Siesta Sand - October 2020

DEVELOPER SEEKS TO ADD 16 DWELLING UNITS TO SIESTA PROMENADE PROJECT page

SIESTA KEY BEACH #1 AGAIN

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MORTON’S GOURMET MARKET DONATES $25,000 TO ALL FAITH FOODS BANK page

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NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

Why the world comes to Sarasota

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OCTOBER 2020 | 941.312.0665 | 27TH STATE MEDIA LLC | www.SiestaSand.net | COMPLIMENTARY

Siesta Key Coalition formed to oppose new hotel project in village

By Rachel Hackney Brown SarasotaNewsLeader.com

In June, RE/MAX real estate agent Robert T. Anderson Jr. began reaching out to Siesta Key homeowners, asking to show them a presentation about a proposed 170-room hotel that would stand more than 80 feet tall between Beach Road and Calle Miramar.

“It was a fancy presentation with a lot of renderings of the hotel,” said Calle Miramar resident, Mark Spiegel.

His reaction, though, Spiegel added, was shock.

Perhaps Anderson took his silence for approval, Spiegel said. Yet, it was not long before Spiegel learned many people shared his reaction.

In August, a Siesta Sand article quoted Anderson as saying “the majority of the feedback [about the project] has been very positive …”

“We were all kind of scratching our heads,” said Siesta Key Association (SKA) President, Catherine Luckner.

People who had seen the presentation began reaching out to each other, Spiegel said. “We found a lot of common ground,” he added, and,

indeed, it was not positive.

Siesta Key, Spiegel said, has “a great local flavor.” He talked of the “very delicate balance” between permanent homeownership and seasonal visitors.

Taller commercial buildings with more density, Spiegel said, are “not what attracts people to Siesta Key, and that’s not why we have the No. 1 beach.”

Luckner pointed out that county leaders “really [have] done a good job” of maintaining diverse areas. “We don’t all want to be cookie-cutter beach communities.”

With approximately 220,000 square feet on 0.96 acres, Spiegel added, the hotel would have the highest density per acre on the island of any construction in the past 30 years.

Those reasons — and others — are why a group called the SK Coalition has been organizing to fight the hotel proposal and a related issue involving density on all the barrier islands within the county’s jurisdiction.

Continued on page 34

Siesta Key Cottage wins historical designation

By Jane Bartnett A 1930‘s Siesta Key cottage whose history reflects the modern day development of the Key has won historic designation. The “Cottage at Point of Rocks,” at 7208 Point of Rocks Road is now “officially listed as a historic property in Sarasota County,” according to Sarasota County documents. The designation became official on August 26, 2020, when the Board of County Commissioners officially accepted the Sarasota County Historic Preservation Board’s recommendations to “officially list” the property on the “local Sarasota County

Register of Historic Places.”

“The Cottage at Point of Rocks conveys a sense of the past through its historical integrity and setting,” the resolution stated. The Cottage was also found to have played a role in “the development of the barrier islands off the coast of Sarasota County” during the significant pre-and post World War II years of 1935 and 1953.

The current owners, Donald and Terese Liebenritt purchased the structure, along with a main house built in 2013 and landscaped property that covers close to one acre, in February, 2019. “We Continued on page 31

Page 8 Meet Paw Pal Murphy

Location of proposed Siesta Key Hotel project (yellow) and location of condominium HOAs opposing project (blue).

Commissioners deny petition for new condominium structure on Beach Road

By Rachel Hackney Brown SarasotaNewsLeader.com Even before the county’s Environmental Permitting Division manager completed his presentation during an Aug. 26 Coastal Setback Variance (CSV) petition hearing, Sarasota County Commissioner Nancy Detert had a question.

Addressing Howard Berna, Detert asked about the potential for the owners of “all the other houses on [Beach Road]” with property covered by dunes and vegetation seaward of those homes to seek approval for larger structures if the board that day signed off on the proposal for a six-unit

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condominium complex at 636 Beach Road.

The application before them cited “unity of title” of two lots protected by a conservation easement, plus two on which a single-family home stands, in contending that the allowable density for the new construction would be 11 dwelling units.

Referring to other Beach Road property owners, Detert asked Berna, “Do they own their lots in front that probably used to be underwater and now through accretion have sand? Couldn’t they do the exact same Continued on page 34

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OCTOBER 2020

Financial Focus Today’s retirees, and those of tomorrow, have had a sense of purpose their entire lives – and they don’t intend to give it up just because they’ll no longer be working full time. In fact, 55% of recent retirees said retirement is the time for “a new chapter in life,” compared with just 22% who said it was “a time for rest and relaxation,” according to the 2020 Edward Jones/Age Wave Four Pillars of the New Retirement study.

And the same study found that 95% of retirees said it was important to keep learning and growing at every age. However, they find their purpose – contributing to the community, growing intellectually, gaining new experiences and so on – retirees will need to be financially prepared.

How can you prepare for a purposeful retirement? You may want to start by asking yourself these questions:

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Purpose-driven Retirement Needs a Financial Strategy

• Will I need to prioritize some of my goals? As a retiree, you may hope to do any number of things. You might want to learn new skills through hands-on training at a local vocational school or crafts organization. You might want to take up a hobby such as collecting rare wines. You may even want to fix up old houses.

And you also might want to expand your view of the world by traveling extensively. If, like almost everyone else, you won’t have unlimited financial resources during your retirement years, you may need to prioritize these goals, worthy as they may all be to your sense of purpose.

•C an I still afford to retire at the age I planned? When you first calculated your ideal retirement age, you might have been counting on your investment portfolio having returned a certain

percentage. Or you might have had different goals in mind than you do now.

Or you might have had a somewhat different family situation. Changes in any or all of these factors could affect the age at which you choose to retire. But if you conclude that you may need to postpone retirement for a couple of years, your decision could offer some advantages, such as the ability to contribute more to your IRA and your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored plan. In any case, it’s a good idea to review your retirement plans periodically, perhaps at least once a year.

• How can I incorporate philanthropy into my financial strategy? Giving back to your community may be a key element of your purpose-driven retirement. Yet, with so

many educational, civic and cultural groups in existence – including many in your own area – you probably can’t give as much as you’d like to all of them without affecting your own lifestyle today and the legacy you’d like to leave for your family.

So, you may want to take two distinct steps. First, consider establishing a budget for how much you will give to charitable groups each year.

And, second, think about including philanthropy in your estate plans. Because there are many vehicles and techniques available, you should consult with your legal, tax and financial professionals when drawing up your estate-planning strategies.

It can be extremely rewarding to live your retirement purposefully – but you’ll find it a lot easier to do when you

make the right financial moves.

Edward Jones. Member SIPC.

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

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Benderson Development seeking to add 16 dwelling units to Siesta Promenade project

By Rachel Hackney Brown SarasotaNewsLeader.com The Benderson Development Co. affiliate that is overseeing the Siesta Promenade project is seeking to add two parcels in Pine Shores Estates to the mixeduse development planned at the intersection of Stickney Point Road and U.S. 41, The Sarasota News Leader has learned.

With the combination of the new acreage, the company — Siesta 41 Associates LLP — indicates that it would be able to increase the number of apartment/condominium units in Siesta Promenade from 479 to 495, according to the materials Todd Mathes, director of development for Benderson, provided county staff in late June.

Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office records show that, in August 2019, Siesta 41 Associates LLP paid $825,000 for the parcel at 6331 Glencoe Ave. The company purchased the adjacent parcel, located at 6339 Glencoe Ave., on the same day — Aug. 14, 2019 — and paid the same amount of money for it, the Property Appraiser’s Office records say.

Both parcels are in Pine Shores Estates, the residential community adjacent to the Siesta Promenade site.

This year, the market value of the property at 6339 Glencoe Ave. was put at $206,200, with the land making up most of that, at a market value of $188,200.

For the property at 6331 Glencoe, the market value this year is $240,200, with the land, again, accounting for $188,200, the Property Appraiser’s Office records show.

The Sarasota County Commission voted in December

2018 to approve a variety of petitions to enable Benderson to develop Siesta Promenade.

As designed, the project would include a 130-room hotel, 133,000 square feet of retail space and 7,000 square feet of office space.

Todd Dary, the county planner who oversaw the management of the Siesta Promenade application, told the News Leader in a Sept.

10 email, “The next step in the process prior to submitting an application for rezoning is a neighborhood workshop, which has not yet been scheduled.

Residents within 750 [feet] of the site will be notified.”

No other work has been done on the development of the Siesta Promenade site, Mark Loveridge, the county’s land development manager, told the News Leader on Sept. 10.

A county Development Review Committee (DRC) document, completed on the basis of a July 16 review of the preliminary Siesta 41 Associates application, notes that adding the 0.78 acres encompassed by the two new parcels will necessitate applications reflecting a revised Development Concept Plan and revised stipulations for Siesta Promenade.

Additionally, the DRC document points out that Benderson would have to ensure that the additional 16 dwelling units “conform to the requirements for affordable housing, based on policy, as may be amended.”

The staff report provided to the County Commission in advance of the Dec. 12, 2018 hearing on Siesta Promenade explained, “At a minimum, 15% of the dwelling units constructed

Benderson development site

in excess of 13 dwelling units per acre within the boundary of the Siesta Promenade Critical Area Plan shall be Affordable.” It added, “A dwelling unit shall be deemed to be affordable when all housing costs (including Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance for homeownership, or total rent inclusive of water and sewer utilities, and parking for renters) do not exceed 30% of the Income of a family of four at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) of Sarasota County.”

Later in that report, staff noted that the maximum number of required affordable units would be 25, “based on 479 residential units requested.” It explained that the affordable dwellings “shall be provided for families at or below

80% of Area Median Income (AMI).”

This year, the AMI for the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton Metropolitan Statistical Area is $76,700. Thus, 80% of the AMI for a family of four would be $61,200.

The DRC comprises representatives of each county department involved with land development, including the Transportation Planning Division.

The DRC also pointed out, on the basis of its review, that Siesta 41 Associates would have to update the legal descriptions for the rezoned property on the Siesta Promenade site, as well as the Critical Area Plan (CAP) boundary.

Benderson applied for the CAP designation for the mixed-use

development so it could exceed the standard limit of 13 dwelling units per acre in a Commercial General zoning district. The CAP allows it to go as high as 25 units per acre.

The DRC document further notes that Siesta 41 Associates will be required to undertake another traffic impact analysis, to reflect the addition of the two Pine Shores parcels.

Further, the document explains that if the Special Exception Siesta 41 Associates won from the commissioners in late 2018 to include the hotel in the project will expire prior to the start of construction, the company will have to request an extension of that Special Exception for 18 months or file a new application.

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Wells Fargo Bank to close Siesta Key branch

By Jane Bartnett Wells Fargo Bank will close its Siesta Key branch at 5810 Midnight Pass Road on Nov. 18, 2020. In a statement released to the Siesta Sand by Jacob Jordan, a Wells Fargo corporate communications spokesman for the Florida and Southeast Region, he stated that “we will continue to serve customers in nearby branches and through WellsFargo.com and mobile banking. This is not a decision we take lightly.”

Responding to this newspaper’s request for information on the closing of the branch, Jacob stated in an email: “We continue to evaluate our branch network and base our distribution strategy on customer trends, market factors and economic changes. While branches are important in serving our customers’ needs, customers have more ways than ever to bank and digital usage continues to increase.”

Although the Wells Fargo Siesta Key branch office has been closed during the pandemic, customers have had access to the bank’s ATM machine. Signs posted on the bank’s front door state, “This Branch is Closing. On Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 12:00 pm, this branch and drive up will close permanently. We’ve moved to a nearby branch.” Customers are directed to visit the Wells Fargo Landings’ branch at 4794 South Tamiami Trail. Phone: 941-961-1280.

Siesta Sand’s questions regarding the future of the Wells Fargo Siesta Key branch property were not answered.

The closing of the Siesta Key

representative, visiting an ATM machine can still be done without an appointment or any advance notice.

According to an informal on-line study conducted by Wells Fargo Siesta Key Branch to colose the Siesta Sand, national and Wells Fargo branch will leave regional banks residents and visitors with fewer within a short driving distance banking options on the island. from Siesta Key include: The full-service SunTrust branch •B ank of America, 6525 South at 5035 Ocean Boulevard, and Tamiami Trail, Gulf Gate.

PNC Bank’s ATM at 5140 Ocean ATM. In-person appointments: Boulevard remain.

Monday-Friday, 10 am - 4 pm.

Nationwide, the number of Phone: 941-921-7633. physical bank branches that serve •C hase Bank, 3511 Clark Road, local communities have been Gulf Gate Estates. ATM. Lobby shrinking. Mergers, the growing hours: Monday -Friday, 9 am use of mobile banking and branch - 5 pm. Saturday, 9 am - 2:00 closings related to Covid-19 are pm. Drive-up banking hours: to blame, experts say. American Monday-Friday, 9 am - 5 pm.

Banker Magazine reported that Saturday, 9 am - 2:00 pm. Phone: during the seven-year period 941-926-3051. between 2010-2017, Florida •F ifth Third Bank, 6620 South witnessed a 40% decline in the Tamiami Trail at Stickney Point. number of banks. According to a ATM. Branch lobby office is open S&P Global Marketing Intelligence Monday-Thursday, 9 am - 5 pm. report in 2020, “Florida like most Friday, 9 am - 6 pm. Saturday, of the nation, saw more branch 9 am- Noon. Drive through closures than openings in the banking: 9 am - 5 pm, Mondayfirst quarter to March 27. During Friday, and Saturday, 9 am that time, 26 bank branches were 2.8128 in Phone: 941-925-8543. noon. closed in the state, while only 14 •L iberty Savings Bank, were opened.”

2323 Stickney Point Road.

For residents and visitors, ATM. Lobby banking and banking options off the island drive-through banking by are more plentiful. Although appointment: Monday-Thursday, many banks now require an 9 am - 4 pm. Friday, 9 am - 6 pm. appointment to enter the building Saturday, 9 am-noon. Driveto interact with a banking

through banking: MondayThursday, 8 am - 5 pm. Friday, 8 am - 6 pm. Saturday, 9 am - noon.

Phone: 941- 927- 8293.

• Liberty Savings Bank, 8383 South Tamiami Trail, Square South. ATM. Schedule an appointment for phone, drivethrough banking and account services: Monday-Thursday, 8 am - 4 pm. Friday, 9 am - 6 pm.

Phone: 941- 927- 3629.

• PNC Bank, 3500 South Osprey Avenue at Siesta Drive. ATM. Drive-through banking: Monday-Friday, 9 am - 5 pm. In person banking by appointment, Monday – Friday, 9 am - 5pm. www.pnc.com/ scheduleappointment. Phone: 941-953-3170.

• Regions Bank, 2353 Stickney Point Road, Gulf Gate Branch.

ATM. Fullservice bank. Lobby hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 am - 4 pm and Fridays, 9 am - 5 pm. Drive-through banking, Monday-Friday, 9 am - 5 pm.

Phone: 800- 734- 4667.

• Regions Bank, 4034 South Tamiami Trail, Southgate Sarasota Branch. ATM. Fullservice bank. Lobby hours: Monday-Friday, 9 am - 5 pm and Saturday, 9 am - Noon.

Drive-through banking, Monday-Friday, 9 am - 5 pm and Saturday, 9 am - Noon. Phone: 800-734-4667.

• Synovus Bank, 8444 South Tamiami Trail. ATM. In person banking with scheduled appointments. Monday-Friday, 9 am - 4pm. Phone: 941-923-4822

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Island Chatter SK Beach #1 again!

Again, this year, TripAdvisor has ranked Siesta Beach No. 1 on its list of Top 25 Beaches in the United States, based on travelers’ recommendations.

Of the 7,659 reviews of Siesta Beach on which the ranking was based, TripAdvisor points out that 6,074 gave the destination a rating of Excellent. Another 1,090 people ranked the beach Very Good, while 299 considered it Average and 94 marked it Terrible.

Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Festival Canceled

Mason Tush, Board Chair of Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce released a statement announcing the cancelation of the 2020 Siesta Key Crystal Classic, which was scheduled for November 13-16 on Siesta Beach.

The statement went on to say the decision was made after contemplating all the factors that must be considered, and the high level of uncertainty due to Covid-19, this decision seems the wise and responsible choice.

He concluded his statement by thanking all of thesponsors, volunteers, and community, and is already looking forward to a successful event, to be held November 12-15, 2021.

The snowy plover saga

In late-August update about the nesting shorebirds Continued on page 10

Continued on next page

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Morton’s Gourmet Market Grants $25,000 to All Faiths Food Bank Gift could become $50,000 through match program Morton’s Gourmet Market has donated $25,000 to the All Faiths Food Bank of Sarasota County. All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties.

The Morton’s Gourmet Market donation is part of a $500,000 matching gift from the Joe and Mary Kay Henson Family Fund and an additional $100,000 from an anonymous donor through the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

All donations made will be matched up to $600,000.

Through the matching funds, the Morton’s grant could grow to $50,000.

For over 50 years, Morton’s Gourmet Market has been a Sarasota fixture and is known for its award-winning catering services, talented in-house chefs, and personalized customer service. As a family-owned enterprise for four generations, Morton’s was founded by Ted Morton and is currently run by a host of family members, including father-and-son team Eddie and Todd Morton.

“During the pandemic, we were declared an essential business and the Sarasota community has continued to shop at our markets which allows us to keep our staff working while providing the experience customers have enjoyed prior to this pandemic,“ said co-owner Eddie Morton. “In addition, our suppliers have been able to handle orders to keep the shelves stocked at all three locations so that customers can continue to find their favorite items or

Morton’s Market has a rich history of philanthropy work.

place an order for an in-home or office gathering. Through the hard work of our staff and vendors, our loyal clientele, we have been able to continue to keep our locations open and we felt the time was right to increase

support and to give back to those in our community who need assistance.”

The Morton’s team have been active supporters of All Faiths Food Bank through both food and cash donations over the years and this gift will allow the food bank to provide many meals to the participants in the programs.

All Faiths Food Bank provides millions of meals each year through robust programs and partnerships with charitable organizations in the community.

“Morton’s contribution towards our current matching gift opportunity is greatly appreciated during this time of increased need. COVID-19 has created its own pandemic of hunger in our community, as high unemployment rates continue and those affected

are left with unknown futures.

Morton’s support will help us as we continue to provide food and assistance to those struggling the most,” said Sandra Frank, CEO of All Faiths Food Bank.

Morton’s Gourmet Market’s generous donation to All Faiths Food Bank didn’t surprise Roxie Jerde, President and CEO of Community Foundation, a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community.

“In addition to this thoughtful and needed gift to All Faiths Food Bank during this moment, Morton’s Market’s longstanding commitment to the community as a whole, as well as individual students through their scholarship fund, demonstrate the company’s generous nature,”

said Ms. Jerde.

The Community Foundation and Morton’s often share the same philanthropy philosophy, business management and local community service ideals, boldly apparent through the long history of the two organizations. One of many partnerships: When the Morton family decided to form a culinary fund, they looked to the Community Foundation for assistance and management and through this cooperation, the Morton’s Culinary Education Fund was established which has granted many scholarships to Sarasota County High School graduates which enables them to continue their training for a culinary or hospitality career.

Scholarship recipients have attended major universities not only in Florida but major institutions throughout the country.

