IV Siesta Sand - December 2014 by Brion Palmer

Why the world comes to Sarasota

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DECEMBER 2014 | 941.349.0194 | ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC | www.SiestaSand.net | COMPLIMENTARY

Siesta Key Resident

Fines Rarely Levied in Illegal Rental Cases

Inventor of the PetDek

By Bob Frederickson

By Diana Colson

Imagine your neighbor moves out of his home across the street and within days a new family moves in. But instead of working around the yard or exploring their new neighborhood, the new arrivals spend most of their time by the pool, listening to loud music and throwing late-night parties for family and friends who have parked their cars (all of which share the same out-ofstate license plates) up-and-down your narrow residential street. Then, after a week, they’re gone and...what’s this? Another family is moving in? You realize that instead of living in a quiet neighborhood of singlefamily homes, you’re now living next to a resort. Your neighbor is renting out his property by the week and your once tranquil street is now anything but. In fact, it’s more reminiscent of the village in April than the relaxed retreat you remember.

Joe Volpe and his wife, Lana, travel often by car between Michigan and Florida as well as to other faraway places. They always took their dogs, a Labrador and a Shih Tzu. Continued on page 25

Life is good® with a brother By Emy Stein

When Siesta Key residents Alex and Nick Miller sent a letter to brothers and co-founders of Life is good®, Bert and John Jacobs, they didn’t realize they’d both end up on the company’s upper management’s “Most Wanted” list. We (Siesta Sand) received a call from a representative of Life is good®, but was initially unsure what to make of it. Colleen Clark, Director of Optimistic People at Life is good® informed us they spotted a photo of two brothers they have been searching for, for a very long time. The photo she referred to ran in our August 2014 issue and covered the Junior Lifeguard program that took place earlier on Siesta Key Beach. After hearing Colleen’s explanation of why the company

was looking to find the boys, we were only too happy to try and make that happen. The letter was actually penned by both Nick and Alex back in 2008, when they were 10 years old. According to Jim Laughlin, Director of Communications, their letter is still John’s and Bert’s favorite of the many hundreds they’ve received over the years. “It continues to be a treasure to the brothers and one that speaks so well about the value of a brotherly relationship,” said Laughlin. So it came as no surprise when the Jacobs brothers wanted to include this letter and the accompanying photo received so many years ago in a book they are currently working on. Continued on page 30

But wait...there are rules against this sort of thing, right? You recall that short-term rentals of less than 30 days are prohibited in most singlefamily neighborhoods on the Key. You breathe a sigh of relief, thinking all you have to do is call the county’s code enforcement office, make a complaint and this whole mess will be straightened out in no time, right? Not so fast. It’s not as simple as a code enforcement officer merely calling the offending property owner the next day and ordering them to stop or be slapped with an immediate fine. It takes time to document the illegal rental activity in question, schedule a hearing and obtain the “finding of fact” that is necessary before any fines (of up to $250 a day or $500 per day for repeat offenses) can be assessed. Continued on page 10

Big Pass Update

John Lally, an eight year veteran of the county code enforcement department, says illegal short term rentals on Siesta Key now consume 75 percent of his time on the job.

By Roger Drouin

Independent review of Army Corps’ Lido project to take in big picture

Sarasota County expects to hire a coastal engineering consultant this month to conduct the review examining possible impacts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ An anticipated, independent proposal to buffer 1.6 miles of Lido “ p e e r r e v i e w ” o f t h e L i d o Key Beach using sand dredged Renourishment Project could start from Big Pass. The peer-review study should be completed this as early as this month.

spring, when it will be presented to county commissioners, said Laird Wreford, coastal initiatives manager for the county. Depending on its results, the study may well become a deal breaker or deal maker for the Corps’ ambitious project. Continued on page 15

Is Publix in Siesta Key’s Future? By Robert Frederickson Yes, we know: you’ve heard this one before. Publix is coming to the Key. It’s been grist for the island rumor mill since before Midnight Pass closed. Still, this time around recent retail trends and a changing competitive landscape in the grocery industry have aligned to lend some credence

to local speculation that the Lakeland based chain is poised to plant its flag on the island. In the past, skeptics always held a trump card they could play to shutdown any such discussions: where would they put it? There simply isn’t enough commercially zoned land available on the key to

accommodate the standard 50,000 square foot grocery store, skeptics would say. It’s an argument echoed by veteran commercial real-estate broker Barry Seidel of The American Property Group in a conversation with Siesta Sand last week. Continued on page 14

Abel’s Ice Cream at The Crystal Classic Again this year, Abel’s Ice Cream set up shop on Siesta Key beach for The Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sandsculpting Competition. This is Abel’s third year as a food vendor at this popular event. Bill Abel said, “It is a great opportunity to introduce our nationally award winning brand of ice cream to both tourists and residents offered in our shop on Stickney Point Road. For this holiday season, Peppermint Flash ice cream (peppermint ice cream with peppermint candy) has been added to their 38 flavor selection. “This flavor was a hit last December and we are sure it will be popular again this season. Our take home pints and quarts sales of this flavor was incredible in 2013. Customers place phone orders using their credit card, then stopped in to pick up their order without waiting,” Abel says.

MEET OUR BARTENDER OF THE MONTH - JENNY TRACY Page 23

A great holiday gift idea for your hairstylist, employees or as a hostess gift is a box of Sweet Shop USA handmade chocolates offered at Abel’s. The quality handmade chocolate truffles are offered in a variety of flavors. Sweet Shop USA has developed recipes for a velvet-soft center without the course, grainy feel in your mouth. The centers are made of chocolate liquor, real butter and fresh whipping cream. Each center is hand-formed and handdipped in a coating of chocolate then personally signed or decorated by the dipper to identify the piece. Abel’s is located at 1886 Stickney Point Road between Stonewood Grill and New Balance Shoes. Visit www.abelsicecream.com for directions or call 941-921-5700. Learn more about us at WWW.ABELSICECREAM.COM

CAPT KLOPFER’S FISHING REPORT Page 21

LOCAL MAPS & INFORMATION

WHO’S PLAYING TONIGHT Page 22

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Siesta Key Association meeting notes By Diana Colson Community Reports: Sheriff’s Office:

Deputy McGregor was pleased to report that it’s been a slow time for the Sheriff’s Office. Currently, there are no big crime trends. Michael Shay mentioned there had been complaints about exiting the new SK Beach parking lot area onto Beach Rd. People were making left turns where only right turns were allowed. Deputy McGregor said two actions might be taken to correct the situation: either put up a NO-U-TURN sign or extend the curbing. He will investigate the situation.

$500 a day, and the owner is the one who is held responsible. Joe Volpe took the position that realtors who rent out these properties need to be held responsible for their part in illegal rentals. A new ordinance is now on the books allowing sales on the sidewalk in Siesta Key. Temporary Use permits must first be applied for, and these are good for one year. Each store will be allowed only TWO items to be placed on the sidewalk: a mannequin, a rack or a table, but nothing hanging. This is a one-year ordinance, and may be revoked in 2015 if not successful.

FDOT & ROUNDABOUTS:

Code Enforcement:

John Lally continues to work on illegal rentals. He has about 80 cases on his desk right now, with each case requiring 5-6 hours of preparation. (Lally is a oneman operation.) The situation is growing worse. New web sites are popping up all over the world touting short term properties for rent on Siesta Key, most of which are illegal. Fines range from $250 to

Robin Stublen and William Hartmann of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) explained the upcoming Project Development Environment Study exploring the intersection at SR 758 at Beach Rd. They emphasized that before any decisions are made, the public will have a chance to voice its opinions.

Roundabouts are being considered because they are proven to reduce serious T-Bone accidents by 75%. They also keep traffic flowing at a steady pace and provide Right Turn exits instead of the more dangerous Left Turns. “People have embraced roundabouts once they have experienced them,” says Stublen. This project is funded by Federal monies. FDOT is currently studying all possible options. One option is a roundabout, or some variation of it. Another option is to do nothing. The study will look at all traffic patterns. The project would provide wider bicycle lanes and wider sidewalks for pedestrians. Concern was expressed about a roundabout being built right next to the Fire Department. Stublen said the upcoming study would also address issues pertaining to the location of this Fire Station. Nothing is yet cast in stone. Every possible answer is on the table, and there is no predetermination. Continued on page 26

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SIESTA SAND December 2014 • www.siestasand.net

2014 Siesta Key Holiday Lighting Contest Begins It’s that time of the year again when residents of Siesta Key enthusiastically drag out and test all their best Christmas lights and

other holiday decorations. The Siesta Key Condo Council (SKCC) take it one step further. They like to get into the holiday spirit with a little bit of friendly rivalry. Former SKCC board member, George Oberleis credited for being the major and creative energetic force behind this goodhumored bit of competition which began about 10 years ago. He was instrumental in making the contest a success and annual “must see” event. Last year, 22 condominiums participated. The winners for the three categories for 2013 were: CATEGORY 1 -101 OR MORE UNITS 1ST PLACE – Peppertree Bay; CATEGORY 2 – 51-100 UNITS - 1ST PLACE – Beachaven;

Siesta Key Round-Up

Kayaks and other “nonmotorized” water vessels rented from Turtle Beach will soon be getting medallions—just like taxis in New York City. County staff hosted two public meetings Nov. 18 and Dec. 3 to discuss the expansion of the county’s non-motorized water vessel program to Turtle Beach Park and changes to the program’s guidelines, including parking and launch restrictions at South Lido Park. The expansion means the county

Lighting trail is worth a look. Choose your top pick and see how it stacks up with what the judges decide. Awards will be presented along with bragging rights at the SKCC January 20, 2015 membership meeting. We will post results in next month’s issue. For those used to seeing snow during this time of the year, it may be a little surreal to see Christmas lights and holiday decorations amongst palm trees, green grass and flowers. But when the sun goes down and the lights come alive,there’s no denying, the simple pleasure of a stroll or drive down our paradise island taking in the beauty of thousands of twinkling lights lends to Siesta Key’s own enchanting bit of magic.

Compiled by Debbie Flessner, Bob Stein & Roger Drouin

Photo credit: Sarasota County file photo. (from Siesta Beach)

County expands kayak rental regulations

CATEGORY 3 – 50 OR FEWER UNITS - 1ST PLACE – Sandpiper Beach Club. Sponsors for 2014 are Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce (SKCC), Siesta Key Village Association (SKVA), Siesta Trolley, Inc, and Siesta Sand newspaper. This year you’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor by midDecember, when the judging takes place. As the sun sets and the lights are turned on, you’ll be able to enjoy some beautiful displays. Drive the length of the island from Siesta Key Village via Ocean Blvd, up Beach Road and Midnight Pass Road to Turtle Beach. There are areas along that route more densely clustered with condos and holiday lights and other areas with fewer condos, but the entire Condo

will be charging $500 annual fees to commercial operators for each non-motorized vessel they rent from Turtle Beach. Commercial vendors will in turn be assigned a medallion to put on each kayak permitted, said Patricia Wisner, business development coordinator for Sarasota County. Vendors at Turtle Beach will also be required to maintain insurance, meet safety and equipment standards, comply with launch staging. A pilot program was launched at Ted Sperling Park on Lido Key, and in August County Commissioners unanimously directed staff to

study other locations to expand the program. The program’s goal is to try“to balance the safety aspect with people wanting to come to our waters.” Rental restrictions at Turtle Beach should also make it easier for locals to get their kayaks into the water, Wisner told Siesta Sand. “We’re hoping it makes it easier for residents to go there and launch,” Wisner said. Wisner said the county has heard from locals who say it’s been much better at Ted Sperling Park since the program was implemented. Fees collected from medallions will go towards making sure vendors are registering vessels and ensuring private users have adequate access. For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000 or visit www.scgov. net.

Discussions continue about homeless situation on the Key

Business owners and residents continue to express concern about some of the displaced people who have taken up residence outdoors

on Siesta Key. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to rectify the problem by offering the homeless some different options. One particular person, referred to as “Lance”, is regularly seen in Siesta Village, where he receives food, money and most anything else he needs. Sgt. Scott Osborne, of the Sheriff’s Office, said that one of the reasons it has been so difficult to encourage Lance and other homeless people to leave the business areas in the Village is because others have made it so advantageous for them to stay there. “DCF (Department of Children and Families) was involved at one point and offered him (Lance) some different options for housing, and he said he was not interested,” Osborne said. “He has also had some government assistance, but he gave it up, because in order to get disability, you have to have a contact address.” Osborne added that as long as the homeless continue to be the recipients of residents’ and business owners’ generosity, they really have no reason to leave Siesta Key. Continued on page 4

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Siesta Key Round-Up

Traffic problems at new Siesta Public Beach parking lot exit

While the new parking lot at Siesta Public Beach has helped to alleviate many of the parking issues, there may be a problem with one of the exits. Luckily, it is something that can be easily remedied. Michael Shay, president of the Siesta Key Association, said that the southernmost exit lane from the new beach parking lot poses a possible safety hazard--especially to cars going north on Beach Road. “Currently at that spot on the ground, there is just a right arrow,” he said. “People are making a right turn and then taking a jog and

Continued from page 3

doing a u-turn to head north on Beach Road.” When Shay brought up his concerns to the Sarasota County Public Works department, they told him they were already aware of the situation and were working on a solution. That solution could be as simple as painting “right turn only” on the turn lane and erecting a “no u-turn” sign on Beach Road. Shay said that with the new parking lot, as problems have arisen, the County has been good about correcting them right away. “They have been very open about our concerns,” he said. “I feel good that they’re going to address this issue--it’s just going to take some time.”

SCAT ridership for the Crystal Classic event

Kendra Keiderling of Sarasota County Area Transit wanted to thank all the riders for their support the weekend of the Crystal Classic. “The riders seemed very happy and liked the fact they did

not have to drive or deal with parking! Our ridership tripled for this weekend! We did add a new Route 10 this year and that helped with the passenger load. The event was fabulous,” said Keiderling.

Sunsets on the Key changes ownership

A nine-unit rental property, at 5203 Avenida Navarra and one block from Ocean Blvd., was sold to new owners on November 17. Sunsets on the Key consists of one and two-bedroom vacation homes and rests on three contiguous parcels, encompassing 11,562 square feet of land. The buyer of the property was Siesta Key Village Tropical Breeze Resort, Inc., which also owns the Tropical Breeze Resort at 140 Columbus Blvd. Prudie Varro, who was the Sunsets on the Key manager for the previous owners, Paul and Monica Keppes, said that they did not care to talk about the amount of the property’s closing price. “The owner has no interest in

SIESTA SAND December 2014 • www.siestasand.net

divulging the information of the sales price, because it was a private transaction and it’s not made for public information,” she said. “That’s his feeling on it.” The Keppes had owned Sunsets on the Key since 1997 and back in 2011 had sent an email to Sarasota County proposing the county buy the centrally-located property from them and turn it into parking for the Village. That deal never transpired.

Letter to Sarasota County

Siesta Key Village Municipal Parking Lot; It is our (Siesta Key Association)understanding from the Sheriff’s office as well as from County Staff that there currently are no restrictions on what type of vehicle can park in the SKV municipal lot that has entrances on Avenida Madera and on Avenida de Mayo. Only restriction is that a vehicle cannot be parked in the same spot for more than 72 hours. There are no restrictions on the size of the vehicle, or how many

spots they take up (RV’s have used multiple spots). From the inception of that lot, it has been our understanding that it is for the use of people using the Siesta Key Village facilities. During the month of August a large commercial vehicle was parked in the lot for days at a time. It posed a safety hazard to passenger vehicles as well as pedestrians in the lot. We received a number of complaints from both residents as well as Village businesses. In collaboration with SKVA (Siesta Key Village Association), SKA is requesting the County enact an ordinance to restrict parking to no commercial vehicles, trucks, trailers, etc. (excluding Village maintenance crews) and no RV or motor home parking.

Sidewalk repair project

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and its contractor, LAS Contracting Inc., are making sidewalk repairs along Continued on page 5

Siesta Key Round-Up the north side of State Road 758/ Midnight Pass Road from Stickney Point Road to Hanson Bayou. The project began November 19th and is expected to be completed in midDecember. Expect intermittent northbound sidewalk closures and lane closures while crews are wo r k i n g . L a n e c l o s u r e s occur intermittently from 9 am to 4 pm and from 8 pm to 6 am. FDOT requires lane closures to accommodate trucks pouring concrete on-site.

Continued from page 4

holiday-themed costume contest, raffle prizes, a holiday photo op, food and beverages. Pre-registered runners receive a long-sleeve event shirt in your choice of wicking or 100% cotton and a goody bag. Race-day registrants receive event shirts while supplies last. Awards are presented to the first six places in each age group: trophies for first through third place and trophies for fourth through sixth place. The pre-registration fee for the 5K

and Tamiami Trail. There are two groups desiring a different outcome regarding the request for a traffic light on Stickney Point Road. Businesses from the South Point Plaza and residents in the southwest area of the proposed development oppose the current plan to install a signal on Stickney and Avenues B/C. The Pine Shores residents have pushed for the proposed lights, hoping to stop the flow of traffic back to Tamiami Trail through their streets. At the October 29th open meeting several attendees asked the question; Why not place a light on the corner of Glencoe and Tamiami Trail? Stay tuned!

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Enjoy a run and lots of holiday fun as the 38th Annual Sandy Claws Beach Run returns to Siesta Beach on Dec. 13. The brilliant, white, pure quartz sand is hardpacked, making for fast finish times. Or, set a leisurely pace and take in the tranquil beauty of what’s been named one of America’s best beaches. The race, sponsored by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and Drs. Heidi Anderson and Paul Brannan of DOCs (Dermatology &Oculoplastic Consultants), is sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club and chiptimed. It takes place at Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road, Sarasota on Saturday, Dec.13, with race-day registration beginning at 7 a.m. The 1-mile fun run begins at 8 a.m., and the 5K run is at 8:20 a.m. Try kinesiology taping, offered pre- and post-race, and enjoy a post-race party featuring music, a

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The Old Salty Dog Restaurant located in the Siesta Key Village, the oldest restaurant on Siesta Key, added a new look. The restaurant is now sporting a Tiki roof at the entrance. There are also plans to add new furniture.

is $25, and $20 for the 1-mile Fun Run. Pre-registration ends Nov. 26. The race-day registration fee is $30 for both the 5K and 1-mile Fun Run. Register online at https://www. scgov.net/parks or through Active. com, or complete and return a flyer/registration form available at any county recreation center, library or government building. Early packet pick-up takes place at the New Balance Sarasota store, 1872 Stickney Point Road, on Thursday, Dec. 11, from 4-7 p.m. For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000.

