IV Siesta Sand - May 2014 by Brion Palmer

Why the world comes to Sarasota

MEET STEPHANIE GANEY

WHO’S PLAYING TONIGHT

This Siesta Beach lifeguard truly sees the world through multiple lenses. The twin lenses of binoculars, the lenses God gave her, and her camera...

About 5 years ago I would go to the open blues jam at Ace’s Lounge in Bradenton and the man who absolutely stole the show was Tony Tyler...

Read more on page 22

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Coming Home After a Storm: Could Aging Water Treatment Plant Stand in the Way? By Robert Frederickson The primary drivers behind Sarasota County’s efforts to decommission the aging Siesta Key water treatment plant may be financial and environmental in nature, but for Island residents the most important factor behind the decision may just be the removal of a potential roadblock to their timely return home in the aftermath of a hurricane evacuation. We’ve all seen the images of frustrated property owners trying to get back home after a storm only to be turned away by authorities due to unsafe conditions in areas hit hardest by a storm. But Siesta hasn’t faced that scenario in the recent past. The storms that have forced an evacuation have either missed or skirted the area, allowing for a quick return for area residents. But what if

our luck turns? How will the county decide when residents can go home? And could the treatment plant going down be a factor in keeping island residents from a quick permanent return over the next two storm seasons before its scheduled closing by the end of 2016? “It’s certainly something we would consider,” said Ed McCrane, Chief of Sarasota County Emergency Service in a recent phone interview. “What we look at is whether or not the critical infrastructure is in place for the safety of residents.” McCrane is the point man on a committee of county officials that will consider both when an evacuation is called for and when it is safe for residents to return in the days leading up to and following an emergency event like a hurricane.

Top Left; Scott Dolan our Siesta Key Fish Monger wants everyone to know it’s “Grouper Season” see page 21 Lower Left; It’s time “The Snowy Plover Nesting Season is Here” see page 26 Top Right; The 84th Annual Tarpon Tournament begins May 10th thru June 15th, Siesta Key business sponsors include CB’s Saltwater Outfitters and Capt Curt’s see page 28

Florida: The perils and profits of pot

Commentary:

Three Groins in a Fountain

By Stan Zimmerman

By Peter van Roekens You probably remember the film and lyrics of Three Coins in the Fountain each one seeking happiness. According to the Army Core of Engineers (COE) three groins are required on South Lido to retain the sand that the COE plans to place on Lido Beach. These groins will slow the erosion of the new sand and may add an extra two to three years. Is this happiness and how likely is the fountain of Big Pass to bless any of them? There is a vast quantity of water that flows in and out of Sarasota Bay via Big Pass twice each day. It is so strong that many floating aids to navigation and even deeply drilled fixed aids to navigation get washed away repeatedly. This force of tidal currents scours the bottom and washes the sand in and out of the channel. One day one

The team includes members of the county utilities department, public works department and sheriff’s office. In the event of an approaching storm, McCrane and his staff will consult with personnel from the National Hurricane Center, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, FEMA and local municipalities to consider the threat level the area faces. If there is agreement that an evacuation is warranted, that recommendation will go to the County Administrator, currently Thomas Harmer, who would then ostensibly make the final call, though in the unlikely event of a disagreement, the emergency chief is empowered by statute to make the decision on his own or approach the County Commission to formalize the decision. Continued on page 29

may find a lump of sand in the channel limiting the vessels that can safely transit. The next day it can be gone. It is well known in the re-nourishing business that natural beaches erode much more slowly than re-nourished beaches. The major reason is that natural beaches have a much gentler slope which tends to make them self re-nourishing. And then you add groins or jetties. The inevitable result is that the downdrift beach loses sand while the updrift beach retains sand. Venice Inlet is a good example of this. Their jetty has eroded the beach and requires continual maintenance to retain a semblance of a reasonable beach. The COE currently plans to place three groins on South Lido Key. Commentary continued on page 11

voters in November could make the Sunshine State the 20th. It leads to a pair of interesting questions. Is reefer madness about to sweep down the peninsula? And what’s in it for me?

Origins of the pot ban

Photo Source: Reuters

American law is in a literal pot hole. Marijuana possession, sale and cultivation is about as illegal as it gets. It is banned under an international treaty promulgated by the United States. It is illegal under U.S. Code. And it is illegal in Florida. Yes two U.S. states – Washington

and Colorado – have legalized pot for all uses including recreation. The U.S. Treasury earlier this year released a finding that profits from pot sales will not be seized if they enter the U.S. banking system. And 19 states have approved marijuana for medical use. Florida

What were they smoking in that peace pipe? Yep, you got it partner. wacky weed. And what did Queen Victoria use to ease her menstrual cramps? Yes, m’lady it was Mary Jane. And how did Astronomer Carl Sagan come up with all those far-out ideas? Reefer, dude. Cannabis Sativa is a hardy plant, known worldwide for a variety of uses. Its seeds have been pressed for cooking oil. Its fibers were used to fashion rope and cloth. But it is best known as a producer of a psychoactive chemical mix commonly called THC – the stuff that puts “wacky” in the weed. Even cows like it. Continued on page 19

Abel’s Ice Cream Celebrates Third Year “It’s hard to believe we’ve been open for three years,” say the Abels. “The time has flown these last three years and it has been a magnificent and rewarding experience. The relationships we’ve developed with both our neighborhood businesses, charity organizations, local and seasonal residents, tourist with their families who frequently visit the Siesta Key region and families who visit occasionally is very gratifying. The comments shared with us regarding our community continues to remind us how fortunate we are to reside in the Sarasota region.” Bill Abel says. Abel goes on to say “One key to the success we’ve enjoyed is the quality of the Florida made, national award brand of ice cream we sell. Since 2009 this brand has been honored with 14 awards issued by the National Ice Cream Retailer Association.

The Captain’s Chocolate has been honored once and Vanilla four times. Our hot fudge and malt flavoring for our malted milk shakes are made exclusively for our group with the quality standards of the 1960’s. It brings customers back on a regular basis.” The Abels expressed their gratitude for the many notes received from families who visited their shop while on vacation and favorable comments made by area residents pertaining to their shop, portion sizes and fair prices. The Abels say it isn’t work, it’s fun!

Abel’s Ice Cream 1886 Stickney Point Road - 941-921-5700 Between New Balance & Stonewood Grill Learn more about us at WWW.ABELSICECREAM.COM

LOCAL MAPS & INFORMATION See Page 17

www.siestakeyassociation.com

Island Chatter

By Diana Colson

SKA April Meeting Notes

MONTHLY MEETING Thursday, May 1 • 4:30 PM St. Boniface Church

5615 Midnight Pass Road, Room F

STORM PREPARATION

And What Needs To Be Done After, If There Is No Damage.

Please join us as we welcome guest speaker Scott Montgomery Section Chief, Sarasota County Emergency Management Recovery

public is always welcome with questions for our guest.

Ride In Parad A Free ise e k ! Ta

Following a brief COMMUNITY WELCOME & GUEST SIGNIN, February MINUTES WERE APPROVED & COMMUNITY REPORTS PRESENTED.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE, SIESTA KEY:

Lieutenant Debra Kaspar reviewed recent events on the island. • A number of deputies worked hard on Siesta Key during Spring Break to keep visitors and local citizens safe. There were a couple of incidents involving Aggravated Batteries. In all but one case the suspects were arrested. We have one ongoing open investigation with an identified suspect. • We have had a number of reports in which children were separated from their parents at the beach. With observant lifeguards and deputies on horseback or ATV, we are quickly able to locate the juvenile and re-unite the family. • We have had several arrests concerning possession of alcohol by a minor, mainly occurring at the public beach. • The Sheriff’s Office asks our beach visitors to obey all posted signs that relate to parking. Our local residents would really appreciate that. SIESTA KEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:

Debra Lynn-Schmitz, the new Executive Director, was introduced.

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POST DISASTER REDEVELOPMENT PLANNING (PDRP): HOUSING AND REBUILDING:

Key speaker was Laird S. Wreford, Sarasota County Coastal Resources Manager. He and his team were here to explain the intricacies of the plan. • A PDRP identifies policies, operational strategies and decisions that affect long term recovery and redevelopment after a disaster • The county has developed a PDRP so as to place us in a better position in the event of a disaster. • Over 2/3 of Sarasota County’s Gulf shorelines are critically eroded shorelines, and would be potentially affected by storm surge. The challenge is to have a well developed PDRP plan in place before disaster happens. • It is essential to make proactive decisions with community input, instead of reactive decisions in the

midst of panic and chaos. This will avoid unintended consequences. • Public outreach is a major component. It is an issue fraught with legal, political, social and economic issues. Communication is the key! • Following a natural disaster, the aim is to get people back to work again, get kids back to school, and get tourism churning. • It is important to develop a level of certainty for the issue of rebuilding. This is a very complex issue. The Florida building code trumps our PDRP: whatever they dictate will be the law. Decisions should be made to the largest degree possible before a disaster occurs. • Some sort of rapid/streamlined permitting process needs to be established. i.e.: assisting residents with updated records and requesting assistance from out-of-area inspectors. • This plan is absolutely considered a work-in-progress. It will be an evolutionary kind of plan, updated as needed. • PDRP is a long term recovery plan. Emergency Management has a short term recovery plan which has been in place for years. So does the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). • Two public workshops pm Sarasota’s PDRP are being held the end of April. • A copy of the PDRP is available at http://www.scgov.net. Click the link to services A-Z, and select “Post Disaster Redevelopment Plan.” From there you can download a draft and provide comments to PDRP@scgov. net. Deet Jonker pointed out that just because storm water has gone away, people will not be allowed back into their homes until the sewage system is back up and running. Commissioner Nora Patterson fielded a question about the rebuilding of condos. She said that f destroyed by a major storm, most condos would be able to rebuild to the same density. However, they would be required to obey current building codes.

COMMITTEE REPORTS MEMBERSHIP:

Deet Jonker reported that there would be a final mailing to 397 people who did not rejoin. The mailing was sent in mid-April.

ZONING:

On the subject of allowing a

paddle board concession, Catherine Luckner reported that SKA was not against paddle boarding, but was concerned about it being done on a high density beach. The lifeguard group was not in favor of a concession as it would intensify the risk factors in high density areas. . Paddle boards are currently allowed to go out on private property. The issue had died for now.

ENVIRONMENT:

Marker #1 is still missing in Big Pass. It has been promised to be replaced. 17 Snowy Plovers have been spotted, but apparently there were no nests as yet.

ADOPT A ROAD/ GREAT AMERICAN CLEANUP:

Michael Shay said t hat 76 volunteers showed up for the Keep Sarasota County Beautiful—so many they decided to incorporate Adopt a Road with Great American Cleanup. On March 22, the group collected 300 pounds of recyclable materials, and 200 pounds of garbage.

OLD BUSINESS BIG PASS DREDGING:

Nothing has changed as yet, said Catherine Luckner. An Army Corps of Engineers had a bargelooking vessel out collecting daily core samples. They are due to have a report of this new data out by the end of April. The county wants to study this data before showing it to the County Commission, probably in mid-June.

AVENIDO DE MAYO PARKING:

Michael Shay reported that cars are parking there every day. Signs are being ignored. Residents are calling daily and the Sheriff’s Department keeps coming out. It is a simple $25 fine, an amount which some drivers do not take seriously.

VILLAGE OUTDOOR DISPLAY STATUS:

Michael Shay reports this is an ongoing issue. The Village recently finalized a proposed ordinance, and a walk-through is planned to see which businesses are complying. The key will be enforcement. Continued on page 32

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Watching Your Home While You’re Away

7th Annual Fiesta on Siesta Key, Sand Volleyball Tournament on Siesta Beach Florida State University No. 1 sand volleyball pair, Aurora Davis (22) a senior from Groveland, FL an Jace Pardon (28) a junior from Manhattan Beach, California. They defeated the No. 1 pair from the University of North Florida in the finals 21-16, 21-14 to win the Fiesta on Siesta Key, Gold Division, College Matchplay Pairs Tournament. Their first year as pair partners, Aurora and Jace have a 25-0 record this year.

College team canopies are ready for the 7th Annual Fiesta on Siesta Key, Sand Volleyball Tournament on Siesta Beach. Thirty colleges from five different states were represented this year. Photos by Trebor Britt

Should re-entry passes be considered for Siesta Key? By Bob Stein, Siesta Key resident At the April SKA monthly meeting, one of the items presented was the Post Disaster Redevelopment Planning (PDRP). At present, it is a work in progress, according to Laird S. Wreford, Sarasota County Coastal Resources Manager. He stressed that a proactive approach with

Get Your Hurricane Re-Entry Pass Now

In preparation for the upcoming 2014 Hurricane season, The Town of Fort Myers Beach is issuing Hurricane reentry passes to island residents, property owners and business owners until April17th. The re-entry pass program ensures that residents, business owners on Estero Island can gain access to their property after an island-wide evacuation. Only residents, business owners and property owners within the Town of Fort Myers Beach need apply for a re-entry pass. The jurisdiction of the town

community input was essential, so I suggested providing residents with a re-entry pass. I explained that I owned a home on Fort Myers Beach when Hurricane Charlie hit Florida in 2004. It was a category 4 hurricane and the plans that were in place were inadequate.

At the time, officials barred anyone from returning to the island for fear of looting. Unfortunately, this caused even more property damage due to mold. As a result, proper steps were put in place to address these problems. One solution was to allow island residents re-entry

extends only to Estero Island. Hurricane re-entry applications can be completed Monday and Thursday between 8:30 – 11 AM in the Town’s Emergency Communication Trailer at Town Hall. On Tuesdays, the trailer will be located at Santini Plaza from 8:30 AM -12 Noon during the Tuesday Santini Sunrise Fresh Market. Re-entry pass applications can be obtained at any of these locations or on the Town’s website www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov To obtain a re-entry pass, the application and supporting documents must be presented. Applicants are asked to bring

their 2013 tags or re-entry pass numbers if they have one, as well as a photo ID. To show proof of residency, applicants should have ONE of the following: tax bill or deed, utility bill, occupational license, business tax bill, property manager license, lease, company letter authorizing pass. Applications can also be dropped off at Town Hall Monday-Friday between 8:30 AM – 4 PM for processing. Plan several days for processing. While islanders are preparing for hurricane season, they are encouraged to update their Code Red notification information. The

sooner to start the cleanup process. Below is a recent article from The Island Sand Paper of Fort Myers Beach reminding residents to apply for their re-entry pass. Hopefully this is something the planners will review for Siesta Key. Town uses a “reverse 911” system to warn residents, business owners, and property owners of emergencies, like hurricane evacuations or boil water notices. Emergency notifications will be sent three different ways; via a recorded message to a phone line, a text message to a cell phone, and/or a message to an email address. Residents, business owners, and property owners are encouraged to sign up with a home phone number, and/or an email address. A code Red Mobile App is also available on the emergency notification page. Provided by the Town of Fort Myers Beach

941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

Siesta Key News Round-Up North Shell Road joins 21st century

It is about the only place in the county you could park in front of a fire hydrant and not get a ticket. North Shell Road is a small spur west off Higel Ave. and terminating on Big Pass directly across from the southern tip of Lido Key. Historically it has been a parking free-for-all for people trying to use the tiny public beach at the end. It is not unusual to find 40 or more cars and pickups parked helter-skelter. But that’s all in the past. The county commission has approved a parking plan, calling for 16 spaces, including one closest to the beach for the handicapped. The existing sidewalk will be eliminated. The idea is to make parking violations enforceable. Nearby residents regularly found their driveways blocked by visitors to the little beach.

development of a “post-disaster redevelopment plan,” he suggested residents and especially property owners make an electronic copy of important documents. A CD or thumb drive with copies will greatly facilitate any post-hurricane claims and reconstruction plans. Wreford will be taking years of work by volunteers plus staffers from the county and four cities before the county commission this month as he moves the PDRP towards a completed document. He notes the key will look different because new Florida building codes and Federal regulations mean the old 1950s buildings – if heavily damaged – cannot be rebuilt as they were. Wreford said people must accept personal responsibility for their critical information ahead of time, because finding it or reconstructing it after a disaster may be impossible.

Make a note of it

When County Coastal Zone Resources Manager Laird Wreford briefed Siesta Key residents on the

By Stan Zimmerman

More parking by the Fourth

The first phase of the big Siesta

SIESTA SAND May 2014 • www.siestasand.net

Beach rehab is expected to wrap up by the July 4th weekend. It includes 260 additional parking spaces to handle more beachgoers. Plans call for the east restrooms, picnic area and playground to still be operational for the holiday. The first phase will also include new tennis courts and the maintenance facility. The big changes are still to come with new bathrooms and restoration of the pavilion and upgraded concessions. Ceremonial shovels started the project last January. The total price is estimated to be $21.5 million.

Siesta a top beach (again)

The website TripAdvisor’s 2014 Travel’s Choice Beaches Award puts Siesta Key Beach at the top for the 48 continental United States. It was number three overall, following two beaches in Hawaii. Last year Siesta was ranked number two, and number 16 for beaches worldwide. This year Lido Beach came in at number 22 in the U.S. and no Florida beach made the worldwide list. The rankings come

from website readers voting for their favorites. St. Pete Beach came in ninth, and St. Augustine Beach was 14th. In 2011 Siesta was ranked the best beach in the nation by Stephen “Dr. Beach” Leatherman.

Tourist tax collections jump

Sarasota County’s five percent tax on short-term rentals provides one hard index of the health of the area’s number one industry. Collections in the first five months of the fiscal year show a ten percent increase. The tax is collected by hotels, motels and other rentals of less than six months. It reflects the occupancy rate and the room rate. Release of collection information lags at least a month to give time for the collections to be transmitted to the county tax collector’s office. Through the end of February, the tax total was $6.7 million, an increase of $695,000 over the previous year. Every year two geographic locations account for a majority of the collections. So far this fiscal year,

Siesta Key is the leading producer, providing 29.22 percent of the total. The island is closely followed by the City of Sarasota at 29.07 percent. By comparison Longboat Key (the southern half of which is in Sarasota County) provides 10.86 percent, and Venice represents 7.55 percent of the total. North Port, while it has a larger permanent population than the City of Sarasota, contributes 0.42 percent.

Condos set for Siesta Drive

Construction is scheduled this summer to build 12 condominiums on Siesta Drive between Osprey Avenue and the north drawbridge. Prices will be in the high six-figures to the low sevens. The land was originally zoned single-family but a developer changed it during the boom before going broke. Park Shore Homes of Ft. Myers picked the land up last year for about $1 million. The tentative name is “The Enclave.” The design will be West-Indies style, with each free-standing unit ranging from 2,400 to 3,200 square feet.

