IV Siesta Sand - January 2019 by Brion Palmer

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For only $1/day any accommodation on Siesta can partner with us and get their guests a 50% discount! JANUARY 2019 | 941.349.0194 | ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC | www.SiestaSand.net | COMPLIMENTARY

Making a Splash

CAPTAIN DAWSON DAY

|The new style at the Siesta Key Beach Resort can be described as coastal modern with a Caribbean twist. Expansive pool will be surrounded by palms.

Sarasota native Dawson Day says he has been fishing since he could walk

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HISTORY Did a meteor strike form Point of Rocks?

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105-FOOT PIER Sarasota County Commission unanimously approved the 105-foot-extenstion of a fishing pier at Siesta Key property on the southern part of Midnight Pass Road

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VOLUNTEERING Many Landings residents have chosen to put volunteer energies into tutoring children

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LIGHTING CONTEST The annual contest began, condos entered in groups, Volunteers and staffers rushed to work, all jumping through hoops. Next came the pine boughs and decorative holly to be viewed by the judges aboard the Siesta Trolley

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SIESTA SOUNDS

A ribbon cutting party. The event is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, January 9, from 5 to 7 p.m., and yes, Chris Connolly will be the featured entertainer for this early evening group event

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By Roger Drouin

After yards of stucco repairs, piles of new shell-stone pavers, more than 50 large palm and coconut trees, large chickee hut and umbrellas, and four months of renovation work, the Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa, Tiki & Pool is slated to re-open this January. The nearly 60-room resort was already turning heads as major construction work wrapped up the week before Christmas. What had been a conglomerate of mid-century, and deteriorating buildings, is now an updated resort — all painted clean white with cypress soffits — centered around a brand-new, resort style pool-and-spa oasis. The biggest addition besides the new pool: the large chickee hut visible from Ocean Boulevard. “I’m getting a lot of calls,” [from local business owners] says Mike Holderness, who purchased the resort back in May, 2017. “People are driving by and saying what’s going on!” Once people go on the property to see the pool area, “they are blown away,” he adds. The giant chickee hut — at just under 30 feet tall — was built with Everglades cypress, by Seminole Indians, and is attached to the main building fronting Ocean Boulevard. Continued on page 35

As incoming County Commission Chair, Hines makes clear intent to focus on traffic improvements involving U.S. 41/Stickney Point Road intersection By Rachel Brown Hackney As he prepares to take on the role of chair in 2019, Sarasota County Commissioner Charles Hines has signaled his intention to put the focus on improvements to the intersection of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road. During the day-long, Dec. 12 public hearing on the Siesta Promenade mixed-use project — which is planned for the northwest quadrant of that intersection — Hines at one point said to Todd Mathes, director of development for Benderson Development, “If you don’t build anything, the evidence is absolutely clear: That intersection is a disaster.”

Hines added, “It truly is a public safety problem,” especially because of the fact that the Stickney Point Road drawbridge can open as often as twice an hour and the four lanes on Stickney Point Road drop to two lanes on Midnight Pass Road on Siesta Key. On Dec. 13, the day after the commissioners approved Siesta Promenade on split votes, Hines sent an email to Paula Wiggins, manager of the county’s Transportation Planning Division; County Administrator Jonathan Lewis; and Spencer Anderson, director of the county’s Public Works Department.

“Considering the results of yesterday’s hearing and the discussion in regards to U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road,” he wrote, “I really believe it would be worthwhile if we have a serious discussion in regards to our strategy and plans in regards to this congested area. Much like we did, with great success, with River Road and the diverging diamond, if we all believe and know that this is an area that’s only going to get worse over the next few years, we need to have a real strategy and plan to address it.” Continued on page 23

Siesta Promenade wins approval as designed By Rachel Brown Hackney Publishers note: Since many of the other publications have reported the passage of the vote to approve the project, Siesta Sand thought it worthwhile to read the county commissioners’ conversations of the day. Following the vote, Sura Kochman, representative for the Pine Shores neighborhood, sent an email to Siesta Sand. Her statement is as follows: “It is mind-boggling that the BCC ignored our expert testimony regarding the deficiencies in the application, studies required by the Scope of Work that weren’t performed and Comprehensive Plan policies and objectives that Siesta Promenade did not follow. The testimony of 8 organizations, representing thousands of people, in addition to the heartfelt

comments by residents of Sarasota was ignored. The lack of discussion on the issues raised and the comment that if they did carry the decision to another meeting, they would have to sit through more public comment (even though County Attorney Roddy advised them that would not be the case) was shameful. There was no need to handle this in a rushed manner. Seeing the confusion of the Commissioners on what they were voting on and lack of clear direction was highly irregular. We were obviously naive in our hopes that campaign contributions

made by Benderson to the Commissioners’ campaigns would not influence their votes.” With Chair, Nancy Detert in the minority on all but one of the six votes on Dec. 12, the Sarasota County Commission approved Benderson Development’s plans for 414 condominiums/apartments, a 130-room hotel, 133,000 feet of commercial space and 7,000 feet of office space on approximately 24 acres at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road. Continued on page 7

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Captain Dawson Day, of CATCH Sarasota Fishing Charters Sarasota native Dawson Day says he has been fishing since he could walk. The son of Siesta Key Fitness Center owner Bruce Day, he may have grown up in a gym, but his heart was always on the water. That’s why, when he got his Captains’ License at the age of 18, he immediately began working for a fishing charter boat company. After four years, he was ready to start his own business. In November, he founded CATCH Sarasota Fishing Charters. “When I was working for the other company, I ran boats of all different sizes, both inshore and offshore,” he said. “A lot of what I do is also ‘Captain for Hire,’ for other people’s boats, when they want to hire someone with experience.” Day already had the knowledge of the business and the license, he just needed to buy his own boat. He found the perfect vessel in a beautiful 22’ Pathfinder Tournament Edition, with a powerful 225 horsepower, Yamaha 4-stroke motor. Equipped with a Power Pole, Trolling Motor, Jack Plate, and T-Top. Though he can legally fit up to six passengers on his new charter fishing boat, Day says it is a more comfortable trip with four. He provides all of his customers with top-of-the-line fishing gear, from St. Croix Rods to Shimano Reels, and, of course, his expertise. “The nice thing about going fishing with me, is you step on the boat, you go fishing and you step off the boat.” What that means is that after passengers meet Captain Day at Bay Island Park or the 10th Street Boat Ramp, their “work” for the day is done. He will take them out from four to eight hours on his boat, to all of the most rewarding fishing spots in the area. CATCH provides a cooler full of cold drinks and all the bait and gear needed for the day. Best of all, the conclusion of the trip will be worry-free.

“It’s my job to make sure we have all the tools necessary for you to have a productive day of fishing.” Day’s first child was born in September, and he says that momentous occasion inspired him to venture out on his own with his fishing business. Having always had a soft spot for children, he says he finds his experiences out on the water with them some of the most rewarding. “I especially like to take kids out fishing,” Day said. “Seeing them catch the ‘fish of a lifetime’ and smile and have a good time is what it’s all about.” Day especially enjoys imparting his knowledge of fishing the area waters with people he takes out on his boat, and says he continues to learn every day, each time he puts his boat in the water. Day said that eventually, he plans to perhaps add a few more boats and build a CATCH fleet, but for now, he is more than happy with what he has. For Day, taking as many people as possible out fishing and making sure they catch a lot of fish and have fun is as good as it gets. “Growing up, I always had the thought of owning my own business,” he said. “I decided a long time ago that I wanted to do something that just made me happy.” CATCH Sarasota Fishing Charters rates are as follows: $110/hour for 4 to 6 hours and $100/hour for 8 hours. Included in the price are: water, cooler w/ice, fishing license, tackle and bait, first aid kit and safety gear, as well as fish cleaning and bagging at the end of the trip. Recommended to bring: hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, food/snacks. *Seasonal Tarpon trips and fly fishing trips are also available, call for pricing. For more information, or to book a charter with Captain Dawson Day, visit the website at www.catchsarasota.com or call 941-586-0204.

By Debbie Flessner

Dawson Day has years of charter fishing experience, but recently started his own company, CATCH Sarasota Fishing Charters.

Capt. Dawson Day recently bought a 22-foot Pathfinder to start his new business, CATCH Sarasota Fishing Charters.

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Worries about Avenue A and neighborhood access points By Rachel Brown Hackney

MEMBERSHIP MEETING NOTICE Tuesday, January 15, 2019 • 3:00 PM Siesta Key Chapel at 4615 Gleason Ave.

TOPIC: • 2018 Condominium Legislation Director Terms and Term Limits Director Recalls Enforcement Fines Association Records Material Alterations Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Mandatory Websites • 2019 Legislative Preview: The End of Division Arbitration

Main Speaker: Dan Lobeck

Lobeck & Hanson Law Firm

FOLLOWED BY QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION

On Dec. 12, as the Sarasota County commissioners were taking their votes on the Siesta Promenade project, the issue of the proposed closure of the median at the intersection of Avenue A and Stickney Point Road also arose. That proposal was one of several included in reports from the Kimley-Horn and Associates consulting firm, which worked with Benderson Development Co. on Siesta Promenade. Commissioner Alan Maio referred to earlier testimony that day by the Benderson representatives. “The applicant has no intention to change the access turn movements in the median for Avenue A.” Therefore, Maio proposed including that as a stipulation in the motion to approve the Critical Area Plan for the project. “I understood it as an expression of intent,” Deputy County Attorney Alan Roddy responded. “It’s a matter of intent,” Maio said, as the Benderson representatives, with — as Maio noted — cameras running to record the meeting for county records, told the board “they’re not touching Avenue A.” Roddy suggested that the Avenue A matter be part of the rezoning motion for the project. However, he also advised the board first to allow more testimony from Paula Wiggins, the county’s Transportation Planning Division manager. “My only concern,” Wiggins said, “is that

Avenue A is a known area of crashes,” and it has been studied by the Florida Department of Transportation. “The applicant is not proposing to do anything with that intersection.” Yet, she told the board, she did not feel the Avenue A issue should be included as a stipulation in the rezoning motion. After the conclusion of a planned “road swap” with FDOT in coming months, when the county will assume authority over Stickney Point Road, she continued, if crashes continue to occur at Avenue A, “and we don’t correct the deficiencies there, we would be liable for anything that happens there, knowing that there is an existing problem.” “Now you’ve got that all in the record,” Maio told her. Business owners and residents south of Stickney Point Road have demanded in emails to the commissioners that the median not be closed, he continued, because it would compromise access to their property. He then suggested that staff not take any future action regarding Avenue A without discussing it with the commissioners. Commissioner Moran agreed. “Staff recognizes that there is a significant issue … for those businesses and residents on the south part of Stickney Point,” Wiggins responded, adding that staff would come back to the board with any proposals for changes.

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Letters to the Editor Poisoning the Roots of Democracy

Siesta Promenade vote

Basic democratic principles are at risk when a 70% majority vote gets challenged by the very government whose actions were rebuked by that vote. On November 27th, about forty citizens attended a County Commission meeting to voice concerns regarding this very issue during Agenda Item #1, which is “Open to the Public.” We asked the commissioners why they were spending our tax dollars paying the County Attorney to pursue meritless claims against the RBR sponsored amendments which we had voted for and passed by an overwhelming majority. We want Beach Road rebuilt and we want it to remain public. We also want to protect our parks, preserves, beach and water accesses from being given away or sold by our government; we said so with our votes in support of the amendments. During public comment, Commission Chair Nancy Detert said, “We hear you and we’re implementing it. I mean, it’s a government process. Nobody’s shuffling it under the carpet or trying to undermine anything...” Well, that’s interesting because the County has two current lawsuits which seek to have the election results thrown out. Let’s assume Chair Detert wasn’t being dishonest. Is it any more acceptable that the chairperson of our County Commission is unaware her employee, the County Attorney, is actively seeking to subvert the voters’ will through these lawsuits? I ran into Commissioner Hines at lunch later that same day. He agreed we should “settle this thing,” and suggested I have former commissioner Jon Thaxton help negotiate on behalf of Reopen Beach Road. It took three weeks to get a one hour meeting, Mr. Thaxton wasn’t allowed to attend, and the County Attorney was “unaware” of our ‘proposed framework for settlement.’ I found this shocking because we sent him, and each commissioner, our ‘proposed framework for settlement’ FOUR MONTHS prior, on 8/17/18. Their inattention makes their half-hearted efforts seem disingenuous; I hope I’m mistaken about that. The “proposed framework for settlement” is a public record through which we offered to allow the developers to keep their illegally obtained development rights in exchange for their unbuildable, partly submerged beach lots, the combined appraised value of which is under $10k... Also, the County has to follow the recommendations provided by Taylor Engineering in their 2013 report and rebuild Beach Road with sidewalks and a bike lane. This will allow us once again to enjoy Siesta Key’s only unobstructed Gulf-view drive, bike, rollerblade, skate, etc. Contrary to the county’s inaccurate claims, none of these uses currently exist. Our offer seems reasonable to us. The developers get their extra ‘units.’ The public gets its road back, federally mandated ADA compliance for our elderly and mobilityimpaired citizens, and unfettered use of the beach. As for me, I get to go back to remodeling houses, boating, and fishing. Frankly, this has been exhausting and I’m looking forward to getting my life back. Let’s hope the county follows through and embraces the will of the voters. Thank you to the publishers of this paper for the opportunity to educate its readers, to all of our Reopen Beach Road volunteers and supporters, and to Commissioner Hines for his efforts to get this mess straightened out. Happy New Year!!! Mike Cosentino President, Reopen Beach Road, Inc

On Dec. 12th, the County Commission demonstrated that the “will of the people” is no match for the will of developers. Thank you Commissioners Detert and Hines for hearing the pleas of the people and voting against the Benderson proposal. It is tragic the Commission lost what may well be the last chance to save a neighborhood and have a positive impact on the already traffic saturated Stickney Point/US 41 corner that leads to Siesta Key. Our membership representing over 90 Condominiums and 7,000 doors on Siesta Key made their opposition to this project known in our recent membership survey. A SKCC representative made this known to the Commissioners by speaking at the meeting with the theme of “serving the will of the people” Traffic jams and long waits to get on the key are the norm. Health and safety of residents and visitors are at risk as emergency vehicles struggle to negotiate traffic. The Commissioners voting outcome made no attempt to alleviate these conditions and in fact added to the already bad situation. Siesta Key Condominium Council Board

Happiness is…Celebrating a New Year New Year, New You. Ever heard that saying before? Well, after more than seven marvelous and fun years of serving the Siesta Key/Sarasota area, the folks at Abel’s Ice Cream are taking that theme to heart. “We are known for our clean and friendly environment so we wanted to keep things fresh with a fun store makeover. We’ve also added some great new local offerings to our menu,” said Jerry Williams, Abel’s owner. “For quite some time, we’ve enjoyed Lelu’s amazing coffee out on Siesta Key. So for us, it was an easy decision to begin serving their coffee ourselves,” he added. “It’s been a huge hit.” But Lelu’s isn’t the only fun menu addition. Jerry was also excited to share another local sweet treat. “Every time we go to St. Armand’s Circle for dinner, we have to stop at Tropical Shores Popcorn! They have incredible gourmet popcorn and we’re proud and excited to be able to share that deliciousness in our store.” Abel’s is featuring some of their most popular flavors, including Tuxedo (classic caramel popcorn drizzled with dark chocolate and white chocolate) and Cheesy Cheddar (cheddar cheese melted over freshly popped popcorn). “We have grab and go bags which work great as a beach day or movie night treat.” Of course, you don’t need a new reason to visit Abel’s. They still have the same local Florida ice cream, voted #1 on Trip Advisor for 5 straight years, In fact, Abel’s is now in the Trip Advisor Hall of Fame. And if

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you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to the holiday season, for a limited time you can still taste it at Abel’s with their delicious Peppermint (Refreshing and vibrant Peppermint ice cream filled with peppermint candy) and for our friends from the Northeast, Cinnamon (Great on its own or the perfect topping for any dessert!) Stop by and celebrate the New Year with your friends at Abel’s. Abel’s Ice Cream is located at 1886 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota, in the South Bridge Plaza. Open Sunday through Thursday from Noon – 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday from Noon – 10 p.m. Learn more online at www.abelsicecream.com or connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.

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Siesta Promenade County Commissioners decision At its hearing on December 12, the County Commission approved the Siesta Promenade application without significant modification. The hearing room was at capacity and the overflow room had to be opened. The comment portion lasted from 9am to after 5pm and the Commission discussion was over an hour. Over 100 signed speaker cards and approximately 75 remained to testify. Of the total number of speakers, only 5-7 supported the application and they were all associated with building and/or development organizations. In the Commissions hour plus discussion many of the concerns/objections were considered and two were discussed with the applicant. One was to increase the amount of affordable housing and the other was to reduce the building heights. The applicant would not consent to either. Because of the complexity of the project, it had to be addressed in five separate motions. Four motions were approved on a 4-1 vote with the Chair Nancy Detert being the dissenting vote on each motion and the fifth motion was approved 5-0. Virtually no amendments to the application were proposed! When the voting was completed, Chairperson Detert gave an epilog lamenting the fact that she joined the Commission when consideration of the project was already under consideration. She expressed a limited ability to influence the result and stated that many important issues were raised by the citizens which need to be addressed by the county. The angry and dejected participants departed in shock and silence. To think that over 1000 letters were sent to commissioners, more than 1800 petitions were presented and about 75 individuals testified before the commission, but that governmental body did not find even one suggestion actionable! Larry Lawrence The Landings

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Continued from cover story

The only facet of the project Detert approved was a street vacation involving Brentwood Avenue and Crestwood Avenue, so Benderson can realign Crestwood as one of the access points to the mixed-use project. Commissioner Charles Hines joined Detert in opposing the company’s request for a Critical Area Plan (CAP) designation for the project, so it could exceed the standard restriction of 13 dwelling units per acre on land zoned Commercial General. The CAP approval allows up to 25 units per acre, though Benderson’s proposal would achieve a density of about 20.5 units per acre. In response to the testimony of dozens of members of the public about the exacerbation of traffic congestion they expect at the intersection, Hines stressed the board’s responsibility to address those issues. “We must make this intersection as important as we did with the Diverging Diamond three years ago,” he said, referring to the structure the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) built to ameliorate congestion issues involving the University Parkway access from Interstate-75. That project was put on a fast track so it would be completed prior to the 2017 World Rowing Championships, which were held in late September 2017 at Nathan Benderson Park, near University Parkway. “This falls on us,” Hines added of the need to mitigate the U.S. 41/Stickney Point Road problems. “It behooves us to give it more attention,” Detert agreed. In explaining her “No” votes, Detert referred to Pine Shores Estates, which is the community of single-family homes adjacent to the Siesta Promenade site. “If we’re going to impact an existing neighborhood in any kind of a negative way,” she said, then the commissioners could not forget about those residents, who had invested in their homes. A house, Detert continued, is typically the biggest investment a person will make. “There should be some benefit to doing that to people,” she said of allowing Siesta Promenade to be constructed next to Pine Shores. Yet, she told Todd Mathes, director of development for Benderson Development, the applicant for Siesta Promenade, “I’m not seeing anything that you’re bringing to the table that we don’t already have.” She cited the nearby Best Western Plus Siesta Key Gateway Hotel, restaurants and shops. Detert added, “I would be really happy if you put in, like an upscale resort. I don’t think you’re taking advantage of the fact that your piece of property is so close to the beach.” If the company built a resort, she pointed out, it then could use a trolley to transport guests back and forth to the beach.

“I just don’t see anything new about the project, and I see a lot of downside.” “We’ve been melding this project in response to community concern,” Mathes replied. “While we have not made everyone happy, and I don’t think we ever would have made everyone happy. I think what we did was put a project forward that works.” The 140,000 square feet “is smaller than every other center up and down U.S. 41. It’s meant for the neighborhood …” Hines objected to the fact that residential structures as tall as 65 feet would be in close proximity to single-family homes in the Pine Shores Estates. At various points during the approximately seven-hour-long public hearing, he talked of his struggles with accepting the design of the project, saying he felt the higher residential buildings should be on the eastern side of the site, next to U.S. 41. Commissioner Michael Moran made all six motions to approve the project. Commissioners Alan Maio and Christian Ziegler joined him in support of all the Benderson requests for the design. Maio did win concessions from Mathes that Maio indicated would make it less attractive for drivers to cut through Pine Shores Estates to avoid traffic congestion on U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road. Additionally, Mathes proffered that the company would make all of the 25 affordable housing units, required under county regulations for a CAP project, to be rental units. Mathes also said that the company would build those first. Maio further urged Mathes to make the affordable housing units 750 square feet or smaller, as a new county ordinance will be going into effect soon to give developers incentives for what staff has characterized as “half dwelling units.” Maio referenced several young people during the hearing that day, who talked of their support for Siesta Promenade in the context of more affordable housing in the community. Maio said the apartments of 750 square feet or less would be homes those speakers “would kill for …” However, Maio did stress, “Nobody’s getting any increased density” if Benderson agrees to his request. The county Zoning Code specifies that one dwelling unit can

range from 500 square feet to 12,000 square feet, he pointed out. “Understood,” Mathes replied. In making the motions to approve the various aspects of the project, Moran said of the property, “This is zoned for a full-service gas station — Wawa type — hundreds, hundreds of mobile homes, significant office space… I simply feel that we can do better than that.” Moran added, “What we do encourage is compact, mixeduse infill projects that can … use our infrastructure that’s already in place.” Moreover, Moran said, “I don’t think you can ignore the applicant that’s before us on this today.” Benderson Development is not some speculative builder from another part of the country, Moran continued. “This is a proven developer that has brought projects into our community that have improved our quality of life.” Hines concurred that Siesta Promenade is an example of urban redevelopment. People have urged the commissioners not to approve projects that would lead to “urban sprawl,” he continued. They have told the board they favor redevelopment in the urban core. “What that means,” Hines pointed out, “is land costs are higher. Neighborhoods already exist. You’re going to have those negative impacts.”

