IV Siesta Sand - September 2016 by Brion Palmer

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

LIDO PROJECT UPDATE County Commission agrees that potential for harm to Siesta Key warrants Environmental Impact Statement on Lido project

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ST. MICHAEL’S 1ST CHURCH FESTIVAL

St. Michael’s Slated For First Annual Festival

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ARTS ON THE HORIZON

FDOT staff expresses serious concerns about proposed Siesta Promenade project By Rachel Brown Hackney www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com One day before Benderson Development submitted its latest application to Sarasota County regarding its proposed Siesta Promenade project at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road, a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) engineer sent a letter to Sarasota County’s transportation planning manager, pointing to the “astonishing 175 percent total increase” in crashes at that intersection between 2010 and 2014. The Siesta Promenade plan has been classified a Development of Regional Impact (DRI), according to a document filed with the county’s Planning and Development Services Department. According to Florida State Statute 380.06(1), a DRI “is defined as any development which, because of its character, magnitude or location, would have a substantial effect on the health, safety or welfare of citizens in more than one county.” The Benderson application proposes the rezoning of the

Rendering of the proposed Siesta Promenade

approximately 24-acre site to Commercial General to allow 140,000 square feet of commercial space, 150 hotel rooms and about 600 dwelling units. In response to a question from

SNL about the timeline for county staff review — and subsequent Planning Commission and County Commission public hearings on Siesta Promenade — county Planner Steve Kirk explained that

county staff had reviewed the scope of work proposed in the firm’s Critical Area Plan (CAP) application, which was filed July 21. Continued on page 18

Message Received: FDOT nixes roundabout option, plans right-turn alternative and other improvements at Beach Road and Midnight Pass By Roger Drouin

Art events coming to our area

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WHO’S PLAYING TONIGHT

Changes are coming to the intersection of Beach Road and Midnight Pass — but the option that was chosen by the Florida Department of Transportation is likely to have some residents, vacationers, and business owners pleased. The state agency has nixed the most controversial option of a roundabout. Instead, FDOT has chosen an alternative that would add a modified and signalized right turn lane onto Midnight Pass,

FDOT project manager David Jones told Siesta Sand. In addition, the project will also add a bike lane through the intersection, improved crosswalks with high reflectivity, as well as a signalized left turn lane onto Midnight Pass from Beach Road. The project is designed to increase pedestrian safety for beachgoers at one of the Key’s busiest intersections. In addition to the new crosswalk across the northern leg of Midnight Pass and across

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Beach Road, FDOT is also considering adding a crosswalk at the southern terminus of the intersection. The agency plans to make a presentation on the project at the upcoming Sept. 1 SKA monthly meeting at St. Boniface Church scheduled at 4:30 PM in Room F and at another forthcoming public meeting during the winter season. “A lot of residents think a roundabout is still planned,” Jones said, and he wants to

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Increase in sand to be dredged from Big Pass to renourish Lido Beach

Traffic headaches for Siesta Isles residents

RPM’s Mark Waelti and Randy Marsh to perform 30th anniversary page concert

ISLAND VISITOR SECTION SK local maps & information

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update the public on the change. The alternative was chosen for two significant reasons. At $1.4 million, the cost for a roundabout was three-and-ahalf times as much as the rightturn lane alternative — which is estimated to cost $403,000. More significantly for residents and vacationers, the FDOT’s analysis found that a roundabout could back up the entire intersection at certain times, Jones said. Continued on page 33

Page 4 Details on FDOT construction at Stickney Point Rd. and Midnight Pass Rd.

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SEPTEMBER 2016

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County Commission agrees that potential for harm to Siesta Key warrants Environmental Impact Statement on Lido project

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Back to School with Abel’s Ice Cream Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. – Nelson Mandela At Abel’s, they believe ice cream has to be a close second. September means back to school, so it’s time to enjoy all the changes the new school year brings: new beginnings, new routines, new schedules, and new friends. But there’s also something wonderful about revisiting old friends, like your favorite flavor from Abel’s Ice Cream. There’s no better time for an end of summer cool treat. Abel’s is featuring their selection of late-summer favorites this month, including Lime Sherbet (Sweet and tangy, deliciously refreshing) and Coconut Pineapple Ice Cream (Tropical Coconut ice cream with a delicious and chunky swirl of pineapple…a tropical paradise awaits). Of course, every one of their thirty-nine flavors is sure to satisfy – whether in a cup, cone, or sundae. Head on in to enjoy their friendly service and clean establishment, located at 1886 Stickney Point Rd. in Sarasota - just a hop, skip, and a jump across the bridge from Siesta Key in the South Bridge Plaza (with Stonewood Grill and New Balance). Their hours are Sunday thru Thursday 12-9:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday 12-10pm. Learn more about Abel’s Ice Cream online at www.abelsicecream.com and connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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By Rachel Brown Hackney www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com Responding to a July request from the Siesta Key Association, the Sarasota County Commission on Aug. 23 voted unanimously to ask the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to undertake an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to more fully explore the potential for harm to Siesta Key from the proposed dredging of Big Sarasota Pass to renourish South Lido Key Beach. “The biggest concern to me was there was never a ‘Plan B’ for a smaller taking of sand,” Chair Al Maio said after making the motion. Furthermore, Maio

pointed to the fact that facets of the project have changed significantly since the City of Sarasota and the USACE formally announced in 2013 that they wanted to dredge the pass. The amount of sand proposed to be taken from the pass has varied from 1.5 million cubic yards to 775,000 cubic yards to, most recently, 1.2 million cubic yards, Maio said, and the federal agency has switched from an adamant stance that three groins were needed to hold sand in place on Lido Key to planning for two smaller groins.

Maio’s motion also called for the county to notify the Florida Department of Environmental Protection of its concerns that the USACE plans to use property in the county’s Ted Sperling Park on South Lido Key as a staging area for the work on Lido Beach. The Department has been reviewing the USACE/city permit application for the project. “At the end of the day, there is a fear of the unknown,” Vice Chair Paul Caragiulo said, and that justifies an EIS in this case.

An increase in the amount of sand to be dredged from Big Pass to renourish Lido Key cited in latest documents submitted to FDEP By Rachel Brown Hackney www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has increased the amount of sand it and the City of Sarasota propose to dredge from Big Sarasota Pass to renourish south Lido Key, its consultant informed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) early this week. After citing the figure of 775,000 cubic yards in its first response to FDEP’s Request for Additional Information (RAI) about the project — which FDEP issued in April 2015 — the USACE has resurrected the figure it originally used when it announced the project publicly in September 2013 — about 1.2 million cubic yards of sand. I n i t s p e r mi t a p p l i c a t i o n submitted to FDEP in March 2015, however, the project description called for about 950,000 cubic yards of sand. Additionally, the federal agency has eliminated one of the sand borrow areas from its latest filing with FDEP, and it has confirmed plans to pursue seagrass mitigation by planting Halodule wrightii within Manatee County’s Perico Preserve Seagrass Basin. The latter decision was made after consultation with

FDEP, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as the USACE,

according to the Aug. 1 response to FDEP from CB&I Environmental & Infrastructure of Boca Raton, a consulting firm working with the USACE.

Map Showing the beach fill and groin field limits, as well as the BSP and New Pass sand source locations

Continued on page 26

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Traffic headaches for Siesta Isles residents next summer could lead to a long-sought improvement By Rachel Brown Hackney www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com A temporary traffic disruption that residents of Siesta Key’s Siesta Isles subdivision will face next summer could end with an especially welcome “silver lining,” the Siesta Isles Association president stated in an interview. For up to two weeks in 2017, the south side of Shadow Lawn Way will be closed as a crew extends a new sewer force main to the site of the Siesta Key Wastewater Treatment Plant adjacent to Siesta Isles, Peter Bonk, the county’s project manager, told SNL in a telephone interview. That work has been planned as part of the county’s effort to transform the plant into a master pump station, with sewage to be removed from the island for treatment on the mainland. “I’ve never measured it, but I think that’s our busiest entrance and exit,” Tony Romanus, the Siesta Isles Association president, said of Shadow Lawn Way in a telephone interview. Although county staff had contemplated the idea of trying to fit two-way traffic on the north side of the street, Bonk said, “that’s just not safe,” because the travel lanes are only 8 feet wide. Another concern, Bonk pointed out, is the fact that the speed limit on the adjacent part of Midnight Pass Road is 40 mph. “It would be really dangerous,” Bonk said, to have traffic try to turn into just one side of Shadow Lawn Way if two-way traffic were allowed there during the construction work. That means many residents will use the intersection of Beach Way and Beach Road, Romanus explained. “That intersection … for a long time has been a challenge for the neighborhood,” he pointed out. Its crosswalk is the one most

people in Siesta Isles use to reach Siesta Public Beach, he said. Sarasota County staff did enhance the crosswalk several years ago to make pedestrians more visible to traffic, Romanus added. “I think that’s helped some, but it’s still not perfect.” Bonk concurred with Romanus about how busy that intersection is and acknowledged, “We’re going to make it a little busier.” As Catherine Luckner, vice president of the Siesta Key Association (SKA), put it, “that’s going to be a nightmare there.” Canal Road will see heavier traffic, too, Romanus stated, but because of the numerous stop signs placed along that street, he is hopeful its residents will not have to contend with safety issues because of Siesta Isles drivers and others. With the improvements to Siesta Public Beach having been completed early this year, Bonk continued, that destination has seemed to become even more popular. When he drove to Siesta Key recently to look at the Siesta Isles situation, he continued, that was his first opportunity to visit the public beach in quite some time. “Wow!” was his first thought, he added. Therefore, Bonk told SNL, county staff plans to install a temporary traffic light at the Beach Way/Beach Road intersection during the period when work is underway on Shadow Lawn Way. When he met with Bonk and representatives of the SKA several weeks ago to discuss the traffic management plan for the neighborhood, Bonk said, Romanus told him that residents of the subdivision asked the county a

number of years ago to install a traffic signal at the Beach Way/Beach Road intersection. “It hasn’t gone anywhere,” he added of that petition. “Maybe this [temporary signal] will help them out.” Romanus said he was not certain when that request was made. He will finish his sixth year on the HOA board at the end of October, he noted, and the matter went to county staff before he began that stint. His understanding, he continued, is that county staff said the traffic count at the intersection at that time did not warrant the addition of a signal. Romanus and Bonk also were of a like mind in their comments about how busy the public beach park is. Ever since Dr. Stephen Leatherman — Dr. Beach — of Florida International University named Siesta Beach No. 1 in the nation in 2011, Romanus pointed out, “we don’t have much of a season anymore.” Tourism on the Key remains high year-round, he noted. During the meeting with Bonk, Romanus added, he talked about the potential for the increased use of that intersection during the construction project to change county staff members’ view about a signal. “That would be a home run.” Even if installation of a traffic light was seen again as an unnecessary step, he said, he is hopeful a four-way stop sign might be considered. “The vast majority of people in the neighborhood would be thrilled with that.” Luckner agreed, saying the four-way stop “is something that

we have all felt would be a good idea …” During a recent visit to Vancouver, she said, she and her husband saw a new type of fourway traffic signal that worked very well. “Why can’t we have something like that?”

Other facets of the project

Bonk explained that county staff heard from Siesta residents that the Master Pump Station and Sewer Force Main Phase 3 project should not begin until after the 2016-17 school year has ended, because a school bus stop is in the vicinity of the Midnight Pass Road/Shadow Lawn Way work site. Classes will be out on May 26, 2017, he said, and they will resume on Aug. 14, 2017, based on information he had from the Sarasota County Schools. The contractor will have 80 days to get the pipeline to the site of the existing wastewater treatment plant, Bonk stated. After the work has been completed on Shadow Lawn Way, he continued, that street will be repaved, and the work will proceed down Shadow Lawn Drive toward the plant. A flag crew will be on site to make certain traffic moves slowly around the construction area, he noted. Based on his and the SKA

leaders’ meeting with Bonk, Romanus said, the residents on the even-numbered side of Shadow Lawn Drive will have to contend with digging for the pipeline. However, Bonk and other county staff have made it clear that those residents will have “no more than a day of any loss of access” to the sidewalk or their driveways, Luckner added. She and Romanus agreed that the primary concern is the decommissioning of the wastewater plant after the master pump station equipment has been installed and the new sewer force main and water main the county is working on have been completed. During the April 7 SKA meeting, numerous residents voiced anger about what they described as horrible smells at the plant at the end of Shadow Lawn Drive. County staff members responded that their goal is to decommission the facility no later than the end of December 2017. “The sooner that thing shuts down,” Romanus stated, “the better.” Siesta Isles residents are committed to doing “whatever we can do to help move this [project] along.” In the meantime, Luckner said, county employees have worked to mitigate the odors, and they have been generally successful.

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SEPTEMBER 2016

Siesta Key Round-Up

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By Rachel Brown Hackney and Bob Stein FDOT to start pedestrian/bicycle safety improvements at Stickney Point Road/ Midnight Pass Road intersection A Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) project finalized almost a year ago to improve pedestrian safety at the intersection of Stickney Point Road and Midnight Pass Road was scheduled to begin before the end of August, the state agency announced. The project includes a pedestrian refuge island at the northeast corner of the

intersection and tightening of the right turn lane from Stickney Point Road onto Midnight Pass Road, an FDOT news release says. “This addition will provide pedestrians and bicyclists with an improved crossing and encourage motorists to use a slower speed when turning north onto Siesta Key,” the release says. The approximately $500,000 project is expected to be completed in early 2017, the release adds. “FDOT developed these improvements after receiving feedback from the community,” the release notes. The latter sentence is a bit of an understatement. After considerable pushback from

members of the Siesta Key Village Association (SKVA) in September 2015, FDOT staff appeared two days later before the Siesta Key Association with a revised plan. FDOT engineers originally proposed removing the right-hand acceleration lane, but SKVA members stressed that it was a benefit to motorists heading north. L.K. Nandam, FDOT district operations manager in Sarasota, said during the Sept. 3, 2015 SKA meeting that a raised concrete separator would be constructed where striping is in place to create a physical barrier to try to prevent motorists from attempting illegal moves around pedestrians or cyclists. Further, the design Nandam discussed called for the crosswalk on Stickney Point Road to be connected to the crosswalk on South Midnight Pass Road. F D O T’s c o n t r a ct o r , Aj a x Paving Industries of Florida Inc., was expected to begin work the week of Aug. 21. Continued on page 9

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New Stickney Point Road proposal

Cheese Wheels and Bananas Foster?

|Canadian firm proposes commercial project on Stickney Point Road, across from Sarasota Pavilion entrance

