IV Siesta Sand - July 2016

Why the world comes to Sarasota

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

BIG PASS Perico Preserve Site for Seagrass Mitigation

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SOLORZANO’S

Nobody makes Pizza like Solorzano’s, get to know the Solorzano family story page

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REAL ESTATE AGENT PROFILE

Trolleys Needed

Siesta leaders say trolley would help keep Siesta a top destination

By Roger Drouin Stephen Leatherman, Professor and Director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University, also known as “Dr. Beach,” wants everyone to know about how beautiful Siesta’s beaches are.

In Dr. Beach’s ranking of Siesta Beach as the second top public beach in his list released back in May, the professor wrote that Siesta has “some of the finest, whitest sand in the world.” And Yes, Siesta Beach has “clear, warm waters ideal for swimming,” as Leatherman put it. But the No. 2 ranking — which comes amid the ongoing flurry of national recognition of Siesta as a top tourist destination — did not bring only good news. It has some local island representatives and business leaders worrying about a long-standing issue.

As more and more tourists and visitors come to Siesta, they say a shortage of available parking and the lack of public transportation becomes more problematic.

One of the six trolleys Lee County uses on Fort Myers Beach

“Our big fear is that as popular as Siesta Key has become — from Dr. Beach to the TripAdvisor [rankings] — that eventually our visitors are going to find other places to start visiting that are way more convenient,”

said Wendall Jacobsen, general manager of Beach Bazaar and president of the Siesta Key Village Association.

Jacobsen and representatives from the Siesta Key Association (SKA) and the Siesta Key

Chamber of Commerce are intensifying an effort to push for a trolley operation on Siesta Key, an effort that has been ongoing for several years.

Continued on page 31

Meet James J. Piro of Piro & Associates, a boutique real estate firm

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Beach Road Hurricane Shelters 34 North

By Rachel Brown Hackney www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com

By Rachel Brown Hackney

SAND CASTLES

Siesta Beach Villas, a modern four-plex, one of the newer condos page on Siesta

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WHO’S PLAYING TONIGHT

An interview with Cindy Welsh

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|Siesta resident files suit against the county over |Sarasota County does not have enough abandonment of North Beach Road segment hurricane shelters, the County Commission On the afternoon of May 24, amazing thing.” learns June 16, 2016

Siesta Key resident and business owner Mike Consentino walked to the podium in the Sarasota County Commission Chambers in Sarasota during the Open to the Public period at the end of the board’s regular meeting.

Consentino talked of how he grew up on the mainland but has lived on Siesta for about 27 years.

Then he mentioned how much he used to enjoy driving the length of North Beach Road. “Every day, when I’d get home from work, I would take that little slow roll down that beach … and just feel my heart rate come down and my blood pressure go down. It was an

After repeated storm damage to a 360-foot segment of the road, county leaders closed it to vehicle traffic in 1993. Then, in a 4-1 vote on May 11 — with Commissioner Christine Robinson in the minority — the board agreed to abandon the section altogether, turning it over to three couples who own adjacent property.

Since then, Consentino said on May 24, “I’ve been very upset.”

He understood that an easement approved during the public hearing has been designed to ensure public access to the road will continue, Consentino told the board.

Continued on page 28

Emergency Management staff continues to seek out potential locations, including private property Sarasota County does not have a sufficient number of hurricane shelters to handle all the people who might have to evacuate their homes in advance of a storm strike, the County Commission has learned.

The matter arose during

the June 8 public hearing on the county’s revised Comprehensive Plan. Rich Collins, director of emergency services for the county, noted it during his comments regarding the new Coastal Disaster Management section of the plan, which deals with such matters.

That deficit, Collins explained, is a result of the slowdown in construction of new schools and other hardened buildings in the community.

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OCEAN PRO Take the plunge with Ocean Pro Dive Shop

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LOCAL MAPS & INFORMATION

See Page 21

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Siesta Sand

JULY 2016

941.349.0194

Sand Creations On Siesta Beach Every summer our fabulous Sarasota County Parks and Recreation provide unique camps for young residents of the Sarasota area.

The “Sand Sculpture Camp” on spectacular Siesta Beach is one of their popular camps. This camp is held on a Monday through Thursday one week in June, July and August.

Professional sand sculptor, Bill Knight of Ft. Meyers Beach teaches campers

By Trebor Brit

to use a variety of sculpting tools to shape their unique creations. The $145 fee for youngsters 6 years old to under 13, includes a set of sand sculpting tools each participant keeps. A large canopy is provided if breaks from the sun are needed. The two remaining camps are, July 25-28 and Aug 8-11.

For details visit www.scgov.net

and Kids Stuff

www.siestasand.net

Photo Captions Left: Young Sand Sculpting Camp students from all over Sarasota County busily creating their first amazing sand sculptures.

Bottom Left: Surrounded by the tools of the trade, Brynlee Roberts (8) beginning to gently shape the wet sand into an original masterpiece.

Bottom Right: A Sandcastle tower beginning to take shape as Daniela Margulies (10) is carefully carving away some of the white sands of her creation on Siesta Beach.

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Siesta Key Round-Up

By Rachel Brown Hackney - SarasotaNewsLeader.com FDOT drops plans for roundabout at Midnight Pass Road/Beach Road intersection

Sarasota County Commission Chair Al Maio made about 100 residents very happy during the June 2 Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting when he announced that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has cancelled its plans for a roundabout at the intersection of Beach Road and Midnight Pass Road, just south of St. Boniface Episcopal Church.

Applause broke out during the meeting as soon as he made the statement, noting that he had learned the news during a recent discussion with FDOT District

Engineer L.K. Nandam. “The vast majority [of island residents] didn’t want it,” Maio added of the roundabout. “I think [FDOT representatives] heard loud and clear what you all said.”

After the idea surfaced in late 2013, residents and county commissioners raised concerns that the structure would lead to even more traffic back-ups on a stretch of road that often becomes clogged during season.

FDOT does plan to improve the intersection to make it safer for bicyclists and pedestrians, Maio noted on June 2. “It’ll be better than what we have now.”

Robin Stublen, an FDOT spokesman, reminded SNL on June 7 that the department originally

proposed three options for the intersection: the “Do nothing” approach; elimination of the continuous right-turn lane from Midnight Pass Road for traffic heading north at the intersection; and the roundabout. “We had to look at what we thought was the best fit for the intersection,” he explained. The plan is to go with elimination of that turn lane, he added.

A public hearing will be conducted on the proposal before FDOT undertakes any work, Stublen pointed out. However, he said that hearing has not been scheduled yet. FDOT will make certain adequate public notice is provided in advance of it, he added.

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Dredging Up the Past

JULY 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

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By Robert Frederickson

|$425,000 later, residents along lower Matheny Creek schooled on intricacies of dredging process Recent efforts by a group of Coral Cove and Buccaneer Bay homeowners to enlist county and regional support in reducing shoaling and sediment build up in lower Matheny Creek illustrate just how much has changed over the years when it comes to any sort of project impacting the coast.

Back in the late 1950s when the first lots were platted in the Coral Cove area, it didn’t take much effort for developers to literally reshape the lay of the land. In 1957, Matheny Creek was dredged to a depth of almost four feet near the bay, allowing navigable boat access to open water for new homeowners buying some of the recently developed lots adjacent to the creek along Upper Cove Terrace, Buccaneer Terrace, Buccaneer Lane, Captain Kidd Avenue, Captain Kidd Circle and Periwinkle Lane.

The spoil from that dredging was actually used to add even more land to what is now the western end of Caribbean Drive, roughly doubling the land area at the end of the peninsula that juts out from the mainland across from Point Crisp Road on Siesta. The result? A dozen or so more lots for sale. Easy cash for those looking to meet the growing demand for waterfront lots in the early post war boom years.

Mangroves? Collateral damage back in those days. In fact ‘Mangrove Island’ was the name attached to the spit of land at the end of Caribbean Drive as seen on maps of the area dating back to the late 1940s and early ‘50s.

Not long after development began near Coral Cove, up the coast a bit near downtown Sarasota, Marie Selby planted a stand of bamboo trees that remains to this day. Now part of Selby Gardens the

bamboo planting was originally an effort to block the view of workers filling in Sarasota Bay to enlarge Bird Key. That project – undertaken by what was then a small real estate development company named Arvida – infuriated Selby to the point where she just couldn’t stand to watch it proceed. Arvida went on to develop much of Longboat Key and other coastal areas of Florida, including portions of coastal Palm Beach and Broward counties. The Boca Raton Hotel and Club was one of the company’s many signature projects.

And then there are all the canals crisscrossing Siesta Key and those in the Country Club Shores neighborhood of Southern Longboat.

The first canal on Siesta Key was dredged by the namesake of Higel Avenue, Henry Higel shortly after 1912 when he and Captain Louis Roberts formed the Siesta Land Company and began developing the area around Hansen Bayou.

Later, around 1945, work began on what is now the 10-mile network of canals known as the Grand Canal. The first section completed in the late 1940s connected the heart shaped Palm Island area with Roberts Bay. The rest of the Grand Canal was finished in the late 1950s, around the same time

neighborhoods like Coral Cove were taking shape on the mainland.

It’s no exaggeration to say that without the dredging of canals on Siesta, the key would be a vastly different place than it is today.

But just try getting a permit for projects like the excavation of the Grand Canal or the dredging of Matheny Creek today.

Residents spend $425,000 to have creek dredged Starting a little more than a decade ago, residents of Coral Cove and Buccaneer Bay learned just how much things have changed. And today they are getting a refresher course.

Their efforts began back in 2004 in response to shoaling from the west along the bay and sediment washing down from upland areas along Matheny Creek; the combined effect was that it was becoming increasingly difficult to maneuver a boat through the waterway.

Jim Kenley has lived on Captain Kidd Avenue since 1997. In a recent interview he told Siesta Sand “You could barely get a boat in or out back then it had gotten so bad, especially in the winter months… even with a small boat like I have.”

He explained that one of his

Map showing location of water resource - 2003.

Credit: Sarasota County Environmental Services

neighbors off Buccaneer Lane finally sold his boat in frustration, citing the increasing futility of reaching the bay, despite it being just a hundred or so yards away.

As a result, Kenley and a group of nearby residents embarked on a different type of navigational odyssey: charting a course to remove the accumulated sediment and return the main channel through the mouth of the creek to the depth that was in place when the waterway was first dredged back in 1957.

It would not be an easy or short journey, or as they would discover, one with a definitive end point.

It began with a call to the county and a formal request for assistance.

But the first shoal blocking their progress came when the county informed the group that it doesn’t have direct responsibility for maintaining Matheny Creek downstream from US 41; that jurisdiction only extends upstream from 41 to the headwaters of the creek near the Gulf Gate Golf Course (itself in the news of late with plans for it to be developed into a new gated community with a higher density than that of surrounding neighborhoods, a plan that has prompted concerns from nearby residents about the potential for increased flooding within the Matheny Creek basin and more sediment washing downstream).

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Siesta Sand

JULY 2016

Siesta Key Round-Up The last time FDOT representatives discussed the proposal before SKA members was in February 2015. As during previous such appearances at the organization’s meetings, audience members peppered the FDOT staff and consultants with questions and offered comments indicating an aversion to the roundabout.

The goal with all such structures, Nandam told the audience, is to reduce the speed of the traffic, which results in fewer serious injuries when accidents do occur, especially those involving pedestrians and bicyclists. “The design will not allow for anyone to go over 20 to 25 mph,” he said at that 2015 meeting.

Yet, audience members refuted FDOT representatives’ assertions that the signalized intersection is problematic for people on foot or on bicycles.

A new Sheriff’s Office supervisor for the Key During the June 2 SKA meeting, another announcement focused on a new Sheriff’s Office supervisor

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Continued from page 2

of personnel on the Key. Lt. Don Kennard, a 20-year veteran of the department, will be taking over that responsibility from Lt. Debra Kaspar, SKA Second Vice President Catherine Luckner said, adding that Kaspar had been promoted to the Investigations Division.

Kennard offered a “Hello” from the back of the St. Boniface Episcopal Church Parish Hall, where he stood with Sgt. Jason Mruczek, the chief of the Sheriff’s Office substation on the island, and Deputy Chris McGregor.

And speaking of the Sheriff’s Office …

Sgt. Mruczek reported during the June 2 SKA meeting that he had assigned deputies to keep an eye out for problems associated with the valet parking at Ophelia’s on the Bay, which were the focus of complaints during the May 5 SKA session.

Officers patrolling the area the previous four Sundays — when the restaurant serves brunch — “didn’t really see any problems with valet parking,” Mruczek said.

They did write two tickets, though.

One was for speeding and one was for improper passing, he noted.

Deputies will continue to keep an eye on the situation, he added.

As for Memorial Day weekend at the beach: Mruczek pointed out that Saturday and Sunday were the busiest days, though the holiday itself brought out plenty of people.

The primary problems officers handled, he continued, were related to parking, “which is the ongoing issue out here.” Some disputes erupted over people trying to save parking spaces, he said. “For the most part, we were able to settle them.”

Looking ahead to July Fourth, he noted, he has been discussing plans with the Sheriff’s Office’s Special Operations Bureau to make certain sufficient personnel and resources are on hand to deal with the crowds.

Mruczek then noted that he had been asked to address the issue of fireworks, which long have proven to be a problem on the island during the July Fourth holiday period. “Anything that shoots up in the air, anything that

explodes, is illegal,” he explained.

Officers will confiscate fireworks, he added. His hope, he continued, is to have a sign set up at the beach to remind patrons of the state law forbidding personal use of fireworks.

Lt. Kennard also pointed out that the Sheriff’s Office will post updates about July Fourth traffic on the Key on social media and on its website, so people will know what to expect that day if they plan to come over for the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce’s annual fireworks show.

When Mruczek asked for questions from audience members, after he completed his report, one woman reported that her husband routinely walks the beach around 6:30 or 7 a.m. Recently, she noted, he has been seeing people sleeping on benches in the picnic area and empty beer cans littering the grounds.

Mruczek promised to talk with county Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources staff about those situations and to ask the deputy who patrols that part of the Key early in the mornings to try to

document them.

“Obviously, there is no overnight camping in county parks,” he told the audience.

The Stickney Point Road bridge project Lauren Hatchell, a consultant to FDOT, told SNL this week that the department formally signed off in a May 19 letter on the completion of repairs to the Stickney Point Road bridge.

Delays for various and sundry reasons led to that project lasting quite a bit longer than FDOT originally planned. Coastal Marine Construction of Venice won the $5,396,928 contract for the project in early 2015 and began work in April 2015. The original timeline called for completion of the project early this year.

The work entailed concrete and seawall repairs, improvements to the tender/control house, painting, and repairs to the bridge’s mechanical and electrical components.

Continued on page 6

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JULY 2016

Woman’s Exchange In Time Of Quandary The Woman’s Exchange gives back enormously to our community. In addition to $300,000 awarded in grants and scholarships, the organization paid out about $2,100,000 to their consignors over the past year.

These monies were earned from the sale of an average of 12,000 items each month. Executive director, Karen Koblentz, says: “We operate as a business and earn all the money we give away.

We are really proud of that!”

In 2016, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce gave Woman’s Exchange The Retail Business of the Year Award in the small business category. Located in downtown Sarasota at 539 S. Orange Avenue, the exchange draws in thousands of people each month to buy, consign, donate, or volunteer, a fact that brings energy to various small shops and restaurants in the nearby area.

An anchor building in Laurel Park’s national historic district, Woman’s Exchange is a not-forprofit organization benefiting the arts. Originally constructed in 1925 for the Sarasota Herald Newspaper, the organization has owned the building since 1967.

In spite of having been there for 49 years, Woman’s Exchange has recently been drawn into a brutal and expensive legal battle with the

NOTICE: Looking for the Village Barber?

For those that have enjoyed the cuts and comradery at The Village Barber over the years, you can still continue to see Scott at his new location. In July 2015 Scott Reich announced moving out of the Village and off the Key. Reich and his stepfather Pete Sparks had been servicing patrons in the Village for the past 20 years. The Siesta Center was sold and the new ownership of the Ocean Blvd building wasn’t quite meeting up to expectations he and Sparks had of the new landlord. Sparks announced his retirement and Reich announced a move to The Shop SRQ at 6625 Gateway Ave. in Gulf Gate. You can reach Scott Reich at 941-346-0222. His hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tues – Fri, and Sat from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.SiestaKeyBarbershop.com

City Commission and residents of Laurel Park over the issue of expanding its Orange Avenue Location and constructing a new loading zone on Rawls Avenue.

For the first time ever, the City Commission reversed the City staff’s determination that a site plan and building permit issued pursuant to the Downtown Code met all requirements, effectively rejecting the Woman’s Exchange’s plans for expansion.

At the time of this writing, the city has not yet formally rejected the plans in question, so it is unclear as to what route the Woman’s Exchange will now take. Robert Lincoln, legal counsel for the Woman’s Exchange, is evaluating information coming from the city to determine the best plan of action. The situation should clarify after the City Commission meets on June 20.

“The City’s decision might very well impact others,” Koblentz points out. Since the Woman’s Exchange development proposal was 100% to code, this reversal by the City could mean that other land owners could no longer purchase property with confidence. Karen sees the situation as basically an issue of property rights. “We are 100% to code, yet they denied us a permit.

We have no other option but to fight for our property rights.

They are our greatest asset. We are looking to find a way, but for now, we are in a holding pattern.”

In spite of the uncertainty that hangs over the future of the Woman’s Exchange, the 54th annual Awards Celebration was held in June, and the event was a grand success. Although the organization had invested $700,000 in the proposed expansion project, the Woman’s Exchange was able to give away $50,000 more than the $250,000

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

By Diana Colson

awarded last year in scholarships and grants!

At the Awards Celebration in June, legal difficulties were set aside for the moment, and the event was a joyous one. Recipients of grants and scholarships, volunteers and other guests, gathered in the historic building to enjoy live music by Debbie Keaton and refreshments from Café l’Europe.

A very special memorial scholarship was given in memory of John Haywood, a Volunteer Coordinator who died suddenly this year. The Haywood scholarship was the largest to be given to a student, and Reed Tucker was the recipient. Reed is a gifted double bass student who has received several scholarships from Woman’s Exchange over the past few years.

22 local arts groups were recipients of the 2016/2017 Woman’s Exchange Grants.

These are groups which bring enormous richness and variety to the area’s cultural offerings.

The 22 recipients were Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra, Arts and Cultural Alliance, Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota, Asolo Theatre, Inc., Florida Studio Theatre, FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, Gloria Musicae, Hermitage Artist Retreat, Key Chorale, La Musica di Aslo, Manatee Concert Band, Perlman Music Program, Players Theatre, Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota Film Festival, Sarasota Concert Band, Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra, The Pops Orchestra, Selby Gardens, The Venice Chorale, and—last but not least— Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.

In addition to the impressive list of Grant recipients, 20 College students were awarded individual scholarships: Hayley Denham, Alyssa Dinka, Marie

Group enjoying themselves

Helen Bloch, Bertie Naj, Maureen Williams, and Anne Johnson

Dull, Matthew Falgowski, Joshua Galindo, Elizabeth Granowicz, Liston Gregory, Ashley Jackson, Luis Javier, David Klos, Nahman L’hrar, Victoria Miller, Rachael Querreveld, Casey Rich, Estefania Sanchez, Jillian Smith, Alina Timshina, Anna Jane Trinci, Reed Tucker, and Christine Wozniak.

10 High School students also

received scholarships: Andrew Brady, Alexis Buege, Charlotte Couch, Melanie Gasparoni, Abigail Hodgson, Serenna Jones, Keely Karalis, Katherine Koach, Nadia McCall, and Skyler Miller.

Woman’s Exchange is an organization which repeatedly gives back to our community.

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Siesta Sand

JULY 2016

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Financial Focus

Siesta Key Round-Up

|How Can You Declare Your Financial Independence?

Next week, we observe the 4th of July with sparklers, picnics and parades. And living in a country that offers so much freedom, we have a lot to celebrate. But on a more personal level, you may still be working toward another type of independence – financial independence. What can you do to speed your progress toward this goal?

Here are some ideas to think about: • Free yourself from excessive fear. As an investor, it’s not hard to find something to fear. Oil prices, interest rates, political squabbles, even natural disasters – at any given time, each of these factors (and many more) might be blamed for volatility in the financial markets. In response, many people take a “time out” from investing.

Don’t let fear hold you back. It takes discipline and some mental toughness to stay invested in all economic environments, but if you’re constantly jumping in and out of the market, you’re almost guaranteed to miss out on the kind

of continuity and opportunities you need to move toward your financial freedom.

• Liberate your investments’ growth potential. Many investors avoid investing too aggressively, wishing to lower their risk level.

And that’s certainly not a bad idea.

On the other hand, you can easily slip into investing too “safely” by keeping the bulk of your portfolio in investments that protect your principal but offer so little in the way of return that they may not even keep up with inflation. So, try to always maintain a reasonable percentage of growth-oriented vehicles in your portfolio. The exact amount may depend on your age and tolerance for risk, but at virtually every stage of your life, you need some growth potential.

• Avoid the tyranny of debt.

It’s not easy to stay out of debt.

But carrying a heavy debt load is truly a burden – you’re not only concerned about making the payments, but you’re also depriving yourself of dollars that could be used to invest for your

future. Try to do everything you can to live within your means and avoid racking up more debt than is necessary. And when you do whittle down your debts, put that “found” money to work. The more you put in your investment portfolio, the more opportunities you have to reach your objectives.

• Free your thinking about the future. Here’s another roadblock on your journey toward financial independence: short-term thinking.

Instead of seeking quick gains (which are notoriously hard to achieve), strive for steady growth.

Instead of reacting to the news of the day by making impulsive moves, chart a long-term strategy that’s appropriate for your needs, and stick to it. Instead of focusing on the losses you might see on one month’s investment statement, look back over the progress you’ve made over the last five or 10 years.

In short, worry less about today – and plan for tomorrow.

It will take a lot of time, effort and patience to ultimately achieve your own Financial Independence

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Day. But once you do, you’ll have reason to rejoice – and you won’t even need the fireworks.

Continued from page 4

After FDOT awarded the contract, the news release it issued pointed out that the bridge was built in 1968 and that the improvements were designed to extend the service life of the structure “another 10 years until a long-term solution is determined.”

Siesta Key Community Fireworks On Siesta Key Beach Will Be Held Monday, July 4th Joe St.Onge, ChFC® Financial Advisor Edward Jones Investments

5112 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key, FL 34242

(941)-346-0560 phone (941)-320-4030 mobile Joe.StOnge@edwardjones.com

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce (SKCC) is proud to announce the 26th Anniversary of the 4th of July Community Fireworks Celebration, Monday, July 4th, at Siesta Key Beach. The fireworks show will launch at dusk at the Siesta Key Public Beach (948 Beach Road) and is free and open to the public.

Continued on page 8

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Residents question numerous facets of Benderson plans for U.S. 41/Stickney Point Road property

By Rachel Brown Hackney - SarasotaNewsLeader.com It could be more than 10 years before Benderson Development Co. completes all the residential construction it plans for Siesta Promenade, its project slated for the northwest corner of Stickney Point Road and U.S. 41, Todd Mathes, director of development for the firm, told about 110 people during the June 2 Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting.

Although Mathes emphasized during the session that the firm has decreased the size of the project from the 250,000-squarefoot plan it proposed in 2014 to 140,000 square feet, audience members continued to complain about the potential for greater traffic gridlock at the U.S. 41/ Stickney Point intersection and along Stickney Point Road itself. Some people also pleaded for the company to create a park on the site instead of new retail and residential space and a hotel.

Mathes stressed the June 2 SKA meeting would not be the last opportunity for people to raise their concerns. He pointed out that public hearings would be necessary before the Sarasota County Planning Commission and the County Commission itself.

Mathes also emphasized the downsizing of the project as a result of comments from adjoining property owners after the 2014 site plan was unveiled. The revised proposal calls for the retail space to be anchored by what Mathes characterized as a “mid-size” box, which will be a grocery store, such as a Whole Foods or a Fresh Market. A 150room hotel — most likely a Marriott or Hilton “product,” he added — and four buildings with a total of 600 dwelling units — primarily one-bedroom rental apartments and condominiums — are also what Benderson proposes for the 24 acres.

(Siesta Sand learned that Benderson had

further revised the number of dwelling units to 505, as announced during a neighborhood meeting two weeks later.)

The goal is to get the formal application process underway this summer with Sarasota County staff, Mathes pointed out to the SKA members, with the hope that construction can begin on the retail part of the project in the spring of 2017; the latter work is expected to take about a year. Construction of the hotel would start about a year later, he continued, with the first segment of the residential units planned in about five years.

Benderson will seek county approval for a Critical Area Plan so it can build 25 units per acre, he continued, and it will need a special exception for building height up to 85 feet. The residential structures and hotel probably will be seven stories tall, Mathes explained, if the County Commission agrees to the special exception.

Asked whether Benderson has studied the impact of the extra vehicles associated with the residential units and hotel rooms “on the already overburdened traffic patterns” at U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road — as the questioner put it — Mathes replied that such a review will be part of the traffic study required for the project.

“I’ll tell you that everybody knows [that] there’s a lot of traffic out here during season,” he said. “The percentage increase that we are going to contribute is very, very small.”

Mathes also explained that Benderson has proposed that the current “slip lane” — the outside lane for traffic turning westbound on Stickney Point Road from U.S. 41 — run the full length of the property. That would enable traffic to turn into the complex without having to merge into other traffic headed toward Siesta Key, he pointed out.

