IV Siesta Sand - March 2018 by Brion Palmer

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MARCH 2018 | 941.349.0194 | ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC | www.SiestaSand.net | COMPLIMENTARY

EASTER EGG HUNT

“Worth It:” How the Siesta Breeze trolley came about By Roger Drouin

The Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Games

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DAIQUIRI DECK

Daiquiri Deck brand continues to grow

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A FATHER’S GIFT

Back about eight years ago, Helene Hyland brought some photos of the Anna Maria Island trolley to a meeting of the Siesta Key Village Association (SKVA) board of directors. Hyland told members that Siesta needed a similar trolley. An open air trolley, Hyland, a realtor and longtime board member of the now-dissolved SKVA, believed, would help address many of the Key’s problem areas; it would alleviate traffic during peak season, help with parking woes, and enhance the beachy village feel of the Key. “I thought it was something we needed to improve the quality of life on Siesta Key,” Hyland told Siesta Sand. But she didn’t need to work too hard to convince her fellow board members. “The SKVA recognized the need for it immediately, and started its efforts then,” Hyland told Siesta Sand. “It just took some time.” Implementation of the trolley took many meetings and discussions over the years, strong lobbying by several members of the SKVA, and ultimately the support of former SCAT Director Rocky Burke and County Commissioner Alan Maio. The effort finally paid off on March 20, 2017, when SCAT launched the Siesta Key Breeze

trolley, a free trolley service. The Breeze trolley will have been in operation for a year on March 20, becoming a vastly popular mode of transportation on the Key. “I don’t think in anyone’s mind the trolley

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SIESTA SOUNDS

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Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse on Siesta Key Beach 2/1/18 Photo taken by island resident, Tracy Witzer

Legal bills in Big Pass case Siesta Promenade applications approaching the $1 million mark still incomplete By Rachel Brown Hackney By Rachel Brown Hackney

If you cannot do great things, do small things that are great

has not been worth it,” Hyland said. “The immediate response was so positive. We are extremely pleased with the ridership.”

The City of Sarasota and two nonprofit organizations altogether have paid close to $1 million in legal fees as they have wrangled over the proposed dredging of Big Sarasota Pass to renourish a 1.6-mile stretch of South Lido Key Beach. The city’s legal bills through December 2017 totaled $561,564.11, according to figures City Attorney Robert Fournier provided with a recent inquiry. That figure included a December 2017 payment for attorneys’ fees of $70,596.50 to the Bradenton firm representing the Lido Key Residents Association. That nonprofit also has been a party to the legal challenges, as Lido residents repeatedly have expressed fear that condominium towers on South Lido could suffer severe storm damage, given the extent of erosion on that part of the island. Continued on page 31

Once again, Sarasota County staff members have cited a number of insufficiencies in documents Benderson Development Co. has submitted regarding its proposed Siesta Promenade mixed-use project. Among the information missing from materials the firm provided the county in December 2017 is an updated traffic impact analysis, “which addresses all FDOT Florida Department of Transportation comments as discussed” during a Jan. 24 meeting, says a Feb. 1 county letter to Todd Mathes, Benderson’s director of development. Also missing are the documentation of traffic counts taken at side streets and medians in the study area along U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road, and an evaluation on which to base recommended traffic calming measures “for the identified local roadways,” even though the “Traffic Calming section the company submitted in December 2017 provides an analysis of the daily traffic volume,” plus afternoon peak hour trips and the average speed for 85% of the vehicles on the roadways included in the study, the Feb. 1 letter says. Continued on page 20

Readers share their opinion from last month’s commentary Mark Waelti and band mate Randy Marsh of RPM have performed for 32 consecutive years

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SAND CASTLES

Prime location with a friendly atmosphere at Sunset Royale

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Great publisher’s commentary in the February paper, “Siesta beaches have never needed sand renouishment”. Let’s start with the closing of Midnight Pass. There have been two beach renourishments costing $32.7 million since the closing. This will continue and as history shows, every time the sand is replenished it washes away faster than before. The county will be replenishing every 5 years at around $25 million.

The next time Turtle Beach needs sand, pull it right from Midnight Pass, open up the Pass. The beach will not need the constant renourishment, saving millions of dollars. Dredging Big Sarasota Pass - I thought how ironic it would be, every 5 years Lido would dredge Big Pass at a cost of $21.5 to $25 million, taking the sand that replenishes Siesta Key. Would north Siesta Beaches spend $20 to $30 million bringing in sand from miles

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out? A simple solution, Lido Beach is the only beach that needs sand renourishment. They could get the sand elsewhere. Where are the County Commissioners? They could stop this Big Pass madness. Last, the State of Florida needs to open up Midnight Pass. Alan Cannestra Continued on page 32

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Island Chatter Siesta Key Chamber hosts Annual Children’s Easter Party & Egg Hunt The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the Annual Children’s Easter Party and Egg Hunt on Sat. March 31 from 9:00 a.m. until Noon. For the second year, the event will be held at Turtle Beach, located at 8919 Midnight Pass, Siesta Key. Turtle Beach is approximately 2.3 miles South of Stickney Road on Midnight Pass. Free parking is available on site. Activities include an Easter egg hunt, face painting, games and free photos with the Easter bunny, the Sheriff’s mounted patrol, and more! Children ages 1 to 6 are invited to register and participate. Approximate time slots for the Egg Hunt are designated by age groups: 10:00 a.m. (2 years of age and younger); 10:30 a.m. (3-4 years of age); and 11:00 a.m. (5-6 years of age). All Easter eggs will contain prizes donated by Siesta Key Chamber Member businesses.

Happiness is…Springing Forward This time of year, while many sports fans are focused on college basketball and March Madness, Abel’s Ice Cream owner, Jerry Williams, is all about baseball and Spring Training. “I was raised Royal,” Jerry said, referring to the Kansas City Royals. “I love the boys in blue, but I will say it’s also fantastic that Sarasota gets a front row seat to Spring Training with the Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. What a great way to kick off the season.” Jerry’s birthday coincides with the beginning of Spring Training, a special gift to him. At Abel’s we’re celebrating Jerry’s big day by highlighting two flavors: Birthday Cake (rich cake ice cream with pieces of yellow cake, blue cotton candy flavored icing and rainbow sprinkles…Cheers), and Jerry’s ultimate favorite, Captain’s Chocolate (smooth, triple rich award-winning chocolate ice cream.) Make sure to stop by and celebrate with him! One of the things both Jerry and his wife Jill enjoy most about spring is the abundance of opportunities to connect with the community. Step out this month and you might just bump into the birthday boy at a number of upcoming events like The Brown Bag Concert - Free every Thursday in March from Noon to 1pm Phillipi Creek Park Pavilion, or the Siesta Key Easter Egg Hunt and Games coming up on March 31st. Learn more at www.siestakeychamber.com. And of course, the Siesta Key Drum Circle is an absolute favorite, which takes place every Sunday evening just south of the Siesta Key Beach Pavilion, about an hour before sunset. If you haven’t been, Jerry and Jill both encourage you to come out and enjoy! “There are so many great places and events in our

Staff Report

Each child who registers will also receive a goodie bag. Children should bring something to carry their collected eggs in. Pre-registration begins March 1, and is required for the Easter Egg Hunt and limited to 150 children. There is a $10 fee per child. Registration forms are available at www.siestakeychamber.com or at the Siesta Key Chamber Office, 5114 Ocean Blvd. For registration and sponsorship information, contact the Chamber Office at events@siestakeychamber.com or 941-349-3800. On Saturday, March 31, the FREE Siesta Breeze Trolley will start at 8 am to transport families to the southern part of the key to enjoy the Easter Party. The Chamber encourages all to take advantage of this service which runs approximately every 30 minutes to and from Siesta Key Village and Turtle Beach. The trolley will resume its normal start time of 10 am on April 1.

New restaurant on Old Stickney Point Road A new restaurant is opening up at the Siesta Key Marina, Spear Fish Siesta Grille. The restaurant is scheduled to open March 5. The restaurant will feature local seafood, island bites and craft beers. Come by land or by sea to 1265 Old Stickney Point Road.

Going out of business Jeffrey B. Jewelry Design located at 2174 Gulf Gate Drive is closing its showroom. See the ad on page 6 of this month’s edition.

thriving community,” Jerry added. “And every single one of them goes great with to-go cups, cones, or even pints and quarts of your favorite Abel’s ice cream flavor.” Come on in and see why Trip Advisor has awarded Abel’s Ice Cream their Certificate of Excellence award for four straight years. Abel’s Ice Cream is located at 1886 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota in the South Bridge Plaza. Open Sunday through Thursday from Noon-9:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday from Noon-10 pm. Learn more online at our website, www.abelsicecream.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Awarded their Certificate of Excellence for FOUR years straight!

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St. Michael’s Fashion Show St. Michael’s Women’s Guild will present its Annual Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon ROCK THE RUNWAY, on Wednesday, March 14, at Michael’s On East, 1212 East Avenue S., Sarasota. Fashions will be presented by EVELYN & ARTHUR. Registration will begin at 11 am with cash bar and viewing of the Beautiful Basket Auction items, luncheon to follow at noon. The cost for this event is $50 per guest or $100 per patron. For more information, contact Kathy at 941-349-1281 or Mary at 941-346-

1008. Reservations and payment deadline is Friday, March 9.

REMAX Alliance moves out of the village REMAX Alliance closed the office located at 5140 Ocean Blvd. REMAX Alliance still operates an office off the Key. Rumors have been swirling for months to see what will occupy this key corner location in Davidson’s Drugs Plaza, stay tuned.

While arriving to take the photo, Siesta Sand observed two beachgoers using the porta potty

Lingering permitting issues regarding portable toilet The environmental health administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County is working with legal counsel “to determine the best course of action” regarding Siesta resident Mike Cosentino’s installation of a portable toilet on the 10 Beach Road parcel Cosentino owns. During a Jan. 22 telephone interview, Tom Higginbotham said Cosentino had been notified that he needs a permit for the toilet. “We have not received a permit application,” Higginbotham said. Additionally, Cosentino has indicated to the Health Department, as he did in an interview last month, that he has no intention of applying for the permit, Higginbotham noted. In a statement he issued on Jan. 10, Cosentino wrote, “I figure I’ve kept about 300 gallons of human waste out of the adjacent neighbors’ bushes in the short time the potty has been there.” Cosentino continued, “I think the county, not me, should be responsible for keeping such facilities at ALL public beach accesses. Continued on page 4

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Three Vying This Year for County Commission District 4 Seat

By Rachel Brown Hackney / SarasotaNewsLeader.com One candidate already has dropped out of the race, but two others — including a Democrat — have filed papers to run against incumbent Sarasota County Commissioner Alan Maio for the District 4 seat. The newcomer in the race is Wesley Beggs, who filed on Feb. 8. Her LinkedIn profile identifies her as the managing director of Growl Studios in Sarasota, a position she has held since November 2015. Growl Studios’ Facebook page points out that the firm “produces high quality media and marketing strategies to support you, your business, and your clientele.” The latest person to file is Siesta resident Lourdes Ramirez, who turned in her papers at noon on Feb. 20, she told SNL. The person who dropped out is Mark Hawkins of Sarasota, who had filed for the race on May 5, 2017. He previously ran for the District 4 seat in 2010, when he filed as a Democrat. That year, he was defeated by incumbent Commissioner Nora Patterson, a Siesta Key resident long known for her responsiveness to constituents. Patterson had to step down from the commission in 2014 because of term limits. Maio filed to run on Dec. 13, 2017, according to the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office. The race will see a reprise of the 2014 Republican primary between Maio, a Nokomis resident, and Ramirez. Ramirez had not issued a formal campaign statement or completed her website prior to Siesta Sand’s deadline for this issue. She is a past president of both the Siesta Key Association and the Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA). Beggs’ campaign website — www. WinWithWesley.com — says she is a Tampa native who “comes from a true family of Floridians. There has been a civil servant working in Florida in every generation of her family since her great-great uncle, G.V. Leland … served as City Manager of St. Pete in the 1930s.” The website adds that Beggs “is fighting to put the public back in public service by representing the citizens of

Sarasota who value environmental protection, affordable housing, and sustainable economic growth.” “Wesley moved to Sarasota almost 10 years ago to attend New College of Florida, The Honors College of Florida,” the website continues. “She graduated with a degree in Political Science and has spent the last several years developing her own marketing and media limited liability company that supports local businesses, petition initiatives, and community building organizations.” Further, the website says, “Wesley has dedicated countless hours to community service across Sarasota County. She secured grant funding for a peer mediation program that teaches local high school students non-violent conflict resolution techniques and, through this program, she has had the opportunity to work with dozens of students at Sarasota Military Academy, Riverview High School, and Sarasota High School.”

Four years ago In the 2014 Republican primary for the District 4 seat, Maio defeated Ramirez with 69.56% of the 27,519 votes cast. Maio carried all but three precincts, based on a News Leader review of data provided by the Supervisor of Elections Office. Ramirez tied him — two votes apiece — in a precinct partly bordered by University Parkway; and she defeated him in Precinct 207, which is located at the Municipal Auditorium in downtown Sarasota; and Precinct 225 located at Southside Baptist Church on Magnolia Street. Precinct 207 is bound on the north by 10th Street in Sarasota, on the south by Fourth Street and on the west by Cocoanut Avenue. Precinct 225 encompasses a residential area just east of U.S. 41, with Hyde Park Street on its northern boundary. In the 2014 General Election, Maio beat Democrat Ray Porter and John C. Minder, who had no party affiliation. In that race, Maio won 53.43% of the votes; Porter had 41.24%; and Minder, 5.33%. In August 2014, prior to the Republican primary for the District 4 seat, right-wing blogger Rich Swier Sr. posted a commentary

that discussed Isle of Avalon, a shop Ramirez owned between 2005 and 2010 in the Cooper Creek plaza on University Parkway. The store sold what Ramirez calls “inspirational products,” such as books by self-help writer Wayne Dyer, as well as soy candles and music. But Swier’s post mocked Ramirez for events the shop hosted, including tarot card readings and spiritual channeling. Ramirez confirmed in August 2014 that Isle of Avalon did host readings, “but that was not the focus of the shop.” She said she had no problem talking about it to anyone who asked, and she had done so at candidate forums. Swier also accused Ramirez of being a “practicing druid,” but she told the News Leader she is a Roman Catholic.

Commissioner Alan Maio

Finances During his 2014 campaign, Maio raised a total of $125,098.78 in monetary contributions and $7,369.48 in in-kind contributions. His last campaign financial report for that race showed he spent all of the money. Ramirez raised $40,560 in monetary contributions and $5,848.73 in in-kind support. She also loaned the campaign $5,000, the records show. Altogether, she spent $45,560. As of his Feb. 9 report this year, Maio had received 268 contributions totaling $49,999, and he had spent $801.69. Among his contributors have been PGT in Nokomis; the Gabbert Investment Group of Sarasota; the J.E. Charlotte Construction Corp.; Sarasota attorney Charles D. Bailey III; Sarasota attorney Dan Bailey; attorney Morgan Bentley and Bentley’s law firm — Bentley and Bruning in Sarasota; Martin Black, manager of the West Villages Improvement District in Venice; Assistant State Attorney Ed Brodsky; Floridians United for a Sustainable Economy, a PAC; Frederick Derr & Co. construction company; Chief Deputy Kurt Hoffman of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office; Sheriff Tom Knight; developer and former state Sen. Pat Neal, along with Neal’s homebuilding firm Neal Communities of Southwest Florida; and real estate developer Henry Rodriguez.

Wesley Beggs

Lourdes Ramirez

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Island Chatter

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Continued from page 2

It doesn’t seem fair to me that the county, by its inaction, forces the public to use the private property adjacent to public beach accesses as bathrooms.” Health Department rules do allow a portable toilet on private property, Higginbotham explained, “where there are no other facilities available, and the public must be able to access the toilet, according to state law. “We have not seen any evidence of an overflow or spill of sewage” from the toilet, Higginbotham said. It has to be serviced at least once a week, he said, and “more often if necessary. We’re going to continue to monitor this,” Higginbotham continued. Someone from the department has been checking on the situation once a week, he added. If the department received any complaint, Higginbotham pointed out, it would “want to get someone there the same day.” Thanks to “the beautiful white sand” on the beach, he noted, any overflow likely would be “pretty obvious.” If the facility were still in place as hurricane season approached, he said, staff would be concerned about the potential for flooding on the beach. The Health Department has a protocol in place to issue a warning if fecal bacterial counts climb to a level that would make swimming in the Gulf of Mexico — or any other body of water — unsafe for people. However, Higginbotham expressed hopefulness that the issues surrounding Cosentino’s portable toilet will be resolved before June 1, which is the official start of hurricane season. “By then, I think

we would have a legal opinion.” Additionally, Sarasota County’s Environmental Protection Division issued a Notice of Violation to Cosentino for putting the portable toilet seaward of the county’s Gulf Beach Setback Line. That notice gave him until Jan. 31 to remove the toilet “to a location landward of the Gulf Beach Setback Line and to a location consistent with other County and State regulations.” A county spokesman reported in early February that because Cosentino had not removed the toilet, Environmental Protection staff was proceeding with issuing an Affidavit of Violation, which would lead to a hearing before the Code Enforcement Special Magistrate. If the Special Magistrate finds Cosentino has violated the county’s Coastal Setback Code, the Notice of Violation says, the magistrate may impose a penalty of $250 per day “for each day the violation exists beyond the date set for compliance by the Special Magistrate.” During the Jan. 4 Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting, Avenida Messina resident Bill McLeod, who lives near Cosentino’s 10 Beach Road parcel, asked numerous questions of Sarasota County Sheriff’s Sgt. Jason Mruczek about Cosentino’s recent activities. McLeod voiced frustration about actions he indicated that Cosentino has pursued to draw attention to Cosentino’s Reopen Beach Road initiative. Continued on page 6

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Island Chatter

Continued from page 4

During an interview with Higginbotham, the apparent divide among island residents was mentioned about Cosentino’s efforts to reverse a May 2016 County Commission decision to vacate a 357-foot-long segment of North Beach Road. “My goal is to stay out of the politics that are swirling around this,” Higginbotham said.

Master pump station nearing full operation The last major tie-in of sewer pipeline from the north end of the island to the new master pump station on Siesta Key had been completed, Sarasota County’s Water/Wastewater Division manager said on Feb. 12 interview. “Everything associated with putting that pump station into operation is installed,” Dave Cash said during a Feb. 12 telephone interview. Staff was testing all the major components, he continued, with the full start-up testing anticipated to begin later that week. When this reporter suggested he must feel almost as if he has given birth, given the years invested into the project, Cash laughed and replied, “I’m a proud papa of a new sewer pump station.” On April 7, 2016, Cash stood at the front of a packed Parish Hall at St. Boniface Episcopal Church as he discussed the county’s initiative to transform the former Siesta Key Utility Authority plant from a wastewater treatment facility into a master pump station. The directors of the Siesta Key Association

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(SKA) had invited him to make a presentation on the project. Time has gone by fast. “A lot’s happened since April 2016.” The trial runs that were planned would proceed cautiously, Cash explained. The goal is “a nice steady transition” without too much change, as staff worked to transfer wastewater from the Key to the mainland via a new sewer main that was installed under the Intracoastal Waterway. “Once we stop the flow of wastewater into the island facility,” he pointed out, “that’s it. “We can’t go back.” By the end of February, he predicted, staff should know the date when the pump station would be fully operational. He would make certain the SKA received that news, so it could announce the date to its members, Cash added. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) permit for the plant to operate as a wastewater facility expires on June 19, he noted. The transition to the pump station should be completed well before that, he said. Although Cash originally had hoped the project would be finished by the end of 2017, Hurricane Irma and one other major rain event thwarted that schedule. The biggest delay, he indicated, involved extra time for the curing of poured-in concrete for a wet well at the pump station site adjacent to Siesta Isles. “Weather was a big factor with that situation.” Still, he pointed out, “We’re not too far behind. We’re pushing pretty fast now.” Continued on page 9

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Landings residents understand the meaning of Support Meals on Wheels of Sarasota (MOWOS) provides and delivers meals to people who are homebound, mentally or physically disabled or elderly, and unable to prepare food for themselves. Age is not a factor, nor is the type of disability. Clients include the financially disadvantaged, persons recuperating from surgery, the visually impaired, or those suffering from a mental or physical disability. Meals on Wheels of Sarasota came into being in the 1970’s when three downtown Sarasota churches came together to fill the void of a failed federally funded meal program. Established in 1971 as a 501c3 charitable service organization, it has a dynamic Board of Directors, a small staff of 4 full-time and 3 part-time workers, and 440plus dedicated volunteers – several of whom live in The Landings! Steve Poyta has been volunteering for Meals on Wheels for more than 35 years. While a manager of software developers at the Census Bureau, Steve joined other employees to begin a Meals on Wheels program, delivering meals during their lunchtime. After retiring in 2006, he continued delivering near his home in Virginia, and he joined Meals on Wheels of Sarasota soon after moving here in 2011. Each Monday, Steve does two routes throughout the Newtown area, delivering 35-45 nutritious meals to clients. He says that he enjoys interacting with a different segment of the Sarasota population that he wouldn’t normally experience living in a gated community. Vanda Bayliss is a “substitute driver” which means she has no regular route but rather fills in for other drivers. While driving a different route each week requires frequent use of Mapquest, she enjoys the flexibility being a substitute provides. Typically, Vanda delivers once a week but has delivered more often when they were shorthanded (during the summer, around holidays, and during hurricane watches in particular). Her Landings friend, Jane Donovan, usually travels with her, which makes the delivery

quicker and a lot more fun! Both women appreciate knowing that people in great need are getting a good meal each day. Says Vanda, “An unexpected bonus is discovering parts of Sarasota I have never seen before, even though I have lived here 40 years. There is more poverty than one might expect, and the conditions under which some people live are very sad. That is not true of all recipients though. I have delivered to some very nice homes including a gulf front high-rise condominium on Siesta Key. Some people receive meals because they cannot get out to buy groceries, while others have dementia and cooking is ill-advised.” Ralph Hall, who started delivering meals in North Carolina, has been delivering food for MOWOS for the last three years. He knows it’s important, for these deliveries serve to keep people in their own homes. Studies show that doing so for as long as possible curbs health care needs. Furthermore, the sense of independence and control has intangible benefits to seniors’ self-esteem and wellbeing. Additional studies show that the cost of one single day in a hospital, or six days in a nursing home, exceeds the cost of providing daily meals to one person for one entire year! Con Scarlatos is another volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels, and this energetic man is pushing 90! He says, “I always admired the guys who volunteer to do this sort of thing, so I decided to call them up and volunteer myself. In most cases, the people are happy to see me. I usually deliver to about a dozen people, but sometimes it has been as many as 30. It makes me feel good to do this volunteer work, and I make friends with all the dogs.” (Con’s place at The Landings is home to some beautiful cats.) These volunteers are helping individuals whose plight is overlooked by society. With meal assistance, many people remain safely independent in their homes. All clients pay on a sliding income scale up to $6 per meal, but none are refused if they can’t afford to pay. Meals are deemed “heart healthy”, averaging 1,000 calories and consisting of

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high protein and fiber foods that are low in sodium, fat, carbohydrate and sugar. All food is purchased locally and includes high-quality meats and fresh produce. All recipients receive the exact same meal. Hot foods arrive in Styrofoam. There is sometimes a salad, but always fruit and dessert. Last year MOWOS generated and delivered approximately 160,000 meals. At 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday, 6 to 8 volunteers arrive at 421 N Lime Ave. to work with the 3 paid kitchen staff to prepare meals. Between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., 50 to 70 more volunteers converge on the facility to package and drive those meals on 32-34 routes through a 600-square-mile territory predominantly in Northern Sarasota County. Volunteers use their own vehicles and gas to deliver their precious cargo of food, providing each recipient with what might be their only meal of the day. Sometimes the MOW driver is the recipient’s only human contact, which serves as a safety check. Millions of American families sleep

better at night knowing the Meals on Wheels keeps a watchful eye over their loved ones. Volunteers benefit too from the experience, each in his or her own way. In the words of Vanda Bayliss: “On one route in a poorer neighborhood there is a purple house with a silver and purple sculpture, purple flowers, and a vibrant vegetable garden. I smile every time I see it.” New volunteers are always needed at Meals on Wheels of Sarasota, and they welcome snowbirds and people who can’t be available every week. The organization lives on grants, donations, estates, and fund-raisers: since its inception, the organization has never received federal funding. That decision gives MOWOS the flexibility to meet needs specific to our community. It also creates the necessity to raise money to support the program. If you wish to donate time as a volunteer or provide financial support to this worthy organization, please go to www.mealsonwheelsofsarasota.org, or call 941.366.6693.

