IV Siesta Sand - Feb 2016 by Brion Palmer

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FEBRUARY 2016 | 941.349.0194 | ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC | www.SiestaSand.net | COMPLIMENTARY

TORNADO HITS SIESTA KEY SEE PAGE 3

CONDO COUNCIL MEETING

Siesta organizations hoping for progress on a plan to create about 300 more Village parking spaces

By Rachel Brown Hackney - SarasotaNewsLeader.com

County Commission Chair Al Maio addresses members of the Siesta Key Condominium Council page

SAND CASTLES

Sandwiched between water at Fisherman’s Cove

page

BARTENDER OF THE MONTH

For more than a year, Siesta Key Village Association (SKVA) Vice President Mark Smith and a committee comprising members of that group and other island organizations have been working to carve out about 300 additional Village parking spaces — a highly prized commodity for residents and visitors alike. After a meeting with county staff in early January, Smith told about 12 SKVA members at their monthly session in January, he hopes to be able to report on progress this month. As with any proposal of this sort, he said, “there’s a cost involved. ”Smith added, “I had a bit of a brainstorming session with Commissioner [Al] Maio,” with the result that the committee will seek money through various programs. (The Key is in District 4, which Maio represents on the County Commission.) “We’re going to have to be creative with the funding,” Smith said during an interview after the meeting. He predicted to the SKVA members that it would take at least two years to implement the plan he has proposed, if his committee can finance it. At one point, Smith continued, county staff members suggested he raise the idea of creating another parking agreement to supersede the one the County Commission approved in March 2009 after months of

UPS Store, 221 Beach Road. The shell lot next to The UPS Store on Beach Road once served as a public parking area, Village business owners say. Photo from Google Maps

discussions among island organizations. “I told them that if I were to bring it up to the group, there would be laughter, and then I would be stoned …”Smith said he believes mismanagement of that 2009 plan has led to current problems.

The background

in advance of its March 18, 2009 vote pointed out that an ad hoc committee, chaired by Smith, “was formed to review and discuss the proposed revisions to the parking standards for restaurants and bars within the Village,” following the release of a draft 2008 county parking study.

A memo provided to the County Commission

Continued on page 33

Federal agency seeking state help to speed up timeline for completing Lido Renourishment Project application By Rachel Brown Hackney - SarasotaNewsLeader.com

Meet Megan from the Daiquiri Deck page

Rachel Brown-Hackney, Editor and Publisher of the Sarasota News Leader (SNL), has entered into a content-sharing agreement with Siesta Sand. Siesta Sand will enhance its coverage of all things Siesta Key by working with the awardwinning on-line publication. Readers of Siesta Sand are invited to turn to SarasotaNewsLeader. com in between monthly issues for weekly coverage of news and events throughout Sarasota County.

Publishers Note: The following article is one of the new shared content articles with The Sarasota News Leader (SNL). A spokeswoman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has told The Sarasota News Leader (SNL) that the federal agency still is working on its response to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s second request for information (RAI2) about the proposal by the City of Sarasota and the USACE to renourish Lido Key Beach.

Lt. Col. Susan J. Jackson (U.S. Army Reserve) wrote SNL in a Jan. 12 email that the USACE sent Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) staff members a draft of its response before the holiday season began “and will wait for their input prior to submitting our final response. This will help us ensure that another [Request for Additional Information] RAI is not required.” In response to a SNL inquiry, Dee Ann Miller, an FDEP spokeswoman, wrote in a Jan.

12 email, “We have received supplemental information provided by the Corps and anticipate our review of that information to be done sometime around the beginning of February.” Under FDEP guidelines, the USACE and the city have up to six months from the time the RAI2 was issued — Oct. 7, 2015 — to provide all the documentation the FDEP is seeking. Among the material the FDEP has requested are a detailed seagrass mitigation plan and

necessary data for water quality control efforts. In the meantime, Sarasota County staff is continuing to reach out to the City of Sarasota and FDEP to obtain comments on the peer review the county commissioned regarding the city and USACE plans to dredge Big Sarasota Pass to renourish Lido Key Beach, County Administrator Tom Harmer told the County Commission during its regular meeting on Jan. 12 in Venice.

LOCAL MAPS & INFORMATION

Continued on page 4

See Page 19

Abel’s Ice Cream Celebrates Berry Season Enjoy the splendid tastes of Berry Season with Abel’s Ice Cream. First up is their old-fashion Strawberry ice cream (creamy with chunks of strawberries and a strawberry swirl), one of our perennial favorites. It makes a wonderful milkshake, strawberry or hot fudge sundae, or a perfect simple cone or cup. For the season, Abel’s will feature Strawberry Cheesecake (the ultimate classic cheesecake ice cream loaded with chunks of creamy cheesecake in a flavorful strawberry ribbon), and Blueberry Cheesecake (rich & creamy cheesecake ice cream swirled with blueberry ribbon). Other delicious tastes of the season include Chocolate Raspberry Truffle (a

supreme chocolate fix, this flavor is “Valentines in a spoon”, a light raspberry flavored rich chocolate ice cream with raspberry ribbon and dark chocolate mini raspberry cups… happiness awaits!) and Vanilla Raspberry Truffle (a heavenly combination… raspberry ice cream with raspberry ribbon and dark chocolate raspberry cups), one of Abel’s top sellers. For those who prefer yogurt, they offer a Vanilla Raspberry Chip (sweet and creamy vanilla hard packed yogurt

filled with rich chocolate chips and a sweet raspberry ribbon), or try their lactose-free Nondairy Raspberry Sorbet (zesty & radical raspberry sorbet). Don’t forget that Abel’s also offers the Stonewall Kitchen brand of jams. Choose from the following four berry choices: Wild Maine Blueberry, Red Raspberry, Black Raspberry and Strawberry. For more information about Stonewall Kitchen and helpful recipes visit www.abelsicecream.com or stop in at 1886 Stickney Point Road, 921-5700.

Siesta Sand

February 2016

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Lido Beach and Benderson Development projects focus of numerous Siesta condo residents’ questions By Rachel Brown Hackney - SarasotaNewsLeader.com The topics ranged from the Lido Beach Renourishment Project to Benderson Development’s plans for the property it owns at the northwest intersection of Stickney Point Road and U.S. 41 as Sarasota County Commission Chair Alan Maio addressed about and Kids 70 members of the Siesta Key Condominium Council on Jan. 19 Stuff at Siesta Key Chapel. First, however, Maio talked about the aftermath of the EF2 tornado that hit the Key at 3:17 a.m. on Jan. 17, with a peak wind speed of about 132 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Deck Deck Boats Boats •• Pontoon Pontoon Boats Boats •• Runabouts Runabouts “It was a well-trained, wellplaced continuous response [on Sunday],” Commissioner Maio said. The tornado touched down on the beach, he explained, and www.CBsOutfitters.com • Since 1959 swept past the Excelsior Beach Open 7 Days 7am-6pm 1249 Stickney Point Rd. Siesta Key to Bay Gulf-side buildings and the adjacent Crystal Sands condominium complex before crossing the street and traveling over the bay, where it hit three streets before dissipating in the immediate area of the Encore Motorcars of Sarasota, located at 6000 S. Tamiami Trail, and Sarasota Memorial Park. Pastry Shop - Confectionery On Baywinds Lane, one woman was in bed on the second floor of her house when the roof began Made From Scratch to cave in over her bed, Maio With Only pointed out. She was able to roll onto the floor, he added. The Best Ingredients The Fire Department has “a big rubber inflatable bag, if you will,” he continued, that a crew maneuvered into the house to use in lifting the roof; then firefighters Linzer Cookies Black Forest Cake were able to rescue her. The woman’s husband reportedly was on the first level of the house, Maio said. Later, Maio said, a team went back to the house to rescue the couple’s dog. Walt Olson, president of the Siesta Key Condominium Council, told the audience that only the On VALENTINE’S DAY Pre-Orders nine units without hurricaneresistant windows in the most and 5% on all other products seriously damaged building on Good Only At German Sweets. Expires 2/29/16 the Gulf side reported shattered glass from the tornado. He added, “The grounds themselves got beat facebook/germansweets up pretty bad,” and that damage info@germansweets.net 4607 S. Tamiami Trail (Beside Honey Baked Ham) is not covered by insurance. www.germansweets.net Proceeding to the updates

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Walt Olson, president of the Siesta Key Condominium Council, offers remarks about the tornado damage. Photo by Rachel Hackney

he had been asked to provide the Condo Council members, Maio first reassured everyone that Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) plans unveiled in early 2014 for a roundabout at the intersection of Beach Road and Midnight Pass Road appear to be firmly on hold. When FDOT held a public meeting in March 2015, which was “extremely well attended,” Maio noted, a clear majority of attendees opposed the project. Afterward, he said, state agency staff members dropped the proposal. “They promised me that they would call me if it gets any life back to it,” Maio added. Regarding improvements to the intersection of Stickney Point Road and Midnight Pass Road, Maio pointed out that FDOT responded quickly in September to complaints about the initial design and reworked the plans to keep the right merge lane from Stickney Point Road onto Midnight Pass Road. “They are going to change the orientation and angle of the pedestrian and bike crossing,” he explained. As for the Benderson property at U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road: Although the county received pre-application materials from the firm 19 months ago, Maio said, no application has been submitted for a rezoning, which, he added, he would expect for the site. More neighborhood workshops will be necessary, he noted, before

any project can proceed on that property. During a question-and-answer period after his remarks, Maio said, “Something nicer than all those vintage ’50s tin cans is going to go there.” He was referring to the Pine Shores Estates mobile home park that previously occupied the parcel. “I always suggest to people to engage Benderson Development,” Maio continued, encouraging concerned residents to call the firm’s corporate office on University Parkway and ask to speak to the manager of the Stickney Point/U.S. 41 project. A third person in the audience protested that if Benderson constructs a hotel on the site, that will mean even more traffic, “and already [vehicles are] backed up to the other side of [U.S.] 41 in high season” as they head to the Key via Stickney Point Road. “They’re going to have to submit a traffic plan,” Maio said of the Benderson Development employees, cautioning that the County Commission would get sued if it denied Benderson the opportunity to put a project on the property.

Worries about the Lido project

Regarding the Lido Beach Renourishment Project, which calls for the dredging of Big Sarasota Pass — an undertaking that never has been done — Maio pointed out that the City of Sarasota is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on the plans to put more sand on significantly eroded Lido Key Beach. After county staff receives responses it has requested from the city and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) on the peer review for which the County Commission paid $49,620, the commission will hold a public discussion of the document, Maio told the audience. “You have my word: [We] will constantly monitor this,” he added of the $19-million project, as FDEP continues its review of the permit application from the city and the USACE. Continued on page 34

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February 2016

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F2 Tornado Races Across Key - Cleanup Efforts Move Apace By Robert Frederickson

The two areas most heavily damaged by the tornado that raced across Siesta Key, Little Sarasota Bay and parts of the Sarasota mainland during the early morning hours of Sunday, January 17th both had names that proved eerily prophetic. On the Key, The Excelsior Beach to Bay Condominiums took the brunt of the storm’s force, with the tornado’s ‘beach-to-bay’ track mirroring the descriptive language in the property’s full name. Then, after moving across the bay, its second landfall came at the western end of Baywinds Lane on the mainland, hitting with a ferocity far beyond the gentler winds the street’s developers likely had in mind years ago when the Pine Shores neighborhood was first conceived and that name was chosen. Days after the storm had passed, a pile of debris along the Gulf dunes left no doubt where the F2 tornado with its 135 mph winds made its debut on the Key: at a point almost directly in line with the boardwalk that leads from the beach to the Excelsior. Just to the south, windows were blown out and railings twisted like pretzels at the neighboring Crystal Sands Condominium. On the Monday morning following the storm workers could be seen boarding up windows while drapes and tattered screens danced with the breezes outside the units still awaiting repair. At the Excelsior the damage was far worse. According to Sarasota County’s initial damage assessment completed just hours after the storm had passed, the westernmost building at 6250 Midnight Pass Road sustained ‘major’ damage, as did building five on the bayside which lost most of its roof. Guests and residents staying in those buildings were evacuated and relocated in the storm’s immediate aftermath. Speculation as to when the

buildings will be ready to be reoccupied varies widely, though most observers agree the gulf side units will be ready long before the harder hit building five. “I think it’s mostly safety issues with the building on the gulf,” said Walt Olsen, an Excelsior resident who also happens to be the outgoing president of the Siesta Key Condo Council. “There were railings that were bent or are missing, broken windows and some a/c units on the roof were bounced around a bit.” “But the damage to building five was much worse,” he added “It (re-occupancy) will depend on whether any structural damage is found,” said Sarasota County Interim Building Official Kathy Croteau in a phone interview last week. She explained that the Excelsior will need to hire a certified engineer to inspect the building for any damage beyond the obvious areas of concern and provide a roadmap for making the necessary repairs. “They’ll submit an engineering analysis based on what they find and detail the steps proposed to repair the building,” she said, adding that the plan will need to conform to current building codes, not those in place when the building was constructed in 1981. Croteau said the county will work with the ownership and their engineers to expedite the permitting process, but the safety of the structure is the primary issue. “Three months might be possible,” she said, adding that it’s hard to say until the engineering analysis is complete. For now, efforts are centered on preventing further damage by installing a temporary roof on building five. A forecast of rain lent an air of urgency to the work in the days following the storm. Sarasota County’s preliminary damage estimate for the storm was

$11.5 million for both the key and the mainland. Viewing that damage up close, it seems remarkable that no lives were lost here. Sadly, that was not the case in Duette, twenty or so miles to the northeast as the crow flies. There, a couple, Stephen and Kelli Wilson, died after their mobile home was struck by either the same tornado touching down again or a new one spawned by the same system. Meantime, back on the key, Tom and Susan Coliton were outside their corner unit of Excelsior’s building one on the Monday afternoon following the storm helping the cleanup crews clear away debris left by the storm. It was a cool crisp day, but the work was still enough for the retired couple to break a sweat. Taking a break at one point Susan turned to her husband and asked, “Can I get you something to drink?” Tom nodded yes, and as Susan headed off to grab some water for the two of them, he recounted the harrowing events of the previous day’s early morning hours with the humility of someone who had experienced something they wished they hadn’t. Asked if he’d heard any alarms warning of the approaching tornado, he replied “No,” adding, “I didn’t need to. I heard the storm.” He explained how he had awakened sometime between 2:30 and 3:00 AM to answer nature’s call. Afterwards, as he was returning to bed, it was a different kind of nature’s call that got his attention: the winds picking up outside and the driving rain pelting their unit’s exterior walls. “My God, the sound was like nothing I’d ever heard,” he said. He roused Susan and the couple headed for the bathroom to ride things out. “We got in the bathtub together,” he said. And held on for

The Excelsior Beach to Bay Condominiums

1604 Baywinds Lane dear life... “You could hear glass breaking...” and yes, “it sounded just like a freight train,” he said. And then it was over. They were all right. But the couple, originally from Chicago, knew they had survived something more than just a bad thunderstorm. They have been coming to Siesta Key for years to leave the brutal Midwestern winters behind, so the irony of bad weather finding them here was not lost on them. But their Midwestern values were not left behind. Here they were, cleaning up, not just their unit - which received

relatively minor damage - but helping their neighbors as well. Susan returned and handed Tom a bottled water. He thanked her, adding with a smile: “That’s not the kind of drink I really need.”

Siesta Sand

February 2016

Lido Renourishment A Jan. 6 memo to the board from Tom Polk, director of the county’s Planning and Development Services office; and Matt Osterhoudt, senior manager in Planning and Development Services, said the responses were expected from the city “and/or FDEP” within about 30 days. After they are received, the memo continues, “staff will prepare another status update report for the Board,” and staff “will be moving forward” with scheduling a presentation to the commissioners. On Jan. 12, Harmer pointed out that the county has had numerous inquiries from the public about such a presentation since the peer review was completed in October. The memo explained, “This is consistent with the Atkins contract that contains a line item for [the firm] to present the final report to the Board.” The county’s $49,620 contract with Atkins, which has a Sarasota office, provides for the team that undertook the peer review to offer comments to the County Commission during a board meeting.

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net Continued from cover story

Correspondence with FDEP

A search of FDEP records on the Lido Renourishment Project found a Nov. 18 email from Paul J. Karch of the USACE to FDEP Environmental Specialist Chiu Cheng, asking whether the federal agency could use turbidity findings compiled during the last nourishment project on Lido Key as part of the RAI2 response. “I would like to use the data from the beach within one tidal cycle,” Karch added, “to determine the variability of the background …” Karch provided a file showing data from the emergency nourishment of Lido Key Beach that the city undertook in 2015 to deal with severe erosion produced by Tropical Storm Debby in 2012. That material was collected between Jan. 17, 2015 and March 16, 2015, according to a document Karch submitted with his email. Cheng responded that that turbidity data could not be used “to establish the natural background variability for the new Lido [Joint Coastal Permitting] application.” Cheng added that the material

for the emergency nourishment project “was dredged from the ebb tidal shoal of New Pass, and the data is not applicable for Big Sarasota Pass,” according to FDEP rules. Cheng continued, “Even if the material had been dredged from Big Sarasota Pass in that construction event, the data would still not likely qualify for use in the determination of the variability because those values are probably not [going to] be representative of natural background levels.” FDEP staff had made almost the same point in the RAI2, referencing the USACE response to RAI1, which FDEP issued on April 15, 2015. The RAI2 pointed out, “Pursuant to [a rule in the Florida Administrative Code], the natural background turbidity levels need to be measured through a normal tidal cycle for the specific sand dredging site.” [The emphasis is in the document.] The RAI2 then offered directions for determining the background variability, including the need to “Sample as frequently as possible for the best representation of natural conditions and note the

time of day for each sample.” The document added, “No averaging or pooling data from different locations/tidal cycles to obtain the ‘optimal’ variation.”

A related note

During the Jan. 5 meeting of the Siesta Key Village Association (SKVA), Peter van Roekens, a Siesta resident who represents the Terrace East condominium association at the merchants’ meetings, reported that Save Our Siesta Sand 2 (SOSS2) — which he serves as a board member — had sent its latest newsletter on the Lido Renourishment Project to city and county staff members. “There are questions that have not been answered or not answered satisfactorily” about the proposal, he said, though he did not offer any details. He did hear from a city staff member who promised to try to get the USACE to provide those answers, he added. SOSS2 is among the Siesta organizations that have been seeking more detailed documentation of the city/USACE proposal to dredge Big Pass.

Publisher’s Note: the Siesta Key Association of Sarasota is the only organization responding with comments to the COE Dredging Permit application throughout the Florida Department of Environmental Protection review process. SKA has been leading efforts to ensure a ‘do no harm’ outcome of the dredging and scope of project currently presented by the Army Corps of Engineers. A note from SKA; Success of 68 years has insured Siesta Key is home, recreation and paradise for many. While many SKA projects support our island, we especially need your voice and talent for the currently proposed Big Pass Dredge Plan. JOIN as we protect our beautiful Siesta Key home, the coastal environment and Big Pass waters for all generations. JOIN and become part of our history and our future. SKA needs members to stay strong, become a member for $30 a household. Siesta Key Association • PO Drawer 35200 • Sarasota, FL 34242 • 941-364-4880 • info@ siestakeyassociation.com

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February 2016

Siesta Key Round-Up

WE DELIVER!

Come in and enjoy Lunch and Dinner with us!

Siesta Key Association has been receiving calls regarding the start date for the Turtle Beach renourishment. The project was to begin in January; however when Catherine Luckner from SKA contacted the county to confirm the date she was informed by County Staff there is no set written start date; only a verbal commitment to begin sometime in February but no later than March 1. The project will last 40-45 days once it’s initiated. The startup is contingent on the necessary equipment relocation from an ongoing northeastern shipping project.

A romantic beachside renewal of wedding vows, offering couples a beautiful backdrop to express their continuing love and commitment to one another will take place on February 14 (Sunday) from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Couples will be able to renew their vows at the non-denominational sunset ceremony then enjoy weddingthemed refreshments. Couples receive a beautiful certificate to commemorate this very special ceremony. The cost is $10 per couple. To register, please call 941-861-7275.

