IV Siesta Sand - October 2018 by Brion Palmer

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OCTOBER 2018 | 941.349.0194 | ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC | www.SiestaSand.net | COMPLIMENTARY

On the November Ballot:

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SIESTA PROMENADE Traffic remains primary focal point for public anger directed at Siesta Promenade proposal

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SIESTA KEY CHAPEL “God’s Treehouse” on a lovely, wooded hammock adjacent to the Out-of-Door school

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LORDES RAMIREZ As Ramirez seeks rehearing in civil case, Waechter’s attorney points to fact that she could have accepted $500 settlement instead of facing prospect of almost $40,000 in Attorneys’ fees and costs

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SIESTA SOUNDS

By Robert Frederickson

Would Single Member Commission Districts Benefit County Voters? A proposed Sarasota County charter amendment set to appear on the upcoming November ballot could give Siesta Key a greater voice on the County Commission. Or not... Proponents and opponents of the measure make compelling arguments both ways. The amendment – spearheaded by the group Sarasota Alliance for Fair Elections (SAFE) – would scrap the county’s current ‘at-large’ commission districts, replacing them with ‘single-member’ districts. Currently, each county voter gets to cast a vote for a commission candidate in each of the county’s five commission districts, regardless of which district the voter happens to live in. If the amendment passes, that same voter would only cast a single vote in one commission race...the one for the seat representing their own district. The candidate running in each district would still be required to reside in the district they are hoping to represent. The amendment’s wording was released by the Supervisor of Elections office last week. This is how it will appear on the November 6th ballot:

County Charter Amendment Sarasota County Charter Amendment to Change County Commission Elections to Single-Member Districts Shall each member of the Board of the County Commissioners of Sarasota County, Florida be elected by only those voters residing in the

An Island Success

same district in which the Commissioner resides, rather than having each member of the Board of County Commissioners elected by voters County-wide as presently exists in Article II, Section 2.1A of the Sarasota County Charter? ___YES, for the Charter Amendment ___NO, for the Charter Amendment SAFE board member Dan Lobeck sees single-member districts as a means of leveling the playing field between well-funded candidates backed by deep-pocketed interests and less connected, homegrown candidates presently shutout of the process by the high-price of admission that comes with needing to fund a broad, county-wide campaign. According to media reports, Mike Moran spent just over $100,000 to win his last election and Alan Maio spent over $125,000 to win his District four seat in 2014. “This would be a highly important reform, as it would cut most campaign costs (such as direct mail and signs) by 80%, empower neighborhoods and facilitate door-to-door campaigning, thereby reducing the presently overwhelming power of big money (by big development interests) in county commission campaigns,” explains Lobeck on the SAFE website. Continued on page 16

By Bob Stein

Definition of fishmonger - a person or shop that sells fish for food Back in the late 90’s, Siesta Key’s only fish market, located on Garden Lane, just north of Roberts Point Road closed its doors due to complaints from its neighbors, according to Anne Johnson, longtime editor of the old Pelican Press, and former island resident. Johnson explained, “The neighborhood had begun to gentrify, and neighbors objected to the smell of the smoker. They were known for their smoked mullet. The owner put up a huge fight, backed by all the old-timers. Ultimately, after several years, he lost. The other complaint was that the fishermen, who pulled in there, were not as clean and well-groomed as some of the neighbors would have liked.”

Fast forward to 2011, Scott Dolan becomes Siesta Key’s newest lone island fishmonger with the opening of Big Water Fish Market. The doors of Dolan’s market opened on 11/11/11 at 11 am. The market/restaurant is located near the south bridge on Siesta Key in the Crescent Beach Shopping Center (6641 Midnight Pass Road). The shop’s décor has a relaxed and unpretentious Caribbean vibe, where flip-flops are the norm, and the staff is ready to serve with a friendly smile. This retail fish market and casual restaurant specializes in sea-to-table fresh, wild-caught Florida seafood, offering a delicious casual dining menu, with daily specials Monday

through Saturday, from 11 am to 9 pm. Also offered is a small selection of fresh produce along with a variety of specialty spices, sauces, and products to complement your seafood, providing the convenience of one-stop shopping. If you love the thrill of the catch, but not keen on its preparation - no worries. The staff at Big Water Fish Market will gladly clean and prepare the fish to your specifications. This customized service, along with an increasing menu selection has increased Dolan’s customer base allowing him to expand his Midnight Pass location. Continued on page 30

Q & A’s for County Commission District 4 Candidates Something for everybody, MajorSeven and Terry T-bone Rhodes perfrom a wide range of music

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The Siesta Key Condominium Council (SKCC) whose membership includes about 90 condos on Siesta Key and some 7000 doors, strives to keep their membership informed and engaged in issues that are important to Siesta Key. To provide Siesta Key voters information on the Commissioner Candidates position are critical to Siesta Key issues as identified by the SKCC Membership, a 4-part questionnaire was submitted to the Candidates prior to the August 28 primary election.

The questions were developed by the Council as being pertinent to Siesta Key and the responses are un-edited, that is, as was received from the Candidate. The two candidates that won the primary are Wesley Beggs, Democrat and incumbent Alan Maio, Republican. Democrat candidate Wesley Beggs 1. The County Commissioners in early 2018 authorized changes in the Siesta Key District that allowed for changes in setback and height

restrictions for a specific property on Old Stickney Point Road. Actual construction plans are now subject to commissioner approval. What is your position re the setback and height issues that brought about the changes relative to actual plans for the site? Wesley Anne Beggs Response: Although the plans are still subject to the commission’s review and approval, I was disappointed to see this decision go through. Continued on page 11

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Mike Cosentino’s Proposed Charter Amendments to be on Nov. 6 ballot, Though County Attorney Warns of Potential Legal Concerns if They Win Approval By Rachel Brown Hackney \ SarasotaNewsLeader.com It took almost an hour and 50 minutes on Aug. 29 for the Sarasota County Commission to vote unanimously to put on the Nov. 6 General Election ballot two proposed amendments to the Sarasota County Charter that emanated from the board’s May 2016 vacation of a segment of North Beach Road. Siesta Key resident Mike Cosentino — who has been engaged in a lawsuit with the county over that road vacation for the past two years — argued not only that the Office of the County Attorney had illegally rewritten his proposed amendments in its preparation of the ordinance containing the ballot questions, but Cosentino also contended that the commissioners should give him 20 minutes for a presentation on each of the proposed amendments, for a total of 40 minutes. Under the County Commission’s rules of procedure, a person petitioning the board for action generally has 20 minutes to discuss the merits of the issue and then 5 minutes for rebuttal after public comments have been taken. On Aug. 29, the board members ultimately agreed to give Cosentino about 25 minutes for his presentation, with Vice Chair Charles Hines — who was presiding during the hearing — admonishing Cosentino not to repeat the history of the lawsuit in addressing the second proposed amendment, as Cosentino had in discussing the first one. Chair Nancy Detert left just before the hearing began; Hines offered no excuse for her departure. At the outset, County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh explained the action he took regarding the ordinance the board needed to approve to put the measures on the Nov. 6 ballot. The language in Section 2 of the ordinance “is exactly what was contained on the petitions,” DeMarsh said. DeMarsh was referring to the petition drive that Cosentino and his supporters undertook to win the necessary number of signatures of registered county voters to meet the 5% threshold outlined in the Sarasota County Charter for citizen-initiated amendments to the Charter. Then DeMarsh explained that the state requires a ballot question to be no longer than 75 words and to state the chief purpose of the proposed amendment. If these amendments were approved, DeMarsh added, the language Cosentino had used on the petitions would be added to the Charter.

Delving into the details When Hines asked DeMarsh to discuss potential legal concerns about the ballot measures, DeMarsh said that, in the county Charter, “limitations on the board’s authority are legally possible. Among them, for example, he continued, is the fact that the commission cannot issue bonds exceeding a certain

amount. “But it’s not an absolute prohibition,” he said, as, through a referendum, the board can gain voter approval to issue debt above that level. Cosentino’s proposed amendments contain prohibitions, DeMarsh said, but no means is provided for the board to work around those prohibitions. In that context, DeMarsh said, “you could have a number of practical concerns” and, potentially, legal concerns. Proposed Charter Amendment 3.9 says, “Siesta Key Beach Road as Public Right of Way. The County shall rescind the vacation of, or reacquire, Beach Road on Siesta Key as it existed on January 1, 2016, and shall not vacate or sell this County-owned road segment(s) or right of way. The County shall provide maximum right of way use of Beach Road for public access, including vehicular use and viewing of waterfront vistas. The County shall make Beach Road accessible to mobility impaired persons.” Proposed Charter Amendment 3.10 says, “Preserve County-Owned Parks, Preserves, Beach and Water Access and Waterfront Vistas. The County shall not sell, and shall retain ownership of, County-owned Parks and Preserves, and shall not vacate or sell County-owned road segments or rights of way along or abutting any beach, river, creek, canal, lake, bay, gulf access or waterfront vista. The County shall encourage maximum right of way use for public access and viewing of waterfront vistas. Whenever feasible, the County shall make these areas accessible to mobility impaired persons.” “If one is required to reacquire the Beach Road right of way,” DeMarsh pointed out, “and then improve it as a public road,” the owners of private property abutting the road would have to be willing to give up their title to it. If they refused, he continued, “or placed such a high cost on that, then the County Commission would be in a very difficult position.” He added, “If the board is mandated to pay whatever the cost of reacquiring and reconstructing a road, the board’s decisionmaking authority and discretion over its budget is limited in a way that could be subject to legal challenge.” Proposed Amendment 3.10, DeMarsh continued, would restrict the board’s ability to convey real property, as provided for in the Florida Statutes. For example, DeMarsh said, if the board wanted to sell part of a park, “it would be flatly

prohibited from doing so under this language.” Furthermore, he noted, language restricting the vacation of roads “may be inconsistent with state laws,” and the terminology in that proposed amendment “could be difficult to apply.” He pointed to “waterfront vista” as an example of that concern. During the hearing, when Hines told Cosentino that passage of that amendment would prevent the board from being able to sell part of Nathan Benderson Park to Mote Marine, which wants to build a $130-million aquarium on the site, Cosentino suggested leasing the property to Mote, which has a lease for its City Island site with the City of Sarasota. After DeMarsh concluded his comments, Hines told DeMarsh, “You’ve pointed out a lot of potential issues that may need to be considered should these amendments pass.” Nonetheless, Hines said, the board’s role that day was “to vote to put the amendments on the ballot.” At the conclusion of the hearing, Commissioner Michael Moran made the motion to approve placing the proposed amendments on the Nov. 6 ballot. Commissioner Paul Caragiulo seconded the motion. With no further comments from the board, the motion passed 4-0.

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Short-term Rentals Topic Gets County Commission Attention By Rachel Brown Hackney The Siesta Key Association is not the only organization pushing for enforcement of the county’s regulation prohibiting shortterm property rentals in Residential Single Family (RSF) housing districts on the Key. On Sept. 12, during the Open to the Public portion of the County Commission’s first public hearing on its 2019 fiscal year budget, a Siesta resident complained about a letter she had received from an organization called “Good Neighbors of Sarasota Beach. In that letter, the group identified itself as an association of more than “30 property owners and annual renters living on Avenida de Mayo, Avenida del Norte, Calle de Peru, Calle de Costa Rica, Calle de Rio, and the east side of Avenida de Cortez.” “We have formed to fight the growing issue of illegal short-term rentals, in and around our Sarasota Beach sub-division,” the letter said. “Whether you are a yearround resident or a seasonal snowbird, you know these types of rentals have grown over the past few years. And you are also aware of how our neighborhood has been affected.” The letter continued, “This neighborhood was once filled by families, retirees, and young, working people. Some were paying mortgages and others paid rent, but

everyone took pride in this community. Our neighborhood is now pocked by houses that change renters every week or more frequently. … Strangers wandering our streets, Cars overflowing driveways, garbage set out days ahead of pick up, and noise at all hours. These short-term landlords have stolen our community, degraded our lifestyle, and lowered our property values. Up to now, they have taken advantage of our good natures and the lack of zoning enforcement. But now, it is going to stop,” the letter said. In a single-family housing district on Siesta Key, no property may be rented more than once every 30 days, the Sarasota County Code says. “I myself don’t rent my house,” Martha Kim told the commissioners after explaining she had received the letter, which she called “very threatening.” Her address is on Calle de Peru, according to the card she filled out to address the board. Kim added that someone called the county’s Code Enforcement Division in the spring to report that she was renting her home illegally. “They caused me infinite amounts of trouble.” “My house was in very bad shape when I bought it,” Kim told the board, adding that

her renovation of it was expensive. “It’s now a cute little Siesta Key Cottage,” she said. “It’s not a big house,” she continued, even though, she noted, the trend on Siesta is for bigger homes. The owner of the only big house on her street has told her that her house is an eyesore, Kim added. “These people who call themselves good neighbors are not really good neighbors,” she said, referring again to the letter. When Chair Nancy Detert asked Kim whether she had brought the letter with her to the meeting, Kim said she had. Detert asked her to give it to the clerk to the board. “We’re probably interested in trying to help you and look at where that came from,” Detert added. “That would be really great,” Kim responded. In regard to the short-term rental issue, she added, “I feel that people should be allowed to do what they want.” SNL/Siesta Sand contacted Joe Volpe, the Siesta Key Association (SKA) director who has been the point person for that nonprofit in regard to concerns about illegal short-term rentals on the island. He was not familiar with the group named in the letter, he said, but he planned to contact

it. The letter did include an email address and a post office box number in Sarasota. The next speaker during the Sept. 12 Open to the Public period was Chad Waites, a Siesta property owner who said he is an Airbnb host. (He also addressed the board on Aug. 22.) Waites provided statistics about how much Tourist Development Tax — or “bed tax” — revenue the county has received from Airbnb, the online accommodations company. Based on 2016 bookings, Waites pointed out, the county would have collected $355,000 in Tourist Development Tax revenue as a result of Airbnb rentals. In May 2017, Waites continued, the County Commission and Airbnb finally reached an agreement on the organization’s payment of the 5% county bed tax from its hosts’ accommodations in the county. In 2017, Waites said, the county documented more than 67,000 Airbnb guests. In June 2018, he added, Airbnb paid the county $978,000 in bed tax collections from rentals by its hosts. Through June of this fiscal year, he said, Airbnb had turned over $859,000 to the Sarasota County Tax Collector’s Office. “That’s on pace for four times the amount of 2016.” Continued on page 37

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Island Chatter Discussion on ways to reduce human contributions to Red Tide The Siesta Key Association’s October guest speaker is Jon Thaxton, the former Sarasota County Commissioner and multigenerational Sarasota native who grew up in Osprey. Thaxton now serves as a Senior Vice President with Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Thaxton will discuss the means and methods to reduce human contributions to red tide. The discussion will cover the FL agreement crafted through the 5 Water Boards re Waste Water for all of Florida (2010). This is a great opportunity to have historic reference and statewide plan that somehow was ‘scuttled’. The meeting is at St. Boniface Church at 5615 Midnight Pass Rd. Thursday Oct. 4 at 4:30 pm.

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Happiness is…Community Autumn is right around the corner, bringing with it the sights and smells of hayrack rides, apple cider and trick-or-treaters. So many fun things to experience. Abel’s Ice Cream is getting into the spirit of the season with two alltime fall favorites: Butter Pecan, (always a top seller, awesome Butter Pecan Ice Cream loaded with lightly salted, roasted pecans), and Carrot Cake (You can stop baking, this is the ultimate Carrot Cake recipe...Carrot Cake Ice Cream with fresh walnuts and a thick ribbon of cream cheese frosting). As exciting as this season can be for kids of all ages, it’s important to remember that there are families in our community who struggle to provide consistent nutrition for their children. And that’s where VW Hope in a BackPack comes in. The program, which began in 2010, has grown rapidly and relies strictly on support from local citizens and businesses to provide meals and hygiene products to the 15,000+ children who don’t have enough to eat right here in Sarasota county. The primary goal is to provide nutrition for the children during weekends and holidays when they might otherwise be without a meal. This program is near and dear to the heart of Jerry and Jill Williams, owners of Abel’s Ice Cream. “Abel’s has been a supporter of this wonderful effort for the past several years,” Jerry stated. “Earlier this month, we sponsored an open house where we raised funds by creating a custom-made sundae just for Hope

in a BackPack.” “It was great to see so many people who came out to support the event,” he added. To learn more about this fantastic program, visit www.vwhopeinabackpack.org. Come in to Abel’s and let our amazing staff know your favorite thing about autumn. If you’re still looking for it, you just might find it in one of their amazing ice cream flavors. Don’t say we didn’t warn you! Abel’s Ice Cream is located at 1886 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota in the South Bridge Plaza. Open Sunday through Thursday from Noon-9:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday from Noon-10 pm. Learn more online at our website, www.abelsicecream.com or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Oct 2, Davidson’s Drugs will be offering 25% off on every item in the store, see page 2 of this edition for details and exclusions.

Trick or treat! Join Blase Cafe for their 21st Halloween party Saturday, October 27 at 8 PM. Prizes for best costume, live funk and soul music with T Bone & Ambidextrous. “Blase Cafe knows how to throw a party,” see if you can identify co-owner Kevin. Come have a spooktaculer evening, 5263 Ocean Blvd, 941-349-9822.

4 & 20 Pasty Company celebrates 15 years in business Richard and Barbara Posner, along with their dedicated crew, would like to thank their loyal customers for their support and friendship in their 15 Years of business in Sarasota. They have been making and baking some of the finest Meat Pasties, Pork Pies and Sausage Rolls in the USA. 4 & 20 Pasty Company carefully selects a variety of British groceries, Cadbury’s Chocolates, lean back bacon, pork banger sausages, black and white puddings, scones, clotted cream, imported jams and lots more. On Thursday October 11, they will celebrate their 15th birthday offering a FREE BRITISH BANGER JUMBO PORK SAUSAGE ROLL (value $4.95) on all baked goods purchases over $15. Doors open at 9:00am Thursday October 11. The store is located at 5638 Swift Road, Sarasota 34231, (941) 927-1421 www.4and20PastyCompany.com

Applying for more funds Although it has been close to two-and-a-half years since Sarasota County completed the second renourishment of South Siesta Key Beach, the County Commission has authorized staff to apply for more state funds to help pay for facets of that project. As part of their unanimous vote on their Aug. 28 Consent Agenda of routine business items, the commissioners approved the submission of

the necessary documentation to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for its consideration under its Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Beach Management Funding Assistance Program. The first renourishment of the southern portion of Siesta Beach was completed on April 30, 2007, a staff memo explained. In 2011, the commissioners directed the county administrator to begin the process for Phase II, which began on March 9, 2016, the memo added. That work was completed in May of that year. “The project is eligible to participate” in FDEP’s Beach Management Funding Assistance Program, the memo continued, as that program provides grants each year that “fund up to 50% of eligible costs for beach erosion control projects.” The county already won FDEP grants of $2,750,000 in 2015 and $5.9 million in 2017 for Phase II of the South Siesta Key Renourishment Project, the memo noted. “FDEP notified the County that grant award documents are being prepared for an additional $82,620 award in 2018,” the memo said. “Further, the County can still request additional eligible funding for up to three years following construction for other eligible expenses, including postconstruction monitoring,” the memo pointed out. The FY 201920 request is for $94,600, the memo said, which would cover the state’s portion of the annual monitoring costs required by the project permit. The memo added that project monitoring costs not covered by the state funds would be paid for by Tourist Development Tax revenue set aside for county beach renourishment initiatives.

Another road vacation revisited As Siesta resident Mike Cosentino argued points with the county commissioners during the Aug. 29 public hearing on his proposed Sarasota County Charter amendments, he referenced the vacation of part of Calle de Costa Rica in 2013. Continued on page 15

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As Ramirez Seeks Rehearing in Civil Case, Waechter’s Attorney Points to Fact that She Could Have Accepted $500 Settlement Instead of Facing Prospect of Almost $40,000 in Attorneys’ Fees and Costs By Rachel Brown Hackney \ SarasotaNewsLeader.com Siesta Key resident Lourdes Ramirez has filed a motion for a rehearing after a 12th Judicial Circuit Court judge in August dismissed the remainder of a civil case Ramirez filed several years ago against Robert Waechter, also of Siesta Key. In the meantime, Waechter’s attorney has pointed out that Ramirez could have walked away with a $500 settlement, instead of facing the prospect of paying nearly $40,000 in attorneys’ fees and costs in the case. “She could have said she won,” Morgan Bentley of the Bentley & Bruning law firm in Sarasota said in a telephone interview. In a follow-up email on Sept. 4, Bentley wrote that Waechter “offered to allow Ramirez to take a final judgment against him, no strings attached, no attorney’s fees would have been owed, and he would have paid her $500.” Bentley added, “That is the Offer of Judgment on record … with the Court.” SNL reported on Aug. 10 that, in his motion for fees and costs — after Circuit Judge Andrea McHugh dismissed Ramirez’s case — Bentley noted a September 2017 settlement offer in the amount of $500. From the point when Ramirez declined to accept that offer until the case’s Aug. 1 dismissal, Bentley continued in his motion, Waechter and Waechter’s firm — RWR Installations — had incurred

attorneys’ fees in the amount of $34,370.92. The defendants are entitled to recover that as specified by the Florida Statutes and the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, Bentley added in the motion. Ramirez told SNL in early August that she was being victimized a second time by Waechter in his seeking attorneys’ fees and costs in the case. The total costs in the case are $5,300.14, Bentley added. Ramirez filed the complaint against Waechter and RWR Installations Inc. after she lost a 2014 campaign for the District 4 County Commission seat. Her decision to file the suit came in the aftermath of Waechter’s pleading guilty in December 2013 to using a prepaid credit card to make contributions in her name to Democratic candidates running in 2012 races. Ramirez is a Republican. SNL incorrectly reported in a previous article that Waechter pleaded guilty to a felony count in the criminal case. “Bob is not a convicted felon,” Bentley wrote in the Sept. 4 email. “His conviction was a misdemeanor and he has paid tens of thousands of dollars in fines, attorneys fees and of course social cost of embarrassment arising from his actions.” A Corrected Judgment that 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Donna Berlin signed on Sept. 18, 2017 shows the offense to which Waechter pleaded guilty was a first-degree misdemeanor:

Fraudulent Use/Possession of ID of Another Person to Harass. In his email, Bentley further clarified other points of Ramirez’s civil litigation. “First,” Bentley wrote, “we were very candid with Lourdes’ attorneys from the beginning of the case in 2014 that they had brought the wrong cause of action. This case was dismissed from Federal court when it was filed back in 2014, then dismissed again more than once in state court.” Referring to McHugh’s Aug. 1 ruling, Bentley added, “After several different amendments by her lawyers to try and cure the issues we had described, the Court ultimately ruled that this was not the right cause of action and that no damages were shown. This is what we had explained to her attorneys from the outset. This is not a case of the Court doing the wrong thing; this is a case of counsel digging its heels in on the wrong cause of action.” In her Aug. 1 ruling, McHugh noted that on March 2, the court already had dismissed three of the counts in the second amended complaint Ramirez filed in the case, in late August 2016. The remaining counts focused on defamation and libel, McHugh added, and McHugh agreed with Waechter’s argument that the claims were barred by the statute of limitations. Additionally, McHugh wrote that she found no evidence in the case

Lourdes Ramirez that Waechter’s actions and the resulting news media attention “cost Ramirez any votes” during the 2014 County Commission race. Referring again to the $500 settlement offer, Bentley pointed out in his Sept. 4 email, “Ramirez refused that, and subsequent offers, deciding instead to push forward knowing that 1) her case was not the right case to have filed and 2) she would be liable for fees if she lost. That is not ‘victimization’; it is a calculated choice on her part.” In early August, Ramirez provided copies of December 2017 email exchanges between Bentley and her attorney, Jose Gutierrez of Coral Gables. In those, she pointed out, Waechter’s settlement offer came with stipulations that she agree never to run for public office again and that she also would have to refrain from any disparagement of Waechter or anyone with whom he is affiliated.

