Siesta Sand March 2020

SIESTA KEY TROLLEY SCAT releases ridership data

page

COME JOIN US FOR MARCH MADNESS

8

page

PUBLIC PARKING LOT South Midnight Pass plans still under review

5

page

3

VISITORS WELCOME – LOW RATES!

Why the world comes to Sarasota

©

Annual Membership Special… $1/day

MARCH 2020 | 941.312.0665 | 27TH STATE MEDIA LLC | www.SiestaSand.net | COMPLIMENTARY

Improving transportation on Siesta Key

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

Consultant covers array of recommendations for improving transportation on Siesta Key — from separators between drivers and bicyclists to roundabouts Better separation of bike lanes from vehicle lanes, roundabouts, a redesigned intersection at Midnight Pass Road and Stickney Point Road, use of notification signage and even aerial gondolas are among the recommendations a Tampa consultant will offer the Sarasota County commissioners in late March as means of improving transportation and safety on Siesta Key. If the commission directs staff to explore speci f ic recom mendat ion s, t hen t he consultant — Jason Collins — would work with county staff to develop cost estimates and proceed with design and engineering, as well as funding options, Collins told about 35 members of the Siesta Key Condominium

Council on Feb. 18.

A licensed engineer and certified urban planner with the company ADEAS-Q, Collins offered a preview of the recommendations he will present to the commission, tentatively on March 24.

County staff hired him last year to work with leaders of Siesta Key organizations and residents to come up with a variety of options, Collins explained during the meeting at Siesta Key Chapel. The short-term options, he said, could be completed in up to five years; the medium-term, five to 10 years; and the long-term initiatives, 10 or more years. He produced a draft of his report in December 2019, he added.

Four-way stop area in Siesta Village Collins Condo Council Transportation

Continued on page 41

Siesta Key Fitness Center Buys Commercial Property In Village

By Brion Palmer, Siesta Sand

Sarasota Count y propert y records show that Siesta Key Fitness Center LLC purchased the commercial property 5243 Avenida Navarra, in the Siesta Key Village on January 22, 2020 for $1,000,000 from Robasota Real Estate LTD. Siesta Key Fitness Center LLC is owned by longtime Siesta Key residents Bruce and De Day, who have operated The Siesta Key Fitness Center on that same property since 2007. When I asked The Day’s what it meant to their fitness business to be able to purchase the property they had been leasing for 13 years, they responded by sharing

what a huge blessing it was for them and how tremendously thankful they were for the opportunity as commercial property owners to now serve the community well into the future. Said the Day’s, “we’d like to start by thanking our awesome customers, both annual residents and visitors for their amazing and continual Support of our island style gym. We would also like to thank Jeff Roberti who sold us the property, even though he had been pursued for years by deep pocketed developers. As a resident of the key himself Jeff Roberti knew that this

Page 28 Siesta Sounds: Native Sarasotan Greg Poulos loves playing the Key

• Village Map/business listings PAGE 24 • Crescent Beach Map/ business listings PAGE 26 • Gulf Gate Shops PAGE 30 • Island Humor PAGE 29 • Accommodations Map/ Listings PAGE 47

Continued on page 41

The Magnificent, Mysterious Sanderling Club: Origin and Early

By Philip M. Farrell, MD, PhD Development After the uncertainties and stresses during World War II, especially limitations in travel with gasoline shortages and food rationing, Americans were eager to embrace tourism and enjoy particularly t he Su n sh i ne St ate. Rea l est ate was bargain priced throughout Florida but e nt ic i ng developme nt s we r e s c a r ce although there was plenty of beachfront proper t y ava i lable. For a va r iet y of reasons such as the desire for exclusivity, clubs became attractive to developers and affluent snowbirds. Two distinctly different clubs with complex histories

Page 6 Attorney offers news for condo associations

were established on Siesta Key— the Sanderling Club and the Gulf & Bay Club. Although the latter was indeed transformed into a condominium during 1979, the Sanderling Club has continued as an exclusive, unique development of discrete neighborhoods that faithfully preserve Old Florida while encouraging a combination of privacy and community living— a culture that has endured along with the tropical paradise the developer envisioned.

Page 13 Coastal setback variance approved for Crystal Sands project

DISCOVER THE DAVIDSON DIFFERENCE Postal Service in Both Locations Southbridge Mall 6595 Midnight Pass 349-4343

Siesta Key Village 5124 Ocean Blvd.

349-1111

SERVING SIESTA KEY AND SARASOTA FOR OVER 61 YEARS

Continued on page 46

Page 43 Historic Hamilton beach land for sale

1398

2

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2020

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.net

The “NEW”

R

esort

is proud to announce...

Renovations are complete and our #1 Beach is better than ever!

Don’t miss out on the BEST deals offered in YEARS!!

Come make memories and see what you’ve been missing!

Plan a staycation and fall back in love S T AY S I E S T A A N D S U P P O R T O U R B E A C H E S

If you love our beaches, don’t delay — share your favorite social media photos of the day!

833-Siesta Key • SiestaKeyFlorida.com 5311 Ocean Boulevard • Siesta Key, Florida

FLORIDA RESIDENT DISCOUNT

with the purchase of a night stay; This coupon is valid for a “FREE NIGHT” on us!

Additional nights may be purchased.

CUT HERE

Certificate covers room rate & taxes only. $39 resort fee per day not included.

Redeemable through 12/18/2020; blackout dates include February - April, weekends and holidays. One offer per person. Advance reservations required between 2/1/20-4/30/20.

Use promo code BOGO. Rate Reflects 50% off per night.

Upon availability, paid upgrades and additional days are accepted.

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

MARCH 2020

27th State Media LLC

3

South Midnight Pass parking lot plans still under review

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

Sarasota County staff’s plans for a public parking lot on the former site of a Sheriff’s Office training building — located at 6647 S. Midnight Pass Road — remain under review, according to the county’s Planning and D e ve lo p m e nt D e p a r t m e nt ’s records.

In late January, a notation on an interactive county map showing the site of each proposed project in the county said no dates had been set yet for the Planning Commission or the County Commission to address the Special Exception petition on which staff has been working since 2018.

A staff document submitted to Planning and Development on Dec. 11, 2019 explained that the Special Except ion pet it ion “i nvolves changing the existing land use” of the property by “retrofitting the front parking lot area … to public parking lot use only.”

The facility would be free for

public use, the document noted.

The 1.83-acre site fronts on South Midnight Pass Road, the document pointed out. The parking lot would involve “only the western 0.54 acres,” the document added. A structure on the site contains a water tank; it is property of t he cou nt y’s Public Ut i lit ies

Department. The document said that a chain link fence, with gate, surrounds the area where that building stands.

During a Sept. 26, 2019 public workshop, county staff explained that the proposed design would add 29 parking spaces to the 14 already on the site; two of the new spaces would meet Americans w it h Di sabi l it ies Act (ADA) requirements. Spaces also would be provided for bicycles and motorcycles.

“Potential users of the facility include the general public, beach v i sitors, [employe es of a rea businesses and] local commercial patrons,” the December 2019 document said. The hours of use would be unrestricted, it continues; however, it points out that, as with the municipal lot in Siesta Village, no overnight parking of recreational vehicles would be allowed.

D u r i n g a S e p t . 2 6 , 2 0 19 N e i g h b o r h o o d Wo r k s h o p, the document added, “several neighboring citizens” suggested the parking lot be open only from dawn to dusk, or a similar time frame.

Part of staff’s plan is to add “i nte r n a l pa rk i ng sig n age,” including possible wayfinding signs directing visitors to the two nearest public beach access points — Access 12, which is slightly north of the site, and Access 13, which is south of the property.

Further, staff proposes a pickup/ drop-off point for the Siesta Key Breeze trolley “at or near the parking lot entrance.”

Commissioner Alan Maio has suggested that in discussions of the potential uses of the parcel.

November 2019 development concept plan for 6647 Midnight Pass parking lot.

4

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2020

Financial Focus You’re probably aware this is an election year. During the next several months, the candidates will discuss issues that should greatly interest you as a citizen.

But as an investor, how concerned should you be with the results of the presidential and congressional elections?

Maybe not as much as you might think. At different times, the financial markets have performed well and poorly under different administrations and when different parties have controlled Congress.

And after all the votes are counted, outcomes in the investment markets can be unpredictable. Consequently, you’ll be helping yourself greatly by not making big moves in your portfolio in anticipation of new legislation or political moves down the line.

Of course, that’s not to say t hat not h i ng emerg i ng f rom Wash i ng ton could ever have an impact on your investment decisions. For example, if a future president and Congress decide to change the capital gains tax rate, it could affect some of your choices, such as which stocks and stock-

941.312.0665

Don’t Play Politics with Your Portfolio

based mutual funds you should buy, and how long you should hold them.

Overall, though, your investment results will ultimately depend on actions you can take, including these: • Making changes for the right reasons – While the results of an election may not be a good reason to make changes in your investment portfolio, other factors can certainly lead you to take steps in this direction. For one thing, as you get closer to retirement, you may want to shift some – though certainly not all – of your investment dollars from more growth-oriented vehicles to more conservative ones. Conversely, if you decide, well in advance, that you might want to retire earlier than you originally thought, you may need to invest more aggressively, being aware of the increased risk involved.

• Following a long-term strategy – In pretty much all walks of life, there are no shortcuts to success – and the same is true with investing.

You need to follow a long-term strategy based on your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon,

and you need the patience and (However, diversification by itself perseverance to keep investing can’t guarantee a profit or protect in all markets – up, down and against all losses.) sideways.

After Election Day, regardless • Avoiding mistakes – Many of the outcome, you can help keep people think of an investment your portfolio on track by not m istake as failing to “get in playing politics with it. on the ground floor” of some company that ultimately grew to huge proportions. But it’s pretty hard to become an early investor in companies like these, many of which start out as privately held businesses without any s t o c k h olde r s. Fu r t h e r m o r e, companies with shorter track r e c or d s c a n b e muc h mor e u np r e d i c t able i nve s t m e nt s.

However, you do want to avoid Joe St.Onge, ChFC® some real mistakes, such as chasing “hot” stocks. By the time you hear Financial Advisor about them, they may already Edward Jones Investments be cooling off, and they might not even be appropriate for your 5112 Ocean Blvd., needs. Another mistake: failing Siesta Key, FL 34242 to diversify your portfolio. If you (941)-346-0560 phone only own one type of asset, such (941)-320-4030 mobile as growth stocks, you could take a Joe.StOnge@edwardjones.com big hit during a market downturn.

Spreading your dollars over a This article was written by Edward wide range of investments can Jones for use by your local Edward Jones help lower your risk exposure. Financial Advisor.

www.siestasand.net

Island Chatter Written by Siesta Sand Staff Local Artist Creates Siesta Key Souvenir Coloring Book

Local resident Pam Trapani recently completed a Siesta Key Coloring Book.

Pam and her husband Drew, snowbirds for fourteen years, built a home and became permanent residents of Siesta Key three years ago.

Her love of Siesta Key inspired her to create the coloring book and to have it published and distributed locally to support the local merchants that make Siesta Key and Sarasota so special.

The coloring book is the perfect Continued on the next page

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

MARCH 2020

Island Chatter

Big bills to pay

About four weeks before the nonprofit’s initial brief was due at the Second District Court of Appeal, in its Big Sarasota Pass legal case, the Siesta Key Association (SKA) was facing a big bill, Director Robert Luckner told members on Jan. 9.

“Boy, fighting City Hall’s not easy,” Luckner said.

La st fa l l, he r em i nded t he approx i m ately 80 aud ience members, he had made it plain that the nonprofit would need a considerable amount of money to continue its litigation to try to force the City of Sarasota to obtain permission from Sarasota County to remove up to 1.3 million cubic yards of sand from Big Pass to enourish about 1.56 miles of South Lido Key Beach.

In November and December 2019, Luckner continued, members came through, contributing $20,000.

Nonetheless, Luckner noted, that was about half the total the SKA expects it will need for its Second District Court of Appeal case.

During the Feb. 6 SKA meeting, Luck ner repor ted t h at t he organization had received a total of $6,900 in January to use for its legal expenses. Of that amount, he noted, $5,300 was contributed to the Siesta Key Environmental Defense Fund (SKEDF), which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Several years ago, the SKA board established the SKEDF as a means Continued on page 16

Spend $125 in June

5

MULTIPLE NEW TV’s

Continued from the previous page

gift and ideal souvenir for kids, grandkids, and all visitors who come to our Key. Included in the book are thirty-four original drawings of local shops, restaurants, wildlife, and of course, numerous drawings of our famous beaches.

The Souvenir Coloring Book is now available in shops and restaurants on Siesta Key including: The Gift Shop at the Siesta Key Main Beach Pavilion, Sunshine & Sand Hidden Treasures and Davidson Drug Store at the south end of the Key. In the village at The Old Salty Dog, The Village Café, Davidson Drug Store and the Sea Shanty Gift Shop.

For our snowbirds and out of town visitors, contact Pam Trapani at siestakeycreations@gmail.com to have coloring books shipped to you.

27th State Media LLC

JOIN THE MARCH MADNESS FUN AT OUR NEW OUTDOOR BAR

WATCH ALL THE GAMES AT SIESTA KEY’S OLDEST BAR INSIDE OR OUTSIDE ON OUR LARGE OUTDOOR SCREENS

BEER BUCKET SPECIALS

T-SHIRT TUESDAY, WEAR A CRESCENT CLUB SHIRT OR HAT AND RECEIVE A DRINK TICKET FOR A BOGO THIRSTY THURSDAY, SPECIALS ON SELECTED BUCKETS BEER ENJOY GREEN BEER & BAGPIPES ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Follow us on

@crescentclubsiestakey #crescentclubsiestakey

941-217-6837

6519 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key Bar and Package • First Pour 1949

♥ Welcome to Siesta Key! ♥

Trends & fashions that women love since 1972. ♥ SHOP LOCAL ♥

20 off any regular priced

$

purchase of $125 or more*

*Some exceptions apply. Valid through March 31, 2020.

Siesta Key 941.349.6644 • St. Armands 941.388.5239

FoxyLadySarasota.com

6

MARCH 2020

Siesta Sand

941.312.0665

BOAT RENTALS

www.siestasand.net

Coastal Setback Variance approved

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

On 4-1 vote, County Commission approves Coastal Setback Variance for Crystal Sands project that would be 141 feet seaward of county’s Gulf Beach Setback Line

Fishing Charters

www.CBsOutfitters.com • Since 1959

941.349.4400

Open 7 Days 7am-6pm

1249 Stickney Point Road, just over the Stickney Point Bridge

ORVIS-ENDORSED FLY CASTING SCHOOL MARCH 14TH SPACE LIMITED • CALL TO RESERVE

“Voted BEST Parasail Company”

ParasailSiesta.com

941-346-8200

Happy St. Patrick’s DayFreshen Your Look With A New Style

35

$

cut and StyleS

In addressing the latest request for a Coastal Setback Variance on Siesta Key, Sarasota County Com m issioner Na ncy Detert ack nowledged, “I’m k i nd of swimming upstream here, because it’s almost unanimous that this is a simple thing.”

She was referring to a lack of questions from her colleagues on Feb. 5 after they heard presentations regardi ng the Cr ystal Sa nds Owners Association’s desire to install a 315.5-foot-long, vinyl sheet pile retaining wall 6 inches in front of a concrete retaining wall that has been deteriorating on their property.

The association’s proposal would place that new wall about 141 feet seaward of the county’s Gulf Beach Setback Line (GBSL), which is its figurative line in the sand designed to protect property owners from storm surge and similar coastal events.

Crystal Sands is located at 6300 Midnight Pass Road, south of the Stickney Point Road intersection.

Built in 1970, Crystal Sands is “the closest of any property on Siesta Key to the waterline,” Mike Sullivan, a 50-year-long owner of a unit at the complex, told the commissioners.

“We really need the seawall,” Sullivan said during the Feb. 5 public hearing. “We need it

f o r s a f e t y. We n e e d i t f o r environmental protection. We need it for maintenance.”

He added, “We want to get ready for the next 50 years.”

When the concrete retaining wall was due for maintenance, county Environmental Specialist Staci Tippins explained during her Feb. 5 presentation, the Crystal Sands Owners Association discovered “that there was more damage than they had expected.”

The new wall, she added, would stand 202 feet landward of the Mean High Water Line.

Showing the board an aerial photo taken of the front of the complex, taken in June, Tippins pointed to the “large expansive open, sandy beach [about 200 feet wide].”

Nonetheless, Detert said, “I philosophically have a problem with people who are in front of the [GBSL] by hundreds of feet, and then they want a variance because they’re having a problem. Well, surprise, surprise.”

“We do have environmental policies that I don’t think probably any of us have studied all that closely,” she continued.

In response to questions from Detert, Tippins pointed to criteria staff reviewed in preparing the materials for the Feb. 5 public hearing. One of those criteria says,

“The requested variance is the minimum necessary to permit reasonable use of the property.”

In demonstrating inconsistency with that policy, staff explained the following in a table provided to the board ahead of the meeting: • “T he pr o j e c t r e su lt s i n per pet uat i ng t he h a rden i ng of the shoreline with a vertical retaining wall. Hardened shorelines adversely interrupt the natural coastal processes of sand transport and storage in the beach and dune systems.

• “Shoreline softening options such as dune restoration remain an alternative option to shoreline hardening.

• “The Petitioners could obtain a staff administered [Water and Navigation Control Aut horit y] WNCA Per m it to remove the existing concrete wall and replace it to the same design, location and dimensions without the need for a Coastal Setback Variance.”

Tippins added that staff had suggested to the associat ion that it focus on dune restoration seaward of the wall, parallel to the neighboring condominium complexes.

“If they did a dune restoration, would they have to tear down the Continued on page 40

Coupon expires 3/31/20

40

$

Hair color

18

$

Coupon expires 3/31/20

99

$

Men’S Hair cutS

Coupon expires 3/31/20

Keratin treatMent

Stylish Cuts Salon Next to Peltz & Carrabbas

1902 Stickney Point

AND UP

Coupon expires 3/31/20

941.706.4041

OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY

FEATURED LISTINGS

$925,000 3 bed, 2.5 bath, fully upgraded, turnkey,Siesta Key bayside condo.

STUNNING SUNRISES

$650,000

2/2 Penthouse condo at the southernmost of Siesta Key. If you 3 bed,end 3 bath with DEEDED seek incomparable views look no BOAT SLIP. Walkingsunrises distance further!

Wake to awe-inspiring Siesta KeyBay.Beach. on to Little Sarasota

$539,000

$649,900

PRICE DROP 2 bed, 2 bath condo on the southern point of Siesta Key.

3 Bed, 3 Bath condo with boat lift. The only sailboat-water marina on Siesta Key.

View all siesta key listings: www.keysolutionsrealestate.com or call 941-894-1255

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

MARCH 2020

27th State Media LLC

7

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

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

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

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

Silver City has now become a “Must Stop” destination for tourists (Currently named #1 shopping destination on TRIP ADVISOR on Siesta Key). Shining brightly among the cases of this uniquely mirrored store lies the much raved about Siesta Key Watercolor GemstoneTM. Every jewelry piece is designed and made

by Silver City Sarasota. The staff of Silver City Sarasota is very proud of their unique collection and variety of designs in Sterling Silver and in 14K gold.

Also available online at

www.SilverCitySarasota.com

Siesta Key Watercolor Gemstone™

Silver City Sarasota 6539 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL. 34242 Phone: 941-349-5030 Open Monday-Saturday 10am to 5pm

www.SilverCitySarasota.com

Solo Guitar Kevin Thompson (5-8:30 PM)

TUESDAY Lucky (5-9 PM) Island Sounds

Advertorial

Fawny Frost (5-8:30 PM) R&B MoTown & Disco

Kevin Thompson Band (5-8:30 PM)

Hatley Band & Vince Beradri (5-9 PM)

Jokers Duo (5-9 PM)

SUNDAY Rotating Country Bands - call for info (4-8 PM)

TUESDAY, MARCH 17 Lucky

8

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2020

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.net

SCAT releases Siesta Key Breeze ridership data

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

With Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) having released three full years of ridership data for the Siesta Key Breeze, county commissioners once more have been figuratively singing the trolley’s praises.

During a Feb. 5 discussion about innovative ways to provide public transportation, Sarasota County Commissioner Christian Ziegler brought up the Breeze.

“That’s a fabulous service,” he told the consultant who was addressing the board. “It’s consistent, when it’s going to stop, where it’s going to go. I wish we had more of ’em. [The Breeze] gets used.”

“It would be great if we had the same sort of experience at a countywide level,” Ziegler added, with no long waits for buses.

Ziegler joked that he was surprised Commissioner Alan Maio had not brought up the trolley during the discussion that morning.

In response, Maio said dryly, “I want to thank Commissioner Ziegler for reminding me … I need that.”

Then Maio told his colleagues that when he attended a Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce meeting the previous week, he learned that the trolley’s ridership had grown to 350,000 passengers a year.

The SCAT report on the trolley, a copy of which SNL obtained from county staff, shows how ridership has been building gradually.

Although the Breeze did not begin operations until late March 2017, it still netted 160,166 passengers that year.

In 2018 — even with months of diminished tourism as a result of the red tide bloom — the total passenger count was 226,657. The biggest month was March of that year, with 34,848 riders, though April 2018 was not far behind — 34,458. (At that point, the red tide bloom was present off the county shoreline, but it was not producing the effects that would begin driving away visitors by August 2018.)

In March 2019, ridership hit its highest monthly count yet —

62,699, an increase of almost 80% from the previous March’s total. Once again, April was in second place, with 48,067.

This year, the ridership figure for January was 39,280, a 43% increase from the 27,469 totals in January 2019.

Siesta Key leaders and business owners pushed for an open-air trolley service for years before SCAT staff was able to cobble together grant funding for it on a trial basis. Siesta supporters of the concept were convinced the trolley would prove to be a success.

Nonetheless, Maio told his colleagues on Feb. 5, “I can remember when I thought I was lying when I said to staff, ‘Oh, it’s going to be about 1,500 [riders] a month.’”

Maio has remarked on a number of occasions that all he could do was hope for the best — that the Breeze would gain acceptance among visitors on the Key and reduce traffic congestion.

Mark Smith, the Siesta architect who long has been a leader of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, has said he believes that for every two passengers on the Breeze, one vehicle has been eliminated from the island’s roads.

During her organization’s regular meeting on Feb. 6, Siesta Key Association President Catherine Luckner told members, “We are advocating with the commissioners to find every way they can” to keep the Breeze running.

A trolley ‘sidebar’: pets and the app

“Are dogs allowed on the trolley?” one Siesta Key Association (SKA) audience member on Feb. 6 asked President Catherine Luckner.

“I’ve not heard that they’re not,” Luckner replied.

“I’ve been refused with my dog,” the woman said. “There’s one particular driver who doesn’t want a dog on there,” the woman added. “He claims it’s only service dogs [that are allowed].”

SKA Director Joyce Kouba promised to find an answer.

The SNL also took the opportunity to ask Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) staff about dogs on the trolley.

A Feb. 7 response from SCAT, through county Media Relations Officer Brianne Grant, said, “The trolley has a policy of allowing Service Animals onboard, not pets. Lap pets or other non-service animals may have been turned away due to the driver’s concern over safety of the animal or the passengers.”

Another trolley-related issue arose during the SKA discussion. Two directors reported that the app launched last year — which was designed to enable passengers to determine how long a wait they would have for a trolley at their stop — has not been functioning properly.

“The app is not reliable,” is how Director Erin Kreis put it.

The SNL also asked SCAT staff about those remarks.

In a separate email on Feb. 7, a SCAT staffer wrote, “There are a number of factors that affect the Trolley App performance. We have found that over time, glitches develop as mobile operating systems are updated. When this is identified, a call goes to the app developer to take a look and fix [it].

Also, weather and air-traffic (use of bandwidth) on Siesta Key sometimes has an impact on the quality of the cellular signal between the bus and the app.

And more recently, new equipment, for testing purposes, has been installed on one of the four buses, which has resulted in loss of modem on that unit. So potentially on any given day one bus is not transmitting its location.”

Continued on page ??

Concierge Custom Construction

Remodeling

Project Management

3534 South Osprey Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34239 | 941.924.1868 | NutterCustomConstruction.com LEED Accredited Professional Florida Licensed Building Contractor CBC 060004 Florida Licensed Real Estate Broker BK3222256 Florida Licensed Home Inspector HI4630

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

MARCH 2020

27th State Media LLC

NOW OPEN!

9

10

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2020

941.312.0665

BUY-SELL-TRADE-REPAIR

www.siestasand.net

All Roads Lead To…

SAME QUALITY - BETTER VALUE Pre-Owned Mac® Apple Products iPhone® and iPad® Mobile Digital Device Repair Apple Product Upgrades - Memory, Batteries, More

5204 Ocean Blvd., in the Siesta Key Village

Laptops

Wearables

Mobile Devices

Desktops

Accessories

WE TAKE THE RISK OUT OF BUYING A RENEWED APPLE PRODUCT! 941-922-7790 • experimax.com 4858 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida

We’ve Moved!

We have outgrown our Siesta Key home of 37 years!

Come visit our new retail shop & expanded wedding & event design studio!

Owner Diane Theron-Cuna invites you to watch the process as she create a batch of her sinfully delicious gelato from scratch every 15 minutes.

“We are very proud and happy to be here on Siesta Key,” says Theron-Cuna. “My husband’s family recipes used to create our gelato comes directly from Rome, Italy and only certified USDA organic ingredients are ever used.”

There are 48 flavors to choose from and the staff at Made In Rome Organic Gelato generously provide samples of their madefrom-scratch, in-house gelato. No

hydrogenated fats or colorants, or preservatives are ever used so you can really taste the difference.

Sugar-free, gluten-free, and vegan options are also made fresh each day. Besides their gelato, the shop also carries Italian coffee, cakes, and focaccia sandwiches.

If you’re lucky enough to catch Theron-Cuna at the shop, she will happily entertain you with stories of her earlier days as a circus performer. She comes from three generations of circus entertainers and has traveled around the world performing with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

The family earned their own “Star of Fame” at St. Armands Circle – The Theron Cycling Troupe.

Made In Rome Organic Gelato is located at 5204 Ocean Blvd., in the Siesta Key Village. Their hours are Mon. – Thurs.: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Fri. - Sun. Their holiday hours are 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. (941) 9605344. (Advertorial)

New location

6119A Clark Center Ave. • Sarasota , Fl 34238 941.349.9212 Flowersbyfudgie.com

Your Go-To Store on the Island Morton’s Siesta Market is your one-stop shop for easy island living. We offer a large selection of staple groceries, beer and wine, as well as fresh produce, meats and seafood.

In keeping with our Morton’s tradition, we also carry a delicious array of prepared foods, perfect for take-out, picnics, parties and more.

Please stop in and say hello!

205 Canal Road, Siesta Key • 941-349-1474 • MortonsMarket.com

VISIT OUR SIESTA VILLAGE LIQUORS JUST NEXT DOOR!

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

MARCH 2020

27th State Media LLC

11

Three active Bald Eagle nests now sandwich Ted Sperling Park By: Michael Holderness “Here’s my belief

Ted Sperling Public Park

Ted Sperling Public Park was purchased by Sarasota County in 1973 (after the public overwhelmingly voted; 95% of voters demanded the county acquiring the 150acre park for public use. Sarasota County followed the wishes of the voters, and the park was funded with federal and state grants and was to be “forever maintained in its natural state”. What a wonderful thing!

The park and the surrounding area are home for three active Bald eagle nests. Again, what a wonderful thing!

Well, until now! Nearly 50 years later, the city government is trying to use our Ted Sperling Public Park as a construction site, a.k.a. “staging area”, for the proposed dredging of the critical fish estuary (zoned “Marine Park”). This is to happen with NO county oversite. Sidebar: NO Dredging Permit was obtained from Sarasota County either, as required by Article XX. Section 54-653, so not to destroy one of 28 Estuary of Significance Outstanding Florida Waters (OFWS).

Allow me to be perfectly clear… “OPEN-SPACES and PUBLIC RECREATION” is the ONLY ‘USE’ the Grant funding allowed “Forever Florida.” THERE IS NO OTHER USE AND NO EXEMPTION! This is likely why the City Government is refusing to ask Sarasota County for permission.

NO County oversight when county-owned land is at issue and when the county is required to govern it as a Conservational Public Park? NO exemption for such use when the county is seated as WNCA and this is under county jurisdiction? Does this make sense to you?

WHY… Why isn’t the city using its own designated construction site within the city limits as a “staging area”? Why isn’t anyone from the county or city government considering the inevitable loss to this amazing PUBLIC PARK? WHY AREN’T THEY PUBLICALLY TALKING ABOUT DESTROYING THE PARK? Dare I ask… is the City attempting to use PUBLIC FUNDS and PUBLIC LAND to build and privatize their private beach on Lido? Is it that they don’t care about damaging our park?