February Craft Fair in the Village

The Siesta Key Village Association has announced the dates for the popular Craft Fair that kicks off the busiest time on the island in Season. The dates are February 27 and 28, 2016. Howard Allen will continue to host the Craft Fair.

Siesta Key Association Announcement

The February 4 (Thursday) meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at St. Boniface Church on Siesta Key. The guest speaker this month is Sara Kane from Sarasota County Sustainability. See the SKA ad on page 16 for more information.

By Bob Stein

Turtle Beach Renourishment update

Siesta Key’s Valentine’s Beach event: Say “I do” Again

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

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Desiree Hanright, Siesta Key Chamber Siesta Key Chamber announcement

On January 5, Desiree Hanright resigned as Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Membership Service Manager stating, “It is the right time for me at this time as I work toward fulfilling my personal and professional goals.” According to the press release, Desiree did a great job at the Siesta Key Chamber and all wish her the best in her future endeavors. Consequently, Ann Frescura, Executive Director of the SK Chamber, is working on the job description for the Membership Service Manager position which will be advertised in the near future.

Puppy Love 2016

Iconic 80’s TV star, Judy Landers and her two daughters, Lindsey and Kristy and Mrs. Shigemi Higgs will host the event that is to benefit Satchel’s Last Resort Animal Shelter & Sanctuary. The event will take place February 6, from 4-6 p.m., at the Village Café located at 5133 Ocean Blvd, in Siesta Key Village. Admission is $45 and will include a buffet, wine and beer, a raffle, silent auction and live entertainment. Dogs are welcome on the patio. Satchel’s Last Resort is a sanctuary dedicated to the care of over 100 last chance animals which are divided into two groups: guests and residents. The

guests are available for adoption. The residents are animals who, for one reason or another, are not considered adoptable and will live the remainder of their lives at the shelter. Satchel’s Last Resort provides lifelong shelter to dogs and cats deemed unadoptable, a nurturing environment, training for all dogs, and offer temporary shelter to adoptable dogs and cats whose owners can no longer care for them. Satchel’s Last Resort believe all dogs and cats are created equal and deserve to live the life of a beloved pet. If you are interested in adopting or being a foster parent, please go to their website: www. satchelslastresort.org The Village Café is donating 100% of the food and time for this charitable event. See the display ad on page 18 for additional information.

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Road work on Siesta Drive

Improvements from Siesta Drive to Dunn Drive will encompass State Road 758/Bee Ridge Road/Osprey Avenue. This project was originally scheduled to begin in early January 2016 and includes significant drainage improvements along State Road 758; replacing pipes and inlets; removing old asphalt and resurfacing the roadway; reconstructing sidewalk, and installing new signalization in some areas. Continued on page 14

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Siesta Sand

February 2016

Financial Focus

January 29 is National Puzzle Day, with puzzle celebrations and events taking place at museums, libraries and other venues across the country. Why this date was chosen – or why National Puzzle Day even exists – is something of a mystery. But as an investor, you can find value in the concept of a puzzle – specifically, in putting together the pieces of your financial puzzle. What are these pieces? Here are the essential ones: • Growth – At different times in your life, you will have various goals – purchasing a first or second home, sending your children to college, enjoying a comfortable retirement, and so on. While these goals are diverse, they all have one

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|Put Your Financial “Puzzle” Together

thing in common: To achieve them, you’ll need some growth potential in your investment portfolio. The nature and the extent of the growthoriented vehicles, such as stocks and stock-based instruments, in your holdings will depend on your specific goals, risk tolerance and time horizon – but growth opportunities you must have. • Income – Income-producing investments, such as bonds and dividend-paying stocks, can help supplement your earned income during your working years and provide you with a valuable income stream when you’re retired. Plus, bonds and other income-producers can help balance a portfolio that might otherwise be too heavy in growth vehicles – which, as you

know, are typically higher in risk. • Taxes – Taxes will always be part of the investment equation. Whenever possible, you’ll want to take advantage of those accounts that let you make tax-deductible contributions and that provide the opportunity for tax-deferred growth, such as a traditional IRA and your 401(k) or other employersponsored retirement plan. You may also find that you can benefit from tax-free investments, such as some types of municipal bonds and a Roth IRA. (Your Roth IRA contributions are not taxdeductible, but your earnings grow tax free, provided you’ve had your account at least five years and you don’t start taking withdrawals until you reach 59½.)

• Protection – You can’t just invest for your future – you also have to protect it. If something were to happen to you, would your family be able to remain in your home? Would your children still be able to go to college? To help ensure continuity and security in your family’s lives, you’ll need to maintain adequate life and disability insurance. Also, you will need to protect your independence in your retirement years, as you no doubt would want to avoid burdening your grown children with any financial burden. To attain this type of freedom, you may have to guard against the potentially catastrophic costs of long-term care, such as an extended nursing home stay. A financial professional

can suggest ways of meeting these expenses. • Legacy – After working hard your whole life, you’d probably like to leave something behind to your children, grandchildren, other family members and possibly even charitable institutions. To create the legacy you desire, you will need to create a comprehensive estate plan. Because such a plan may involve a will, living trust and other complex legal documents, you will need to work with your legal and tax advisors. Try to put these pieces together to help complete your financial “puzzle” – when you do, you may well like the picture that emerges.

Joe St.Onge, ChFC® Financial Advisor Edward Jones Investments 5112 Ocean Blvd. Siesta Key, FL 34242 (941)-346-0560 phone (941)-320-4030 mobile Joe.StOnge@edwardjones.com This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

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February 2016

Siesta Key Association Meeting Notes

the

|Siesta Beach Grand Opening Celebration Brad Gaubatz from Sarasota County was the featured speaker discussing the wrap up of the Siesta Beach project at the January SKA meeting. Gaubatz started out the discussion announcing the Park’s Grand Opening taking place on February 20. “This promises to be a festive occasion. The new park features pre-cast shelters, a new east pavilion, new tennis courts with pickle ball, a new Public Safety Building with a greater than 180 degree view of the park, a building which will also house a first aid clinic. A paver esplanade runs the entire length of the park.” stated Gaubatz. An impressively-efficient County Staff and General Contractor were able to complete 7 of the 8 things on the “wish list”. The only thing on that list that was not yet completed is building a covered shelter at the Maintenance Yard. Gaubatz said they may still be able to build this at a later date. Gau ba t z w en t o n t o sa y , “Amazingly, while deep in the throes of construction, Siesta Key Beach was named # 1 in the nation and 14th in the world! It was impressive that Sarasota County was able to keep the park open and operational during the entire period of construction. The county took a 1950’s era park and brought it up to today’s standards. Furthermore, they pulled off this retrofit without going over budget.” Bond funding for the project is being paid off from the general tax revenue. Some tourist development monies were also included, since the beach serves tourists. Bob Luckner pointed out that some 15 million dollars of the funds are

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Additional highlights from the SKA meeting

County Commissioner Alan Mayo was in attendance at the meeting. Mayo said that he recently had been at the opening of the 2nd new Fire House built in the last 14 months. The county is growing. Two more new Fire Houses will be opened in April. He reminded the audience that a referendum will be held in November of 2016. A proposal for new public safety facilities will be on that ballot. SKA Board member Beverly Arias reported that the Membership Drive is underway. Deet Jonker reminded everyone that the organization saves time and money when members join on-

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Sarasota County Project Manager Brad Gaubatz generated from the penny tax. When asked about Security Cameras, Gaubatz said the decision was made to provide conduits should the county want to add cameras at a later date. Cameras need to be monitored, meaning that the operational costs of running cameras are higher than the actual cost of equipment.

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line instead of by mail. Go to www. SiestaKeyAssociation.com to join, or leave a message at 941.364.4880, and you will receive a callback. The fee is $30. The more members SKA has, the more attention they will get from local government. Each member is entitled to 2 tickets for the March 5 Member Breakfast. Giving an update on the Big Pass Dredging project, Vice President Catherine Luckner reported that on December 5, 2015, a second request was sent to the Army Corps of Engineers to respond to a list of questions. If the Corps does not respond to every single question on that list before April 7, 2016 (6 month deadline), their application will be dismissed. The Corps can of course reapply or ask for an extension. Delay is our friend. Joe Volpe said both Bob and Catherine Luckner have put hundreds of hours on the issue of Big Pass. The room broke into appreciative applause for their extraordinary service. The next SKA monthly meeting is Thursday, 2/4/2016 at 4:30 pm.

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Beach Wedding

By Trebor Britt

Madison & Jared Wet on the outside, Love on the inside A steady rain and a beach puddled with four inches of water did not dampen the spirits of this incredible Northern Kentucky couple as they tied the knot on the Siesta Key shoreline. Madison was all smiles while dragging the train of her spectacular bridal gown through several inches of water and wet sand as she gracefully made her way to stand in front of the intimate group of close family and friends who would witness the joyous occasion. Madison Alyse Galloway and Jared Ducker of Northern Kentucky remembered the interesting way they met about 2 1/2 years ago. Madison was asked to accompany a good friend who was meeting someone for the first time. They were all thinking alike that night as the guy she was meeting, brought a friend of his, ‘Jared’ and they hit it off right away. “He asked me if I wanted to play corn hole outside and by the end of the night asked for my number. His phone froze up right while he was trying to take down my number and he was really embarrassed. I laughed and put his number in my phone.” Little did Madison know at the time, she was actually saving her future marriage. Close, right? They remembered their first date was quite long. It began by going to a nice place for dinner, then to a casino, and they finished the night by enjoying a movie. It was busy but, the time went by fast because they were having so much fun. Love couldn’t have struck quicker for Madison. “I have never believed in love at first sight but as soon as I first saw him I felt something I had never felt before that made me feel like I just had to spend the rest of my life with this person.” Movie lines sealed the deal for Jared. On one of their dates, Madison quoted a line from the movie, Napoleon Dynamite. Jared related, “I then quoted a line back and I’m pretty sure we sat there on a park bench quoting about twenty lines of Napoleon Dynamite.” Madison and Jared didn’t want a big wedding back home. They were looking for someplace different, a place they could just relax and have close family and friends surrounding them. Siesta Key was the perfect fit. After their honeymoon on Siesta Key, this energetic couple will head back to Northern Kentucky where Jared is an Electrician at Eagle Manufacturing and Madison is an Associate Revenue Analyst at Duke Energy. Madison and Jared’s wedding coordinator was Siesta Key Events. 941-456-WEDS, www.siestakeyevents.com

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February 2016

News Up & Down the Trail Still Running Strong

Runners participated in the 13th annual Ringling Bridge Run Saturday, Jan. 16. The Sarasota YMCA hosted the four-mile road race, which began at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and crossed over the John Ringling Bridge. A break from some stormy weather gave hundreds of participants clear and sunny skies on race day. But it’s not the only race in town. The Sarasota Music Half Marathon is coming up Feb. 7. Runners will pass bands 42 times during the 13.1-mile half marathon, according to the marathon’s website. The race begins at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, goes over the Ringling Bridge to St. Armand’s Circle and back, past Marina Jack Marina and then heads into some of Sarasota’s neighborhoods.

Sarasota County opens new fire station

Sarasota County hosted a grand opening celebration for Fire Station 17 on Jan. 7 in the heart of one of the fastest growing areas of the county. The celebration and traditional

By Roger Drouin

“uncoupling of the hose” ceremony honored the completion of Sarasota County’s newest fire station at Nathan Benderson Park. The singlestory fire station, at 5431 Desoto Road, is more than 12,000 square feet and features three truck bays, full time staff and an advance life support ambulance. The building also houses a Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office operations facility, which will be used for special projects, equipment storage and staging for large public events in the area. The sheriff’s operations facility will not be staffed for daily operations and is not open to the public. “Fire Station 17 represents Sarasota County’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a first-class fire department, and allows our firefighters, EMTs and paramedics to better serve this part of the community,” said Rich Collins, Sarasota County Emergency Services Director. This response area handles roughly 2,000 calls per year. With the continued growth of the area, which includes Nathan Benderson Park and the Mall at University

Town Center, calls are expected to increase and this new station has the capacity to support that need. The new station is designed to withstand wind speeds of 150-plus miles per hour. It is also a “green” facility that is poised to achieve a minimum level of certification with the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. Fire Station 17 is located at 5431 Desoto Road, Sarasota.

Investing in South County commercial

Benderson Development Co. is continuing its investment in and redevelopment of the Pelican Plaza, 8130 S. Tamiami Trail, across from Sarasota Square Mall. The development company has bought the last piece of Pelican Plaza, becoming the sole owner of the entire plaza and bringing even more investment to south Sarasota County. The developer purchased the former Denny’s building at 8214 S. Tamiami Trail for $1.2 million last month, and filed plans

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for a Starbuck’s on the other end of the 13-acre property, according to county building records. Benderson officials said the firm has secured a high-end national grocery store for the plaza. Benderson first invested in the largely-empty plaza in 2012, before beginning a major renovation of the property. Larger tenants include Sports Authority, Total Wine, and Petco. This area of South Tamiami Trail has also attracted larger development plans. The co-developer of the RitzCarlton Sarasota is proposing a $200 million collection of upscale condominiums, retail and entertainment space and offices on a 31-acre tract less than three miles north of that plaza called Cassia Cay.

Gov. Scott talks manufacturing

Gov. Rick Scott made a Sarasota stop Jan. 15. The governor continued his tour promoting his $1 billion tax cut plan and spoke to a small audience of community leaders about job and business growth.

Speaking at Marine Concepts, the boat manufacturing warehouse where presidential candidate Marco Rubio addressed a crowd earlier in the month, Scott said that Florida is growing and that his focus in 2016 would be to ensure that job creation continues. The speech was part of his “Million Miles for a Million Jobs” campaign, a ninecity tour meant to tout the roughly 1 million Florida jobs created since Scott took office five years ago and promote a tax-cutting plan the governor says will create more work opportunities. Scott spent time talking about the goals he outlined in his “State of the State” address to the Florida Legislature: to cut taxes for businesses and manufacturers by $1 billion and create a $250 million economic incentive fund to attract new businesses. Rubio’s visit to the area followed visits by Republican candidates Donald Trump and Ben Carson to Sarasota. Rubio has climbed in the polls since earlier this summer, when his campaign called off a previously scheduled fundraiser event in Sarasota. Continued on page 26

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Sheriff’s Report

Dec. 15, 2015- Jan. 15 2016

There were a total of 43 crimes reported on the Key from 12/15/15-1/15/16 bathroom immediately 12/22/15 Grand after the complainant. Theft at 9000 Block The white male, who had Blind Pass Rd left the restaurant by this

The property manager for a condominium complex reported that when he had arrived to work that morning, he noticed that his company’s utility cart (valued at $3988.42) was missing. The manager said he had last seen the cart the night before at around 8:00 p.m. He said the keys to the cart were still located in the office and that there was no way to secure the vehicle since it is an open door style. Deputies had been dispatched to this address the night before in reference to suspicious activity, which involved two white males, trying door handles on parked vehicles. When the males left the area, they were seen leaving in a red color golf cart type vehicle. A couple hours after the cart was reported as stolen, it was located by a deputy, halfway in a ditch, on Colonial Oaks Blvd. At this location, there were several white males, approximately 17 years old, wearing no shirts trying to pull the cart out of the ditch with 4 wheelers. Upon police arrival, all suspects left the area. The vehicle was unable to be fingerprinted due to the muddy water on the vehicle. There was no visible damage to the vehicle.

12/23/15 Grand Theft 3000 Block Roberts Point Rd

A man reported 4 kite-boarding items stolen from his residence. The victim said he had kept the equipment stored on the inside of his garage bay. He stated he had been having cabinets installed at his property that week and that one of the men who had been working at his house has a history of thefts and dealing in stolen property. No contact could be made with that subject. The equipment had a total value of approximately $5370.

12/24/15 Attempted Burglary at 4000 Block Mangrove Place

A deputy responded to a call. The victim advised that a white male wearing black shorts, no shirt shaved head and “scruff” on his face was in their backyard and

time, was unknown to the employees and had paid his bill with cash. The complainant was advised to contact the sheriff’s Office with the firearm serial number as soon as possible.

attempted to open their sliding glass doors. The victim confronted and yelled at the suspect, who ran away at that time. The victim’s husband observed the suspect and informed the deputy of his possible location. The deputy was able to locate the suspect wandering on a nearby street. The suspect, who matched the victim’s description, had no reason to be at this location and stated that he was looking at all the “beauty.” The deputy questioned the suspect about being in the victim’s backyard and trying to open the slider. The defendant stated he was overtaken by the beauty of Siesta Key and didn’t realize what he was doing.

12/27/15 Grand Theft 100 Block Avenida Messina

A man reported that he was dining at a village restaurant with his family when a bathroom emergency arose causing him to enter the bathroom expeditiously. While in the bathroom, the complainant removed his firearm, a Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm from his pocket and rested it on the toilet paper dispenser while he used the facilities. Upon completing his business he returned to his vehicle to change his clothes and realized that he left his firearm in the restroom. He returned to the restroom to find the firearm was no longer on the toilet paper dispenser. The complainant remembered seeing a man enter the restroom just after him and saw this man sitting at the bar. He confronted the man and asked him if he had his firearm and the subject responded “no”. The complainant then contacted the restaurant manager as well as the sheriffs department to advise of the situation. The manager reviewed the security camera footage which showed the white male enter the

12/29/15 Battery Public Beach

A county employee called the sheriff’s department to the beach pavilion when a man there screamed for help. The man, who refused an ambulance, was highly intoxicated and sitting on a bench with abrasions to his knee and elbow. The victim claimed he was walking, but could not say exactly where, when he was approached by a group of white males. He said the males surrounded him and pushed him to the ground, which resulted in the abrasions. The suspects fled the area after the man, who walks with a crutch, threatened to defend himself. The victim said one of the suspects drives a brown or tan truck and is at the beach every night and in the early mornings. The caller had not seen any other subjects in the area and the victim was unable to give any further description of the suspects.

1/1/16 Stolen Vehicle 6900 Block Midnight Pass Rd

A man reported his tan 1998 GMC custom Hummer stolen from his residence. He stated that on the night before he had parked the car outside and brought his keys into his house. The next morning when he went outside, he noticed his car was missing. The car had no windows and no roof and only one set of keys. The vehicle also had “Bummer” engraved on the back. The officer did a search of the surrounding area and was able to locate the car parked in the Turtle Beach parking lot. It did not appear that the vehicle ignition had been tampered with and there was no visible damage to the vehicle. The complainant was told to call the Sheriff’s office if anything is later found to be missing. Continued on page 26

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February 2016

Mike Davies’ Legacy Professional Tennis Re-Defined The Sarasota community and specifically, Landings residents, were blessed to have former pro tennis player and International Hall of Fame member, Mike Davies among them. In one of his many highlights as a Pro tennis player, Davies reached the Wimbledon finals. Pro tennis players as well as VIP’s in the tennis community from all over the globe visited The Landing’s Racquet Club for a memorial service to celebrate the life of Mike Davies who died recently. Although the service was very private there was a standing room crowd which included many who would be considered tennis royalty. Among them were Philip Brook, current Chairman of the All England Club (Wimbledon), Ken Solomon, Chairman & CEO of the Tennis Channel, Universal Television, Dreamworks News Corp, and Scripps, many Pro tennis players including: Stan Smith, winner of the U.S. Open and Wimbledon, Cliff Drysdale, former Pro tennis

player and current ESPN tennis commentator, Butch Buchholz, former Pro tennis player and winner of Wimbledon, the French and Australian Open, Jimmy Arias, former Pro tennis player and winner of the Italian Open and three other grand prix events, Chris Clouser, International Tennis Hall of Fame president, and Anne Worcester, tournament Director of the Connecticut Open that takes place the week before the US Open. She worked with Davies for many years on the tournament. Davies’ impact on professional tennis nationally and internationally will likely last forever. Some of his major contributions include his concept of “Open Tennis”. It was Davies’ idea to combine professional and amateur players for international tournaments, to use yellow tennis balls for improved TV coverage, he established the first “million dollar ad” requirement for a TV contract, the first major open tournament at Wimbledon

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By Trebor Britt

with a “fill the stadium” requirement, establishing a player requirement of 30 seconds between points and 90 seconds for changeovers and requiring chairs for the players. These innovations created the major TV coverage and the worldwide business of tennis as we know it today. During the memorial service, Chairman and CEO of the Tennis Channel, Ken Solomon stated, “The Tennis Channel would not exist had it not been for Mike Davies.” Solomon showed the trailer for a 45 minute documentary featuring the development of professional tennis. It will be released in 2016 and highlights Davies’ prominent role. Mikes Davies’ widow, Mina, related, “I was overjoyed and overwhelmed in a good way by the event. I always knew that

Mike Davies Mike was loved and well thought of by so many of these men and women. Mike and I would talk about it and he said, ‘I don’t want it to be a mournful thing. All I want you to do is have people come out, have some drinks, play some Sinatra music and talk about me.’ And that’s what they did. I think I was the only one that cried during my speech. It was

just joyous and uplifting.” Landings Racquet Club manager, Kevin Lechlitner said, “I thought it was fantastic. Being in the room with tennis royalty. Having multiple ‘Hall of Famers’ and the President of the All England Club, Philip Brook.” A Racquet Club member commented that in 25 years, “It was the most spectacular thing he’d ever seen at the club.” Landings Racquet Club Tennis Pro, Joe Venezia said, “To hear his peers talk about him was very touching. It was amazing how much he had done for the sport that people don’t know about. He was such a behind the scenes guy.” Also present were his children and grandchildren from Hawaii, Paris and Berlin. Source Help: Howard Feltman, and Kevin Lechlitner.