JULY 2016

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Traffic Advisory Council votes unanimously to deny restrictions on Beach Road parking spaces

By Rachel Brown Hackney Property owners at the Sunset Royale condominium complex on Siesta Key voiced frustration and their eagerness for the County Commission to address the matter after the county’s Traffic Advisory Council (TAC) unanimously denied their request to eliminate 12 parking spaces parallel to Siesta Public Beach, limit the spaces to loading zone use only or prohibit parking in them between midnight and 6 a.m.

“That’s just horrible, Paul Parr told SNL moments after the June 13 vote in Sarasota.

Bob D’Orsi, president of the Sunset Royale Condominium Association — who filed the petition on behalf of the organization — talked of plans to pursue the issue with the County Commission. “That’s the next move,” he told the SNL: “start getting some support with the commission.”

Lisa Cece, the special district coordinator for the county who is serving as the temporary staff liaison for the TAC, told SNL in a June 14 email that the matter will be forwarded to the County Commission.

During an interview after the June 13 meeting, D’Orsi said, “I really thought for sure we were going to get the midnight to 6 a.m. parking [restriction].”

Both the Siesta Key Village Association and the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce provided letters to the TAC in support of that option, staff notified the council on June 13.

In making the motion to deny the petition, TAC member Becky Ayech pointed out that she has been a county resident for close to four decades, “and beach parking has always been a problem in this county.” Any time local government can take action to ensure public access to the beaches, she continued, “I think that’s a great thing.”

At the outset of the council’s consideration of the Sunset Royale request, Shanon Rodden, a technical specialist in the county’s Transportation Planning Division, explained that staff’s research showed that vehicles using the 12 spaces “do not impede traffic flow, create safety issues or impact emergency services operations.”

Furthermore, Rodden noted, staff asked the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office for data about complaints regarding people or vehicles in those spaces, and the office responded that it handled 13 calls between May 2015 and May 2016. “[They] do not substantiate [the petitioner’s claims of] unlawful activity,” she added. Eight of them were unrelated to parking, she noted.

During his public comments, Parr told the TAC members, “the [Beach Road] parking “does obstruct traffic,” and he invited them to come to Sunset Royale, sit on a condo balcony — especially on a weekend — and observe the issues that arise. People are inclined to fling open their vehicle doors without looking for approaching traffic, Parr said, and bicyclists veer into the traffic lanes, for example.

During his turn at the podium, D’Orsi explained that, with the park improvements under way much of last fall, people were unable to utilize the Beach Road spaces as regularly as they do now; that accounted for the low number of complaints Rodden cited from the Sheriff’s Office.

“There is a lot of nighttime activity there,” he said of the parking spaces, especially on Sunday nights, after the conclusion of the Drum Circle on Siesta Public Beach. If people were sitting in front of their homes “at 3 o’clock in the morning, playing the radio, [talking] and having a few drinks, it would disturb you,” he told the TAC members.

Only one member of the public asked the TAC to deny the petition. Skip Parrish reminded the council that the beach park predated the construction of Sunset Royale across the street, so anyone who bought a condo in the building should have known what to expect.

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Siesta Sand

JULY 2016

Siesta Key Round-Up The Chamber works in partnership with the Siesta Key Village Association and Visit Sarasota County to present the celebration and also receives generous community donations from local businesses, accommodations, and residents.

Donations of all levels are greatly appreciated. Sponsorship packages of $500 and above include parking passes and access to the preferred viewing and hospitality area. To make a donation, please visit siestakeychamber.com, or call the Chamber office at 941.349.3800.

Siesta No. 2 on Dr. Beach’s latest list

With all the attention Siesta Public Beach has received over the past week after Dr. Stephen Leatherman — Dr. Beach — named it No. 2 on his latest list of the top beaches in the U.S., SNL found one item rather curious: The formal press release issued about the winners noted that, as of this year, “extra credit is being awarded to [those] that prohibit smoking …”

941.349.0194

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Continued from page 6

As most Sarasota County residents know, Siesta won Dr. Beach’s top ranking in 2011 — and tourism in the county has boomed since then, especially on the Key. In 2011, Sarasota County prohibited smoking on public beaches. However, as a result of a December 2012 court decision involving the City of Sarasota, the County Commission learned it no longer would be able to enforce an ordinance that banned smoking outdoors on public property.

Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped enforcing the prohibition on Siesta’s beach, Sgt. Scott Osborne, then chief of the office’s Siesta substation, told SNL in January 2013. Even before legal counsel advised that the deputies no longer should write $100 citations if they saw someone lighting up, Osborne pointed out that officers’ practice had been to warn people that smoking was not allowed, and only on the rare occasion did a person fail to comply with the warning.

The Dec. 10, 2012 ruling by Judge Maryann Boehm of the 12th

Feeling Tropical

The summer heat is on…and Abel’s Ice Cream has the remedy! Stop by their cool, clean and inviting store for a tempting tropical treat that is sure to refresh.

Envision balmy breezes over the water with Abel’s Coconut Pineapple Ice Cream (Tropical Coconut ice cream with a delicious and chunky swirl of pineapple...a tropical paradise awaits!)

Or perhaps if a lighter, fruity taste whets your appetite, you can’t go wrong with their sorbet and sherbet. Key Lime Sherbet (Tart and Flavorful), Red Raspberry Sorbet (Rich & Radical - Non-Dairy), Tangerine Sorbet (Refreshing & Tangy - NonDairy), and Dreamsicle (The ultimate creamsicle treat, Sweet Vanilla ice cream & Zesty orange sherbet swirled together) will compete to be called your favorite.

No matter your flavor of choice, remember that after a dip in the ocean, Abel’s is the place to go for dipped waffle cones – plain chocolate, or with nuts or sprinkles.

Loads of summertime goodness in one convenient and tasty package.

Come on in and enjoy! Abel’s Ice Cream is located at 1886 Stickney Point Road, 921-5700. Learn more about Abel’s Ice Cream online at www.abelsicecream.com and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

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Judicial Circuit Court found that “prohibiting the use of tobacco products in non-designated areas of city parks … is unenforceable and in conflict with the state statute known as the ‘Clean Indoor Air Act.’” The purpose of that law, which was passed in 1985 but did not go into effect until 2003, according to the Florida Department of Health, “is to protect people from the health hazards of secondhand tobacco smoke ….”

A July 21, 2011 opinion issued by the Florida Attorney General’s Office in a case involving the St. Johns River Water Management District — provided to SNL in 2013 by the County Attorney’s Office — is one example of the opinions Boehm referenced. It says, “In sum: The Regulation of smoking is preempted to the state pursuant to [the Clean Indoor Air Act], and the … District may not adopt a policy prohibiting smoking or tobacco use that is broader than the terms of [that statute].”

On June 1, county spokesman Drew Winchester confirmed for SNL that the state law is still in effect.

The formal news release that went out this year with Dr. Beach’s Top 10 list also explained that because he was marking the 26th anniversary of his annual pronouncement, he had decided to begin anew, “so all beaches have a chance again of making the list.”

Previously — as Visit Sarasota County staff had pointed out — after a beach hit the No. 1 spot, it had to be “retired.”

With or without smokers, it is evident from Dr. Beach’s comments on his website that Siesta remains near and dear to his heart. The listing says, “With some of the finest, whitest sand in the world, this beach attracts sand collectors from all over. Siesta Beach has clear, warm waters ideal for swimming.

The beach is hundreds of yards wide in the shape of a crescent, due to anchoring of onshore rocks to the south. This beach is great for volleyball and other types of recreational fitness.”

The state tourism office, Visit Florida, also took the opportunity to promote Siesta and two other Florida beaches that made the 2016 list. The others were Grayton Beach

State Park in the Panhandle and Caladesi Island State Park in the Dunedin/Clearwater area.

Of Siesta, Visit Florida wrote on its website, “Dr. Beach declared this beautiful shoreline the best beach in the United States in 2011. … Clearly, he hasn’t forgotten his old favorite. And who could blame him?”

Beach concessions contract renewed

As part of its May 24 Consent Agenda of routine business items, the County Commission renewed its contract with Socially Responsible Real Estate Initiative Inc. (SREI) to operate the concessions at Siesta Public Beach through Aug. 31, 2021.

The agreement calls for SREI to “achieve gross annual sales of no less than $1,540,000. “The original contract — signed on March 29, 2011 — called for the firm to achieve gross annual sales of no less than 70 percent of $2,196,150 during the fifth year of the contract.

That original agreement also called for the company to pay the county $34,100 per month as the base compensation. Additionally, it was to pay 2.001 percent of gross annual sales up to and including $1 million; 3.5 percent of gross annual sales over $1 million, up to and including $2 million; and 5 percent of gross annual sales exceeding $2 million during any year that followed the completion of all the new upgrades at the beach park.

A staff memo provided to the board in advance of the unanimous vote on May 24 points out that the East Concession and West Concession have been renamed Siesta Sun Deck Concession and Siesta Sand Plaza Concession, respectively.

The agreement previously called for the East Concession to be open for only four hours a day, three days a week. “Due to anticipated increased demand for the new Sun Deck,” the memo continues, “the operating hours … were increased to a minimum of eight hours a day, with the possibility of staggering opening and closing times. The concession must be open no later than 9:30 A.M. and close no earlier than 5:30 P.M., seven days per week, 363 days per year.” The memo adds that the concession

is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The new agreement also allows SREI to operate one “Hair Wrap and Body Art vending booth” outside its concession area, in place of its mobile concession trailer.

County approval of any graphics and signage for that booth must be gained in advance of its opening, the agreement points out.

Help keep our Beach clean

After Memorial Day weekend, our beautiful beach environment was left in a terrible state, with overflowing garbage, litter and debris of every type.

There was outrage expressed by our Members and our Siesta Key community who care deeply about our home. The outrage has been channeled to action. Take action during what may be the worst period of the year for trash and debris ...July 4 weekend.

Great opportunity for Volunteers July 4 weekend. LIBERTY CLEANUP JULY 5 (SARASOTA COUNTY Keep Sarasota County Beautiful) http://foscp.org/news/ volunteer-liberty-litter-cleanupjuly-5.

SKA Volunteers needed. Please join forces with Volunteer Veronica Murphy, volunteer from Siesta Key. Help distribute Pick Up bags to families and group gatherings on the beach. Share the “pack it in, pack it out” message.

“We bought 900 bags to distribute, maybe 400 during Saturday and Sunday and 500 on July 4. 800 of these are biodegradable, if anyone asks and anyone can buy bags and distribute on their own as well. We need afternoon people, maybe those that can walk or ride bikes to access points from access 3 to the public beach. We are trying to look at the folks on the beach, see who may need a bag, remind the beach goers pails are at the top of the beach as they exit,” stated Veronica Murphy.

Contact Veronica Murphy at veronicamurphy615@gmail.com to volunteer for any period of time, walk some of the beach, sharing BAGS for cleanup. Encourage a culture of care for our beautiful #1 FOREVER Siesta Key Beach!

Continued on the next page

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941.349.0194

JULY 2016

Square 1 is home to Florida’s best burgers!

In 2008, restaurateurs Joanie Corneil and Bill Shumate opened a back-to-basics gourmet burger restaurant in Tampa called “Square 1” featuring fresh ingredients, top-quality proteins, and a little awesome for everyone.

Joanie and Bill partnered with Tampa businessman Ray Leich in 2010 to develop the SQ1 brand.

Together they have expanded to ten locations across West Central Florida, including two in the Sarasota area.

Square 1 hand presses every patty and then grills each burger to order. Whether indulging in Angus, Kobe, Buffalo, Lamb, Portobello Mushroom or Vegan— on the bun or beyond—Square 1 serves affordable luxury you can devour. There’s enough awesome for everyone.

Simple is savory, and their recipes reflect that. Ingredients are high quality and fresh. Their proteins come from the wide-open pastures of the west, and farms that raise livestock humanely— without hormones or antibiotics.

Square 1 is a full-dining, fullbar, sit-down gourmet burger restaurant. With a diverse array of over 25 gourmet burgers, you can easily mix and match ingredients to get the exact combo to fit any taste. Vegetarian, vegan

and gluten free options are also available.

Beyond the bun, Square 1 offers several entrees like Country-Fried Steak, Grilled Kobe Meatloaf, Sesame-Glazed Grilled Salmon, and Flash-seared SQ1 Sirloin.

With a full bar, Square 1 offers a variety of milkshakes, including the beloved “X-Rated Milkshakes” for adults of legal drinking age.

Several hand-crafted cocktails and select craft brews make SQ1 a place to relax with friends as much as a family-friendly dining establishment that even offers a doggie menu for four-legged pals on the outdoor patio.

Daily deals include a daily 3-45 Happy Hour everyday from 3 to 6pm and again from 9pm to close.

Enjoy $3 Draft Beer, Woo Hoo Fries® and Fried Green Beans;

Siesta Key Round-Up

South Siesta Renourishment Project assessments Although a public hearing before the County Commission had been advertised for June 8 regarding property assessments associated with the recently completed South Siesta Renourishment Project, staff asked that it be postponed, a note

$4 Select Wine, Fried Dill Pickle Chips and Edamame; $5 Mixed Drinks, SQ1 Awesome Chicken Wings and Spicy Egg Rolls!

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Square 1 also offers a 20% OFF discount to veterans and active duty personnel every day!

Follow Square 1 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and join the SQ1 eClub for exclusive deals, contests and all things awesome.

6240 S. Tamiami Trail 941-870-8111 Advertorial

Continued from the previous page

on the agenda said. Board Chair Al Maio remarked on that, as well, during the meeting that day.

No one had signed a card to address the matter, Maio added, before asking County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh whether the board needed to vote on a specific date for the future hearing.

Before DeMarsh could respond, County Administrator Tom Harmer pointed out that the public hearing would have to be re-advertised, so no commission vote was necessary.

In response to a SNL question about the June hearing, county spokesman Jason Bartolone explained in an email, “Staff are still finalizing the construction costs to get the most accurate number for the assessments, which led to the postponement.”

He added, “The hearing has been rescheduled for Aug. 23,”

noting that the board will be on its annual summer break from late July through early August.

Staff had provided a detailed accounting of the costs of the project that it had in hand in advance of the June 8 meeting, which put the total at $21,925,000. The document noted that the design expense was $725,237, with $19,121,738 for the construction, though an accompanying note indicated the latter was not the final figure. Another $2,078,025 was allocated to a variety of other expenses, including construction management, project management, legal issues and advertising.

The document in the agenda packet also pointed out that $7,952,130 came from Tourist Development Tax revenue set aside for beach restoration projects, while $430,000 was carried over from the previous renourishment.

Continued on page 13

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

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Siesta Sand

JULY 2016

941.349.0194

Junior Lifeguard Camp 2016 This year’s inspiring weeklong program involved twenty two participants aged 9-17 hands-on learning experiences and characterbuilding activities while they enjoy learning the fundamentals of lifeguarding. Six girls and one boy returned from last year along with fifteen new campers.

Professional Lifeguards Rick Hinkson and Chris Lender with the Sarasota County Beach Patrol

www.siestasand.net

By Trebor Brit

train participants in water safety, rescue techniques, rescue paddling, competitive lifeguard events, how to identify and treat marine life, CPR and first aid.

The $200 fee includes all the training, and a rash guard, t-shirt, bag and water bottle. To participate, all potential and returning campers had to attend a 30-minute try-out session at Arlington Park Pool and demonstrate their ability to swim

100-yards freestyle in 2-minutes 10 seconds, tread water for 5 minutes and retrieve an object from the bottom of the pool.

Junior Lifeguard Camp director, Rick Hinkson is hopeful a team from Siesta Beach may compete at this year’s USLA Southeast Regional State Junior Lifeguard Competition on July 9th in Hollywood, FL. For more details visit www.scgov.net

This year’s 2016 Junior Lifeguard Camp participants. Siesta Beach Lifeguard, Chris Lender (far L) and Siesta Beach Lifeguard and Camp Director, Rick Hinkson (far R) Twenty-two anxious junior lifeguards lay on the soft Siesta Beach sand in preparation for the “Beach Flags” speed race which is included in the Florida State Junior Lifeguard competition. On a go signal, competitors sprint down the beach and dive to retrieve small flags stuck in the sand. There are two less flags than the number of competitors thereby eliminating two participants after each race. They do this until one person is declared the winner

Junior lifeguards Isabela Burns and Grace Ourednick carry victim, Sage Lyons to shore during a simulated multiple lifeguard assisted rescue drill on stellar Siesta Beach

CUISINE OF NORTHEAST THAILAND

Three junior lifeguards are needed to get victim, Jacob Treese to shore during a simulated rescue drill. The assisting junior lifeguards are Michael Kent, Mark Kharab, and Aden Vilardi

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Sheriff’s Report

JULY 2016

May 17 - June 20, 2016

There were a total of 52 crimes reported on the Key between 5/17- 6/20/16

5/24/16 Grand Theft Public Beach A woman was sitting at a table under the old pavilion when a white male wearing a red shirt over his face ran by and took her purse off the table. The male ran to a four door white sedan that was being driven by a heavy set Hispanic male. The woman’s purse contained her passport, debit card, driver’s license, a men’s wedding ring ($200), a woman’s wedding ring ($1000) and $400 worth of other jewelry.

The woman’s passport, license and debit card were later recovered on the side of the roadway in the 5700 block of Midnight Pass. These were checked for fingerprints with negative results.

5/25/17 Stolen Vehicle 5200 Block Ocean Blvd A man who had dined at a Village nightclub reported his motorcycle stolen after he left it in a parking space in front of the club. The man stated that after he had eaten, he decided to leave the bike in the parking lot while he left the bar for a couple of hours. When he returned, it was gone. The man contacted the club and the towing company responsible for the lot.

Neither had towed his bike. There are no liens on the bike and it was not impounded. The bike was a Suzuki, valued at $2000.

5/25/16 Simple Battery (Domestic) 6200 Block Midnight Pass Rd A woman was arrested for battery after a domestic argument turned physical. The couple had been in an arguing match over whether they would stay at the mall or go to the beach. According to the victim, during the argument the woman started pushing the victim. She then grabbed his arm and scratched him. He stated that the defendant does have a temper but he did not wish for anything to be done about it even though he had sustained bruising and scratch marks on his bicep and forearm.

The defendant stated that the victim had grabbed her hair and

she had tried to push him away. It was after this that they separated and called the Sheriff’s Office.

The victim had no signs of injury on her person. She was placed under arrest and transported to jail without incident and was very cooperative.

5/28/16 Burglary, Criminal Mischief 5000 Block Higel Ave. A woman reported that sometime between 6/18/16 and 6/20/16, an unknown suspect entered her home and stole a digital camera off her desk. She reported no other items appeared to have been stolen. Her home was unlocked and there was no forced entry. She stated that during the same timeframe, she believes the same unknown subject(s) cut and damaged the rear bumper and rear corner panel of her 1989 Winnebago. That damage was estimated at $430.

5/30/16 Theft Public Beach A man who left his beach bag unattended for approximately one hour while swimming, returned to find the bag stolen. The bag contained his car keys, house keys and cellphone. There were large crowds in the area. However, no witnesses or suspect descriptions could be obtained.

6/9/16 Stolen Vehicle 1200 Block Old Stickney Pt. Rd An employee of a transportation company hired to move a boat reported the boat ($20,000) and the trailer ($20,000) stolen. The driver reported he had arrived and parked the boat across from the

marina and double locked the 27” Grady White Sailfish in order to attend another appointment.

When he returned, the boat and trailer were gone. Upon review of footage obtained from two nearby businesses, a large white truck with gold trim was seen going up and down the street that resembled a truck that had recently been stolen from a residential area just over the south bridge. The BOLO was updated to reflect the stolen boat/ trailer was possibly being towed by the stolen Ford F250 truck and could possibly have a stolen tag affixed that has not yet been reported missing.

6/13/16 Burglary Vehicle, Petit Theft From Auto 200 Block Beach Rd A couple parked their car at Access 5, put their personal belongings into their beach bags and walked out to the beach. After leaving their bags unattended, they were stolen. The bags contained two sets of car keys and two cell phones. When the couple returned to their car, they discovered an unknown suspect had entered their vehicle and stolen a bottle of prescription drugs and a written prescription from the center console. The suspect left the car unlocked and left the area. There were no witnesses, however 2 sets of fingerprints were obtained from the driver’s door.

6/13/16 Petit Theft 1200 Old Stickney Pt. Rd A woman reported her purse stolen from a restaurant where she was socializing with friends.

The victim works at the club next door and came over after her shift ended. She noted that she left her purse on a chair in the bar area when she went to dance and to use the restroom. The purse was gone upon her return. The purse contained her iPhone6, license and insurance card. The woman noted that she keeps her cash and credit cards separate from the purse.

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

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Siesta Sand

JULY 2016

941.349.0194

A Dynasty of Pizza Makers Philip Solorzano is the owner of Solorzano’s Pizzeria Siesta Key and Solorzano’s Late Night Pizzeria in Gulf Gate. An energetic young guy, he and his brother, Carlos, share a passion for pizza. Their grandfather was a pizza man, and so was their father and most of their uncles and cousins. Phil shrugs, “It’s just what we do.”

Nobody makes pizza like Solorzano’s, and their culinary artistry has been honored by the pros. In 2016, Trip Advisor named Solorzano’s Pizzeria #1 in all of Sarasota County—singled out from more than 50 local pizzerias!

If that’s not enough, Trip Advisor also named Phil’s Gulf Gate location as the #2 restaurant out of ALL restaurants in Sarasota County, including the fanciest ones in town!

Phil’s culinary offerings are both authentic and superb! He doesn’t just make pizza: he also offers classic pasta entrees such as baked stuffed shells and homemade meat lasagna.

A display case is filled with cakes, cannolis, and other opulent sweets. Besides soft drinks, wine, beer, espresso, and cappuccino are also on the menu.

Phil was born with a golden pizza cutter clutched in his tiny hand.

His grandfather, Filippo Centrella founded the dynasty when he and his wife, Lina, moved from a small town outside of Naples, Italy, to faraway New Jersey. They settled in Union City, took over an existing pizzeria named Sole’s, and became immersed in raising four children. Before long, the Centrellas sold that first shop and opened Presto Pizza in West New York.

In 1977, brother Vincienzo took over Presto’s, and Filippo moved on to open a pizzeria on Washington Street in Hoboken, naming it after himself. A young man named Carlos Solorzano joined the team and helped make this first Filippo’s a grand success.

Romance bloomed among the mushrooms and tomatoes.

Carlos Solorzano married Franca, the Centrella’s eldest daughter. Before long, sons

Philip and Carlos Jr. were ushered into the world.

Franca stayed home with the boys while her husband opened Filippo’s II in 1985 on the very same street in Hoboken as the original, paying homage to her father who had started it all.

Before long, Filippo’s III and IV came into being, all owned and operated by Carlos Sr. By 1995, Carlos Sr. and Franca had sold all three Filippo pizzerias, and focused their efforts on one single business.

Their sons were now old enough to help. Together, the family opened Filippo’s Pizza Café at the corner of First Street and Willow Avenue in Hoboken.

In April of 2003, Philip— now a young entrepreneurial pizza man—went on vacation to Sarasota. It was his first visit to our town, and he fell in love with both the area and the people. He quickly came to the conclusion that Sarasota offered the perfect opportunity to relocate the family business.

Six months later, the entire family escaped the rigors of New Jersey, and moved to Sarasota. They joined forces to open Solorzano’s Ristorante in Gulf Gate, and today this finedining restaurant is still going strong. It stays open four nights a week for dinner only, with Carlos Sr. doing the cooking and Franca serving.

By 2007 the two sons were ready to branch out. Philip was offered a fabulous opportunity to open up his own pizzeria on Siesta Key. He asked his brother Carlos Jr. to join him, and Solorzano Bros. Pizzeria was born.

Initially business was slower than hoped because they were located on a side street (215 Avenida Madera) and not on the main drag (Ocean Blvd.)

Phil tried distributing handouts on the main drag to draw people to their offbeat location. “Can’t do that,” said the Sarasota Police. It seems it was illegal to solicit on Siesta Key. Being an Italian from New Jersey, Phil did not take kindly to the word ‘NO!” He opened a tiny smoke shop on Ocean Blvd. specifically so that someone could legally stand in the

By Diana Colson doorway and hand out flyers to direct customers to their nearby pizzeria. It worked like a charm, and people came pouring in. The smoke shop itself turned into a lucrative business. When the landlord demanded a dramatic increase in rent, Phil simply closed the smoke shop. They now had plenty of customers at the pizzeria.

After a few successful years on Siesta Key, the brothers opened yet another place at the corner of Beneva and Webber, calling it Solorzano Bros. OldFashioned Pizza. Eventually they decided to divide up the shops in order to focus more time and effort on each location.

Today Carlos Jr. runs the shop at 3604 Webber St., while Philip runs the Siesta Key location. In 2015, Phil expanded and opened the Gulf Gate location.

Both of Phil’s restaurants seat 30 people in a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. The settings are colorful and charming with excellent air conditioning, big television sets, and a huge collection of recent and historic family photographs. Included are photos of Phil’s girlfriend and their adorable son, Filippo, age 9 months.

The biggest photo on the wall, however, is a giant blowup of Phil’s grandfather, Filippo — first in their dynasty of pizza makers. Nearby hangs a sign reading: MOB PARKING ONLY – ALL OTHER VEHICLES WILL SLEEP WITH THE FISHES. Both of Phil’s Pizzerias are open 7-days-a-week to 4 a.m., and delivery is offered.