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|Daiquiri Deck brand continues to grow In late 1992, Troy Syprett, then a lifeguard freshly out of grad school, hatched a plan. At the time, Syprett spoke with some friends on the beach who said wouldn’t it be cool to have a daiquiri bar concept on Siesta. So Syprett began researching the idea, and when his friend Russell Matthes, then working in the restaurant industry in South Florida, was home on holiday, “we started talking about the idea, and he asked if I would be interested,” recalls Matthes. “This was when there was nothing in the Village,” Matthes recalls. There was a few businesses: a place called Café Gardens, a bike shop, Anna’s deli, a bar called Keyhole, and the Beach Club. “That was pretty much it. It was pretty sleepy.” In 1993, the two friends from Sarasota opened Café Garden’s Daiquiri Deck in the Village, where Café Gardens had formerly been located. Soon the café gardens was dropped from the name.

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Fast forward ahead 26 years, and the original Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar in the Village, at 5250 Ocean Ave., is now world famous. In total, the Daiquiri Deck ownership group owns four restaurants throughout the region — including the original Village restaurant; a St. Armands Circle location; a restaurant on the island of Venice; and most recently a new restaurant on South Siesta on Stickney Point, with a fifth Daquiri Deck planned for Bradenton Beach. The Bradenton Beach locale, on Bridge Street, is slated to open by the end of this year, Matthes told Siesta Sand. The restaurant on Stickney Point, which opened in summer 2017, features modern architecture and a beachy vibe on South Siesta. Matthes said he predicts it will be busy as the weather warms and residents and tourists take advantage of the restaurant’s breezy perch atop the modern three-story building, a spot that affords outdoor-deck views of the Intracoastal and Gulf, from some vantages. “It’s different than any other place in Sarasota,” Matthes said of the South Siesta locale. A branch of the Daiquiri Deck ownership group also is planning a separate establishment called Castaways slated for city-owned property on Lido Beach public pool. The restaurant could open as early as 2018 or 2019. The Daiquiri Deck ownership group is comprised of Syprett, Matthes, and Matthew Grover. Grover, who attended the University of Maine, joined the Daiquiri Deck staff, working his way through the management ranks, to became part of the ownership team in 1995, Matthes said. As director of operations, Grover has been instrumental in opening the company’s new locations. Syprett and Matthes are longtime friends. The two attended grade school (at St. Martha’s), high school (Cardinal Mooney), and college (University of Florida) together. They graduated from the University of Florida in 1989. Troy received his MBA (American University D.C.) while Russell began working in the restaurant industry in South Florida. Troy started the Daiquiri Deck concept and Russell joined him shortly after opening in 1993. The company’s success has not been without some setbacks and lessons learned along the way. “In 1995, we opened one (Daiquiri Deck) in Madeira Beach,” near St. Petersburg, Matthes said. It was challenging, at the time, however, “for us to travel outside” the SarasotaManatee market area. They sold the restaurant, which is now called the Daiquiri Shack Raw Bar & Grille. But now with a larger staff and a renowned brand, the company may be positioned for new growth outside of the Sarasota-Manatee counties region. “The brand is strong enough now to branch out to cities and communities in Florida,” Matthes said. There are no specific plans for expansion, but the company has been doing its “market research,” Matthes said. They’ve even been approached by developers and property owners inquiring if they would be interested in branching outside the area. The owners are all highly involved in civic activities, and support charities, including Sarasota in Defense of Animals (SDA). Daiquiri Deck has been involved in helping the organization since 1993.

Russell Matthes left, Troy Syprett middle, and Matthew Grover right

South Siesta

St. Armands

Venice

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Continued from page 6

After the pump station became fully operational, he explained, staff would undertake the formal decommissioning of the wastewater treatment components of the facility, as required by FDEP. State environmental staff has to review a plan for that work and approve it before the county can begin that final step, he said. During the Feb. 1 SKA meeting, Robert Luckner, a member of the nonprofit’s Environmental Committee, reported on the progress that had been made at the plant at that point, as he has been doing for the past months, based on his communications with county Public Works Department/Capital Projects staff. “It’s amazing how much backup equipment they have in there,” Luckner added of the new pump station: “Two big electric pumps,” two small ones, a diesel generator and two independent electrical lines are among the new infrastructure. On Feb. 1, Luckner noted, testing of the four electric pumps began. He elicited laughter among the audience members when he told them to think about the pump station when they went to the bathroom at halftime of the Super Bowl, which was coming up on Feb. 4. County staff members had remarked to him, Luckner said, that “the biggest surge they see the entire year” comes during that

part of the Super Bowl telecast.

Make Siesta Drive Safer receives SKA endorsement The Siesta Key Association (SKA) Board of Directors has voted unanimously to support and endorse the work of the Make Siesta Drive Safer (MSDS) Committee of the Bay Island Siesta Neighborhood Association, SKA Vice President Catherine Luckner announced on Feb. 1. She reminded audience members at the February SKA meeting that Pat Wulf, president of the Bay Island Siesta Neighborhood Association, made a presentation about the group’s work in January. “It is an incredible effort on their part,” Luckner said. “We’re going to do everything that we can to help them get their proposals accomplished.” When a comment about the endorsement was asked, Dee Reams, Make Siesta Drive Safer chair, wrote in a Feb. 12 email, “Speaking for the Make Siesta Drive Safer committee, we are very appreciative of SKA’s endorsement of our efforts ... The Siesta Key Association has, over many years, consistently raised the bar for all associations in representing the interest of property owners on Siesta Key. We are humbled, grateful and encouraged by their enthusiastic support of MSDS and

look forward to a collaborative relationship as we move forward.” Reams pointed out that since MSDS was organized in April 2017, its members have held regular meetings in an effort to achieve the following: • “Get input from Bay Island residents regarding their personal experiences with traffic crashes over the years. • “Meet with community leaders such as former long-time County Commissioner Nora Patterson, Sarasota City Commissioner Hagan Brody, County Commissioner Al Maio, Bruce King of the Sarasota Police Department, Sarasota City Commissioner Liz Alpert and Sheriff Tom Knight. • “Gather documented information in the form of traffic crash reports from City/ County law enforcement offices to back up personal experience stories. • “Develop a working relationship with Florida Department of Transportation FDOT officials, specific to our area. • “Put together ‘Ask List’ for FDOT, based on collected crash data, biggest perceived problem areas, and research into other municipalities with similar issues. • “Maintain close and regular communication with FDOT, City/County law enforcement offices, local government, state Legislature and surrounding communities.” In general, she explained, the Make Siesta

Drive Safer requests to FDOT have focused on the following: • Decreasing the speed limit on Siesta Drive and Higel Avenue to 30 mph from South Osprey Drive to Midnight Pass Road. • Addressing “the dangerous situation at the Siesta Drive/Higel Avenue intersection/ curve.” • Adding crosswalks at North Shell Road and Hamilton Avenue “and trying to find a crosswalk/sidewalk solution for neighbors/ pedestrians who live and/or walk on the south and east sides of the Siesta/Higel curve. Reams added in her email that in addition to its discussions with the directors of the Siesta Key Association, “our committee has begun the process of reaching out to other surrounding neighborhood associations such as those for San Remo, Granada, Coconut Bayou and others, to communicate our MSDS mission and ensure that as many residents as possible are aware of our goals to make our state roadway safer, and bring them up to speed as to what we are requesting of FDOT to do that. So far,” she continued, “as we have presented our plan at the associations’ board meetings, it has been met with very positive feedback and commitment of support.” Continued on page 36

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More Condo Council meeting news highlights By Rachel Brown Hackney Another survey about paid parking at the beach On Feb. 8, the Siesta Key Condominium Council (SKCC) launched the survey it had promised members it would undertake in regard to County Commission discussions about charging for parking at Siesta Public Beach. Condo Council members were requested to complete the survey by Feb. 16. The commissioners have asked the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department staff to continue to explore facets of a paid-parking program and report back as information becomes available. The email blast from the Condo Council says, “To pay or not to pay for parking on Siesta Beach has been debated many times over many years. It is now being considered at the County Commission level. We want to know what you, our SKCC members, think about this issue so that we can present an SKCC position on this issue.” The survey form points out, “Traffic congestion and parking frustration on Siesta Key have caused many visitors, residents and business owners to plead for a better way to preserve our quality of life and share our treasured Siesta Key with others.” It adds that the Siesta Key Breeze open-air trolley, which the county began operating in March 2017, runs from Siesta Key Village to Turtle Beach Park on the south end of the island. Funding for that service has been assured for another three years, the survey notes. “The SKA, the SKCC and the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce are working together to find more ways to preserve the island we love as we share our bit of paradise with others,” the survey continues. “We would need your input and participation.” The survey indicates that the SKCC is seeking free parking at the beach for all county property owners. That could be accomplished through the mailing of two parking decals per household with the annual property tax notice mailed out by the Sarasota County Tax Collector’s Office, the document points out. The survey indicates that people who do not own property in the county and those who rent homes could purchase a yearly parking pass or decal. “Visitors to Siesta Beach would pay an hourly and/ or day parking rate in line with action pursued in other similar beach communities,” the survey notes.

Missing them During the Jan. 23 Siesta Key Condominium Council meeting, President Frank Jurenka took a few minutes to mark the deaths of former Directors Kathryn Cunningham and Helen Clifford. (Clifford also served on the SKA board for a number of years.) This reporter learned last week that two more wellknown Siesta residents had died: Thomas Hamilton, 83, whose family owned the Bay Island Hotel for many years; and George Heiland, 77, who was the founder of the Blue Line, a copy shop offering art, office and drafting supplies that stood for decades at the intersection of Fourth Street and Fruitville Road in

Sarasota. The Bay Island Hotel, which was on the northern end of the island, closed in the early 1950s, according to the Sarasota History Center.

A ‘heads up’ Along with reviewing new state laws that apply to condominium associations, Sarasota attorney Dan Lobeck provided Siesta Key Condominium Council members on Jan. 23 with what might be called a “preview of coming attractions.” He focused briefly on bills filed in the 2018 session of the Florida Legislature, though their fate obviously will not be known for some time. First, Lobeck said, House Bill 841 would allow association boards to post notices of upcoming meetings on their websites instead of having to conspicuously post them on the condo property. “This presumes just about everybody is in the electronic age now … and has access to the internet.” That bill would apply to cooperatives, as well, he noted. The second bill introduced in the session that Lobeck addressed was a bit more complicated. Senate Bill 1432 regards “engineered life safety systems,” he said. “This is the big new thing now.” A law previously passed by the Legislature, he pointed out, requires any building 75 feet or taller to have one of those systems installed by Jan. 1, 2020. Yet, he told the approximately 60 people present, engineered life safety systems may be more expensive than sprinkler systems. But what is an engineered life safety system?, he asked. “That’s a good question.” The fire marshal in each Florida county is charged with determining the answer for that county, Lobeck explained. As of the previous day, he noted, he had been unable to get an answer from the Sarasota County fire marshal about what would constitute such a system in this county. Nonetheless, he said, his research has found that an engineered life safety system could include some sprinklers, along with pressurization of stairwells. In the latter case, he continued, pumps would push air into a stairwell in an effort to repel a fire. When a woman in the audience asked about complexes with open stairwells, he replied, “I don’t know.” It might be necessary to enclose stairwells, he added, pointing out again that the law is “brand new.” Nonetheless, he continued, if Senate Bill 1432 passes, condo associations would be able to opt out of installing the engineered life safety systems, “as long as you took a vote by Dec. 31, 2018.” Additionally, the bill would give associations an extra year to opt out of installing sprinkler systems — from Dec. 31, 2017 to Dec. 31, 2018. Associations would have to let tenants know that they had opted out of providing these safety requirements, he pointed out. They would have to “mark the building with a sign or symbol approved by the State Fire Marshal in a manner sufficient to warn persons conducting fire control and other emergency operations of the lack of a fire sprinkler system in the common areas,” the bill says.

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County commissioner affirms opposition to tall commercial buildings 2 feet from Siesta Key streets By Rachel Brown Hackney / SarasotaNewsLeader.com Pressed by two people this Proposals to continue the week opposed to an initiative service for another three calling f o r s h o r t e r s t r e e t years, he added. setbacks for new commercial The trolley was not buildings on Siesta Key, his idea, Maio pointed Sarasota County Commissioner out, giving credit to Alan Maio expanded upon a Russell Matthes, cocomment he made during the owner of the Daiquiri Jan. 30 commission meeting. Deck restaurants; Mark “I’m not voting for — Smith, past chair of the Commissioner whatever it’s going to be — an Siesta Key Chamber People gather for Condo Council Meeting Feb. 20, 2018 Alan Maio 80-, 70-, 60-, 50-foot building of Commerce; Michael 2 feet from the street,” he told Shay, past president of about 35 people during the Feb. the Siesta Key Association amending the SKOD to allow for shorter adding to the density of the Key. 20 meeting of the Siesta Key Condominium (SKA); and Bob Stein, the publisher of Siesta “What can you commit to us today in m i n i m u m s e t b a c k s f o r c o m m e r c i a l Council (SKCC). However, he added, Sand and a past SKA vice president. terms of your position on that eventuality?” buildings, he continued, Maio explained, Still, Maio said, because “the county was “That’s as far as I’m going to go until I see Sax asked Maio. and a project is proposed for one of the not ready to do anything … I really jumped what comes back.” “I commented in the Jan. 30 hearing that three Commercial General zoning districts Maio was referring to unanimous on the idea and pushed it because you all, I want, as a commissioner, the flexibility to on the island, a neighborhood meeting will commission direction to staff and Sarasota we all, have a lot of traffic on Siesta.” make that decision about the setback,” Maio have to be held first. Then “you’re going Regarding the new master pump station attorney Charles D. Bailey III at the end of a replied. to get a full-blown Planning Commission that is replacing the Siesta Key Wastewater nearly three-hour public hearing on Jan. 30. During that hearing, speakers had talked hearing in the daylight with the cameras Treatment Plant next to the Siesta Isles On behalf of the owners of Clayton’s Siesta about Marina Del Sol having less than the on and a microphone sitting there.” That community, Maio explained that the overall Grille, Bailey was seeking an amendment required minimum, 25-foot setback for a would be followed by a “full-blown County $36-million project included running a new to the Siesta Key Overlay District (SKOD) commercial structure under the SKOD. As Commission hearing,” he pointed out. sewer main under the Intracoastal Waterway zoning regulations that would allow new a result, Maio said on Feb. 20, he pulled the “Help your commission with a dose of to the plant site and expanding two county commercial structures to stand just 2 file on that project. (During the hearing, reasonableness, but interaction,” Maio treatment plants on the mainland. Most feet from the street, though the amount a representative of Clayton and Diane advised the audience members. “I would of Siesta’s sewage will flow to the county of setback ultimately would have to be Thompson, owners of Clayton’s Siesta just implore you all to keep doing that.” facility on Bee Ridge Road, he added. approved by the commission as part of a Grille, noted that Marina Del Sol stands only the end of the year, Maio said, the special exception petition process. The trolley and the sewer plant Near 15 feet from the street.) The board members directed the county’s dismantling of all the old infrastructure and That situation was possible, Maio Among other topics Maio touched on Planning and Development Services the formal decommissioning of the plant will explained, because “the commissioners had during his remarks, he pointed to the success Department staff to refine the language begin. some flexibility.” Residents “were engaged of the Siesta Key Breeze open-air trolley, He noted that he has “no idea what we’re Bailey had proposed for amending the in the process; they wanted Bob’s Boathouse which the county launched on March 20, going to do with the site. It has not been SKOD and return to the board on April 11. out of there.” 2017. Based on the ridership numbers decided. … We will be looking to you all for Maio had completed an update to SKCC A nightclub that once operated in the area through January and preliminary figures for what happens there.” members on a number of Siesta and county occupied by Marina Del Sol, Bob’s Boathouse early February, he said, the trolley will end However, he continued, “If, somehow, issues when Rob Sax, a resident of the had become the focus of numerous noise and up having served about 230,000 passengers county staff members do an end run around Marina Del Sol condominium complex on other complaints. in its first 12 months. my best advice” and settle on a plan without Old Stickney Point Road, first asked about Marina Del Sol has density that is slightly That will have kept about 115,000 cars gathering community comments, “You will the setback situation. higher than 12 units per acre, Maio pointed off Siesta roads, he added, based on the “The 500-pound gorilla in this room, in see me raising my version of hell.” out. “A beautiful building … and that’s the calculation that every two trolley riders my view, has to do with the prospect the Whatever does end up on the property, he type of flexibility I want.” SAND-EAGLEhalfpage.pdf 1 2/20/18 represent one less vehicle. joked, “It won’t be a 20-story high-rise, I can residents face,” Sax said: tall buildings with 11:30 AM If the County Commission ends up The county is advertising a Request for guarantee you.” minimal setbacks for transient housing,

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If You Cannot Do Great Things, Do Small Things That Are Great

By Leeanne Moody It is Saturday afternoon, and I am on a mission. After several attempts to connect with the owners of area laundromats through email, I am not making the progress I hoped. I want to see how a collaboration between the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (SCGLR) and local laundromats can support local families. It becomes clear that I will have to go to them. The list I have pulled off the internet is of very little help as it is long and non-specific. However, I do know where four Title 1 schools in Sarasota County are located, so I decide to start there. I pull up Google maps and drive to the school nearest me. From there I ask Siri to please find the nearest laundromat. Within five minutes, I am pulling up to a rundown strip mall. I am instantly aware that I probably need to pay attention to my surroundings. I grab a small stack of Vroom and Mind in the Making supplies, five promotional pencils, my phone, pen, and notepad. My keys and business cards are in my pocket. The office is closed until Tuesday, and there is a handwritten note to call Lamar if you need to report a problem with the machines. I quickly jot down his number and hours of operation. I walk around the side of the building and quickly enter. It is small and confining. As I enter, a young man of 30 or so turns and looks at me. I smile, and he smiles back. I move through the small maze of machines and metalwheeled laundry baskets looking for a manager on duty. A young man wearing headphones looks at me and lifts up one side of his headset but doesn’t say anything, so I ask him if there is someone who works there. He says, “No, Miss, they are closed. His number is on the door, but you can just use the machines.” He is kind, and I am grateful. As I thank him, I turn around in the narrow space to head out the way I came in. It is the only path open. I notice now that the young man

who first smiled at me has two young children with him, both boys, and it crosses my mind that he shielded them from me with his laundry cart when I first walked in. They are sitting in their chairs eating pizza at a cramped laundryfolding table wedged between a double-stacked washer and a vending machine. I approach the man, introduce myself, and he tells me his name is José. I ask if I can share some information with him about the Suncoast Campaign for GradeLevel Reading and our goals of making sure all children can read by the end of 3rd grade. Instantly, he smiles and his eyes light up as he says, “Yes!” He puts his hand on his son’s back and shares proudly, “My older son loves to read!” then continues, his tone changing to concern, “My younger son, not so much…” Both boys look up as they hear themselves acknowledged, and we all smile. José says, “I bought them a dictionary, and they have to bring me five new words a day; EVERY DAY. We all talk about them and what they mean, and now my son is bringing me all kinds of crazy words I have never even heard of, and he keeps laughing at me!” He is smiling as he continues, “It is hard because seven days a week I work at The Dutch Valley Restaurant, but no matter what, I make sure to spend time with them every day, because it’s important.” I am looking at this father in awe, and I tell him so. I ask if his boys can have one of the promotional pencils, and he agrees, as I explain about Vroom and Mind in the Making. I show him the instructions for downloading the free Vroom app in Spanish, and I ask him if he knows anyone with young children who can use this? “Yes. Yes, I do,” he replies. “May I have a few more please?” I look directly at him and say, “Thank you. You are a really good father.

Your children are very fortunate to have you as their Dad.” “I love my children very much,” is his sole response. “Do you mind if I speak to your son’s directly for a moment?” I ask. “Yes, of course.” Kneeling down to their eye level, I introduce myself to the boys. “Thank you for sharing your time with your dad with me today, guys.” I briefly explain about SCGLR and why we care that they learn to read. “Do you boys know how smart your dad is? He is very smart. He told me you are reading the dictionary and learning five new words every day! That is so awesome.” I gently inquire of the younger son and he admits that he doesn’t like to read that much, however, it is obvious that both boys are paying close attention to everything being said. They are also watching their father as I speak to them about him. You can see their pride in him growing. “… the program I work with is trying to get parents everywhere to do what your father is already doing with you! How did he know to teach you this? Because he is very smart, that’s why! Just remember, even if you don’t like it much right now, that will probably change as you learn what more and more words mean, so please keep trying and never, ever give up! Listen to your dad.” What a gift it was to meet this father. Not only is he a kind, hardworking man, but he is also a very intelligent man with the spirit of a leader. You can feel it in the way he communicates.

José Rojas makes sure he spends quality time with his sons each day

We decided to celebrate our paths crossing with a photograph. I call it, “I Love My Children.” “IF YOU CANNOT DO GREAT THINGS, DO SMALL THINGS THAT ARE GREAT.” Originally published on November 27, 2017, republished with permission by Suncoast, The Campaign for GradeLevel READING, supported by The Patterson Foundation. The Suncoast Campaign for GradeLevel Reading, with support from The Patterson Foundation, is a community-wide effort in Manatee and Sarasota counties to help all

children, especially those from lowincome families, succeed in school by ensuring they read on grade level by the end of third grade. Part of a nationwide movement, our region is focused on addressing the most common issues and obstacles that impact a child’s ability to read: Attendance, School Readiness, Summer Learning, Healthy Readers, and Successful Parents. For readers who want to learn more. www.gradelevelreadingsuncoast.net/ blog www.gradelevelreadingsuncoast.net

Condo Council meeting Continued from page 10

The engineered life safety system opt-out “is controversial,” he added. The Legislature passed such a bill last year, he said, but Gov. Rick Scott vetoed it. Reportedly, Scott took that action because as the bill was sitting on his desk, government authorities in England were dealing with the aftermath of the high-rise Grenfell Tower fire, which broke out in the early hours of June 14, 2017. The Sun reported that in November 2017, police revealed that 71 people died. “Scott thought it would look very bad,” Lobeck said, if he signed the bill in the aftermath of that tragic event.

Another Condo Council survey Among other business during the Jan. 23 Siesta Key Condominium Council meeting was a report on a survey the organization conducted in the spring and fall of 2017. Director Hilla Blatt said that of the 43 people who responded, 51% felt more meetings should be held during the year. The current schedule calls for three, she noted. The other 49% of the respondents concurred that that number was sufficient, Blatt added. Some thought has been given to holding a town hall type of session

in March, she pointed out, but “we may not do it.” Regarding the survey question about whether the members find the meetings of value, 93% marked “Yes,” the report shows. Another 4% had no opinion. Responding to a question about whether the association should continue its annual Holiday Lighting Contest, 45% marked “Yes” and 43% had no opinion. The Condo Council received a variety of answers to the question about the three important issues facing members’ associations, Blatt said. The top answer was “Unregistered rentals with shortterm rentals.” Each association has its rules, Blatt stressed, and they need to be enforced. Among other answers to that questions were the following: • Getting owners to pay maintenance fees. • Water damage from pipes and questions regarding who is responsible for repairs. • “Unruly and unreasonable owners.” • Increased insurance expenses. • Aging infrastructure. • Construction rules and permitting.

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Hearing on proposal to modify commercial building setbacks on Siesta Key continued until April 11 By Rachel Brown Hackney / SarasotaNewsLeader.com The majority of the Sarasota County commissioners made it clear in late January that they were uncomfortable with the language of a proposed zoning text amendment regarding commercial building setbacks on Siesta Key. As a result, they voted unanimously to continue a public hearing on the issue until April 11. “Put very simply,” Commissioner Paul Caragiulo said on Jan. 30, “there’s just a lot of question marks here. … I’d just like to have our staff dive a little more into the planning piece of this.” Thirty years from now, he indicated, he did not want to see unwelcome changes on Siesta Key and reflect on the Jan. 30 hearing with the realization, “That’s kind of what did it, right there.” Many of the 19 Siesta residents opposed to the project who addressed the board during an almost three-hour-long public hearing focused on similar concerns. “One of the primary worries … is the fact that one chip away at the Siesta zoning regulations is going to open Pandora’s box,” Catherine Luckner, vice president of the Siesta Key Association, told the board. “It’s not unrealistic to be afraid of this.” In the meantime, the commissioners suggested Charles D. Bailey III, the attorney for Clayton and Diane Thompson — owners of Clayton’s Siesta Grille on Old Stickney Point Road — work with their Planning and Development Services Department staff on a more detailed version of the amendment’s language. Bailey had filed the petition for the zoning modification on the Thompsons’ behalf. After a 4-1 vote on reopening the public hearing at one point, so Bailey could come back to the podium, Commissioner Alan Maio asked whether Bailey would like the board to continue the hearing, “so that you can work with staff.” “Yes, sir,” Bailey replied. (Chair Nancy Detert had opposed reopening the hearing, stressing her view that staff, not an attorney working for paying clients, should be charged with writing any proposal for amended language in the Siesta Key Overlay District (SKOD) zoning regulations.) During the hearing, both Caragiulo and Commissioner Charles Hines focused on the lack of clarity in the amendment Bailey had provided. Hines noted that the language called for the County Commission to have final say on any commercial setback, through a special exception process. “The burden’s got to be shifted … to the petitioner,” Hines said, “and it’s got to be some pretty extensive criteria,” so the majority of the residents of Siesta Key would feel comfortable with the process.