Happiness Is…New Seasons This year has been one that many are ready to see go but we would be remiss if we skipped through one of the best seasons of the year…

Autumn. Oh yes, the season of bonfires, trick-or-treating, and Friday Night Lights.

While the high temperatures may not be ready to relinquish their hold just yet, the gang at Abel’s Ice Cream is eager to give you a taste of Fall.

This month, they’re featuring 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), and Maple Walnut (Sweet Maple ice cream loaded with walnuts).

So, as school gets back into session, make sure to take some me-time at Abel’s.

Whether your pleasure is a cup or cone of your favorite awardwinning ice cream or maybe a quick cup of delicious LeLu’s coffee, they’ve got you covered.

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 their website, www.abelsicecream.com or connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.

Awarded their Certificate of Excellence for SIX years straight!

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OCTOBER 2020

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Keeping Fido Flexible: How to Handle Canine Joint Health

By Kyle Baker, Senior Pet Food Nutritionist

Prevention to Avoid Pain We used to think that canine joint issues like arthritis were simply due to wear and tear and the affects of aging. While that’s still often true, years of study have shown that consistent irritation from low-grade inflammation is a major factor as well.

Thankfully there are some easy ways to maintain your dog’s health to prevent i n f la m mat ion, st a r t i ng w it h weig ht m a n agement. As you m ig ht expe ct, the less load your pup has to carry, the less stress they’ll experience on their joints. Moreover, unwanted fat can also contribute to in flammation. Like we stated previously in our July 2020 piece on canine obesity, identifying your dog’s ideal weight based on their breed, size and age can help you avoid weight-related health issues. So, consult with your vet or an expert at your local pet supply retailer.

From there, focus on a wholesome, nutritious diet built on a foundation of robust protein, natural antioxidants and fatty acids to maintain that target weight and reduce inflammation. Rich proteins build and repair muscle and t issue, wh ile a nt ioxida nts a nd fat t y acids reduce inflammation and swelling.

Natural anti-inflammatories include foods like blueberries, turmeric, fatty fish, sweet potatoes, ginger root, spinach, and pumpkin. They are proven safe, help prevent chronic inflammation in younger dogs, and reduce painful joint swelling in older, arthritic dogs.

Dog food m a nu fac t u rer s a re a l so now making quality foods specifically formulated to address joint health. For exa mple, bo n e b roth is loaded wit h g l yc o s a m i n o g l yc a n ( g l u c o s a m i n e) and compounds like chondroitin and hyaluronic acid. Glycosaminoglycan are

resistant to digestion and are absorbed intact. Once absorbed, they then act like hormones, stimulating cells, and delivering collagen to joints, tendons, l ig a me nt s a nd eve n a r te r ie s to a id elasticity.

As a prevent at ive mea su re, sm a l l dogs and big dogs alike should receive maintenance doses of these additives b eg i n n i ng at a n ea rly age. Reg u la r dosage can help limit joint issues or even prevent a torn ACL, a canine injury that is becoming quite common—and costly.

Keep in mind: while these additives help reduce inflammation, they shouldn’t be considered a cure.

Additionally, it’s critical that your pup is getting enough water. Proper hydration keeps joints properly lubricated, allowing t h e m to move a nd f le x a s n e e de d.

Conversely, dehyd rat ion ca n st i f fen tendons and ligaments, intensifying pain in arthritic dogs and increasing the risk for injury.

Finally, keep ‘em moving. Reg ular exercise aids body conditioning boosting muscle mass and function, and reducing the potential for injury to joints and connective tissue.

Unlike many conventional joint medications, K9 Level 5000 won’t cau se l iver da m age. A nd even something as simple as CBD oil can be effective. While CBD oil won’t treat the cause of your pup’s joint paint, it does offer some relief.

If joint issues have progressed to a greater severity, it might be time to take more drastic action.

This can include surgery to clean or replace joints, physical therapy via ultrasound, electric stimulation and other methods, medication, or some combination of the three. It should be noted though that while non-steroidal anti-inflammatory med ic at ion s ( NSAIDs), of fer a reduction of inflammation, pain, and fever, they can also create side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and liver or kidney damage.

But if you haven’t reached that point and your pup is happy, healthy and moving like they should, keep it that way. Ask your veterinarian or local independent pet retailer to help educate you on proper nutrition, healthy additives, regular exercise and hydration to prevent joint issues.

* Authentic Italian food from Italian chefs

Meet Murphy

Murphy is seven years old and adores Siesta Key with the many sandy beaches and splendid sunsets. His favorite is Turtle Beach. Murphy is a therapy dog and held a “Reading to Murphy Program” for children at the Key Largo Library. He has been proposed as the mascot for the SmileMaker Mobile Dental Clinic for underprivileged children in the Florida Keys.

Photos by A Gold Photography of Sarasota.

When it’s Time for Treatment If the prevention ship has sailed and your dog is experiencing joint pain and restricted movement, don’t fret: there are a number of treatment options available.

Assuming it’s still early and symptoms haven’t progressed too far, it might make sense to explore some natural remedies.

One popular product is CanineActiv, a safe, natural anti-inflammatory made with AlphaGee® a naturally occurring amino acid that’s also endogenous in canine physiology. Another is Liquid Health’s K9 Level 50 0 0 Concentrated Glucosa m i ne C hond roit i n for dogs.

Paw Pals

Submit your Paw Pal to the Siesta Sand at info@27statemedia.com.

Author Kyle Baker, Senior Pet Food Nutritionist at DOGPerfect, has a passion for educating pet parents on the power of nutrition and how it can improve their pet’s lives with proper food, supplements and treats. DOGPerfect is a locally owned and operated pet supply store with locations in The Landings, University Park, and Lakewood Ranch. Visit www. dogperfect.com for more information and to sign-up for a free one-on-one nutrition consult with Kyle.

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Notice anything different about your dog lately? If they happen to be moving a little slower than they used to, take note: it could be the result of aging—or it could be something more.

From playing fetch to bounding up and down the stairs, your dog’s joints see a lot of action.

Over time, that action leads to natural wear and tear and, if left unaddressed, can also result in joint-related issues and injuries, reducing mobility and quality of life.

He r e ’s h ow yo u c a n t r e at and, even better, prevent joint problems for your pup.

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Island Chatter

in the county, Kylie Wilson, coordinator of Audubon Florida’s Bird Monitoring & Stewardship program, wrote about her accidental discovery that a couple of snowy plover chicks recently had hatched on Lido Key Beach. They were the first to do so since 2017, she added.

Later, one of them disappeared, she noted, surmising that a predator had attacked it.

“After seeing these birds nest repeatedly (and fail repeatedly) on Siesta for the past three years,” Wilson continued, “it is encouraging to see that they were more successful on Lido.

“Maybe they will try on Lido earlier next year.”

The primary issues that hinder the plovers on Sarasota County beaches, she added, are predation by crows and “disturbance from people (particularly disturbance related to dogs).”

Then Wilson offered some statistics.

The southwest region of Florida has 17% of the state’s nesting snowy plover population, Wilson wrote, citing as her source the Florida Shorebird Alliance 2020 Annual Report.

“In our area,” she pointed out, “we consistently have around 12 breeding adults during nesting season.”

Since 2018, she added 33 failed snowy plover nests have been counted in the area: • “25 of 25 on Siesta (10 in 2018, 6 in 2019, 9 in 2020).

• “5 of 6 on Lido (1 in 2019, 5 in 2020).

• “3 of 9 on Longboat (all from 2018).

www.siestasand.net

Continued from page 6

“We have only fledged two chicks from our area since 2018 (assuming our current chick will fledge),” she wrote.

“These small, wellcamouflaged, sneaky, sassy birds are the most vulnerable of our nesting species in Sarasota. They need our help.

Hopefully, we can work on getting predation management approved for next season and hopefully we can enhance protections for our beachnesting species and enhance the enforcement of those protections,” Wilson added.

“These are my main goals moving forward.”

Siesta Key Farmer’s Market Update

Each year, the Sarasota County Commission formally is asked to renew the Temporary Use Permit (TUP) for the Siesta Key Farmers Market, which is conducted each Sunday on the northernmost portion of the parking lot in Davidson Plaza in Siesta Village.

On Aug. 26, the issue was placed on the board’s agenda as “Presentation Upon Request,” meaning the commissioners could vote on it without hearing any remarks from county staff or the applicant.

When Chair Michael Moran asked whether any of the board members had questions for staff, Commissioner Nancy Detert responded that she did.

Addressing county Zoning Administrator Donna Thompson, Detert asked, “What are they going to do about masks at the Farmers Market?” referring to face coverings whose use the county has encouraged

as a means of preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

“The manager of the market is making sure that the vendors are socially distancing, and the vendors will be wearing masks,” Thompson replied.

“They are encouraging the visitors to the market to wear masks,” Thompson continued, “but it’s not mandatory, since we don’t have a mandatory mask [ordinance].” Thompson added, “The manager has assured me that they will be taking all measures to social distance and protect the citizens that are visiting the market, to the best of their ability.”

“I think it’s almost impossible to have 6 feet apart when you’re at a farmers market,” Detert responded, referring to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation for keeping people from becoming infected with the virus.

“The vendor could be wearing a mask,” Detert added, “but the rest of the people probably will not, because it’s outdoors.”

Detert then referenced medical research that has shown social distancing is “not 100% protection” from COVID-19.

Nonetheless, Detert told Thompson, “OK.” Commissioner Christian Ziegler made the motion to approve the TUP, and Commissioner Alan Maio seconded it. The motion passed unanimously.

The staff memo provided Continued on page 26

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Fall into Siesta Key Fashions

By Lisa Codianne Fowler ‘Tis the season to showcase your style. Are you a sophisticated Foxy Lady, or a sandy-toed Gidget? Perhaps your tastes run toward Provence chic – ethereal, feminine, and timeless. On the Key, you can express all three, depending on your mood and the event at hand.

No need to feel pigeon-holed in your fashion selections.

Spread your wings! Rise to the occasion, whether dressing for a day in the Village, a sunset drum circle, or dinner at The Summer House.

There’s always something sensational on sale, including shoes and accessories.

Foxy Lady has been a staple on Siesta Key since 1972 when founder Lorry Eible recognized there was a local market for more than beachwear. High fashion, coupled with personalized service, turned out to be the “key.” Foxy Lady has a second location on St. Armands Circle in Sarasota.

Foxy Lady Siesta Foxy Lady Key is located at 209 When you’re feeling fancy, Beach Road, Siesta head over to Foxy Lady, Key, FL 34242. Call where you will find the latest 941-349-6644 or visit in trend-setting international FoxyLadySarasota. fashion, from head-turning Lori Ann Steiner, Foxy Lady partner & store manager com. Follow them casual to show-stopping at Facebook.com/ formal, and everything in every globe-trotting designer FoxyLadySarasotaFL. between. According to Foxy have made their way into the Gidget’s Coastal Provisions Lady partner and Siesta store store. You’ll discover original The moment you step into manager, Lori Ann Steiner, their creations from such notables this little haven, you’ll feel like mission is “to make high fashion as Johnny Was, Canadian you’re in quirky Key West. With accessible by importing the latest designer Joseph Ribkoff (Foxy an aqueous theme and a Moon designs from the world’s couture Lady’s boasts one of the largest Doggie vibe, Gidget’s Coastal capitals.” collections in the U.S.), and Hale Provisions lives up to its name.

Indeed, the boutique is a nexus Bobb. If your budget doesn’t of world fashion. From New allow for your champagne tastes, Residents and visitors alike shop here for beachy home décor and York and Los Angeles to London, take advantage of Foxy Lady’s whimsical gifts, from ukuleles, Paris, and Milan, items from simply outrageous discounts.

Gidget’s Provisions is super pet-friendly and will happily greet your fur baby with tasty organic treats.

Paradise Dermatology

A practice defined by its innovation and compassion.

The importance of keeping your skin healthy cannot be overstated. It is your body’s largest organ and your first defense against infection, environmental exposures and the outside world.

Your skin also tells your story. It provides a window into your overall health. Dermatology practitioners are skilled in treating all forms of skin issues – from breakouts and itchy rashes to skin cancers, including melanoma. They can also recommend treatments to improve the look and feel of the skin, including lasers, peels and injectable treatments.

Led by Dr. Michelle Pennie, Paradise Dermatology offers compassionate,

advanced care for a range of both medical and aesthetic dermatological needs, including full-body skin checks, acne and other chronic issues, Mohs skin cancer surgery, as well as a variety of revolutionary cosmetic treatments.

In 2012, Dr. Pennie took over a solo practice in Englewood from a retiring physician. She had moved to Sarasota a year prior and was ready to stay put after moving her twin boys from Atlanta and then St. Louis for her training. While there was a great opportunity for her to join the faculty at the University of Florida, she decided to call Sarasota home.

Acquiring the practice allowed her to

build a business based on her values – patient centered, compassionate, caring and family-friendly. This approach brings a blend of personal attention and expertise that is loved by patients. As such, Paradise Dermatology has expanded from a small five exam room clinic to its two modern offices in Sarasota and Englewood. The team includes board-certified Dr. Chelsea Duggan, three Physician Assistants, two Nurse Practitioners, and over 30 staff – several of which have been with Dr. Pennie since the beginning.

Medical dermatology requires patience and innovation along with a thirst for lifelong learning and exploration. Dr. Pennie is a board-certified dermatologist and a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon.

In fact, she is one of only a handful of dermatologists on the west coast of Florida to complete a year-long fellowship training program in Mohs micrographic surgery. This procedure is considered to be the most effective treatment for most types of skin cancer. Additionally, she is skilled in reconstruction, so she is able to

flamingos, and mermaid-themed gifts to fun and inspiring signs for your beach digs. And if you are looking to dress the part, you’ve come to the right place.

In addition to a small selection of quality men’s wear, the store maintains a cheerful collection of casual clothing for your inner (or outer) Gidget.

Stylish sundresses, long dresses, bold scarves, hats, and jewelry can take you from daytime to dinner. There is also a small but diverse assortment of cover-ups. Most of the items are Marie Louise Leuenberger lightweight with a breezy feel, the experience, as the close-knit exception being the sturdy and community of Siesta has been stylish sweatshirts bearing Siesta welcoming and supportive.

Key branding.

“Everyone here is so nice,” she Owner Barb Lancer invites says. The store offers casual and you to stop by with your pup! unique sundresses, tops and Gidget’s is super pet-friendly bottoms, and artful pieces put and will happily greet your fur together for comfort and style baby with tasty organic treats. along with unique gifts and Gidget’s Coastal Provisions is treasures from the Himalayas, located at 5242 Ocean Blvd, Siesta USA, India, Guatemala, and Key, FL 34242. Call 941-373-7646 Morocco. The sign at the or visit gidgetssiestakey.com. entrance hints at the ambiance Follow them at Facebook.com/ that awaits: “Hello, Hola, Gruezi, GidgetsCoastalProvisions.

Bonjour, Ciao! We sell lifestyle, beauty, and self-expression.

Casa Smeralda Only if it’s right and feels good!”

After 13 successful years on St. Casa Smeralda is located at Armands Circle, Casa Smeralda 5121 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, began a new chapter at Siesta FL 34242. Call 941-388-1305 Key Village in March of this or visit casasmeralda.com. year. This eclectic boutique is an Follow them at Facebook.com/ art-inspired, trendy yet timeless CasaSmeraldaSRQ. To learn treasure trove of wearable art more about their beach cottages, in cottons, linens, silks, and visit beachpalms.com. other high-quality natural fibers. Not surprisingly, owner Shop the Key Marie Louise Leuenberger is The cooler breezes of autumn a nature-lover and a caretaker are ushering in ideal weather of the environment. Born for strolling the shops on the in Switzerland, she and her Key. Go, see for yourself what husband lived in Africa for 20 fresh fashion lies in store. These years before settling in Sarasota. businesses are all independently These world citizens instantly owned and operated by caring felt drawn to our little Key and Siesta Key residents, in a have owned a quaint resort in charming community blessed the Village for 30 years. with natural beauty, a vibrant According to Marie Louise, village, and friendly neighbors relocating from “the Circle” . to the Key has been a positive surgically remove all the cancer cells and repair the defect in one visit.

Dr. Chelsea Duggan focuses her practice on the art of medical dermatology and aesthetic dermatology. She enjoys treating patients of all ages, from young kids to our oldest citizens.

She oversees the team who provides medical dermatology services as well as aesthetic treatments.

Aesthetic dermatology treatments continue to be in high demand for their consistent results with minimal downtime. The highly trained and experienced professionals at Paradise Dermatology offer the latest in scientific technology and advancements.

They take the time to meet with each patient to develop a customized plan based on individual goals and expectations. They use precise techniques to provide a non-invasive approach to anti-aging, delivering consistently optimal and notable results. Some of the aesthetic services offered include Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling, Plaxpot plasma resurfacing, Broadband Light (BBL), Excel V vascular laser and Laser Genesis. These can combat the signs of aging by tightening and smoothing the skin, stimulating collagen production and naturally decreasing wrinkles

and sagging skin – all with minimal downtime. They can also address a wide range of complexion concerns, including redness and brown spots, to restore a more youthful appearance.

The results can be dramatic, but natural and long-lasting.

Keeping your skin healthy is essential.

At Paradise Dermatology, they believe that ensuring your ongoing skin wellness requires a comprehensive, compassionate approach where medical, cosmetic and surgical experts collaborate to bring patients the highest level of care. “We aim to make all our patients feel better about their skin and about themselves,” said Dr. Pennie. “Whether it is a skin cancer screen or a cosmetic procedure, our patients feel comfortable and confident in their treatment.”

Paradise Dermatology is currently accepting new patients at their locations in Sarasota and Englewood.

To schedule an appointment, visit ParadiseDerm.com or call 941.921.4131 (Sarasota) or 941.474.8811 (Englewood).

12

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OCTOBER 2020

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Opportunity to experience Siesta Key’s place in modern architecture

By Jane Bartnett The spotlight will be on Siesta Key’s celebrated modern architecture, Nov. 7-8, 2020, during the seventh annual 2020 SarasotaMOD Weekend.

Presented by the non-profit Sarasota Architectural Foundation, this year’s event honors the art and architecture of the internationally renowned modern architect Carl Abbott, a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.

During both weekend days, guided SarasotaMOD Weekend Siesta Key kayak tours of Abbott’s Butterfield House, Paul Rudolph’s “Cocoon House,” and other contemporary modernist homes will give architectural buffs the opportunity to enjoy a unique waterside view of these important contemporary homes. During the kayak tours, called “Carl & Co. by Kayak,” participants will learn about Abbott’s work and his impact on Siesta Key. Anne Essner, Sarasota Architecture Foundation Board Chair, noted that Abbott has

Carl Abbott’s Butterfield house, Siesta Key, at night.

Credit - Sean Harris

been “an icon in Sarasota and the worldwide architectural community for more than 50 years.” Launch times for the guided modern architecture kayak tours will be: 9 am, 1pm, and 4 pm. Tours will last

Carl Abbott’s Butterfield house, Siesta Key, interior with view.