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Higel Avenue work necessary for FDOT drainage project By Rachel Brown Hackney

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

Siesta Key Oyster Bar, or “SKOB” as the locals call it, is the hangout with the laid-back, beachy atmosphere that will get you right into the Island Spirit. One of the things that set SKOB apart from the other restaurants in Siesta Key Village is that we have some of the best food on the Key.

Live Music Every Day and Night

Drivers on Higel Avenue recently wondered what was going on as they waited on workers to give them the goahead to proceed in single-lane traffic. We have an answer. Spencer Anderson, Public Works Department director for Sarasota County, reported that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has been “performing subsurface utility exploration (SUE)” to support the design of a drainage project. In the summer of 2017, FDOT reported that it was working on a project to alleviate drainage problems in the basin along part of Higel Avenue. “The property at 4013 Higel Ave. is the low point of the local basin,” an FDOT study said. “Flooding occurs along the SR [State Road] 758 corridor and eventually enters a 15-inch cross drain under SR 758 and outfalls to the existing outfall ditch,” the study pointed out. That ditch is located north and northeast of 4013 Higel Ave.; it is within the private property of 3975 Shell Road, the study added. The outfall is to Coconut Bayou. However, the study noted, “The outfall ditch is overgrown with sediment and vegetation from Higel Avenue to Coconut Bayou.” The study was prepared by Sergio Figueroa, an engineer for FDOT’s District One, which includes Sarasota County. FDOT “will construct a closed storm sewer system along the west side of SR 758 from Little Pond Lane to Somerset Drive and continue the storm sewer system east directly to the existing outfall, Coconut Bayou,” Zachary Burch, government affairs & communications manager for FDOT, reported in mid-August 2017. “The proposed improvements will alleviate flooding issues along SR 758 and adjacent properties,” he added. The work was funded for the 2018/19 fiscal year, Burch noted. FDOT’s fiscal year begins July 1; the county’s starts on Oct. 1.

The funding for design and right of way acquisition is listed at $785,066 in FDOT’s Tentative Five Year Work Program for 2019/2023. The construction, at a total of $1,323,720, is listed for the 2020/2021 fiscal year. Of the latter amount, $1,291,290 will be from revenue dedicated to District One projects, according to FDOT. The rest will come from funding allocated for “State In-House Project Support” (DIH). The project length — 0.11 miles — is the distance from Little Pond Lane to Somerset Drive, the listing noted.

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Your Go-To Store on the Island Morton’s Siesta Market is your one-stop shop for easy island living. We offer a large selection of staple groceries, beer and wine, as well as fresh produce, meats and seafood. In keeping with our Morton’s tradition, we also carry a delicious array of prepared foods, perfect for take-out, picnics, parties and more.

Please stop in and say hello! 205 Canal Road, Siesta Key • 941-349-1474 • MortonsMarket.com

Visit our new Siesta Village Liquors just next door!

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JANUARY 2019

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

County Commission approves 105-foot pier extension on Little Sarasota Bay By Rachel Brown Hackney After listening to an explanation about the need for it, the Sarasota County Commission unanimously approved the 105-footextenstion of a fishing pier at Siesta Key property on the southern part of Midnight Pass Road. The applicant, Justyna Clipper, had sought a Water and Navigation Control Authority (WNCA) Major Work Permit not only to lengthen the pier but also to add a 12-foot by 24-foot mooring area for a 24-foot-long vessel, a boat lift and a new kayak lift. The structure will be shared by two parcels Clipper owns on Little Sarasota Bay, Chance Steed, a county environmental specialist, told the commissioners on Nov. 27. As Clipper’s representative in the hearing, William Merrill III, a partner with the Sarasota firm of Icard Merrill, explained to the board members that the extension of the pier and the new dock are necessary to enable a vessel to navigate in deeper water to reach the channel in the bay, which is part of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). The approximate average length of several neighboring boat docks, he noted, is 161 feet. If a vessel is not able to launch in deeper water, Merrill said, “you’ll be churning up bay bottom, which you don’t want to do.” He showed the commissioners slides to illustrate his remarks. “We’re really just seeking equal access to the water shared by the neighboring properties,” Steve Rees, another Icard Merrill attorney representing Clipper, explained to the commissioners. The maximum boat draft allowed by the permit would be 30 inches, Rees added. “Just seeing the size of the docks is startling to an average person,” Chair Nancy Detert told Merrill. His photos made it clear why the longer dock is necessary, she added. “We all understand the danger of boats digging up silt as they come in and out, [which is] not helping the environment.” An existing dock to the north is about 52

feet away from the existing 44-foot-long structure at Clipper’s property, Steed noted, while a dock to the south is 40 feet away. The fishing pier, he told the board, is the largest structure staff can approve on an administrative basis. That was why Clipper had to apply for the permit. (The commission also serves as the Water and Navigation Control Authority in the county.) The dock to the north of Clipper’s property is 104 feet long, Merrill said, while the one to the south is 205 feet. Adjoining property owners have been opposed to the project, Steed noted. County staff found that the construction was likely to have no negative effect, he said. Minimal seagrass damage will result from the installation of pilings, Merrill said, but Clipper will undertake seagrass mitigation. A Nov. 27 county staff memo said that the mitigation “will consist of maintaining the natural beach habitat and tidal wrack line in its natural state and keeping nuisance and invasive plants out of the area and the adjacent uplands.” “The shoreline is vegetated with mangroves almost entirely, and it is in good condition,” Steed pointed out. Merrill also told the board that Clipper already had received the necessary permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for the project.

Protest and rebuttal Amy Stipancich, who lives at 7321 Midnight Pass Road, to the north of Clipper’s property, was the only speaker during the hearing to protest the plans. Stipancich cited sections of the County Code involving WNCA regulations, saying the extended dock would have a detrimental effect on the navigational ability of other boat owners in the area of Clipper’s property.

Vessels trying to move away from and toward the docks to the north and south would have “limited and/or restricted access,” Stepancich told the board. Additionally, she said, Clipper’s use of the new dock would lead to limitations on the size of vessels the neighbors could use in the ICW. In response to that concern, Rees of Icard Merrill pointed to a finding in the county staff memo: “Given the configuration of the proposed dock facility and its intended use, there are no long-term adverse navigational impacts anticipated from this project.” Offering yet another point of opposition, Stipancich told the board, “My views toward the south are already impaired” by Clipper’s fishing pier. An extended dock would exacerbate that situation, Stepancich added. Moreover, Stipancich said of Clipper, “She is a developer.” Six months after Clipper failed in 2016 to win county approval to construct three homes on the 2-acre site “to form a neighborhood,” Stipancich continued, Clipper began working on the plans for the longer dock.

The combined square footage of the two parcels that will share the dock is 85,436. One acre is 43,560 square feet. Each of Clipper’s parcels in the affected area is zoned Residential Estate, which allows only one dwelling unit per acre, the Sarasota County Property Office records note. Stipancich told the commissioners that she is worried about whether Clipper will end up selling the two parcels together. If Clipper found separate buyers for them, Stepancich added, then the possibility might arise for more than one vessel to use the new dock, “turning it into a boat marina.” Such a situation, Stipancich said, would lead to the visual “blocking of the aesthetics of the waterscape.” Finally, she voiced worry that Clipper would seek “further enhancements down the road.” In response to the last comment, Kristy Tignor, a professional engineer with The Tignor Group in Sarasota — who explained that she had designed the new dock — pointed out that it was the maximum size FDEP “would ever allow” on the site.

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Siesta Sand

JANUARY 2019

Sheriff’s Report

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

November 20 - December 17, 2018

There were a total of 7 crimes reported on the Key between 11/20-12/17/18 11/20/18 Burglary Residential 1000 Block Portofino Dr. A woman reported nearly $20,400 worth of fine jewelry was stolen from her home. She explained she had returned to her condo from up north to find water on her kitchen counter. The condo was secure and there were no signs of forced entry. A half bottle of wine and three partially empty bottles of cranberry juice were present. These items were not there when she went back up north last summer. She advised she had unpacked and placed her two bags of Jewelry on the bedroom counter when she returned on 11/15. On 11/19, the woman reported the jewelry was missing. She at first thought she had misplaced the jewelry, but after searching for a day, called law enforcement. No signs of forced entry were present; no other areas of the condo appeared disturbed. The bottles had been disposed of and fingerprints could not be taken from door handles due to lack of surfaces handled. The condo management team could not be reached at the time and the victim was advised to change the locks and consider an interior camera system. 11/20/18 Battery Domestic Address Not Disclosed A woman reported her exhusband came to her home late at night and asked for money. The discussion was held in a sunroom while sitting on a sofa. When the woman refused to give the money the defendant became upset and threatened to burn the victim’s sofa. The defendant proceeded to put a lit cigarette onto the sofa cushion and burned a hole in it. (Estimated cost to repair $500) The victim called the defendant’s family to come get him but they refused. The defendant was upset and became physical and grabbed the woman’s wrists and upper arms leaving bruises. He also struck her with an elbow to chest causing a bruise before leaving the area. The woman’s injuries were photographed. She stated that the defendant has a drug problem and that she is concerned for her safety.

11/24/18 Grand Theft 5000 Block Windward Ave. A kayak valued at approximately $800 was stolen overnight from a residential dock. The kayak, which was not locked up to anything when it was taken, was a 10foot, green plastic, sit-inside, Sun Dolphin “Aruba.” 11/26/18 Grand Theft 1200 Block Old Stickney Pt. Rd. A man reported his ring was stolen. He was out to dinner when he went into the bathroom. Before he washed his hands, he took his ring off and laid it on the counter. He exited the bathroom and shortly after, realized he did not have his ring. He returned to the bathroom and it was gone. Employees of the restaurant said no one found or turned in the ring. The gold, thick men’s ring, with small diamonds was valued at approximately $3000. 12/2/18 Battery :Officer Firefighter EMT 5300 Block Ocean Blvd. An officer was on routine patrol in front of a Village nightclub when he was approached by an Uber driver who stated that a man was passed out on the sidewalk across the street. The deputy located the man passed out on the sidewalk. As he approached the man, he noticed his business card lying on the floor next to him. It stated he was a Staff Sargent in the US Air Force. The deputy woke the man and asked if he could call him a cab and get him a ride home and the man spit on the deputy. When asked if he knew who he was, the Staff

sergeant replied, ”Yea, I see you’re a cop.” The deputy reiterated that he was there to help him and offered him a cab. At that time the defendant reached up and put the deputy in a headlock and hit him once in the face. The deputy pulled out his Taser and discharged it, striking the defendant. Paramedics responded to the scene, removed the prongs and medically cleared the defendant. The defendant was placed under arrest. It was noted that the defendant smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech could barely stand without the assistance of deputies. 12/5/18 Identity Theft 800 Block Idlewild Way A woman filed an identity theft report at the headquarters desk. As a result of a credit report check, she discovered credit inquiries from Credit One Bank, Three inquiries from Cap One NA and SYNCB/Wal-Mart, none of which were generated by her. Unknown suspects used her personal information to create the credit checks. 12/6/18 Theft 4000 Block Featherbed Ln. A woman reported that sometime while she was out of town, between July and August, an extension ladder was stolen from outside her residence. She stated it was in her yard but doesn’t know exactly when it was taken. She stores it outside because of constant work done on the landscaping in her yard. It was valued at approximately $400.

Island Chatter

Staff Report

River Road/Siesta roads swap will not be finalized before end of year, county staff says As late as Oct. 9, Sarasota County staff still was anticipating that a swap with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) involving River Road and roads on Siesta Key would be concluded by the end of this calendar year. However, in response to a request for an update, county staff said that instead of wrapping up the swap prior to Dec. 31, FDOT plans just to submit to the county a draft road transfer agreement. On May 22, the commissioners agreed on the facets of the road swap, which would entail their commitment to assume authority over Stickney Point Road and Siesta Drive west of U.S. 41, excluding the drawbridges — which the state would continue to control — as well as Higel Avenue and the segment of Midnight Pass Road north of the Stickney Point Road intersection. In exchange, the state would assume authority over River Road. County leaders had proposed that in late 2017 as a means of accelerating the widening and other improvements of River Road that commissioners have sought for decades. FDOT staff had told county leaders that as long as River Road remained a county road, it would have a lower priority on the department’s work program lists. Only if River Road became a state road, FDOT representatives pointed out, would the department be able to consider speeding up the scheduling of the improvements. The commissioners welcomed the news of the road swap negotiations when then-County Administrator Tom Harmer announced them. Burgeoning home construction in Venice and North Port, the coming relocation of the Atlanta Braves’ Spring Training operations to a new West Villages facility, and concerns Hurricane Irma underscored about the need for a much better evacuation route for both South County residents and Charlotte County residents were primary factors board members cited in supporting the idea. Continued on page 15

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JANUARY 2019

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

County staff to proceed with design for new rock revetment on north Casey Key Road and evaluate options for mid-key project stabilization project By Rachel Brown Hackney With erosion continuing to undermine the structural integrity of portions of Casey Key Road — and a public water line threatened in one area — the Sarasota County commissioners unanimously have agreed to allow staff to begin the design and permitting process for a rock revetment on the northern part of the barrier island. However, during a Dec. 11 discussion that took close to 90 minutes, the board members voiced concerns about staff’s recommendation for constructing a seawall in the middle of Casey Key to ameliorate the problems in that area. Spencer Anderson, the county’s Public Works Department director, and representatives of a Jacksonville firm that studied the erosion — Taylor Engineering — explained that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has not issued a permit in five years for a new rock revetment because those structures encompass a wider footprint than seawalls. The main concern, the commissioners learned, was the documentation of a sea turtle nest in the mid-key area. As a result, staff and the consultants explained that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would be reluctant to approve a permit for a rock revetment in that location. Anderson told the board that staff had discussed the issue with representatives of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). “It is a very difficult process to obtain a permit for the rock revetment. … There’s probably a way to get there. It may take a long time … and a lot of resources to get there.” “We basically have one road there,” Chair Nancy Detert told him, “and they need to understand that.” Anderson concurred with the fact that a solitary road serves as the hurricane evacuation route for Casey Key residents. Nonetheless, he said, the permitting agencies also would take into account the fact that “everything seaward of the road is private property.” Nonetheless, commissioners voiced agreement with a Casey Key resident who addressed them earlier that morning, saying a seawall potentially could lead to exacerbation of erosion on adjoining parts of the beach. The motion — made by Commissioner Alan Maio — ultimately called for staff to evaluate both the seawall option and the rock revetment option for the mid-key project, which would be in the vicinity of 2120 Casey Key Road. The northern project would cost about $4.4 million, while at mid-key, a seawall would cost about $3.4 million, and the rock

revetment would cost about $4.1 million, staff said. Commissioners Michael Moran and Charles Hines, especially, also voiced hesitation about reviving a special taxing district that paid for a step revetment and other facilities on the northern and southern parts of Casey Key between 1991 and 1995. Moran talked, for example, of having staff conduct a straw poll of the owners of the 411 parcels that would be included in the taxing district. Finally, the board voted unanimously to table the decision about how to pay for the projects — including the potential of a special taxing district —until January 2019. Moran asked that staff consider the best means of learning how the majority of the affected property owners would feel about shouldering part of the expense. The person who spoke to them earlier during the meeting — Archie Urciuoli — also said the Casey Key residents he was representing in the mid-Key area objected to the prospect of having to cover 50% of the cost of the two construction projects, as the road and the water line both are public facilities. Urciuoli added that the taxing district, which was established more than 30 years ago, “is defunct and should not be applicable.” When the commission approved a special tax assessment of property owners on southern Siesta Key for two beach renourishment projects, he pointed out, those residents benefited from the improvements to their property as a result. The Casey Key situation, Urciuoli said, is different. In the meantime, Larry Mau, assistant county engineer, explained that a temporary stabilization measure county staff had created for Casey Key Road — involving sandbags — is expected to have a life between three and five years. Responding to a question from Commissioner Hines, Mau pointed out, “The sandbags break down due to the sun, surf.” “In your opinion, are the road and the water line protected so long as the bags stay in place?” Hines asked. “I believe they are well protected right now,” Mau responded. Nonetheless, he advised the commissioners, in the event of a major hurricane, “All bets are off.” When Commissioner Christian Ziegler asked whether the sandbags could be replaced if that proved necessary, Anderson replied, “The bags do require periodic maintenance to keep them intact.” If a breach occurred, Anderson added, he felt that more sandbags could be put in place of those that had failed.

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Siesta Sand

JANUARY 2019

941.349.0194

Local Dudes, Cookin’ Local Food

Live Entertainment

Outdoor Dining with live music featured

Thursday - Saturday 5-9pm on the patio deck

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3-6 p.m

Liquor ~ Wine ~ Beer

941-349-2280 8865 Midnight Pass Road

www.TurtleBeachGrill.com

South Siesta Key at Turtle Beach

Every Day: Happy Hour 3 PM - 6 PM

Sun. thru Thurs.11 AM - 9 PM Fri. & Sat. 11 AM-10 PM

Sarasota’s Family Diner since 1972! Open Daily 7AM - 9PM

Over 100 menu items Open 365 days a year Daily specials Breakfast served all day, every day!

6721 S. Tamiami Trl • Sarasota 941.924.1770 • DutchValleyRestaurant.net

TURTLE’S

In August this year Gulf Gate Food + Beer opened its doors in the Gulf Gate Village area. I know you’re saying to yourself…. Food + Beer??? That’s really the name? Owners Casey & Mike wanted to keep it simple and even a little tongue and cheek. They’re a neighborhood spot that serves elevated bar food and craft beer. Mike said he often sees people staring at the sign on the roof with their half burger/ half beer mug logo, so he pops out to say “you guessed it we’ve got food, and we’ve got beer!” Mike says he gets into the best conversations that way. Gulf Gate Food + Beer is a modern spin on a classic sports bar. Yes, there are lots of TVs, great chicken wings, and paper towel rolls on each table, but it’s a whole lot more than that. The rustic décor, blue tufted leather booths, and unique menu options really set it apart from the average sports bar we all know and love. The duo also are big proponents of value not only in service and atmosphere but in price. They believe restaurants have continued to raise prices and some have priced themselves out of the market. Everything on the menu is ala carte and sides are available in single and shareable portions. The menu is anything but your ordinary sports bar & pub cuisine. The menu has a collection of bowls served over sticky rice, unique craft burgers, out of this world sandwiches, creative salads, and a lot of popular shareables. The ‘Poke Tuna bowl’ has become an instant success. They serve this Hawaiian classic over sticky rice with roasted poblano guacamole, pickled radish, nori (dried seaweed), cucumber and topped with a sriracha mayo. Another favorite is the “You Jel?” burger which features a jalapeno pepper jelly, chipotle cream cheese, breakfast bacon, and a roasted jalapeno. If you’re not as adventurous they do offer a basic cheeseburger called the low five. Vegetarian? The “impossible foods” impossible burger is served here. If you haven’t had this, it is a plant-based burger that looks and tastes like ground beef. The impossible burger at Gulf Gate Food + Beer is called the “Hollywood Herbivore” and served with pecan goat cheese, pickled radish, & arugula. CHEAP LUNCH! Every Monday thru Friday from 11am to 3pm Gulf Gate Food + Beer offers a $6.99 lunch. Offered are the ‘Low five’ cheeseburger (hand pattied angus, American cheese, bibb lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion) & fresh cut fries, chicken philly (garlic bread hoagie, house roasted chicken, whizz, caramelized onions) & fresh cut fries, or chicken burrito bowl (tomatillo roasted chicken, Monterey jack cheese, pinto beans, pico de galo, sticky rice & sour cream). KITCHEN OPEN LATE! That’s right they’re open late. Full menu is offered until 1am Sunday – Thursday, and until 2am Friday & Saturday. HAPPY HOUR ALL DARN DAY! From open until close daily. $3 Narragansett Lager pints, $3.50 Mimosa’s, $4 house red or house white wines. FAMILY FRIENDLY & NON-SMOKING With all

On little Sarasota Bay CASUAL WATERFRONT DINING

8875 Midnight Pass Rd. • Siesta Key • 941-346-2207 Serving Lunch & Dinner From 11:30 AM

H •APPY HOUR DAILY Discounted Well Drinks • Bar Appetizers 2.99

3-6 PM $

$ SundayIncl. Brunch 9.99 • 10 AM - 3 PM complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa

Early10.99 Bird dinnEr SpEcialS - 14.99 from 3-6:00 PM $

www.siestasand.net

Complete menu at turtlerestaurant.com

Outside Dining Offered Bay Front

Holy Guacamole Poke Tuna bowl

the bars in the area it’s commonly asked if families are welcome. Gulf Gate Food + Beer is a family friendly environment during lunch and dinner. Late night after 10pm does have more of a bar vibe with lower lights and louder music. (Advertorial)

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JANUARY 2019

Landings residents, Volunteer as tutors By Diana Colson

Jim and Jan from New Milford, CT spend some quality time on beautiful Siesta Key beach. They’d like to give a shout out to Dean and Flo and wish them a Happy New Year. Photo submitted by James Wildman.

Alpine Steakhouse is proud to be the recipient of the Sarasota Magazine Readers’ Choice award for “Best Restaurant for Steak” for the past five consecutive years. If you haven’t yet, it’s time for you to discover the Alpine Steakhouse, Florida’s oldest premier restaurant, steakhouse, meat market (butcher shop) and small specialty grocery all under one roof. The Alpine is something of a cultural landmark, being more than 40 years old, the first place in Sarasota to specialize in prime meats of the New York City steakhouse persuasion, and has continually been operated and crafted to perfection by the same family. Come in and enjoy a great steak in the recently remodeled 70 seat dining room. You can choose your own steak from the meat case. “The thing that makes me the proudest is that virtually nothing we serve comes out of a box or shrink-wrap,” says co-owner Mark Rebhan. Owners Mark and son Matt Rebhan, want to invite everyone to come and enjoy a great meal in this unique restaurant.