The problem today is the City (City Manager “Red Tide Tom” Barwin is the driving force) likely working together with county to avoid the permit process?

Avoiding the permit process, avoids public input and environmental regulations… side-stepping the fact that a staging area/construction site use is NOT allowed.

Please understand, this approach is ILLEGAL as is the use of OUR PUBLIC PARK and their process in attempts to side-step ALL environmental oversite.

The use of this park for a construction site is also governed by a Major Conditional Change to the FDEP conditional permit, which also requires approval.

There is no use the county could approve even if Barwin did apply for a permit. Hence the importance of public due process, which is not possible under a ‘contract

agreement’ and why the law states it must be a permit process.

Therefore, they HAVE NOT obtained a use permit, as required by City Zoning Code VII-702. Note: This is inconsistent with prior activities in the same County Park.

That being shared, The FDEP Director can only sign off on the Permit for a Notice of Intent to Proceed (NOI) after receiving verification that the project is consistent with all comprehensive plans, that there are no interlocal government issues with the project permitting, and that the appropriate environmental assessment was completed (County’s requested EIS is still being ignored).

This situation should not have gotten this far, as these things must be in place in order to satisfy the Coastal Zone Management Act. The Act in which allows the State to give a permit to the Army Corp of Engineers, but neither the ACOE nor the city can give it to themselves, and this act does not allow the USACOE to spend federal funds unless the partner (City) complies. WOW! Realize, USACOE can’t spend a nickel of Federal dollars (your money) until in compliance but haven’t been since day one. *This is insanity. Scientific proof of the destruction will be devastating. An acceptable solution has always been to simply get sand outside the Pass.

By overstepping all authority, it sure appears that the City manager is trying to set a new precedent that environmental regulations no longer apply to the city? If that is the case, then City Government should go ‘pound sand’ out of Cut D3 and use their own city-designated construction site. *D3 was hid from DOAH and is located a ¼ mile or so off City’s own construction area.

DEMAND they WILL NOT CONSTRUCT THE SOUTHERN GROIN. DEMAND THEY LEAVE OUR PARK AND OUR CRUSIAL ESTUARY (Cuts B & C) ALONE. Does anyone know who is our advocate when it comes to big development and our Local elected Government isn’t?

THE GROINS CANNOT CHANGE DESIGN WITHOUT APPROVAL; NOR ARE THEY PERMITTED The ACOE has already stated that significant erosion will occur after the groins are placed. WNCA regs apply based on groin construction also. The project scope is significantly modified; ACOE has increased the sand volume for the project despite the number of groins. There is no city ‘insurance’ for damages. WNCA regs apply based on groin construction and ACOE CONFIRMED erosion will happen. * We found no record in the DOAH or any application materials, where FDEP could review the modeling of changes. This is what an EIS could provide and as example which was modeled LBK. It also didn’t model erosion for Bird Key, Bay Isle/ Siesta Key, either.

Regardless, Construction of Groins is not permitted, NO EXEMPTION! The unapproved Groin design change (to avoid asking the county for the previous location) shows the new location proposes installing

exactly where beachscape negatively affects the downdrift beach?!

The unapproved groin design added will cause all beaches to the south to have reduced sand migrating and the ACOE has already stated that significant erosion will occur after the groins are placed. *For example, 100Kcy of sand is ‘expected to erode in the first 1.5 years. However, the historic erosion is 72K cy and that’s without the groins. The groins are supposed to reduce erosion, not increase it! THEY HAVE NO NET LOSS OF SAND WITHOUT! This is not acceptable for the close proximity of parks, marine park conservation districts, residential shoreline and loss of use for Ted Sperling Park.

Even Mr. Fournier (City Attorney), Alex Davis-Shaw (City Engineer) and “Red Tide Tom” all shared their grave concerns over the city being liable for damages in their 12/25/2019 in-house memorandum. The LAST paragraph was particularly meaningful as a “tell’ about their lack of care of the environment.

Additionally, if the staging Agreement incorporates permit enforcement provisions in favor of Sarasota County; then the possible monetary exposure to the City for payment of special damages in a breach of contract action under the Staging Agreement would be far greater than what it would cost the City to use an alternative staging area. Under these circumstances it does not make sense to pursue the Staging Agreement unless the existing statutory remedy is the sole means for Sarasota County (and any other qualifying third parties) to enforce the terms of the FDEP permit.

“Mr. Red Tide Barwin, your partner can’t spend a penny of OUR Federal dollars until you comply. It’s clear that you can’t comply, and you’ve shown by your lawless actions that you plan to never comply. Therefore, FDEP can never legally issue the notice to proceed. You are NOT entitled; you are NOT above the law and you should have gone to the APPROVED OFF-SHORE DEP HARVESTING SITE IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOUR PRIOR DREDGING PROJECT ERODED ‘YOUR CITIZEN’S’ BEACH ON LIDO!” Ted Sperling Park is the only reason 3 active bald eagle nests are thriving today. It is designated as a Conservation District as a Park and is required to be Governed as one. “What a wonderful thing!”

Key Stakeholders Marine Life Sarasota County Siesta Key Residents Private Beach Front Landowners on Lido Lido Residents Public Beach Users Residents & Visitors (not City Manager RED TIDE Tom Barwin’s special interests) Donations are important and appreciated, visit skedf.org This space is paid for by Siesta Key resident and business owner, Mike Holderness

12

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2020

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.net

SarasotaKeyCasuals.com

Key Casuals

on South Siesta Key a tradition for 33 years, featuring ladies fashions, shoes, handbags, jewelry, men’s shirts and children’s clothing.

Open at 8 AM with coffee, Der Dutchman donuts & your favorite ice cream!

Our staff will be happy to assist you.

The original founders of Big Olaf, Dennis & Nancy Yoder, are back!

South Siesta Key, 6575 Midnight Pass Rd.

941.554.4632 • SiestaCreamery.com

941.349.6625 Crescent Plaza

6625 Midnight Pass Rd.

Sarasota, FL 34242

Ask us about our many “products with a purpose!”

Siesta Key’s Oldest Eatery

“The Surfer” Voted Best Sandwich year after year! ee h Katie L t i w ” d e k ” on “Stac I Ever Ate Featured g n i !

Th t s plicated “The Be u d r e v e itated, n Often im annasdelis.com Siesta Key - Southbridge Mall 6535 Midnight Pass Road 941.349.4888

University Park 8207 Tourist Center Drive 941.893.5908

We offer a fun and affordable assortment of unique coastal themed souvenirs, gifts, home decor, artwork by local artists, t-shirts, hats, beach gear and more!

941.346.0226

Retail Market & Restaurant

6639 Midnight Pass Rd, Crescent Plaza Siesta Key’s Best Fish Market

Monday - Grouper BLT Tuesday - Tuna Tuesdays Wednesday - Surf & Turf Thursday - Lobster Roll Friday - Pompano Cubano Open Mon – Sat: 11am – 9pm Sun: Noon – 8 PM Open for Lunch and Dinner www.bigwaterfishmarket.com Restaurant 941-554-8101

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL) has a program underway on the island that involves the burying of power lines, SKA President Catherine Luckner reported to memb ers du r i ng t hei r Feb. 6 meeting.

She indicated that the first news she received about the project came fro m a pediatrician who is a member of the nonprofit and who lives on Beach Road. The woman “has never called with a complaint,” Luckner added, but she was “very scared.”

Near the end of 2019, when the doctor’s children were home from college, they all were awakened about 2:30 a.m. by “what sounded like a big explosion,” Luckner said, recounting the pediatrician’s story.

And “big bright lights were shining straight into all of their bedrooms.”

The doctor “went running out in her night clothes, thinking it was a disaster,” Luckner added. Then she saw “30 guys out there working.”

They were breaking through concrete, apparently, and tunneling u nde rg r ou nd, Luc k n e r s a id.

However, the pediatrician told Luckner she had received no prior notice about the work in that area.

“It was almost like an earthquake,” Lu c k n e r p o i n t e d o ut o f t h e disruption. “It was that violent.”

“The machine that they use is big,” SKA Director Robert Luckner added of the crew members. They are drilling through rights of way, he pointed out.

“They were very, very respectful,” Catherine Luckner noted, when she and Robert — who is her husband — talked with them.

Catherine Luckner also said that she had been in touch with Lisa Cece, special district coordinator for Sarasota County, who is the liaison between county staff and the Siesta Key Village Maintenance Corp.,

6635 Midnight Pass Rd.

Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Rd, Crescent Plaza

FPL burying power lines in one neighborhood on the key

Fresh, Local, Wild Caught, Sustainable Seafood

HOME OF YOUR LOCAL STONE CRABS · Grouper · Snapper · Mahi · Irish Salmon · Hog Fish · Triple Tail · Shrimp · Scallops · Steaks · Produce Customized Menu for Private Parties Open Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 7 PM Sun: Noon – 8 PM • 941-203-5984

Continued on page 14

Big Water Fish Market & Restaurant

By Reservation Only THE FOLLOWING MENU ITEM IS FOR RESERVATIONS ONLY Parties of 10-15 with 24 hour Notice

4 COURSE DINNER 1 Salad, your choice of 1 Appetizer, Pick your Big Water Fish Market Steampot, Key Lime Pie 6641 Midnight Pass Road Crescent Plaza, South Siesta Key TO BOOK RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL:

941-203-5984

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

MARCH 2020

27th State Media LLC

13

Attorney offers lots of news for condominium associations

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

On Jan. 14, Sarasota attorney Dan Lobeck updated Siesta Key Condominium Council (SKCC) members on actions the 2019 Florida Legislature took that pertain to condominium associations.

At the outset of the SKCC meeting, Lobeck — who is with the firm of Lobeck & Hanson — made it clear that he believed last year’s legislative session “was especially light on association law amendments,” as noted in the SKCC’s minutes of the Jan. 14 meeting. Some of the highlights of the session, the minutes noted, are as follows: • The deadline for associations with buildings over 75 feet in height to complete the retrofitting of fire sprinklers has been pushed back to Jan. 1, 2024. In lieu of sprinklers, the law allows a condominium complex to have an Engineered Life Safety System (ELSS), Lobeck said. “If you don’t have sprinklers installed by that extended date, you have to have an ELSS in place,” the minutes reported.

An ELSS must be prepared by an engineer experienced in fire and life safety issues, and it must have the approval of the county fire marshal, Lobeck explained. The system may include such features as smoke control equipment, the compartmentalization of sections of the building, and sprinklers in common areas.

• In discussing assignment of benefits (AOB), Lobeck explained that this is a contract between an association and a contractor hired to undertake repairs. The association’s insurance benefits are assigned to the contractor, and the contractor agrees to accept the benefit for payment in full. The association has the right to rescind such contracts within 14 days from the date when work began, or within 30 days if the work has not started.

In addition, Lobeck said, some limits exist in regard to what a contractor can be charged during an emergency.

Assignment contracts cannot be pre-arranged, he added; “they must be arranged specific to the event.”

• Online notarization via teleconferencing

has been approved. ordinance that prohibits • The smoking of mediadvertising for shortcal marijuana has been apterm rentals in districts proved. However, Lobeck where such rentals are emphasized, under the not allowed by county guidelines of the state’s zoning regulations. tobacco legislation, boards All the above does can restrict all kinds of not limit the ability of smoking in common areassociations to restrict as, including the smoking short-term rentals. of marijuana. “It is pos• Division arbitration sible for boards to restrict may be eliminated in smoking on patios and favor of compulsory mebalconies if it is deemed diation, he added. that the smoke goes into • Regarding term limAttorney Dan Lobeck address Siesta Key other units’ space,” the its for association direcCondo Council minutes said. tors: Service prior to July Condominium asso1, 2018 would not be ciations also have explored the possibility of counted in determining the length of a direcbanning smoking throughout the premises, tor’s service, if one bill that has been filed wins Lobeck noted. final approval.

All of these potential restrictions must be During the question-and-answer session weighed against the duty to provide reason- after his remarks, Lobeck tackled questions able accommodations for persons with disabil- seeking more details. He offered the following ities. This requirement almost — by definition answers, the minutes continued: — applies to persons who qualify for medical • Certain types of conduct that might be ofmarijuana, he pointed out, if they provide an fensive to residents, such as smoking (tobacco, appropriate certification to the association. marijuana), and activities with pets possibly Lobeck also offered an outlook for potential could be challenged under the “nuisance” legislation during the 2020 session, which clauses in association documents. “Obviously, began on Jan. 14, the minutes said. it would be very helpful if such conduct was • In regard to short-term rentals — those for specifically regulated in the condo [doculess than 30 days — Lobeck explained that, ments],” the minutes said. in practice, the county allows such rentals on • Term limits also apply to developer direcSiesta Key at complexes where it has been a tors. long continuing practice. * Even if sprinklers have been installed, a Further, county Code Enforcement staff condominium complex must have an ELSS cannot enforce the county ordinance on the in place by Jan. 1, 2024. “Of course,” Lobeck basis of advertising alone. For example, he noted, the Legislature may elect to have that said, just providing a Code Enforcement of- deadline extended. ficer a copy of an Airbnb advertisement for * Under current legislation, a director who a Siesta condo is not sufficient. The county has a conflict of interest must recuse himself ordinance can be enforced only through the or herself from voting on the applicable issue. production of evidence of an illegal rental.

Further, the director must absent himself or To get around the advertising issue, he con- herself from the meeting (Florida Statutes tinued, the County Commission approved an 718.3027), though the director first may make

THE 22ND ANNUAL

a presentation about the activity at the heart of the conflict of interest if the director is a party to that activity.

• Service animals: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) governs the rules for public accommodations, restaurants and transportation services. Such entities cannot demand to see certification from a licensed professional in regard to the animal. However, condominium complexes are subject to the regulations of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), so their association boards can require documentation.

Additionally, service animals cannot be excluded from any place a disabled resident may go, such as a pool deck, but it can be excluded — when required by law — from the pool itself, for example.

Moreover, Lobeck said, an accommodation for an animal is for the disabled resident who owns the animal, not for anyone who may be keeping the animal in that person’s absence.

ADA rules require establishments to take the initiative to accommodate disabilities, Lobeck stressed. The FHA requires condo associations to honor accommodation requests as received, he pointed out.

Lobeck cited lawsuits that had been filed to demand that websites accommodate the blind, for example, and provide wheelchair ramps.

“Aggressive lawyers find these lawsuits to be lucrative sources of income,” he added, according to the minutes.

“Therapy (feel good) animals must be accommodated if a doctor or other qualified professional provides a certification that the resident has a disability as defined by law and that the animal will reduce the disability or its symptoms,” the minutes said.

• Drone use can be prohibited or regulated by associations. As with other restrictions, such regulations should be included in the condominium documents or in rules adopted in accordance with those documents.

• The beach belongs to the public up to the “historic high water line,” Lobeck pointed out.

SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL MARCH 27th - APRIL 5th, 2020

Memberships and additional information available online at www.sarasotafilmfestival.com

14

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2020

941.312.0665

Beach Access 1

Continued from page 12

SarasotaNewsLeader.com In late January, the owners of the property located at 3935 N. Shell Road — next to Beach Access 1 on Siesta Key — removed a rope-andpost barrier that Sarasota County staff officially had advised them was a violation of county regulations.

A Jan. 9 letter from count y Environmental Protection Division staff had informed the property owners — Greg and Michelle Olson — that Jan. 24 would be the deadline for the structure to come down.

The letter explained that, on Dec. 23, 2019, Environmental Protection Division staff “received a public compla i nt w it h photog raph s showing the recent installation of a post and rope fence extending along the northern property boundary and located on the open beach” seaward of the county’s Barrier Island Pass Twenty-Year Hazard Line (PHL).

That line and a second one — the Gulf Beach Setback Line (GBSL) — were established “to protect the coastal regions of Sarasota County from activities that jeopardize their integrity and accelerate coastal erosion,” the letter pointed out.

The Jan. 9 staff letter also noted the following: “During our review of records, it was evident from historic aerial images (e.g., 2012 and 2013) that the shore-parallel rock was installed by a previous owner several years ago prior to your ownership of the property in 2017. During the review of historic aerial images,” the letter continued, “it also became clear that shore-perpendicular rock/ concrete has been present at this location since at least 1974 in the vicinity of both your northern and southern property boundaries.”

A copy of the letter also was provided to the Icard Merrill law firm in Sarasota. That firm routinely has represented property owners in issues related to county coastal regulations.

If they had not taken down the rope-and-post barricade, the Olsons could have been subject to county Code Enforcement action. Typically, after county staff informs a person of a violation such as the one staff had documented at North Shell Road, and the property owner refuses to take the action directed by staff, a Notice of Violation will be issued.

which oversees the upkeep of the Village.

When the SNL asked whether Cece could provide more details about the FPL work, Cece responded in a Feb. 10 email: “That program is called Storm Secure. I have gotten some information lately from FPL, and have asked if I can find out all of the areas where this is underway as it has an impact on street lighting, present and future.

FPL responded that they cannot provide that to the County. These neighborhoods go through Design and then later Construction, so it takes some time in each area to complete [the work].”

SNL also contacted FPL’s public relations staff for this region, to try to get more details about the work on the Key. George Ben nett, senior communication specialist with t h e c o m p a n y, provided t he fol low i n g in formation in a Feb. 13 email: “Florida Power & Light Company h a s o n e undergrounding p r o j e c t u n de r construction in Siesta Key. It involves 30 homes on Sandy Beach Av e n u e a n d is part of FPL’s Storm Secure Underg rou nd Program [SSUP], a pilot to study c o s t- e f f e c t i v e ways to replace o v e r h e a d power lines with underground lines in select neighborhoods.”

Sandy Beach Avenue is in the Treasure Boat Way neighborhood, which is on the northern part of the Key. “Construction began this month and is scheduled for completion by June,” Bennett wrote.

“Outreach to customers involved in the project began in mid-2019,” he continued. “Three other SSUP projects — involving about 50 c u stome r s com b i n e d — a r e planned for Siesta Key in 2020 or 2021 and those customers have been contacted.

“FPL has also been in contact

North Shell Road homeowners remove barricade and apply for county permit to relocate old rocks to a position landward of 20-Year Pass Hazard Line

By Rachel Brown Hackney Then, after staff gives the property owner time to correct the situation, and nothing is done, an Affidavit of Violation will be issued. That can lead to fines from $25 to $250 a day until the situation has been corrected. A Special Magistrate makes the final decision on fines.

Additionally, count y Media Relations Officer Drew Winchester told SN L on Ja n. 27 that the Olsons had applied for a Water and Navigation Control Authority (WNCA) permit to reposition rocks that are parallel to the shoreline next to their home.

Staff was reviewing the application, Winchester added; regulations allow up to 35 days for a decision.

Dat e d Ja n . 2 3, t h e p e r m it application says, “The rocks seaward of the Pass-Hazard Line [as noted in an accompanying exhibit] will be removed and relocated landward of the [Pass Hazard Line] … Light excavation may be required to remove certain rocks.”

The estimated cost of the initiative is $2,500 to $5,000, the document says.

The application listed Bill Merrill and Bradley Ellis, attorneys with Icard Merrill, as the primary contacts.

Michelle Olson signed the form on Jan. 23, the document shows.

In the meantime, Winchester emphasized in his Jan. 27 email, Beach Access 1 — at the western end of North Shell Road — “remains open a nd ava i lable for pa rk visitors to enjoy. Please continue to be respectful and considerate of neighboring private property.”

On Jan. 7 — two days before the Environmental Protection staff sent its letter to the Olsons — the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office warned the couple about compliance with the section of the Florida Constitution regarding public access to the beach.

In response to a public records request, the Sheriff’s Office provided the News Leader a copy of that email, which Michelle Cellini, special projects administrator for Sheriff Tom Knight, had sent to the Olsons.

“As I’m sure you recall when the Sheriff and I visited your property last summer,” Cellini wrote, “we discussed various issues you were

Voila`!

having. When discussing the beach specifically, we recommended you work with the local government to determine your private property areas. We did not recommend that you place a barrier yourself, as it could possibly cause additional problems.”

A history of problems

S a ra s o t a Cou nt y P r op e r t y Appraiser’s Office records show that the Olsons bought the North Shell Road property in late April 2017. In early 2018, during meetings of the Siesta Key Association (SKA) — a nonprofit which represents residents on Siesta Key — a couple in the audience began asking questions of the leader of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office substation on Siesta.

The couple talked about a number of disruptions near their home.

The couple declined to identify themselves to SNL, saying they did not want to draw more attention to themselves because of the issues they already were facing around their home.

On Jan. 7, Kaitlyn R. Perez, community affairs director for the Sheriff’s Office, told SNL that from July 1, 2019 to that day, the office had logged “a total of 92 calls for service on North Shell Road.” Since May 2017, she added, the total was 120.

The majority of calls, she added, had been logged since July 2019.

In January 2019, the Olsons filed a petition with the county’s Traffic Advisory Council (TAC), seeking elimination of the public parking spaces for Beach Access 1 between their home and the western terminus of North Shell Road. They provided details about a variety of alleged illegal activities — including use of drugs and alcohol, as well as public urination and defecation — to explain their request for the TAC’s assistance.

In September 2019, Melissa Waden, the county liaison to the TAC, told SNL that the petition proved to be invalid because the Olsons had not obtained the necessary number of signatures of other affected property owners on the road.

www.siestasand.net

with a homeowner association in Siesta Key that expressed interest in paying FPL to replace its overhead power lines with underground power lines,” Bennett added.

“With regard to the account of a resident being awakened late at night, without more information about the location and date of this incident and whether it involved an FPL project, FPL is unable to comment,” Bennett concluded his email.

FPL’s webpage about Storm Secure provides the following details: “FPL is continuously looking at opportunities to enhance the reliability of our service in good weather and bad.

“In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma [in September 2017], we saw that the number one cause of outages was debris blowing into and trees falling onto our power lines. The trees, many of which were outside of FPL’s easement or public right o f w a y, a n d were beyond where FPL trims, damaged our equipment, power lines and poles.

Trees also blocked roadways, which slowed the restoration efforts.

“S i n c e 2 0 0 6, we have invested nearly $4 billion into the grid to make it stronger, smarter and more stormresilient. These investments i n c l u d e ha rden i ng a nd undergrounding certain power lines. And, we saw how this benefited our customers by minimizing damage and speeding the restoration process after a storm like Hurricane Irma.

“That’s why we started the Storm Secure Underground Program, a t h r e e -yea r pi lot proje c t to underground certain neighborhood power lines — typically the power lines in backyards or side streets.

“T h i s pi lot w i l l … help us determine how cost effectively we can underground these power lines to restore power faster after severe weather, as well as enhance day-today reliability.”

“Since 2006, we have invested

nearly $4 billion into the grid to

make it stronger,

smarter and more storm-resilient.”

Sarasota’s Family Diner since 1972!

Open Daily 7AM - 9PM

a French inspired, creative urban salon experience

Offering French cutting techniques Specializing in Corrective Colour, Hair Painting, Highlights, Accents

• Designer Hair Cuts & Colours • European De-Frizzing Treatments lasting

5 months. This treatment will allow you the flexibility and choice to wear your hair Wavy, Curly, or Straight and Smoothe! All without frizz.

Just 4 miles from Siesta Key on Hwy 41 149 1/2 North Tamiami Trail For appointments call

941.475.8585

Complimentary Consultations

Open M.W.T.F.S Sundays upcharge

Award Winning Hair Design & Color

15% OFF 1st visit for new guests

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

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

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

MARCH 2020

27th State Media LLC

15

Silver City’s continued support helps fund Red Tide Research When the red tide was at its worst, Silver City Sarasota designed and created a jewelry collection called Tide AwayTM. When asked what prompted the idea, the ladies at Silver City Sarasota responded, “We felt compelled to put our heads together to aid Mote Marine Laboratory in their research and marine animal rescue efforts. Seeing the amazing work Mote scientists, staff and volunteers put out coming daily to our beach to sample the waters, as well as rescuing and recovering turtles and dolphins, birthed the idea for “Tide AwayTM” and then we proceeded to sketch out the concept.”

The first product in the collection was the “Tide AwayTM” Keychain. It was so well received by our tourists and local customers that they decided to expand the line in order to donate more to Mote.

As it stands now Silver City Sarasota has two necklaces, earrings, bracelets, a bead that fits all bead bracelets, the Keychain. Their newest addition is the “Tide AwayTM” tote beach bag with an actual photo of Siesta Key Beach on it taken by the proprietor.

The generous 25% donation far exceeds the national average of 6%-10%.

The staff of Silver City Sarasota is very proud of the collection, and with Motes’ encouragement, they are currently working on new pieces to help Save our Beaches.

Located just minutes from Siesta Key Beach, on Midnight Pass Road, Silver City Sarasota has been providing its customers with outstanding service as well as uniquely designed products in a variety of gemstones and diamond jewelry.

TM

You can view the “Tide Away™” Collection at Silver City Sarasota located at 6539 Midnight Pass Road Monday -Saturday 10 am to 5pm.

941-349-5030 www.SilverCitySarasota.com Advertorial

16

MARCH 2020

é Ca s a l

941.312.0665

HAPPY HOUR

fé

B

Siesta Sand

4-6PM AND 10-12PM

IS T B S É ASL BLIA &MartiniBar Bar C – ETE SEP R T S K EIWN I R V L theblasecafe.com HILD – 0 9Y2 TT1L A H OGN NTII A C O C D IL NS 3.14 PI 2 - 7pm U 2 R M U O E OIUVT Awesome pizza, L K HEC

941.349.9822

C

RO

HAPPY HOUR

wings & bartenders!

941.346.1188 siestapi.com TWO GREAT ONELOCATION! LOCATION! TWO GREATPLACES PLACES ONE 5263 SiestaKey Key 5263Ocean Ocean Blvd. || Siesta

Island Chatter of allowing members and others to make tax-deductible donations.

D i r e c t o r s h ave e n c o u r ag e d members to make use of that opportunity to support the SKA’s work on their behalf.

In response to a request from the News Leader, Sarasota City Attorney Robert Fournier wrote in a Feb. 6 email, “The amount [the city has] spent on the Siesta Key Association suit originally filed in 2017 is $158,216.29.

Chamber announces dates for member meetings

Regular readers will recall that in January, we reported that Ann Frescura, executive director of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, was working with outgoing board Chair Eric Fleming and incoming Cha i r Mason Tush to rev ise the schedule for the Chamber’s quarterly meetings for members.

In its February newsletter, the Chamber staff has included those dates on its 2020 Calendar of Events.

The first quarterly meeting is set for March 18; the second will be on

ALPINE STEAKHOUSE Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day Mon.-Tues, 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

Home of the Sarasota TurDucKen as seen on The Food Network with Guy Fieri the host of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

VOTED SARASOTA’S BEST Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner FOR 46 YEARS!

Also Shepard’s Pie and Braised Lamb Shanks In Our Meat Department: New England Gray Corned Beef Briskets, Order Now!

Prime Aged Steaks, Chops, Seafood, NY Deli Meats, Sausage, Salads

Voted SaraSota’S BeSt Philly CheeSeSteak and ny reuBen!

Serving Sarasota Since 1975

From the Market...

We Offer Complete Catering Services

OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY www.alpinesteak.com

4520 S. Tamiami Sarasota, FL 34231

941.922.3797

www.siestasand.net

Continued from page 5

June 17; the third, on Sept. 16; and the fourth, on Dec. 16.

Last year, the Chamber board relocated the meetings to the Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar in Siesta Village. However, Frescura told the SNL in early February that the decision had been made to hold the sessions at the newer Daiquiri Deck, located on Stickney Point Road.

The board will conduct a brief meeting first on the quarterly meeting dates, beginning at 8:30 a.m.; then, the session for members will begin about 9 a.m., Frescura added.

Siesta Key Marina sold to nation’s largest marina company

Safe Harbor Marinas, which calls itself “the largest owner and operator of marinas in the United States,” formally announced in late January that it had purchased the Siesta Key Marina, located at 1265 Old Stickney Point Road on approximately 1.7 acres.

The new name of the facility is Safe Harbor Siesta Key, a news release pointed out. It is the area’s only full-service marina, the Safe Harbor Siesta Key website noted.

Safe Harbor paid $2,422,100 on Dec. 6, 2019 for the property, Sarasota Count y Propert y Appraiser Office records show. In 2019, the total market value of the land and buildings was $2,722,900, the Property Appraiser’s Office says.

Safe Harbor is based in Dallas.

The Siesta property is its 12th in Florida, according to a map on its website.

Colliers International Leisure Property Advisors brokered the sale, according to a news release that firm issued. Siesta Key Marina had been owned since October 2016 by Andy Eggebrecht, Maurice Dentici and their families, through a limited liability company called MADD Marine Holdings, Florida Division of Corporations records note. The families paid $2.7 million for the parcel, Sarasota County Property Appraiser Office records also show.