Phil also runs a nearby Hookah Lounge which—in addition to a full bar— serves 80 flavors of tobacco. The setting is pure Miami-Vice, with white leather couches and drapes, and lights which dramatically change the colors of the room.

Solorzano’s Pizzeria, Siesta Key location

4th generation of jersey pizza makers, Filippo

Solorzano’s Pizzeria Siesta Key: 941.349-2767.

Solorzano’s Late Night Pizzeria in Gulf Gate: 941.924.5800.

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Siesta Key Round-Up A staff memo provided to the board with the agenda packet noted that the total cost of the first renourishment, which was completed in 2007, was $11,349,490.64. The primary reason the cost nearly doubled in nine years was “high demand for dredging services post-Hurricane Sandy,” the memo said.

However, the percentage of the total cost of the second renourishment that will be funded through property assessments “is expected to decrease slightly due to available funding from other sources,” the memo added.

The cost detail sheet showed the “total number of living units on properties and vacant properties with direct beach shoreline frontage” in the area to be assessed is 395.

The assessments are planned to start in the 2017 tax year, the memo notes. A seven-year amortization period is planned, with a 3.25-percent annual interest rate, the memo says, though it points out, “A property owner may pay the assessed cost in full at any time.”

The assessments for the previous renourishment ended with the 2014 tax year, the memo says.

On June 13, less than a week after the County Commission postponed the public hearing, board members gathered at the beach to celebrate the recently completed project.

It added more than 1 million tons of sand to about 2 miles of shoreline; the sand was dredged from three areas located seven to 10 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, a county news release said.

“Renourishment projects like this one help protect our community from the threat of coastal erosion,” said commission Chair Alan Maio in the news release. “Our board has made a major commitment to funding renourishment projects that will preserve the beaches that make our community so special.”

In lieu of a ribbon cutting, the event featured a ceremonial tossing of sand.

Seagrass mitigation plan expected in late June The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is finalizing the seagrass mitigation plan required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for the permit application the

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Continued from page 9

USACE and the City of Sarasota filed in March 2015 for the proposed $19-million Lido Key Renourishment Project, SNL has learned.

Lt. Col. Susan J. Jackson (U.S. Army Reserve) told the SNL in late May that the USACE manager for the project, Brandon Burch, reported to her that the team was preparing to submit its responses to FDEP by mid-June. However, SNL learned on June 15 that the timeline had been pushed back, probably to late June.

That was the latest word from FDEP, spokeswoman Dee Ann Miller told the SNL. The seagrass mitigation plan is one of the last elements of the FDEP application process the USACE and the City of Sarasota must complete in an effort to obtain FDEP permits. In March, the FDEP’s manager overseeing that process — Greg Garis — issued a six-month extension to the USACE to complete “a suitable seagrass mitigation plan,” as Michelle R. Pfeiffer, senior project manager with CB&I Coastal Planning & Engineering Inc. in Boca Raton, characterized it in a March 16 email she wrote to Garis. CB&I is a consulting firm working with the USACE on the Lido initiative. The extension will end on Sept.16.

Additionally, Jackson wrote in a May 26 email to SNL, “[A]n [Environmental Impact Statement] is unlikely since we correctly conducted the [National Environmental Policy Act] process.”

Save Our Siesta Sand 2 (SOSS2), a nonprofit organization based on Siesta Key, long has called for the USACE to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that would include a thorough assessment of any potential effects of the planned dredging of Big Sarasota Pass for the Lido project — as well as any other impacts on native habitat and wildlife.

On behalf of the Siesta Key Association (SKA), Robert Luckner, a member of that nonprofit group’s Environmental Committee, also asked the Sarasota County Commission during its March 23 meeting to request an EIS. The SKA and SOSS2 representatives have pointed out that Big Pass never has been dredged, and past studies have shown that its ebb shoal is a critical factor both in maintaining the stability of the beach on Siesta Key and as protection for the island

during major storms or a hurricane.

Jackson also told SNL recently that the former manager of the Lido project for the USACE, Milan Mora, was promoted several months ago to chief of the Water Resources Section.

SKA board still working out details of pilot trash collection program at Access 7 For quite some time, members of the Siesta Key Association (SKA) have been working on a means of encouraging people to throw away garbage they accumulate on Siesta Public Beach. Board member Joe Volpe told SNL this week that the organization is very close to getting the necessary Sarasota County

Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department approval for a trial program at Beach Access 7.

During the June 2 SKA meeting, Volpe showed the approximately 110 people present a type of metal container for plastic trash bags that he had found through his research; it seems to be sturdy enough to withstand the Gulf-side environment — and it easily can be attached to a post.

If the structure looked familiar, he added, that was because it is

the same type of holder used for produce bags in grocery stores.

In December 2015, the SKA board announced it was at work on a proposal for a dispenser of plastic bags that could be erected at the beach accesses; people could grab bags as they headed toward the Gulf, put all their trash in the bags during their shoreline outing and then throw away the bags at the end of their visit.

Continued on page 30

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Snapshots of Island Visitors A Taste of Germany

By Trebor Britt EVEN MERMAIDS LOVE SIESTA BEACH Deanna Everhardt (26) from Tampa posing for photographer, Darryl Wilson of Ruskin on Siesta Key’s Sunset Beach recently.

Everhardt said she’s really, really obsessed with mermaids and this was an opportunity for her to get in front of the camera.

A photographer herself, Everhart and Wilson collaborate on many personal photo projects as well as weddings and portraiture work.

A Taste of Germany is the homey little bakery and café located adjacent to the Post Office in the Southbridge Mall on Siesta Key. The Hofmann family has been running A Taste of Germany for almost six years now. What began as a small bakery next to Big Olaf on the north side of the key quickly expanded to the point that more space was required.

Tanja Hofmann and her husband, Manuel, run the place with help from their charismatic son, Robin, a 22-year-old man who looks to be about 17 but speaks with the confidence and wisdom of a man in his 40s. Robin moved to America from Frankfurt to help out with the family business about four years ago. He sounds as American as apple pie until he casually and affectionately begins conversing with his mother in fluid and fluent German.

Back in Frankfurt, Tanja was a master pastry chef and her prowess is displayed in all its glory in the full bakery cases: row upon row of decadent liquor cakes. The most popular cakes are the rum cakes that utilize Siesta Key Rum. There’s half a bottle of alcohol in each cake, Robin tells me, which means that when one of the cakes is shipped it can last in its container as long as two months. In the bakery there is an assortment of imported German goodies for sale and there’s evidence in some of the trinkets available that the Hofmanns don’t believe in waste. The empty Siesta Key Rum bottles have been repurposed as containers of poppy seeds, and the small cans that once held German beer have been transformed into candle holders. Besides the wide variety of Siesta Key Rum Cakes there are also Raspberry Vodka Cakes, Honey Apple Brandy Cakes, Jim Beam Apple Cakes, and Fireball Whiskey Cakes. Where does Tanja draw her inspiration? Robin jokes that whenever he goes out for a drink with his friends his mom gets an idea for a new flavor.

The Hofmanns work closely with Troy Roberts over at Siesta Key Rum and they also work with local German meat market Geier’s Sausage Kitchen as they believe in collaborating with other local businesses. The restaurant smells the way one would expect a

www.siestasand.net

By Kaye Warr

Tanja and Manuel Hofmann, and their son Robin, owners of A Taste of Germany.

(Photo by Debbie Flessner)

All breads are made fresh daily onsite

A Taste of Germany offers outdoor, as well as indoor, seating for breakfast and lunch. (Photo by Debbie Flessner)

German bakery and café to smell: The enticing aromas of fresh baked German bread and expertly cooked bratwurst combine with the pungent spice of fresh sauerkraut and red cabbage. I’m unable to resist the scent and find myself devouring a brat with perfectly crisped skin and a side of cabbage that is the same deep, muted red as a glass of good

German pinot noir—next I have my eye on a slice of Siesta Key Toasted Coconut Rum Cake. As the Hofmanns would say: Guten appetit!

Courtesy/Spring Edition Edible Sarasota Magazine 6575 Midnight Pass Rd. 941-346-1800 www.ATasteofGermany.net

www.siestasand.net

Off Key

941.349.0194

JULY 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

15

By Robert Frederickson

Rocket Fueled Spin Control When a Space X Falcon 9 rocket test landing fell woefully short of expectations recently, company CEO Elon Musk went into full fledged spin control, calling the landing “a rapid unscheduled disassembly.”

In other words, it crashed.

175 mile an Hour Winds Coming to Tampa Bay Area?

No, we’re not talking about a hurricane, but rather a new area attraction called ‘iFLY’ that lets patrons experience the thrills of skydiving without the inconvenience of actually jumping out of an airplane. Massive fans will suspend ‘jumpers’ in place to simulate the sensation of an actual jump.

The experience can be yours starting later this year when iFLY opens in Brandon (or sooner depending on how hurricane season unfolds).

Efficiency in Government Sarasota City Commissioner Susan Chapman’s legal expenses in her battle over an alleged Sunshine Law violation have reportedly topped $347,000. That’s over $6.50 for every man, woman and child in Sarasota. Now if this were you, would you maybe have considered settling this thing before your bill got to this lofty level?

But such are the un-tethered heights of absurdity that can be reached when spending other people’s money.

Rothenbach park in Sarasota features the type of sign many say should have been in place at the Disney Resort where a toddler was fatally attacked recently.

one at Disney World that took the life of a two-year-old wading in shallow water recently. Of course, the cost to any potential victim and their family would be far greater, but that doesn’t mean the county shouldn’t consider its exposure as well. Certainly, Disney probably wishes it had a do-over right about now considering its current plight.

I seem to recall there once being signs warning of gators in the area back many year ago when the place was still known as North Metro Park. But I haven’t seen them lately, despite still occasionally see gators in the lake, or on the banks, especially on cold winter mornings. Signs are visible at other county parks, notably Rothenbach Park at the eastern end of Bee Ridge Road, where there are at least three or four such postings around a much smaller body of water.

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It’s a good thing Dr. Stephen Leatherman (a.k.a. Dr. Beach) didn’t visit Siesta Key Beach in the immediate aftermath of the Memorial Day Weekend. The view might have given him pause over his recent glowing evaluations of the place. Over 22,000 visitors to the park over the three-day holiday weekend left the place totally trashed, looking more like a landfill than the crown jewel of the county’s park system.

Which makes one wonder, why do we even have litter laws? When was the last time you actually saw or heard of one being enforced?

By Trebor Britt

Just wondering if in light of Disney’s recent experience, county parks officials may be considering signs warning of ‘Gators in the Area” in and around Benderson Lake, home of the area’s new ‘world class’ rowing facility.

‘World Class’ would also likely describe the level of negative publicity the area would receive if a paddle boarder, rower or angler fishing from shore ever experienced a gator attack like the

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Siesta Sand

JULY 2016

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News Up & Down the Trail Property values top $50 billion Property values across the county have now topped $50 billion overall for the first time since the economy plunged into the Recession. Preliminary figures from the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office show the total county property value is up 7.78 percent from 2015.

The total estimated value of property in the county is $50,143,139,495, compared to $46,522,880,939 in 2015, the figures show. The latest number is up slightly less than $10 billion since July 1, 2013, when the value was $40,755,531,807.

A major source of the rising valuation was new construction in North Port, with 791 new homes built there. While the total taxable property value is still well below the peak of the real estate boom, it marks the third straight year of strong increases that ultimately give local governments more money to work with even if they don’t raise property tax rates for next year.

North Port values grew nearly 13 percent, driven by more than $143 million in value added to municipal tax rolls through new construction in 2015, according to the data. In the city of Sarasota, preliminary numbers show the tax values rose 7.83 percent.

Values in the city of Venice grew about 8.7 percent.

For our island visitors Colin brings a soaking The winds and heavy rains from Tropical Storm Colin were felt in Sarasota. But the storm passed well offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, bringing no major damage to the Sarasota area as the storm moved toward landfall in north Florida on June 6.

This year’s third named tropical storm delivered intermittently heavy rainfall. Many parts of Sarasota and Manatee received more than two inches of rain as the storm passed, and a total of ten inches of rain total in the immediate days before and after.

The National Weather Service recorded wind gusts of 57 mph in Bradenton Beach and 60 mph in Venice. There were sustained winds of 44 mph in Venice, where more than 2,000 people were without power at one point. AccuWeather reported a water spout off Lee County late Monday afternoon, but said tornado warnings produced no funnel clouds.

Florida Power & Light worked to restore power to more than 13,000 customers in Sarasota

County and 5,300 in Manatee County. Most of those customers had power within a day.

Tropical Storm Colin also caused some beach erosion. The storm caused anywhere from 5 to 10 feet of beach erosion at Casey Key and Manasota Key, Sarasota County reported.

Most of the South Siesta Beach nourishment project was not significantly impacted, the county reported. But about 50 feet of sand was lost at the southern end of the project area near 9230 Blind Pass Road. Beachfront flooding occurred on northern Siesta Key, causing sand to be deposited on Beach Road. Coastal flooding occurred on Siesta Key Public Beach.

As the storm churned, Gov. Rick Scott canceled his trip June 6 to New York to meet with presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump so instead he could monitor storm Colin and its path.

Tribute vigil held in Sarasota Here in downtown Sarasota, more than 130 miles from Orlando, a candlelight vigil was held June 13. In Five Points Park, about 1,5000 community members attended the “Hate Will Not Win” vigil for the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooing.

Residents stood shoulder to shoulder and many held hands to pay tribute to the victims and show support for their families.

Leaders with local LGBT organizations responded quickly with the event “Hate Will Not Win: Candlelight Vigil in SRQ for Orlando” organized on Facebook for Monday evening at Five Points Park. The event was hosted by the Harvey Milk Festival, which worked with the Sarasota Police Department, the City of Sarasota Government and the Sarasota County Government in planning the event.

On June 12, tragedy struck when 29-year-old Omar Mateen killed 49 people inside the popular Pulse nightclub in Orlando. Early Sunday the gunman opened fire on patrons at the nightclub, a popular bar for members in the LGBT community in Orlando.

A total of 49 victims were killed and another 53 injured making it the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. Sarasota resident Edward “Eddie” Sotomayor Jr. was the first victim identified by the city of Orlando following the attack.

Planning board OK’s gulf gate development A developer’s plan to build 109 homes on the grounds of a Sarasota golf course just cleared

www.siestasand.net

By Roger Drouin a major hurdle. On May 6, the Sarasota County Planning Commission approved the development in the Gulf Gate community.

The project is slated to appear before the County Commission for a vote in July. A group of Gulf Gate residents has opposed the development proposed by Medallion Home.

Following the planning commission approval, developer and U.S. Senate candidate Carlos Beruff’s firm closed on the sale of the former Gulf Gate Golf Course. Medallion seeks to have the golf course’s 49 acres rezoned to allow 2.23 units per acre, up from the current allowable density of 0.5 units per acre.

Residences would resemble the homes Medallion built at Riva Trace, on Honore Avenue.

Discussions with Braves continue Talks between the Atlanta Braves and county officials to bring the Braves to North Port are going into late innings.

The Atlanta Braves have hired design and construction consultants to help firm up plans for a proposed new spring training facility in North Port, as reported by the Herald-Tribune.

But neither the team nor the county are yet ready to consider a formal deal to bring the team to a planned development at the West Villages commercial district near U.S. 41 and River Road, according to a letter from Braves vice chairman John Schuerholz to Sarasota County Administrator Tom Harmer that was sent June 9.

The team has been negotiating with Sarasota and Palm Beach county leaders since March.

Like all professional sports team negotiations, the discussions come down to dialogue and discussion regarding the proposed financial terms of any potential deal — including the proposed cost of the facility. A new stadium is unlikely to open until the 2019 season, a year later than planned, Schuerholz noted.

“While we have made a lot of progress to date, all parties have recognized that, among other issues, there remains the need for continued dialogue and discussion regarding the proposed financial terms of any potential deal including the proposed cost of the facility,” Schuerholz wrote in the letter to the county. “To that end, we have retained design and construction consultants to assist us and the local landowner team in further refining the scope and cost of a potential spring training facility.”

Willie Shaw again appointed as mayor Willie Shaw will serve a third consecutive term as Sarasota’s mayor and Shelli Freeland Eddie was appointed vice mayor on May 27.

City commissioners appoint a commissioner to the ceremonial post of mayor and vice mayor at an annual meeting.

Shaw represents District 1 in the city. Freeland Eddie represents District 3. The action on May 27 was the first time in

the city’s 100-plus-year history that two minorities were elected to serve as mayor and vice mayor at the same time, City Manager Tom Barwin pointed out later that day in his weekly email newsletter. Furthermore, Barwin wrote, “Since 1945, this is just the fourth time a Commissioner has been selected to serve as mayor three consecutive years.”

New College Professor enters race One of the region’s top political experts has entered the political fray himself. Frank Alcock, a professor at New College of Florida, announced in May he would run as a Democrat for state Senate in District 23. Alcock is a regular commentator in the media about the state of local races.

The most attention on the race so far has been on the Republican primary, where a crowded field of experienced professionals will campaign. The field includes state Reps. Ray Pilon and Greg Steube, former state Rep. Doug Holder, former Sarasota County Commissioner Nora Patterson and Potomac Financial President and CEO Rick Levine.

In the Democratic primary, Frank Cirillo, a recent Economic and Political Science graduate of the University of South Florida who just moved back to Sarasota, also has filed for the seat. Cirillo will run on environmental issues like banning fracking. The primary election is scheduled for August 30. Winners of the party primaries will face off in the general election, scheduled for November 8.

Payne Park townhomes pitched Houston-based homebuilder David Weekley Homes filed a preliminary application with city staff for a townhome project for property on School Avenue, close to Payne Park just outside downtown.

The property was the site of a controversial mixed-use development that drew the ire of many nearby residents. That project would have resulted in residential units, office space, a hotel, and retail.

However, scaled down plans now call for 133 single-family townhouses on 8.7-acres, the portion of land David Weekley Homes is contracted to purchase.

In addition to removing the commercial and office space, that proposal includes more than 100 fewer homes than originally envisioned. The homes will be three and four stories tall, and each home will have a two-car garage. The size of the homes ranges between 2,000 and 2,650 square feet. According to documents filed with the city, David Weekley Homes listed itself as the contract purchaser of the property at 301, 325 and 601 S. School Ave.

Wawa opens, Sarasota’s first Sarasota County’s first Wawa store opened June 9 at 3703 N. Washington Blvd., at the intersection of Myrtle Street.

Sarasota Vice Mayor Shelli

Freeland Eddie and County Commissioner Carolyn Mason welcomed the store to the community.

The popular Pennsylvaniabased chain is known for its cheap gas and sandwich shopstyle food counter.

Wawa debuted in Southwest Florida with a store at 701 1st St. E. in Bradenton in December 2014.

Since then, its convenience stores have spread rapidly throughout the state. Two more have opened in Manatee County, and Venice is expected to see its first this fall at U.S. 41 and Englewood Road.

Overall, the store plans to open several locations in the Sarasota area in the next five years.

Grand Opening Angelo’s Italian Restaurant, located at 6115 Tamiami Trail, will be holding a Grand Opening celebration with a party on Sunday, July 10 from 4 to 8 p.m.

Enjoy some Happy Hour drinks along with some FREE sample bites prepared by Angelo and his staff. Angelo is no stranger to the Sarasota restaurant scene, having worked at Café Gabbiano on Siesta Key, and Chianti before opening his own restaurant.

His new restaurant is already garnering rave reviews since it’s opening in April.

“Last night my wife and I came into Angelo’s unplanned. Man were we lucky we did! Our first interaction was with Angelo himself opening up the door and greeting us.

We were amazed with how well the place looked on the inside. We were hesitant to stay and eat because we assumed the price was going to be a lot more than we had planned on.

Once we got the menu, we saw the prices were very reasonable, once we tasted the food we felt like the prices were a bargain! This place was full of people who appear to eat there very frequently. Nobody had anything but amazing things to say about Angelo or his food. Angelo was circulating around the dining area and making sure everyone was not only satisfied, but also felt like part of his family. The meal was ended

by Angelo serving limoncello made from scratch. This was zomething I had never tried, but quickly fell in love with it. Angelo made sure I was introduced to it adequately! I cannot wait to go back! The food, atmosphere, drinks, and price were all great. Thank you Angelo for your food and hospitality,” said Ryan R. from Sarasota (Yelp review from June 15, 2016).

For more information, call 941312-4747.

News from Alpine Steakhouse Alpine Steakhouse announced the new “Join our VIP Mobile Club”. You will receive mobile coupons, special updates, exclusive rewards and VIP offers. Simply text “ALPINE”; To: “7000”.

Alpine Steakhouse, established in 1975, is Sarasota’s only oldfashioned butcher shop and restaurant under one roof. If you’re looking for those hardto-find cuts of meat, give them a call. The store/restaurant is located at 4520 Tamiami Trail: 941-922-3797.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JULY 2016

Alkalizing foods, balancing the human body After celebrating her one year anniversary with her loyal customers, Marina Sommers, the founder and manager of the Nutritious You Shop, would like to share what offerings her store may have for you.

First, a little history on the Nutritious You shop. Eight years ago, when Marina and her family moved to the beautiful island of Siesta Key she had a huge misconception about health and nutrition. She thought, as long as you are not gaining weight, you are healthy, even if you are eating cookies every day. Her neighbor, at that time, introduced her to the concept of alkaline-acid balance and it changed her life.

It turns out, all of the subjects and substances in the world have their own alkaline-acid balance. Each of our organs has its own balance too. The highest alkaline levels are in our blood and range between 7.35-7.45 pH while the stomach is most acidic (1.5 - 3.5 pH). The human body as a whole has about 7.45 pH alkalinity in a healthy state. How do we achieve it?

We achieve it by consuming 70-80% alkalizing foods. After all, you are what you eat. What you consume, you become.

Let’s look at the popular food items in the American Standard Diet (SAD): coffee, muffins, treats/desserts, pasta, cheese, pizza, meat, and alcohol. All these foods are on the far end of the acidifying spectrum. When we eat mostly acidic foods, our body gets off balance. Often this compounds over many years. This chronic imbalance creates a silent

chronic inflammation in a human body that becomes a disease later in life. To add to this grim picture, stress and metabolic processes in human body and environmental pollution are also acidic and need to be balanced.

The good news is we can fix it by increasing the amount of alkalizing foods we consume to 7080% per meal. Those are veggies, fruits, soaked nuts and seeds, freshly squeezed juices, and many other plant-based ingredients.

The Nutritious You Shop provides just that.

It offers locals and visitors an easy way to grab and go with alkalizing nutrient-dense food.

Take out options are fast and easy to eat on the go. Try it and don’t forget to leave a review on Trip Advisor, Yelp, or Happy Cow. Nutritious You products are raw, vegan, organic, and gluten free. They are also white sugar, white flour free so you can finally enjoy desserts with no guilt!

The shop also has bulk options available and the team can help you with ideas on how you can stock up your fridge for a week or longer.

Our online ordering system is available now too, 24/7. Place your order any time and pick up at your convenience: http://www. nutritiousyou.com/order-online-now/ You can also call: 941-203-5203.

The store hours are: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm except Sunday, located at 6583 Midnight Pass Rd on Siesta Key. (Advertorial)

Discover Gulf Gate

With our map, located on page 20, you’ll be able to navigate your way to our featured shops with ease. Oh Mamma Mia! (GG-4) Offers a truly unique dining experience with dinner shows by Chef Giuseppe Urbano. Enjoy the family ambiance as you watch him prepare an authentic Italian regional dish with fresh ingredients just for you. Fine dining, great atmosphere at casual dining prices. Reservations highly recommended.

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 Piccolos Italian Market & Deli (G-47) - Chicago style Hot Dogs wit’ the works... carries a full line of imported cheeses, fresh dragged through the garden on poppy baked bread daily, homemade sausages, seed buns with fresh cut fries, Italian Beef fresh mozzarella, and numerous hard to Sandwiches anyway you like, dipped get items. They now carry Khorasan Wheat or dry, sweet or hot. All served in true which is an ancient and organic grain. Authentic Chicago Style.

Continued on page 20 Their deli is complete with huge hot and

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Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Summertime skincare; seasons change and so did I...

…or at least our skin does.

Actually, it is constantly changing depending on the weather, different stresses and modifications in diet or our body’s internal environment i.e. (emotions; illness or health).

Having a regular routine is great but changing it up to meet these varying needs is even better.

An adjustment in the product type is one way to adapt to climate fluctuations and its effects on your skin’s appearance. For example; you’d typically use a lightweight moisturizer in the summer when the humidity means less need for the creamier lotion. In addition, you may also need to exfoliate a bit more in the summer as we tend to sweat more and outdoor activities can lend themselves to more dirt and oil on the face and hands.

The one constant, though, is our desire for healthier, younger-looking complexions.

Pampering her clients with extraordinary facials is one way Connie Lewis at Massage Experience, Siesta Key offers her clients the opportunity for more consistency in maintaining healthy, vibrant skin yearround. Younger looking skin and healthy all-year-long skin care routines can be easy and long lasting.

The best in anti-aging facials is Connie’s Non-Surgical Facelift Facial. It is a machine based treatment that’s painless and actually induces relaxation during the treatment. It leaves you looking vibrant, youthful and dewy-complexioned. This very luxurious, pampering, results-driven facial actually lifts, tones and tightens the muscles of the face. The collagen is stimulated and the results are immediately visible. The greatest effects are seen after just one session. If you’ve received facial injections, this treatment will help maintain your lift in between.