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News Up & Down the Trail Nearly a million visitors

If you think you noticed more tourists here last winter, you’re correct. When visitors come to the Sunshine State, they increasingly are choosing Sarasota County as their destination. The county—which has outpaced Florida in visitation growth this year—celebrated another banner year for tourism in 2014, as more than 929,000 visitors stayed in hotels and vacation condominiums in the county from Oct. 1, 2013, through Sept. 30, 2014. That’s an increase of 5.2 percent when compared with the same period a year earlier, according to data from Visit Sarasota, the county’s tourism agency. Overall, spending by visitors in the region increased by 10.4 percent when compared with the previous fiscal year, reflecting a renewed sense of confidence in consumers and a strong desire to travel. Both Sarasota and Manatee counties did better than Florida in visitation growth so far this year,

By Roger Drouin & Debbie Flessner

and tourism promoters expect a strong winter “snowbird” season. Hotel occupancy rates and average daily room rates were the highest on record in July for Sarasota and Manatee counties during what is historically a slow month for tourism.

Mall lands bistro theater

Westfield Southgate mall is getting a new tenant: a sevenscreen luxury movie theater set to open in 2015. Westfield Southgate and Birmingham, Ala.-based Cobb Theatres announced the addition of a CinéBistro to the Siesta Drive mall. The 35,000 square-foot CinéBistro will feature first-run movies and independent films for adults age 21 and older. It will fill the void left when Saks left for its new, larger store at the Mall at University Town Center. The theater will also have reclining leather chairs and swivel dining tables, where moviegoers can enjoy fresh American Bistro menu items, as well as traditional

movie snacks, according to a press release. The CinéBistro will also have a bar, dining lounge and patio, which will offer an extensive wine list and specialty martinis. Cobb Theatres has opened seven CinéBistro locations in Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and Colorado and currently operates 231 screens at 19 locations.

Dunkin’ Donuts expansion

The familiar national chain is going to be even more visible in the Sarasota-Bradenton region. Massachusetts-based Dunkin’ Donuts has been expanding aggressively throughout Florida, opening several new locations in the Southwest Florida region. The chain’s newest store opened Nov. 11 at 3824 S. Tuttle Ave., in Sarasota. The restaurant will be open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Saturday. Dunkin Donuts is also opening another location in Sarasota, on U.S. 41 just north of Stickney Point Road. Last month,

SIESTA SAND December 2014 • www.siestasand.net

Dunkin Donuts opened a new store at 5259 30th St. E., in Bradenton.

Going Up

More construction cranes are set to come downtown. In the midst of renewed downtown development activity and recovering real estate market, a long-delayed condo tower on Palm Avenue has been revived. XAC Developers, of Illinois, is now moving ahead with the 18-story condo project at the historic downtown DeMarcay Hotel. The 33 South Palm tower was originally proposed in 2006, but the plan was halted by a surplus of condos and the Great Recession. Plans show modern architecture, a rooftop pool and an elevatorbased parking system. The city approved a site plan for the project in 2006, valid through October 2015. But because the approval came under the Downtown Residential Overlay District, which has since expired, the city must first clear any modifications to the plan.

Apartment project OK’d

City Commissioners approved a downtown apartment building to be developed by Carter Acquisitions. Local entrepreneur Jesse Biter had originally pitched the development, and Atlanta-based Carter Acquisitions is the contract buyer for the property at 1401 and 1445 Second St. The commission approved the project 3-2, with those voting yes saying the apartments would be moderately priced compared to what’s available downtown. The proposal calls for 168 rental units, with 140 of them at 1,250 square feet or less. Carter Acquisitions expects one-bedroom units to rent from $1,100 per month to $1,500; while two-bedroom units would go for $1,800 to $2,200.

New homes slated for Osprey

Development activity is reaching south, also. The Sarasota County Planning Commission Continued on page 7

News Up & Down the Trail gave the green light to a 33-home development that will sit on a 9.77acre parcel near the intersection of Old Venice Road and Blackburn Point Road. The homes will sell at around $350,000 each. On Nov. 6 the Planning Commission approved a rezoning request clearing the way for the development, named the Palms at Casey Key, to be build by Ryland Homes Inc. The development site is south of Rivendell Community and north of Oscar Scherer State Park. According to plans filed with Sarasota County, 33 homes will face a cul-de-sac street with an entrance from Old Venice Road.

New faces at County Commission

Alan Maio, former Sarasota County Planning Commissioner, and Paul Caragiulo, previous city commissioner, were sworn in as new county commissioners Tuesday, Nov. 18. The recently-elected county commissioners were sworn in at the Sarasota County Administration Center. They were elected to the board in November. Caragiulo fills the District 2 position that was vacated this month when Joseph Barbetta stepped down because of term limits. Maio replaces termedout Nora Patterson in District 4, which includes part of eastern Sarasota County, Gulf Gate, Palmer Ranch and Siesta Key.

City Commission identifies top issues

The Sarasota City Commission has identified top legislative issues. At their meeting Nov. 3, commissioners established the top priorities for the next legislative session as public pension reform, funding for homelessness programs and mental health initiative programs, red light cameras and enterprise zones. A representative from the city commission will present the City of Sarasota’s legislative priorities to the Sarasota County Legislative Delegation Hearing, which is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 3 and will be from 9 a.m. to noon at the Sarasota County Administration Building. Earlier this year city commissioners balked when they declined to participate in a partnership with the county to fund

Continued from page 6

and construct a come-as-you-are shelter for homeless adults. On July 21, city commissioners gave up on building a homeless shelter.

Sarasota County lifts alcohol ban

Alcohol can now be purchased before noon on Sundays in most parts of Sarasota County. The Sarasota County Commission voted Nov. 4 to lift a long-standing ban on the sale of alcohol during church hours. The vote came at the request of local businesses that said they were losing patrons to surrounding counties on Sunday morning. The commissioners agreed that the prohibition was an antiquated law that was put into place decades ago. Local hotels, retailers and restaurants supported the change. Blue Rooster co-owner Devin Rutkowski pushing for the change, saying the law was a shock to some patrons who arrived for brunch at 11 a.m. on Sundays but couldn’t order a mimosa until noon. The cities of Sarasota, North Port and Longboat Key still have the restriction in place.

Continuing to climb

Home sales continue to climb in Sarasota County The local real estate market remained on pace for near record sales numbers in September 2014, ending the month with 934 closed transactions—14 percent higher than last September when 817 properties changed hands, according to the Sarasota Association of Realtors. “We are seeing steady, strong numbers for the Sarasota County real estate market,” said Sarasota Association of Realtors President Peter Crowley. The breakdown for closed sales in September 2014 was 688 single family homes and 246 condos sold, according to figures released by Florida Realtors in October. If a pace of more than 900 sales per month is sustained through the fourth quarter, then the record sales—11,482 from the standout year of 2004—could be exceeded. Closings were down slightly from the August 2014 figures of 698 single family homes and 277 condos sold (975 total). The median sale price for single family homes stood at $189,000 for single family homes, off slightly

from the $195,750 in August 2014 and almost identical to last September’s figure of $189,902. The condo median was $195,000, up about 10 percent from last month and up 18 percent from last September’s figure of $165,000. The fluctuations in condominium prices have not been unusual in recent years, compared to the steadier nature of the single family home market, and tend to reflect the buying tendencies of investors in the market, according to the Sarasota Association of Realtors.

New Venice Performing Arts Center opens

With much fanfare, the brand new Venice Performing Arts Center (VPAC) opened its doors to the public for the first time last month. On the campus of Venice High School, the 51,562-square-foot facility is the result of a partnership between the School Board of Sarasota County and the City of Venice, and is intended to provide a world-class venue for musical and other theatrical performances. The barrier-free VPAC seats 1,070 people. In addition to regular performances at the VPAC by resident arts groups, the Venice High School Performing Arts Department will present future theatrical productions on the 2,000 square-foot stage. Other performing arts groups will be able to rent the Center, which will bring additional high-quality entertainment and arts education offerings to Venice. The VPAC also will create opportunities for original programming and special events. For information, and for a schedule of events, visit www. VenicePerformingArtsCenter.com, or call 941-488-6726.

Local political sway

Sen. Bill Galvano, of Bradenton, has taken on a leadership role in the Florida Senate. Incoming Senate President Andy Gardiner named Galvano as his majority leader in November, as he starts crafting his Republican leadership team.

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Still time to enter your boat in the Venice Boat Parade

Christmas in Venice means lights on palm trees and lights in the waterways. And each year, on the first Saturday of December, boat owners dress up their vessels in holiday finery and motor up the Intracoastal Waterway through Venice. Since 1989, the Venice Boat Parade of Lights has been one of the most popular annual events in the town, averaging more than 40 entries a year, and thousands more spectators on the shores of the waterway. Luckily, there is still time to submit an entry form for your boat and participate in the festivities. It only costs $15 to register, and committee members are happy to offer decorating suggestions, if you need them. The parade starts just north of the Albee Road Bridge at 6 p.m., and continues down the Intracoastal Waterway and out the jetty as far as land on the south side. For more information, and to submit a boat registration, visit

Continued from page 7

www.VeniceChristmasBoatParade. com, or call parade director John Osmulski at 941-809-8100.

five children’s books and four additional novels, earned a monetary award for her entry.

Venice author wins playwriting contest

Venice utilities director promoted to assistant city manager

Venice resident Clarissa Thomasson has won the top prize in the Firehouse Community Theatre’s 2014 Clarence “Bud” Jones Playwriting Competition. The award is named after, and honors, a former English teacher and drama coach at Clewiston High School. Thomasson’s winning play is entitled, “Over the Bridge,” and depicts the story of five high school seniors having a typical conversation about their future plans, inside a general store in their small West Virginia town on a very atypical day--December 7, 1941. Needless to say, the world events of that particular day dramatically changed each of the teenagers’ lives and sent them in unplanned directions. After Thomasson was named one of the three finalists for the competition back in September, she was invited to direct a scene from her play for a theater audience in LaBelle, who then voted on their favorite play from the three performances. The prize-winning playwright, who has also published

For several years, the office of assistant city manager for Venice has been vacant. Earlier this month, though, the position was finally filled from within by Venice utilities director Len Bramble. In his previous job for more than seven years, Bramble has been credited with creating an ongoing capital improvement program and helping the department dig its way out of a $9 million deficit. Shortly after taking the utilities job, he stressed to city leaders the importance of shoring up Venice’s aging infrastructure. He then helped to create a long range capital improvement program, and as a result, broken sewer and water lines are no longer a weekly occurrence in the city. City manager Ed Lavallee interviewed three in-house candidates before deciding to make Bramble his second in command. The other candidates who applied were Alan Bullock, director of administration, and John Veneziano, public works director.

Christmas worship services on Siesta Key By Debbie Flessner

For those who acknowledge Christmas as the birth date of Jesus Christ, the holiday is a wonderful time to attend worship services at church. What follows is a listing of the three churches that are on Siesta Key and a schedule of their Christmas services:

Siesta Key Chapel (Presbyterian) 4615 Gleason Avenue (at Ocean Blvd.) 941-349-1166 Christmas Eve Services 5:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

SIESTA SAND December 2014 • www.siestasand.net

Christmas Day 10 a.m. — Christ Day Eucharist with organ and carols

St. Boniface Episcopal Church 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key 349-5616 Christmas Eve 4:30 p.m. — family service with pageant and Eucharist 7 p.m. — Music for choir, strings and organ 7:30 p.m. — Christ Mass, featuring the Mass of the nativity 10:30 p.m. — Christmas music for choir, strings and organ 11 p.m. — Christ Mass, featuring the Mass of the nativity

St. Michael the Archangel 5394 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key 349-4174 Christmas Eve 4:00, 7:00 and 10 p.m. — Mass Christmas Day 7:30, 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. — Mass

Sheriff’s Report

Oct. 21- Nov. 10, 2014

There were a total of 21 crimes reported on the Key from 10/21-11/17/14

10/24/14 Burglary/Vehicle/Felony 5000 Block Ocean Blvd.

A man flagged down an officer when he noticed his laptop bag was missing from his car. The victim stated he parked his vehicle at approximately 11:45 p.m. and when he returned at about 12:45 a.m., he discovered his bag missing. He advised he inadvertently had left all 4 windows down. He described the contents of the bag as; his wallet which contained $300 U.S. cash, $200 Euro cash, an inactive Bank Of America debit card, an Apple Ipad 2, Sol headphones, and his prescription bottle of Oxytocin which contained 2 pills. Officers noted there were no signs of forced entry and that the suspect was possibly able to lift the bag out of the car without leaving latent prints.

10/26/14 Burglary/Felony 1000 Block Midnight Cove Rd.

A woman reported to the Sheriff’s office that upon wakening that morning, she discovered her ring box was missing along with six rings, from her bedroom. She stated the complex had hired a painting crew that had been painting the buildings last week. She believes that one of the painters gained access and took her rings and advised that the suspected entry point was a third floor lanai sliding door that was left open and unlocked. All other doors to the

residence were locked at all times. Nothing else was missing from the residence. There were no fingerprints submitted in the case. The victim believes the total value of the rings to be $5000.

10/27/14 Petit Theft Siesta Beach

While on patrol at the public beach parking lot, an officer was flagged down by a woman who stated that she had found a ladies wallet/change purse on the beach on the day prior (10/26) and waited until this date to make contact with one of the deputies at the beach. She said she looked inside the wallet to find a way of contacting the owner and noticed there was no money in it. The officer was able to obtain the victims phone number from the information on her driver’s license. After making contact with the victim and telling her that her wallet had been found, the officer described the contents of the wallet. The victim stated that to the best of her knowledge, the only thing missing from the wallet was $100 in cash. She also stated that the prior weekend, while at a village bar, she had her picture taken with her phone. She believed the unknown white male in the background of the picture was the man who had reached into her pocket and stolen her wallet. She stated she would print the picture off her phone and drop it off at the Sheriff’s office to be entered into evidence.

11/6/14 Burglary/Felony 4000 Block Givens Ct.

A man reported a burglary had taken place at his father’s garage sometime between 10/30-11/2. The man explained that his father was out of town when he discovered the items missing from the detached garage. He was unsure if the garage had been locked or not. The investigating officer noted there were no signs of forced entry on the door, lock or frame. The items missing include a black Trek hybrid bike($820), a circular saw($125), reciprocating saw($125), cordless drill($125) and an Igloo water cooler($40). The garage is in a secluded area on a dead end road with no thru traffic or nonresident pedestrians.

11/11/14 Burglary/Felony 1000 Block Peppertree Dr.

A winter resident called the sheriff’s office to report a grand theft, which occurred sometime between 4/23/14 and 10/23/14. The man said he left his apartment on April 23 for the summer. He returned on or about October 23. However, it was not until this day, November 11 that the man realized a twelve person setting of seventy-five flat pieces of silverware had been stolen. The approximate value of the stolen items is $10,000. The man noticed no sign of forced entry to his apartment, but during the six-month period that he was away, numerous workers had access, as did the maintenance staff.

941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

Illegal Rental Cases

Continued from cover story

At that point, the county’s code enforcement non-conforming rentals office to determine if it was usually end, but it can consistent with their own take four to six months findings. In this instance, to get to this point. In the records showed 25 some cases the violations cases of illegal short term discovered may stretch rentals over the 12 month back a year or more and period investigated. Assuming the going rate represent a considerable Lally estimates at $1750 amount of income for the per week for an average, violator. It’s not that the county modest home, it’s easy is unsympathetic to the This home on Avenida Madera was the subject of a hearing to see why so many are plight of residents dealing attracted to the idea of last month on prohibited short term rentals. with the noise and renting out their property parking headaches often on the Key. Lally says he associated with nearby has come across properties short term rentals; it’s just offered at up to $14,000 per that - as the saying goes week. At that rate, a fine the wheels of justice are of $250 or even $500 a day often slow to turn. could be viewed as a minor County code annoyance. Interestingly, enforcement officer John such high-end properties Lally says investigating would likely draw less non-conforming rentals attention from neighbors on the key now consumes in the first place, since they 75 percent of his time. likely feature larger lots “It’s gotten much worse with off street parking and since Siesta Beach was a client base less likely to This home on Calle Florida was the subject of a hearing named the country’s best behave like frat boys on last month on prohibited short term rentals. beach a few years back,” spring break. he said in a recent interview. It code enforcement officer Lally. An The hearing for the Avenida would seem quite a few folks are investigation of the property was Madera property was scheduled for November 8th, during which looking to cash in on the key’s opened. “Most of these properties are the evidence gathered by Lally and newfound claim-to-fame. His advice to homeowners offered for rent on vacation rental the records provided by Seacrest facing what they suspect is illegal sites like VRBO (Vacation Rentals were presented for the record. renting in their neighborhood? By Owner),” he said. So his work Special Magistrate Wittmer “We don’t recommend that begins online, at the computer, had one overriding question for homeowners confront the renters,” searching through hundreds of Lally during the hearing: “Is the he said. Instead, he advises they call listings for Siesta Key vacation property now in compliance?” “Yes,” he replied. the county at 861-5000 and lodge rentals. a formal complaint. The sooner The addresses are rarely, if ever, And with that, the “finding a complaint is filed, the sooner listed. So he had to look through of fact”was recorded with the he can begin an investigation all the images included on the sites county clerk and the hearing was that should eventually lead to he is checking, comparing them complete. No penalty hearing was the “finding of fact” that brings to pictures of the property he has scheduled. No fines were assessed with it the prospect of fines being taken. “It can take a bit of time,” for the documented violations to levied; this is what usually gets he says. “And there are a bunch of date. The whole proceeding took perhaps five minutes at most for a the offending property owner’s sites out there to check.” attention and finally puts an end to If he finds a match, the next case that had first come to light five step is contacting the homeowner months prior. A similar hearing for the violations. “We’re not looking to fine or property manager, in this case a property on Calle Florida owned people,” Lally said. “We want Seacrest, who Lally discovered by Allison Jones was disposed in to bring the properties back into in a records search, has an Ohio similarly quick fashion. address. “The finding of fact stays on the compliance.” Two hearings last month by In July, Seacrest was sent a record for five years,” Lally said in Special Magistrate Meg Wittmer at notice of requiring him to provide the lobby afterwards. “If there’s a the county administration building records of rental activity at the violation in the future, then the bear this out while illustrating the property covering the previous fines can kick in right away.” range of steps that have to be taken 12 months. Under county statute, When asked if he could recall a these records must contain “the fine ever being assessed for similar to reach that goal of compliance. One case involved a property names and addresses of lessees cases he had investigated, the eightowned by Jeff Seacrest at that are adequate to establish the year veteran code enforcement 349 Avenida Madera. While period for which a unit is rented.” officer answered yes. investigating a complaint on that Seacrest was required to reply “There was one, for $250 once. It street in early summer, Seacrest’s by August 28th. He did. The was a one day violation.” property caught the attention of information was reviewed by the