The Eggebrechts and Denticis will cont i nue to operate t he Spearfish Grille restaurant — which opened in March 2018 — and the marina’s boat tour service,

leasing those spaces from Safe Harbor, according to the Colliers International news release.

“In the marina business, we continue to see the consolidation of family-owned facilities to larger operators like Safe Harbor,” Matt Putnam, managing director of Colliers International, said in the news release. “It’s not uncommon because large operators can run facilities more efficiently with economies of scale,” he added in the release.

Given the negative national publicity about red tide in 2018 and early 2019, marinas on the Gulf Coast suffered financially, Dan Grovatt, director of Collier’s International, pointed out in the release. That situation kept marina operators from looking to purchase properties along the Gulf Coast, he noted in the release. However, that hesitancy has dissipated, Grovatt added.

Promotional materials for Siesta Key Marina, featured on the Colliers International website, listed the following investment highlights: “Irreplaceable Southwest Florida Location,” “Tremendous In-Place Cash Flow,” approximately 250 rentable units, “Situated Within A High-Growth [metropolitan st at ist ica l a rea],” a nd “Ra re Acquisition Opportunity.”

Safe Harbor Siesta Key’s website says it has 243 storage racks and 22 boats for rent. The business also offers “Master Yamaha Techs,” fuel and bait, and snacks and beverages, the website adds, along with the SpearFish Grille and a waterfront tiki bar on site.

The marina opened in 1961, the website notes.

Second Special Exception petition headed for a hearing

Regular readers may recall that a Special Exception petition also has been filed with county Planning and Development Services Department staff regarding a house located at 5228 Calle Menorca.

The applicant hopes to obtain county approval for the property to be classified as “transient accommodations,” so he can rent it out for periods of less than 30 days.

That petition was scheduled to Continued on page 24

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with some Seafood Delights.

Large selection of fresh seafood.

Special Orders Welcome!

ENJOY OUR STEAMPOT FOR 2

From the Grill...

7119 S. Tamaimi Trail, Sarasota Just off the Key, 1/4 mile south of Stickney Pt Rd

Open Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Fresh fish your way: Grilled or Blackened & topped with Lemon Butter, Pico or Salsa, Soups, Sandwiches, Steam pots & more!

5 STAR REVIEWS THE NORM FOR THIS SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

941-413-7133 | www.FreshCatchFishMarketandGrill.com

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

MARCH 2020

One Year Pilot Gulf Fish Farm Project Concerns Siesta Key Residents

BREAKFAST and LUNCH

SERVED ALL DAY

By Jane Bartnett

The Gulf waters that lie 45 miles southwest of Siesta Key have brought national attention to the issue of fish farming in the United States. A proposal is now before the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create a one-year-long test project to raise 20,000 Almaco Jack fish that are native to the Florida Gulf waters, in a floating “Velella Project,” 100-ft. copper-alloy mesh cage or fish farm, that can be lowered to 130 feet below the water line. The 12-month pilot project would be managed by Kampachi FishFarms, LLC, a Hawaiian aquaculture company based in Kailua-Kona, HI. Before the project can advance any further, it must be approved by the EPA and the US Army Corps of Engineers. If approved, the floating fish farm would be the first of its kind in the Gulf of Mexico and in the continental U.S. To gauge public sentiment, the EPA held a three-hour public hearing on January 28, 2020, at MOTE Marine’s Wave Auditorium. As the meeting opened, an EPA official reported that the EPA has found that the proposal shows “no significant impact to the environment.” Some 66 individuals submitted requests to address the group that included area residents, public officials and business leaders. Speaking before a standing room only audience, Tom Surprise, a member of the board of the Siesta Key Association spoke

against the test project expressing his concerns about “discharge of un-natural elements in the waters.”

Surprise asked, “What precautions are in place to take care that things don’t take over?” His comments echoed those that appear on the Association’s webpage. “What assurance is there fish farms won’t contribute to a future of catastrophic red tide blooms?” the website reads.

The Siesta Key resident was among the majority of speakers who stood against the project moving forward. Many made reference to the recent bouts of Red Tide and the need to protect Gulf Coast wildlife. As audience members listened to the speakers, many held up signs reading “Not Here.”

Biologist Dr. Kevan Main, Manager for MOTE Marine Laboratory’s Marine & Freshwater Aquaculture Research Program, and a past president of World Aquaculture Society, spoke on her own behalf, independently of Mote. She stated that the United States needs to embrace aquaculture. “Time is of the essence in developing US marine aquaculture,” she said. “We are far behind other countries. We need to do this in a manner that is both environmentally sustainable and provides information that we need.” Main spoke of the great improvements that have been made in the past 25 years in developing the tools for aquaculture and fish

Siesta Key es tD

B

Photo ©Rick Decker www.lightreflection.com

farms. She noted that “98% of the seafood that we eat is imported and it is mostly farmed.” According to the US Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 50% of US seafood imports came from the East and Southeast Asia.

Should the demonstration project advance with EPA and the US Army Corps of Engineers approval, the fish “fingerlings” would be raised by Mote Marine and then delivered to the pens located below the waters’s surface. MOTE is working with Kampachi Farms on the project.

Officials stated that the fish would grow to an approved size in 12 months time. It is anticipated that approximately 20,000 fish would be harvested for sale. pDays after the public hearing, Sarasota Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch asked the City Commission to send a letter of opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency. pIn defense of the project, Kampachi FishFarms founder, Neil Anthony Sims wrote on the company’s blog that the “Velella net pen pilot project in the Gulf of Mexico is part of a national initiative to increase U.S. aquaculture production in the next four years.” In Hawaii, Sims reports, Kampachi has had success in deploying smaller “A q u a p o d ™ d e m o n s t r a t i o n fish pens off the coast of Kona, Hawaii.” In 2012, he said, the “Velella Beta-test was awarded one of TIME Magazine’s “25 Best Inventions of the Year,” It was also featured on a National Geographic special. Kampachi and Florida Sea Grant, a University of Florida based program that supports research, education and extension to conserve coastal resources and enhance economic opportunities, began work on the current effort after they were awarded a grant to conduct a trial with the new Velella pen in the Gulf of Mexico in 2017.

Should the EPA grant approval for the pilot fish farm in the Gulf, it will be, Kampachi reports “on a single-point mooring, which allows the net pens to pivot as the current direction changes.” An EPA decision is expected at the end of February, 2020.

17

27th State Media LLC

ine r

in Flo rida

MSN Food and Drink Jan. 2015

Full

All Natural

and

and Veggie

Beer, Wine

Breakfast Fresh Fruit Lunch Menu

Smoothies

and

Bloody Marys

6621 Midnight Pass Road Just S. of Stickney Pt. Road

941-552-6485 Open 7 Days A Week ~ 7 AM - 3 PM

www.ToastedMangoCafe.com

Captain Curt’s has everything you need to feel Totally Refreshed!

CRAFT BEERS Get That Old Florida Flavor!

CAPTAIN CURT’S CAPTAIn

WORLD FAMOUS CLAM CHOWDER 1200 Old Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key FL 34242

941-349-3885

Weekly Specials

Monday: 3 Course Prix-Fixe Menu $22.00 per Person Opa! Wednesday: $7 Saganaki Opa! Thursday: 50% Bottled Wines (some exclusions apply) Sunday: Family Style Menu $29.99 per person all you can eat family style

Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-10pm Sunday 11am - 9pm

4956 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 The Landings Shopping Center www.apolloniagrill.com

18

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2020

941.312.0665

CRAFT PIZZA BEER AND COCKTAILS

DAILY SPECIALS: Mondays $5 small Cheese Pizzas all day, $10 large Cheese Pizza from 4-10pm •

HEALTHY OPTIONS: SUPER FRESH SALADS AND SANDWICHES VEGAN/VEGETARIAN GLUTEN FREE LOW CARB/KETO OPTIONS

Team Trivia 2nd and 4th Thursday starting at 7:30pm

Tuesdays • .99 Kids Meals, Educators receive 20% off regularly priced food Wednesdays • 1/2 off all Wine and Sangria, buy one get one 1/2 off Hoagies and Sandwiches Thursdays • $5 off Large Pies and $5 off Local Pitchers

Chamber bestows annual awards By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce honored a number of people during its Annual Awards Dinner, which was held on Jan. 30 at Marina Jack in Sarasota.

Fridays • Buy one Calzone get one 1/2 off Saturday and Sunday Brunch 11-3 • Build your own Mimosa Bar, Individual and Bottomless options

Pick up and delivery available through MellowMushroom.com

COUPON

$5 off $25

The BEST Happy Hour on South Trail everyday from 3-6 and 8-Close

Expires 3/31/20

6727 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231

We were voted BEST PIZZA

by Sarasota Magazine in 2019

941•388•7504 Hours: Monday - Saturday • 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Sunday • 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

To enter from the back. Take a left on Gulf Gate Dr and a quick right after Longhorn, enter through the back of the parking lot.

Easy access from The Key!

Home for the best Margaritas

www.siestasand.net

Vern Johnson gets Sharon Cunningham Visitor Center Volunteer of Year Award Siesta Chamber Jan. 2020

Among those recognized was Vern Johnson, who received the Sharon Cunningham Visitor Center Volunteer of the Year Award for his 20 years of service.

To say Johnson’s face is familiar to Cha mber v isitors is a n understatement, as this reporter can attest. His voice also has welcomed many a caller to the Chamber over the past couple of decades.

year was planned to recognize Turner individually for all of her assistance with major Chamber events, as well as the entire Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department. “It really is more of a team effort,” Frescura said of the help the Chamber receives from county staff.

Jon at h a n Poy ner, prog ra m coordinator with PRNR, joined Turner in accepting the award.

Frescura noted that Poyner received an award himself “a few years ago” from the Chamber.

“We have three of the larger events in the area,” she continued, refer r i ng to t he Ju ly Fou r t h fireworks show and the Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival — both of which are held at Siesta Public Beach — and the annual Easter Egg Hunt, which has been held at Turtle Beach Park in recent years. The 2020 children’s event is scheduled at the same venue on April 11.

“They all require that county partnership [to succeed],” Frescura added of those major, annual Chamber activities.

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE ONLINE OR AT RESTAURANT

LUNCH SPECIALS

8389 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (across the street from Pelican Plaza)

11AM - 3PM Monday thru Friday $8.99 #’s 1-17 ONLY, *Soft Drink Is Included

941-217-4536 www.jaliscomexicangrill.com

HAPPY HOUR

TUESDAY DRINK SPECIALS

Original Flavor, Regular Size MARGARITA on the Rocks $3.75 Well Drinks $4.00 Dos X Mexican Beer $2.50 Original Flavored Mojito $3.50

Sangria $5.95 2X1 House Wine

MON. THRU SUN. 3PM-7PM

Luckners named Siesta Chamber volunteers of year 2020

16 oz.

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 11AM-9PM Fri. and Sat. 11AM-10PM Sun. 11AM-9PM

Kids Eat Free Monday & Thursday

1 Kid’s Meal With Each Adult Entreé

Another big honor — Volunteers of the Year — went to a married couple, Robert and Catherine Luckner, who both are on the board of the Siesta Key Association (SKA).

Catherine, who is president, and Robert Luckner have worked over the past seven years to try to prevent the removal of sand from Big Sarasota Pass to renourish about 1.56 miles of South Lido Key Beach.

The other win ners were as follows:

Steve Cavanaugh named Business Person of Year Siesta Chamber 2020

• Steve Cavanaugh of Tropical Sands Accommodations/RE/MAX Tropical Sands — Business Person of the Year.

• Hope McCampbell-Wenk — Siesta Selfless Award.

We Are Taking Reservations Thru Our Webpage Or Thru Open Table Maria Bankemper gets Service & Leadership Award Siesta Chamber 2020

Explore Our $ 4.49 Daily Specials Brian and Trudy Wigelsworth of Gidget’s named Siesta Chamber Small Business of Year 2020

Great Sandwiches

Since 1994

Sandwich Construction Specialists

“The Landings Plaza”

4982 S. Tamiami Trail

Sarasota, FL 34231 941-925-3955 Fax 926-0066 View menu at corkscrewdeli.com

• Gidget’s Coastal Provisions — Small Business of the Year. Gidget’s, which stands on Ocean Boulevard, is owned by Brian and Trudy Wigelsworth.

• John Dooley — Shining Star Award. Dooley is a member of the staff of the Law Offices of Eric C. Fleming. Traditionally, the Shining Star Award has been presented to a n e xce p t ion a l e mploye e nominated by his or her employer, or an employer nominated by one or more of their employees.

• Cindy Turner, manager of the Beaches and Water Access Division of the Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department (PRNR) — Community Partner.

Ann Frescura, executive director of the Chamber, told SNL during a telephone interview that the Community Partner Award this

• Service & Leadership Award — Maria Bankemper, who has chaired the Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival for most of its existence.

Bankemper also is co-owner of the Best Western Plus Siesta Key Gateway Hotel, which is located at 6600 S. Tamiami Trail.

Mason Tush accepts Siesta Chamber chair gavel from Eric Fleming

The 2020 board officers are as follows: Chair — Mason Tush of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters; Immediate Past Chair — Eric Fleming of the Law Offices of Eric Fleming P.A.: Chair-Elect — Steve Cavanaugh of Tropical Sands Accommodations/ RE/MAX Tropical Sands; Treasurer — Kara Altice-Montes of Altez Vacations; and Secretary — Gabe Hartman of, The Inn on Siesta Key.

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

MARCH 2020

Snowy Egret

These graceful and delicate wadi ng bi rds a re sma l ler cousins to the Great Egret. In the late 1800s, the snowy egret was nearly hunted to extinction for its striking plumage. While t hei r numbers rebou nded following protective legislation in the 20th century, snowy egret numbers are once again in decline with the loss of coastal habitats. Snowy egrets hunt for food in the salty surf near calm sheltered areas—like the breakwaters at the north end of Siesta Beach on Siesta Key— as well as inland fresh water marshes and sloughs. Those ‘golden slippers’ aren’t just for show. Their brillant yellow toes

27th State Media LLC

19

startle fish, crustaceans, small lizards or insects into motion for easier picking from sandy or muddy sediment.

M y h a ndm a d e n ot e c ard s showcase Siesta Key scenes and wildlife. I hope you will enjoy these favorite mementos of The Key’s natural splendor through my camera’s lens.

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

Now available at two locations: BLVD Beachwear 5239 Ocean Blvd / Sarasota (941) 349-2583

Snowy Egret, Egretta thula: Photo courtesy of Siesta Key Notes / Jan G. Baumgartner

Shelly’s Gift and Christmas Boutique 4420 S. Tamiami Trail / Sarasota (941) 260-8905

Happiness is… Reunions Ah, Spring. A time for renewal and rebirth. At Abel’s Ice Cream, owner Jerry Williams loves this season because of the joy he gets from reuniting with his favorite snowbirds. “It’s like meeting up with old friends when someone walks in the door who’s been out of town for months,” he said.

Not surprising that Jerry becomes friends with his customers. One of the most frequent review comments about Abel’s Ice Cream is the friendliness of the staff. And that all starts with him.

And right now, he’s even happier than usual. It’s almost a guarantee that the next time you walk into Abel’s for your favorite sweet treat, Williams will be sporting his Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Championship hat. “Fifty years in the making.” He smiled. “Of course, I’m ready to talk about it.”

Along with the wide variety of delicious ice cream flavors that are available year-round, Abel’s is kicking off Spring featuring a seasonal flavor, Purple Daze (Black Raspberry ice cream with a black raspberry crinkle, and dark chocolate black raspberry cups.) and our most popular flavor, Stellar Coffee (If you’re a coffee lover, this is a must have... there is no better! Rich Coffee Club® ice cream with delicious fudge and mini dark chocolate coffee cups.)

DaRuMaLandings-SunsetSpecialsAd.pdf

1

12/12/19

Jerry and Jill Williams, owners of Abel’s Ice Cream

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

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

Live Music Every Day and Night

Enjoy some great ice cream with your friends at Abel’s Ice Cream. They are 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 them on Facebook or Instagram.

Awarded their Certificate of Excellence for SIX years straight!

12:58 PM

Daily Drink Specials

20

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2020

941.312.0665

Sheriff’s Substation Leader Talks Crashes and Crime During his monthly presentation to the Siesta Key Association (SKA) members, on Feb. 6, Sgt. Arik Smith, leader of the Sheriff’s Office substation on the island, first offered a report that he had promised a person in January.

Smith apologized for not recalling the man’s name, but Smith reminded attendees that the man had asked about the number of crashes at the intersection of Stickney Point Road and Midnight Pass Road.

The Sheriff’s Office’s Traffic Division pulled that data for him, Smith continued.

From Jan. 1, 2018 to Jan. 10 of this year, a total of 16 crashes were recorded at that intersection. The Sheriff’s Office handled the majority of the responses, Smith noted.

(During the past two annual budget presentations Sheriff Tom Knight and his senior staff have made to the County Commission, they have reported that the Sheriff’s Office has been handling more and more accidents, with the Florida Highway Patrol’s manpower continuing to shrink.)

On Feb. 6, Smith told the SKA members he thought that 16 [crashes] “was actually pretty good … for as busy as that intersection is.”

As for crime on the Key in January: Smith reported that the Sheriff’s Office received 308 calls for service, and only 18 — or 6% — of those involved what the FBI classifies as Part

Sgt. Arik Smith I crimes — those of the most serious nature.

The Part I offenses included three vehicle burglaries that occurred on the same day, Smith noted. Those were what officers call “smash-and-grab” cases, he added. The perpetrators saw valuables in the vehicles and broke windows to remove the items, Smith said.

Once again, he urged the SKA members, “Hide your valuables.” Put them in the trunk,

the center console or the glove box, he said, so they do not tempt someone.

Among the other Part I crimes were an auto theft, a robbery and a nonresidential burglary, Smith noted.

The robbery case, he explained, “didn’t start out here.” As he understood the details, Smith said, that began with a road rage incident near Sarasota Memorial Hospital. “They ended up on the Key.” A physical fight broke out, Smith continued. Then “one guy reaches in and grabs [the other guy’s] car keys … and throws them out of the car.” That constituted the robbery portion of the incident, he said.

The Sheriff’s Office personnel were “pretty busy out here” in January, he added. Business owners have continued to tell him, Smith said, that crowds are indeed large this season.

Finally, Smith talked about the Sheriff’s Office’s annual preparations for spring break, which usually launches on March 1.

“We urge that everybody just calm down and pay attention to what’s going on,” Smith advised the audience members. For example, drivers especially need to watch out for people in crosswalks, he said.

From six to eight extra officers will be

CUISINE OF NORTHEAST THAILAND

• • • • • •

Gluten Free

No MSG Vegan Vegetarian Seafood Curries Craft Beer

utt T Taakkee--doou aannd gg C Caatteerriinn

5758 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

941.923.1232

Next to Phillippi Estate Park.

Serving Siesta Key and Sarasota

www.IsanThaiRestaurant.com

* Authentic Italian food from Italian chefs

* Fresh housemade pasta

BEST HAPPY HOUR IN TOWN Daily 4pm - 6:30pm

Open for dinner from 4pm - 9pm 3900 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233 (941) 952-3186 www.chiantisarasota.com

www.siestasand.net

By Rachel Brown Hackney SarasotaNewsLeader.com

assigned to the island, Smith continued. “The horses will be out here as well,” he added, referring to the Mounted Patrol Unit.

Spring break “brings that extra traffic, just that kind of extra nervousness out here,” he pointed out. “Calm down and let’s get through this thing smoothly.”

Details about the aggravated assault

During Sgt. Arik Smith’s Feb. 6 report to Siesta Key Association (SKA) members, he pointed out that an aggravated assault recorded among the more serious crimes on the Key in January involved “a couple of juveniles [who] argued over shoes in the Village. … They got into a fight, and one of them produced a knife and, kind of in selfdefense, stabbed the other one.”

The Sheriff’s Office’s Communications staff kindly provided the SNL copies of the reports related to the aggravated assault case.

About 6 p.m. on Jan. 1, in the parking lot of Hanna Plaza, located at 5221 Ocean Blvd., the report says, the victim “was involved in a physical altercation with Jaden M. TassottiEdbrooke,” whom the report identified as 16 and a resident of Sarasota.

“The argument was about a pair of expensive sneakers which were stolen earlier in the day from the victim,” the report continued. (The victim asked not to be identified in the report, as allowed by state law.)

“The victim contacted [Tassotti-Edbrooke] and confronted him about the stolen sneakers,” the report continued. “The defendant denied stealing the sneakers but agreed to return them to the victim,” the report added. The two agreed to meet in Siesta Village, and they ended up in the parking lot located at 5221 Ocean Blvd., the report noted.

Tassotti-Edbrooke “returned the stolen sneakers to the victim,” the report said. “A verbal altercation ensued between the two which turned physical. A couple punches were exchanged between the victim and the defendant. The defendant then stabbed the victim in the lower right abdomen,” resulting in a wound that was 10 cm deep and 5 cm wide, the report added. A trauma unit transported the victim to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, “where he underwent emergency surgery for his injury. The victim is expected to survive his injury,” the report said.

Sheriff’s Officer personnel located and interviewed two witnesses, the report continued. They stated that they had observed the fight and the stabbing, the report added.

“The knife was located and taken into custody as evidence,” the report noted.

As for the alleged theft of the sneakers, which led to that incident: A second Sheriff’s Office report explained that the victim of the stabbing attended a party on Siesta Cove Drive on Jan. 1. “The victim left his black and white Balenciaga shoes in one of the rooms in the residence,” that report said. “At some point during the party,” Tassotti-Edbrooke allegedly entered the room where the shoes had been left. After Tassotti-Edbrooke departed the home, the report continued, “the victim discovered the shoes were gone.

The shoes were purchased on [Nov. 27, 2019 at Neiman-Marcus] for $846.30,” the report noted.

Surveillance video inside the residence “showed [Tassotti-Edbrooke] leaving with a red jacket which had something wrapped in it,” the report continued. “The victim called the defendant and confronted him about the theft. [Tassotti-Edbrooke] admitted to stealing the shoes and offered to return the stolen shoes,” the report said. And that led to the incident in the Village, the report added.

Tassotti-Edbrooke was charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon and Grand Theft, both of which are felony counts, the reports noted.

An accompanying document said TassottiEdbrooke was released into the custody of his parents, Courtney Lyn Edbrooke, 35, and Silvio C. Tassotti, 44, “pending the disposition of this case.”

The parents have separate addresses in Sarasota, that document showed.

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

MARCH 2020

Sheriff’s Report 12/24/19 Burglary

1/20/20 Road Rage/Assault

A woman left her residence at approximately 11:00 a.m. When she returned at approximately 2:00 p.m. she found her back do o r h ad b e e n p r i e d o p e n , possibly with a crow bar. The thief escaped with a jar of coins and six rolls of dimes. The back door was damaged where it was pried open. Area video cameras were targeted and a film review was undertaken.

1/11/2020 Identity Theft A woman indicated that she received a call from a large retail store informing her of the denial of a recent credit application in her name. The woman had also recently received a credit card in the mail from a different retailer.

The retailer indicated that there was a charge on the credit card i n t he a mou nt of $92.91 at a location approximately 220 miles away. The fraud departments of both retailers were contacted.

Investigation is ongoing.

1/20/20 Theft An unknown person entered the locked Sun Deck concession area at the public beach. The suspect removed several cases of loose beers and bags of chips and attempted to pry open two cash registers. Authorities discovered an open and partially empty beer near the cash register. A DNA swab was promptly secured.

return trip north. The case remains open.

At app r ox i m at e ly 9:15a m , the victim reported that he was traveling near Sarasota Memorial Hospital when a car “cut him off,” and he welcomed the car into his lane of travel by raising his middle finger in greeting. The car dropped back and followed the victim until he stopped and exited his vehicle near Midnight Pass Road.

Three men exited the other car and proceeded to attack the victim, kicking him in the head. They grabbed the keys out of his vehicle and threw them before leaving the scene. First responders treated the victim for facial lacerations and located his keys. Police recovered security video footage and photos of the incident.

1/21/20 Theft A victim reported on 1/21/20 that it just came to her attention that some personal items were stolen from and near her island rental unit about one month earlier.

She determined that the thefts must have occurred during the 12/3/19 -12/17/19 timeframe when maintenance workers entered her unit on multiple occasions.

On 1/21/20, she became aware of fraudulent activity on her JC Penney and Discover credit cards in Sarasota and Manatee County, which caused her to realize that they were missing. The victim then recalled that $20.00 in change and some jewelry also went missing from the front seat of her unlocked vehicle at the same rental location while it was being loaded for her

2/1/20 Theft/Attempted Theft At approximately 4:15p.m., the victim reported that she received notification through her doorbell camera that there was motion in front of her home on Waterside Way. Upon reviewing the camera footage, she observed a male subject wearing dark clothing attempting to open the locked driver-side door of her husband’s BMW, which was parked in the driveway. The suspect gave up without much effort and walked to a dark sedan waiting in the street. The fortuitous doorbell cam footage also showed another subject across the street simultaneously breaking into a Ford F-150 truck parked in a neighbor’s driveway.

The investigation revealed that nothing was stolen from the truck, but some cash was stolen from a Mercedes parked nearby. Touch DNA samples were promptly collected from the vehicles.

27th State Media LLC

21

Hiring a PET SITTER? Get the best for your pet!

Are they Licensed? Fully Insured?

And Certified? Most are not, but we are!

PAW PAIR Pet Nannies Locally owned and operated

• 26 Years as Pet Sitters, Home Watchers, and Dog Walking services, Pet Care, Exercise, Play & Cuddling • Licensed - Insured - Certified

3 Vital components for your Pet and Home’s Safety

• Same Certified trained Nanny every visit • Happy Pets - No More Crates or Kennels • Overnights, hourly Pop in’s, Daily, Weekly, Extended Stays. While you’re at work or when you’re away • No Need to bother asking friends or family for help

Call today for your FREE Meet & Greet

941-475-8585

pawpairpetnannies@gmail.com

12/25/2020- Christmas Tree Theft

The victim reported that between 12:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. her 10 foot tall artificial Christmas tree with lights and decorations was stolen from her front yard. The residence had a video surveillance system and the surveillance service provider was contacted to provide footage that may identify the suspect(s).

www.Station400.com

Daily Breakfast & Lunch Served 7:30am -2:30pm

217 AVENIDA MADERA SIESTA KEY

941-552-8826

www.THESEAFOODJOINT.com

CATERING AVAILABLE

Start your Day Off on the “right track” with a

10% Discount!

(Mention this ad to receive your discount)

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

MARKET & GRILL

TURTLE’S

941-927-0402 Family Owned & Operated

On little Sarasota Bay CASUAL WATERFRONT DINING

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

3-5 PM H APPY HOUR HAPPY HOUR 3-5 PM

• Discounted Well Drinks

• Discounted Well Drinks

Sunday Brunch

DAILY

DAILY • Bar Appetizers $2.99 -$3.99

• Bar Appetizers From

2.99

$

10.99 • 10AM-3PM

$

Incl. complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa

EArly Bird dinnEr SPEciAlS 11.99 - $15.99 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM

$

Completemenu menu at at turtlerestaurant.com turtlerestaurant.com Complete

Outside Dining Offered Bay Front

3/31/2020

Siesta Sand

Off Key

MARCH 2020

By Robert Frederickson

What’s Wrong with this Picture?

The IRS finally caught up with a Tampa man who filed a phony tax return back in 2016 that netted him a refund of $980,000 on a declared income of just $19,000.

Which begs the question, why did it take over three years to catch on to this fraud instead of the three seconds it should have required had even a modicum of common sense been applied? But sadly, you know the answer: common sense is a rare commodity among our federal bureaucracies these days.

All Ramon Ch ristopher Blanchett, 29, had to do to get that check for just shy of $1 million was claim he had overpaid nearly that same amount in taxes. Really? A nursing home worker earning less than $20,000 a year? Just where did the IRS think the funds for that ‘overpayment’ came from?

Tips? But the key word here is ‘think.’ There was precious little ‘thought’ involved here at all. The IRS simply takes it on faith that all Americans are truthful and honest.

How quaint. Have they checked the calendar lately? This isn’t 1950.

How much time would it take to flag any refund check greater than the average declared income of the taxpayer receiving it for say the past three, four or five years? Any business I’ve ever been involved in has had an accounts payable department that exists to make sure all payments are legitimate.

I worked for one publisher who would look at every single outgoing check each week before it was put in the mail, just to double check that nothing illegitimate was slipping through. I think most business owners have similar approaches.

But not the IRS. Too big, I guess.

Can’t be bothered with details that would slow the process of wading through all those returns...

