IV Siesta Sand - May 2016 by Brion Palmer

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

CHANGES TO NORTH BEACH RD 360-foot section of North Beach Road on Siesta Key has been impassable page for years

HURRY UP & LIVE SK RESIDENT PROFILE

Meet Karen Dobbs the founder of Hurry Up and Live ™

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ELIMINATING THE ODOR County working on eliminating odor on the Key

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REAL ESTATE AGENT PROFILE

Meet Annmarie Tucker of Siesta Key Resort Rentals, LLC page

BEACH WEDDING

Palms May be Tops with Tourists, but not all Locals Agree

By Robert Frederickson

“I think that I shall never see... A poem as lovely as a tree...” - Joyce Kilmer With all due respect to Ms. Kilmer, some Siesta Key residents might add this caveat to that sentiment: It depends on the tree. Despite generally positive reviews from those attending opening ceremonies earlier this year for the recently completed Siesta Beach improvement project, at least some Key residents have questioned the county’s landscaping choices for the park’s makeover. Of the project’s $21 million budget, $850,000 was spent on trees, shrubs and other landscaping improvements, according to Brad Gaubatz, the county’s point man for the project. “There are 40 royal palms at the main entrance, 12 live oaks in phase one near the maintenance

building, 94 green buttonwoods near the playground for shade, 62 sea grapes and 1041 sabal palms in the parking lot,” Gaubatz explained in a phone interview recently. All told, more than 1600 native trees were included in the park’s landscaping plan, as designed by the consulting firm Kimley-Horn and Associates. But some residents have questioned why so many trees were planted in the parking lot and along the new esplanade, blocking views of the project’s focal point: the beach beyond. The issue was raised at a Siesta Key Association meeting in February. In a follow-up e-mail to the SKA after that meeting, later forwarded to the county, Jane McIntire, president of the

Palms in Boyd Park on Siesta Key are maintained by Sarasota County. Is this how the 1041 palms recently added to the newly renovated #1 beach will look like in time?

Beachway Condo Association board of directors, pointed out that prior to the renovation “the only place on Siesta Key where

Turtle Beach gets updates

A buffered shore and new sidewalks among county improvements By Roger Drouin With Siesta Public Beach’s major facelift now completed, it’s Turtle Beach’s turn to receive some upgrades. The improvements come in the form of two major county projects: a just wrapped-up beach renourishment; and a Turtle Beach Park capital project set to begin early this summer. By next tourist season, an eroded shore and sharp escapements will be replaced with a sandy beach, and Turtle Beach Park will have expanded parking, new sidewalks, and a rain garden,

among other park improvements. • The South Siesta Renourishment, as of press time, was expected to be completed by April 30. The $21.5 million renourishment project added nearly 750,000 cubic yards of sand along 2.1 miles of shore and 1.1 acres of dune vegetation. The project was designed to buffer stretches of beach that had been severely eroded since an initial renourishment in 2007. The timeline for construction was planned so the project could be completed outside of sea turtle nesting season.

• Meanwhile construction of the Capital Improvement Project at Turtle Beach Park could start by early summer. The project is slated to cost $601,000. The improvement project includes expanded parking, new sidewalks and crosswalks, a relocated and improved children’s playground, fresh landscaping, a kayak launch, and an expansive rain garden with native plants. Siesta Sand takes a look at both projects. Continued on page 18

Big Pass Dredging Update By Rachel Brown Hackney - SarasotaNewsLeader.com

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SAND CASTLES

On the Bayou at Somerset Cove

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The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has granted a six-month extension to the City of Sarasota

and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide a response to the agency’s second Request for Additional Information

Continued on page 32

Donate to Keep Fireworks on Siesta Key In 2015, we celebrated the 25th year of having fireworks on Siesta Key for the 4th of July. According to Mike Simmons, Project Manager at Zambelli Fireworks, this display was the largest private show in Sarasota County and one of the largest in the state of Florida. Because all funding for the annual fireworks comes completely from sponsorships/ donations, the group of volunteers that serve on the fireworks committee took on a challenge when we agreed to raise extra funds to beef-up the show from prior years. Continued on page 34

NOTICE:

Stickney Point Drawbridge Daytime Lane Closures

|State grants six-month extension to City of Sarasota and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for answers on Lido project

Halpern beach wedding, love across the pond

you could drive down the road and see the number one beach was at the main beach parking lot.

(RAI2) regarding the proposal to dredge Big Sarasota Pass to renourish Lido Key Beach. Continued on page 13

Daytime single lane closures began the week of April 24 while crews paint portions of the bridge and railing. Expect single lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the next few weeks in either the westbound or eastbound direction. Nighttime/overnight lane closures from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. should also be expected.

Passing the Baton In January, Abel’s Ice Cream store founders Bill and Norma Abel retired after nearly five years in business and passed the ownership baton to Jerry and Jill Williams to carry on the legacy of awardwinning tastes and superb customer service. Throughout the past months, the Williams have had multiple conversations with longtime customers about Bill and Norma, which prompted them to create a memory board (pictured), where a note of well wishes could be jotted for the Abels. When they were presented with the framed piece, both Norma and Bill were deeply moved. “Norma and I would like to express our sincere appreciation for the very touching gift from you and the customers,” Bill said. “It will be treasured for the balance of our lives.” Jerry and Jill hail from the Midwest, and are now permanent Sarasota residents. The couple have thoroughly enjoyed their welcome to the community and the wonderful legacy that Bill and Norma created.

“Bill and Norma are such wonderful people, and they really teed it up for us,” Jerry said. “From the ice cream, fine chocolates, and gourmet food, to the cleanliness and service, we couldn’t have created a better business model. We hope the only change the customers notice is a couple of faces. We feel blessed to have this opportunity.” Speaking of wonderful people, Mother’s Day is just around the corner! If you’re looking for a gift that will have Mom smiling from ear to ear, Abel’s Ice Cream has you covered. All-natural, handmade chocolates from Sweet Shop USA are ready to go, or can be customized if you prefer. Stonewall Kitchen’s famous jellies, jams and chutneys are also on hand. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with fantastic pints and quarts of mom’s favorite ice cream, or a gift card so she can treat herself. Featured flavors in May are a nod to Jerry and Jill’s own mothers, so make sure to enjoy Black Cherry (Deep black cherry ice cream exploding with

Abel’s Ice Cream new owners, Jerry and Jill Williams, presented the store’s founders, Bill and Norma Abel, with a framed photo surrounded by celebratory notes for the Abel’s retirement from customers and friends Bordeaux cherries), and Mint Chip (Mint flavored ice cream with large chocolate chips). Abel’s Ice Cream is located at 1886 Stickney Point Road, 921-5700. Learn more about Abel’s Ice Cream online at www.abelsicecream.com and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

LOCAL MAPS & INFORMATION

See Page 19

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North Beach Road |County abandonment of 360-foot segment of North Beach Road sought, along with a variance for new construction in the same area By Rachel Brown Hackney - SarasotaNewsLeader.com

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On the morning of May 11, two public hearings have been scheduled back-to-back for the Sarasota County Commission to consider matters pertaining to a 360-foot section of North Beach Road on Siesta Key that has been impassable to traffic for years. During the first hearing, the board will consider whether the county should abandon that portion of the road; the second hearing will involve a petition for a Coastal Setback Variance for new construction between that part of the road and Avenida Veneccia. North Beach Road has deteriorated significantly over the years as a result of persistent storm damage, including problems precipitated by the passage of “Superstorm Sandy” in 2012. A group of people who own property along the 360-foot segment at the heart of the May 11 hearing submitted an application last year, petitioning the county to give up all rights to that part of Beach Road, county documents show.

Additionally, one couple among the three sets of petitioners wants to tear down four structures with a total of 12 dwelling units along the same part of North Beach Road. Those structures were built in the 1930s and the 1940s, county property records show. The couple — Dennis and Wendy Madden — plans to replace them with a single new building that would be further landward, their road abandonment application says, noting that the “proposed vacation of the deteriorated segment of Beach Road is possible only if the … lots are redeveloped consistent with [the couple’s] Coastal Setback Variance Application, [because several of the units] are accessible only from Beach Road.” Matt Osterhoudt, senior manager in the county’s Planning and Development Services Department, told SNL on April 14 that the public hearing on the road abandonment is scheduled immediately ahead of the hearing on the Coastal Setback Variance

petition. However, he said, “Sometimes [the commissioners] will open both hearings at the same time because they’re interconnected.” That decision is up to the board chair, he added. The petitioners seeking the road abandonment also have offered to pursue the necessary legal means to ensure that unimproved lots they own west of Beach Road would be restricted from future development if the County Commission agrees to the abandonment. The commission voted unanimously on April 12 to proceed next month ( May ) with the public hearing on the road matter. Both public hearings will be held at the County Administration at 1660 Ringling Blvd. in downtown Sarasota.

The matter at hand

The petition for the “Vacation, Abandonment, Closure and Discontinuance of a Road or Portion Thereof” was filed with Continued on the next page

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Continued from the previous page

the county by attorney Charles D. Bailey III of the Williams Parker firm in Sarasota on behalf of three couples: J. Edward Ramsey and Christy S. Ramsey of Bristol, IN; Dennis W. Madden and Wendy W. Madden of Ada, MI; and William Caflisch and Sheila S. Caflisch of Sarasota. The application explains that the petitioners own contiguous lots abutting the east and west sides of Beach Road north of Columbus Boulevard that lie within the Mira Mar Beach Subdivision. The petitioners signed the application in April and May of 2015. They are asking the county to vacate and close the portion of the Beach Road right of way platted as Avenida Puesta del Sol, “which bisects their lots and extends from Beach Road’s intersection with Columbus Boulevard northward approximately 360 feet,” according to the application. The document’s narrative points out that that section is “impassable by vehicles due to the deterioration of the roadway conditions over the last several years and the lack of road maintenance and repair by the County.” It adds that the petitioners’ lots on the east side of Beach Road “front directly on and have driveway connections to Beach Road. However, there presently is no practical access to these parcels” because of the road’s “continued state of disrepair.” The narrative continues, “Fortunately, each of the Petitioners also own adjacent lots which abut either Avenida Veneccia or Columbus Boulevard, providing legal access to their respective Beach Road lots.” Additionally, the narrative says, they own unimproved platted lots west of Beach road, “which lie within the sandy beach and Gulf of Mexico.” That portion of Beach Road at the focus of the petition was washed out regularly during storm events over the past several decades, the

narrative explains. Among those were the 1982 “No Name Storm,” it points out. In June 2012, Tropical Storm Debby contributed to significant erosion of the road, county staff noted at the time. The narrative says the petitioners propose that the road vacation “be conditioned upon the creation of public easements” that would allow for pedestrian access, utilities and drainage, “and, significantly, to their extinguishing development rights on the lots waterward of Beach Road to ensure they remain undeveloped in perpetuity [the emphasis is in the document].” The narrative also points out that the “proposed vacation would not in any way impede the public’s pedestrian access to the beach or the Gulf of Mexico” and that county public beach accesses are located both north and south of that segment of Beach Road.

A plan for new development

The narrative further explains that the Maddens’ lots contain 12 dwelling units that are not in compliance with the current Florida Building Code or regulations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) or the county’s Zoning Code. The Maddens intend to redevelop those lots by building one structure with six fully conforming units, the document says. It would be located further landward than the concurrent structures and accessed exclusively from Avenida Veneccia. According to records of the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office, a 12,283-squarefoot parcel at 89 Beach Road has two buildings on it that have a total of seven units. Erected in 1935 and 1940, they were sold to Wendy Madden in August 2001 for $420,000, county property records say. The Maddens also own a 10,724-square-

foot parcel at 84 Avenida Veneccia, where structures containing five apartments stand. Those buildings date to 1941 and 1945, the records show. The Maddens purchased them in April 2003 for $545,000.

The 2012 storms

During the July 2012 Siesta Key Association meeting, Diane Erne — then a resident of a condominium complex on Avenida Messina — talked bout the “huge holes” that had opened up on North Beach Road near Access 3 as a result of Tropical Storm Debby’s lingering in the Gulf of Mexico for several days. Then-County Commissioner Nora Patterson told her she had asked staff to take a look at the situation, adding, “I got some frantic calls [about it].” After Hurricane Sandy swept by the coast in October 2012, the county’s then-chief engineer, James K. Harriott Jr., reported that it would take about four to six weeks before permanent repairs could be made to a 150-foot-long section of North Beach Road, at an estimated cost of about $200,000. The three couples’ application for the road abandonment says the county spent more than $230,000 “performing emergency repairs to the roadway segment immediately north of this portion of Beach Road” in November 2012, which were necessary “to provide access to the homes north of the Petitioners’ lots.” However, the segment of the road that is the focus of the petition “remains unusable by and unsafe for vehicular traffic,” the application points out. The petitioners’ application says that in 2013, the county obtained an independent coastal engineering study that evaluated various options for the potential repair of the road. “Ultimately,” the application adds, “the County opted to take no action, monitor the conditions for change, and maintain Beach Road ‘as is,’ in its current, unusable condition.”

Damage from Hurricane Sandy was evident on North Beach Road in late October 2012. Image courtesy Sarasota County

A graphic from the county Property Appraiser’s Office shows an aerial view of the Madden parcels with the buildings

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Benefits of Facials and Anti-aging Skin Treatments Facials specifically designed to combat aging are currently on the rise as the baby boomers continue to grow older. At Massage Experience, Siesta Key we make it easy and enjoyable to look younger with a variety of facials that not only pamper and feel good but provide immediate, lasting results and are essential in maintaining your skin’s health. Facials cleanse and exfoliate the skin by eliminating dirt, oils and any leftover makeup and dead skin cells that sit below the surface of the skin and cannot be easily cleaned with normal at-home facial washing. More importantly, the skin refreshes itself every 30 days, so it may be necessary for some to have a cleansing, professional facial on a monthly basis. Even for those who only have time for a facial once every few months, it is an important part of keeping the skin healthy by preventing a variety of different conditions and infections that can damage the skin as well as

combating the effects of aging. A professional consultation and product recommendations are a valuable source to avoid these unwanted and unpleasant situations. Aestheticians take advantage of a variety of different facial treatments that not only clean the skin but also stimulate collagen and moisturize the skin. Educating her clients is a top priority for Connie Lewis LMT/ Aesthetician, Spa Director. At Massage Experience Siesta Key, you will not only leave with a brighter, healthier complexion but with the knowledge, tools and products to maintain your glowing

appearance at home. What exactly is a facial? What happens during the treatment and what can I expect afterward? No matter what type of facial you choose, you can expect visible results after just one visit. Each facial begins with a very gentle enzyme fruit peel. The peel gently dissolves any oils, dirt, and dead skin cells, leftover makeup, and buffs away surface blackheads. Enzymo Spherides peeling cream uses the powerful ingredients found in nature and is organic as are all Pevonia products. Pineapple and Papaya enzymes combined with essential oils of lemon and arnica are powerful yet gentle, yielding stunning results each time. A brighter, cleaner complexion is revealed after just this first step. After a thorough cleansing and toning, the next step is a facial examination to identify any special areas of concern. A highly

concentrated serum chosen just for your skin type and concerns is then gently massaged into the skin just before the specialty mask is applied. Head, neck and shoulder massage is included with every facial. Some treatments (Connie’s Signature) include a full body massage during the time the mask is setting. Extractions are included if needed. The facials are therapeutic and blissfully relaxing. Detailed explanations of the products used and their benefits are discussed and offered if the client would like to continue the benefits of personally recommended products at home. Specialty facials include anti-aging, facial sculpting, Rosacea and calming facials, spa teen facials. Massage Experience, Siesta Key is the island’s original boutique day spa. The spa offers the area’s only micro-current, anti-aging facial treatment. This very luxurious, pampering, results-driven facial actually lifts, tones, and tightens the muscles of the face. The collagen is stimulated and the

results are immediately visible. If you have received facial injections, this treatment will help maintain your lift in-between. The machine uses a painless radio frequency wave that induces a deep state of relaxation making this a very relaxing experience. Results are seen after one treatment but the greatest results are seen after just one session. Massage Experience, Siesta Key offers a wide array of massage therapy services by the area’s most experienced therapists. Everyone on staff has a minimum of 10 years and specialties include pre-natal, neuro-muscular, hot stone and pampering Swedish massages. We are open six-days-a-week year round, and seven-days-a-week in season. Appointments may be made online at www. MassageExperienceSK.com or by calling 941-349-4833. Massage Experience, Siesta Key is located at 5138-A Ocean Blvd, Davidson’s Plaza in the Village. (MA00017596/ MM0006727). (Advertorial)

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Contractor to try to mitigate odors at Siesta Wastewater Treatment Plant By Rachel Brown Hackney - SarasotaNewsLeader.com The manager of Sarasota County’s Water / Wastewater Division has taken full responsibility for not making sure Siesta Key residents were aware that the closing of the island’s wastewater treatment plant had been postponed another year, and he has vowed that county staff will provide consistent communication going forward. David A. Cash faced about 60 people during the April meeting of the Siesta Key Association, many of them angry that they had learned only after the fact that the Sarasota County Commission and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) had signed a revised consent order that officially moves the shutdown of the facility to June 18, 2018. However, Gregory S. Rouse, the county’s engineering design manager overseeing the transformation of the plant to a master pump station, told SKA members gathered in the Parish Hall at St. Boniface Episcopal Church that the county plans to shut down the facility at the end of December 2017. That is a year later than the decommissioning previously had been scheduled. The FDEP permit for the plant’s operation will not end until June 2018, Rouse explained, calling

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

that situation “a six-month float,” just in case the decommissioning is not completed as planned. For example, Rouse noted, a hurricane strike could cause a delay. In the meantime, Cash told SNL in an April 11 telephone interview that representatives of a firm under contract with the county are going to make certain the Siesta plant’s odor controls are functioning correctly, and they are going to evaluate the possibility of using a neutralizing chemical at the “head works” — the area where raw sewage enters the facility — as a means of improving the conditions that drew numerous complaints during the SKA meeting. Cash said he would make it “a priority to get that timeline for the neighbors.” Nonetheless, two Siesta Isles residents — Lorie Tiernay and Joe Romano — have filed an appeal of FDEP’s issuance of the revised consent order with the county, asking that the department reverse its decision and enforce the previous closing date of December 2016. The couple’s letter says, “Our substantial interests will be affected by the smell and sounds that [have] existed and [continue] to exist daily.” The letter adds, “I feel that the community, particularly that which was directly affected by the decision regarding an extension was not informed of any plans for an amendment [to the consent order] or kept up to date on the progress of reaching the criteria of the [previous consent order] and that that lack of disclosure affected us materially by impeding us from making an informed decision when we purchased our home in October 2015.” Jess Boyd, a spokeswoman with the FDEP, told SNL that the

Google aerial photo of the Wastewater Treatment Plant located on Siesta Key

Rendering of the new Lift Station site

department’s Office of General Counsel received the Tiernay-

Romano petition on April 11 “and will review it for sufficiency.”

Continued on page 32

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|What Can Golf Teach You About Retirement Planning?

If you’re a golfer, you know the joys (and occasional frustrations) of the game. But you might not realize that some of the lessons you learn on the links can carry over to other areas of your life – such as retirement planning. So whether you’re already retired or are planning to retire in the next few years, consider the following suggestions: • Try to overcome the “yips.” When you miss those short puts – the ones you know you should be making – you might be in the grip of your old friend, the “yips.” As you know, it’s not always easy to shake this problem, but many golfers have benefited by working to improve their concentration, especially by adhering to a strict pre-shot and in-shot step-by-step routine. When investing for retirement, or managing their portfolios during retirement, many people can get the investment version of the yips – that is, they get nervous during market downturns, and then they make mistakes, such as selling quality investments when their price has dropped. (Remember the first rule of investing: Buy low and sell high.) To overcome this type of yips, the solution is the same as for golf: Maintain your focus and concentrate on making appropriate moves, such as building and maintaining a diversified portfolio that’s suitable for

your needs, goals and risk tolerance. • Forget about that hole-in-one. It’s every golfer’s dream: a hole-in-one. When you tee up on that tempting par 3, and you’re feeling good, you might just want to go for it – but when you do, you could end up overshooting the green or plunking into the water. Many investors also try for a “hole-in-one,” in the form of pursuing that one “hot” stock that’s going to make them rich. However, by the time they hear about such a stock (if it even exists), it may have already cooled off – and, in any case, it might not be right for their needs. Instead of looking for that ultimate, one-time winner, look for solid investments that you’d be comfortable holding for the long term. • Study the course. The more you know about a course you’re going to play, the better off you will be. You can plan the approaches you’ll take on various holes and think about how to avoid the sand, water and rough. When planning for your retirement, or even when you’re living it, you also need a strategy, one that addresses questions such as these: How can I

structure my investment mix to provide me with a long-term income stream? How much should I withdraw from my portfolio each year? When should I start taking Social Security? Am I doing all I can to control investment-related taxes? • Visualize. Consider these words from World Golf Hall of Famer Nick Faldo: “Visualization is the most powerful thing we have.” If you can visualize what you want to do on each hole you play, you are well on your way toward a successful round. The same idea holds true for retirement planning: If you can envision the type of retirement lifestyle you want, you’ll be more likely to achieve it by sticking with appropriate financial and investment strategies. So, there you have them – some ideas that play well on the golf course and in the retirement arena. Put them to work soon.

