IV Siesta Sand - July 2015

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July, A Celebration of Beach, Water and Great Food

From East Coast to West Coast, Miami Beach resident Kerry Steele proudly wears her patriotic bikini

SAND CASTLES

July is peak time for summer fun on the shores of Siesta beach.

School’s out, our European friends are arriving, and families are looking for some relief from the heat of Florida’s summer sun.

With this increase in traffic there is never enough parking to be found on the island, especially now with the construction still underway.

Please be aware of the parking shortage and plan accordingly.

Currently, there is a loss of 187 parking spots on the west end of the public parking lot as the county completes the last phase of the Siesta Beach Improvements Project.

The total number of parking spots will increase to 980 when the project is completed in December of this year.

It would be wise for anyone heading to the beach to get there early. For those that cannot, you will be able to park in St. Boniface Church’s parking lot on Midnight

Pass Road for a fee. All can take advantage of the Free Taxi services provided on the Island, tips only.

To avoid being disappointed in not finding a parking space, island

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This cute photo of Finnegan and Brecken enjoying a day at the beach was submitted by their mom. It should serve as a reminder to keep the beach pristine so we will still be the #1 Beach in the US when Finnegan and Brecken grow up.

Please respect our island and remember to pick up after yourself

The Man Behind America’s No.1 Beach By Trebor Britt

New Elevated East Concession Stand Open for Business

By Trebor Britt Months of waiting and anticipating are over. The new two-story Sunset Pavilion, housing a state of the art food service concession, quaint tables and seating under beach blue umbrellas and rest rooms is now fully operational. The breathtaking view of Siesta Beach’s white sands and the glistening clear water of the Gulf of Mexico from the food deck is a “must see”. If you thought spending a day at America’s No. 1 beach was “cool” before, you’ll agree it’s way cool” now. Both the duration and size of Warren LaBonte’s smile has increased recently because he owns the contract on all the beach concessions.

Midnight Cove is a beachfront resort of 142 units

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visitors wishing to dip their toe in the balmy gulf waters may wish to consider taking advantage of the SCAT bus Routes 10 and 11.

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SAM ELLIOT SIGHTING?

Seagrass Impacts Anticipated with Dredging

By Roger Drouin

An interview with our bartender of the month

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WATERFRONT DINING

Local area waterfront dining

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The title “No. 1 beach in the United States” carries with it a heavy responsibility. Nearly 3 million visitors from all over the globe come to the halfmile Gulf coast shoreline called Siesta Beach annually. One person is tasked with coordinating staff and volunteers to see that those visitors have a safe, fun and seamless experience. Jonathan Poyner, a 44-year-old Virginia Beach transplant is the man challenged to achieve that goal.

Amazingly, he does it with great passion,

humility, sense of humor and purpose.

A Recreation Specialist for the last 10 years, six on Siesta Beach, Poyner feels as though he’s in stress management. He works to provide a beautiful, welcoming, accessible park for people and helps administer great programs, events and activities. The way he sees it, “It’s getting people to unplug from their daily pressures of life and connecting people both to nature and to other people.”

Continued on page 23

What about the seagrasses?

That is becoming an important question as more details become clear about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposal to dredge Big Pass, as part of the Lido Key Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project.

The joint Army Corps of Engineers and city of Sarasota project to dredge the pass may result in up to 1.7 acres of direct “unavoidable seagrass impacts.”

Portions of two beds of sparse shoalgrass—a seagrass able to survive in high salinity—in Big Pass could be impacted by dredging, according to the federal agency.

Continued on page 30

Our Island Paradise Awaits You Whether you are seeking to relocate your family, searching for a retirement home, or simply looking for your ideal seasonal or weekend retreat, Siesta Key deserves serious consideration.

Renowned for the finest, whitest sand beaches in the world, clear emerald green waters, gentle surf, vibrant sunsets, and a temperate climate, Siesta offers an easy, laid-back island lifestyle.

The recently renovated Siesta Key Beach area houses two pavilions with bar/grills and modern baths, a sea-side restaurant, volleyball courts, and abundant free parking. The

less-renowned and less-crowded Turtle Beach, at the south end of the Key, affords a less populated, natural beach for those seeking a more serene locale.

Two bridges connect the Key to the mainland making for quick and easy access/egress to Sarasota and all the arts and culture the city offers.

What is there to do?

There is something for everyone! Recreational activities include boating, fishing, kayaking, boarding, swimming, shelling, biking, volleyball and tennis only steps out the door.

Continued on page 36

LOCAL MAPS & INFORMATION

See Page 19

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New beach picnic shelters earn architectural nod Back in 2009, Sarasota County officials gave architects at Sweet Sparkman Architects a mission: create picnic shelters for Siesta Public beach that aren’t your typical shade structures.

“We were tasked with designing a new prototype shade structure, not just the county standard that has been used since the 1970s,” said John Bryant, one of two architects to lead design work on the project. Although the typical wooden, “two-pole” structure seen at many county parks provides shade, county planners wanted something different that could both withstand the coastal conditions at Siesta Public Beach and shine architecturally.

By Roger Drouin

Six years later, the new picnic shelters were revealed to the public, and in June the concrete structures—inspired by the Sarasota School of Architecture— were recognized by the Florida chapter of the American Institute of Architects as the winner of the Merit Award for an Object design. At a ceremony August 1 in Boca Raton, Sweet Sparkman representatives will accept the award.

The final design of the shelters, which opened to the public in the spring as part of the first phase of the Siesta Public Beach Improvements Project, does more than bring just durability to the beach.

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using a method of texturized, sand-blasted concrete to reflect the quality of the beach sand, and were strategically orientated with view and sunlight in mind, Bryant said.

Each structure weighs 18 tons.

In part, the structures are meant to blend with the looks of the Sarasota School of Architecture, including the historic Siesta Beach concessions pavilion, designed by Edward J. “Tim” Seibert, that is being renovated as part of the final phase of the Siesta Public Beach Improvement Project. Siebert is a renowned architect, and the Sarasota region abound with examples of his bold, mid-century modernist design.

The shade shelters “are contemporary, but we looked at the architecture of the historic [concession] pavilion—and some of the lines and geometry are in that spirit,” said Bryant, who before joining Sweet Sparkman, worked for Kliment Halsband Architects in New York City, where he served as Project Architect for the Harvard Divinity School Master Plan, and Arcadia Commons, a new student center at Arcadia University.

The concept was designed and engineered to allow light and shadows to play. The process, however, also resulted in an economical model, because after an initial mold was made, creating each of the 24 pre-cast structures became more cost efficient, Bryant said.

“We had a set budget to work with,” Bryant said.

The American Institute of Architects design jury noted the efficiency of the design, praising “this object’s ability to meet both the need to be unique as well as the need to be easily replicated… ” The picnic shelters were made of pre-cast concrete and assembled

in St. Petersburg before being trucked via tractor-trailer flatbed to Sarasota, where cranes were used to lift the structures into place, Bryant said. The shelters were designed

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July 2015

A Taste of Germany Bakery & Cafe

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

By Debbie Flessner

|Only restaurant on southern end of Siesta Key serving breakfast

Tanja and Manuel Hofmann, and their son Robin, recently opened the new location of their A Taste of Germany restaurant on south Siesta Key. (Photo by Debbie Flessner)

Restaurant owner Tanja Hofmann has worked in the food industry for most of her life. That’s because graduates of German universities, where Hofmann is from, usually enter the labor market with considerable work experience, as a result of the way the higher education system is set up in that country.

“I was working in hotels and restaurants when I was in restaurant school,” Hofmann said.

“In Germany, you have to go to school for whatever field you work in.”

Skills Hofmann learned during her work-study program have enabled her to open several restaurants since then, the most recent in Siesta Village in 2011. Just last month, A Taste of Germany changed locations, opening up in a new space in Crescent Village, just south of the Stickney Point Bridge.

There Hofmann, her husband Manuel and their son Robin have even more room for their German bakery and cafe, with indoor and outdoor seating and plenty of parking.

Online reviews are gushing

omelettes, stuffed croissants and German specialties like egg bread and Schwarzwälder Schinken, which is German ham. But the stars of the show are the restaurant’s baked goods, including cakes, tortes, pastries, coffee cakes, croissants, bagels and more, which Hofmann makes fresh daily.

“My rum cakes are what we are known for, and I make 13 different kinds,” she said. “I make my cheesecakes with quark, which is a German yogurt.”

For those with dietary concerns, Hofmann makes a line of glutenfree baked goods. A Taste of Germany also has one of the best selections of imported German beers in town, which you can drink on site or take to go as a six-pack.

Coming up on Friday, July 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. will be the Grand Opening of the new restaurant.

Guests will be able to sample some of Hofmann’s fresh pastries and there will be special pricing on bratwurst and beer.

A Taste of Germany is located at 6675 Midnight Pass Road, and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day except for Wednesday. The breakfast menu is available from 8 a.m. to noon, but one can order

with praise about the authenticity of A Taste of Germany’s menu items. One of the most popular dishes seems to be one with which most Americans are likely already familiar.

“People love the German Bratwurst with sauerkraut, mustard and a German roll that I import,” Hofmann said. “I do that because the flour in Germany is different, which makes the inside of the bread softer and the outside crispy.”

For lunch, you can also get other specialty sandwiches like the Robin, which includes fresh mozzarella and homemade pesto, turkey and lettuce on a ciabatta roll, or choose from grilled panini croissants All breads are made fresh daily onsite and a variety of create-your-own sandwich options. In from the lunch menu all day long. cooler months, diners can enjoy For more information, visit the homemade soups. website at www.atasteofgermany.

The breakfast menu includes net, or call 941-346-1800.

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

Three of the 13 flavored rum cakes Tanja creates onsite

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Siesta Key Round-Up We’d like to begin our Siesta Key Round-Up on a positive note.

Here is a letter we received from one of our island residents While visiting Siesta Key for business and pleasure last week something incredible occurred.

And I wanted to share it with the citizens of Siesta Key and readers of the Siesta Sand. I am part owner in a national Energy Agency in Ohio and sell natural gas to many of the Siesta Key businesses. My family has visited Siesta Key for nearly half my life and it is by far our favorite place to visit in Florida. Our business most recently started renting a house on the Key for a month and permitting employees to spend time with each of their families.

During my visit last week, the very first day I misplaced my wallet. After hours of searching we all came to the conclusion that someone stole it or it was just gone. Everything I brought was still in the wallet, both company and personal credit cards, ID’s, cash etc. Losing money is horrible but the thought of not having my

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

By Bob Stein

ID to get back on the plane and replacing credit cards was even worse. Luckily enough I was not alone and others helped with my meals, etc., but I was in for a long week for sure!

While checking emails in the morning, one of them had a subject that read: Re: Found your wallet.

At first it didn’t register and I couldn’t believe my eyes so I read on which is when I noticed that the email was actually coming from C. McGregor, Deputy, Siesta Key Substation 5105 Ocean Blvd Sarasota, FL 34242. It simply read: “Call me at 941-***-**** I have your wallet.” During the call Deputy McGregor said he had my wallet and that everything was still in it!

Luckily enough I had a personal business card in my wallet with my email but not my cell number.

He called the business but we were already closed for the day.

Deputy McGregor tried to contact my neighbors, my credit card companies to have them reach out to me by phone etc. Deputy Christian McGregor, you went

beyond your call of duty and I wanted to thank you and the honest citizen that turned everything in to the station, publically!!!!

It’s nice to know there are still honest people in the world. If you are reading the paper I send you all my sincere thank you!!!!

Tom Williamson President, MSI Utilities, Inc

Dogs not allowed on the beach

This is a reminder that dogs are not allowed on the beaches of Siesta Key. The Sheriff’s Office will be cracking down on anyone not adhering to this ordinance. Nesting season is still in progress and it’s possible that the dogs may destroy the nests. Dogs can trample and dig up the nests. In addition owners that don’t pick up after their pets cause increased risk for beach water contamination which results in beach closures. Taking your buddy for a stroll on the Siesta Key beaches will cost you $100. There are pet friendly areas in Sarasota County. You can check with the

Chamber office for the locations of these dog parks.

Stickney Point Bridge repairs update

Based on the tight transition and traffic control devices needed to maintain two way traffic on one bridge, it was determined, by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), that it’d be safer to have one-way traffic during construction at night.

Unfortunately, not everyone got the message as residents contacted FDOT to voice their concerns about the unannounced changes.

According to communications received from FDOT, the traffic backups are typically heavy at the start of the lane closure set up at 9:00 p.m. There are a significant amount of traffic control devices that are required to be set up each evening. East bound traffic is typically the heaviest and the backups extend onto Midnight Pass Road. Once the flagging setup has been in place a while it averages between 5-6 minutes and

less based on traffic flow as to how long traffic is held for the flagging.

FDOT will further review options to optimize traffic conditions. Until then, expect the one-way traffic flagging to continue. The repairs are anticipated to be completed in early 2016.

Waterfront 7 Realty, LLC opening new office in Village

Pamela J. Hagan, Broker-Owner and Sarasota native would like to announce the opening of their new office on Siesta Key located at 121 Avenida Messina. Their office has been under extensive renovations over the past few months. Waterfront 7 Realty, LLC has been an active member of the Siesta Key Chamber. Their main office is located on Longboat Key near Publix. Their focus is to service the clients needs for waterfront properties and to extend into Sarasota, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch.

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July 2015

Boulevard Buzz

Abel’s Ice Cream

|News from the Siesta Key Village Association

Welcomes Summer Vacationing Families

Customers are given a choice of nine toppings to cover their freshly fried funnel cake.

The owners of the new Boardwalk Eats & Sweets, front row Robert and Charlotte Akers, Tess Radovich, back row Nick Radovich and Jason Akers.

Boardwalk Eats & Sweets opens in the Village

SKVA welcomes Boardwalk Eats & Sweets, the newest eatery to join the Village. They opened for business on Monday, June 15th, and bring their skills to Siesta Key after 20+ years of making funnel cakes at fairs and festivals.

They have expanded their menu to include ½lb burgers, fries, Nathan’s Famous hotdogs and a whole array of fair food including deep fried sweets. Together the three generations hope to build a clientele that not only return regularly to enjoy their high quality food, but to become a part of their close-knit family. Congratulations and best wishes to the Akers and Radovich families. They are located at 217 Avenida Madera. The business is open Sun-Thur. 11 am-10 pm and Fri/Sat 11 am to 11 pm.

Craft Fair date set

The Siesta Key Village Association has announced the 2016 dates for the popular Craft Fair that kicks off the busiest time on the island in Season. The fair will take place February 27 and 28.

Howard Allen will continue to host the Craft Fair.

Siesta Fiesta 2016

Siesta Fiesta will continue for 2016, with a small modification

to address the problem village businesses encountered in the past during this event. Businesses complained that signs announcing Ocean Blvd. was closed were posted before entering the Village deterring customers from patronizing their establishments.

Ocean Blvd. will not be closed for the 2016 event as was the case in previous years. Instead, booths will be setup on the sidewalks, similar to the February Craft Fair to allow traffic to pass through. The dates set for next year are April 9 and 10. Howard Allen will also continue to host the event.

SKVA donates to the 4th of July fireworks

SKVA donated $1000 to the 25th Anniversary of the 4th of July event sponsored by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. This year promises to be the biggest show since its inception with Cheryl Dooley, the original coordinator of the event, setting off the fireworks with the iconic TNT plunger.

Cheryl Gaddie goes for her Masters Degree

Cheryl Gaddie, owner of CG Interior Design announced, in the April edition of Siesta Sand, she is nearing completion on a Masters Degree in interior architecture

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Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

This Asian chicken wrap comes with a choice of grilled or fried chicken. and design from a private school in San Francisco so she can begin teaching.

In order to devote the time needed to procure her degree Cheryl will close her office in the Village but continue to operate her business online. You can contact her through her website at www.

CGinteriordesign.com or call 941346-7401 if you are interested in hiring her for your next project.

Island Trader opens

The gift shop formerly known as Hurricane Rita located at 5212 Ocean Blvd., has a new name: Island Trader. Beach Bazaar purchased the shop this past spring and has been remodeling the store’s interior. The shop opened under the new name on June 23. Island Trader is a boutique store featuring clothing lines from Elan, Pelagie, Southern Tide, Guy Harvey and Columbia. The new signage is expected to be in place early July.

July is a very busy month at Abel’s Ice Cream. There are many returning vacationing families looking to spend time on the beautiful Siesta Key beaches.

At Abel’s Ice Cream, they look forward to the many families who return each year plus meeting new families from around the country and world. Both tourists and local residents can enjoy the following very popular summer flavors: Mint Chip (mint flavored ice cream with large chocolate chips), Dreamsicle (vanilla ice cream and orange sherbet swirled together) and another very popular flavor when the temperature is high is Rainbow Sherbet.

Abel’s offer a “Buy 10 ice cream items and get a single ice cream FREE” punch card. Many vacationing families who love ice cream have taken advantage of this punch card in past years. It is a great way to enjoy a nationally award winning brand of quality ice cream and save.

Bill and Norma Abel would like to congratulate one of their

key employees, Jessica Bivins, on her graduation from high school this year. She has been employed for over a year and is a major contributor to the success Abel’s Ice Cream has enjoyed. The Abels wish her the best as she continues her education. (Advertorial) 1886 Stickney Point Road 941-921-5700 www.abelsicecream.com Go to tripadvisor.com to read their reviews.

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Monthly Meetings

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

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Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Nutritious You with Ribbin Cutting SKCC kicked off the grand opening of Nutritious You with a ribbon cutting celebration.

Nutritious You recently opened its doors on the southern end of Siesta Key to offer nutrient-dense snacks and take-out items for local residents and tourists. Nutritious You is proud to offer clean food made from certified organic ingredients. Just a few of the unique and hand-made offerings include: fresh juices, raw/ vegan crackers, coffee/tea, raw/

vegan deli and take out items, books, essential oils, and other educational materials. Nutritious You food is 100% vegan, gluten free, preservative free, and raw (uncooked). The shop is owned and operated by Marina Sommers, Holistic Health & Wellness Coach who has perfected her trademark recipes over the past five years.

Marina is a Siesta Key resident and credits the beautiful island for inspiring her to pursue a pure and healthy lifestyle.

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

Siesta Key Round-Up Continued from page 4

They feel that Siesta Key was the ideal location with the abundance of tourist with daily and weekly rentals surrounding their office location. They call it the Siesta Sunset Branch Office and have 12 great agents ready to serve you.

They look forward to offering their market knowledge since the majority of the agents are natives to Sarasota. Stop by to see their new location, grab a cup of coffee/tea or just say hello!!!

Engraved pavers available

Friends of Sarasota County Parks is offering the opportunity to purchase and engrave a paver for the Siesta Key public beach project for $250. Residents and visitors can now leave an impression on the 2011 No. 1 Beach in America.

This opportunity will be available through Aug. 30.

These pavers will be installed on the walkway portion of the $21.5 million park upgrades. The 8-inch pavers can be engraved with up to

three lines and 60 characters of text, and buyers will receive a certificate and locator map.

The non-profit organization aims to raise $60,000 for shade structures to enhance sports fields throughout the county, according to Friends of Sarasota County Parks Fundraising Consultant Carol Kranitz. For more info go to: www.foscp.org/news.

2015 Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpting Competition

This November 13-17, twentyfour of the premier master sand sculptors from all over the world will once again be competing for 1st place on the #1 beach. The Siesta Key Crystal Classic has become a favorite for many of the professional sand sculptors who have competed here. Citing the beauty and cleanliness of the pristine white sand, sculptors have remarked that their sculptures look almost as if they are “carved in marble.�

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July 2015

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

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Continued from page 6

Information regarding sponsorship is now available on the website as well applications for their popular Vendor Village: www.siestakeycrystalclassic.com.

For more information about Siesta Key Crystal Classic contact the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

Big Pass dredging peer review update

The county has moved ahead and contracted with Atkins North America Inc. for $49,000 to review the Army Corps of Engineers’ (ACOE) plans to harvest sand from the Big Pass Shoal for the Lido Beach renourishment project.

In an email to County Administrator, Tom Harmer from Manager of Development Services and Environmental Protection, Matt Osterhoudt in early June, “We expect the consulting firm Atkins North America, Inc., to complete the peer review by the end of September 2015.”

The county is spending the money for the review at the urging of the Siesta Key Association.

The ACOE has stated in permitting documents that the renourishment would have no significant effect on Siesta Key beaches. The Big Pass Shoal renourishes Siesta Key beach naturally.

Siesta Key Association (SKA) is working for a DO NO HARM solution for Siesta Key and Big Pass

The Lido Key/City of Sarasota renourishment and Hurricane Mitigation Project is now being reviewed by the State of Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP). SKA received the permit application submitted by the ACOE. The only agency who may authorize the ACOE plan for dredging and renourishment is the DEP through their coastal permit process. The permitting process is likely to continue into 2016.

The ACOE may not apply for funding through Congress without a completed EA or EIS. There is no federal funding allocated for this project. The ACOE reports it may be until 2017 before funding can be requested. There is not yet a completed EA with a finding of no significant impact. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is preferred due to the complexity of the environmental impact and is being sought by SKA. Impact to Big Pass, Lido County Park, Siesta Key, the navigational channel, marine and bird wildlife, and shoreline studies have not been thoroughly evaluated to determine an EA will have a finding of no

significant impact (FONSI).