Another Italian eatery has joined the Sarasota restaurant scene, but this owner may be setting a new trend with his flamboyant tableside presentations. Angelo’s, located at 6115 S. Tamiami Trail opened for business this past spring just off Siesta Key’s north bridge. Owner, Angelo Difiore, has been perfecting his craft at other highly successful local restaurants and is now making waves of his own. There’s no need for Difiore to trumpet his own horn when the many online reviews speak for themselves. ***There are good restaurants Chef and owner, Angelo Difiore personally prepares his and then there are extraordinary Parmesan Cheese Wheel pasta dish tableside experiences. Tonight was definitely ***Wow! It is so difficult to describe the latter. From the kiss on the cheek from the chef as I walked in the door...to the how great this place is, but I’m going to handmade pasta cooked in a massive wheel try. First of all, the owner is a wonderful of parmesan...to the complimentary Limon person, such a great heart and so friendly. cello...to the chef insisting he cook us an He has that thick Italian accent, and you can amazing bananas foster while hushing the tell that he really cares about your dining restaurant so he could sing along to “this experience. Secondly, the food is amazing, just girl is on fire” as the flames jumped...to the fresh rose and another kiss as I left.. simply amazing. We ate a four course meal SIMPLY AMAZING. Sarasota locals and and everything was great. The main course was a combination of veal, chicken, and visitors - this is a MUST DO! I had the mushroom and sausage pasta fish along with marinated vegetables- it prepared table side in a huge cheese wheel was outstanding. Then we had Bananas - seriously insane amount of parmesan! Foster... The owner cooked it at the table And my husband had a delicious chicken for us. If I could afford to do so, I would eat parmesan. Can’t wait to go back! here every night. Yet, that was the best ***New Italian restaurant in the old thing - we had 5 Star Food for a 3 Star price. Russian House building on Hwy 41, near Very reasonable for all that we ate. We were Subway and Pho. Stopped in with some truly blessed to have found this place. Rest friends last night to drink some wine and assured, we’ll be returning soon. experience Angelo’s for the first time… ***Angelo is over the top, loves his Angelo is a Sarasota restaurant veteran and it shows - super hospitality, and personal customers and will stop at nothing to make attention. It was just a fantastic, welcoming his guests happy… Beyond that the food is superb and experience. The Charcuterie Platter was well incredible... Try the veal chop, scallop apportioned and tasty. But the long bone capasante, and ask for the best wine! You veal chop was the star of the show! Wines won’t go wrong. Allan Beach Breeze were good too. We had the 2010 Brunello, Weddings! which got rave reviews, overall, highly ***What an awesome find this was! recommended. He should do very well Whatever you do, you MUST order a here. Bravo! pasta from the Parmesan cheese wheel. It’ll ***We went to try it for the early bird change your life. The food was delicious. special they have. Good way to try a The service was great. And to top it off, they restaurant. The food was just fantastic, no give you a complimentary shot of some of other way to describe. You could tell there the most delicious Limon cello I’ve ever were a bunch of regulars there as well. had to end the meal. Angelo is very funny and really lightens up The restaurant is open 6-days-a-week, the place running from table to table to say hi, or cooking something table side. Next serving dinner from 4 to 9:30 p.m., Friday time I will order the cheese wheel pasta, it and Saturday until 10 pm. You can book your reservations by calling 941-312-4747. looked great, and it is a great show.

By Rachel Brown Hackney

With so much attention focused on plans for Siesta Promenade less than a mile south, a proposed project on a property about onesixth the size of the Benderson Development Co. site has remained in relative obscurity. Representatives of the Florida division of an Ontario firm, JC Group, tentatively are scheduled to go before the Sarasota County Planning Commission on Sept. 15 to seek the rezoning of property at 2121 and 2131 Stickney Point Road so the company can build a new commercial center with a 50-seat Dairy Queen restaurant and drive-through window on part of the site. The firm has no plans to close the Firestone Complete Auto Care Center at 2121 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota County Planner Jack Wilhelm told SNL through county Communications Department staff. The adjacent land at 2131 Stickney Point Road is vacant. “There is an existing demand for this type of commercial use given the property’s strategic location near the Gulf Gate Mall and the site’s ideal location at a signalized intersection,” says the application, which was submitted to the county’s Planning and Development Services Department on April 17. The property is across from the entrance to Sarasota Pavilion, putting it in close proximity to the U.S. 41/Stickney Point Road intersection. A new single-story, 35-foot-tall building has been designed with three leasable units on the 2131 Stickney Point Road land, the application shows. The units would range in size from 1,800 square feet to 2,500 square feet, Wilhelm stated. The largest one would house the Dairy Queen, he noted, while the other two are labeled as speculative retail uses. Along with Stickney Point Road, the property borders Couver Drive. The project also would feature a parking area with 49 spaces, new sidewalks along Stickney Point Road and Couver Drive, landscape buffering, an aboveground stormwater retention facility and an underground stormwater vault system to be located under the parking area, according to the application. Access to the site will consist of the existing driveway that connects with Stickney Point Road and a new access point off Couver Drive, opposite Jasper Street,” which is located north of the vacant lot, Wilhelm said. A special exception granted in 2009 stipulated that no entrance/exit from part of the 2131 Stickney Point Road parcel would intersect with Couver Drive. That segment of the property — identified on the site plan as “Parcel 2” — contains the existing parking lot for the Firestone business. As noted in the application, a transportation planning formula was used to estimate that the average number of vehicles per day accessing the property would be 301. During the morning peak travel time, the document says, 42 vehicles would be expected, with 48 percent of them entering the site. For the afternoon peak period, the estimate is for 31 vehicles, with 56 percent of them anticipated to be entering the property.

Asked to describe the “traffic impact area,” the application says, “A signalized intersection at the entrance of the property safely throttles movements to and from the site.” That traffic signal is across from the entrance to Sarasota Pavilion, at the intersection of Stickney Point Road and Gulf Gate Mall Drive. Under the heading, Plan Compatibility, the application justifies the proposal by pointing to the ongoing Firestone operation, adding that a portion of the site was occupied by a service station in years past. A neighborhood workshop on the proposal was conducted on April 6 at Gulf Gate Library, the application says. “The biggest concern expressed by the two (2) attending residents was related to knowledge and information on the project,” says a letter from James W. Herston of Port Charlotte, president of Herston Engineering Services. The letter was part of the application. Herston is listed in the document as the agent for JC Group USA. One of the attendees, who lives on the east side of Stickney Point Road “was especially concerned with stormwater management facilities” located between Sarasota Pavilion and the multi-family development in which she lives, the letter adds. Herston did not return multiple messages SNL left him, seeking comments on the company’s plans. County Planner Wilhelm pointed out too that the Firestone property is zoned Residential, Multi-Family 1, while the land at 2131 Stickney Point Road already is zoned Commercial General. The project proposal calls for rezoning the entire 0.96-acre site to Commercial General with a Development Concept Plan, which has to show all the buildings, parking, access and proposed drainage facilities. The county’s Zoning Code explains that when someone proposes rezoning property to a Commercial General (CG) district, the Development Concept Plan is binding.

Past and present In July 2014, JC Group USA bought the 32,790-square-foot site of the Firestone business for $1,050,000, county property records show. About three months later — in October 2014 — it purchased the adjacent, 23,728-square-foot empty parcel at 2131 Stickney Point Road. The price was $648,900, according to property records. More than five years earlier, JC Group USA bought a unit in the Palm Bay Club condominium complex on Siesta Key’s Midnight Pass Road, paying $425,000 for it. According to its website, JC Group was established in 1960 as a builder of singlefamily homes in the Kitchener/Waterloo area of Ontario, but it has evolved over the years to handle other projects. Among them are restaurants, professional buildings, commercial and retail plazas and even golf courses. JC Group USA was organized in Florida in 1995, state Division of Corporations records show. Its president, the county application says, is Jerry Cybalski.

(Advertorial)

Jeep strikes 10 year-old child - the second, recent crash involving a pedestrian in the Village By Roger Drouin A child was flown Aug. 14 to a hospital after being struck by a car in Siesta Village — the second recent crash in the same area of Ocean Boulevard involving a pedestrian. The two crashes occurred within a twomonth span, and both incidents occurred when a driver struck a pedestrian who was in a crosswalk. On Sunday, Aug. 14, around 7:30 p.m., rescue squads rushed to the scene after the child was struck by a Jeep, and a Bayflite crew transported the child to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg for treatment with non life-threatening injuries. As of press time, the crash report from the incident was not yet complete and could not be released, according to the Florida Highway Patrol records office. During the previous crash, on July 4, a speeding driver struck a 28-year-old woman from North Carolina who was crossing the crosswalk at 5250 Ocean Boulevard. Following the incidents, some residents and Siesta leaders are saying they are concerned about pedestrian safety in this area. At an Aug. 18 meeting, the Siesta Key Association and Siesta Key Village Association discussed the possibility of asking FDOT transportation officials to

install a pedestrian-crossing sign that would go in the middle of the roadway in this particular location. • On the night of July 4, at 12:13 a.m., the 28-year-old woman from North Carolina was struck while crossing the crosswalk at 5250 Ocean Boulevard in the Village. Siesta Sand learned of the crash from witnesses who had seen the incident. According to the FHP report, the pedestrian suffered incapacitating injuries at the time of the crash. According to the report, Christian Allen Lafay, 24, of Lithia, Florida, was driving a 1995 Toyota Camry. Lafay was driving southbound on Ocean Boulevard at “a high rate of speed,” as witnesses reported to FHP. Another vehicle then made a left turn in front of Lafay, and “instead of hitting his brakes,” he “proceeded to go around the vehicle to the left across a double solid yellow line.” Lafay collided with the pedestrian, who was mid-block in the crosswalk, and also a third vehicle. The pedestrian was transported by Sarasota County EMS to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, before an FHP trooper arrived.

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2016

Financial Focus Next week, we observe Labor Day, a celebration of the American worker. And there’s a lot to celebrate, because our workers have accomplished great things and, in the process, demonstrated a variety of impressive character traits – many of which also can be useful to investors. For example: • Perseverance – Have you ever read about an inventor who failed dozens of times before finally hitting on a winner? Or a scientist who studied the same problem for decades before discovering a revolutionary solution? All kinds of workers display this type of perseverance, in one form or another. As an investor, you, too, will need this “stick-to-itiveness” because you will face challenges. Markets will drop, individual investments may disappoint, tax laws may change, and so on. But if you’re patient, and you follow a long-term strategy that’s based on your needs, risk tolerance and time horizon, you can overcome those obstacles that may be blocking progress toward your goals. • Inquisitiveness – During your own work, you’ve probably

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|Investors Can Learn Much from Workers

found that you can improve your effectiveness simply by asking a few questions or otherwise learning a little more about your tasks at hand. As an investor, you’ll also find that knowledge is power – because the more you know about investing and investments, the better prepared you can be when making decisions. Sometimes, this knowledge can help you look past the so-called experts who are touting the “next hot stock.” Other times, your curiosity may lead you to find new opportunities. In any case, learn as much as you can, and if you work with a financial professional, ask questions – as many as necessary. The investment world is fascinating, and it can be complex – but it is also understandable to those who make the effort. • Flexibility – When something isn’t working, you may need to try another approach. Successful workers know this – and so do successful investors. Suppose, for example, you have been trying to boost your overall return by buying and selling investments. After a while, you may realize that such behavior is costly – in more ways

than one. You will likely rack up fees and commissions, you may incur the highest rate of capital gains taxes (assessed on investments held less than one year), and you will be disrupting any cohesive investment strategy you’ve established. Upon recognizing these problems, you could decide to “switch gears” and follow a long-term, “buy-and-hold” strategy. That’s flexibility – and that’s a great attribute for investors. • Vision – Good workers have a clear picture of what they want to accomplish – and they know what they must do reach their goal. As an investor, you also need to establish a vision of where you want to go and how you can get there. So when contemplating your retirement, try to foresee the lifestyle you hope to lead – will you travel the world or stay close to home, pursuing your hobbies? Then, use this vision to help guide your actions, such as increasing your contributions to your 401(k) or IRA, or changing the investment mix within these accounts. Transferring what you learn from the working world to the investment

arena can help make investing a less laborious – and potentially more enjoyable – process. So put that knowledge to good use.

NOTICE: Lorraine’s Island Beauty & Barber has moved

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.

Effective August 20, 2016, Doris Waywell Smith, owner of Lorraine’s Island Beauty & Barber shop moved to the Village. After 40+ years and thousands of customers, Waywell Smith along with Brian will be working out of Salon Capelli, located at 5057 Ocean Blvd. To make an appointment, please call Doris at 941-346-7206 or email her at Waywellsmithdoris@ gmail.com

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SEPTEMBER 2016

Miniature golf course proposed

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

By Rachel Brown Hackney www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com

St. Michael’s Slated For First Annual Festival By Trebor Britt

The operator of miniature golf courses in Bradenton Beach and on Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street has filed a preliminary application with Sarasota County for an 18-hole project in Siesta Village. The site — a 10,500-square-foot treeless parcel — is located at 5160 Calle Minorga. The documents submitted on July 19 to the county Planning Department say the course would have a starter house/ restroom facility, as well as 15 parking spaces, thanks to Siesta Key Overlay District zoning provisions for spots for bicycles and motorcycles. However, because the Zoning Code requires 37 spaces, under the guidelines of the district, “the project will require an alternative parking plan and parking relief …” Robert Lincoln, the Sarasota attorney representing the applicant — Buf-Fun-O Inc./The Fish Hole at Lakewood Ranch — informed SNL that his clients “want to do the right thing.” If members of the Siesta Key community do not embrace the project, Lincoln said, The Fish Hole likely will not pursue it. Lincoln pointed out of the plan, “It’s not a destination attraction miniature golf use.” Instead, he explained, “this is the kind of thing somebody’s going to do before or after they’ve gone to a restaurant or eaten ice cream” in Siesta Village. He and his clients do not anticipate this will add significantly to the demand for parking within Siesta Village, Lincoln said. Furthermore, during the neighborhood workshop that will be required under

More than 60 dedicated volunteers led by parishioner George Haviland, meticulously organized and planned Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church’s first annual church festival, set for September 24 from 11a.m.-7p.m. on beautiful, award winning Siesta Key. You can enjoy a peaceful walk on America’s number one beach in the morning and experience the fun of a good, old-fashioned, small-town festival in the afternoon. Admission is free to the public and every family who attends is sure to find something fun to do. The fun will include delicious food, a variety of beverages, an auction as well as inflatables, a water slide, dunk tank, more than a dozen games for kids and adults, crafts, ice cream and more. Tickets will be sold for some of the amusements. Haviland said, “The purpose of the festival is to bring the people together and we really want to open the doors to Siesta Key and the community.” The auction will be conducted by “The Auction Guy”, Roy Baker. It will take place in the Church Hall at 5:30 p.m. with registration beginning at 5 p.m. Cash or check with ID will be required for payment plus an ATM machine will be on site. Here are just a few of the notable auction items; a one-man Kyak, a 32” flat screen TV, a black BMX bike, a silver BMX bike, a Ryder Cup golf bag autographed by Paul Azinger, two hours of flight time on a private executive jet for two to four people, an eight bottle wine refrigerator full of beverages and an auto wine bottle opener, Ryobi tool starter set, multiple gift cards from local restaurants as well as many others. Additional items are added weekly. All proceeds benefit the Parrish Catholic Faith Appeal. Photos of all the items up for auction can be seen at

county planning guidelines, Lincoln continued, “I want to be able to describe enough [facets of the proposal] so that everybody’s comfortable that it’s not flying under a false flag.” If the project wins community support, Lincoln continued, ideally, he would hope to see construction start in the summer of 2017. Buf-Fun-O is seeking a rezoning of the property from Office Professional and Institutional (OPI) within the Siesta Key Overlay District to Commercial General in that district, with a special exception for outdoor recreation. Officers of the SKA declined comment on the project in August, saying they had not had time to review the proposal thoroughly. However, Mark Smith of Smith Architects, vice president of the Siesta Key Village Association, told SNL he personally does not have a problem with the project. Nonetheless, he had hoped for some time, he said, that the county and the property owner would reach an agreement on using the space for Village parking.

