Key Shop (GG51): Left your keys in the car? No worries, the One Minute Key Shop will help you safely unlock and retrieve your keys. They specialize in high security locks, keys, re-keying, master keying and safes for residential, commercial or automotive. Call for more info: 941-924-8020 or visit their showroom.

ROBERTS REALTY, Inc. (M5) 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 941924-2330 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 941444-7984 to set up an appointment with their licensed optician.

AUGUST 2019

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

17

Tribute honors a special person

By Randall Townsend / Photo by Rick Cenoweth

In honor of Captain Ralph Styles (a Decorated WWII Submarine Captain in the Pacific Theater), who began this tribute ceremony about 25 years ago — Each sunset our community comes together with new friends from around the world, now at Siesta Key Public Access #2, at 10 Beach Road, as now we say: “Welcome to Sunset Point Pier. We thank you for joining our nightly tribute to honor the sacrifices of our military and service personnel in protecting our country and our freedom! We are the Land of the Free, because of the Brave!”

On June 26, 2019, Our Special Tribute honored Jeannetta of Morton’s Siesta Market on her 44th Anniversary of serving our community.

Jeannetta’s friends from all over the community and the world have watched the videos on the many Facebook sites and commented “How much she is loved, respected and appreciated for her service to our community, especially if anyone needs something laminated.” Locals Understand! THANK YOU JEANNETTA! 44 MORE!

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Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2019

941.349.0194

Lido Beach Renourishment Project

www.siestasand.net

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues to push back deadline for bids to be submitted Three times since June 27, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) pushed back the deadline for bids to be submitted for its proposed Lido Key Beach Renourishment Project.

The new date is July 30, 14 days later than the timeline the USACE announced in late June. Two new amendments to the solicitation package were issued on consecutive days — July 17 and July 18.

Responses to the bid package, which the federal agency published on May 16, originally were due on June 19. Notices subsequently updated the deadline to July 2, then July 16, then July 23 and then July 24 before the July 30 deadline was published in a July 18 amendment on the Federal Business Opportunities website.

As Siesta Sand was preparing to publish its August issue, no other delay had been announced.

Each of the amendments to the bid package made clear that the USACE could take up to 60 days to award the contract to a firm. The latest document also maintained wording from earlier versions in calling for the contractor to begin work within 75 calendar days of the award and to complete the project within 290 calendar days after receiving the formal Notice to Proceed.

One of the more recent amendments the USACE published for the solicitation package apparently attempted to resolve concerns that Sarasota County might not allow the USACE’s contractor to stage equipment in Ted Sperling Park on the southernmost point of Lido Key. The county owns the park.

One of the original bid documents said, “The Contractor is responsible for obtaining and coordinating staging areas …

It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to investigate and obtain any additional areas which may be necessary for his/her construction operations.”

The July 11 amendment to the bid package said, “The Contractor may ‘scrape’ the existing beach” in front of the Lido Pavilion and Pool. That would be allowed, the package notes, if the contractor needs to cover the existing rock groin that extends offshore of the southern part of the renourishment area, so the contractor can transport

equipment over the groin.

The amendment specified, “Scraping shall be uniform throughout the area to avoid holes, ruts, etc. and not excavated below mean high water … The temporary sand ramp shall be of the Contractor’s own design,” the amendment continues, “and shall be constructed so as to ensure the existing rock groin is not damaged from equipment traversing over it. Any damage to the existing groin that occurs due to … equipment traversing it, shall be repaired at the Contractor’s expense.”

The amendment added “The scraped area shall be filled back to its approximate pre-scraped condition within 2 calendar days from the commencement of fill operations.”

In April, the City of Sarasota completed an emergency renourishment project on Lido Beach; part of the new sand covered the area in front of the pavilion and pool.

Approximately 205,000 cubic yards of sand was removed from New Pass for the emergency initiative, which involved slightly more than 1 mile of the beach.

City Manager Tom Barwin has pointed out that city leaders hope the emergency project will keep the shoreline stable until the long-term USACE project can begin. Barwin also has talked numerous times of the expectation that the USACE renourishment effort would begin this November.

The City of Sarasota was the co-applicant for the Joint Coastal Permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for the long-term project to be overseen by the USACE.

Changes related to turtle monitoring The July 18 amendment struck a section of the original bid package regarding turtle monitoring. The first version said that if the placement of sand on Lido Beach or the groin construction has begun by April 15, turtle monitoring and nest location would have to start on the same date “and continue currently with the performance of the work.”

However, the document continued, if the placement of sand “or groin construction has not commenced prior to

April 15th, the Contractor shall commence turtle monitoring and nest location activities for … 65 days prior to performing any work (including movement of equipment) in the beach fill area or groin construction area ...”

In that case, the document added, after turtle monitoring and nest location activities were pursued for 65 days, the contractor could start work in the beach fill area or groin construction area “and continue the monitoring activities concurrently with performance of the work.” In any event, it pointed out, turtle monitoring and nest location/ relocation activities would be required through Oct. 31 or until completion of the work, whichever came first.

The July 18 amendment said, “The City of Sarasota will be conducting turtle monitoring and nest location/relocation activities from April 15, 2019 through October 31, 2019. If dredging and placement of material in the beach fill area continues through April 15, 2020, the Contractor shall commence turtle monitoring and nest location/relocation activities at this time. Turtle monitoring and nest location/ relocation activities are required through October 31, 2020 or until completion of the work, whichever is earlier.”

The Biological Opinion the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) issued for the project on Dec. 29, 2016 said that because of concerns about how the construction of the two groins would affect sea turtles, the USFWS would not authorize construction “during the main part of the sea turtle nesting season (May 1 through October 31).”

However, the FDEP permit for the Lido project, issued in June 2018, says, “Sand placement activities and groin constriction may occur during the marine turtle nesting season (April 15 – October 31), except on publicly owned conservation lands such as state parks and areas where such work is prohibited by the managing agency or under applicable local land use codes ...” Even then, the permit continues, “the activity cannot proceed without prior authorization of incidental take by the National Marine Fisheries with state law.”

“Incidental take” refers to the killing of turtles.

Happy 60th Anniversary Siesta Key Chamber!

On July 20, 1959, Siesta Key Vacations officially amended its charter and renamed itself the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, Inc. In celebration of the Chamber’s 60th Anniversary, a limited number of commemorative, gift-boxed ornaments have been created and are now available for purchase.

The unique 3-D design depicts an iconic Siesta Beach lifeguard stand. Ornaments are $30 each, plus shipping, if applicable.

To purchase visit www.siestakeychamber.com, or stop by the Chamber office, 5114 Ocean Boulevard, Siesta Key, FL 34242.

An Anniversary Party is planned for October 4, 2019, with details to follow.

FL license 230517 • Locally Owned & Operated Companionship • Transportation Post Hospitalization Care • Shopping, Errands Light Housekeeping • Laundry/Change Bedding Dementia Care • Medication Reminders Meal Prep/Planning

941-925-2433

Sheriff’s Report

Continued from page 15

Due to the fact the victim was heavily intoxicated and stumbling around, the clerk called dispatch and two deputies responded to the scene. According to the victim, the deputies called the same cab company and had the same driver return to take the woman home again. Later, when the victim sobered up, she realized she didn’t have her cell phone, and thought the deputies possibly stole it because she saw them using it last. She also thought the driver could have stolen it because he didn’t want to drive her home in the first place. She said the taxi company was not calling her back and was uncooperative. It was confirmed that the officers had taken her phone and had it impounded into the property office for safekeeping.

7/11/19 Theft 5800 Block Midnight Pass Rd. A man reported his son’s skateboard was stolen from the condominium where they were staying. The skateboard ($180) had been left behind a retaining wall behind some bushes while the son was on the beach.

The suspect (white male, in twenties, dark hair, black baseball cap, red & black shirt, red shorts) rode into the condo complex on a black bike, removed the board and rode off. The entry and exit were recorded on security camera.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

AUGUST 2019

LIVE MUSIC PAGE 24

VILLAGE MAP pgs 20 - 21

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 39

CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 22

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

GULF GATE SHOPS pg 16 - 17

Siesta Key Drum Circle Every Sunday is a perfect time to come to the Key to reconnect with Mother Nature and to enjoy this collaborative community event. I’m talking about the Siesta Key Drum Circle that takes place each Sunday starting about an hour before sunset and lasting until about 10 p.m. The gathering meets up just south of the main pavilion - just follow your ears and watch for the swelling crowd.

Please note the following rules of etiquette that need to be observed at the Drum Circle so that all can enjoy the experience: the inside of the drum circle is for participants only, not for people

standing around. Feel free to enter the circle, take a picture and dance, but always keep moving. Never play someone’s drum without getting clearance from the owner. Always ask before borrowing other people’s property, especially hula hoops.

Flash photography and bright video lights are distracting, so photograph during daylight or use a night vision camera. And finally, please do not drink alcohol or smoke inside the circle and respect our beach by placing all trash in the appropriate receptacles. Photo by Sarasota Experience as shared in Siesta Key Drum Circle Facebook page.

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.)

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Snapshots of Island Visitors 1

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

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Map D #11

ACCOMMODATIONS Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa.......... Map-A #38A ART GALLERY / STUDIO The Gallery on Siesta Key............. Map-D #11 ATM / BANKS Martin Funding................................. Map-E #1 PNC ATM.........................................Map-C #61 Sun Trust Bank & ATM.................... Map-E #4 BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Blaśe 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

Map B #42

COFFEE SHOPS LeLu’s Coffee Lounge...................Map-B #31 The Local Bean............................... Map-D #62 DRUGSTORE Davidson Drugs............................ Map-D #65 FASHION & ACCESSORIES Beach Bazaar’s & Swin Shack..... Map-C #28 Blvd. Beachwear.............................. Map-B #30 Comfort Shoes-Birki & More..... Map-D #64 Foxy Lady Fashions...................... Map-A #40 Gidget’s Coastal Provisions.........Map-B #44 Island Boutique............................... Map-B #50 Island Style.......................................Map-C #53 Marley Vibes..................................... Map-D #9 Sea Shanty........................................Map-C #24 Siesta T’s........................................... Map-B #30 The Sandal Factory......................... Map-B #46 GAS STATION Circle K Store..................................... Map-E #6 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 #11 Siesta Kids........................................ Map-B #36 HEALTH & FITNESS Indep. Lifestyle Solutions ............ Map-D #10 Siesta Healing................................... Map-D #9 Siesta Key Fitness..........................Map-B #73

THE LOCAL BEAN • Internet Café • Coffee Shop • Tea Room 5138 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key Village

941-346-8000

WHAT BETTER WAY TO START YOUR DAY IN PARADISE?

Map D #62

Organic and Fair Trade Coffees & Teas Cold Pressed Coffee Organic Smoothies Light Lunch (Salads & Sandwiches) Breakfast Sandwiches, Bagels & Lox Local Pastries Free Snacks

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 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs............................ Map-D #65 LeLu’s Coffee Lounge...................Map-B #31 The Local Bean............................... Map-D #62 JEWELRY Created Gems..................................Map-C #51 Mount -N- Repair Jewelers............. Map-D #9 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

www.siestasand.net

www.siestasand.net

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1. Alex & Kenna from Colorado 2. Faith & Kayla from Kentucky 3. Dana & Nicole from Canada 4. Gayle, Jenny, Katie, & Kim with her kids 5. Evan, Rylie, Reagan, & Sean from IL 6. Reagan, Hannah, Evan, & Rylie from IL 7. Omar & Ishmael from NY 8. Elijah age 7 & Joshua age 5 from Sarasota 9. The Lima Family from OH: Left to Right: Mike, Teddy, Frankie, Natalie, Dave, Tillie, Sofia, Samuel, Gracie, Jessie, Lucas, & Josh 10. Back row: Kathy from NY, Michael from Clearwater, Patrick from KY, & Keith from KY. Front row: Ann from MD, Lisa from Clearwater, Mary from KY, Maggie from KY, & Caroline from OH

• SEGWAY RENTALS • PADDLEBOARDS • SCOOTER CARS • GOLF CARTS • BIKES • SCOOTERS • BEACH GEAR Map B #34

Gizeh EVA Gizeh EVA

5255 Ocean Blvd • Siesta Key Village www.robinhoodrentals.net

941-554-4242

Gizeh Silver Arizona EVA

Arizona EVA

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

Great For the Beach or the Pool! $ 95

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

Map D #64

MASSAGE Hands of Light Massage................ Map-B #35 The Spa at Calle Minorga............... Map-E #74 MEDICAL - DENTAL Sarasota Medical Center................ Map-D #63 Siesta Dental..................................... Map-B #49 Siesta Key Physical Therapy......... Map-D #20 Siesta Village Dentistry................. Map-D #63 MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce................. Map-D #67 Roberti Enterprises........................ Map-A #39 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Edward Jones Investments........... Map-D #68 Smith Architects.................................Map-E 74 REAL ESTATE / RENTAL SERVICES Coldwell Banker Realty................. Map-D #20 Keller Williams Real Estate........... Map-D #11 Key Realty.........................................Map-E #5 Michael Saunders Realty..............Map-E #72 ReMax Alliance Group................ Map-C #29 Tropical Sands Accommodations.....Map-D #67 RentSiestaKey.com........................... Map-D #9 Robasota Rentals & Real Estate.... Map-A #39 Siesta Key Rental Prop.................. Map-D #10

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RESTAURANTS / CAFÉS Another Broken Egg..............Map-C #54 & 55 Big Water Fish Market, N............ Map-D #15 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 LeLu’s Coffee Bar...........................Map-B #31 Lobster Pot...................................... Map-C #23 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 Solorzano Bros. Pizzeria.............. 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 Star Thai Sushi............... Map-D #17 & 18 Village Café.................................... Map-D #14 SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY LaPlaya Spa......................................Map-C #50 Sassy Hair Salon............................ Map-A #40 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

Birkenstock & More Bringing you quality and comfort for more than 40 years!