An independent peer review, requested by SKA and approved by the Board of County Commissioners up to $50,000, is being developed to provide additional environmental impact data for the current ACOE plan.

Routine Traffic stop

In mid-June, an occupant of a black Mitsubishi was arrested on a drug charge on Ocean Blvd. The arrest was made by the deputy who monitors speed in the north end of the Village in the morning hours.

Siesta Key Chamber news

The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce has hired Mia Leone as the Visitors Center Manager. Leone started on June 23rd. The Chamber office is located in the Village at 5114 Ocean Blvd.

Javier’s Restaurant and Wine Bar

Owners Javier and Mary Arana have decided to close their popular Peruvian restaurant located on the southern end of the Key. After 27 years in business, they have decided to retire. The property is currently for sale or lease.

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

News Up & Down the Trail

By Roger Drouin & Bob Stein Correction: The maintenance fees at Jamaica Royale range from $1,500 to $1,983 quarterly. The June Sand Castles feature on Jamaica Royale, incorrectly stated the fees as monthly.

City seconds park re-naming

The transition from “Bay Island Park” to “Nora Patterson Bay Island Park” took one more step forward last month. The Sarasota City Commission voted June 1 to draft a resolution to re-name the city’s portion of Bay Island Park to Nora Patterson Bay Island Park.

Patterson, often described as the “Champion of Siesta Key” for representing the island during her years as a county commissioner, was an unflagging advocate for water access.

Sarasota County Commissioners already took the lead in re-naming

the park. In March, County Commissioner Chairwoman Carolyn Mason publically introduced the idea of re-naming the county’s portion of the park, and at its May 5 meeting, the County Commission approved the designation with a unanimous vote.

A joint county-city, re-naming celebration is being planned, with a tentative late-August date, so the event will take place after a seawall replacement project wraps up.

County taxable values up

Sarasota County’s property values continue to increase.

In a May 22 email update to County Commissioners, Sarasota County Administrator, Tom Harmer noted that fiscal year 2016 taxable values are estimated to rise

7.02 percent over the 2015 fiscal year.

Based on the latest “preliminary taxable value” information, there is an increase of approximately $1.2M in the county’s projected fiscal year 2016 revenue aboveand-beyond the most recent State estimate of a 6-percent increase.

County Commissioners held additional budget workshops last month as they continued to work on the upcoming year’s budget.

Tower project rises downtown

Construction of the Vue Sarasota Bay, one of the biggest developments to be constructed downtown in years, is well underway. The project is taking shape at the visible corner of U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue.

Continued on page 8

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July 2015

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News Up & Down the Trail In May and June, construction crews made considerable progress as the Westin was constructed up to the fourth levels of framework.

The “Vue” condo aspect of the project was constructed up to the third level framework, with three levels of concrete floors poured, according to updates at the project’s website www. vuesarasotabay.com.

The $120-million high-rise building features 141 luxury condo residences, joined by a 255-room Westin hotel. The Kolter Group is developing the tower, anticipating a 2016 completion.

Sarasota rental prices jump

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3

Local apartment rents keep going up and up. A national report posted June 11 found that Sarasota had the highest rents in Southwest Florida, with a year-over-year increase of 15 percent for one and two-bedroom units.

An analysis by Apartment List found that rents in Sarasota averaged $1,100 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,420 a month for a two-bedroom unit. That was a month-to-month increase of 5 percent and 3 percent, respectively, and an annual increase of 15 percent in both cases.

In Bradenton, a one-bedroom apartment was averaging $870, no increase month to month, but a year-over-year rise of 5 percent.

Meanwhile, a two-bedroom apartment was averaging $1,200 per month, up 1 percent in the monthly and yearly measure.

Nationally, San Francisco continued to top the list of most expensive cities, with a one-bedroom averaging $3,330 per month, and a two-bedroom averaging $4,600. New York was at $2,550 and $3,300.

Elsewhere in Florida, a one bedroom in Miami—coming in at No. 4—averages for $2,050 per month for a one bedroom, while a two bed unit rents for an average of $2,700, the report listed. In Fort Lauderdale, which was No. 7 on the list, the average rents were $1,270 and $2,300, respectively.

St. Petersburg was No. 34 on the list, with a one-bedroom averaging $770 and a twobedroom averaging $1,000.

LBK, Anna Maria in line for funding

A town of Longboat Key beach project has made the cut for the state Legislature’s final list of recommended state funding.

If Governor Rick Scott signs off on the budget item by July 1, the town will receive $1.5 million for an estimated $3.5 million Longboat Pass dredging project that will bring more than 230,000 cubic yards of sand to the north end of the Key later this summer.

In addition, a project to install new groins on Anna Maria Island’s Cortez Beach is in line to receive $2.5 million. Funding for the reconstruction of the Cortez Beach groins will pay for the construction and any related incidentals. The beaches on Anna Maria Island lose an estimated 10 feet of beach per year. Three groins will be replaced.

Wawa in the Works

It’s not just condos and hotels that are being planned for the downtown hub.

A Wawa gas station/ convenience store could be coming to Fruitville Road, just outside downtown, between North East Avenue and Audubon Place.

Tampa-based Brightwork Real Estate is planning a third Gulf Coast location of the Pennsylvaniabased convenience store at the Fruitville Road location.

City staff held a community workshop last month to consider plans for the 5,650-square-foot store. The Wawa would replace two duplexes and three singlefamily homes. The project would include 16 fuel stations and more than 40 parking spaces, according to the workshop paperwork.

Before anything can be constructed, the city planning board would have to approve several adjustments and a conditional use for the parcel of land.

Most Wawas are open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. The Fruitville store would become the third Wawa in Sarasota County.

A record sale

A New York-based real estate investment trust bought two senior living facilities in south Sarasota for $93.1 million, the most expensive property sale on record in the county.

Continued from page 7

NorthStar Healthcare Income Inc. bought the Springs at Lake Pointe Woods and the Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods. Both communities sit at the intersection of South Tamiami Trail and Lake Pointe Boulevard. Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods features 198 units in 12 buildings on 40 acres, and the Springs houses 174 units in three buildings on eight acres.

Art center curator named

Dustin Juengel has been appointed exhibition curator at Art Center Sarasota, where he will help plan and coordinate the center’s robust exhibition schedule. According to Art Center Sarasota’s executive director, Lisa Berger, Juengel brings “an artist’s eye and a highly educated mind to this labor of love.”

Juengel was born in Leverkusen, Germany, in 1985. He received his BFA from Ringling College of Art and Design in 2008, and his MA in Fine Arts from Chelsea College of Art and Design in London, UK in 2010. Juengel returned to Sarasota in 2011 to continue developing his art practice with a particular emphasis on painting. His most recent works include photorealist oil paintings executed in a monochromatic palette. His art has been exhibited in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

Art Center Sarasota was the first arts and cultural institution in Sarasota. It was founded in 1926 as the “Sarasota Art Association” by Marcia Rader, the art supervisor for the Sarasota County schools district.

County Fire chief chosen

After a nationwide search, Sarasota County has chosen one of its own to head up the fire department.

Mike Regnier has accepted the appointment as Sarasota County’s next Fire Chief.

Regnier has served as the interim chief since May 2014.

A third-generation firefighter, he first joined the department in 1988 as a firefighter/EMT/ paramedic, rising through the ranks as a lieutenant, battalion chief, acting assistant chief for EMS operations and assistant chief for fire operations.

Continued on page 16

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Beach Wedding

July 2015

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Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

By Trebor Britt

Sara & Joe

|Fahy Beach Wedding

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a Food City Store Manager in Oak Ridge, TN. Joe raved about how incredible Siesta Key was after visiting there once. They decided to vacation together there four years ago and have been coming ever since. Sarah said, “It just seemed right to get married at a place we both love.”

They’re both eagerly looking forward to going on their honeymoon in the fall when they will visit many of the historical areas of the New England states.

Sara and Joe’s wedding package was provided by Tammie Connor of Siesta Key Events. www. siestakeyevents.com

L i

A light Gulf breeze and the sparkling shores of the Gulf of Mexico provided the backdrop for another fabulous Siesta Key wedding. Sara Stilwell of Richlands, VA and Joe Fahy of Maryville, TN committed their lives to one another during an intimate ceremony surrounded by close family and friends.

Sara and Joe met when she worked for the Loyalty Marketing Department of a Food City store in Abington, Virginia. Part of her job included delivering marketing materials to new stores. As fate would have it, Joe was going to be the store manager of one of these new stores. She fondly remembers not being very impressed by him, like so many couples who end up falling in love and getting married. They eventually began communicating more and more and after several months they finally started to date. “I knew I was in love with him after a fight,” Sara said. “I can’t remember what we were arguing about, something really stupid I’m sure. During the argument, the thought crossed my mind of just calling it quits and it knocked the wind out of me. I thought to myself... I love this guy and I don’t want to find out what it’s like without him.”

Sara now works as a Social Media Manager for Blount Memorial Hospital and Joe is still

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July 2015

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MAKING SENSE OF INVESTING

There were a total of 34 crimes reported on the Key from 5/19 – 6/21/15 The woman’s wallet 5/22/15 Grand Theft contained cash, a driver’s Public Beach license and several credit

A woman reported her GoPro camera had been stolen while she was at the beach. The camera had been placed inside a towel and left unsecured while she went into the water. When she returned, the camera (valued at $800) was gone.

There were no suspects or witnesses.

5/22/15 Petit Theft 5000 Block Ocean Blvd

Two white males came into a Village convenience store. One of the men opened the beer cooler and grabbed a case of Bud Light.

The subject then ran out of the store without paying. The other suspect walked out a short time later. Both men got into a dark colored possibly Dodge Durango and left the area. The suspects were unknown to the cashier. A video was submitted of the theft. The value of the beer was $60.

5/23/15 Grand Theft 5000 Block Commonwealth Ave

A man reported two 32 Ft ladders, four wood planks and two saw horses stolen from his side yard. He suspects that his neighbor’s yard company may have taken the items as he has had issues with them in the past.

5/27/15 Grand Theft 100 Block Beach Rd

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A man contacted the sheriff’s department to report someone had stolen 8 beach chairs from the patio area of his home. The chairs were described as green and white crisscross pattern, L shaped chairs with arms. They were valued at $125 each. There was no suspect information.

6/5/15 Burglary Vehicle - 5000 Block Commonwealth Ave

A man heard noises outside in his driveway and went outside to investigate. He observed a white male inside the passenger side of his Mercedes. The man chased the suspect down the street but eventually lost him. There was

nothing taken from the vehicle. The suspect was a white male, slender build, wearing dark clothing.

Deputies searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect.

The vehicle was dusted for prints and they were submitted.

6/7/15 Burglary – Vehicle 5000 Block Calle De Costa

A male juvenile reported that someone had taken the keys out of his 1998 Jeep. The Jeep was parked on the street for approximately 10 minutes while the complainant ran into a friend’s house. The Jeep is totally open on the top and sides.

Nothing else was taken. A white male in a brown truck was seen in the area during this offense.

Deputies checked the area but were unable to locate this subject or the keys. The complainant has had numerous complaints about his careless driving through the neighborhoods of the Key. Deputies spoke with the juvenile’s mother and advised her of the situation and his driving habits. He advised her that it was possible that someone upset with his driving may have taken the keys. The mother stated that the son had lost his Jeep for four months because of his driving and had just recently gotten it back. There are no known suspects at this time.

6/13/15 Burglary – Vehicle Avenida Veneccia

A woman called to report her car had been broken into while it was parked in her driveway. An unknown subject had stolen her wallet from the unlocked vehicle.

The wallet had been inside the center console armrest when it was taken. The victim mentioned she had a black digital camera sitting on the front passenger seat and found it odd that the suspect had not taken it.

cards. When the victim called Bank Of America to cancel her credit card, she was told someone had tried to purchase a large amount of items online from The Home Shopping Network. However, the bank had declined the transaction, since they suspected it was fraudulent.

6/17/15 Aggravated Assault/ Defrauding An Innkeeper 200 Block Ocean Blvd

A deputy arrived on the scene in reference to a reported robbery that had just occurred. Bouncers at a nearby club and a restaurant employee had the defendant detained on the ground. After placing the suspect into custody, the deputy spoke with the victim, who is a waiter at the restaurant.

He stated that the defendant and another man had eaten a meal at the restaurant. The man told the defendant that he would pay and put $40 on the table for the checks.

The waiter said he would be right back to collect the money for the check. When he returned, there was no money on the table and the two men had left. The waiter followed the men to confront them about the check. At first the defendant acted like he would take care of the bill, but when he continued to hesitate, the waiter threatened to call the police. The defendant then moved towards the waiter, pushed him and said, “You don’t want to mess with me.” As the waiter pulled out his phone to call 911, the man pulled out a knife, opened it up and again stated, “Don’t mess with me.” He then lunged at the waiter with the blade out. The suspect ran away from the restaurant toward the municipal parking lot. The waiter and a coworker chased after the suspect as they called 911. Restaurant and club personnel tackled the suspect where they ultimately detained him until deputies arrived. Cameras outside the club showed the defendant throwing the knife down as he ran away. Deputies discovered $40.00 (two $20 bills) in his pocket.

www.siestasand.net

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July 2015

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11

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

sé We’ll Take You There . . .

Meet Jo

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July 2015

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

Waterfront Dining – What a Delight Waterfront dining has a charm all its own. The scent of saltwater permeates the air.

Manatees lumber through sea grass while seagulls caw their raucous song. Pelicans plunge beneath the water’s surface, hunting for seafood delight.

An osprey devours its catch on the uppermost branch of a tree, while—in the waters below— you see the gunmetal glint of dolphins.

Margaritas taste salty and crisp, and the rumble of power boats is punctuated by the sound of slapping sails.

It’s a setting where memories are made. Mother Nature is seated at your table, and her mesmerizing waters dissolve the troubles of the day.

Among the dozen or so waterside dining establishments located between Sarasota and Venice, six are particular favorites. The first is the only casual waterfront restaurant on the island. Turtles Restaurant is located east of Turtle Beach at the southernmost tip of Siesta Key, at Marker 48, and is nestled along the water of Little Sarasota Bay. It provides a perfect setting for an unhurried dinner or a relaxing libation at the end of the day.

Dock your boat and fill up your tank at nearby Turtle’s Marina, then take a leisurely walk next door to the restaurant.

This south Siesta Key landmark has endured and surpassed the test of time. In its 30th year of operation, patrons continue to flock to this island oasis.

Apart from the restaurant’s natural setting is the ability to keep prices low. Alex Ortega, general manager explains, “People don’t expect us to be as affordable as we are. They think that since we are on the Key we’re going to be pricey, especially for a waterfront restaurant.” For those that follow The Little Sarasota DINING Book, Turtles is ranked #5, for 2015, in both the Sarasota’s 200 top restaurants, as well as their special section for the top 50 restaurants.

Just take a look at what they are offering up for their 30th anniversary dinner specials priced at $19.99. Entrée selections to choose from for these dinner specials are: Gulf Grouper, Baked Stuffed Large Shrimp, Georges Bank Sea Scallops, Certified Black Angus Prime Rib 8oz cut, North Atlantic Wild Caught Salmon, Sur’N’Turf, Mango Kiwi Swordfish, Stuffed Flounder and Georges Bank Sea Scallops & Crab Cake Combo. Each entree includes hot rolls, vegetables, starch and a 9oz Carafe of a select wine.

Turtles also offers Early Bird dinner specials from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., prices range from $10.99 to $13.99. On Sundays a brunch is served with a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa for $9.99 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For meeting the wine challenge, Turtles is currently offering a bottle of Salmon Creek wine for $14.

This casual waterfront restaurant offers inside or outside dining, located at 8875 Midnight Pass Road, serving lunch and dinner from 11:30 am to 9 pm.

They do not take reservations except for holidays. If you have a party of 15 or more you may call ahead when you are on your way, 941-346-2207, www. turtlesrestaurant.com .

Another waterfront favorite is the Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill located on the mainland side of Stickney Point Bridge, the southern bridge to Siesta Key. Located at Mile Marker # 62, the restaurant can be reached by land or water, and docking

is available. Its outdoor patio, covered deck and inside dining room sit higher than most other waterfront restaurants, giving patrons a bird’s eye view of the Intercoastal Waterway. Guests might sip their beverages of choice and savor the view while schools of dolphins swim gracefully just a few feet away. During the summer months manatees are regular visitors.

The Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill boasts an air conditioned dining room, a covered patio and an outdoor dining deck. The “Reef Bar” has both outdoor and indoor seating, and is a local favorite, celebrating Happy Hour from 2 to 6 pm every day. The outside patio features umbrella-covered tables, while the covered deck has cooling overhead mist-fans.

The Boatyard welcomes romance as well as families year round. It is open for Lunch and Dinner daily and will accept reservations. It also offers amazing waterfront banquet and wedding facilities, and can cater to groups of every size up to 300 people.

Its experienced staff is happy to tailor special events to meet a client’s individual needs.

A wide selection of menu items includes everything from seafood to fresh salads, sandwiches, steaks, chicken and pasta. “Extreme Oysters” are a house specialty: Rockefeller, Millionaire, Key West, Stuffed and more. With delicious entrees such as Jambalaya, Grouper Oscar and Rib Eye Steak, there is something at the Boatyard for everyone looking for delicious, reasonably priced food in a casual waterfront atmosphere.

The restaurant is located at 1500 Stickney Point Rd. in Sarasota. (941) 921-6200 www. boatyardwaterfrontgrill.com Casey Key Fish House offers great food and a Million Dollar View. It’s located right on the water at Mile Marker #32 by the Blackburn Point Marina. This tropical waterfront spot has an Old Florida ambiance.

Diners arrive by boat or by car. Those coming by land turn west off of Highway 41 onto Blackburn Point Road, cross the “flying bridge” (one of the last remaining rotating bridges!) and pull into the parking lot. Near the restaurant is the famed Casey Key Fish House Tiki Bar, known the world over as Sarasota’s answer to Margaritaville.

At the Tiki Bar you and your friends will see boats passing by and yachts bobbing at the dock.

On weekends and holidays, the Tiki Bar is energized by live music. Splashes are heard as mullet jump in the water, and the tropical flavors of a Mai Tai taste cool against your tongue. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a heron or a snowy egret.

It’s a boater’s world of “No shoes, No shirts, No problem!”

The lyrics of Jimmy Buffet’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise” come to mind.

The wooden restaurant itself has been painted a gaudy aquamarine blue. The building is low and rambling, and, like most boating establishments, serves a mix of ages and all walks of life.

Casey Key Fish House extends through several dining areas, with the choicest spots being down near the dock. No uppity attitude here: daily specials are scribbled on the blackboard, and much of the food is served on plastic and Styrofoam.

Don’t let that fool you! Some very tasty dishes are created in that kitchen. Sure, the lunch

By Diana Colson & Evie vdBos

Turtles Restaurant

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill

Casey Key Fish House menu reads simply enough: fish sandwiches, ½ pound hamburgers, clam chowder, battered shrimp, and the like.

But after 4pm, an eclectic blend of Asian and American cuisine also emerges, drenched in the flavors of Maui and Thailand. Sesame Crusted Pan Seared Tuna is a personal favorite, to say nothing of Sautéed Chilean Sea Bass.

There’s a full bar and wine list that is sure to brighten any meal. Chef Willie Tia’s “Best Bouillabaisse” is downright spectacular!

At Casey Key Fish House, proprietor Jimmy Von Huberz and his Master Chef offer a casual way to feast by the waterside.

They provide visitors with a relaxed, laid-back setting, and do it all at a reasonable price. The

Fish House is open 7 days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., except for most of September. Talk with Jimmy about arranging special parties, meetings, or large events.

Both restaurant and Tiki Bar are located at 801 Blackburn Pt. Rd in Osprey, FL. (941) 966-5737 www.caseykeyfishhouse.com.

941.349.0194

July 2015

Venice-area landmarks Just one visit to Sharky’s on the Pier, Fins at Sharky’s or Snook Haven and you’ll understand why all three restaurants have become Venice-area landmarks – Smack Dab on the Water.

At Sharky’s on the Pier, enjoy a delectable meal in a restaurant with unparalleled ambiance and Gulf views. Soak in the sunshine and dine in relaxed style while you sip a refreshingly cool drink. As you appreciate a striking sunset, the sounds of live music make for an unforgettable tropical experience.

Visit the upper deck and take in the panoramic views of Venice. Step off the dining deck and let your feet meet the sand of one of the region’s most beautiful beaches. Search for fossilized sharks’ teeth, play volleyball on the sand courts, or fish from the public Venice Fishing Pier, where no license is required. You can also purchase bait and tackle at Papa’s Bait Shop, along with souvenirs and clothing.

Officially opened on February 12, 1987, at the site of what was once an outdated beach concession, Sharky’s has become a destination restaurant. “The original idea was to create a fun family dining experience on one of Florida’s most beautiful spots in Venice,” explains owner Mike Pachota. “We’ve done that, and now we’re moving forward with an expansion of the restaurant, offering more options for everyone.”