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Senor Siesta Restaurant: Paella or Pastelone? For many Senor Siesta dinner guests, that is the question. Both dishes have become very popular at this small mom and pop Latin restaurant now entering its third season in the Village Plaza on Siesta Key. Each is served, piping hot (450 degrees) in individually portioned dishes straight from the oven. Paella, with its origin in Spain, is a saffron rice-based dish chockfull of proteins and vegetables. Paella gets its name from the shallow flat round pan used to cook it. Bomba rice, short-grained and hearty enough to stand up to the high cooking temperature, absorbs the flavor of the proteins. Senor Siesta’s Paella includes green beans, red diced peppers, sweet peas, chicken, chorizo, shrimp, mussels, bay scallops, and clams. No onions and garlic are used, but the dish is lightly garnished with minced leaks and Spanish capers. Paella typically takes up to 30 minutes to prepare, so most guests enjoy a Tapa (appetizer) or two and a round of Sangria as they wait for their Paella. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Paella for two comes with free Sangria or

a bottle of Spanish wine for $10. (Vegetarian Paella is no longer offered. Instead, Senor Siesta now recommends its vegetarian Chaufa for those seeking a vegetable-laden rice dish. Sautéed in sesame oil and using a Japanese whey-free soy sauce, this dish is also gluten free.) Pastelone, from Puerto Rico, is a lasagnalike dish; however, layers of plantain bananas are used in lieu of pasta, resulting in a glutenfree slightly sweeter lasagna equivalent. At Senor Siesta, each layer of the Pastelone has a unique flavor, alternating between sweet and savory. The Pastelone is served in an oval casserole-like dish surrounded with a tomato picadillo meat sauce and topped with shredded Manchego cheese, basil oil tomatoes and scallions. For the vegetarian, provided you call in advance, a wonderful alternative version consisting of sautéed organic spinach and mushroom

layers, instead of meat sauce, is offered. Served in a bed of mixed vegetables and topped with a garlicky rosemary tomato sauce reduction and shredded Manchego cheese, this Pastelone version has become a hearty favorite among several. Buen Provecho. For reservations: (941) 349-0818 5110 Ocean Blvd (next to Cafe Gabbiano’s) (Advertorial)

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Off Islands Tsunami to Hit Longboat Key?

No, of course not. By definition, a tsunami is a tidal wave caused by an earthquake and in a short time it’s over. Instead, because of climate change, overtime we will have a wave of tides that will make us all quake. But, hey, there is still good news here. According to Longboat Key Public Works Project Manager James Linkogle, Insurance Services Office, Inc., a data gathering and analyzing firm, is suggesting that the town of Longboat Key should be updated from a Class 6 to a Class 5 Community. Naturally this is just a recommendation to the federal government, but the Feds usually listen as they pay for this kind of information. How does altering the classification benefit most LBK residents? A change of this type would permit the discount allowed to property owners with National Flood Insurance policies, to rise from 20% to a maximum of 25% - a 25%increase in the allowable discount. Town Manager Dave Bullock wrote that the improvement in the rating was based on good work by Steve Schield, Senior Planner; Darin Cushing, Building Official; the aforementioned James Linkogle; and members of the advisory committee who worked closely on open space preservation, higher regulatory standards, drainage maintenance, and flood warnings - all categories on which the analytical firm bases its calculations. The discount is the good news. The bad news is that the higher discount will be, over time, applied to even higher rates, and those rates may rise as fast as, or faster than, the tides.

Some Rules Still Apply

Look before you leap, a stitch in time saves nine, many a slip twixt cup and lip, and the 80/20 rule. The 80/20 rule has been around since 1896 when Vilfredo Pareto noted that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population and 20% of the pea pods in his garden contained 80% of the peas. This rule is a generalization but does hold true in many

February 2016

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By Rodger Skidmore situations. Absent any other data, it is often called into play. Recently residents of Longboat Key voted to bury the power and communication lines along Gulf of Mexico Drive – and for all LBK residents to pay for it over 30 years. Being forward thinking, the town commissioners also wondered if it made sense to bury the rest of the lines on the island and save money by doing both jobs at the same time. That issue will come up for a vote in a referendum on March 15th. The details are that those residents whose cables are not yet buried will pay 81.5% of the costs and those with cables already buried will pay 18.5% (perhaps on the theory that, even though no work will be done on their property, they will have a clearer view of the sky – also that their property values will go up because Longboat Key has become even more beautiful). The ratio is not exactly 80/20 but only because those who had previously paid to have their cables put out of sight wanted a slightly better edge. Perhaps the most important rule to be considered is the rule of compound interest. Someone whose cables have to be buried, with a proposed interest rate of 4.5%, will have their total assessment of $8,560 balloon up to $15,820 –almost double - over the 30-year payback period. One reason for the high interest rate (current many fixed mortgage rates are still under 4%) is that LBK has built into the cost a collection fee to cover getting the money from unhappy homeowners. When writing up the language for the March referendum, the town is graciously permitting homeowners to pre-pay the whole amount up front to reduce town costs.

Will Feel-Good Story Get Any Traction?

A local Longboat Key resident, Holly Hennessy, had a wonderful Christmas and her insurance company is having a very good 2016. Ms. Hennessy had lost a diamond bracelet and could not find it anywhere. Of course the reason that she could not find it was

because someone else had. That someone,Virginia Hepburn, had found the bracelet and turned it over to the police. Sounds like a perfect story with a happy ending – short and sweet. Unfortunately that is not exactly how it happened. Hepburn found the diamond thing-a-ma-bob on St. Armands Circle but had reported it to Kim Feagle of the LBK police. Feagle told Hepburn that, being found on St. Armands, it had to be reported to the Sarasota Police. Ms. Hepburn did not get discouraged (and keep the diamonds) and followed through. Because Officer Feagle was the one to whom Hennessy reported the loss, she was able to tell Hennessy to call Sarasota. Hennessy did and got nowhere – “Say what? Nope, sorry. Bye”. Officer Feagle and her supervisor, Tina Adams, then stepped in, traced the original call, connected everyone and facilitated the return of the bracelet, which was celebrated with a lovely lunch. Sounds great, so what’s the problem? The first is that Hennessy called the Sarasota police, who had the diamond bracelet, and got nowhere. The second is that if Officer Feagle had not taken both calls there would have been no connection and the bracelet would still be in the Sarasota Police Department’s Lost and Found Department. This is 2016 and the police have not yet heard of, let alone implemented, large, interconnected, searchable databases? Really? We know that one reason 9/11 took place is that, while the CIA, the FBI and the White House had all the information necessary to preempt those attacks, they were not coordinated. True, one diamond bracelet is small potatoes compared to the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and that green field in Pennsylvania. Guess this just shows the trickle-down theory does not work for coordinated approaches to information either. So, are the FBI and the CIA connected yet? And check back next year to see if Sarasota and Manatee have a large, interconnected, searchable database(hint, hint to the commissioners).

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Siesta Key Round-Up Continued from page 5

Additionally, crews will construct eleven (11) pedestrian refuge islands on Bee Ridge Road between U.S. 41 and Dunn Drive. Pedestrian islands provide a safe space for pedestrians to stop before crossing the remaining portion of the roadway while increasing the visibility of pedestrians to motorists. The $17 million project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2017.

NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOME

Mail Pack Center reminder

Designed to Appeal to Residents And Visitors Alike! Come Visit Us!

Their motto, “BE GOOD TO YOURSELF - TRAVEL LIGHT!” helps simplify your life during travel. On January 8, Mail Pack Center of Siesta Key started their 20th year serving Siesta Key residents and visitors. They offer shipping by all major carriers: UPS, FedEx, USPS, DH, Freight Company’s, and International shipping by sea to many countries in Europe at very low prices. They also provide professional packaging services of fragile and valuable items. Besides shipping and packing, the store provides notary service, computer-time rental, copies, scan & e-mail, laminating, postage stamps and fax service. Located at 6547 Midnight Pass Road, the shop is open on MondayFriday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. -2 p.m. You can call Jack at 941-346-3303, or Fax 941-346-3996, with any questions on items you wish to pack and mail. www.mailpackcenter.com.

Looking for the Village Barber?

For those that have enjoyed the cuts and comradery at The Village Barber over the years, you can still continue to see Scott at his new location. Back in July Scott Reich announced moving out of the Village and off the Key. Reich and his stepfather Pete Sparks had been servicing patrons in the Village for the past 20 years. The Siesta Center was sold and the new ownership of the Ocean Blvd building wasn’t quite meeting up to expectations he and Sparks had of the new landlord. Sparks announced his retirement and Reich announced a move to The Shop SRQ at 6625 Gateway Ave. in Gulf Gate. You can reach Scott Reich at 941-346-0222. His hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tues – Fri, and Sat from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.SiestaKeyBarbershop.com

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(941)343-8555

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Sheila & Mike Lewis Adventurous Entrepreneurs Sheila and Mike Lewis are the owners of Siesta Sports Rentals and Siesta Key Jet Ski, located on Midnight Pass Rd, on the Key. The couple moved to Sarasota in 2004. As teenagers living in Wales in the UK, Sheila and Mike first met outside the school gates. Theirs was one of those rare youthful romances that lasted, for the couple has been together ever since. Sheila and Mike went on to marry, have a son and a daughter, and continue living their lives in Wales. Mike became a factory manager with a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Sheila first worked as a Bank Secretary and later became a local Real Estate Agent. In spite of their demanding professions, the pair shared many active adventures involving travel and cycling, kayaking, scooters and motorbikes. During one of several visits to Florida, they came upon Siesta Sports Rentals. The business had been on the Key since 1995, and was now up for sale. With their background in sports, Sheila and Mike were intrigued by the idea of being in this “fun rental” business. In 2004 they succumbed to the lure of the tropics and purchased Siesta Sports Rentals. They returned to Wales, sold their home and literally all their possessions, and moved to Sarasota in October of that same year. It was a gutsy move: they arrived on Siesta Key accompanied by their daughter— then age 15— and the contents of only four suitcases! (Their grown son had opted to stay in London where he still lives and works as a film maker and editor.) Originally, Siesta Sports Rentals required only two employees. Today the business employs six people full-time and four part-time. Inventory has more than doubled over the past decade, making it the largest “fun rental” business in the area. Siesta Sports has been a Small Business Award Winner, being named as a runner-up by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce. Today, Siesta Sports rents a spectacular assortment of beach stuff: bikes, scooters, scooter cars, kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, and beach wheelchairs. In addition, Mike enjoys leading kayak tours around the Jim Neville Nature Preserve. (For those of you who

February 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

By Diana Colson

employees, and the Lewis’s are happy to report that this new business is doing very well. Sheila and Mike love the life on Siesta Key and have made many friends including customers who come back year after year. Today, the couple likes to take time out to travel. Among their favorite destinations are Costa Rica and the Florida Keys. They also have made several trips to Yellowstone National Park, where Sheila indulges in her favorite hobby: wildlife photography. Besides these adventures, they also try to visit the UK once a year to see family and friends. Their son often comes from London to visit the family in Sarasota. Siesta Sports Rentals is located just steps from Siesta Key Beach. It is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It offers a “Sunset Special”, where customers can receive a halfday rate from 4 pm to 10 am the following day. Among a multitude of bikes, Siesta Sports rents Trek Bikes for the family, including Beach Cruisers, Geared Bikes and Road Bikes, Tandems, Kid Bikes, Child Seats, Kiddie Karts and Trail Bikes. All come with helmets, locks and baskets if needed. Motor Scooters and Scootercars are also offered. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license. Siesta Sports rents single Kayaks and two person Kayaks, where paddlers may sit inside or on top. Rental includes delivery and pick-up to your location or to the Kayak launch area at Turtle Beach. Siesta Sports Rentals also offers a variety of children’s rental equipment, including: Strollers; Car Seats; Child Bike Seats; Kiddie Karts; and Beach Wagons. For grownups, the shop offers: Beach Chairs and Beach Umbrellas; Boogie boards; Snorkeling Equipment; Tennis Rackets; Skim Boards; and Beach Wheelchairs. have never experienced kayaking, Siesta Sports Rentals is located this is an unforgettable adventure!) at 6551 Midnight Pass Road, in the From 2009-2014, Sheila served as middle of SOUTH BRIDGE MALL. a Board Member of the Siesta Key Phone: 941.346.1797, open 9-to-5, 7 Chamber of Commerce. days a week. In February of 2014, Mike and In addition to Jet Skis, Siesta Sheila expanded their operation Key Jet Ski offers Bikes, Kayaks and by purchasing Siesta Key Jet Ski. Paddleboards. It is located at 1250 Located near Siesta Sports Rentals, Stickney Point Rd. (Next to Bank of Siesta Key Jet Ski can be found inside America). Phone: 941.346.3000. CB’s Island Outfitters on Stickney Point Road. It has two full-time

ALPINE STEAKHOUSE Established 1975 Sarasota’s only old-fashioned Butcher Shop, N.Y. Deli and Restaurant under one roof

Meatball Monday

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16 Siesta Sand

February 2016

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

Off Key

By Robert Frederickson

From Clueless in Hollywood to Jobless in Newtown

Sean Penn’s Least Convincing Role

In his latest real-life portrayal, man of action Sean Penn fancies himself some sort of journalistic messiah on a mission to save the profession from itself after a generation of steep decline. So what does he do in the course of his ‘heroic’ exclusive interview with Mexican drug kingpin El Chapo for that bastion of media ethics, Rolling Stone Magazine? Why, he agrees to let the ruthless drug lord read his finished story prior to publication and ‘kill’ the piece if it’s not to his liking. It’s as if Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein would have replaced their editor Ben Bradlee with Richard Nixon during the Watergate years. If they only handed out Oscars for ‘Greatest Demonstration of Hubris by a Deluded Narcissist...’

Handmade Antique Rugs Bought and Sold

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

Mosby oriental rugs

941-925-1025 by appointment

www.antiqueorientalrugs.com

www.siestakeyassociation.com

MONTHLY MEETING Thursday, Feb. 4 • 4:30 PM St. Boniface Church

5615 Midnight Pass Road, Room F

Speaker: Sara Kane Sarasota County Sustainability Outreach Coordinator Topic: Energy Upgrades: How to Save Energy, Water and Money at Home public is always welcome with questions for our guests.

Another Take on Donald Trump?

When Donald Trump’s limousine broke down a few years back, a couple stopped to help him out. A few days later, their mortgage was paid off. No press release announced the act of gratitude. It just happened... quietly. This anecdote, from Jerry Falwell Jr., is offered as a counterpoint to the relentless media portrayal of the Donald as a heartless buffoon...a picture I have on occasion been guilty of furthering in this space and in other musings. I remain undecided about his candidacy... but anecdotes like this - and other similar accounts I have read - lead me to believe there is more to the man than the one dimensional portrait of him so often painted in the press - and even by his own words at times.

Quote of the Day...

Truth is like poetry. Unfortunately, most people hate poetry. -From the film ‘The Big Short.’

When Seconds Count, the Police are Just Minutes Away...

I didn’t attend the recent Sarasota Police Department’s public confab on “How to Survive a Mass Shooting.” So I guess if I’m confronted with that unfortunate circumstance, I’ll have to rely on some ridiculous plan of my own. Here’s one that comes to mind: 1. Take cover. 2. Remove lawfully obtained, concealed firearm from holster 3. Shoot lowlife reprobate trying to kill me and those around me. Unless of course I’m in one of the gun-free ‘safe’ zones embraced by so many of our ‘concerned’ public servants, like Sarasota School Board member Caroline Zucker. In that case – and looking on the bright side – I’ll likely achieve the status prized above all others in our modern, enlightened culture: that of victim.

Singers Needed...

Love to sing? Love baseball? Want to show off your talents before a crowd of up to 7,000? Here’s your chance. The Pittsburgh Pirates will be holding auditions January 30th

for 16 ‘roster’ slots available for individuals interested in performing the national anthem before the team’s 16 home games during this year’s spring training schedule. Oh, and there’s one additional place in the spotlight for someone to sing the Canadian National Anthem, ‘Oh Canada,’ before the team’s March 3rd match-up with Toronto. If you think you’ve got what it takes to sing this notoriously difficult anthem, simply show up on the 30th of January between 10:00 AM and noon at McKechnie Field in Bradenton.

Sorry, Vegans: Eating Meat is How you Got so Darned Smart!

Eating meat and cooking food is how humans got their big brains. So says a recent study certain to rile the ‘grazers’ among us. “Vegetarian, vegan and raw diets can be healthful. But to call these diets “natural” for humans is a bit of a stretch in terms of evolution...” says a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Turns out our brains needed protein to develop early on, and meat was on the menu big time to fuel that development.

from the giant retailer validate the retailer’s strategy back then by showing what happened when that same strategy was abandoned more recently. Last year the company knuckled under to national pressure to increase wages across the board, hiking its minimum wage to $9.00 an hour in April. So what happens? By November the company disclosed a ten percent decline in earnings per share, citing rising labor cost as the biggest reason for the decline. So now instead of adding jobs in places like Newtown, the company will undertake a different kind of ‘Rollback,’ one that cuts jobs instead of prices. The retailer announced recently it will close 154 stores in the U.S. this year, throwing 10,000 Americans out of work. How is the simple logic of this tale lost on the Democratic candidates for president, all three of whom called again in their most recent debate for a $15.00 and hour minimum wage? Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that not one of them has ever had to worry about meeting a payroll.