This non-surgical facelift machine works using a radio frequency discovered by Dr. Ray Baker, who owns the company that manufactures the machine. He originally invented the machine to help people with Bells Palsy maintain balance in their facial muscles. Years later he realized how many others would love the anti-aging benefits.

Pevonia Botanica launched two new products last month, both of which are

17

included in any of Connie’s facials.

Youth Renew Tinted cream SPF 30 evens out and protects your face from the sun’s harmful rays; blending uneven skin tones to an even, beautiful base utilizing antiaging enzymes and brighteners.

LipRenew Plump and De-age Volumizer instantly plumps, moisturizes and nourishes lips.

Both are must trys!

Massage Experience, Siesta Key, est. 1996, is the island’s only boutique day spa. The spa offers the area’s only micro-current, anti-aging facial treatment described earlier along with a wide array of facial treatments and massages by the area’s most experienced therapists. Everyone on staff has a minimum of 10 years of experience and specialties include: pre-natal, neuro-muscular, hot stone and pampering Swedish massages that will leave you feeling and looking great.

No matter what type of facial you choose, you can expect a thorough yet very gentle enzyme fruit peel. This Pevonia Botanica product called Enzymo Spherides peeling cream uses the powerful ingredients found in nature. Pineapple and Papaya enzymes combined with essential oils of lemon and arnica. The results are stunning. A brighter, cleaner complexion is revealed after just this first step. After a thorough cleansing, toning, and facial examination to identify any special areas of concern, a highly concentrated serum and mask is applied. Head, neck and shoulder massage is routine. Some treatments include a full body massage during the time the mask is setting. Extractions are included if needed.

Immediate visible results are guaranteed.

Educating her clients is a top priority for Connie Lewis LMT/Aesthetician Spa Director. You will not only leave with a brighter, healthier complexion but with tools and products to maintain your glowing appearance at home.

Massage Experience, 5138A Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key (MA Lic#1596 / MM Lic#6727) is conveniently located in the Davidson Plaza in the Village and is open 6-days-a-week year round, and 7-days-a-week in season.

Appointments may be made online at www.MassageExperienceSK.com or by calling 941-349-4833. (Advertorial)

18

Siesta Sand

JULY 2016

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Massage Experience, Siesta Key celebrates 20 years Massage Experience, Siesta Key celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a long awaited Siesta Key Chamber ribbon cutting. Says owner, Connie Lewis, “I’ve waited 20 years for this ribbon cutting since I’ve never had one when I first opened.” Indeed, Lewis savored the evening’s celebration and well wishes from friends, clients and business associates.

Neighboring businesses provided lite bites and libations, while musician Mike Sales serenaded all with his smooth vocals.

With 20 years under its belt, I think it is safe to say Massage Experience, Siesta Key has earned its spot as part of the fabric that makes up this unique business community.

Photos by QConcept Group/ Uriel M. Quiles

Photo by Donnarose Melvin

Welcome New Members

to the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce March 2016 to June 2016 • Sabal Palm Bank • SRQ Media Group with SRQ Magazine • Siesta Key Blue Cottage • BeFit SRQ • Fitness Factory 941 • The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens • Beneva Flowers • Sandy Cove Condo • Gateway Bank • Casa Casita • Diamond Blue Restoration & Cleaning • Budget Self Storage • Siesta Key Luxury Rental Properties • iTrip Vacations Sarasota & Venice • St. Michael the Archangel Church • SERFURS – Beach Delivery • SRQ Quality Services, LLC • Reef Runner Fishing Charters, LLC • Dr. Kyle W. Doan DC - Chiropractic • Hair’s 2U Salon, Studio 201 @My Salon Suite • Shapps Bagels, LLC • Artisan Jewelers of Sarasota • Siesta Key Palms Hotel • Key Life Charters • Escape Room • Beach House Bungalows • Michael Martino from Keller Williams Real Estate • Sarasota Biplane Adventures • Concorde Concierge Corp.

• Exit King Realty - Sheila Allaire Renewing Members March to June 1st • See Sarasota Visitor Magazine • Siesta Sports Rentals • Horizons West Condo Assoc • Eager Beaver Car Wash • Gumbo Limbo Vacation Rentals • Zambelli Fireworks • CeviChela Latin Street Food Restaurant • The Cottages on Siesta Key • Isan Thai Restaurant • Sandy Cove Prime Condo • Unique Cleaning Sosa, LLC • Siesta Sun Beach Villas • Sub Zero Ice Cream • Best Western Plus - Siesta Key Gateway • SRQ Dentistry • Siesta Key Jet Ski • St. Boniface Church on Siesta Key • Beach Palms of Siesta Key Village • Sarasota Urgent Care SMH • Coconuts of Siesta Key • Bobcat Disposal of Sarasota • Woman’s Exchange • Signs In One Day • Smoothie King • Abel’s Ice Cream • CG Interior Design • Siesta Trolley, Inc. • Siesta Gulf View Condo Assciation • Siesta Key Weddings • Beachaven • SunWeddings • Siesta De Mayo Cottages • Blvd. Beachwear LLC • Jonny’s Original Free Ride Siesta Key • Saltwater Café • Comfort Shoes • Island House Resorts • Fisherman’s Haven • Practical Car Rental • Mattison’s 41 Restaurant • Siesta Key Real Estate Consultants - S. Dudley Carson • Roberti Enterprises • Ben Brown Insurance

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JULY 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Dredging Up the Past

Big Pass Dredging

Continued from page 3

|Site for Seagrass Mitigation, Perico Preserve

The lower portion of the creek is apparently regulated to varying degrees by an assortment of Federal, state and regional authorities including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Florida Inland Navigation District and Federal Intracoastal Waterway Authority; grants for projects in the public interest are provided in some cases by the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND).

The qualifier ‘apparently’ is added above, because despite calls to various agencies, no definitive answer has been offered as to what agency has final responsibility for maintaining waterways or bayous like lower Matheny Creek.

The county did offer the Coral Cove/Buccaneer Bay group assistance through its Navigable Waterways Program however, according to County Project Manager Paul Semenec.

The program “conducts maintenance dredging of coastal streams and navigable canals,” according to the county. “The goal of this program is to improve navigation and boater safety, and provide environmental enhancements and channel realignment.”

But because the lower portion of the creek is not directly part of the county’s storm water system (though it is fed by the upper portion of the same creek that is part of that system), funding for any work would fall to the residents petitioning for the dredging of the lower creek.

Before work could get started, the county required a feasibility study to determine the pros and cons associated with the project.

Such a study for Matheny Creek was completed in 2004 by Post, Buckley, Schuh and Jernigan (PBS&J), a local engineering consulting firm retained by the county. That study’s executive summary included the following: “Residents in the area of Matheny Creek, representing waterfront property owners, requested the County initiate this investigation through the Waterways Maintenance Management Program (WMMP). Recent shoaling and increased use of the waterway for boating has made it necessary to perform maintenance dredging to ensure proper navigation. The Creek also serves an important role for conveyance of storm water in the area.”

The report went on to document the creek’s current and known historical water depth data dating back to the original dredging of the waterway in 1957; it also noted the more recent filling in of the channel with sediment both from the bay and from upstream areas of the creek bisecting the Gulf Gate area.

The initial estimated cost to dredge the lower creek? $353,900 for design and construction, according to the report.

According to Semenec, as a condition of the WMMP, two/thirds of the waterfront homeowners would have to agree to pick up the tab for the project in order to move forward, followed by approval of the county commission and the creation of a Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) that would levy the special assessment on the 55 participating taxpayers, a levy of just over $6,300 per home based on the original estimate.

Despite the cost, the two-thirds threshold was met, county approval granted and the MSTU established.

And in 2007, three years after their efforts had begun, dredging to restore year round navigable access to the area got underway. But as is often the case with projects such as this, the final tally ballooned from the original estimate of $354,000 to over $425,000, or around $7,600 per homeowner, an assessment still showing up on annual tax bills for those who elected to pay

the assessment over ten years.

Nonetheless, when completed residents were once again able to motor to the bay at their convenience without having to be overly concerned with the time of day or seasonal influences of the weather. That neighbor of Kenley who had sold his boat even went out and bought a new one. So all’s well that ends well, right? Money well spent?

Not quite. Now, less than nine years later that attitude has shifted like the tides. The reason? Today the creek is almost back to where it was before the 2007 dredging project began, much to the dismay of the homeowners who had footed the bill for what they assumed would be something more than a temporary fix.

While the county is sympathetic to those concerns, they point out that there was no guarantee made back in 2007 as to how long the depth would remain at consistently navigable levels.

19

By SKA Environmental Committee

Perico Preserve

Lido Key & Big Pass Shoal

Here they go again…

At a meeting with the homeowners at the Gulf Gate Library last month, representatives of the county’s storm water management department outlined steps under consideration to minimize the amount of sediment from upstream (where the county does have jurisdiction) that gets washed downstream to the impacted lower area outside the county system. With some estimates pointing to upwards of 60-65% of the downstream sediment coming from the upper portions of the creek, many in the audience clearly felt the county should shoulder a greater burden in keeping the lower creek open.

According to a presentation given

by Sarasota County Storm Water Engineering & Operations Manager Ben Quartermaine at the recent meeting, there may be a least some positive movement in that direction.

He outlined plans to increase street cleaning in the upstream areas to reduce the amount of soil and gravel washing into the creek. There was also a discussion of floatable net like devices suspended on the top of the water with buoys to catch debris, thus preventing such material from making its way over weirs upstream and being deposited along lower portions of the creek.

But as for more dredging work on the lower creek similar to the 2007 project?

The homeowners are understandably gun shy about absorbing the cost of a second dredging project, especially with some still paying for the first.

“If we knew back then what we know now, I don’t think we would have gotten the support we did for the project,” said Kenley, adding it was a lot of money spent by homeowners for what amounted to a short-term fix.

Add to that the higher participation threshold required today for any similar project. Project Manager Semenec notes 80 percent of the residents involved would have to agree according to new rules now in place But ‘hope floats,’ as the saying goes. A meeting the homeowners have scheduled with the county and the WCIND for late June might just clarify who has jurisdiction over the lower reaches of Matheny Creek and what can be done to keep it navigable moving forward.

As for the issue of which governmental body is ultimately responsible for dealing with resident questions concerning keeping lower Matheny Creek open to recreational boating interests, one might be tempted to speculate that if a massive sewage flow or other contaminant spill was flowing downstream from an inland Sarasota County source, any similar questions of jurisdiction and responsibility would likely get sorted out fairly quickly...maybe even before breakfast.

Several hurdles remain since the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) requested a second six –month extension of it’s Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Dredging Permit application. When a previous six month extension deadline passed March 7, 2016, FDEP sent Notice of Inactive Application to City of Sarasota and USACE. One week later USACE provided a summary of their efforts and requested the extension.

This is the final six -month extension available within this Permit application to FDEP. The most recent problem for USACE was the rejection of the Seagrass Mitigation Plan. Two reasons were given: data was not provided by USACE regarding impact of dredging the seagrass beds along Big Pass ebb shoal. Turbidity evaluation determines how seagrass might recover in the future. Dredging creates cloudy sand ,debris-filled water for an extended period of time, blocking sunlight and interfering with seagrass reestablishment. The impact continues if marine life dependent on seagrass beds is also destroyed. Turbidity data must be provided for both the dredging site as well as site for seagrass mitigation.

The second reason for rejection was the USACE choice of Pansy Bayou along north Lido. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) commented to FDEP; “Pansy Bayou is a year-round manatee “No Entry Zone” for boaters and is an important resting and foraging area for manatees, especially cows and calves.

We have consulted with manatee research staff at FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and Mote Marine Laboratory who are familiar with Pansy Bayou. Staff with both institutions voiced concerns about how this mitigation project may affect manatee use.” Lucas Davis, Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III. Siesta Key Association (SKA), in discussion with FDEP June 23, learned a new site has been chosen for the ‘off set’ planting or mitigation.

While USACE has not yet filed their formal response to FDEP, Staff reported this site to be within PERICO Preserve. The Preserve is located southeast of the Anna Maria inlet entrance from Tampa Bay and has received significant public and private funding for conservation protection and restoration of its wetlands and salt marsh habitat.

While the Biologic Opinion (part of the Environmental Assessment or EA) is not yet submitted, Siesta Key Association learned from FDEP Staff, it may not be a necessary requirement for ‘completeness’ of the FDEP Permit application. This could occur if other documentation is provided indicating the future Biologic Opinion (required for Federal funding) would be acceptable.

Alternative strategies for safeguarding Lido and addressing environmental concerns were communicated by Siesta Key Association (SKA) to Coastal Resource Staff of Sarasota County on March 24, 2016. This was in response to a suggestion by the County Commissioner Alan Maio for City of Sarasota and Sarasota County staff to develop together ‘a back up’ plan to

assist Lido, if needed, for erosion problems.

The following is excerpted from the SKA email. “Many comments by Col. Mopp (Atkins Global) are relevant for environmental impact of the current project design. Issues of design modifications could offer solutions to many environmental and economic aspects of the current USACE plan.”

1. “There are the remnants of an existing rock groin north of the two proposed groins and south of the public beach. The USACOE used the sand movement around it to model the future beach contour caused by the proposed groins, especially downstream. Perhaps the USACOE Erosion Mitigation Plan could in part, be solved by removing that existing groin. Col. Mopps (Atkins Global) agrees with this concern.”

2. “The City must include in the project scope an Adaptive Plan for building a third groin at Ted Sperling Park, if needed. If the current USACE models are wrong and it is needed, the City must be ready with designs, permits and funding in hand.

Col. Mopps stated (to Robert Luckner, Ph.D) this is exactly what the USACOE did at Stump Pass under his leadership. The County should insist on this if the first two new groins are installed.”

3. “Could an alternative project, similar to Longboat Key’s be the “sought after” Plan B mentioned (in BCC) yesterday? This alternative project could be two (2) semi-permeable groins surrounded/supported by trucked sand (now) and be the needed protection for the critically eroded beach where the two groins are proposed.”

“Siesta Key Association (SKA) suggests that realistic, rational approaches to the project have not yet been offered. For example, a fact based economic comparison of the other possible sources or trucked inland sand (like Longboat uses) against a full cost of Big Pass dredging. By full cost we mean that the mitigation costs of Big Pass dredging are included. These mitigation costs would include protections and monitoring to control turbidity increases during dredging (as Big Pass is an Outstanding Florida Waterway (OFW) which requires extensive protections), protection of historicl artifacts, protection of natural resources (manatees, sea grass etc) as well as some probability of future remediation to restore the existing south channel once the new middle channel reduces flow in the existing channel.” Siesta Key Association Environmental Committee Member, Robert Luckner, Ph.D. 3/24/16.

These many remaining concerns suggest an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is imperative due to complexity and need for updated modeling. USACE has stated an EA is sufficient. The criteria for requiring the EIS is presently available The distinction for using an EIS is fact based and equally contained in the dynamic unique Outstanding Florida Waterway (OFW) of Sarasota Big Pass.

Siesta Key Association remains committed to a DO NO HARM Solution.

20

Siesta Sand

JULY 2016

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

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

Hurricane Mike’s Saloon (M-10) is a little neighborhood bar at 2639 Mall Drive, where

Discover Gulf Gate

everyone knows your name type of establishment and friendly staff. TV’s with the MLB and NFL packages, pool table, and full Florida Lottery games. Happy hour daily from opening to 7pm.

Hours: Mon – Sat, 8am – 2:30am and Sun., noon – 2:30am.

The Shop SRQ (G-2) offers flat-tops, fades, tapers, blowouts, razor cuts, and straight razor shaves. Owners, Erick and Dawn use a back to basics approach to grooming with a precise attention to personal detail.

Their commitment to excellence has provided them with many loyal customers. They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust. Hours: Tues. – Fri. 8:30am – 6pm, Sat., 8:30am – 3pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. 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

6604 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, 34231, 941-925-2400.

Pride of the South (S-34) specializes in southern BBQ from ribs to meatloaf along with an array of sides such as grits, collard greens, baked bread, cole slaw, and fried orka all served up in a southern style setting. Let your nose lead the way to their smokers.

THESHOPSRQINC.

G-31

Eat Where The Locals Eat!

G-2

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

SRQ

“Straight Razor Shaves”

Combined 25+ Years Experience

941.626.4894 / 941.536.1656

Tonsorial Artistry

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

by

www.TheShopSRQ.com 6625 Gateway Ave.

Tonsorial Artistry

by Erick & Dawn

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

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

M7

M6

Iberia Bank

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

www.siestasand.net

Continued from page 17

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.

M5 M4 M3 M2 M1

© Island Visitor Publishing, LLC 2012

941.349.0194

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

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

941-925-2400

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

NEWERS N OW

M-10

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

All packaged liquor sold until 2 AM

Open Daily from 9 AM ‘til 2:30 AM

• 9 AM - 7 PM EVERY DAY

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

FREE Pool

7 PM ‘til Close Sunday & Monday

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

2639 Mall 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

One mi.from Siesta South Bridge (behind Publix)

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

G-4

PICCOLO

Italian Market & Deli

GG-4

Hot or Cold & Vegetarian Sandwiches

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

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

S-16 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

JULY 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

VILLAGE MAP pgs 22 - 23

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 42

GULF GATE SHOPS pg 17 & 20

CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 24

LOCAL MAPS INSIDE

LIVE MUSIC PAGE 26

21

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

Siesta Key Drum Circle Snapshots of Island Visitors

By Trebor Britt

Lindsey Brunn (11), Riley Brunn (15) and Kelsey Brunn (9) from Melbourne, Florida busy building a high sand wall on the spectacular shoreline of Siesta Beach.

These three sisters and their parents are camping at Oscar Scherer State Park.

They’ve been coming to Sarasota for about 10 consecutive years and have also camped at Myakka River State Park.

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 David D. Gould.

Before you leave Sarasota, you must try this one!

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

941-922-3797

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

22

Siesta Sand

JULY 2016

Boulevard Buzz

941.349.0194

By Rachel Brown Hackney/Emy Stein

New tenant for former 7-Eleven store The new tenant of the former 7-Eleven store on Ocean Boulevard is expected to be the Key West Sandal Factory, SNL has learned.

“They’ve been an institution in Key West,” Jim Syprett — who coowns the property at 5232 Ocean Blvd. — said of the company in an interview with SNL on June 14.

“I think it’s really neat to have a good retailer,” he added.

Syprett and his business partner, Jay Lancer, bought the former convenience store property for $1.6 million in January.

Syprett and Lancer have been working with Florida Power & Light about the relocation of two transformers in preparation for the construction of an addition to the building. Everything should be finalized shortly, Syprett said, so the formal lease signing can proceed.

“We’re trucking along.”

Syprett pointed out that Siesta Village has only one other shoe store — Comfort Shoes Siesta Key in Davidson Plaza — although some shops do sell shoes in a mix of offerings. “Shoe stores don’t seem to compete with each other,” he continued, noting that a mall may have half a dozen such businesses.

That just creates more of a selection, he said.

The Key West Sandal Factory is known for the quality of its offerings,

Syprett noted, and it will fit in perfectly in the Village.

Referring to the maxim, “A proper mix of restaurants and retail serves the best interests [of the public],” he added, “I think that’s the absolute truth.”

The Key West Sandal Factory website says the business was established in 1932 “and is the oldest sandal factory in the US.” It says, “Key West Sandals can be seen on the streets, and beaches of the world

S I M P LY R AWSO M E !

St Armands

St Armands 325John JohnRingling RinglingBlvd Blvd 325 Sarasota, Sarasota, FL FL 34236 34236 941-388-3325 941-388-3325

Map B #42

Siesta Key

www.siestasand.net

Island of Venice 5250 Ocean Blvd 300 West Venice Ave Venice, FL Sarasota, FL34285 34242 941-488-0649 941-349-8697

Island of Venice Siesta Key 300 WestOcean VeniceBlvd Ave 5250 Sarasota, 34242 Venice, FLFL34285 941-349-8697 941-488-0649

Delicious Daiquiris, Seafood and So Much More!

Find current specials and promotions at DaiquiriDeck.com

Find current specials and promotions at DaiquiriDeck.com

Map C #61

ACCOMMODATIONS Siesta Beach Resort ..................... Map-A #38A ANTIQUES Relics on the Key .............................. Map-D #9 ART GALLERY / STUDIO Calle Studios ...................................... Map-B #32 The Gallery on Siesta Key ................Map-D #11 ATM / BANKS PNC ATM........................................... Map-C #61 Martin Funding ................................... Map-E #1 Sun Trust Bank & ATM ...................... Map-E #4 BARS & NIGHTCLUBS 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 COFFEE SHOPS Lelu’s Coffee Lounge ...................... Map-B #31 The Local Bean................................. Map-D #62 DRUG & HARDWARE Davidson’s Drugs..............................Map-D #65 Village Hardware .............................. Map-C #26 FASHION & ACCESSORIES Beach Bazaar’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 Cotton Company ................... Map-C #29 Island Style ......................................... Map-C #53 Lotus Boutique ..................................Map-D #66 Siesta Key Mermaids ..........................Map-D #9 Siesta T’s ............................................. Map-B #30 Sun Glass Outlet ................................ Map-C #24 GAS STATION Circle K Store ....................................... Map-E #6 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Beach Bazaar .....................................Map-C #28 Created Gems .................................... Map-C #51 Island Trader...................................... Map-C #51 Sea Pleasures & Treasures ................. Map-C #2 Siesta Key Bead Shack ......................Map-A #36 Siesta Key’psakes .............................. Map-B #29 Siesta Key Outfitters ....................... Map-D #11 Siesta Kids .......................................... Map-B #36 HEALTH & FITNESS Indep. Lifestyle Solutions ...............Map-D #10 Siesta Key Fitness ............................ Map-B #73 Studio Rubylake ............................. Map-D #10 ICE CREAM/TREATS Big Olaf Creamery............................. Map-C #52 Ciao Gelato ......................................... Map-C #50 Meany’s Mini Donuts ....................... Map-C #24 Siesta Key Sweet Shop ........................Map-D #9 SubZero Ice Cream/Yogurt .............Map-D #16 Sunni Bunni Frozen Yogurt ............. Map-C #53 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs ................................Map-D #65 Internet Cafe ........................................Map-D #9 Lelu Coffee Lounge ......................... Map-B #31 The Local Bean................................. Map-D #62 JEWELRY Created Gems .................................... Map-C #51 Michael & Co. Jewelers .................... Map-B #29 Mount -N- Repair Jewelers ................Map-D #9 LIQUOR STORES / FINE WINES Gabbiano’s Wine Club................... Map-D #70 Gilligan’s ........................................... Map-B #33 Siesta Key Wines ..............................Map-C #61 The Beach Club ..................................Map-D #22

as well as on the feet of countless celebrities.”

Syprett told SNL he feels the shop will be the perfect fit in the Siesta Beach setting. In an interview earlier this month, he said he is hopeful the business will be able to open its doors in early 2017.

As for the addition to the existing building: County records show it will encompass about 1,140 square feet.

The existing structure has 2,358.65 square feet.

The county’s Board of Zoning Appeals on May 11 approved a variance request from Syprett and Lancer so the new section could be built to the rear property line.

The last new retail construction in the Village also was a Syprett/ Lancer project: Gidget’s Coastal Provisions, which opened on March 24, 2014 on the site where Napoli’s Italian Restaurant previously stood.

With Siesta architect Mark Smith in charge of the design, only a portion of the original structure remained in

Gidget’s building.

Smith also is the architect for the addition to the former 7-Eleven structure.

Another new restaurant slated in Village Aaron’s Fish Camp Seafood Restaurant, formerly BluQue Island Grill & Bar said their final farewells to local patrons May 29.

At the time of press, Mike Granthon, managing partner of the now vacant building, located at 149 Avenida Messina said they do not have a specific business scheduled to lease the site at this time. Although no final decision has been made, Granthon and business partner Chris Brown are contemplating opening up a high-end steak and seafood restaurant with an extensive wine menu.

Granthon acknowledged the close proximity this site has to the residential neighborhood so plans to

www.siestasand.net

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JULY 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

23

Snapshots of Island Visitors keep the restaurant low-key; without live entertainment or late night hours.

Siesta Key Hardware & Garden store in the Village to close After 10 years of serving the Siesta Key community, Jim and Patricia Hiller, owners of Siesta Key Hardware, located in the Village will be closing down the business to enjoy retirement. Their last day will be July 31.

Morton’s Siesta Market will be leasing the space that is currently occupied by the hardware store when their lease begins on September 1. Although Todd Morton hasn’t made a final decision on how he will proceed with the space, he’s confident he will have a better idea closer to the September 1 date. “For now the space will stay separate; however, it will no longer be a full-service hardware store,” said Morton. In the

meantime, he does plan on carrying some convenience houseware and hardware items.

New treats at the Daiquiri Deck Pop Craft and the Daiquiri Deck restaurants recently announced their new affiliation, which calls for Pop Craft to pair its all-natural pops with Daiquiri Deck frozen drinks.

Most of the Daiquiri Deck selections “are free of high fructose corn syrup and only use pure cane sugar as a sweetener,” a news release says. “They utilize fresh frozen fruits and avoid unhealthy preservatives [while incorporating] high quality liqueurs and liquor. All batches are made fresh daily at their locations.”

The release further notes that four varieties of frozen dessert drinks (smoothies) will be available for children, with dairy and non-dairy options, as well. “All selections are gluten free,” the release points out,

adding, “Adult beverages will also be offered with a choice of pop flavors.”

By Trebor Britt

No SKVA meeting held in June And speaking of Tropical Storm Colin: It played enough havoc with the weather — including a power outage — on Siesta the first week of the month that the Siesta Key Village Association officers and board decided to cancel their monthly meeting, which had been set for June 7.

