IV Siesta Sand - August 2018 by Brion Palmer

Why the world comes to Sarasota

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AUGUST 2018 | 941.349.0194 | ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC | www.SiestaSand.net | COMPLIMENTARY

SIESTA PROMENADE Siesta Promenade formal review process underway

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CANDIDATES

Candidates for District 4 County Commission

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SIESTA KEY TRANSPORTATION Information on the new trolley operator, off island trolley parking, and long range Siesta parking consideration

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SIESTA SOUNDS

If It Looks Like a Boat Channel Soon after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Sarasota announced their plans for the dredging of Big Sarasota Pass to renourish a critically eroded area of South Lido Key Beach, Siesta residents began pointing to the proposed sand borrow areas and noting something distinctive about one of them. Borrow Area — or “Cut” — C, they said, sure does look like a designated channel from Sarasota Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Yet, as leaders of the Siesta Key Association (SKA) have pointed out, that cut is especially troublesome for property owners on the northern area of Siesta Key and Bird Key. Those people are expected to suffer significant damage because of increased wave energy related to the Lido project, as shown by research undertaken by experts the SKA hired for the December 2017 Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) challenge to the Lido project. “It’s time to start asking why the city is putting the residents of Lido at risk because that particular piece of sand is so important,” SKA President Gene Kusekoski said of the Big Pass sediment during the organization’s June 7 meeting. The 1.3 million cubic yards of sand that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the city have set their sights on, Kusekoski stressed, is “150% the size of The Vue and the Westin,” referring to the condominium complex and adjacent hotel at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue in downtown Sarasota. Siesta organizations and residents opposed to the dredging of Big Pass have offered full support of renourishing South Lido, but they have called for the USACE and the city to use sand from another source. During a recent telephone interview, Kusekoski emphasized, “Our biggest objection is this Cut C. … They’ve gone out of their way to say this is not a navigation channel,” he added, in spite of how it appears. Yet, he continued, “Once you dig that trench, you change the dynamic of the pass, and God knows what’s going to occur.” Continued on page 18

By Rachel Brown Hackney

Property Owner, Mike Holderness Makes a Statement See page 4, “Pleas for County Commission Action”

Reopen Beach Road Proposed Sarasota County Charter Amendments to be Focus of Aug. 29 Public Hearing

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SWIMSUITS

Men’s swimsuits evolved with Siesta Key’s beaches

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SAND CASTLES

By Rachel Brown Hackney \ SarasotaNewsLeader.com Thanks to a unanimous vote, on Aug. 29, the Sarasota County Commission will hold a public hearing on a draft ordinance that could put two proposed Sarasota County Charter amendments on the ballot that relate to the commission’s May 2016 vacation of a 357-footlong segment of North Beach Road. However, County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh said on July 10 that he would be prepared to talk at length, during the public hearing, about the potential ramifications of the measures, if they are approved by the voters

during the Nov. 6 General Election. After Siesta Key resident Michael Cosentino filed a complaint against the county in June 2016, alleging that the board violated its Comprehensive Plan in approving the road vacation on a 4-1 vote, he also began a petition drive on the two Charter amendments. His goal not only was to reverse the road vacation approved on May 11, 2016, but also to ensure that no County Commission ever again would be able to vacate or sell road segments on rights of way along waterways.

He submitted his first batch of signed petitions to the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office on July 20, 2016. On June 25, Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner wrote formal letters to Commission Chair Nancy Detert, informing her that Cosentino had obtained the necessary number of valid signatures, under the aegis of the County Charter, to have the amendments put on the ballot.

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A half-day workshop to be held later this year regarding paid parking at Siesta Public Beach

Siesta Village business owners were abuzz because of a rather unusual incident

Continued on page 5

County Commission Splits 3-2 on Allowing Construction of New Sanderling Road Home

Happiness is…Cooling Off

A tranquil point where land meets water

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Most of the country is sweltering in the midst of a summer heatwave. Jerry Williams, owner of Abel’s Ice Cream, remembers those Midwest summers. “We visited family in Kansas City recently,” he said. “It didn’t take us long to start counting the minutes until we could get home and dip our toes in the ocean.” That’s exactly what he and his wife Jill did when they returned. Well, a little more than just their toes. “We dumped our luggage, changed clothes, and headed to the beach, he grinned.” When they moved to the Sarasota, the Williams promised they’d never take for granted the beauty and the blessings here. As you can tell from the photos, the stunning Siesta Key area is definitely their “happy place.” We certainly haven’t escaped the toasty

summer heat in Florida, though. And at Abel’s they’re celebrating the tropical feel with two fantastic seasonal flavors. Stop by their clean, air-conditioned store to sample Toasted Coconut (Toasted Coconut ice cream with mounds of toasted coconut flakes. Consider yourself warned, it’s addicting.) or Banana (No monkey business around here! This delicious ice cream will have you screaming B.A.N.A.N.A.S!) If you weren’t already enjoying the summer, these two flavors are guaranteed to get you in the right frame of mind. If you’re still just not feeling the summer vibe, remember Autumn is just around the corner, and before you can say tropical heatwave, it will be back to school time for our area students. Embrace the waning days of summer with your friends at Abel’s. We’d

love to hear your favorite summer memories. We’re located at 1886 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota, in the South Bridge Plaza. Open Sunday through Thursday from Noon-9:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday from Noon10 pm. Learn more online at our website, www.abelsicecream.com or connect with us on Facebook or Instagram.

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South Tamiami Trail McDonald’s to be Rebuilt, Starting Later This Year By Rachel Brown Hackney

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As county Planner Kirk Crane explained to the Planning Commission on June 7, the property consists of three contiguous parcels. The McDonald’s stands on one; a leased commercial building (former home of a dive shop) is on the second; and a single-family residence is on the third. “All the buildings will be removed in order to [build] a new McDonald’s restaurant on the entire property, with a drive-through [operation],” Crane said. The new structure will comprise 5,000 square feet, he added. A fence and a 20-foot-wide buffer will separate the property from the residential area on the east side, he continued, which is along Couver Drive.

COUVER DR.

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Presentation and questions

Crane noted that Couver is a commonly used cutthrough for drivers between South Tamiami Trail and Stickney Point Road. The binding concept plan calls for one right-in/ right-out access on Tamiami Trail — replacing two ingress/egress points — plus two full accesses on Couver Drive. Because part of the property is zoned Commercial Intensive and part of it is zoned Residential MultiFamily 1, Crane pointed out, the decision was made to seek the rezoning so all the property would be zoned Commercial General. Attorney Merrill, speaking on behalf of the owners, told the Planning Commission members that the goal was to reduce the number of structures on the three parcels from three to one. Further, he said, “We’ve reduced the building footprint significantly,” referring to the McDonald’s, “and we’ve increased the building distance from the residential areas.” Noting the fence and landscape buffer that will separate the commercial property from the adjoining residential area, Merrill pointed out those were the request of the closest neighbor. The fence will be 6 feet tall, Merrill said, adding that the neighbor especially sought the erection of the fence. Moreover, referring to the design, Merrill told the Planning Commission, “We’ve greatly improved the internal traffic circulation. That was one of the concerns that McDonald’s had.” The accesses from the site onto Couver, he continued, will be right-in/left-in and right-out/ left-out. Planning Commissioner Teresa Mast asked Merrill about concerns neighbors had expressed regarding lighting intrusion from the commercial property. Merrill replied that the project team members had explained to the resident that the county requires shielding on such lights to reduce disruptions to neighborhoods. “Thank you for that,” Mast told him. Mast then asked whether customers will be confused by the new configuration of the driveways. Detailed signage — including “Do Not Enter” signs — will be installed, Merrill replied. Additionally, arrows will be painted on the pavement, he said, and internal stop signs will be erected. When asked about the hours of business, Merrill replied that the restaurant would be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which is the current schedule. Planning Commissioner Ron Cutsinger then inquired what material would be used for the fence. “It wasn’t specified,” Merrill responded. The resident who

COUVER DR.

The South Tamiami Trail McDonald’s, located near Stickney Point Road, will be rebuilt for the second time since it opened in 1970, thanks to a unanimous Sarasota County Commission vote on July 11. According to Michael Motta, McDonald’s regional development director, the restaurant has not been remodeled since 1990. “I remember this McDonald’s from when I was a kid, actually,” William W. Merrill III, an attorney with the Sarasota firm of Icard Merrill — who was representing the owners — told the county’s Planning Commission members when he appeared before them on June 7. The new plans entail a “modern building with a better layout,” Motta said during a July 16 telephone interview. “We are scheduled to break ground in September of this year and reopen in December.” Without comment on July 11, the county commissioners approved a motion by Commissioner Michael Moran, seconded by Commissioner Paul Caragiulo, to rezone two segments of the property, which encompasses the parcels at 6345 and 6347 S. Tamiami Trail and 2032 Couver Drive. That meant the entire site of approximately 1.61 acres will be zoned Commercial General. On June 7, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the County Commission approve the applicant’s petition for the zoning changes. The item was on the County Commission’s July 11 agenda as a public hearing, but with a presentation only upon request of a commissioner. No member of the public had asked to address the issue, Chair Nancy Detert confirmed, and no commissioner sought comments from county staff or the applicant. The owner of the property is McDonald’s Restaurant of Florida, while the franchisee is Tiny Dancer Inc., located at 4411 Bee Ridge Road, according to documents provided to the county. Denise Wheeler is director of Tiny Dancer, as noted in the application filed with the county last fall.

had requested it did not indicate a preference, he added. The resident “just wanted it for the shielding,” Merrill said. Concrete would reduce sound intrusion into the residential area, Cutsinger pointed out. “I’ll talk with McDonald’s to see what they want to do,” Merrill told Cutsinger. Then Cutsinger added of McDonald’s Corp. “Their stock was up 4% today, so they can afford it,” prompting laughter among the board members. At that point, Vice Chair Kevin Cooper — who was presiding at the meeting — asked, “Any other questions of the applicant? Any other stock tips?” No one had signed up to address the project before that board, Cooper noted. Cooper closed the public hearing and asked for a motion. Mast moved that the Planning Commission recommend County Commission approval of the rezoning, and Planning Commissioner Robert Morris seconded it. The motion passed 7-0.

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Pleas for County Commission Action By Rachel Brown Hackney A Siesta property owner has been imploring the Sarasota County Commission to take a definitive stand against the plans of the City of Sarasota and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to dredge Big Sarasota Pass to renourish about 1.6 miles of South Lido Key Beach. Michael Holderness, who owns property on both the landward and seaward sides of North Beach Road, has erected a sign in the latter area that has drawn attention to his request. The sign says, “Siesta Key Beach is CLOSED!!!” It urges the public to demand that the County Commission schedule an agenda item on the Lido Beach Renourishment Project and vote “NO” on it. Formal county photos of the five commissioners are on the sign, along with a photo of U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida. Rubio toured South Lido Key with City Manager Tom Barwin and members of the City Commission on June 16, five days after the USACE announced that it would allocate about $13.5 million to the Lido project as part of its 2018 Work Plan. Rubio talked on that tour of his expectation that the severely eroded beach on Lido would look like a beach again by the summer of 2019. The County Commission voted unanimously to hire the Atkins consulting firm to undertake a peer review of the USACE project plans for Lido. After the Atkins report asserted that it was not possible to confirm that the county’s Ted Sperling Park — at the southernmost part of Lido Key — would be spared damage as a result of the city/USACE initiative, the commissioners then asked the USACE to conduct an Environmental Impact Statement on its project. The USACE declined to undertake such an in-depth analysis. The county spent $50,000 on the Atkins Report.

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Siesta Key Resident Arrested After Allegedly Shooting Multiple Rounds Inside His Home By Rachel Brown Hackney

Suspect blames medications for inducing hallucinations The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 69-year-old Siesta Key resident after he allegedly fired multiple bullets out of his Siesta Isles home, the office has reported. The suspect, Thomas Kavanaugh Dudenhoeffer, told an officer he was firing at people believed to be breaking into his house. Dudenhoeffer blamed his hallucinations on medication he had taken, the Sheriff’s Office report says. He faces two counts of Shooting into a Dwelling, a Sheriff’s Office news release adds. He was being held in jail on $15,000 bond. His Corrections Division record identifies him as being retired. His arraignment is set for Aug. 24. Deputies initially responded to the 1000 block of Contento Street at 2:12 p.m. on July 18 after receiving a report of a shooting, the news release says. “The complainant utilized the text-to-911 service” offered by the Sheriff’s Office while hiding from the suspect, the release adds. After deputies “established a perimeter,” the report points out, Sgt. Jason Mruczek, leader of the Sheriff’s Office’s substation on Siesta Key, and Sgt. X. Beorlegui were approaching the house when they heard one gunshot inside. Officers found Dudenhoeffer in the master bedroom and quickly took him into custody “without incident,”

the news release says. Deputies found two bullet holes in a window on the north side of the residence, the report notes. That window faces a house in the 5400 block of Shadow Lawn Drive, the report adds. The Shadow Lawn house is about 200 feet away from the Contento Street residence, the report points out. Deputies found another bullet hole in a hurricane window on the west side of the Contento Street home, the report says. That window faces the adjacent dwelling. The complainant told officers that she was in the master bedroom when Dudenhoeffer “retrieved a handgun from an end table” and left the room, the report says. The complainant added that “she heard approximately 10 to 15 gunshots,” the report notes. She heard three more gunshots, she told officers, as she was texting 911 for assistance. “Based on witness statements and forensic analysis, detectives believe Dudenhoeffer fired between 10 and 15 rounds inside the home,” using a 9mm handgun, the news release says. “Dudenhoeffer admitted to firing the weapon and attributed the crime to hallucinations,” the release adds. During an interview with a detective, the report says, Dudenhoeffer explained that he had taken two types of prescription medication for emphysema. He told the detective he fired the gun in the kitchen, another bedroom and the laundry room, the report adds.

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County Charter Amendments As Cosentino wrote them, the amendments are as follows: • “Article III, Section 4.1. Preserve CountyOwned Parks, Preserves, Beach and Water Access and Waterfront Vistas. The County shall not sell, and shall retain ownership of, Countyowned Parks and Preserves, and shall not vacate or sell Countyowned road segments or right of way along or abutting any beach, river, creek, canal, lake, bay, gulf access or waterfront vista. The County shall encourage maximum right of way use for public access and viewing of waterfront vistas. Whenever feasible, the County shall make these areas accessible to mobility impaired persons.” • “Article III, Section 4.2. Siesta Key Beach Road as Public Right of Way. The County shall rescind the vacation of, or re-acquire, Beach Road on Siesta Key as it existed on January 1, 2016, and shall not vacate or sell this County-owned road segment(s) or right of way. The County shall provide maximum right of way use of Beach Road for public access, including vehicular use and viewing of waterfront vistas. The County shall make Beach Road accessible to mobility impaired persons.” Cosentino needed 13,866 valid voter signatures to get the proposed amendments on the ballot. That number reflected 5% of the voters registered for the last general election prior to the start of his initiative, a Supervisor of Elections Office spokeswoman explained. In one letter to the commission, Turner wrote that Cosentino had gathered a total of 14,727 valid signatures on the proposed amendment that calls for the county to retain or reacquire the vacated segment of Beach Road. In a separate June 25 letter, Turner notified Chair Nancy Detert that Cosentino had secured a total of 14,862 valid signatures on petitions for the other proposed Charter amendment.

Some discussion needed Before the board vote to authorize advertisement of the public hearing, Chair Nancy Detert pointed out that one of Cosentino’s proposed amendments could have an impact on county ownership of parks and preserves, while the other deals with the reacquisition of the vacated part of North Beach Road. “So I would caution voters to make sure you read those.”

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Sportswear • Bait • Tackle “The Nov. 6 ballot is going to be so long,” she continued, “voters might want to ask for an absentee ballot, so that they can have time to read each and every important item that’s going to be on the ballot.” Referring to the Sarasota County Charter, Commissioner Charles Hines said, “This is our constitution … how we conduct business.” “Do you see any landmines in either of these two items?” Detert asked County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh. She pointed out that it would be the responsibility of the board members to “write rules” to implement the changes in the Charter, if the ballot measures are approved in November. DeMarsh responded that one of Cosentino’s proposed amendments would place “limitations on the board’s authority to vacate rights of way. There may be some problems in implementing those if they were adopted by the voters.” However, he continued, “The appropriate time to deal with those issues would be after the election,” instead of prior to the election, “in my opinion.” For a number of months, Cosentino appeared routinely before the County Commission during the Open to the Public portion of meetings, and he often told the board that he would overturn the May 11, 2016 vote on North Beach Road. On one of those occasions, following his remarks, DeMarsh responded to a commissioner’s question about whether the road vacation could be reversed. DeMarsh advised the board members that that was not possible, given the guidelines that govern such commission actions. DeMarsh indicated on July 10 that it would be advisable for him to discuss the applicable issues during the Aug. 29 public hearing on the ordinance related to putting the Cosentino amendments on the ballot.

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Siesta Public Beach Parking Workshop

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By Rachel Brown Hackney

|A half-day workshop to be held later this year so County Commission can decide next steps regarding paid parking at Siesta Public Beach On July 11, 2017, the Sarasota County Commission first expressed an interest in the potential for a paid parking program at Siesta Public Beach. Exactly one year later, Carolyn N. Brown, director of the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, appeared before the board for a review of the year-long process she and her staff have engaged in as a result of that decision. She also offered an update on the latest research. Even before Brown began her remarks, however, Chair Nancy Detert repeated a suggestion she has made in the past — that the commission hold a half-day workshop to conduct a thorough discussion regarding what its next steps should be. During a regular meeting, such as the one this week, time for each agenda item was too constrained for the detailed airing of ideas the board needed, Detert said. Perhaps September or October would be a good timeframe for the workshop, she added. Detert won consensus of her colleagues for that plan. Among the potential actions up for discussion during that workshop, based on Brown’s July 11 remarks, will be whether county staff should issue an Invitation to Negotiate or Request for Proposals, to seek firms interested in working on a paid parking program at Siesta Public Beach. An alternative might be hiring a consulting firm to draw up a plan for the beach parking lot. Given the City of Sarasota’s recent experience with research into metered parking on St. Armands Circle and in downtown Sarasota, Brown said, that expense for the county could run from $40,000 to $100,000. Commissioners Charles Hines and Michael Moran joined Commissioner Alan Maio and Detert in emphasizing the need for the public to be engaged thoroughly in the process. “This is new and unique for Sarasota

County, the fact that we’re even considering charging for parking,” Hines pointed out. “In the past, we would all be thrown out to even talk about it. But now, I think times have changed.” He concurred with Detert that a workshop would be the best venue for an open discussion, with members of the public able to provide their comments. Maio suggested to Brown that she try to schedule a presentation during one of the monthly Presidents Council sessions on Siesta Key, during which leaders of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, the Siesta Key Association and the Siesta Key Condominium Council discuss a variety of issues. That way, Maio indicated, Brown could update the representatives of those organizations about plans for the workshop and encourage their participation in it.

Fodder for discussion Near the end of the almost 27-minute-long item, Detert reeled off a list of other topics for the workshop. Among them were the following: • The potential for construction of a parking garage on the 6647 S. Midnight Pass Road property vacated last year by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, which had used a building on the site as a training center. County Public Utilities Department staff still must maintain infrastructure on the 1.83 acres, Brown noted, including a building that encloses a groundwater tank and underground pipelines. Detert added that that if the garage idea won traction, the next decision would be whether to charge people to use it.

Brown did note that demolition of the former Sheriff’s Office training facility on the site began on July 10 and was expected to be completed by the end of that week. After the building has been removed, Brown continued, her staff and representatives of the county’s Public Works staff will have a better idea about what can be done on the property to create public parking. Maio referenced earlier staff research indicating the potential for 30 spaces in a shell parking lot. • Implementation of a bike-sharing program. • Who should pay for parking at the beach, if a program begins, and how much they should pay. • The potential of working out agreements with shopping centers on the mainland to which the Siesta Key Breeze open-air trolley service could be expanded. If the county leased 20 to 50 spaces at such locations, Commissioner Maio said, the trolley would be able to ferry people between those centers and the beach.

• Continuation of the Siesta Key Breeze, at a cost of approximately $1 million a year if it remains free. “I think it’s a great public service,” Detert added, but whether to continue to keep it free “has to be part of the conversation also.” Brown also noted during the July 11 discussion that staff members in her department and the Public Works Department “recently completed the driveway through the Turtle Beach Park so that the trolley can more easily turn around,” with the work also designed to eliminate dust that had been a source of consternation for nearby residents. On May 22, the commissioners approved the $157,206 expense to pave one of the remaining shell areas of the Turtle Beach Park parking lot on south Siesta Key. That section is in the northeast part of the park, fronting Midnight Pass Road and the large picnic pavilion. As Detert continued her list of workshop topics, she noted one slide in Brown’s earlier review, which read, “Charging for parking at Siesta Beach and/or implementing a toll may help encourage beach visitors to car pool or use alternative transportation, which could help alleviate traffic congestion on Siesta Key.” “You threw in a real shocker there,” Detert told Brown. “So are we envisioning Boca Grande or Sanibel?” Detert asked, noting that it costs $6 to get onto Sanibel Island. “That would be a pretty radical change.” Brown did not respond. Referring to her list, Detert added, “And all of those are fraught with landmines and are complex.”