Full BCC Chambers on Jan. 30 2018 for SKOD zoning amendment hearing

“I’m not voting for a 50-foot-plus building 2 feet from the front setback,” Maio told Bailey. Although he does not live on Siesta Key, Maio acknowledged, it is in his district. “I spend more time with you residents than any other group,” he told the audience members filling the Commission Chambers in downtown Sarasota. Even though the island’s residents represent only about 3% of the total population in the county, Maio told the hearing attendees, “You are the engine that drives our visitors,” with Key accommodations annually accounting for about a third of the county’s “bed tax” revenue.

A months-long saga In early 2017, Bailey worked on behalf of Siesta Acquisitions LLC, whose principal is Dr. Gary Kompothecras of Siesta Key, to gain a determination from county Zoning Administrator Donna Thompson that a 2-foot street setback was allowed for any commercial building in the SKOD. (Kompothecras is known for his 1-800-ASKGARY advertising for his chiropractic clinics.) In response to Bailey’s 2017 request, Thompson issued the opinion that the zoning regulations call for a minimum street setback of 25 feet for any building over 35 feet in height, up to a distance equal to half the height of the structure. Because 85 feet is the maximum height allowed for any structure on the barrier islands, the maximum setback would be 42.5 feet, based on Thompson’s written determination. When Bailey appealed Thompson’s assertion to the county’s Board of Zoning Appeals in June 2017, that board voted to uphold

Thompson’s position. Bailey has stressed since late 2016 that Kompothecras has not submitted any application to the county for a specific project. Nonetheless, Bailey acknowledged during the Jan. 30 public hearing, “There would be the desire to bring a quality boutique hotel to the island that would need to be taller than 35 feet and could not be built with a 25-foot setback.” The focus of the hotel plan, he continued, is Old Stickney Point Road, “which has some blighted old empty buildings.” Through limited liability companies, Kompothecras owns the Old Stickney Point Road parcel where the former Fandango Café stands, as well as the adjacent site of a self-storage business.

Debating a course of action After listening to the testimony during the hearing, Detert pointed out to her colleagues that because there is “no particular project … there’s no emergency going on here.” She added, “We have great paid staff. … Let’s turn down this project. Let’s let our staff work on the amendment and hopefully come up with something rather than … compromise at the dais …” Both Commissioners Michael Moran and Maio pointed out, however, that the special exception process entails a thorough vetting of a project, including a neighborhood workshop for people in the area surrounding the proposed site. A project “might be very, very different” at the end of that process, Moran said, compared to what it was at the beginning. On the other hand, Hines noted, “Siesta Key is unique. It’s a village; it’s not a downtown.”

Siesta residents boarding bus to go to SKOD BCC hearing on Jan. 30

Therefore, if the potential opens up for commercial buildings to be constructed much taller than two stories close to the sidewalk, he added, “you lose that village feel.”

An abundance of opposition The first person who addressed the board during the public comments was Paul Nicholson, a Midnight Pass Road resident and a professional developer. “Zoning is there to protect communities,” he said. On Siesta Key, a one- or two-story building next to the sidewalk is fine, he added. “An 8- or 10-story building by the sidewalk is ridiculous.” Lourdes Ramirez, president of the Siesta Key Community, told the commissioners that if they approved the proposed language, they would be addressing proposals “all the time” for 8-story commercial buildings on the island. Moreover, the two primary Siesta roads on which commercial zoning districts are located are narrow, she added. An 85-foot structure 2 feet from the sidewalk is “going to overwhelm Ocean Boulevard and Old Stickney Point Road.”

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worked with very low levels of electrical current. A study by the University of Washington proved that micro current increases your skin’s elastin fibers by 45%, collagen by 10% and the number of blood vessels by 35%. It can increase ATP, your body’s building block, by 500%. This is how it works to “rejuvenate” your face, softening wrinkles and toning your facial muscles. If you have received facial injections, this treatment will help maintain your lift in-between. Since the process is cumulative: more treatments bring more noticeable and lasting results. Most people see their desired results within seven to twelve treatments. Over time and with follow-up treatments, your results can be even more visible as the body continues to produce higher levels of new collagen and wrinkles smooth out. Aesthetic benefits of the microcurrent machine includes softer skin, improved circulation, enhanced muscle function and balance, reduced appearance of fine lines, and enhanced natural production of collagen and elastin. Owner, Connie Lewis uses the Pevonia Botanica product line exclusively to finish off this rejuvenating facial as well as with any of her other facials. Two popular products she highly recommends from Pevonia are Youth Renew Tinted cream SPF 30, which evens out and protects your face from the sun’s harmful rays; blending uneven skin tones to an even, beautiful base utilizing antiaging enzymes and brighteners and LipRenew Plump and Deage Volumizer which instantly plumps, moisturizes and nourishes lips.

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Buzzfeed names Fresh Catch top new Florida restaurant to try in 2018 According to a list published on the popular website Buzzfeed. com, Fresh Catch is the top new restaurant diners should check out in Florida in 2018. Data focusing on new restaurants that opened during the past year from the restaurant-review site Yelp.com was used to compile the list. Only one restaurant was chosen from each state, adding to the impressive recognition this small restaurant is receiving. Fresh Catch’s, father/son duo, Bob and Devon Provost have a serious passion for seafood which started way back when the family lived in the Boston area. Their simply prepared, neverfried, never-frozen dishes are paired with a variety of simple sauces that serve to complement, so the freshness of the seafood shines. Your fish/seafood selection goes from the case onto the grill. Prepared grilled or blackened, topped with lemon and butter, Pico de Gallo or tropical salsa. Served with a fresh ear of corn on the cob and baby roasted potatoes. Soups, salads, sandwiches and steam pots round out the menu. If room permits, be sure to order a slice of their homemade key lime pie. Bob’s wife, Debra, makes the key lime pie, using freshly whipped cream. The restaurant also offers a nice selection of beers and wines. Fresh Catch Fish Market & Grill, located at 7119 S. Tamiami Trail, just south of Stickney Point Road in the Buccaneer Plaza, is a casual restaurant/market with indoor and outdoor seating for close to 30. Here’s what more patrons are saying about the restaurant on line: Yelp review: I see why this place is all five stars. Amazing find, tucked away in a nondescript strip mall adds to its local, simple vibe. Best seafood I have had in a long time. Service made it feel like we were part of the family, four happy diners tonight. If you read this post, stop searching and start eating. Seriously do not pass up this little gem. “If you love delicious seafood prepared flawlessly, this is the place for you. Everything is cooked to highlight the high quality, pulled fresh from the gulf.” —Yelper Scott B. “Our favorite!! Best fresh fish and crab claws!!! The fish list is changing daily. The Key lime pie is the best there is.” —Yelper George C. Tried this place last night on a whim and it did not disappoint! Everything from the staff, to the menu, to the meal itself was perfection. It’s a small place and luckily we’d come in between dinner rushes and got a table right away. Within 10 mins the place was full again. The wait staff was smiling and helpful. We shared stone crab soup to start with a couple of ice cold beers, tons of crab in the soup and excellent flavor. For our meals we got blackened tripletail and snow crab claws. Each came with a side of roasted potatoes. I can’t say enough about how fresh and delicious the entire meal was. We will be back! Due to its popularity, reservations are strongly recommended to avoid a long wait. Fresh Catch Fish Market and Grill is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. 941-413-7133, freshcatchfishmarketandgrill.com (Advertorial)

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2017-18 Riverview Rams Girls Junior Varsity Basketball team Siesta Key resident and Head Coach, Allan Nemore with his 2017-18 Riverview Rams Girls Junior Varsity Basketball team. He previously coached Middle and High School basketball for 15 years in Pennsauken, NJ and Men’s Division 3 Basketball for 4 years at Rutgers University, Camden New Jersey. This was his first year at Riverview. Photo by Trebor Britt

Cheer Jam Reaches Siesta Key Three children from Siesta Key participate in Stacey’s Cheer Jam Group. Third graders, Kathryn Logan (2nd row from back, first girl on left), Allie Macfarlane (3rd row from back, first girl on left) and Chloe Jane Light (bottom row, sitting, 2nd girl from right) have been cheering for a few years. The group is an after school program that teaches the fundamentals of cheerleading, promotes confidence, self esteem and school spirit. Stacey’s Cheer Jam is celebrating its 18th year of cheering in Sarasota & Manatee county schools! For info email shcheerjam@gmail.com

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2/1/19 Possession of Marijuana, Narcotic Equipment, Drugs 5100 Block Midnight Pass Rd. A deputy on routine patrol encountered a car on the side of the road with its hazard lights on. The driver was attempting to change a tire. The deputy observed both driver side tires were flat. The rims were damaged and the tire sidewalls were damaged with holes in them. As the deputy approached the defendant he immediately smelled the odor of alcohol. The driver appeared to be very impaired, however, he was cooperative. All the vehicle’s windows were partially down and the deputy smelled an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and noticed a glass vial that would typically hold hash oil sitting on the center console. After questioning the suspect, a mobile drug testing kit was utilized and the items tested positive. Since the man was not driving at the time, he was not tested for alcohol impairment. On the trip to the county jail, the defendant stated that the deputy probably saved a life that night, as he was too impaired to be driving and deserved to be arrested.

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1/29/18 Burglary Vehicle Public Beach A man reported that an unknown suspect entered his car while it was parked at the public beach and stole a bucket of approximately 100 lacrosse balls ($250) and a lacrosse stick ($50). The items were taken from the rear hatchback of the car, which was unlocked at the time of the offense.

2/7/19 Burglary Vehicle 1000 Block Moonmist Ct. A man walked out in the morning and discovered his car had been rummaged through with the passenger door left slightly ajar. A neighbor found the victim’s retired prosecutor’s badge ($100) a short distance down the street. A bottle of Tom Ford cologne ($100) was taken but recovered.

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There were a total of 12 crimes reported between 1/24-2/20/18

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2/8/19 Burglary Vehicle 400 Block Beach Rd. A heart monitor ($1200) and a Sig Sauer 380 Caliber semi auto pistol ($800) were taken from a car parked in a condominium open garage area. The victim had assumed the car was locked, as the Tesla model is supposed to lock itself. Security footage was pending and would be inspected after being downloaded. 2/8/19 Burglary Vehicle While investigating the vehicle burglary mentioned above, a deputy noticed a center console left open in a vehicle a few spaces away. The victim had gone through the vehicle and only noticed a few dollars worth of quarters missing from the console. The man was unsure if the vehicle had been locked. 2/18/18 Theft 500 Beach Rd. A man reported his Bigfoot pushcart was stolen. The cart was on his property near beach access # 10. The complainant stated he went kayaking and returned to find the cart missing. The value of the cart is estimated at $1000. There were no witnesses. 2/19/18 Burglary Vehicle 1200 Block Old Stickney Pt. Rd. A woman observed two men removing various items from multiple boats parked at the

marina. She stated she observed the two men removing boxes from one boat and a fishing pole from another. One of the men saw her watching them and yelled to her, “Hey man, you need to get off Dad’s boat!” Another witness saw two men pull up to the nearby park, run into the marina and leave about ten minutes later. Although nothing was reported missing from the boat, it was evident that someone had boarded the boat recently. Dirty handprints and shoeprints were observed in the dew on the boat. 2/19/18 Burglary Residential 4600 Block Gleason Ave. $10,000 worth of jewelry, $500 worth of silverware and $2000 worth of new clothes was reported missing from a home. A woman reported she had arrived at the residence to find the garage door and a rear slider door left open. The complainant stated she was watching the residence since the owner passed away in December. She said a landscape company had been on site that day and did not see anything suspicious. The deputy took DNA samples from the rear door that was open and a knife that was lying near some boxes that had been cut open. Neighbors did not see anything suspicious.

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MARCH 2018

Notable crimes and updates from Sgt. Jason Mruczek

The Jan. 9 north median incident It took a bit of time, but this reporter finally found the citation for the driver who, on Jan. 9, allegedly ran over the north landscaping median on the approach to Siesta Village. The Sheriff’s Office charged Andrew H. Butherus, 33, of Rollingwood Drive, Sarasota, with Driving Under the Influence in connection with the incident, which was reported at 12:45 a.m. on Jan. 9. The location listed was 4708 Ocean Blvd. In his arrest report, Butherus’ occupation was listed as “Poker Dealer,” but the Sheriff’s Office citation said he was unemployed. He was released from jail on a $500 cash bond, the report added. The incident report said the responding deputy found Butherus sitting in his 2006 Toyota Tacoma on the side of the road, with his hands on the steering wheel and the engine still running. The deputy added that he “was able to detect the odor of the impurities of an alcoholic beverage coming from the defendant and from inside of the vehicle. The defendant had glassy, bloodshot, watery eyes,” the report continued, and the deputy saw an open bottle of whiskey on the front passenger floorboard. The deputy further noted that he already was familiar with Butherus, because the deputy had spoken with him about 30 minutes before the incident occurred. Although the deputy gave Butherus “the opportunity to perform a series” of field sobriety tests, the report added, “the defendant refused.” Butherus told the deputy he had not had “anything to drink,” and Butherus “refused to acknowledge” the whiskey bottle in the car, the report added. At the jail, the report noted, Butherus also refused to take a breath test and a urine test to detect the level of alcohol in his blood. The vehicle had damage on the front and

purple flowers were dangling from the passenger side fender, the report said. “The front passenger tire was also flat.” A witness told the deputy that the witness saw the defendant “driving up the center of Ocean Blvd., through a flower bed, striking a road sign. This event occurred approximately one-quarter mile from where the deputy located the defendant on the side of the road,” the report continued. A towing report regarding the vehicle, filed in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, reported that among the contents found in the Toyota were an acoustic guitar, a harmonica, a sleeping bag and “totes full of clothes,” along with “miscellaneous garbage, and miscellaneous paperwork.” That document listed Butherus’ address as 2035 Fiesta Ridge Court in Tampa.

Driver threatens woman with gun on Stickney Point Road The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 76-year-old Sarasota man on Feb. 1 after he allegedly threatened a woman driver with a weapon on Stickney Point Road. The incident allegedly occurred at the U.S. 41 intersection, the office reported. Harry A. Shuback Jr. of Whitemarsh Ave. was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and DUI, the Sheriff’s Office said, adding that a breath test revealed Shuback’s level of intoxication was close to twice the legal limit. Shuback was released from jail on Feb. 2 under a $25,000 bond, the information was obtained from the Sheriff’s Office’s Corrections Division. According to the report, Kimberly Brewer of Bradenton was in the center lane, headed westbound on Clark Road in Sarasota, when she moved over to the left lane “directly in front of Harry Shuback Jr.’s vehicle.” She told deputies that Shuback “beeped his horn and presented her with his middle finger

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after she changed lanes.” Then, about 1 p.m., as they approached the traffic light at Stickney Point Road and U.S. 41, she entered the left-most left turn lane and Shuback moved into the other left turn lane; he was one car length back from her vehicle, the report continues. Shuback exited his vehicle and approached the passenger side of Brewer’s vehicle “with a silver gun in his right hand,” the report says. He allegedly pointed the gun at Brewer, the report adds, and “tapped on the window with the end of the gun.” Brewer told officers that Shuback “yelled at her,” telling her, “‘Hey, girl, you better think again before you do something like that’” and then walked back to his vehicle, the report says. “Brewer stated that she was in fear for her life and thought that she was going to be shot and killed by Shuback,” the report points out. A deputy who spotted Shuback’s vehicle at the intersection of Stoneybrook Boulevard and Central Sarasota Parkway stopped Shuback and arrested him just before 3 p.m. on Feb. 1, the report says. He advised the deputy that he had a gun in his vehicle, the report notes; the deputy retrieved a 9mm Sig Sauer handgun “that was fully loaded with one round in the chamber,” the report adds. A witness to the Stickney Point Road incident told deputies that she was directly behind Shuback’s vehicle at the U.S. 41 intersection, “and she saw him get out of his vehicle with a gun and pointed it at Brewer,” the report says. She provided photos of the incident that showed Shuback standing at Brewer’s passenger side window while Brewer was waiting for the light to change, the report adds. After the deputy stopped Shuback, the report notes, the deputy “noticed the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Shuback’s breath. … The defendant appeared to have sluggish speech at times and had bloodshot, watery eyes.” Shuback “demanded he be given a breath test as he advised he was not impaired,” the report continues. The two breath test results conducted on Shuback showed his alcohol level at 0.128 and 0.125, the report says. The legal limit is 0.8.

Popular patrol During the Feb. 1 Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting, Sgt. Jason Mruczek, leader of the Sheriff’s Office substation on the Key, told the approximately 65 people present, “We’re getting ready for spring break on our end; I don’t know about yours.” One initiative the office has been working on for this year, he pointed out, is a “Park Smart” information card, which officers will distribute to condominium complexes that

traditionally see a lot of activity during the spring break period. The cards will advise visitors, for example, that glass is forbidden on the beach and ask them not to litter. The cards also will note that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcoholic beverages, “which is obvious,” Mruczek said, “but people forget.” The latter comment drew a round of laughter. Additionally, he continued, the cards will remind people not to leave valuables visible in their cars and to lock the doors of their vehicles and accommodation. Well more than half of the burglaries of vehicles and residences occur in situations when people have not used their locks, Mruczek pointed out. The Sheriff’s Office spring break operation officially will begin on March 1, he noted. The Mounted Patrol will assist deputies on the Key, more officers will patrol the beach on ATVs, and extra Traffic Unit vehicles will be on the island at night, he added, to deal with the “big influx of people.” In response to a question from SKA member Dave Patton, Mruczek said the Mounted Patrol officers probably will show up during the first week of March and continue to assist on the Key through midApril, “maybe longer.” Mruczek added, “They’ll be at the beach if anyone wants to say, ‘Hi,’ to the horses; they’re very popular.” That remark drew more laughter.

Speaking of the Sheriff’s Office … During the Jan. 23 Condo Council meeting, Sgt. Mruczek provided the attendees a copy of the Key crime statistics for 2017. Most types of crime recorded were down in comparison to the 2016 statistics, he noted. For example the number of residential burglaries dropped from 33 in 2016 to 26 in 2017. However, Mruczek pointed out, vehicle burglaries were up from 48 in 2016 to 58 in 2017. Continued on page 40

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Dutch Valley Restaurant

Siesta Promenade applications still incomplete Continued from cover story

County staff also notes, “A ‘Future Land Use Plan’ has been submitted, but no conditions for development approval have been provided. Any documents or conditions intended to be part of the ‘adopted’ Critical Area Plan (recorded in the public records) must be clearly identified.” Benderson is seeking the Critical Area Plan (CAP) designation so it can increase the density of the project. Commercial General zoning districts in the county allow up to 13 dwelling units per acre, but the CAP approval would enable the firm to build up to 25 per acre. In a number of ways, the two letters county Planner Todd Dary wrote Mathes on Feb. 1 mirror the correspondence Dary sent Mathes in July 2017, after the company filed revised applications in June 2017 for the CAP designation and a rezoning of the property. Dary’s Feb. 1 letter related to the rezoning application includes five notations of “INCOMPLETE” emphasis in the document. The July 25, 2017 letters Dary sent Mathes encompassed nine repetitions of “INCOMPLETE” emphasis again in the documents. Benderson plans to construct 414 dwelling units, a 130-room hotel and 140,000 square feet of commercial space on property that encompasses about 24 acres at the intersection of Stickney Point Road and U.S. 41, just east of Siesta Key. In response to the CAP application, the County Commission in January 2017 called for specific traffic studies to be completed before it would consider approval of the CAP request. Since Mathes announced in June 2016 that Benderson was reviving and revising its plans for Siesta Promenade, many residents and business owners in the vicinity of the project site have voiced the view that Siesta Promenade would exacerbate the traffic congestion problems involving the intersection of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road. Just after Christmas 2017 and in January, residents pointed to long waits on Stickney Point Road to reach Siesta’s beaches, as well as the shopping centers and other commercial properties located south of Stickney Point Road. Residents and business owners also have expressed worries about Benderson’s proposal for FDOT to erect a traffic signal at the intersection of Stickney Point Road and Avenue B and C. FDOT representatives have called for more documentation from Benderson to support that idea, citing concerns about traffic backups through the U.S. 41/Stickney Point Road intersection. Pine Shores Estates, the neighborhood immediately adjacent to the Siesta Promenade site, is the focus of several staff comments in the February letters. In June 2017, Dary wrote Mathes, “The development concept plan includes portions of public streets including Brentwood Avenue, Sunset Boulevard Street, and Crestwood Avenue. A plan is required that clearly indicates what portion of these rights-of-way are intended to be vacated and how alternative public access is to be provided.” In the Dec. 28, 2017 material Mathes submitted to the county, he directed staff to “Exhibit B” as an explanation of the firm’s street vacation plans for Crestwood Avenue in Pine Shores Estates. In one of the Feb. 1 letters, Dary noted Benderson’s plan to realign Crestwood Avenue and its proposal for the County Commission “vacation of existing public streets” to accommodate the firm’s traffic plans. Dary pointed out that “no public hearing can be scheduled on rezoning the Siesta Promenade property until street vacation has been processed and is scheduled before the Board of County Commission for authorization to proceed with vacation.”

A bevy of missing figures A number of issues county staff cites in its Feb. 1 letter to Mathes regarding the rezoning of the property relate to missing or incorrect figures. For example, Day noted that Mathes wrote in the Dec. 28, 2017 materials that the density of the project would be 18 units per acre. However, because hotel rooms typically equate to half of one residential dwelling unit, and Benderson is proposing 130 rooms, plus 414 condominium units, the density appears to add up to 20 units per acre. In one of the July 2017 letters to Benderson, Dary pointed out that the total number of dwelling units had to include the hotel rooms. Yet another issue Dary cited was that one section of the December 2017 materials “indicates a dimension of 29 feet between the edge of pavement and the property line on Glencoe Avenue, where the actual dimension appears to be 18 or 19 feet.” Dary made an almost identical observation in one of the July 2017 letters citing insufficiencies. In three other cases SNL found, insufficiencies Dary cited in the Feb. 1 correspondence were identical to those he noted in his July 25, 2017 correspondence with Mathes: • Maximum building heights needed to be shown on the sections. Continued on the next page

Sarasota’s Family Diner since 1972!

Breakfast served all day, every day √ Over 100 menu items √ Daily lunch & dinner specials √ Open 365 Days √

Open Easter Sunday with a Traditional Easter Menu

941.924.1770 6721 S. Tamiami Trail Just off Stickney Pt. Bridge

DutchValleyRestaurant.net

BREAKFAST and LUNCH

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www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2018

SETBACK

SINGLE FAMILY

PROPERTY LINE

Continued from the previous page R-2 3 STORY MULTIFAMILY

PEDESTRIAN PATH

R-1 5 STORY MULTIFAMILY

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

50’ R.O.W. 130’ 19’

29’

20’

33’

62’

SECTION 1” = 50’ SINGLE FAMILY

PROPERTY LINE

SETBACK

GLENCOE AVE

R-2 3 STORY MULTIFAMILY

PEDESTRIAN PATH

R-1 5 STORY MULTIFAMILY

50’ R.O.W. 20’

33’

26’

19’

59’

126’ 61’

GLENCOE AVE

SECTION 1” = 50’ SINGLE FAMILY

24’ 6’

12’

2’

6’

50’ R.O.W.

SETBACK

50’ GLENCOE AVE. R.O.W.

PROPERTY LINE

MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL SITE PLAN - M.T.S.

R-1 3 STORY MULTIFAMILY

99’

10’

19’

16’ 20’ 33’

44’

GLENCOE AVE

2’ MAIN CURB

ROAD

SIDEWALK

PROPOSED GLENCOE AVE. R.O.W. - 1” = 10’

SECTION 1” = 50’

Siesta Promenade residential building height for county Dec. 28 2017

SIESTA PROMENADE RIGHT OF WAY VACATION /DEDICATION EXHIBIT DEDICATION AREA

Aundrianna and Alyssa from Sarasota

VACATION AREA

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Siesta Promenade street vacation map in Exhibit B of Dec. 2017 response from Benderson to county

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• Locations and dimensions of the sidewalks and other pedestrian paths within Siesta Promenade need to be shown.

HAPPY HOUR 4-7PM AND 10-MIDNIGHT BEST MARTINIS ON THE KEY

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K IN

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• Locations and dimensions of the landscape buffers between Siesta Promenade and all the adjacent properties and streets must be shown.

