IV Siesta Sand - December 2019

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Sheriff’s Office commander talks about staffing on the Key page

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

Steps made in bringing a proposed parking structure and hotel to Siesta Key By Bob Stein The November demolition of the Bank of America building located next to CB’s Saltwater Outfitters is the next step in creating the vision of Siesta Key’s resident, Dr. Gary Kompothecras of “1-800-Ask Gary,” in transforming what he calls the “South of the Bridge District.”

The demolition makes room for a proposed 35’ mixed use commercial and parking structure. The parking structure will have approximately 180 spaces within current height and setback limits, and 5000 sq. ft. of commercial space. A portion of the garage will be dedicated to serving the proposed hotel across the street on Old Stickney Point Road; the previous location of the old Fandango building and the current vacant Siesta Key Storage building, awaiting demolition.

“The recent purchase of the Bank of America building was to create a parking garage with a retail component on the

ground floor. This is to benefit the design of the hotel as well as make the whole area more attractive to visitors and accessible to the public. The area which I like to call ‘South of the Bridge District’ should be an upscale walkable area, with lots of restaurants, shops and parking for all the residents and patrons to enjoy,” said Kompothecras.

As for the parking structure site, Kompothecras went on to say, “The site is narrow which makes ingress and egress planning for a building of this type a challenge. The concept currently shows ingress and egress off of Old Stickney Point, but I prefer to have the egress be on Stickney Point. This creates some design challenges and is one of the issues that we have spoken with County Public Works transportation planners about.”

Continued on page 24

Transportation plan focused Rachel Brown Hackney on Siesta Key By SarasotaNewsLeader.com

Saving one beach to destroy another?

Cunningham added. The information came on Nov. 5 as Cunningham and his colleagues — Deputy County Administrator Steve Botelho and Assistant County Administrator Brad Johnson — offered a quarterly status report on the board’s top 12 priorities for 2019. Over the past couple of years, the commissioners have held multiple discussions and accepted a wide array of public comments on how to improve traffic flow and alleviate congestion on Siesta itself and on the approaches to the barrier island.

Continued on page 22

Page 28

I wrote this commentary back in early 2018, but thought it necessary to update and republish.

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” Siesta Key is a very unique island, one of the few islands throughout Florida with public beaches that never needed renourishment.

As we await the ongoing court rulings of challenges to the City plan to dredge and borrow 1.3 million cubic yards of sand from Big Sarasota Pass to nourish Lido beach I thought it wise to look how well government intervention worked out for the southern part of Siesta Key, Turtle Beach.

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Bands love playing the clubs on Siesta Key. Meet Melissa McGhee, vocalist for Mixed Signals

• Village Map/business listings PAGE 24 • Crescent Beach Map/ business listings PAGE 26 • Gulf Gate Shops PAGE 30 • Island Humor PAGE 29 • Accommodations Map/ Listings PAGE 47

FRONT VIEW

Commentary By Bob Stein

Draft Transportation Plan for Siesta Key completed by consulting firm under review by county staff A draft of a multimodal transportation plan focused on Siesta Key and its immediate environs has been completed and is under staff review, Assistant Sarasota County Administrator Mark Cunningham has informed the County Commission.

Noting that “Transportation to Barrier Islands” ranked No. 2 on the commission’s priorities list for 2019, Cunningham said that after a department-level review of the study, the document will be turned over to county administration for its consideration.

Then the commissioners will get the details,

Rendering of the proposed boutique hotel to be constructed on Old Stickney Point Road

Siesta Key’s Midnight Pass, a cautionary tale An excerpt from the book An Illustrated History of Siesta Key: The Story of America’s Best Beach.

The 500-foot-wide, 13 feet deep tidal inlet that became known as Midnight Pass was crucial in promoting estuary water flow/mixing and ensuring a passageway for fishing boats. Even more important, the mangrove forests along the shorelines ensured an ecosystem that maintained water quality and clarity, filtering pollutants and trapping sediments originating from land, while providing essential habitat for fish.

Continued on page 34

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SKA continues to seek donations for legal expenses

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Fire Station No. 13, A formal contract for fire station demolition

New County Commission district lines splits Siesta in two districts

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Siesta Key Storage cages donated to help homeless pets Preparing the transformation of two building sites for the proposed hotel and parking structure As the Siesta Key Storage building, located on Old Stickney Point Road, is emptied and prepared for demolition for the proposed new hotel, Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue will be the fortunate recipient of much of its content.

Island resident Dr. Gary Kompothecras, of “1-800-Ask Gary,” donated the storage cages so they can be repurposed to help house the homeless pets. The cages will be distributed to numerous animal shelters throughout Florida and Georgia.

Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue,

aka The Ranch, is located at 4951 Lorraine Rd., in Bradenton. Their mission is to save the lives of homeless pets by changing the way our community views animal sheltering and shelter pets. Nate’s provides an educational and family friendly environment that changes the future of one animal, one family, and one generation at a time.

This non-profit animal rescue provides rescued dogs and cats with a safe, no-kill environment while they wait to be adopted. Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue saves about 2,100 animals each year.

Left: Siesta Key Storage building, located on Old Stickney Point Road Below: Two workers from Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue removing the storage cages inside Siesta Key Storage

Former Bank of America building, view from Old Stickney Point Road

Destruction of the building to make room for the proposed parking structure

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

SKA continues to seek donations Rachel Brown Hackney for legal expenses By SarasotaNewsLeader.com During the November Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting, Director Robert Luckner reminded regular attendees — and updated snowbirds back for season — that, in mid-December, the nonprofit will file its appeal of the Circuit Court decision in the Big Pass case.

On Sept. 19, Circuit Judge Andrea McHugh ruled that she had found that the City of Sarasota “did not have an indispensable legal duty” to issue a determination that the plans for the Lido Key Renourishment Project are consistent with the city’s Comprehensive Plan.

The city and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have planned to remove up to 1.3 million cubic yards of sand from Big Pass and its ebb shoal for the Lido initiative.

“We paid our $15,000 bill to the lawyer who argued the case for us,” Robert Luckner noted on Nov. 7. “We’ve had our lawyer approach their lawyers,” he continued, referring to the city and the Lido Key Residents Association (LKRA), which intervened in the case. “You know, they do this little dance,” Luckner said. “We’ll see what comes of all that.”

Luckner then thanked members who had contributed about $6,000 to the SKA over the past couple of months to enable the nonprofit to continue its legal fight to prevent the removal of sand from Big Pass, which never has been dredged. “You notice that was a little smaller than what our debt was,” he added of the total donated.

A number of people had provided contributions of “$100, plus or minus,” he said. “I run to

the bank, it seems, like once a day, put somebody’s check in.”

If anyone still feels generous, Luckner continued, “We’re still looking for money.”

Then Dave Patton, the coplaintiff in the SKA’s Circuit Court case, shouted out from the audience a question about whether checks should be made out to the Siesta Key Environmental Defense Fund (SKEDF).

That is correct, Luckner replied.

People can go online to donate to the fund or they can send checks, Luckner added. “You get a taxdeductible receipt back from us.”

Robert Luckner’s wife, Catherine — the SKA president — pointed out that when the SKA was established 70 years ago, its motto was “To exist to do good.”

The nonprofit has been involved in litigation only three times in all its decades of existence, she explained.

The first time was in 1993, when the City of Venice wanted to dredge Big Pass to renourish the Venice Public Beach. That was when Save Our Sand (SOS) was organized, Catherine Luckner continued; SOS had a wide variety of members who were determined to prevent removal of sand from the pass for the Venice project.

“It was very successful,” she added of that litigation, as the state ended up rescinding the permit it had issued to Venice.

The second time the SKA engaged in litigation, she noted, was more than a decade ago, when it tried to stop Sarasota County from allowing construction of duplexes on Key parcels zoned for multi-family housing. The SKA leaders were concerned about

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increased residential density and intensity of uses on Siesta, Luckner explained. However, they lost that case.

Then, in 2017, the SKA filed its verified complaint against the City of Sarasota to try to prevent the latest proposal for the removal of sand from Big Pass.

Throughout her life, Catherine Luckner continued, she had been fortunate on a personal and professional basis to avoid lawsuits until the SKA began its initiative to preserve Big Pass as a natural waterway and prevent potential damage to the navigational channel and to the northern end of Siesta as a result of the design of the Lido Key Renourishment Project.

“I think I’ve maxed out my credits for at least the next four lifetimes,” she added, prompting laughter among the audience members. “It’s very hard to be antagonistic to your neighbors,” she said of the situation with the City of Sarasota and Lido residents. Some onlookers — and some members of the news media — have characterized it as “Siesta versus Lido.”

The SKA’s goal never has been to prevent the renourishment of South Lido Beach, Luckner stressed. In fact, she said, she and her husband have spent quite a lot of time working to try to find better solutions for Lido residents than the project the city and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have been pursuing. “We’re not a litigious organization,” she reiterated her earlier point.

“We took this very seriously.”

Moreover, she said, “It’s very hard to ask for money” to continue the legal challenge.

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Siesta Sand

DECEMBER 2019

Financial Focus As December winds to a close, you’ll probably see many reports and analyses of how the financial markets behaved this past year – and, of course, you should review your own investment portfolio’s performance. As in most years, you’ll likely see some gains and losses – which may be of particular interest if you want to consider a strategy known as tax harvesting.

Your potential use of tax harvesting depends on what you plan to do with investments that have fluctuated in value.

Gains and losses are “paper” – or “unrealized” – until you actually sell the underlying investments that either increased or decreased.

So, if you sell an investment that has gained value since you bought it, you may incur capital gains; conversely, if you sell investments that have declined in value since you purchased them, you may incur capital losses.

Essentially, tax harvesting involves selling investments that have lost value and using these capital losses to offset some capital gains you achieved by selling

941.349.0194

What Should You Know About Tax Harvesting?

other investments that have gained value. But before making this move, be sure to consult with your financial professional to understand the effect that selling investments will have on your portfolio. In addition, consult with your tax advisor on how this move might affect your overall tax situation – after all, you don’t want your “harvest” to yield a bumper crop of problems.

Keep in mind that, in general, taxes shouldn’t drive your investment decisions. So, before you actually begin any tax harvesting, ask yourself these questions: Is this specific investment necessary for my portfolio’s balance? Like all investors, you need to achieve portfolio balance by owning a diversified mix of investments – stocks, bonds, mutual funds, government securities, and so on – appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. It may be that you could sell a specific investment without jeopardizing this balance, especially if you also have other, similar investments, but you need to be sure of this

situation. By planning ahead, before you act.

Does this investment have a good reviewing your options carefully outlook? Whether an investment and getting the help you need, has gone up or down during you’re more likely to make a the past year doesn’t necessarily decision that works for you. indicate whether its prospects Advertorial are good. If you do think an investment, such as a stock, has positive fundamentals, you may be more inclined to keep it than if its future looks more dubious.

Do I have a plan for using the proceeds? If you are going to sell an investment, triggering tax consequences, you should at least have an idea of what you will do with the proceeds. Should you immediately put the money in one or more investments that fit Joe St.Onge, ChFC® in to your overall strategy? Or should you hold the funds in a Financial Advisor cash account and wait for a good Edward Jones Investments investment opportunity, such as when the markets have gone 5112 Ocean Blvd., through a decline and prices are Siesta Key, FL 34242 favorable?

(941)-346-0560 phone You should consult with a (941)-320-4030 mobile financial and tax professional Joe.StOnge@edwardjones.com on how selling investments, and then buying new ones, could This article was written by Edward Jones affect your portfolio’s balance for use by your local Edward Jones Financial and outlook, as well as your tax Advisor.

www.siestasand.net

Island Chatter Staff Report Siesta Key Condominium Council 2019 HOLIDAY LIGHTING CONTEST The holidays are fast approaching. Now is the time to register for this year’s Holiday Condominium Lighting Contest! The contest is open to condominiums who are members in good standing (including dues paid current to date) of the Siesta Key Condominium Council.

The deadline for registering your condominium’s participation is Friday, December 6, 2019 at 5:00 PM. Judging will take place on the evening of December 11, 2019.

The judges will depart from the Chamber of Commerce at 6:00 PM. A first, second and third place winner will be selected from each of three different categories: Category I: 101 or more units, Category II: 51-100 units and Category III: 50 or fewer units.

Co-sponsored by: Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, Siesta Sand and Siesta Trolley, Inc. Continued on the next page

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Island Chatter Continued from the previous page

Grand opening

DECEMBER 2019

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70 Year Birthday Party - December 8th

The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the Grand Opening of Siesta Creamery located at 6675 Midnight Pass Road on the November 22. The group enjoyed freshly made ice cream and Amish donuts.

Membership meeting notice The Siesta Key Condominium Council will hold a meeting on Tuesday, December 10 at 3:00 p.m. at the Siesta Key Chapel, 4615 Gleason Ave. on Siesta Key. The main speaker will be Mike Angers from Brown and Brown Agency discussing hurricanes past implications and how past hurricanes affect the future association and property owners.

Other topics are the Florida Condo Insurance Legal Update Associations and property owners future condo and owner insurance costs citizens and other firms.

Last, how wind and floor policies respond to catastrophic events, wrapping with a question and answer session with audience.

FUN

Prizes

County staff working through process for new parking lot

During a Nov. 5 County Commission discussion about transportation priorities for 2020, Commissioner Alan Maio asked County Engineer Spencer Anderson about the status of a parking lot project on South Midnight Pass Road.

Staff has been working at the board’s behest for more than two years to create public spaces on property the county owns at 6647 S. Midnight Pass Road.

Anderson replied that county staff conducted a community workshop on Oct. 15 on the Key. The next step will be a Planning Commission hearing, as staff works toward formal County Commission approval of a Special Exception to create the parking lot, Anderson added, as no public parking ever has been allowed on that site.

Anderson indicated that he and his staff hoped to have the necessary Planning Commission and County Commission public hearings scheduled soon.

Continued on page 12

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Siesta Sand

DECEMBER 2019

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All Roads Lead To…

5204 Ocean Blvd., in the Siesta Key Village

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

Siesta Key Oyster Bar, or “SKOB” as the locals call it, is the hangout with the laid-back, beachy atmosphere that will get you right into the Island Spirit.

One of the things that set SKOB apart from the other restaurants in Siesta Key Village is that we have some of the best food on the Key.

Live Music Every Day and Night

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AND SHIP IT WITH CARE. 15 PARADISE PLAZA, SARASOTA, FL 34239

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store0089@theupsstore.com Jake, Sage, George and Patrick Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Copyright©2012 Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. C4CE276337 04.12

Owner Diane Theron-Cuna invites you to watch the process as she create a batch of her sinfully delicious gelato from scratch every 15 minutes.

“We are very proud and happy to be here on Siesta Key,” says Theron-Cuna. “My husband’s family recipes used to create our gelato comes directly from Rome, Italy and only certified USDA organic ingredients are ever used.”

There are 48 flavors to choose from and the staff at Made In Rome Organic Gelato generously provide samples of their madefrom-scratch, in-house gelato. No

hydrogenated fats or colorants, or preservatives are ever used so you can really taste the difference.

Sugar-free, gluten-free, and vegan options are also made fresh each day. Besides their gelato, the shop also carries Italian coffee, cakes, and focaccia sandwiches.

If you’re lucky enough to catch Theron-Cuna at the shop, she will happily entertain you with stories of her earlier days as a circus performer. She comes from three generations of circus entertainers and has traveled around the world performing with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The

family earned their own “Star of Fame” at St. Armands Circle – The Theron Cycling Troupe.

Made In Rome Organic Gelato is located at 5204 Ocean Blvd., in the Siesta Key Village. Their hours are Mon. – Thurs.: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Fri. - Sun. Their holiday hours are 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. (941) 9605344. (Advertorial)

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DECEMBER 2019

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WE MUST PROTECT OUR SEAGRASS, Says Michael Holderness There’s still time - The Lido nourishment project can become ‘whole’ for our community; a project that benefits ‘at risk’ property on Lido Key without harm to our increasingly ‘at risk’ coastal environment.

What will it take? Since 2013, Siesta Key Association of Sarasota (SKA) has reached out to neighbors and those who have regulatory authority. These entities include City of Sarasota, Sarasota County, State of Florida DEP, Army Corp of Engineers, (ACOE), Senator Vernon Buchanan, and State Representative Margaret Good. Repeatedly stated in public governmental hearings, SKA wants a ‘best practices’ plan for our community. We are at risk without action taken now!

SKA requested (July,2016) an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) be done prior to any further project development. Our County Commissioners immediately responded (5-0), sending their request to ACOE in August, 2016. In 2016, more than 12 years passed since a biologic opinion and coastal engineering assessment was conducted by the ACOE. The ACOE declined the EIS request in late November 2016. * Our County and Coastal partners spent significant funds to develop a future Inlet Management Plan (IMP) for Big Sarasota Pass (2010).

This plan noted risk factors, made recommendations of ‘caution’ regarding any dredging within the Pass. The IMP was never approved.

Why? * This IMP was prohibited from disclosure in our State FDEP Hearing by the Administrative Law Judge. * The County paid $50,000 for the Atkins Engineering review (2016). The County sent a letter to the Southwest Florida Regional

Planning Commission requesting a delay in any decision on comments submitted to the FDEP regarding this Lido nourishment project. The delay allowed for Atkins review and from Staff. The FDEP relied upon the SWFR Planning recommendations before any decisions on environmental projects. The County letter, asking for delay, NEVER MADE IT INTO TO THE FDEP record on this project.

The absence of this letter altered the Administrative Review.FDEP testified no regional Partners reported concerns and FDEP permitted the project ‘as is’. **Why didn’t the letter make it to the FDEP record? SKA found it in a Record request to the County.

SWFRP stated they couldn’t find a record of their response due to computer failure. FDEP made its decision without considering the County request. **Our community also received recommendations from internationally recognized Coastal Geologic Researcher, Dr. Stephen Leatherman, Florida International University. He stated on several occasions, this project, as designed, is “too risky “.

The “red line for action” is Sea grass **CRITICAL to overall water quality, marine life and human health and recreational use of coastal waters is Sea grass! “The health of Sarasota Bay has seen significant gains since it was named an estuary of national significance by the U.S. Congress in 1989. SBEP began in June 1989 when Sarasota Bay was designated an “estuary of national significance” by the U.S. Congress as part of the Water Quality Act of 1987.

SBEP is one of 28 National Estuary Programs in the United States.

Seagrass restoration and studies to increase shellfish, fish nursery habitat, has been funded by our entire citizen community, Federal and State, and supported by hundreds of volunteers to observe its quality vs. quantity. All Governmental partners, including the City of Sarasota and Sarasota County, have implemented Comprehensive Plan language, ordinance and review process for all environmental impacts affecting seagrass and supported marine life. **Until this past year, 2018, the reports for seagrass increase has been positive. The most recent reports indicate sea grass has suffered.

Increased intensity and duration of red tide in 2017-18, adversely impacted fish, manatee, dolphin, shore birds and humans living near gulf water bodies. What assists with recovery is seagrass habitat with filter feeders such a shrimp, scallops, oysters. **In 2014, SBEP commissioned a two-year economic Valuation Study to “better understand the total value of Sarasota Bay resources and the ecosystem services that the Bay provides to the surrounding community.” The study concluded the value of Sarasota Bay resources to households in Sarasota and Manatee counties is $11.8 billion. (Sarasota Bay Estuary Program website) Question: Why has the City ignored agreements they made (their ordinance, comprehensive plan and interlocal agreement) with SBE and the County? All submerged land in City limits is ‘designated’ by ordinance as ‘MARINE PARK DISTRICT”. There is strict regulation of what is permitted within the waters of the City. Changing “USE’allowed within the Marine Park District is done solely by vote of the City Commissioners. City Plan

states “…follow SBE rules”, and not harm neighboring municipalities.

They have never taken this action as required. Sarasota Bay Estuary (SBE) interlocal agreement states not to damage seagrasses.

Question: Why has the City Commission never held a public hearing and voted on the seagrass destruction in the Marine Park? Not in their application to the FDEP, not upon receipt of the FDEP Permit which states “it does not exempt them” from complying with all local rules, regulations and ordinances.

They have not complied with required governance related to sea grass destruction and mitigation.

Question: Per Ordinance, Sarasota County must be asked to approve any sea grass mitigation that occur outside of County waters include all those within the City. Only the County Administrator can authorize sea grass mitigation OUTSIDE of Sarasota County waters. City NEVER applied.

Question: How can “use” of Marine Park waters, with destruction of sea grass, be consistent with SBE and the interlocal agreement between governmental bodies?

Marine Park (MP) zone district was adopted to protect and preserve water areas within the city. Any use of the area shall protect the right of public to use and enjoy, e.g, preserve grass flats for recreational activity.

Question: Will the County stand up, step up, to initiate proper protections that are well known and can be done now! We ask the City to work within their ordinance agreements, to consider alternatives that protect all the residents and businesses of our County most likely to be impacted by this project.

DO: Remove all sea grass areas from the existing Project design.

70% of all fish depend on seagrass.

Photo by Jimmy White SBE

You can do this NOW. This will save the cost of mitigation outside the County ($1.4M plus monitoring).

ACOE has already declined to use the eastern most portion of the Pass where seagrass is abundant.

DO: Stay outside the Pass for sand harvesting/dredging. The ACOE recently increased the allowed amount of sand to be ‘lost’ as they dredge. ACOE is allowing a 50% loss while sand is dredged, more than is typical and not BEST Practices for dredging operators. It means they dredge twice as much. Turbidity and fouling of coastal waters will occur, affecting marine life and human recreation.

Will the County agree an EIS is still necessary? Red tide, loss of sea grass, and water quality issues make our Bay Estuary marine life vulnerable. We must KEEP our natural protection provided by sea grasses. HELP us enforce what is legally required by governance from City of Sarasota and Sarasota County.

Michael Holderness - Sponsor DONATE TO: Siesta Key Environmental Defense Fund SKEDF.org or Siesta Key Association.com Paid for by Siesta Key resident and business owner Michael Holderness

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DECEMBER 2019

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Did You Know Siesta Key has a GEMSTONE? It’s no secret that the sand on Siesta Key Beach is composed of 99% pure quartz. The crystalline white sand of Siesta Key is luxurious, soft, white and cool to the touch 365 days a year. This is why our beloved beach has been revered as one of the most beautiful in the world. Wanting to capture the experience and essence of Siesta Key beach was the goal of the proprietor of Silver City, Monica.

“Tourists always wish they can somehow take their vacation memories with them,” so with this in mind, Silver City designed the Siesta Key Watercolor GemstoneTM. They were able to capture the colors of Siesta Key’s blue/ green water and put it into a quartz gemstone.

This quartz gemstone is a fusion of the tropical colors that surround us. Just looking into the clear, beautiful gemstone will transport you back to our island paradise representing the Sea, Sky and beautiful sand of Siesta Key Beach.

Silver City has now become a “Must Stop” destination for tourists (Currently named #1 shopping destination on TRIP ADVISOR on Siesta Key). Shining brightly among the cases of this uniquely mirrored store lies the much raved about Siesta Key Watercolor GemstoneTM. Every jewelry piece is designed and made by Silver City Sarasota. The staff of Silver City Sarasota is very proud of their unique collection and variety of designs in Sterling Silver and in 14K gold.

Also available online at www.SilverCitySarasota.com

Siesta Key Watercolor Gemstone

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Phone: 941-349-5030 Open Monday-Saturday 10am to 5pm Advertorial

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MEMBERSHIP MEETING NOTICE Tuesday, December 10, 2019 • 3:00 PM Siesta Key Chapel at 4615 Gleason Ave. MAIN SPEAKER:

Mike Angers

Brown and Brown Agency

Hurricanes Past Implications

How Past Hurricanes Affect the Future Association and Property Owners Factors

Florida Condo Insurance Legal Update Associations and Property Owners

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Holderness files motion to intervene in Cosentino combined case over North Beach Road vacation and Charter Rachel Brown Hackney amendments By SarasotaNewsLeader.com Close to three-and-a-half years after Siesta resident Mike Cosentino filed his lawsuit over the County Commission’s vacation of 373 feet of North Beach Road, Michael Holderness — who also owns property on the road segment — filed a motion to intervene in the case.

In his Oct. 9 filing with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, Holderness pointed out that his company — Holderness Enterprises LLC — owns the parcel located at 99 Beach Road, while Siesta Beach Lots LLC owns a second parcel “immediately adjacent to and seaward of” that property. (The Florida Division of Corporations lists Holderness as the registered agent for Siesta Beach Lots. The company was established in August 2016, those state records also say.)