941.312.0665

Blanchett’s ‘mistake’ in his criminal enterprise was to leave out a crucial step others in this line of work know better than to overlook. He forgot to file a return using someone else’s name and social security number, not his own (“d’oh!” as Homer Simpson would say). Those more adept in this type of fraud also know to add a new address to the return so the bogus refund comes directly to them with the actual taxpayer being none the wiser that their return has been hijacked. It’s incredible that the IRS hasn’t tightened up its procedures over the past four years since this type of fraud surfaced and subsequently swept across the nation after being incubated right here in the Tampa Bay region beginning around 2015.

So, what can you do to protect yourself? Well, given the lack of vigilance by the IRS, file your taxes as early as possible. Don’t wait around until April 15th. That just extends the opportunity zone for someone with access to your name and social security number to slip ahead of you and file a fake return in your place, potentially leading to your very own Homer Simpson moment when the IRS refuses to accept your actual return because, as they tell you, “it was already filed, and your refund was sent out weeks ago!”

“D’oh!”

For his part, after finally being nabbed late last year, Blanchett had to forfeit the $51,000 Lexus he bought with his ill-gotten gains along with the balance of the bogus refund; he now faces a three year prison stint set to begin shortly, which should give him plenty of time to ponder his own Homer Simpson moment.

The Shops of Siesta Village Plaza Best Burgers & Tacos on the Island!

5110 Ocean Blvd. • Siesta Key Village 941-487-8116 • islandhousetapandgrill.com

Albino Alligator spotted at Bobby Jones Golf Course

A new attraction has been spotted at the Bobby Jones Golf course in Sarasota: an albino alligator has been observed in one of the small lakes near the fourth tee of the British Course. The city recently announced plans to update the municipal course after several years of declining revenues; but adding a menagerie of exotic wildlife was not part of the plan, so we are left to conclude the rare gator came to the course entirely on his own

BREAKING NEWS: John Ringling a RACIST!

In a recent front page, above the fold piece in the Herald Tribune, columnist Chris Anderson formally outed Sarasota cultural icon John Ringling as such.

(Yawn).

I mean, in this modern era when ‘RACIST!” is bandied about with the frequency of waves breaking along the Gulf, when a former presidential candidate can casually relegate more than a quarter of the nation’s voters – upwards of 30 million Americans – to a ‘basket of deplorables’ exhibiting behaviors Ringling would likely have embraced, well, of course a man born in the 19th century would easily make the grade.

Must have been a slow news day.

The only thing missing: context. ...which has sadly gone the way of the dodo bird in today’s journalism.

Can you say Probable Cause?

Mor e news f rom b r i l l i a nt criminals. The AP reports an FHP trooper patrolling I-10 in Santa Rosa county recently pulled over Ian Simmins and Joshua

Reinhardt, both 34, for flying down the highway at 95 mph… not an especially smart move, if along for the ride you allegedly have 75 grams of meth, 3.6 grams of fentanyl, 1.36 kilograms of GHB, 15 MDMA tabs and one gram of cocaine. Oh, and for Reinhardt an active felony warrant for probation violation.

But it gets worse for these two.

The contraband was found in two ditty bags conspicuously labeled “BAG FULL OF DRUGS.” The two men were taken to the Santa Rosa county jail and later, deputies posted a photo of the incriminating ditty bags on Facebook with the caption: “Note to self: do not traffic your illegal narcotics in bags labeled ‘Bag Full of Drugs.’ Our K9s can read.’ ”

Memo to Deer: ‘Don’t Cross Here!’

An online post reported this anecdote describing a blissfully uninformed neighbor who refuses to believe Dr. Doolittle is a fictional character.

“I live in a semi-rural area. We recently had a new neighbor call the local city council to request the removal of the DEER CROSSING sign on our road. The reason given by the concerned resident? ‘Too many deer are being hit by cars out here! I don’t think this is a good place for them to be crossing anymore.’ “

A Glittering Jewel of Self-Absorbed Excess

A question for our earnest readers: In your working career, past or present, do you ever recall a formal workplace event where you witnessed one of your co-workers being called forward in recognition of a job well done and having that

1 2 4 5

3

6 7 8 9 11 13 14 10 12

individual take the opportunity to discuss his or her political beliefs, opinions on issues of social justice or the plight of polar bears living above the arctic circle?

Me either.

So exactly why is it that actors think we give a rat’s backside about their personal outlook on the trending issues of the day?

I’d like to ask Brad Pitt or Joaquin Phoenix this: in your heightened state of enlightenment, is there no room for even a glimmer of understanding that the reason most of us go to the movies in the first place is to escape the drivel of folks who presume to lecture us on what we should think or feel about all manner of subjects they likely know less about than we do?

There’s a reason ratings for the Oscars hit an all-time low this year. Unlike the Golden Globes, the Oscars didn’t even have an MC this time out to poke fun at all the glittering jewels of self-absorbed excess preening about.

At least the earlier event had Ricky Gervais adding some comic relief with gems like this delivered right at the outset: “You say you’re woke, but the companies you work for, I mean... unbelievable. Apple, Amazon, Disney.

If ISIS started a streaming service you’d call your agent, wouldn’t you?

So, if you do win an award tonight, don’t use it as a platform to make a political speech, right? You’re in no position to lecture the public about anything. You know nothing about the real world. Most of you spent less time in school than Greta Sunberg. So, if you win, right, come up, accept your little award thank your agent and your God and F*** off.”

Too bad there’s no category for “Speaking Truth to Glittering Jewels of Self-Absorbed Narcissism.”

1. Café Gabbiano 2. Island House 3. Edward Jones 4. Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce 5. Tropical Sands Accommodations 6. Lilly Pulitzer

7. Davidsons Drugs 8. Comfort Shoes 9. Sarasota Medical Center 10. Open for Rent 11. Open for Rent 12. The Local Bean 13. Siesta Key Wine Bar 14. Local Chill Ice Cream

Wine is the ansWer, What Was the Question?

Come join us for Happy Hour

Serving Sarasota Sarasota Since Since 1958 Serving 1958

every day 3-6pm Buy one glass of wine, get the 2nd 1/2 off & $ 3 Domestic Beers 5138c Ocean Blvd.

Siesta Village 941-552-9105 • SiestaKeyWineBar.com

Live music Wed.-Sat. nites!

Chill out with Sarasota’s best ICE CREAM!

Siesta Key Visitor Center & Chamber of Commerce SAVE THE DATE! Siesta Key Egg Hunt at Turtle Beach Saturday, April 11 • 9 am-Noon

www.siestasand.net

From Fiscal Irresponsibility to Thespian Imbecility…

OCEAN BLVD.

22

941-349-3800 5114 Ocean Blvd.

Must pre-register at SiestaKeyChamber.com

Home & Office

Delivery

LocalChill.com

5140 Ocean Blvd.

Siesta Key Village 941-388-7672

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

MARCH 2020

27th State Media LLC

LIVE MUSIC PAGE 28

VILLAGE MAP pgs 24 - 25

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 47

CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 26 GULF GATE SHOPS pgs 30 - 31

941.312.0665

Siesta Key Drum Circle Every Sunday is a perfect time to come to the Key to reconnect with Mother Nature and to enjoy this collaborative community event. I’m talking about the Siesta Key Drum Circle that takes place each Sunday starting about an hour before sunset and lasting until about 10 p.m. The gathering meets up just south of the main pavilion - just follow your ears and watch for the swelling crowd.

Please note the following rules of etiquette that need to be observed at the Drum Circle so that all can enjoy the experience: the inside of the drum circle is for participants only, not for people standing around. Feel free to enter the circle, take a picture and dance, but always keep moving. Never play someone’s drum without getting clearance from the owner. Always ask before borrowing other people’s property, especially hula hoops. Flash photography and bright video lights are distracting, so photograph during daylight or use a night vision camera. And finally, please do not drink alcohol or smoke inside the circle and respect our beach by placing all trash in the appropriate receptacles.

Photo by John Newcombe as shared in Siesta Key Drum Circle Facebook page.

Don’t Waste Your Island Time Crossing Bridges!

We are conveniently located just a few steps from Crescent Beach and minutes away from anywhere on the Key.

• Full Service Grocery • Party Trays • Boar’s Head Meat & Cheese • Domestic & Micro Beers • Fabulous Deli Sandwiches Made to Order! • Largest Wine Selection on Siesta Key • Farm Fresh Produce • Beach Supplies • Butcher Shop • Take Out Meals

We Deliver to Siesta Key!

941-312-0472 fax: 941-312-9588

www.crescentbeachgrocery.com

23

1211 Old Stickney Point Rd., Siesta Key, FL 34242 (corner of Stickney Pt. and Midnight Pass Rd.)

24

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2020

Island Chatter be heard by the Planning Commission on Feb. 20, a notation on the county’s interactive Planning and Development Services map said, which was beyond the publication deadline for this issue of Siesta Sand.

The owners of the property are Max Nuebler Jr. and Paula J. Nuebler, who bought it in August 1985, county Property Appraiser Office records show.

The market value of the parcel in 2019 was $575,839, the records note.

A Nov. 26, 2019 letter to county Planning and D e ve lo p m e n t S e r v i c e s Depa r t ment st a f f f rom at tor ney G. Mat t hew Brockway, with the Icard Merrill firm in Sarasota, identifies the applicant as Chad Waites. A copy of a document accompanying

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.net

Continued from page 16

t he let ter — a Michael Saunders & Co. contract for sale and purchase — says Waites plans to buy the property, contingent upon county approval of the Special Exception. Waites signed the form on Feb. 19, 2019.

Brock way noted i n his letter that the parcel comprises only about 0.10 acres. Located on the west side of Calle Menorca, it is surrounded by commercial properties, he added.

The structure contains two dwelling units, which are rented for periods of 30 days or longer, Brockway pointed out.

“W h i le co sme t ic a nd interior improvements to the existing building are contemplated in connection with the proposed Special

Exception,” he continued, “no material changes or improvements will be made to the Property.”

Wa ites “contemplates removing the kitchens of the existing dwelling units, including 220[-volt] electrical service to the kitchens, prior to commencement of rentals for periods of less than [30 days,” Brockway added.

“No site improvements or alterations are required or contemplated …”

The protocol for road swap hearing comments

In early January, the News Leader asked Brian Rick, spokesman for District One of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), what protocol the

department would follow in the aftermath of a Dec. 11, 2019 public hearing on the planned swap of Siesta roads to the state later this year.

At the time — right after the holidays — Rick was unable to get any answers, he responded, because the people who could answer that question were not in the office.

On Jan. 28, he reported t h at he f i n a l ly h ad a n answer about the handling of the formal remarks made during the hearing at Siesta Key Chapel, as well as those submitted to District One staff via email.

“All the comments are gathered into a technical memo for public records request,” Rick wrote in a Jan. 28 email. “The memo is also a part of the transfer

agreement package submitted to the district secretary and Central Office in Tallahassee. There is no dedicated website for this agreement.”

The County Commission approved the final road swap document in October 2019. In exchange for the state’s assuming authority for River Road in South County, Sarasota County will take control of Stickney Point Road west of U.S. 41; Midnight Pass Road north of the Stickney Point Road intersection; Higel Avenue; Siesta Drive west of Osprey Avenue; Bay Road; and a section of Osprey Avenue south of Siesta Drive.

T he Sie st a road s a r e expected to be transferred to the county in September.

SKA announces speaker for March 5th meeting

Dr. Charles Reith

Dr. Charles Reith, a recognized global expert in energy efficiency and leader of Reith Energy will be the featured speaker at the March 5th Siesta Key Association meeting. Dr. Reith will be speaking on the subject of ‘Affordable Energy for Healthier Communities.’

Dr. Reith has had a 25-year distinguished career in ener-

WH

Map B #42

SIESTA KEY

5250 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34242

SOUTH SIESTA

1250 Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242 N IC E N D O F VE IS LA

ST ARMANDS CIRCLE

325 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236

Map D #62

Coffee Shop • Tea Room • 5138

ISLAND OF VENICE

300 W. Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285

Anna Maria Island

107 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, FL. 34217

ACCOMMODATIONS Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa.......... Map-A #38A ATM / BANKS PNC ATM.........................................Map-C #61 Sun Trust Bank & ATM..................... Map-E #4 BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Blaśe Café...................................... Map-A #38 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar........... Map-B #42-43 Gilligan’s.........................................Map-B #33 My Village Pub......................... Map-C #53/54 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 Bean Coffeehouse......................... Map-D #62 Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company......Map-B #31 DRUGSTORE Davidson Drugs............................ Map-D #65

DAIQUIRIDECK.COM

FASHION & ACCESSORIES Beach Bazaar’s & Swin Shack..... Map-C #28 Blvd. Beachwear.............................. Map-B #30 Comfort Shoes-Birki & More..... Map-D #64 Foxy Lady Fashions...................... Map-A #40 Ganja Mon Vibes.............................. Map-D #9 Gidget’s Coastal Provisions.........Map-B #44 Island Boutique............................... Map-B #50 Island Style.......................................Map-C #53 Lilly Pulitzer.................................. Map-D #66 Sea Shanty........................................Map-C #24 Siesta T’s........................................... Map-B #30 The Sandal Factory......................... Map-B #46 GAS STATION Circle K Store..................................... Map-E #6 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Beach Bazaar.................................. Map-C #28 Gilligan’s Gift Store......................... Map-B #32 Island Trader....................................Map-C #51 Sea Pleasures & Treasures..............Map-C #29 Siesta Key Outfitters..................... Map-D #12

Barber Scott Reich

Formerly of the Village Barber

Gulf Gate Barbershop Making Gulf Gate look good since the ‘60’s Bringing over 70 years of life lessons and local knowledge to your haircut (trust us, we know alllll about what you did last summer).

It’s not just a haircut, it’s life. We know all about it.

Let’s laugh, have a beer, and talk nonsense….that’s free.

Haircut? That’s gonna cost you…$15, if we like you, $25 if you’re a P.I.T.A. “Best Local Barbers” 20 years in the running Kyle and Scott “to the second power”

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

HEALTH & FITNESS Indep. Lifestyle Solutions ............ Map-D #10 Siesta Healing................................... Map-D #9 Siesta Key Fitness..........................Map-B #73 ICE CREAM/SWEETS Big Olaf Creamery...........................Map-C #52 Curly Cream Ice Cream................... Map-D #9 Local Chill Ice Cream................... Map-D #60 Made in Rome Organic Gelato......Map-C #53 Meany’s Mini Donuts.....................Map-C #24 Stefano Versace Gelato...................Map-C #50 SubZero Ice Cream/Yogurt.......... Map-D #16 The Fudge Factory..........................Map-A #36 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs............................ Map-D #65 Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company......Map-B #31 JEWELRY Created Gems..................................Map-C #51 Mount -N- Repair Jewelers............. Map-D #9 LIQUOR STORES / FINE WINES Gabbiano’s Wine Club................. Map-D #70 Gilligan’s.........................................Map-B #33 Siesta Key Wine Bar..................... Map-C #61 Siesta Village Liquors.................. Map-C #26 The Beach Club............................... Map-D #22

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

MARCH 2020

25

27th State Media LLC

Flag ceremony The remarkable and courageous story of Beth Usher and her “special” friends

In honor of Captain Ralph Styles (a Decorated WWII Submarine Captain in the Pacific Theater), who began this Tribute Ceremony about 30 years ago--Each sunset, our community comes together with new friends from around the world, now at Siesta Key Public Access #2, at 10 Beach Road as we now say: “Welcome to Patriots Pier at Sunset Point Pier! We thank you for joining our nightly tribute to honor the sacrifices of our military and service personnel in protecting our country and our freedoms! We are the land of the free because of the brave!”

At our Patriots Pier at Sunset Point Ceremony on February 13, 2020, we were honored to celebrate

HAT BETTER WAY TO START YOUR DAY IN PARADISE! • Organic and Fair Trade Coffees & Teas • Cold Pressed Coffee • Organic Smoothies • Light Lunch (Sandwiches) • Breakfast Sandwiches, Bagels & Lox • Homemade Pastries

941-260-6400

Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key Village

the very special story of Beth Usher as a follow up to our Celebration on her birthday last June.

Thank you to Dan Caffrey, as Beth calls “my brother from another mother” who brought us Beth’s heroic story!

Beth was able to be joined by her parents, Brian and Kathy, and their close friends the Caffrey’s with Annie Styles (Captain Ralph Styles’ daughter), Kelli, and as Beth requested, Patriot Captain Mike.

All were able to share their story that even brought tears of joy to some.

Watch the video’s posted at “Patriots Pier at Sunset Point” on Facebook.

Beth and her family and friends told us of her remarkable story we were able to share with a large group that gathered as we do each sunset.

Beth, at six, developed a rare brain condition called Rasmussen

Encephalitis that was eating away the left side of her brain.

Furthermore, her days were filled with seizures – up to 100 per day.

Beth’s parents noticed that when Beth watched the “Mister Rogers Neighborhood “ TV Show and heard his soothing voice that she did not have the seizures.

Her mom, Kathy, thought an autograph picture from Mr. Rogers would be a keepsake treasure for her daughter.

After contacting Mr. Rogers, a picture wasn’t all he did for his new friend.

When Beth was in the hospital, Mr. Rogers called many times.

After Beth had fallen into a coma after surgery, he even visited (demanding no media) her and gave a private bedside performance with his complete cast and clarinet. Even though she was in a coma, Beth opened her eyes when she heard his voice. Their bond was special

and he speaks of her and their “special neighborhood friendship” in his books.

Beth’s other special “hero,” Dr. Ben Carson took charge of Beth as the sixth person to have this “hemispherectomy” surgery and in 1987, he removed half of her brain in a 12-hour surgery.

The story of Dr. Carson as a dedication to Beth is a remarkable story by itself.

Read more of this in his book “Gifted Hands” in the chapter

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

devoted to “Little Beth” as he even sat by her bedside in a tuxedo, skipping a night at the orchestra he was to attend when he learned her condition the evening of the surgery had taken a bad turn.

Also read Beth’s book “The Sun Can Come Out Again.”

“We are the land of the free because of the brave!”

See more on U-Tube and at: h t t p s://w w w.yo ut u b e.c o m/ watch?v=JC65mOgKWpY

Arizona White

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

Mayari Mocha

941-554-4242

Arizona Sun

MAILING - SHIPPING US Post Office................................. Map-D #65 MARKETS/FOOD STORES Circle K Store..................................... Map-E #6 Morton’s Siesta Market................ Map-C #25 MASSAGE Hands of Light Massage................ Map-B #35 The Spa at Calle Minorga............... Map-E #74

Gizeh Cherry Map D #64

MEDICAL - DENTAL Sarasota Medical Center................ Map-D #63 Siesta Dental..................................... Map-B #49 Siesta Key Physical Therapy......... Map-D #20 MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce................ Map-D #67 Prime Audio Video........................... Map-E #1 Roberti Enterprises.........................Map-A #39 Village Arcade..................................Map-C #53 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Attorney Fleming.............................. Map-E #1 Edward Jones Investments.......... Map-D #68 Smith Architects.................................Map-E 74 REAL ESTATE / RENTAL SERVICES Amy Robinson RE............................. Map-E #1 Coldwell Banker Realty................. Map-D #20 EXP Realty.........................................Map-E #4 Judith Guzzi & Assoc..................... Map-E #74 Keller Williams Real Estate............Map-D #11 Michael Saunders Realty..............Map-E #72 ReMax Alliance Group................ Map-C #29 RentSiestaKey.com........................... Map-D #9 Robasota Rentals & Real Estate.....Map-A #39 Siesta Key Rental Prop.................. Map-D #10 The Ringling Beach House Rentals...Map-D #9 Tropical Sands Accommodations......Map-D #67

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 Island House Bar & Grill............. Map-D #69 Lobster Pot...................................... Map-C #23 Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company......Map-B #31 Old Salty Dog Rest. & Pub............... Map-E #2 PI Pizza & Craft Beer..................... Map-A#37 Ripfire Pizza..................................... Map-B #47 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 The Seafood Joint.......................... Map-D #15 The Star Thai Sushi............... Map-D #17 & 18 Village Café.................................... Map-D #14 SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY Sassy Hair Salon............................ Map-A #40 Siesta Key Nails & Spa.................. Map-D #9 Shaman Sanctuary Salon................. Map-D #9 SPORTS INTEREST/RENTALS CaliFlorida........................................Map-C #29 Robin Hood Rentals......................Map-B #34

Bringing you quality and comfort for more than 30 years!

WE’VE MOVED

a few doors down Map D #11

Birkenstock & More 5128 Ocean Blvd. Siesta Village

941-346-7425 www.rickscomfortshoes.com

LET US CUSTOMIZE SHIRTS FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT!

26

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2020

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.net

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

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

Crescent Club...........................................B-3 #13 Siesta Spirits............................................. C-3 #17 MAILING & SHIPPING Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14 US Post Office Sub Station..................... C-3 #14 MARKETS 7-11 Store.................................................. C-3 #16 Big Water Fish Market.......................... C-3 #17 Crescent Beach Grocery...........................B-3 #1 REAL ESTATE / RENTALS Beckmann Properties.............................. C-2 #15 Homes & Condo Rentals........................ D-3 #17 Re/Max Tropical Sands............................B-3 #1 Siesta 4-Rent............................................ C-3 #14 Waterside Realty.................................... C-3 #17 RESTAURANTS / CAFES Big Water Fish Market................................C-3 #17 Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill...............A-5 #12

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

“Home of the Orange Squeeze!”

OPEN 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM DAILY

ING FEATUR

Homemade Ice Cream

Sundaes l Shakes l Smoothies l Coffees Espresso l Cappuccinos

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

941-346-0202

Expires 12/31/20

BIKES · BEACH STUFF · KAYAKS PADDLEBOARDS · SCOOTER CARS BEACH WHEELCHAIRS · SCOOTERS

Book Your Next Adventure Online. We Deliver!

BOOK ONLINE OR CALL AT:

RideAndPaddle.com

(941)-346-1797 6551 Midnight Pass Road Southbridge Mall Siesta Key, FL 34242

BOOK ONLINE & SAVE $5.00 OFF YOUR NEXT WEEKLY BIKE RENTAL WITH COUPON CODE: V2019

Map B-3#8

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill 1500 Stickney Point Rd.

Anna’s Deli 6535 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Road

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

Davidson Drugs 6595 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Siesta 4-Rent 6555 Midnight Pass Rd.

Toasted Mango Cafe 6621 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #17

MAP C-4 #17

MAP C-3 #14

MAP A-5 #12

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

MARCH 2020

SAY I DO, AGAIN 2020

27th State Media LLC

27

Story & Photos by Trebor Britt

Stephen and Ulrike Rittelmann of Stuttgart, Germany enjoying one of several photo opportunities before the vow renewal ceremony on spectacular Siesta Beach. They’ve been coming to Sarasota twice a year since Stephen asked Ulrike to marry him on this beach 25 years ago. They are fourth generation owners of a bakery their family established in 1898.“

Among the 300 couples who gathered on amazing Siesta Beach for this year’s “Say I Do, Again”, vow renewal ceremony were international couples from as far away as Germany and Hungary.

The nondenominational event was sponsored by Friends of Sarasota County Parks and Gulf Beach Weddings. Judge, Debra Johnes Riva of Sarasota’s 12th Judicial Circuit Court led the ceremony as the sun set over the sparkling Gulf of Mexico.

Designated photo opportunities included a spectacular sand sculpture, created and designed by Sarasota resident and Master Sand Sculptor, Brian Wigelsworth as well as several beautiful backdrops provided

by Gulf Beach Weddings. Participants were given a frameable, Marriage Renewal certificate and a unique rose.

More than half the couples participated in the event before, which speaks loudly about the value and success of one of Sarasota’s most popular events.

Snapshots of Island Visitors

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography 3

2

1

4

5 6

1. Jenna & Jamie from IL 2. Jack age 5, Cole age 2, Jared, Nicole, From MA. Tom from CT. 3. Eric & Alison from Canada 4. Jenna & Jamie from IL 5. Debbie & Mike from NY 6. Leo & Nikki from IL

28

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2020

Siesta Sounds Native Sarasotan Greg Poulos loves playing the Key and beyond

Some things just never get old … and the varied styles offered by guitar player Greg Poulos is one of those things. Born and raised right in Sarasota, Greg’s musica l career has been a wonder to behold as music lovers have watched it expand. In Greg’s c a s e, on ly t h e very beginning of h i s pl ay i ng … when he was a Sarasota High School teenager beginning his career … was a period of obvious improvement.

He was so good that the noticeable changes were more in his constantly surprising versatility ... the ability and talent were there and obvious all along.

Now freelancing with a few groups rather than working with just one, this becomes even more obvious as he slides easily from one music genre to another; this multi-talented guy can pretty much play anything with anybody and do it extremely well.

Tracing the beginning of Greg’s musical interest, he says his Mom was a pretty fine piano player who performed at the numerous fraternal organization halls when they had parties or meetings. She was the Elks’ president of the Does (the wives-of-members group). Every Sunday afternoon, she’d play in the living room for the family, a variety of familiar songs that she and her husband listened to fairly constantly

≈

in their home. Perhaps even more influential was Greg’s dad’s constant whistling; he had a love of old standards and jazz that Greg picked up on and still loves.

The influence of the music his parents brought into the home, coupled with the typical teenager love of Cream, Hendrix, and other icons of the day, led a 15 year old Greg to perform at the teenage entertainment venues of the times … school sock hops, the Municipal Auditorium, Robarts Sports Arena and other non-liquorserving venues of the day where teens celebrated. Additional influences common to the Sarasota music scene included national name bands like The Moody Blues and Moby Grape at the armory on a fairly regular basis.

Southern rockers the Allman Brothers played there the night of Greg’s graduation from high school.

It was during this time that Crystal Pain, the band Greg was in with Richard Price, Ed Carver and Monty Young, got a huge stroke of luck that they may not even have been seasoned enough to recognize as such: Monty’s brother worked for A.J. Perry, who brought in most of the name bands during that time. Crystal Pain often got to do the honors as the opening act, an opportunity most high school bands couldn’t dream of, let alone pull off.

“I think that was the most fun time of my career,” Greg remembers, “and the money wasn’t bad.”

TUESDAY

Speaking of money, Greg says pretty much the same thing we hear from every area musician: you can’t do this for the money because it is and has been pretty bad for the last 20 years or so. If you’re seriously going to make a living as a musician, you better truly love what you’re doing because you aren’t going to get rich.

“Oh, I make it O.K.,” he clarifies.

“I pay my bills and eat decently and all, but if I were in it for the money it would never work. For me … I don’t know, I can be kind of down or in a bad mood when I’m heading to work, but after five minutes on stage, I’m smiling again.”

Definitely something money can’t buy and that few people are lucky enough to know as a perk of their jobs, and as a freelancer, Greg finds this in a variety of styles and venues. From Siesta Key to downtown Sarasota to nearby towns, as he plays everything from those jazz standards to “music I’ve never even heard before…” it all makes him smile.

Another happiness-inducer is having a girlfriend who not only gets the business but is always willing to step up and help with the non-musical aspects of it like keeping fans posted via web site of the latest bookings and news. In his case, Greg says he’s lucky to have Cindy to come home to. She’s a wizard at all the promotional/technical aspects Greg says he doesn’t enjoy.

“Yeah, I really like what I do,” Greg muses. “I don’t have any ‘rock-stardreams’ or anything like that, but I enjoy playing for new people all the time and seeing faces in the audience that I recognize from going to school together for 12 years.”

He muses “It amazes me sometimes… how much we move people

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Jamie Tremps

Nick Levalley

Nick Levalley

Rob Viola (5,12 &19)

6-10 PM

6-10 PM

6-10 PM

Frankie Lombardi

941-349-9822

in the audience.”

He thinks about that for a minute, then concludes “I’m living the life now,” he says, mentioning that he and Cindy live on some quiet acreage with horses, and thoroughly enjoy it.

“It’s all good. I play for the love of it.”

Hear Greg Poulos with these bands at these gigs and watch Facebook for additions or changes.

• T h u r s d a y, M a r c h 5 – Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse with Mike Kach Group featuring Greg Poulos and Thorsen Moore with Burt Engelsman and Steve Camilleri , 6 – 9 p.m.

• F riday, March 6 – Gilligan’s in Siesta Village – Mike Kach Group featuring Greg Poulos, 6 – 10 p.m.

• S a t u r d a y, M a r c h 7 – Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse with

FRIDAY

Callie & The Whole Band 6-10 PM

6-10 PM Mike Tozier Rodney Shenk: 6 -10 PM

1-5 PM: Tim O’Connor(9th) SIESTA KEY OYSTER BAR

Frankie Lombardi(16th)

(SKOB) In the Village

Charlie Morris (23rd) KaptainKurt (30th) ……………………………….

Al Donadi 7-11 PM

RPM LIVE: 6-10 PM

OR Deven Starr

J. Gilton (3, 17 & 31) Rob Viola(10th) John Bastiani (24th) ……………………………..

Deven Starr (11 and 25) Frankie Raye (4 & 18) ………….