Financial “Spring Cleaning” Can Brighten Your Investment Picture The days are getting longer and warmer — a sure indication of the arrival of spring. Another sign of the season may be the urge you get to do some spring cleaning. But you might not have realized that some of the same spring-cleaning techniques that can be used on your home can also apply to your investments and your overall financial strategy. Here are a few ideas to consider: • Get rid of “clutter.” As you do your spring cleaning, you may well find some clutter — a bunch of items you no longer need. As an investor, you might look at your portfolio and also find “clutter” in the form of investments that are no longer appropriate for your objectives. For example, perhaps some of them are virtual duplicates of other investments you own, thereby diminishing your potential for diversification. Or maybe some investments are now too risky for your needs. In any case, you may be better off rebalancing your portfolio. • Get organized. As you clean your home, you might find ways to organize your belongings and furniture more efficiently. And you may also be able to organize your investments more effectively. One possibility: Consider consolidating your investment accounts with one provider. If you have an IRA here, another one there and some other investments scattered about, you may be paying more in fees and

commissions than is necessary. By consolidating these investments, you might save money and paperwork — and more importantly, you may find it easier, with all your investments under one “roof,” to follow a single, unified investment strategy. • Seal “cracks.” Over time, the grout between your kitchen or bathroom tiles can crack, so you’ll need to regrout to protect your flooring. And you may find that, in looking at your overall financial strategy, your “protection” component — primarily in the form of insurance — might have developed some “cracks” or “chips.” Specifically, has your life insurance kept up with changes in your family situation? Events such as marriage, remarriage or the arrival of a new child can all trigger the need to review your life insurance. And you’ll also want to make sure you have adequate disability insurance. Consult with a financial professional for information on appropriate protection vehicles. •Do some “dusting.” As part of your spring cleaning, you may need to dust furniture, shelves and other surfaces in your home. And if you’ve been investing for a long time, you may need to metaphorically “dust off” your financial strategy to “freshen it up” to reflect changes in your life. To cite one possibility, as you get close to retirement, you may need to shift some — but certainly not all — of your growth-oriented investments into income-producing ones. But you may also need to review and revise

your financial strategy at other points in your life, such as when you begin saving for your children’s college education. Just as spring cleaning can bring more light into your home, sprucing up your investment picture can help you brighten your financial outlook. And these improvements can help you in all the seasons of your life. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

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What Were We Thinking? Abbie (11), Dan, Kristy, and Autumn Misch (14) enjoying the beach they called home in 2004. Dan quipped, “we’ve spent the last three days on the beach wondering ‘what were we thinking?’” They lived here 12 years before moving to Cornelius, North Carolina where they now live. By Trebor Britt

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News Up & Down the Trail County picks new lobbyist

For nearly 20 years the law firm Holland & Knight was Sarasota County’s ear to the ground on Capitol Hill. But last year the county opened up the position and solicited proposals. The winner is Becker & Poliakoff, which surprisingly has a local office. And maybe not so surprisingly, one of the lawyers in that local office is Florida Representative Greg Steube. Although the contract calls for Washington work, not Tallahassee efforts, Steube says he can help guide and explain the county’s position, and conversely interpret a little of the congressional lingo for local ears. Expenses are limited to $10,000 per month, plus an annual $10,000 travel expense account. The deal is good for three years. Five lobby firms responded to the county’s call for proposals. Holland & Knight placed third. They held the position since 1996. Meanwhile the Sarasota County

By Stan Zimmerman

School Board says it too needs a set of eyes and ears in the capital, the state capital in Tallahassee. It has announced plans to hire a lobbyist too. The idea was pushed by board member Shirley Brown, a former state legislator. The board expressed concern about the growing number and complexity of bills every year, which they said makes it difficult for board members and school staffers to stay abreast of the proposed legislation.

Heads rolling in county government

Two senior county staffers are out of work as the new county administrator begins to rearrange his government. Natural Resources Director Amy Meese was let go; she was named director in 2006. The department will be broken up and its functions distributed to other divisions. More controversial was the termination of Steve Uebelacker, the county’s ethics officer. He told a newspaper he was forced out after starting to examine allegations

SIESTA SAND May 2014 • www.siestasand.net

about County Commissioner Joe Barbetta. Both Barbetta and County Administrator Tom Harmer denied it. Meese will be replaced by Matt Osterhoudt, a 15-year veteran of county government. Uebelacker’s job will be taken by Steve Olmstead; he has worked in county human resources for 12 years. Harmer was picked for the administrator job after county commissioners fired Randall Reid last October without cause.

Broken building gets surgery

After standing vacant four years, the Dolphin Tower condominium facing the bayfront downtown is noisy again. It’s not the hubbub of recipe sharing, it’s the sound of highpressure water jets demolishing concrete. In 2010 a crack in a “transfer slab” was discovered, and the building was evacuated. For many residents, it was the last time they saw their homes. Years of legal wrangling

ensued before an insurance company paid off an undisclosed amount. After several engineering approaches were suggested, workers are now stripping off inches of the concrete structures inside. It will prepare the surface for additional reinforcement. The pilings that support the 15-story building will also be reinforced. There are no plans to evacuate other buildings along Gulfstream or Palm Aves. as the work proceeds. The cracked slab holds up 11 stories of the structure. Work will continue for another year, first to complete the structural reinforcements, and then to upgrade the fire alarm and sprinkling systems to current standards.

Missing link plugged

Sarasota has a new bridge, but you can’t drive across it. It is part of a multi-use recreational trail for bicyclists, joggers, walkers. rollerbladers, unicyclists, strollers and lovers. The trail is ten feet wide, and so is the new bridge over an arm of Hudson Bayou just north of U.S. 41.

The one-piece aluminum bridge was set in place by a crane, and voila! a new connection between the eastern and western parts of the city was created. It will allow bicyclists to stay off heavily trafficked streets to access downtown and the bay. Eventually the bridge will be a critical link in extending Sarasota County’s Legacy Trail, which now runs 12.5 miles between Clark Road and the old Venice train depot. Supporters are working to extend the trail aside the Seaboard Coastline Railroad tracks north to Payne Park in central Sarasota. The “bayou bridge” will allow cyclists to keep pedaling all the way to Sarasota Bay.

Another nightclub downtown?

Does Downtown need another nightclub? That hot potato is kicking around the city’s Development Review Committee. Duval’s New World Cafe in the 1400 block of Main would like to serve cocktails as well as beer and wine. Continued on the next page

News Up & Down the Trail

By Stan Zimmerman

Continued from the previous page

But to get the right liquor license, the owners need city permission to have a night club. The owners don’t plan to operate one, and are making a series of promises they will stay a restaurant. Live music only three times a year is one “proffer,” and firm closing hours are another. City staffers fear if the owners sell the property later, the nightclub designation will be on the books and it’s Katie Bar the Door. That’s how a little jazz club on Central turned into the Ivory Lounge, the bane of lovers of downtown peace and quiet. The DRC is telling the owners their promises will convey with the land, so any new owner doesn’t automatically get the full opportunities a “nightclub” offers.

Parking meters put up a periscope

In 2011 city commissioners installed parking meters downtown. The backlash was profound, and after 45 days they pulled the plug. Hundreds of new meters were sidelined, and there was a sucking sound as a half-million dollar hole opened up in the middle of the parking department budget. Since commissioners abandoned paid parking, they have shuffled more than $1 million into the parking department for maintenance of two parking garages and enforcement of hourly restrictions not only downtown but also St. Armands and Southside Village (AKA the Hillview shopping and dining area). Ticket revenue continues to fall woefully short of plugging the hole. Parking Director Mark Lyons pulled together an advisory council to do a stand-back examination of the parking situation after the about-face on meters. They’ve produced guiding principles, looked at demand and supply of parking during in-season and off-season, and

drafted a strategic plan. They’ve come full-circle in fact, and are ready to support another try at metered parking. Their carrot? Share the revenue, and use some of it for downtown beautification. Lyons fears an uphill fight. “If we don’t build on a solid foundation, we’re going to do this all over again,” he says.

Ringling gets “barn find”

The painting was in a Wisconsin barn, one in a pile. The owner used a crowbar to separate them as a Sarasota man looked at them oneby-one. He stopped at the portrait of John Campbell. The owner wanted $300 and received it on the spot. Chris Brown bought what turned out to be a minor masterpiece, one he donated 20 years later to the John and Mabel Ringling Museum of Art. It took that long to find out what it was and who painted it. It is the “Portrait of John Campbell, 3rd Earl of Breadalbane” painted in 1738 by portraitist Allan Ramsey. The good earl is dressed in pink and silver satin with flowing grey locks and a large gold tassel hanging between his legs. The museum’s curators and conservation staff found the painting in good condition, only needing a surface cleaning. It will join the museum’s collection of “grand manor paintings,” which includes works by Gainsborough, Raeburn, Watson and another Ramsey.

Affordable North Trail housing?

It’s a dream of decades, creating housing for students and artists along the Tamiami Trail between the Ringling School of Art and Design and New College. A corridor of high-achieving academics and artists who live, work, think and create

in an atmosphere of intellectual fertilization. In reality it’s a corridor better known for hookers and pushers, with more than a few burglars and robbers for good measure. The city has tried every trick and technique it knows to uproot the bad and plant the good. Now an out-of-town not-forprofit group is taking a swing at this seemingly intractable problem. Artspace of Minneapolis came to town in April, and is now trying to determine if the city and property owners are passionate enough to support a public-private partnership ready to push forward. Their first question: could it work? If so, then Artspace does market studies to get a feel for demand. Even if the stars are in alignment, it could take two or three years before anything is ready for a move-in. The group will return with their initial findings this summer.

Historian wins state recognition

Jeff LaHurd will receive the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Individual Distinguished Service” Award” this month. He works for the county’s historical resources office, and on his own time has written 15 books about Sarasota’s earlier days. LaHurd’s newest is “The Rise of Sarasota: Ken Thompson and the Rebirth of Paradise.” It follows the arc of Sarasota’s second city manager who served from 1950 to 1988 – the longest tenure of a city manager in American’s history. The award recognizes his lifelong contribution to the pursuit and popularization of Florida history. He also won a Florida Trust award in 1992 for a video, “Sarasota: Landmarks of the Past.”

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Off Islands

By Roger Skidmore

A look at news happening on our neighboring Islands Well, not exactly birds. Longboat has long had a problem with guests overstaying their welcome but, given enough hints, they usually pack-up and head for home at some point in time. This problem, according to Longboat Key Town Manager David Bullock, is that these guests are already home. To which one can only exclaim Oh Rats, because that is exactly what they are. The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort seems to have a bunch of squatters who have made themselves quite at home. The bigger problem is that, in wanting to keep trim, these new residents are going out for long walks and visiting other beachfront properties. Years ago the simple solution was to bait a trap with peanut butter (the belief is that they prefer crunchy over creamy) and wait for the snap. The exterminators on Longboat should check their local supermarket, specifically the two for one sales, and stock up with as many jars as they can find

Three stages of beach renourishment

While most everyone’s attention has been focused on Lido Key’s plan to refurbish its beach by reclaiming the sand that it had placed there during previous refurbishments, sand has also been moving south from a bit further north. The North End Coalition of Property Owners of Longboat Key has been formulating their own plans because their sand has been moving south as well. Their Town Manager, David Bullock, has been warning them that erosion was carrying their sand away even though they had just had it renourished back in 2010. They say they would like to do something about it sometime this summer. The sand that erodes from Lido winds up in a big underwater pile off Big Pass that Lido thinks it can suck back onto its own key. The problem for the north end of Longboat is that when their sand goes south it is just carried down the beach towards the center of the key. And that makes it a bit harder to take back as the rest of Longboat would put up a big stink if they tried to reclaim it. Of course there is the sand that

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simply washed out further into the Gulf of Mexico, but that is so evenly distributed that it would be hard to vacuum up and pump back to shore again. A big problem which only money can solve, and which time and tide will make a problem once more. Going one step further, the Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company finished the current cycle of beach renourishment on Anna Maria Island in less than three months. Beginning in December of last year they finished up this March. Quite a feat. We are talking about Cortez, Coquina and the Manatee Public Beach – all have been extended and coated with a lovely layer of white sand. All those interviewed seemed to think that it was a job well done.

Garbage in the news

The newly proposed SAT tests have been in the news recently. Many think that doing away with the essays and eliminating the longer and more arcane words represents a dumbing down of America. Another example might be Longboat Keys decision to keep picking up garbage twice weekly instead of the more economical once per week. Their reasoning? While there is not enough garbage for two pickups, renters might miss putting out the garbage on the first scheduled day and thus the G-men can pick it up a couple of days later. The collection change they did make, was to let renters (and residents) mix their plastic, metal, paper and glass all together in one recycle bin because – it appears – they can’t tell them apart. Perhaps this is another example of dumbing down.

Crash course in driving

Statistically traffic safety is getting better for the approaches to Anna Maria Island. In February there were 23 crashes recorded on the two spans that connects Anna Maria Island to Bradenton. Admittedly all of those crashes were not actually on the bridges, some were on the way to and from the bridges and some were caused while driving from one to the other – and all were caused by the same driver, a teenager in a stolen pickup truck. In March things got better,

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there was only one major mishap. This time on the bridge leading to Anna Maria from Manatee Avenue there was a crash that caused a lot of traffic to back up in both directions. While it was only one driver in one vehicle, he managed to punch a jeep-sized hole in the concrete railings of the bridge.

Who goes first?

The commissioners of Sarasota County have been discussing the possibility of charging for parking at Siesta Beach. Now the Anna Maria City Commissioners are doing the same thing. Their mayor, Sue Lynn, says they don’t have all the details worked out but also that the discussion on the subject has just started. St. Pete Beach and Clearwater have already installed their meters and are banking quite a bit of money in the process. What Anna Maria will do with the money is, of course, one of the hot topics for discussion.

Sometimes it pays to wait

How many times have we read that a city or county commission waited too long and lost out on a grant for some project or another? Or, because they waited too long to get the request for bids (RFB) out, they had to accept a rushed product to no ones liking (not that the City of Sarasota State Street Parking Garage comes to mind). Well, this kind of delay seems to have worked out to the advantage of Bradenton Beach this time around. They had originally targeted August of 2013 for completing the renovation of the historic Bridge Street Pier but Bradenton Beach building official Steve Gilbert says they have just, this March, put out their request for sealed bids to be returned by April 21st. They expect construction will start in June. Seems like a bad delay, which could have cost a lot of extra money, but, in fact, during the interim they received a matching funds grant from Manatee County of $1 million. The refurbished pier will have new decking, LED lighting and extra pilings to protect the main structure from boats that break loose after storms. No completion date has been set. Continued on page 11

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Siesta Beach Wedding

Laura Slough of England and Gregory Peguero of the Dominican Republic exchanging their vows at a wedding ceremony held on spectacular Siesta Beach recently.

HOW THEY MET

Laura’s parents and brothers surprised her by taking her and a couple friends from London to New York City to celebrate her 21st birthday. While eating breakfast at a diner the morning of her birthday, Laura noticed Gregory grabbing a coffee to go. As they were leaving, the server brought over a napkin which said, “Gregory, call me” with his phone number on it. Laura decided to text him, but never received a reply. The next day they accidentally met again at a diner. Gregory convinced a waiter to ask where Laura was staying, and sent her two roses with a Happy Birthday note. They hadn’t even spoken at this point. Wondering why she hadn’t heard from him, she came to realize she sent her text to the wrong number. The night before they were heading back, Laura and her friends met Gregory and a couple of his friends for a night in the city. The next day, lack of visibility caused their flight to be canceled. A large ash cloud from a volcano that erupted on Laura’s birthday drifted into the flightpath. As a result, they were delayed another 10 days in New York. During this “twist of fate”, they got to know each other better and after a four year, long-distance relationship, they tied the knot on Siesta Beach surrounded by close family and friends. Gregory, from the Dominican Repub lic, was b roug ht t o America by his mother with his twin sister and two younger brothers when he was 10 years old. They settled in New York City where Gregory is a struggling model currently working at the NYLO Hotel near 77th and Broadway. By Trebor Britt

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South County Highlights Warm Mineral Springs reopens

North Port’s Warm Mineral Springs officially reopened on Saturday, April 12, after having been shuttered in June of last year. At that time, the city and Sarasota County, which jointly own the property, could not come to an agreement about a new operator for the 81-acre parcel. Finally, in late March, they selected a shortterm operator, National State Park Concessions, Inc. After September 1, the short-term agreement will be over and a long-term contract must be signed, or the Springs will be at risk to close again. In the meantime, locals and tourists are flocking to the 87-degree, mineral rich waters, even if the Springs is open only for swimming, and is without some of the other services they used to have, like the restaurant and nail salon. Warm Mineral Springs is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It’s advisable to bring a chair, due to limited seating. For more information, call 941-426-1692.

By Debbie Flessner

Young family survives hit and run in Venice

A couple and their five-month old baby were the victims of a hit and run on Sunday, April 6 in South Venice. Todd Hofmeister, his girlfriend Victoria Horton, and their son Trent Hofmeister were walking north on the edge of Cypress Road during the late afternoon, when a car came up behind them, hitting Todd first and then Victoria. The baby was in a stroller at the time, but was also knocked to the ground. Afterwards, the white Jeep Cherokee that hit them fled from the scene. All three victims were immediately taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and the baby and mother were later taken by Bayflight to other trauma centers, but have since been released. When they were hit, Todd was thrown from his shoes and suffered a sprained left arm, while Victoria had internal injuries and cracked ribs. Baby Trent had internal bleeding between his brain and his skull, but doctors at All Children’s Hospital

said that it will be absorbed on its own. The driver of the Jeep Cherokee has still not been found. Anyone who witnessed the crash, or has any information regarding the identity or location of the driver involved, is asked to contact Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Bruce MacWhorter at 239-938-1800.