Monthly Meetings SKVA meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at the Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar. Meetings begin at 8:30 a.m. anyone interested in learning more about Siesta Key Village is encouraged to attend. For more information visit their website: www.siestakeyvillage.org.

ANGELS ON SIESTA KEY? - Jeannie Bloomfield of Venice and Ann Raabe of Boulder, CO holding the globe above the amazing Siesta Beach shoreline. They came to the Key to dance at the drum circle. The two previously danced at “The Kissing Sailor” statue, St. Armand’s Circle and the Nokomis Beach drum circle. They said it was, “all about bringing heaven on earth, in the now.”

Introducing a new line...

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MAILING - SHIPPING UPS store ............................................Map-A #41 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 Experience Siesta Key.... Map-D #62 Massage Therapy ................................ Map-E #1 Siesta Key Massage Ctr .................... Map-D #9 MEDICAL - DENTAL Siesta Medical Center..................... Map-D #63 Siesta Key Physical Therapy............Map-D #20 Siesta Dental ..................................... Map-B #49 MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce ....................Map-D #67 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 Ascendia Real Estate .........................Map-D #11 Coldwell Banker Realty....................Map-D #20 Horizon Realty................................... Map-B #34 Island Homes ..................................... Map-C #51 Key Realty ........................................... Map-E #5 Michael Saunders Realty ................ Map-E #72 Re/Max Alliance Group ..................Map-D #60 ReMax Tropical Sands ................... Map-D #67 Robasota Rentals & Real Estate ....Map-A #39 Siesta Key Realty............................... Map-D #9 Waterfront 7 Realty ........................... Map-C #56 Waterside Realty ............................... Map-C #29 RESTAURANTS / CAFÉS 314 π, Craft Beer Board Room ..........Map-A#37 Another Broken Egg ................Map-C #54 & 55 Blase Café ...........................................Map-A #38 Boardwalk Eats & Sweets .............. Map-D #16 Bonjour French Cafe ......................... Map-C #47 Café Gabbiano ................................. Map-D #71 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar ..............Map-B #42-43 Eat Here Restaurant .................. Map-D # 17-18 Flavio’s Brick Oven & Bar ................ Map-B #29 Flavio’s Italiano Ristorante .............. Map-B #30 Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill ......... Map-B #33 Jo To’s Japanese Restaurant ............. Map-C #47 LeLu’s Coffee Bar ............................. Map-B #31 Lobster Pot .........................................Map-C #23 Napoli’s Italian Restaurant .............. Map-C #53 Old Salty Dog Rest. & Pub ................. Map-E #2 Señor Siesta ........................................Map-D #69 Siesta Key Deli ...................................Map-A #37 Siesta Key Oyster Bar ...................... Map-B #45 Solorzano Bros. Pizzeria ................ Map-D #15 Subway Sandwiches ......................... Map-B #30 Sun Garden Café ...............................Map-D #19 The Cottage ........................................ Map-C #58 The Hub - Baja Grill ..........................Map-D #59 Village Café ...................................... Map-D #14 SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY LaPlaya Spa ........................................ Map-C #50 Salon Capelli ........................................Map-D #9 Sassy Hair Salon...............................Map-A #40 Siesta Key Nails................................. Map-D #9 SPORTS INTEREST/RENTALS CaliFlorida.......................................... Map-B #32 Robin Hood Rentals ........................ Map-B #34 Siesta Village Outfitters .................... Map-C #53

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Pilates/Yoga/Dance Studio • Group classes Pilates • Zen yoga • Zumba • Erotica fitness Rubylake Passport: (Zumba, erotica fitness, Pilates, yoga bootcamp)

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(Pilates & Yoga on Siesta Beach)

Private Pilates Reformer and Equipment Training Paddleboard fitness Bosu Cardio and Core bootcamp Yoga with Essential Oils workshop

Courtney Kees / www.studiorubylake.com

Siesta Sand

JULY 2016

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

941.349.0194

CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX

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

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

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

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

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© Island Visitor Publishing, LLC 2012

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

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A Taste of Germany 6575 Midnight Pass Rd.

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Anna’s Deli 6535 Midnight Pass Rd.

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Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Road

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill 1500 Stickney Point Rd.

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CB’s Saltwater Outfitters 1249 Stickney Point Rd.

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

Crescent Beach Grocery 1211 Old Stickney Pt. Rd.

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Siesta 4-Rent 6555 Midnight Pass Rd.

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

MAP C-4 #17

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

Arts on the Horizon Top of the pyramid

Pablo Picasso did not start off painting misshapen faces, he first perfected basic techniques by drawing in the classical style.

It is the same with modern and contemporary dance, first learn the basics of classical ballet and, when perfected, change from there - or, perhaps stay with the classics because of its beauty and charm. There are a number of ballet classes and schools in Sarasota and one of the best is the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School.

In 1993 Cuban ballet stars Ariel Serrano and Wilmian Hernandez defected to the USA. This was akin to Nureyev and Baryshnikov defecting from Russia. It seems to happen, with truly great stars, once every generation or so.

After he sustained a back injury, Ariel and Wilmian started their ballet school and now he and his staff teach hundreds of ballet students of all ages. The students, placed in classes with their peers - relative to age, ability, and aspiration - receives the attention needed to move them as far forward as ability and drive can take them. One student, Francisco Serrano (Spoiler Alert: Yes, Ariel’s son) was recently chosen by the Royal Ballet and will perform in London next season.

Observing a Pre-Professional class at the school brought forth these random thoughts: holding a pose down to the fingertips; striking vs. beautiful;

JULY 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

25

By Rodger Skidmore

extreme focus; give on landing; musculature; teaching stability; the ability to feel one’s center even when moving; launch, turn, land.

Watching some students with great ability perfect their skills and watching less able students perfect themselves.

So, how can we tell how well these students perform? This summer some really motivated ballet students will be training for the Student Showcase being held at the Sarasota Opera House at 2 p.m. on July 29. It will be Sarasota’s chance to see the ballet version of the Perlman Music Festival. One will see students who have mastered their craft and who are ready to be seen by the world (or at least Sarasota) as ballet stars in the making. Taking their regular classes and then participating in the Summer Intensive gives them a broad enough base of ballet skills to build quite a tall pyramid. Someone at the top of that pyramid will appear at the Opera House the next night in the Performance Gala. That will be when Francisco returns from Havana and London to dance the lead in the ballet Paquita. Top students from the National Ballet School of Cuba will also perform.

Don’t know enough about Cuban Ballet? Miguel Carera, the historian of the National Ballet of Cuba, will be lecturing at the school on July 22 - 24 to bring everyone up to speed on that aspect of Cuban art. Will all of this make you want to see the 25th Cuban International Ballet Festival in Havana? Well, the school will be taking a group there October 29 thru November 5. Information about all classes, locations, times, tickets, lectures and the tour may be found at SarasotaCubanBalletSchool.com or by calling (941) 365-8400.

Regularly Scheduled Classes & Events: WEEKLY BEACH CLASSES: • FREE YOGA Mon-Wed.-Fri.-Sat. 9am. Classes held between blue and green lifeguard station. Call 941-320-6693 to register or www.yogaonsiestabeach.com/about/ • NIA Tues. & Thurs., 9a.m., Siesta Public Beach (yellow lifeguard chair). Contact Kathy Oravec at 941-724-9719 for more info or check website: www.nianow.com/kathy-oravec • SUNSET FUSION – Every Mon & Wed, 45 minutes before sunset. Beach access #4. For additional info and to register online go to: www.studiorubylake.com • WEEKLY DRUM CIRCLE: Every Sunday about an hour before sunset. South of the main pavillion. You can particpate or watch this weekly gathering dance, hoop, play the drum or other musical instrument and enjoy the spectacular Siesta sunset.

• WEEKLY FARMER’S MARKET: Every Sunday from 8am – 2pm in Davidson’s Plaza in the Village. 5124 Ocean Blvd. Produce, Plants & Flowers, Music, Art, Organic Skincare, Italian Olive Oil, and Freshly Prepared Foods. Listen to live music while you shop.

On The Beach…

• JULY 5 – AUG 9 (TUES) 5:30-7:30PM KIDS SUMMER BEACH RUNS: This is a one-mile fun run for kids of all ages.

Weekly registration held at 5:30 p.m. with race time at 6:30 p.m.

Registration is on-site. All participants receive a ribbon and a popsicle. Free T-shirts are earned after 4 runs are completed.

There is a one-time, $1 registration fee. Contact County for additonal info: 941-861-5000 • JULY 4 (MON) DUSK / JULY 4 COMMUNITY FIREWORKS SHOW: The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce (SKCC) is proud to announce the 26th Anniversary of the 4th of July Community Fireworks Celebration, Monday, July 4th, at Siesta Key Beach.

The fireworks show will launch at dusk at the Siesta Key Public Beach (948 Beach Road) and is free and open to the public.

Great Escapes

Sure would be great to escape from it all. You, gentle reader, get to define what it is that you, specifically, would like to get away from. To paraphrase the French, “to each his own distaste”.

For some it is the summer heat; for others, the season of bad fish (Indian for “red tide”); and for some, the political season that keeps on giving (American vernacular for “the season of bad fish”). But what to do, and where to go? Some splash in the gulf, others escape with a splash of tonic, still others with a few splashes of color. What better place to go for that color than to an art gallery. Many galleries do a one person show. And that is great - perhaps a retrospective an arc of an artist’s life. Or it could be that artist’s new works - be in the moment. Another way is the themed show, and that is what is currently on display thru the end of the month at the Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art Gallery at 1288 N. Palm Avenue, just North of Main Street. Not one artist, but twenty-four. Not one medium but fifteen - powder coated steel, acrylic on canvas, oil on panel, etchings, pencil and powdered graphite on paper, clay with fired glazes, etc. Yet all on one varied / inclusive subject - the Great Escape. This covers, according to

Sheila Moore, the gallery owner, “landscapes, seascapes and dreamscapes”. Discuss any of the artists, topics, approaches to art, periods, or nuances and she will reply “Not only..., but even ...”.

Yes, this being Sarasota, you can go see the show, and other galleries downtown, on the first Friday in July - that would be July 1. Odds are that you’ve already missed it. Time passes so quickly as you age - the first of the month is gone before the first week is half over. But with this kind of show, curated by Mark Ormond, that is fine. Instead of jostling others to see a painting (or worse yet, being jostled) on Sarasota’s First Friday Art Walk, you can go to this gallery on any Tuesday thru Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and see a great variety of really good art. As Ms. Moore would say “Not only Sarasota artists and Florida artists but even artists from Brooklyn”. The mixed media collage of Tom Judd, the acrylic and aerosol enamel on canvas of Syd Solomon, the aluminum / acrylic sculpture of Jorge Blanco or the acrylic on canvas with paint pen of Susan Klein - all will take you away from wherever it is that you don’t wish to be. And unlike the nice art on the walls of the Ringling Museum, at the Gallup, you can take away the things that really blow you away.

What’s Happening

The Chamber works in partnership with the Siesta Key Village Association and Visit Sarasota County to present the celebration and also receives generous community donations from local businesses, accommodations, and residents. Donations of all levels are greatly appreciated. Sponsorship packages of $500 and above include parking passes and access to the preferred viewing and hospitality area. To make a donation, please visit siestakeychamber.com, or call the Chamber office at 941.349.3800.

• JULY 9-10 (SAT-SUN) 8AM-7PM: DIG THE BEACH VOLLEYBALL TOURNAENT: Dig the Beach Volleyball Series is the most established and successful grassroots series of its kind catering to both professional and amateur players. Some of the top professionals on the Domestic & World Tours have graduated from this organization. To register or for additional info, see website: www.digthebeach.com Spectators will be able to watch the courts from the elevated East Concession stand.

• JULY 14 & 15 (THURS & FRI), 8AM-5PM: USLA REGIONAL COMPETITION: Spectators can watch more than 200 lifeguards swim, paddle and run across the beach during this two day event. These yearly races help Florida lifeguards focus on their training. See website for additional information. www.usla.org/events • JULY 25-28 & AUG 8-11; 9AM-NOON: SAND SCULPTING CAMP, AGES 7-14: Amaze your family and friends with the sand-sculpture skilss and techniques you’ll learn from a master sand sculptor. Fee includes sand-sculpting tools you will be able to keep. Bring plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen. Registration fees apply. Contact: 941-861-5000 for more info.

Around the island…

• SECOND FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH FROM 6-9PM. Open Gallery Night at THE GALLERY ON SIESTA KEY, in the Village. Meet the artists while nibbling on hors d’oeuvres, sipping on wine and taking in all the beautiful, original local paintings, jewelry, metal and wood creations.

Sunday Brunch

Back in the day, sailing on the Queen Mary was a way to be transported to England. So being transported to Heaven on most any old day is very special indeed.

The West Coast Black Theater Troupe is performing How I Got Over: A Tribute to Mahalia Jackson for a full month (Wednesdays thru Sundays, from July 13 thru August 14).

The Sunday performances are at 2 p.m. so you can sleep in, have a tasty brunch or binge watch some Verizon commercials and then motor over to the theater at 1646 10th Way, off Orange, north of 10th Street and catch the soul train just as its leaving the station.

This is another Nate Jacobs special so don’t let it leave without you. Ms. Jackson was the Queen of Gospel and this show has her front and center along with other gospel greats.

His Eye is on the Sparrow and Move On Up a Little Higher will get you and everyone else in the audience moving. As she passed away over 44 years ago it is doubtful that many of us actually heard her in person. Watching old kinescopes on YouTube really don’t do her justice. See this tribute to her now. Tickets at (941) 366-1505.

And beyond…

• JULY 1-3 (FRI-SUN) 8AM-5PM: SARASOTA POWERBOAT GRAND PRIX RESTIVAL: The annual Grand Prix Race will be held off Lido Beach on Sunday, July 3. VIP race day tickets are currently available for purchase on the Festival website: www. suncoastoffshore.org Friday, July 1: “Boats on Main” Downtown Block Party. Meet and greet with boat teams and live performances from the Luna Blue Band.

Saturday, July 2: Superstock and Aqua X Races (qualifying) at Lido Beach, live race broadcast and activities at the Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Powerboat Open practice at Lido Beach 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

VIP Race Viewing at the Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. $100 per person Sunday, July 3: Powerboat Races at Lido Beach and P1 Superstock and AquaX Races (Final Round), live race broadcast and activities at Sandcastle Resort from 9 a.m. — 4 p.m., open to the public.

VIP Race viewing at the Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach 9 a.m. — 4 p.m., $100 per person Race team award presentations at Centennial Park at 5 p.m., open to the public.

• PHILLIPI ESTATE PARK: Phillippi Estate Park (5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231) is open to the public from 6:00 a.m. until midnight seven days a week. There are shoreline trails for walking, photographing, bird watching and relaxing in a natural area park. There are wonderful trails in the coast hammock west of the Gazebo where dogs on leash can sniff to their hearts’ content. There are three fishing piers and a kayak launch as well as a playground and Gazebo for picnicking.

Come to your Sarasota County park and enjoy the outdoors!

For more information, please call 941-316-1309.

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

However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

26

Siesta Sand

JULY 2016

941.349.0194

Who’s Playing Tonight

www.siestasand.net

By Mike Sales

|An interview with Cindy Welsh The first time I heard Cindy Welsh, was at the Siesta Key Oyster Bar’s weekly open mic night, held each Tuesday. She was playing in a duo and I remember being impressed with her obvious love for the music and how it showed in her dedication to the performance and her unique sound. A recent visit to her current duo’s YouTube channel shows her still as dedicated as ever with her sound evolving beautifully.

Skylab were the only band I would go follow, every week.

WPT: Who does your act consist of?

Cindy: I play guitar and sing and Joe Morningstar plays drums & percussion.

WPT: What kind of music do you play?

Cindy: We’re doing pop-punk covers like “Pink” and “Britney Spears” and then we’ll take older songs by artists like “Johnny Cash.”

WPT: Where are you from?

Cindy: Sarasota, Florida.

WPT: Born and raised here in Florida? That hardly ever happens.

WPT: What can people expect when they come to see you?

Cindy: We’re a rare breed.

Cindy: A refreshing new take on old classics and my version of pop songs they haven’t heard on the radio in years.

WPT: When did you start playing music?

Cindy: In fourth grade I started playing violin and guitar to avoid gym class.

WPT: What’s going on with your career these days?

Cindy: My duo, “Overruled” has been invited to open for a huge act named, “Beside the Bridge” in Europe and then play at a classic car week that draws around 30,000 people in Sweden.

WPT: When did you start performing?

Cindy: I started playing with Zac Yoder in 10th grade and on Siesta Key, when I got a little bit older.

WPT: How did that opportunity come about?

WPT: Who were your early musical influences?

Cindy: I met a group named, “Be Bop-a-Luba” when they were visiting Siesta Key and then attended their event in Europe last year and sat in with them. They invited us to perform this year,

Cindy: My uncle Joe played all of the time when I was young. He played lots of weddings and I used to go with him, so he was a huge influence on me and Zac Yoder and

CLUB

BLASE CAFÉ

In the Village 941‐346‐8122

MONDAY

Scott Curts (3‐7pm)

941‐346‐5443

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 Crescent Beach Shops

941‐349‐3885 SNIKI TIKI @ CAPT CURTS

Crescent Beach Shops

941‐349‐3885 Turtle Beach Grill Southern end of SK 941‐349‐3839 BOATYARD BAR & GRILL Over the South Bridge 941‐921‐6200

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

WPT: Do you play originals?

Cindy: Yes, Joe writes all of the time, so we go through his demo catalogue and select songs to learn.

We’ve been recording a lot.

WPT: Where do you record?

Cindy: Actually, we’ve been recording in a car, so we don’t have to pay for studio time. It acts as a nice isolation booth.

WPT: Are these songs going direct to iTunes or are you putting an album together?

Cindy: We’ve kind of jumped around on styles so we’re releasing them as singles, but once we get them all done; we’ll probably put them together on an album.

WPT: How would you describe your originals?

Cindy: They’re alternative rock, I would say…they have very inyour-face vocals and dance drum beats.

TUESDAY

Live Music 6‐10pm Billy Lyon (3‐7pm)

WEDNESDAY

941‐966‐1901

Joe: They’re pretty much based around what western culture is looking for nowadays…very universal for anyone to listen to.

WPT: What’s your favorite show you’ve played so far?

Cindy: Out in Myakka, someone organized a cancer fundraiser for our friend Tyler. They had a huge stage. RJ Howser and the ChillBillies also played. We had the late night slot when everyone was all party’d up and it was a lot of fun. We ran out of songs and just started pulling material out for the first time…we played all night.

WPT: What’s your favorite part about being a musician?

Cindy: Performing and playing for the crowd and learning what each group wants to hear, because every gig is different and the blend of people is always unique, you have to adjust yourself to those people and I think that’s fun… trying to pick out songs for certain people.

Live Music 6‐10pm Noel Harris (3‐7pm)

THURSDAY

WPT: Where do you play in town?

Cindy: We’ll be playing at Applebee’s and the 210 Tavern and here on Siesta Key, you can see us at the SKOB open mic on Tuesdays.

You can watch videos of Cindy’s act, “Overruled” on their YouTube channel “Overruled Music”, where you can also find a link to their fundraising page.

You can follow Overruled on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ OVERRULEDMUSIC Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB) is located at: 5238 Ocean Blvd in the Siesta Key Village SKOB features live music every night.

Mike Sales is a local singer/ songwriter for more info visit mikesalessings.com

Live Music 6 ‐10pm

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

Spark Notes (3‐7pm) DJ TJ (10pm) Live Music 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

Miles Bosworth (3‐7pm) DJ Crawford (10pm) Acoustic Pete 1‐5pm Live Music 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am Eddie James Jazz Band 6‐10pm

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

Ben Hammond 7‐11pm

Open mic night 7‐11pm

Kettle of Fish 7‐11pm

Berry Oakley’s Skylab 7‐11pm

TGIM

Kettle of Fish 9pm‐midnight

DJ Rev Kev 10pm – 2am

Live Band 8/9pm‐Midnight

Live Music 6‐9pm

Live Music 6‐9pm

Live Music 6‐9pm

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

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

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

SUNDAY

Live Music 6‐10pm

SATURDAY

Live Music (6‐10pm)

Patrick 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

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

FRIDAY

Live Music 6‐10pm

Whiteleather 2‐6pm Rising Tide 8pm – 12am

Dana & Co 2‐6pm Mike Tozier 8pm – 12am

TBA – 2 pm Tozier – 5pm Chris Otto ‐ 10pm

Live Band 8 – 11pm DJ 11‐2am

Live Band 8 –11pm DJ 11pm‐2am

Democracy (Reggae) 10pm‐2am

Live Music 7‐10pm

Live Music 7‐10pm

Live Music 7‐10pm

Live Music 6‐9pm

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

Live Music 1 – 4pm

4:30 – 7:30pm 8:30 –midnight

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

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

Karaoke 9pm – 1am

Karaoke 9pm – 1am

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

Karaoke 9pm ‐1am LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

LIVE MUSIC 3‐6pm

LIVE MUSIC 3‐6pm

Andres Collin 5‐9pm

Larry Williams 5‐9pm

(Reggae Music)

Live Music 3‐6PM

Live Music 3‐6PM

Live Music 3‐6PM

Live Music 4‐8pm

Live Music 3‐7pm

Live Music 3‐7pm

CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE 801 Blackburn Pt. Rd, Osprey

Cindy Welsh

RPM 6‐10pm

In the Village 941‐346‐5358

(SKOB) In the Village

Cindy: I would like to eventually do more of what I’m doing now; touring all over, playing music, meeting people and seeing the world.

Rodney Shenk 6‐10pm

Lelu’s Coffee Lounge SIESTA KEY OYSTER BAR

WPT: Where do you see your career going from here?

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE

In the Village 941‐349‐9822

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

so we’re trying to raise the funds, through our GoFundMe page to make that happen. If we do, we’ll be over there playing for about a month.

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

Democracy 4‐8pm

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JULY 2016

Island Humor [ The worst place to have a heart attack is during a game of charades... Especially if the people you are playing with, are really bad guessers. [ A South Carolina woman regarding her pending divorce was asked, “What are the grounds for your divorce?”

“About four acres and a nice little home in the middle of the property with a stream running by.”

“No,” he said, “I mean what is the foundation of this case?”

“It is made of concrete, brick and mortar,” she responded.

“I mean,” he continued, “what are your relations like?”

“I have an aunt and uncle and 12 cousins living here in town, as well as my husband’s parents.”

The judge took a deep breath and asked, “Do you have a real grudge?” “No, we have a two car carport and have never really needed one cuz we don’t have a car.”

“Please,” he tried again, “is there any infidelity in your marriage?”

“Yes, both my son and daughter have stereo sets. We don’t necessarily like the music all that hip hop and rap tap - but we can’t seem to do anything about it.”

“Ma’am, does your husband ever beat you up?” “Yes, he gets up every morning before I do and makes the coffee.”

Finally, in frustration, the judge asked, “Lady, why in hell do you want a divorce?

“Oh, I don’t want a divorce,” she replied. “I’ve never wanted a divorce; my husband does.

The damn fool says he can’t communicate with me.” [ Wife: “Why do you go out on the balcony, when I start singing?”

Husband: “Because the people would think I am beating you.” [ Wife: “What are you doing?”

Husband: “Nothing.”

Wife: “Nothing...? You’ve been reading our marriage certificate for an hour.”

Husband: “I was looking for the expiration date.”

[ A little boy was so excited because his mom told him he is getting a baby brother.

He repeated that to his teacher every day, when he came to school, “I’m getting a brother.”

One day his mom allowed him to feel the baby’s kicks in her belly.

The next day he came to school and didn’t say anything to his teacher, so the teacher asked him, “What happened to your brother”.

He replied, “I think mommy ate him.”

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

27

.

onth..

M e h T f o r e d n e t r Ba House Casey Key Fish Road, Osprey t in o P rn u b ck la 801 B 941-966-1901 shhouse.com www.caseykeyfi

[ Will was trying to teach his son the evils of alcohol.

He put a worm in a glass of water & another in a glass of whiskey.

The worm in the water lived while the one in the whiskey curled up & died.

“All right, son,” Said Will, “what does that show you?”

“Well dad, it shows that if you drink alcohol you will not have worms.”

Name of Bartender: Crystal Hometown: Sarasota, FL Q: How long have you been bartending? A: 5 years.

HOTTEST BAR IN GULF GATE...

MLB/College Packages FULL BAR

Q: What was the strangest or funniest thing you experienced at work?

A: The tiki bar always has exciting and funny things happening! Most recently my co-worker and regulars came behind me as I was pouring a customer a captain and coke and poured a whole bucket of ice and water all over me. The captain and coke went flying and it turned the whole bar into a huge ice fight! People dancing, drinking, ice flying!

What more can you ask for at work?!

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

A: I love to SHOP! Sleep! Hangout with my puppies! and create different kinds of art and designs including sewing and crafts! I also enjoy outdoor activities, including boating and aerial silks!

Q: How would you describe yourself?

A: I would describe myself as easy going and relaxed,

and at times a total klutz!

Q: How would you describe where you work?

A: Casey Key Fish House has a great waterfront tiki bar that has amazing regulars as well as vacationers. Our weekend live music draws all ages and is always a great time. The view is incomparable to any place around and the people you meet are just as amazing!

I couldn’t ask for a better place to work!

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

Q: When’s the best time to see you?

A: The best time to come see me is Sundays and Mondays!!!