The Rebhans want everyone to know that they offer a complete catering service for business, holiday and events. The restaurant is located at 4520 S. Tamiami Trail, one block north of Proctor Road at traffic light of Field Road and US 41. Hours; Mon-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri & Sat 9am-9:30pm, Sun Closed. (941) 922-3797 www.alpinesteak.com Advertorial

Big Water Fish Market

Retail Market & Restaurant Now with 2 Locations on Siesta Key to Serve You

& Martini Bar

941.349.9822

theblasecafe.com

“What an amazing place! It is not fancy or pretentious!” Just excellent food and great service. We had the NY strips and the filet mignon...all cooked perfectly and melted in your mouth. The twice baked potatoes are amazing as is the homemade clam chowder. We were full but we HAD to try dessert...we had the truffles mint chocolate chip and spumoni with fresh whipped cream. Even the coffee was good... what took us so long? Also want to order from the meat market... wow. One of my new favorite places.

Choose your steak from the meat case

“Pittsburgh Style” We had the NY Strip “Pittsburgh Style” which means heavy sear on both sides. Lots of flavor. Mmmmm. We had a twice baked potato to go with it. We are on our way again for the second time this week. Great Atmosphere. Also, an in house butcher shop right inside. Next time I’m going to come here to pick up my steaks and fresh ground sirloin for some tasty burgers.

South Siesta Key Original Location: 6641 Midnight Pass Rd, Crescent Plaza

New Year’s Eve with Callie & The Whole Band All Night until Midnight

BEST RESTAURANT FOR STEAK!

Here is what they are saying online:

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for tutors, mailings (stamps), food, drinks and paper products for two pot-luck dinners, folders and labels for students, as well as miscellaneous supplies. Anne Montgomery and the late Ann Fenton both also served as Back to Basics tutors from the Landings. Volunteers number more than 100, and many are not members of COP. Both snowbirds and year-round residents are welcome, and substitute tutors are always needed! A folder is kept for every child documenting the activities they have accomplished, making it easy for substitutes to pick up the ball. Since each tutor works with the same student all year, volunteers develop a relationship with their students. Sheryl’s young client was astonished to find that she was not salaried. “You mean you do these things without getting paid?” Eileen Kirk has been tutoring at COP for five years. She works with students of any grade level who speak English as a second language. Eileen once taught French and Spanish in Philadelphia but is not required to speak the same primary language as her student. Instead, she has been trained in the techniques of teaching English as a second language, and it is a wonderful approach with proven success! Back to Basics program can always use more tutors! Although there are currently 100, many students are on the wait list, hoping to enter the program as more tutors become available. Director Linda Evans welcomes applicants. You may call 941- 924-1323 and ask for Linda to find out more about the program. Remember, becoming a tutor only requires one hour of your time on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons! In the words of one parent: “My son bonded immediately with his tutor and the help she gave him…. I cannot say enough…what a wonderful program this is!” There is a potluck for families and teachers at the end of the year, a joyous event that brings families and mentors together.

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Many Landings residents have chosen to put volunteer energies into tutoring children, among them Sheryl Lindholm, Michael Kurtz, and Eileen Kirk. The time required is small, but the potential impact is enormous! It is important work, because one-on-one tutors are in a position to make a real difference in young lives. Back to Basics Tutoring Program is run by Church of the Palms to provide supplemental academic assistance to students in nearby schools. This program was started in January of 1992 and began with only 12 students from two schools. Today it serves more than 230 students throughout the school year, kids drawn from over 30 Sarasota schools. Students are referred to this program by classroom teachers, school principals, school counselors, students, friends, and various agencies. Back to Basics tutors work with the same child for a minimum of one hour a week. They help with homework, book reports, test reviews, and life lessons. Tutoring is done at the Church after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, between the hours of 2:30 and 6:30 pm, depending on student schedules. The Church is located at 3224 Bee Ridge Road, and there are lots of resources available for tutors to draw from. Cupboards are full of books and materials! Sheryl Lindholm, a former school teacher, was impressed when she discovered the program. She now works with children in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades, while her late husband, Rich Lindholm, tutored high school students in physics and math. Landings resident Mike Kurtz has been tutoring here for 12 or 13 years and is enthusiastic about the experience. “All the directors have been very accommodating. If you go away for a holiday, that’s fine. They will find a substitute for you. Every year there is a one-hour orientation where you learn how to sign in and how to write comments for follow up. Everyone is made to feel comfortable with the protocols. You are free to select the grade level you prefer to tutor as well as the subject or subjects. The director makes every effort to have tutoring be as welcoming and hassle-free as possible.” Mike is currently in his 4th year of working with the same student. “His parents and I hit it off, and we are all very happy to continue! It makes a productive experience for us all. I work with him on English, Vocabulary, Composition, History, and Civics. These are the courses in which the student feels the most need, and happily the ones with which I am most comfortable.” Mike majored in Political Science in college. Math is the subject most in demand, especially higher math. Mike is comfortable teaching Math up to 6th grade, but turns higher levels, such as Calculus, over to others. According to Sheryl Lindholm, it is easy to become a tutor at COP. People may register as volunteers by going to www.churchofthepalms.org, click on the Youth and Families tab, then click on the link for Tutoring. (As in all schools, there will be a background check, of course.) Again, being a tutor requires as little as one hour a week of your time, and you stay with the same child all year. Children receive a snack when they first come in and settle down. A small tuition covers these snacks, but no child is refused because of their financial situation. The generous support of Church of the Palms (COP) provides for facilities, personnel expenses, computers, supplies for tutoring such as paper, pencils and workbooks for ideas

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

HAPPY HOUR Noon to Midnight

Awesome pizza, wings & bartenders!

941.346.1188 siestapi.com

TWO GREATPLACES PLACES ONE TWO GREAT ONELOCATION! LOCATION! 5263Ocean Ocean Blvd. || Siesta 5263 SiestaKey Key

SIESTA KEY’S HOME OF THE STONE CRAB CLAWS Monday - Grouper BLT Tuesday - Tuna Tuesdays Wednesday - Softshell Crab Sandwich Thursday - Lobster Roll Friday - Pompano Cubano Open Mon – Sat: 11am – 9pm Open for Lunch and Dinner Sun: 4-9PM (Dinner Only) www.bigwaterfishmarket.com 941-554-8101

North Siesta Key Location: 217 Avenida Madera, in the Village

Fish Tacos Fish Sandwiches Fish Plates Open For Lunch & Dinner Open Mon-Sat: Noon – 8PM Sun: 4-8PM (Dinner Only) 941-552-8826

Siesta Sand

JANUARY 2019

941.349.0194

2018 SKCC Holiday Lighting Contest winners Photos by Trebor Britt

Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and the Siesta Sand. Bragging rights for the 2018 SKCC Holiday Lighting Contest are as follows:

Peppertree Bay Category 1 (101 or More Units) 1st place (Tie) Excelsior (volunteers) and Peppertree

Excelsior

3rd place Siesta Dunes

Island House Beach Resort

Sea Shell Condos

Category 2 (51 to 100 Units) 1st place - Island House Beach Resort 2nd place - Crescent Arms 3rd place - La Siesta Category 3 (50 or Fewer Units) 1st place - Sea Shell Condos 2nd place - Sandpiper Beach Club 3rd. place - Coquille (volunteers)

Volunteer Category 1st place - Excelsior • 2nd place - Bay Tree • 3rd place - Coquille

CUISINE OF NORTHEAST THAILAND

Gluten Free

No MSG Vegan Vegetarian Seafood Curries Craft Beer

utt T Taakkee--doou aannd gg C Caatteerriinn

A Siesta Trolley Christmas By Cindi Kievit

A huge thank you to all participants of the 2018 Siesta Key Condo Council Holiday Lighting Contest for putting on another magical Christmas lights display and for all the judges who’ve been tasked with determining the winners. Co-sponsored by the

• • • • • •

www.siestasand.net

5758 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

941.923.1232

Next to Phillippi Estate Park. Serving Siesta Key and Sarasota

www.IsanThaiRestaurant.com

‘Twas the festive holiday season and all over the Key, Light displays were-- shining, with many a Christmas tree. Santas and reindeer, and wreaths full of snow Are well represented in this lovely light show. The annual contest began, condos entered in groups, Volunteers and staffers rushed to work, all jumping through hoops. Next came the pine boughs and decorative holly To be viewed by the judges aboard the Siesta Trolley. The judges stepped onto the trolley, lit up for the season, And we broke out the eggnog, for an obvious reason. The beautiful entrance at Whispering Sands was really a breeze, Then we were greeted by Sunset Royale among the cute palm trees. Harbour Town’s red palm trees and La Siesta’s snowman, And Gulf & Bay’s white palms and colorful fountains, Oh man! Santa and blow-up minions at Casablanca, lined with canes of candy Rivaled the snowmen with Santa and his reindeer at Beach Haven – how dandy! Then there was the magnificent 3-D lighting extravaganza at Peppertree, At Island House, we saw snowmen, a holiday train, and “Siesta Santa.” Whee! Kaleidoscope lights and snowflakes at Siesta Dunes, quite sassy, And oversized ornaments in their bushes were unique and classy. Crescent Arms presented colorful lighted shrubs and palms, Oh gee! While Seashell sported a Santa entrance and a sweet wall display tree. We had to peer up high atop Sandpiper to view Santa and a huge white cross. Did I mention the eggnog? Looking up, one judge dropped his clipboard from the bus! Bay Tree’s carolers sang “We Wish You a Merry Christmas and “Jingle Bells,” And offered us sweet treats among the lovely lights – it was swell. Midnight Cove flaunted an entrance wreath and gorgeous white lights, And Coquille’s palms were white topped with green – oh, what a sight! At Excelsior, we were greeted by carolers bearing cookies and wine, They invited us back to their charming, romantic walkway – that was fine! Back onto the trolley the judges climbed, out of sight, Saying, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”

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Island Chatter

Seafood lovers, it’s good and fresh

Continued from page 10

However, details had to be ironed out, including what specific responsibilities the county and the state would have.

Siesta projects among county’s 2019 MPO priorities On Dec. 11, when the Sarasota County commissioners updated their transportation priorities for state and federal consideration in 2019, Siesta transit improvements were listed at No. 15 on a list of 22 projects. The board approved the recommendations to the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), which will review them before finalizing a list for FDOT and the federal government. On the 2018 list, the multimodal improvements on Beach Road from Avenida del Mare to the Midnight Pass Road intersection were ranked 38 among the MPO’s priorities. That was noted on a chart county Transportation Planning Manager Paula Wiggins provided the commissioners in advance of the Dec. 11 meeting — as a reminder of action they took earlier this year. (The MPO has changed its timing for local governments to provide new priorities, she told the board.) A Dec. 11 memo from Wiggins to the board says the goal of the Siesta project is to construct bus stop shelters and crosswalks, along with other improvements to assist handicapped people under the guidelines of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Yet another project on the list that would involve Siesta is a Sarasota County Barrier Island Study, which the commissioners ranked No. 9 for 2019. In her memo, Wiggins explained that that study would take a comprehensive look at the islands from south of Lido Key to Manasota Key, “to determine and resolve circulation/traffic operations and to evaluate island-to-mainland connections to the east.” FDOT is working to complete a Barrier Islands Study covering the area from Manatee County south through Lido. The County Commission has been supportive of that project, for which Manatee County leaders and the Longboat Key Town Commission advocated. A final report on that study is expected in the spring of 2019, Longboat Town Manager Tom Harmer said this fall. The county commissioners previously have talked about their desire for a southern Barrier Islands Study, partly to help them focus on improvements they can make to help alleviate traffic congestion for Siesta residents and beachgoers during tourist season.

Tourist Development Tax revenue down for October The effects of red tide are obvious in the first Tourist Development Tax (TDT) figures for the 2019 fiscal year. Siesta property owners and businesses that collect the 5% tax on accommodations rented for six or fewer months reported taking in $233,703.36 in October, according to data from the Sarasota County Tax Collector’s Office. In comparison, in October 2017, the Siesta total was $294,786.15, based on data through the end of the 2018 fiscal year. Over the past several years, Siesta has reported the highest figure for collections by the end of the fiscal year. Typically, though, it begins each new fiscal year lagging the city of Sarasota. That is the case in the most recent report from the Tax Collector’s Office. Entities in the city turned in 39.45% of the total amount for October of this year, compared to 23.15% for those on Siesta.

Siesta Key Association meeting date changed SKA will hold its first meeting of 2019 on January 10 to help alleviate scheduling conflicts with holiday travel. The monthly meeting is normally scheduled on the first Thursday of the month. The meeting will be held at Boniface Church, located at 5615 Midnight Pass Road at 4:30 pm in the Parish Hall, all are welcome. This month’s topic, short term rentals, Planning Services will be speaking on short rental ordinance enforcement. Continued on page 23

Yelp review: I see why this place is all five stars. Amazing find, tucked away in a nondescript strip mall adds to its local, simple vibe. Best seafood I have had in a long time. Service made it feel like we were part of the family, four happy diners tonight. If you read this post, stop searching and start eating. Seriously do not pass up this little gem. Living in Florida, you expect to find fresh seafood no matter where you dine. If you are a local seafood lover, you probably have a mental list of go-to restaurants which serve the freshest seafood. Fresh Catch Fish Market & Grill needs to be added to it. Fresh Catch’s, father/son duo, Bob and Devon Provost have a serious passion for seafood which started way back when the family lived in the Boston area. Their simply prepared, neverfried, never-frozen dishes are paired with a variety of simple sauces that serve to complement, so the freshness of the seafood shines. Your fish/seafood selection goes from the case onto the grill. Prepared grilled or blackened, topped with lemon and butter, Pico de Gallo or tropical salsa. Served with a fresh ear of corn on the cob and baby roasted potatoes. Soups, salads, sandwiches and steam pots round out the menu. If room permits, be sure to order a slice of their homemade key lime pie. Bob’s wife, Debra, makes the key lime pie, using freshly whipped cream. The restaurant also offers a nice selection of beers and wines. Fresh Catch Fish Market & Grill, located at 7119 S. Tamiami Trail, just south of Stickney Point Road in the Buccaneer Plaza, is a casual restaurant/market with indoor and outdoor seating for close to 30. Here’s what more patrons are saying about the restaurant on line: Tried this place last night on a whim and it did not disappoint! Everything from the staff, to the menu, to the meal itself was perfection. It’s a small place and luckily we’d come in between dinner rushes and got a table right away. Within 10 mins the place was full again. The wait staff was smiling and helpful. We shared stone crab soup to start with a couple of ice cold beers, tons of crab in the soup and excellent flavor. For our meals we got blackened tripletail and snow crab claws. Each came with a side of roasted potatoes. I can’t say enough about how fresh and delicious the entire meal was. We will be back! WOW! WOW! WOW! This place is a hidden gem! Fish was fresh today and you could taste the difference. Very clean kitchen. They cooked the fish to perfection and the presentation was 5 stars like you would expect at a fancy resort; those extra added steps. This place is the real deal. Only thing that made me upset was that I never knew it was here before. Sooooood GOOD! This is must try! I was so glad to find this cute restaurant and fish market. To get a high-quality fish you need a fish market and this fits the bill. I wanted a takeout fish plate and I got the blackened pompano with potatoes and corn. I made a salad at home and had a beautiful meal. The corn was not overlooked. It also has a big counter so the next time I will order some oysters and try another dish. It’s much bigger than I thought. I am going to become a regular. See more reviews online at Yelp and Trip Advisor. Special orders and reservations accepted. Fresh Catch Fish Market and Grill is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. 941-413-7133, freshcatchfishmarketandgrill.com (Advertorial)

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Sarasota County staff leading by example and encouraging and educating the public about ways to mitigate red tide bloom

Emphasizing concerns on Cosentino’s Amendments

By Rachel Brown Hackney

On Dec. 11 Sarasota County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh discussed the following item with the County Commissioners. The item asked for establishment of a time and place for a public hearing on a petition for the county to vacate part of its interest in an 84,171.45-square-foot portion of Hardee Drive in Venice. Commissioner Hines had pulled the item from the Consent Agenda even before attorney Steve Rees of the Icard Merrill firm in Sarasota addressed the commissioners about it during the Open to the Public portion of the Dec. 11 meeting. Hines questioned Rees, who is the agent for the petitioners, about whether the road segment could be considered to have a “waterfront vista.” Hines referenced the Cosentino Charter amendment that won support of 72.7% of the voters who cast ballots on it in the Nov. 6 General Election. That amendment says, “The County shall not sell, and shall retain ownership of, County-owned Parks and Preserves, and shall not vacate or sell County-owned road segments or right of way along or abutting any beach, river, creek, canal, lake, bay, gulf access or waterfront vista. The County shall encourage maximum right of way use for public access and viewing of waterfront vistas. Whenever feasible, the County shall make these areas accessible to mobility impaired persons.” Rees showed the board the applicable section of the 1926 Venice Farms plat, which depicted the area without a body of water visible in current aerial maps. After Interstate 75 was constructed through the area, Rees explained, subsequent aerial views show the water. “It is a completely manmade water body.” If his clients wanted to do so, Rees added, they “could put a hose in there and drain the entire borrow pit.” His position, Rees said, is that the Cosentino Charter amendment “does not apply in this situation of the requested street vacation.” Hines indicated that he believes the argument could be made that it does. “We do want to implement the wishes of the people,” Chair Nancy Detert said of the Cosentino amendment. “I think we understand the spirit of what it is they were trying to accomplish,” she added of the amendment’s supporters. “But I think we need to do everything we can to protect ourselves from potential lawsuits. … It’s just fraught with alligators, frankly.” “I agree with you on that,” DeMarsh told her. The County Charter gives a citizen “the right to judicial relief” to enforce the Charter, he continued, “and so that’s the problem.” “The commission can interpret the Charter language one way,” DeMarsh explained, and a citizen can interpret the language another way. In such cases, he said, the final decision on the correct interpretation comes via a court ruling.

Sarasota County staff members work to lead by example and to educate the public about measures that will reduce the amount of pollutants entering coastal waters, three county representatives told about 50 members of the Siesta Key Association on Dec. 6. Yet, while the county’s Fertilizer and Landscape Management Ordinance is more restrictive than the comparable state law, David Pousso, senior environmental specialist, explained that staff cannot take certain steps, such as telling retailers not to sell fertilizers during the rainy season. The Office of the County Attorney has warned, Pousso said, that such action would be considered an infringement on commerce. Nonetheless, Pousso pointed out, “We respond to thousands of citizen calls every year” regarding people using fertilizer between June 1 and Sept. 30, when the county ordinance does not allow that. “Actually, you guys are an asset to us.” Likewise, he said, employees of professional landscaping companies will report people working for other companies when they violate the ordinance. Staff sends out a Code Enforcement officer to respond to all such calls, Pousso added. In response to a question, Pousso said that staff has tried educating managers of stores about the ordinance, “but they weren’t too keen on us being there.” He also pointed out that because the county’s fertilizer ordinance was adopted before a similar state law went into effect in 2009, the county cannot add more prohibitive measures to the local ordinance. If it tried to do so, he told the audience, it would risk state action to pre-empt the county regulations. Additionally, he continued, the county cannot regulate pest control, because Florida law makes it clear that such action is a state responsibility only. The focus of the Dec. 6 discussion at the Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting was on measures that can mitigate red tide. Pousso; Lee Hayes Byron, director of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) in Sarasota County; and Armando Ubeda, the county’s Sea Grant agent, all emphasized that the algae that causes red tide, Karenia brevis, thrives on chemicals — especially nitrogen — that the public uses and which end up in waterways. In fact, Pousso pointed out, the County Code also prohibits the depositing of grass clippings and other vegetative debris onto roads and into stormwater conveyances, such as ditches. “This is one thing that a lot of people don’t realize,” he said. When such matter has been introduced into the system, the first big rain of the summer — what is called the “first flush,” he noted — sends all that debris into the waterways. Decaying leaves and acorns, for example, he said, raise the level of nutrients for red tide. If a neighbor is blowing leaves onto the road, Pousso told the audience, “Give us a call.” Pousso and Byron also talked about the county’s certification program for commercial fertilizer applicators. Everyone who completes the training gets a decal from the county to place on his or her truck. If someone sees a commercial company employee working in a neighborhood, and that decal is not visible on the person’s truck or other equipment, Pousso asked that the public also call the county.

Byron also stressed that homeowners should not be shy about asking the lawn maintenance workers they employ if those workers are using fertilizers during the rainy season, in contravention of the county ordinance. “Challenge them.” Since 2006, Byron said, 2,445 landscape professionals in the community have become certified through the county program. At the same time, she noted, directors of homeowners associations and condominium associations should verify that lawn maintenance companies they employ are abiding by Florida-friendly practices outlined in county ordinances. Ubeda pointed out that Karenia brevis has been proven to be “very opportunistic” in its feeding. For example, he continued, when its cells clog the gills of fish, and the fish die, the algae then thrives off the decaying matter. The tail of the organism allows it to move vertically in the water column, he explained, which also makes it easier for the dinoflagellate to find food. He likened that action to the movements of sunflowers to follow the sun.

Policy and practice

SKA Vice President Catherine Luckner introduced the three county speakers, pointing out that the SKA has been trying to provide its members as much information as possible over the past few months, so they will be knowledgeable about red tide and able to pursue action to mitigate the current bloom. Ubeda of Sea Grant explained that currents in the Gulf of Mexico and the wind have bearing on the movement of the bloom, which typically originates from 10 to 40 miles offshore. Karenia brevis is a photosynthetic organism, he added, meaning it needs sunlight to thrive. While the perception is that the current bloom is one of the most enduring in recent history, Ubeda said, that is not the case. The longest one documented in the past 65 years, he continued, occurred over 30 months, from 1994 to 1997. Another one lasted 21 months, from 2002 to 2004. During Pousso’s part of the presentation, he talked about policies in the county’s Comprehensive Plan related to sustainable landscaping for the public and private sectors. For example, Environmental Policy 5.1.3 says the county shall recommend Florida-Friendly Landscaping in new developments and provide educational materials to developers and homeowners. As for septic tanks: Pousso explained that inspections are not mandatory. Byron, the UF/IFAS director, said that although the state briefly had a law in place several years ago that called for septic tank inspections, the law was overturned. She reported in a follow-up email, “While septic tank inspections are not mandatory in the state regulations, local governments can adopt rules more stringent than the current state requirements.” Byron also told the SKA audience that the county has replaced about 10,000 septic systems in the Phillippi Creek watershed over the past 15 years, representing about 68% of the total number targeted. About 3,000 systems are left to be converted in that watershed, she added.