The Cost of Raising the Minimum Wage

Five or six years back, WalMart wanted to build one of its Super Centers east of North Washington Boulevard near Newtown. But among the many community demands the company was unwilling to agree to be one centered on a minimum starting wage for employees well above what was then the federal standard. Those community leaders also wanted the store to guarantee that a sizeable, specified quota of the needed new hires would be residents of Newtown, even if better qualified candidates from elsewhere applied for the open positions. As mentioned, the company balked and a tremendous opportunity to bring jobs, convenience and economic activity to an area of Sarasota sorely in need of all three was lost. Now recent earning reports

Kylie Robbins (11) of Rotunda , FL near Englewood wearing her normal race dress before the 5K Walk/Run on Siesta Beach. She’s been running since she was four. Story on the next page.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

February 2016

Andrew Monroe Memorial Run A damp and foggy morning did not deter nearly 300 children, youth and adults from participating in the 3rd Annual

Andrew Monroe Memorial Scholarship 5K Walk/Run on Siesta Beach recently. The event was established to honor the life of

Many of Riverview High School’s boys and girls Soccer Team participated

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

By Trebor Britt

Andrew Monroe who was killed along with three other students, in a tragic automobile accident in 2011. He was a Freshman at Florida Gulf Coast University working on an Athletic Training Degree at the time. Proceeds from the run benefit soccer players at Riverview High School in Sarasota where Andrew Andrew’s mom, Stacy Monroe expressing played, as well as other county her thanks and acknowledging sponsors soccer players through the Andrew before the run. New sponsors this year Monroe Scholarship Fund. Senior were PDQ Chicken and Orange Theory male and female soccer players Riverview High School’s JROTC Color Fitness. Stacy announced that there were Guard presents the U.S. Flag at a pre-run have the opportunity to receive nearly 300 participants. ceremony. Andrew was a member. scholarships through an essay process. Andrew’s love for soccer prompted his parents, Sam and State Certified General Contractor Stacey Monroe of Sarasota, to fund scholarships in his name. He also had a heart for the unfortunate so again this year the Monroe’s asked for participants to bring a can of food for the Mayor’s “Feed the Hungry” Program. Awards were presented to the top three runners in many different categories. For more information or to sign 5330 Ashton Ct., Sarasota 1955 S. Trail, Venice up for next years run, go to: www. andrewmonroe.com Since 1969 • www.wilson-window.com

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

18 Siesta Sand

February 2016

What Better Subject for Valentine’s Day than Lips? Lips are the portals that help us take in food, liquids and air. They are also important in communication, both verbal and non-verbal and let’s not forget they’re very important in relationships and for expressing love and affection. Lips need care especially in the heat and sunshine of our area. They tend to dry out and become cracked because they lack oil and sweat glands. They are also a clue to our overall health. d for lip health...avoid or protect against dryness Keep this in mind and the sun. n. ♥ Don’t lick them ♥ Avoid mouth breathing ♥ Stay hydrated ♥ Protect with frequent applications of thin coats of lip balm of at least SPF15. So, be good to yourself in 2014 2016 and remember that anything that doesn’t get better in a week or so needs to be checked out..

Palmer Ranch Dental 8800 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida 34238

941-966-5603

Happy Valentine’s Day!

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

How can Chiropractic care help you? Being married to and working with a Chiropractor affords me the opportunity to observe healing taking place on a daily basis. Although very gratifying, it doesn’t compare to experiencing the healing firsthand. My first encounter with Chiropractic care began five years back when I suffered a major head injury that literally changed my life forever. As a result of the injury my sense of balance was completely off. If I leaned forward I would fall over, sometimes even fainting, and my short term memory was almost nonexistent leaving me to use paper pads to remember conversations. It reached an extreme point about a month after the accident when I began to have a sensation in my skull; something I can only describe as a liquid gurgling each time I would lift my head or move it quickly. The “fluid” inside my head felt like it was mimicking the movements of a lava lamp. I tried to hide my symptoms from friends and family fearing they’d restrict my freedoms, but I knew they could sense my

distress. I realized something had to change when I would find myself in my car completely forgetting why I had left the house, where I was going, or how I got to where I was. About that time was when I met Dr. Jennifer. She took x-rays of my spine showing me the areas that needed to be corrected. She knew I was in rough shape but didn’t realize the extent of my injury. And, in typical male fashion, I didn’t elaborate providing information on a needto-know basis. After only a few adjustments my balance started to return and I was able to bend over without risk of falling. Next was the lava lamp sensation. The adjustments seemed to be releasing the “fluid” and my memory returned. Her adjustments brought tremendous relief and along the way I fell head over heels for her. As of this day I’m healing and functioning at 100%. Fast forward; January 2016 when I suffered another head injury. Definitely not a good way to begin the New Year. I was struck in the head with a 40lb light above my right eye cutting my forehead, missing the eye, continuing down my nose and finally cutting open my left arm. My wife quickly called 911 and within minutes the ambulance and fire truck showed up from the station right here on Siesta. I will leave the two gentlemen nameless but they made both my wife and I feel incredible. Their humor and bedside manner kept us laughing, sides splitting, the whole way to the hospital. The nurses and doctor were wonderful but they missed one thing… no one actually checked my head! No scans, no MRI, and no x-rays. I was stitched and sent on my way. Although I had a history of an extreme head injury, the focus was on stopping the bleeding, and sending me on my way with no real thought of the whole person that was sitting in front of them. This whole experience made me realize how many people may be going through needless suffering and how Chiropractic care could help alleviate that misery. In that spirit I wanted to take

the opportunity to share my story and invite anyone who has been suffering from pain to come to SK Island Wellness for a Chiropractic consultation. This month, we’re offering a free consultation so call us at 941343-8555 to set up an appointment and find out how we can help. We’re located at 5700 Midnight Pass Suite 2, at the intersection of Midnight Pass and Beach Road. Remember, during this time of year when there is so much focus on our loved ones, take the time and steps to preserve what matters most to enjoying long happy lives together… your health. PLEASE NOTE: Unfortunately Medicare is not eligible for any special offers. SK Island Wellness 5700 Midnight Pass, Suite #2, Siesta Key, FL 34242 Phone: 941.343.8555 Email SKIslandWellness@gmail.com Dr. Jenn Kauffman has personally mentored thousands of women and men over the last 10 years as a chiropractor. She has owned three separate and very distinct successful chiropractic clinics. She’s been coaching her patients on how to transform their lives and feels it is her life mission to grow women of the world to have a truly passionate life and live the life of their dreams, whatever that may be for the individual. (Advertorial)

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

February 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

VILLAGE MAP pgs 20 - 21

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 38

GULF GATE SHOPS pg 26-27

CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 22

LOCAL MAPS INSIDE

LIVE MUSIC PAGE 24

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

Siesta Key Drum Circle Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Mehmet and Mustafa from Turkey

Melanie & Lola from Sarasota

Every Sunday is a perfect time to come to the Key to reconnect with Mother Nature and to enjoy some wonderful entertainment. I’m talking about the Siesta Key Drum Circle that takes place each Sunday starting about an hour before sunset and lasting until about 10 p.m. The gathering meets up just south of the main pavilion - just follow your ears and watch for the swelling crowd. Please note the following rules of etiquette that need to be observed at the Drum Circle so that all can enjoy the experience: the inside of the drum circle is for participants only, not for people standing

around. Feel free to enter the circle, take a picture and dance, but always keep moving. Never play someone’s drum without getting clearance from the owner. Always ask before borrowing other people’s property, especially hula hoops. Flash photography and bright video lights are distracting, so photograph during daylight or use a night vision camera. And finally, please do not drink alcohol or smoke inside the circle and respect our beach by placing all trash in the appropriate receptacles. Photo Courtesy Aaron Martin

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

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

20 Siesta Sand

February 2016

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

Island Visitor Snapshots By Trebor Britt

Siesta Key Round-Up

NEW YEARS DAY MERMAID Trinati Benson (13) of East Pioria, Illinois begins the new year as a fluffy white sand mermaid on the spectacular crystal shores of Siesta Beach. She and her family have been visiting here for the past three years.

Among new transportation projects the Sarasota County Commission approved in January for state and federal funding assistance through the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is one that encompasses the construction of Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) bus shelters, plus crosswalk and Americans with Disabilities Act improvements at Siesta Public Beach. On July 26, 2010, the MPO adopted the original version of this project, which called for one new SCAT bus pullout lane and three bus shelters on Beach Road in the vicinity of the public beach. Subsequently, preliminary engineering work determined “bus pullout lanes are not feasible at any location” along the approximately halfmile segment of Beach Road adjacent to the park because of land-use constraints, a March 5, 2014 county staff memo explained.

Therefore, SCAT staff decided to put the focus on shelters and pedestrian access to them, and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) representatives approved the proposal, the County Commission learned in March 2014. Although Beach Road is a county route, FDOT provided the $312,372 in grant funds for the original design work. The plan, as presented in March 2014, would expand the number of shelters from three to five, add way-finding signage and two new crosswalks on Beach Road, upgrade one existing crosswalk and improve the current crosswalks at the beach park to add ramps and other features to enhance access under Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. SCAT was asked to postpone the project until the improvements were completed at Siesta Public Beach, SCAT Senior Planner Sarah Blanchard explained to the County

S I M P LY R AWSOM E ! St Armands Siesta Key Island of Venice St Armands Island of Venice KeyAve 325 John Ringling Blvd 5250 Ocean Blvd 300Siesta West Venice

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300 West Venice Ave Sarasota, FL 34242 Venice, FL 34285 941-349-8697 941-488-0649

5250 Ocean Blvd Venice, FL 34285 Sarasota, FL 34242 941-488-0649 941-349-8697

Map B #42

Find current specials and promotions at DaiquiriDeck.com

Delicious Daiquiris, Seafood and So Much More! Find current specials and promotions at DaiquiriDeck.com

Map C #61

By Rachel Brown Hackney - SarasotaNewsLeader.com

ACCOMMODATIONS Siesta Beach Resort .......................Map-A #38A ART GALLERY / STUDIO Calle Studios ........................................Map-B #32 The Gallery on Siesta Key .................Map-D #11 ATM / BANKS PNC ATM............................................ Map-C #61 Martin Funding .....................................Map-E #1 Sun Trust Bank & ATM ........................Map-E #4 BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Aaron’s Fish Camp ............................ Map-C #57 Blase Café ............................................Map-A #38 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar ...............Map-B #42-43 Gilligan’s ............................................ Map-B #33 Siesta Key Oyster Bar ....................... Map-B #45 The Beach Club ...................................Map-D #22 The Cottage ......................................... Map-C #58 The Hub-Baja Grill .............................Map-D #59 COFFEE SHOPS Lelu’s Coffee Lounge ....................... Map-B #31 The Local Bean.................................. Map-D #62 DRUG & HARDWARE Davidson’s Drugs...............................Map-D #65 Village Hardware ............................... Map-C #26 FASHION & ACCESSORIES Beach Bazaar & Swin Shack .......... Map-C #28 Blvd. Beachwear ................................. Map-B #30 Comfort Shoes-Birki & More.........Map-D #64 Everything But Water ....................... Map-D #12 Foxy Lady Fashions .......................... Map-A #40 Gidget’s Coastal Provisions ............Map-B #44 Island Cotton Company ....................Map-C #29 Island Boutique...................................Map-C #50 Island Style ..........................................Map-C #53 Lotus Boutique .................................. Map-D #66 Siesta Key Mermaids .......................... Map-D #9 Siesta T’s .............................................. Map-B #30 Sun Glass Outlet .................................Map-C #24 GAS STATION Circle K Store ........................................ Map-E #6 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Beach Bazaar ..................................... Map-C #28 Created Gems .....................................Map-C #51 Island Trader.......................................Map-C #51 Sea Pleasures & Treasures ..................Map-C #2 Siesta Key Bead Shack ...................... Map-A #36 Siesta Key’psakes ............................... Map-B #29 Siesta Key Outfitters ........................Map-D #11 Siesta Kids ........................................... Map-B #36 HEALTH & FITNESS Indep. Lifestyle Solutions ............... Map-D #10 Siesta Key Fitness .............................Map-B #73 Studio Rubylake...............................Map-D #10 ICE CREAM/TREATS Big Olaf Creamery..............................Map-C #52 Ciao Gelato ..........................................Map-C #50 Meany’s Mini Donuts ........................ Map-C #24 Siesta Key Sweet Shop ........................ Map-D #9 SubZero Ice Cream Yogurt .............. Map-D #16 Sunni Bunni Frozen Yogurt ..............Map-C #53 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs ................................ Map-D #65 Internet Cafe ........................................ Map-D #9 Lelu Coffee Lounge ..........................Map-B #31 The Local Bean..................................Map-D #62 JEWELRY Created Gems .....................................Map-C #51 Michael & Co. Jewelers ..................... Map-B #29 Mount - N - Repair Jewelers ............ Map-D #62 LIQUOR STORES / FINE WINES Gabbiano’s Wine Club...................... Map-D #70 Gilligan’s ............................................. Map-B #33 Siesta Key Wines .............................. Map-C #61 The Beach Club .................................. Map-D #22 MAILING - SHIPPING UPS store ............................................ Map-A #41 US Post Office .................................... Map-D #65

County plans call for improvements to the SCAT stops on Beach Road near the public beach. News Leader photo

Commission in March 2014. On a Jan. 12, 2016 motion by Commissioner Carolyn Mason, seconded by Commissioner Paul Caragiulo, the board voted unanimously to approve the county’s 2016 Major Improvement Project priorities as well as the county’s top choices for state and federal transportation program funding, for adoption by the MPO board.

This Sarasota county

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

February 2016

Boulevard Buzz Lots of events ahead

y graphic shows the plans for the bus stop improvements near the public beach. Image courtesy Sarasota County

With the start of a new year comes planning for four major events sponsored by the Siesta Key Village Association (SKVA), and that planning is well under way. During the SKVA monthly meeting in January, President Wendall Jacobsen announced that the annual Valentine Stroll will be held on Feb. 14, as usual, with balloons marking participating businesses. It will be followed by the Craft Fair, Feb. 27-28; the Easter Egg Hunt on March 26; and Siesta Fiesta, April 9-10. For the Valentine Stroll, Jacobsen noted, Russell Matthes, co-owner of the Daiquiri Deck, will have the balloons available for people to pick up. Jacobsen asked those present to encourage shop owners to keep their stores open for the event, which will run from 5 to 8 p.m. “You can hand out kisses or hugs or whatever you want to hand out,” he added, prompting some chuckles. The Stroll’s traditional tagline has promised every participant a kiss; however, the show of affection

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

By Rachel Brown Hackney - SarasotaNewsLeader.com

typically comes in the form of a wellknown brand of candy. The Easter Egg hunt is held at Beach Access 5, starting at 9 a.m. and finishing up generally a bit prior to noon, Jacobsen continued, adding that he hopes the Sarasota County Fire Department and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office’s Mounted Patrol will participate as they have in the past by showing off equipment and horses, respectively, to the children and parents who will be present. Sgt. Jason Mruczek, who took over last fall as leader of the Siesta Key substation, said he would check into the availability of the Mounted Patrol. Treasurer Roz Hyman pointed out that the SKVA board members need to start collecting donations for the gift bags distributed to the youngsters and for the prizes that go inside the Easter eggs. “We fill a thousand Easter eggs,” she added. “It’s a busy week …” When someone seemed to question that high a number, Hyman was firm: “That’s what we fill.”

Jacobsen added that he would email SKVA members, seeking more volunteers. Hyman also noted that the number of children participating each year “gets bigger and bigger.” The SKVA had 150 sign up last year, she said; advance registration is required. She already has two youngsters registered so far, she added. Jacobsen explained that the children are allowed to hunt in small groups for the eggs. Turning to Siesta Fiesta, Matthes said, “We’ll get a drawing of where everything’s going to go,” as no street closures are planned this year. All the vendors will be on the sidewalks, as they are for the February Craft Show, he pointed out. “I think it’ll be better. It’ll keep the evening traffic flowing.” Village businesses have felt the effects of fewer customers on past Siesta Fiesta nights, he said, with part of Ocean Boulevard and Beach Road closed to allow vendors to operate in those streets.

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MARKETS/FOOD STORES Circle K Store ........................................ Map-E #6 Morton’s Siesta Market .....................Map-C #25 MASSAGE Hands of Light Massage ................... Map-B #35 Massage Experience Siesta Key.....Map-D #62 Massage Therapy ................................. Map-E #1 Siesta Key Massage Ctr .....................Map-D #9 MEDICAL - DENTAL Sarasota Medical Ctr........................Map-D #63 Siesta Key Physical Therapy............ Map-D #20 Siesta Dental ......................................Map-B #49 MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce .................... Map-D #67 Relics on the Key................................Map-D #9 Roberti Enterprises ........................... Map-A #39 Tarot Card Reading & Gifts ..............Map-C #50 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Edward Jones Investments .............. Map-D #68 Smith Architects ................................. Map-E #74 REAL ESTATE / RENTAL SERVICES Ascendia Real Estate ......................... Map-D #11 Coldwell Banker Realty.................... Map-D #20 Horizon Realty.................................... Map-B #34 Island Homes ......................................Map-C #51 Key Realty ............................................Map-E #5 Michael Saunders Realty .................Map-E #72 Re/Max Alliance Group .................. Map-D #60 ReMax Tropical Sands ....................Map-D #67 Robasota Rentals & Real Estate .... Map-A #39 Siesta Key Realty................................Map-D #9 Waterfront 7 Realty ............................Map-C #56 Waterside Realty ................................Map-C #29 RESTAURANTS / CAFES 314 II, Craft Beer board Room .......... Map-A #37 Aaron’s Fish Camp ............................Map-C #57 Another Broken Egg .................Map-C #54 & 55 Blase Café ........................................... Map-A #38 Boardwalk Eats & Sweets ...............Map-D #16 Bonjour French Cafe ..........................Map-C #47 Café Gabbiano ..................................Map-D #71 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar .............. Map-B #42-43 Eat Here Restaurant ....................Map-D #17-18 Flavio’s Brick Oven & Bar ................. Map-B #29 Flavio’s Italiano Ristorante ............... Map-B #30 Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill ..........Map-B #33 Jo To’s Japanese Restaurant ..............Map-C #47 LeLu’s Coffee Bar ..............................Map-B #31 Lobster Pot ......................................... Map-C #23 Napoli’s Italian Restaurant ...............Map-C #53 Old Salty Dog Rest. & Pub .................. Map-E #2 Señor Siesta ........................................ Map-D #69 Siesta Key Deli ................................... Map-A #37 Siesta Key Oyster Bar .......................Map-B #45 Solorzano Bros. Pizzeria .................Map-D #15 Subway Sandwiches .......................... Map-B #30 Sun Garden Café ............................... Map-D #19 The Cottage .........................................Map-C #58 The Hub - Baja Grill .......................... Map-D #59 The Panini Place ............................... Map-C #53 Village Café .......................................Map-D #14 SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY LaPlaya Spa .........................................Map-C #50 Salon Capelli ........................................ Map-D #9 Sassy Hair Salon............................... Map-A #40 Siesta Key Nails & Spa .....................Map-D #9 SPORTS INTEREST/RENTALS CaliFlorida........................................... Map-B #32 Robin Hood Rentals ........................Map-D #34 Siesta Village Outfitters .....................Map-C #53

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February 2016

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

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX

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

MAILING & SHIPPING Mail Pack Center ................................... C-3 #14 US Post Office Sub Station .................... C-3 #14 MARKETS 7-11 Store ................................................. C-3 #16 Big Water Fish Market ......................... C-3 #17 Crescent Beach Grocery ..........................B-3 #1 MISCELLANEOUS Moving & Storage ...................................B-3 #10 Flowers by Fudgie.................................. D-3 #17 REAL ESTATE / RENTALS Homes & Condo Rentals ....................... D-3 #17 Morgan Properties ...................................B-3 #8 Moynihan Realty................................... D-3 #17 Re/Max Tropical Sands ...........................B-3 #1 Siesta 4-Rent ........................................... C-3 #14 RESTAURANTS / CAFES A Taste of Germany ............................... C-3#14

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

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

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CB’s Saltwater Outfitters 1249 Stickney Point Rd.

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Notes from the Island Fishmonger

Water World Captain Jim Klopfer’s Fishing Report Adventure Charters 941-371-1390 February is the last month of winter here in Sarasota. There will be days when it feels like spring is in the air. But, weather patterns will still be unstable, and fishing will follow suit. Being flexible and understanding how weather affects fish behavior will be the key to angling success this month. On many mornings the tide will be very low, especially with a hard northeast wind following a cold front. Under these conditions, fishing the afternoon high tide is often a better choice. Also avoid the areas near the passes after a blow, the cold and dirty water is not conducive to success. One species that anglers can count on most every trip in February is sheepshead. They bite better in cold, dirty water than most other species do. Also, redfish, black drum, and flounder will be caught on the same structure and using the same techniques that are effective for sheepies. Basically, any structure will attract sheepshead. From the rocks at the west end to the Siesta Drive Bridge on the east side, the north end of Siesta Key is a great area to fish. Deep water, docks, rocks, seawalls, and rip-rap will attract and hold fish. All of the bridges and docks in both Big Pass and New Pass may hold fish, as well as the docks and oyster bars south to Albee Rd. The preferred rig is a #1 live bait hook with a 24” piece of 20 lb leader and just enough weight to hold bottom. Live and frozen shrimp, fiddler crabs, sand fleas, and oyster worms are the top baits. Shrimp are the easiest bait to obtain and work great. Sheepshead bite very lightly. Usually, it starts with several light “taps”. It is important not to move the bait at all, the fish will sense that something is wrong. Instead, wait for a steady pull, then reel fast and raise the rod tip sharply.