5128 Ocean Blvd. Siesta Village

941-346-7425 www.rickscomfortshoes.com

Gift Certificates Available

Barber Scott Reich

Formerly of the Village Barber

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…$15, 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

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BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Capt. Curt’s Backroom Saloon................B-3 #7 Crescent Club........................................... C-3 #13 Sniki Tiki....................................................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 Coconuts / Island Colors..........................B-3 #8 Green Turtle Swimwear......................... C-3 #14 Key Casual Fashions............................... D-3 #17 Things You Like...................................... C-3 #14

941.349.0194

CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX

GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Capt. Curt’s Souvenirs.............................B-3 #8 Green Turtle Shells & Gifts................. C-3 #14 Sunshine Sand Hidden Treasures........ D-3 #17 Silver City Jewelry.................................. C-3 #14 HEALTH & BEAUTY Sanctuary Siesta Key............................... A-5 #12 Siesta Key Salon & Spa........................... D-3 #17 The Key Spa & Salon.............................. A-5 #12 ICE CREAM & TREATS Orange Octopus .......................................B-3 #8 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs..................................... C-3 #14 Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14 LIQUOR STORES Crescent Beach Grocery...........................B-3 #1 Crescent Club............................................B-3 #13 Siesta Spirits............................................. C-3 #17

MAILING & SHIPPING Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14 US Post Office Sub Station..................... C-3 #14 MARKETS 7-11 Store.................................................. C-3 #16 Big Water Fish Market.......................... C-3 #17 Crescent Beach Grocery...........................B-3 #1 MISCELLANEOUS Moving & Storage....................................B-3 #10 Flowers by Fudgie................................... D-3 #17 REAL ESTATE / RENTALS Beckmann Properties.............................. C-2 #15 Homes & Condo Rentals........................ D-3 #17 Re/Max Tropical Sands............................B-3 #1 Siesta 4-Rent............................................ C-3 #14 Waterside Realty..................................... C-3 #17 RESTAURANTS / CAFES Big Water Fish Market................................C-3 #17

www.siestasand.net

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill...............A-5 #12 Capt. Curts Crab & Oyster Bar.................B-3 #7 City Pizza Italian Restaurant................. D-3 #17 Clayton’s Siesta Grille...............................B-3 #9 Daiquiri Deck.................................................A-3 #2 Spear Fish Grill..............................................A-4 #5 Toasted Mango Cafe....................................C-3 #17 Miguel’s Restaurant................................ C-3 #17 WATER SPORTS - FISHING - RENTALS A to Z Beach & Bike Rentals.................. A-5 #12 FIN Island Co. . ........................................ A-3 #2 CB’s Saltwater Outfitters........................ A-3 #4 Parasail Siesta............................................ A-3 #2 Siesta Key Bike & Kayak . ......................B-3 #8 Siesta Key Marina.................................... A-4 #5 Siesta Key Jetski . ...................................... A-3 #2 Siesta Sports Rentals............................. C-3 #14 Waves Boat & Social Club...................... A-5 #12

“Home of the Orange Squeeze!”

OPEN 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM DAILY

ING FEATUR

Homemade Ice Cream

Sundaes l Shakes l Smoothies l Coffees Espresso l Cappuccinos

1220 Old Stickney Point Rd., Siesta Key In the Captain Curt’s Plaza Map B-3#8

941-346-0202

Expires 12/31/19

BIKES · BEACH STUFF · KAYAKS PADDLEBOARDS · SCOOTER CARS BEACH WHEELCHAIRS · SCOOTERS

Book Your Next Adventure Online. We Deliver!

BOOK ONLINE OR CALL AT:

RideAndPaddle.com

(941)-346-1797 6551 Midnight Pass Road Southbridge Mall Siesta Key, FL 34242

BOOK ONLINE & SAVE $5.00 OFF YOUR NEXT WEEKLY BIKE RENTAL WITH COUPON CODE: V2019

Map B-3#8

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill 1500 Stickney Point Rd.

Anna’s Deli 6535 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Road

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters 1249 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-3 #4

Coconuts Fashion MAP 1215 Old Stickney Point Rd. B-3 #1&8

Crescent Beach Grocery 1211 Old Stickney Pt. Rd.

MAP B-3 #1

Davidson Drugs 6595 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Siesta 4-Rent 6555 Midnight Pass Rd.

Toasted Mango Cafe 6621 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #17

MAP C-4 #17

MAP C-3 #14

MAP A-5 #12

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

AUGUST 2019

Davidson Drugs expands its services on the Key Eventually, John was presented with an opportunity to develop and build a retail/medical center down the road a bit, so along with his friend Dr. Freeman Epes, they developed the land at 5124 Ocean Blvd. John opened Davidson Drugs, and Dr. Epes’ office was right next door.

But John wasn’t yet finished building new pharmacies.

“The Crescent Beach Davidson Drugs location opened up in the sixties in the building that used to be the Captain Curt’s center,” Richard said. “And then John opened the Midtown location in 1981.

That one just closed down at the end of May this year.”

Richard said that the family felt the Midtown site had become less of a retail destination when the main anchor left the plaza, and they thought that it would be better to pool their resources at the Siesta Village pharmacy/store. So when they closed the Midtown location, all the staff members, including the pharmacists, were given the opportunity to come work on Siesta. Most of them took the family up on the offer.

“Everyone is very excited about it, and it’s been a great transition,” Beth Martin, RPh, Pharmacy Manager said. “Many of our customers from the Midtown location are now coming to Siesta, and for those who can’t, we can bring their medication to them. We have a very extensive delivery program, and our drivers are absolutely wonderful.

All of our deliveries are free.”

The Davidson family asserts that personal touch is one of the business aspects that sets their pharmacy apart from the big box stores.

A full-service pharmacy, they also have a United States Post Office inside their store, as well as a business center, and sell souvenir items, resort wear, office supplies, gifts and anything you might need for a beach trip.

But what they’re really selling is a face-to-face relationship with their clientele.

“We are actually the oldest originally-owned pharmacy on the west coast of Florida,” Richard said. “Over that time, we’ve really gotten to know our customers by name and know what their needs are.”

At the core of Davidson Drugs’ success is the family’s, and the company’s, devotion to their customers—offering them more efficient access to their medication, with a personal touch. That’s why, a few years ago, the company bought a Parata® high-speed medication packaging system. It takes the medications a patient has been prescribed and packages them in sealed, single-dose packets, which are all labeled with the date and time they need to be taken. As a result, Davidson pharmacists can spend less time labeling, counting, sorting and capping — and more time providing patient care.

“This is our version of the Amazon Pill Pack, but we’ve been doing this for about five years,” he said. “Amazon has a great model, but the difference is that if there’s any kind of change that needs to be made, we can pick it up, make the change and deliver it the next day. As a local pharmacy, we can get their medication set up, do their med packs, deliver it to them and have a pharmacy tech monitor their progress.”

The Parata® organizes all of the patient’s medications by date and time, and Davidson Drugs doesn’t add on any charges for the service.

Additional benefits are: • The packaging is clear, so patients can see when to take their next dose.

• It’s simple to tear off each package when it’s time to take medication.

• Davidson Drugs can also include reminders for non-oral medications, like inhalers.

• Packages are easy to open and great for traveling.

Beth says that from a pharmacist’s perspective, the Parata® helps her provide the ultimate level of customer service.

“We contact doctors to make sure that the packets include just what the customer needs,” she said. “We synchronize all their medications so that they all come due at the same time. We also do bubble (blister) cards.”

Using the system helps the pharmacists at Davidson Drugs provide even better customer service for their clients. When a patient first brings in their recurring prescription, the pharmacy can set it up so the prescription is filled and ready to be picked up or delivered to the client on the same day each month.

As a Davidson Drug’s customer using the Parata® system, you will be given a box that holds a strip of medication packages with your month’s prescriptions. When it’s time to take your medication, you simply tear off the next package and confirm the date and time that is printed on it. If you have missed a dose, you will know right away, so there’s no need to be stressed or worried about possibly missed medications.

Before your next order is due to be filled, Davidson pharmacists will check in with you to make sure that you’re on schedule with your doses, and to see if you have any changes in your medication. If necessary, they will call your physician for refills or work with your insurance company on coverage issues.

Besides groundbreaking technology like the Parata®, one of the primary reasons Davidson Drugs excels in its customer service efforts is that it maintains many longtime employees on staff, including Beth, who has worked for the company for more than 30 years. She said she likes that it is a family-owned operation, and especially, that it is service-oriented.

Having grown up on Siesta Key, and in his family’s business, Richard says he feels it’s important to shop with locally-owned businesses, because it fosters a genuine sense of community.

“We offer true concierge service to our customers,” he said. “This is our home, and we’re really in tune with our customers’ needs and making sure we take care of them.”

Davidson Drugs has two locations: Siesta Village, 5124 Ocean Blvd, 941-349-1111; and South Siesta Key, 6595 Midnight Pass Road, 941-3494343. To learn more, visit the website at http://www.davidsondrug. com.

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC Continued from cover story

Davidson Drugs Siesta Village store located at 5124 Ocean Blvd with a US Post Office inside

Siesta Key Village pharmacy staff with Richard Davidson right front row

Davidson Drugs utilizes the revolutionary Parata machine, which is a robot that packages and dispenses individual medication doses.

As a result of the Midtown Davidson Drugs closing in May of this year, the Siesta Village site’s gift shop and staff were expanded.

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Siesta Sounds

941.349.0194

By Charmaine Engelsman-Robins

John Holiday & the Kid Memphis Trio

having a great time doing it.

That was just the beginning. After the film, John went on playing the blues and living his regular life, unaware that CMT was planning an eight-episode miniseries about SUN Music, Sam Phillips’ legendary recording studio in Memphis. John ended up appearing in that too… coincidentally playing another player named Perkins: Luther Perkins (no relation to Carl), who was a guitarist in Johnny Cash’s backup band, The Tennessee Three.

These experiences were enough to convince John that acting should also be part of his creative work, but just as had evolved from his working with his father’s band, he now wanted to make a film of his own. Which brings us to southwest Florida where John’s now working on a project of his own with producer John Sykes. The working title of the film he’s directing and acting in here is Midnight Pass. He and his fiancée, visual artist Kiersten Coleman, star in it with local actors Lisa Brave, Paul Saulo and Tyler White. Between spending every day working on the film and weekends playing the blues with his Kid Memphis Trio, it’s a pretty hectic life. But not so much so that he can’t find time for the newest dimension of family life: his son, Dylan, and grandson, River, live just to the south in Venice.

His musical friendships are also growing and evolving: John’s group, the Kid Memphis Trio (with fellow seasoned blues players Burt Engelsman and Steve Camilleri) continues playing blues. They’re scheduled for three gigs at Gilligan’s this month: Saturdays, August 3 and 10, and Sunday, August 25, all from 1 to 5 p.m. Check the group’s Facebook page for more gig info, and of course watch for the film Midnight Pass in the not-too-distant future. Then just sit back and wait to see what this new Floridian comes up with next.

John Holiday brings his music and new movie to south Florida When John Holiday was growing up in Memphis, his piano-playing father, Michael, encouraged the young guitar player to join his band. Unenthusiastic at first, John had his head more in the music of his peers than in the soul and R&B his father’s group was playing. But a strange thing happened somewhere between the hometown Memphis gigs and those that followed after they’d made their new home in California: as players from Buffalo Springfield, ShaNaNa and other then-current groups sat in too, John realized that his father’s music was growing on him. In time John found his true musical loves were the blues purist’s idols; T. Bone Walker, Albert King, Guitar Slim. Little did he know that in the not-too-distant future he’d find himself playing with B.B. Kind, Anson Funderburgh, Jeff Healey and other modern-day blues equivalents and bringing pure blues to audiences with his own bands. He even recorded with Little Boys Blue on Vizztone Records, the label owned by Muddy Waters guitarist Bob Margolin.

As his repertoire grew so did his interest in other arts areas. When Johnny Cash’s story, Walk the Line, was due to begin filming, John made his way down to check it out. He knew all the parts had been cast, but that didn’t discourage John; he decided to “just go for it” and … even though John didn’t smoke … he managed to maneuvere himself into position to unobtrusively bum a cigarette from the casting director. He told her he was a musician and they struck up a conversation (“… despite a lot of coughing….”) She asked John if he’d be able to be back in a couple hours with a fiddler and a bass player, and he assured her that he could… then took off with his buddy, Adam Sutton, to try to figure out who they knew who might know a couple such players that they could recruit and produce back there in two hours. They pulled it off, but the last-minute players ended up not being used.

John kind of figured that was that, but the next day FOX called him to ask if he’d like to play Carl Perkins in the movie.

“I was driving at the time,” John remembers, “and I just stopped right there in the middle of traffic. I wasn’t even sure what I’d heard! Was this really happening?”