An abundance of fresh seafood choices, all cooked to perfection in a variety of ways, are a signature attraction. The extensive options also encompass mouthwatering steak and chicken entrees, with the outstanding blend of flavors attributed to creators and executive chefs. Other selections include daily specials, appetizers, salads, luncheon favorites, and tempting desserts like Key Lime pie and cheesecakes. With the 2010 and 2012 local Iron Chef Award winners as well as the 2011 local Iron Bartender award winner, Sharky’s is known for exceeding expectations in drinks and dining.

And, despite stiff competition from bars in St. Pete and Key West, Sharky’s was voted Florida’s #1 Beach Bar for 2013.

Mike and Justin Pachota are committed to delivering the best possible dining experience for their customers. Sharky’s has grown from a restaurant that originally accommodated 78 seats to an establishment with a wide range of dining options. Nowadays, visitors may select from an indoor dining room, a covered, enclosed patio surrounded by windows, or a huge, wraparound deck with shaded or sunny tables complemented by a full, tropical tiki bar. As the popularity of Sharky’s grew, the owners decided to expand, with the final phase and restaurant opening Fall 2013.

Located right next door to Sharky’s, Fins at Sharky’s opened their doors December 8, 2013, adding 182 seats for dining and bringing a fresh new take to a renowned brand – still boasting the most incredible Gulf views on the Florida west coast. Fins at Sharky’s menu goes well beyond what customers expect from a beach bar. “We are dedicated to presenting menu items that embrace our proximity to the Gulf, while speaking to a more serious food and wine customer. We are

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Sharky’s on the Pier

integrating the best of Sharky’s, enhanced with inspiration from other sources, to create a unique dining experience,” says co-owner, Justin Pachota.

Fins at Sharky’s features an inventive, ever-changing menu inspired by an array of global cuisines and seasonal South Florida ingredients. Fins proudly serves their guests fresh Gulf

Fins at Sharky’s

Snook Haven seafood, sushi, and premium cuts of steak and pork. With an inviting design and coastal-inspired décor, the dining space seats over 180 guests in comfortable booths, at custom tables and chairs, or on the outdoor terrace. A Private Events room is also available for 20-50 people by special reservation.

13

The Pachota family also owns Snook Haven, Smack Dab on the River, offering all the history and natural beauty for anyone seeking authentic riverside dining!

Off the beaten path on the banks of Myakka River in a natural cove, Snook Haven provides a true old Florida dining experience, with indoor and outdoor seating.

Snook Haven’s menu features barbecue meats smoked daily in-house, including chicken, pulled pork, shrimp, fresh and smoked fish, and even vegetarian options!

The Sharky’s family has a rich history of involvement in the local community, actively sponsoring and participating several local charities, such as the Ride the Beaches LIVESTRONG® fundraising event, Big Brothers Big Sisters, YMCA, Habitat for Humanity, SERTOMA, Rotary, and the Suncoast Blood Bank just to name a few. Sharky’s also participates in the Venice Christmas and boat parades.

Sharky’s has both won and hosted the Venice Main Street Iron Chef competition held annually at the Venice Yacht Club. Owner Mike Pachota is also one of the founders of the famous Shark’s Tooth Festival.

Visit Sharky’s on the Pier, Fins at Sharky’s and Snook Haven today for an experience to remember! www.SharkysOnThePier.com www.FinsAtSharkys.com www.SnookHaven.com

Casual Waterfront Dining

8875 Midnight Pass Rd. • Siesta Key • 346-2207 Serving Lunch & Dinner From 11:30am - 9pm

Happy Hour

Discounted Well Drinks & Wine 3-6pm Daily • Bar Apps $2.99

Early Bird Dinner Specials $10.99-$13.99 from 3pm-6pm

Come t

by Boa

ICW r e Mark 48

Sunday Brunch $9.99 from 10am-3pm Served with complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa

View our complete menu at www.turtlesrestaurant.com

Includes 9oz Carafe of Copperidge California Wine

30TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER SPECIALS

ENTREE CHOICES:

19

$

North Atlantic Wild Caught Salmon Gulf Grouper Oscar Surf ‘N’ Turf Baked Stuffed Large Gulf Shrimp Mango Kiwi Swordfish Surf ‘N’ Surf Georges Bank Sea Scallops Stuffed Flounder Certified Black Angus Georges Bank Sea Prime Rib 8oz Cut Scallops & Crab Cake Combo

.99

a $36 value

Entrees Served with Hot Rolls & Butter, Vegetable and Starch

Freshly Steamed, Hand-Pulled Maine Lobster Casserole topped VISIT US ON LITTLE SARASOTA BAY AND DINE with Parmesan Cheese, Ritz Cracker Crumbs and Melted Butter. $19.99 Served with Hot Rolls, Fresh & French Fries.BEACH OUTSIDE ON THE BAYFRONT ATSalad, TURTLE Limited-Time Special

1689389

www.siestasand.net

14 Siesta Sand

July 2015

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Off Key

By Robert Frederickson

Dolly Jacobs Soars Sarasota’s fascination with the arts can of course be traced back to art lover John Ringling’s decision to move both his family and his circus interests to the area back in the early part of the last century. But I’ve long sensed that many members of the local arts community are less than enthused with the circus that gave rise to the wealth Ringling used to amass the art collection he later bequeathed to the state of Florida and its residents. It seems many somehow see it as lowbrow and pedestrian.

But for Ringling, there was no such disconnect. He viewed his beloved circus as just another outlet for artistic expression, albeit one with mass appeal – in much the same way William Shakespeare viewed his plays, which were written and performed to appeal to commoner and royalty alike.

Ringling’s perspective was validated recently when famed Sarasota based aerialist Dolly Jacobs was selected to receive a prestigious 2015 National Endowment for the Arts ‘Arts Heritage Fellowship.’

In addition to a $25,000 award, Jacobs will perform her renowned aerial ballet in October in Washington DC when the award is formally presented.

Said Pedro Reis, CEO of the Circus Arts Conservatory and Jacobs’ husband, “We’ve been fighting for so long to raise the perception of circus to an art form. To have the circus as an equal component with other disciplines is a wonderful thing.”

Closer to home, Jacobs will be performing her aerial artistry through the end of this month at the Asolo Theatre, just steps from Ringling’s famed art collection housed nearby in the museum that bears his name. Her performance will be part of the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Summer Circus presentation.

J.R. would most certainly be pleased.

Pining for the Good Old Days Generations from now, say in the year 2050, with Sarasota’s Lift Station 87 still under construction, and cost estimates hovering somewhere north of the GDP of most third world nations, residents of the city will look back longingly to 2015 when those costs were estimated at a mere $35 million (up just 350% from an original budget projection of $10 million) and folks actually thought

the project might be completed sometime before the next ice age.

Speaking of the Next Ice Age...

Back in 2008 ABC News ran a special report simply titled “2015.”

The piece breathlessly warned viewers of the horrific impacts of global warming waiting just around the corner, with predictions of what life would be like on a day in the not-too-distant future, specifically June 12, 2015. Some of the dire headlines predicted for that date: “New York City Underwater! Gas Hits $9 a Gallon! A Carton of Milk Now $13.00!

Wrong! (But never in doubt).

One thing that hasn’t changed: the delight this crowd takes in manufacturing hysteria.

More Bad News for the Environmental Crusader Set Did you hear? Scientists have now observed polar bears regularly eating dolphins, posing a real dilemma for animal loving environmentalists everywhere who have elevated both mammals to the pantheon of Earth’s most beloved creatures (funny how less photogenic creatures like crocodiles and armadillos never make the cut, though even these examples would likely out-poll the least popular creatures on the animal lover hit parade...humans!).

But back to the existential crisis these folks are now facing with the revelation they live in a world where polar bears are actually devouring dolphins at an alarming rate. Egad!

The Horror!

The news set off a frantic search for an explanation to bring their fractured world back into alignment.

Care to guess what that explanation might be? Why, global warming, of course! If it wasn’t for the heating of the oceans, the dolphins wouldn’t be heading so far north where they are doomed to become the main course at an around-the-clock polar bear buffet.

Here’s another explanation. Polar Bears are often hungry and Dolphins are always tasty.

Speaking on Misplaced Horror...

Isn’t it interesting how worked up some folks get when a polar bear beheads a dolphin, but if it’s ISIS beheading members of ones own species, the subject quickly gets changed to something like say... declaring war on the French Fry (French Fries don’t fight back, after all).

Finally, Words of Truth on the Campaign Trial...

Donald Trump was talking recently about the growing number of candidates jumping into the race on the Republican side.

Said Trump to the commentator: “There are a lot of people who should not be running. You know that. I know that...”

Ummm...like perhaps a certain immodest real estate mogul sporting a hair style that looks like a runaway freight train?

Yes, I know...Trump drew 1700 to the Van Wezel recently...but as mentioned at the top of this column, this has long been a circus town.

Shhhhhh!

Turns out Sarasota’s city commissioner Susan Chapman has a kindred spirit in her crusade to turn the area into one giant hospital zone: her counterpart on Longboat Key, town commissioner Pat Zunz, who brought up at a recent town meeting the issue of loud music from boats that congregate on weekends on the sandbar off Jewfish key near the island community’s north end.

So who complained? Well, Zunz herself, who coincidentally (or not) lives just across the channel from the popular nautical party spot.

Identity Politics Run Amok So Bruce Jenner thinks he’s a woman. And the popular media fall all over themselves with congratulations: ‘Great!’ Go for it, Caitlyn.’ And Rachel Dolezal, ex-NAACP leader in Spokane Washington, a white woman of northern-European ancestry, thinks she’s black. Yes, she resigned her position, but rumors point to a big payday in the near future, with a new ‘reality’ show based on her unconventional story.

So what happens next, when someone claims his or her true identity is that of a cat, a dog, a goat or perhaps a tree? Do the rest of us just shrug our shoulders as if it’s no big deal...as if identity has nothing at all to do with corporeal reality?

It sounds like a lyric from an REM song from the 1990s: “We all invent ourselves...”

But when facts are infinitely malleable, when words can mean whatever any given individual says they mean, how does anything retain any real meaning?

John Adams once famously said, “Facts are stubborn things...” Well, not any more, apparently.

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Taking care of the community, one slice at a time… #PieItForward at Solórzano’s Pizzerias By Evie vdBos When Phil Solórzano opened his third Pizzeria location in Gulf Gate late in May, he had no idea it would end up on statewide T.V. What started out as a desire to expand his brand has turned into something with a positive twist not just in the community, but across the nation. His Facebook page tells the story and social media has helped catapult it nationwide with people from as far away as California and Jersey contributing to his Pie It Forward campaign.

But before he became “PieItForward” famous, he was already a successful businessman in his own right. Phil and brother, Carlos, Jr. opened their first pizza business in Florida, right here on Siesta Key back in 2007. A New Jersey transplant, Phil’s pizzeria pedigree spans back decades to his grandfather, Filippo Centrella, who moved from Avellino, a small town near Naples, Italy, to Western New York and opened up a pizzeria with his brother.

Three generations of making pizzas allows for plenty of time to perfect the nuances. It’s no longer a matter of following a tried and true recipe; it’s more a matter of feeling the texture of the dough to make sure it will yield the best crust.

Smelling the sauce and knowing when perfection has been reached and always using the freshest and finest ingredients daily.

It also allows for time to come up with creative names for variations on the Jersey style pizza. Names like the “Hoboken Heart Attack” topped with meatballs, pepperoni, sausage and bacon. Or the “Bada Bing” loaded with sausage, peppers, onions and meatballs. Can’t forget

the “The Godfather” made with thin sliced prosciutto and fresh basil; or their “Centrella” namesake: a white pizza covered with onions, spinach, tomatoes, garlic and fresh basil.

You can buy it by the slice or the whole pie. In fact, it’s their lunch special that started his “PieItForward” campaign – buy any two slices of pizza and a can drink for $7. According to Solórzano it’s, “The best lunch deal on the island!”

It happened when a customer came in to his new Gulf Gate location and ordered the lunch special but said he didn’t want the drink.

He told Phil to “… give it to the next guy.” Solórzano remembered a post his friend shared with him on Facebook about a similar idea so had the patron write his name on a sticky note then placed it on the wall.

Since then, his wall has been steadily filling up with more sticky notes and he is happy to share this good fortune with those in need. He recalled the time he picked up a homeless person while driving to one of his other businesses and brought him to the shop so he could feed him a pizza.

Although pizzas dominate their menu, other choices are available. Among them are salads and starters like the Prosciutto, Mozzarella and tomato salad; a Caprese salad; garlic knots and Mozzarella sticks. Also included on the menu is a small selection of foot long hero sandwiches. Their Gulf Gate location includes a case filled with an assortment of tempting

desserts including award winning Cheesecake Royale Cakes.

Both locations are open from 11:30 a.m. to 4 a.m. Free delivery service is available to anywhere in Sarasota until 3:30am.

Stop in for a slice to eat or “PieItForward” and add your name to his Sarasota wall of fame.

Gulf Gate location: Solórzano’s Late Night Pizzeria, 6670 Superior Avenue, 941-924-5800.

Siesta Key location: 215 Avenida Madera, 941- 349-2767.

Call either number for take-out or delivery.

Connie Lewis, BS, LMT,Aesthetician Owner & Associates

5138 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key, FL 34242

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NO SKA MEETING IN JULY We want to wish everyone a Safe and Happy

(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

Next meetiNg will be thursday, august 6, 2015 www.siestakeyassociation.com

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Why I Choose doTERRA Essential Oils

SUP Sarasota

There’s nothing like personal experience to gauge the success of a product. So it was with me when I was introduced to doTERRA. I have been using doTERRA Essential Oils for just over one year and have found no other essential oil companies compare with the results I’ve seen in my health, my patients’ health, and even both our weinheimer dog’s health.

When I left Siesta Key two years ago to return to Chicago, I began having weight gain, no energy, depression, and my thyroid went hypothyroid. My other hormones were checked and both my Estrogen and Cortisol were very high. My body was high acid, high inflammation, and was holding onto fat due to the acidic environment. No matter what I did I could not lose the weight.

I began using doTERRA in March 2014 initially for my thyroid. This started my journey into doTERRA changing and transforming my health. I began losing weight, I had more energy, and my face had more of a glow to it that I had not had in a long time.

From this point on I started to use the oils for my Estrogen and Cortisol Levels and had even better results. By July of last year doTERRA became my passion and my full time job to share with families the opportunities of Natural Solutions for their Healthcare.

We live in a world where people are choosing to turn to Natural Solutions for their Healthcare. Families are beginning to use herbs, homemade gardens, and essential oils for healing. Today our health insurance is getting more expensive and covering less so we cannot afford to live in a sick model of healthcare. We have to choose to stay well with natural alternatives. Our environment has bombarded us with over-the-counter synthetic drugs, our food supply has been genetically modified and injected with hormones that we consume. A woman who lives in the United States is surrounded by a synthetic environment with xenohormones that mimic Estrogen and create weight gain, depression, acidity, hormone problems, and worse yet cancers.

I chose doTERRA because of its purity that goes above and beyond organic. doTERRA has a standard of purity called Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade verified by third party testing laboratories. The oils are tested several different ways to be sure they are safe for therapeutic use. The oils are free of pesticides, herbicides, extenders, and solvents through a GC/MS analysis process. doTERRA sources

By Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

their oils from all over the world from third, fourth, and fifth generation farmers.

Their business model is solid. The company is debt free and committed to changing the healthcare and living standards on our planet through their Healing Hands Foundation. They have an impressive 65% retention rate because the product works.

We have built a team of over 400 Wellness Advocates and completed doTerra’s Diamond Club in one year.

Sharing the many success stories our members have experienced has helped us achieve success quickly. One mother was able to discontinue her use of antidepressants when her child was able to stop the ADD/ADHD medication. Other patients were able to heal quicker and with less pain in their knees and hips. And, yes, my specialty; helping bring women’s thyroid and hormones back in balance and under control so they can get their life back. These and many more doTERRA success stories have been recounted time and time again.

If you would like to start your own journey to see how doTERRA Essential Oils can help you, I will personally mentor and assist you.

We have an amazing team of like-minded individuals who want to see the healing and abundance of our planet improve and are available to help you increase your knowledge.

You can check my doTERRA website: mydoterra.com/drjennkauffman to learn more as well as our oils Facebook page www. facebook.com/drjennkauffman where you can join our newsletter. I also have a personal website for Monthly Specials on doTERRA and the other services I offer located at drjennkauffman.com, click on the Essential Oil Page for Monthly Specials.

For the month of July we are offering the opportunity to host a doTERRA event with 10 friends or family members and receive 100 Dollars in oils this month. Go to drjennkauffman.com, click on the “Speaking Events”, and then click on “Book Speaking Engagement”, fill out the form and send it back. Join us on the oil journey. (Advertorial)

City hires director of homelessness

The city of Sarasota hired Doug Logan, a Sarasota resident and Vietnam veteran, to become the city’s Director of Special Initiatives on Chronic Homeless.

“Many high quality candidates applied for this position,” said City Manager, Tom Barwin.

“What stands out with Doug

Garrett from Destin.

Ava age 6 from Tampa.

Nova age 10 from Sarasota.

Ethan age 13 from Sarasota.

Brad from Sarasota.

JT & Jake age 9, from Sarasota.

Dr Jenn Kauffman has personally mentored thousands of women and men over the last 10 years as a chiropractor. She has owned three separate and very distinct successful chiropractic clinics. She’s been coaching her patients on how to transform their lives and feels it is her life mission to grow women of the world to have a truly passionate life and live the life of their dreams, whatever that may be for the individual.

News Up & Down the Trail “We are excited to have someone of Chief Regnier’s vast experience and knowledge officially serving in this role,” said County Administrator, Tom Harmer.

“Throughout his career he has been involved in the day-to-day operations of our fire department, both on the administrative side and in the field, and we expect a seamless transition from his interim role.”

Emergency Services Director, Rich Collins said Regnier’s roots with Sarasota County will be a benefit to residents as well as his fellow firefighters.

“After more than 25 years as a part of our team, Chief Regnier’s familiarity with the department will be a great asset,” Collins said.

“He understands the challenges of providing first-class fire and EMS services that meet the needs of our community.”

The Sarasota SUP Championships took onlookers cheered them on. It was a day place on Siesta Key beach, Saturday June filled with live music, food, Kona beer and 20th. Stand up paddle boarders took to fun! the gulf for some intense completions as

Logan is his respected leadership and experience. He is a strategic thinker, capable of organizing major initiatives. Doug has successfully organized six major start-up initiatives in his career, and he will bring a broad range of start-up experience to this new initiative,” said Barwin.

Barwin added, “Doug also is a successful national and international business leader with wide-ranging experiences in the private and public sectors that are relevant to the chronic homeless issue. He’s also a veteran who was awarded two Bronze stars during Vietnam. Doug is a compassionate person with a desire to help, and I believe he will approach this challenging homeless issue with a fresh perspective.”

Logan has an extensive background in sports and entertainment management on the national and international stage leading large corporations and small businesses. He launched Major League Soccer in the United States, where he served as the MLS Commissioner, President and Chief Executive Officer with over 120 employees and an annual budget of $90 million. He was the Chief Executive Officer and General Secretary for USA Track & Field, Inc., the national governing body for all Olympic related track

Continued from page 8

and field events. In the mid1990s, he managed the largest live entertainment company in Mexico with 500 employees and an annual operating budget of $55 million (U.S. dollars). He also was responsible for managing over 55 sports and entertainment venues in five countries including the Forum in Los Angeles, and the Target Center in Minneapolis.

SPECIAL EVENTS UP AND DOWN THE TRAIL: • Mattison’s Forty-One Bastille Day Dinner Special Friday, July 10 Through Tuesday, July 14 Chef Paul Mattison will be celebrating Bastille Day from Friday, July 10, 2014 through Tuesday, July 14, 2015 from 5 p.m. at Mattison’s Forty-One in Sarasota.

Here is a sampling of a few selections from Chef Mattison’s Bastille Day Menu; Poached Salmon with stewed leeks and a beurre blanc; Château of Beef Tenderloin with truffle mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus; Green Salad with a French vinaigrette, three French cheeses, and dried fruits; Menage à Trios Dessert, crème brûlée, flourless chocolate torte, and roasted pear

bread pudding. The current Mattison’s Forty-One dinner menu is also available along with live music nightly in the Piano Bar. Reservations are highly recommended 941.921.3400.

• Saturday, July 4th on Papa’s Bait Shop Family Fishing Tournament The Venice Fishing Pier Take the kids and grandkids to Papa’s Bait Shop on the Venice Fishing Pier this 4th of July for the annual Papa’s Bait Shop Family Fishing Tournament. Papa’s Bait Shop is conveniently located on the Venice Pier next to Sharky’s on the Pier, 1600 Harbor Drive South, Venice, FL. Registration begins promptly at 7 a.m. and a continental breakfast will be served. Prizes will be awarded for the largest fish in each age group ages 5-9, 10-12, and 13-17. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. An award ceremony will follow the tournament from 11-11:30a.m.