www.auction-guy.com. The festival is close to the September 29 feast day celebration of their patron saint, Saint Michael the Archangel. Haviland commented, “He’s a defender of the blue; of the police, EMTs, soldiers and all.” Still in his first year, Father Michael Canon is serving St. Michael’s as their sixth pastor since 1960. Born in Ireland he has served in ministry for 35 years and came to the church from St. James Catholic Church in Lake Placid, Florida. The church has an active religious education program for children, first-eighth grades and several ministry organizations. Organizations include a very active Women’s Council, an active prayer group as well as a social and finance committee. (Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church is located at 5394 Midnight Pass Rd., Siesta Key. For specific questions contact George at 732-6142411)

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Speeding Is Legal During Siesta Key Triathlon But Only If Registered By Trebor Britt

More than 240 triathletes swam, biked and ran in the annual August “MultiRace Triathlon” on spectacular Siesta Key recently. The weather on Siesta Beach and the water temperature of the Gulf of Mexico on race morning was absolutely perfect. Triathletes from all over the country, the world and particularly Florida were anticipating a great race, many expecting to set a personal best time. Both Sprint and official Olympic distance races were included. The Olympic distance is a Half mile swim, 24 mile bike, ending with a 10K run and the sprint distance is about half that; a quarter-mile swim, 10 mile bike and a 5K run. Several elite triathletes competed in this race, most notably, the always inspiring, Hector Picard, of Miami. He lost his right arm at the shoulder and his left arm halfway below his elbow after touching a live transformer wire in 1992. Willie Savoie, Vice President of multi race, commented, “He’s our most famous triathlete. He’ll be swimming with no arms and represents ‘Racing for the Champions’. He’s racing for one of the children at Broward Children’s Hospital in Fort Lauderdale. After winning his medal he will present it to this youngster.” His motto, “never give up” so no surprise Picard is also an “Iron Man” competitor. An inspirational speaker as well, he has now competed in more than 100 multi-race triathlons. According to multirace.com: “MultiRace creates innovative, challenging and exciting triathlon, duathlon and running events that empower our racers to achieve their personal best. Established in 2002, MultiRace is the largest multiple-sport event management company in the State of Florida managing more than 30 endurance events scheduled for 2016.” A triathlon consists of three disciplines; swim, bike and run, usually in that order. MultiRace hosts a variety of Sprint and International Triathlons throughout Florida annually. We pride ourselves in hosting the longest standing Half Iron distance triathlon in South Florida, Miami Man. All of our events are USAT sanctioned and use our signature timing system. View results on Samsung TV monitors after you cross the finish line and take home your results receipt once you return your timing chip. (Source help: www.multirace.com)

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Siesta Key Round-Up

“Crews will work on the project during daytime and nighttime hours,” the news release says. Motorists should expect lane closures from 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m., the release adds. Some sidewalk closures will be necessary, too, the release notes.

16-year-old arrested for stabbing mother and younger brother on south Siesta Key A 16-year-old from Framingham, Mass., has been charged with stabbing his mother and 14-year-old brother while the family was vacationing on Siesta Key, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office reported on Aug. 18. Both victims suffered multiple stab wounds, according to the report. The report says Melissa Ramgren was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, while her younger son was taken via Bayflite to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in Tampa because he was suffering with “life threatening injuries.” “As deputies rendered lifesaving efforts [at the scene],” a Sheriff’s Office news release said, they learned that the suspect had been located nearby. Gust L. Ramgren was arrested and charged with two counts of attempted second-degree murder. After his booking at the Sarasota County Jail on Aug. 18, the Sheriff’s Office reported later that day, Gust was taken into custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Just after 9 p.m. on Aug. 17, the Sheriff’s Office report says, Melissa Ramgren called 911 to report the situation and that Gust had fled on foot. Moments later, the report continues, the Sheriff’s Office received a call from a resident on Tree Bay Lane who said Gust Ramgren was outside, requesting help for his family. Melissa Ramgren and her sons were staying at the Fisherman’s Cove condominium complex, which is located at 8900 Blind Pass Road, just south of Turtle Beach Park. The Sheriff’s Office report says that while deputies were rendering first aid to the 14-yearold, he told them “he thought he was going to die and asked why his brother would do this.”

SEPTEMBER 2016 Continued from page 5

Gust “was cooperative and provided a full confession to stabbing both his mother and younger brother,” a Sheriff’s Office news release says. He confirmed that the three of them were visiting Siesta Key “and had been having a good time,” the report adds. According to the report, the boys’ father, Peter R. Ramgren, lives in Anchorage, Alaska.

Situations prompt discussion of homelessness A sight that caught Siesta Key resident Michael Shay’s eye twice on the morning of Aug. 2 prompted considerable discussion about homelessness during the Siesta Key Village Association that same day. Shay was on his regular early morning walk when he first saw two individuals, who appeared to be homeless, in the gazebo at the intersection of Ocean Boulevard, Avenida Messina and Canal Road, he told SKVA members. That was about 5:15 a.m. When he passed the gazebo again about 8:20 a.m., two people were sleeping on benches inside the structure, he continued, and a third man was seated, holding an artificial limb. One day in July, he added, he saw families munching on doughnuts in the gazebo. On the morning of Aug. 2, Shay said, he would not expect to see any families there because “two benches had a body on them. …I think that’s a problem. I’m not trying to be insensitive. We advertise this as a family-oriented destination.” If homeless people regularly occupy the gazebo, Shay pointed out, “I think it’s going to hurt business.” Two days later, an incident at the gazebo sparked discussion at the Siesta Key Association meeting. Mark Smith, vice president of the SKVA, announced that homeless people staying in the gazebo were suspected to have “defecated all around [it] and smeared [feces] around.” That situation was discovered about 8:30 a.m., Shay stated. In response to questions, Lt. Donny Kennard of the Sheriff’s Office explained that officers have to be careful to treat homeless

people the same way they would treat any other person. The Sheriff’s Office can arrest anyone creating a disturbance or violating a county ordinance, Kennard pointed out. Kennard also said it is not illegal to sleep on the beach. Any such activity a resident observes must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. When SKA Director Joe Volpe asked whether panhandling is allowed, Sgt. Jason Mruczek replied that no one can solicit for money on a county right of way. However, someone could ask for money at the gazebo. Chapter 98 of the Sarasota County Code, which the County Commission amended in 2013 and 2014, deals with panhandling by prohibiting obstruction of traffic and preventing “an unreasonable risk of accidents due to distraction of motorists and pedestrians and interference with the vision of motorists and pedestrians.” Discussions are underway among members of the Siesta Key Village Maintenance Corp. and its board, Shay continued, to make changes in the gazebo to discourage homeless people from remaining in the structure for hours at a time and from sleeping there. Shay is the Maintenance Corp. liaison for the SKVA. That organization represents all the property owners in Siesta Village whom the county assesses each year to pay for the Village upkeep.

Sarasota County has changed a polling station for our immediate area For all residents who previously voted at St. Michael the Archangel Church at 5394 Midnight Pass Road, please note: PRECINCT 411 now voting at: THE DEVYN EVENT VENUE 7113 South Tamiami Trail.

Working to keep the beach cleaner During the August SKA meeting, Veronica Murphy provided an update on the garbage collection initiative she organized for the July Fourth holiday and talked of how she is working to expand it. Continued on page 10

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Summer Beach Runs 2016 More than 2000 children and adults participated in seven “Kids Summer Beach Runs” on beautiful Siesta Beach between June and August. Sarasota County Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Supervisor, Diana Finnegan reported that though the numbers were a little lower than last year, it may have been due to the hotterthan-average summer and the fact that a lot of middle and high schooler’s have now decided to participate in the adult run that follows the kids run. The customized T-shirts for

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By Trebor Britt

2016 are always a big hit. Nearly 500 T-shirts were given away to children who participated in four or more runs. Fifty additional shirts were purchased by families who were unable to earn them. Finnegan mentioned the photo op with families dressed in the weekly theme attire, meeting new out-oftown visitors, seeing the joy the children display when they earn their T-shirt and all the families that come back week after week, as the season’s highlights. This year’s fun beach run themes included, “Team Spirit”,

“Tortoise and the Hare”, “Shiver Me Timbers”, “Shark Week”, “Red, White and Race”, “Comic Book Hero”, “Tropical Tide”, “Christmas in July”, “Buckaroo Round up” and “60s Beach Bash”. The outstanding sponsors of the summer runs were, Sarasota County Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources, New Balance Sarasota, Manasota Track Club, Sharky’s & Fin’s Restaurant and Mommy Magazine. You know what they say, “a family that runs together, gets sweaty together.”

Bronte Smith (9), Darcey Skelton (9), Walter Skelton (5), Myla Smith (5) and Priya Smith (7) working on their starting form before one of the Tuesday “Kids Summer Beach Runs”. The two 9-year-olds share an interesting perspective of Siesta Beach. Bronte (9) of Leeds, England interjected, “It’s our third time here. I like building sandcastles and swimming in the sea because it’s warm here.” Two year local resident, Darcey (9) added, “I like it here because it’s always hot. England’s cold.”

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Maggie Mohler (4), Allie Duty (5), Emily Mohler (2), and Nella Duty (7) smartly dressed in “Buckaroo Roundup” theme attire. About Siesta Beach, Maggie and Emily’s mom commented, “it’s the most beautiful beach in America.”

ON LITTLE SARASOTA BAY

Isla Dempsey (6) of Sarasota, loading up to test her skill at the beanbag toss before one of the Tuesday, “Kids Summer Beach Runs” on amazing Siesta Beach. A weekly participant, she said her favorite part of the whole experience is running fast.

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Siesta Key Round-Up As SKA Director Joe Volpe pointed out in introducing her, the SKA’s efforts to keep the public beach and beach accesses clean “started out kind of small,” but they are growing. Murphy “has done a great job spearheading this,” he added. For three days encompassing the holiday last month, Murphy explained, she and other volunteers handed out 1,000, 10-gallon trash bags to people going to the public beach so they could collect all of their garbage and throw it away after their visit. People were lined up to accept the bags, she noted. Murphy was planning a similar initiative for the Labor Day period, when she and volunteers planned to distribute 3,000 to 5,000 bags, she added. Further, Murphy has been

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working with Sarasota County staff and representatives of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, she said, to encourage people or businesses to adopt a beach access. “It wouldn’t be a formal program,” she explained, as no signage would be erected akin to the county’s Adopt-a-Road program. She characterized it as “more of a pride of ownership kind of thing.” She has been talking with the managers of all the condominiums from the Gulf & Bay Club, which is next to the public beach, all the way south to Stickney Point Road, Murphy told the audience of about 50 people. Based on those discussions, she continued, she learned that approximately 43,000 extra people are on the Key each month from January through

May. That does not include those who stay for periods of time in condos they own, Murphy pointed out. Altogether, she said, by her estimate, about 200,000 more people may be on the beach during season. Her plan, she explained, is to work with the managers of the condominium complexes so they will hand out trash bags to their guests and ask them to use the bags on the beach. “All the managers of those [complexes] thought that was a great idea. … That was part of my hurdle.” A lot of garbage collects on the Gulf side of condo buildings along that stretch of the island, she pointed out, including “an awful lot of plastic water bottles …” Continued on page 15

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SEPTEMBER 2016

News Up & Down the Trail City gets closer to paid parking plan It looks like it’s going to cost to park soon in downtown Sarasota. Last month, the city’s Parking Advisory Committee held its last meeting ahead of a City Commission discussion regarding the return of paid parking. Led by Parking Manager Mark Lyons, the group discussed a plan for meters, including the possible price points for the meters. Lyons initially proposed similar rates to the last time the city instituted paid parking. That would cost drivers 10 cents for six minutes, 25 cents for 15 minutes, $1 for an hour and an additional $1 for any amount of time between one hour and two hours. The meters would run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The city is considering putting in about 450 to 500 parking meters along part of Gulfstream Avenue and Main Street. But this isn’t the first attempt. The city installed meters about five years ago at the cost of $300,000 — only to remove them due to complaints. City officials say the meters will help businesses by creating more turnover in parking spots. The meters, however, remain unpopular among residents and business owners, who fear they will keep customers away from downtown.

County mulls mowing changes Sarasota County is proposing changes to the level of mowing service in residential areas within the county’s urban service boundary and hosted two informational meetings on those changes in late July. Those residential areas include parts of Siesta Key and other areas of the county. The county currently performs periodic mowing maintenance of the rights of way along these residential roadways, eight times a year. On Aug. 24, the Sarasota County Commission will be considering a change that would transfer the responsibility to adjacent property owners, similar to existing practices within the cities of Sarasota, Venice and North Port. The county will save

cases reported just on Aug. 12, according to the state. Three new non-travel related cases were also identified in Miami-Dade County on the same day, according to the update. Manatee County has seen two travel-related cases of Zika so far. In Sarasota County, the declaration mandates a meeting that includes, at minimum, the county health department, the County Commission, the Tourist Development Council, the county medical society, emergency management and the airport authority. Local leaders will discuss mosquito control and coordinate public outreach strategies.

First Zika case reported in Sarasota

Fruitville Elementary shows off expansion One of the area’s oldest schools received some new additions to its campus. This school year is Fruitville Elementary School’s 75th anniversary, and the Sarasota County School District celebrated Aug. 10 with a ribbon-cutting on new, modern additions to the school. The event unveiled a new 30,000-square-foot, 18-classroom building, new renovations in two existing buildings, a new covered play area and an expanded bus loop. Total cost for renovations was $7.65 million. School started in Sarasota County on August 22.

Hyatt Place Sarasota changes ownership A hospitality company that is building two new hotels here — in Nokomis and Lakewood Ranch — just paid $16.1 million for the Hyatt Place Sarasota. A subsidiary company of Lodgco Hospitality LLC bought the 114room Hyatt Place, located near Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. The new owner plans “minimal renovations” to the property, according to recent media accounts. Lodgco, based in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, is a partner with developer Floridays Development Co. on two new hotels in Nokomis and Lakewood Ranch. Continued on page 12

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more than $500,000 a year if the change is adopted. A list of affected roads can be found at www.scgov.net/ PublicWorks. On April 27, 2016 the Sarasota County Commission approved a plan to hold a public hearing to consider revisions to the level of service (LOS) for mowing provided along public roadways within neighborhoods of unincorporated Sarasota County. Upcoming, on Aug. 24, the Commission will consider an ordinance revision that will require property owners in residential areas within the urban service boundary to maintain public rights of way (ROW) adjacent to their properties.

