Siesta Sand - February 2021

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Traffic analysis completed on proposed south Siesta Key expansion

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com Having taken into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on traffic counts, and having analyzed vehicle patterns for safety purposes, the Kimley-Horn consulting firm has made recommendations to Sarasota County staff related to the proposed construction of a hotel and parking garage on south Siesta Key. The firm, which has offices in Tampa and Sarasota, conducted its traffic counts on July 16, 2020, its report says. Kimley-Horn determined that only 92 extra vehicles would be associated with the seven-story, 120-room hotel and 203-space parking garage during peak afternoon drive time, the report adds.

The firm also has called for the removal of the southern right-in/right-out driveway along Stickney Point Road, as well as an egress-only driveway on Old Stickney Point Road, the report says.

“The removal of these additional driveways will improve access management

and safety along both roadways,” the Kimley-Horn report adds.

Access to the parking garage would consist of a right-in/right-out/left-out driveway on Old Stickney Point Road, along with a left-in/right-in/right-out driveway on Stickney Point Road, the document notes.

Additionally, the study determined that no right-turn lane would be warranted

for the hotel driveway on Peacock Road, as fewer than 80 vehicles altogether are anticipated to be in that vicinity during the afternoon peak hour after the hotel has been built.

Further, the report — which was submitted to county staff on Oct. 26, 2020 — says that 30 of the additional afternoon peak-hour trips are expected to be produced by vehicles whose drivers are

accessing the retail space planned on the lower level of the parking garage.

“The approximately 203-space garage also plans to support public parking,” the report notes, by making 103 of the spaces available for people other than hotel guests and visitors to the retail businesses. Therefore, the report continues, a conservative assumption is that 50% of those 103 spaces would generate traffic

Consulting firm projects only 92 additional cars associated with the seven-story, 120-room hotel during peak afternoon drive time.

Continued on page 38

A Well Lived Siesta Key Life

By Jane Bartnett Siesta Key was a very different place in 1948. In September of that year, three years after the end of World War II, the now 87-year-old Siesta Key resident Cope Garrett and his family left their comfortable life in Philadelphia behind and made the Key their home.

As the 15-year-old Cope, along with his brother, mother, father and two dogs settled into their new life, his physician father established a successful medical practice and became the first board certified doctor in Sarasota County. Dr. Garrett’s patients included Marie Selby, whose

name now graces the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, as well as Ralph and Ellen Caples. “The Caples were railroad people,” Cope Garrett told the Siesta Sand. Caples was also an early real estate developer, who convinced the Ringling brothers to come to Sarasota.

In the late 1940‘s, there were about 300 people living on Siesta Key and in 1950, National Geographic Magazine named Siesta beach as one of the four most beautiful beaches in the world.

“The mosquitos were terrible, and planes would drop EDT, but,” Garrett said, “it was a tropical paradise and I

loved every square inch of it.”

Enrolling at Sarasota High School proved to be another drastic but wonderful change for the young Cope Garrett. It was a far cry from the private Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia where John B. Kelly, the brother of former movie star Grace Kelly who became Princess Grace of Monaco, was a classmate.

At 6’ 1”, and 168 lbs., Garrett was a star on the high school basketball court as well as the gridiron. Named MVP in his senior year, he won a football scholarship to Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, but

Cope Garrett, age 16, on Dry Tortugas with a loggerhead turtle John Steinmetz photo, Courtesy of Cope Garrett Continued on page 39

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Paw Pals Meet Kevin

Mind Body Soul: Whole Wellness

Sheriff’s Sergeant Talks with SKA

Notes from Island Fishmonger: Fresh in February

• Village Map/business listings PAGES 22-23 • Crescent Beach Map/ business listings PAGE 24 • Music Calendar PAGE 28 • Gulf Gate Shops PAGE 31 • Accommodations Map/ Listings PAGE 43

Happiness is…Finding Love You know what never goes out of style? Love. Our culture dedicates an entire month to it in February. Love is timeless and love brings joy. And who couldn’t use a little bit of that?

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Protests aplenty aired over proposal for 170-room, eight-story hotel on edge of Siesta Village

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com Close to the end of a nearly two-and-a-half-hour Neighborhood Workshop on a proposed 170-room hotel on the edge of Siesta Village, the president of the Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA) summed up the proceedings.

Explaining that her organization represents “neighborhoods and neighbors,” Kafi Benz of Sarasota said, “I … would like to note we did not have a single participant who was supportive of the project.”

The New York City owner of the four parcels located between Calle Miramar and Beach Road, and the long-time lessee of the property — RE/MAX real estate agent Robert Anderson of Sarasota — plan a five-story hotel constructed over three levels of parking. That would put the hotel’s height at 80 feet above Base Flood Elevation, which is a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) term for construction in a flood zone, project team member William Merrill III of the Icard Merrill law firm in Sarasota pointed out.

A Special Exception will be sought from the County Commission for the hotel to exceed the 35-foot height limit for construction in a Commercial General zoning district on the Key. The hotel will have a restaurant that will serve breakfast and lunch for guests, plus a bar with the restaurant on the fourth floor and a bar on the roof, along with the pool, Merrill said. In response to questions about whether the bars would

Rendering of proposed Siesta Key Hotel on Calle Miramar site.

be open to the public, Merrill said he would have to check with the ownership group. However, Merrill added, “The intention is that we’re focusing on the guests.” The hotel will be a “very high-end” property, he said.

“Everything’s supposed to be top of the line.” Therefore, Merrill emphasized, the goal would be to limit noise so as not to cause

problems for the guests or the neighbors.

Further, the project team is calling for an elimination of the county regulations that count each hotel room without a kitchen as half a residential dwelling unit. The team’s proposed amendments to the county’s Comprehensive Plan and the Unified Development

Code (UDC), which contains all of the county’s land-development and zoning regulations, would apply countywide, Merrill explained during the workshop.

A Commercial General zone allows for 13 dwelling units per acre; thus, a hotel without kitchens in its rooms could have up to 26 rooms per acre. The Calle Miramar hotel site

comprises 0.96 acres, according to the formal application filed with Sarasota County staff.

Research undertaken by the project team found that Siesta Key is the only barrier island within the county’s jurisdiction with commercial property zoning districts where “transient accommodations” could be Continued on page 37

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Can You Lower Your “Reliance Rate” During Retirement?

Sarasota Local Brings Experience & Trust to Siesta Key

If you have decades to go until you retire, you don’t need to panic over volatile financial markets – you have plenty of time to regain lost ground and potentially achieve more growth in your investment portfolio. But what if you are nearing retirement or already retired? After all, you will probably need to draw on your investments to pay for some of the costs associated with housing, food and the many other expenses you incur in daily life. So, is a down market cause for alarm?

It shouldn’t be. And you can help reduce your stress level by understanding your “reliance rate.” As its name suggests, your reliance rate tells you how much you rely on your portfolio – rather than other sources, such as Social Security or a pension – to meet your income needs during retirement. So, for example, if you need $60,000 each year, and $40,000 comes from your portfolio, your reliance rate is 66 percent.

Your reliance rate can influence your emotions and investment behavior. A higher reliance rate

Joe St. Onge outside his office on Siesta Key.

may tempt you to make emotional decisions during a market decline, since your portfolio is supplying more of your needs. However, if you respond to a steep market drop by making dramatic changes to your portfolio, you may actually increase the likelihood that your money may not last. This is especially true if you move a large portion of your portfolio to cash, as cash does not typically provide growth potential to help keep up with inflation.

There is no “recommended”

reliance rate for everyone, But, as a general rule, the higher your reliance rate, the more sensitive your portfolio may be to fluctuations in investment prices. What can you do, then, to either lower this rate or, at least, moderate the risk level attached to it? Here are some suggestions:

which is likely between 66 and 67. You can receive even more if you wait until 70, at which point your benefits will “max out.” So, if you can afford to push back the date at which you start taking Social Security, you could lower your reliance rate.

• Adjust your expenses.

During retirement, some of your expenses, such as commuting and other costs associated with work, will go down, but others – particularly health care – will go up. You can’t control all these expenses, but the more you can keep them under control, the less pressure there will be on your investment portfolio to provide you with income.

• Keep cash and shortterm investments in your portfolio. Try to keep about one year’s worth of living expenses in cash or cash equivalents, and about three to five years’ worth of expenses in certificates of deposit and other short-term income-producing vehicles.

Having these assets available can help you avoid liquidating long-term investments when their prices are down.

• Review your plans for Social Security. You can file for Social Security benefits as early as 62, but your monthly checks will then be reduced by about 30 percent from what you’d receive if you waited until your full retirement age,

Your investment portfolio will certainly be a key source of your retirement income. And by understanding how reliant you are on your portfolio, and the options you have for reducing this reliance, the better prepared you’ll be to withstand the inevitable

market downturns.

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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Island

Chatter Illegal private home rentals decried once again

A topic that arose during the January 7th Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting was the rentals of island homes that can sleep more than 20 people.

Maribel Figueredo, who lives in the Siesta Isles neighborhood, raised the issue during a discussion of the three hotel projects proposed on the island — including plans for an eight-story hotel on Calle Miramar, just off Ocean Boulevard; and Dr. Gary Kompothecras’ 120-room hotel that would stand on Old Stickney Point Road.

The Sarasota County Commission, Figueredo said, should consider those projects — plus plans to redevelop the Siesta Key Beach Resort and Suites on Ocean Boulevard — in context with the increasing number of private home rentals.

Referring to properties advertised that can sleep 28 or more people, she stressed, “Those aren’t private residences. … They’re three stories high. …

They’re really mini hotels.”

SKA President Catherine Luckner responded that Sgt. Arik Smith, leader of the Sheriff’s Office substation on the Key, had told her that a continuing climb in the number of calls for service the department is receiving on the island is not related to permanent residents but to visitors. “That tells you something,” Luckner added. “That should give us some leverage,” Luckner pointed out, in working to encourage the county commissioners to take a broader look at the situation on Siesta.

Then Franklin Tugwell, who lives on Avenida de Paradisio, which is close to the northern end of Siesta Village, talked about the fact that five of the 14 houses on his street have been turned into rental properties since he moved to the Key about eight years ago.

“I have rentals on three sides,” he said. Some of the owners, he added, “are breaking the rules.”

One of those houses has 12 beds available in it, Tugwell noted, referencing advertisements for it.

Continued on page 6

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Street setbacks, landscaping details and parking plans the focus of county staff comments on Kompothecras project

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com It was not until a December 8th, 2020 deadline that representatives of several Sarasota County divisions that handle landdevelopment issues provided comments on a preliminary application submitted in May for a seven-story, 120-room hotel and a five-story parking garage planned in the Stickney Point Road/Old Stickney Point Road area of Siesta Key. A participant in the December 15th, 2020 Neighborhood Workshop on the projects noted the December 8th document, which was signed by county Planner Joshua T. Law. “I am sending you this letter to inform you that [the proposed plan has] failed the sufficiency review,” Law wrote of both the hotel and the parking garage proposals in a letter to Kompothecras’ project team.

Among deficiencies the letter cites is the failure to provide details regarding the ownership of the parcels for the hotel and parking garage, as required by county regulations. (During the December 15th workshop, attorney Charles D. Bailey III of the Williams Parker firm in Sarasota noted that Siesta resident Gary Kompothecras, who is known for his 1-800-ASK-GARY medical and legal referral service, and Kompothecras’ family members are the property owners. (The parcels are listed in county records

as belonging to limited liability companies.)

Other points, cited by the Zoning Division staff, focus on lack of information showing that the hotel design would conform to the necessary street yard setbacks in the county’s Unified Development Code (UDC), which contains all the county’s zoning and land-development regulations.

For example, one of those comments notes that the required setback between the hotel site, which is zoned Commercial General (CG), and the Sabal Lake Condominium complex, which is zoned Residential Multi-Family, must be 20 feet, plus 12 feet for the additional height that will be sought for the hotel. “While the proposed [structure] appears to meet the required [32-foot] setback,” the comment continued, “the setback is shown as 30 [feet] and should be increased to 32 [feet],” the comment said.

The project team has said the hotel will stand about 80 feet above base flood elevation, although CG zoning allows for a structure to be only 35 feet above base flood elevation. (The latter phrase refers to a Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA)] regulation regarding construction in a flood zone.)

The team is seeking a Special Exception from the County Commission for the extra height.

Island Chatter Sarasota County regulations allow for the rental of a singlefamily home only once every 30 days. However, SKA members have complained for years that more residences in singlefamily neighborhoods are being advertised through online platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo.com for visitors to rent more often than once a month.

A friend of his, Tugwell noted, who lives across the canal from Tugwell, “has now sold his home” and is leaving Siesta. The reason is that the friend became

A related note pointed out that the required setback of the hotel from Peacock Road — which is planned to be the eastern border of the site — is 42.5 feet,” unless the project team demonstrates otherwise and wins Special Exception approval for a different figure.

In response to a SNL inquiry, Planning and Development Services Department staff wrote in an email: “This letter was generated from the 12/8 deadline for staff comments regarding staff’s review for completeness.”

When Siesta resident Janet Emanuel asked about the letter during the December 15th workshop, Robert “Bo” Medred of Genesis Planning & Development in Bradenton, told her that the project team “just received these comments on [December 11th, 2020], so we’re in the process of having our consultants go through [the comments].”

Attorney Bailey III also pointed out, “Sometimes you have multiple rounds of sufficiency reviews.” The team members will address county staff members’ comments as the county review proceeds, Bailey added. Often, he continued, a project team is required to provide clarifications and confirmation of specific points. “We’re not disregarding it or discounting its importance,” Bailey explained in reference to the letter. Still, he added, “It’s not

unusual to get a whole slew of comments.”

Later, Bailey told Emanuel, “We’re not able [during the workshop] to walk through every provision of the [county Comprehensive] Plan and the [County] Code.”

“So what have you been doing since May?!” Emanuel responded.

She did not get an answer.

During an informal Neighborhood Workshop conducted about the projects on December 2nd, Medred explained that, typically, it takes a year from the time a formal application is submitted to county staff until construction can begin. In fact, he pointed out, an 18-month-long timeline would be more likely.

Other staff concerns Among other comments in the December 8th letter, representatives of the Landscape Division noted that because Stickney Point Road is designated an arterial/collector road, a buffer that is at least 10 feet in width would be required between the parking garage and Stickney Point Road. Further, a 6-foot-wide buffer would be needed on the Old Stickney Point side of the garage.

(The Florida Department of Transportation defines an arterial road as one that “provides continuous routes which serve through traffic, high-traffic volumes, and long average trips.”

Yet another comment from the

Zoning Division noted that a street yard setback within the Siesta Key Overlay District (SKOD) “may be reduced to 2 [feet] if approved by the County Commission for buildings exceeding 35 [feet in height] as part of the Special Exception approval.” However, the comment continued, “It appears that the ramp up/ramp down does not meet the required [20-foot] street yard setback, so please demonstrate that the building elevations meet the requirements of Article 7, Section 124-102(b)(4)j. of the [UDC].”

Medred of Genesis Planning & Development has explained that the plans call for hotel guests to drive up a ramp from Old Stickney Point Road to reach the second level. There, they would turn over their keys to a valet who would park the vehicle in the garage across the street.

Another comment from the Landscape Division pointed out that the preliminary application appeared to show angled parking outside the garage. If that were the case, all of those rows also would have to “terminate in a curbed landscaped island with each island having a minimum area of 170 [square feet] with a minimum width of 10 [feet] inside the [curb] and include one large tree as described in Article 8, Section 124-122(s) of the UDC, the staff member wrote.

continued. “This is a trend now.

This entire street could be rental houses that could be breaking the rules.”

Tugwell pointed out that he has become aware of companies buying single-family homes that come onto the market and then turning them into rental properties that can be managed by services on the Key. The situation, he said, is “changing the nature of the neighborhood fundamentally, and it’s populating … our area with a lot more people” than the Key saw in

years past.

SKA member Mike Holderness, who is one of the owners of the Siesta Key Beach Resort and Suites, located at 5311 Ocean Blvd., pointed out, “I’ve been trying to get a registration process [in place]” for shortterm rentals in single-family neighborhoods. Thus far, he added, he had been unsuccessful in gaining support for that from Sarasota County staff. He has been told, he said, that the County Commission would have to direct staff to work on such an

initiative.

If such a registration process were in operation, Holderness explained, then county Code Enforcement officers could use the information from the forms to track down the owners of homes advertised for illegal short-term rentals. That would help staff pursue appropriate remedies and stop the action, he added.

Continued from page 5

frustrated by all the noise from partying visitors in the friend’s community on the Key, along with the garbage associated with illegal short-term rentals, Tugwell explained.

Residents have complained for years that, because visitors often depart days before Waste Management makes its weekly rounds on the island, piles of garbage those visitors leave become malodorous and draw vermin.

“A large number of people are breaking the law,” Tugwell

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Condominium association members get updates on variety of issues related to the pandemic

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com An annual update to inform Siesta Key Condominium Council (SKCC) members about changes in association laws took a different tack this year.

Sarasota attorney Dan Lobeck opened his January 12th program with a focus on issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If association leaders learn of a resident who has tested positive for the virus, Lobeck advised the SKCC members, the association can inform the other residents that the illness has been reported, with the hope that the resident will selfisolate until he or she no longer is contagious.

“And, perhaps if you’re a large enough community,” Lobeck added, association leaders can reveal the area of the complex where the ill person resides.

Nonetheless, he warned against providing details that would enable someone to figure out exactly where the infected person lives.

“There’s something in the Florida Constitution that broadly entitles people to privacy,” Lobeck explained.

Further, Lobeck recommended that associations consider implementing a rule that requires that any resident diagnosed with COVID-19 remain in isolation until the person is well again.