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AUGUST 2018

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Not The Usual Start to the Morning Siesta Village business owners were abuzz the Saturday after July Fourth, Siesta Sand learned, because of a rather unusual incident at Siesta Center. Just after 8 a.m. on July 7, according to three related Sheriff’s Office reports, deputies were called about “two suspicious suspects sleeping on a bench at 5053 Ocean Blvd. in Sarasota.” As it turned out, one of them was a 15-yearold Sarasota resident who later admitted to having been a lookout while the other one, a 19-year-old, allegedly broke into vehicles on the Key. The younger one, Riley J. Willhite, was released to the Juvenile Justice program later that day, one Sheriff’s Office report said. The older one — Noah T. Mason-Forke of Harrison, Ark., was still in jail in midJuly in connection with the armed theft of a handgun from a vehicle and three drug possession charges, plus one count of Resisting Arrest without Violence, stemming just from what Sheriff’s Office personnel learned at Siesta Center. His bond on the handgun theft charge is $15,000, jail records said, while the total bond amounts for the drug charges was $2,500. A check of other Sheriff’s Office jail records for Mason-Forke found four charges of Unarmed Burglary of an Unoccupied Conveyance, with bond set at $7,500 each for a total of $30,000. Willhite was charged, as well, with Armed Burglary-Conveyance in that one handgun case, a Sheriff’s Office report noted. Siesta Sand heard that a tenant in Siesta Center thought the two people were deceased. Therefore, the tenant called 911. An EMS unit came to Siesta Center, along with Sheriff’s Office personnel. When Deputy Tracy Ross first arrived at the scene about 8:30 a.m., Ross found Riley J. Willhite “sitting on a bench talking to a

fireman,” one Sheriff’s Office report said. When Ross asked whether Willhite was OK, the report continued, “Willhite said he had too much alcohol to drink.” Nonetheless, the report said, “Willhite was able to answer questions and interact in an appropriate manner.” Then a member of the EMS crew informed the deputy that another male was in the rescue unit. Ross entered the unit, where Ross found Mason-Forke on a gurney; two EMS personnel were talking to him. “A small Reebok bag” was between Mason-Forke’s legs, the report added. “I recognized the male from previous contact and asked him his name,” the deputy wrote. Mason-Forke told the deputy his name was Noah, but the deputy noted in the report that the suspect “had trouble saying his last name.” Therefore, the deputy asked if Mason-Forke had any identification in his bag, and Mason-Forke said he did. An EMS crew member handed the deputy the bag. When Ross — the deputy — opened the bag, the report said, Ross “observed a wallet and two pistols.” After learning that the male in the EMS unit was Noah T. Mason-Forke, Ross asked Mason-Forke if he and Willhite had taken any drugs and, if so, whether either was on the verge of an overdose. Mason-Forke replied, “No,” the report added. The deputy secured the bag in the patrol vehicle, the report pointed out. After the EMS crew let Mason-Forke out of the rescue unit, Ross escorted MasonForke to the patrol vehicle and asked him to have a seat. Mason-Forke “immediately took off running south,” the report said, so the deputy yelled, “Police! Stop!” and gave chase. Moments later, after Mason-Forke was back in custody, the report added, Ross

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By Rachel Brown Hackney

escorted Mason-Forke back to Ross’ patrol car. At that point, the report said, MasonForke asked whether he would be in trouble for possessing guns. “This statement was made without prompting or questioning by me,” Ross noted in the report. Ross then arrested Mason-Forke for Resisting without Violence. When Ross conducted a thorough search of the bag, Ross found a Makarov 9mm handgun, a silver Smith and Wesson 40-caliber handgun, an iPad “and illegal narcotics,” the report said. Ross also discovered “numerous items” with personal identification information from other individuals, including credit cards, Florida identification cards and merchant store membership cards, on Mason-Forke and in his wallet, the report noted. At that point, Ross contacted the Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Investigation Division, which took over the case. Ross did point out in the report that Ross had taken an earlier report — on July 6 — regarding the theft of two handguns from a Higel Avenue address. That incident had occurred between July 3 and July 6, the Siesta Center report said. After Ross contacted the victim in the alleged handgun theft case, the victim was able to confirm that the serial number on the Makarov located in MasonForke’s bag matched the serial number on the weapon the victim owned, the report added. As for the narcotics: a search of MasonForke’s bag “revealed a baggie of Marijuana containing 12.2 grams,” the report noted, so the deputy also placed Mason-Forke under arrest for Possession of Marijuana under 20 grams. Additionally, the deputy found nine and one-half pills, which were identified as 2 mg Xanax doses. Therefore, the deputy also charged Mason-Forke with Possession of a Controlled Substance. Finally, a white powder in the bag was tested and found to be methamphetamine; the bag had 16 grams of that, the report said. Thus, Mason-Forke was charged with

another count of Possession of a Controlled Substance. As a result of the Siesta Center incident, deputies also connected Willhite to multiple burglaries, a related report explained. During detectives’ interview with Willhite on July 7 — with his grandmother present, the report pointed out — “Willhite confessed to taking multiple fishing poles” from a boat that was parked in the driveway of a home on Avenida Leona. A resident at the address had provided the Sheriff’s Office with a description that matched Willhite, the report said. The boat belonged to Ray’s Tire Pro, that report noted, adding that that business is owned by Jacob Petty. Willhite also admitted, during questioning, that he had acted as a lookout for MasonForke as Mason-Forke “entered numerous vehicles on Siesta Key,” one of the Sheriff’s Office reports said. Willhite further confessed to taking part in some of the vehicle burglaries with Mason-Forke, the report added. Willhite and his parents were “Cooperative” during the investigation, the report noted.

Bomb squad officer responsed to Calle Del Otono On July 13 a women contacted the Sheriff’s office at 10:55 am to report what appeared to be some kind of explosive, possible firecracker, that had blown up inside her car, according to a Sheriff’s report. In the report, the complaintant reported that she had parked and locked her car the night before at around 9 pm before she went inside her residence on Calle Del Otono on Siesta Key. The report went on to say the officer responding was Sgt Nichols with the bomb squad. He observed that the vehicle interior to be in disarray and the passenger door panel was broken to pieces. Sgt Mruczek contacted CIS and forensis to the scene. The investigation was turned over to detectives.

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941.349.0194

AUGUST 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

ARE YOU HAPPY ABOUT: • Losing your right to public beach access? • The risks of Big Pass being dredged? • Recent zoning law changes regarding setbacks? • Privatizing Beach Rd and other 100-year-old public lands? • The ongoing debacle at Stickney Point Rd and US41? • Huge tax dollars being generated here and spent elsewhere? • Seeing the reasons you moved here disappear?

MAYBE IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE

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Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2018

941.349.0194

Siesta Promenade Formal Review Process Underway By By Rachel Brown Hackney The application for the proposed Siesta Promenade project on the northwest corner of the intersection of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road has been deemed sufficient, Sarasota County Planning and Development Services staff has announced. The formal review process of the request for a Critical Area Plan (CAP) designation and a rezoning began on July 17, a county fact sheet explained. That review is expected to take about 45 days, it noted. A neighborhood workshop is expected to be scheduled at the conclusion of that formal review, county Planning and Development staff has reported. The first public hearing on Siesta Promenade is anticipated about 30 days after the end of the formal review, the fact sheet explained. That would be conducted during a county Planning Commission meeting. Then, approximately 45 days later, the County Commission public hearing would be scheduled, the fact sheet said. Benderson Development Co. has sought the CAP designation so it can pursue residential density up to 25 units per acre on the approximately 23-acre project site. Benderson’s most recent proposal calls for 479 residential units, encompassing 414 condominiums and 130 hotel rooms. Thus, the proposed density is 20.8 units per acre, the fact sheet said. The proposed project also calls for up to 133,000 square feet of retail space and 7,000 square feet of office space, the fact sheet pointed out.

Island Chatter A bit of better property value news With the release of the July 1 county ad valorem tax values — as required by the state each year — owners of property in the Siesta Key Village Public Improvement District ended up with a bit of a break. The preliminary figure the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office reported in late May was $72,814,878. The July 1 number was $72,793,969. Still, those property owners will pay about 7.25% more in taxes than they did last year. That revenue covers the upkeep of Siesta Village.

Connie Lewis moves down the street Connie Lewis, LMT Aesthetician, formerly of Massage Experience Siesta Key, is pleased to announce she is now located at The Spa at Calle Minorga, just 900 feet from the original spa she has owned and managed for over 20+ year in

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Staff Report

Davidson’s Plaza, in the Village. She continues to offer therapeutic massages, facials and facial sculpting and expects to celebrate her new digs with a grand reopening later this year. In the meantime, you can still book online at www. SpaExperienceSiestakey. com or call 941-350-7495 to receive the high-level service her loyal customers have come to expect. The Spa at Calle Minorga is located at 5032 Calle Minorga, in the Village. MM37967 MA17596

Checking the beach for Red Tide Some of our beaches are experiencing red tide and fish kill. So before you head out to a beach you may want to visit the following website for the most up-to-date conditions: www.visitbeaches.org

Illegal parking tickets and garbage volume illustrate a busy July Fourth A period of stormy weather leading up to July Fourth evidently did not deter people from making a beeline to Siesta Key for the holiday. The post on Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Twitter about 9:30 a.m. July 4 said: “It should come as no surprise … the lot at Siesta Key is officially FULL! If you’re headed that way, consider a ride sharing app like Uber or Lyft.” One Siesta Isles resident praised deputies for diligence in ticketing people who had parked illegally on her street, which is not far from the public beach. As Sgt. Jason Mruczek, leader of the Sheriff’s Office substation on the Key, has reported, the tickets have risen to $75. Asked in an email how many tickets officers wrote on the Fourth, Mruczek replied, “About 55.” And in spite of efforts once again by the Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department staff and volunteers to encourage people to collect their trash and dispose of it properly, one volunteer with the Liberty Litter Cleanup on July 5 reported that conditions were quite awful. The volunteer said that even before he made it to the beach shortly before 7 a.m. on July 5, he

had heard from a friend who walks the beach around 5 a.m. each day that the shoreline was a disaster area, littered with tents, chairs and coolers. Last year, county Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) staff reported during the July Siesta Key Association meeting that a bad storm that blew up the evening of the Fourth prompted many people to flee, leaving belongings behind. Again this year, a nasty storm arrived early in the evening of the Fourth. At least it blew over in time for the traditional fireworks show, as the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce directors and staff work so hard to raise sufficient funds to cover the expense of that production. The Liberty Litter Cleanup volunteer who discussed the cleanup, worked three sections of the public beach parking lot, where — he noted — no garbage receptacles are available. Among the types of debris he had to deal with were baby diapers; beer bottles; cans; beer cases; an “untouched ziti pizza, still in the water-soaked box; and a soft cooler full of plastic containers and food. In response to a request, Keep Sarasota County Beautiful provided the following results for the Liberty Litter Cleanup this year, which covers many of the county’s beaches: • Total number of volunteers for all venues: 176. • Total number of volunteers for Siesta Key: 44. • Total number of hours of service for all venues: 330.5. • Total number of hours of service for Siesta: 88. • Total number bags of trash collected at all venues: 122.5. • Total number of bags of trash collected on Siesta: 36. The Keep Sarasota County Beautiful staff added that 60 additional volunteers, “coordinated by the owner of The Beach Club, The Hub, The Cottage and Summer House restaurants in Siesta Village,” put in 120 hours of service to help clean up Siesta Beach on July 5. Chris Brown is the owner of those Village establishments. Last year, Brown and his business partner, Mike Granthon, organized the same type of initiative for July 5. Continued on page 23

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941.349.0194

AUGUST 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Island Jet Ski, Where Adventure Awaits By Diana Colson 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 wellmaintained 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-aboard4-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 white-knuckled 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-phone-video 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-againhome-again-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 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)

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Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2018

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Conclusion of Swap of River Road for Siesta Roads Still Expected by End of the Year By Rachel Brown Hackney

Concern arose recently that the Sarasota County plan to assume authority over Siesta Key roads in exchange for the Florida Department of Transportation’s taking ownership of River Road might take much longer than originally Connie Lewis, LMT and anticipated. However, county staff has affirmed Aesthetician, formerly of Massage Experience Siesta Key, that it is continuing to work on a timeline calling for conclusion of the process before the year ends. is pleased to announce she is now located at The Spa at Calle Amid a multitude of issues that generated discussion during the County Commission’s Minorga, just 900 feet from the original spa she has owned and budget workshops on June 19, one caught County Administrator Jonathan Lewis by surprise. managed for over 20+ years in Davidson’s Plaza, in the Village. As Lewis was reviewing major county projects carrying over into the 2019 fiscal year, he noted She continues to offer that the board had approved the principles for therapeutic massages, facials and facial sculpting and expects River Road swap. to celebrate her new digs with a Staff was continuing to work with the Florida grand reopening later this year. Department of Transportation (FDOT), the City of North Port and the West Villages Improvement In the meantime, you can still District, Lewis continued, in an effort to conclude book online at www.SpaExperienceSiestakey.com that initiative. The swap has been seen as the only or call 941-350-7495 to receive effective means of speeding up much-needed the high-level service her loyal customers have come to expect. improvements to River Road. On May 22, the commissioners agreed on the facets of the deal, The Spa at Calle Minorga is which would entail their commitment to assume located at 5032 Calle Minorga, authority over Stickney Point Road and Siesta in the Village. MM37967 MA17596 Drive west of the drawbridges — which the state (Advertorial) would continue to control — as well as Higel Avenue and the segment of Midnight Pass Road north of the Stickney Point Road intersection. During the June 19 County Commission budget workshop, Commissioner Alan Maio told Lewis that, the previous day, FDOT representatives at the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Open Daily 7am-9pm Organization (MPO) meeting were “claiming eight to nine months before documents can be signed on the River Road swap.” Maio conferred with Chair Nancy Detert and Commissioner Paul Caragiulo, who also attended the meeting, as representatives of the commission, to ensure their understanding of the comments was the same as his. “Yeah,” Detert confirmed Maio’s recollection of the timeline. “That’s certainly not my expectation,” Lewis Broasted Chicken Dinner replied. “We certainly would like to see it done on special every Wednesday before November, if we can make it happen. … We would like some form of formal commitment $ from FDOT.” Lewis added, “We have been going back and 4 pcs. of our Broasted Chicken forth on agreements. It does take a while.” A Cup of Soup or Tossed Salad He pointed out that staff most recently had been dealing with FDOT on issues regarding Potato Choice & Dessert Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, even though principles related to continued development of And, our breakfast that road long had been affirmed between the menu is available all county and the state. Staff would follow up on what Maio said, Lewis day, every day! promised. Detert told him that the FDOT staff members 6721 S. Tamiami Trl, Sarasota at the MPO meeting were specific about the 941.924.1770 DutchValleyRestaurant.net timeline, noting a variety of agencies that would

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staff would consult with FDOT District One Secretary L.K. Nandam about the comments at the MPO session. Detert then reminded Lewis that, months ago, when she had met with the FDOT secretary to talk about accelerating the widening of River Road and other improvements, the response she received was that, even if the projects were at the top of FDOT’s list, they would not begin until FDOT’s 2024 fiscal year. “I want the River Road documents signed,” Lewis responded. He thanked the commissioners for telling him about the MPO discussion and made certain that the issue was added to staff’s list for follow-up after the budget workshop. In early July, a request for an update to county staff was made. In an email, Media Relations Officer Drew Winchester wrote, “There is a shared understanding between Sarasota County and FDOT that the desired timeline for completing the formal agreements for the road transfer is before the end of 2018.”

need to sign off on the road swap. In response to questions, Zachary Burch, government affairs and communications manager for FDOT, wrote in a May 14 email, “The process, once both the County and State agree on the road transfer limits and terms, includes a legal review by both the County and State and the County must pass a resolution supporting the transfer …” He added that a public hearing would have to be conducted, as well as “a Cultural Resource Assessment Survey by the Florida Division of Historical Resources, which assesses if there are any culturally significant areas that need to be preserved and/or that all sides are aware of them prior to the transfer.” Burch concluded, “Once all of those steps are complete, both the State and County would sign the agreement to finalize the transfer.” During the Reports segment of its May 22 regular meeting, the County Commission voted to approve the road swap stipulations upon which FDOT had insisted. The action was not conducted following a public hearing. Lewis told the board members on June 19 that

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On little Sarasota Bay CASUAL WATERFRONT DINING

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941.349.0194

AUGUST 2018

Go Healthy - Go Organic with Made In Rome Organic Gelato It’s August in Southwest Florida which means only a couple more months before locals will again be able to enjoy the milder weather of Fall as the humidity falls back to more bearable levels. To help battle this annual persistent and unforgiving heatwave, Made in Rome Organic Gelato has come up with a cooling treat for these dog days of summer. Their featured gelato uses what’s in season here in Florida – tropical fruits like mango and Dragon fruit are used to create a delicious and refreshing all-natural gelato. Add some organic peaches and strawberries to the mix and you come up with a taste that is reminiscent of a summer day. Definitely peaches, strawberries, and mangoes, but Dragon fruit, you might ask? Despite its exotic look and unusual name, Dragon fruit has a mild flavor that some describe as a mix between pear and kiwi or kiwi and melon. On an episode of the Rachel Ray Show, Dr. Oz and Rachel each came away with differing opinions on its taste. While Rachel described the fruit as “a weak kiwi” Dr. Oz said, “It’s like the cauliflower of fruits.” The added benefits this small fruit provides, helps make this a healthy indulgence especially when you consider all the other ingredients that make up their gelato is organic and all-natural. According to the “Foods for Better Health” website, Dragon fruit is high in vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, fiber, and antioxidants… The seeds and center contain some healthy monounsaturated fats and proteins. Dragon fruits are also a good source of dietary fiber. According to a recent study conducted by researchers at Malaysia University, half of the seeds of a single dragon fruit contain oleic acid. An essential fatty acid, oleic acid is known to help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol and raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “high”) cholesterol. In Taiwan, doctors prescribe patients dragon fruits to help control blood sugar levels and regulate diabetes. Of course, there are plenty of other flavors to try and the staff at Made In Rome Organic Gelato generously provide samples of their house made gelato where a new flavor is produced every 15 minutes, and as their name implies, all ingredients used are organic. No hydrogenated fats or colorants, or preservatives are ever used. Vegan and sugar-free options are available from their freshly-made 30 flavor selection. They also offer shakes and Italian espresso served straight or affogato al caffe; a double shot of espresso topped with a scoop of gelato… any flavor. Their affogato al caffe continues to be a favorite. Says owner, Diane Theron-Cuna, “People go crazy for this!” Theron-Cuna 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. Theron-Cuna’s former career is fascinating, having no connection to her current business. She comes from a family of circus performers and has traveled around the world performing with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The family even has their own “Star of Fame” at St. Armands Circle - The Theron Cycling Troupe. Still a performer at heart, she continues to entertain by retelling stories of her former days all the while churning out a fresh batch of her all-natural, organic gelato. Many customers welcome the warm conversation and exciting adventures she so enthusiastically shares.

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Made In Rome Organic Gelato is located at 5204 Ocean Blvd., in the Siesta Key Village. Their hours are 11:00 am to 11:00 pm daily. (941) 960-5344, www.madeinromegelato.com Owner, Diane Theron-Cuna is thankful (Advertorial)

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Yelp Review: I see why this place is all five stars. Amazing find, tucked away in a nondescript mall adds to its local, simple vibe. Service made it feel like we were part of the family, four happy diners tonight. if you read this post, stop searching and start eating. Seriously do not pass up this little gem. “If you love delicious seafood prepared flawlessly, this is the place for you. Everything is cooked to highlight the high quality, pulled fresh from the gulf.” - Yelper Scott B.

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Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2018

941.349.0194

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Dutch Valley Restaurant Winner of the Golden Chicken Award for Operator Excellence Broaster® Company has named Dutch Valley Restaurant the winner of the company’s prestigious Golden Chicken Award for Operator Excellence. The popular Sarasota restaurant is being acknowledged for its ability to provide the highest quality Genuine Broaster Chicken® while providing customers a memorable and delicious experience. Each year Broaster Company presents its Golden Chicken Award to four of over 4,000 foodservice operators across the country to highlight their excellence and dedication to serving their customers Genuine Broaster Chicken. Dutch Valley Restaurant, located one mile east of Siesta Key, opened in 1972 and is owned by Fernando

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Piney, a restaurant operator who introduced Sarasotians to Genuine Broaster Chicken four years ago. Dutch Valley went from serving one case of chicken per week to now selling three to four cases of fresh Broaster Chicken per day, which equates to roughly 58,000 lbs. of chicken each year. Genuine Broaster Chicken is prepared with the freshest available chicken, proprietary ingredients and a distinctive cooking process. Pressure fried in a patented Broaster® Pressure Fryer, the end result is an amazing aroma and incomparable taste producing tender and moist chicken that’s not too greasy, but extra crispy. “Dutch Valley has truly embraced the Broasted Chicken experience,” says Jay Cipra, CEO/President at Broaster Company. “Their increase in chicken sales is not only impressive, but also shows the love that Sarasota residents have for our chicken. Stories like this make us proud to provide our operators a world-class product that people seek out to enjoy.” Cipra, Raul Piedra, President of Taylor Ultimate Services, along with key executives from both Broaster and Taylor was in town to present Piney and Dutch Valley restaurant with their award on Tuesday, July 24th, at the restaurant located at 6721 S. Tamiami Trail. “Over the past four years we have generated loyal customers that come back time and time again

specifically to experience the taste of Genuine Broaster Chicken— making it a staple item on our menu,” says Fernando Piney, owner of Dutch Valley Restaurant. “Receiving the Golden Chicken Award is very humbling and will give customers a reason to stop in for a high quality Broasted Chicken experience.”

About Dutch Valley Restaurant In 1972, a small restaurant named Dutch Valley Restaurant in Sarasota opened just a few blocks away from the present location. Quality “down home cooking” foods and more than reasonable prices drew crowds and it became necessary to move to the present location over 30 years ago. Continued good operations demanded the need to add even more seating and provide better services for their customers. While Dutch Valley began as an Amish restaurant, today they carry a wide variety of meals with a diner flare. They serve breakfast all day and have American and Greek foods and a variety of desserts. It is Dutch Valley’s commitment to provide every customer top quality food with good and friendly service for very reasonable prices. www.DutchValleyRestaurant.net To learn more about the Broaster Company visit their website at www.broaster.com.