Credit - Sean Harris

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another Rudolph and Twitchell design. The Cocoon House is “known and nicknamed for its distinctive roof” that is made of roof insulation boards, according to the Paul Rudolph Heritage Foundation. The same “saranvinyl compounds were used by the U.S. military to ‘cocoon’ parts of U.S. Navy ships from the weather following their return after World War II.” After registering for the event, ticket holders will be told where to meet on Siesta Key for the tour.

Kayak participants will be asked to remain in their kayaks for the entire time. An added bonus for paddlers on the tour will be the possibility of catching a glimpse of manatees, dolphins, birds, and other wildlife who call the

approximately two hours.

The Butterfield House, located on the northern end of the Key in Bayou Louise, Siesta Key’s oldest residential community, is one of Abbott’s most heralded designs.

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square foot structure is situated “between two very beautiful residences that are part of the rich Sarasota Architectural history, the Healy Guest House (known as the Cocoon House) and the Revere Quality House, both of which according to Lunardi Architecture, Architect of Record on the project, “were designed by the famous modernist architect Paul Rudolph.”

Abbott, served as the Design Architect on the Butterfield House. The Butterfield project was a collaboration between Lunardi Architecture and Abbott. The three-story home “expands out and up across the length of the site towards the bay. A large outdoor living area which houses the entry into the

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residence is located underneath the volume of the project facing the canal. Most of the private spaces are located on the first living level while the larger living areas and large terraces take advantage of the open views to the bay,” the Lunardi website reports.

The Revere Quality House, designed by Paul Rudolph and his partner Ralph Twitchell in 1949, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. The Cocoon House, designed as a guest house for the Revere Quality House is

waters of Siesta Key their home.

Single person Sarasota MOD “Carl & Co. by Kayak,” tickets are $75, double kayak tickets for the guided tour are $125. To purchase SarasotaMOD Siesta Key kayak tickets for the November 7, and November 8, Siesta Key guided modern architecture tours, and to learn more about other weekend architectural events, visit: www.SarasotaMOD.com, or call 941-364-2199. Email inquiries may also be sent to the Sarasota Architectural Foundation at: info@SAF-SRQ.org.

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Silver City Sarasota Celebrates 15 years

By Jane Bartnett Artists are naturally drawn Preserving Siesta Key’s to the shimmering bluenatural habitat is something green translucent water that that Galfre and Rysko are caresses the soft, white quartz passionate about. Following sands of Siesta Key. Jeweler the 2018 red tide outbreak, Monica Galfre, owner of the they decided to create a line of Silver City Sarasota jewelry jewelry to increase awareness store on Midnight Pass, is one of the region’s fragile ecosystem of those artists. and support the work of Mote When Galfre and her Marine Laboratory and Red husband George Rysko, a Tide Research. Working closely Swiss-trained watch specialist, with marketing director Debra decided to make a crossLewis and store manager, Silver City Sarasota’s Tide Away (TM) collection country move to Sarasota, Suzanne Muschinisky, Galfre supports Mote Marine Red Tide research. The project created a circular keychain that Florida, from Alberta, in is a team effort by (L to R) Debra Lewis, Marketing Western Canada, the couple depicts a dolphin, sea turtle Director, Monica Galfre, owner, and store manager found Siesta Key to be the and manatee in the water. The Suzanne Muchinsky. Photo Credit: Siesta Sand perfect location for their new animals are surrounded by the jewelry store. Having owned words “Tide Away, Save Our Siesta Key, Galfre recalled that she and operated their own high-end Beaches.” first discovered her love for gems, jewelry store in Alberta for 25 In the past two years, Galfre and gold, silver and jewelry design as a years, Siesta Key became a place her team trademarked the “Tide teenager. “My first job was during where they could put down roots Away, Save Our Beaches” name. the holiday season at Henri Birks and create their own jewelry They also created 10 additional & Son, in Alberta,” she said. The brand that celebrates the beauty of items for the line that include a store, now known as Maison Birks Siesta Key. bracelet, earrings, a pendant, and is a well-known, fine jewelry store October 2020 marks Silver similar to Tiffany’s. “Ever since my charms for Pandora, Trollbeads, City Sarasota’s 15th anniversary. first job at Birks, I’ve never stopped Chamilla and Brighton Bracelets.

A landmark year for any small A full 25% of every “Tide Away” working in jewelry,” she said with business, Galfre says that they are sale benefits Mote Marine. Key a smile. continuing to grow and thrive. chains sell for $20. A sterling “Many local residents and visitors silver necklace retailing for $69 is come to us for our custom-made the most expensive item. To date, pieces,” she said. Local residents Silver City Sarasota has donated and visitors from around the more than $5,000 from the sale of world are also drawn to the shop’s these products to Mote Marine.

Siesta Key Watercolor Gemstone™ Looking ahead, Galfre hopes to collection that celebrates the expand the line. “I’d like to sell beautiful colors that Siesta Key is the products wholesale, and make known for. more people aware of Mote’s Available exclusively at work,” she told the Siesta Sand.

Silver City Sarasota, Galfre’s Another area of the business contemporary Siesta Key that Galfre hopes to increase is her A Siesta Key Watercolor Gemstone (TM) Watercolor Gemstone designs custom design work. “So many sun design set in gold. showcase the collection’s bluepeople inherit jewelry that they Photo Credit: Siesta Sand green quartz stones set in silver or don’t like or know what to do with. gold as rings, pendants, bracelets Breathing new life into sentimental Siesta Key’s tropical beauty and earrings. Created by infusing pieces and creating something new became her inspiration. All the quartz with tropical colors that that can be enjoyed for many years jewelry found in the Silver City represent the waters of the Key, is something that I really enjoy,” Sarasota store, including Galfre’s the stones are polished and faceted own designs, pay tribute to the she said. before being set. Sterling silver During the month of October, in natural beauty of the beach and pieces begin at $89. Gold jewelry celebration of Silver City Sarasota’s the island creatures who make items begin at $145. From Tampa 15th anniversary, all regularly their home here. The Siesta Key to Naples, Silver City Sarasota priced merchandise, with the Sand Jewelry Collection by Holly also serves as the sole dealer and exception of the “Tide Away, Daniels Christensen is also watchmaker of Philip Stein Swiss popular. Featured on the television Save our Beaches”™ brand, will movement watches that retail from show “Entertainment Tonight,” be 15% off, and shipping within $200 - $2,000. Premium watch and the US will be waived. Silver each handmade decorative jewelry repair are also available on pendant, bracelet, pair of earrings, City Sarasota is located at 6539 location.

Midnight Pass Road, and open as well as other accessories are Looking back on her successful Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 made in sterling silver or silver career in the jewelry business p.m. www.silvercitysarasota.com. plate and contain authentic Siesta that includes the last 15 years on Telephone: 941-349-5030.

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OCTOBER 2020

Arts on the Horizon Mighty oaks from little acorns grow

That proverb rolls off the tongue very easily and, it is true, little acorns can grow into really big trees. But we all know that the saying is referring to little children growing into great men, or small enterprises growing into giant conglomerates. And, sometimes, small interesting works of dance being expanded into something a bit more major. Back in 2018, Sarasota Contemporary Dance put on a piece called “Departure”, choreographed by guest artists Erin Cardinal and Brian Fidalgo.

Two years later this acorn has grown into a more substantial work and is being presented by the SCD at the Historic Asolo theatre, just inside the entrance to the grounds of the Ringling

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By Rodger Skidmore

Museum, on October 1st - 4th (evenings Thursday thru Saturday at 7:30 pm and at a 2 pm matinee on Sunday).

The theme for this piece is one of migration. There is, of course, interpretation by the dancers in performing this work but, as always in contemporary dance, there is the interpretation by the viewer. Erin Fletcher, resident choreographer for the SCD, has also expanded an earlier piece of hers into something larger which explores the life of one of Hollywood’s most famous icons, Marilyn Monroe. Additional works will also be presented on these four days.

All of these pieces are part of Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s 15th year; thus the entire season carries the name Quinceañera in honor of the troupe’s coming of age. This particular series

Key Chorale announces a season of Coming Together Key Chorale has announced its 36th season, “Come Together,” which includes a combination of online streaming concerts, in-person concerts, reconceived rehearsals and events, and newly amended educational and community outreach. Never has their mission been more important than now. Key Chorale is resolved to use creativity and innovation to reinvent and re-imagine the ways they deliver that mission in this unprecedented season and in the seasons to come.

Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins, recipient of the Arts Leadership Award for Artistic Achievement, continues to produce one-of-a-kind programming, collaborations that inspire, and musical artistry that stirs the soul. This unique season brings the community together to experience the healing and hope of music.

Winner of the 2020 Chorus America Award for Education and Community Engagement, Key Chorale has been retooling and re-imagining all of their outreach programs for this season including their annual high school choral festival, their partnership with Visible Men Academy, a school for atrisk K-5 boys, and a student scholar program for high school juniors and seniors.

of performances is titled Evolving/Revolving. Normally this refers to the evolution of the choreographers and dancers, with revolving refers to the SCD bringing back well crafted pieces from the past.

While this is true, the first two pieces mentioned are both revolving and, as they are in an expanded form, have also evolved. How we attend such performances has evolved as well. There will only be 50 attendees each evening or afternoon, with seating arrangements following well accepted guidelines. For those that can’t get tickets, a live streaming option will also be available.

Following in this new tradition of simultaneous live and streaming viewing, a collaborative effort will be performed November 19th the 22nd. The harpist, Ann Pilot Hobson, has taken a work

by Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, and, inspired by the music of Astor Piazzola, has arranged this creation for harp, violin, and bandoneon, with jazz and classical influences. Ticket and streaming information at sarasotacontemporarydance. org.

What’s wrong with the second Friday of October?

Nothing. And that’s just what’s wrong with it - nothing is happening. Now take the first Friday of the month (10/2 - 6 until 9 pm) - that is when the First Friday Art Walk takes place to kick off the beginning of “The Season”. The theme is An Evening of Classics. One of the nice things about October is that it is not August. Or July.

Or September. October is the month that leaves traditionally fall in the Adirondacks and the thermometers hopefully do the same in Sarasota. With cooler daytime temperatures and drier breezes, evenings can be quite pleasant. Strolling along Palm Avenue, while keeping socially acceptable distances from returning snowbirds, looking at the paintings, art

photos, sculptures, and newly cast and pulled glass pieces on display in all the galleries is a great way to end a notso-great summer. (If your particular summer actually was great, that is wonderful news - please don’t feel too guilty.) And please, please, please note that the Art Walk is not limited to Palm Avenue.

While many galleries are located there, there are more on Main and State Streets, Burns Court and Burns Lane, and Pineapple Avenue. Some, but not all, offer small bites and liquid refreshments, to help you linger a bit longer at their establishments. Google: Sarasota “Art galleries” to plan your route.

The Third Friday Art Walk (10/16 - 4 until 8 pm) is a condensed version of the earlier one. This walk is centered in Towles Court, just a stones throw (please don’t throw any stones) east of the Palm Avenue action.

In a colony-type atmosphere reminiscent of, perhaps, Martha’s Vineyard, 15 or so artists, in individual or shared galleries, have their creations on display. There are many types of paintings on there oils, alcohol ink, watercolors - landscape, portrait, still life - realistic and abstract.

As surely as flowers follow the rain, the Fourth Friday Walk (10/23 - 5 until 9 pm), through the Historic Downtown Village of Sarasota, follows the third. What is this Historic Downtown Village - and where is it? There is a series of small bungalows that were built to house Ringling circus employees. That area is pretty much located in a rectangle from Washington west to Central Avenue, and from Fruitville north to Boulevard of the Arts. When the circus relocated, those employees did as well. As the buildings had aged a bit, the rents went down and others moved in (my Mexican landscape contractor lived there for a while). Since then

they’ve been bought up and now house a crystal shop, art galleries, a tea house and various other boutiques. Enjoy.

Rock Hudson and the Choral Artists of Sarasota

I remember when Rock Hudson was outed. I believe, for me at least, it was after he passed away. I said to myself, “Huh, I never knew.”

And, I guess to some degree, that was a way of saying that his being gay did not matter to anyone who was not personally involved. Since then I’ve read about hundreds of artists who’ve come out, or been outed by others. Some I’ve known about, like Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Samuel Barber. I think I learned recently about Francois Poulenc, but with so much going on these days, I’m not 100% sure that I did. Aaron Copland I was somewhat iffy about, but I had no clue about George Frideric Handel or Franz Schubert. Well, the thing that unites all of them is that they wrote beautiful music that I, and many others, have enjoyed for, in the case of Handel, over 300 years.

Hopefully, at some point in time 2020 may be seen as a year of reflection. If so, it is fitting that The Choral Artists of Sarasota have scheduled a concert titled “Out of Adversity: Embracing Our Differences”, featuring works by some of these artists. This concert will be streamed live on October 18th.

A video of the performance will also be available from Oct. 19th through November 18th. To further illuminate these composers and the societal adversity they faced back in their day, an insight conversation will be held at 10 AM on October 8th.

This will be a discussion moderated by Joe Holt with a number of guest speakers.

Information about the concert and discussion are at Choralartistssarasota.org.

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL Comprehensive Exam by the Dentist & X-Rays!

50

$ Their online streaming season opener, Together We Rise: Celebrating the Resilience of the Human Spirit, brings the community together to experience the healing and hope of music. The Key Chorale Chamber Singers will present an inspirational program of uplifting spirituals and music that celebrates the resiliency of the human spirit. Joseph Martin’s featured composition, The Awakening, is a journey to healing and joy through the power of music. “Awake, my soul, and sing! The time for praise has come. The silence of the night has passed; a new day has begun. Let Music Live!”

Premiering Friday, October 30th, at 7:30 PM. The online streaming concert will be available from the premiere date until November 22.

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941.312.0665

OCTOBER 2020

15 Paid Advertorial

27th State Media LLC

By Michael Holderness, all in my opinion

PUBLIC NOTICE COUNTY permit is required for Lido Key Groin/Jetty!

Sarasota County’s own environmental attorney agreed at the 2019 Coastal Advisory Meeting that the City needs a county permit for this major construction project of the groin/Jetty on South Lido. from man-made structures; impact beaches, beachfront dunes, beachfront bluffs, and beachfront vegetation necessary for maintaining shoreline stability and sea turtle nesting beach. Dunes are a far better alternative.

By design, the Groin/Jetty will permanently damage the park and section of its beach. unfixable, un-reversible, and permanently!!!

The above demonstrates what will happen after the construction of groin in Lido’s private Beach abutting County’s public park.

IMPACT TO NORTH SIESTA KEY SHORELINES

Status: City has yet to file with the county and Sarasota County Environmental Department has yet to red tag the city.

Why is county permit important?

The FDEP permit is conditional and #3 clearly states that it can’t construct a groin/Jetty without a county permit. Not to mention under the Coastal Management Act USACOE can’t spend a penny of federal funds if their partner (the city) is not in compliance.

THE county MUST act as the mechanism that triggers FDEP to action against this deficiency.

IMPACT TO TED SPERLING PARK:

Shortly after the sands were placed on the beaches, the shoreline at the groins area will transform because the groin catches sands and form protection to the shoreline. As time goes by, there will be less and less sand that can be caught by a groin, eventually, no sands left to be caught and the groin no longer be able to function to protect the shoreline.

In July, the following slide was sent to the partners Sarasota City and USACOE showing Ted Sperling Park will be eroded FIRST. Their NEW channeling has already started eroding the southern tip of COUNTY public park and is the cause of major rip currents.

As predicted, you can clearly see what is to come, and as of September 12th what is happening already.

Negative Impacts of Groins

The USACE plan proposed will destroy Big Sarasota Pass ebb shoal which is unique due to its shallow depths, breaking waves, and protection of the shoreline.

The negative impacts of groins on natural shorelines at downdrift is very well understood and documented.

When a groin works as designed, sand moving along the beach in the downdrift direction is trapped on the updrift side of the groin, causing a sand deficit, and increasing erosion rates on the downdrift side. This negative effect of groins is demonstrated by the Figure.

Groins also block public access along the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and barrier island passes (as defined by riparian rights under Florida Statutes 253.141) ; cause erosion damage to adjacent property resulting

The CMS modeling results conclude no adverse impacts to north Siesta Key shorelines. However, this conclusion is not consistent with the coastal process of the sediment transport across the Big Pass. In addition to the proposed mining that will reduce the total amount of sediment available to transport to Siesta Key shoreline, the deepened water depth will significantly reduce the amount of sand that would be able to transport to Siesta Key. This is particularly true right after the mining when the equilibrium of the sediment transport is not reached.

Therefore, I agreed with Atkins concern that “back-passing of sand by dredging a portion of the ebb shoal may interrupt this movement with consequent adverse effects for Siesta Key.” It will be impossible for nature to heal with Southern Jetty.

WHAT IS MISSING FOR LIDO SPP PROJECT?

COUNTY PERMIT REQUIREMENTS! The Lido Key Federal Shore Protection Project is located entirely seaward of Sarasota County Gulf Beach Setback line (GBSL) and waterward of Sarasota County 20-Year Pass Hazard Line (PHL). Section 54-723 in Chapter 54, Article XXII of the Sarasota County Code of Ordinances (Coastal Setback Code) states that Gulf Beach Setback Line (GBSL) and Barrier Island Pass 20-Year Hazard Line (PHL) requires: (a.) Prohibition: The following activities are prohibited Seaward of the GBSL and Waterward of the PHL, except as otherwise provided herein: (1) Construction or Excavation; Lido SPP includes dredging in Big Pass, which is excavation; construction of groins, which is construction and sand placement, which is also a construction. All activities in Lido SPP are prohibited by Sarasota County Coastal Setback Code unless a Coastal Setback Variance is granted by Sarasota County Commission through a Public Hearing process.

All public due process and county BCC opinions have been muted. There was no city text amendment followed by the required county approval through the permitting process. “Sec. VII-1304. - Seawall, groins, and beach protective devices. Where properties are located on the waters of the Gulf of Mexico or the waters of passes, seawalls, groins, and other beach protection devices or coastal armoring shall be erected in accordance with F.S. § 161.085 and only by special permit of the city commission, upon it being proved by the permittee at a public hearing held for such purpose that such beach protection works are necessary to prevent such erosion, are properly designed to prevent erosion of the property on which they are to be erected, and will not adversely affect adjacent and nearby properties.”

The County’s Environmental Permitting has yet to require the City to file a Coastal Setback Variance for Lido SPP project. City also needs a Waterway Navigational Control Authority (WNCA) major work permit from the county commission before they can build a groin. Due to County’s Environmental Protection Division negligence and mismanagement, no GBSL variance and no WNCA major work permit is filed by the City for the proposed dredging, groins, and beach nourishment project. Although sometimes a WNCA major permit and a Coastal Setback Variance can be combined into one public hearing event, at least one of them must be filed to do construction or excavation seaward of the GBSL and/ or waterward of the PHL. At a minimum, the City should file an after-the-fact variance application immediately for the dredging project.

The Big Pass dredging project is extremely controversial and had multiple violations during its permitting phases, (1) It violates Article XX, Sec 54-650 of Sarasota County Code of Ordinances, Waterway Navigational Control Authority (WNCA), and did not have a major dredging permit.