Yet another issue related to the pandemic, he continued, involves financial hardship. For example, Lobeck said, if a worker in the hospitality industry lost

his job and is having trouble electronic means.” The idea paying bills, some association when that was passed, he leaders may feel they should said, was that people could “go easy” on collections of call into meetings. In recent maintenance fees and special months, he noted, Zoom has assessments. “You heard become a popular platform the exact same kind of thing for all types of sessions — [during the Great Recession],” including the SKCC meeting he pointed out. “I would hope that afternoon. that associations have learned However, he cautioned, a their lesson from that.” person still has the right to If associations allow leeway participate in an association in their collections of fees board meeting in person. from persons who have lost Invariably, he added, income, Lobeck said, other association bylaws call for residents without financial the publishing of a notice constraints often get angry, about the date, time and alleging that the persons who place of any board meeting. are not paying are getting “It might be argued that a “free ride.” Moreover, he cyberspace is a place,” he Sarasota attorney Dan Lobeck speaking to the Siesta noted, “It becomes more said, but such a contention is Key Condominium Council (SKCC) members. challenging,” not just for an likely to fail. association board but also for If an association board Florida’s Condominium Act the condominium owners who are gives association boards “the plans to conduct a meeting in in arrears, “to dig themselves out person, Lobeck pointed out, it ability to adopt reasonable rules of the hole that they had created,” can choose a place large enough and regulations regarding the use if payments are not kept up-toof common facilities,” he said. Any for “abundant social distancing,” date. and masks can be required for judge hearing a case challenging Lobeck also explained that the duration of the meeting, along such action likely would rule because the State of Emergency with “very aggressive disinfectant for the association board, he for Florida that Gov. Ron DeSantis procedures.” continued. issued in the spring of 2020 is Still, he recommended Having specialized in still in effect, each condominium association boards conduct condominium law for the past 40 association board has its own “hybrid meetings,” so persons years, Lobeck said, “It’s been my emergency powers. That results who prefer to participate via a advice to clients that they have from a state statute that was program such as Zoom can do so, wide latitude.” implemented to deal with and those who would prefer to In regard to board sessions hurricanes, he noted. “It says you attend in person can do so. while the pandemic continues, have the right to close facilities.

Lobeck pointed out that even Concerns about therapy, or … That would also apply to the before the pandemic began, a emotional support animals board’s ability to close common state statute gave associations Turning to a different topic, facilities, such as gyms or a “the right to conduct meetings Lobeck noted that the U.S. recreation hall.” with participation allowed by …

Department of Housing and

Urban Development (HUD) has provided new guidance clarifying that a certification form someone can buy online to try to prove that the person has need of a therapy animal “is worthless.”

Further, he said, HUD has said that requests for certification regarding an animal other than “common household animals” can be denied. Dogs and cats are considered common household animals, Lobeck explained, while — for examples — kangaroos, monkeys, and reptiles other than turtles are not.

Moreover, he continued, HUD “has created a substantial burden” for a person with a disability to demonstrate that that person needs a therapy animal. Additionally, he said, a condominium association has the right to require that a person provide documentation from a doctor or a comparable health care provider that the person needs a therapy animal.

A new state law regarding emotional support animals says that a person has to have documentation from a health care provider who can attest that the person has entered that provider’s care and that the provider has been aware of the person’s condition for a period of years, Lobeck added.

The best way to deal with the issue, Lobeck said, is for an association to create its own form then require that owners Continued on page 42

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Saba Sands protests denial for new condominium complex

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com Saba Sands LLC has filed a Request for Relief through the Florida Land Use and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act (FLUE DRA), arguing that the Sarasota County Commission’s August 2020 denial of its plans for a sixunit condominium complex on Beach Road was “unreasonable and unfairly burdens Owner’s reasonable, investment-backed expectations for use of the Land.”

The principal of Saba Sands LLC is Sarasota attorney William Saba.

Saba Sands sought the Coastal Setback Variance (CSV) so it could demolish a two-storyover-parking, single-family residence with 3,990 square feet of habitable space at 636 Beach Road and replace it with a threestory, pile-supported structure that would contain 17,106 square feet. The new building would contain six condominiums, county staff reported. Seaward of it, two other undeveloped lots Saba Sands owns contain dune habitat, staff showed the board members.

Along with the condominiums, the new construction would include a pool, a deck, a retaining wall and a driveway.

The maximum any of the construction would stand seaward of the county’s Gulf Beach Setback Line (GBSL) would be 191 feet, Howard Berna, manager of the county’s Environmental Permitting Division, told the commissioners during the Aug. 26th hearing.

The GBSL was established in 1979 to protect coastal habitat and dunes, which, in turn, protect landward structures from storm surge and other flooding events. County leaders have referred to it as a figurative “line in the sand.”

On August 26th, Saba Sands’ attorney, Stephen D. Rees Jr. of the Icard Merrill firm in Sarasota, told the commissioners during the public hearing

that the CSV the company was seeking “is the minimum variance necessary to permit reasonable use of the property, referring to state and local regulations regarding private property rights.”

Nonetheless, Commissioner Nancy Detert, who made the motion to deny the petition, said that the construction would set “a horrible precedent.”

“To me,” Detert said, “you’ve got what you bought. … It does take a lot of nerve to ask for multiple units on this property.”

She voiced concern that if the board approved the CSV, that would open up the potential for the owners of “all the other houses on [Beach Road]” with property covered by dunes and vegetation seaward of those homes to seek approval for larger structures.

Attorney Stephen D. Rees Sr., also of Sarasota, is representing Saba Sands in the FLUEDRA action, the petition says.

In filing the Request for Relief on November 23rd, Rees stressed that Saba Sands wants to construct the new building only on the two lots that already are developed on the property.

“Owner before acquiring Title to the Land carefully studied prior Board approvals for Coastal Setback Variances on SIMILAR properties expressly identified within the Owner’s Variance Application Narrative and discussed both within a … presentation and testimony

by Owner’s Agent at the public hearing,” Rees wrote with emphasis in the FLUEDRA petition. The commissioners approved multiple residences and multi-story buildings “as a reasonable use” on those other properties, he added; thus, Saba Sands expected “to be treated similarly, fairly and equally under the criteria of [the County Code].”

The county Environmental Permitting staff’s own analysis of the Saba Sands proposal found that the Mean High

Water Line “‘is approximately 782 feet from the proposed construction,’” Rees continued.

Staff also concluded, he wrote, that no direct impacts on the protected native dune habitat or dune vegetation were anticipated.

Rees further pointed out that, according to the 2002 Sarasota/Charlotte County Beach Feasibility Study Report, the shoreline at the Saba Sands property “‘has accreted at an annual rate of 6.8 [feet per year] between 1987 and 2001 and 2.4 [feet per year] between 1974 and 2001,’” according to the county staff report.

Moreover, Rees stressed, “County Staff totally ignored [Saba Sands’] Variance Application discussion … of six properties ‘WITHIN THE NEIGHBORHOOD’ having ‘double lots’ on Beach Road developed as multi-family buildings between the public beach and Ocean Blvd,” including those standing at 228 Beach Road, 304 Beach Road and 610 Beach Road.

Rees also alleged that county staff specifically disregarded facts that were favorable to the Saba Sands application and, instead, chose to show the commission a graphic that illustrated that the new condominium complex proposed at 636 Beach Road would shift the line of construction seaward by 25 feet, which, staff said, conflicted with the criteria of the county’s Coastal Setback Code in regard to determining “‘the minimum variance necessary for reasonable use of the property.’”

The county’s response

In the county’s response to the Request for Relief, Assistant County Attorney David Pearce argued that, because the property located at 636 Beach Road “abuts dune habitat and beach access, and because there is a reasonable existing use, a reasonable person would expect that the location and natural conditions associated with Continued on page 39

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Pondering Puppy Parenthood?

What You Need to Know Kyle Baker, Senior Pet Food Nutritionist at DOGPerfect

Welcoming a new dog into the family is exciting—but it’s no walk in the park.

While it’s not quite on the level of bringing a new baby home, introducing a new pup to your world requires preparation.

For starters, you’re going to need a lot of supplies. But, beyond that, you’ll also need a network of service providers that can help guide you and your dog toward a happy, healthy life together.

Here are a few important considerations that can aid your transition to puppy parenthood.

Then there are toys. Puppies love to chew – it’s how they explore the world. But they also need to chew when teething to soothe sore gums. Do your shoes, couch, and sanity a favor and get your new pup a few chew toys to take the edge off. There are a lot of options, so ask your independent pet retailer for popular suggestions. While you’re at it, grab some plush and puzzle toys to provide your pup with much needed fun and mental stimulation.

About the Bowl

What’s next? Well, they’ve got to eat, so you’ll need bowls for food and water. Once

Paw Pals Meet Kevin

Tap Into Your Network

Crates are Great

Puppy or adult canine, chances are your dog will have trouble getting acclimated to new surroundings. To help your pup adapt to your home we recommend a simple solution: a standard crate. It may sound a bit rudimentary, but a crate can perform lots of functions as your new dog’s place of refuge whether they need to sleep, relax, or just get away from it all.

After pairing an appropriately sized crate with a cozy bed, take the comfort up a notch by adding a special friend from Snuggle Puppy. Featuring a lifelike heartbeat and a warming heat pack, a Snuggle Puppy can calm your dog and help them feel at home.

Crates can also address other common early challenges. The confines can help prevent your new pup from wandering the house at night to bark at nocturnal critters roaming your neighborhood. Plus, crates can be a useful housetraining tool as dogs generally won’t eliminate waste where they sleep.

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you’ve got those, there are a few folks who can help you figure out what to feed them. Ask your vet or get an assist from a knowledgeable employee or nutrition specialist at your local independent pet store.

If you’ve brought home a puppy, keep in mind, they have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. Puppies require special formulations and extra nutrients to fuel growth, and they need to eat three times a day until they reach six months.

To track this based on your pup’s age and weight, reference the charts found on most food labels.

Additionally, goat’s milk can be used as a supplement to puppy food to increase hydration and boost probiotic intake.

Containing protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, goat’s milk is highly nutritious, easier to digest than cow’s milk, and can be up to 20% of a puppy’s daily diet.

Lastly, if you want to start things off right with your new dog, you should establish a network of pet resources early on. A good, local, independent pet store is the best place to start your pet parent journey. There you can get everything mentioned above and some great recommendations for other resources like a vet, groomer, and pet sitter. As for those, you’ll want to make sure you contact options and add them to your network as soon as possible before your dog is sick, needs a haircut, or you’ve got to leave town on business. You’ll be glad you did.

Getting a new dog requires a lot of work. Luckily for you and your pup, the tools and resources are easy to find.

Start early and tap into your community to make sure you’ve made all the preparations so you can enjoy life with your new dog right away.

A happy, two-year old, ball of fluffy white fur, Kevin’s nickname is “Mr. Fluffy Pants.” Weighing in at 12 lbs., Kevin is a complete and devoted lap dog who loves to play with pull toys, and his bright red ball.

Shoes of all kind are his favorite things to munch on and “lunch” is his favorite meal of the day. Hopping in the car to visit his four-legged best friends makes him dance on his back legs and jump for joy.

Submit your Paw Pal to the Siesta Sand at info@27statemedia.com.

Let’s Get Moving

Unless you have a fenced-in backyard, you’ve got a lot of exercise to look forward to. Much like babies, puppies are very regular and you’ll need to get them outside for potty time at least a half dozen times daily.

But, in addition to that, dogs need activity.

To make sure your new dog is getting out and about enough, you’ll need a few tools.

First, a collar – if you’ve got a puppy, opt for an adjustable product that can grow with them. Next, you’ll need a leash long enough to let them move freely, but short enough that you can take greater control if needed.

We recommend a traditional six-foot nylon or leather leash. Finally, if your new dog tends to pull a lot when leashed, you may want to consider a harness to prevent choking and trachea damage.

Kyle Baker, Senior Pet Food Nutritionist at DOGPerfect, has a passion for educating pet parents on the power of nutrition and how it can improve their pet’s lives with proper food, supplements and treats.

DOGPerfect is a locally owned and operated pet supply store with locations in The Landings, University Park, and Lakewood Ranch. Visit www.

DOGPerfect.com for more information and to sign-up for a free one-on-one nutrition consult with Kyle.

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County denies another proposal for new single-family home fully seaward of North Beach Road

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com Citing the dynamic shoreline and the impact the proposal would have on the dune system, the Sarasota County Commission unanimously denied a request

by Siesta Key property owner Michael Holderness to construct a two-story-over-parking, singlefamily home entirely seaward of North Beach Road.

The structure would have stood north of Beach Access 3.

Commissioner Nancy Detert was absent from the January 13th public hearing because of ill health.

As a county memo provided to the commissioners in advance of the session explained, “A study of aerial photos taken between 1948 and 2020 shows that a portion of the parcel [where the construction was proposed] was intermittently submerged throughout this time as a recently as 2013 … Though the proposed development is located approximately 190 feet landward of the MHWL [Mean High Water Line] according to information from a survey performed by Red Stake Surveyors on October 25, 2019,” the memo continued, “the low relative elevations present on Siesta Key, as well as the dynamic nature of erosion and accretion along the shoreline, put [the parcel] at increased risk of flooding as a result of tropical storms, hurricanes, and winter cold fronts.”

The memo further stressed, “Storm surge is the most destructive force associated with tropical storms and

hurricanes. National Storm Surge Hazard Maps produced by the NOAA [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration] … predict that Siesta Key may experience storm surge greater than nine feet above ground level during a category three hurricane event.”

As county Environmental Specialist Staci Tippins noted during the board’s Jan. 13 regular meeting, the plans called for the structure to stand a maximum of 189.61 feet seaward of the Gulf Beach Setback Line (GBSL).

County staff has explained that the GBSL is the figurative “line in the sand” to protect the coastal dune systems and habitat which, in turn, protect landward structures from storm surge and other flooding events.

The January 13th staff memo also pointed out that the site of the proposed home is part of a 0.4mile stretch of beach that Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) designated as critically eroded in July 2020. The memo added that that “is the only area with this designation on the north end of Siesta Key.” However, Weiqi Lin of Port and Coastal Consultants in Sarasota, who was representing Holderness, emphasized that the GBSL had not been updated since it was established in 1979. Further, he said, “The beach in this area has been dramatically increased over the past two decades.”

Based on historical county and FDEP data sets, Lin noted, the

beach accreted at a rate of 6.8 feet a year between 1987 and 2001.

It continued to accrete at an annual rate of 10.09 feet per year from 2001 to 2015, Lin pointed out.

The MHWL had moved 105 feet more seaward between the time of the October 2019 survey, Lin said, and another survey conducted in September 2020.

Further, a building the County Commission approved in 1999, which stands at 104-106 Beach Road, would be 5 feet further seaward than the Holderness house, Lin added.

Moreover, Michael Barfield, a paralegal with Denovo Law Services LLC in Sarasota, joined Lin in emphasizing the mitigation Holderness planned in response to the impact the construction would have on 3,043 square feet of dune habitat. The ration of the mitigation area to the existing dune habitat expanse, Lin said, would be 1.13 to 1.

In her report, Tippins of Environmental Permitting noted, “About 70% of the parcel is covered with dune habitat …”

After purchasing the property in 2016, Barfield told the commissioners, Holderness planted extensive dune vegetation

Holderness house dimensional site plan.

on the site. The aerial photos Tippins presented to them, he added, showed “this dune covering coming back and the accretion of sand …”

Barfield also stressed that Holderness’ construction plans represented the “minimum use of the property,” in compliance with the county’s Coastal Setback Code. “There’s not portion of the property that … can be developed that is landward of the Gulf Beach Setback Line …”

Additionally, Barfield said, Holderness proposed creating a conservation area over the parcel he owns seaward of the construction site, so it never could

be developed.

Along with the house, which would have a footprint of 2,519 square feet, Tippins noted, a pool would comprise 252 square feet, while a pool deck would encompass 212 square feet.

“It is the smallest footprint to make a developable, allowable use of the property,” Barfield said.

Finally, Barfield pointed out that no portion of the site was inundated by the tropical storms Tippins cited in showing the board members photos of flooding in the area of North Beach Road and Columbus Boulevard. Such flooding, Barfield noted, “happens Continued on page 42

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Did You Know Siesta Key has a GEMSTONE? It’s no secret that the sand on Siesta Key Beach is composed of 99% pure quartz.

The crystalline white sand of Siesta Key is luxurious, soft, white and cool to the touch 365 days a year. This is why our beloved beach has been revered as one of the most beautiful in the world. Wanting to capture the experience and essence of Siesta Key beach was the goal of the proprietor of Silver City, Monica.

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

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

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

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Sarasota County’s Capital Projects Department has planned for this fiscal year — which began October 1st, 2020 — is the replacement of the restrooms and office at Turtle Beach Campground. The expense was listed at $4,115,000.

However, no funding was identified to pay for the construction, even though it was ranked as a “High” priority, with “Medium” and “Low” as the other two options.

The Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources project was ranked 45 out of 74 among that department’s priorities for the 2021 fiscal year.

A good year in spite of pandemic

Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) has reported that the Siesta Key Breeze open-air trolley carried 13,894 passengers in December 2020.

Although that figure was down 44.87% in comparison to the December 2019 number — 25,204 — the Breeze has been limiting ridership in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The trolley was out of service from the latter part of March through mid-June, as county staff worked to try to keep residents and visitors as safe as possible.

Altogether, the Breeze carried 186,086 passengers in 2020, SCAT noted. That was a 46.88% drop over the 350,320 count for 2019.

Grand Canal Regeneration Project gaining volunteers

The Grand Canal Regeneration Project that the Siesta Key Association (SKA) launched in

www.siestasand.net

Continued from page 6

SCAT’s Siesta Key Breeze figures for ridership over the past three years.

November 2020 already has seen 23 more mini reefs installed under docks in the island waterway, SKA Director Jean Cannon reported during the nonprofit’s regular meeting on January 7th.

David Vozzolo, a member of the project team, learned by going out on the canal in a kayak that 27 other mini reefs already had been put in place by residents, Cannon noted. Therefore, she said, “Our first attempt almost doubled the amount of mini reefs that are in there.”