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AUGUST 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Maio Continues to Lead The Way in Fundraising for District 4 County Commission Race By Rachel Brown Hackney \ SarasotaNewsLeader.com Sarasota County Commissioner Alan Maio of Nokomis continues to outpace all other candidates for County Commission this year — especially his District 4 opponents — in terms of fundraising, the latest reports show. District 4 includes Siesta Key. Having added $2,600 in monetary and $408.44 in in-kind contributions from June 23 to July 6, Maio reported a total of $110,068 in the document due to the state by July 13. He had spent another $904.30, bringing that total to $25,716.39. Maio has accounted for $10,000 of his contributions, via a loan he made to the campaign in April, records show. The only County Commission candidate who has raised no money is Siesta Key resident Mike Cosentino. He submitted a form early in July that serves as a notification of no activity in his account for the reporting period from June 23 through July 6. Cosentino filed as a Democrat on June 14 to face Wesley Anne Beggs in the Aug. 28 Democratic primary. Cosentino’s previous campaign finance record showed that he had loaned his campaign the $5,198.04 fee to qualify for the race. SNL incorrectly reported earlier this month that Beggs appeared to have qualified for the race by submitting the sufficient number of registered voter petitions. An amended report she filed for the period of June 1-22 showed that she, too, paid the $5,198.04 filing feel. Maio’s Republican primary opponent, Lourdes Ramirez of Siesta Key, pulled in another $1,195 in cash and checks from June 23 to July 6 — along with $622.64 in in-kind donations — for a campaign total thus far of $16,868, her latest report says. She loaned her campaign $3,300 in March, records note. Altogether, as of her July 11 report, she had spent $4,191.15. Ramirez filed for the District 4 seat on Feb. 20. Beggs has remained close to the fundraising level Ramirez has reported. By July 6, Beggs had added $1,815 in cash and checks and $245.25 in in-kind services, bringing her total to $16,085.18. As of July 6, Beggs reported expenses adding up to $10,509.10.

Beggs was the second person to file for the District 4 seat. She turned in her paperwork on Feb. 8. Maio formally submitted paperwork on Dec. 13, 2017 to seek re-election to the seat, which he won in November 2016. As with previous reports Maio has filed, a number of his 22 latest contributors were

checks from Truex Preferred Construction and Suncoast Architect, both of Englewood. Maio LAO noted contributions from Joseph Medred, whose father, Robert “Bo” Medred, heads up Genesis Planning and Development in Bradenton. Bo Medred often appears before the County Commission on behalf of developers seeking commission

Alan Maio

Wesley Anne Beggs

Lourdes Ramirez

Mike Cosentino

in the real estate business or real estate development. They were Carlisle W. Fiers III of Nokomis, Cemo Title Services of Venice, Worthington Property Group of Nokomis, and Sarasota Commercial Reality in Sarasota. Additionally, Maio reported

approval for new projects. Maio’s top expenses in his latest report are more payments to the Venice CPA firm of Robinson, Hanks, Young and Roberts and The Thomson Group of Sarasota. The latter business handles communications and social

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media. Maio paid the CPA firm $500, while the expense noted for The Thomson Group was $400. Sarasota County School Board member Eric Robinson is the Robinson in the Venice firm. Rod Thomson, a well-known Republican activist in Sarasota, is the principal of The Thomson Group. Ramirez noted a combination of 17 cash and in-kind contributions in her latest report. However, seven of them were in-kind contributions she made to the campaign. Those ranged from $14.78 for social media services to $167.05 for food for a meet-and-greet function to $200 for graphics. Among the people giving her donations were former Sarasota City Commissioner Susan Chapman and Sarasota City Planning Board member Eileen Normile. Ramirez’s biggest expenses were $1,819 to Sun Graphics Technologies of Sarasota for yard signs and $1,284 to Gateway Media of Sarasota for printing. As she has in recent reports, Beggs again led the way with the number of contributors — 49. However, she accounted for three of those, for in-kind services. Among them were separate payments of $164.18, $49.63 and $31.44 for office supplies for marketing. Once again, as well, a number of the donations were small — $10, $20 and $25, $30 and $35, for example. Ramirez reported amounts from $20 to $200. In contrast, Maio’s monetary contributions for the latest report were ether $100 or $200. Among those listed as contributors in Beggs’ report for the period of June 23 through July 6 were Jono Miller, retired director of the Environmental Studies Program at New College of Florida, which is Beggs’ alma mater; and past Sarasota Mayor Kelly Kirschner. In her prior report, Beggs identified a campaign with a range of occupations, such as “Lab Tech,” “Computer Programmer” and “Student.” Both Ramirez and Beggs note in their latest reports that a number of those who have given money to their campaigns are retirees. Beggs’ biggest expense for the period of June 23 through July 6 was $600 for software.

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Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2018

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Siesta Key Transportation and Parking

By Rachel Brown Hackney

During the County Commission’s regular meeting on July 11, Commissioner Alan Maio — who represents Siesta as part of his territory — pointed out that the ridership for the first full year of the Breeze’s service actually was higher than original reports indicated. Because of what he called “an unexpected computer glitch,” the number was off by 9,000, he said.

Discussion, off island parking spots for the trolley

New trolley operator to come on board The Siesta Key Breeze will have a new operator as of Aug. 29. On July 10, as part of their Consent Agenda of routine business items, the county commissioners approved a contract with C.P.R. Medical Transportation LLC of Washington, D.C., for the continued operation of the trolley. The bid amount totaled $3,934,178 for three years, according to a memo from Rob Lewis, interim director of Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT). The contract may be renewed for up to two additional one-year periods. On Feb. 28, 2017, the board approved a contract with Ride Right Transit for six months, with options to renew for another six-month period and then month-to-month extensions for no more than six additional months, Lewis pointed out. As staff waited on a new solicitation for the service to be put out for bid, he added, the term contract with Ride Right was extended through Aug. 28. On March 30, the county advertised for bids. Ride Right — which is based in Lake St. Louis, Mo. — and C.P.R. Medical Transportation were the only two companies that responded, based on a document included in the July 10 commission meeting packet. Ride Right bid $1,352,131.67 per year, while C.P.R. Medical Transportation bid $1,185,913.29 a year. After reviewing the responses, Lewis wrote in his memo, the county Procurement

Official signed a Notice of Recommended Award on May 3, identifying C.P.R. Medical Transportation as the “lowest responsive and responsible bidder,” as the county’s terminology goes in procurement matters. In his memo, Lewis also pointed to the success of the Siesta Key Breeze. In March of this year, he wrote, the trolley recorded its highest ridership level since it was launched on March 20, 2017: The Breeze had a total of 36,195 passengers. “Passenger ridership per hour and cost per passenger data has supported the Florida Department of Transportation’s continued funding of the Siesta Key open-air circulator service with block grant funding,” Lewis noted. Charlene Ross, the transit projects coordinator for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), wrote SCAT staff a letter on May 3, concurring with the proposal to award the bid to C.P.R. Medical Transportation. On May 8, the County Commission voted unanimously to approve a new agreement with FDOT to fund a portion of the trolley’s operating expenses through Dec. 31, 2019, Lewis noted. When SCAT contacted to ask about the June ridership figure for the Breeze, Kendra Keiderling reported that it was 20,044. Keiderling is SCAT’s marketing, outreach and customer service supervisor. She was among SCAT personnel who greeted Siesta business owners and residents who gathered on April 9 to mark the celebration of the Breeze’s 250,000th passenger.

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The Breeze’s operations were just one of many topics on July 11 when the commissioners reviewed the latest updates from the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department (PRNR) regarding ways to reduce traffic congestion on the Key. During a half-day workshop later this year, the commissioners plan to tackle the paid-parking issue in-depth. In the meantime, on July 11, Commissioner Alan Maio expressed some consternation when Carolyn Brown, director of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, reviewed efforts of her staff to try to work out proposals with owners of shopping centers near Siesta, so people one day could park their cars and then take a SCAT bus or the trolley to the beach. (Funding — perhaps from paid parking at the beach — would enable the Siesta Key Breeze to extend its route off the island, commissioners have pointed out on numerous occasions.) “It’s been whispered to me,” Maio said, that perhaps owners of the shopping centers fear they will be penalized by the county in certain ways if they agree to set aside from 20 to 50 spaces for people taking mass transit service to the Key. Maio explained that the county Zoning Code requires shopping centers to have one parking space for every 250 square feet of retail space. He added that he has heard that if the owners reserve some of their spaces for SCAT or Breeze customers, they feel county staff will keep them from expanding their facilities, if they desire, because they will not have the required number of parking spaces. Some also fear they would end up having to deal with Code Enforcement staff over violations, he noted. Addressing Brown, Maio said, “If, in fact, that is true, go to them and say, ‘this is an accommodation to your community. This is you helping the very community that patronizes your businesses.’” He added that she also could tell them, “‘You have a loudmouthed commissioner who is horrified that you turned us down.’” Assure them that Code Enforcement officers

would not show up, Maio told Brown, if the shopping center owners “are trying to help us on this.” Chair Nancy Detert chided Maio afterward, reminding him that she had called for an abbreviated discussion that day, given all the items on the board’s agenda. The need for plenty of time for discussions was why she suggested the workshop, she pointed out. Additionally, during the time they did spend on the beach parking issues, Commissioner Michael Moran made it clear — as he has with other matters — that he believes the private sector ultimately will provide the best means of alleviating the traffic congestion on the Key. For example, he said, Uber recently bought an electric bicycle company and is expanding its services to cities such as Washington, D.C.; Austin, Texas; and Chicago. The average user of the service is traveling 2.6 miles on one of the bikes, he pointed out.“ The private sector moves at the speed of light sometimes,” Moran said, “when we’re running in mud.”

A longer-range consideration regarding Siesta parking Early in the July 11 County Commission discussion about easing traffic congestion on the Key, Chair Nancy Detert expressed a preference for delaying a proposed workshop on the topic until after the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) completes the Barrier Island Study involving Siesta. The County Commission approved that study earlier this year as a request among its priorities for the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The MPO added it to the list to forward to FDOT. However, Carolyn Brown, director of the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, explained, “The funding has not been allocated for that study.” It is anticipated, she said, that the research will be funded in FDOT’s Five Year Work Program for FY2019/2020 through FY2023/2024. Brown indicated that results of that study “would include recommendations for how to alleviate traffic and parking challenges on Siesta Key.” The FDOT project would be similar to one the department has undertaken for the Town of Longboat Key and the City of Sarasota. “There’s a long timeline there,” Commissioner Alan Maio said of the county’s Barrier Island Study. “I noticed that,” Detert added. “We can’t, in my humble opinion, wait for that timeline,” Maio said.

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AUGUST 2018

Remember We Live in Florida with Alligators

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Photo by Joe Volpe

On Saturday, July 7 around 1:30 PM, a six foot alligator was spotted in the Grand Canal in the 5100 block of Oxford Drive on Siesta Key. On June 30 at the Shamrock Park & Nature Center located at 3900 Shamrock Drive in Venice a large 13 foot alligator killed a German Shepard when the owners were walking their two German Shepard pets off leash. Rio, the male dog was attacked and later euthanized because of his injuries. The other dog Lucy was never found. The 13 foot alligator was captured on July 8 and will be killed for its meat and skin. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, alligators over four feet long that are considered a threat are deemed a nuisance and must be terminated. According to Drew Winchester from Sarasota County, dogs are allowed at the 80 acre park, as long as they are on a leash.

Man Struck By Lightning Dies A 33-year-old Seffner man who had been snorkeling off Siesta Beach on June 24 was struck by lightning and died after he waded out of the Gulf of Mexico, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office reported. James William Barton was pronounced dead at 2:45 p.m. in the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Emergency Room, the report said. Seffner is in Hillsborough County. The Sheriff’s Office received notification of the incident at 2:06 p.m. June 24; it occurred at 6056 Midnight Pass Road. The address is that of the Peppertree Bay condominium complex on the Gulf side of Siesta Key. Peppertree is south of the public beach, where lifeguards are posted. Based on National Weather Service (NWS) statistics available at the time, that was the third fatal lightning strike in Florida since

By Rachel Brown Hackney

Jan. 1. Karen Regina Zannone, 44, of Tampa told deputies that she and Barton were visiting the beach. He began snorkeling in the Gulf while she lay down on the beach, she added. When a thunderstorm approached and rain began, Zannone said she approached Barton at the waterline, the report continued. As she started back up the beach toward their belongings, she saw a flash of light and fell back onto the sand, she told deputies. When she looked up, she saw Barton on the ground and began screaming, the report noted. Visitors nearby on the beach, who were first responders, called for Emergency Medical Services and started CPR, the Sheriff’s Office reported shortly after the incident occurred. CPR continued as Barton was loaded into a lifeguard truck and then

Turtle Nest Damage

transported to Sarasota Memorial, the report noted. A deputy who examined Barton’s body after a doctor pronounced Barton’s death “observed a mark on the back of his head, a wound on the bottom of his chin (possible exit wound); some minor scorching [on Barton’s lower abdomen],” the report added. Barton’s vehicle key was recovered from the beach and turned over to a Sheriff’s Office detective, the report said. Thunderstorms with severe lightning were observed in many parts of the county on June 24. Brian Lada, a meteorologist with AccuWeather, pointed out in an April 2015 news release on AccuWeather’s website that lightning claims 55 to 60 lives a year. Twelve percent of deaths occur on beaches

and boats, an AccuWeather graphic noted. “When a thunderstorm is approaching,” the release said, “it is important to seek shelter as soon as possible to stay safe.” “AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski advised in the release that “a sturdy and enclosed building or a car is the safest place to be during a thunderstorm.” The release added, “Just because a thunderstorm is far away does not mean that you are safe from being struck.” “‘A thunderstorm may not be directly overhead, but you could still get hit by lightning,’” Pydynowski said in the release. “‘A bolt of lightning can strike people and buildings 10 miles away from where it is raining.’”

By Rachel Brown Hackney

Mote and state wildlife officers seeking help to determine who drove over marked sea turtle nests near Turtle Beach The Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Mote Marine Laboratory are asking the public for help in determining who drove over eight sea turtle nests near Turtle Beach on Siesta Key on June 22, including a newly laid, unmarked nest. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call FWC’s wildlife alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). “Upon Mote’s initial inspection, there was no obvious damage to eggs,” a Mote news release said, “but it is difficult to assess the damage done to each nest without disturbing the nest further.” Thus, Mote scientists may not know the potential impacts on each nest until they hatch, the release added. “Sea turtles are protected under federal and state laws as well as local ordinances,” the Mote release emphasized. “Harming sea turtles, their nests or eggs is illegal and can result in serious fines or even jail time,” it added. “We are disappointed to see this kind of destruction — especially to know that it likely took place at night, when the perpetrators could have easily driven over hatchlings or hit a nesting sea turtle,” said Coquina Homer, a Mote biological technician, in the release. “We go to a lot of effort to protect sea turtles, which are threatened species. We hope

that members of the public learn from this incident and help to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.” Homer reported the incident to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office on the morning of June 22. The Mote news release said that a small vehicle dislodged the stakes around the seven nests that had been discovered prior to the incident. Mote also submitted a report to the FWC on June 22. The FWC “leads wildlife law enforcement in Florida,” the Mote news release said, but “Mote Marine Laboratory provides independent, scientific monitoring for 35 miles of sea turtle nesting beaches from Longboat Key though Venice.” The Sheriff’s Office report noted that the vehicle that drove over the nests started its path at Turtle Beach Park and returned there. “Mote’s Sea Turtle Patrol found the damage and tracks from a golf cart or all-terrain vehicle (ATV),” the Mote release pointed out. “FWC officers conducted an initial investigation,” the release explained, but it was inconclusive because so little additional evidence was found.

Brian Norris an FWC officer who handles public information requests for the agency, said in a July 11 email, “Unfortunately, we have not received any additional information or tips that may help us further this case.” In an earlier telephone interview, he said it was difficult to determine with certainty the type of vehicle that was involved. Golf carts and ATVs use similar types of tires, he noted.

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Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2018

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If It Looks Like A Boat Channel

www.siestasand.net

Continued from cover story

The distinctive design of Borrow Area C has received new attention in the context of the efforts of the Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization (SBPO) to produce a plan for a new area with arts, cultural and public amenities on 53 acres of the City of Sarasota’s bayfront. Forty-two of those acres are owned by the city. As part of the planning process for The Bay, the team from outside Boston that has been working on designs —Sasaki — also has spent a bit of time learning about the popularity

of the city’s 10th Street Boat Ramp. During the June 7 meeting of the Siesta Key Association (SKA), Director Joe Volpe reported on attending a session for boaters earlier that same week, during which SBPO and Sasaki representatives talked about plans for new restaurants on the bay front and new docks. Volpe explained that, as a boater himself, he is aware that the three channels that meet off Bird Key create a situation that can confuse people unfamiliar with the local waters. Additionally, he said, “It’s very shallow” in that location. “You can easily run aground,” as he himself has done in his 20-foot boat, he acknowledged. If that area is dredged, he continued, the channel will be deep all the way to Marina Jack on the city’s bay front. Then Volpe talked about the SBPO meeting for boaters, noting that the goal with The Bay project is to create a “destination place” for the public. “Remember Bob’s Boathouse?” he asked the attendees at the SKA meeting. The original Bob’s Boathouse, on the northern end of Old Stickney Point Road, drew lots of complaints, Volpe pointed out, because of the high decibel levels and diesel fumes from vessels of patrons of that business who arrived on large boats. Based on the plans he saw for The Bay, he said, the Sasaki team envisions large vessels tying up at new docks proposed on the city waterfront, so people can enjoy the restaurants and other amenities. And large boats mean deep drafts. A new channel from Big Pass into Sarasota Bay seems to fit into that plan, Volpe added. “Somebody with a lot of money wants this non-boat channel built.” Volpe also reminded the audience members that the USACE plans call for dredging every five years to keep sand replenished on South Lido. “But they keep saying it’s not a boat channel.” He also reminded the attendees of the old saying, “If it walks like a duck, looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck.” One audience member, Dr. Stephen Lexow, responded that if Volpe’s observations are correct, “It’s even more important that the dredging project be stopped.”

BORROW AREA ‘C’

Speaking of the Big Pass dispute… With a recent request, on July 10, Sarasota City Attorney Robert Fournier provided an updated list of attorney’s fees and expenses in response to the SKA and Save Our Siesta Sand 2 legal challenges to the proposed dredging of Big Pass. They are as follows: • $392,595.25 to GrayRobinson, the Fort Lauderdale law firm where the city’s outside counsel — John R. Herin Jr. — practices. • $203,829.20 to Lewis, Longman & Walker, the Bradenton firm that has been representing the Lido Key Residents Association, which intervened in both the SKA’s 12th Judicial Circuit Court case and the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) proceeding. That total is $596,424.45, Fournier wrote in his July 10 email. He then noted other expenses related to the legal challenges. • $29,316,64 to CSA Ocean Sciences, based in Stuart. • $65,298.55 to Thomas Campbell, a professional engineer who is president of Coastal Planning & Engineering of Boca Raton. • $10,800.00 to Angel Eyes UAV LLC of Naples. Thus, Fournier wrote, the overall total is $701,839.64. In response to questions during a recent telephone interview, Fournier explained that the Lido Key Residents Association won agreement from Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin for the city to cover some of that organization’s legal expenses in fighting challenges to the dredging of Big Sarasota Pass to renourish South Lido. Fournier earlier had noted that he and Herin of GrayRobinson have to approve any bills submitted by Lewis, Longman & Walker before the city pays them. Asked about the justification for those payments, Fournier said that if Lewis, Longman & Walker had not been involved, then Herin would have had to have assistance from other staff at his firm, as he would have been unable to handle everything on his own. That would have necessitated extra city payments to GrayRobinson, Fournier added. Michael Holderness, a Siesta property owner and manager who was one of the plaintiffs in the DOAH proceeding late last year, copied

the Siesta Sand/SNL on an email he sent to the city commissioners on July 12. “The City hired Gray Robinson Law Firm to represent it in the Lido Beach Nourishment Matter,” he began. “Private citizens organized as Lido Key Residents Association hired the law firm of Lewis, Longman & Walker to represent them. “City Attorney Fournier has confirmed the law firm of Lewis, Longman & Walker does NOT represent the City and the City has no retainer agreement with the firm,” he continued. Nevertheless, Holderness pointed out, the “City Attorney authorized and paid $203,829.20 (as of May

1, 2018) to the Bradenton firm. “Under what authority can a City use public funds to pay for the attorneys of private landowners?” he asked. “I think such expenditures may even be illegal,” he added. “Did the City Commissioner approve this expenditure? “Please investigate this use of funds,” he concluded. As of the deadline for this issue of Siesta Sand, we had seen no response from any city commissioner to Holderness in the city’s public email folder. Read more Big Pass related articles in this edition; see pages 4 and 35.