Joe St.Onge, ChFC® Financial Advisor Edward Jones Investments 5112 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key, FL 34242 (941)-346-0560 phone (941)-320-4030 mobile Joe.StOnge@edwardjones.com This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Help Feed Children This Summer Because the All Faith’s Food Bank’s work is far from complete, and because far too many children are still at risk of being hungry each day, the postal carriers are participating in the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive taking place the second Saturday in May. On May 14, your letter carriers will be collecting non-perishable food items. Simply set out your donations well before your letter carrier’s normal pick-up time. The top requested non-perishable food items are: cereal, pasta, pasta sauce or spaghetti sauce, rice, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meals such as soups, chili and pasta. 100% juice, peanut butter, beans, macaroni & cheese, canned protein such as tuna, chicken and turkey are also requested. If you don’t receive a “Food Drive” bag in the mail, you can use whatever type bag you have on hand. No special bags are needed. Please help make a huge difference and hand your letter carrier a bag to bring to the sites where there will be volunteers unloading their postal trucks. You can also drop off food donations at Davidson’s Plaza in the Village. Our Island psychic, Donnarose says to come bring her the goods at Davidson’s Plaza. She and other volunteers will be unloading the postal trucks from 12:30pm-3:00pm.

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Boulevard Buzz An Easter Egg Grinch causes problems for the children

Although the 15th Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Games sponsored by the Siesta Key Village Association (SKVA) on March 26 was “a great success,” Treasurer Roz Hyman reported to members during their monthly meeting in April, an upcoming discussion with Sarasota County staff will determine the future of the event at Beach Access 5. “Everybody was happy,” Hyman said of the latest Easter celebration hosted by SKVA members at Access 5. About 175 children participated, she added, noting, “Actually, I didn’t even get my one complaint this year.” Hyman was referencing the fact that, in spite of overwhelming satisfaction exhibited by the majority of participants each year, she generally fields one negative comment. Unfortunately one complaint did come in, but not to Hyman. Right after the March 26 event ended, Hyman explained to the 16 people at the April 5 SKVA meeting, she received a call from a member of the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources staff, telling her no more Easter egg hunts would be allowed at Access 5. That employee pointed out of the access, “‘It belongs to all the people in the county,’” she continued, “and we theoretically are blocking it off from people using it that morning.” It ended up taking only one more day to resolve concerns over whether SKVA could continue to use Beach Access 5 for its annual Easter Egg Hunt and Games. SKVA Treasurer Roz Hyman told SNL she met with George Tatge, manager of beaches and

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By Rachel Brown Hackney - SarasotaNewsLeader.com

water access in the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, on Wednesday, April 6. Hyman added that she was pleased to see such a fast resolution to the issue. Questions had been raised about SKVA members blocking off parking at Access 5 to allow room for families and children to see Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol members, for example, and, this year, learn about beach-nesting birds from Sarasota Audubon representatives. As for her discussion with Tatge, Hyman declined to offer details, but said, “We’re OK” in terms of using Beach Access 5 in the future. In fact, she added, “We’ve already started work on next [year’s event].”

Food Truck Ordinance

Siesta Key Village Association (SKVA) Vice President Mark Smith — who also serves as chair of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce — has voiced concerns about the new food truck ordinance on which county staff has been working on for years, even though any petitions regarding such an operation on Siesta Key would still have to be reviewed by the County Commission during a public hearing. The latest version of the new regulations is scheduled to be considered by the Sarasota Planning Commission during a May 5 public hearing, county Zoning Administrator Donna Thompson told SNL on April 15. Although the document was pulled from that advisory board’s Feb. 18 agenda for potential revisions, Thompson said no changes ended up being made. During the April 5 SKVA meeting, Smith said he would send

copies of the ordinance to SKVA board member Russell Matthes — co-owner of the Daiquiri Deck restaurants — and Brad Stewart — co-owner of Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar — and other restaurateurs who are members of the Siesta Chamber. He added that it appeared to him that the drafting of the new ordinance had been “heavily influenced” by the SRQ Food Truck Alliance. That organization first requested revisions to the county’s laws in 2011 to give its members more flexibility in regard to where and how they can operate, Thompson pointed out in a Feb. 18 memo to the Planning Commission. Among his concerns, Smith continued, are the facts that the proposed ordinance eliminates the requirement that a food truck cannot operate within 800 feet of a restaurant, and it would allow a pushcart or vehicle to be as close as 50 feet to a residential district. The latter measurement, he pointed out, “is about as wide as this lot here,” referring to the site of the Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar, where the SKVA holds its monthly meetings. Smith added that he knows Chamber members who own restaurants “will not be thrilled about food trucks parked right across the street.” In response to a question from Matthes, Smith said the county has “nothing on the books” that would prevent a food truck from operating on the Key. Matthes recalled appearing before the County Commission in October 2012 to oppose the petition of a couple who wanted to operate a food truck business on public right of way next to Canal Road, he added. Smith said he plans to let the Planning Commission and the

County Commission know about the SKVA and Chamber concerns.

A new proposal could ease Village parking problems

Another solution to the perpetual parking problem in Siesta Village is percolating, Siesta Key Village Association (SKVA) Vice President Mark Smith told members of the merchants’ organization during their monthly session on April 5. He is trying to schedule a meeting with a representative of a valet service, he explained, “to see about how they operate.” If a valet service charged people to park cars on private property in the Village, a certain percentage of the revenue would be turned over to the landowners, Smith explained. He has asked the representative of the valet service to draw up a proposal regarding some of those private properties, Smith added, so Smith can use it in approaching the owners about opening up their lots after business hours. “It’s not going to be a lot of money, but [the valet service does] have insurance; they cover everything,” he pointed out. “I think that would be a real positive step in the right direction,” Smith added. For well more than a year, Smith — who has his own Village business, Smith Architects — has been working on a plan to create supplemental Village parking. During the February SKVA meeting, he explained that, in meetings with county staff, it appeared the cost of creating about 90 new parking spaces out of rights of way around Siesta Village would cost $100,000. However, Smith reported later, county staff had

told him no county money would be offered for such a project, and a number of the property owners in the Public Improvement District balked at the county suggestion that they cover the expense. A county study in 2008, which included all the spots in the Municipal Lot, found 999 available spaces in Siesta Village. Smith’s research indicated that close to 200 more spots for vehicles could be created through the use of private property, including the shellcovered lot next to The UPS Store on Beach Road — though a special exception from the county would be necessary for use of that area. After Smith offered his remarks on April 5, Siesta Key Association President Michael Shay noted that during past discussions about creating new public parking areas — such as the private lots at the Michael Saunders & Co. real estate office and Siesta Center, both on Ocean Boulevard — “the biggest roadblock was always the insurance.” Yet, valet services “carry the insurance, so that those private lots are not liable,” Shay added. “This adds a whole different dimension to that [parking] discussion.” Now it becomes a matter of whether private property owners want to assist with solving the Village parking problem, Shay summed up the situation. “Pretty much,” Smith replied. When Shay asked what valet parking would cost to make Smith’s proposal work, Smith said the service would charge about $10 per vehicle. “The question is, Will that fly?” Shay replied, adding that he believes the valet services already operating in the Village work on tips only. Continued on page 21

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Hurry Up And Live! Karen Dobbs is the founder of Hurry Up and Live ™, a lifestyle LLC, which offers beautiful shirts in delicious colors emblazoned with the logo, Hurry Up and Live! The phrase is a mantra— an enthusiastic, positive upbeat statement that encourages wearers to smile, laugh, and create lasting memories. Born out of the tragedy of terminal cancer, the philosophy is universal. It is a lifestyle decision that serves each and every one of us, for no one can be certain how long their stay will last on this extraordinary planet. Hurry up and live every moment Feels pretty good, yeah don’t it Tomorrow is today, don’t let it get away, Life’s a gift, Hurry up and Live! Those lyrics were written by J.West, W.Robinson, and Karen Dobbs. The song can be heard on the Hurry Up and Live web site. It’s a great song inspiring listeners to seize the day, live to the max, and treasure their lives. Hurry up and live… like a rock star Go on and give… give it all you got That moment you’ve been waitin’ for Just walked through the door This is it, so hurry up and live! In the April edition of the Siesta Sand, we wrote of Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation, a remarkable organization which treats both parents and children as they deal with the impending loss of a Mom or Dad to cancer. Founded by Jon Albert, the foundation provides opportunities for families to slow down and create lasting memories as they spend their last treasured moments together. These are designed to be happy, joyous experiences, a timeout from the crazy ride of dealing of terminal cancer. Why does it feel like everything’s a rush? Somebody’s always saying hurry up It’s a rat race, and i can’t keep pace What do you say maybe you and i jump off of this crazy ride goin’ round and round and round yeah, let’s slow it down… Far too prematurely, Karen Dobbs and Jon Albert each lost beloved spouses to cancer. By

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the time they met, both were living as single parents and raising teenage children. Realizing the importance of creating positive, cherished, lasting memories as a family, Jon had founded Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation in 2006 after his wife had passed away. In 2008 he was introduced to Karen Dobbs, a Nashville realtor and Delta Flight Attendant. The introduction was made by a mutual friend who thought Karen might help Jon network his fledgling foundation. It was intended to be simply a business dinner in Nashville. Karen and Jon met at the restaurant at 6 pm. Of this meeting, Karen says: “When I walked in, his eyes were bright. I could tell he was full of life.” They were to talk for the next nine hours, sharing similar life experiences. A romance was definitely being born. Jon says: “I don’t have any spiritual answers. I just know that life is short. If you’re not careful, life can just pass you by.” In their first conversation, Karen declared: “I can’t wait for my Golden Years. I’ve just got to hurry up and live!” Jon immediately realized the power of that statement. He loved the mantra so

has sent at least one family a year on an unforgettable trip where families may gather irreplaceable memories. Karen envisions her line of clothing being carried by local stores, and broadening it to

much that he had her girlfriend make about a dozen shirts with that logo imprinted on them. He also insisted that she trademark the phrase. In 2011, Karen and Jon bought a house in Sanderling on Siesta Key. Relying on photos and videos, they made the bid sight unseen before flying down to close the deal. (She was, after all, a successful realtor in Nashville, and knew how to play the game.) Today, they love their Sanderling ranch house, and especially their beachfront Cabana. They go there almost every evening to meet friends, and toast the sun as it sinks slowly into the Gulf. ”We bought our Primary Home, our Secondary Home, and our Retirement Home all in one package,” grins Jon. Not gonna wait for my golden years Gonna light the fuse right now, right here, And enjoy the show from the front row The couple was married at the Sanderling Club House on January 2, 2012, blending their two families. Instead of a “Honeymoon”, the Dobbs-Albert unit embarked on a “Family Moon”, taking all four offspring to South Africa on a real Hurry Up and Live trip, where they hiked, went on Safari, and saw penguins. Since Karen is still a flight attendant with DELTA, and travel is part of their life. When i hear that alarm go off Can’t wait to jump up and turn it off No, i can’t be late Gonna seize the day Karen and Jon are a wonderful couple with a marvelous philosophy of life. Today, beautiful t-shirts in luscious colors may be purchased from www.Hurry Up and Live.com, with part of the proceeds going to Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation. As one of JAJF’s sponsors, Hurry Up and Live

include yoga and other athletic wear. In Karen’s own words: “Every day is a blessing! Love, laugh, travel, dream and pursue. Hurry Up and Live!”

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Snapshots of Island Visitors

By Trebor Britt

Above: Joe, Izabella 14, and Tereza of Ohio, surrounding Alec after sculpting him into a unique live sand egg on beautiful Siesta Beach. Guess the yokes on Alec... I mean, the yoke IS Alec Left: These three spring breakers from Centerville, OH have been soaking up the sun and light Gulf breeze on Siesta Beach for a combined six consecutive years. Kay Tompkins 17, Kristina Orlando 17, and Rachel Mount 18, were extremely happy to get away and take a break from their studies Below: Victoria Hifko 13, Jenarose Hodge 13, and Lexy Pollock 14, all of Brandon, FL, demonstrating how they feel about being on Siesta Beach for spring break. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve already visited Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No. 1 beach nearly a dozen times. Photo by Trebor Britt

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Sheriff’s Report

There were a total of 47 crimes reported on the Key from 3/23-4/19/16

3/27/16 Burglary Residence 100 Block Columbus Blvd Officers responded to a report of a residential burglary. When they arrived on the scene, multiple juveniles were fleeing the home, stating that a particular juvenile had invited them to the party. The complainant, whose father owns the house, stated that this is a recurring issue and that his nephew, the juvenile throwing the party, did not have permission to be in the home. A second juvenile, the cousin of the first, had also fled the scene. When the grandfather arrived at the home, he indicated he would like to press charges against his two grandsons in the hopes that it would finally change their behavior. Another man, listed as the father of the party thrower, arrived; he agreed that charges should be pressed against the two juveniles. There was no sign of forced entry, but entry could have been made through the door that had been broken from previous parties.

4/6/16 Strong Arm Robbery 6500 Block Midnight Pass Rd A 15-year-old young man was out late with friends prior to being separated from them. As he walked back to his hotel, he approached a group of subjects. He initiated a conversation with the group when the defendant, an 18 year old male, requested that he use his flashlight to help him locate a lost cigarette lighter on the beach. The 15 year old agreed to help with the search. As he

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incident. He explained that AT&T advised the iPhone 6 was used after the incident, which indicates that the subjects potentially took the victim’s phone. The subjects were described as seven white males approximately 16-18 years old. EMS examined him and advised he may have a concussion, but it was not confirmed.

3/24/16 Theft Public Beach A man had his backpack stolen when he left it near the green lifeguard stand. The bag contained 2 cell phones, $80 cash, 2 credit cards and his driver’s license. It was unattended for about 45 minutes. There were no witnesses.

3/27/16 Battery Public Beach While monitoring a large spring break party on the beach, Deputies were approached by two young men. The men claimed they were struck in the head during a disturbance. They said they were not involved and that the strikes were unprovoked. The men were seen by EMS and refused treatment. One man was struck in the back of the head. The other was struck above the eye and sustained a laceration. The suspect was described as a white male. No witnesses to the crime were located.

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bent over the sand to look, he was “sucker punched” in the side of the face by the defendant, who then took his backpack and left with the group of subjects. Two females observed the victim in distress and ran to obtain the stolen backpack but were unsuccessful. Video footage obtained during the investigation showed the defendant going through the stolen backpack. As the victim was a minor and vacationing on the island, he was under the care and custody of his godfather. The godfather, after viewing the video footage, was able to track down the suspect on the beach and confront him. The suspect’s friend’s father learned of the incident and advised that the suspect wished to apologize for the incident. He came to the victim’s hotel room and confessed to taking the backpack and striking him. He was detained and arrested. 4/2/16 Grand Theft 1200 Block N. Portofino Dr. A man reported his Specialized Red Hopper Mountain Bike was stolen sometime between 9 a.m. on 4/2/16 and 11a.m. on 4/3/16. The man stated his bike, valued at $1000, was locked to a bike rack during the timeframe. It is unknown how the suspects were able to unlock the bicycle. 4/7/16 Robbery 5900 Block Midnight Pass Rd A 15-year-old vacationer was robbed and battered outside of 5900 Midnight Pass Rd. The boy went to Siesta to meet up with some friends. At around 2:30 in the morning, while he was on the phone, 5-7 subjects approached him and one asked where he was from. According to the victim, at that time one subject punched him in the face causing him to fall down. While he was on the ground, the other subjects began to kick and punch him. At some point, he was able to get up and run away. The victim left his phone at the scene of the

4/8/16 Robbery 700 Block Beach Rd An employee of Sunride Pedi Cab was transporting two female clients southbound on Beach Rd. when he observed an unknown black 4-door vehicle. Two black males from the backseat area rolled down their windows and began to yell obscenities at his female passengers. The driver told the men to stop harassing his clients. The black car then stopped as soon as they pulled into the public lot and the two suspects jumped out of the car and continued to harass the passengers and the driver. The females then took off running and were not able to be located later. The driver stated that one of the suspects then pulled out a knife and demanded cash from the victim. The second suspect stood about 20 feet away while the victim took out his cell phone and threatened to call the cops. The suspects then took off running while the black car also fled in the same direction. The victim got on his bike and pedaled away as fast as he could. He stated he could positively identify the suspects and would press charges if they could be located. A canvas of the area yielded negative results. 4/10/16 Disorderly Conduct 5100 Block Ocean Blvd A Lakeland man was arrested in a Village bar after he punched a bouncer in the face and hit a second bouncer in the head with a beer bottle, causing a laceration. The bouncers were attempting to escort the man out of the bar after he was seen attempting to grope a group of females that were inside the bar. Security footage showed the man repeatedly attempting to touch the girls without their permission. The bouncers fought with the defendant all the way to the exit of the bar. Once outside the defendant continued to fight with the bouncers, who held the suspect to the ground until Deputies arrived. The females seen in the video were gone upon their arrival.

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News Up & Down the Trail First roundabout sculpture installed

On April 17, a new public art piece was installed at the roundabout at Orange Avenue and Main Street in downtown Sarasota. The 20-foot tall sculpture is the first public roundabout sculpture in the city. The sculpture, entitled “Embracing Our Differences,” fulfills a public art requirement for the recently completed Aloft hotel and One Palm condominium developments. The developer, One Palm LLC, partnered with Embracing Our Differences, a Sarasota-based nonprofit organization, to select an art design and artist. Accepted by the City Commission as a donation, the sculpture will be on public display 24/7 in the center of the roundabout, according to a press release from the city of Sarasota. The city has already approved a second sculpture for the planned roundabout at U.S. 41 and Gulfstream. “Embracing Our Differences” was created by artist S. Blessing Hancock. It is a colorful abstraction of an infinity loop intended to emphasize unity in the community while celebrating differences, diversity and inclusion.

Sarasota area 11th fastest growing in U.S

A lot of folks are moving here. A U.S. Census Bureau study released at the end of March revealed the Sarasota metropolitan area is the 11th-fastest growing metro area in the country, with Sarasota and Manatee counties adding more than 20,000 people between mid2014 and 2015. From mid-2014 to mid-2015, the population in the two-county metropolitan area increased by 20,123, to an estimated 768,831. The percentage rate of growth — 2.7 percent — was the fourth-fastest in the state, and the 11th-fastest in the country, according to the data released. Statewide, the estimated population between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015, increased by 365,703, or by more than 1.8 percent, to 20,271,272. Since July 1, 2011, the population in what the Census Bureau labels the “North PortSarasota-Bradenton metropolitan area” increased by an estimated 59,476, or 8.4 percent. During the same time, the state population

increased almost 6.4 percent. The other five Florida metro areas on the list of 20-fastest growing in the United States between 2014, and 2015, were: No. 1, The Villages, 4.3 percent; No. 3, Cape CoralFort Myers, 3.3 percent; No. 9, Punta Gorda, 2.8 percent; No. 13, Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, 2.6 percent; and No. 14, NaplesImmokalee-Marco Island, 2.6 percent.

Foodie heaven

The Sarasota area also earned a new distinction: travel magazine, Conde Nast Traveler has ranked Sarasota as number 14 on its list of “Best Food Cities” in the nation. SRQ is one of only two cities that made the list in Florida. The second was Palm Beach, ranked number 15. The ranking is based on an annual survey from Traveler readers.

$500,000 grant to help restore Municipal Auditorium

The city of Sarasota earned a $500,000 historic preservation state grant for planned improvements to the Municipal Auditorium, which was built in 1938 and is considered by many to be a community treasure. The $500,000 grant was awarded by the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources for a Special Category Historical Preservation Grant, according to a city press release. The grant requires a $279,000 match by the city, so the total project cost will be $779,000. The grant will cover the following costs: restoration of 18 windows, new exterior metal doors, rehabilitation of the existing restrooms, reconstructing four flat roofs, repairing existing water damage and waterproofing the glass block. “With over 1,720 Historic Places listed in the Florida National Register and 50 applications being submitted for this cycle of funding alone, this award is significant in that the Municipal Auditorium award represents the top one percent in Florida as a building of historical significance,” said Laura Wittenbauer, City of Sarasota Grants Coordinator. “The funding will rehabilitate and restore this unique and celebrated gem of Sarasota.” The required grant application

MAY 2016

By Roger Drouin was lengthy — at 21 pages. An additional 100 pages of supporting documents were compiled and submitted. “Applying for a grant of this magnitude is a major undertaking,” said City Manager Tom Barwin. “The City Commission supported the creation of a grants coordinator staff position just over a year ago, so the City could be competitive with these kinds of grant applications. That foresight is paying off. Securing a $500,000 grant is significant and we’re very pleased with this successful grant writing effort.” Renovation to the Municipal Auditorium is expected to begin as soon as July 2016. Built in 1938 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Work Progress Administration, the Municipal Auditorium is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

City staff works on tree ordinance

City of Sarasota staff continue to draft new regulations concerning tree protection. The effort is expected to culminate in the creation of new code provisions pertaining to tree protection. Some city residents say there has been a rash of trees removed without a permit and proper protections were not in place before demolition or construction. On Feb. 18, city staff met with residents to discuss these issues and assured residents their concerns were being taken into consideration.

Film fest wraps up

The 19th annual Sarasota Film Festival screened more than 180 films, including features, documentaries, shorts, and child friendly picks. The festival was held April 1 to 10 in the heart of downtown Sarasota. In addition, a major focus of the festival this year was mental health issues, a follow-up to last year’s emphasis on homelessness.

Home prices rise

Home prices in Southwest Florida continue to increase. Single-family homes prices increased 10.2 percent in February over the year in the SarasotaManatee region, data provider CoreLogic reported last month. Continued on page 15

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Off Key

By Robert Frederickson

From Relaxing By the Shower to Dissing Mississippi...

You May Have a Problem if...