Robert Waechter “I could not accept those conditions,” said Ramirez. “Lourdes is conflating several settlement talks in her comments,” Bentley wrote in his Sept. 4 email. Additionally, Bentley explained, “to ask for non-disparagement of a party is not only not unusual, it would be entirely logical given the history of these two people. And the non-disparagement clause would have run both ways to Lourdes’ benefit as well. Again, she rejected that proposal of her own volition.” A 15-minute hearing on Bentley’s motion for attorneys’ fees and costs in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court case was rescheduled from Oct. 22 to the morning of Oct. 30. As of Siesta Sand’s deadline for this issue, the judge had not ruled on the Ramirez’s motion for a rehearing in regard to Judge McHugh’s final summary judgment order in the case.

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Voters Will Decide on Nov. 6 Whether Citizen-initiated Petition Drives for Charter Amendments Become Law By Rachel Brown Hackney All eight speakers during an Aug. 29 public hearing argued against changes the Sarasota County Commission has proposed for the section of the county Charter that governs citizen-initiated petition drives. Nonetheless — with the addition of a tweak first suggested by Commissioner Paul Caragiulo — the board members voted unanimously to put the proposed changes before the voters on the Nov. 6 General Election ballot. If citizens approve them, the board’s amendments would do the following: • Raise the voter signature threshold from 5% to 10% for the number needed to get a citizen-initiated proposed Charter amendment on the ballot. • Limit the period for collecting those signatures to two years. • Require organizers of a petition drive to turn in all their petitions at one time to the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office between Jan. 1 and April 1 of the General Election year in which the amendment would appear on the ballot. • Require that all citizen-initiated referenda appear on General Election ballots. No more special elections would be conducted. That change would apply to any Charter amendments proposed by the Sarasota County Charter Review Board, as well, if the commission’s amendments win voter approval in November. During the board’s June budget discussions, Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner acknowledged that the expense of a special election is about $400,000. “Ultimately,” Pat Rounds of Sarasota told the board on Aug. 29, “voters decide for or against citizeninitiated Charter referendums at election time. Does the County Commission want to deny county voters that option?” She added that “raising the bar to 10%” for the signature threshold would prevent issues from reaching “the ballot box.” Siesta Key resident Michael Cosentino, who worked with volunteers to get two proposed amendments on the Nov. 6 ballot, told the board members, “I had

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people all over this county helping me, and we busted our butts for two years. … It’s an absolute nightmare,” he added, even to get 5% of the voters’ signatures during that period of time. Mike Shalsko of Venice pointed out that it would be “virtually impossible” to collect all the necessary signatures within the time frame provided for in the amended language. “This may be the most important vote this County Commission takes,” Sarasota attorney Dan Lobeck said. “This is an attempt to squash the people from having the right to put Charter amendments on the ballot. That’s astonishing. That’s offensive.” After Chair Nancy Detert closed the public hearing, Commissioner Charles Hines pointed out, “We’re not taking anything away from anybody by what we vote on today. If you all disagree with the proposed amendments, then just say, ‘No’ on Election Day.” “The intent of this is for local citizens that are incredibly passionate about a topic to take their time and their energy and their passion” to get a measure on the ballot, Commissioner Michael Moran said in making the motion to place the board’s proposed amendments before voters on Nov. 6. “I think what we’re trying to do is clean up some of the Charter things that maybe have been too loose,” Detert said.

The solitary tweak The issue that did prompt one tweak to the proposed amendments regarded the ability for organizers of petition drives to “cure” the situation — as Hines put it — when the supervisor of elections determines that an insufficient number of valid voter signatures has been obtained to get a citizen-initiated measure on the ballot. County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh finally proposed an additional sentence in the section of the Charter that would be amended, to ease board members’ concerns on that point. The sentence would read, “Additional signature petitions may be submitted to the supervisor of elections no later than May 1 of the year of the general election.” Continued on the next page

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

OCTOBER 2018

Continued from the previous page

The supervisor of elections could communicate with the organizers of a drive after the process of validating the signatures begins, DeMarsh explained. “They can have that communication going on, and additional signatures can come in.” “I just think that the stance of ‘You’ve got to get it right the first time; otherwise you’re out,’ is a little draconian,” Caragiulo told DeMarsh. Nonetheless, Hines said, “I clearly believe there’s a problem with regards to an unending length of time that a petition signature can remain alive to be considered.” “Frankly, I think it’s too easy now to get a citizen-initiated Charter amendment on the ballot,” Caragiulo told his colleagues. “There’s definitely something to a higher percentage of signatures,” he continued, “because voter turnout’s increasing.” Still, he questioned the lack of time to turn in additional petitions if the percentage threshold had not been met. “I agree with Commissioner Caragiulo,” Hines said. “There really almost needs to be an opportunity to ‘cure.’” If the organizers of a petition drive were short 200 or 500 valid signatures, for example, Hines continued, perhaps it would be reasonable to allow them an extra 15 or 30 days to try to gather enough additional voter signatures to make up that difference. “Well, I certainly would accept direction from you as to any changes,” DeMarsh responded. “What is a reasonable, maximum amount of time,” Commissioner Alan Maio asked, for the supervisor of elections to be able to certify all the signatures and then be able to get the proposed amendment on a ballot? DeMarsh suggested that if the board kept the window from Jan. 1 to April 1 for organizers to submit all their petitions at one time, an additional month could be allowed for the organizers to supplement petitions if the number of valid voter signatures were determined to be insufficient. If organizers prove to be 18,000 short, Hines said, that is a matter of “Come on! Wake up!” However, if they are 500 short, they have “a pretty good chance of making up the difference, and there’s an urgency there.”

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Maintain that Youthful Look with Microcurrent Treatments Microcurrent Facials are a powerful anti-aging treatment that tightens and tones facial muscles and stimulates the lymph and blood flow to the face and neck, restoring suppleness and a youthful glow while tightening the facial muscles. This machine based treatment sends electrical impulses of very low voltage but high frequency through the skin resulting in a more youthful appearance. Crow’s feet begin to disappear, eyebrows lift, and cheekbones are more defined. Clients normally fall asleep during the facial as it is extremely relaxing and painless. There is no downtime and clients may go outside with no concerns after treatments. Connie Lewis, LMT and Aesthetian, has been performing microcurrent facials since 2005 after learning the technology during her studies at Fashion Focus Academy where she earned her Facial Specialist Certification. “I was so ‘wowed’ by the results I personally experienced on my own face I immediately acquired the machine right out of school,” says Lewis. Results of the treatments are cumulative and the best visible results are after a series of 5- 10 treatments then monthly or weekly treatments are recommended depending on skin condition and desired result. The system is completely safe and treatment is non-invasive. The current is extremely low, less than the output of a pacemaker. The system operates on a preprogrammed setting and contains calibrated internal data monitoring and resistance meters. This allows full comfort to the client as well as optimal performance and results for the operator. Micro-current treatments are usually performed within 45-60 minutes, and are usually prescribed in a series of 6 to 12 treatments over a course of 60 days with one to two treatments a week recommended for maximum results. The number of sessions in a series is specific to each client. Once the series is complete, a monthly “booster”

treatment is required to maintain results. Our non-invasive treatment usually offers noticeable results even after just one session and effectively gives you the benefit of a non-surgical alternative to a facelift. Like exercise for the other parts of the body, the facial muscles need a regular workout to achieve good muscle tone. Muscle reeducation by microcurrent is often referred to as “sculpting” and “lifting.” The lifting and strengthening action have an accumulative effect on the face with each systematic series of treatments, increasing the holding action of the muscles. Through repeated sessions, facial muscles will hold their tone. Just like the stomach muscles will “re-tone” after repeated sessions of sit-ups. During the initial program, we recommend one to two visits a week with the total number depending on the individual needs. A typical course of treatment will range from six to twelve sessions. And after that a visit once a month is usually all that is required to maintain good facial muscle tone and youthful appearance. When you stop exercising the body, over a period of time the muscle will lose their increased tone and return to a more flaccid state. The same is true for the face. It will not suddenly “fall,” but overtime will begin to resume its normal aging process. Most individuals will see immediate changes in facial contour after the first treatment. Your skin specialist can lift half of your face to show you the difference compared to the other side. But the improvement is increasingly obvious over a period of time with the series of sessions. Results depend significantly on the

individual’s age and lifestyle. What can microcurrent do for you? Originally developed for treating facial palsy, microcurrent in the esthetic realm can: • Re-educate muscles • Increase blood and lymph circulation • Enhance the penetration of the active ingredients of skin care formulations • Increase the production of collagen and elastin • Increase protein synthesis, gluconeogenesis and cell membrane transport. Additionally, research has shown that microcurrent may help with anti-aging at an even deeper level. In 1982, researcher Ngok Cheng led a study that provided hard evidence of microcurrent’s role in cellular vitality by proving that microcurrent increased levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in lab-rat skin cells by 500 percent. ATP is the fuel a cell needs to function. Actually ATP is a really big deal as it is the energy that fuels all biochemical functions in the body. It boosts protein synthesis, necessary for tissue repair. If you are interested in seeing the results on yourself, you can book an appointment online at DaySpaExperienceSiestaKey.com or by calling 941-350-7495. Spalypso is located at 7037 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite C, Sarasosta, 34231. It is open 6-days-a-week year round, and 7-days-a-week in Season. (MA00017596 / MM0006727) (Advertorial)

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September 7 Networking Breakfast at TPC Prestancia The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce had a wonderful morning at TPC Prestancia during a recent Networking Breakfast. Thank you to our gracious hosts for the buffet of eggs, bacon, biscuits & gravy, potatoes and more. We couldn’t help but go back for seconds. Also, a very heartfelt thank you to Dr. Tracy Fanara from Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium for being our guest speaker. She provided a wealth of knowledge about the recent Red Tide outbreak and diligently answered all questions. We appreciate the door prizes donated by the following businesses: SunCoast Blood Bank, On Time Pool Services, Salt of the Earth, Siesta Key Sports and Physical Therapy, Larry Brzostek at RE/MAX Alliance Group, Beneva Flowers and Plantscapes, Eddie’s Limos, Positive RePercussions, and TPC Prestancia!

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941.349.0194

OCTOBER 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Q & A’s for County Commission District 4 Candidates I think the Board’s vote opened the door for more projects on Siesta Key that do not suit the needs or wants of the community. To so many, myself included, reducing the setback only fuels local residents’ concerns about overdevelopment in our area. The existing Siesta Key Overlay District zoning regulations have allowed the key to develop well and maintain some of their characteristic island charm. 2. Other properties zoned commercial (including teardowns) may be considered by developers as candidates for the same “local treatment” as the Old Stickney Point property received from the Commissioners. What is your position re extension of setback and height codes for other Siesta Key commercially zoned properties? Wesley Anne Beggs Response: I think it is essential that the Board of County Commissioners approach development on Siesta Key and our other barrier islands very carefully. We live in an era in which we know our sea level is rising and we are reaching a critical moment where we need to ask ourselves a very serious question: should we continue to build out these islands? It’s one thing to honor existing zoning and property rights, but can we afford to award exceptions that stress our infrastructure, harm our ecosystem, and jeopardize safety in severe weather? 3. The city of Sarasota has now been successful in obtaining from the State of Florida permission for dredging of Big Pass in accordance with almost all of the Army Corp of Engineers provisions. Siesta Key property owners have fought this on multiple fronts due to the potential damage to the iconic Siesta Key Beach. What is your position on this issue and what action would you recommend the Commission take on this issue? Wesley Anne Beggs Response: Dredging and renourishing beaches is a shortterm solution to a long-term problem. This is an expensive process and the sand will almost certainly be swept back out into the Gulf as we saw with the renourishment in 2015, but doing

November 9-12, 2018

nothing puts homes and public infrastructure at risk. I would like to see a greater emphasis on preventative measures we can take like establishing more plant species that can help build up the dune area and stabilize erosion. Seagrass restoration projects protect the longevity of our beaches and increase shoreline resiliency to storms. I believe the county should be included in the conversation and disagree with Stephen DeMarsh’s assessment of the Comprehensive Plan policy regarding dredging activity. Environmental Policy 4.6.1 does not distinguish between public and private endeavors, it simply states that all beach nourishment projects require approval by the Board. 4. The development of the property on the corner of Stickney Point and US 41, commonly called the Siesta Promenade is of grave concern to the property owners on Siesta Key, due to safety and traffic issues. The developer continues to push intensive development with little concern for the SK impact. What is your position on this property and what action, if any, would you recommend the Commission take on this issue? Wesley Anne Beggs Response: I live very close to the Stickney Point/41 intersection and can personally attest to the dire traffic situation, especially in season. I am deeply concerned with the consequences this project could have on our traffic, safety, and quality of life. I look forward to attending the August 23rd neighborhood workshop where Benderson’s project manager will present the plan and listen to residents’ concerns. Siesta Promenade seems to contribute to our frustrations about overdevelopment without addressing any of this community’s needs. Just north of this site another retail plaza is already under construction and the Landings plaza still has empty storefronts. Republican candidate and incumbent Alan Maio 1. The County Commissioners in early 2018 authorized changes in the Siesta

Key District that allowed for changes in setback and height restrictions for a specific property on Old Stickney Point Road. Actual construction plans are now subject to Commissioner Approval. What is your position re the setback and height issues that brought about the changes relative to actual plans for the site? Alan Maio Response: The question is not accurate. The change allowed for requests of changes and applied to all properties on Old Stickney Point Road, not just a specific one. Further, the Special Exception process requires a neighborhood workshop, a public hearing before the Planning Commission, and another public hearing before the County Commission before construction plans can even be started. As to my answer: The text amendment that was approved for all of Old Stickney Point Rd is to allow design flexibility and allow proposed buildings 35’-45’ to ask to be allowed to be closer to the street property line than the 25’ foot setback dictated in the zoning code. This will allow a pedestrian connection to shops and restaurants and not force the parking lot up the sidewalk. Buildings 85’ tall will still be setback at least 25’ or greater from the sidewalk. 2. Other properties zoned commercial (including teardowns) may be considered by developers as candidates for the same “local treatment” as the Old Stickney Point property received from the Commissioners. What is your position re extension of setback and height codes for other Siesta Key commercially zoned properties? Alan Maio Response: One of the goals of Siesta Key Overlay District (SKOD) was to allow and encourage shops and restaurants to be built close to the sidewalk so that parking would be in the rear of the property. Gidget’s Coastal Provisions and the Summer House Restaurant in Siesta Key Village are excellent examples. Both had their parking grandfathered in and both are built 2’ from the sidewalk, not 25’ back that was dictated in the zoning code before SKOD. The height and square footage of any proposed

Siesta Key Beach

Continued from cover story

building on Siesta Key is dictated by the amount of on-site and right-of-way parking available. A building cannot be built larger than the number of parking spaces it can fit on its property or on the street adjacent to it, which acts as a size restrictor. 3. The city of Sarasota has now been successful in obtaining from the State of Florida permission for dredging of Big Pass in accordance with almost all of the Army Corp of Engineers provisions. Siesta Key property owners have fought this on multiple fronts due to the potential damage to the iconic Siesta Key Beach. What is your position on this issue and what action would you recommend the Commission take on this issue? Alan Maio Response: I have heartily supported the County paying for the peer review that brought up legitimate questions on the dredging. I pushed hard for an environmental impact statement that is much more detailed than what had been done, and we sent a comprehensive letter under my name as Chairman of the BOCC to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S Army Corps of Engineers. We were roundly rejected, and they will not be doing an EIS, which absolutely should be done to understand what the impacts will be on Siesta Key. 4. The development of the property on the corner of Stickney Point and US41, commonly called the Siesta Promenade is of grave concern to the property owners on Siesta Key, due to safety and traffic issues. The developer continues to push intensive development with little concern for the SK impact. What is your position on this property and what action, if any, would you recommend the Commission take on this issue? Alan Maio Response: I cannot comment as this is a quasi-judicial question before the County Commission.

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August 18 – September 17, 2018

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A woman reported an unknown person had rummaged through the compartments of her car, although nothing was stolen. She found the car with the door ajar. DNA swabs were collected from the glove box and submitted to forensics.

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MONTHLY MEETING Thursday, October 4 • 4:30 PM St. Boniface Church Parish Hall 5615 Midnight Pass Road GUEST SPEAKER:

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8/29/18 Theft 5100 Block Ocean Blvd.

9/1/18 Grand Theft 4500 Block Woodside Rd.

A woman reported her IPhone 7+ was stolen from a village bar. She had placed her phone down to get a drink from the bar and an unknown subject stole it. Her friend tracked the phone to an address in Sarasota. That address was an apartment building with 8 different units. An officer checked the exterior of the building and vehicles in the parking lot with negative results. The victim has a pass code set up to access the phone. She will have the phone shut off.

A homeowner who was out of town called his neighbor stating he could see on surveillance video that someone was on his property and took his Yeti cooler. The neighbor explained that when he arrived, the suspect was gone and that nothing else appeared to have been taken. The cooler, valued at $1000, was taken from the side of the house. The homeowner believes the suspect parked his vehicle on Midnight Pass, walked through the bushes and exited the same way. The video was not clear enough to make out a facial description of the suspect.

8/31/18 Theft/ Recovered 5200 Cape Leyte Drive A man recovered an electric bicycle in the bushes between his house and next-door. The bike matched the description of an electric model reported stolen the day before. The owner was contacted and responded to the scene. The bike, valued at $7000, was identified and returned.

9/1/18 Burglary- Vehicle 5100 Block Ocean Blvd. A local news agency employee was working on a story at a village establishment when her car was burglarized. The woman had parked her unlocked car near the kitchen area where employees were entering and exiting. When she returned she found her wallet was no longer in her car. Unsure if she had mistakenly left her wallet at home, she drove home to check. After finding it was not in her home or car, she reported it stolen. The wallet contained her driver’s license.

9/3/18 Battery 4900 Block Higel An anonymous caller reported numerous people were fighting near the intersection of Higel and Treasure Boat. Officers met with the victims who explained several

friends were hanging out at the address listed when they decided to go out to dinner. Three female friends made it out to the driveway ahead of the males. At this time, a red SUV containing six males pulled up to the driveway and started flirting with the females. The male friends exchanged words with the males in the truck, who began to drive away before pulling off the road, getting out and approaching the victims in an aggressive manner. When the victims argued with the males, they were “jumped “and beat up. The two males sustained minor injuries and the female friends who tried to break up the fighting were pushed and shoved during the altercation. One female was punched in the stomach and pushed to the ground. None of the victims recognized any of the six males, although one victim thought several looked familiar and might have attended or recently graduated from Riverview. One case number was provided for all victims since they are close friends or dating. Photos were taken of the injuries and the victims were told to report back if they have any other information about the suspects. Deputies checked the Key and no vehicles matching the description were located.

9/9/18 Theft 5800 Block Midnight Pass Rd. A Roll bike valued at $650 was stolen from a bike rack located on condominium property. The lock was cut by unknown means. The owner stated he would look for the serial number and report back. There were no cameras in the area.

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941.349.0194

OCTOBER 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

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Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2018

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Darlina Sanchez to Represent Siesta Key at the Miss Florida USA/ Miss Florida Teen USA Competition Staff Report

Darlina, being crowed by former Miss Sarasota Teen Dariela Hernandez as Miss Sarasota 2018/2019 in April of this year at The Sarasota Pageants. Photo credit: Jamcy Maquilon

On January 16 – 19, 2019, the Executive State Directors, the Chrisley Family, of the hit reality TV series on USA network, ‘Chrisley knows Best,’ will conduct the Sunshine State’s oldest and most celebrated Competition: the Miss Florida USA/Miss Florida Teen USA Competition, which is set to take place in Coral Springs, Florida. Darlina Sanchez will be representing Siesta Key at the upcoming competition. Sanchez was born in Long Island, New York and currently resides in Sarasota. She’s a Broadcast Journalism student and loves being involved in her local media. “I am an intern for SRQFM radio at 106.9 FM,” she said. “I work on their social media and on their website.” “The Miss Sarasota pageant was the first pageant I was ever involved in and I truly loved every minute of it,” said Sanchez. After winning the Miss Sarasota pageant, she qualified in the next level; Miss Florida USA, and was selected to represent Siesta Key. “I decided to keep competing, and when I was chosen by the Miss Florida USA competition to represent beautiful Siesta Key, I was ecstatic!” The winner of this competition will advance to either Miss Teen USA or Miss USA and ultimately Miss Universe. When asked what prompted her to become involved in the pageant, she answered, “I was urged to compete in a local pageant when I was trying to come up with ways I can get connections to be more involved in my new community. When I lived in New York I was very involved, I was often volunteering, canvassing for equal rights among minorities, registering people to vote, and increasing civic engagement. In 2012, I was nominated for the 40 under 40 Top Rising Latino Stars award by the Hispanic Coalition at the Capital Building in Albany, New York for all of my achievements (registering 850+ people to vote) in the community. I was also a panelist at the Annual Women’s Conference at Stony Brook University speaking and encouraging high school girls to further their education in 2017. When I moved to Sarasota with my family I was shell-shocked…a new area with different people. I didn’t know where to begin, but I knew I had to be involved. The Miss Florida USA pageant has opened many doors for me, as Miss Siesta Key, it has given me a platform to raise awareness.” In the short time since moving to Sarasota, Sanchez has hit the ground running. “I’m ecstatic to be surrounded by amazing women, all who are fighting local causes around them and using this as a platform to raise awareness.” She went on to explain, “To me, that’s the most important part. I am fortunate enough to be involved with two very important organizations. One being CPC, an organization whose mission is intervention, prevention, and treatment for children at risk for child abuse. Also, Visible Men Academy, I tutor at this school for boys two days a week. Their focus is on the growth and encouragement for minority underprivileged young men. I’m truly blessed to have these opportunities, and to have a platform like this.”