28

Siesta Sand

JULY 2016

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Having Fun in the Sun

Water World Captain Jim Klopfer’s Fishing Report

with TNT Freedom Fishing Charters Captain Tony Fudoli Sr. 941-400-2452

Adventure Charters 941-371-1390

July fishing can be excellent, but tactics need to be a little different and windows of opportunity are smaller. It is simply too hot to fish in the middle of the day. Early morning will be the most reliable time to fish, evenings are good too, but frequent thunderstorms can make planning a trip difficult.

Anglers who don’t mind fishing in the dark will have success at night, and they will beat the summer heat!

Action on the deep grass flats from the north end of Siesta Key should be very good for speckled trout, along with bluefish, Spanish mackerel, Sarasota resident Doc Dojutrek shows off a typical ladyfish, pompano, and jacks.

Siesta Key snook A high tide in the morning is favored for anglers to drift the an offering meant for a redfish. These fish flats and cast Bass Asassin jigs, Rapala plugs, should be released unharmed, they are spoons, and live shrimp under a popping the female breed stock and are crucial to a cork. Netting up a bunch of shiners and healthy trout fishery. chumming the deep flats will usually result Night fishing will be exciting and in non-stop action. productive in July. Lighted docks and The flats and oyster bars south of CB’s bridges attract glass minnows and shrimp, Saltwater Outfitters at Stickney Pt. down to which in turn attract the gamefish. Snook Blackburn Pt. will hold some nice trout in are abundant, but trout, reds, jacks, ladyfish, July, and that area gets very little pressure and snapper will also be caught at night. in the summertime. The key is water Live shrimp works very well free lined in the temperature; if it is too high the bait and current with little or no weight. A 24” piece gamefish will not be there. Redfish and of 25 lb. flourocarbon leader and a 1/0 live snook will also cruise the bars and shorelines bait hook is the basic rig. Lures will also catch in search of prey. Areas that drop off quickly fish, but can be difficult to cast at night. Fly into three or four feet will be the most fisherman will score with a small white snook productive spots. A hand-picked shrimp fly such as the Grassett’s Snook Minnow tied is deadly fished early in the morning on a on a #4 hook. high tide. Anglers choosing artificial lures Tarpon will still be plentiful in the Gulf will score with topwater and shallow diving of Mexico, although the anglers will not be. plugs, scented soft plastics, and weedless The large schools will have broken up, and gold spoons. although the fish don’t show as well, they eat Redfish will begin to school up in July better. Pinfish and crabs drifted out 6 feet and can be caught in very shallow water. under a cork at first light will catch tarpon in The largest trout also prefer shallow water, July. Point of Rocks on Siesta Key is a proven so don’t be surprised if a “gator” intercepts spot to fish.

North Beach Road But “‘in perpetuity’ is something that is certainly questionable.”

“I want to see you guys reconsider,” he said of the vote. “It’s very hard for me to understand how the board cannot only take that away [from the current members of the public], but you’re robbing future generations … I think it’s a terrible mistake.”

On June 10, the last day the law allowed for such action, Consentino filed a complaint against Sarasota County, alleging that the commission violated the Comprehensive Plan when it approved the abandonment of the segment of North Beach Road.

The same section Robinson cited prior to her May 11 “No” vote is referenced in the complaint: Policy 1.1.13 says, “The County shall not vacate road segments on waterfronts along any creek, river, lake, bay or Gulf access point and shall encourage right-of-way use of these areas for coastal beach and bay access.”

“It doesn’t give us an out,” Robinson told her colleagues on May 11.

However, Charles Bailey III, an attorney with Parker Williams in Sarasota who represented the three couples petitioning for the abandonment, explained on May 11 that parcels they own seaward of the affected section of North Beach Road are on the Gulf of Mexico. Therefore, Bailey argued, the segment of road at the heart of the petition technically is not on the waterfront.

Commissioner Charles Hines

Continued from cover story

said he was willing to go along with that concept.

The road abandonment approval was necessary for plans of one couple among the petitioners — Dennis and Wendy Madden — to construct a new three-story structure with six dwelling units in place of five non-conforming buildings with 12 units that they have been renting out on the island. Without the extra property encompassed by the road section, they would have lacked sufficient square footage under the county’s Zoning Code to build six new units.

During a telephone interview with SNL on June 15, Ralf Brookes of Cape Coral, Consentino’s attorney, said of the commissioners, “They shouldn’t be giving away public access for the private sector.”

He lived on Siesta Key himself in the early 1990s, Brookes noted, and he, like Consentino, drove North Beach Road “all the time.”

Brookes told the SNL, “This has been an important beachfront road for generations of Siesta Key residents.”

Bailey repeatedly pointed out to the commissioners on May 11 that the three couples petitioning for the road abandonment — J. Edward Ramsey and Christy S. Ramsey of Bristol, IN; the Maddens of Ada, MI; and William Caflisch and Sheila S. Caflisch of Sarasota — had no intention of keeping members of the public off the road, as long as they were not in vehicles, in compliance with the current county restriction.

At Hines’ request prior to the vote, Bailey also won agreement from the couples for an additional “5-foot pedestrian or bicycle access out to the sandy beach that doesn’t exist today,” as Bailey put it, with a legal description that would be recorded in public documents.

Asked about a response from the county regarding the lawsuit, spokesman Jason Bartolone told SNL that the Office of the County Attorney typically does not issue any comment on pending litigation.

Seeking support The county had not been served with the complaint as of June 15, spokesman Jason Bartolone told SNL, but Brookes explained during the telephone interview that he had cleared up a couple of technical issues noted by the Sarasota County Clerk of Court’s Office that had prevented the service.

As of the morning of June 16, the county formally was listed in court records as the defendant.

In the meantime, Mike Consentino has set up a website - www.reopenbeachroad.com to seek support for his initiative to keep all of North Beach Road public property and donations “to help pay for our legal fees.”

A button on the homepage clicks through to a GoFundMe page.

The matter of the resolution Although the County Commission vote on the matter took place on May 11, the resolution setting forth that action in formal legal terms had not been finalized by June 15, SNL learned.

County Real Estate Division staff sent a draft to Bailey on May 13 with minor suggested changes, but he had not revised it and returned it with a signature as of midweek this week, Bartolone said.

Asked whether that would enable the Office of the County Attorney to seek dismissal of Consentino’s complaint, Brookes explained that his understanding of the law is that the date of the County Commission vote was the start of the 30-day period for Consentino to file a complaint.

The fact that the resolution has not been finalized should not matter, he continued.

However, if he had not filed the complaint within that 30-day timeframe, he added, the Office of the County Attorney would have had no problem getting a judge to dismiss the lawsuit.

His decision, Brookes said, was to “err on the side of caution.”

Sarasota attorney Morgan Bentley of the Bentley & Bruning firm — who has been involved in past litigation against the County Commission — confirmed Brookes’ position. In a June 15 telephone interview, he told SNL, “Ralf is right.” Bentley explained that, as a public body, the commission “can’t do anything after the public hearing,” so that May 11 action was final.

Overview of the petition to vacate Beach Road, County Commissioners voted • Reduces the number of dwelling units from 12 to 6, built to current codes.

• The segment of Beach Road affected by the vacation petition is currently not open to vehicle traffic except for property owners entering their property. Vacation of this segment relieves the County of the burden of maintaining this segment. The road (vehicle traffic) has been closed on and off since 1993. Cost to repair over $2 million.

• Public use of that section of road today, ie, walking and biking would not be changed.

• The project will lower the density of the immediate area.

• The 3 lots on the beach, seaward of the vacated road are privately owned and will never be developed (through legal document). The public will now have permanent easement to access the beach.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JULY 2016

Notes from the Island Fishmonger

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

29

Take the Plunge

By Scott Dolan, Big Water Fish Market, 6641 Midnight Pass, Siesta Key, 941-554-8101 Lionfish Is Delish!

The month of July is feeling alot like a Lionfish awareness month. We don’t usually hear that much about these cool looking animals with red and white zebra stripes. We don’t see them in the display cases of many fish markets and they are never caught by fisherman as these fish can’t be baited and are only caught by spear-fishermen so they do not get alot of press. Well here is something we all need to know…we want these fish out of our waters!

Lionfish pose no threat in their natural habitat but Florida is not their natural habitat. This fish is a serious danger to our marine eco system. They are destroying our coral reefs and with no natural predator of their own (because of their venomous spines) they are eating everything in sight. They reproduce in alarming numbers and because of these facts the Lionfish are now attracting attention. Lionfish have invaded the Gulf of Mexico, southern Atlantic and Caribbean so heavily that the fish populations they prey upon have fallen by 90%.

Some additional Lionfish facts are: They inhabit all marine habitat types and depths down to 1,000 feet.

Dense Lionfish populations can consume more than 460,000 prey fish per acre per year.

They sexually mature in less than a year and are able to reproduce every 4 days throughout the year. A single fish can produce 2 million eggs a year. They can live for decades and reach sizes exceeding 19” and they can reach densities of more

than 200 adults per acre.

Due to their protective venomous spines, no fish wants to tangle with them… even the sharks!

Despite rumors that this fish is poisonous to humans, the fact is that they are not. After the venomous spine tips are removed, this fish is delish and considered a delicacy.

What can we do? For starters we eat the enemy & leave no Lionfish behind! Scuba divers and spear-fishermen must safely capture and remove the Lionfish from the Gulf and we must eat them! Restaurant owners and chefs should have this fish on their menus and fish markets need to buy and sell these fish to their consumers. Awareness is the name of the game. The more you know about this fish, the more you will want it out of the water and into your belly.

Lionfish truly is a delicious dish.

It has a white flaky texture and sweet flavor that surprises many consumers when served from sea to plate. Because it yields a small fillet, I recommend that you eat this whole tempura style. If

|Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans

Let’s go sailing, KATHLEEN D Sailing Catamarans, serving Siesta Key from 3 locations: Downtown Sarasota, Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island.

If you would like to experience being on the water viewing Dolphin Watches, Sunset Sails, Snorkeling and Shelling call us at 941-870-4349 or go to our web site for detailed information www.kathleend.net USCG Certified for 20 passengers.

you’re cooking it at home, make sure your fish monger cleans the fish and removes the venomous tips from the spiny pectoral fins.

Sarasota Lionfish Derby is the weekend of July 8th-10th.

The weekend kicks off with a Lionfish dinner at the Big Water Fish Market on Friday night, July 8th from 6pm-9pm. Allie ElHage (designer of the Zookeeper which is a device used for the containment of speared Lionfish) will be our guest speaker on that night to help create awareness and share his knowledge on the Lionfish. In addition, you will also receive a “Be the Predator” brochure provided to us from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to go along with your Lionfish meal.

The Derby will be based at Mote Marine Laboratory with hunting in the Gulf on July 9th and the weigh in will be at Mote Marine Laboratory on July 10th.

For more information about the Lionfish Derby you can go to mote.org/lionfishderby, contact Allie ElHage at zookeepericu@ gmail.com or to become a sponsor or make a donation to this event please contact Kate at (941)3884441 ext. 393 or email her at Kknepper@mote.org. To find out more about our Lionfish dinners at Big Water Fish Market please call 941-554-8101..

Live well, eat fish!

Scott Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass, Siesta Key, FL 34242.

941-554-8101

Learn to Scuba Dive If you’ve always wanted to take scuba diving lessons, experience unparalleled adventure and see the world beneath the waves, working with an experienced instructor that has the patience and passion to make sure you receive a thorough explanation and addresses all your concerns is paramount for a thrilling and safe adventure.

Ocean Pro Dive Shop has been in business since 1979. It was established in 1952 as part of the Tackle Box located on Main Street in Downtown Sarasota. In the beginning of this rather young sport most dive shops started out inside of existing businesses such as sporting-good stores, marinas, or in their case a fishing supply store. They have the most knowledgeable and experienced staff in the area with over three decades of experience in the diving field. Their motto: We don’t just certify divers, we train Ocean Pros!

They offer scuba diving certification with the PADI Open Water Diver course – the world’s most popular and widely recognized scuba course. Millions of people have learned to scuba dive and gone on to discover the

wonders of the aquatic world through this course. Breathing underwater for the first time is something you won’t soon forget.

If you love to fish, there is a way to combine your love of the water with the thrill of fishing, with a course on spearfishing. There are essentially two schools of spearfishing; freediving (breathhold) and scuba diving. There are different guns, styles and techniques used in each.

Many customers have shared their experience with this business.

Testimonial from Trip Advisor: “Best guides” “I’ve been diving since 1982 and Israel and Ethan were the best guides I’ve ever had.”

“They know the site like the back of their hands but still have obvious passion for exploring.”

So go ahead and take the plunge. Then cross it off your bucket list. Call (941) 924-3483 to set up an informational meeting with Mike Hays. Their storefront is located at 2259 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota FL (near Siesta Key).

STORE HOURS: MONDAY – SATURDAY: Noon - 6:00 P.M.

GUIDED SNORKELING • SCUBA TOURS

Sarasota, Florida Florida Sarasota,

941-200-0333 www.OceanProDive.com www.OceanProDive.com $

2.00 OFF

WITH THIS AD CALL FOR DETAILS!

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

July 2016

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33' Date

Day

1

Fr

10:01a

High Tide 2.4

High Tide

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

4:07a

2

Sa

12:47a

1.4

10:46a

3

Su

1:48a

1.4

11:31a

4

Mo

2:37a

1.4

5

Tu

3:16a

6

We

7

Th

8 9

1.0

6:30p

-0.1

6:38a

8:30p

4:06a

5:44p

2.5

4:50a

1.1

7:22p

-0.3

6:39a

8:30p

4:59a

6:47p

2.5

5:34a

1.2

8:08p

-0.3

6:39a

8:30p

5:55a

7:47p

12:15p

2.5

6:19a

1.2

8:51p

-0.3

6:40a

8:30p

6:53a

8:43p

1.4

12:59p

2.5

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©2016 FreeTideTables.com - For comparison only - Times are local - Tides in feet from MLLW

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Siesta Sand

JULY 2016

941.349.0194

A Series Called Rental The pilot for a new half-hour comedy series is being shot here in Sarasota. The show is called Rental, and Bob Gray is creator, executive producer and writer of the series.

Bob is head of the Digital Film Program at Suncoast Technical College (STC), and a wellknown Sarasota filmmaker. He is also an Emmy Award-Winning Comedy Writer.

The story is set in the mythical town of Sunset Beach, Florida—a place which is certain to remind people very much of Sarasota.

Orensis Films, a premier gulf coast production company based in Sarasota, is co-producing Rental. They supply cameras, cameramen, lighting, production gear and other personnel.

Trishul Thejasvi, Millie King, and Thomas John Nudi, all with Orensis Films, are working with Bob on the Rental project.

Another producer is Sarasota neurosurgeon, Dr. Jim Schumacher, a film enthusiast and partner in Olive Productions of NYC. His cohorts at Olive are Steve Buschemi, star of Boardwalk Empire and dozens of feature films, and Stanley Tucci, acclaimed actor, producer, and director. Ideally, each episode of Rental will bring in a well-known actor as one of the renters.

Bob was inspired by a real-life situation.

The seed of the story was planted when friends of Bob’s bought a vacation rental as an investment property, one which they planned to rent out on a weekly basis. When Bob heard them talk about a wide variety of issues and problems inherent in handling weekly rentals, he knew he had a story. He has been working on the project for the past year and a half.

The tale centers on an old Florida beach house that sits on a secluded, private beach, with a guest cottage located a little further down the beach. The property is located on an idyllic cove right on the Gulf of Mexico, a bit of old Florida. Each week a completely different set of people come into the house, and each week brings a vastly different set of issues. The first four episodes have already been written.

Bob Gray’s role is to supply the story, cast the actors, and direct the episodes. He and his co-producers are currently creating a pilot teaser that introduces the setting, the characters and the humor. The end result will be a 10 minute video, four finished scripts, and a document known as a “Show Bible”, which gives an overview of the entire first season.

These materials are essential for marketing the series.

The project has been entirely self-funded.

When the package is assembled, it will be presented to streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon to see if any of these companies are interested in picking the show up and funding it. The producers of Rental also will take the project to local investors to see if they can obtain funding and shoot the entire first season.

Two Screen Actors Guild (SAG) actors are in

By Diana Colson

the cast, one being Brandon Tyler Jones. This talented actor played Monty in Monty Comes Back, an Orensis film which was presented at the Sarasota Film Festival in 2016, and won the Audience Choice Award.

27 year old Brandon lives in LA, and is being flown in to play Rental’s lead character, Matt Steven. Says Bob Gray, “We discussed Brandon from the very beginning because he’s so right for the lead in RENTAL. We are going to be a SAG Signatory Production under their new Media Contract Rules which are designed for use with companies like Netflix and Hulu.

SAG has more relaxed rules for these new streaming services.”

Kim Crow – a local SAG actor– is playing Meredith Porter, a widow who was the original owner of the fictional beach house.

Meredith wills the house to her handy man, Matt. When Matt moves in to take care of the house, he finds Ray – Meredith’s deceased husband – still inhabiting the house as a ghost.

Matt and Ray unite forces to preserve this iconic piece of old Florida. Their goal is to keep the idyllic beachfront property out of Ray’s brother’s hands – a man by the name of Colt Porter—a developer hell-bent on paving over every inch of the town.

It’s the old story of preserve or develop, a topic John D. MacDonald once addressed in Flash of Green.

Local actor Mark Troy is playing the role of the villain, Colt, while the whackadoodle ghost of Ray is played by, Jamie Blond, a stand-up comic who has plied his trade in NYC and elsewhere. Tampa’s Natalie Pitcher will be the lead actress, Eve Rosencrantz.

Several of Bob’s former students from STC are helping with the production. According to Bob, “We are trying to use local crew and talent as much as possible. We are probably 95% local, taking advantage of all the talent and skills we have in the Gulf Coast area.”

Much of the 10 minute pilot was shot in June at the beautiful old Spanish house owned by famed Sarasota hairdresser, Ana Molinari. Says Bob, “The stuff we shot there is to establish and introduce the characters, the setting, the tone of the thing. Ana is not only providing the house, but also the models for the opening title sequence as well as doing makeup.”

In addition, a funeral scene was shot at Sarasota’s picturesque Crocker Church, and I was invited to be one of the extras. I got out my black dress and big picture hat, and trotted over to be one of the mourners. Should this series go into production right here in Sarasota, you too might have a chance to claim your 15 minutes of cinematic fame!

As we go to print, Bob Gray remains hopeful of finding a beach house location on Siesta Key which can be used as the ultimate location.

The plan is to have Rental in full-fledged production by next summer at the latest.

Siesta Key Round-Up Volpe explained on June 2 that the initial idea about using plastic grocery bags — such as those available at Publix — proved unworkable because they do not have much capacity. His further research, he told the News Leader this week, led him to a California company that makes the produce bag holders and the much larger bags it can dispense. Additionally, he noted, one roll has 750 bags, which will mean fewer restocking trips for SKA members.

The cost per bag, he added, is about 1.25 cents per bag. Moreover, he said, he wanted to be sure the holder was sturdy enough so someone could not “yank on [a bag] and the whole thing would come unrolled.” With this device, he continued, “It takes effort to pull [the bags] off.”

During the SKA meeting this month, Volpe voiced excitement because the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was interested in sponsoring the trash collection initiative. However, he told the

www.siestasand.net

Continued from page 13

News Leader this week that the state agency had established a June 30 deadline for the SKA to win that funding support, and because county staff had not signed off on the project as of that time, the FWC money will not be available.

That means the SKA will pay for the pilot program, Volpe said, though the possibility exists that FWC could assist in the future.

FWC is not the only entity outside the county to show enthusiasm about the SKA proposal for keeping the beach cleaner. When he was conducting his research, Volpe told the News Leader, he contacted Dr. Stephen Leatherman — aka Dr. Beach of Florida International University — to ask whether Leatherman had any suggestions about a trash collection plan. And while Leatherman did not, Volpe said, he was interested in the SKA’s efforts.

As for the county: Volpe said his latest communications with Shawn Yeager, manager of the Beaches and Water Access Division of the Parks, Recreation and Natural

Resources Department, made it plain the clear plastic bags would not work. The fear county staff has, Volpe continued, is that turtles would mistake the bags for jellyfish and try to eat them.

Therefore, Volpe continued, he is trying to make certain he can get the bags in black.

Of Yeager, Volpe added, “He has to put the final blessing on [the pilot program].”

In response to a News Leader request for a comment, county spokesman Drew Winchester contacted Nicole Rissler, deputy director of the Parks Department, who emailed the following response: “Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources staff have been working collaboratively with the Siesta Key Association (SKA) to determine [parameters] for the pilot program they are proposing. Nothing has been approved yet, but staff is continuing to work through details both internally, and with SKA.” Volpe pointed out to the News Leader that it took the SKA about

a year to get radar signs placed on the island to show drivers how fast they are going, in the nonprofit organization’s effort to reduce speeding. Therefore, he is determined to work through the logistics of the trash collection initiative, so it can begin.

More info on Siesta fireworks

The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce still is accepting donations and sponsorships for the annual July Fourth fireworks show on Siesta Public Beach, Ann Frescura, executive director of the Chamber, told SNL on June 20.

“We’re working on the funding, and we’ve had a very good response from the community,” Frescura said in a telephone interview.

Earlier this year, Chamber President Mark Smith explained during an SKA meeting that the improvements at the public beach, which were completed in February, had led to changes that

could jeopardize future fireworks shows. The expense of the annual display on the Fourth is about $45,000, he pointed out, adding, “About $30,000 of that gets blown up.”

“We feel good about the pledges that have been made,” Frescura told SNL, speaking of the 2016 fireworks shoe. As for the future: With any community event of this level, she continued, “it’s smart and wonderful if you can get ahead of the game.”

The Chamber has established certain sponsorship levels, she pointed out. Those who participate will have access to a preferred viewing area for the pyrotechnics, as well as a hospitality area provided by the Chamber staff on the beach. The Chamber packages also feature a limited number of parking spaces and name recognition on signage.

Any contribution is most welcome, Frescura said.

For more information or to become a sponsor, visit the Chamber online or call 349-3800.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

Trolleys Needed

Continued from cover story

Jacobsen said he hears the frustration all the time: people can’t find a place to park and end up driving around futilely. But a trolley — or tram — would allow visitors to park their cars at their resorts and utilize the trolley as they travel about the Key. It would reduce traffic and offer a fun way for families to get around, with coolers and children aboard the open-air vehicles, Jacobsen said.

That’s why in July, Siesta Key representatives from SKA, Village Association and the Chamber of Commerce Trolleys can help lend a small-town ambience for both visitors and residents plan to meet with Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) representatives to “try to emphasize to them the Tomasso said parking and traffic continually importance” of a trolley. arise as negative experiences. “As I read There are model public trolley operations through all of my reviews after our guests in beach communities from Clearwater Beach check out, without fail, the biggest downfalls to St. Augustine — and closer to home in to their stay are traffic and parking,” Tomasso Fort Myers Beach and Anna Maria Island — said.

Jacobsen pointed out. “Fort Myers and Anna Maria Island have successful trolley operations, A better way and I can’t believe it is taking as long as it has” The need for a trolley is two-fold, advocates to implement a similar operation on Siesta, say. Visitors, especially from Europe where Jacobsen said.

MCAT (Manatee County Area Transit) offers public transportation is often a basic and free trolley rides on Anna Maria Island with often-used service, would prefer not to drive both air-conditioned and open-air seating. On when they come to Siesta “if they could make Fort Myers Beach, LeeTran offers 50 cent single their way up and down the Key” in a trolley, rides and $1.50 all day passes for its. In addition, Smith said.

Visitors will often ask if there is a way they Lee County plans to build a $4.9 million, 250car park and ride center at Summerlin Square to can travel without a car on the island. “Being in the accommodations industry, I cannot tell serve its Fort Myers Beach trolley system.

Former Fort Myers Beach resident Alan you how many times we are asked if there Cannestra stated “My wife and I owned a is a ‘trolley or shuttle’ that would run to the property on the south side of Fort Myers Beach. village, turtle beach, etc.,” said Tomasso, We would often walk the beach down to Time general manager at Midnight Cove.

“When making reservations, they will ask if Square; it is a five mile walk. We would have a bite to eat, catch some music and have few they need to have a car or not,” added Smith. drinks. We just hopped on the trolley and “In some communities they visit, they don’t paid the 25 cents back to our condo.” Most the need to rent a car. They don’t know where they are going anyway [when driving].” residents used and enjoyed the trolleys.”

Secondly, from a planning perspective, a “It works for other beach communities,” Mark Smith, chair of the Siesta Key Chamber trolley makes good sense, Smith said. The of Commerce. “We don’t have to reinvent the more people who can get on a trolley, the fewer cars on the road and the fewer parking wheel.”

SCAT is currently exploring the use of spaces needed.

Debbie Szczesny, assistant to the general possible grants to help fund a trolley. “SCAT is working with the Siesta Key Association to manager at Jamaica Royale, said a trolley examine the possibility of trolley service, and would “help reduce the stress of traffic on our we’re exploring the use of grants for either two lane road, with special emphasis between purchase, or lease, of trolleys in the future,” the South Bridge, Siesta Key Public Beach and said SCAT Director Rocky Burke, through a the Village.”

“We are named #1 Beach for a reason, and Sarasota County media spokesperson.

In addition, Burke pointed out, the county we should have the resources to accommodate transit provides bus service through routes #10 this well deserved title and status,” Szczesny said. and #11, which both serve Siesta Key. )In addition to vacationers asking about Smith notes that discussions about a trolley on Siesta Key have been ongoing for years, and transportation, Szczesny said she has been he hopes the county can implement a plan to asked by part time and full time residents if there is a way to get to Davidson Drugs, or the bring a trolley operation to the island soon.