A Sarasota County resident contracted the Zika virus while traveling, marking the first local case of the infection, the Florida Department of Health announced last month. As a result, Sarasota County has been added to the state’s Declaration of Public Health Emergency, issued earlier this year after the virus first came to Florida. Sarasota County’s first case marked the 499th in Florida, at the time, including 27 cases acquired from mosquitoes in the Wynwood neighborhood in Miami. On Aug. 17, the Sarasota HeraldTribune presented a forum on the Zika virus. At the forum, experts discussed the individual and public-health implications of Zika, along with prevention and containment strategies. Public education and prevention are the two biggest weapons against the Zika virus, a panel of experts said at the forum, held at the Sarasota Orchestra’s Holley Hall. The expert panel included Dr. Kyle Gardner, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Sarasota Memorial Hospital; Michael Drennon, epidemiologist at the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County; Matthew Smith, director of Sarasota County Mosquito Management; and Dr. Vilma Vega, an infectious disease specialist. The Sarasota Zika case is one of 10 new travel-related

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Alpine Steakhouse recently voted Best Steakhouse 2016 by Sarasota Magazine took us so long? Also want to order from the meat market... wow. One of my new favorite places.

Matt Rebhan owner working the Meat counter. Customers can choose a steak from the meat counter for their dinner in the restaurant.

This year Alpine Steakhouse recently received the prestigious award from Sarasota Magazine naming them the Best Steakhouse 2016. Alpine Steakhouse has been in business over 40 years, a “one-stop shop with an old fashioned Meat Market (with experienced butchers) and a 70 seat Steakhouse all under one roof”. It is located at 4520 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota---one block north of Proctor Road at traffic light of Field Road and US 41. Mark and son Matt Rebhan owners want to invite everyone to come and enjoy a great meal in this unique restaurant. Here is what they are saying online. “Fantastic steaks and service” This is just what it says on the sign; it is a no frills steak house that served some of the finest steak we as a family have ever eaten. We did not go there on price but the fact that they understood the meat and how to cook it which was high end meat cooked to perfection on a char grill and served simply. Anyone can cook a fancy steak in a sauce and get away with it but to cook a steak and serve it without a sauce and release all the natural flavor by cooking is genius. I have eaten at many high end establishments but my favorite dish is always a steak and all too often it is a disappointment when it comes. I would encourage any visitors to Sarasota to put any preconceptions behind them remember that you can’t judge a book by its cover and go to The Alpine Steakhouse and enjoy steak as it should be, the staff were fantastic the prices amazing and we all came away smitten. Thank you guys for putting our faith back in American cooking as in the last 10 days most has been disappointing. “What an amazing place! It is not fancy or pretentious! ” Just excellent food and great service. We had the NY strips and the filet mignon...all cooked perfectly and melted in your mouth. The twice baked potatoes are amazing as is the homemade clam chowder. We were full but we HAD to try dessert...we had the truffles mint chocolate chip and spumoni with fresh whipped cream. Even the coffee was good... what

From Yelp I have to admit I have lived in Sarasota for over 20 years, and never had eaten at Alpine. Friends suggested it, so we joined them....... for one of the best steaks we have ever had. That was last week, I have sent two others there, and the reviews are the same. Now we are going back tonight, and looking forward to another fine meal. Service awesome as well. Fancy, NO, updated, NO, but we will be coming back. “Great find!” After eating nothing but fish for several days in the Florida Keys, my wife and I were looking for some juicy beef…, and this place was a wonderful find. It doesn’t look much from the outside - just one of many roadhouse restaurants in the Sarasota sprawl - but from the moment we walked in, to a cheery welcome from our excellent waitress, everything about it was good. As it doubles as a butcher and deli you can choose your own steak from a display cabinet if you wish. We went for the New York strip and sirloin, and they were high quality steaks cooked to perfection. The thick-cut chips were also magnificent. So too the starter of blue cheese-dressed salad, and the homemade fruit cobbler and ice cream. With a bottle of Californian Cabernet the bill was about 85 dollars plus tip - great value. If you’re looking for a great steak dinner - with no pretentious frills - go there! From Yelp We had the NY Strip “Pittsburgh Style” which means heavy sear on both sides. Lots of flavor. Mmmmm. We had a twice baked potato to go with it. We are on our way again for the second time this week. Great Atmosphere. Also, an in house butcher shop right inside. Next time I’m going to come here to pick up my steaks and fresh ground sirloin for some tasty burgers. “Yum!” This was a great find! The food was excellent and the service was great! I will come again! We loved that there is a butcher on the grounds. The chicken smoking had my mouth watering before we even got through the door. My daughter had the sausage and peppers. It was fresh and a little spicy. My hubby had the oyster po’boy which I did not try cause I don’t care for oysters, but he said it was great. I had a Ruben which was amazing! The Rebhan’s want everyone to know that they offer a complete catering service for business, holiday and events. Hours; Mon-Thu 9am-9pm Fri & Sat 9am-9:30pm Sun Closed (941) 922-379. www.alpinesteak.com (Advertorial)

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News Up & Down the Trail Continued from page 11

100-room Hotel planned for Pinecraft By the end of next year, travelers and families to Sarasota’s AmishMennonite neighborhood of Pinecraft should have a 100-room hotel to stay at. The Carlisle Inn of Sarasota will be just a short stroll from Der Dutchman, Alma Sue’s, Miller’s Dutch Haus Furniture, and Yoder’s Restaurant. Dutchman Hospitality, the inn’s parent company, has a long history of serving the Sarasota community and its visitors through the Der Dutchman kitchen, and plans to open the hotel. Plans call for a four-story, 85,000 squarefoot hotel with large common areas designed for hotel guests to congregate outside of their rooms. Dutchman Hospitality, based in Walnut Creek, Ohio, first pitched plans for the hotel in 2015. The Carlisle Inn of Sarasota will feature Amish decor similar to that of Der Dutchman’s decor, with high-quality woodwork, quilts and emblems. Plans are expected to appear before the Sarasota County Commission in September. The president of Dutchman Hospitality said the company hopes to break ground on the more than $10 million project soon after it gets the stamp of approval from the county. The company anticipates 14 months of construction, and hopes to have the inn open for business by mid to late fall 2017.

Boca Kitchen slated to open downtown Boca Kitchen, Bar & Market — a restaurant and retailer based in Tampa — was slated to open its fourth location at 19 S. Lemon Ave. in downtown Sarasota by the end of August, according to a news release. The firm behind Boca Kitchen, a farm-to-table-focused restaurant, is currently accepting job applications for the new downtown eatery at BocaSarasota.com.

The Sarasota restaurant will seat 160 patrons, and includes a semiprivate mezzanine and a market featuring fresh produce and jams, along with local products, such as Sara Fresh Juices, according to the news release. According to the chain’s website, “Boca’s menu is based on the local food movement and sources ingredients from nearby farmers and specialty food purveyors.” There are currently three locations with the Boca Brandon being the most recent restaurant to open. The chain is also planning a forthcoming location in St. Petersburg, according to its website.

Benderson Park hires new CEO A new president and CEO has been hired for the nonprofit that runs Sarasota County’s Nathan Benderson Park. Robert J. Sullivan, an experienced event venue manager in Wichita Falls, Texas, will start Monday, according to a Wednesday statement from the board of Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates Inc. Sullivan replaces longtime park official Paul Blackketter, who stepped down abruptly in April but said he would help SANCA through the 2016 fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. Sullivan has more than 35 years’ experience in event venue management and will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the park’s operations and management. The park has been developed primarily as a rowing venue and is scheduled to hold the US Rowing Youth National Championships and World Rowing Championships next year but also has held triathlon, running, paddleboard and other events. Benderson Park — operated by Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates, and supported through a partnership between Sarasota County and Benderson Development — has gone from a gravel mining pit to a 600-acre rowing and sports venue that hosted the Olympic Trials in rowing.

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SEPTEMBER 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Snapshots of Island Visitors 10 Facts About Nutritious You Products Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

1. They are made out of 99% organic ingredients. We support organic farming. We hope that our government will eventually start subsidizing organic farmers instead of animal food production, which is the leading cause of climate change. 2. They are 100% vegan. Which means no dairy or animal products were used to produce them. 3. They are gluten free. Naturally. We use no fillers in our crackers. In fact, the main filler is organic veggies/fruits which makes them nutrient-dense and flavorful.

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Our VeggiePulp cracker has 32% fiber. Our Rosemary Walnut has 2450 milligrams of omega 3 oil! Our Corn-Free Tortilla cracker has 120% vitamin K! We can go on but you get the picture. 8. They are created by a Health Coach. All the recipes have a high nutritional value to create a flavorful yet nutrient-dense snack satisfying all the taste buds with a complex variation of spices. 9. They are made with a mission in mind. We hope to increase availability of meatless meals for you so we can help decrease deforestation of the Amazon rainforest, the Lungs of the Planet, that’s being turned into flat grassland for ever growing meat demand. And guess what,

even hard-core carnivores love our food! Make your Meatless Monday a priority! 10. We are a green sustainable business. Most of our packaging is compostable and biodegradable so as we grow we feel good about not leaving a mess in our landfill. We recycle, compost, and support local organic farms. We don’t cut corners. Nutritious You Handcrafted With Love Visit us at 6583 Midnight Pass Road and ask for a free sampling of our products. info@NutritiousYou.com www.NutritiousYou.com 941-203-5203 (Advertorial)

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SEPTEMBER 2016

Sheriff’s Report

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July 19- August 22, 2016

There were a total of 21 crimes reported on the Key between 7/19-8/22/16

7/19/16 Grand Theft 5900 Block Midnight Pass Rd

A woman reported an unknown subject stole her iPad from her condo unit. The woman and her family had been vacationing at the condo. After checking out and leaving the area, she realized she left it in the nightstand drawer. A few minutes later, she returned to the condo. The manager walked her up to the unit and found the cleaning crew there, but not the iPad. The cleaning crew denied taking it. Later that day, the victim called the condo and spoke with the manager to let her know that she had filed a report with the Sheriff’s Office. The manager told the victim that the missing iPad had “mysteriously” reappeared in her office.

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7/24/16 Battery 200 Block Beach Rd

The victim and his wife were on a morning beach walk near access #5 when he noticed a group of juveniles in the water with an unleashed dog. The man told the young males that they could not have a dog on the beach due to the law and for the protection of the endangered bird species. One of the juveniles removed the dog from the beach but another had already called out to someone believed to be an uncle of one of the juveniles. This suspect, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, approached the victim and accused him of touching one of the young men and shoved him in the upper body, yelling, “ If you come back here, I’ll kill you” or something similar, according to the victim. The suspect and the victim went their separate ways on the beach, and the victim called the Sheriff’s Department for assistance. The man was described as a very tan male in his late 30’s or early 40’s with short, buzzed hair. Deputies searched the beach for the suspect but were unsuccessful. The victim wished to press charges, if and when the suspect is located.

captured on video and will be submitted into evidence.

8/4/16 BurglaryVehicle Public Beach

7/27/16 Petit Theft Public Beach

A woman had her wallet stolen from inside her purse while she went for a swim at the public beach. The woman had left her purse on a beach towel near the yellow lifeguard stand while she went in the water. The victim never saw anything or anyone suspicious near her towel. The leather wallet, valued at $100, contained approximately $50 in cash and her driver’s license.

8/1/16 Petit Theft Public Beach

A man out for a late night swim in the gulf had his wallet stolen off the beach. The victim placed his wallet containing his driver’s license, $20 cash, a credit card and a key near a lifeguard stand while he swam. Sometime between 3 and 4a.m., it was stolen. He stated during that time he noticed a light in the area and assumed it was a lifeguard.

8/4/16 Theft 5100 Block Ocean Blvd

The owner of a Village retail store reported a theft at his business. He witnessed a man in his early twenties wearing a white shirt, black pants and a large backpack walk into the store and take a small piece of cosmetic jewelry. The small ring is valued at $2.99. The owner witnessed the subject slip on the ring while taking off the price tag. The owner asked the suspect to give the ring back and leave the store. The subject replied that he had bought the ring last week and that he should call the police if he was sure it was stolen. The subject left the store with the ring shortly after and headed south on Ocean Blvd. The incident was

A man reported his Samsung Galaxy phone, valued at $500, stolen from the Public Beach Parking lot. The complainant’s vehicle was parked in the lot while he visited the beach. The windows were in the down position and the car was unlocked. Due to the fact that there was no evidence of forced entry and that nothing else was disturbed, the car was not processed for physical evidence.

8/5/16 Theft 5100 Block Ocean Blvd

A man approached deputies on foot patrol in the Village to report that someone had stolen his golf cart from in front of a Village nightclub. He did not witness the incident. The golf cart is a limousine-style Club Cart “Precedent” model with blue neon lights. A bouncer at another establishment noticed the cart heading southbound on Ocean Blvd. A BOLO was issued and deputies expanded the search quickly. The cart was eventually recovered in the 5800 Block of Midnight Pass Rd, parked and undamaged. There are no suspects.

8/14/16 Theft 1200 Block Old Stickney Pt. Rd

An owner of a south Siesta Marina reported a theft at the business. Sometime between 8/12 and 8/14, someone entered their Carolina Skiff tour boat and removed 2 Yeti coolers. The complainant said the boat was tied up in the basin behind the business. The suspects apparently lowered the front ramp and dragged the coolers off because the grip tape was damaged. The coolers had been locked together around a pole in the center of the boat. They were valued at $1000 and $1800. There were no known witnesses or suspects.

www.siestakeyassociation.com

MONTHLY MEETING

Thursday, September 1 • 4:30 PM St. Boniface Church, Room F 5615 Midnight Pass Road

Guest Speaker: David Jones, Project Manager Florida Department of Transportation

Topic: Proposed design at the intersection of Beach Road and SR 758 (Midnight Pass Road) on Siesta Key public is always welcome with questions for our guests.

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SEPTEMBER 2016

Siesta Key Round-Up Another facet of concern, Murphy noted, is that “people can bring anything they want on the beach. There’s nobody watching.” On Aug. 2, she said, “there was a monkey on the beach.” On July Fourth, she added, people took grills out onto the shoreline and then dumped coals in the sand after they had finished cooking. She also has seen visitors hauling “huge speakers” onto the beach, she pointed out. Therefore, she also is seeking help for Labor Day weekend — between 7 and 9 a.m. — to monitor what people take from the beach park parking lots to the shore. Furthermore, Murphy told the audience, she was scheduled to meet with county staff on Aug. 8 to ask about removal of garbage more regularly from the beach and the accesses over the upcoming holiday weekend. “I think they’ll do it as long as we tell them it needs to be done,” she added of county workers, saying she does not believe staff realizes how quickly dumpsters and garbage cans fill up during high-usage periods at the beach. In conclusion, Volpe explained of the SKA and its members, “We don’t want to be a trash-collecting group of people. That’s not our job. Our goal is to educate people coming to the island,” as well as students in the county schools. “It’s a total program we’re looking at setting up.”