Without WNCA permit, no public hearing, and no public input (2) It violates Article XXII, Sec. 54-723 of the Sarasota County Code of Ordinances (Coastal Setback Code) for not obtain a Coastal Setback Variance for the construction of groin structures. Without a variance, no public input and public opinion has been eliminated (3) It violates Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan - Env Policy 4.6.1 – Prohibit dredge and fill activities in the Gulf of Mexico, bays, rivers, and streams of the county except to maintain previously dredged functional navigation channels and existing drainage canals. Maintenance of previously dredged waterways shall be accomplished in ways that are environmentally sound. All new environmentally sound navigation channels and beach nourishment projects require approval by the Board of County Commissioners and must be determined to be in the public interest. The dredging of new navigation channels other than those just described shall be prohibited (4) There is NO LEGAL PERMIT for Ted Sperling.

Only realistic conclusion Local and federal $ are being spent on this proposed Jetty and currently on dredging Big Sarasota Pass that will increase wave action and erosion rates at Public park, beaches, and private properties on Siesta Key. Therefore, the dredging should be halted immediately, and the groins should not be allowed to be constructed.

16

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2020

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.net

SK Chamber Update New Chamber Members Decker Plumbing & Drains

Locally owned and operated.

Come watch your Favorite Team on the Sunday Ticket!

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Offering Dine, To-Go and Catering Options

Easy access from The Key!

To enter from the back. Take a left on Gulf Gate Dr and a quick right after Longhorn, enter through the back of the parking lot.

www.mellowmushroom.com

6727 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231

941-388-7504

Decker Plumbing & Drains is a family-owned and operated business with over 20 years of plumbing experience and knowledge and has built a reputation as an honest, dependable Southwest Florida plumber for residential and commercial customers.

Decker Plumbing & Drains specializes in plumbing, drains, re-pipes, jetting, sewer camera inspections, water heaters, clogs, repairs, drain cleaning, and water filtration. Our goal is to set the standard for prompt, polite, and professional service - with every single customer, on every single job. Homeowners, businesses, landlords, property managers, general contractors, and more trust Decker Plumbing & Drains with all of their plumbing service needs.

Prices are based on the tasks or jobs needed to be done. We offer upfront pricing that will not change once the work begins and discounts are proudly offered to veterans, senior citizens, and first responders. Financing is available.

Decker Plumbing & Drains is able to book appointments 24/7 or call anytime for your free estimate. 941-979-0896. https:// www.deckerplumbinganddrains. com/

Gina Love

REALTOR-Berkshire Hathaway Florida Realty A standard in service -Gina Love offers expertise on a variety of lifestyle options in Siesta Key, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Bradenton with exceptional local knowledge and global connections. Her fondness for Siesta Key grew at a very young age when her family began making Siesta Key their favorite vacation spot. Siesta Key is truly a forever cherished treasure!

Cell: 941-780-7323 Office: 941-780-7323 http://www.ginalovesrq.com/

Online Ordering for Take out and Delivery

Key Life Charters

Recipient of Best of Sarasota Home Care Award

Serving Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte Counties

FL License #230517

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Key Life Charters has expanding! We are no longer just fun, private boat charters anymore. Key Life Charters is your surf and turf option offering land transportation, as well. Key Life Shuttle will get you around in our clean, 6-passenger Mazda CX9. On Siesta we are tips only!

Super low rates around Sarasota/ all surrounding areas and pick up/drop off at all airports from Tampa to Ft Myers. Skip the rental car and occasional hassle of parking. Let us get you around town or be your designated driver for a worry free day on the boat, in the Village, or around Sarasota.

Contact Mike Nix or Donna Nix at 941-400-4240 https://www.keylifecharters. com/

Emma Beans Natural Solutions

Emma Beans Natural Solutions is a minority woman owned company formed February 2019 in Siesta Key. The product, Pesky Bug Stay Away Sprays, were conceived from a book of recipes that belonged to CEO Jeanette Miller’s Great Aunt Emma, who lived in the junglemountains of Coamo, Puerto Rico. Each product is formulated for maximum effectiveness and manufactured at an FDA Registered lab.

Pesky Bug Stay Away Spray is much different and more effective than the many other personal repellents on the market.

Pesky Bug Away Contains the most proven, effective, natural, insect repelling ingredients in one product. It is one of the only products available to provide “Allin-One, All-Natural Sun, Bug, Dry Skin Protection.�

It is a spray lotion, not sticky, oily, greasy. It is one of the only, you can use on your face. It was originally designed to be a daily moisturizer that conditions and protects your skin. It can be sprayed on your clothing; it will not stain. This is important as all repellents work on odor and full coverage works best.

Available at: Siesta Beach Concessions, Beach Bazaar, Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Gift Shop, Crescent Grocery, 7-Eleven(Siesta Key), Morton’s Siesta Market, Economy Tackle, Tropical Beach Resorts Contact Jeanette Miller at 973229-4522 https://www.rgskin.com/

Casa Smeralda

After 13 successful years on Saint Armands Circle, Casa Smeralda begins a new chapter at Siesta Key Village. Casa Smeralda is an art inspired, trendy collection of cottons, linens, silks and other high-quality fibers. The store offers casual and unique sundresses, tops and bottoms, perfect outfits put together for your comfort and lifestyle along with unique gifts and treasures from the Himalayas, USA, India, Guatemala and Morocco. Stop in for designer trends and timeless style ‌ always with joy.

Mary Louise Leuenberger, 941388-1305 https://www.casasmeralda. com/

Chamber holds networking luncheon at Plaza Mexico

www.abridgeforindependence.com

Join us in a fun, upbeat and positive living environment!

941-927-0139 www.crotonmanor.com

KIMBERLY STANFORD, RN, BSBA, QMHP Business Owner/Operator

RATES START AT $2,000

Rob Skrzypkowski- SRQ Boat Charters, Robert Melo, ABI- New Door Real Estate, Gail and Judy Miller- GEM Travel Kathy Morgan- Parker & Associates, PA, Consultants, Sharron Skrzypkowski- SRQ Jimmy Bonner- Sherwin Williams, NancyBoat Charters jo Manney- SK Chamber, Angela Webster Carlson- OneGroup Wealth

Chamber members enjoyed kicking off the holiday weekend at Plaza Mexico! We had a great turnout for our luncheon. Thank you, Dago and staff, for the hospitality! We appreciate the following businesses for donating door prizes: OneGroup Wealth, Sherwin Williams, Parker &

Associates, PA, New Door Real Estate, SRQ Boat Charters, Siesta Key Jet Ski, Pesky Bug Stay Away, and Ear-Resistible Hearing Centers.

October’s networking luncheon will be at Connors Steak & Seafood on Friday, October 2, from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM.

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

OCTOBER 2020

27th State Media LLC

17

HOROSCOPE PAGE 22

VILLAGE MAP pgs 18 -19

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 35

CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 20 GULF GATE SHOPS pg 27

941.312.0665

Flag Ceremony We honored this 19th Anniversary of 9/11/2001, “The Brave” we lost as we remember the 2,977 who died 19 years ago, including 71 law enforcement officers and 343 firefighters who selflessly ran toward the carnage to save their fellow Americans and put their lives at risk working around the clock to pull Americans from the rubble.

Another 1,400 have since lost their lives due to related events of 9/11.

Our very own Siesta Key first responders of Station 13 were our honored guest representing all those that serve that we turn to in times of our need. We can’t thank them enough for what they do.

I encourage everyone to grab a box of tissues and watch the 9/11 Ceremony on Our Facebook page-“Patriots Pier at Sunset Point”.

The emotions still give chills to us that were there. The clouds and rain had just cleared.

Watch at the end of the “Never Forget” video even Remus

Consentino howled out loud. As we sang the Star Spangled Banner at “banner yet wave”, a large catamaran passing by blasted their horn to us, “Wave”. Watch till the end for the grand finale surprise.

Enjoy the “First Responders” Sculptures that Brian Wigglesworth and Andy built for us. They do an “AWESOMENESS” job and teach our next generations, about these special events.

About 3 weeks ago, Patriot David made a special trip to attend one of our ceremonies after he learned about the tradition. Here are the personal thoughts of David Vanderberg, a truck driver, that he shared with me as he was stranded on top of one of the New York bridges where he saw the “Twin Towers” fall on 9/11.

“A most unique and eerie quiet lies over our city. Teachers have stopped teaching. Bakers have stopped baking, stores and shops have locked their doors. Our

daily destinations and goals have vanished --just like the “Twin Towers” that once stood majestically, watching over our great city. The thief and CEO, the prostitute and the pastor have a weird resemblance upon their countenance--they share a strange fellowship. We have stopped living. We watch the dark, evil cloud that has usurped and now rules the air which moments earlier held first, the conversations, the laughter, early morning business and, secondly, shrieks of terror and shouts of horror and, finally the last breath. Our police, firemen, and EMT’s fought as gallantly as knights against a fiery dragon but hundreds of those knights have become victims, also. We watch in focused harmony and we pray, cry, and grieve in anguish for them all.

But we have not been broken or splintered. We walk boldly in one accord: we will not be moved. We are steadfast; our resolve is sure; our cry is loud and becomes one

with our forefathers; “Live free or die.” Righteousness will prevail over all enemy’s schemes. Man has the power to destroy our homes, our cities, and our lives. But, there is no power on earth that can destroy our faith, our hope, our love for life, our love of others, our soul, our spirit, or our freedoms!

Even if the last American’s blood were spilled on this land protecting these sacred values, we would not be defeated, for these values are eternal, for their source is our God. God Bless America.”

Thank you to Patriot David for these strong words and your many hours behind the wheel serving our country.

So, as we remember the events, we all can stand at Patriot’s Pier at Sunset Point and look to the south to be reminded by the flashing red tower of what happened to all of us

on that day.

Patriots, may we vow to “never forget” our hero’s and our duties to serve our next generations.

God Bless America.

Don’t Waste Your Island Time Crossing Bridges!

We are conveniently located just a few steps from Crescent Beach and minutes away from anywhere on the Key.

• Full Service Grocery • Party Trays • Boar’s Head Meat & Cheese • Domestic & Micro Beers • Fabulous Deli Sandwiches Made to Order! • Largest Wine Selection on Siesta Key • Farm Fresh Produce • Beach Supplies • Butcher Shop • Take Out Meals

We Deliver to Siesta Key!

941-312-0472 fax: 941-312-9588

www.crescentbeachgrocery.com

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

18

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2020

• SEGWAY RENTALS • PADDLEBOARDS • SCOOTER CARS • GOLF CARTS • BIKES • SCOOTERS • BEACH GEAR Map B #34

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.net

Blooming This Month: Bird of Paradise Plant

5255 Ocean Blvd • Siesta Key Village www.robinhoodrentals.net

941-554-4242

OPEN DAILY 8 AM - 2 PM SAFELY SERVING INSIDE & OUTSIDE DINING IN THE HEART OF THE VILLAGE

349-2822 Sterelitzia reginae, commonly known as Bird of Paradise. An evergreen perennial is widely cultivated for its dramatic flowers. This plant can grow to 6 feet tall & 6 feet wide with large, strong evergreen leaves that grow in fanshaped leaves. The flowers stand on a stem above the leaves. The flowers which

open one at a time consist, of three brilliant orange sepals & three purplish-blue or white petals. The blossoms resemble a bird in flight.

Bird of Paradise craves heat and are Winter hardy in Southern Florida. Plant them in full sun with good drainage. Cut off old blooms as an added bonus it will bloom off and on all year.

ACCOMMODATIONS Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa.......... Map-A #38A ATM / BANKS PNC ATM.........................................Map-C #61 Sun Trust Bank & ATM..................... Map-E #4 BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Blase Café....................................... Map-A #38 Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar........... Map-B #42-43 Gilligan’s.........................................Map-B #33 My Village Pub......................... Map-C #53/54 Siesta Key Oyster Bar....................Map-B #45 The Beach Club............................... Map-D #22 The Cottage......................................Map-C #58 The Hub-Baja Grill......................... Map-D #59 COFFEE SHOPS Bean Coffeehouse......................... Map-D #62 Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company......Map-B #31 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 Foxy Lady Fashions...................... Map-A #40 Ganja Mon Vibes.............................. Map-D #9 Gidget’s Coastal Provisions.........Map-B #44 Island Boutique............................... Map-B #50 Island Style.......................................Map-C #53 Lilly Pulitzer.................................. Map-D #66 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 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 #12

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

HEALTH & FITNESS Indep. Lifestyle Solutions ............ Map-D #10 Siesta Healing................................... Map-D #9 Siesta Key Fitness..........................Map-B #73 ICE CREAM/SWEETS Big Olaf Creamery...........................Map-C #52 Curly Cream Ice Cream................... Map-D #9 Local Chill Ice Cream................... Map-D #60 Made in Rome Organic Gelato......Map-C #53 Meany’s Mini Donuts.....................Map-C #24 Stefano Versace Gelato...................Map-C #50 SubZero Ice Cream/Yogurt.......... Map-D #16 The Fudge Factory..........................Map-A #36 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs............................ Map-D #65 Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company......Map-B #31 JEWELRY Created Gems..................................Map-C #51 Mount -N- Repair Jewelers............. Map-D #9 LIQUOR STORES / FINE WINES Gabbiano’s Wine Club................. Map-D #70 Gilligan’s.........................................Map-B #33 Siesta Key Wine Bar..................... Map-C #61 Siesta Village Liquors.................. Map-C #26 The Beach Club............................... Map-D #22

This is a statement plant for your garden if you have the space.

Currently in bloom in the Welcome Garden at Sarasota Garden Club. Located at 1131 Boulevard of the Arts.

Sarasota, FL Submitted by Kay Weber, Botanical Gardens Chair, Sarasota Garden Club

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

OCTOBER 2020

27th State Media LLC

19

ON HILLVIEW

Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus

Opens Daily 2pm

This sociable shorebird flaunts stunning aquamarine eyes set in vibrant contrast with yellow-orange skin around its mouth. The cormorant’s inky coloring resembles that of a stealth bomber; a sleek profile makes it a rather effective fisherman by air. Not only does the cormorant dive below the water’s surface to hunt, but it is also an accomplished swimmer! Oversized webbed feet and a long neck make the cormorant a veritable torpedo underwater. Additionally, the cormorant’s hooked bill tip is the perfect tool for snagging fish and crunching crustaceans—seafood delights making up most of the bird’s diet. Siesta Key’s interior offers prime habitat options for the cormorant to hunt and nest in mangroves near canals, bayous, and inlets.

Pizza, Craft Beer & Spirits

A Siesta Key Favorite!

Opens Daily 4pm Live Music Every Weekend

Reopening Mid-Oct Stay Tuned New Menu & Events Coming Soon!

Jan Baumgartner’s handmade notecards showcase Siesta Key natural scenic beauty and wildlife. Siesta Key Notecards are available in two locations:

LET US CUSTOMIZE SHIRTS FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT!

WE’VE MOVED

a few doors down Map D #11

BLVD Beachwear 5239 Ocean Blvd 941-349-2583 Shelly’s Gift and Christmas Boutique 4420 S Tamiami Trail 941-260-8905

MAILING - SHIPPING US Post Office................................. Map-D #65

WHAT BETTER WAY TO START YOUR DAY IN PARADISE!

MARKETS/FOOD STORES Circle K Store..................................... Map-E #6 Morton’s Siesta Market................ Map-C #25

• Organic and Fair Trade Coffees & Teas • Cold Pressed Coffee • Organic Smoothies • Light Lunch (Sandwiches) • Breakfast Sandwiches, Bagels & Lox • Homemade Pastries

MASSAGE Hands of Light Massage................ Map-B #35 The Spa at Calle Minorga............... Map-E #74 MEDICAL - DENTAL Sarasota Medical Center................ Map-D #63 Siesta Dental..................................... Map-B #49 Siesta Key Physical Therapy......... Map-D #20 MISCELLANEOUS Chamber of Commerce................Map-D #67 Prime Audio Video........................... Map-E #1 Roberti Enterprises.........................Map-A #39 Village Arcade..................................Map-C #53 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Attorney Fleming.............................. Map-E #1 Edward Jones Investments.......... Map-D #68 Smith Architects.................................Map-E 74 REAL ESTATE / RENTAL SERVICES Amy Robinson RE............................. Map-E #1 Coldwell Banker Realty................. Map-D #20 EXP Realty.........................................Map-E #4 Judith Guzzi & Assoc..................... Map-E #74 Keller Williams Real Estate............Map-D #11 Michael Saunders Realty..............Map-E #72 ReMax Alliance Group................ Map-C #29 RentSiestaKey.com........................... Map-D #9 Robasota Rentals & Real Estate.....Map-A #39 Siesta Key Rental Prop.................. Map-D #10 The Ringling Beach House Rentals...Map-D #9 Tropical Sands Accommodations......Map-D #67

48 47 46

RESTAURANTS / CAFÉS Another Broken Egg..............Map-C #54 & 55 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 Island House Bar & Grill............. Map-D #69 Lobster Pot...................................... Map-C #23 Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company......Map-B #31 Old Salty Dog Rest. & Pub............... Map-E #2 PI Pizza & Craft Beer..................... Map-A#37 Ripfire Pizza..................................... Map-B #47 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 The Seafood Joint.......................... Map-D #15 The Star Thai Sushi............... Map-D #17 & 18 Village Café.................................... Map-D #14 SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY Sassy Hair Salon............................ Map-A #40 Siesta Key Nails & Spa..................Map-D #9 Shaman Sanctuary Salon................. Map-D #9 SPORTS INTEREST/RENTALS CaliFlorida........................................Map-C #29 Robin Hood Rentals......................Map-B #34

941-260-6400

Map D #62

Coffee Shop • Tea Room • 5138 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key Village

Gizeh EVA Gizeh EVA Gizeh Silver Arizona EVA

Arizona EVA

Great For the Beach or the Pool! $ 95

44

Map D #64

Birkenstock & More Bringing you quality and comfort for more than 40 years!

5128 Ocean Blvd. Siesta Village

941-346-7425 www.rickscomfortshoes.com

Gift Certificates Available

20

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2020

941.312.0665

www.siestasand.net

CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Capt. Curt’s Backroom Saloon................B-3 #7 Crescent Club.......................................... C-3 #13 Sniki Tiki....................................................B-3 #8 COFFEE SHOPS Coffee Garden................................... B-3 #8 DELIS / BAKERIES 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 Green Turtle Swimwear......................... C-3 #14 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 Siesta Creamery....................................... C-3 #14 INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES Davidson Drugs..................................... C-3 #14 Mail Pack Center..................................... C-3 #14 LIQUOR STORES Crescent Beach Grocery...........................B-3 #1

Home of the Orange Squeeze

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

To advertise in

HAND MADE:

941.346.0202

• Ice Cream • Sundaes • Shakes

www.orangeoctopusicecream.com

OPEN DAILY 11AM - 10PM

1220 Old Stickney Point Road

call: 941-312-0665 BREAKFAST and LUNCH

SERVED ALL DAY

Siesta Key B

es tD

ine r

in Flo rida

MSN Food and Drink Jan. 2015

Full

All Natural

and

and Veggie

Breakfast Fresh Fruit Lunch Menu

Smoothies

Beer, Wine and

Bloody Marys

6621 Midnight Pass Road Just S. of Stickney Pt. Road

941-552-6485 Open 7 Days A Week ~ 7 AM - 3 PM

www.ToastedMangoCafe.com

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill 1500 Stickney Point Rd.