T GH

–

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HAPPY HOUR Noon to Midnight

ALPINE STEAKHOUSE Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day Fri./Sat., Mar. 16 & 17 Corned Beef & Cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie, Braised Lamb Shank, New England Gray Corned Beef. Also Available in the Meat Dept. Catering for office, Club and Condo Parties

Sarasota’s only old-fashioned Meat Market, Deli and Restaurant under one roof

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Siesta Sand

Off Key

MARCH 2018

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

By Robert Frederickson

From Education Gone Bad to Vacuous Ads A Lesson in Modern Education Multiple Choice Question: The Florida legislature is considering a proposal that addresses the issue of bullying throughout the state’s public education system. It would require districts to...(choose one): A ...confront allegations of bullying head on by having a teacher, coach or school administrator sit down with the students involved to discover whether the allegations are in fact true and if so, to counsel both individuals in order to resolve any issues between them constructively, thereby imparting a valuable life lesson as to how disagreements can be effectively resolved and how negative consequences can and do follow continued bad behavior, either in the form of detention, suspension or even expulsion. B ...sell tickets with proceeds benefiting the PTA to an after

school cage match between the bully and bullied, thereby providing a real life example of the Darwinian principal of ‘survival of the fittest.’ C ...encourage the bullied child to run away by letting his or her parents pull him or her out of the school where the bullying took place and then have the district underwrite the cost of that child’s enrollment in a private school of their choosing. If you answered ‘A’ you - like me - must have grown up in a different time, when teachers actually imparted lessons beyond those found in math, social studies or science textbooks. If you chose ‘B,’ well, you may want to consider some counseling for yourself (or run for the next opening on the Sarasota School Board where you’re likely to fit right in). If you picked ‘C’ cue the trumpets: you are correct! Our Florida legislators seem to care more about promoting vouchers

than teaching our kids to stand up for themselves...and encouraging our educators to stand up for them as well. Oh, and one more thing... here’s a news flash: private schools have bullies too, just like almost every other walk of life... The thing is, you either deal with them once or live with them forever.

Ex Buc Sapp Gets Sacked For more than a year, hall of fame tackle Warren Sapp has avoided being served as part of a lawsuit filed by a woman who claims she was injured by the former NFL star at a 2015 Super Bowl party.

More Education News A father/daughter dance was canceled on Staten Island recently due to fears transgender children might be offended by the event. According to the New York Post, the PTA president at the grade school (PS 65) cited the New York City school district’s recently enacted “Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Student Guidelines,” for the cancellation. Good grief. No wonder many college campuses have become some

It doesn’t need to be NEW to be

AWESOME!

of the least tolerant places on the planet for the open, free exchange of thoughts and ideas: our children are being taught as early as grade school the fantasy that it is a constitutional right to progress through life without ever being offended. Talk about being set up for failure!

Voted Sarasota’s #1 Consignment Store

Can I Get A Side of Olympics With that Takeout Order? The ABC TV affiliate in Chicago had egg-foo-yung on its lens recently after broadcasting a graphic as part of its winter Olympics coverage that referred to the games as “P. F. Chang 2018” instead of ”PyeongChang 2018.” Who knows, maybe the graphics team missed lunch that day...

Facebook Post Costs Restaurant Worker Job

AWARDING MORE THAN $8 MILLION IN GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

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The take-out order at the Outback Steakhouse in Palm Beach Gardens was for 25 steaks, 25 chickens and 25 potatoes, a moveable feast for a large nearby Christian church. The bill came to $735. And the tip server Tamlyn Yoder, 25, received for assembling, double-checking and delivering the order to the curbside pickup point outside the restaurant came to exactly... zip, zero, zilch, nada. She bit her tongue, but later, back home, she let her fingers do the talking as she vented over the slight on Facebook. A friend reading her post was especially struck by her story. So much so that he called the church, Christ Fellowship, on her behalf, asking for recompense. Things went south from there when the Church called the restaurant - perhaps to address their oversight in not leaving a tip? But no matter, when the restaurant learned that a Facebook post was what led to the church being contacted, well that’s when management, citing a policy forbidding any discussion of customers online, fired Yoder for a breach of corporate policy. The only good news here? She did finally get a tip from members of the church’s congregation who felt bad for her. But her job, well... maybe the church’s parishioners will say a prayer to help her find another. And as for her friend? Chalk this up as another example of no good deed going unpunished.

Process Servers in South Florida have been to Sapp’s beachfront Hollywood Florida condo more than 50 times over the past year without being able to successfully make the document handoff needed for stalled court proceedings in the case to get underway. But it was a trick play (as creative as the one involving former Venice High QB Trey Burton in the recent Super Bowl where he took a handoff and lofted a TD pass to Eagles QB Nick Foles) that caught the defensive standout flatfooted. A resourceful process server – posing as a fan – finally sacked the defensive standout at an autograph festival Sapp attended recently near Los Angeles. Greeting the fake fan, Sapp reportedly said “Wassup, baby?” To which the server replied, “Here you go Mr. Sapp, you’re being served...” as he completed the handoff.

Reluctant Retiree? Elton John announced his retirement recently, but I’m not sure he really means it. You see, after making the announcement he mentioned that it wouldn’t be effective for four years. Oh, and another thing: in the meantime he’s launching a four-year world tour. Which makes the skeptic in me entertain the obvious question of whether this is more about selling concert tickets than bowing out gracefully...

Helping Young Girls/Women Find Their Way? Here’s the copy from a Cover Girl ad I saw recently. “I Am What I Make Up...” Really? Sounds like a prescription for borderline personality disorder to me...

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

VILLAGE MAP pgs 24 - 25

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 46

GULF GATE SHOPS pgs 30 - 31

CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 26

LOCAL MAPS INSIDE

LIVE MUSIC PAGE 28

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

Siesta Key Drum Circle Before You Leave...

If you have any non-perishable food items that have not been opened, the Siesta Key Chamber, located at 5114 Ocean Blvd, in the Village at the Davidson Plaza along with St. Michael’s Parish, located at 5394 Midnight Pass Road will gladly take these items and pass them on to the less fortunate in the Sarasota area. Chamber hours for items to be dropped off are as follows: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. For instructions on after hour drop-offs, please contact the Chamber office at 941-349-3800. St. Michael’s hours for items to be dropped off are as follows: Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – Noon and again from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. – Noon.

If you are dropping off items after hours, please leave any items at the front door of the parish office. For any additional questions, please contact the office at 941-349-4174.

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 posted by Jane Dough in the Siesta Key Drum Circle Facebook page.

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

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2018

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Nothin

Owner, Rick Lizotte of Comfort Shoes, is well-stocked for those in the market for quality footwear that’s comfortable and durable. Comfort Shoes, located in the Village, at 5128 Ocean Blvd., is the sole island retailer carrying the Birkenstock brand, and has been for over 30 years. Other well-known brands offered include a favorite of island residents, the Oofos brand. www.rickscomfortshoes.com / 941-346-7425

DISCOVERTHEYEAROFTHE

Baily, owner of Marley Vibes, welcomes all visitors to Siesta Key. Marley Vibes is the premier shop for Bob Marley and Reggae-inspired apparel, accessories, and positive vibes. Now selling Hemp/CBD Vibes. The Summer House Siesta Key Steak & Seafood You must be of legal age to purchase any restaurant is set to open in March. recreational products. The store is located at The restaurant is located at 149 Avenida Messina 5055 Ocean Blvd in the Siesta Key Village. in the SK Village next to The Cottage. 941-203-5749 www.marleyvibes.com

Daiquiri

NOTICE: Looking fo

For those that have enjoyed th cuts and camaraderie at the Villag Barber over the years, you can sti continue to see Scott Reich at hi new Gulf Gate Barbershop locatio at 6575 Gateway Ave. in Gulf Gate The Siesta Center was sold an the new ownership of the Ocea Blvd building wasn’t quite meetin up to expectations. Notice: Change of Phone Numbe Call Scott at 941-600-4533. Hi hours are 8:30-4:00 Tuesday thr Friday and 8:30-12:00 Saturday.

MEET ME AT THE DECK!

2-4-1

3-7 PM Y L I A D S I DAIQUIR ACCOMMODATIONS Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa........ 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 Blaśe Café.............................................Map-A #38 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar.................Map-B #42-43 Gilligan’s.............................................. Map-B #33 Siesta Key Oyster Bar......................... Map-B #45 The Beach Club..................................... Map-D #22 The Cottage........................................... Map-C #58 The Hub-Baja Grill............................... Map-D #59 COFFEE SHOPS LeLu’s Coffee Lounge........................ Map-B #31 The Local Bean.....................................Map-D #62

NOW WITH 4 LOCATIONS...

SOUTH SIESTA KEY • ISLAND OF VENICE • SIESTA KEY VILLAGE • ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE Map B #42

DRUGSTORE Davidson’s Drugs................................Map-D #65 FASHION & ACCESSORIES Beach Bazaar’s & Swin Shack........... Map-C #28 Blvd. Beachwear....................................Map-B #30 Comfort Shoes-Birki & More...........Map-D #64 Everything But Water.......................... Map-D #12 Foxy Lady Fashions............................. Map-A #40 Gidget’s Coastal Provisions.............. Map-B #44 Island Boutique.....................................Map-B #50 Island Style............................................ Map-C #53 Lotus Boutique..................................... Map-D #66 Marley Vibes........................................... Map-D #9 Sea Shanty............................................. Map-C #24 Siesta T’s.................................................Map-B #30 The Sandal Factory...............................Map-B #46

DAIQUIRIDECK.COM

GAS STATION Circle K Store...........................................Map-E #6 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Beach Bazaar........................................ Map-C #28 From God’s Garden..............................Map-D #9 Island Trader......................................... Map-C #51 Sea Pleasures & Treasures.................. Map-C #29 Siesta Key Outfitters...........................Map-D #11 Siesta Kids..............................................Map-B #36 HEALTH & FITNESS Indep. Lifestyle Solutions .................. Map-D #10 Siesta Key Fitness............................... Map-B #73 ICE CREAM/TREATS Big Olaf Creamery............................... Map-C #52 Ciao Gelato............................................ Map-C #50 Made in Rome Gelato.......................... Map-C #53 Meany’s Mini Donuts.......................... Map-C #24 SubZero Ice Cream/Yogurt................ Map-D #16 Sunni Bunni Frozen Yogurt................ Map-C #53 The Donut Experiment........................ Map-D #16 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs..................................Map-D #65 LeLu’s Coffee Lounge........................ Map-B #31 The Local Bean.....................................Map-D #62 JEWELRY Created Gems....................................... Map-C #51 Mount -N- Repair Jewelers.................Map-D #9 Map C #61

Those in the kn gem, nestled in t which cranks ou organic gelato. Rome Organic G he also has deep f In less than a y rave reviews. H on Trip Advisor During the cou wonderful pleasur to my surprise my Rome Organic Ge with the owners w of several of their o on their stracciate back in time to Rom brownie, made in service, great gela The décor in t authentic gelato to catch Cuna go wife in his nativ think you’ve jus native country. Cuna starts wit

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

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

ng but Clean, Organic Gelato Served at This Gelateria

now have already found this little the shops of the Siesta Key Village, ut small batches of freshly made Not only is co-owner of Made in Gelato, Massimo Cuna from Italy, family roots in the gelato business. year, this shop has racked up many Here is what a recent visitor posted r: urse of my journey’s I’ve had the re of enjoying gelato in Rome. Much y wife and I stumbled across Made in elato. I had the opportunity to chat who are from Italy. We tried samples organic gelatos and in the end I settled ella. The flavor immediately took me me. My wife raved about the chocolate n Rome and cookies in cream. Good ato, definitely recommended. this small gelateria resembles an o shop in Italy, and if you happen ood-naturedly bantering with his ve Italian tongue, you may even st stepped through a portal to his

th a world renowned Italian recipe,

along with all organic USDA certified natural ingredients, then churns out small batches of this Italian-style ice cream that rivals any found in Italy on a daily basis. Wife, Diane states, “We are proud to be the first gelateria in Siesta Key to make organic handcrafted Italian gelato using the process and equipment found in the best gelateria’s of Italy and we are the only shop serving organic gelato in Florida!” As a former circus performer at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Diane has taken a que from her earlier days and takes turns with Massimo showcasing the unique process used to create the cool and creamy delight for those fortunate enough to be there when the gelato is being constructed. The process is so unique, so special, that they want to show it off. They welcome all to stop by and watch them make it. Each flavor is produced in small batches to ensure the freshest tastes. Made in Rome Organic Gelato offers 30 flavors of gelato, nine of which are vegan along with a small assortment of sugar-free flavors. The organic cones are made from gluten free, kosher certified, vegan waffles and the cups and spoons are made of 100% recyclable corn fiber.

Other reviews find both the gelato and proprietors worth a second and third visit during their stay on the Key. Excellent Gelato- The real thing Great little place to taste gelatos before you buy. The owners, who make their ice cream on the premises, are generous with their tasting spoons and their time. Superb flavors, wonderful genuine Italian coffee, and affogato -- put a scoop of vanilla or other flavor into the best hot coffee! As good as any gelato I’ve had in Italy! Wonderful! This is probably the best gelato I’ve ever had, loved it so much that I came back the next day. They let you sample as many as you like. I highly recommend the cherry crunch, but every flavor that I tried was wonderful. The husband and wife that own it are from Italy and super nice. Organic ingredients and a recipe from Rome. The proprietor was very nice and told us her story. The gelato is YUMMY. Lots of fresh fruit flavors. I had papaya which was awesome. Try the dark chocolate rum. Made in Rome Organic Gelato is located at 5204 Ocean Blvd. in Siesta Village, (941) 960-5344. Advertorial

or the Village Barber?

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• SEGWAY RENTALS • PADDLEBOARDS • SCOOTER CARS • GOLF CARTS • BIKES • SCOOTERS • BEACH GEAR Map B #34

Gizeh

5255 Ocean Blvd • Siesta Key Village www.robinhoodrentals.net

er. is ru

Mayari

941-554-4242

MAILING - SHIPPING UPS store............................................... Map-A #41 US Post Office....................................... Map-D #65

Boston

MARKETS/FOOD STORES Circle K Store...........................................Map-E #6 Morton’s Siesta Market...................... Map-C #25

Arizona Map D #64

MASSAGE Hands of Light Massage......................Map-B #35 Massage Experience Siesta Key........Map-D #62 Massage Therapy....................................Map-E #1 MEDICAL - DENTAL Siesta Dental........................................ Map-B #49 Siesta Key Physical Therapy............... Map-D #20 Siesta Medical Center.......................... Map-D #63 Siesta Village Dentistry....................... Map-D #63 MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce....................... Map-D #67 Positive RePercussion............................ Map-D #9 Roberti Enterprises.............................. Map-A #39 Tarot Card Reading & Gifts.................Map-B #50 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Edward Jones Investments................. Map-D #68 Smith Architects...................................... Map-E 74

Bringing you quality and comfort for more than 30 years!

Birkenstock & More 5128 Ocean Blvd. Siesta Village

941-346-7425 www.rickscomfortshoes.com

REAL ESTATE / RENTAL SERVICES Coldwell Banker Realty....................... Map-D #20 Horizon Realty......................................Map-B #34 Island Homes........................................ Map-C #51 Keller Williams Real Estate................. Map-D #11 Key Realty.............................................. Map-E #5 Michael Saunders Realty................... Map-E #72 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

48 47 46

RESTAURANTS / CAFÉS Another Broken Egg................... Map-C #54 & 55 Blasé Café.............................................Map-A #38 Bonjour French Cafe............................ Map-C #47 Café Gabbiano.....................................Map-D #71 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar.................Map-B #42-43 Flavio’s Brick Oven & Bar....................Map-B #29 Flavio’s Italiano Ristorante..................Map-B #30 Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill............ Map-B #33 LeLu’s Coffee Bar................................ Map-B #31 Lobster Pot............................................ Map-C #23 Old Salty Dog Rest. & Pub.....................Map-E #2 PI Pizza & Craft Beer...........................Map-A#37 Señor Siesta........................................... Map-D #69 Siesta Key Oyster Bar......................... Map-B #45 Solorzano Bros. Pizzeria....................Map-D #15 Subway Sandwiches.............................Map-B #30 Summer House..................................... Map-C #57 Sun Garden Café.................................. Map-D #19 The Cottage........................................... Map-C #58 The Hub - Baja Grill............................. Map-C #59 Village Café..........................................Map-D #14 SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY LaPlaya Spa........................................... Map-C #50 Sassy Hair Salon................................... Map-A #40 Siesta Key Nails & Spa........................Map-D #9 SPORTS INTEREST/RENTALS CaliFlorida............................................. Map-C #29 Robin Hood Rentals........................... Map-B #34 Siesta Village Outfitters....................... Map-C #53

Map D #11

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

941-346-8000

WHAT BETTER WAY TO START YOUR DAY IN PARADISE?

Map D #62

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

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2018

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

941.349.0194

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 Sunshine Sand Hidden Treasures........ D-3 #17 Silver City Jewelry.................................. C-3 #14 HEALTH & BEAUTY Sanctuary Siesta Key............................... A-5 #12 Siesta Key Salon & Spa........................... D-3 #17 The Key Spa & Salon.............................. A-5 #12 ICE CREAM & TREATS Orange Octopus .......................................B-3 #8 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson’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 Re/Max Tropical Sands............................B-3 #1 Siesta 4-Rent............................................ C-3 #14 RESTAURANTS / CAFES A Taste of Germany................................ C-3#14

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

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

“Home of the Orange Squeeze!”

www.siestasand.net

“A Tropical Department Store“

SHELL & GIFT CITY

Bathing Suits $

Siesta Key’s Most Friendly & Unique Shopping Spot! SOUTHBRIDGE MALL

OPEN 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM DAILY

IN FEATUR

Homemade Ice Cream

Map B-3#8

941-346-0202

19.95 Reg. To $49.00

SIESTA KEY

Siesta Key’s Largest Seashell & Coral Selection!

Sundaes l Shakes l Smoothies l Coffees Espresso l Cappuccinos

1220 Old Stickney Point Rd., Siesta Key In the Captain Curt’s Plaza

CRESCENT BEACH

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GIFTS & SOUVENIRS BEACH FASHIONS BEACH SUPPLIES BEACH COVER-UPS LADIES & JUNIORS FASHIONS SUPER MEN'S LINE In South Bridge Mall

6525 Midnight Pass Road

MAP B-3#14

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EXPIRES:7/05/2010 Expires 12/31/18

Open 5 pm pm Map C-3#14 O pen77DDays ays99am am--5

941-346-1797

“Voted Small Business of the Year 941-346-1797 by Siesta Key Chamber”

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GERMAN BAKERY & CAFE

German café offering fresh soups and sandwiches on freshly baked breads!

Rum Cakes Breakfast Lunch German Beers and Brats

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

Map C-3 #14

Map B-3#8

A Taste of Germany 6575 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Anna’s Deli 6535 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Road

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill 1500 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-5 #12

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters 1249 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-3 #4

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

Crescent Beach Grocery 1211 Old Stickney Pt. Rd.

MAP B-3 #1

Siesta 4-Rent 6555 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Toasted Mango Cafe 6621 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-4 #17

MAP C-3 #17

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2018

Snapshots of Island Visitors 1

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography 3

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

1. Emerson age 10 and Elle age 7 from Sarasota 2. Alex and Toni from MA 3. Kendro and Christianna from RI 4. Liz and Andy from MI 5. Iman, Arianna age 5, Andre, Austin age 2, and Alexander age 7 from Cape Coral, FL 6. Rachel, Melissa, Dara, Charlie age 22 months, and Andrew from MD 7. Claire and Pat from MN 8. Valarie and Mila age 2 from NH 9. Ashley and Rosie from NJ 10. Mariah and Olivia age 3 from OH 11. Lila and Sophie from Sarasota 12. Ramona, Zoey 11 months, and Chris from St. Pete 13. Drew, Lilly age 4, Chase age 5 Â˝, Kathy, and Kylie from Sarasota 14. Ga Ga (grandma), Kaemon age 2, Kate, Klara age 6 , Keifer age 4, Kaila age 8, and Kyle 15. The Becker Family from California & Chicago 16. Aundrianna, Holley, and Alyssa from Sarasota 17. Alyssa, Thy, and Marie from Sarasota

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2018

Siesta Sounds

941.349.0194

By Charmaine Engelsman-Robins

RPM (duo and band) “Hard work pays off - hard work beats talent any day, but if you’re talented and work hard, it’s hard to be beat.” ~ Robert Griffin III When Sarasota’s infamous noise ordinance killed southwest Florida’s thriving music scene, it drove away some of our most talented performers. Those who stubbornly stayed and dug in were unwilling to throw away their Florida friends, fans, family, and lifestyle for more promising music scenes in other areas. As once-lively clubs suffered right along with the players, what remained was a sort of “survival of the fittest” that left standing only those with more to offer than mere talent… not to sell talent short, but in a tough market it’s simply not enough. Talent without business sense and discipline won’t keep the gigs coming and the rent paid. Mark Waelti, half of the duo RPM, readily acknowledges that it’s been discipline as much as talent that kept him and band mate Randy Marsh in solid bookings for 32 consecutive years. And yes, they did start out when they were mere children. <grin> They had the talent part down before they even met and were, in fact, working with others when they met at what was then the biggest, hottest club in Sarasota: the Sawmill Inn. That room’s long gone now (as are Mrs. O’Leary’s in Gulf Gate and so many other where they played in the early 80’s), yet RPM just keeps going strong, constantly picking up new venues while remaining loyal to those they’ve played for many years. On Siesta Key that means their 18th year at Gilligan’s in Siesta Village (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 to 10 p.m.) while just off the south bridge of Siesta you’ll find them at the Boatyard (Wednesdays, 5 to 9 p.m.). But back in the 80’s Randy was soloing

www.siestasand.net

Photos courtesy of RPM from their band website www.RPMFLA.com

and Mark was working in a band. They sat in with each other now and then, played and sang well together, so when circumstances changed they just naturally began officially working together and called their duo RPM. When I asked Mark if he’d ever had any inkling that he and Randy would still be going strong with RPM 32 years later he laughed “Oh heck no!” But they are, and I wondered what had made that possible. Mark says that time really does fly when you’re having fun, and that they have been even though it’s also hard work. Before they knew it they were at The Players Theater with their fans celebrating 20 years together, and then in October of 2016 at the

RPM Band Venice Theater marking 30 years. In an area where musicians are often struggling to find work, RPM consistently plays six nights a week, is booked a year ahead, and is constantly turning down offers. If they could clone themselves, these guys could play enough gigs to rule the music scene in all three counties of our tri-county area. Whether playing clubs, corporate parties, or beach bars, RPM is always a crowd pleaser, partly because they have an amazing repertoire and have never worked from that traditional set list taped to the back of their guitars. They both said that they play “whatever people

RPM (Now)

RPM (Then)

want to hear right then.” Sometimes it’s somewhat venue-specific, other times it may be driven by the mood of the moment, or influenced by the season. Whatever is called for, they’re ready, and even regular fans never get bored because they never know what they’ll hear next. It may be Paul Simon, Jimmy Buffett, James Taylor, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Zac Brown, and lots of the best songs you’ve heard over the past few decades. And maybe even some you haven’t; Randy is no small talent in the writing department. His originals are every bit as polished and professional as that of the most talented national artists, including those just mentioned. With all this it is no surprise they’ve made five CDs. These opposites not only attract but work very well together. Randy gets immediate credit as “the musical side;” he works out the arrangements, keeps the equipment in shape and covers that part of RPMs work. Mark, who for five years had a management company called WaHu Productions, covers bookings and business. He says he thinks the fact that “Randy and I never get in each others’

way … and have never borrowed money from each other!” has contributed to their longevity as a duo. On occasion it stretches to include additional players Michael Finley on drums, Tim Towel on electric guitar and mandolin, and on rare but welcome occasions Billy Day joins them with keyboards; this expanded version is billed as The RPM Band. Their success, he feels, comes from not only a mutual respect for each other and the additional players they work with but for the audience and the club owners as well. Doing this well for this long and still enjoying it is no easy feat, but it’s a rare treat for area audiences to know that any time they go to hear RPM it’s going to be great music performed professionally and happily by their friends of more than three decades. That is hard to beat.