7-11 PM

Kettle of Fish

Open Mic (3rd)

7-11 PM

Audio Orchid (10, 17, 24 & 31)

• Sunday, March 8 – Gilligan’s in Siesta Village with the Mike Kach Group, 1 – 5 p.m.

• F riday, March 20 – Realize Bradenton on the Bradenton Riverwalk with Kettle of Fish, 6 – 8 p.m.

• Saturday, March 28 – Gilligan’s in Siesta Village with Kettle of Fish, 6 – 10 p.m.

• Sunday, March 29 – Gilligan’s in Siesta Village with Mike Kach Group, 1 – 5 p.m.

• Eve r y Wed nesd ay at Mattison’s Riverwalk with the Billy Rice Band, 7 – 10 p.m.

• Every Thursday at Mattison’s City Grille with the Venturas, 7 – 10 p.m.

SATURDAY Live Music (7th) Alex Ross Band w/ Sarah T (7th) Shift Change Band (14th) Live Music (21st) 70’s Night w/ Rallo Pucci (dress 70s) (28th) 6 -10 PM LIVE MUSIC (3-7 PM) DJ K Conn (10 PM)

DJ KConn– 10 PM

DJ KConn– 10 PM

RPM LIVE - 6-10 PM

In the Village 941-49-6311

THE COTTAGE In the Village 941-312-9300 THE HUB-BAJA GRILL In the Village 941-349-6800

Karaoke Mondays 9 PM – Midnight

Billy Lyon (17th) Live Local Music 3-6PM

2-6 PM 1-5 PM: Dana & Co. ……………………….

7-11 PM Folklab

John Whiteleather Band 8-Midnight Big Daddy(6th) Last Minute Band (13th) Deven Starr (20th Schmitz Brothers(27th)

8 – 11 PM: No Filter Orlando(6th) DJ Coz or DJ Kensi

DJ Coz & DJ Xtreme

Stereo FM (13th) 22N (20th)

9 PM – 2 AM

10 PM

TL (27th) Live DJ: 11 PM-2 AM

11 AM – 2 PM Brek Milo 3-7 PM Evan Eastmoore

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

Griswolds (14th ), Swipe RIght(21st) Twinkel and Rock soul Radio (28th) 11 PM – 2 AM DJ Kensi (7th, 14th, 28th) DJ DMZ (21st)

Live Music

Live Music

Live Music

6-9 PM

7-10 PM

7-10 PM

7-10 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 1 – 4 PM 4:30 – 7:30 PM 8:30 PM –midnight

Rob Viola (8 & 15) Tim & Melanie (22)

The Whole Band

Live Music

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

10 AM - 1 PM Vince Colaiocco (1,15 & 29) Mike Tozier (8 & 22) 2-6 PM: North Trail Band(1st)

7 -11 PM: Hatley or

6-9 PM

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

KARAOKE

KARAOKE

KARAOKE

9 PM – CLOSE

9 PM – CLOSE

9 PM – CLOSE

8-Midnight Ari & The Alibi’s (1st) Nick Levalley (8th) Billy Lyon (15th & 22nd) Noel Rochford (29th) Live Music 6-9 PM Live Music Noon – 3 PM 3:30 – 6:30 PM 7-10 PM

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

6-10 PM

6-10 PM

6-10 PM

6-10 PM

6-10 PM

6-10 PM

6-10 PM

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

Kevin Thompson Solo Guitar 5-8:30 PM

Fawny Frost Motown/Disco/R&B 5-8:30 PM

Lucky 5 Island Sounds 5 -8:30 PM

LIVE MUSIC

6-9 PM

6-9 PM

6-9 PM

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

5-9 PM

5-9 PM

5-9 PM

5-9 PM

6-9 PM

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

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

10 PM- DJ Lira

Saint Tone Duo(29)

Live Music

Spearfish Siesta Grille Southern end of SK 941-349-3474

SAND DOLLAR POOL BAR @ Best Western Plus 6600 S. Tamiami Trl. Sarasota 941-924-4900 BOATYARD WATERFRONT BAR & GRILL 941-921-6200 1500 Stickney Pt. Rd.

BREE (3-7 PM)

8-Midnight

6-9 PM

BACKROOM SALOON @ CAPT. CURTS 941-349-3885 Crescent Beach Shops

6-10 PM

Mike Tozier

Live Music

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

Ron Kraemer Band

4:30 PM- DJ Nate

8 -11 PM: Actual BankRobbers (7th), THE BEACH CLUB

SUNDAY

DJ Nate – 10 PM

1-5 PM: 1-5 PM:

the Billy Rice Band, 7 – 10 p.m.

DJ TJ (10 PM)

LIVE MUSIC (3-7 PM)

Michael Cole (2nd)

941-346-5443

Greg Poulos

(26th) 6-10 PM

DAIQUIRI DECK RAW BAR In the Village 941-349 -8697 GILLIGANS ILAND BAR & RESTAURANT In the Village 941-326-8122

www.siestasand.net

By Charmaine Engelsman-Robins

MONDAY

In the Village

941.312.0665

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

3-6 PM

3-6 PM

3-6 PM

Fawny Frost Mo Town, R&B & Disco 5-8:30 PM

Kevin Thompson Band

Jokers Duo

5-9 PM

5-9 PM

LIVE MUSIC 4-8 PM

LIVE MUSIC 3-7 PM

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

Country Bands 4-8 PM LIVE MUSIC 3-7 PM

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

MARCH 2020

Island Humor This is your great-grandma and great grandpa,” I told my grandson as I handed him a photo of my parents. “Do you think I look like them?”

He shook his head. “Not yet.”

Me: Would you like to be the sun in my life?

Her: Awww... Yes!!!

Me: Good then stay 92.96 million miles away from me.

Reaching the end of a job interview, the Human Resources Officer asks a young engineer fresh out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, “And what starting salary are you looking for?”

The engineer replies, “In the region of $125,000 a year, depending on the benefits package.” The interviewer inquires, “Well, what would you say to a package of five weeks’ vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental, company matching retirement fund to 50% of salary, and a company car leased every two years, say, a red Corvette?” The engineer sits up straight and says, “Wow! Are you kidding?” The interviewer replies,

“Yeah, but you started it.”

A local United Way office realized that the organization had never received a donation from the town’s most successful lawyer. The person in charge of contributions called him to persuade him to contribute. “Our research shows that out of a yearly income of at least $500,000, you did not give a penny to charity.

Wouldn’t you like to give back to the community in some way?”

The lawyer mulled this over for a moment and replied, “First, did your research also show that my mother is dying after a long illness, and has medical bills that are several times her annual income?”

Embarrassed, the United Way rep mumbled, “Um, no.” The lawyer interrupts, “Or that my brother, a disabled veteran, is blind and confined to a wheelchair?” The stricken United Way rep began to stammer out an apology, but was interrupted again. “Or that my sister’s husband died in a traffic accident,” the lawyer’s voice rising in indignation, “leaving her

penniless with three children?!”

The humiliated United Way rep, completely beaten, said simply, “I had no idea.” On a roll, the lawyer cut him off once again, “So if I don’t give any money to them, why should I give any to you?”

Teacher: “If I gave you 2 cats and another 2 cats and another 2, how many would you have?”

Johnny: “Seven.”

Teacher: “No, listen carefully... If I gave you two cats, and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?”

Johnny: “Seven.”

Teacher: “Let me put it to you differently. If I gave you two apples, and another two apples and another two, how many would you have?”

Johnny: “Six.” Teacher: “Good. Now if I gave you two cats, and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?”

Johnny: “Seven!”

Teacher: “Johnny, where in the heck do you get seven from?!”

Johnny: “Because I’ve already got a freaking cat!”

This is the true story of George Phillips of Meridian, Mississippi, who was going to bed when his wife told him that he’d left the light on in the shed. George opened the door to go turn off the light but saw there were people in the shed in the process of stealing things.

He immediately phoned the police, who asked, “Is someone in your house?” and George said, “No,” and explained the situation.

Then they explained that all patrols were busy, and that he should simply lock his door and an officer would be there when available.

George said, “Okay,” hung up, counted to 30, and phoned the police again.

“Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people in my shed. Well, you don’t have to worry about them now because I’ve just shot them all.”

Then he hung up. Within five minutes three squad cars, an Armed Response unit, and an ambulance showed up. Of course, the police caught the burglars red-handed.

One of the policemen said to George, “I thought you said that you’d shot them!”

George said, “I thought you said there was nobody available!”

27th State Media LLC

29

Barista of the Month...

Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company, 941-349-6656 5251 Ocean Boulevard, Siesta Key

I’m 6’1” and no I don’t play volleyball or basketball! Ha-ha, all joking aside I would say that I am compassionate, hardworking, and kind. I don’t particularly like talking about myself so that’s all I’m going to say :) Q: Where are you from?

A: I grew up here! A rare Florida native.

Q: Are you a sports fan?

A: Yes, I like hockey, football, rugby, and surfing!

Q: What are you favorite sports teams?

A: The Lightning for hockey, Patriots for football, and yes, I said the Patriots, & the Springboks for rugby (The South African national team).

Q: How long have you been a barista/ bartending?

A: Four years now.

Q: How long you have you been working at Mojo Risin’?

A: Well I have worked on the property for 2 1/2 years, but we Just reopened as Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company last Monday!

Q: What does Mojo Risin’ have to offer?

A: We serve coffee, lattes, locally made pastries, smoothie bowls, cocktails, & waffles on a stick! Just to name a few. And, of course, we are always serving up sunshine, smiles & great hospitality!

Q: What makes Mojo Risin’ a special place to work?

A: Mojo Risin’ is my 2nd home and we are all a big family! They say, “you’ll never work a day in your life if you love your where

you work” and that’s what makes Mojo Risin’ special!

Q: What do you enjoy about your job?

A: I love absolutely everything! It’s a beautiful shop with a rad vibe. I love coffee & making coffee. I love all of our customers & making people happy! I also love working right in Siesta Key Village, it’s hard not to enjoy everything when you work in Paradise!

Q: Do you have a sig nature cocktail?

A: We have our delicious Bloody Mary’s! We serve a Hangover happy hour! 2 for 1 Bloody Mary’s from 7am-9am! And yes, I said 7am! We start serving alcohol 7 days a week at 7 A.M. Q: Do you have a signature latte?

A: We have our siesta coconut mocha! It’s a deliciously crafted latte that has espresso, coconut, mocha, and your choice of milk!

Served hot or iced.

Q: What do you like to drink?

A: Coffee, coffee, & more coffee!

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: Besides going to college fulltime to become a elementary school teacher; when I have extra time, I love to surf, soak up the rays at the beach, do yoga, paint, and pet dogs!

Q: Best time for locals & visitors to stop in Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company?

A: Anytime! We are open 7am7pm 7 days a week!! A huge shout out to all of our regulars! We love you! & to all of our future guests as well!

CAPTAIN CURT’S VILLAGE

Siesta Key’s “Old Florida” Shopping Village In The Heart of Crescent Beach

BEST SHOPPING, DINING AND FUN ON SIESTA KEY

Enjoy specialty coffees and craft beers

SIESTA KEY’S OLDEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

941-349-3885 CAPTAIN CURT’S CAPTAIn

WORLD FAMOUS CLAM CHOWDER

FUN RENTALS OF ALL KINDS 941-346-0891

Island Apparel, Souvenirs, & Chowder Kits 941-349-3885

Ice Cream and more! 941-346-8080

Outdoor Dining / Food until 2am LIVE MUSIC

1200 Old Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key FL, 34242

30

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2020

941.312.0665

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE

SIESTA NAILS & SPA

(941) 556 9048 Mon-Fri: 9am - 7pm Sat: 9am - 6pm 6517 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 At Sarasota Pavilion Center, Publix Supermarket, next to Hooters.

Enjoy a ComplimEntary Glass of WinE With a $35 and up pEdi Group spECial: ChampaGnE party for Group of 7-10

Marta Wilczynski

Hairstylist/Colorist at Evan’s Hair Studio 6620 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, FL 34231

Specializes in precise hair cutting techniques, razor cutting technique Balayage, root shades, dimensional hair color and foiling technique.

Formal, wedding styling!

G-27

FREE HAIRCUT

with any color work done

561.704.6770 1

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

Siesta Nails & Spa, located in the Sarasota Pavilion (6517 S. Tamiami Trail), a few doors down from Hooters Restaurant, recently changed hands and remodeled their shop. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine with their $35 and up Pedi. Call them at 941-556-9048 to set up an appointment.

The Shop SRQ (G-2) offers flat-tops, fades, tapers, blowouts, razor cuts, and straight razor shaves. Owners, Erick and Dawn use a back to basics approach to grooming with a precise attention to personal detail. Their commitment to excellence has provided them with many loyal customers. They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust. Hours: Tues. – Fri. 8:30am – 6pm, Sat., 8:30am – 3pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

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 mouthwatering burgers, Chicago style pizzas, and Chicago beef sandwiches. With dozens of televisions, it’s a

2

3

great place to catch a game with friends and family.

Gulf Gate Barber Shop (G-11): has been an institution in the community for years, owned

by Kyle Flannery. The super-clean barbershop’s clientele is comprised of primarily men, but the shop services children as well. Scott Reich, formerly of the Siesta Key Village Barber Shop has relocated to this location.

At the original Word of Mouth Restaurant (G31), 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.

Take a look at their menu at originalwordofmouth. com. Hours: Mon-Sun.: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Piccolo Italian Market & Deli (G-47) carries a full line of imported cheeses, fresh baked bread daily, homemade sausages, fresh mozzarella, and numerous hard to get items. They now carry Khorasan Wheat which is an ancient and organic grain. Their Deli is complete with huge hot and cold sandwiches, salads, fresh homemade lasagna and baked ziti.

West End Pub (G-49) Where else can you watch Continued on the next page

4

5

6

GULF GATE

© Island Visitor Publishing, LLC 2018

Ba Am nk o eri f ca

Panera Bread

Marshall’s

Bed Bath & Beyond

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

Ross

Dress for Less

Iberia Bank

Five Below 1

2

3

4

2

From Vintage to Modern An extension of your personality

G10 G9 G8 G7 G6 G5 G4 G3

G1

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

D

C

B

S7 S6 S5 S4 S3 S2 S1

Gulf Gulf Gate Gate Drive Drive

3

4

5

PICCOLO

SRQ

Italian Market & Deli

S-24

EYE EXAMS AVAILABLE

$

complete frames* & lenses

89 bifocal

| $189 progressive digital lenses

69 single vision

bring your prescription • FREE FRAMES while supplies last.

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

941.444.7984 onlyeyesoptical.com

6

7

THE SHOP SRQ 6625 Gateway Ave.

G-2

Traditional, Old School Barber Shop

“We Straight Razor Shave” 15 Years + Experience

www.TheShopSrq.com

& Vegetarian Sandwiches

6541 Superior Avenue Gulf GAte BuSineSS DiStrict SArASotA, fl 34231

G12 G11

Gulf Gulf Gate Gate Drive Drive

Hot or Cold

$

G14 G13

S30

A

Lo Ho ng rn

1

S-16

G16 G15

G2

G24

5

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

B

Beall’s Outlet

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

Books-AMillion

A

Michaels

E

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

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

Siesta Nails & Spa

941-925-2400

Hooters

Sun Trust

C

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

Publix

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.

D

Eat Where The Locals Eat!

Stein Mart

7

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

M7

M6

M5 M4 M3 M2 M1

E

G-31

www.siestasand.net

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

941.626.4894 / 941.536.1656 • 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

941.312.0665

MARCH 2020

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

your favorite game with a great selection of beers, wines and liquors served by a friendly staff AND where you’re allowed to bring your own restaurant or deli food? Right here. 6500 Gateway Ave. – 941-554-8905.

To n y ’s C h i c a g o B e e f 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.

S o l ó r z a n o ’s L a t e N i g h t P i z z e r i a ( S - 3 2 ) : At e ve r y S o l ó r z a n o ’s , t h e y o f f e r a n exper ience fa m i lia r to t hose who understand the importance of family and dedication. Their recipes a nd tech n iques have been perfected through three long generations based on the t rad it ion a l si mpl icit y of t he methods used by their Italian ancestors. Dine inside, outside,

G-4

pick up, or DELIVERY anywhere on Siesta Key, or in Sarasota until 3:30 a.m. 6574 Superior Ave., 941924-5800.

Pride of the South (S-34) Pride of the South has been awarded Top Barbeque in Sarasota for 2016 by Trip Advisor and Yelp.

It has been awarded for the best Southern Hospitality. Pride of the South has a brisket BLT, hands down, one of the best sandwiches you ever tasted. The smoked chicken wings are unbelievable.

Backed up with the pulled pork sandwiches, the smoked bologna, the smoked Turkey, the collard greens, fried corn on the cob, fried okra, fried green tomatoes and one of the best mac n cheese you ever tasted. We do catering with no limit to size. Call (941)926-0099.

See you soon.

Gu l f Gate Food + Beer (S-51): Sarasota’s late-night hot spot for the service industry, night owls, and midnight snackers.

It’s not your typical sports bar offering unique menu selections for carnivores and vegetarians.

Be sure to check out their menu online at: eatfooddrinkbeer.com.

Hours: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. (Sun. Thurs.) open until 2 a.m. (Fri & Sat.).

One Minute Key Shop (GG51): Left your keys in the car?

No wor r ies, t he One Mi nute 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. Call for more info: 941-924-8020 or visit their showroom.

Roberts Realty

ROBERTS REALTY, Inc. (M5) John Garner, Broker Assoc. & Diane Shane, Broker Assoc. have a combined 40 years’ experience in Sarasota of making dreams come true for our clients. FOR BUYERS, we have had great success in finding the right property for our clients because we listen closely to their wants and needs and matching that as close as possible. FOR SELLERS, over the years we have successfully listed and sold many, many properties th roughout Sarasota Count y.

OUR PHILOSOPHY is to have fun, enjoy the experience, achieve great results, make friends and receive referrals. We’re with you every step of the way! Call 941924-2330 or drop by our office.

Only Eyes, Optical (S -24) brings a new, exotic, eclectic, eccentric, unique collection of vintage, hipster, contemporary eyeglasses and sunglasses to the community. Licensed and experienced optician available to fill your prescriptions. Only Eyes Optical has a large assortment of free frames with the purchase of new lenses. Call 941-444-7984 to set up an appointment with their licensed optician.

Mellow Mush room serves a one of a kind pizza pie. The flavors and ingredients are just as un ique and special as the restaurant’s design. Try a Mellow Mushroom stone-baked pizza, munchies, calzone, salad, hoagie, or even a burger. Pick from our selection of 24 draft beers or tasty, handcrafted cocktails. And, many of our pizzas can be made glutenfree or vegan. Located at 6727 S. Tamiami Trail. 941-388-7504.

John Garner Broker Associate

Diane Shane Broker Associate

Island Chatter gy, mining, agriculture, environmental remediation, waste management, and academia. His responsibilities have included executive management, project execution, technical analysis, solution development, and sustainability auditing. He has also provided management and professional training through shortcourses, webinars, and broadcasts.

His clients include multinational firms such as ExxonMobil, Shell, and Newgold; national resource companies such as Petroleo Mexicano, Abu Dhabi Gas Liquefaction, and Petroleos de Venezuela SA; resource ministries in Trinidad, Egypt, Peru, and Ghana; and dozens of small businesses, municipalities, and NGOs. He served as Vice President of Environmental Safety and Health for DynMcDermott Petroleum Operations Company, which manages the United States Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Throughout his consulting career, Dr. Reith served academia as professor, administrator, and staff member at four Universities: American University of Nigeria, Tulane University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette,

27th State Media LLC

31

Continued from page 24

and George Mason University.

He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, a Licensed Horticulturalist, and a Licensed Landscape Contractor; these credentials supported his founding and leadership of Naturally Green, a company that designed, installed, and maintained environmentally responsible landscapes in Southern Louisiana.

In his capacity as founder of Naturally Green, Professor at Tulane University, and acting Executive Director of the Alliance for Affordable Energy, Charles was very active in planning the disaster recovery of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Charles has a PhD in Ecology from the University of New Mexico.

He has published three books and dozens of technical and popular publications, and has hosted Backyard Wonders, a regional nature TV series.

In 1990, Dr. Reith received the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Award from President George H.W. Bush for volunteer work on environmental justice in the South Valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

HOTTEST BAR IN GULF GATE...

MLB/College Packages FULL BAR

941-924-2330

Working with Sarasota Buyers & Sellers since 1969 • Local Expertise • Proven Track Record • Happy Clients Condos, Villas, Single Family Homes & Investments

We are with you every step of the way!

M-5 2621 Mall Dr., Sarasota RobertsRealty@comcast.net www.SarasotaCoast.com

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

32

MARCH 2020

Siesta Sand

Florida Fish of Siesta Key

Red Snapper

Yellowtail Florida Puffer Sailfish

941.312.0665

Water World Great Fishing Charters Capt. Tom Reutter C B’s Outfitters

www.siestasand.net

Boat Rentals: Laws and Alternatives

By Kandace P.

Great f ish i ng t h is week of 0 2/0 7/2 0 b o t h i n s h o r e a n d nearshore. Anglers that booked their fishing trip with me through CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key had good action inshore with trout (some really big ones), bluefish and all the Ladyfish your arms

Spanish Mackerel Sheepshead

Dohlpin “Mahi-Mahi”

Mangrove Snapper Scoolmaster Pompano

Lane Snapper Scamp

moved inshore next and whacked Trout, Ladyfish, Jacks, and one Pompano.

I just heard this week that FWC is planning to extend the moratorium on Redfish, Snook, and Trout for another year. I know it may be frustrating for some, but I really

can take in 3-5 ft of water. Also had one 30 inch redfish caught on a chunk of ladyfish near the edge of a mangrove in Sarasota

Black Mullet Snook

Red Drum “Redfish”

Speckled seatrout

Tarpon Bluefish Baracuda

Gulf Flounder

Bay. Near Shore in 30 ft of water we caught numerous Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, some keeper Sheepshead, and a really nice sized Black Drum.

Fun fishing inshore with the Nymeyer family caught numerous

believe it’s a good thing. The bay is recovering from the Red Tide of 2018 but the numbers of Snook and Redfish are nowhere close to where it used to be. There a plenty of other tasty fish to catch for dinner. And finally, if you are lucky enough to catch a big Red or Snook, please take a minute right now to learn a proper way to hold and release these beautiful fish so they can keep living and making more. See ya on the water.

Florida Pompano Jack Crevalle

AmberJack

Jack crevelle

Spotted Sea Trout

Speckled seatrout

Ladyfish a nd Trout. We saw water boiling in the ICW channel with huge Jack Crevalle. All 4 anglers hooked up large Jacks with

Cobia

Black Drum

Catfish

King Mackerel

Blue Marlin

Black Grouper

Sheesphead

Jack crevelle

lines going in all directions. We were using 1/8 oz jig heads with Mirrolure Lil Jon Tail.

Fishing nearshore with the Bob Dickey family catching a nice Black Drum, Sheepshead, and uncountable amounts of Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish. We went through 8 dz shrimp in 90 minutes.

We then dropped our inshore rig with an 1/8 oz jig head and 3” lil jon tail down to the bottom (30 Ft) and caught bluefish every time. We

Spring is right around the corner and with it the masses of people wanting to enjoy the beautiful blue waters of southwest Florida.

Boating in Sarasota and Siesta Key is notoriously a favorite pastime for locals and tourists alike. But when it comes to the rules and regulations for boat rentals, the water can seem a bit muddy. How many times have you been on the water and witnessed another boat driving on the wrong side of the channel marker, speeding through a no wake zone or even run the boat aground? The U.S. Coast Guard publishes boating statistics.

The most recent numbers are from 2018 and list Rental Status of Vessels Involved in Accidents. The total number of vessels involved was 5594. The top three types of rental boats involved in accidents were open motorboats, personal watercraft and pontoon. The top accident types include collision with a recreational vessel, flooding/ s wa mp i n g , g r ou n d i n g , a n d collision with a submerged object.

Statistics like this lead many to question “who is permitted to rent a boat and how much knowledge of our local waterways is required? Do you need a boating license in order to rent a boat in Sarasota/Siesta Key?” The answers aren’t cut and dry. Florida Fish and Wildlife lists a summary online at www.myfwc. com which includes the following: • Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 who operates a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must pass an approved boater safety course and have in his/her possession photo identification and a boating

safety education i.d. card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Siesta Key’s out-of-state visitors w i sh i n g t o r e nt a p e r s o n a l watercraft also need documented proof of water safety education.

“As a nonresident you must comply with the boating safety education requirements. However, if you have proof in your possession that you have completed a boater safety course or equivalency exam that meets or exceeds Florida’s requirements (usually in the form of a certificate or card) you would not need to have a Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card (www.myfwc.com).

If you’d like to avoid the risks involved with renting a boat to enjoy Sarasota and Siesta Key’s wat e r ways, Fu n B o at Tou r s provides a couple alternatives. You can reserve a spot on one of the three daily dolphin tours instead of trying to learn to navigate the rules and regulations of renting a boat, along with understanding the local waterways. Fun Boat Tours also offers private charters!

You can sit back, relax and let the U.S. Coast Guard licensed and experienced Captains do all of the work, all while keeping you and your crew safe.

Fun Boat Tours leaves daily from Siesta Key Marina. You can check them out on Facebook, Instagram and at www.FunBoatTours.com or you can call 941-400-2763. If you’re looking to hire a Captain or want an awesome fishing excursion, contact Captain Josh with Siesta Kation Fishing Charters at 941-993-7337.

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

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

Local angler Adria with a decent king mackerel caught off of an inshore artificial reef.

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. Spa n ish a nd k i ng 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!

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

MARCH 2020

33

27th State Media LLC

Notes from the Island Fishmonger HOGFISH

Growing up in Michigan, I was not as well versed in the knowledge of saltwater fish. I knew about Pike, Whitefish, Walleye and Catfish as most of my fishing career was spent on a lake in upstate NY. It was not until I moved to South Florida as an adult, that I even heard of this allusive and indigenous Florida Hogfish. Actually it wasn’t until I started selling fish for a living did I know how popular this fish was. The Hogfish is little known to those outside of the Gulf Coast waters from Sarasota to the Florida Keys.

I imagined some sort of a hybrid between a pig and a fish. Yes there is such a thing as a turducken but I’ve never heard of stuffing a fish into a pig.

What I do know is that Hogfish is the “Filet Mignon of the sea” says Siesta Key spear fisherman Danny Ward.

“Big Water Fish Market is located on the south side of Siesta Key and they serve it up right!” says Ward. This fish is hard to come by and most places cannot put this fish on the menu because they cannot guarantee a consistent inventory. Chef Aaron of Big Water Fish Caption Aaron and Clark of BWFM bring home the catch combo of Grouper, Snapper and Hogfish. What a day.

Market does have it on the menu and serves it with his own honey Siracha Fish than a Snapper. cream sauce with a steamed seasonal veggie medley.

2. Hogfish uses its elongated pig like snout to My favorite Hogfish dish on the menu is the Hogfish rummage and graze for crustaceans that are Sundown which is Big Water Fish Market’s version of a buried in the ocean floor. Because it has such a Jamaican fish dish named Rundown. This tasty entrée healthy shellfish diet the fish tastes clean with a is a grilled Hogfish filet topped with a spicy coconut hint of crab flavor. cream sauce and served with asparagus.

3. Juvenile Hogfish start out as female and then The look of this fish is where its name comes from become male as they mature. with a hog-like snout and man I love the taste. It is 4. Males tend to be more intensely colored with hard to even keep this fish in stock as once it hits the a signature black spot behind the pectoral fin. retail fish counters or restaurant menu, this delicate, Females are pale grey or brown in color. mild fish flies out the door. I would describe this fish as 5. Hogfish have been recorded to live up to 11 years. the perfect combination of flavor and texture because they are sweeter than Grouper, flakey like a Cod and EASY HOGFISH PICCATA RECIPE: as rich as Scallops.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan When I say this iconic fish is mild tasting, I mean it. over medium-high heat. Season your 4-ounce hogfish When asked to describe the flavor by my customers filets (total of 2 pounds of fish) with Big Water Fish I either tell them it’s like biting into a delicious cloud Market Deli Dust and dredge in flour. Sauté the fish from heaven or it’s the Filet Mignon of the sea. This is in oil for about 4 minutes, flipping it halfway through. a great fish to eat whole (baked or fried) and it is also Remove the fish to a platter. Deglaze the pan with ¼ delicious when served as a filet with a sauce such as a cup white wine whisking for about 1 minute. Add lemon butter caper sauce like a piccata style.

2 juiced lemons and 2 tablespoons of capers and Hogfish is a bit more expensive than the other fish stir. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk away to due to the issue of supply and demand. Another incorporate and bring the sauce together. Pour your reason this fish is a bit rare is because the Hogfish will sauce onto the fish and garnish with fresh chopped not bite a hook and line…it’s a very smart fish. This parsley and a lemon wedge. Bon appetit! fish actually has to be spearfished. The best Florida Fish mongers have a spear fisherman with a steady Live well….Eat Fish shot on the payroll. A missed shot with a speargun Scott Dolan can result in damaged flesh.