...your high school wrestling coach parks his Barcalounger outside the showers in your locker room... That’s the creepy account offered in recent court filings surrounding former House speaker Denny Hastert’s hush money case. The explanation? ‘Why, to keep the boys from fighting, of course!’ What a guy!

SRQ Evacuated

An unidentified item in a piece of luggage caused a temporary evacuation of Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport recently. But given the facility’s typically less-than-robust swirl of activity, one has to wonder: did anyone notice?

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Feeling a bit cramped in the backyard pool? Try this one on for size: The Crystal Lagoon being built as part of a new housing project in Wesley Chapel north of Tampa will be five football fields in length and hold 16 million gallons of water. Part of the planned ‘Epperson’ development east of I-75 in Pasco County, the project promises to bring the Gulf of Mexico inland. Forget about traffic and finding a parking space. According to the Tampa Bay Times the Lagoon will feature white sand beaches, a dock for launching kayaks, paddleboards and small sailboats, a water slide and other land-based amenities such as ultra-fast Internet.

Run Inky, Run! (Or should we Say Squirm?)

Inky the Octopus slipped out of his tank at New Zealand’s National Aquarium one recent night, slithered across the floor to a six inch drain, squeezed in and made his great escape through the pipe to freedom in the deep blue waters of the Pacific. “They’re always exploring and are great escape artists,” said Aquarium manager Rob Yarall. The story makes us wonder if our own resident captive sea creature, Snooty the manatee, ever thinks about making a similar jail break, though tipping the scale at over 1000 pounds Inky’s “Shawshank Redemption” like escape would be out of the question. Besides, with caretakers throwing romaine lettuce, fruits and vegetables at him all day, where’s the upside? Sigh...Another victim of the welfare state. Makes you proud of Inky though!

Choosing Egypt over Mississippi

1980’s rocker Bryan Adams canceled a scheduled gig in Mississippi a few weeks back because of the state’s recent adoption of laws the singer deems unfair to the lesbian, gay, bisexual community. Getting a pass however, is Egypt, where the singer performed earlier this year despite the inconvenient fact that being gay there is a crime. “I find it incomprehensible that LGBT citizens are being discriminated against in the state of Mississippi. I cannot in good conscience perform in a state

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where certain people are being denied their civil rights due to their sexual orientation. Therefore, I am canceling my April 14 show at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum....” the singer announced on instagram. Despite what Adams would have his fans believe, same sex sexual activity is not a crime in Mississippi, nor is gay marriage. But in Egypt, the cradle of civilization, where eight men were sentenced to three years in prison in November 2014 for charges of spreading indecent images following the circulation of a video of a gay marriage ceremony? Well, the show must go on.

Dolphin Towers Repairs Near Completion

Almost six years after structural defects led the City of Sarasota to order the evacuation of Dolphin Towers in downtown Sarasota, repairs are for the most part complete and most residents should be able to move back into the bay front condominium by this summer. Initial forecasts were for repairs to be made within a year, then 18 months, then two years, three... Until some former residents finally threw in the towel and sold their units for a fraction of what they had paid. Residents of Siesta Key’s Excelsior Building Five, faced a similar forced relocation earlier this year after the January Tornado ripped the roof off their building. Here’s hoping the pattern of overly optimistic expectations doesn’t apply there as well.

Boaty McBoatface?

When the British Ministry of Research asked the public for help naming their newest high-tech polar research vessel, they were probably hoping for something dignified like, “Her Majesty’s Most Magnificent and Wondrous Siren of the Arctic Seas.” Instead, the overwhelming favorite of contest participants was “Boaty McBoatface.” But now, faced with that result, the ministry has called the whole thing off, claiming such a name would not be in keeping with the seriousness of their mission. We can kind of see their point, but then again, it would have been memorable (in a Monty Python Ministry-of-Silly-Names kind of way).

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Big Pass Dredging Update

MAY 2016 Continued from cover story

That extension will end on Sept. 16. On March 16, Michelle R. Pfeiffer, senior project manager with CB&I Coastal Planning & Engineering Inc. in Boca Raton, the USACE’s consultant on the project, wrote Greg Garis, the FDEP environmental specialist overseeing the permit application for the city and the USACE, requesting the six-month extension. Garis replaced Chiu Cheng, who had handled the City of Sarasota/ USACE permit application since it was filed in March 2015. Cheng left FDEP at the end of February. USACE Lido Renourishment seagrass plan graphic: A graphic the USACE submitted to FDEP last year shows documentation of seagrasses in the area “We have been actively working of the renourishment project to develop a suitable seagrass mitigation plan, and coordination with FDEP and FWC [Florida Fish and Wildlife CB&I] documented at least 1.7 acres of seagrass Conservation Commission] is ongoing,” Pfeiffer habitat within the proposed borrow areas.” While most of those resources are in Borrow Area wrote in the email. On Oct. 7, 2015, she noted, FDEP issued its D, the RAI2 says, some also are in Borrow Areas B RAI2, including the requirement for the seagrass and C. “All resources located within borrow areas mitigation plan. On Dec. 23, 2015, she continued, are expected to be lost (directly impacted) due to CB&I submitted a seagrass mitigation and dredging activities,” the RAI2 adds. “Because the distribution of seagrasses is not monitoring plan for FDEP staff to review. Then, on Feb. 1, Pfeiffer added, “FDEP led a conference call static,” the document says, the establishment of with the City [of Sarasota, the USACE], FDEP and 100-foot buffers based on the 2014 data “does FWC staff to provide their comments” on that plan. not provide reasonable assurance that impacts to On Feb. 4, she continued, “We received an email seagrasses will be avoided.” Among other documentation FDEP sought in the from FDEP stating that FWC will not approve our proposed mitigation site in Pansy Bayou and asking RAI2 was information about the volume of material to be removed from each borrow area during the us to develop an alternate plan.” From that point through March, she indicated, first and subsequent renourishments of Lido Key. CB&I staff had been “researching alternative sites/ (The city and the USACE have proposed a 50-year project. During a March 23 County Commission options for seagrass mitigation.” On March 16, Garis responded to Pfeiffer in an discussion of a county-funded peer review of the proposal, City Engineer Alexandrea DavisShaw email: “The extension will be granted.” Siesta Key Association (SKA) Vice President said she estimated the second renourishment would Catherine Luckner, and her husband, Bob — who take place seven to 10 years after the first one.) Yet another key missing piece required of the has expertise in engineering and permitting matters — have been acting as the organization’s point USACE response, Luckner pointed out to SNL, is persons on the Lido Renourishment Plan. She told the “biological opinion.” Luckner explained to SKA members during the SNL that she spoke with Garis on April 7, during which time he also reported that the USACE has their December 2015 meeting that the USACE and not filed any answers to the other questions FDEP the city would have to provide FDEP a document from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and/or posed with RAI2. If the FDEP has not received all the requested the National Marine Fisheries Service regarding documentation by Sept. 16, no further extension potential impacts on wildlife in the area targeted for will be provided, Luckner explained, referencing the beach renourishment, including the amount of time between projects it is estimated for the beach’s her conversation with Garis. Garis also apologized to her, she said, for not natural food supply for wildlife to return to the prehaving posted the Pfeiffer email exchange on the construction level. In FDEP’s first Request for Additional FDEP website as part of the project materials. When FDEP issued the RAI2 in October 2015, its Information (RAI1) regarding the City of Sarasota/ staff pointed out that the USACE had proposed a USACE Lido project — dated April 15, 2015 — FDEP 100-foot buffer around seagrasses located within staff wrote, “Please provide an updated Incidental the sand borrow areas of Big Pass. The USACE also Take and Biological Opinions from both the U.S. had stated its plan to “exclude seagrass from the Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. The incidental take authorization mixing zone.” However, FDEP staff wrote in the RAI2 that it should assess take due to construction of the “has determined that these measures will not be [proposed groins] as well as potential impacts to sufficient to protect seagrass resources within the nesting and nearshore foraging sea turtles. This Opinion should include potential impacts to project area.” FDEP staff further noted, “Seagrass surveys nearshore hard bottom habitats as well as impacts conducted in 2014 by [the USACE’s consultant, due to fill placement.”

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Siesta Key Meeting Highlights |Spring Break has not ended for some students; bicycle safety a new initiative for SKA; and more By Rachel Brown Hackney - SarasotaNewsLeader.com During the April 7 Siesta Key Association meeting, Sgt. Jason Mruczek of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office fielded a complaint about what a Siesta Isles resident described as “a pretty boisterous” group of people on the public beach about 10 p.m. the previous day. When Mruczek asked if she could provide him any more details, she added that the noise indicated “a lot of horsing around,” especially for that hour. SKA President Michael Shay elicited laughter when he asked if she was referring, perhaps, to the Sheriff’s Office’s Mounted Patrol. No, it was not that type of horsing around, she responded. Mruczek explained that a number of high schools and colleges were on spring break that week, but did not recall having received any information about noise complaints related to beach activities late on April 6 or early on April 7. Then Lt. Debra Kaspar told the SKA members what she mentioned during the Siesta Key Village Association meeting earlier in the week: Hundreds of young people had been gathering on the beach until 2 a.m. some days, but Mounted Patrol officers and deputies on ATVS had been working to disperse them. “We try to get in there and keep it all under control,” she added. On a related note: Mruczek said deputies wrote 476 parking tickets on the Key during the month of March. The offending vehicles were parked up and down the island, from Turtle Beach north, he noted. Finally, Mruczek reported that the parking spaces at Siesta Public Beach have been filling up fast, which made him all the happier that Sarasota County increased the number of slots as part of the improvements at the park. The total number of spaces is 980.

Bicycle safety

In January — before he joined the SKA board in February — Harold Ashby told members of the organization that bicycle safety is his passion. During the April 7 SKA meeting, Ashby encouraged members to pick up copies of a flyer he had placed on a table at the rear of the St. Boniface Episcopal Church Parish Hall. The

flyer features a number of facts about laws pertaining to cyclists, and it urges those who use bicycles to “Be Alert and Safe.” The flyer represents the message the SKA has developed as part of its Bicycle Safety Awareness Initiative, Ashby added. Copies have been distributed to the condominium complexes on the key, he continued, with the hope that managers and other employees will post them on bulletin boards and distribute them to residents and guests. The SKA also is working to get them handed out to Key merchants, he told the audience. Additionally, Ashby said, the SKA is putting together a report about bicycle safety that it hopes to “get in front of” representatives of the Florida Department of Transportation and Sarasota County, regarding the “dangerous situations on the Key.” He added, “You’ll be hearing more about that.”

Two new people for Siesta groups to get to know

After the SNL published an article about Sarasota County hiring Nicole Rissler as the new deputy director of operations for the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, an SKA member asked whether Rissler essentially would be taking George Tatge’s place. Tatge will be retiring on May 31 after more than 35 years as a county employee. In turn, SNL posed the question to Jason Bartolone, a county spokesman. Bartolone replied in an email that Rissler’s position is a new one “with various responsibilities across the parks department.” He added, “George’s position is Beaches Manager, and that position will be filled following his retirement.” Rissler is expected to start in early May, according to a county news release. In July 2015, she left her position as director of sports with the county’s tourism agency, Visit Sarasota County, to become chief operating officer of the Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center (SANCA). SANCA manages events at the county’s Nathan Benderson Park, where the World Rowing Championships will be held in 2017.

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Sophia & SRQ Shorts Featured At SFF April’s 2016 Sarasota Film Festival (SFF) featured a wide range of films and personalities ranging from the iconic to home grown. It was kicked off in a blaze of glory as celebrated film star, Sophia Loren, was presented with the SFF Legend Award during her appearance at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. From the stage, Mark Famiglio, President of SFF, praised the beautiful Sophia as the Ultimate Renaissance Woman. The auditorium was crowded with fans thrilled to be in the presence of this cinematic

luminary. The set was simple: two chairs, one table, and one bouquet of flowers. Sophia Loren entered the stage on the arm of the host, Bill Harris, hobbling a bit from a twisted ankle suffered at the Sarasota airport. Might that possibly have been caused by the 4” spike heels she was wearing? No matter: she refused to yield to this fashionista war wound. Wow— did that lady look glam! She was attired in bright red silk pajamas topped by a matching tunic that sent out flashes of glitter. Her gorgeous hair was lush and long, and no way did she look 82! The audience rose to its feet and cheered! “We love you!” cried a

voice. Once seated, Sophia proceeded to have a conversation with the host, giving audience members the feeling they were sitting across from her at a dinner party. She told tales of her wartime childhood, her marriage, and career. She didn’t sing, she didn’t dance, but her radiance filled the room. Occasionally, short clips of her most famous films appeared on a giant screen above her head. In Sophia’s own words: “When I was 16, and Carlo (Ponti) was 38, he sent me a note. We were here in a garden. It was summer. They

were doing a beauty contest. He sent me a card. ‘Would you like to participate in the contest? I think you have a good chance to win.’ Even though I was so young, I was ready to work, so I found the courage. I went, I did not win, but it was a chance, a chance…. “He had launched many actresses. ‘Could you come to the office?’ he asked. Carlo made the screen test, but he did not like my face. ‘Let’s try another test,’ he said. I did the best I could, and it was so beautiful. He saw in me something even I did not know.” The birth of a star! What a perfect opening for the Sarasota Film Festival!

This 10-day Festival was rich with cinematic experiences. Of local interest was a series of 8 short films shot in and around the Sarasota area. Varying in length from 1 to 24 minutes, five

were narrative, two documentary, and one animated–the latter a powerful short dealing with child abuse, and produced by students from Ringling College of Art and Design. (The Invisible Truth, directed by Adrian Pumarejo & Jacob Ferguson.) The longest documentary dealt with artist Jack Dowd, himself a Sarasota icon. In 2014, six pianos were designated to be decorated by six different artists, then placed on Sarasota streets, the idea being that bystanders were welcome to sit down and play. Sarasota Keys Featuring Jack Dowd was shot over a 10-day period. Edward Fagan and Shaun Greenspan of TRIFORCE PICTURES did a highly professional film capturing the process of Jack artistically ornamenting his unique piano. Now, Jack Dowd is a poised and entertaining guy, relaxed in front of camera. He sings, plays guitar, and clearly articulates what he is doing. The filmmakers chronicled

By Diana Colson the arrival at Jack’s studio of a plain wooden upright as well as its initial dismantling. Then—piece by piece—the piano was painted in lush colors and covered with decoupage of Dowd art work.

Prominent are faces from The 27 Club, Jack’s paintings of pop musicians who had died at the age of 27—Jim Morrison, Janice Joplin and the like. The piece de resistance came when a real guitar was painted, embellished and glued to the knee panel of the piano. For the grand finale of the film, all six of the decorated pianos are seen clustered in a circle near Mattison’s on Main. A group of Sarasota’s finest sat down to play a six-piano concert, much to the delight of an assembled crowd, including Jack. After capturing the footage in 2014, Edward Fagan and Shaun

Greenspan turned their attention to other more pressing Tri-Force projects. As the 2016 Sarasota Film Festival approached, they raced ahead to finish Sarasota Keys Featuring Jack Dowd in time to enter. The result is a great little 24-minute film! Elegantly filmed and polished, Wild Sarasota was directed by Darryl Saffer. It is filled with stunning footage of landscapes and animals shot in the picturesque habitats and ecosystems that surround Sarasota. Not one human being is seen: only gators, hawks, spiders, wading cranes, crows, flowers, Spanish moss, deer, tiny birds of every color, wild orchids, roseate spoonbills, caterpillars, insects, butterflies, and the like. Wild Sarasota can be found on Youtube, and is well worth the 9 minute viewing. Darryl Saffer also has a web site: www. TheFieldJournal.net. Here his double award-winning “Florida Field Journal” films can be found. Darryl’s work is focused on nature and natural history. His programs engage and educate the viewing public to care about the environment. Locally, the programs have been aired on Educational Channel 20, a facility located on the Suncoast Technical College campus in Sarasota, Florida. In a talk-back after the

screening, Darryl said: “As a wildlife filmmaker, it takes forever! You’re constantly shooting and waiting for that special shot. The waiting…the patience…” “…The mosquitoes!” chimed in another filmmaker. The audience laughed.

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Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Ally & Cooper from Sarasota

News Up & Down the Trail From January to February, prices rose 1.2 percent in SarasotaManatee and 4.6 percent in Charlotte. The Florida Realtors trade group previously reported that existing single-family home prices in February climbed 13.3 percent to a median $255,000 in SarasotaManatee, and 19.0 percent to a median $175,000 in Charlotte.

Single-family rentals increase

Rental rates for single-family homes have risen, as well. Singlefamily rental rates have outpaced wage growth in Sarasota County so far this year, according to a new study by real estate research firm RealtyTrac. In Sarasota, renters paid an average $1,418 a month for a threebedroom, single-family home during the first quarter of 2016. That was up by $50, or 3.7 percent, over the year.

New parks deputy director named

The chief operating officer of the nonprofit that runs Nathan Benderson Park has taken a job with Sarasota County. Nicole Rissler, the chief operating officer for the Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates and a former director of sports for Visit Sarasota County, has been hired by Sarasota County as deputy director of operations for Parks, Recreation

and Natural Resources. In her new role at the county, Rissler will overseeing several departments, including sports development and athletics; recreation and special events; natural area parks, preserves and trails; beaches and water access; and neighborhood parks and maintenance services. Rissler will report to Parks and Recreation and Natural Resources Director Carolyn Brown and is expected to start May 2. “Nicole already has a great working relationship with the county and is very knowledgeable about how we operate from her experience with SANCA and Visit Sarasota County,” Sarasota County Administrator Tom Harmer said in a statement. “We look forward to her joining the county’s team and serving the community in this role.” Rissler has a bachelor’s degree in sports and exercise science from Gettysburg College and earned her master’s of business administration from Lynn University. She lives in Sarasota with her husband, Bob, a member of the Sarasota County Fire Department, and has two daughters, Taylor and Skylar. She has also worked for the Sarasota Family YMCA and the American Red Cross.

Forecaster predicts slightly more storms

AccuWeather is predicting that

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Continued from page 11

this year will be slightly busier than normal for tropical storms and hurricanes. AccuWeather is predicting that there will be 14 named storms during 2016, two more than average. But a large area of cold water in the North Atlantic Ocean could play a key role in the season’s activity, the forecaster said. AccuWeather said that how ocean currents interact with colder seasurface temperatures could affect storm formation during the sixmonth hurricane season that starts June 1.

Coast Guard rescues vessel occupants

A U.S. Coast Guard crew stationed in Cortez assisted in the rescue of four people after a 75-foot boat sank and the 32-foot boat it was towing started taking on water. At 7:20 am. On Saturday, April 9, the Coast Guard received a mayday call from the smaller boat. A helicopter crew from the Clearwater station and a boat crew from the Cortez station found the vessel about 19 miles west of Egmont Key. The air crew deployed a rescue swimmer with a dewatering pump. The crew from Cortez towed the smaller boat and took the people who had been aboard it to the marina in Bradenton Beach. No one was injured.

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Pizza Burn

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!

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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

Tarpon will arrive off the Siesta Key beaches this month on their annual spawning migration

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.

Isla of Sarasota, FL caught and released this beautiful speckled trout while fishing with Captain Clark Wright of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters. (Isla’s Mom, Ashley Little manages CB’s Island Outfitters)

Bike Safe Drive Safe On Siesta Key It’s The Law: Florida Law requires cyclists to obey the same traffic rules that apply to cars. • Obey all traffic control signs and signals • Ride in the same direction as cars and stay to the right • Children under age 16 are required to wear helmets • Cyclists must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk • Cars must yield to cyclists when turning Be Alert and Safe: • Watch for turning cars when cycling on Midnight Pass Road • A Bike helmet reduces the risk of a serious head injury by 50% • Be courteous and patient. You’re in Paradise!!! This message brought to you by Siesta Key Association and Siesta Sand

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Notes from the Island Fishmonger

By Scott Dolan, Big Water Fish Market, 6641 Midnight Pass, Siesta Key, 941-554-8101 Fish for Breakfast

We smoke and cure our own salmon on a weekly basis and honey smoked salmon and lox are available at your Big Water Fish Market. Recently, I started noticing things that made me realize that fish isn’t just for dinner anymore. It started on a morning last month when an employee of the Big Water Fish Market went into the kitchen to make himself a breakfast sandwich. He returned 15 minutes later holding a shrimp and egg croissant sandwich and a stupid grin on his face from ear to ear. After my initial shock, then wondering how much that sandwich just cost me, I said to myself hmmmm, that looks pretty damn good and it was. This shrimp and egg sandwich triggered a series of events, such as a neighbor who brought me a Crawfish and cheese omelet after a long night of play, a rerun of a Seinfeld episode about the Lobster Omelet, an amazing early brunch that featured Stone Crab claws and Shrimp, followed by a friend’s story of celebrity Dwayne Johnson aka “The Rock” who eats 800 pounds of Cod fish a year starting with his daily breakfast (I’m thinking maybe we should open up a fish market next to Dwayne’s house and call it the House of Cod). Finally, I made myself a simple Irish Salmon and scrambled eggs with fruit and coffee on the Sunday morning of the Masters Golf Tournament. It was delish! What a great way to start a Sunday. I was hoping this Irish plate would bring Rory a green jacket but no such luck. This is what inspired me to write my column on this topic as “Fish for Breakfast” was never the intended article. As I began to think more about the concept of fish for breakfast I started to see the health benefits of starting your day with a low fat, high protein meal that promotes heart and circulatory health. Then I thought about the taste benefits and how a breakfast plate of fish and eggs or shrimp and grits actually sounds like a fantastic way to start the day. After all, there are a lot of reasons people take a fish oil capsule as a dietary

Several years ago I was visiting the West Coast of Southern California. Every morning I would walk to this West Coast surfer coffee shop. It was just around the corner from where I was staying. Often I felt like I was in the twilight zone as most of the shop’s patrons had a different style of eating breakfast than I had ever experienced. I was almost expecting to see Dr. Seuss sitting there eating his green eggs & ham. Everybody had coffee but what was different was that everybody also had pie. Yes, I have fond memories of apple pie and coffee for breakfast. I thought what a strange place this is and then it got even stranger. On the same trip, I drove to San Francisco for a weekend where I encountered people with fish on the plate for breakfast. What the heck? I had forgotten about this West Coast experience until recently when I noticed the increased popularity of eating fish for breakfast in Florida and the rest of the world. Or maybe I just never caught on to the idea because seafood for breakfast was a foreign concept to me. My first thought was that fish for breakfast isn’t the most appetizing idea because seafood is for dinner…. right? Man was I wrong.