By Rachel Brown Hackney

A process already underway During the discussion, DeMarsh referenced the fact that the county has been contesting the legality of both Cosentino’s Charter amendments. The second amendment calls for the county to reacquire the section of North Beach Road that the commission vacated in May 2016 at the request of three sets of property owners. It also calls for the county to repair and reopen the road, which has been closed to motor vehicle traffic since 1993 because of repeated storm damage. Cosentino filed suit against the county in June 2016, seeking to overturn the road vacation. Although he has lost his case in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, he has appealed Circuit Judge Frederick Mercurio’s dismissal of the last part of the complaint to the Second District Court of Appeal. If the board wanted the Office of the County Attorney (OCA) to continue to pursue its action on the Charter amendments in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, DeMarsh said, then the OCA would do so. A Nov. 15 memo from the OCA to the commission explains the ongoing litigation. In Cosentino v. Sarasota County, the memo says, the Office of the County Attorney “filed a post-election challenge to the two charter amendments. … In Caflisch v. Sarasota County, the Plaintiffs sued Sarasota County alleging the two charter amendments are illegal. The County filed its answer which agreed the amendments violate state law and are unconstitutionally vague,” the memo continues. “In each lawsuit,” the memo says, “the County alleges the two charter amendments are inconsistent with executive/administrative authority granted to the Board by statute to convey property, vacate roads, and make budgetary decisions. The County also alleged that the amendments are vague.”

A question about a timeline As the county commissioners discussed Mike Cosentino’s county Charter amendments on Dec. 11, Commissioner Christian Ziegler asked when the measures became law. “Upon passing,” County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh replied, though he clarified that the amendments would have been considered law after the election results were certified. Then Ziegler asked whether the passage of the amendment regarding reacquisition of the vacated North Beach Road segment implied that a certain timeline must be followed. It did not, DeMarsh told him. When Ziegler asked whether, for example, the commission could wait five years to reacquire the road segment, DeMarsh responded, “If there were a lengthy period of time with no action, I presume that the citizen might be able to file an action, seeking a judicial relief requiring the board to take some action.” “There’s that vagueness that’s in place about the timeline, right?” Ziegler asked. “I think that’s correct, yes,” DeMarsh replied.

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How many times have you looked in the mirror thinking to yourself - a little nip here perhaps a tuck there would really help take some years off your appearance. But then you think of the time needed to recuperate after a facelift and wonder just how much pain is involved not to mention expense and possible risk of complications, so decide against it. There must be a safer, painless alternative with less expense and no downtime. Well, there IS! Connie Lewis, LMT Aesthetician, former proprietor and Spa Director at Massage Experience, Siesta Key is continuing to offer her microcurrent (anti-aging) facial at her new studio located inside of SPALYPSO. The microcurrent facial is rejuvenating and offers a safe alternative to more invasive treatments on the market today. This facial has been a favorite of royalty in Europe for years. Oprah featured it on her shows some years back. It’s a very luxurious, pampering, results-driven facial which lifts, tones and tightens the muscles of your face. The effects are immediate and cumulative. This uplifting therapy is preventive, as well as corrective. It’s a great alternative to surgery as it is non-invasive and quite enjoyable and relaxing.

Research on microcurrent technology A study by the University of Washington proved that microcurrent increases your skin’s elastin fibers by 45%, collagen by 10% and the number of blood vessels by 35%. It can increase ATP, your body’s building block, by 500% resulting in softening wrinkles and toning facial muscles. Interestingly, this technology stems from a medical treatment to treat Bell’s Palsy. Many of the patients

Can you use it in conjunction with facial injections? If you’ve received facial injections, facial sculpting or microcurrent facials are for you too! It will help maintain your lift in between your injections. Since this process is cumulative, more treatments bring more noticeable and longer lasting results. Most people see their desired results within 7 -12 treatments. The combined use of Pevonia Botanica’s ultimate anti-aging products during this facial treatment enhances the treatment even more by assisting in product penetration. Lewis recently closed her former location Massage Experience, Siesta Key and is now practicing in the Gulf Gate Estates area just over the Stickney Point Bridge. She is currently offering her signature treatment that combines a facial and a massage simultaneously. And, of course, her massage offerings include deeply relaxing intuitive massage therapy and her ever-popular hot stone massage. “My personal philosophy when working with a client for the first time or the 101st time is to see with my hands. To help me intuitively know when and how much to use the wands when sculpting during a microcurrent facial,” says Lewis. “Or how much pressure and on what areas to work during a massage session. After so many years of practice, I have a sixth sense that guides me through the service to let my hands tell me what to do. Energetically and physically allowing to give my clients the perfect session.” Connie Lewis, BS LMT Aesthetician, established Massage Experience, Siesta Key (1996-2018) and is now providing all of her services at Spalypso located in the Pine Park Office Centre, 7037 S. Tamiami Trail. Just minutes from the Stickney Point Bridge from Siesta Key. You can book an appointment online at SpaexperienceSiestaKey.com or by calling 941-3507495. (MA17596 / MM33422) (Advertorial)

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Dear friends, neighbors and patients, After 48 years as a practicing General Dentist it’s . time to hang up the mirror and explorer. Thankfully, I’ve been able to leave my practice in good hands with Dr. Sean Bates of Palmer Ranch Dental LLC, same address and phone number. Thanks again and I look forward to the future with my wife, Betty, and our friends and relatives living in paradise.

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JANUARY 2019

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Snapshots of Island Visitors

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography 2

14 13

16 15

1. Anna age 11, Laura, Andrew, & Sarah age 9 from Iowa 2. Betty from Venice, Quentin, Ian age 6, Trevor age 12, Alyssa, Mandy, & Cora Grey age 2 from IN 3. Paula & Jack from Canada, Kelly & Luiz from Brazil 4. Natalie age 12, Mike, & Emily from Canada 5. Morgan and Jane (16 months) from Sarasota 6. Danielle age 9, Rochelle, Kamara age 16, Havonna age 9, & Candice from MI 7. Sydney & Elijah from NY 8. Kim & Kailee from CA 9. Bethany, Brooklyn, & Paige from IN 10. Lydia & Jordyn from MI 11. Brian, Hadley age 3, & Kelly 12. Tyler & Brianah from OH 13. Brandon age 2 from MI 14. Rivyr age 4 from Sarasota 16. Lucas, Dad, & Emma age 5 from MN 16. Chris age 4 & Rachel from NH

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LIVE MUSIC PAGE 24

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ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 39

CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 26

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

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

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Siesta Sand

JANUARY 2019

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The Beginnings of Siesta Key and Florida’s Unique Origin As the New Year begins after Florida’s 2018 nightmares, I hope that it’s interesting for readers to learn about the incredible origin of the Sunshine State and how Siesta Key began. The way Siesta Key formed, in fact, helps us understand why it was destined to become “America’s Best Beach.” Few Floridians seem to appreciate the geographical origin of their State, its geologic uniqueness, and the huge gift of sand from present-day Georgia and the Carolinas. Have you ever wondered how North America’s appendage named La Florida in 1513 originated looking something like Italy? Was it an extension of the land mass that became the USA, as many assume? Or, did Florida migrate north from near Cuba in the Caribbean? Neither explanation is correct. Also, why is Florida spared from ever having earthquakes like Alaska experienced recently? Lastly, when and how did “The Most Complicated Barrier Island System in the World” (Richard Davis, Pineapple Press, 2016) develop along the Gulf Coast? The answer to these questions and more lie in the State’s unique geologic history.

Geographic migration of Florida: How Florida joined North America The Florida peninsula is the youngest region of the USA, but it was not always part of the North American continent. Peninsular Florida is essentially a large land mass of granite-based rock that broke off from Africa during an ancient super-continental collision and was “sutured” to ancestral North America. Then, it was covered with biologically produced limestone and next by purified quartz sand transported from the southern Appalachian Mountains to create an appendage of the eventual USA. Unlike the rest of North America, peninsular Florida was originally embedded 700 million years ago within the African and South American continents as part of the supercontinent Gondwana. All of the other states and the Panhandle were part of the future North America in another supercontinent known as Laurasia. Peninsular Florida’s rock foundation was located at approximately the South Pole when an incredible 8,000-mile-long migration via plate motion began about 650 million years ago. Thus, most of peninsular Florida’s original surface, now its rock basement, is similar to the foundation of northwest Africa with a

composition of granites, sandstones, and shales. From about 150 to 100 million years ago, Florida’s bedrock was separated from North America by the South Georgia Rift Basin, a sixtymile-wide grand canyon. At that time, while covered with warm, shallow water, Peninsular Florida’s surface was altered by formation of a calcium carbonate (limestone) layer up to fourmiles thick, resulting from biochemical reactions involving the over-layered plant, microbe, and animal ecosystem. Then, a long global warming period ensued due to volcanic eruptions causing very high carbon dioxide levels and a greenhouse effect. The rising sea levels converted the canyon to the Georgia Seaway Channel as it filled with water, thus temporarily isolating the Peninsula as an island of the Caribbean. Florida’s debt to the Appalachians: origin of the sand Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Florida’s famous beaches is that none of the sand is indigenous. After the Appalachian Mountain range was created by continental collisions, it began to experience massive erosions through chemical and physical weathering, reducing the chain’s

By Philip M. Farrell, MD, PhD peaks from as high as 25,000 feet to their present maximum height of 6,684 feet and generally much lower. The composition of the Appalachians, in retrospect, was favorable for the Southeastern USA because its rocks were enriched in quartz, one of the hardest and most durable minerals on earth. Chemical weathering combined with physical weathering, abundant rainfall, and huge rivers led to an enormous volume of quartz-rich sediment transport for more than 100 million years to the Atlantic shore through the Georgia Seaway Channel, filling that ancient rift to create a land bridge, southern Georgia’s coastal plain, and eventually carrying the sand to Florida. From 30 to 4 million years ago, massive sediment transport by the Apalachicola River and numerous other large rivers then brought a pivotal covering of sand to Florida. Emergence of the Gulf barrier island system and development of Siesta Key When glacial melting began after the last Ice Age, sea levels rose again and literally drowned the western 100 miles of Florida’s west coast— consuming half of the peninsular acreage during 18,000 to 7,000 BCE.

Map D #11

ACCOMMODATIONS Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa........ Map-A #38A ART GALLERY / STUDIO The Gallery on Siesta Key................... Map-D #11 ATM / BANKS Martin Funding.......................................Map-E #1 PNC ATM.............................................. Map-C #61 Sun Trust Bank & ATM..........................Map-E #4 BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Blaśe Café.............................................Map-A #38 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar.................Map-B #42-43 Gilligan’s.............................................. Map-B #33 Siesta Key Oyster Bar......................... Map-B #45 The Beach Club..................................... Map-D #22 The Cottage........................................... Map-C #58 The Hub-Baja Grill............................... Map-D #59

Map B #42

COFFEE SHOPS LeLu’s Coffee Lounge........................ Map-B #31 The Local Bean.....................................Map-D #62 DRUGSTORE Davidson Drugs..................................Map-D #65 FASHION & ACCESSORIES Beach Bazaar’s & Swin Shack........... Map-C #28 Blvd. Beachwear....................................Map-B #30 Comfort Shoes-Birki & More...........Map-D #64 Everything But Water.......................... Map-D #12 Foxy Lady Fashions............................. Map-A #40 Gidget’s Coastal Provisions.............. Map-B #44 Island Boutique.....................................Map-B #50 Island Style............................................ Map-C #53 Marley Vibes........................................... Map-D #9 Sea Shanty............................................. Map-C #24 Siesta T’s.................................................Map-B #30 Swell Things.......................................... Map-D #66 The Sandal Factory...............................Map-B #46 GAS STATION Circle K Store...........................................Map-E #6 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Beach Bazaar........................................ Map-C #28 Gilligan’s Gift Store..............................Map-B #32 Island Trader......................................... Map-C #51 Sea Pleasures & Treasures.................. Map-C #29 Siesta Key Outfitters...........................Map-D #11 Siesta Kids..............................................Map-B #36

THE LOCAL BEAN • Internet Café • Coffee Shop • Tea Room 5138 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key Village

941-346-8000

WHAT BETTER WAY TO START YOUR DAY IN PARADISE?

Map D #62

Organic and Fair Trade Coffees & Teas Cold Pressed Coffee Organic Smoothies Light Lunch (Salads & Sandwiches) Breakfast Sandwiches, Bagels & Lox Local Pastries Free Snacks

HEALTH & FITNESS Indep. Lifestyle Solutions .................. Map-D #10 Siesta Healing......................................... Map-D #9 Siesta Key Fitness............................... Map-B #73 ICE CREAM/TREATS Big Olaf Creamery............................... Map-C #52 Ciao Gelato............................................ Map-C #50 Curly Cream Ice Cream......................... Map-D #9 Local Chill Ice Cream.......................... Map-D #60 Made in Rome Gelato.......................... Map-C #53 Meany’s Mini Donuts.......................... Map-C #24 SubZero Ice Cream/Yogurt................ Map-D #16 Sunni Bunni Frozen Yogurt................ Map-C #53 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs..................................Map-D #65 LeLu’s Coffee Lounge........................ Map-B #31 The Local Bean.....................................Map-D #62 JEWELRY Created Gems....................................... Map-C #51 Mount -N- Repair Jewelers................... Map-D #9

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

Another dramatic shoreline change took place around 3,000 years ago as a system of barrier islands began rising out of the Gulf. Siesta Key was then created through a process known as upward shoaling that involves a combination of marine forces and abundant Appalachian sand moving by longshore transport and building up Siesta Key through a series of successive beachdune ridges. Siesta Key, in contrast to the other keys of Sarasota County, has the advantage of being a mixed-energy barrier island defined by Davis as an “island that is wide at one end due to sediment accumulation... but narrow at the other end indicating sediment starved conditions.” This results in an important, characteristic “drumstick” shape. The tidal inlet, Big Sarasota Pass, plays an important role in the deposition of sand by contributing to the creation of swash bars— accumulations of sand developing as a result of waves for transport to land through wavegenerated currents. You can actually see these swash bars while enjoying a stroll along Siesta/ Crescent Beach as they capture the sand that otherwise might be transported away.

JANUARY 2019

Importance of the Point of Rocks: then and today The age of the Gulf barrier islands has been determined by radiocarbon dating of carbonaterich sediments. The distinctive midpoint of the Key known as Point of Rocks is at least 3,000 years old and about 1,000 years older than the northwestern section where settlements began. It is the only rocky shoreline on any barrier island of the entire Gulf Coast and doesn’t have typical beachrock composition but may have resulted from a meteor strike. Geology research also suggests that the Point of Rocks was part of an earlier barrier island that became submerged for a period and then resurfaced as the point of origin for all of Siesta Key. This protrusion not only accounts for the crescent shaped beach profile, but it played a pivotal role as the nucleus for the entire island and now contributes to the stability of “America’s Best Beach.” You can read more about the origin of Florida in An Illustrated History of Siesta Key: The Story of America’s Best Beach, which is sold at both Davidson Drugs stores, Captain Curt’s gift shop, and Crescent Beach Grocery.

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Aerial photo from the 1920s showing the multiple beachdune ridges as a result of upward shoaling and swash bar processes over many centuries that created Siesta Key. Note the freshly dredged, heart-shaped canal honoring Eloise Archibald. Courtesy of Sarasota County Historical Resources with thanks to Larry Kelleher.

South Georgia Rift Basin, an ancient grand canyon located over the “suture” zone connecting Florida to North America 200 million years ago. The canyon filled with water to form the 60-mile-wide by 1000-feet-deep Georgia Seaway Channel that eventually filled with Appalachia-derived sand to complete Florida’s attachment.

The Point of Rocks on 9/10/17 when Irma came and exposed the nucleus for all of Siesta Key and a crucial factor in beach stability. Photo by Todd Nahrwold, Key Solutions Real Estate.

• SEGWAY RENTALS • PADDLEBOARDS • SCOOTER CARS • GOLF CARTS • BIKES • SCOOTERS • BEACH GEAR Map B #34 5255 Ocean Blvd • Siesta Key Village www.robinhoodrentals.net

941-554-4242

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

Map D #64

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 Massage Therapy....................................Map-E #1 The Spa at Calle Minorga.....................Map-E #74 MEDICAL - DENTAL Siesta Dental...........................................Map-B #49 Siesta Key Physical Therapy............... Map-D #20 Siesta Medical Center.......................... Map-D #63 Siesta Village Dentistry....................... Map-D #63 MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce....................... Map-D #67 Positive RePercussion............................ Map-D #9 Roberti Enterprises.............................. Map-A #39 Tarot Card Reading & Gifts.................Map-B #50 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Edward Jones Investments................. Map-D #68 Smith Architects...................................... Map-E 74 REAL ESTATE / RENTAL SERVICES Coldwell Banker Realty....................... Map-D #20 Keller Williams Real Estate................. Map-D #11 Key Realty.............................................. Map-E #5 Michael Saunders Realty................... Map-E #72 ReMax Alliance Group........................ Map-C #29 ReMax Tropical Sands.......................Map-D #67 RentSiestaKey.com................................. Map-D #9 Robasota Rentals & Real Estate.......... Map-A #39 Siesta Key Rental Prop........................ Map-D #10

48 47 46

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

Barber Scott Reich

Formerly of the Village Barber

Gulf Gate Barbershop Making Gulf Gate look good since the ‘60’s Bringing over 70 years of life lessons and local knowledge to your haircut (trust us, we know alllll about what you did last summer). It’s not just a haircut, it’s life. We know all about it. Let’s laugh, have a beer, and talk nonsense….that’s free. Haircut? That’s gonna cost you…$15, if we like you, $25 if you’re a P.I.T.A. “Best Local Barbers” 20 years in the running Kyle and Scott “to the second power”

6575 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, FL 34231 941-809-9028 Walk-ins Welcome

Siesta Sand

JANUARY 2019

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE

Piccolo Italian Market & Deli (G-47) carries a full line of imported cheeses, fresh baked bread daily, homemade sausages, fresh mozzarella, and numerous hard to get items. They now carry Khorasan Wheat which is an ancient and organic grain. Their deli is complete with huge hot and cold sandwiches, salads, fresh homemade lasagna and baked ziti. And, you cannot leave without trying their cannoli filled with their own homemade cannoli cream or the tiramisu or Sfogliatelle from Brooklyn. Here is where you will find great Italian specialty gourmet items without the gourmet price. Tony’s Chicago Beef Company (S-16) is owned and operated by true Chicagoans. Dedicated to deliver Chicago’s best food - Chicago style Hot Dogs wit’ the works... Dragged through the garden on poppy seed buns with fresh cut fries, Italian Beef Sandwiches anyway you like, dipped or dry, sweet or hot. All served in true Authentic Chicago Style. Sarasota Brewing Co. (G-4) Sarasota’s first micro brew pub always has something new to offer. From over 20 seasonal beers that rotate throughout the year, the Brewing Company always has at least five unique brews online as well as several favorites from around the world. Established in 1989, their menu has been a winner in the Reader’s Choice Awards of the Sarasota Herald Tribune featuring their mouth watering burgers, Chicago style Pizzas, and Chicago beef sandwiches. With dozens of televisions, it’s a great place to catch a game with friends and family. 1

West End Pub (G-49) Where else can you watch your favorite game with a great selection of beers, wines, and liquors served by a friendly staff AND where you’re allowed to bring your own restaurant or deli food? Right here. The Shop SRQ (G-2) Local owners, Erick and Dawn use a back-to-basics approach to grooming with precise attention to detail. Their commitment to excellence has provided them with many loyal customers. Their old school barber traditions, clean contemporary shop, coupled with their southern hospitality and humor are what separates them from the rest. They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust. Hours: Tues. - Fri. 8:30am - 6pm, Sat., 8:30am - 3pm. (Nov. 1st - May 30th) and Sat., 8:30am - 1pm (Jun. 1st - Oct. 31st). Closed on Sundays and Mondays. 6625 Gateway Ave, 941-626-4894. At the original Word of Mouth Restaurant (G-31), every seemingly insignificant detail receives special attention from the warm, inviting decor to each specially crafted variety of freshly baked muffins to the signature menu items. This small diner is where the locals come to eat breakfast and lunch. Each staff member works hard to make sure you receive the best service and quality food so you’ll want to return often. Take a look at their mouth-watering menu at www.originalwordofmouth. com. Hours: Mon-Sun.: 8AM-2PM. 6604 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, 34231, 941-925-2400. Pride of the South (S-34) has been awarded Top Barbeque in Sarasota for 2016 by Trip Advisor and Yelp. 2

Michaels

Ba Am nk o eri f ca

Panera Bread

Bed Bath & Beyond

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

Ross

Dress for Less

Iberia Bank

Five Below 1

G16 G15 G14 G13 G12 G11 G10 G9 G8 G7 G6 G5 G4 G3 G2 G1

G24

S59 S58 S57 S56 S55 S54 S53 S52 S51 S50 S49 S48 S47 S46 S45 S44 S43 S42 S41 S40 S39 S38 S37 S36 S35 S34 S33 S32 S31

G23 G22 G21 G20 G19 G18 G17

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

S7 S6 S5 S4 S3 S2 S1

Gulf Gulf Gate Gate Drive Drive

GG1 GG2 GG3 GG4 GG5 GG6 GG7 GG8 GG9 GG10 GG11 GG12 GG13 GG14 GG15 GG16 GG17 GG18 GG19 GG20 GG21 GG22 GG23 GG24 GG25 GG26 GG27 GG28 GG29 GG30 GG31 GG32 GG33 GG34 GG35 GG36 GG37 GG38 GG39 GG40 GG41 GG42 GG43 GG44 GG45 GG46 GG47 GG48 GG49 GG50 GG51 GG52 GG53 GG54

Lo Ho ng rn

Marshall’s

Mall Mall Drive Drive

G50 G49 G48 G47 G46 G45 G44 G43 G42 G41 G40 G39 G38 G37 G36 G35 G34 G33 G32 G31 G30 G29 G28 G27 G26 G25

Superior Avenue

Beall’s Outlet

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

Books-AMillion

Publix

Gateway Avenue

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

G-4

PICCOLO

SRQ

Italian Market & Deli

THE SHOP SRQ 6625 Gateway Ave.