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Miss Siesta Key USA paying a visit to Visible Men Academy, pictured here with Johnathan a 1st grade student. Photo credit: Dawnyelle Singleton, Director of Programing at Visable Men Academy

Darlina, dual title holder of Miss Sarasota and Miss Siesta Key USA, pictured here by the water after the Sarasota Power Boat Grand Prix Celebration. Photo-credit Daniela Sanchez

Her devotion to improving the lives around her certainly lives up to the motto she lives by, “Think what you can do better, every day.” Sanchez is currently seeking sponsorships to help defray the cost associated with the competition. All businesses that help her on this journey to the Miss Florida USA Crown will receive promotion/ advertisement through her social media and program book. For more information, you can email Sanchez at misssiestakeyUSA2018@gmail.com.

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OCTOBER 2018 Continued from page 6

On May 21, 2013, the commissioners voted 3-2 to turn over to private property owners a 1.88-acre, 60-foot-wide piece of county right of way on Calle de Costa Rica that has canal access. According to those adjacent property owners, the county had not been maintaining the right of way. Brian Lichterman, the agent for the petitioners in that case — William and Katherine Baumann of 601 Avenida de Mayo — complained that people had turned the property essentially into “a garbage dump in the neighborhood.” Based on the testimony that day, Commissioners Charles Hines, Joe Barbetta and Carolyn Mason voted in favor of the road vacation. Commissioners Nora Patterson and Christine Robinson voted against it. In that case — just as she would do three years later in the North Beach Road hearing — Robinson pointed to Parks Policy 1.1.13 in the county’s Comprehensive Plan, which said, “The County shall not vacate road segments on waterfronts along any creek, river, lake, bay, or gulf access point and shall encourage right-of-way use of these areas for coastal beach and bay access.” That is the same policy that Cosentino has claimed the County Commission violated in vacating part of North Beach Road. Later in 2016, during a revision of the Comprehensive Plan, the policy was amended to give the board more leeway in road vacation decisions affecting property on waterfronts. In 2013, the Calle de Costa Rica right of way was turned over to the Baumanns and the owner of the property on the other side of the right of way, DCA Fidu Inc. Trust Estate. During the Aug. 29 public hearing on his proposed county Charter amendments, Cosentino told the commissioners that the Calle de Costa Rica right of way is three doors down from his home. “Had there been a public hearing on that petition for a road vacation,” he continued, “we had the entire neighborhood planning to show up there, because we’ve used that right of way as a kayak launch for 30 years. Now it’s got someone’s fence and palm trees on it, and it’s part of their private yard.” A check of the county records, which clearly shows regarding the May 21, 2013 County Commission meeting, that this issue was the focus of a public hearing. Cosentino also did not appear at the North Beach Road vacation public hearing in May 2016. He said afterward that he never expected the commission would approve that petition.

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About that Siesta Drive Crash in June By Rachel Brown Hackney It took several months for investigators with the Sarasota Police Department to conclude their work on the June 14 Siesta Drive incident that resulted in part of the road being shut down for several hours during the morning commute, Genevieve Judge, the public information officer for the department reported. Officers were dispatched to the scene at 5:38 a.m. on June 14 and did not clear the area until 8 a.m., the report noted. When the first Sarasota Police Department officer arrived, the report said, he found that “duty patrol officers had secured the scene from Norsota Way to Seagrape Drive.” The crash occurred in the 800 block of Siesta Drive. The driver of the vehicle, Tyler Leonard, 27, of Windsong Lane, was traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed when he ran off the road and struck a concrete Florida Power & Light Co. pole, the report added. The pole “was broken near the top, the report noted. The vehicle’s speedometer “was stuck between 110-114 mph,” the report said. The collusion caused the vehicle to spin counterclockwise, the report added. The passenger side crashed through a fence and slid across a small tree before coming to rest in the front yard of the house at 830 Siesta Drive.

Leonard “had severe injuries,” the report pointed out. When an officer spoke with him at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, the report added, Leonard indicated that he had no memory of the crash. He had to be extricated from the vehicle, the report said. The vehicle he was driving was a 2008 Nissan Altima, the report noted. He was not wearing a seatbelt, according to the report, but the front air bag deployed during the crash. At the location of the crash, the report noted, the east-west road curves to the north. The speed limit in that area is 40 mph, the report added. When an officer spoke with Jessica D. Leonard, Tyler’s mother, at the hospital, Jessica Leonard explained that she had awoken Tyler that morning. The report added that Tyler was late for work when he left his home. She told the officer that he had worked long days for the past several days “and had appeared fatigued,” the report continued. With the mother’s assistance, an officer was able to check Tyler Leonard’s cellphone, which was found in the vehicle, and determine that he had not sent any text messages or made or taken any calls just before the incident, the report noted.

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How long is that segment of North Beach Road? During the Aug. 29 County Commission public hearing on whether two proposed amendments relating to a vacated segment of North Beach Road would be placed on the Nov. 6 General Election ballot, a question arose about the length of the segment, as noted in language drafted by the Office of the County Attorney. Continued on page 20

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On the November Ballot

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Lobeck, 66, the son of an evangelical preacher, has brought the zeal of his father’s street corner sermons to his own higher calling: righting the perceived wrongs of a political system he has long seen as being stacked against the little guy, rife with back room deals and dominated by greed that often overtakes the broader public interest. In the late 1980s he founded the group GEO, the somewhat awkward acronym for Growth restraint and Environmental Organization (later re-christened Control Growth Now). In 1988 GEO helped sink a Sarasota County bond referendum supported by the county. The measure was designed to fund road construction projects. But GEO took the position that the cost of such a new road should be borne by developers in the form of impact fees on new construction, not subsidized by taxpayers in the form of long term municipal debt obligations. Flush with success in defeating

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that measure, Lobeck and GEO upped the ante by collecting 8000 signatures to add a proposed two-year moratorium on new construction to the ballot. That move sent the business community into low-earth orbit. Business leaders came together in ways rarely seen in these parts, before or since. They rallied together to oppose the initiative and their efforts paid off. The referendum was soundly defeated, failing by a 3-to-1 margin. In the years since Lobeck has built a successful law firm focusing on homeowner and condominium association law, while remaining vocal in his advocacy of controlled growth, campaign finance reform and accountability for public officials. The current SAFE ballot initiative is but the latest example. By early summer, the group had collected 15,096 signatures to get their proposed single member district amendment on the November ballot. Former Sarasota mayor and

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longtime local political observer Jack Gurney was one of those signing the SAFE petition. In a recent phone interview he told Siesta Sand he supports the idea of opening up the election process to a wider field of potential candidates, saying it could also help foster a greater sense of representation among voters with commissioners focused on a smaller pool of county voters. Gurney cites as an example the city of Sarasota and its courtmandated redistricting in 1982 when it moved from exclusively at-large districts to the hybrid approach in place today, featuring three single member and two at large districts. “If you talk to the people up in Newtown, I don’t think you’d find many saying they’re not better off as part of a smaller district...now they’re the biggest bloc of voters in that district,” said Gurney. The Sarasota redistricting decision was the result of lawsuits filed by the late Ed James II and the Sarasota NAACP chapter in 1979 and 1982, respectively. Those lawsuits came after years of frustrations in the city’s African American community over the lack of a voice on the city commission for citizens living in the predominantly minority neighborhoods north of downtown. P r i o r t o 1 9 7 9 , n o A f r i c a n Americans had been elected to Sarasota’s city commission. Since then, African American candidates have dominated elections in the district. Might voters on Siesta Key enjoy

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a similar advantage from becoming a bigger fish in a smaller voter pond? After all, the 7044 registered voters on the key comprise a mere 2.2% of the county’s total of 315,263 voters. But they would be 11.2% of the total vote count in a single member district 4. That’s a five-fold jump; but would that be enough for Siesta to dominate the district the way the Newtown community dominates the city of Sarasota’s district one? That may be a stretch. There, the black community represents close to 50% of the district’s voter total. Still, there may be other more subjective advantages for the key if more candidates living here are encouraged to run for the district four seat by virtue of not having to launch a countywide campaign. Many island residents slept better knowing they had a Siesta resident on the board during the years Nora Patterson was on the commission. Starting off an election with 11.2 percent of voters inclined to support you is a whole lot better than a base of just two percent. There may also be a fundraising advantage for a Siesta candidate, since many if not most of the galvanizing issue in the district are those of greatest concern to residents of the key and the adjacent neighborhoods on the mainland just across the bay... issues like gridlock from projects like Benderson Development’s controversial Siesta Promenade or the harvesting of sand off Big Pass for Lido Key or the fallout from red tide. Voters living on or near the key might be more inclined to open their wallets or purses for a Siesta Key candidate than they would be for a candidate living out in Myakka Valley Ranches where the same issues would likely not be top of mind. The SKA doesn’t take positions on election issues generally; but director Joe Volpe, concerned about the county’s ponderous approach to dealing with growing problems related to the enforcement of shortterm rental violations on the key is a supporter. “I don’t think the current system is working for us on the key,” he told Siesta Sand recently. “We’re not getting our money’s worth.” On the other side of the ledger, Jack Cox, president of Halfacre Construction and current president of the Argus Foundation, an association of regional business leaders, authored a guest column this past May in the Sarasota Herald Tribune critical of the proposed amendment before the petition underpinning it had even gathered the required number of signatures to get it on the ballot. In it, he called the proposed charter amendment “potentially earthshaking.” Interestingly, the Argus Foundation, like the various

advocacy groups Lobeck has been connected with over the years, got its start back in the 1980s at least partially in response to the ‘no’ or ‘slow’ growth movement that has long been a feature of Sarasota’s political landscape, especially in comparison to neighboring counties, most notably Manatee. After mentioning that the Sarasota County Democratic party supports the proposed amendment Cox goes on to say in his Herald Tribune piece: “Measures like these epitomize everything that is wrong in Washington, D.C., today – too much division down party lines – not something we want to see here in Sarasota County.” “Sarasota is facing countywide issues – especially the many variables involved in healthy growth and development – that require unified leadership. Singlemember districts throw away any semblance of countywide vision in favor of a system that pits every district against the others in a battle for money and influence, he continued.” “Furthermore, it threatens to decrease voter turnout and guarantee inferior candidates get elected if people can only go to the polls to vote for a County Commission candidate for their district alone.” We wanted to ask Cox about the example of Manatee County, which has had single member commission districts for much of its modern history (albeit with two at-large commissioners added in the early 1980s). For most of that modern history the Manatee County commission has dealt with broad, countywide issues of growth and infrastructure without the kind of parochial in fighting Cox suggests would result from such single member districts in Sarasota. Indeed, most would agree that Manatee has dealt with such ‘big-picture’ countywide issues much more effectively than Sarasota, with examples including the foresight to secure a countywide drinking water source decades before Sarasota, the development and extension of central sewer lines, again, long before its neighbor to the south and also the adoption of realistic zoning policies for areas east of I-75 that avoided the artificial zoning ‘wall’ that bottled up growth along the coast for so many years in Sarasota. Unfortunately, a call seeking comment placed before the deadline for this story was not returned. There’s also the philosophy of James Madison and the other authors of our constitution to consider, a philosophy that holds that the best form of government is that which is closest to the people. There is no mention in The Federalist Papers that it should be easy or convenient.

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OCTOBER 2018

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Key Chorale Celebrates Community and Collaboration in its 2018-19 Season

Having recently completed a highly successful year focused on expanding educational and community outreach initiatives, Key Chorale announces its artistically innovative and ambitious 34th season. The season will celebrate Key Chorale’s tradition of creating professional quality collaborative musical events that embrace our community through a series of exciting partnerships, including Misatango with The Sarasota Ballet’s Studio Company, choreographed by guest artist Elizabeth Bergmann, and Honoring Heroes, a communitycentric choral festival that will honor local first responders through documentaries created by interns from Ringling College of Art and Design. The collaborative spirit continues with two performances of Mendelssohn’s Elijah in partnership with JFCS of the Suncoast, The Jewish Federation or Sarasota-Manatee, and Aviva – A Campus for Senior Life. Cirque des Voix®, Key Chorale’s dynamic collaboration with the Circus Arts Conservatory, will feature acts choreographed to some of the most memorable scores from film. The season concludes with the 6th annual Tomorrow’s Voices Today festival concert with Sarasota County high school choirs. In addition, the Key Chorale Chamber Singers will present two concerts: “American Roots: Digging Deeper,” a further exploration of the American choral tradition complete with a five-piece bluegrass band, and “Fauré’s Requiem,” presented alongside works of Benjamin Britten and favorite spirituals. Key Chorale 34th season begins October 27, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. with the opening concert of the Key Chorale Chamber Series. In the beautiful space of St. Boniface Episcopal Church, the Chamber Series’ new home, the Chamber Singers, a select professional core ensemble of 34 members of Key Chorale, will present “American Roots: Digging Deeper.” Back by popular demand after the rousing success of “American Roots” last season, this concert will

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continue to explore the rich heritage of American choral music, particularly the Appalachian shape note and bluegrass traditions. Nashville composer and arranger Keith Christopher has been commissioned to create three new pieces for choir, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar and string bass in a unique fusion of bluegrass and the choral arts. “Life’s a Railway to Heaven,” “The Unclouded Day” and “Just Over in the Gloryland” will have their world premieres alongside music from “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and familiar hymns from 19th century Appalachia. Soprano soloist Madison Spahn will be featured in the popular “Down in the River to Pray” and a new arrangement of “In the Sweet By and By.” Tenor soloist Alexander Zickafoose will perform “I’ll Be On My Way,” an original song written in a bluegrass style by California composer Shawn Kirchner. American Roots: Digging Deeper concert, will be held at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, Oct. 27th, 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for the American Roots concert at St. Boniface Church as well as all their concerts by visiting KeyChorale.org/TICKETS or by calling 941.921.4845.

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As the Sarasota County Planning Commission and County Commission prepare for public hearings on Siesta Promenade, the potential for the mixed-use development to exacerbate traffic congestion continues to be the primary focus of public consternation. The Planning Commission hearing has been set for Thursday, Nov. 15, while the County Commission hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 12, county staff has announced. The County Commission has reserved both its morning and afternoon sessions on Dec. 12 for that hearing. The morning session will begin at 9 a.m., as usual, he noted, so the hearing will start sometime after that hour. Siesta Promenade has been proposed as a residential/retail/office/hotel project at the northwest corner of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road.

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A look back at the fiery workshop O ve r a three-hour Neighborhood Workshop took place on Aug. 23, many of the approximately 400 attendees expressed exasperation about it to Todd Mathes, the director of development for Benderson Development. Loud rounds of applause rang out in the Pine Shores Presbyterian Church sanctuary whenever speakers noted heavy traffic on Stickney Point Road, particularly during tourist season. After Todd Dary, manager of the Sarasota County Planning Department, opened the workshop with comments about how people can participate in the upcoming public hearing process on the Siesta Promenade application, the first question a member of the audience asked was, “What do we do to

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stop this thing?” “All land use decisions, all land use changes, rest in the power of the County Commission,” Dary said. “The ultimate decision is by the elected officials …” One woman told Dary, “You’re going to add 400-some houses to the area. … What about getting to the hospital? What about fire and other types of emergencies? This is ridiculous, what you guys are trying to do. What you want to do is outrageous!” “This is not my project,” Dary replied. A woman representing the Gulf Gate Community Association expressed concern that “the volume of traffic that this will generate will back up into Gulf Gate Drive.” Another man told Dary, “I live on Siesta Key. It is 1.3 miles down Stickney Point Road from U.S. 41 to my home. Last month, it took me one hour; the Stickney Point Road bridge did not go up once. And I don’t understand

how the county or whoever could even think about making the road busier.” More applause rang out in the sanctuary. A woman asked why staff was holding the Neighborhood Workshop on Aug. 23, “not when everybody is here. Do you know how many part-time residents we have, because it will affect their lives too?” “We cannot hold up petitions when they are ready to go to public hearing,” Dary explained. “We schedule them. That is the policy for all land use changes, petitions, in the county.” Mathes of Benderson Development, explained that the Siesta Promenade proposal comprises 414 condominiums/ apartments, a 130-room hotel that will be 80 feet tall, up to 133,000 square feet of retail space and up to 7,000 square feet of office space.

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OCTOBER 2018

More News About Siesta Promenade By Rachel Brown Hackney

Continued from the previous page

Todd Mathes addresses a pretty full sanctuary at Pine Shores Presbyterian Aug. 23, 2018

Access to the site will be provided via three points on Crestwood Avenue, two on Glencoe Avenue and three on Stickney Point Road, Mathes noted. One recommendation Benderson has for improving traffic flow, Mathes said, is for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to re-time all the signals on the U.S. 41 corridor. He estimated the number to be between 30 and 50. The department does periodic re-timing, he explained. FDOT has advised county and Benderson staff that it would not adjust traffic signal timing just to facilitate the flow of vehicles associated with Siesta Promenade, if the project is approved and constructed.

Pine Shores’ residents’ worries Yet another aspect of the project that has riled residents of Pine Shores Estates — which is adjacent to the Siesta Promenade site — is the prospect of vehicles pouring into the neighborhood to avoid the heavier traffic flow on Stickney Point Road and around that road’s intersection with U.S. 41. Sura Kochman, a leader of the Pine Shores Neighborhood Alliance, confronted Mathes about that issue. “You told us,” Kochman said, that no Siesta Promenade traffic would flow onto the neighborhood streets. “Honestly, hand to God, you were not going to do that to the neighborhood,” she continued. For four years, Kochman stressed, that was Mathes’ promise, as he and Benderson Development staff worked on the proposal. The initial application filed with the county did not include access to Siesta Promenade from Glencoe Avenue, Mathes responded, “and

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we worked at that for quite a while.” Later, he pointed out, consultants and county staff reviewing the plans “all said the neighborhood roads would be … important, so people don’t have to go to U.S. 41 to get to the development.” “You’re twisting it,” Kochman replied. “You’re saying the people from the neighborhood would want access to your development, and that is why you’re making the access points. It’s the reverse. It’s the people leaving your development. They’ll be traipsing up and down Glencoe. … You promised me personally … ‘There won’t be any traffic on Glencoe.’” “You’re opening up a nightmare for Pine Shores,” she told him, drawing another round of applause. How is it possible for the public to believe anything he says, Kochman asked Mathes, “because you’ll change it on the fly.” “We’re not changing it on the fly,” he replied, adding that the county’s Planning Commission could recommend — and the County Commission could agree — to stipulations designed to keep Siesta Promenade traffic out of Pine Shores. Yet another facet of Siesta Promenade to which people cited objections are the heights of the residential structures, especially the hotel. When Barbara Jensen asked if the hotel would comprise eight stories, Mathes told her, “It would probably be more like six or seven stories.” However, he conceded, “It could be eight stories.” Mathes also explained that Block 1 of the five blocks proposed on the site plan has been designed with a maximum height of 65 feet for residential structures. Nonetheless, the buildings within 100 feet of the Glencoe Avenue boundary would be a maximum of 40 feet, he said.

Is retail space needed at Siesta Promenade?

Road swap conclusion still anticipated by year’s end

Another question that arose during the Aug. 23 workshop regarding Benderson Development’s Siesta Promenade mixed-use project related to whether more retail centers are needed in the area. A woman who lives on Avenue A told Todd Mathes, director of development for Benderson, “I do a lot of shopping, and I see so many vacant stores, a lot of ’em being owned by Benderson … How can you justify another shopping center … on that corner?” She was referring to the approximately 24 acres at the intersection of Stickney Point Road and U.S. 41, where Benderson has proposed up to 133,000 square feet of new retail space, along with 414 residential units, up to 7,000 square feet of office space and a 130room hotel. Since he began working on the Siesta Promenade plans in 2014, Mathes responded, Benderson had purchased the Casey Key shopping center at Blackburn Point Road and U.S. 41; Pelican Plaza on South Tamiami Trail; and The Landings, which is next to the Sarasota County School District offices, also on South Tamiami Trail. “We’re very confident in the future of these shopping centers, the ability to redevelop them,” Mathes continued. “We’ve invested significantly in them. … We see the future of these centers. There’s demand there. We fill them up. They’re very successful.” He mentioned that the firm acquired The Landings “a short while ago.” That transaction occurred in January 2017. Since then, the company has been working to fill a number of vacant storefronts in that center. Mathes said Benderson plans a grocery store anchor for Siesta Promenade that would comprise about 35,000 square feet. “It would be very much a neighborhood center,” he added of the retail space in that new project, with shops designed for residents in the adjacent Pine Shores Estates and those on Siesta Key. That was how the firm arrived at the amount of square footage for office and retail space in its application, he added. “It’s not without understanding the market in terms of existing shopping centers on the Trail.”

Todd Dary, manager of the county’s Planning Division, figuratively raised some eyebrows during the Aug. 23 Neighborhood Workshop on the proposed Siesta Promenade project when he initially told the audience that Stickney Point Road “has been swapped for River Road.” Dary corrected himself quickly, saying that the swap is “in the works.” Late in the summer of 2017, thenCounty Administrator Tom Harmer first announced that county staff was working with representatives of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on a proposal for the county to take over from FDOT authority for roads on Siesta Key, including Stickney Point Road, Siesta Drive and Higel Avenue. In turn, FDOT would take over River Road, which the commissioners have been trying for decades to widen and improve. As a state road, River Road would be able to garner a much higher priority for those upgrades, county staff has explained. Dary did note during the Siesta Promenade workshop that FDOT still would have to review any proposed traffic changes on Stickney Point Road, even if they were to take place after the road swap were concluded. Among the proposals Benderson Development Co. has suggested in its traffic analyses related to Siesta Promenade are a traffic signal at the intersection of Stickney Point Road and Avenue B and C, as well as the closure of the median opening at Avenue A. Sura Kochman, a leader of the Pine Shores Neighborhood Alliance, pointed out during the Aug. 23 workshop that the loss of the Avenue A median cut would isolate businesses and residents on the south side of Stickney Point Road. After the workshop, we checked with county staff for an update on the road swap. In an Aug. 27 email, Ashley Lusby, the media relations officer for the county’s Emergency Services Department, wrote, “The county is still working on the final agreement with the state and we anticipate presenting the document for the County Commission’s consideration late this calendar year.” She added, “As far as any roadway related permitting responsibilities with the Siesta Promenade project, they remain with the FDOT at this time, with advisory input from the county.”