At the time of the May 11, 2016 County Commission hearing on the road vacation petition, the parcels in which Holderness has an interest were owned by J. Edward Ramsey and Christy S. Ramsey of Bristol, Ind. The Ramseys sold the land to Holderness in August 2016.

Noting that other owners of property on the vacated segment were allowed to intervene in the Cosentino case, Holderness argued in his Oct. 9 motion that he and his companies should have the same right. “Each of the intervenors have alleged that these proceedings have a direct and immediate impact on valuable property rights,” Holderness added.

Further, Holderness contended in the motion that he and his companies “believe that they are indispensable parties to this proceeding because they stand to gain or lose invaluable property rights by virtue of any judgment entered in this proceeding.”

The motion added that he and his companies “were unaware of this proceeding until very recently.”

The motion also indicated that Holderness does not know why he was not contacted by the other

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intervenors to participate in the case.

Holderness’ action came three weeks before a Circuit Court judge ruled that two County Charter amendments Cosentino wrote — which voters approved during the November 2018 General Election — were invalid because of their contravention of state law. (The Office of the County Attorney reported on that action to the County Commission during its regular meeting on Nov. 5. Deputy County Attorney Karl Senkow said that the office would file for a specific type of court action that would make the decision final. Nonetheless, Cosentino has vowed to appeal Circuit Judge Hunter Carroll’s ruling. As of the deadline for this issue of Siesta Sand, court records showed no appeal had been filed.)

Circuit Judge Andrea McHugh, who has been presiding over the case, had ruled earlier this year that the original Cosentino lawsuit and a second one involving the Charter amendments could be consolidated into one case.

Holderness further argued in his motion that if one of the amendments — 3.9 — remained in effect, the county would be required to try to reacquire the vacated road segment, which would mean the county would have to attempt to gain title to property held by the intervenors.

Moreover, the motion continued, while the legal challenge to the validity of the Charter amendments continues, “Intervenors are unable to market or develop their properties because of the uncertainty over the vacated segment of Beach Road …”

Finally, Holderness also asked the court to delay a decision on a county motion seeking to have the court declare the Charter amendments invalid. The hearing on that summary judgment motion was held on Oct. 7.

Holderness is being represented in his action by Robert P. Watrous, a Sarasota attorney, the filing shows.

The view from the other side Not only has Sarasota County objected to Holderness’ late efforts to join the litigation, but the other intervenors in the case have objected, as well.

In the county’s response, Assistant County Attorney David Pearce pointed out that the other two sets of intervenors in the case filed their motions in June 2016, shortly after Cosentino filed his lawsuit.

Moreover, Pearce pointed out,

Holderness “waited until the actual hearing on the County’s motion for final summary judgment to make known his intent to file a motion to intervene and then filed his motion after the hearing Pearce’s emphasis. …

Holderness should not be allowed to intervene in the twilight of this case.”

Pearce added, “Holderness also wrongly claims he is an indispensible party.” Citing a 2001 Florida Supreme Court ruling, Pearce wrote, “‘An indispensible party is one whose interest in the controversy makes it impossible to completely adjudicate the matter without affecting that party’s interest or the interests of another party in the action.’”

In other words, Pearce continued, “The Court does not need Holderness’ presence to decide whether the charter provisions conflict with state law or are vague.”

Furthermore, Pearce wrote, a 2013 Florida Third Court of Appeal ruling said “an individual with an interest affected by a charter amendment is not an indispensible party in a legal challenge to the charter amendment.” Pearce added, “If such were true, then every property owner whose property abuts ‘any beach, river, creek, canal, lake, bay, gulf access or waterfront vista’ affected by the charter amendments would be an indispensable party in this case.

That cannot be the law,” Pearce continued, “because it would lead to an absurd result.” He was quoting from Charter Section 3.10, one of Cosentino’s amendments.

With Judge McHugh having had to alter her schedule because of a family emergency, Judge Carroll presided over the county’s summary judgment hearing on Oct. 9.

In his Oct. 30 order on the Charter amendments, Carroll did point out that the court had not addressed the Holderness motion for intervention, so “it remains pending.”

Carroll noted, “After the summary judgment hearing but before this ruling issued, Michael Holderness, Holderness Enterprises, LLC, and Siesta Beach Lots, LLC (collectively, ‘Holderness’) have appeared on the scene.”

He also pointed out that all the other parties opposed the new motion to intervene.

Additionally, Carroll wrote that he agreed with the county that Holderness was not an indispensable party to the county’s legal challenge of the Charter amendments.

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Island Chatter “Wow. Great,” Maio replied.

“Thank you.”

Maio had noted that he frequently gets questions about the timeline for that project.

The Public Works Department staff told SNL on Nov. 12 that the Planning Commission is expected to address the issue in the first quarter of 2020. Generally, it takes a couple of months after the Planning Commission addresses an issue before the matter is placed on a County Commission agenda.

A building at the rear of the property at 6647 S. Midnight Pass Road houses a 1-million-gallon water tank that was built decades ago — according to historical records, SKA leaders say — to help with fighting fires on the island.

The parking lot has been planned for the portion of the parcel closer to the road. Previously, a building the Sheriff’s Office used for training purposes stood on the front of the parcel. After the Sheriff’s Office in 2017 relocated a number of its divisions to a new headquarters on Cattleridge Boulevard in Sarasota, county staff demolished the structure.

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The short-term rental saga continues Having become a seasonal resident himself, SKA Director Joe Volpe stood before members at the November meeting for the first time in months. “I’m back,” he said, mimicking Jack Nicholson’s oft-repeated line from The Shining.

Volpe then reported on what he believed would be a big factor in reducing the short-term rental problems that have agitated many homeowners on the Key over the past few years.

It had become his understanding, Volpe said, that if a house was built after 2003 in a Residential MultiFamily (RMF) zoning district, then that house could not be rented more than once every 30 days.

The 30-day standard applies in all Single-Family Residential (RSF) zoning districts, county staff has pointed out on many occasions.

When SNL checked with county staff to verify that Volpe’s information was correct, Media Relations Officer Brianne Grant contacted the county Planning and Development Services Department, which oversees the

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Continued from page 5

Code Enforcement Division.

Referring to Volpe’s belief about the rule for homes built in RMF districts after 2003, Grant wrote, “In short that is inaccurate.” She added that Planning and Development Services “confirmed there is not a ‘rule’ regarding RMF to that nature.”

She also attached a fact sheet that outlines the rental process.

It appeared to SNL that the fact sheet was similar to one Matt Osterhoudt, director of Planning and Development Services, handed out to SKA members during a meeting in January, when the focus was on potential measures to deal with complaints about short-term rentals.

Below is the section of county regulations regarding such rentals in the RMF district on the barrier islands: “Short-term rentals for periods of less than 30 days are permitted on the barrier islands as follows: (5.3.2.g.)”

“In the RMF Districts, shortterm rental of single-family, twofamily, townhouse or multifamily dwellings is permitted only on the Barrier Islands in accordance with the … following standards: “1. Such dwelling units may be rented for periods of less than 30 days.

“2. The owner or managing agent of real property that is offered for rent or lease shall maintain records, including the names and addresses of the lessees, that are adequate to establish the period for which a unit is rented and the number of family members or unrelated individuals occupying the premises during each rental period.

“3. All of the additional requirements of the Siesta Key Overlay District (SKOD), Section 4.10.4, shall apply.”

Blasé Bistro opens in Southside Village Cindy Breslin and Kevin Skiest opened the second Blasé Bistro & Martini Bar, at 1920 Hillview St. in the Southside Village November 14. The restaurant offers a romantic French-Mediterranean feel, with art décor similar to the longtime Siesta Key location. The original, marble curved bar from The Don CeSar hotel on St. Pete Beach, from the Continued on the next page

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Questions about the barge off Turtle Beach SNL learned in mid-November that a barge was anchored off Turtle Beach for several days.

Readers, of course, were curious about why it was there, so SNL contacted Sarasota County staff and public information officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

On Nov. 15, county Media Relations Officer Brianne Grant wrote in an email that she had checked with Siesta and Waterway Access staff, but no one was sure about the status of the vessel.

However, she continued, staff who had gone out with a Sea Tow employee heard from that person that the barge and an accompanying tug were seeking safe harbor because of the rougher seas produced by the elements of the cold front that had reached Florida.

SNL was unable to learn more from FWC public information officers before the Siesta Sand deadline for this month’s publication.

A misstatement about Sperling Park One Lido Key resident who addressed the County Commission on a couple of recent occasions — urging the board to allow Lido Key Renourishment Project staging in

DECEMBER 2019

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the county’s Ted Sperling Park — pointed out that the county’s own contractor for the renourishment of Turtle Beach used the park for staging.

Therefore, Scott Ashby indicated, the County Commission should have no qualms about allowing a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) contractor to do the same thing Weeks Marine of Covington, La., did on the county’s behalf several years ago.

SNL asked county staff to verify that Ashby was correct in his assertion.

In a Nov. 12 email, Media Relations Officer Brianne Grant wrote, “When Sarasota County performed the second South Siesta Key Beach Nourishment in 2016, the staging area was at Turtle Beach (the shell parking lot next to Turtle Beach Campground).

The city used the Lido Pool site for staging when Lido Key Beach/ Tropical Storm Debby repairs were done in 2015.”

Thus, Ashby was misinformed when he made his remarks to the County Commission.

Laughing gull necropsies so far have failed to determine source of illness Save Our Seabirds has not treated any more sick laughing gulls since late October, Jonathan Hande, senior hospital technician for the nonprofit rescue organization, told The Sarasota News Leader in midNovember.

That is the good news, Hande pointed out. However, necropsies that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

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conducted on two of the deceased birds so far had not yielded a definitive cause for the illness that was striking gulls on Siesta and Lido keys, as well as on an area near Anna Maria Island, in late September and early October.

In an early October interview, Hande suspected botulism as the source of the illness, as it is naturally occurring in the soil.

He noted that laughing gulls are scavengers that will eat practically anything, and botulism spreads quickly from one sick bird to another.

During a Nov. 13 telephone interview, Hande explained that he understood that the birds on which FWC staff had performed necropsies “tested positive for aspergillosis,” which is a fungal infection of the respiratory system.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says aspergillosis is “caused by Aspergillus, a common mold … that lives indoors and outdoors.

Most people breathe in Aspergillus spores every day without getting sick.”

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On Nov. 5, as part of its approval of its Consent Agenda of routine business items, the County Commission awarded a Sarasota construction firm a big bump in a contract to cover the next phases of work related to the plans for the new Fire Station 13 on the Key. Officially, the board gave unanimous approval to Amendment No. 1 to its contract with Willis A. Smith Construction.

That amendment covers the demolition of the fire station, which is located at 1170 Beach Road, as well as improvements to the temporary headquarters out of which the firefighters/emergency medical technicians will operate while the new facility is under construction.

The total amount of the new Willis A Smith contract is $498,753, according to a memo provided to the County Commission in advance of the Nov. 5 regular meeting.

The memo pointed out that Fire Station No. 13 operates out of a 5,000-square-foot structure that dates to 1974. The facility is not hardened for hurricanes, the memo continued, and it stands in a floodplain. Furthermore, the memo noted, the facility “does not offer gender privacy and is not Americans with Disabilities Act

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The new fire station with two bays will be elevated to conform to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines, the memo added. It also will be similar in design to Fire Station No. 12, located at the intersection of Bee Ridge Road and Murdock Avenue, as well as Fire Station No. 14, which serves the Vamo Road community, the memo said.

“Finding affordable, available property within the response area of Fire Station No. 13 on which to place either a modular home or an existing building for lease on Siesta Key” proved to be a challenge for the county’s Property Management Division staff, the memo continued.

Ultimately, staff was able to lease space within the building located at 5700 Midnight Pass Road, which is just south of the Fire Station No. 13 site. “However,” the memo noted, “the space currently functions as a commercial storefront and significant remodeling is necessary to allow the space to function as a temporary fire station. Crew quarters will be created through relocation of existing walls. A full kitchen will be installed and a second ADA compliant restroom will be created,” the memo said.

Further, a temporary fabric roof will be installed to protect the

ambulance and fire truck, which also will be housed on the site, the memo pointed out. After the remodeling has been completed, the memo added, “equipment salvaged from the existing Fire Station No. 13 will be set in place and the crew will be relocated to the temporary fire station … and Willis A. Smith will commence with demolition of the current fire station.”

As reported earlier, County Administrator Jonathan Lewis approved a lease in late August for the use of the building at 5700 Midnight Pass Road for a maximum of 36 months. Staff estimates that the work to modify the building will take about 135 days, the Nov. 5 memo said.

Then the demolition of Fire Station No. 13 is expected to be completed within 180 days.

The memo also noted that the next step for the County Commission — formally approving the construction phase — is expected to take place by early spring of 2020.

It will take about 12 months to build the new station after the work gets underway, Sarasota County Fire Chief Michael Regnier told Siesta Key Association members on Aug. 1.

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North Beach Road

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By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

Cosentino’s county Charter amendments ruled invalid by Circuit Court because of conflict with state law A 12th Judicial Circuit Court judge has sided with Sarasota County against Siesta Key resident Michael Cosentino, who drafted two Sarasota County Charter amendments that won overwhelming voter approval during the November 2018 General Election.

In an Oct. 28 order, Circuit Judge Hunter Carroll ruled that Amendment 3.9 of the County Charter — which called for the County Commission to rescind its May 2016 vacation of a 373-footsection of North Beach Road — or reacquire the property — “is contrary to Sarasota’s Charter and is therefore invalid.” Carroll also ruled that the first sentence of Amendment 3.10 “is invalid because that sentence conflicts with, and cannot coexist with sections 125.35, 125.38, and 336.06” of the Florida Statutes.

Therefore, Carroll ruled that the first sentence of 3.10 should be severed from the second and third sentences of the amendment. Charter section 3.10 prohibits the sale of county-owned parks and preserves, as well as the vacation or sale of any county-owned road segments that have so much as a “waterfront vista.”

However, Carroll noted the second sentence in the amendment is “an encouragement to maximize rightsof-way use for public access and viewing waterfront vistas. The third sentence,” he continued, “requires these areas to be made accessible to mobility-impaired persons whenever feasible.”

Further, Carroll pointed out, “Neither the second nor the third sentence of section 3.10 are wholly or necessarily dependent on the first sentence. Severance is possible.”

In his ruling, Carroll pointed out, “In considering a legal challenge to charter amendments such as these, courts presume the amendments to be valid and reasonably construe them to be valid, if possible. If, however, an amendment is unconstitutional, courts must strike the offending amendment even though it means the will of the majority of the electors who voted on the issue cannot be carried out. That is the situation here.

The Court does not take this step lightly.”

Amendment 3.9 won 65% of the votes cast, with 125,364 people supporting it, Carroll noted in his

order. Amendment 3.10 passed with 73% of the votes; 141,608 citizens approved it, he added.

Yet, Carroll wrote of the Cosentino amendments, “These Charter sections are hopelessly inconsistent with Florida law; they both cannot survive. Florida’s Constitution directs in this situation that Florida law is supreme and the Charter provision must yield.”

In response to the decision, Cosentino provided the following comments to SNL: “The people lost, again. Really, it’s immaterial. The county is unbeaten at the circuit court and appellate court in challenging citizen initiatives. However, they’ve never won at the Supreme Court.

They won’t win this one, either.”

In June 2016, Cosentino filed a complaint against the County Commission, arguing that it had violated the county’s Comprehensive Plan by agreeing — on a 4-1 vote — to the vacation of a portion of North Beach Road. Three sets of owners of property along that stretch had petitioned for the action, explaining that the road had been closed to vehicular traffic since 1993 because of repeated storm damage, which county staff and a consulting firm both had documented. The property owners agreed to allow permanent public access to the vacated segment for anyone using means other than a motor vehicle, as North Beach Road offers access to Siesta Public Beach.

In January 2017, bollards were installed on both ends of the vacated road portion to prevent vehicles from driving onto it. Signage makes clear that other forms of public access are welcome.

Last year in Circuit Court, Cosentino lost his road vacation case to the county. He has appealed that decision to Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal. Oral arguments have been set for Dec. 19 in Tampa before a panel of three judges.

Additionally in the summer of 2016, Cosentino founded a nonprofit organization called Reopen Beach Road and wrote the two proposed Charter amendments. He saw the latter action as an alternative plan to return North Beach Road to the county, in the event he failed in court.

He and supporters began collecting signatures of registered voters — as allowed under Sarasota County

Charter guidelines — and finally gathered the necessary number for the proposed amendments to be placed on a ballot.

As provided for in county regulations, the County Commission conducted a public hearing in late August 2018 to take the necessary formal vote to place the amendments on the November 2018 ballot.

One of the original sets of petitioners for the road vacation filed suit in Circuit Court in October 2018 in an effort to get the amendments removed from the November 2018 ballot.

Circuit Judge Frederick P. Mercurio refused to take that action. Following the passage of the amendments, the members of the Caflisch family filed another complaint, seeking to have the amendments ruled invalid.

The Office of the County Attorney, represented by Assistant County Attorney David Pearce, also filed a motion last year, asking for the same action. Carroll’s Oct. 28 decision came after an Oct. 7 hearing on arguments related to that county motion.

Reporting the results to the commission On Nov. 5, during a regular County Commission meeting, Deputy County Attorney Karl A. Senkow reported on Carroll’s ruling. The Office of the County Attorney had provided a memo to the board members about the decision in advance of that meeting.

The memo noted that Carroll’s “comprehensive twenty-five page ruling … concluded that the Sarasota County Charter vests ‘all’ legislative authority in the Board of County Commissioners.” The Charter does not give the people of the county “the power to adopt, amend or repeal ordinances,” the memo also pointed out, referring to Carroll’s ruling.

The memo did add that the Office of the County Attorney (OCA) “anticipates that there may be a motion for rehearing filed with the court.”

Further, it said, the OCA will need to file a motion for what is called “final judgment” from the Circuit Court. That document formally would eliminate Sarasota County from Cosentino’s case, the memo continued. However, the OCA memo also contemplated that Cosentino would appeal such an order.

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Sheriff’s Report October 22- November 17, 2019

There were 13 crimes reported on the Key between 10/22-11/17/19 10/23/19 Burglary/Vehicle Location Withheld A man reported an unknown person entered his unlocked vehicle parked in an assigned carport space during the night and stole various items. The items included $8 in cash, a tire pressure checker and a 7” knife with a wooden handle. The knife, while valued at only $20, was over 80 years old and held sentimental value.

10/24/19 Battery Public Beach A man reported that his juvenile son was battered by three other juveniles while at the beach.

He explained that two girls were fighting in the parking lot. The victim, a witness and the victim’s younger brother were watching.

The boys laughed and started to return to the victim’s vehicle.

One of the suspects began making comments and asked the victim if he was laughing at his sister.

The victim told the suspects that he wanted no trouble. The three suspects proceeded to “jump” the victim causing a head injury and bruises to his body. He was taken to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

10/26/1 Drug Charges 5100 Block Ocean Blvd.

An officer on foot patrol noticed a car parked with the ignition on and a man sitting in the driver’s seat in an area where drug use/possession occurs frequently. He approached the car and the defendant rolled down the window. He smelled the odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle and asked how much marijuana was in the car. The defendant stated none and said he had smoked earlier. A search of the vehicle revealed a marijuana blunt, 27.3 grams of a green leafy substance inside a freezer bag and 1.4 grams of a white rocky substance inside 2 smaller baggies. Also found was an open box of Ziploc bags, a bag of tiny clear baggies commonly used for narcotic distribution, a scale and a marijuana grinder with green leafy residue inside. The defendant was read his Miranda

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Rights and agreed to talk without a lawyer present. When confronted with the fact that the baggies are commonly used for distribution, the defendant stated, “You’re putting it together yourself.” The $543 in the defendant’s wallet was split into different sections as is commonly practiced by subjects who sell illegal drugs, in order to keep drug money separate from personal money. The man was arrested for possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of marijuana more than 20 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia.

10/27/19 Theft 5100 Block Ocean Blvd.

A woman approached an officer to report her iPhone 8plus ($600) had been taken out of her backpack while inside a Village bar. She and the officer were able to watch the phone being driven off the Key onto I75 southbound on her find my iPhone app. The victim was advised to contact the Sheriff’s office again once the phone stopped moving and inform them of its final location.

Since the phone wound up in North Port, the NPPD were advised of the exact location of the phone and were able to go to the address and retrieve the phone. The victim did not wish to press charges because she was content to have her phone back.

11/3/19 Petit Theft 5100 Block Ocean Blvd.

A woman reported her purse was stolen when she left it unattended at a Village nightclub.

The purse (valued at $100) contained $75 cash, a driver’s license, and 3 credit cards.

There were no suspects and no fraudulent use on the credit cards reported at the time.

11/8/19 Grand Theft 7100 Block Point Of Rocks Rd. A woman advised she was visiting from West Palm Beach when she and the suspect got into a dispute. The suspect took the complainants vehicle without her permission. The woman related that the suspect has a substance abuse problem and believed he

Island Chatter “It usually doesn’t kill things,” Hande said of the infection.

However, he added, it can contribute to the death of a bird that already is immune-compromised.

The CDC points out that people with weakened immune systems or lung diseases “are at higher risk of developing health problems due to Aspergillus.”

Rachel Pettit, avian hospital technician at Save Our Seabirds, reported in early October that the ill birds brought to the nonprofit’s facilities on City Island, near Mote Marine Laboratory, were severely dehydrated and lethargic, and they had difficulty eating.

His understanding, Hande continued on Nov. 13, is that FWC is going to undertake more research to try to make a determination about the primary cause of death in the laughing gulls.

Although he said he had no idea when he might be able to learn the results of those additional tests, he is eager for more information.

“I would always rather have an answer.”

In fact, he continued, “I have

left looking for narcotics. She said she had spoken with him recently and he related he was leaving SMH and was upset because they wouldn’t give him any drugs. She has not heard from him since then. The complainant did not want charges filed but wanted her car located. A waiver of prosecution was signed. The complainant later called back later in the day. She had decided to press charges for Grand Theft.

11/9/19 Battery-Injuries 5200 Block Ocean Blvd.

An officer responded to a report of a battery. The complainant was gone upon his arrival and unable to be located. The victim stated he was jumped by multiple suspects on the sidewalk and sucker punched in the mouth. The victim emitted a strong and obvious odor of alcohol from his breath when he spoke. He sustained a bloody lip which was treated by Rescue 11, however he refused transport to SMH. He stated he observed an unidentified male strike an unidentified female. As he intervened, he was struck by the multiple unknown males. He was unable to provide a description of the suspects and stated “I just want to go home.” There were no other witnesses and the case will be held inactive unless further evidence is provided.

11/9/19 Burglary-Vehicle 5400 Block Ocean Blvd.

A woman reported she heard a loud thump and looked outside her building from the third floor and heard a car alarm sounding from the victim’s car. The car was parked at Access 5. A large rock was sitting in the driver’s seat and the front passenger window was broken. The doors to the auto were still locked.

The area was checked for the registered owner or any possible suspects with negative results.

The victim was eventually located via family members. She related that her purse ($300) was missing from under the passenger seat.

The purse had contained cash ($1500) and credit cards. She was instructed to contact her credit holders.

Continued from page 13

three other birds to send them” if FWC wants to undertake more necropsies.

If FWC can pinpoint a cause, Hande pointed out, then he and the other Save Our Seabirds staff members would know how to treat birds in the future if any were brought in with the same symptoms seen earlier. Even more important, he said, the staff would be better prepared to try to prevent other gulls from getting sick.

Happy 70th birthday to the SKA On Nov. 12, the Siesta Key Association (SKA) marked its 70th birthday. In light of that milestone, President Catherine Luckner reported to members attending the Nov. 7 meeting that the focus for the SKA’s annual meeting in March will be the nonprofit’s history.

Still, she shared some tidbits of those early days with the approximately 40 people who were present on Nov. 7.

Continued on page 19

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Sheriff’s Office commander talks about staffing on the Key

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

How does the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office’s staffing on Siesta Key compare to what it was more than a decade ago?

During the November Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting, island business and property owner Michael Holderness raised that issue after Sgt. Arik Smith, leader of the Sheriff’s Office substation, completed an update to members about crime on the island in October.

“I think you guys do an awesome job,” Holderness began. Then he asked Smith, “Do you think you’re short-staffed?”

It seemed to him, Holderness continued, that twice as many deputies were assigned to the Key in 2006, compared to the current staffing level. Yet, “We have twice as many people on the island,” Holderness added.

Smith pointed out that he joined the Sheriff’s Office in 2006, so he was uncertain of the number of deputies on the Key on a routine basis that year.