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

February 2016

Anglers fishing from Siesta Key beaches should do well when the surf is clear. Whiting will be abundant and silver trout, flounder, pompano, sheepshead, ladyfish and other species will hit live or frozen shrimp fished near the bottom. The deeper grass flats all throughout the area will be productive for speckled trout this month. Incoming tides a couple hours before high tide are usually the best times to fish. Again, avoid the areas around the passes when dirty water is present. The area further south, from CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at Stickney Pt. to Marker #19 in Nokomis, stays protected, resulting in reliable February fishing. Cotee jigs, Rapala suspending plugs, gold spoons, and live shrimp under a popping cork are all effective baits. Pompano, jack crevelle, ladyfish, and bluefish all feed over the deep grass. Snook will be found in creeks and residential canals, along with redfish, drum, flounder, sheepshead, and jacks. Rapala X-Raps, scented soft plastics, and live shrimp will all produce fish near structure in creeks and canals. A slow presentation will be more productive in the cooler water.

By Scott Dolan, Big Water Fish Market, 6641 Midnight Pass, Siesta Key, 941-554-8101 Here’s a riddle for you... What is large, overweight, bald, docile, non-violent, benign, and a vegetarian but you can’t eat it? No, it’s not your husband, it’s not an elephant and it’s not Buddha (although I often call this creature the “Buddha of the Sea”)......it’s a Manatee! This time of year I often get asked “Where do I take my family or kids to see a manatee?” Although the manatee population in the Sarasota area is abundant, unless you’re kayaking or boating on a daily basis, you might not get to see one this time of year as they migrate to warmer waters. Manatees roam our waters in the warmer months but times like now (from January through March) you’ll need to take a day trip to see them. Following are five places in Florida, only a day trip away, where you can take your family to witness this beautiful creature for yourself. 1. Lee County Manatee Park is in Ft. Myers. It’s a great place to see dolphins, manatee and hang out on Ft. Myers beach for a day. www.leegov.com/parks 2. Three Sister Springs in Crystal River. If you haven’t been here, you’re missing out! It’s a winter destination. Last time I went I counted over 100 manatees. You have to rent a kayak or take a boat tour. www. threesistersspringsvisitor.org 3. Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center located at Apollo Beach in Tampa. This is a place manatees meet in large numbers this time of year in the

waters of the big bend power station. Viewing platforms and tidal walkways are best for manatee viewing in a 50 acre environmentally friendly facility and it’s only an hour’s drive from here. www.tampaelectric.com/ company/mvc 4. Blue Spring State Park located west of Orange City is one of the best viewing spots in Florida with many boardwalks and viewing platforms. No boat or rentals needed but be sure to bring a camera. www.floridastateparks. org/park/Blue-Spring 5. Mote Marine Laboratory located right here in Sarasota. They’re not in the wild but visiting the aquarium is well worth the visit and a great way to support a non-profit organization that protects our Gulf Coast wildlife. www.mote.org In Sarasota county boating is a popular way to spend the day so I thought it would be appropriate this month to include some manatee facts and to bring awareness to this beautiful endangered creature. Very often boaters who are renting vessels are unaware of the danger they pose to the manatee. The manatee population is highly endangered so please respect the “Buddha of the Sea” and if you see one please keep your distance as they are gentle and slow moving and they come to the surface to breathe every four minutes. Getting too close could cause a bad injury if they are hit by the boat’s motor. They spend all their time eating, resting and traveling. They

Happy Clients

are often shy, reclusive and they have no system of defense and are completely harmless (reminds me of myself!). I usually attach a recipe to go along with the article but there is no recipe available for manatee as you don’t eat them. The fines for harming or hurting a manatee are quite severe. Violators of state and federal laws are subject to fines of $20,000 and a prison sentence of one year for harming manatees. But a delicious fish that is plentiful and popular here in Florida that is available pretty much daily during the month of February at Big Water Fish Market is the Hogfish. It gets its name because its snout resembles a hog. It can be found along the coast of Florida and are mostly caught spearfishing. It is the most mild and delicate Florida fish available. The flavor of the fish pairs well with other ingredients such as tomatoes, lemon, and basil. Here’s a very simple and easy baked Hogfish recipe: - Preheat the oven to 400F. - Coat the bottom of a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. - Season the Hogfish with salt and pepper. - Place the fish in the baking dish and top it with seasoned diced tomatoes, 2 or 3 slices of onion or lemon (or you can even top it with some salsa). - Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes or until the fish flakes with a fork. Enjoy and live well…eat fish! Scott

TNT Freedom Fishing Charters 941-400-2452

|Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans

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.

FEBRUARY 2016 TIDE CHART Florida, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Sarasota Bay

February 2016

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33'

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Date

Day

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

Phase

7:04a

High Tide 0.8

5:55p

High Tide 1.6

1:25a

Low Tide 0.1

11:55a

Low Tide 0.6

7:17a

6:11p

1:00a

12:26p

3rd

9:13a

0.8

6:49p

1.6

2:41a

0.0

12:44p

0.7

7:17a

6:12p

1:52a

1:07p

10:43a

0.9

7:46p

1.6

3:46a

-0.2

1:50p

0.8

7:16a

6:12p

2:45a

1:52p

11:34a

1.0

8:42p

1.7

4:40a

-0.4

3:01p

0.9

7:16a

6:13p

3:38a

2:41p

12:07p

1.0

9:34p

1.8

5:25a

-0.5

4:02p

0.8

7:15a

6:14p

4:31a

3:34p

12:32p

1.1

10:24p

1.9

6:06a

-0.6

4:55p

0.8

7:15a

6:15p

5:24a

4:32p

12:54p

1.1

11:12p

2.0

6:44a

-0.6

5:44p

0.7

7:14a

6:16p

6:15a

5:33p

1:16p

1.2

7:20a

-0.6

6:32p

0.6

7:13a

6:16p

7:03a

6:37p

12:00a

2.0

1:39p

1.2

7:55a

-0.6

7:21p

0.4

7:13a

6:17p

7:50a

7:41p

12:49a

1.9

2:04p

1.3

8:31a

-0.4

8:13p

0.3

7:12a

6:18p

8:34a

8:45p

1:41a

1.7

2:33p

1.4

9:05a

-0.2

9:11p

0.2

7:11a

6:19p

9:18a

9:49p

2:37a

1.6

3:07p

1.5

9:40a

0.0

10:16p

0.1

7:10a

6:19p

10:01a

10:53p

3:42a

1.3

3:46p

1.6

10:14a

0.3

11:33p

0.0

7:10a

6:20p

10:45a

11:56p

5:07a

1.0

4:32p

1.6

10:48a

0.6

7:09a

6:21p

11:31a

7:14a

0.8

5:28p

1.7

1:00a

-0.1

7:08a

6:21p

12:19p

12:58a

6:37p

1.7

2:29a

-0.2

7:07a

6:22p

1:09p

1:58a

7:52p

1.7

3:45a

-0.4

7:07a

6:23p

2:01p

2:56a

11:41a

1.1

9:01p

1.8

4:44a

-0.5

3:19p

0.9

7:06a

6:24p

2:56p

3:50a

12:08p

1.1

10:00p

1.8

5:32a

-0.5

4:30p

0.8

7:05a

6:24p

3:51p

4:40a

12:29p

1.2

10:49p

1.8

6:11a

-0.5

5:24p

0.7

7:04a

6:25p

4:47p

5:27a

12:47p

1.2

11:31p

1.7

6:43a

-0.4

6:08p

0.6

7:03a

6:26p

5:41p

6:10a

1:01p

1.3

7:11a

-0.3

6:48p

0.5

7:02a

6:26p

6:35p

6:50a

12:09a

1.7

1:15p

1.4

7:37a

-0.2

7:25p

0.4

7:01a

6:27p

7:27p

7:27a

12:46a

1.6

1:31p

1.4

8:01a

-0.1

8:03p

0.3

7:00a

6:28p

8:19p

8:02a

1:23a

1.6

1:50p

1.5

8:24a

0.1

8:43p

0.2

6:59a

6:28p

9:10p

8:37a

2:02a

1.4

2:13p

1.6

8:49a

0.2

9:27p

0.1

6:58a

6:29p

10:01p

9:11a

2:46a

1.3

2:42p

1.6

9:14a

0.4

10:18p

0.1

6:57a

6:29p

10:52p

9:46a

3:39a

1.1

3:15p

1.6

9:41a

0.5

11:18p

0.1

6:56a

6:30p

11:43p

10:23a

4:47a

1.0

3:55p

1.7

10:08a

0.6

6:55a

6:31p

11:24a

0.7

11:02a

New

1st

Full

24 Siesta Sand

February 2016

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

Who’s P laying Tonight One evening, early in 2008, I was headed to a local bar to host karaoke for the last time, because the venue was discontinuing that promotion. As I drove, I pondered what could be done to create a little job security and came up with “branding”. With at least a dozen local karaoke hosts, all with the same song list, standing out would require identifying and creating unique aspects of the experience I provided and advertising them through networking and whatever conventional advertising I could afford. The very next thought that came to mind was the realization that I didn’t really like the idea of hosting karaoke indefinitely. It was decent money, but if I was going to build a business around something, I should do what I’d always wanted to do…so I decided right then to become an independent recording artist. I figured the best way to go about it was to find out what the Billboard chart-topping artists were doing and emulate it to the extent my resources would allow. So, I spent the next few months searching the web with any combination of keywords that would answer one question…

of making a hobby out of researching, until I finally got the answer off an ask-the-expert website from a genuine high-level industry professional. A record producer who came up the ranks as an A & R man, sent me a 600 word reply with the subject line, “I’ve answered your question completely”. I’ll never forget it. Per the website’s protocol, I had to pay $25 to view the information, which proved the subject line so accurate that I’m still getting dividends from that investment, because it shaped my whole business plan. I’m sure you often hear and read the woes of those in the music industry lamenting how dramatically the music business has changed, but I’d like to share my take on why I don’t find it so bad at all. First of all, the answer to my initial question is now readily available. I searched the “We” question on Google today and hit on a myriad of different websites, none of which were around in 2008, whose sole purpose is to guide, support, instruct and promote musicians developing their own careers. The advances aren’t just taking place on websites either. The digital sound and recording equipment available today is absolutely incredible. …but lets not leave out YouTube…free on-demand music from anyone…anywhere. Today’s independent artist literally has global access from a desktop. It takes me just 2 hours to record, mix, edit, upload and post a video that can be viewed worldwide. Of course, with all this readily available content, it gets crowded, to say the least and that’s what the major labels and a lot of

Who is “WE”?

Have you ever noticed that most solo artists receiving a televised music industry award deliver speeches celebrating how happy “We” are? They are of course, referring to their team. I figured that if I were going to try to do what they do, I’d need to find out their team members’ job titles and, more importantly, what each member did. I t t o o k l i t e r a l l y mo n t h s

CLUB AARON'S FISH CAMP In the Village 941‐346‐0738

their established artists seem to find irritating, but I’m not crying for them. They still have the resources to hire the most polished talent, produce the best quality recordings, shoot cinema caliber videos, place music in major motion pictures, television and commercials, get major airplay on radio and satellite, dominate social media and fund giant tours. Having begun this at what seems to have been the bottom of the economic crash and the beginning of this new era of total access for every musician, the only regret I have is not believing everyone who told me Facebook and Twitter were going to be significant…understatement. Anything else I’d change now is just chocked up to the learning curve, but the most beautiful thing about the music business is what hasn’t changed…

The connection.

The value of every artist and the music they create, is now and has always been subjective, down to the individual level and success is largely dependent only upon how true we can remain to our passions and the level we commit to our music and performances. So long as we continue to create that inspires us for people who enjoy hearing it, there will be a place to play. So, what I’m really saying is that what hasn’t changed about the music business is you… and judging from the couple dozen interviews I’ve had the privilege of conducting, we are all grateful to you for coming to the venues, listening to the music and showing your appreciation when we connect. By the way, even though

Mike Sales

Photo by Chi Photography.

nearly all of us have music you can download, we especially appreciate cd sales at the venue because it’s an instant reward. It has double value too, because it not only reimburses us for the work on the album you’re buying, but also funds the next project. I appreciate you reading this column. It’s fascinating to observe how everyone playing the same music business game has his or her own way of doing it and making it work. I hope you’ll check upcoming articles featuring a different local Siesta Key musician each month. In closing, please indulge me a request… Peruse the music schedule

below, pick out a name that peaks your curiosity and find them on YouTube. Watch a few videos, pick a favorite or two, go out and see them live and possibly even buy a cd. Who knows, maybe you’ll even keep tabs on them from wherever you call home and catch their latest videos. I hope you all enjoy the island…you’re in paradise. And Paradise has a Soundtrack! Mike Sales is a local singer/songwriter. For more info visit mikesalessings.com

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE MONDAY

5:30 ‐9:30pm‐Marcel

BLASE CAFÉ

In the Village 941‐349‐9822

DAIQUIRI DECK RAW BAR In the Village 941‐349‐8697 GILLIGANS

By Mike Sales

Scott Curts (3‐7pm)

TUESDAY

5:30 ‐9:30pm Tommy D. Live Music 6‐10pm Billy Lyon (3‐7pm)

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

5:30 ‐9:30pm O’Zwald Caines

5:30 ‐9:30pm Live Music

5:30 – 9:30pm Live Music

1‐5pm Georgia & Mike 5:30‐9:30pm ‐ Marcel

Live Music 6‐10pm

Live Music (6‐10pm)

Live Music 6‐10pm

Live Music 6 ‐10pm

Noel Harris (3‐7pm)

Kevin Thompson (3‐7pm) DJ Crawford (10pm) RPM 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am Acoustic Open Mic w/ Nally & Egglefield 6‐10pm

Miles Bosworth (3‐7pm) DJ Crawford (10pm) Live Music Acoustic Pete 1‐5pm 6‐10pm Live Music 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am DJ 10pm – 2am Eddie James Jazz Band 6‐10pm Swamp Donkie 2‐6pm Dana & Co 2‐6pm Rising Tide Mike Tozier 8pm – 12am 8pm – 12am Live Band Live Band 8 – 11pm 8 –11pm DJ 11‐2am DJ 11pm‐2am

Spark Notes (3‐7pm) DJ TJ (10pm)

Matt Gerhardt (3‐7pm) K. Conn (9pm) Road Block 2‐6pm Live Music 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

Rodney Shenk 6‐10pm

RPM 6‐10pm

Patrick 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

Ben Hammond 7‐11pm

Open mic night 7‐11pm

Kettle of Fish 7‐11pm

Berry Oakley’s Skylab 7‐11pm

TGIM

Kettle of Fish 9pm‐midnight

DJ Rev Kev 10pm – 2am

Live Band 8/9pm‐Midnight

THE COTTAGE

Live Music 6‐9pm

Live Music 7‐10pm

Live Music 6‐9pm

THE HUB‐BAJA GRILL

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

Live Music Noon – 3pm

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

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

Live Music Noon – 3pm

Karaoke 9pm – 1am

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

In the Village 941‐346‐8122

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

SIESTA KEY OYSTER BAR (SKOB) In the Village 941‐346‐5443 THE BEACH CLUB In the Village 941‐349‐6311 In the Village 941‐312‐9300

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 Turtle Beach Grill Southern end of SK 941‐349‐3839

BOATYARD BAR & GRILL Over the South Bridge 941‐921‐6200

SAND DOLLAR POOL BAR @ Best Western Plus 6600 S. Tamiami Trl. Sarasota 941‐924‐4900

3:30 – 6:30pm, 7‐10pm

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

3:30 – 6:30pm, 7‐10pm

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

3:30 – 6:30pm, 7‐10pm

Karaoke 9pm ‐1am LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

941‐966‐1901

TBA – 2 pm Tozier – 5pm Chris Otto ‐ 10pm Democracy (Reggae) 10pm‐2am

3:30 – 6:30pm, 7‐10pm

LIVE MUSIC 3:30‐6:30pm

Andres Collin 5‐9pm

Larry Williams 5‐9pm

(Reggae Music)

Democracy 4‐8pm

Mike Sales 3 – 6 PM

Live Music 4‐8pm

Live Music 3‐7pm

CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE 801 Blackburn Pt. Rd, Osprey

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

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

February 2016

Island Humor

...

Month e h T f o r e d n e t r a B

[ When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied, “I’m not sure.” “Look in your underwear, Grandpa,” he advised, “mine says I’m 4 to 6.” [ A second grader came home from school and said to her grandmother, “Grandma, guess what? We learned how to make babies today.” The Grandmother, more than a little surprised, tried to keep her cool. “That’s interesting,” she said, “How do you make babies?” “It’s simple,” replied the girl. “You just change ‘y’ to ‘I and add ‘es’.”

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

aw Bar Daiquiri Deck R the Village in ., d lv B n a ce 5250 O estakey.com si ck e id ir u iq a .d www 941-349-8697

Reminder: South Florida sharks do not wear dentures, South Floridians do so please remember your sunscreen and poly grip when shelling/swimming. Photo by: Cynthia Fritzen. Caption by Trebor Britt

[ Children’s Logic: “Give me a sentence about a public servant,” said a teacher. The small boy wrote: “The fireman came down the ladder pregnant.” The teacher took the lad aside to correct him. “Don’t you know what pregnant means?” she asked. “Sure,” said the young boy confidently. It means carrying a child.”

fire truck was a Dalmatian dog. The children started discussing the dog’s duties. “They use him to keep crowds back,” said one child. “No,” said another. “He’s just for good luck.” A third child brought the argument to a close. “They use the dogs,” she said firmly, “to find the fire hydrants.”

[ A grandfather was delivering his grandchildren to their home one day when a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the front seat of the

[ A 6-year-old was asked where his grandma lived. “Oh,” he said, “she lives at the airport, and when we want her, we just go get her.

Then, when we’re done having her visit, we take her back to the airport.” [ When my grandson Billy and I entered our vacation cabin, we kept the lights off until we were inside to keep from attracting pesky insects. Still, a few fireflies followed us in. Noticing them before I did, Billy whispered, “It’s no use Grandpa. Now the mosquitoes are coming after us with flashlights.”

Name of Bartender: Megan Hometown: Detroit, MI

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

Q: How long have you been bartending? A: I’ve been bartending for six years – started out at the ripe age of 18. Q: What was the strangest or funniest thing you experienced at work? A: When I started bartending, my mom told me to buy a fishbowl to put my phone numbers in, so I did! I don’t call them, but it’s a conversation starter, so at the old bar I used to work at, my fellow bartenders would shout “FISHBOWL!” whenever someone would leave their number on a slip. Q: What do you do in your spare time? A: I’m a total beach bum! I try to hit the beach as much as I can. I also love watching hockey. Love me some Red Wings. Q: How would you describe yourself? A: I’ve never met someone who’s been a stranger.

Q: How would you describe where you work? A: There’s never a dull moment. Such a fun and lively atmosphere with an awesome food menu and great staff.

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

Q: When’s the best time to see you? A: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays during Happy Hour (3-7p.m.)

26 Siesta Sand

February 2016

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

Snapshots of Island Visitors

News Up & Down the Trail

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Continued from page 9

Comp Plan update

On Tuesday, Jan. 19 Sarasota County released its Comprehensive Plan draft. County officials also held information sessions. The county has been overhauling its Comprehensive Plan, a large document that guides how the community’s next several decades could look. Sarasota County’s comprehensive plan outlines long-range planning on everything from transportation to economic development to environmental protections. The document guides how the county develops and grows. County officials held several public workshops starting back in February. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the plan in April, 2016, and the board of County Commissioners will hold hearings in June and October, 2016.