Indeed it was, and he ended up playing the role and

CLUB BLASE CAFÉ In the Village 941-349-9822 DAIQUIRI DECK RAW BAR In the Village 941‐349‐8697

MONDAY CLOSED MONDAYS

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY Evan Eastmoore 7‐10 PM

CLOSED TUESDAYS

THURSDAY Sandi Grecco 7‐10 PM

Rodney Shenk: 6‐10 PM

RPM LIVE: 6‐10 PM

6‐10 PM Mike Tozier (7 & 21) Deven Starr (14 & 28)

RPM LIVE ‐ 6‐10 PM DJ Nate – 10 PM

Lelu’s Coffee Lounge In the Village 941-346-5358

1‐5 PM: Sandi Grecco (5 & 19) Frankie Lombardi (12th) Jordy (26th) Al Donadi 7‐11 PM

1‐5 PM: J. Gilton (6 & 20) David Morris (13 & 27) Open mic night 7‐11 PM

1‐5 PM: Frankie Ray (7 & 21) Deven Starr (14 & 28) Kettle of Fish 7‐11 PM

John Holiday

FRIDAY

SATURDAY Kid Memphis Trio th (17 only) LIVE MUSIC 7‐10 PM LIVE MUSIC (3‐7 PM) DJ K Conn (10 PM)

The Whole Band 7‐10 PM LIVE MUSIC (3‐7 PM) DJ TJ (10 PM)

GILLIGANS In the Village 941-346-8122

SIESTA KEY OYSTER BAR (SKOB) In the Village 941‐346‐5443

1‐5 PM: Dana & Co. FolkLab 7‐11 PM

6‐10 PM nd Kettle of Fish (2 only) DJ KConn – 10 PM

THE BEACH CLUB In the Village 941-349-6311

Karaoke Mondays 9 PM – Midnight

THE COTTAGE In the Village 941-312-9300

Live Music 6-9 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM

THE HUB‐BAJA GRILL In the Village 941-349-6800

Live Music Noon – 3 PM 3:30 – 6:30 PM 7-10 PM

Live Music Noon – 3 PM 3:30 – 6:30pm 7-10pm

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

Eddie James Jazz Band 7‐10 PM

2‐6 PM Whiteleather 8‐Midnight: nd Big Daddy (2 ) th Charlie Morris Band (9 ) Deven Starr (16 & 30) rd Blu Mason Band (23 )

11 AM – 2 PM

Brek Milo (3 & 31) th John Bastiani (10 ) Deven Starr (17 & 24) 3‐7 PM: Evan Eastmoor ( 3, 17, & 31) th TBD (10 ) th Schmitz Bros. (24 ) Mike Tozier 8‐Midnight

Mike T or Kevin Thompson 5‐9 PM

Papa Foxtrot 7‐10 PM BREE (3‐7 PM) 1 PM LIVE MUSIC 6 PM LIVE MUSIC DJ Tuesday – 10 PM

10 AM ‐ 1 PM Vince Colaiocco (4 & 18) Mike Tozier (11 & 25) 2‐6 PM th Vince Berardi (4 ) th Chris Connolly (11 ) th Charlie Morris (18 ) th Hannah Jae (25 ) 7 ‐11 PM: Hatley (4 & 16) The Whole Band (11 & 25)

DJ Coz or DJ Kensi 9 PM – 2 AM

DJ Coz & DJ Xtreme 10 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM

Live Music 7-10 PM

Live Music 7-10 PM

Live Music 7-10 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM

Live Music Noon – 3 PM 3:30 – 6:30 PM 7-10 PM

Live Music 1 – 4 PM 4:30 – 7:30 PM 8:30 PM –midnight

Live Music 1-4 PM 4:30 – 7:30 PM 8:30 PM - midnight

Live Music Noon – 3 PM 3:30 – 6:30 PM 7-10 PM

KARAOKE 9 PM – CLOSE

KARAOKE 9 PM – CLOSE

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5‐9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5‐9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5‐9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5‐9 PM

Live Music Noon – 3 PM 3:30 – 6:30 PM 7-10 PM

KARAOKE 9 PM – CLOSE LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

rd

SUNDAY

8‐11 PM: New Divide (2 ) th Twinkle (9 ) th Actual Bank Robbers (16 ) rd Sweet Spot (23 ) th Mixed Signal (30 ) Live DJ: 11 PM‐2 AM

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

1 PM LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM LIVE MUSIC DJ KConn – 10 PM

nd

BACKROOM SALOON @ CAPT. CURTS Crescent Beach Shops 941‐349‐3885 SNIKI TIKI @ CAPT CURTS Crescent Beach Shops 941‐349‐3885 Turtle Beach Grill Southern end of SK 941‐349‐2280 SAND DOLLAR POOL BAR @ Best Western Plus 6600 S. Tamiami Trl. Sarasota 941‐924‐4900 BOATYARD WATERFRONT BAR & GRILL 1500 Stickney Pt. Rd. 941‐921‐6200 CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE 801 Blackburn Pt. Rd, Osprey 941‐966‐1901

www.siestasand.net

8 – 11 PM: Torched (3 ) th TL (10 ) th No Filter (17 ) th Stereo FM (24 ) st TL (31 ) DJ Kensi: 11 PM – 2 AM

8‐Midnight th Nick LeValley (4 ) th Ari and the Alibis (11 ) th Billy Lyon (18 ) th Live Music (25 )

LIVE MUSIC 3‐6 PM

LIVE MUSIC 3‐6 PM

LIVE MUSIC 3‐6 PM

Dami Caines or John Patti 5‐8:30 PM

RPM 5‐9 PM

Bri Rivera 5‐9 PM

Vince Barardi 5‐9 PM

Jokers Duo or Frankie Lombardi 5‐9 PM

Desi Adams 4‐8 PM

LIVE MUSIC 3‐7 PM

LIVE MUSIC 3‐7 PM

LIVE MUSIC 4‐8 PM

Above information is subject to change. We suggest calling venues for confirmation.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

AUGUST 2019

Island Humor So I’m on my way to work and this Dodge Durango is in front of me and going super slow. I notice a sign on the back window saying For Sale with a phone number. I decide to call.

Me: “I’m calling about the blue Durango.”

Them: “Ok, yes, it’s for sale.”

Me: “Does it run?”

Them: “Yes it does.”

Me: “Well would you mind stepping on the gas or get the heck out of my way!”

A lawyer boarded an airplane in Dublin with a box of frozen crabs and asked a blonde stewardess to take care of them for him.

She took the box and promised to put it in the crew’s refrigerator.

He advised her that he was holding her personally responsible for them staying frozen, mentioning in a very haughty manner that he was a lawyer, and proceeded to rant at her about what would happen if she let them thaw out.

Needless to say, she was annoyed by his behavior.

Shortly before landing in

London, she used the intercom to announce to the entire cabin, “Would the lawyer who gave me the crabs, in Dublin, please raise your hand?”

Not one hand went up.... So she took them home and ate them.

I’m not saying your perfume is too strong. I’m just saying the canary was alive before you got here.

I recently bought a toilet brush…

Long story short, I’m going back toilet paper.

So, the CIA can hack into my TV and listen to every word I say, but McDonalds can’t hear me say, “No pickles,” through their drive-thru speaker?

Leaving the store, I couldn’t find my keys. They weren’t in my pockets. Suddenly I realize I must have left them in the car. Frantically, I headed for the parking lot. My husband has scolded me many times for leaving my keys in the car’s ignition. He’s afraid that the

car could be stolen. As I looked around the parking lot, I realized he was right. The parking lot was empty. I immediately called the police. I gave them my location, confessed that I had left my keys in the car, and that it had been stolen.

Then, I made the most difficult call of all to my husband: “I left my keys in the car and it’s been stolen.”

There was a moment of silence.

I thought the call had been disconnected, but then I heard his voice. “Are you kidding me?” he barked, “I dropped you off!”

Now it was my turn to be silent.

Embarrassed, I said, “Well, come and get me.”

He retorted, “I will, just as soon as I convince this cop that I didn’t steal your dang car!”

Welcome to the golden years…

IN GULF GATE...

MLB/College Packages FULL BAR

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

25

Waterfront dining Entertainment nightly at the Boatyard The Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill is a local institution that has been welcoming guests by land and sea for years. The restaurant offers entertainment 7 nights a week with waterfront views. There are a diverse array of performers, from classical to jazz to pop to world music. There is never a cover at the door, although we encourage you to drop a few dollars in the musicians’ tip bucket. This friendly, indoor-outdoor waterfront Florida Restaurant offers a great vibe right in the heart of Sarasota and Siesta Key.

When I first moved into my house it was haunted by a poltergeist, so I just walked around naked for a week and it never came back.

A recent study has found that women who carry a little extra weight live longer than the men who mention it.

He said there was no spark between us anymore so I tasered him. I’ll ask him again when he wakes up.

HOTTEST BAR

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

If you don’t swear while driving, you aren’t paying enough attention to the road.

An elderly couple return to a Mercedes dealership to find the salesman had just sold the car they were interested in to a beautiful blonde.

“I thought you said you would hold that car until we raised the $75,000 asking price?” the man asked. “Yet, I just heard you closed the deal for $65,000 to that lovely young lady over there. You insisted there could be no discount on this model.”

“Well, what can I tell you? She had the ready cash, and just look at her. How could I resist?” replied the grinning salesman.

Just then the young woman approached the old folks and handed them the keys.

“Here you go,” she said. “I told you I could get this joker to drop the price. See you later, grandpa.”

Karaoke Thursday, Friday & Saturday

26

Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2019

Water World

Captain Jim Klopfer’s Fishing Report Adventure Charters 941-371-1390

Candice with a summer Siesta Key redfish

There is a little secret here on Siesta Key; the fishing is terrific in August!

Many anglers assume that the heat slows down the action, but this is far from true. The reality is that due to daily rain showers, the water temperature is actually lower in August than it is in June. Hordes of bait fish cover the flats.

This combination results in excellent conditions for anglers to succeed. The best action will be early morning, late afternoon, and at night.

Snook love the infusion of fresh water into the bay. Snook migrate back into the bays after spawning out on the beach in August. Shallow diving plugs such as the Rapala X-Rap are very effective baits. They cover a lot of water and produce explosive strikes. Bass Assassin soft plastics also work well. Live shrimp, pinfish, and pilchards will also catch a lot of snook, particularly once the fish are located.

Outgoing tides at first light and in the evening are the best times to fish.

Redfish will begin to school up in large numbers in August. The bars south of Siesta Drive are worth a try.

Weedless gold spoons and scented soft plastic baits on a 1/8 ounce jig head are proven baits. Hand-picked shrimp cast into pot holes is a deadly technique, too. Low, incoming tides are best. Due to the red tide we experienced last year, both redfish and speckled trout are closed to harvest.

The deep grass flats on the north end of Siesta Key will be good spots to target fish. High tides in the morning will produce plenty of fish. Speckled

trout, Spanish mackerel, pompano, bluefish, ladyfish, jack crevelle, sharks, small gag grouper, and mangrove snapper will also be caught by anglers drifting the deep grass. A live shrimp under a popping cork works very well.

A jig with a grub tail is the preferred artificial bait but plugs and spoons are also effective.

The bars from the Stickney Pt. Bridge south to Blackburn Pt. will hold some very nice trout along with a few redfish. This area does not get a lot of pressure in the summertime. This is an early morning bite and a high tide is preferred.

In the last several years mangrove snapper fishing has been outstanding!

Grass flats that drop off into deep water with some current flow should produce plenty of nice snapper this month.

Live bait works best and baitfish will usually catch larger fish than shrimp. A 1/0 live bait hook tied on a 24” piece of 20 pound flourocarbon leader with just enough split shot to get to the bottom is the simple but effective rig.

Surf casters should have opportunities for snook, the beach fishing for snook this year has been outstanding. Small artificial lures such as white jigs and small plugs work well, while live shrimp and baitfish will score more consistently. Other species such as Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, drum, trout, pompano, and flounder will be taken as well. The best conditions are an east wind and incoming tide.

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Big Pass seagrass mitigation plan wins City Commission’s unanimous Rachel Brown Hackney approval By SarasotaNewsLeader.com It took only about 15 minutes on July 15 for the Sarasota City Commission to unanimously approve an agreement with Manatee County that was a necessary step before the planned dredging of Big Sarasota Pass to renourish South Lido Key Beach.

The agreement calls for the creation of new seagrass populations to compensate for those expected to be killed during the removal of up to 1.3 million cubic yards of sand from Big Pass for use in stabilizing about 1.6 miles of South Lido.

The vote came after two members of the public urged the board not to vote on the proposed agreement that day. A third speaker offered full support of the plan.

Additionally, the Siesta Key Association sent a letter to the commissioners, dated July 11, urging them to defer action on the agreement pending outcome of a lawsuit the nonprofit filed against the city in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in March 2017. That complaint seeks to prevent any removal of sand from Big Pass.

The city was a co-applicant with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in obtaining a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) permit for the Lido Renourishment Project.

The document the City Commission approved on July 15 calls for the city to pay for the creation of seagrass habitat covering up to 3.2 acres in Perico Preserve, which Manatee County created several years ago. The new habitat would serve as mitigation for the 1.68 acres of seagrass the USACE believes will be destroyed in Big Pass.

City Engineer Alexandrea DavisShaw explained to the commissioners on July 15 that the city’s projected expense of $1,124,839.84 for the Manatee County initiative already had been figured into the overall city expense for the Lido Renourishment Project.

A June 26 memo from DavisShaw to the commissioners put the total cost of dredging and placement of sand on South Lido at $19,205,073. The USACE has allocated $12,275,626 to that initiative, the memo said, with the city and the state evenly splitting the remaining $6,295,753.84.

The City Commission originally was scheduled to consider the seagrass mitigation agreement on May 20, just four days after the USACE published its bid package for the Lido project. However, the USACE asked DavisShaw to pull the item from the agenda so modifications could be made to the agreement.

In the bid package, the USACE eliminated approximately one-third of Borrow Area — or “Cut” — C in Big Pass, which contains about 105,000 cubic yards of sand, the USACE told SNL. One reason for the decision, USACE spoksesman Trisston Brown wrote in an email, was “Sparse seagrasses exist adjacent to the dredge area with the potential to be impacted …”

Pleas for deferring a vote The two speakers on July 15 who asked the City Commission to again hold off on the seagrass mitigation agreement were Michael Holderness, an owner and manager of property on Siesta Key, and Justin Bloom, a founder and member of the board of the Suncoast Waterkeeper.

Bloom talked about the decline in seagrass in area waterways. “You need to look at the larger picture of deteriorating water quality in our region,” he said.

Holderness pointed to a county ordinance — with which he contends the city must comply, based on a city policy — that calls for any mitigation of seagrass destroyed in Sarasota County to be undertaken in Sarasota County.

When Commissioner Shelli Freeland Eddie asked City Engineer DavisShaw about that seagrass policy, DavisShaw explained that the USACE’s biologists worked with city biologists but “were not able to find a sizable location for this mitigation … that was acceptable … in Sarasota County.”

Holderness also provided the commissioners detailed information from R. Grant Gilmore Jr., senior scientist with Estuarine, Coastal and Ocean Science Inc. of Vero Beach, who is an expert on spotted seatrout.

In issuing the state permit for the Lido project to the USACE and the city in June 2018, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein specified that certain sand borrow areas in Big Pass would be off limits to dredging from April through September, when the spotted seatrout spawns in them, based on research Gilmore had undertaken.