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AUGUST 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

SKA Disagrees with Sarasota County Attorney’s Assertion That County Has No Jurisdiction Over Big Pass By Rachel Brown Hackney Sarasota County has no jurisdiction over dredging in the Gulf of Mexico in regard to beach nourishment projects, County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh reported to the County Commission on July 10. Commissioner Alan Maio raised the issue during his report as part of the board’s regular meeting that day. Maio pointed out that he has received “an awful lot of questions” — and he expected his colleagues had, as well — regarding the proposed dredging of Big Sarasota Pass to renourish an approximately 1.6-mile stretch of South Lido Key Beach. On June 18, Secretary Noah Valenstein of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) issued a Joint Coastal Permit to the City of Sarasota and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) that would allow them to remove up to 1.3 million cubic yards of sand from Big Pass for South Lido. Maio added on July 10 that he had spent “dozens and dozens and dozens and dozens of hours with staff,” including DeMarsh and County Administrator Jonathan Lewis, on points raised in emails he has received. Maio also apologized to DeMarsh, adding that he “got pretty pushy” with DeMarsh during some of their talks. “We have Comprehensive Plan language that says no dredging within our boundaries without our express permission,” Maio told his colleagues. In his discussions about that with DeMarsh, he continued, he learned that the policy does not apply to the Big Pass situation. “In working with your staff,” DeMarsh responded, addressing all the commissioners, “and reviewing county Environmental Policy 4.6.1, it is our opinion and staff’s opinion that it only applies to private dredging operations and has never been applied to a public project to dredge.” DeMarsh continued, “It has been my opinion that that environmental policy would not come into play in the event that there were beach nourishment projects requiring a sand source, and therefore dredging, in the Gulf of Mexico. It simply does not apply.” That policy has been the foundation of a verified complaint that the Siesta Key Association (SKA) filed in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court early last year in an effort to stop the city and the USACE from using Big Pass as the source of sand for the Lido project. That case had been in abeyance until a Final Order was issued at the conclusion of a Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) proceeding in which the SKA and another Siesta-based nonprofit, Save Our

Siesta Sand 2 (SOSS2), had challenged the FDEP’s Notice of Intent — published on Dec. 22, 2016 — that it would issue the Joint Coastal Permit for the Lido project. Valenstein also filed the Final Order on June 11, which made only a couple of substantial modifications to the permit. One of those restricted the amount of sand to 1.3 million cubic yards; the other prevents removal of sand from two borrow areas from April through September. The latter limitation was designed to protect the spotted sea trout, which spawns in those areas during that period each year. The SKA announced in early July that it had a hearing scheduled for July 23 in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court on a motion the City of Sarasota filed last year, seeking dismissal of the verified complaint. SKA Vice President Catherine Luckner said in a July 16 telephone interview, “Mr. DeMarsh is incorrect. … There’s lots of indications that his statement is not true.” It makes no sense, she continued, that the county would have no means of advocacy for one of its most vital resources — and one of its top tourist draws: its waterways. “If they have no oversight,” Luckner added of the commissioners “they really need to go back and revise the Comprehensive Plan.” The SKA will proceed with the hearing as planned, she and her husband, Robert, stated. Robert Luckner heads up the SKA’s Environmental Committee. Both Luckners have undertaken years of research relating to the USACE proposal to dredge Big Pass. Robert Luckner further pointed to the section of Florida Administrative Law Judge Bram D.E. Canter’s May 8 Recommended Order in the DOAH case. That notes that Chapter 163 of the Florida Statutes … “requires all development undertaken by governmental agencies to be consistent with the local government’s comprehensive plan.” However, Canter continued, “Even an affirmative consistency comment from a local government to the State Clearinghouse does not settle the question of whether a project is consistent with the local government’s comprehensive plan under chapter 163. A consistency comment is similar to a permit applicant’s demonstration that it owns or controls land, which cannot open a permit proceeding to disputed issues regarding land title, nor result in a legally binding determination of land title.” “The Florida State Clearinghouse coordinates the dissemination of coastal permit applications for comment regarding consistency with enforceable policies of the Florida Coastal Zone Management Program,” Canter pointed out.

In an April 19, 2017 response to the City of Sarasota’s Motion to Dismiss the SKA’s verified complaint, SKA attorney Kent Safriet of Hopping, Green & Sams in Tallahassee wrote about the question of whether the city’s dredging of Big Pass would violate the county Comprehensive Plan policy County Attorney DeMarsh referenced on July 10. That question, Safriet contended, “will not and cannot be answered by FDEP (or DOAH) … In fact,” he continued, “FDEP specifically stated that it ‘maintains that “comp plan consistency” is not a requirement of the Joint Coastal Permit … . Safriet’s emphasis.’”

What about that $1 million for the CRA settlement? During his July 10 report, Maio raised a second issue pertinent to the Lido project. “There’s a great deal of conversation,” he said, about the $1 million the board agreed to give the City of Sarasota for an emergency shoreline stabilization project the city plans on South Lido, after sea turtle nesting season ends on Oct. 31. That was part of a series of proposals from the city to settle a dispute that had lingered for more than two years over a

final payment city leaders say the county owes the Downtown Sarasota Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Trust Fund. The county’s $1 million would come out of Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenue the county receives from the 5% tax on rental of tourist accommodations. When the County Commission voted unanimously on May 8 to approve the list of proposals offered by the city, Maio took the opportunity to gain assurance from County Administrator Lewis that the city would not use the $1 million for the long-term USACE project. “That’s absolutely correct, Commissioner,” Lewis responded on May 8. During the July 10 commission meeting, Maio said he wanted to make certain that none of the $1 million would go “to pay for the legal fees the city has been incurring, fighting citizens groups who are opposed to the USACE project.” He also sought confirmation that the CRA settlement agreements have not been signed. “That’s absolutely correct,” Lewis replied, adding that he could go one step further. “Those agreements will have to come back to you for approval before they’re signed.”

Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2018

Sheriff’s Report

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

June 20 - July 17, 2018

There were a total of 41 crimes reported on the Key between 6/20-7/17/18 6/20/18 Burglary – Attempt 7000 Block Point of Rocks Cir. A man returned home from out of town and observed a window screen out of one of the windows on the bottom floor of his residence. There were pry marks on the window, evidence of an attempt to get inside. A white pillowcase not belonging to the complainant was on the ground next to the screen. Two other doors appeared to have been pried with an unknown metal object. Deputies dusted for prints but were unsuccessful in lifting any. Photos were taken of the doors and windows and submitted into evidence. It did not appear that entry was made into the residence and nothing appeared to have been taken.

6/22/18 Theft- Felony 1 Beach Rd. A man reported he left his backpack on the beach at Access 2 while he went for a swim. When he returned his bag was gone. Although he did not see anyone take it, he believes it was stolen. He was unable to track his IPhone. The backpack contained; his wallet, ID, a credit card, IPhone 8, a shirt, swimsuit and a BMW key fob. The missing items were valued at approximately $1232.

6/26/18 Grand Theft 100 Block Columbus Blvd. Deputies responded to a call regarding the theft of a television from a Village rental. When the housekeeper entered the room she noticed the TV was gone. No signs of forced entry were observed. The manager assumes someone used the key located in the key box mounted to the wall next to the front door to gain access. All employees have access to the key box and the manager felt it might have been an “inside job”. He will contact the Sheriff’s Office with any additional suspect information.

6/30/18 Stolen Vehicle 1000 Block S. View Drive

was approximately $10. No further action was taken.

A woman reported that an unknown subject took her vehicle, which was parked in her driveway. She stated she had returned from a daytrip to Orlando with her son and a male friend and immediately went to bed. When she woke up around 7 a.m., she realized the car was not in her driveway. She called her friend who stated that when they had left her home in an uber before 7, the car was not in her driveway. The car was unlocked and the woman stated she still had possession of her keys. The vehicle is paid off and would not have been repossessed. There are no known suspects. The 2007 GMC Yukon was valued at $14,000.

7/1/18 Theft 100 block Beach Rd. A man who owns property near Beach Access 2 reported a theft. He explained he had placed two wooden stakes on his property that stated “No Trespassing.” He was near his property when he observed a woman pull the wooden stakes from the ground and walk away with them. After telling the woman they were his property, the woman replied, “no, they are garbage.” The woman left the area and could not be located. The value of the wood

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

7/2/18 Petit Theft Public Beach A man hanging out in the main pavilion area of the public beach reported his wallet stolen. He had placed his items on a table for a few minutes. When he turned around, he noticed his wallet was gone. The wallet contained various gift cards, and a Florida ID. There were no witnesses.

7/3/18 Burglary- Attempt 1000 Block Contento St. A man reported to Crime Stoppers an attempted burglary to his vehicle. A video was submitted and the case is an open investigation at this time.

7/5/18 Theft Public Beach A man reported his fanny pack/ wallet stolen from the Public Beach. He explained he had left it on the beach with his chair and when he returned, it was missing. The contents of the pack were FL drivers license, 2 credit cards, AAA card and an insurance card. The total value was $80. There were no known suspects.

Visit our new Siesta Village Liquors just next door!

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

AUGUST 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

VILLAGE MAP pgs 22 - 23

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 43

GULF GATE SHOPS pg 28

CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 24

LOCAL MAPS INSIDE

LIVE MUSIC PAGE 26

The Publication with “Key” Information | www.SiestaSand.net | 941.349.0194

Siesta Key Drum Circle Before You Leave...

If you have any non-perishable food items that have not been opened, the Siesta Key Chamber, located at 5114 Ocean Blvd, in the Village at the Davidson Plaza along with St. Michael’s Parish, located at 5394 Midnight Pass Road will gladly take these items and pass them on to the less fortunate in the Sarasota area. Chamber hours for items to be dropped off are as follows: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. For instructions on after hour drop-offs, please contact the Chamber office at 941-349-3800. St. Michael’s hours for items to be dropped off are as follows: Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – Noon and again from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. – Noon.

If you are dropping off items after hours, please leave any items at the front door of the parish office. For any additional questions, please contact the office at 941-349-4174.

Every Sunday is a perfect time to come to the Key to reconnect with Mother Nature and to enjoy some wonderful entertainment. 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 Courtesy: Randy Martin/ Drum Circle Facebook Post

Before you leave Sarasota, you must try this one! As seen on the Food Network Guy Fieri’s “Diner’s, Drive-In’s and Dive’s” show. The TurDucKen “One big bird” Boneless chicken stuffed in a boneless duck stuffed in a boneless turkey with a variety of great seasonings. Alpine Steakhouse just off of Siesta Key located between the bridges at 4520 S. Tamiami Trail. 941-922-3797

Lunch Turducken Sandwich $8.95 and Dinner Turducken $18.95 w/mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce

Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2018

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Events “The Siesta Key Chamber had their June Business Card Exchange at Siesta Key Beach Concessions thanks to host Warren LaBonte. Guests enjoyed a fun and interactive drumming demonstration from Erik Dunton and Kim Scott at Positive RePercussions. Also, Brian Wigelsworth from The Sandventure Crew sculpted a beautifully detailed elephant for everyone to enjoy,” Rachel Dixon, Promotion & Event Coordinator of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce told Siesta Sand.

Rain Dampens Spectator Turnout According to Dixon, the 4th of July viewing area party was greatly affected by the rain. “We aren’t sure how many people actually showed; maybe 100? We sold about 400 wristbands,” she continued. Based on final figures, The Chamber exceeded their goal of $50,000 for the fireworks and various other expenses. “The Siesta Key Chamber would like to thank the Fireworks Committee, Sarasota County staff at Siesta Key Beach, the Sheriff’s Department, EMS personnel, SRQ Vets, volunteers and the Zambelli crew for an unforgettable 4th of July! Mother Nature kept us on our toes but the fireworks went off without a hitch. We sincerely appreciate all of the local businesses and individuals whose generous donations make the fireworks possible,” Dixon concluded. The chamber would like to welcome the following businesses; • Knockerballs N’ Ninjas • NES Health • Robert Melo, Business Broker with Florida Business Opportunities • Pipe Restoration Solutions • House Watch Sarasota • Harbor Towers Yacht Club • Midnight Derby LLC

DISCOVERTHEYEAROFTHE

Ann Frescura, Mike Gatz, Rachel Dixon, Stephanie Brown, Debbie Szczesny, Gabe Hartmann, Mia Leone, and Godfrey McClain a volunteer from SRQ Vets

Daiquiri

NOTICE: Looking fo

For those that have enjoyed th cuts and camaraderie at the Villag Barber over the years, you can sti continue to see Scott Reich at hi new Gulf Gate Barbershop locatio at 6575 Gateway Ave. in Gulf Gate The Siesta Center was sold an the new ownership of the Ocea Blvd building wasn’t quite meetin up to expectations. Notice: Change of Phone Numbe Call Scott at 941-600-4533. Hi hours are 8:30-4:00 Tuesday thr Friday and 8:30-12:00 Saturday.

MEET ME AT THE DECK!

2-4-1

3-7 PM Y L I A D S I DAIQUIR ACCOMMODATIONS Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa........ Map-A #38A ART GALLERY / STUDIO Calle Studios..........................................Map-B #32 The Gallery on Siesta Key................... Map-D #11 ATM / BANKS PNC ATM.............................................. Map-C #61 Martin Funding.......................................Map-E #1 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 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

NOW WITH 4 LOCATIONS...

SOUTH SIESTA KEY • ISLAND OF VENICE • SIESTA KEY VILLAGE • ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE Map B #42

DAIQUIRIDECK.COM

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 Everything But Water.......................... Map-D #12 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 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

located in the Village

ICE CREAM/TREATS Big Olaf Creamery............................... Map-C #52 Ciao Gelato............................................ Map-C #50 Made in Rome Gelato........................ Map-C #53 Meany’s Mini Donuts.......................... Map-C #24 SubZero Ice Cream/Yogurt................ Map-D #16 Sunni Bunni Frozen Yogurt................ Map-C #53

(941) 349-3800

INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs..................................Map-D #65 LeLu’s Coffee Lounge........................ Map-B #31 The Local Bean.....................................Map-D #62

5114 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key

JEWELRY Created Gems....................................... Map-C #51 Mount -N- Repair Jewelers................... Map-D #9

www.siestakeychamber.com

LIQUOR STORES / FINE WINES Gabbiano’s Wine Club.......................Map-D #70 Gilligan’s.............................................. Map-B #33 Siesta Key Wines.................................. Map-C #61 Siesta Village Liquors........................ Map-C #26 The Beach Club..................................... Map-D #22

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

Island Chatter

AUGUST 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Continued from page 17

On a related note: Michael Shay, who manages the Village upkeep for the Siesta Key Village Maintenance Corp., said that on July 8, he had assistance in collecting the garbage from all the cans in the Village, since Sunday is not one of the regular pickup days for the firm that handles that responsibility. “We filled the dumpster,” he said, referring to the structure in the Municipal Parking Lot between Avenida de Mayo and Avenida Madera. The July Fourth holiday, Shay added, marked the busiest period for the Village since the week-and-a-half that included Easter.

offer. Alpine Steakhouse is located at 4520 S. Tamiami Trail, located between the bridges.

Alpine Steakhouse special offer

Beach University, a free environmental education program, continues at Siesta Beach Pavilion through December. The classes are held on the first Saturday of each month. The classes cover a variety of environmental topics that provide a handson opportunity to learn how to care for the environment. The following classes and topics are scheduled: Saturday: Creatures of the Intertidal Zone; Aug. 4: Local Talk About Sea Turtles, presented by Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium; Sept. 1: Native vs. Exotic Plants on

Alpine Steakhouse offers a “Stay Healthy my friends” with handcrafted all natural Bone Broths. The Broths are high in glucosamine, magnesium, collagen, phosphorus and amino acids. For the month of August you can buy 3 and get one free. If you must have meat, Alpine is offering a special, ½ lb. Sirloin Burger or Philly Cheese Steak for $6. See the coupon on page 13 for this

Plaza Mexico coupons If you love Mexican food, it’s time to visit Plaza Mexico. Plaza Mexico is offering two discount coupons, $5 off for Dinner and $3 off for lunch. Take advantage of the coupons located on page 5 of this month’s edition. Plaza Mexico is located in the Southbridge Plaza, 1894 Stickney Point Road.

Beach University at Siesta Public Beach

our Beaches; Oct. 6: The Sand and Shells Found on Siesta Key, presented by Sarasota Shell Club; Nov. 3: Native American Technology, presented by Around the Bend Nature Tours; Dec. 1: Slither and Hiss-Snakes of Florida. Classes are 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the main pavilion at Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key. Registration is not required, but seating is limited. For more information call Sarasota County at 941-861-5000 or visit scgov.net.

Bridge maintenance project SR 72 at the Stickney Point Drawbridge: Crews are working on the bridge. Expect nighttime/overnight east and westbound intermittent right lane closures from 9 p.m. each night to 5 a.m. each morning Monday, July 23 through Thursday, July 26 and again Sunday, July 29 through Thursday, August 2. Use caution and expect possible delays.

Could I have a scoop of ice cream?

New office sites for REMAX Alliance and Waterside Realty REMAX Alliance Group has a new home in the village. They moved into the old Waterside Realty office located at 5221 Ocean Blvd in the Siesta Key Village. The REMAX office was in the Davidson’s Drugs Plaza for years. The new “Local Chill Ice Cream Shop” is being constructed to occupy the old location. Waterside Realty resided in the Village at 5221 Ocean Blvd. since 2002. Their new location is 6629 Midnight Pass Road next to Miguel’s Restaurant in Crescent Plaza.

A Taste of Germany Bakery & Deli famous for their Rum Cakes is now serving ice cream. On their June 10th Facebook page the following was posted, “We have a BIG announcement to make, if you love our Liquor Cakes, you’ll love our Liquor Ice Cream, come check it out. We also have something for the kids.” The restaurant is located at 6575 Midnight Pass Rd.

Crystal Classic dates announced Organizers of the Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival have announced their dates for this fall. Continued on page 42

or the Village Barber?

he ge ill is on e. nd an ng

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

Mayari

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

er. is ru

941-554-4242

MAILING - SHIPPING UPS store............................................... Map-A #41 US Post Office....................................... Map-D #65 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 Massage Therapy....................................Map-E #1 The Spa at Calle Minorga.................. Map-E #74 MEDICAL - DENTAL Siesta Dental...........................................Map-B #49 Siesta Key Physical Therapy............... Map-D #20 Siesta Medical Center.......................... Map-D #63 Siesta Village Dentistry....................... Map-D #63 MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce....................... Map-D #67 Positive RePercussion..........................Map-D #9 Roberti Enterprises.............................. Map-A #39 Tarot Card Reading & Gifts.................Map-B #50 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Edward Jones Investments................. Map-D #68 Smith Architects...................................... Map-E 74

Bringing you quality and comfort for more than 30 years!

Birkenstock & More 5128 Ocean Blvd. Siesta Village

941-346-7425 www.rickscomfortshoes.com

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 ReMax Tropical Sands.......................Map-D #67 Robasota Rentals & Real Estate.......... Map-A #39

48 47 46

RESTAURANTS / CAFÉS Another Broken Egg................... Map-C #54 & 55 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 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 Señor Siesta........................................... Map-D #69 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 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 The Spa at Calle Minorga.................. Map-E #74 SPORTS INTEREST/RENTALS CaliFlorida............................................. Map-C #29 Robin Hood Rentals........................... Map-B #34

Map D #11

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

Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2018

ATM & BANKS Bank of America........................................ A-3 #3 BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Capt. Curt’s Backroom Saloon................B-3 #7 Crescent Club........................................... C-3 #13 Sniki Tiki....................................................B-3 #8 DELIS / BAKERIES A Taste of Germany................................ C-3#14 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 CB’s Island Outfitters.............................. 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

941.349.0194

CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX

Key Casual Fashions............................... D-3 #17 Things You Like...................................... C-3 #14 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 A Taste of Germany................................ C-3#14

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 Munchies.................................................. 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

Big Water Fish Market................................C-3 #17

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RepaiRs, sales anD accessORies New 50cc Scooters

HOuRly • Daily • Weekly

TREK BIKES • BEACH WHEELCHAIRS • PADDLEBOARDS SCOOTERS • SCOOTER CARS • KAYAKS • KAYAK TOURS CHAIRS/UMBRELLAS • STROLLERS • SNORKELING GEAR

KAYAK TOURS ONLY 45 54 /PERSON • BEST PRICE AROUND FREE DELIVERY AND P/U ON SIESTA KEY FOR MOST RENTALS $

6551 Midnight Pass Rd., Siesta Key, FL in Southbridge Mall • Map C-3#14

SCOOTER RENTALS f f o Half Days/Full Days/Multi Day Rentals with this Coupon EXPIRES 12/31/14 EXPIRES 12/31/18

Bikes • Kayaks • Scooters • Kayak Tours

welcome!

Willkommen

GERMAN BAKERY & CAFE German café offering fresh soups and sandwiches on freshly baked breads!

Rum Cakes Breakfast Lunch German Beers and Brats

941-346-1800 • www.ATasteofGermany.net 6575 Midnight Pass Rd., Siesta Key (South of Stickney Pt.)