Speaking of the Fourth … The August SKA meeting was the first opportunity for Sheriff’s Office personnel to discuss how members of that organization felt about the island’s July Fourth festivities, and the officers received high praise from one person in the audience. A woman who said she has been going to the beach the past eight years for the fireworks show produced by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce applauded the number of law enforcement officers helping maintain control of the crowd. “It was not as chaotic” as it has been, she added. Moreover, because deputies limited drivers from entering the parking lots at the public beach when spaces were not available, the woman pointed out, vehicles did not back up on Beach Road. “[It] was much more orderly. Deputy Chris McGregor explained during the July 5 Siesta Key Village Association (SKVA) session that Sheriff’s Office personnel communicated to each other news about openings of spaces,

Continued from page 10

so officers could let in more drivers at those times. That kept people from constantly circling the parking lots, as they have been known to do. That repetitive circling in search of a space “builds animosity,” Lt. Donny Kennard replied, which leads to disturbances. After spending so much time driving around, he continued, people end up in a bad mood by the time they are able to park and then head to the beach.

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Speaking of the beach … During the August SKVA meeting, Michael Shay — who serves as that organization’s liaison to the Siesta Key Village Maintenance Corp. — had a question for Lt. Kennard and Sgt. Jason Mruczek of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. When he passed the Siesta Public Beach parking lot about 10:30 a.m. the previous Sunday, Shay said, he saw at least three tractor-trailer “sleeper” cabs there. Is that legal? Mruczek replied that he believes county staff is allowing them to stay there until a certain time in the morning. Mruczek added that no restriction prevents such parking. “Interesting,” Shay said. “They were huge.” He noted that they take up about four spaces, and one was partially blocking a travel lane in the lot. Deputy Jason Strom explained that Sheriff’s Office personnel try to get such cabs situated so they do not block traffic. When SNL asked county staff about the sleeper cabs’ use of the parking lot, county spokesman Jason Bartolone provided this response from staff of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department: “Per Sarasota County ordinance, parking lots are closed in all park facilities from midnight to 6 a.m. unless otherwise ordered by the [County Commission]. There are two signs that allocate 15 RV/large vehicle spaces at Siesta Beach before 10 a.m. The signs can be easily overlooked or actually blocked by those very vehicles. If these spots are not utilized by 10 a.m. they are free to be used by anyone. Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources staff work cooperatively on a daily basis with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office to regulate activities including parking enforcement. We encourage citizens and visitors to contact the sheriff’s office if they observe any suspicious activity or parking violations.”

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Sheriff’s Office looks into complaints about Beach Access 2 parking

that space be moved closer … so as to not block the turn into our driveways? Or take the illegal space out of there. It belongs in a parking area not in a no parking area! Discrimination?” Commissioner Carolyn Mason responded to the writer the same day. Mason thanked her for the information. Mason copied Sheriff Tom Knight on her email and asked that he and his staff look into the woman’s concerns and report their findings to the commissioners. Following up on Mason’s request, SNL contacted the Sheriff’s Office. On Aug. 2, Kaitlyn Johnston, the office’s community affairs director, replied by email. After checking with Sgt. Jason Mruczek — who heads up the Sheriff’s Office’s substation on Siesta — she said she wanted to point out that Beach Access 2, located at Avenida Messina and Beach Road, is posted with “No Parking/Stopping/Standing” signs. “Substation deputies make frequent checks at this location throughout their shifts and enforce the signage as appropriate, to include the issuance of parking tickets,” she added. “The area has been monitored by our personnel over the past several years and it appears that in terms of complaints, we seem to receive the same concern every year around the same time.” Johnston continued, “We looked into our database and learned that since May 1, 2016, the majority of our entries for this location have been the result of self-initiated activity regarding parking enforcement. It appears only five times have we responded to calls for service.”

A Beach Road resident recently vented in an email to the Sarasota County commissioners about what she described as “problems [that] have exacerbated to the point of anarchy.” She asserts that she addressed the same issue in emails to the board in April 2014, but she never received a response. Her subject line in the email was “No Feed Back from Commissioners as of 07/28/2016. Anyone?” The problems to which she alluded revolve around traffic at the intersection of Avenida Messina and Beach Road. Each evening, she wrote, from an hour or so before sunset until about 30 minutes after the sun sets, “many cars are parked illegally” at that intersection. “There are many signs that prohibit parking in this area,” she continued. Nonetheless, “Cars pull into our driveways, park on the beach, block access and egress for [property] owners and emergency vehicles. When we ask politely for folks to move their cars they say NO, then verbally and with gestures threaten us. Law abiding citizens are not able to enjoy this area of Siesta Key. It has become a greater problem after season, suggesting local people are taking advantage of the [lack of law enforcement]. Additionally, she wrote, cars turn around in the driveways “ALL day and night. Constant.” She pointed to yet another concern: the handicapped parking space “smack in the middle of this no parking area.” A vehicle in that spot blocks the county’s signage and “prevents emergency access to our homes,” she wrote. “Can 941.952.TAXI (8294)

Continued on page 20

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941.349.0194

|From Happy Days to Olympic Praise

Mote Marine Jumps the Shark? It was the ‘Fonz’ water skiing over a floating tank of sharks in an episode of Happy Days that gave us the popular expression ‘jumping the shark’ for any effort to gin up interest in an event (or TV sitcom?) having trouble generating such excitement on its own. But surely, Sarasota’s respected Mote Marine Laboratory – with its exemplary reputation as a marine research facility specializing in sharks – would never ‘jump the shark’ in the interest of protecting them? Would it? Well, you might say screening the movie “Jaws” as part of its “Shark Week” festivities argues otherwise. After all, how do you dispel all those popular misconceptions about sharks by screening the very film that created most of them in the first place? Of course, Mote responded in local media reports by saying the movie is a great teaching tool for illustrating just how wrong we have it when it comes to these magnificent creatures. Well, maybe so...but I wonder how many fans of the Spielberg blockbuster in attendance for the Shark Week screening stuck around for that part of the presentation... (and how soon they made it back into the water). Event restrictions or a Larger Plan? The Sarasota City Commission recently approved public hearings slated for this fall on proposed rules to curb the size and scope of downtown events, especially those that require the closure of

more than five city blocks. But in an age of conspiracy theories run amok, conspiracy buffs might see this as a backdoor plan to solve the city’s continuing homeless problem. How so, you ask? Well, by making Sarasota so boring even the homeless wont want to stick around. Blue Lives Matter? According to Heather MacDonald writing in The Washington Post, “...a police officer’s chance of getting killed by a black assailant is 18.5 times higher than the chance of an unarmed black getting killed by a cop.” MacDonald is the Thomas W. Smith fellow at the Manhattan Institute. Pre Labor Day Drama at Sarasota Herald Tribune In a stunning reversal of long standing newspaper industry trends, the Columbia Journalism Review (CJR) reports that newsroom employees at the Sarasota Herald Tribune took steps to unionize last week, “just weeks after journalists at a sister publication, the Lakeland Ledger, officially became the first newspaper in modern Florida history to form a newsroom union.” The effort may lack the drama of Norma Rae holding up a union sign on the mill floor, but it is nonetheless a noteworthy response from a twotime Pulitzer Prize winning news team that organizers say has lost 16 employees since Gatehouse Media purchased the paper in early 2015. According to the CJR report, leaders of the effort are quick to say they are not dissatisfied with local management, but rather that

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By Robert Frederickson

“Gatehouse was not supportive of the “impact journalism” the paper has become known for,” adding that they want a seat at the table when future changes are discussed.” “We have had a good relationship with local management,” veteran columnist Tom Lyons said in a press release to announce the move. “We prize the relationship, and we have especially valued the leadership of our executive editor, Bill Church.” Organizers denied a connection to a recently announced employee buyout offer from Gatehouse according to the CJR story. Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law Exempts Would Be Killer? A Sumter County man is in hot water with Florida’s Fish & Wildlife Commission (FWC) for allegedly shooting an alligator he said was threatening a miniature horse on his property. Robert Blanton, 74, said he heard a commotion in his pasture where his horses were grazing and went to investigate. What he found was a nine-foot gator that appeared ready to attack one of his horses. So Blanton pulled out his revolver and dispatched the gator...or so he thought. When his son went over to check on the supposedly expired gator it suddenly lunged at him, biting him on the leg. Another couple of shots dispatched the gator for good. But when word of the gator shooting reached the FWC they did some dispatching of their own, sending officers to Blanton’s homestead to arrest him for illegally shooting an alligator. Seems Florida’s stand your ground laws exempts cold-blooded reptiles. Final tally: one Blanton in the ER,

one under arrest, one gator dead and one Florida Agency with a serious self-inflicted PR wound. Clinton and Trump Made for One Another? Conventional wisdom holds that Trump is the perfect candidate for Hillary to matchup against, given her recent credibility problems related to her use of a personal email server during her time as Secretary of State. But it works both ways. Trump would likely be an even longer shot than he already is if he were facing a less ethically challenged opponent than Clinton. Polls have Trump losing as this is written by anywhere from eight to 15 percentage points. But I was talking with an old friend who has worked for a polling firm that often does polling research for the Democratic Party and I asked him if he thought the polls this time around were as reliable as they’ve been in the past. He wouldn’t comment on the record, given confidentiality agreements, but suffice to say there are concerns in the industry about polling accuracy this time around. It’s not just that less folks have traditional landlines that in the past provided a reliably representative cross-section of the electorate for pollsters, but also the idea that many voters who might vote for Trump in the end are reluctant to admit so now. But I have a theory of my own that I think could skew things in Trump’s favor. If there are a large number of undecided voters in the last week before the election, they might just be drawn to Trump by the political equivalent of the TV season

finale cliffhanger he has created. Will he build the wall? Will Mexico pay for it? Will Nancy Pelosi’s head explode if he’s elected? Americans want to know! It might not be the most reasonable way to choose the leader of the free world, but given the confluence of unconventional circumstances this time around, it just could happen... Disgraceful Treatment of Veterans According to a report by WFLA’s Steve Andrews, The Average Veterans Administration appeal for benefits takes longer than America’s involvement in WW II. Celebrating the Olympics On the occasion of his 70th birthday in 2011, George Will made the following observation: “To be 70 is to understand that time cannot wither, nor custom stale, the simple pleasure of trying to do things well, or witnessing others do them.” I was reminded of this quote while watching the Olympics last month, and witnessing so many young (and even some not so young) athletes work so hard to achieve so much on the field of play. Despite the distractions of scandal, be it the scalping of tickets by an IOC official, or lying by athletes to cover up embarrassing personal behavior, not to mention wars, terrorism and natural disasters, the Olympics prove to us every four years that sacrifice and hard work are indeed rewarded. And that when we work together as a team (think here of the American gymnastics team) the sky really is the limit.

Discover Gulf Gate

With our map, located on page 20, you’ll be able to navigate your way to our featured shops with ease. Oh Mamma Mia! (GG-4) Offers a truly unique dining experience with dinner shows by Chef Giuseppe Urbano. Enjoy the family ambiance as you watch him prepare an authentic Italian regional dish with fresh ingredients just for you. Fine dining, great atmosphere at casual dining prices. Reservations highly

recommended. Piccolos Italian Market & Deli (G-47) carries a full line of imported cheeses, fresh baked bread daily, homemade sausages, fresh mozzarella, and numerous hard to get items. They now carry Khorasan Wheat which is an ancient and organic grain. Their deli is complete with huge hot and cold sandwiches, salads, fresh homemade lasagna and baked ziti. And, you cannot leave

without trying their cannoli filled with their own homemade cannoli cream or the tiramisu or Sfogliatelle from Brooklyn. Here is where you will find great Italian specialty gourmet items without the gourmet price. Tony’s Chicago Beef Company (S-16) is owned and operated by true Chicagoans. Dedicated to deliver Chicago’s best food - Chicago style Hot Dogs wit’ the works... Continued on the next page

More than just storage... You are cordially invited to

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September 22, 2016 4-6:00 PM 4515 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 4:30 PM

• WE ARE NOW OPEN • GRAND OPENING SPECIALS Proud to support local non-profit Junior League of Sarasota’s Nutrition and Hunger Initiative. Bring your peanut butter donations!

4515 S. Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, FL 34231 • (941) 924-5700 • BudgetSarasota.com

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

Discover Gulf Gate

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

The Shop SRQ (G-2) offers flattops, fades, tapers, blowouts, razor cuts, and straight razor shaves. Owners, Erick and Dawn use a back to basics approach to grooming with a precise attention to personal detail. Their commitment to excellence has provided them with many loyal customers. They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust. Hours: Tues. – Fri. 8:30am – 6pm, Sat., 8:30am – 3pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. 6625 Gateway Ave, 941-626-4894. At the original Word of Mouth Restaurant (G-31), every seemingly insignificant detail receives special

Hours: Mon-Sun.: 8AM-2PM. 6604 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, 34231, 941925-2400. Pride of the South (S-34) specializes in southern BBQ from ribs to meatloaf along with an array of sides such as grits, collard greens, baked bread, cole slaw, and fried orka all served up in a southern style setting. Let your nose lead the way to their smokers.

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attention from the warm, inviting decor to each specially crafted variety of freshly baked muffins to the signature menu items. This small diner is where the locals come to eat breakfast and lunch. Each staff member works hard to make sure you receive the best service and quality food so you’ll want to return often. Take a look at their mouth-watering menu at www.originalwordofmouth.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2016

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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 S30

941-925-2400

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

NEWERS N OW

M-10

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

All packaged liquor sold until 2 AM

Open Daily from 9 AM ‘til 2:30 AM

• 9 AM - 7 PM EVERY DAY

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

FREE Pool

7 PM ‘til Close Sunday & Monday

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

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

One mi.from Siesta South Bridge (behind Publix)

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

G-4

PICCOLO

Italian Market & Deli

GG-4

Hot or Cold & Vegetarian Sandwiches

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

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

941-923-2202

www.PiccoloMarket.com

S-16 S-34

Catering Available

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

941.926.0099

COUPON

FREE SIDE With the purchase of ANY entreé

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2016

Artist In The Sand

By Trebor Britt

Beautiful Siesta Beach is a magnet for interesting people from all over the world including the state of Florida. Born and raised in Florida, 26-year-old Chelsea Tubb of New Smyrna Beach, a passionate artist, recently visited the crystal waters of the Gulf of Mexico shoreline for the very first time. Here to visit a friend, she rarely visits anywhere new without her acrylic paints and a clean canvas. On this day she found the Siesta Beach landscape with four, colorful life guard towers both intriguing and paint worthy. Chelsea’s current path through life is on a dual track. She fulfills her love for animals by working as a Client Care Coordinator at a local veterinarian’s office and her great love and passion for art by having an online art store hosted by Etsy. Her painting style has a bohemian flair and she loves to paint elephants on canvas with colorful tribal designs. Her biggest sale to date was a 48 x 48 painting of a custom designed elephant she sold for $500. Chelsea enjoys participating in a unique, worldwide art group called “Art Abandonment”. Over 32,000 artists worldwide are part of the group. You can find it on Facebook or just Google “Art Abandonment”. It’s a group designed to encourage random acts of ...art, left in various locations around the globe. The idea is that folks can make something and leave it for a lucky unsuspecting person to find. Artists can then post locations and photos of abandoned goodies…and finders can let everyone know they are the lucky finder. The night before her visit, she and her friend uniquely painted some shells and rocks. They secretly dropped them on the beach then sat down nearby and waited to witness the excitement of the adults and children when they found the art pieces. See Chelsea’s original artwork at www.etsy.com/shop/GypsyTwistArt)