The SKA effort already had resulted in 14 mini reefs being installed in the nonprofit’s target area, Cannon added.

That includes Higel Avenue, Commonwealth Drive, Waterside Way, Primrose Path, Windward Avenue and Avenida Del Norte.

The last one, she said, “is our southern point.”

The goal is to install another 40 of the devices.

Further, Cannon said, the team members are hoping to win grants and other forms of support from nonprofit foundations in the county, to help pay for the installations as well as water sampling and analysis.

She invited any SKA member who knows a person associated with one of the foundations, who would be willing to pass along the person’s contact information, to email her at SiestaKeyAssoc1947@gmail.com.

The mini reefs are designed “to mimic the natural ecosystem that you have” in the area of mangroves or in seagrasses, David Wolff, the creator of the mini reefs, explained in an interview with Phil Chiocchio of Sarasota. The SKA directors showed members the video during the Jan. 7 meeting, which was conducted via Zoom.

Wolff established the nonprofit Ocean Habitats, through which Continued on page 22

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Paid Advertorial

INCORPORATE SIESTA KEY NOW!!

My brother and his family now reside on Phillippi Creek where, ever since I was a kid growing up there in the 70’s, my folks kept chickens. In the late 80’s, my folks moved the chickens and coop to their guest house in the woods off Proctor Road. My sister lives there now. She still has chickens, and, to her credit, has kept the property in its natural state.

On a few nights in his later years, and with predictably disastrous results, my dad forgot to latch the chicken coop’s gate.

Unfortunately, the raccoons never, ever, forget to check the latch.

And so, it is with development on Siesta Key. Daily, developers from near and far rigorously search our island looking for a loophole, special exception, or variance to help them avoid the carefully crafted regulations enacted to protect our island’s character and charm.

While my dad may have inadvertently forgotten to latch the gate, our county commissioners regularly swing it open to anyone willing to increase the tax base. Please pardon the vulgarity, but, in essence, Siesta Key is the prostitute, the commissioners are the pimp, and anyone can have their way with us as long as the county gets its cut. This has got to stop.

Only we can make it stop, and only if we choose to selfgovern through incorporation as the Town of Siesta Key. If we so choose, we can build, latch, and guard the gate. Rather than have bad ideas continually crammed down our throats, we can decide how our future will look. Rather than be subjected to a government that regularly changes, ignores, or violates our laws in exchange for campaign contributions, we can elect, from among ourselves, a government that is truly of, by, and for our island’s people. A small, local government that will listen to and be accountable to Siesta’s voters.

A government whose attorneys advocate for the rule of law, rather than coaching the government how to change, ignore, or violate it. I have a dream…

To do so, we must be willing to accept the tax burden commensurate with adding another level of bureaucracy.

To create, finance, and sustain the elements of self-governance certainly isn’t free. We have but two options, and from them we must choose: Option 1) Quickly become an overdeveloped megalopolis like St. Pete and Clearwater Beach. Option 2) Incorporate, self-govern, and protect our homes and our island as we see fit.

It’s really that simple. As such, the question is, “What do you envision for our future?” The folks I grew up with, although sickened by our current state of affairs, advocate strongly to keep what’s left of the beauty we once knew. Perhaps I’m mistaken, but I presume our many newcomers, had they wished to live in an overdeveloped quagmire, would have chosen another destination.

They could have chosen St. Pete, Clearwater, Miami, or Ft. Lauderdale. They didn’t. Call me crazy, but I think they chose Siesta Key not to change it, but because they loved it.

To be clear, the proposals regarding the hotels, Accesses

protect all of Sarasota’s parks, preserves, beach and water accesses, and waterfront roads.

The commissioners then sued me and RBR, and basically claimed that “we, the people” have no right to tell them what to do. Representative democracy?

Hmmm.

Access 3

Your tax dollars paid the county attorney to argue in court proceedings, that this is bicycle and wheelchair accessible.

3 and 10, Beach Road, etc., are merely symptoms of the problem.

The problem is cash register justice. Development approvals are, in essence, for sale. Over and over, our elected officials demonstrate a feckless disregard for our island and its laws. The problem, then, is taxation without proper representation. In many respects, our nation’s Declaration of Independence parallels Siesta’s current situation: “WHEN in the Course of Human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation.

“We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to affect their Safety and Happiness. . . . But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. . .”

Like our founding fathers, we recognize that in order to secure our future it is necessary to dissolve our political bands with our oppressors and alter our governmental course to one more likely to provide for our safety and happiness. As did they, we now declare the causes which impel our Duty to accomplish this Separation:

Beach Road

Florida has 26 “Historical American Landscapes” listed in Washington, DC’s Library of Congress. Sarasota’s only one is the segment of Beach Road between Beach Accesses 2 and 3.

The half- billion dollar fraudulent taking of this historic public

land is what RBR contributor Jay Lancer described to me as “the worst decision in the history of Sarasota County.”

Beach Road was vacated expressly to provide a “bridge” to connect the petitioners’ lots on either side of the road, thereby doubling their development rights. This directly conflicts with the Florida Legislature’s recognition of “the state and national interest” to protect our coastlines “through coordinated management,” by “removing coastal properties from the pool of developable acreage. . .” s.

380.21(1)(b),(c), and (4), Florida Statutes (2020).

Beach Road is also protected by several policies in our County’s Comprehensive Plan. While our County Commissioners are given wide latitude and discretion on most subjects, they must follow, with strict scrutiny, the clear and unambiguous language of the Plan, which prohibits vacating ANY public waterfront roads. Former Commissioner Jon Thaxton, who authored the policy, told me he did so with Beach Road in mind.

Our comp plan, FLU Policy 1.1.4, echoes s. 380.21, Fla. Stat., by calling for “the vacation of platted lots of record” on the undeveloped beaches. In court documents, the county admitted it abandoned Beach Road in order to bring the petitioners’ beach lots INTO the pool of developable acreage. Now, however, the county is arguing before the appellate court that giving away Beach Road was unrelated to the petitioners’ development proposal. My fishing buddies in Old Myakka call that a bold faced lie. My golfing buddies in the Sanderling Club call it disconcertingly mendacious. I think the county’s pants are on fire.

Charter Amendments

Of the 67 counties in Florida, Sarasota is one of 20 whose voters crafted and adopted a home-rule charter in order to have greater control over local affairs. In my original lawsuit, the county’s legal argument, however ludicrous, is that its unlawful Beach Road giveaway cannot be challenged because it’s not a “development order.”

Because state law prohibits citizen-initiated charter amendments that overturn development orders, it was the county’s false claims that allowed the voters to reverse the wrongdoing through the charter amendment process.

On November 6, 2018, 67% of Sarasotans voted to Reopen Beach Road, while 73% voted to

Last month, the County voted 4-0 to deny an Applicant’s proposal to build a house on the very beach lots he agreed, in writing, to keep open to the public. In other late-breaking news, yesterday I stopped at a red light. As I more fully set forth in the May, 2020, issue of this paper, Mr. Holderness’ proposal, and his ongoing antics, are nothing more than a thinlyveiled attempt to extort several million dollars from the County for two beach lots he bought for $1000 in 2016. What floored me most at the public hearing was the commissioners’ and county attorney’s lack of understanding or acknowledgment of the cornucopia of mistruths, legal infirmities, and misinformation in both the petitioner’s and their own staff’s reports on the matter.

Ditto for the presentations made by the petitioner’s representatives and county staff. Whether the disgraceful display of ineptitude was or was not deliberate remains a valid question. Here’s why:

Access 10

Similar to eminent domain, Florida property owners can sue to be compensated for a local government’s “taking” of a “vested property right” under the “Bert Harris Act.” For example, if a property’s zoning allowed 6 units per acre, and the county rezoned it to 3 units per acre, the owner could force the county to pay for his “investment backed expectation” to develop the property at 6 units per acre. At Access 10, Saba Sands invoked Part II of the “Act,” which allows a magistrate (not elected, but appointed from a local landuse law firm) to hear from both sides, attempt to mediate, and, if need be, adjudicate the impasse.

One problem is that public input is eliminated, or, at best, minimized in this process. Not unlike Holderness’ denial at Access 3, the County’s legal brief to the magistrate is terribly inept. There is no plausible reason Asst. County Attorney David Pearce, a seasoned veteran in this field, would exclude from his brief the legally sound arguments provided prior to the public hearing by opponents of the proposal. Indeed, those objections provided a litany of competent, substantial, irrefutable evidence that forced the county’s denial of the proposal. Could it be that the County denied the petition at the public hearing for show, then tanked the magistrate process so the proposal could be approved without their blessing? Time will tell. I think Mr. Pearce tanked his brief because making the proper arguments, as Dan Lobeck did, would prove that vacating Beach Road was a “development order.”

Thus, the County seems to be willing to lose the Saba Sands case in order to not lose the Beach Road case. Oh, the tangled web we weave, when we practice to deceive…

The Hotels

Without question, the proposed hotels are nearly unanimously opposed by Siesta’s residents.

Curiously, the businesses that support them will be eliminated if the proposal passes. It’s illogical to think that any owner would keep a restaurant/bar/market/ ice-cream shop, or any other retail endeavor instead of building 120 feet tall, with no setbacks, at 170 units per acre, if the current proposals are approved. Goodbye Siesta Village. Hello South Beach, crime, and mayhem. Please, folks, understand this will spread like the Coronavirus. Remember hearing of the first few cases last year. That’s what these proposals represent. FAR WORSE than the proposals is the precedential nature of the laws being changed to accommodate them. Because spot zoning is unlawful, approval anywhere equates to approval EVERYWHERE. It’s that serious.

Conclusion

Twenty years ago, residents owned the vast majority of our island. Unfortunately, the opposite is now true. As we’ve become an even bigger cash cow for the county, we’ve been eliminated as a voting block.

Indeed, even if all of Siesta’s residents set our partisan differences aside and vote alike, it still equates to nothing.

The county isn’t stupid. Our commissioners are well aware of the fact that our votes, in total, are inconsequential. As such, they have no reason whatsoever to not milk this cow for every drop it can produce. Think about how foie gras is made. We’re the goose.

None of them live here, so why should they care? Currently, our future promises high rise hotels, increases in traffic and crime, and the end of our restaurants, retail amenities, and laid-back island lifestyle. Fortunately, it is within our power to choose a better future. Folks, we have a great but time sensitive opportunity to preserve our island’s character and charm. I hope you’ll join the effort to Incorporate Siesta Key Now!!

Call to Action

Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, February 17th, 2021.

I’ll be hosting a public meeting at the main pavilion at Siesta Public Beach from 6:00-7:30 PM to present the idea of incorporating as the Town of Siesta Key. The guest speakers will be Brian Lichterman and Ralf Brookes.

Brian was a senior planner for Sarasota County for 22 years.

He has vast experience in community planning and codes, and currently owns and operates Vision Planning and Design. Ralf was an assistant county attorney for Sarasota in the 90’s. He’s board certified in government law, and has helped other communities navigate the process of incorporation. Please be respectful of others by following the CDC’s Covid guidelines, including social distancing and wearing masks. For those unable to attend, the meeting will be available by Zoom. For a link or for any other questions, please feel free to call me at home at 346-2584. Please leave a message; I will return your call. Thank you to the publisher for providing the opportunity to share my thoughts and opinions.

Sincerely, Mike Cosentino President, Reopen Beach Road, Inc. Paid Advertorial

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An introduction is proper as a new column has been established for you the faithful reader!

Hello my friend! My name is Dolores Day, but you can simply call me De for short! I am humbled by the opportunity to birth a new column in your monthly beloved Siesta Sand. As a resident for over 22 years of this beautiful and very special island, I have come to not just love the tropical landscape and magical white crystal sands, but to also love the people that I call my neighbors and friends. It is most certainly a privilege to call this island my home and to serve this trusted island paper with a health and wellness column!

Everyone has a purpose in life, all of equal importance and contribution to humanity. My purpose has always been to learn how to balance and heal every part of my Being, so that I can use my internal gifts to teach and empower others to do the same!

For over 24 years, I have been an educator, a leader and a coach in the Health Industry. I have spent decades serving as a fitness trainer at Siesta Key Fitness. I passionately teach others how to adopt healthy lifestyle changes and overcome self-limiting belief patterns!

As a wife of 18 years, a mother of 2 boys, and 3 extra children, as well as the owner of 2 businesses, I have an expansive perspective of what it means to wear many hats and fulfill many responsibilities. Like you, I am always serving many people at a time and constantly filling another’s cups! However, I hope to point a light on one of the most powerful and impactful truths that will influence your health!

“We CANNOT give away what we do not possess ourselves!” Dr. Wayne Dyer My interesting and traumatic early life taught me that before I could teach another how to live abundantly and healthy, I must learn to heal and become healthy myself! If we do not take responsibility and care for our own selves it is not possible to

Dolores Day

show up for another fully and to our best ability take care of another. We can’t fill another cup from one that has run dry. We MUST invest on our own health and wellbeing first and then extend this outwardly to others.

Very simply, by making the investment of our time, energy and resources to generate greater health and whole wellness in our own life first, we than have the potential to create a greater impact for good on the ones we love!

What I know to be true now after all the decades I have personally spent seeking, growing, learning and then applying practices is that we are not One part Beings. No, what we are is so much more than what we see with the physical eyes.

We are 3 dimensional beings of Mind, Body, and Soul. And if we seek to live our best lives, we must learn how to nourish and feed ALL of these parts not just one to be aligned and balanced!

With daily practices, healthy disciplines and positive truths, we can then work towards living a Vibrant, Happy life that is in a state of constant never ending improvement! I think we all can agree that to live a happy, healthy and peace filled life is a common denominator we all share!

My intention for this column is to create a dedicated space where you may come to learn about Mind, Body and Soul Whole Wellness. My hope is that you feel inspired and encouraged to Continued on page X?

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Recycled Coastal Art Honoring Mermaids & The Sea

By Jane Bartnett

Do mermaids have more fun?

Yes, they do according to the artist known as “Rose the Feisty Mermaid.�

Capturing the magic and mystery of these imaginary sea creatures, as well as the many under-water animals who inhabit the deep blue sea with them has become Rose’s lifework. She began her design business devoted to all things coastal and whimsical three years ago after re-locating to the Siesta Key area from Kansas City.

In a short time, Rose had amassed thousands of loyal fans who follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Etsy, and her website www.thefeistymermaid. com. Others have discovered Rose the Feisty Mermaid creations at art shows and beach festivals while visiting the Siesta Key area and other Florida beach towns.

Her work has found its way into homes, restaurants and coastal businesses around the world. “People tell me that having my artwork in their home or business brings back fond memories of white sandy beaches, sunsets and happy days,� she told the Siesta Sand. Her prices range from $25 for the smallest pieces to $600 and more for large custom orders.

This Bud’s For You...

“Each piece,� Rose noted, “is unique and hand-crafted.� After sketching her designs on paper, she draws the figure on precut pieces of recycled pressed wood. After priming the wood, she applies spray paint and lacquer before using a jig-saw to meticulously cut the forms of mermaids, octopuses, manatees, turtles, fish and other sea-life creatures that come to life in her studio. From there, she begins the process of selecting from her vast collection of shells, buttons, bottle

caps, corks, jewelry, and other discarded, recycled items that find a new life in her decorative designs. “I’m a dedicated environmentalist,� Rose stated.

She learned to work with wood and create designs by watching her father as he built houses. “I’ve always been drawn to interior design. I love a whimsical room, and I love all animals,� she said.

As a college student, Rose majored in Drama, and then became a professional hair stylist. She worked as a consultant for L’Oreal, and other beauty lines, traveling around the nation where she appeared at beauty trade shows.

While she creates many pieces for immediate sale, Rose’s custom pieces are designed specifically to fit a customer’s taste. During a visit to The Feisty Mermaid’s studio, Rose was in the process of creating a large mermaid wall hanging for “a conservative customer whose home I’d describe as very Ethan Allen.� For the mermaid’s hair, she had mixed a golden blonde paint with sand for texture. For her tail, Rose had selected smooth, shimmering white and pink shells that would catch the light and create a soft ethereal effect when “she goes to her new home.�

At the Coastal Flow Ocean Inspired Design & Decor store at 7216 South Tammy Trail, shoppers will find an entire wall of Rose the Feisty Mermaid designs that run the gamut of soft colors to bright, bold, fun and funky. In addition to beautiful mermaids, some with sandy-colored or red hair and others with coal black tresses and shimmery shell tails, a friendly octopus, a manatee, and a cheery green turtle decorated with white sand dollars, whose wide eyes are re-cycled pearl earrings, appear to frolic with each other. “In terms of coastal design, Mermaids are very much in fashion right now,� Rose said. “I can hardly keep up with the mermaid demand,� but she said, “octopus are huge right now, and turtles are certainly having their moment, too.�

Rose, The Feisty Mermaid at work

At Coastal Flow, a large marlin whose colorful fins are designed with recycled materials “swims� alongside a big wide-eyed fish made from re-cycled Budweiser cans and bottle caps named “This Bud’s For You.� Both would be very much at home in a beach restaurant bar or at a coastal home in their bar or lounge area. My motto, Rose says, is to “make you smile and bring color into the world. One of my most unusual requests,� she recalled, came from a Nebraska Cornhuskers alumnus who asked her to design a piece of art portraying the team’s 1950‘s cowgirl mascot.� From mermaids to mascots, Rose, The Feisty Mermaid’s creativity has no bounds.

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

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

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

Second Coastal Flow SurfBoard Table Warehouse & Workshop Now Open

A second Coastal Flow warehouse and workshop store dedicated to the sale of Coastal Flow Surf-Board tables is now opened at 4501 South Tamiami Trail, across from the Alpine Steakhouse. Coastal Flow coowner John Hendershott will be on-site creating his signature line of hand-crafted surfboard tables and bars in wood and Polywood, for outdoor use. A line of casual custom “State Tables� designed in the outline of one of the 50 states is also available. The legs are handcarved letters that depict the state’s official abbreviation.