“You need a job?” Smith asked Holderness with a big smile, prompting laughter among the approximately 40 audience members.

SNL posed Holderness’ question to the Sheriff’s Office. In response, Major Paul Richard, commander of the Law Enforcement Division, offered plenty of details during a Nov. 14 telephone interview.

The short answer, Richard said, is that in 2006, the Sheriff’s Office had a sergeant and five deputies assigned to the Key. Today, he continued, Sgt. Smith is joined by four full-time deputies plus two full-time Mounted Patrol officers. That has been the approximate staffing level for well over a decade, Richard noted.

Additionally, Richard said, another deputy is assigned to the island for every shift, including weekends and holidays. That person does not report to Smith, Richard noted. Instead, that deputy serves in a general capacity on the island, Richard added.

Of course, he continued, during the prime spring break months of March and April — and on July Fourth — the Sheriff’s Office will have 10 to 20 deputies on

the Key from 8 a.m. until shortly after midnight each day.

“We never want to under-police,” he explained. At the same time, Richard pointed out, “We don’t want to overpolice. That can be just as bad in today’s world.”

Richard stressed, “It’s a delicate balance.”

Sgt Arik SmithShell Road “There’s no community that gets more attention in the closed, Richard county than Siesta Key,” whether noted. The Sheriff’s on the beach or in Siesta Village, O f f i c e s t a f f o n he continued. “We move folks to S i e s t a r e l o c a t e d where the people are.” to a substation Then Richard provided a bit of a within the Public Authorizes positions for Sheriff’s Office for BCC for FY20 June 19 history lesson about Sheriff’s Office Safety Building at staffing of the Law Enforcement the beach, Richard month’s meeting. However, on with such incidents, pointing Division. pointed out.

“Some time ago,” he said, “in That new office space was part Nov. 7, he apologized for arriving to his having been told that the the mid-‘90s, we had community of the county’s $21.5-million late, well after the session was perpetrators will “all laugh really policing storefronts,” including renovations of Siesta Public Beach, underway, indicating that he had loud together … so you don’t hear one located in Siesta Center on which were completed in early been juggling a variety of issues glass shattering.”

Last year, Smith noted, a set of that day.

Ocean Boulevard. As many as 2016.

As for crime in October, he said, smash-and-grab burglaries was eight deputies were assigned to One other point worth noting, only about 4% of the incidents on reported at the county’s Twin each storefront, he noted. he continued, is that only in recent On Siesta, Richard said, residents years has the Mounted Patrol the Key that month were of the Lakes Park during a Little League and visitors not only saw deputies Division gained full-time deputies. most serious nature, which the FBI game.

Smith urged the audience driving all terrain vehicles (ATVs) In fact, Richard said, Sgt. Smith on classifies as Part 1 crimes.

“We did have a rash of vehicle members not to leave valuables in — as deputies still do today — but Siesta supervises that division, as Sheriff’s Office personnel also used the horses often are used on the burglaries at Access 8,” he pointed sight in their vehicles. bicycles in patrolling in those days. Key, especially during periods out. Officers believe that a team out Six of the eight vehicle burglaries B e g i n n i n g w i t h t h e G r e a t when the crowds are at their of the Tampa area was involved on the Key in October were part of Recession, he continued, “We’ve largest levels. Spring break is one in what the Sheriff’s Office the smash-and-grab case, he added. calls “smash and grabs,” Smith The other two involved vehicles had to be much smarter” about of those times, he noted. that had been left unlocked, he staffing. He added that he believed “There’s a perception that it’s a continued.

“It happens from time to time,” pointed out. “So I’m going to keep the office had yet to get back to the safe place,” Richard explained of he explained.

“We’re a little more preaching: Lock your doors.” total number of positions it had the public’s general view of an area susceptible to it sometimes” Other than those incidents, Smith decades ago. The force reduction with officers on horseback. said, “For the most part, we’ve had began before Sheriff William Even so, he pointed out, “We because of the ease with which sporadic thefts.” A kayak and an people can drive into Sarasota Balkwill retired and Sheriff Tom don’t make a lot of arrests on the untended purse at the beach were Knight took over after the 2008 island. … I think we’re doing a County off Interstate 75.

S m a s h - a n d - g r a b c a s e s , h e two examples. election, Richard pointed out. pretty good job.”

A slide the Sheriff’s Office And countywide, he added, continued, are “a trend around However, he continued, a couple of residential burglaries had been staff prepared for the County “We’re pretty comfortable with the nation.”

A team of perpetrators will find reported. In one situation, Smith Commission during the June our level of service …” a public parking lot and begin noted, a person had been living in budget workshops showed that the looking into car windows to see if a house that belongs to seasonal number of authorized positions in they can spy items of value. If they residents. In another case, the October crime reports the 2006-07 fiscal year was 1,050; dominated by Access 8 see something, Smith added, then homeowners found signs of forced of those, 424 were sworn law they will smash the window and entry, “but nothing was stolen.” enforcement officers. This year, incidents take what they saw. “They’re back It is not uncommon, he indicated, Knight’s budget called for a total on the interstate and gone before for the Sheriff’s Office to get

Sgt. Arik Smith’s report usually is of 994 employees, with 436 sworn reports of thefts from homes after you know what happened.” first on the Siesta Key Association law enforcement officers.

Ultimately, all the storefront monthly agenda after adoption SKA Director Eddie Ward snowbirds begin returning to the community policing centers were of the minutes of the previous indicated that he was familiar Key for the winter season.

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St. Boniface celebrates 65 years

The first building was completed mid-1957 after 56 families pledged the funds needed for its completion

November 14, 1954, Sixty five years ago, on a sunny, fall Sunday morning at 11 a.m., this congregation of Episcopalians - women dressed in hats and gloves, and men in suits and ties - gathered for worship for the first time on Siesta Key as the faithful community of St. Boniface Church. Attendance that day was 66, including children, in a storefront at Stickney Point and Midnight Pass Rd., on Siesta Key. St. Boniface is now located on a large campus at 5615 Midnight Pass Rd. To celebrate that anniversary, the St. Boniface Sunday worship service on November 17th, 2019 replicated that of the first service 65 years ago, using liturgy from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer and service music from The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church, 1940. A congregational brunch followed in the Community Center.

Saint Boniface Church is built in a hexagonal shape, meant to create a sense of presence and intimacy

The first rectory was being moved in 1958 from Point of Rocks Road to the church grounds. It had moved to POR from Shell Road years prior

This aerial view photo was from the late 1960s

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Island Chatter For example: “Do you know when the bridges were built to the Key?” she teased.

Looking into “historic notes of people from long before my time,” she said, she had learned that the primary reason for the incorporation of the SKA was to create zoning protection for property owners on the island.

“We’re known for that.”

In 1950, Luckner continued, the SKA leaders took on the initiative of going to the Florida Legislature to seek approval of zoning regulations for Siesta Key. Sarasota County Government then followed that lead, working on a zoning code for the rest of the unincorporated areas of the county, Luckner added.

“Our partnership with the county has also been close,” she said.

Turning to the topic of bridges, Luckner continued, “The first president we had was so mad” because he could not seem to get anywhere in his call for a new Stickney Point Road Bridge.

He finally quit his position with the SKA, Luckner noted. Then, about six years later, the new, wider bridge was constructed.

“We have a long history of working with the state on things like this.”

Another big issue for the SKA decades ago was fire and rescue service on the island, Luckner pointed out. “We actually funded one of the first fire/rescue trucks here,” raising $48,000 for “a complete modern ambulance” for the fire station. That was in May 1975, she added. “Doesn’t seem that long ago, does it?”

The SKA also worked to establish what became the Siesta Key Utility Authority (SKUA), which provided water and sewer service for island residents.

People who lived on the Key when the SKUA was in existence “swear it was the best water anyone ever had,” Luckner noted. She had heard that from acquaintances who handled water sampling around the state, she added.

Long-time Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce leader Mark Smith — who also served many years ago on the SKA board — concurred with Luckner about the quality of the SKUA drinking water.

As the water kept winning numerous awards for its taste, Luckner said with a laugh, she began to wonder, “What is in that water? … Those were the good ol’ days.”

Proposal to punish the county over Sperling Park issue During the public remarks period at the start of the Nov. 4 Sarasota City Commission meeting, two Lido Key residents brought up the issue of the city board’s request of the County Commission for use of the county’s Ted Sperling Park on South Lido as a staging area for the Lido Renourishment Project.

On Oct. 7, the City Commission approved a formal letter, making that request, which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has estimated would save $1 million on the overall expense of the Lido initiative.

The first speaker on Nov. 4, Scott Ashby, referred to remarks that Deputy City Manager Marlon Brown had made during the Nov. 2 meeting of the City Council of Neighborhood Associations (CCNA). During the Nov. 18 City Commission meeting, Ashby said, the county is going to make

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Continued from page 16

a formal request to use city right of way as the county constructs a new cooling plant for the Judicial Center, the Sarasota County jails and other county offices.

Brown had described the request as a standard matter of cooperation between the two local governments.

However, Ashby continued, the situation between the city and the county in regard to the proposed staging in Sperling Park “hasn’t been easy at all.”

Ashby indicated that if the county wanted city permission to use that right of way in downtown Sarasota for the “chiller,” then “perhaps the county could reciprocate and give the city a little slack on the Lido project.”

The next speaker was blunter.

Carl Shoffstall, president of the Lido Key Residents Association (LKRA), said he had not known that Ashby planned to address the city commissioners that day.

Shoffstall then noted that he, too, had heard Deputy City Manager Brown’s remarks at the CCNA meeting.

“Not wanting to be very adversarial or confrontational with the county,” Shoffstall continued, he found it “absolutely ridiculous or absurd that the county commissioners will not let the Corps use a portion of Sperling Park to save a million dollars.”

Shoffstall told the city board members, “I would think about that long and hard, that I would let ’em use that right of way for the chiller.”

He concluded his remarks by saying, “I don’t like to be like that, except I’m flustered.”

In his long-time capacity as leader of the LKRA, Shoffstall has been one of the most vocal advocates for the long-term Lido Renourishment Project.

Later during the Nov. 4 City Commission meeting, City Manager Tom Barwin pointed out that County Administrator Jonathan Lewis planned to seek direction from the County Commission about how to proceed on the staging issue. Barwin added that he knew USACE representatives had spoken with Lewis and had been “quite candid” about the prospective cost savings.

Then Barwin said, “Nobody has volunteered to pay that 1-milliondollar difference just yet. No surprise.”

The following day, the County Commission voted 4-1 to ask county staff to work with city staff on an agreement that would give the county recourse if two groins planned for construction on South Lido, as part of the renourishment initiative, end up causing damage to the park or Siesta Key. Commissioner Alan Maio cast the “No” vote, citing the refusal of the USACE to undertake an in-depth environmental analysis of the proposed project.

In February, the city commissioners split 3-2 in agreeing to allow its staff to take $2.1 million out of what Barwin had called an “insurance policy” to use in mitigating any unforeseen ramifications of what the USACE officially calls the Lido Key Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project. The $2.1 million was needed partly for an emergency renourishment initiative on Lido and partly for the long-range USACE project, City Engineer Alexandrea DavisShaw explained at the time.

Continued on page 41

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By Rachel Brown Hackney

Siesta Key split into two county districts

SarasotaNewsLeader.com

New County Commission district lines approved on basis of map submitted by Siesta resident During a Nov. 19 special meeting, the Sarasota County Commission had three choices, as several of the 36 speakers who addressed the board that morning pointed out.

The commission could adopt proposed Map 2.A1 with revised districts proposed by a consultant the county hired in June (Commissioner Christian Ziegler called it “the better of two evils.”); the board could adopt a revised version of a map originally submitted to the board under a fake name by a person who pleaded guilty to a criminal charge several years ago; or it could vote to wait until after the 2020 Census results have been released to draw new lines.

On a 3-2 vote — with Ziegler and Chair Charles Hines in the minority — the commissioners approved Map 4.1, which Siesta Key resident and former Sarasota County Republican Party Chair Robert Waechter submitted to county staff in October.

The Waechter map was the one speakers decried the most during a special meeting on Oct. 30 and again on Nov. 19, because it would prevent residents of the historically African American community of Newtown from voting in the 2020 election for the District 1 seat, which Commissioner Michael Moran won in 2016. Newtown was moved into District 2 in Map 4.1.

That map also splits Siesta Key into two districts — 2 and 4.

After about two hours and 15 minutes of public comments on Nov. 19, Moran made the motion to adopt Map 4.1. Commissioner Maio seconded it, and Commissioner Nancy Detert also supported it.

Yet, Commissioner Ziegler joined several members of the public in talking about the expectation that adoption of Map 4.1 will result in a legal challenge.

He had been told by “numerous people,” he said, that the Sarasota County Democratic Party, the NAACP and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) would file suit against the county if the board adopted Map 4.1.

Since they formally began the redistricting process late May, commissioners have stressed that the effort was necessitated by the passage in November 2018 of the Single-Member Districts amendment to the Sarasota County Charter. Instead of commissioners being elected countywide, starting in 2020, only voters who live in a district with an open seat will be able to elect a candidate for that seat.

Yet, among the speakers on Nov. 19, Preston DeVilbus, a retired Sarasota County judge, told the board members, “I am familiar with all the current law and the case law. … You are doing your job if you make a determination that you are going to redistrict when you have the appropriate numbers that you can rely on. … You should base new district lines on Census numbers.”

DeVilbus added, “There’s no Circuit Court judge nor federal judge who would hold it against you until you get the numbers in.”

Defending his position Nonetheless, Moran emphasized the SingleMember Districts amendment as he began a statement explaining his motion.

Referring to accusations that Newtown voters would be unable to participate in the 2020 election with the approval of Map 4.1, Moran pointed out, “It’s not just Newtown. Many other territories were impacted by Single-Member Districts, which limits voters’ ability to participate.”

He then showed the audience a graphic with the district lines for Map 4.1.

During the 2020 election, he continued, about 40% of the county population — “just shy of 167,000” — will be unable to vote. During the 2022 election, Moran said, that number “will be in excess of 250,000 people,” or about 60% of the approximately 420,000 county residents.

Moran also pushed back against criticism that the map was submitted by Waechter under the pseudonym of Adam Smith. Moran maintained that the basis for Map 4.1 was a proposal Jono Miller of Sarasota, whom Moran characterized as “a respectable Democrat activist,” submitted to the commission in early September.

The Miller map, Moran continued, divided the county into districts Moran referred to as “Downtown Sarasota,” “Out East” and midcounty, plus a district dominated by the city of Venice and one predominantly containing the city of North Port. However, because of the SingleMember Districts amendment, Moran said, the commissioners wanted to ensure that more than one board member would represent each of the county’s municipalities. Therefore, they asked their consultant, Kurt Spitzer of Tallahassee, to take that into consideration in revising “the Smith map” from Waechter, as Spitzer evened out the population as much as possible among the five districts.

Nonetheless, critics — including many of the Nov. 19 speakers — accused Waechter of creating his version of the map in an effort to enable Moran and Detert both to be re-elected in 2020. Because Newtown voters traditionally have represented a Democratic block, shifting them into District 2 has been cited as a significant means of aiding Moran’s re-election chances.

Trevor Harvey, president of the Sarasota County NAACP Chapter, told the board members on Nov. 19 that the only reason they were pursuing redistricting “is to shift the power to benefit yourselves.”

Critics also have pointed to the configuration of county districts approved in June 2011, after the 2010 Census, which put less of Venice and far more of North Port in District 3. With North Port Mayor Christopher Hanks among three candidates already having filed for the District 3 race, and Detert living in Venice, questions had arisen about her ability to win a second term on the commission.

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Sand sculpting winners declared during tenth annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic

Team sculptors Walter McDonald, U.S.A. and Abe Waterman, Canada, won first prize ($4,000) for “Mine is Bigger Than Yours.”

The tenth annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival, which drew thousands to Siesta Public Beach was held Noverber 15-18, 2019. Details and photos from the event can be viewed online at www.siestakeycrystalclassic. com or www.facebook.com/ SiestaKeyCrystalClassic.

“Despite the weather challenges this week, which created some difficulty, the quality of this year’s sculptures has been outstanding.

We appreciate the public’s participation and support as the turnout was much better than expected. We know we had many locals and tourists who came out and we’re looking forward to 2020 which will be held November 13 – November 16, 2020,” says Event Chair Maria Bankemper.

Awards were presented on, Nov. 17, to winning teams of two and solo master sand sculptors.

The Crystal Classic drew seven teams of two and nine solo artists from nations around the world, including Singapore, Canada, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Columbia, Ireland and U.S. states including California, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Texas.

Team sculptors Walter McDonald, U.S.A. and Abe Waterman, Canada, won first prize ($4,000) for “Mine is Bigger Than Yours.”

First place in the solo artist category was John Gowdy, Italy, for “Sand Man Rises,” prize ($2,000)

First place in the solo artist category was John Gowdy, Italy, for “Sand Man Rises,” $2000.

Other prizes and winners were: • Second place Artist Team ($3,000): “No Place Like Home,”

by Craig Mutch, Canada, and Emerson Shreiner, U.S.A. • Third place Artist Team ($2,000): “Mental Block,” by Peter Vogelaar, Canada and Manuel Campos, Columbia • Sculptors’ choice Artist Team ($1,000): “Mental Block,” Peter Vogelaar and Manuel Campos • Second place Solo Artist ($1,500): “Magic,” by Karen Fralich, Canada • Third place Solo Artist ($1,000): “Home is Not a Place,” by Maxim Gazendam, Netherlands • Sculptors’ choice Solo Artist ($500): “Home is Not a Place,” Maxim Gazendam A portion of the proceeds from this year’s Siesta Key Crystal Classic will benefit student scholarships at Ringling College of Art and Design and will assist talented, creative students so that they may be able to pursue their dreams of higher education in art and design.

The Siesta Key Crystal Classic is owned by Siesta Beach Festival, Inc., a 501(c)3, non-profit corporation.

The event is produced by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce to promote tourism, local businesses, and both ephemeral and visual arts through a collaborative partnership with the community.

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DECEMBER 2019

Transportation plan

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Continued from cover story

Siesta Key transportation draft study Sept. 30 2019 ADEASQ map with project locations

The same day Cunningham addressed the board, Paula Wiggins, the county’s transportation planning manager, pointed out in a discussion about future transportation needs that staff had hired a consultant to work on the Siesta Key initiative. “We will be able to… come out with projects from that study,” Wiggins added.

Some will be long-range initiatives, she said, while others could be accomplished on a shorter timeline.

After the commissioners have settled on projects, on the basis of the study, Wiggins noted that staff would be able to analyze the feasibility and expense of each one.

In recent months, leaders of the Siesta Key Condominium Council and the Siesta Key Association have reported their participation in discussions led by the consulting firm the county hired, ADEAS-Q, which is based in St. Petersburg.

Completed at the end of September, the four-page draft plan includes a map with color coding to specify short-, medium- and longterm projects.

The document specifies 18 initiatives by number, noting the theme — “Parking,” for example — and the time frame in which each could be achieved.

Delving into the proposals No. 1 on the ADEAS-Q list, with the theme “Multimodal Access/Safety,” are five “Protected Pathways”: Midnight Pass Road from Sarasea Circle to Beach Road; Beach Road from Midnight Pass Road to Ocean Boulevard; Ocean

Boulevard from Avenida Milano to Higel Avenue; Higel Avenue/ Siesta Drive from Midnight Pass Road to Osprey Avenue; and Midnight Pass Road from Beach Road to Higel Avenue.

“Multimodal” is a reference to improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as drivers.

Of those five items, only the first two are classified for shortterm responses. The segment of Midnight Pass Road from Sarasea Circle to Beach Road is scheduled for resurfacing in 2022, the chart notes.

Another project with a shortterm designation often has been the focus of complaints at Siesta Key Association (SKA) meetings. Listed with the theme “Congestion/ Safety,” it calls for a reduction in “Queue jumping” for westbound Stickney Point Road traffic approaching the Midnight Pass Road intersection.

SKA members through the years have talked with increasing frustration about drivers who use the left westbound lane on Stickney Point Road to get ahead of vehicles in the right westbound lane just before traffic reaches Midnight Pass Road.

SKA members also have suggested to Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office personnel that signage on Stickney Point Road — alerting drivers to how traffic flow in each westbound lane is directed — could prevent many of the queue jumps.

No. 9 on the list calls for roundabouts at the following three intersections: Higel Avenue and Midnight Pass Road; Higel Avenue

at Ocean Boulevard; and Midnight Pass Road at Beach Road. The first two are designated medium-range projects; the third one, a long-range initiative.

During heavy travel times on the Key — especially during the height of tourist season — northbound traffic often backs up at the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Higel Avenue. That is partly a result of the proximity of the traffic light at the Higel/Midnight Pass intersection; however, it also is a result of the fact that drivers on Ocean must wait to see whether motorists on Higel will be turning onto Ocean or continuing straight on Higel. Not every driver uses turn signals to indicate his or her planned direction.

Parking projects The projects listed as Nos. 10, 11 and 12 all relate to parking, and all have “Short” as their expected time frame for implementation.

No. 10 says, “Install paid parking (free to County residents)” in the main parking lot at Siesta Public Beach and at Turtle Beach.

Over the past two years, the commissioners conducted several discussions about the potential of implementing a paid parking program at Siesta Beach. The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, the Siesta Key Condominium Council and the SKA all conducted surveys of their members, with mixed results. The common response the organizations did find was that funds raised by a paid parking program should be used for new measures to alleviate traffic congestion on the island.

For example, the Chamber long has advocated for extending the route of the Siesta Key Breeze open-air trolley to the north end of the island and off-island, to encourage more people not to drive on the Key. Yet, arranging for off-island parking spaces and frequent trolley trips to those areas would be expensive, county Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department staff has cautioned the commissioners.

Nonetheless, Item No. 14 on the list calls for determining the feasibility of park-and-ride options

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at Gulf Gate Mall; the county’s Phillippi Estate Park, located at 5500 S. Tamiami Trail; and the Avenue D area on Stickney Point Road. Those also are classified as short-term options.

Another short-term solution regarding parking also has been the frequent focus of SKA members: using variable message signs off the island to indicate to drivers when the parking spaces are full at Siesta Public Beach. An adjunct proposal calls for use of a parking app that would assist drivers, as well.

1. Café Gabbiano 2. Island House 3. Edward Jones 4. Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce 5. Tropical Sands Accommodations 6. Lilly Pulitzer

7. Davidsons Drugs 8. Comfort Shoes 9. Sarasota Medical Center 10. Open for Rent 11. Open for Rent 12. The Local Bean 13. Siesta Key Wine Bar 14. Local Chill Ice Cream

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941.349.0194

DECEMBER 2019

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

LIVE MUSIC PAGE 28

VILLAGE MAP pgs 24 - 25

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 47

CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 26 GULF GATE SHOPS pgs 30 - 31

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

Please note the following rules of etiquette that need to be observed at the Drum Circle so that all can enjoy the experience: the inside of the drum circle is for participants only, not for people standing around. Feel free to enter the circle, take a picture and dance, but always keep moving. Never play someone’s drum without getting clearance from the owner. Always ask before borrowing other people’s property, especially hula hoops. Flash photography and bright video lights are distracting, so photograph during daylight or use a night vision camera. And finally, please do not drink alcohol or smoke inside the circle and respect our beach by placing all trash in the appropriate receptacles.

Photo by Paul Waters as shared in Siesta Key Drum Circle Facebook page.

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1211 Old Stickney Point Rd., Siesta Key, FL 34242 (corner of Stickney Pt. and Midnight Pass Rd.)

24

Siesta Sand

DECEMBER 2019

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Steps made in bringing a proposed parking structure and hotel to Siesta Key As you know the county and state are currently negotiating to transfer ownership of Midnight Pass and Stickney Point to the county. Until that transfer is complete, it will be difficult for the county to be the sole decision maker on this matter.”

About the proposed hotel There is a fear about the hotel being built 2’ from the sidewalk on Old Stickney Point Road by many area residents.

In addressing the many fears, Kompothecras said, “We met with

PERSPECTIVE VIEW

many local residents who voiced concerns about the design of the hotel and when the Bank of America building became available, I acquired it as I thought it would be good to alleviate most residents’ concerns.”

Kompothecras went on to say, “I think we’ve tried to be good neighbors and

design a fun place that will attract a good clientele both in season and offseason for the European travelers. A flag hotel will be named shortly that has a big European presence and will bring back people from Europe as they like to stay together and there are no other flagged hotels on Siesta Key.”