New waterfront home development planned for Venice

Very soon, home buyers will have an opportunity to buy a townhome on the island of Venice that overlooks the Venice Train Depot and park, the Venetian Waterway park and the Intracoastal Waterway. Waterfront building has been shelved in the town for several years, but the Tra Ponti Villaggio residential project, which means “village between two bridges” in Italian, will enable residents and guests to walk downtown and visit local cafes, restaurants and shops. Continued on page 32

Commentary:

Three Groins in a Fountain

By Peter van Roekens

Commentary continued from cover story

The last groin is on the beach of the County South Lido Park. This park is rated #17 of 85 “must see” attractions in Sarasota. It has a wild natural beauty as well as a picnic area and other amenities. If those groins are installed they will forever change this park. The beach will erode as every other beach in Florida downdrift of a groin or jetty has done. And these groins are gigantic boulders that cannot

Off Islands

be removed like parking meters. Once they are in, they are there to stay. In the first significant storm the wave action will flush out the sand that covers them. They will be left standing alone, naked sentinels of this futile effort to retain the Lido Beach. And it is not as if there are no other ways to place sand on those very few places on Lido Beach that need re-nourishing. This can be done much more

By Roger Skidmore

Fun with words

Barge (verb) – Two guys barged into a couple of parties on the way to Key West. Barge (noun) – A tugboat was pushing two barges on the gulf. Barges (reality) – Two barges, during high winds on the high seas barged onto Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. The tug, Abe H, was en route to Key West pushing two barges laden with construction equipment

quickly and at a fraction of the cost of the current COE plan. Let us hope that the COE, like Paul on the road to Damascus, has seen the light and in their revised plan will propose a simpler and less expensive approach without the groins. As to Big Pass, “Let it be”. Check out the website www. SOSS2.com for more details and to see and hear the voice of reason for Big Pass.

Continued from page 9

and ran into high seas and winds. One 180 foot long barge had broken loose and ran aground on Anna Maria Island early in the morning on Tuesday, April 8th. The second barge, only 140 feet long, surfed the waves onto Longboat the next day. Fortunately the barges were not carrying any toxins – only heavy cranes which would have been a bear to drag out of the surf had they slipped from their moorings. Able-bodied seamen from Coast

Guard stations in Cortez and St. Petersburg were able to tow the barges out to deeper water where they could hitch another ride south. Too bad most of the snowbirds and spring breakers have gone home. Can you imagine all the YouTube videos and tweets that would have been generated? They really should schedule these marine disasters earlier in the season.

941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

What’s Brewing in Tallahassee FASANO URGES CAUTION ON REGISTERING VEHICLES

Florida lawmakers gave Gov. Rick Scott one of his top priorities of the session --- a rollback of vehicleregistration fees that were increased in 2009. But the reductions won’t take effect until Sept. 1. As a result, former lawmaker Mike Fasano, now the Pasco County tax collector, is urging motorists to be cautious if they have to renew registrations before September. Fasano issued a news release advising motorists to only renew their registrations this summer for one year, because savings will not be available to people who pay for two-year renewals. “It is imperative that those who decide to renew their auto registration between now and the end of August strongly consider not renewing for two years,” Fasano said. “If you do you will not be eligible to receive the benefits those who renew for one year starting September 1 will receive.” Motorists who don’t heed Fasano’s advice wouldn’t be able to receive any savings from the new legislation (SB 156) until renewal time in 2016. The actual savings vary depending on vehicle type, but they will total $20 to $25 for many motorists.

SCOTT SAYS FHP BONUSES WON’T BE TIED TO TICKETS

Gov. Rick Scott rejected the possibility that bonuses for Florida Highway Patrol troopers could be connected to the numbers of traffic tickets they write. Scott issued a strongly worded statement after media reports raised questions about whether the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles was considering such a plan. “The idea that FHP would tie officer bonuses to the number of tickets they write is absolutely outrageous and wrong,’’ Scott said in a prepared statement. “All state worker bonuses should be based on better --- not worse --- outcomes for the people of Florida who pay the taxes to fund state government.” The Tallahassee Democrat reported that the Florida

Police Benevolent Association was concerned that the department, which oversees the Highway Patrol, would link trooper evaluations with “public contacts,” which include traffic stops, traffic citations, written warnings and arrests. In contract offers with the union, the department said trafficcitation quotas would not be put in place, the Democrat reported. But Scott appeared to try to end any speculation on the issue. “Floridians paying more in tickets is not a better outcome. Period,’’ he said. “If this idea comes across my desk, I will reject it.”

COURT: PRISON GUARD CAN USE ‘STAND YOUR GROUND’

An appeals court ruled that a correctional officer can use the state’s controversial “stand your ground” law in a case stemming from an altercation with an inmate. A three-judge panel of the 5th District Court of Appeal sided with correctional officer Brad Heilman, who was charged with aggravated battery after an inmate was injured in an incident at Lake Correctional Institution. A circuit judge found that Heilman could not use the “stand your ground” law in defense because of another state law that deals with circumstances when correctional officers can use force. But the sevenpage opinion, written by appeals-court Judge Thomas Sawaya and joined by judges William Palmer and Wendy Berger, concluded that the Legislature intended for the “stand your ground” law to apply to correctional officers and sent the case back to circuit court. The “stand your ground” law says people can use deadly force and do not have a duty to retreat if they think it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm. The law offers criminal and civil immunity in such cases.

TAMPA LAW FIRM TOSSES $100K TO CRIST

A law firm led by prominent Tampa trial attorney C. Steven Yerrid chipped in $100,000 in April to back Democrat Charlie Crist’s bid for governor, according to the website of the political

committee “Charlie Crist for Florida.” The contribution by The Yerrid Law Firm, P.A., reflects heavy support that Crist has received from the trial bar. Yerrid was part of a team of attorneys who represented the state in a landmark care in the 1990s against the tobacco industry. Also, during Crist’s earlier stint in the governor’s office, Yerrid was appointed as a special counsel to deal with issues involving the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

PARENTAL NOTICE:

In a case involving a teen pregnancy, on April 15th a state appeals court in a split ruling agreed that the girl’s parents do not need to be notified that she planned to have an abortion.

FLORIDA GRAPEFRUIT ON OUTBACK MENU IN SOUTH KOREA

“Fresh From Florida”-labeled red grapefruit will be on the spring and summer menu at South Korean locations of Tampa-based, Australianthemed Outback Steakhouse. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services on Tuesday announced the unique partnership, which will have franchised Outback locations throughout the southern part of the Korean Peninsula featuring a Florida-grown red grapefruit cocktail. “We are proud to announce this great partnership with an iconic American restaurant in a growing market,” Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said in a release. A spokeswoman for the state agency said there has been “a large jump in the number of grapefruits sold to (the South Korean) market this year,” but financial terms of the deal were not immediately available.

AMAZON TAXES:

Internet giant Amazon.com says it will start to collect sales taxes on purchases made in Florida starting May 1. The Florida Retail Federation says that could mean about $80 million a year in state revenue. Provided by the News Service of Florida

The Joy of a Play Ground By Trebor Britt Four-year-old Isabella Hackett of Sarasota, displaying her affection for the kids play area on Siesta Beach. She and her mother, Deena, were attending one of the numerous events held almost every weekend on Siesta Key. Photos & cutline by Trebor Britt

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Off Key

By Bob Frederickson

Local Hunter should have Passed on this Easy Buck...

Property owners in the rural reaches of eastern Sarasota County have long been frustrated by unauthorized hunting on their land. Unfortunately, by the time a sheriff’s deputy would respond to a complaint, the offenders would often be long gone. Enter Robbie the Robotic Buck, the department’s newest member enlisted to help catch illegal hunters in the act. Robbie, a full size stuffed deer, is positioned by deputies out in the open 80-100 yards from the roadside in areas where complaints have been received in the past. An officer from the department’s agricultural division then takes cover in the brush nearby (hopefully out of the line of fire) and waits to see if anyone takes the bait. Sure enough, the ruse has snared several roadside hunters giddy with excitement over their apparent good fortune at sighting a prized buck out in the open. Adding to the realism of Robbie’s Asolo Theatre worthy performance are servo-controlled motors that allow the undercover deputy to move the faux deer’s head and tail in response to any noise the would-be hunters make as they go about lining up their shot, often from the comfort and convenience of their pick-up or car. In a recent news report Deputy Jeff Gross recalled an instance in which one unwitting hunter remarked to his companion after missing Robbie with his first shot “Geez, look at that dumb buck, he’s still standing there!” After being convicted on a third degree felony charge of illegal hunting, we have to wonder, who’s feeling dumb now?

Lord Have Mercy, the End is Near!

A woman just up the road in Tampa called 911 recently to report a strange ring around the midday sun. “9-1-1, what is your emergency?” “Yes, umm, it’s a weird circle up in the sky...and it’s never been in the United States of America before. Never, ever!” Aliens signaling their arrival? A prelude to the Rapture, fittingly arriving in the midst of the Easter/ Passover season?

Bumper Sticker of the Day:

The caller wanted police to check things out. Turns out it was just ice crystals forming in the upper atmosphere, the result of a late season cold snap. Many local observers saw the phenomenon in this area as well. You have to wonder though, if it had been aliens or some other “otherworldly” event, just what did the caller think local authorities would be able to do about it?

“Freedom: One Generation Away from Extinction.”

First the Homeless Center, now the SCAT Bus Station?

We mentioned the controversy over plans to place a new homeless center near downtown in our March edition. Subsequently a site east of U.S. 301 has emerged as the frontrunner among the locations being considered. Now some have expressed a desire to move the bus station out of the downtown core as well and again, locations east of U.S. 301 have made the short list. What’s next to go, Selby Library?

Quote of the Day

From author Dave Ramsey: “We buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like.”

This Response Just Doesn’t Hold Water...

Did you hear about the municipal water authority out in Oregon that ordered 37 million gallons of water drained from a reservoir under its purview because a young man was observed urinating along its shore? No similar concern was expressed over the geese above, the fish below or the bears that do you-know-what in the woods of the surrounding watershed. “For it is written in the Everlasting Gospel of Environmental Correctness, only humans can foul the planet....”

Great Expectations? Not For the Next Generation...

A recent segment on The Evening News with Brian Williams reported on how the SATs are being revised to keep up with the times. “Perhaps you remember the golden oldies like ‘recalcitrant,’ ‘obsequious’ and ‘pusillanimous,’ reported Williams, “the really hard vocabulary words we had to study for the SATs, words that would cause flop sweat to break out on the foreheads of even the smart kids in high school? Well, the newly designed SAT ready for rollout in 2016 will not include questions about obscure words in an attempt to better align the test with high school and college reality. Otherwise, many fear the test will become an anachronism.” Which won’t matter much in any case since no one will know what an anachronism is, much less how to spell it.

And in that Same Vein...

Environmental activists presented a petition signed by over 110,000 individuals to The Washington Post recently urging the paper to “stop publishing climate lies” and thus recognize climate change as “settled science” needing no further debate in the media. And as far as the science goes, maybe we should wait for the 10day weather forecast to approach the accuracy of a coin toss before we buy into “settled science” that relies of computer models stretching out 100 years or more. Which brings us to our next item...

Musical Anhedonia?

The medical journal “Current Biology” recently reported on a rare and obscure condition known as Musical Anhedonia. Those afflicted derive no pleasure from music and show no reaction to it. Can you imagine? Not if you were in the audience for the recent Sarasota Orchestra performance of “The Beatles in America: Classical Mystery Tour.” Continued on page 32

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Seeing Life Through Multiple Lenses

By Trebor Britt

This Siesta Beach lifeguard truly sees the world through multiple lenses. The twin lenses of binoculars, the lenses God gave her, and the telephoto lenses of her digital SLR camera. We can thank Ringling College recruiters and her love of the water for bringing this outgoing and accomplished swimmer and lifeguard to our shores. Stephanie Ganey (27) has been guarding beach-goers on the magnificent coastline of Siesta Key for more than 2 years. She started as a summer, seasonal lifeguard while attending Ringling College of Art & Design and was eventually hired on as a full-timer by Sarasota County. She currently holds the distinction of being the only female lifeguard on Siesta Key. This multi-faceted young woman grew up north of Dallas, in Plano, Texas. A graduate of Plano West High School, she not only swam for her high school, but managed to qualify for a position on the Metroplex Aquatics, USA swim team. As a short course free-styler, Stephanie became the fifth fastest swimmer in the Dallas region for the 50 and 100 meter. Her twelve years of competitive swimming also found her competing as far away as

SIESTA SAND May 2014 • www.siestasand.net

North Carolina and Maui, Hawaii. She has a real talent of cutting through the water at near record times. Before her senior year of high school, Stephanie attended pre-college classes at Ringling College. Stephanie quipped, “that sealed the deal.” She knew she wanted to go to art school and being close to the beach and around this atmosphere was a perfect fit for her. As a result, she moved to Sarasota immediately after high school in 2004. She moved here alone to study photography at the Ringling College of Art & Design and now has a BA degree in Fine Arts with a focus (pun intended) in photography. Siesta Beach lifeguards are among the most trained and qualified in the country. Stephanie is CPR and defibrillator (AED) certified as well as oxygen use qualified. She related some of the equipment differences among the four lifeguard towers on Siesta Key. The north and south towers are equipped with full stat packs, an AED, and a vehicle. The center two towers are equipped with stat packs that carry oxygen and regular medical supplies. This allows our lifeguards to handle just about every emergency imaginable. As you would expect, lifeguards also must be fit. As a first step, every seasonal and full-time lifeguard is required to do a half mile run in under four minutes, a 500 meter swim in under ten minutes as well as two beach rescues. Success in these areas might get you an interview. Stephanie offered two bits of advice for the general public enjoying a beautiful day at the beach. “Always check in with the lifeguard before getting in the water. Check to make sure that water conditions are safe. And secondly, keep your children close. If your child is missing, report the information to a lifeguard. We will help you and the issue will be resolved much quicker.” Not long ago she and lifeguard Martini gave medical assistance to a woman having cardiac arrest on the beach in front of the Surf and Racket Club. The woman survived and Stephanie said, “I’ll never forget

it.” The general public is unaware that, depending on staffing, the lifeguards will respond to any emergency along the entire three-mile stretch of Siesta beach. Another incident involved a woman with two children who passed out near the water’s edge on Siesta beach. Stephanie was on break at the time, but was called to assist. She and another lifeguard transported her to the first aid room where they were met by fire department EMTs. The family has returned to the beach a number of times to personally thank each of the lifeguards, and their handwritten notes are proudly displayed in the lifeguard office. Stephanie is also a dedicated volunteer. She volunteered for nine consecutive years at In Sync Exotics, a big cat habitat in Dallas. “They started with just one tiger, and now have over 30,” she said. Locally, she volunteers with the West Manatee Fire Department. She donates her photography expertise shooting dinners, head shots as well as capturing on-scene action. She believes, “Volunteering should be a constant in your life.” When asked if she would do anything differently if she could do it all over again Stephanie replied, “this is cliché, but I’m a strong believer in no regrets and everything happens for a reason. It’s a learning lesson, you step forward and learn from it.” If Stephanie could spend the day with any person, living or deceased, she said it would be her dad’s father, Leland Charles Ganey. She never got to meet either of her grandfathers, but would really like to know more about her family history on her dad’s side. Among Stephanie’s favorites are, Owens Fish Camp and although she listens to a wide variety of music, Lana Del Rey is one of her top picks. An avid reader, Stephanie’s suggestion as a must read for all high schooler’s, “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Aside from swimming, Stephanie enjoys playing beach volleyball with the guys out here. She went on to say, “all of them can contest that I’m horrible.” Regarding her future Stephanie said, “I’m really happy with my balance right now. I’m still doing photography on my days off. I’m lucky enough during the summer that we have three days off a week. So it’s a good balance. I’ll stick around for a while, but I’ll definitely push and pursue my photography sometime in the future.”

Sheriff’s Report

March 19 - April 15, 2014

There were a total of 46 crimes reported on the key from 3/19-4/15/14 3/19/14 Battery 5000 Block Ocean Blvd

While on a routine foot patrol of Siesta Village, a sheriff observed multiple subjects leaving a nightclub in a hurry. One of the subjects advised he was in a physical altercation inside the bar and pointed to a male subject who was also involved in the physical alteration. The second subject was later identified as the defendant. The victim advised he was a t the club for a birthday gathering and was approached by the defendant in a threatening manner. The victim stated that the defendant took a pack of gum and his wallet from him. Once the items were retrieved back, the defendant punched the victim on the left side of his face with a closed fist. The defendant then ran out of the front door of the club. The defendant stated he had not punched the victim and was only speaking to a female who was in the company of the victim. He was charged with battery.

3/21/14 Grand Theft/ Felony 5200 Block Ocean Blvd

An employee of a village restaurant reported she had placed her purse under the counter when she arrived at work. When she was done with her shift, her purse was gone. The victim stated there was a disgruntled employee who was fired that day and had her purse next to the victim’s under the counter. The deputy was unable to contact the other employee.

4/2/14 Burglary 5000 Block Las Rosas

A couple reported a burglary at their residence. They explained that they had been receiving multiple calls from a Lakeland company in an effort to sell them solar panels. The man explained that he was fed up with the constant calls and asked a sales rep to respond to their residence. On 4/2/14, a sales rep arrived at their home. The man asked the sales rep for a business card. He explained to the rep that he was not interested in his product but has a business card with a reference to call if he is further harassed. He then asked the sales rep to leave the premises. When instructed, the subject would not leave. The man called “911” in an attempt to have the subject removed from the property. While waiting for law enforcement,

the homeowner walked into his garage while on the phone with dispatch. The sales rep followed him without his knowledge into the garage and took the business card off his workbench. The man reported that he kept a firearm on the upper shelf of the workbench. The sales rep immediately turned and left the garage, got into his truck and left the area. Following the incident, the man left his residence and did not return for approximately 5 hours. During this time he was concerned that his firearm was in the garage and was unaware that it had been taken. When he returned home to find the gun had been taken, he searched the garage and his vehicles before calling dispatch again. Deputies were unable to lift any prints, but the victim was able to report the suspect’s tag number.

4/6/14 Theft 5200 Block Ocean Blvd

The bar manager of a village restaurant reported a man had ordered a total of $35.50 in food and drinks. The man provided a SunTrust card to them and the card was declined. The manager stated this was not the first time this has happened with this customer. The manager did not want to pursue charges of theft against the man and signed a waiver of prosecution. The manager did want the man to be given a trespass warning from the establishment for a year. The man understood that he was not allowed back on the property.

4/3/14 5000 Block Ocean Blvd Possession Of Cocaine

The manager of a village nightclub reported a disturbance. A man inside the bar had his pants below his buttocks. The manager asked the man to pull up his pants and leave the premises. The man became irate and threatened to “shoot up the place”. The manager requested the man be removed and not to return

to the establishment. A deputy approached the man to obtain his identity for the purpose of the trespass warning. When the man’s identity was entered into the NCIC system it was discovered that there was an active warrant out for his arrest. The man was placed under arrest, handcuffed and searched. During the search, the officer found a small plastic baggie in the front pocket of his jeans. The bag contained what appeared to the officer to be powder cocaine. The substance was tested on the scene and tested positive. The man was transported to jail without further incident.