Map C-3 #14

Map B-3#8

A Taste of Germany 6575 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Anna’s Deli 6535 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Road

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill 1500 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-5 #12

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

Siesta 4-Rent 6555 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Toasted Mango Cafe 6621 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-4 #17

MAP C-3 #17

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

AUGUST 2018

Snapshots of Island Visitors

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography 2

1. Anna from Sarasota, Joe from LA, and Margaret from Sarasota

2. Maggie and Grace from Lakewood Ranch

3. Kristina, Vittoria, and David from Long Island, NY 4. Sue, Rylee, and Mike from Charlestown, SC 6. Sienna, Keaton, and Scott from CO

5. Sophia age 12, Jodi, and Dominic age 15

7. Front row- Karlie, Mikeyâ&#x20AC;Ś back row â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunny, Gloria, and Mike from NY

8. Jerod, Heather, Mariah age 3, and Alanah is 9 months, from OH

9. Bonnie, Angela, and Irene from Sarasota

10. Adam age 3 from the Czech Republic

Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2018

Siesta Sounds

941.349.0194

By Charmaine Engelsman-Robins

The Lisa Ridings Band Lots of places are referred to as a “melting pot,” but Siesta Key has to be one of the smallest areas with the biggest diversity. Visitors flock here from all over the world, looking for something new while at the same time enjoying connecting with something familiar. Unlike some typical home towns, Siesta Key clubs and restaurants don’t have that predictability of the places visitors left behind: While your home town may be known for a particular type of food or music, what you find on the Key can vary wildly. This isn’t a blues town known for barbecue or a country place heavy on heartland meat and veggies with a side of Nashville sound. We’re not even a jazz city offering dishes you don’t recognize and music that gets so far out you can’t find one … this is Siesta Key, man, and because it’s inhabitants and visitors are from all over the world, so is the food and music here. Thanks to her multi-talented band and her vastly varied performing experiences, Lisa Ridings is just the vocalist perfectly suited to perform here. A native of Long Island, Lisa knew as soon as she finished school that her future was in being a singer. She went for it with confidence and, sure enough, she was soon leading a pretty sweet life as a cruise ship entertainer working 10 months at a stretch and then having two glorious months all to herself. Add a few years working yacht clubs, then a few more in regular nightclubs, and Lisa had probably performed every genre of music known to man. Now settled in southwest Florida, The Lisa Ridings Band works steadily in high season or low, from Bradenton and Sarasota down through Venice, Englewood, and Punta Gorda, day gigs, late nighters, indoors and out. Thanks to the quality of the band, Lisa can stretch her considerable talent by doing 70’s soul and R&B, high energy dance favorites, Classic Rock, Top 40, funk …. She may even drag out some old disco for your dancing pleasure. And through it all, the band’s right there with her, literally never missing a beat. Bass man Tony Camarato and drummer Peter Bonagiano lock in the groove for this wide

CLUB

www.siestasand.net

repertoire of rhythms. Tony is from Ohio and had his own show band there “AND he sings,” Lisa says with a note of joy and relief. “I am so glad that we have him!” Peter has been the drummer for the band from the beginning after having subbed for another drummer a few times with Lisa. He’s from New Jersey, and knew who to turn to when they needed a new guitarist: Sarasotan John Purcell. They had worked together in the past. John has lived in SW Florida most of his life, attending college here and then going into business for himself locally, and was always into music, playing with one band or another. Not exactly a native, but about as close as most get so it counts. “I just loved John as soon as I met him,” Lisa says. “He’s so easy to work with, and really knows how to work with a vocalist.” That’s something you don’t often hear said as many vocalists feel they have to fight to be heard over the guitarist’s ever-increasing volume as the gig goes on. Keyboard player Billy Day is from Indiana and in addition to playing with Lisa’s band he works at Troll Music in Venice and plays with rock band Maiden Cane. So wherever you’re from, friend, welcome home to Siesta Key and the many sounds of the Lisa Ridings Band. They’ll be performing at the Blasé Café & Martini Bar on Friday, August 10 at 7 p.m. For additional dates and info, follow them on Facebook under “The Lisa Ridings Band” https://www.facebook.com/pg/ TheLisaRidingsBand/events/ (where you can also book the band directly through Lisa) or scroll down on the home page of their web site to check their calendar http://www.lisaridings-band.com/ They also have videos available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0Y8YkLKi8s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6J0rMG5pdgM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwuTuoYDnOs

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE

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

MONDAY

CLOSED

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Evan Eastmoore & Zak Yoder 7‐10 PM

Savanah Brady & Zak Yoder 7‐10 PM

THURSDAY

Amandah Jantzen (2nd & 30th ) Sandi Grecco (16th) Nancy Gauvreau (9th & 23rd) 7‐10 PM

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

The Whole Band (3, 17, 24 & 31) Lisa Ridings (10th) 7‐10 PM Above article highlights Lisa Ridings

T‐Bone & Ambidextrous (4th & 11th) Lady B & the Buzz (18th & 25th) 7‐10 PM

Latin Rendezvous (5th & 19th) Birdtribe (12th) Endless Vibes (26th) 7‐10 PM

LIVE MUSIC (3‐7 PM) DJ TJ (10 PM)

LIVE MUSIC (3‐7 PM) DJ K Conn (10 PM)

BREE (3‐7 PM)

1 PM: Acoustic Pete 10 PM: DJ KConn

10 PM: DJ Tuesday

GILLIGANS In the Village 941-346-8122

Rodney Shenk 6 ‐10 PM

RPM LIVE 6‐10 PM

DJ Tuesday – 10 PM

RPM LIVE 6‐10 PM

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

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

1‐5 PM: David Morris (6th) Frankie Lombardi (13th) Ryan Carney (20th) Sandi Grecco (27th) Al Donadi 7‐11 PM

1‐5 PM: Deven Starr (1,15,29) Frankie Ray (8 & 22) Kettle of Fish 7‐11 PM

1‐5 PM: Dana & Co. FolkLab 7‐11 PM

1‐5 PM Jason Haram Duo (3rd) Whiteleather (24,31) 2‐6 PM Whiteleather (10 & 17) 8‐Midnight Bri Rivera (3rd) Messenger Band (10th) Deven Starr Band (17th) Jason Haram Band(24th) Blue Mason Barter(31st)

THE BEACH CLUB In the Village 941-349-6311

Karaoke Mondays 8 PM ‐ Close

DJ Coz or DJ Kensi 9 PM – 2 AM

DJ XTREME 10 PM

8 – 11 PM: The Funk (3rd) TL (10th) Torched (17th) 22N (24th) Stereo FM (31st) Live DJ 11 PM ‐2 AM

THE COTTAGE In the Village 941-312-9300

Live Music 6-9 PM

Live Music 7-10 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 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 KARAOKE 9 PM – CLOSE

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

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 BOATYARD BAR & GRILL Over the South Bridge 941‐921‐6200 SAND DOLLAR POOL BAR @ Best Western Plus 6600 S. Tamiami Trl. Sarasota 941‐924‐4900 CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE 801 Blackburn Pt. Rd, Osprey 941‐966‐1901

1‐5 PM: Jordy (7th) Jeanine & Stu (14 & 28) J. Gilton (21st) Open mic night 7‐11 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

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

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

8 –11 PM: No Filter (4th) Mixed Signal (11th) Sweet Spot (18th) Actual Bank Robbers (25th) Live DJ: 11 PM‐2 AM

10 AM 1 PM Vince Colaiocco (5 & 19) Mike Tozier (12 & 26) 2‐6 PM Reed & Foss (5th) Gabe Strange (12th) Danny Beach (19th) Ty Kirkland (26th) 7 ‐11 PM: The Whole Band (12 & 26) Hatley Band (5 & 19) 7‐11 PM Nostaljah (5th) Propaganjah (12th) Panama (19th) Jah Movement (26th)

KARAOKE 9 PM – CLOSE

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5‐9 PM

RPM (5‐9 PM)

Bri Rivera (5‐8 PM)

The Richy Kicklighter Band 5‐9 PM

Joker’s Duo 5‐9 PM

Tribal Love 4‐8 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

Island Sounds Dezi/Dami Canies (5‐8 PM)

1‐5 PM: Evan Eastmore (4 & 18) Bri Rivera (11 & 25) Mike Tozier 8‐Midnight

KARAOKE 9 PM – CLOSE

Marcel Almanzor (5‐8 PM)

Eddie James Jazz Band 7‐10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 3‐6 PM

LIVE MUSIC 4‐8 PM

LIVE MUSIC 3‐7 PM

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

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

AUGUST 2018

Island Humor [ Adam was hanging around the Garden of Eden feeling very lonely. So, God asked him, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ Adam said he didn’t have anyone to talk to. God said that He was going to make Adam a companion and that it would be a woman. He said, ‘This pretty lady will gather food for you, she will cook for you, and when you discover clothing, she will wash them for you.’ She will always agree with every decision you make and she will not nag you, and will always be the first to admit she was wrong when you’ve had a disagreement. She will praise you! She will bear your children and never ask you to get up in the middle of the night to take care of them. ‘She will NEVER have a headache and will freely give you love and passion whenever you need it.’ Adam asked God, ‘What will a woman like this cost?’ ‘An arm and a leg.’ God said Then Adam asked, ‘What can I get for a rib?

Of course the rest is history..... !!

[ Teacher: Barry, your essay about your dog is exactly the same as your brothers. Did you copy his? Barry: Ma’am. It’s the same dog. [ Teacher: Donald, how do you spell crocodile? Donald: K R O K O D I A L Teacher: No, that’s wrong. Donald: Maybe it is, but you asked me how I spell it. [ Teacher: Name one important thing that we have today which we didn’t have ten years ago. Wendy: Me! [ Teacher: George Washington chopped down the cherry tree, but then admitted it. Does anyone know why his father didn’t punish him? Brian: Because he still had the axe in his hand. [ Teacher: Danny, do you say a prayer before eating? Danny: No, ma’am. I don’t have to. My mother is a good cook.

HOTTEST BAR IN GULF GATE... MLB/College Packages FULL BAR

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

[ Teacher: Jake, what do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer interested? Jake: A teacher.

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Liquor Gelatos Now Offered at A Taste of Germany

[ Two elderly ladies had been friends since their 30s. Now in their 80s, they still got together a couple of times a week to play cards. One day they were playing gin rummy and one of them said, “You know, we’ve been friends for many years and, please don’t get mad, but for the life of me, I can’t remember your name. Please tell me what it is.” Her friend glared at her. She continued to glare and stare at her for at least three minutes. Finally, she said, “How soon do you need to know?” [ An award should go to the United Airlines gate agent in Denver, Colorado, for being smart and funny and making her point when confronted with an angry passenger. During the final days at Denver’s old Stapleton airport, a crowded United flight was canceled. A single agent was rebooking a long line of inconvenienced travelers. Suddenly an angry passenger pushed his way to the desk. He slapped his ticket down on the counter and said, “I HAVE to be on this flight and it has to be FIRST CLASS.” The agent replied, “I’m sorry sir. I’ll be happy to try to help you, but I’ve got to help these folks first, and I’m sure we’ll be able to work something out.” The passenger was unimpressed. He asked loudly, so that the passengers behind him could hear, “Do you have any idea who I am?” Without hesitating, the gate agent smiled and grabbed her public address microphone. “May I have your attention please?” she began, her voice bellowing throughout the terminal. “We have a passenger here at the gate WHO DOES NOT KNOW WHO HE IS. If anyone can help him find his identity, please come to the gate.” With the folks behind him in line laughing hysterically, the man glared at the United agent, gritted his teeth and swore, “F--- you!” Without flinching, she smiled and said, “I’m sorry, sir, but you’ll have to stand in line for that, too.” The crowd applauded and the errors of United were forgotten in a moment of almost universal bliss.

One of the newer gelato flavors for you to try, caramel vodka

Luscious coconut rum cake served with mango vodka gelato

A scoop of chocolate rum topped with another scoop of mango vodka

The Siesta Key elves at A Taste of Germany have been quietly branding themselves as the go-to bakery for some of the best selections of liquor cakes. Owner and baker, Tanja Hofmann opened the establishment in 2011 along with her family, and is the genius behind this business model. To date, she has come up with 35 different varieties and continues to build her brand with unique selections for the diverse visitors and locals to the island. The impetus behind her ever growing liquor cake business was her surroundings. On their website she shares the following, “The atmosphere around me was mostly bars, so I tried something to draw attention to everyone who loves to drink and eat.” With half a bottle of pure liquor in each cake, there is no doubt what type of cake you’re eating, or perhaps drinking. She began adding rum cakes to her already successful menu using the Siesta Key Rum brand and testing it in her bakery, located in the Siesta Key Village at the time. She has since outgrown that location and moved to a larger place mid-island in the South Bridge Mall. The success of the rum cakes and her new digs encouraged her to branch out and incorporate other liquors and come up with new ideas. Son, Robin Hofmann and his wife are successful entrepreneurs in their own right, running a booth during season at the Renaissance Fair circuit throughout Florida with containers of these liquor filled creations, while husband, Manuel mans a booth at the Sarasota Farmer’s Market each Saturday, making it a true family-run business. Her newest brain-child? How about liquor gelato? Tanja’s perfected six different flavors of liquor gelato so far and continues to add more. Can you imagine being the elf responsible for tastetesting each batch? With flavors like mango with mango pineapple vodka, brandy Oreo cookie, caramel vodka, chocolate rum, Siesta Key coconut rum, and raspberry vodka, you definitely need to make room for some of her latest offerings. And, for a doublevision treat, you can order a slice of your favorite liquor cake with a scoop of liquor gelato. Can it get any better than that? They also offer non-alcoholic ice cream and gelato as well as other assorted freshly baked goods so she has everyone covered. You can view their entire selection of liquor cakes on their website. Online ordering is available and is quick and simple. Or, stop in to try one of their new liquor gelato flavors. 6575 Midnight Pass Road, 941-346-1800, www.atasteofgermanysiesta.com

Karaoke Thursday, Friday & Saturday

Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2018

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE

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. And, you cannot leave without trying their cannoli filled with their own homemade cannoli cream or the tiramisu or Sfogliatelle from Brooklyn. Here is where you will find great Italian specialty gourmet items without the gourmet price. Tony’s Chicago Beef Company (S-16) is owned and operated by true Chicagoans. Dedicated to deliver Chicago’s best food - Chicago style Hot Dogs wit’ the works... Dragged through the garden on poppy seed buns with fresh cut fries, Italian Beef Sandwiches anyway you like, dipped or dry, sweet or hot. All served in true Authentic Chicago Style. 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 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 1

family. 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. The Shop SRQ (G-2) Local owners, Erick and Dawn use a back-to-basics approach to grooming with precise attention to detail. Their commitment to excellence has provided them with many loyal customers. Their old school barber traditions, clean contemporary shop, coupled with their southern hospitality and humor are what separates them from the rest. They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust. Hours: Tues. - Fri. 8:30am - 6pm, Sat., 8:30am - 3pm. (Nov. 1st - May 30th) and Sat., 8:30am - 1pm (Jun. 1st - Oct. 31st). Closed on Sundays and Mondays. 6625 Gateway Ave, 941-626-4894. 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. Each staff member works hard to make sure you receive the best service and quality food so you’ll want to return often. Take a look at their mouth-watering menu at www.originalwordofmouth.com. Hours: Mon-Sun.: 8AM-2PM. 6604 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, 34231, 941-925-2400. Pride of the South (S-34) has been awarded Top 2

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

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

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

S7 S6 S5 S4 S3 S2 S1

Gulf Gulf Gate Gate Drive Drive

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 2

G-4

PICCOLO

SRQ

Italian Market & Deli

THE SHOP SRQ 6625 Gateway Ave.

Traditional, Old School Barber Shop 15 Years + Experience

www.TheShopSrq.com

& Vegetarian Sandwiches

941.626.4894 / 941.536.1656

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

Come See Our New Location Store Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10am - 6pm 6518 Gateway Ave.

941-923-2202

www.PiccoloMarket.com

G-2

“We Straight Razor Shave”

Hot or Cold

S-16

G16 G15

G24

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

Lo Ho ng rn

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

Superior Avenue

Books-AMillion

Michaels

Gateway Avenue

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

Publix

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

Hooters

Sun Trust

Stein Mart

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.

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

GULF GATE

G-31

941-925-2400

M5 M4 M3 M2 M1

Eat Where The Locals Eat!

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 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 the size of the group. Come in and follow your nose to 6616 Superior Ave, Sarasota, FL 34231. Call (941)926-0099. See you soon. One Minute Key Shop (GG-51): 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. Give them a call at 941-924-8020 or visit their showroom where they have a large display of locks and safes. 2120 Gulf Gate Drive. Solorzano’s Late Night Pizzeria (S-32): At every Solorzano’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 4:00 a.m. 6670 Superior Ave., 941-924-5800.

• No Appointment Needed •

TONSORIAL ARTISTRY BY ERICK & DAWN

Open Tues.-Fri. 8:30 AM-6 PM Sat. 11/1 - 5/30; 8:30-3 PM Sat. 6/1 - 10/31; 8:30 AM - 1 PM

S-34

Catering Available

We Put the South in Your Mouth 6616 Superior Ave. Sarasota

941.926.0099

COUPON

FREE SIDE With the purchase of ANY entreé

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

AUGUST 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Men’s Swimsuits Evolved with Siesta Key’s Beaches

By Philip M. Farrell, MD, PhD

Men followed the feminine trend toward liberation The history of men’s swimwear development is an interesting but simpler story then what we described last month for women. Yet similar trends can be discerned as societal/cultural restrictions were challenged by popular swimmers who pioneered liberating fashions. More broadly, the evolution of swimwear is intertwined with the 20th century phenomenon of beach vacations. Using seaside beaches for vacations is a relatively modern pastime traceable to late 19th Century England. Popularized as a health and pleasure destination in the Victorian era, the Brighton beaches 50 miles south of London became a magnet for Londoners taking advantage of inexpensive railway transport and also the catalyst for the British tourist industry. Soon thereafter, America’s first beach resort was developed as Coney Island’s Brighton Beach Hotel became a seaside attraction for nearby New Yorkers. Florida, with its better beaches and warmer waters, next played a crucial role in the modern development of the beach vacation where swimsuits could evolve as tourism became a major economic force.

Men originally wore skivvies on the beach

Men on Siesta/Crescent Beach initially wore swimsuits that resembled their underwear. In fact, they were generally called skivvies rather than swimsuits, and some simply wore their underwear. From the beginning, however, the male swimsuit’s typical characteristics with loose-fitting, boxy styles contrasted with feminine beach apparel. Originally, men’s swimsuits had to be worn with a loose skirt outside of the trunks. Another option was to wear flannel knee pants with a vest and a fly front. After May 1917, men would drive across the Higel (North) Bridge, park on what was then referred to as Sarasota Beach, and change into their skivvies. If they brought women with them, the car obviously had to be shared— an awkward but necessary inconvenience. The game-changer, however, occurred soon thereafter as Siesta Key’s first successful developer, Ira Graham Archibald— creator of Palm Island— built a then spectacular bathhouse on the beach. IG had moved with his beautiful wife, Eloise, to the sleepy Sarasota fishing village of 900 people in 1912 to open a successful hardware store. Next, he followed in Mayor Harry Higel’s footsteps to begin transforming the Siesta Key jungle into a hospitable destination. Beachgoers of the Roaring 20s loved the convenience of the Archibald Bathhouse. IG thus played a seminal role in the early development of “America’s Best Beach.”

Bathing suit regulations suppress men’s fashion as they did to women The Bathing Suit Regulations enforced in the Northeast during the 1920s included language that suppressed male swimsuit evolution such as: “All-white and fleshcolored suits were discouraged as anatomical details were too clear. Nothing

The Archibald Bathhouse built in 1919 where Siesta/Crescent Beach crowds gathered in a circle for pleasure (Photograph courtesy of IG Archibald’s granddaughter, Peggy Westerfield, and digitally enhanced thanks to Larry Kelleher, Sarasota County Historical Resources)

The heroic Buster Crabbe wearing an early form-fitting, revealing swimsuit after winning a gold medal at the 1932 Olympics as he prepared for a Hollywood career

below the armpits could be shown on the chest. Men’s suits needed a skirt or skirt effect, worn outside the trunks. The leg could not be shorter than four inches from the knee and the skirt not shorter than two inches above the bottom of the trunks. “Those early swimsuits were made from knitted wool that stretched and absorbed less water than cotton, but they still slowed competitive swimmers because they were not streamlined and absorbed water easily. For example, an early Jantzen swimsuit weighed 9 pounds when wet. As the beach evolved into a popular destination, designs for men’s swimwear became more body-conscious and athletic. Most competitive swimmers wore tank suits in dark, solid colors reaching to the elbow and below the knees. A onepiece costume called the Speed Suit was developed in England with fitted trunks. The previously long sleeves disappeared and were replaced by more generously cut armholes.

Liberation began with Hollywood During the 1930s, a more fitted, highwaisted design in swimwear emerged, and Lastex— synthetic rubber yarn which hugged the body— was introduced as well as nylon, heralding a new era in swimwear for men. Although swimsuits were becoming more attractive, men still weren’t allowed to have a bare chest. But, just as movie actresses liberated women, Hollywood intervened again. Two handsome actors who were world-class swimmers with enviable physiques arrived on the scene, Buster Crabbe and Johnny Weismuller, and both appeared bare chested. Buster Crabbe was a Californian two-time Olympic swimmer, a gold medal winner in 1932, and a very successful movie and TV actor who starred in over 100 films

Places of Worship Island Churches: • Siesta Key Presbyterian Chapel 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

Two swimmers on Siesta Key happily display their fashionable swimsuits during the Roaring 20s. Note the cars parked on the beach that served as changing facilities

including the blockbuster Flash Gordon series. He was tall, dark/tanned, and handsome and led an inspirational lifestyle. Johnny Weismuller starred in the first Tarzan movie and then helped to promote B.V.D swimsuits in 1933 when the Bradley, Voorhees & Day underwear company broadened their line of men’s apparel. A multi-purpose suit known as the Men’s Topper was designed with a top that could be easily removed by unzipping. Unfortunately for many of those who did, this led to arrests for “indecent exposure.” By the late 1930s, however, men were allowed legally to swim bare-chested if they so desired.

Modern evolution parallel’s women’s trends in swimwear The public’s concern with partial nudity eroded as time passed. Shorts alone were the typical swimwear for men during the 1940s. Over the next two decades, views of bare-chested men were acceptable, and shorts became standard. Thereafter, male swimwear highlighted masculinity and some styles became flamboyant after the 1950s as the expanding middle class drove a high demand for swim and leisurewear.

Designs were evolving quickly with more color. Terry-lined cabana sets, which were matching boxer-style trunks and shirts with loud Hawaiian prints, became popular. Then, the sleek Speedo style from Australia was promoted in the 1960s, culminating with 27 of the 29 gold medalists wearing Speedo suits in the 1968 Mexico Olympics. Next, the 1970s led to cutoff shorts moving into fashion, which allowed the flexibility to either swim or lounge around at leisure. By the 1990s, the rise of surfer culture made the board short prominent for men, while the popularity of Calvin Klein’s boxer brief became the prototype of more athletic swimwear. Finally, at the dawn of the 21st Century, the Brazilian revolution in fashion introduced the briefs style Sunga (AKA “Sungas”) swimsuit, thus completing the full circle back to an underwear appearance. Now, the range is from loosely-fitting board shorts to either boxers or sleek, athletic swimwear designs, but in contrast to women’s continually evolving styles more innovations seem unlikely for men. You can read more about swimwear evolution in An Illustrated History of Siesta Key: The Story of America’s Best Beach, which is sold at both Davidson Drugs stores, Captain Curt’s gift shop, and Crescent Beach Grocery.