According to Kompothecr building height will fall bel maximum height of 85 feet esta for CG/SKOD zoning, and indistinguishable from a buildings. The boutique hote less than 125 rooms is being de with meeting rooms for com

OLD STICKNEY POINT ROAD VIEW

WH

Map D #62

Coffee Shop • Tea Room • 5138 ACCOMMODATIONS Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa.......... Map-A #38A ATM / BANKS PNC ATM.........................................Map-C #61 Sun Trust Bank & ATM.................... Map-E #4 BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Blaśe Café........................................ Map-A #38 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar........... Map-B #42-43 Gilligan’s.........................................Map-B #33 My Village Pub......................... Map-C #53/54 Siesta Key Oyster Bar....................Map-B #45 The Beach Club............................... Map-D #22 The Cottage......................................Map-C #58 The Hub-Baja Grill......................... Map-D #59

Map B #42

COFFEE SHOPS Bean Coffeehouse......................... Map-D #62 LeLu’s Coffee Lounge...................Map-B #31 DRUGSTORE Davidson Drugs............................ Map-D #65 FASHION & ACCESSORIES Beach Bazaar’s & Swin Shack..... Map-C #28 Blvd. Beachwear.............................. Map-B #30 Comfort Shoes-Birki & More..... Map-D #64 Foxy Lady Fashions...................... Map-A #40 Ganja Mon Vibes.............................. Map-D #9 Gidget’s Coastal Provisions.........Map-B #44 Island Boutique............................... Map-B #50 Island Style.......................................Map-C #53 Lily Pulitzer..................................... Map-D #66 Sea Shanty........................................Map-C #24 Siesta T’s........................................... Map-B #30 The Sandal Factory......................... Map-B #46 GAS STATION Circle K Store..................................... Map-E #6 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Beach Bazaar.................................. Map-C #28 Gilligan’s Gift Store........................ Map-B #32 Island Trader....................................Map-C #51 Sea Pleasures & Treasures.............Map-C #29 Siesta Key Outfitters..................... Map-D #12

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HEALTH & FITNESS Indep. Lifestyle Solutions ............ Map-D #10 Siesta Healing................................... Map-D #9 Siesta Key Fitness..........................Map-B #73 ICE CREAM/SWEETS Big Olaf Creamery..........................Map-C #52 Curly Cream Ice Cream................... Map-D #9 Local Chill Ice Cream.................... Map-D #60 Made in Rome Organic Gelato......Map-C #53 Meany’s Mini Donuts.....................Map-C #24 Stefano Versace Gelato...................Map-C #50 SubZero Ice Cream/Yogurt.......... Map-D #16 The Fudge Factory......................... Map-A #36 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs............................ Map-D #65 LeLu’s Coffee Lounge...................Map-B #31 JEWELRY Created Gems..................................Map-C #51 Mount -N- Repair Jewelers............. Map-D #9 LIQUOR STORES / FINE WINES Gabbiano’s Wine Club................. Map-D #70 Gilligan’s.........................................Map-B #33 Siesta Key Wine Bar........................Map-C #61 Siesta Village Liquors.................. Map-C #26 The Beach Club............................... Map-D #22

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

DECEMBER 2019

25

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Continued from cover story

ras, the low the ablished will be adjacent el with esigned mmunity

events and functions which is absent at present. The rooms will be programmed in a resort mix of Queen/ Queen and King rooms (generally three times more Queen/Queens than Kings), with a few suites available as part of the mix. The design aesthetics will reflect Sarasota’s contemporary

modernistic architecture heritage.

“There will be no kitchens in the rooms. Like almost all hotels built today, there will be a limited breakfast service with a workout facility and pool with cabana rentals,” said Kompothecras. “There will be no restaurant in the hotel but have

a small lobby bar. There are plenty of local restaurants within walking distance and I don’t want to compete with them. I want the entire South Bridge Village to benefit. All and all, I envision a wonderful positive economic and enjoyable area for both locals and visitors.”

PEACOCK STREET VIEW

REAR VIEW

Siesta Key resident Michael Holderness removed old asphalt in front of his property on North Beach Road to help alleviate flooding at the corner section of Columbus Blvd. and Beach Road. Beach compliant Sand was placed in its place. “We all add our fair share of non-impervious surfaces so, why not reduce runoff when we can,” said Mike Holderness.

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

Boston

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

Arizona

MASSAGE Hands of Light Massage................ Map-B #35 The Spa at Calle Minorga............... Map-E #74

Map D #64

MEDICAL - DENTAL Sarasota Medical Center................ Map-D #63 Siesta Dental..................................... Map-B #49 Siesta Key Physical Therapy......... Map-D #20 MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce................ Map-D #67 Prime Audio Video........................... Map-E #1 Roberti Enterprises........................ Map-A #39 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Edward Jones Investments........... Map-D #68 Smith Architects.................................Map-E 74 REAL ESTATE / RENTAL SERVICES Coldwell Banker Realty................. Map-D #20 Judith Guzzi & Assoc..................... Map-E #74 Keller Williams Real Estate........... Map-D #11 Michael Saunders Realty..............Map-E #72 ReMax Alliance Group................ Map-C #29 RentSiestaKey.com........................... Map-D #9 Robasota Rentals & Real Estate.... Map-A #39 Siesta Key Rental Prop.................. Map-D #10 The Ringling Beach House Rentals...Map-D #9 Tropical Sands Accommodations.....Map-D #67

48 47 46

RESTAURANTS / CAFÉS Another Broken Egg..............Map-C #54 & 55 Blasé Café....................................... Map-A #38 Bonjour French Cafe.......................Map-C #47 Café Gabbiano............................... Map-D #71 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar........... Map-B #42-43 Flavio’s Brick Oven & Bar.............. Map-B #29 Flavio’s Italiano Ristorante............ Map-B #30 Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill.......Map-B #33 Island House Bar & Grill............. Map-D #69 LeLu’s Coffee Bar...........................Map-B #31 Lobster Pot...................................... Map-C #23 Old Salty Dog Rest. & Pub............... Map-E #2 PI Pizza & Craft Beer..................... Map-A#37 Ripfire Pizza..................................... Map-B #47 Siesta Key Oyster Bar....................Map-B #45 Solorzano Bros. Pizzeria.............. Map-D #15 Subway Sandwiches....................... Map-B #30 Summer House................................Map-C #57 Sun Garden Café............................ Map-D #19 The Cottage......................................Map-C #58 The Hub - Baja Grill........................Map-C #59 The Seafood Joint........................... Map-D #15 The Star Thai Sushi............... Map-D #17 & 18 Village Café.................................... Map-D #14 SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY LaPlaya Spa......................................Map-C #50 Sassy Hair Salon............................ Map-A #40 Siesta Key Nails & Spa.................. Map-D #9 Shaman Sanctuary Salon................. Map-D #9 SPORTS INTEREST/RENTALS CaliFlorida........................................Map-C #29 Robin Hood Rentals......................Map-B #34

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26

Siesta Sand

DECEMBER 2019

BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Capt. Curt’s Backroom Saloon................B-3 #7 Crescent Club.......................................... C-3 #13 Sniki Tiki....................................................B-3 #8 COFFEE SHOPS Coffee Garden................................... B-3 #8 DELIS / BAKERIES Anna’s Deli & Sandwiches.................. C-3 #14 Nutritious You......................................... C-3 #14 The Beach Deli @ Crescent Beach Grocery......B-3 #1 DRUG STORES Davidson Drugs..................................... C-3 #14 FASHION & ACCESSORIES Fin Island Co.............................................. A-3 #2 CB’s Saltwater Outfitters........................ A-3 #4 Coconuts Fashion......................................B-3 #1 Green Turtle Swimwear......................... C-3 #14 Key Casual Fashions............................... D-3 #17

941.349.0194

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 Sunshine Sand Hidden Treasures...... D-3 #17 Silver City Jewelry................................. C-3 #14 HEALTH & BEAUTY Sanctuary Siesta Key............................... A-5 #12 Siesta Key Salon & Spa........................... D-3 #17 The Key Spa & Salon.............................. A-5 #12 ICE CREAM & TREATS Orange Octopus .......................................B-3 #8 Siesta Creamery....................................... C-3 #14 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs..................................... C-3 #14 Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14 LIQUOR STORES Crescent Beach Grocery...........................B-3 #1

Crescent Club...........................................B-3 #13 Siesta Spirits............................................. C-3 #17 MAILING & SHIPPING Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14 US Post Office Sub Station..................... C-3 #14 MARKETS 7-11 Store.................................................. C-3 #16 Big Water Fish Market.......................... C-3 #17 Crescent Beach Grocery...........................B-3 #1 REAL ESTATE / RENTALS Beckmann Properties.............................. C-2 #15 Homes & Condo Rentals........................ D-3 #17 Re/Max Tropical Sands............................B-3 #1 Siesta 4-Rent............................................ C-3 #14 Waterside Realty.................................... C-3 #17 RESTAURANTS / CAFES Big Water Fish Market................................C-3 #17 Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill...............A-5 #12

www.siestasand.net

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

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Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill 1500 Stickney Point Rd.

Anna’s Deli 6535 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Road

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters 1249 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-3 #4

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

Crescent Beach Grocery 1211 Old Stickney Pt. Rd.

MAP B-3 #1

Davidson Drugs 6595 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

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Toasted Mango Cafe 6621 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #17

MAP C-4 #17

MAP C-3 #14

MAP A-5 #12

www.siestasand.net

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DECEMBER 2019

Snapshots of Island Visitors 1

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Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography 3

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Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

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1. Aslam, Aria age 2, & Mehtap – from Sarasota 2. Lauren age 14 months from LWR 3. Ramsey from Sarasota 4. Demetra from OH, Melinda from Fl, & Jonathan from CO 5. Amaya age 3 & Gianna age 1 from MI 6. Greta 6, Laura, Sal from Italy, Lauren, 14 months, & Avi from LWR 7. Tarah, Gianna, Noel, Amaya, & Tyler from MI 8. McKenna age 6, Hayden age 3, from OH Rosie age 3, & Ruthie age 1, from CO 9. Marie, Vanessa, KaliRay, Liz, Jadyn & Madi from Sarasota 10. Jordan, Oakley, & Greg from MI 11. Fiona from NY 12. Milan age 3 & Heidi from Sarasota 13. Alexander, Elton age 8, Detlev, Addy age 12, & Linda 14. Jennifer & Levi age 8, from IL 15. Francesca, Allison, & Sofia from Sarasota 16. DJ from Sarasota & Bonnie from IL 17. Kayla age 10, Alie age 12, Monica, & Eric from North Port

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DECEMBER 2019

Siesta Sounds Mixed Signal brings a mixed bag of music to Siesta Key Bands love playing the clubs on Siesta Key. The crowds are a great mix of locals and visitors from not only all over the country but the world, and people who go out to hear live music and dance are usually a pretty happy bunch. But not just any band can get gigs here.

If you’re going to play a major club in the heart of the Village, like the long-time granddaddy of them all, The Beach Club, you better bring you’re A-game.

Pleasant as the audience may be, they’re also probably the biggest mixture of dancers and music lovers you’ve ever played to, and the club managers know these patrons’ expectations are high.

Plus they come from all over so you can bet there are going to be a lot of different expectations of whoever is up on that stage. This isn’t a bar that attracts the same people looking for the same kind of music… rock, jazz, country or whatever… every night of the week. Along with the local regulars, you’re going to be playing to people who want to listen and dance to all different kinds of music (depending where they’ve come from) throughout the night.

Perhaps one of the most versatile bands to work the stage is Mixed Signal, who usually play the Beach Club at least once a month. Even the B.C. regulars never tire of this foursome

CLUB BLASE CAFÉ In the Village 941-349-9822

941.349.0194

By Charmaine Engelsman-Robins

thanks to their making good on their band slogan “Mix it up with Mixed Signal.” And mix it up they do, playing (as their web site www.mixedsignalmusic.com tells us) “… a blend of awesome vocals by all four member with lights and music that will keep you dancing all night!” Pick your genre: rock, oldies, country, disco, Top 40 … music from the 1940s through today, they offer a little of something for everyone.

The young woman who handpicked each band member and put Mixed Signal together is Melissa McGhee, a talented vocalist who has been singing, she says, since she was four years old. In 2005, she aced the tryouts for and competed on American Idol (and came out in the top 12 of the season). This was followed by a time of touring such fun and impressive venues as the 4th of July Bash with Taylor Swift and Jason Aldean, the Musicians’ Hall of Fame in Nashville, the World Sailfish Contest in Key West and in front of the Hillsborough Teachers’ (all 20,000 of them!)

Convention.

When she put Mixed Signal together, she chose fellow players who were capable of performing a wide variety of styles on the same level as her vocals.

Bass player Vince Mini had been performing in the southwest Florida music scene for about 20 years and already had a glowing reputation when he and Melissa met. Drummer Dru Underwood almost slipped through her fingers, taking off to go backpacking in Viet Nam for a few months before being

MONDAY CLOSED MONDAYS

TUESDAY Nick LeValley (3 & 10) Frankie Lombardi (17 & 24)6‐10 PM NEW YEAR’S EVE: Callie & The Whole Band

snapped up to join Melissa and Vince when he returned to Florida. Lead guitarist Sebastian Tenorio-Vallejo stopped by a Mixed Signal gig when they were looking for a guitar player, sat in for a couple songs and, as Melissa says, the original threesome immediately looked at each other and agreed “Oh yeah, he’s the guy!” Melissa describes Sebastian as the newest, youngest member of the band and “a tremendous asset.”

The foursome enjoys playing the Beach Club for a lot of reasons… their Friday/Saturday slots (from 8 to 11 p.m.) suit them well and they enjoy the energy of the audience. You can catch them there this month on December 27, and they’re currently booked with the B.C. through 2020.

Their calendar (https://www. mixedsignalmusic.com/shows ) is already filling up fast as more and more people reach out to them at gigs and through their website and Facebook pages in hopes of hiring them for private parties. Melissa says she doesn’t see any major changes for the band in the year ahead: “Our goals for 2020? We have a lot of new material rolling out, as well as new corporate gigs and weddings.”

Meanwhile, you’ll find them in the heart of Siesta Village one weekend a month from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Beach Club. Check their online calendar https:// www.mixedsignalmusic.com/ shows for other locations… and when you go, be sure to wear your dancin’ shoes.

WEDNESDAY Evan Eastmoore 6‐10 PM CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY

DAIQUIRI DECK RAW BAR In the Village 941‐349‐8697 GILLIGANS ISLAND BAR & RESTAURANT In the Village 941-346-8122 Lelu’s Coffee Lounge In the Village 941-346-5358

Rodney Shenk: 6‐10 PM

RPM LIVE: 6‐10 PM

6‐10 PM Mike Tozier OR Deven Starr

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

1‐5 PM: nd Hoosier Daddy (2 ) Rob Viola (9 & 16) rd Vince Berardi (23 ) th Michael Mac (30 ) Al Donadi 7‐11 PM

1‐5 PM: David Morris (3,17&31) J. Gilton (10 & 24) 7‐11 PM rd Open Mic (3 ) Audio Orchid (10, 17,24 & 31)

THURSDAY Rob Viola (5,12,19) th Frankie Lombardi (26 ) 6‐10 PM

RPM LIVE ‐ 6‐10 PM DJ Nate – 10 PM

Mixed Signal

FRIDAY Callie & The Whole Band 6‐10 PM

THE COTTAGE 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 Spearfish Siesta Grille Southern end of SK 941‐349‐3474 Turtle Beach Grill Southern end of SK 941‐349‐2280 SAND DOLLAR POOL BAR @ Best Western Plus 6600 S. Tamiami Trl. Sarasota 941‐924‐4900 BOATYARD WATERFRONT BAR & GRILL 941‐921‐6200 1500 Stickney Pt. Rd. CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE 801 Blackburn Pt. Rd, Osprey 941‐966‐1901

Karaoke Mondays 9 PM – Midnight Live Music 6-9 PM Live Music Noon – 3 PM 3:30 – 6:30 PM 7-10 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM Live Music Noon – 3 PM 3:30 – 6:30pm 7-10pm

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

6‐10 PM LIVE MUSIC DJ KConn – 10 PM

Eddie James Jazz Band 7‐10 PM

2‐6 PM John Whiteleather Band 8‐Midnight th Big Daddy (6 ) th Blu Mason Band (13 ) th Folklab (20 ) th Danny Fox Trio (27 )

Kevin Thompson 5‐8:30 PM

10 AM ‐ 1 PM Vince Colaiocco (8 & 22) Mike Tozier (1,15&29) 2‐6 PM st Frankie Lombardi (1 ) th Rob Viola (8 ) nd Evan Eastmoore (22 ) 7 ‐11 PM: Hatley OR The Whole Band 8‐Midnight st th Nick LeValley (1 & 29 ) th Ari and the Alibis (8 ) th Billy Lyon (15 ) nd Noel Rochford (22 )

Live Music 7-10 PM

Live Music 7-10 PM

Live Music 7-10 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM

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

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

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

KARAOKE 9 PM – CLOSE

KARAOKE 9 PM – CLOSE

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6‐9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6‐9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6‐9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5‐9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5‐9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5‐9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 3‐6 PM

Vince Barardi 5‐9 PM

Jokers Duo 5‐9 PM

Desi Adams Island Sounds 4‐8 PM

LIVE MUSIC 4‐8 PM

LIVE MUSIC 3‐7 PM

LIVE MUSIC 3‐7 PM

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

Live Music Noon – 3 PM 3:30 – 6:30 PM 7-10 PM KARAOKE 9 PM – CLOSE

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5‐9 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6‐9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 3‐6 PM

Fawny Frost Motown/Disco/R&B 5‐8:30 PM

1 PM LIVE MUSIC 6‐19 PM LIVE MUSIC DJ Tuesday – 10 PM

DJ Coz & DJ Xtreme 10 PM

11 AM – 2 PM Brek Milo (7 & 14) st Vince Berardi (21 ) th Jordy (28 ) th 3‐7 PM: Ince Berardi (7 ) Evan Eastmoore (14 & 28) st Nick LeValley (21 ) 8‐Midnight Mike Tozier th 8‐11 PM: 22N (7 ) th Live Music (14 ) st No Filter Orlando (21 ) th Stereo FM (28 ) DJ Kensi: 11 PM – 2 AM

BREE (3‐7 PM)

DJ Coz or DJ Kensi 9 PM – 2 AM

Pedro ‘n Zooey (1,8,15,22) Melanie Massell & C0. th (29 ) 6‐10 PM

8 – 11 PM: New Divide (6 ) th Tropical Ave (13 ) th Actual Bank Robbers (20 ) th Mixed Signal (27 ) Live DJ: 11 PM‐2 AM

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

Doctor Drive (7 ) th Rallo Pucci Band (14 ) Shift Change Band (21 & 28) 6‐10 PM LIVE MUSIC (3‐7 PM) DJ K Conn (10 PM) 1 PM LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM LIVE MUSIC DJ KConn – 10 PM

LIVE MUSIC (3‐7 PM) DJ TJ (10 PM)

1‐5 PM: Dana & Co. 7‐11 PM Folklab

SUNDAY

th

1‐5 PM: Deven Starr (4 & 18) th Frankie Raye (11 ) Kettle of Fish 7‐11 PM

SATURDAY

th

THE BEACH CLUB In The Village 941-349-6311

www.siestasand.net

John Patti / James Albritton

Steel Drum & Acoustic Guitar 5‐8:30 PM

Bri Rivera 5‐8:30 PM

LIVE MUSIC 3‐6 PM

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

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

DECEMBER 2019

Island Humor A three-year-old walks over to a pregnant lady while waiting with his mother in a doctor’s office.

“Why is your stomach so big?” he asks.

“I’m having a baby,” she replies.

“Is the baby in your stomach?” he asks, with his big eyes.

“Yes, it is,” she says.

“Is it a good baby?” he asks, with a puzzled look.

“Oh, yes. A really good baby,” the lady replies.

Shocked and surprised, he asks: “Then why did you eat him?”

Johnny came home excited to tell his dad that he got a part in the upcoming school play.

“That’s great,” says dad. “What will your role be?”

Johnny replied with excitement, “I’ll be playing the role of a man married for 25 years!”

“That’s super, Johnny,” says dad. “Next time, maybe you’ll get a speaking part!”

A beachgoer spotted a shiny object washed ashore by the tide and stooped to pick it up. He was busy wiping the sand off the object with his shirt when a genie

appeared.

“I am the genie of this lamp and I will grant you three wishes - but each wish comes with a caveat.

Anything you wish for, will be half of what your mother-in-law gets.”

“Fine,” says the beachgoer. “I wish for a million bucks.”

“Granted, but your mother-inlaw will receive twice as much.”

“I’m ok with that. For my second wish, I would like a mansion right on Siesta Beach.”

“Done,” says the genie, “but your mother-in-law will get two mansions on Siesta Beach.”

“That’s fine. For my final wish, I would like to be beaten half to death.”

A man was walking down the street when he was accosted by a particularly dirty and shabbylooking homeless man who asked him for a couple of dollars for dinner.

The man took out his wallet, extracted ten dollars and asked, “If I give you this money, will you buy some beer with it instead of dinner?”

“No, I had to stop drinking

HOTTEST BAR IN GULF GATE...

MLB/College Packages FULL BAR

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

years ago,” the homeless man replied.

“Will you use it to go fishing instead of buying food?” the man asked.

“No, I don’t waste time fishing,” the homeless man said. “I need to spend all my time trying to stay alive.”

“Will you spend this on greens fees at a golf course instead of food?” the man asked.

“Are you NUTS!” replied the homeless man. “I haven’t played golf in 20 years!”

“Will you spend the money on a woman in the red light district instead of food?” the man asked.

“What disease would I get for ten lousy bucks?” exclaimed the homeless man.

“Well,” said the man, “I’m not going to give you the money.

Instead, I’m going to take you home for a terrific dinner cooked by my wife.”

The homeless man was astounded. “Won’t your wife be furious with you for doing that?

I know I’m dirty, and I probably smell pretty disgusting.”

The man replied, “That’s okay.

It’s important for her to see what a man looks like after he has given up beer, fishing, golf, and sex.”

A cement mixer and a prison bus crashed on the highway...

Police advise citizens to be on the lookout for a group of hardened criminals!

I’m on a plane and the lunch choices are white meat chicken or German sausage. Unfortunately, I’m seated in the last row.

I’m hoping for the breast, but preparing for the wurst.

A new widow requested the epitaph “Rest in Peace” for her husband’s tombstone. When she later found he had left his fortune to his mistress, she attempted to get the engraver to change the carving.

This was impossible; the words were chiseled and could not be changed.

“In that case,” she said, “please add, Til’ We Meet Again.’”

Remember how the bible says we are all dust and we’ll return to dust? Well, that’s why I don’t dust…it could be someone I know.

Remember when people had diaries and got mad when someone read them? Now they put everything online and get mad when people don’t!

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

29

.

onth..

M e h T f o r e d n e t r Ba

Crescent Club d, 941-217-6837 R ss a P t h ig n id 6519 M

Our congratulations and a clink of our drink to Gabrielle, who has been selected as our December Bartender of the Month. This Florida transplant shares her hometown birthplace with famous residents like musicians, Billie Holiday and Frank Zappa; writer, Edgar Allan Poe; and baseball great, Babe Ruth. That, of course, would be Baltimore, MD. Following is a light-hearted Q&A with our island celebrity: Q: What’s your bartending experience and how long have you worked at Crescent Club? What drink have you perfected?

A: I have been in the service industry for 10 years, I have been bartending for seven years, and I started at the Crescent Club seven months ago. Since moving to Florida, I have perfected the key lime martini! :) Q: What was the strangest or funniest experience you witnessed or were party to at work?

A: I’d have to say that the funniest experiences I’ve encountered at the Crescent always revolve around the jukebox! Between the dancing and the skipping of songs… how the music can go from disco to Dwight Yoakam in a matter of minutes! We all have such a great time!

Q: Any hobbies, goals, etc. you enjoy when not working?

I love to travel. I paint, exercise, and skydive.

Q: How would you describe yourself?

A: I am very passionate about everything that I do. I work hard and keep a positive attitude. Customers have referred to me as “smiley” because I’m always smiling! :) I love to meet new people so bartending is so much fun for me!

Q: What makes Crescent Club a special place to visit?

A: We are the oldest bar on the Key, with great prices, and a fun, energetic staff! We are your “hometown bar” just steps from the beach!

Q: What specialty drink is the Crescent Club noted for?

A: We make refreshing blueberry mules, icy margaritas, and key lime martinis!