Among the findings Gilmore provided to Holderness, which he presented to the City Commission, are the following: • “The Perico seagrass is located at the mouth of a large freshwater river, the Manatee River, so it is influenced by freshwater flows from that river. The Sarasota Big Pass seagrass is located at a large opening to the Gulf of Mexico, a major saline ecosystem... These widely differing salinity environments mean that even though the seagrass species may be the same, the creatures that associate with these two different ecosystems will not be the same. It is like stating that apples and oranges are the same fruit.”

• “Spotted Seatrout do not spawn adjacent to the Perico site, but do spawn within Sarasota Big Pass. Spotted Seatrout spawn at the northwest mouth of Tampa Bay, avoiding the lower salinity waters at the mouth of the Manatee River.”

• “Post larval Spotted Seatrout settle in seagrass meadows close to the spawning site. Since there is no Spotted Seatrout spawning adjacent to the Perico mitigation site it will not serve as a Spotted Seatrout nursery in the same manner as the seagrass at Sarasota Big Pass.”

The third opponent of the Manatee County plan, the Siesta Key Association (SKA), pointed out in its July 11 letter to the City Commission that the proposed agreement with Manatee County “was initiated in 2015 without public discussion and without City Commission oversight for permitting the sea grass destruction.”

SKA President Catherine Luckner added, “Our region is facing multiple sources of severe coastal water quality degradation. It’s unlikely any destruction of healthy and species-dependent sea grass is recommended at any time in the near future by our environmental non-profit entities and coastal partners.”

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

AUGUST 2019

Red Hot Summer

By Reel Tight Fishing Charters

This summer is a hot one there’s no denying that, but this red hot fishing can’t be denied either! Big Redfish, Snook, Jacks and Mangrove Snappers have made their way out to Big Pass and New Pass ( Connects Lido Key to Longboat Key.) The key to catching these magnificent fish is by working the tides and having the right bait presentation.

Our morning was nice and cool thanks to some late night showers but the humid heat set in fast. Our guests were 3 teenage boys who were a little tired from a week long baseball tournament in Orlando. Jake and his friends have been guests of ours for three years now and its been fun to see these boys grow up becoming young men. As a the son of a military man Jake was chipper and excited but his buddies were still a little slow to wake up. Capt. Bryan and myself caught our bait for the day and we began fishing.

Jake has learned how to bait hooks and tie his own knots since fishing with us so we give him a little more freedom to make casts. Right away he hooked up on some nice snook and we knew it was going to be a good day! Soon after we released a nice trout for his buddy Jason I watched Jake’s line bounce, I said “now that’s a good fish.” The fight was on and we knew it was a good fish just by the bend in the rod and the drag screaming run. A few nice runs but not a jumper… Hmm what could it be? After everybody had cleared their lines and the excitement had calmed down we all focused on the task at hand, land this fish! I backed the boat up away from the docks and then she arose from the depths. “It’s a big Redfish boys!!” I yelled from the tower.

They were all in awe as Jake wrestled with the fish for a good ten minutes. He found out why we use a big landing net for big fish and after some proper fish handling techniques we let the big female fish swim away. What an

Island Chatter If the USACE attempted to begin dredging the pass before the case has been completed, van Roekens pointed out, SOSS2 would file for an injunction to stop that initiative.

“Again, we thank our members for their outstanding support, and we hope we can prevail in this critical defense of Siesta Key,” he concluded the newsletter.

Plenty of July Fourth garbage for volunteers to collect On July 5, through the Liberty Litter Cleanup initiative, 128 volunteers collected 0.74 tons of garbage and 0.38 tons of recyclables, Keep Sarasota County Beautiful (KSCB) announced via Twitter. The volunteers worked on seven county beaches the day after the July Fourth festivities, county Media Relations Officer Drew Winchester reported.

Altogether, the volunteers put in 230 hours, he added. Altogether, approximately 8,000 trash bags were distributed on July Fourth to people on the county-maintained beaches, Winchester reported, in an effort to encourage the proper disposal of garbage.

As for the Fourth itself: Ann Frescura, executive director of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, reported that the organization’s 29th annual free fireworks show

27

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

bait hatchlings that look like amazing fish as we all cheered dark clouds in the water. These and let the fish swim away to fight schools of shiny baits attract another day.

We then went into New Pass the fish we target. Our captains to look for some snook and saw catch the adult version of the the water erupting with a feeding schools of hatchling baits. These frenzy of Jack Crevalle. We threw baits are found in the grass flats our baits in and immediately during certain times of the year hooked up with a triple header as well as the beach and further of big big jacks. Non stop action offshore. We present these baits for almost an hour with triple and on a 3/0 circle hook (Mustad live quad headers of these wild fish. bait circle hook) with a 30# leader The boys were worn out and so attached to our 7’ light/medium were Bryan and I. The summer tackle rods and Penn battle reels.

We have six of these on the heat told us to hydrate and so after boat ready to go at all times. Take a quick breather and ice cold water advantage of the bite when it we got back to fishing. The Snook happens and always be prepared and Mangrove Snappers were Reel Tight Fishing Charters junior angler with a big for a fight with the big one! We pushed up close to the rocks so we jack caught in New Pass always check our leaders and our readjusted our position so that we drags after each caught fish. Be could focus on them more than the jacks. Jack Crevalle are a little bit “crazier” than the rest of sure that your bait is lively and ready to swim! These fish the fish we target and if you have ever fought one these fish are feeding on live bait so make sure to present them with you would understand why. They tend to run a little further a live bait! So many times we see our guests throw a bait in off the rocks and will punish a bait for being in their zone. the water that has been “hit” or has teeth marks on them.

The boys had sore hands and wrists but smiles from ear to Thats a freebee for the fish gods as we throw those back ear and thats what fishing is all about for us. In the charter without a hook in them. boat industry it’s important to us that our guests have fun Be safe on the water during the summer months as the amount of boat traffic increases. Keep your friends and and catching fish and a lot of them is always fun!!

Reel Tight Fishing Charters uses live bait to catch 99% family hydrated and make sure to have some form of shade of their fish. The secret to our success is to “match the on the boat. An umbrella in a rod holder can go a long way hatch” and what we mean by that is to match the small and will keep you fishing a little bit longer!!

Continued from page 14

at the beach “was fantastic, and the fact that the rain held off was a huge plus!”

She added that approximately 125 guests attended the Chamber’s sponsor hospitality event that evening at Siesta Public Beach.

“We are very appreciative of all of our sponsors, volunteers, and the assistance from the Sheriff’s Office, EMS Service, County Staff, and the SRQ Vets,” Frescura wrote in an email. As a result of everyone’s efforts, she continued, “it was a great event!”

A dip in Village property values With the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office having released its official July 1 property values for tax purposes, SNL found that the figure for the Siesta Key Village Public Improvement District actually went down a bit from the preliminary total released in late May. The official July 1 value is $76,939,662. The preliminary value for June 1 was $77,015,705.

By SNL’s calculation, that drop is slightly less than 1%.

The owners of property in the Public Improvement District are those assessed for the upkeep of the Village.

A new Adopt-A-Road initiative Anyone who knows Siesta resident Michael Shay knows he is passionate about trying to keep the Key clean.

For years, Shay and his wife, Maria, have volunteered for the special events sponsored by Keep Sarasota County Beautiful (KSCB).

Continued on page 38

AUGUST 2019 TIDE CHART Florida, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Sarasota Bay

August 2019

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33' Date

Day

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

Phase

1

Th

2:55a

High Tide 1.5

12:41p

High Tide 2.7

6:45a

Low Tide 1.3

9:12p

Low Tide -0.3

6:53a

8:20p

7:18a

9:08p

New

2

Fr

3:20a

1.5

1:34p

2.6

7:43a

1.2

9:53p

-0.1

6:54a

8:19p

8:27a

9:55p

3

Sa

3:45a

1.5

2:30p

2.5

8:43a

1.0

10:33p

0.1

6:54a

8:19p

9:35a

10:38p

4

Su

4:12a

1.6

3:28p

2.3

9:48a

0.9

11:11p

0.4

6:55a

8:18p

10:41a

11:18p

5

Mo

4:42a

1.7

4:33p

2.0

10:58a

0.8

11:48p

0.6

6:56a

8:17p

11:45a

11:57p

6

Tu

5:17a

1.8

5:49p

1.7

12:17p

0.7

6:56a

8:16p

12:48p

7

We

5:59a

2.0

7:27p

1.5

12:24a

0.8

1:44p

0.6

6:57a

8:16p

1:49p

12:36a

8

Th

6:47a

2.1

9:28p

1.4

1:01a

1.1

3:13p

0.5

6:57a

8:15p

2:49p

1:15a

11:21p

1.4

1:40a

1.2

4:32p

0.3

6:58a

8:14p

3:48p

1:57a

2:28a

1.3

5:36p

0.2

6:58a

8:13p

4:44p

2:41a

9

Fr

7:43a

2.2

10

Sa

8:42a

2.3

11

Su

12:36a

1.5

9:41a

2.4

3:30a

1.4

6:28p

0.1

6:59a

8:12p

5:38p

3:29a

12

Mo

1:20a

1.6

10:34a

2.4

4:35a

1.5

7:10p

0.0

6:59a

8:11p

6:29p

4:19a

13

Tu

1:49a

1.6

11:21a

2.4

5:33a

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Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans

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Let’s go sailing, KATHLEEN D Sailing Catamarans, serving Siesta Key from 3 locations: Downtown Sarasota, Longboat Key, and Anna Maria Island. If you would like to experience being on the water viewing Dolphin Watches, Sunset Sails, Snorkeling and Shelling call us at 941-870-4349 or go to our web site for detailed information www.kathleend.net USCG Certified for 20 passengers.

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©2019 FreeTideTables.com - For comparison only - Times are local - Tides in feet from MLLW

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28

Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2019

Arts on the Horizon

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

By Rodger Skidmore

Water, water everywhere... and what is one to think Like so many things, we have a love/hate relationship with water. We love a tall glass of water with bits of ice floating in it.

Add a contaminant, like scotch, and we love it even more. Add some week old warm broccoli juice (which is mostly water) and we hate it. Dive into the stuff in a pool or in the Gulf and we love it. But if just a little bit is in the air we say it is “muggy” and go inside where the air conditioning takes it out. Balance, of course, is the key.

So, go towards Sarasota Bay, but not into it. And don’t look at the water, or even at pictures of water. Instead, look at pictures made of water, of colored water. Yes, pictures made with colored water, where the colored water has dried into pleasing shapes upon textured paper. Yes, go to the Sarasota Art Center and look at the watercolors of Judy Saltzman.

True, some of these landscapes contain images of water, but the water, which looks wet, has dried. It is the artistry of Ms. Saltzman which lets you think you are walking down a leafy, shady trail, alongside the proverbial babbling brook, in one of our National Parks. Lets you almost feel the cool breeze caress your cheek, if not ruffle your hair. If it actually does ruffle your hair, have no fear, it is just the AC taking the mugginess out of the humid air that crept into the Art Center when you held the door on your way in, for the person behind you. So really, everything is cool, pleasing, and coming into balance. At least until August 23rd.

Remember when your mom or dad used to get out the slide projector, with an entire carousel of photos of your car trip to Bayonne, New Jersey? Well, now you don’t have to sit in your living room, in the dark, with five other people looking at snapshots on the wall. Now you can look at them on your smart phone, while being rude to the person across from you at lunch, on Instagram. How is this better? Well, for starters, the Instagram shots on display in Gallery Two at Art Center Sarasota have had all the blurry ones of Aunt Minnie removed.

What’s left are the best shots from 16 members of the Florida Collective.

Caitlin Albritton’s Gym Series - Let’s Get Physical - full of lots of bendy people being very angular - is on display in Gallery Three, while Gallery Four contains the juried show titled Natural Selection. Beware of gators. Information on all these shows at artsarasota.org.

One of the things....

There are many things to like about the Urbanite Theatre - the ever changing seating arrangements which suit the different stage settings, the stage settings which set the scene for the actors, the actors and their vibrant portrayals, etc. One special Urbanite Thing is the window that their plays open on worlds that are not one’s natural habitat. Of course, this being America there is quite a wide spectrum of natural habitats from which to choose, but we are not talking about America, we are talking about Sarasota in 2019. The visible spectrum of worlds which one could inhabit here in 1999 would have been much narrower and the spectrum in New York today is probably much broader. This is partly due to the number of people living in our community - the more people living near you, the more you can find that are somewhat similar to you and your niche. That is why you find better bagels in New York and better lutefisk in Wisconsin. But at the Urbanite Theatre they aren’t doing comedy about what strange (to others) things people eat, but the strange (to some) ways of being, seeing, acting, thinking, enjoying, fearing, and responding to real and perceived differences that bombard us in our day to day lives, and in our most fearful moments, from those other people and from within ourselves.

Long Day’s Journey into Night, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Death of a Salesman did not address the terrors of their day when they premiered, they only addressed those terrors that people were willing to face. Today, for good or ill, is a different time and place. And the time and place is from now until August 25th at the Urbanite Theatre where the regional premiere of Stacey Gregg’s play Scorch is being presented. Dawn Wallace is directing Amber McNew in this play about a gender-curious teen in a gender-fluid world. Not necessarily our world, but one that could be ours, or the world of someone we know and, thus, a world worth inhabiting for an hour or so. Not to see if we could live in that world (although we might) but to see how others might live there and what it would take (and take from them) to do so. More information about this play that appeared at the Edinburgh and Adelaide Fringe Festivals is at Urbanitetheatre.com.

Watch the Elasmobranchii and smile Everyone likes to be happy so great big smiles are in order to celebrate Shark Days at Mote Marine August 7th 10th. There are over 400 species of sharks (elasmobranchii) and, because they have very big mouths, a lot of them look like they are smiling. Of course if you meet up with the wrong ones, you won’t be - but most don’t bother us if we don’t bother them. The largest is the whale shark which can measure up to 65 feet in length and weigh close to 75,000 pounds. They could swallow us but, not to worry, they only eat crustaceans and plankton.