SIESTA SAND December 2014 • www.siestasand.net

Off Islands

By Rodger Skidmore

Here’s something one can’t blame on Global Warming: the rapid shifting of tectonic plates from the South Pacific eastward into the Gulf of Mexico. They say it took over 500 million years for the bits and pieces of Gondwana and Laurasia to shift into their current positions around the world but it has taken less than a year for the Polynesian Islands of Bali Ha’i (Aoba Island) and Espiritu Santu to make their way into Sarasota Bay. They moved so rapidly that no one is certain as to whether they drifted around the southern tip of South America or snuck through the Panama Canal in the middle of the night. In any case the first public sighting of these islands was in midOctober, fittingly enough, at Selby Botanical Garden’s Children’s Rainforest Garden. It was at this venue that the Asolo Repertory Theatre’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical South Pacific was announced. This show is part of an ongoing presentation of theater works entitled The American Character Project. Michael Edwards, the Producing Artistic Director, explained that this is the Asolo Rep’s 3rd season of showcasing classic American plays and musicals for the theatergoers of Sarasota and for those other theater buffs willing to make their way here for stunningly performed, thought provoking entertainment. Besides just talking about what the Asolo Rep was going to be doing, Mr. Edwards introduced those who were going to be doing this great American musical. Starting things off was Loretta Ables Sayre, who jumped right in with a great rendition of Bloody Mary’s song “Bali Ha’i.” She probably knew what she was doing as she had received a Tony Award nomination for her recent Lincoln Center portrayal of Bloody Mary. That song was followed by an ensemble version of “Nothing Like A Dame” which was sung by the actors that portray the SeeBees (the Navy’s construction battalion) during the war in the Pacific. Pretty much all of the action takes place outdoors on the

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fictionalized version of the island of Espiritu Santu and it was a treat to see portions of the show performed outside in the tropical air of Selby Gardens. These Polynesian Islands are best sighted at around 2 and 8 PM through December 28th at the Mertz Mainstage Theater at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory by the Ringling Museum. At the end of December they will probably drift away into the fog of the New Year, hopefully to be seen elsewhere. In the Sarasota production everything was very Polynesian, including the theater’s giant curtain, which was made entirely of bamboo. There were seven or eight different sets with the action going back and forth between them multiple times. Set changes were counted in seconds because of the rotating stage and sliding scenery. No lag or interludes to slow down the action. One could say this was a typical story of boy meets girl, boy wins girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl again. But it could also be a typical story of girl meets boy, girl wins .... etc. Yes, one could say this, but the facts are that the setting, backstory, multi-layered emotions, place and time make this musical anything but typical. A couple of other reason’s that it is not typical is that the show is based on short stories from the Pulitzer prize winning book Tales of the South Pacific by James Michener and that the musical won its own Pulitzer prize as well. Singing, dancing, acting, sets: yes, this show has them all. Good? No. Great? Yes! Unless my memory is failing, I have never seen an actor as energetic as Kelly Felthous in her portrayal of Ensign Nellie Forbush. And everyone was on Pinza n’ needles listening to Ben Davis’ rendition of “Some Enchanted Evening.” He was spot on. Most of the scenes had one backdrop: in the distance, a palm tree and, further away, lovely clouds over the water. Again, just like Sarasota. While the structure of the backdrop was similar, the local of the sets (Michael Schweikardt) were quite varied - from a veranda with formal dinner to the loading area for troop carriers. The lighting was also extremely effective (John Lasiter) as the clouds changed from white to the magic pink of our early evenings as the action

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moved from day to night. While not on stage for as long as the adults, the actors that portray the son and daughter of a plantation owner, Emile De Becque, were quite effective and also central to the plot. They were, in part, the catalyst that brought the protagonists back together. That and, of course, Nellie and Emile’s essential goodness. Note: potential conflict of interest - there are two different actors that portray De Beque’s young daughter Ngana - Sophia Cavalluzzi who attends the Tracey Vita School of Dance and Milaan T. Smith who’s voice teacher is Franklyn Skidmore, this writer’s wife. The Broadway and film versions of South Pacific have had full orchestras with over 30 musicians. This production has just eight. Could you tell?No. The orchestrations are so full and lush, with violin, cello, French horn, piano, bass, percussion and woodwinds, that conductor William Waldrop has no trouble keeping your ears in harmony with the action on stage. One certainly needs to give tons of credit to director Rob Ruggiero, choreographer Ralph Perkins and all those other production people who put the show together and kept it going. And also to the co-producers here in Sarasota, without whose help none of this could have happened.

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Beach Wedding

By Trebor Britt

|One Plus One Equals Six

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Dana Hooe of Baltimore and John Hall of Annapolis, Maryland exchanged vows surrounded by family and close friends, at an intimate wedding ceremony held on the white powdery sands of Siesta Beach recently. Both Dana and John bring two wonderful children into their new journey and as a result, one plus one does equal six. Both work for the police department in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Dana is a communications supervisor in the 911 call center and John is a police officer. They met at a work “shift party”. Although they didn’t get a chance to exchange phone numbers, they worked the same shift a few days later and Dana sent a message to the computer in John’s car. His reply included his phone number and the rest, as they say, is history. John said, “I’ve been thinking of you since that night and even asked other officers if any of them had your number.” Dana felt she knew from the beginning that John was “the one”. She said, “He pampers me. From breakfast in bed, to telling me to sleep in while he takes care of the kids, to drawing me a bubble bath with candles around the tub and telling me to go relax.” After hearing about Siesta Key’s number one beach status, the incredible white sands and seeing pictures, Dana and John decided to

get married on the Gulf coast. Not coincidentally, John also proposed to Dana while visiting Florida. These two devoted public servants of Maryland spent the first night of their journey together on

Siesta Key and will spend the rest of their honeymoon in Florida. Sun Weddings of Venice, Florida (SunWeddings@aol.com) provided everything in Dana and John’s beach wedding package.

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Off Key

By Robert Frederickson

|From Jamming the Transmission to Signs of the Times And the Award for PR Blunder of the Month Goes to...

The Marriott Hotel chain, manager of the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville for trying to squeeze the last nickel out of its guests. The company was fined $600,000 for jamming the personal Wi-Fi networks of attendees at conferences held at the hotel, making them pay way-high prices to log onto the chain’s own network if they wanted to stay connected to the outside world during the conferences they were attending – a must for many business travelers in this day-and-age. The FCC leveled the fines after some conference goers complained about the practice. Kudos to Marriott’s PR staff: You just can’t buy publicity like this.

Ninety Percent of Success is Just Showing up

When at least one of the candidates for the two city commission seats vacated by Shannon Snyder and Paul Caragiulo balked at cutting short an out-oftown vacation to appear before the remaining commissioners as part of the interview process, I instantly thought of Stan Zimmerman, himself a candidate for one of the vacancies. If, as Woody Allen once quipped, 90 percent of success in life is just showing up, Zimmerman obviously had the inside track.

Stan Zimmerman The veteran reporter has attended virtually every city commission meeting stretching back years, covering the city for several local publications, including – for a time – this one.

He’s probably been to more of the city hall confabs than even some of those now sitting on the commission; consequently, he already has a working knowledge of the issues facing Sarasota and will therefore require less time coming up to speed on the city’s business than any of the other candidates who were vying for the seats. Given the controversy over politics playing too large a role in some recent appointments (the county’s school board comes to mind, and even the county commission in the recent past) it’s refreshing to see the decision in this case made on what I consider to be obvious merit. If Zimmerman works half as hard on the commission as he has as a journalist, the citizens of Sarasota will be well served.

Well Worth a Listen

Nothing Off-Key about a recent performance by the local band Crossover at the Cortez Clam Factory on a recent Saturday night. The rock/blues quintet covered everything from the Allman Brothers (by way of Elmore James) classic “No Way Out” featuring a pitch perfect cover of local son Dickey Betts’ signature vamp for the song’s rhythm line, performed by the band’s lead guitarist Richard Riley (who has crossed paths with Betts in the past) to a soulful performance of the Aretha Franklin classic R-ES-P-E-C-T by the group’s front woman, Lena Lemon. Even the late Jerry Wexler, a longtime Siesta resident and Aretha producer at Atlantic Records in the 60s, would have appreciated Lemon’s performance this night. You can catch this inspired group of talented musicians on December 4th at the Movieville Film Festival at Lakewood Ranch from 5:30-9:00 p.m. and on the 19th at Classics Steak House in Venice. Closer to home, Lemon and the group’s rhythm guitarist Ken Schwartz will perform as an acoustic duo at the Siesta Key Oyster Bar on December 6th from 2-6 p.m. They will also return to the Cortez Clam Factory on the 10th, also as a duo and on the 27th with the full lineup plugged in.

Why Quoting Shakespeare in Football Should Draw a Flag

It’s unlikely to end well when a sports commentator tries to interject Shakespeare into their commentary. And so it was on a recent Fox NFL Sunday broadcast as Michael Strahan tried to explain the difficult time the Seattle Seahawks are having defending their super bowl title by quoting a famous line from the play Henry IV, Part II. Unfortunately, Strahan called an audible on the play, editing the Bard’s “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown...” down to his own streamlined version of “Heavy is the crown of the King.” Wasn’t it Shakespeare who also said “brevity is the soul of wit?” Well, not in this case...

We all have Bad Days

In one of the worst predictions in history, in a 2007 interview, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said, “There’s no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share. No chance.” Oh well, nobody’s perfect.

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Election Irony

It occurred to me while casting my vote on election day at a local church last month, isn’t it funny how in a nation where the principle of separation of church and state is held sacred so many of us end up casting our ballots in a church?

“Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign”

When does the county’s ordinance prohibiting most signs along roadways not apply? Why, when the signs belong to the county, of course (or a quasi-governmental group granted special privileges no private business could hope to enjoy). Continued on page 26

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Is Publix in Siesta Key’s Future? “I’d be very, very surprised,” he said. “I’m not saying they’re not going to build one. They certainly have the horsepower to buy anything they want. I would just be surprised if they put in a full-sized Publix over there.” But that’s where those shifting industry trends come into play: over recent years, a whole new market segment has developed within the grocery space: smaller, specialty pocket stores requiring much less land to develop. It’s a concept promoted by chains like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, The Fresh Market and lately even retail giant Wal-Mart, which just unveiled its second “neighborhood market” store in the area with a new store at Bee Ridge Road and Beneva that opened on November 19th. Wal-Mart’s version, at 35,000 to 40,000 square feet, would still likely be too large for the Key. But a 20,000 square foot store similar in footprint to the Trader Joe’s on the Trail near the hospital might just be a match. Still, the “where” remains a potential obstacle. Even a 20,000 square foot store would be a major project for crowded Siesta. Many would oppose any project of this size

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Continued from cover story

small...at least in relation on the basis of simply to the overall revenues of wanting to keep the Key the two players), but rather “low-key.” Another potential because of the opportunity roadblock: the Key’s it might present to cultivate zoning restrictions. or advance a financial As Chris Brown services relationship with of Ocean Blvd. LLC, a dominant, well-managed a frequent buyer and blue chip corporation that seller of retail property is a leader in its field. on the island points Bolstering the argument out, it can be difficult for a local store: despite if not impossible to get having given early entrants a zoning change for like Whole Foods and Fresh property within the Market a head start in the Siesta overlay district. small store space, there are Publix founder George Jenkins is shown in front of one “It would take an act signs Publix is now ready of his stores in this undated photo of Congress to get some to jump in with both feet. parcels rezoned,” he said A Wall Street Journal story in a telephone interview last week. “If newcomers. earlier this year reported the company it’s not already zoned commercial, it’s Many long time Siesta residents was considering making a play to virtually impossible to get a change will recall that when the original purchase Whole Foods, a leader in Southgate Mall opened in 1959, it the segment. Whole Foods stock to CGI.” And there are just not that many was anchored by not just one, but initially jumped on the news, but fell properties zoned for commercial on two grocery stores: A Publix and a back after no action from Publix was Winn Dixie. At that time, the latter forthcoming. Some analysts believe Siesta to begin with. But there is one parcel that has was the industry giant and Publix, the the company simply decided to been mentioned that would likely aggressive upstart. In little more than develop its own concept instead. accommodate a scaled down “pocket two generations that has changed A recent story in the Orlando Publix.” It’s the current site of the dramatically, with Publix now the Business Journal is consistent Wells Fargo Bank on Midnight Pass undisputed leader in Florida and with that analysis, reporting, “a Road, a bit south of Beach Road. A growing rapidly in Georgia and 20,000-square-foot store is reportedly source in local government – wishing Alabama. The firm has also recently in the works for seaside and college to remain anonymous – has told Siesta launched expansions into both North areas.” So while it’s certainly no sure bet, Sand there have been inquiries made Carolina and Tennessee. regarding this property, though on Says Seidel: “They’re a well-oiled if Publix does pursue a small store what level and by whom remains machine. And they do it right, just strategy, Siesta would seem tailorlike Benderson does.” made for the concept. unclear. According to a search of maps Of course, there is another With three stores just across the available on the county’s website, potential obstacle to the Wells Fargo bay on the mainland to serve Island the Wells Fargo property is already site thatcan’t be ignored: what if the residents, the decision is unlikely to zoned CG (Commercial General). bank simply doesn’t want to sell? be made on the basis of dollars and The property appraiser’s on-line “I’m sure they (Wells Fargo) have cents alone. In fact, Seidel points out description lists it at 88,000 square quite a few well-to-do customers over that a store on the Key might in fact feet. This compares with 56,000 there,” said Siedel. “They might not diminish revenues at the existing square feet for the parcel on the Trail want to risk that business.” nearby stores, at least initially. But there’s always the possibility A more important factor to where Trader Joe’s is located. Publix had not returned our call that as part of any proposed deal, consider may be the company’s wellseeking comment prior to our going Publix could help relocate the bank honed business instincts, marked by branch to a new location, or even a corporate culture of aggressively to press for this issue. But one thing is certainly true: add it to their design for the new pursuing and protecting market Publix is keenly aware of the success site. After all, they’re not just in the share. smaller competitors like Whole Foods grocery business. They’re developers As Seidel adds “They’re tough to and Fresh Market have had recently as well, handling most of the land compete against.” exploiting this new small store, acquisition and development work The final decision is likely to be made not on the basis of where specialty market concept. Indeed, for their new stores in-house. Fresh Market is widely considered In any case, any negotiations or Publix sees its business being today, to be planning another local store offers concerning a possible deal but rather where it sees that business as part of Benderson Development’s certainly wouldn’t play out on being several years from now. proposed Siesta Promenade project the local level. Rather, someone That was the early aggressive north of the Stickney Point Bridge from the Publix corporate office in posture that guided founder George approach to Siesta. It already operates Lakeland would likely reach out W. Jenkins in his decision to open a a store on University Parkway in to a counterpart at Wells Fargo’s Publix next to an industry giant Winn Dixie store in a new shopping center another Benderson developed center headquarters in San Francisco. Based on Publix’s reputation, carved out of a former orange grove near the new UTC Mall. Both Seidel and other observers Wells Fargo would certainly take that in sleepy Sarasota circa 1959. agree, Publix didn’t get to the top call and look carefully at any offer the That same aggressiveness has of the food chain in the grocery company might make, not so much served the company well in the years industry by ignoring challenges from for the dollars involved (admittedly since.

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Big Pass Update The peer review is expected to weigh heavily in whether local advocates get behind the Army Corps’ $19 million Lido Beach project and whether county commissioners approve key aspects of the Corps’ plan. County Commissioners hold influential sway because they would have to sign off on the Corps’ plan to place at least one groin on countyowned South Lido Park. In total, the Army Corps wants to put three groins on Lido to help retain newly nourished sand. “What we are trying to do is get the best possible information as to what are the possible effects of the project,” Wreford said. “So when the Corps officially requests an easement, commissioners will be able to respond to that request, or seek additional information.” The county will choose one consultant from its library of seven approved consultants to conduct the review. The independent study should provide some further insight about how the three groins will work on Lido—including the groin planned for South Lido County Park. But the review will have a wider scope. Overall, it will look into ways the Corps project could impact the shoreline, marine ecosystems and waterways from Lido to Siesta. “We’re looking at any down drift impacts, sediment wise,” Wreford told Siesta Sand. “That would be immediate adjacent shore as well as any of the beaches that would be impacted by sand flowing down drift or sand not flowing down drift.” Shoreline impacts would include any potential beach erosion on Siesta, and Wreford says the county is committed to making sure the project will not have detrimental effects on Siesta beaches or the North Siesta shoreline. “The county has stewardship concerns to make sure no harm is done to any coastal environment,” Wreford said. Over the past few weeks, Wreford has been meeting with residents on Lido and Siesta to talk about the review, and make sure local concerns are addressed by the consultant. The goal is to address all concerns so there will be“some level of community buy-in to the work that will be done.” One of those residents Wreford spoke with was Peter van Roekens, a boating advocate and current Chair of Save our Siesta Sand 2 and The Boaters Coalition. Van Roekens is

Continued from cover story

just one of the Siesta Key residents who has expressed concerns about the possible impacts of the U.S. Army Corps proposal to dredge sand from Big Pass and pump it onto Lido Beach. Any potential down drift impacts, he worries, could be irreversible. “This dredge is not parking meters,” van Roekens told Siesta Sand. Both dredging Big Pass and installing groins are complex coastal projects that can’t be undone, van Roekens said. The Siesta resident says the county likely wouldn’t have had to conduct such a broad independent review, if the Army Corps listened to local advocates’ requests to conduct an in-depth environmental analysis, called an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Corps officials have publically stated that so far they are only required to conduct a less-indepth environmental study, which has not been released. Changes to Big Pass worry van Roekens. The Corps released a study concluded that dredging 1.3 million cubic yards of sand from the pass shoal would not negatively change the shoal, alter wave action or “sediment transport pathways that deliver sediment to down drift beaches (Siesta Key.” Members of Save our Siesta Sand 2 (SOSS2) however do not agree with the Army Corps’ conclusions. Removing more than 1 million cubic yards of sand from Big Pass, which has never been dredged, will have a detrimental impact on navigation and the natural down drift of sand on Florida’s west coast. Dredging passes elsewhere in Florida has not happened without some negative impacts, and van Roekens wants to see proof that dredging 1.3 million cubic yards of sand from Big Pass won’t cause negative impacts to the surrounding marine environment: “What evidence is there that their (Corps) dredging here will not have the same effect it has had elsewhere, mainly negative effect on beaches or navigational ability? Why won’t that happen?” Recent projects to dredge in Red Fish Pass and Longboat Pass have had negative down drift impacts, pointed out van Roekens. Dredging the shoal of Redfish Pass caused beach erosion problems, according to a study conducted by coastal firm Humiston & Moore Engineers. And van Roekens has a pledge.