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

simple cremations

740

simple burials

1,195

Online arrangements available Sarasota (941) 312-6371 | Manatee (941) 213-9234

SoundChoiceCremation.com

Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2018

941.349.0194

Siesta Beach Hosts Pro/Amateur Beach Volleyball Tourney Six Hundred Fifty Four Pro, Amateur and Junior beach volleyball players participated in the “Dig The Beach Volleyball Series” tournament on spectacular Siesta Beach the weekend after the 4th of July holiday. Although many people travel over the holiday, Tournament Director, Diogo Sousa thought the reason behind the overwhelming participation was that many players consider coming to play on Siesta Beach a family vacation. Thousands of dollars in prize money is awarded to top men’s and women’s Pro Division winners. Adult and Junior players

each have their choice of four amateur divisions as well as divisions for Pro and Co-Ed teams. This year’s volleyball series is supported by AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals), Wilson volleyball, Cora Physical Therapy, ROX Volleyball, Body Armor Sports Drink and more. Sousa said, “Sarasota County and Siesta Key Beach do an exceptional job and we are very grateful to be allowed to have this event here.” Founded in 1991, the Dig the Beach Series is the longest standing and largest series of its kind in the United States.

www.siestasand.net

By Trebor Britt

The Dig the Beach Volleyball Series is the most established and successful grassroots series of its kind. Since 1992 they have catered to both professional and amateur players. This tour has graduated some of the top professionals on the Domestic & World Tours. Annually the series makes 8 stops throughout Florida from April through August. Each tournament features 2 person teams in Adult & Juniors divisions. (Source help: www.digthebeach.com)

Dig the Beach Volleyball Series players and administrative staff gather to show off their patriotic colors at this year’s tournament

Perfect set form demonstrated by Ali Denney of Jupiter, FL during the Dig the Beach Volleyball Series Tournament on amazing Siesta Beach

Women’s AAA Division player, Chrissy Augustine (19) of Tampa preparing to serve during a volleyball tournament on beautiful Siesta Beach recently. She and her partner are attending UNC Wilmington on a volleyball scholarship

What’s Happening 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 941-3461024 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 941-320-6693 to register or go to website for more info. www.yogaonsiestabeach.com/about • 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/kathy-oravec • 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… • AUG (M-F) 8AM – NOON / PRNR SUMMER CAMPS: For a complete list of summer camp activities for the kids or event guide, please go to Sarasota County’s website: www.scgov.net/government/ parks-recreation-and-natural-resources. For complete list of camp classes available for June, please see website

• AUG 7 (TUES) 5:30-7:30 PM / KIDS SUMMER BEACH RUNS: This is a onemile fun run for kids of all ages. Weekly registration held at 5:30 pm with race time at 6:30 pm. Registration is on-site. All participants receive a ribbon and a popsicle. Free T-shirts are earned after 4 runs are completed. There is a one-time, $1 registration fee. Contact County for additonal info: 941-861-5000. • AUGUST – DEC (1ST SAT) 9:3010:30 AM / BEACH UNIVERSITY: the free environmental education program, returns to Siesta Beach to teach the community how to best care for the ecology. All classes are held in the main pavilion at Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road on Siesta Key. All are welcome to attend the hour-long outdoor sessions, featuring exceptional instructors and hands-on curriculum that relate to the coastal environment and how to best care for the ecology. This year’s classes cover turtles, sharks, manatees, problems with plastics, resilient estuaries, clean water and much more. No registration is required, but seating is limited. Bringing your own chair is acceptable. For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-8615000. • AUGUST 5 (SUN) 7:30AM – 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. • AUGUST 6 - 8 (MON-WED) 9AM – NOON / SAND SCULPTING CAMP: Amaze your family and friends with the sand-sculpting skills and techniques you’ll learn from a master sand sculptor on beautiful Siesta Beach. Fee includes a sandsculpting tool kit for campers to keep. Bring plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen. A shade tent will be provided for breaks from the sun. Fee: $145 (four days)/$115 (three days) Ages: 6-12

Men’s Pro Division players, Justin Phipps (40) and Peter Doubrabsky (26) of Clearwater Beach. They won a beach volleyball tournament a couple years ago in Clearwater. Peter moved to Florida from the Czech Republic

Ali Denney (20) of Jupiter, FL jump serving during an early round Pro Division match

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.

• AUGUST 25-26 (SAT-SUN) 8 AM - 5 PM / WORLD LACROSSE BEACH TOURNAMENT: The 3v3 beach lacrosse tournament will be open to boys and girls broken down into the following age groups: Ages 7/8, 9/10, 11/12, 13/14, 15/16, 17/18. All teams will be guaranteed fun within each age division. You may have up to 5 players on a team. Find the sponsorship letter tab on the website and then find your friends and sign up. A highlight of the youth event will be the Exhibition game of Pro Speed Beach Lacrosse. It will be in Speed Lacrosse format of 3v3. Watch some of the best professional and collegiate lacrosse players play on the best beach in the US. Surround yourself with Lacrosse Ambassadors. In addition to the beach tournament games, there will be live music, beach games, water sports and much more that will help create the festival atmosphere. Check out their website for more information on this fun sport. https:// worldlacrosse.org/beach-festival/generalinformation/ Around the island… • WEEKLY FARMER’S MARKET IN THE VILLAGE: Every Sunday from 8am – 2pm 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. • KIDS RHYTHM JAM!™ – 11:30AM: Drumming Fun For Everyone!™. Every Saturday and Tuesday. Everyone gets permission to play and make noise to create rhythm and song! Come & enjoy group drumming with your family and friends. $15/family - Positive RePercussions 5049 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key Village - (941) 6773786. Please check out our wide variety of other programs at: www.positiverepercussions.com/calendar

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 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 • RADIO SHOW WRITERS ON AIR: Writers of all levels and students are invited to read their work for three to five minutes per round each Sunday at 3:00 p.m. (Signup: 2:30), at the Common Grounds Meeting Hall, 12735 Tamiami Trail, North Port in the bright, yellow building in Springs Plaza on the frontage road between “Caddy Carts” to the North, and “Dollar General” to the South. For details: Linda Schell 941-2231262. Comfortable seating, BYOB. Broadcast live. Open to the public. FREE • LIVE RADIO “OPEN MIC”: BYOB with host Bud Buckley. Wednesdays at Common Grounds Meeting Hall. Lots of prizes from Mindy Buckley of Bishop West Real Estate. Free $50 gas card on the first Wednesday to lucky performer. No later than 6:30 sign up. Guidelines: Only 14 performers at 11 minutes each. Random drawing for order of performance. No exceptions. Stay in the “On Deck Circle” when you are next. Get on and off stage in the allotted time. No amps, no effects or backing tracks. Our Bose system makes you sound excellent. Common Grounds is a unique BYOB listening room in the Springs Plaza on the frontage road between “Caddy Carts” to the North and “Dollar General” to the South at 12735 S. Tamiami Trail in North Port. For more info, contact Bud Buckley at Bud.buckley@gmail.com

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

Water World

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

8 year old twins Payton and Presley Sypolt, from Bradenton, love to fish!

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

AUGUST 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Notes from the Island Fishmonger Soft Shell Crab 101 One of the sweetest, most tender and mouthwatering foods in the world is the white succulent meat from a Crab. Sometimes you got to work for it but a mouth full of butter-dipped crab meat can be one of the better things in life. As of May 15, us Floridians said goodbye to our beloved stone crabs and in July we said hello to the southern soft shell crab. The end of a good crab season is always disappointing but it is not the end of the world. When one crab season ends, another begins. On the west Coast from Seattle, Washington to Vancouver, Canada the Dungeness crab season is now open and provides a crab feast and right around the corner it’s ON in Alaska as the king crab and snow crab captains gear up to set sail. As the stone crab traps come to shore they will be replaced by the buoy of the blue crab traps that will be strategically placed in our waters. Unlike in Maryland these swimming crabs are a tough catch in Florida as blue crabs are not overly abundant to this area. It’s estimated that one-third of the nation’s catch of blue crabs comes from the Chesapeake Bay area. One thing we have learned at the Big Water Fish Market is that a discussion that compares crab cakes with Maryland folk is a losing battle. I have spent many afternoons or evenings picking away at blue crabs. If you have ever picked through the calcified shell of a blue crab in search of tender meat, you know that it’s hard work. As a matter of fact, I feel like it’s a lot of work for little reward and frankly, I find it to be boooooring. That’s why I get excited when the weather warms up and the southern cities like Charleston and New Orleans’ Gulfports deliver a bumper crop of floppy soft shell crabs. Now the soft shell crab is a meal. You eat the whole crab and every bite explodes with crab juiciness. Softshell crabs are blue crabs harvested right after they shed their exoskeletons; once they have busted out of their old shells, replacements begin to re-grow. And, the new shell will begin to harden within hours. The trick to harvesting soft shells is to catch them in the transitional stage. Fisherman typically capture the crabs before they molt and hold them in cages in the sea or saltwater tanks instead of scouring the ocean. As soon as the crabs drop their shells they are removed from the water which stops a new skeleton from hardening as these creatures of the sea become people food. All soft shell crabs will come from your local retail fish counter either fresh or frozen. Most soft shells are frozen within minutes after being removed from the water and cleaned. If you’re lucky enough to find actual fresh, live soft shell crabs that’s the

Randy going for it! way to go. Live crabs should still be moving and smell like an ocean breeze. Any good fishmonger can clean your fresh crabs for you in a matter of minutes. A few snips with a pair of scissors and your crab will be ready for this delicious southern fried softshell crab recipe. • Dip your cleaned soft shell crabs in an egg wash • Then dip and coat with breaded mixture of flour, Creole seasoning and salt & pepper • Pour oil an inch deep into a heavy frying pan. Heat to 350 degrees • Fry the breaded crab for 4-5 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temp of 135 degrees. • Remove from oil and place on a plate lined with paper towel to dry • Sprinkle with Creole seasoning, salt & pepper to taste Serve over grits, salad, veggies or as the oh-sopopular soft shell sandwich.

Live Happy…Eat Crabs! Scott Dolan

Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key - 941-554-8101 www.BigWaterFishMarket.com

AUGUST 2018 TIDE CHART Florida, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Sarasota Bay

August 2018

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33' Date

Day

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

4:12a

High Tide 1.7

3:39p

High Tide 2.1

10:17a

Low Tide 0.9

11:12p

Low Tide 0.5

6:54a

8:20p

11:29p

10:57a

4:44a

1.8

4:33p

1.9

11:17a

0.8

11:47p

0.6

6:54a

8:19p

5:21a

1.9

5:38p

1.6

12:26p

0.8

6:55a

8:18p

12:04a

12:47p

6:03a

2.0

7:04p

1.5

12:24a

0.7

1:45p

0.6

6:55a

8:18p

12:40a

1:44p

6:51a

2.1

8:56p

1.4

1:05a

1.0

3:09p

0.6

6:56a

8:17p

1:20a

2:44p

7:45a

2.3

10:52p

1.4

1:49a

1.1

4:27p

0.3

6:56a

8:16p

2:03a

3:46p

8:44a

2.4

2:41a

1.3

5:34p

0.1

6:57a

8:15p

2:53a

4:50p

12:17a

1.5

9:44a

2.5

3:42a

1.4

6:32p

-0.1

6:57a

8:15p

3:49a

5:53p

1:12a

1.5

10:43a

2.6

4:46a

1.4

7:23p

-0.2

6:58a

8:14p

4:51a

6:54p

1:50a

1.5

11:40a

2.7

5:47a

1.3

8:09p

-0.2

6:58a

8:13p

5:57a

7:50p

2:20a

1.6

12:35p

2.7

6:45a

1.2

8:51p

-0.1

6:59a

8:12p

7:06a

8:42p

2:45a

1.6

1:29p

2.6

7:41a

1.1

9:30p

0.1

6:59a

8:11p

8:14a

9:28p

3:09a

1.6

2:21p

2.5

8:37a

0.9

10:06p

0.3

7:00a

8:10p

9:20a

10:10p

3:35a

1.7

3:15p

2.3

9:35a

0.8

10:40p

0.5

7:00a

8:09p

10:23a

10:50p

4:04a

1.8

4:12p

2.0

10:37a

0.7

11:13p

0.7

7:01a

8:09p

11:24a

11:28p

4:37a

1.9

5:18p

1.7

11:45a

0.7

11:46p

0.9

7:01a

8:08p

12:23p

5:16a

2.0

6:43p

1.6

1:01p

0.6

7:02a

8:07p

1:20p

12:06a

6:02a

2.1

8:35p

1.5

12:21a

1.1

2:24p

0.6

7:02a

8:06p

2:15p

12:45a

6:57a

2.1

10:29p

1.5

1:03a

1.3

3:45p

0.5

7:03a

8:05p

3:09p

1:25a

8:01a

2.2

11:45p

1.6

1:59a

1.4

4:52p

0.4

7:03a

8:04p

4:02p

2:08a

9:06a

2.2

3:11a

1.5

5:47p

0.3

7:04a

8:03p

4:52p

2:53a

12:31a

1.6

10:05a

2.3

4:22a

1.5

6:31p

0.2

7:04a

8:02p

5:40p

3:40a

1:02a

1.6

10:55a

2.3

5:19a

1.4

7:09p

0.2

7:05a

8:01p

6:24p

4:30a

Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans

1:26a

1.6

11:38a

2.4

6:04a

1.3

7:42p

0.2

7:05a

8:00p

7:06p

5:21a

1:43a

1.6

12:17p

2.4

6:43a

1.2

8:11p

0.3

7:06a

7:59p

7:45p

6:14a

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.

1:55a

1.6

12:54p

2.4

7:19a

1.1

8:37p

0.4

7:06a

7:58p

8:22p

7:07a

2:07a

1.7

1:30p

2.4

7:55a

1.0

9:03p

0.5

7:07a

7:57p

8:57p

8:00a

2:22a

1.7

2:07p

2.3

8:33a

0.8

9:28p

0.6

7:07a

7:56p

9:31p

8:53a

2:41a

1.9

2:48p

2.2

9:15a

0.7

9:55p

0.6

7:08a

7:54p

10:05p

9:47a

3:07a

2.0

3:34p

2.0

10:02a

0.6

10:24p

0.8

7:08a

7:53p

10:41p

10:42a

3:39a

2.1

4:29p

1.8

10:56a

0.6

10:55p

1.0

7:09a

7:52p

11:19p

11:38a

Phase

11:51a 3rd

New

1st

Full

Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2018

Arts on the Horizon

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

By Rodger Skidmore her photographs, on which the paintings are based. So, while something that is abstract is supposed to have no physical or concrete existence, these did exist - but being ephemeral, no longer do - except that she has photographed and painted them - so they have become, in fact, concrete abstractions. Four additional artists (Basnuevo, Gamble, Shullman and Walker) to those already discussed, are on display at the Gallup (1288 N Palm Ave) through the end of August. More info and artists at www.AllynGallup.com.

across from the entrance to Whole Foods. Free parking is on the second floor of the city garage on 2nd Street. More info about this and other plays at Urbanitetheatre.com.

Take it home Who are you? Or, to put it another way, Who am I? And, following that same train of thought, Who are they? Certainly, if we don’t really know, except with a very surface answer, who we are ourselves, how can we question who someone else is? Oh, of course we do, we do. But, if we don’t know who we are, can we expect “them” to know who “‘they” really are, and to be able to formulate an answer that we will understand? So, what do we know about this green fellow? It certainly isn’t Kermit the Frog, although there are some similarities in that, as everyone who grew up watching Sesame Street knows, it isn’t easy bein’ green. Nor does it seem to be The Green Man, a recurring European theme which links man with nature and an underlying life force. We do know that this particular representation was created by Luis Delgado after being with a friend who had undergone very trying circumstances. How would we react in similar circumstances? What would we look like, and how would what we looked like truly represent how we felt? I see anger, suspicion, and quite a bit of inner strength looking out at me. But what else is there, masked behind that surface? The only response is, keep looking. One artist, at whose work many keep looking, is Leslie Lerner. His Lost Boy series has generated so many interpretations - is the boy truly lost, or has he wandered purposefully into areas which he had not known? And what is his reaction to what he sees? We view the landscapes into which he has been interjected and formulate our response. But we are adults and should have some knowledge of of how these places have come about. But the boy sees them through the eyes of a child. How must he feel? Melissa Meyer, another of the eight artists whose works (40) are being shown at the Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art gallery, has taken a layered approach to her work, building colors and shapes into a coherent whole. Striking. And the shapes in Jean Blackburn’s paintings are as abstract as those in

May the Force be with you Many Siesta Sand readers know Obi-Wan Kenobi and his many sayings, but how many know Obie winner Will Eno and his many plays? A quick glance at his bio and one comes up with 17 titles. Hard to believe but that is even more plays than there are Star Wars sequels. Mr. Eno is well know in theater circles as the Pulitzer Prize nominated author of the 2005 play Thom Pain (based on nothing). His 2014 play, The Realistic Joneses won the Drama Critics award and was named best American play of 2014 by The Guardian newspaper. And so on. It was his 2014 play Open House, that won the Obie (and other awards, but, one might ask, what has he written lately? Well, to be specific, he has written Wakey, Wakey, and it is being presented in Sarasota at the Urbanite Theatre where it will be directed by the Urbanite’s co-founder Brendan Ragan. One reviewer of Wakey, Wakey wrote “Alive with rippling depths of sorrow and warming currents of bliss.” If I am ever lost at sea, I want my drowning covered by David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter. The main character is a man on his way out. But, since he is in a wheelchair, he does not go too rapidly. And this is a good thing because the play is a comedy and he has a lot (of funny) things to say about life - his life and life in general. Comedy, yes, but dark Comedy Noir - comedy in the Guy Noir vain. Every review highlights the life enhancing aspects of this play. It is not depressing but delicious. One of the good things about Eno having written so many plays is that he knows his craft and how to please an audience. Playwrights deal in words, and words make up language and their ability to convey meaning - and how those words affect us is important. Guy, the character in this play, knows his words and how to play them. Wakey, Wakey runs for a full month - August 3rd thru September 2nd at the Urbanite Theatre on 2nd Street, just

If you love flowers and/or plants, or just beautiful things in general, you’ve probably been to Selby Botanical Gardens in downtown Sarasota, where Mound Street curves around to the bay. A lovely site filled with the best flowers and foliage. So, what do you do when you get there? You wander through the orchid exhibit, view the artwork that is often on display along with the plants, you smell exotic perfumes as you pass certain flowers, stroll along the extensive trails leading in various directions, view the bay through the mangroves, etc. You get the idea - you have a good time. Maybe you sit and sip a coffee or have a light lunch in the Selby House Café with a friend and discuss what you’ve seen. Inspired by all of this you might stop in the Garden Shop to buy one of their lovely plants. Taking a more personal approach you might even have snapped some photos of your favorites. In any case, you’ve got your memories. But, like some photos, even memories begin to fade. And even good photos are put in a drawer - or worse, never even downloaded from your phone. A special way to remember those flowers, and to share them with others, is to bring home a stained glass image of the best of what you’ve seen. Not something made in China from the Garden Shop but a piece of art that you’ve made yourself. There are two, four-day workshops in early August so check out the Selby website listed below. Certainly a unique opportunity. Going alone with stained-glass is the overall theme of the summer show - In Dialogue with Nature: Glass in the Gardens. This show is running through September 2nd and features botanically-themed art glass from the St. Petersburg Hot Glass Workshop and the Duncan McClellan Gallery. The work of over a dozen St. Pete artists will be on display. On August 7th, The Selby will join with the Ringling Museum of Art for a Walk n’ Talk tour of the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion at the Ringling with Dr. David Berry. More info on flowers, glass and other classes and offerings are at www.Selby.org.