Entry fee: Suggested donation to the WareHouse – promoting and providing community involvement for area Middle and High School Age. Pre-registration available at Papa’s Bait Shop or online at www.venicefishingpier. com For information on Papa’s Bait Shop Family Fishing Tournament

call Sharky’s on the Pier at 941484-7362.

• 2nd Annual Myakka Jam Blast at Snook Haven!

Celebrate the 4th of July with family and friends at Snook Haven at the 2nd Annual Myakka River Kayak Fest 4th of July Jam Blast!

Snook Haven, located at 5000 East Venice Avenue in Venice, will host this fun family event from 11a.m. to 4p.m. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the 4th of July during the day, plus you can still make it to the beach for fireworks!

Live musical entertainment will take place throughout the day.

Great music and great food in a fantastic “Old Florida” setting. No cover charge for entrance.

Snook Haven has all the history and natural beauty that anyone seeking riverside dining will fall in love with. It is off the beaten path, near the riverbed in a natural cove with true old Florida ambiance.

With indoor and outdoor dining, Snook Haven features a Back Woods Smokehouse menu featuring ribs, chicken, pulled pork as well as fresh and smoked fish, and shrimp. Snook Haven, Smack Dab on the River, is located at 5000 East Venice Avenue, Venice, FL 34292 (941) 485-7221, www.snookhaven.com.

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Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography 2

1

4

3

1: Cadence 12, Caitlyn 7, Chad, Laura, Cale 8 from IL. 2: Angelia, Terry, front Trinity, 8 & Autumn, 5 from Georgia.

3: (back) Logan 13, Nikki, Summer 9, (front) Gauge 7, Brody 3, from Hardy county – FL. 4: Grace 10, Mason 9, Jaelyn 6, Brandy, Brandon, & Hailey age 1, from OH.

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Tribute to a Drumming Warrior Submitted by Marguerite Barnett, MD / Siesta Key Drumming Circle Family

Duane at the beach at sunset Duane McQueen who passed away June 6, was born in Michigan but gravitated (after a detour through Tennessee) to warmer climes here on the Gulf coast of Florida after his retirement. A long-time member of both the Nokomis and Siesta Key Drum circles, in the words of his daughter Melissa, ”He had a path of heartbreak and heartache for many years before finding this sacred place.”

He even remarried at the drum circle in a native American-inspired ceremony to the beautiful Russell (Rusty) Burd McQueen, his devoted wife until his toosoon end at age 59. Although his daughter felt he had found his “people” and that the beaches and rhythms healed him, we attendees of the circle never knew him as other than a stalwart, no-drama, inspiring drummer and constant at the gatherings.

Apparently this aptitude for drumming went way back as his other daughter, Tiffany, reports that her father was known to drum on the dinner table with his silverware when she was a child.

We miss him and can only imagine how much his family also misses him. We are grateful for the opportunity to have had him as a member of our tribe and we are humbled to learn from his family that the Recent memorial to Duane at the circle circles had such deep meaning for him. His daughters shared their belief that the circles are a celebration of life and this is true. Even in our sadness at his death, we affirm with every gathering our gratitude to live in such a beautiful space.

We leave our worries and differences outside the circle and join in the transcendent joy of being one heartbeat, one rhythm, one people. The circle has no beginning and no end and although Duane’s physical body is no longer present, his energy continues without end.

Thank you, Duane for what you shared with us and taught us including that life is short and how important it is to do what we love with those we love. Besides his daughters, Duane is survived by his parents, Arthur and Myrna; his wife; brothers Tim and Bob and assorted The circle wedding of Duane and Rusty in November 2009 grandchildren.

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VILLAGE MAP pgs 20 - 21

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 38

GULF GATE SHOPS pg 28-29

CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 22

LOCAL MAPS INSIDE

LIVE MUSIC PAGE 24

19

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

Siesta Key Drum Circle Drum Circle Hula Hoop Lauren Scully Rivera of Rhode Island enjoying her talented three-year-old, Ella (3) hula hooping in the drum circle on breathtaking Siesta Beach.

Lauren is here visiting her parents and it just so happens, her favorite thing about Sarasota is Siesta Beach and the drum circle.

Photo by Trebor Britt.

Coastline Volleyball junior players Mckenzie James (13) and Katy Cameron (13) of Bradenton, Annashelby Dees (13) of Lakewood Ranch, and Caroline Griffith (14) of Sarasota. These are just a few of the Coastline Volleyball players that competed in the Florida Beach Volleyball Tour Tournament on spectacular Siesta Beach.

Photo by Trebor Britt.

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 by Kenny Brooks.

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

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Siesta Key Association meeting notes

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Sheriff’s Office:

Sgt. Chris Laster and Lt. D. Kaspar reported that there had been a small spike in vehicular burglaries over Memorial Day. Most were crimes of opportunity with windows “cracked” and wallets and loose change stolen.

There were also a couple of disturbances involving alcohol and the use of marijuana.

During the past month, there were 370 calls on Siesta Key, the majority due to burglar alarms going off. In many cases, the alarm company succeeded in locating the owners before the Sheriff’s Office had to respond. Lt. Kaspar urged residents to keep their key-holder

information accurate, and to be certain that contacts were tight on doors and windows.

There was one significant event: the drowning of a visitor from out-of-state. The tragic incident occurred at the Palm Bay Club.

All emergency systems responded: lifeguards, fire department, Sheriff’s office, etc. A doctor was on the scene.

For July 4th, Siesta Key is planning its biggest fireworks in 25 years. The show will be held at the Public Beach, and will last for approximately 30 minutes.

Audubon Society will be sending out volunteers to guard bird nests on the beach.

An audience member pointed out that many boaters were not

Map B #42

Map C #61

By Diana Colson Updates on Sarasota County Emergency Services, Hurricane Prepardness:

observing the No-Wake law. He asked that a Reminder Sign for boats be placed at the mouth of the Grand Canal. Other audience members requested speed monitoring in the Village.

Of additional concern was the issue of excessive sound levels. Lt. Kaspar spelled out the procedures: Sheriff’s Office responds when called and gives a polite warning.

If called back, their second warning would be more severe. A third warning would result in a citation.

These call-backs do not have to all happen on the same night. This sequence of warnings is valid for a period of 30 days.

Code Enforcement:

Susan Stahley was unable to attend. However, Michael Shay spoke highly of her approach to her new position. He said she was very proactive and would bring new energy to the Key. In the past Code Enforcement has been put into action by a complaint.

Susan Stahley, however, is actively searching for Code Violations.

ACCOMMODATIONS Siesta Beach Resort ........................Map-A #38A ART GALLERY / STUDIO Calle Studios.........................................Map-B #32 The Gallery on Siesta Key..................Map-D #11 ATM / BANKS PNC ATM............................................. Map-C #61 Martin Funding......................................Map-E #1 Sun Trust Bank & ATM.........................Map-E #4 BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Blase Café.............................................Map-A #38 Blu Que Island Grill..........................Map-C #57 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 BOOK STORES Used Book Heaven...............................Map-B #48 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 Aqua Beachwear................................ Map-D #12 Beach Bazaar & Swin Shack........... Map-C #28 Blvd. Beachwear.................................. Map-B #30 Comfort Shoes-Birki & More.........Map-D #64 Foxy Lady Fashions........................... Map-A #40 Gidget’s Coastal Provisions.............Map-B #44 Island Cotton Company.....................Map-C #29 Island Boutique...................................Map-C #50 Island Style...........................................Map-C #53 Lotus Boutique..................................Map-D #66 Reel Hobby.......................................... Map-D #10 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 Mount-N-Repair.................................. Map-B #48 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 Key University.......................... Map-B #36 HEALTH & FITNESS Indep. Lifestyle Solutions ................ Map-D #10 Siesta Key Fitness..............................Map-B #73 Studio Rubylakes................................ Map-B #49 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-B #48 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

• Edward J. McCrane, Jr., FPEM, Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief gave the presentation. He emphasized that Emergency Response may be delayed during a hurricane.

Citizens must prepare to be completely self sufficient for at least 72 hours following a storm, preferably for up to a week. We live in a pretty good area when it comes to storms, but we must plan for worst case scenario. In the 1920’s and 40’s Sarasota was hit by several hurricanes. In 1960 along came Donna. In 1966, we were hit by Alma, and her outer band wreaked havoc on Sarasota.

The 70’s and 80’s were quiet. In 1992, however, we had Hurricane Andrew, which was nurtured by El Nino—a situation similar to today.

The 2000’s spawned a series of hurricanes with names like Rita, Katrina, Dennis, Ivan, Jeanne,

and Charley. In 2012, we were hit

by Tropical Storm Debbie. The storm tide was extremely high and simply would not recede. 132 local homes were damaged. Boats were pushed up on shore in Sarasota Bay. Docks on Anna Maria were wiped out, and boats also damaged on Manasota Key. Just recently— on May 10 of 2015—along came Ana, caused by the warmer waters of El Nino. This storm came early, telling us to pay attention.

When warned of an impending storm, Ed McCrane urges we board up those windows and doors and get out of town. Don’t wait to evacuate! Storm surges arrive ahead of the storm and ahead of the winds, so if you wait for the hurricane to actually reach landfall, it may be too late.

Tornados are a big factor in hurricanes, and hundreds may form in the outer bands. Indeed, 250 tornados were generated in 2005.

All Emergency Response must be accomplished before the arrival of Tropical Storm Force winds.

Continued on page 36

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

July 2015

New Elevated East Concession Stand Open for Business The new food service concession just opened and features many fabulous, new food offerings as well as most of the traditional favorites. New food items include a selection of breakfast sandwiches, breakfast burritos, a selection of house made sweet ‘n savory crepes and puff pastry breakfasts. In addition to the general menu currently offered, LaBonte will add Panini’s, flat breads and perhaps a small selection of subs.

Over the course of the next month or so, LaBonté hopes to offer late afternoon and early evening tapas, which are small portions of dinner bites. Once both food-service concessions are operating, the larger concession will offer the core traditional beach food while the smaller concession will offer food of a whole different variety and quality. “If hamburgers and french fries and chicken fingers is not what you want, then you can get flat breads or hand-made Panini’s or fresh soups,” LaBonte said.

The wide variety of new selections are reasonably priced and sure to make your palate and wallet jump for joy. The new concessions are staffed by two trained chef’s, one of which carries a Pastry Arts

degree. He expects both concessions to be fully operational by early 2016.

LaBonté and his family moved here from Nantucket, Massachusetts 15 years ago. After leaving the real estate appraisal industry there, he bid and won the contract for a similar beach concession on Nantucket. To prepare himself for his new business venture, LaBonte worked at McDonald’s as an on-the-line employee for 6 months.

When the 10 year, beach concession contract expired he and his family relocated to Siesta Key. While waiting to bid on the Siesta Beach concession contract he owned a small ice cream shop in Siesta Village.

LaBonte’s passion and attention to detail can be summed up by this statement. “Along the lines of the great publicity that Siesta Beach has gotten over the last couple of years, and in line with the $21 million beach enhancement, it is our desire to bring the level and quality of services equal to the location itself. We feel we can offer a wide variety of foods at different price points to make most people happy. Our goal is to have wonderful customer service and provide great products at reasonable prices.”

21

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Continued from cover story

Warren LaBonte of Bradenton, pleased to be standing i front of his brand new food concession, the Sunset Pavilion, on America’s No. 1 beach after months of construction.

Olivia Goodfriend (20) and Amanda Stambrosky (20) of Sarasota enjoying an ice cold drink on opening day of the new Sunset Pavilion. Former Booker High School graduates,they’re on summer break from the University of Florida both majoring in dance. The view from the new Pavilion knocked their socks off.

Although not pictured,they did not have socks on.

The new two-story Sunset Pavilion overlooks the volleyball courts, the powdery white sands of Siesta Beach and the tranquil emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The spectacular view of America’s No. 1 Beach from the two-story platform of the new Sunset Pavilion.

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MAILING - SHIPPING UPS store............................................. Map-A #41 US Post Office..................................... Map-D #65 MARKETS/FOOD STORES 7-11 Store.............................................. Map-B #46 Circle K Store......................................... Map-E #6 Morton’s Siesta Market......................Map-C #25 MASSAGE Hands of Light Massage.................... Map-B #35 Massage Experience Siesta Key......Map-D #62 Massage Therapy.................................. Map-E #1 Siesta Key Massage Ctr......................Map-D #9 MEDICAL - DENTAL Sarasota Medical Ctr.........................Map-D #63 Siesta Key Physical Therapy............. Map-D #20 MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce..................... Map-D #67 Roberti Enterprises............................ Map-A #39 Sheriff’s Office...................................... Map-D #9 Tarot Card Reading & Gifts...............Map-C #50 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Edward Jones Investments............... Map-D #68 Smith Architects.................................. Map-E #74 REAL ESTATE / RENTAL SERVICES Coldwell Banker Realty..................... Map-D #20 Horizon Realty.................................... Map-B #34 Island Homes.......................................Map-C #51 Key Realty.............................................Map-E #5 Michael Saunders Realty..................Map-E #72 Re/Max Alliance Group................... Map-D #60 ReMax Tropical Sands....................... Map-D #67 Robasota Rentals & Real Estate..... Map-A #39 Siesta Key Realty.................................. Map-D #9 Waterfront 7 Realty........................... Map-C #56 Waterside Realty.................................Map-C #29 RESTAURANTS / CAFES 314 II, Craft Beer board Room........... Map-A #37 Another Broken Egg..................Map-C #54 & 55 Blase Café............................................ Map-A #38 Blu Que Island Grill......................... Map-C #57 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 Nails By Iris..........................................Map-C #50 Salon Capelli......................................... Map-D #9 Sassy Hair Salon................................ Map-A #40 Siesta Key Nails & Spa......................Map-D #9 Village Barber....................................... Map-D #9 SPORTS INTEREST/RENTALS CaliFlorida............................................ Map-B #32 Robin Hood Rentals.........................Map-D #34 Siesta Village Outfitters......................Map-C #53

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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 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

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX

Key Casual Fashions............................... D-3 #17 Things You Like...................................... C-3 #14 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Capt. Curt’s Souvenirs.............................B-3 #8 Green Turtle Shells & Gifts................. C-3 #14 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 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

“Home of the Orange Squeeze!”

Big Water Fish Market................................C-3 #17 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 Javier’s Restaurant.................................. 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

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Map C-3 #14

Map B-3#8

A Taste of Germany 6575 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Anna’s Deli 6535 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Road

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill 1500 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-5 #12

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters 1249 Stickney Point Rd.

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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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Nutritious You 6583 Midnight Pass Rd.

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www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

Island Churches:

Places of Worship

• 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

Beach Service:

• Point of Praise – (Sat. 5-7pm) Live praise and worship music.

Free concert on the beach. Public invited.

Held the last Saturday of each month on the main beach just

July 2015

to the left of the volleyball nets.

Contact Aaron Martin at 941-914-3433, to confirm time and location.

Off- Island:

•Temple Sinai, a Reform Congregation (The closest Jewish congregation to the Key for visitors) 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, 941-924-1802 www.templesinai-sarasota.org • St. Andrew United Church of Christ (Protestant) (In the Gulf Gate area, near Beneva and Gulf Gate Drive) 6908 Beneva Road, Sarasota, 941.922.7595 www.uccstandrew.org

• The Superior Word Rev. Charlie Garrett Service starts Sunday mornings at 10am. Bring a friend and share in God’s word.

6512 Superior Avenue Sarasota, Florida 34242 • First Christian Church 7601 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34241.

941-922-4434 www.fccsarasota.com •Center for Metaphysical Fellowship Sunday Service at 10:30am includes healing, inspirational talk, special music & spirit messages.

NEW - Healing Service: 1st tues. of the month at 7pm.

2044 Bispham Road, Sarasota 34231, 941-266-8435 www.cmfsarasota.org

The Man Behind America’s No.1 Beach Continued from cover story

Siesta beach is undoubtedly the most famous half mile of Gulf of Mexico coastline in the country.

Maintaining this resource and the level of service that the community expects is a huge challenge. The sheer volume of people that pass through Siesta beach is incredible.

“It’s like trying to sweep off your front porch as people continue to walk by. Access to the beautiful coastline is everyone’s right and we want everyone to be happy and have parking and clean restrooms and a safe park to come to.” Siesta beach is only 100 acres of the 55,000 acres Sarasota County maintains in about 160 parks.

Staff at Siesta Beach consists of lifeguards, a sheriff’s office substation, maintenance personnel, programming, a contracted concessions staff and volunteers. They all work together to provide the best experience possible for anyone who visits here and wants to come back.

Poyner shared his high regard for the 40 volunteers of the Beach Ambassador program. In 11 years, they have accumulated 22,000 volunteer hours. “It’s a real joy to see people give back to the community,” he said. “It has great value because those volunteers sit on the front porch of this great destination. They provide the first impression many people get when they come here for the first time.

Seven days a week they prop up the staff and provide the shine of the park.”

One aspect of Poyner’s job is to provide about 600 permits per year for both public and private events. There are a lot of weddings on Siesta beach. The beach is also host of between 40 and 50 special events each year which includes everything from yoga classes to professional and amateur volleyball tournaments, triathlons, lifeguard training and competitions and much more.

Learning to balance the public use with bringing more people to the beach with special events is always interesting. Generally there’s a moratorium on special events from February 15 to April 15. “No way could we bring more people to the mix during that period.” Every event brings with it huge safety concerns, huge environmental concerns, and huge maintenance concerns.

Sunsets on Siesta beach are spectacular. Poyner recommends that people come to the beach early. Once here, it’s easy to spend the entire day. There are plenty of conveniences here including outstanding beverage and food

choices as well as lounge chair, umbrella rentals and other concessions. He recommends walking at least part of the beautiful 6 mile long coastline of Siesta Key and at this time of the year the water is gorgeous; get in.

The initial conversations regarding the renovations at Siesta beach likely began almost 10 years ago. The buildings and facilities are nearly 50 years old. Poyner loves what’s going on there. He really appreciates the great patience the general public has shown with all the construction taking place.

Though the exact completion date is fluid, renovations are expected to be finished sometime in early 2016.

Each day at the beach brings its own unique experience. Poyner related that one day someone brought up a big blue duffel/ back pack type bag to the lost and found. He went through it, found some identification and made contact with the person. The man asked if his computer was still in there. Poyner said, “You left a bag with a computer in it here on the beach?” He said it was in a plastic bag. He went through the rest of the blue bag and sure enough, the computer was still there. A couple days later he came and picked up the bag. Two days later one of the metal detector guys showed up at Poyner’s office. He said he had located something with his metal detector maybe a couple of feet below the sand and asked to speak to a sheriff. “Don’t you know, he pulled out that same blue backpack with the same computer in it 2-3 feet under the sand.” Poyner thought, “What is going on here. I just gave this guy back his bag a couple days ago.

Turns out, if you’re like a rambler, you don’t want to carry a bag like that around all day. So what he would do is bury it like 3 feet

down, walk around all day and then come back at night and dig it up. In the meantime, a guy with a metal detector found it, dug it up and brought it up here. When the guy came back I told him he had to stop burying his bag in the county park.”

Before working in the recreation field Poyner earned a BA in Religion from Mid Atlantic Christian University in North Carolina. He was trained as a minister and worked as a recruiter for a Christian college.

His background was a great match because being a recreational specialist is about serving the community and connecting people. He passionately believes recreation is one of the greatest things out there and hopes a lot more people come into the industry.

Poyner’s wife is an American Sign Language teacher at Bayshore High School. Thirteen years ago, when hundreds of people were moving to Florida every day, they packed up a U-Haul, two young children, came down for an interview and she got the job.

Poyner said, “That’s how much the economy was growing at the time. You could just come down and find something.” His son Nate just graduated from Lakewood Ranch High School and his daughter Kiona is studying to be a schoolteacher at Warner College in Lake Wales.

Running, fitness and nutrition are a big part of Poyner’s life.

He’s competed regularly in half marathons and last year accumulated 1700 running miles.

Spending quality time with his family by attending special events, farmers markets, water activities and visiting other parks is also a high priority. He also loves challenges and it’s all in or nothing.

Many would be surprised to learn he hasn’t had a soda in 14 years.

Poyner reads a lot of health, fitness, leadership, personal development and finance magazines and books. His recommended reading for any high school or college student would be to read one of Dave Ramsey’s latest books.

He still has 36 years to go, but when he turns 80 he hopes people will remember the legacy he left by the relationships he built and established. If you get a chance, the next time you visit Siesta Beach, try to find Jonathan Poyner and thank him for the love, care and passion he brings to America’s No. 1 Beach.

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

23

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24 Siesta Sand

July 2015

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

Who’s Playing Tonight

By Mike Sales

|An interview with Michael Mac For over a dozen years, Michael Mac has been a proven contributor to the Gulf Coast’s vibrant music scene. One glance at his website shows the pedigree of a truly seasoned musician, having toured with major label artists and opened for the likes of Kenny Wayne Shepard, Tal Ma Hal, Lucky Peterson, The Outlaws and many other national acts; its no wonder he’s one of the select few local area

performers who’s just as much at home on the nightclub stage with his rock band, amplifiers blasting the decibels as he is in the serene palm decorated setting of a tranquil island restaurant.