Big Water Fish Market Here are 5 facts about Hogfish that you probably www.BigWaterFishMarket.com do not know: 6641 Midnight Pass Road, Crescent Plaza – 941-554-8101 1. Hogfish is not from the Snapper family as most 6639 Midnight Pass Road, people think. It is actually part of the Wrasse Crescent Plaza – 941-203-5972 family and is more closely related to a Parrot

MARCH 2020 TIDE CHART Florida, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Sarasota Bay

March 2020

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33' Date

Day

1

Su

5:05a

High Tide 0.9

High Tide

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

0.6

6:54a

6:31p

11:02a

Moonset

Phase

2

Mo

4:40p

1.7

3

Tu

5:39p

1.8

12:40a

0.0

6:53a

6:32p

2:04a

-0.2

6:52a

6:33p

11:42a

12:45a

1st

12:28p

1:41a

4

We

6:54p

5

Th

8:14p

1.8

3:19a

-0.3

6:51a

1.9

4:21a

-0.5

6:50a

6:33p

1:20p

2:39a

6:34p

2:18p

6

Fr

12:11p

1.2

9:26p

2.0

5:12a

-0.6

4:00p

1.1

3:37a

6:49a

6:34p

3:22p

7

Sa

12:22p

1.2

10:29p

2.1

5:57a

-0.6

5:02p

4:32a

0.8

6:48a

6:35p

4:30p

8

Su

1:36p

1.3

7:37a

-0.6

5:24a

6:54p

0.6

7:47a

7:36p

6:39p

9

Mo

12:26a

2.1

1:52p

1.4

8:14a

7:11a

-0.5

7:45p

0.4

7:46a

7:36p

7:48p

10

Tu

1:21a

2.0

2:10p

1.5

7:56a

8:48a

-0.2

8:35p

0.2

7:45a

7:37p

8:56p

8:37a

11

We

2:15a

12

Th

3:11a

1.9

2:31p

1.6

2:56p

1.6

9:18a

0.1

9:28p

0.0

7:44a

7:37p

10:03p

9:18a

1.7

9:45a

0.4

10:26p

-0.2

7:43a

7:38p

11:09p

13

Fr

4:14a

1.4

3:26p

1.9

10:08a

0.6

11:30p

-0.2

7:42a

7:38p

14 15

Sa

5:32a

1.1

Su

4:44p

1.9

4:01p

1.9

10:25a

0.8

7:41a

7:39p

12:15a

11:23a

12:45a

-0.2

7:39a

7:39p

1:19a

16

Mo

5:38p

12:10p

1.9

2:11a

-0.2

7:38a

7:40p

2:20a

17

Tu

1:00p

6:57p

1.8

3:36a

-0.3

7:37a

7:41p

3:18a

1:54p

18 19

We

8:39p

1.7

4:46a

-0.3

7:36a

7:41p

4:10a

2:48p

Th

12:47p

1.3

10:04p

1.7

5:39a

-0.3

4:57p

1.2

7:35a

7:42p

4:57a

3:44p

20

Fr

12:56p

1.4

11:07p

1.7

6:21a

-0.3

5:58p

0.9

7:34a

7:42p

5:40a

4:39p

21

Sa

1:06p

1.4

11:56p

1.7

6:55a

-0.2

6:41p

0.7

7:33a

7:43p

6:17a

5:33p

22

Su

1:15p

1.5

7:24a

-0.1

7:16p

0.6

7:32a

7:43p

6:52a

6:25p

23

Mo

12:38a

1.7

1:23p

1.5

7:48a

0.1

7:49p

0.4

7:30a

7:44p

7:24a

7:17p

24

Tu

1:15a

1.6

1:31p

1.6

8:09a

0.2

8:20p

0.3

7:29a

7:44p

7:54a

8:08p

25

We

1:51a

1.6

1:43p

1.7

8:28a

0.4

8:54p

0.1

7:28a

7:45p

8:24a

8:59p

26

Th

2:27a

1.6

2:00p

1.8

8:46a

0.5

9:30p

0.0

7:27a

7:45p

8:55a

9:51p

27

Fr

3:06a

1.4

2:22p

1.9

9:04a

0.6

10:11p

-0.1

7:26a

7:46p

9:27a

10:44p

28

Sa

3:51a

1.3

2:50p

2.0

9:21a

0.7

10:59p

-0.1

7:25a

7:46p

10:01a

11:39p

29

Su

4:49a

1.1

3:22p

2.0

9:37a

0.8

11:57p

-0.1

7:24a

7:47p

10:39a

30

Mo

6:19a

1.0

4:00p

2.0

9:41a

0.9

7:23a

7:47p

11:22a

12:34a

31

Tu

4:48p

2.0

1:07a

-0.1

7:21a

7:48p

12:11p

1:31a

3:54p

1.7

Low Tide 10:00a

Low Tide

©2020 FreeTideTables.com - For comparison only - Times are local - Tides in feet from MLLW

Full

9:58a 10:39a

3rd

New

34

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2020

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.net

Spring Ahead with new youthful glow Before Treatment

After 6 treatments

After 12 treatments

Wednesday - Saturday

NOW OPEN FOR BREAKFAST 8 AM - 11 AM LUNCH & DINNER SERVED 11 AM - 9 PM

A r e yo u t i r e d o f looking in the mirror thinking to yourself a little nip here, maybe a t uck t here wou ld rea l ly help sh ave some yea rs of f of your face? But besides the cost, you think of t he a mou nt of t i me needed to recuperate and wonder how much pain is involved, so your logical self dismisses the thought. Instead, you buy more lotions and potions hoping to wake up to a younger you. But,

it hasn’t worked yet, has it?

Spa Experience Siesta Key

Carol Strickland Jun 25 •6:18 PM

★★★★ Connie Lewis is the best for massage, facials and sculpting!

You can tell she really knows what she’s doing and she truly cares about her clients. My skin has never looked better and I feel so relaxed and pampered everytime I go for a treatment.

It doesn’t need to be NEW to be

AWESOME! Voted Sarasota’s #1 Consignment Store

AWARDING MORE THAN $8 MILLION IN GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

There’s no limit to the BARGAINS you’ll FIND! Supporting local ARTS related programs & education for more than 50 years.

Volunteer • Donate • Consign • Shop 539 S. ORANGE | 941-955-7859 | OPEN MON-FRI 9-4 & SAT 10-4 | www.sarasotawex.com

Gardens

aradise

7th Annual Sarasota Garden Club

Premier Garden Tour of Private Gardens Saturday, March 14, 2020 9:30am to 4:00pm

Rain or Shine

For More Information & Reservations SarasotaGardenClub.org (941) 955-0875 GIP2020@SarasotaGardenClub.org

Advanced Reservations: $35/person Day of Tour: $40/person

Group rates available upon request

Lunch Buffet at SGC: 11:30am – 1:30pm, $15

Thank You to All Our Gardens in Paradise Sponsors

offers a realistic alternative solution that’s safe and noninvasive called micro-current facial sculpting. It’s the new non-surg ical “faceli ft” t hat requ i res no dow nt i me or re cover y t i me, h a s no r i sk of complications, is far less expensive, and above all gives instant results.

How it works The gentle and 100% noninvasive treatment works in s y n e rg y w it h you r b o dy ’s n at u r a l e n e r g y s y s t e m . It sends safe, painless impulses to the muscles in the face to relax muscles that are overly tightened and strengthen those that are under-worked with very low levels of electrical current.

During this luxurious and relaxing treatment, jaw lines get tighter, eyebrows lift and crow’s feet are reduced. You will see the results after just one treatment however multiple treatments are recommended for the most visible and longer lasting results.

Results Aesthetic benefits of the micro current machine includes softer skin, improved circulation, enhanced muscle function and ba la nce, reduced appea ra nce of f i ne lines, and enhanced natural production of collagen and elastin.

It is particularly effective in treating acne as it destroys the bacteria, while encouraging the healing process without harming the skin.

Owner, Connie Lewis uses the Pevonia Botanica product line exclusively. The combined u s e o f Pe vo n i a B o t a n i c a’s ultimate anti-aging products allow for maximum product penetration.

Spa Experience Siesta Key is conveniently located at L’Core Pa r i s Spa i n t he We st f ield Siesta Key Mall, 3501 South Tamiami Trail.

Spa Experience Siesta Key is open 6-days-a-week year

Rebecca Leisure

★★★★

Connie is definitely worth driving over the bridge for.

round, and 7-days-a-week in season. Appoi nt ments may b e m a d e o n l i n e a t w w w. spaexperiencesiestakey.com or by calling 941-350-7495.

(MA Lic#17596 /MM Connie Lewis, BS, LMT, Aesthetician and owner established Massage Experience, Siesta Key in June of 1996. She attended the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in Worcester, Massachusetts in January of 1994, then moved to Sarasota, Florida to continue her career in massage therapy.

“My personal philosophy when massaging a client for the first time, or the hundred and first time, is to let my hands ‘tell me what to do.’ After so many years of practice I have a sixth sense about pressure and what the client may need from me during the session.

I listen with my hands and utilize my years of practice and personal experience to give the client the perfect session for them.”

Lic#40045) (Advertorial)

www.siestakeyassociation.com

MONTHLY MEETING Thursday, March 5 4:30-6:00 PM

Speaker: Dr. Charles Reith “Ready for 100” Renewable Energy

Affordable Energy Expert for Healthier Communities

St. Boniface Church Parish Hall

1131 Boulevard of the Arts • Sarasota, FL 34236

5615 Midnight Pass Road PUBLIC IS ALWAYS WELCOME WITH QUESTIONS FOR OUR GUESTS

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

MARCH 2020

Arts on the Horizon

Keep On Keepin’ On

Do you remember when you were 19 and wanted to be 20 (or even a bit older)? And then when you were 29, and would not have minded staying 29 for a few more years?

Never mind when you were 39 or 49, we won’t go there at all. However you look at it, time marches on. This year, the Sarasota Ballet turns 30. The Big 3 0. So, immediately after reading this you should set your sights on their next performance. Right? Not so fast.

The first thing to do is plan on seeing the Paul Taylor Dance Company on any day from February 28th - March 2nd. The Sarasota Ballet has gotten into the habit of inviting and hosting other great dance troupes, and the Paul Taylor is certainly one of those. It has been around since 1954 when some of us were young and others not even born.

The works that Paul Taylor choreographed are modern dance personified. Four of his works that they’ve been performing on this year’s tour are Aureole (“fluffy clouds on Shakespeare’s summer day”), Three Epitaphs (jazzy, funny and with costumes by Robert Rauschenberg), Piazzolla Caldera (“captures the essence of tango culture”), and Esplanade (“found objects” set to Bach).

Towards the end of March (the 27 and 28) when Venus is getting a bit lower on the horizon, Sir Frederick Ashton’s star will have risen to its peak. This is when the Sarasota Ballet performs Sir Frederick’s full length work Romeo and Juliet at the Van Wezel.

According to Wikipedia, there have been

35

By Rodger Skidmore

15 different choreographed versions set to the music of Sergei Prokofiev. The Ashton version is the third and the first done outside of Russia. It was created for the Royal Danish Ballet and will be a company premiere for the SB. Side note, Prokofiev was one of the first classical composers to utilize the saxophone, which the Sarasota Orchestra shall be putting to good use during these three performances. There should also be a couple of mandolins, a glockenspiel and a tambourine - plus, you know, violins and stuff.

If you will be here through the latter part of April (the 24th and 25th) there will be three more Sarasota Ballet company premieres at the Sarasota Opera House under the umbrella title of Beyond Words.

Jerome Robbins, choreographer for the New York City Ballet, is represented by In the Night, Sir Frederick is back with Dante Sonata, a treatise on the futility of war set to a piano sonata by Liszt, and finally, Sir David Bintley’s The Spider’s Feast, about, yes, a spider’s feast. The cast includes many other many legged creatures. Info at Sarasotaballet.org.

Forever young

27th State Media LLC

That’s what jazz musicians do - and a jazz film by that name will be playing at Burns Court Cinema at 9:30 AM, the mornings of March 12th and 13th, kicking off the Sarasota Jazz Festival. The film details the special friendship between trumpeter Clark Terry and a blind pianist. Live performances by bassist Michael Ross and others will be included with each showing.

The actual kick off event for this festival,

celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Sarasota Jazz Club, is a free concert on March 8th at Phillippi Estate Park, a bit south of Sarasota on US 41 (before the south bridge to Siesta Key). The Riverview Jazz Ensemble, the Don Levine Ensemble and the Debbie

“20 MINUTES TO A STRONGER YOU”™ ITS’ TIME TO EVOLVE!

Keeton Band will jazz you up from noon till 4 PM. Bring your chairs but get your food and drinks there. And if you are in the Van Wezel parking lot starting at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, the 11th, you can board one of 5 trolleys for an 11 venue pub crawl to hear 11 different sets of musicians. Can’t list all, but the Eddie Toobin Trio is at the Alvi Mess Hall (was the El Greco on Main); Al Hixon Jazz Group at Bevardi’s Salute!; the Michael Ross 4 at the Cask and Ale; Thomas Carabasi Trio at Raffurty’s; Hot Club SRQ at Fogartyville; and Synia Carroll & the Billy Marcus Trio at Umbrellas.

Each evening (March 12-14) the big stage at the Municipal Auditorium is the center of attraction. Headliners the first night will be Dick Hyman and Ken Peplowski playing a number of selections from their recent CD; alto sax player Charles McPherson has his own set with the La Lucha band; followed by guitarist Russell Malone. Friday evening Clairdee will sing you her favorite songs (and yours?) backed by sax, clarinet, trumpet and the La Lucha Festival Band. Houston Person (sax) and Terell Stafford (trumpet) will each have their own set. On Saturday night you’ll probably be able to Take The A Train because the Manhattan Transfer will be on stage carrying on its singing tradition. Actually Saturday starts at Noon (until 5 PM) where jazz will be on five themed stages (Latin, Blues, Classic, Contemporary, and High School) - all venues near Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. Info for these and other jazz events at Jazzclubsarasota.org.

The plays the thing

Not “the play’s”, but “the plays” - as in two of them. In chronological order, the first is Your Arms Too Short to Box with God which takes place about 1,987 years ago - give or take a few months. This musical is being presented by The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (February 26 thru April 5) and is based on the Book of Matthew with all of the dialogue translated into English. The action starts off in a Black church in the US but a flashback takes us to the original location - Jerusalem. There we follow Jesus from Sunday thru Sunday for a tumultuous eight days (not the source for The Beatles song Eight Days a Week). Things start off slowly with a leisurely ride into town on a donkey, pick up with the sacking of a temple, followed by a rest in a garden, and later a big supper (spoiler alert, his last). In those days the Roman Empire was a dictatorship - where else could you have an arrest, trial, crucifixion, and burial in one day. No wonder Mussolini could get the trains to run on time in the 1930s. But don’t worry, there is a happy ending - after all, this is a musical. Details at Westcoastblacktheatre.org.

The second play, Cory Finley’s The Feast, at the Urbanite Theatre down on 2nd Street,

is a comedy / thriller / drama with weird / chilling / funny moments. This play opened Off-Broadway a few years back and has been produced around the US. Matt, a tortured artist (in more ways than one) is hearing voices from deep within the recesses of his mind - or his soul - or his toilet. Whichever it is, it does not make him a happy camper. This production is directed Brendan Ragan, co-founder of the Urbanite, and runs from March 13 - April 19.

Matt is played by Gregory Boover who grew up in Massachusetts and studied theater in Canterbury, England. Parts of England are

known for their bad plumbing, so this may have aided Mr. Boover in interpreting his role.

Clio Contogenis, Matt’s wife Anna, studied at Yale and the Stella Adler studio in New York.

Dates and times at Urbanitetheatre.com.

PRIVATE PERSONAL 1-ON-1 RESISTANCE TRAINING

20 MINUTES 2X A WEEK IMPROVE YOUR: STRENGTH, ENERGY, BONE DENSITY, OVERALL HEALTH & WELLNESS

NO MORE WEIGHTS NO MORE CARDIO NO MORE WASTED TIME

ONLY REAL RESULTS!!!

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY USE PROMO CODE qhsand

Find us on Facebook at QuickHIT-Southwest FL

ST. PETERSBURG • SARASOTA • CARROLLWOOD

(727) 803-0199

QUICKHITFIT.COM

36

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2020

941.312.0665 ®

www.siestasand.net

SARASOTA INSTITUTE OF LIFETIME LEARNING Our 49th Year For more information visit www.sillsarasota.org

Global Issues Lectures 10:30 am: First United Methodist Church 104 S. Pineapple Ave. Monday Music sessions 10:30 am: Church of the Palms 3224 Bee Ridge Rd TUESDAY (GLOBAL) 3

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

10

Russian Foreign Policy in an Era of Global Change Celeste Wallander

M A R 17 C The Turing Test (of Process): Artificial Intelligence H James Baker 24

The 2020 Presidential Election: Will Florida Be a Bellwether State Again? - Susan MacManus

St. Boniface Episcopal Church 5615 Midnight Pass Rd., Siesta Key 941-349-5616 www.bonifacechurch.org

4

3

Inside the White House: Foreign Battles of the Future: How Policy Making at the Highest Level Technology Replaces Traditional Weapons Celeste Wallander of War - Sean & Jessica McFate Why the Americas Matter Thomas Shannon

12

China’s Economic Challenges and U.S.-China Competition - David Dollar

18

19

25

26

The Centaur’s Dilemma: National Security Law for the Coming Artificial Intelligence Revolution - James Baker Big Challenge in 2020: How Campaigns Communicate with Voters - Susan MacManus

10

The Melodica Men

THURSDAY (GLOBAL) 5

11

American Diplomacy in the 21st. Century Thomas Shannon

MONDAY (MUSIC)

WEDNESDAY (GLOBAL)

Margaret Batjer violin

17

Indispensable Nation?

The U.S. Role in World Order Robert Lieber Putin and Our Presidential Elections Robert Barylski

Lisa Chavez Mezzo

24

Tetiana Shafran pianist

Blooming This Month: Shooting Star Clereodendron

Siesta Key Chapel, Presbyterian 4615 Gleason Ave, Siesta Key 941-349-1166 www.siestakeychapel.org

Shoot i ng St a r or St a rbu rst C lerodend ron (Clereodendron quadriloculare) is aptly named for its showy 10 inch flowers that resemble tiny white stars shooting forth with a lovely pink tail trailing behind. It is a member of the mint family (thus, very fast growing) and native to New Guinea and the Philippines. Its trunk sports a smooth tan bark that becomes rough with age.

The dazzling end-of-winter blooms make this plant a stand out in zones 9B to 11. It grows into a large shrub or can be pruned into a small tree reaching up to 15 feet tall.

Shooting Star is most eye-catching in mid-winter and early spring when its showy tubular blooms appear in large clusters. Hummingbirds and long-tongued butterflies love to visit these spectacular flowers for their sweet energizing nectar. The rest of the year, it’s the foliage that’s the point of interest. The topsides of the leaves are green with just a hint of purple and the undersides are a glossy deep purple. Be sure to plant in

full sun or you may miss its dramatic display.

If you are attending this year’s Garden in Paradise Tour (Saturday March 14), you will get to feast on its beauty. Our self-guided tour features 7 lovely gardens in the Sarasota area, as well as the gardens at the The Sarasota Garden Club. For tickets, please go to SarasotaGardenClub.org Also, be sure to attend our Garden to Table Flower Show on Thursday, March 26.

Admission is free, and information is also on the website.

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

However, please be sure to always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

WEEKLY BEACH CLASSES: • FREE T’AI CHI CHIH - Siesta Beach, Access #5 - Every Monday, 15 minutes before sunset. Open to all, no experience necessary.

Contact Diana Daffner 941-346-1024 for information. (Access #5 is in Siesta Village, where Beach Rd. meets Ocean Blvd.)

• FREE YOGA* Mon-Wed.-Fri.-Sat. 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/ *June 1 – Sept. 30: class begins at 8am Oct. 1 – May 31: class begins at 9am • GROUP FITNESS CLASSES – Join F.I.T. Tribe SRQ every Mon, Wed, & Sat. at 9 a.m. at the main pavilion.For more details, please see facebook page: https: //www.facebook.com/FitTribeSRQ NIA Tues. & Thurs., 9 a.m., Siesta Public Beach(yellow lifeguard chair). Contact Kathy Oravec at 941-724-9719 for more infoorcheck website: www.nianow.com/kathy-oravec • SIESTA KEY BEACH HOOP JAMS – Every Tuesday one hour before Sunset on Siesta Key beach we gather for a community Hoop Jam. (Between the red lifeguard stand and the pavilion; around where the Sunday drum circle happens.)Register at: www.outwardspiral.net • YOGA ON TURTLE BEACH – Tuesdays, 8: 30-9: 30 am. Residents and visitors to the south end of Siesta Key can enjoy AllLevels Yoga through April 9, 2019.For more information about location or registration, please e-mail Julie at: julie@chesapeakeyoga.com.

• WEEKLY DRUM CIRCLE ON THE BEACH: Every Sundayabout anhour before sunset.South of the main pavillion.You

can particpate or watch this weekly gathering dance, hoop, play the drum or other musical instument and enjoy the spectacularSiesta sunset.

ON THE BEACH… • MARCH (WEDS) 8-9: 30AM / SUNRISE BEACH WALKS: Participants pay a one-time $5 registration fee.Each week, participants check 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 (WEDS) 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 – 1pm in Davidson’s Plaza in the Village.

5124 Ocean Blvd.Produce, Plants & Flowers, Music, Art, Organic Skincare, Italian Olive Oil, and Freshly Prepared Foods. Listen to live music while you shop.

• EXPRESS LUNCH & STUDY: Every Wednesday, Noon, at Siesta Key Chapel, 4615 Gleason Avenue (at Ocean Blvd) Stimulating Bible study in a way that allows you to learn in a relaxed environment. Take a break during your day, bring your lunch and Bible to a class that studies a book of the Bible a little bite at a time. Free and open to the community.

(941) 349-1166, siestakeychapel.org • MARCH 14 (SAT) FLY FISHING SCHOOL: CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, 1249 Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL is offering their

Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on March 14, 2020. Located on Siesta Key, the school 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 school, which will run from 8: 00 AM to 2 PM, is $195 per person and includes the use of Orvis fly tackle and lunch.

Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations.

• MARCH 17 (TUES) 9PM -2AM / ST. PADDY’S DAY PUB CRAWL: The annual pub crawl will take place in the Siesta Key Village at participating bars.

AND BEYOND… • PHILLIPI ESTATE PARK: LOCATED AT: 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231.March roars in like a lion and Phillippi Estate Park has a lion’s share of activities to offer everyone.

• PHILLIPPI FARMHOUSE MARKET – Every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with 50 vendors,local produce, including USDA certified organics, artisans and handicrafts, food trucks, live music and welcome tent brimming with “what to do in Sarasota” information and flyers.Come join us!

• TUNES, TRUCKS & TREASURES – formerly known as Brown Bag Concerts; has now expanded to include food trucks and arts & handicrafts; occurs every Thursday from 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.Event is FREE and all are welcome.So, bring your appetite, browse and buy treasures and enjoy the concert from noon

to 1: 00 p.m.For more information, please call 941-316-1309.

• Sunday, March 8 - The Jazz Club presents JAZZ IN THEPARK at the Gazebo and Open Space. Noon to 4 p.m. featuring RIVERVIEW JAZZ ENSEMBLE,DON LEVINE ENSEMBLE and DEBBIE KEETON JAZZ QUARTET.There will be food trucks; no coolers, please. Call 941-366-1552 for more information.

• Wed March 11 – Phillippi Farmhouse Market welcomes the Light Chasers (Plein Aire Painters) to a QUICK DRAW at the Park.

Painters have 2 hours (9 to 11 am) to create an original painting and bring it to the market for judging and sale.Watch the painters in the park as they create and then purchase original art at the market after judging ends at noon.Great fun and beautiful art.

• Wed March 11 -Archaeological Tour of Phillippi Estate Park with Sarasota County Archaeologist Steve Koski.FREE tour at 11: 00 a.m.Meet at the historic Keith Farmhouse.

Steve will take you through 6,000 years of history of people who have lived on the property.Approximately 45-60 minute tour.

• Thursday, March 12 – AUTHORS DAY at Tunes, Trucks & Treasures.Local authors will be selling their books.Stop by and get acquaintedwith your local celebrity authors.

• Sat March 28 & Sun March 29 – SPRINGFESTARTS & CRAFTSat the park.

Free arts and crafts show at front of park.Free parking 10 a.m. – 4: 30 p.m.

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.

941.312.0665

MARCH 2020

Your March Horoscope • ARIES (March 21–April 19): Are you feeling change in the air? This month, four planets enter new signs, bringing the kind of fresh-start energy your trailblazing sign thrives on! On the 4th, luxurious Venus beams into your money house, green-lighting one indulgent splurge! On the 19th, the Sun blazes into Aries, kicking off a month of celebrations and beginnings. And with Mercury back-spinning till the 9th and Saturn activating your social sector, this could be your liveliest birthday season in recent memory!

• TAURUS (April 20–May 20): On the 4th, when your ruler, charismatic Venus, enters your grounded sign, you may suddenly feel ready to come out of hibernation mode and throw an epic party. If communication has been wonky at work, blame messenger Mercury, who’s been retrograde since February 16. But he pivots back into your career corner that same day, giving you a second shot at something you might not have nailed initially. Make the most of this rare opportunity for a do-over!

• GEMINI (May 21–June 20): As “the Twins,” you’re used to having two opinions on pretty much everything. But ever since your ruler, messenger Mercury, turned retrograde on February 16, you’ve felt challenged to make even the simplest decision. If you have a chance to get away before March 16, say yes and work out the details later. Your social life could go from simmer to full boil after the 19th, when the Sun kicks off Aries season and your most popular four weeks of the year.

• C A NC E R ( Ju ne 2 1- Ju ly 2 2): Persona l relationships may feel more intense starting on the 4th as amicable Venus enters your social sector and messenger Mercury backflips into your partnership realm. Your sensitive sign might actually feel something shift—whether an intensification of feelings or just picking up a vibe that someone new is interested. Enjoy the flirtatiousness, but prepare to return your focus to work on the 19th, when the Sun blazes into Aries and electrifies your career corner for four weeks.

• LEO (July 23–August 22): There’s nothing “light and breezy” about relationships this month, Leo—but what’s lacking in “flow” you will more than make up for with passion! Your ruler, the fiery Sun, is cruising through your erotic and intimate zone until the 19th, intensifying your urge to merge. And on the 21st, serious Saturn joins action planet Mars in your partnership zone, which can cause some flip-flopping or hesitation when it comes to a deeper commitment.

• VIRGO (August 23-September 22): If you’ve been putting off dealing with a health issue, this is the month to pull the metaphorical trigger. Your ruler, brilliant but noncommittal Mercury, has been retrograde (spinning backward) in your wellness court since February 16, leaving you gun-shy about making an appointment. But then he straightens out on the 9th, and practically makes the call for you. This is also a good time for more self-care—and your favorite kind of exercise!

• LIBRA (September 23–October 22): March brings happy news for relationship-oriented Libras!

Your ruler, amorous Venus, shimmies into sensual

By Suzanne Gerber

Taurus and your eighth house of eroticism and intimacy on the 4th, then on the 19th, the luminous Sun sails into your committed-partnership zone, underscoring your emotional needs.

If you’re solidly attached, this can deepen your bond or force you to deal with a thorny issue. Looking to start something new? The new moon on the 24th could bring your magic moment!

• SCOR PIO (Oc tober 2 3 – November 21): No apologizing if you don’t feel like sacrificing precious “me time” to mingle in noisy, crowded venues, Scorpio. With nearly all of the planets packed into the private half of your chart, you have a hundred ideas for activities that don’t involve being in the public eye. Domestic and home-improvement projects may become an obsession—the healthy kind—this month.

But create lists of tasks and materials to streamline the jobs and save you time, money and frustration!

• SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21): You’re in rare introspective spirits this month with all of the planets tucked into the private half of your chart.

It’s a good time to revive a workout regimen—or mix it up if you’re getting bored or not seeing process. You’ll enjoy socializing—but at your home or a close friend’s, not the noisy bar scene. And romance becomes high priority as the Sun blazes into your zone d’amour on the 19th—and a “fresh-starts” new moon joins it on the 24th.

• CAPRICORN (December 22–January 19): An exciting new cycle begins for you on the 2st, when your ruling planet, future-oriented Saturn, returns to your financial sector for the first time in 29 years! Whatever the state of your “estate,” these next two and a half years will be critical for getting more serious about your income or completely rejigging your investment strategy. If you’ve got some catching up to do, humble yourself, learn as much as you can—and save as much as possible!

