IV Siesta Sand - November 2013

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Deli food galore at Corkscrew Deli in Landings Plaza

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An interview with “Kettle of Fish” front man, Dana Lawrence...

They’ve been at it since 1994 and definitely have figured out how to do food right...

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www.SiestaKeyFitness.com

NOVEMBER 2013 | 941.349.0194 | ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC | www.SiestaSand.net | Complimentary

Medical marijuana initiative huffing, puffing along for 2014 ballot

ARTS on the HORIZON

By Paul Roat

Floridians may be faced with more of a philosophical rather than political dilemma come Election Day 2014: Should medical marijuana be legalized for chronically ill people in the state? UnitedForCare, People United for Medical Marijuana, is working to place the medical marijuana issue on the Nov. 4, 2014, ballot. The not-for-profit Orlandobased group has and is soliciting volunteers and signatures for a petition to place the question before voters. The group has its work cut out for them, both logistically and financially. A total of 683,149 signatures of registered Florida voters need to be collected and validated as correct by Feb. 1. According to UnitedForCare Campaign Manager Ben Pollara, “We have nearly 200,000 petitions collected and are expanding our efforts

throughout the state.” The ballot language then needs to be approved by the Florida Supreme Court. If the proposal makes it to the ballot, 60 percent of the voters must approve the measure for it to become law, probably in early 2015. Major funding source behind the ballot initiative is John Morgan, the attorney whose firm’s advertisements of Morgan & Morgan “For the People” seem to be on radio and TV every commercial break. Morgan has estimated that the bankroll for the signature collection will cost about $3.5 million. The expected fight with anti-drug groups will probably cost another $10 million, the conservative Morgan conservatively predicted. Story continued on page 24.

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Why I support legal medical marijuana By John Morgan Guest Commentary: I watched cancer kill my dad. Many of you know what that’s like. To be honest, it was horrifying to see someone so strong, so big in my life, waste away and in constant pain. My family felt helpless. He didn’t want opiates, which just made him foggy and uncomfortable. The only thing that worked to stimulate his hunger and ease his pain was marijuana. No one should have to risk going to jail for providing medical marijuana to someone who needs it. Doctors should have the right to make this call.

It really is that simple. I am trying to convince other potential large donors to get behind this campaign, but they want to know the grassroots support is there. They’re measuring our progress in signups, volunteers, and number of donations. Please join me in supporting United For Care and contribute here today to help us make our end of quarter goal. On behalf of my dad and the thousands of other people that have experienced the same thing, I thank you. Contribute to UnitedForCare.org today.

WATER WORLD PAGE 23

LOCAL MAPS & INFORMATION

Email your comments to islandvp@verizon.net Story continued on page 24.

PAGES 15-22

Master Sand Sculptor Brian Wigelsworth Scientific first for male turtles By Diana Colson

Brian Wigelsworth is truly a “Renaisands Man!” ‘ Yup—I spelled that one right. Not only is Brian a Master Level sand sculptor, he is the designer and creator of the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpting Competition. Founded in 2010, Brian works in partnership with the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Sarasota County Parks and Recreation, Mote Marine Laboratory, and the Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau. Now in its 4th year, the event has proved to be a resounding success. The Competition is a favorite with professional sand sculptors from all over the world because of the crisp beauty of Siesta’s pure white sand. Brian Wigelsworth is also the Sand Coordinator for the Crystal Classic. His main responsibility is to see that the best Master sculptors are invited, to oversee their transportation arrangements,

and to insure that they have what they need to create their works of art. Brian also designs the plot layout for the event and decides on the centerpiece sculpture upon which all entrants will work together. He also sets up the news desk, organizes the Photo Op sand sculptures, and sees to a myriad of other pesky details that make the event run like clockwork.

Brian was a Military Brat. His father was a Missile Commander in the Air Force who was involved in the Titan Missile Program. As happens in the military, the family moved around a lot, living mostly on coastal bases. Story continued on page 13.

began off Turtle Beach

Murph is happily wending his way through the depths of the Gulf after a near-death experience off Turtle Beach. According to Mote Marine Laboratory’s Turtle Stranding Team, “a large loggerhead appeared to be tethered to something underwater off Turtle Beach on Siesta Key. While the turtle could surface for air, it couldn’t get free. Mote Stranding

By Paul Roat

Investigations Program Manager Gretchen Lovewell and Biologist Rebeccah Hazelkorn went to safely rescue the turtle, and enlisted the help of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Law Enforcement Marine Patrol and helicopter, Sarasota County, and Longboat Key marine patrols to help. Story continued on page 16.

Abel’s Ice Cream - 1886 Stickney Point Road - 941-921-5700 Between New Balance & Stonewood Grill Double Punch Tuesdays Throughout November Abel’s Ice Cream offers a punch card reward program. When you have accumulated 10 ice cream item purchases you receive a free single ice cream. As a welcome back to their winter residence and a thank you to their year round customers, Abel’s is offering double punch Tuesdays for the month of November. For every ice cream item purchased on Tuesday you will receive 2 punches on your buy 10 get 1 free Abel’s punch card. If you’ve never experienced the nationally award winning brand of Ice Cream Abel’s offer, Tuesdays

would be a great time to give it a try. Looking for a unique dessert for your Thanksgiving Day dinner celebration? Consider an Abel’s Ice Cream Pie for only $12.99. Recommended flavors are Carrot Cake (Carrot cake ice cream with fresh walnuts and a cream cheese frosting weave), Stellar Coffee (Rich coffee ice cream with fudge and mini dark chocolate coffee cups) or Mint Chip (Mint flavored ice cream with large chocolate chips) made in an Oreo Cookie Crust. All Ice Cream Pies are made to order requiring

Learn more about us at WWW.ABELSICECREAM.COM

a 2 day lead time so be sure to place your order early. The 2013 Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Castle competition will begin Friday November 15th ending Monday the 18th. Abel’s will again be in the food vendor area Friday, Saturday, and Sunday offering several flavors of ice cream and milk shakes. Bring your

family and enjoy these magnificent sand castle sculptures being built by many of the world’s best artists. Abel’s is located at 1886 Stickney Point Road between New Balance and Stonewood Grill. Visit their web site at www.abelsicecream.com for directions or call at 921-5700.


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