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OCTOBER 2018

941.349.0194

Siesta Key Chapel, “God’s Treehouse” When Siesta Key architect Jim Holliday and his wife Scottie, and Presbyterian pastor Dr. James Blackwood and his wife Louise began looking around Siesta Key for a place to put their new church in 1970, they only had about 25 to 30 people in their congregation—and that included their own families. They had all been members of the Pine Shores Presbyterian Church, on the mainland, but The Presbyterian council for this area had asked the church to help sponsor a new one on Siesta Key. Dr. Blackwood was the pastor who was called by the Session, the ruling body of the church, to be the pastor at the new church. For five years the small group held their worship services in the auditorium at the Out-of-Door School (now Out-of-Door Academy), while Louise Blackwell played the piano. As their congregation grew, they sought out a spot on Siesta Key to build a place of their own. According to Jim’s son Craig, who is now a Sarasota General Contractor, the path to finding a new location was a rocky one. “The church was supposed to be built in two different locations before it ended up here,” he said. “The first choice was around Ocean Boulevard and Treasure Boat Way, but there was a big uproar about that, with letters to the Pelican Press and people worrying about the church parking lot attracting motorcycle gangs. Then there was another location down by the village, but that didn’t work out, either.” Eventually, the group settled on a lovely, wooded hammock adjacent to the Out-ofDoor school. The chapel, designed by both Holliday and Blackwood, was built on stilts and constructed of pine and rough-sawn cedar--plain, natural and strong. Windows and sliding doors of clear glass surrounded the open sanctuary and overlooked palms, oaks, cedars and towering pines. The effect, when sitting in the room, is that of being up among the trees, hence the nickname the chapel was given, “God’s Treehouse.” For services when there is pleasant weather outside, or occasions where there is an overflow crowd, the glass doors are opened wide, bringing the surrounding nature inside. Craig Holliday well remembers the idyllic days growing up with his older brother Michael and younger sister Suzanne across the street from the church, when there was only one other house around and only one paved road on the island. “This area was full of heavy, dense woods, and we built our own treehouse on the corner of the property,” he said. “The acoustics in the sanctuary were phenomenal—my dad had a bluegrass band and they would come over here at night and play music for hours.” He added that Dr. Blackwood used to conduct worship services in the round, meaning he would stand in the middle

Island Chatter Elizabeth Gomez-Mayo, an advocate for the amendments who worked with Siesta resident Mike Cosentino on the petition drive, asked why the figure was listed as 224 feet. When the board vacated the road segment in May 2016, she said, the figure used was about 350 feet. (Siesta Sand has verified that in at least one county document, the distance was listed as 357 feet.) When Commissioner Charles Hines asked County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh for an explanation, DeMarsh said that 224 feet was the distance determined by a survey of the portion of the road that was vacated. As it turns out, the 224 number was incorrect, DeMarsh announced during the commission’s regular meeting on Sept. 11. After the questions arose during the Aug. 29 hearing, he said, “We conferred with the county surveyor.” As a result, DeMarsh explained to the commissioners on Sept. 11, the distance has been determined to be 373 feet. That number will be included in the ballot question related to the Charter amendment seeking to return the vacated road segment

and speak to the congregation surrounding him. There were no pews in the sanctuary, because he wanted to be able to change the chairs’ configuration in the room whenever he wanted. Over the years, Sunday School rooms, a nursery, meeting rooms, a fellowship hall and kitchen, and an office and study for the pastor have been added. And since he developed a love of architecture in his father’s office and eventually became a General Contractor with his own company, the Holliday Group, Craig has been involved in all the Siesta Key Chapel construction in the last 20 years. Dr. Blackwood was the Siesta Key Chapel pastor until Dr. H. Ray Woody succeeded him in 1982. From 1995 to 2002, Reverend David Bruce Cozad was the third church pastor and following a brief interim ministry under Rev. Marty Hager, Dr. Kathleen Wiggins accepted the Call in June of 2003. After Dr. Wiggins retired just this past summer, Dr. Thomas Cook was brought in as interim pastor, while the church conducts their search for a permanent pastor. He said that typically, it takes about a year to 18 months to fill a Presbyterian pastoral position, but having been coming to Siesta Key with his family since 1981, he’s happy to stay as long as needed. “For my wife Martha, this is her happy place,” he said. “Pastor Kathi left a very healthy church, and was really loved by her congregation. What I’m trying to do now is to help them figure out what their vision for the future of the church is and figure out how we can prepare ourselves for it. What is the church we want to leave for our generations?” For Craig, whose whole family was confirmed, married and memorialized at Siesta Key Chapel, the past, present and future of the church is ingrained in his DNA. And just as his parents always welcomed any child from the neighborhood into their home, the church they helped to found will continue to invite in any and all worshipers with open arms. Dr. Cook says that it’s the exceptionally kind people of Siesta Key Chapel, as well as the natural setting, that make it so incredibly special. “Hospitality is a very important part of the culture of this congregation,” he said. “People come from all over the place to worship here, and they’re used to being strangers in a new land. This is such a welcoming congregation to everyone, and it doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from.” The Siesta Key Chapel is located at 4615 Gleason Avenue. Worship services are currently Sunday at 10 a.m., but during season, another Sunday service will be added. For more information, visit the website at siestakeychapel.org or call the office at 941-349-1166.

www.siestasand.net

By Debbie Flessner

The Siesta Key Chapel was founded in 1970, and construction on the first building began in 1975.

The chapel itself is filled with windows and glass doors and set among the trees, which is how it received its nickname, “God’s Treehouse.”

Craig Holliday’s father Jim and Dr. James Blackwood were the founders of the Siesta Key Chapel. Dr. Thomas Cook, right, is the interim pastor of the church.

Continued from page 15

to county possession. “It is more accurate,” DeMarsh added of the new figure, “and, therefore, we have provided that information to the supervisor of elections.”

Maio discusses precincts lost During Aug. 29 public hearings on proposed amendments to the Sarasota County Charter, Siesta Key resident Mike Cosentino took several opportunities to remark on his disappointment in losing the Aug. 28 Democratic Primary for the District 4 board seat. Finally, after the third public hearing stretched on until about 5:45 p.m. on Aug. 29, Commissioner Alan Maio — who won the Republican Primary the previous day in an effort to keep the District 4 seat — offered a couple of comments. “As far as the personal attacks on me,” Maio said, “it comes with the territory.” Then Maio noted that he lost only two precincts in the 2014 election for the commission, “and I lost two last night.”

Commissioner Paul Caragiulo confirmed that. Maio noted that he lost one precinct by about 100 votes and the other, by 24. The results were still unofficial at that time. His opponent in the Aug. 28 Primary was the same opponent he faced in the 2014 Republican Primary, Siesta resident Lourdes Ramirez. When Siesta Sand reviewed the official election results on Aug. 31, it found that Ramirez beat Maio 700 votes to 563 in Precinct 133, which is Grace Baptist Church, located at 8000 Bee Ridge Road. She also defeated him in Precinct 411, which is St. Boniface Episcopal Church on Siesta Key. She had 350 votes to Maio’s 323. As for Cosentino and his opponent in the Democratic Primary, Wesley Anne Beggs of Sarasota: Cosentino also prevailed in only two precincts: 411 at St. Boniface, where he garnered 225 votes to Beggs’ 211; and in Precinct 401 at Siesta Chapel on the north end of Siesta. In the latter precinct, Cosentino won 26 votes, while Beggs had 22.

Whither the Big Pass buoys? Catherine Luckner, vice president of the Siesta Key Association (SKA), recently questioned why buoys marking the channel in Big Sarasota Pass remained missing well into the summer. In an Aug. 3 email she sent to Commissioners Charles Hines and Alan Maio, she pointed out that the SKA had been fielding questions about the buoys’ continued absence. She explained during the July SKA meeting that Hines had offered to look into the issue, as she noted in the email. “It has been the practice for County staff to monitor depths monthly and as a result, we have at least 10 years+ of data,” she added, noting that the “Sarasota Yacht Club can also verify the controlling depths.” “We’d greatly appreciate County effort to restore recreational boating safety assistance,” she wrote. Continued on page 35

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

OCTOBER 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

LIVE MUSIC PAGE 26

VILLAGE MAP pgs 22 - 23

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 43

GULF GATE SHOPS pg 28

CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 24

Siesta Key Drum Circle Before You Leave...

If you have any non-perishable food items that have not been opened, the Siesta Key Chamber, located at 5114 Ocean Blvd, in the Village at the Davidson Plaza along with St. Michael’s Parish, located at 5394 Midnight Pass Road will gladly take these items and pass them on to the less fortunate in the Sarasota area. Chamber hours for items to be dropped off are as follows: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. For instructions on after hour drop-offs, please contact the Chamber office at 941-349-3800. St. Michael’s hours for items to be dropped off are as follows: Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – Noon and again from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. – Noon.

If you are dropping off items after hours, please leave any items at the front door of the parish office. For any additional questions, please contact the office at 941-349-4174.

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: Siesta Key Drum Circle Facebook post by Jane Dough.

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

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2018

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Judge Issues Final Order to Dismiss Mike Cosentino’s Lawsuit Against S Over North Beach Road Vacation By Rachel Brown Hackney A 12th Judicial Circuit Court judge has dismissed the last part of a lawsuit against Sarasota County that Siesta Key resident Michael Cosentino originally filed in June 2016. In that complaint — which Cosentino amended in February 2017 — Cosentino contended that the County Commission violated a policy in its Comprehensive Plan when it vacated a 373-foot-long segment of North Beach Road in May 2016. On Sept. 11, Circuit Court Judge Frederick Mercurio issued a final judgment in favor of the county. He had dismissed counts in the case starting in April 2017. That final judgment came after Mercurio ruled in August to grant a county motion for summary judgment — or dismissal — of the last part of the case involving the county. All that remains of Cosentino’s complaint is an issue regarding Dennis and Wendy Madden, who were among the three sets of North Beach Road property owners who petitioned the county for the road vacation. Cosentino believes he will prevail against the county through an appeal to the 2nd District Court of Appeal.

In his Aug. 23 summary judgment order, Mercurio wrote, “This is a case centered around access/private use of a waterfront thoroughfare known as ‘Beach Road.” Cosentino had asked the court to prevent planned development resulting from the County Commission’s action in 2016 and “to remove all obstructions on the Beach Road right-of-way,” Mercurio added. In the matter of this complaint, Mercurio wrote, the court found that Cosentino had no standing to challenge the County Commission’s granting of a Coastal Setback Variance to the Maddens, which was related to the North Beach Road vacation. During the May 11, 2016 public hearing before the County Commission, testimony indicated the Maddens needed part of the square footage of the vacated road to add to the square footage of property they owned both seaward and landward of North Beach Road, so they would be able to comply with county Zoning Code standards for new construction they wanted to pursue. The Maddens plan to tear down five structures with a total of 12 dwelling units between North

Beach Road and Avenida Veneccia so they can erect a new three-story structure that will conform to modern building standards. As part of their agreement with the county for the road vacation, the Maddens and the other two sets of petitioners agreed never to seek county approval to build dwelling units on property they all owned on the seaward side of North Beach Road. The petitioners also gave the county an easement over the vacated road segment, ensuring that the public would continue to have full access to it except via motor vehicle. The road had been closed to traffic since 1993 because of repeated storm damage. On Aug. 31, Cosentino’s attorney, Lee R. Rohe of Big Pine Key, sent Mercurio a letter, objecting to the proposed Final Judgment that the Office of the County Attorney had drafted for the judge’s consideration following the Aug. 23 summary judgment ruling. “Our Objection,” Rohe wrote, is based upon the lack of judicial findings in either the proposed Final Judgment submitted by the County … or the Summary Judgment Order

ACCOMMODATIONS Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa........ Map-A #38A ART GALLERY / STUDIO The Gallery on Siesta Key................... Map-D #11 ATM / BANKS Martin Funding.......................................Map-E #1 Sun Trust Bank & ATM..........................Map-E #4 BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Blaśe Café.............................................Map-A #38 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar.................Map-B #42-43 Gilligan’s.............................................. Map-B #33 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

Map B #42

COFFEE SHOPS LeLu’s Coffee Lounge........................ Map-B #31 The Local Bean.....................................Map-D #62 DRUGSTORE Davidson Drugs..................................Map-D #65 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 Style............................................ Map-C #53 Marley Vibes........................................... Map-D #9 Sea Shanty............................................. Map-C #24 Siesta T’s.................................................Map-B #30 The Sandal Factory...............................Map-B #46 GAS STATION Circle K Store...........................................Map-E #6

Barber Scott Reich

Formerly of the Village Barber

Gulf Gate Barbershop Making Gulf Gate look good since the ‘60’s Bringing over 70 years of life lessons and local knowledge to your haircut (trust us, we know alllll about what you did last summer). It’s not just a haircut, it’s life. We know all about it. Let’s laugh, have a beer, and talk nonsense….that’s free. Haircut? That’s gonna cost you…$15, if we like you, $25 if you’re a P.I.T.A. “Best Local Barbers” 20 years in the running Kyle and Scott “to the second power”

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

GIFTS & SOUVENIRS Beach Bazaar........................................ Map-C #28 Gilligan’s Gift Store..............................Map-B #32 Island Trader......................................... Map-C #51 Sea Pleasures & Treasures.................. Map-C #29 Siesta Key Outfitters...........................Map-D #11 Siesta Kids..............................................Map-B #36 HEALTH & FITNESS Indep. Lifestyle Solutions .................. Map-D #10 Siesta Healing......................................... Map-D #9 Siesta Key Fitness............................... Map-B #73 ICE CREAM/TREATS Big Olaf Creamery............................... Map-C #52 Ciao Gelato............................................ Map-C #50 Curly Cream Ice Cream......................... Map-D #9 Local Chill Ice Cream.......................... Map-D #60 Made in Rome Gelato.......................... Map-C #53 Meany’s Mini Donuts.......................... Map-C #24 SubZero Ice Cream/Yogurt................ Map-D #16 Sunni Bunni Frozen Yogurt................ Map-C #53 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs..................................Map-D #65 LeLu’s Coffee Lounge........................ Map-B #31 The Local Bean.....................................Map-D #62 JEWELRY Created Gems....................................... Map-C #51 Mount -N- Repair Jewelers................... Map-D #9

of August 23, 2018.” Rohe point Mercurio’s Aug. 23 order said sim reasons for Cosentino’s lack of the case were “spelled out’” in t last motion for summary judgme of judicial findings of fact, there make it difficult for Cosentino to decision to the 2nd District Court Rohe explained. “Standing” is a legal term tha centers on a requirement that a p sustained or will sustain direct inj because of an action. In his letter to Mercurio, Rohe als an affidavit Cosentino filed wit on July 18. As recorded in that Cosentino had sworn to several under oath. Among them was tha “less than half a mile away from t that is the subject of this lawsu area’).” Furthermore, Cosentino swore that he “frequently and regularly affected area.” He added that he reg down Beach Road until county s

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941.349.0194

OCTOBER 2018

Sarasota County

ted out that mply that the standing in the county’s ent. The lack efore, would o appeal the t of Appeal,

at typically plaintiff has jury or harm

so referenced th the court t document, l statements at he resides the property uit (‘affected

under oath y enjoys the gularly drove staff worked

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Wine Bar Now Open in the Village

with the Maddens to install metal and wooden bollards “to permanently block the affected area in 2017.”

Relying on the Appeal Court When Siesta Sand asked Cosentino for a comment about the judge’s action, he provided a statement on Sept. 13. First, referring to Mercurio’s Aug. 23 order granting the last county motion for summary judgment, Cosentino wrote, “We anticipated the results ... We have known since the ruling on our original hearing on April 5, 2017 that our goal was reduced to making and preserving a record for our eventual appeal to the 2nd District Court of Appeal.” He added, “In layperson’s terms, the Court has ruled that the County’s actions are none of my business. This allows the Court to ignore our legal arguments. Like most cases involving comprehensive plan violations, we look forward to prevailing at the appellate court level.”

Siesta Key Wine Bar has just opened after acquiring Siesta Key Tropical Wines at 5138c Ocean Blvd in Davidson’s Siesta Village Plaza. The location has been expanded and extensively remodeled and offers many exclusive selections from world class vineyards and a wonderful selection of low-sulfite tropical wines produced locally at award winning wineries. The new wine bar is a family business run by Darlene and Stu Gamble and their children, Kasey and Cole. Stu and his family have called Sarasota home since 2005 and are originally from Pennsylvania. They are avid travelers and wine lovers, combining the two to include visits to beautiful vineyards all over the world. Their goal in purchasing the business was to transform the space into a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere where you can gather with your friends and family to enjoy a glass or two of wine and feel that you’ve found “your” wine bar. Wine

Siesta Key Wine Bar, a family business run by Darlene and Stu Gamble along with their children, Kasey and Cole

is sold by the glass, samples by flights and bottles. Siesta Key Wine Bar features live music and special event requests are welcome. The bar plans to offer charcuterie boards and other light

bites in the very near future. For more information, you can find them at www.siestakeywinebar.com, Facebook, Yelp and TripAdvisor.

• SEGWAY RENTALS • PADDLEBOARDS • SCOOTER CARS • GOLF CARTS • BIKES • SCOOTERS • BEACH GEAR Map B #34 5255 Ocean Blvd • Siesta Key Village www.robinhoodrentals.net

941-554-4242

LIQUOR STORES / FINE WINES Gabbiano’s Wine Club.......................Map-D #70 Gilligan’s.............................................. Map-B #33 Siesta Key Wine Bar............................. Map-C #61 Siesta Village Liquors........................ Map-C #26 The Beach Club..................................... Map-D #22

Map D #64

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 Therapy....................................Map-E #1 The Spa at Calle Minorga.....................Map-E #74 MEDICAL - DENTAL Siesta Dental...........................................Map-B #49 Siesta Key Physical Therapy............... Map-D #20 Siesta Medical Center.......................... Map-D #63 Siesta Village Dentistry....................... Map-D #63 MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce....................... Map-D #67 Positive RePercussion..........................Map-D #9 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 Coldwell Banker Realty....................... Map-D #20 Keller Williams Real Estate................. Map-D #11 Key Realty.............................................. Map-E #5 Michael Saunders Realty................... Map-E #72 ReMax Alliance Group........................ Map-C #29 ReMax Tropical Sands.......................Map-D #67 RentSiestaKey.com................................. Map-D #9 Robasota Rentals & Real Estate.......... Map-A #39 Siesta Key Rental Prop........................ Map-D #10

48 47 46

RESTAURANTS / CAFÉS Another Broken Egg................... Map-C #54 & 55 Big Water Fish Market, N..................Map-D #15 Blasé Café.............................................Map-A #38 Bonjour French Cafe............................ Map-C #47 Café Gabbiano.....................................Map-D #71 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar.................Map-B #42-43 Flavio’s Brick Oven & Bar....................Map-B #29 Flavio’s Italiano Ristorante..................Map-B #30 Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill............ Map-B #33 LeLu’s Coffee Bar................................ Map-B #31 Lobster Pot............................................ Map-C #23 Old Salty Dog Rest. & Pub.....................Map-E #2 PI Pizza & Craft Beer...........................Map-A#37 Ripfire Pizza...........................................Map-B #47 Señor Siesta........................................... Map-D #69 Siesta Key Oyster Bar......................... Map-B #45 Solorzano Bros. Pizzeria....................Map-D #15 Subway Sandwiches.............................Map-B #30 Summer House..................................... Map-C #57 Sun Garden Café.................................. Map-D #19 The Cottage........................................... Map-C #58 The Hub - Baja Grill............................. Map-C #59 Village Café..........................................Map-D #14 SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY LaPlaya Spa........................................... Map-C #50 Sassy Hair Salon..................................Map-A #40 Siesta Key Nails & Spa........................Map-D #9 SPORTS INTEREST/RENTALS CaliFlorida............................................. Map-C #29 Robin Hood Rentals........................... Map-B #34

Map D #11

THE LOCAL BEAN • Internet Café • Coffee Shop • Tea Room 5138 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key Village

941-346-8000

WHAT BETTER WAY TO START YOUR DAY IN PARADISE?

Map D #62

Organic and Fair Trade Coffees & Teas Cold Pressed Coffee Organic Smoothies Light Lunch (Salads & Sandwiches) Breakfast Sandwiches, Bagels & Lox Local Pastries Free Snacks

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2018

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 Drugs..................................... C-3 #14 FASHION & ACCESSORIES Fin Island Co............................................. 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

941.349.0194

CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX

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

MAILING & SHIPPING Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14 US Post Office Sub Station..................... C-3 #14 MARKETS 7-11 Store.................................................. C-3 #16 Big Water Fish Market.......................... C-3 #17 Crescent Beach Grocery...........................B-3 #1 MISCELLANEOUS Moving & Storage....................................B-3 #10 Flowers by Fudgie................................... D-3 #17 REAL ESTATE / RENTALS Beckmann Properties.............................. C-2 #15 Homes & Condo Rentals........................ D-3 #17 Re/Max Tropical Sands............................B-3 #1 Siesta 4-Rent............................................ C-3 #14 Waterside Realty..................................... C-3 #17 RESTAURANTS / CAFES A Taste of Germany................................ C-3#14

www.siestasand.net

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

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

“Home of the Orange Squeeze!”

OPEN 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM DAILY

ING FEATUR

Homemade Ice Cream

Sundaes l Shakes l Smoothies l Coffees Espresso l Cappuccinos

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

941-346-0202

Expires 12/31/18

Open 5 pm pm Map C-3#14 O pen77DDays ays99am am--5

941-346-1797

“Voted Small Business of the Year 941-346-1797 by Siesta Key Chamber”

RepaiRs, sales anD accessORies New 50cc Scooters

HOuRly • Daily • Weekly

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

KAYAK TOURS ONLY 45 54 /PERSON • BEST PRICE AROUND FREE DELIVERY AND P/U ON SIESTA KEY FOR MOST RENTALS $

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

SCOOTER RENTALS f f o Half Days/Full Days/Multi Day Rentals with this Coupon EXPIRES 12/31/14 EXPIRES 12/31/18

Bikes • Kayaks • Scooters • Kayak Tours

welcome!

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

Toasted Mango Cafe 6621 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-4 #17

MAP C-3 #17

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

OCTOBER 2018

Snapshots of Island Visitors

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography 2

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

1. Jeff and Melanie from TN

2. Maria, Richard, and Francisse from NJ

3. Gazelle, Gabriel, Gamaliel, Grace, and Cleave from Arcadia, FL 6. Adekynn age 2 from IL 8. Matt, Lilyana age 1, and Alyssa from NC

4. Paul and Alex from Bolivia 5. Renae from Longboat Key, FL

7. Rayany, Kaio, and Andre from Brazil

9. Carlos, Cecia, and Maria from Brazil

10. Jeariar, Dominic, and Liday from TX

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2018

Siesta Sounds

941.349.0194

By Charmaine Engelsman-Robins

Parliament. Alice in Chains. Sinatra. Bruno Mars. Grover Washington. Prince. Nat King Cole. Santana. George Clinton. Stevie Wonder. Eric Clapton. Motown (et al)…

Whether you show up to dance and drink or eat and listen, you’re sure to find a lot to like in their purposefully wide range of something for everybody. The set lists are full of “stuff people don’t expect, but know and like” T-bone explains. His personal favorite to perform? Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” A song that sort of explains his outlook on life even when times are harsh. Something of a Renaissance man, in addition to his band work T-bone has a Monday through Friday call-in radio show on WRBA that started out as an outreach for opioid epidemic affected sufferers and those who suffer right along with them by osmosis … friends, family members, co-workers, those who stand helplessly by and so want to help … but can’t. As time’s gone on, the forum has widened to cover such other topics as politics, healthcare, and anything else on America’s mind. You can check it out via the WRBA app any weekday from 6 to 7 pm and participate by calling in on 941.250.9282 from anywhere you are. And call they do. From the Florida beaches to the backwoods of Arkansas, more people participate every day. On a more light-hearted note, T-Bone’s musical interest also extends to theatre. He performed in the Sarasota Players Theatre production of Miss Saigon, and was (in his words) “the black guy” in what was then the Venice “Little” Theatre’s recordbreaking run of The Full Monty. And that’s all I’m saying about THAT. As if this wasn’t enough to keep anybody busy, T-Bone’s also done some film work and is currently caught up in what he calls his “real passion:” Directing. The first film of his own (now in the works) is called Happen & Chance, which he describes as “sort of a conflict resolution film that all comes together in the end.” He is proud to add that the company he works with works clean, producing strictly quality PG films. If you’ve already experienced the Blasé Cafe, you know there isn’t a better place for a Halloween party, so make a night of it and come in costume to experience and enjoy the music of MajorSeven. The band will be decked out too (we assume not in the Full Monty wardrobe) and we promise it’ll be a treat!