• AQUARIUS (January 20–February 18): You’re not much of a “follow-the-pack” kind of person, and this month’s stars are definitely urging to boogey to your own drummer. Messenger Mercury has been spinning backward in your security sector, triggering doubts around money or a relationship. It returns to your sign briefly (4-9th), helping you clear the air or your own confusion. On the 21st, your co-ruler, structured Saturn, enters your sign for the first time in 29 years, ushering in a two-and-a-half-year cycle that could be very auspicious!

• PISCES (February 18–March 20): If you’ve been facing a difficult decision, you may have taken a lessthan-valorous approach to dealing with it—i.e., being an ostrich and burying your head in the metaphorical sand. With analytical Mercury retrograding through your sign since February 16th, you simply can’t choose between “a” and “b.” From the 4-9th, it’ll backflip into your dreamy twelfth house, making matters worse.

But when it corrects course on March 16th, you may finally run out of excuses.

Suzanne Gerber (www.starsandstoneshealing.com, a locally based intuitive astrologer, shamanic/energy practitioner and spiritual life coach, is available for oneon-one private sessions in-person and over the phone (by appointment).

MarinerWord Search Answers on page 46 WORD LIST Atlantic Ocean Boat of wattle Celtic mythology Clonfert Cathedral County Galway Discovered America Iceland volcanoes Ireland Irish Saint Island of Sheep Jasconius Island Leather boat Magic loaves Mariners Monastery Paradise of Birds Patron saint Promised Land Sailors Scotland Sea creature Sea explorer Seven year voyage Shamrock Sixth century St. Patrick Voyager Whale island

St. Brendan the Navigator

27th State Media LLC

37

Wake & Shake Just roll out of bed...your hair looks great!

Shampoo and towel dry.... and you’re done!

The style is in the cut, not the blow-dry, so you don’t have to fuss with your hair to look good... even fine, limp or curly hair... and my new steam color process + Olaplex creates richer brunettes and spectacular blondes. The colors go deeper NEW LOCATION! and last longer, yet are far more gentle to the hair.

By Appointment Only with Ian:

941.356.0295

OPEN SUNDAY

NOW

www.siestasand.net

8:00 AM-2:30 PM FRESH • FAST • QUALIT Y

iansalon.com

4242 South Tamiami Trail

SARASOTA

(941) 260-9194

Open 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM Monday through Saturday

Use Uber Eats or Bite Squad Curbside Build Your Own Omelette by phone $ 941-260-9194 for only or online at Also serving bagel sandwiches, burrito omeletteandco.com wraps, homemade quiches and chicken wings or

6.95

Find your perfect pairing with Mimosas, Bloody Marys and More!

THE ONLY PLACE FOR EGG-CEPTIONAL OMELETTES

38

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2020

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.net

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 47 HOMES FOR SALE PAGE 45 SIESTA KEY MARKET STATS PAGE 40

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: 250 Island Circle, Sarasota $2,165,000 Are you looking for a great entertaining and family home with beach and boating..... If so this is the one for you! Walk to the famous Siesta Beach and Village. Enjoy local restaurants and music on and off the Island. This open floorplan offers a great room, oversized kitchen island with the appliances to prepare the chiefs creations to spoil your family and friends! Also offers four private en suites bedrooms and two large dens which can be used for guests, media room or office as well as an additional great room. The home is very different from most where it is surrounded by vegetation on either side and a

LOWEST PRICED SINGLE FAMILY PROPERTY: 620 Venice Lane, Sarasota $520,00 Fabulous opportunity to live on Siesta Key. Move right in and enjoy this one-level home located just a mile and a half from the world-class white sand beaches of Siesta Beach and just minutes to the quaint Siesta Village with wonderful restaurants and shopping. The front yard’s xeriscape is designed with many FL native plants allowing for privacy

and easy maintenance. This four-bedroom, two-bath home offers casual living and is a perfect island retreat as a fulltime home or a vacation getaway. There is original terrazzo flooring throughout the home. While either lounging in the comfortable family room just off the kitchen or sharing a family meal in the dining room, you can enjoy the private pool and backyard through the open sliding glass doors. For pool side dining, the kitchen’s “pass-through” window out to the

lanai makes entertaining very easy. Relax and unwind in the comfort of a screened in pool cage, perfect for entertaining.

The brick pavered driveway leads to the attached two-car garage providing plenty of room for parking and storage.

New electric panel and service installed August 2019. Easy island living with lots of charm. Minimum lease period is one month.

Courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty

Highest Priced Condo: 4750 Ocean Blvd # 201, Sarasota $4,425,000 Introducing Oceane... Now complete and ready to move in for Season! Siesta Key’s only luxury condominium available for occupancy this year. Described in lifestyle as a marriage of privacy meets walkability, and where walls of glass let nothing stand between you and your view, this is the story you’ve been longing to write. Boasting an immense ~4,500sf of living space, an additional ~700sf of outdoor terrace space, and an unheard of 70+ feet of width per residence facing directly onto the Gulf of Mexico, these are the views of imagination. Unlike direct beach-front settings where sunset is followed by darkness, at Oceane sunsets

Lowest Priced Condo: 5625 Midnight Pass Road, # 608 $260,000 Excellent value for this sunny & bright one bedroom furnished retreat right across the street from the world famous Siesta Key beach! Nice investment opportunity with on-site management and two week rentals allowed. Easy care tiled

floors set on diagonal, updated kitchen, corian countertops, raised cabinets and ceiling. There are 11 community boat docks available on a first come basis for only $400 per year.

Assigned carport for parking, newly renovated clubhouse, heated pool with grills available. Owners are permitted to have one small dog. Condo fees include water/sewer, basic

tree line across the Grand Canal which offers no home built directly across from the rear of your home. The outdoor areas include a covered lanai which overlooks the Salt water pool, two decks and beautiful water views and sunsets. Enjoy your 40Ft dock and 16, 000 lbs fully automated lift for your boating, paddle boarding and kayaking pleasures.

Your garage offers a full three car garage as well as space for three lifts for addition parking and five cars in the driveway. There are all types of local transportation to destinations on and off the island.

This home was quality built in 2016 with all the current codes and elevations. A must see!

Courtesy of Key Solutions Real Estate Group

are only the beginning. In true encore fashion, as the sun disappears, the real show begins as you witness the magical twinkling lights of the city skyline come to life each evening. Built to the highest of standards in both fixtures, finishes and construction, there is no substitute to the safety and security of concrete walls top-to-bottom and high impact glass at every opening.

Soaring ceilings, incredibly open and connected floor plans, outdoor summer kitchens, private pool-side cabanas and 3 car garages are only the beginning of this enchanted journey you are about to begin. Private visits are now available. This is your time, this is your story... this is Oceane.

Courtesy of Michael Saunders & Company

cable, landscaping, pest control and building maintenance.

New paver brick parking lot will be finished soon. (No assessment to owners).

Courtesy of Michael Saunders & Company

4848 OXFORD DRIVE

OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE: 1-4 PM

SIESTA KEY

March 15th, 22nd & 29th - 4848 Oxford March 8th - 1835 Goldenrod St.

For Financing Call

SETH: 941. 342. SOLD (7653) AL: 941. 479. 1175 Al re Nemo

Build your dream home for under 2 mil !

Seth Westerb erg

The possibilities are endless on this 18,000 Sq.Ft. lot! This waterfront property includes 90 feet of concrete seawall with a dock and is a short boat ride to ICW. Within walking distance of Siesta Village and the Out-of-Door Academy. This property is situated at the end of a secluded cul-de-sac on a designated canopy road. ‣ ‣ ‣ ‣

5 Bedrooms 3.5 Baths 3 Car Garage 2700 + Sq. Ft.

‣ ‣ ‣ ‣

Chef’s Kitchen Elevator Covered Deck Vaulted Ceilings

‣ ‣ ‣ ‣

Expansive Master Suite Metal Roof Impact Rated Windows Luxurious Pool

NMLS# 1783476

Marty Remillard NMLS#343653

No Lender Fees 941. 223.9416

You don’t need a pot of GOLD to buy a home!

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

MARCH 2020

27th State Media LLC

39

Paradise Awaits...

LE NG A S DI N PE 5563 Cape Aqua Drive, Sarasota, FL Great location only a 3 minute walk to world famous #1 Siesta Beach. 2 BR / 2 BA home in desirable Siesta Isles. Home is partially renovated. 14,050 sf lot.

Existing home has split bedroom floorplan, den/office (add a Murphy bed), designer stone flooring, 2 car garage and open floor plan. Large yard with room for a pool. This is a much sought after location just steps to the beach and close to Siesta Village. Property is being sold as is. Bring your ideas.

322 Island Circle

Siesta Key, FL

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

559,000

$

825,000

5326 Calle Florida Sarasota, FL

739,000

$

5157 Sandy Shore Ave., Sarasota Florida

999,900

$

Sarasota, FL

875,000

$

LE NG A S DI N PE

Spacious Siesta Key home on excellent boating water. Located on quiet low traffic dead end “Sandy” Street. Split plan 4 BR, 3 BA, 2,493 sq. ft. home with recent updates.

PGT Wind Guard Hurricane Impact windows and sliders, hurricane garage door for extra security.Short walk to famous Siesta Key Village with world class bistros and nightlife.

1122 Horizon View Drive

Palm Island - Paradise on Siesta Key. This house is a 3 minute walk Deeded beach access!!! Your feet will be inthe Gulf of Mexico in 60 to Siesta Beach. Huge pool area with gazebo perfect for entertain- seconds!!! Large rooms, volumn ceilings. Lovely oak floors and stylish ing. Live in the existing 2,341 SF 3 BD/2 BA home or split into 2 lots. tile will dazzle you. 3 BR, 3.5 BA with bonus lower level area. Oversized Modern vintage block home with out stone cloors in some rooms. garage for cars, boat, jet skis, kayaks and bikes. Extensive decks for You will love Palm Island, close to everything, yet secluded. Being enjoying your Island Paradise! You are walking distance to renowned sold turnkey furnished. local dining and a marina. Quality construction and close to the beach.

214 Island Circle, Sarasota Florida

Wonderful Siesta Key Grand Canal home located on desirable Palm Island. 2,600+ sq. ft., 4 BR, 2.5 BA waterfront oasis. Loft area on 2nd level makes nice office space.

Screened pool area. Short walk to World Famous Siesta Beach, close to world class dining and night life of Siesta Village.

974,000

$

$

LE NG A S DI N PE

165 Island Circle, Sarasota Florida

Wonderful Siesta Key Grand Canal home located on desirable Palm Palm Island Paradise on Siesta Key. Excellent 2nd home or investment property. A cute beach house a short stroll to famous Siesta Beach. This house is located on a tropical lagoon with a fenced yard with room for a pool and a dock to relax with your fishing pole while enjoying the gulf breezes. This house has been updated with updated kitchen and baths is just a short walk to all the shopping, bistros & nightlife Siesta Key Village has to offer. You will love Palm Island, “An Island on Siesta Key”, close to everything , yet secluded.

Being sold turnkey furnished

575,000

$

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

ddm1@comcast.net

Service.

Integrity.

Results.

40

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2020

941.312.0665

Coastal Setback

www.siestasand.net

Continued from page 6

existing wall?” Detert asked.

“Not necessarily,” Tippins told her. The property owners could use that structure as a stabilizing feature behind the dune, Tippins added.

“What we’re seeing — and we have more than one barrier island — is people build where they probably shouldn’t,” Detert said. “And then their building’s threatened [and] they come back to us for relief. … So this is the muddle we get into. I think the best way to avoid this is to maintain our own rules and regulations.”

After Detert completed her remarks, Commissioner Alan Maio made the motion to approve the request for the variance, and Commissioner Christian Ziegler seconded it. “These tend to be difficult to do,” Maio acknowledged of petitions for Coastal Setback Variances. “This is an easier one, I think,” he continued, as Crystal Sands has hundreds of units.

“They built the way they probably were allowed to build back then.”

The motion passed 4-1, with Detert casting the “No” vote.

More details of the proposal

A staff memo provided to the board in the backup agenda material explained that Crystal Sands “is a multi-family condominium … The parcel on which Crystal Sands is built extends from Midnight Pass Road to the Mean High-Water Line (MHWL) and has a width of approximately 300 feet.”

About 15% of the developed portion of the site is located seaward of the GBSL, the memo added. The complex is divided into two areas, the memo continued: One is developed with a 12-story structure containing 132 units; the other, with 22 single-story villas.

“The subject property has no coastal setback variance history,” the memo pointed out.

The new vinyl sheet pile wall — which the memo explained is “a type of Shore Protection Structure, as defined by the [county’s] Coastal Setback Code” — will have a concrete cap, which “will include reinforcing steel, corrosion protection and tiebacks.”

The memo also noted, “The proposed retaining wall has not been designed as a typical seawall shoreline protection structure … to protect against wave action …” Instead, the memo continued, the wall would serve “a more aesthetic upland retaining wall role to demarcate the boundary between the developed areas of Crystal Sands and the open sandy beach …” It also would serve as a means of preventing upland erosion, the memo said.

“The gap between the existing wall and proposed wall will be filled with washed stone or concrete,” the memo added.

During remarks to the board, Steve Wickens, past member of the Crystal Sands Association board, explained to the commission, “The means and methods that we propose are significantly less intrusive than excavating and removing the existing wall and rebuilding it.”

CITIZEN JACK

HOME WATCH SERVICES Accredited, Bonded, Insured & Certified

St. Patrick waS rumored to have chaSed all the SnakeS out of ireland and you can count on citizen Jack'S home watch to inSPect, Protect and Secure your fl home

Happy St. Patrick's Day! "citizen Jack'S Got your Back" Jim Farley

(#06190076)

941.350.3610

info@citizenjackhws.com www.citizenjackhws.com

• 2ND Month Free • Free Move-In Truck • Entire Facility Carpeted • Free Lock & Keys • Big Garage Bay For Loading And Unloading • Climate Controlled 941.315.5222 5260 Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, FL 34231 www.thelockup.com

Recipient of

Best of Sarasota Home Care Award

2BR/2BA Siesta Key Condo

Serving Sarasota, Manatee www.abridgeforindependence.com and Charlotte Counties Companionship • Transportation • Post Hospitalization Care • Shopping, Errands Light Housekeeping • Meal Prep/Planning • Laundry • Dementia Care Medication Reminders FL License #230517

941-925-2433

Join us in a fun, upbeat and positive living environment!

Croton Manor

is a small, family-style, 6-bed assisted living facility.

Beautiful outdoor sitting areas, walking paths and a caged pool for fitness.

941-927-0139 www.crotonmanor.com

OFFERING ONLY PRIVATE ROOMS

Great rental history/income for this updated 3rd floor unit. Walk to beach & Capt. Curts!

Very social complex with heated pool/clubhouse.

Turnkey furnished! $345K Stacey Andrews, Andrews & Assoc. Realty 941-504-1649

www.siestasand.net

SK Fitness

941.312.0665 Continued from page 1

Siesta Key Fitness Center owners Bruce and De Day, stand in front of their recently acquired building at 5243 Avenida Navarra, in the Siesta Key Village.

facility has become a valued asset to the key. Said Bruce, “Jeff knew our operation, he knew that as the only fitness center on the island we did over 30,000 workouts per year, and that if the Siesta Key Fitness center was not here, that would represent 30,000 Trips off the island each year where those fitness minded people would spend restaurant and Retail dollars off the Key as well. Jeff selling the property to us was his way of giving back to the entire Siesta Key Community… the merchants, the residents, and the visitors!”

When I asked the Days who are lifelong fitness professionals with a combined 55+ years of experience in the fitness industry why their Island gym is so successful, they simply replied, “State of the art product, great island style vibes, and super low rates for both annual members and visitors.” For the folks that live here, this has become a valued part of their lifestyle says De, And when it comes to the visitors, they continually tell us that our gym actually becomes part of their vacation experience. (The vast majority of the 150+ places of accommodations on the key do not offer onsite fitness.) “Not only are we in the convenience business says Bruce, but we Also remove all objection with our low rates. Annual membership is only $1/day and includes 24 HR access, a weekly Visitor pass is only $5/day, and a monthly visitor pass is just $2.50/day! Nobody wants to fight traffic Driving off island, AND, pay more when they get there, so it’s a super simple decision for folks.”

Wrapping it up, the Days had this to say about their recent property purchase…“It has been our passion to serve the Siesta Key community with health and fitness And now we are more excited than ever to get to have this privilege indefinitely! As we continue to raise Our family here and enjoy our amazing island, we hope that you will drop in, say “Hi”, and maybe Join us for a workout too!”

MARCH 2020

Improving transportation “The purpose is to basically provide a game plan, or template, for funding priorities and plans,” he pointed out. The goal is to propose ideas that would be competitive in applications for state and federal grants, Collins added.

He ended up with a list of 18 potential initiatives, Collins continued. “That’s a little bit more than we originally expected,” which was more in the range of five to 10, he said.

Starting at the top of his list, Collins told the Condo Council members, “I’ve been hearing a lot of talk about bicycle safety and accessibility.”

He showed them a slide of the vehicle travel lanes, the bicycle lane and the sidewalk in the area of the 7-Eleven located at 6619 S. Midnight Pass Road. “I would not let my children ride along this street right here.”

The bike lane is divided from the vehicle lane by only a white line, the slide showed, and the sidewalk is right next to the bike lane, with some curbing to separate them.

“There is nothing stopping a car from running off the road and sideswiping you,” Collins pointed out. “Not much level of safety.”

His suggest ion, Colli n s continued, is to provide “protected pathways to make sure the vehicles do not run off the road.”

The slide showed examples of posts and even a type of planter used to separate bicycle from lanes motorists’ lanes.

Turning to an area that he said has been among his big concerns, Collins showed the audience an aerial view of the intersection of Ocean Boulevard, Canal Road and Avenida Messina in Siesta

27th State Media LLC

41

Continued from page 1

Village — “basically the busiest intersection, I believe, on the Key.” In his experience, Collins noted, four-way stop signs — such as those at that intersection — are confusing to motorists. Drivers are unsure who has the right of way, he said. “Additionally, you have a lot of crosswalks [in that vicinity].” which are not readily identifiable as such, he continued.

Furthermore, Collins noted, no mea n s ex i st s to c h a n nel pedestrians to those crosswalks.

“Many times they just jump out to cross the street.”

One other hindrance, he said, is the dark red pigment of the pavers on the sidewalks and crosswalks, which makes the latter more difficult to see at night. Reflective surfaces and well-light crosswalks are preferable, he pointed out.

Crosswalks, roundabouts and paid parking Collins next turned his attention to the multiple crosswalks on the Key, especially those on Midnight Pass Road between the Beach Road and Stickney Point Road intersections.

Earlier that day, Collins said, he saw a car drive through a crosswalk as a pedestrian tried to reach the other side of the road. “It was a close call. … I think there’s an opportunity to design these a little better,” he said of the crosswalks, to draw drivers’ attention to them. Perhaps landscaping and greenspace, he noted, would serve as traffic calming measures to slow down motorists approaching the crosswalks.

He a lso suggested more consistency in the placement of the crosswalks, saying they should be a certain distance apart — such as 500 feet or 800 feet.

Then he turned his attention to the intersection of Stickney Point Road and Midnight Pass Road.

His suggestion, he continued, is to “put this intersection a bit further west” and create center islands where people crossing the road could wait to be sure traffic would stop for them.

Further, Collins noted the need to stop what he called “queue jumping,” as drivers headed west on Stickney Point Road often cut off other motorists as they switch lanes, depending on whether they intend to go north or south on Midnight Pass Road. He proposed separators between the travel lanes to stop such incidents, extending the structures about 300 feet east of the intersection.

His next point of focus was t h e a r e a e n compa s si ng t h e intersections of Midnight Pass Road and Higel Avenue with Ocean Boulevard. Drivers turning left from Ocean onto Higel have to hope that those using their rightturn signals really are going to turn onto Ocean and not proceed straight after all, Collins pointed out. “That causes a lot of delay.”

His solution to the problems in that area, he continued, is roundabouts.

Another recommendation, he continued, is for a paid parking program for visitors at Siesta Public Beach, with residents and/ or county taxpayers being able to use the lot for free.

“It would alleviate a lot of the roaming that people do,” he added, as they search for parking spots.

Furthermore, Collins proposed the use of apps and electronic message boards to alert drivers to up-to-date information about space availability in the public lot.

Locating Your Gulf Coast Lifestyle!

On the Grand Canal! 5436 Avenida Del Mare offered at $989,000

MLS #A4443689 Amazing Grand Canal location on Siesta Key. 5 minute walk to the world famous sugary sands of Siesta Key Main beach.

Walk, bike, or take the free trolley to Siesta Key Village for happy hour or dinner. Hop in the boat and catch some fish in the Grand Canal or head out to the Inter coastal. Splash in the pool and rinse off in the outdoor shower at the end of your beach or boating day. Built in 1999, no HOA fees or deed restrictions. Unique layout with extra high ceilings and open floor plan.

Transom windows contribute to let the Siesta sky and sunshine indoors. Extra large kitchen with tall windows facing the canal has plenty of storage and counter space. Open loft family room has it’s own balcony. Third bedroom has a built in Murphy bed for extra guests. Master and second bedroom overlook mature foliage and the water. This could be your AWESOME year round, vacation home, or investment property. Location, location, location!

Build your Dream Home on this Large Deep Salt Waterfront Lot! 1212 Port Lane Offered at $1,060,000.00 MLS #A4453302

Exceptional WATERFRONT opportunity! Bring your boat to this wide Waterfront lot with BRAND NEW Seawall. This 15,452 sq. ft. property is on the widest part of the cove with long water views. Room for two docks off the 130 feet of frontage on this deep salt water cove, seconds from the Inter Coastal Waterway and out to the Gulf of Mexico. This Private road setting is ready for you to build a magnificent Siesta Key Home. Expertly cleared lot with County water and sewer on site. The Siesta Key lifestyle is sure to impress with the surrounding multi-million dollar homes and Sanderling Club just across the street. A short walk to restaurants and watering holes or enjoy the world famous Siesta Key Beach. Bring your plans and your builder to this EXTRA large vacant lot and make your Waterfront home a reality. Boating, fishing, beaches, and more!

Anne Friedland 941-894-7248 Anne@BlueSRQ.com

Angela Florian 941-809-0454 Angela@BlueSRQ.com

42

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2020

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.net

Sandcastles: Spotlight on The Pointe at Midnight Pass A personal note from Phillip Mongeau, a resident of The Pointe at Midnight Pass: What’s hiding at the south end of Siesta Key?

At the southernmost tip of Siesta Key, past the flashing road signs announcing no outlet or turn-around, a simple gate leads to a hidden gem: The Pointe on Siesta Key. This condo complex consists of two 10-story buildings on five acres of perfectly groomed property on a peninsula with water on three sides.

Overlooking the Neville Marine Park on Little Sarasota Bay and Blind Pass, this magical enclosure is home to some amazing wildlife: some of the most beautiful birds in Florida, mullet leaping without warning, and dolphins playing with abandon. Thanks to the Pointe’s state of the art kayak racks, residents can join the constant flow of aquatic life without having to paddle out of sight of their homes. Within minutes, kayakers can explore hidden coves in the par, or take a picnic to the isolated beach at Midnight Pass where sandpipers rush back and forth with the receding waves as the sunset spreads its golden glow on the sparkling water.

For less athletic souls, a small island attached to the property beckons with welcoming benches and a gazebo equipped with a barbecue grill and tables. You might be visited by manatees or dolphins while you dine or be serenaded by osprey chicks from a nearby nest. There is also a clubhouse at the opposite end of the property, equipped with a deck with barbecue equipment, tables and heat lamps. The clubhouse, with a full kitchen, is also available for hosting private events. The Pointe’s regular social functions are for all residents.

A new seawall surrounding the property features a rambling sidewalk that allows for leisurely strolls about the property. Private docks (available on the eastern side), can accommodate boats up to 25’ and complete the Pointe’s aquatic surroundings. There is also a lighted tennis court, pickleball courts, and a pool with a hot tub. Each building has a gym for keeping in shape, a game room, and restrooms with showers and saunas.

Three-month minimums on rentals ensure that you’re not living next door to a weekly rental unit. Your neighbors become friends in this very social environment. Watch for units that may become available for an active life in a beautiful setting.

From Realtor® partners Sheri and Bob Ruiz of Key Solutions – Facts and stats on The Pointe at Midnight Pass:

LOCATION – From Sarasota’s mainland, drive across Stickney Point Bridge and turn south (left) to the more tranquil, less traveled end of Siesta Key. Tree canopied bike and walking paths meander alongside the length of Midnight Pass Road.

VIEWS – Situated at the southernmost end of Siesta Key, residents enjoy panoramic water views in three directions.

Watch the sun rise over tranquil Neville Preserve on Little Sarasota Bay to the east; look south to the serenity of Casey Key and beyond; and enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Gulf

of Mexico to the west. Nature lovers revel in the diversity of wildlife seen from the property.

CONVENIENCE – A short walk to beautiful Turtle Beach and three restaurants ranging from a casual, seaside pub to the finest haute cuisine. Known the world over for its fine crystalline sand, #1 ranked Siesta Beach and the fun, eclectic Siesta Village are just a few minutes’ drive.

SPECIFICS – The Pointe at Midnight Pass is a gated enclave of 122 units, impeccably maintained in a beautifully landscaped five-acre setting. Boat docks as well as kayak and canoe racks and launch are readily available. No bridges to the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy great fishing right off the docks. Each unit comes with its own assigned covered parking space and visitor parking is plentiful. Resort-style amenities include newly renovated clubhouse with complete kitchen, heated pool with hot tub, lighted tennis court, men’s and women’s saunas, fitness facilities, and private island with gazebo and grills – perfect for entertaining. The Pointe at Midnight Pass is an exceptionally well-maintained property with substantial reserves. Spacious two bedroom/two bath units and one bedroom/one bath units each boast a large lanai for outdoor living and abundant storage.

A NOTE FROM REALTOR® BOB RUIZ - One of the best values on Siesta Key, here are two units that my partner and I had available at The Pointe at Midnight Pass as of press time; please feel free to call for status updates or with any questions.

Many additional photos of these two units (and others) are available online at https://stellar.mlsmatrix.com/Matrix/ Public/Portal.aspx?ID=28504732839&L=1 LISTING #! $789,000 Unit #901 of The Pointe at Midnight Pass - 9397 MIDNIGHT PASS RD - SARASOTA, Florida 34242-2949 Beds: NOTE; This is the only THREE BEDROOM unit Baths:2 Year Built: 1975 Heated Sq. Ft: 1,630 Pool: Community Garage: Yes, Attached, 2 Spaces Water Access: Bay/Harbor, Gulf/Ocean to Bay, Intracoastal Waterway Water Frontage: Bay/Harbor, Intracoastal Waterway Water extras: Bridges - No fixed bridges, dock – composite, dock – Slip 1st come, Dock w/electric, Dock w/water supply, Fishing pier, Seawall - concrete Pool: Community LISTING #2 $539,000 Unit #906 of The Pointe at Midnight Pass - 9397 MIDNIGHT PASS RD SARASOTA, Florida 34242-2949 Beds: 2 Baths:2 Year Built: 1975 Heated Sq. Ft: 1,029

Garage/Parking Features: Assigned Parking, Guest Parking, Portico Carport: Yes, 1 Space Water Access: Bay/Harbor, Intracoastal Waterway Water Frontage: Bay/Harbor Water name(s): Little Sarasota Bay Water extras: Bridges - No fixed bridges, dock – Slip 1st come, Dock w/water supply, Fishing pier, Seawall - concrete Pool: Community For additional listings at The Pointe at Midnight Pass and other Siesta Key locations, please go to https://stellar.mlsmatrix. com/Matrix/Public/Portal.aspx?ID=28504732839&L=1 or feel free to contact us: BOB & SHERI RUIZ, REALTORS® Key Solutions Real Estate 941-544-3299 - Bob 941-400-4186 - Sheri RobertRuizRR@aol.com SheriLasley@aol.com www.SiestaKeyNow.com Referrals are sincerely appreciated. If you know of someone considering buying or selling A home in Sarasota, please pass along my name and contact information.

Thank you.

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

MARCH 2020

Historic Siesta Key Beach Lots List on Beach Road Locals call it“Sunset Beach” or “Dog Beach.”

Tucked away at 10 Beach Road, at the end of Avenida Messina, a few short blocks fro m Siesta Key Village, lies a piece of Siesta Key history. Here, a section of privately owned white sand beach, made up of three contiguous lots that according to one of the three owners, has been owned by the Hamilton family of Siesta Key for close to 100 years, is now on the market. Totaling 2.5 acres, the land was recently listed for $1.5 million, through Bright Realty.