Traditional, Old School Barber Shop 15 Years + Experience

www.TheShopSrq.com

& Vegetarian Sandwiches

941.626.4894 / 941.536.1656

Authentic New York Italian Market & Deli We carry a full line of Imported Cheeses, Boars Head Luncheon Meats, Pasta, Olive Oil, Assorted Imported Olives, Khorasan Wheat (ancient & organic grain), and more. GG-46 G-47 Specialty Italian gourmet items without the gourmet price

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

941-923-2202

www.PiccoloMarket.com

G-2

“We Straight Razor Shave”

Hot or Cold

S-16

M5 M4 M3 M2 M1

Hooters

Sun Trust

Stein Mart

Sarasota Pavilion is a popular shopping destination for numerous locals and visitors alike. Its prime location is close enough to the island for frequent trips with a nice selection of chain stores set in one convenient location. But what truly lends to the uniqueness of this district is the host of small, locally owned, specialty shops, boutiques, restaurants, and neighborhood bars bordering this pavilion. It makes for a fun and rewarding shopping experience. Over 150 businesses make up this district.

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

GULF GATE

G-31

941-925-2400

Continued on the next page

Eat Where The Locals Eat!

It has been awarded for the best Southern Hospitality. Pride of the South has a brisket BLT, hands down, one of the best sandwiches you ever tasted. The smoked chicken wings are unbelievable. Backed up with the pulled pork sandwiches, the smoked bologna, the smoked turkey, the collard greens, fried corn on the cob, fried okra, fried green tomatoes, and one of the best mac ‘n cheese you ever tasted. We do catering with no limit to the size of the group. Come in and follow your nose to 6616 Superior Ave, Sarasota, FL 34231. Call (941)926-0099. See you soon. One Minute Key Shop (GG-51): Left your keys in the car? No worries, the One Minute Key Shop will help you safely unlock and retrieve your keys. They specialize in high security locks, keys, re-keying, master keying, and safes for residential, commercial or automotive. Give them a call at 941-924-8020 or visit their showroom where they have a large display of locks and safes. 2120 Gulf Gate Drive. Solorzano’s Late Night Pizzeria (S-32): At every Solorzano’s, they offer an experience familiar to those who understand the importance of family and dedication. Their recipes and techniques have been perfected through three long generations based on the traditional simplicity of the methods used by their Italian ancestors. Dine inside, outside, pick up, or DELIVERY anywhere on Siesta Key, or in Sarasota until 4:00 a.m. 6670 Superior Ave., 941-924-5800.

• No Appointment Needed •

TONSORIAL ARTISTRY BY ERICK & DAWN

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

S-34

Catering Available

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

941.926.0099

COUPON

FREE SIDE With the purchase of ANY entreé

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

Island Chatter

JANUARY 2019

The Siesta Key Condo Council will hold its annual membership meeting on Jan 15, 3 pm at the Siesta Key Chapel, 4615 Gleason Ave. The main speaker is Dan Lobeck, Lobeck & Hanson Law Firm.

Another vehicle crash reported At 8:18 p.m. on Dec. 1, a motorcyclist traveling north on Ocean Boulevard — who was not wearing a helmet — allegedly hit a rock or some other type of hard object protecting a resident’s mailbox, bounced off of it and landed in the drainage ditch. A resident who lives near the scene — at the Gleason Avenue intersection — reported that the motorcyclist was injured. The resident had no information about the extent of those injuries. Unfortunately, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office did not investigate the incident, so no report was available from that office. When the Florida Highway Patrol handles an incident, as it did in this case, it does not readily make its reports available. A reporter has to trek up to Bradenton or down to Venice several days after the fact

to pay a not inconsiderate sum and collect a copy of the report. The resident who shared information about the incident did opine that it was lucky for the motorcyclist that the crash did not occur in the sharp curve just a bit further north on Ocean Boulevard. That curve has seen its share of collisions over the years, as vehicles have failed to follow the road and, instead, have plowed into a homeowner’s wall. After the last crash a few months ago, that homeowner installed boulders next to the wall in an effort to prevent future wallbuilding projects.

Improved handicapped access planned for Beach Access 2 Better beach access on Siesta Key for handicapped individuals was expected to be available at Beach Access 2 by Christmas. During the Nov. 27 County Commission meeting, Commissioner Charles Hines talked about the fact that only one handicapped parking space was designated at Beach Access 2, which is at the western end of Avenida Messina. Yet, handicapped people need easier access to the beach, Hines said.

Incoming County Commission Chair Hines was referring to county staff’s year-long negotiations with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to transfer county authority over River Road to the state in exchange for the county’s assuming control of roads on Siesta Key. Under state administration, River Road will have a higher priority for widening and other improvements that the county has sought for decades as a state road, FDOT staff has explained. As for the Diverging Diamond: Hines mentioned that major FDOT traffic project during the Siesta Promenade hearing, noting that Benderson Development had worked with the county to push for the construction to decrease congestion at Interstate 75’s interchange with University Parkway. Hines continued in the Dec. 13 email, “It is undisputed that there is truly a public safety issue with getting on and off Siesta Key and the backing up and blocking of the US 41 intersection.” He added that, the previous day, he and Commissioner Alan Maio “mentioned a few options … regarding the bridge and the intersection. To my knowledge a fly-over or underpass haven’t been used in Sarasota County at this type of intersection for vehicles,” he added. “However they have been in other areas to address intersections such as this one.” Hines continued, “We obviously need the help of FDOT, the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, the private sector in and around this intersection and the residents of and those who frequent Siesta Key beach and island businesses to help design a more aesthetically pleasing, safe and walkable/bikeable intersection. If downtown Baltimore and Times Square can redesign their major downtown intersections,” he added, “I believe we can do the same.” Hines concluded his Dec. 13 email, “The changes in our building codes that are encouraging mixed-use

As a result, he continued, the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department staff had been taking a look at ways to improve the situation. “Hopefully, they come back with some ideas.” In response to a question following up on those comments, county Media Relations Officer Ashley Lusby wrote in a Dec. 4 email that staff members in the Capital Projects Division of the Public Works Department met on Dec. 3 to discuss options for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) parking at Beach Access 2. “Capital Projects will be providing concept plans later this week and hope to complete the new plan prior to the Christmas holiday,” Lusby added. Complaints about inadequate beach access for handicapped individuals arose during public comments to the board on Aug. 29. Angela Briguglio, who uses a wheelchair, talked about the limitations on Siesta Key for people like her. She also noted the solitary handicapped parking space at Avenida Messina, adding that many community residents have mobility issues. “Does that mean one handicapped person can go to the beach there?” She told the board that persons with

disabilities in Sarasota County “seem to be an invisible demographic.” Avenida Messina ends right at the beach, making it a more logical choice for improved access options, she indicated. “There’s no place left in Sarasota County to meet the ADA requirements for beach access,” she told the commissioners. “It’s your job to protect those rights for me.”

What happened to the paid beach parking discussion? In early July, shortly before the County Commission began its traditional summer vacation, Carolyn Brown, who still was director of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, provided an update on staff research into paid parking options for Siesta Public Beach. At the suggestion of Chair Nancy Detert, the commissioners agreed that they really needed to hold a half-day workshop to delve into all the relevant issues and come up with decisions. Perhaps September or October would be a good time for such a workshop, Detert added. Continued on page 32

Continued from cover story

and urban redevelopment may cause the owners of property at the other quadrants at this intersection of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road to rethink their plans. As we are trying to encourage walkability in our urban areas retrofitting this intersection to allow for that may be a plan that our entire community can support.”

to move back and forth between Siesta Promenade and Sarasota Pavilion and Gulf Gate. Crosswalks are in place at the intersection, Wiggins replied. However, as an extra safety measure, she said, “grade separation facilities” would be preferable. Later, she explained that she was referring to constructing one part of the road over the other.

The possibilities During the Siesta Promenade public hearing, Hines asked a number of questions of Wiggins of Transportation Planning. “Talk to me a little bit about the idea,” he said, that allowing increased density in a Critical Area Plan (CAP) project, such as Siesta Promenade, implies that the community will promote walkability. “If I’m staying in this hotel Benderson Development plans in Siesta Promenade and want to go across the street” to a restaurant, he added, “that intersection is just horrible; it is not walkable.” Hines asked Wiggins to explain to him how people would be expected to walk from Siesta Promenade to the commercial centers on the other three quadrants of the intersection. Wiggins replied that the Benderson Development project team had to show the project would offer multimodal connections — walking and biking — to those areas around it. Still, Wiggins acknowledged, “It is very difficult to cross, given the amount of time allowed pedestrians at the traffic signals.” When one factors in the reality that some people walk more slowly than others, she continued, “That is something that is still going to be difficult.” Pedestrian overpasses, she said, are probably the solution. “That’s what would have to occur … to get people from one side to the other.” Hines asked her whether staff discussed with the Benderson project team the need for people to be able

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE

Continued from the previous page

October of 2014. Their latest offerings is a CBD Boutique area featuring hundreds of hemp and CBD products. Wild Ginger Apothecary also offers classes and workshops for a variety of audiences on topics

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COMMUNITY FOR HEALTH + WELLNESS

Continued from page 15

Condo Council January membership meeting

Wild Ginger Apothecary has been successfully providing sustainable, ethically produced, and nontoxic products for beauty, home and nutrition to the health conscious consumers of Sarasota since

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

OPEN TUESDAY – FRIDAY 10-6 PM SATURDAY 10-4 PM

941.312.5630 WILDGINGERAPOTHECARY.COM

that cover lifestyle, creativity, health, and more in the Studio + Lounge. Z6557 Superior Ave. 941-312-5630, www. woldgingerapothecary.com Gulf Gate Barber Shop has been an institution in the community for years, owned by Kyle Flannery. The superclean barbershop’s clientele is comprised of primarily men, but the shop services children as well. If you have been a longtime patron of the former Siesta Key Village Barber Shop Scott Reich, you can find him here. The two barbers bring over 70 years of knowledge to your haircut. See their ad in centerspread pages of this edition. 6675 Gateway Ave in Gulf Gate, 941-809-9028.

Island Churches: • Siesta Key Chapel, Presbyterian (USA) 4615 Gleason Ave, Siesta Key, 941-349-1166 www.siestakeychapel.org • St. Michael’s Catholic Church 5394 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4174 www.stmichaelssiesta.com • St. Boniface Episcopal Church 5615 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, 941-349-5616 www.bonifacechurch.org Off- Island: •Temple Sinai, a Reform Congregation (The closest Jewish congregation to the Key for visitors) 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, 941-924-1802 www.templesinai-sarasota.org • St. Andrew United Church of Christ (Protestant) (In the Gulf Gate area, near Beneva and Gulf Gate Drive) 6908 Beneva Road, Sarasota, 941.922.7595 www.uccstandrew.org • The Superior Word - Rev. Charlie Garrett Service starts Sunday mornings at 10am. Bring a friend and share in God’s word. 6512 Superior Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34231 • First Christian Church 7601 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34241. 941-922-4434 www.fccsarasota.com

simple cremations

790

simple burials

1,195

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

Siesta Sand

JANUARY 2019

Siesta Sounds

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

By Charmaine Engelsman-Robins

Chris Connolly

What is it about the New Year that fills us with such hope and optimism? There’s just something about releasing all the heavy baggage of the previous year and turning our gaze forward to a fresh start that somehow makes everything seem possible. One man who knows full well the joy of a new opportunity is musician Chris Connolly; he had a spiritual experience ... sort of a divine intervention ... in healing from addiction. Refocused now on his ongoing spiritual journey and his music, 2019 is spread out before him like a smorgasbord of wonderful learnings and choices. He describes his performance music (for when it’s just him and his classic ‘65 Gretsch up on stage) as “a variety of upbeat and easy classic rock and jazz.” Which certainly seems appropriate considering the choices he’s made in life. Born in the Bronx, Chris settled here in Florida after a lot of moving around. He’d lived out west for a while in Arizona and Texas, spent some time in Colorado, and also in Washington State. When as part of his healing he drifted down to Florida, that was that, he never left; the vacation turned into residency in a new state and it just seemed meant to be. That was five years ago and appears to have been a good decision as life fell into place as smoothly as if the move had been carefully planned. Chris’s musical career also fell into place. His mom had gotten piano lessons for him when he was a young boy and then ... like many teenagers ... he discovered rock and roll and switched to guitar. The instrument was a gift ... for a birthday or Christmas, he can’t recall which ... but he took to it right away and is totally self-taught. Once settled here in Florida he quickly met and made friends with several of the local musicians, one of whom asked him to come play lead guitar for him. This turned out to be an unexpected break in a rather strange way: as time went by his friend was not able to make the gigs, leaving Chris to take them over. As a result his friend’s agent contacted Chris and offered more opportunities to play. And just like that, Chris Connolly had a new home state and a very satisfying new career that was his alone. He savored his new surroundings and friendships, often sitting in at gigs and jamming with the guys he met. By now, some places were becoming especially comfortable favorites of his. One particular room where he feels very at home and has had successful repeat engagements is the Siesta Key Wine Bar in Siesta Village (5138 Ocean Boulevard), which is locally owned and operated by the Gamble family. Chris is proud to have been tapped as their musician of choice for an upcoming special

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

MONDAY Amandah Jantzen 6‐10 PM

TUESDAY Evan Eastmoore th nd (8 & 22 ) Nick LeValley th (15 ) th Live Music (29 ) 6‐10 PM

event this month: The Wine Bar has undergone an impressive major renovation and is gearing up to celebrate with neighbor businesses (Local Chill Ice Cream, Swell Things, and the new Island House restaurant) in a ribbon cutting party. The event is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, January 9, from 5 to 7 p.m., and yes, Chris Connolly will be the featured entertainer for this early evening group event, after which the celebration continues in the Wine Room Bar. Asked about his own preferences in music, Chris says he really loves a lot of different styles and genres, but finds himself particularly drawn to the “more complex forms,” chief among his favorites being jazz/rock fusion. Considering that he’s lived a pretty varied and complex life, it makes a lot of sense. But when playing for others, he thoroughly enjoys performing music that makes the audience feel happy and uplifted. “And I love audience participation,” he says. He’d also like it if some of his fellow musicians who enjoy performing this style of music to feel free to drop in at his gigs and sit in with him. 2019 looks to be a year in which Chris Connolly’s approach to music and his life will be in synch: it’s all good.

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY nd

Pedro & Zooey (2 ) th Nick LeValley (9 ) Savanah Brady (16, 23 & 30) ) 6‐10 PM

Rob Viola (3, 10 & 17) Live Music (24 & 31) 6‐10 PM

GILLIGANS In the Village 941-346-8122

Rodney Shenk: 6‐10 PM

RPM LIVE: 6‐10 PM

6‐10 PM Live Music

RPM LIVE ‐ 6‐10 PM DJ Nate – 10 PM

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

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

1‐5 PM: th Michael Mac Band (7 ) th Bri Rivera (14 ) st Jordy (21 ) th Charlie Morris (28 ) Al Donadi 7‐11 PM

1‐5 PM: st David Morris (1 ) J. Gilton (8 & 22) th Vince Berardi (15 ) th Wild Horses (29 ) Open mic night 7‐11 PM

1‐5 PM: Deven Starr (2,16 & 30) Frankie Ray (9 & 23) Kettle of Fish 7‐11 PM

THE BEACH CLUB In the Village 941-349-6311 THE COTTAGE In the Village 941-312-9300 THE HUB‐BAJA GRILL In the Village 941-349-6800 BACKROOM SALOON @ CAPT. CURTS 941‐349‐3885 Crescent Beach Shops SNIKI TIKI @ CAPT CURTS Crescent Beach Shops 941‐349‐3885 Turtle Beach Grill Southern end of SK 941‐349‐2280 SAND DOLLAR POOL BAR @ Best Western Plus 6600 S. Tamiami Trl, Sarasota 941‐924‐4900 BOATYARD WATERFRONT BAR & GRILL 941‐921‐6200 1500 Stickney Pt. Rd. CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE 801 Blackburn Pt. Rd, Osprey 941‐966‐1901

Karaoke Mondays 9 PM – Midnight

1‐5 PM: Dana & Co. FolkLab 7‐11 PM

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY th

Callie & The Whole Band 6‐10 PM

Lady B & the Buzz (5 & 19) Kat Crosby Band (12 & 26) 6‐10 PM

Lisa Ridings Band (6 ) th Treedom (13 ) th Bird Tribe (20 ) th Trevor Bystram (27 ) 6‐10 PM

LIVE MUSIC (3‐7 PM) DJ TJ (10 PM)

LIVE MUSIC (3‐7 PM) DJ K Conn (10 PM)

BREE (3‐7 PM)

6‐10 PM th Kettle of Fish (4 ) Berry & Friends (11 & 18) th Strange Starr (25 ) DJ KConn – 10 PM

PEDRO: 1 PM …………………………. 6‐10 PM th Beach Monkeys (5 ) th Ted Stevens (12 ) DJ KConn – 10 PM

1‐5 PM Whiteleather (4 & 25) 2‐6 PM Whiteleather (11 & 18)

8‐Midnight th Big Daddy Boys (4 ) th Charlie Morris (11 ) th Deven Starr Band (18 ) th Bri Rivera (25 )

DJ Coz or DJ Kensi 9 PM – 2 AM

DJ Coz & DJ Xtreme 10 PM

8 – 11 PM: th Actual Bank Robbers (4 ) th Torched (11 ) th Tropical Ave (18 ) th Mixed Signals (25 ) Live DJ: 11 PM‐2 AM

1 PM: Frankie Lombardi (6 & 20) Chris Otto (13 & 27) 6 PM: Bird Tribe (6 & 27) th Fever Tree (13 ) DJ Tuesday – 10 PM

Eddie James Jazz Band 7‐10 PM

1‐5 PM: Evan Eastmore (5 & 19) th Bri Rivera (12 ) th Deven Starr (26 ) Mike Tozier 8‐Midnight

10 AM ‐ 1 PM: Vince Colaiocco (6 & 20) Mike Tozier (13 & 27) 2‐6 PM: Groove Makers (6th) Fake News Band (27th) 7 ‐11 PM: Hatley Band (6th & 20th) The Whole Band (13 & 27)

8 – 11 PM th New Divide (5 ) th NoFilter (12 ) th Sweet Spot (19 ) th TL (26 )

8 PM –Midnight th Nick Levalley Band (6 ) th Billy Lyon (13 ) Live Music (20 & 27)

Live Music 6-9 PM

Live Music 7-10 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM

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

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

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

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

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

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

KARAOKE 9 PM – CLOSE

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5‐9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

Acoustic Guitar 5‐9 PM

Dezi Adams Island Music 5‐9 PM

KARAOKE 9 PM – CLOSE

LIVE MUSIC 3‐6 PM

RPM 5‐9 PM

Bri Rivera 5‐9 PM

Vince Barardi 5‐9 PM

Joker Duo 5‐9 PM

Sunday Funday DJ 4‐8PM

LIVE MUSIC 4‐8 PM

LIVE MUSIC 3‐7 PM

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

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JANUARY 2019

Island Humor While on a car trip, an elderly couple stopped at a roadside restaurant for lunch. After finishing their meal, the elderly woman left her glasses on the table, but she didn’t miss them until they were back on the highway. By then, they had to travel quite a distance before they could find a place to turn around. The elderly man fussed and complained all the way back to the restaurant. He called his wife every bad name he could think of. When they finally arrived at the restaurant, and the woman got out of the car to retrieve her glasses, the man yelled to her, “And while you’re in there, you might as well get my hat, too!” Alan and Michael are bungeejumping one day. Alan says to Mike, “You know, we could make a lot of money running our own bungee jumping service in Mexico.” Mike thinks this is a great idea, so they pool their money and buy everything they’ll need; a Tower, an elastic cord, insurance, etc. They travel to Mexico and begin to set up

on the square. As they are constructing the tower a crowd begins to assemble. Slowly, more and more people gather to watch them work. When they had finished, there was such a crowd they thought it would be a good idea to give a demonstration. So Mike jumps. He bounces at the end of the cord, but when he comes back up, Alan notices that he has a few cuts and scratches. Unfortunately, Alan isn’t able to catch him, and he falls again, bounces again and comes back up again. This time he is bruised and bleeding. Again Alan misses him. Mike falls again and bounces back up. This time he comes back pretty messed up. He’s got a couple of broken bones and is almost unconscious. Luckily Alan catches him this time and says, “What happened? Was the cord too long?” Barely able to speak, Michael gasps, “No, the bungee cord was fine. It was the crowd... WHAT THE HECK IS A PIÑATA?” A frog telephoned the Psychic

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

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

Hotline and was told, “You are going to meet a beautiful young woman who will want to know everything about you.” The frog said, “That’s great! Will I meet her at a party, or what?” “No,” said the psychic, “Next semester in her biology class.” Ever Wonder... Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin? Why don’t you ever see the headline “Psychic Wins Lottery”? Why is it that doctors call what they do “practice”? Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill 5253 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key Get in here and “Get your Island on!” You find yourself wandering into Siesta Key Village after an epic day on the #1 Beach in the USA, sandy feet and salty skin, searching for shade and refreshment. You wander right into Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill and you couldn’t have picked a better spot. Founded in 2001, they have plenty of experience with making sure both locals and visitors are having the time of their lives. They pride themselves in offering the best quality of foods, cocktails, service, atmosphere and local entertainment on the Key. Come on in and check them out for yourselves.