Anna’s Deli 6535 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Road

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

Davidson Drugs 6595 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Siesta 4-Rent 6555 Midnight Pass Rd.

Toasted Mango Cafe 6621 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #17

MAP C-4 #17

MAP C-3 #14

MAP A-5 #12

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

OCTOBER 2020

Snapshots of Island Visitors

27th State Media LLC

21

Photos by Trebor Britt

“Take Your Umbrella” Siesta Beach is slowly coming back to life again. Though is doesn’t look it from the angle of this photo, beach goers are social distancing. Lifeguards estimated the beach was only about 75% full over the recent holiday weekend.

“They ‘Dig’ Siesta Beach” Second time visitors, Andreas (11), Sasha (14), Nika (12), Nicolette (10) and Luka (4) of Miami dig deep enough on the Gulf Coast shoreline to find water. Their mom made the trip from Miami because she loves the flour like sand of Siesta Beach. “

“Using His Head” Neso Ivanis (26) of Akron, demonstrates his soccer skills with a volleyball on his favorite Florida beach. He convinced his friends to come here after the soccer tournament they were to play in was canceled in New Jersey due to the coronavirus.

“Beach n Eats” First time visitors, Bonnie and Stephen Eisenhard of Bath, PA enjoying a bite of the wide variety of food available to beach goers on spectacular Siesta Beach. They both said, “We love the friendly people, beautiful sand and extremely clean beach.”

“Lap Tube” Srhelya, Aitana (2) and Diane Sanchez traveled from Palm Beach to enjoy their holiday on the “child friendly” shallow shoreline of Siesta Beach. They were all first time visitors who promise to return.

“The Buzz on the Key” Local beekeeper, Ashley Williams and Siesta Key resident Cat Martin work to transfer a hive from a hollowed out dead palm tree on the Key, to a bee box so they can safely move the hive to another location. Williams is connected with the Suncoast Beekeepers Association and is enrolled in a five-year, master beekeeping course through the University of Florida. For help with bee issues start by contacting the Association at 941-746-1597. To purchase Siesta Key Honey contact beesmake@hotmail.com.

“Sand Art” Amateur sand sculptor, Jerry Dover of Venice poses near his mermaid and turtle sand sculpture created in about four hours from the powdery wet sand of Siesta Beach. He creates about 15 different scenes. Starting when he was a youngster, he sharpened his sculpting skills on the coastline of Myrtle Beach, NC.

“Natural Beach Chair” Giuliana (9) creating a sand beach chair around her sister Marcela (12) of San Jose, CA. Even though they visit relatives in Venice, because they love Siesta Beach so much, they visit three times a year. Their mom related her frustration with the California Governor who has now shut down all schools, including private schools and all churches.

“Caught in the Act” First timer, Koleigh Fox (4) of Virginia about to surprise her mother by dousing her with a bucket of water from the Gulf of Mexico. Koleigh’s mom commented, “The sand here feels like powdered sugar, it’s gorgeous. We’ll definitely be back.”

“No Stress Here” Relaxation comes easy for Keith Sears (24) and friend Kasey Arbuckle (21) of Greenwood, IN enjoying a cold beverage on spectacular Siesta Beach. Keith, a first time visitor, works for International Paper in Indianapolis and Kasey is a server at Bonefish Grill.

22

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2020

941.312.0665

Your October Horoscope • ARIES (March 21–April 19): It’s a good month to slow down and review everything you’ve done (and not quite gotten around to) with your planetary protector, Mars, in reverse and communicator Mercury poised to follow suit on the 13th (for three weeks). You don’t always have to be blasting full steam ahead, you know! The second half of October is good for romance, thanks to a new moon of fresh starts in your relationship zone and amorous Venus sailing in on the 27th.

• TAURUS (April 20–May 20): Make hay while the sun shines, and if your intentions involve any kind of partnership, grab the reins and make your overture, pitch or proposal soon! On the 13th, cosmic communicator Mercury shifts into retrograde, which can scramble signals despite your best efforts.

And then on the 27th, it backflips into your health zone, possibly causing an old issue to flare up again. A full moon in your sign on the 31st—Halloween—could be the highlight of your month!

• GEMINI (May 21–June 20): The first two weeks of the month are ideal for tackling an organizational challenge that’s been slowing you down—or to get that nagging ache checked

Answers on page 34 MarinerWord Search MarinerWord Search WORD LIST WORD LIST ROBERT BLLARD ROBERT BLLARD CHALLENGING CHALLENGING CONDITIONING JAMES CAMERON CONDITIONING JAMESCAMERON COOK JAMES JACQUES COUSTEAU JAMES COOK DECOMPRESSION JACQUES COUSTEAU DIVE DECOMPRESSION SYLVIA EARLE DIVE EDUCATION VAGN EKMAN SYLVIA EARLE ENGINEERING EDUCATION EXPERIENCE VAGN EKMAN EXPERTISE ENGINEERING EXPLORER EXPERIENCE GEOGRAPHIC GEOGRAPHY EXPERTISE GPS EXPLORER HABITAT GEOGRAPHIC LOMBARDI GEOGRAPHY NAVY GPS JACQUES PICCARD HABITAT PRESSURES PRODUCTIVE LOMBARDI REEF NAVY SPECIALIZE JACQUES PICCARD STUDY PRESSURES TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTIVE TOOL REEF WATER

Ocean Explorer Ocean Explorer

www.TheMariner.com www.TheMariner.com

SPECIALIZE Answers on Page 41 STUDY TECHNOLOGY TOOL WATER

www.siestasand.net

By Suzanne Gerber

out. On the 13th, your cosmic custodian, mental Mercury, shifts into retrograde in your sector of work, service and health, which can complicate the simplest of tasks.

And then on the 27th, when it somersaults back into your zone d’amour, you could wind up a bit, er, distracted, especially with love planet Venus in residence there.

• CANCER (June 21-July 22): An Aries full moon in your professional zone on the 1st brings a lot of attention your way, so don’t rush through important projects, especially those related to your work or business. That may be easier said than done, however. Impulsive Mars is retrograde in your career corner all month, meaning racing to finish something could cause unnecessary mistakes.

Plus, Mercury, the planet of communication, shifts into reverse on the 13th in your creative sector, which can lead to scrambled signals and unnecessary do-overs.

• LEO (July 23–August 22): Your month starts on a high note as your radiant ruler, the Sun, cruises through your community sector (with a new moon there on the 16th). A new friendship could take off in the coming weeks, so nurture it accordingly. But once the Sun relocates to your domestic quarters on the 22nd, all your socializing might be in your lair.

Got a work project to wrap up?

Make haste. The full moon in your professional zone on the 31st signals a major coup!

• VIRGO (August 23-September 22): Got a big ask to make? Figure out the best way to frame it but then plan to pull the trigger before the 13th.

That day, your ruler, expressive Mercury, turns retrograde in your communication center, which can scramble the clearest of signals.

You’ve also got charming Venus in your sign until the 22nd, which gives you the gift of gab and makes you irresistible. And if you’re wooing someone new, the first half of the month can make you catnip!

• LIBRA (September 23–October 22): You might feel in low-power mode this month, especially the second half, but hang in there! Lusty Mars is retrograde in your partnership house, and your ruler, romantic, Venus, is in your restful and introspective center—not exactly the flirtiest position for the cosmic coquette! But on the 22nd, she makes her annual entrance into your sign, dialing up your mojo and the heat. And a sensual Taurus full moon in your intimacy corner on the 31st definitely restores your purr.

• SCORPIO (October 23– November 21): It’s not all systems go (sigh) with your co-ruler Mars retrograde all month. And then on the 9th, it locks into a tense angle with your other co-ruler Pluto, which could spark some power struggles. Pick your battles carefully because you may not be firing on all your cylinders. But you’ll get some of your mojo back when the Sun enters your sign on the 22nd and a full moon in your partnership zone lights up the night sky on the 31st.

• SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21): Creative Venus is cruising through your professional sector until the 27th, which could add a feather to your fedora if you let enough people know what you’re up to. And with your ruler, expansive Jupiter, back in forward motion in your money sector, it might be more than mere plumes you’re collecting.

This is not the month for modesty or playing small, but if selfpromoting doesn’t come naturally

to you, ask a friend to signal-boost your efforts.

• CAPRICORN (December 22– January 19): Expansive Jupiter and your ruler, structured Saturn, have already corrected course in your sign, and on the 4th, the last of the trio, penetrating Pluto, follows suit. If you’ve felt stymied in any (or all?) areas of life of late, you can now take steps that will actually lead somewhere! But this isn’t the time to suddenly do anything rash or spontaneous. Think through your options, select the most appealing (and potentially most successful), then plot your moves for the rest of the year.

• AQUARIUS (January 20– February 18): Analytical Mercury is sailing through your career corner, so if you’ve got any big announcements to make, do it before the 13th, when the cosmic messenger shifts into reverse and all bets are off for three weeks.

Activator Mars is also retrograde in your communication sector all month, suggesting that any degree of exaggeration will backfire.

Less really is more! The cozy Taurus full moon in your domestic quarters on the 31st invites you to stay in, alone or, better yet, a deux.

• PISCES (February 18–March 20): There’s a lot happening behind the scenes this month, so don’t feel pressured to debut anything new—just yet. This is a month for doing your research and revising your plans, and giving more attention to your closest relationships. With amorous Venus cruising through your partnership sector until the 27th, couples can deepen your bond with your S.O. Or, if you’re single, a lucky swipe around new moon in your intimacy zone on the 16th could change everything!

Suzanne Gerber, a locally based intuitive astrologer, shamanic/energy healer and spiritual life coach with a global practice, is available for readings and healings by appointment: https:// www.starsandstoneshealing.com/ booking.

The Story behind Larissa’s Beautiful Gemstone…

Larimar is an extremely rare gemstone

Answers on Page 41 in the Dominican Republic. It found only

was originally discovered in 1916 then later re-discovered in 1974 by Norman Riling, a member of the U.S. Peace corps and Miguel Mendez. Mendez combined his daughter ’s name Larissa (Lari) with the Spanish word, sea (mar).

Often purchased by families for their daughters because of the special symbolism of mother, father, daughter - to represent the union of family.

The stone is formed when hot gasses push crystalized minerals up through volcanic “tubes.” Most small blocks of Larimar are in situ, meaning they exist in the very place they were formed. However, through soil erosion, some pieces broke off and were moved by rainfall down the slopes of the hillsides and rivers. The river deposited them in the Caribbean Sea where some pieces washed up on the seashore by the waves.

In order to excavate the Larimar gemstone, miners must dig deep into the mouths of the vast volcanos.

Larimar ’s exquisite light blue color often seems to capture the beautiful blue colors of the sea and sky found in the Caribbean. For that reason, it is also sometimes known as the Caribbean gem.

Larimar is considered a healing stone and the Atlantis stone because it is claimed that some islands in the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, where part of the lost continent of Atlantis. Today, thousands of people, including holistic practitioners, use Larimar to assist and re-enforce healing processes.

Many customers at Silver City have discovered that their collection of Larimar is the one of the largest collections in Sarasota.

See the vast selection in person or online at www.Silvercitysarasota.com.

LARIMAR STONE JEWELRY CREATED TO EVOKE YOUR FAVORITE GULFSIDE MEMORIES

www.SilverCitySarasota.com

Also available online at www.SilverCitySarasota.com Silver City Sarasota 6539 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL. 34242 Phone: 941-349-5030 Open Monday-Saturday 10am to 5pm Advertorial

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

OCTOBER 2020

27th State Media LLC

23

Sheriff’s Report 8/16 Grand Theft

and continued to argue with the victim, the subjects ended up leaving the area. The case remains open.

Police were flagged down on Siesta Beach near the red lifeguard stand after a couple reported the theft of an iPhone.

They went swimming around 4:30 pm and realized the phone was missing when they returned to their belongings on the sand.

The phone and case are valued at approximately $900. The case remains open and active.

8/22/20 Theft

8/19 Theft Complainant reported that he left a gym bag containing an iPad and an iPod unattended on Siesta Beach while he swam. When he returned, he was shocked to find that the bag had been stolen. The case remains open/active.

8/19/20 Vehicle Burglary The complainant reported that she went to the beach for approximately one hour. Upon her return, she noticed the doors to her Ford F150 parked in her driveway were ajar. The contents of the center console and glove box were lying on the seat. Missing was a set of vehicle keys with an estimated replacement cost of $1750. Fingerprints and touch DNA evidence was collected at the scene, and the case remains open.

8/20 Theft The victim called 911 to report an altercation near the red life guard stand at the public beach.

He left his belongings and walked to the water while using his phone, when he saw two males loitering near his belongings.

When he walked back and saw that his towel and ear buds were missing, he chased the subjects, one of whom ran while the other dropped the items in his hands and assumed a fighting stance.

They commenced a wrestling match until the other subject returned and convinced them to stop. They told the victim they were only borrowing his towel, did not steal his ear buds, and would help him look for them.

After one of the subjects proved less than helpful with the search

The complainant employee reported that two customers left “looking suspicious” and concealing items by their side.

When he approached them, he noticed one customer was concealing a phone stolen from the business. He shouted “stop”, but the subjects did not heed his warning. He followed the subjects to get a description of them and their car, but followed company policy by not getting into verbal/ physical altercations and instead contacting the police. Video footage is being submitted for review. The case remains open.

8/27 Theft The complainant reported that a male subject walked onto his property, opened the door of his Ford Bronco, and took a handheld battery charger/jumper.

Surveillance video shows the subject next enter an Audi A4 in the driveway and steal cash from the center console before mounting a bicycle and leaving the area. DNA evidence was collected, and the case remains open.

8/28 DUI The subject was reported asleep in the driver seat of a running car parked on Ocean Boulevard for approximately two hours. After several attempts by the police, the subject was finally awakened and exited the vehicle. Based on his bloodshot eyes, the smell of alcohol, and the presence of a large bottle of vodka on the passenger seat, the DUI investigating officer was called to the scene to issue field sobriety testing. After testing, the subject was placed under arrest for DUI.

8/30 Burglary of an Unoccupied Structure and Criminal Mischief

employee after she heard a male yelling that his girlfriend was inside and trying to break down the front door. When the police arrived, they noted a front door was shattered and a front entrance gate was heavily damaged. The defendant was located shortly thereafter hiding in the rear of the business behind the outside handler unit of the air conditioning with cuts on his hands and body and glass shards on his person. Based on video surveillance and evidence collected at the scene, the defendant has been charged and the case is proceeding.

9/2 Ttheft

Big G’s Oyster Happy Hour from 3-6 Every day 1/2 Priced House Oysters

Complainant reported that a paddleboard was stolen from a common locker area in the base of his condominium complex sometime between 6/1/20 and 9/1/20. The board was locked, however, it was removed from the locking mechanism. It is valued at $1200.00 The case is open and active.

9/3 Theft Complainant went to Turtle Beach with her now ex-girlfriend and another couple. Later that evening, she realized that her tablet was missing from her beach bag. She believes that one of the couple has the tablet because they are a “hacker”. She does not have contact information for the couple, but will try to find it and call back to update the police report. The case remains open and active, and contact will be attempted once more information is provided.

9/10 Theft Complainant reported that a young male subject tried to purchase beer, but was told they did not sell beer at the store after 2am. The subject then ran from the store with a case of white claws beer. Complainant jumped over the counter and chased the subject.

He was able to describe the subject and his vehicle, as well as provide photographic evidence. The case remains open and active.

Police were called to the scene of a business by a cleaning

Siesta Key Oyster Bar, or “SKOB” as the locals call it, is the hangout with the laid-back, beachy atmosphere that will get you right into the Island Spirit.

One of the things that set SKOB apart from the other restaurants in Siesta Key Village is that we have some of the best food on the Key.

Live Music Every Day and Night

Daily Drink Specials

Serving Sarasota for 45 years.

Sarasota’s only old-fashioned Butcher Shop, N.Y. Deli and Restaurant under one roof

Order Geese, Ducks, Rabbits, Rib Roast, Crown Roast, Beef

in

g

Tenderloin, Turkey

m Ti

Order For T hanksg o T e iv

Gravy, Stuffing, Suckling Pigs, Party Platters, Pies and

Fresh & Cooked Turkey

TurDucKen “Great Gift”

Side Dishes

We ship anywhere in the U.S.A.

Prime Aged Steaks, Chops, Seafood, NY Deli Meats, We Offer Complete Catering Services Sausage, Salads Voted SaraSota’S BeSt Philly CheeSeSteak and ny reuBen!

Open Monday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

www.alpinesteak.com 4520 S. Tamiami Sarasota, FL 34231

941.922.3797

MARKET & GRILL

217 AVENIDA MADERA SIESTA KEY

941-552-8826

www.THESEAFOODJOINT.com

CATERING AVAILABLE

24

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2020

Florida Fish of Siesta Key

Red Snapper

Yellowtail

941.312.0665

Fishing Report

Water World Fishing Report

Captain Brian Boehm

Capt. Rick Grassett, Sarasota CB’s Saltwater Outfitters (941) 923-7799 (office)

Fly anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good Florida action with snook, redfish, trout Puffer and bluefish recently. Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers president Ken Babineau, from Sarasota and Sailfish member Gene Mayberry, from Bradenton, fished a pre-dawn/flats Spanish Mackerel trip with me and had good action catching and releasing several snook and a red out of dock lights Dohlpin on small white flies before dawn

“Mahi-Mahi”

www.siestasand.net

reds may also frequent dock lights in late summer and fall. Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, blues and Spanish mackerel.

Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!

Quiet Waters fishing charters – run out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters in Sarasota, FL – found quality snook and redfish on both day & night trips. We found a fair amount of seatrout in mid depth flats and over deeper grass. A few anglers found some nice sized seatrout over deeper grass. Bait continues to be plentiful and that has helped to supercharge the fishing activity despite warm water temperatures. Night fishing around dock lights in Sarasota continues to be the best bet to consistently target large snook and tarpon.

They will eat the same size flies as snook, but if you’re specifically targeting redfish, it doesn’t hurt to go up a hook size so the fly is a little more visible.

The same rapala SXR-8 slashbait that works for snook has been doing the job on redfish as well.

Seatrout

Snook Mangrove Snapper Scoolmaster Lane Snapper Scamp Black Mullet

Snook have been active on the flats. Early morning topwater presentations have worked well for snook in skinny water. Points with consistent current and transitions from deep to shallow water have been good place to find snook. The night snook bite continues to be unbelievably good. Snook in good numbers is the norm with some areas holding extremely large snook.

Anglers fishing for snook at night with Quiet Waters did well on both artificial lures and on flies. The best artificial lures have been rapala’s SXR8 slashbait and very small artificial shrimp lures. Two inches seems to be the most productive shrimp size going right now. We hooked snook so large on the rapala that they straightened hooks and, in some cases, destroyed the plug.

Fly fishing for snook around dock lights has been just as productive as artificial lures.

One of the best flies has been a tiny clouser minnow that can pass as a shrimp or a glass minnow. The fly that has been producing very large snook is an EP pinfish fly. We lost a few snook over 40 inches on this fly over the last few weeks.

Snook

Red Drum “Redfish”

Tarpon

Baracuda

Gulf Flounder

Florida Pompano Jack Crevalle

AmberJack

Spotted Sea Trout

Redfish Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers (MCFF) president Ken Babineau, from Sarasota, with a red and trout caught and released on a fly while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.