“Every time a new ranking comes out and local grocery store without taking a car.

Siesta Key is listed that does give a boost to the Open air number of visitors we get. So it hammers home the need for the trolley,” Smith told Siesta Sand.

Jacobsen believes an open-air trolley or tram Furthermore, Smith said the Siesta is more attractive, fun, and easier to use than Promenade mixed-use project proposed for a bus that is designed to appear like a trolley. the corner of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road “A trolley is easier to get in and out of, with would bring additional visitors and traffic to coolers and children,” Jacobsen said. the Key, further highlighting the need for a St. Augustine has an open-air tram that trolley or tram operation.

Jacobsen rode during a recent visit. “We parked our vehicle and got on the tram they have,” Jacobsen told Siesta Sand. “We didn’t ‘We need this’ get back in the vehicle for five or six hours.”

The time for such a public trolley system is Smith agrees that an open-air vehicle such now, says Alana Tomasso, general manager at as a trolley or tram is most desirable. “It really Midnight Cove. needs to be an open air vehicle. It needs to be “We cannot afford to have guests choose fun.” other vacation destinations simply because we Both Smith and Jacobsen believe a trolley on cannot figure this out,” Tomasso said. “We have Siesta would augment the current “free beach talked about it for several years, and our island rides” on the island. is only getting more popular and populated.

The trolley would “work in conjunction” We need this.” with the free rides, Jacobsen said. “I think The lack of parking, however, may have there is a niche for both,” he added. The tram already put a slight damper on Siesta’s reputation or trolley would come every 20 or 30 minutes as a top destination, at least according to some at scheduled route stops, whereas the free recent visitor reviews. For instance, in 2015, ride drivers would be available for folks who 3,993 reviews earned Siesta Public Beach the top wanted to call and get picked up at a more spot on TripAdvisor’s list of the nation’s best specific location, Jacobsen said. In addition, shoreline destinations. A year later, however, the free rides would be available for the latethe website’s 2016 Travelers’ Choice rankings night crowd on the island. saw Siesta drop to No. 3, with several reviewers noting a lack of parking as a problem spot.

JULY 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

31

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Madi age 12, Hailey age 13, and Morgan age 14 from Sarasota

Derek from NY, Brooke, and Marcus from Sarasota.

Blooming this month Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea)

Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) is lovely to look at and has a slight garlic scent. Spherical clusters of star-shaped lavender blooms appear nearly all year round or 2’ tall stems; above the mounds of slender, grassy or onion like leaves. This plant attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects.

A welcome addition during the warmer summer months; as once

they are established they are drought resistant. It is also a nice plant for borders or in edging, and also nice in mixed plant containers. And, an added bonus is the leaves and flowers are both edible and a nice addition to freshly made salads.

Submitted by Kay Weber, Sarasota Garden Club Botanical Garden Chair.

32

Siesta Sand

JULY 2016

941.349.0194

Snapshots of Island Visitors

www.siestasand.net

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Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography 1

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1: Kennedy and Caity from Sarasota 2: Chris and Kelly from Leheigh 3: Haley, Cienna age 17 months and Angel from Gainesville 4: Adrianna, Earl, Catarina, ChrisAnn & Ryan from Orlando and Suzanne from Sarasota 5: Justin, Jake 10 months and Alissa from Sarasota 6: Noelia age 4, Naomi age 6, Ebony age 8 and Georgia age 2 7: Minnarose age 2 ½, Mark, and Mays age 8 from Sarasota 8: Rob, Elsa and Jurga 9: Eric from Sarasota and Katie from Ft. Myers 10: Nico age 8, Nani age 7, Nyla, Joe, and Joe Jr. from Spring Hill, FL

ÂŽ

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

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

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www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

DearDonnarose

Q: Dear Donnarose, I hear a lot about raising our vibration. What are your thoughts about this topic, and how do I begin? ~Thank you, Jillian A: “How you vibrate is what the Universe echoes back to you in every moment.” ~Panache There’s a lot of information on this. With limited space, I’ll keep it as simple as possible.

As we read often, everything is energy.

And all things including us, vibrate at a certain frequency. For example, most of us can remember at least one time being at our lowest.. let’s say when a death of a loved one occurred, or an unwanted divorce. Some of us felt like we just wanted to sleep due to feeling so run down from the experience. This is an example of when our energy is vibrating at a low level or frequency, and doesn’t feel good. On the other hand, a fun celebratory experience like having a blast on vacation, or a visit with grandchildren, would be experiencing our energy at a higher vibration, which certainly feels good. The thing is, we get to choose how we show up vibrationally, which then determines the outcome of our situations.

This is basically what the quote above indicates. So one of the benefits to raising our vibration, is that we’ll manifest like-energy in the form of situations, people and things. This includes handling challenging situations more positively, as a higher vibrational frequency is in alignment with peace, patience and love.

For those who like myself, are doing spiritual work, or for many who want to connect to their Angels, Higher Self, or their loved ones without 3rd party’s assistance, raising one’s vibration greatly facilitates this. Other benefits to raising our vibration are: ~Our perspective starts to come from a place of peace and love, instead of anger and resentment when we hear about wrongdoings. We focus on resolution, rather than contributing to escalating an already difficult situation. ~Our bodies and mind start to feel a positive charge to the intricacies in nature. ~It no longer takes material things or vacation to feel good and grateful, as we start appreciating the smallest blessings around us each day. ~We start to feel more fulfilled with less stuff around us, as it opens our space for more energy to flow. ~We find ourselves thinking in the light towards ourselves and others, and as a result, rather than ego to ego, our encounters become more soul to soul.

To reap the above and many more benefits, here are some ways to raise your vibration. You can use my list below, and/or create a list that works best for you.

And remember, it’s the journey that counts, so go at a peaceful pace: ~Be in the present moment. ~Forgive yourself and others. ~Practice compassion for others and yourself. ~Eat light and organic as often as possible. ~Drink filtered water. ~Pray. ~Meditate often. ~Write a gratitude list. ~Practice acts of love & kindness. ~Exercise. ~Go in nature often. ~Listen to music. ~Sing. ~Dance. ~Volunteer. ~Any pampering activities. ~Deep breathing. ~Energy work: Clear and open your chakras, Cut negative energetic cords. Sage your space to clear out any negative lower energies/entities. Get a dose of Chakrapuncture, or Ancestral/Energy clearings which is a service I provide, or any other healing modality you feel resonates with you. ~Create a little sanctuary in your home. ~Repeat positive mantras /affirmations. ~Read spiritual material. ~Join a spiritual group.

JULY 2016

~Create anything (drawing in the sand or dirt counts). ~Laugh...Laugh often.

To continue to reap the benefits mentioned way above, it’s key to work on maintaining this higher state of energy, or vibration as often as possible. Consider doing the list above as being in what I call, a “Permanent Do For You” class. This will not only enable you to reap the benefits daily, but all those surrounding you will be exposed to your light as well. And that will help to raise their vibration too. ~ ♥ Q: Dear Donnarose, I’m on the road a lot for my job, which I don’t mind. But the issue is, the staff at the office keep getting my check wrong, as well as my address when mailing packages. My frustration level is through the roof.

How do I keep my sanity at this point? -Adam A: “How we show up each day energetically, often determines what manifests on our path, and how we handle it to remain in balance.” ~Donnarose Melvin When something happens over and over and doesn’t feel good, it’s usually our Higher Self or Spirit nudging us to pay attention. There’s usually something we should or shouldn’t be doing, but we keep dismissing the cues. But since it doesn’t feel like the cue is for you to leave your job, consider seeing a different view of what to do. Instead of losing your sanity, as I always say, before you check out, check within. The reason is, very often it’s something within us that causes existing emotions to intensify, rather than the situation itself. And that something, is our energy, or vibrational frequency. Existing negative thoughts, fear, jealousy, mistrust, etc., and actions to match; like judging others for example, support a lower state of energy or vibration. Love, forgiveness, faith, positive thoughts and action, etc., support a higher vibration. So depending on where we are vibrationally, can not only determine how we’ll react to challenging situations, but also whether or not they’ll even manifest.

So, with the above being written, if there’s another incident with the staff, it’s important to try to communicate from a higher vibration. This is where peace, love and patience energy reside, which will enable your words to match. When this happens, quite often issues are not only resolved more swiftly and peacefully, but you may even see less occurrences.

The bottom-line is, our energy (which we are made of), determines everything. Check in with it daily to see where you are. And if you consistently work on aligning yourself with what supports a higher vibration as written all above, your perception of what you once thought were challenging situations, will change. And instead of through the roof, you’ll find your emotions will be in balance much more often than not. ~ ♥ Donnarose Melvin is a professional intuitive medium, and also does powerful distant energy clearings. Her knowledge from her BA degree in Psychology, along with her natural intuitive gifts, have helped thousands achieve increased peace and success. Please send your questions to: Donnarose1010@gmail.com or Facebook private msg her at Donnarose Soulful Media. She will select questions each month to share with you. Donnarose regrets that unpublished questions cannot be answered individually. If you’d like an energy clearing, or an intuitive reading, please contact Donnarose at the email address above.

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Wake & Shake

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Siesta Key REAL ESTATE & HOME SECTION ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 42 SAND CASTLES PAGE 37

Profiles in Real Estate: James J. Piro Piro & Associates A Boutique Real Estate Firm

Piro & Associates is a specialized Sarasota Real Estate office offering boutique services and personalized care of clients, both residential and commercial. James J. Piro and his wife, Linda Piro, co-founded the firm.

Today, they serve international clients as well as local, maintaining a special affiliation with Italian Real Estate.

James J. Piro has been one of the most recognized Realtors in the industry for over three decades. He holds the two highest real estate designations in the world.

James is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), which means he is a recognized as an expert in the disciplines of commercial investment real estate.

He also holds a MAI Designation, which means he is affiliated with the Appraisal Institute, a global organization for real estate appraisers.

This designation identifies James as a real estate consultant and appraiser who is experienced in the valuation of commercial, industrial, residential, and other types of properties, both national and international.

Having attended a Jesuit University (John Carroll University in Cleveland), James is precise in his thinking. He reviews all articles for the Commercial Investment Real Estate Journal—published 6 times a year— taking each writer’s data and information, then checking it to make sure it is valid and correct.

His partner is his charming wife, Linda Piro. As Director of Operations and Co-Founder of Piro & Associates, Linda has been actively involved in the Real Estate Profession for over 20 years, after an earlier career in Ophthalmology. Today she is the firm’s administrator as well as the creative innovator who tackles both technology and marketing. Her strong listening and communication skills bring confidence and comfort to their clients.

HOUSE HUNTING PAGE 38 HIGH & LOW OF SOLD PROPERTIES PAGE 35

By Diana Colson

James and Linda moved to Florida from Cleveland Ohio in 1985. They started off in the Sanibel/Captiva/ Ft. Myers area. Before long, however, the Piro’s were drawn to Sarasota, for they could envision growth of the community. The couple raised one daughter, Alicia, who played in the Riverview High School Kiltie Band before going on to obtain her Law and International Law Degrees from Loyola University of Law in New Orleans, Louisiana. Alicia is now a personal injury lawyer. She and her husband, William, are the parents of the Piro’s treasured grandchildren, Alexis, age 2 ½, and William James, age 9 months.

The Piro’s are definitely boat people, having owned many different kinds. They live right on the water and often boat to their office, which is located at 7719 Holiday Dr. in Snug Harbor Village, a charming Nautical Office Complex. The couple has a little Maltese named Maggie who has been known to hop in the boat along with them.

Of Italian heritage, James is a selftaught sculptor who works in stone.

He often takes a little table down to their dock, sets it up, and works on carving his stone. In his own words: “I was an altar boy, so I saw all the stone work up very close. After serving Mass, I would go look at the sculptures more closely, then attempt to go home and create my own. I started going to a stone supplier when I was about 10 or 12, and began carving, which got better and better.” Needless to say, his childhood home was soon filled with original Piro’s!

Today, James leans towards creating small pieces such as a head, a bust, or perhaps a fish. He smiles: “It’s very relaxing after you put in a long day with your business.”

Piro & Associates deals with many international clients. They have worked with several banks in the UK, acquiring properties for these banks in the Southwest United States, and also acquiring many in Florida.

As a commercial realtor, James

James J. Piro J. Piro has worked with credit tenant retailers for shopping centers throughout the United States. He has acquired and brokered existing retailer locations and land for future retail development, including evaluating site locations and lease negotiation.

Piro & Associates represented the Wholesale Club exclusively, providing Sam Walton with retail locations throughout the United States. Today The Wholesale Club is known as Sam’s.

Piro & Associates specializes in NNN leased properties, typically known as “NO LANDLORD RESPONSIBILITIES.” These make excellent passive Real Estate Investments, the majority being Long-term Leases with Periodic Rent Increases. Tenants are predominantly retail tenants with good credit ratings: Fast Food Restaurants, Supermarkets, Drugstores, Dollar Stores, Auto Parts Stores and the like.

James and Linda run a boutique operation, one that tailors their services to the needs of the client, both commercial and residential.

They may be contacted at 941.923.3900 or piroassociates@comcast.net. More can be found at piroreality.com.

Sarasota Garden Club The Sarasota Garden Club had their Annual Meeting last month. CJ Danna was elected President for the next 2 years and her theme is “The Best is yet to Come”. The Club has grown dramatically the past couple years due to adding the Gardens in Paradise Tour in 2013, Gardenfest, joining the Sarasota CJ Danna, President Community Foundation Sarasota Garden Club and more exciting events.

They are now up to 200 members. They have gone from 2 scholarships to 3 (1 for high school and 2 for college level). SGC presented three Natural Science Scholarships to local students. Jonathan Chappell received a $2000 scholarship. Jonathan attends Riverview High School and will be attending Florida State University next year. He has been in the International Baccalaureate Program and has a 4.17 Grade Point Average, weighted.

Katherine Sundberg received the Jane Lawrence Natural Science Scholarship for $2000. She is also a student at Riverview and in the International Baccalaureate Program with a 4.0 Grade Point average. Brooklynn Willhelm is a very unusual student. She is a senior at the Suncoast Polytechnical High School. She also was in the International Baccalaureate Program. She was able to take enough courses so that this spring she will be graduating from high school and she will also receive her AA Degree from the State College of Florida. Because she will be entering her junior year next fall at the University of Florida, we gave her the college Natural Science Scholarship for $4000.

The Club will be celebrating their 90th Anniversary in April 2017. The theme will be “The Roar of the 20’s”. Don’t miss the great things that the Club has done in the past, and will do in the present and future. For information about The Sarasota Garden Club, contact us at 1131 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236 – www.sarasotagardenclub.org – 941-955-0875 – cjdanna@sarasotagardenclub.org.

Brooklynn Willhelm, Jonathan Chappell, and Katherine Sundberg

www.siestasand.net

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JULY 2016

The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

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

Following are properties that 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: 4415 Mangrove Pl.: Sold For $2,400,000.

Magnificent family living in the quiet enclave of Cocoanut Bayou, one of Siesta Key’s few neighborhoods with a private beach. This 5 bedroom, 3 and ½ bath custom John Cannon home was built in 2000 and has been beautifully maintained. Soaring two story entry and living room, wood and marble floors, two fireplaces, plantation shutters, game room, family room, bright and open floor plan with French doors throughout leading to numerous balconies, taking advantage of water views from all angles and levels, large boat dock with 10,000 lb. lift, sailboat water and big yard. The in-ground pool is on ground level with a large outdoor covered space for poolside entertaining at this prime North Siesta Key location. The sale of this property came to $536.19 a square foot. Courtesy of Michael Saunders

HIGHEST PRICED CONDO: 19 Whispering Sands Dr., #405: Sold For $789,000 Magnificent, panoramic Gulf of Mexico views abound from this spectacular renovation in one of Siesta Key’s finest waterfront communities.

An open kitchen with light maple cabinets, granite counters and stainless steel appliances provides the perfect backdrop for entertaining

guests while they enjoy the radiant sunsets and warm Gulf breezes. This professionally designed renovation features a relaxing coastal palette, ceramic planked floors, custom window treatments, and luxurious, expanded master bath. With a new air conditioning system, water heater, and optional furniture package this unit is beckoning you to pursue a tranquil island lifestyle on one of the most highly acclaimed beaches in America. Whispering Sands is a 25 acre, 55 and older, amenity- rich complex nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and the vibrant Siesta Key Village. Dining, entertainment, and all the essentials-such as grocery store, pharmacy and post office--are only steps away. Residents of this highly coveted complex enjoy the privacy of their cove-like quartz sand beach, two swimming pools, fitness room, clubhouse, library, outdoor grills and unparalleled social activities. The sale on this unit came out to $615.44 a square foot.

Courtesy of Kathleen Daniel Lic Broker

LOWEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY PROPERTY: 5210 Winding Way: Sold For $345,000 This darling Siesta Key Bungalow sits in a natural setting neighborhood on a canopy road. The exterior construction is block and has two bedroom, and two bath

in great condition with all of the best of old Florida vintage style. The yard is all natural landscape, easy to maintain with a lovely screened in porch with original terrazzo floor. The one-car garage offers the washer dryer laundry area along with attic space for additional storage with possibility of expansion. The interior is bright and open, consists of a living/dining room combo both bedrooms are on the north end of the home. Two full baths, the Hall bath offers a shower/tub unit with original tile work.

The master bedroom sits on the back of the home offering quiet setting to listen to the birds in the garden. The master bath offers a shower, all original tile work. It is an easy maintenance home. The sale of this property came out to $345.69 a square foot.

Courtesy of ReMax Platinum

LOWEST PRICED CONDO: 5237 Avenida Navarra, #B: Sold For $222,075 This one bedroom, one bathroom condo offers tile floors throughout, vaulted ceilings and French doors leading out to a private patio. Short distance to Siesta Key Beach and the Village.

The sale came out to $528.75 a square foot.

Courtesy of Allison James

Paradise Awaits...

E IC ED! R P UC D RE

E IC ED! R P UC D RE

5350 Calle Florida, Sarasota, FL

Currently the lowest priced duplex close the the beach. 2 BR, 1 BA on each side. Close to beach and a quaint island accessible by a bridge. Close to Siesta Key Village with unique shops, restaurants and nightlife. Own a slice of this tropical paradise at an affordable price.

529,800

$

430 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL

418 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL

Desirable Palm Island on Siesta Key home with 5 BR, 3 BA, located on the Grand Canal. World class fishing and watersports only a short boat ride away. Lots of privacy for a large family.

New roof in 2013. Tropical setting with mature trees. Short walk to Siesta Village.

Single Family Home, 3 BR, 2.5 BA Key West Style Grand Canal home on Siesta Key. Built in 2005. Huge lower level bonus area, pool shower, 4-car garage.

Open floor plan. Custom touches, must see!

6151 Hollywood Blvd., Sarasota, FL

325 Avenida Madera, Sarasota, FL

1,100,000

$

1,615,000

$

E IC ED! R P UC D RE

389 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL

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

799,000

$

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

Upside potential.

425,000

$

Beaches!, Boating! & Bistros!! This Tropical Paradise in “The Village” has been lovingly updated throughout. BEACHES!- you are a short walk to World Famous Siesta Beach. BOATING!- approx. 72 feet of Canal Front (dredged in 2008) with access to world class fishing and watersports. BISTRO’S!-You are steps away from locally acclaimed dining and entertainment of Siesta Village.

725,000

$

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

ddm1@comcast.net

Service.

Integrity.

Results.

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Handmade Antique Rugs Bought and Sold

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

Mosby oriental rugs

941-925-1025 by appointment

www.antiqueorientalrugs.com

May

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JULY 2016

Sand Castles

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

37

Modern and Private at Siesta Beach Villas

By Roger Drouin

Siesta Beach Villas, a modern four-plex, is one of the newer condominiums on Siesta.

Built in 2011 to the most recent hurricane and wind codes, the builder incorporated the latest finishes and high-end appliances and fixtures.

Nine-foot tall ceilings, oak wood floors, Wolfe cooktops, a private elevator, over-sized 2-car garages, and a private community garden pool are some of the features of the Villas.

But the location, close to the Village and Beach Access No. 5, is the greatest amenity for owner Rod Ayer. “We’ve had guests visit and we tell them, ‘You can stay here for a week and not see a car.’” Ayer said. “Everything is in walking distance. You can’t beat the location.”

Ayer and his wife Kathleen, who serves as president of the Siesta Beach Villas condo association also enjoy the rooftop balconies featured in the two larger, top units in the building. The couple spends about eight months out of the year at the condo, and the rest of the year in New Jersey.

The four units share the heated garden pool, which Ayer describes as an oasis. “It is very shaded, so in the warmer months, you can do the beach in the morning and sit in the shade and relax,” Ayer told Siesta Sand.

Ayer also said the uniquely-small Beach Villas is a close-knit community. “It doesn’t take long to get to know everyone,” Ayer said. “It is like an extension of your family.”

Most of the owners live part of the year at the Beach Villas and typically don’t rent out their units, although rentals are allowed. Many of the nearby communities allow weekly rentals, but the Villas has a one-month minimum rental policy, which creates a quieter atmosphere and less turnover, Ayer said. The solid concrete and steel construction ensures a quiet setting inside the units, as well — even though the building is close to Siesta Village.

Realtor Bob Ruiz, who has a unit listed for sale in the building, also described the garden pool and landscaping as one of the enhanced amenities of the exclusive community, which is gated.

Inside, from kitchen to bathrooms, the top-of-the-line finishes can be found. “One of the most modern communities on Siesta Key, Siesta Beach Villas affords the latest and greatest finishes and fixtures,” said Ruiz, of Key Solutions Real Estate. Those include: the nine-foot ceilings, high-end appliances such as Wolfe cooktops, premium wood flooring, and tiled kitchen and baths.

The Beach Villas were developed by WSL

Development LLC, a Sarasota company managed by Scott W. Lloyd.

Ayer said the developer paid close attention to the details throughout the modern building.

Private garages occupy the first floor of the building. On the second floor, a pair of two bedroom units fill the space. The 1,271-squarefoot units feature two full baths and balcony space overlooking the pool.

Larger upstairs units are located on the third and fourth floors. Those units feature 2,725 square feet of air-conditioned space and rooftop decks complete with outdoor grill, TV, fridge, gas fire pit, hot tub and views of the Gulf of Mexico. The larger units feature three bedrooms and two and a half baths. “Abundant outdoor living space including balconies and the rooftop lounge add an additional 1,308 square feet with amazing views of the beach and gorgeous sunsets,” Ruiz said.

A maintenance contractor takes care of the property and is on call for any maintenance issues, Ayer said.

Recent sales and listings: • One of the two-bedroom, two-bath units is currently listed for sale for $819,000. The unit, listed by Ruiz, of Key Solutions, is furnished.

Features of this unit include high custom closets, European style wood cabinetry, quartz countertops, gas on-demand water heater, two covered terraces, and the private elevator to the living level. The listing for the 1,271 square-foot unit comes to $644 a square foot.

The open kitchen, has 2 pantries and island seating for four, houses premium stainless appliances including the Wolfe 5-burner gas cooktop, built-in microwave and oven, Sub Zero refrigerator, and Bosch dishwasher. The master suite with balcony overlooks the pool, and has a walk-in closet, garden tub with separate walk-in shower and dual sinks.

• In January, 2015, one of the larger, 2,725-square foot units sold for $2.365 million, or $868 a square foot. The unit has a chef’s kitchen with a larger 6-burner gas Wolf oven.

The unit has room to entertain and Gulf views from the kitchen and dining room.

• Back in March, 2011, before the housing market began to fully recover, the other 2,725 square foot unit sold for $1.25 million, or $459 a square foot, from WSL, the developer, according to Sarasota County Property Records.

• In 2011, one of the two-bedroom units sold, from the developer, for $520,000, or $409 a square foot.

• The two-bedroom unit currently listed for sale was sold by WSL for $527,500 in February, 2011, according to property records.

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

Making Things Happen on Siesta Key...BOB and SHERI RUIZ

D L O S UST

J Luxurious Siesta Beach Villas

Enjoy the best of Siesta Key in this beautifully appointed 2/2 with 2 balconies and 2 car garage. Just one block to the Beach and Village. MLS#A4139763 $819,000

Somerset Cove

Fabulous 4/3 1/2 home minutes to Beach and Village. 2 car garage, elevator, deeded boat dock with 10k lb. lift. Gated enclave of just 11 homes with community pool. MLS#A4145095 $779,000

Peppertree Bay

Direct bay views from this fabulous 2/2 in sought-after Peppertree community. Tastefully, turnkey furnished. Private garage.

MLS#A4149092 $610,000

JUST Gulf & Bay Bayside

Great beach home, vacation or rental property. Dedicated beach access just steps to Siesta Beach. Attached garage.

Furnished. Beautifully renovated.

3/2 MLS #A4142552 $675,000 2/2 with water views MLS #A4153479 $575,000

Siesta Key Circle

Wonderful old-Florida style home in great location near the beach and on the water - minutes by boat to the ICW and Gulf. All on 1 level.

Pool, 10k lift. 2 car garage MLS #A4149391 $1,150,000

SOLD

Siesta Village - Villa Navarra

Location! 1 block to the Beach and Siesta Village., this charming 2/2 has been nicely updated and is selling furnished.

Move in without delay.

MLS #A4149614 $395,000

Harbour Towne Yacht Club

Every boater’s dream. Minutes walk to Siesta Beach, yards by boat to the ICW and Gulf with no fixed bridges. Deeded dock and garage.