“Legal action will happen unless they satisfactorily answer these questions,” he said. Save our Siesta Sand 2 has retained legal counsel, as well as the Florida Wildlife Federation, which sent a July, 2014 letter to the Army Corps requested that the agency conduct an EIS study. Van Roekens encourages residents to check out the Save our Siesta Sand 2 website (www.soss2. com/) and consider contributing to the organization’s legal fund. Catherine Luckner, Vice President of the Siesta Key Association, thinks the county’s effort to hire a consultant to conduct an independent review is a good step. The study will take a step back and look at the “big picture” of Lido, Big Pass, Siesta and surrounding waterways. And Luckner thinks that is a good thing. The review will also look at seagrass beds, manatee data, and mangroves. “It will look at everything,” Luckner said, “and what potential changes might do.” Like van Roekens, Luckner is concerned about changes to Big Pass. “Big Pass is an incredible waterway and one of the last natural passes in Florida. There is no bridge and no declared navigational waterway.” What options does she want to see put in place? Whichever is “the least likely to cause harm.” The review comes at good timing, because Luckner believes the Army Corps is going to be under the gun to try to get the Lido Beach project started soon. In addition to changes to Big Pass, Luckner worries that three groins could lead to potential negative impacts impairing Lido Beach’s ecosystem in the future. She hopes the peer review study takes a close look at South Lido Park, which was formed as part of a pact to taxpayers in the 1970s. Luckner has researched the creation of the park and wrote about the topic for Siesta Sand in August. At the time, the park was purchased, voters approved an extra half mill property tax to help fund the purchase of South Lido County Park and Caspersen Park. “The taxpayers paid for [part of] it, and they did it understanding that property would be left as public space in its natural state.” South Lido County Park was established to be “forever maintained in its natural state for public use and recreation.”

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Pet Talk

By Dr. Anne Chauvet

Q: 1. My cat is losing hair. He has bald spots all over his body. What could be the reason? A: Bald spots in a cat are common. Most likely your cat is licking his fur off. Sometimes this happens out of boredom, but other times it can be an indicator of stress. Additionally, cats with pain or hyperthyroidism can adopt odd behaviors. Of course we cannot ignore skin problems; so my advice to you is to have your vet check him out to make sure there are no serious reasons to your cat’s new “look”. Q: 2. I’m a jogger and would like to adopt a jogging-buddy dog. Which breed will withstand Florida’s hot climate? A: The best dog breed for jogging is one with a good heart, strong legs and practice. Greyhounds certainly qualify, but you may not

keep up. In Florida, however,heat stroke is a constant concern for all joggers, bipeds or quadrupeds. Regardless the breed, it’s best to jog early in the morning or late at night. Make sure to bring water for your pup and try to keep the distance short. Dogs don’t sweat; they only cool down through panting, so allow for frequent stops. If you lived in the north, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Huskies and more dog breeds would make for an awesome running companion. Steer clear from short-nosed breeds as these have the least predispositions for strenuous exercise. Q: 3. What are the main benefits of Omega3 oils for pets? A: Omega3 is an essential fatty acid and an antioxidant, and has amazing effects on preserving and stabilizing cell membranes

integrity. The nervous system, the skin and the immune system,not to mention joints, love it. The only time I do not recommend it is during chemotherapy, as it has been shown that fish oil supplementation can interfere to some degree with chemotherapy effects.

Dr. Chauvet earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, completed a small animal medicine/surgery internship at the University of Illinois in Urbana and finished her residency in neurology/neurosurgery at the University of California, Davis. She has been trained in small animal rehabilitation by the Canine Rehabilitation Institute of Wellington, Florida and is known internationally for her specialized work in the relatively rare field of veterinary neurology speaking to, training, and consulting with veterinary practices and organizations globally. If you have a question about your pet, please email your question to criticalvetcare@gmail.com Each month, Dr. Chauvet will choose a few questions to share with readers.

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and the beach. A paved walkway leads directly to the beach where your best friend will delight in this 300’ section of sand and water.

Brohard Paw Beach, 1600 Harbor Drive, Venice, FL 34285. Hours: 24 hours per day, 365 days per year (parking closed from 12 AM – 6 AM); dogs allowed on the designated portion of beach from 7 AM to dusk only Paw Park is one of the few places along the beach where dogs are allowed. The park features an enclosed run for big dogs and one for small dogs, as well as an open beach area where dogs can swim. This park, across from Venice’s airport, is where you and your “best friend” can play in the gulf and socialize with other dogs, offering doggie drinking fountains; showers on decks for “dogs only”, fire hydrants and leash posts, dog lovers have declared this park… and beach… to be the best doggie park in the state! Shaded by towering oaks, small dogs will enjoy their fenced in arena while the big boys can frolic in the larger pen. Double gates access both parks

Bird Key Park is located on Bird Key, Florida, at the foot of the Ringling Causeway Bridge, which leads to Sarasota. This small stretch of beach along Sarasota Bay is a well-known spot for dog lovers. You and your dog can swim together while enjoying stunning views of the blue-green water. The park is open from 6 a.m. until 12 a.m. year-round, and admission is free. (Source: eHow) Ken Thompson Park, a small beach on the Gulf Coast of Florida, is a hidden treasure near the Mote Marine Aquarium on Sarasota Bay. Here you will also find the New Pass Fishing Pier, which winds through the mangroves. You and your pet can stroll along the pier or relax in the sun while watching the kayakers launch their boats. The beach is open from 5 a.m. until 11 a.m. and admission is free. (Source: eHow)

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Siesta Key Drum Circle

Every Sunday is a perfect time to come to the Key for some wonderful entertainment. I’m talking about the Siesta Key Drum Circle that takes place each Sunday starting about an hour before

LIVE MUSIC PAGE 22

VILLAGE MAP pgs 18 - 19

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 34

GULF GATE SHOPS pg 24

CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 20

LOCAL MAPS INSIDE

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Snapshots of the Chalk Festival in Venice Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

sunset and lasting until sunset. The gathering meets up just south of the main pavilion - just follow your ears and watch for the swelling crowd. Please note the following rules of etiquette that need to be observed at the Drum Circle so that all can enjoy the experience: the inside of the drum circle is for participants only, not for people standing around. Feel free to enter the circle, take a picture and dance, but always keep moving. Never play someone’s drum without getting clearance from the owner. Always ask before borrowing other people’s property, especially hula hoops. Flash photography and bright video lights are distracting, so photograph during daylight or use a night vision camera. And finally, please do not drink alcohol or smoke inside the circle and respect our beach by placing all trash in the appropriate receptacles. Photo by Emy Stein. Top: Danee and Katie from Canada. Bottom Left: Dianne from Atlanta.

Bottom Right: Adry from Mexico.

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

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Snapshots of Island Visitors

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography 2

Map B #42

1: Stacey, Phinley age 3, Riley age 9 and Ashley from Sarasota. 2: Delayne and Fergus from Canada. 3: Abe from Canada and Morgan from California. 4: Jan from Czech, John from Italy.

Blvd. Beachwear.................................. Map-B #30 Comfort Shoes-Birki & More.........Map-D #64 Foxy Lady Fashions........................... Map-A #40 Gidget’s Coastal Provisions.............Map-B #44 Island Cotton Company.....................Map-C #29 Island Boutique...................................Map-C #50 Island Style...........................................Map-C #53 Lotus Boutique................................... Map-D #66 Reel Hobby.......................................... Map-D #10 Siesta T’s............................................... Map-B #30 Sun Glass Outlet..................................Map-C #24 Women’s World................................... Map-D #9 GAS STATION Circle K Store......................................... Map-E #6 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Beach Bazaar...................................... Map-C #28 Created Gems......................................Map-C #51 Hurricane Rita’s Gifts.........................Map-C #51 Mount-N-Repair.................................. Map-B #48 Sea Pleasures & Treasures...................Map-C #2 Siesta Key Bead Shack....................... Map-A #36 Siesta Key’psakes................................ Map-B #29 Siesta Key Outfitters.........................Map-D #11 Siesta Key University.......................... Map-B #36 ACCOMMODATIONS Siesta Beach Resort ........................Map-A #38A ART GALLERY / STUDIO Calle Studios.........................................Map-B #32 Siesta Key Art Gallery........................Map-D #11 ATM / BANKS PNC ATM............................................. Map-C #61 Martin Funding......................................Map-E #1 Sun Trust Bank & ATM.........................Map-E #4 BAKERY A Taste of Germany............................Map-C #53 Meany’s Mini Donuts......................... Map-C #24 BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Blase Café.............................................Map-A #38 Blu Que Island Grill..........................Map-C #57 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 BOOK STORES Used Book Heaven...............................Map-B #48 COFFEE SHOPS Lelu’s Coffee Lounge...........................Map-B #31 The Local Bean.....................................Map-D #62 DRUG & HARDWARE Davidson’s Drugs................................Map-D #65 Village Hardware................................ Map-C #26 FASHION & ACCESSORIES Aqua Beachwear................................ Map-D #12 Beach Bazaar & Swin Shack........... Map-C #28

Map C #61

Map D #11

SIESTA SAND December 2014 • www.siestasand.net

The Sarasota Medical Center comes to Siesta Key For more than 20 years, the Sarasota Medical Center (SMC) has been caring for Sarasota patients’ medical needs, from rashes to chest pains, at its South Tamiami Trail location. As a walk-in medical clinic, their board-certified emergency and primary care physicians’ expertise is sought by patients who need a reliable health care facility where they can go for all their medical concerns. Recently SMC opened a second office on Siesta Key, giving residents, snowbirds and visitors a nearby option for treatment. Office manager Dana Pierce says the new location, in Davidson’s Plaza in Siesta Key Village, was chosen because the medical center saw a need to be filled. “There are no MDs here on the Key, and we know that people out here never want to leave the Key, unless they have to,” she said. “We’re more than happy to provide these services to residents and guests.” The facility is both an urgent

care and a primary care center, and they accept walk-ins, as well as appointments. For established residents and snowbirds, Dr. Pierre Nedelcovych or any of the other four physicians on staff can act as a primary doctor, offering routine physical exams, physicals for work and school, pediatric and women’s health care and preventive medicine. They can even conduct x-rays, ultra sounds, echocardiograms and EKGs, and run lab work onsite, since SMC is equipped as a full service medical center. “We’re also a unique office in that all of our physicians are ERtrained,” Pierce said. “They can do what an emergency room does, but cheaper and a lot quicker.” Wait times for hospital emergency rooms can often be lengthy and tedious, so if someone requires immediate medical treatment, a walk-in facility like SMC is a great option. The qualified medical personnel can treat lacerations and cuts and most types

of illnesses and sports injuries, plus they offer vaccinations and flu and allergy shots, run tests for respiratory function and perform minor surgeries. Perhaps best of all, SMC accepts most major insurances, including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Human and United. “We also take workman’s comp and handle auto accident victims,” Pierce said. She added that many doctors will not agree to see accident victims, because insurance companies tend to draw out the process so long that it can be years before a doctor gets paid for the treatment. SMC can make scheduled appointments for accident victims and offer medical therapies to assist in recovery from the accident. Lastly, the medical center is offering aesthetic care at this and its South Tamiami Trail locations. The intention is to promote health, wellness and beauty by offering non-surgical procedures at reasonable prices. On the menu of

By Debbie Flessner

The staff and friends of Sarasota Medical Center gather to celebrate the ribbon cutting at their new Siesta Key location.

services are: Botox, Juvederm, Vein Sclero therapy and a physicianmonitored weight loss program. Sarasota Medical Center is in Davidson’s Plaza, in Siesta Key Village, at 5132 Ocean Blvd., and is open Monday through

Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to noon during the month of December. For more information, or to make an appointment, visit the website at www.SarasotaMedCeter.com, or call 941-312-6708.

HEALTH & FITNESS Indep. Lifestyle Solutions ................ Map-D #10 Siesta Key Fitness..............................Map-B #73 Studio Rubylakes................................ Map-B #49 ICE CREAM/TREATS Big Olaf Creamery..............................Map-C #52 Ciao Gelato...........................................Map-C #50 Siesta Key Sweet Shop......................... Map-D #9 SubZero Ice Cream Yogurt............... Map-D #16 Sunni Bunni Frozen Yogurt...............Map-C #53 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs................................. Map-D #65 Internet Cafe......................................... Map-D #9 Lelu Coffee Lounge............................. Map-B #31 The Local Bean.................................... Map-D #62 JEWELRY Created Gems......................................Map-C #51 Michael & Co. Jewelers...................... Map-B #29 Mount -N- Repair Jewelers................ Map-B #48 LIQUOR STORES / FINE WINES Gabbiano’s Wine Club....................... Map-D #70 Gilligan’s.............................................. Map-B #33 Siesta Key Wines............................... Map-C #61 The Beach Club................................... Map-D #22

• segway rentals • PaDDleBOarDs • scOOter cars • kayak tOurs/rentals • Bikes • scOOters • Beach gear 5255 Ocean Blvd • Siesta Key Village www.robinhoodrentals.net

941-554-4242

MAILING - SHIPPING UPS store............................................. Map-A #41 US Post Office..................................... Map-D #65 MARKETS/FOOD STORES 7-11 Store.............................................. Map-B #46 Circle K Store......................................... Map-E #6 Siesta Market........................................Map-C #25 MASSAGE Hands of Light Massage.................... Map-B #35 Massage Experience Siesta Key......Map-D #62 Massage Therapy.................................. Map-E #1 Siesta Key Massage Ctr......................Map-D #9 MEDICAL - DENTAL Sarasota Medical Ctr.......................... Map-D #63 Siesta Key Physical Therapy............. Map-D #20 MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce..................... Map-D #67 Roberti Enterprises............................ Map-A #39 Sheriff’s Office...................................... Map-D #9 Tarot Card Reading & Gifts...............Map-C #50 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CG Designs...........................................Map-E #1 Edward Jones Investments............... Map-D #68 Smith Architects.................................. Map-E #74 REAL ESTATE / RENTAL SERVICES Coldwell Banker Realty..................... Map-D #20 Horizon Realty.................................... Map-B #34 Island Homes.......................................Map-C #51 Key Realty.............................................Map-E #5 Michael Saunders Realty..................Map-E #72 Re/Max Alliance Group................... Map-D #60 ReMax Tropical Sands....................... Map-D #67 Robasota Rentals & Real Estate..... Map-A #39 Siesta Key Realty.................................. Map-D #9 Waterside Realty.................................Map-C #29

Bringing you quality and comfort for more than 30 years!

Birkenstock & More 5128 Ocean Blvd. Siesta Village

941-346-7425 www.rickscomfortshoes.com

Map C #53

RESTAURANTS / CAFES 314 II, Craft Beer board Room........... Map-A #37 A Taste of Germany.......................... Map-C #53 Another Broken Egg..................Map-C #54 & 55 Beach Bites..........................................Map-D #16 Blase Café............................................ Map-A #38 Blu Que Island Grill......................... Map-C #57 Bonjour French Cafe...........................Map-C #47 Café Gabbiano.................................... Map-D #71 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar............... Map-B #42-43 Eat Here Restaurant.....................Map-D #17-18 Flavio’s Brick Oven & Bar.................. Map-B #29 Flavio’s Italiano Ristorante................ Map-B #30 Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill.............. Map-B #33 Jo To’s Japanese Restaurant...............Map-C #47 LeLu’s Coffee Bar................................ Map-B #31 Lobster Pot.......................................... Map-C #23 Napoli’s Italian Restaurant................Map-C #53 Old Salty Dog Rest. & Pub................... Map-E #2 Señor Siesta......................................... Map-D #69 Siesta Key Oyster Bar........................Map-B #45 Solorzano Bros. Pizzeria.................... Map-D #15 Subway Sandwiches........................... Map-B #30 Sun Garden Café................................ Map-D #19 The Cottage..........................................Map-C #58 The Hub - Baja Grill........................... Map-D #59 Village Café........................................Map-D #14 SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY Nails By Iris..........................................Map-C #50 Salon Capelli......................................... Map-D #9 Sassy Hair Salon................................ Map-A #40 Siesta Key Nails.................................... Map-D #9 Village Barber....................................... Map-D #9 SPORTS INTEREST/RENTALS CaliFlorida............................................ Map-B #32 Robin Hood Rentals.........................Map-D #34 Siesta Village Outfitters......................Map-C #53

941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX

Things You Like...................................... C-3 #14 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Capt. Curt’s Souvenirs.............................B-3 #8 Green Turtle Shells & Gifts................. C-3 #14 The Silversmith ...................................... D-3 #17 Silver City Jewelry.................................. C-3 #14 HEALTH & BEAUTY Lorraine’s Beauty & Barber.....................B-3 #8 Salon Siesta............................................... D-3 #17 Siesta Key Salon & Spa........................... C-3 #14 The Key Spa & Salon.............................. A-5 #12 ICE CREAM & TREATS Orange Octopus .......................................B-3 #8 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson’s 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 Homes & Condo Rentals........................ D-3 #17 Moynihan Realty..................................... D-3 #17 Re/Max Tropical Sands............................B-3 #1 Siesta 4-Rent.............................................. C-3 #1 RESTAURANTS

Capt. Curts Crab & Oyster Bar.................B-3 #7 City Pizza Italian Restaurant............... D-3 #17 Clayton’s Siesta Grille...............................B-3 #9 Javier’s Restaurant.................................. 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 CB’s Island Outfitters.............................. 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 Parasailing............................... A-4 #5 Siesta Sports Rentals............................... A-3 #2 Siesta Sports Rentals............................. C-3 #14 Waves Boat & Social Club...................... A-5 #12

Big Water Fish Market................................C-3 #17 Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill...............A-5 #12

“Home of the Orange Squeeze!”