Lox and bagels are actually one of my favorite breakfast meals and possibly one of my favorite meals anytime of the day. Lox is a cured salmon that is sliced thin and usually served on a toasted bagel with cream cheese, red onion, tomato, and capers. Smoked fish plus lox and bagels have been a breakfast mainstay for hundreds of years and are found especially on menus in delicatessens around the world.

supplement in the morning. You can still do that but from now on I’m not going to deny myself the taste of fish for breakfast anymore. As I searched the internet for good breakfast recipes I was surprised to find an unlimited selection of fish breakfast recipe options. A few standouts to me were a Salmon with spinach Eggs Benedict, breakfast fish tacos, and burritos, fried fish with eggs plus many more upscale and simple dishes.

Here is a delicious recipe for Shrimp & Grits:

- 1 cup coarsely ground grits - 3 cups water - 2 teaspoons salt - 2 cups half-and-half - 2 pounds uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, salt to taste - 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste - 1 lemon, juiced - 1 pound andouille sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices - 5 slices bacon - 1 green bell pepper, chopped - 1 red bell pepper, chopped - 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped - 1 cup chopped onion - 1 teaspoon minced garlic - 1/4 cup butter - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Bring water, grits, and salt to a boil in a heavy saucepan with a lid. Stir in half-and-half and simmer until grits are thickened and tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside and keep warm. Sprinkle shrimp with salt and cayenne pepper; drizzle with lemon juice. Set aside in a bowl. Place andouille sausage slices in a large skillet over medium heat; fry sausage until browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove skillet from heat. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, turning occasionally until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Retain bacon drippings in skillet. Transfer bacon slices to paper towels, let cool, and crumble. Cook and stir green, red, and yellow bell peppers, onion, and garlic in the bacon drippings until the onion is translucent, about 8 minutes. Stir shrimp and cooked vegetables into the andouille sausage and mix to combine. Melt butter in a saucepan over

Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Siesta Key, FL 34242 941-554-8101

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medium heat; stir in flour to make a smooth paste. Turn heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is medium brown in color, 8 to 10 minutes. Watch carefully, mixture burns easily. Pour the butter-flour mixture into the skillet with andouille sausage, shrimp, and vegetables. Place the skillet over medium heat and pour in chicken broth, bacon and Worcestershire sauce, cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and the shrimp become opaque and bright pink, about 8 minutes. Just before serving, mix sharp cheddar cheese into grits until melted and grits are creamy and light yellow. Serve shrimp mixture over cheese grits. Live well, eat fish! Scott Dolan

May 2016

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33' Date

Day

9:51a

High Tide 1.6

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

8:34p

High Tide 1.7

3:24a

10:21a

10:49a

11:17a

1.9

12:16a

1.6

11:47a

1:16a

1.6

2:15a

Low Tide 0.1

3:37p

Low Tide 1.0

6:51a

8:05p

3:05a

2:45p

1.6

9:59p

1.6

4:18a

0.2

4:47p

0.7

6:50a

8:05p

3:48a

3:47p

1.8

11:12p

1.6

5:06a

0.3

5:45p

0.5

6:49a

8:06p

4:31a

4:51p

5:47a

0.5

6:37p

0.1

6:48a

8:07p

5:15a

5:57p

2.1

6:24a

0.6

7:26p

-0.1

6:47a

8:07p

6:00a

7:04p

12:17p

2.3

6:56a

0.7

8:15p

-0.3

6:47a

8:08p

6:48a

8:11p

1.5

12:51p

2.4

7:26a

0.9

9:05p

-0.4

6:46a

8:08p

7:39a

9:18p

3:15a

1.4

1:26p

2.5

7:54a

1.0

9:56p

-0.4

6:45a

8:09p

8:33a

10:22p

4:20a

1.3

2:05p

2.4

8:22a

1.1

10:49p

-0.4

6:45a

8:10p

9:30a

11:22p

5:35a

1.3

2:48p

2.3

8:54a

1.2

11:43p

-0.3

6:44a

8:10p

10:28a

6:59a

1.3

3:37p

2.1

9:40a

1.2

6:43a

8:11p

11:26a

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1.4

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1.9

12:41a

-0.1

11:09a

1.3

6:43a

8:11p

12:24p

1:05a

8:53a

1.5

6:02p

1.6

1:39a

0.0

1:18p

1.3

6:42a

8:12p

1:19p

1:48a

9:26a

1.6

7:48p

1.6

2:35a

0.2

3:10p

1.1

6:42a

8:12p

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2:28a

9:55a

1.6

9:23p

1.5

3:27a

0.3

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0.9

6:41a

8:13p

3:05p

3:05a

10:22a

1.7

10:36p

1.5

4:13a

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0.6

6:40a

8:14p

3:56p

3:40a

10:46a

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0.6

6:07p

0.5

6:40a

8:14p

4:47p

4:14a

11:07a

1.9

5:27a

0.7

6:46p

0.2

6:39a

8:15p

5:37p

4:48a

12:28a

1.4

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2.0

5:56a

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New

1st

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MAY 2016

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Turtle Beach gets updates The South Siesta Renourishment

The pumping of sand began March 9. The contractor dredged sand from three different sand sources submerged eight to 10 miles offshore. The dredged sand was loaded into hopper dredges that then navigated to an offloading point about a quarter-mile from the beach. For about two months, the contractor used two dredges — instead of one as initially planned — during the first phase of constructing the beach. “The contractor got a bit of a later start, so they brought two dredges,” Laird Wreford, Coastal Resources Manager for Sarasota County, told Siesta Sand. Using the pair of dredges, “they were able to make tremendous progress in a short period of time.” The dredged sand was then pumped onto the beach, where bulldozers shaped the sand on the beach. The sand buffered the eroded shoreline that was initially nourished with a million cubic yards of sand in 2007. Crews completed the southern terminus of the project first, and then worked northward. They were continuing to make good progress, Wreford said in an April 7 interview. Wreford said that’s important because all equipment has to be off the beach before the start of the nesting season. “The big push was to get all work completed and everything off the beach and back to normal by April 30,” Wreford said. “And we are on track [to do so].” Some good news, said Wreford, is that the county’s consultant found that the three sandsource sites used during this renourishment have enough sand for the next renourishment as well. “Our consultants are telling us there should be enough sand when we do our next renourishment in about eight years [barring a major storm event],” Wreford said. The 2.1-mile renourishment stretched from south of Turtle Beach to a point about halfway up The Sanderling Club property. The sand will fill in a beach where wave action dug escarpments into the shore, as deep as 10 feet in some places. Storms that spared

the area but traversed through the Gulf of Mexico likely played a role in the erosion, Wreford said. “There was a lot of interest among residents [who live] along the project area about getting it started,” Wreford said. “Folks were glad the project started.” “What beach renourishment does is buys you time, it moves the erosion point much further out seaward,” Wreford said. After the equipment is off the beach and work completed, as part of the county’s permit, it is required to take shoreline measurements and monitor ecologically-sensitive, hardbottom reefs to ensure they are not getting covered in sand. “We will also be able to find out how well the project has performed and how slowly or quickly sand is washing out,” Wreford said.

Turtle Beach Park Capital Improvement Project

The park will be getting upgrades soon as part of a $601,000 Sarasota County improvement project. The improvement project includes expanded parking, new sidewalks and crosswalks, a relocated and improved children’s playground, fresh landscaping, a kayak launch, and an expansive rain garden with native plants. Construction work on the improvements at Turtle Beach Park is expected to begin sometime in early summer, after the County Commission approves the construction contract with vendor Magnum Builders of Sarasota, Inc., Brie Ondercin, project manager from the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department, told Siesta Sand. The County Commission is scheduled to vote on the contract May 24. “That’s the next step,” Ondercin said. “Then the county will issue the notice to proceed, and the contractor can begin shortly after that.” The park will remain open during construction, which is slated to last four to six months. However, a small portion of parking might be closed off to be used as a staging area. Sidewalks will be installed

Continued from cover story

throughout Turtle Beach Park. Currently “there is not a single sidewalk,” Ondercin told Siesta Sand in a February interview. New pedestrian crossings within the park will also enable beachgoers to safely cross both Turtle Beach Road and Blind Pass Road as they try to get to and from the beach. The new sidewalks will be installed throughout the park and lead all the way to the boat launch. The current children’s playground will be relocated closer to the beach, where a new playground will be located, featuring a larger play structure. “It will be enclosed to keep children safe because it is close to [an existing] parking lot,” Ondercin said. The old playground was designed for children aged two to five, but the new playground will serve children aged two to 12. “The primary goal [of the improvement project] is to provide more parking for visitors and also to make it a safer, more walkable park so people can get from one side of the park to the other without having to walk along the road shoulder,” Ondercin said. In place of the old playground, the contractor will build a parking lot that will add 26 spaces to the park and three additional handicap parking spaces. Adjacent and to the south of the new parking, crews will construct a rain garden. About 100 feet long, this shallow retention pond will be planted with native vegetation. The Turtle Beach park concept plan has been in the works since 2007, but plans were put on hold when the recession hit due to a decrease in surtax funding. “It was put on hold until additional funding could be identified,” Ondercin said. Ondercin believes a new kayak launch, to be constructed on the north end of the lagoon, will be popular among kayakers and kayak rental vendors. The new launch will be located on the northern edge of the lagoon, and will allow kayakers to launch their vessels separately from the park’s motorized boat launch. “Kayakers and canoe-ers can launch from a separate launch so they don’t have to worry about trailers backing up,” Ondercin said.

Photos courtesy of Sarasota County: The new beach being constructed near the southernmost house on Siesta Key.

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

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MAY 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

VILLAGE MAP pgs 20 - 21

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 38

GULF GATE SHOPS pg 26-27

CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 22

LOCAL MAPS INSIDE

LIVE MUSIC PAGE 24

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

Snapshots of Island Visitors

Siesta Key Drum Circle

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Frank, Kim, Emmett age 6, Parker age 4 from MI

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

Please note the following rules of etiquette that need to be observed at the Drum Circle so that all can enjoy the experience: the inside of the drum circle is for participants only, not for people standing around. Feel free to enter the circle, take a picture and dance, but always keep moving. Never play someone’s drum without getting clearance from the owner. Always ask before borrowing other

people’s property, especially hula hoops. Flash photography and bright video lights are distracting, so photograph during daylight or use a night vision camera. And finally, please do not drink alcohol or smoke inside the circle and respect our beach by placing all trash in the appropriate receptacles. Photo Courtesy: Aaron Martin

Before you leave Sarasota, you must try this one! As seen on the Food Network Guy Fieri’s “Diner’s, Drive-In’s and Dive’s” show. The TurDucKen “One big bird” Boneless chicken stuffed in a boneless duck stuffed in a boneless turkey with a variety of great seasonings. Alpine Steakhouse just off of Siesta Key located between the bridges at 4520 S. Tamiami Trail. 941-922-3797

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

20 Siesta Sand

MAY 2016

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

2 5

1: Finley age 3, Preston age 1 1/2, Teagan age 5 from MI 2: Finley age 3 from MI. (from group above)

4: Charlotte age 2, Stan, Olivia age 6 from MI

3: Andy, Finley age 3, Jay from MI

5: Tyler 4 ½, Charlotte age 2, Stan, Olivia age 6 from MI

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Map B #42

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ACCOMMODATIONS Siesta Beach Resort ..................... Map-A #38A ANTIQUES Relics on the Key .............................. Map-D #9 ART GALLERY / STUDIO Calle Studios ...................................... Map-B #32 The Gallery on Siesta Key ................Map-D #11 ATM / BANKS PNC ATM........................................... Map-C #61 Martin Funding ................................... Map-E #1 Sun Trust Bank & ATM ...................... Map-E #4 BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Aaron’s Fish Camp ........................... Map-C #57 Blaśe Café ...........................................Map-A #38 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar ..............Map-B #42-43 Gilligan’s ........................................... Map-B #33 Siesta Key Oyster Bar ...................... Map-B #45 The Beach Club ..................................Map-D #22 The Cottage ........................................ Map-C #58 The Hub-Baja Grill ............................Map-D #59 COFFEE SHOPS Lelu’s Coffee Lounge ...................... Map-B #31 The Local Bean................................. Map-D #62 DRUG & HARDWARE Davidson’s Drugs..............................Map-D #65 Village Hardware .............................. Map-C #26 FASHION & ACCESSORIES Beach Bazaar’s & Swin Shack........Map-C #28 Blvd. Beachwear ................................ Map-B #30 Comfort Shoes-Birki & More........ Map-D #64 Everything But Water .......................Map-D #12 Foxy Lady Fashions ..........................Map-A #40 Gidget’s Coastal Provisions ........... Map-B #44 Island Boutique.................................. Map-B #50 Island Cotton Company ................... Map-C #29 Island Style ......................................... Map-C #53 Lotus Boutique ..................................Map-D #66 Siesta Key Mermaids ..........................Map-D #9 Siesta T’s ............................................. Map-B #30 Sun Glass Outlet ................................ Map-C #24 GAS STATION Circle K Store ....................................... Map-E #6 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Beach Bazaar .....................................Map-C #28 Created Gems .................................... Map-C #51 Island Trader...................................... Map-C #51 Sea Pleasures & Treasures ................. Map-C #2 Siesta Key Bead Shack ......................Map-A #36 Siesta Key’psakes .............................. Map-B #29 Siesta Key Outfitters ....................... Map-D #11 Siesta Kids .......................................... Map-B #36 HEALTH & FITNESS Indep. Lifestyle Solutions ...............Map-D #10 Siesta Key Fitness ............................ Map-B #73 Studio Rubylake ............................. Map-D #10 ICE CREAM/TREATS Big Olaf Creamery............................. Map-C #52 Ciao Gelato ......................................... Map-C #50 Meany’s Mini Donuts ....................... Map-C #24 Siesta Key Sweet Shop ........................Map-D #9 SubZero Ice Cream/Yogurt .............Map-D #16 Sunni Bunni Frozen Yogurt ............. Map-C #53 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs ................................Map-D #65 Internet Cafe ........................................Map-D #9 Lelu Coffee Lounge ......................... Map-B #31 The Local Bean................................. Map-D #62 JEWELRY Created Gems .................................... Map-C #51 Michael & Co. Jewelers .................... Map-B #29 Mount -N- Repair Jewelers ................Map-D #9 LIQUOR STORES / FINE WINES Gabbiano’s Wine Club................... Map-D #70 Gilligan’s ........................................... Map-B #33 Siesta Key Wines ..............................Map-C #61 The Beach Club ..................................Map-D #22

7: fro

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MAY 2016

Boulevard Buzz

Village Recycling put on hold

8: Beth from Maine 7

6: Brad, Peyton age 6 from Northport

: Brad, Kimberly, Peyton age 6, om Northport with from Judy IL

During the summer of 2013, Siesta Key Association (SKA) President Michael Shay began serious discussions with members of the Siesta Key Village Association (SKVA) about the potential for recycling in Siesta Village — a subject near and dear to him, one might say, given his professional background in the recycling business. After winning encouragement from SKVA members in June 2013 to proceed with the initiative, Shay reported at the organization’s July 2013 monthly meeting that he had identified 12 locations where recycling bins would be most effectively placed, based on the contents of trash dumped at those sites. Through the following twoand-a-half years, Shay continued to work on the project, though he figuratively bumped into new obstacles along the way. In April, however, he conceded one

Continued from page 7

roadblock has derailed any Village recycling for at least three years: the current maintenance contract for Siesta Village upkeep. “There is no language in the contract about recycling,” he told about 16 SKVA members during their April session. Even if crews with Buccaneer Landscape Management, which won the Village maintenance contract in August 2014, agreed to empty recycling bins for no extra money, Shay pointed out, county staff had informed him that would not be allowed. Although county staff had suggested to him that the Siesta Key Village Maintenance Corp. (SKVMC) could pursue a separate bid for recycling, Shay told SNL that would not be economically feasible. (The SKVMC represents all the property owners in the Village Public Improvement District; the fees they are assessed annually cover the cost of upkeep.) Any further talk about recycling, he added in his comments at the SKVA meeting, “has to wait for a

new [maintenance] contract.” The contract the Sarasota County Commission approved with Buccaneer on Aug. 26, 2014 was for three years, at a cost of $129,041.50 per fiscal year. That can be renewed for up to two additional one-year periods, according to the terms. In response to a SNL request for the county’s side of the situation, Cece pointed out that the SKVMC has not indicated it wants to pursue an entirely new bid process for recycling. Furthermore, she added in an email, “Any new service cost would require an increase in the ad valorem assessment that is set after March 15th of each year for the next fiscal year (October 1st) as per the Clerk of Court to add to the [Public Improvement] District budget.” Speaking with SNL, Shay cited the situation as an example of government bureaucracy. Nonetheless, he said, “You have to live with it. We’re living with it.”

Introducing a new line...

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MAILING - SHIPPING UPS store ............................................Map-A #41 US Post Office ....................................Map-D #65 MARKETS/FOOD STORES Circle K Store ....................................... Map-E #6 Morton’s Siesta Market .................... Map-C #25 MASSAGE Hands of Light Massage .................. Map-B #35 Massage Experience Siesta Key.... Map-D #62 Massage Therapy ................................ Map-E #1 Siesta Key Massage Ctr .................... Map-D #9 MEDICAL - DENTAL Siesta Medical Center..................... Map-D #63 Siesta Key Physical Therapy............Map-D #20 Siesta Dental ..................................... Map-B #49 MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce ....................Map-D #67 Roberti Enterprises ...........................Map-A #39 Tarot Card Reading & Gifts ............. Map-B #50 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Edward Jones Investments ............ Map-D #68 Smith Architects ...................................Map-E 74 REAL ESTATE / RENTAL SERVICES Ascendia Real Estate .........................Map-D #11 Coldwell Banker Realty....................Map-D #20 Horizon Realty................................... Map-B #34 Island Homes ..................................... Map-C #51 Key Realty ........................................... Map-E #5 Michael Saunders Realty ................ Map-E #72 Re/Max Alliance Group ..................Map-D #60 ReMax Tropical Sands ................... Map-D #67 Robasota Rentals & Real Estate ....Map-A #39 Siesta Key Realty............................... Map-D #9 Waterfront 7 Realty ........................... Map-C #56 Waterside Realty ............................... Map-C #29 RESTAURANTS / CAFÉS 314 π, Craft Beer Board Room ..........Map-A#37 Aaron’s Fish Camp ........................... Map-C #57 Another Broken Egg ................Map-C #54 & 55 Blase Café ...........................................Map-A #38 Boardwalk Eats & Sweets .............. Map-D #16 Bonjour French Cafe ......................... Map-C #47 Café Gabbiano ................................. Map-D #71 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar ..............Map-B #42-43 Eat Here Restaurant .................. Map-D # 17-18 Flavio’s Brick Oven & Bar ................ Map-B #29 Flavio’s Italiano Ristorante .............. Map-B #30 Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill ......... Map-B #33 Jo To’s Japanese Restaurant ............. Map-C #47 LeLu’s Coffee Bar ............................. Map-B #31 Lobster Pot .........................................Map-C #23 Napoli’s Italian Restaurant .............. Map-C #53 Old Salty Dog Rest. & Pub ................. Map-E #2 Señor Siesta ........................................Map-D #69 Siesta Key Deli ...................................Map-A #37 Siesta Key Oyster Bar ...................... Map-B #45 Solorzano Bros. Pizzeria ................ Map-D #15 Subway Sandwiches ......................... Map-B #30 Sun Garden Café ...............................Map-D #19 The Cottage ........................................ Map-C #58 The Hub - Baja Grill ..........................Map-D #59 The Panini Place ................................ Map-C #53 Village Café ...................................... Map-D #14 SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY LaPlaya Spa ........................................ Map-C #50 Salon Capelli ........................................Map-D #9 Sassy Hair Salon...............................Map-A #40 Siesta Key Nails................................. Map-D #9 SPORTS INTEREST/RENTALS CaliFlorida.......................................... Map-B #32 Robin Hood Rentals ........................ Map-B #34 Siesta Village Outfitters .................... Map-C #53

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Made in the USA

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Organic and fair trade coffees and teas Organic smoothies Map D #11 Fresh pressed juice Light lunch (salads & sandwiches) Breakfast sandwiches Bagels and lox Cold brewed coffee Local pastries Gluten free snacks doTERRA Essential Oils

5138 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key, FL 34242

941-346-8000

www.localbeansiestakey.com

Organic and fair trade coffees and teas Organic smoothies Fresh pressed juice Light lunch (salads & sandwiches) Breakfast sandwiches Bagels and lox Cold brewed coffee Local pastries Gluten free snacks doTERRA Essential Oils

5111 Blvd, Ste B, Siesta Key, FL 34242 34242 5219Ocean Avenida Navarra,

941-312-0700 www.studiorubylake.com

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

Sunset Fusion:

(Pilates & Yoga on Siesta Beach)

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

Courtney Kees / www.studiorubylake.com

MAY 2016

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

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX

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

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

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

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

“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

G ATURIN

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Map B-3#8

941-346-0202

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

CRESCENT BEACH

THE GREEN TURTLE

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22 Siesta Sand

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

6525 Midnight Pass Road

MAP B-3#14

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Willkommen

GERMAN BAKERY & CAFE

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

Rum Cakes Breakfast Lunch German Beers and Brats

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

Map C-3 #14

Map B-3#8

A Taste of Germany 6575 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Anna’s Deli 6535 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Road

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill 1500 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-5 #12

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters 1249 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-3 #4

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

Crescent Beach Grocery 1211 Old Stickney Pt. Rd.