Just as there are many types of sharks, there are a number of ways to learn about them. Mote Marine Labs is sponsoring a discussion session on the rooftop of the Sage SRQ, on First Street, called The Art of Saving Sharks, from 6 till 7:30 p.m., on August 7th as part of their Mote Science Café series. Jack Morris, senior biologist at the Mote, and Kelly Quinn, wildlife artist, will be leading the discussion on how art and the media can aid in conservation. On the 8th Heidi Stavinga, an alcohol ink artist, will be in residence at Mote Aquarium, next to the SharkTracker exhibit, between 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-2 p.m. showing how to bend an abstract art form into something representational. There will be a children’s craft table from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

On the 10th, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. one can do yoga with the sharks, overlooking the SharkTracker exhibit. The sharks will be there but don’t hold their poses for long.

We don’t ever want to get bitten by sharks but feeding them is another thing. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays one can do just that starting at 11am in the Mote’s shark zone.

Bonnethead sharks will be there along with their pettable cousins, the stingrays (who knew they were related - other than ichthyologists?). More ichthyological, and specific elasmobranchii information at mote.org/events.

NOTE: Guitarist Nate Najar and jazz singer Daniela Soledade, appear at the Court Cabaret on August 12th at 7:30 p.m.

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information.

However, please be sure to always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

WEEKLY BEACH CLASSES: • FREE T’AI CHI CHIH Siesta Beach, Access #5 - Every Monday, 15 minutes before sunset. Open to all, no experience necessary. Contact Diana Daffner 941-346-1024 for information.

(Access #5 is in Siesta Village, where Beach Rd. meets Ocean Blvd.)

• FREE YOGA - Mon.Wed.-Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m. Classes held between blue and green lifeguard station. Call 941320-6693 to register or go to website for more info. www.yogaonsiestabeach.com/ about • GROUP FITNESS CLASSES – Join F.I.T. Tribe SRQ every Mon, Wed, & Sat. at 9 a.m. at the main pavilion. For more details, please see facebook page: www. facebook.com/FitTribeSRQ. • NIA - Tues. & Thurs., 9

a.m., Siesta Public Beach (yellow lifeguard chair). Contact Kathy Oravec at 941-724-9719 for more info or check website: www.nianow.com/kathyoravec • SIESTA KEY BEACH HOOP JAMS – Every Tuesday one hour before Sunset on Siesta Key beach we gather for a community Hoop Jam. (Between the red lifeguard stand and the pavilion; around where the Sunday drum circle happens.) Register at: www.outwardspiral.net.

WEEKLY DRUM CIRCLE: • Every Sunday about an hour before sunset. South of the main pavilion. You can participate or watch this weekly gathering and dance, hoop, play the drum or other musical instrument, and enjoy the spectacular Siesta sunset.

On The Beach…

• AUGUST 4 (SUN) 7 AM – NOON RUN941 TRIATHLON: Sprint: SWIM 1/4 , BIKE 11, RUN 3.1. Duathlon: run 1, bike 11, run 3.1. Splash n dash: swim 50, run 200. Super sprint: swim 50, bike 11, run 1, what sup! 1 mile paddle board 5k run. Go to website to register or for additional

information: www.run941.com Around the island…

• WEEKLY FARMER’S MARKET IN THE VILLAGE: Every Sunday from 8am – 1pm in Davidson’s Plaza in the Village.

5124 Ocean Blvd. Produce, Plants & Flowers, Music, Art, Organic Skincare, Italian Olive Oil, and Freshly Prepared Foods. Listen to live music while you shop.

And Beyond…

• PALM AVENUE FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK / 6-9PM: Every month local galleries open their doors to the public for the evening, offering a chance to meet with artists and admire their work. See website for location map. www.palmavenue.org • TOWLES COURT THIRD FRIDAY ARTWALKS / 5-9PM: Gallery and studio openings on a moonlit evening of fun and beauty- both natural and handcrafted beauty. Free music, events, refreshments. Meet the artists, shop and dine in authentic “ Old Florida” in downtown Sarasota. 1938 Adams Lane Sarasota, Florida 34236. www.towlescourt.com

Island Churches: • Siesta Key Chapel, Presbyterian (USA) 4615 Gleason Ave, Siesta Key, 941-349-1166 www.siestakeychapel.org • St. Michael’s Catholic Church 5394 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4174 www.stmichaelssiesta.com • St. Boniface Episcopal Church 5615 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, 941-349-5616 www.bonifacechurch.org Off- Island: •Temple Sinai, a Reform Congregation (The closest Jewish congregation to the Key for visitors) 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, 941-924-1802 www.templesinai-sarasota.org • St. Andrew United Church of Christ (Protestant) (In the Gulf Gate area, near Beneva and Gulf Gate Drive) 6908 Beneva Road, Sarasota, 941.922.7595 www.uccstandrew.org • The Superior Word - Rev. Charlie Garrett Service starts Sunday mornings at 10am.

Bring a friend and share in God’s word.

6512 Superior Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34231 • First Christian Church 7601 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34241. 941-922-4434 www.fccsarasota.com

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

AUGUST 2019

Your Monthly Horoscope Back to the Future!

ARIES (March 21–April 19): If your wings have felt clipped since mid-April, get ready to soar! When expansive Jupiter snaps out of a four-month backspin in your house of travel and adventure on the 11th, you’ll be ready to take to those friendly skies (or blue highways). Pack a bag, grab your passport—and favorite copilot—and go! From the 18th to the 23rd, a trio of planets invade your wellness sector for the next six weeks. So maybe pack some nuts for those long-haul flights!

TAURUS (April 20–May 20): You might want to stick close to home for a spell: Things are about to heat up significantly, and I don’t mean because it’s August in Florida. Jupiter, the planet of expansion and infinite possibilities, is ending a four-month retrograde in your seductive eighth house on the 11th. For singles, this is an excellent time to get serious in your pursuit of love (or at least lust). Give the “maybes” a chance! Couples will (wink, wink) enjoy bonding on a deeper-than-usual level.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20): All kinds of partnerships begin to get back on track starting on the 11th, when Jupiter, the planet of infinite possibilities, ends a fourmonth retrograde in your relationship corner. If one of you was feeling anger or resentment (or jealousy), all that could dissipate under Jupiter’s kumbaya vibes. Whether this is a romantic or business twosome, candid Jupiter can help you bring more honesty to the alliance and make it stronger than ever!

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Time for your midyear New Year’s resolutions check-in: If you haven’t ticked off your top intentions yet, you’ll get a huge second chance starting on the 11th, when Jupiter, the planet of positivity and possibilities, wraps up a four-month retrograde in your wellness center and motivates you to walk (or jog, or swim) your talk! Even small shifts in your eating and exercise habits could kickstart a whole new lifestyle. Grab this and run with it!

LEO (July 23–August 22): If your creative and romantic mojo has been slumping for the past, oh, four months, good news comes on the 11th, when Jupiter, the planet of positivity and possibilities, wraps up a frustrating retrograde in your fifth house of passion, art and playfulness. It’s safe to return to the singles scene and dating apps—even to say yes to a second date! Couples should prioritize each other. Some might receive baby news as a result of this fertile transit!

VIRGO (August 23-September 22): Home is where your heart will be starting on the 11th, when Jupiter, the planet of growth and spontaneity, ends a four-month retrograde in your house of kith and kin, foundations and living spaces. While Jupiter was back-spinning, you might have fallen out of sorts with a relative, or homereno (or real estate moves) may have stalled. But now you’ll have wind in your sails and can move ahead on those plans with ease and confidence!

LIBRA (September 23–October 22): Have your messages been coming out garbled since mid-April?

You’ll be back to your articulate self starting on the 11th, when candid and expansive Jupiter ends a

By Suzanne Gerber

four-month retrograde in your house of self-expression. Your words will be gilded—but edit before you blurt because the slippery-tongued planet is famous for opening mouths and inserting Havaianas! Ironically, when the Sun, Venus and Mars move into Virgo from the 18th to the 23th, your preferred style of communication may be non-verbal!

SCORPIO (October 23–November 21): If money seemed to slipped through your fingers for the past four months, you can stop the flow of red ink starting on the 11th, when Jupiter, the growth planet, resumes forward motion in your financial sector. Having an abundant mindset is important, but there’s also such a thing as keeping it real. Now, with its annual retrograde in the rearview, you can start to create a new, appropriate budget—that includes just enough indulgence!

SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21): Before you go racing into your future, which will start to look very bright again this month, map out some top-priority goals! Your ruling planet, abundant, expansive Jupiter, ends a four-month retrograde in your sign on the 11th, and with this about-face, so goes your luck! If you felt like opportunities would come within grabbing distance then evaporate, blame Jupiter. But now, the breaks that open for you will stay that way until you can seize them!

CAPRICORN (December 22–January 19): Jupiter, planet of growth, honesty and abundance, ends a four-month retrograde in your twelfth house of rest, introspection and mystical connections on the 11th. Since mid-April, you may have spent more time than usual in your own private world, contemplating your future and perhaps a relationship that’s past its expiration date.

Letting go is never easy, especially for your loyal sign, but hanging on too long can be far more painful than releasing someone with love.

AQUARIUS (January 20–February 18): Hope you caught up on your sleep last month, Aquarius, because once expansive Jupiter resumes forward motion in your super-social eleventh house on the 11th, you may fall far behind on dreamtime! Parties, gatherings, festivals, road trips, club meetings: You’ll be go-go-going like there’s no tomorrow. This is also a good time to upgrade electronic equipment, download new software and, if you’ve got a professional online presence, to give it a 2010 refresh!

PISCES (February 19–March 20): August it may be, but when your co-ruler, expansive Jupiter, ends a four-month retrograde in your tenth house of professional ambition and success and blasts ahead on the 11th, you’ll have your eye on the prize, and nothing will derail you on this mission! Whether you work for “the man” for “the Fish,” you’ll be so full of creative ideas and motivational energy that people may actually fight to work with you.

Be selective, and you can put together the Pisces Dream Team!

Suzanne Gerber (www.starsandstoneshealing.com) is a locally based intuitive astrologer, shamanic/energy practitioner and spiritual life coach and loves one-on-one private sessions.

She is available in-person and by phone (by appointment). Or book her for your next psychic event!

MarinerWord Search

Answers on page 38

WORD LIST WORD

Awning Awning Basement Basement Boondocking Boondocking Chassis Chassis Coach Coach Dooley Dooley Dump Station Station Dump Exhaust Brake Brake Exhaust Folding Trailer Trailer Folding Galley Galley Hauler Back Back Hauler Inverter Inverter Leveling Jack Jack Leveling Motor Home Home Motor Recreational Vehicle Vehicle Recreational Tent Camper Camper Tent Toad Toad Tongue Jack Tongue Jack Toy Hauler Toy Hauler Truck Camper Truck Camper

RV Terms

www.TheMariner.com www.TheMariner.com

29

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

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30

Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2019

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 39 HOMES FOR SALE PAGE 37 SIESTA KEY MARKET STATS PAGE 32

The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key

Provided by Key Solutions Real Estate / www.keysolutionsrealestate.com

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 SINGLE FAMILY PROPERTY: 6837 PEACOCK RD., SOLD FOR: 2,135,000 Steps from the world-famous, silky white sands of Siesta Key Beach, these two premium parcels on the bay side of the island present a tremendous opportunity for those looking to live a simple yet beautiful life. Imagine the complete serenity of picturesque bay views from your 172 feet of private waterfront. Located on just under an acre at the end of one of Siesta Key’s most exclusive private roads, you’ll revel in complete privacy while enjoying a central location to the mainland and all that Siesta Key has to offer. Choose to remodel the current residences on the property or build your new estate comparable to the other homes on this quiet tree-lined canopy street.

Paradise awaits. The sale on this unit came out to $591.01 a square foot.

Courtesy of London Michael Saunders.

LOWEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY PROPERTY: 783 BIRDSONG LN., SOLD FOR: $495,000 Siesta Key’s best value - the most affordable 3 bedroom block construction home on the Key with 1905 sf of living space. Sited on an oversize cul de sac lot (over 1/3 acre, 15,559 sq ft) you have ample room for expansion and/or a pool. Nicely updated with 18 x 18 ceramic tile floors throughout the living area (carpet in the bedrooms), stainless steel appliances (new 2017), updated baths, recessed lighting, and a new roof in 2017 and new HVAC in 2018. The living area is bright and airy - the family room has French doors that open to the lanai. The master suite offers a pocketing slider opening to the lanai. All bedrooms have a walk in closet. The lanai is totally screened - the area off the master bedroom is under roof and the area off the living area is open so you can enjoy the outdoors any time of the year. The sale of this property came out to $259.84 a square foot. Courtesy of Keller Williams.

HIGHEST PRICED CONDO: 5858 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #61, SOLD FOR: $950,000 The home is on the beach with new furnishings and major renovations completed. This is your opportunity to own a 4 bedroom/3 bath townhouse with an “Old Florida” ambiance just steps to the beautiful and world famous Siesta Key Beach. A truly unique location. This property has had an excellent rental history with top dollar income year round. Sleeps 8 comfortably. The front door is your gateway to surf and sand, evening sunsets or morning coffee on a spacious patio. Entertain or relax and enjoy the panoramic Gulf views. The ground floor affords views of the beach and community pool area. The large community pool and clubhouse are just steps away and located adjacent to the beach.

Second-floor views of the beach are available from all rooms. A west facing Florida room/bedroom provides expansive beach views and a sunset for every season. In the heart of Siesta Key, dining, shopping and nightlife are nearby. The unit sits back from the road and right next to the beach. As an investment, second home, or a place to call home, this truly a one-of-a-kind residence. The sale on this unit came out to $590.80 a square foot. Courtesy of Sothebys.

LOWEST PRICED CONDO: 6703 S MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #211, SOLD FOR: $275,000

This 2/2 beautifully furnished turnkey Sea Winds condo is one of the best deals on Siesta Key. Just steps to world class Siesta Key/Crescent Beach, shopping, boutiques, bars, restaurants and South Village. Quick on and off at Stickney Point Bridge; avoids all bumper to bumper traffic headed north. Great light, openness and pool view from this westerly end condo unit offering a quiet peaceful setting, community pool, club house, laundry room, storage space, on site bicycle storage and an AC unit that is less than three years old. There are only 35 units in this complex which makes it a wonderful place to relax and enjoy yourself without all the traffic and noise of larger complexes.