Q: When is the best time for locals and visitors to enjoy your company?

A: I usually work evenings a few days during the week and weekends.

So when in Gabrielle’s company, please be sure to raise your glass this month in her honor.

CAPTAIN CURT’S VILLAGE

Siesta Key’s “Old Florida” Shopping Village In The Heart of Crescent Beach

BEST SHOPPING, DINING AND FUN ON SIESTA KEY

Enjoy specialty coffees and craft beers

SIESTA KEY’S OLDEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

941-349-3885 CAPTAIN CURT’S CAPTAIn

WORLD FAMOUS CLAM CHOWDER

FUN RENTALS OF ALL KINDS 941-346-0891

Island Apparel, Souvenirs, & Chowder Kits 941-349-3885

Ice Cream and more! 941-346-8080

Outdoor Dining / Food until 2am LIVE MUSIC

1200 Old Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key FL, 34242

30

Siesta Sand

DECEMBER 2019

941.349.0194

SIESTA NAILS & SPA

(941) 556 9048 Mon-Fri: 9am - 7pm Sat: 9am - 6pm 6517 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 At Sarasota Pavilion Center, Publix Supermarket, next to Hooters.

Enjoy a ComplimEntary Glass of WinE With a $35 and up pEdi Group spECial: ChampaGnE party for Group of 7-10

Marta Wilczynski

Hairstylist/Colorist at Evan’s Hair Studio 6620 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, FL 34231

Specializes in precise hair cutting techniques, razor cutting technique Balayage, root shades, dimensional hair color and foiling technique.

Formal, wedding styling!

G-27

FREE HAIRCUT

with any color work done

561.704.6770

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE With our map, located below, you’ll be able to navigate your way to our featured shops with ease.

Siesta Nails & Spa, located in the Sarasota Pavilion (6517 S. Tamiami Trail), a few doors down from Hooters Restaurant, recently changed hands and remodeled their shop. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine with their $35 and up Pedi. Call them at 941-556-9048 to set up an appointment.

The Shop SRQ (G-2) offers flat-tops, fades, tapers, blowouts, razor cuts, and straight razor shaves. Owners, Erick and Dawn use a back to basics approach to grooming with a precise attention to personal detail. Their commitment to excellence has provided them with many loyal customers. They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust. Hours: Tues. – Fri. 8:30am – 6pm, Sat., 8:30am – 3pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Sarasota Brewing Co. (G-4) Sarasota’s first micro brew pub always has something new to offer. From over 20 seasonal beers that rotate throughout the year, the Brewing Company always has at least five unique brews online as well as several favorites from around the world. Established in 1989, their menu has been a winner in the Reader’s Choice Awards of the Sarasota Herald Tribune featuring their mouth-watering burgers, Chicago style pizzas, and Chicago beef sandwiches. With dozens

of televisions, it’s a great place to catch a game with friends and family.

Gulf Gate Barber Shop (G-11): has been an institution in the community for years, owned

by Kyle Flannery. The super-clean barbershop’s clientele is comprised of primarily men, but the shop services children as well. Scott Reich, formerly of the Siesta Key Village Barber Shop has relocated to this location.

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

Hours: Mon-Sun.: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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

Continued on the next page

Siesta Nails & Spa

G-31

www.siestasand.net

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

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

Over 150 businesses make up this district.

Eat Where The Locals Eat!

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

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

941-925-2400

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

From Vintage to Modern An extension of your personality

PICCOLO

SRQ

Italian Market & Deli

$

complete frames* & lenses

89 bifocal

| $149 progressive digital lenses

59 single vision

$

bring your prescription

• FREE FRAMES while supplies last.

Pay only for lenses • FREE ultrasound cleaning of glasses • Most repairs available on site

6541 Superior Avenue Gulf GAte BuSineSS DiStrict SArASotA, fl 34231

941.444.7984 onlyeyesoptical.com

G-2

“We Straight Razor Shave” 15 Years + Experience

www.TheShopSrq.com

& Vegetarian Sandwiches

S-16

6625 Gateway Ave.

Traditional, Old School Barber Shop

Hot or Cold S-24

THE SHOP SRQ

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

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

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

941-923-2202

www.PiccoloMarket.com

941.626.4894 / 941.536.1656 • No Appointment Needed •

TONSORIAL ARTISTRY

BY ERICK & DAWN

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

S-34

Catering Available

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

941.926.0099

COUPON

FREE SIDE With the purchase of ANY entreé

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

DECEMBER 2019

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE

G-4

have been perfected through three long generations based on the traditional simplicity of the methods used by their Italian ancestors. Dine inside, outside, pick up, or DELIVERY anywhere on Siesta Key, or in Sarasota until 3:30 a.m. 6574 Superior Ave., 941-924-5800.

Pride of the South (S-34) Pride of the South has been awarded Top Barbeque in Sarasota for 2016 by Trip Advisor and Yelp.

It has been awarded for the best Southern Hospitality. Pride of the South has a brisket BLT, hands down, one of the best sandwiches you ever tasted.

The smoked chicken wings are unbelievable. Backed up with the pulled pork sandwiches, the smoked bologna, the smoked Turkey, the collard greens, fried corn on the cob, fried okra, fried green tomatoes and one of the best mac n cheese you ever tasted. We do catering with no limit to size. Call (941)926-0099.

See you soon.

Gulf Gate Food + Beer (S-51): Sarasota’s late-night hot spot for the service industry, night owls, and midnight snackers.

It’s not your typical sports bar offering unique menu selections for carnivores and vegetarians.

Be sure to check out their menu online at: eatfooddrinkbeer.com.

Hours: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. (Sun. Thurs.) open until 2 a.m. (Fri & Sat.).

One Minute Key Shop (GG51): Left your keys in the car?

No worries, the One Minute Key Shop will help you safely

Roberts Realty

31

Flag ceremony honors our oldest WWII veteran

Continued from the previous page

West End Pub (G-49) Where else can you watch your favorite game with a great selection of beers, wines and liquors served by a friendly staff AND where you’re allowed to bring your own restaurant or deli food?

Right here. 6500 Gateway Ave. – 941-554-8905.

Tony’s Chicago Beef Company (S-16) is owned and operated by true Chicagoans.

Dedicated to deliver Chicago’s best food - Chicago style Hot Dogs wit’ the works...dragged through 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.

Solórzano’s Late Night Pizzeria (S-32): At every Solórzano’s, they offer an experience familiar to those who understand the importance of family and dedication.

Their recipes and techniques

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

unlock and retrieve your keys.

They specialize in high security locks, keys, re-keying, master keying and safes for residential, commercial or automotive. Call for more info: 941-924-8020 or visit their showroom.

ROBERTS REALTY, Inc. (M5) John Garner, Broker Assoc. & Diane Shane, Broker Assoc. have a combined 40 years’ experience in Sarasota of making dreams come true for our clients. FOR BUYERS, we have had great success in finding the right property for our clients because we listen closely to their wants and needs and matching that as close as possible. FOR SELLERS, over the years we have successfully listed and sold many, many properties throughout Sarasota County.

OUR PHILOSOPHY is to have fun, enjoy the experience, achieve great results, make friends and receive referrals.

We’re with you every step of the way! Call 941-924-2330 or drop by our office.

Only Eyes, Optical (S-24) brings a new, exotic, eclectic, eccentric, unique collection of vintage, hipster, contemporary eyeglasses and sunglasses to the community. Licensed and experienced optician available to fill your prescriptions.

Only Eyes Optical has a large assortment of free frames with the purchase of new lenses.

Call 941-444-7984 to set up an appointment with their licensed optician.

John Garner Broker Associate

Diane Shane Broker Associate

941-924-2330

Working with Sarasota Buyers & Sellers since 1969 • Local Expertise • Proven Track Record • Happy Clients Condos, Villas, Single Family Homes & Investments

We are with you every step of the way!

M-5 2621 Mall Dr., Sarasota RobertsRealty@comcast.net www.SarasotaCoast.com

By Randall Townsend

Our nightly flag ceremony pays homage to Captain Ralph Styles (a Decorated WWII Submarine Captain in the Pacific Theater) who began this tribute ceremony about 30 years ago.

Each sunset our community comes together with new friends from around the world at Siesta Key’s public access #2, at 10 Beach Road.

All are welcome as we begin each tribute with the following: “Welcome to Patriot’s Pier at Sunset Point! We thank you for joining our nightly tribute to honor the sacrifices of our military and service personnel in protecting our Country and our freedoms. We are the land of the free because of the brave!”

In remembrance of 101 years ago; in the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918--the Great WWI ended.

At 5 a.m. that morning, Germany signed an armistice agreement with the allies, in a railroad car, in France.

The First World War left nine million soldiers dead and 21 million wounded, with Germany, Russia, Austria-Hungary, France, and Great Britain each losing nearly a million or more lives.

In addition, at least five million civilians died from disease, starvation, or exposure.

On 11/11/ 1919 -- 100 years ago this Day of Remembrance was established! Regretfully we have had too many wars and losses of lives!

On 11/11/2019, in honor of President Trump’s declaration that this entire month be to honor ALL of our veterans, the Ronald A. Freeman family asked we fly their flag to honor and then present the flag to Mr. Freeman, our oldest 92 years young WWII veteran!

We had an AWSOMENESS crowd and ceremony to honor and thank ALL OUR VETERANS!

32

Siesta Sand

DECEMBER 2019

Florida Fish of Siesta Key

Red Snapper

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Water World

SiestaKation Charters & Suggestions to Play it Safe

By Kandace P. / Siesta Key Marina

Yellowtail Florida Puffer Sailfish Spanish Mackerel Dohlpin “Mahi-Mahi”

Mangrove Snapper Scoolmaster Lane Snapper Scamp Black Mullet Snook Red Drum “Redfish”

Tarpon

Baracuda

Gulf Flounder

Florida Pompano Jack Crevalle

AmberJack

Spotted Sea Trout

Cobia

Black Drum

Catfish

King Mackerel

Blue Marlin

Black Grouper

Sheesphead

Private Fishing Charter aboard the 32-ft. Andros

If the thrill of hooking a feisty fish, the sight of the golden hues of a Siesta sunset on the water, or the thought of tiki bar hopping by boat excites you, I suggest you get to know a local Captain and his family friendly businessSiestaKation Charters.

U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain Josh Pritchett offers unique experiences out of Siesta Key Marina, specializing in customized charter packages. His clients include competitive groups trying to land the largest snapper; bachelorette parties spending the day site-seeing and dining on the water; and repeat northern families who love to spend the day 30 miles off-shore working on the heaviest hook-to-cook keeper fish.

Customers choose from in-shore fishing, off-shore fishing, diving, sightseeing /eco dolphin tours, and more.

SiestaKation caters to your party, with the custom-built 26foot Andros boat for in-shore charters or Capt. Josh’s custombuilt 32-foot Andros for off-shore charters. Captain Josh says he enjoys getting to know people onboard and he works hard to make sure they have the best charter possible. SiestaKation owns all required permits and licenses to fish off-shore legally.

Can your captain say the same?

When it comes to Sarasota fishing charters there are many companies to chose from, but not all come with legal permits or licensing that ensure you’re safe and your catch is legal. Captain Josh says the Coast Guard is cracking down on guides running illegal charters.

“People illegally chartering vessels and putting their passengers as well as other boaters in danger is something we take very seriously,” said Lt. Cmdr.

Tilghman with Coast Guard 7th District. “We will continue to maintain a presence in the water and seek out maximum penalties for people who put others at risk through these illegal operations,” he stated in a press release.

Chances are you wouldn’t know the difference between an illegal charter company and a legitimate business unless you ask some key questions, according to Captain Josh: 1) Are you a licensed Coast Guard Captain?

2) Do you have all the required safety gear onboard?

3) Do you have the state charter license and federal charter/ headboat permits?

Capt. Josh says charter captains are not allowed to fish past 9

miles without the NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration) Federal Fisheries Reef and Pelagic for hire permits, yet he frequently sees this happen illegally in Sarasota. NOAA stopped issuing the permits in 1994 for the Gulf of Mexico, meaning the only way to purchase is from a previous permit owner. “Charter captains are governed by the USCG (United States Coast Guard), Federal Wildlife Commission and NOAA Fisheries.”

Capt. Josh says some illegal competitors offer fishing charters at lower prices because they haven’t made the costly investment in the required permits and licenses.

He says the going rate for those average between $25,000-$35,000.

What may matter most to you as a reader is the rigorous processes legal captains and owners of charter companies go through to ensure your safety on the water and their preparedness in case of an emergency.

Call or text Captain Josh for your next excellent (safe & legal!) charter experience at 941-9937337. You can check out the boats and photo gallery at www.

SiestaKation.com. Check him out on Facebook, Instagram, Yelp and TripAdvisor as well. Mention this article for a discount on your next trip!

Captain Josh holding a 40 lb. Cobia

Fisherman Kevin Hagerty holding a red snapper caught with Captain Josh/SiestaKation

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

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

Winter resident Jim Mitchell with a big river jack crevalle

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 north and south of the passes 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 motor oil work well in the slightly darker water.

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 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.

Several rivers lie a short drive east of Siesta Key and offers visitors a unique angling opportunity; the chance to catch a trophy snook casting plugs while experiencing fantastic scenery. This is truly “Old Florida” and is a quiet and serene trip in a great natural setting. Along with snook, bass, baby tarpon, gar, and other species are encountered.

Alligators and exotic bird life is seen on most trips as well.

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.

DECEMBER 2019

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Notes from the Island Fishmonger

33

HOLIDAY SEAFOOD REPORT I’m sure many of us are guilty of over indulging in alcohol, turkey dinner, macaroni and cheese, pies, and plenty of leftovers each Thanksgiving. It’s the time of year we usually put on a few extra pounds, with every intention of making good on our New Year’s resolution to exercise more and eat healthier.

But with the abundance of fresh seafood available to all of us Floridians, visitors, and snowbirds, there really isn’t an excuse to wait until the New Year to begin eating healthier.

December is the peak time of year for fishermen as the change in the weather brings us some delicious and healthy diet options. Plus, you’ll be able to exercise more by shopping at the small local businesses for your holiday needs.

With the trend toward healthier food choices; ham, the staple of many Christmas dinners is slowly being swapped with seafood delicacies. In fact, many families are making seafood a major part of their holiday menu.

As a kid, I grew up with oyster stew and jumbo shrimp cocktail on Christmas and Alaskan King Crabs for New Years. Who knew our traditional holiday family favorites would become preferred choices for many of the holiday gatherings?

Another tradition observed during Christmas Eve is the Feast of the Seven Fishes which is an Italian - American custom of either seven different seafood dishes or what I do, a tomato-based seafood stew recipe that includes your choice of seven different fish. This is my favorite holiday treat as I make it for myself, my house guests, and to serve at the Big Water Fish Market. My recipe includes chunks of cod and salmon, crab, mussels, clams, scallops, octopus and shrimp. I call it: Scott’s dish of seven fish. Here’s how to put it together: Step 1: In a large stock pock heat oil then sauté the trinity (chopped onions, green pepper, celery), add bay leaves, garlic, deli dust. Sweat and slightly brown this mixture. Add fish stock, clam juice or even vegetable stock.

Step 2. Cut potatoes in 1-inch cubes, peel and cut carrots in 1-inch rounds, 1 large can of Italian crushed tomatoes, fresh herbs, then add to the pot and simmer until potatoes and carrots pass the fork test.

Step 3: Add your seafood. First add your fish cut in 1 ½ inch cubes and baby octopus, then shrimp, scallops, crab meat, then lastly add clams then mussels. Simmer until shellfish opens.

Garnish with green onions. Serve and enjoy.

Don’t forget about smoked fish spreads, Ceviches, poke, shrimp cocktail, stone crab platters,

lobster, crab cakes, crab legs, clams, mussels, oysters and FISH. All available at your BIG WATER FISH MARKET. Place your Christmas orders now. We will accept New Year’s orders after Christmas.

On a parting note: please be mindful that the hospitality, food and restaurant businesses are under pressure to perform as it is a busy time of the year for these industries. Planning ahead with a bit of patience on your part is greatly appreciated from all who strive to bring you a joyous holiday season.

Live well...Eat fish Scott Dolan

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR BIG WATER FISH MARKET FAMILY TO YOURS. BWFM holiday hours: Christmas Eve – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Christmas Day - Closed New Year’s Eve - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

New Year’s Day - Closed

Big Water Fish Market www.BigWaterFishMarket.com 6641 Midnight Pass Road, Crescent Plaza – 941-554-8101 6639 Midnight Pass Road, Crescent Plaza – 941-203-5972

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

December 2019

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33' Date

Day

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

1

Su

1:34a

High Tide 2.1

6:10p

High Tide 1.3

10:39a

Low Tide -0.2

8:56p

Low Tide 1.2

7:04a

5:35p

11:30a

10:23p

2

Mo

2:24a

1.8

6:47p

1.4

11:29a

-0.1

10:50p

1.3

7:05a

5:35p

12:10p

11:18p

3

Tu

3:31a

1.6

7:17p

1.5

12:22p

0.1

7:05a

5:35p

12:46p

4

We

5:05a

1.5

7:46p

1.5

12:44a

1.1

1:14p

0.2

7:06a

5:35p

1:19p

12:11a

5

Th

6:54a

1.3

8:12p

1.6

2:12a

0.8

2:04p

0.4

7:07a

5:35p

1:51p

1:03a

6

Fr

8:26a

1.3

8:37p

1.6

3:15a

0.6

2:48p

0.6

7:08a

5:35p

2:21p

1:54a

7

Sa

9:40a

1.3

9:00p

1.7

4:06a

0.4

3:27p

0.6

7:08a

5:35p

2:53p

2:46a

8

Su

10:42a

1.3

9:24p

1.9

4:49a

0.1

4:00p

0.8

7:09a

5:36p

3:25p

3:39a

9

Mo

11:36a

1.3

9:48p

2.0

5:29a

-0.1

4:28p

0.9

7:10a

5:36p

4:01p

4:33a

10

Tu

12:27p

1.3

10:15p

2.1

6:08a

-0.3

4:53p

1.0

7:10a

5:36p

4:40p

5:30a

11

We

1:17p

1.2

10:46p

2.2

6:46a

-0.5

5:16p

1.0

7:11a

5:36p

5:24p

6:29a

12

Th

2:06p

1.2

11:21p

2.3

7:26a

-0.6

5:40p

1.1

7:12a

5:37p

6:15p

7:29a

13

Fr

2:57p

1.2

8:08a

-0.6

6:10p

1.1

7:12a

5:37p

7:11p

8:29a

14

Sa

12:01a

2.3

3:48p

1.2

8:53a

-0.6

6:49p

1.1

7:13a

5:37p

8:11p

9:26a

15

Su

12:46a

2.3

4:39p

1.2

9:41a

-0.6

7:46p

1.1

7:14a

5:37p

9:15p

10:19a

16

Mo

1:38a

2.1

5:24p

1.2

10:32a

-0.5

9:09p

1.1

7:14a

5:38p

10:20p

11:08a

17

Tu

2:40a

1.9

6:04p

1.3

11:26a

-0.3

10:53p

1.0

7:15a

5:38p

11:24p

11:51a

18

We

3:58a

1.6

6:40p

1.4

12:20p

-0.1

7:15a

5:39p

19

Th

5:38a

1.5

7:16p

1.5

12:40a

0.8

1:13p

0.2

7:16a

5:39p

12:27a

1:10p

20

Fr

7:29a

1.3

7:51p

1.6

2:13a

0.5

2:03p

0.4

7:16a

5:40p

1:29a

1:47p

1st

Full

12:32p

21

Sa

9:09a

1.2

8:26p

1.8

3:27a

0.2

2:47p

0.6

7:17a

5:40p

2:32a

2:25p

22

Su

10:33a

1.2

9:02p

1.9

4:29a

-0.2

3:27p

0.7

7:17a

5:41p

3:34a

3:04p

23

Mo

11:45a

1.2

9:37p

2.1

5:22a

-0.5

4:02p

0.9

7:18a

5:41p

4:37a

3:47p

Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans

24

Tu

12:48p

1.1

10:13p

2.2

6:10a

-0.6

4:33p

1.0

7:18a

5:42p

5:40a

4:33p

25

We

1:42p

1.1

10:48p

2.2

6:54a

-0.7

5:04p

1.0

7:19a

5:42p

6:41a

5:24p

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

26

Th

2:27p

1.1

11:25p

2.2

7:34a

-0.7

5:38p

1.0

7:19a

5:43p

7:40a

6:18p

27

Fr

3:04p

1.1

8:12a

-0.6

6:18p

1.0

7:20a

5:43p

8:34a

7:14p

28

Sa

12:02a

2.1

3:33p

1.1

8:48a

-0.6

7:06p

1.0

7:20a

5:44p

9:22a

8:11p

29

Su

12:43a

2.0

4:00p

1.1

9:24a

-0.5

8:03p

0.9

7:20a

5:45p

10:05a

9:06p

30

Mo

1:27a

1.8

4:27p

1.1

10:01a

-0.4

9:09p

0.9

7:21a

5:45p

10:43a

10:00p

31

Tu

2:16a

1.6

4:57p

1.2

10:39a

-0.2

10:24p

0.8

7:21a

5:46p

11:18a

10:53p

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

Phase

3rd

New

34

Siesta Sand

DECEMBER 2019

941.349.0194

Beth Cotner named President of Sill The Landings own Beth Cotner has recently been named president of Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL). This outstanding organization brings internationally renowned experts to the Sarasota area to discuss a vast range of domestic and global issues.

The 2020 season, named the “Global Issues” series, runs January 7 to March 27, and features 72 programs in Sarasota, Venice and Lakewood Ranch. Speakers explore dozens of topics, including the U.S. role in the world, income inequality, climate change, migration, artificial intelligence, and topical issues in Latin America, Asia, Europe, Russia and Iran.

Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning also offers its very popular Monday Music series, chaired by Edward Alley.

Before becoming president of SILL, Beth Cotner served on the board for 10 years, where she was Director of Programming, managing the committee that recruits 24 speakers per year for the area’s 3-month seminar, which focuses on global issues.

Says Cotner: “From a small startup operation years ago, SILL now offers five venues and, last year, attracted more than 45,000 attendees… Our Global Issues Program Committee, chaired by Bob Deutsch, has booked some impressive speakers for 2020.”

The speakers are indeed an impressive group!

A few of this year’s headliners include: Ambassador Kathleen Stevens, former U.S. ambassador

to the Republic of Korea, will explore how U.S. alliances in Asia are working in light of growing Chinese power; James Baker, a director of the Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism, will address national security in the light of artificial intelligence; Peter Georgescu, retired chairman of Young and Rubican, will examine how to end income inequality; Dr. Ray Takeyh, who holds the Hasib J. Sabbagh Chair in Middle East Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and previously served as a senior advisor on Iran at the State Department, will tackle the U.S.-Iran conflict; Dr. Susan A. MacManus, a University of South Florida Distinguished University Professor Emerita, will discuss changing voter demographics and the proliferation of news sources and concerns about “fake news”; and Dr. Celeste Wallander, president and CEO of the U.S. Russia Foundation, will provide an insider look at the Obama Administration’s foreign policy strategy.

Besides those headliners, other speakers are scheduled, some new, some returning with perspectives that have not been heard here before. For the first time SILL will host a husband and wife speaking jointly. Jessica and Sean McFate’s topic ‘Battle of the Future; How Technology Replaces Traditional Weapons of War’ promises to be thought provoking.

SILL’s Global Issues lectures are 40 to 50 minutes in length, followed by 30 minutes of audience

By Diana Colson

questions. Sarasota Lectures are held on Tuesdays Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. at First Church, 104 S. Pineapple. Venice Lectures are held on Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m., and Fridays at 10 a.m. at Venice Community Center, 326 S. Nokomis Ave. Lakewood Ranch Lectures are held on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. at Cornerstone Church, 14306 Covenant Way. Doors open 40 minutes prior to the start of each lecture.

Newly added last year is a venue on Longboat Key where Global Issues lectures are telecast with a one-week lag. Also, For the hearing impaired, Sarasota offers real-time captions during the Wednesday morning lectures at First Church in downtown Sarasota.

To learn about the program in more detail, visit www.sillsarasota. org. For more information, call 941.365.6404.

SILL is a non-profit organization.

It is guided by an all-volunteer board committed to modest prices and enhanced outreach.

As board member and now president for 2 years, Beth Cotner is one of many volunteers who has held to this vision. 2020 season subscriptions are a mere $85 for 12 lectures. Single lecture tickets are $10.