The Coastal Flow Design store at 7216 S. Tamiami Trail will continue to sell artwork and coastal decorative items work from some 35 local artists.

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Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Update January Networking Luncheon at Carrabba’s Italian Grill

The Chamber kicked the new year off right with a luncheon at Carrabba’s Italian Grill! Guests enjoyed lunch, networking and meeting several potential new members. Thank you, Kurt and staff, for hosting our luncheon!

Also, we appreciate the following businesses that donated door prizes: Sam’s Club, Eddie’s Airport Rides and Limousine Service, Pesky Bug Stay Away Spray, GEM Travel Consultants, Sherwin Williams, Concept Digital Media, and Siesta Village Dentistry.

Siesta Key Chamber New Members

Coldwell Banker 5146 Ocean Boulevard Siesta Key, FL 34242 941-915-4545 Tim Yocum Tim.yocum@floridamoves.com timyocumpropertiesllc.com

(L-R) Kathy Hurley of Siesta Village Dentistry, Kathy Morgan of Parker and Associates, PA, and Jimmy Bonner of Sherwin Williams.

Simplified Life Services, LLC Sarasota, FL 330-803-7015 Shannon Davis shnnndvs@yahoo.com Reel Tight Fishing Charters 328 Avenida Leona Siesta Key, FL 34242 941-444-9749 Matt Fueyo

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(L-R) Eddie Ward and Alisha Mello from Eddie’s Airport Rides and Limousine Service and Judy and Gail Miller from GEM Travel Consultants.

Reeltight2018@gmail.com reeltightfishingcharters.com Suncoast Oral Surgery Specialists 7005 S Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 941-404-8282 Hope McCampbell-Wenk Hope.mccampbell@gmail.com suncoastoss.com Streamline Heating and Air 5059 Indian Mound Street Sarasota, FL 34232 941-356-6872 Clayton Burkhardt clayton@streamlineairfl.com streamlineairfl.com (L-R) Syd Krawczyk from Concept Digital Media, David Wilkinson from The Global Equipping Centre, and Nancy-jo Manney from the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

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Flag Ceremony at Patriot’s Pier at Sunset Point

By Mike Cosentino

Twice each day, we proudly honor the sacrifices of our military and service personnel in protecting our country and our freedoms.

Every morning at 8:00 AM we raise our flag to Reveille. At sunset, we lower it to Taps. We are the land of the free because of the brave.

Captain Ralph Styles, who began our flag ceremony over 30 years ago, survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. As a submarine commander, he went on to sink 11 Japanese ships in the war, and before he retired to Siesta Key was the commander of the entire Pacific Fleet. There’s a plaque by the gazebo in the Village commemorating his service and accomplishments.

Among my last, best memories of my folks was an evening we spent with Captain Styles and his daughter, Annie, after his flag ceremony. About 12 years ago, Captain Styles and my dad passed away. We not only lost two pillars of our community, but the flag ceremony went away, too. When I bought the pier property several years ago, my first goal was to seek Annie’s blessing to revive her father’s flag ceremony. She agreed, and joined the Sons of the American Revolution and several Veterans in dedicating our new flag and pole

on December 17, 2017. The Covid quagmire has her stuck inside, but Annie, if you’re reading this, we love you, we miss you, and we eagerly await your return.

Especially in these contentious times, our ceremony provides us all with an opportunity to celebrate our common ground as citizens of these UNITED States of America and to pay tribute to those who provide the blanket of freedom under which we peacefully sleep.

If you’re reading this, please thank a teacher.

And, if you enjoy your freedoms, please thank a Veteran.

P.S. Please join us if you’re able. Enter “10 Beach Road” into Google Maps for directions.

Our nightly ceremony can be seen on Facebook at “Patriot’s Pier at Sunset Point.” Should anyone wish to have us fly the flag of your loved one on his/her birthday, please leave me a message at (941) 346-2584. ‘Merica!!

P.S. Please join us if you can. Enter “10 Beach Road” into Google Maps for directions. Our nightly ceremony can be seen on Facebook at “Patriot’s Pier at Sunset Point.” Should anyone wish to have us fly the flag of your loved one on his/ her birthday, please leave me a message at (941) 346-2584.

‘Merica!!

A gathering at Patriot’s Pier on Sunset Point to pay tribute to those who have served and those who have fallen on the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack.

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he sells mini reefs.

Chiocchio’s advocacy for improved water quality in the Grand Canal led to the SKA initiative. (Chiocchio first addressed SKA members in 2019, presenting a slideshow about the history of the Grand Canal and its deterioration over the decades. He explained that the canal has only one outlet, which is in Roberts Bay.) The mini reefs attract oysters, which are known as “filter feeders” because they eat algae, Wolff continued. They can filter about 30,000 gallons of water a day, he said. Thus, the area around a mini reef has cleaner water, so the devices draw juvenile fish and crabs looking for hiding places, he noted.

“The whole point [of installing the devices],” Cannon added, “is to create juvenile sea life.”

Ocean Habitats had been looking “for a large-scale

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Continued from page 16

deployment [of mini reefs] in an area that needs a lot of help, and the Grand Canal needs help,” Wolff pointed out. In response to a question from Chiocchio, Wolff said he was not aware of any other large-scale project underway in the county.

“We have almost 5,000 mini reefs in the water in Florida,” Wolff said. A number of the devices are in use in the Bahamas, he continued, and a project has been planned for Australia, but it is on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The mini reefs are made of polypropylene, which is far sturdier than ordinary plastics, Wolff pointed out. The material holds up so well in saltwater, he added, that the mini reefs can last for about 500 years. And the mini reefs are recyclable, he noted.

Cannon showed the

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GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Beach Bazaar.................................. Map-C #28 Gilligan’s Gift Store......................... Map-B #32 Island Trader....................................Map-C #51 Sea Pleasures & Treasures..............Map-C #29 Siesta Key Outfitters.....................Map-D #13 HEALTH & FITNESS Indep. Lifestyle Solutions ............ Map-D #10 Siesta Healing................................... Map-D #9 Siesta Key Fitness..........................Map-B #73 ICE CREAM/SWEETS Big Olaf Creamery...........................Map-C #52 Curly Cream Ice Cream................... Map-D #9 Local Chill Ice Cream................... Map-D #60 Made in Rome Organic Gelato......Map-C #53 Meany’s Mini Donuts.....................Map-C #24 Stefano Versace Gelato...................Map-C #50 SubZero Ice Cream/Yogurt.......... Map-D #16 The Fudge Factory..........................Map-A #36 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs............................ Map-D #65 Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company......Map-B #31 JEWELRY Created Gems..................................Map-C #51 Mount -N- Repair Jewelers............. Map-D #9 LIQUOR STORES / FINE WINES Gabbiano’s Wine Club................. Map-D #70 Gilligan’s.........................................Map-B #33 Siesta Key Wine Bar..................... Map-C #61 Siesta Village Liquors.................. Map-C #26

www.siestasand.net

approximately 40 participants in the Jan. 7 meeting a slide featuring a new mini reef alongside a mini reef that has become home to shellfish.

Along with Wolff, Cannon noted, a Florida Sea Grant agent and staff members of the Sarasota County Public Works Department and the Stormwater and Environmental Management divisions have been offering their advice and support for the SKA’s undertaking. Sea Grant agent Armando Ubeda, she said, will train the project team members on how to take scientific measurements and analyze them, in an effort to demonstrate how the mini reefs are working.

People can donate money to help pay for the water sampling, SKA President Catherine Luckner noted.

“If you contribute $100,” Continued on next page

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

Island Chatter Cannon said, “we’ll let you put a name on a mini reef.”

Another facet of the initiative that the team is interested in pursuing, Cannon continued, is the installation of aerators in the canal to provide more oxygen in areas where the canal’s flow is especially constricted.

Luckner noted that she was surprised to learn that the 9-mile canal “is actually longer than Phillippi Creek. A lot of people have no idea of that.”

Thirty years ago, Luckner added, the water was so clear in the Grand Canal that people routinely swam in it.

Wetlands issue raised during hotel workshop

When representatives of Siesta businessman Dr. Gary Kompothecras conducted a December 15th Neighborhood Workshop on plans for a hotel and parking garage in what

FEBRUARY 2021

23

27th State Media LLC

Continued from previous page

Kompothecras calls the “South Bridge Area” of the island, several questions arose about the potential effects on wetlands adjacent to the hotel site.

The first person to raise the issue was Robert Luckner, a director of the Siesta Key Association (SKA).

“In your narrative,” Luckner told attorney Charles D. Bailey III of the Williams Parker firm and Robert “Bo” Medred of Genesis Planning & Development in Bradenton, “you say that there are no wetlands on the hotel parcel. I guess I’m confused on that.”

The rear of the hotel property, Luckner continued, appears to extend into the area of Sabal Lake. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has an inventory of all the natural wetlands in its territory, Luckner noted, and Sabal Lake is listed as a “non-

tidal” wetland. “Do you contend Sabal Lake is not a wetland?”

Luckner asked.

“It’s been confirmed that Sabal Lake is actually a retention area,” Medred responded, adding that that information is shown on the Development Concept Plan for the proposed hotel.

In land-development matters, Medred explained, wetlands that are considered herbaceous and forested are protected by state statute and county regulations. “We’ve got confirmation through SWFWMD that it is a retention area,” Medred reiterated his earlier comment about Sabal Lake.

Nonetheless, Medred said, he would ask representatives of the Kimley-Horn consulting firm, which is part of the project team, to take a look at the situation.

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MAILING - SHIPPING US Post Office................................. Map-D #65 MARKETS/FOOD STORES Circle K Store..................................... Map-E #6 Morton’s Siesta Market................ Map-C #25 MASSAGE Hands of Light Massage................ Map-B #35 The Spa at Calle Minorga............... Map-E #74 MEDICAL - DENTAL Siesta Village Dentistry................. Map-D #63 Siesta Dental..................................... Map-B #49 Siesta Key Physical Therapy......... Map-D #20 MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce................Map-D #67 Prime Audio Video........................... Map-E #1 Roberti Enterprises.........................Map-A #39 Village Arcade..................................Map-C #53 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Attorney Fleming.............................. Map-E #1 Edward Jones Investments.......... Map-D #68 Smith Architects.................................Map-E 74

HI 0 92

48 47 46

SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY Sassy Hair Salon............................ Map-A #40 Siesta Key Nails & Spa..................Map-D #9 Shaman Sanctuary Salon................. Map-D #9 SPORTS INTEREST/RENTALS CaliFlorida........................................Map-C #29 Robin Hood Rentals......................Map-B #34

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Siesta Sand

FEBRUARY 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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FEBRUARY 2021

Snapshots of Island Visitors

27th State Media LLC

25

Photos by Trebor Britt

College Rivals” Repeat visitor’s Josie (19) of Tampa and Kendall (19) of Michigan soaking up the sun and sand on America’s No. 1 beach. Josie is a sophomore and computer science major at University of Michigan and Kendall is a sophomore and marketing major at Michigan State University. How could students from rival colleges meet? Josie’s best friend at the University of Michigan happens to be Kendall’s best friend from her home, West Bloomfield, MI.

Lynn and Vincent Billi of Sarasota about to indulge in an outstanding dinner at Off the Hook Seafood Restaurant in Gulfgate. These retirees have repeated their dinning experience 5 times since first visiting. The cashew encrusted fish is a guest favorite. Lynn was a banker and Vincent erected and supervised the heavy equipment cranes on the site of the Twin Towers after 911.

“Always Ahead” Mitchel Baker (9) a seven year resident of Sarasota, chillin in the soft white sand of America’s No. 1, Siesta Beach. Given 3 wishes for 2021 Mitchel said, “ to not have corona, to not have to wear a mask, to not have to stay 6 feet apart.“ “Sister Students” Sisters, Alicia (18) and Lauren Kanai (21) of Grand Rapids, MI are all smiles on America’s top beach. Alicia is studying engineering at Taylor University and her sister is a senior who pitches for the women’s fast pitch college softball team. In her junior year the team competed in Oregon at the College Women’s Softball National Tournament.

Second time visitors Melania Rehl (9) and cousin, Brynn Rehl (8) of Ohio beginning their sand castle sculpture on Siesta Beach. They agreed the best thing about Siesta Beach is the sand and swimming. (Pic #0046) “Cartwheels in the Sand” Fourth grader, Caroline Rehl (10) preparing to do a cartwheel on the soft powdery sand of Siesta Beach. She and her family made reservations a year ago to stay at the amazing Turtle Beach Campground on Siesta Key. If a Genie gave her one wish for 2021 she replied, “for everyone to be happy.”

Dog Perfect lead dog trainer, Karen Bedsole with her dog Nerak (Karen spelled backwards) a Belgian Malinoin. Nerak is an intermediate trick dog for “Do More With Your Dog” and AKC. Dog Perfect offers six, one hour training sessions over a six week period.

Training is offered for puppies, beginners, intermediate, trick and an advance class. Dog Perfect is located in The Landings Shopping Center and Lakewood Ranch.

“Cartwheels in the Sand” Fourth grader, Caroline Rehl (10) preparing to do a cartwheel on the soft powdery sand of Siesta Beach. She and her family made reservations a year ago to stay at the amazing Turtle Beach Campground on Siesta Key. If a Genie gave her one wish for 2021 she replied, “for everyone to be happy.”

High School seniors, Annika Skogman (17) and Makayla Hughbanks (17) chilling on the number one beach in the United States. Both are outstanding athletes. Annika is a soccer and track star and Makayla one of the top 1 meter divers in the U.S. She just won the Iowa State Diving Championships and competed in the National Championships and Junior Olympics. She’ll be attending FAU next fall.

“Hugs on Siesta” Gage (5) and Jaxon (6) surrounded by the loving arms of their mom, Alex Elam on the calm shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico. These second time visitors from Houston, TX love Siesta Beach because it’s clear and beautiful. Alex has her own design company.”

26

Siesta Sand

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www.siestasand.net

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These graceful and delicate wading birds are smaller cousins to the Great Egret. In the late 1800s, the snowy egret was nearly hunted to extinction for its striking plumage. While their numbers rebounded following protective legislation in the 20th century, snowy egret numbers are once again in decline with the loss of

coastal habitats. Snowy egrets hunt for food in the salty surf near calm sheltered areas—like the breakwaters at the north end of Siesta Beach on Siesta Key— as well as inland fresh water marshes and sloughs. Those ‘golden slippers’ aren’t just for show. Their brilliant yellow toes startle fish, crustaceans, small lizards or insects into motion for easier picking from sandy or muddy sediment..

Jan Baumgartner’s handmade notecards showcase Siesta Key natural scenic beauty and wildlife.

Siesta Key Siesta Key notecards are available in two locations: BLVD Beachwear 5239 Ocean Blvd 941-349-2583 Shelly’s Gift and Christmas Boutique 4420 S Tamiami Trail 941-260-8905

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Camellia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Theaceae. The lovely, fragrant, waxen blooms come in many colors and types. A really beautiful addition to your southern garden. They thrive in semi-shade. They grow well in slightly acidic soil that is well drained.

If you have room for a bush it can be from 6’ to 12’ feet tall in height and width. The

dark 4” leathery leaves complement the blooms that measure 5-6’ across.

Currently in bloom in the Woodland Garden at Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota,

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941.312.0665

FEBRUARY 2021

Sheriff’s Report 12/15/20 theft of property

Complainant reported two bicycles missing from a bike rack outside of an island condo complex. They were locked in the rack adjacent to the parking lot. The bicycles were women’s 26” Trek FX3 models. The case remains open.

12/18/20 burglary Complainant reported that part of a boat motor was stolen from a boat in a lift at the Siesta Key Marina. Photographic, video, DNA, and physical evidence was collected at the scene. The motor has not been recovered at this time.

12/19/20 fraudulent use of personal identity Complainant reported that an unknown suspect used her name, social security number, and other personal information to open a Verizon Wireless account.

Complainant became aware of the account when she obtained a copy of her credit report and learned there was a past-due balance of $189 on the account.

Information has been recorded and the case remains open and under investigation.

12/20/20 battery Victim reported that he was at the Beach Club with his friend, when his friend got kicked out.

The victim went outside to check on his friend when, in the course of conversation on the sidewalk, he commented “this is not New York”. Overhearing him, the defendant allegedly asked, “are you from New York?”, to which the victim replied, “No”.

The victim reported that the defendant then abruptly walked up and punched him in the face, right above his lip on the left side, before immediately jumping into a silver truck and driving away.

Several witnesses observed the defendant punch the victim. The defendant was detained in her vehicle shortly after the incident and subsequently charged with battery.

1/4/21 theft of property Complainant reported that he locked his Schwinn Traxion bicycle in a rack across from his condo overnight. The next day,

he found the chain cut and the bike missing. He reported a very noticeable and recognizable description of the bike as being black/gray with neon green/yellow ODI hand grips and a Bontrager seat. Active investigation continues.

1/5/21 burglary

Crime update

During the January 7th Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting, Sgt. Arik Smith, who leads the Sheriff’s Office substation on the Key — noted that the department recorded 372 calls for service for the month of December 2020. Nineteen of them, or about 5%, were of the more serious nature that the FBI used to classify as “Part 1” crimes, he said.

A new standard for reporting crimes to the federal government has gone into effect, Smith explained. In the past, law enforcement agencies provided data for what was called the Uniform Crime Report. That has been replaced by the National Incident Based Reporting System, or the NIBRS. “Law enforcement officials are big on acronyms,” he added.

The new system is more inclusive than the Uniform Crime Report, Smith pointed out. As a result, he continued, crime statistics for some areas might go up. However, Smith said, “It really doesn’t affect us too much [on the Key],” given

the nature of most of the offense’s officers handle there.

The NIBRS website says the system “captures details on each single crime incident — as well as on separate offenses within the same incident — including information on victims, known offenders, relationships between victims and offenders, arrestees, and property involved in crimes.”