WPT: Where are you originally from?

Michael Mac: Cocoa Beach FL WPT: When did you start playing music?

Michael Mac: About 3 decades ago…when I was a kid.

WPT: What was your first instrument?

Michael Mac: I started out playing bass.

WPT: Who where some of your early influences?

Michael Mac: Geezer Butler from Black Sabbath WPT: When did you start playing professionally?

Michael Mac: Almost from the start; I went to a Black Sabbath concert, came home and asked my dad to buy me a bass. I started working in bands about a year and a half later.

WPT: What drew you to the bass?

Michael Mac: Bass was an easier instrument to start on. It allowed me to jump in and start playing with musicians who had a lot more experience, which is something I’ve always tried to do.

WPT: What direction did your playing career go from there…how did you wind up playing here on Siesta Key? Michael Mac: I played in

CLUB

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In the Village

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WPT: What is your vision for your career going forward?

Michael Mac: I’ve seen a lot of careers derail or run out of steam over the years, so mostly, I do everything I can to make mine continue. I’d like to do more with my home studio and start recording great sounding music on my own, but I’d also like Photo credit: to see some kind of happy Angel Mac ending. I’d like to sell a song and watch it go big, or even get a record deal… which may be an outdated goal, WPT: Do you write songs?

Michael Mac: Yes, I’m in the because the music business has changed so much in the last studio with a new album. few years, but I like the idea WPT: What can you tell me of creating music that touches people and takes on a life of its about this project?

Michael Mac: It’s called, “Right own…that outlives me. of Passage”, I’ve been working on this album for 5 years. In WPT: What’s your favorite fact, I have another recording thing about playing music for a session scheduled next week and living? everything is coming together Michael Mac: I like when the nicely. It will feature some great music touches the audience… players…including some of my when they love the music and heroes I grew up listening to. respond from the give and take.

There’s a lot of money invested in It makes them feel good and they it…it should be done by October let it show. I like the interaction. or November.

You can find out more about Michael Mac by logging onto WPT: Where are you michaelmacband.com recording?

Michael Mac: Spirit Ranch The Cottage is located at 153 Avenida Messina WPT: Do you play originals on Siesta Key and features at your gigs? live music weekly.

Michael Mac: Yes, from time to time.

Mike Sales is a local singer/songwriter.

WPT: What genre are they For more information visit primarily? www.mikesalessings.com Michael Mac: They are a mixed bag; reggae, rock, jazz, blues…its kind of a wide variety.

Michael Mac

WPT: What kind of music were you playing up there?

Michael Mac: Mostly rock, with some blues and top 40.

WPT: Are you a full time musician?

Michael Mac: Yes, but I also own and operate a small travel company that specializes in cruises.

WPT: Where do you regularly play on Siesta Key? Michael Mac: I play a solo gig, every Monday night 7-10pm at the Cottage.

WPT: What kind of music can people expect to hear from you?

Michael Mac: I play a wide variety, including; reggae, 70’s rock, soft rock and classic rock.

I try to cater to the audience in front of me and stick to songs they all know and enjoy…

Beatles, Zeppelin, Steve Miller… tried and true favorites from that time period that has never gone away and still resonates with people.

WPT: Do you still play band gigs?

Michael Mac: Yes, I play gigs with my band every week.

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE MONDAY

TUESDAY

Live Music 6‐10pm

In the Village 941‐349‐9822

BLU QUE ISLAND GRILL

Miami for years until that scene got too crazy, and I headed up to Maine for 12 years. I played all over New England as well as in Canada and focused on changing my life and habits for the better. I moved down here to the Gulf Coast in 2002 and have been here ever since.

12:30‐3:30pm‐Reggae 6:30 ‐10:30pm‐Live Scott Curts (3‐7pm)

WEDNESDAY Live Music 6‐10pm

THURSDAY Live Music 6‐10pm

FRIDAY

Live Music (6‐10pm)

12:30‐3:30pm‐Reggae 12:30‐3:30pm‐Reggae 12:30‐3:30pm‐Reggae 12:30‐3:30pm‐Reggae 6:30‐10:30pm 6:30‐10:30pm 6:30‐10:30pm 6:30‐10:30pm Live Music Live Music Live Music Live Music Billy Lyon (3‐7pm)

Noel Harris (3‐7pm)

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Live Music 6‐10pm

Live Music 6 ‐10pm

1‐4 ‐ Live Music 6‐10pm: Live Music

1‐5pm Live Music 6‐10pm: Live Music

Kevin Thompson (3‐7pm) DJ Crawford (10pm)

Spark Notes (3‐7pm) DJ TJ (10pm)

Miles Bosworth (3‐7pm) DJ Crawford (10pm)

RPM 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

Live Music 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

Acoustic Pete 1‐5pm Live Music 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

Matt Gerhardt (3‐7pm) K. Conn (9pm) Road Block 2‐6pm Live Music 6‐10pm Live Music‐Back Patio (5‐9pm) DJ 10pm – 2am

Rodney Shenk 6‐10pm

RPM 6‐10pm

Patrick 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

Ben Hammond 7‐11pm

Open mic night 7‐11pm

Kettle of Fish 7‐11pm

TGIM

Kettle of Fish 9pm‐midnight

DJ Rev Kev 10pm – 2am

Live Band 8/9pm‐Midnight

Live Band 8 – 11pm DJ 11‐2am

Live Band 8 –11pm DJ 11pm‐2am

THE COTTAGE

Live Music 6‐9pm

Live Music 6‐9pm

Live Music 6‐9pm

Live Music 7‐10pm

Live Music 7‐10pm

Live Music 7‐10pm

Live Music 6‐9pm

THE HUB‐BAJA GRILL

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

Live Music Noon – 3pm

Live Music 1 – 4pm

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

Live Music Noon – 3pm

4:30 – 7:30pm 8:30 –midnight

Karaoke 9pm – 1am

Karaoke 9pm – 1am

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

Chris Otto (Every other Fri) Andres Collin 5‐9pm

Larry Williams 5‐9pm

(Reggae Music)

GILLIGANS

In the Village 941‐346‐8122

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

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

In the Village 941‐349‐6800

BACKROOM SALOON @ CAPT. CURTS

Crescent Beach Shops

941‐349‐3885

BOATYARD BAR & GRILL Over the South Bridge

941‐921‐6200

Crescent Beach Shops

941‐349‐3885 SNIKI TIKI @ CAPT CURTS

3:30 – 6:30pm 7‐10pm

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

Acoustic Open Mic w/ Nally & Egglefield 6‐10pm Berry Oakley’s Skylab 7‐11pm

Live Music Noon – 3pm Live Music Noon – 3pm

3:30 – 6:30pm 7‐10pm

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

3:30 – 6:30pm 7‐10pm

Karaoke 9pm ‐1am LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10PM

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10PM

CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE 801 Blackburn Pt. Rd, Osprey

941‐966‐1901 Sharkey’s on the Pier 1600 Harbor Dr. S. Venice 941‐488‐1456 Snook Haven 5000 E Venice Ave, Venice 941‐485‐7221

SEE WEBSITE FOR BANDS

SHARKEYSONTHEPIER.COM

SEE WEBSITE FOR BANDS SNOOKHAVEN.COM

LIVE MUSIC 11:30 AM – 2:30PM 5‐8PM

LIVE MUSIC 11:30AM‐2:30PM 5‐8PM

LIVE MUSIC 11:30AM – 2:30PM 5‐8PM

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

Swamp Donkie 2‐6pm

Rising Tide 8pm – 12am

Live Music 4‐8pm LIVE MUSIC 8PM – MIDNIGHT LIVE MUSIC 11:30AM – 2:30PM 5‐8PM

Eddie Jame Jazz Band 6‐10pm Dana & Co 2‐6pm Mike Tozier 8pm – 12am

Live Music 4‐8pm

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

3:30 – 6:30pm 7‐10pm

Democracy 4‐8pm

Live Music 4‐8pm

LIVE MUSIC 8PM – MIDNIGHT

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10PM

LIVE MUSIC 11:30AM – 2:30PM 5‐8PM

LIVE MUSIC 1‐5pm

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

July 2015

Island Humor [ When people see a cat’s litter box, they always ask, ‘Oh, have you got a cat?”

Just once I want to say, ‘No, it’s for company!’ [ A man came back from a long business trip to find that his son had a new $300 mountain bike.

“How’d you get that, son?”

“By Hiking.”

“Hiking?”

Yeah, every night, Mom’s boss would come over and give me $20 to take a hike.” [ The Hillbilly 10 Commandments: 1. Ain’t but One God. 2. Honor yer Ma and Pa. 3. No tellin’ tales or gossipin’.

4. Git yer hide ta Sunday meetin’.

5. Ain’t notin’ come before the Lord.

6. No foolin’ with another fellers gal.

7. No killin’, cept fer critters.

8. Quit yer foul mouthin’.

9. No swipin’ yer kin folk’s stuff.

10. Don’t be hankerin’ fer it neither.

[ An elderly man in Louisiana owned a large farm for several years. He had a large pond in the back. It was properly shaped for swimming, so he fixed it up nice with picnic tables, horseshoe courts, and some apple and peach trees.

One evening the old farmer decided to go down to the pond and look it over, as he hadn’t been there for a while. He grabbed a five-gallon bucket to bring back some fruit.

As he neared the pond, he heard voices shouting and laughing with glee. Coming closer, he saw it was a bunch of young women skinnydipping in his pond.

He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end.

One of the women shouted to him, ‘we’re not coming out until you leave!’

The old man frowned, ‘I didn’t come down here to watch you ladies swim naked or make you get out of the pond naked.’

Holding the bucket up he said, ‘I’m here to feed the alligator.’

Some old men can still think fast.

HOTTEST BAR IN GULF GATE...

MLB/College Packages FULL BAR

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

[ A couple was celebrating 50 years together and their three kids, all very successful, agreed to a Sunday dinner in their honor.

“Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad,” gushed son number one.

“Sorry I’m running late. I had an emergency at the hospital with a patient, you know how it is, and I didn’t have time to get you a gift.”

“Not to worry,” said the father.

“The important thing is that we’re all together today.”

Son number two arrived and announced, “You and Mom look great, Dad. I just flew in from Los Angeles between depositions and didn’t have time to shop for you.”

“It’s nothing,” said the father.

“We’re glad you were able to come.”

Just then the daughter arrived.

“Hello and Happy Anniversary!

I’m sorry, but my boss is sending me out of town and I was really busy packing so I didn’t have time to get you anything.”

After they had finished dessert, the father said, “There’s something your mother and I have wanted to tell you for a long time. You see, we were very poor. Despite this, we were able to send each of you to college. Throughout the years your mother and I knew that we loved each other very much, but we just never found the time to get married.”

All three siblings gasped and said, “You mean we’re b^$+@***?”

“Yep, said the father, “And cheap ones too!” [ To maintain a healthy level of insanity…

1) At lunch time, sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and a hair dryer pointed at passing cars. See if they slow down.

2) On all your check stubs, write, “For Marijuana.”

3) Skip down the street rather than walk and see how many looks you get.

4) Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.

5) Sing along at the Opera.

LOUDLY. 6) When your money comes out of the ATM, scream, “I won! I won!”

7) When leaving the zoo, start running toward the parking lot, yelling, “run for your lives, they’re on the loose!”

8) Tell your children over dinner, “Due to the economy, we are going to have to let one of you go.”

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

25

..

onth.

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

rill & Bar BluQue Island G the Village) n (i a in ss a M a 149 Avenid 941-346-0738

Name of Bartender: Tony Gill (aka: Sam Elliot’s clone) Hometown: Grove City, OH Q: How long have you been bartending?

A: 30+ years.

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

A: After working the inside bar all day, a couple walks in and asks me if it was hot out? Mind you, I’ve been in the air-conditioned bar all day so had no idea. I told them as much and suggested they’d know better.

They replied, “No, your outside Tiki Bar. Is it hot out there?

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

A: I enjoy hunting, fishing and airboating.

Q: How would you describe yourself?

A: Fun loving, easy going and one that loves the outdoors.

Q: How would you describe where you work?

A: A fun, busy place to work with great customers who come to have a good time.

Q: When’s the best time to see you?

A: I’m usually at BluQue most nights and starting July 1, ladies can drink free at our bars only from 9-10pm, Mondays through Thrusdays.

26 Siesta Sand

July 2015

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

Water World

25th Anniversary – 4th of July SPONSORS

Captain Jim Klopfer Adventure Charters 941-371-1390

Mangrove snapper fishing is outstanding in July off of Siesta Key.

I. Presenting Sponsor First Watch

c. Sarasota Surf & Racquet Club d. Siesta Key Village Association

II. Grand Finale Siesta Key Beach Concessions & Siesta Sun Deck

VI. Rockets’ Red Glare a. Beach Bazaar of Sarasota, Inc. b. Branch Banking and Trust c. Brian’s Auto Repair d. Coldwell Banker e. Crescent Arms Vacation Rentals f. Cunningham Property Management g. Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar h. Davidson Drugs i. Flip Flop Cottages j. G Fried Flooring America k. Gidget’s Coastal Provisions l. Gulf & Bay Condominium Association m. Heron Lagoon Properties, LLC n. La Siesta Condominium Association o. Palm Bay Club Association, Inc. p. PCM Cleaning, Inc. q. Sea Shell Condominium Association, Inc. r. Sun Garden Café s. Visit Sarasota County

III. Land of the Free a. Best Western Plus – Siesta Key Gateway b. 1-800-Ask-Gary / Hibiscus Inn & Suites / Captiva Beach Resorts / So Staged IV. Home of the Brave a. Argus Property Management b. Benderson Development Company LLC c. Crescent Royale Condominium Association d. House of the Sun e. Jamacia Royale

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, ladyfish, pompano, and jacks. A high tide in the morning is favored for anglers to drift the flats and cast Cotee jigs, Rapala plugs, spoons, and live shrimp under a popping cork. Netting up a bunch of shiners and chumming the deep flats will usually result in non-stop action.

The flats and oyster bars south of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at Stickney Pt. down to Blackburn Pt. will hold some nice trout in July, and that area gets very little pressure in the summertime. The key is water temperature; if it is too high the bait and gamefish will not be there. Redfish and snook will also cruise the bars and shorelines in search of prey. Areas that drop off quickly into three or four feet will be the most productive spots.

A hand picked shrimp is deadly fished early in the morning on a high tide. Anglers choosing artificial lures will score with

topwater and shallow diving plugs, scented soft plastics, and weedless gold spoons.

Redfish will begin to school up in July and can be caught in very shallow water The largest trout also prefer shallow water, so don’t be surprised if a “gator” intercepts an offering meant for a redfish. These fish should be released unharmed, they are the female breed stock and are crucial to a healthy trout fishery.

Night fishing will be exciting and productive in July. Lighted docks and bridges attract glass minnows and shrimp, which in turn attracts the gamefish. Snook are abundant, but trout, reds, jacks, ladyfish, and snapper will also be caught at night. Live shrimp works very well free lined in the current with little or no weight.

A 24” piece of 25 lb flourocarbon leader and a 1/0 live bait hook is the basic rig. Lures will also catch fish, but can be difficult to cast at night. Fly fisherman will score with a small white snook fly such as the Grassett’s Snook Minnow tied on a #4 hook.

Tarpon will still be plentiful in the Gulf of Mexico, although the anglers will not be. The large schools will have broken up, and although the fish don’t show as well, they eat better. Pinfish and crabs drifted out 6 feet under a cork at first light will catch tarpon in July. Point of Rocks on Siesta Key is a proven spot to fish.

V. Stars and Stripes a. Excelsior Real Estate Corporation Siesta Key b. Midnight Cove Siesta Sparklers: • Beach Terrace Assoc. Inc. • Coconuts of Siesta Key • Crescent Towers • Crystal Sand Condominiums • ERA Waterside Realty • Fiona’s Childrenswear • Fisherman’s Cove Association • Foxy Lady • Horizons West Rental Corp • Island House Association • Mandala Medi-Spa, LLC • Michael Saunders & Company • Next Best Inc. • Notary to Go • Palm Island Association • Sea Club II • Siesta Dunes Condominiums Association Inc. • Siesta Isles Association Inc. • Siesta Key Condominium Council • Siesta Key Association • Siesta Royale

|The Rumrunner

Located at Turtle Beach Marina in South Siesta Key | 941.349.3119 www.siestakeycharterfishing.com Captain Joe Bonaro offers more than exciting deep sea fishing opportunities aboard “Sarasota’s

fastest charter boat,” the Rumrunner (941/349-3119). The skipper offers special boat and fishing trips for families – and for families with small children – as well as customized day and overnight trips.

Vendors/In-Kind Sponsors: • A-1 Clowns & Entertainers • Abel’s Ice Cream • Akika Face-Painting • Alexa Ziff • Badger Bob’s Appliance and Air Conditioning • Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar • Cheryl Duley • Foremost Fence • Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill • Gold Coast Eagle Distributing

• Greater Sarasota Chamber • Island Visitor Publications / Siesta Sand • John F. Swift Construction • Keep Sarasota Beautiful • Mattison’s Forty-One • Observer Media Group • Rental Depot • Sarasota County • Sarasota County Parks & Recreation • Siesta Key Chamber Volunteers • Sir Speedy • Sign-A-Rama • SRQ Vets • Studio F Productions, Inc. • U.S. Tent Rental • U.S. Coast Guard • UPS Store on Siesta Key • Village Cafe • Visit Sarasota • WSLR Public Radio • Zambelli Fireworks

REGISTER TODAY for the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce 25th Anniversary for the 4th of July VIP Party & Community Fireworks. The VIP Party begins at 5pm with Fireworks beginning around 9pm at the Siesta Key Beach Park. VIP Tickets are currently on sale for $150 – for 2 Adults.Children under the age of 10 are free, teens aged 11 – 15 are $15 each. VIP Ticket holders will receive guaranteed on-site parking, a gourmet dinner for two including beer, wine and/or soft drinks, Live music from Ted Stevens Band & the Doo-Shots, a preferred viewing area for the fireworks and NEW THIS YEAR, a kid’s zone. 25th Anniversary Tervis Tumblers are also available at www.SiestaKeyChamber.com for $20. We hope to see you there!

|Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans

Let’s go sailing, KATHLEEN D Sailing Catamarans, serving Siesta Key from 3 locations, Downtown Sarasota, Longboat Key and Anna Marie Island. If you would like to experience being on the water viewing Dolphin Watches, Sunset Sails, Snorkeling and Shelling call us at 941870-4349 or go to our web site for detailed information www.kathleend.net USCG Certified for 20 passengers.

• Siesta Sun Beach Villas • SKI Contracting Corporation • Sunset Realty • The Lobster Pot • Turtle Beach Resort • Village Café • West Coast Real Estate Consultants, Inc. • White Sands Village Condominium Assoc.