MAP B-3 #1

Siesta 4-Rent 6555 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

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

MAP C-4 #17

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MAY 2016

Soulfully Yours Donnarose Q: Dear Donnarose, within the past 2 months, I seem to be having more vivid dreams than usual. How much should we really pay attention to them? ~Regards, Claudia A: ~ “The sooner you heed the messages in your dreams, you will find they’re no longer repeated.” ~Donnarose Melvin In reference to experiences with my own dreams, my clients, and what Spirit has told me, certain dreams are just as important to pay attention to and heed, as you would advice from a mentor. Daydreams are equally important. Some dreams are meaningless and match what we may have watched on TV. But others may be trying to bring suppressed feelings and energy to the surface so one can heal. Prior to doing professional readings, while sleeping, I received important messages for people. Some in this situation may think they were dreaming. But I knew it was Spirit or a loved one visiting to provide a critical message. So, whether it’s a dream or Spirit, I recommend to always stay receptive, as Spirit may need to give you a message that can significantly help you or someone you know. As long as you ask your angels to keep you protected and safe daily, there’s nothing to fear. Trust me when I say, that messages during the night or during day dreams can be wonderfully life-changing, and for some, life-saving. Now some dreams are pretty quick and basic where the important messages don’t have to be deeply analyzed or decoded. Still, take them as face value and heed them. Other dream-state messages may be more symbolic, where you will need to decode them. There are many dreams dictionaries out there and free information online. So definitely take a little time to research some. Out of the books I’ve read, my favorites thus far are: Angels Whisper to Us: Decoding the Messages in Daydreams, by Daria Justyn, a good friend of mine. And, Dreams: Your Magic Mirror, by Elsie Sechrist, who had sessions, and worked closely with the amazing Edgar Cayce, who I also favor. Both books mention stories and experiences, as well as guidance on certain symbols that show up. And lastly, try to look forward to your dreams. They have done nothing but help me, and they’ll do the same for you. And, yes, even the scary ones. ~ ♥ Q: Dear Donnarose, I continue to struggle with keeping negative thoughts out of my mind. And as a result, it has caused me many problems. Please advise. ~Jillian A: ~ “You have the power every day, to only allow positive thoughts to stay.” ~Donnarose Melvin If you Google “negative thoughts”, you’ll often find it written that they’re built on fear. The good news is, when we remove the fear, these negative thoughts have nowhere to thrive. The not so good news is, our Ego will keep checking to see if the fear returned, so it can put more negative, doubtful thoughts at the door, knock, then run leaving you stuck with them again. The only thing that can successfully replace fear, is love. Invite your Higher Self, or your Angels to hold the space of love in your mind. This is where all your positive rational thoughts towards yourself and any situation can reside and be accessible 24/7. But the homework below, or rather light work as I like to call it, must be done first. But after you do it and practice, it does get easier. Now there are all different ways the experts out there suggest to rid ourselves of negative

thoughts. The way I taught classes on this many moons ago, revising it now just a bit, is to get a sheet of paper, and make 2 columns. Title left column, “REMOVE” and the right column, “APPROVE”. Then under REMOVE, write down all the negative “work against you” type thoughts that have been causing you to struggle. Example: “I’ll never get to my goal weight.” Then under APPROVE, replace each negative/irrational thought, with a realistic, more positive/rational thought. Example: “If I take one day at a time, have the right items in my refrigerator, exercise realistically, and stay calm and patient, little by little the weight will come off.” Then, after your list is done, I suggest to remove the stuck energy attached to the stories that are associated with all your REMOVE thoughts. One way is to do an energy clearing relating to peacemaking. You can say to yourself something like, “Universe, for ALL involved, in the past, present, and future; for all hurts and wrongs; for all the times we felt unloved, unsupported, invisible, guilty, ashamed, disrespected, minimized, fearful and unsafe, and times we imposed all this on others, please help us all forgive each other, forgive ourselves; be at peace with each other and at peace with ourselves, completely and fully, now and forever, for the highest good, all-ways. Please and thank you.” Now, grab your shield, and from now on be the guard of your castle (your mind). Start guarding what is and is not allowed to enter your mind. Meaning, every single time you see a thought from your REMOVE list trying to enter your mind, put your shield up, take a breath, think REMOVE, and then immediately choose the corresponding APPROVE replacement thought. Trust me when I say, that the more you practice this, the sooner you will find the REMOVE list dwindling away. And it will become second nature much more often than not, that you will only allow the APPROVE thoughts to enter your mind. ~ ♥ Donnarose Melvin is a professional psychic, medium and energy healer, whose pleasure it is to assist clients worldwide. She incorporates knowledge from her degree in psychology, along with her clairvoyant, clairaudient, clairsentient and empathic gifts to guide her clients towards peace and success. Please send your questions to SoulfullyYoursDonnarose@gmail.com or private message her via facebook: Soulfully Yours Donnarose. Donnarose will select questions each month to share with you. She regrets that unpublished questions cannot be answered individually. If you’d like an intuitive reading, contact Donnarose at the email address above.

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Siesta Key sunset photo by Donnarose Melvin www.floridamariner.com

Recreational Vehicles are Fun! MarinerWord Answers on page 35 WORDSearch SEARCH WORD LIST Amenities Awning WORD LIST Barbecue Amenities Beachfront Awning Big rig Barbecue Bocce ball Boondocking Beachfront Cable television Big rig Campground Bocce ball Caravan Boondocking Carefree Cable television Clubhouse Campground Comforts of home Caravan Fishing Fulltimers Carefree Hookup Clubhouse Horseshoes Comforts of home Icemaker Fishing Laid back Fulltimers Lazy days Hookup Luxurious Horseshoes Picnic table RV resort Icemaker Shuffleboard Laid back Slide out Lazy days Swimming pool Luxurious Toy hauler Picnic table Traveling

RV resort Shuffleboard Answers on Page 55 Slide out

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Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Wake & Shake

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941.356.0295 www.iansalon.com

24 Siesta Sand

MAY 2016

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

Who’s Playing Tonight

Garrett Dawson

By Mike Sales

|An interview with Garrett Dawson To say Garrett Dawson is exceptional would be an understatement. His mastery of various styles, combined with his core-level love of music as a form of expression and the ability to perform equally proficient live and in the studio combined with his passion for teaching what he’s learned, place him in a class of his own and find him in demand week after week for the top bands in the area…including his own. WPT: Where are you from? Garrett: I’m from a small town in Northern New Jersey, called Ringwood. WPT: You play all manner of drums and percussion, from kits to Cajon, hand drums, rock drums; when did you first start playing? Garrett: Actually, there’s a video somewhere of me playing tambourine onstage with my dad’s band…I believe I was three. My father and four of my uncles were really good musicians, so growing up it was always in my life. I started getting somewhat serious when I was six. WPT: …like taking lessons, or band class or playing along with records…? Garrett: …all that stuff…taking lessons, but not super into it, and my neighbor got a guitar and we played together and started a kid band thing. I think what really inspired me was when my dad had introduced me to Babatunde Olatunji, who was primarily responsible for bringing a lot of the Nigerian hand percussion music to the United States in the 1960’s. He played with everybody. I had the chance to study with him at an early age and was so inspired. From that point on I wanted to be a hand percussionist. In my neighborhood, there was a guy

CLUB

AARON'S FISH CAMP In the Village 941‐346‐0738

lesson at 14 or 15. WPT: Tell us about your teaching. Garrett: I constantly still take lessons and have about 30 students per week, ranging from four years old to over 70. I teach various levels starting with beginners and I have some severely autistic children. It’s really cool because in those types of situations music can achieve more than medicine. I love watching people come to lessons, unable to play, put time into it, get better and better and experience the magic when they complete the development of a technique they were completely unable to do before they earned it. Most music builds confidence and strength, but there’s more to it for me than just technique. The main rule I live by, is; do not kill their love of music. Growing up, I had two teachers, who I mentioned, that really inspired me, but a number of others who left me feeling almost abused as I left the lesson. I’m not saying that being demanding isn’t an effective way to teach music, but I do feel strongly about being there for students who don’t thrive from that kind of approach. When music is treated as the art that it is, it should have no rules. Obviously, you have to develop technique and fundamentals to play and this is what I teach, but if music really is an art, then who am I or anyone to tell someone else they’re playing it wrong? WPT: Since landing your first gig with the reggae band in 2001, how many other kinds of music have you played with various artists around here? Garrett: I’ve been fortunate enough to work with so many talented musicians of all different

styles in this town, ranging from the Sarasota orchestra to Dickey Betts. WPT: I understand you toured with Dickey Betts as well? Garrett: Yes, I toured with Dickey Betts, and The PsychoTropic Band, one of my original projects and have done “fly dates” with a disco cover band and many other projects. I’ve also had the opportunity to tour with Rolando “Ideal” Castillo, who is a Garifuna artist. Garifunas are descendants of Carib, Arawak and West African people. I was one of the first “outsiders” to play with these guys. It was a great experience because they took me out on tour and taught me all of their rhythms. I got to experience a completely different culture. WPT: How does it work to be out on the road, playing with people who don’t speak English? Garrett: If you’re being true to yourself, your music will speak for you. Your music is your personality…it’s truly a universal language…a higher form of communication. I’ve played countless times with people who didn’t speak the same language, but we were able to play and communicate through music. WPT: Who are you playing with on Siesta Key right now? Garrett: My main gig is “The Bird Tribe”, featuring Matthew Frost on keys and vocals, Rick Almaroden on guitar and vocals, and myself. We play every other Friday at “Eat Here”. The music has many influences, including rock, jazz, funk, Ambient, Folk,

and Americana. Here on the Key, we play about 40% covers and the rest original. Our album is almost finished. WPT: You do a lot of studio work; on about how many albums can you be heard? Garrett: I was actually recently thinking about that because I get calls to play on peoples’ records as a drummer and a percussionist. There’re even records out there with me just playing tambourine. “The Bird Tribe’s” debut album is almost done and I recently finished a really cool roots-reggae album with a band up in Burlington, Vermont, called “The Flyn Arrows”. I just cut a live record with Acoustic Pete at Spirit Ranch and of course the new “Kettle of Fish” record is coming out too, so that’s four currently, but all together, I counted over 20 albums I’ve played on through the years. WPT: Where do you see your career going forward? Garrett: Honestly, I just want to be healthy; I want my family to be happy and I want to help any way I can, through music or however. I carry a deep appreciation for all of the musicians who inspired me. That led me to figure out what I wanted to do…I just want to hold onto that and keep passing it along. Garrett performs weekly at Eat Here located at: 240 Avenida Madera on Siesta Key - 941-346-7800 He is also one of the certified drum & percussion instructors at Guitar Center located at: 8223 Cooper Creek Blvd in University Park FL - 941-358-6792 Mike Sales is a local singer/ songwriter for more info log onto mikesalessings.com

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE MONDAY

5:30 ‐9:30pm‐Marcel

BLASE CAFÉ

In the Village 941‐349‐9822

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

named Armen Halburian, who was a close family friend and a serious player. He played with Whitney’s mother, Sissy Houston and he played on a lot of Herbie Mann’s records. WPT: When was your first paying gig? Garrett: My first paying gig was at about 10 with my little kid band. We were really good. One of the guys is a doctor in Philadelphia now and the other two are professional musicians who are doing well. It was really a blessing to have those guys in my life. I would also fill in for my dad’s drummer. Those guys would beat me up, but I played just well enough to hang with them. WPT: How did you make your way to Siesta Key? Garrett: When I was 19, my girlfriend at the time, who is now my wife, moved down here with her parents to attend school. I moved down to be with her and we moved in together…the rest is history. WPT: How’d you get your first gig down here? Garrett: It’s actually a really funny thing; about a month after I moved down, I was walking down Main Street and stepped into a place that was called “The Monterey”, at the time, I don’t know what its called now, but there was a reggae band playing in there without a drummer…it was ridiculous. (Laughs) I asked them, “What is going on, why don’t you have a drummer?” and they said, “I don’t know, we just don’t have one.” I said, “do you want one?’… And I started playing with them the next day. WPT: When did you start teaching? Garrett: I taught my first drum

Photo courtesy of BOSK Photography

Scott Curts (3‐7pm)

TUESDAY

5:30 ‐9:30pm Tommy D. Live Music 6‐10pm Billy Lyon (3‐7pm)

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

5:30 ‐9:30pm O’Zwald Caines

5:30 ‐9:30pm Live Music

5:30 – 9:30pm Live Music

1‐5pm Georgia & Mike 5:30‐9:30pm ‐ Marcel

Live Music 6‐10pm

Live Music (6‐10pm)

Live Music 6‐10pm

Live Music 6 ‐10pm

Miles Bosworth (3‐7pm) DJ Crawford (10pm) Acoustic Pete 1‐5pm Live Music 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am Eddie James Jazz Band 6‐10pm Dana & Co 2‐6pm Mike Tozier 8pm – 12am Live Band 8 –11pm DJ 11pm‐2am

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

Noel Harris (3‐7pm)

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

Spark Notes (3‐7pm) DJ TJ (10pm)

Rodney Shenk 6‐10pm

RPM 6‐10pm

Patrick 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

Ben Hammond 7‐11pm

Open mic night 7‐11pm

Kettle of Fish 7‐11pm

Berry Oakley’s Skylab 7‐11pm

TGIM

Kettle of Fish 9pm‐midnight

DJ Rev Kev 10pm – 2am

Live Band 8/9pm‐Midnight

THE COTTAGE

Live Music 6‐9pm

Live Music 7‐10pm

Live Music 6‐9pm

THE HUB‐BAJA GRILL

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

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

Live Music Noon – 3pm

Live Music 1 – 4pm

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

Live Music Noon – 3pm

4:30 – 7:30pm 8:30 –midnight

Karaoke 9pm – 1am

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

In the Village 941‐346‐8122

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

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

In the Village 941‐349‐6800

BACKROOM SALOON @ CAPT. CURTS Crescent Beach Shops

941‐349‐3885 SNIKI TIKI @ CAPT CURTS

Crescent Beach Shops

941‐349‐3885 Turtle Beach Grill Southern end of SK 941‐349‐3839

BOATYARD BAR & GRILL Over the South Bridge

941‐921‐6200

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

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

3:30‐ 6:30pm, 7‐10pm

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

3:30 – 6:30pm, 7‐10pm

Karaoke 9pm ‐1am LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

941‐966‐1901

Swamp Donkie 2‐6pm

Rising Tide 8pm – 12am Live Band 8 – 11pm DJ 11‐2am

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

3:30 – 6:30pm 7‐10pm

LIVE MUSIC 3‐6pm

Andres Collin 5‐9pm

Larry Williams 5‐9pm

(Reggae Music)

Live Music 3‐6PM

Live Music 4‐8pm

Live Music 3‐7pm

CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE 801 Blackburn Pt. Rd, Osprey

Live Music 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

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

Democracy 4‐8pm

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MAY 2016

Island Humor [ A man enters a barbershop for a shave. While the barber is foaming him up, he mentions the problems he has getting a close shave around the cheeks. “I have just the thing,” says the barber, taking a small wooden ball from a nearby drawer. “Just place this between your cheek and gum.” The man places the ball in his mouth and the barber proceeds with the closest shave the man has ever experienced. After a few strokes the client asks, “What if I swallow it?” “No problem,” says the barber. “Just bring it back tomorrow like everyone else does.” [ A lonely frog telephoned the Psychic Hotline and asked what his future holds. His Personal Psychic Advisor tells him: “You are going to meet a beautiful young girl who will want to know everything about you.” The frog is thrilled, “This is great! “Will I meet her at a party?” he croaks. “No,” says the psychic, “in biology class.”

[ A gentleman walks into a bank in New York City and asks for the loan officer. He says he is going to Europe on business for two weeks and needs to borrow $5,000. The bank officer says the bank will need some kind of security for such a loan. So the gentleman hands over the keys to a new Rolls Royce parked on the street in front of the bank. Everything checks out, and the bank agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan. An employee drives the Rolls into the bank’s underground garage and parks it there. Two weeks later, the gentleman returns, repays the $5,000 and the interest, which comes to $15.41. The loan officer says, “We are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked you out and found that you are a multimillionaire. What puzzles us is why would you bother to borrow $5,000?” The gentleman replied, “Where else in New York can I park my car for two weeks for 15 bucks?”

[ A frog goes into a bank and approaches the teller. He can see from her nameplate that her name is Patricia Whack. “Miss Whack, I’d like to get a $30,000 loan to take a holiday.” Patty looks at the frog in disbelief and asks his name. The frog says his name is Kermit Jagger, his dad is Mick Jagger, and that it’s okay, he knows the bank manager. Patty explains that he will need to secure the loan with some collateral. The frog says, “Sure, I have this,” and produces a tiny porcelain elephant, about an inch tall, bright pink and perfectly formed. Very confused, Patty explains that she’ll have to consult with the bank manager and disappears into a back office. She finds the manager and says, “There’s a frog called Kermit Jagger out there who claims to know you and wants to borrow $30,000, and he wants to use this as collateral.” She holds up the tiny pink elephant. “I mean, what in the world is this?” The bank manager looks back at her and says... “It’s a knickknack, Patty Whack. Give the frog a loan. His old man’s a Rolling Stone.”

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

onth... M e h T f o r e d n e t Bar 49-2280 ll - 941-3 Turtle Beach Gri ass Road P t h ig n id M 5 6 8 8 at Turtle Beach y e K a st ie S th u So chGrill.com www.TurtleBea

Name of Bartender: Brittany Hometown: Fallbrook, CA Q: How long have you been bartending? A: Almost 3 years now! Q: What was the strangest or funniest thing you experienced at work? A: Our fish of the day is Swai (rhymes with why) and sometimes our customers mishear us when we say its name. “What’s your fish of the day” “It’s Swai.” “Why? Because I want to know the fish of the day, that’s why!” Lol or “Swine?! Isn’t that a pig? I’m not eating pig with my fish”.

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

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

Q: What do you do in your spare time? A: What’s that? Haha! When I do get spare time, I really enjoy all of our local beaches, from Siesta to Turtle and Lido. I also enjoy exploring the local parks, walking the Ringling Bridge at sunset, kayaking out from our marina, and a little karaoke here and there. Q: How would you describe yourself? A: Fun loving, sometimes funny,

easy going and adventurous! I’m almost always smiling or making someone laugh, I’m not afraid to be myself and I really enjoy life. I recently went skydiving for my 30th Birthday and it was amazing! I’m constantly searching for new things to do in our amazing city! I’m always a wealth of information for our customers on places to go when they are here. I absolutely love our tourists as much as our regulars and locals! Q: How would you describe where you work? A: I always describe our place as a quiet little grill where you can grab a good burger and a cold beer. You can find lots of friendly faces and there’s never a fight for parking like in the Village. Our regulars love us for lots of reasons and they keep coming back! It’s Siesta Key’s hidden little gem if you just want a relaxed atmosphere and some fresh air on our new tiki outside patio. We sometimes get a little busy and as long as you’re patient you will have a great time! Q: When’s the best time to see you? A: I’m always off on Sundays and Tuesdays. I’m working evenings for now from 3-9 during the other days of the week!

26 Siesta Sand

MAY 2016

Arts on the Horizon

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

By Rodger Skidmore

Sarasota incubator

The world premiere of the musical 1776 (actually a remake of the 1997 original, but who’s counting) was held in Sarasota back in 2012. Not just that it opened here, but that this version was developed locally at the Asolo Repertory Theatre and went on for a try on Broadway. Willm-S - Robert Mansell’s Life and Loves of William Shakespeare had its premiere at The Players Theater in 2005 with lively tunes and good music. The CD lives on; on Amazon.com - a worthwhile pleasure. Mr. Mansell has moved to England, but Asolo Rep is trying for another shot at Broadway with Josephine, in its world premiere run at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts through May 29. This musical is about guts and gusto (standing up to Nazis during World War II and dancing with a whole lot of shaking going on), drive and diversity (moving to France and championing US civil rights), love and lust (Baker’s love of children and night club patron’s loved her) and much more. The director / choreographer Joey McKneely is overseeing the production. Years in the making, Josephine is based on a story by Kenneth Waissman (he produced the original Grease) and on the book Remembering Josephine, with music and lyrics by Stephen Dorff and

Apples and Orange by: Ashly Lovett, West Monroe, Louisiana. Teacher: Ringling College of Art + Design, Mike Hodges

John Bettis. The purpose of an incubator is to hatch eggs and ready young birds for a start in the world. Growing wings strong enough to fly is another story; the revisioning of 1776 and the very original Willm-S barely got off the ground. Josephine, a vibrant tale of a singing, dancing, loving, svelte, chic, Harlem trained, French resistance fighter, portrayed by Deborah Cox, just might fly higher and longer. Ms. Cox also starred in Aida on Broadway. So, do you want to be one of nine billion that will miss this show even if it has a good run on Broadway, or one of the few thousand that will have seen it first, here in Sarasota? Tickets are at the box office or at (941) 3518000.