“A Tropical Department Store“

SHELL & GIFT CITY

Siesta Key’s Most Friendly & Unique Shopping Spot! SOUTHBRIDGE MALL

OPEN 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM DAILY

IN FEATUR

Map B-3#8

19.95 Reg. To $49.00

SIESTA KEY

Siesta Key’s Largest Seashell & Coral Selection!

Hand Made Ice Cream

GIFTS & SOUVENIRS BEACH FASHIONS BEACH SUPPLIES BEACH COVER-UPS LADIES & JUNIORS FASHIONS SUPER MEN'S LINE

Sundaes l Shakes l Smoothies l Coffees Espresso l Cappuccinos

1220 Old Stickney Point Rd., Siesta Key In the Captain Curt’s Plaza

CRESCENT BEACH

THE GREEN TURTLE

er Sale up Ladies Bathing Suits

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 & SANDWICHES Anna’s Deli & Sandwiches.................. C-3 #14 The Beach Deli @ Crescent Beach Grocery..... ......................................................................B-3 #1 DRUG STORES Davidson’s 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 Key Casual Fashions............................... D-3 #17

In South Bridge Mall

6525 Midnight Pass Road

MAP B-3#14

FREE! FREE! FREE! A Free Tropical Gift! 79 c Just For Stopping In

349-4751

941-346-8080

green TURTLE COUPON

VALUE

With This Coupon

No Purchase Necessary

EXPIRES:7/05/2010 Expires 12/31/14

Map C-3#14 Open 7 Days 9 am-5 pm

941-346-1797

“Voted Small Business of the Year by Siesta Key Chamber”

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/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

$ off SCOOTER RENTALS Half Days/Full Days/Multi Day Rentals with this Coupon EXPIRES 12/31/14

Bikes • Kayaks • Scooters • Kayak Tours

Map B-3#8

Anna’s Deli 6535 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters 1249 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-3 #4

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

Siesta 4-Rent 6555 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #1

City Pizza 6645 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP D-3 #17

Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Road

MAP C-4 #17

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill 1500 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-5 #12

PLACE YOUR AD HERE Island Visitor Publishing 941-349-0194 20

SIESTA SAND December 2014 • www.siestasand.net

Water World

Snapshots of Island Visitors

Captain Jim Klopfer

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Adventure Charters 941-371-1390

Cooler weather will send snook up into the creeks and canals in December. Jim Whalen from Chicago, IL landed this nice one on a Rapala.

December is a month that will test an angler’s ability to adapt to current conditions. Water quality will vary throughout the area as passing cold fronts churn up the Gulf of Mexico. The flats between Stickney Pt. and Blackburn Pt. will be more productive under these circumstances. After several days of nice weather, the water near the passes will clear and those areas will once again be good spots to fish. Creeks and canals will attract fish as water temperatures drop. Often times the tides will be very low in the morning in December. This will move trout, pompano, and other species off of the flats and into the deeper channels. There simply is not enough water up on the flat for them to be comfortable. Bouncing a jig down the sides of channel edges can be very productive. As the tide rises, fish will move up onto the flats to feed. Afternoon high tides can be the best time to fish the deep flats this time of year. A live shrimp under a cork is very effective, as are jigs with plastic grub tails. Natural colors such as olive, rootbeer, and

slowly worked soft plastic baits will also catch their share. Sheepshead and black drum will be found in the deeper holes, a live shrimp works best for these tasty bottom dwellers. Both Big Pass and New Pass will be good spots to fish when the water is clean, especially on the morning incoming tide. Jigs bounced off the bottom will catch pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and ladyfish. Structure in both passes will attract sheepshead, along with grouper, snapper, flounder, and other species. Slack tides are the best times to fish these spots, a swiftly moving tide makes getting the bait to the bottom difficult. The many docks along Bird Key are especially productive for sheepies. Surf casters all along Siesta Key will score on whiting, silver trout, flounder, and more using live and frozen shrimp. A #1 hook with just a little bit of weight works best. Silver spoons will catch mackerel if they are still around, along with ladyfish.

motor oil work well in the slightly darker water. Oyster bars south of Siesta Drive will hold redfish, snook, and trout, along with the first of the migrating sheepshead. Bars that drop off sharply into deeper water will be the most productive spots. Free lined live shrimp and scented soft plastics on a 1/8 ounce jig head work well. Docks, canals, and creeks in this same area will also hold fish, especially after fronts; the water will be warmer and cleaner in these areas. On cold mornings the very back of a canal will have the warmest and may concentrate fish. There are several creeks and countless canals in our area, and all of them are productive winter time spots. Phillippi Creek and the Grand Canal on Siesta Key are some of the most popular fishing holes. Rapala X-Raps work very well on snook and jack crevelle for anglers who prefer to cast artificial baits. They elicit explosive strikes and allow anglers to cover a lot of area fairly quickly. Once fish are located, large live shrimp and

|Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans

Let’s go sailing, KATHLEEN D Sailing Catamarans, serving Siesta Key from 3 locations, Downtown Sarasota, Longboat Key and Anna Marie Island. If you would like to experience being on the water viewing Dolphin Watches, Sunset Sails, Snorkeling and Shelling call us at 941870-4349 or go to our web site for detailed information www.kathleend.net USCG Certified for 20 passengers.

|The Rumrunner

Located at Turtle Beach Marina in South Siesta Key | 941.349.3119 www.siestakeycharterfishing.com Captain Joe Bonaro offers more than exciting deep sea fishing opportunities aboard “Sarasota’s

fastest charter boat,” the Rumrunner (941/349-3119). The skipper offers special boat and fishing trips for families – and for families with small children – as well as customized day and overnight trips.

Top: Shawna, Brenna age 4 from St Louis, Angela from Tampa, Shannon from St. Louis and Isabel from Sarasota. Middle: Bayou age 14, Greg, James, Brandon. Bottom: Joie age 3 and Ella age 1 from Bradenton.

DECEMBER 2014 TIDE CHART Florida, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Sarasota Bay

December 2014

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33' Date

Day

High Tide

Low Tide

834am

1.4

820pm

1.9

304am

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

0.5

235pm

Low Tide 0.6

704am

535pm

216pm

205am

958am

1.4

857pm

2.0

407am

0.1

319pm

0.7

705am

535pm

258pm

306am

1108am

1.3

932pm

2.1

501am

-0.2

358pm

0.9

706am

535pm

341pm

407am

1207pm

1.3

1006pm

2.2

549am

-0.4

433pm

1.0

706am

535pm

427pm

507am

1258pm

1.3

1040pm

2.3

632am

-0.5

506pm

1.0

707am

535pm

515pm

606am

142pm

1.3

1113pm

2.3

711am

-0.5

538pm

1.0

708am

535pm

606pm

702am

220pm

1.2

1148pm

2.2

748am

-0.5

614pm

1.0

708am

535pm

658pm

756am

254pm

1.2

823am

-0.5

655pm

1.0

709am

536pm

751pm

845am

1224am

2.1

325pm

1.3

859am

-0.4

744pm

1.0

710am

536pm

844pm

931am

105am

2.0

358pm

1.3

935am

-0.3

842pm

1.0

710am

536pm

936pm

1012am

150am

1.8

432pm

1.3

1014am

-0.1

951pm

0.9

711am

536pm

1028pm

1051am

243am

1.6

510pm

1.4

1055am

0.0

1110pm

0.9

712am

537pm

1119pm

1127am

348am

1.4

549pm

1.5

1139am

0.2

712am

537pm

511am

1.2

628pm

1.6

1235am

0.7

1224pm

0.4

713am

537pm

1209am

1235pm

651am

1.1

707pm

1.6

154am

0.6

111pm

0.5

714am

538pm

100am

110pm

829am

1.0

745pm

1.7

301am

0.3

157pm

0.6

714am

538pm

153am

146pm

952am

1.1

822pm

1.8

357am

0.1

241pm

0.7

715am

538pm

246am

224pm

1059am

1.1

859pm

2.0

445am

-0.2

322pm

0.8

715am

539pm

342am

306pm

1155am

1.1

936pm

2.1

530am

-0.4

401pm

0.9

716am

539pm

439am

352pm

1243pm

1.1

1016pm

2.2

612am

-0.6

439pm

0.9

717am

540pm

538am

443pm

125pm

1.1

1058pm

2.2

654am

-0.6

520pm

0.9

717am

540pm

638am

540pm

204pm

1.1

1143pm

2.3

735am

-0.7

606pm

0.9

718am

541pm

736am

641pm

240pm

1.2

818am

-0.7

657pm

0.9

718am

541pm

831am

745pm

1232am

2.2

315pm

1.2

901am

-0.6

757pm

0.8

719am

542pm

922am

850pm

125am

2.0

351pm

1.2

945am

-0.5

906pm

0.7

719am

542pm

1010am

954pm

224am

1.8

430pm

1.3

1030am

-0.3

1027pm

0.6

719am

543pm

1054am

1058pm

334am

1.6

512pm

1.4

1115am

0.0

1158pm

0.5

720am

544pm

1136am

502am

1.3

557pm

1.6

1200pm

0.3

720am

544pm

1218pm

1200am

653am

1.0

644pm

1.6

130am

0.3

1247pm

0.5

720am

545pm

1259pm

101am

Phase

Full

1201pm

848am

0.9

733pm

1.8

253am

0.0

135pm

0.6

721am

545pm

141pm

201am

1022am

1.0

821pm

1.9

402am

-0.2

223pm

0.8

721am

546pm

225pm

300am

3rd

New

1st

941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

Who’s Playing Tonight

By Mike Sales

|An interview with Georgia and Mike Mike: In 1979, Georgia who’s from Buffalo (NY), was playing disco in a road band at the nicest hotel in Dayton, Ohio, where I’m from. Some of their gear broke down, so they brought it in for repairs at a music store I was managing and while there, told me there was soon to be some openings in their band and so I referred a couple of players. After that, when the band got an offer to do bigger things, I quit my job, took over the bass playing from Georgia, and went on the road with them.

With their wide variety and silky smooth sound, perfect for a tropical evening, it would be easy to assume Georgia and Mike’s career consisted of dedicated polish of an admirable cover music here on the Gulf Coast, so you can imagine my delighted surprise to learn that their collective resume has more weight than most anyone I’ve interviewed to date. WPT: Normally I start out with, “Where are you from?” but instead, lets start with; where did you first become “Georgia and Mike”?

WPT: Ran away with the circus? Mike: Ran away with the circus. I sold my sister’s car to buy a $275.00 step van to travel in and we worked our way up from there. WPT: How far up? Mike: In the early 80’s, we were working in Dayton and got an offer to record an album with the Commodores for Motown, so we went to their studio in Tuskegee where they produced and recorded our first album. Contract disputes with Motown, prevented them from releasing it. We also recorded an original R&B album with a group called “Split Image, which consisted of 3 members from the Ohio Players and 3 members from our band in 1984. That recording was also produced for Motown and didn’t get released either. In 1987 Georgia recorded a song called, “Come to me tonight”, with the group, “Flamingo (ft Georgia Riber)” that became a disco hit. WPT: It sounds like you were doing well. Mike: We did very well during the 80’s. We had a lot of real estate at the time, like 20 houses. We bought a nightclub and had a limousine service and had the band going the

CLUB

whole time. Georgia: A lot of juggling… talking about the circus. Mike: After that, we sold everything and moved to Nashville, where a friend of ours, Eddie Bayers, who played drums and was in demand as a studio player, offered to produce Georgia. We did a lot of demos and jingles but never did an album with him. We landed a house gig at the Opryland Hotel, in the Jack Daniels lounge where we were popular with a lot of the convention attendees, because we were the only act in the hotel that didn’t play country music. After that, we landed a gig on cruise ships and worked our way up from a piano duo to Georgia headlining a concert vocal performance with the orchestra, which I conducted, in the showroom. We booked world cruises on the QE2 among other well-paying gigs until she got tired of being on the road. Georgia: I got tired of making money (laughs). Mike: Yes, we were making ridiculous money. After she quit the road, I went out with one of the “Bill Haley and the Comets” touring groups of which there are 3 out there. This one featured the original drummer, with whom I toured for a year until I found out Thoroughbred Music was opening a store in Nashville. I quit the road to go manage the store and be with Georgia, who had pretty much quit singing by then. Georgia: …one or two gigs a year maybe… Mike: Sam Ash bought the chain and Georgia and I were both managers there when we came down to Florida.

Sam Ash, scaled back our overhead and nowadays we do 8-10 high end gigs, balance it out playing locally and live modestly & comfortably and just enjoy ourselves. WPT: What can people expect when they come to see you on Siesta Key? Mike: A variety. Georgia: We play everything from the 1920’s to current.

Georgia and Mike WPT: How many instruments do you play? Georgia: I grew up playing guitar and bass, upright bass, quite a bit, played flute in school, piano in college and in my later years I took up cello and a little harp, just for the fun of it. Mike: I started off in school on trumpet, and picked up guitar, bass and keys, which I’ve been playing ever since. WPT: How did you get to Sarasota? Mike: We had a lot of friends from the cruise ships, who settled down in Naples (FL). They played country club shows, which pay well, so we started traveling down there 15-20 times per year, and when Sam Ash opened the store in Sarasota, we moved down. WPT: How long did it take you to get established as a music act in this area? Mike: We just got out and started hustling for gigs. We quit working at

WPT: Who do you like to go see live? Mike: We like the whole gang; Marcel, Ben Hammond, Andres Collins, Sandi Grecco Jennifer Leigh, Aly Couch, Ari and Nick, Twinkle, Melanie Massell, Karen Klarich and of course, Debbie Keeton, who is from my home town of Fairborn, Ohio. When we got here, we were often asked if we missed the talent pool from spending twenty years in Nashville. I always told everybody that there was such a concentration of amazing musicians and singers gathered along this coast, there was nothing to miss. WPT: What’s your message to your audience? Mike: I just want everybody to have a good time listening… Georgia: Relax and enjoy it, that’s all. Georgia & Mike play weekly at BluQue Island Grill located at: 149 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key, FL You can find out more about Georgia & Mike on their website Georgiaandmike.com Mike Sales is a local singer songwriter for more information visit mikesalessings.com

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE

BLASE CAFÉ

MONDAY

In the Village 941‐349‐9822

BLU QUE ISLAND GRILL In the Village

941‐346‐0738 DAIQUIRI DECK RAW BAR In the Village

941‐349‐8697

1‐3 –Bain Buckely 5‐9pm ‐ Marcel

TUESDAY

Live Music 6‐10pm 1‐3 –Bain Buckely 5‐9pm – Tommy D

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Live Music 6‐10pm

Live Music (6‐10pm)

Live Music 6‐10pm

Live Music 6 ‐10pm

1‐3 –Bain Buckely 5‐9pm – Democracy

1‐3 –Bain Buckely Patrick Stouteneorough

1‐3 Pain Buckley 6‐10pm – Steve Sipes

1‐4 ‐ Live Music Jillian Traxx 6‐10pm

1‐5pm Georgia & Mike Marcel 6‐10pm

Marvin (acoustic) 4‐8pm DJ Scotty B 10pm‐cl

Matt Gerhart 4‐8pm DJ Daze 10pm – cl

Live Music 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

Acoustic Pete 1‐5pm Live Music 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

5‐9pm

DJ Haile Bless Reggae 4‐8pm Road Block 2‐6pm Live Music 6‐10pm Venturas on the back patio (5‐9pm) DJ 10pm – 2am

Rodney Shenk 6‐10pm

RPM 6‐10pm

Patrick 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

RPM 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

Acoustic Open Mic w/ Nally&Egglefield6‐ 10pm

Tony Tyler 7‐11pm

Ben Hammond Open mic nite 7‐11pm

Kettle of Fish 7‐11pm

Berry Oakley’s Skylab 7‐11pm

THE BEACH CLUB

DJ Coz 10pm – 2am

Kettle of Fish 9‐11pm

DJ Rev Kev 10pm – 2am

DJ Xtreme 11pm‐2am

Live Band 4‐7pm 8 – 11pm* DJ Gravity 11‐2am

Live Band 8 –11pm DJ Rev Kev11pm‐2am

THE COTTAGE

Live Music 6‐9pm

Live Music 7‐10pm

Live Music 6‐9pm

Live Music Noon – 3pm 3:30 – 6:30pm 7‐10pm

Live Music 1 – 4pm

4:30 – 7:30pm 8:30 –midnight

Live Music 1‐4pm 4:30 – 7:30pm 8:30 ‐ midnight

Live Music Noon – 3pm 3:30 – 6:30pm 7‐10pm

Karaoke 9pm – 1am

Chris Otto/TBA 6‐10pm

Tommy Rox 6‐10pm

Paul Duffy 6‐10pm

Chris Otto (Every other Fri) Andres Collin 5‐9pm

Larry Williams 5‐9pm

(Reggae Music)

GILLIGANS

In the Village 941‐346‐8122

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

SIESTA KEY OYSTER BAR (SKOB) In the Village

941‐346‐5443 In the Village 941‐349‐6311 In the Village 941‐312‐9300

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

BACKROOM SALOON @ CAPT. CURTS Crescent Beach Shops

941‐349‐3885

SNIKI TIKI @ CAPT CURTS Crescent Beach Shops

941‐349‐3885

BOATYARD BAR & GRILL Over the South Bridge

941‐921‐6200 BOB’S BOATHOUSE 5515 S. Tamiami Trail 941‐312‐9111 CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE

801 Blackburn Pt. Rd, Osprey

941‐966‐1901

Nick LeValley 6‐10pm

Sunny Jim 6‐10pm

Live Music Noon – 3pm 3:30 – 6:30pm 7‐10pm

RPM 6‐10pm

Karaoke

Country

Latin

Karaoke 9pm ‐1am Chris Otto 6‐10pm SEE FACEBOOK

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

SIESTA SAND December 2014 • www.siestasand.net

Swamp Donkie 2‐6pm Rising Tide 8pm – 12am

FOR DETAILS Live Music 4‐8pm

Eddie James Jazz Band 6‐10pm Dana & Co 2‐6pm Mike Tozier 8pm – 12am

Reggae Live Music 4‐8pm

Chris Otto 2‐6pm

Democracy (Reggae) 10pm‐2am

Democracy 4‐8pm Reggae

Live Music 4‐8pm

Island Humor [ According to the Knight Rider News Service, the inscription on the metal bands used by the US Department of the Interior to tag migratory birds has been changed. The bands used to bear the address of the Washington Biological Survey, abbreviated as “Wash. Biol. Surv.,” until the agency received the following letter from an Arkansas camper. Dear Sirs: While camping last week I shot one of your birds. I think it was a crow. I followed the cooking instructions on the leg tag and want to tell you it tasted horrible. The bands are now marked, “Fish & Wildlife Service”. [ Pegi was driving home from one of her business trips in Northern Arizona when she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road. As the trip would be a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the woman if she would like a ride. With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car. Resuming the journey, Pegi tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the Navajo woman, but the

old woman just sat silently, looking intently at everything she saw, studying every little detail until she noticed a brown bag on the seat next to Pegi. “What in bag?” asked the old woman. Pegi looked down at the brown bag and said, “It’s a bottle of wine. I got it for my husband”. The Navajo woman was silent for another moment or two. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said, “Good trade…” [ In surgery for a heart attack, a middle-aged woman has a vision of God by her bedside. “Will I die?” she asks. God replies, “No, you have 30 more years to live”. With that good news, she decides to make the most of it. She goes down the lists and elects to have breast implants, liposuction, a tummy tuck, hair transplants, and collagen injections in her lips. She looked smashing. The day she is discharged, she exits the hospital with a swagger, crosses the street and is immediately hit by an ambulance and killed. Up in heaven she sees God.