See anything you like? Oh good, then you’re going to have a great time when you hear MajorSeven live at the Blasé Café’s early Halloween party (Saturday, October 27 from 7 to 10 pm) because they play all of this and more. Funk and jazz, old and new, metal or mellow, there’s a great variety. “This is a tourist town,” says front man Terry T-bone Rhodes, “so we know we’re going to be playing to a lot of different tastes from a lot of different places.” As vocalist for the five piece group, T-bone has the versatility that’s needed to cover such a wide range of genres, and the band to back him up. Guitarist Alex Kanotz is a mid-20s talent T-Bone describes as “someone to watch,” predicting big things for him in the not-too-distant future. Bass player Jim Copeing (who also happens to be the chef who owns “Arts & Eats” in the Bradenton Arts district) with drummer Lane Ruise keep the rhythm section as funky or subtle as it needs to be over this wide repertoire, and sax player Michael Newsome plays a horn that can steal the song or smoothly wrap all the other parts together into one cohesive wave.

CLUB BLASE CAFÉ In the Village 941-349-9822 DAIQUIRI DECK RAW BAR In the Village 941‐349‐8697

MONDAY Amandah Jantzen 7‐10 PM

TUESDAY Evan Eastmoore nd th rd (2 , 9 , & 23 ) Nancy Gauvreau th th (16 & 30 ) 7‐10 PM

FRIDAY

Savanah Brady & Zak Yoder 7‐10 PM

Nick LeValley (4 ) Nancy Gauvreau th th (11 & 25 ) th R. J. Housen Trio (18 ) 7‐10 PM

Callie & The Whole Band 7‐10 PM

LIVE MUSIC (3‐7 PM) DJ TJ (10 PM)

SATURDAY Lady B & the Buzz th Th (6 & 20 ) th Endless Vibe (13 ) th MajorSeven (27 ) (See above Highlight) 7‐10 PM LIVE MUSIC (3‐7 PM) DJ K Conn (10 PM)

SUNDAY th

Lisa Ridings Band (7 ) th Blues Pig Band (14 ) st Treedomm (21 ) th Jason Haram (28 ) 7‐10 PM BREE (3‐7 PM) th

RPM LIVE: 6‐10 PM

Kettle of Fish (5 ) th Deven Starr (26 ) 6‐10 PM DJ KConn – 10 PM

PEDRO: 1 PM th Skyway (6 ) th Ted Stevens (13 ) 6‐10 PM DJ KConn – 10 PM

1 PM : Desi Adams (7 ) th Frankie (14 ) st Kettle of Fish (21 ) Skyway (14 & 28) 6‐10 PM DJ Tuesday – 10 PM

Eddie James Jazz Band 7‐10 PM

1‐5 PM: Bri Rivera (6 & 20) Evan Eastmore (13 & 27) Mike Tozier 8‐Midnight

10 AM 1 PM Mike Tozier (7 & 21) Vince Colaiocco (14 & 28) 2‐6 PM th Reed & Foss (7 only) 7 ‐11 PM: The Whole Band (7 & 21) Hatley Band (14 & 28)

SIESTA KEY OYSTER BAR (SKOB) In the Village 941‐346‐5443

1‐5 PM: David Morris (1 & 22) th Bean & Seeds (8 ) th Frankie Lombardi (15 ) th Gabe Strange (29 ) Al Donadi 7‐11 PM

THE BEACH CLUB In the Village 941-349-6311

Karaoke Mondays 8 PM ‐ Close

THE COTTAGE In the Village 941-312-9300

Live Music 6-9 PM

THE HUB‐BAJA GRILL In the Village 941-349-6800

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

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

Turtle Beach Grill Southern end of SK 941‐349‐2280 SAND DOLLAR POOL BAR @ Best Western Plus 6600 S. Tamiami Trl. Sarasota 941‐924‐4900 CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE 801 Blackburn Pt. Rd, Osprey 941‐966‐1901

Charmaine Engelsman-Robins is a Chicago-born, award-winning writer of screenplays and articles, including a 10 year stint writing for the Sarasota Herald Tribune. She has lived in SW FL most of her life and, as an animal rescuer, has occasionally been forced to support this work with temporary straight jobs that she lists on a secret “resume” titled “My Little List of Things I Never Want To Have To Do Again.” She won’t have to if you keep reading her articles, and she thanks you all very much for saving her from that horrible fate.

RPM LIVE ‐ 6‐10 PM DJ Nate – 10 PM

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

1‐5 PM: J. Gilton (2, 16,30) th Vince Berardi (9 ) rd Cabana Dogs (23 ) Open mic night 7‐11 PM

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

THURSDAY

Terry T-bone Rhodes is the front man for the MajorSeven Band

Mike Tozier (3, 17, 31) Deven Starr (10 & 24) 6‐10 PM DJ Tuesday – 10 PM

Rodney Shenk: 6‐10 PM

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

WEDNESDAY

GILLIGANS In the Village 941-346-8122

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

www.siestasand.net

1‐5 PM Whiteleather (5 & 26) 2‐6 PM Whiteleather (12 & 19) 8‐Midnight th Big Daddy Boys (5 ) th Frankie Ray Band (12 ) th Deven Starr Band (19 ) th Messenger Band (26 ) 8 – 11 PM: th New Divide (5 ) th No Filter (12 ) th th Stereo FM (19 ), 22N (26 ) Live DJ 11 PM ‐2 AM

1‐5 PM: Frankie Ray (3,17,31) Deven Starr (10 & 24) Kettle of Fish 7‐11 PM

1‐5 PM: Dana & Co. FolkLab 7‐11 PM

DJ Coz or DJ Kensi 9 PM – 2 AM

DJ XTREME 10 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM

Live Music 7-10 PM

Live Music 6-9 PM

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

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

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

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

KARAOKE 9 PM – CLOSE

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

LIVE MUSIC 5‐9 PM

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

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM

KARAOKE 9 PM – CLOSE LIVE MUSIC 6‐10 PM LIVE MUSIC 5‐9 PM

8 –11 PM: 7‐11 PM) th Sweet Spot (6 ) th Propaganjah (7 ) th th TL (13 ), Torched (20 ) th Nostaljah (14 ) TH VAN HALEN TRIBUTE (27 ) Jah Movement (21 & 28) Live DJ: 11 PM‐2 AM

LIVE MUSIC 3‐6 PM

LIVE MUSIC 4‐8 PM

LIVE MUSIC 3‐7 PM

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

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

OCTOBER 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Island Humor An honest seven-year-old admitted calmly to her parents that Billy Brown had kissed her after class. “How did that happen?” gasped her mother. “It wasn’t easy,” admitted the young lady, “but three girls helped me catch him.” A three-year-old went with his dad to see a litter of kittens. On returning home, he breathlessly informed his mother that there were two boy kittens and two girl kittens. “How did you know?” his mother asked. “Daddy picked them up and looked underneath,” he replied. “I think it’s printed on the bottom.” A mechanic was removing a cylinder-head from the motor of a Harley motorcycle when he spotted a well-known cardiologist in his shop. The cardiologist was there waiting for the service manager to come and take a look at his bike when the mechanic shouted across the Garage, ‘Hey Doc, want to take a look at this?’ The cardiologist, a bit surprised, walked over to where the mechanic was working on the motorcycle. The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked, “So Doc, look at this engine. I opened its heart, took the valves out, repaired any damage, and then put them back in, and when I finish, it works just like new... So how come I make $39,675 a year and you get the really big bucks ($1,695,759), when you and I are doing basically the same work?’ The cardiologist paused, smiled and leaned over, then whispered to the mechanic... “Try doing it with the engine running.” Ingredients: • 1 cup fresh pineapple • 1/2 lime • 1/4 cup water • 2 cups papaya (fresh) • 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed, approximately 2 large Navel Oranges) • 1 cup coconut milk (in a carton, not from a can) • 1/4 cup coconut (Puree or shredded unsweetened coconut) Instructions: 1: Place 2 16-ounce glasses in the freezer. 2: Blend together the ingredient for the yellow layer until completely pureed. Pour evenly into the two glasses and place back into the freezer. Leave glasses in the freezer for at least 5 minutes. 3: While the yellow layer is chilling, blend the ingredient for the orange layer. 4: When 10 minutes has elaped, gently tilt the first glass and slowly pour half of the orange layer into the glass, tilting the glass upright as soon as the liquid starts to fill in on top of the yellow layer. _A second method is to place a large kitchen spoon at a 45 degree angle, with the bottom of the spoon facing up, almost touching the yellow layer. Slowly pour the orange layer onto the spoon allowing it to fill over the yellow layer. The spoon can be moved to help evenly distribute the layer (method photos shown in this cocktail post) Repeat with the second glass. Place glasses back in the freezer while the white layer is prepared (5 minutes at least to help thicken the mixture). 5: Blend the ingredients for the white layer. Following the pouring method suggestions, layer the white mixture on top of the orange layer. 6: Serve.

A little child in church for the first time watched as the ushers passed the offering plates. When they neared the pew where he sat, the youngster piped up so that everyone could hear: “Don’t pay for me Daddy, I’m under five.” A little boy was attending his first wedding. After the service, his cousin asked him, “How many women can a man marry?” “Sixteen,” the boy responded. His cousin was amazed that he had an answer so quickly. “How do you know that?” “Easy,” the little boy said. “All you have to do is add it up, like the Bishop said: 4 better, 4 worse, 4 richer, 4 poorer.” A little girl became restless as the preacher’s sermon dragged on and on. Finally, she leaned over to her mother and whispered, “Mommy, if we give him the money now, will he let us go?” Pastor Dave Charlton tells us, “After a worship service at First Baptist Church in Newcastle, Kentucky, a mother with a fidgety seven-year old boy told me how she finally got her son to sit still and be quiet. About half way through the sermon, she leaned over and whispered, ‘If you don’t be quiet, Pastor Charlton is going to lose his place and will have to start his sermon all over again!’ It worked.” A little girl was sitting on her grandfather’s lap as he read her a bedtime story. From time to time, she would take her eyes off the book and reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek. She was alternately stroking her own cheek, then his again. Finally she spoke up, “Grandpa, did God make you?” “Yes,

sweetheart,” he answered, “God made me a long time ago.” “Oh,” she paused... “Grandpa, did God make me too?” “Yes, indeed, honey,” he said, “God made you just a little while ago.” Feeling their respective faces again, she observed, “God’s getting better at it, isn’t he?” The loaded mini-van pulled into the only remaining campsite. Four children leaped from the vehicle and began feverishly unloading gear and setting up the tent. The boys rushed to gather firewood, while the girls and their mother set up the camp stove and cooking utensils. A nearby camper marveled to the youngsters’ father, “That, sir, is some display of teamwork.” The father replied, “I have a system -- no one goes to the bathroom until the camp is set up.” A woman was terribly overweight, so her doctor put her on a diet. “I want you to eat regularly for 2 days, then skip a day, and repeat this procedure for 2 weeks. The next time I see you, you’ll have lost at least 5 pounds,” the doctor assured. When the woman returned, she shocked the doctor by losing nearly 20 pounds. “Why, that’s amazing!” the doctor said, “Did you follow my instructions?” The woman nodded and said, “I’ll tell you though, I thought I was going to drop dead that third day.” “From hunger, you mean?” he asked. “No, from skipping!”

Tropical ‘Candy Corn’ Smoothie

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

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

Karaoke Thursday, Friday & Saturday

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2018

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE

Piccolos Italian Market & Deli (G-47) carries a full line of imported cheeses, fresh baked bread daily, homemade sausages, fresh mozzarella, and numerous hard to get items. They now carry Khorasan Wheat which is an ancient and organic grain. Their deli is complete with huge hot and cold sandwiches, salads, fresh homemade lasagna and baked ziti. 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 1

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) Local owners, Erick and Dawn use a back-to-basics approach to grooming with precise attention to detail. Their commitment to excellence has provided them with many loyal customers. Their old school barber traditions, clean contemporary shop, coupled with their southern hospitality and humor are what separates them from the rest. They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust. Hours: Tues. - Fri. 8:30am - 6pm, Sat., 8:30am - 3pm. (Nov. 1st - May 30th) and Sat., 8:30am - 1pm (Jun. 1st - Oct. 31st). Closed on Sundays and Mondays. 6625 Gateway Ave, 941-626-4894. 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.: 8AM-2PM. 6604 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, 34231, 941-925-2400. Pride of the South (S-34) has been awarded Top Barbeque in Sarasota for 2016 by Trip Advisor and Yelp. It has been awarded for the best Southern Hospitality. Pride of the South has a brisket BLT, hands down, one of the best sandwiches you ever tasted. The smoked chicken wings are unbelievable. Backed up with the pulled pork sandwiches, the smoked bologna, the smoked turkey, 2

Ba Am nk o eri f ca

Panera Bread

Marshall’s

Bed Bath & Beyond

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

Ross

Dress for Less

Iberia Bank

Five Below 1

G14 G13 G12 G11 G10 G9 G8 G7 G6 G5 G4 G3

S30 S29 S28 S27 S26 S25 S24 S23 S22 S21 S20 S19 S18 S17 S16 S15 S14 S13 S12 S11 S10 S9 S8

S7 S6 S5 S4 S3 S2 S1

Gulf Gulf Gate Gate Drive Drive

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 2

G-4

PICCOLO

SRQ

Italian Market & Deli

THE SHOP SRQ 6625 Gateway Ave.

Traditional, Old School Barber Shop 15 Years + Experience

www.TheShopSrq.com

& Vegetarian Sandwiches

941.626.4894 / 941.536.1656

Authentic New York Italian Market & Deli We carry a full line of Imported Cheeses, Boars Head Luncheon Meats, Pasta, Olive Oil, Assorted Imported Olives, Khorasan Wheat (ancient & organic grain), and more. GG-46 G-47 Specialty Italian gourmet items without the gourmet price

Come See Our New Location Store Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10am - 6pm 6518 Gateway Ave.

941-923-2202

www.PiccoloMarket.com

G-2

“We Straight Razor Shave”

Hot or Cold

S-16

G16 G15

G24

S59 S58 S57 S56 S55 S54 S53 S52 S51 S50 S49 S48 S47 S46 S45 S44 S43 S42 S41 S40 S39 S38 S37 S36 S35 S34 S33 S32 S31

G23 G22 G21 G20 G19 G18 G17

Lo Ho ng rn

Beall’s Outlet

Mall Mall Drive Drive

G50 G49 G48 G47 G46 G45 G44 G43 G42 G41 G40 G39 G38 G37 G36 G35 G34 G33 G32 G31 G30 G29 G28 G27 G26 G25

Superior Avenue

Books-AMillion

Michaels

Gateway Avenue

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

Publix

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

Hooters

Sun Trust

Stein Mart

Sarasota Pavilion is a popular shopping destination for numerous locals and visitors alike. Its prime location is close enough to the island for frequent trips with a nice selection of chain stores set in one convenient location. But what truly lends to the uniqueness of this district is the host of small, locally owned, specialty shops, boutiques, restaurants, and neighborhood bars bordering this pavilion. It makes for a fun and rewarding shopping experience. Over 150 businesses make up this district.

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

GULF GATE

G-31

941-925-2400

M5 M4 M3 M2 M1

Eat Where The Locals Eat!

the collard greens, fried corn on the cob, fried okra, fried green tomatoes, and one of the best mac ‘n cheese you ever tasted. We do catering with no limit to the size of the group. Come in and follow your nose to 6616 Superior Ave, Sarasota, FL 34231. Call (941)926-0099. See you soon. One Minute Key Shop (GG-51): Left your keys in the car? No worries, the One Minute Key Shop will help you safely unlock and retrieve your keys. They specialize in high security locks, keys, re-keying, master keying, and safes for residential, commercial or automotive. Give them a call at 941-924-8020 or visit their showroom where they have a large display of locks and safes. 2120 Gulf Gate Drive. Solorzano’s Late Night Pizzeria (S-32): At every Solorzano’s, they offer an experience familiar to those who understand the importance of family and dedication. Their recipes and techniques have been perfected through three long generations based on the traditional simplicity of the methods used by their Italian ancestors. Dine inside, outside, pick up, or DELIVERY anywhere on Siesta Key, or in Sarasota until 4:00 a.m. 6670 Superior Ave., 941-924-5800. Wild Ginger Apothecary has been successfully providing sustainable, ethically produced, and nontoxic products for beauty, home and nutrition to the health conscious consumers of Sarasota since October of 2014. Their latest offerings is a CBD Boutique area featuring hundreds of hemp and CBD products. Wild Ginger Apothecary also offers classes and workshops for a variety of audiences on topics that cover lifestyle, creativity, health, and more in the Studio + Lounge. Z6557 Superior Ave. 941-312-5630, www.woldgingerapothecary.com

• No Appointment Needed •

TONSORIAL ARTISTRY BY ERICK & DAWN

Open Tues.-Fri. 8:30 AM-6 PM Sat. 11/1 - 5/30; 8:30-3 PM Sat. 6/1 - 10/31; 8:30 AM - 1 PM

S-34

Catering Available

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

941.926.0099

COUPON

FREE SIDE With the purchase of ANY entreé

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

OCTOBER 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Mote Red Tide Researcher Tells Siesta Key Association Members Her Theories About Why Current Bloom Has Lingered and Discusses Potential Remedies By Rachel Brown Hackney for sodium uptake. Essentially, she said, it suffocates organisms. Mote Marine Laboratory has received the results of the necropsies performed on the first groups of turtles and dolphins whose deaths were suspected to have been caused by Karenia brevis, Fanara noted. The wildlife had “very high levels” of the toxin from red tide, she said. “Most of it was from ingesting the toxin.”

Researchers have been waiting for this red tide bloom — which actually began in October 2017 — either to be disrupted by a weather event or to run out of nutrients or otherwise come to the end of its lifecycle, Tracy Fanara, Mote Marine Laboratory’s Environmental Health Program manager, told Siesta Key Association (SKA) members on Sept. 6. The offshore winds that were prevailing prior to Tropical Storm Gordon’s development could have helped the bloom disperse, Fanara explained. “Our cell counts have been low throughout Sarasota County for the past two weeks.” Fanara emphasized that nitrogen is the big feeder for red tide. Although audience members asked whether phosphorous has had an impact on this long-lived bloom, Fanara explained that excess phosphorous can cause the freshwater algae blooms that also have been in the news, as a result of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ release of water from Lake Okeechobee. “When it comes to red tide,” she said, “we’re more concerned with nitrogen, which is coming from natural processes,” such as decaying wildlife and excrement, “but also from fertilizer.” She told the audience that researchers have put their focus on determining the sources of all the nitrogen. “In Florida, we have a lot of problems,” Fanara noted. Because of all the development, she explained, instead of rainfall sinking into the ground, it flows across asphalt and concrete, picking up pollutants before it flows into bodies of water. That leads to algae blooms, Fanara pointed out. The organism known as red tide — Karenia brevis — can feed on 12 different forms of nutrients, Fanara explained. Additionally, climate change is raising the

History and science

Tracy Fanara minimum temperature of the Gulf of Mexico faster than it is increasing the maximum temperature in the Gulf, she said. “Karenia brevis is happiest,” she pointed out, when the water temperature is between 60 and 86 degrees. “Well, we used to hit 60 degrees,” she noted; “we’re slowly creeping up with climate change. Therefore, the warming Gulf could be one reason the current red tide bloom has lasted so long.” Another possibility, she said, is that Hurricane Irma — which struck Florida on Sept. 10, 2017 — could have stirred up a big supply of nutrients for Karenia brevis, feeding the bloom. “It could be a combination,” she said of climate change and the hurricane. “It could be one or the other. … These are all hypotheses. However, we have enough data for me to say that out loud.” In response to audience questions, Fanara explained that the algae blocks pathways

Anecdotal reports indicate red tide has been around at least since the 1500s, she pointed out. Officially, it has been documented since the 1800s. As scientists work to learn more about how it thrives and what might be able to control it, Fanara said, the best anyone can do is to alert the public to current conditions. Mote’s Beach Conditions Reporting System (BCRS) was developed by her predecessor in 2006, she noted. That system provides a lot of information to the public. To access it, she told the audience, just go online to www.visitbeaches.org. Additionally, she described the free Citizen Science Information Collaboration (CSIC) app. When people experience respiratory irritation or see dead fish, for example, they can use a cellphone microscope to help Mote researchers analyze red tide organisms in the water. These citizen scientists, Fanara said, upload 30-second videos. “This takes our volunteers 5 minutes. It’s pretty incredible.” Furthermore, Fanara continued, the University of South Florida issues forecasts for water currents for the next 3.5 days. Those projections, plus weather predictions for wind, have led to five-day forecasts for respiratory

conditions. “We are making big strides, and citizen science is a big reason for that,” she added. In response to audience members’ concerns about the number of deceased fish and wildlife, Fanara talked about Richard Pierce, senior scientist and associate vice president for research at Mote, who has been undertaking research into red tide for many years. He has found that shrimp and clams “grow really, really rapidly,” she pointed out, after a bloom subsides. She also discussed her idea about the potential of using clam and oyster beds to try to keep red tide blooms from becoming so toxic. Such “filter feeders,” she said, accumulate the toxin “and take it out of the water column.” She worked briefly this year with a fellow researcher in Key West, Fanara continued, who was looking into use of “living docks” to remove detritus from the water. She described that method as providing structures to which the filter feeders could attach. However, she said, the experiment did not work because the levels of the red tide toxin were too high. When she and the Key West researcher took preliminary samples, she explained, they found cell counts of 30 million to 40 million per liter. “One million cells per liter is high,” she emphasized. “So the red tide killed almost everything in our living dock.” They will have to wait until this bloom ends, Fanara said, before they can try again. People already have volunteered to put out living docks, she added. When asked what other creatures eat Karenia brevis, Fanara said scientists are studying parasites. “We’re looking at how we can use the natural ecosystem” to control the red tide blooms.

Annual Pet Blessing to be Held To celebrate the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi (Patron Saint of animals), St. Boniface Episcopal Church and St. Michael the Archangel Church will be offering their

annual event to bless your pet(s). Please be sure your pet is appropriately caged or leashed for this special occasion.

OCTOBER 6 (SATURDAY) 10 AM: ST. BONIFACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key. The blessing will be held in the Labyrinth Courtyard. Rector Wayne Farrell will administer the blessings. He has presided over this event since he began his ministry, three years ago at St. Boniface. If you have any questions concerning this event, please call 941-349-5616, and ask to speak to Rector Wayne Farrell or Jonathan Evans, assistant rector.