What could be better?

A walk in late spring with cooling breezes along the bay? Perhaps before a lovely lunch at one of Sarasota’s nearby restaurants while seeing the Dolphin fountain spray water into the blue puffy-cloud strewn sky? Hearing beautiful music play on your Walkman (ha ha, just retro-joking). Or discussing some esoteric event with someone you care about? What could be better? Doing all of the foregoing, while strolling around the 45 giant billboardsized works of art during the Embracing Our Differences display at Island Park in downtown Sarasota. There were 8,350 works that people thought were worth submitting - 45 were selected for display through

What’s Happening Regularly Scheduled Classes & Events: WEEKLY BEACH CLASSES: • FREE YOGA Mon-Wed.-Fri.-Sat. 9am. Classes held between blue and green lifeguard station. Call 941-320-6693 to register or www. yogaonsiestabeach.com • NIA Tues. & Thurs., 9a.m., Siesta Public Beach (yellow lifeguard chair). Contact Kathy Oravec at 941-724-9719 for more info or check website: www.nianow.com/kathyoravec www.nianow.com/kathy-oravec • SUNSET FUSION – Every Mon & Wed, 45 minutes before sunset. Beach access #4. For additional info and to register online go to: www.studiorubylake.com • WEEKLY DRUM CIRCLE: Every Sunday about an hour before sunset. South of the main pavillion. You can particpate or watch this weekly gathering dance, hoop, play the drum or other musical instrument and enjoy the spectacular Siesta sunset. • WEEKLY FARMER’S MARKET: Every Sunday from 8am – 2pm in Davidson’s Plaza in the Village. 5124 Ocean Blvd. Produce, Plants & Flowers, Music, Art, Organic Skincare, Italian Olive Oil, and Freshly Prepared Foods. Listen to live music while you shop. On The Beach… • MAY 7 (SAT) 8AM-2PM/ 44TH ANNUAL AMATEUR SAND SCULPTING CONTEST: The 44th annual Amateur Sand Sculpture Contest will be held on Siesta Key Public Beach on Saturday, May 7, hosted by the Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, the county has announced. “This free, family-friendly event is open to all ages and all amateur skill levels,” a county news release says. Cash prizes, which are sponsored by the Friends of Sarasota County

Parks and the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, will be awarded to first-, second- and third-place finishers in the adult (individual), adult (team), children (10 years old and younger) and youth (11-17 years old) categories and one overall people’s choice winner, the release adds. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. on May 7 on Siesta Public Beach near the yellow lifeguard stand, where each participant will be assigned a 10-foot-by-10-foot square, the release explains. Judging will begin at 1 p.m., and the awards will be presented at 2 p.m., the release adds. Spectators are invited to vote for the People’s Choice Award winner. Siesta Public Beach is located at 948 Beach Road on Siesta Key. No rain date is scheduled for this event, the release notes. For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net. • MAY 7 (SAT) 7-11AM/ GREAT MOTHER’S DAY RACE: This event is in its 5th year and is a fun event that the entire family can enjoy together. Everyone is welcome. Registered participants will receive a free Dri-Fit T-shirt, goddie bag, prizes and awards for top finishers in age categories. To register, go to: www.greatmothersdayrace.com/ sarasota/ • MAY 14 (SAT), 7-11AM/ GREAT STRIDES WALK: Hosted by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This event is a fun, family-oriented event with a healthy 5k walk, children’s activities, food and festivities that participants look forward to year after year. Check-in is at 8 a.m. For additional info call 813-374-9041. www.cff.org • MAY 14 & 15 (SAT & SUN), 8AM-6PM, DIG THE BEACH VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT: Dig the Beach Volleyball Series is the most established and successful grassroots series of its kind catering to both professional and amateur players. Some of the top professionals on the Domestic &

World Tours have graduated from this organization. To register or for additional info, see website: www. digthebeach.com • MAY 21 (SAT), 9AM-2PM/ SPORT DEMO: Florida Underwater Sports will be providing an opportunity for certified divers to demo the latest scuba gear free of charge. Contact Bo for additional info or any questions. 941-870-4461 Around the island… • SECOND FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH FROM 6-9PM. Open Gallery Night at THE GALLERY ON SIESTA KEY, in the Village. Meet the artists while nibbling on hors d’oeuvres, sipping on wine and taking in all the beautiful, original local paintings, jewelry, metal and wood creations. And beyond… • SIESTA KEY CHAMBER HOSTS THEIR 17TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT – MONDAY, MAY 2 (10:30 AM – 6PM): The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce has partnered with The Founders Club to offer an unforgettable private outing with a noon shotgun start. Because the club is typically open to members only, this presents a unique and possibly one of a kind opportunity for Chamber members and guests to play a round at The Founders Club. Sponsorships are available for Foursomes with Dinner, Single Players with Dinner, Dinner only, Green/Tee Sponsorship and Hole Sponsorship. Contact the Siesta Key Chamber directly at 941-3493800 for more information or visit www.siestakeychamber.com. Local businesses can also provide a donation or silent auction item. All proceeds support our local Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce events. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

May 31. Why not go with a friend, family member or young child and have your own competition - have everyone choose their three favorite images and tell each other why. The young child might change your mind about something. If you really enjoy the show, wait three days, pick another friend, and do it again.

Beginnings and endings

The composer Robert Schumann set the poem The Lovely Month of May to music, as he believed May is one of the grandest of months - spring has arrived, evenings are longer, warm breezes blow on the beach and there is music everywhere. The best way to enjoy May is to start and end with concerts at the Historic Asolo at the Ringling Museum. Quin Tango is having a triple header at 7:30 p.m. on April 30 and 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on May 1. Their repertoire fuses traditional Argentinian tango and chamber music. Their quintet is comprised of two violins, bass, cello, and piano and will be playing compositions by Astor Piazzolla, Carlos Gardel and others. The music is about gauchos, poets, and brokenhearted lovers. Quin Tango has played at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center and the White House during a dinner honoring Argentine President Carlos Menem. Actually, Quin Tango is performing a quadruple header as they will be presenting The Story of Tango to students at Tuttle Elementary on April 29 in cooperation with the Artist Series of Sarasota. While Quin Tango features Argentinian music, another quartet is presenting the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Mara Bonde, soprano; Katherine

Pracht, mezzo-soprano; Aaron Blake, tenor and Marcus DeLoach, baritone will be joined by the singers of Gloria Musicae. To highlight one singer, the Boston Herald and the Boston Globe have said, individually, that Ms. Bonde has a “sweet purity of tone” and is “ravishing”. Quite a combination - probably because she had studied with Joan Sutherland and at the Sorbonne in Paris. Performances are 7:30 p.m. on May 7 and at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on May 8. To complete this lovely month, the Artist Series of Sarasota is having a 20th Year Celebration - something they seem to do every 20 years - a nice tradition. Basically, these are encore performances by artists that have previously appeared with the Artist Series and we welcome them back. Performances are 7:30 p.m. on May 28 and at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on May 29. The piano duo of Anderson and Roe will start off with some arpeggios and go on from there. To celebrate their 100th year, Juilliard selected one of their performances for their Sounds of Juilliard CD. Also on the program will be Coloratura soprano Monica Pasquini who has portrayed Papagena in The Magic Flute in Salzburg, Tytania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Giannetta in L’Elisir d’Amore. Baritone David McFerrin sings extensively with the Boston Lyric Opera and has sung with the Sarasota Opera as well. Moscow-born Alexander Markov, the violinist, rounds out the performances. It is not known if he will be playing his gold electric violin or the one made of wood. Tickets for all nine concerts may be obtained at the Artist Series of Sarasota website or by calling (941) 360-7399.

Discover Gulf Gate With our map, located adjacent, you’ll be able to navigate your way to our featured shops with ease. Oh Mamma Mia! (GG4) Offers a truly unique dining experience with dinner shows by Chef Giuseppe Urbano. Enjoy the family ambiance as you watch him prepare an authentic Italian regional dish with fresh

ingredients just for you. Fine dining, great atmosphere at casual dining prices. Reservations highly recommended. Piccolos Italian Market & Deli (G-47) carries a full line of imported cheeses, fresh baked bread daily, homemade sausages,

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Catering Available

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

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Discover Gulf Gate fresh mozzarella, and numerous hard to get items. They now carry Khorasan Wheat which is an ancient and organic grain. Their deli is complete with huge hot and cold sandwiches, salads, fresh homemade lasagna and baked ziti. And, you cannot leave without trying their cannoli filled with their own homemade cannoli cream or the tiramisu or Sfogliatelle from Brooklyn. Here is where you will find great Italian specialty gourmet items without the gourmet price. Tony’s Chicago Beef Company (S-16) is owned and operated by true Chicagoans. Dedicated to deliver Chicago’s best food - Chicago style Hot Dogs wit’ the works...dragged through the garden on poppy seed buns with fresh cut fries, Italian Beef Sandwiches anyway you like, dipped or dry, sweet or hot. All served in true Authentic Chicago Style.

Sarasota Brewing Co. (G-4) Sarasota’s first micro brew pub always has something new to offer. From over 20 seasonal beers that rotate throughout the year, the Brewing Company always has at least five unique brews online as well as several favorites from around the world. Established in 1989, Their menu has been a winner in the Reader’s Choice Awards of the Sarasota Herald Tribune featuring their mouth watering burgers, Chicago style Pizzas, and Chicago beef sandwiches. With dozens of televisions, it’s a great place to catch a game with friends and family. West End Pub (G-49) Where else can you watch your favorite game with a great selection of beers, wines and liquors served by a friendly staff AND where you’re allowed to bring your own restaurant or deli food? Right here.

The Shop SRQ (G-2) offers flat-tops, fades, tapers, blowouts, razor cuts, and straight razor shaves. Owners, Erick and Dawn use a back to basics approach to grooming with a precise attention to personal detail. Their commitment to excellence has provided them with many loyal customers. They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust. Hours: Tues. – Fri. 8:30am – 6pm, Sat., 8:30am – 3pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. 6625 Gateway Ave, 941-626-4894.

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At the original Word of Mouth Restaurant (G-31), every seemingly insignificant detail receives special attention from the warm, inviting decor to each specially crafted variety of freshly baked muffins to the signature menu items. This small diner is where the locals come to eat breakfast and lunch. Each staff member works hard to make sure you receive the best service and quality food so you’ll want to return often. Take a look at their mouth-watering menu at www.originalwordofmouth. com. Hours: Mon-Sun.: 8AM2PM. 6604 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, 34231, 941-925-2400. Pride of the South (S34) specializes in southern BBQ from ribs to meatloaf along with an array of sides such as grits, collard greens, baked bread, cole slaw, and fried orka all served up in a southern style setting. Let your nose lead the way to their smokers.

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Iberia Bank

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Hurricane Mike’s Saloon (M-10) is a little neighborhood bar at 2639 Mall Drive, where everyone knows your name type of establishment and friendly staff. TV’s with the MLB and NFL packages, pool table, and full Florida Lottery games. Happy hour daily from opening to 7pm. Hours: Mon – Sat, 8am – 2:30am and Sun., noon – 2:30am.

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

941-925-2400

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

NEWERS N OW

M-10

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All packaged liquor sold until 2 AM

Open Daily from 9 AM ‘til 2:30 AM

• 9 AM - 7 PM EVERY DAY

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

FREE Pool

7 PM ‘til Close Sunday & Monday

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

2639 Mall Drive One mi.from Siesta South Bridge (behind Publix) GG1 GG2 GG3 GG4 GG5 GG6 GG7 GG8 GG9 GG10 GG11 GG12 GG13 GG14 GG15 GG16 GG17 GG18 GG19 GG20 GG21 GG22 GG23 GG24 GG25 GG26 GG27 GG28 GG29 GG30 GG31 GG32 GG33 GG34 GG35 GG36 GG37 GG38 GG39 GG40 GG41 GG42 GG43 GG44 GG45 GG46 GG47 GG48 GG49 GG50 GG51 GG52 GG53 GG54

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

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PICCOLO

Italian Market & Deli

GG-4

Hot or Cold & Vegetarian Sandwiches

Authentic New York Italian Market & Deli We carry a full line of Imported Cheeses, Boars Head Luncheon Meats, Pasta, Olive Oil, Assorted Imported Olives, Khorasan Wheat (ancient & organic grain), and more. G-47 GG-46

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“Straight Razor Shaves”

941.626.4894 / 941.536.1656

Come See Our New Location

Tonsorial Artistry by

Store Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10am - 6pm 6518 Gateway Ave. www.PiccoloMarket.com

G-2

Combined 25+ Years Experience

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941-923-2202

THESHOPSRQINC.

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

www.TheShopSRQ.com 6625 Gateway Ave.

Tonsorial Artistry by Erick & Dawn

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

28 Siesta Sand

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Siesta Key REAL ESTATE & HOME SECTION ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 38 SAND CASTLES PAGE 31

HOUSE HUNTING PAGE 33 HIGH & LOW OF SOLD PROPERTIES PAGE 30

Profiles in Real Estate: Annmarie Tucker

By Roger Drouin

During peak tourist season, Annmarie Tucker’s job can get stressful. Tucker is a rental specialist for Siesta Key Resort Rentals, LLC. (formerly Moyniham Realty Group, LLC). She helps vacationers find the perfect rental unit on Siesta. She arranges paperwork, reservations, collects deposits, and finally when a family comes down for their visit, Tucker is on hand to give them the keys and conduct a walk-through of the unit. “You don’t want someone going in a unit when it is already booked,” Tucker said. Luckily, Tucker has organizational

and multi-tasking skills that help her during those busy winter months when so many folks want to be staying on the Key. Tucker, who has been a licensed real estate agent since 2008, started out in the real estate field as an assistant for sales at Keller Williams, and later Michael Saunders & Company filing paperwork for realtors and attending inspections. As an assistant for sales, she also dealt with banks on short sales. Her current position as a rental specialist now requires the same kind of multi-tasking and organization. And the best part of the job is working with people. “It’s been a

dream,” said Tucker. Recently, Tucker helped a couple find a rental unit on short notice. “It was last minute during spring break, and I had a cancellation and got them in,” Tucker said. The couple arrived for the walk-through with a token of their appreciation. “They showed up with a bottle of wine,” Tucker said. Typically, as early as this time of year, folks start reserving units for next winter, and many are returning vacationers. “It is a lot of fun meeting people,” Tucker said. “It’s always nice when someone comes back the following year.” Tucker has been with Siesta Key Resort Rentals, LLC for one year. The company, which specializes in rental property management, is under new ownership. Tucker, who is 52, is from the small community of Dunnville, in Ontario, Canada. She moved to Bradenton 18 years ago, and usually twice a year visits family in Dunnville. One of those visits is planned every June because that is when the annual Mudcat Festival — a type of fair complete with fireworks and a parade — is held. “I never miss it,” Tucker told Siesta Sand. “It’s a fun, fun weekend and everyone who lives away from home comes home that weekend,” Tucker said. “That is a small town [atmosphere].” In the winter, Tucker loves our local weather. “I love to be on Siesta [public] beach,” Tucker said. When she’s not working, she also enjoys checking our new restaurants and spending time with her two sons, who are 18 and 24 years old. Tucker also has two rescue dogs, a Yorkie and a “Benjie dog,” or more specifically a Chinese crested powderpuff

Annmarine Teddie

Sammy

with lot of hair which makes him look like a big teddy bear. “They are my buddies,” Tucker said. Tucker works on behalf of condo-unit owners. She said many vacationers want a water view, but they often have individual, specific requirements above that. “Some people want a very quiet area and some want to be in the Village so they can walk to the restaurants and bars,” she said. Tucker spends some time talking with vacationers to find out what those specific needs are. Often, vacationers will have a

specific area of the Key in mind. “Most have visited before, and want to come back,” Tucker said. Rentals on Siesta are in high demand. There have been more and more vacationers renting privately-owned units, and Siesta Key Resort Rentals, LLC is currently doing a mass mailing to find out if condo unit owners who live out-of-state are interested in renting their units and if they are represented by a real-estate firm that could manage that process.

More than just storage...

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Snapshots of Island Visitors Left: These high school spring breakers from Cincinnati, Ohio could not bear to be without their lacrosse sticks even on gorgeous Siesta Beach. They were excited to learn that not long ago Siesta Beach hosted the first Beach lacrosse tournament in America. Kiley Byrne 15, Julia Lind 16, Ellie Feld 15, and Lily Ehemann 16, of Cincinnati, Ohio

Right: Lily Ehemann 16, and Ellie Feld 15, of Cincinnati enjoying their second spring break on Siesta Beach posing with their lacrosse sticks

March

30 Siesta Sand

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The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key

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

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

HIGHEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY PROPERTY: 7360 Point of Rocks Rd: Sold For $3,900,000 This dramatic property on Siesta Key’s coveted Gulf of Mexico shoreline boasts some of the best views in all of Sarasota and its barrier islands. Sited on 208’ and 1.3 sprawling acres, the home sits over 12.5’ above sea level. With 180 degrees of panoramic views, this property is

gated, private, and protected by the natural and beautiful rocks and rare gulf-front seawall. Over engineered, constructed to exceedingly high standards, and built as a perfect architectural complement to its remarkable waterfront location, this striking contemporary home is sited on property reminiscent of the California coastline and is further embellished by walls of glass that capture breathtaking water vistas and the enchanting beauty of the surrounding landscape. The expansive 7000+ sq. ft. of welldesigned living space affords the owner a private retreat along with a separate living wing for family and guests. There is a separate buildable lot or room for a tennis court. Enjoy the terraced lanai area with quartz pool then walk down to the sparkling, aquamarine waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The sale of this property came to $559.46 a square foot. Courtesy of Michael Saunders

HIGHEST PRICED CONDO: 8600 Midnight Pass Rd #404: Sold For $1,350,000 This Gulf front three-bedroom, three-bath condo located in Hidden Lagoon on Siesta Key fronts nearly 580 feet of beach with natural woodlands and tropical foliage covering 7.5 acres of private grounds. With only 24 exclusive

residences, units rarely come available. You will be captivated by the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the spectacular sunsets that await you every evening. This condo has 2700 square feet of living space that feels more like a home than a condo with a living room, dining room, family/ den, glass enclosed lanai all with great views and dual zoned A/C. The spacious kitchen has been updated along with the three bathrooms. Hidden Lagoon offers a community heated pool, private boardwalk to the beach, access to Heron Lagoon, tennis courts, on site manager, paver driveways. Additionally, there is a two car full-sized garage. The sale on this unit came out to $493.06 a square foot. Courtesy of Michael Saunders

LOWEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY PROPERTY: 1248 S View Drive: Sold For $574,000 Solid one-story, block construction home with three bedrooms, and two baths. This home features a two car garage and has a screened lanai

surrounding a solar heated pool which is perfect for entertaining and enjoying the FL lifestyle year-round. Located in the desirable “Siesta Cove” neighborhood, this home is just blocks from Siesta Beach. A newly remodeled kitchen offers custom cabinets, stainless appliances, granite countertops, lighting and new tile flooring. Both bathrooms offer updated fixtures, custom colors and new tile floors. And the layout, with the master suite on the opposite end of the house from the other bedrooms, offers privacy to both owners and guests. Fresh paint throughout. Beautiful mature landscaping surrounds the home. Oaks, palms and lots of lush vegetation. The sale of this property came out to $298.65 a square foot. Courtesy of ReMax Alliance

LOWEST PRICED CONDO: 22 Sandy Cove Rd #303: Sold For $250,000 This turn-key unit is located on the gulf side, seconds from Siesta Key Village. It overlooks a freshwater spring fed pond for swimming, with a beautiful fountain in the middle. As you enter Sandy Cove, the first thing you will notice is the peaceful, tropical, mature landscaping. The bedroom has a spacious walk-in closet as well as a separate linen

closet. The kitchen has beautiful detailed backsplash tiling and is perfect for cooking after a day at the beach or shopping in the Village. There is a separate dining area off the kitchen, or you may enjoy sitting on your balcony surrounded by the tropical setting. A brand new water heater was installed on 1/5/16 and the A/C is approximately a year old. There is a spacious storage closet right outside your front door. Plus, there is additional storage in the carport area for all of your beach gear, right next to your deeded parking space. As you walk down your backyard, you enter a beautiful pathway to your private beach and fishing pier. Also, there is a conveniently located boat rack that you may store your canoe or kayak on, which is available for rent for $25.00 per year. This unit offers unobstructed views of the Gulf, Longboat Key, Lido Key and Sarasota. The sale came out to $469.92 a square foot. Courtesy of Coldwell Banker

Paradise Awaits... E IC ED! R P UC D RE

5350 Calle Florida, Sarasota, FL

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

529,800

430 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL

Desirable Palm Island on Siesta Key home with 5 BR, 3 BA, located on the Grand Canal. World class fishing and watersports only a short boat ride away. Lots of privacy for a large family. New roof in 2013. Tropical setting with mature trees. Short walk to Siesta Village.

1,100,000

418 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL

Single Family Home, 3 BR, 2.5 BA Key West Style Grand Canal home on Siesta Key. Built in 2005. Huge lower level bonus area, pool shower, 4-car garage. Open floor plan. Custom touches, must see!

1,625,000

E IC D! PR UCE D RE

389 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL

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

1122 Horizon View Dr., Sarasota, FL

Deeded beach access! Lovely oak floors and stylish tiles will dazzle you. 3 BR, 3.5 BA with lower level bonus area. Oversized garage for all your toys and vehicles. A truly unique find!