4/3/14 5000 Block Midnight Pass Rd Battery

A woman reported she was at a village bar when she had a disagreement with her boyfriend. Her boyfriend left the area and she began walking home to the resort where she was staying. According to the officer she appeared slightly intoxicated but was able to clearly recall the incident. As the woman walked south on Ocean Blvd, a man, driving a 4 door white sedan taxi with an overhead light, stopped to offer her a ride. The man opened the passenger door and offered to take her home. The woman advised that she did not have any money but the suspect insisted that it was okay. When the car arrived at the woman’s destination and the woman attempted to get out of the taxi, the driver stated that she did not have to pay with money but would have to “repay” him. At that time the driver attempted to grab her in various inappropriate areas and tried to kiss her multiple times. She was able to pull away from the suspect and hide in a bush until she was approached by resort security. She then went to her room and called “911”. The woman advised she could identify the subject if she saw him again. There are no known suspects at this time.

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4/12/14 Public Beach Grand Theft/ Felony

The Vice President of the company that supplied equipment for the Siesta Fiesta NCAA volleyball tournament at Siesta Beach reported a theft. Between 4/12-4/13/14 unknown suspects stole six tent frames and one set of volleyball court lines from the beach. A three part telescopic pole was completely destroyed.

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941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

Pet Talk

Pizza Burn

By Dr. Anne Chauvet

1. My dog keeps getting bladder stones. Why? Bladder stones are very common in dogs. Breeds with an increased incidence include the Miniature Schnauzer, Dalmatian, Shih Tzu, Dachshund, and Bulldog. There are different types of stones; some may be associated with inherited alterations in urate metabolism, others may form due to the diet. Once diagnosed with bladder stones, your dog’s diet may require some changes; less fat or more acidity. Vitamin C is always helpful, as are cranberry supplements, which help prevent secondary infections. If your dog has stones, a urinalysis will be needed. Depending on a case and stone size, surgery might be necessary.

From time to time we see patients with mouth discomfort caused by eating and/or foods. We see burns, lacerations, scrapes and swellings which can interfere with eating, swallowing and talking. They can even break teeth and fillings/crowns, etc. Usually these discomforts are diagnosed with examination and a careful history. The things we consume can be too cold or hot, too sharp and poky, or too hard. Very occasionally they can be allergenic. The top three offenders are ‘Pizza Burn’ (also from hot liquids), ‘Triscuit Trauma’ and ‘Chewing Gum’ crowns. The big healers here are ‘tincture of time’ or repair the broken, loose or fractured area. Any injury lasting more than two weeks needs immediate observation. Avoid pizza burn? Cut up the first few bites until it’s cool enough to chow down. Almost all of these problems are preventable and avoidable. It’s up to you!

2. What are the signs seen with Parvovirus infection? Can you treat it? Vomiting and diarrhea, often bloody, are the first signs of parvovirus. Being a virus, you cannot treat it directly. However, this virus just sloughs the lining of the bowel (thus the blood in vomit and feces) and makes the patient very prone to bacterial infection. Along with the shock and blood loss, the

patient’s life is at risk with parvovirus infection. We treat the blood loss, the fluid loss and the infection with IV fluids and antibiotics. Most patients recover in 24-72 hours, depending on the severity, but it can be fatal. Parvovirus is a very sturdy virus and can survive in the environment for over a year, so make sure you sterilize and clean thoroughly everywhere that pup has been. 3. What are the diseases/conditions an Internal Medicine specialist treats that are not commonly treated by a general practice veterinarian? Many of the diseases treated by an Internal Medicine doctor are initially managed by general practice veterinarians, but at some point they become too complicated or too ill to manage in a day practice setting. In such situation the specialist’s role is to provide concentrated knowledge in areas of expertise to assess whether there are options for extension of life with good quality. This is particularly important in critical cases such as cancer patients, patients with severe liver, respiratory or kidney disease, or in complicated hormonal diseases (diabetes, steroid or thyroidal illness).

Dr. Chauvet earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, completed a small animal medicine/surgery internship at the University of Illinois in Urbana and finished her residency in neurology/neurosurgery at the University of California, Davis. She has been trained in small animal rehabilitation by the Canine Rehabilitation Institute of Wellington, Florida and is known internationally for her specialized work in the relatively rare field of veterinary neurology speaking to, training, and consulting with veterinary practices and organizations globally. If you have a question about your pet, please email your question to criticalvetcare@gmail.com Each month, Dr. Chauvet will choose a few questions to share with readers.

Palmer Ranch Dental - Richard J. Greenspan DDS Call today for an appointment! (941) 966-5603 8800 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34238

|Pet Friendly Beaches Although dogs are not allowed on any of the beaches on Siesta Key, there are a few places you can take your furry pal. Brohard Paw Beach, 1600 Harbor Drive, Venice, FL 34285. Hours: 24 hours per day, 365 days per year (parking closed from 12 AM – 6 AM); dogs allowed on the designated portion of beach from 7 AM to dusk only Paw Park is one of the few places along the beach where dogs are allowed. The park features an enclosed run for big dogs and one for small dogs, as well as an open beach area where dogs can swim. This park, across from Venice’s airport, is where you and your “best friend” can play in the gulf and socialize with other dogs, offering doggie drinking fountains; showers on decks for “dogs only”, fire hydrants and leash posts, dog lovers have declared this park… and beach… to be the best doggie park in the state! Shaded by towering oaks, small dogs will enjoy their fenced in arena while the big boys can frolic in the larger pen. Double gates access both parks and the beach. A paved walkway leads directly to the beach where your best friend will delight in this 300’ section of sand and

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water. Note: Summer months may force you to carry your furry friend as the sand can be hot under paw. Doggie waste bags and receptacles are provided and strategically placed around the park. Human comforts include drinking fountains, picnic tables and restrooms. Parking is very limited although off road parking is across the street. Bird Key Park is located on Bird Key, Florida, at the foot of the Ringling Causeway Bridge, which leads to Sarasota. This small stretch of beach along Sarasota Bay is a well-known spot for dog lovers. You and your dog can swim together while enjoying stunning views of the blue-green water. The park is open from 6 a.m. until 12 a.m. year-round, and admission is free.

(Source: eHow)

Ken Thompson Park, a small beach on the Gulf Coast of Florida, is a hidden treasure near the Mote Marine Aquarium on Sarasota Bay. Here you will also find the New Pass Fishing Pier, which winds through the mangroves. You and your pet can stroll along the pier or relax in the sun while watching the kayakers launch their boats. The beach is open from 5 a.m. until 11 a.m. and admission is free. (Source: eHow)

Party On!

...welcome pancreatitis!

Certain dog breeds, such as Shetland Sheepdogs, are prone to pancreatitis, an all too common disease. Irritation of the pancreas can occur due to diet changes, viruses, bacteria, or toxins. It is characterized by the abrupt onset of vomiting and severe pain in the abdomen. If not treated early with hospitalization on IV fluids and medications, pancreatitis can be fatal. We treat all tummy aches.

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Passion to Care, Mission to Cure 941-929-1818 • 4937 S. Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, FL 34231 • www.criticalvetcare.com 16

SIESTA SAND May 2014 • www.siestasand.net

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217 AVENIDA MADERA SIESTA ES STA K KEY EY VVIL VILLAGE, ILLA LAGEE, FL 334342 43442 43 BEACHBITESSIESTA.COM ACHB AC HBIT I TES ESSI SIEES STTA A.C A. .COM O

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Siesta Key Drum Circle

NEW EVENING HOURS: THURS. thru SUN. 8PM or LATER

|Solorzano Bros. Pizzeria Siesta Key Village

Every Sunday is a perfect time to come to the Key for some wonderful entertainment. I’m talking about the Siesta Key Drum Circle that takes place each Sunday starting a couple hours before sunset and lasting until sunset. The gathering meets up just south of the main pavilion - just follow your ears and watch for the swelling crowd. Photos courtesy of Hiram Pedraza and Rick Benitez.

215 Avenida Madera, Siesta Key Village 941.349.2767 We’re Italian. We’re from Jersey and we’ve been making pies before we even got to high school. Our father is a pizza man. Most of our Uncles and Cousins are pizza men. None of this is new to us. We make our own dough and sauce from scratch daily and we use only the finest Italian Cheeses money can buy. Dine inside, outside, pick up, or delivery. “Um, Yum” Here are two quick reviews recently posted on Trip Advisor. Best pizza I have had-We had to go back...a few times. We loved being able to grab a slice late at night. The staff was also great. Neat place, great prices and AWESOME pizza. Heaven” I just stopped in looking for a great pizza and that is exactly what I got. Solorzano’s had a variety of pizza as well as a cozy Italian atmosphere. Definitely recommend to you all. 215 Avenida Madera 941-349-2767

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1888 Stickney Point Road., | Sarasota, FL 34231 | 941.923.2096 | www.rocketmanshop.com Our Rock & Roll Lifestyle shop provides everything you need to get your grove on. You’ll find a wide variety of products from your favorite musical bands, as well as bags & clothing, incense, recreational items, wall tapestries, full line of top rated local & domestic blown glass, acrylic & metal pipes, hookahs & shisha, blunt wraps & papers, tobacco & rolling machines, body cleansers & supplements, body jewelry, purses, hemp wear, storage containers & stealthy diversion safes, zippo lighters and lots of items not “made in China…” and much more!! We can help you find the products that are right for you. Our new extended store hours areLISTED 10am –AT... 10pm, 7 days a week. Be sure to use the 20% coupon $ found on the front page.

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Food and Wine Pairings

By Maureen Rooney, Wine Consultant, Siesta Key Wines

Springtime Wines for Mother’s Day Celebrating Mother’s Day is a good reason to break out all the great Springtime Wines that complement the season and enhance the flavors of our Spring menus. Whether you know what type of wine Mom likes or not, this is a great opportunity to introduce her to wines that she may not know she likes! Cersius is a wonderfully light white Cotes du Rhone and this year the blend is White Grenache and Sauvignon Blanc. It has a straw yellow color with scents of citrus and flowers. This wine, which is aged in concrete tanks not oak barrels, is light and crisp with hints of lime and pineapple. It has a medium body and pairs well with grilled game hens, grouper and goat cheese. Cersius is also a perfect wine for brunch when pairing with a fresh asparagus and cheese frittata or quiche. Definitely a new favorite with the locals! Another springtime favorite is Jules Taylor Pinot Gris from

Marlborough, New Zealand. Many of our customers have heard me tell the story of this exemplary winemaker. Jules was the original winemaker for Kim Crawford wines. When Kim sold his company to the big wine conglomerate, Constellation Wines, in the early 2000’s, Jules said she was parting ways and began making wine from her own vineyards. And the awards came chasing her down! She makes some of the most flavorful wines I’ve ever tasted. Her Pinot Gris has that great bold Marlborough style that is known for big flavors. I like this wine paired with grilled shrimp and scallops. It’s excellent with a Seafood Fettuccini Alfredo as the acidity in the wine makes a good contrast to the creamy parmesan sauce. Let’s talk about Rosés. Ok, once again, not White Zin! I’m talking about Villa Gemma Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Rosé. If you haven’t had a Montepuliciano Rosé you

have been missing out on a whole world of wines. A firm bodied wine with notes of dried cherries and pomegranate make this wine a perfect complement for grilled chicken and honey cured ham. This rosé is absolutely awesome with an herb and parmesan crusted salmon with grilled zucchini and tomatoes. Great, now I’ve made myself hungry! Speaking of grilled salmon, Pinot Noir is always a good choice for those who love red wines but want to keep it light for brunch. Our most popular Pinot Noir comes from Aspirations Winery and is very well balanced and has a smooth flavor of dark berries and slight acidity making it excellent with fatty fish or turkey. Pinot Noirs are quite different depending on its region and because it is a very delicate grape,

its’ characteristics depend heavily on the climate. Lighter bodied Pinot Noirs are evident in France while California Pinot Noirs from the Russian River Valley are bolder in texture and in flavor. Experiment with a few to find “your” favorite Pinot. We really can’t do brunch, especially a Mother’s Day Brunch, without some bubbly! Time to

Map B #42

break out the Prosecco! We recommend Carra Pulcinella from Treviso, Italy. Our most favorite Prosecco comes from the Nicola Biscardo Collection. Mostly everyone has had a peach Bellini or two, just by mixing Prosecco with peach or apricot nectar, but this year we are choosing to celebrate Plant City strawberries. Halve a few of those plump, juicy berries in your glass and enjoy the local flavor of Spring! Sweeten some mascarpone cheese with a little powdered sugar and alternately layer with strawberries in a parfait glass for a fresh and light dessert! Stop by Siesta Key Wines and we will help you select the perfect wine for your mom! 5138C Ocean Blvd. - in the Village, 941-552-9105.

in fro clo an bu Fe af th la A pa Lo m im sti ch te to A po al on a ch pr on

Beach Bazaar & Swin Shack........... Map-C #28 Blvd. Beachwear.................................. Map-B #30 Comfort Shoes-Birki & More.........Map-D #64 Foxy Lady Fashions........................... Map-A #40 Gidget’s Coastal Provisions.............Map-B #44 Island Cotton Company.....................Map-C #29 Le Grand Bisou Chic Boutique......... Map-D #11 Lotus Boutique................................... Map-D #66 Siesta T’s............................................... Map-B #30 Sun Glass Outlet..................................Map-C #24 GAS STATION Circle K Store......................................... Map-E #6 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Beach Bazaar...................................... Map-C #28 Created Gems......................................Map-C #51 Hurricane Rita’s Gifts.........................Map-C #51 Mount-N-Repair.................................. Map-B #48 Sea Pleasures & Treasures...................Map-C #2 Siesta Key Bead Shack....................... Map-A #36 Siesta Key’psakes................................ Map-B #29 Siesta Key Outfitters.........................Map-D #11 Siesta Key University.......................... Map-B #36

AccomModations Siesta Beach Resort ........................Map-A #38A ART GALLERY / STUDIO Calle Studios.........................................Map-B #32 ATM / BANKS PNC ATM............................................. Map-C #61 Martin Funding......................................Map-E #1 Sun Trust Bank & ATM.........................Map-E #4 Bakery & Deli A Taste of Germany............................Map-C #53 Heavenly Cupcakes.............................Map-B #50 Meany’s Mini Donuts......................... Map-C #24 BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Blase Café.............................................Map-A #38 Blu Que Island Grill..........................Map-C #57 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar................Map-B #42-43 Gilligan’s...............................................Map-B #33 Siesta Key Oyster Bar........................ Map-B #45 The Beach Club....................................Map-D #22 The Cottage.......................................... Map-C #58 The Hub-Baja Grill..............................Map-D #59 BOOK STORES Used Book Heaven...............................Map-B #48 COFFEE SHOPS Lelu’s Coffee Lounge...........................Map-B #31 The Local Bean................................... Map-D #62 DRUG & HARDWARE Davidson’s Drugs................................Map-D #65 Village Hardware................................ Map-C #26 FASHION & ACCESSORIES Aqua Beachwear................................ Map-D #12

Map D #11

SIESTA SAND May 2014 • www.siestasand.net

Florida: The perils and profits of pot

Cannabis was once as legal as butter n the United States. You could buy it om a New York City newsstand in a oth bag with rolling papers attached, nd some grocery stores sold it in ulk. But in 1937 Congress passed the ederal Marihuana Tax Act four years fter alcohol prohibition ended. (Yes, hey spelled it that way) To this day some say the 1937 aw was a racist attack on AfricanAmericans. Marijuana was an integral art of the Jazz Age. The trumpeter ouis Armstrong was a lifelong fan of marijuana. Others say it was aimed at mmigrants in the Southwest, while ill others say it was the threat to create heaper pulp paper for newspapers. It took more than a century for emperance groups across the nation o gain approval of the Eighteenth Amendment in 1919 to ban the ossession, sale and manufacture of lcohol. But the marijuana ban took nly about one year, and instead of Women’s Temperance Union with hapters across the country, the pot rohibition required only one year and ne movie.

It was first called “Tell Your Children,” but was scooped up by an exploitation film producer and re-labeled as “Reefer Madness.” It was originally financed by a church group as a morality tale. The producer added rape and murder, and released it in 1936. PBS’s Frontline documentary unit reported, “After a lurid national propaganda campaign against the ‘evil weed,’ Congress passed Marijuana Tax Act.” Whatever the reason, the substance was banned under Federal law. The U.S. State Department successfully lobbied the League of Nations before World War II to expand the ban to other countries, and widen the list of banned substances. The latest “convention” was approved in May 2013 and has 184 state signatories. By 1952 conviction for first-

HEALTH & FITNESS Indep. Lifestyle Solutions ................ Map-D #10 Nirvana Juice Bar............................... Map-D #62 Siesta Key Fitness..............................Map-B #73 Studio Rubylakes................................ Map-B #49

By Stan Zimmerman

offense possession was a mandatory two-year federal prison sentence.

One finger in the dike

A decade-long “counterculture” swept the world starting in the mid-1960s, and marijuana was part of it. Florida became known as a center of “pot hauling,” and old fishing villages along the west coast began to show signs of prosperity. But it wasn’t just Florida benefiting from the demand. The Netherlands – although a signatory to all the anti-drug conventions – stopped arresting people for possession of personal amounts of marijuana and hashish (a refined cannabis product). And soon what the Dutch called “juice bars” began to open; in the back, “personal amounts” were sold over the counter. The news spread like wildfire on the counter-culture grapevine, and

JEWELRY Created Gems......................................Map-C #51 Michael & Co. Jewelers...................... Map-B #29 Mount -N- Repair Jewelers................ Map-B #48 LIQUOR STORES / Fine Wines Gabbiano’s Wine Club....................... Map-D #70 Gilligan’s.............................................. Map-B #33 Siesta Key Wines............................... Map-C #61 The Beach Club................................... Map-D #22

Holland became a drug vacation destination. People looking for a “legal smoke” and a “legal deal” flocked to the new juice bars, so-named because alcohol was forbidden inside. Like all commercial success, there were problems. Eventually the towns and cities at the border became overwhelmed with European visitors looking for their “legal deal.” And supplying all those juice bars became a very big drug business. Because importation remains illegal, supply to the juice bars often involved some form of organized crime.