“What happened? I thought you said I had 30 more years to live?” God replied, “I didn’t recognize you”. [ Every ten years the monks in the monastery are allowed to break their vow of silence to speak two words. Then years go by and it’s one monk’s first chance. He thinks for a moment before saying “Food bad”. Ten years later, he says, “Bed hard”. It’s the big day a decade later. He gives the head monk a long stare and says, “I quit”. “I’m not surprised.” The head monk says, “You’ve been complaining ever since you got here”. [ Three old timers at the retirement home were complaining about growing old. The first one says, “I wake up at 7:00 AM and try for a half hour to take a poop.” The second one says, “Oh yeah? I spend an hour trying to pee.” The third one says, “I take a nice poop at 7:00 AM and about 7:30 AM take a nice pee.” The other two guys look at him and ask, “What are you complaining about?” The third man explains, “I don’t wake up till 8:30 AM.”

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Recipe courtesy Trisha Yearwood Ingredients: 4 ounces Irish cream liqueur such as Baileys, 4 ounces vodka such as Kettle One, 2 ounces coffee liqueur such as Kahlua, 2 ounces Gingerbread Syrup, 2 scoops vanilla ice cream softened, whipped cream for topping, and a small handful gingerbread cookies crushed. Gingerbread Syrup: 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 5 cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, and one 2-inch piece fresh ginger cut into rounds. Combine the Irish cream liqueur, vodka, coffee liqueur, Gingerbread Syrup and ice cream in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake well. Pour into four chilled martini glasses. Top each with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of gingerbread cookie crumbs. Gingerbread Syrup: Add the sugar, water, cloves, cinnamon and ginger to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature before using, about 20 minutes. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

...

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Name of Bartender: Jenny Tracy Hometown: Port Huron, MI Q: How long have you been bartending?

A: 11 years.

Q: What was the strangest or funniest thing you experienced at work? A: It was my first year bartending at Captain Curt’s and a group of about 10 people walk in, lets just say this wasn’t their first stop. One of the guys in the group looked at me and ordered a round of “orange whips” I proceeded to make 10 orange whip shots. I get to the table and the guy goes, “I didn’t order shots, I ordered beers.” Long story short in their group they call beers orange whips... we all got a good laugh out of it, and every year for the past 5 years they have come back and started their vacation off with a shot of orange whips. Q: What do you do in your spare time? A: I enjoy going to the beach, hanging out with friends and family, doing new projects on my house. Q: How would you describe yourself? A: I would describe myself as warm, friendly, reliable, and lively.

Q: How would you describe where you work? A: We have a feel of your neighborhood restaurant/bar that welcomes customers from around the world. Strangers connect and return year after year to visit their newly formed friendships, and get our award winning chowder. Great memories are made at Captain Curts and the Sniki Tiki. Q: When’s the best time to see you?

A: Monday-Friday.

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Erick and Dawn’s Barbershop now The Shop SRQ Moves to the Gulf Gate Shops

Discover Gulf Gate:

With our map, located below, you’ll be able to navigate your way to our featured shops with ease. Oh Mamma Mia! (GG-4) Offers a truly unique dining experience with dinner shows by Chef Giuseppe Urbano. Enjoy the family ambiance as you watch him prepare an authentic Italian regional dish with fresh ingredients just for you. Fine dining, great atmosphere at casual dining prices. Reservations highly recommended. Gulf Gate Golf Course – Conveniently located just a stones throw from the Gulf Gate Shops,

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needs are of the utmost importance is their primary belief and has worked well for them for the past 15 plus years. As a result of this commitment to excellence, a high percentage of their business is from repeat customers and referrals. Dawn and Erick would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver the best service the grooming industry has to offer. The Shop SRQ, 6625 Gateway Avenue, Sarasota, 941.626.4894 or 941.536.1656. Hours of operation: Tues.-Fri. 8:30 AM-6 PM, Sat. 8:30 AM - 3 PM. Closed Sun. & Mon.

this 27 hole Executive Course offers men’s and women’s rental clubs. You can start your day with a round of golf, enjoy a bite to eat at the many wonderful restaurants or simply relax with a pint of ale at the pub before you head out to explore the many fine shops. Moments In Time Photography (G-28) specializes in several different photography services including Siesta Key Beach portraits starting at just $49 and wedding beginning at $495. Check out their website: www.sarasotaphotos.com or visit their store to see why they have been the photographer of choice for

over a decade and a half. 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 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.

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M5 M4 M3 M2 M1 Iberia Bank

One of the newer shops coming to the Gulf Gate area is a barber shop, where tonsorial artists and owners, Erick and Dawn Jacobsen plan to continue their craft as master barbers in its classic form. On December 16, they will begin welcoming new customers, as well as loyal clientele from their former location at Bahia Vista and 41, to their new shop, located next to Sarasota Brewing Company on Gateway Avenue. Their services include flat-tops, fades, tapers, blowouts, razor cuts, and straight razor shaves. A back to basics approach to grooming with a precise attention to personal detail and the idea that the customer’s

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G-4

PICCOLO

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GG-4

Hot or Cold & Vegetarian Sandwiches

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SIESTA SAND December 2014 • www.siestasand.net

S-16

Inventor of the PetDek While driving, Joe was unhappy to find that quick stops would throw these treasured animals into the footwell area. The Volpes hunted around, but couldn’t find anything in the pet market that would keep their pets comfortable and safe while traveling. Yet there was that backseat sitting vacant 99% of the time. . . An engineer and inventor, Joe saw this as a problem that needed to be solved. By 2008 he had created and successfully patented PetDek. It took three years to obtain both US utility and design patents. Joe felt certain he would need these patents to defend against China when they eventually tried to knock off his design. The end result was that PetDek became the only patented product on the market designed for carrying pets and cargo in the back seat. Joe’s aim was to have PetDek made in the US at a competitive price without having to go to China. His goal was also to create American jobs. To accomplish this, manufacturing labor costs had to be kept to a minimum. Today the product is manufactured and assembled in Iowa, its legs are supplied by Adjust-a-brush in St. Petersburg, Florida, and the carpet comes from Minnesota. The product is also planet-friendly: recycled materials are used in the plastic, carpet, and aluminum legs. PetDeks have been sold all over the world. They come with a lifetime guarantee. It is called the “All-InOne Carrier” by SkyMall, who is their major product dealer. Joe has a contract with SkyMall that runs through next summer. 1,000 units were sold by SkyMall alone in the first six months, and they have told him it is one of the best-selling products they have ever handled.

Continued from cover story

Their managers feel PetDek will become one of their permanent products. Recently SkyMall received an award for PetDek from USA Today’s 10 Best Travel Items. Hammacher Schlemmer is also one of Joe’s larger customers, calling the product a “Rear Seat Safety Pet Deck.” Dozens of other catalog companies and dealers throughout the US plus a few in Japan and Central America are now handling Joe’s product, but so far the major pet chains have proved elusive. Friends have been pushing Joe to apply for the television program, Shark Tank, but he’s not certain he wants to do it. He already has a friend and partner who put up most of the original seed money to build the $70,000 mold and pay for inventory. Joe likes to say that money isn’t really a problem as he has his own personal shark. He keeps getting requests to design a larger PetDek for the full-size trucks, and is currently considering that possibility. Raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA, Joe received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in 1964. A board member of the Siesta Key Association for several years, Joe has a tendency to take on “engineering” type projects such as getting Siesta Drive redone when it was improperly asphalted with grooves in it, and bringing in radar signs which are now scattered around the island. Joe and his wife, Lana, lived in Detroit for 40 years, and started coming to Siesta Key in 1969. His sister moved here in 1980, and her sons formed the Video Library rental stores in Sarasota. They sold out to Movie Gallery at the height of the fad. Joe had started a wheel business, and his nephew bought him out. Joe’s

son, Joe Jr., became VP of sales. Daughter Tanya received her B.A. in Psychology and a Masters in accounting, and became a CPA. She is now working on her M.F.A. in poetry and has had several poems published in a number of literary magazines. Joe says: “My future was preordained by my mother and father who were both mechanically inclined. Like many who grew up in the depression days, they had to quit school in the 8th grade and go to work. My mother was a welder in WWII. During the war she designed a jig for welding stainless steel that was patented by the company. For that, the only thing she received was a pat on the back. “ Joe’s goal in high school and college was to become a Chrysler engineer in engine development. That goal was attained in 1966 when Chrysler hired Joe to develop Hi-Performance car engines. He was in charge of testing the original 426 Hemi and 440 engines, which put him in charge of working with drag strip professionals such as the Ramchargers, Sox and Martin, and the Golden Commandos. For Joe, it was a dream job. He traveled to the major drag strip events around the country. His work included developing patents on exhaust header systems and intake manifolds. He was indeed his mother’s son! Joe left Chrysler in 1971 when the government and insurance companies put a stop to Detroit’s involvement with big engine cars. At that time, Lana had a B.S. in biology and was a junior high school science teacher. Together Joe and Lana formed their first company, J-R Engineering Company, a business which they still own. In 1976 they started another business, Detroit

Joe Volpe (left) and son, Charlie at a trade show Hitch Co., which was set up to distribute RV parts. This too is still in existence. Of course, they needed software to run these businesses, but at the time no software existed for small companies. In 1977 they formed another business, MV Software Co., a company designed to develop this much-needed software. The Volpes expanded on a small scale and ended up selling business software to companies throughout the US. Joe says, “This wasn’t a fairy tale: there were many bumps in the road. Those 40 years included oil embargoes and recessions in Detroit. Lana and I held it together with the help of many great employees, some of whom have been with us for 30 or more years.” Today the Volpes are slowly turning the businesses ownership over to these employees via ESOPs. Joe built his first 14-foot boat from a kit in 1956, and has been involved in boating ever since. Lana has accepted this and they have traveled aboard their latest boat, “Megabyte,” to the Bahamas and other places.

For many years it was docked in Ft. Lauderdale where they lived aboard about 80% of the time. Lana also put up with Joe’s getting a pilot’s license and instrument rating to fly their own plane on trips to Philadelphia, where Joe was born and his parents still lived. Lana was never in love with flying but learned to tolerate it because it was so important to Joe. The couple also flew to many other parts of the country. Of these expeditions, Joe says: “I promised Lana an exciting life when we married, but she probably didn’t plan on it being quite this exciting.” Today, the Volpes’ rescue Shih Tzu, Charlie, appears in all PetDek ads and also on their website, www. petdek.com. On any given day you may see Charlie in Joe’s bike basket as he pedals around Siesta Key Village. As Joe laughingly tells his friends, “I’m not the sharpest knife in the drawer anymore but at least I’m still in the drawer.” Indeed—Joe’s right there, front and center!

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With live music by the

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HERE ARE RARE MOMENTS in history when a show, a book, or a piece of art takes its viewer to a whole new realm. Boundaries previously thought unmovable, like those between the stage and the backdrop, are erased and reinvented, never to be the same.

Watching Shen Yun Performing Arts is witnessing just such a moment. Alongside its mesmerizing choreography and live orchestra combining Eastern and Western instruments, Shen Yun’s ingenious animated backdrops are leaving the entertainment industry astounded.

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What Shen Yun’s projection designs do is

seamlessly synchronize all aspects of the performance. The costumes’ colors, specific dance movements, drums, lighting, particular notes played by the orchestra—are all timed with animated movements on a large digital backdrop

When Shen Yun returns to Sarasota on Dec. 29, 2014, its newest innovations will be on full display. Come and experience a riveting journey, in which China’s 5,000 years of legends and myths come to life in vivid detail through Shen Yun’s awe-inspiring performances, with its explosive digital techniques, synchronized movements, and expressive powers.

TICKETS: ShenYun.com/Sarasota | 888-974-3698 or 941-953-3368 941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

Snapshots of the Venice Blues Festival Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography 1

Sarasota History

|’Uncle Ben’ Stickney’s Author: Ann A. Shank, former County Historian Source: Sarasota County History Center

3 4

1: Theresa from Ozona, Fl and Paul from Homosassa – dancing to the blues! 2: Mac Arnold from South Carolina. 3: Lou & Peg from NY. 4: Kat Riggins from Ft. Lauderdale. 5: RJ Howson from Chicago. 6: Darlene, Sandy, Caroline & Ed. 7: Lenny Brooks from Sarasota – guitar player for Twinkle. 8: Tony is the bass player from Twinkle.

SKA meeting notes Continued from page 2

Today’s presentation was preliminary to the actual workshop, which will be held in January of 2015. (Time, date, and location of this workshop will soon be announced.) For information on roundabouts, go to www. SWFLROADS.com where you will find an excellent video. (To navigate the web site, go first to MORE, and then to GENERAL ROUNDABOUT INFORMATION.)

Committee Reports: Environment —Catherine Luckner: Not much change. The county did approve funding for an independent study, and 7 firms are being considered, one of which will run the study. Nora Patterson added that Sarasota was underwriting this independent study to get reassurance that no damage would be done to Siesta

Key or to South Lido Park. The hope is that only good things would happen for both Siesta Key and Lido. New signs have appeared on Turtle Beach, put there by the Park Service. These signs are purely cautionary, warning people not to swim (no life guards) and not to fish (alligators have been sighted in those waters.)

Old Business: Bob Stein gave an update on Siesta Promenade. Plans are scheduled to be submitted in a couple of weeks. Nora Patterson said the developers will do traffic studies to show how traffic will be handled. She added that the developers have altered their plans considerably from what was originally submitted. Michael Shay announced that the County is hosting a Volunteer Recognition Dinner within the next

few weeks.

New Business:

Paul Wilkinson spoke about upcoming November Events, and also about the Membership Drive. He asked that if at all possible, people sign up for SKA 2015 Membership on-line using credit cards. Catherine Luckner acknowledged the outstanding service given by Nora Patterson during her 16 years on the County Commission, preceded by many years on the City Commission. The retiring commissioner was praised for caring about the birds of Siesta Key, and for always having advocated for things that would help people grow and prosper. The next SKA Monthly Meeting will be Thursday, December 4th, at 4:30 pm.

In the early years of this century, before bridges connected the keys to the mainland, a favorite place to have a picnic was “Uncle Ben” Stickney’s. On the bay side of Sarasota (now Siesta) Key, south of the later Stickney Point Bridge, Stickney’s homestead gained a reputation for hospitality far beyond Sarasota’s borders. Benjamin Stickney was born in St. Louis in 1842. As a young adult, he followed family tradition in the hotel business and in 1894 was the proprietor of Sarasota’s DeSoto Hotel at the foot of Main Street. After retiring, Stickney built his homestead on Sarasota Key under spreading live oaks draped in Spanish moss. When Stickney died in February 1912, The Sarasota Times mourned the community’s loss on the front page. The Baptist Church held the funeral service, even though Stickney was an Episcopalian, because it was the only church large enough to hold all the people. Clergy from the Episcopal and Presbyterian churches led the services, and the Belle Haven Inn Quartet provided the music. Stickney was buried in Rosemary Cemetery. The newspaper’s tribute to “Uncle Ben” concluded, “. . . the murmuring waves along his shore breathe a requiem for the passing away of one who was loved and honored.” A variety of press reports and other commentaries over the years testify to the warmth and breadth of “Uncle Ben’s” hospitality. A writer from Venice recalled Stickney taking in many a traveler caught on the key during bad weather. Sitting in front of a

Off Key

blazing fire, the welcomed visitor would listen to “Uncle Ben’s” stories as he prepared the evening meal. Although sometimes called the Hermit of the Key, Stickney impressed those who knew him as a lovable character, everyone’s friend, a nature lover, the genial host. The photo above was taken about 1908 at “Uncle Ben’s.” Identified picnickers include Mrs. Carrie Abbe (Sarasota’s postmistress) on the left, Ethel Wood and Rose Wilson (publishers of The Sarasota Times) fifth and seventh from the left, and Thomas (principal of Sarasota’s public school) and Margaret Yarbrough. Typical picnics, as reported in the Times, included shell gathering, walks to the Gulf side, exploration of the largely uninhabited key, and a meal brought in large baskets from the mainland. The food would be spread out on tables built by “Uncle Ben.” Typical of press coverage of picnics at “Uncle Ben’s,” in February 1912 a reporter enthused about Mrs. Abbe’s picnic for a party of 50. Present were visitors from 13 states (14, if Stickney’s chickens, Rhode Island Reds, were included). The visitors sailed in the bay, strolled on the beaches and sang on the way home aboard the double-decker “Siesta.”