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Gabby, Abby, Elena, Hailey, Julia, Riley, Lilliana, and Brook (summer camp)

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“Living life in the ‘Light’” “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” For my last Higher Living column, I want to bring up the topic of self-care, which is a form of self-love. I cannot begin to tell you how many of my clients have come to me depleted. The biggest reason is that they don’t take enough time for themselves because they’re too busy putting everyone else first. Doing for others is wonderful. But let me ask you this - would you feel better about doing for others when you’re feeling refreshed and filled with positive energy, or when you’re dragging yourself while operating on what I call “depleted love fumes?” The thing is, we cannot condemn those who allow us to overdo for them, as some of “them” are little kids. Nor can we condemn those who take advantage of us, as we’re the ones giving them permission. We’re the ones making the choice to keep over-going and over-doing for others and neglecting ourselves. This is what then causes the body and spirit to break down where the undesirable feelings of anger and resentment start trickling in. But it doesn’t have to get to that point. Regarding that cup mentioned in above quote, there is a way you can feel good about helping yourself first before you help others. That is, by knowing you can serve others much more effectively and efficiently when you’re in a more positive and healthier state of energy in all categories. There are people who subconsciously or consciously make themselves sick so they can finally have a break from being “non-stop”. This helps them feel less guilty about finally taking care of themselves. This may sound silly to some, but these are the desperate measures people find themselves taking, because they just can’t bring themselves to say yes to helping themselves first. Additionally, after many thousands of sessions, I’ve found that it’s more female clients who have come to me who allow all the above to happen. Can it be from years ago when women stayed home and had the full-time job of taking care of the household and children? And so the habit of overdoing for everyone and putting themselves last, just continued on? Sure, why not, it makes sense. But of course there are other reasons too. But instead of listing them, I’d rather provide an Ancestral Energy Clearing that will make it pretty clear what some of those reasons are, and hopefully help resolve some of them. Let’s get started. Be sure to be in a stationary position. This energy clearing is “prayer-like.” So please skip to the end if you’re not into that kind of thing: “Infinite Creator, all that You are; For me, my family, our entire lineage, and all our relationships throughout all time- past, present and future: For all the times we felt unloved, unwanted, unsafe, invisible, ignored, dismissed, disrespected, rejected, excluded, forgotten, taken advantage of, taken for granted, deprived, neglected

or abused. Please help us forgive each other and forgive ourselves please and thank you. For the times we felt we weren’t good enough; times we had to earn our value in our family and relationships; times we felt we failed others and ourselves; times others failed us. For all deep hurts, let downs and disappointments; times we overdid for others even if it meant neglecting ourselves where resentment built up as a result; times we struggled to say no; times we were people pleasers and depended on the approval of others. Please help us forgive each other and forgive ourselves please and thank you. For the times we put everyone first because that’s what our mothers did, and that’s what we were taught directly or from observation. For the times we had to become the parent at a young age because our parents weren’t fully present for whatever reason. For the times there wasn’t nurturing, love and support. For all lies, deceit, betrayal and dishonesty; times we were overly cautious. Please help us forgive each other and forgive ourselves please and thank you. For all criticism, condemnation, judgment, jealousy, anger, abandonment, and depression; times we felt let down by life and you Infinite Creator. For the times we didn’t own our power; times we didn’t go with our intuition; times we made choices that went against our heart, please help us forgive each other and forgive ourselves please and thank you. For the times we were attacked, blamed, judged, misunderstood; for all lack of communication; times we were passive. For all swallowed anger, unspoken words; times we felt no one heard us; times we felt we didn’t matter. For the times we no longer wanted to be here; times we had enough of life. Please help us forgive each other and forgive ourselves please and thank you. Infinite Creator, for the Highest good, please lift all pain, sin, self-neglect, negativity, burden, unworthiness, disappointment, abandonment, loneliness, fear, and all limitations. Please transform them into your love, and allow your love to flow back into all of us, giving and filling us with your love, harmony and peace, now and forever, please and thank you. Please help us to feel at peace with each other and with ourselves completely and forever, please and thank you.” After repeating this clearing often and adding some nice positive affirmations, you should see a nice healthy balance between serving others and yourself emerging. And instead of resentment, your heart will feel love and you’ll start to feel better about life. Try it out and let me know how it goes. Much love! ~♥ Donnarose Melvin is an Ancestral Energy Clearing/ Healing Intuitive whose pleasure it is to serve clients worldwide. Her knowledge from her advanced practitioner trainings in Ancestral Energy Clearing, and her BA degree in Psychology, along with her natural born intuitive gifts, have helped many achieve increased peace and happiness. Please send any inquiries or comments to: Donnarose1010@gmail.com ~If you’d like an ancestral energy clearing/healing, please contact Donnarose at the email address above.

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Siesta Key REAL ESTATE & HOME SECTION

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 43 HOMES FOR SALE PAGE 41 SIESTA KEY MARKET STATS PAGE 37 SAND CASTLES PAGE 39

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: 5165 JUNGLE PLUM RD., SOLD FOR: $3,300,000 Extraordinary privacy fuses with gracious, island inspired casual elegance from this Siesta Key bayfront property, tucked away on almost an acre amid the lowkey serenity of Hidden Harbor. Set on approximately 344’ of shoreline and incorporating a main threebedroom home and a picturesque guest house, there’s plenty of space for family and friends to relax, have fun and make memories. Instantly you’ll be captivated by the coastal exterior, before stepping inside to find some of the very best far-reaching water views on the island. Ethereal natural light and rich Oak woods establish a nautical feel, along with a wealth of windows and doors to connect indoors and out. A large cook’s kitchen leads naturally to an elegant dining room and wet bar, making it easy to entertain beautifully. A substantial screened patio is the place to be for soaking in fabulous Bay views. The master retreat features two walk-in closets and a marble-infused bath with serene garden views. This impeccable interior sets an extraordinary standard, and one that is certainly echoed across the private and oak-canopied tropical grounds with pool, spa, lush green lawn and boat dock with 20,000 lb. lift. The guest house also features newer impact windows. Air-conditioned non-conforming space provides flexibility, along with an elevator and garages for nine cars. Hidden Harbor is a signature North Siesta Key neighborhood offering treasured seclusion all just moments from the top-rated beach in the United States. The sale of this property came to $720.21 a square foot. Courtesy of Michael Saunders.

LOWEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY PROPERTY: 641 CALLE DE PERU, SOLD FOR: $385,000 Just a short walk to the Village, this two-story home is waiting for your renovation...or tear down and build your new home. Stroll to the Village or bike to the beach from this convenient location. A blank palate awaits your refurbishing ideas. The sale of this property came out to $429.69 a square foot. Courtesy of Dwell Real Estate.

LOWEST PRICED CONDO: 4822 OCEAN BLVD, #5E: SOLD FOR: $299,500 This condo was listed as a short-sale on Siesta Key. Just a 1/2 mile from Public Beach access 2 and blocks from Siesta Key Village. This is a 1 bedroom, 1 bath, in a prime location on Siesta Key, at Siesta Tower. Partial views of the Gulf of Mexico and downtown Sarasota, both day

HIGHEST PRICED CONDO: 6300 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #905: SOLD FOR: $1,112,500 A Siesta Key beachfront condo with amazing 9th-floor views and endless sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico is waiting for you. This 1,240 square-foot 2 bedroom/2 bath apartment is meticulously furnished and includes over $150,000 of recent upgrades including granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and wood flooring in the bedrooms. An open plan affords a sense of spaciousness perfect for entertaining. The living room and both bedrooms open onto a screened lanai offering panoramic views of Siesta Beach and the Gulf. Crystal Sands has on-site management, is pet-friendly and offers two pools and a spa. The location is central to all that Siesta Key and Sarasota have to offer in terms of recreation, shopping, dining and nightlife. This property has an excellent rental history. The sale on this unit came out to $897.18 a square foot. Courtesy of Premier Sothebys. and night. The city night lights are incredible! Updated condominium with large tile flooring throughout; marble flooring in the bathroom and marble in shower. Outdoor lanai for entertaining and enjoying the sunsets and city night lights. The condo has storm shutters, a 24 hour fitness center, oceanfront heated pool, two piers, a large bicycle storage room, fishing pier and a fishing storage room to store poles and tackle boxes. A social room with a big screen TV and outdoor grill with a covered picnic area for entertaining. AC cooled storage closet. Ideal investment property or vacation getaway. Short stroll to Siesta Village for great dining, shopping and entertainment. Buyer was responsible for Short-Sale processing fees (1.00% of gross sales price). The sale came out to $365.24 a square foot. Courtesy of Coldwell Banker.

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Save Our Siesta Sand 2 Hires Attorney Save Our Siesta Sand 2 hires attorney with federal court experience to pursue new legal challenges to proposed dredging of Big Pass As Save Our Siesta Sand 2 (SOSS2) Chair Peter van Roekens had vowed, the nonprofit is heading to federal court in an effort to stop the proposed dredging of Big Sarasota Pass to renourish about 1.6 miles of South Lido Key Beach. In an SOSS2 newsletter released to supporters on July 9, van Roekens wrote that the organization has retained Jane West Law of St. Augustine “to pursue all options at the federal level, including violations of the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and other federal statutes” implemented to prevent the type of destruction to natural resources expected from the Lido Renourishment Project, as designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on behalf of the City of Sarasota. The website for Jane West Law says West is a “dedicated and thoughtful advocate with significant litigation experience at state and federal levels. She was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1998 and has also gained admission to the Maine State Bar, the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Florida, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th and 7th Circuits.” “Her litigation experience,” the website notes, “encompasses a range of issues,” from dredging cases to sewage outfall challenges to “beach nourishment challenges … and numerous comprehensive plan amendment and zoning challenges.” From 1999 to 2001, the website adds, West was chair of

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By Rachel Brown Hackney

the Public Interest Committee of the Environmental and Land Use Law Section of the Florida Bar. Van Roekens noted in the newsletter that Noah Valenstein, secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), gave full support to the Recommended Order filed on May 8 by the state administrative law judge who presided over a Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) case in December 2017. During that proceeding, SOSS2 and the Siesta Key Association (SKA) presented expert witnesses who testified that their research found significant errors with the modeling the USACE undertook for the Lido project. In his Recommended Order, Judge Bram D.E. Canter called only for a reduction in the volume of sand to be removed from the pass — from 1.7 million cubic yards to 1.3 million — and a prohibition of dredging in two borrow areas from April to September, when spotted sea trout spawn in those locations. The trout’s spawning season was the focus of research undertaken on behalf of SOSS2 and the SKA by R. Grant Gilmore Jr., president of the Vero Beach-based consulting firm Estuarine, Coastal and Ocean Science Inc. Van Roekens added in the newsletter that Valenstein said he was unable, under the guidelines of the DOAH process, to reweigh evidence and testimony presented during the hearing. “We are disappointed in Valenstein’s decision,” van Roekens continued, “because we believe the evidence overwhelmingly showed that the ‘science’ used by the USACE was seriously flawed. Their claims that Siesta Key would not be harmed were not

substantiated.” The newsletter also pointed out that the original USACE manager of the Lido project — Milan Mora — was the one who officially unveiled Big Pass as the intended sand source for the Lido project when he appeared before the Sarasota County Coastal Advisory Committee in September 2013. The city and the USACE did not submit their permit application to the FDEP until March 2015. On Dec. 22, 2016, FDEP released its Notice of Intent to issue the permit, which prompted the SOSS2 and SKA challenges through the DOAH process. Furthermore in the newsletter, van Roekens referenced statements by Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin about the $2.5 million “insurance policy” the City Commission has set aside in the event damage does result from the Lido project. “Perhaps he is unfamiliar with what just one house in Sandy Hook would cost to replace,” van Roekens wrote. Sandy Hook is an historic neighborhood that fronts Big Pass on the northern part of Siesta Key. As for planned monitoring of the project: Van Roekens added that “it does not go far enough unless you are able to fix the problems you detected. There is not an insurance company in the world that would underwrite such a risk.” SOSS2 needs to raise more money for its latest efforts, van Roekens explained in the July 9 SOSS2 newsletter. “The only thing that could cause us to give up this fight for Siesta is lack of funds,” he pointed out. “We need to raise $50,000 this year… Please help us now with whatever you can donate to reach our goal.”

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450,000

797 Beach Road, #305 499,900

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FULL GULF VIEW...PRICED TO SELL...EXCELLENT INCOME WITH GROWTH POTENTIAL...WEEKLY RENTALS!!..Fall in love with this 2 BR, 2 BA 4th Floor CORNER UNIT!! Turnkey furnished. Crescent Royale offers onsite rental program/management, heated pool, lounge, pool table and recently upgraded exercise facility. Conveniently located across from Public Beach. Just a short walk to dining & nightlife of Siesta Village. Stuffing Gulf view. Check this one out, you will be impressed.

665,000

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Beaches, Boating & Bistros!! Live the island lifestyle in this spacious 4 BR, 4 BA house located on desirable Palm Island, grossing approx. $60k in rental income. Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master BR and master BA. New boat lift on the Grand Canal. Lounge in the heated pool and spa or enjoy your favorite libation at your own private Waterfront Tiki Bar. Huge bonus area on lower level.

899,000

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County Commission Splits 3-2 on Allowing Construction of New Sanderling Road Home, 111 Feet Seaward of Gulf Beach Setback Line By Rachel Brown Hackney On a 3-2 vote, the Sarasota County Commission has approved a Coastal Setback Variance so owners of a home on Heron Lagoon in the Sanderling Club can demolish it and construct a new home on the Gulf of Mexico that will be 111.2 feet seaward of the county’s Gulf Beach Setback Line (GBSL). Commissioner Michael Moran made the motion, with a second from Commissioner Alan Maio. Although Commissioner Paul Caragiulo asked several questions of William W. Merrill III of the Icard Merrill firm in Sarasota — the applicants’ representative — Caragiulo announced that he would join Moran and Maio in supporting the motion. Chair Nancy Detert and Commissioner Charles Hines were in the minority. Since he first was elected to the board in 2012, Hines has held steadfast in opposing requests for residential construction seaward of the GBSL. County Environmental Permitting Division staff members have explained on many occasions that that line was implemented to preserve dunes and beach vegetation, which provide protection to landward property in the event of major storms, including hurricanes. During the July 11 public hearing, Detert offered a variation on a view she has asserted many times since she was elected to the board in November 2016. “I really always hate to vote for a variance that puts you in front of the GBSL, especially if you’ve owned the property for five years.” Merrill noted in his presentation that the applicants for the variance, Todd and Sean Bavol-Montgomery, bought the property at 8445 Sanderling Road about five years ago. Detert also pointed to “the fact that we have erosion now and we’re going to continue to have erosion.” She fears, she added, that, with board votes having allowed construction closer to the Gulf of Mexico in recent years, people “will show up in this very room, screaming that they need beach renourishment. … You’re really flirting with

Mother Nature, and this isn’t a small variance. This is 111 feet seaward of the GBSL.” Yet, Merrill said during his presentation, “Without the variance, it is unreasonable to require the petitioner to continue using a very small, 1,128-square-foot, noncompliant, ongrade, built-in-1953 residence” that violates the modern county zoning code setback lines and “overhangs the Mean High Water Line of Heron Lagoon.” Merrill called the latter situation “very unusual. … It would not be allowed today in Sarasota County.” (Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office records show the existing house was constructed in 1955.) “It would also be an unreasonable hardship to require all construction at 8445 Sanderling Road to be landward of the Gulf Beach Setback Line,” Merrill said, because the new residence would be “landward of all other homes in Sanderling Club.” Caragiulo noted the “50% Rule” of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which says that if the owner of property in a flood zone wants to spend more than 50% of the value of that property to improve it, the owner must bring the structure up to the current building code standards for property in that flood zone. “If your clients wanted to take the entire lagoon house down and rebuild another home,” Caragiulo asked Merrill, “they wouldn’t be able to do that?” Merrill responded that the on-grade foundation would not support a new structure in the very same footprint that would comply with the current FEMA guidelines. If the petitioners had to adhere to all the current county and Sanderling Club setback restrictions — without seeking a variance — Merrill pointed out that the only area left for them to build on would be an “irregularshaped lot” comprising 1,138 square feet. In making the motion, Moran said, “I think it’s a reasonable, commonsense request, given the contour of Sanderling Road in the

immediate area and the placement of that residence.” Part of the plan entails a realignment of a portion of Sanderling Road, which bisects the Bavol-Montgomery property, “splitting it into about equal gulf-front and bay-front areas (each about 12,819 square feet),” a July 11 staff memo explained. The petitioners will pay for the relocation of the segment of road on their property and partly on the property owned by Robert Roggio at 8440 Sanderling Road, Merrill said. They also will bear the expense of upgraded county utilities that run along that portion of the road, he noted. He and his clients have worked closely with Spencer Anderson, director of the county’s Public Works Department, on that aspect of the project, Merrill added; the project will not disrupt utility service. One factor that Maio noted in offering his support of the project was testimony from Roggio. Roggio explained to the commissioners that he has been head of the Sanderling Club’s Building Committee for the past 20 years. When the previous owner of the

petitioners’ property was preparing to put it on the market, Roggio said, she conferred with him, because she wanted to be able to tell a potential purchaser that a new house could be constructed on the Gulf of Mexico side of the property. She worked with him and an architect on a tentative proposal very similar to the design of the new house that the applicants have proposed, Roggio added. “She was able to say, ‘This is what you can do.’” “To stop this,” Maio said, “I’m not sure of exactly what we’re accomplishing. … I do believe that horse is out of the barn.” However, during the public hearing, Nancy Cason, an attorney with the Syprett Meshad firm in Sarasota, asked, “When was the last time the commission allowed someone to move their … residence that they have reasonable use of over 100 feet seaward?” She noted that she was speaking on behalf of Jeffrey Roberti, who owns the adjacent Gulffront property at 8448 Sanderling Road. The petitioners, she pointed out, are “seeking to demolish a gorgeous dream home/lagoon residence and build a mansion on the beach.”

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By Robert Frederickson

From Late Night Bumper Smack to Latest HOA Story A Novel Defense for Driving Under the Influence Earle Stevens Jr., 69, of Vero Beach denied drinking while driving after being pulled over by an Indian County Sheriff Department deputy recently. The traffic stop came in response to a call from a woman who said a man matching Stevens’ description had repeatedly smacked into her vehicle from behind while she was in the drive thru line late one night at a local McDonald’s Restaurant (no doubt denying her the right to a ‘happy’ meal). Stevens denied the dinking while driving charge, saying he was only drinking while his vehicle was parked or stopped at a traffic light, never while he was actually driving. A novel argument, yes, but ultimately an unpersuasive one. Stevens was charged with DUI and driving without a license.

seat in Queens. After her stunning victory, The Times’ very first piece on the upstart newcomer carried the headline “Who is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez? “ Ughh. Maybe we’d know if you had asked that question before the election.

Does Anyone Have a Good HOA Story? Gene Work was trying to beat his HOA’S deadline to get his new sod installed when he suffered a heart attack. He survived, but while in the ambulance on the way to the hospital he told the EMTs he simply had to get his sod down right away or he’d be hit with heavy fines from his neighborhood association. His wife, Melissa Ann Work, posted this message on Facebook on July 8,

“I don’t know how to start this, but PLEASE read and PLEASE, PLEASE share!!! Before my husband had his massive heart attack, he was working on the sod with my amazing brother-in-law. That was what triggered it. We had just received our four last palettes and were going to finish it. It has been my husband’s biggest stress, as our HOA date to fine us a huge amount was getting closer.” The EMTs took note of the family’s plight, returning to Work’s yard later that afternoon to finish the task that had nearly put him under the sod he had pushed so hard to finish installing.

After recovering Work made a trip down to Pasco Rescue Unit 10 to thank those men and

women who rescued him, twice in one day.

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And Then There was One... At one time Blockbuster Video had more than 4000 location coast-to-coast. But now, a single store – in Bend, Oregon – is all that remains of the company’s once grand and glorious empire. How long it will remain, no one knows, but if the pace of change in today’s modern world has you wishing you could ‘rewind’ to a slower time, maybe you should consider retiring to this latter day Brigadoon, hidden away not in the Scottish highlands, but rather in the high desert of Oregon, where time moves slowly and VCRs still reign supreme.

Better Late Than Never? Is the old grey lady going a bit daft in her old age? The New York Times didn’t run a single story on Alexandria OcasioCortez (D) before she knocked off big time incumbent and political insider Joe Crowley in New York’s democratic primary for the 14th congressional district

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Blooming This Month Crapemyrtles (Lagerstroemia species) have become a dominant plant in Central Florida and throughout the South, because they are versatile plants for sunny locations. The Crapemyrtle produces dazzling blooms all summer long and is well-adapted to both heat and drought. During the winter months, when the leaves fall off, the bark of these shrubs and small trees can add interest to any landscape. Originally found in southeast Asia, China and Japan, Carl Linnaeus, in 1759, chose the botanical name to honor Magnus von Lagerstroem, a naturalist and director of the Swedish East Indies Company. The common name, Crapemyrtle, is from its crepe-like, crinkled petals, and a resemblance to true Myrtle. Some Crapemyrtles begin flowering as early as May and continue into the fall. Each 6- to 18inch cluster of flowers (or panicle) is composed of hundreds of 1-to 2-inch flowers. Colors include shades of purple, lavender, white, pink and red. Some cultivars have bicolor flowers, some have colors that fade with age, and others have panicles composed of a mix of flower colors. Some also have colorful bark which peels off in early summer, to reveal new bark. And all are plants that attract pollinators. The size of these plants varies from small shrubs to large trees, and some dwarf cultivars

are suitable for containers (with excellent drainage!) For best results and minimum maintenance, choose a cultivar whose growth characteristics and ultimate size fit your intended landscape use. Crapemyrtle likes full sun for best flowering, and tolerates heat, poor soil, humidity and dry shade when established. However, it has moderate aerosol salt tolerance, so it should not be used near the coast unless it is well-protected from salt spray. Pruning is one of the most controversial aspects of maintaining Crapemyrtles. Traditionally, Crapemyrtles were routinely topped, leaving large branch and stem stubs. This practice has been called “crape murder” because most people dislike the winter appearance. Plants are easy to prune while

• Windows • Doors • Glass • Repair 4384 Independence Court Sarasota, Florida 34234

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dormant since the branch structure is readily visible without the foliage, and pruning any dead, damaged, or crossed branches while plants are dormant will not interfere with flower bud formation since Crapemyrtle flowers form on new growth. Primary pests in Florida are powdery mildew and the crape myrtle aphid with its associated sooty mold. But Crapemyrtle can be one of the most pest-free landscape plants with proper cultivar selection and with proper siting. Newly planted Crapemyrtle should be irrigated regularly for the first few weeks to aid in establishment. Fertilization will stimulate growth of young Crapemyrtles but established Crapemyrtles usually do not need fertilizer. The National Arboretum has been breeding Crapemyrtles for years and theirs are all named for native American tribes. Depending on the cultivar, there are many choices of size, color, mildew resistance, shape, and bark. You might enjoy visiting http://USNA_Crapemyrtle_ Poster.pdf for an introduction. You’re sure to find a Crapemyrtle that’s right for your yard. Start by thinking about how much space you have and what flower color you want. It’s also smart to choose a diseaseresistant cultivar that’s known to perform well in Florida. Submitted by Ann Madden, Master Gardener, Sarasota Garden Club www.sarasotagardenclub.org