OCTOBER 4 (THURSAY) NOON: ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CHURCH: 5394 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key. The blessing will be held under the portico (between the Church and Parish Center). This will be Fr. Michael Cannon’s third year presiding over the blessing. For additional information on this event, please call 941-349-4174, and ask for Margaret.

Participants gather around Pastor, Fr. Michael Cannon (center) before this year’s pet blessing at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church on Siesta Key

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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)

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941.312.5630 WILDGINGERAPOTHECARY.COM

• 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, FL 34231 • First Christian Church 7601 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34241. 941-922-4434 www.fccsarasota.com

simple cremations

740

simple burials

1,195

Online arrangements available Sarasota (941) 312-6371 | Manatee (941) 213-9234

SoundChoiceCremation.com

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2018

An Island Success With the success of his flagship business, Dolan recently partnered with his longtime manager, Sebastian Marin to open up a second location in the Siesta Key Village, located at 217 Avenida Madera. The Village storefront is sandwiched between Solórzano’s Pizzeria and Sub Zero. The new site opened for business on September 1st, and is slowly ramping up to be fully stocked by Season. The hours for this location are Monday through Saturday, noon to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. I recently had the opportunity to sit down and do a Q & A with Scott Dolan and Sebastian Marin. My first round of questions was for Scott Dolan. Q: When and what inspired you to open up a fish market/restaurant on Siesta Key? A: Ever since I was a kid, seafood has been in my blood. I loved to eat it as a kid, and since college, I have been in the seafood industry as a manager or owner in some capacity. I opened a fish market/butcher shop/NY style deli in Atlanta in the 90’s, and it was a huge success. Eventually, I sold the business and moved to Siesta Key where I saw the need and wanted to repeat my past successful operation, and I found a location that I loved in the Crescent Plaza Shopping Center. What truly inspired me to choose this route again was the fact that on a daily basis I was sending tourists over the bridge to buy fish and could see the disappointment from the vacationers who had to leave the island. Q: Are you aware it appears, you helped set off the business boom revival on what many call “South Village shops” or the Crescent Beach shops and restaurants when you opened up Big Water Fish Market in the Crescent Beach Shopping Center? Let’s take a look at what happened after you opened up. A Taste of Germany moved from the Village, Daiquiri Deck opened up a second location on the Key, the Toasted Mango opened up a second location and Siesta Key Marina changed hands and opened up Spearfish Grill. A: Wow, what a compliment… thank you! I was very confident in my concept and location, but I never imagined the south side of Siesta Key would blow up as it has. Frankly, the competition doesn’t scare me. It only makes my staff and myself more competitive, and it also brings more people to the south side of the island. We’re the best in the industry, so we welcome the competition. The pizza boys turning seafood are monkey see, monkey do. I am the go-to seafood guy in town, I am very comfortable with our situation because we do seafood better than anyone. Q: Let’s get some background. Are you a native Floridian? If not, where and what did you do before coming to Siesta Key? A: I grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan (Go Blue!) although I feel like a Siesta Key native. I have been here for 18 years…man time sure does fly by. Q: I see you are expanding your shop in the Crescent Beach location. What changes can patrons expect once you are finished with the expansion? A: We are in the early stages of planning. Unfortunately, there is always red tape and hoops to jump through, but the end result will be more dining space and a larger renovated kitchen. During Season we lose approximately 50 customers

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Continued from cover story

a night due to long lines, so the hope is this addition will solve our problem (which some would not consider being a problem). Q: Can you explain what makes your business so unique? A: I believe it’s a few different factors. It is the unique concept of being able to pick your fresh, wildcaught local fish from the display case and have it prepared the way you want it (blackened, fried or grilled). I initially picked this location years ago due to the lack of local fresh seafood options that were available on the south end of Siesta Key. One of the most interesting things about our concept is our international customer base; we’re making new friends from around the world every week. The knowledgeable, dedicated friendly staff is just the icing on the cake. My team considers themselves to be an all-star lineup as good as the LA Lakers with LeBron.

And now also in The Village at 217 Avenida Madera

Q: Who comes up with all the great recipes? A: The recipes are a combination of my travels with a lot of inspiration from longtime employee and friend Jack Hodges and current Kitchen Manager Aaron Mobley…we all work together on recipes and specials. Q: You’re partnering with your longtime manager Sebastian Marin with the new Big Water Fish Market North, in the Village. Why open a second location on Siesta Key? A: We felt that we would not be in competition with ourselves as during season the traffic can inhibit people on the north end from traveling to the south and vice versa. We also felt the north end was in need of a good fish market as the south end was when we first opened. Besides, Sebastian was ready to begin a business for himself & his family, and he definitely has the seafood knowledge and talent to pull it off.

Sebastian Marin (l) and Scott Dolan (r) in front of the newly opened Big Water Fish Market North located in the Village

My next set of questions was for Sebastian Marin. Q: How did you meet Scott? A: Scott and I met almost 7 years ago when my wife was doing a stock assessment on his fish, and he was looking for someone to help him open the fish market. At the time I was taking time off after many years of operating restaurants. So my wife told Scott that she had the perfect guy for him and the rest is history. Q: Are you from Florida? If not, where are you from and how did you end up on Siesta Key? A: I was born in Medellin, Colombia in 1979, moved to Florida in 1985, and made my way to Sarasota in 1988. I attended Incarnation and Cardinal Mooney High School and knew since a young age that Sarasota was going to be my home.

Big Water Fish Market’s original location is fully stocked, ready to serve

Q: What makes Big Water Fish Market so unique? A: Big Water Fish Market is unique because we strive to have the freshest fish on Siesta Key and to be able to provide customers with a wide selection of local fish which can be prepared in an effortless but delicious way; grilled or blackened. After wrapping up the interviews, it became apparent why their business model has been so successful over the years affording them an opportunity to open a second location. They found a need and capitalized on it in a unique and fun way to serve the community.

The relaxed vibe of the Midnight Pass location has made this a local favorite over the years

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

Water World

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

Local angler Chelsea Bell Branch with a Siesta snook

October is a fabulous month to be fishing on Siesta Key! Shorter, cooler days result in water temperatures dropping into the low 70s, bait will be thick in the bays and out on the beach, and that will attract the gamefish. Many species are going to be caught using a variety of angling tactics. Redfish will still be schooled up on the flats in the north bay, snook will be in the bays, speckled trout, pompano, and Spanish mackerel will be feeding on the deep grass flats, and the beach should be outstanding for king and Spanish mackerel, false albacore, cobia, sharks, and even a stray tarpon. Anglers with small boats can catch large fish this month. The techniques and methods are really pretty simple. Mornings that dawn with easterly winds will find the inshore Gulf of Mexico flat and calm. Pods of baitfish will be seen on the surface, along with schools of feeding fish. Threadfins caught on Sabiki rigs and free lined out behind the boat will catch just about everything. Anglers fishing the surf off of the Siesta Key beaches should experience good action this month. Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, pompano, flounder, and more will hit live and artificial baits. Mackerel like fast, flashy lures such as Gotcha plugs and silver spoons while the pompano and flounder prefer a bait that is moving slowly near the bottom. Jigs and live shrimp are a good choice. Casting jigs while drifting over deep grass flats will produce a lot of fish in October. Speckled trout, pompano, bluefish, mackerel, jacks, and ladyfish will hit a gold or Glow Bass Assassin Sea Shad soft plastic grub on a ¼ ounce jig head. Rootbeer and olive are also productive colors. Use light colored baits in clear water and dark colored baits in stained water. Spoons, plugs, and flies will also work well, as will live or artificial shrimp under a noisy cork. These same lures fished in Big Pass and New Pass will result in plenty of hook-ups as the fish migrate from the Gulf into Sarasota Bay. Fish right on the bottom for pompano and just under the surface for blues and macks. Redfish will still be schooled up, but their numbers will be diminishing. The shallow flats in Robert’s Bay and the north end of Siesta Key are great spots to try. The docks and oyster bars off of Siesta Key will also produce redfish, along with snook, snapper, flounder, and drum. A live shrimp is a a great bait for fishing docks while Bass Assassin Elite Shiners are very effective working bars and points. A high, outgoing tide is best. Snook will be back in the bays and feeding aggressively on the flats, bars, and mangrove shorelines. Shallow diving plugs such as an (08) olive X-Rap are very effective and allow anglers to cover water quickly. Creek mouths, points, bars, and docks that have current are likely ambush spots. Bridges will produce a lot of snook for nocturnal anglers.

OCTOBER 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Notes from the Island Fishmonger

OH MY COD!! September, which I have nicknamed “Slowtember” because it’s traditionally the slowest time of year for businesses on Siesta Key, has been especially tough this summer. To be a charter fisherman, boat rental company, fishmonger or any business owner on Siesta Key this summer with the on-again, offagain red tide situation has been unusually devastating to many. What we need is a small category one hurricane to blow this bloom out to sea. Well, maybe that’s not what we need…I just like a good storm! What we really need is some cooler weather which hopefully is right around the corner. Despite the constant annoyance of the red tide that has affected all of our senses like our nose and throat, believe it or not, the off-shore deep sea fishing has been unbelievable. Those of you who understand that it is safe to eat seafood at this time have been enjoying the bountiful summer’s catch of Amberjack, Grouper, Hogfish and especially all types of Snappers. Some of you who are hesitant to eat fish from the Gulf right now are missing out, but I do understand your concerns. You should not stop eating fish or miss out on these great catches because it’s easy to fish around the red tide bloom. But if you still have concerns, there is a great Bob Stein ready to dig into the BWFM O’ DOLANS FISH-N-CHIPS alternative, and that’s a cold water fish like Cod. I am not going to lie…Atlantic Cod is one of my shelf life. The Cod I buy comes from the North favorite fish to eat in the world. I’ve had Salmon Atlantic. In my experience, North Atlantic Cod tend in Ireland, Bronzini in Italy, fresh Conch in the to be softer and sweeter than the Pacific fish. Plus, Bahamas but nothing beats a fresh piece of Black Cod North Atlantic can be shipped fresh whereas Pacific from Boston. Maybe the reason I speak so highly of caught is usually shipped frozen. Boston Cod is that my favorite fish dish for lunch In a nutshell, Cod is good eating all year round or dinner is a good old traditional fish-n-chips. If because of its cold-water habitat. The good news you’re ordering from a reputable restaurant, 99% of is that our waters will cool soon and the red tide the time it is made with fresh or even previously will subside. With the cooler waters, local Pompano frozen Cod. Now it is true that when I first opened will make a return in October, Mahi prices will the Big Water Fish Market seven years ago, I begin to drop, Oyster season will be back, Grouper experimented with using our local Grouper as our and Snapper will be plentiful until March when battered fish-n-chips recipe just to be better than the seasons close and Siesta Keys famous Stone Crabs rest. I soon found out that Grouper has its place like will be back in season on October 15th which will grilled, baked or even fried Grouper bites. There is eventually bring back the Tripletail. a reason Cod is the chosen one as fish-n-chips made Live Happy…Eat Fish! with Cod go together like peanut butter and jelly. Cod is a white, mild, sweet-tasting fish that Scott Dolan flakes easily when cooked. Cod is an important Big Water Fish Market sustainable commercial fish and has been a 6641 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key mainstay of the seafood industry since the very 941-554-8101 first commercial fishermen hit the waters. It is a www.BigWaterFishMarket.com large deepwater round whitefish, providing thick, meaty fillets which are low in fat and has a good

OCTOBER 2018 TIDE CHART Florida, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Sarasota Bay

October 2018

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33' Date

Day

4:10a

High Tide 2.4

High Tide

Sunrise

Sunset

1:06p

5:11a

2.4

6:35a

2.3

10:56p

1.6

8:17a

2.3

11:22p

9:46a

2.3

11:45p

10:57a

2.3

12:06a

1.9

11:57a

12:26a

2.0

12:46a

11 12 13

0.3

7:23a

7:16p

2:30p

0.3

7:24a

7:15p

12:27a

2:32p

3:48p

0.3

7:24a

7:14p

1:27a

3:28p

1.7

2:51a

1.6

4:51p

0.2

7:25a

7:13p

2:29a

4:20p

1.8

4:21a

1.4

5:43p

0.3

7:25a

7:12p

3:34a

5:08p

5:25a

1.1

6:27p

0.4

7:26a

7:11p

4:40a

5:53p

2.3

6:18a

0.8

7:03p

0.6

7:26a

7:10p

5:44a

6:34p

12:50p

2.3

7:05a

0.6

7:35p

0.7

7:27a

7:09p

6:47a

7:14p

2.1

1:39p

2.1

7:49a

0.4

8:02p

0.9

7:27a

7:08p

7:49a

7:53p

1:07a

2.2

2:27p

2.0

8:33a

0.3

8:26p

1.1

7:28a

7:07p

8:50a

8:32p

1:31a

2.3

3:15p

1.8

9:16a

0.2

8:49p

1.2

7:28a

7:05p

9:50a

9:13p

1:57a

2.4

4:08p

1.7

10:02a

0.2

9:12p

1.3

7:29a

7:04p

10:48a

9:55p

2:27a

2.4

5:14p

1.6

10:51a

0.3

9:36p

1.4

7:30a

7:03p

11:44a

10:40p

3:01a

2.3

6:47p

1.6

11:47a

0.3

10:04p

1.5

7:30a

7:02p

12:38p

11:27p

3:42a

2.2

12:52p

0.4

7:31a

7:01p

1:29p

4:36a

2.1

9:50p

1.6

2:02p

0.4

7:31a

7:00p

2:16p

12:16a

5:58a

1.9

10:19p

1.7

1:07a

1.6

3:10p

0.5

7:32a

6:59p

3:00p

1:06a

7:48a

1.8

10:43p

1.7

3:06a

1.5

4:08p

0.5

7:32a

6:58p

3:41p

1:58a

9:19a

1.9

11:04p

1.8

4:20a

1.3

4:56p

0.5

7:33a

6:57p

4:19p

2:51a

10:25a

1.9

11:21p

1.8

5:10a

1.1

5:36p

0.6

7:34a

6:56p

4:55p

3:44a

11:17a

1.9

11:37p

1.9

5:51a

0.8

6:09p

0.6

7:34a

6:56p

5:30p

4:37a

12:03p

2.0

11:53p

2.0

6:27a

0.6

6:38p

0.7

7:35a

6:55p

6:05p

5:31a

12:45p

1.9

7:02a

0.5

7:04p

0.8

7:36a

6:54p

6:40p

6:27a

Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans

12:11a

2.1

1:26p

1.9

7:37a

0.3

7:28p

1.0

7:36a

6:53p

7:17p

7:24a

12:32a

2.3

2:10p

1.8

8:15a

0.1

7:52p

1.1

7:37a

6:52p

7:57p

8:23a

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

12:58a

2.4

2:59p

1.7

8:57a

0.0

8:16p

1.2

7:37a

6:51p

8:41p

9:23a

1:29a

2.5

3:58p

1.6

9:45a

-0.1

8:40p

1.3

7:38a

6:50p

9:29p

10:25a

2:05a

2.5

5:13p

1.6

10:40a

-0.1

9:05p

1.4

7:39a

6:49p

10:22p

11:27a

2:47a

2.5

11:43a

0.0

7:39a

6:49p

11:21p

12:28p

3:39a

2.4

12:55p

0.0

7:40a

6:48p

4:48a

2.2

2:09p

0.1

7:41a

6:47p

9:39p

1.6

Low Tide

Moonrise

Moonset

Phase

1:33p 3rd

New

1st

Full

1:25p 12:22a

2:18p

3rd

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2018

941.349.0194

Arts on the Horizon

By Rodger Skidmore Wine sessions (Corks + Chords) where guitar styles and wine from different countries are celebrated. Want to watch paintings go from blank canvas to finished work? Drop by in the late afternoons. Each week a different local artist becomes the resident studio artist and creates something while you watch. When Liza DiFranza, the Art Ovation hotel’s Cultural Curator, was asked at which Art Ovation hotel she had previously worked, she replied, “This is the only Art Ovation hotel in the world. It is one of a kind and was created to showcase the abundance of art in Sarasota.” More at ArtOvationHotel.com.

Play Time The evening I started this month’s column, Turner Classic Movies showed “Raisin In The Sun”, based on Hansberry’s play of the same name. It seems just as powerful now as it did when first released. Actually it was more powerful then, but we all live in the moment, don’t we? By happenstance, the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is presenting “Raisin: The Musical” from October 3rd - November 11th, at their theater at 1012 N. Orange Avenue, just north of 10th St. Some say that there are no new stories, only old ones reprised. So, what is this old story about: A group wanting something, while others do not want them to have it, highlighting the conflicts between the two groups with, as a bonus, the conflict between two factions within one of the groups. Kind of a bare bones sketch upon which a playwright may hang coats of many colors. The original (as far back as we can trace) of this story is that Socrates wanted to tell the truth about various current events happening in Athens and others did not want him to do so (hence the cup of poison hemlock). The bonus to the story was that some, who backed Socrates, thought he could have handled things better while others believed he was dead right. And he was. What’s the difference between these tales of two cities - the modern one being Chicago? Different details. A good decent family (sort of representing Socrates) wants to move out of a rental apartment and into a home (a good thing, thus a sort of truth) and are being thwarted by existing home owners in the new neighborhood (who don’t know a good family when they see one because they’ve not seen this one). And, of course, the extra bonus is the argument between members of this good family. So, exactly the same story, except for the details. Why a musical version of the story? Not a dumbing down, as the points being made are really the same. But, by making points through song rather than by shouting, the music provides a calmness which creates a more receptive air and permits some ideas to flow more easily. Jim Weaver, the director, is another reason to see this show. His work as actor, director, and choreographer with WBTT and in the past with Florida Studio Theatre, is impressively impressive. More info at westcoastblacktheatre.org and Jimweaver.biz.

www.siestasand.net

Sarasota - Arts Center of the USA (Southeastern Region, anyway) Arguably, this is a true statement. So, where should one put the gold star? One candidate is the Art Ovation Hotel located in that hot spot of culture - downtown Sarasota - positioned just across the street from the Florida Studio Theatre complex (five theaters), around the corner from the Urbanite Theatre, down the Trail from Art Center Sarasota, up the street from the Allyn Gallup Art Gallery, around the corner from the Opera House and close enough to the Van Wezel, Ringling Museum, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Ringling College and the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe - plus all those other venues which aren’t mentioned. But it’s not just the location, it’s what they offer. Right now there are two exhibits on the ground floor - Reimagining: Georgia O’Keeffe and Alfred Stieglitz, in the lobby (thru November 17) and The President’s Show: watercolors by current/past presidents and board members of the Florida Watercolor Society (thru October 25) in the Banquet Hall area. For the O’Keeffe/Stieglitz exhibit the Alfstad & Gallery commissioned a group of artists to consider how O’Keeffe and Stieglitz would have created art today utilizing current technology. Using pixels pulled from O’Keeffe paintings and expanded through ink jet processing, striking new art has been produced. These lobby exhibits change every 4-6 months. The previous exhibit was by faculty artists from Ringling College (the photos by Tom Carabasi were of special interest). Another show, Transparencies, exhibits multiple watercolors by six members of the Florida Watercolor Society, these are placed around elevator areas on each floor of the hotel. Looking and listening is a good way to enjoy a glass of wine and good music (often jazz - Michel Ross Trio, Hot Club of SRQ, etc.) - in the lobby on various evenings. Another way to enjoy wine is the Thursday evening International Guitar +

39 again - for the first time They say that turning 39 more than once is a sign of maturity - and many people have gone through that stage.... for as long as it seemed plausible. But turning 39 for the first time is, as in this case, a sign of experience. The Jazz Club of Sarasota, started in 1980, has now hit the big 3 9, and, if you add up all the years of jazz experience of its members - in listening and playing - it totals in the thousands. Combining playing and listening generates shared experience. Case in point is this month, October, the first month that Snowbirds return - and the Jazz Club goes into full swing, sharing their sounds with all who listen. Give Hunger the Blues & Jazz on the Bay have combined as a two day outdoor festival being held on the Bayfront at the Van Wezel. The Jazz Stage kicks off on Friday, October 12th (3 - 10 pm) with, among others, the Hot Club of SRQ, The Thomas Carabasi Quartet and Fred Johnson with the Michael Ross Quartet. On Saturday the 13th (11:30 am - 9:30 pm) Twinkle, The Koko Ray 5, Fogts Music All-Stars and others will be on the Blues Stage. On the 19th, the Jazz at Two concert series will be starting up on Fridays at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Fruitville Road. The kickoff event features Al Hixon’s Jazz Jam with Al on drums, Billy Marcus on piano and John Lamb on bass. Eddie Tobin & Friends headline on October 26th. Eddie (piano and vocals) was music director for Englebert Humperdinck for eight years. Continuing into November, the Marc Mannino Jazz Quartet plays on the 2nd with Marc on guitar, Pete Carney on sax, Michael Ross on bass and Bob Lunergan on drums. And for those who like to tootle around on the water, there is Jazz on the Water at 2 pm on Nov. 4th. That’s when the Jazz Club climbs on board a LeBarge Tropical Cruise with the Robbie Rose Quartet - leaving from the Marina Jack Plaza (boarding at 1:30 pm). More info at JazzClubSarasota.org.