Over the past couple of years, the percentage of the more serious crimes on the Key each month consistently has been in the 4% range, out of total number of calls, Smith told the SKA members.

In regard to December 2020 incidents: Smith reported that someone broke into one vehicle that was unlocked and left unattended. “Again,” Smith stressed, “lock your cars.”

A couple of residential burglaries were reported, too, he noted. In those cases, persons left their garage doors open. As with vehicles, Smith urged SKA members not to leave their homes unlocked and unattended, because those situations invite “crimes

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1/7/21 theft of property

Sheriff’s Sergeant talks with SKA

of opportunity.” The latter could be eliminated, he pointed out, if people were careful about locking up behind themselves.

One set of noteworthy incidents in December, he continued, involved vandalism and burglaries at lifeguard stands on Siesta Public Beach. He said he believed those crimes were related to the influx of visitors on the Key during the holiday season. The incidents occurred two or three nights in a row, he added, at different stands.

Not only were items taken, Smith pointed out, but things were moved around inside the stands.

“We’ve put some extra patrols out there at night,” he noted, in an effort to prevent similar crimes.

This is not the first time the Sheriff’s Office has dealt with burglaries involving lifeguard stands, he told the SKA members.

No dogs on the beach, please Sgt. Arik Smith reprised comments he has made from time to time.

“The Sheriff’s Office does not take lightly [reports of dogs on the

27

HOME WATCH SERVICES

When Complainant arrived for work, he discovered that the blue lifeguard tower at the public beach was burglarized overnight. Despite having been locked for the night, the frontfacing shutter was smashed causing approximately $200 of damage and an American flag valued at approximately $50 was stolen from inside. Photographic evidence was gathered and case process is completed at this time.

Complainant reported that an unknown suspect(s) stole his golf cart from his driveway. The golf cart was stolen sometime between 1/1/21 and 1/7/21. The case has been investigated, and there are no known suspects. No further action is being taken at this time.

27th State Media LLC

CRAFT BEERS Get That Old Florida Flavor!

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Siesta Sand

FEBRUARY 2021

941.312.0665

Arts on the Horizon

By Rodger Skidmore

Here, there, and everywhere

Have you missed going to the theatre? If you are a theatregoer, surely the answer is a resounding, “YES.” Or maybe a more subdued, “Yes, but....”, followed by a series of thoughts about the safety of being with other people. Some theatre groups have responded to the “Yes, buts...” by moving their productions outdoors (and to be closed down by COVID spreading amongst, not the patrons, but the staff). Others are presenting readings, where the actors do not move around the stage mist-ifying each other as well as the audience, but are more sedate, less emotional, and therefore emoting less. A third choice (three strikes and you’re out?) has been to stream old productions as a way to keep connected with their subscribers.

The Urbanite Theatre has come upon a new way to provide a true (and safe) theatrical experience - in a theatre - with real actors that do not spray those in the first row. From February 26th thru April 4th, The Urbanite will present the premiere of Safe House, an immersive and interactive play written and directed by Brendan Ragan. If you like spy thrillers, with kidnappings, this might just be the play for you.

If you are familiar with the Escape Room craze that took over vacant stores in suburban shopping malls a few years back, you know that you and your friends enter a room which is then locked. The idea is to get from the first room and on into the next, and then the next, etc. until you are outside and safe.

You look around the first room and see a cute sign that says, “Cats are cuddly”, look under an ugly plaster cat, and find the

CLUB

The Safe House

key to the next room. And so it goes. But what if a cyber security expert has left his job, is being pursued, goes to a safe house, and his wife is kidnapped? Ha, that adds another dimension to that cuddly cat business, doesn’t it? The only way out is to seek help from some theatre-goers who have accidentally wandered into that safe house. Can they be trusted, and who are these theatre-goers? Why you, of course. Don’t worry, you are only trapped inside the Safe House for half an hour. And, since only 4 people go inside at a time, those who don’t wish to be with strangers, especially across a crowded room, one can buy all 4 tickets and be entertained safely, along with family or friends at the Urbanite Theatre on Second Street, across from Whole Foods.

Still like the ideas of staged readings of plays or of seeing them outdoors? Well, the Urbanite comes through by combining those approaches.

See/Listen to Emily Kaczmerak’s Sam & Lizzy on February 13th on Manasota Key, at the Hermitage Artist Retreat (2 shows), or on the 14th at Selby Gardens. Tickets

MONDAY

TUESDAY

BLASE CAFÉ In the Village 941-349-9822

GILLIGANS ILAND BAR & RESTAURANT In the Village 941-326-8122

www.siestasand.net

and info for all at shows at Urbanitetheatre.com.

Silver linings

When the Romans invaded the British Isles, they went as far to the East and North as they could, but stopped when their supply lines got too stretched - or when they were beaten back by the local inhabitants (according to the local inhabitants). Too bad for the Roman Empire, but great for the Welsh and Scots that still have their separate identities.

COVID-19 has not been too kind to Sarasota as many arts organizations have had to cancel their programs for 2020-2021, including the Sarasota Concert Series. Every year for the last 75 years they have brought outstanding musical artists to Sarasota. To have them cancel their current season, which was to have brought top orchestras and quartets so that we would not have to travel to New York, Cleveland, Moscow, Japan or other far flung cultural venues to indulge our listening pleasure, was truly depressing. Late last year they cancelled the first half of their season and, as was unfortunately expected, they

WEDNESDAY Nick Levalley 6-10 PM

THURSDAY

recently cancelled the final three concerts. Did they give up and shout out that old baseball chant, “Wait ‘till next year”? No, our silver thread (calling it a silver lining might be a tad too much) is that they are now offering three FREE concerts and conversations with the artists. For a week, starting February 25th, the Sarasota Concert Association will be presenting Garrick Ohlsson and Kirill Gerstein, a fabulous piano duo, playing pieces by Ravel and Rachmaninoff. Then in late February (actually the week starting March 11th), the co-directors of the local group NEWSRQ will play a number of contemporary pieces. They are the hot new group here in Sarasota. Samantha Bennett is also a member of the Sarasota Orchestra and George Nickson is with the Dallas Symphony.

Then in late, late February (the week starting March 25th) the ensemble, the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, will feature works by Bach, Messiaen, and MacMillan, followed by Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 and Mozart’s Symphony No. 29. Each program will be moderated by Charles Turon, who will share his insights in a conversational way. To register for these free Musically Speaking concerts, go to scasarasota.org.

New York, Dallas, and San Francisco

Those are three of the cities where big art shows from London and Paris usually are shown. It is not just middle America that is considered to be fly-over country, but just about everywhere else in the USA. Four main reasons: Cost of insurance and of moving everything around; The fact that painting and sculpture can

FRIDAY

Rob Viola (4th 11th & 18th) Jim Stone Band w/ Zack Yoder Rob Garcia (25th) 6-10 PM 6-10 PM

really be damaged when they are moved about; The museums and galleries that loaned the art work don’t want it gone for too long; And if the art is only shown in 3 cities then art lovers that really want to see the shows will travel to those cultural hubs.

Today photographic shows are different. After all, photos are just representations of the original objects (although Photoshop can make them more than that), so why not have shows depicting the representations of the original objects that can travel around the country for many more people to enjoy. Of course, one could use their cell phone to look at a series of photos taken of that show - images of the depictions of the representations of the original objects. But there is, perhaps, a deciding factor on how to view all of this. Imagine a little girl, holding a broken doll, and crying (the girl, not you). She, sitting on the curb, thus a heart sobbing bundle that is two feet tall. The negative of a photo of her is 2 1/2” X 3”, the photo shown in a gallery, printed on archival paper, is 10” X 12”, and the image on you cell phone is just 3” X 4”. But on a sheet of vinyl along a fence at the north end of Benderson Park, the image is 2 1/2 feet by 3 feet - quite a difference. An extra benefit is that you are out of your house/home office/refuge from the world of COVID, for a lovely stroll in the sun to see 89 other disparate photos, seven

by Florida photographers. You can see this exhibit, Photoville FENCE, in Seattle, New Orleans and Brooklyn - or here in Sarasota thru February 28th.

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Rob Garcia & Paul Crotty (6th & 20th) Doctor Drive (13th & 27th) 6-10 PM

Rodney Shenk: 6-10 PM

RPM LIVE: 6-10 PM

6-10 PM Mike Tozier OR Deven Starr

RPM LIVE - 6-10 PM

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

Live Music

Live Music

Live Music

Live Music

Live Music

Live Music

Live Music

1-5 PM: 7-11 PM

1-5 PM: 7-11 PM

1-5 PM: 7-11 PM

2-6 PM 8-Midnight

11 AM – 2 PM 3-7 PM 8-Midnight

10 AM - 1 PM

THE COTTAGE In the Village 941-312-9300

Live Music 6-9 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM

Live Music 6:30-9:30 PM

Live Music 6:30-9:30 PM

Live Music 6:30-9:30 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM

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

Live Music 6-9PM

Live Music 6-9 pm

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

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

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

Live Music Noon – 3 PM 3:00 – 6:00 PM 6-10 PM

SNIKI TIKI @ CAPT CURTS Crescent Beach Shops 941-349-3885

LIVE MUSIC 6-10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6-10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6-10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6-10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6-10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6-10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6-9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6-9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6-9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6-9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6-9 PM

Turtle Beach Grill Southern end of SK 941-349-2280

LIVE MUSIC 5-9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5-10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5-10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5-9 PM

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

LIVE MUSIC 5-8 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5-8 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5-8 PM

LIVE MUSIC 3-7 PM

LIVE MUSIC 3-7 PM

Spearfish Siesta Grille Southern end of SK 941-349-1971

CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE 801 Blackburn Pt. Rd, Osprey 941-966-1901

1-5 PM; 7-11 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM LIVE MUSIC 6-10 PM

Ketel of Fish- 6 PM (26th) DJ Kkonn – 10 PM

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

Yoder & Donadi- 1 PM DJ Kkonn – 10 PM

7 -11 PM

LIVE MUSIC 3-7 PM

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

FEBRUARY 2021

27th State Media LLC

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SEABAR *Modern Pacific Fare opens in Gulf Gate!

In November Seabar opened its doors in the booming Gulf Gate Village district. Owners Mike Whalen and Casey Daniels opened their first restaurant venture Gulf Gate Food + Beer next door to Seabar in 2018 so they are no stranger to the neighborhood. Seabar draws a collective influence from the cultures of the Pacific Ocean while keeping a fresh local seafood driven focus. A unique & modern vibe will carry through your whole dining experience from start to finish. If you are stopping in for happy hour small plates and cocktails at the twenty seat U-Shaped bar or in for an intimate dining experience menus & décor are anything but ordinary.

The menu was designed by Chef Anthony Petralia who has worked for the restaurant group since January.

He started at Gulf Gate Food + Beer helping to fine tune some recipes and help organize an already busy kitchen. When Casey & Mike took over the restaurant next door, they put Chef Petralia in charge of developing the culinary concept for Seabar. He wanted to use fresh local seafood that he sources from local fisheries but still design the menu with ingredients and recipes inspired by the islands of the Pacific. An early favorite is the “kung pao octopus” which is served over Chinese black rice, broccolini, gochujang bbq, & served with a squid ink chip ($20).

Another stand out are the “u-10 scallops” served with a Thai chile butter, farro, pickled fresno pepper, & thai basil ($28). For starters the “shokupan toast” which is home made Japanese milk bread with uni butter, mustard seed, and Asian pear jam ($7) & “grilled oysters” with kimchi mignonette, seaweed salad ($mp) have stolen the show.

Happy hour is 4pm to 7pm seven days a week. Happy hour drink features are $7 classic cocktails, $5 sake bombs, $1 off craft drafts, & $6 Copper Ridge wines. There is also a happy hour snack menu featuring $1.50 grilled oysters (ea), $4 togarashi popcorn, $5 edamame hummus, $5 fish sticks, & $6 crispy calamari.

Happy hour is not only featured at the bar but in the whole restaurant as well.

Seabar is open seven days a week at 4pm until midnight during the week. On Friday & Saturday they stay open until 2am with a smaller late night menu after 11pm. Also be sure to check out ladies nights starting January on Thursday nights from 9pm to close. The feature is $5 craft cocktails & martinis for the ladies. So dress to impress!

Advertorial

Seabar

Modern Pacific Fare 6540 Superior Ave. 941-923-6605 www.seabarsrq.com @seabarsrq on facebook & instagram

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Siesta Sand

FEBRUARY 2021

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.net

Off Key

By Robert Frederickson and guess what: he showed signs From Curfew Deceit to intoxication. Like I said at the What’s Blooming at Selby of top, when it comes to Key West the Botanical Gardens unusual is altogether usual.

“But Officer, My Husband Really is a Dog!”

Lo ca S Ne l A ar w rt aso to is t ts a!

G al le ry

• 2ND Month Free • Free Move-In Truck • Entire Facility Carpeted • Free Lock & Keys • Big Garage Bay For Loading And Unloading • Climate Controlled 941.315.5222 5260 Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, FL 34231 www.thelockup.com Coastal Flow is filled with handcrafted pieces by local artists and amazingly skilled craftsmen. Get a one of a kind piece for your house!

The Canadian province of Quebec recently imposed an 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM province-wide curfew in response to spiking Covid-19 cases. Exceptions were provided for essential workers and those walking their dogs within one kilometer of their homes.

A 24-year-old Quebec woman who doesn’t have a dog, but does have a husband, saw an opening.

So, she strapped a dog leash on her 40-year-old partner and headed out the door for a stroll.

Her neighbors were not amused.

Nor were authorities when they responded to reports of a woman “walking a man” in the couple’s Sherbrooke neighborhood outside Montreal.

They slapped the couple with a $3000 fine ($1500 each) for their transgression.

Look for the couple to land in Florida at some point.

He So Loved This Bar He Decided to Take it Home…

It’s a boat. No, it’s a Tiki Bar. No, it’s actually both.

And given the backdrop of Key West where this floating tiki bar was last legitimately moored, there’s nothing unusual about this, or anything else that follows.

The US Coast Guard recovered the ‘vessel’ that had reportedly been stolen, near Hawk’s channel near Key West. There was a person aboard when it was recovered,

The man was subsequently taken into custody by Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission officers and the tiki bar boat returned to its rightful owner.

Bitter Fruit at Selby Gardens?

It appears Selby Botanical Gardens has finally prevailed in its effort to gain approval for its long standing expansion plans, albeit only after those plans were significantly scaled down due to pushback from neighbors in the mostly residential neighborhoods surrounding the gardens.

A recent 4-1 city commission vote would allow for construction of a new 450 space parking garage, a 110 seat restaurant near the property’s Palm Avenue entrance and a new welcome center. The restaurant was originally planned to accommodate 185 patrons and was to be situated atop a considerably taller parking structure that will now top out at 38 feet, comparable to other nearby downtown structures. The master plan will unfold in several phases over the coming decade at an estimated cost of $92 million.

It was no walk in the park getting to this point, however.

The acrimonious back and forth between Selby’s leadership, neighbors and the city of Sarasota has at times been less in keeping with the gardens’ beautiful orchids, bromeliads and inspiring views of Marie Selby’s beloved Sarasota Bay than with the Gardens’ famous Corpse Flower, a botanical

monstrosity that can grow up to ten feet in height and which – when it blooms – emits the foulest stench one can imagine, literally the smell of a corpse, used to attract the pollinators needed to fulfill its reproductive prime directive.

Frustration over the process was still on display at the January 4th commission meeting where the now scaled down plans received tentative approval by that 4-1 vote.

Only Commissioner Jen AhearnKoch dissented.

Selby’s CEO and president Jennifer Rominiecki remarked at that meeting, “The goal posts on this game keep moving and we want a touchdown.” And according to a report previously published, went on to blame neighbors for a decision by Sarasota County Property Appraiser Bill Furst to rescind Selby’s tax exempt status for its 15-acre property, a decision that was more likely the result of the gardens’ own words and promotional efforts than anything originating with those neighbors.

In fact, Furst cited in his decision Selby’s own 2016-2021 strategic plan with its stated vision to establish Selby Gardens as a “world class catered event and dining destination and the premier Bayfront entertainment location,” which, he determined to be a use far afield from the usual work of a botanical garden/research facility which a tax-exempt status is intended to support.

The whole affair reminds me of another garden. One surrounding a tree that bore knowledge, not fruit.

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and Friends of Sarasota County Parks

Keep your life Nauti with Coastal Flow!

Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Say ‘I Do’ Again Anywhere your heart desires

· In lieu of our traditional in-person event, we invite you to download a certificate and vows to participate this year. · Visit any Sarasota County park or recite vows at the location of your choice. · Downloadable certificate and vows available online at scgov.net/parks.

Wednesday- Saturday 11-4 and by appt 7216 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida 34231 941-445-3989 coastal-flow.com

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords ADA compliance).

G-2

HOTTEST BAR IN GULF GATE...

S-16

MLB/College Packages FULL BAR

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

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DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE Licensed and experienced optician available to fill your prescriptions.

Only Eyes Optical has a large assortment of free frames with the purchase of new lenses. Call 941444-7984 to set up an appointment with their licensed optician.

Mellow Mushroom serves a one of a kind pizza pie. The flavors and ingredients are just as unique and special as the restaurant’s design.

Try a Mellow Mushroom stonebaked pizza, munchies, calzone, salad, hoagie, or even a burger. Pick from our selection of 24 draft beers or tasty, handcrafted cocktails. And, many of our pizzas can be made gluten-free or vegan. Located at 6727 S. Tamiami Trail. 941-388-7504.

Off the Hook Operated and run

by Chef Wes Duval, a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute

of America and master at serving guests the freshest fish possible with a focus on local delicacy delights, eclectic presentations, and legendary desserts. You will enjoy great service and a variety of original dishes he has mastered over his years specializing in seafood. His fusion of fresh fish paired with unique and flavorful creations is divine. All ingredients are hand-picked and complimented by a refined wine selection from vineyards around the world as well as his choice in quality spirits and local craft beers. Off the Hook has become a signature culinary destination, from first sip to last bite. A perfect date night spot or gathering with your foodie friends. .