Spacious 3/3 MLS #A4156232 $719,900 Charming 2/2 MLS #A4128627 $499,000

The Pointe on Midnight Pass

Amazing views of the Gulf and the Bay! This renovated two bedroom, two bath unit on the southernmost end of Siesta Key affords every amenity. MLS#A4118450 $530,000

Your Resident Siesta Key Realtors - - Bob Ruiz 941-544-3299 RobertRuizRR@aol.com Sheri Ruiz 941-400-4186 Sheri Lasley@aol.com www.SiestaKeyNow.com

Key Solutions Real Estate Group

38

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House Hunting Siesta Key to Longboat Key

• TUSCAN INSPIRED MASTERPIECE ON PALM ISLAND: $799,000 389 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL. MLS# A4110340. 4,134 sq. ft. single family home. 4 bedrooms, 4 ½ baths, roof top pool, private spacious inlaw/guest apartment with separate entrance. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442.

• 1445 GULF OF MEXICO, #401, THE PLAYERS CLUB, $995,000 MLS A4123420. Longboat Key Gulf front Penthouse, 3bd/3bth on the beach in the Players Club.

Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara).

• AMAZING WEST OF TRAIL TRIPLEX: $425,000 6151 Hollywood Blvd, Sarasota, MLS#A4141309. Located in the Pine Shores area. Front building consists of two 1bed/1bath units. Rear building is a 3bed/2bath unit. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941376-7442.

• 5450 EAGLES POINT CIR #105, The Landings $539,000 MLS #A4141454. 3Bd / 2Bth Open Terrace, Water View. Judy Greene/ Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker. 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941266-4873 (Tara).

• RECENTLY RENOVATED PALM ISLAND / SIESTA KEY HOME 322 ISLAND CIRCLE: $949,000, MLS#A4141071. 4BD/4BA, new boat lift on the Grand Canal. Huge bonus area on lower level. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941376-7442.

• KEY WEST STYLE GRAND CANAL HOME ON SIESTA KEY: $1,615,000 418 ISLAND CIRCLE, MLS# A3990080. 3BD / 3BA. Lushly landscaped tropical lot with Tiki Bar in the pool/spa area. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-3767442.

• LOWEST PRICED DUPLEX CLOSE TO THE BEACH: $529,800 5350 Calle Florida, SK 34242, MLS# A4144556. Rare and Unique Siesta Key Duplex on Palm Island.

This duplex with 2 beds, 1 bath on each side is located less than 1,000 feet from the #1 beach. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-3767442.

• PALM ISLAND HOME ON GRAND CANAL: $1,100,000 430 Island Cir, SK 34242, MLS# A4146867. 5 Bedrooms and 3 Baths, single family home. Spacious open floorplan with high ceilings. Sited on 2 lots with the potential to build 2 homes.

Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442.

• 72’ OF CANAL FRONTAGE: $725,000 325 Avenida Madera, Siesta Key, MLS# A4151934. 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, designer kitchen with solid wood cabinets, island and granite counters with Stainless Steel Viking Appliances. Dan Miller, Re/ Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442.

• 6208 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #205, SIESTA DUNES, $749,000 MLS #A4154689. A full gulf view unit on the 2nd floor in the highly sought after building 2 of Siesta Dunes. Turnkey furnished and ready for occupancy. Judy Greene/ Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker. 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941266-4873 (Tara).

• 5430 EAGLES POINT CIR #201, The Landings $519,000 MLS #A4142226. 3Bd/2.5Bth Intracoastal View. Judy Greene/ Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker. 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941266-4873 (Tara).

• 1712 STARLING DR, The Landings $315,000 MLS A4154731. 2Bd / 2Bth Ground Floor, End Unit Coach House. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-3500451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara).

• 1630 STARLING DR, The Landings $249,000 MLS #A4135262. 2Bd / 2Bth Ground Floor Coach House. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara).

• 305 BEACH ROAD #2 1 block to the beach and Siesta Village. 2/2 with 2 balconies and 2 car garage. Built in 2011, high ceilings, latest hi-end finishes. MLS # A4139763, $819,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-5443299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• 1249 DOCKSIDE PLACE Short walk to Siesta Beach with deeded boat dock. Spacious 2/2 with garage. Turnkey furnished.

MLS# A4128627, $499,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• 1350 SIESTA BAYSIDE Great vacation home or investment property.

Deeded beach access just across the street.

Beautifully furnished 3/2 with garage. MLS#A414255, $675,000.

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

• PEPPERTREE BAY Direct bay views from this fabulous 2/2 in sought-after Peppertree community. Tastefully, turnkey furnished. Private garage.

MLS# A4149092, $610,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• SOMERSET COVE Fabulous 4 / 3 1/2 home minutes to Beach and Village. 2 car garage, elevator, deeded boat dock with 10k lb. lift. Gated enclave of just 11 homes with community pool.

MLS#A4145095, $779,000.

Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: P941-400-4186.

• 1319 DOCKSIDE PLACE Big Marina Views and short walk to the beach with deeded 45 foot slip and new 20K lift. 3 bedroom 3 bath with garage. MLS # 4153640, $699,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri and Bob Ruiz. 941-5443299.

• 1372 SIESTA BAYSIDE Intercoastal views and beach access.

Beautifully renovated 2 bedroom 2 bath investment property with garage. MLS# A4153479, $575,000.

Key Solutions Real Estate Group Sheri and Bob Ruiz. 941-544-3299.

• SIESTA KEY CIRCLE Wonderful old-style Florida home in great location near beach with boat dock and 10k lift. 2 car garage.

MLS A4149391. $1,150,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group Sheri and Bob Ruiz. 941-544-3299.

• CLOSE TO BEACH AND VILLAGE This 2757 square foot, 4 bed, 3.5 bath unit is ideal for yearround or seasonal living. Volume ceilings combined with abundant windows and sliding glass doors give this unit a very bright feel. 3959 Somerset Dr. #5 Siesta Key, $779,000 MLS#A4145095 Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)894-1255 • LOVELY OLD-FLORIDA STYLE HOME This charming 3 bed, 3.5 bath home is perfectly located for the boating and beach enthusiast.

Situated on a corner lot in the Siestas Bayside Community, this home is the ideal island retreat 840 Siesta Key Cir, Siesta Key, $1,150,000 MLS#A4149391 Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)894-1255 • TURNKEY FURNISHED TOWNHOME This tastefully decorated 3 bed, 2 bath townhome is a short walk to Siesta Beach. Harbor Towne offers a beautiful waterfront gated community with pool, tennis court, and private docks. 1203 Dockside PL. # 201. Siesta Key, $725,000 MLS A4156232 Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)894-1255 • CHARMING KEY WEST STYLE HOME This 4 bed, 3 bath multi story home is located on the northern end of Siesta Key. An open floor plan boasting cathedral ceilings greets you. Multilevel decks overlook the backyard and swimming pool. 156 Siesta Dr. Siesta Key, $730,000 MLS A4155566 Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)894-1255

www.siestasand.net

More sewer system upgrades Two other residential areas of the Key will see rehabilitation of their sanitary sewer systems, thanks to Sarasota County Commission action in late May. As part of the approval of its Consent Agenda of routine business items on May 24, the board awarded two contracts to Insituform Technologies: one, for $290,425.80, was for work in the Mangrove Point Basin; the second, for $170,814, was for construction in Turtles Basin.

Previously, the board had contracted with Insituform for new sanitary pipelines in the Treasure Boat Way and Island Circle neighborhoods.

The work in the Mangrove Point Basin will involve trenchless reconstruction of

about 7,500 linear feet of pipeline with a diameter of 8 inches and 930 feet of pipeline with a 10-inch diameter, according to a county staff memo.

In Turtles Basin, Insituform will rehabilitate about 4,400 linear feet of pipes with an 8-inch diameter. The projects are expected to extend the life of the pipe by more than 50 years, staff says.

The Insituform office closest to Sarasota is in Tampa.

The projects will begin late this summer and continue through late fall, the May 24 staff memos say. In both cases, residents in the immediate areas will be notified by postcard at least two weeks before the work starts, the memos note.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

Hurricane Shelters

JULY 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

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Continued from cover story

When the commissioners asked Collins about that, he explained that many mobile home parks are in the two county evacuation zones that are most vulnerable to storm surge.

Therefore, people would have to be evacuated from those areas, he pointed out.

Additionally, he said, if hardened facilities were required in new mobile home parks that were at higher elevations, providing services to residents staying at those locations would stretch county resources. “It makes more sense for them to be in a real shelter.”

Nonetheless, Collins continued, he and his staff are working on the potential for facilities in mobile home parks to be used for emergencies other than pending hurricane strikes.

For example, such shelters could protect people from tornadoes, he said.

More than just storage...

Commissioner Charles Hines questioned Collins about the statement, noting that the Sarasota County School District has rebuilt Booker High School and Riverview High School in Sarasota in recent years — as well as Venice High School — and new construction is underway at Sarasota High School. Given all of that, Hines asked, “We’re still short?”

(Commissioner Christine Robinson interjected that the county had contributed funding to make certain the rebuilding projects included shelters.)

Collins deferred to Ed McCrane, the county’s emergency management chief, who explained, “Charlotte County has no shelters at all that they can utilize because of their low elevation. The Red Cross will not staff them. They call them ‘refuges of last resort.’”

Therefore, McCrane continued, if people have to evacuate, Sarasota County staff has to anticipate those residents coming into South County, “where we have a lot of shelter space.”

However, he pointed out, the rebuilt Venice High School could not be used for a hurricane shelter because it is on the island of Venice. That project was granted an exemption for shelter purposes “for the majority of storms” because of its location, he added. Housing people there would be a risk because of potential storm surge.

The introductory portion of the new Coastal Disaster Management chapter in the draft Comprehensive Plan notes, “Storm surge is related to the hurricane’s velocity, and can rise more than 30 feet above normal sea level, causing massive flooding and destruction along shorelines in its path.” The chapter adds, “The surge can

reach shore up to 5 hours ahead of the storm, carrying a dome of water 100 miles wide and over 30 feet deep, in the most extreme circumstances.”

Referring to Venice High, McCrane told the commissioners, “We could utilize it” if a weather alert called for “only a wind event,” without any indication of a storm surge.

McCrane reiterated his earlier point: “If everyone in the vulnerable areas of the county had to seek shelter, we could not accommodate them.” County staff members would have to ask representatives of Manatee and Hillsborough counties, for example, to allow Sarasota County residents to take shelter in those communities.

“We continue to look for private buildings, if possible, and government buildings that could be utilized,” McCrane added.

“That’s a never-ending challenge for us …”

The draft of the revised Comprehensive Plan does point out, “Hotel, motel and condominium rooms provide another source of hurricane shelter space. Based on information supplied by [the] Sarasota County Tax Collector and Visit Sarasota County, the county Planning and Development Services Department has estimated that there are approximately 110 facilities with 8,602 hotel, motel, or condominium rooms in Sarasota County. Of these rooms, over 50 percent are located either on the shoreline or within Evacuation Zone A and cannot be utilized as hurricane shelter.”

When Hines asked whether McCrane and his staff are working with school district personnel about shelter space at the planned Suncoast Technical College in North Port — which will include a new county library

to be utilized by the public and students — McCrane responded that they have met with school system representatives and Sarabeth Kalajian, the county’s director of libraries and historical resources. However, he continued, because of the nature of that new facility, it will have “very limited shelter capacity.”

Many of the rooms will be used for labs and computer work, he noted. “The design [for them and the library] encompasses a lot of glass that would make [the structure] vulnerable.”

Furthermore, McCrane said, the college will be within a 100-year floodplain. “It could be isolated in a flood event.”

Hines thanked McCrane for the information. “I’m glad you are trying to find appropriate spaces,” Hines added.

Mobile home park changes

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In a related matter, Sarasota attorney Dan Lobeck criticized Answers the commissioners and from staff on June 8 for the removal Page 15 from the revised Comprehensive Plan the necessity for a developer creating a new mobile home park to include a community center that could be used as a hurricane shelter.

The current Environmental Policy 5.2.1 says, “New and existing manufactured home developments undergoing site changes, such as, but not limited to expansion, will establish on site sheltering for 100 percent of the development’s residents, provided the shelter meets certain locational criteria.

Sarasota County Emergency Management shall review and approve the development plans for shelter facility design in accordance with American Red summersailstice.com Cross 4496 Guidelines.”

CALL TODAY!

40

Siesta Sand

JULY 2016

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Classifieds / Here’s My Card ACCOMMODATIONS

CONTRACTORS CONTINUED

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

Grout Problems?

• Siesta 4 Rent - Vacation Rentals, from studios to 5 bedrooms.

Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500

Cleaned • Regrouted • Caulked • Sealed

• Robasota Real Estate – Annual and Seasonal Rentals, 941-9261800, ext. 102 • Siesta Village Private Pool Homes – Luxury Private Beach Homes-3 Bed, 3Bath; and a 2Bed, 2 1/2 bath condo www.vrbo. com/459795 www.vrbo.com/709508 www.vrbo.com/669208

Shower & Bathtub Walls

Shower & Bath Makeovers Free Estimates

Call John

941.377.2940

Sarasota resident since 1974

(941) 961-4309

www.SuncoastHomeConcierge.com

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

MEDICAL

• Siesta Key Realty-Property Management, Vacation Rentals – 1, 2, 3 bedrooms. Serving Siesta Key since 1992. siestakeyrealtyrentals.com 941-349-8900.

Dermatology Skin CanCer laSer, Botox anD Hair/nail DiSorDerS

• Treasure Boat Way (Siesta Key) - Annual Rental of unfurnished Single Family Home, 2 bedroom/2 bath plus den and garage.

Wonderful Siesta Key ranch home 1500 s/f with tropical landscaping and great location. Small dog 30lb or less accepted for additional fee and deposit. Available immediately. $2300 month annual. Please call Stay on Siesta 941-346-3200.

LANDINGS RESIDENT OWNED AND OPERATED

ANTIQUES

HOUSE WATCH

1952 Field Road Sarasota, Florida 34231

J Morgan O’Donoghue, MD.

Nathaniel Swartz, PA-C

Amy Fenenga PA-C

941.926.7546

www.dermatologyexperts.com

Vintage, Antique, Mid-Century

Relics on the Key

Family Practitioners • Pediatrics-Geratrics • Urgent Care

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

Pierre Nedelcovych, M.D.

Residential-Commercial

Licensed-Insured

• Wilson Windows is a State Certified General Contractor specializing in glass porch enclosures and window replacement.

ARTISANS AND CRAFTERS WANTED They offer only top quality products installed by professionally trained technicians. All projects are engineered and permitted • Wanted for St. Michael the Archangel’s Food Festival on to meet the new state building codes related to impact, water Siesta Key - Saturday, 9/24/16 from 11am-7pm at 5394 Midnight infiltration and high velocity windload calculations. Their Pass Rd. Space is limited. For more info and reservations, please services include window repair, new custom screens, glass cut to contact: stmichaelsfestival@gmail.com. size, and hard to find window parts inventory at both locations.

Fully insured and their work is guaranteed. 941-921-1113, www.

BOATING RENTALS / FISHING CHARTERS wilson-window.com.

Having Fun Fishing in The Sun

DRY CLEANERS

FAAFP FAAUCM

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

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

Green Magic Cleaning Service

“Residential and Commercial”

We don’t cut corners, we dust them.

A family owned business with 16 years of experience.

• High quality services • Competitive rates • Great references • Always the same crew www.SarasotaHouseCleaningService.com

GreenMagicCleaning@gmail.com Call for a FREE estimate today!

(941) 780-4248

941-400-2452

Tony Fudoli Sr. CAPTAIN tntfreedomfishing@yahoo.com

Veteran Owned Business

• CB’s Saltwater Outfitters – CB’s Saltwater Outfitters is an ORVIS Endorsed Outfitter Fishing Charter Service serving Siesta Key as well as Longboat Key, Lido Key, Sarasota and Venice.

Our veteran guides offer exciting Fishing Adventures for anglers of all ages from novice to the expert. See our website: www.CBsOutfitters.com or stop in their store for additional info.

1240 Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key. (941)349-4400.

941-896-6400

Environmentally Conscious Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service

Free Pick Up & Delivery Service Call

from your home or business

941-275-4647

ExEcutivE Shirt SErvicE • houSEhold itEmS • SamE day SErvicE availablE

ENTERTAINER

HOUSE WATCH

www.kathleend.net

House Watch Sarasota

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

CONTRACTORS

,LLC

Specializing in Painting

• Pressure Washing • Handyman Professional & Reliable Service Joe Ventura Free Estimates 1 (941) 914-2721 gulfcoast.phs@gmail.com

R. BRuce Whittinghill, llc (941) 955-1864

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

Siesta Key Beachcombers (941) 302-1149

We Find Your Lost Valuables Tips Greatly Appreciated

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

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JULY 2016

Classifieds / Here’s My Card OFFICE FOR RENT

SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY CONTINUED

• Tropical resort style office space available for rent on Siesta Key. $1050 per month. Includes utilities, 350 sq. ft. of office space with private entrance, stone floors, high ceilings with beams and lots of windows. Kitchen privileges, use of deck in privately set backyard along with ample parking. This unique office space offers a quiet, tranquil working environment, yet is steps away to Village restaurants and shopping. 5032 Calle Minorga. Please call Jon at 941-447-2556 or Ali at 201-481-3299 for showing or more information.

Olde Fashion Barber Shop

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

41

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Tapers • Flattops • Fades • Styling • Razor Cuts • Shaves

ther”

“Hot La

941-312-6001

South Gate Barber Shop (Across from Southgate Mall)

2081 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239

Walk-Ins Welcome

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

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

www.SouthgateBarbers.com SPORTS RENTALS / ACCESSORIES

FLORIDA REALTY

Dennis Kedzierski, GRI REALTOR®, RCC, CNHS

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

A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC

FIND THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS

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

1224 Old Sickney Pt Rd. 941-346-0891 • Siesta Sports Rentals – Located on Siesta Key, bike, kayak, kayak tours, scooter, children strollers and car seats. Delivery and pickup available, 6551 Midnight Pass Rd, 941-346-1797

VALUABLE COUPONS

BUSINESSES ARE OUR BUSINESS

Available In Store and Online

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

Denis J. Burke Licensed Business Broker Commercial Real Estate Agent

941-224-3893

www.BusinessBrokerWorld.com

Piro & Associates

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

REALTORS®

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

SENIOR SERVICES

Expert in 1031 Exchange

Office: (941) 923-3900 Cell: (941) 356-8699 Fax: (941) 924-0086 mail: piroassociates@comcast.net Website: www.pirorealty.com

Chris, Isabella age 5, Danielle, and Kylana age 13 from Clearwater

• A Bridge for Independence provides in home companion services including companionship, transportation, light housekeeping, medication reminders and meal preparation and planning.

Call us at 866-279-4390, FL License #230517

James J. Piro, MAI, CCIM

TRANSPORTATION

Licensed Real Estate Broker

7719 Holiday Drive, Sarasota, FL 34231

• 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 • Your Siesta Dunes and Landings Preferred Partners in Real Estate, Judy Greene 941-350-0451 and Tara Lamb 941-266-4873 with Michael Sanders & Company 5100 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key 34242 JudyGreene@MichaelSanders.com

AIRPORT TRANSPORT SUPERST

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

From Sarasota TO:

R

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

SARASOTA

Siesta Beach Realty FLORIDA

941-735-4732 Friend Us at: Eddie Ward

941-928-9200

Steven Whitmore, Broker

RIDE THE KEY FREE

Use my 30 years of experience to help you with your property.

15-20 MINUTE RESPONSE TIME (Based upon traffic)

SERVICING

Visit our website at: SiestaBeachRealty.com Call or email me stevenwhitmore@verizon.com

941-993-5722

Siesta Key Beach Siesta Village Turtle Beach

DRIVER TIPS ONLY

Restaurants and Accommodations Operating 10AM to 2AM Daily

www.JonnysOriginalFreeRide.com

SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY • Massage Experience Siesta Key Open 7-day a week. 5138A Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4833. (MA17596/MM6727).

Transportation for everyone on the Sun Coast Friendliest Ride In Town

• Sun Ride Pedicab – Eco-friendly Pedicabs. Siesta Key Tours and rides – tips only, 941-343-3400 • Siesta Key Free Rides – Siesta Key Free island shuttle for beach, • Siesta Key Massage & Therapy Center – Relieve all that pent village, condo and tours – tips only. Electric vehicles. Call 941–up tension and improve circulation with a soothing massage or 952-8294 facial by Ali. Call to book your appointment today. 941-349-0408 • 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.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-349-0194

• Dollar Limo – holds up to 10 people and is cheaper than a D.U.I or taxi. Call 941-735-4732

Alan age 6, Julia, Nick, and Oscar age 7 ½ from MI

Places of Worship Island Churches: • Siesta Key Presbyterian Chapel - 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

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Siesta Sand

JULY 2016

941.349.0194

Accommodations Locator Map

© Island Visitor Publishing, LLC 2012

www.siestasand.net

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

JULY 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

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Sugar Consumption & Poor Oral Health The average American consumes 150-170 pounds of sugar per year. That’s over 300,000 calories that can negatively impact your overall health in several ways: • Expanding waistline • Coronary heart disease • Type II diabetes • Metabolic syndrome • High blood pressure • Cancer • Cavities The severity of sugar’s impact on your teeth can vary depending on the amount, type and form of sugar consumed, but the effects remain the same – cavities. However, the total amount of sugar you eat has less of an impact on your teeth than how often you consume the sugar. Sugar consumed in liquid form, such as sodas or juices, gets into every hard-to-reach nook and cranny in your mouth. “Even with regular brushing, those sugars can be difficult to reach, encouraging the growth of harmful bacteria.”

Says Dr. Gaukhman.

Chewing foods laden with sugar can leave larger-than-normal

amounts of sugar residue on your teeth. Your saliva will not wash away this residue which leads harmful bacteria to wreak havoc on your tooth enamel. Unless you brush after eating small amounts of sugar often, eating large amounts not very often is better for your tooth enamel. A 12-oz can of soda is not as harmful to your tooth enamel if you drink all of it in a few minutes versus sipping those 12 ounces over a few hours.

Plaque, a sticky substance, is always forming on your teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria.

The bacteria contained in the plaque feeds on the sugar in foods you eat or drink. Acids are created in about 20 seconds and last for about 30 minutes. Those acids can destroy your tooth enamel over time & acidic environments promote cavities.

Erosion from sugar consumption causes issues that go beyond cavities: • Extreme changes in your bite (the way your upper and lower teeth come together) • Significant reduction in the

size of your back teeth • Tooth loss and/or extraction of unhealthy teeth • Replacement of dental work • Gum surgery • Dental implants Cavities & issues caused by sugar consumption can be prevented • Brush your teeth at least twice each day • Floss your teeth at least once each day • Rinse your mouth with mouthwash • See your dentist at least twice a year for teeth cleaning and checkups • Avoid foods high in sugar • Reduce your overall sugar consumption • Eat a variety of real foods from each of the five major food groups: 1. Protein (beef, chicken, wildcaught fish, dry beans, peas and other legumes). Eating more protein will curb your craving for sweets.

2. Fresh fruits 3. Fresh vegetables

4. Whole grains 5. Dairy products • Drink half your weight in ounces of water every day. On extremely hot days and when you exercise, you should drink even more water. For example, if you weigh 200lbs, you should drink 100 ounces of water each day. That’s about six 16-oz. bottles of water.

Keeping your body well hydrated is crucial to your good health. Read “The Importance of Water in the Diet.”

• Eliminate sodas. Drink water, flavored water or green tea instead.

• Avoid or limit candy, cookies and pastries. Limiting your consumption of these desserts to small servings once or twice a week can greatly reduce your sugar consumption.

• Limit snacks. Eating five or six smaller meals throughout the day will provide optimal energy and health. Choose healthful snacks like raw vegetables and fruits, cheese, peanut butter or nuts and nut butters. By the way, cheese stops the acid attacks from sugar on your teeth.

• Beware of product labels that read “low-sugar” or “sugar-free.”

Many low-sugar or sugar-free products use artificial sweeteners.

There is potential health risks associated with use of artificial sweeteners. Research shows they can still create an acidic environment in your mouth.

If sugar consumption has caused tooth decay, tooth loss, or other oral health issues don’t wait, call now for a free consultation!

941-234-4455 Sarasota: 5223 Avenida Navarra Sarasota, FL 34242 (941) 266-7000 Osprey: 416 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite F1, Osprey, FL 34229 (941) 497-5650 Venice: 463 US HWY 41 Bypass S. Venice, FL 34285 (941) 375-4488 www.siestadental.com Advertorial

44

Siesta Sand

JULY 2016

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Island Girl This month’s Island Girl is “Miss Siesta Key”, Kristina Whalen from Fort Myers, FL. Kristina has studied various types of dance since the age of three and views dance as her one true passion. In addition to dance, she enjoys traveling, cooking healthy vegetarian meals, exercising at the University of Florida stadium, spending time with her family and friends, advocating for dating and domestic violence organizations and of course, interacting with the Siesta Key community as Miss Siesta Key USA 2017. She tries to visit Siesta Beach as often as possible, usually twice a month, “not nearly as often as I would like to!”

Kristina stays incredibly busy as a full-time college student with a full-time job at a law firm. She’s attending John River State College, majoring in business administration and minoring in dance and hopes to attend the University of Florida in the Spring of 2017.

Watch her in the Miss Florida USA pageant July 13-16.

KRISTINA 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)