With a lifetime career in money management, Cotner knows how to handle finances. Her stellar career has included being Chief Investment Officer of Putnam Large Cap Growth, handling $75 billion in assets, managing large mutual funds

and pension funds.

Beth Cotner grew up in Northern California in Crescent City, a small town that was wiped out by a tsunami in 1964. She earned her B.A. in International Studies from Ohio State University, where she Beth Cotner and her husband Jack Alogna graduated Phi Beta Kappa in three years.

She then went on to earn a MBA in international Business from George Washington University. She has had frequent appearances on CNBC, appeared on Wall Street Week, and has been featured in Fortune, The New York Times, and Barron’s.

She met her second husband on a blind date, an event arranged

by Rita Spitz of the Landings. Handsome Jack Alogna was so Beth Cotner with Saudi Prince at SILL impressed with this amazing lady, that on Life Master and belongs to a book their second date, he invited her group. Besides SILL she volunteers to go to Kenya! (Did she go? You at Personal Estate Liquidators (PEL) betcha! Travel is one of her things. where all sales go to benefit youth.

She’s been to 93 countries and Beth Cotner has 3 wonderful all 50 states.) They both like to stepdaughters, courtesy of Jack travel, and soon will be going to Alogna. The couple shares a Goldensee the Oberammergau Passion Doodle named Juno, and a cat called Play in Germany, a play that is only Jesse. Both pets travel with them by performed once every ten years. car when they spend summers in Beth Cotner plays tennis at the Cape Cod or go hiking in Blowing Landings on both the 3.5 and 4.0 Rock. At the Landings, they inhabit teams. She is duplicate bridge a house on Kestral Park Lane.

Commentary: Saving one beach to destroy another?

However, disruptions by dredging began as early as 1895 to fulfill the vision of an Intracoastal Waterway… the last stage of dredging operations during 1962-67 was more destructive, culminating in migration and later closure of Midnight Pass. It is likely that the Bay’s shellfish habitat was destroyed then as well.

In December 1983, two property owners on the southern part of the Siesta Key — Pasco Carter and internationally acclaimed artist Syd Solomon — were alarmed that their homes were precariously close to tumbling into Midnight Pass. Their only hope, they decided, was to relocate the waterway. On Oct. 4, 1983, they won permission from the Sarasota County Commission to do that. Then in December 1983, they brought in bulldozers and closed the channel, according to a timeline provided by the nonprofit Midnight Pass Society.

As members of the Society wrote in a publication they issued a decade later, “State officials hastily blessed the plan with no environmental impact studies, no baseline data, no water monitoring, no administrative hearing and no engineering review to improve chances the plan would succeed.”

The publication continued, “The senseless act all but destroyed the historic environment, the ecosystem that once was Little Sarasota Bay. … Vast and vibrant seagrass beds once teeming with life have been devastated, breaking the chain of life that existed here for as long as we know. The numbers and diversity of fish have been severely reduced, and all of the clams have been killed.”

History highlights A former SKA director who served for many years with the organization — and a longtime

member of the Midnight Pass Society— Bob Waechter addressed about 80 people during the January 2017 SKA meeting.

Referring to the Midnight Pass situation and the City of Sarasota/ U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plan to remove sand from Big Pass, Bob Waechter said, “this is what happens if you don’t stop them before they do it.”

Before Midnight Pass was closed, Waechter continued, “we had all the assurances as a community from the permitting agencies: ‘This is going to work just fine.’

We didn’t know that there was a knife in their hand when they said that.” He added that the proposed Lido project is proof of Spanish philosopher George Santayana’s famous quote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

About 10 people attending the January 2017 SKA meeting at St. Boniface Episcopal do remember what has happened since December 1983, Waechter added.

As a direct result of the closing of Midnight Pass, he continued, the county has had to help pay for two renourishments of South Siesta Key’s Turtle beach. (The most recent undertaking was completed in late April 2016, at a cost of approximately $21.5 million. The first — completed in 2007 — cost about $11.2 million.)

During a November 2015 presentation to SKA members, Laird Wreford, the county’s coastal initiatives manager, also talked about how the closing of Midnight Pass had exacerbated the situation on south Siesta. When the pass was open, Wreford pointed out, “sand was still being somewhat held in” on the southern portion of the Key. “You didn’t have that same rate of erosion on Turtle Beach and south Siesta as seen today.”

www.siestasand.net

During the January 2017 SKA meeting, Waechter told the audience that, among other impacts of the closing of the pass, the benthic creatures in Little Sarasota Bay died off, “to be replaced by another environmental community but a much inferior environmental community.” (“Benthic” refers to the lowest level of a body of water. Organisms living in that zone — including crustaceans — are an important part of the food chain, scientific research has shown.)

In 1994, Waechter explained, “the county came around to our way of thinking,” in large part because of the efforts of Nora Patterson, who served on the County Commission for four terms before having to step down in 2014 as a result of term limits. Prior to that, she was a Sarasota city commissioner for eight years. Patterson also lives on Siesta Key. Sarasota County spent $1 million in a fight for the state permits to reopen Midnight Pass, Waechter told the audience. State environmental officials required the county to undertake “all the studies and the engineering reports that they didn’t do before the pass was closed.” The state agency that was the predecessor of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) even insisted that the county undertake an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Waechter said. “Unfortunately, we were fought to a standstill.”

“The state ultimately refused to grant the county permission to reopen the pass”, he added.

If the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the city are allowed to dredge Big Pass once, he pointed out, “you will never get them to retreat.”

Former Commissioner Patterson

Continued from cover story

told the SKA members that when the USACE announced that Big Pass would be its primary sand source for the Lido project, the County Commission asked why it did not seek other sources before it dredged “a pass that had never been dredged. Their answer was that the nearest sand source was miles away.”

The USACE’s response, Patterson continued, “sort of inbred, especially for those of us who have been here a very long time on Siesta Key and in Sarasota … a certain distrust of really quick answers from the Army Corps.”

She added, “It’s hard to trust folks once they’ve fooled you.”

Money, money, money…

As noted above, Turtle Beach has been renourished twice since Midnight Pass closed at a cost of $32.7 million. Oh by the way, property owners by the beach are hit with a renourishment fee on their annual property taxes to help pay for the renourishmnets, something the Lido folks will not have to pay.

It’s all about the money for the city of Sarasota. At an annual cost of about $21 million to do each harvest of Big Pass, the Federal portion is about 62%, $13 million, with the last portion split between the state and city, going on for the next 50 years. Without the federal dollars the city would have to carry a bulk of the costs.

During the Administrative Hearing, Army Corp and FDEP staff verified that neither the ACOE nor a municipality (city) can be held liable for damages as a result of a project such as the Lido Beach renourishment.

Questions asked “I am still shocked at how our request for an EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) by two jurisdictions above us… was just dismissed,” Maio said on Nov. 5, during the County Commission’s regular meeting. “People can couch that response however they like,” Maio continued, “but our request was just dismissed.”

Will our County Commissioners make a leap, go the distance, keeping Ted Sperling Park, Big Sarasota Pass and our Siesta Key coastal home secure, safe and beautiful?

How many millions of dollars will be spent by Siesta Key residents protecting the north end of the key with continuously replacing new seawalls?

Will this affect tourism to Siesta Key? Siesta Key has been the golden goose for the area.

How will the Big Pass eco system change, since this will happen every 5 years never allowing a healing process?

What will be the financial impact on the boating community and business with the sand bars destroyed?

What will the north beaches look like on Siesta Key? Will Siesta Key beaches to the north end of the island be like the south end and every other island in Florida, waiting for beach renourishment? Something so special will be destroyed.

As noted by Nora Patterson, there are alternative harvesting sites along with mined sand inland.

We need to stop this before it gets started. Stop history from repeating itself. If you care about Siesta Key, please donate to the Siesta Key Environmental Defense Fund. This is charitable and fully tax exempt. Please go to www.Siestakeyassociation.com and donate.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

DECEMBER 2019

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

35

®

SARASOTA INSTITUTE OF LIFETIME LEARNING Our 49th Year

Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning Announces 2020 “Global Issues” Series January 7-March 27 Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning launches its 49th season with its hard-hitting Global Issues series in Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch and Longboat Key. Internationally acclaimed experts explore the challenges and dilemmas we face at home and around the world in this engaging series of lectures and lively conversations.

Internationally renowned experts discuss a vast range of domestic and global issues as part of Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning’s (SILL) 2020 “Global Issues” series. The new season, which runs January 7 to March 27, features 72 programs in Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch.

SILL also offers recordings of 12 of its Thursday series lectures every Thursday at Temple Beth Israel in Longboat Key. Speakers explore dozens of topics, including the U.S. role in the world, income inequality, climate change, migration, artificial intelligence, and topical issues in Latin America, Asia, Europe, Russia and Iran.

A few of this year’s headliners include: Amb. Kathleen Stevens, former U.S. ambassador to the Republic of Korea, will explore how U.S. alliances in Asia are working in light of growing Chinese power; James Baker, a director of the Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism, will address national security in the light of artificial intelligence; Peter Georgescu, vice chairman of New York Presbyterian Hospital and director of Just Capital, will

examine how to end income inequality; Dr. Ray Takeyh, who holds the Hasib J. Sabbagh Chair in Middle East Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and previously served as a senior advisor on Iran at the State Department, will tackle the U.S.-Iran conflict; Dr. Susan A. MacManus, a University of South Florida Distinguished University Professor Emerita, will discuss changing voter demographics and the proliferation of news sources and concerns about “fake news”; and Dr. Celeste Wallander, president and CEO of the U.S. Russia Foundation, will provide an insider look at the Obama Administration’s foreign policy strategy.

Beth Cotner is SILL’s new president.

We’re delighted to launch the 49th season of SILL,” she says. “From a small startup operation years ago, SILL now offers five venues and, last year, attracted more than 45,000 attendees. SILL’s Music Monday series continues to be incredibly popular, thanks to program chair Edward Alley,

MONDAY (MUSIC) J 6 A N U A 13 R Y 20

Amb. Kathleen Stevens

27

Peter Georgescu

Anthony Dean Griffey Tenor Xavier Foley Double Bass Charlie Albright Piano Brad Williams Trombone

F 3 Amy Burton and John Musto E Soprano and Piano B R U 10 Romm Family Trio A Trumpets and Piano R Y 17 Jason Vieaux Classical Guitar

24

Dr. Susan A. MacManus

M A R C H

2

9

23

TUESDAY (GLOBAL) 7

Margaret Batjer Violin Lisa Chavez Mezzo First Prize Winner Olga Kern International Piano Competition

Turkey and Its Neighbors Yüksel Sezgin

14

U.S. Intelligence: Current Challenges and Future Directions: Mark Lowenthal

21

Mass Migration and National Security Daniel Vara

28

How to End Income Inequality and Grow the Nation Peter Georgescu 4

Is U.S.-Iran War Looming?

Ray Takeyh

11

The United States and China David Lampton

18

25

3

The Melodica Men

16

Dr. Celeste Wallander

Todd Thomas Baritone

and our Global Issues program committee, chaired by Bob Deutsch, has booked some impressive speakers for 2020. We’re looking forward to an outstanding mix of returning and new speakers. Ten speakers will be new to the SILL audiences, offering perspectives that have not been heard here before. Another seven are returning speakers, back by popular demand. And, for the first time, SILL will host a husband and wife speaking jointly. Jessica and Sean McFate’s topic ‘Battles of the Future: How Technology replaces Traditional Weapons of War’ will be an exciting lecture.”

Cotner adds that, in addition to programs available during the day in both Sarasota and Venice, the expanded Lakewood Ranch program, offered in the evenings, is an alternative for those who can’t get to the daytime lectures. And, for those with hearing challenges, Cotner says that SILL is offering real time captions during the Wednesday morning lectures at First Church in downtown Sarasota.

SILL’s Global Issues lectures are 40 to 50 minutes, followed by 30 minutes of audience questions. The lectures are

The Missing Story of American Politics Hedrick Smith American Alliances in Asia Kathleen Stephens Russian Foreign Policy in an Era of Global Change Celeste Wallander

10 American Diplomacy in the 21st.

Century: Forces that Will Define our World Present Opportunities and Challenges: Thomas Shannon

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m., at First Church, 104 S. Pineapple Ave., in Sarasota; Tuesdays, 2:30 p.m., and Fridays, 10 a.m., at the Venice Community Center, 326 S Nokomis Ave., in Venice; and Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Cornerstone Church, 14306 Covenant Way in Lakewood Ranch. Doors open 40 minutes prior to the start of the lecture. Season subscriptions are $85 for a 12-lecture series. If seating is available, single lecture tickets are $10.

To purchase subscriptions, or learn about the program in more detail visit www.sillsarasota. org. For more information, call 941-365-6404.

About the Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning The Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL) is a non-profit organization that offers an expert lecture series to provide information on and discussion of the arts and contemporary global issues.

SILL is guided by an all-volunteer board committed to modest pricing and enhanced outreach. Visit www.sillsarasota.org.

WEDNESDAY (GLOBAL)

THURSDAY (GLOBAL)

8

9

15

16

22

23

Religion, Law, and the State Yüksel Sezgin

Truth and Power? Policy Makers and Intelligence Officers Mark Lowenthal Central American Caravans and Immigration Politics Daniel Vara

29

5

Business and Society: A Broken System Peter Georgescu Iran’s Revolution at 40 Ray Takeyh

12

China’s Modern Infrastructure Push in the World David Lampton

19

Economic Inequality & Campaign 2020 Hedrick Smith

The National Security Challenge of China: Game On Gary Roughead

Changing Climate: Changing... Well… Everything Terry Root

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5

13

20

26

27

4

5

The North Korean Challenge and What To Do About It: Kathleen Stephens

Inside the White House: Foreign Policy Making at the Highest Level: Celeste Wallander 11

Why the Americas Matter Thomas Shannon

Iranian-American Relations Update Mohsen Milani

The European Union in Uncertain Times Martin Walker America’s Nation-Building Efforts - What Have We Learned? Jeremi Suri Driven to Extremes Margaret Jay Solutions to Slavery in Our Country Laurel Bellows

Fateful Choices in the Middle East: Israel and the United States Dennis Ross

12

Battles of the Future: How Technology Replaces Traditional Weapons of War Sean & Jessica McFate

China’s Economic Challenges and U.S.-China Competition: David Dollar

17 The Turing Test (of Process): 18 The Centaur’s Dilemma: 19 Indispensable Nation?

The National Security Implications National Security Law for the The U.S. Role in World Order of Artificial Intelligence Coming Artificial Intelligence Robert Lieber James Baker Revolution: James Baker 24 25 26 The 2020 Presidential Big Challenge in 2020: How Putin and Our Presidential Election: Will Florida Be a Campaigns Communicate with Elections Bellwether State Again?

Voters: Susan MacManus Robert Barylski Susan MacManus

36

Siesta Sand

DECEMBER 2019

Arts on the Horizon

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

By Rodger Skidmore

Old Chestnuts roasting by an open fire Yes, Virginia, it’s not Christmas - without The Nutcracker playing at a theater near you. To have a really Merry Christmas one must have Santa, presents, small children and snow. Well, maybe skip the snow and instead take the children to see a performance of The Nutcracker Ballet by Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite is the orchestral version and includes just eight of the musical selections from the full ballet. Accept no substitutes.

The ballet was first performed in Moscow in 1892 but was not terribly well received. The reviews said the Sugar Plum Fairy was corpulent - yes, fat shaming in Russia over 125 years ago - however the musical score was acclaimed as a masterpiece.

Since then there have been dozens of different productions - adding some characters and dropping others (but not one High-Fructose-Corn-Syrup Plum Fairy).

The Moscow Ballet Company is bringing The Great Russian Nutcracker to the Van Wezel on December 28th for two performances. That company will be criss-crossing Florida (and the rest of the US and Canada) throughout November and December. Over 200 dazzling costumes and stunning sets. See VanWezel.org.

If you’d like to take the young ones to The Nutcracker prior to Christmas, The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School will be doing 3 shows with the Venice Symphony Orchestra on the 14th and 15th. New sets have been designed specifically for these performances. Members of the SCBS really are fantastic and put on a great show. Visit SRQCubanBallet.com.

And speaking of the 15th, the School of Russian Ballet is also performing The Nutcracker, with original choreography

by Vadim Fedotov, that afternoon at the Sarasota Opera House. Sergey Sidorskiy is the principle dancer. See Tickets.

SarasotaOpera.org/4177/4178.

Nothing says The Nutcracker like “Bolshoi Ballet” and “Historic Asolo Theatre” and you have a chance to see the best of Russian ballet on the silver screen on the 20th. Check out Ringling.org/events/venue/historic-asolo-theater.

For a nice combination of great ballet and lovely sets, along with a theme that only Sarasota can provide, try John Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker on December 20-21 at the Van Wezel. The backstory is that Clara and her family travel to New York by train and see the Ringling Circus loading up to go South, that night at a ritzy hotel Clara dreams of circus folk, along with more traditional nutcracker characters, in this festive ballet with music performed by the Sarasota Orchestra. The second act brings them all to Sarasota to perform at a Big Top Show.

Go to SarasotaBallet.org.

A wild and crazy guy

Local color Lucky us - there are art galleries and studios all over our fair city. But sometimes it’s nice to condense the Museum of Modern Art into just a room full of masters - and that has been done for us at the Art Ovation Hotel. Running through the end of April, in the hotel’s lobby, is the collective essence of a number of Sarasota’s finest artists. Yes, there are others in our town but this is a really good distillation.

As one enters the lobby, on the other side of some attractive sitting areas, a large white wall awaits. While the wall is white, what is hung there - what floats there - is a series of vivid paintings. Directly opposite the entrance are the canvases of Bill Buchman. Certainly abstract, but with an ability to draw one into them - not to get lost, but to explore. To the right are some of Grace Howl’s offerings: some with interleaved patches of color, another with each color isolated from the next. A bit further are some photographs by Michael Halflants: architectural gems that make one want to enter within. In front of this wall, interspersed between the sitting areas and by the bar, are some of Duncan Chamberlain’s strong aluminium sculptures. Hanging on the wall facing the elevators are paintings with a different kind of depth - the depth of another dimension, created by Andrea Dasha Reich. To the left, around a corner leading to a conference area are, not paintings, but the exotic photographic studies of Barbara Banks. In the dining room two other artists are represented representionally: For Larry Forgard think Art Institute of Chicago, and for Chuck Reich think photos of the New York’s boroughs of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens.

The opening night of the exhibition had, like many other openings here, audio treats as well as the visual. For two hours that evening, Lee Dougherty Ross, piano and Rick Aaron, flute provided the connecting sounds that flowed between and around the visual art. All of these visual artists have their own studios and can be seen collectively at SarasotaVisualArtistsStudios.Com. Works by other artists appear outside the elevators on every floor - including outside the rooftop bar from which you can watch the lazy clouds drift by. ArtOvationHotel.com

Steve Martin was, for years, a funny stand up comedian, then, for years, starred in fantastically funny films, after that, on and off, he wrote sober and searching plays, and finally recreated himself as a great banjo player. And, it turns out, is still writing plays. One of his plays Picasso at the Lapin Agile took place in 1904 in a small café in Paris, with Picasso and Albert Einstein wording it out about the value of art and science. He also adapted a 1910 German farce by Carl Sternheim called The Underpants, but we won’t get into that. His new play, Bright Star, co-written with Edie Brickell, takes place a few years later (1945-46 & 1923) somewhere in the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. It is, of course, a musical with a number of blue grass tunes (with banjo).

It is not just a love story but two linked love stories. Linked not just by its plot but with 21 original songs by Martin and Brickell - both Grammy winners for their earlier works (and nominated for a Tony with this musical score). Bright Star, directed by Kate Alexander, runs through January 3rd and stars Meredith Jones and Max Meyers as Alice and Billy.

Know any children that will be in Sarasota this holiday season? Deck the Halls: A Holly Jolly Holiday is back this year at FST with all new songs and sketches and is performed at Bowne’s Lab on Saturdays and select Sundays through December 28th. For more information on both events, go to: FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

What else is bright?

In addition to Bright Star, as described above, there will be two million LED lights scattered about Selby Gardens from December 14th - January 4th (except for Dec. 24, 25, and 31 and Jan 3). Scattered might not be the right word. Perhaps arranged in exotic floral displays highlighting every festive part of the garden might be more apt. By the way, Santa will be there though December 23rd, after which he has to finish working up at the North Pole. See Selby.org.

Think the inside of the Sarasota Opera House is beautiful (it is!) but don’t like Opera? Try A Motown Christmas on December 4-6 and 18-20. A Motown christmas treat at WestCoastBlackTheatre.org. Traditional Christmas carols paired with soulful songs made famous by Motown’s celebrated artists.

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

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

WEEKLY BEACH CLASSES: • FREE T’AI CHI CHIH - Siesta Beach, Access #5 - Every Monday, 15 minutes before sunset.

Open to all, no experience necessary. Contact Diana Daffner 941-346-1024 for information.

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

• FREE YOGA - Mon.-Wed.-Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m. Classes held between blue and green lifeguard station. Call 941-320-6693 to register or go to website for more info. www.yogaonsiestabeach.com/about • GROUP FITNESS CLASSES – Join F.I.T. Tribe SRQ every Mon, Wed, & Sat. at 9 a.m. at the main pavilion. For more details, please see facebook page: www.facebook.com/FitTribeSRQ. • NIA - Tues. & Thurs., 9 a.m., Siesta Public Beach (yellow lifeguard chair). Contact Kathy Oravec at 941-724-9719 for more info or check website: www.nianow.com/kathy-oravec • SIESTA KEY BEACH HOOP JAMS – Every Tuesday one hour before Sunset on Siesta Key beach we gather for a community Hoop Jam. (Between the red lifeguard stand and the pavilion; around where the Sunday drum circle happens.) Register at: www.outwardspiral.net.

WEEKLY DRUM CIRCLE: • Every Sunday about an hour before sunset.

South of the main pavilion. You can participate or watch this weekly gathering and dance, hoop, play the drum or other musical instrument, and enjoy the spectacular Siesta sunset.

ON THE BEACH… • DECEMBER 6 - 8 (FRI-SUN) / 4th ANNUAL SEAFOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL: December 6-8, 2019, Siesta Key Pavilion, Siesta Key, FL Come share in the festivities of the 4th Annual Siesta Beach Seafood & Music Festival on Siesta Beach. The event runs December 6-8, 2019 and is graciously hosted by Sarasota County with the Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC) as a special guest.

The event begins Friday, December 6 with

hours noon-9pm and continues Saturday 11am9pm and Sunday 11am-6pm. Bring family and friends to enjoy fresh seafood and outstanding live musical performances. General admission is $5 with children age 12 and younger FREE. This event will offer a variety of seafood, cooked fresh on site. Seafood dishes are prepared using fresh, local and sustainable ocean resources from the Florida Gulf Coast. Select from meat and vegetarian offerings and a diverse menu of side dishes and desserts. Alcoholic, non-alcoholic and fruit drinks are available.

While savoring your meal, relax to some of Florida’s top musical groups from genres such as R&B, blues, jazz, rock and Caribbean sounds.

Performers in 2019 are, beginning on Friday: the West Coast Steel Pan Band (jazz, Caribbean), the Verge (classic rock 70’s to present) and the Billy Rice Band (country rock). Saturday performances are by: Big Night Out (dance, rock, alternative), RJ Howson (R&B, blues, rock), JP Soars & The Red Hots (soul, blues), Melanie Trucks Band (rock, blues, jazz, country) and Fleetwood Max (Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band). On Sunday enjoy: The Whole Band featuring Callie Chappell (Americana, rock, variety), the Black Honkeys (rock, soul) and Kettle of Fish (rock, blues, reggae).

On the breaks between performances, enjoy shopping in a marketplace of fine arts, crafts, and select fine products and food items.

During the event, the Humane Society will have their “Big Mac” mobile adoption center onsite. Please call ahead (727-542-3000) to confirm hours the HSSC will be onsite. Take a few moments to stop by and say “Hi” to the dedicated staff and meet their extended family of friends awaiting adoption. Perhaps find a new companion while lending support to a wonderful and compassionate organization.

So much to see and do! We will lay the table, all you need do is come and partake in the feast!

NOTE: Bands and performance times subject to change. See website for more info: www.seafoodfestivals.com.