Cobia

Black Drum

Catfish

King Mackerel

Blue Marlin

Black Grouper

Sheesphead

We moved to deep grass flats after daylight and they had steady action with trout to 22” and several blues on weighted flies fished on clear intermediate fly lines. The quality of trout, with quite a few over 20”, continues to improve since the continued red tide closure.

Fishing dock lights before dawn is usually dependable for snook and more and is a great way to beat the heat. Juvenile tarpon and

Tight Lines, Capt. Rick Grassett FFI Certified Fly Casting Instructor Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis Outfitter of the Year-2011 Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc. www.snookfin-addict.com and www. flyfishingflorida.us E-mail snookfin@aol.com (941) 923-7799 (office)

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.

Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans

Sarasota’s seatrout fishery has really come back. We’re seeing all different sizes of seatrout over deeper grass. In transition zones and on the shallow flats we’re finding the occasional large seatrout. We found larger seatrout over deeper grass as well. The deep grass is a great place to go if you’re an angler that needs constant action.

Seatrout move around quite a bit from day to day, but they don’t move far. Once you find a fish, you will generally find more in the area in the same size-class. A paddletail on a jighead is probably the best way to target these fish. We did well by straight swimming the paddletails and by jigging them off the bottom. Right now, baitfish colored paddletails or white paddletails will be tough to beat.

Tarpon

There are a lot of tarpon around right now. Most are juvenile fish, but we are seeing and hooking the occasional adult. If you can find the juveniles rolling early in the morning you should have a decent shot. At night we’re seeing tarpon show up in a variety of areas near dock lights.

We’ve hooked a bunch over the last few weeks and boated a few.

We target these fish primarily with flies.

Looking Ahead

Deeper potholes and trenches along mangrove lined shorelines have been holding redfish during the day. Probing potholes with a ¼ ounce jig tipped with a soft plastic has been a solid approach. Paddletails have been very effective on redfish. The Aquadream spoon has been a great redfish bait as of late.

At night, we’re still seeing plenty of redfish on dock lights. There are generally far fewer redfish on dock lights than snook. Redfish really like clouser minnow flies over dock lights. It must have something to do with the action of the fly.

Shallow water fishing should improve as we slowly transition to cooler weather and shorter days. Dock lights should continue to produce tarpon and large snook into the immediate future. We have been seeing bluefish over the deep grass and that should be a trend that grows stronger.

See you on the water!

Captain Brian Boehm Quiet Waters Fishing Guide at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Sarasota, FL 34242 941-400-6218 https://www. quietwatersfishing.com

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

OCTOBER 2020

25

27th State Media LLC

Captain Jim Klopfer’s Notes from the Island Fishmonger CRAB AND OYSTERS MADNESS Fishing Forecast October 2020 STONE BEGINS Adventure Charters 941-371-1390

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. Spanish mackerel, false albacore, king mackerel, and sharks are the main targets.

Threadfins caught on Sabiki rigs and free lined out behind the boat will catch just about everything. Trolling spoons and plugs will produce results, as well.

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.

Like a lot of folk’s fall is my favorite time of the year… as October in Florida is perfect. The weather is Casting jigs while drifting over changing into great golfing temperatures, beautiful deep grass flats will produce a sunsets, long beach walks and like clockwork, it is lot of fish in October. Speckled shellfish season. Hopefully by practicing safe social trout, pompano, bluefish, distancing suggestions we can return to healthy and mackerel, jacks, and ladyfish will safe work and social conditions. Whenever possible, hit a gold or glow Bass Assassin a dozen raw oysters, a few fresh cracked stone crabs, Sea Shad soft plastic grub on a and a cold one will take your mind of today’s present ¼ ounce jig head. Rootbeer and unrest. olive are also productive colors.

Of course, this time of the year the stone crab Use light colored baits in clear steals most of the press as stone crab season opens on water and dark colored baits in October 15th and most Floridians and snowbirds are stained water. Spoons, plugs, and enjoying their sweet crab fix for the first time before flies will also work well, as will the season ends in May. live or artificial shrimp under While it is true that stone crabs are a must have this a noisy cork. These same lures time of year, don’t overlook the quahogs, mollusks, fished in Big Pass and New Pass and bivalves. A few uncommon names for the will result in plenty of hook-ups common clams, mussels and oysters that thrive in the as the fish migrate from the Gulf colder months as the water temperatures fall. into Sarasota Bay. Fish right on It’s the time of year when we look for seafood the bottom for pompano and just delights that are a little heavier than the summer under the surface for blues and shrimp gazpacho dish and not quite as comforting macks. as a winter paella or jambalaya... no, what we are Redfish will still be schooled looking for in the fall is mussels marinara, seafood up, but their numbers will be gumbo or linguini with clams. However, my favorite diminishing. The shallow flats is the granddaddy of all shellfish, the oyster. in Robert’s Bay and the north Right now, the oyster profile is that of a very briny, end of Siesta Key are great spots buttery and clean taste with a salty finish. Oysters are to try. The docks and oyster most commonly eaten raw, steamed, or grilled. bars off of Siesta Key will also As a self-proclaimed oyster expert, it is essential produce redfish, along with that before I eat an oyster, I need to witness the snook, snapper, flounder, and opening of the shell to ensure maximum freshness drum. A live shrimp is a a great and taste. The best oyster bars shuck the oyster in bait for fishing docks while front of you and serve your freshly shucked dozen Bass Assassin Elite Shiners are with a cold draft beer. If you haven’t sat at the bar very effective working bars and at Monk’s Oyster Bar and had a dozen of their points. A high, outgoing tide is Monkefellas or had a dozen raw served with a best. mignonette sauce at Big Water Fish Market you are Snook will be back in the bays missing out on two local oyster recipe favorites. And and feeding aggressively on just in time for oyster season, Big Water Fish Market the flats, bars, and mangrove will open their newly renovated raw and stone crab shorelines. Shallow diving bar on October 15th. plugs such as an (08) olive X-Rap May the world be your oyster... whatever that are very effective and allow means. anglers to cover water quickly.

A Few Oyster Facts I Bet You Didn’t Know Creek mouths, points, bars, Get ready to be a connoisseur, because after you and docks that have current are read these oyster facts you’ll be able to impress likely ambush spots. Bridges your savviest friends and family with your oyster will produce a lot of snook for information. You might even change the way you eat nocturnal anglers. oysters and enjoy flavors you never knew were there.

1. Oysters change their gender. One of the most interesting oyster facts is that oysters change their sex during their lives, starting as males and usually ending as females.

2. An oyster can filter 1.3 gallons of water per hour. Oysters filter water through their gills and consume food, like plankton, in the process. Oysters can maintain the balance of a marine ecosystem by reducing excess algae and sediment that can lead to hypoxia, or low oxygen levels, causing other marine life to die. The oyster population of Chesapeake Bay used to filter the

Sea Turtle Nests Counts

A meal of oysters and stone crab.

entire water volume of the bay in just three days.

3. Oysters are shaped by their beds. The shape of oysters varies and depends mainly on how many other oysters crowd about them in the bed as they develop. Once an oyster attaches to a bed (a surface occupied by a group of oysters), it grows and forms around the surface it attaches to as well as the other oysters around it.

4. Pearls don’t only come from oysters. All oysters are capable of producing pearls, but not the shiny, pretty pearls of value. In fact, most pearls are harvested from an inedible type of oyster as well as from freshwater mussels.

5. Humans have been eating and cultivating oysters for thousands of years. Oysters have been eaten by humans since prehistoric times and cultivated at least since the times of the Roman Empire. The Roman Sergius Orata was the first person known to cultivate oysters by building a system that could control water levels.

6. O ysters get their flavors from their environment. Although most American oysters are the same species, they have different flavors.

Because oysters filter so much water, they develop a flavor profile from their environment.

Different bodies of water have varying levels of salt and different kinds of nutrients.

7. L ike wines, oysters have a variety of flavor profiles. The flavor of oysters can be categorized mainly by the following flavor characteristics: briny, buttery, sweet, metallic and mild. Experts can break down these flavors even further, picking out flavors like melon, cucumber, mushroom and more. Keep this tidbit of oyster information in mind next time you try an oyster on the half shell.

Oysters are rich in vitamins and nutrients.

Oysters contain a variety of vitamins and nutrients including zinc, calcium, magnesium, protein, selenium, and vitamin A. They also contain especially high levels of vitamin B12, iron and monounsaturated fat – the “healthy” kind of fat that you also find in olive oil.

Source: https://www.originaloysterhouse.com/ oyster-facts/

Live well...Eat fish Scott Dolan Big Water Fish Market www.BigWaterFishMarket.com 6641 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key

October 2020 TIDE CHART Florida, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Sarasota Bay

October 2020

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33'

October 31st concludes the sea turtle nesting season. The number of new nests has already become greatly diminished with only one new nest reported this week. The September 13th -19th

nest was on Lido Beach.

Here are the counts for the total number of sea turtle nests for the 2020 season.

2020 Total Nests

2020 Total FCs

Date

Day

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

Phase

1

Th

12:52a

High Tide 1.9

1:10p

High Tide 2.2

7:29a

Low Tide 0.7

7:54p

Low Tide 0.8

7:24a

7:16p

7:33p

7:04a

Full

2

Fr

1:02a

2.0

1:46p

2.1

8:01a

0.6

8:13p

0.9

7:24a

7:15p

8:02p

7:56a

3

Sa

1:15a

2.1

2:22p

2.0

8:34a

0.5

8:31p

1.0

7:25a

7:14p

8:32p

8:48a

4

Su

1:32a

2.2

3:00p

1.8

9:10a

0.4

8:49p

1.2

7:25a

7:13p

9:04p

9:40a

5

Mo

1:55a

2.3

3:44p

1.7

9:49a

0.3

9:08p

1.3

7:26a

7:11p

9:39p

10:33a

6

Tu

2:23a

2.4

4:40p

1.6

10:35a

0.3

9:26p

1.4

7:26a

7:10p

10:18p

11:27a

7

We

2:55a

2.4

6:00p

1.6

11:30a

0.4

9:40p

1.5

7:27a

7:09p

11:01p

12:22p

8

Th

3:34a

2.4

12:37p

0.4

7:27a

7:08p

11:50p

1:17p

9

Fr

4:24a

2.3

1:54p

0.4

7:28a

7:07p

10

Sa

5:34a

2.2

10:58p

1.6

3:09p

0.3

7:28a

7:06p

12:44a

3:03p

11

Su

7:11a

2.1

11:06p

1.7

1:56a

1.6

4:13p

0.3

7:29a

7:05p

1:43a

3:51p

12

Mo

8:50a

2.2

11:22p

1.7

3:43a

1.5

5:07p

0.3

7:29a

7:04p

2:46a

4:36p

13

Tu

10:09a

2.2

11:39p

1.8

4:49a

1.2

5:52p

0.3

7:30a

7:03p

3:51a

5:18p

14

We

11:14a

2.3

11:57p

1.9

5:41a

0.9

6:32p

0.5

7:30a

7:02p

4:57a

5:58p

15

Th

12:12p

2.3

6:29a

0.6

7:07p

0.6

7:31a

7:01p

6:04a

6:37p

16

Fr

12:16a

2.0

1:08p

2.2

7:16a

0.4

7:38p

0.8

7:32a

7:00p

7:12a

7:16p

17

Sa

12:39a

2.2

2:05p

2.1

8:05a

0.1

8:05p

1.0

7:32a

6:59p

8:20a

7:58p

18

Su

1:04a

2.4

3:04p

1.9

8:55a

-0.1

8:28p

1.2

7:33a

6:58p

9:30a

8:42p

19

Mo

1:34a

2.5

4:13p

1.6

9:50a

-0.1

8:46p

1.4

7:33a

6:57p

10:39a

9:31p

20

Tu

2:08a

2.5

5:46p

1.6

10:49a

-0.1

8:53p

1.5

7:34a

6:56p

11:47a

10:25p

21

We

2:47a

2.5

11:56a

0.0

7:35a

6:55p

12:50p

11:22p

22

Th

3:32a

2.5

1:10p

0.1

7:35a

6:54p

1:48p

23

Fr

4:33a

2.2

2:25p

0.2

7:36a

6:53p

2:38p

12:21a

24

Sa

6:11a

2.0

10:46p

1.7

3:31p

0.3

7:36a

6:52p

3:22p

1:20a

2:11p

Longboat Key

1136

1307

Lido Key

138

215

25

Su

8:16a

1.9

10:58p

1.7

3:25a

1.5

4:26p

0.4

7:37a

6:52p

4:00p

2:18a

Siesta Key

447

581

26

Mo

9:46a

1.9

11:13p

1.8

4:42a

1.2

5:10p

0.5

7:38a

6:51p

4:34p

3:14a

27

Tu

10:52a

1.9

11:28p

1.9

5:32a

0.9

5:46p

0.6

7:38a

6:50p

5:06p

4:08a

Casey Key

1515

1985

28

We

11:44a

1.9

11:41p

1.9

6:11a

0.7

6:16p

0.7

7:39a

6:49p

5:36p

5:00a

29

Th

12:30p

1.8

11:54p

2.0

6:46a

0.5

6:41p

0.8

7:40a

6:48p

6:05p

5:52a

Venice

478

685

30

Fr

1:11p

1.8

7:19a

0.3

7:01p

1.0

7:40a

6:47p

6:35p

6:43a

Totals

3714

4773

31

Sa

12:07a

2.1

7:51a

0.2

7:18p

1.1

7:41a

6:47p

7:06p

7:35a

1:50p

1.7

©2020 FreeTideTables.com - For comparison only - Times are local - Tides in feet from MLLW

3rd

New

1st

Full

26

Siesta Sand

OCTOBER 2020

941.312.0665

Off Key

By Bob Frederickson

From Hurricane Cures to Spiking the Curve…

• 2ND Month Free • Free Move-In Truck • Entire Facility Carpeted • Free Lock & Keys • Big Garage Bay For Loading And Unloading • Climate Controlled 941.315.5222 5260 Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, FL 34231 www.thelockup.com

Handmade Antique Rugs Bought and Sold

Florida’s Largest Selection of Antique Oriental and Chinese Rugs for 45 Years

Mosby oriental rugs

941-925-1025 by appointment www.antiqueorientalrugs.com

HOTTEST BAR IN GULF GATE...

MLB/College Packages FULL BAR

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

www.siestasand.net

“Oh No, There Goes Tokyo...”

Norwegian scientists have supposedly come up with a method they think can prevent major hurricanes. The key?

Bubbles. Yes, bubbles. Like those you’d see floating up from the cheesy looking castle in the fish tank you hounded your mom and dad into getting you when you were a kid.

The idea here is similar to that aquarium example: pump air into deep, cooler water layers of the ocean which in turn forces that water to ride up along a trail of bubbles to the surface, bringing the temperature of the surface waters down, thus robbing storms of the heat energy they need to develop into major hurricanes.

Now I’m no scientist, but I do know that hurricanes supposedly serve a purpose: to equalize ocean temperatures by moving warm water from southern latitudes to cooler ones farther north. So, what makes us think we can control the earth’s thermostat better than the forces of nature that have aligned to take care of this assignment for the past 4.2 billion or so years?

Questions like that always remind me of the simple logic found in that great line from Blue Oyster Cult’s ‘70’s classic Godzilla: “History shows again and again, How nature points out the folly of men,

Go, Go Godzilla!

(Amen).

Political Science?

Now there’s an oxymoron for you. After all, a scientist is supposed to tell you things that are true. A politician is forever trying to find new and convincing ways not to.

Sanibel North on Lido Key? The controversial dredging underway to re-nourish neighboring Lido Key may not be popular with Siesta residents, but one group clearly thrilled with the project is shell collectors, a.k.a. ‘shellers’ who have been drawn to Lido from as far away as Lee County – home to some of the world’s most renowned shelling beaches – thanks to the bounty of shells the dredging operation is depositing on Lido shores.

The prospect of finding rare treasures has proven to be an unexpected draw at a time when Lido businesses clearly needed one.

But if you’re looking to add a rare jewel to your collection, don’t dawdle. The spigot will be turned off soon with dredging set to wrap up by the end of October.

And for all you folks worried about Siesta Sand being moved to Lido: Fear not. Prevailing currents in the Gulf all but assure it will return to Siesta and Big Pass over the months and years to come. In fact, one big storm might just get the job done.

Takiing Good News Wherever We Find it With all the grim news we’ve

Island Chatter to the board in advance of the meeting noted that the Siesta Farmers Market has been operating in Davidson’s Plaza since 2009. The latest TUP application, it added, was submitted by Bryan Eible — who founded the market — and Lloyd Dobson, who serves as the manager.

The memo said, “There have been no complaints against the Farmers Market since its inception, and the community has continued to generally

been hearing throughout the summer, I was surprised to see tourist development tax revenue for Sarasota was close to unchanged for July of this year compared to the same month in 2019. The county took in $1,710,621 this July vs. $1,753,072 last year. That’s a difference of just $42,451, or just over 2 percent, a far cry from the collapse of 40-87 percent in such revenue month-over-month for March and April of this year as the area locked down over virus concerns.

Heading Back to the Basement Pew Research Center reports a majority of young adults in the U.S. live with their parents for the first time since the Great Depression.

Stupid is as Stupid Does Police in Oxford, Ohio, home to Miami University, were called to an off-campus home to investigate reports of a large gathering of students in violation of state Covid-19 rules limiting such gatherings to 10 or fewer individuals. As an officer was checking the ID of one student at the ‘gathering’ he was stunned by what he found, telling the student “I’ve never seen this before.

There’s an input on the computer that says you tested positive for COVID?” To which this matriculating genius replied ‘yes,’ that he tested positive about a week prior.

One can only hope this underachiever isn’t a pre-med student.

Continued from page 10

support the Farmers [Market].”

Each commission vote to approve the TUP has been unanimous, starting in 2008, the memo pointed out.

The cost of the permit is $140, according to the application that also was provided to the commissioners prior to the meeting.

The market hours are 8 a.m. to noon, the application said. Average attendance was estimated between 200 and 400 people. The number of vendors

was put at 18.

The application further noted that the property manager for John Davidson, whose family owns the plaza where the market takes place, has given the market permission to continue operations.

Among the vendors are Grumpy’s Farm Market, which offers fruits and vegetables, as well as sellers of candles, handpainted china, bonsai, batik items, green tea, glass art and soaps.

www.siestasand.net

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OCTOBER 2020

27th State Media LLC

27

DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE Where else can you watch your favorite game with a great selection of beers, wines and liquors served by a friendly staff AND where you’re allowed to bring your own restaurant or deli food? Right here.

6500 Gateway Ave. – 941-554-8905.

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.

Solórzano’s Late Night Pizzeria (S-32): At every Solórzano’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 3:30 a.m. 6574 Superior Ave., 941-9245800.

Pride of the South (S-34) Pride of the South has been awarded Top 1

2

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, 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 size.

Call (941)926-0099. See you soon.

Gulf Gate Food + Beer (S-51): Sarasota’s late-night hot spot for the service industry, night owls, and midnight snackers.

It’s not your typical sports bar offering unique menu selections for carnivores and vegetarians. Be sure to check out their menu online at: eatfooddrinkbeer.com. Hours: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. (Sun. - Thurs.) open until 2 a.m. (Fri & Sat.).