County privatizes paratransit services

In looking to trim budget costs, the Sarasota County Commission last month unanimously approved a contract to privatize paratransit transportation at Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT). The paratransit service, which is provided by buses marked as “SCAT Plus,” is for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use regular SCAT bus service. On Jan. 12, county commissioners awarded an $18-million, three-year contract with Ride Right Transit LLC of Lake St. Louis, MO, which should produce annual savings of $600,000, as SCAT Director Rocky Burke told commissioners. The firm will lease SCAT’s paratransit equipment for $1 per vehicle per year, a Jan. 12 memo to the board notes. Ride Right also will bring in new equipment, and it will provide updated technology, including mobile terminals that will enable SCAT to collect real-time data. Additionally, Ride Right will retain all the full-time employees operating the county’s paratransit vehicles, Burke said, and the firm will continue to subcontract services to South County Transport Ventures, a local business with which SCAT has been working.

County pitches in for LBK park upgrade

The town of Longboat Key will be getting a little help when it comes to making improvements at its Bayfront

Park. In December, the county approved a joint project agreement with the Town of Longboat Key for the expansion and development of Bayfront Park, with the County contribution to project funding in an amount not to exceed $2 million. The town and county also entered into an interlocal agreement that states the town is responsible for the park’s maintenance and upkeep. In 2007, Sarasota County purchased the 3.54-acre Bayfront Park Addition, a Gulf-to-Bay property located adjacent to the Town of Longboat Key-owned Bayfront Park, according to Sarasota County. The addition was acquired through the Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program for approximately $8 million. The Town partnered with the County in the development of a park concept plan in 2009, including a series of public workshops. The concept planning included both the existing Bayfront Park and the adjacent County-owned property for the addition. In 2011, Longboat Key purchased a 0.71-acre parcel immediately north of Bayfront Park (4111 Gulf of Mexico Drive). In 2013, the Town contracted with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) for an advisory services panel exercise. The ULI panel made several recommendations to the town of Longboat, including that the town expand the recreation activities at Bayfront Park and plan for a community/cultural center at a different location. As a result, the previously approved concept plan was revised to include the additional property that had been acquired on the north side of Bayfront Park and address the ULI panel recommendations.

A plan for St. Armands garage

The city continues to consider plans for a possible parking garage serving St. Armands Circle, and a consultant has outlined a plan to assign a segment of the cost to property owners in the commercial tourist district. Leaders on St. Armands Circle have been calling for a garage to address a parking shortage in the area. Landowners, merchants and residents have all offered their support for the most recent effort to construct a garage along North Adams Drive, and the city is still reviewing the final report from consulting firm Burton and Associates before sharing it with St. Armands stakeholders.

1: Ellie age 5 from Sarasota. 2: Stephano from Brazil, Matthew, and Manuel from Argentina. 3: Blake, Donny from OH. 4: Anxheljano, Arjon from Albania & Chicago. 5: Kyle & Sam from Maryland (students at Liberty Univ.)

Sheriff’s Report 1/3/16 Theft Whispering Sands Drive

A man called to report someone had stolen his blue recliner chair and ottoman. He stated he had recently bought the condo and had numerous contractor workers and real estate agents inside. These people all had keys to the condo. The man stated that anyone who entered the condo should have known that the recliner was his property. The man said he would make some phone calls and also contact condo security to see if anything was recorded. He also said he would update the Sheriff’s office if he gets any information or somehow a mistake was made and he gets the recliner back.

Continued from page 10

1/13/16 Fraudulent Use Of Identity 400 Block Canal Rd

A man reported that sometime during the month of November 2015, an unknown suspect used his name and personal information without his knowledge in order to open two National Grid Utilities accounts. The man reported the accounts were opened for service to his former address in Providence, Rhode Island. He believes the tenants who moved in after him are the suspects, but he had no information about them. The balances on the accounts were $300 and $85.

Discover Gulf Gate

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

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

women’s rental clubs. You can start your day with a round of golf, enjoy a bite to eat at the many wonderful restaurants or simply relax with a pint of ale at the pub before you head out to explore the many fine shops. Moments In Time Photography (G-28) specializes in several different photography services including Siesta Key Beach portraits starting at just $49 and wedding packages beginning at $495. Check out their website: www. sarasotaphotos.com or visit their store to see why Gulf Gate Golf Course – Conveniently located they have been the photographer of choice for over just a stones throw from the Gulf Gate Shops, a decade and a half. this 27 hole Executive Course offers men’s and 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 G-43 huge hot and cold sandwiches, salads, fresh homemade lasagna and baked ziti. And, you cannot leave without trying their cannoli filled with their own homemade cannoli cream or the tiramisu or Sfogliatelle from Brooklyn. Continued on the next page

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

February 2016

Discover Gulf Gate Here is where you will find great Italian specialty gourmet items without the gourmet price. Tony’s Chicago Beef Company (S-16) is owned and operated by true Chicagoans. Dedicated to deliver Chicago’s best food - Chicago style Hot Dogs wit’ the works...dragged through the garden on poppy seed buns with fresh cut fries, Italian Beef Sandwiches anyway you like, dipped or dry, sweet or hot. All served in true Authentic Chicago Style. Sarasota Brewing Co. (G-4) Sarasota’s first micro brew pub always has something new to offer. From over 20 seasonal beers that rotate throughout the year, the Brewing Company always has at least five unique brews online as well as several favorites from around the world. Established in 1989, Their menu has been a winner in the Reader’s Choice Awards of the Sarasota Herald

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. 6625 Gateway Ave, 941-626-4894.

Hurricane Mike’s Saloon (M-10) is a little neighborhood bar at 2639 Mall Drive, where everyone knows your name type of establishment and friendly staff. TV’s with the MLB and NFL packages, pool table, and full Florida Lottery games. Happy hour daily from opening to 7pm. Hours: Mon – Sat, 8am – 2:30am and Sun., noon – 2:30am.

At the original Word of Mouth Restaurant (G-31), every seemingly insignificant detail receives special attention from the warm, inviting decor to each specially crafted variety of freshly baked muffins to the signature menu items. This small diner is where the locals come to eat breakfast and lunch. Each staff member works hard to make sure you receive the best service and quality food so you’ll want

G49 G48 G47 G46 G45 G44 G43 G42 G41 G40 G39 G38 G37 G36 G35 G34 G33 G32 G31 G30 G29 G28 G27 G26 G25 G24

to return often. Take a look at their mouth-watering menu at www.originalwordofmouth. com. Hours: Mon-Sun.: 8AM2PM. 6604 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, 34231, 941-925-2400. Fiona’s Childrenwear (G43) is the place to shop for all those special occasions and sophisticated but functional everyday wear. Styles range from classic to contemporary to whimsical and are available in size newborn to 16x. Hours: Tues. – Fri. 10 a.m. – 5p.m., Sat. 10a.m. – 4 p.m. Other hours by appt. Call 941-4000732. Pride of the South (S34) specializes in southern BBQ from ribs to meatloaf along with an array of sides such as grits, collard greens, baked bread, cole slaw, and fried orka all served up in a southern style setting. Let your nose lead the way to their smokers.

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

Iberia Bank

M5 M4 M3 M2 M1

Continued from previous page

Tribune featuring their mouth watering burgers, Chicago style Pizzas, and Chicago beef sandwiches. With dozens of televisions, it’s a great place to catch a game with friends and family. West End Pub (G-49) Where else can you watch your favorite game with a great selection of beers, wines and liquors served by a friendly staff AND where you’re allowed to bring your own restaurant or deli food? Right here.

The Shop SRQ (G-2) offers flat-tops, fades, tapers,

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

G23 G22 G21 G20 G19 G18 G17 G16 G15 G14 G13 G12 G11 G10 G9 G8 G7 G6 G5 G4 G3 G2 G1

G-31

Eat Where The Locals Eat! Original Word of Mouth 6604 Gateway Ave. Sarasota, FL 34231

941-925-2400

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

NEWERS N OW

M-10

S29

S58 S57 S56 S55 S54 S53 S52 S51 S50 S49 S48 S47 S46 S45 S44 S43 S42 S41 S40 S39 S38 S37 S36 S35 S34 S33 S32 S31 S30

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

All packaged liquor sold until 2 AM

Open Daily from 9 AM ‘til 2:30 AM

• 9 AM - 7 PM EVERY DAY

Mike’s Bud Select Brew $1.50/Pints • BEST Bloody Mary’s in Sarasota • Pool TableGolden Tee Megatouch

FREE Pool

7 PM ‘til Close Sunday & Monday

S7 S6 S5 S4 S3 S2 S1

• 12 TV’s with MLB and NFL ticket sports package • All Florida lottery games • Smokers Welcome!

2639 Mall Drive One mi.from Siesta South Bridge (behind Publix) GG1 GG2 GG3 GG4 GG5 GG6 GG7 GG8 GG9 GG10 GG11 GG12 GG13 GG14 GG15 GG16 GG17 GG18 GG19 GG20 GG21 GG22 GG23 GG24 GG25 GG26 GG27 GG28 GG29 GG30 GG31 GG32 GG33 GG34 GG35 GG36 GG37 GG38 GG39 GG40 GG41 GG42 GG43 GG44 GG45 GG46 GG47 GG48 GG49 GG50 GG51 GG52 GG53 GG54

941-923-9827 Open Daily 9 AM-2:30 AM

G-4

PICCOLO

Italian Market & Deli

GG-4

Hot or Cold & Vegetarian Sandwiches

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. G-47 GG-46

S-16 SRQ

“Straight Razor Shaves”

941.626.4894 / 941.536.1656

Tonsorial Artistry

Come See Our New Location

Store Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10am - 6pm 6518 Gateway Ave. www.PiccoloMarket.com

G-2

Combined 25+ Years Experience

Specialty Italian gourmet items without the gourmet price

941-923-2202

THESHOPSRQINC.

Flat-Tops, Fades, Tapers, Blowouts and Razor Cuts

www.TheShopSRQ.com 6625 Gateway Ave.

Tonsorial Artistry by Erick & Dawn

Open Tues.-Fri. 8:30 AM-6 PM Sat. 8:30 AM - 3 PM Closed Sun. & Mon.

28 Siesta Sand

February 2016

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

Classifieds / Here’s My Card ACCOMMODATIONS

DRY CLEANERS

• Best Western Plus Siesta Key – AAA -3 Diamond Property, Free shuttle service to and from Siesta Key 941-924-4900, 6600 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

HOUSE WATCH

HOUSE WATCH SERVICES, LLC

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

• Siesta 4 Rent - Vacation Rentals, from studios to 5 bedrooms. Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500 • Robasota Real Estate – Annual and Seasonal Rentals, 941-9261800, ext. 102

Environmentally Conscious Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service

• Siesta Village Private Pool Homes – Luxury Private Beach Homes-3 Bed, 3Bath; and a 2Bed, 2 1/2 bath condo www.vrbo. com/459795 www.vrbo.com/709508 www.vrbo.com/669208 • Siesta Key Realty-Property Management, Vacation Rentals – 1, 2, 3 bedrooms. Serving Siesta Key since 1992. siestakeyrealtyrentals.com 941-349-8900. Gemme Wonn.

ANTIQUES

Free Pick Up & Delivery Service from your home or business

Call 941-275-4647

ExEcutivE Shirt SErvicE • houSEhold itEmS • SamE day SErvicE availablE

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

(941) 955-1864

CONTRACTORS

Alain’s Gutter Cleaning Where Quality Comes First

Vintage, Antique, Mid-Century

Relics on the Key

www.relicsonthekey.com relicsonthekey@gmail.com (941) 346-3600 Phone 5049 Ocean Blvd Like us on (941) 346-7600 Fax Relicsonthekey Siesta Key Village BEACH & BABY EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Licensed and Insured

30 years experience

SARASOTA’S BEST BABY RENTAL CENTER CLEAN • SAFE • RELIABLE Lynn & Bob Shaffer, Owners

941-929-1850

• PRESSURE CLEANING • Clean Glass Windows & Doors • Leaf Bagging We Clean • Down Spouts • Dryer Vents FREE estimates on one-time service • Pool Cages or on-going maintenance

Licensed/Insured

(941) 961-4309

941-914-3936

www.SuncoastHomeConcierge.com

• Hawk’s Nest Construction Inc. is a certified Class A general contractor licensed in all phases of construction. Owner Mark Hawkins Sr. personally oversees every aspect of your project from start to finish, using only the best and most reliable licensed artisans and craftsmen. His passion is delighting his clients, turning their home-improvement dreams into a beautiful reality. Call 941-650-9499 or visit their website: www.hawksnestconstruction.com.

Grout Problems? Shower & Bathtub Walls

Cleaned • Regrouted • Caulked • Sealed

1952 Field Road Sarasota, Florida 34231

J Morgan Nathaniel Swartz, O’Donoghue, MD. PA-C

Amy Fenenga PA-C

941.926.7546

www.dermatologyexperts.com

Free Estimates

BOATING RENTALS / FISHING CHARTERS

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

941-400-2452

Dermatology Skin CanCer laSer, Botox anD Hair/nail DiSorDerS

Shower & Bath Makeovers Call John

Having Fun Fishing in The Sun

MEDICAL

Commercial/Residential

5252 Gulf Drive 2300 Bee Ridge Road, Suite 204 Holmes Beach, FL 34217 Sarasota, FL 34239 www.abcbabyrental.com

Tony Fudoli Sr. CAPTAIN tntfreedomfishing@yahoo.com

R. BRuce Whittinghill, llc

941.377.2940

Sarasota resident since 1974

• 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.

Family Practitioners • Pediatrics-Geratrics • Urgent Care

Pierre Nedelcovych, M.D. FAAFP FAAUCM

US 41 Office 941-927-1234 • Siesta Key Office 941-312-6708 www.sarasotamedcenter.com info@sarasotamedcenter.com

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

Clean Touch Group

Veteran Owned Business

is looking for

HOUSEKEEPER PERSONNEL in the Siesta Key, Florida area

• 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.

Must be comfortable working in a fast paced environment. Great Pay. Apply in person.

Best Western Plus Siesta Key 6600 S. Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, FL 34231 Please ask to see the Housekeeper Supervisor

LANDINGS RESIDENT OWNED AND OPERATED

HEALTH / FITNESS

Deep tissue massage is our specialty

90 Minute

941-896-6400 www.kathleend.net

Deep Tissue Massage

CAREGIVER

A Healer’s Touch Elliott

elliottcares@hotmail.com

Caregiver Private Home Care Meal Preparations • Doctor’s Appointments Hygiene Assistance • Medication Reminders Light Housekeeping • Companionship • Errands CORI AvAIlAble And exCellent RefeRenCes (941) 524-6342

941.920.0010 MA34776

(508) 685-3034

3800 Tamiami Trail

(Corner of Bay Street & Hwy 41/Paradise Plaza by Silverberg Jewelry)

• Nirvana Juice Bar Express - Siesta Key residents: if you remember the days when Nirvana Juice Bar was located in Siesta Key Village, take heart. You can now order the same fresh juices and smoothies and have them delivered to your door. Visit their website www.nirvanajuicebar.com for an expanded menu or call 941-228-6367.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-349-0194

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

February 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Classifieds / Here’s My Card REAL ESTATE AGENTS

SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY CONTINUED

TRANSPORTATION CONTINUED

• Massage Experience Siesta Key Open 7-day a week. 5138A Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4833

Dennis Kedzierski, GRI REALTOR®

Friendliest Ride In Town

Olde Fashion Barber Shop

FLORIDA REALTY

8319 Market St., Sarasota, FL 34202 Cell: 941.685.5514 denbeck2@verizon.net www.DennySells.com

Tapers • Flattops • Fades • Styling • Razor Cuts ther” 941-312-6001 “Hot La South Gate Barber Shop (Across from Southgate Mall)

2081 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239

A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC

Walk-Ins Welcome

New Homes startiNg From $289,000 aNd Up

Monday-Friday 9 AM-6 PM; Saturday 9 AM-4PM

Providing Professional Real Estate Services Since 1972

www.SouthgateBarbers.com

Places of Worship

Don Muenzmay GRI,CRS, SRES 941-374-3865 Email: dmuenzmay@aol.com

Sue Preece SFR, e-PRO, CNE

941-350-2666 Fax: 866-801-5663 Email: suepreece44@aol.com

Island Churches: • Siesta Key Presbyterian Chapel 4615 Gleason Ave, Siesta Key, 941-349-1166 www.siestakeychapel.org

Harry E. Robbins Assoc. Inc. 3733 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34239 Referrals Are Always Appreciated

GulfToGolfRESarasota.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

SPORTS RENTALS / ACCESSORIES

• Robin Hood Rentals – for all your Siesta Key rental needs with • Your Siesta Dunes and Landings Preferred Partners in Real a wide variety segways, bikes, kayaks, scooters and more, free Estate, Judy Greene 941-350-0451 and Tara Lamb 941-266-4873 pickup and delivery anywhere on the key. 5255 Ocean Blvd Siesta with Michael Sanders & Company 5100 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key Key Village. 941-554-4242 34242 JudyGreene@MichaelSanders.com • Your Siesta Key Real Estate Agent: I have 23 years of experience working and living on Siesta Key and selling almost exclusively this area. If you’re curious about your home’s value in today’s market, call me. You’ll be glad you did!!! Benny Kimsey 941-4007212. RealEstateGuyFL@yahoo.com www.yourrealestateguy.com

SENIOR SERVICES • A Bridge for Independence provides in home companion services including companionship, transportation, light housekeeping, medication reminders and meal preparation and planning. Call us at 866-279-4390, FL License #230517

“When Family Can’t Be There” 8482 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34238

SEE OUR FULL PAGE AD!

Professional services provided by RN, LPN, CNA/HHA, Companions

Christine Laboissonniere

941-780-3851

adaughterstouch@gmail.com

Visit Our New Location On Siesta Drive After February 4TH

Officially licensed accessories from the NFL, MLB, NCAA and NHL

Mon.-Sat. 10-5pm www.skyboxstore.com

2163 Siesta Drive Sarasota, FL 34239 941-923-0635

• 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

Phil Perrella Carolyn Lewis Jeff Lewis

(941) 349-7742 FAX: (941) 346-5048

License #299994261

Tell Every Living Sole!

• Senior Home Companions – companionship and In-Home care. daily living needs, hourly, overnight, 24-hour care, 941-924-0494

SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY

2300 Bee Ridge Road #103 Sarasota, Florida 34239 Email: TOTALTENNISOFSK@GMAIL.COM Website: TOTALTENNISSARASOTA.COM

• Feel the difference in quality - receive a massage from Joni Masse who has been teaching and providing massage therapy for 25 years. Just over the Stickney Point Bridge. Call today for an appt. 941-374-0965 (MA10776/MM31466)

Straight Razor Shaves And More...

TO:

• Siesta Key Massage & Therapy Center – Relieve all that pent –up tension and improve circulation with a soothing massage or facial by Ali. Call to book your appointment today. 941-349-0408

Place your classified ad here for $6. (15 words) and $.10 for each additional word. Copy must be submitted with payment on or before the 15th of the month prior to publication. For display ads, please call 941-349-0194 for rates.

Picked Up from Airport $ $ SRQ 30 40 Price $ 125 Tampa/St. Pete $105 Includes: $ $ 130 150 S.W. Florida from Tolls, Fuel $ $ 350 500 Answers Miami $ $ 21and 225 250 PageParking Orlando PLEASE TIP YOUR DRIVER

From Sarasota

For Airport Pickups Your Chauffeur Will Have A Sign With Your Name On It!