One finger in the air

The Dutch are eying the Colorado experience closely, with one economist suggesting if pot growing and wholesaling was legal, it would mean $1.4 billion in excise tax, plus a saving of $200 million on police investigations and raids. And it would cut criminals out of the supply system. Newsweek earlier this year reported, “The official-tolerance policy hasn’t led to an increase in marijuana use, which remains lower in the

Netherlands than in the U.S., according to a study last year.” Nor did it seem to impact on the crime rate. I visited Holland soon after the juice bars began to open. I asked a desk sergeant at the police substation in the heart of Amsterdam’s red-light district if he’d seen any uptick in crime. “Maybe a few more car burglaries, but nothing at all serious,” he said. The proposed Florida constitutional amendment would make medical marijuana legal. A host of regulations would follow, although this is not new territory anymore. And Florida certainly isn’t the same tidy-streets, tidy-minds environment as the Netherlands. With nearly half of the United States now embarked on some degree of marihuana legalization, the bellwether State of Florida could be the first in the southeast to join them. There would be one small irony if the amendment gets the support of 60% of the voters and passes. Most of those Southwest Florida pot haulers from the ‘60s and ‘70s are now old enough to need it to ease their pains.

YOUR PASSPORT TO LATIN CUISINE

ICE CREAM/treats Big Olaf Creamery..............................Map-C #52 Ciao Gelato...........................................Map-C #50 SubZero Ice Cream Yogurt............... Map-D #16 Sunni Bunni Frozen Yogurt...............Map-C #53 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs................................. Map-D #65 Internet Cafe......................................... Map-D #9 Lelu Coffee Lounge............................. Map-B #31 The Local Bean...................................Map-D #62

Continued from cover story

Map D #11

This season’s FeaTure : Paella

New favorite on Siesta Key and top-rated in Trip Advisor.

Flavorful tapas, entrees, drinks and desserts from Spain and throughout the Americas. 5110 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key / Tues-Sun 5-10PM / 941-349-0818

• segway rentals • PaDDleBOarDs • scOOter cars • kayak tOurs/rentals • Bikes • scOOters • Beach gear 5255 Ocean Blvd • Siesta Key Village www.robinhoodrentals.net

941-554-4242

MAILING - SHIPPING UPS store............................................. Map-A #41 US Post Office..................................... Map-D #65 MARKETS/FOOD STORES 7-11 Store.............................................. Map-B #46 Circle K Store......................................... Map-E #6 Siesta Market........................................Map-C #25 MASSAGE Hands of Light Massage.................... Map-B #35 Massage Experience Siesta Key......Map-D #62 Massage Therapy.................................. Map-E #1 Siesta Key Massage Ctr....................... Map-D #9 MEDICAL - DENTAL Dr. Barry LaClair MD.........................Map-C #56 E.K. Koster DMD................................ Map-D #63 Karen F. Leggett, D.O.........................Map-C #56 Siesta Key Physical Therapy............. Map-D #20 Siesta Smiles Dentistry....................... Map-B #49 MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce..................... Map-D #67 Roberti Enterprises............................ Map-A #39 Sheriff’s Office...................................... Map-D #9 Tarot Card Reading & Gifts............... Map-B #50 PROFESSIONAL SERVICEs CG Designs...........................................Map-E #1 Edward Jones Investments............... Map-D #68 Smith Architects.................................. Map-E #74 REAL ESTATE / Rental SERVICES Ascendia Real Estate.......................... Map-D #11 Beachside Resorts Rental.................. Map-D #11 Charles Rutenburg Realty..................Map-C #53 Coldwell Banker Realty..................... Map-D #20 Horizon Realty.................................... Map-B #34 Island Homes.......................................Map-C #51 Key Realty.............................................Map-E #5 Michael Saunders Realty..................Map-E #72 Re/Max Alliance Group................... Map-D #60 ReMax Tropical Sands....................... Map-D #67 Robasota Rentals & Real Estate..... Map-A #39 Siesta Key Realty.................................. Map-D #9 Waterside Realty.................................Map-C #29

Map C #53

RESTAURANTS Another Broken Egg..................Map-C #54 & 55 Beach Bites..........................................Map-D #16 Blase Café............................................ Map-A #38 Blu Que Island Grill......................... Map-C #57 Bonjour French Cafe...........................Map-C #47 Café Gabbiano.................................... Map-D #71 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar............... Map-B #42-43 Eat Here Restaurant.....................Map-D #17-18 Flavio’s Brick Oven & Bar.................. Map-B #29 Flavio’s Italiano Ristorante................ Map-B #30 Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill.............. Map-B #33 Jo To’s Japanese Restaurant...............Map-C #47 LeLu’s Coffee Bar................................ Map-B #31 Lobster Pot.......................................... Map-C #23 Napoli’s Italian Restaurant............. Map-C #53 Old Salty Dog Rest. & Pub................... Map-E #2 Señor Siesta........................................Map-D #69 Siesta Key Oyster Bar........................Map-B #45 Solorzano Bros. Pizzeria.................... Map-D #15 Subway Sandwiches........................... Map-B #30 Sun Garden Café................................ Map-D #19 The Cottage..........................................Map-C #58 The Hub - Baja Grill........................... Map-D #59 Village Café........................................Map-D #14 SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY Nails By Iris..........................................Map-C #50 Salon Capelli......................................... Map-D #9 Sassy Hair Salon................................ Map-A #40 Siesta Key Nails...................................Map-D #9 Village Barber....................................... Map-D #9 SPORTS INTEREST/Rentals CaliFlorida............................................ Map-B #32 Robin Hood Rentals.........................Map-D #34 Siesta Village Outfitters......................Map-C #53

Map C #61

941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX

Things You Like...................................... C-3 #14 Gifts & Souvenirs Capt. Curt’s Souvenirs.............................B-3 #8 Green Turtle Shells & Gifts................. C-3 #14 The Silversmith ...................................... D-4 #17 Silver City Jewelry.................................. C-3 #14 Health & Beauty Lorraine’s Beauty & Barber.....................B-3 #8 Salon Siesta............................................... D-4 #17 Siesta Key Salon & Spa........................... C-3 #14 The Key Spa & Salon.............................. A-5 #12 Ice Cream & Treats Orange Octopus .......................................B-3 #8 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson’s Drugs.................................... C-3 #14 Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14 Liquor Stores Crescent Beach Grocery...........................B-3 #1 Crescent Club............................................B-3 #13

Siesta Spirits............................................. C-4 #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-4 #17 Crescent Beach Grocery..........................B-3 #1 Miscellaneous Moving & Storage....................................B-3 #10 Flowers by Fudgie................................... D-3 #17 Real Estate / RENTALS Homes & Condo Rentals........................ D-3 #17 Moynihan Realty..................................... D-3 #17 Re/Max Tropical Sands............................B-3 #1 Siesta 4-Rent.............................................. C-3 #1 Restaurants

City Pizza Italian Restaurant............... D-3 #17 Clayton’s Siesta Grille...............................B-3 #9 Javier’s Restaurant.................................. C-3 #17 Miguel’s Restaurant............................... C-3 #17 Water Sports - Fishing - RENTALS A to Z Beach & Bike Rentals.................. A-5 #12 CB’s Island Outfitters.............................. A-3 #2 CB’s Saltwater Outfitters........................ A-3 #4 Parasail Siesta............................................. A-3 #2 Sarasota Wind and Water Adventures.A-5 #12 Siesta Key Bike & Kayak . ......................B-3 #8 Siesta Key Marina..................................... A-4 #5 Siesta Key Parasailing............................... A-4 #5 Siesta Paddle Sports................................ D-4 #17 Siesta Sports Rentals............................... A-3 #2 Siesta Sports Rentals............................. C-3 #14 Waves Boat & Social Club...................... A-5 #12

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill...............A-5 #12 Capt. Curts Crab & Oyster Bar.................B-3 #7

“Home of the Orange Squeeze!”

“A Tropical Department Store“

SHELL & GIFT CITY

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

OPEN 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM DAILY

IN FEATUR

19.95 Reg. To $49.00

SIESTA KEY

Siesta Key’s Largest Seashell & Coral Selection!

Hand Made Ice Cream

Sundaes l Shakes l Smoothies l Coffees Espresso l Cappuccinos

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

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

CRESCENT BEACH

THE GREEN TURTLE

er Sale up Ladies Bathing Suits

ATM & Banks Bank of America........................................ A-3 #3 Bars & Nightclubs Capt. Curt’s Backroom Saloon................B-3 #7 Crescent Club........................................... C-3 #13 Sniki Tiki....................................................B-3 #8 Delis & Sandwiches Anna’s Deli & Sandwiches.................. C-3 #14 The Beach Deli @ Crescent Beach Grocery..... ......................................................................B-3 #1 DRUG STORES Davidson’s Drugs..................................... C-3 #14 Fashion & Accessories CB’s Island Outfitters.............................. A-3 #2 CB’s Saltwater Outfitters........................ A-3 #4 Coconuts Fashion......................................B-3 #1 Coconuts / Island Colors..........................B-3 #8 Green Turtle Swimwear......................... C-3 #14 Key Casual Fashions............................... D-4 #17

6525 Midnight Pass Road

MAP B-3#14

FREE! FREE! FREE! A Free Tropical Gift! 79 c Just For Stopping In

349-4751

941-346-8080

green TURTLE COUPON

VALUE

With This Coupon

No Purchase Necessary

EXPIRES:7/05/2010 Expires 12/31/14

Map C-3#14 Open 7 Days 9 am-5 pm

941-346-1797

“Voted Small Business of the Year by Siesta Key Chamber”

RepaiRs, sales anD accessORies New 50cc Scooters

HOuRly • Daily • Weekly

TREK BIKES • BEACH WHEELCHAIRS • PADDLEBOARDS SCOOTERS • SCOOTER CARS • KAYAKS • KAYAK TOURS CHAIRS/UMBRELLAS • STROLLERS • SNORKELING GEAR

KAYAK TOURS ONLY 45/PERSON • BEST PRICE AROUND FREE DELIVERY AND P/U ON SIESTA KEY FOR MOST RENTALS $

6551 Midnight Pass Rd., Siesta Key, FL in Southbridge Mall • Map C-3#14

$ off SCOOTER RENTALS Half Days/Full Days/Multi Day Rentals with this Coupon EXPIRES 12/31/14

Bikes • Kayaks • Scooters • Kayak Tours

Map B-3#8

Anna’s Deli 6535 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters 1249 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-3 #4

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

Siesta 4-Rent 6555 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #1

City Pizza 6645 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP D-3 #17

Miguel’s Restaurant 6631 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #17

Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Road

MAP C-4 #17

Sarasota Wind & Water Adventures 1518 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

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

SIESTA SAND May 2014 • www.siestasand.net

Notes from the island Fishmonger By Scott Dolan, Big Water Fish Market

Water World

Captain Jim Klopfer Adventure Charters 941-371-1390

Florida Gulf Groupers Grouper costs are usually higher during the month of March because the Mexican border of the Gulf of Mexico is closed to Grouper fishing. During this time the Mexican border buys all their Grouper from the Florida Coast. That’s when supply and demand comes into effect raising our price of Grouper. The months of peak availability for Florida Gulf Groupers is May through November – Grouper Season. This is when we have some price relief. These fish are usually protogynous hermaphrodites, which means they start out their lives as females and switch to males at maturity. This has its advantages by enhancing the reproductive opportunity on spawning grounds. Grouper is Florida’s most wellknown and popular fish by far. Grouper is low in calories, high in protein and supplies a significant amount of omega 3 fatty acid that is good for your heart. And, it tastes great. It is a flakey white fish that is mild and sweet. Filet Grouper is a popular seafood that can be steamed, baked, grilled, sautéed, or fried; touting a mild flavor, unlike some other fish that have a fishy flavor. We offer our customers simple Grouper blackened or grilled

sandwiches and provide easy recipes that will entice every fish lover in your crowd. Below is a simple recipe we share with our customers. Ingredients Honey Orange Glazed Florida Grouper: • 1 tablespoon Honey • 1 tablespoon orange juice • 3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard •1/2 teaspoon soy sauce • 1/8 teaspoon deli dust (only found at Big Water Fish Market) • 1 pound Grouper filets Preparation: Preheat broiler or oven. Combine all ingredients, except Grouper, mixing well. Place fillets on an oiled broiler or pan and brush fillets with honey glaze. Broil for 5 minutes until browned. Turn over and re-brush with glaze and cook for 5 more minutes or until fish flakes easily. We are the Grouper capital of the world. Respect the labor of our fishermen and enjoy the fruits of our seas. We have Grouper on a daily basis assuming we do not sell out. Healthy lives, Scott Dolan Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass, Siesta Key, 941-554-8101

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

|Siesta Key Fishing Charters We offer the best that inshore and off shore fishing has to offer. With over 20 years local experience, our Licensed & insured captains offer 4, 6, & 8 hour trips with all equipment included! Conveniently located docks at the South bridge of Siesta Key with parking and restrooms. 1/2 free this month for travel! For more information, call us at 727-6412665, 1500 Stickney Point Rd.

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

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

Chaz Boyter from New Jersey with a nice Siesta Key “beach” tarpon caught in May

May is a transition month in Sarasota. Although the calendar says it is still spring, by late May it will definitely feel like summer time. Pelagic species such as king and Spanish mackerel will have migrated north, inshore fishing will be best early and late, and giant tarpon will invade the inshore Gulf of Mexico, a sure sign that summer is here! Speckled trout fishing should be outstanding in May. It has been unseasonably warm and bait will be scattered all throughout the bay. The flats near Big Pass will be productive. Casting gold, olive, and rootbeer/gold jigs in front of a drifting boat will produce a lot of speckled trout. A live shrimp under a noisy cork is a deadly technique for catching trout. Pinfish, grunts, and pilchards will produce less fish, but generally larger ones. The shallow flats will be very active as they flood with bait. A low, incoming tide is the best time

to search for reds and snook in the skinny water. Fish will stage in holes and deeper water then move up onto the shallow flats as the tide floods. Scented soft plastics, weedless gold spoons, topwater plugs, and live bait are all effective. Lures work best when looking for fish, water can be covered quickly. Live bait is best once the fish are located. Some of the largest trout will also be found in shallow water. Snook will be moving out to the beaches and will be scattered out all over. Mangrove points and bars near the passes should hold snook, as will structure in both Big Pass and New Pass. Outgoing tides are preferred, but as long as the water is moving, fish can be caught. Rapala X-Raps and other plugs are great baits that cover a lot of water quickly and are great fun to fish. Jigs and other soft plastics work well, too. Anglers who are proficient with a cast net will load up the well with pilchards and catch

a lot of fish. Surf fishing should be excellent and by the end of May there will be decent numbers of snook in the surf line. Small white jigs and flies work well on snook, as does live bait fish. Silver spoons cast out and retrieved in quickly will fool mackerel and ladyfish. Live shrimp will fool a variety of species. By the middle of the month, many guides and recreational anglers will be focusing on one of the most exciting angling challenges found anywhere, light tackle casting to giant tarpon! This is truly world class big game fishing. Tarpon that migrate up our coasts are large fish that average 80 pounds, but reach over 200 pounds. 25-30 lb spinning tackle and 12 weight fly rods are used most often. A live crab is the preferred bait, but live pinfish and other bait fish work well, too. These baits are fairly light and spinning tackle works best to cast and present baits.

MAY 2014 TIDE CHART Florida, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Sarasota Bay

May 2014

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33' Date

Day

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

326am

High Tide 1.3

133pm

High Tide 2.3

756am

Low Tide 1.0

1001pm

Low Tide -0.2

651am

805pm

842am

1031pm

415am

1.2

206pm

2.3

823am

1.0

1044pm

-0.2

650am

805pm

932am

1121pm

511am

1.2

243pm

2.2

855am

1.1

1130pm

-0.1

649am

806pm

1022am

616am

1.2

326pm

2.0

940am

1.1

649am

806pm

1113am

1208am

724am

1.3

419pm

1.8

1221am

0.0

1052am

1.2

648am

807pm

1205pm

1251am

818am

1.4

530pm

1.6

116am

0.1

1239pm

1.2

647am

807pm

1256pm

131am

857am

1.5

704pm

1.6

212am

0.2

228pm

1.1

646am

808pm

147pm

208am

929am

1.6

841pm

1.5

305am

0.4

351pm

0.9

646am

809pm

239pm

244am

956am

1.6

1001pm

1.5

353am

0.5

451pm

0.7

645am

809pm

331pm

319am

1021am

1.8

1105pm

1.5

435am

0.6

539pm

0.5

644am

810pm

425pm

354am

1045am

1.9

510am

0.6

622pm

0.3

644am

810pm

520pm

430am

1201am

1.5

1109am

2.1

542am

0.7

703pm

0.0

643am

811pm

618pm

508am

1252am

1.5

1136am

2.2

610am

0.8

743pm

-0.2

642am

812pm

717pm

550am

141am

1.4

1206pm

2.4

637am

0.9

825pm

-0.3

642am

812pm

818pm

635am

232am

1.4

1241pm

2.5

705am

1.0

910pm

-0.4

641am

813pm

919pm

726am

325am

1.3

119pm

2.5

735am

1.1

957pm

-0.4

641am

813pm

1019pm

821am

424am

1.3

203pm

2.5

810am

1.1

1049pm

-0.4

640am

814pm

1116pm

528am

1.3

252pm

2.4

856am

1.2

1143pm

-0.3

640am

814pm

633am

1.3

350pm

2.2

1004am

1.2

639am

815pm

1208am

1127am

728am

1.4

503pm

1.9

1240am

-0.1

1144am

1.2

639am

816pm

1257am

1231pm

813am

1.5

637pm

1.7

138am

0.0

138pm

1.1

638am

816pm

141am

133pm

851am

1.6

823pm

1.6

233am

0.3

319pm

0.8

638am

817pm

223am

234pm

Phase

1st

Full

921am 1024am

927am

1.8

957pm

1.5

324am

0.5

436pm

0.6

637am

817pm

303am

334pm

1001am

1.9

1115pm

1.4

409am

0.6

537pm

0.3

637am

818pm

343am

434pm

1033am

2.1

449am

0.7

629pm

0.1

637am

818pm

423am

533pm

1221am

1.4

1104am

2.2

523am

0.9

714pm

-0.1

636am

819pm

505am

631pm

118am

1.4

1134am

2.3

553am

1.0

755pm

-0.2

636am

819pm

549am

727pm

208am

1.3

1204pm

2.4

621am

1.1

833pm

-0.3

636am

820pm

635am

822pm

253am

1.3

1235pm

2.4

649am

1.1

909pm

-0.3

636am

821pm

723am

914pm

333am

1.3

107pm

2.4

720am

1.1

945pm

-0.2

635am

821pm

813am

1002pm

410am

1.3

143pm

2.3

757am

1.1

1021pm

-0.2

635am

822pm

905am

1047pm

3rd

New

941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

Who’s Playing Tonight

By Mike Sales

|An interview with Tony Tyler About 5 years ago having just picked up the guitar myself I would go to the open blues jam at Ace’s Lounge in Bradenton, FL, to practice in front of friendly peers. Everyone there was cordial and supportive, but the talent pool was deep and every week the best players in attendance would invariably wind up in a blues guitar shootout, with each slinger, firing more mercilessly than the last, but the man who absolutely stole the show, in my