From Vintage to Modern An extension of your personality

EYE EXAMS AVAILABLE

$

complete frames* & lenses

89 bifocal

| $189 progressive digital lenses

69 single vision

$

bring your prescription • FREE FRAMES while supplies last.

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

John Garner

Roberts Realty

Broker Associate

Diane Shane Broker Associate

941-924-2330

6541 Superior Avenue Gulf GAte BuSineSS DiStrict SArASotA, fl 34231

Working with Sarasota Buyers & Sellers since 1969 • Local Expertise • Proven Track Record • Happy Clients

941.444.7984 onlyeyesoptical.com

Condos, Villas, Single Family Homes & Investments

We are with you every step of the way!

2621 Mall Dr., Sarasota RobertsRealty@comcast.net www.SarasotaCoast.com 1

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GULF GATE Siesta Nails & Spa

Stein Mart

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Panera Bread

Bed Bath & Beyond

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Dress for Less

Iberia Bank

Five Below

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

Marshall’s

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Superior Avenue

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Beall’s Outlet

Mall Drive

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Gateway Avenue

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

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

Books-A Over 150 businesses make up this district.

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Hooters

who understand the importance of family and dedication. Their recipes and techniques have been perfected through three long generations based on the traditional simplicity of the methods used by their Italian ancestors. Dine inside, outside, pick up, or DELIVERY anywhere on Siesta Key, or in Sarasota until 3:30 a.m. 6574 Superior Ave., 941-9245800.

Pride of the South (S-34) Pride of the South has been awarded Top Barbeque in Sarasota for 2016 by Trip Advisor and Yelp. It has been awarded for the best Southern Hospitality. Pride of the South has a brisket BLT, hands down, one of the best sandwiches you ever tasted. The smoked chicken wings are unbelievable. Backed up with the pulled pork sandwiches, the smoked bologna, the smoked Turkey, the collard greens, fried corn on the cob, fried okra, fried green tomatoes and one of the best mac n cheese you ever tasted. We do catering with no limit to size.

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

Gulf Gate Food + Beer (S-51): Sarasota’s late-night hot spot for the service industry, night owls, and midnight snackers. It’s not your typical sports bar offering unique menu selections for carnivores and vegetarians. Be sure to check out their menu online at: eatfooddrinkbeer.com. Hours: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. (Sun. - Thurs.) open until 2 a.m. (Fri & Sat.).

ROBERTS REALTY, Inc. (M-5) John Garner, Broker Assoc. & Diane Shane, Broker Assoc. have a combined 40 years’ experience in Sarasota of making dreams come true for our clients. FOR BUYERS, we have had great success in finding the right property for our clients because we listen closely to their wants and needs and matching that as close as possible. FOR SELLERS, over the years we have successfully listed and sold many, many properties throughout Sarasota County. OUR PHILOSOPHY is to have fun, enjoy the experience, achieve great results, make friends and receive referrals. We’re with you every step of the way! Call 941-924-2330 or drop by our office.

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

Sun Trust

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

The Shop SRQ (G-2) offers flattops, fades, tapers, blowouts, razor cuts, and straight razor shaves.

Owners, Erick and Dawn use a back to basics approach to grooming with a precise attention to personal detail. Their commitment to excellence has provided them with many loyal customers. They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust. Hours: Tues. – Fri. 8:30am – 6pm, Sat., 8:30am – 3pm.

Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

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

Gulf Gate Barber Shop (G11): has been an institution in the community for years, owned by Kyle Flannery. The super-clean barbershop’s clientele is comprised of primarily men, but the shop services children as well. Scott Reich, formerly of the Siesta Key Village Barber Shop has relocated to this location.

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

6500 Gateway Ave. – 941-554-8905.

Tony’s Chicago Beef Company (S-16) is owned and operated by true Chicagoans. Dedicated to deliver Chicago’s best food Chicago style Hot Dogs wit’ the works...dragged through the garden on poppy seed buns with fresh cut fries, Italian Beef Sandwiches anyway you like, dipped or dry, sweet or hot. All served in true Authentic Chicago Style.

Solórzano’s Late Night Pizzeria (S-32): At every Solórzano’s, they offer an experience familiar to those

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Siesta Sand

FEBRUARY 2021

Florida Fish of Siesta Key

Red Snapper

Florida Puffer

Yellowtail

Mangrove Snapper

Lane Snapper

941.312.0665

Fishing Report

Water World Fishing Report Capt. Rick Grassett, Sarasota CB’s Saltwater Outfitters 941-923-7799 (office)

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action with trout Florida in Sarasota Bay and Gasparilla Puffer Sound on DOA Lures recently.

My brother, Kirk Grassett, from Sailfish Middletown, DE, fished several Sailfish days with me during the past week. We fished Sarasota Bay Spanish one day and caught and released Mackerel numerous trout to 3-lbs or more on CAL jigs with a variety of plastic tails. We also fished Gasparilla Dohlpin “Mahi-Mahi” Sound and had good action there with quality trout on flies and CAL jigs with a variety of plastic tails We hunted tripletail another day and Kirk caught and released his personal best tripletail on a fly!

Shallow water fishing for reds Scoolmaster and large trout is a good option now. With winter conditions we

www.siestasand.net

Captain Chuck Cress Enjoy a fishing charter with CB’s and Captain Chuck Cress.

John and his son Blake booked a charter with me thru CB’S Outfitters on Sunday. Both anglers are from the Chicagoland area and let me know that they are fly fishermen. With that info in mind, we chose to fish using only have very clear water, which artificial bait only. Our first spot looked good from a distance away with usually requires long casts to slick water and jumping mullet. avoid spooking fish. Depending However, when trolled closer we found the outgoing tide made it too on tide, sometimes afternoons shallow to get to where the schooling fish were working. will fish better than mornings Feeling a little frustrated we moved to some deeper water and in shallow water due to warmer water. Fishing deep grass flats of immediately hooked up with some nice healthy trout using 1/4 oz jig heads Sarasota Bay is also a good choice and little John tails. After catching and releasing several fish we trolled into for action with a variety of species a protected cove and found snook willing to attack our lures. including trout, blues and Spanish Finishing out our morning trip before the weather got nasty, we again moved to another deep grass bottom area were we picked up more lively mackerel. Fish the coastal gulf for tripletail when conditions are trout and some poor man’s tarpon (aka) lady fish. With the winter weather, colder water temperatures, and the extreme low tides it is a good idea to good. Our natural resources are have a well thought out fishing game plan to be successful this time of year. under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, Capt. Chuck Cress agricultural and residential 941-914-3127 runoff, freezes, increasing fishing Letsgetem.com pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!

Scamp Black Mullet Snook

Red Drum “Redfish” 8-year old William of Indianapolis, Indiana caught this monster Ladyfish while fishing a guided trip out of CB’s outfitters on Siesta Key. Tarpon

Kirk Grassett, from Middletown, DE, with a tripletail (top) caught and released on a fly and trout (bottom), caught and released on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.

Baracuda

Gulf Flounder

Florida Pompano Jack Crevalle Aledia Tush of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, Siesta Key with a nice tripletail caught fishing with Capt. Brandon Naeve off Sarasota with live shrimp AmberJack

Spotted Sea Trout

Cobia

Black Drum

Denny Clohisy, from CA, with his first tripletail caught and released on a DOA Shrimp while fishing the coastal gulf with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.

Catfish

King King Mackerel Mackerel Blue Marlin

Black Grouper

Sheesphead

Capt. Rick Grassett with a Gasparilla Sound trout caught and released on a CAL jig with a grub recently.

Tight Lines, Capt. Rick Grassett FFI Certified Fly Casting Instructor Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis Outfitter of the Year-2011 Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. www.snookfin-addict.com and www.flyfishingflorida.us E-mail snookfin@aol.com (941) 923-7799 (office)

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters crew fishing day: Doug, Jane, and Aledia with unexpected Cobia while fishing for tripletail with live shrimp.

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

Captain Jim Klopfer’s Fishing Forecast February 2021

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Notes from the Island Fishmonger Fresh in February

By far, the month of February its diet, this fish is healthy and is the best month of the year tastes great. I describe this fish as for both fresh local seafood if a Grouper and a Snapper had and U.S. imports. If you ever a baby…it would be a Tripletail Google the most popular fish as it has the taste and texture of a Adventure Charters to eat in the United States, cross between them both.

Shrimp and Salmon are 6. STONE CRABS - Stone always on top of the list and Crabs could easily be on the it’s understandable why. Both top of most lists as this is a are healthy, delicious and Florida delicacy only available 6 available, worldwide. It’s when months a year. Eat them cracked farm raised and inexpensive and chilled with a Stone Crab fish gets mentioned when mustard sauce and for the time my eyebrows begin to rise. it takes you to tear through that Fish such as Catfish (although meal you will feel like you’re in a southern staple), Tilapia, heaven!

Pollock, Pangasius and farmed 5. CHILEAN SEA BASS Salmon are all good fish that Definitely not a local fish but if Try the Big Water Fish Market’s delicious you can get at the grocery Grouper BLT. you ask me it’s the Cadillac of all store if that’s your thing. In fish. It’s imported in fresh and is a my opinion there is much better fish that the United thick cut of white, creamy, melt in your mouth kind of States oceans have to offer. fish. My favorite way is having it served with sautéed Here are my top 10 seafood products spinach and a soy sauce. available in February: 4. TUNA & WAHOO - It’s a tie. All I’ve got to say 10. COD - This New England fish sneaks into my is SASHIMI. Both can be local or imported from Maryland angler Tom Hyser with a nice sheepshead caught in Big Pass on the north top 10 simply because of fish-n-chips. Whether it be Hawaii. Wahoo will be served on Friday nights at side of Siesta Key for lunch or dinner, in all of the fish markets around the Big Water Fish Market at the Raw Bar in case you the country that I have visited, fried Cod is hard have a little wait for dinner. If you like Sushi, the February is the last month of and oyster worms are the top to turn down. When I first opened Big Water Fish best in town is Star Thai and Sushi in the Village. I winter here in Sarasota. There baits. Shrimp are the easiest Market, I thought I would localize the traditional have no association but they deserve a plug as they will be days when it feels like bait to obtain and work great. fish-n-chips by replacing Cod with Grouper. It was have the best Sushi around. spring is in the air. But, weather Sheepshead bite very lightly. good and always an option at Big Water Fish Market 3. MAHI-MAHI & AMBERJACK – This is also patterns will still be unstable, Usually, it starts with several but it just didn’t meet my expectations. There is a a tie. Local, firm, darker meat, mild and fantastic and fishing will follow suit. light “taps”. It is important not to time and a place for everything and Cod’s place is blackened or in fish tacos. These fish are often served Being flexible and understanding move the bait at all, the fish will a Fish-n-Chips dish. Thick, white, flakey, mild meat spicy with a tropical salsa which is why maybe they how weather affects fish sense that something is wrong. that is also great in a sandwich. Oh My COD! cracked the top 5 but mostly because the price is right. behavior will be the key to Instead, wait for a steady pull, 9. SNAPPER - A local favorite both to catch and 2. GROUPER - Grouper is the most well known angling success this month. On then reel fast and raise the rod eat. Available this month is Mangrove Snapper fish in Florida. All visitors must have a Grouper many mornings the tide will be tip smoothly. which is popular on Siesta Key. Yellowtail Snapper sandwich or Grouper bites while vacationing in the very low, especially with a hard Anglers fishing from Siesta is a Key West favorite and Red Snapper is the sunshine state. Red Grouper is the most common northeast wind following a cold Key beaches should do well most popular when in season which is during the but if you can get your hands on Black Grouper, it is front. Under these conditions, when the surf is clear. Whiting summertime. Snapper is excellent as a ceviche and the best: white, flakey and mild, similar but more so fishing the afternoon high tide is will be abundant and silver cooked as a whole fish, either fried or baked. than a Snapper. When in Rome…right?! See picture often a better choice. Also avoid trout, flounder, pompano, 8. HOGFISH - We are lucky to have this fish on of Big Water Fish Market’s Grouper BLT. the areas near the passes after a sheepshead, ladyfish and other the list as the Hogfish is indigenous to the Gulf and blow, the cold and dirty water is species will hit live or frozen 1. OYSTERS - February and March is prime time Caribbean areas only. Even then it is not an easy fish not conducive to success. shrimp fished near the bottom. if you’re an Oyster fan. Local and also from the New to find. Hogfish can only be found on some restaurant England area are my favorites. Local Oysters are One species that anglers The deeper grass flats all menus and in specialty fish markets such as Big can count on most every trip throughout the area will be coming from the panhandle of Florida to Louisiana.

Water Fish Market. It’s the mildest of any fish I’ve ever Big Water Fish Market also offers Massachusetts in February is sheepshead. productive for speckled trout They bite better in cold, dirty this month if the water is not too ate. It’s hard to explain but if I had to, it’s almost like Oysters called Hammerheads that I’m probably taking a bite of a white fluffy cloud. Even those who water than most other species cold. Incoming tides a couple eating the profit on but I don’t care. They are good, are not fans of eating fish…you will like Hogfish! do. Also, redfish, black drum, hours before high tide are salty, briny, big and easy to open this time of year. and flounder will be caught on usually the best times to fish.

7. TRIPLETAIL - Another rare fish that is Live well…Eat Fish the same structure and using Again, avoid the areas around abundant in February is the elusive Tripletail. If Scott Dolan the same techniques that are the passes when dirty water Stone Crabs are in season, so is the Tripletail. The Big Water Fish Market effective for sheepies. Basically, is present. Bass Assassin jigs, Tripletail (named for its 3 tail fins) hangs around the any structure will attract suspending plugs, gold spoons, Stone Crab traps as its appetite consists of Crabs, BigWaterFishMArket.com sheepshead. From the rocks at and live shrimp under a popping Shrimp and Clams. If it’s true that you are what you 6641 Midnight Pass Road the west end to the Siesta Drive cork are all effective baits. eat, then this fish is actually a Shellfish. Because of Siesta Key Bridge on the east side, the north Pompano, jack crevelle, ladyfish, end of Siesta Key is a great area and bluefish all feed over the to fish. Deep water, docks, rocks, deep grass. seawalls, and rip-rap will attract Snook will be found in are and hold fish. All of the bridges rivers, creeks and residential and docks in both Big Pass and canals, along with redfish, drum, Florida, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Sarasota Bay February 2020 New Pass may hold fish, as well flounder, sheepshead, and jacks.

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33' as the docks and oyster bars Jerk baits scented soft plastics, Date Day High Tide High Tide Low Tide Low Tide Sunrise Sunset Moonrise Moonset Phase south to Albee Rd. and live shrimp will all produce 1 Sa 5:25a 0.9 5:08p 1.6 12:11a 0.2 11:22a 0.5 7:17a 6:11p 11:53a 12:10a The preferred rig is a #2/0 fished near structure in creeks 2 Su 7:21a 0.8 5:52p 1.6 1:30a 0.1 11:52a 0.6 7:17a 6:12p 12:28p 1:03a 1st circle hook with a 24” piece of 20 and canals. We are shaping up 3 Mo 6:41p 1.6 2:47a -0.1 7:16a 6:12p 1:06p 1:59a lb. leader and just enough weight to have an actual “winter”, this 4 Tu 7:36p 1.7 3:54a -0.3 7:16a 6:13p 1:50p 2:56a to hold bottom. Live and frozen should trigger a river snook 5 We 8:33p 1.9 4:50a -0.6 7:15a 6:14p 2:40p 3:55a shrimp, fiddler crabs, sand fleas, migration.

6 Th 12:59p 1.1 9:30p 2.0 5:39a -0.7 3:43p 1.0 7:15a 6:15p 3:37p 4:55a

941-371-1390

February 2021 TIDE CHART

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.

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©2021 FreeTideTables.com - For comparison only - Times are local - Tides in feet from MLLW

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Siesta Sand

FEBRUARY 2021

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.net

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

The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key

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

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

HIGHEST PRICED SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE 360 GULFMEAD DRIVE $3,500,000 Idyllically located on a very private street on the north end of world-famous Siesta Key and encompasses over 161’ directly on the water with 98’ + on the bay and 63’+ on the protected water of Bayou Louise. For the avid boater, the location and amenities do not get much better than this with one dock and lift directly on the bay and a boathouse with a dock on Bayou Louise. The

interior exudes a laid-back island vibe and boasts a large living and dining room featuring original Terrazzo floors, a wood-burning fireplace, a builtin bar, and a wall of windows on either side of the home that let the natural light shine through providing incredible water views. The kitchen features abundant natural light, functional cabinet space, stainless steel appliances, a large butler’s pantry and a corner banquette. The master suite is located on the second floor with a private terrace overlooking the water.

Courtesy of Waterside Realty

LOWEST PRICED SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE 648 CALLE DE PERU $468,710 Unique 3 bedroom 2 bath Siesta Key Cottage with a personal touch in every corner. Located in a wonderful spot on a large lot, with a short walk to the smooth sands of Siesta Key Beach. Around the corner is the famous Siesta Key Village where you can enjoy shopping, dining and night life. Tastefully furnished and ready to go.

Courtesy of Transparent Realty HIGHEST PRICED CONDO 501 BEACH ROAD, #81 $2,450,000 Designed by Yehuda Inbar, a leader in Sarasota architecture, this modern 3,512 square foot townhome has been meticulously maintained with everything you need. This townhome extends over 4 floors with a private elevator and features floor to ceiling windows and high ceilings creating light, airy interior spaces with an island tranquility. The second level features a stunning modern chef’s kitchen with deluxe appliances, solid counter tops, custom cabinets, and breakfast area. Located on the third level is a guest

LOWEST PRICED CONDO 5631 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD, #1001 $290,000 Rarely available first-floor condo located right across the street from Siesta Key public beach in beautiful White Sands Village.