A fantastic opportunity to own an affordable place on the Key or a great way to get started on your residence, vacation home or major income earner on the Key and a perfect gateway to upgrade in the future. This competitively priced 2/2 just steps from the beach. Nice tastefully done unit with updated floors, designer furnishings and custom accents adds a very fresh, clean feel. The complex is situated on green space and waterway with fresh tidal flush as a welcome backdrop of foliage and wildlife species which include fish and active bird watching. The sale came out to $285.27 a square foot. Courtesy of Beckman Properties.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

AUGUST 2019

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

31

Paradise Awaits...

Horizon View Drive Siesta Key, FL 195 Vista Hermosa Circle, #9-A Siesta Key, FL 1122 Deeded beach access!! Your feet will be in the Gulf of Mexico in 60 seconds!!!

Just a short walk to Siesta Beach. 2 BR, 2 BA villa. Ideal rental opportunity.

Custom wood cabinets in the kitchen with granite counters & upgraded appliances. Bathrooms boast tumbled marble & granite. Custom lighting.

New A/C in 2017 and recently installed water heater. Roof replaced in 2016.

Sold turnkey furnished (with some exclusions).

429,900

$

322 Island Circle

Siesta Key, FL

156 Givens Street Sarasota, FL

Beaches, Boating & Bistros!! Live the island lifestyle in this spacious Welcome to Casa Azul. Spectacular sunsets meet designer decadence This immaculate pool home features large rooms and volume ceilings. Lovely 4 BR, 4 BA house located on desirable Palm Island, grossing approx. in this show shopping 4 BR/5.5 BA modern-luxe masterpiece. 5,040 oak floors and stylish tile will dazzle you. 3 BR, 3.5 BA along with the LL bonus $60k in rental income. Recently renovated with new kitchen, new sq. ft. beauty boasts expansive terraces and floor-to-ceilign walls of area for generational living or guests. Bonus area downstairs is perfect for master BR and master BA. New boat lift on the Grand Canal. Lounge glass indulging in the best views. This stunning home is just a short storage, workout center, hobby room or workshop. Oversized garage for cars, in the heated pool and spa or enjoy your favorite libation at your own stroll from the famous white sparkling sands of America’s number boat, jet skis, kayaks and/or bikes. Walking distance to local dining and a one beach. You don’t want to let this one get away! private Waterfront Tiki Bar. Huge bonus area on lower level. marina. Quality concrete block construction for peace of mind.

859,000

$

875,000

$

6,300,000

$

!

D OL

S

797 Beach Road, #305

Siesta Key, FL

Full Gulf view of #1 Beach in the USA. Completely remodeled, priced to sell! High end tile floors in main living area, quality custom kitchen cabinets, deisgner kitchen. Crescent Royale offers an onsite rental program, heated pool and much more!

499,900

$

5157 Sandy Shore Ave., Sarasota Florida

Spacious Siesta Key home on excellent boating water. Located on quiet low traffic dead end “Sandy” Street. Split plan 4 BR, 3 BA, 2,493 sq. ft. home with recent updates. PGT Wind Guard Hurricane Impact windows and sliders, hurricane garage door for extra security.Short walk to famous Siesta Key Village with world class bistros and nightlife.

999,900

$

214 Island Circle, Sarasota Florida

1001 Beach Rd Unit#A-602 Sarasota, FL

Wonderful Siesta Key Grand Canal home located on desirable Palm This 6th floor recently updated condo is located right across the street from world famous Siesta Key Beach. Enjoy views of the beautiful Island. 2,600+ sq. ft., 4 BR, 2.5 BA waterfront oasis. Loft area on 2nd level makes nice office space. Screened pool area. Short walk to Gulf of Mexico and Siesta Key canals from your two large terraces as well as the downtown Sarasota lights. The floorpan has generous World Famous Siesta Beach, close to world class dining and night life of Siesta Village. square footage for a beach condo and both bedrooms are of generous size. This unit is offered turnkey furnished & tastefully renovated. $ Our House at the Beach offers amenities such as tennis courts, a community heated pool, and an onsite rental office. This allows for the best of both worlds- Weekly Rental policy for Awesome potential investment income and a vacation home with a Fantastic view of Siesta Beach.

1,070,000

665,00

$

Tropical Sands Dan D. Miller 941-376-7442 Licensed Real Estate Professional

ddm1@comcast.net

Service.

Integrity.

Results.

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Siesta Isles Association After a group of the residents decided action was necessary to try to improve residents’ safety, Romanus explained, “The Siesta Isles Association Board of Directors established the Siesta Isles Traffic Safety Committee to explore alternatives.”

“The committee believes we need to make driving through Siesta Isles less convenient if we are to reduce the volume and the speed,” he continued.

“GPS apps such as Waze,” he wrote, direct traffic through Siesta Isles, “especially when the beach traffic is heavy.” Therefore, he continued, the installation of stop signs is one measure the board is seeking. Drivers would have to proceed more slowly, he indicated, which would result in a different Waze calculation.

Therefore, “fewer cars would be cutting through the neighborhood,” he added.

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Continued from cover story

Beach Way crosswalk at Beach Road

Conditions and responses Romanus noted that the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic study in Siesta Isles from March 11-19, 2018 on Cape Leyte Drive between the curve at Shadow Lawn Drive and Beach Way Drive.

That analysis found that slightly fewer than 1,400 vehicles per day were traveling through the neighborhood, Romanus noted. Of those, 48% were speeding, he added, and six of them were “clocked at over 65 mph.”

With that information in mind, he continued, the Siesta Isles Traffic Safety Committee sent a survey to residents as it began its work. The following were among the results the committee received, he pointed out: • Over 90% of respondents are concerned about vehicle speed and pedestrian safety.

• Over 80% of respondents are concerned about traffic volume and the use of Siesta Isles as a cut-through to or from the beach or Siesta Village.

• 68% of the respondents said they would walk or bike more if they felt safer.

• 59% of the respondents reported having had a close call with a vehicle as a pedestrian while they were on a bicycle, and one respondent reported having been hit.

• 77% of the respondents support traffic calming measures, with the following alternatives ranked as the

top four — sidewalks along one side of the street in any part of Siesta Isles; changing the three passing zones to no passing zones on Cape Leyte Drive (between Shadow Lawn Drive and Beach Way Drive) and in two areas on Shadow Lawn Drive; installation of stop signs at some of the three-way intersections along Shadow Lawn Drive and Cape Leyte Drive; and better signage to warn drivers not to speed.

The following are among the changes the SIA is requesting the TAC approve in September: • A reduction in the speed limit “for a small portion of Midnight Pass Road in both directions” from 40 mph to 35 mph. The section would extend from the northern border of the St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church property, through the curve, to the point where the speed limit changes from 40 to 35 mph for southbound traffic and from 35 to 40 mph for northbound vehicles.

That petition points out that the speed limit for southbound drivers are warned to slow to 30 mph for the curve. Just south of the curve, the speed limit drops

Midnight Pass curve to 35 mph. “We are asking that the speed limit reduction to 35 mph occur prior to the curve and prior to the warning sign telling motorists to drive 30 mph.” Additionally, the form says, the SIA board would like to see the speed limit lowered to 35 mph for northbound drivers until they have completed transition of the curve.

• A reduction in the speed limit throughout Siesta Isles from 25 mph to 20 mph.

• An all-way stop sign at the location where Siesta Beach, Beach Way Drive and Beach Road come together. Stop signs are present at Beach Way Drive and at the exit from the Siesta Public Beach parking lot, the form notes.

• Improved warning signage for the crosswalk at the intersection of Beach Road / Beach Way Drive. That petition notes the presence of a flashing sign that pedestrians can trigger as they prepare to cross the road. “Unfortunately,” the petition says, “a significant number of vehicles do not stop, even when the warning lights are flashing. People using the crosswalks further south on Midnight Pass Road seem to fare better with much higher driver compliance. These devices are not the same as what is installed at Beach Way Drive.”

• 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

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AUGUST 2019

Whither the public parking spot by Ocean?

In 2013, staff of what was then the Sarasota County Parks and Recreation Department carved out a tiny public parking space on right of way next to an open parcel on Ocean Boulevard with a close-up view of Lido Key, across Big Pass.

The project began in the spring of that year and was completed by late summer.

The space was delineated by a rope-and-post system. A typical Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) kiosk was posted adjacent to it, as well, to explain the rules for beach access.

Anyone using the parking space could amble on down the adjacent road to a spot popular for vista viewing and fishing.

The total investment for the project was about $5,000, then-county spokesman Curt Preisser reported.

On a side note, Preisser said staff research found that the public right of way was established in the early 1900s.

Then, in the late winter of 2017, a developer and a luxury real estate firm announced plans for the first new condominium development on Siesta since 2009. Called Oceane, it was designed for construction on the Ocean Boulevard property that once afforded expansive views of Big Pass and South Lido to drivers and people using the PRNR pocket parking space. Oceane’s official address is 4740 Ocean Blvd.

After work began on the complex last year, the public parking space disappeared. Although this reporter had noticed the situation, a reader’s inquiry reminded me finally to ask county staff for an explanation.

Media Relations Specialist Brianne Grant pored over a number of county documents to arrive at that explanation.

Apparently, in 2005, she reported, the County Commission gave developers the right to use public spaces, like the one on Ocean Boulevard, as the developers work on construction projects. Based on her understanding of the materials, Grant said, the use of that parking place on Ocean Boulevard actually was part of the construction site work plans that the Oceane project

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

team members submitted to the county in 2016 and for which they won approval from the Building Department.

Grant determined that after Oceane has been completed, the developer — Crossgate Partners LLC, based in Suwanee, Ga. — will have to remove all equipment from the area of the public parking space. She pointed out that the county did not grant Crossgate an easement for any permanent structure on the site of the parking spot.

Based on a review of Realtor websites in July, SNL found that the expected completion of Oceane is in August.

One other piece of news to note from the official Oceane website is the fact that Michael Saunders & Company is listed as the firm to which inquiries about purchases should be directed. Originally, Peter Laughlin, a broker associate with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, was the point person for anyone with an interest in Oceane. A July 3 check of Laughlin’s Sarasota County listings found no mention of Oceane.

Subsequent July searches on real estate websites found listings for only two of the six condos that Oceane will encompass. One was priced at $4,199,000; the other, at $3,999,000.

One of those websites, SaraSellsSarasota.com, carried a notice that its listings are updated daily.

Blooming This Month: PENTAS

Pentas lanceolata, also called Egyptian stars, is a genus of flowering plants in the Rubiaceae family.

This genus is a tropical plant that blooms off and on all year long if you dead head the spent blooms. The more you trim, the bushier the plant becomes. There are many cultivators, red, pink, white, and lilac in color. A real statement plant.

This plant can get between 3-6 feet tall. They are drought resistant plants that can grow in full sun and are heat loving perennials. The flowers are clusters of dozens of tiny star shaped blooms. The

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

real bonus is the blooms attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. Now blooming in the Butterfly Garden and the Quiet Garden at Sarasota Garden Club. Save the Dates: 12/6/19-Holiday High Tea; 2/10/20-Fashion Show (SHIVOO GARDEN PARTY); 3/14/20-Gardens in Paradise Tour and Plant Sale Submitted by Kay Weber, 3rd Vice President and Botanical Gardens Chair www.sarasotagardenclub.org

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A conversation with Dr. Gary Kompothecras Q&A with Dr. Gary Kompothecras • Where did you grow up, if not here, how did you come to live in Sarasota?

“I grew up on a small beach community in Queens, New York called Rockaway Beach. It was there on Rockaway Beach where I fell in love with the water as a lifeguard and knew I would one day live on the beach.”

What gave you the idea to start the “Ask Gary” business and how old is the business?

“After my first career as a stockbroker, I went to Chiropractic College and started my first clinic in 1995.

I discovered that most people were misinformed of the rules and regulations regarding automobile insurance following an accident. They seemed to believe that if they didn’t have health insurance, they could not get medical treatment. That simply is not true in Florida as all Floridians are required to purchase a personal injury protection policy that covers any accident regardless of who was at fault.

I decided to develop an advertisement to educate the public and that’s how 1-800-ask Gary got started.”

•How many states is your business in?

“We currently have clinics in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Minnesota and New Mexico.”

•What attracted you to Siesta Key? “When I received a job offer as a stockbroker after graduating from USF in 1983, I drove down to Siesta Key and fell in love with the place, especially the beach.”

“I said to myself, well, I am done looking for a place to call home. I have never regretted it.”

•When did you buy your property by Point of Rocks?

“I bought the property in 2003 and started construction shortly after. I finished the home in 2011.”

•How many hotel, resorts do you own on and close to Siesta Key? “I own Captiva Beach Resort which happens to be adjacent to my home on Siesta Key. I also own the Hibiscus Inn and Suites which is located right across the bridge from my house.

I bought what once was the dilapidated Ramada in Venice and spent a lot of money and time renovating it to the Hotel Venezia.”

• What upgrades, capital investments have you done to these hotels/resorts?

“The capital investment into each property was well into the seven figure range and necessary to bring them back to the high standards we wanted to achieve. I also learned a lot about hotels in the process.”

• What prompted you to produce the MTV show “Siesta Key”?

“I was raised by my grandparents and we didn’t have much money. I wanted a better childhood experience for my children. My oldest son Alex had a large friend group that went out on the water a lot and did things that I could only dream about as a child. More importantly, they were good kids so watching them grow up was a fun experience.”

“When my college buddies came down to visit and saw all that was going on, they encouraged me to make a pilot for a reality show.”

“My vision was to show some wealthy and not so wealthy young adults hanging out and doing fun things but also a show to motivate kids to be successful. My son Alex is in his last year of law school now. Others

have graduated with engineering degrees and some have started businesses of their own. It has been a very positive experience for all involved.”

“I must say when I sold the show to MTV they took over all content and they control what is being seen and how it is presented.”

• You are now in the process of building a new hotel/ resort on Old Stickney Point Road. What is your vision for this venture? Does the old bank building on Stickney Point Road play a role in these plans?

“In a very specific sense, my vision is to develop a unique, high quality hotel. But, my vision really goes beyond the very specific thought of building a quality boutique hotel.”