An engineer, of the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Corporation, died and went to heaven. At the gates, St. Peter told him, “Since you’ve been such a good man and your motorcycles have changed the world, your reward is, you can hang out with anyone you want in Heaven.” The Engineer thought about it for a minute and then said, “I want to hang out with God.” St. Peter took him to the Throne Room, and introduced him to God. He then asked God, “Hey, aren’t you the inventor of woman?” God said, “Ah, yes.” “Well,” said the engineer, “professional to professional, you have some major design flaws in your invention. 1. There’s too much inconsistency in the front-end protrusion. 2. It chatters constantly at high speeds. 3. Most of the rear ends are too soft and wobble too much. 4. The intake is placed way to close to the exhaust. And finally, 5. The maintenance costs are outrageous.” “Hmmmm, you may have some good points there,” replied God, “hold on.” God went to his Celestial super computer, typed in a few words and waited for the results. The computer printed out a slip of paper and God read it. “Well, it may be true that my invention is flawed,” God said to the engineer, “but according to these numbers, more men are riding my invention than yours.”

Karaoke Thursday, Friday & Saturday

Siesta Sand

JANUARY 2019

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

941.349.0194

CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX

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

MAILING & SHIPPING Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14 US Post Office Sub Station..................... C-3 #14 MARKETS 7-11 Store.................................................. C-3 #16 Big Water Fish Market.......................... C-3 #17 Crescent Beach Grocery...........................B-3 #1 MISCELLANEOUS Moving & Storage....................................B-3 #10 Flowers by Fudgie................................... D-3 #17 REAL ESTATE / RENTALS Beckmann Properties.............................. C-2 #15 Homes & Condo Rentals........................ D-3 #17 Re/Max Tropical Sands............................B-3 #1 Siesta 4-Rent............................................ C-3 #14 Waterside Realty..................................... C-3 #17 RESTAURANTS / CAFES A Taste of Germany................................ C-3#14

www.siestasand.net

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

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

“Home of the Orange Squeeze!”

OPEN 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM DAILY

ING FEATUR

Homemade Ice Cream

Sundaes l Shakes l Smoothies l Coffees Espresso l Cappuccinos

1220 Old Stickney Point Rd., Siesta Key In the Captain Curt’s Plaza Map B-3#8

941-346-0202

Expires 12/31/19

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Book Your Next Adventure Online. We Deliver! BOOK ONLINE OR CALL AT:

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(941)-346-1797

WITH COUPON CODE: V2019

6551 Midnight Pass Road Southbridge Mall Siesta Key, FL 34242

welcome!

Willkommen

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

Rum Cakes Breakfast Lunch German Beers and Brats

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

Map C-3 #14

Map B-3#8

A Taste of Germany 6575 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Anna’s Deli 6535 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Road

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill 1500 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-5 #12

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters 1249 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-3 #4

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

Crescent Beach Grocery 1211 Old Stickney Pt. Rd.

MAP B-3 #1

Siesta 4-Rent 6555 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Toasted Mango Cafe 6621 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-4 #17

MAP C-3 #17

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

Water World

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

Siesta Key visitors can enjoy the challenge of a river snook fishing charter

January fishing in Sarasota is all about the weather, pure and simple. Angling success is determined by the ability to adapt to the existing weather conditions. Tides will often times be very low in the morning. Couple that with a northeast wind and the flats will not have very much water on them. Water temperatures will be at their annual low. It is time to change tactics! I spend a lot of my time fishing the area around Siesta Key in the winter. Both passes and the surrounding flats will be productive under ideal conditions. Weekly fronts will stir up the Gulf, bringing cold, dirty water in through the passes and up onto the nearby flats. However, the area down south stays protected, and this will result in better fishing. Extreme low tides will force the fish off of the flats and into the channel. This actually makes locating them easier. 1/4 ounce Bass Assassin jigs in New Penny and Glow are very productive, as is a shrimp free lined with a small split shot. Speckled trout, ladyfish, jack crevelle, and pompano will be the primary catches, but sheepshead, grouper, flounder, and bluefish will also be found in the deep water. As the tide rises and the day warms up, fish will move out of the deep channel and up onto the flats to feed. A late Afternoon high tide can offer great fishing for speckled trout, with jigs and live shrimp under a popping cork producing a lot of action. The flats south of Spanish Point are very productive, but any flat in four to six feet of water with grass will hold fish, keep moving until you find them. Creeks and residential canals are great spots to fish this month. Besides offering protection from harsh winds, they provide cover for bait, which attracts fish, and the water is normally a few degrees warmer. A large hand picked shrimp is a great bait for redfish, snook, sheepshead, drum, and jacks. Deeper water is the key, find a dock or area in a creek with a little more depth and there should be fish there. Rapala X-Raps are a terrific artificial bait to use in creeks. They are deadly on snook and jacks, and a lot of water can be covered quickly. Local rivers such as the Manatee, Braden, and Myakka will hold snook, jacks, and even bass in January. Fish move up there to keep warm and feed. This is a unique fishing experience that is best suited for more experienced anglers. Surf casters will do well off of the Siesta Key beaches during periods of light winds when the water is clear. Small pieces of live or frozen shrimp fished on a small hook with a bit of weight will catch plenty of whiting, along with trout, flounder, pompano, and other species. Jigs and silver spoons are effective artificial baits to use, especially when surface activity is seen, this indicates feeding fish.

JANUARY 2019

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Notes from the Island Fishmonger Happy New Year & Welcome to 2019! I hope for nothing but a healthy and happy year for us all. The New Year inspires many of us to make resolutions to set new goals and improve on our flaws. I have never been a big fan of the New Year’s resolution because I’ve never seriously stuck to my plan. The way I see it, if you need a change in your life, every day is a good day to make that change. Even though I’m not a big fan of it, every year I (as many others) set one realistic and attainable goal that will have beneficial health and financial results and always look forward to feeling the gratification of obtaining my goal (when I actually stick to it and obtain it). This year I’m sure I will stick to my plan because this year my New Year’s Resolution is..... wait for it...... to eat more soup! Not just any soup but healthy, inexpensive, delicious, hearty soups that are packed with fresh seafood and vegetables in every bite. What could go wrong? This time of year I think a lot about soup. You know, chilis, Cajun gumbos and jambalayas, clam chowders, clear fish chowders, seafood stews and my favorite, cioppino. These cooler months produce great soup eating weather to make you feel warm and comfortable on the inside. To me that is the definition of comfort food. Chowder is a seafood or vegetable stew often served with milk or heavy cream, a tomato base or a simple fish or vegetable stock. Following are some primary variants and different style of chowders. New England clam chowder is a milk or cream based chowder and is traditionally of a thicker consistency and commonly made with chopped potatoes, celery, onions, and chopped clams. I make a similar version only I add bacon for flavor, corn for some color and chopped carrots for the crunch. Serve with oyster crackers, green onion garnish and hot sauce. Of all the chowders, Manhattan clam chowder always seems to get a bad rap. Either you love it or you hate it. Apparently baseball is not the only rival between Boston and New York as this tomato based chowder is not only shunned in Boston but in 1939 a bill was introduced in the Maine legislature making chowders with tomatoes illegal. Personally I prefer a red based chowder over a cream based any day. They are much healthier as the cream adds many calories and you have many more options of ways to flavor and thicken. Clear chowder is a chowder made strictly with a clear fish stock, fresh herbs, vegetables and some kind of a local fresh whitefish. Here in Florida we use Grouper. Cioppino and tomato based fish stews are my favorites. Cioppino is an Italian-American dish originating in San Francisco, CA. Cioppino supposedly originated on Italian fishing boats in the 1800’s. This stew was made on the boats while out at sea for the fishermen to eat. The name Cioppino means “to chop” referring to the process of making the stew by chopping up various leftovers of the days catch.

In the upcoming winter and spring months look for all these stews and chowders at your Big Water Fish Market and feel free to call us ahead of time to make a special batch just for you and your family/friends. Here’s a hearty stew recipe if you wish to make your own.

Seafood Stew (serves 4-6) • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil • 10 peeled and seeded Roma tomatoes cut into chunks (or you can use 1 can of diced tomatoes) • 4 crushed and diced garlic gloves • 2 large Bay leaves • 2 stalks chopped celery • 1 whole diced onion • Fresh or dried thyme, oregano, parsley and/or Italian seasoning • 2 quarts of fish stock (homemade or buy from Big Water Fish Market or bouillon cubes are always a good substitute) • 8 chopped red skin potatoes • 2 peeled and chopped carrots • 1 pound of Grouper skinned, deboned and cut into thick cubes • 16 Gulf Shrimp, peeled and deveined • 16 medium sized Scallops • 12 Florida Clams • 12 Florida Mussels I usually start off by heating the oil in a sauce pan. Sauté bay leaves, chopped garlic, chopped onion, chopped celery and fresh tomatoes for about 5 minutes. Stir and when the tomatoes begin to soften add fresh herbs and lightly salt & pepper (I like to layer my soups with a light seasoning each time you add more ingredients opposed to adding all your seasoning at one time. Just be careful not to add too much salt as some seafood like Clams will add a salty brine to the mix and taste as you go.) Add your fish stock and bring to a boil. Add your potatoes and carrots and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. Now you add your fish and clams. When the clams open you add your shrimp and mussels and stir gently and cook for 2 minutes then turn off and serve with red or white wine. You can cook the soup base longer if you wish but do not overcook the seafood. By making a few changes such as leaving out the potatoes & carrots and using less tomatoes you will then have a version of cioppini or add more seafood totaling 7 different kinds of seafood (Fish, shrimp, clams, mussels, crab, scallops, and octopus) and you have a version of “The dish of 7 fish” stew that is a Friday tradition for many until Easter. These are available at BWFM for special orders with a 24 hour notice. Know our soup of the day by following us on Facebook or by signing up for our weekly e-mail at www.bigwaterfishmarket.com. Live well...Eat fish Scott Dolan, Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass, Siesta Key, 941-554-8101

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

January 2019

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33' Date

Day

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

10:31a

High Tide 1.0

8:44p

High Tide 1.8

4:20a

Low Tide -0.2

2:59p

Low Tide 0.7

7:21a

5:47p

3:17a

2:42p

11:42a

1.0

9:20p

1.9

5:12a

-0.4

3:36p

0.8

7:22a

5:47p

4:14a

3:23p

12:40p

1.1

9:54p

2.0

5:57a

-0.6

4:12p

0.9

7:22a

5:48p

5:10a

4:06p

1:26p

1.1

10:28p

2.0

6:36a

-0.6

4:46p

1.0

7:22a

5:49p

6:05a

4:53p

2:03p

1.1

11:01p

2.0

7:11a

-0.6

5:22p

0.9

7:22a

5:50p

6:57a

5:42p

2:30p

1.0

11:36p

2.0

7:44a

-0.6

6:00p

0.9

7:22a

5:50p

7:46a

6:33p

2:50p

1.0

8:16a

-0.6

6:43p

0.9

7:23a

5:51p

8:31a

7:25p

12:14a

1.9

3:09p

1.1

8:47a

-0.6

7:31p

0.8

7:23a

5:52p

9:13a

8:17p

12:54a

1.8

3:29p

1.1

9:19a

-0.5

8:24p

0.7

7:23a

5:53p

9:51a

9:09p

1:39a

1.7

3:54p

1.2

9:53a

-0.3

9:23p

0.7

7:23a

5:53p

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Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans

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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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Siesta Sand

JANUARY 2019

941.349.0194

Arts on the Horizon

www.siestasand.net

By Rodger Skidmore Two edged sword

Is the Holiday Season really over? Have you eaten all of the 25 itty bitty pieces of chocolate that were in your Advent Calendar? Did the 12 days of Christmas flash past and you never saw even one partridge in a pear tree, let alone eight maids a-milking? Have all your hanukkah candles burned down? Well, twenty-five pieces of chocolate really is too fattening (especially if you ate them all on the first day of Christmas), twelve drummers drumming would give anyone a headache, and cleaning wax off a tablecloth is a real chore. So, how to extend the holidays for a few more months while really enjoying it all? How about celebrating the arts during January, February and March? Seven local artists are having an open house (open houses?) on January 5th, February 2nd and March 2nd. You may go to their joint website at Sarasotavisualartistsstudios. com, to find out where their studios are located. Then, if you wish to proceed further, you may visit any, some, or all of them on any of those dates between 11 am and 4 pm. Who are these local artists and what kind of art do they create? If, when you’ve been reading local magazines, you’ve seen outstanding photos of people, places and things, odds are that you’ve already seen the art of photographer Barbara Banks. Been to some of the exhibitions in the lobby of the Art Ovation hotel? Then you might have seen the work of Bill Buchman (or heard him there, he plays a mean jazz piano). Visited art galleries in Naples or Miami? Dasha Reich exhibits her colorful, multi-layered works of art in those cities. Been in stunning office buildings or homes lately - they may have been designed by Michael Halflants. One of the nice things about following an artist is that their work is ever changing: Picasso had his Blue, Rose, African Art, Analytic Cubism, Synthetic Cubism, Surrealism, etc. periods (two different periods of cubism - Wow, who knew?) Dali went through Realism, Surrealism, Cubism, Dada, and Modern. And so it goes. Artists either get bored doing the same thing over and over, or they are intrigued by something and go off on a tangent. Either way, they are always doing something new. Visit the artists’ studios, a couple at a time over the next few months, and spread out the joy.

Ah, but then the question is always, which edge is sharper? In January, two theaters are presenting cutting edge plays. Florida Studio Theatre’s Stage 3 Series at the Bowne’s Lab Theatre on 2nd Street is presenting Robert Askins’ Hand to God, January 16th - February 8th - and the Urbanite, also on 2nd Street, is showcasing Jennifer Fawcett’s Apples in Winter, from January 11th - February 17th. There is nothing like puppets and apple pie to make one think of the good times in old time America. Well, think again. Tyrone, the Stage 3 hand puppet in Hand to God, starts off well enough, in the basement of a church in a small town in Texas. Well enough for Jason, whose hand Tyrone sits upon. But, as with so many creatures, Tyrone begins to have a mindlessness of his own. Spoiler Alert: the playwright took part in a hand puppet ministry in a small town in Texas, so he kind of knows what he is writing about. While some theatergoers like the heady experience of an Off Broadway show, others prefer the solid acclaim of a Tony nominated Broadway hit. Hooray for everyone - Hand to God’s two Off Broadway productions were in 2011 and 2014 while it ran in its Broadway production at the Booth Theatre in 2015 (5 Tony nominations including Best New Play). Isn’t it really great the way Sarasota gets real New York hits with top actors, play after play? The sun rises late and sets early in winter, which is fitting, as Apples in Winter is a bit noir - just right for the season. One really couldn’t call this play a culinary thriller but it is about a mother who bakes a pie for a killer. It could be called a “Yes,but” play - something happens and we do form definite opinions. Then more information is provided and we go “Yes, but”. Sort of like real life where nothing is really black and white, just various shades of gray. This is the kind of play that stretches our fixed beliefs - until something snaps. Awards. Did we mention awards? Both of these playwrights have been nominated for, and have won, all kinds of awards, including some you haven’t even heard of - like the National Science Playwriting Award. But wait, this is not some hokey little prize, it was from the Kennedy Center in Washington. More information about both plays at Urbanitetheatre.com and/or at Floridastudiotheatre.org.

An empty calendar? It’s the beginning of the new year, but that doesn’t mean you need to have an empty calendar. Really, it’s time to start filling it up. Besides visual art and theatre, Sarasota is known for its music. The problem is, too many

people know of it and a number of the Sarasota Orchestra and Chamber Series dates are already sold out. The solution - check their web site for available performances - Sarasotaorchestra. org. Currently the following January and February performance dates are still available. January 4-6, the Orchestra performs Mendelssohn’s lovely Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Schumann’s Spring Symphony and Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto, No. 1; January 17-20 brings back Emanuel Ax (Sarasota loves him) playing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Orchestra. Verdi and Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5 are also on the program; January 31-February 3 has violinist Viviane Hagner playing on both Saint-Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso and Vieuxtemps Concerto No. 5. Gershwin, Barber and Bernstein round out this evening with the Orchestra; One of the Orchestra’s upcoming special events takes place on February 9th when members of the Orchestra join forces with the Sarasota Youth Philharmonic at Neel Auditorium. They will be playing works by Beethoven, Haydn (his cello concerto), Tchaikovsky and Dvořák; Glowing chamber works performed in the late afternoon of February 10th (Telemann’s Quartet in D Minor and Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons) should let you out in time for a glowing sunset across Sarasota Bay, as the sun drops down over Longboat Key; February 21-24 has the Orchestra performing seven different showstoppers - probably to showcase the conductor (Anu Tali) - as she cranks out hits by Glinka, Strauss, Mascagni, Grieg, Dvořák, Glazunov and Ravel (his Boléro, what else). Probably some nice encores as well. February ends (on the 28th) with a Chamber evening with a Dvořák trio (Terzetto) and a chamber orchestra piece Mozart’s Serenade in B-Flat Major (Gran Partita). What to do when performances of the chamber series are sold out? Not what we should do, but what they, the Orchestra administration, should do. Two solutions come to mind. Perhaps hold some performances at the Riverview Performing Arts Center or Neel Auditorium (the Orchestra does), both are really nice venues. Or simply schedule additional performances a day or so later - and, since more tickets will be sold, pay the chamber players a bit more.

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, please be sure to always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information. WEEKLY BEACH CLASSES: • FREE T’AI CHI CHIH - Siesta Beach, Access #5 - Every Monday, 15 minutes before sunset. Open to all, no experience necessary. Contact Diana Daffner 941346-1024 for information. (Access #5 is in Siesta Village, where Beach Rd. meets Ocean Blvd.) • FREE YOGA - Mon.-Wed.-Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m. Classes held between blue and green lifeguard station. Call 941-320-6693 to register or go to website for more info. www.yogaonsiestabeach.com/about • NIA - Tues. & Thurs., 9 a.m., Siesta Public Beach (yellow lifeguard chair). Contact Kathy Oravec at 941-724-9719 for more info or check website: www.nianow.com/kathy-oravec • SIESTA KEY BEACH HOOP JAMS – Every Tuesday one hour before Sunset on Siesta Key beach we gather for a community Hoop Jam. (Between the red lifeguard stand and the pavilion; around where the Sunday drum circle happens.) Register at: www.outwardspiral.net • YOGA ON TURTLE BEACH – Tuesdays, 8:30-9:30 am, starting December 4, 2018. Residents and visitors on the south end of Siesta Key can enjoy AllLevels Yoga through April 9, 2019. For more information about location or registration, please e-mail Julie at: julie@ chesapeakeyoga.com

WEEKLY DRUM CIRCLE: • Every Sunday about an hour before sunset. South of the main pavilion. You can participate or watch this weekly gathering and dance, hoop, play the drum or other musical instrument, and enjoy the spectacular Siesta sunset. On The Beach… • JANUARY 1 (TUES) 7-11AM/ NEW YEAR’S DAY FUN RUN: Manasota Track Club get together. Join your MTC family with a New Year’s Day fun run (walk, stumble, whatever) and potluck at the beach. Meet at the pavilion, then head to the beach. Members only event. • JANUARY 6 (SUN) 7-11 AM ANNUAL ANDREW MONROE MEMORIAL 5K RUN/WALK: Timed Run, 8:20 - 1 mile fun walk. This event was established to honor the life of Andrew Monroe. Proceeds benefit senior soccer players at Riverview High School in Sarasota. Senior, girls and boys, soccer players have the opportunity to receive scholarships through an essay process. For more information or to sign-up for the race, go to: www.andrewmonroe.com Around the island… • WEEKLY FARMER’S MARKET IN THE VILLAGE: Every Sunday from 8am – 1pm in Davidson’s Plaza in the Village. 5124 Ocean Blvd. Produce, Plants & Flowers, Music, Art, Organic Skincare, Italian Olive Oil, and Freshly Prepared Foods. Listen to live music while you shop.

• JANUARY 25 (FRI) 11AM / SARASOTA GARDEN CLUB SHIVOO MONTE CARLO FASHION SHOW: This SHIVOO Monte Carlo Fashion Show brings a bit of Monte Carlo flavor to the Sarasota Hyatt Ballroom for a Friday Fashion luncheon. This exciting event begins with a silent auction and social hour, opportunity for selfies and photos by Rick, vendor table shopping, drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Music will fill the halls. There will be fashion, color, music, cocktails, a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree at Foxy Lady on St. Armands. We have a silent auction including 009 trips from our AMFund 007 Sponsor and of course, the opportunity to support our local community. Visit the website, SarasotaGardenClub. org for more information, to get tickets, and to sponsor! Don’t miss this one! It is NOT your average fashion show. Let’s Shivoo! • KIDS RHYTHM JAM!™ – 11:30AM: Drumming Fun For Everyone!™ . Every Saturday and Tuesday. Everyone gets permission to play and make noise to create rhythm and song! Come & enjoy group drumming with your family and friends. $15/family - Positive RePercussions 5049 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key Village - (941) 677-3786. Please check out our wide variety of other programs at: www. positiverepercussions.com/calendar • JANUARY 19 (SAT) 3-6PM FLY FISHING SCHOOL: CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, 1249 Stickney Point Rd,

Sarasota, FL has announced dates for their Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing schools for the upcoming fall through spring timeframe; Jan 19, Feb. 23, Mar. 16, and Apr 13, 2019. Located on Siesta Key, the schools will cover fly casting basics, line control, shooting line and the roll cast. Instructors, Capt. Rick Grassett and Capt. Ed Hurst, will also cover leader construction, fly selection and saltwater fly fishing techniques. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basics but also work with intermediate casters on correcting faults and improving casting skills. Cost for the schools, which will run from 8:30 AM to 2 PM, is $195 per person and includes the use of Orvis fly tackle and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations. And Beyond… • PALM AVENUE FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK / 6-9PM: Every month local galleries open their doors to the public for the evening, offering a chance to meet with artists and admire their work. See website for location map. http://palmavenue.org/ • TOWLES COURT THIRD FRIDAY ARTWALKS / 5-9PM: Gallery and studio openings on a moonlit evening of fun and beauty- both natural and handcrafted beauty. Free music, events, refreshments. Meet the artists, shop and dine in authentic “ Old Florida” in downtown Sarasota. 1938 Adams Lane Sarasota, Florida 34236. http://www.towlescourt.com/index.htm

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JANUARY 2019

Your Monthly Horoscope a time to be extra future-minded. Make sure any changes will stand the test of time (not trendiness). Will a new home support “aging in place?” And make sure your partner is 100 percent in synch before you paint a single wall! SCORPIO (October 23– November 21): Thinking and talking are great, but they aren’t doing! You’re ready to hit the gas on some personal goals, but “someone” might be more interested in discussing them than supporting you in actually working on them. Your co-ruler Mars is blasting ahead in trailblazing Aries, setting your mind on fire! The trick is staying motivated even if you have to roll this out in phases. SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21): Ever since your ruler, Jupiter, entered Sagittarius last November (for the first time in 12 years), you’ve felt like you could accomplish anything. And that’s true—with an asterisk. Now comes the “heavy lifting,” where you have to put in the elbow grease. Get that big dream into sharp focus, figure out the steps you have to take, make sure the funds are there, then put the pedal to the metal! CAPRICORN (December 22–January 19): You wait all year for “Capricorn season:” Now that it’s here, are you clear on your top few objectives? In addition to the Sun in your sign, there are at least three other planets turbo-charging your goals all month, with January 2nd and 11th being particularly galvanizing. You already know that slow and steady will win the race. Now you can add a “pedal-assist” to get you there even faster! AQUARIUS (January 20–February 18): The thing about holidays is, sometimes you need another week to recover from them! This month, a team of planets are hunkered down in your R+R zone, urging you to decompress. You’re a social creature, but even you need your downtime. January offers the chance for just that. Walk on the beach, hike local preserves, garden, meditate. This way, your batteries will be fully recharged in time for lively “Aquarius season,” which begins on the 20th. PISCES (February 19–March 20): Your network is your net worth! January is all about socializing—for fun and professional advancement. This is a boom time for your career or raising your profile in the community, whether for yourself or a cause you’re involved in. You could hit on a new income stream, possibly involving artistic pursuits. It’s a great time to travel or plan an epic trip for later in the year. Suzanne Gerber (www.starsandstoneshealing.com) is a locally based intuitive astrologer, shamanic/energy practitioner and spiritual life coach. She works at Wild Ginger Apothecary in Gulf Gate on Friday afternoons on a drop-in basis and is available for private in-person and phone sessions by appointment.