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE CLUB BLASE CAFÉ In the Village 941-349-9822 (All performances 6-10pm) DAIQUIRI DECK RAW BAR In the Village 941‐349‐8697

MONDAY LIVE MUSIC th th Justin Layman (5 & 19 ) Al Fuller & Burt Engelsman th th (12 & 26 )

TUESDAY Sound Paint 6‐10 PM

WEDNESDAY Savanah Brady & Zak Yoder 6‐10 PM

THURSDAY Rob Viola (1,8,15) Al Fuller & Burt Engelsman nd th (22 & 29 )

GILLIGANS In the Village 941-346-8122

Rodney Shenk 6 ‐10 PM

RPM LIVE 6‐10 PM

DJ – 10 PM

RPM LIVE 6 ‐10 PM ………………………. DJ Ryan 10 PM

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

1‐5 PM: th Ryan Patrick (5 ) th Justin Layman (12 ) th Sandi Grecco (19 ) th Gary Dilley (26 ) ………………………………. Al Donadi 7‐11 PM

1‐5 PM: th Sara Neims (6 ) th Ryan Carney (13 ) th Gabe (20 ) th Emily Ross (27 ) Open mic night Hosted by Gabriel Strange 7‐11 PM

1‐5 PM: Frankie Lombardi th st (7 & 21 ) Deven Starr th st (14 & 28 ) ……………………. Kettle of Fish 7‐11 PM

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

FRIDAY

SATURDAY rd Goodbyeddie (3 ) th Callie & the Whole Band Lady B & the Buzz(10 ) th 6‐10 PM Rob Viola (17 ) th st Doctor Drive (24 & 31 ) LIVE MUSIC (3‐7 PM) DJ TJ (10 PM)

LIVE MUSIC (3‐7 PM) DJ Crawford (10 PM)

DJ Ryan 10 PM

Acoustic Pete DJ KConn 10 PM

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

Live Music 6-9 PM

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

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

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

Island Sounds Dezi/Dami Canies (5‐8 PM)

10 AM – NOON:

Sweet Spot (9 ) th The Funk (16 ) rd TL Jentgens (23 ) th New Divide (30 ) Live DJ 11 PM ‐2 AM

Mike Tozier (4 & 18 )

Randy Stephens (11th & 25th) 1‐5 PM th

Michael’s Music (4 ) th Groove Makers (11 ) th Bradie & Karen (18 ) th Ryan Patrick (25 ) 7‐11 PM:

Hatley Band (4 & 18)

The Whole Band (11 & 25)

8‐11 PM: Stereo FM (3 ) 9 PM‐1 AM th Torched (10 ) th Jah Movement (4 ) th Stereo FM (17 ) th Nostaljah (11 ) th No Filter (24 ) th No Filter(18 ) Actual Bank Robbers(31st) th NoNeed (25 ) Live DJ: 11 PM‐2 AM

DJ Coz or DJ Kensi 9 PM – 2 AM

Country Thursdays 9 PM‐2 AM

Live Music 6-9 PM

Live Music 7-10 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM

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

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

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

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

KARAOKE 9 PM – CLOSE

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5‐9 PM

RPM (5‐9 PM)

Bri Rivera (5‐8 PM)

The Richy Kicklighter Band 5‐9 PM

Joker’s Duo 5‐9 PM

Tribal Love 4‐8 PM LIVE MUSIC 3‐6 PM

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

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

Marcel Almanzor (5‐8 PM)

Scott Curts 7 & 21 6‐10 PM, DJ ‐ 10 PM

1‐5 PM Whiteleather 1‐5 PM: th Jason Haram (30 only) rd st Evan (3 & 31 ) Deven Starr Band th th Bre Rivera (10 & 24 ) ) nd th th (2 15 & 30 ) ) th Dana Lawrence (17 ) Nick LeValley Mike Tozier 7‐11 PM th rd (9 & 23 ) 7‐11 PM

BREE (3‐7 PM)

1‐5 PM: Dana Lawrence st nd th (1 22 & 29 ) Gabriel Strange th (8 ) th Evan (15 ) FolkLab 7‐11 PM

8‐ 11 PM: Tropical Ave (2nd)

THE BEACH CLUB In the Village 941-349-6311

Reggae w/Desi Adams 2‐ 6PM

Eddie James Jazz Band 7‐10 PM

SUNDAY Strangeways (4 ) th th Birdtribe ( 11 & 18 ) th Lisa Ridings Bank (25 )

KARAOKE 9 PM – CLOSE LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 3‐6 PM

LIVE MUSIC 4‐8 PM

LIVE MUSIC 3‐7 PM

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

LIVE MUSIC 3‐7 PM

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2018

Island Humor [ Walking into the pub, Sean said to the bartender, “Pour me a stiff one, Jaime. I just had another tiff with the little woman.” “Oh yeah,” said Jaime. “And how did this one end?” “Well I’ll tell ya now when it was over,” Sean replied, “herself came to me on her hands and knees, she did.” “You don’t say? Now that`s a switch! What did she say?” She said, “Come out from under that bed, you gutless weasel!” [ “One of the funniest “mostembarrassing-moment” stories I’ve come upon in a long time was about a lady who picked up several items at a discount store. When she finally got up to the checker, she learned that one of her items had no price tag. Imagine her embarrassment when the checker got on the intercom and boomed out for all the store to hear: ‘PRICE CHECK ON LANE THIRTEEN. TAMPAX, SUPERSIZE.’ That was bad enough, but somebody at the rear of the store apparently misunderstood the word ‘Tampax’ for ‘THUMBTACKS.’ In a business

like tone, a voice boomed back over the intercom: ‘DO YOU WANT THE KIND YOU PUSH IN WITH YOUR THUMB OR THE KIND YOU POUND IN WITH A HAMMER?’” [ Q. How can you tell if an Irishman is having a good time? A. He’s Dublin over with laughter! [ Mahatma Gandhi often walked barefoot which produced an impressive set of callouses on his feet. He also ate very little, making him rather frail and with his odd diet he often suffered from bad breath. This made him a super calloused fragile mystic hexed with halitosis. [ Q. Why can’t you borrow money from a leprechaun? A. Because they’re always a little short. [ Late one night, a preacher was driving on a country road and had a wreck. A farmer stopped and said, “Sir, are you okay?” The preacher said, “Yes, I had the Lord riding

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

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

with me.” The farmer said, “Well, you better let him ride with me, because you’re gonna kill him.” [ A Jewish grandmother is giving directions to her grown grandson who is coming to visit with his wife. “You come to the front door of the apartment. I am in apartment 301. I will buzz you in. Come inside, the elevator is on the right. Get in, and with your elbow push 3. When you get out, I’m on the left. With our elbow, hit my doorbell.” “That sounds easy grandma, but, why am I hitting all these buttons with my elbow?” What… you coming empty handed?”

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

onth. M e h T f o r e d n e t r Ba ar & Grill B d n la Is ’s n a g li Gil in the Village ., d lv B n a ce O 3 525 941-346-8122 andbar.com www.gilligansisl

[ Q. Why would you never iron a four-leaf clover? A. Because you shouldn’t press your luck! [ Little Jenny comes home from school and tells her mom that the boys keep asking her to do cartwheels because no one else can do them quite like she can. Mom says, “You should tell them NO – they only want to look at your undies.” Jenny says, “I know. That’s why I hide them in my backpack.” [ Two Irishmen, Patrick Murphy and Shawn O’Brian grew up together and were lifelong friends. But alas, Patrick developed cancer, and was dying. While on his deathbed, Patrick called to his buddy, Shawn, “O’Brian, come ‘ere. I ‘ave a request for ye.” Shawn walked to his friend’s bedside and kneels. “Shawny ole boy, we’ve been friends all our lives, and now I’m leaving ‘ere. I ‘ave one last request fir ye to do.” O’Brian burst into tears, “Anything Patrick, anything ye wish. It’s done.” “Well, under me bed is a box containing a bottle of the finest whiskey in all of Ireland. Bottled the year I was born it was. After I die, and they plant me in the ground, I want you to pour that fine whiskey over me grave so it might soak into me bones and I’ll be able to enjoy it for all eternity.” O’Brian was overcome by the beauty and in the true Irish spirit of his friend’s request, he asked, “Aye, tis a fine thing you ask of me, and I will pour the whiskey. But, might I strain it through me kidneys first?”

Name of Bartender: Steve Norton Hometown: Youngstown, OH Q: What’s your bartending experience and how long have you worked at Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill? What drink have you perfected? A: I’ve been bartending for 7 years, but employed by Gilligan’s for 14 years. I’d say the drink I have perfected is a Bud Light Draft. Q: What was the strangest or funniest experience you witnessed or were party to at work? A: One drunken night, 12 years ago and a few shots in me, another person and I took tiki torches and ran through Siesta Village as if we were carrying the Olympic torch. Q: Any hobbies, goals, etc. you enjoy when not working? A: I enjoy watching Pittsburgh sports and traveling to do so. Q: How would you describe yourself? A: Sarcastic and (fill in the blank) Q: What makes Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill a special place to visit? A: Gilligan’s knows how to throw a party. Q: What specialty drink is Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill noted for? A: Gilligan’s “shipwreck” is tropical, but dangerous. Q: When is the best time for locals and visitors to enjoy your company at Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill? A: I typically work at Gilligan’s Thursdays through Mondays from 7 p.m. to close.

Karaoke Thursday, Friday & Saturday

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2018

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE

G-31

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

941-925-2400

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

Sarasota Pavilion is a popular shopping destination for numerous locals and visitors alike. Its prime location is close enough to the island for frequent trips with a nice selection of chain stores set in one convenient location. But what truly lends to the uniqueness of this district is the host of small, locally owned, specialty shops, boutiques, restaurants, and neighborhood bars bordering this pavilion. It makes for a fun and rewarding shopping experience. Over 150 businesses make up this district. This section helps highlight what you’ll find within this walkable Gulf Gate shopping Village. 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. 1

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.

Hurricane Mike’s Saloon (M-10) is a little neighborhood bar at 2639 Mall Drive, where everyone knows your name type of establishment and friendly staff. TV’s with the MLB and NFL packages, pool table, and full Florida Lottery games. Happy hour daily from opening to 7pm. Hours: Mon – Sat, 8am – 2:30am and Sun., noon – 2:30am. The Shop SRQ (G-2) Local owners, Erick and Dawn use a back to basics approach to grooming with precise attention to detail. Their commitment to excellence has provided them with many loyal customers. Their old school barber traditions, clean contemporary shop, coupled by their southern hospitality and humor are what separates them from the rest. They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust. Hours: Tues. - Fri. 8:30am - 6pm, Sat., 8:30am - 3pm. (Nov. 1st - May 30th) and Sat., 8:30am - 1pm (Jun. 1st - Oct. 31st). Closed on Sundays and Mondays. 6625 Gateway Ave, 941-626-4894.

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.

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. Continued on the next page

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.

GULF GATE Hooters

Sun Trust

Stein Mart

Publix

Michaels

D Beall’s Outlet

• 9 AM - 7 PM EVERY DAY

Mike’s Bud Select Brew $1.50/Pints • BEST Bloody Mary’s in Sarasota • Pool Table-

(BOX STORES AND SO MUCH MORE)

Bed Bath & Beyond

Books-AMillion

Ross

Dress for Less

Golden Tee Megatouch

FREE Pool ALL DAY

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

2639 Mall Drive

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

Iberia Bank Panera Bread

G-4

G10 G9 G8 G7 G6 G5 G4 G3

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

S7 S6 S5 S4 S3 S2 S1

Gulf Gulf Gate Gate Drive Drive

PICCOLO

SRQ

Italian Market & Deli

THE SHOP SRQ 6625 Gateway Ave.

Traditional, Old School Barber Shop 15 Years + Experience

www.TheShopSrq.com

& Vegetarian Sandwiches

941.626.4894 / 941.536.1656

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

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

941-923-2202

www.PiccoloMarket.com

G-2

“We Straight Razor Shave”

Hot or Cold

S-16

G12 G11

G24

G14 G13

S30

Lo Ho ng rn

G16 G15

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

One mi.from Siesta South Bridge (behind Publix)

Ba Am nk o eri f ca

Sunday thru Wednesday

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

G23 G22 G21 G20 G19 G18 G17

Superior Avenue

Marshall’s

Mall Mall Drive Drive

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

Gateway Avenue

All packaged liquor sold until 2 AM

Open Daily from 9 AM ‘til 2:30 AM

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

M5 M4 M3 M2 M1

M-10

• No Appointment Needed •

TONSORIAL ARTISTRY BY ERICK & DAWN

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

S-34

Catering Available

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

941.926.0099

COUPON

FREE SIDE With the purchase of ANY entreé

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Great Barbershop Located In Gulf Gate Erick and Dawn Jacobsen are tonsorial artists who practice as master barbers in the classic form. For over 15 years, THE SHOP SRQ has been a client focused shop, committed to providing excellent service, at reasonable prices. Originally located on Bahia Vista, east of HWY 41, the shop moved to the Gulf Gate area in November of 2014. “We are so grateful for our many return clients, and always welcome new clients and families. Stop in soon!” Walk ins or appointments, all appointments are made by phone. To make an appointment, call (941) 6264894, the barbershop is located at 6625 Gateway Ave.

are fantastic. I was here in Sarasota for a month and fortunately I took the recommendations of others on Yelp. Liked it so much I went back one more time before going home. Intend to go back every time I’m in Sarasota.

Owners Erick and Dawn

Here’s what they are saying about the shop online: Best haircut I’ve had in years (Erick), and I have been going to a very good stylist for years back home, and prices

Great atmosphere and very friendly staff. They made me feel right at home like I had been going to their business for years. Great haircut! I would definitely recommend.

Awesome place! Probably one of my best haircuts ever. Will definitely going back. Dawn was amazing, very friendly and explained my hair to me. All for a great price too.

Legal bills in Big Pass case approaching the $1 million mark Continued from cover story

“We verbally agreed to assist the Lido Key Residents Association (LKRA) with some of their legal expenses,” Fournier explained in the Jan. 31 email, if he and the city’s outside counsel, John R. Herin Jr. of GrayRobinson in Fort Lauderdale, had given advance approval of “the subject matter of the work.” Lewis, Longman & Walker has been serving as counsel for the Lido Key Residents Association. The two Siesta Key-based organizations — the Siesta Key Association (SKA) and Save Our Siesta Sands 2 (SOSS2) — together have paid almost $400,000 for legal expenses, their representatives have said. The SKA and SOSS2 have been urging the city for about four years to find a source for the Lido sand replenishment other than Big Pass. In January 2017, both filed administrative challenges after the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) announced in December 2016 that it was prepared to issue a permit

to the City of Sarasota and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for the dredging of the pass. Additionally, the SKA has filed a complaint in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in the event the administrative law challenges fail. SOSS2 Chair Peter van Roekens has said on several occasions that his organization is prepared to collaborate with the Florida Wildlife Federation (FWF) if the fight ultimately goes to federal court. In December 2017, Manley Fuller, president of the FWF, indicated that his organization was still preparing for the possibility of a U.S. District Court case. During a Feb. 6 telephone interview, van Roekens stated that his organization has spent about $200,000 on legal bills. The amount includes payments for expert witnesses who testified in December 2017 during a Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) proceeding

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE Continued from the previous page

Each staff member works hard to make sure you receive the best service and quality food so you’ll want to return often. Take a look at their mouth-watering menu at www. originalwordofmouth.com. Hours: Mon-Sun.: 8AM-2PM. 6604 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, 34231, 941-925-2400. Pride of the South (S-34) has been awarded Top Barbeque in Sarasota for 2016 by Trip Advisor and Yelp. It has been awarded for the best Southern Hospitality. Pride of the South has a brisket BLT, hands down, one of the best sandwiches you ever tasted. The smoked chicken wings are unbelievable. Backed up with the pulled pork sandwiches, the smoked bologna, the smoked turkey, the collard greens, fried corn on the cob, fried okra, fried green tomatoes, and one of the best mac ‘n cheese you ever tasted. We do catering with no limit to the size of the group. Come in and follow your nose to 6616 Superior Ave, Sarasota, FL

34231. Call (941)926-0099. See you soon.

One Minute Key Shop (GG51): Left your keys in the car? No worries, the One Minute Key Shop will help you safely unlock and retrieve your keys. They specialize in high security locks, keys, re-keying, master keying, and safes for residential, commercial or automotive. Give them a call at 941-924-8020 or visit their showroom where they have a large display of locks and safes. 2120 Gulf Gate Drive. Solorzano’s Late Night Pizzeria (S-32): At every Solorzano’s, they offer an experience familiar to those who understand the importance of family and dedication. Their recipes and techniques have been perfected through three long generations based on the traditional simplicity of the methods used by their Italian ancestors. Dine inside, outside, pick up, or DELIVERY anywhere on Siesta Key, or in Sarasota until 4:00 a.m. 6670 Superior Ave., 941-924-5800.

in Sarasota regarding the SKA and SOSS2 challenges to FDEP’s Notice of Intent to issue a permit for the dredging of the pass. During the Feb. 1 SKA meeting, Treasurer Bob Miller said that that nonprofit’s expenses have totaled about $197,000. Additionally, during the Nov. 2, 2017 SKA meeting, Vice President Catherine Luckner reported that that nonprofit’s attorney, Kent Safriet of the Tallahassee firm Hopping Green & Sam, had ended up waiving $23,000 in legal fees in midsummer 2017. Hopping Green & Sam had exceeded the cap the SKA had set for what it could spend, she explained. “They actually reduced their hourly fees for us.” The $23,000, she pointed out, was only half of what the SKA would have owed the firm for one month. The SKA not only has been in the midst of its annual membership renewal drive, but it also is asking that people consider contributing to the Siesta Key Environmental Defense Fund (SKEDF) it established last year as a 501(c)(3) corporation. Donations to the SKEDF are tax-deductible, SKA directors have pointed out, and the money is going toward the fight against the dredging of Big Pass.

“This is not over,” Miller said of the legal challenges on Feb. 1. “We have a ways to go.” Van Roekens and the other SOSS2 board members, likewise, are welcoming donations.

Breaking down the city’s costs In emails to the inquiry, City Attorney Fournier broke down the city’s expenses through December 2017 as follows: • $329,798.01 in attorney’s fees and costs to GrayRobinson. Fournier noted that Herin, the GrayRobinson attorney handling the legal challenges for the city, charges an hourly rate of $300. • $14,250.01 to Ocean Sciences Inc. for expert testimony by Mark Fonseca. • $65,298.55 to Thomas Campbell, a professional engineer with the firm Coastal Engineer, for expert witness testimony and consulting services. • $10,800.00 to Angel Eyes UAV LLC. The firm provided aerial photography for exhibits used at the DOAH hearing, Fournier wrote. • $139,087.49 to Lewis, Longman & Walker, which charges an hourly rate of $425 for senior counsel. • $2,330.05 in associated costs

for the Bradenton firm. Lewis, Longman & Walker had submitted a statement to the city in December 2017 totaling $100,636.05, Fournier noted in a Feb. 20 email. After the December 2017 DOAH hearing, Florida Administrative Law Judge Bram D.E. Canter told the attorneys for all parties that he would give them 30 days after the transcript of the proceeding was released to provide him with written recommendations for his ruling. Then he would take 45 days or so to issue his order, he added. As of midafternoon on Feb. 8, no record yet was found in the case’s DOAH docket showing that the transcript had been completed. Susan J. Jackson, spokeswoman for the USACE at its Jacksonville District Office, wrote of the transcript in a Feb. 2 email only that “it will become available.” SKA Vice President Luckner told SKA members on Feb. 1 that the nonprofit had not been able to learn a timeline for the release of the transcript. If Canter rules against SOSS2 and the SKA, Luckner also has pointed out to members, the SKA is prepared to return to the Circuit Court to pursue the case it initiated last year.

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

(In the Gulf Gate area, near Beneva and Gulf Gate Drive) 6908 Beneva Road, Sarasota, 941.922.7595 www.uccstandrew.org

• St. Michael’s Catholic Church 5394 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4174 www.stmichaelssiesta.com

• The Superior Word Rev. Charlie Garrett Service starts Sunday mornings at 10am.

Bring a friend and share in God’s word. 6512 Superior Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34231 • First Christian Church 7601 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34241. 941-922-4434 www.fccsarasota.com

• St. Boniface Episcopal Church 5615 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, 941-349-5616 www.bonifacechurch.org Off- Island: •Temple Sinai, a Reform Congregation (The closest Jewish congregation to the Key for visitors) 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, 941-924-1802 www.templesinai-sarasota.org • St. Andrew United Church of Christ (Protestant)

simple cremations

740

simple burials

1,195

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

SoundChoiceCremation.com

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2018

941.349.0194

Readers share their opinion from last month’s commentary

Continued from cover story

an old trick, but it still works. Last year, the City and the Lido people took their appeal to the public through some op-eds published in local news outlets. They included the following photo to show how a storm threatened their property. They neglected to Photoshop the partial sign out of the picture which reads, “Private Property, No Trespassing.” The cut-out of the partial sign is my handiwork. Their op-eds painted a very desperate picture. They said Lido would not survive a major storm. Since then, Irma has come and gone, but Lido was unharmed. Harold Ashby, Siesta Key resident

Working as one

I would like to applaud your February Editorial titled, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Your historical perspective is important because mistakes in trying to override mother nature are permanent. They can’t be rectified by some nominal “insurance fund”, as proposed by the City of Sarasota, that would be useless if Siesta’s beaches are harmed. Much of the debate at the December Administrative Hearing dealt with the science involved as represented by experts hired by the competing factions. But those of us who have followed this issue know that this is about a lot more than the science. To put it bluntly, there’s a lot of money involved and the Lido people want everything for free for the next 50 years. Many people haven’t focused on the fact that most of the Lido beaches to be renourished are privately owned, yet they will be renourished every five years for the next 50 years with 100% of the funding coming from taxpayer money. That’s right, taxpayer money will be used to pay for renourishing beaches that the public can’t use. That will be over $200 million, based on the very low estimate of $20 million for the first renourishment. Now get this. Based on the County Tax Assessors records, 73% of the Lido beachfront property owners who will get this astonishing gift do not have the Homestead Exemption on their Lido properties. That’s right, folks. The City of Sarasota wants to give the Lido beachfront property owners a $200 million gift and 73% of them can’t even vote for City of Sarasota elected officials. Huh? The Lido folks are not sitting idly by

waiting for this lavish gift. They’re doing their part to cripple the forces that would like to keep this travesty from happening. Siesta Key Association and SOSS2 have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in private donations trying to stop this craziness and protect Siesta beaches. They have to pay all their legal bills even though the biggest economic engine in Sarasota County (Siesta’s beaches) is what is being threatened. But all of the Lido legal bills are being paid by the City of Sarasota. But wait, didn’t we read in the Observer that the Lido Resident’s (?) Association was raising $150,000 to fight Siesta Key? Here’s what that’s all about. The Administrative Law Judge allowed the Lido residents to enter the Permit Appeal as an “intervener.” What I understand that to mean is that, while they’re not a party to the Appeal, the Judge decided that they have an interest in the outcome so they should be heard. The City of Sarasota and the Army Corps of Engineers are perfectly capable of making their case to the Administrative Law Judge. They did the modeling. They have all the expertise they need. They don’t need any help. So what value is brought by the Lido Resident’s Association? Could it be that they were allowed to bring in their own experts (never mind whether they really added expertise) so that SKA and SOSS2 would have to spend more legal fees deposing the Lido experts? Time is money. Lido’s experts added to the time it took for the depositions and the hearing which ran up SKA’s and SOSS2’s legal bills. Could it be that Lido’s tactics are really designed to run SKA and SOSS2 out of money, so they won’t be able to afford to keep fighting? It’s

www.siestasand.net

I read your article; (Siesta Beaches never needed sand renourishment) in your February paper. I’m a snowbird, we stay on the mainland, but came here originally because of Siesta Key. I believe the City of Sarasota should find alternative sand sources to rebuild their beach. I am always perplexed, why the Siesta Key Association and SOSS2 are not working as one? Reading that both groups have spent to date over $370,000 in legal fees, if they work as one, they will be stronger. D. Conly

Dr. Beach Yes, Lido beach needs sand. I sat in the SKA meeting when Dr. Beach (Dr. Leatherman) was the guest speaker. He said, if you take sand from Big Pass, do it on a small scale, taking sand from the outer edges, then check to see how the Pass reacts over a 5 year period. As he stated, the Army Corps of Engineers do their best, but let’s be honest, their track record on this is not great. The ACOE are here because the City of Sarasota wants the country to pay for their problem. Common sense tells us to use other sources, or do it on a small scale. I also read that the City sent a group up to Washington DC to secure Federal Dollars for the project. We need to send a group informing Congress what a mess this will be. Maybe we should send Dr. Beach. Thomas Seri

Letter to the Editor This is not, Sand Wars, as other newspapers have stated in recent stories. Why destroy Siesta Beaches, something so special created naturally to fix a manmade problem? They can fix the problem the same way Longboat Key does, bring in mined sand from the central part of the state and from other sources out in the gulf. This is more than just replenishing the

sand on Lido beach, it is saving money for the tax payers in the city of Sarasota and passing the costs on to everyone else in the country. B. Martinez

Letter to the Editor I read Roger Drouin’s cover piece on Big Pass, and Dee Ricapito’s story on The Landings in your most recent Siesta Sand’s issue. Dee mentioned the Indian Mounds in the Landings, and how they are similar to those at Spanish Point. It’s pretty easy to see how Midnight Pass had to have been flowing for 1000’s of years before being bulldozed closed in the 80’s. A visit to Spanish Point’s archeological dig makes it crystal clear that the early inhabitants had been paddling out into the gulf and bringing their catches back to mainland Spanish Point through that pass. Any boater knows that Spanish Point is directly inland from Midnight Pass. Closing the pass not only changed the tidal flow of blue waters into our inland bays and canals, but it also shut the door on perhaps 1000’s of years of indigenous natives fishing channels. Is it possible that the ecological argument against re-opening Midnight Pass (namely that the new eco-system must be protected) is more a convenient cover for the handful of homeowners on the north-end of Casey Key who are perhaps (albeit understandably) more concerned with protecting their privacy than this new eco-system? Just a thought! John Sollazzo

Siesta Beaches never needed sand renourishmnet Thanks to Bob Stein for his Commentary in the February issue of Siesta Sand. Looking back on previous changes to the Siesta Key ecosystem should cause us to reflect carefully on future changes, such as the proposed dredging of Big Pass. Coastal ecosystems are extremely complex, especially where they involve connections between waterways. Computer models, no matter how intricate, are in the end just educated guesses. One has only to look at a hurricane “spaghetti plot” depicting landfalls anywhere from Corpus Christi to Cape Hatteras to see an example of how models can generate a variety of results. Our Sarasota beaches are vital to the wellbeing of our community. We cannot take an “It will probably be OK” approach to changes that could have far-reaching and long term impacts. Alternatives that do no harm must always be the preferred path. Gene Kusekowski

Blooming this month: Verbena Gardeners looking for a flower with a long bloom time and an ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds should consider Verbena. This versatile plant comes in varieties that range from trailing types of 1’ or less, to Brazilian types, for cottage gardens, that grow 4’-6’ tall. These ornamentals are noted for their profuse bloom of small five-petaled flowers in rounded clusters of white, pink, red, yellow, and purple-blue. Some have tiny white “eyes” in the centers. Verbena is drought resistant, making it perfect for hanging baskets, containers, and rock gardens. It can also be used as a groundcover or as cut flowers! They demand a full sun location with 8-10

hours of direct sunlight every day and welldrained soil. Plants that are kept too moist and don’t get enough sun are susceptible to powdery mildew and other diseases. Plant Verbena in the sunniest location in your garden to prevent this problem. Verbenas are said to be deer and rabbit resistant as well as heat tolerant, but Verbenas are not frost tolerant, and will need to be covered if the temperatures drop. Verbenas are relatively carefree. In fact, the main cause of problems with Verbena is over-pampering, especially overfeeding and overwatering. There are just three things you need to do to keep your plants healthy and blooming all season: 1. Deadhead: Pick off the faded blooms. This removes the seed heads that signal the

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

plant to rest, and helps to keep sprawling plants in their place in your landscape. 2. Fertilize: Verbena needs to be fertilized only once! Use a complete fertilizer, and don’t fertilize Verbena plants when you first set them out. Wait until they are established and growing. 3. Water: When you first plant Verbena, you should water regularly until the plants are established. Thereafter, water only when dry. But they will bloom best if they don’t dry out completely! Verbenas provide some of the best garden color, as well as attractive dark green foliage with “toothed” edges. They may be planted with complementary flowers that need the same growing conditions, like million bells, pentas, and marigolds.