“The commercial area south of the Stickney Point Bridge represents about one fourth of the commercial property on the Key, and aside from the Main Village is the only other real concentration of tourist oriented commercial activity on Siesta Key. I see this area as wanting to, needing to, develop its own identity. That is why I am encouraging the business community and residents of this area to work together to develop a plan much like what was done for the Main Village almost 15 years ago. That plan, along with public improvements, landscaping, street furniture and the like has created a unique, clean and identifiable brand for the Main Village. I think that the same can be done for the South Bridge Village. The Siesta Key Chamber is facilitating these discussions.”

“As to my hotel proposal and how that plays in, I think you have to understand two things. First, there are more than a few streets like Old Stickney Point that are abandoned relics, created in the 60s and 70s when the state replaced a lot of old draw bridges with new bridges. Nearby, Bridge Street on Anna Maria is very similar to Old Stickney Point. These small water oriented commercial areas were essentially abandoned and often time, as the traffic that used to support them disappeared, they turned into eye sores in need of redevelopment.”

“The second thing one has to consider when looking at Old Stickney Point and the South Bridge Village in general is that County Zoning Regulations do little to encourage quality redevelopment, in reality almost exclusively favoring the creation of bars and honkytonks. Once again look at Bridge Street on Anna Maria.

These kinds of uses are very intense traffic generators, and create other aesthetic and community concerns like noise.”

“To give some credit, when Sarasota County created the Siesta Key Overlay District, commonly referred to as SKOD the County made a small effort to encourage a different kind of redevelopment by offering zoning incentives related to setbacks. Frankly, the SKOD effort while appreciated, was founded upon a feeble understanding of the economics that drive investment decisions where the land parcels are small and very expensive.”

“I am proposing to develop a boutique hotel that will act as an anchor for the redevelopment of the area.

Along with the hotel, I plan to convert the current Bank of America site into a mixed use commercial and parking structure, one that would include several thousand square feet of commercial liner space, a rooftop lounge and most importantly a development that would

www.siestasand.net

Continued from cover story

add significant parking resources to the South Bridge Village.”

“By building a mixed use parking facility I can also reduce the footprint of the hotel site, particularly being able to set the hotel tower back from the street, hopefully in a way that is more pleasing to neighbors. Done right, and this would require some understanding on the part of the County Commission, the parking portion of this project could act as a catalyst to resolve some parking and traffic issues and to organize additional quality redevelopment of the South Bridge District, not only enhancing our visitor experience and increasing the tax base and tax flow generated by visitors, but do so in a way that is classy and in many ways less intense than what could happen under current zoning.”

“A quality boutique hotel on Siesta Key will give us the ability to focus on European tourism, long a goal of Visit Sarasota and The Sarasota Bradenton Airport Authority. One of the advantages of attracting these visitors is that they are often bussed from the airport to their hotel, rarely renting cars and thus reducing traffic.

My vision would also offer something that is sorely missing on the Key - a place to hold modest sized events like weddings, graduations and the like.”

“I have lived on the Key most of my life. I love what it is and what it has to offer. I only want to do things that will make it better, and I believe that creating a vision and supporting anchor for the South Bridge Village will enhance the experience of Siesta Key.”

The parade of vehicles driving up Avenida Messina to view the Gulf water has slowed down significantly since the County installed a barricade to protect the turtle nests at Beach Access 2

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Quiet and Tropical at the Hamilton Club

By Roger Drouin Hamilton Club is an enclave of 18 maintenance-free homes located behind gates and nestled amid a tropical, park-like setting on the north end of Siesta Key. Designed to recall the graceful architecture of Bermuda, with pastel colors, and white trim, the homes are nestled around a picturesque lagoon with fountain and majestic Oaks. In addition, all the homes’ roofs were replaced with new metal roofs in 2016.

Built from 1989-1997, all homes feature three bedrooms with three and a half baths on two levels. Residences feature soaring ceilings in the main living areas, an abundance of windows and glass doors, open floor plans, living-room fireplaces, upscale flooring and high-end finishes. Four different floor plans range from 2,554 to 2,884 interior square feet plus multiple balconies/porches.

The 18 high-end residences are located on the north end of the key behind entry gates on Higel Avenue, to the west, and Coconut Bayou, on the east. A boater’s paradise, every unit has a dock and it takes only minutes to reach the ICW, Bay, and Gulf by boat.

Six of the 18 homes front the bayou and boat basin. Within the community, there is plenty of green space, and in many cases, mangroves are used in place of seawalls, leading to a much more natural atmosphere on the waterfront.

“It is quiet and serene and private,” says realtor Brandon Surline, who has a recently-renovated unit listed for sale in the community and whose family owns two units at Hamilton Club. “It is a maintenance-free community run like a condo, but with the feel of a home.” Hamilton Club is a condominium community of detached single family homes, duplexes and villas, all with above 2,500 square interior feet.

The 2,691-square foot unit listed by Brandon and his wife, Camille, looks out at the lush green space surrounding the lagoon and fountain. It includes a 10,000-pound weight capacity boat lift.

The home is one of the first fully-renovated homes to come on the real-estate market in the community, Surline says. Its screened-in balcony has a view of the lagoon with a spiral staircase for quick, easy access to the heated pool, tennis court and quaint pathways through the lush landscaping and the deeded dock. The home includes a private elevator.

The community is unique because it is gated, and “there are not that many communities that are gated on the north end of the Key,” notes Surline, of Key Solutions Real Estate.

Surline notes that the unit he has listed for sale is surrounded by mature landscaping. “You feel like you are nestled in ultimate privacy,” he says. The home is flooded with natural light—as are other units in Hamilton Club. The windows are a good size in the great room. There are about five of them, making it very beautiful. The light just pours in, and all you see is the sky and trees and all this sunlight that comes in. It is so nice.”

The homes also have garages and there is a “tremendous amount of storage,” Surline notes, including a 15x30-foot climate-controlled storage area off the garage and ample closets inside.

Quite a few of the units have private elevators. And all the roofs were recently replaced with new metal roofs, Surline says. The large pool is heated, and the tennis courts were just resurfaced.

In addition to the lush landscaping, the boat docks, large pool and tennis, along with the community’s convenient location near the beach, the Village and downtown Sarasota make it unique, adds Bob Ruiz, a realtor with Key Solutions.

“For condominium communities the units are certainly on the more spacious side,” Ruiz says. “The fact that they were built more recently than the largest majority of properties on Siesta lends to more modern architecture and upscale finishes.”

Surline notes that some of the ideal potential owners within Hamilton Club include boating families who wish to use the unit as their primary or secondary home, or residents who have large families who would plan to visit.

The elevators are a nice feature for older people who plan to migrate away from stairs, he added.

“It’s a diverse mix of residents,” Surline says. And it is very safe (with one private drive in the community). “Kids can ride their bikes,” he adds.

With a six-month minimum rental period the community is more designated mainly for full-time/seasonal residents as opposed to investors wishing to purchase a rental property.

Remodeling is becoming a trend in the community. Surline says the homes in Hamilton Club feature solid finishes and durable construction, but some of the aesthetic factors in the homes (which were built in the early 90s) are becoming outdated, and thus several of the units have been renovated recently.

One unit, he recalls, was purchased in 2017 and the new owners put $200,000 into a remodel project to make it like new. Another unit that was purchased recently underwent a renovation that cost $250,000 to $300,000, Surline says.

Listings and sales • A 2,798-square foot home sold in March 2018 for $990,000, or $354 a square foot. The home features expansive boat bayou views, including sweeping views of mangroves and waterfront. It is one of the six homes fronting the bayou.

According to the MLS listing, the townhouse is spacious with high, open ceilings, lots of windows and wonderful light. In addition to the 3 bedrooms, there is a cozy den with water view, a loft area and a ground floor enclosed space.

The attached garage is large with extra storage space. There is a screened balcony as well as a ground floor lanai.

Two units are currently listed for sale: • The unit listed by Brandon and Camille Surline has 2,691 square feet, and is one of the first fully-renovated homes to come on the market in the community. The unit is listed for $992,000. This beautifully renovated home showcases three bedrooms all en-suite, soaring ceilings, warm wood floors throughout, granite and quartz countertops, wood burning

fireplace, elevator, southern exposure and abundant natural light. At 2,691 square feet, the listing comes out to $369 a square foot.

• Another current listing, with 2,544 square feet, is on the market for $949,000. It has an open plan with high ceilings & tastefully appointed. According to the MLS listing, the home’s gourmet kitchen has maple cabinetry, black granite counters, appliance garages, wine refrigeration, TV shelf, Sub-Zero refrigerator, Thermador stainless steel oven, Dacor glass cooktop, stainless microwave & deep drawers.

Laundry center conveniently off kitchen with Whirlpool washer/dryer, laundry tub & upper cabinets. First-floor great room with wood-burning fireplace & adjacent Media room including projector, screen & equipment.

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Classifieds / Here’s My Card ACCOMMODATIONS / VACATION RENTALS

www.siestasand.net

JEWELRY

CONTRACTORS

• 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

BOATING RENTALS / FISHING CHARTERS

Captain Jacks Yacht Charters

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

• CB’s Saltwater Outfitters – CB’s Saltwater Outfitters is an ORVIS Endorsed Outfitter Fishing Charter Service serving Siesta Key as well as Longboat Key, Lido Key, Sarasota, and Venice.

Our veteran guides offer exciting Fishing Adventures for anglers of all ages from novice to the expert. See our website: www.CBsOutfitters.com or stop in their store for additional info.

1240 Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key. (941)349-4400.

Mention This Ad And Receive 10% OFF Your Next Charter

941-400-4193

MEDICAL

• Hawk’s Nest Construction Inc. is a certified Class A general contractor licensed in all phases of construction. Owner, Mark Hawkins Sr. personally oversees every aspect of your project from start to finish, using only the best and most reliable licensed artisan and craftsmen. His passion is delighting his clients by turning their home-improvement dreams into a beautiful reality. Call 941-6509499 or visit their website: www.hawksnestconstruction.com • Nutter Construction is your local Siesta Key builder. We have a strong team with over 30 years of combined high end residential construction experience in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. We offer custom construction, remodeling services, management and consulting, concierge service, and we are committed to protecting our resources by using construction techniques that are environmentally friendly. Call us at 941-924-1868, visit our showroom at 3534 South Osprey Avenue, or check us out online at www.nutterconstruction.com. LEED AP | FL Licensed Building Contractor CBC060004 | FL Licensed Real Estate Sales Associate BK322256 | Certified Home Inspector HI4630

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

J Morgan O’Donoghue, MD.

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MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

Captain Matt Sightseeing Charters Boating Instruction paradisekeycharters.com

Sarasota Area 941-400-4193

Having Fun Fishing in The Sun

941-400-2452

Tony Fudoli Sr. CAPTAIN tntfreedomfishing@yahoo.com

Veteran Owned Business

Dolphin Watch • SunSetS • half Day aDventure SailS

MOVING & STORAGE LANDINGS RESIDENT OWNED AND OPERATED

• Wilson Windows is a State Certified General Contractor specializing in glass porch enclosures and window replacement.

They offer only top quality products installed by professionally trained technicians. All projects are engineered and permitted to meet the new state building codes related to impact, water infiltration and high velocity windload calculations. Their services include window repair, new custom screens, glass cut to size, and hard to find window parts inventory at both locations. Fully insured and their work is guaranteed. 941-921-1113, www.wilson-window.com.

DRY CLEANERS

AAA FLAT RATE MOVING AND STORAGE CO. SARASOTA’S MOVER OF CHOICE SINCE 1980 AROUND THE CORNER OR AROUND THE WORLD CALL OR EMAIL FOR A FREE MOVING ESTIMATE 941-922-4466 / AAAFLATRATE@AOL.COM

www.aaamovingsarasota.com PAVER CLEANERS

Sailing From Marina Jack, Sarasota

Kathleen D Sailing Catamaran 941-896-6400

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• Siesta Key Marina Located at 1265 Old Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key, has been serving Sarasota boaters and fishermen since 1961. A staple in the Sarasota boating community, offering 243 dry storage racks, a full service ship store, onsite boat service, boat rentals, bait, fuel, fishing tackle and more. 941-349-1970

CHURCH SERVICES • WEDNESDAY CHURCH - Traditional worship every Wednesday at 6 PM. Committed to reaching 55+ Widows, Widowers, Veterans, Singles, and Adults.

7811 Kennedy Ln., Sarasota, FL 34240. Pastor Trebor Britt, 941320-4309. SJG5232@verizon.net

CLEANING SERVICES

Green Magic Cleaning Service

“Residential and Commercial”

Environmentally Conscious Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service

Free Pick Up & Delivery Service Call

from your home or business

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ExEcutivE Shirt SErvicE • houSEhold itEmS • SamE day SErvicE availablE

HOUSE WATCH

House Watch Sarasota Licensed and Insured

REALTOR®

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

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Sarasota, FL 34242

R. BRuce Whittinghill, llc (941) 955-1864

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

We don’t cut corners, we dust them.

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

A family owned business with 16 years of experience.

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REAL ESTATE AGENTS

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

(941) 961-4309

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Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC

www.SheSellsSiestaKeySarasota.com

www.siestasand.net

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37

REAL ESTATE AGENTS CONTINUED

TRANSPORTATION

HOMES FOR SALE CONTINUED

• Making things happen on Siesta Key with Real Estate agents Bob and Sheri Ruiz from Key Solutions Real Estate Group. If you are looking to buy or sell on the Key contact us. Bob Ruiz 941-544-3299 RobertRuizRR@aol.com, Sheri Ruiz 941-400-4186 SheriLasley@aol.com

Sarasota’s Premier “Chauffeur”

Hurricane Impact windows and sliders for added storm security. You will love lounging around the large pool on this oversized lot (14,352 SF) and dock with lift on the wide canal with easy access to world class boating & fishing. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • GRAND CANAL HOME: $1,070,000 214 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4435268 Wonderful Siesta Key Grand Canal home located on desirable Palm Island. 2,600+ sq. ft., 4 BR, 2.5 BA waterfront oasis. Loft area on 2nd level makes nice office space. Screened pool area. Short walk to World Famous Siesta Beach, close to world class dining and night life of Siesta Village. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • GULF AND BAY VIEWS HOME: $6,300,000 156 Givens Street, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4438489 Spectacular sunsets meet designer decadence in this show stopping 4BR/ 5.5 BA modern-luxe masterpiece designed by world acclaimed architect, Guy Peterson. Each room possesses unparalleled panoramic views of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico by day and breathtaking sunsets and twinkling lights of Lido Key skyline by night. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • THE POINTE - Renovated 2/2 penthouse with magnificent views. North to downtown Sarasota and South to Casey Key. See beautiful Neville Preserve and Little Sarasota Bay to the East and the Gulf of Mexico with Siesta’s amazing sunsets to the West. Underbuilding parking. Sold furnished. MLS# A4406101, $499,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• THE POINTE - Beautifully renovated and furnished move right in to this lovely 5th floor 2 bedroom 2 bath unit with incredible 270 degree views. Tile throughout. New kitchen and contemporary baths, trey ceilings and recessed lighting, Southern end of Siesta. Walk to Turtle Beach and three restaurants. Gated community with every amenity.