941.349.0194

Siesta Promenade project Benderson needs to have a CAP adopted by the county, he said, so the firm can increase residential density on the site to 25 units per acre. Based on staff comments regarding the latest application, Benderson employees will refine the proposal and then submit it to the county, along with a petition to rezone the site, he added. “I expect them to file that at any time,” he said. On July 25, Keith Slater, traffic services program engineer with FDOT, sent a formal letter to Paula Wiggins, the county’s transportation planning manager, following up on comments FDOT representatives made in meetings with county staff, Bartolone told SNL. County staff had requested the letter, Bartolone added, noting that it “is being shared with Planning and Development Services staff so that it can be entered into the record and considered once the rezone application and Critical Area Plan have been submitted.” Slater’s letter points to “the growing safety and operational concerns related to the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 72 [Stickney Point Road]. [FDOT] has a responsibility to provide a safe and efficient roadway for our residents and the thousands and thousands of visitors and tourists that come to our great state each year. Sarasota County is one of the larger tourist areas within the state with many new residents moving to this county annually.” Slater noted that the intersection is on the county’s “High Crash Segments” list and that “over the past five years there has been a constant increase in crashes within this segment.” Slater continued, “Crashes have increased on average 30 percent per year with an astonishing 175 percent total increase between 2010 and 2014. Having reviewed the crash data for this area, it became very clear why coordination efforts for this area are so vital.” He further noted, “As for our operational concerns, significant increase in traffic for eastbound and westbound will only cause additional delay and congestion. During peak hour, the traffic queues regularly reach past Stickney Point Bridge. … The eastbound left turn movement has up to 75 percent more volume than the roadway design can

Continued from cover story

accommodate. To simply maintain the current Level of Service with additional traffic added, [traffic light] cycle lengths would need to be significantly adjusted.” The letter pointed out that department representatives met with “key county staff” on May 12 to discuss the concerns about the intersection and the county’s approval of land uses for the surrounding property, “[s] pecifically, the parcel(s) making up the northwest quadrant of the intersection of U.S. 41 and S.R. 72 north to Upper Glencoe Road and from the intersection west to Glencoe Road.” During that May 2015 meeting, Slater added, and “via the permitting process,” FDOT staff learned of the potential for the county to approve the rezoning of the Benderson property.

Preventing a ‘losing battle’

www.siestasand.net

Selina Carroll, a traffic engineering specialist with FDOT, sent an email to Slater, L.K. Nandam — FDOT’s district operations engineer in Sarasota — and other department staff on May 18 to summarize the May 12 session with county staff. She noted that Nandam “advised the FDOT access permit is the final leg in the process and a losing battle if the county approves a large density [on the Benderson property]. That’s why we are here — to get the county’s cooperation at the beginning of the process.” (A June 6 letter from county Planner Todd Dary to Todd Mathes, the Benderson project manager, explained steps necessary to Benderson’s winning approval for Siesta Promenade. In it, Shannon Rodden of the county’s Transportation Planning Department staff estimated that the mixed-use development would generate more than 100 peak hour trips in the afternoon.) The May 18 email said Wiggins pointed out that the county’s Comprehensive Plan shows the proposed Siesta Promenade site designated for commercial purposes in future land use planning. She added that the county has “no control over intensity based on traffic.” However, the email continued, Wiggins added that the

County Commission “may be able to consider a lower intensity based on compatibility or safety & operational issues.” The email noted that Slater “advised capacity and [Level of Service] leads before safety & operational [concerns].” Wiggins countered that, “by law the county is unable to restrict development based on capacity & traffic.” Then Wiggins and FDOT staff concurred that Glencoe Avenue would be the preferred access point for the Benderson property. The email pointed out, “She added the [County Commission] can deny it based on compatibility if residents resist.” On May 18, an email from Nandam to Carroll and the other recipients of the earlier email showed his suggested revision to that statement: “She added the [County Commission] can consider compatibility as an item if residents resist.”

‘Trying to sell this plan’ A June 30 email from Carroll summarized discussion at an “Internal [FDOT] meeting to discuss access plan for Siesta Promenade.” An FDOT construction project administrator, Nathan Kautz, presented the latest traffic study and site plan for the Benderson project, which he had received on June 21 from the KimleyHorn consulting firm, the memo said. After he and another FDOT staff member had reviewed it, the email continued, they determined, “FDOT would need more information before developing an access plan for [Siesta Promenade].” When Nandam asked what Kimley-Horn was seeking at that time, the response was that the firm is “in the process of going through zoning approval with the county. … [The firm’s representatives] are looking for an access plan from FDOT because they are trying to sell this plan to the [residents],” the email noted. If FDOT did not have a final site plan, Nandam pointed out, it could not make a final decision, the email said. Kautz “recommended FDOT not provide an access plan until [KimleyHorn provides] an acceptable traffic study.”

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

SEPTEMBER 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

VILLAGE MAP pgs 20 - 21

ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 38

GULF GATE SHOPS pg 17

CRESCENT BEACH MAP pg 22

LOCAL MAPS INSIDE

LIVE MUSIC PAGE 24

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

Siesta Key Drum Circle Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Vincent age 6, Angie, Greg from OH

Every Sunday is a perfect time to come to the Key to reconnect with Mother Nature and to enjoy some wonderful entertainment. I’m talking about the Siesta Key Drum Circle that takes place each Sunday starting about an hour before sunset and lasting until about 10 p.m. The gathering meets up just south of the main pavilion - just follow your ears and watch for the swelling crowd. Please note the following rules of etiquette that need to be observed at the Drum Circle so that all can enjoy the experience: the inside of the drum circle is

for participants only, not for people standing around. Feel free to enter the circle, take a picture and dance, but always keep moving. Never play someone’s drum without getting clearance from the owner. Always ask before borrowing other people’s property, especially hula hoops. Flash photography and bright video lights are distracting, so photograph during daylight or use a night vision camera. And finally, please do not drink alcohol or smoke inside the circle and respect our beach by placing all trash in the appropriate receptacles. Photo Courtesy of Cory Wilson.

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

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

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2016

Boulevard Buzz The pursuit of trolley service continues Part of the discussion during the SKVA’s regular meeting in August focused on a July 7 discussion involving representatives of the organization and staff of Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT). Russell Matthes, co-owner of the Daiquiri Deck restaurants, said Rocky Burke, director of SCAT, and Kendra Keiderling, the bus system’s marketing, outreach and customer service manager, “were pretty unprepared for the meeting, in my opinion.” The focus was the SKVA’s renewed effort to establish a trolley service that would circulate on the north and south ends of the island. Matthes added that Burke and Keiderling did not seem sure whether grant money might be available to assist with the proposal. (Keiderling told SNL on July 8 that SCAT is

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Continued from page 15

hoping to obtain such funding to enable it to lease trolleys, but it probably will not hear anything until September.) The new Route 10 that SCAT implemented in July 2014 was touted as a “trolley service,” featuring buses with a specially designed “wrap” to give them more of an island flair, as then-SCAT Director Glama Carter put it to SKVA members. SCAT had obtained a $1,087,500 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for the service. The county had to provide a local match of the same amount, but that was satisfied through the salaries paid to the drivers, Carter noted. On July 12, SCAT Director Burke told the County Commission that the recently completed comprehensive operations analysis of SCAT indicated a number of routes should be terminated because of poor ridership. One of those was Route 10.

Although the County Commission will have final say next year, Burke has proposed that the service be discontinued in April 2017. During the August SKVA meeting, Matthes pointed out that Route 11 already was serving the island when Route 10 was proposed. The average visitor is reluctant to “jump on a bus,” he continued, because of a lack of knowledge about the stops and schedule. After the session with Burke and Keiderling, Matthes continued, he felt they needed to spend more time researching how trolleys operate in other Florida beach communities, including St. Petersburg and Fort Myers. Nonetheless, Matthes said, he had little confidence that such a staff initiative would be pursued. Therefore, Matthes continued, he believes the best approach is for him to bring up the matter to the County Commission and ask that it direct SCAT staff to undertake the

S I M P LY R AWSO M E ! St Armands

St Armands 325John JohnRingling RinglingBlvd Blvd 325 Sarasota, Sarasota, FL FL 34236 34236 941-388-3325 941-388-3325

Map B #42

Siesta Key

www.siestasand.net

Island of Venice 5250 Ocean Blvd 300 West Venice Ave Venice, FL Sarasota, FL34285 34242 941-488-0649 941-349-8697

Island of Venice Siesta Key 300 WestOcean VeniceBlvd Ave 5250 Sarasota, 34242 Venice, FLFL34285 941-349-8697 941-488-0649

Delicious Daiquiris, Seafood and So Much More! Find current specials and promotions at DaiquiriDeck.com

Find current specials and promotions at DaiquiriDeck.com

Map C #61

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

necessary research.

Light Up the Village planning begins SKVA President Wendall Jacobsen asked for volunteers to assist the organization with its annual Light Up the Village holiday season kickoff, which will be held on the evening of Nov. 26 — the Saturday after Thanksgiving. During the SKVA meeting, members agreed to hold their first planning session for the event on Aug. 18. Additionally, SKVA Vice President Mark Smith announced that he needs to go ahead and apply for the necessary county permit for the parade that has become a big part of Light Up the Village. “They did suggest that I get [the permit application in] in August,” he added of county staff members. “All volunteers are wanted and needed,” Jacobsen said.

New feature at the Crystal Classic

During the August meeting of the Siesta Key Village Association (SKVA), guest Esther Quiles took a few minutes to explain that she is in charge of new arts and activities projects for children for the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Internationa Sand Sculpting Festival, which wil be held Nov. 11-15 at the public beach. Introduced by Ann Frescura executive director of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, Quiles said her focus will be a program that wil compare Siesta’s 99-percent quartz sand to sand from other areas. SKVA Vice President Mark Smith added that sand will be brought in from places around the world — including Japan. The Saturday, Nov. 12, schedule for the Crystal Classic calls the program

f n k s s a al ll c

a, y d ll z A d m g

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www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

SEPTEMBER 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

NOTICE: Looking for the Village Barber?

For those that have enjoyed the cuts and comradery at The Village Barber over the years, you can still continue to see Scott at his new location. In July 2015 Scott Reich announced moving out of the Village and off the Key. Reich and his stepfather Pete Sparks had been servicing patrons in the Village for the past 20 years. The Siesta Center was sold and the new ownership of the Ocean Blvd building wasn’t quite meeting up to expectations he and Sparks had of the new landlord. Sparks announced his retirement and Reich announced a move to The Shop SRQ at 6625 Gateway Ave. in Gulf Gate. You can reach Scott Reich at 941-346-0222. His hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tues – Fri, and Sat from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.SiestaKeyBarbershop.com

The Learning Curve. Planned from 2 to 2:30 p.m. that day, it will entail a lesson about the origins of Siesta’s sand. “Be inspired by our ‘hands on’ arts and crafts session for children,” the program note adds. “Something exciting and new and creative,” Quiles pointed out at the SKVA meeting. Students who attend the Sarasota School of Arts & Sciences will assist her, she added. One hundred children are expected to participate in the program.

MonthlyMeetings SKVA meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at the Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar. Meetings begin at 8:30 a.m. anyone interested in learning more about Siesta Key Village is encouraged to attend. For more information visit their website: www.siestakeyvillage. org.

ANNUAL SEPTEMBER SALE ~ 25-50% OFF EVERYTHING

Map D #9

SEPTEMBER 1 - 10 On August 23, two accidents occurred near the intersection of Beach Rd. and Ocean Blvd. Both accidents happened within a 24 hour span. At 2:25 a.m. a vehicle took out the south island just outside the Village. The second incident happened around 5 p.m. when a car rolled over. Top photo by Michael Shay. Bottom photo by Ryan Magee

• segway rentals • PaDDleBOarDs • scOOter cars • kayak tOurs/rentals • Bikes • scOOters Map B #34 • Beach gear 5255 Ocean Blvd • Siesta Key Village www.robinhoodrentals.net

941-554-4242

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

Map D #64

Bringing you quality and comfort for more than 30 years!

Birkenstock & More 5128 Ocean Blvd. Siesta Village

941-346-7425 www.rickscomfortshoes.com

Map D #11

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

941-346-8000

WHAT BETTER WAY TO START YOUR DAY IN PARADISE?

Map D #62

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

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2016

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

941.349.0194

CRESCENT BEACH SHOP INDEX

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

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

www.siestasand.net

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

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

“Home of the Orange Squeeze!”

“A Tropical Department Store“

SHELL & GIFT CITY

Bathing Suits $

Siesta Key’s Most Friendly & Unique Shopping Spot! SOUTHBRIDGE MALL

OPEN 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM DAILY

IN FEATUR

Homemade Ice Cream

Map B-3#8

941-346-0202

19.95 Reg. To $49.00

SIESTA KEY

Siesta Key’s Largest Seashell & Coral Selection!

Sundaes l Shakes l Smoothies l Coffees Espresso l Cappuccinos

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

CRESCENT BEACH

er Sale up Ladies

THE GREEN TURTLE

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

6525 Midnight Pass Road

MAP B-3#14

green TURTLE COUPON

FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE! A Free Tropical Gift! 79 c Just For Stopping In

349-4751

VALUE

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No Purchase Necessary

EXPIRES:7/05/2010 Expires 12/31/16

Map C-3#14 Open 7 Days 9 am-5 pm

941-346-1797

“Voted Small Business of the Year by Siesta Key Chamber”

RepaiRs, sales anD accessORies New 50cc Scooters

HOuRly • Daily • Weekly

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

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

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

SCOOTER RENTALS f f o Half Days/Full Days/Multi Day Rentals with this Coupon EXPIRES 12/31/14 12/31/16

Bikes • Kayaks • Scooters • Kayak Tours

welcome!

Willkommen

GERMAN BAKERY & CAFE

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

Rum Cakes Breakfast Lunch German Beers and Brats

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

Map C-3 #14

Map B-3#8

A Taste of Germany 6575 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Anna’s Deli 6535 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

Big Water Fish Market 6641 Midnight Pass Road

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill 1500 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-5 #12

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters 1249 Stickney Point Rd.

MAP A-3 #4

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

Crescent Beach Grocery 1211 Old Stickney Pt. Rd.

MAP B-3 #1

Siesta 4-Rent 6555 Midnight Pass Rd.