In the Victorian language of flowers, Verbena held the dual meaning of enchantment and sensibility: apt descriptors for a garden essential that blooms from spring to fall with very little fuss. Ann Madden, Master Gardener, Sarasota Garden Club.

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

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

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Water World

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

Winter resident Bill Kish with a big Siesta Key false albacore

March is a great month to fish on Siesta Key. It is the first month of spring, both on the calendar and outside. The list of available species is long; snook, redfish, trout, pompano, cobia, king and Spanish mackerel, sheepshead, flounder, snapper, grouper, jack crevelle, and sharks just to name a few. Big Pass will be very productive this month, particularly when the water is clean. Ladyfish are usually thick, with bluefish, mackerel, and pompano mixed in. The sheepshead run will peak this month. Just about any structure near either pass will hold these tasty critters. A live shrimp fished on the bottom should result in a fish dinner pretty easily. Speckled trout will be schooled up over deep grass flats throughout the entire area. Incoming tides are best, but as long as the water is moving the fish will bite. A live shrimp under a noisy cork is a proven trout slayer. Bass Assassin Sea Shad baits on a ¼ ounce jig head will fool many fish, too. Pompano, mackerel, ladyfish, bluefish, jacks, and a stray cobia will also be encountered when fishing over the grass flats. These are large areas, the key to success is to keep moving until fish are located, do not spend too much time in one spot if it is not producing. Snook will move out of their winter retreats on their way out to the Gulf to spawn. The Myakka River will still produce some good

fish as they migrate down river. Any structure with a depth change is a likely place to catch a snook. Docks, bridges, and oyster bars are all very productive, especially those with some current. Plugs and scented soft plastic baits are the top choices, along with a large hand-picked shrimp. Surf fishing should be good for a variety of species providing the water is clear and not roiled up. Whiting, silver trout, flounder, pompano, Spanish mackerel, and ladyfish with hit both live shrimp and artificial lures. A jig tipped with a small piece of shrimp works well bounced along the bottom. Mackerel and ladyfish will hit flash lures such as silver spoons and plugs. I live shrimp fished on the bottom with just enough weight to get down is a simple but effective technique and will catch anything that swims. Anglers targeting pompano will do well with live or frozen sand fleas. The beach should come alive this month, provided the winds cooperate. Spanish and king mackerel will invade the area, along with cobia, sharks, and false albacore. The inshore reefs off of Lido Key are a great place to start, they hold a lot of fish. Trolling spoons and plugs is a deadly technique and will fill the cooler in short order. For more sport, look for breaking fish on the surface and cast plugs, spoons, or flies out into the frenzy, a vicious strike should occur immediately!

MARCH 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Notes from the Island Fishmonger ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE I believe we have all heard the expression “land to plate” or “sea to plate”. That simply means that the food on our plate came from the land or the sea. Well thank you Mr. Obvious as the best I can tell is that all of our food comes from the land or the sea but thank you for the fancy & fun way of saying it! Recently the expression has evolved into “farm to plate” as the knowledge of where and how the animal, fruits or vegetables were raised has become of the utmost importance to foodies around the globe. Yes its essential to know that your food is fresh and was grown without harmful chemicals which is the major reason for the rise of organic and farm raised foods. What fascinates me is the actual process of sea to plate. A lot of things have to happen just to put one fillet of fish on your plate and into your belly. In order to fully understand the situation, I did my homework and spent the day on the boat with local charter captains, brothers Tom and Jason Boyle of Siesta Key Charters. The day started early. There’s something about being on the waters of Siesta Key to really clear your head, and it made me wonder why I don’t do this more often. The first stop was at the Siesta Key Marina where we were met by my friend, owner and operator of the Marina, Maurice Dentici. We got fuel, bait and tackle. Cha-ching goes the register. It takes these gentlemen approximately $500 a day to operate (not including the $100K it costs just for start up of an operation like this). Fortunately, the brothers make their money back by booking deep sea charters but today we are fishing. We then proceed through the Siesta Key Intracoastal Waterway into the Sarasota Bay and under the Ringling Bridge and out to the Big Water. We travel approximately 40 miles out to sea, stopping occasionally to catch live bait. For me that’s the most fun I have on a fishing trip… live bait are often caught several at a time on a sibiki line. As land disappears and the Florida heat begins to set in, we finally arrive at our destination out at sea. It was so calm at sea with the quiet, soothing rocking of the boat. I began to feel sleepy then all of a sudden… The days big catch FISH ON! Over the next 5 hours we caught one fish after another, relocating on occasion when our well went dry. Now for me, with the exception of stress on my back while landing a big fish, this was another day in paradise. For these guys it may appear to be paradise (and they do love what they do) but

it is a job. I imagine 10 hour days on the water and boat maintenance could get a little tedious and repetitive. Well, we had a blast on this particular day and headed home after we caught our limit. Since we are only recreational fisherman, we could not sell the fish to Big Water Fish Market Sebastian Marin so we decided to eat (BWFM manager) processing a it! When we arrived days commercial catch back at the marina, we filleted our catch and made plans to bring our catch to the Big Water Fish Market. They will prepare your fresh caught fish for you (for a fee) if you’re a customer of the Boyle brothers.

Sea to plate Grouper Sandwich style

Most people don’t really think about what it takes to get fish to your plate. When they do realize it, they see that it is quite a process. To summarize, a day in the life of fishermen…gas + gear + bait = money. 10 hours on the water = time=money. They have to catch the fish, process the fish, clean the fish, prepare the fish and finally plate the fish so you can eat the fish. For commercial fishermen there are a few extra steps…they have to sell their fresh catch to a wholesaler who inspects, processes and delivers the fresh catch to restaurants and fish markets such as Big Water Fish Market. And don’t forget about the fish that gave up its life just to provide you with a healthy protein meal. For those of you who wonder why the price of fresh local seafood is on the expensive side, now you know.

Live well...Eat Fish. Scott Dolan Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key 941-554-8101 www.BigWaterFishMarket.com

MARCH 2018 TIDE CHART Florida, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Sarasota Bay

March 2018

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33' Date

Day

12:57p

High Tide 1.3

High Tide

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

7:03a

12:00a

1.9

1:15p

12:48a

1.8

1:34p

1:36a

1.6

2:24a

1.5

3:17a

9 10

Low Tide -0.5

6:29p

Low Tide 0.6

6:55a

6:31p

6:23p

6:42a

1.4

7:37a

-0.4

7:17p

0.4

6:54a

6:32p

7:26p

7:26a

1.5

8:06a

-0.1

8:05p

0.2

6:53a

6:32p

8:27p

8:06a

1:55p

1.6

8:33a

0.1

8:53p

0.1

6:52a

6:33p

9:26p

8:45a

2:20p

1.6

8:59a

0.3

9:45p

0.1

6:51a

6:33p

10:23p

9:23a

1.3

2:49p

1.7

9:23a

0.5

10:42p

0.0

6:50a

6:34p

11:19p

10:01a

4:22a

1.1

3:23p

1.7

9:47a

0.6

11:48p

0.0

6:49a

6:35p

5:59a

0.9

4:03p

1.7

10:09a

0.8

6:48a

6:35p

12:13a

11:21a

4:54p

1.6

1:04a

0.0

6:47a

6:36p

1:06a

12:04p

6:04p

1.6

2:22a

-0.1

6:45a

6:36p

1:57a

12:49p

12:10p

1.2

8:29p

1.6

4:30a

-0.2

3:06p

1.1

7:44a

7:37p

3:46a

2:37p

12:27p

1.3

9:45p

1.6

5:24a

-0.2

4:38p

1.1

7:43a

7:37p

4:32a

3:27p

12:44p

1.3

10:44p

1.7

6:08a

-0.3

5:36p

0.9

7:42a

7:38p

5:16a

4:19p

12:58p

1.3

11:33p

1.7

6:45a

-0.3

6:19p

0.8

7:41a

7:39p

5:58a

5:13p

1:10p

1.4

7:16a

-0.2

6:56p

0.6

7:40a

7:39p

6:38a

6:07p

12:15a

1.7

1:21p

1.4

7:44a

-0.1

7:31p

0.5

7:39a

7:40p

7:15a

7:03p

12:55a

1.7

1:34p

1.5

8:10a

0.0

8:07p

0.3

7:38a

7:40p

7:52a

7:59p

1:35a

1.7

1:52p

1.6

8:35a

0.1

8:46p

0.1

7:37a

7:41p

8:29a

8:56p

2:17a

1.6

2:14p

1.7

9:00a

0.3

9:30p

0.0

7:36a

7:41p

9:06a

9:55p

3:04a

1.6

2:42p

1.8

9:25a

0.5

10:20p

-0.1

7:34a

7:42p

9:46a

10:55p

3:59a

1.4

3:15p

1.9

9:50a

0.6

11:18p

-0.2

7:33a

7:42p

10:28a

11:56p

5:09a

1.2

3:53p

2.0

10:14a

0.8

7:32a

7:43p

11:13a

6:59a

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Let’s go sailing, KATHLEEN D Sailing Catamarans, serving Siesta Key from 3 locations: Downtown Sarasota, Longboat Key, and Anna Maria Island. If you would like to experience being on the water viewing Dolphin Watches, Sunset Sails, Snorkeling and Shelling call us at 941-870-4349 or go to our web site for detailed information www.kathleend.net USCG Certified for 20 passengers.

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Siesta Sand

MARCH 2018

Arts on the Horizon

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

By Rodger Skidmore

A Great Day for Sarasota The singer, Billie Holiday, had, one supposes, a number of great days. Great, in that she was famous. Great, in that she wrote the music and lyrics to a number of songs that are still sung around the world years after her death. Great, in that even after being jailed on drug charges, she could sell out Carnegie Hall - three times. She even won four Grammys - but only after her death. So the word Great is really quite subjective - being sent to a reform school at age nine really isn’t so great. But then you could say that she, herself, was great even if so many aspects of her life were not. Living one of those horrible young lives that no one is expected to survive - and surviving. Just surviving was something that so many others, in the same circumstances, were not able to do.

But beyond surviving, Billie Holiday, with no musical training, made her first recording at the age of 18 with Benny Goodman and was compared favorably to Louis Armstrong as a jazz musician. And, while singing without adequate compensation was not so great for Ms. Holiday, it was really great for the record companies - some of which she saved from bankruptcy. And it is undeniably great for Sarasota that the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is presenting the Broadway’s smash hit Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill from February 28th thru April 8th. Also great was the ability of WBTT’s founder, Nate Jacobs, to get the Tony Award winning singer/actress Melba Moore to take the lead in this production as Billie Holiday. Hearing her interpretation of these jazz standards will be a treat indeed. Ms. Holiday co-wrote the music and lyrics for three of the songs Melba Moore sings: Somebody’s on My Mind, Don’t Explain, and God Bless the Child. Moore will also sing the haunting song Strange Fruit as well as When a Woman Loves a Man, What a Little Moonlight Can Do, Crazy He Calls Me and others. Rounding out WBTT’s spring season - April 18 - May 26 will be a new Nate Jacobs musical review, Soul Man, covering the music of James Brown, Otis Redding and Sam Cooke. More info on these shows at Westcoastblacktheatre.org.

Photo credit for Cirque des Voix by Cliff Roles

Three’s a crowd? No, the more the merrier There are many circuses headquartered in Sarasota. One of the biggest, best and most merry is Circus Sarasota, under the leadership of Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs. They bring together some of the best circus acts that travel the world. Acrobats, jugglers, speciality acts and trapeze artists perform their feats of artistry and daring under their own tent until March 4th and then again in encore performances March 23, 24 and 25. Another must do for residents of Sarasota and snowbirds alike is to attend performances of the Sarasota Orchestra and their individual members. Each year, as Sarasota’s instrumental artists have matured into a cohesive body, one can see their skills expand. These musicians will be performing in March in various combinations of players and on a number of different stages throughout Sarasota, including March 23, 24 and 25. More and more venues host tribute bands, singers and orchestras. They focus on one artist or group and perform a wonderful selection of songs and compositions. The Cleveland Orchestra recently did an all Beethoven concert at the Van Wezel - they certainly are a great tribute band Beethoven would have been proud. In a more contemporary vein there will be a performance in Sarasota of the music of Danny Elfman, composer of music for scores of films and TV shows - Batman, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, Mission: Impossible, Mars Attacks!, and the theme for The Simpsons. His music will be performed March 23, 24 and 25. A mainstay of beautiful music within and around Sarasota has, for years, been the Key Chorale. With over 120 members blending their voices, they create a unique sound that can almost defy description. Coupled with members of the Sarasota Orchestra playing the music of Danny Elfman in this year’s performance of Cirque des Voix, the Key Chorale in conjunction with Circus Sarasota will, on (you guessed it) March 23, 24 and 25, create a three day musical extravaganza, at the Circus Sarasota Big Top located in Benderson Park (the box office is in the center of the mall). Ticket info is at CircusArts.org and more information about the Key Chorale is at KeyChorale.org. By the way, did you know that the French impressionist composer Claude Debussy has been dead for 100 years? In honor of his death the Key Chorale will be performing compositions by Ravel, Fauré and Duruflé at Holley Hall the afternoon of March 10th. Oh, also “Trois Chansons” by Debussy.

The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome these 4 new members in 2018 A Condo at Crescent Arms - Villa #17 www.baynairentals.com 3608 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key

Squeegee Masters, Inc. www.windowcleaningsarasota.com 3331 Plantation Drive, Sarasota Ascendia Property Management www.ascendiapm.com BETH DILLEY 5127 Ocean Blvd. Siesta Key Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill www.boatyardwaterfrontgrill.com SIOBHAN FOX 1500 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota

Jan. 11th Ribbon Cutting with Kandy Magnotti of the Sanctuary Siesta Key

Jan. 27th Ribbon Cutting with Dr. Jillian Dano of Sarasota Apothecary

Beginnings and Endings Kurt Weill’s September Song contains the words ”It’s a long, long while from May to December” but here we are only referring to the time span from the beginning of March to the end of April - not very long at all. Which is exactly why, when one is purchasing tickets, time is of the essence. On March 2nd and 3rd the Sarasota Ballet is preforming Dreams of Nature, containing two Sarasota premieres, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The first is Sir Frederick Ashton’s The Dream, choreographed to some of Felix Mendelssohn’s most dreamy music. This Ashton ballet was written for England’s Royal Ballet to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth (or perhaps the 198th year of his death - who really knows?). This ballet is based on scenes from Shakespeare’s, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The second ballet of the evening is David Bintley’s ‘Still Life’ at the Penguin Café. At that time Bintley was resident choreographer at London’s Covent Garden and the piece incorporates the music of Simon Jeffes, founder of the Penguin Café Orchestra. ‘Still Life’ is a series of vignettes portraying how various near extinct animals (thus “really still life”) might dance if they were accomplished ballet stars. How would a Texan Kangaroo Rat, Southern Cape Zebra, Humboltd’s Hog Nosed Skunk Flea or a Brazilian Woolly Monkey dance while on stage at the Van Wezel? Only those in attendance will know. Come the end of April (the 27th and 28th to be specific) the Sarasota Ballet will be performing a three-some called Great Masters of Dance at the Sarasota Opera House. Continuing with the comparison to old songs, Johnny Mercer’s Autumn Leaves (The autumn leaves of red and gold) transitions nicely to Anthony Tudor’s The Leaves are Fading with music by Antonin Dvorák. Mercer’s music is lovely but Dvorák’s is not bad either. This will be followed by George Balanchine’s Bugaku with music by Toshiro Mayuzumi. Bugaku is the dance portion of Gagaku, the elegant 10th century stylized dance and music that arrived in Japan from China and Korea in the 6th and 7th centuries. This classical Japanese music has been performed at the Imperial Court in Kyoto since that time. Rounding out the evening will be Ashton’s Marguerite and Armand with music by Franz Liszt. More info at sarasotaballet.org.

Rachel Dixon, Promotion & Event Coordinator The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the hire of Rachel Dixon as the new Promotion & Event Coordinator (beginning March 5, 2018). Rachel has been working in the hospitality industry since 2009. She transitioned into event planning at the University of South Florida SarasotaManatee’s Culinary Innovation Lab, and gained professional wedding management experience at NK Productions. Rachel graduated with honors from the University of South Florida, with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. Born and raised in Florida, she enjoys working out, spending time with her nephew, and watching the History channel. Rachel lives in Port Charlotte with her dog, Bailey, and cat, Marley. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Rachel!

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2018

“Living life in the ‘Light’” This quote can motivate us to purge old thought patterns that don’t match what we want to manifest. But the key is to replace the old list of thoughts, with new realistic thoughts that we feel good about and believe. For example: Old thought- “I have no time to help myself because I’m too busy helping others.” New thought- “I am just as important and special as anyone else. Therefore, I realize that in order to help others genuinely and give my all, I have to help myself first, because I matter too.” “Self-worth comes from one thing - thinking that you are worthy.” ~Wayne W. Dyer Zig Ziglar’s famous book, “See You at the Top” which I read in my early 20’s, “was rejected 39 times before it was published in 1975”. Hence, it’s probably safe to assume Zig believed he as well as his book to be worthy enough to drive his actions towards success. There are countless stories of how people were told they wouldn’t amount to anything, and believed it, until they later learned the truth about their intelligence. But the key was they turned off the old false belief, and adopted the truth as their new belief. Can we turn off old thoughts and our beliefs about them like a light switch? From my own personal experience, I say yes. That’s only if we consistently practice thinking the new beliefs, and then make the choice to take action to match it. “Since the thoughts you believe will always win, guard your mind like a castle, and only allow positive thoughts in.” ~Donnarose Melvin. Use caution when you hear opinions about you, or even read or watch certain things on T.V. or social media. Only allow thoughts that will serve your Highest good and are aligned with love to take residence in your mind. Be the guard of your castle- that being your mind. And remember that only you are in charge of what’s allowed to come in. “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”~Aristotle This quote helps to remind us, that even though floods of thoughts come and go daily from whatever we’re exposed to, they’re not always true, and we don’t have to believe them. Remember, it’s the thoughts we believe that have power, and are what drives our actions. So consider your thoughts to be like watching a film, allowing the frames that don’t serve you to keep going, and the ones that do and are aligned with love, to be planted in your memory. The act of replacing old thoughts and beliefs with new ones that serve your Highest good may be difficult at first. But as I always say, practice makes habit. Add patience and perseverance in the mix, and this thought process will truly become second nature. And you’ll find yourself feeling more at ease and at peace, and frequently at that happy place in your heart. ~♥ Donnarose Melvin is an Ancestral Energy Clearing/ Healing Intuitive whose pleasure it is to serve clients worldwide. Her knowledge from her advanced practitioner trainings in Ancestral Energy Clearing, and her BA degree in Psychology, along with her natural born intuitive gifts, have helped many achieve increased peace and happiness. Please send any inquiries or comments to: Donnarose1010@gmail. com ~If you’d like an ancestral energy clearing/healing, please contact Donnarose at the email address above.

Answers on page 45 WORD SEARCHSearch MarinerWord MarinerWord Search WORD LIST WORD LIST ATLANTA BRAVES ATLANTA BRAVES BALTIMORE ORIOLES

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Wake & Shake

In the late 1980’s one of my favorite jobs was teaching behavior modification classes. Soon after, I became a regional training manager and trained our trainers to teach the same classes. When I taught the behavior mod classes, my clients held all kinds of positions, such as psychiatric social workers, doctors, lawyers, psychologists, teachers, accountants, salespeople, you name it. They sat in my weekly class to learn how to change their behavior towards eating and food to facilitate the weight loss program they were on. They excelled in their field and simply wanted to excel with improving their health as well. All of them had different thoughts they believed about food- ones that caused them to go up and down with their weight. The only clients that succeeded with losing weight and keeping it off, were the ones that replaced their old thoughts about food and eating with new thoughts. But the key was that they remained consistent with believing the new thoughts. You see, you can have lots of thoughts in your memory bank. But it’s the ones you believe that are what drives those thoughts into action. And the stronger our feelings are about choosing to believe certain thoughts, the harder it is to break the habits that form as a result of those beliefs. But the good news is, if those thoughts and beliefs bring us towards peace and happiness as well as improved health, then that’s a habit we want to keep. So where are you with your thoughts on a daily basis? Which ones do you have a tight hold on as far as believing strongly in them without budging? Are they working for you or against you? Are they moving you forward or backwards? Are you at peace as a result? We think constantly, but it would benefit us more if we realized how what we’re thinking can really affect us. The thoughts we believe in are so powerful that they’re what drives our actions each day. Thoughts are so important that there’s even many famous quotes out there about them. Many years ago I purchased a book from 1946 called the “Power of Thought” by J. H. Bustanoby that still sits in my basket right next to my couch. So this topic has been long thought out (little thoughts humor). Here are some quotes I like from a very long list about thoughts, as well as some of my comments. Perhaps one may resonate with you and inspire you to change what thoughts you want to believe in from this point forward: “If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought”. ~Peace Pilgrim What we think, but most importantly what we believe about what we think, is basically what we manifest. But that’s a good thing if our thoughts are aligned with love. “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” ~William Shakespeare This quote helps to remind us that we don’t have to put a judgment on an experience. For example, some may believe themselves to be weak and unworthy when they fall backwards on their diet. If they consider falling backwards as just having an experience, it will make it an easier process to take appropriate measures to move forward again. “You create your thoughts. Your thoughts create your intentions, and your intentions create your reality.” ~Wayne W. Dyer.