• St. Michael’s Catholic Church 5394 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4174 www.stmichaelssiesta.com • St. Boniface Episcopal Church 5615 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, 941-349-5616 www.bonifacechurch.org Off- Island: •Temple Sinai, a Reform Congregation (The closest Jewish congregation to the Key for visitors) 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, 941-924-1802 www.templesinai-sarasota.org • St. Andrew United Church of Christ (Protestant) (In the Gulf Gate area, near Beneva and Gulf Gate Drive) 6908 Beneva Road, Sarasota, 941.922.7595 www.uccstandrew.org • The Superior Word Rev. Charlie Garrett Service starts Sunday mornings at 10am. Bring a friend and share in God’s word. 6512 Superior Avenue Sarasota, Florida 34242 • First Christian Church 7601 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34241. 941-922-4434 www.fccsarasota.com

TRANSPORTATION

AIRPORT TRANSPORT SUPERST

4141 South Tamiami Trail, Suite 21, Sarasota, FL 34231 941-926-2631 www.frankssalon.com

Transportation for everyone on the Sun Coast

Answers to the WORD SEARCH MarinerWordfound Search on page 31 www.TheMariner.com

Visiting Ocala, FL 941-735-4732 Friend Us at: Eddie Ward

• Sun Ride Pedicab – Eco-friendly Pedicabs. Siesta Key Tours and rides – tips only, 941-343-3400 • Siesta Key Free Rides – Siesta Key Free island shuttle for beach, village, condo and tours – tips only. Electric vehicles. Call 941952-8294 • 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

30 Siesta Sand

February 2016

Arts on the Horizon It’s all about the Arts in SRQ! • February 1 to February 14 – Soul Mates – A Journey to Hitsville at the Florida Studio Theatre. www.floridastudiotheatre.org • February 1 through Feb 25. Living on Love at the Asolo. www.asolorep.org • February 1 through March 19 Aidi – at the Sarasota Opera House. www.tickets.sarasotaopera.org • February 1 through April 10 - Ah Wilderness at the Asolo. www.asolorep.org • February 1 to April 15 - Samurai: The Way of the Warrior at the Ringling Museum. www.ringling.org • February 1 to May 1 – Yesterday at the Florida Studio Theatre. www.floridastudiotheatre.org • February 2 at 8pm Yanni (Legendary composer). Live at the Van Wezel – North American Tour 2016! www.vanwezel.org •February 2, 3 – Tea Time every Tuesday & Wednesday afternoon at 2pm at The Powel Crosley Estate. www.SimplyGourmetCaterers.com • February 4 to 7 – 32nd Annual Greek Glendi – This 4 day festival is filled with arts, crafts, games, Greek dancing and amazing Greek food! Thurs – Sat. 11am to 9pm and Sunday noon to 8pm. www.stbarbarafestival.org • February 4 at noon. Brown Bag Concerts in the Park at Phillippi Estates. Free Concerts every Thursday through March. Bring a lunch and a lawn chair. www.scgov.net • February 4 at 7:30pm – Masters of Illusion – Believe the Impossible at the Van Wezel. A compelling magic show! www.vanwezel.org • February 4 to 7 – All About Mozart – (A Father & Son Duo) – There will be a Classical Conversation on Feb 4 at 10:30am at the David Cohen Hall (Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center) with coffee & light refreshments. www.sarasotaorchestra.org

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

By Jaye Clements

• February 6 to March 12 – Così fan tutte at the Sarasota Opera House. www.tickets.sarasotaopera.org • February 6, 13, 20, 27 at 1pm – Kids Quest at the Ringling Museum. Each Saturday kids will explore different locations at the Ringling and museum educators will highlight a couple of featured items in the Ringling collection. www.ringling.org Family Workshops are every Saturday at the Ringling. (no admission necessary for projects) You may drop in any time from 1:30 to 5pm for art projects in the Welcome Center. www.ringling.org • February 7 at 2pm – Ski-ARees – Water ski shows at City Island beginning on Feb 7. Shows are every Sunday at 2pm until May 1. Located at 1602 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236, behind Mote Marine. www.skiarees.com • February 9 to 14 – Book of Mormon at the Van Wezel. (Contains explicit language.) www.vanwezel.org • February 13 to March 11 – Fidelio at the Sarasota Opera House www.tickets.sarasotaopera.org • February 14 – Kalamazoo Theatre of the Mind (Play/Reading) at the Art Center. Comedy. www.artsarasota.org/theatermind • February 15 at 7:30 – Miro String Quartet at the Van Wezel. www.scasarasota.org/thisseason.htm • February 17 – 9am to noon – Quick Draw Painting contest at Phillippi Farmhouse Market. Plein Air Painting. • Feb 26, 27 & 28 – Light Chasers Gala Art Weekend at Phillippi. Friday is the Master Artists Show & Light Chasers 5th Annual Show and Saturday is “Paint Sarasota Paint Out!” from 5 to 8pm & Sunday noon to 5pm., to view and purchase works: www.lightchasersinc.com or www.scgov.net • February 17 at noon – The Sister Team of Lawing & Cook. Munchtime Musicals – Free!

Gardens

www.scasarasota.org/munchtime.htm • February 20 at 7:30 pm – Akropolis Reed Quintet – Recital Series III - Artist Series Concerts at the Asolo. www.artistseriesconcerts.org • February 19, 20, 21 – Maestro – at the Van Wezel. On Feb 18 at 10am. Join in on Classical Conversations at the David Cohen Hall (in the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center). Coffee & light refreshments on hand. www.sarasotaorchestra.org • February 21 at 6pm – Iconcept2016 (8th Annual) Fashion Runway show at UTC mall – Check in is at 5:30 at Saks. Dinner at 6:30 and evening program begins at 8pm proceeds go to the Art Center of Sarasota. www.artsarasota.org/ iconcept2016 • February 23 at 8pm – Patti Labelle at the Van Wezel. Enjoy some Soul and R&B classics, pop hits, blues and spirituals with her live exciting performances. www.vanwezel.org • February 24 at 7pm Moscow Festival Ballet - Cinderella at the Van Wezel . w ww.vanwezel.org February 25 at 7:30pm – The Beach Boys at the Van Wezel. www.vanwezel.org • February 26, 27 – 2nd Annual Suncoast Blues Festival – at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. Friday Night... JP Soars & the Red Hots, Andy T - Nick Nixon Band and Anthony Gomes Saturday lineup... Kettle of Fish, Markey Blues, Sean Chambers Band, Brandon Santini, Howard & the White Boys and Albert Castiglia. www.suncoastbluesfestival.com • February 26 at 7:30pm - Vince Gill & Lyle Lovitt at the Van Wezel. www.vanwezel.org • February 27 at 7:30pm - Thrill of a Lifetime – Neel PAC - Share this Thrill of a Lifetime as the Youth Philharmonic performs side-by-side with the professional musicians of the Sarasota Orchestra. www.sarasotaorchestra.org

Regularly Scheduled Classes & Events: WEEKLY BEACH CLASSES: • FREE YOGA Mon-Wed.-Fri.Sat. 9am. Classes held between blue and green lifeguard station. Call 941-320-6693 to register or www.yogaonsiestabeach.com • NIA Tues. & Thurs., 9a.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 • SUNSET FUSION – Every Mon & Wed, 45 minutes before sunset. Beach access #4. For additional info and to register online go to: http://www.studiorubylake.com • WEEKLY DRUM CIRCLE: Every Sunday about an hour before sunset. South of the main pavillion. You can particpate or watch this weekly gathering dance, hoop, play the drum or other musical instument and enjoy the spectacular Siesta sunset. • WEEKLY FARMER’S MARKET Every Sunday from 8am – 2pm in Davidson’s Plaza in the Village. 5124 Ocean Blvd. Produce, Plants & Flowers, Music, Art, Organic Skincare, Italian Olive Oil, and Freshly Prepared Foods. Listen to live music while you shop. On The Beach… • FEBRUARY 14 (SUN) 4:30PM SAY I DO: A romantic beachside renewal of wedding vows, offering couples a beautiful backdrop to express their continuing love and commitment to one another. Couples renew their vows at this non-denominational sunset ceremony then enjoy weddingthemed refreshments. Couples receive a beautiful certificate to commemorate this very special ceremony. Cost is $10. Per couple. Call 941861-7275 to register. • FEBRUARY (WEDS) 8AM SUNRISE BEACH WALKS: Participants pay a one-time $5 registration fee and receive an event t-shirt with orginal design and sponsor logos and a punch card. Each week, participants check in with Parks and recreation staff between 8-9:30AM and after walking four weeks they are entered into a drawing for prizes. Contact 941-861-5000 for details.

aradise

3rd Annual Sarasota Garden Club

Premier Garden Tour of Extraordinary Gardens Saturday, March 19, 2016 10am to 4pm

What’s Happening

Rain or Shine

Advanced Reservations: $35/person Day of Tour: $40/person

March 18

Group rates available upon request

5:30pm to 7:30pm

For More Information & Reservations www.SarasotaGardenClub.org • (941) 955-0875 (9am to 1pm)

BUILT

Thank You to All Gardens in Paradise Sponsors

Fine Custom Homes

1131 Boulevard of the Arts • Sarasota, FL 34236

To advertise in print or online contact: Bob or Emy Stein at 941.349.0194 Send editorial and/or photos via email to: islandvp@verizon.net

• FEBRUARY 20 (SAT) 9AM NOON SIESTA BEACH GRAND OPENING: Join Sarasota County in celebrating the completion of the Siesta Beach improvements project. Celebration includes: entertainment, refreshments, recreational activiities, beach sports, arts & crafts, special guests and walking tours of new amenities and improvements. Around the island… • CB’S SALTWATER OUTFITTERS ORVIS-ENDORSED FLY FISHING SCHOOLS-2016: Feb. 20, Mar. 12, Apr 2 and Apr

11, 2016. The schools will cover fly casting basics, line control, shooting line and the roll cast. Instructors, Capt. Rick Grassett and Capt. Ed Hurst, will also cover leader construction, fly selection and saltwater fly fishing techniques. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basics but also work with intermediate casters on correcting faults and improving casting skills. Cost for the schools, which will run from 8:30 AM to 3 PM, is $150 per person and includes the use of Orvis fly tackle, a text book and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations. CB’s Saltwater Outfitters is located on Siesta Key, directly over the Stickney Point Bridge at 1249 Stickney Point Rd. Off island… • PHILLIPPI ESTATE PARK EVENTS: The PHILLIPPI FARMHOUSE MARKET will be in full swing the month of February. This farmers market is Sarasota’s only mid-week market – open every Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Edson Keith Mansion is open free of charge each Wednesday and a docent leads a guided tour through the Italian Renaissance home promptly at 10:00 a.m. There is only 1 tour each Wednesday, so please be prompt. Phillippi Estate Park and the Phillippi Farmhouse Market are both dog friendly, so bring Fido on leash (please also clean up after your pet) and let the dogs enjoy the fresh air. There is ample parking each Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Join in the fun and support local agriculture. For details, call 941-316-1309. 5500 S Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 • ROB BRANCH GARDEN TOUR & PLANT SALE: FEBRUARY 13 & 14, 9AM – 3PM: 1315 38th Street, Sarasota. Just North of the Succulent Society. Upcoming Events… • PARTY IN PARADISE: MARCH 18 (FRI), 5:30-7:30PM: Unique party venue in an original Ralph Twitchell home/ garden on Siesta Key. Sunset views, casual catered affair with architectural narrative. www. sarasotagardenclub.org for tickets or call 941 955-0875 • GARDENS IN PARADISE: MARCH 19 (SAT), 10AM4PM: Premier Garden Tour of Extraordinary Gardens. Selfguided; gather inspiration to create your own personal garden paradise. www. sarasotagardenclub.org for reservations or call 941 955-0875 We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

Published by Island Visitor Publishing, LLC Contributing Writers and Photographers will be noted with bylines. Guest commentary not necessarily the opinion of island Visitor Publishing, LLC Reproduction without written permission prohibited. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement. All business bios are extensions of the display advertisements. Island Visitor Publishing, LLC is not responsible for claims made by advertisers. All ads are subject to the approval of the publisher. It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in Siesta Sand to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with town, county and state codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property. DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that when you hire an unlicensed/uninsured person to do work at your home, you accept the liability. Island Visitor Publishing is not responsible for claims made by advertisers.

P.O. BOX 35086, SIESTA KEY, FL 34242

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

February 2016

Snapshots of Island Visitors

Just roll out of bed...your hair looks great! Shampoo and towel dry.... and you’re done! The style is in the cut, not the blowdry, so you don’t have to fuss with your hair to look good... even with fine, limp hair... and my new steam color process creates richer brunettes and spectacular blondes. The colors go deeper and last longer, yet are far more gentle to the hair.

Kim from IN., Melissa from IL. Jenene from IN., Suzy from Bonita Springs, FL., Shawn from IL., Kim from MN., and Julie from IN

By Appointment Only with Ian:

941.356.0295 www.iansalon.com

Soulfully Yours Donnarose

A: ~ “A man learns how to treat his woman, by watching how she treats herself.” ~Donnarose Melvin I was just shown a visual of a male energy being smothered, where there wasn’t enough space to breathe or move. Meaning, the question is other than what more can you do for your man to make things better, it’s what can you start doing for you? I’ve received many calls on this topic. And what I’ve found is more often than not, when a man says or shows he needs some space, it’s the woman who needs it. You’ve been non-stop doing, going, thinking, then doing again and again. You’ve lovingly taken on what I call the “mother, sister, friend, boss, therapist, housekeeper, chef” role. Do you notice the role that’s missing? The “fun” role is missing due to being exhausted from not only over-doing for your man, but especially from under-doing for you. The good news is your situation can change for the better. But it’s going to take doing the opposite of what you’re used to, but you’ll do great. Consider you’re about to take a class. It’s called the “Do For You” class. The rule is, you have to ace it. The assignment is to first write a list from at least 1-7. The list has to consist of all types of things you’ll start doing for yourself that will be anywhere from free to a fee. Examples are: Go into nature, meditate, dance to great music, massage, yoga, fun TV, spa day, girl’s time out, soulful books, taking that Angels 101 or painting class, and anything else that’s nurturing. This includes staying in the light with your thoughts towards yourself. Now the key is, these action steps must remain consistent after your man’s need for space becomes less and less-which it will. The bottom line I’m being told, is the more you do for you, the more your man will want to do for you. This is relative to my quote above. So definitely get ready, because less space, and more closeness with your man is coming your way ~ ♥ Q: Dear Donnarose, my mother has been mean all my life, and my mother-in-law has treated my husband and me pretty badly for years. I decided to mourn them even though they’re still alive. It’s

the only thing I can think to do at this point to keep my sanity. Any suggestions? ~Suzanne A: ~ “Bring the Creator’s Light into a situation that isn’t bright, and soon you’ll see, you’ll receive all that you need.” ~Donnarose Melvin Mothers hold a special place in the hearts of many, and are expected to provide a large degree of love and nurturing. When someone receives the opposite treatment like you have for years, a sense of betrayal and great dismay tends to set upon one. Your decision to mourn them and put a wall up to their existence by moving, is definitely a defensive approach to take without hitting back so to speak. However, while this will put them at a physical distance, the toxic energetic build up accumulated from all these years of feeling unloved, unworthy, etc., still resides within you. This may manifest physical illness and restrict spiritual growth. One way to help prevent this and handle what already exists, is to clear the negative stuck energy within you by using the model of forgiveness. Do this by asking Creator to “help all people involved, in this and any other lifetime, to forgive each other and ourselves, no matter what happened, please and thank you.” Also, replace the mourning wall of protection with your Higher Power’s protective wall of light. Do this by saying, “Thank you Archangel Michael for protecting me and keeping me safe.” And on a daily basis, try to stay in the light with your thoughts towards yourself. By doing all the above, it’ll help keep your energy clean as well as safe from future absorption of their negative energy. But don’t be surprised if it causes a shift and lift of your mother and mother-in-law’s vibration. Meaning their behavior may slowly begin to match this shift and it would benefit all involved. I’ve seen this happen many times, so I know it works. So get ready and prepare to enjoy the positive results that are to come from all your upcoming inner work. ~ ♥ Donnarose Melvin is a professional psychic, medium and energy healer, whose pleasure it is to assist clients worldwide. She incorporates knowledge from her degree in psychology, along with her clairvoyant, clairaudient, clairsentient and empathic gifts to guide her clients towards peace and success. Please send your questions to SoulfullyYoursDonnarose@gmail.com or private message her via facebook: Soulfully Yours Donnarose. Donnarose will select questions each month to share with you. She regrets that unpublished questions cannot be answered individually. If you’d like an intuitive reading, contact Donnarose at the email address above.

MarinerWord Search MarinerWord Search www.TheMariner.com Visiting WORD Ocala, FLSEARCH www.TheMariner.com

WORD LIST Barrel Races

WORD LIST Bass Fishing

Barrel Bed AndRaces Breakfast Bass Fishing Big Hammock Bed And Breakfast Bubba Raceway Campground Big Hammock Canoeing Bubba Raceway Cowboys Campground Dressage

Canoeing

Equine Events

Cowboys

Green Pastures

Dressage

Historic Homes

Equine Events

Horse Capital

Green Pastures

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Historic Homes Marion County Horse Capital National Forest HuntingMall Paddock Pumpkin Marion Run County Rodeos National Forest RV Resort Mall Paddock Shooting Range Pumpkin Run Silver Springs

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The Brick City

RV Resort

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Shooting Range

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Silver Springs

Victorian

TheWaters Brick City Wild Park Thoroughbred Trail Riding Answers on Page 59 Victorian

Wake & Shake

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Q: Dear Donnarose, I’ve been with my man for 3 years now. He has started giving subtle hints about needing some space. I’m confused as I do everything for him, so I’m not understanding what the problem is. Can you sense anything on this? ~Thank you, Regina

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Visiting Ocala, FL

Answers on page 29

32 Siesta Sand

February 2016

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

Blooming this month Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)

The common names have alluded that the crown of thorns worn by Christ at the time of his crucifixion was made from stems of this plant. The stems of this plant are pliable and can be intertwined into a circle. A native to Madagascar, and thought to have been brought to the Middle East before the time of Christ. It is a woody, spiny, climbing succulent shrub. This plant is suitable for growing indoors. Allow cut surface to callous over before planting. Collect seeds when flowers fade. Allow pods to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds.

Drought tolerance has made it a favorite of landscapers and homeowners wanting to conserve water. Salt tolerance has made it a useful shrub for landscapes near bodies of salt water, as many Florida landscapes are. When working with crown of thorns you need to be reminded to wear gloves. Not only are the spines a menace to the ungloved hand, but the plant produces a poisonous milky sap that can irritate the skin. If sap gets on your hands, rinse it off immediately. Submitted by CJ Danna, 1st VP of Sarasota Garden Club. www.sarasotagardenclub.org

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

Village parking spaces With about 21 members representing the SKVA, the Siesta Key Association and the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, the committee “met numerous times between August 2008 and October 2008, including a recent meeting in January 2009,” the memo added. The draft study reported that existing on-site parking for all parcels within the Village was 820 spaces. The total supply, including adjacent right of way parking (parallel and non-parallel) and spaces within the Municipal Lot, was 999, it added. County spokesman Jason Bartolone confirmed in early January that county staff has noted no change in the numbers since the study was completed. One of the most contentious elements of the 2009 ordinance the County Commission approved was the apportionment of parking spaces for bars and restaurants. Both types of establishments are required to have one spot per 50 square feet of indoor and outdoor “patron floor area,” under the provisions of the Siesta Key Overlay District (SKOD) within the County Code. However, existing bars and restaurants were grandfathered in when the new rules were imposed. The ordinance did say that additional spaces had to be provided “to address any change in use or any expansion that results in an increase in the required parking ….”

The new proposal

During the interview, Smith explained that he drew up the new Village area parking plan almost exactly a year ago. It incorporated ideas such as allowing drivers to legally leave vehicles in rights of way, including the space across from the Old Salty Dog restaurant on Ocean Boulevard — which would be sufficient for 20 spots — and an asphalt area along Avenida Messina that could be grassed over to create another 20 spaces. Further, Smith said, the plan calls for the formal allocation of parking spaces in other rights of way close to the Village, including the open grassy area adjacent to the office of his firm, Smith Architects, on Calle Minorga. The grass could be replaced with shell in places to make it more obvious

February 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Continued from cover story

to drivers that the sites are intended for parking, he pointed out. Altogether, Smith noted, about 90 spots could be carved out of rights of way. Yet another element of the plan proposes the county lease the lot off Avenida Madera, adjacent to the Municipal Parking Lot. However, he noted, “That has not gone very far. … The property owners are just not interested.” Another potential parking area is the shelled lot next to The UPS Store on Beach Road, Smith said, which would allow for about 80 spaces, if the County Commission were to grant a special exception for parking there. The owner of that parcel would have to agree to the change, he added. A search of county property records showed the lot adjacent to The UPS Store — 221 Beach Road — comprises 11,728 square feet. It is owned by a trust whose trustees are listed as residing in New York City. The plan also proposes creating spaces out of the areas used for valet parking, Smith noted. Some negotiations related to parking are going on between private landowners, he continued. If they reach an agreement to improve the situation, Smith pointed out, “it may be a model for other property owners.” Of the approximately 300 spaces he believes his plan could add to the Village, Smith continued, only about half are not affected by private property claims.