JULY 2015 TIDE CHART Florida, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Sarasota Bay

July 2015

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33' Date

Day

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

1

We

211am

High Tide 1.4

1150am

High Tide 2.5

559am

Low Tide 1.2

827pm

Low Tide -0.3

638am

830pm

808pm

615am

2

Th

248am

1.4

1233pm

2.5

643am

1.2

907pm

-0.3

639am

830pm

902pm

714am

3

Fr

322am

1.4

119pm

2.5

732am

1.1

948pm

-0.3

639am

830pm

952pm

815am

4

Sa

355am

1.4

209pm

2.5

827am

1.1

1029pm

-0.2

639am

830pm

1040pm

919am

5

Su

429am

1.5

302pm

2.3

930am

1.0

1112pm

0.0

640am

830pm

1124pm

1022am

6

Mo

506am

1.6

403pm

2.1

1041am

1.0

1155pm

0.2

640am

830pm

7

Tu

546am

1.6

513pm

1.8

1202pm

0.9

641am

830pm

1207am

1228pm

8

We

630am

1.8

640pm

1.6

1239am

0.5

131pm

0.7

641am

830pm

1249am

130pm

9

Th

718am

1.9

825pm

1.4

123am

0.6

301pm

0.6

641am

830pm

131am

232pm

10

Fr

808am

2.1

1014pm

1.3

207am

0.8

422pm

0.4

642am

830pm

215am

333pm

11

Sa

859am

2.2

1145pm

1.3

254am

1.0

530pm

0.2

642am

829pm

300am

433pm

12

Su

949am

2.4

342am

1.1

625pm

0.0

643am

829pm

348am

531pm

13

Mo

1252am

1.3

1037am

2.4

431am

1.2

713pm

-0.1

643am

829pm

438am

626pm

14

Tu

142am

1.4

1121am

2.5

521am

1.2

753pm

-0.1

644am

829pm

530am

718pm

15

We

218am

1.4

1202pm

2.5

609am

1.2

828pm

-0.1

644am

828pm

624am

807pm

16

Th

245am

1.4

1241pm

2.4

655am

1.2

900pm

-0.1

645am

828pm

719am

851pm

17

Fr

307am

1.5

119pm

2.3

741am

1.1

930pm

0.0

645am

828pm

813am

932pm

18

Sa

326am

1.5

158pm

2.3

827am

1.1

1000pm

0.1

646am

827pm

906am

1009pm

19

Su

347am

1.6

239pm

2.1

915am

1.0

1030pm

0.3

646am

827pm

958am

1045pm

20

Mo

412am

1.6

324pm

2.0

1007am

0.9

1102pm

0.4

647am

827pm

1049am

1119pm

21

Tu

442am

1.7

413pm

1.8

1104am

0.9

1135pm

0.6

647am

826pm

1140am

1153pm

22

We

516am

1.8

511pm

1.6

1209pm

0.8

648am

826pm

1230pm

23

Th

555am

1.9

624pm

1.5

1211am

0.6

123pm

0.8

649am

825pm

121pm

1228am

24

Fr

640am

1.9

759pm

1.3

1248am

0.8

242pm

0.6

649am

825pm

214pm

104am

25

Sa

728am

2.0

948pm

1.3

130am

1.0

357pm

0.6

650am

824pm

307pm

142am

26

Su

820am

2.1

1120pm

1.3

216am

1.1

501pm

0.4

650am

824pm

402pm

224am

27

Mo

913am

2.3

310am

1.2

555pm

0.2

651am

823pm

458pm

310am

28

Tu

1223am

1.4

1004am

2.4

407am

1.3

643pm

0.0

651am

822pm

554pm

401am

29

We

107am

1.4

1055am

2.5

503am

1.3

726pm

-0.1

652am

822pm

649pm

458am

30

Th

140am

1.5

1144am

2.5

556am

1.2

806pm

-0.1

652am

821pm

741pm

558am

31

Fr

208am

1.5

1233pm

2.5

648am

1.1

846pm

-0.1

653am

821pm

832pm

702am

©2015 FreeTideTables.com - For comparison only - Times are local - Tides in feet from MLLW

Phase Full

1126am 3rd

New

1st

Full

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

July 2015

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Notes from the Island Fishmonger

New at Turtle Beach Marina

27

By Scott Dolan

“GRILLIN & CHILLIN” It’s officially summertime and the season of the grill. There’s nothing like a back yard BBQ with your family and friends and between the holidays of Memorial Day to Labor Day with the 4th of July falling in the middle, most of us will get plenty of action out of the old gas or charcoal outdoor grill.

Fish, Steak, Sausage, Pork, Chicken, Dogs and Burgers complimented by Potato salad, Corn on the cobb, macaroni salads served with fresh melon followed

by Apple Pie are good ‘ole American traditions. Whether you are simply grilling meat or your neighborhood self-proclaimed chef is cooking an upscale meal that usually consists of wrapping food in bacon.... a good time is always had by all.

The following grill recipes offer a fun and creative twist to our traditional outdoor recipes.

The Bayside Patio on the point at Turtle Beach Marina.

A new place on the Key to relax and have a drink by the water on the weekends: Friday, Saturday and Sunday 4 pm until sunset.

8865 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key · (941) 349-9449

Cornell Chicken: This is an upstate New York favorite for a reason. Originally named after a Cornell University professor who takes credit for creating this recipe but I give the credit to my Uncle Pete who perfected this recipe. Every fundraiser, little league BBQ, fire department cookout or family reunion in Upstate NY serves this or nobody will come.

Simply crack 1 egg and slowly whisk in 1 cup vegetable oil until fully blended. Then whisk in 2 cups vinegar, salt, pepper and poultry seasoning to taste. Whisk until your marinade turns a bright yellow.

Coat a quartered chicken in the marinade then stab chicken many times with a fork and then let sit overnight. Your chicken will love you for this baste and so will your family and friends. Cook for about 30 to 45 minutes until the internal temperature is 150F. The key to this recipe is to continue basting the chicken as it cooks.

Every time Uncle Pete takes his first bite of the Cornell he says “Things are great in America.”

Siesta Key’s newest waterfront bar, the Bayside Patio on the point at Turtle Beach Marina

New fun Solar boats for rent at Turtle Marina

Coke and Tabasco marinated meat: Anyone who knows me knows I am a huge Coca Cola Fan. I’m trying to do something about that but am also trying to do something about a lot of things and cutting out Coca Cola does not seem to be a priority.

After all if I give up the cola what

Florida built Fiesta Pontoon Boats for rent and Recreational fuel and Diesel available for your convenience

SA R

AS • SNORKEL • SCUBA DIVE OT A’S • GUIDED TOURS PR • RENTALS EM IER • CLASSES DIV HO

Sarasota, Florida

941-924-3483 www.OceanProDive.com E R TH

!

4TH

PF OR

37

Whole Red Snapper Salted fish: Make sure your fishmonger scales, guts and cuts out the gills of your Snapper. You know it’s a fresh fish if the eyes are clear and not cloudy. Mangrove Snappers and Yellow tail Snappers are best for this recipes as they are usually 2 to 3 pounds in size. One fish usually feeds two people. Rinse your fish, then towel dry. Mix 4 egg whites, a 1/2 cup of water and 2 pounds of kosher salt. Yes 2 pounds. Don’t worry (unless you’re a diabetic). Most of the salt is discarded after cooking. Place your fish on foil that has been rubbed or sprayed with a non-stick. Cover the entire top of the fish with your salt mixture. This will feel and look unnatural but trust me. Place fish on foil on to the grill and cover. Cook as is for about 40 minutes. The salt mixture will harden and cake around

the fish. When it’s time to serve, crack the salted fish with a mallet or even a hammer. Scrap off the salt and then peel back the skin. Serve with lemon slices. The fish will be moist and flaky with a medium salt flavor but surprisingly it will not be over powering. This is a very popular dish in the Italian culture and trust me when I tell you they know how to cook.

Foil boat steamed Fish: Purchase boneless fresh fish filets of your choice from your local fishmonger. Grouper, Snapper, Hogfish, Tripletail and Cobia are some local favorites that are good for this recipe. Tear off a large piece of aluminum foil...big enough to the wrap fish. Rub olive oil on foil to act as a non-stick. Place filets in center of foil, squeeze a fresh lemon, salt and pepper to taste and roughly chop and sprinkle fresh herbs on the fish. Add a tbsp. of butter. Fold edges around the fish allowing you to add some liquid such as stock or wine. Layer the top with sliced onions, tri-color peppers and a little garlic never hurts. Pull the foil over the top enclosing the fish and leaving some room for the fish to cook. The finished foil wrap should look something close to a boat.

Place entire foil boat on the grill, cover and cook for 25 to 30 minutes.

Fish should be fork flakey and not translucent when done. This fish will be delish.

Big Water Fish Market is the only place in town to get the freshest local fish available.

Thank you to the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. Every year their efforts make for a great 4th of July firework show on our beach.

Have a great summer and Happy July.

Live well.....Eat fish. Scott

25 th ANNUAL

4th of July Community Fireworks & VIP Party Saturday, July 4th 2015 VIP Party begins at 5pm & Fireworks at 9pm

“Largest Fireworks Display in Florida” VIP PACKAGE Includes: $150

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• Guaranteed on-site parking at Siesta Key Public Beach • Catered gourmet dinner for two with beer, wine & soft drinks • Live musical entertainment by Ted Stevens & the Doo-Shots • Preferred viewing area for the Fireworks Celebration • NEW THIS YEAR – Kid’s Zone • Kids accompanied by adult 11 – 15yrs, $15 • Kids accompanied by adult 10 and under, FREE • Donor acknowledgement in event advertising and on-site signage

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Big Water

Fish Market GRILLIN’ & CHILLIN’ FOR THE 4TH OF JULY! FRESH GROUPER & SNAPPER

FRESH LOCAL FISH • SHELL FISH • SMOKED FISH DIPS • CRAB CAKES • DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS

6641 Midnight Pass Rd • Crescent Plaza www.bigwaterseafood.com • 941-554-8101

25th Anniversary Tervis Tumblers are available at event and at Chamber office for $20. Online Registration for VIP Tickets or Sponsorship Opportunities:

www.SiestaKeyChamber.com

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would I mix my Siesta Key Rum with? I never thought to use Coca cola as a steak marinade until one of my Georgia college buddy’s turned me on to this fabulous recipe.

Pick your choice of meat cut, then marinate in equal parts of Italian salad dressing, Catsup, Tabasco hot sauce, and coca cola.

Soak your meat in this mixture all day. The phosphoric acid in the coke tenderizes the meat and the catsup and tabasco give it a nice mild tangy flavor. Surprisingly the Tabasco does not over spice the meat.

Cook your meat to your chosen temperature while a crispy, tangy glaze forms around the outside of the meat. Who wouldda thunk it.

Have a Coke and a smile with your steak.

Alpine Steakhouse, Crescent Beach Grocery and Geiger’s Butcher shop are all great local places to purchase a fresh and fantastic cut of meat.

Siesta Key Public Beach | 948 Beach Road | Siesta Key, FL 34242 941-349-3800 | events@siestakeychamber.com

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Foil boat steamed fish

28 Siesta Sand

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941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

Discover Gulf Gate

Snapshots of Island Visitors 3

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography 2

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1: Zane age 6, Kara, Bridgette age 2, De (*SK Fitness) & Ace age 1 – from Sarasota. 2: Ben, Eli age 2 from Georgia.

3: Ania from Sarasota. 4: The Ortega family from Miami, FL.

Arts on the Horizon Whether you’re looking for entertainment for the whole family with Art-infused nature walks, crafts, and memorable experiences or relaxing entertainment for adults, there’s something for everyone in this month’s Arts on the Horizon!

• July 1 at 7:30 pm – Six Guitars - John C. Court Cabaret at the Florida Studio Theatre. tickets.floridastudiotheatre.org

By Jaye Clements

18 at 1pm, 23 at 5pm, 30 at 1pm Family Workshops at the Ringling.

Free admission; located at the Welcome Center in the Visitors Pavilion. Enjoy self-guided art projects. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children.

Projects are designed for children ages 4-10. (Adults without children may also join in) www.ringling.org/events/ family-workshop

Black Theatre Troupe – an electrifying musical show – songs from the great entertainers of the Harlem Renaissance era, you’ll be transported back in time with the music of Fats Waller, Ethel Waters, Cab Calloway, Josephine Baker, Louis Armstrong, and Lena Horne. westcoastblacktheatre.org • July 9 at 7pm & July 12 at 1:30 - ANDREA CHÉNIER. HD at the Sarasota Opera House tickets.sarasotaopera.org

Need something to entertain the kids this summer? Did you know you can visit the The David F. Bolger Playspace free every day?

Walk the grounds, visit the Rose Garden, pop over to the bay….

There is no charge to walk the grounds and enjoy nature every day! General Admission is required to visit Ca’ d’Zan and the Circus Museum.

• July 17, 24 at 7:30pm - Summer of Improv at the Florida Studio Theatre - We’re doomed! An Improvised Summer Blockbuster! www.floridastudiotheatre.org • July 18 10am to 2pm – Snooty’s 67th Birthday Bash and Wildlife Festival at South Florida Museum. www.southfloridamuseum.org

• July 2 at 8pm – The Hound of Baskervilles – at the Keaton Theatre - Florida Studio Theatre.

A Comedy. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson take on multiple roles, a la 39 Steps, to poke fun at mystery and melodrama. tickets.floridastudiotheatre.org

• July 1 & every Wednesday at 7:30pm – Mixed Nuts at the Florida Studio Theatre – 2nd & 3rd Wednesdays you’ll experience “Laugh out Loud” performances with improve students. tickets.floridastudiotheatre.org • July 1, 4, 8, 15 at 1pm – Kids Quests – Family friendly event - the Ringling Museum. The sessions generally last 45 mins and feature conversations and a game with a museum educator.

You’ll explore different areas of the museum each time. Cost is $2 per child. www.ringling.org/events/ kids-quest

• July 8 at 7:30 - American Idol Live at the Van Wezel – will give fans the opportunity to get up close and personal with the top 5 idols from Season 14. Nick Fradiani along with Jax, Tyanna Jones, Rayvon Owen and Clark Beckham will showcase their talent with a live band. www.vanwezel.org

• July 2 at 5pm, 4 at 1pm, 9 at 5pm, 11 at 1pm, 16 at 5pm,

• July 8 to Aug 9 - Cotton Club Cabaret at the West Coast

• July 10 5 to 9pm. Friday Fest at the Van Wezel with Kim Betts and the Gamble Creek Band.

The Gamble Creek Band with Kim Betts, daughter of Dickey Betts of Allman Brothers Band and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

They’re a high energy band that offers amazing male and female vocals, harmonies, and solos. They feature popular country/southern rock/classic rock hits that appeal to all ages. www.vanwezel.org • July 16 from 6 to 7pm.

Gallery Walk & Talk at the Ringling Museum. An in-gallery dialog between photographic artist Builder Levy and Curator Chris Jones. Together they will introduce you to Appalachia and discuss artistic choices that shape the exhibition. Admission is free with Art After 5. www.ringling.org • Art After 5. Explore the Museum of Art exhibition galleries.

Art After 5 is every Thursday evening from 5pm to 8pm. Ca’ d’Zan is not open for viewing, except on select dates. www. ringling.org • Every Monday the Museum of Art, including some exhibition galleries are free to the public!

• Almost every Friday night visit the museum for Friday night films www.southfloridamuseum.org • First Saturday of most months visit for Family Nights – admission is half off after 3pm.

Check the website for Planetary show times. www.southfloridamuseum.org • July 23 at 7pm – Comedy of Errors Film – Shakespeare – HD film at the Sarasota Opera House tickets.sarasotaopera.org • July 26 at 1:30pm – Peter Grimes – HD at the Sarasota Opera House tickets.sarasotaopera.org • Every Tuesday from 10am to noon, the Sarasota Children’s Garden offers Art experiences geared toward nature for children. All ages are welcome, recommended ages are 2 to 10.

Every Wednesday 11 to 11:30am.

“You can Dig it” gardening. Every Thursday 10:30 to 10:45 am “Step into a Story”.

Fridays 11 to noon “Magic Nature Box”. (closed on Mondays) www.sarasotachildrensgarden.com

With our map, located below, you’ll be able to navigate your way to our featured shops with ease. Oh Mamma Mia! (GG4) 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.

Gulf Gate Golf Course – Conveniently located just a stones throw from the Gulf Gate Shops, this 27 hole Executive Course offers men’s and women’s rental clubs. You can start your day with a round of golf, enjoy a bite to eat at the many wonderful restaurants or simply relax with a pint of ale at the pub before you head out to explore the many fine shops.

Moments In Time Photography (G-28) specializes in several different photography services including Siesta Key Beach portraits starting at just $49 and wedding beginning at $495.

Check out their website: www. sarasotaphotos.com or visit their store to see why they have been the photographer of choice for over a decade and a half.

Piccolos Italian Market & Deli (G-47) carries a full line of imported cheeses, fresh baked bread daily, homemade sausages, fresh mozzarella, and numerous hard to get items.

They now carry Khorasan Wheat which is an ancient and organic grain. Their Deli is complete with huge hot and cold sandwiches, salads, fresh homemade lasagna and baked ziti. And, you cannot leave without trying their cannoli filled with their own homemade cannoli cream or the tiramisu or Sfogliatelle from Brooklyn.

Here is where you will find great Italian specialty gourmet items without the gourmet price.

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

Dedicated to deliver Chicago’s best food - Chicago style Hot Dogs wit’ the works...dragged through the garden on poppy seed buns with fresh cut fries, Italian Beef Sandwiches anyway you like, dipped or dry, sweet or hot. All served in true Authentic Chicago Style.

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

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

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 everyone knows your name type of establishment and friendly staff. TV’s with the MLB and NFL packages, pool table, and Continued on the next page

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941.349.0194

July 2015

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

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Discover Gulf Gate continued 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

specially crafted variety of freshly baked muffins to the signature menu items. This small diner is where the locals come to eat breakfast and lunch. Each staff member works hard to make sure you receive the best service and quality food so you’ll want to return often. Take a look at their mouth-watering menu at www.originalwordofmouth.com.

Hours: Mon-Sun.: 8AM-2PM.

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

Fiona’s Childrenwear (G-43) is the place to shop for all those special occasions and sophisticated but functional everyday wear.

Styles range from classic to contemporary to whimsical and are available in size newborn to 16x. Hours: Tues.-Fri. 10am-5pm, Sat. 10am-4pm, Other hours by appt. Call: 941-400-0732.

G-31

Eat Where The Locals Eat!

G-43

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

941-925-2400

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

© Island Visitor Publishing, LLC 2012

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Daily from open ‘til 7 PM All packaged liquor sold until 2 AM • ALL DAY

EVERY DAY Mike’s Bud Select Brew $1.50/Pints

• Pool TableGolden Tee Megatouch

S7 S6 S5 S4 S3 S2 S1

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

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

2639 Mall Drive

941-923-9827 Mon.-Sat. 9 AM-2:30 AM Sun. 11 AM-2:30 AM

G-4

PICCOLO

THESHOPSRQINC.

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

SRQ

Italian Market & Deli

G-2

“Straight Razor Shaves”

Combined 25+ Years Experience

941.626.4894 / 941.536.1656

Hot or Cold

Tonsorial Artistry

& Vegetarian Sandwiches

by

ERICKANDDAWNSBARBERSHOP.COM

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

G-47 GG-46

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

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.

S-16 GG-4

30 Siesta Sand

July 2015

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Seagrass impacts

Malcolm Sanborn Scott, 75, died on Monday, June 15, surrounded by loved ones.

His melanoma diagnosis was received on March 29th.

Although dredging work could threaten up to 1.7 acres of the shoalgrass (halodule wrightii), another three acres could be impacted by “indirect” factors such as turbidity, which the Army Corps plans to “mitigate for upfront.”

According to public emails and information provided to Siesta Sand by an Army Corps ecologist and spokeswoman, the federal agency, which is pushing ahead with a state environmental permit for the project, is researching the best ways to avoid or counter any impacts.

The agency’s “preferred alternative is to buffer and avoid impacts,” Army Corps Ecologist Aubree Hershorin explained to Siesta Sand. But if damage cannot be avoided, the agency is currently looking to identify local coastal areas to “relocate the impacted seagrasses and conduct additional mitigation.” Possible mitigation projects range from adding seagrass to the “emerald necklace” spoil islands in Sarasota Bay, to restoring previous seagrass habitats altered during residential development.

Currently the Army Corps is researching the different mitigation options. Both Siesta Key and environmental advocates, however, say the potential loss of seagrass is just one more reason to be worried about the consequences of the Lido Beach project.

The complex beach renourishment involves the installation of at least two rock groins on Lido’s shoreline and the removal of 1.3 million cubic yards of sand from Big Pass, which has never been dredged before.

The plan to mitigate for seagrass damage was included in the Army Corps’ 2015 Environmental Assessment report. But it was a June email exchange between Hershorin and John Ryan, an environmental manager with Sarasota County Public Utilities Department on the possibility of seagrass impacts that raised a red flag for Peter van Roekens, of Save Our Siesta Sand 2, when it came to his attention.

The Save Our Siesta Sand 2 Chair and other advocates are concerned that trying to transplant a seagrass environment—one that has been recovering recently—is a difficult prospect.

“There is a whole paper that says Florida has not fared well when it comes to success rates of transplanting seagrass,” van Roekens told Siesta Sand. He is referring to a 1998 report issued by NOAA’s Coastal Ocean Program states that based on reports from the Panama City Florida Field Office, the degree of success of permit-related mitigation has been generally poor and in many cases, is unknown. This report indicated that on a national scale, only approximately 10 percent of the planting achieved 100 percent cover within the monitoring period.

Malcolm was born in Quebec City, Canada, the son of Alberta Beatrice Sanborn Scott and Gilbert Beresford Scott. He spent much of his youth in Belleville, Ontario, Canada, and summers with his family in beautiful Kamouraska east of Quebec City, on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River.

He returned often throughout his life, and in recent years celebrated his birthday there with his wife, Annarita. Malcolm Scott has stayed in close touch with many childhood friends always reminiscing about hockey in his backyard rink and tapping their maple trees in anticipation of pancake parties, reveling in the joy of keeping friends close over the years.

In Belleville he attended high school at Albert College. He earned a degree in Engineering Chemistry from Queens University with postgraduate work at Western Ontario and Harvard Universities. While at Queens he served as President of the Engineering Society.

Malcolm’s executive leadership contributed to the success of eight different corporations. He served as President of Central Canada Potash, Alberta Phosphate, Noranda Phosphate, and as Vice President of Florida Operations of CF Industries. As President of Specialty Maintenance and Construction he was involved in design and construction of the launch platform for the space shuttle. Other positions include President of Conserve, headquartered in Milan, Italy, Executive Vice President of American Resources and most recently as President of US Agri-Chemicals, a Sinochem company.

Throughout his business career Malcolm fostered the careers of others, formed relationships with many who call him friend and could depend on him as mentor, and so many whom he considered cherished friends.