Continued from page 13

We’re talking about the invasive glut of signs that have grown like Kudzu along Honore Avenue near both ends of the rowing lake at Benderson Park. More than 60 such examples proclaim all manner of events the Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates (SANCA) is promoting on behalf of the county (some highlighting events that have already passed, like the dragon boat races held in October, still visible as this is written in late November). There are even large billboards for sponsors on the shoreline of the lake itself, obstructing the view from the western shore. So instead of a beautiful view of a picturesque park paid for with taxpayer dollars, travelers through the area are instead treated to a not so beautiful view of...billboards. It reminds me of that stretch of I-95 through the Carolinas where a barrage of signs promote “Pedro” and his kitschy roadside attraction “South of The Border.” Now if a business exhibited a similar display of bad taste, you

can bet the county would be all over it and the signs would quickly be removed. But hey, do as we say, not as we do.

And When Can an Eagles’ Nest Legally Be Moved (in no Time Flat)?

You’ve probably already guessed the answer: When it’s on city land or some other piece of government owned property. That was the case recently when the county and city of Sarasota were able to magically receive permission likity-split from all the necessary governing agencies to remove an eagles’ nest that a pair of the majestic birds had recently built at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. Now, if you or I had a similar nest on our chimney or elsewhere on our property that we wanted to remove, it would likely take until the next ice age to get a final answer (which in any case would likely be “no”).

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Dimension Color

Left: Steve from Rhode Island, Ronald from Orlando. Right: Matt & Andy from New York.

Soulfully Yours Donnarose Q: Dear Donnarose, I feel that my deceased family members are still with me in spirit, especially during the holidays. I know you’re a medium. Is it true our loved ones are here, or is it just wishful thinking on my part? ~Thank you, Chris A: ~ “Relaxing your energy will make your connection more clear, to feel your loved ones who are always near.” ~Donnarose Melvin It’s definitely not wishful thinking. I only know this to be true since I’ve seen thousands of my client’s loved ones in full form the same way I would see you in person. It’s your openness to feeling your loved ones presence that makes it even easier for them to come through. Depending how much you’re able to tune into spirits around you, and how open your energy is, will determine how clearly and frequently you’ll be able to receive their messages, or even see them like I do. If you really want to connect with your loved ones as often as possible, incorporate some form of meditation and deep breathing exercises, as well as keep your chakras clear and open. And be sure to ask for protection from your angels for when your energy expands, so they will keep you protected from energies that are different from your loved ones. Also, keep in mind, our loved ones show us signs in all different ways, so be sure to keep your eyes, ears and energy wide open and enjoy the experience. ~ ♥ Q: Dear Donnarose, a friend of mine said that my throat and heart chakras are blocked and the cause of my issues. How do I unblock these chakras, and will this really help? Blessings, Dena A: ~“As you continue to clear your chakras more and more, clarity, connection and healing, will be heightened for sure” ~Donnarose Melvin Yes, clearing and balancing your chakras, which I like to call spinning energetic points of entry, will surely help your energy flow more smoothly, which will bring all kinds of gifts your way. A blocked chakra reminds me of a clogged sink, where some

WORD LIST:

water can get through, but very little, and then may back up and cause floods, etc. The longer we wait to clear and open our blocked chakras, the more “clogged up” they may become. But unlike the water that overflows out of the pipe when backed up, our blocked energy backs up, but within us. Hence, unhealthy physical manifestations start to unfold in all ways, shapes and forms. In my opinion, anyone can clear their chakras if in the position to do so. I personally reach out to Archangel Metatron to help clear and open my chakras, so that is my first suggestion. I also suggest meditation including deep breathing, prayer, healthy habits along with positive thinking, which will surely facilitate maintaining the clearing and balancing of your chakras. Here are some links for you. These are guided meditations I favor, and an article I found to be very enjoyable and comprehensive. ~Chakra Healing>http://www.crystalspringshealing.com/holistichealing-chakra-healing.htm ~Evening-Chakra clearing-guided meditation->http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=7-hYcSZRbcM and, ~Morning-Chakra clearing-guided meditation->http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=UVpTpjSrL1U . If you do what is suggested above, I have a hunch it will be more than your heart and throat chakras that will benefit. Start as soon as you can, and enjoy the results.

Connie Lewis, BS, LMT,Aesthetician Owner & Associates

Massage Experience

Siesta Key

Office: 941.349.4833 Cell: 941.350.7495

MassageExperienceSK.com 5138A Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key Village

Massage Therapy Day Spa Services Facial Treatments Facial Sculpting MA00017596 MM0006727

Donnarose Melvin is a professional psychic, medium and energy healer, whose pleasure is to assist clients worldwide. She incorporates knowledge from her degree in psychology, along with her clairvoyant, clairaudient, clairsentient and empathic gifts to guide her clients towards peace and success. Please send your questions to SoulfullyYoursDonnarose@gmail.com or private message her via facebook: Soulfully Yours Donnarose. Donnarose will select questions each month to share with you. She regrets that unpublished questions cannot be answered individually.

WORD SEARCH

Answers on page 28

941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

What’s Happening …on the beach EACH WEEK: • FREE YOGA Mon-Wed.-Fri.Sat.9-10:30 am. Classes held between blue & green lifeguard station. Call 941-320-6693 to register or www.yogaonsiestabeach.com • Nia Tues. & Thurs. 9a.m., Siesta Public Beach(yellow lifeguard chair) Joy Donation: $12. Contact Kathy Oravec at 941-724-9719 or Kathyoravec@gmail.com • SUNSET FUSION – Every Mon &Wed,45 minutes before sunset. Beach access 4. For additional info and to register online go to: www.studiorubylake.com • DRUM CIRCLE – Every Sunday about an hour before sunset. South of the main pavillion. You can particpate or watch this weekly gathering dance, hoop, play the drum or other musical instument and enjoy the spectacular Siesta sunset. EACH MONTH: • DECEMBER 13 (SAT) 7-11AM: 38TH ANNUAL SANDY CLAWS 5K: Always an enjoyable time. You never know who you’ll see at the event. There will be a post-race party for participants. For more

information, see our “Siesta Key Round Up” column on page 5 of this issue. • JANUARY 10 (SAT) 8:15AM2ND ANNUAL ANDREW MONROE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 5K WALK/ RUN: This event was established to honor the life of Andrew Monroe. Proceeds benefit senior soccer players at Riverview High School in Sarasota. Senior, girls and boys, soccer players have the opportunity to receive scholarships through an essay process. For more information or to sign up go to: www.andrewmonroe.com Deadline for reduced rate: Dec. 22, 2014

Arts on the Horizon So much to do & see in “our little beachtown!” Enjoy the December events! • December 1 to January 1: Holly Days and Mangrove Lights at Historic Spanish Point decorated buildings and gardens on a beautiful 30 acre setting with 5,000 years of history on little Sarasota Bay. Every Thursday & Friday evening they will be open late from 5 to 8pm. Enjoy a cool evening stroll and see beautiful lights at the White Cottage, Mrs. Palmer’s Sunken Garden, Mary’s Chapel, the museum and the mangrove tunnel of lights. Historic Spanish Pointe is open Mon to Sat, 9 am to 5 pm, Sun. 12pm to 5:00 p.m. Admission $12. www.historicspanishpoint.org/

• December 6, The Bradenton Blues Festival takes place at Riverwalk by the Manatee River in Bradenton.

…around the island • SIESTA KEY FARMER’S MARKET – Every Sunday from 8am – 2pm in Davidson’s Plaza in the Village. 5124 Ocean Blvd. Fresh fruits, vegetables, music, art.

The Line up 11:00am – 11:40am: Doug Deming, Dennis Gruenling and the Jewel Tones 11:55am – 12:55pm: EG Kight 1:10pm – 2:10pm: Samantha Fish 2:25pm – 3:25pm: Billy Branch & The Sons of Blues 3:40pm – 4:40pm: Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials 4:55pm – 6:05pm: Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers 6:20pm – 7:35pm: Marcia Ball Between Acts: Dave Muskett http://www.bradentonbluesfestival.org/

…and beyond • PHILLIPPI FARMHOUSE MARKET: Every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the front field at Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34231 • DECEMBER 6 (SAT) 6PM: VENICE BOAT PARADE: additional information is located in our “News Up & Down the Trail”, on page 8 of this issue or go to: VeniceChristmasBoatParade.com • DECEMBER 13 & 14 (SAT & SUN) 10AM - 4PM HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW AND SALE: at Phillippi Estate Park. This arts and crafts show and sale will be in the front field bordering U.S. 41. There is ample parking space and food vendors in addition to the crafters. Great Christmas shopping. For more information, visit: calsrp@verizon.net • DECEMBER 21 (SAT) 1-5PM: A TASTE OF CHANUKAH 4TH ANNUAL EVENT: This event takes place at Sarasota Fairgrounds. Free admission and free parking. Delicious Kosher foods and unique Kosher drinks. Motorcycle daredevils, and much more. For more information, see www.ATasteOfChanukah.com or call 941-925-0770. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

Answers to the WORD SEARCH from page 27

• December 3, 8pm - Smokey Joe’s Cafe Featuring The Coasters – Broadway’s longest running musical, rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest hits! http://www.vanwezel.org/boxOffice/event. cfm?eveID=1436#.VGkzwdh0yP8 • December 4, 11, 18: Holiday Nights at Ca’ d’Zan at the Ringling Museum. The Mansion is beautifully decorated and includes a 10’ tree in the Grand Court. Open 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for Art After 5. Evening Admission: $10/adults, $5/children. http://www. ringling.org/events/holiday-nights-ca-dzan on December 4 from 5 pm to 9 pm. There is a benefit for Toys for Tots! http://www.ringling.org/events/ holiday-splendor Support the US Marine Corps, Toys for Tots program and delight in an evening of music by local area students. The Museum of Art, Circus Museum and Ca’d’Zan (first floor). Admission is free on Dec 4 with one unwrapped toy per guest. “Art after 5” admission: $10 for adults, $5 for kids 6 - 17, free for 5 and under. Toys are also available for purchase in the Museum Store. • December 4: Wine, Dine & Pine Event at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Wine, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, a silent auction, a drawing for Restaurant gift certificates, and more to benefit Selby Gardens... $60 per person in The Great Room at Selby. http://selby. org/event/wine-dine-pine/ • December 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19 to 24, 26 to 28, 6pm to 9pm. Holiday Lights Spectacular at Jungle Gardens. Music, entertainment, S’mores & Marshmallow roasting with millions of lights! Admission. $11. Adults, children 3 to 12 $6. Children 2 & under, free. Jungle Gardens was established in 1939. The park is nestled on 10 acres of gorgeous tropical landscape and lush winding jungle trails. There are 150 native and exotic animals, birds of prey, parrots and macaws, primates, snakes, lizards, alligators, and more… many have been rescued or donated. You can feed Koi fish and the Pink Flamingoes. The Flamingoes walk freely in the park. The pink color of a flamingo’s feathers is caused by carotenoid pigments in their food. A flamingo’s diet includes shrimp, plankton, algae and crustaceans. Bring your camera, there are a lot of photo opportunities, including posing with a parrot! There are also entertaining bird and reptile shows during the day! Take note of the beautiful murals on the walls of the gift shop and on the fence by the playground, they were created by Ringling students. http://www. sarasotajunglegardens.com/getting-around.php • December 12, 7pm. Friday Night Free Music with Karen Klarich at the Gazebo in Centennial Park in downtown Venice. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Free! Downtown Venice. • December 19 to 23 & 26 to 29, 6pm to 9pm Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens. Enjoy hot cocoa while strolling through lights at Selby Gardens. A tropical/botanical wonderland! http://selby.org/ event/lights-in-bloom/2014-12-19/

By Jaye Clements

SIESTA SAND December 2014 • www.siestasand.net

• December 20, 7pm to 11pm - Winter Celebration at the Ringling Museum. Dancing & entertainment in courtyard at the Ringling Museum. Josephs Coat Skyspace will be open. Admission: $15. Tickets available at the Asolo. http://www.ringling.org/ events/greet-light-winter-solstice-celebration • December 27 to 30: The Sailor Circus Holiday Spectacular. 2075 Bahia Vista Street Sarasota. 941366-0156 http://circusarts.org/buy-tickets/

• December 28, 7pm – Jack Hanna into the Wild at the Van Wezel. Enjoy this awe-inspiring event, Jungle Jack will introduce you to some of the world’s most spectacular animals. He will share funny stories and amazing footage from his worldwide adventures. A show for animal lovers of all ages! http://www.vanwezel.org/boxOffice/event. cfm?eveID=1493#.VGkypNh0yP8

Artist of the Month

By Diana Colson

|The Man Who Saved Batman Michael Uslan is a producer of all the modern Batman films to date, starting with Tim Burton’s 1989 film. He is also a Sarasota Snowbird. He and his wife, Nancy, have been coming here since 1979, originally to visit her parents, and later to escape the cold and chaos of bi-coastal urban life in New Jersey and Los Angeles. Under the auspices of Jeanne Corcoran and the Sarasota County Film & Entertainment Office,

to write some of the scripts for The Shadow. Ultimately he even began writing Batman comic strips. Move to the late 1970’s. Michael was in his 20’s when he and Ben Melniker obtained the rights to Batman. Truth was, nobody else on the planet earth wanted those rights because no one believed in Batman any more. Nonetheless, with those rights in his pocket, Michael proceeded with his vision of developing Batman in a dark

Photo credit: Colin Sloan

Michael recently addressed a group of students and film fans at Ringling College of Art and Design. The talk was motivational. To the young people in the audience, he had this to say: “Lucky you that you are in school right now. We are in an industry that is undergoing revolution. All kinds of opportunities are opening up. It’s an exciting, exciting time! If you have an opportunity to discover your passion and your dream, get up off the couch! Only 10-15% of kids will do that, so if you do, your odds of success will shoot through the roof.” Michael Uslan was younger than 4 when he started reading comic books: Casper the Ghost, Archie & Veronica, and Superman. He was very comfortable with Superman because it wasn’t scary. As an older and more sophisticated 8 year old, it was Batman who became his idol. He was drawn to the character because Batman had no superpowers, which made young Michael feel that a nerdy fellow like himself might actually become a powerful force in the world. His Mom said: “Keep your comic books. I’ve read them and they’re fine. The deal is that you must also read other things like newspapers and magazines.” One cold night in January of 1966, Batman premiered on TV. To Michal’s horror, he found the whole world laughing at Batman. They were making a joke out of his beloved idol! At that very moment he made a vow that he would work to restore Batman to the original character that had first been created in 1939 by Bob Kane and Bill Finger. Of this pivotal moment, Michael says: “It was the ultimate point of my career, and pretty much set the direction of my entire life.” He became determined to erase those words “POW”, “ZAP”, and WHAM” from world culture, and reveal to the world what a dark and serious character Batman really was. Born in 1952, Michael Uslan was in his late teens when he began teaching the world’s first accredited college course on comic books. He taught it at the school where he was still a student: Indiana University. This unique class caught the eye of news media, which in turn attracted the attention of DC Comics in NY. Michael was brought to New York

a Monster. Batman is the only superhero with no superpowers. What is his superpower? It’s his humanity. The Batman fable is based on the life journey of a traumatized young man.” Michael Uslan has more than one string on his Stradivarius. Most recently he served as Executive Producer of the Lego Movie (2014); Batman Vs. Superman (2015); The Dark Knight Trilogy, which included two of history’s top grossing movies: The Dark Knight Rises (2012), and The Dark Night (2008). The latter received 8 Oscar nominations. Michael Uslan was also the executive producer of The Swamp Thing TV series, 2004’s Catwoman, and 2008’s Spirit film. He produced PBS’s Three Sovereigns for Sarah starring Vanessa Redgrave, as well as the children’s geography teaching TV show called: Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego. His list of credits goes on and on, for Michael is a man of energy and action. When asked how he sees the evolution of Media, Michael predicts that the paradigm of TV

Photo credit: IDSNEWS

and serious way. He quit his job, went out to Hollywood, and soon found every door slamming in his face. Stubborn and obsessed, Michael now entered a ten-year human endurance contest, which he describes in his memoir, The Boy Who Loved Batman. ”Every single studio told me that I was crazy, that it was the worse idea they’d ever heard…(it) was a rough, tough ten years of everybody telling you how lousy you are and how bad your ideas are. It really tests your mettle as a human.” Along the way, he went to law school, taking every course he could find on communication, and beginning his “Plan B” career as a motion picture attorney. One of the film projects on his docket was Apocalypse Now. Michael came to realize that when a movie is produced, much of the process involves financing and contracts. The screenplay serves as the blueprint, of course—but it’s the “bean counters” and the “pencil pushers” who make decisions on where and when the film will actually be shot, and for how much. In 1986, Tim Burton walked into his life. (Tim had just completed the fine cut of Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, created by Sarasota’s own Paul Rubens.) When Burton’s Batman came out – in 1989 – it had huge cultural impact. It was a “Lost Horizon” journey of self-discovery. “You have to take Batman and The Joker side by side,” says Michael. “The Joker is pure evil in the guise of a clown. Batman is pure good the guise of

is changing. It will be “goodbye” to the 300 TV stations, which will be replaced by 3,000 internet stations. It’s a new world and a global one: Amazon, Netflix and Google

will rule. Content is king, and the awakening “sleeping giant” is China. They have the money, the resources and enormous audiences. Opulent state-of-theart movie theatres are being built in China at an incredible rate. In Michael’s optimistic words: “It’s exciting! Dealing with China will require a lot of out-of-box thinking. The recession is ending. There are lots of new opportunities. Cinema

is global. Computer skills and animation skills have become very marketable.” Michael Uslan is one of Hollywood’s most accomplished movie producers. In 2001 he donated 30,000 comic books from his lifetime collection to Indiana University. They are housed in the Lilly Library along with other rare books and manuscripts.