In the meantime …

During the January SKVA discussion, Michael Shay, president of the Siesta Key Association (SKA), pointed out, “We’ve talked in the past about using the [Siesta Public] Beach parking lot late in the day” — until its midnight closing — for Village patrons. However, he explained, the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources staff had not wanted to discuss details of such a proposal until after the beach park renovations have been completed, which is scheduled for this month. Therefore, Shay continued, he was set to meet with Carolyn Brown, director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, and members of her staff on Jan. 26.

The grass lot adjacent to Smith Architects could be covered with shell to make it more obvious as a parking lot, Mark Smith says. News Leader photo

This parking lot off Avenida Madera, adjacent to the Municipal Lot, is under private ownership. News Leader photo

“Commissioner Maio is fully in favor of [the parking proposal],” Shay added, “and it doesn’t cost anything.” It involves the lot on the north end of the beach park, he noted. After the renovations are completed, the number of spaces at the beach will increase from 837 to 980. If Brown agrees to the proposal, Shay continued, the SKVA could post the information on its website, so people planning to visit the Village would be more likely to consider using the beach lot. Then they could walk or catch one of the free-ride services into the Village. Mark Smith is vice president of the Siesta Key Village Association. News Leader photo

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House Hunting Siesta Key to Long Boat Key MAJESTIC 3/4 ACRE WATERFRONT ESTATE: $3,475,000 1419 Peregrine Point Drive, Sarasota, FL. MLS#A4138111. 6,579 sq ft Home (The Landings), 5 bedrooms, 2 offices, 4 1/2 baths, & 4-car garage. Heated pool/spa, private dock & 10,000 lb boat lift. Marni Hayden. My Realty Company. 941-809-5044 TUSCAN INSPIRED MASTERPIECE ON PALM ISLAND: $849,000 389 Island Cirlce, Sarasota, FL. MLS# A4110340. 4,134 sq ft single family home. 4 bedrooms, 4 ½ baths, roof top pool, private spacious in-law/guest apartment with separate entrance. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 6151 HOLLYWOOD BLVD, SARASOTA Amazing West of Trail Triplex in Pine Shores area. Front building consists of two 1bed/1bath units. Rear building is a 3bed/2bath unit. MLS#A4141309. $438,000. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 322 ISLAND CIRCLE: $949,000 Recently renovated Palm Island/Siesta Key home. 4Bd/4Bth, new boat lift on the Grand Canal. Huge bonus area on lower level. MLS#A4141071. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941376-7442 1122 HORIZON VIEW DRIVE: $997,000 Deeded beach access. Immaculate pool home features large rooms and volume ceilings along with lower level bonus area. 3 Bd/3½ Bths. MLS# A4139847. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 418 ISLAND CIRCLE: $1,625,000 Key West style Grand Canal home on Siesta Key. 3Bd/3Bth. lushly landscaped tropical lot with Tiki Bar in the pool/spa area.

MLS#A3990080. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 SIESTA DUNES CONDO: $895,000 6208 Midnight Pass Rd #405: MLS # A4143180 2bd/2bth, Updated Condo w/ Gulf View. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker. 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) 1445 GULF OF MEXICO DR #401: MLS# A4139748 Players Club, 2Bd/2Bth 1,753 sq ft Updated Condo w/ Gulf View. $995,000 Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker. 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) 5430 EAGLES POINT CIR #201 The Landings. MLS # A4142226 3Bd/2.5Bth Intracoastal View. $629,000 Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker. 941350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) 5450 EAGLES POINT CIR #105 The Landings MLS # A4141454 3Bd/2Bth Open Terrace, Water View, $739,000 Judy Greene/ Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker. 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) 1630 STARLING DR The Landings MLS # A4135262 2Bd/2Bth Ground Floor Coach House, $265,000. Judy Greene/ Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) HOUSE FOR SALE AQUALANE ESTATES: MLS#A4140194. 3 Br, 2 Ba, SFH. 2076 Sq ft. Direct access to the bay. On the canal. Minutes from Siesta Beach. Call to schedule a showing. Moynihan Realty Group, James Moynihan. 941-349-4900. HOUSE FOR SALE PINEWOOD VILLAGE: MLS#A4139284. 2 Br, 2 Ba Condo 874 Sq ft. Ground level. Includes washer/dryer & screened lanai. Clubhouse features billiards, gym and sauna. Call to schedule a showing. Moynihan Realty Group, James Moynihan. 941-349-4900. 305 BEACH ROAD #2 1 block to the beach and Siesta Village. 2/2 with 2 balconies and 2 car garage. Built in 2011, high ceilings, latest hi-end finishes. $899,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

1249 DOCKSIDE PLACE Short walk to Siesta Beach with deeded boat dock. Spacious 2/2 with garage. Turnkey furnished. $519,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941400-4186. 1350 SIESTA BAYSIDE Great vacation home or investment property. Deeded beach access just across the street. Beautifully furnished 3/2 with garage. $689,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. 9397 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD #401 Incredible Gulf and Bay views from this furnished 2/2 end unit on the south end of Siesta. Boat docks and every amenity. $540,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. LUXURIOUS VILLA IN IDEAL SIESTA LOCATION Just across the street from Siesta Key Beach, this 2 bedroom 2 bath unit is perfect as a seasonal or year round residence. 305 Beach Rd. #305-2 $899,000 MLS#A4139763. Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)894-1255 TURNKEY FURNISHED CONDO ON SIESTA BAYSIDE 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH Townhouse with attached PRIVATE GARAGE, gorgeous HARBOR VIEWS, and private SIESTA KEY BEACH access. 1341 Siesta Bayside Dr. MLS#A1341-b Siesta Key $789,000 MLS #A4139290. Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)8941255 A RARE OPPORTUNITY IN GULF GATE 4 bedroom 2 bathroom pool home on an oversized corner lot is Gulf Gate. Only 5 minutes to beach, shopping and dining. 2527 Mooring Ln Sarasota $299,000 MLS #A4138658. Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)894-1255 TURNKEY FURNISHED SIESTA CONDO Relish the view of the bay and amazing sunrises from your bedroom, living room or lanai in this 1 bedroom 1 bath condo. 8897 Midnight Pass Rd. #104 $279,900 MLS#A4138346. Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)894-1255 YOUR OWN PIECE OF PARADISE! Beautifully remodeled condo features a split floor plan with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a kitchen that’s open to the living area. 1050 Longboat Club Rd. #205 $599,900 MLS#A4136773. Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)894-1255

Lido Beach projects Maio pointed out that public protests of the original proposal for three groins on South Lido — to hold the new sand in place between nourishments every five years — resulted in the USACE eliminating one groin from the plans before it submitted the permit application to FDEP. The USACE also reduced the size of the other two. Another man noted that the South Siesta Renourishment Project involves dredging of sand 9 miles offshore. If that source is suitable for Turtle Beach, he said,

Continued from page 2

why are the city and the USACE determined to dredge Big Pass? “I bet commissioners are asking those very questions,” Maio replied. On a side note: Maio said that the South Siesta renourishment is scheduled to begin in March, though it must be completed before sea turtle nesting season begins on May 1. In response to another question on the Lido project, Maio said he is not sure scientists have a solid answer to the question of what

would happen 15 years after the dredging of Big Pass began, especially with multiple sandremoval initiatives called for over a 50-year period. (The USACE says some dredging would take place in New Pass for the Lido project over that 50-year span.) Moreover, Maio noted, no one has supplied an answer thus far to the question of who would be responsible for remedying any damage that might occur as a result of the city and USACE’s project.

Paradise Awaits... E IC D! PR UCE D RE

389 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL

1122 Horizon View Dr., Sarasota, FL

Single Family Home, 4 BR, 4.5 BA, Private Pool, Corner Lot, 1 Car Attached Garage, Located on Palm Island on Siesta Key, A Short Walk To The Beach, Wood and Marble Flooring Throughout, Low Maintenance Yard, Private and Secluded

Deeded beach access! Lovely oak floors and stylish tiles will dazzle you. 3 BR, 3.5 BA with lower level bonus area. Oversized garage for all your toys and vehicles. A truly unique find!

849,000

997,000

6151 Hollywood Blvd., Sarasota, FL

Front building consists of two 1 BR, 1 BA units. Rear building is a 3 BR, 2 BA unit. Close to beach and shopping. Walking distance to shopping. Upside potential.

438,000

418 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL

Single Family Home, 3 BR, 2.5 BA Key West Style Grand Canal home on Siesta Key. Built in 2005. Huge lower level bonus area, pool shower, 4-car garage. Open floor plan. Custom touches, must see!

1,625,000

322 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL

Spacious 4 BR, 4 BA house located on desireable Palm Island. Newly renovated kitchen, master BR and master BA. New boat lift on Grand Canal. Heated pool land spa, private waterfront Tiki bar. Huge bonus area on lower level. Short walk to World Famous Siesta Beach and Siesta Village. Perfect home or investment property for the discerning buyer.

949,000

Service. Integrity. Results.

Tropical Sands

Dan D. Miller 941-376-7442 Licensed Real Estate Professional ddm1@comcast.net

www.siestasand.net

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February 2016

Sarasota Veterans Event The Landings Free College will be hosting an event for Sarasota Veterans, their families and anyone interested in a special presentation featuring the Sarasota National Cemetery. This event will take place in The Landings Community at The Landings Racquet Club, at 2pm Thursday, February 4 and is open to Landings residents and the general public. The Landings Community is located on the mainland between the bridges of Siesta Key. To enter, use the main gate on Landings Blvd, off Tamiami Trail / U.S. 41; next to the Landings Shopping Plaza. For any questions, contact Ralph Ricapito at 941-927-6261. Sarasota National Cemetery director, John Rosentrater will the guest speaker who will enlighten those present about the latest status of one of Sarasota’s true gems. Some of the topics covered will be, general information, eligibility, its history and development, the floral policy, as well as how to make burial arrangements. The new 295-acre national cemetery will serve veterans’ needs for the next 50 years. The cemetery is located in Sarasota County along State Road 72 and approximately four miles east of Interstate 75. In April 2007, the Department of Veterans Affairs purchased the site from private citizens and has awarded a contract to Miller Legg & Associates of Winter Park, Fla., to design the new cemetery. Construction of Phase IB is complete and provides for nearly 18,200 full casket gravesites, including 15,200 preplaced crypts, 9,000 in-ground cremains and approximately 7,200 columbarium niches. This

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

By Trebor Britt

also includes an administration and public information center complex with an electronic gravesite locator and public restrooms, a maintenance facility, a cemetery entrance area, a flag assembly area and a memorial walkway and a donations area, as well as two committal shelters and other infrastructure design elements include roadways, landscaping, utilities, and irrigation. The 2,800-seat ceremonial amphitheater “Patriot Plaza”, donated by The Patterson Foundation of Sarasota, was completed June 28, 2014. Every Tuesday at 10 a.m., there are guided tours of the commissioned art work located within the Patriot Plaza. To schedule larger group tours to include school children tours, please call the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County at 941-365-5118 x301. Source Help: Ralph Ricapito and www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ sarasota.asp

Photos by Robert Manteiga

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Sand Castles

|Sandwiched between water at Fisherman’s Cove By Roger Drouin Every one of the 84 units at Fisherman’s Cove has a direct Gulf view. Some renters staying at the complex have even told staff that it is like “staying on a cruise ship” because of the views, said Rhonda Holliday, rental and property manager at Fisherman’s Cove. “We are sandwiched between water, with the beautiful Gulf of Mexico at the front and relaxing Blind Pass Lagoon at our back,” Holliday said. The majority of the units feature twobedrooms and two bathrooms. But there are two three-bedroom units and four onebedroom units in the community. Realtor Ron Flynn notes that the unique Gulf and lagoon-front location on Turtle Beach is what makes this two-building complex stand out on the Key. Nearby is a full service marina, and waterside restaurants. “Kayaking, fishing, boating, beaching, swimming, shelling, great restaurants, jet ski, it is all here in this wonderful complex,” Flynn told Siesta Sand. “Fabulous Sunset views, and a beautiful resort setting.” Fisherman’s Cove also has a heated pool and its own boat slips and kayak dock that are both provided for complimentary use for renters. About 75 percent of unit owners rent their units at least part of the year, Holliday said. The complex’s amenities, strong rental history, and proximity to Gulf and lagoon waters make it a desirable condo location for prospective buyers looking for a condo unit they can rent out. Fisherman’s Cove has a one-week minimum rental policy, which is also conducive to rentals. “Kayaking and paddle boarding is very popular here at Turtle Beach,” Holliday said. “We have our own kayak dock and are located right next to the boat ramp at Turtle Beach where the kayak and paddle board rental companies will deliver to you the equipment and teach you how to use them. Local companies also deliver bicycles for our guests use.” “Many visitors kayak to the Jim Neville Preserve and Palmer Point to see the birds, walk, and go shelling,” Holliday added. The dead-end street keeps the traffic light. “Many guests feel they can unwind here, and Turtle Beach has an ‘old Florida’ feel,” Holliday said. “If you enjoy fishing and boating our location is perfect with the complimentary boat docks when you are our guest and close proximity to Little Sarasota Bay.” Glass enclosed lanais overlook the sand of Turtle Beach.

Although that beach shoreline in front of Fisherman’s Cove has eroded, it will be renourished as part of the county’s South Siesta Beach Renourishment Project slated to start by February. “Then there will be more sand to enjoy,” Holiday said. The long-planned renourishment, which includes Turtle Beach, was to start in midJanuary. Officials say the work should be completed by April, before the start of the sea turtle nesting season. The project will add 800,000 cubic yards of sand to two miles of beach. It will buffer the eroded shoreline that was initially nourished with a million cubic yards of sand in 2007. During construction, sand will be harvested from a borrow area eight to ten miles offshore. As of press time, surveying work for the project had already begun. Flynn noted that once the newly buffered beach is in place, Fisherman’s Cove will be an even-better investment asset at a beautiful setting on Siesta.

Block construction

The property is in great shape and is well maintained, Holliday said. Recently, units received new, upgraded kitchen doors. The block-constructed buildings were developed in 1968 and 1969. Quarterly HOA fees for the two-bedroom units is $1,754.

Recent sales:

Over the past year six units have sold in Fisherman’s Cove, including one unit that was sold outside of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). • Here are the units that were sold on the MLS. All of the recent sales were two bedroom and two bath: In August, 2015, a 969-square-foot unit, on the second floor sold for $435,000, or $448 per square foot. The unit was recently updated. A first floor 969-square-foot unit sold for 422,500 in October, 2015. The sale came out to $436 a square foot. A corner unit with 969 square feet sold as a “Short Sale” for $405,000 in October, 2015. A first-floor unit with new windows and appliances sold for $400,000 in June, 2015. At 997 square feet, it sold for $401 a square foot. A furnished, yet un-upgraded, 969-squarefoot unit sold for $383,000 in November, 2015. • In addition, as of press time, there was one unit currently listed for sale. It is a 997-square foot, second-floor unit listed for $479,000, or $480 a square foot.

NOTE: Realtor Ron Flynn of Key Solutions Real Estate Group contributed to the sales information used in this article. Other data was compiled from the Sarasota County Property Appraiser Office, Sarasota County Planning & Development Services permits, and Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

Key Solutions Real Estate Group

#1 2015 Listing & Sales Agents on Siesta Key ... BOB and SHERI RUIZ

CT A R T N O C UNDER Luxurious Siesta Beach Villas

Enjoy the best of Siesta Key in this beautifully appointed 2/2 with 2 balconies and 2 car garage. Just one block to the Beach and Village. MLS#A4139763 $899,000

Harbour Towne Yacht Club

An easy walk to Siesta Beach with boat dock and pool/ spa, this bright and spacious turn-key 2/2 with garage affords the ideal island lifestyle. MLS#A4128627 $519,000

5166 Oxford Drive

Ideal Siesta Retreat on large corner lot near Village and Beach. Charming 2/2 with great outdoor living on large lanai within fenced yard. 2 car garage. MLS#4138720 $499,900

Your Resident Siesta Key Realtors - - -

The Pointe on Midnight Pass

Enjoy the beauty and serenity of island life with views of the Gulf and Bay. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit at the south end of Siesta Key affords every amenity. MLS#A4118450 $540,000

Gulf & Bay Bayside

Amazing vacation or rental property. Just across the street from the world famous Siesta Beach with dedicated beach access. Beautifully furnished 3 BR, 2 BA unit with attached garage. MLS#A4142552 $689,000

Bob Ruiz 941-544-3299 RobertRuizRR@aol.com Sheri Ruiz 941-400-4186 Sheri Lasley@aol.com www.SiestaKeyNow.com

Key Solutions Real Estate Group

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

February 2016

Snapshots of Island Visitors

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography 1

1: Stephanie, Alison, Heather from TN. 2: Elle, Alex age 10, Isabelle age 9, Tristan age 11, Sherri, Saddie (service pup in training) all from MN. 3: Greg, Ray from Sarasota. 4: Jessica from Sarasota. 5: Stephano from Brazil, Ali from Orlando. (Students at UCF). 6: Bonnie From Maryland, Stephanie from WI., Maria from WI, and Addie from Maryland.

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Accommodations Locator Map

ÂŠ Island Visitor Publishing, LLC 2012

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Annual Oral Exams Save Lives Estimations show that almost 8,000 people are most likely to die from oral cancer because they have been diagnosed in such a late stage of the disease when there is little that can be done from a clinical point of view. “Comprehensive dental examinations that include a screening for oral cancer will save lives,” says Dr. Alexander Gaukhman. “Screenings for oral cancer are a routine part of dental exams at our office.” The exam takes less than five minutes and involves a careful visual inspection of your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue and throat. The dentist will check for swelling or any changes in the color or texture of mouth tissues. The dentist will also feel the floor of the mouth, the tongue and areas beneath the jawbone to check for growths or other abnormalities. Many kinds of mouth ulcers, minor injuries or sores can resemble an early state of cancer. But if what you think is a cold

sore or an injury from biting your cheek doesn’t heal in two weeks, have it examined by a dentist who can determine the next steps. “Annual oral cancer screenings are one of the best methods we have to help control the rate of the disease,” says Dr. Gaukhman. “It’s a fast and painless exam that aims to discover any health issues while they’re minor and easily treatable,” he says. Dr. Gaukhman uses the VELscope Vx Enhanced Oral Assessment System, which centers on a wireless, handheld scope that uses natural tissue fluorescence to enhance oral mucosal abnormalities, such as oral cancer that might not be apparent or even visible to the naked eye. More than 25 million VELscope Vx examinations have been performed by over 12,000 dental practitioners in 23 countries. The technology is also backed by more clinical studies than any other adjunctive device for tissue fluorescence visualization.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can affect any area of the mouth, including the gums, tongue, cheeks, roof of the mouth, lips, and hard or soft palate. The tongue is the most common area to develop intra-oral cancer with the floor of the mouth close behind. Individuals can look for the following signs & symptoms: • White patches, mixed red & white patches and/or bright red smooth patches • Sores on the face, neck, lips or mouth that haven’t healed in two weeks • Difficulty swallowing • Swellings or lumps in your neck, lips or mouth • Bleeding in your mouth • Numbness, pain and/or loss of feeling in your face, neck or mouth • Hoarseness that lasts for a long time

While self-examination is recommended, these signs & symptoms can be caused by many other conditions that are not cancer. But it is prudent to be cautious. There is no substitute for having annual examinations at your dental office. As stated above, early detection is the key to higher survival rates. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, oral cancers that are detected in their early stages offer a survival rate of 80 to 90 percent.

of oral cancers can be treated, but only if diagnosed early. In order to be able to catch the disease in its early stage, regular oral cancer screenings are of paramount importance. All it takes is five minutes of your time, for the dentist to have a look in your mouth for possible tissue changes. Call today!

Risk factors for oral cancer include:

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Island Girl

By Trebor Britt

This monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Island Girl is Morgan from Sarasota. She enjoys volleyball, traveling and spending time with family and friends. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find Morgan playing volleyball on Siesta Beach almost every weekend. She works as a senior sales coordinator and has a Bachelors degree in marketing from the University of South Florida.

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