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opinion, with his effortless mastery of the guitar and polished stage presence was Tony Tyler. Its no wonder that his name comes up most often, in this article, each month when I ask the interviewee which local musician(s) they like to go see. I went to the “Come Back Alice” show to set an appointment for an interview, and caught an amazing set that featured Tony playing a lightening fast muted string guitar solo…first time I’d ever seen that done. As he stepped off stage on break, he responded to my request with a gracious, “I’ve got time right now.” WPT: Are you from around here? Tony: No, I was born in Macon Georgia; kind of the home of the Allman Brothers, James Brown, Otis Redding and that whole thing. WPT: When did you first start playing in a band? Tony: I put my first band together when I was 13, with my dad, who played drums and we stayed together for nearly 15 years, until I was ready to expand my world and leave town. WPT: Which instruments do you play? Tony: I play a few; drums, guitar, bass, organ, harmonica…I just, I like to play music. If I can scratch out a song on something, I’ll try to make it sound okay (laughs). WPT: When did you come down here? Tony: I came down here about 5 years ago, while touring with Greg Allman’s oldest kid; Michael Allman, and reestablished ties with Dangerous Dan Toler, who a lot of people around here remember and love. I played guitar and sang in his band before he passed away, which

is one of the honors of my career. That’s also when I met and fell in love with Dani J, and we started a band. WPT: Who do you go to see play when you get a chance? Tony: There’s a lot of great musicians around here, but when I get a chance, I definitely try to go catch “Ari and the Alibis”, you know they’re a good band and starting to do a lot of good stuff. I love “Kettle of Fish”, of course and “Ship of Fools” is just wonderful. Really, I love it all, there are so many great bands around here, so many great musicians, and it’s hard to just pick out a few favorites. We play a lot, but when we get out to see our friends play, we try to go see them all. WPT: How many nights a week do you play? Tony: We’re playing a good solid 5 nights per week. We play here (5 O’Clock Club) on Tuesday & Wednesday nights and I do the thing at SKOB on Mondays, on Siesta Key and we get out of town and travel to the festivals on the weekends. WPT: How far do you go? Tony: As far as our truck will take us. We’ve gone to New York City and as far out as California. We want to branch out. We like to get out and stay out. Of course we always want to come back here, because its home. WPT: How much of your show is comprised of originals? Tony: When we play a club show, its about half originals and half covers, but when we play a festival gig which is just one set, we play about 95% originals with just a few covers. WPT: How many CDs have you released? Tony: I’ve personally released 4 CDs on my own and “Come

Tony Tyler

Photo by Corena Dean Back Alice” released something out of Spirit Ranch last year and just recently came out with a full production album a few weeks ago. WPT: How did you come up with the name “Come Back Alice”? Tony: “Alice” is a classic, comfortable name, that harkens to a simpler idea of when things were more basic, and before we had all of these stresses of the world coming at us through the TV. “Come Back Alice” is an invitation to forget about these modern day worries and just enjoy a simple entertaining musical experience. WPT: What would you say, is your career highlight, so far? Tony: There have been so many things over the years, but I’d have to say that recording this last album with “Come Back Alice” was the best. The whole experience was complete, with the hard work and camaraderie. We went into the studio, everyday for a week from noon to midnight and gave everything we had. Except for our drummer, who’d never been in the studio, we’d all done our perspective projects before, but we all agreed that this was a home run. WPT: What are your career goals? Tony: We would like to continue doing what we’re doing and play more clubs and festivals around the country. We are working toward getting this album recognized on a

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE

SIESTA SAND May 2014 • www.siestasand.net

national level. We put a lot of hard work into it and are looking to get to the next level of the game. WPT: How much of the management are you doing yourselves? Tony: We know how to put a show together and play the songs and over the years we’ve acquired the ability to promote and book ourselves, because it’s a necessity nowadays, but we’re getting ready to hire music industry publicity and promotion professionals, because we’ve reached the point where it takes experts to reach the next levels. WPT: What’s your message to your audience. Tony: Support local live music. Regardless of who’s playing, local, live music is the heartbeat of the nation with a finger on the pulse of the youth and the next ideas. There seems to be a notion that we can’t express our ideas anymore, but we can. Whether you’re performing or listening to the music, we’re all in the same boat, on the same journey, seeking the same things. If we can provide a good experience at our shows where people can forget everything else and then take that happiness back into the world with them; we feel like we’ve done our job. You can connect to and keep up with Tony Tyler and “Come Back Alice on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/comebackalice SKOB is located at 5238 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key and features live music daily Mike Sales is a local singer/ songwriter. For more information visit mikesalessings.com

Island Humor [ In Louisiana, a bad vehicle accident was caused by a truck. In court, the trucking company’s fancy lawyer was questioning the driver of the other car. “Didn’t you say, at the time of the accident that you were fine,” the lawyer asked. “Let me told you what happened. Me, I had jus loaded my favorite mule, Bessie, into da…” “I didn’t ask for details,” the lawyer interrupted again and said, “Judge, I am trying to establish the fact that, at the scene that he was just fine. Now several weeks after the accident he is trying to sue my client. I believe he is a fraud. Please tell him to answer the question.” By this time the judge was fairly interested in what the other driver had to say about his mule so asked him to continue. The driver thanked the judge and proceeded, “I had just loaded Bessie, my favorite mule, into da trailer and was driving her down da highway when dis huge semi-truck and trailer ran da stop sign and smacked my truck right in da side. Me, I was thrown into one ditch and Bessie was thrown into da udder. I was hurting real bad and

didn’t want to move atall. But, I could herd ole Bessie moanin’ and groanin’. Me I knew she was in some kind o’ terrible shape just by her groans. Then, a highway patrolman came on da scene. He herd Bessie moanin’ and groanin’ so, him, he went over ta her. After he took hisself a look at her, he took out his gun and shot her between da eyes. Den da patrolman came cross da road, gun in hand, and looked at me, and asked, ‘How are you feeling?’ Now what the heck would you say?!” [ An Irish priest is driving down to New York and gets stopped for speeding in Connecticut. The state trooper smells alcohol on the priest’s breath and then sees an empty wine bottle on the floor of the car. The trooper asks the priest if he’s been drinking. The priest replies, “Just water”. The trooper raises his eyebrows and asks, “Then why do I smell wine?” The priest looks at the bottle and says, “Good Lord! He’s done it again!”

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Treat mom with a great drink this Mother’s Day, here is a cocktail that will pamper her exactly as she deserves.

Sanderson’s Divinitini

This amazing, and very popular, cocktail was created by the barman of the ultra-chic Sanderson Hotel, in the west-end of London. It’s normally only available in the Purple Bar to residents, where it’s served in chilled martini glasses garnished with a purple pansy!

Ingredients:

(For each cocktail) • 4 squares of Divine milk chocolate, melted • 1 oz orange vodka • 1 oz vodka • A dash of Grand Marnier • A dash of Crème de Cocoa •1 slice orange •To garnish – a purple pansy, if desired!

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Instructions:

MLB/College Packages FULL BAR

1. Put the melted chocolate, orange vodka, pure vodka, Grand Marnier, Crème de Cocoa into a cocktail shaker.

Name of Bartender: Jenn “Bubbles” O’Connell Hometown: Born in New Jersey but I have spent most of my life in Sarasota Q: How long have you been bartending? A: 12 years. Q: What was the strangest or funniest thing you experienced at work? A: While working at the deck in the Venice restaurant, a couple was sitting at the bar. An hour or so later 2 strange looking guys approach them and start hitting on the woman. After just a few minutes the 2 took off their wigs and glasses. The two boys were the couples’ sons. They had been serving overseas in the army and wanted to surprise them. Q: What do you do in your spare time? A: Run with my dog Stoli, spend time with friends and talk about organizing my closet.

2. Crush the orange slice and add. 3. Shake well and then pour into a chilled glass, decorated with a pansy on the side, and sip.

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Q: How would you describe yourself? A: Bubbly, funny, quick witted, sarcastic, honest and loyal.

- Recipe courtesy of Divine Chocolate Heavenly Recipes Book

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SIESTA SAND May 2014 • www.siestasand.net

|Discover Gulf Gate... With our map, located below, you’ll be able to navigate your way to our featured shops with ease. Oh Mamma Mia! (GG-4) Offers a truly unique dining experience with dinner shows by Chef Giuseppe Urbano. Enjoy the family ambiance as you watch him prepare an authentic Italian regional dish with fresh ingredients just for you. Fine dining, great atmosphere at casual dining prices. Reservations highly recommended. Gulf Gate Golf Course – Conveniently located just a stones throw from the Gulf Gate Shops, this 27 hole Executive Course offers men’s and women’s rental clubs. You can start your day with a round of golf, enjoy a bite to eat at the many wonderful restaurants or simply relax with a pint of ale at the pub before you head out to explore the many fine shops. Moments In Time Photography (G28) specializes in several different photography services including Siesta Key Beach portraits starting at just $49 and wedding beginning at $495. Check out their website: www.sarasotaphotos.com or visit their store to see why they have been

the photographer of choice for over a Scandinavian Gifts (GG-37) has an extensive selection of gifts and decade and a half. Scandinavian foods. The specialties Piccolos Italian Market & here include candles, Ekelund table Deli (G-20) carries a full line of linens, Flensted mobiles, imported Swedish Klippan imported cheeses, fresh baked bread glassware, daily, homemade sausages, fresh textiles and so much more. The mozzarella, and numerous hard to baked goods and groceries include get items. They now carry Khorasan imported candies, salty licorice, as Wheat which is an ancient and well as cheeses, breads, seafood and organic grain. Their Deli is complete vegetables from Sweden, Norway, with huge hot and cold sandwiches, Finland and Denmark. salads, fresh homemade lasagna and baked ziti. And, you cannot leave Sarasota Brewing Co. (G-4) without trying their cannoli filled Sarasota’s first micro brew pub with their own homemade cannoli always has something new to cream or the tiramisu or Sfogliatelle offer. From over 20 seasonal beers from Brooklyn. Here is where you that rotate throughout the year, will find great Italian specialty the Brewing Company always has gourmet items without the gourmet at least five unique brews online as well as several favorites from price. around the world. Established in Tony’s Chicago Beef Company 1989, Their menu has been a winner (S-16) is owned and operated by true in the Reader’s Choice Awards of the Chicagoans. Dedicated to deliver Sarasota Herald Tribune featuring Chicago’s best food - Chicago style their mouthwatering burgers, Hot Dogs wit’ the works...dragged Chicago style Pizzas, and Chicago through the garden on poppy seed beef sandwiches. With dozens of buns with fresh cut fries, Italian Beef televisions, it’s a great place to catch Sandwiches anyway you like, dipped a game with friends and family. or dry, sweet or hot. All served in true Authentic Chicago Style. West End Pub (G-49) Where else can you watch your favorite game

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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…

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Meet the Natives

Snapshots of Island Visitors

By Allan Worms, Ph.D., Wildlife Biologist (retired)

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

IT’S TIME! The Snowy Plover Nesting Season and Other Special Beach Life of Siesta Key

Nesting Snowy Plover. Photo by Claire Herzog

In the minds of many birders, regular beach walkers and a band of Siesta Key and Audubon volunteers the Snowy Plover nesting season is a special time of year. For anyone who has seen this very small bird running out from under the feet of beach walkers, who has seen their colorful mating antics and their most unique thumb sized, but long legged chicks, survival of the Snowy Plover species is a powerful concern. Yes, the breeding season of this beautiful little bird, now numbering only about 200 individuals in Florida, began with the first nest on Monday, April 14th. Most of us expect to see birds nest in trees or at least upright shrubbery. But actually many birds are ground nesters -- quail, killdeers, grouse, and so on. And the Snowy Plover is a beach nesting bird -- directly on the sand of Siesta Key and similar coastal beaches. Two or three eggs are laid in a shallow concave in the sand scratched out by the parental pair. The small Snowy Plover hen produces one egg at a time and begins incubation only when the last of two or three eggs is laid. And then she sits silently, camouflaged by her color and the vegetation of the dunes. Sometimes she is relieved by the male so she can feed. But still, it is a long vigil.

And if she is approached accidentally by a beach walker she may flush from the nest, but usually returns to her task. Upright twolegged animals are not natural predators. If, however, she is flushed by a four-legged predator such as a raccoon, fox, or a dog that’s almost always the end of the nest! Perhaps there will be time for the hen to mate and nest again. But there is a lesson here. Encourage people to obey the law and love their dog but walk it somewhere other than on the beach. So, if the hen successfully incubates the nest, the eggs hatch and from one to three very small precocial chicks HATCH! Precocial chicks have developed in the egg, are mobile almost immediately and feeding on their own in only a few hours. Altricial chicks such as many hawks and owls, hatch virtually naked and require feeding and attention while they develop further. And these little long-legged, thumb sized snowy plover chicks are up and about chasing insects on the sand, flies, sand hoppers and even small critters in the surf’s swash zone. Will they survive? We have seen chicks killed by gulls, snakes, and especially crows, the most successful predator on the beach. It’s a wild, sometimes cruel world for a chick.

Some Beach Birds with Unique Characteristics

Brown Pelican eating a fish. Photo by Claire Herzog

1: Lacey from SRQ - with Ariel the little mermaid (yes, Ariel is her real name). 2: Gina, Soi, Roxana, and Paula from Sarasota. 3: Chris, Ian age 4, Paula, and Cullen age 2 - from New Mexico. 4: Kirra, Chance age 8, and Autumn age 5 - from WI.

SIESTA SAND May 2014 • www.siestasand.net

“What a wondrous bird is the pelican . . . “ Perhaps you’ve heard this old rhyme. But do you know the rest of the story? Brown Pelicans are seen and recognized by almost everyone by their long bills, broad wing span and obvious “gular” pouches. This spectacular bird, glides above the surf and “plunge” dives into the water to catch fish. Then, rising to the surface, it allows the sea water to escape through slits in the gular pouch that now contains only the fish catch. But watch the dive! The pelican plunges into the sea, often turning at the last instant to shock its’ fish prey and more easily trap the fish in its pouch. It is limited, of course, to fish that will fit the pouch -- and then it must work the fish into position for swallowing. Interestingly, researchers of the Brown Pelican have theorized plunge diving and eye damage ultimately limit successful

feeding and the life of this otherwise long lived bird. The “dance” of the Reddish Egret . . . is another unique sight to see. Siesta Key beach walkers often see this tall, long legged bird with a sharp bill flailing its wings and jumping about in the shallow surf. And then it swoops and snags a small fish. But why does it dance? Reddish Egrets use their large spread wings to reduce glare as well as to frighten fish toward shallow shoreline waters where they can catch their prey more easily. Their vigorous jumping up and down and sometimes chasing after their prey have been likened to dancing by surf fishermen and beach walkers. One Siesta Key beach walker even nick-named a regular “dancing” reddish egret “Fred” after Mr. Astaire, one supposes.

Snapshots of Island Visitors

WAKE & SHAKE

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

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• Daily, Weekly, Monthly Top Left: Kate age 5, with their dad from Sarasota. Top Right: Natasha, Polina age 5 from Sarasota. Bottom Left: Jack, Jaden age 10 months, Brandy, Jake age 2 Bruce age 9 with Hector & Sofia from Guatemala. Bottom Right: Kevin, Luke age 3, and Beca - from OH.

Soulful Advice

922-3513

From Donnarose

Q: Dear Donnarose, even though I no longer believe in the Christian religion but did most of my life, while some may think this is hypocritical, I still feel like I have the Spirit of Jesus with me. Does this make sense to you? ~Marilyn A: ~“Religious or not…Jesus will never put you on the spot.”– Donnarose Melvin Absolutely, it makes total sense to me. The reason you still feel Jesus’ spirit, is because He doesn’t abandon us if we put the bible down to go in another direction to pray to Him, or anyone else for that matter. I know this firsthand because I quit the 1st day of catechism class at age five. Yet still, Jesus, (Mother Mary, and others) lovingly appear and assist me in my intuitive readings and healings from time to time. Jesus is about Love...period. Regarding your friends who are saying “Jesus is the only way”, you can say, the “Lo v e” of Jesus is the only way, which will cover everything, because the love of Jesus, is the same as the love of God, Buddha, etc. They’re all One, all Who hold no judgment, and love all people, animals, nature, etc. It’s wonderful that you’re still embracing and connecting to the L o v e of Jesus. It’s that loving connective force that leads us on the path of our souls, which consists of solely that which is for our Highest good. Enjoy your beautiful connection. ~♥ Q: Dear Donnarose, if the spirit world does not judge us, then what would prevent humans from harming or killing another human? If you’re not going to be judged, then there’s no punishment as a result when the person who did the killing dies, right? Regards, Emma A: ~ “Preventing one from harming others and doing things right, can be helped by shedding on them, some of your light.”

WORD LIST:

6720 S. TAMIAMI TRL SARASOTA

– Donnarose Melvin People that brutally harm or kill other people, are pretty much disconnected to their spiritual side, that being Love. They are basically disillusioned, dysfunctional, and/or imbalanced in more ways than one, where clarity is nonexistent. Even if the Universe, God, or whatever you call your Higher power, did judge and punish us after we died if we caused harm (They don’t), with the state of mind these folks are in, even that wouldn’t help stop them. Again, they’re too mentally incapacitated to some degree, and too disconnected to Spirit to even care. The more we connect to our Higher Self, God, etc., the more our awareness increases about our being One with everyone and everything, and that we’re all energy, One Love and One Collective Consciousness. It’s this soulful loving connection, along with increased self-love that helps to prevent one from desiring to harm or kill. There are so many thousands of enlightened beings currently working on raising the vibrational frequency/love energy on the planet. This will definitely help to bring many folks like the ones above, out of the darkness and into a more positive light. ~♥ Donnarose Melvin is a professional psychic, medium and energy healer, whose pleasure is to assist clients worldwide. She incorporates knowledge from her degree in psychology, along with her clairvoyant, clairaudient, clairsentient and empathic gifts to guide her clients towards peace and success. Please send your questions to SoulfullyYoursDonnarose@gmail. com or private message her via facebook: Go With Your Soul. Donnarose will select questions each month to share with you. She regrets that unpublished questions cannot be answered individually.