Handmade Antique Rugs Bought and Sold

Florida’s Largest Selection of Antique Oriental and Chinese Rugs for 45 Years

Mosby oriental rugs

941-925-1025 by appointment

www.antiqueorientalrugs.com

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

Sand Castles

AUGUST 2018

A tranquil point where land meets water By Roger Drouin The Pointe is literally on the point — a point of land, that is, surrounded on three sides by water. The five-plus acre condo community offers a unique location and for owners provides endless serene views, of both the Intracoastal/Bay and Gulf. Situated on the tranquil southernmost end of the Key, The Pointe is comprised of 122 units in a pair of 10-story buildings. Three different unit models are available: one-bedroom, one-bath units of 778 square feet; two-bedroom, two-bath units of 1028 square feet; and larger two-bedroom, twobath end units, with added windows and 1380 square feet. At the back of the building, residents enjoy the Intracoastal/ Bay views and sunrises. At the front, views face Gulf-ward with beautiful sunsets. “All the units face east-west, and have sunrise and sunset views,” says Tad Hillery, who has owned a unit with her husband since 2000. “Very few places have sunrise and sunset views over water. It just extends your horizon. We love it here.” The Hillerys’ dog, a toy chocolate poodle, loves The Pointe, as well, socializing with owners and other dogs on her walks. Dogs are allowed at The Pointe, with a weight restriction. In addition to the views, the property was unique among communities the Hillerys looked at back in 2000 when they were seeking a condo unit. “It was a little gem,” Hillery tells Siesta Sand. “With the location, it is, in a way, an entity to itself. Since we are on the southernmost point, we don’t have neighbors. It is so quiet and tranquil.” After looking at several condo communities on the Key, which all came with various high noise levels and traffic, “we drove in here, and I just knew this was it,” Hillery recalls. All units have lanais, which look out over the Intracoastal/Bay views. “The views of Little Sarasota Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway are stunning,” says Realtor Sheri Lasley-Ruiz, who has two units listed for sale at The Pointe — a one-bedroom penthouse in the south tower and a two-bedroom penthouse in the north tower, respectively. “Most people who buy at The Pointe do so because of the view — perhaps the best on Siesta Key,” says Lasley-Ruiz, of Key Solutions Real Estate, on Siesta. The Pointe is also a good value for waterfront units on the Key, Lasley-Ruiz adds. About three years ago sales prices at The Pointe were averaging in the mid-$300s per square foot. More recently, average prices fall in the high $300s to mid $400s per square foot. In this price range, “The Pointe is one of the best buys on Siesta,” Lasley-Ruiz says. Over recent years, many neighbors have upgraded their units. “When we first moved in, very few units were upgraded, but now most (units) have been upgraded in some way,” says Hillery, whose unit features a renovated kitchen and baths. Beautiful setting In addition to the serene views, the community also boasts excellent water access for kayakers and boaters, and other amenities. Nearby Jim Neville Marine Preserve is a protected mangrove island that is home to an abundance of wildlife, including American Bald Eagles, and makes for good birdwatching via kayak. Many owners, Lasley-Ruiz points out, have kayaks, and The Pointe maintains racks and an easy-to-launch ramp for

the many residents who maintain kayaks, paddleboards, and/ or canoes. For motor boaters, the community maintains docks equipped with water and electricity. The fishing off the seawall is excellent, and community fish cleaning stations make is easy and convenient to clean your catch, Lasley-Ruiz notes. Other amenities include: BBQ and Picnic areas, hot tub, sauna and pool, and tennis courts. And upgrades in the community include: recently renovated fitness rooms in both buildings, including all new equipment; additional kayak racks; new dock; and the seawall and sidewalks that surround the property are in the process of being replaced now. “That will be very good upgrade once the seawall is replaced,” Hillery says. According to The Pointe’s website: “When The Pointe was built in the late 1970’s, Siesta Key was still a relatively sleepy barrier island, whose inhabitants included many local fisherman. Midnight Pass was still open to the Gulf and early residents of The Pointe could watch schools of shrimp swim past their lanais. Today they have been replaced by kayakers and paddle boarders enjoying the beautiful mangrove islands of the Neville Marine Park.” Before the Pointe was built, Mercury Marine maintained a testing facility for their engines — where The Pointe’s gazebo island is today. Across from the condo buildings in Blind Pass, Mote Marine also once studied the behavior of sharks in huge underwater tanks, funded by the U.S. Navy and National Institutes of Health. Now The Pointe is surrounded by serenity at the very southern tip of Siesta, in close proximity to Turtle Beach Park, and restaurants, to the north and the Neville Preserve to the south. Recent Sales & Listings There have been four recent sales at The Pointe, and there are currently five units listed for sale on MLS. Recent sales have ranged from $347 to $507 a square foot. Current listings include: •Lasley-Ruiz’s two listings, with the larger condo of the pair — a two-bedroom, renovated unit — listed for $595,000. It features tile flooring throughout, white wood cabinets and appliances in the open kitchen with breakfast bar, and tiled baths. The 10th-floor units comes complete with beautiful views and sleek minimalist contemporary furnishings. The listing comes out to $578 a square foot. • The one-bedroom unit, meanwhile, is listed for $349,999, or $449 a square foot. The bedroom, with 2 large closets, offers direct Bay views and the large bathroom includes dual sinks and a shower/tub combination. A sliding-glass-door lanai with fabulous Bay views features a futon which comfortably accommodates overnight guests. An in-unit utility closet provides additional storage and has hook-ups for a full sized washer/dryer. • Another upgraded two-bedroom unit is listed for $549,500, or $498 a square foot. This ninth-floor unit has tile throughout and light and bright décor. • A fifth-floor one-bedroom unit is listed for $349,500, or $449 a square foot. According to the MLS listing, the unit has been “tastefully upgraded,” including addition of newer appliances, and being newly painted and carpeted.

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2018

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Classifieds / Here’s My Card ACCOMMODATIONS / VACATION RENTALS

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

MEDICAL CONTINUED

Dermatology Skin CanCer laSer, Botox anD Hair/nail DiSorDerS

• Siesta 4 Rent - Vacation Rentals, from studios to 5 bedrooms. Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500

BEACH & BABY EQUIPMENT RENTALS

1952 Field Road Sarasota, Florida 34231

SARASOTA’S BEST BABY RENTAL CENTER SELF SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE Order online or by phone Available 24/7 CLEAN • SAFE • RELIABLE

941-929-1850

5700 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key www.abcbabyrental.com

LANDINGS RESIDENT OWNED AND OPERATED

• 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 941-650-9499 or visit their website: www.hawksnestconstruction.com.

BOATING RENTALS / FISHING CHARTERS

Having Fun Fishing in The Sun

www.qualitycountscleaning.com

941.756.1082 Carpet, Tile and Upholstery Cleaning • Free Estimates • Satisfaction Guaranteed • Stain Specialists • Chamber of Commerce Members

941-400-2452

Tony Fudoli Sr. CAPTAIN tntfreedomfishing@yahoo.com

Veteran Owned Business

• 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.

Dolphin Watch • SunSetS • half Day aDventure SailS

• 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.

Environmentally Conscious Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service

Call

4858 S. Tamiami Trl. Sarasota, FL 34231 941-922-7790 WE TAKE THE RISK OUT OF BUYING A USED COMPUTER!

SUMMER SPECIAL 4%!!!

727-612-9988

James Brylinke Sr. • JGBrylinke@gmail.com

HELENE M. HYLAND REALTOR®

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

5145 Ocean Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34242 Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC

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

(941) 961-4309

www.SuncoastHomeConcierge.com

House Watch Sarasota Licensed and Insured

www.SheSellsSiestaKeySarasota.com

• 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

RESTAURANTS 5 for $9 Lunch Specials Mon. - Fri. 11 am - 2 pm

Your Choice:

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

COMPUTER SERVICES

Pre-Owned Mac® Computers iPhone® and iPad® Mobile Digital Device Repair Computer Upgrades - Memory, Batteries, More

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

HOUSE WATCH

We don’t cut corners, we dust them.

SAME QUALITY - BETTER VALUE

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

ExEcutivE Shirt SErvicE • houSEhold itEmS • SamE day SErvicE availablE

A family owned business with 16 years of experience.

BUY - SELL - TRADE - REPAIR

www.drmarkmathieson.com

941-275-4647

“Residential and Commercial”

(941) 780-4248

1950 Arlington St., Suite 112 Sarasota, FL 34239

from your home or business

Green Magic Cleaning Service

GreenMagicCleaning@gmail.com Call for a FREE estimate today!

941-213-BODY (2639)

Free Pick Up & Delivery Service

CLEANING SERVICES

• High quality services • Competitive rates • Great references • Always the same crew www.SarasotaHouseCleaningService.com

~ 15 years experience ~ Caring ~ Compassionate

Sell your home at a reduced rate with a single agent. Includes: 1/3 page color ad in Siesta Sand, MLS, extensive international marketing, staging if needed.

www.KathleenD.net

• 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

941.926.7546

www.dermatologyexperts.com

• Quality Screening, Window & Door Inc. Windows • Doors • Glass • Repair, 4384 Independence Court, Sarasota, 34234 (941) 953-2670. CGC 1505896 / CBC 1250402

Kathleen D Sailing Catamaran

CHURCH SERVICES

Lorie Masters PA-C

Locally Owned and Operated

Sailing From Marina Jack, Sarasota

• 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

Amy Fenenga PA-C

Serving Manatee and Sarasota Counties

DRY CLEANERS

941-896-6400

J Morgan O’Donoghue, MD.

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

MEDICAL • Paradise Dermatology offers comprehensive dermatologic care including full body skin checks, medical dermatology care, Mohs skin cancer surgery, and cosmetic treatments. Sarasota office: 3355 Clark Road, Suite #101, 941-202-5524. www/paradisederm.com

All entrees served with your choice of fries, baked beans or coleslaw.

941.923.4666

6507 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota

• Cheeseburger • 10 Boneless Wings • Grilled Chicken Salad • Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, (available grilled)

• Wraps:

(turkey bacon, buffalo shrimp or buffalo chicken)

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.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-349-0194

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Classifieds SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY

Olde Fashion Barber Shop

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

ther”

941-312-6001

“Hot La

Southgate Barber Shop

AUGUST 2018

• SHORT WALK TO SIESTA BEACH: $450,000 195 Vista Hermosa Circle, #9-A, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4189942 Wonderfully 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

(Across from the Westfield Siesta Key Mall)

• FULL GULF VIEW OF #1 BEACH: $499,900 Walk-Ins Welcome 797 Beach Rd, #305, Siesta Key, Monday-Friday 9 AM-6 PM; Saturday 9 AM-2PM FL. MLS# A4188853 www.OldStyleBarberShop.com Completely remodeled unit with high end tile floors in main living area, quality custom kitchen % ANY SERVICE! cabinets with granite counters. All Great service...great prices! the lighting has been upgraded throughout this TURNKEY Sanitation first! FURNISHED (some artwork We care about your well-being! Regular Manicure $15 Pedicure $25 excluded) unit. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 Try our DELUXE PEDICURE

OFF

& Spa

Call for an Appointment

for an awesome experience!

941-952-3301

• PALM ISLAND HOME ON THE GRAND CANAL: $899,000 322 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL. (Buccaneer Plaza across from Lincoln Dealership) MLS# A4199085 Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master BR and master SENIOR SERVICES BA. This house boasts a new boat • A Bridge for Independence provides in-home companion lift on the Grand Canal. Privacy services including companionship, transportation, light abounds with a lovely tropical view housekeeping, medication reminders, and meal preparation and across the canal. Huge bonus area planning. Call us at 941-925-2433, FL License #230517 on lower level. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 YOU DESERVE IT!

(We do other nail services, too!) 7119 S. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota, FL 34231

SPORTS RENTALS / ACCESSORIES

• SARA SANDS 3/2 remodeled and furnished ranch home at the north end of Siesta Key. Easy bike to the Village and Beach. Outdoor living at its best - located at the end of a canal with a great water view, dock with lift, tiki hut, beautiful pool, outdoor • Siesta Sports Rentals – Located on Siesta Key, bike, kayak, fireplace, huge screened lanai, RV kayak tours, scooter, children strollers and car seats. Delivery and parking! If you enjoy entertaining, this is the one! MLS #A4211194, pickup available, 6551 Midnight Pass Rd, 941-346-1797 • 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

HOMES FOR SALE

2081 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239

10 Summer Nails

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

$1,225,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • THE POINTE Penthouse! 1/1 at the southernmost end of Siesta Key. Incredible 270 degree views of the Gulf and Bay. Large lanai. Plentiful storage in the unit and on the first floor. Convenient underbuilding parking. Gated community with boat docks, kayak racks and dock, tennis, pool, spa, sauna, beautiful clubhouse, island gazebo with grilling, and more. MLS# A4401699, $349,999. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • WHISPERING SANDS Magnificent views of the Gulf, Bay, Lido Key, and downtown Sarasota! Gorgeous 2/2 end unit has been totally and impeccably renovated. It is being sold furnished in the cottage/beach style with a lovely blue/white palate. Beachfront and steps to Siesta Village. MLS# A4401698, $899,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186 • THE POINTE Penthouse! 2 bedroom 2 bath unit - renovated and contemporarily furnished - just bring your clothes! Amazing 270 degree views of the Gulf and Bay. Oversized underbuilding parking space. Gated community with boat docks, kayak racks and dock, tennis, pool, spa, sauna, beautiful clubhouse, island gazebo with grilling, and more. MLS# A4406101, $595,000. . Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• MID CENTURY BEAUTY This 3BD/3BA home, is a former Ralph Twitchell show home with an amazing open floor plan and high ceilings located on a quiet canal front corner lot. Has a 7K lbs. boat lift and is a short 5-minute commute to the bay. Has a new modern kitchen with gorgeous Brazilian granite counter tops. 505 Givens St, Siesta Key, $899,900. MLS #A4160488, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255 • AN ISLAND GEM JUST REDUCED FOR IMMEDIATE SALE! BEST VALUE IN DOLPHIN BAY! Fabulous light and bright 2/2 condo within walking distance to Siesta Beach and Village. Exceptional water views of the ICW and Bay. This beautifully decorated unit is sold furnished with just a few exceptions. This is a must see! 1260 DOLPHIN BAY WAY, #303, Siesta Key, $720,000. MLS # A4178449, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941-8941255 • OUTDOOR LIVING AT IT’S BEST This 3BD/2BA home is built on a large corner lot and includes an 800 sq. ft. covered and screened lanai with gas fire pit, 75” TV, and top of the line furnishings to seat 25+! This ideal island ranch home in Sara Sands community is minutes to the beach and Siesta Village. Home has abundant sliding glass doors & windows, white wood flooring throughout, and boasts a newer kitchen and an oversized 2 car garage. Must see! 654 Sandy Nook St, Siesta Key, $1,225,000. MLS #A4211194, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941-894-1255

TRANSPORTATION

Sarasota’s Premier “Chauffeur”

Airport Rides Starting At Only

30 941.735.4732 $

All Ports In Florida

Stress Free • Smooth and Easy Ask for Eddie

941-928-9200

RIDE THE KEY FREE

15-20 MINUTE RESPONSE TIME (Based upon traffic)

SERVICING

Siesta Key Beach Siesta Village Turtle Beach

DRIVER TIPS ONLY

Restaurants and Accommodations Operating 10AM to 2AM Daily

www.JonnysOriginalFreeRide.com

• 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.

MarinerWord Search Answers to the WORD SEARCHwww.floridamariner.com found on page 33

IMPORTANT NUMBERS Answers from

• Dollar Limo – holds up to 10 people and is cheaper than a D.U.I Page 17 Emergency (General).................................................911 or taxi. Call 941-735-4732

Emergency Animal Clinic........................ 941-929-1818 Florida

Transportation for everyone on the Sun Coast Friendliest Ride In Town

Fishing & Hunting Licenses.................... 941-362-9888 Aquariums 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

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.

Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce......... 941-349-3800 Sheriff / non-emergency......................... 941- 861-1601 Waste Management.................................. 941-924-1254

Siesta Sand

AUGUST 2018

941.349.0194

Master Chef Celebrates Retirement

Owner, Jimmy Von Hubertz embraces retiring Master Chef, Willie Tia

www.siestasand.net

Staff Report

It’s not very often this popular waterfront restaurant, located on the north entrance of Casey Key, closes its doors to the public during its regularly scheduled business hours. For this very special occasion, however, owner Jimmy Von Hubertz did not hesitate to close his establishment early in order to give his partner and long-time master chef a fitting send-off. Master Chef, Willie Tia decided to hang up his apron after 20 plus years of serving the locals and visitors to Casey Key Fish House & Tiki Hut and join the ranks of retirees that have graced this Old Florida style waterfront restaurant for so many years. The occasion brought out over 200 friends to offer congratulations and help celebrate Tia’s retirement. The female duo, Taylor & Taylor helped set the mood with the soft strumming sounds of their acoustic guitars and repertoire of songs. So what does Willie plan to do during his retirement? His simple reply echoes what so many would love to do during their first months of retirement – NOTHING! When asked how owner, Von Hubertz feels about Willie’s retirement, he replied with a grin, “I can’t wait for Willie to become a paying customer!”

Island Chatter

Continued from page 23

Looking for Siesta Sand off-island? Pick up a copy at the following locations: From Nov. 9-12, 24 of the premier master sand sculptors from all over

4&20 Patsy Co.................................................................................................................... 5638 Swift Rd. A’s Sandwich........................................................................................................ 6300 S. Tamiami Trail Abel’s Ice Cream: Southbridge Plaza.................................................................1886 Stickney Pt. Rd. Alpine Steak House............................................................................................. 4520 S. Tamiami Trail Best Western Plus................................................................................................. 6600 S. Tamiami Trail Casey Key Fish House............................................................................. 801 Blackburn Point, Osprey Corkscrew Deli: Landings Shopping Plaza * ................................................ 4982 S. Tamiami Trail Culver’s.................................................................................................................. 7520 S. Tamiami Trail Dutch Valley Restaurant.................................................................................... 6721 S. Tamiami Trail Eager Beaver Carwash *...................................................................................... 6449 S. Tamiami Trail Economy Tackle *................................................................................................. 6018 S. Tamiami Trail Fresh Catch Market & Grill: Buccaneer Plaza................................................ 7119 S. Tamiami Trail Gecko’s Restaurant.............................................................................................. 6606 S. Tamiami Trail Grasshopper Mexican Restaurant & Bar......................................................... 7253 S. Tamiami Trail Ham Heaven & Devil Dogs/GG*................................................................................ 2647 Mall Drive Hibiscus Suites.................................................................................................. 1735 Stickney Point Rd. Hooters.................................................................................................................... 6507 S Tamiami Trail Philadelphia Cheesesteaks................................................................................. 7523 S. Tamiami Trail Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar................................................................................. 5353 S. Tamiami Trail Plaza Mexico Restaurant: Southbridge Plaza.............................................. 1894 Stickney Point Rd. Pride of the South Restaurant/GG.........................................................................6616 Superior Ave. Rico’s Pizzeria & Pasta House...........................................................................................1902 Bay Rd. Sarasota Brewing /GG............................................................................................. 6607 Gateway Ave. Solorzano’s Pizza /GG..............................................................................................6670 Superior Ave. Special Nutrition Store: Southbridge Plaza......................................................1882 Stickney Pt. Rd. The Oaks BBQ...................................................................................................... 6112 S. Tamiami Trail The Shop SRQ/GG.................................................................................................. 6625 Gateway Ave. The Table Creekside............................................................................................ 5365 S. Tamiami Trail Tony’s Chicago Dogs/GG........................................................................................6569 Superior Ave. Word of Mouth/GG................................................................................................. 6604 Gateway Ave. Interested in Distributing our Publication? Call 941-349-0194 NOTE: * Denotes availability first week of each month only.

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the world will be competing in the ninth installment of the event, a news release says. Something new this year, the release notes, will be four additional sculptures created through doubles and solo competitions. Since it began, the Crystal Classic has hosted more than 260,000 visitors on Siesta Public Beach, the release points out. “In only 24 sculpting hours, (spanning the four-day event), the master sculptors create sand masterpieces and transform the always beautiful Siesta Beach into an outdoor art gallery,” the release explains. “The Crystal Classic connects the arts and the beach in ways never before seen in Sarasota.” The visual arts are not the only feature, the release adds. Live music and a large village with shopping and food and drink vendors are part of the festivities. Among other activities are “the popular three-day ‘Quick Sand’ competition, sand sculpting lessons and an amateur sculpting competition,” the release points out. The festival this year will be open on Saturday and Sunday until 9 p.m., with live music by Reverend Barry & The Funk on Saturday night and No Filter on Sunday night, the release says. “The party tent will be open and the sculptures will again be lit through a fabulous light display,” the release adds. “In 2017, the Siesta Key Crystal Classic generated some 16,000 hotel room nights,” the release notes, along with an economic impact on the county that exceeded $9 million, based on research undertaken for Visit Sarasota County. More than 60,000 attendees came to the event over the four days in 2017, the release adds. For people worried about finding parking spaces at Siesta Public Beach during the event, the release explains that Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) provides Route 11 service daily to the Key. Attendees also may park at Turtle Beach Park and take the free Siesta Key Breeze open-air trolley to the public beach park. For more information and to purchase advance tickets and parking passes, visit the website at www.siestakeycrystalclassic.com. Online ticket pricing is as follows, the release says: • Multi-day passes: $30 per adult and $15 per child. • One-day passes: $8, ($2 off gate pricing) per adult and $5 per child. • Reserved parking passes: Friday through Monday, ranging from $29 to $59.

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Island Girl

Ali

This month’s Island Girl is Ali of Seminole. Along with her love of beach volleyball she’s also a student at St. Petersburg College for Music Production and hopes after graduation to land a job in a music production studio. A few of her talents include writing music, singing, playing guitar and piano, painting and drawing. If you don’t see her playing beach volleyball on spectacular Siesta Beach, you might bump into her at a live show, concert or music festival.