• DECEMBER 14 (SAT.) 7-10AM / SANDY CLAWS 5K RACE: The 43rd Annual Sandy Claws Beach Run 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run takes place Saturday, Dec. 14 on beautiful Siesta Beach, #1 beach in the USA! Set a fast pace on the hardpacked world-renowned white quartz sands or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore. Enjoy the post-race party with music, holiday-themed costume contest, raffle prizes, holiday photo op and food and beverages. For more info or to pre-register, see: manasotatrackclub.org/event/ sandy-claws/ • DECEMBER 23 (MON.) 5-8 PM / CHURCH OF THE PALMS CHRISTMAS SERVICE: Casual and contemporary Christmas Eve service. Sing your favorite Christmas carols, hear scripture lessons and worship with us as the sun goes down over the water. For additional questions, call us at 941-924-1323.

AROUND THE ISLAND… • WEEKLY FARMER’S MARKET IN THE VILLAGE: Every Sunday from 8am – 1pm in Davidson’s Plaza in the Village. 5124 Ocean Blvd. Produce, Plants & Flowers, Music, Art, Organic Skincare, Italian Olive Oil, and Freshly Prepared Foods. Listen to live music while you shop.

• DECEMBER 9 (MON.) 7:30PM “SERAPHIC FIRE” CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The incomparable voices of 2011 Grammy nominee vocal group “Seraphic Fire” resound in carols, ancient and modern, in this Christmas program with James K. Bass, guest conductor.

Seraphic Fire explores the songs of the angels, including Gregorian chant, Renaissance motets, English carols, and the traditional singing of Silent Night, O Come All Ye Fatithful, and Jesus Christ, the Apple Tree. For over a decade, Seraphic Fire’s Christmas concerts have been a South Florida tradition. Cost: $40 per person. For ticket information, call the St. Boniface office, 941-349-5616.

• DECEMBER 7 (SAT.) 9 AM- 2 PM / THE SAINT NICHOLAS FAIR: Held at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, Siesta Key. Children’s activities will be highlighted by a visit with St. Nicholas.

There will be a food court, cookie walk, fair trade items, poinsettias, artwork, handicrafts, books, jewelry and handbags. Proceeds will benefit a local charity, The real St. Nicholas was born in the third century and dedicated his life to protecting and helping those who were sick or in need— especially children—with incredible generosity and kindness. Over time his legendary giftgiving transformed him into our present-day Santa Claus.

Residents and visitors of all ages are invited to attend the church fair and help support this worthwhile project helping local children.

St. Boniface Church is located at 5615 Midnight Pass Road, just north of the Beach Road intersection on Siesta Key. All buildings at St. Boniface are handicapped accessible. Visitors can park in the church parking lot. Signs will point the way to fair venues in the Community Center, Parish Hall, and Sunday School rooms.

For more information call 941-349-5616, ext. 32.

AND BEYOND… • PALM AVENUE FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK / 6-9PM: Every month local galleries open their doors to the public for the evening, offering a chance to meet with artists and admire their work. See website for location map. httppalmavenue.org/ • TOWLES COURT THIRD FRIDAY ARTWALKS / 5-9PM: Gallery and studio openings on a moonlit evening of fun and beauty- both natural and handcrafted beauty.

Free music, events, refreshments. Meet the artists, shop and dine in authentic “ Old Florida” in downtown Sarasota. 1938 Adams Lane Sarasota, Florida 34236. www.towlescourt.com/ index.htm

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

DECEMBER 2019

Your Monthly Horoscope

new venues and explore the cultural scene with a fellow adventurer. Your ruler, amorous Venus, opens a pop-up in your romance sector for three weeks starting on the 20th, which could be a game-changer. Plan a sexy surprise for your beloved, or get out there and mingle more if you’re single!

• SCORPIO (October 23– November 21): You’ve got energy to burn this month, thanks to your coruler, driven Mars, blasting through your sign. But if you want to be as effective as possible, map out your priorities, including the preliminary steps, and go after your goals in a systematic way. The new moon/ solar eclipse in your communication corner on the 26th gives you the gift of gab and helps you get your message out in a big way, whether for work or a personal cause.

• SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21): Finances are a big theme in December, and not just because of Santa’s list. This month, a total of five planets and the only Capricorn new moon will heat up your money zone, which could cause some reactive belt-tightening or enhance your spendthrift tendencies. And because that new moon is also a rare solar eclipse, it could signal a new income stream! Just watch for emotional spending in the form of retail therapy. That kind of “therapy” never works!

• CAPRICORN (December 22–January 19): You might need to lay low for the first half of the month to get an important deadline out of the door, but once you do, don’t use work or family obligations as an excuse to skip out of events you actually want to attend! You can go a little too far to the “taking care of business” extreme, and all work and no play makes for one resentful Capricorn. Be selective, but you do deserve some holiday fun!

• AQUARIUS (January 20–February 18): You may have to field fueling desires—or obligations—the first part of the month as energizing Mars storms through your house of professional success while social Mercury and the fun-loving Sun heat up your group-activity zone. There is a way to do it all, but you’ll need to single-task your way through each category till it’s done, then shift into the other… sans guilt! It is the holiday season, after all!

• PISCES (February 19–March 20): Good luck with any plans to keep a low profile this month, Pisces! The prestigious Sun is blazing through your most public sector along with chatty Mercury. Since you could run into people you know every time you go out, take a little extra time to get “done up.” Not that your stylish sign doesn’t always look your best, but one of these connections could yield a new work lead—or a love connection!

Suzanne Gerber (www.starsandstoneshealing.com) is a locally based intuitive astrologer, shamanic/energy practitioner and spiritual life coach who does oneon-one private sessions in-person and over the phone (by appointment). Or book her for a private party!

MarinerWord Search MarinerWord Search

Answers on page 41

WORD LIST AMAZON AMAZON AMUR AMUR CONGO CONGO INDUS INDUS LENA LENA MACKENZIE MADEIRA MACKENZIE MEKONG MADEIRA MISSISSIPPI MEKONG MURRAY MISSISSIPPI NIGER MURRAY NILE OB NIGER PARANA NILE PURUS OB SALWEEN PARANA SAO FRANCISCO PURUS SHATT AL-ARAB SALWEEN SYR DARYA TOCANTINS SAO FRANCISCO VOLGA SHATT AL-ARAB YANGTZE SYR DARYA YELLOW TOCANTINS YENISEI VOLGA YUKON YANGTZE Answers on Page 73 YELLOW

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• ARIES (March 21–April 19): Got some Big Ideas for a new professional venture? Don’t let the outmoded “no one starts things in December” negative mindset impede you. No one gets things started like an Aries! With your ruler, intrepid Mars, blasting through your house of intensity and laser-like focus all month, you’ll accomplish anything you set your mind to. Listen to your gut more than the bean counters on the 13th, when a supportive angle to intuitive Neptune gives you the last laugh.

• TAURUS (April 20–May 20): Travel might top your to-do list this month, thanks to a pileup of planets in that chart sector. See what last-minute deals you can find and try to get away before prices spike. Of course, if the Gulf Coast is your big trip, make it your mission to find all the hidden gems this area has to offer. Eat, drink, make merry—and partake of the great cultural offerings, especially during the new moon/solar eclipse on the 26th!

• GEMINI (May 21–June 20): It’s a nice plot twist when your quicksilver sign gets tunnel vision on a personal project—as you might have now—but don’t fall all the way down the rabbit hole. With passionate Mars blazing a trail in your house of work, service and healing, you might be gung-ho about one (or more) of those areas. But come up for air—and come out and play. It is the holiday season, after all! After the 20th, travel might preempt local plans.

• CANCER (June 21-July 22): Because your sensitive sign is ruled by the moon, major lunar events have a powerful effect on you. Through most of December, you have four planets lighting up your partnership zone, making this a stellar time to date more, deepen your connection or get a creative collaboration off the ground. And the new moon/solar eclipse in that same realm on the 26th bodes very well for any or all of those connections!

• LEO (July 23–August 22): You get a double dose of cosmic fabulosity this month (until the 21st) not only because it’s the holiday season, but the radiant Sun—your ruling star—is blazing through your creative, passionate, playful fifth house (aka the “Leo house”)! This is a special time for you, so even if you’re not feeling like the king or queen of the jungle, get out there and fake it till you make it. Or just get out and have some good old-fashioned fun.

• VIRGO (August 23-September 22): With most of the planets camped out in the more internally focused part of your chart, it’s perfectly understandable if you don’t feel like going out as much as usual. But that hardly means you’ll be hibernating by your lonesome!

Vixen Venus is sailing through your romance sector (till the 20th), dialing up those lovin’ vibes. Single? A new moon/solar eclipse in that realm on the 26th is a good day to say yes to someone you’ve been giving “maybes” to.

• LIBRA (September 23–October 22): December gets off to a slow start but should shift into higher gear later in the month. With the luminous Sun illuminating your third house of local action, check out

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ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 47 HOMES FOR SALE PAGE 45 SIESTA KEY MARKET STATS PAGE 40

The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key

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

Following are properties sold on Siesta Key in the last 60 days, providing a snapshot of home values on the Key for both single family homes and condominiums.

LOWEST PRICED SINGLEFAMILY PROPERTY: 5348 SIESTA CT., SOLD FOR: $600,000.

Live just a breath away from one of the world’s most renowned beaches in this four-bedroom+ study home located in Siesta Cove, one of Siesta Key’s premier neighborhoods, it is enveloped by lush tropical landscape.

Highlighting over 5,000 total square feet of indoor & outdoor resort style living, a courtyard design emphasizes ease of entertaining, with a thoughtful layout for family and friends to enjoy both privacy and convenient access to the pool with covered eating areas. A master suite, bedroom

and study on the ground level and two upstairs guest rooms with en-suite baths, provides privacy for family or guests. The heart of the home is the updated open kitchen, with granite, wood and stainless steel appliances, it has lots of surrounding gathering spaces for eating and conversation. Other features include the “new look” of gray and white wood style floors & color palette, three new AC’s, fireplace and elaborate wet bar and much more. The Siesta Key lifestyle affords a world of convenience and opportunity with the beach, dining, shopping, entertainment and boating facilities, all within 2.2 miles. A must see and valued priced! The sale of this property

HIGHEST PRICED SINGLE FAMILY PROPERTY: 3799 FLAMINGO AVE., SOLD FOR: $10,500,000.

Inspired island living. Located on the north end of world-famous Siesta Key, this impressive estate is brilliantly designed to deliver the perfect balance between architecture, design and home décor while taking full advantage of its incredible peninsular setting with over 700 waterfront feet.

Designed for entertaining and a relaxed island lifestyle, this home features multiple entertaining spaces both inside and out that flow seamlessly together through the

use of the expansive walls of glass, a strong cohesive color palette, and the same rich wood and stone floor materials throughout.

Exotic stone, intricate moldings and trim, coffered ceiling designs and textured wall coverings add depth and warmth and further enhance the symmetry from room to room. Complementing the interior, the outdoor space offers some of the best resort style living in all of Florida complete with infinity edge pool and swim-up pool bar, seating area with fire pit which is recessed into the pool, dining pavilion with living wall, spa, outdoor kitchen, and koi

pond. A well-equipped boat dock with lift, a paddleboard launch, a tackle room and a sports storage room will please the waterfront lifestyle enthusiast. New seawall, garage space for 10+ cars, gym, full house generator, Crestron home automation system and reverse osmosis water filtration system are just a few of the technical highlights of this incredible home. Discover and enjoy your island paradise immediately – interior design by MONIOMI from Miami. The sale on this unit came out to $1,290.24 a square foot. Courtesy of Premier Sothebys.

came out to $161.99 a square foot.

Courtesy of Coldwell Banker.

LOWEST PRICED CONDO: 5631 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #1004., SOLD FOR: $274,000.

Located directly across the street from America’s #1 beach, this is a fantastic opportunity to purchase a turnkey furnished, 1 bed/1 bath, second floor condo with gorgeous pool views from your screened lanai and master bedroom! A near fully booked rental calendar for the first five months of 2019 (thanks to the exceptional renovation, pool view, and quality furnishings).

White Sands Village is a remarkably well-maintained community offering on-site rental and management with two-week rentals. The recently renovated

clubhouse, heated swimming pool, and 11 community boat docks are a gem to have for yourself when visiting and especially to keep your rental occupancy high. Small cats and dogs are welcome under 25 lbs., and your maintenance fee includes exterior building maintenance, landscaping, swimming pool, water/sewer, basic cable, building insurance and pest control. Possibly the ‘best buy’ on all of Siesta for the price, condition, view and rentability.

This condo is Florida resort-style living at its finest! The sale came out to $343.79 a square foot.

Courtesy of Michael Saunders.

HIGHEST PRICED CONDO: 6208 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #402, SOLD FOR: $1,250,000.

Very rare 3 bedroom/2 bath in building 5. Renovated extensively.

Siesta Dunes is a gated community with covered paring, directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Amenities include a heated salt water pool and hot tub, beach side and garden BBQ grills, beach deck and pavilion, tennis/pickleball court, club house, beach chairs and lounges, and free Wi-Fi. The sale on this unit came out to $814.86 a square foot.

Courtesy of Michael Saunders.

OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE 1-4 PM: DEC. 8TH & 22ND – 4848 OXFORD DRIVE • DEC. 15TH & 29TH – 1835 GOLDENROD 4848 OXFORD DRIVE SIESTA KEY

Financing Available By:

PH: 941.342.SOLD (7653)

Remodel or Build New Al Nemore

Seth Wes terberg

The possibilities are endless on this 18,000 Sq. Ft. Lot! This waterfront property includes 90 feet of concrete seawall with a dock and is located just off the Grand Canal. Within walking distance of Siesta Village and the Out-of-Door Academy, this property is situated at the end of a secluded cul-de-sac on a designated canopy road. The existing 2,100 Sq. Ft. home features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a desirable open floor plan. Enjoy the island’s natural beauty from the newer travertine pool and lanai while entertaining family and friends.

New Build: $2 Million - Including cost of lot u u u u

5 Bedrooms 3.5 Baths 3 Car Garage 2700 + Sq. Ft.

u u u u

Chef’s Kitchen Elevator Vaulted Ceilings Expansive Master Suite

u u u u

Metal Roof Impact Rated Windows Luxurious Pool Covered Deck

Marty Remillard NMLS# 1783476

No Lender Fees 941-223-9416

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

DECEMBER 2019

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

39

Paradise Awaits...

322 Island Circle

5563 Cape Aqua Drive, Sarasota, FL

Siesta Key, FL

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

Great location only a 3 minute walk to world famous #1 Siesta Beach. 2 BR / 2 BA home in desirable Siesta Isles. Home is partially renovated. 14,050 sf lot. Existing home has split bedroom floorplan, den/office (add a Murphy bed), designer stone flooring, 2 car garage and open floor plan. Large yard with room for a pool. This is a much sought after location just steps to the beach and close to Siesta Village. Property is being sold as is. Bring your ideas.

156 Givens Street Sarasota, FL Welcome to Casa Azul. Spectacular sunsets meet designer decadence in this show shopping 4 BR/5.5 BA modern-luxe masterpiece. 5,040 sq. ft. beauty boasts expansive terraces and floor-to-ceilign walls of glass indulging in the best views. This stunning home is just a short stroll from the famous white sparkling sands of America’s number one beach. You don’t want to let this one get away!

6,300,000

$

825,000

$

585,000

$

IN !

D S L SO DAY 4

621 Treasure Boat Way, Sarasota, FL Siesta Key living at it’s Finest. You will love this 4 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom Home Fully Remodeled in 2017 being sold TURNKEY FURNISHED. Just bring your boat (7 minutes to the ICW) & you are all set to enjoy this Island Paradise. You are also just a short stroll to Siesta Village

1,475,000

$

!

D ol

s

5157 Sandy Shore Ave., Sarasota Florida

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

999,900

$

214 Island Circle, Sarasota Florida

1001 Beach Rd Unit#A-602 Sarasota, FL

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

989,000

665,00

$

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

ddm1@comcast.net

Service.

Integrity.

Results.

40

Siesta Sand

DECEMBER 2019

• 2ND Month Free • Free Move-In Truck • Entire Facility Carpeted • Free Lock & Keys • Big Garage Bay For Loading And Unloading • Climate Controlled 941.315.5222 5260 Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, FL 34231 www.thelockup.com

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

DECEMBER 2019

Blooming This Month:

Porterweed

Porterweed is a plant that blooms off and on all year.

Stachytarpheta is a plant genus in the verbena family. The flowers are rich in nectar and popular with many butterflies, such as the South Asia crimson rose, Malabar banded swallowtail, and grass yellow.

Hummingbirds and bees also visit this plant.

The small blue flowers are an added bonus. This is a pest-free perennial plant that self-sows itself.

If you have room for this plant that can get about 6’ tall & about 4’ wide, this is a plant to add to your Butterfly Garden.

Grow this drought-tolerant plant that does well in poor soil, as well as in full sun or partial

Island Chatter

inerWord Search

Answers to the WORD SEARCHwww.TheMariner.com from page 37

41

Continued from page 19

That action left $400,000 in the fund, which the city created in February 2017 to try to assuage Siesta Key residents and organizations that long have been worried about the potential for harm to Big Pass and Siesta’s shoreline as a result of the design of the USACE project.

shade. Blooming now at Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Blvd of the Arts in our Butterfly garden. SAVE THE DATES: December 6, Holiday High Tea; February 10, Shivoo Garden Party fashion show; March 14, Gardens in Paradise tour.

Submitted Kay Weber, Sarasota Garden Club, Botanical Gardens Chair. www.sarasotagardenclub.org

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

On Nov. 5, County Administrator Lewis did not offer a timeline for completion of the draft agreement for County Commission review. It was not included on the board’s agenda for its regular meeting on Nov. 19. The last set of County Commission meetings before Christmas was planned for Dec. 10 and Dec. 11.

Artwo Local rk by & Cel Artis ts ebriti es presents

Angels for Artists ART AUCTION & ROCK N’ ROLL BENEFIT

— Supporting Visual Artists —

Thursday, January 30, 2020 5:30pm to 10:00pm

rom

est s in orld

Sarasota Municipal Auditorium 801 N Tamiami Trail

Eats - Cocktails - Dancing Host: David Jones

LIVE MUSIC!

Local Fav

Kettle of Fish

Tickets: $100 EVENT SPONSORS:

Jackie & John Cutrone

Haloartsproject.com • 941.328.8052

FEATURED LISTINGS

$1,659,000 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath, new construction home on Siesta Keys Grand Canal.

STUNNING SUNRISES

$650,000

2/2 Penthouse condo at the southernmost of Siesta If you 3 bedend 3 bath withKey.DEEDED seek incomparable views look no BOAT SLIP. Walkingsunrises distance further!

Wake to awe-inspiring to Siesta KeyBay.Beach on Little Sarasota

$405,900

$1,050,000

This modern 1 bed 1 bath bungalow is steps away from private beaches.

2 Bed 2 Bath condo. 1st floor unit- Owners allowed to have pets.

View all siesta key listings: www.keysolutionsrealestate.com or call 941-894-1255

42

Siesta Sand

DECEMBER 2019

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Pocket park/parking space at Oceane still not restored

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

In July, county staff assured SNL that, after the construction of Oceane on Ocean Boulevard was completed, a county pocket park/ parking space next to the luxury condominium complex would have to be made available once more to the public.

The parking spot was popular with residents who liked to fish or just enjoy the view of Big Pass at the western end of Givens Street. A standard county Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department kiosk stood next to the spot, advising people of regulations for the county’s parks.

The construction crew members working for Gilbane Building Co. of Sarasota used the space for staging.

In late September, residents reported to SNL that, as the crew was finishing up its work on Oceane, trees and plantings were installed in the parking space. It appeared afterward to be just one more landscaping element of the project.

On Sept. 26, county Media Relations Officer Brianne Grant confirmed with county Planning and Development Services (PDS) Department staff that the developer would be “restoring the parking spot in the near future,” as provided for in county documents pertaining to the building of Oceane.

Apparently, however, Siesta residents and the developer — Crossgate Partners LLC, based in Suwanee, Ga. — had very different ideas about the meaning of the phrase “in the near future.”

After hearing again from residents that the restoration had yet to appear, SNL once more turned to county staff.

In a Nov. 12 email, Brianne Grant wrote SNL, “PDS confirmed that the work will have to be completed prior to final site certification which should happen in the next 8 to 10 weeks.”

That site certification is essential before residents can occupy the building, as SNL understands

No entrance and No Parking signs across Givens Street by Oceane

county regulations.

A Construction Checklist provided by Planning and Development Services lists a number of items that must be verified by staff as complete, including the landscape architect’s certification of a project and a signoff on the county’s Right of Way Use Permit, before the Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

In the meantime, SNL found during an online spot check in mid-November that two real estate firms — Michael Saunders & Co. and SaraSellsSarasota —

were listing two of the six Oceane condos for sale. One condo was priced at $4,425,000; the other, at $3,999,000.

Additionally, as of midNovember — with the Certificate of Occupancy not having been issued by the county — the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office still lists the Oceane property owner as CG Oceane LLC. The company purchased the land for $4,785,000 in January 2017.

CG Oceane has the same address as Crossgate Partners.

HARBOR TOWERS | UNIT 332 2 BED | 2 BATH | 1257SF • HURRICANE SLIDERS • BRAZILIAN CHERRY FLOORING • BOAT SLIPS AVAILABLE

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

DECEMBER 2019

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

43

Summer Cove on Siesta

By Debbie Flessner

|The community won a top architectural award.

Tucked behind lush foliage off of Midnight Pass Road, Summer Cove on Siesta is one of the best kept secrets on Siesta Key. Built on the three-and-a half-acre bayside site of the longtime Siesta Key favorite Summerhouse Restaurant, the luxury condominium complex includes only 45 three-and fourbedroom residences, each of which has from 2,100 to 3,000 square-feet of living space.

Since the community was first built in 2007, units there have rarely been offered for sale. Only one is currently on the market, and the seller is being represented by Sheri and Bob Ruiz, of Key Solutions Real Estate. Sheri said that besides the small number of total units at Summer Cove, the reason they’re hardly ever for sale is that the community has so much to offer its residents.

“All of the units are on one floor, and they have spacious, open floor plans,” she said. “Plus, every resident has parking under the building, a storage unit and an elevator that opens to only two units. The last sale is here was 18 months ago.”

The particular residence that Key Solutions has for sale, #11, is a turnkey-furnished end unit and has three bedrooms, two and a half baths and 2,166 heated/cooled square-feet. When stepping from the elevator directly into the open living space, there is an abundance of natural light that pours in from three walls of windows. There’s also a gourmet kitchen that includes real wood cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a double oven and nine-foot ceilings.

Sheri said that the original owner of the unit, which is priced at $925,000, put the utmost care into its design.

“She installed all new 24-inch flooring, and it has a great look,” she said. “It’s just so light and bright.”

People who are familiar with the Summerhouse Restaurant that used to reside on the property will be pleased to see that the Carl Abbott/Sarasota School of Architecture designed building where Siesta Key residents used to wine and dine

Unit 11 at Summer Cove has a gourmet kitchen, which includes wood cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a double oven and 9-foot ceilings

is now the site of one of the largest and best equipped fitness rooms on the Island.

The landmark building has been converted into a beautiful clubhouse, with the state-of-the-art fitness center, meeting space, gathering rooms, game room, full kitchen and bar/TV lounge. On the bayside of the property is a resort-style pool and spa, which overlook the Intracoastal Waterway and Sarasota Bay beyond.

There is also a kayak and canoe storage and launch, as well as boat docks, which are available to purchase on a first come-first served basis.

If your tastes run more towards sunning yourself on the beach, the Summer Cove community has its own beach access right across Midnight Pass Road.

Sue Dietrich has owned a Summer Cove condominium for almost eight years. She lives in upstate New York for part of the year, and Siesta Key during the cooler months.

She said that she had looked all over the state of Florida for a place to buy a second home, but until she came to Siesta Key, nothing felt “homey” enough. The Ruizes also sold Sue her Summer Cove unit.

“Bob and Sheri took us to three days of condominiums and when we saw this place, it was immediate,” Sue said. “We didn’t see anything else that compared, that was new construction at the time.”

The Summer Cove community does allow two pets of up to 100 pounds per owner, and the units may be rented by the owners up to three times per year, but the rentals must be for a minimum of one month at a time.

Sue said that she loves the fact that there is gated security at Summer Cove, as well as the option to have a pet and the spectacular Intracoastal and Gulf of Mexico views. But the interaction with her friendly neighbors may just be her favorite part of owning a condominium in that community.

“We have pit parties, New Year’s Eve parties, Super Bowl

Summer Cove’s resort-style amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center

Built in 2007, Summer Cove has 45 spacious units, which rarely go up for sale

Summer Cove’s only unit for sale is three bedrooms, two and a half baths and about 2,166 square feet of heated/air conditioned space

parties, and more, so folks get to know each other,” she said.