Community involvement was a priority for Mr. Scott. In 1982 he was appointed to the Florida Economic Advisory Council by Governor Wayne Mixon. With early literacy and quality childhood a priority, Governor Jeb Bush appointed him to the first School Readiness Coalition. Most especially, Malcolm’s love of children fueled years of elevating the importance of preparing children to enter school ready to learn. His legacy will carry forward his commitment to youth development. Malcolm served as Board and Campaign Chair of the United Way of Central Florida, the Boys Club of Lakeland Board and the Finance Committee of the First Methodist Church of Lakeland.

Malcolm traveled the world over throughout his career, enjoyed the sky as an instrument rated pilot and the sea a scuba diver and boater. Malcolm has continued to enjoy travel with his wife, Annarita; and while they visited many countries together, they most especially cherished their time together at their home in Siesta Key, Florida.

Malcolm is survived by his devoted wife, Annarita Inzetta Scott.

He is survived also by his son, Bryan Malcolm Scott of Ellijay, Georgia, and his two daughters, Beverly Jane Scott of Lakeland, Florida, and Laurie Scott McEntyre of Jasper, Georgia, and by his brother Dr. David Sanborn Scott of Victoria, British Columbia. Malcolm also cherished his four grandchildren, Ashlyn Nicole Etgen and Chelsy Etgen McQuillen, of Lakeland, Florida, and Scott Getz and Maecy Cook of Jasper, Georgia, and a great grandson, Brantley McQuillen, of Lakeland. Malcolm was also a proud uncle to nieces Sue Scott and Lee Stephanian and nephew Doug Scott.

He will be remembered as a big man, not only in stature, but also as a faithful provider, a true leader, always generous with warmth and humor, and will remain present as a positive influence to many who knew and loved him.

A memorial service was held at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key, Sarasota, Florida, 34242 at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 27th. Gifts in Malcolm’s memory may still be sent to Girls, Inc. of Sarasota County, 201 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34237, or to United Way of Central Florida, P. O. Box 1357, Highland City, Florida, 33846.

Lack of an in-depth review

Local environmental consultant and former Sarasota County Environmental Services Director Rob Patten believes it’s

®

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

Continued from cover story

This SWFMD map shows seagrass areas around Sarasota Bay in 2012.

not just one species of seagrass that could be damaged by dredging in the pass. Strands of turtle grass (thalassia testudinum) might also be impacted. “I was out walking three weeks ago, and there is turtle grass out there,” Patten said.

“That is a thicker grass, and that has an extremely low survival rate when transplanted.”

In addition, Patten worries that vibrant seagrass habitats— including multiple-species seagrass ecosystems thriving off the channel margins of Ted Sperling Park—could be killed by the so-called “indirect” impacts when silt is kicked up during dredging. While these grassbeds may not be in the dredge footprint, they most likely would experience loss due to indirect impacts of increased current flow and sediment erosion due to the proximity to the dredged area, Patten said.

“As an environmental professional, this project is frightening,” Patten said about the overall Lido project.

At heart of the issue is the lack of an in-depth environmental review for such a large undertaking planned over a 50-year project life, said Patten.

Patten, along with other environmental advocates, has called for the Army Corps to conduct an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), but the federal agency has maintained that a lesscomprehensive Environmental Assessment (EA) is all that is required. The question of seagrass impacts is one issue that should be answered by scientists during the EIS review process, Patten contends.

“These are the kinds of scientific and environmental questions that should not be debated in the press,” Patten said.

“We deserve scientific review by local scientists and other qualified people. And an Environmental Impact Statement is the only true way to make these assessments.”

The Army Corps has declined requests to create an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) analysis for their proposed

dredging of Big Pass, instead relying on an outdated 2004 Environmental Assessment, Patten said.

Patten also notes that seagrass targets have also been established by the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP), which lists the protection of seagrasses as one of its top management goals.

One possible mitigation

The Army Corps is looking into different mitigation sites, a spokeswoman with the agency told Siesta Sand. The “emerald necklace” islands in Sarasota Bay is one possible mitigation site. The islands are a string of spoil islands created during the dredging of the Intracoastal Waterway, and a project is in the works to restore the islands’ upland, estuarine, and seagrass habitats.

Other options include restoring altered seagrass habitats that were previously vibrant before dredging work associated with residential development.

“We are exploring these ideas in the event that we require mitigation, as completing the mitigation during the initial construction provides the most ecological benefit and is the most cost-effective,” Hershorin wrote in an email response to Siesta Sand.

“Unavoidable impacts”

In a June 9 email from Hershorin to Ryan, Hershorin stated the Army Corps is seeking feedback from the county on different possibilities for mitigation projects.

“We are currently conducting a NEPA evaluation of the Lido Key Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project, and we may have between 2-5 acres [total] of unavoidable seagrass impacts.”

The ecologist continues, “To mitigate for these impacts, we would like to both relocate the impacted seagrasses and conduct additional mitigation.”

Hershorin continues to write in her June 9 email: “We were recently contacted by someone interested in a former feasibility Continued on page 35

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.

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Grab your Sneakers and Run!

Landings Real Estate Update

By Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

By Tom Heatherman, Corporate Communications Director MICHAEL SAUNDERS & COMPANY

Kids Summer beach runs give families an opportunity to have some family fit and fun time! It’s every Tuesday all summer long June to Aug 11, starting at 6:30 to about 7:30 to 8pm at Siesta Key beach. Each fun run is themed, July will be Stars and Stripes… T-shirts are given after completing 4 runs. With 4 races kids will also receive a 50% off coupon for New Balance. The

registration area is at the new Pavilion and the run usually begins near the yellow life guard stand. There is a $1 registration fee.

Registration begins at 5:30. Ribbons are given weekly and Imagine School provides cool off time with multi-colored popsicles!

Adult races typically begin right after the kid’s runs and are organized by the Manasota Track club.

Zach age 8, Jake age 9, and Marla from Sarasota.

Kayne age 6, Abbilee age 2, Gabriella age 6, Sadie age 6 from Sarasota.

If selling a home or condominium in The Landings is still on your to-do list, the market is decidedly tipped in your favor. That’s because more people want to move into the community’s centrallylocated, amenity rich neighborhoods than are looking to move out.

“Price your Landings residence competitively and you are virtually assured of selling it in a relatively modest amount of time,” says Judy Greene, an agent with the Siesta Key office of Michael Saunders & Company.

Greene and her business partner, Tara Lamb, are longtime residents and next door neighbors in The Landings—Judy for 24 years and Tara for 16. Both have focused their sales activities here for years.

During that time they have helped their clients through various ups and downs in the market, but now feel that it has found its balance again.

Realty Trac—a leading provider of data for the nation’s housing industry—began the New Year by reporting that three Florida metro areas experienced some of the nation’s largest gains in median home prices in 2014. One of them, Sarasota, saw a 12% year-over-year increase.

Consistent with Sarasota’s increase, the average Landings property has risen in price by at least as much during the past year; and often by more. Driving this increase, of course, is a persistent shortage of homes for sale amid at least two years of consistently high demand.

There’s a good reason for the shortage in this premiere community. According to Lenore Treiman, a Michael Saunders agent that has sold over $32 million in Landings properties, “When I first moved to Sarasota in 1987 I knew immediately that this was the neighborhood I wanted to raise my family in. The sense of community, mature trees and beautiful preserves, variety of architecture, security, access to the water, great schools, and terrific location close to everything are second to none. 28 years later, living in our second Landings home, and walking or biking daily on our beautiful streets and trails, we continue to enjoy all that makes the neighborhood so special.”

“How much your Landings home or condominium has increased in price over the past year depends on what it is, where it is located; and, of course, how well it has been cared for and upgraded,” said Tara as she and Judy took me on a tour of The

31

Landings neighborhoods and drove by some of the properties that are currently for sale. “I think that many would-be sellers would be amazed at what their homes can fetch in today’s very active market.”

Of the approximately 225 singlefamily homes in The Landings, only 12 are currently listed for sale; and four of those have already been placed under contract, leaving only eight active listings.

The remaining homes range in price from a low of $524,000 for a lush, freshly landscaped three-bedroom, pool home to $1.39 million for a 4,292 square foot John Canon home that was built in 1984 and includes a three car garage, five bedrooms, a large corner lot (over half an acre), plenty of room for the outdoor kitchen and a dramatic pool area.

Buyers hoping to snag one of the community’s much sought-after condominiums currently have only 21 to choose from; and seven of them have been placed under contract, leaving only 14 active listings. The remaining properties range in price from $284,500 for a threebedroom residence to $739,000 for a south facing corner three-bedroom residence that lives like a home with a view of the water from every window and includes an enclosed garage with extra storage plus an additional parking space.

“There are so many buyers scouting for properties in The Landings that sometimes homes sell before they are officially listed on the market,” says Greene. “And if the past couple of years are any indication, this season should yield another bumper crop of buyers,” she adds.

With interest rates expected to rise, how long the buying spree of the past couple of years will last is anybody’s guess. If you’ve wanted to sell your home but have held off for any reason, this may be the time to act.

“A lot of our Landings neighbors have inquired about what their homes might sell for in today’s market,” says Lamb. “And most have been pleasantly surprised.”

Blooming this month:

Kristy, Dave, Jessie age 4, Lyla age 2 from Sarasota

Jordan and Eli age 3 from Sarasota

Bat Face Flowers, Cuphea llavea, are low maintenance, that are native to Mexico. They have glossy green leaves. Bat Face Cupheas produce masses of 1” purple tubular flowers with two bright red petals all along the stem.

Bat faced Cupheas are very drought-tolerant plants. They grow best when they are planted in full, bright sun but are quite happy to have periods of light shade. Water regularly and

thoroughly until they are well established, then watering can be reduced somewhat.

Established plants can tolerate occasional periods of drought. Pinch back the tip of each stem when they reach 8”-10” tall to create a more compact shape.

Submitted by Ginger Vance, Sarasota Garden Club. http://sarasotagardenclub.org/

32 Siesta Sand

July 2015

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Answers to the WORD SEARCH on page 35 www.floridamariner.com

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1: Brian from Chicago. 2: Rice Family from Sarasota.

Here’s My Card Licensed and Insured

30 years experience

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

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Olde Fashion Barber Shop

Tapers • Flattops • Fades • Styling • Razor Cuts ther” 941-312-6001 “Hot La South Gate Barber Shop

Experienced volunteers conducting superior estate sales to benefit YMCA programs for disadvantaged youth.

Since 2000, we’ve offered estate and household sales services to individuals and professionals in our community.

To learn more about consigning or donating items please contact us at

(941) 951-1336

YMCA Foundation of Sarasota, Inc.

(Across from Southgate Mall)

2081 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239

Walk-Ins Welcome

941-896-6400

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

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Encouraging thoughtful philanthropy since 1981.

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ACE/NASM Certified Personal Trainer TRX Certified Group Suspension Instructor Family Practitioners • Pediatrics-Geratrics • Urgent Care

Pierre Nedelcovych, M.D. FAAFP FAAUCM

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

WATERTITE

ROOFING & & REPAIRS REPAIRS ROOFING Quality Work Since 1974

Steve Bradley Project Manager

208 S. Tamiami Trail Nokomis, FL 34275

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July 2015

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Classifieds

Place your service ad here for $6.00 for 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

ACCOMMODATIONS: • 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 • Siesta 4 Rent - Vacation Rentals, from studios to 5 bedrooms.

Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500 • Robasota Real Estate – Annual and Seasonal Rentals, 941-9261800, ext. 102

TRANSPORTATION: • Dollar Limo – holds up to 10 people and is cheaper than a D.U.I or taxi. Call 941-735-4732 • 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.

• Siesta Key Free Rides – Siesta Key Free island shuttle for beach, village, condo and tours – tips only. Electric vehicles. Call 941952-8294 • Sun Ride Pedicab – Ecofriendly Pedicabs. Siesta Key Tours and rides – tips only, 941343-3400

SERVICES

HEALTH: • 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 • Senior Home Companions – companionship and In-Home care. daily living needs, hourly, overnight, 24-hour care, 941-9240494 • Siesta Key Massage & Therapy Center – Relieve all that pent –up tension and improve circulation with a soothing massage or facial by Ali. Call to book your appointment today. 941-349-0408 • Massage Heights -1-hour massage $49.99, custom facial $59.99 – intro offers, 4948 S. Tamiami Trl, 941-927-1030 (See Display ad in this paper) • Massage Experience Siesta Key Open 7-day a week. 5138A Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4833

SERVICES

SIESTA KEY AND SARASOTA REAL ESTATE • Siesta Key Realty-Property Management, Vacation Rentals – 1, 2, 3 bedrooms. Serving Siesta Key since 1992. siestakeyrealtyrentals. com 941-349-8900. Gemme Wonn.

• Siesta Key Real Estate Experts Wanted: We need listings, We have buyers!

Looking for an experienced agent who knows Siesta Key, is self-motivated, places integrity and the clients needs above their own. If this describes you, then we want you! PLEASE contact us for a confidential interview. Such an exciting time in our marketplace.

Contact Waterfront 7 Realty, LLC at 121 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key, FL 34242; Pamela J. Hagan

SERVICES

SERVICES

Licensed Real Estate Broker 941387-7777 or cell 941-400-6682 www.Waterfront7Realty.com

• 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

SIESTA KEY AND SARASOTA REALTORS • Your Siesta Dunes and Landings Preferred Realtors, Judy Greene 941-350-0451 and Tara Lamb 941266-4873 with Michael Sanders & Company 5100 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key 34242 JudyGreene@ MichaelSanders.com • Your Siesta Key Realtor... 22 YEARS OF MAKING IT HAPPEN ON SIESTA KEY... I have sold hundreds of homes on Siesta Key. Curious about your home’s value in today’s market? Call me for an evaluation BENNY KIMSEY REALTOR® 941.400.7212 RealEstateGuyFL@yahoo.com | www.yourrealestateguy.com

BEACH & BABY EQUIPMENT RENTALS: • ABC Rentals – We are family owned and operated baby and equipment rental and retail store. We provide top quality baby equipment such as cribs, highchairs, strollers and car seats.

Beach rental equipment includes umbrellas, beach hammocks, cabanas and beach chairs. View our complete inventory on line www.abcbabyrental.com 2300 Bee Ridge Rd Ste. 204 Sarasota 941-929-1850 HOME IMPROVEMENT • Hawk’s Nest Construction Inc. is a certified Class A general contractor licensed in all phases of construction. Owner Mark Hawkins Sr. personally oversees every aspect of your project from start to finish, using only the best and most reliable licensed artisans and craftsmen. His passion is delighting his clients, turning their home-improvement dreams into a beautiful reality. Call 941650-9499 or visit their website: www.hawksnestconstruction.com.

• L.L. Armstrong, LLC – A Painting Co. This family run company has been in business

SPORT RENTALS: • 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

SERVICES

since 1978 and specializes in custom painting, removal of virtually all types of wall coverings. Reference available upon request. Call or email: 941323-5074 or armstronglle5@aol.com • Wilson Windows is a State Certified General Contractor specializing in glass porch enclosures and window replacement. They offer only top quality products installed by professionally trained technicians.

All projects are engineered and permitted to meet the new state building codes related to impact, water infiltration and high velocity windload calculations.

Their services include window repair, new custom screens, glass cut to size, and hard to find window parts inventory at both locations. Fully insured and their work is guaranteed. 941-9211113, www.wilson-window.com.

FISHING CHARTERS: • 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.

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34 Siesta Sand

July 2015

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

Jr. Lifeguard Program

Jr. Lifeguards, Nolan Houghton (15) and Isabela Burns (12) of Sarasota diving into the Gulf after running off Siesta Beach to reach a simulated victim during a can buoy rescue exercise.

Photos by Trebor Britt

Jr. Lifeguard assistant, Jamie Quinn (17) and participant Tanner Weiss (16) carry simulated victim, Jr. Lifeguard assistant, Sage Lyons (17 center) out of the Gulf of Mexico after their rescue exercise on Siesta Beach.

Siesta Key’s 2015 Junior Lifeguard Program allowed 18 participants aged 8-16, to participate in a week long program that included hands-on learning experiences and character-building activities. Assistant directors (2nd from L) lifeguards Stephanie Ganey and (far R) Chris Lender (Bama) and (3rd from R) director, lifeguard Rick Hinkson with this years amazing class.

Assistant director, lifeguard Stephanie Ganey leading the boys through a unique, “Beach Flags” competition.

One participant is eliminated after each run until only one runner remains.

Off Islands Hello darkness, my old friend

At their last meeting it seemed as if the Longboat Key Town Commissioners were paying tribute to Simon and Garfunkel when they started wishing for The Sound of Silence. But no, they were simply wishing that boaters anchoring off both ends of the key would be a little more respectful.

Commissioner Pat Zunz said “I can hear the music as soon as I open my door and step outside.”

It seems that the sandbars on both the north and south ends of the key are attracting a growing number of boaters. This must be a lagging economic indicator, reflecting the fact that boaters now have enough money to take their boats out of storage, and the recession is finally over.

However, this up-tick in the economy is not making residents of Sleepy Lagoon sleep any more soundly on summer weekends.

One of the commission’s concerns is that the current noise ordinance is not enforceable.

This ordinance allows marine patrol officers to give a warning to someone for blaring loud music, followed by a heavy fine (and perhaps jail time) for repeat offenders. The problem, of course, is the definition of “blare”. If one boater plays Snoop Dogg rapping out “Smoke The Weed” and another plays a Chopin étude, it is not hard to guess who will get a warning for blaring. Those études can really do a number on your head.

The commission took a couple of steps toward solving the problem by deciding to purchase two decibel meters and by starting to draft a new ordinance setting allowable decibel levels. They are also considering posting warning signs letting boaters know there is a limit to how high they can crank up the volume.

The last point brings up something that the commission needs to consider: Mother Nature can do some cranking up of her own. Yes, sound is actually amplified when traveling over water. Sound travels faster in warmer air and the air at deck level is warmer than the air down at water level - especially on summer weekends. As the music travels towards the windows of Sleepy Lagoon residents, lower

Giving Back

By Rodger Skidmore cooler air causes those waves to bend downwards, or refract. That means more sound is funneled downwards, increasing the level of sound reaching one’s ears.

A good lawyer might say that Snoop Dogg only sounded loud because it was so hot on that particular day.

A more pleasing approach might be for the Town Commissioners to put wireless speakers on pilings out in the bay, with the speakers facing outwards. Playing some of those Chopin études would drive away not just the rappers but the heavy metal, techno, disco, and rock and rollers as well.

If at first….

It seems that old saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again”, has been superseded in Holmes Beach by “If you succeed at first, try to change the rules”.

Holmes Beach has succeeded in reducing flooding and over burdening its sewer system by implementing zoning regulations that only permit an impervious surface equal to 40% of one’s total property. This means that instead of cement or asphalt driveways, one has to use turf block which, although more expensive for developers, allows water to seep through into the ground.

Swimming pools are considered to be an impervious surface (excess rain goes directly from the pool into the sewer system) but Holmes Beach Commission Chair Judy Titsworth requested that pools not be counted as heavily as before because when she was young “I roller-skated with those antique skates on my driveway.

You can’t do that on turf block”.

Many cities and counties across the country passed laws against pool slides and diving boards and successfully reduced injuries and deaths that resulted when they were used improperly.

Chair Titsworth says she knows of a family with three children moving to a dwelling in Holmes Beach that has a 6-foot slide.

Because she would like families like this to move to Holmes Beach, Chair Titsworth would like the zoning code changed so that their slide will not have to be removed.

Chair Titsworth also thought

The Sarasota County Junior Lifeguard Program is asking for help in raising funds to continue this worthwhile program. Their goal is to raise $6000, which will be used to purchase new sets of boards,belts, cans and cover repairs on a trailer that was donated five years ago. Any excess funds will be used to provide financial coverage for campers looking to compete in competitions. To donate,please go to the GOFUNDME page at: SRQ JUNIOR LIFEGUARD GEAR DRIVE: http://www.gofundme.com/srqjrlg. At time of press, $125 has been raised. Contact Rick Hinkson at SRQJRLG@GMAIL.COM

the rules should be relaxed to permit property owners to put hot tubs up on their balconies.

City Attorney Patricia Petruff said hot tubs were a bigger issue because of the difficulty of removal and that she was “not sure how I would wrestle a hot tub off my second floor deck.”

Given that a 7-foot diameter hot tube filled with water weighs about 3 thousand pounds - as much as a Honda Civic - the hot tub would probably have no problem coming down by itself.

The town commission decided to change only one of the rules. Hot tubs are to stay on ground level and swimming pools are still to be counted as impervious, however families moving to Holmes Beach and becoming residents will be allowed to have pool slides and diving boards. Naturally a ban on slides and diving boards will be added to the vacation rental ordinance as families on vacation make too much noise when they’re having fun.

What goes around comes around

Back in 2006 then Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) likened the internet to a series of tubes and was worried that the tubes would be filled. All the late night comedians made fun of him for not understanding the internet.