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, please be sure to always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information. WEEKLY BEACH CLASSES: • FREE T’AI CHI CHIH - Siesta Beach, Access #5 - Every Monday, 15 minutes before sunset. Open to all, no experience necessary. Contact Diana Daffner 941-346-1024 for information. (Access #5 is in Siesta Village, where Beach Rd. meets Ocean Blvd.) • FREE YOGA - Mon.-Wed.-Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m. Classes held between blue and green lifeguard station. Call 941-320-6693 to register or go to website for more info. www.yogaonsiestabeach.com/about • NIA - Tues. & Thurs., 9 a.m., Siesta Public Beach (yellow lifeguard chair). Contact Kathy Oravec at 941-724-9719 for more info or check website: www.nianow.com/kathy-oravec • SIESTA KEY BEACH HOOP JAMS – Every Tuesday one hour before Sunset on Siesta Key beach we gather for a community Hoop Jam. (Between the red lifeguard stand and the pavilion; around where the Sunday drum circle happens.) Register at: www.outwardspiral.net WEEKLY DRUM CIRCLE: • Every Sunday about an hour before sunset. South of the main pavilion. You can participate or watch this weekly gathering and dance, hoop, play the drum or other musical instrument, and enjoy the spectacular Siesta sunset. On The Beach… • OCT 6(SAT) 9:30-10:30AM / BEACH UNIVERSITY: Beach University presents “The Sand and Shells Found on Siesta Key Beach” Though Beach University is not an official college, the environmental education program is free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend the hour-long outdoor sessions with exceptional instructors and hands-on curriculum. All courses relate to

the coastal environment and how to best care for the ecology. Beach University will be held on the first Saturday of the month from June thru December. All classes are 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road on Siesta Key. The classes are free and all held at the main pavilion. No registration is required. Limited seating is available. Bringing your own chair is acceptable. For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000 and ask about “Beach University.” • OCT 6(SAT) 6-10AM / GREAT STRIDES WALK: On the 30th anniversary of Great Strides, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s largest national fundraising event, we celebrate the many milestones we have achieved thanks to our supporters. Each year, more than 125,000 people participate in over 400 walks across the country to support the Foundation’s mission by raising awareness and funds to treat and ultimately cure cystic fibrosis. Your dedication over the past 30 years has resulted in tremendous progress. By walking in Great Strides, you have helped raise the funds needed to accelerate innovative research, drug development, specialized care, and advocacy. We’ve come so far, but there’s still so much work to do. Participating in Great Strides provides a fantastic opportunity for families, clinicians, researchers, and members of the larger CF community to come together and make a difference in the lives of people with CF. We want to cross the finish line with you and find the one-time cure. • Register your care team for Great Strides at cff.org/greatstrides. • Ask other departments who also treat CF

patients to organize a team. • Encourage families to participate in the walk this year by forming their own team or walking with your care center team. Now, let’s LACE UP. WALK. and CURE CYSTIC FIBROSIS. • OCT 20-21(SAT-SUN) 8AM -7PM/ VOLLEY AMERICA TOURNAMENT: 27 Reflekt Polarized Big Shot Volleyball. Presented by Spalding. Divisions: Men’s Open; Men’s AA; Men’s A; Men’s B; Women’s Open; Women’s AA; Women’s A; Women’s B; Coed’s AA; Coed’s A; Coed’s B; Boys 18 & Under; Boys 16 & Under; Boys 14 & Under; Boys 12 & Under; Girls 18 & Under; Girls 16 & Under; Girls 14 & Under; Girls 12 & Under. Go to following website to register online: http://www.eevb.net/how-to-register/ • OCT 28(SUN) 7-11AM / OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK: Stop the silence and stigma surrounding mental health, mood disorders, and suicide. Net proceeds from the Out of the Darkness Community walks benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the leading national notfor-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide. To learn more about AFSP’s mission, or register for event, visit www.afsp.org Around the island… • WEEKLY FARMER’S MARKET IN THE VILLAGE: 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. • KIDS RHYTHM JAM!™ – 11:30AM: Drumming Fun For Everyone!™ . Every

Saturday and Tuesday. Everyone gets permission to play and make noise to create rhythm and song! Come & enjoy group drumming with your family and friends. $15/ family - Positive RePercussions 5049 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key Village - (941) 677-3786. Please check out our wide variety of other programs at: www.positiverepercussions. com/calendar • BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: To celebrate the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi (Patron Saint of animals), St. Boniface Episcopal Church and St. Michael the Archangel Church will be offering an event to bless your pet(s). Please be sure your pet is approprately caged or leashed for this special occasion. • OCTOBER 6 (SAT) 10 AM: ST. BONIFACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 5615 Midnight Pass Road. The blessing will be held in the Labyrinth Courtyard. If you have any questions concerning this event, please call 941-349-5616, and ask to speak to Rector Wayne Farrell or Jonathan Evans, assistant rector. • OCTOBER 4 (THURS) NOON: ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CHURCH: 5394 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key. The blessing will be held under the portico (between the Church and Parish Center). For additional information on this event, please call 941-349-4174, and ask for Margaret. • OCTOBER 31 (WED) 3-6PM VILLAGE TRICK-OR-TREAT: Join the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and the whole Village of Siesta Key for a fun and safe event. Bring your little ones to trick or treat in Siesta Village along Ocean Blvd. and the surrounding streets. This free event provides a safe venue for children on Halloween. For more information contact the Chamber at (941) 349-3800.

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OCTOBER 2018

Siesta Sand’s Very Own Contributing Writer Receives Award

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By Robert Frederickson

From A Workout that Rocks to Tom Petty Props… Think Your Workout Rocks? Don’t Read This! If you’re thinking you’re all that and more with your totally awesome fitness regimen, consider Herschel Walker’s daily routine. To start the day the Heisman Trophy winning running back and former Dallas Cowboys star completes 1500 push-ups. Then he follows that up with 2000-3000 sit-ups. Every Day. And please note, that’s today, at 56 years of age, 20+ years removed from his prime.

Goodwill Hunting... Mimi Williams, a Goodwill Manasota employee here in Sarasota, was sorting through donation boxes one recent day when she came across a box containing $12,000 in cash. Living up to the ‘goodwill’ name Williams immediately informed her supervisors who traced the donation back to a law firm representing a deceased client. The money was returned to the law firm, which in turn promptly returned it to the client’s family.

By Appointment Only with Ian:

Hearing this story reminds me of a Sarasota woman’s utter frustration with the homeless problem downtown as expressed by her comments at a public hearing several years back. She apparently lived in one of the city’s tonier hi-rises, based on her mention of her tax bill. To paraphrase, her words went something like this: “I’m paying almost $20,000 a year in property taxes, and what do I get when I look out my window to the street below? Homeless people peeing on the sidewalk!” Not a happy camper... Well, Paris may be showing the way! Perhaps Sarasota’s Sustainability Manager should look into this: public, open air urinals strategically placed on sidewalks throughout the city, starting out near city hall and the Selby Library, which former Herald Tribune art critic Joan Altabe may have once described as a cross between a wedding cake and a toilet seat (not really...).

More Goodwill News... 12-year-old little leaguer Christopher Lisi lost his prized baseball glove 40 years ago in Ohio. He took it hard as any 12 year-old would, but his mom had written his name prominently in block letters with a sharpie along the side, so surely it would turn up sooner or later... Well, it did...much later. While shopping at a Goodwill store on Florida’s east coast recently Christopher’s mom saw something that looked familiar. It was the glove! No worse for wear, forty years later, and over a thousand miles down the road from where it had been lost, her son’s name still clearly visible on the side. She paid the $1.98 asking price and took the long lost treasure back home, along with a great story to tell around the Thanksgiving table.

Paris Urinals have Residents Peeved Even some of the usually laissez faire French are taken aback by the latest addition to the sidewalks of the City of Light: public, open air urinals. That’s right, the ‘relief stations’ can now be found interspersed among the cafes, bakeries and shops the city is famous for.

C’est magnifique! Of course this will likely involve several trips to France to research the idea first hand. Due diligence and all that.

“Doing Unto Others...” A Siesta property owner who said he is an Airbnb host addressed county commissioners on September 13th, asking the board to relax long standing restrictions on vacation rentals of less than 30 days, even pushing for one week or preferably one day rentals, according to one media report.

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Answers on page 41

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Congratulations to Rodger Skidmore for bringing home 2nd Place in the Beat Reporting – Arts category for the 2018 SPJ Sunshine State Awards.

Off Key

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Continued on page 42

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OCTOBER 2018

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ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 43 HOMES FOR SALE PAGE 41 SIESTA KEY MARKET STATS PAGE 38 SAND CASTLES PAGE 39

The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key

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

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

HIGHEST PRICED SINGLE FAMILY PROPERTY: 3431 EDMONDSON CT., SOLD FOR: $2,300,000 This amazing home was built by award-winning architect Edward J. Seibert on over .75 acre buildable lot. Just minutes to the Gulf with 198 ft. of sailboat water frontage. Gourmet kitchen w/ granite & travertine floors, raised panel cabinetry & center-island leads to the laundry room, elevator, large ground living spaces, 5 car garage. Formal living room and dining room, a 5th bedroom/ den, as well as the luxuriously private master suite with its large walk-in closet, his/her bathrooms and spa-inspired décor all pouring out to the large 53’ veranda balcony through French doors. Comfortable top-level three bedrooms feature large closets and French doors with their own private balconies. The pool with spillover spa and outdoor kitchen are ideal for indulging in the tropics. Other modern conveniences include high ceilings, first level block construction, new Hardee board siding on 2nd & 3rd, durable metal roof, wind-resistance windows and/or hurricane shutters, putting green and more. Easy access on and off the Key makes downtown restaurants less than a 10 minute drive. The sale of this property came to $527.52 a square foot. Courtesy of Bright Realty.

LOWEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY PROPERTY: 4510 BANAN PL , SOLD FOR: $412,125 Handyman special - wonderful opportunity on the Key. The main house is a spacious three-bedroom, three-bathroom home while the detached unit is an efficiency perfect for the in-laws or guests. Each of the bedrooms in the main house comes with its own en-suite and plenty of closets throughout mean never running out of storage. The kitchen is designed to provide ample counter and cabinet space, an area for a breakfast nook, and a formal dining room is attached. The open family room is lined with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors and volume ceilings. Step outside and relax in the privacy of your fenced and landscaped yard. Located on a dead-end street just down the street from Out of Door Academy and minutes from Boyd Park, the Old Salty Dog restaurant, many other unique shops and dining centers, and Siesta Beach. The sale of this property came out to $179.65 a square foot. Courtesy of Hook and Ladder.

HIGHEST PRICED CONDO: 915 SEASIDE DR, #611: SOLD FOR: $2,630,000 Live the luxurious island lifestyle in this four-bedroom, four-bath Gulf side condominium on Siesta Key, offering the perfect tropical getaway. Located on the 6th floor, you’ll relish dazzling views and hearing the sound of the waves from your private terrace. Wake up each morning and take a refreshing walk on the beach before returning to the comforts of home. Prestigiously outfitted for luxury yet comfort, you will be impressed by the top-of-the-line appliances, beautiful flooring, stylish furnishings, salon baths, open floorplan and over 2,600 square feet to relax and entertain. Discover what it means to live in true

LOWEST PRICED CONDO: 8625 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #B307: SOLD FOR: $270,000 Short sale is approved by lender. New buyer must be approved only. This two bedroom, two bath condo is in foreclosure with HOA. Time is of the essence. Property needs to be updated and is being offered AS-IS... but this is a chance to own a slice of heaven. The sale came out to $242.15 a square foot. Courtesy of South Tampa Realty.

paradise with full concierge services; offered individually, or as a bundled package with unit 604. The amenities are incomparable to anything available on the market. Delight in the heated pool, spa, owners’ lounge, daily breakfast, refreshment bar, spa, waterfalls, gorgeous sunsets, complimentary valet, towel and chair service, and covered parking. The location is magnificent; walk to shopping, restaurants, post office and so much more. Moving in is as easy as can be as the property is being sold turnkey furnished. Be pampered by the lavish lifestyle offered at The Residences Siesta Key Beach. The sale on this unit came out to $1,001.90 a square foot. Courtesy of Michael Saunders.

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Island Chatter

OCTOBER 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Continued from page 20

In response to a question about the issue, county Media Relations Officer Drew Winchester wrote in an email, “The buoys on the gulf side of Big Pass were removed in March, but remain on the bay side. They were removed for the same reason the US Coast Guard removed their navigational aids: they no longer marked best water, due to shoaling.”

LeLu Coffee Lounge hosts red tide information session Along with the Siesta Key Association (SKA) on Sept. 6 and the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 7, LeLu Coffee Lounge in Siesta Village hosted an informational meeting about red tide, as business owners and residents have continued to deal with its negative effects. On Aug. 29, LeLu’s and the Surfrider Foundation Suncoast Chapter provided a presentation by Ray Judah, a former environmental land planner with the Lee County Department of Community Development and a Lee County commissioner from 1988 to 2012. Video of the event is available on LeLu’s Facebook page. LeLu’s sent out an invitation noting that the session would include an “interactive

discussion on the challenges and solutions to addressing the red tide and blue green algae that’s decimating our estuaries, rivers and fisheries.” The notice added that Judah “is a strong advocate for providing a balance between growth management and responsible stewardship of our precious natural resources.” Both the Siesta Chamber and the SKA invited Tracy Fanara, a staff scientist and program manager at Mote Marine, to educate their members about red tide. The SKA presentation was scheduled to be part of that nonprofit’s regular meeting on Sept. 6, while Fanara spoke with Chamber members during their September networking breakfast.

A celebrity in awe of other celebrities Tracy Fanara, one of the primary Mote Marine Laboratory researchers dealing with the red tide bloom, has had her share of media exposure over the years. However, when she appeared before Siesta Key Association members on Sept. 6, she made it clear that live TV appearances can be a bit nerve-wracking.

That morning, she said, she was preparing for an interview on The Weather Channel. Just 30 seconds before she was to go on the air, she learned that she was going to be talking to two of that channel’s top personalities — Jim Cantore and Stephanie Abrams. Fanara earned widespread recognition when she was a member of the cast of MythBusters: The Search on The Science Channel. Apparently all went well with her Weather Channel interview, but Fanara did note later that it had been a bit of a long day. (Driving over to the Key during a bad thunderstorm that afternoon was a challenge, too, she indicated.) Still, Fanara was energetic and engaged as she made her presentation to SKA members and answered questions. In fact, she talked for more than an hour, with Vice President Catherine Luckner finally announcing just before 6 p.m. that the directors needed to wrap up that segment of the meeting. At one point, Fanara paused and then said, “I’m telling you guys a lot more than I typically tell groups.” She indicated that she attributed that realization to the fact that the audience members themselves seemed pretty knowledgeable about red tide and Mote’s research efforts.

Drowning was indeed the cause of death Regular readers may recall that Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded on May 18 to the report of an apparent drowning of a visitor off Beach Access 2. The resulting Sheriff’s Office report noted that the daughter of the victim — Robert C. Kannady, 59, of Missouri — said that after about 10 minutes in the Gulf, he began growing fatigued and said he did not feel he could make it back to shore. A copy of the autopsy report was requested from the District Twelve Medical Examiner’s Office, to learn whether drowning was indeed the cause of death. The report, which was signed by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Russell S. Vega on June 25, classified the death as an accidental drowning. The only injuries Vega detected were “some subtle, roughly longitudinally oriented scratches” on the man’s left forearm. The accompanying toxicology report showed no medications in Kannady’s system at the time of death. Vega found that the general appearance of the body was “consistent with the age of record of 59 years.” Continued on page 36

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Beaches, Boating & Bistros!! Live the island lifestyle in this spacious 4 BR, 4 BA house located on desirable Palm Island, grossing approx. $60k in rental income. Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master BR and master BA. New boat lift on the Grand Canal. Lounge in the heated pool and spa or enjoy your favorite libation at your own private Waterfront Tiki Bar. Huge bonus area on lower level.

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Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2018

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Firebush

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Blooming This Month

(Hamelia patens) There is a pretty bush laden with orange flowers, which always has butterflies around it. What is it? That describes a Firebush, Latin name “Hamelia patens.” They are popular is this area and are beautiful this time of year, with their thousands of delicate orangered flowers, each of which lasts for only a short time – midnight to midday!

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How large does the bush grow? It can reach the height of about fifteen feet, but many gardeners keep it smaller by pruning, which also makes the shrub bushier and increases the flowers. A row of pruned shrubs makes a pretty hedge. It is easy to grow in sunny places and is tolerant of salt spray. When does it bloom? Its flowering season is long, from late Spring till cold weather.

What butterflies come to it? Among frequent visitors are the Florida State Butterfly, the Zebra Longwing, which has distinctive black wings with light stripes. The Gulf Fritillary which has orange wings with small black spots, is another favorite. Humming birds are frequent visitors, also. You can find them in the

Butterfly Garden at Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Blvd. of the Arts. Don’t forget to visit the gardens Oct. 13 from 9-4 for the Juried Flower Show (Pirates in Paradise) & Plant Sale and take a tour of the 14 botanical gardens. Submitted by Jan Johannesen, Sarasota Garden Club. www.sarasotagardenclub.org

Island Chatter Plaza Mexico coupons If you love Mexican food, it’s time to visit Plaza Mexico. Plaza Mexico is offering two discount coupons, $5 off for Dinner and $3 off for lunch. Take advantage of the coupons located on page 6 of this month’s edition. Plaza Mexico is located in the Southbridge Plaza, 1894 Stickney Point Road.

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Help needed for the Crystal Classic With the Siesta Chamber preparing for the 2018 Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival, which will be held Nov. 9-12 on Siesta Public Beach, the Vendor Village already has been sold out, Chamber

Continued from page 35

Executive Director Ann Frescura reported during the Aug. 15 members meeting. Maria Bankemper, whose family owns the Best Western Plus-Siesta Key Gateway hotel and who serves as the chair of the Crystal Classic, pointed out that this was the earliest that all the Vendor Village spots had been taken, Frescura said. The festival began in 2010. “That’s a good indication of the interest in that event,” Frescura added. The Chamber is seeking volunteers, as usual, to assist with the Crystal Classic, Frescura said. “It takes an army to pull this one off. … There’s nearly 300 people that are needed for all the positions and all of the time slots,” she continued. “If you can give your time and energy, we sure appreciate it.” Frescura also asked the meeting attendees to encourage friends and loved ones to volunteer. Volunteer information available at www.siestakeycrystalclassic. com/support/be-a-volunteer

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Landings Shopping Plaza Update A recent drone photo shows the progress of Benderson Development bringing life back to the Landings Shopping Plaza. Through a foreclosure auction in January of 2017, Benderson Development Co., which owns and manages over 700 properties nationally and is headquartered in Lakewood Ranch, purchased the large center that has been plagued over the recent years by vacancies. The company continues to undertake the renovation, as well as improving landscaping.

Photo of the Landings Shopping Plaza prior to the updates

More on Illegal Short Term Rentals Because of the intensity of the current red tide bloom this summer, Waites continued, if someone does a Google search for Siesta Key, all the person sees is news about red tide. “You don’t see ‘No. 1 Beach.’” He added of Siesta, “It’s a ghost town now.” Yet, the county’s rental rules will continue to force families, especially, to seek out other areas to stay when they do start returning to the county, he said. The three primary complaints he has heard about short-term rentals, Waites continued, pertain to garbage cans put out too far in advance of the weekly collections and then remaining for days at the curbside after Waste Management makes its rounds; too much noise from guests; and too many vehicles parked at rental properties. Yet, he added, he has neighbors who are full-time residents and are guilty of such violations. Waites suggested what he called an “action plan” to address the short-term rental issue: • Licensing of short-term rental businesses, with a mandatory registration requirement. • Establishment of occupancy limits. • Means of resolving complaints and an enforcement procedure for violations of code of conduct regulations. • Mandatory inspections and the naming of a local contact for emergency purposes. “All I’m asking is to sit down and talk about this,” Waites added. Commissioner Alan Maio — who represents District 4, which includes Siesta — told Waites he had received the email Waites had sent him and had spoken the previous day on the phone with a person calling on Waites’ behalf. “I think I referred you to Matt Osterhoudt,” Maio added. Osterhoudt is director of the county’s Planning and Development Services Department, which includes the Code Enforcement Division. “I never heard back,” Waites told Maio. “Matt’ll get a hold of you,” Maio replied. Different rules apply to the county’s barrier islands than to the mainland, Maio continued, and different rules apply to single-family housing districts, compared to those for multi-family home districts.

“We’ll get you a copy of those regulations.” Waites also told the board that he had asked staff why the county has such strict rules regarding short-term rentals on Siesta Key. The answer he received, he said, was because the island has so many full-time residents. However, that no longer is the situation on the Key, Waites maintained. He asked staff for data to support its assertion, he added, and he was told the data dated to 1996 and no longer was available for review. “We’ll take care of it,” Chair Detert responded. Maio reiterated that staff would provide Waites with a copy of the county regulations regarding rental properties. Then Detert announced that the next speaker must be Waites’ wife: Patricia Waites. “I hope not,” Chad Waites told Detert. “That’s my mom.” Patricia Waites read a poem she had written about the short-term rental issue, supporting her son. One other person who addressed the board that evening on the issue was Lisa McBride, a Realtor with Keller Williams on the Water in Sarasota. She said the property rights of all homeowners should be protected. Everyone in the area depends on tourism “to keep our economy thriving,” she added. “We support our community on tax dollars,” she continued, noting that she believes investor homeownership often is ignored. Many people who come to Sarasota County

Continued from page 4

fall in love with the beaches, McBride said, and they want to be able to spend a few weeks a year in the community in property they own. “We’re constantly getting calls from people that would love to invest in our community.” They also want to “generate a little bit of income to offset the cost of home ownership,” she noted. Yet, when they learn about the county regulation regarding rentals in single-family zoning districts, McBride said, “A lot of them choose not to purchase here.” She had talked to a number of local real estate agents, she added, who have experienced such situations with prospective buyers. McBride told the commissioners she believes a compromise is needed. “We all certainly heard you,” Chair Detert replied. “You gave us some good information. We’ll look into it and hopefully, you’ll notice an improvement.” During the Reports section of the County Commission’s regular meeting the previous day, Maio told his colleagues, “I am seeing an increased amount of email traffic on illegal … short-term rentals” in districts zoned for singlefamily homes. “It’s the whole Airbnb and the other vacation rental businesses arena that we’re in now,” he added. “These inappropriate, illegal rentals are causing heartburn for the people that are contiguous neighbors.”

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2018

SIESTA KEY 2019 SEASONAL BEACH RENTAL AVAILABLE (Minimum 1 month)

Contact Linda Stowe

Broker Associate, Michael Saunders & Co.

941-228-5685

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

“Pirates in Paradise” Sarasota Garden Club’s 80th Annual Flower Show & Plant Sale FREE Admission • OCTOBER 13, 2018 • 9AM – 4PM Enjoy the fun flower show both inside and out as you view the creative and beautiful floral designs, the lush and diverse horticulture and the stunning photography. In the library is a Youth Section exhibiting the skills of Girl Scouts in floral design, horticulture and botanical arts & crafts. While you enjoy the flower show, be sure to stroll through the acre-plus of botanical gardens, a real Pirates Treasure you won’t want to miss. There you’ll find a Certified Wildlife Habitat, a Butterfly Garden, and 14 Specialized Gardens which create a peaceful green space in the center of Sarasota’s Downtown Cultural Center.

Annual Plant Sale & Gardenfest (in conjunction with Flower Show) Don’t miss the Annual Plant Sale & Gardenfest in conjunction with the Flower Show this year. This is great for any Hornswaggler since a huge variety of plants and flowers propagated by club members are priced typically lower than retail.

Pirates Invade Palm Avenue Sat., October 6, 2018 • Judging 11:30 AM Over 20 merchants on Palm Avenue will be promoting the Flower Show & Plant Sale by decorating their store fronts with the Pirates in Paradise Flower Show theme. The winning storefront will be judged by three VIP’s from the City of Sarasota and the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Come judge for yourself! The Garden Club is located at 1131 Boulevard of the Arts. The gardens are open to the public daily for your exploration and enjoyment. You can contact their office at 941-955-0875 or email: office@SarasotaGardenClub.org for more information.