MAP C-3 #14

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

MAP C-4 #17

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

Arts on the Horizon

Why go to Svalbard? And where is it? Well, from the outside it looks like a door that goes into a snowbank on the island of Spitsbergen in Norway, 810 miles south of the North Pole. Inside is housed the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. The door in the snowbank leads to a defunct coal mine 390 feet into a sandstone mountain where there are over 10,000 seeds, collected from seed banks all around the world. These seeds are spares, so that if the main repositories are destroyed in some disaster, the backup seeds may be used to propagate those species, whether they be flowers, fruits, vegetables or trees. Of course all you will be able to see will be sealed drawers stretching out into the distance. If you want to see the actual plants in their natural settings, you will have to travel all around the world - or go to the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens on Palm Avenue, just south of Mound Street, in downtown Sarasota where there is a collection of half the known plant species in the world. As an extra added attraction, you will, between now and November 27,

SEPTEMBER 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

By Rodger Skidmore

be welcomed into Selby’s SECRET Garden. On display in the historic Payne Mansion will be rare botanical illustrations from the 17th and 18th centuries. These illustrations are in fine detail and exquisite color. One could think of them as being the Audubon prints of the plant world. And, in mid-October, the Tropical Conservatory will bring to life a Victorian greenhouse so that you will be able to view some of these same plants as they would have been displayed back when they were being collected and drawn by early English botanists. There will be lectures on botanical exploration, Victorian vignettes and rarely seen specimens from October thru December. Feeling nostalgic about that rose, or those lilies of the valley, that you found pressed between pages of your parent’s high school yearbook? Pressed flowers and plants specimens were preserved before the age of photography so that artists could view and reproduce them to spread their glory beyond their original exotic settings. You will be able to see some of these old pressings and compare the originals to the artists’ representations. Why not go one step further and, with the aid of the Selby courses on photography and watercolor, share your perception of these horticultural beauties with friends and family. For specific dates of courses and lectures please go to Selby.org.

Do you believe in Fairytales? Surely you remember those stories your parents read to you at bedtime; Life starts off calmly, then something terrible happens but, at the last moment, the brave woodsman / prince charming / bad witches’s good sister /

Regularly Scheduled Classes & Events: WEEKLY BEACH CLASSES: • FREE YOGA Mon-Wed.-Fri.-Sat. 8am.* Classes held between blue and green lifeguard station. Call 941-320-6693 to register or go to website for more info. www.yogaonsiestabeach.com * June 1 – Sept. 30: class begins at 8am * Oct. 1 – May 31: class begins at 9am • NIA Tues. & Thurs., 9a.m., Siesta Public Beach (yellow lifeguard chair). Contact Kathy Oravec at 941-724-9719 for more info or check website: www.nianow.com/kathy-oravec • Siesta Key Beach Hoop Jams – (6:30pm) Every Tuesday one hour before Sunset on Siesta Key beach we gather for a community Hoop Jam. (Between the red lifeguard stand and the pavilion; around where the Sunday drum circle happens.) Register at: www.outwardspiral.net WEEKLY DRUM CIRCLE: • Every Sunday about an hour before sunset. South of the main pavillion. You can particpate or watch this weekly gathering dance, hoop, play the drum or other musical instument and enjoy the spectacular Siesta sunset. WEEKLY FARMER’S MARKET • Every Sunday from 8am – 1pm in Davidson’s Plaza in the Village. 5124 Ocean Blvd. Produce, Plants & Flowers, Music, Art, Organic Skincare, Italian Olive Oil, and Freshly Prepared Foods. Listen to live music while you shop.

Breadcrumbs photo is by Ryan Finzelber

or altruistic politician saves the day. While those endings were totally implausible, they made you feel secure and you could sleep peacefully. And, of course, you now know that life really isn’t necessarily like that. Life can, in fact, start a bit off kilter, get somewhat worse (but hey, you get used to it), and then go downhill until you hit bottom. Barbara Redmond and Brittany Prola are two accomplished actors who each portray, alternatively, older and younger versions of two women. It is interesting to watch them play off each other - or is it prey off each other - and, pray tell, who is the prey? Plus you don’t know who has hit bottom or who is just hitting a hard patch. This play could even be about just one person having a conversation with herself - sort of a tale of Lucid vs. Lucy as one person tries to help herself keep on the straight and narrow while twisting through the dark trails of the night that is closing in on her mind. The play, Breadcrumbs directed by Brendan Ragan, is the age old story of Hansel and Gretel - or is it the story of old age for Gretel - and what ever happened to Hansel? Breadcrumbs? Are they squirrel or bird food, words, or your life’s little markers - and how important are they in helping you find your way when you aren’t going anywhere? Trying to figure all this out will keep you busy, and keeping your

mind busy is supposed to keep dementia at bay - or so they say. It is fun to listen to the word play (one of the ladies portrayed here is a writer) and also helpful in finding your way through to the end. The visuals of the set (thank you John Reynolds) are also navigational clues. Finding your way to the Urbanite Theatre will bring you to your own appreciation of Jennifer Haley’s play Breadcrumbs through September 18. Further clues may be found at www. urbanitetheatre.com or by calling the Urbanite Theatre (1487 2nd Street) at 941 321-1397.

Color me blue Sing the blues and you’re singing about the troubles of love or lack of a job, and to feel blue is to be depressed, yet blue is the color of the sky, of blue birds, of bluebells, of gulf waters, of unmelted glaciers, and of some lover’s eyes. I’ll take the latter over the former any day, thank you very much. Blue, and every other color, shade and hue of the rainbow can also be in the color of glass. Glass, which feels so hard yet which can look so fluid, can be found locally, in many, many forms at the Hodgell Gallery, 46 Palm Avenue South, just south of Main St. “Now” is always the best time to go to any art gallery - just ask any gallery owner. But September actually is a great time to walk up and down Palm Avenue as snowbirds are not yet back to clutter up the place. Yes, we bluebirds of paradise can stroll into a gallery like the Hodgell and not have to peer over anyone’s shoulder to see the latest creations on display. And on display they are. Owner Brian J. O’Connell has just finished installing a new display system whereby the gallery can showcase

What’s Happening On The Beach…

• SEPT. 17 – 18 (SAT & SUN) 8AM – 5PM/ WORLD LACROSSE BEACH TOURNAMENT: The 3v3 beach Lacrosse tournament will be open to boys and girls broken down into the following age groups: Ages 7/8, 9/10, 11/12, 13/14, 15/16, 17/18. All teams will be guaranteed fun within each age division. You may have up to 5 players on a team. Find the sponsorship letter tab on the website and then find your friends and sign up. A highlight of the youth event will be the Exhibition game for Pro Beach Lacrosse. It will be in Speed Lacrosse format of 3v3. In addition to the beach tournament games, there will be live music, beach games, watersports and much more that will help create a festival atmosphere. Check out their website for more information on this fun sport. www.worldlacrossebeachfestival.com • SEPT. 24 (SAT) 7-11 AM / YMCA SHARKS TRIATHLON: Registration Deadline: September 23, 2016. The 32nd Annual Sharks Siesta Key Triathlon is on September 24 at the Siesta Key Beach. This is a Sprint Triathlon with a 0.5 mile swim, 12.75 mile bike and a 3.1 mile run. All Sharks families are encouraged to race, sponsor or volunteer to put on an exceptional race that is renown for its hospitality and athlete support! Go to website for more information: www.sarasotasharks.org

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

many more pieces on each wall. It is great for clients who walk in and wish to see a large selection of what is currently available (it is always changing). During the past 25 years the works of over 300 artists have been shown. That same display system can be replicated, on a customized basis, in new owners’ homes so that they can show off more of their own collection at one time. The gallery is normally open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, but on the first Friday of each month they, as well as many other galleries in Sarasota, are open from 6 until 9 p.m. as well. The theme for First Friday this month is “September Swing” and next month it will be “An Evening of Classics”. When “the season” starts and more people will be looking at art there will be some lectures given at the Hodgell to provide more information about this art form. Remember, glass is made of sand. Not the sand of crushed seashells but the sand found on Siesta Beach - quartz crystal. So, if you want a really high end Sarasota conversation piece try contemporary art glass.

Around the island… • FREE SUMMER EXERCISE CLASSES: Every Thursday mornings at 9 a.m. Focus will be on stretching, strengthening, toning, posture, and balance specifically for seniors. All levels are welcome. Space is limited. Call 941-870-5811 to reserve your spot. Classes will be held at Siesta Key Sports and Physical Therapy, 5147 Ocean Blvd, in the Village, next to Coldwell Banker and across from The Hub. And Beyond… • PHILLIPI ESTATE PARK: LOCATED AT: 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231. September is a tranquil time at Phillippi Estate Park with opportunities to wander shoreline trails, explore the nature walk in a coastal hammock behind the Gazebo in Phillippi Estate Park and enjoy a sunset picnic on the three (3) fishing piers. However, plans are under way for the re-opening of the seasonal farmers market at Phillippi. Mark your calendars for Wed. Oct. 5 when the Phillippi Farmhouse Market re-opens for its 7th season of providing local produce, plants and flowers, live music, baked good including the world’s best donuts and beignets, artisans with local crafts, food trucks and the friendliest Welcome Center run by Friends of Sarasota County Parks. Your four-footed friends are welcome on leash. Market hours are 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. For more information, please call 941-316-1309. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, please be sure to always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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

P.O. BOX 35086, SIESTA KEY, FL 34242

www.siestasand.net

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2016

941.349.0194

Who’s Playing Tonight

By Mike Sales

RPM

|An interview with RPM You may recall an interview from the Siesta Sand January issue, of this year, which featured RPM’s Mark Waelti. During that interview, I learned that the duo, consisting of Mark on bass and vocals and Randy Marsh on guitar and vocals had been together for 30 years and were planning an anniversary concert to celebrate. The concert that was an idea being planned at the time is now a reality so I sat down, this time with both Mark and Randy to get all of the details of the event… WPT: To begin; what’s the secret to staying motivated, booking steady and playing music with the same duo partner for 30 years? Mark: Well, without a doubt, it couldn’t have been done without the generous, loyal and humbling support we’ve received from our following, year after year. The people who come out to enjoy the music with us, night after night, keep this whole thing going and we really appreciate them more than words could express. Randy: As for us working together so long; we became friends before becoming business partners. It’s always about what you do, but it’s also about who you’re doing it with. Mark: We split the responsibilities and the rewards evenly and though we don’t agree on everything, we find an equitable way to settle everything. It actually gets easier the longer we play together. Randy: I also want to point out that it couldn’t have been done without all of the venues who’ve hired us and trusted us to entertain their customers and keep them

CLUB

BLASE CAFÉ

WPT: For people who haven’t been to see you before; what can they expect from the concert that they won’t see at one of your weekly shows on the island? Randy: It will not just be Mark and me…we’ll have a full band as well as some special guests flying in from all over the country. WPT: Who’s going to be in the band? Mark: Our Drummer, Michael Finley, who’s been our drummer for years will be playing that night. He’s played with several different great artists over the years… Randy: …Dwight Yoakum and Stephen Stills. Mark: We’re going to have Billy Day on keyboards and vocals… Tim Towell is flying in from Austin, Texas… Randy: …he’ll be on Mandolin and electric guitar... Mark: And we’re also going to have Dan Sebranek, who’s been a friend of ours for 20 years, coming in from Lacrosse, Wisconsin, he’s played all over the world…he’s played with us and we played with him up in the Midwest. He’s a great vocalist and acoustic guitar player. He’s bringing his wife Mary with him, who is also a great vocalist. Joey Lavalle, a local favorite, will be a special guest… Randy: Cliff Sadler… Mark: …they’ll be 8 or 9 of us on stage counting everybody. WPT: For people who come to see you often; what can they expect to see that’s different? Mark: This will be a much bigger production than we usually do. The Theater is a beautiful venue and we’re hiring a great sound

company…we’re going to try to make it the best show ever. Randy: We’ll be releasing our 5th cd and selling them that night and playing some more recent material we’ve been working on as a surprise for the concert. WPT: What type of songs can people expect that night? Randy: We’ll be playing a wide variety of our favorites; Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor, Jimmy Buffett and a couple of originals, of course. WPT: How would someone visiting Siesta Key, get to the Venice Theater? Randy: Take Stickney Point east, over the bridge off the island to Hwy 41 (Tamiami Trail) and turn right to go south. Veer right at the fork, onto the island to Venice, cross the bridge and you’ll find the Venice Theater at the corner of Business 41 and Tampa Ave. Mark: As soon as you get onto the bridge, you can’t miss it… Venice Theater is written on the side of the building. It’s a very cool drive from the island that takes about 20 minutes. We encourage people to make an evening of it. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance, so they can eat dinner then head to the theater,

have some drinks, find their seats and enjoy the show. WPT: When it’s all said and done, what will you consider a successful concert? Randy: It’s going to be a party…a thank you to our loyal following…a memorable evening. Mark: I hope people walk away thinking it was a great show. RPM’s 30th Anniversary Concert: Sunday, October 9th at 8pm (doors open at 7pm) Tickets are on sale now at rpmfla.com and venicestage.com The Venice Theater is located at: 140 Tampa Ave W Venice, FL 34285. 941-488-1115 RPM performs weekly on Siesta Key at: Sniki Tiki Monday nights 6-10pm. 1200 Old Stickney Point Road Siesta Key, FL Gilligan’s Tuesday and Thursday nights 6-10pm. 5253 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key, FL For more information log onto rpmfla.com Mike Sales is a local singer/ songwriter for more information visit mikesalessings.com

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE MONDAY

In the Village 941‐349‐9822

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

coming back. Those partnerships have been vital to our success and we appreciate every one of them. WPT: Where and when are you having your concert? Mark: The concert is being held at The Venice Theater, Sunday October 9th. The doors open at 7pm. There’s a full bar and the concert starts at 8pm. WPT: How did you decide on The Venice Theater? Randy: We did our 20th year Anniversary Concert at The Players Theater in Sarasota. When it came time for our 25th Anniversary, we found the Venice Theater and spoke with Allan Kollar who was very welcoming. We felt comfortable at the venue as did our following, so we decided to have our 30th there too. It’s an intimate venue and they allow drinks inside the theater. WPT: This all sounds like a big undertaking; how does a concert like this come together? Mark: It becomes an everyday thing. Allan is the Theater Director and has been wonderful during all of the planning. This event is a partnership with the theater, so it’s working out very well. Allan is overseeing everything at the venue and catering to our requests to accommodate the band and our following and the VIP section and we’re assembling the band, booking airline flights and putting the music together. What’s nice about it is that we’re able to sell tickets on our own. They are available on our website as well as the theater website and ticket sales are going very well. We’ve sold hundreds of seats already and are hoping to sell out.

www.siestasand.net

Scott Curts (3‐7pm)

TUESDAY

Live Music 6‐10pm Billy Lyon (3‐7pm)

WEDNESDAY Live Music 6‐10pm

Noel Harris (3‐7pm)

THURSDAY Live Music 6‐10pm

Kevin Thompson (3‐7pm) DJ Crawford (10pm) RPM 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am Acoustic Open Mic w/ Nally & Egglefield 6‐10pm Berry Oakley’s Skylab 7‐11pm

FRIDAY

Live Music (6‐10pm) Spark Notes (3‐7pm) DJ TJ (10pm)