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

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Siesta Sand

MARCH 2018

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

What’s Happening WEEKLY BEACH CLASSES: • FREE T’AI CHI CHIH - Siesta Beach, Access #5 Every Monday, 15 minutes before sunset. Open to all, no experience necessary. Contact Diana Daffner 941-3461024 for information. (Access #5 is in Siesta Village, where Beach Rd meets Ocean Blvd.) • FREE YOGA - Mon.-Wed.-Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m. Classes held between blue and green lifeguard station. Call 941-320-6693 to register or go to website for more info. www.yogaonsiestabeach.com/about • NIA - Tues. & Thurs., 9 a.m., Siesta Public Beach (yellow lifeguard chair). Contact Kathy Oravec at 941-724-9719 for more info or check website: www.nianow.com/kathy-oravec • SIESTA KEY BEACH HOOP JAMS – Every Tuesday one hour before Sunset on Siesta Key beach we gather for a community Hoop Jam. (Between the red lifeguard stand and the pavilion; around where the Sunday drum circle happens.) Register at: www.outwardspiral.net • YOGA AT TURTLE BEACH - Residents and visitors to the south end of Siesta Key can enjoy All-Levels Yoga on Turtle Beach, every Tuesday, from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m., starting December 5, 2017. For more information about registration, please e-mail Julie at: julie@chesapeakeyoga.com WEEKLY DRUM CIRCLE: • Every Sunday about an hour before sunset. South of the main pavilion. You can participate or watch this weekly gathering and dance, hoop, play the drum or other musical instrument, and enjoy the spectacular Siesta sunset. On The Beach… • MARCH 7,14,21, & 28 (WEDS) 8-9:30AM / SUNRISE BEACH WALKS: Participants pay a one-time $5 registration fee and receive an event t-shirt with orginal design and sponsor logos and a punch card. Each week, participants check

Island Chatter Beach rescue vehicle donated to Fire Department The Siesta Key Fire Rescue Advisory Council (SKFRAC) has donated a Polaris Beach Rescue vehicle and a Stryker Power Loading system to the Sarasota County Fire Department in recognition of a “job well done” by the crew of Fire Station No. 13 on Siesta Key, Sarasota County announced. A late resident of Siesta Key had left part of her estate to the nonprofit organization so it could buy items to donate to Station No. 13, which stands next to Siesta Public Beach, a county news release explained. “The units there frequently ran medical calls to assist on the resident in her late age and she wanted to thank them after her passing,” the release added. Representatives of SKFRAC handed over the keys for the new Polaris ATV to Fire Chief Michael Regnier on the morning of Feb. 8 at Fire Station No. 13. Regnier explained that the vehicle will enable rescue personnel to reach a person faster in an emergency situation on the beach. The Stryker system, he added, enables EMTs to load someone into a rescue unit without the potential of injuring their backs. Regnier thanked the SKFRAC representatives for their generosity. “Obviously, this is something great for Siesta Key and for the Fire Department overall and for the community,” he said.

Cigarette littering signs update The person behind the signs in Siesta Village warning people not to drop cigarette butts on the ground is Michael Holderness, a property owner and chief executive officer of

in with Parks and recreation staff between 8-9:30AM and after walking four weeks they are entered into a drawing for prizes. Contact 941-861-5000 for details. Potluck at the beach. Meet at the pavilion, then head to the beach. Members only event. • MARCH 7,14,21, & 28 (WED) 9:30 -10:30AM/ BEACH UNIVERISTY: This FREE environmental education series will take place at the main Siesta Key pavilion. The series will cover a new topic each month. Call 941-861-5000 for topic of the week. Around the island… • WEEKLY FARMER’S MARKET IN THE VILLAGE: Every Sunday from 8am – 2pm in Davidson’s Plaza in the Village. 5124 Ocean Blvd. Produce, Plants & Flowers, Music, Art, Organic Skincare, Italian Olive Oil, and Freshly Prepared Foods. Listen to live music while you shop. • MAR. 24, APR 14 (SAT) – 8:30AM-2PM/CB’S SALTWATER OUTFITTERS ORVIS-ENDORSED FLY FISHING SCHOOL: the schools will cover fly casting basics, line control, shooting line and the roll cast. Instructors, Capt. Rick Grassett and Capt. Ed Hurst, will also cover leader construction, fly selection and saltwater fly fishing techniques. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basics but also work with intermediate casters on correcting faults and improving casting skills. Cost for the schools is $175 per person and includes the use of Orvis fly tackle and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations. CB’s Saltwater Outfitters is located on Siesta Key, just over the Stickney Point Bridge. 1249 Stickney Point Rd. And Beyond… • PHILLIPI ESTATE PARK: LOCATED AT: 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231. Phillippi has a full slate of fun activities for the marvelous month of March: Every Wednesday the Phillippi Farmhouse Market is full of abundant local produce. There are food trucks,

bakeries, local artisans, live music and the Welcome Tent with brochures and flyers of what to do in Sarasota. The market is open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., there is ample free parking and, yes, your well-behaved dogs are welcome. Every Thursday the Phillippi Farmhouse Market welcomes a different musical group for the free Brown Bag Concert at noon at the Gazebo. Bring your brown bag lunch, a lawn chair and be prepared for a delightful hour of music. On Wednesday, March 7, the Light Chasers (Plein Aire painters) will be hard at work at their easels for the QUICK DRAW (as in, paint rapidly) challenge. You will know them by their red balloons tied to their easels from 9 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The whistle blows and they bring their paintings up to the Phillippi Farmhouse Market to be judged and then sell “off easel.” Some very happy people have purchased beautiful paintings. You may also do the same. Friday, March 16, Saturday March 17 and Sunday March 18 the Light Chasers will hold their annual Art Show and Sale at the Edson Keith Mansion. The artists generously donate 30% of their sales to the renovation of the historic Keith Farmhouse. The Light Chasers Paint the Sun Coast is their 7th annual member show with featured artists, Paint Out across Sarasota County and Open Gallery. It will be quite a fun weekend to meet the artists, and there will be music, wine and food. For more information, please visit: www.LightChasersInc.com or call 941-316-1309. On Sunday March 25, the Bradenton-Sarasota Rose Society will hold its monthly meeting at the Edson Keith Mansion from 2 - 4:30 p.m. The meeting is free, open to all and features a program about growing roses on the Suncoast. For more information, please visit: www.b-srs.org. The Bradenton-Sarasota Rose Society maintains the Nettie Keener Keith Rose Garden at the Edson Keith Mansion. Visitors enjoy this lush English Rose Garden and find it a lovely place to visit and for family photos. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, please be sure to always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

Continued from page 20

SaraBay Real Estate. “I did this,” he wrote in the subject line of a recent email. The reason? “Village floods at high tide,” he pointed out, and the butts float. “Two days later they are in our wrack line on the beach. Guests just need a reminder, as they left their worries at home.” The “wrack line” is the line of material left by high tide; it generally has plenty of seaweed and microscopic critters, along with an assortment of debris such as shells and feathers. The signs mention a $250 fine, but Sarasota staff has made it clear that, under the provisions of a state law, the county cannot fine people for littering cigarette butts. County staff originally planned to remove the signs. However, subsequent to Holderness’ public assertion that he had installed them, county Media Relations Officer Drew Winchester provided a detailed response in a Feb. 7 email after an inquiry, what would happen to the signs? Winchester referenced the county Code of Ordinances: “7.4.10.a.13. Exempt Signs. The following signs are exempted from the permit requirements of this section: “i. Wall mounted, window or ground menu signs that do not exceed a maximum area of three square feet. Ground menu signs shall not be located within the rightof-way. Sandwich or A-frame style signs shall not be permitted. “ii. Murals on a building or structure, provided that the mural does not advertise or promote any product or business. The intent of this section is to exempt murals that provide a depiction or rendering of the scenery, habitat, setting, resort environment, recreational or leisure activities or qualities of life.” Then, Winchester cited “7.4.2. Prohibited Signs. “c. Obscenities. Signs which are

obscene are prohibited.” He added, “The code does not address verbiage other than the above.”

Latest on the cigarette litter grant program In conjunction with its inquiry about Holderness’ signs, we took the opportunity to inquire about the latest statistics regarding the program county staff initiated last year to try to curb butt litter. In a Feb. 5 email, county Media Relations Officer Drew Winchester wrote, “As part of the Cigarette Litter Prevention Program (CLPP) grant, we installed (36) ash receptacles at Siesta Beach, Siesta Beach Accesses, Turtle Beach, and Nora Patterson & Christopher Wheeler Parks. The ash receptacles are emptied weekly and are generally anywhere from a quarter to half full. As we are heading into peak season (mid-Feb. to midApril) we expect to see even more use. Since being installed last May, we’ve seen a 35-40% reduction in cigarette/cigar butt litter.”

commercial buildings only 2 feet from the sidewalk. After more than three hours of discussion and debate, Detert then said, “I would like to congratulate the audience. It’s good government on display. You have been able to express your opinion. You got dressed up; you came to the meeting. You demonstrated civility and kindness, frankly. That says something about where we all live, too.” “The best thing you did,” she continued, was to stay until the end. Most people “say their piece” and then leave, Detert pointed out. They learn about the board’s decision from the news media. She also explained that because the state Sunshine Laws prevent the commissioners from discussing issues except during public meetings, the board discussions can appear to be “a little messy.” “Thank you for sticking to the end and watching the deliberations,” Detert told the audience members. “Good on you.” It was about 4:43 p.m. on Jan. 30, when the hearing ended.

Every seat is full

Speaking of the hearing

When County Commission Chair Nancy Detert opened the afternoon session of the Jan. 30 meeting, she looked out over a proverbial sea of Siesta residents in the Commission Chambers in downtown Sarasota. “It’s always great to see so much public participation in our meetings,” she said, pointing out that the board members do not often have that many people at their sessions. “Every seat is full,” Detert continued. “This is super. Thank you.” The attraction was the public hearing on the proposed amendment to the Siesta Key Overlay District (SKOD) zoning regulations that could lead to tall

A good number of the Siesta residents who took the time to go to downtown Sarasota for that SKOD hearing traveled there by bus. On Jan. 26, the Siesta Key Condominium Council sent out an email blast, advising its members of details about the upcoming consideration of the proposed zoning text amendment. “We are asking people to attend (a big presence at the meeting will make a difference) the meeting on Jan 30th to ask the Commissioners to reject this request,” the email said. “Since parking at the Commission building can be tight,” the email added, “there will be a bus available to take people to the meeting. The

bus will be available at 12:30 pm at St. Boniface Church in the back of the building at 5615 Midnight Pass Road.” Then the email advised interested persons whom to contact to reserve a seat on the bus, which had about 40 seats available at that time. Based on the photos two of the meeting attendees — Lourdes Ramirez and Margaret Jean Cannon, the bus appeared to be full. And based on the discussion of the hearing during the Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting two days later, the commissioners can expect another big turnout of Siesta residents when the county commissioners take up the issue again on April 11.

Correction The article that appeared in last month’s edition, “Mysterious Art project appears” stated artwork was solely placed on 162 Beach Road, a newly acquired vacant lot Sarasota County recently purchased on December 28, 2017. The artwork discussed in the article is placed on the neighboring private property 168 Beach Road. Prior to Siesta Sand being notified of the error, an inquiry was sent to Sarasota County. In response to the inquiry about the objects, Sarasota County Media Relations Officer Drew Winchester wrote in a Jan. 30 email that some of the items had been installed on the 162 Beach Road parcel before the county closed on that land in late December 2017. Additionally, Winchester wrote that PRNR staff was in the process of erecting temporary signage referencing the county ordinance “that obligates us to remove these items. This would provide notification of removal and give the individuals responsible for their creation an opportunity to remove them.” Continued on page 39

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Siesta Key REAL ESTATE & HOME SECTION ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 46 HOUSE HUNTING PAGE 43 SIESTA KEY MARKET STATS PAGE 42 SAND CASTLES PAGE 41

The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key

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

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

HIGHEST PRICED SINGLE FAMILY PROPERTY: 5332 SHADOW LAWN DR, SOLD FOR: $2,090,000 Brand New...Award winning Allegra Homes new construction. British West Indies inspired located on the coveted Grand Canal of Siesta Key in Siesta Isles. Enjoy a waterfront lifestyle of boating and the beach. A deep water

idle ride out the canal into Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Located on the curve of the Grand Canal, this home features broad views. Situated on 1/3 of an acre and 130 ft. of newer seawall. An Impressive exterior greets you as you approach this smashing, drop dead gorgeous home. The center and heart of this home is the beautiful gourmet kitchen including Wolf brand gas 42” stove, Sub Zero brand refrigerator, furniturestyle all wood cabinetry with a large island overlooking great room. Master Suite is on the ground floor with a glamorous bathroom including separate vanities overlooking the custom designed pool. The pool, spa, and summer kitchen are all enclosed with clear view screening overlooking the Grand Canal. Unique, barnstyle sliding door in the office and upstairs game room. Beautiful hardwood floors. Very close to the #1 rated beach, Siesta Key. All Hurricane windows and doors and 3 car garage. 1 year builder warranty and 10 year structural warranty. The sale of this property came to $511.63 a square foot. Courtesy of Michael Saunders. low density. Beautiful grounds with large pool. Carl Abbot designed clubhouse with gym, billiards, bar and entertaining areas. Parking for 2 cars. Pets allowed. Private beach access available. The sale on this unit came out to $889.56 a square foot. Courtesy of Amy Robinson Real Estate.

HIGHEST PRICED CONDO: 1660 SUMMERHOUSE LN, #804: SOLD FOR: $2,215,000 This 3 ensuite bedroom residence is perched high for splendid bay and gulf views....birdlife, boats passing by, sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico and the lights of downtown at night. Wrap-around terraces give one the feeling of being in a home, but a totally carefree home. Private elevator plus service elevator for convenience and privacy. New and beautifully complete with highest quality in finishes and fittings: heart pine tongue and groove floors, motorized window coverings, Venetian plaster ceilings, Viking stainless appliances, designer furnishings, guest bath, impact doors and windows, outdoor grill. A deep water owned dock with power lift is included. This glamorous gated community is one of Siesta’s most exclusive with very

LOWEST PRICED CONDO: 5855 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #424: SOLD FOR: $302,500 Nicely appointed condo with peekaboo Gulf views, offers updated kitchen and bath, fresh paint, crown molding, newer windows and A/C, custom window treatments, new plush carpet, and wood grain plank tile, designer fixtures and more. Furniture package available. Western facing screened lanai for gorgeous

LOWEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY PROPERTY: 4863 PRIMROSE PATH, SOLD FOR: $655,000 Tucked away on a quiet, established neighborhood street on Siesta Key this canal front home is reminiscent of a mid-century style of architecture. Peace and quiet best describes this idyllic location just minutes to the Village or SK Beach. The residence was well maintained by the current owners – artists who appreciated the natural light, open spaces and serene setting while being so close to all SK offers. A split floor plan features a spacious living room with wood burning fireplace, vaulted Cypress wood ceilings and an expansive wall of pocket sliders that open onto a screened lanai and pool, a perfect spot to relax or dine after a day at the beach; There are 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a large office / media room and separate laundry. The Master suite has east facing windows for morning light, a full bath and walk-in closet. Guest bedrooms on the opposite side share a “retro” full bath with tub. A galley kitchen updated 5 years ago makes maximum use of the space; just off the kitchen is a cozy Dining room where large windows take in long views the front garden. Located on boating water with 114 ft. sea wall, it is minutes to the Grand Canal under two humpback bridges. This residence offers lots of good possibilities - a perfect place to make your own with personal updates or as a seasonal rental on one of the most sought after locations on the West Coast. The sale of this property came out to $297.46 a square foot. Courtesy of Michael Saunders. sunsets. Harbor Towers Yacht and Racquet Club is located across from Siesta Beach, the #1 Beach in the Nation. Situated on The Intracoastal Waterway, this waterfront complex features resort style amenities such as harbor with boat slip rental, pool, kiddie pool, sauna, Har Tru tennis courts, fitness room, social room, 2 BBQ areas, kayak storage and more. Just one mile to the vibrant restaurants and shops of Siesta Village. Excellent rental potential with on-site management office. The sale came out to $402.80 a square foot. Courtesy of Michael Saunders.

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MARCH 2018

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How the Siesta Breeze trolley came about Continued from cover story

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The SKVA was dissolved last year and merged with the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, but the Chamber has taken the torch with continuing to market and promote the Siesta Key Breeze trolley to residents and tourists alike, Hyland said. In 2016, the effort to launch a trolley hit high gear when SKVA’s board of directors appointed Bob Stein, publisher of Siesta Sand and longtime SKVA board members, Wendall Jacobsen, general manager of Siesta Key’s Beach Bazaar and Russell Mathes, co-owner of the Daiquiri Deck as representatives to focus on meeting with county officials on plans for the trolley. At one point, Commissioner Maio commented to Stein that he had “hounded him for two years” on the topic. But the effort to implement the trolley goes back. Over the years, Siesta leaders Jacobsen, Mark Smith, Russell Matthes, Kay Kouvatsos, and Roz Hyman kept discussions and hope alive, Hyland said. “Even before I got involved, they were the champions,” added Stein. Later in the effort, two occurrences boosted the prospects for a Siesta trolley. The first was the support of then director Rocky Burke, whom Stein had approached about the trolley. Burke even rode the SCAT # 10 bus, concluding that the bus-wrapped with a beach theme did not result in an increase in ridership on the Key. Burke, who was involved in the effort to implement a trolley in Lexington, Kentucky, recognized the value of an open-air, free trolley circulator on the island. Burke was named as SCAT Director in 2014, and recently retired. “I asked Burke a simple question, ‘Can you use the grant money from the #10 route for trolleys on Siesta Key?,’” Stein recalled. Burke soon began looking into transferring the state Department of Transportation grant money from the #10 bus route to initiate the trolley service. Burke was on board. “When Rocky said ‘Let’s go for it, everything started falling into place,” recalls Kendra Keiderling, Marketing, Communication & Customer Service Supervisor at Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT). The second major hurdle was when SCAT learned it could use the FDOT funding for the trolley, said Keiderling. At that point, smaller obstacles included planning a route, schedule, and securing a contractor.

All aboard! The trolley has become a big success because of its short wait interval and circular route — and, most importantly, that it is “open-air, fun, and free.”

CGC 1505896 / CBC 1250402

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The sight of tropical-shirt wearing trolley drivers and bells ringing on the roads as passengers board and exit the trolleys has become a fixture on the Key, and something that tourists, families, and residents on the go look forward to. “I have a neighbor who said she never went to Turtles,” said Hyland, who lives about three miles from the southern tip of the Key. “But now she goes outside and takes the trolley there, and it has become one of her favorite places for lunch.” “And it has been helpful,” Hyland adds, “the tourists who don’t want to have a car when they are here, or are not wild about driving in traffic or trying to park in the Village.” And the trolley has proved essential service “to tourists who don’t want to have a car or not wild about driving in traffic,” Hyland says. In addition, folks who don’t want to battle the parking challenge in the Village can also hop on the Trolley. During season, with three trolleys in operation, a trolley stops at a given location every 20 minutes, Hyland says. The county has made funding the trolley in the future a priority, Keiderling said, and is currently seeking proposals for a three-year contract for operation of the trolley. The trolley has been so successful that SCAT, beginning on March 2, will be extending the weekend hours of the Trolley, until Midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

SAVE THE DATES SAVE THE DATES ────

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Island Chatter

SAVE THE DATES

Continued from page 36 ────

MARCH MARCH 20TH 20 TH

After the cairns were taken away from the MARCH 20TH 162 Beach Road property, Winchester noted, BE THE 250,000TH PRNR staffTHwould take down those notices BE THE 250,000TH BE THE 250,000 RIDER ON THE and then add “permanent dune protection/ RIDER ON THE RIDER ON THE restoration BREEZE AND WIN BREEZE AND WINBREEZE AND WINsigns at the site to prohibit this activity A PRIZE from happening in the future.” A PRIZE PRIZE A Siesta Sand apologizes for the error to the ──── family. Cooper YEAR ────

HAPPY 1 HAPPY 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARYAPRIL APRIL 20 ALLAPRIL 20 TRY ALL 20 TRY ANNIVERSARY Siesta Beach named TRANSIT FOR TRY ALL TRANSIT FOR SIESTA KEY TRANSIT FOR FREE ROUTE 11 SIESTA KEY FREE ROUTE 11 WILL TAKE YOU BREEZE WILL TAKE YOU OFF SIESTA KEY OFF SIESTA KEY BREEZE TROLLEY ────

#2 Beach in the U.S. by Trip Advisor

FREE ROUTE 11

WILL TAKE YOU

OFF SIESTA KEY

Siesta Beach dropped from named the #1 ──── to second place on Trip Advisor’s Beach travel website’s 2018 rankings of best US MARCH 2ND beaches. STARTING EXTENDED Siesta Beach ranked second in the U.S. on MARCH 2ND MARCHth 2ND WEEKEND HOURS the 2018 TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice list EXTENDED that came FRIDAY & out February 21. SiestaTILL Beach is currently No. 1 in the U.S. EXTENDED WEEKEND HOURS SATURDAY on the list produced by Stephen Leatherman, MIDNIGHT WEEKEND HOURS FRIDAY & “Dr. Beach”. FRIDAY & SATURDAY TILL ──── Trip Advisor’s travel planning and booking SATURDAY TILL MIDNIGHT website base its list of the top 25 beaches “on MIDNIGHT the quantity and quality of traveler reviews ──── and ratings for beaches on TripAdvisor,” gathered from December 2016 to December 2017.

TROLLEYBE THE 250,000

RIDER th ON THE BE THE 250,000 RIDER ONBREEZE THE AND WIN A PRIZE! BREEZE AND WIN A PRIZE!

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

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

322 Island Circle

Sarasota, FL

Beaches, Boating & Bistros!! Live the island lifestyle in this spacious 4 BR, 4 BA house located on desirable Palm Island currently grossing approx. $60k in rental income. Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master BR and master BA. This house boasts a new boat lift on the Grand Canal. Lounge in the heated pool and spa or enjoy your favorite libation at your own private Waterfront Tiki Bar. Privacy abounds with a lovely tropical view across the canal. Huge bonus area on lower level. This house is located on Palm Island which is an Island on an Island and is a short walk to World Famous Siesta Beach(Beach Access 10) and Siesta Village with all its excitement and wonderful dining. This is the Perfect Home or Investment property for the discerning buyer.

965,000

450,000

LE SA DING N PE

797 Beach Road, #305 Sarasota, FL Full Gulf view of #1 Beach in the USA. Completely remodeled, priced to sell! High end tile floors in main living area, quality custom kitchen cabinets, deisgner kitchen. Crescent Royale offers an onsite rental program, heated pool and much more!

539,000

418 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL

Boating, Beaches & Bistros!!! 3 BR/2 BA Key West Style Grand Canal home on Siesta Key built in 2005 to current Hurricane standards. Sip a glass of wine by your outdoor Tiki Bar in the pool/spa area. Step out your back door, onto your boat (boat lift) and enjoy a leisurely cruise up the Grand Canal...just minutes away from your favorite waterfront dining, watersports and world class fishing. Perhaps you’re in the mood for a stroll or bike ride into Siesta Village...while others scramble for beach parking, walk or bike down the street to your own beach access (#10). All this and you haven’t even stepped inside this beautiful Key West style home on a lushly landscaped tropical lot with a brick paver walkway to your dock. This Island Style home was lovingly built in 2005 with huge lower level bonus area, pool shower and a 4-car garage for all your toys. Open floor plan, gourmet kitchen, large rooms, elevator, wood-burning fireplace, vaulted ceilings; walk-in closets; beautiful master suite, plenty of storage and custom touches throughout. This is a must-see home on Palm Island.

1,279,000

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

ddm1@comcast.net

Service. Integrity. Results.

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MARCH 2018

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Handmade Antique Rugs Bought and Sold

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Notable crimes

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Continued from page 19

The primary reason, he said, was that a young Sarasota woman allegedly was targeting unlocked vehicles on the island during the summer. Sarah Ann Young, who was 20 at the time of her arrest in September 2017, ultimately was charged with six counts of Burglary of a Conveyance. She was charged in connection with incidents on Higel Avenue, Siesta Cove Drive and Island Circle. Detectives reported that they were able to identify her from video surveillance provided by the owner of a residence near the house where one burglary occurred, the Sheriff’s Office reported. In November 2017, Young pleaded nolo contendere to six counts of burglary of an unoccupied structure, which is a third-degree felony, court records show, and two counts of fraudulent use of personal identification information. In regard to the later cases: Detectives found evidence that she had used allegedly stolen credit cards to order a variety of goods on the internet. A corrected Order of Probation, filed with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court on Jan. 4, says Young was placed on probation for five years and ordered to remain at her residence between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. She also was ordered to pay court costs and fines totaling $2,237. (An attorney with the Public Defender’s Office represented Young.) Additionally, Judge Charles E. Roberts ordered that Young undergo a drug evaluation and, if deemed necessary, to “complete the treatment,” the document noted. On Dec. 15, 2017, an officer had found she was not complying with the curfew, because she was neither at home nor at work, a court document says. As a result, she was placed under arrest on Dec. 29, 2017, another document says. She admitted to that violation of probation on Jan. 31, court records show, and she was ordered to serve 90 days of community control before being allowed to return to the original terms of probation. She also was ordered to pay $100 in court costs. During the Jan. 23 Condo Council meeting, the crime statistics Sgt. Mruczek of the Sheriff’s Office distributed included a separate section for incidents reported at Siesta Public Beach. For example: Only one robbery was reported in 2017, compared to two in 2016, and the number of thefts dropped from 49 in 2016 to 28 in 2017. Vehicle

burglaries declined from 11 to eight. Mruczek’s statistics for the beach park were listed under the heading, “At 948 Beach Rd,” prompting one woman in the audience to ask where that location is. “The public beach parking lot,” he replied.