“It’s a nice social group of neighbors who look out for each other. With boating together, swimming or exercising in our own gym, we have it all in paradise.”

To learn more about Summer Cove and the unit for sale there, contact Bob and Sheri Ruiz at Key Solutions Real Estate. Call 941-894-1255 or visit www.keysolutionsrealestate.com.

The turnkey furnished end unit at Summer Cove is currently on the market for $925,000

44

Siesta Sand

DECEMBER 2019

941.349.0194

Classifieds / Here’s My Card ACCOMMODATIONS / VACATION RENTALS

www.siestasand.net

MEDICAL

CONTRACTORS

• Best Western Plus Siesta Key – AAA -3 Diamond Property, • Hawk’s Nest Construction Inc. is a certified Class A general Free shuttle service to and from Siesta Key 941-924-4900, 6600 S. contractor licensed in all phases of construction. Owner, Mark Hawkins Sr. personally oversees every aspect of your project from Tamiami Trl., Sarasota. start to finish, using only the best and most reliable licensed artisan and craftsmen. His passion is delighting his clients by turning their • Landings Carriagehouse, $2,500 per month. Call Jim home-improvement dreams into a beautiful reality. Call 941-650941-539-0774.

9499 or visit their website: www.hawksnestconstruction.com • Siesta 4 Rent - Vacation Rentals, from studios to 5 bedrooms.

• Nutter Construction is your local Siesta Key builder. We have a Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500 strong team with over 30 years of combined high end residential experience in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. We BOATING RENTALS / FISHING CHARTERS construction offer custom construction, remodeling services, management and consulting, concierge service, and we are committed to protecting our resources by using construction techniques that are environmentally friendly. Call us at 941-924-1868, visit our at 3534 South Osprey Avenue, or check us out online Capt. Jack Wallace showroom at www.nutterconstruction.com. LEED AP | FL Licensed Building 941.320.8700 Contractor CBC060004 | FL Licensed Real Estate Sales Associate BK322256 | Certified Home Inspector HI4630

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

J Morgan O’Donoghue, MD.

1952 Field Road Sarasota, Florida 34231

941.926.7546

www.dermatologyexperts.com

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

Captain Jacks Yacht Charters

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

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

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

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

Mention This Ad And Receive 10% OFF Your Next Charter

941-400-4193

Captain Matt Sightseeing Charters Boating Instruction paradisekeycharters.com

MOVING & STORAGE

AAA FLAT RATE MOVING AND STORAGE CO. LANDINGS RESIDENT OWNED AND OPERATED

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

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

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

Environmentally Conscious Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service

Free Pick Up & Delivery Service Call

from your home or business

941-275-4647

5145 Ocean Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34242 Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC

www.SheSellsSiestaKeySarasota.com

Denise Driscoll

ExEcutivE Shirt SErvicE • houSEhold itEmS • SamE day SErvicE availablE

REALTOR-Licensed Sales Associate

HOUSE WATCH

Veteran Owned Business

Dolphin Watch • SunSetS • half Day aDventure SailS

REAL ESTATE AGENTS REALTOR®

Having Fun Fishing in The Sun

Tony Fudoli Sr. CAPTAIN tntfreedomfishing@yahoo.com

www.aaamovingsarasota.com

DRY CLEANERS

Sarasota Area 941-400-4193

941-400-2452

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

House Watch Sarasota Licensed and Insured

direct 941-586-6833 email denise.driscoll@exprealty.com web denisedriscoll.exprealty.com Curious about the Value of Your Home?

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

Sailing From Marina Jack, Sarasota

Kathleen D Sailing Catamaran 941-896-6400

www.KathleenD.net

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

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

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

R. BRuce Whittinghill, llc

(941) 955-1864

housewatchsrq.com

Call or e-mail

sarasotabruce1@housewatchsrq.com

for quotes and references

CITIZEN JACK HOME WATCH SERVICES Accredited, Bonded, Insured & Certified

Jim Farley

941.350.3610 info@citizenjackhws.com https://citizenjackhws.com

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

RESTAURANTS

One Small Cinco Queso With Any Entreé Purchase One Small Cinco Queso reServationS accepted Per Table DINE-IN ONLY! Expires 12/01/19

Bite Squad delivery Service

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 11am-9pm Fri. & Sat. 11am-10 pm Closed Sunday

P.O. Box 15340, Sarasota, FL 34277 3218 Clark Road

CLEANING SERVICES

Southwest Mexican Food Sarasota FL 34231 and Bar

eltorobravosarasota.com

941.924.0006

Green Magic Cleaning Service

“Residential and Commercial”

We don’t cut corners, we dust them.

A family owned business with 16 years of experience.

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

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

(941) 780-4248

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

(941) 961-4309

www.SuncoastHomeConcierge.com

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-349-0194

Grillsmith is an approachable polished causal restaurant celebrating classic American comfort dishes paired with modern wines, whiskeys, and handcrafted cocktails.

Grillsmith Sarasota | 6240 Tamiami Trail | 941-259-8383 www.GRILLSMITH.com

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

DECEMBER 2019

RESTAURANTS CONTINUED

TRANSPORTATION CONTINUED

Sarasota to Tampa Airport $ 89 each way

Airport Shuttle Limo/Taxi

NOW OPEN!

SARASOTA

(941) 260-9194

FRESH • FAST • QUALIT Y

Open 6:30 AM - 4:00 PM Monday through Saturday

Use Uber Eats or Bite Squad Curbside by phone 941-260-9194 or online at omeletteandco.com or

Spindrift

New to Landings Shopping Center

8.95

Walk-Ins Welcome

Brian Mouldey

“Licensed & Bonded Yacht Broker” Check out Brian on Facebook @Boat Sarasota

Direct: 941-374-1697 Office: 941-383-7781 Email: spindriftbrian@gmail.com

HOMES FOR SALE

Specializing in Pink & White

(941) 706-0860

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

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

Olde Fashion Barber Shop

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

941-312-6001

Southgate Barber Shop

(Across from the Westfield Siesta Key Mall)

2081 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239

Walk-Ins Welcome

Monday through Friday 9-6 • Saturday 9-2

www.OldStyleBarberShop.com

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

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

TRANSPORTATION

Sarasota’s Premier “Chauffeur”

Airport Rides Starting At Only

30 941.735.4732 $

All Ports In Florida

Stress Free • Smooth and Easy Ask for Eddie

941-928-9200

RIDE THE KEY FREE

15-20 MINUTE RESPONSE TIME (Based upon traffic)

SERVICING

Siesta Key Beach Siesta Village Turtle Beach

DRIVER TIPS ONLY

410 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228

$

for only

Or try our burrito omelette or bagel sandwich omelette!

SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY

ther”

Yacht Sales

Build Your Own Omelette

THE ONLY PLACE FOR EGG-CEPTIONAL OMELETTES

“Hot La

YACHT SALES

4242 South Tamiami Trail

Restaurants and Accommodations Operating 10AM to 2AM Daily

www.JonnysOriginalFreeRide.com

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

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

• AMAZING LOCATION! 3Bd/2BA Florida style ranch home has it all! Don’t hesitate to see this tropical beauty!

Meticulously maintained, Siesta Key Village and Beaches just minutes away. 1728 Billings St. $428K. For your personal viewing please call 941-587-4256. See additional pictures on Zillow!

• INVESTOR’S PARADISE - 3 homes on adjacent lots located in the expanding Pine Shores Neighborhood.

Minutes from the beach, restaurants, and shopping.

Asking 2,300,000. Call 941-224-3944.

• LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! GRAND CANAL HOME ON PALM ISLAND. 476 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL This ultimate family beach house is 2 blocks from Siesta Key Beach and 5 blocks from the Village. 3 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, heated pool, dock with electricity, even a working elevator. This beach oasis is well maintained and waiting for you! $1,250,000 MLS# 4443903 CONTACT DIANE GOODWIN, 941-706-6620, #LoveWhereYouLiveSRQ, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty.

• PALM ISLAND HOME ON THE GRAND CANAL: $825,000. 322 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4199085.

Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master BR and master BA. This house boasts a new boat lift on the Grand Canal. Privacy abounds with a lovely tropical view across the canal. Huge bonus area on lower level. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • CANAL FRONT HOME: $999,900. 5157 Sandy Shore Ave, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4427877. Canal front home on a quiet low traffic dead end “Sandy” street. Split plan 4 bedroom & 3 bath 2,493 square foot home with recently updated kitchen & bath. PGT Wind Guard Hurricane Impact windows and sliders for added storm security. You will love lounging around the large pool on this oversized lot (14,352 SF) and dock with lift on the wide canal with easy access to world class boating & fishing. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • GRAND CANAL HOME: $989,000. 214 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4435268. Wonderful Siesta Key Grand Canal home located on desirable Palm Island. 2,600+ sq. ft., 4 BR, 2.5 BA waterfront oasis. Loft area on 2nd level makes nice office space. Screened pool area. Short walk to world famous Siesta Beach, close to world class dining and night life of Siesta Village. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • GULF AND BAY VIEWS HOME: $6,300,000. 156 Givens Street, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4438489. Spectacular sunsets meet designer decadence in this show stopping 4BR/ 5.5 BA modern-luxe masterpiece designed by world acclaimed architect, Guy Peterson. Each room possesses unparalleled panoramic views of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico by day and breathtaking sunsets and twinkling lights of Lido Key skyline by night. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941376-7442 • HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB - Across the street from Siesta Beach with a private deeded boat dock and water views! Renovated two bedroom, two bath. One car garage with attic storage. Gated community on a deep-water marina.

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

• THE POINTE - Largest floor plan at 1380 square feet in a

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HOMES FOR SALE CONTINUED 2/2 with spacious lanai overlooking the ICW and Bay to the east and the Gulf and Siesta sunsets to the west. Amazing views from every room. Gated with every amenity. MLS# A4438186, $529,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• THE POINTE - Exquisitely renovated 2/2 with incredible 270 degree water views! Beautifully decorated and movein ready. Gated community with every amenity - pool, spa, tennis, pickle ball, fitness, clubhouse, boat docks, kayak racks and launch, picnic area, grills and on-site management. MLS #A4448625 $535,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• GULF & BAY BAYSIDE - Fabulous town home with deeded beach access across the street. 3 BR/2 Bath plus loft with soaring ceilings, abundant windows, one car garage.

Beautifully renovated and furnished. Great vacation or investment property. Gated resort with all amenities. MLS# A4446754, $675,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB - Bright and spacious 3/3 townhome directly across the street from Siesta Beach and yards to the ICW by boat. Deeded slip with 20k pound lift directly outside the unit. Attached garage. Gated community with tennis, pool, clubhouse, etc. MLS# A4447427, $649,900.

Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB - Your Island Paradise Awaits! Across the street from Siesta public beach, this 2 /2 showplace has been beautifully renovated. Tile throughout.

Water views. Deeded dock behind the unit and attached 1 car garage. Gated with pool and tennis. MLS# A4451556, $599,000.

Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• THE POINTE - This spectacular 9th floor unit has been totally and beautifully renovated with coastal colors to complement the water views from every room. The light 2/2 features tile throughout., an all-new kitchen with stunning white granite countertops and so much more. This is a must see. MLS# A4450026 $599,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB - Water views with private deeded boat dock on deep water marina and 10 minute walk to Siesta Beach. This renovated 2/2 unit is tiled throughout. Slip will accommodate a 43’ boat on a 13k lb. lift.

1 car attached garage with attic storage. Gated property. MLS# A4449225, $545,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• SUMMER COVE ON SIESTA KEY - Enjoy the best of Siesta in this beautiful, light and bright 3/2.5 luxury end unit.

Private elevator. Tile flooring throughout; gourmet kitchen with wood cabinets, granite, stainless steel, and double oven, 9 foot ceilings, and 2 huge open lanais. Beautifully turnkey furnished. MLS# A4451557, $925,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-4004186.

• TRULY FABULOUS 2/2 WITH DIRECT GULF VIEWS. This Gulfside, 1st-floor unit is perfectly positioned overlooking the pool and amazing direct gulf front views of world-famous Siesta Key Beach!! Walk right out the patio to the pool/beach - no stairs or elevators!! A very open, spacious, clean and cared for condo with full-sized washer/dryer, expansive lanai, walk-in closets, and extra storage. 6342 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #415, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4444324, $1,050,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255 • ENJOY STUNNING SUNRISES AND SUNSETS from this lovely two bedroom, two bath PENTHOUSE condo at the southernmost end of Siesta Key. If you seek incomparable views look no further - wake to awe-inspiring sunrises over Neville Preserve on Little Sarasota Bay and marvel at the spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. 9393 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #P2, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4406101, $469,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255

• LEAST EXPENSIVE HOME ON SIESTA KEY! $400,000 4BD/3BA. Less than 1 mile from Siesta Beach and adjacent to Glebe Park, this mid-century modern home located on a designated Canopy Road is still occupied by its original owner.

This home boasts “Old Florida Charm,” featuring vaulted ceilings, terrazzo floors throughout, and a combination of jalousie and clerestory windows. With 2100 Sq. Ft. of living space and situated on a 9000 Sq. Ft. lot, the floor plan allows for either a variety of renovation concepts or the ability to build your dream home! KW On The Water, MLS # A4437571, presented by The Westerberg Group, Call Seth: 941-342-SOLD (7653) or Al: 856-278-7522 Continued on page 46

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HOMES FOR SALE CONTINUED • NEWLY CONSTRUCTED, Coastal contemporary on the Grand Canal. Centrally located to Siesta Village and beaches. Natural light abounds this 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms open floor plan with direct walkout access to the open designed saltwater pool and deck. Enjoy sunsets from your pool deck and balconies.

This home is minutes by boat, paddleboard or kayak to the Intercoastal Waterway. 4866 COMMONWEALTH DR, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4437382, $1,659,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255 • YEAR-ROUND SUNSETS! This 10th-floor unit is perfectly positioned to enjoy gorgeous beachfront views! A very spacious, light, bright, clean and cared-for condo with a split floor plan and walk-in closets. The hurricane impact sliding doors (replaced 2018) lead from the living room and bedrooms to the huge screened lanai. Furniture is negotiable. 6300 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #1009, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4425862, $949,900, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941-894-1255

• 1835 GOLDENROD ST, SARASOTA, 34239 - This charming home has been lovingly remodeled in 2015, with no expense spared.

Located in the desirable west-of-the-trail neighborhood of Poinsettia Park 2, you’ll be only 1 mile to Siesta Key and 2 miles to downtown. Fall in love with the gorgeous tropical landscaping and large pool with its new Pebble-Tec Surface, relaxing waterfall, sun-shelf, and Polar Plunge. This “Selby-like retreat” features 2 bedrooms, plus an office (possible third bedroom), 2 full baths, and several amenities. Enjoy the dining trellis, fire pit, putt-putt golf, and outdoor shower, all surrounded by AstroTurf & pavers for easy maintenance. Inside boasts an abundance of natural light with “floor-to-ceiling” windows and French doors, beautiful bamboo wood floors, and designer features in the kitchen and baths. Many more surprises await, a must see home in the heart of Sarasota! Make this tropical oasis your piece of paradise! KW on THE Water, MLS # A4444487, $724,900, presented by The Westerberg Group, Call Seth: 941-342-SOLD (7653).

• WATERFRONT PROPERTY with OVERSIZED LOT! Located just off the Grand Canal, this home features 90 feet of concrete seawall including a dock with electric, lighting, and water. The original block ranch home sits on an oversized 18,000 Sq. Ft. lot, situated on a private cul-de-sac, located on a designated Canopy Road. Boasting 2200 Sq. Ft. of living space, this split floor plan includes 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a 2-car garage. Travertine pool deck and cage were updated in 2017. Just around the corner from Siesta Village and a mile to Siesta Beach provides for the ultimate Siesta Key Experience!

KW On The Water, MLS #A4440889, $1,250,000, presented by The Westerberg Group, Call Seth:941-342-SOLD (7653) or Al: 856-278-7522.

941.349.0194

Off Key

By Robert Frederickson

School Board Looks Back to the Future For Bowden Replacement?

Less than 24 hours after Todd Bowden publicly signaled his intent to step down as superintendent of the Sarasota school district, the name of former superintendent Lori White was floated by some as a possible replacement, perhaps initially on an interim basis, though ‘interim’ can and often does lead to ‘permanent’ in situations like this.

Others, including board chairwoman Jane Goodwin, seem to prefer a fresh face though.

She was quoted in the Herald Tribune recently as saying “we have to look forward, not backwards.”

So do such competing views here signal a continuation of the soap opera like script the school board has been following in recent years? Well, perhaps. Such are the ‘interesting’ times we have been bequeathed.

Bowden’s exit comes in the aftermath of an investigation critical of his handling of a sexual harassment case involving one of his top deputies, Jeff Maultsby, who allegedly harassed his (Maultsby’s) assistant, Cheraina Bonner.

White was widely praised for her work as the district’s top administrator, though she did face some controversy in 2015 related to the bidding process for the district’s newest technical college to be built in North Port. Some critics at the time thought the construction contract for the new tech center was unfairly steered toward a preferred contractor, despite other bidders scoring better on prescribed performance standards included in the bidding process. Those benchmarks were specifically adopted to avoid subjectivity in the selection process and any consequent appearance of favortism in the awarding of district projects. Bowden supported White in her final recommendation for the contractor eventually chosen, Willis Smith Construction. At the time Bowden was the director of the district’s existing Suncoast Technical College in Sarasota.

Subsequently, White supported Bowden’s effort to replace her when she announced her retirement in late 2016, after Willis Smith had been selected to build the North Port facility. That support came despite Bowden’s involvement in another sexual harassment inquiry around that same time, this one centered on allegations made against him by a fellow district employee he supervised, allegations he denied. A report commissioned by White and the district found those allegations to be ‘unfounded and inconclusive.’ He had also faced an harassment complaint from a female teacher when he worked as an assistant principal for the Hillsborough county school district in 2004, according to reporting from Liz Crawford at WTSP news. Fairly or unfairly, the allegations against him were never fully laid to rest in the minds of some of his detractors here in Sarasota.

My earlier quip about the district following a ‘soap opera’ script was perhaps a bit ‘off-key,’ at least with regard to Bowden’s part in the school district’s ongoing passion play. In his case the drama has been almost Shakespearean in scope, propelled by irony and hubris leading to a final act in which he found himself mired in circumstances eerily similar to those he likely thought he had escaped when he reached the pinnacle of his career on the day he was tapped as superintendent in 2017.

But alas, as any good tragedy reveals, we never fully escape the unresolved turmoil of our past, do we? Eventually that turmoil returns, perhaps disguised in different garb, flipping the script from the expected ®

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outcome of pride and victory to one of mourning and defeat if our own reckoning comes too late.

As Cassius observed in Julius Caesar, “The fault dear Brutus, lies not in our stars, but in ourselves.”

Ends Justifying Means?

NBC, CBS and sundry other media outlets large and small reported recently on 11,000 scientists signing a petition in support of a study saying that the earth faces an imminent ‘climate emergency.’

“Humanity is on track to face untold suffering if we continue on our current climate change trajectory,” CBS quotes the report as concluding, adding that the scientists signing the warning represent “153 countries and a wide range of scientific disciplines, from marine biology to biomedical science to astronomy.”

But has anyone actually checked the backgrounds of these ‘revered’ scientists?

It turns out you don’t have to look too hard to find a few dubious signatories, including “Mickey Mouse from The Mickey Mouse School of the Blind’ and Zoology professor Araminty Aardvark from the University of Neasden.’

Daily Telegraph opinion editor James Morrow had this to say about the lemming like suspension of disbelief among many ‘journalists’ when confronted with a story – like this one – that is music to their ears: “It is just hilarious that all of these journalists are so eager to say 11,000 scientists have all said it’s a climate emergency and they just run with it and no one has thought to run a ruler down, say, 20 of them to see what sort of people we are talking about here.”

Thought of the Day:

If guns kill people, do cars drive drunk?

Life’s Simple Pleasures...

The clock radio’s alarm blared the other morning with what might have been one of the “Good News” segments featured on the Jones and Company morning show on WSRZ., though maybe not. I think Meredith Michaels usually handles those and I was hearing the voice of David Jones, Michaels’ colleague. He was telling a story abut taking his phone in to be repaired at a computer/phone repair place along University Parkway.

The guy at the counter asked if he wanted to stick around or come by later in the day to pick it up and Jones asked how long it was likely to take; the tech said it would be about a half hour. Now if the story ended there, that would be a good news story in its own right, given the symbiotic relationship most of us have with our phones these days. The very thought of being without them for more than a nano second sends some folks into near earth orbit. But the actual ‘good news’ part of the story was yet to come.

Jones said he’d wait, so he walked a few storefronts down to a Panera Bread where he bought a cup of coffee or some other beverage before sitting himself down at a table near the window to kill the time. Thereupon, he found himself in a position that used to be common, but is now increasingly rare: in a place with nothing much to do but lift one’s head and look around at the world beyond; and when Jones did he noted all the other midday customers engrossed with their laptops or phones, just as he would have been had he not been temporarily untethered from his own.

Then, with his mind free and his eyes raised, he noticed a mother walking by on the sidewalk on the other side of the shop’s

glass façade. She was holding the hand of her young son, perhaps two or three years of age. And as they passed, Jones described the moment when he and the young boy locked eyes, as is not uncommon with young children still amazed by the newness and wonder of everything they see. As the distance between them narrowed, the young boy flashed a broad, disarming smile, and of course, Jones returned the favor. As the mother and child passed, Jones followed their progress, until suddenly the boy swung around, still smiling, and waved goodbye to his newest friend.

Jones tells the story so much better than I ever could; but in his telling, you got a sense of the special quality that moment held for him, along with a recognition of what would have been missed if he had had his phone with him. And I thought too about what the boy would have missed if his mom had decided to forego a trip to the local Publix that day and instead dialed Instacart on her phone to have her groceries delivered, thus depriving her curious young boy of a simple but important adventure out in the wide, wonderful world, full of so many things to be amazed by... Like a middle-aged guy with some time to kill, just waiting to return a child’s smile.

St. Michael’s Catholic Church 5394 Midnight Pass Rd., Siesta Key 941-349-4174 www.stmichaelssiesta.com 2019 Advent Schedule Advent Penance Service Monday, December 16, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.

CHRISTMAS EVE, Tuesday, Dec. 24th 3:30 p.m: Children’s Christmas Pageant (prior to Mass) 4:00 p.m: Christmas Eve Mass 9:30 p.m: Choir Christmas Concert 10:00 p.m: Christmas Eve Mass with Choir CHRISTMAS DAY, Wednesday, Dec. 25th 8:00 a.m: Christmas Day Mass 10:00 a.m: Christmas Day Mass

St. Boniface Episcopal Church 5615 Midnight Pass Rd., Siesta Key 941-349-5616 www.bonifacechurch.org Advent Special Event “Seraphic Fire” Monday, December 9th at 7:30 p.m. (See details on pg. 36) CHRISTMAS EVE, Tuesday, Dec. 24th 4:00 p.m. - Paper Bag Pageant (for all ages)... each person there participates in some way 7:00 p.m. - Choral and Instrumental Music & Eucharist 10:00 p.m. - Choral and Instrumental Music & Eucharist CHRISTMAS DAY, Wednesday, Dec. 25th 10:00 a.m. - Eucharist with carols

Siesta Key Chapel, Presbyterian 4615 Gleason Ave, Siesta Key 941-349-1166

www.siestakeychapel.org CHRISTMAS EVE, Tuesday, Dec. 24th 5:30 p.m. – Candle Light Service w/Children’s Impromptu Christmas Pageant 8:00 p.m. – Candle Light Service Worship Service CHRISTMAS DAY, Wednesday, Dec. 25th No Services

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Emergency (General)..................................................................... 911 Emergency Animal Clinic.............................................941-929-1818 Fishing & Hunting Licenses.........................................941-362-9888 FPL – Florida Power & Light........................................941-917-0708 FPL – Outage Report................................................. 1-800-468-8243 Marriage License Bureau..............................................941-362-4066 Poison Info Center..................................................... 1-800-282-3171 Sarasota / Bradenton Intl. Airport..............................941-359-2770 Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT)........................941-316-1234 Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce..............................941-349-3800 Sheriff / non-emergency..............................................941- 861-1601 Waste Management.......................................................941-924-1254

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Island Girl

Jessica

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This month’s Island Girl is Jessica. Jessica moved to Sarasota with her family years ago from Baltimore. Jessica is a nurse, but in her spare time she loves going to the beach and fishing.

Here she is out fishing with Captain Klopfer of Adventure Charters 941-371-1390.

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