ROBERTS REALTY, Inc. (M5) John Garner, Broker Assoc. & Diane Shane, Broker Assoc. have a combined 40 years’ experience in Sarasota of making dreams come true for our clients. FOR BUYERS, we have had great success in finding the right property for our clients because we listen closely to their wants and needs

3

4

and matching that as close as possible. FOR SELLERS, over the years we have successfully listed and sold many, many properties throughout Sarasota County. OUR PHILOSOPHY is to have fun, enjoy the experience, achieve great results, make friends and receive referrals. We’re with you every step of the way! Call 941-924-2330 or drop by our office.

Only Eyes, Optical (S-24) brings a new, exotic, eclectic, eccentric, unique collection of vintage, hipster, contemporary eyeglasses and sunglasses to the community. Licensed and experienced optician available to fill your prescriptions. Only Eyes Optical has a large assortment of free frames with the purchase of new lenses. Call 941-444-7984 to set up an appointment with their licensed optician.

Mellow Mushroom serves a one of a kind pizza pie. The flavors and ingredients are just as unique and special as the restaurant’s design. Try a Mellow Mushroom stone-baked pizza, munchies, calzone, salad, hoagie, or even a burger. Pick from our selection of 24 draft beers or tasty, handcrafted cocktails. And, many of our pizzas can be made gluten-free or vegan.

Located at 6727 S. Tamiami Trail.

941-388-7504.

5

6

Siesta Nails & Spa

Hooters

Stein Mart

Publix

Michaels

© Island Visitor Publishing, LLC 2018

Ba Am nk o eri f ca

Panera Bread

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

2

3

4

G12 G11 G10 G9 G8 G7 G6 G5 G4 G3 G2 G1

G24

5

G14 G13

EYE EXAMS AVAILABLE

$

complete frames* & lenses

89 bifocal

| $189 progressive digital lenses

69 single vision

$

bring your prescription • FREE FRAMES while supplies last.

Pay only for plastic lenses • FREE ultrasound cleaning of glasses • Most repairs available on site

6541 Superior Avenue Gulf GAte BuSineSS DiStrict SArASotA, fl 34231

941.444.7984 onlyeyesoptical.com

E

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

G-4 D

C

B

Gulf Gulf Gate Gate Drive Drive

Gulf Gulf Gate Gate Drive Drive

A

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

Lo Ho ng rn

1

Marshall’s

G16 G15

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

Superior Avenue

Books-AMillion

Beall’s Outlet

G23 G22 G21 G20 G19 G18 G17

Gateway Avenue

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.

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

From Vintage to Modern An extension of your personality

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

M7

M6

M5 M4 M3 M2 M1

GULF GATE Sun Trust

With our map, located below, you’ll be able to navigate your way to our featured shops with ease.

The Shop SRQ (G-2) offers flat-tops, fades, tapers, blowouts, razor cuts, and straight razor shaves. Owners, Erick and Dawn use a back to basics approach to grooming with a precise attention to personal detail. Their commitment to excellence has provided them with many loyal customers. They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust.

Hours: Tues. – Fri. 8:30am – 6pm, Sat., 8:30am – 3pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

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.

Gulf Gate Barber Shop (G-11): has been an institution in the community for years, owned by Kyle Flannery. The super-clean barbershop’s clientele is E comprised of primarily men, but the shop services children as well. Scott Reich, formerly of the Siesta Key Village Barber Shop has relocated to this location.

D At the original Word of Mouth Restaurant (G-31), every seemingly insignificant detail receives special attention C from the warm, inviting decor to each specially crafted variety of freshly baked muffins to the signature menu items.

B This small diner is where the locals come to eat breakfast and lunch. Take a look at their menu at originalwordofmouth.com.

Hours: Mon-Sun.: 8 a.m. – 2 A p.m.

West End Pub (G-49)

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3

4

5

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• SEGWAY RENTALS • PADDLEBOARDS • SCOOTER CARS • GOLF CARTS • BIKES • SCOOTERS • BEACH GEAR

G-2

5255 Ocean Blvd • Siesta Key Village www.robinhoodrentals.net M-5

941-554-4242

S-34

Catering Available

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

941.926.0099

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Casey Key Shoreline

www.siestasand.net

Continued from page 3

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 47 HOMES FOR SALE PAGE 45 SIESTA KEY MARKET STATS PAGE 40

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 RESIDENCE 3929 HIGEL AVENUE $5,000,000 Located on the north end of world-famous Siesta Key, this impressive estate captures the true essence of island living.

Behind mature and lush landscaping, gated entry leads you down a secluded driveway to this magnificent residence set on perhaps the best homesite in Nettie Bayou with over 300-feet LOWEST PRICED SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE 810 PLYMOUTH STREET, $530,000 Charming Siesta Key home, just minutes away from the sugary sands of world famous Siesta Key Beach and the conveniences of Siesta Key Village. Nestled away in a

beautiful location surrounded by lush, tropical landscaping and a tree canopied street.

This very well maintained 2 bedroom, 2 bath home with single car attached garage, shows pride of ownership and is move in ready. Recent updates include new A/C with duct work, windows, power

of waterfront and beach access literally steps from your front door. Designed for entertaining and a relaxed island lifestyle, this home’s masterfully renovated living areas open to multiple terracing outdoor spaces creating a seamless flow throughout.

Walls of glass, rich wood flooring, exotic stone, intricate moldings and trim, and beautiful ceiling detail add depth and warmth to further enhance the symmetry from room to room. The stunning

panel, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer, additional brick pavers, interior and exterior paint, landscaping and lanai screen enclosure with door. The home boasts ceramic tile and wood floors, living room with wood plank ceiling, crown molding, kitchen with stainless appliances, range

Point of Rocks & Crescent Beach.

Updated Kitchen with Stainless Appliances, Tiled Backsplash, Grey-Planked Flooring, New Paint, Tiled Bath etc! Open Living/Dining Areas leading through slider doors to the Screened Lanai! Small Complex of 14 Units! #1 Americas Best Beaches! Good-sized storage space! Owner has used lightly and

equipped boathouse and an additional dock with lift will please the avid boater or water toy enthusiast and the location allows for direct access to the bay and Gulf of Mexico beyond.

Newer seawall, garage space for 4 cars, and incredible storage are just a few of the other highlights.

This home and property are the ultimate combination of indoor and outdoor space together with amazing island amenities.

Courtesy of Premier Sotheby’s

hood and granite counters. The master suite has wood floors, walk in closet and an updated en suite bathroom with new shower door enclosure. French doors lead out to the screened and tiled lanai where you can enjoy the privacy of your tropical oasis.

Courtesy of Horizon Real Estate

HIGHEST PRICED CONDO 797 BEACH ROAD, #501 $1,065,000 Enjoy full panoramic Gulf views and tropical breezes from the top floor of this 3-bedrooms, 2-bath Siesta Key condominium. This 5th floor, spacious end residence has a 27’ glassed and screened lanai expanding the living area for your additional entertaining or dining enjoyment. Updates and newer

LOWEST PRICED CONDO 6713 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD, #4N $259,000 INVESTORS AND SIESTA KEY LOVERS ALERT: Amazing price/ location on Siesta Key for this 1BR/1 bath ground floor condo! Turn key Furnished with Top of Line Coastal Furnishings. Just down from

kitchen is completely open to the casual dining area and family room as well as providing direct access to the enormous covered and screened outdoor kitchen and eating area creating one amazing entertaining space. Additional covered and uncovered seating areas including a 22 x 60 foot screened room, pool, spa, outdoor shower, and fire pit to provide ample outdoor venues for taking advantage of the Florida lifestyle. The rare fully-

furnishings make this unit easy to rent (weekly, monthly or seasonally) or use for your own Florida get-away. Directly across from this condominium is world famous Siesta Key Beach. Crescent Royale has on-site management and rental office; complex amenities include internet access, heated pool and lounge area, sauna and exercise facility, recreation room plus bar-b-que grills and picnic area. Public beach facilities

include tennis courts, playground, rest rooms, picnic tables and grills plus volleyball courts and much more.

Walking distance to Siesta Key Village with many restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. Enjoy walking on Siestas powder-fine sand, swimming in the Gulf or watching majestic sunsets from your own lanai.

Courtesy of Key Solutions Real Estate

AirB&B Rentals (2 week rental policy allowed). Low HOA Fee (incl. water, sewer & Cable TV)!

Assigned private parking space with additional guest parking available. Siesta Breeze trolley that stops right in front of the condo to take you into Siesta Key Village!.

Courtesy of Palmer House Properties

5450 Shadow Lawn

JUST LISTED! SETH: 941. 342. SOLD AL: 941. 479. 1175

$925,000

Al Nemore & Seth Westerberg

Mid-century modern home on an oversized lot with 85 feet of waterfront canal! 1/2 mile stroll to Siesta Beach! ‣ 3 Large bedrooms | 2 baths ‣ Custom kitchen remodel ‣ Easy boat ride to Sarasota Bay ‣ Open concept split floor plan ‣ 2 Car garage ‣ 3 sets of sliders to screened lanai

NMLS #1783476

Marty Remillard NMLS#343653

No Lender Fees 941. 223.9416

highdefinitionmortgage.com

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

195 Vista Hermosa Circle, Unit#9-A, Sarasota, Florida

Wonderfully remodeled Freestanding Vista Hermosa Villa just a short walk to World Famous Siesta Beach. You will fall in love with this 2-bedroom, 2-bath villa. Two week rentals make this a very attractive property for a investor or just picking up some extra income when you are not enjoying the property for yourself. Custom solid wood cabinets in the kitchen with granite counters & upgraded stainless steel appliances.

Designer bathrooms boasting tumbled marble & granite. Smooth ceilings with custom lighting. Designer tile & carpet throughout. Nothing has been spared. New A/C in 2017 and also a recently installed tankless water heater. The association replaced the roof in 2016. You are just a short walk to dining & nightlife. This villa is being sold turnkey furnished (with some exclusions). Already booked for 2021 Season.

$399,000

OCTOBER 2020

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322 Island Circle, Sarasota, Florida

803 Paradise Way, Sarasota, Florida

Beaches, Boating & Bistros!! Live the island lifestyle in this spacious 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom house located on desirable Palm Island when rented was grossing approx. $60k in rental income. Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master bedroom and master bathroom. This house boasts a 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. Privacy abounds with a lovely tropical view across the canal. Huge bonus area on lower level. This house is located on Palm Island which is a Island on a Island and is a sort walk to World Famous Siesta Beach(Beach Access 10) and Siesta Village with all its excitement and wonderful dining. This is the Perfect Home or Investment property for the discerning buyer.

This Fully Renovated Siesta Isles Home is located on the Grand Canal at the intersection of the canal with 205 ft of seawall on Excellent Boating water. When you step into the home you are greeted by unobstructed water views with the Clearview Non-Vertical Support Pool Cage. Unbelievable Chefs Kitchen with 16 foot Quartzite all-natural stone counter. Master Bath has Multiple Shower Heads & Rain Shower. All bath counter tops are Quartzite all natural stone. The lighting throughout interior and exterior of the home is new, as is the electric main service & sub panel. Lot is freshly landscaped with new Paver driveway & decking with outdoor low voltage lighting. Lovely Pebble Tec Mediterranean Blue Pool surface graces the saltwater pool with a new 130k BTU pool heater for those cooler months. The huge fenced yard includes a secluded dog run. Just a short walk to #1 Siesta Beach’s soothing white sand & sparkling emerald waters.

$857,000

$1,595,000

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Summer Cove features five star amenities directly on the Intracoastal Waterway

Tucked behind lush tropical foliage on Midnight Pass Road, Summer Cove on Siesta is one of the best kept secrets on Siesta Key. A unique luxury property with impressive modern architecture, Summer Cove features five star amenities directly on the Intracoastal Waterway. Two contemporary white mid-rise buildings situated on three and one-half acres, the condominium complex includes 45 three bedroom residences ranging in size from 2,100 to 3,000 square feet.

Built in 2007, a typical unit features an open floor plan with 9 foot ceilings, a gourmet-style kitchen, spacious living room, three bedrooms, 2 ½ to 3 ½ baths and two balconies affording generous space for wonderful outdoor living.

Bob Ruiz of Key Solutions Real Estate has listed and sold several units at Summer Cove.

He considers Summer Cove,

one of the newer condominium complexes on Siesta Key, to be a premier community. “The resortstyle pool and spa, first class clubhouse with fitness center, and boat and kayak facilities provide for five star amenities.

The very spacious units, each with two balconies and coveted three bedrooms, are unique to Siesta Key and highly sought after.”

The community’s premier location on the Key affords easy access to both bridges linking the Key to the mainland as well as Siesta’s two villages featuring fun, eclectic restaurants, shops, and services. Formerly home to the renowned Summerhouse Restaurant, the original building has been converted into an amazing clubhouse with private state of the art fitness center, TV lounge, game room, gathering and meeting spaces, full kitchen and owners’ lockers. To the rear of the property directly

on the Intracoastal Waterway is a magnificent tree canopy and beautifully landscaped lush tropical gardens alongside a resort style pool and spa as well as kayak storage and lift, and grilling area. Boat docks, available for purchase on a first come, first serve basis, complete the extravagant Summer Cove property.

Summer Cove is a gated community with entry to all buildings secured by a key card system. A private, keyed elevator provides access to each unit and secured under building parking is assigned to each unit.

Importantly, deeded access to the famed Siesta white sand beaches, is right across the street and is included with all units.

This property is unique in it’s pet policy in that it permits up to 2 pets with no weight limit.

RECENT SALES AND CURRENT LISTINGS

Three Summer Cove units have sold in the past six months.

A 2,166 square foot, three bedroom two and a half bath unit sold in April for $896,000 – a square footage sales price of $414. A second unit sold in August for $1,050,000 or $438 per square foot. This 2,400 square foot unit includes three bedrooms and 2 ½ baths, and features direct water views.

The third unit sold in June for $2,200,000. The 2,490 square foot three bedroom three bath unit sold for $883 per square foot.

Among the two condos currently listed for sale is a fully upgraded 3 bedroom, 2½ bath light and bright end unit with abundant windows and doors - all with hurricane code

impact glass. Enter the unit from your private elevator into a large lovely foyer.

Enjoy natural light on 3 sides; 9’ ceilings; and a gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances, wood cabinets, granite counter-tops, and breakfast bar. The spacious living room is open to the kitchen on one end and a large balcony with water views on the opposite end. A split plan, the master features sliding glass doors which open to a lovely balcony with a view of the Gulf, his and hers walk-in closets and a luxurious master bath with jetted tub, large walk-in shower and double sinks.

The two additional bedrooms are entered through an extra-wide hallway and enjoy walk-in closets and peek-a-boo water views.

The large laundry room with sink and garbage chute accesses the stairs to the garage. This condo includes 2 indoor garage parking spaces very convenient to the unit. The unit is listed for $975,000.

To learn more about Summer Cove and the units currently available, contact Bob Ruiz, Key Solutions Real Estate Group, at 941-544-3299 or RobertRuizRR@aol.com

www.siestasand.net

www.siestasand.net

941.312.0665

Historic House started the preservation process when we bought the property,” Donald Liebenritt told the Siesta Sand. “When we learned of the approval, we were very pleased,” he said. “Our motivation was to keep the history of Sarasota and Siesta Key alive. We are so happy that we got it done and we very much want to be a part of Siesta Key.”

OCTOBER 2020

Continued from page 1

According to documents submitted by the Liebenritts in support of their application, the history of The Cottage at 7208 Point of Rocks Road dates back to the days following the end of World War II. Philip A. Gavin, the owner of an antiques store in downtown Sarasota, purchased the property in 1945.

When World War II ended,

Liebenritt stated.“Our goal was to make The Cottage safe and habitable and to historically designate it to ensure its continued existence as a historically significant structure on this part of Siesta Key,” the couple wrote in their submission for historical designation.

“We were successful because of the work done by general contractor Ramsey Frangie, of Ramate Construction, who is experienced in the rehabilitation of historic structures, and Lorrie Muldowney, president of Creative Preservation, LLC, and president emeritus of the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation,” Liebenritt said in a telephone interview.

Muldowney could not agree more. “It was a wonderful undertaking and great team work between the property owners, the general contractor and myself,” she said.

The Point of Rocks community is situated on the southern end of Siesta Key. The Cottage sits at the corner of Point of Rocks Road and the southern portion of Point of Rocks Circle. It’s location, Muldowney believes, is another important factor that adds to the cottage’s historical significance.

“The Point of Rocks Cottage is such an important placeholder on that road,” she said. “The fact that it is in that location... where it has been for decades, even though there is a larger home on the site closer to the water .... it is set back far enough that the little cottage speaks to its environment and looks very unchanged. The setting of the area has been well maintained and The Cottage has remained original.”

The importance of historical designation in Siesta Key, Muldowney noted, is to “preserve these historic little structures. It helps us to recognize the unique qualities of our community. Catherine Luckner, president of the Siesta Key Association voiced her enthusiasm saying, “I hope that the historic designation of the Point of Woods Cottage will encourage more preservation in Siesta Key. People do love that we have history.”

The Cottage at 7208 Point of Rocks Road is now listed on the local Sarasota County Register of Historic Places.

Liebenritt, a Chicago native, said that The Cottage is characteristic of both wood frame and masonry vernacular styles of the years between 1925 and 1953. It also brought back fond memories of his family vacations as a boy when “we stayed in cottages in South West Michigan.” He and his wife began visiting Sarasota and the Key with their own family in the 1980’s.

In 2013, the couple purchased another home on Point of Rocks Road and became aware of the small two-story cottage that would eventually be their own.

We learned that “it represents early development on the Key,” Liebenritt said. Research showed that The Cottage had been built on the north end of Siesta Key in the 1930‘s.

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Gavin moved The Cottage by land from another location on the north Key to its current location to provide a home for his daughter Sarah and her husband, Charles See, a US Marine who had served during the War. Over the course of time, the Sees added a porch, a one story addition facing Point of Rocks Road, and a carport. A decorated solider, See remained in the Marines and served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

He died in 1984. Some 15 years after her husband’s death, in 1998, Sarah See sold The Cottage to Pauline Hayden. In February, 2019, property was sold to the Liebenritts who began the historical preservation process soon after.

“This was our first time dealing with a historic property,”

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Call Team Dunn to see one of these extraordinary homes or discuss your real estate goals.

5100 Ocean Blvd | Sarasota, FL 34242 | 941.349.3444

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Classifieds / Here’s My Card ACCOMMODATIONS / VACATION RENTALS • 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.

• Landings Carriagehouse, $2,500 per month. Call Jim 941-539-0774.

• Siesta 4 Rent - Vacation Rentals, from studios to 5 bedrooms.

Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500

AUTOMOTIVE DELIVERY

• DRIVER for YOUR vehicle, cargo and pets. Sarasota/Siesta Key/Port Charlotte area to MICHIGAN ONLY. Offering services that carriers/haulers are unable to provide. Background check.