And speaking of the beach parking lot … The Sheriff’s Office arrested a Sarasota man at Siesta Public Beach on Feb. 6 after connecting him with a vehicle burglary on the island, the Sheriff’s Office reported. Deputies were called to 948 Beach Road about 6 p.m. after witnesses reported seeing a man with a black-and-white backpack pulling on car door handles in the parking lot at the beach, a news release said. After deputies arrived on the scene, the release continued, they quickly located Devon Knight, 27, of 2538 Rose St., who fit the description witnesses had provided them, the release added. Witnesses also said the man was wearing gloves, blue shorts and a black shirt, the report said. While they were speaking with Knight, the deputies received a report of a vehicle burglary at the same location, the release noted. The victim, a 49-year-old Connecticut resident who had been on the beach, reported several items had been taken from his car, including an iPhone charger, a Samsung tablet and a black iPhone 5S, the release added. Deputies valued those items at approximately $400, the report noted. Knight agreed to a search of his backpack, where deputies recovered all three items, the release said. Knight was arrested and taken to the Sarasota County Jail, the release added. He was charged with a single count of Burglary of an Unoccupied Conveyance and was ordered held on a $1,500 bond, the release noted. On the arrest record, Knight listed his occupation as “Unemployed,” Corrections Division records show. On Feb. 8, Corrections Division records say, Knight was released on bond of $1,000. His arraignment was set for March 9.

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Sand Castles Prime Location with a friendly atmosphere at Sunset Royale By Roger Drouin Sunset Royale’s location could not get any more prime: the 34-unit condo community is steps from Siesta Public Beach, and walking distance to the Village. “The best thing is that it is right across the street from the beach,” says Rental Manager Diana Cole. The community sits across from the new shaded picnic pavilions that were added as part of the County’s $21.5 million upgrade to Siesta Public Beach. “A lot of the seasonal owners will go across and enjoy the nice, shaded picnic tables,” Cole says. “I even go over there for lunch.” In addition, all but three of the 34 units have unobstructed views of the Gulf and sandy beach, Cole adds. To top things off, notes Keith Redding, real estate broker and co-owner of Key Solutions Real Estate, the condo community received an expansive $3-million renovation a few years ago, bringing the building up to current codes. Upgrades included a new roof and new impact-resistant windows and doors. “The big ticket items were done,” Redding tells Siesta Sand. According to information from MLS, the building was also 100 percent re-plumbed with modern Pex piping and a new drain system. The landscaping, included some new tropical palms, was also upgraded at the time, Redding said. “It is literally steps right to Siesta Key Beach,” says Redding, who has a rarely-available twobedroom, two-bath unit in the community listed on the market. “That makes it a prime location.” Unit owners at Sunset Royale are made up of some seasonal residents, a few year-round residents, and investor owners, Cole says. Sunset Royale is an excellent community in an ideal location on the Key for owners who wish to rent out their unit, says Bob Ruiz, a Realtor at Key Solutions. “For those looking for a Sunset Royale vacation unit there are many options: VRBO, HomeAway, Rent by Owner, etc., and importantly, there is a full-time rental manager on site to assist owners and renters alike,” Ruiz tells Siesta Sand. Units seldom come on the market, and the three recent sales have all garnered a sale price above $400 a square foot, notes Ruiz. Recent sales at Sunset Royale, however, have been below the median sale price over the past year on the Key for waterfront properties, Ruiz adds. “Sunset Royale, located across Midnight Pass Road from the beach but with unobstructed views, is at the lower end of the price spectrum — and is a good value for those seeking Gulf and beach views.” Sunset Royale is situated right next to a crosswalk that leads to the beach. “We get a lot of compliments

that it is a beautiful view,” Cole says. With its Royal Palms and tropical landscaping, it fits right in at its waterfront locale. In addition, the community has a friendly atmosphere. “A lot of the owners or renters will say Hi to me, ‘we’re going out for a walk,’” says Cole, the rental manager. “Everyone is super friendly, and I always have my door open and am talking to guests.” And while the community does not have a swimming pool, not many folks seem to mind that. “You have the biggest swimming pool right across the street,” Cole says. Current listing, and recent sales: • The two-bedroom unit listed for sale by Redding, at Key Solutions Real Estate, was completely upgraded. The two bedroom, two bath unit is currently listed for sale for $575,000. At 1,077 square feet, the listing of the renovated unit works out to $533 a square foot. That price comes with some top features — including a renovated kitchen with granite counters, wood cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. The third-floor unit has large tiles throughout, and a sitting room offering stunning gulf views. Unique to condo living, this residence is located on the third floor, and has no other residence attached on either the sides or above, providing quiet and privacy for guests. “This is a very unique unit,” Redding says. “It is attached to the rest of the building by hallways, but it is kind of on its own. You don’t have to worry about noise.” Two bedroom units in Sunset Royale are very rare on the market, Redding adds. • In April, 2016, a one bedroom, one bathroom unit with 787 square feet sold for $378,000, or $480 a square foot. The updated unit was marketed as “a beautiful turn-key living space with beautiful panoramic views of (and easy access to) the island’s biggest ‘swimming pool,’ the Gulf of Mexico.” It has a modern, updated kitchen. The unit has an extra converted balcony space. • Another one-bedroom unit sold for $385,000 back in March, 2016. With 787 square feet, the sale worked out to $489 a square foot. According to the MLS listing, the first-floor unit has French doors leading to a private, paver patio and equipped with amenities such as new oak cabinets with granite counter tops in the kitchen, the custom bathroom with Travertine marble “walk- in seated shower “and was recently furnished. • Another one-bedroom, one bath unit sold for $368,000 in May, 2016. According to the MLS listing, the 2014 revenue generated by the turnkey furnished unit was $35,000.

MARCH 2018

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Siesta Sand

MARCH 2018

Say I Do, Again

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By Trebor Britt

Over 350 couples from all over the globe participated in this year‘s annual Valentine’s Day, “Say I Do, Again” wedding vow renewal ceremony on spectacular Siesta Beach, the No. 1 beach in America. Couples enjoy a beautiful backdrop to express their continuing love and commitment to each other. They renew their vows during this non-denominational sunset ceremony and enjoy wedding-themed refreshments.

Couples receive a beautiful certificate and other gifts as they celebrate together. The event is organized by Sarasota Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources. 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge, Debra Johnes Riva led the ceremony as the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico. Johnes and her husband also renewed their vows at this year’s event. Several photo-op stations were added this year to eliminate long lines.

Hundreds of couples lineup at a “Say I Do, Again” photo station with the phenomenal Siesta Key Beach shoreline in the background. Left: “Say I Do, Again” participants, David and Patricia Agnew of Chicago, Illinois waiting to renew their wedding vows just a week before their 20th anniversary. David commented, “We’re doing a 2-fer.” Below: First time participants, John and Fran Vanshoor anxiously await the start of the wedding vow renewal ceremony. After moving from New York to Sarasota 20 years ago, John finally caved after Fran asked him for many years in a row if they could go to this event. They’ve been married 28 years. Bottom Left: Navy veteran, Carlisle and Claudette Beasley were recognized and received a gift for being the longest married couple participating in this year’s vow renewal ceremony.

Mark and Angel Borg of Hollywood Beach, FL were married New Year’s Eve on Siesta Beach 8 years ago and are participating for the third time in the vow renewal ceremony.

Sarasota residents, Peter and Kathy Blanchard posing in front of one of the new photo-op station at this year’s “Say I Do, Again” wedding vow renewal ceremony. They recently celebrated their 30th anniversary.

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House Hunting Siesta Key to Longboat Key SHORT WALK TO SIESTA BEACH: $450,000 195 Vista Hermosa Circle, #9-A, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4189942 Wonderfully remodeled 2 BR, 2 BA villa. Designer tile & carpet throughout. This villa is being sold turnkey furnished (with some exclusions). Dan Miller, Re/ Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 FULL GULF VIEW OF #1 BEACH: $539,000 797 Beach Rd, #305, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4188853 Completely remodeled unit with high end tile floors in main living area, quality custom kitchen cabinets with granite counters. All the lighting has been upgraded throughout this TURNKEY FURNISHED (some artwork excluded) unit. Dan Miller, Re/ Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 PALM ISLAND HOME ON THE GRAND CANAL: $965,000 322 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4199085 Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master BR and master BA. This house boasts a new boat lift on the Grand Canal. Privacy abounds with a lovely tropical view across the canal. Huge bonus area on lower level. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 5272 HERON WAY, LANDINGS COACH HOUSE $250,000: MLS #4185882 3BD/2BA Southern exposure with lake view. Judy Greene/ Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) 5259 HERON WAY, LANDINGS COACH HOUSE $279,000: MLS #4197208 2BD 2BA Ground floor updated condo with Lake View Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) 1610 STARLING DR, LANDINGS COACH HOUSE $269,000: MLS 4182814 2BD/2BA Ground floor condo with patio overlooking a fabulous lake view. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders &

Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) 1363 LANDINGS DR TREEHOUSE $490,000: MLS 4192826 3BD / 2.5BA Expanded floor plan with screened deck overlooking lake view. Judy Greene / Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) 5430 EAGLES PT CIR #203, EAGLES POINT CONDO $749,000: MLS #A4202341 3 BD with Den, 2943 sq ft Spacious condo private garage and 2nd car spot. Judy Greene/ Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) DOLPHIN BAY The ultimate 2/2 in over 1900 square feet of living space. Exceptional property with split floor plan, each bedroom with private bath. Large kitchen with sit-in area and expansive living/ dining space. Spacious lanai with great views of the ICW. Garage. Pool, clubhouse, tennis, and day dock. Short walk to Siesta Beach. MLS #A4178449, $760,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

1757 PINE HARRIER CIR SINGLE FAMILY HOME $545,000: MLS 4202741 3BD/2.5BA Two-story home with kitchen overlooking family room. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) GULF & BAY BAYSIDE Great beach home, vacation, or rental property. Deeded beach access just across the street. 3/2 end unit. Beautifully renovated and furnished with attached garage. Resort-like amenities gated, 2 pools, tennis, clubhouse, fitness, etc. MLS #A4185953, $649,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941400-4186. SIESTA KEY BEACH LIVING This ground level unit is just a short walk down a private street, Sara Sea Circle, to one of the best beaches. This 2BD/2BA beach home has private beach access, close to shopping, restaurants and Point of Rocks. This home comes equipped with hurricane proof windows and 100-year metal roof rated for 180 mph winds. Enjoy the Mediterranean style patio, brick paver entry to home and full privacy windows! 6708 Sarasea Cir #103, Siesta Key, $399,900 MLS #A4202591, Key Solutions Real Estate (941) 894-1255

HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB Beautifully renovated and furnished 3/3 with deeded 40â&#x20AC;&#x2122; dock and 10k lift. Garage and storage. Across the street from Siesta Beach. Great boating community of 50 families. Gated, pool, spa, tennis, clubhouse, grilling area, marina. MLS# A4196664, $669,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. SOMERSET COVE Fabulous single family home in gated community of just 11 residences. Large 2,758 square feet, 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath with 2 car garage plus bonus space. Boat dock with water and electric only minutes to ICW and Gulf. Walk to beach and Village. MLS # A4201541, $879,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB Walking distance to Siesta Beach and quick free shuttle to Siesta and mid-Key Villages. Deeded dock only minutes to the Gulf. Water views! Fabulous 2/2 end unit. Attached garage. Gated community with pool, tennis, Clubhouse. MLS# A4207562, $465,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941400-4186.

SARA SANDS 3/2 remodeled and furnished ranch home at the north end of Siesta Key. Easy bike to the Village and Beach. Outdoor living at its best - located at the end of a canal with a great water view, dock with lift, tiki hut, beautiful pool, outdoor fireplace, huge screened lanai, RV parking!. If you enjoy entertaining, this is the one! MLS #A4211194, $1,550,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-5443299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. MID CENTURY BEAUTY This 3BD/3BA home, is a former Ralph Twitchell show home with an amazing open floor plan and high ceilings located on a quiet canal front corner lot. Has a 7K lbs. boat lift and is a short 5-minute commute to the bay. Has a new modern kitchen with gorgeous Brazilian granite counter tops. 505 Givens St, Siesta Key, $995,000 MLS #A4160488, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941894-1255 AMAZING VACATION PROPERTY Located just across from world famous Siesta Key beach, this 3BD/2BA condo comes fully furnished and ready to enjoy! Recently renovated with new cabinets, granite, and tile baths along with new roof in 2015. 1350 Siesta Bayside Dr #1350-B, Siesta Key, $649,000 MLS #A4185953, Key Solutions Real Estate (941) 894-1255

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2018

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Classifieds / Here’s My Card ACCOMMODATIONS / VACATION RENTALS • 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 • Seasonal Rental in Sandy Cove neighborhood. 1BD/1BA, ground level. Two patios, private beach, fishing pier and lake view. Near Village. No smoking, no pets. February or March: $3300. Call 631-790-7254 • Siesta 4 Rent - Vacation Rentals, from studios to 5 bedrooms. Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500

BEACH & BABY EQUIPMENT RENTALS

CLEANING SERVICES

Green Magic Cleaning Service

“Residential and Commercial”

We don’t cut corners, we dust them.

A family owned business with 16 years of experience.

• High quality services • Competitive rates • Great references • Always the same crew www.SarasotaHouseCleaningService.com

941-929-1850

5700 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key www.abcbabyrental.com

BOATING RENTALS / FISHING CHARTERS

Having Fun Fishing in The Sun

941-400-2452

Tony Fudoli Sr. CAPTAIN tntfreedomfishing@yahoo.com

New LookShower & Bath Makeovers Free Estimates Call John 941.377.2940

Sarasota resident since 1974

www.KathleenD.net

R. BRuce Whittinghill, llc (941) 955-1864

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

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

MASSAGE

• 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 artisan and craftsmen. His passion is delighting his clients by turning their home-improvement dreams into a beautiful reality. Call 941-650-9499 or visit their website: www.hawksnestconstruction.com.

Massage Experience

Siesta Key

5138A Oc ea Siesta Ke n Boulevard y, FL 3424 2

Intuitive Therapeutic Massage

Facials & Skincare • Wellness Coaching • Reiki Microcurrent (Non-Surgical Facelift) • Custom Day Spa Packages

Connie Lewis Spa Director

5138-A Ocean Blvd. Siesta Key, FL 34242 #MA00017596

941-349-4833 Office 941-350-7495 Mobile

MassageExperienceSK.com

#MM6727

MEDICAL

LANDINGS RESIDENT OWNED AND OPERATED

941.756.1082

941-896-6400

House Watch Sarasota

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

Shower & Bathtub Walls

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

www.qualitycountscleaning.com

Kathleen D Sailing Catamaran

www.SuncoastHomeConcierge.com

Reasonable Prices!

• 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.

Sailing From Marina Jack, Sarasota

(941) 961-4309

(941) 780-4248

Veteran Owned Business

Dolphin Watch • SunSetS • half Day aDventure SailS

Insured, Bonded and Licensed by The National Home Watch Association.

GreenMagicCleaning@gmail.com Call for a FREE estimate today!

CONTRACTORS SARASOTA’S BEST BABY RENTAL CENTER SELF SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE Order online or by phone Available 24/7 CLEAN • SAFE • RELIABLE

HOUSE WATCH

CONTINUED

Carpet, Tile and Upholstery Cleaning • Free Estimates • Satisfaction Guaranteed • Stain Specialists • Chamber of Commerce Members

Serving Manatee and Sarasota Counties Locally Owned and Operated

Dermatology Skin CanCer laSer, Botox anD Hair/nail DiSorDerS 1952 Field Road Sarasota, Florida 34231

J Morgan O’Donoghue, MD.

Amy Fenenga PA-C

Sara Popovich PA-C

941.926.7546

www.dermatologyexperts.com

• Paradise Dermatology offers comprehensive dermatologic care including full body skin checks, medical dermatology care, Mohs skin cancer surgery, and cosmetic treatments. Sarasota office: 3355 Clark Road, Suite #101, 941-202-5524. www/paradisederm.com

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

• Siesta Key Marina Located at 1265 Old Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key, has been serving Sarasota boaters and fishermen since 1961. A staple in the Sarasota boating community, offering 243 • Quality Screening, Window & Door Inc. dry storage racks, a full service ship store, onsite boat service, boat Windows • Doors • Glass • Repair, 4384 Independence Court, Sarasota, 34234 (941) 953-2670. CGC 1505896 / CBC 1250402 rentals, bait, fuel, fishing tackle and more. 941-349-1970 • Sip-N-Cycle Cruises. Ahoy Siesta Key, Sarasota & surrounding areas! We are the areas Ultimate Party Boat! Join us aboard our 16-passenger bike-boat-bar for scenic cruises along the intracoastal waterways. Bring aboard your favorite beverages, crank your tunes, cycle and sip away as we cruise the picturesque waterfront on a boat experience unlike anything else. Come sip, sip away with Sip-N-Cycle Cruises! BAYFRONT EXCURSIONS 8865 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD SIESTA KEY, 34242 CALL US at 1-833-747-2929 www.sipncyclecruises.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. 941-921-1113, www. wilson-window.com.

CLEANING SERVICES

DRY CLEANERS

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

HELENE M. HYLAND REALTOR®

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

GPS Cleaning Services Steven Gartenberg CEO

(941) 806-7050 Bonded and Insured

Environmentally Conscious Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service

Free Pick Up & Delivery Service Call

from your home or business

941-275-4647

ExEcutivE Shirt SErvicE • houSEhold itEmS • SamE day SErvicE availablE

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

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

www.SheSellsSiestaKeySarasota.com

• Making things happen on Siesta Key with Real Estate agents Bob and Sheri Ruiz from Key Solutions Real Estate Group. If you are looking to buy or sell on the Key contact us. Bob Ruiz 941-544-3299 RobertRuizRR@aol.com, Sheri Ruiz 941-400-4186 SheriLasley@aol.com • Your Siesta Dunes and Landings Preferred Partners in Real Estate, Judy Greene 941-350-0451 and Tara Lamb 941-266-4873 with Michael Sanders & Company 5100 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key 34242 JudyGreene@MichaelSanders.com

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MARCH 2018

Classifieds / Here’s My Card RESTAURANTS

TRANSPORTATION

Chef Driven Cuisine with Innovative Twists on All Your Favorites

15%off

on your next visit! 941-927-0402

RV4CASH

CONTINUED

941-928-9200

AY WE PH! CAS

15-20 MINUTE RESPONSE TIME (Based upon traffic)

Bring this ad or electronic copy to receive

SERVICING

WANTED:

All Motor Homes, 5th Wheels and Travel Trailers Any Condition! Cash Paid On The Spot!

CALL NOW FOR FAST, EASY SALE

Siesta Key Beach Siesta Village Turtle Beach

DRIVER TIPS ONLY

WANTED TO BUY

RIDE THE KEY FREE

www.Station400.com

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

954-789-7530

Restaurants and Accommodations

MarinerWord Answers to theSearch WORD SEARCHwww.TheMariner.com found on page 35

Operating 10AM to 2AM Daily

www.JonnysOriginalFreeRide.com

Breakfast and Lunch Served 7:30am -2:30pm

4832 S. Tamiami Tr. (The Landings Plaza, next to Publix)

Answers from

• Jonny’s Original Free Ride – The Original Ride Pagethe 16Key Free service on Siesta to anywhere, everyday from 10 AM – 2 AM. Driver tips only. Call 941-928-9200.

SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY

Florida’s Grapefruit League Transportation for everyone on the Sun Coast

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

Friendliest Ride In Town

Olde Fashion Barber Shop

Tapers • Flattops • Fades • Styling • Razor Cuts • Shaves

ther”

“Hot La

941-312-6001

South Gate Barber Shop (Across from Southgate Mall)

2081 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239

Walk-Ins Welcome

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

www.SouthgateBarbers.com • Massage Experience Siesta Key Open 7-day a week. 5138A Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4833. (MA17596/MM6727).

UNIQUE GIFTS

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

From God’s Garden Unique Gifts

Now Offering:

SOAP CLASSES

Call for details 5051 Ocean Blvd. Siesta Key, FL 34242 941-312-0733

Handmade: • Furniture • Art • Soap • Candles • Baskets Fromgodsgarden.com

Kayla Kunz Hair Stylist

4141 S. Tamiami Trail - Sarasota, FL 34231 - 941-685-4994 • Stylish Cuts Hair Salon offers inspired artistry and design that’s affordable. We have international hair stylists for men and women that will give you a cut or color that you’ll love again and again. Call us for your next hair appointment. We’re open Monday through Saturday and conveniently located next to Peltz and Carrabbas, just over the Stickney Point Bridge. 1902 Stickney Point Rd., 941-702-4041

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

SPORTS RENTALS / ACCESSORIES • Robin Hood Rentals – for all your Siesta Key rental needs with a wide variety segways, bikes, kayaks, scooters and more, free pickup and delivery anywhere on the key. 5255 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key Village. 941-554-4242 • Siesta Key Bike & Kayak – Located on Siesta Key in Capt Curts Village serving Siesta Key, Lido Beach and Sarasota. We offer bikes, kayak rentals, kayak eco tours, paddleboards and scooters. 1224 Old Sickney Pt Rd. 941-346-0891 • Siesta Sports Rentals – Located on Siesta Key, bike, kayak, kayak tours, scooter, children strollers and car seats. Delivery and pickup available, 6551 Midnight Pass Rd, 941-346-1797

TRANSPORTATION

And all other Airports Restrictions apply

• Sun Ride Pedicab – Eco-friendly Pedicabs. Siesta Key Tours and rides – tips only, 941-343-3400

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

Looking for Siesta Sand off-island? Pick up a copy at the following locations: 4&20 Patsy Co........................................................................................................5638 Swift Rd. Abel’s Ice Cream: Southbridge Plaza.................................................... 1886 Stickney Pt. Rd. Alpine Steak House.................................................................................4520 S. Tamiami Trail A’s Sandwich............................................................................................6300 S. Tamiami Trail Best Western Plus.....................................................................................6600 S. Tamiami Trail Casey Key Fish House................................................................ 801 Blackburn Point, Osprey Corkscrew Deli: Landings Shopping Plaza........................................4982 S. Tamiami Trail Culver’s......................................................................................................7520 S. Tamiami Trail Dunkin Donuts.........................................................................................6285 S. Tamiami Trail Dutch Valley Restaurant........................................................................6721 S. Tamiami Trail Eager Beaver Carwash.............................................................................6449 S. Tamiami Trail Economy Tackle.......................................................................................6018 S. Tamiami Trail Fresh Catch Market & Grill: Buccaneer Plaza....................................7119 S. Tamiami Trail Gecko’s Restaurant..................................................................................6606 S. Tamiami Trail Philadelphia Cheesesteaks.....................................................................7523 S. Tamiami Trail Grasshopper Restaurant.........................................................................7253 S. Tamiami Trail Hibiscus Suites..................................................................................... 1735 Stickney Point Rd. Phillippi Creek Restaurant....................................................................5353 S. Tamiami Trail Plaza Mexico Restaurant: Southbridge Plaza................................. 1894 Stickney Point Rd. Pride of the South Restaurant/GG............................................................ 6616 Superior Ave. Sarasota Brewing /GG.................................................................................6607 Gateway Ave. Solorzano’s Pizza /GG................................................................................. 6670 Superior Ave. Special Nutrition Store: Southbridge Plaza......................................... 1882 Stickney Pt. Rd. The Shop SRQ/GG......................................................................................6625 Gateway Ave. The Oaks BBQ..........................................................................................6112 S. Tamiami Trail Tony’s Chicago Dogs/GG........................................................................... 6569 Superior Ave. Word of Mouth/GG.....................................................................................6604 Gateway Ave. Interested in Distributing our Publication? Call 941-349-0194

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2018

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Accommodations Locator Map

James, Oscar, John, Al, Jessie, and unnamed friend from IN

F Siesta Key Inn F Siesta Palms by the Beach

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

10% OFF Emergency

Dental Work

Uninsured patients only. During regular business hours. Not valid with any other offers. After hours and weekends are extra.* Expires 4-30-2018.

MARCH 2018

- Extractions - Pain Relief - Root Canals - Dental Fillings - Trauma - Broken Teeth

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

24/7

- Swollen Jaw - Prescriptions - Denture Repair - Objects Caught Between Teeth - Re-cement Crowns

- Infections - Abscesses

(941) 244-4944

If you are in need of emergency dental care, please do not hesitate to contact us, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

www.EmergencyDentistry.com

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2018

941.349.0194

Island Girl

Meghan This month’s Island Girl hails from Rhode Island. Meghan moved down to Florida four years ago to be with family. “It is so important to spend time with those you love most!” says Meghan. She loves to fish, ride horses, golf, color paint, read and just be close to the Gulf. Meghan goes on to say, “I am from the Ocean State after all”. She graduated with two Bachelor’s degrees and one Master’s from The University of Rhode Island. Go Rhody!!