MarinerWord Search

MarinerWord Search Global Santa WORD LIST

BABBO NATALE

WORD LIST

BLACK PETER

BABBO NATALE

DED MOROZ

BLACK PETER

FATHER CHRISTMAS

DED MOROZ

FATHER FROST

FATHER CHRISTMAS GWIAZDOR FATHER FROST HOTEIOSHO JOULUPUKKI GWIAZDOR JULEMANDAN HOTEIOSHO JULTOMTON JOULUPUKKI KALEDU SENELIS

JULEMANDAN

KANAKALOKA

JULTOMTON

KERTZMAN

KALEDU SENELIS

KRIS KRINGLE

KANAKALOKA

MIKULAS

KERTZMAN PAPA NOEL KRIS NOEL KRINGLE PERE SAINT NICHOLAS MIKULAS SANTA CLAUS PAPA NOEL SHENGDAN PERE NOEL LAOREN SINTER KLAAS

SAINT NICHOLAS

SWEITY MIKOLAI

SANTA CLAUS

Answers on Page 62

SHENGDAN LAOREN

Answers on page 38

Global Santa

Wake & Shake

By Suzanne Gerber ARIES (March 21–April 19): You’ll be firing on all cylinders with your passionate ruler, Mars, marching through your sign all month. This gives you all the energy and motivation you need to tackle a big project that got sidelined over the holidays. On the 6th, Uranus ends a five-month retrograde in your sign that might have thrown a few wrenches your way. Now you don’t have to duck: You can outrun Uranus and the competition! TAURUS (April 20–May 20): No more procrastinating! Leap out of your comfort zone and into something you talk about but never get around to. With your house of adventure, travel and education on fire, those areas may take on a new urgency. You can do something transformative on the 11th—and if you need a little push, ask for it! The week of the 21st kicks off a great month for your career, especially any new initiatives. GEMINI (May 21–June 20): You may feel torn between enjoying an active social life and spending more time alone—in nature or with your partner. You can strengthen all kinds of significant relationships. For singles, it’s an excellent month for trying new approaches to meeting people, especially on the 6th and 11th. At work and socially, make a point of listening to people more. They might be feeling more sensitive than they’re letting on. CANCER (June 21-July 22): You’ll be as lonely as you want to be this month! With half the sky piled into your relationship zone in future-oriented Capricorn, you’re thinking about the long haul. Single? Discuss your goals with serious prospects, and don’t shy away from asking questions about their financial footing. Solid couples might enjoy renewing their vows or planning a “special-anniversary” trip for later in the year. This bodes well for business partnerships, too. LEO (July 23–August 22): January is a time for rest, renewal and dealing with any health issues you’ve let slide. Feeling fit as a fiddle? You can get more competitive in sports or hobbies, or learn a healing technique to help others. Give yourself the gift of selfcare with massages, acupuncture or whatever you’re drawn to. This is a great month to volunteer and offer your services—pro bono if you’re in a position to. VIRGO (August 23-September 22): You’re a practical earth sign, so even your “fun” needs to be somewhat practical—definitely not frivolous! But with a pileup of planets in your playful, creative and romantic zone all month, you might just break your own mold. Dating or spending quality time with your S.O. is priority number one, and the more active and artsy, the better. If you enjoy painting or doing crafts, make time for that too! LIBRA (September 23–October 22): Home is where your heart is all month. If you’re ready to redecorate, renovate—or relocate—January presents some perfect opportunities. You’re not generally rash, yet now is

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

www.TheMariner.com

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Siesta Sand

JANUARY 2019

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 39 HOMES FOR SALE PAGE 37 SIESTA KEY MARKET STATS PAGE 34

The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key

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

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

HIGHEST PRICED SINGLE FAMILY PROPERTY: 5121 HIDDEN HARBOR RD. SOLD FOR: $1,000,000 165’ on deep boating water in Hidden Harbor. This special residence is perfectly positioned on .61 acres; protected Harbor, deep water dockage and immediate Bay access. There is an aura of magic here; your own private paradise. A fine example of mid-century modern architecture, designed by Ralph Twitchell; a founder of the Sarasota School of Modern Architecture, and a student of Mies van der Rohe. Brought into the 21st century by the current owners, who respected the value of the architecture. Welcoming guests at the entrance: a zen-like courtyard w/ fountain. The living room features vaulted ceiling, granite hearth wood-burning fireplace, and wall of glass opening to the Florida room. The family chef will love the custom kitchen: Miele oven, cooktop & hood, Bosch dishwasher, Blanco sinks and faucets. The master wing is expansive and private: a waterfront office/den, luxurious marble bath w/ Jacuzzi tub and private outdoor shower patio. Separate 2/2 family-guest wing. Expertly renovated features: chef’s kitchen, custom tile, wet-bar w/ wine fridge, custom art lighting throughout, custom landscape lighting and state-of-art video security, “Alarm.com” – the leader in Smart Home Security. Large dock w/ power, water, boat lift & marine workshop. 20KW Generator. Hurricane shutters. 2 car garage. Hidden Harbor: a highly desired, very private community, convenient to world famous Siesta Key Beach, the Village and both bridges. The sale of this property came to $415.62 a square foot. Courtesy of Michael Saunders.

LOWEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY PROPERTY: 421 ISLAND CIR.: SOLD FOR: $572,000 Siesta Key, single-family home located on Palm Island, a short walk from Siesta Beach and close to the Village. The home is 2 bedroom/2 bath, plus office. Large living room and master bedroom overlooking a lagoon, spacious kitchen with new fridge, screen porch, deck, and 2-car garage. Interior features include fireplace, 10-foot ceilings, bamboo and tile floors, and French doors overlooking deck and lagoon. The home was built in 1999, contains 1,445 square feet and is elevated to meet flood zone requirements. Survey and elevation certificate are available. Mature landscaping surrounds the home for added privacy. The sale of this property came out to $407.61 a square foot. Courtesy of UKeepCommission R E.

HIGHEST PRICED CONDO: 5880 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #810: SOLD FOR: $800,000 Captivating views from your 8th floor private screened lanai in a premier condominium community. As you enter the 7-acre Casarina property, a winding drive leads you to carefree living with peace and privacy provided by luxurious tropical landscaping. The lifestyle features lighted tennis/pickle ball courts, large heated pool and spa, poolside cabana with gas grills. Revel in the glow of breathtaking sunsets from the private beach side Sunset Deck (OR your own private lanai). One of, if not the largest, 2 BR floor plans on Siesta Key Beach features a spacious gulf-side Master suite with sliding doors to lanai, walk-in closet and large master bath. Upgrades include Hurricane impact-glass windows and sliders, stainless steel appliances, Plantation shutters, new AC and water heater. Additional gulf views from kitchen, dining and living room areas. Large interior utility/laundry room and lots of extra closet spaces make this residence perfect for vacation or fulltime living. A deeded under building garage parking spot is included with storage for your beach toys. On-site property manager, maintenance team and association secretary. Take the Breeze trolley to Siesta Village for dining and shopping. Or by car, downtown dining, shopping and entertainment is only 15 minutes. Owners may have one small pet (up to 25 lbs.)The sale on this unit came out to $524.81 a square foot. Courtesy of Michael Saunders and Co. LOWEST PRICED CONDO: 5855 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #224: SOLD FOR: $220,000 Have your own condominium on world famous Siesta Key. Harbor Towers is a Bayfront complex with lots of amenities such as fitness center, two heated pools, tennis courts, very nice outdoor patio with grills. Boat docks on the bay and just a short walk across the street to the beach. 1 bedroom, 1 bath unit in Harbor Towers with a carport on the 2nd floor with view of the waterfall. Harbor Towers has a great on site rental program. The sale came out to $332.76 a square foot. Courtesy of Harry Robbins and Assoc.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JANUARY 2019

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Blooming This Month

Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)

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

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

Paradise Awaits... 195 Vista Hermosa Circle, #9-A Siesta Key, FL

1122 Horizon View Drive

Just a short walk to Siesta Beach. 2 BR, 2 BA villa. Ideal rental opportunity. Custom wood cabinets in the kitchen with granite counters & upgraded appliances. Bathrooms boast tumbled marble & granite. Custom lighting. New A/C in 2017 and recently installed water heater. Roof replaced in 2016. Sold turnkey furnished (with some exclusions).

429,900

797 Beach Road, #305

899,000

322 Island Circle

Siesta Key, FL

Full Gulf view of #1 Beach in the USA. Completely remodeled, priced to sell! High end tile floors in main living area, quality custom kitchen cabinets, deisgner kitchen. Crescent Royale offers an onsite rental program, heated pool and much more!

499,900

Siesta Key, FL

Deeded beach access!! Your feet will be in the Gulf of Mexico in 60 seconds!!! This immaculate pool home features large rooms and volume ceilings. Lovely oak floors and stylish tile will dazzle you. 3 BR, 3.5 BA along with the LL bonus area for generational living or guests. Bonus area downstairs is perfect for storage, workout center, hobby room or workshop. Oversized garage for cars, boat, jet skis, kayaks and/or bikes. Walking distance to local dining and a marina. Quality concrete block construction for peace of mind.

Siesta Key, FL

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

899,000

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

ddm1@comcast.net

Service. Integrity. Results.

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Island Chatter As it turns out, that discussion will not happen until early 2019. First, Brown ended up retiring in early October. The deputy director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR), Nicole Rissler, was named the new director a few weeks ago. However, around the time of Brown’s departure, the commission directed staff to finalize a “term sheet,” laying out the guidelines for the lease and/or sale of county property at Benderson Park to Mote Marine Laboratory for the site of its planned $130-million Science Education Aquarium. As County Administrator Jonathan Lewis characterized it, the board was directing staff essentially to drop everything else to make sure the Mote deal was concluded before the end of October. Rissler was among county staff most involved in that process, as Lewis noted on Oct. 24. Then, also in October, as the board members were trying to agree on a date for a continued public hearing on the county’s new Unified Development Code

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Continued from page 15

(UDC), Lewis suggested that time would be available on Nov. 27. Staff tentatively had reserved the afternoon session that day for the paid beach parking workshop, he said, but he indicated that he would like for more research to be conducted prior to that discussion. As a result, he added, the parking workshop could be held possibly in January. The commissioners agreed to move the continued UDC hearing to Nov. 27. The UDC is a comprehensive document that updates and combines the county’s Land Development Regulations and the Zoning Regulations in an effort to make them easier to access and understand. The board approved the changes on Nov. 27, but the UDC was not going into effect until Jan. 1, 2019.

Limited time to protest As the county commissioners on Dec. 12 opened their regular meeting, they already were facing a long day, as the public hearing on Siesta Promenade was the lone business item on the agenda. Underscoring that expectation, Chair Nancy Detert laughed at the end of the hearing, marked at 6:25 p.m. She had won a bet, she said, because the hearing was over by 6:30 p.m. That morning, after the Pledge of Allegiance, Detert announced that she had a number of cards for the Open to the Public session, during which people typically address the board on topics not on the agenda or on discussion items, which do not afford an opportunity for public comments. On Nov. 27, commissioners engaged in a discussion about the need to limit the time they allow for Open to the Public, especially when people sitting in the audience have paid attorneys and engineers, for example, to appear for items those people were told to expect around a certain time in the morning or afternoon. The board has been providing an Open to the Public period at the start of each morning and afternoon session and at the end of each meeting. On the morning of Nov. 27, Siesta resident Mike Cosentino and 14 of his supporters showed up for Open to the Public to criticize the board for not immediately having implemented two County Charter amendments Cosentino wrote, which won voter approval on Nov. 6. One amendment calls for the reacquisition of a 373-foot-long segment of North Beach Road that the commission vacated in May 2016, at the request of three sets of North Beach Road property owners. The second amendment forbids the board to vacate any road segment that is on a body of water or even has a “waterfront vista.” The county has filed motions in two related cases in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, saying

the amendments contravene state law and are unenforceable. The presiding judge has not set a hearing on either case since the election. As it turns out, Cosentino and a group of supporters also had signed up for Open to the Public on Dec. 12, with the Commission Chambers in downtown Sarasota full of residents waiting to speak on the Siesta Promenade proposal. Before the meeting began, Cosentino came into that room with Reopen Beach Road signs under one arm. Detert announced that the board would allow only 15 minutes for public comments that morning. Anyone who had signed up for Open to the Public who was not able to make remarks before that time was up would have to wait until the conclusion of the Siesta Promenade hearing, she added. Only two of the supporters of the Cosentino Charter amendments were able to address the board that morning. At the end of the Siesta Promenade hearing, Detert did ask whether anyone remained in the audience who did not get to speak during Open to the Public that morning. No one responded.

Cosentino attorney granted extension for appeal brief After 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Frederick P. Mercurio dismissed the last part of Mike Cosentino’s complaint against Sarasota County over the North Beach Road vacation, on Sept. 11, Cosentino appealed. That notice formally was filed on Oct. 10 with the Second District Court of Appeal in Lakeland. Originally, all the materials for that appeal were due to be processed and forwarded by Nov. 29 to the Second District Court. However, a Nov. 30 notification in the Cosentino docket in the Sarasota County Clerk of Court’s records said, “To date, the Lower Tribunal Clerk has not received complete payment for this appeal record or an Order designating insolvency.” The notification added, “Please advise on how to proceed.” It was signed by Deputy Clerk Barbara Torres, a member of the staff of Sarasota County Clerk of Court and County Comptroller Karen Rushing. Another document in the court docket showed that Cosentino needed to pay $5,614 to Rushing’s office for the materials prepared for the appeal record. That cost sheet was filed on Nov. 8. A related document in the case file showed that Sarasota County paid $3,562.50 for its materials for the appeal record. Subsequently, on Dec. 5, Cosentino’s attorney, Lee R. Rohe of Big Pine Key, asked for an extension for the filing of his brief in the appeal. On Dec. 7, the

Second District Court granted that request, allowing for the initial brief to be submitted by Jan. 21, 2019. The order indicates all the appeal materials must be submitted by Jan. 29. And in one other matter related to Cosentino’s legal issues: The other attorney who has worked on his case, Elizabeth Gomez-Mayo, filed a motion on Nov. 14, pointing out that she no longer would be representing Cosentino in that action. On Nov. 12, Cosentino filed a Verified Client Stipulation To Withdrawal of Counsel form, which says he did “hereby agree, stipulate, and consent” to GomezMayo’s withdrawal from the case. The form makes it clear that Rohe will continue to represent Cosentino.

Coupons for food lovers In this month’s edition discount coupons are being offered by The Oaks and Station 400. Station 400 is offering $5 off your next visit and The Oaks is offering a FREE appetizer with a $20 purchase. Both ads are located on page 15.

City email focuses on federal funding for Lido project Scanning recently through the City of Sarasota email folder, a message to City Engineer Alexandrea DavisShaw from Michael D. Willis, president of the Color Nine Group in Silver Spring, Md. Was found, which — its mission statement says — “exists to help individuals, organizations, and governments achieve their full potential by providing developmental guidance and funding solutions with passion and expertise.” With the subject line “RE: Army Corps Work Plan FY19,” Willis’ Dec. 7 email said, “I just wanted to tell you again great work on the Lido Key Beach renourishment project. “The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) released its annual Work Plan recently and it included only two shoreline projects and neither of them were ‘New Starts.’ That means Lido is the only ‘New Start’ shoreline project to be funded through the Army Corps Work Plan since at least 2014. Considering the delays and lawsuits the project faced, it is an impressive feat to have kept this project on Corps HQ’s radar. Your timely meetings with Corps HQ, the Congressional Delegation, and constant contact with the USACE’s Jacksonville District were instrumental in securing the funding. Great work!” On June 11, the USACE announced it had included $13,462,000 in its Fiscal Year 2018 Work Plan for the first segment of a 50-year initiative to renourish a critically eroded, 1.6-mile stretch of South Lido Key Beach. Continued on the next page

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Island Chatter Although an emergency renourishment project is underway on Lido, two Siesta Key-based nonprofits have continued to take legal action to try to prevent the USACE from dredging about 1.3 million cubic yards of sand from Big Sarasota Pass during the first step of the long-term project. Save Our Siesta Sand 2 (SOSS2) is preparing to file a complaint in U.S. District Court, and the Siesta Key Association (SKA) has a case underway in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Sarasota. Both organizations argue that the USACE did not undertake sufficiently in-depth analyses of its project plans to ensure Siesta Key would suffer no harm from the dredging of the pass and the ebb shoal in the pass. The SKA is due back in court on Dec. 20 to present arguments on its latest motions in its case. On Dec. 7, DavisShaw forwarded Willis’ email to City Manager Tom Barwin and copied the city commissioners. “Just to let you know, per Willis, all those trips up really did pay off,” she wrote. “Great, great, great job!” Barwin responded. “Wonderful! Thanks all who made this happen,” Mayor Liz Alpert replied.

Siesta goes fully for Maio When Republican County Commissioner Alan Maio of Nokomis defeated Democrat Wesley Beggs of Sarasota in the Nov. 6 General Election, he took 53.89% of the 203,686 votes cast in the race. Maio represents District 4, which encompasses Siesta Key. Not all of the 213,220 voters who participated in the General Election marked a choice in that race, according to the official returns published by the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office. When we took the opportunity to examine the precinct results in the District 4 contest, we learned that Maio defeated Beggs by a bigger margin in Precinct 411, located at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, than he did in the overall statistics. Maio won 54.69% of the 2,684 votes cast at Precinct 411.

JANUARY 2019

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Continued from the previous page

Siesta Key Chapel was the site of two precincts during the election. In Precinct 401, Maio was the victor with 59.21% of the 294 ballots cast; in Precinct 403, he took 52.68% of the 877 votes. In Precinct 421, located at the Turtle Beach Recreational Building, Maio garnered 52.24% of the 961 votes. However, just east of the Key, in Precinct 413, located at Pine Shores Presbyterian Church, Beggs won 51.46% of the 4,034 votes cast there. That church is located in Pine Shores Estates, and many of the residents have been vocal opponents of the proposed Siesta Promenade project next to their neighborhood. Maio accepted many donations from developers during his reelection campaign this year.

District 4 Voting Map

Letting the new sergeant off easy When Sgt. Paul Cernansky, the new Sheriff’s Office substation leader, appeared for the first time on his own in front of a Siesta Key Association (SKA) audience — on Dec. 6 — he seemed poised for a bombardment of questions. Siesta Sand suspects that after seeing Deputy Chris McGregor field a number of questions during the November SKA meeting, Cernansky showed up this month with the expectation that he, too, would be spending more than a couple of minutes at the front of the room. Cernansky opened his Dec. 6 remarks with, “No news is good news,” in terms of the November crime report. Again — as has been the case over the past several months — burglaries of unlocked vehicles were the primary focus, he said. “We arrested several of the alleged perpetrators and charged them.” Cernansky encouraged all the meeting attendees to keep their vehicles locked. Next, he said that both the Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival in November and the Siesta Key Seafood and Music Festival, held the first weekend of December, “were very successful events.” Then he added, “That’s really all I have. Things are nice and quiet.” When he asked whether anyone

had questions, no one raised a hand. Secretary Joyce Kouba told the audience, “You’re not going to let

him off that easy, are you?” Perhaps people had issues they would prefer to convey to Cernansky privately, Vice

President Catherine Luckner suggested. Even then, no one raised a hand or offered a comment.

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Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce

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Volunteer Holiday Party on Dec. 6 at Turtle’s Restaurant The Chamber’s Annual Volunteer Holiday Party is a chance for us to celebrate with and appreciate all the volunteers that run the Visitor Center and help out at multiple Chamber events. Without them, we couldn’t do it! Also, thank you Turtle’s Restaurant for hosting our party, providing delicious appetizers and impeccable service. Lastly, thank you Mia Leone, Visitor Center and Volunteer Coordinator, who put together this awesome party!