Adjacent to the pier owned by Siesta Key resident Mike Cosentino, and steps from the private Beach Road, the sandy lots are “one of a kind,” said Rick Hamilton, a Siesta Key native who is selling the property along with his brother Charles “Chip” Hamilton and sister, Elizabeth H. Mayer. “There’s nothing else out there like it,” he said describing the waterfront treasure.

“This is a wild piece of land on the Gulf,” said broker Barry Bright of Bright Realty, in discussing the

rare property. “It’s unique in many Road land for many years, it has ways.” The company’s website been in the hands of the three describes it as an “opportunity to Hamilton siblings since 1973. On own a slice of heaven on Siesta Key Christmas day of that year, Rick Beach...50 ft of beach frontage. Two Hamilton told the Siesta Sand, the other lots are submerged. Pitch a elder Hamilton gave each one of his tent on your beach front lot and have three children a deed to one of the a space for private parties.” three lots. “I was 13. We thought it Commenting on the complex was a joke. Each of us found a deed status of the land, Bright said, in our Christmas stockings,” Rick “Mother Nature peeled away the Hamilton recalled. “The three of sand on this beautiful piece of Siesta us have kept this property all these Key. But, it could change and it years,” he said wistfully. could return to its previous status.”

As time went by, the Hamilton Reflecting on the fluid nature of children grew up. Rick played the Siesta Key coastline, Rick Hamilton recalled that as a boy, when he was growing up on Siesta Key in the 1970’s, the beach was much larger, and the population of Siesta Key was also dramatically smaller. His father told him that “when he was a kid, he could walk out a football field length,” on the property. Hamilton said that dredging for Bird Key and Big Pass impacted his family’s beach as well as much of North Siesta Photo credit Bright Realty.

Key’s coastline.

Three rare Siesta Key beach lots are now on the A lt houg h t he Ha m i lton market for the first time in decades. family has owned the 10 Beach

LIC#CGC060852

27th State Media LLC

43

By Jane Bartnett

tennis in college and became a top tennis pro, coaching young stars at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy (now the IMG Academy), in Bradenton, FL. “My father was a really good player too,” he said.

“I inherited his tennis talent.” His brother Chip moved to the West Coast and now makes his home in Oregon. Elizabeth and Rick remained in the area, but both live off the Key. With both parents now deceased, the three decided that while their fond memories of days at the family’s beach remain, it was time for new owners to take on this special piece of Siesta Key. The sale of the Hamilton beach land will bring a close to the this part of the Hamilton family’s long history in Siesta Key. In the 1930’s, the Hamilton siblings great-grandfather bought the elegant Bay Island Hotel and ran the 4 story, 60 room hotel. It was, according to Sarasota History Alive, “the most delightfully situated residential hotel in Sarasota.”

The Hamilton family were “Siesta Key pioneers, first having come here in the 1920s,”

according to Sarasota Magazine.

When a fire decimated the hotel in 1952, the family rebuilt it as a house on Hamilton Avenue. It was here that the three Hamilton children grew up.

“Whoever becomes the new owner of the Hamilton’s beach land,” Bright said, “they will have direct access to the Gulf. Although, due to zoning regulations, it’s not possible to build a house on the property, someone could beach their Catamaran and come and enjoy their own private corner of Siesta Beach whenever they like.” He also noted that because this section of Beach Road is not a public street, parking at the edge of the property is not allowed. Public parking is a few short blocks away.

When asked what he hopes for the future of this special place, Rick Hamilton smiled and said, “well maybe Jennifer Anniston would like to buy it and preserve it.” A moment later, he said, “seriously, I’d like to see the County buy it. I’d like to see them leave it open to the public so that it can stay a historical sunset beach.”

44

MARCH 2020

Siesta Sand

941.312.0665

Classifieds / Here’s My Card ACCOMMODATIONS / VACATION RENTALS

CLEANING SERVICES

• 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.

LIGHTING

Green Magic Cleaning Service

• Custom Lampshades • Recovering • Lighting Components

“Residential and Commercial”

We don’t cut corners, we dust them.

All U.S. Vendors!

A family owned business with 16 years of experience.

• Landings Carriagehouse, $2,500 per month. Call Jim 941-539-0774.

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

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

Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500

AUTOMOTIVE DELIVERY

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

(941) 780-4248

Morlee, Roseart, J Harris & Sons and Lakeshore

3519 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd. • Sarasota, FL 34234

941-312-5183

• DRIVER for YOUR vehicle, cargo and pets. Sarasota/Siesta Key/Port Charlotte area to MICHIGAN ONLY. Offering services that carriers/haulers are unable to provide. Background check.

Bonded. Insured. Chauffeur’s license. Retired law enforcement officer. 941-323-3945 or 313-434-2070 or www.yhvaletdriving.com

BOAT SALES

Spindrift

410 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228

Yacht Sales

Brian Mouldey

“Licensed & Bonded Yacht Broker” Check out Brian on Facebook @ spindriftbrian

Direct: 941-374-1697 Office: 941-383-7781 Email: spindriftbrian@gmail.com

BOATING RENTALS / FISHING CHARTERS

Captain Jacks Yacht Charters

10% OFF ONE ITEM WITH THIS AD! One Coupon Per Customer • Expires 3/31/2020

MEDICAL

• power washing • pool cage restoration

CAGE RESTORATION MASTERS Paint Your Pool Cage Today!

315-395-5889

www.cagemasters.org

• 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 homeimprovement dreams into a beautiful reality. Call 941-650-9499 or visit their website: www.hawksnestconstruction.com Lic#CGC060852.

• Nutter Construction is your local Siesta Key builder. We have a strong team with over 30 years of combined high end residential construction experience in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. We offer custom construction, remodeling services, management and consulting, concierge service, and we are committed to protecting our resources by using construction techniques that are environmentally friendly. Call us at 941-924-1868, visit our showroom at 3534 South Osprey Avenue, or check us out online at www.nutterconstruction.com. LEED AP | FL Licensed Building Contractor CBC060004 | FL Licensed Real Estate Sales Associate BK322256 | Certified Home Inspector HI4630

Capt. Jack Wallace 941.320.8700 www.sarasotachartervessel.com Pleasure Cruises only Sunsets/Weddings/Special Occasions Hourly, Daily, Weekly

• 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.

Board-Certified dermatologist skin CanCer • laser • Botox and Hair/nail disorders

J Morgan O’Donoghue, MD.

1952 Field Road Sarasota, Florida 34231

941.926.7546

www.dermatologyexperts.com

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

HELENE M. HYLAND REALTOR®

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

5145 Ocean Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34242 Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC

www.SheSellsSiestaKeySarasota.com

Denise Driscoll

REALTOR-Licensed Sales Associate

direct 941-586-6833 email denise.driscoll@exprealty.com web denisedriscoll.exprealty.com Curious about the Value of Your Home?

LANDINGS RESIDENT OWNED AND OPERATED

DRY CLEANERS

• 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

RESTAURANTS

One Small Cinco Queso With Any Entreé Purchase One Small Cinco Queso reServationS accepted Per Table

Having Fun Fishing in The Sun

Environmentally Conscious Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service

DINE-IN ONLY!

941-400-2452 Veteran Owned Business

Dolphin Watch • SunSetS • half Day aDventure SailS

Call

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 11am-9pm Fri. & Sat. 11am-10 pm Closed Sunday

from your home or business

941-275-4647

ExEcutivE Shirt SErvicE • houSEhold itEmS • SamE day SErvicE availablE

HOUSE WATCH

eltorobravosarasota.com

House Watch Sarasota

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

Kathleen D Sailing Catamaran 941-896-6400

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

CHURCH SERVICES • WEDNESDAY CHURCH - Traditional worship every Wednesday at 6 PM. Committed to reaching 55+ Widows, Widowers, Veterans, Singles, and Adults.

7811 Kennedy Ln., Sarasota, FL 34240. Pastor Trebor Britt, 941320-4309. SJG5232@verizon.net Insured, Bonded and Licensed by The National Home Watch Association.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-349-0194

(941) 961-4309

www.SuncoastHomeConcierge.com

Southwest Mexican Food Sarasota FL 34231 and Bar

3218 Clark Road

NO

Sailing From Marina Jack, Sarasota

Bite Squad delivery Service

Expires 2/29/20

Free Pick Up & Delivery Service Tony Fudoli Sr. CAPTAIN tntfreedomfishing@yahoo.com

Fax 941-312-5683

www.lizslampshades.com Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10 AM- 6 PM

CONTRACTORS screen repair

www.siestasand.net

W

OP

EN

!

941.924.0006

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

RESTAURANTS

CONTINUED

MARCH 2020

TRANSPORTATION

CONTINUED

941-928-9200

RIDE THE KEY FREE

15-20 MINUTE RESPONSE TIME (Based upon traffic)

SERVICING

Siesta Key Beach Siesta Village Turtle Beach

DRIVER TIPS ONLY

Restaurants and Accommodations Operating 10AM to 2AM Daily

www.JonnysOriginalFreeRide.com

SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY Hair by

Cherene Carroll

Shear Perfection Master Stylist and Goldwell Color Specialist

Only Goldwell when you want the BEST CARE for your hair COLOR/HIGHLIGHTS/OMBRE/BALAYAGE

FREE 5-6 FOILS

any Evan’s Salon with color service 6620 Gateway Avenue Sarasota, FL 34231

315.480.6555

Sarasota to Tampa Airport $ 89 each way

Airport Shuttle Limo/Taxi

HOMES FOR SALE

Hair Unlimited Lakeshore Village Plaza

3900 Clark Rd., Bldg. K, Sarasota, FL 34233

NEW CLIENTS $10.00 OFF

Kathy Sapp

Call 941-356-0495

Gordokat@gmail.com Open Monday thru Friday

New to Landings Shopping Center

(941) 706-0860

4850 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 (The Landings Shopping Center)

Walk-Ins Welcome

Specializing in Pink & White

Mon.- Sat. 9 AM-7 PM Sun. 11 AM-5 PM

Olde Fashion Barber Shop

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

ther”

“Hot La

941-312-6001

Southgate Barber Shop

(Across from the Westfield Siesta Key Mall)

2081 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239

Walk-Ins Welcome

Monday through Friday 9-6 • Saturday 9-2

www.OldStyleBarberShop.com

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

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

Sarasota’s Premier “Chauffeur”

Airport Rides Starting At Only

30 941.735.4732 $

All Ports In Florida

Stress Free • Smooth and Easy Ask for Eddie

• AMAZING LOCATION! 3Bd/2BA Florida style ranch home has it all! Don’t hesitate to see this tropical beauty!

Meticulously maintained, Siesta Key Village and Beaches just minutes away. 1728 Billings St. $424K. For your personal viewing please call 941-587-4256. See additional pictures on Zillow!

• LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! GRAND CANAL HOME ON PALM ISLAND. 476 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL. This ultimate family beach house is 2 blocks from Siesta Key Beach and 5 blocks from the Village. 3 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, heated pool, dock with electricity, even a working elevator. This beach oasis is well maintained and waiting for you! $1,250,000 MLS# 4443903 CONTACT DIANE GOODWIN, 941-706-6620, #LoveWhereYouLiveSRQ, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty.

• PALM ISLAND HOME ON THE GRAND CANAL: $825,000. 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 • CANAL FRONT HOME: $999,900. 5157 Sandy Shore Ave, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4427877. Canal front home on a quiet low traffic dead end “Sandy” street. Split plan 4 bedroom & 3 bath 2,493 square foot home with recently updated kitchen & bath. PGT Wind Guard Hurricane Impact windows and sliders for added storm security. You will love lounging around the large pool on this oversized lot (14,352 SF) and dock with lift on the wide canal with easy access to world class boating & fishing. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB - Across the street from Siesta Beach with a private deeded boat dock and water views! Renovated two bedroom, two bath. One car garage with attic storage. Gated community on a deep-water marina.

Pool, hot tub, tennis/pickle ball, clubhouse. MLS# A4433033, $539,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• THE POINTE - Priced to Sell. Largest floor plan at 1380 square feet in a 2/2 with spacious lanai overlooking the ICW and Bay to the east and the Gulf and Siesta sunsets to the west.

Amazing views from every room. Gated with every amenity.

MLS# A4438186, $495,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• THE POINTE - Exquisitely renovated 2/2 with incredible 270 degree water views! Beautifully decorated and movein ready. Gated community with every amenity - pool, spa, tennis, pickle ball, fitness, clubhouse, boat docks, kayak racks and launch, picnic area, grills and on-site management. MLS #A4448625 $535,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB - Bright and spacious 3/3 townhome directly across the street from Siesta Beach and yards to the ICW by boat. Deeded slip with 20k pound lift directly outside the unit. Attached garage. Gated community with tennis, pool, clubhouse, etc. MLS# A4447427,

27th State Media LLC

HOMES FOR SALE

45

CONTINUED

$649,900. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB - Your Island Paradise Awaits! Across the street from Siesta public beach, this 2 /2 showplace has been beautifully renovated. Tile throughout. Water views. Deeded dock behind the unit and attached 1 car garage. Gated with pool and tennis. MLS# A4451556, $599,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• THE POINTE - This spectacular 9th floor unit has been totally and beautifully renovated with coastal colors to complement the water views from every room. The light 2/2 features tile throughout., an all-new kitchen with stunning white granite countertops and so much more. This is a must see. MLS# A4450026 $599,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-4004186.

• HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB - Water views with private deeded boat dock on deep water marina and 10 minute walk to Siesta Beach. This renovated 2/2 unit is tiled throughout. Slip will accommodate a 43’ boat on a 13k lb. lift. 1 car attached garage with attic storage. Gated property.

MLS# A4449225, $545,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• SUMMER COVE ON SIESTA KEY - Enjoy the best of Siesta in this beautiful, light and bright 3/2.5 luxury end unit.

Private elevator. Tile flooring throughout; gourmet kitchen with wood cabinets, granite, stainless steel, and double oven, 9 foot ceilings, and 2 huge open lanais. Beautifully turnkey furnished. MLS# A4451557, $925,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• TRULY FABULOUS 2/2 WITH DIRECT GULF VIEWS. This Gulfside, 1st-floor unit is perfectly positioned overlooking the pool & amazing direct gulf front views of world-famous Siesta Key Beach!! Walk right out the patio to the pool/beach - no stairs or elevators!! A very open, spacious, clean & cared for condo with full-sized washer/ dryer, expansive lanai, walk-in closets, and extra storage.

6342 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #415, SARASOTA, FL 34242 , MLS# A4444324, $1,050,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941894-1255 • ENJOY STUNNING SUNRISES AND SUNSETS from this lovely two bedroom, two bath PENTHOUSE condo at the southernmost end of Siesta Key. If you seek incomparable views look no further - wake to awe-inspiring sunrises over Neville Preserve on Little Sarasota Bay and marvel at the spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. 9393 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #P2, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4406101, $469,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255 • NEWLY CONSTRUCTED Coastal Contemporary on the Grand Canal. Centrally located to Siesta Village and beaches.

Natural light abounds this 3 bedroom, 3.5 bathrooms open floor plan with direct walkout access to the open designed saltwater pool and deck. Enjoy sunsets from your pool deck and Balconies. This home is minutes by boat, paddleboard or kayak to the Intercoastal Waterway. 4866 COMMONWEALTH DR, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4437382, $1,659,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255

• PALM ISLAND - PARADISE ON SIESTA KEY. $739,000, 5326 CALLE FLORIDA, SARASOTA, Florida 34242. This house is a 3-minute walk to world famous Siesta Beach. Palm Island has its own beach access (Beach Access 10). Large pool home on 2 platted lots. Huge pool area with gazebo perfect for entertaining. Live in the existing 2,341 sf 3 bedroom / 2 bathroom home or split into 2 lots. This home is a Modern vintage block home with cut stone floors in some rooms. This house is just a short walk to all the shopping, bistros & nightlife Siesta Key Village has to offer. You will love Palm Island, “An Island on Siesta Key”, close to everything , yet secluded. Being sold turnkey furnished. Dan Miller, Re/ Max Tropical Sands, 941-376-7442 • YEAR-ROUND SUNSETS! This 10th-floor unit is perfectly positioned to enjoy gorgeous beachfront views! A very spacious, light, bright, clean and cared-for condo with a Continued on page 46

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941.312.0665 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 941.312.0665 for rates.

46

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2020

HOMES FOR SALE

941.312.0665 Continued from page 1

CONTINUED

split floor plan and walk-in closets.

The hurricane impact sliding doors (replaced 2018) lead from the living room and bedrooms to the huge screened lanai. Furniture is negotiable. 6300 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #1009, SARASOTA, FL 34242 MLS# A4425862, $949,900, Key • LEAST EXPENSIVE HOME ON Solutions Real Estate, 941-894-1255 SIESTA KEY! $400,000 4BD/3BA. Less than 1 mile from Siesta Beach and adjacent to Glebe Park, this midcentury modern home located on a designated Canopy Road is still occupied by its original owner. This home boasts “Old Florida Charm,” featuring vaulted ceilings, terrazzo floors throughout, and a combination of jalousie and clerestory windows.

• DEEDED BEACH ACCESS!!! With 2100 Sq. Ft. of living space and $875,000 1122 HORIZON VIEW situated on a 9000 Sq. Ft. lot, the floor DRIVE, SARASOTA, Florida. Your plan allows for either a variety of feet will be in the Gulf of Mexico renovation concepts or the ability to in 60 seconds!!! This immaculate build your dream home! KW On The pool home features large rooms and Water, MLS # A4437571, presented volume ceilings. Lovely oak floors by The Westerberg Group, Call Seth: and stylish tile will dazzle you. 3 941-342-SOLD (7653) or Al: 856-278Bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms along 7522. with the lower level bonus area for generational living or guests. The huge bonus area downstairs would be perfect for storage, workout center, hobby room or workshop.

The oversized garage could handle your cars, boat, jet skis, kayaks & bikes. Extensive decks for enjoying your Island Paradise abound!! You • 1835 GOLDENROD ST, are walking distance to renowned SARASOTA, 34239 - This charming local dining and a marina. In home has been lovingly remodeled addition to all that, next door is in 2015, with no expense spared.

Turtle Beach Park with kayak and Located in the desirable west-ofboat launch facilities. This is one of the-trail neighborhood of Poinsettia the closest properties to the beach Park 2, you’ll be only 1 mile to Siesta without having the direct beachfront Key and 2 miles to downtown. Fall price on a street of multi-million in love with the gorgeous tropical dollar properties. Quality concrete landscaping and large pool with its block construction throughout for New Pebble-Tec Surface, relaxing peace of mind. A truly unique find!! waterfall, sun-shelf, and Polar Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands, Plunge. This “Selby-like retreat” features 2 bedrooms, plus an office 941-376-7442

(possible third bedroom), 2 full baths, and several amenities. Enjoy the dining trellis, fire pit, puttputt golf, and outdoor shower, all surrounded by AstroTurf & pavers for easy maintenance. Inside boasts an abundance of natural light with “floor-to-ceiling” windows and French doors, beautiful bamboo • NEW ON THE MARKET, 2BR/ wood floors, and designer features 2BA SIESTA KEY CONDO Great in the kitchen and baths. Many rental history/income for this more surprises await, a must see updated 3rd floor unit. Walk to home in the heart of Sarasota! Make beach & Capt. Curts! Very social this tropical oasis your piece of complex with heated pool/ paradise! KW on THE Water, MLS clubhouse. Turnkey furnished! # A4444487, $724,900, presented by $345K Stacey Andrews, Andrews & The Westerberg Group, Call Seth: 941-342-SOLD (7653).

Assoc. Realty 941-504-1649

Answers to the WORD SEARCH from page 37 ®

To advertise in print or online contact: 27th State Media LLC at 941-312-0665 Send editorial and/or photos via email to: info@27statemedia.com

Visionary Developer Elbridge Boyd Arrives to Plan and Preserve

During the 1940s, many areas of Siesta Key were still jungles, especially south of the Point of Rocks where the land was largely u n i n h abited. For t u n ately, a n extraordinary developer devoted to ecolog y, Elbr idge S. Boyd, recognized a special opportunity there and instilled his vision into an enduring project. He was inspired as a developer by his parents as they became involved in the

• 2610 WOODGATE LN, SARASOTA, FL 34231 - Only 3 miles from Siesta Beach, this turnkey villa comes fully furnished!

The home was remodeled in 2017 and features 16-inch ceramic tile throughout, all white kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, and plenty of closet space! The master bedroom is spacious and could easily fit a king sized bed. You will love the 8 x 6.5 Ft. L-shaped master walk-in closet. The sun room is very light and bright, perfect for relaxing and laying back to read a good book.

Occupied for only a few months each year, the home’s updates and furnishings are like new! The homeowners’ association has many amenities, including a heated pool, shuffleboard courts, and a clubhouse with a gym. Enjoy an amazingly low monthly fee of just $320, which includes internet, water, sewer, and trash. Make this spectacular home yours today! KW on The Water, MLS # A4433486, $160,000, presented by The Westerberg Group. Call Seth: 941-342-SOLD (7653) or Al: 856-2787522.

• WATERFRONT PROPERTY with OVERSIZED LOT! Located just off the Grand Canal, this home features 90 feet of concrete seawall including a dock with electric, lighting, and water. The original block ranch home sits on an oversized 18,000 Sq. Ft. lot, situated on a private cul-de-sac, located on a designated Canopy Road. Boasting 2200 Sq. Ft. of living space, this split floor plan includes 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a 2-car garage. Travertine pool deck and cage were updated in 2017. Just around the corner from Siesta Village and a mile to Siesta Beach provides for the ultimate Siesta Key Experience! KW On The Water, MLS #A4440889, $1,250,000, presented by The Westerberg Group, Call Seth:941-342-SOLD (7653) or Al: 856-278-7522.

reconstruction of Atlanta from its Sherman-led Civil War destruction.

Elbridge’s deep appreciation of Florida’s tropical treasures was also gained as a boy while wintering in Clearwater. Later, after service in the World War I, he married Helen Anderson, started his career, and during 1939 moved to Siesta Key to recuperate from one of his many respiratory illnesses. While renting a small home in the quiet environment of Point of Rocks, Mr. Boyd explored the potential of the Key’s shoreline properties and discovered the jungle land that eventually became Sanderling.

The next year, Elbridge and Helen decided to settle on Shell Road where they created fabulous gardens of flowering foliage and continued exploring land to develop on the Key. His first development was the nearby Fiddler Bayou. By 1946, Elbridge was positioned to develop a large tract of south Siesta Key by forming Siesta Properties, Inc.

The Organization of the Club Homesites

The property that eventually became the Sanderling Club was ideal for a large development with two miles of Gulf frontage beach and an interior featuring the Heron Lagoon— a flowing waterway entrapped by the 1921 hurricane that created Midnight Pass. Taking advantage of the property’s natural divisions a nd dredg i ng some lagoon-connected canals, Mr. Boyd and his small crew organized the property into four units. The first comprised beachfront lots up to two acres with at least 150 feet of frontage that were priced generally at less than $10,000 each. The second and third units were designated as Waterway Lots along Heron Lagoon and sold for $8,000. Early residents recall that oysters, blue crabs, mussels and an occasional alligator inhabited the lagoon, along with large tarpon— descendants of the survivors from the 1921 storm.

The fourth unit on the east side of Midnight Pass Road included a boat basin dredged from marshy land.

Lot sales stimulated largely by the early owners to attract their friends led to a total of sixty-seven cottages being built between 1946 and 1958.

Shortcomings and Controversies Emerge

As t he number of propert y owners increased, the need for a homeowners’ association became obvious. In the early 1950s, the Siesta Club became the governing body and included an admissions committee to ensure exclusivity.

However, an unfortunate inequity became apparent that needed resolution to encourage continued growth. Siesta Club members who owned houses on the Gulf enjoyed a private beach that sloped gently to the water from their backyards, but property owners on the waterways and eastside lacked access except for a small number of residents who had purchased cabanas at the adjacent Turtle Beach Cabana Club— another Boyd development that served an exclusive group who refused to expand the membership.

Consequently, the only alternative

www.siestasand.net

for the waterway and eastside occupants was to start another, completely separate cabana club on Siesta Properties land acquired in 1952 from Mr. Boyd, who was eager to address the shortcoming.

This led to formation of Sanderling Beach, Inc. — an entirely separate corporation with a brilliant group of directors and officers dedicated to resolve the inequity.

The Role of Paul Rudolph

The newly purchased Sanderling property provided an excellent setting along a gorgeous beachfront where the waterway and eastside owners could access the Gulf. Next, a pivotal decision was reached launch an ambitious beachside development project by hiring 34year old architect Paul Rudolph to design the sorely needed facilities.

The commission included cabanas, a clubhouse, swimming pool (which was ultimately deleted), and tennis courts, in addition to parking spaces.

Using high-strength plywood, a product of World War II, the builders bent the rooves to resemble waves— one of Rudolph’s many architectural innovations. The delicately designed, integrated facilities also proved to be as functional as attractive, offering residents a combination of places to gather socially as well as relax in privacy. The final results were incredibly successful. The Rudolph design helped him win the grand prize at the 1958 Brussels World Fair competition and establish an internationally recog nized career, as well as become Yale’s Chairman of Architecture. Later, in 1994, residents of Sanderling Club successfully nominated the Rudolph Clubhouse and Cabanas to the National Register of Historic Places for their “exceptional importance,” thus gaining FEMA exemptions for rehabilitations.

Formation of the Sanderling Club

Although The Siesta Club and Sanderling Beach Inc. were equally important, the name Sanderling began to overshadow The Siesta Club. During 1974, a special meeting of both organizations was called, and a merger resulted in the creation of the Sanderling Club. During the subsequent five decades, a spirit of cooperation has prevailed as multi-million dollar homes have been built to replace many of the original cottages, the demographics of the residents evolved, and the social life become so active that a “Sanderling Family,” rather than “Club,” now assembles regularly at the centerpiece Rudolph Clubhouse.

Undoubtedly, Elbridge Boyd would be proud that the jungle he found about 75 years ago has become one of Florida’s best preserved, exclusive tropical paradises.

You can read more about this topic and others in An Illustrated History of Siesta Key: The Story of America’s Best Beach, which is sold at both Davidson Drugs stores, Captain Curt’s gift shop, and Crescent Beach Grocery.

Published by 27th State Media LLC Contributing Writers and Photographers will be noted with bylines.

Guest commentary not necessarily the opinion of 27th State Media LLC Reproduction without written permission prohibited. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

All business bios are extensions of the display advertisements.

27th State Media 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. 27th State Media LLC is not responsible for claims made by advertisers.

P.O. BOX 35105, Sarasota, FL 34242 www.siestasand.net

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

MARCH 2020

27th State Media LLC

47

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

Sunset Beach Resort Siesta Key Dream Inn

48

Siesta Sand

MARCH 2020

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.net

Volleyball Fanatic

LAURA This month’s Volleyball Fanatic is Laura of Tampa. She runs an outstanding volleyball club about an hour north of here for youngsters 11-18 years old.

You’ll find her competing in most of the beach volleyball tournaments in the area as she’s an excellent athlete who also enjoys bowling and tennis.

She can quote nearly any line from her favorite Christmas movie “Elf” as she watches it ten to fifteen times a year.

VOTED BEST PIZZERIA 4 YEARS IN A ROW AND BEST ITALIAN CUISINE 2 YEARS IN A ROW! NOW SERVING GLUTEN FREE PIZZA

New Gulf Gate location 6574 Superior Ave. Check out our new Bar!

SIESTA KEY 941.349.BROS (2767)

GULF GATE

VENICE ISLAND

Less than 2 miles away from Siesta Key Beach

263 S Tamiami Trail 941.484.4599 WE ALSO DELIVER 6574 Superior Ave. 941.924.5800 TO THE BEACH!

Open for Lunch & Dinner - Dine-In, Take-Out & Delivery 7 Days a Week!

NOW SERVING GLUTEN-FREE CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST!

NOW SERVING VEGAN CHEESE!!!

LONGBOAT KEY

5610 Gulf of Mexico Drive #4 - 941.383.5551

NORTH PORT

WE DELIVER UNTIL 4 a.m. EVERYDAY!

Straight out of Hoboken, New Jersey... Nobody Makes Pizza Like We Do!

NOW SERVING PASTA DISHES AT ALL OUR LOCATIONS! Come check out our Bar in our New Gulf Gate Restaurant

$4 OFF ANY ORDER OVER $25 PICK UP ONLY NOT FOR DELIVERY Expires Mar. 31, 2020

ANY DESSERT FOR FREE WITH ANY ORDER OVER $25 Expires Mar. 31, 2020

BEST LUNCH DEALS ANYWHERE! (#1) TWO CHEESE SLICES + DRINK $6

#2 ANY TWO SLICES $7 (#3) ANY SLICE + ANY BEER $7 (#4) ANY 2 SLICES + ANY BEER $10.00 all day long

All locations are open for lunch

Serving Siesta Key Since 2004 facebook.com/solbrospizza @Solorzanos_Pizzerias #PieItForward #PieItForwardWall #PieItForwardWallMovement