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OCTOBER 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

The “ideal ranch island home” - Renovated home features ample outdoor living space on an over-sized lot By Roger Drouin On Sandy Nook Street, an extensively-updated ranch home sits on a half-acre lot – one of only six such oversized lots in the Sara Sands subdivision. The canal-front home, built in 1973, has been renovated both inside and outside. The interior was upgraded with features such as white wood floors, an upgraded kitchen, new, and expansive glass sliders and windows. Outside the home, an 800-plus-square-foot screened lanai overlooks the pool and canal-front Tiki hut. The ranch home is situated amid palms and lush landscaping. “It’s very private,” says Joe Ferraro, who has owned the home for 18 years. The home was listed on the market last month for $1,199,000. Realtor Bob Ruiz, of Key Solutions Real Estate, who is the listing agent, calls it an “ideal island ranch home.” For Ferraro, who updated the 2,101-sqaure-foot home in phases, it is time to downsize. But the home has provided many years of enjoyment, including a fun space for his children and grandchildren. The Sara Sands neighborhood is just a mile to Siesta Village and a short walk to the prestigious Out of Door Academy. Conveniently located, the neighborhood is easily accessible by both Siesta bridges, making for quick access off and onto the island. There are only six approximately half-acre lots in the subdivision, and all of the over-sized lots are located at the end of canals, according to Ferraro. The neighborhood includes many newer homes that were recently constructed. After purchasing the home, Ferraro considering tearing it down to build a new home on the lot. But Ferraro opted to upgrade the canal-front home — instead of demolishing and building a new one. Because he decided to upgrade the existing home, it is situated on one level, at ground level. Adding on to the square footage, the original lanai and garage were both enclosed, and a much larger lanai was added, as well as a new garage. The enclosed spaces were constructed using tall windows and sliding doors — giving the home an even brighter and more open feel. During the expansion construction, the home’s original garage became the dining room/family room. That made more sense, Ferraro says, because the old garage looked out on the canal, whereas the newer dining room now has the canal view. The original lanai became a den/Florida room. Much of the home now looks out on the pool and outdoor area, and the canal just beyond. One of the most interesting upgrades is the white hardwood floors. Ferraro says some people questioned the choice, but the floors came out stunning. “It is unique, and that is why I wanted it,” Ferraro says of the white wood floors. “Pretty much everything [in the home] was redone,” Ferraro told Siesta Sand. The lanai is huge and comes furnished with top-of-the-

line furnishings, as does the entire home, Ruiz says. “Six ceiling fans, combined with the openness on three sides, ensures the space is comfortably cooled and aired,” Ruiz says of the lanai. The screened lanai also has a gas fire place and 75-inch television. It can seat 25 plus people. The home is full of unique features: “the lovely pool; a tiki hut; docks with lifts for both boat and jet skis; and a fire pit with additional seating complete the incredible outdoor living space,” says Ruiz. The home is perfect for a family, Ferraro says. And someone who doesn’t mind maintaining a larger, landscaped property, or hiring a contractor to do so. The home is centered amid and looking out on an abundant outdoor-living space. “This home is conveniently all on one level — no stairs,” says Ruiz, the listing agent for the home. “The floorplan makes for easy living with the family/dining area connected and just off the kitchen.” The kitchen has a separate eat-in nook filled with windows and a pass-through to the den/Florida room with a wall of glass overlooking the pool and canal. At the back of the home, the master suite enjoys views of the pool, as well. “This home is all about outdoor living,” adds Ruiz. The expansive corner lot also includes parking for six cars with an additional large gated pad for an RV or boat/trailer. The Sara Sands community includes Sandy Beach Avenue, Sandy Nook Street, Sandy Shore Avenue, Sandy Cove Avenue, Higel Avenue, Windward Avenue and Windward Place. Built on four fingers of land, each on canals, every home backs up to water and has the capacity for a boat dock. Three homes sold in the Sara Sands neighborhood over the past year. • The sales include a 2,624 square-foot home that was built in 1996. The home sits on a one-third acre lot. It sold for $1,050,000 in April, 2018. The home has a heated pool and hot tub. According to the listing on MLS, “it is a bright split floor plan with open kitchen and living areas, glass sliders in the master, living, dining and family room beckoning the indoor/outdoor Florida experience.” The home has 12-foot ceilings, three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, plus an office on one living level. The home came with a security system and irrigation, as well. The sale came out to $400 a square foot. • A Mid Century art deco-style home built in 1961 sold for $747,000 in December, 2017. That home, at 2,318 square feet, sold for $322 a square foot. This home on Windward Avenue also sits on one-third acre. The waterfront home was restored and updated by Ampersand Design Renovation. The 600 square foot master bedroom with a large en-suite features a walk-in closet with sitting area and a sliding door overlooking the canal and private boat dock. The main room features a wall of oversized, stack sliding doors that open to the screened lanai overlooking the beautiful

private wooded lot and canal. The home also features a circular drive, high ceilings, and cement and butcher-block counters in the kitchen. • Five homes are listed for sale, including the home on Sandy Nook Street. The other current listings include: a $2,119,783 for a 3,439 square foot home built in 2018. A 1,356 square foot home, built in 1967, is listed for $1,074,900. This home was updated throughout and features a high-end kitchen, bonus room with separate entrance, and a screened-in pool.

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2018

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Classifieds / Here’s My Card ACCOMMODATIONS / VACATION RENTALS

CONTRACTORS

• Best Western Plus Siesta Key – AAA -3 Diamond Property, Free shuttle service to and from Siesta Key 941-924-4900, 6600 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

JEWELRY

WE BUY!

• Siesta 4 Rent - Vacation Rentals, from studios to 5 bedrooms. Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500

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941-929-1850

5700 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key www.abcbabyrental.com

LANDINGS RESIDENT OWNED AND OPERATED

• Hawk’s Nest Construction Inc. is a certified Class A general contractor licensed in all phases of construction. Owner, Mark Hawkins Sr. personally oversees every aspect of your project from start to finish, using only the best and most reliable licensed artisan and craftsmen. His passion is delighting his clients by turning their home-improvement dreams into a beautiful reality. Call 941-650-9499 or visit their website: www.hawksnestconstruction.com.

BOATING RENTALS / FISHING CHARTERS

Having Fun Fishing in The Sun

1922 Bay Rd., Sarasota

LIGHTING

• Custom Lampshades • Recovering • Lighting Components LIZ MARTIN 3519 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd. • Sarasota, FL 34234

941-312-5183

www.qualitycountscleaning.com

Fax 941-312-5683

www.lizslampshades.com Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10 AM- 6 PM

941.756.1082 Carpet, Tile and Upholstery Cleaning

10% OFF ONE ITEM WITH THIS AD! One Coupon Per Customer

• Free Estimates • Satisfaction Guaranteed • Stain Specialists • Chamber of Commerce Members

941-400-2452

Tony Fudoli Sr. CAPTAIN tntfreedomfishing@yahoo.com

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.

Dolphin Watch • SunSetS • half Day aDventure SailS

Tues - Sat | 941.926.3335

Serving Manatee and Sarasota Counties Locally Owned and Operated

• Quality Screening, Window & Door Inc. Windows • Doors • Glass • Repair, 4384 Independence Court, Sarasota, 34234 (941) 953-2670. CGC 1505896 / CBC 1250402 • 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.

MEDICAL

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

J Morgan O’Donoghue, MD.

Amy Fenenga PA-C

Lorie Masters PA-C

941.926.7546

www.dermatologyexperts.com

DRY CLEANERS Sailing From Marina Jack, Sarasota

Kathleen D Sailing Catamaran 941-896-6400

www.KathleenD.net

• Siesta Key Marina Located at 1265 Old Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key, has been serving Sarasota boaters and fishermen since 1961. A staple in the Sarasota boating community, offering 243 dry storage racks, a full service ship store, onsite boat service, boat rentals, bait, fuel, fishing tackle and more. 941-349-1970

CHURCH SERVICES • WEDNESDAY CHURCH - Traditional worship every Wednesday at 6 PM. Committed to reaching 55+ Widows, Widowers, Veterans, Singles, and Adults. 7811 Kennedy Ln., Sarasota, FL 34240. Pastor Trebor Britt, 941320-4309. SJG5232@verizon.net

Environmentally Conscious Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service

Free Pick Up & Delivery Service Call

from your home or business

941-275-4647

ExEcutivE Shirt SErvicE • houSEhold itEmS • SamE day SErvicE availablE

• Paradise Dermatology offers comprehensive dermatologic care including full body skin checks, medical dermatology care, Mohs skin cancer surgery, and cosmetic treatments. Sarasota office: 3355 Clark Road, Suite #101, 941-202-5524. www/paradisederm.com

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

HOUSE WATCH

CLEANING SERVICES

Green Magic Cleaning Service

“Residential and Commercial”

We don’t cut corners, we dust them.

A family owned business with 16 years of experience.

• High quality services • Competitive rates • Great references • Always the same crew www.SarasotaHouseCleaningService.com

GreenMagicCleaning@gmail.com Call for a FREE estimate today!

(941) 780-4248

Insured, Bonded and Licensed by The National Home Watch Association.

(941) 961-4309

www.SuncoastHomeConcierge.com

House Watch Sarasota Licensed and Insured

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

HELENE M. HYLAND

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

REALTOR®

(941) 685-2274 Cell (941) 349-4411 Office (800) 237-9403 Toll Free (941) 349-8090 Fax HeleneHyland@comcast.net

COMPUTER SERVICES

BUY - SELL - TRADE - REPAIR SAME QUALITY - BETTER VALUE Pre-Owned Mac® Computers iPhone® and iPad® Mobile Digital Device Repair Computer Upgrades - Memory, Batteries, More

4858 S. Tamiami Trl. Sarasota, FL 34231 941-922-7790 WE TAKE THE RISK OUT OF BUYING A USED COMPUTER!

R. BRuce Whittinghill, llc (941) 955-1864

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

5145 Ocean Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34242 Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC

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.

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• 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

www.siestasand.net

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OCTOBER 2018

Classifieds 5 for $9 Lunch Specials Mon. - Fri. 11 am - 2 pm

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941.923.4666

6507 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota

• Cheeseburger • 10 Boneless Wings • Grilled Chicken Salad • Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, (available grilled)

• Wraps:

(turkey bacon, buffalo shrimp or buffalo chicken)

SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY

Olde Fashion Barber Shop

Tapers • Flattops • Fades • Styling • Razor Cuts • Shaves

“

community with boat docks, kayak racks and dock, tennis, pool, spa, sauna, beautiful clubhouse, island gazebo with grilling, and more. MLS# A4401699, $349,999. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-4004186.

• SHORT WALK TO SIESTA BEACH: $450,000 195 Vista Hermosa Circle, #9-A, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4189942 Wonderfully remodeled 2 BR, 2 BA villa. Designer tile & carpet throughout. This villa is being sold turnkey furnished (with some exclusions). Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442

• THE POINTE Renovated 2/2 with magnificent views. North to downtown Sarasota and South to Casey Key. See beautiful Neville Preserve and Little Sarasota Bay to the East and the Gulf of Mexico with Siesta’s amazing sunsets to the West. Penthouse unit. Sold furnished. MLS# A4406101, $595,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• FULL GULF VIEW OF #1 BEACH: $499,900 797 Beach Rd, #305, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4188853 Completely remodeled unit with high end tile floors in main living area, quality custom kitchen cabinets with granite counters. All the lighting has been upgraded throughout this TURNKEY FURNISHED (some artwork excluded) unit. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442

• EXCELSIOR Fabulous 2/2 penthouse end unit with Bay views and private beach access! Totally renovated to include exquisite fixtures and furnishings. Soaring ceilings. Open and split floorplan. Turnkey. Great community with resort-like amenities. MLS# A4410196, $725,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• PALM ISLAND HOME ON THE GRAND CANAL: $899,000 322 Island Circle, Siesta Key, FL. MLS# A4199085 Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master BR and master BA. This house boasts a new boat lift on the Grand Canal. Privacy abounds with a lovely tropical view across the canal. Huge bonus area on lower level. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442

• PEPPERTREE BAY Lovely 2/2 with new tile flooring and bathroom vanities. New hurricane rated windows all across the back of the unit on the expansive lanai. Large in-unit laundry room. Under building parking. Deeded beach access. 2 pools, tennis, fitness, clubroom. MLS# A4409909, $449,900. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

• SARA SANDS 3/2 remodeled and furnished ranch home at the north end of Siesta Key. Easy bike to the Village and Beach. Outdoor living at its best.- located (Across from the Westfield Siesta Key Mall) at the end of a canal with a great 2081 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239 water view, dock with lift, tiki hut, Walk-Ins Welcome beautiful pool, outdoor fireplace, Mon., Tues., Wed. & Fri. 9 AM-6 PM; Thurs. & Sat. 9 AM-2PM huge screened lanai, RV parking!. If www.OldStyleBarberShop.com you enjoy entertaining, this is the one! $1,199,000. Key Solutions Real Estate % ANY SERVICE! Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

er” Hot Lath

941-312-6001

Southgate Barber Shop

10 Summer Nails

Sanitation first! We care about your well-being!

941-952-3301 Hours: 9 AM - 7 PM Mon. - Sat. Closed Sunday

• DOLPHIN BAY This is the one! Incredible views of the ICW and Bay. Ideal floor plan split bedrooms, huge living/dining area, 2 bedrooms each with en-suite bath, kitchen with large sitting area/ den/office. Fabulous outdoor living - large screened lanai overlooking the water and 2 patios off the front of the unit. Space for a 3rd bedroom. Walk to Siesta Beach and Village. Key

OFF

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Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

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• THE POINTE Penthouse! 1/1 at the southernmost end of Siesta Key. Incredible 270 degree views of the Gulf and Bay. Large lanai. Plentiful storage in the unit and on the first floor. Convenient underbuilding parking. Gated

Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186. • TRULY FABULOUS 2/2 WITH PRIVATE BEACH ACCESS. Completely renovated TOP FLOOR END UNIT with exquisite finishes and furnishings the unit is being sold, turnkey. The open floor plan with SOARING CEILINGS features a huge living room with views of the ICW and Bay. This is truly a must-see. 6285 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #307, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS#A4410196, $725,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255 • PARK-LIKE SETTING! Peppertree Bay affords a beautiful park-like waterfront setting from Beach to Bay on Siesta Key! This lovely 2 bedrooms 2 bath unit has been upgraded to include new tile flooring in the foyer, living, dining and kitchen areas. This is a great unit at a great price. 1200 E PEPPERTREE LN, #206, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A440990, $449,900, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255 • ENJOY STUNNING SUNRISES AND SUNSETS From this lovely two bedroom, two bath PENTHOUSE condo at the southernmost end of Siesta Key. If you seek incomparable views look no further - wake to awe-inspiring sunrises over Neville Preserve on Little Sarasota Bay and marvel at the spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. 9393 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #P2, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4406101, $595,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255 • GORGEOUS WATER VIEWS Deeded BOAT SLIP (boat up to 45’ length) come with this TURNKEY FURNISHED 3/3 townhouse that shows like a model home. This rarely available unit features TWO FULL MASTER SUITES, loft/media area, and oversized guest bedroom,... the list goes on. 1215 DOCKSIDE PL, #204, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS#A4215997, $899,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255

7119 S. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota, FL 34231 (Buccaneer Plaza across from Lincoln Dealership)

SENIOR SERVICES

TRANSPORTATION CONTINUED 941-928-9200

• A Bridge for Independence provides in-home companion services including companionship, transportation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, and meal preparation and planning. Call us at 941-925-2433, FL License #230517

RIDE THE KEY FREE

15-20 MINUTE RESPONSE TIME (Based upon traffic)

SERVICING

Siesta Key Beach Siesta Village Turtle Beach

SPORTS RENTALS / ACCESSORIES • Robin Hood Rentals – for all your Siesta Key rental needs with a wide variety segways, bikes, kayaks, scooters and more, free pickup and delivery anywhere on the key. 5255 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key Village. 941-554-4242 • Siesta Key Bike & Kayak – Located on Siesta Key in Capt Curts Village serving Siesta Key, Lido Beach and Sarasota. We offer bikes, kayak rentals, kayak eco tours, paddleboards and scooters. 1224 Old Sickney Pt Rd. 941-346-0891 • Siesta Sports Rentals – Located on Siesta Key, bike, kayak, kayak tours, scooter, children strollers and car seats. Delivery and pickup available, 6551 Midnight Pass Rd, 941-346-1797

DRIVER TIPS ONLY

Restaurants and Accommodations Operating 10AM to 2AM Daily

www.JonnysOriginalFreeRide.com

Transportation for everyone on the Sun Coast Friendliest Ride In Town

Answers from Page 16

Sarasota’s Premier “Chauffeur” Starting At Only

30 941.735.4732 $

All Ports In Florida

Stress Free • Smooth and Easy Ask for Eddie • 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

Emergency (General).................................................911 Emergency Animal Clinic........................ 941-929-1818 Fishing & Hunting Licenses.................... 941-362-9888 FPL – Florida Power & Light................... 941-917-0708 FPL – Outage Report............................. 1-800-468-8243 Marriage License Bureau......................... 941-362-4066 Poison Info Center................................. 1-800-282-3171 Sarasota / Bradenton Intl. Airport......... 941-359-2770 Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT)... 941-316-1234 Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce......... 941-349-3800 Sheriff / non-emergency......................... 941- 861-1601 Waste Management.................................. 941-924-1254

Answers to theSearch WORD SEARCHwww.TheMariner.com found on page 33 MarinerWord

TRANSPORTATION

Airport Rides

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

RV Terms WELNESS HELP

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2018

941.349.0194

Snapshots of Island Visitors

www.siestasand.net

Photos submitted by CB’s Saltwater Outfitters

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Schools-2018/2019 Dates

Lawrence & son, Mason, from New York fishing with Capt. R.C. Gilliland out of CB’S SALTWATER OUTFITTERS in Little Sarasota Bay with live shrimp & jigs.

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, 1249 Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL have announced dates for their OrvisEndorsed fly fishing schools for the upcoming season; Nov 17, 2018 and Jan 19, Feb. 23, Mar. 16, and Apr 13, 2019. Located on Siesta Key, named Best Beach in America, the schools will cover fly casting basics, line control, shooting line and the roll cast. Instructors, Capt. Rick Grassett and Capt. Ed Hurst, will also cover leader construction, fly selection and saltwater fly fishing techniques. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basics but also work with intermediate casters on correcting faults and improving casting skills. Cost for the schools, which will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., is $195 per person and includes the use of Orvis fly tackle and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations.

These kids from Nashville were so excited with their fish! Left to Right: Grace Bauer, age 10, Olivia Bauer, age 8, and Brady Bauer, age 11

Looking for Siesta Sand off-island? Pick up a copy at the following locations:

4&20 Patsy Co........................................................................... 5638 Swift Rd. A’s Sandwich............................................................... 6300 S. Tamiami Trail Abel’s Ice Cream: Southbridge Plaza........................1886 Stickney Pt. Rd. Alpine Steak House.................................................... 4520 S. Tamiami Trail Best Western Plus........................................................ 6600 S. Tamiami Trail Casey Key Fish House.................................... 801 Blackburn Point, Osprey Corkscrew Deli: Landings Shopping Plaza * ....... 4982 S. Tamiami Trail Culver’s......................................................................... 7520 S. Tamiami Trail Dutch Valley Restaurant........................................... 6721 S. Tamiami Trail Eager Beaver Carwash *............................................. 6449 S. Tamiami Trail Economy Tackle *........................................................ 6018 S. Tamiami Trail Fresh Catch Market & Grill: Buccaneer Plaza....... 7119 S. Tamiami Trail Gecko’s Restaurant..................................................... 6606 S. Tamiami Trail Grasshopper Mexican Restaurant & Bar................ 7253 S. Tamiami Trail Ham Heaven & Devil Dogs/GG*....................................... 2647 Mall Drive Hibiscus Suites......................................................... 1735 Stickney Point Rd. Hooters........................................................................... 6507 S Tamiami Trail Philadelphia Cheesesteaks........................................ 7523 S. Tamiami Trail Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar........................................ 5353 S. Tamiami Trail Plaza Mexico Restaurant: Southbridge Plaza..... 1894 Stickney Point Rd. Pride of the South Restaurant/GG................................6616 Superior Ave. Rico’s Pizzeria & Pasta House..................................................1902 Bay Rd. Sarasota Brewing /GG.................................................... 6607 Gateway Ave. Solorzano’s Pizza /GG.....................................................6670 Superior Ave. Special Nutrition Store: Southbridge Plaza.............1882 Stickney Pt. Rd. The Oaks BBQ............................................................. 6112 S. Tamiami Trail The Shop SRQ/GG......................................................... 6625 Gateway Ave. The Table Creekside................................................... 5365 S. Tamiami Trail Tony’s Chicago Dogs/GG...............................................6569 Superior Ave. Word of Mouth/GG........................................................ 6604 Gateway Ave. Interested in Distributing our Publication? Call 941-349-0194 NOTE: * Denotes availability first week of each month only.

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

Off Key

Continued from page 33

Relax? If the county was any more relaxed on that score it would be comatose…with nary a fine assessed in years while the town of Longboat Key has assessed more than 50 since just this past June (see story in last month’s Siesta Sand). One has to wonder just how this property owner would like it if a home next door to his – meaning the one he actually lives in, not the one or ‘ones’ he purchased to generate income – was rented out by the day or week, with the attending issues of noise, traffic and trash left out on the curb day after day.

“Oh, you meant those Records...” “I do not conduct city business with my personal cell phone, therefore I have no records to produce...” –City Manager Tom Barwin in an Oct. 31, 2013, email to the city attorney and city clerk. Well, as it turns out, at least 500 e-mails dealing with city business - with perhaps quite a few more to come - were in fact discovered on Barwin’s personal email account last month in response to a public records request from city hall gadfly and former city commission candidate Martin Hyde. The upshot?...well yet another needless lawsuit the city will most certainly lose, sticking taxpayers with the bill.

A Hurricane of Misinformation A question for all the pseudo scientist talking heads out there bleating about the recent spate of hurricanes being proof of manmade climate change: if your theory is valid, why then has the number of hurricanes hitting the U.S. over the past three decades been trending down? There were 31 such storms impacting the U.S. in the 1990s, 25 in the 2000s and 15 so far in the 2010s with just one year to go. So what you’re saying is...?

A Little Love from Athens, GA to Gainesville, FL?

No, not on the gridiron, but rather at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on a recent weekend when the Athens based jam band Widespread Panic performed a spot-on tribute to Tom Petty – born and raised 75 miles or so due west of the venue – with a pitch-perfect cover of the Florida Rocker’s “You Wreck Me.” It was a classy show of respect from a goodhearted bunch of Georgia boys for a homegrown Florida original. If you’re a Petty or Panic fan interested in seeing the clip, it can be seen at https://youtu.be/n5uQIMxU-gE

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.

P.O. BOX 35086, SIESTA KEY, FL 34242 www.siestasand.net

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

OCTOBER 2018

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Clarissa, Jamie, and Tiffany from Ocala, FL

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2018

Island Girl

See page 14 for Darlina’s Miss Siesta Key journey

941.349.0194

DARLINA This month’s Island Girl is Miss Siesta Key, Darlina of Sarasota. Originally from Long Island, she enjoys the incredibly soft white sand between her toes while soaking up a sunset on Siesta Beach as often as possible. Darlina loves Salsa, Bachata and Merengue Music. “It always gets me in a great attitude and ready to take on the day.” Her favorite movie is the ‘Devil Wears Prada’ and her favorite book is ‘The Surrogate’ by Judith Henry Hall. Along with all the volunteer work she does, she also manages to attend State College Of Florida and will be transferring to USF Tampa next semester. Her next big event is competing in the Miss Florida pageant.