Bonded. Insured. Chauffeur’s license. Retired law enforcement officer. 941-323-3945 or 313-434-2070 or www.yhvaletdriving.com

AUTOMOTIVE VALET

BOATING RENTALS / FISHING CHARTERS CONTINUED

www.siestasand.net

HOUSE WATCH CONTINUED

Captain Jacks Yacht Charters

Capt. Jack Wallace 941.320.8700 www.sarasotachartervessel.com Pleasure Cruises only Sunsets/Weddings/Special Occasions Hourly, Daily, Weekly

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

(941) 961-4309

www.SuncoastHomeConcierge.com

• 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.

MEDICAL

CLEANING SERVICES

Green Magic Cleaning Service

“Residential and Commercial”

We don’t cut corners, we dust them.

Board-Certified dermatologist skin CanCer • laser • Botox and Hair/nail disorders

A family owned business with 16 years of experience.

Sarasota to Tampa Airport $ 89 each way

Airport Shuttle Limo/Taxi

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30 941.735.4732 $

• 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

CONTRACTORS • 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 homeimprovement dreams into a beautiful reality. Call 941-650-9499 or visit their website: www.hawksnestconstruction.com Lic#CGC060852.

All Ports In Florida

BOAT SALES

Your Companion

Compassionate Company To Help You Through The Day

Offering Transportation and Companionship to.... * Doctor Appointments * Beauty Salon Appointments * Shopping and more!

941-923-4301

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

HELENE M. HYLAND REALTOR®

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

5145 Ocean Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34242 Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC

LANDINGS RESIDENT OWNED AND OPERATED

www.SheSellsSiestaKeySarasota.com

• 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

DRY CLEANERS

RESTAURANTS

410 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228

Environmentally Conscious Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service

Brian Mouldey

“Licensed & Bonded Yacht Broker” Check out Brian on Facebook @ spindriftbrian

941.926.7546

www.dermatologyexperts.com

Patricia Newman from 9am-5pm

To advertise in call: 941-312-0665 Yacht Sales

1952 Field Road Sarasota, Florida 34231

Please call for complimentary interview:

Stress Free • Smooth and Easy Ask for Eddie

Spindrift

J Morgan O’Donoghue, MD.

Direct: 941-374-1697 Office: 941-383-7781 Email: spindriftbrian@gmail.com

BOATING RENTALS / FISHING CHARTERS

Dolphin Watch • SunSetS • half Day aDventure SailS

Free Pick Up & Delivery Service Call

from your home or business

941-275-4647

ExEcutivE Shirt SErvicE • houSEhold itEmS • SamE day SErvicE availablE

HOUSE WATCH

House Watch Sarasota

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

SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY

Olde Fashion Barber Shop

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

ther”

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Southgate Barber Shop

Sailing From Marina Jack, Sarasota

Kathleen D Sailing Catamaran 941-896-6400

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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

(Across from the Westfield Siesta Key Mall) 2081

Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239

Walk-Ins Welcome

New Summer Hours Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM

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941.312.0665

OCTOBER 2020

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HOMES FOR SALE • THE POINTE - Lovely well maintained fourth floor 2/2. Water views from every room. Spacious lanai spanning across the unit overlooks Little Sarasota Bay and the ICW. Inside washer/dryer closet and abundant closet space. Furnished - just bring your clothing and personal items and you can have the best of everything. Gated community with every amenity. MLS# A4470344 $429,000.00. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-5443299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

patio. Lighted covered dog run and lush tropical low maintenance landscaping add to your outdoor paradise experience. 4847 COMMONWEALTH DR, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS#A4472487, $994,500. Key Solutions Real Estate, 941-894-1255 ONE OF A KIND 3 BED condo at the south end of Siesta Key. Impeccably renovated corner unit on the 9th floor. There are high-end finishes throughout including solid wood kitchen cabinets with granite counter-tops and stainless appliances. The very large master bedroom with ensuite bath features a jetted shower and walk-in closet lined with custom cabinetry, a storage dream. 9397 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #901, SARASOTA, FL 34242 , MLS# A4456891, $789,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255 50k PRICE REDUCTION! Surrounded by water, this light and bright, rarely available PENTHOUSE END UNIT affords some of the BEST VIEWS on Siesta. Look to the north to the GULF and LITTLE SARASOTA BAY, west to spectacular sunsets over the Gulf and east to the abundance of WILDLIFE in the bay. This nicely appointed 10th-floor unit is being sold partially furnished - just bring your clothing and personal items! 9393 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #P1, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4458168, $625,000, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941-894-1255

EXCELSIOR - TRULY FABULOUS 2 /2 WITH PRIVATE BEACH ACCESS. Completely recently remodeled one of a kind END UNIT with exquisite finishes, the unit is being sold beautifully furnished.

The open floor plan with vaulted ceilings and abundant new High Impact WINDOWS features a huge living room with big views of the ICW and Bay. MLS #A4468456 $744,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz, Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

SUMMER COVE - Enjoy the finest of Siesta Key in this fully upgraded 3 bedroom, 2½ bath luxury condo.

A light and bright end unit with abundant windows and doors (all with impact glass built to hurricane code), enter the unit from your private elevator into a large lovely foyer. Enjoy natural light on 3 sides; 9’ ceilings; a gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances, wood cabinets, granite counter-tops, and breakfast bar, this unit offers incredible island living. MLS #A4469222 $975,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz, Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

HARBOUR TOWNE YACHT CLUB - Bright and spacious 3/3 townhome directly across the street from Siesta Beach and yards to the ICW by boat.

Deeded slip with 20k pound lift directly outside the unit. Attached garage. Gated community with tennis, pool, clubhouse, etc. MLS# A4447427, $599,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

NEW PRICE CHARMING NEWER SIESTA KEY HOME. This home exudes all the best qualities of island living from the moment you walk through the door you’ll notice the open floor plan and brightness, this is a 3/2 home with fully fitted kitchen with stainless appliances tiled floors, and garage would make great holiday home/rental investment or a great alternative to a condo. 5025 SANDY BEACH AVE, SARASOTA, FL 34242, MLS# A4455201, $765,999, Key Solutions Real Estate, 941- 894-1255

MODERN KEY WEST- STYLE HOME in a secure water community with the coveted Easy On/ Easy Off North Island Location. Priced well below similar nearby homes for quick sale. Beautiful, low maintenance heated-lighted saltwater pool and spa is hidden behind an 8-foot high privacy fence and enclosed in a covered, screened Cabana Entertainment

Beaches, Boating & Bistros!! Live the island lifestyle in this spacious 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom house located on desirable Palm Island when rented was grossing approx. $60k in rental income. Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master bedroom and master bathroom. This house boasts a 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. Privacy abounds with a lovely tropical view across the canal. Huge bonus area on lower level. This house is located on Palm Island which is an island on an island and is a sort walk to World Famous Siesta Beach(Beach Access 10) and Siesta Village with all its excitement and wonderful dining. This is the Perfect Home or Investment property for the discerning buyer. Dan Miller, Re/ Max Tropical Sands, 941-376-7442.

WONDERFULLY REMODELED FREESTANDING VISTA HERMOSA VILLA, $399,000, 195 Vista Hermosa Circle, Unit#9-A, Sarasota, Florida. Just a short walk to World Famous Siesta Beach. You will fall in love with this 2-bedroom, 2-bath villa. Two week rentals make this a very attractive property for an investor or just picking up some extra income when you are not enjoying the property for yourself. Custom solid wood cabinets in the kitchen with granite counters & upgraded stainless steel appliances. Designer bathrooms boasting tumbled marble & granite. Smooth ceilings with custom lighting. Designer tile & carpet throughout. Nothing has been spared. New A/C in 2017 and also a recently installed tank-less water heater. The association replaced the roof in 2016. You are just a short walk to dining & nightlife. This villa is being sold turnkey furnished (with some exclusions). Already booked for 2021 Season. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands, 941-376-7442.

This Fully Renovated Siesta Isles Home is located at 803 Paradise Way, Sarasota, Florida on the Grand Canal at the intersection of the canal with 205 ft of seawall on Excellent Boating water. When you step into the home you are greeted by unobstructed water views with the Clearview Non-Vertical Support Pool Cage. Unbelievable Chefs Kitchen with 16 foot Quartzite all-natural stone counter. Master Bath has Multiple Shower Heads & Rain Shower. All bath counter tops are Quartzite all natural stone. The lighting throughout interior and exterior of the home is new, as is the electric main service & sub panel.

Lot is freshly landscaped with new Paver driveway & decking with outdoor low voltage lighting. Lovely Pebble Tec Mediterranean Blue Pool surface graces the saltwater pool with a new 130k BTU pool heater for those cooler months. The huge fenced yard includes a secluded dog run. Just a short walk to #1 Siesta Beach’s soothing white sand & sparkling emerald waters. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands, 941-376-7442.

Ready to move in! You’ll experience easy living when you enter this beautifully maintained & decorated Lee Wetherington Home in Tara Preserve Golf Club Community. This bright, inviting, coastal-style home has 3 bedrooms & 2 full baths. Turn-Key ready, this tastefully furnished home boasts many impressive upgrades including: custom plantation shutters, extensive crown molding, tray ceiling, 10 ft. doors, 11 ft. ceilings, ceramic tile, cathedral ceiling in main living area, and watering & security systems. The beautiful furnishings & serene color palette makes this coastal cottage the perfect retreat. Enjoy colorful sunsets from your private, screened in lanai with rolldown shades. This community offers many appealing amenities for a healthy lifestyle including: walking/ jogging/biking trails, heated swimming pool, tennis & pickleball courts, clubhouse as well as the 18 hole Championship Golf Course designed by Ten McAnlis.

Membership not required. Conveniently located just one mile west of I-75, you’re a short drive to Tampa, UTC Mall, Downtown Sarasota, Airport, & the pristine Beaches! If you’re sitting up North reading this, I have only one question...What are you waiting for? Call Joe Kesslak (941-321-8585 or Wendy Kesslak or email at jkesslak@kesslak.com or Wendy4Siesta@ gmail.com at Gulf Coast Group.

MOVE-IN READY CONDO: Welcome to one of the most desirable units in all of Serenade on Palmer Ranch, which even has its own garage! This corner penthouse unit overlooks a large pond and faces west for gorgeous sunsets every night from your screened-in covered lanai! Walking in, you’ll immediately notice the extra tall 10-foot ceilings with double crown molding and open concept living. This is the largest unit available with three bedrooms and two baths on a split floor plan, with lots of storage. Updated appliances include a Samsung range, KitchenAid convection microwave, ultra-quiet Samsung dishwasher, and new washer.

The A/C was replaced in 2020 and comes with a dehumidifier. The generously-sized master suite easily fits a king-sized bed, and has a large walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. In the guest bath, you’ll find updated porcelain tile flooring and new vessel sink with designer faucet. Ample storage is found throughout with a coat closet at the entrance, closet pantry in the kitchen, linen closet in the hallway, and a storage room just outside your front door. This is a gated community full of resort-style amenities, including two large heated swimming pools, hot tub, fitness center, tennis court, club house with entertaining space both inside and out, and BBQ grills. You also have the added benefit of sending your kids to the most desirable of Sarasota schools.

This Condo truly must be seen in person. You won’t be disappointed! KW on The Water, MLS # A4478624, $218,000, presented by the Westerberg Group. Call Al (941) 479-1175 or (856) 278-7522 or Seth (941)-342SOLD (7653).

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Siesta Key Coalition Before purchasing a condominium about five years ago in a Calle Miramar complex, Spiegel said, he researched the zoning restrictions. As a developer himself, he added, he knew the potential existed for someone to undertake the transformation of the neighboring land, which was zoned Commercial General (CG) and had single-story office buildings on it. However, he was satisfied that the restrictions for that area, as detailed in the Siesta Key Overlay District (SKOD), would not allow anything too intense. “I learned what was allowed by right,” he pointed out.

“Ironically, not hotels.”

For example, Spiegel continued, the maximum height for development in the CG/SCKOD zoning district is 35 feet above the ground-floor elevation specified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Recent construction plans the Sarasota County Commission has considered have put that first level of construction just above

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the 18-foot mark.

“I’ve never opposed a development my entire life,” Spiegel added, emphasizing that he would not object to what someone has the right to build.

Steve Blaising, who represents the owners at the 222 Beach Road condominium complex, across Beach Road from the hotel parcels, agreed with Spiegel. “I always assumed that [the site] would be developed.”

Yet, Blaising added, “The magnitude of [the hotel project] is a challenge.”

The density concern

One other, “deeply concerning” factor, Spiegel told the SNL is the project team’s desire to eliminate the density regulation for accommodations on all the county’s barrier islands.

Attorney Matthew Brockway of the Icard Merrill firm in Sarasota explained in the preliminary application for the project that his clients plan to request an amendment to Future Land Use Policy 2.9.1 in the county’s

Comprehensive Plan, as well as an amendment to the county’s Unified Development Code (UDC), which combines all the county’s zoning and landdevelopment regulations.

The Comprehensive Plan amendment calls for treating transient accommodations as a non-residential use. The proposal would remove the language in the Code that says, “Each transient unit not having a kitchen shall be equal to ½ dwelling unit. Each transient unit having kitchen facilities shall be equal to one dwelling unit.”

In the materials he submitted to county staff, Brockway added, “These text amendments will eliminate residential density and residential density calculations for Transient Accommodations, and instead rely on existing height, bulk, setback and other commercial development standards and requirements.”

Diane Erne, vice president of the Siesta Key Condominium Council, pointed out to the SNL that if the County Commission

Commissioners deny petition thing? Or at least ask permission to do it?”

“I imagine they might be able to ask,” Berna replied, as some do have undeveloped lots seaward of the county’s Tenacity Lane right of way that are not protected by conservation easements.

Construction is not allowed on those easements, he noted.

“Can you in good conscience say [that the owners of the 636 Beach Road parcel] would absolutely be the only [ones] out of this group to do that, ever?” Detert asked, referring to the application for the CSV. “I can’t make that definitive statement,” Berna replied.

Saba Sands LLC, whose principal is Sarasota attorney William Saba, was seeking board approval to demolish a two-story-over-parking, single-family residence with 3,990 square feet of habitable space and replace it with a new, three-story, pile-supported structure that would contain 17,106 square feet,

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ahead of it,” Erne pointed out.

The group’s core members are working hard to educate Siesta residents about the multiple facets of the proposal.

Erne talked of her excitement about the coalition leaders.

“There’s energy; there’s commitment; there’s depth of understanding.”

“What we aren’t,” Spiegel emphasized, “is a bunch of cranky neighbors that hate development.”

Spiegel has put together his own presentation to highlight coalition members’ concerns.

He emphasizes what he calls the Key’s “death by 1,000 cuts” if the hotel project and Comprehensive Plan amendment ultimately win approval.

“Pretty soon,” he said, “we’re on a path to be a very dense and congested area overall.”

For more information about the group, email SKCoalition@gmail. com. The SKA also has created an SK Coalition page on its website: https://siestakeyassociation.com/ projects/sk-coalition/

County Commission in 2011.

Ultimately, following a hearing that lasted close to two hours, Detert made the motion to deny the CSV petition, winning unanimous support from her colleagues.

She talked about her participation in a public hearing on a similar application, shortly after her election to the board. “I was just taken aback. I found it frankly shocking that [someone] would have the nerve to ask for that kind of a variance. To me, it’s beyond the spirit of the law that was written,” she continued, referring to the GBSL. Noting that she spent 14 years as a real estate agent and 25 years as a mortgage broker, Detert continued, “I’m not anti-property owner. But, to me, you’ve got what you bought. … It does take a lot of nerve to ask for multiple units on this [636 Beach Road] property.

This just sets a horrible precedent, as far as I’m concerned.”

Given all the No. 1 Beach accolades Siesta Key has received, Detert pointed out, “We’re going to attract a lot of investors that want to change the look of it. To me, it’s one of the jewels in our crown here in Sarasota County.”

She would prefer it resemble the natural state of Sanibel Island, she said, “instead of Anna Maria [Island] or even Miami Beach.”

After Commissioner Charles Hines seconded the motion, Commissioner Alan Maio said he also would support it.

Maio referred to testimony by Christine Johnson, president of the Conservation Foundation of

the Gulf Coast, and Rob Patten of Sarasota, who worked in various environmental and coastal division positions with the county over a period of 40 years.

“Why do we have such strict rules on beachfront development?”

Patten asked during his comments. The reason, he said is that shorelines are unstable.

Patten called statements that people can build seaward of the GBSL because the beach has accreted significantly since 1948 a “polite fiction.” (In 1948 and 1974 aerial photos Berna showed the board, the Gulf of Mexico was much closer to the property at 636 Beach Road.)

Patten stressed that the barrier islands “move; they change.”

Johnson pointed out that the Foundation owns nearly 2 acres adjacent to the 636 Beach Road parcel. The proposed increase in residential intensity on the land, Johnson said, “has a high probability” of upsetting the balance between public use of the beach and wildlife’s use of the beach. Six dwellings in place of one, she pointed out, would lead to “increased foot traffic, beach use and lighting pollution.”

Patricia A. Petruff of the Dye, Harrison, Kirkland, Petruff & St. Paul firm in Bradenton, the attorney for Drs. Lisa and Amir Arbisser, who live next to the parcel, referenced Rees’ remarks that six dwelling units is reasonable use of the property at 636 Beach Road. “No, it’s not,” Petruff said.

The owners of the land when four previous CSV petitions were granted for the parcel “determined that the reasonable use” was a single-family home, she added, though at one point, she said it did appear that a duplex stood on the site.

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as Berna explained to the commissioners on Aug. 26.

At its farthest point, the new construction would be 191 feet seaward of the county’s Gulf Beach Setback Line (GBSL), which was established in 1979, the staff report noted.

The elevation of the first floor, Berna said, would be 18.3 feet, Com parison elevation which is “typical for construction on Siesta (MHWL).

Key.” “This is the minimum variance Attorney Stephen D. Rees necessary to permit reasonable Jr. of the Icard Merrill firm, use of the property,” Rees told the representing Saba Sand, stressed commissioners, referring to state that the new building and and local regulations regarding accessory construction would have private property rights. no impact on the barrier island’s He further noted that the design coastal systems. “I’m making that of the new structure would be abundantly clear.” almost identical to the building Rees emphasized that the at 610-616 Beach Road, for which new building would be 793 feet the owners won a CSV from the from the Mean High Water Linewww.TheMariner.com

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were to get rid of the density requirement for transient accommodations, the Calle Miramar hotel no doubt would be the first of many.

Spiegel referred to that potential as “the slippery slope,” noting “how dangerous those precedents can be.”

About 44 more acres on Siesta have the same CG/SKOD zoning as the hotel site, he said. For one example: Through his research, Spiegel noted, he learned that Louise Khaghan of New York City, owner of the land slated for the hotel, also owns the 27,850-square-foot parcel that is home to Blasé Café. That is across Calle Miramar from the proposed hotel site.

As she sees it, Erne said, Brockway’s proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment says hotel guests “don’t really exist. … That’s a crazy argument.”

The goal with organizing the coalition now — even before the formal application has been filed with county staff — is to “get

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IMPORTANT NUMBERS 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

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Volleyball Fanatic

Lilly

This month’s Volleyball Fanatic is Lilly of Atlanta, Georgia. She’s a collegiate player at Louisiana State University and travels all over the southeastern United States playing beach volleyball. As a serious competitor, she always plays in the Women’s Pro Division.

She related the tournaments on Siesta Beach are among her favorites each year.

Photos by Trebor Britt

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