This meticulously maintained community with newly installed pavers throughout the roadways

and carport areas is a hidden gem.

Onsite management, heated pool, community boat docks that are available on a first-come basis for a small fee, recently renovated clubhouse are only a few perks of owning in White Sands Village.

Other advantages are a liberal twoweek minimum rental policy which allows a steady income flow for owners and small pets are welcome

bedroom and master bedroom retreat that can be your personal escape with a luxurious en-suite bath with separate his-and-hers sinks, spa tub, and walk-in closets. The fourth level has a second master bedroom suite with a family room featuring a sleek wet bar with a secondary bar fridge. Four levels of beautiful views, including a rooftop deck that allows visuals of Siesta Beach, Point of Rocks, Lido Key, and downtown Sarasota. The property is secure and private, with its own swimming pool jacuzzi and lush tropical gardens, including 7 different species of Palm trees.

Courtesy of Michael Saunders

for owners and tenants, which is pretty rare on Siesta Key. A new AC unit was installed in 2018 and a hot water heater in 2019. The kitchen has white cabinets with beautiful granite countertops and the bathroom was nicely remodeled as well. Laundry facilities are located in each building and it’s a short walk to the beach or the heated pool.

Courtesy of Michael Saunders and Co.

Just Sold

4510 Banan Place SETH: 941. 342. SOLD AL: 941. 479. 1175 4 beds 4 baths

Mid-Century Modern

Customer Review:

Al Nemore & Seth Westerberg

My wife and I had an exceptional experience with the Westerberg Group. Al went well beyond just gathering information on what we were looking for in a home by getting to know us and anticipating which properties were a good fit. Al was not only honest and trustworthy, but also able to successfully negotiate to get us our ideal home at a great price. Thanks! - Lance & Nichol

NMLS #1783476

Marty Remillard NMLS#343653

No Lender Fees 941. 223.9416

highdefinitionmortgage.com

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!

LD

SO

195 Vista Hermosa Circle, Unit#9-A Sarasota, Florida

Wonderfully remodeled Freestanding Vista Hermosa Villa just a short walk to World Famous Siesta Beach.

You will fall in love with this 2-bedroom, 2-bath villa. Two week rentals make this a very attractive property for a investor or just picking up some extra income when you are not enjoying the property for yourself. Custom solid wood cabinets in the kitchen with granite counters & upgraded stainless steel appliances. Designer bathrooms boasting tumbled marble & granite. Smooth ceilings with custom lighting. Designer tile & carpet throughout.

Nothing has been spared. New A/C in 2017 and also a recently installed tankless water heater. The association replaced the roof in 2016. You are just a short walk to dining & nightlife. This villa is being sold turnkey furnished (with some exclusions).

Already booked for 2021 Season.

$399,000

FEBRUARY 2021

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322 Island Circle Sarasota, Florida

Beaches, Boating & Bistros!! Live the island lifestyle in this spacious 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom house located on desirable Palm Island when rented was grossing approx. $60k in rental income. Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master bedroom and master bathroom. This house boasts a new boat lift on the Grand Canal. Lounge in the heated pool and spa or enjoy your favorite libation at your own private Waterfront Tiki Bar. Privacy abounds with a lovely tropical view across the canal. Huge bonus area on lower level.

This house is located on Palm Island which is a Island on a Island and is a sort walk to World Famous Siesta Beach(Beach Access 10) and Siesta Village with all its excitement and wonderful dining. This is the Perfect Home or Investment property for the discerning buyer.

$857,000

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803 Paradise Way Sarasota, Florida

This Fully Renovated Siesta Isles Home is located on the Grand Canal at the intersection of the canal with 205 ft of seawall on Excellent Boating water. When you step into the home you are greeted by unobstructed water views with the Clearview Non-Vertical Support Pool Cage. Unbelievable Chefs Kitchen with 16 foot Quartzite all-natural stone counter. Master Bath has Multiple Shower Heads & Rain Shower. All bath counter tops are Quartzite all natural stone. The lighting throughout interior and exterior of the home is new, as is the electric main service & sub panel. Lot is freshly landscaped with new Paver driveway & decking with outdoor low voltage lighting. Lovely Pebble Tec Mediterranean Blue Pool surface graces the saltwater pool with a new 130k BTU pool heater for those cooler months. The huge fenced yard includes a secluded dog run. Just a short walk to #1 Siesta Beach’s soothing white sand & sparkling emerald waters.

$1,595,000

Le ng a S Di n pe

458 Island Circle Sarasota, Florida

Wonderful Siesta Key Grand Canal home located on desirable Palm Island (a Island on a Island) just a few minutes walk to Siesta Beach. You will fall in love with this 3,366 square foot 4 bedroom/3.5 bathroom Key West style home. Chill in the Mangrove shaded yard around the Fire Pit. This incredibly light & bright home features gleaming hardwood floors throughout the home, arched walls, crown molding. Glazed wood cabinetry in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, gorgeous custom granite counters & designer tile backsplash. Upstairs is a large master bedroom suite with tray ceiling & balcony with lovely water views, 2 additional oversized bedrooms and bath. The en-suite 4th bedroom is located on a separate, private level, ideal for a home office or guests. Relax on the multiple screened-in lanais overlooking the private backyard with heated swimming pool. Screened pool area on the canal with a boat lift & dock.

$1,315,000

27th State Media LLC

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413 Island Circle, Siesta Key, Florida Palm Island - Paradise on Siesta Key. Renovate or build new. This Tropical Home with separate In-Law suite is a 3 minute walk to world famous Siesta Beach. Palm Island has its own beach access (Beach Access 10). This home is sited on a large lot (12,426 sf) with excellent potential for a new home to build if you wish. Lovely setting on a tranquil Bayou for whittling the hours away in peaceful bliss. Live in the existing 4 bedroom / 3 bathroom home with open kitchen and large In-Law suite or split build new. This house is just a short walk to all the shopping, bistros & nightlife Siesta Key Village has to offer. You will love Palm Island, “An Island on Siesta Key”, close to everything , yet secluded.

$699,000

36

Siesta Sand

FEBRUARY 2021

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.net

PREMIER SIESTA KEY LOCATION - Steps to Beach and Village the community. A two month minimum rental policy helps prevent transient rentals and aids in the home-away-fromhome feel of this community.

Current Listings:

Five units are presently listed for sale ranging from $373,900 to $619,000. Ruiz has a two bedroom two bath villa listed for $599,999. This stand-alone villa has been recently and beautifully renovated to include tile and wood-look flooring throughout. On a corner lot, this unit has exceptional outdoor living with paved patios and green lawn space. The attached garage houses laundry facilities and added storage.

Recent Sales:

Located on the north end of Siesta Key within steps to Siesta Village with its own white sand beach, Whispering Sands is perfectly suited to the ideal island lifestyle. Bob Ruiz of Key Solutions Real Estate has sold numerous units in the community. He believes the beach side location and proximity to the Village are the development’s two strongest attractions. Debi Burnett, a resident owner from Delaware says, “What stands out is the location on the beach and being right in the Village. My out of state visitors are amazed that you can walk everywhere.”

With something for everyone, Whispering Sands offers a variety of living options.

Housing choices range from beachfront high rises to midlevel water-view condominium units to free standing villas with attached garages. A total of 267

units include 2-bedroom 2-bath units and 3-bedroom units of 1,137 – 1,834 square feet.

The recreationally inclined will find any number of activities including 2 swimming pools, 2 fitness rooms, kayak and canoe racks and launch area and shuffleboard. With its own private beach, Whispering Sands offers tremendous options including fishing, swimming, and shelling right out the door. Of course, for those more interested in rest and relaxation, lounge chairs are provided both at the beach and the pool – just bring your towel, book and a cool drink!

Additional amenities include 2 club rooms with television and kitchens, grilling areas, and a magnificent Tiki Hut right on the beach. On site management, maintenance, and security only add to the attractiveness of

Four high-rise units in Whispering Sands have sold in the past few months ranging from $677,500 for a 4th floor unit to $860,000 for a 3rd floor end unit. Two 2-bedroom 2-bath midrise units sold for $$337,000 and $470,000; and an unrenovated free standing villa sold for $480,000. There is presently one unit pending sale at $575,000.

Ruiz notes, “Villas are ideal as they have the single family home feel; they are the only units in the Whispering Sands community with in-unit washers and dryers.” He adds, “Excellent on-site office management and maintenance provide timely and efficient service to owners and renters alike.”

For more information about Whispering Sands or any other Siesta Key properties please contact Bob Ruiz, Key Solutions Real Estate Group, 941-544-3299, RobertRuizRR@aol.com.

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

Protests aplenty built, Merrill said during the workshop.

Lourdes Ramirez, past president of both the Siesta Key Association and CONA, noted that the county’s barrier island residential density policy was put in place in 1989.

It “was created by the county commissioners back then because they recognized that the barrier islands could not handle any more intensity.”

Yet, Ramirez continued, the hotel’s residential density essentially would be six-anda-half times what would be allowed on the Commercial General site.

Another speaker, Frank Jurenka, president of the Siesta Key Condominium Council, pointed out that when the Council undertook a survey on the preliminary hotel project

FEBRUARY 2021

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application submitted to county staff in May 2020, “One hundred percent of the respondents opposed [the plans].”

Jurenka noted that the Condominium Council represents approximately 90% of the more than 100 condominium associations on Siesta Key, or about 7,000 of the approximately 10,000 condominium and household doors, as Jurenka put it.

The Council sent the survey results to the hotel project team, Jurenka added. “So why did you press forward with something unnecessarily large requesting so many exceptions and revisions to our barrier island protections, when we have yet to meet anyone that is not opposed [to this]?” Jurenka asked Merrill.

“We recognize that there are folks that are opposed to

this,” Merrill replied. “We have heard some from folks that are favorable to this, as well. I don’t know what the numbers are, though.”

Concerns of the closest neighbors

Yet another workshop participant was Mark Spiegel, president of the Siesta Key Coalition, which was organized last summer to oppose the hotel on Calle Miramar.

“I’m your closest resident to this property,” Spiegel said, adding that he lives in the condominium building standing at 300 Calle Miramar, which is part of Beach Villas at the Oasis.

The Coalition has about 2,000 member households on the island, he continued, along with the alliance of the SKA and the Condominium Council.

Spiegel noted that a hotel rendering shows balconies on the rooms facing his building.

“You’re going to be looming over our pools,” he told Merrill.

Beach Villas resident John Battles added, “There’s going to be an entire wall of balconies and windows basically overlooking … a very private place.”

Merrill said he was uncertain whether the balconies in the rendering are just an architectural design or whether guests would be able to go out on them.

Spiegel also noted that Calle Miramar is “a fairly quiet residential area.” Yet, hotel guests would be coming in by personal vehicle, taxis and Ubers, for example, and that would have an effect on the street’s traffic flow.

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County staff requires a traffic analysis, Merrill pointed out, though that had not been completed before the workshop.

Spiegel also noted that the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Beach Road, which is close to the hotel site, is one of the busiest on the Key. Yet, the hotel plans call for 223 more parking spaces.

Those vehicles will not be coming to the hotel all at one time, Merrill responded.

Moreover, Merrill said, the project team anticipates that guests will leave their vehicles at the hotel and walk to destinations in Siesta Village.

Further, he said, he understands the goal is to have hotel shuttles available to transport guests to places on the Key and to other parts of the county.

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Continued from page 1

during the peak afternoon drive time. That would equate to 52 extra vehicles entering the garage, the report adds, while the maximum number leaving the facility at the same time would be assumed to be 52.

“For the purposes of this analysis,” the report says, “2022 was considered the [build-out] year [for the parking garage and hotel] and, thus, 2022 conditions were evaluated as the ‘future year’ scenario.”

Kimley-Horn representatives had accepted comments from Sarasota County Transportation Planning staff on July 6, 2020, while the access issues subsequently were discussed with county staff on July 16, 2020, the study points out.

County staff advised Kimley-Horn that its traffic counts might not be accurate because of “the atypical traffic patterns caused by the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.”

In a July 6, 2020 letter to Kimley-Horn, Barrington Long, a technical specialist in the county’s Transportation Planning Division, pointed out that, because of the pandemic factor, Kimley-Horn could use the results of a traffic study conducted “within the last year or two” at the intersection of Midnight Pass Road and Stickney Point Road and then apply “an appropriate growth rate.”

Based on discussions with county staff, Kimley-Horn did include the following intersections in its analysis: • Parking garage driveway and Stickney Point Road.

• Parking garage driveway and Old Stickney Point Road.

• Stickney Point Road and Midnight Pass Road.

• Midnight Pass Road and Old Stickney Point Road.

• Peacock Road and Old Stickney Point Road.

• Peacock Road and the hotel driveway.

Other factors regarding the parking garage In regard to the parking garage, the

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report notes that a westbound left-turn lane exists at the site of the proposed driveway on Stickney Point Road. That lane is about 300 feet long, measured from the middle of the planned driveway to the end of the turn lane, the report says. Based upon the latest FDOT Design Manual, the report points out, the westbound left-turn lane is anticipated to require 290 feet — 240 feet for deceleration and 50 feet for queuing of traffic. “Therefore,” the report adds, “the existing westbound left-turn lane along [Stickney Point Road] is anticipated to be adequate.”

Kimley-Horn also undertook an analysis to determine whether an eastbound right-turn lane for the garage should be provided on Stickney Point Road, the report says. “For a roadway with a speed limit 45 mph or less, a right turn lane may be warranted if the volumes are 80 to 125 vehicles per hour,” the report continues.

However, the report notes, Kimley-Horn decided that an eastbound right-turn lane would not be necessary in this case, because the study indicated that only nine extra vehicles during the afternoon peak drive time would be using the garage.

Further, Kimley-Horn analyzed whether a westbound right-turn lane should be included for the garage on Old Stickney Point Road. Based on the anticipated future traffic volumes, the report says, that right-turn lane “was determined to not be warranted …”

Additionally, the report continues, “The garage is proposed to operate without control gates,” to allow for the free flow of entry. The structure will have either an unattended kiosk or an app-oriented system for drivers to use in paying for use of the facility, the report adds. People who would park their own vehicles in the garage, the report notes, would pay upon exiting either at a “pay-on-foot station or at an in-lane credit card reader.” Thus, a garage queue analysis found “a maximum vehicle queue” of one during the peak hour.

Moreover, the report notes, if a person

Bike lanes and sidewalks in area of proposed hotel and parking garage in south Siesta Key.

were to pull up to the garage entry gate “either accidentally or changes their mind” about parking there, the lack of a gate would make it possible for the driver to

enter and exit for free “within a certain time period,” 5 or 10 minutes, for example.

“This will prevent vehicles from backing onto Stickney Point Road …”

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Continued on page 1

college quickly lost its appeal.

After joining the Coast Guard and serving in ports around the world for three years, Garrett enrolled at Haverford College in Haverford, PA, but longed to return to Florida. In 1958, at the age of 25, he became a student at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. The “G.I. Bill” (that provides educational funds for veterans), made it possible for him to pay his tuition and in 1961, he completed his bachelor’s degree at the age of 28.

Siesta Key kept calling him home and after a brief stint as an admissions officer at Rollins, Garrett was hired as New College’s (State University of Florida) first admissions counselor. Now married with children, and aware of the Key’s potential for growth, Garrett left higher education to begin a career in commercial real estate.

“I opened a sole proprietor office in Siesta Key Village,” Garrett

Cope Garrett at his Siesta Key home. Siesta Sand

recalled. He hired sales people and began working with Palmer Bank on financing properties.

Things began to take off when “I got a beat on a property south of the Crescent Club,” he told

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the Siesta Sand. “It was owned by Honore Palmer’s estate through the Palmer Bank.”

Garrett decided that it was “premature” to venture into the condominium market but

Saba Sands

with a $25,000 dollar loan from his parents, he and a partner purchased the land that is now Southbridge Mall on Midnight Pass Road. John Davidson, he said, bought property to the south and “we worked in concert.”

Other ventures followed.

Garrett recalled owning a gas station at Stickney Point Road and Peacock. “During the gas shortage, I had my own personal gas station,” he said. The development of Palmer Ranch communities was a missed opportunity. “What a commission that could have been,” he joked.

When asked to reflect on current real estate developments on the Key, Garrett was critical of the proposed Benderson Development at Stickney Point Road and also voiced his displeasure at the possibility of new hotels.

During his real estate career, Garrett served on the Siesta Key

Board of Utilities, the Library, and the Gulf Coast National Bank. He remains an active member of St. Boniface Episcopal Church on Siesta Key. He and his wife Anne have been active supporters of the Sarasota Ballet, the Sarasota Orchestra, the Sarasota Museum of Art, and Sarasota Memorial Hospital. The father of three children, Cope Garrett has been married three times. “ I’m lucky enough to have nine step-grandchildren,” he said with great pride.

Garrett stepped back from his full-time work in the real estate market years ago. Standing near the dock behind his home and looking at the Gulf, he said, “I can imagine that its almost the same as when I came here. I’ve had a hodgepodge of a life,” he said.

“Life was like a razor’s edge for me. The difference between being a success and being unsuccessful was very close at times, but, life is far richer than just business.”

Continued from page 10

the property would limit its potential use.”

Additionally, he pointed out, although the county’s Coastal Setback Code has “been amended several times” since it was adopted in 1979, “the general prohibition against construction or excavation seaward of the GBSL remains unchanged.”

He further noted that the lots “immediately to the southeast [of the 636 Beach Road parcel] have single-family residences built on

single lots. Saba Sands owns a double lot. Beyond those singlefamily residences is the Sarasota County Siesta Key Public Beach.”

Pearce also referenced Saba Sands’ argument about the multi-family buildings on six other properties in the neighborhood, writing that Saba Sands “has essentially alleged a ‘class of one’ equal protection claim.” To prevail on such a claim, he added, “Saba Sands must show that they were intentionally treated differently

from others who were ‘similarly situated’ and that there is no rational basis for the difference in treatment.”