WORD SEARCH

Answers on page 30

941.349.0194 • www.islandvp.com ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC

Featured Artist

By Diana Colson

|Legacy Of Valor Films The Sarasota Film Festival provided audiences with amazing windows into the world. Especially remarkable were the LEGACY OF VALOR films presented in partnership with the Patterson Foundation. LEGACY OF VALOR proved to be an unforgettable program of films examining the combat and post-combat experiences of American soldiers from WWI through Iraq and Afghanistan. Over the 10-day festival, a wide array of rare and rarely screened fiction films and documentaries were shown—tales that showcased and honored our veterans. Movies such as WINGS had been made almost ninety ago, while others were more recently created. All brought to light the wartime experiences of the men and women who have served our country, giving audiences a greater understanding of the American experience The full power of cinematic storytelling carried viewers into the chaos of war, victory and retreat. Perhaps the most compelling was Rory Kennedy’s stunning new documentary, LAST DAYS IN VIETNAM. Presented as the festival’s Opening Night Film, it chronicled the desperate final days in Saigon from the point of view of Americans who were on the ground and overseeing the evacuation. On stage when the lights went up were a handful of men who were there when it happened: 4 Star Marine Corps General John F. Kelly and the Captain of the USS Kirk, Paul Jacobs—heroes whose decisive actions helped save thousands of lives. Joining them on stage were two local veterans, Randy C. Smith and Michael Sweeney, who had served as young marines at the time of the evacuation. Present too were filmmaker Rory Kennedy and her iconic mother, Ethyl Kennedy. Using archival news footage, never-before-

seen Super 8 film, and interviews with soldiers and embassy staff, LAST DAYS IN VIETNAM was a brilliant full-length documentary. As the North Vietnamese Army surged into Saigon, many South Vietnamese faced certain imprisonment or death. Desperate to escape, they sought refuge at the U.S. Embassy. With orders from the White House to evacuate only American citizens, our soldiers and diplomats faced a difficult dilemma: would they risk treason to save the lives of as many South Vietnamese citizens as possible? The USS Kirk was a destroyer escort deployed to the U.S. Navy. The Captain was Paul Jacobs, a man I had the honor to meet. The officers and crew of this modest ship were to save the lives of 30,000 stranded South Vietnamese, who were the real victims of the war. For two days the crew of the USS Kirk patrolled the mouth of the Saigon River, watching as American heavy Chinook helicopters ferried 7000 “official evacuees” out to sea. These fortunate few were headed for one of the waiting ships and aircraft carriers from the 7th fleet. Realizing they were about to be left behind, hundreds of South Vietnamese Air Force pilots took it upon themselves to fill their battered Huey’s with fleeing strangers, friends and family. They flew past the USS Kirk, piloting their small, overloaded, shot-up, fuel starved helicopters to carry terrified refugees out to sea. No one expected helicopters to land on the USS Kirk, but ultimately they did. Against White House policy, the USS Kirk landed 17 Huey’s on its decks, emptying each of its refugees, stripping it of useful equipment, and pushing it over the side of the ship so as to make room for another incoming helicopter. An overloaded

MOVIEVILLE, 2014 Based in Sarasota for the past two years, fledgling Movieville International Film Festival has been lured away by the Bradenton Area Film Commission. Rebranded as the Bradenton Arts Movieville Film Festival (BAMFF), it brings excitement to the month of May, presenting our Suncoast with an array of independent films and dazzling events. On May 16-18, twenty feature length films will be screened at the Manatee Performing Arts Center’s Stone Hall. A group of short films— including ones created by students of State College of

SFF 2014 Opening Night Film “LAST DAYS IN VIETNAM“

Chinook also attempted to land, but was much too large for the deck. A desperate mother hurled her children from the helicopter into the arms of crewmembers on the deck 30 feet below. In an extraordinary shot, the amazing catch of her 12-month old infant was recorded by a sailor’s Super-8 camera. Ultimately the crew of the USS Kirk saved almost 200 people, transferring them to larger ships. Their job, however, was just beginning. Now they were sent back to rescue what remained of the South Vietnamese Navy and their families. If those people were not rescued, they would probably all have been executed. Captain Jacobs found a ragged flotilla of 32 ships of all sizes jammed with 30,000 people, some carrying

four times their maximum capacity. USS Kirk led this crippled armada across 1000 miles of open-ocean to the Philippines where they ran into a brick wall. The Philippines had already recognized communist rulers as in control of a single Vietnam. Those communist leaders had reported that a US Navy ship had “stolen” their ships, and wanted them returned. President Marcos ordered Captain Jacobs to turn around and go back. The officers of USS Kirk came up with a plan: they located 32 U.S. flags, and officially took custody of all the ships. When the Vietnamese flags came down, it was emotional for the refugees on board for it marked the end of South Vietnam as a country. Now sailing under the Stars and

Stripes, the Philippines allowed the battered armada into their waters. Refugees were soon transferred to other American ships, journeyed to Guam, and later dispersed into several military bases in the United States, where they received sponsorships from families all over America. These South Vietnamese refugees were now able to go on and begin a new life. “This was the high point of my career and I’m very proud of what we did, what we accomplished, and how we did it,” says Captain Paul Jacobs. No wonder filmmaker Rory Kennedy had invited this fascinating hero over to West Palm Beach some months earlier to meet her mother. The occasion was Ethyl’s birthday, and he brought two-dozen roses.

Lifetime Achievement Award and will perform with other rock icons at the Bradenton Convention Center. Local singer/songwriter Sheri Nadelman will perform at the South Florida Museum. Additionally, stars from the featured films will be present to kick off the 10-day experience. Susan Short, Executive Director of BAMFF, has created a cornucopia of happenings. The festival opens May 8, with a sizzling cocktail reception at the historic Powel Crosley Estate, across from the Sarasota/ Bradenton airport. It closes May

18 with a Gala at the DaVinci Exhibition at the Bradenton Municipal Auditorium. In between comes an assortment of parties and events including a “diamonds & denim” concert, Legends of Country & Rock, a Sunset Tiki Party at Tarpon Pointe, a street party on Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton, and a Meet & Greet on the Riverfront Deck at Pier 22. For $200, a VIP ticket gets you in to all events. For more details visit www. Movievillefilmfestival.com

By Diana Colson

Florida—are screened at a smaller theater at the same complex.“What really attracted us was Movieville International’s mission to promote young talent and bring national and international films, and to work with a company that shares our same vision for economic impact here,” said Debbie Meihls, Bradenton Area Film Commissioner. Tickets are reasonable: $15 for an all-day pass, $10 for film students. Alan Bailey, Artistic Director of BAMFF, says: “This is truly not about money. It’s about getting these filmmakers

exposure.” A ShowBiz Expo at the Bradenton Convention Center is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, from 12 to 5 pm. Here, industries essential to local film or television production will display their wares—services such as hotels, wardrobe, make-up, editing, sound and music. This Expo is designed to encourage filmmakers to ply their trade on our beautiful Florida Suncoast, and it is free to the public. Grammy Award winning music producer and rock star, Rick Derringer, will receive a

The 84th Annual Sarasota Tarpon Tournament Saturday, May 10th thru Sunday, June 15th, 2014 The Sarasota Tarpon Tournament has been a part of Sarasota for more than 83 years. Not only is the Tournament an opportunity to participate in world class fishing, but also, to support the local community. To do that, the Tournament partners with a selected nonprofit organization annually and donates a portion of the proceeds to that charitable organization. We are pleased to announce that for the fourth year in a row, the Tournament will partner with Suncoast Charities for Children. To date, the Tournament has donated more than $24,000 to this deserving charity. For an entry fee of just $125, anglers not only compete for an overall winner category, but also, weekly, junior, ladies, ‘most DNA

samples collected’ and ‘his & her’ categories. In 2013, a new rule was added, the angler winning the fly division, as well as the angler with the most registered DNA samples, will be invited to participate in the Fish-Off! Weekly winners and winners of the two additional categories will all compete in a 2-day FishOff weekend to determine overall winner whose name is inscribed on the historic trophy. If you’re looking to make new friends, have some fun and test your angling skills, come fish with us and yours could be the next name on that trophy. Tarpon are world-class game fish and are easy to access directly off Sarasota’s beautiful beaches. Described as one of the most

SIESTA SAND May 2014 • www.siestasand.net

exciting fish to catch, tarpon are known for spectacular leaps and determined fights — as a matter of fact, more battles seem to be won by the tarpon rather than the angler, making the reward of catching one momentous! Entering the “World’s Oldest Tarpon Tournament” makes this ‘game’ even more exciting because anglers not only have the chance to compete against the Silver King, but also, their fellow anglers. For more information go to www.sarasotatarpontournament.net Important Date; Kick-Off Event: Wednesday, May 7th, 2014 @ Hyatt Regency-Sarasota Fishing Weeks: May 10th thru June 15th Fish-Off (primary): June 21st Fish-Off (alternate): June 28th

1946: The 16th consecutive, and first post World War II Tournament is held. Photot courtrsy of www.sarasotatarpontournament.net

Tournament Entry Fee Adults: $125 Junior Anglers $50 (15 and under) Fishing Boundaries Northern Tip of Anna Maria N 27° 32.351’ W 082° 44.644’ Southern Side of Stump Pass N 26° 53.668’ W 082° 20.484’

Coming Home After a Storm: Could Aging Water Treatment Plant Stand in the Way? By Robert Frederickson

Continued from cover story

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Pictured above, the Bee Ridge water reclamation facility east of I-75 just north of Rothenbach Park. When Siesta Key’s treatment plant is decommissioned – planned for the end of 2016 – the wastewater now treated on the Island will be pumped to this and other county facilities for treatment. Photo by R. Frederickson

The process is essentially the same on the back end after a storm passes. And for residents of Siesta, Lido and St. Armands Keys the decision as to when they can return is equally important, given the densities of the three barrier islands and their proportion of full time residents. Unlike other island communities along the U.S. coastline that predominantly feature second homes and vacation rentals, for a significant percentage of residents on the local keys, their home here is their only residence. They don’t have the luxury of another house waiting for them somewhere on the mainland. According to McCrane prior to giving the “all clear” for return, “the first thing we’d look at will be the bridges. Have they been damaged by the storm?” The state Department of Transportation (FDOT) will conduct the inspections. If they pass muster, roadways will be looked at next. “Is there standing water, sand or downed trees/utility lines blocking access and making roadways unsafe,” he continued. Once the roads are cleared, county crews would begin a survey of damage. “They’ll look at things like utility lines, electricity, water and other necessities,” he continued. That’s not to say homeowners wouldn’t be able to make short, temporary visits to inspect their properties even while the county’s inspection process is underway. “Even if the bridges were out, there are plans in place to allow residents to be ferried over to the key for brief visits to see their homes.” But as far as any permanent return goes, that decision would likely not come until all utilities were up and running properly, including the Siesta Key’s aging water treatment plant. But you might be thinking: couldn’t generators keep the plant running?

“The generators at the plant have enough capacity to keep the facility running,” according to Sarasota County Technical Design Manager Greg Rouse. But there are other factors to consider. “Will workers be able to get on the Key to get things up and running, will any possible flooding allow the generators to run? Will sand debris and saltwater have compromised any of the equipment?” All are potential drawbacks to the current location of the plant, Rouse points out. The majority of those drawbacks will be removed after 2016 when the current plant is scheduled to be decommissioned and replaced by the master pumping station that will move the key’s waste to one of the county’s other treatment facilities, likely the one at the end of Bee Ridge Road just north of the old landfill. As mentioned at the top of this piece, cost and environmental factors played the major role in the county’s decision to decommission the plant. “When that plant was built 30 or 40 years ago, treatment standards were much lower than they are today,” Rouse explained. “Every time they’re increased (with new state or federal standards) the county has to spend money bringing the facility up to the new levels; and they’re unlikely to ever go down,” he adds, which makes the plant an ongoing and increasing financial burden moving forward. The treatment standards Rouse mentions are necessarily higher for the Siesta Key plant because its treated effluent is released into “surface waters.” It is the only facility left in the county system that does so. The rest release their treated effluent back into the ground through irrigation or forced “injection”. And this is perhaps the most important environmental benefit of closing the plant on the island. Despite being treated to current standards the effluent that is released by it still

contains trace elements and metals that are potentially harmful to area waters and the fish and wildlife that depend on it. Other environmental benefits Rouse points to include a decrease in the unpleasant odor generated by the plant that some island residents have complained about over the years, a reduction in traffic on the key (reducing noise and air pollution in addition to traffic congestion) from a decrease in/elimination of deliveries of chemicals, fuel and supplies needed to keep the plant running, a reduction in trips to and from the island by the county crews that currently staff the plant and an elimination of trucks sometimes called in during heavy rain events (most recently during Tropical Storm Debby in June of 2012) to transfer waste off the key due to the plant’s capacity being overwhelmed. The ‘sludge” that remains after the treatment process also has to be trucked off the Key. A majority of the land where the plant is currently situated will also become available for other uses. Talk has touched on the portion that is freed up being used as an addition to Glebe Park or being sold to help offset the estimated $10-$13 million price tag of the new pump station/ pipeline portion of the County’s capital expense budget. But despite the importance of the cost savings from the consolidation of utility services and the improved environmental practices that should accrue from closing the plant, when it comes right down to it, perhaps the biggest plus for islanders can be found in the lesson Dorothy learned after her trip to Oz: “There’s no place like home...” And getting back there as quickly as possible after a major storm is...as that familiar credit card commercial would say... “Priceless.”

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What’s Happening …on the beach EACH WEEK: • BEACH HOOP DANCE CLASS – Thurs. 6:30 – 7:45pm. For more information or to register go to: www.outwardspiral.net • FREE YOGA Mon-Wed.Fri.-Sat. 8-9:30 am. Classes held between blue & green lifeguard station. Call 941-320-6693 to register or www.yogaonsiestabeach.com

healthy 5k walk, children’s activities, food, and festivities that participants look forward to year after year. Registration for the event is free. Fundraising is encouraged and each walker who raises $100 will get a T-shirt. For more info, call (813) 374-9041 or email: tampa-fl@cff.org

and wellness, plus competition. Get off the couch, get moving, and create exciting memories of fun and adventure. For more details or to register, go to their website: www.greatmothersdayrace.com • MAY 10 (SAT) 7-11 A.M.: RUN.RESCUE.RESTORE. 5K RACE - Run. Rescue. Restore is more than just a race. It is a way to answer a need by coming together as a community to support a great cause. This participant-friendly 5k and 1-mile event on Siesta Key Beach supports a program to rescue and restore child victims of the sex trafficking trade. The proceeds will go to provide a safe house for them. For more information, email runrescuerestore@gmail.com or call First Baptist Church at 941-365-2846.

• NIA Tues. & Thurs. 9a.m., Siesta Public Beach (yellow lifeguard chair) Joy Donation: $12.Contact Kathy Oravec at 941-724-9719 or Kathyoravec@gmail.com • PILATES ON SIESTA KEY BEACH – Every Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sun. 7pm. Cost: $10. (yellow lifeguard station). Register online: www.studiorubylake.com • SUNSET FUSION – every Wednesday at 7pm. For additional info and to register online go to: www.studiorubylake.com • DRUM CIRCLE – Every Sunday two hours before sunset and lasts until around 10pm. South of the main pavillion. EVENTS FOR MAY: • MAY 3 (SAT) 8-11AM:GREAT STRIDES WALK FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS – this walk is a fun, family-oriented event with a

• MAY 3 (SAT) 9A.M.-2 P.M: 42ND AMATEUR SAND SCULPTING CONTEST –(Rain date is May 4, 2014.) Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at Siesta Key Beach just south of the Pavilion. Sculptures are judged at about 1 p.m. and winners are announced around 2 p.m. There are three categories of competitors: Adult Humorous, Adult Miscellaneous, Children 10 and under and Youth 11-17. The contest is free and open to all.

in the Village. 5124 Ocean Blvd. Fresh fruits, vegetables, music, art. • MAY 1 – MAY 10 – ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK – is collecting unopened, nonperishable food items to help feed hungry kids this summer. Our Siesta Key Fire Station 13 is an office drop-off point for cans. …and beyond • PHILLIPPI FARMHOUSE MARKET - MAY 18 (SUN) the Bradenton-Sarasota Rose Society will have their monthly meeting which is open to the public. Meeting starts at 2:00 p.m. followed by refreshments and

social hour. For more information, please contact President Vincent Celeste at 941-358-6691 or at vincentcelete@verizon.net • MAY 26 (MON) - the Sarasota Concert Band will hold its annual MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT at the Gazebo in Phillippi Estate Park. Concert begins at 5 p.m. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy patriotic music in a beautiful park setting. Admission is $5.00/ adults, students and children under 12 admitted free. There will be food and beverage trucks at the park, so please do not bring coolers.

Answers to the WORD SEARCH from page 27

• MAY 17 - 18 (SAT– SUN) 8 A.M. – 6 P.M.: DIG THE BEACH VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT The Dig the Beach Volleyball Series is the most established and successful grassroots series of its kind. Go to website to register or find out more: www.digthebeach.com • MAY 31 (SAT) 5-7 P.M.: POINT OF PRAISE - Free concert on the beach, Just left of the volleyball nets. Public invited. Live praise and worship music. Please call 941-914-3433 to verify location.

•MAY 4 (SUN) 7-11 A.M.: GREAT MOTHERS 5K RACE –The Great Mother’s Day Race is a 5K run/walk that the whole family can do together to create a unique, and lasting, family memory. The event is familyfriendly and focuses on health

…around the island • SIESTA KEY FARMER’S MARKET – every Sunday from 8am – 2pm in Davidson’s Plaza

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ACCOMMODATIONS: • Jeanette Properties - long term vacation rentals. 941-927-7222

• Massage Heights -1-hour massage $49.99, custom facial $59.99 – intro offers, 4948 S. Tamiami Trl, 941-9271030 (See Display ad in this paper)

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

• Massage Experience Siesta Key Open 7-day a week. 5138A Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4833 HOME IMPROVEMENT: • Alan Blum, aka Dr. Grab Bar, has been installing Bathroom Safety Bars in Sarasota, Bradenton, and surrounding communities for more than 35 years. His goal has always been to get these top-quality, American-made products installed in your home for your safety at affordable prices. Be sure to take advantage of his special offer: Buy one grab bar and get one free. Also includes free installation. You can always reach him at 941-966-0333.

• Siesta 4 Rent - Vacation Rentals, from studios to 5 bedrooms. Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500 • Robasota Real Estate – Annual and Seasonal Rentals, 941-926-1800, ext. 102 HEALTH: • A Bridge for Independence provides in home companion services including companionship, transportation, light housekeeping, medication reminders and meal preparation and planning. Call us at 866-279-4390, FL License #230517

• Curtis Clark & Assoc. provides professional home improvement services. Serving Manatee and Sarasota counties for over 20 years, they strive to make your home remodeling project a pleasant

• Senior Home Companions – companionship and In-Home care. daily living needs, hourly, overnight, 24-hour care, 941-924-0494

Services

experience from start to finish. Their team will keep you informed of how the job is progressing and the company owner will be on the job daily to ensure that it is finished on time, on budget, and to specifications agreed upon. 941-713-7433.