MLS# 4427052. $565,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB - Easy walking distance to Siesta Beach with a private deeded boat dock with lift and water views! Two bedroom, two bath with large glassed lanai overlooking marina. One car garage with attic storage. Gated community on a deep-water marina. Pool, hot tub, tennis/pickleball, clubhouse. MLS# A4422616, $569,000 Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB - Across the street from Siesta Beach with a private deeded boat dock and water views! Renovated two bedroom, two bath. One car garage with attic storage. Gated community on a deep-water marina.

Pool, hot tub, tennis/pickleball, clubhouse. MLS# A4433033, $539,000 Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• THE POINTE - Largest floor plan at 1380 square feet in a 2/2 with spacious lanai overlooking the ICW and Bay to the east and the Gulf and Siesta sunsets to the west. Amazing views from every room. Gated with every amenity. MLS# A4438186, $529,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• SIESTA COVE - Stunning enclave just minutes to Siesta Beach and Village. Totally and beautifully renovated 3+2 1/2 with 2 car garage. Amazing outdoor living with multiple balconies, decks, and patio. Fenced. Huge lawn for play or pool. MLS# A4426343, $748,500. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-4004186.

• TRULY FABULOUS 2/2 WITH PRIVATE BEACH ACCESS. Completely renovated TOP FLOOR END UNIT with exquisite finishes and furnishings the unit is being sold, turnkey. The open floor plan with SOARING CEILINGS features a huge living room with views of the ICW and Bay. This is truly a must-see. 6285 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #307, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS#A4410196, $662,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255.

• ENJOY STUNNING SUNRISES AND SUNSETS from this lovely two bedroom, two bath PENTHOUSE condo at the southernmost end of Siesta Key. If you seek incomparable views look no further - wake to awe-inspiring sunrises over Neville Preserve on Little Sarasota Bay and marvel at the spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. 9393 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #P2, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4406101, $499,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255.

• NEWLY CONSTRUCTED Coastal Contemporary on the Grand Canal. Centrally located to Siesta Village and beaches. Natural light abounds in this 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms open floor plan with direct walkout access to the open designed saltwater pool and deck. Enjoy sunsets from your pool deck and balconies. This home is minutes by boat, paddle board or kayak to the Intercoastal Waterway.

4866 COMMONWEALTH DR, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4437382, $1,849,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 8941255.

• YEAR ROUND SUNSETS! This 10th-floor unit is perfectly positioned to enjoy gorgeous beachfront views! A very spacious, light, bright, clean and cared-for condo with a split floor plan and walk-in closets. The hurricane impact sliding doors (replaced 2018) lead from the living room and bedrooms to the huge screened lanai. Furniture is negotiable.

6300 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #1009, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4425862, $949,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941894-1255.

Airport Rides Starting At Only

30 941.735.4732 $

RENTAL WANTED • 2 BD/2BA on Siesta Key. 6mo/Annual. Possible Lease/ Purchase. Prefer Gulfside. Furnished / Unfurnished. Single, Nonsmoker. 941-685-6726

RESTAURANTS

All Ports In Florida

Stress Free • Smooth and Easy Ask for Eddie • Jonny’s Original Free Ride – The Original Ride the Key Free service on Siesta to anywhere, everyday from 10 AM – 2 AM. Driver tips only. Call 941-928-9200.

• Dollar Limo – holds up to 10 people and is cheaper than a D.U.I or taxi. Call 941-735-4732

941-928-9200

RIDE THE KEY FREE

15-20 MINUTE RESPONSE TIME (Based upon traffic)

SERVICING

Siesta Key Beach Siesta Village Turtle Beach

SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY

DRIVER TIPS ONLY

Restaurants and Accommodations Operating 10AM to 2AM Daily

www.JonnysOriginalFreeRide.com

Transportation for everyone on the Sun Coast Friendliest Ride In Town

We’ll take you to Doctor Visits, Pharmacies, Shopping, Airports and Cruise Lines (on the East and West coasts) and Much More!

Walk-Ins Welcome

Specializing in Pink & White

(941) 706-0860

4850 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 (The Landings Shopping Center)

Mon.- Sat. 9 AM-7 PM Sun. 11 AM-5 PM

Olde Fashion Barber Shop

Tapers • Flattops • Fades • Styling • Razor Cuts • Shaves

” t Lather

“Ho

941-312-6001

Southgate Barber Shop

(Across from the Westfield Siesta Key Mall)

2081 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239

Walk-Ins Welcome

Monday through Friday 9-6 • Saturday 9-2

www.OldStyleBarberShop.com ROOM FOR RENT

• Buckingham Club Mobile Home Park. 55 and over community.

Short walk to bay. $500 per month. Call 941-225-1785

SPORTS RENTALS / ACCESSORIES • Robin Hood Rentals – for all your Siesta Key rental needs with a wide variety segways, bikes, kayaks, scooters and more, free pickup and delivery anywhere on the key. 5255 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key Village. 941-554-4242 • Siesta Key Bike & Kayak – Located on Siesta Key in Capt Curts Village serving Siesta Key, Lido Beach and Sarasota. We offer bikes, kayak rentals, kayak eco tours, paddleboards and scooters.

1224 Old Sickney Pt Rd. 941-346-0891 • Siesta Sports Rentals – Located on Siesta Key, bike, kayak, kayak tours, scooter, children strollers and car seats. Delivery and pickup available, 6551 Midnight Pass Rd, 941-346-1797

Place your classified ad here for $6.

(15 words) and $.10 for each additional word. Copy must be submitted with payment on or before the 15th of the month prior to publication.

For display ads, please call 941-349-0194 for rates.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-349-0194

Sarasota to Tampa Airport $ 89 each way

Airport Shuttle Limo/Taxi

HOMES FOR SALE • CO-OP OPPORTUNITY NEAR SIESTA KEY: $104,900.

Mobile Estates is a resident owned 55 plus community located in a prime location one mile from Siesta Key in Sarasota. This home has been meticulously restored. A beautiful single wide mobile home with one large bedroom and one bath with a large attached lanai and shed. Maintenance fee $160 month.

Website: 2042champion.site for more info. Call Scott 215-2660402.

• SHORT WALK TO SIESTA BEACH: $429,900 195 Vista Hermosa Circle, #9-A, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4189942 beautifully remodeled, 2 BR, 2 BA villa. Designer tile & carpet throughout. This villa is being sold turnkey furnished (with some exclusions). Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • PALM ISLAND HOME ON THE GRAND CANAL: $859,000. 322 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4199085 Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master BR and master BA. This house boasts a new boat lift on the Grand Canal. Privacy abounds with a lovely tropical view across the canal. Huge bonus area on lower level. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • DEEDED BEACH ACCESS: $875,000 1122 Horizon View Drive, Siesta Key, FL., MLS# A4420716 This is one of the closest properties to the beach without having the direct beachfront price on a street of multi-million dollar properties. This immaculate pool home features large rooms and volume ceilings. Lovely oak floors and stylish tile will dazzle you. 3 Bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms along with the lower level bonus area for generational living or guests.

Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • ACROSS FROM PUBLIC BEACH: $665,000 1001 Beach Road, Siesta Key, FL., MLS# A4426862. Enjoy views of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and Siesta Key canals from the 6th floor of your two large terraces as well as the downtown Sarasota lights. Generous square footage for a beach condo and both bedrooms are of generous size. This unit is offered turnkey furnished & tastefully renovated. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • CANAL FRONT HOME: $999,000 5157 Sandy Shore Ave, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4427877 Canal front home on a quiet low traffic dead end “Sandy” street. Split plan 4 bedroom & 3 bath 2,493 square foot home with recently updated kitchen & bath. PGT Wind Guard

38

Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2019

Volleyball Photos

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By Trebor Britt

On their second visit to spectacular Siesta Beach this summer, five hundred fifty Pro, Amateur and Junior beach volleyball players participated in the “Dig The Beach Volleyball Series” tournament recently.

The tournament involves a Pro Division, 8 Amateur

Divisions, 3 Co-ed and 4 Junior Divisions. Thousands of dollars in prize money is awarded to top men’s and women’s Pro Division winners. Tournament Director, Diogo Sousa was hopeful the expected rain for the weekend might be delayed.

Above: Ocean Roth (13) of Englewood sets up her teammate, Rylie Thibideau (13) of Port Charlotte for a spike during the first round of the 14 Silver Junior Division playoffs on amazing Siesta Beach.

Logan Ho (14) of Englewood sets up his teammate during an early round Dig the Beach, playoff match.

Ocean Roth (13) of Englewood leaps high to spike a ball after being set up by her teammate, Rylie Thibideau (13) of Port Charlotte.

Nicole Perekhodko (16) of Clearwater leaps high to block a spike in a key 18 Gold Junior Division Quarterfinals match.

She moved here from Ukraine.

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Volleyball team mates, Montana-Rae Pelak (16) of Naples and Sam Jacobi (17) of Ocala just before their 18 Gold Junior Division playoff match near the Siesta Key shoreline.

Island Chatter

Emergency (General)..................................................... 911 Emergency Animal Clinic.............................941-929-1818 Fishing & Hunting Licenses.........................941-362-9888 FPL – Florida Power & Light........................941-917-0708 FPL – Outage Report................................. 1-800-468-8243 Marriage License Bureau..............................941-362-4066 Poison Info Center..................................... 1-800-282-3171 Sarasota / Bradenton Intl. Airport..............941-359-2770 Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT)........941-316-1234 Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce..............941-349-3800 Sheriff / non-emergency..............................941- 861-1601 Waste Management.......................................941-924-1254

Left: Montana-Rae Pelak (16) of Naples digs out an opponent’s spike during a key Dig the Beach Junior playoff match.

Continued from page 27

Now the Shays formally have adopted their own stretch of road through KSCB. After the couple arrived on the island in 2009, he learned that the Siesta Key Association (SKA) and the Siesta Key Village Association were involved in the KSCB Adopt-A-Road program. (The Village Association was folded into the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce a number of years later.)

The two organizations were responsible for two stretches of road, Shay continued: Ocean Boulevard from Higel Avenue to Beach Road, and Midnight Pass Road from Stickney Point Road to Turtle Beach.

Shay — who served for several years on the SKA board — added that in February, he received the following email from the county: “Requests were sent out via email in December 2018 and January 2019 asking Adoption Partners to renew their commitment to the Keep Sarasota County Beautiful Adoption Program for this calendar year. Since we did not receive the renewal paperwork for this year, I wanted to reach out personally to follow up.

“If you are interested in continuing in the adoption program, please complete BOTH the renewal Application and Agreement of Maintenance by February 28. If you are no longer interested in participating, please respond as such and we will remove you from the program.

“We thank you for your past service to Keep Sarasota County Beautiful and hope to continue working with you in the future!”

Shay reported that he forwarded the email to SKA President Catherine Luckner and to Ann Frescura, executive director of the Chamber. He also told the KSCB staff that if the SKA and the Chamber did not renew their adoptions with the county, he would be interested in adopting the Ocean Boulevard section. “And so I did!” he added.

Shortly after he signed the agreement with KSCB on June 18, he continued, Luckner called him to ask if the SKA could partner with him on the initiative. She told him that the nonprofit had intended to renew

its participation in the Adopt-A-Road program, but the person responsible for communicating with the county had failed to act in a timely fashion.

Shay said he declined the partnership offer.

On the morning of July 12, he continued, he was running errands when he noticed that a county crew had just finished installing a KSCB sign on the north end of Ocean Boulevard. A similar sign was to be erected at the south end of the road, he added.

The KSCB sign says, “Adopted by Michael & Maria Shay & Friends.”

“I had spoken to friends about this plan to keep the road segment clean and have folks interested in volunteering, which is great!”

Shay said.

The group will clean the road bimonthly, he pointed out, even though the county requires a minimum of one cleanup initiative per quarter.

For the plovers, a safe Fourth After urging the public to help protect nesting birds on the county’s shoreline during the July Fourth festivities, Kylie Wilson, coordinator of Audubon Florida’s Bird Monitoring & Stewardship Program in Sarasota County, had great news on July 7. All the birds survived the holiday weekend, she wrote. “There were minimal disturbances, largely in part to all of those who came out to volunteer so THANK YOU!!!” she added.

In the meantime, she continued, the banded snowy plover that nested earlier on Siesta, only to lose eggs to predators, has been spotted with a nest on the beach in Englewood. Wilson added that she hoped the bird — dubbed Ms. Sanibel because of the green-and-white band on the bird’s leg — would be able to find success there.

Store closes in the Village Everything But Water, the women’s resort wear shop for swimsuits, cover-ups, sundresses, sandals, hats & other accessories located at 5131 Ocean Blvd next to the Village Café recently closed this location.

Published by Island Visitor Publishing, LLC Contributing Writers and Photographers will be noted with bylines.

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Island Girl

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Katherine This month’s Island Girl is Kat of St. Petersburg. She’s an avid volleyball player who currently plays for Roger Williams University, Rhode Island where she attends on an academic scholarship. When she’s not studying you’ll find her on the beach, boating, tubing, hanging out with friends or devouring food at one of her favorite Mexican restaurants. We caught her enjoying fabulous Siesta Beach on summer break.

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