Why the world comes to Sarasota
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BOATYARD WATERFRONT BAR & GRILL
THE HIGH-TECH ART OF PETER STANICK
Waterfront dining that does not disappoint...
He is a master of the Pop Art style...
Read more on page 8
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Paddleboard Rentals On Siesta Key
2 Hours $20 w/this ad!
941-349-8500 GetOnBoardSiestaKey.com
NOVEMBER 2014 | 941.349.0194 | ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC | www.SiestaSand.net | COMPLIMENTARY
The Man Behind Siesta Key’s Signature Rum By Diana Colson
Drinks of Siesta Key, Siesta Key is famous worldwide. There are two drinks that carry the Siesta Key name, both are exceptional. Read more about Siesta Key Soda on page 18.
The 2014 Siesta Key Crystal Classic See Page 25 Light up the Village and Holiday Parade See Page 36
Troy Roberts is the founder/CEO and Head Distiller of Drum Circle Distilling, a Sarasota company which creates handcrafted rums. He entered the field just seven years ago, jumping into the world of rum with the enthusiasm of a pirate. In his former life in the corporate world —otherwise known as jail— he could only dream of whiling away the hours sitting on the beach waiting for the sun to set, a rumbased drink clutched firmly in his hand. For Troy it felt like the right way to live, for his early years had been spent on the beaches of Sarasota. He went away from home, as kids so often do, and took a few side trips before his eventual return to Sarasota. An adventurous soul, he served a stint as a Denver ski bum, and another as a sailor in Santa Cruz. He even tried the world of frozen yogurt, becoming a store owner in Portland Oregon. Finally Troy buckled down for ten years of hard work at Compuwear Corporation, where he served as Director of Product Management. Through all those boxed-in
Big Month for Events on Siesta Key
November is a month filled with three major events: The Sandfest Party, Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting competition and Light Up the Village.
Sandfest Party
It’s the 24th Annual Siesta Key Chamber Sandfest 2014 Hoedown Party at the Siesta Key Beach Pavilion – 948 Beach Road. The event is scheduled for Friday, November 7th, from 6–10 pm. Come enjoy a night out with music, dancing and “gourmet” cowboy cuisine provided by Siesta Key area restaurants. Cost is $25 per person for members, and $30 for non-members. For reservations call 941-349-3800. So wear your best cowboy hat and boots and come on down for some country grub and entertainment.
Annual Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpting Competition
This great event is now in its 5th year. Join us this November 14th through 18th for what promises to be a spectacular experience watching sand sculptures rise from the sands on Siesta beach. Our Siesta Key sand is considered the best natural beach sand for sculpting because of its unique composition which consists of 99% quartz crystals. Twenty-four of the ‘‘TOP” master sculptors from around the world will compete for $15,000 in prize money and the “CRYSTAL CLASSIC SCULPTING DOUBLES TITLE”. Continued on page 27
software years he kept dreaming of returning to the beaches of Sarasota, staring at those highdrama sunsets, and sipping one more cup of liquid magic. Troy bailed out of the corporate rat race in 1999, and started several websites for sports car fans. They were quite successful, and he sold them in 2007 to a bigger company. He had returned to Sarasota in 2003 to kick off his shoes and walk barefoot once again on the fabled sands of Siesta Key. Along the way he reconnected with his high school sweetheart, the lovely Nanci Vatovek, to whom he is now engaged. Troy had four boys from a previous marriage, and Nanci had two. These two families were now blended together. With the sports car websites sold, Troy found himself with time and money on his hands. He had an abundance of energy, and
it happened that he liked to bake. Rum cakes were his specialty, and he briefly toyed with the idea of starting a rum cake company. Continued on page 19
Siesta Key Beach improvements top Key upgrades By Roger Drouin Siesta Key Beach’s new east concession building is being constructed 16-feet above the sand, to meet flood elevation requirements. The structure will include a viewing deck for watching sunsets, offering what Sarasota County Public Works Project Manager Brad Gaubatz describes as a fabulous view. In addition, the view looking up won’t be bad either, considering the building will bring an air of modern architecture to Siesta’s public beach. The $21.5 million Siesta Beach Park Improvement Project, which is being constructed in phases, will also bring a second concession node, expanded restrooms, two pavilions, and shade canopies—all constructed in the same architectural vein.
Photo Credit: Sweet Sparkman Architects
Rendering of the shade canopies to be added Continued on page 30
Independent Computer Store Continues to Flourish after 25 Years In an age where customer service has taken a back seat to business practices that favor automated voice messaging systems or offer subpar service due to cutbacks, it’s refreshing to come across a business that’s built their reputation on a customer-focused approach. Co-owners of Discount Computers, Inc., Amelia and Doug Manning have developed a strong customer base over the past 25 years doing just that – answering questions and
providing exceptional customer service. That’s quite an accomplishment when you consider all the big box computer stores that have come and gone. It’s telling when you get third and fourth-time buyers. That doesn’t happen unless the customer is satisfied. It’s also a confirmation that they’re doing something right - that something includes perks such as their FREE and unlimited “Lifetime” education, a service department
MEET OUR BARTENDER OF THE MONTH - PHILLIP Page 23
second to none, and being an environmentally conscious company among other benefits. You can call or stop in during business hours (Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) knowing one of the owners or one of their expert staff will be on hand to trouble-shoot any problems you’ve encountered. At Discount Computers, Inc., they recognize the IT market is constantly evolving so stay up-to-date with the latest trends and information. They willingly share their combined deep database of knowledge with their customers. And, their mantra of “Your
local computer store with excellent service” keeps them focused on what is important. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or have been with them from the start, it doesn’t matter if your computer is old or new, Discount Computers, Inc., has no expiration date on that customer-centered, small business feel they provide their patrons. This must be what keeps consumers coming back for more.
Discount Computers, Inc. 6524 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-925-2215 www.dcisrq.com
NOTES FROM THE ISLAND FISHMONGER “ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION” Page 21
LOCAL MAPS & INFORMATION
WHO’S PLAYING TONIGHT Page 22
See Page 17