Beach Reads By Terri Schlichenmeyer “Endangered” by Jean Love Cushs

Save the whales! You’ve read a lot of signs like that in your life, online and real-time. Save the whales or the environment, penguins or tigers, fish, trees, or grasses, there’s always something about to disappear, and you know that when it’s gone, it’s gone. But what about people? Aren’t they in trouble, too? In the new book “Endangered” by Jean Love Cush, who’s going to save young black men? Janae Williams had always told her son, Malik, not to run when the cops came. It was worse if you did, she said. So while he was hanging out on a Philadelphia street corner with his friends and sirens came their way, Malik stood still – and was arrested for the murder of a boy he knew. But, of course, Malik didn’t do it. Janae knew that her son was innocent. He was just 15 years old, a good-enough student, her baby. She’d raised him right – his father certainly had no hand in it – and Malik wasn’t capable of killing.

Still, he was in jail and the court system was a maze that Janae couldn’t quite figure out. She wanted Malik home, no matter what – even if it took putting her trust in an unusual source who claimed he could help her son. When Calvin Moore left the ‘hood, he closed the door. He’d always had his sights on law school, power, money, a good life. He’d been at a big Philadelphia law firm for several years and was on track to make partner soon – so when his boss asked his assistance with a pro bono case for a non-profit, Calvin was reluctant. The Center for the Protection of Human Rights didn’t want his experience; of that, he was sure. All they wanted was his black face to represent. Known for around-the-globe humanitarian work, Roger Whitford always wanted to make a difference, and his organization was poised to do it. They just needed a case that was right, one he could defend in court in a way that would force nation-wide revisions for Black boys within the justice system.

Roger had an audacious plan, and the case against Malik Williams was perfect… Talk about good timing. With its focus on justice and its characters’ shouts for legal change, “Endangered” may be the most relevant book you’ll read this year. Be aware, though: author Jean Love Cush, who has a background in law, loads controversy inside her story. And yet, this drama isn’t all just courtroom-based. Cush’s characters are created with razor-sharpness and put in gut-wrenching situations. She then offers statistics (real ones!) to support her story – shocking stats about African American education, crime, society, and justice that move the story along, enhance its most memorable parts, and pull readers even further in. All I can say is “wow.” The cover of this book looks like it might be for middle-schoolers, but that’s incorrect; its audience is definitely 16-and-up. If that’s you, and you’re open to one impressive thought-provoker, “Endangered” is a book to save time for.

Beach Reads Bio: The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and she never goes anywhere without a book. She lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 12,000 books.

941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

Life is good® with a brother

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

The book is entitled Life is good: An Inspiring Guide to Living with Purpose and Enjoying the Ride and will be published by National Geographic.

Continued from cover story

The only problem – the company lost track of the boys and they didn’t know where or how to get a hold of them. After many years and a series

of delays later, the connection was finally made. Following is the compelling letter and photo the siblings sent.

Dear Bert and John, (founders of Life is good) My name is Alex. I have a brother Nicky and we are ten. We both have some extra challenges in the world but at the end of the day we still have each other. When I was born I had to have my leg amputated. Nicky doesn’t see so well since he is legally blind. We were both born early and weighed a pound so we had a lot of work to grow and get better. I wanted to give you our picture with our best Jake smile. Me and Nicky have all of your shirts with the things we like doing best, but if you asked us what we do best and what makes us happy and laugh most, it is being together just doing nothing. If you ever decide to make a shirt with two brothers can you send us one? You must have a lot but what my mom says is we’re lucky and life is good because we will always have each other. You’re lucky to have a brother too. i hope you do fun things together! Your friends, Alex and Nick

Top: Carol & Tom from Venice. Bottom: Terry & Darlene from Venice seasonably - snowbirds from MI.

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SIESTA SAND December 2014 • www.siestasand.net

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ACCOMMODATIONS: • Best Western Plus Siesta Key – AAA -3 Diamond Property, Free shuttle service to and from Siesta Key 941-924-4900, 6600 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota • Siesta 4 Rent - Vacation Rentals, from studios to 5 bedrooms. Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500 • Robasota Real Estate – Annual and Seasonal Rentals, 941-926-1800, ext. 102 HEALTH: • A Bridge for Independence provides in home companion services including companionship, transportation, light housekeeping, medication reminders and meal preparation and planning. Call us at 866-279-4390, FL License #230517 • Senior Home Companions – companionship and In-Home care. daily living needs, hourly, overnight, 24-hour care, 941-924-0494 • Siesta Key Massage & Therapy Center – Relieve all that pent –up tension and improve circulation with a soothing massage or facial by Ali. Call to book your appointment today. 941-349-0408

• Massage Heights -1-hour massage $49.99, custom facial $59.99 – intro offers, 4948 S. Tamiami Trl, 941-9271030 (See Display ad in this paper) • Massage Experience Siesta Key Open 7-day a week. 5138A Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4833

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TRANSPORTATION: • Dollar Limo – holds up to 10 people and is cheaper than a D.U.I or taxi. Call 941-735-4732 • 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. • Siesta Key Free Rides – Siesta Key Free island shuttle for beach, village, condo and tours – tips only. Electric vehicles. Call 941-952-8294 • Sun Ride Pedicab – Eco-friendly Pedicabs. Siesta Key Tours and rides – tips only, 941-343-3400 • Surfside Free Ride – Provides free Taxi service all over Siesta Key and short distances off the north & south bridge on the mainland from 10am to 2am 7 days a week, tips only, 941-9618238

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SPORT RENTALS: • 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. 941554-4242 • Siesta Key Bike & Kayak – Located on Siesta Key in Capt Curts Village serving Siesta Key, Lido Beach and Sarasota. We offer bikes, kayak rentals, kayak eco tours, paddleboards and scooters. 1224 Old Sickney Pt Rd. 941-346-0891 • Siesta Sports Rentals – Located on Siesta Key, bike, kayak, kayak tours, scooter, children strollers and car seats. Delivery and pickup available, 6551 Midnight Pass Rd, 941-346-1797 BEACH & BABY EQUIPMENT RENTALS: • ABC Rentals – We are family owned and operated baby and equipment rental and retail store. We provide top quality baby equipment such as cribs, highchairs, strollers and car seats. Beach rental equipment includes umbrellas, beach hammocks,

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cabanas and beach chairs. View our complete inventory on line www. abcbabyrental.com 2300 Bee Ridge Rd Ste. 204 Sarasota 941-929-1850 FISHING CHARTERS: • 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. We offer Inshore, Backcountry and Offshore fishing charters for both fly-fishing and spin anglers. They will do their best to make sure your stay in our Sarasota, Siesta Key area is memo-rable. Let us arrange an exciting trip to the shallow water back country to sightfish for snook, red-fish, speckled trout and other species, or trips to the inshore reefs of the Gulf of Mexico for giant tarpon, bonito, cobia, tripletail, jack crevalle, kingfish, spanish mackerel. Fly and Spin fishing for all ages. 1240 Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key. (941)349-4400

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HOME IMPROVEMENT • Hawk’s Nest Construction Whether you’re building a new home, remodeling your existing home, creating an outdoor living area, or safeguarding your home – one call does it all. We offer a full range of building and remodeling services under one roof. 4525A S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231, Office 941.650.9499 • L.L. Armstrong, LLC – A Painting Co. This family run company has been in business since 1978 and specializes in custom painting, removal of virtually all types of wall coverings and Venetian Plastering. Reference available upon request. Call or email: 941-323-5074 or armstronglle5@aol.com • Ferraro Homes Plus – Specializing in tiles, wood, bath and kitchen remodeling and all your household needs. Call John Ferraro at 941-3741253 for a free estimate. Licensed & Insured.

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Serving Siesta Key from 3 locations:

~Downtown Sarasota ~Longboat Key ~Anna Maria Island

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208 S. Tamiami Trail Nokomis, FL 34275

(941) 483-4630 FAX (941) 488-3140 WatertiteRoofing.com WatcoFL@aol.com

941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

Association Matters, Legally Speaking

Venice Island

By Vanda Y. Bayliss, Esq

|Suspension of Use Rights and Voting Privileges PRIME LOCATION

Deep sailboat water. No bridges to Gulf. Blocks to beach

940,000

OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE • 1:00-4:00 PM Saturday, Dec. 20 and Sunday, Dec. 28 or until sold

For more information

or for other desirable properties, please call

941.266.1850

Last month I wrote about the use of fines as a means of obtaining compliance with the declaration, bylaws, and rules. Two other methods of enforcement that also do not require filing a lawsuit are: (1) suspending the right of an owner, tenant, or guest to use the common facilities; and (2) suspending the right of an owner to vote. These methods of enforcement apply to both condominium and homeowners associations. If a member is more than 90 days delinquent in the payment of any monetary obligation due to the association, the association may suspend the right of those related to the unit to use the common facilities. That means, for example, that the owners, tenants, or their guests may no longer be allowed to use the pool, beach access, or club house. The right to use the roadways and sidewalks to Total access the unit,

Sarasota Real Estate Trends Annual Sales - 2000 to Current

12000

Condo

10000

Single Family

6000

Poinsettia

4000 2000 '00

'01

'02

'03

'04

'05

'06

'07

'08

'09

'10

'11

'12

'13

Annual Median Sale Price - 2000 to Current

$400k $300k $200k $100k $0k

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

KEY SOLUTIONS REAL ESTATE

For more information call (941)894-1255 Or visit www.keysolutionsrealestate.com

Single Family Condos *Statistics provided by MFR MLS

The median sales price for the Sarasota real estate market have continued to rise at a steady pace. Over the last 24 months median home values have increased from $175k in 2012 to $216k currently. The real estate market should continue to have healthy gains in the near future with low inventory and lots of buyers looking to purchase here.

suspension may only be imposed if the committee approves. A “non-monetary violation” could be anything from allowing a dog in the pool to speeding. Voting rights associated with a parcel can also be suspended if the account is more than 90 days delinquent. No hearing is required but the board must vote at a properly noticed meeting and notify the persons who would otherwise be entitled to vote. While the suspension is in effect, that voting interest may not be counted for any purpose. If an association does chose to suspend certain rights in an effort to obtain compliance it should have a plan for enforcing the suspension. Who will ensure the vote is not counted? Who will be responsible for approaching the person who no longer has a right to be in the pool? These are matters that should be considered prior to taking action. (See Florida Statutes Sections 718.303 and 720.305.)

Blooming this month:

8000

and the right to park, cannot be limited; however, if there is gated access, the right to use the most convenient access gate could be suspended. Requiring the owner or tenant to stand in line to use the visitor access gate may encourage payment of the delinquent account. (Note, the association may not use this provision to cut off utility services to the unit, though.) When the association wishes to suspend use rights because of a delinquent account, no hearing is required. The board may simply approve the suspension at a properly noticed board meeting and notify those affected by mail or hand delivery. When the board wishes to suspend the use rights for a non-monetary violation of the declaration, bylaws, or rules, then the same procedure required to levy a fine must be followed. The alleged offender must be given 14 days’ notice and the right to appear before an independent “compliance committee” to plead his or her case. In that case, the

SIESTA SAND December 2014 • www.siestasand.net

Euphorbia pulcherrima The poinsettias of today differ markedly from ten years ago. Today breeders have developed pink,white, orange, purple, and multi-colored forms. Even the size and shape of the bracts have changed. Bracts are the modified colored leaves surrounding the small green and yellow flowers. Poinsettias are tropical plants at home in Florida. They can be planted in the garden in partial sun or shade, in an area protected from frost. They do well planted under shade trees. The colorful bracts will last until the spring and return the

following December. Keep your poinsettia consistently watered,especially while it is becoming established. Courtesy of Sarasota Garden Club, Jeannie Weyrick sarasotagardenclub.org

Island Design

By Cheryl Gaddie

Enjoy living on world famous Siesta Key waterfront!

|Furnishing Patios & Balconies... Chances are you have access to a place alfresco for your enjoyment on Siesta Key. Your favorite outdoor hang out may be adjoining your dwelling or a local restaurant. Regardless of the place, we all want to make choices that allow the maximum comfort, function and attractive design. The first step to space planning any area is to evaluate how the space will be used. Is it primarily for private use or made to entertain family & guests? In a commercial setting, we want to offer comfortable outdoor seating and shade... We are all challenged with the job of making our space as perfect as possible. The furnishing part of design can be frustrating without proper knowledge. I suggest you always educate yourself before making final decisions. Therefore, before you spend your initial search fighting traffic to shop for patio furnishings, we should look at our list of options. There are many people today that shop for furniture online. Often this is a viable solution, especially if you have your space planned with furniture sizes and function before you purchase. However, remember to have concierge shipping or be prepared to have someone bring it from your front door to your outdoor area. It is a good idea to inspect pieces immediately. The option of exchanging is easy if done right away. We have an abundance of outdoor furniture places to shop. Again, if you know your sizes,

the lighting, needs for shade, etc. it is easy to review what each stocking dealer has to offer. One of the challenges of purchasing in stock items is your limitation to the exact size and type furnishings that best fit your space. If you decide to custom order, you likely understand the steps of how to furnish an outdoor space. Sometimes custom furniture & interior design can be intimidating, especially in the same sentence! However, we often don’t have the time needed to plan and purchase for an area. Professionals are available to help you through the process. You can work on a budget with any of the options available. However you decide to begin your process, we are entering prime season to enjoy the outdoors. Don’t delay enjoying every minute!

MLS# A3997172

1. Measure the outdoor space you want to furnish. 2. Determine your function. 3. Consider the sun cover – do you need additional shade. 4. Find average sizes of outdoor furniture that fit your needs. Use a free software package for design. This website will give you the top 10 free downloads for such use. http://freshome. com/2010/08/18/10-best-freeonline-virtual-room-programsand-tools/

3970 Roberts Point Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242 Scheduled for completion early 2015 this home features 5887 square feet of air conditioned luxury living space with 1836 square feet of spacious covered outdoor living area. The home features five en suites with an additional powder and pool bath. Laundry rooms can be found on both levels. The second level has an oversized bonus room with access to three covered upstairs balconies. Extraordinary water views can be enjoyed from most rooms of the home. Outside, you will find a large pool and spa surrounded by an expansive deck area. In addition, the home is situated on Coconut Bayou with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico.

Call for Pre-completion Pricing

Jeanie Donahue

Licensed Real Estate Broker KJIMS Real Estate LLC

www.KJIMSrealestate.com

8141 Lakewood Ranch Main Street • Suite 208 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 C: 941.720.2795 • F: 941.907.4220

jeanie@kjims.com

ting on the fence, If you have been sit sell. nOW is the time to

concierge realtors We work with you from beginning to end to make a smooth transition.

Carolyn Kofler 941.780.0605

Andrea Smith 941.320.7020

CALL TODAY to list your PROPERTY or for a FREE Market Analysis of your home. We Provide a Unique and Highly Succesful Marketing/Sales System Cheryl Gaddie, owner of C.G. Designs 5011 Ocean Blvd. #203, Siesta Key Village, 941-346-7401, www.CGInteriorDesign.com

KEY SOLUTIONS REAL ESTATE

Bu 20 ilt I 05 n !

oc k!

This week’s featured listings...

Gulf Front & Beach Access!

Enjoy the best of Siesta in this beautiful, light and bright turnkey furnished luxury condo. One of only 2 in the complex with outdoor living on 2 gulf-front terraces. Crescent affords styling, high-end finishes, and luxury amenities. From the exquisitely appointed living space, to the open gourmet kitchen featuring wood cabinets, granite, stainless appliances and 2 peninsula bars, this unit has it all. $2,249,000

For Boaters & Beachgoers!

PRICED TO SELL! Rarely available 3+ bedroom/3 bath unit with 2 master suites. Minutes from Siesta Beach with its own private boat dock which will accommodate a 35’ boat, this spacious and impeccably furnished end unit affords the ideal island lifestyle. Built around the only deep water marina on Siesta Key. Features a heated pool with spa, tennis court, private boat docks, & clubhouse. $799,000

Unparalleled Gulf Views!

This 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo close to Crescent Beach has the best views on Siesta Key! Very large lanais with full Gulf of Mexico views for all those spectacular sunsets. So close to the beach you feel like you are hanging over the water! Completely and elaborately renovated and turnkey furnished. A gorgeous heated pool only steps from the beach and the warm waters of the Gulf. $985,000

View All Siesta Key Listings at KeySolutionsRealEstate.com Or Call 941.894.1255 For More Information!

Newer Construction on Siesta!

Make this wonderful private enclave your new beach home! Located just minutes to Siesta public beach, this home is ideal as a primary residence, vacation home, or rental property. Walled and fenced, enjoy the privacy of this gated split-level home in the Twin Oaks Pond community. The contemporary 3+ bedroom, 3 bath home was built in 2005 and affords modern styling. $675,000

KEY SOLUTIONS REAL ESTATE

941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

Accommodations Locator Map

SIESTA SAND December 2014 • www.siestasand.net

Sandfest 2014 |This year’s Hoedown theme brought out all the cowboys and cowgirls for a festive time on the shores of Siesta beach. 1

1: J.D. Smith, along with Connie Lewis (left) owner of Massage Experience Siesta Key and Donnarose Melvin, island resident and psychic enjoying a few moments together. This is J.D.’s first Sandfest. He enjoyed it so much, he intends to bring family and friends to next year’s event. 2: The cowboy grub served included beef ribs, Beef roast, beans and a host of other delectable choices. A far cry from the hard biscuits and beans usually served on the trail. 3: Can’t have a Hoedown without some country music and of course, line dancing. 4: Attendees were treated to artist, John Gowdy’s flamboyant artistic paintings of John Wayne and John Lennon. Each painting was auctioned off to the highest bidders. 5: Lynn & Bob Shaffer, owners of ABC Rentals come to collect their hard won painting from artist John Gowdy. $400 gave them the portrait of John Lennon.

941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

Island Girl If you would like to be considered for our next Island Girl, contact us at islandvp@verizon.net (You must be at least 18 years old to participate)

Joy of Lakeland, Florida celebrating her birthday on awesome Siesta Beach. Photos by Trebor Britt

Joy

SIESTA SAND December 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ www.siestasand.net