829,000

997,000

6151 Hollywood Blvd., Sarasota, FL

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

438,000

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

725,000

Service. Integrity. Results.

Tropical Sands

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

ddm1@comcast.net

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

Sand Castles

MAY 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

|On the Bayou at Somerset Cove By Roger Drouin Somerset Cove is located on the north end of the Key a short stroll from Shell Beach. The gated boating community of five singlefamily homes and six duplex townhomes sits on Coconut Bayou. “It’s very quiet back here,” said John Garrity, who has owned a home with his wife in Somerset Cove since 2008. “It’s a natural bayou, not a canal, and the fishing is very good,” Garrity stated. You’ll find dolphins and many different birds to be common sights in the bayou. All homes are three floors with 2,757 square feet of living area. There is an additional 800 square feet in the first floor bonus room space. Garrity said the first-floor space comes in good use for storage for kayaks and fishing gear, all necessary accessories for the lifestyle afforded by the waterfront locale. “We can keep all our toys on the first floor,” Garrity said. For Garrity, the home offers a combination of one-of-a-kind features. When the couple was looking at homes, back in 2008, they looked throughout the region, including Longboat Key and downtown Sarasota, but during the search only Somerset Cove offered singlefamily homes with a private boat slip in a quiet and landscaped, beautiful setting and met the other needs that were on the couple’s list. The north Siesta location provides an easy exit from the island to downtown Sarasota, as well as close proximity to Siesta Village and Siesta Beach, Ruiz notes. But the closest amenity is Shell Beach, where Garrity and his wife, often with visiting family and friends, walk to watch the sunset. “What makes them unique is that the community is maintenance free, gated and each home comes with a boat dock, many with lifts,” said Bob Ruiz, Realtor with Key Solutions Real Estate. “They are two blocks to the beach, minutes to Siesta Key Village, and a quick boat ride to the Bay and Gulf.” Ruiz has a home listed for sale in Somerset Cove, a four-bedroom, three-and-half-bath, single-family home with a boat slip. With private boat slips, the homes in Somerset Cove meet the needs of boaters. “Boaters definitely love the community with deeded slips and lifts permitted on the bayou,” Ruiz said. “The easy access to the Intracoastal, bay and gulf makes it a favorite community for power boaters, fishermen, and sailors.” But any buyer in this price range would be interested in the space available for the price. “For a home built in the mid 90’s with concrete and block construction they are a very good value,” Ruiz told Siesta Sand. “Many of the homes come with elevators and all of the homes have high ceilings. There is very nice lanai space attached to the family room.” Each home also has a fireplace in the family room, which can easily be converted to gas.

Listings and sales:

• As of press time, there was one home listed for sale, the single-family residence listed by Key Solutions. The home, listing for $779,000, features two master suites, one on each floor, along with two additional bedrooms. It has three and a half baths, a fireplace, two-car garage and a completely finished first floor bonus room. “This home has a private setting and is in the rear of the community closer to the boat docks and is less than 50 yards to the [community] pool,” Ruiz said. The home includes a 35foot boat slip and 10,000-pound boat lift. The large living room with wood burning fireplace and a wall of windows opens to the large screened lanai overlooking beautifully gardened grounds with a pond. The very large kitchen with beautiful wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops accommodates a family sized table and chairs. There have been four sales recently in Somerset Cove. The sales included: • In April 2015, a three-bedroom, three and a half bath single-family home sold for $874,000. The home has a 20,000-pound boat lift. The sale came out to $317 a square foot. The home has a separate office and elevator to all floors. It features an open floor plan with a Family room close to the kitchen offering more water views. • Another single-family home sold in August 2014 for $760,000. The home has three bedrooms and three and a half baths, and a slip and 8,000-pound boat lift. The sale came out to $276 a square foot. According to MLS, some of the features of this home include: granite counter tops, stainless steel kitchen appliances, Ray Routh kitchen cabinets, marble flooring, custom built solid ash wood bookshelves, custom closets, new carpeting, vaulted ceilings, and a bonus/game room of 720sf, insulated and hurricane resistant garage door. • In July 2014, a three-bedroom, three and a half bath single family home sold for $650,000, or $236 a square foot. According to MLS, the home featured granite counter tops throughout, new appliances, new carpeting, freshly painted and included an elevator. NOTE: Realtor Sheri Lasley-Ruiz of Key Solutions Real Estate Group contributed to the sales information used in this article. Other data was complied from the Sarasota County Property Appraiser Office, Sarasota County Planning & Development Services permits, and Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

To advertise in print or online contact: Bob or Emy Stein at 941.349.0194 Send editorial and/or photos via email to: islandvp@verizon.net

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

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32 Siesta Sand

MAY 2016

Off Islands

By Steve Reid, Longboat Key News

Sand Arrives by the Truckload

April marked the beginning of man’s attempt on Longboat Key to fight back at the forces of nature. The process started when the first trucks loaded with beach sand drove from the source in Immokalee, Florida and deposited the precious commodity on the highly eroded beach just south of the Islander Club. A total of more than 200,000 cubic yards of sand, which amounts to roughly 140 truckloads a day between now and September, will be placed in eroded “hotspots” along mid-Longboat Key. Town Manager Dave Bullock says the additional sand will widen the beach about 100 feet and add about four feet of depth to protect structures, seawalls and upland dunes from storms and wave action. Bullock also said that the new beach will expand the opportunities for nesting turtles as well as the area visitors can sprawl upon in the sun. The town historically used a process known as dredge and fill, in

Palms Trees

which sand sources located a few miles offshore would suck sand from specific sites onto a barge which would then pump the sand from a near shore location. The town could not locate a viable sand source that met the quality standards the town desires for its beaches. The perfect beach sand is light in color, yet is of a large enough grain size that it does not simply wash or blow away. Much of the sand that can be found near shore is full of shell and large dark material that is less desirable. That is why the town opted to put the project to bid for truck hauling. The cost to taxpayers to truck sand is about $11 million, and represents the first of three renourishment projects that will occur over the coming months. In July the town will dredge about 200,000 cubic yards of sand from the New Pass Channel on the south end of the key, and that sand will be placed between Inn on the

Beach in front of condominiums north to the Privateer. That project will cost the town about $3 million. Bullock said that the New Pass dredging will make the channel to the Gulf navigable again and when completed, the U.S. Coast Guard will evaluate if and where to place navigation markers. Later in the summer, the north

end of the key will receive about 200,000 cubic yards of sand, which will be dredged from Longboat Pass. That project will commence as soon as the contractor is done with the New Pass dredging. The cost of the three projects all together will total about $18 million to $20 million and will be paid in part through Longboat

Key’s beach taxing districts. Voters agreed to pay for the project with 80 percent of the costs paid by Gulf-side residents and 20 percent by Bay-side property owners. Part of the unique equation for the town in undertaking beach work is making an accommodation for the sea turtles that nest between May and October. Mote Marine has been contracted to provide biologists who patrol the beach and relocate nests each day before beach work begins. Additionally, protected shore birds will have their nesting areas roped off so they will not be disturbed. Publishers Note; Longboat Key Town Manager Dave Bullock will be the guest speaker at the May 5 Siesta Key Association Meeting. The meeting will be held at St. Boniface Church at 4:30 PM.

Continued from cover story

Thanks to all the improvements, you really can’t see the beach anymore.” But as it turns out, preserving the view of the beach from across the parking area was never an option due to rules that now govern parking lot design and construction. Back in the 1950s when the beach was first developed ordinances and zoning requirements did not mandate the planting of trees to soften the view and provide shade across large expanses of asphalt. Such requirements are in place today explained Gaubatz. It’s similar to the situation now faced a mile or so to the south at the Excelsior Condominiums where repairs planned for the buildings damaged by the tornado that swept through the complex in January must meet today’s stricter building codes, not those in place when the buildings were originally constructed back in 1980. Another issue being raised concerns the choice of so many cabbage palms, also known as sabal palms, for the parking lot. They happen to be the state tree of Florida, but some consider them ‘dirty’ trees, requiring considerable maintenance to look their best. One of the raps against Australian Pines has long been their own status as ‘dirty,’ a reputation earned for the prodigious amount of needles and cones they shed which accumulate

beneath their canopies. (Some of the exotic pines were removed from the park for just that very reason as part of the improvement project, though some remain due to public input received in the project’s early planning stages). Some point to the cabbage palms as being equally messy, dropping their dead fronds and seed pods several times each year. But Kimley-Horn project Manager Bill Waddill explained in a recent phone interview that given the choices available, and the tradeoff between shade and visibility, the cabbage palms were the best alternative. “There is no perfect tree that works in every case,” he said. “The cabbage palm is native to Florida. It is hardy and well-suited to the winds and salt spray of a coastal environment.” But the final decision was in large measure sealed by Sheriff Department concerns about the same issue of clear sight lines raised by McIntire at that February SKA meeting mentioned earlier. “The Sheriff Department wanted to be able to monitor as much of the parking lot as possible from their new command center and other spots near the beach,” said Waddill. “Oaks or other trees with large canopies would have blocked much more of that view than the palms.” In fact, in order to address

Wastewater Treatment Plant Why the delay?

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Amid the complaints aired April 7 about the odor and noise, resident Betsy Moss’ question hit a key point: “What’s been the holdup?” A request by residents on Southwind Drive to change the path of the new sewer and water lines that will go under the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) necessitated a redesign of that part of the project, Rouse explained. Second, the design team won County Commission approval to put in the new water line at the same time as the wastewater line, he added. “Those delays probably added a year onto the project,” he said. SKA President Michael Shay summed it up: “We lost a year somewhere along the line.” The start of the final phase, on Siesta Key, was dependent on projects

scheduled for the mainland, Shay continued, “and those parts [of the plan] got delayed because of changes, and because they were delayed, our part got delayed.”

The project and the timelines

Cash explained that the county bought the Siesta Key Utility Authority wastewater plant in July 2006. About four years later, he continued, the decision was made to decommission the facility and transfer the flow of effluent from the Key to the mainland. “From about 2011 until today,” Cash said, “we’ve been working on that goal.” Rouse then told the audience that the Siesta facility will be turned into a master pump station to send effluent to the county’s wastewater plant on Bee Ridge Road and to the Central County Water Reclamation

Sheriff Department concerns, a variance to the original code had to be adopted by the county to allow for less shade in the lot than would have otherwise been required. The sabal palms adhere to the county’s ‘best practices’ policy for using native species whenever possible, both for the hardiness Waddill points to and their low maintenance requirements. Indeed, sabal palms are often described as ‘self-pruning’ since their dead growth eventually falls to the ground on its own. But their ‘dirty-petticoat’ of yellow and brown fronds can remain hanging in the trees for months before gravity finally prevails. That’s why most private resorts, homeowners and even towns like Fort Myers Beach and Naples routinely cut the dead growth off their palms several times a year, often at considerable expense. So will the county take that approach here or choose to let them go ‘au-naturale?’ Siesta Sand got a mixed response on that score. Gaubatz pointed to their selfpruning quality, adding that overpruning can actually be bad for palms. “It can make the trunks narrow at the top and eventually hurt the tree,” he said. But Siesta Beach is a showcase. After all, that’s why the

improvement project was proposed in the first place shortly after Dr. Stephen Leatherman (a.k.a. Dr. Beach) named Siesta the nation’s best beach in 2011. Asked about the aesthetics of up to a thousand ‘dirty-palm-frond petticoats’ swaying in the wind to greet visitors, Gaubatz referred us to Beach Parks Manager George Tatge. He agreed with Gaubatz’s comments about too much pruning, saying, “the healthiest cabbage palm is one not pruned. They lose micro-nutrients if you over cut them.” But he added that the county will have to work out its ongoing maintenance approach over time. “They’re all new and look great now. But the palms in public areas will likely get a higher level of maintenance than those less visible ones tucked away by the dunes.” Another possible concern: disease. By planting so many examples of one tree, an infestation of cabbage palm disease could be devastating to the county’s investment. Many formerly

grand canopied avenues and boulevards in northern cities were left exposed and barren after Dutch Elm Disease wiped out virtually every example of that species starting in the late 1960s. Many municipalities came to regret the decision of earlier city park administration to use Elms almost exclusively along so many public thoroughfares. While not dismissing the possibility of a disease outbreak Waddill said that cabbage palms have done ‘very well’ on Siesta Key. “Am I concerned about a limited palette? Yes. But there’s an issue with almost any tree. Nothing’s perfect. They’re living things.” In any case, the tropical look of all those palms at Siesta Beach is certainly in keeping with the expectations most visitors have for an exotic, tropical playground. According to Gaubatz, they help define the parking lanes and work to focus attention toward the beach even as they work to obscure it for residents across Beach Road. In a bit of irony though, trees now outnumber parking spaces in the lot, despite the need for additional parking spaces being cited early and often as perhaps the most important improvement needed for the park. The final tally on that score? 140 new parking spots for a total of 980. Number of new cabbage palms: 1041.

Continued from page 5

Facility on McIntosh Road, both on the Sarasota mainland. To remove the effluent from Siesta Key, Rouse continued, the county will construct a new 20-inch force main from U.S. 41, down the south side of Phillippi Estate Park and across the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), installing booster pumping stations along the way. Most of that work will take place from June to October of this year, Rouse added. The final phase will include the construction of the new master pump station on Siesta Key at the site of the wastewater treatment plant; that is expected to start in the fall. The pipeline will come up at a staging area in Siesta Cove, he said, and go across Midnight Pass Road, down Shadow Lawn Drive and into the treatment plant. “Midnight Pass will remain open,” Rouse stressed.

The first part of Phase 3, he noted, will encompass the demolition of the bigger tanks that once stored water at the Siesta treatment plant. The new pump station will have “quadruple redundancy,” he added, to make certain it can remain functioning in an emergency.

Residents’ anger

SKA Second Vice President Catherine Luckner pointed out the primary concern of residents as the projects proceed: “the odor problem.” “I don’t feel like our voices are being heard,” Lorie Tiernay said. “We’re told, ‘We’re going to work on it, but there’s going to be normal smell,’” she added of the Siesta wastewater treatment facility. Planning outside activities at her home with the certainty that odor from the plant will not be a

problem is “a luxury we’re not afforded,” she pointed out. “Are you telling me that, from the date of the consent order until today, the county has done everything in its power, given this the full attention that it deserves?” Tiernay asked Rouse and Cash. “I believe we have done everything possible since 2011,” Cash replied. Then Luckner noted that when she and her husband, Bob, had spoken earlier that day with County Commissioner Al Maio about the situation, Maio recommended residents call the County Contact Center at 8615000. The staff members who answer calls can fill out incident reports and let the callers know the numbers to reference in the future, she added.

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House Hunting Siesta Key to Longboat Key • TUSCAN INSPIRED MASTERPIECE ON PALM ISLAND: $829,000 389 Island Cirlce, Sarasota, FL. MLS# A4110340. 4,134 sq ft single family home. 4 bedrooms, 4 ½ baths, roof top pool, private spacious in-law/guest apartment with separate entrance. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941376-7442 • AMAZING WEST OF TRAIL TRIPLEX: $438,000 6151 Hollywood Blvd, Sarasota, MLS#A4141309. Located in Pine Shores area. Front building consists of two 1bed/1bath units. Rear building is a 3bed/2bath unit. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • RECENTLY RENOVATED PALM ISLAND/SIESTA KEY HOME 322 ISLAND CIRCLE: $949,000. 4Bd/4Bth, new boat lift on the Grand Canal. Huge bonus area on lower level. MLS#A4141071. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • DEEDED BEACH ACCESS: $997,000 1122 HORIZON VIEW DRIVE, MLS# A4139847. Immaculate pool home features large rooms and volume ceilings along with lower level bonus area. 3 Bd/3½ Bths. Dan Miller, Re/ Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • KEY WEST STYLE GRAND CANAL HOME ON SIESTA KEY: $1,625,000 418 ISLAND CIRCLE, MLS#A3990080. 3Bd/3Bth. lushly landscaped tropical lot with Tiki Bar in the pool/spa area. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • LOWEST PRICED DUPLEX CLOSE TO THE BEACH: $529,800 5350 Calle Florida, SK 34242, Mls# A4144556. Rare and Unique Siesta Key Duplex on Palm Island. This duplex with 2 beds, 1 bath on each side is located less than 1,000 feet from the #1 beach. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • PALM ISLAND HOME ON GRAND CANAL: $1,100,000 430 Island Cir, SK 34242, MLS# A4146867. 5 Bedrooms and 3 Baths, single family home. Spacious open floorplan with high ceilings. Sited on 2 lots with the potential to build 2 homes. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • 72’ OF CANAL FRONTAGE: $725,000 325 Avenida Madera, Siesta Key, MLS# A4151934. 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, designer kitchen with solid wood cabinets, island and granite counters with stainless steel Viking Appliances. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 • 6234 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #205, SIESTA DUNES, $745,000: MLS #A4147115 A full gulf view unit on the 2nd floor in the highly sought after building 2 of

Siesta Dunes. Turnkey furnished and ready for occupancy. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker. 941-3500451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara)

street. Beautifully furnished 3/2 with garage. MLS#A 414255, $689,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• 6236 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #106, SIESTA DUNES, $499,000: MLS #A414921 Ground floor 2 bd/2bth condo with private sunning deck in building 1 of Siesta Dunes. Turnkey furnished. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker. 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-2664873 (Tara)

• PEPPERTREE BAY - Direct bay views from this fabulous 2/2 in sought-after Peppertree community. Tastefully, turnkey furnished. Private garage. MLS# A4149092, $625,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• 1445 GULF OF MEXICO #401 THE PLAYERS CLUB, $995,000: MLS A4123420 Longboat Key Gulf front Penthouse, 3bd/3bth on the beach in the Players Club. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) • 5450 EAGLES POINT CIR #105 The Landings $599,000: MLS #A4141454 3Bd/2Bth Open Terrace, Water View. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker. 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) • 5430 EAGLES POINT CIR #201 The Landings $575,000: MLS #A4142226 3Bd/2.5Bth Intracoastal View. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker. 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-2664873 (Tara) • 5241 HERON WAY The Landings $330,000: MLS A4148531 2 Bd/2 Bth Ground Floor, Water View. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) • 1630 STARLING DR The Landings $249,000: MLS #A4135262 2Bd/2Bth Ground Floor Coach House. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) • 305 BEACH ROAD #2 - 1 block to the beach and Siesta Village. 2/2 with 2 balconies and 2 car garage. Built in 2011, high ceilings, latest hi-end finishes. MLS # A4139763, $849,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • 1249 DOCKSIDE PLACE - Short walk to Siesta Beach with deeded boat dock. Spacious 2/2 with garage. Turnkey furnished. MLS# A4128627, $499,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • 1350 SIESTA BAYSIDE - Great vacation home or investment property. Deeded beach access just across the

• VILLA NAVARRA - 1 block to Siesta Village and beach. Charming 2/2 has been nicely renovated and is selling furnished. Just bring your clothing and you’re set! MLS# A4149614, $395,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • SOMERSET COVE - Fabulous 4 / 3 1/2 home minutes to Beach and Village. 2 car garage, elevator, deeded boat dock with 10k lb. lift. Gated enclave of just 11 homes with community pool. MLS#A4145095, $779,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • 840 SIESTA KEY CIRCLE Wonderful old-Florida style home in great location near the beach and on the water - minutes by boat to the Intracoastal and Gulf. Pool, 2 car garage. MLS# A4149391. $1,150,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • TURNKEY FURNISHED CONDO ON SIESTA BAYSIDE - 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH Townhouse with attached PRIVATE GARAGE, gorgeous HARBOR VIEWS, and private SIESTA KEY BEACH access. 1341 Siesta Bayside Dr. MLS#A1341-b $789,000 MLS #A4139290. Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)894-1255

this an investor friendly condo. 155 Vista Hermosa Cir. #29-c, Siesta Key, $269,900 MLS#A4149589 Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)894–1255 • 8767 MIDNIGHT PASS RD #506F MLS#A4140456 - ISLAND REEF - Beautiful 2 bedroom / 2 bath fully furnished condo located steps away from Siesta Beach. Enjoy your private Cabana on the beach. Close to shopping, nightlife and restaurants. Available short term. Owner will consider long term. No pets. Siesta Key Resort Rentals, LLC, Annmarie Tucker. 941-444-8036. • 171 VISTA HERMOSA CIR #21-B MLS#A4135550 - Vista Hemosa Villa for rent. Fully Furnished, 2 bedrooms / 2 baths. Updated Kitchen, washer & dryer in the unit. Across from Siesta Beach. Community offers pool, clubhouse, grill and shuffleboard. Available for short term rental. Siesta Key Resort Rentals, LLC, Annmarie Tucker, 941-444-8036. • SIESTA KEY EXPANSIVE GULF VIEW - TURNKEY CONDO! 420 Beach Rd., Unit 404 MLS#4139932. 2 BR 2 Bath Plus a Den, Under-building parking, 27 ft. Balcony Direct beach view with private access, 2 Tennis courts, Pool, Clubhouse, Fitness room and Sauna. $950,000. Eli Miller Realtor 941-3560727. Harry Robbins Assoc., Inc.