Little did they know he would be vindicated ten years later as the Longboat Key Town Commission will be asking voters to pay to put internet (and power) lines into a series of tubes along Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Yes, ten years ago they made fun of Senator Stevens. And in just a few more years they may be making fun of the Longboat Key Town Commission (and all the residents who voted for a bond issue to pay for the burying of cables) when Wi-Fi, internet, and computer and phone connections are truly wireless. Yes, wireless really means no wires, which means no cables, which means no need to put them into tubes underground, which means it might be wrong to pay $40 million to do so. While Florida Power and Light doesn’t think it is worthwhile to bury power lines, Longboat Key will be prettier without all those wires up on those poles.

By Jaye Clements

|2015 Summer Food Program: Literacy, Learning and Nutrition

All Faiths Food Bank partners with the Sarasota County Library Systems to feed children.

Summer presents many challenges for struggling families in Sarasota County.

Food and nutrition are vital to our area children.

All Faiths Food Bank announced their new summer partnership with Sarasota County libraries. The Food Bank’s summer BackPack program provides children 18 & younger with kid-friendly food. Children can visit their local library and take home a bag of food. Participating libraries include: Fruitville, Gulf Gate, North Sarasota and Selby in Sarasota, Elsie Quirk in Englewood; North Port Public Library in North Port; and Jacaranda and Venice Public Library in Venice. Schedules and maps for all summer food assistance programs can be found at: www.allfaithsfoodbank.org.

“Children who are hungry over the summer have greater learning losses than those who are well nourished. Summer learning loss contributes to the achievement gap in reading performance.” Said, Sandra Frank, All Faiths CEO. “This partnership is the intersection between hunger and literacy.

Together we will address the summer slide in learning and nutrition experienced by so many children in our community.”

The Sarasota County School District will provide free summer breakfast and lunch programs at more than 40 locations. The

summer expansion of All Faiths’ Mobile and School Pantries programs provide access to food for more than 21,000 local children, all summer long.

The Campaign Against Summer Hunger, raised the food and funds to implement the programs and help feed Sarasota County students, who face hunger during summer, with $1.2 million, and more than 935,000 pounds of food. The program allows access to food for children in neighborhoods with the highest need.

Last year, All Faiths Food Bank distributed 7 million pounds of food, giving about 5.8 million meals, through 195 pantries, soup kitchens, churches, community centers, schools, and programs. Its mission is to feed those in need and educate the community about hunger and nutrition.

For more information or to support the Food Bank’s efforts call 941-379-6333 or visit www. allfaithsfoodbank.org.

Let’s make Sarasota a place where no child will go to bed hungry… together we can do this! Want one simple way to help? Every time your local grocery store offers a BOGO (buy one get one free) put the extra can aside and watch your box fill up! It will make an awesome family mission this summer, while providing meals to others! Just think what we could accomplish as a community… You can drop off your food donations to any of the local Sarasota County Goodwill locations.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

Seagrass impacts

July 2015

Continued from page 30

study USACE conducted in the early 2000s to restore several spoil islands created during the dredging of the GIWW. Some of the concepts developed during that study may also provide opportunities for creating seagrass habitat, but I was also interested in other ideas the County might have for the islands that might be suitable for use as mitigation.

“As a possible alternative, I am also interested in water quality improvement projects. Tampa Bay has experienced extensive seagrass recovery through their water quality improvement efforts, but I’m not sure if the resource agencies would be amenable to using that type of project as mitigation for impacts.”

In an email response Ryan, the county environmental manager, provides some input about potential waterways where mitigation projects could be undertaken. Ryan also asks about the seagrass areas that will be impacted by the Corps’ work: “I’m surprised 2-5 acres of seagrass will be affected by the project. Is it in the pass? I don’t think we have any

seagrass mapped in the Gulf.”

Seagrass habits have been rebounded in Sarasota County.

Ryan attributes seagrass recovery locally to nearly eliminating surface water discharges of treated wastewater and some important stormwater improvements in the county.

Pushing ahead with a permit

For van Roekens, the seagrass impact is yet another example of the high-stakes risks of the Lido beach project and associated Big Pass dredging.

“There are so many potential impacts,” van Roekens said. “The major concern about this project is there is nothing they [Army Corps] can point to with evidence and say ‘it won’t be a problem.’”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials say they can’t find compatible sand that matches Lido Beach—except in Big Pass— and so the Corps is pushing ahead with permitting for its $19 million plan to buffer the beach. The Lido project is a joint effort between the

Corps and the city of Sarasota.

A similar effort to dredge Big Pass for two beach projects in the 90s was stymied by vocal opposition and eventually a lawsuit. Advocates, however, involved in the battle to stop the dredging then and elected officials at the time recall just how close these projects came to fruition.

This time around, van Roekens is focused on stopping the current effort to dredge the pass.

“We are going to fight this in court,” van Roekens said.

As the Army Corps and city of Sarasota forge ahead with their joint coastal permit for the project, Sarasota County is also proceeding with an independent analysis of several aspects of the Corps’ modeling and the overall project.

In June, Sarasota County Commissioners signed a contract for $49,620.00 with Atkins Engineering to review the COE project.

Laird Wreford, coastal initiatives manager with Sarasota County, previously told Siesta Sand that he expects the firm to take about two to three months to conclude the review.

Soulfully Yours Donnarose Q: Dear Donnarose, my 90 yr old uncle just passed away. We were very close and I miss talking to him. I was just wondering, does he know I was at his funeral? ~Blessings, Sharon A: ~ “Our loved ones can see and hear us after they pass on, and are only focused on the good we did, before they were gone. ” ~Donnarose Melvin I’m sorry for your loss Sharon. After doing many readings with thousands of spirits present throughout the years, I know our loved ones are able to be present at their funerals and any other time. From what I’m picking up, I feel confident that your uncle was with you at his funeral, and also heard you when you were by his bedside. And regarding the guilt you’re feeling for some things you did before your uncle passed, it’s okay to let go of it now. Relating to my quote above, once our loved ones cross over, their souls have left their restricted physical body, and that includes the ego. Therefore they are non-judgmental, and untouched by the negatives, and are filled with love. They focus on any good we did, and help us to continue to go in that direction. And finally, I have seen and heard them happily talk about all the different events in my client’s lives that they’ve attended after they have passed on. And they are also looking forward to the events coming up. So be on the look out for signs when you move into your new house.

Your uncle will be there with full support and love throughout the process, and whenever else you need his help. ~ ♥ Q: Dear Donnarose, I am a master of my craft and have worked at this store for about 4 yrs. There’s definitely some favoritism from my supervisor towards

other workers. And, the difference of treatment is causing me to just about reach my breaking point. Are they looking to let me go any time soon? ~Regards, Nancy

A: ~ “Sometimes a hardship is a blessing in disguise, and becomes a stepping stone, helping you to further rise.”~ Donnarose Melvin

I am definitely not seeing them letting you go. But I do see Spirit giving you a big nudge to start your own little business. And in this particular situation, this is why you’re experiencing less than optimal conditions at your workplace. You truly are a master at what you do. And if or when you decide to embark on your own, Spirit is claiming victory not only with financial prosperity, but also inner fulfillment doing what you love without the restrictions currently placed on you. If the treatment by your supervisor was even half decent, you would not be feeling the pull to leave, nor would you be considering being your own boss. Be sure to consult with your Angels, and I can assure you, the best decision will be made by you with ease and peace. ~ ♥ Donnarose Melvin is a professional psychic, medium and energy healer, whose pleasure it is to assist clients worldwide. She incorporates knowledge from her degree in psychology, along with her clairvoyant, clairaudient, clairsentient and empathic gifts to guide her clients towards peace and success. Please send your questions to SoulfullyYoursDonnarose@gmail.com or private message her via facebook: Soulfully Yours Donnarose. Donnarose will select questions each month to share with you. She regrets that unpublished questions cannot be answered individually. If you’d like an intuitive reading, contact Donnarose at the email address above.

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Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

35

Wake & Shake

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36 Siesta Sand

July 2015

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

Our Island Paradise Awaits You Siesta Key Fitness Center in the Village is ideal for your daily workout or personal training session.

Eclectic Siesta Village, MidKey Village, and the Turtle Beach area offer shopping from funky souvenir shops to hi-end

Continued from cover story

date sales prices over 2014 are up approximately 5% for condos but down slightly for single family homes.

boutiques - and restaurants ranging from casual seaside eats to elegant haute cuisine.

For nightlife, the Village offers a variety of beach bars and late night dining with live music and outdoor venues.

Gateway, Hillview Village and downtown Sarasota are just a few minutes’ drive and offer vast opportunities for additional dining, shopping, entertainment, and museums.

Some of the best golfing in the region is available year-round on over 100 challenging and beautiful courses.

What types of housing are available?

Housing options on Siesta are diverse both in price and in style.

Properties range from gardenstyle ground floor units to beach front high-rise condominiums; from traditional Old Florida ranches to trendy multi-level, multi-family living; and from beach bungalows to sea-side mansions.

Where is the Real Estate market?

The Siesta Key real estate market is robust. There are presently 327 properties listed for sale; of these 184 are condominiums and 143 are single family homes. Year-to-

When is the best time to buy and / or sell?

Trends show spring months to be the busiest buying season.

Many prospective buyers visit in the fall to identify properties for their winter stay and December

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is typically a robust month.

While these are the peak buying times, the last several years have proven to be productive year round!

Why contact Bob and Sheri?

With over 60 years of combined business, finance, tax, and real estate experience, Bob and Sheri have seen every turn in the market and believe success is earned through creating and maintaining longterm relationships with clients.

They find their work to be extremely rewarding as they help facilitate one of life’s biggest decisions - buying or selling a home. Sarasota realtors for over 15 years, they have partnered with Key Solutions, a boutique firm that allows them maximum flexibility in meeting the needs of their clients. Located midKey, our state-of-the-art offices are conveniently accessible to our Siesta Key clients.

As a team, they are able to offer double the services and contacts of a single associate. Theirs is a very personalized approach.

Long-time residents of Siesta Key, they are present for all showings. They are specialists in the area and pride themselves on their knowledge of the local real estate market. Additionally, their understanding of the Siesta lifestyle and all that it has to offer uniquely suits them to address the special interests

and concerns of those seeking to share the island.

Bob and Sheri’s commitment does not conclude with closing – full service agents/neighbors/ friends, they continue to assist their customers in any number of ways, including assisting with contractors, helping with rentals, checking on the unit, whatever is needed!

Top Listing and Selling agents on Siesta Key, their record is testimony as to why you should call them if you are planning a purchase or a sale. (Advertorial)

Bob Ruiz – 941-544-3299 RobertRuizRR@aol.com Sheri Lasley-Ruiz – 941-4004186 SheriLasley@aol.com www.SiestaKeyNow.com Key Solutions Real Estate Group

SKA meeting notes Continued from page 20

800

$200K

600 400

$100K

200 0

8

May-11 May-12 May-13 May-14 May-15

$0K

May-11 May-12 May-13 May-14 May-15

Months of Inventory

Days on Market 200

6 4

100

2 0

Median Sales Price

Total Homes Sold

May-11 May-12 May-13 May-14 May-15 KEY SOLUTIONS REAL ESTATE

0

May-11 May-12 May-13 May-14 May-15

For more information call (941)894-1255 Or visit www.keysolutionsrealestate.com

Single Family Condos *Statistics provided by MFR MLS

This year, Sarasota and Manatee counties are headed towards another record year in residential real estate sales. Based on May 2015, sales in Sarasota were very close to April 2015’s record sales of 1224, while Manatee County saw 827 sales, which were higher than April 2015. Median sales prices in May 2015 for single family homes were up 20% in Sarasota, and 14% in Manatee Counties over last May 2014. Condos in Sarasota County also increased by 20%. Sales levels for these counties have been steadily rising for several months.

Be in a safe place before the storm arrives. Get a NOAA Weather Radio which will alert you even when you are sleeping.

It is important that Emergency Response has property appraisals because the county must first claim the amount of dollars lost in order to qualify for FEMA resources.

Edward McCrane urged that citizens take three actions: 1.)

Get a kit put together. 2.) Make a plan. 3.) Stay informed. . You will need vaccination paperwork for your pets, food for them, and water for them. You will need your important documents safely stored in a waterproof container. Know the Evacuation Zone in which you live. (You can find this at www.

SCGOV.net.)

Code Red is a data base of phone numbers that Emergency Service has been given to send out automatic calls. This data base has captured all the land lines in that area. However, if using a cell phone, you need to register it if you wish to receive Code Red notifications. That registration can be done at www.SCGOV.net.

Keep a full tank of gas. There are 19 generator powered gas stations in the county. Run from the water, and hide from the wind.

If you go into a shelter, expect it to be like a lifeboat, not The Loveboat.

Minimize calls during crisis. Use

text messaging instead. Turn your water off at the main before you leave your home. Turn off any natural gas. You are not required to turn off electricity if needed for the alarm system. However, if you do turn it off, empty the refrigerator first.

SARASOTA COUNTY DISASTER PLANNING GUIDES are available at your public libraries, etc. They are loaded with valuable information.

QUESTIONS / PUBLIC COMMENTS:

The issue of insufficient parking was brought up again.

Commissioner Mayo agreed that the parking problem was extraordinary, but Siesta Key was not alone in this problem. Every beach on the West Coast of Florida is overwhelmed by cars. Michael Shay advised that when confronted with illegal parking, citizens need to keep making phone calls to the police at their non-emergency number. The police need to receive more than one or two calls to go into action.

There will be no meeting in July of 2015. The next SKA Monthly Meeting will be held on Thursday, August 6th, at 4:30 PM.

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July 2015

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

37

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography 1

TODAY

LIST WITH US AND CALL US 2

1: Zachary age 8, Gregory, Ryleigh age 8, Brilei age 8, Jacob age 6 & Lindsay age 11 from TN. 2: Petrassi Family from Boca Raton & Lambright Family – from Sarasota.

FRIEND TOMORROW.

Pamela J. Hagan

Pamela J. Hagan, Broker-Owner, Sarasota native opens new office on Siesta Key located at 121 Avenida Messina.

Waterfront 7 Realty, LLC has been an active member of Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. Siesta Key was an ideal location for our expansion; it gives sellers exposure for listings with an abundance of the daily and weekly tourist rentals surrounding our office.

We call it our Siesta Sunset Branch office with 12 specialized agents with knowledge in all areas of Sarasota. #1 Beach in America draws potential buyers to visit, our job is to help with the lifestyle that fits them. Most of our agents are local Sarasota natives. Stop by for a cup of coffee or just say hello, we take your referrals seriously, a top priority! You can TRUST us to serve you in all of your real estate needs.

Pamela J. Hagan TRC, GRI, CRS, Broker-Owner Waterfront 7 Realty, 121 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key, Florida 34242 0ffice: 941-387-7777 Cell: 941-400-6682 Fax: 941-387-0770

38 Siesta Sand

July 2015

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

Accommodations Locator Map

Š Island Visitor Publishing, LLC 2012

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

July 2015

Sand Castles

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

39

This is the third of Siesta Sand’s monthly Sand Castles feature.

By Roger Drouin

|Crescent Beach to Bay at Midnight Cove Midnight Cove encompasses 11 acres from Gulf to Bay. The resort community features two heated pools, a brand new fitness room, and private beach access.

A unique draw is the bayside 18-dock marina, which is available for rental reservation.

“It’s a very unique property,” said David Magee, treasurer of the Midnight Cove Association and Midnight Cove Realty. “It is probably the only Bay to Beach complex with a marina on the bay side” on the Key. “Property owners and renters have access to the marina,” Magee said. “Renters can rent a boat and have a boat there for a week or two.”

The resort is close to many boating and fishing opportunities, and even without a boat vacationers staying at Midnight Cove can fish off the Crescent Beach shoreline or in the Intracoastal. The community also features two tennis courts, one on the Gulf side and one on the bay side. It’s a close walk to Point of Rocks.

Or for full relaxation, there is the private beach with complimentary umbrellas and beach chairs. “It’s a full resort and offers a little bit for everyone,” Magee said.

The resort has a weekly minimum rental policy. All of the units are individually owned and decorated to the owner’s taste. They are equipped, however, to the community’s standard inventory including beach towels, bed linens, bath towels, cookware, dishes and kitchen utensils.

Condominium fees range from $600 to $675 monthly, and include water, cable, exterior insurance coverage, full maintenance staff and a funded reserve.

142 units

“Midnight Cove was developed in phases from about 1979 to 1982, yet most of the units have transferred ownership and been updated several times over the years,” Magee said.

Units are situated in three-story, walk-up buildings and a five-story high rise on the bay, and a seven-story high rise on the beach.

“The structures’ exteriors have been upgraded as well. This year will be the last of a three-year project to replace all facades and stairways,” Magee said.

There are a total of 142 condominium units in the community. The units have two or three bedrooms, with the exception of one four-bedroom townhouse. Every unit has a water view

of either the Gulf, Intracoastal, or the cove.

Some people prefer the units facing the cove. “It’s quieter, there is a different type of wildlife and birds,” Magee said.

Over on the beach side, units offer a view of Crescent Beach.

“Every unit has a lanai, and some have two,” Magee said.

Midnight Cove is walking distance to a half dozen restaurants and South Crescent Beach shops, and also to Point of Rocks for snorkeling or shell collecting. There are rental outfitters nearby if a vacationer want to rent a bike or kayak. “You could not have to use a car if you didn’t want to,” Magee said.

But traveling by car to the mainland is easy since Midnight Cove is close to the Stickney Point Road Bridge. Guests can also ride into Siesta Village by taking one of the free rides on the Key. This spring, the new fitness center opened. “It’s brand new with state of the art equipment,” Magee said. “We designed the room for a full exercise room.”

The new fitness center fills the resort’s old office space, and a brand-new expanded office space also opened. The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce was in attendance for the opening of the fitness center, new office, and clubhouse.

NOTE: Midnight Cove II, located one complex north on Midnight Pass Road, is not affiliated with Midnight Cove.

RECENT SALES

Midnight Cove bayside has three units listed for sale, as of press time. Over the past year, three units have sold. Those three unit sales ranged from $331 per-squarefoot to $397 per-square-foot, according to data in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

• A canal view, two-bedroom, two-bath 1,720 square-foot bayside unit sold for $569,000 in April, 2015, or $331 per square foot.

• A smaller, two-bedroom, one bath unit with 860 square feet sold for $341,000 in Sept., 2015, or $397 per square foot. That renovated unit is on the second floor.

• On the Gulf side, there is one unit currently listed for sale, an updated two-bedroom, two-bath 1,643 square-foot unit with a strong rental history. It is listed for $849,000.

• Over the past year, four units sold on the Gulf side, for $538-per-square-foot to $1,068-per-square-foot.

• Those sales included an updated two-bedroom, two-bath unit with sweeping Gulf views that sold for $1,455,000 in April, 2015.

The unit has 1,533 square-feet, selling for $949 per square foot.

• A smaller two-bedroom, one-bath fetched a $790,000 sale price in November, 2014.

That first-floor beachfront unit has 740 square feet, selling for $1,067 per sq. ft.

• A two-bedroom, two-bath unit with 1,441 square feet also sold for $775,000 in June, 2014, or $538 per square foot.

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

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July 2015

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Island Girl

By Trebor Britt

Miami Beach resident Kerry Steele proudly posing in her patriotic bikini on amazing Siesta Beach.

She’s a multi dimensional mom and serial entrepreneur originally from Pennsylvania. Right now she has a restaurant consulting business, a t-shirt company, a school garden program, and is also working on a fruitcake business to roll-out for the 2015 holidays, “they’re boozy and delicious - not like the nasty old-fashioned fruitcakes.”

A Cornell University graduate, Steele claims, “Siesta is very different from South Beach.

I love it’s laid back beach vibe and visit three or four times a year.”

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)

Continued from cover story

Kerry

The Chamber encourages all to walk, bike, use public transportation, rent the popular scooters or carpool with friends.

Please note that the main Pavilion is also being renovated so it is currently closed. Visitors, if you are looking for information about the island and surrounding area at the beach, be sure to visit The Beach Ambassador’s table, which is temporarily located in front of the new elevated East Concession Stand, back between the red and yellow lifeguard stands, until the Pavilion renovation is complete. Below are some events worth noting.

This month continues the popular Kids Summer Beach Runs (July 7, 14, 21 and 28) with approximately a thousand people expected to attend. The runs are held 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Tuesday in July.

Let’s not forget the 25th Anniversary of the 4th of July Fireworks which promises to be the biggest ever.

And with no government funds used, since its inception, to produce this event, this truly makes it Siesta

Key’s very own. The event is put on by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

Festivities start at 8 p.m. unless you are purchasing VIP packages. For more information, see ad on page 24.

The very popular Dig the Beach Volleyball Tournament will be back in full swing on July 11 and 12 starting at 8 a.m. This year, for the first time, spectators will be able to watch the courts from the new elevated East Concession Stand while enjoying the new food choices.

Siesta Sand encourages everyone to experience our laid back island lifestyle and all that our island has to offer.

Unwind with a relaxing massage or sip on your favorite latte at one of the island coffee shops. Take in some live music from the consortium of talented musicians. Partake at the abundant eateries up and down the island. Scuba dive, rent a kayak, boat or a charter. Or simply spend the day fishing for your dinner.

Find out why the number of island visitors keep coming back year after year.