However, citing a 2010 opinion of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, he stressed, “[T]he comparators must be ‘prima facie identical in all relevant respects.’”

“Except for the example at 610 Beach Road,” Pearce wrote, “Saba Sands has not provided an analysis comparing these properties with its own property.”

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HOMES FOR SALE New const ruction on the Grand Canal. This custom home built this year will exceed your expectations. Walking distance to the village and Siesta Key beach. Very close boating to reach Sarasota Bay. Also, perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking. This 4-bedroom, 4-bath home is a Siesta Key gem on a quiet cul de sac. The coastal contemporary home boasts clean lines along with all high-end finishes and appliances including a stainless steel elevator.

This grand canal property has an entirely brand new seawall and cap along with wood dock. Come enjoy the Florida lifestyle as you entertain friends and family on your travertine patio deck overlooking your pool and canal. If interested, call 941-650-4935 or 941-915-8409.

• THE POINTE - Lovely well maintained fourth f loor 2/2. Water views from every room. Spacious lanai span ning across the unit overlooks Little Sarasota Bay and the ICW. Inside washer/dryer closet and abundant closet space. Furnished - just bring your clothing and personal items and you can have the best of everything. Gated communit y with every amenit y. MLS# A4470344 $429,000.00. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941- 400- 4186.

SUMMER COVE - Enjoy the finest of Siesta Key in this fully upg raded 3 bedroom, 2½ bath luxury condo. A light and bright end unit with abundant windows and doors (all with impact glass built to hurricane code), enter the unit from your private elevator into a large lovely foyer. Enjoy natural light on 3 sides; 9’ ceilings; a gourmet kitchen with stain less appliances, wood cabinets, g ranite counter-tops, and break fast bar, this unit offers incredible island living. MLS #A4469222 $975,000.

Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz, Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941- 400- 4186.

THE POINTE - Beautifully renovated and furnished 2/2 with fabulous water views. Fabulous kitchen and baths, tile th roughout, g reat lighting features and built-ins. Inside washer and dryer. Convenient carport parking. Move-in ready. MLS# A4472542 $495,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941- 400- 4186.

THE POINTE - If you seek views, look no further.

This 9th f loor end unit has incredible views north to Sarasota, east to Little Sarasota Bay and the ICW, and west to the Gulf of Mexico. Ext ra-large 2/2 at 1,380 square feet. Tiled th roughout. Interior laundry room. MLS # A4487826 $699,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941- 400- 4186.

W HISPERING SANDS - Fabulous free-standing VILLA feels like a single family home with the advantage of being maintenance free. Oversized corner lot. Recently and beautifully renovated 2/2 with attached garage and laundry. Great outdoor living. Beach front communit y with every amenit y.

MLS# A4487369 $599,999. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941- 400- 4186.

THE FINEST OF SIESTA KEY fully upg raded 3 bedroom, 2½ bath luxury condo. A light and bright end unit with abundant windows and doors (all with impact glass built to hurricane code), enter the unit from your private elevator into a large lovely foyer.

Enjoy natural light on 3 sides; 9’ ceilings; a gourmet kitchen with stain less appliances, wood cabinets, g ranite counter-tops, and break fast bar, this unit offers incredible island living. 1640 Summerhouse Lane, #30, Sarasota, FL 34242, MLS# A4469222, $975,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255 LUXURIOUS

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prestigious communit y, Crescent Siesta Key. This turn key furnished unit with a large West facing covered lanai, featuring an OUTDOOR KITCHEN, lives like a home on the beach. Highly sought after location, as it is one of on ly four units in the complex to allow direct access from the private lanai to the beautiful court yard pool area. Averaging near six fig ure g ross an nual RENTAL INCOME, this unit provides the owner both a resort lifest yle and a sound investment. Perfectly located within walking distance to the restaurants and shops of South Siesta Village and Siesta Key Marina. 6512 Midnight Pass Road, #206, Sarasota, FL 34242 , MLS# A4478581, $1,379,000. Key Solutions Real Estate, 941-894-1255

multiple screened-in lanais overlooking the private backyard with heated swimming pool. Screened pool area off the main living area on the canal with a boat lift & dock. You can step out of your back yard onto your boat & head off to exciting watersports and the best fishing Southwest Florida has to offer.

Palm Island is an Island on Siesta Key. It is a very short walk to World Famous Siesta Beach just over the Palm Island Bridge at Beach Access 10, while also close to the World Class Dining & Night life of Siesta Village. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands, 941-376-7442.

SURROUNDED BY WATER ON THREE SIDES The POINTE affords incomparable views. From this lovely t wo bedroom, t wo bath condo at the southern most end of Siesta Key you will wake to awe-inspiring sun rises over Neville Preserve on Little Sarasota Bay and marvel at the spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. This impeccable unit has been beautifully renovated from f loor to ceiling to include diagonally inset tile f looring th roughout, solid-wood cabinets with g ranite counter-tops and stain less appliances in the open kitchen, and renovated baths. 9393 Midnight Pass Road, #205, Sarasota, FL 34242, MLS# A4472542 , $495,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255

SIESTA COVE PARADISE Island Life is easy in the impressive, newly remodeled, generously spacious home located in an exclusive, familyfriendly communit y of Siesta Cove. This 4-bedroom, 4 full bath home provides the perfect backdrop for entertaining & family gatherings. Plent y of natural light f lows th roughout the home’s open, airy layout.

It’s beautiful coastal finishes, desig n, & t ranquil color scheme, makes this home a perfect beach ret reat!

French doors lead out from the living area, den & master suite to a large, paved lanai that st retches the entire back of the home. Enjoy the private, t ropical oasis in the back that includes a resort-st yle Lagoon Pool with integ ral spa. MLS# A4478244 $1,345,000 RE/MAX Alliance Group, Wendy & Joe Kesslak Joe:941-321-8585 Wendy:941-321-7484

GULF-FRONT VIE WS The location is second to none, directly on the beach and just steps away from the heart of the village. Enjoy all the restaurants, boutiques, markets, spas, and nightlife within t wo blocks. This fabulous beach front corner unit has five oversized balconies with stun ning sunsets. The building recently underwent major renovations; plumbing, AC, generator, well, exterior concrete restoration, new fences, new ent ry securit y, interiors updated in the lobby, lounge, fit ness/game area, and elevators. 9393 Midnight Pass Road, #P1, Sarasota, FL 34242, MLS# A4458168, $625,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941-894-1255

PEACEFUL GARDEN OASIS: This adorable home is on ly 10 mins to Siesta Key and cent rally located in the heart of Sarasota. Situated on a quiet deadend st reet, paradise awaits with it’s beautiful landscaping and serene setting. The spacious living space has vaulted ceilings and con nects to the gorgeous screened lanai. The entire home has been well maintained with newer roof, A/C and appliances. 3 beds | 2.5 baths | 2 car garage, 4017 Olive Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34231, MLS # A4486200 $319,000. Keller Williams on the Water presented by the Westerberg Group, Call Seth 941.342.7653 or email sethw@kw.com

WONDERFUL SIESTA KEY GRAND CANAL home located on desirable Palm Island (an island on an island) just a short walk to Siesta Beach. 458 ISLAND CIRCLE, $1,315,000. You will fall in love with this 3,366 square foot 4 bedroom/3.5 bath room Chill in the Mang rove shaded yard around the fire pit. This incredibly light & bright home features gleaming hardwood f loors th roughout the home, arched walls, crown molding. Glazed wood cabinet ry in kitchen with stain less steel appliances, gorgeous custom g ranite counters & desig ner tile backsplash.

Separate eating area and a spacious break fast bar for casual gathering along with a separate dining room . Upstairs is a large master bedroom suite with t ray ceiling & balcony with lovely water views, 2 additional oversized bedrooms and bath. The ensuite 4th bedroom is located on a separate, private level, ideal for a home office or g uests. Relax on the

GREAT INVESTMENT PROPERT Y! 2 bedroom, 2 bath villa located just a few miles to #1 rated Siesta Key Beach! This g round f loor villa has large bedrooms, a spacious living room with separate dining space, plus a covered Florida room. Ample storage is found in the large closets, pant ry closet and separate laundry room. Fresh paint th roughout and recessed lighting makes for a bright living space. Set in a fantastic communit y with a low HOA, yet you get a multitude of amenities. The large communit y pool has a peaceful setting and is the perfect place to soak in some rays. You also get use of the large clubhouse, which houses a kitchen, gathering spaces, fit ness center and billiard room.

Great rental income, on ly $140,000, 2782 Woodgate Lane Unit #16, MLS# A44080339, KW on the Water presented by The Westerberg Group, Call Seth 941.342.7653 or email sethw@kw.com

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Condominium association use it. The form should call for documentation of “substantial impairment of one or more major life functions,” he said, as the basis for the person’s need for the therapy animal.

Further, Lobeck explained, “Federal law requires that you allow a person with a disabilityserving animal … to be allowed to take that animal anywhere the owner can go,” unless it is a place

Continued from page 1

where health regulations apply.

For example, he said, a therapy dog can be allowed on a pool deck, but not in the water.

County denies another proposal all over the county ... We’re talking about whether there’s permanent erosion,” he continued, and, in the case of Holderness’ property, the shoreline has stabilized.

Nonetheless, in making the motion to deny the Coastal Setback Variance, Commissioner Ron Cutsinger said, “I think this is clearly in an area of dynamic erosion …”

Commissioner Michael Moran, who seconded the motion, noted that Barfield had talked about the

county staff analysis, included in the board packet, comparing the proposal to county criteria for the approval of Coastal Setback Variances. While Barfield had indicated that the packet tables showed the plans were in compliance with those criteria, Moran continued, “There’s lots of facts demonstrating consistency … right next to facts demonstrating inconsistency.”

He viewed the proposal as being inconsistent with the relevant

Continued from page 14

county policies and regulations, Moran added.

Commissioner Christian Ziegler noted that, in regard to CSV requests, “Normally, I give a lot of leeway to the applicant.”

However, he said, in this case, he, like Cutsinger, had to focus on the nature of the shoreline. “You think you’ve got a good spot now,” Ziegler said, but that could change in years to come.

Site of proposed Holderness house on Beach Road.

Sergeant talks beach],” he stressed. “There’s no lax behavior on our part. … We try to approach every single person we see,” he said, who has brought an animal onto the beach to let the individual know that a county ordinance forbids such action. Only service dogs are allowed on the beaches, he added.

Even then, Smith said, a service animal “needs to be under control and on a leash and with the owner, unless that animal is performing its service. Then it can go off-leash.”

He had talked with SKA President Catherine Luckner prior to the meeting that evening, Smith noted, indicating that she had asked him to remind everyone about the county regulations.

“If you see people on the beach, please call us. That’s what we’re here for,” Smith told the SKA members. “Don’t feel like it’s a nuisance to us.”

Smith did ask that persons report dogs on the beach by calling the Sheriff’s Office’s non-emergency number, which is 941-316-1201.

That is the best way to reach an officer for a timely response, Smith

Continued from page 27

said.

Earlier that week, he noted, he had heard Gov. Ron DeSantis talking about how “people are flooding into Florida,” because the state does not have the COVID-19 visitor restrictions that have been put in place in many other areas.

Further, Smith noted, “Our home sales … are rising through the roof.”

Both situations, he continued, appear to be leading to more people on the beach in Sarasota County.

Moreover, “I think there’s a huge learning curve,” he added, for visitors and new residents in terms of becoming familiar with Sarasota County laws, which is why more dogs have been showing up on the beach.

Again, Smith told the SKA members, “If you see [a dog], please call us. … That’s what we’re here for.”

Helping the homeless

A member asked substation leader Sgt. Arik Smith, “Do we have any kind of regulations about homeless [persons]? A lot … are coming into the Village.”

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The speaker inquired whether the Sheriff’s Office could prevent that from becoming “a real issue.”

“It’s not against the law to be homeless,” Smith responded.

However, he continued, county regulations do prohibit sleeping and camping out of doors in many areas.

A couple of years ago, Smith continued, then-Sheriff Tom Knight — with the support of the County Commission — implemented a Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), which includes four or five deputies and three or four civilian case workers. The HOT members try to reach out to homeless individuals, Smith said, to help those persons get into emergency shelter facilities and, eventually, housing. “That’s their main goal,” he added of the team members.

“If you do see some homeless people around,” Smith told the SKA members, “more often than not, we’ve spoken with them” and worked to put the HOT officers and case workers in touch with them.

Island Chatter

Luckner promised to send Medred the information he had gathered from SWFWMD. Then Bailey pointed out that the Sarasota County Development Review Committee (DRC), whose members represent the various departments and divisions involved in land development, would make certain that no protected natural habitat would be affected by the hotel project. If they find a problem, Bailey said, “They will let us know.”

Luckner pointed out that mangroves — which are protected by state and county regulations — were destroyed several years ago on the shoreline near the hotel site.

“We are not aware of any violation on the property,” Bailey replied.

Medred indicated that the situation to which Luckner had alluded was action permitted through SWFWMD. If the hotel project would necessitate any destruction of mangroves, Luckner said, “I think it would require mitigation steps …”

Later during the December 15th workshop, Dr. Neal Schleifer, president of the Paradise Cove Association, whose residents live near the hotel site, reprised Luckner’s comments. “We’re very concerned about what’s being proposed,” Schleifer told Bailey and Medred.

He asked whether the project team had undertaken an environmental study.

To his knowledge, Medred responded, county staff had not required such documentation, as no herbaceous or forested wetlands would be affected by the plans.

“There are mangroves [in the area],” Schleifer said, adding that the Paradise Cove residents live on Sabal Lake. They have had to preserve the existing mangroves, he continued, noting that any construction has had to take place

www.siestasand.net Continued from page 23

upland of the mangroves.

“I do believe you are required to do an environmental study,” Schleifer told Bailey and Medred.

The area around Sabal Lake, he added, is “actually an entire stormwater management system for our area,” including Peacock Road, Old Stickney Point Road and Sabal Drive. The system has “many swales and retention ponds,” he pointed out, “and there’s a connection to the Intracoastal Waterway.” It is “there to prevent flooding. It’s quite a serious system.”

Bailey assured Schleifer that the project team would make certain the hotel construction would have no adverse effects on that system.

A May 21st form for the Kompothecras projects that was completed by Sarasota County DRC members did note that the hotel would be located in the Dona/Roberts Bay watershed, the SNL found. However, the Environmental Protection Division staff did not call for a study, as Medred had noted during the workshop.

Questions raised about proposed Kompothecras hotel bar

Yet another question participants raised during the December 15th Neighborhood Workshop on Dr. Gary Kompothecras’ proposed hotel and parking garage focused on a bar planned in the hotel.

In response to a question from Siesta Key Association Director Margaret Jean Cannon, Robert Medred of Genesis Planning & Development said the bar would be located in the interior of the seventh floor. That level also will be the site of the outdoor pool for guests, he said.

Persons using the pool would be able to access the bar, Medred added.

Cannon said she did not realize that Kompothecras was seeking a liquor license for the hotel.

North Beaches Special Events – February 2021 Date

Day

Time

Location

Event

Details

Feb 6-7

Sa-Su

8a-5p

Siesta

East End Volleyball Tournament

250 players, registration required

Tuesdays & Wednesdays

Tu, W

8-9:30a

South Lido- Tu Siesta- Wed

Sunrise Beach Walks

County Exercise program walking south on beach, $5 registration (no cash), Main pavilion at Siesta and near playground at South Lido

"Feb 14 (on hold)"

Su

5-7p

Siesta & South Lido

"Say I Do, Again (on hold)"

"250 people (125 couples) at each location, wedding vow renewal ceremony on open beach, $15 preregistration, blocked off area for participants and no photo ops open"

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FEBRUARY 2021

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IMPORTANT NUMBERS Emergency (General)......................................................................911 Emergency Animal Clinic.............................................941-929-1818 Fishing & Hunting Licenses.........................................941-362-9888 FPL – Florida Power & Light........................................941-917-0708 FPL – Outage Report.................................................. 1-800-468-8243 Marriage License Bureau..............................................941-362-4066 Poison Info Center..................................................... 1-800-282-3171 Sarasota / Bradenton Intl. Airport..............................941-359-2770 Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT).........................941-316-1234 Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce..............................941-349-3800 Sheriff / non-emergency..............................................941- 861-1601 Waste Management........................................................941-924-1254

Sunset Beach Resort Siesta Key Dream Inn

6600 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota BestWesternSiestaKey.com 941.924.4900

Complimentary shuttle service to and from anywhere on Siesta Key. Thursday-Sunday 10AM-11PM (driver tips only)

Still Family Owned and Operated Since 2007 AAA-3 Diamond Property

• 114 Guest Rooms • One and Two Bedroom Suites Now Available • Complimentary Grab & Go Breakfast Every Morning • Free Shuttle Service to and from Siesta Key every day.

• Microwave/Fridge in every guestroom *Amenities and services may be adjusted due to COVID-19, please contact the hotel or visit our website for details

Hours: Thursday 2:00PM - 8:00PM Fri.& Sat. 2:00PM - 10:00PM Happy Hour 3-6PM OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Live Music every weekend (check the schedule on Facebook or call 941-924-4900) *Use of the pool for Registered Guests Only

44

Siesta Sand

FEBRUARY 2021

941.312.0665

Volleyball Fanatic

Trinity This month’s Volleyball Fanatic is Trinity (17) of Venice. A senior and volleyball player for Venice High School, Trinity and her partner won the SSOVA Juniors Beach Volleyball Tournament in the summer of 2019. They both currently play club volleyball for Jellys Volleyball in Venice. Jelly’s Volleyball seeks to instill 2 important skills in young players. First and foremost, they must do all things for the glory of the Lord and secondly, they must learn to love and respect the game of volleyball.

Photos by Trebor Britt

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