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• CLOSE TO BEACH AND VILLAGE This 2757 square foot, 4 bed, 3.5 bath unit is ideal for year-round or seasonal living. Volume ceilings combined with abundant windows and sliding glass doors give this unit a very bright feel. 3959 Somerset Dr. #5 Siesta Key, $779,000 MLS#A4145095 Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)894-1255 • LOVELY OLD-FLORIDA STYLE HOME - This charming 3 bed, 3.5 bath home is perfectly located for the boating and beach enthusiast. Situated on a corner lot in the Siesta Bayside Community, this home is the ideal island retreat 840 Siesta Key Cir, Siesta Key, $1,150,000 MLS#A4149391 Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)894-1255 • UPDATED SIESTA INVESTMENT CONDO - Enjoy the seclusion of this turnkey 2 bed, 1 bath villa. Washer & Dryer in unit, and complex allows a min. of 2 weeks, 26 times a year to make

Making Things Happen on Siesta Key...BOB and SHERI RUIZ

Luxurious Siesta Beach Villas

Enjoy the best of Siesta Key in this beautifully appointed 2/2 with 2 balconies and 2 car garage. Just one block to the Beach and Village. MLS#A4139763 $849,000

Somerset Cove

Fabulous 4/3 1/2 home minutes to Beach and Village. 2 car garage, elevator, deeded boat dock with 10k lb. lift. Gated enclave of just 11 homes with community pool. MLS#A4145095 $779,000

Peppertree Bay

Direct bay views from this fabulous 2/2 in sought-after Peppertree community. Tastefully, turnkey furnished. Private garage. MLS#A4149092 $625,000

Siesta Key Circle

Wonderful old-Florida style home in great location near the beach andon the water - minutes by boat to the ICW and Gulf. Pool, 10k lift, 2-car garage MLS#A4149391 $1,150,000

The Pointe on Midnight Pass

Amazing views of the Gulf and the Bay! This renovated two bedroom, two bath unit on the southernmost end of Siesta Key affords every amenity. MLS#A4118450 $530,000

Your Resident Siesta Key Realtors - - -

Gulf & Bay Bayside

Great vacation or rental property. Across the street from Siesta Beach with dedicated beach access. This 3/2 unit with attached garage is beautifully furnished. MLS #A4142552 $675,000

Harbour Towne Yacht Club

Near beach and Intracoastal. Perfect for boaters and beachgoers. Large 2/2 end unit with garage and dock. Tastefully turnkey finished. MLS #4128627 $499,000

Siesta Village - Villa Navarra

Location! 1 block to the Beach and Siesta Village., this charming 2/2 has been nicely updated and is selling furnished. Move in without delay. MLS #A4149614 $395,000

Bob Ruiz 941-544-3299 RobertRuizRR@aol.com Sheri Ruiz 941-400-4186 Sheri Lasley@aol.com www.SiestaKeyNow.com

Key Solutions Real Estate Group

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7th Annual Fiesta On Siesta Women’s Collegiate Sand Volleyball Tournament

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

By Trebor Britt More than 400 female athletes from 35 colleges across the country gathered on spectacular Siesta Beach for the Seventh Annual Fiesta on Siesta Collegiate Volleyball Tournament, the largest collegiate sand volleyball competition in the United States. Now that it’s an official NCAA sport, its

popularity and growth has been substantially boosted. The soft, powdery white sand of Siesta Beach makes Sarasota the ideal location to host this rapidly growing sport. USA Volleyball also held its Florida tryouts for the National HP program in connection with this event.

Top: Louise from Canada, Jeannette, Elisa from Maine. Bottom: Mariella age 7 & Kadence 2 – from IN

Fireworks on Siesta Key

The 2015-16 Florida Atlantic University Beach Volleyball Team. (Top L to R) Volunteer Coach Alyssa Warren, Chelsey Tekavec, Jazmine Barker, Julia Lewkowicz, Nicole Grant, Gabby Dischler, Head Coach Capri Grotowski, Andie Galinis, Delaney Clesen, Nicole Navarro, Natalie Fraley, Brittany Pellitteri.

Freshman, Nicole Navarro of Boca Raton digs out a smash at a recent Collegiate Volleyball Tournament hosted on incredible Siesta Beach. She plays for the Sandy Owls of Florida Atlantic University.

Florida Atlantic University freshman, Jazmine Barker of Palm Harbor Florida, smashes a jump serve at the Seventh Annual Fiesta on Siesta Collegiate Volleyball Tournament.

We saw the value in working a bit harder because 25 years of fireworks made possible solely by the generosity of local businesses and residents is truly something to be proud of and to celebrate. We were also starting to see a change in the atmosphere at the public beach and with the additional challenges that were put in the path of producing the VIP party. We knew that the model we had used for so many years would have to change moving forward. For those who do not know, we’ve always held a VIP party on the 4th of July and the donations and ticket sales for that party directly funded the fireworks and costs associated with putting on the community event. When we first started using this model, there was an old ball field that we used for parking for those who purchased tickets for the party. Fast forward to 2016, the ball field is no longer there and the beach renovation project has been completed. What does this mean to the fireworks committee? Well, we no longer have 250 parking spots to offer the VIP party ticket holders and we would have to raise an

Continued from cover story

additional $8,000 just to have the party. We realized it just didn’t make financial sense anymore so we made the decision to eliminate the party. Aside from the convenience of having the fireworks on the island for the residents, why is it important to donate to keep them here? In one word: Tourism. Being in the accommodations business, I can tell you if the fireworks did not happen on Siesta, there would be a lot of upset and disappointed guests which would be devastating to the area. The fireworks are extremely important to the people staying in our resorts - they shop, eat out, rent boats, etc. We need the people, we need the fireworks. You can help. We are counting on community groups, local businesses and residents to keep our fireworks show the best in the county! Let’s show off our newly renovated #1 beach!!! Partnerships and sponsorships are available. Please contact the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce for more information (941) 349.3800. Alana Tomasso Fireworks Committee Chair General Manager, Midnight Cove Association

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Beach Wedding

MAY 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Blooming this month

By Trebor Britt

Adrianne & Jeff

Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)

Halpern Beach Wedding, Love Across The Pond

A light Gulf breeze and small waves breaking over the rocks on the Siesta Key shoreline made the perfect setting for Adrianne Drake of Suffolk, England to be joined in marriage to Jeff Halpern of Sarasota. They were surrounded by international and American family and close friends during a special intimate ceremony that had it all from beginning to end. Adrianne and her wedding party were uniquely escorted to beach Access #2 for the shoreline ceremony on the Sarasota Trolley. The ceremony included dancing down the aisle to a more traditional sand pouring portion to a rare, but meaningful dove release. This perfect couple met through Jeff’s professional connection with drums. Adrianne happened to contact Jeff to help set up her daughter’s drum set on Adrianne’s birthday four years ago. It wasn’t long before they ordered pizza, watched a movie, and talked on their first date. Within four months they shared their love for one another and the rest as they say is… (You know what they say). Adrianne had a hard time picking out just one sweet memory of Jeff, but watching him sit and talk with his 104-year-old grandfather who died recently will be forever etched on her heart. Jeff vividly remembered Adrianne answering his knock at the door on her birthday one year. Jeff related, “She gave me the most amazing smile. I will never forget that moment.” This amazing couple has blended their occupations quite nicely. Adrianne works as a server at a five-star hotel and restaurant and Jeff is a musician and drum teacher in beautiful England. Since Jeff grew up in Sarasota he was quite familiar with many of the beaches. Once he and Adrianne set eyes on Beach Access #2 on Siesta Key Jeff said, “We just knew it was right.” This fabulous couple spent their honeymoon on a sensational five day all-inclusive cruise to Mexico and the Cayman Islands. Adrianne and Jeff’s wedding coordinator was Siesta Key Events. 941-456- WEDS, www.siestakeyevents. com.

Being a drought tolerant plant, the Desert Rose likes a welldrained spot. You can plant in a large pot. In fact, this is one of the few plants that sometimes does better in a pot where you can control the drainage than in the ground. The plant generally loses its leaves in winter. Even in summer, though, the plant is more stems and blooms than foliage. It likes full sun and will tend to get more leggy and not bloom as much in shade. Sandy soil is fine as long as the area has good drainage. A light pruning of stem

tips will help create more branches and fuller look. The soil must be able to dry between watering. Fertilize in spring, summer and fall with a good granular fertilizer. Colors range from red, pink and white. A favorite to bonsai due to it’s swollen, woody stem. Submitted by CJ Danna, President, Sarasota Garden Club

Answers to the WORD SEARCH MarinerWordfound Search on pagewww.floridamariner.com 23 Answers from Page 13

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Licensed and Insured

30 years experience

3800 Tamiami Trail

(Corner of Bay Street & Hwy 41/Paradise Plaza by Silverberg Jewelry)

Commercial/Residential

,LLC

Relics on the Key

MA34776

Deep Tissue Massage

ANTIQUES

Vintage, Antique, Mid-Century

941.920.0010

Professional & Reliable Service Joe Ventura Free Estimates 1 (941) 914-2721 gulfcoast.phs@gmail.com • Hawk’s Nest Construction Inc. is a certified Class A general contractor licensed in all phases of construction. Owner Mark Hawkins Sr. personally oversees every aspect of your project from start to finish, using only the best and most reliable licensed artisans and craftsmen. His passion is delighting his clients, turning their home-improvement dreams into a beautiful reality. Call 941-650-9499 or visit their website: www.hawksnestconstruction.com.

HOUSE WATCH

HOUSE WATCH SERVICES, LLC

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

R. BRuce Whittinghill, llc

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

(941) 955-1864

Grout Problems? Shower & Bathtub Walls

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

941-929-1850

5252 Gulf Drive 2300 Bee Ridge Road, Suite 204 Holmes Beach, FL 34217 Sarasota, FL 34239 www.abcbabyrental.com

BOATING RENTALS / FISHING CHARTERS

Having Fun Fishing in The Sun

Cleaned • Regrouted • Caulked • Sealed

Shower & Bath Makeovers Free Estimates

Call John

941.377.2940

Sarasota resident since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com • Wilson Windows is a State Certified General Contractor specializing in glass porch enclosures and window replacement. They offer only top quality products installed by professionally trained technicians. All projects are engineered and permitted to meet the new state building codes related to impact, water infiltration and high velocity windload calculations. Their services include window repair, new custom screens, glass cut to size, and hard to find window parts inventory at both locations. Fully insured and their work is guaranteed. 941-921-1113, www. wilson-window.com.

941-400-2452

Tony Fudoli Sr. CAPTAIN tntfreedomfishing@yahoo.com

MEDICAL

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

Veteran Owned Business

• CB’s Saltwater Outfitters – CB’s Saltwater Outfitters is an ORVIS Endorsed Outfitter Fishing Charter Service serving Siesta Key as well as Longboat Key, Lido Key, Sarasota and Venice. Our veteran guides offer exciting Fishing Adventures for anglers of all ages from novice to the expert. See our website: www.CBsOutfitters.com or stop in their store for additional info. 1240 Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key. (941)349-4400.

(941) 961-4309

www.SuncoastHomeConcierge.com

J Morgan Nathaniel Swartz, O’Donoghue, MD. PA-C

941.926.7546

www.dermatologyexperts.com

LANDINGS RESIDENT OWNED AND OPERATED

Amy Fenenga PA-C

Family Practitioners • Pediatrics-Geratrics • Urgent Care

Pierre Nedelcovych, M.D. FAAFP FAAUCM

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

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES 941-896-6400 www.kathleend.net

CONSIGNMENT STORE

Residential-Commercial

Licensed-Insured

DRY CLEANERS

L ved again Boutique Upscale Women’s Consignment Store Mention This Ad And Take An Additional

15% OFF With Purchase Offer Expires 4/30/2016

4141 S. Tamiami Trail #8, Sarasota, FL 34231 941-702-8159 lovedagainboutiquesrq@gmail.com

Environmentally Conscious Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service

Free Pick Up & Delivery Service from your home or business

Call 941-275-4647

ExEcutivE Shirt SErvicE • houSEhold itEmS • SamE day SErvicE availablE

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-349-0194

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MAY 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Classifieds / Here’s My Card MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES CONTINUED

REAL ESTATE AGENTS CONTINUED SARASOTA

Siesta Beach Realty FLORIDA Steven Whitmore, Broker

Use my 30 years of experience to help you with your property.

Visit our website at: SiestaBeachRealty.com Call or email me stevenwhitmore@verizon.com

941-993-5722

Siesta Key Beachcombers (941) 302-1149

SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY • Feel the difference in quality - receive a massage from Joni Masse who has been teaching and providing massage therapy for 25 years. Just over the Stickney Point Bridge. Call today for an appt. 941-374-0965 (MA10776/MM31466)

Straight Razor Shaves And More...

SENIOR SERVICES • A Bridge for Independence provides in home companion services including companionship, transportation, light housekeeping, medication reminders and meal preparation and planning. Call us at 866-279-4390, FL License #230517 • Senior Home Companions – companionship and In-Home care. daily living needs, hourly, overnight, 24-hour care, 941-924-0494

TRANSPORTATION

AIRPORT TRANSPORT SUPERST TO:

Picked Up from Airport $ $ SRQ 30 40 Price $ 125 Tampa/St. Pete $105 Includes: $ $ 130 150 S.W. Florida Tolls, Fuel $ $ 350 500 Miami and $ $ 225 250 Orlando Parking PLEASE TIP YOUR DRIVER

From Sarasota

For Airport Pickups Your Chauffeur Will Have A Sign With Your Name On It!

941-735-4732 Friend Us at: Eddie Ward

We Find Your Lost Valuables Tips Greatly Appreciated

Transportation for everyone on the Sun Coast Friendliest Ride In Town

4141 South Tamiami Trail, Suite 21, Sarasota, FL 34231 941-926-2631 www.frankssalon.com

• Massage Experience Siesta Key Open 7-day a week. 5138A Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4833 • Sun Ride Pedicab – Eco-friendly Pedicabs. Siesta Key Tours and rides – tips only, 941-343-3400 • Siesta Key Free Rides – Siesta Key Free island shuttle for beach, village, condo and tours – tips only. Electric vehicles. Call 941952-8294

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

• Jonny’s Original Free Ride – The Original Ride the Key Free service on Siesta to anywhere, everyday from 10 AM – 2 AM. Driver tips only. Call 941-928-9200. • Dollar Limo – holds up to 10 people and is cheaper than a D.U.I or taxi. Call 941-735-4732

FLORIDA REALTY

Dennis Kedzierski, GRI REALTOR®

8319 Market St., Sarasota, FL 34202 Cell: 941.685.5514 denbeck2@verizon.net www.DennySells.com

Olde Fashion Barber Shop

New Homes startiNg From $289,000 aNd Up

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

Providing Professional Real Estate Services Since 1972

2081 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239

A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC

Don Muenzmay GRI,CRS, SRES 941-374-3865 Email: dmuenzmay@aol.com

Sue Preece SFR, e-PRO, CNE

941-350-2666 Fax: 866-801-5663 Email: suepreece44@aol.com Harry E. Robbins Assoc. Inc. 3733 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34239 Referrals Are Always Appreciated

GulfToGolfRESarasota.com

Piro & Associates

Walk-Ins Welcome

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

www.SouthgateBarbers.com • Siesta Key Massage & Therapy Center – Relieve all that pent –up tension and improve circulation with a soothing massage or facial by Ali. Call to book your appointment today. 941-349-0408

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

REALTORS®

Expert in 1031 Exchange

Office: (941) 923-3900 Cell: (941) 356-8699 Fax: (941) 924-0086 mail: piroassociates@comcast.net Website: www.pirorealty.com

(Across from Southgate Mall)

James J. Piro, MAI, CCIM

• 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

Licensed Real Estate Broker

25% OFF

7719 Holiday Drive, Sarasota, FL 34231 • Making things happen on Siesta Key with Real Estate agents Bob and Sheri Ruiz from Key Solutions Real Estate Group. If you are looking to buy or sell on the Key contact us. Bob Ruiz 941-544-3299 RobertRuizRR@aol.com, Sheri Ruiz 941-400-4186 SheriLasley@aol.com • Your Siesta Dunes and Landings Preferred Partners in Real Estate, Judy Greene 941-350-0451 and Tara Lamb 941-266-4873 with Michael Sanders & Company 5100 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key 34242 JudyGreene@MichaelSanders.com

All In-Stock

DOONEY & BOURKE Handbags ‘til 5/31/16

Officially licensed accessories from the NFL, MLB, NCAA and NHL

Mon.-Sat. 10-5pm www.skyboxstore.com

2163 Siesta Drive Sarasota, FL 34239 941-923-0635

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

Places of Worship Island Churches: • Siesta Key Presbyterian Chapel - 4615 Gleason Ave, Siesta Key, 941-349-1166 www.siestakeychapel.org • St. Michael’s Catholic Church - 5394 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4174 www.stmichaelssiesta.com • St. Boniface Episcopal Church - 5615 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, 941-349-5616 www.bonifacechurch.org Off- Island: •Temple Sinai, a Reform Congregation (The closest Jewish congregation to the Key for visitors) 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, 941-924-1802 www.templesinai-sarasota.org • St. Andrew United Church of Christ (Protestant) (In the Gulf Gate area, near Beneva and Gulf Gate Drive) 6908 Beneva Road, Sarasota, 941.922.7595 www.uccstandrew.org • The Superior Word Rev. Charlie Garrett Service starts Sunday mornings at 10am. Bring a friend and share in God’s word. 6512 Superior Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34231 • First Christian Church - 7601 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34241. 941-922-4434 www.fccsarasota.com

38 Siesta Sand

MAY 2016

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

Accommodations Locator Map

ÂŠ Island Visitor Publishing, LLC 2012

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

MAY 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

A smile can change everything You may be surprised to know that the benefits of having properly aligned teeth extend far beyond a confident smile. According to the American Dental Association, straightening your teeth can actually significantly affect your overall dental health. Think about it — a smile can hardly be perfect if it’s not a healthy one. “Fortunately, with Invisalign, having a confident smile and reducing your risk for tooth decay and gum disease go hand in hand,” says Dr. Gaukhman.

gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements your dentist plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You just pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete. You’ll achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth.

How Invisalign Works

The Advantage over Braces

Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will

- Allows you to eat whatever foods you enjoy - Lets you remove the device when you want - Lets you enjoy virtually invisible teeth-straightening - Allows you to brush and floss your teeth normally for better periodontal health

- Consists of smooth, comfortable plastic instead of sharp metal this is more likely to irritate your checks and gums - Frees up your busy schedule with office visits only every four to six weeks With regular braces, you may experience some or all of the following: - Pain - Discomfort - Mouth sores or injuries caused by the brace wires - Tooth decay (from inadequate brushing or flossing) - Plaque buildup - Tooth discoloration - Tooth/bracket breakage - Difficulty eating

Healthier Teeth and Gums

Swollen, red gums can often be the result of having teeth that are crowded or too widely spaced. Unfortunately, these

are also signs of periodontal disease. When teeth are properly aligned, it helps the gums fit more securely around the teeth, allowing for the strongest and healthiest defense against potential periodontal problems. That’s where Invisalign comes in. The comfortable and clear aligners gently and gradually begin to move your teeth into the proper position — without unsightly brackets and wires.

Easier Cleaning

One of the biggest challenges of having braces is removing all the food that gets trapped in the brackets and wires. This can often lead to plaque buildup and eventually tooth decay. With Invisalign, the aligners are removable, so it’s easy to continue brushing and flossing your teeth the way you normally do.

Overall Health

Think of your teeth as a window to the health of your body. Your teeth and gums — and how they look to others when you smile — say a lot about your overall health. If you’re taking good care of both, you’re probably taking good care of the rest of you. Call today to schedule an appointment! Sarasota 5223 Avenida Navarra Sarasota, FL 34242 (941) 266-7000 Osprey 416 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite F1 Osprey, FL 34229 (941) 497-5650 Venice 463 US HWY 41 Bypass S. Venice, FL 34285 (941) 375-4488 www.siestadental.com Advertorial

Siesta Dental Get the smile you’ve always wanted!

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New Patient Cleaning Special with Whitening

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(D0150, D0210, D1110, D0180, D0330) Includes Exam, X-rays, healthy mouth cleaning, and take home whitening pen. Uninsured patients only. Not valid with any other offers.* Expires 6-12-2016. Call now (941) 234-4455

FREE Implant/Denture $25

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(941) 234-4455 Osprey

Call now (941) 234-4455

$1000 OFF FREE Nitrous Oxide Invisalign or Anxiolysis As low Per as $89 Month

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(D9248)(Sweet Air or Anxiety Relief) Will need driver. During regular business hours. After hours and weekends are extra. Uninsured patients only. Not valid with any other offers.* Expires 6-12-2016. Call now (941) 234-4455

Most PPO Insurances Accepted. Financing Available.

Siesta Key 5223 Avenida Navarra Sarasota, FL 34242

(D9310, D0330) Present this coupon to redeem offer. Uninsured patients only. Not valid with any other offers.* Expires 6-12-2016

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Uninsured patients only. Not valid with any other offers.* Expires 6-12-2016 Call now (941) 234-4455

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Consultation

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and his Dedicated Dental Team are serving patients from Sarasota, Osprey, Venice and surrounding areas. Call for your appointment now!

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Dr. Alexander Gaukhman

416 S. Tamiami Tr. Suite F1 Osprey, FL 34229

(941) 234-4455 Venice 463 US HWY 41 Bypass S. Venice, Fl 34285

(941) 234-4455

SiestaDental.com

*The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination, or treatment that is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted fee, or reduced fee service, examination, or treatment.

40 Siesta Sand

MAY 2016

941.349.0194 www.siestasand.net

Island Girl This month’s Island Girl is Briana from Sarasota. She enjoys volleyball, running, and is an all-around sports enthusiast. She’s also fond of reading. She works as a clinical coordinator for a company in Sarasota. You’ll find Briana enjoying a light Gulf breeze on America’s No. 1 Beach nearly every weekend.

Briana If you would like to be considered for our next Island Girl, contact us at islandvp@verizon.net (You must be at least 18 years old to participate)