Member Holiday Dinner on Dec. 14 at Mattison’s Forty-One Our Annual Member Holiday Dinner at Mattison’s Forty-One was a great success! Thank you all for coming out to celebrate the holidays with us. We appreciate the door prize and silent auction donations by the following businesses: Mattison’s Forty-One, Van Wezel, Best Western Plus Siesta Key Gateway, First Watch, Gecko’s, Kona Ice, McCurdy’s Comedy Theater, The Observer and Village Cafe.

The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome the following new members: Island House Tap & Grill, Oceanfront Siesta, Cruisin’ Tikis Sarasota, Parker & Associates PA and Suntex Boat Club & Rentals. Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce 5114 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key, 941-349-3800.

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Making a Splash

JANUARY 2019 Continued from cover story

It will cover picnic tables and a patron area where guests will be able to pick-up complimentary environmentally-safe water, bicycles, beach towels, masks and snorkels. And it will be the perfect gloomyday hang out, Holderness says. All five buildings on the property underwent exterior renovations with some interior updates, and handicap-accessible pathways and ADA poolarea bathrooms were constructed. In addition, the entire property was re-landscaped. Royal palms, Sylvester palms, and coconut trees were planted. “We wanted there to be shade everywhere you walked,” Holderness says. Eco-friendly turf grass replaced a strip of broken asphalt. Low-water use, native landscaping was incorporated throughout the property. The new style at the resort can be described as coastal modern with a Caribbean twist. The renovated resort now boasts one of the largest pools on Siesta, as well as one of the largest (if not the single-biggest) chickee huts on the Key. The mood around the property was enthusiastic. “I’m so excited,” Holderness, who had been overseeing major aspects of the renovation and working 18 hour days to get the project completed, told Siesta Sand during an interview at the end of December. Resort staff, including the housekeeping crew, were also busy at work, along with various contractors. “We’ve had up to 50 people here a day working on the renovation,” Holderness says. The resulting project brings “new life” into the aging resort. “We’re bringing back the vibe of yesterday for future families and couples to enjoy,” says Holderness, who runs Beachside Management, a rapidly growing management company based on Siesta Key. The company’s holdings include Siesta Key Beachside Villas, which Holderness renovated.

amazing pool and tiki is a hedge against windy beach days,” Holderness says. “And the new pool makes it more family friendly, easier on elderly and I’m proud it’s now ADA friendly.” Scaling back the plans had another benefit. The changes allowed Holderness to keep his staff working. “Instead of letting staff go, we scaled back some of the work,” Holderness says. He kept housekeepers on payroll and had them do a good portion of the interior refreshes such as painting and setting up new bedding during the renovation. During a visit by a Siesta Sand reporter, three housekeepers were buzzing around one unit, finishing painting and setting up brand new furniture. Although it might have cost less to hire a commercial painter, Holderness found one unexpected result was that the collaboration began to instill in his staff a proud sense of ownership in the new resort — even before it even opened. “They are nothing short of inspiring,” Holderness says. Even though structures on the property are close to the end of economic life, constructing a brand new building(s) was not “It’s important for me economically feasible at the to do my community proud.” time, Holderness says, since — Mike Holderness that would have decreased the number of units down to 37, under the county’s current zoning code — although oddly the code (written in the 1970s) would allow up to 10 beds per resort unit. But Holderness says the renovation project brings the resort to the quality that will attract families, and future improvements are possible. Mike’s family is deeply rooted in the area, and he says a love of SRQ is something instilled in him by his parents. “It’s important for me to do my community proud,” he says.

A vision, modified

Family-friendly and tropical

From the beginning, the vision for the renovation project aimed to refine the resort, built in 1955, into world-class accommodations — catering to families and couples. Along the way, however, some of the specific design plans had to be modified, due to two factors. The first factor was a combined complex county permitting process and strict FEMA renovation rules that limit the amount of structural work that could be completed on coastal properties. Secondly, this summer, just before renovation work began, the then-lingering red tide bloom off the coast slowed bookings at the resort. Business was so slow that Holderness faced a difficult choice. He closed the resort, and in order to continue to pay his staff, went forward with the scaled-back project. Overall, while the project was scaled back in some aspects, other areas received more attention. For example, a planned in-house kitchen and new balconies were scrapped from the plans, for now. But Holderness and investors built a brand new pool with beach-style, family-friendly 35-foot long beach entry — instead of simply re-surfacing that old rectangular pool as they originally planned. “The

“We want guests who will stay here and go into the Village and eat at restaurants and contribute to the local economy,” he says. Holderness hopes guests will enjoy their stay so much that they book a vacation at the resort for the following year. The resort, once known as a spring break haven, will be family-friendly, tropical, and unique. “The target market is families and couples of all ages,” Holderness says. From the courtyard under the chickee, guests will be able to pick-up complimentary environmentally-safe water, bicycles, beach towels, masks and snorkels, and find complimentary paddleboards, kayaks and Hobie Cats on the beach. Guests will be given bracelets, so staff will be able to identify who is a guest before giving them items for use. On a gloomy day, guests can hang out under the chickee or sit poolside in the large 12-person hot tub. The pool has three heaters. And pool-side guests will be able to pick up towels and water. Holderness also envisions the possibility of small wedding events at the large chickee. “But we want to be a good neighbor,” he says. “We won’t have any amplified sound here” at the resort.

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• SHORT WALK TO SIESTA BEACH: $429,900 195 Vista Hermosa Circle, #9-A, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4189942 Beautifully remodeled, 2 BR, 2 BA villa. Designer tile & carpet throughout. This villa is being sold turnkey furnished (with some exclusions). Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • FULL GULF VIEW OF #1 BEACH: $499,900 797 Beach Rd, #305, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4188853 Completely remodeled unit with high end tile floors in main living area, quality custom kitchen cabinets with granite counters. All the lighting has been upgraded throughout this TURNKEY FURNISHED (some artwork excluded) unit. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • PALM ISLAND HOME ON THE GRAND CANAL: $899,000 322 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4199085 Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master BR and master BA. This house boasts a new boat lift on the Grand Canal. Privacy abounds with a lovely tropical view across the canal. Huge bonus area on lower level. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-3767442 • DEEDED BEACH ACCESS: $899,900 1122 Horizon View Drive, Siesta Key, FL., MLS# A4420716 This is one of the closest properties to the beach without having the direct beachfront price on a street of multi-million dollar properties. This immaculate pool home features large rooms and volume ceilings. Lovely oak floors and stylish tile will dazzle you. 3 Bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms along with the lower level bonus area for generational living or guests. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • SARA SANDS - Outdoor living at its best-located at the end of a canal with a great water view, dock with lift, Tiki hut, beautiful pool, outdoor fireplace, huge screened lanai. 3/2 remodeled and furnished ranch home at the north end of Siesta Key. Easy bike to the Village and Beach. RV parking. If you enjoy entertaining, this is the one! MLS# A4415047, $1,199,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • THE POINTE - Penthouse! 1/1 at the southernmost end of Siesta Key. Incredible 270 degree views of the Gulf and Bay. Large lanai. Plentiful storage in the unit and on the first floor. Convenient underbuilding parking. Gated community with boat docks, kayak racks and dock, tennis, pool, spa, sauna, beautiful clubhouse, island gazebo with grilling, and more. MLS# A4401699, $349,999. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • THE POINTE - Renovated 2/2 penthouse with magnificent views. North to downtown Sarasota and South to Casey Key. See beautiful Neville Preserve and Little Sarasota Bay to the East and the Gulf of Mexico with Siesta’s amazing sunsets to the West. Penthouse unit. Sold furnished. MLS# A4406101, $569,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • EXCELSIOR - Fabulous 2/2 penthouse end unit with Bay views and private beach access! Totally renovated to include exquisite fixtures and furnishings. Soaring ceilings. Open and split floorplan. Turnkey. Great community with resort-like amenities. MLS# A4410196, $725,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • DOLPHIN BAY - This is the one! Incredible views of the ICW and Bay. Ideal floor plan - split bedrooms, huge living/dining area, 2 bedrooms each with en-suite bath, kitchen with large sitting area/den/office. Fabulous outdoor living - large screened lanai overlooking the water and 2 patios off the front of the unit. Space for a 3rd bedroom. Walk to Siesta Beach and Village. MLS# A4415040, $699,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • THE POINTE - Furnished - move right in to this lovely 4th floor 2 bedroom 2 bath unit with incredible 270 degree views. Southern end of Siesta with tree-lined streets for walking and biking. Walk to Turtle Beach and three restaurants. Gated community with every amenity. MLS# A4418300, $435,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • SARASOTA BEACH - Live your vacation in this stunning 4 bedroom 3.5 bath property with boat dock and 10 lift. Walking distance to Siesta Beach and Village and a quick boat ride to the Gulf. Totally and exquisitely renovated. Wrap-around porches on two levels. Pool in fenced back yard. RV parking. MLS# A4418533, $1,350,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • TRULY FABULOUS 2/2 WITH PRIVATE BEACH ACCESS. Completely renovated TOP FLOOR END UNIT with exquisite finishes and furnishings the unit is being sold, turnkey. The open floor plan with SOARING CEILINGS features a huge living room with views of the ICW and Bay. This is truly a must-see. 6285 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #307, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS#A4410196, $725,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255. • ENJOY STUNNING SUNRISES AND SUNSETS from this lovely two bedroom, two bath PENTHOUSE condo at the southernmost end of Siesta Key. If you seek incomparable views look no further - wake to awe-inspiring sunrises over Neville Preserve on Little Sarasota Bay and marvel at the spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. 9393 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #P2, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4406101, $569,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255. • GORGEOUS WATER VIEWS Deeded BOAT SLIP (boat up to 45’ length) come with this TURNKEY FURNISHED 3/3 townhouse that shows like a model home. This rarely available unit features TWO FULL MASTER SUITES, loft/media area, and oversized guest bedroom the list goes on. 1215 DOCKSIDE PL, #204, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS#A4215997, $899,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941894-1255. • OUTDOOR LIVING AT ITS BEST! This incredible 3 bed 2 bath property includes an 800 sq. ft. covered and screened lanai with gas fire pit, 75” television and top of the line furnishings to seat 25+!! A heated pool and hot tub/spa is perfect for the sunbather. Located at the end of a scenic canal, this home includes a boat dock with 20k lift, 2 jet ski lifts, and Tiki hut. Sold completely furnished, you really must see this property! 654 SANDY NOOK ST, SARASOTA, FL 34242 MLS#A4415047, $1,199,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941-894-1255. • SIESTA KEY CONDO UNDER $350,000. 116 Vista Hermosa Circle, #102 C, Siesta Key, FL MLS #4419588, Rarely available first floor corner unit. Well maintained, remodeled master bath, granite kitchen counter top, 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms. Unit is being sold with furnishings, a must see! Walk across the street to the beach and enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches of Siesta Key! CENTURY 21 Beggins Enterprises, Diane Goodwin, 941-706-6620.

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MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES • Atlantic Contracting Services, LLC (941-893-1717, florida. atlanticcontractingservices.com) intends to register the fictitious names of “Baths, Kitchens, and More” and provide interior home/ condo/office remodeling services and “Beachtown Contracting” to provide exterior home/condo/office remodeling services, additions, and new construction services to Sarasota County and the surrounding area under that name.

(Across from the Westfield Siesta Key Mall)

2081 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239

Walk-Ins Welcome

Monday through Friday 9-6 • Saturday 9-2

www.OldStyleBarberShop.com

10% OFF Summer Nails

ANY SERVICE!

Great service...great prices! Sanitation first! We care about your well-being!

Regular Manicure $15

Call for an Appointment

941-952-3301

Pedicure $25

Try our DELUXE PEDICURE for an awesome experience!

Hours: 9 AM - 7 PM Mon. - Sat. Closed Sunday

YOU DESERVE IT!

Gift Certificates Available - Walk-ins Welcome

7119 S. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota, FL 34231 (Buccaneer Plaza across from Lincoln Dealership)

SPORTS RENTALS / ACCESSORIES • Robin Hood Rentals – for all your Siesta Key rental needs with a wide variety segways, bikes, kayaks, scooters and more, free pickup and delivery anywhere on the key. 5255 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key Village. 941-554-4242 • Siesta Key Bike & Kayak – Located on Siesta Key in Capt Curts Village serving Siesta Key, Lido Beach and Sarasota. We offer bikes, kayak rentals, kayak eco tours, paddleboards and scooters. 1224 Old Sickney Pt Rd. 941-346-0891

PAVER CLEANERS

• Siesta Sports Rentals – Located on Siesta Key, bike, kayak, kayak tours, scooter, children strollers and car seats. Delivery and pickup available, 6551 Midnight Pass Rd, 941-346-1797

TRANSPORTATION

Sarasota’s Premier “Chauffeur”

Airport Rides Starting At Only

30 941.735.4732 $

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

HELENE M. HYLAND REALTOR®

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

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

All Ports In Florida

Stress Free • Smooth and Easy Ask for Eddie • Jonny’s Original Free Ride – The Original Ride the Key Free service on Siesta to anywhere, everyday from 10 AM – 2 AM. Driver tips only. Call 941-928-9200. • Dollar Limo – holds up to 10 people and is cheaper than a D.U.I or taxi. Call 941-735-4732

941-928-9200

www.SheSellsSiestaKeySarasota.com

RIDE THE KEY FREE

15-20 MINUTE RESPONSE TIME (Based upon traffic)

• Making things happen on Siesta Key with Real Estate agents Bob and Sheri Ruiz from Key Solutions Real Estate Group. If you are looking to buy or sell on the Key contact us. Bob Ruiz 941-544-3299 RobertRuizRR@aol.com, Sheri Ruiz 941-400-4186 SheriLasley@aol.com

SERVICING

Siesta Key Beach Siesta Village Turtle Beach

DRIVER TIPS ONLY

RESTAURANTS

Restaurants and Accommodations Operating 10AM to 2AM Daily

www.JonnysOriginalFreeRide.com

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

Your Choice:

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

941.923.4666

6507 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota

• Cheeseburger • 10 Boneless Wings • Grilled Chicken Salad • Buffalo Chicken Sandwich,

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Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Transportation for everyone on the Sun Coast Friendliest Ride In Town

(available grilled)

• Wraps:

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TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-349-0194

Siesta Sand

Off Key

JANUARY 2019

By Robert Frederickson

941.349.0194

From Unlocked Cars to Text Messaging Charge?

Do As We Say, Not As We Do? We’ve all seen the TV news reports showing neighborhood surveillance videos featuring bands of ne’er-do-wells roaming streets late at night, checking for unlocked cars to burglarize. The reports invariably include comments from a law enforcement spokesperson emphasizing the importance of making sure citizens lock up their cars, day and night. Well, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Detective Brian Keane, an 18-year veteran of the department and member of the SCSO SWAT team, must not have gotten the memo. Either that or he’s under the impression he lives in Mayberry, NC and it’s 1962, not North Port, Florida, circa 2018... His vehicle was left unlocked in his driveway on the evening of December 5th with more than just a cell phone, stereo system or some loose change inside to attract the attention of a would be perp. Rather, an Accuracy International AT308 sniper rifle valued at $4,000, a Sig Sauer P226 9mm handgun, body armor, a night scope and a Taser were among the grab bag of goodies inside. And of course, all of those items were missing by the next morning. Now that must have been a pleasant conversation with his supervisor when he reported the theft the next day. The guns and other equipment were thankfully recovered a short time later with the arrests of two men: David Eugene Byrd Jr., 18, of North Port and James G. Tolbert Jr., also of North Port and also 18. So all’s well that ends well? Maybe, but this could have ended very badly. According to the Herald Tribune, Byrd has been arrested five times previously on charges that include armed robbery with a firearm, burglary and larceny. No word as of press time on the results of any internal investigation or sanctions Keane may face for neglecting a responsibility law enforcement regularly reminds us we should all live up to: Locking our car doors. And we haven’t even touched on the subject of the responsibilities that come with gun ownership.

Quote of the Day...

www.siestasand.net

“Those who ride the high road of humility in Washington, DC are never bothered by heavy traffic.” -Former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson speaking at the funeral of President George H.W. Bush

Kicked to the Curb in Venice? After a single car on East Venice Avenue struck four bicyclists earlier this fall – killing one of them – it’s understandable that some area riders might have come to the conclusion they’d be better off on the sidewalk. But not so fast. At least in downtown Venice. The city recently passed an ordinance banning bicycles on the sidewalks of some of the city’s busiest downtown thoroughfares...streets with

much more traffic than the stretch of East Venice Avenue where the recent cycling fatality occurred. ...Leading some two-wheel enthusiasts to feel like they’ve been kicked to the curb...Or perhaps left to spin their wheels at home on a stationery bike or at a spin class at the south county YMCA, which come to think of it might not be a bad idea given Florida’s less than stellar record when it comes to vehicles sharing the road with cyclists..

Often Wrong, but Never in Doubt Back in 2008, while at a stop in Germany on his Chicken Little Eco-Calamity Tour, Al Gore told his audience that the North Pole would be ice-free in five years. Here we are, TEN years later and guess what? The North Pole has more ice than when he made that oh so certain pronouncement.

The New China Syndrome? A report linking the Chinese government to the recent hack of Marriott Hotels’ parent company – Starwood Hotels and Resorts – is just the latest in a string of alleged cyber attacks by the communist nation against US interests. The list includes the theft of government personnel records from the US Office of Personnel Management, similar compromises of customer account information at Insurance companies like Anthem and CareFirst and also at telecom giant Verizon. All of which points to the striking conclusion by some analysts that the Chinese military is trying to compile a personal and financial dossier on most if not all citizens of the United States. Why? Well, just imagine what would happen if one morning we all awoke to discover our checking accounts and 401Ks suddenly showed $0 balances. It would make the crash of 1929 look like a relatively minor ‘market correction.’ Why isn’t Al Gore or just about anyone else in the government or media worried about this?

The ‘Stoop-Surfer’ Sting In Jersey City, NJ, local police are working with Amazon to nab porch pirates by sending dummy packages that include tracking devices that help catch offenders, often within minutes of their crime. It’s reported one-in-twelve Americans have had a package stolen from their stoop. The problem has grown along with the increased popularity of online shopping in recent years.

The Millennial Tax?

California legislators have come up with an innovative way to ‘enhance’ state revenue (i.e. raise taxes). The latest brainstorm? Tax text messages. No Joke. Especially if you’ve got teenagers in the house.

Looking for Siesta Sand off-island? Pick up a copy at the following locations:

4&20 Patsy Co........................................................................... 5638 Swift Rd. A’s Sandwich............................................................... 6300 S. Tamiami Trail Abel’s Ice Cream: Southbridge Plaza........................1886 Stickney Pt. Rd. Alpine Steak House.................................................... 4520 S. Tamiami Trail Best Western Plus........................................................ 6600 S. Tamiami Trail Casey Key Fish House.................................... 801 Blackburn Point, Osprey Corkscrew Deli: Landings Shopping Plaza * ....... 4982 S. Tamiami Trail Culver’s......................................................................... 7520 S. Tamiami Trail Dutch Valley Restaurant........................................... 6721 S. Tamiami Trail Eager Beaver Carwash *............................................. 6449 S. Tamiami Trail Economy Tackle *........................................................ 6018 S. Tamiami Trail Fresh Catch Market & Grill: Buccaneer Plaza....... 7119 S. Tamiami Trail Gecko’s Restaurant..................................................... 6606 S. Tamiami Trail Grasshopper Mexican Restaurant & Bar................ 7253 S. Tamiami Trail Gulf Gate Food + Beer....................................................6528 Superior Ave. Hibiscus Suites......................................................... 1735 Stickney Point Rd. Hooters........................................................................... 6507 S Tamiami Trail Philadelphia Cheesesteaks........................................ 7523 S. Tamiami Trail Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar........................................ 5353 S. Tamiami Trail Plaza Mexico Restaurant: Southbridge Plaza..... 1894 Stickney Point Rd. Pride of the South Restaurant/GG................................6616 Superior Ave. Rico’s Pizzeria & Pasta House..................................................1902 Bay Rd. Sarasota Brewing /GG.................................................... 6607 Gateway Ave. Solorzano’s Pizza /GG.....................................................6670 Superior Ave. Special Nutrition Store: Southbridge Plaza.............1882 Stickney Pt. Rd. The Oaks Open Pit BBQ............................................ 6112 S. Tamiami Trail The Shop SRQ/GG......................................................... 6625 Gateway Ave. Tony’s Chicago Dogs/GG...............................................6569 Superior Ave. Word of Mouth/GG........................................................ 6604 Gateway Ave. Interested in Distributing our Publication? Call 941-349-0194 NOTE: * Denotes availability first week of each month only. ®

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

Quiz Time:

Q: What’s the most streamed song of the 20th century? Q: Best selling album of 20th century? Q: Highest grossing Broadway show of all time?

A: Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. A: The Eagles’ Greatest Hits with 38 million copies sold. A: The Lion King: +$1.46 billion and counting. And you have a chance to add to that total this spring when the show rolls into town at the Van Wezel, March 14-16.

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

MarinerWord Search

www.TheMariner.com

Answers from Answers to the Page 14

WORD SEARCH

Global Santa

found on page 29

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

P.O. BOX 35086, SIESTA KEY, FL 34242 www.siestasand.net

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JANUARY 2019

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Jerry (the sand sculpting artist & Santa tattoo artist!) & Maria from Chicago

Siesta Sand

JANUARY 2019

Island Girl

Lauren

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

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

She was born in Sarasota but has lived all over Florida. Her favorite place is beautiful Siesta Key beach and she will always call Sarasota home. She loves Siesta for its unique powdery-white soft sands and crystal clear, turquoise water. Even though she grew up on the beach & near water, her heart still flutters every time a dolphin or manatee makes an appearance near the shore. She is a new mom and entrepreneur. She has a passion for capturing dreamy light and those oh-so-simple, romantic-in-the-normal-everyday-moments as a wedding photographer. She pours her heart into telling real-life love stories. She absolutely loves being a new mom and you can bet her son loves the beach too!! Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s already a little beach bum just like his mama!