10 AM – 2 AM. Driver tips only. Call 941-928-9200.

• Palmer Ranch Homewatchers® act as caretakers / property managers for your home in your absence. On each visit, complete exterior and interior checks are made, toilets/ drains are cleaned/flushed, mail/ papers are brought inside, A/C units/smoke alarms are checked and garage-stored autos are maintained. We ensure your vendors are doing their job and make your home look occupied while you are away, giving you the peace of mind that your home is being well cared for. Prices start at $20 per visit. Additional services are available upon request. 941-993-6613

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

TRANSPORTATION: • Jonny’s Original Free Ride – The Original Ride the Key Free service on Siesta to anywhere, everyday from

• Siesta Key Free Rides – Siesta Key Free island shuttle for beach, village, condo and tours – tips only. Electric vehicles. Call 941-952-8294

• Surfside Free Ride – Provides free Taxi service all over Siesta Key and short distances off the north & south bridge on the mainland from 10am to 2am 7 days a week, tips only, 941961-8238 • Unique Car Transportation – airport transportation to Sarasota or Tampa airports, 813-927-5045 SPORT RENTALS: • Robin Hood Rentals – for all your Siesta Key rental needs with a wide variety segways, bikes, kayaks, scooters and more, free pickup and delivery anywhere on the key. 5255 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key Village. 941554-4242

Services

• 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 BEACH & BABY EQUIPMENT RENTALS: • ABC Rentals – We are family owned and operated baby and equipment rental and retail store. We provide top quality baby equipment such as cribs, highchairs, strollers and car seats. Beach rental equipment includes umbrellas, beach hammocks, cabanas and beach chairs. View our complete inventory on line www.abcbabyrental.com 2300 Bee Ridge Rd Ste. 204 Sarasota 941-929-1850

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Snapshots of Island Visitors

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Above: Evan & Addie from New Port Richey. Their group named Promenade Action performed at the Sarasota Folk Festival at Oscar Scherer State Park. Left: Jay, Rebecca, and Noa age 14 months from Bradenton.

Places of Worship

Island Churches:

• Siesta Key Presbyterian Chapel 4615 Gleason Ave, Siesta Key, 941349-1166 www.siestakeychapel.org • St. Michael’s Catholic Church 5394 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4174 www.stmichaelssiesta.com • St. Boniface Episcopal Church 5615 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, 941-349-5616 www.bonifacechurch.org

Off- Island:

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

Off Key

• The Superior Word Rev. Charlie Garrett Service starts Sunday mornings at 10am. Bring a friend and share in God’s word. 6512 Superior Avenue Sarasota, Florida 34242 • First Christian Church 7601 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34241. 941-922-4434 www.fccsarasota.com

Church News:

SIESTA KEY CHAPEL Celebrating the Spirit- BodyMind: Exercise Program - Group exercise with certified personal trainer Ashleigh Willhite. Yoga classes are led by Helen Kesler. Cost: $5 - $10 per class. Exercise class - Mon- Wed- Fri 9:30- 10:30 am Yoga class - Monday 6:00 – 7:30 pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9:3011:00am, Friday 5:30-7:00 pm Chair yoga - Thur. 11:00- 12:00 noon

By Bob Frederickson

Continued from page 13

The sold out crowd at the Van Wezel gratefully offered up several

standing ovations for the Orchestra and the four rock musicians playing the parts of the fab four as they presented some of the Beatles greatest music in a way it was never heard while the group was still together: live with the band backed by a full orchestra. Next up for the Sarasota Orchestra? “Spirit of America: A concert at the Ballpark,” at Ed Smith Stadium on Saturday, May 10th at 7:00 PM. Violinist and multiple Grammy nominee Molly Cherryholmes will perform along with the local orchestra. The program will also feature a musical version of “Casey at the Bat,” “Roundball Rock,” “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas and John Williams’ Star Wars and Olympics themes. Concertgoers can bring the entire family and snack on hot dogs and crackerjacks while enjoying the show and also checking out the refurbished stadium their tax dollars helped finance a short while back. Tickets are available starting at $10 for adults and $5 for children. VIP tickets are available for $50 and are available by contacting the box office, 941-953-3434 or the day of the show at Ed Smith. For more information go to sarasotaorchestra.org/specialevents/outdoor-pops

SIESTA SAND May 2014 • www.siestasand.net

Questions have been flying around regarding the barge that was moored along Ocean Blvd. The Barge is for pile placement use near the end of the drainage pipe taking the UV treated runoff out to the Gulf from the new drainage pond from the Beach Project. The water pipe has a large and very unique diffuser which mixes the fresh and salt water as it flows out. The diffuser has to be placed and attached very carefully, with the piles at specific intervals. The divers spotted have been working on the equipment to be used from the Barge.

Island Chatter

By Diana Colson

SKA April Meeting Notes COUNTY NOISE ORDINANCE:

Shay reported that the change is minimal. The daytime noise used to go to 11, and now it goes to 10. The major part of this ordinance will help people around Bob’s Boathouse. For those of us on the Key, it is really not much of a change.

STICKNEY—NO RIGHT TURN ON RED:

Bob Stein reported that the new electronic sign was installed at the intersection of Stickney Point Road and Midnight Pass. Originally the new electronic sign was to be hung on the horizontal stop light but it was too heavy. So the sign is now on the vertical post.

Continued from page 2

NEW BUSINESS PURCHASING PAVERS FOR SK BEACH PAVILION:

Catherine Luckner said Parks and Recreation is inviting people to purchase papers for the Pavilion at Siesta Key Beach. Pavers are $200. They are tax deductible, and may have 3 lines of copy, with 20 characters per line, including spaces. Pavers will be installed after May first. For more information, go to www.foscp.org, and follow the link to SIESTA BEACH RECOGNITION PAVERS.

Blooming this month

Powderpuff

(Calliandra species)

Either large or dwarf shrub with evergreen leaves and red, pink or white stamens. The actual flower buds resemble raspberries and are very small, delicate crimson `puffs`, however the brightly colored stamen make them appear larger (long stamens and pistils shoot out from a tiny calyx). The length of the stamens varies from species to species. The Calliandras attract hummingbirds due to the bright pink or red puffy flowers. These plants flower all year round, but the best blooming is in spring and summer. They can be easily pruned.

South County Highlights

By Debbie Flessner

Continued from page 11

As a bonus, they will enjoy the unobstructed waterfront views the townhouses will afford them. Each of the homes in Tra Ponti Villaggio is designed around an outdoor courtyard that includes swimming pools, spas, outdoor kitchens, waterfalls, fountains and lushly landscaped areas for homeowners and their guests to enjoy. Homes will range from 2,000 to 3,500 square feet of living area and will sell from $490,000 to $1 million. Upon City Council approval, construction should begin in the fall, with model homes completed in the winter of 2015.

Sea Venice auction earns more than $150,000

At an early April auction, “Seamore,” a turtle, sold for $6,200 and “Diamond Jim,” a dolphin, sold for $10,400. The statues were two of a collection of forty pieces created during the Sea Venice public arts project three years ago. Local artists, in partnership with Sea Venice sponsors, created unique designs for 20 fiberglass dolphins and 20 fiberglass sea turtles. The statues were adorned with a variety of mediums and were prominently displayed throughout the Venice

area. During the auction, the dolphins and turtles sold for prices ranging from $1,200 to $10,400, and between the auction and dinner prior to the event, $170,000 was raised. All proceeds will be going to the Venice Art Center, to support their programs, and help them to promote the arts and tourism for the community of Venice.

he voted in favor of the rezone is because in the new plan, more than 50 percent of the parcel was to remain open space, due to the wetlands in the area. As a result, the intensity of use on the property will be drastically reduced. The Venice City Council still has final say over the rezone application, but it has not yet been placed on their agenda.

700-home residential home project gets initial rezone

Pharmacy tech arrested for theft of pills

A Neal Communities development of 350 acres, to include a residential community of 700 homes, received preliminary approval from the members of the city of Venice Planning Commission. Tentatively called the Villages of Milano, the new development is planned for the land on both sides of the new Jacaranda Extension, which lies between Laurel and Border Roads. The rezone petition that was unanimously approved by the council called for a switch from a multi-family housing designation to a planned unit one, that will include a series of gated communities. Commissioner Jerry Towery said that the primary reason that

A Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office report shows that Nancy Keane, 57, allegedly took hydrocodone and carisopool pills from the CVS in Nokomis, where she works as a Pharmacy Technician. The report states that Keane put the pills, amounting to about $267 of pharmaceuticals, into her smock as she was leaving work. She told a CVS loss prevention investigator that she had a valid prescription for the same medication, and then said that she had taken the pills to give to a family member. The officer with the Sheriff’s Office was not satisfied with that explantion, so Keane has been charged with grand theft. Bond was set at $1,500.

Arts on the Horizon May 1 to 31 - Hero the Musical at the Asolo – Playwright Aaron Thielen and songwriter Michael Mahler collaborate to produce a musical show consisting of real life issues partnered with the world of comics. If you are a comic book fan then this shows for you! It’s a different take on the “super powers” of most comics, instead it focuses on special gifts and skills. Meet each of the characters and relate to their special gifts/“powers”. Real life on a comic journey. Check for show time at: http://www.heromusical.com May 5 - 11am - The Ringling Ca’ d’Zan. Join in for some fun with a celebration of the legacy of the American circus featuring clowns, a ringmaster and the rare appearance of a bell wagon featured in Cecil B. DeMille’s 1952 motion picture “The Greatest Show on Earth.” The event will feature the unveiling of a new series of United States Postal Service stamps based on posters from the Howard Tibbals collection at The Ringling. May 8 – 6pm to 10pm – Men who Cook – Mattison’s Bayside at the Van Wezel – The 4th Annual Food extravaganza is back! Men from the Sarasota/Bradenton area show off their skills in the kitchen as they prepare some of their favorite dishes! Bankers, developers, CEO’s, executives, contractors, designers, directors, writers, chefs, physicians, business owners and even an assistant Principal will be on hand to wow everyone with their specialties! Highlights include a cake auction, hat auction, live music, a table décor competition and the Parade of Chefs… For tickets contact the Special Events department at SpecialEvents@asolo.org or 941.351.9010 ext. 4702 http://www. asolorep.org/menwhocook May 2 to 9 – Senior Thesis Exhibition – at the Ringling School of Art & Design – student works will be on display throughout the campus. http://www.ringling. edu/campus-student-life/campus/ galleries/selby-gallery/2013-2014exhibition-season/ May 9 – 5pm to 7pm at the Ringling School – is the opening reception of the Annual Community Exhibition: 60th Anniversary of the Petticoat Painters – the exhibition will run through May 30. This group was formed in 1953 to showcase the works of women. To learn more go to: http://petticoatpainters.com/

By Jaye Clements

May 10 – 7pm – Outdoor “POP” at Ed Smith Stadium. Join in on this family-friendly, outdoor event with Pops and fireworks at the ballpark. Relax and enjoy the Spirit of America. Guest artist, Molly Cherryholmes, exceptional violinist, vocalist and songwriter. She started her career touring with the bluegrass band Cherryholmes. The Orchestra performs a narrated, musical version of Casey at the Bat and Roundball Rock. Also included, Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas and John Williams works such as Star Wars and Bernstein’s West Side Story. The concert closes with fireworks! This is sure to be a great event for families… http://www.asolorep. org/menwhocook May 10 – The 2014 Young Playwrights Festival awards ceremony will be held at the Florida Studio Theatre. Write a Play Program was a success with plays from over 3,000 student playwrights, from all over Florida and across the globe. FST is proud to announce that the winning plays of the UNDER SIX and SEVEN UP programs have been selected. The winning playwrights will be honored. Call 941-366-9017 or go to: http://www. floridastudiotheatre.org/ May 10 & 11 - 7:30pm - The Merry Widow Operetta at the Asolo Highlights from Franz Lehar’s masterpiece operetta “The Merry Widow” The music of Franz Lehár’s classic comes to life on stage with the countrymen of a wealthy widow scheming to keep her money in the country by finding her “the right” husband. The operetta has enjoyed international success since its 1905 premiere in Vienna. Well known music from the score includes “Villia”, “You’ll Find Me at Maxim’s”, and the “Merry Widow Waltz.” http://www.ringling.org/ events/series/artist-series-concerts May 15 – 5pm to 8pm - Ringling by the Bay - Join in on the fun at Bolger Campiello at Ca’d’Zan for live music and dancing at Ringling by the Bay. This month music will be provided by Kettle of Fish. Food and beverage are available on the bayfront. Limited seating. Admission is included with Art After 5 - $10 per person. Children 6 to 17 $5. http://www.ringling.org/ events/ringling-bay-kettle-fish Also, an exhibition all month at the Ringling… In the Streets:

Photographing Urban Spaces explores the many ways in which 20th century photographers responded to the rise of the modern metropolis. Photographs by Bernice Abbott document the rapid changes in the built environment, and works by Andreas Feininger and Walter Rosenblum track the social conditions of urbanity. Other notable photographers, such as Gary Winogrand, Leon Levinstein, and Louis Stettner, capture the human drama of the streets. http://www.ringling.org/events/ streets-photographing-urban-spaces May 15 - 7pm to 9pm & May 16 - 7 to 10pm. The Perlman Music Program – at USF – Sarasota/ Manatee. The Ariel Quartet performs - The Beethoven Cycle: Complete String Quartets – The Beethoven Cycle. Tickets are $20. http://www. perlmanmusicprogramsuncoast. org/

runs through June 27 http:// artsarasota.org/about May 31 - 6pm to 20 pm - Marietta Museum of Art Whimsey – 4th annual closing for season party! Free admission, light provisions, free valet parking…. until then enjoy the last month of the season, with lighthearted and fun paintings, sculptures and mixed media of artistic and whimsical importance. Rest and relax under the enchanting old oak canopy gardens. Museum and Sculpture Garden open Thursday, Friday, Saturday 1-4p.m., until May 31st. www.whimsymuseum.org Admission is free!

May 31 - Jeffrey Hill and Richard Ollarsaba at the Asolo Theatre 941360-7399 “Opera and and More!” with Jeffrey Hill, tenor, Richard Ollarsaba, bass-baritone and Lee Dougherty Ross on piano. Solos and duets from operas including Carmen, Baby Doe, La Boheme, The Pearl Fishers – with popular songs from My Fair Lady, Man of La Mancha, Aspects of Love, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and more… http://www.ringling.org/ events/jeffrey-hill-and-richardollarsaba

May 15 – 7pm & May 18 at 1:30 - Opera in HD-Nabucco at the Sarasota Opera House. New this year… Now you can see opera performances from around the world on the big screen. http://www.sarasotaopera.org/ Opera_in_HD.aspx May 16 – 5pm to 10pm – Art Walk in Towles Court – the monthly Art Walk with music and refreshments is the third Friday of each month throughout the year! http://www. towlescourt.com/

Siesta Key Real Estate Report

May 17 – 7pm – Sarasota Opera House – Diane Partington School of Classical Ballet presents Sleeping Beauty. http://www.sarasotaopera.org/ May 18 – Museum Day Free Admission– at the Ringling Museum - In celebration of AAMD Art Museum Day, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art will offer free admission to the Art Museum. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage in conversations with guides stationed throughout the galleries. http://www.ringling.org/ May 22 - 7pm opening reception of Unconventional Inventions – a community project at the Art Center Sarasota – High School students from New Gate Montessori and 5th graders from Out of Door Academy collaborated to design kinetic artwork inspired by Rube Goldberg machines, the exhibition

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Beach Reads By Terri Schlichenmeyer “Frog Music” by Emma Donoghuey

Once, it was the most natural question in the world: why? With a child’s usual curiosity, you asked it incessantly. Why are dogs black? Why’s the sun hot? Why do birds fly away? Why? You drove your mother nuts. But as you aged, answers came easier and “Why?” grew faint. You didn’t need to ask “why” so much - except, as in the new novel “Frog Music” by Emma Donoghue, you needed the reason for a tragedy. Long after Jenny Bonnet was dead, Blanche Beunon wondered if it was truly an accident that Jenny ran her over with a penny farthing. Jenny said she hadn’t meant it, but she’d known fully well who Blanche was; Jenny had seen her dance at the House of Mirrors, which made Blanche oddly embarrassed. So was it really an accident that a wandering woman in men’s clothing became acquainted with a burlesque dancer? That was just one of the things Blanche pondered as she ran. Though she’d only known Jenny for a few

days, they’d become fast friends. Even Arthur, Blanche’s amour since she was just fifteen, seemed amused by Jenny’s devil-may-care attitude and by the gun she casually carried in the pocket of her trousers. Arthur’s friend, Ernest wasn’t quite as taken with Jenny – but Blanche wondered if that was because Jenny’s presence seemed to affect their ménage a trios. Then again, Ernest was an odd duck, ever since their circus days. He’d been Arthur’s protégé, his best friend. Once Blanche became part of the Le Cirque d’Hiver, it was just the three of them and Ernest never seemed to mind. Until P’tit was born. Until Jenny entered the picture. Those were the things Blanche considered as she wandered the streets of Chinatown, nearly melting from the heat, avoiding buildings quarantined for smallpox. Were things falling apart before she brought P’tit home? Or was it, as Ernest claimed, all because of Jenny and her strange life? How much did Blanche really know about Jenny Bonnet? Or Arthur, for

that matter? She wondered, as she tried to find ways to get money to live, and as she remembered the sight of Jenny’s bloody body lying on a bed… With its bounce-around, Pulp Fiction-like format, “Frog Music” is confusing at first. It begins with a spectacularly bloody murder and proceeds with our heroine looking for the man she’s sure killed her friend. But did he? Author Emma Donoghue keeps her readers guessing, but we’re not merely caught up in a murder mystery. No, Blanche herself is just as much an enigma as the crime she’s trying to solve. I briefly even wondered if the character was imagining her surroundings, so dreamsurreal is Donoghue’s writing, at times. And that brings me to the best part: it’s not entirely imagined. This tale is wound around the real unsolved murder of Jenny Bonnet, killed near San Francisco in 1876. That authenticity, a Donoghue signature, lends definite richness to “Frog Music,” making it a book I don’t think you should miss. Why would you?

Beach Reads Bio: The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and she never goes anywhere without a book. She lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 12,000 books.

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