SUNDAY

Live Music 6‐10pm

Live Music 6 ‐10pm

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

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

Rodney Shenk 6‐10pm

RPM 6‐10pm

Patrick 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

Al Donadi 7‐11pm

Open mic night 7‐11pm

Kettle of Fish 7‐11pm

THE BEACH CLUB

Baby 9pm‐midnight

DJ Coz or Kensi 10pm – 2am

DJ Coz 9pm‐2am

Live Band 8 – 11pm DJ 11‐2am

Live Band 8 –11pm DJ 11pm‐2am

THE COTTAGE

Live Music 6‐9pm

Live Music 7‐10pm

Live Music 6‐9pm

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

Live Music 1 – 4pm

4:30 – 7:30pm 8:30 –midnight

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

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

Karaoke 9pm – 1am

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

In the Village 941‐346‐8122

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

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

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

BACKROOM SALOON @ CAPT. CURTS Crescent Beach Shops

941‐349‐3885 SNIKI TIKI @ CAPT CURTS

Crescent Beach Shops

941‐349‐3885 Turtle Beach Grill Southern end of SK 941‐349‐3839 BOATYARD BAR & GRILL

Over the South Bridge

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

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

LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

Karaoke 9pm ‐1am LIVE MUSIC 6‐10pm

Whiteleather 2‐6pm LIVE BAND 8pm – 12am

Democracy (Reggae) 10pm‐2am

LIVE MUSIC 3‐6pm

Andres Collin 5‐9pm

Larry Williams 5‐9pm

(Reggae Music)

Live Music 3‐6PM

Live Music 4‐8pm

Live Music 3‐7pm

941‐924‐4900

941‐966‐1901

TBA – 2 pm Tozier – 5pm Chris Otto ‐ 10pm

CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE 801 Blackburn Pt. Rd, Osprey

941‐921‐6200

SAND DOLLAR POOL BAR @ Best Western Plus 6600 S. Tamiami Trl. Sarasota

Live Music 6‐10pm DJ 10pm – 2am

SATURDAY

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

Democracy 4‐8pm

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

SEPTEMBER 2016

Island Humor [ To maintain a healthy level of insanity… 1) At lunch time, sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and a hair dryer pointed at passing cars. See if they slow down. 2) On all your check stubs, write, “For Marijuana” 3) Skip down the street rather than walk and see how many looks you get. 4) Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face. 5) Sing along at the Opera. LOUDLY 6) When your money comes out of the ATM, scream, “I won! I won!” 7) When leaving the zoo, start running toward the parking lot, yelling, “run for your lives, they’re on the loose!” 8) Tell your children over dinner, “Due to the economy, we are going to have to let one of you go.” [ After living in the mountains most of his life, a hillbilly decides to take a trip into the city. He stops at one of the stores and picks up a mirror. Never having seen a mirror

before he looks into it and exclaims, “How ‘bout that this here’s a picture of my pappy.” Thinking it was a picture of his dad he buys it but on his way home remembers that his wife didn’t like his dad, so decides to hang it in the shed. Every morning before going hunting, he’d go in the shed and look at it. His wife started getting suspicious of his many trips to the shed. So, one day after her husband leaves, she goes to the shed to find the mirror. As she looks in the mirror, she fumes, “So that’s the ugly wench he’s running around with.” [ A wife comes home dead-tired from working late, goes directly to the bedroom and starts taking off her clothes when she realizes there are four legs sticking out of the blanket. Angerly, she reaches for a baseball bat and starts to whack away at the two blanketed figures. With shaking hands she decides to go to the kitchen and pour herself a stiff drink to calm her nerves. As she enters, she sees her husband reading a magazine. “Hi Sweetheart”, he says, “Your parents

have come to visit us, so I let them stay in our bedroom. Did you stop and say ‘hello’?” [ Little Jenny comes home from school and tells her mom that the boys keep asking her to do cartwheels because no one else can do them quite like she can. Mom says, “You should tell them NO – they only want to look at your undies.” Jenny says, “I know. That’s why I hide them in my backpack.” [ When I was ready to check out and pay for my groceries, the cashier said, “Strip down, facing me.” Making a mental note so I could complain to our congressman about this running amok Homeland Security drivel, I did just as she had instructed. After the shrieking and hysterical remarks finally subsided, I found out that she was referring to how I should position my credit card. Nonetheless, I’ve been asked to shop elsewhere in the future. Dang it, they need to make their instructions a little clearer for seniors.

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

onth.. M e h T f o r e d n e t r Ba Square 1 Burgers

Trail, 6240 S. Tamiami

& Bar

1 Sarasota, FL 3423

941-870-8111 rgers.com www.square1bu

Name of Bartender: Cheryl Ann Hometown: Indiana Q: How long have you been bartending? A: I have been bartending for six years.

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

Q: What was the strangest or funniest thing you experienced at work? A: This lady comes in and she was intoxicated upon arrival. The manager told her we couldn’t serve her so she becomes upset and begins to scream and swear at me, then storms off to the restroom. I never saw her come back out but I was busy and didn’t think anything of it. About 20 minutes go by and she calls the restaurant phone screaming hysterically that she is locked in the bathroom. This was very strange to me because our bathroom doors do not lock. I go to look and there isn’t anyone in the bathroom. Ten minutes pass and she calls again screaming that nobody will help her. So I check both bathrooms. Here she was in the MENS restroom pounding on the door to get out. It is a pull open door. She was pushing it trying to get out. Needless to say, my point was affirmed…she was, in fact, very, very intoxicated. Q: What do you do in your spare time? A: I love being outdoors so any chance I get, I go kayaking, fishing, to the beach, or just a local park to read. I am addicted to traveling so any chance I get, I go. I want to see the world. Q: How would you describe yourself? A: I am extremely outgoing and adventurous. I love people and making

them smile is my favorite! Q: How would you describe where you work? A: Square 1 Burgers & Bar makes delicious food, great drinks in a fun and friendly atmosphere. I’ve worked here for six years and I love it.

6500 Gateway Ave • 941.554.8905

Q: When’s the best time to see you? A: Best time to see me is Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays – all day!

Karaoke Thursday, Friday & Saturday

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2016

941.349.0194

Water World Captain Jim Klopfer’s Fishing Report

www.siestasand.net

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

Adventure Charters 941-371-1390

mackerel, mangrove snapper, pompano, gag grouper, and ladyfish. Both live bait and artificial lures will catch plenty of fish. A Bass Assassin grub on a ¼ ounce jig head is a great choice for anglers who enjoy casting artificial lures. Olive (08) X-Raps and other plugs are also effective along with gold and silver spoons. A live shrimp under a popping cork is a timeproven technique for catching “specks” on the West Coast of Florida. Snook will migrate from the beaches back into the bays. Both passes will be great spots to fish, especially on afternoon outgoing tides. The bars and mangrove shorelines along Siesta Key are prime spots as the fish move towards their fall feeding areas. Artificial baits will allow anglers to cover more water, while a well full of pilchards practically guarantees success. Redfish, large speckled trout, jack crevelle, and mangrove snapper may also be Sarasota resident Bonnie Czepial shows off a Siesta Key encountered while pursuing the Spanish mackerel caught off the beach mighty snook. Lighted docks and bridges are snook magnets and September is the month that redfish begin will provide great action for anglers looking schooling up in Sarasota. The expansive to catch fish and escape the summer sun. Live shallow flats in Sarasota Bay are traditionally and artificial shrimp free lined in the tide are the most productive areas to fish. A low, deadly, as are small white flies. incoming tide in the morning is preferred, Surf fishing off the Siesta Key beaches allowing anglers to see the large schools of should be good for snook, ladyfish, Spanish reds. As the tide rises, the fish will work up mackerel, pompano, and other species. Point from the edges of flats and holes onto the of Rocks is the best spot as there is a lot of fishgrass to feed. Locating the fish can be difficult holding structure, but any stretch of beach is under flood tide conditions; there is just too likely to produce. Live bait such as shrimp much water up on the flat to effectively sight and small bait fish works great. A #1 live bait fish. hook with a short piece of leader and a split S p e c k l e d t r o u t f i s h i n g h a s b e e n shot is the preferred rig. Spoons, plugs, and outstanding this year and this should jigs are also effective baits in the surf. continue in September. Deeper flats will The rocks and bridges in Big Pass will be produce more fish, while the larger specimens excellent spots to target mangrove snapper may be found in shallow water. A Rapala this month. These tasty saltwater panfish Skitter Walk or X-Rap worked over bars at will be migrating out of the bay and into the first light is a deadly technique for fooling Gulf of Mexico. Slack tides are the best times gator trout. Along with trout, anglers fishing to drop a live shrimp or bait fish along the the deep grass will catch a variety of species structure. Don’t be surprised if a big snook this month including bluefish, Spanish intercepts a bait meant for a mang!

Dredged Big Pass The USACE further says that it may need to use the parking lot of Sarasota County’s Ted Sperling Park, on the southernmost part of Lido Key, as a staging area for the work on Lido because of the eroding shoreline in the approximately 1.6-mile stretch of the project. City Manager Tom Barwin and city commissioners recently have discussed the fact that another 25 to 30 feet of the beach has been lost since Tropical Storm Colin swept by the area in early June. The letter from CB&I went to Gregory W. Garis at FDEP, who is overseeing the application from the City of Sarasota and the USACE for a permit to undertake the $19-million renourishment of Lido Key Beach. The letter was sent in response to the FDEP’s second Request for Additional Information (RAI2) regarding the application. FDEP issued its RAI2 in October 2015. Regarding the dredging: The RAI2 response from CB&I says, “The total estimated volume to be removed during the first event is 1,199,000 cubic yards (cy), with 900,000 cy from Borrow Area C and 299,000 cy from Borrow Area B.” Borrow Area C is located “within the ephemeral channel of

Bella Rae age 10, Ayda age 2, Addison age 7, Nora age 4, and Lila age 8 from GA

Matthew and Kiley from MO

Alex, Imhani, Khamilla, and Arianna from West Palm Beach

Continued from page 2

Big Sarasota Pass,” the Aug. 1 letter explains, while Borrow Area B “is a southern extension of the existing channel located offshore of Siesta Key.” The letter excludes any mention of sand being removed from Borrow Area D, as earlier construction details showed. Borrow Area D is located to the north of C, according to previously submitted documents. “Borrow areas C and D intentionally overlap at the seaward end of … C,” the earlier project description notes. The letter points out that the USACE still plans on subsequent dredgings every five years, to continue to renourish Lido Key. The amount expected to be removed during each of those undertakings is 325,000 cubic yards, the CB&I letter adds. “The actual quantities are subject to change and will be determined by the physical monitoring data and analyses,” the letter explains.

The FDEP timeline

In September 2015, FDEP spokeswoman Dee Ann Miller explained the timeline for FDEP action on a pending application. “[After the latest requested information is received], the department will have up to 30 days

to determine if the application is now complete, or if additional information is needed [and] to issue another [Request for Additional Information] RAI. Once an application is deemed complete, the department has up to 90 days to take final agency action — to issue a Notice of Intent to Issue [a permit] or Notice of Intent to Deny. The challenge period of that action is within 14 days of the date of publication of the notice or written notice, whichever occurs first.” No funding has been allocated for the project through the federal government, which is expected to cover approximately two-thirds of the expense, spokeswomen for the USACE at its Jacksonville District Office have told SNL. Spokeswoman Susan J. Jackson has said, however, that having the FDEP permit in hand would make it more likely for the USACE to obtain the federal money. Alexandrea DavisShaw, city engineer for the City of Sarasota, has explained that a state grant and Tourist Development Tax revenue allocated to the city for beach renourishment will cover the rest of the expense of the project.

Sperling Park questions

Both the Siesta Key Association

(SKA) and Save Our Siesta Sand 2 (SOSS2), which are opposed to the dredging of Big Pass, raised questions about the plan for staging in Ted Sperling Park. Catherine Luckner, second vice president of the SKA, told SNL in an Aug. 2 telephone interview that the organization planned to request that the county decline to lease the area to the USACE and the city for the renourishment project. “They don’t have to let [the city and the USACE] use it,” she said of the county commissioners. In an Aug. 4 email to county environmental staff, Peter van Roekens, chair of SOSS2, wrote about the plan for the staging area: “This clearly will have an impact on the user experience [at the park].” The Aug. 1 letter from CB&I to Garis at FDEP says, “The south portion of the project area may not be accessible from the north staging area along the beach depending on the condition of the beach remaining at the time of nourishment or groin construction. The south staging area is located in the parking lot of [Sperling Park], which is directly nearby the proposed groin locations.” The USACE also has proposed constructing two groins on Lido to help hold the sand in place between

subsequent renourishments. Van Roekens shared with SNL the response he received the same morning from Matt Osterhoudt, interim director of the county’s Planning and Development Services Department. Osterhoudt replied that the county had not yet received a request from the city or the USACE for such activity in the park. Van Roekens responded to Osterhoudt, “If such a request is made, please let us know as any approval would be tantamount to the County supporting the City and Army Corps plan in the face of the Atkins report.” (The Atkins report was a peer review of the USACE/ City of Sarasota proposal for the Lido Renourishment Project. Commissioned by the county, it raised questions about some of the methodology the USACE and its consultants employed to assert that the dredging would not damage Big Pass or Siesta Key. The USACE and city staff have maintained that the methodology was appropriate. Furthermore, City Engineer DavisShaw has made the statement at multiple public meetings that monitoring of the renourishment project will be undertaken to ensure no negative consequences.)

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

SEPTEMBER 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Notes from the Island Fishmonger

By Scott Dolan, Big Water Fish Market, 6641 Midnight Pass, Siesta Key, 941-554-8101 SEA FARE WITH A FLARE One thing I think we can all agree on is that seafood is healthy, delicious, and fun to eat. Local sea fare can be served on your plate in many forms such as fish sandwiches, fish plates, stews & chowders and can be prepared many different ways such as Cajun style, fried or even sashimi style. Shellfish can be a little messy and more time consuming but it is worth every second of the extra time. Shrimp, Scallops, Mussels, Clams and Crabs are some of the world’s truest pleasures for the human race. The absolute best way to share a seafood feast with friends and family is a good ol’ fashioned Seafood Steam Pot. Depending on where you’re from, a Steam Pot can mean different things to different people. Each region seems to specialize in their own local shellfish availability and their own style of cooking. One Steam Pot ingredient that seems to be a staple here in the states is that your choice of shellfish will usually be served with steamed potatoes and corn on the cob. For example, in Louisiana you will probably be served a Crawfish Boil with a ton of seasoned Crawfish. In Boston most likely your Clam Bake will be highlighted by a wicked good Lobster. On the West Coast, Dungeness Crabs are plentiful. You have Shrimp Boils in the Carolinas and you can always find an Oyster Roast and a guitar at a Georgia Bulldog tailgate party. I have never understood Maryland’s obsession with Blue Crab Boils as it seems like more effort than reward? If you’re going to eat crab, eat the ones where the meat is plentiful. Although there is nothing like a Chesapeake Bay softshell crab sandwich or a Baltimore crab cake so I guess we have to pick our battles. The king of Steam Pots is the Alaskan Crab Steam Pot that usually consists of King or Snow Crab, Shrimp, Mussels, Clams, often Oysters, sometimes Scallops and always corn on the cob, red potatoes, and depending where

you are from, possibly some sausage. If you’re in Louisiana you’re getting andouille sausage and in New England you’re definitely getting some kielbasa with your seafood extravaganzas. More popular at a restaurant than in your kitchen is a Seafood Tower that we are seeing more and more of today. And chefs are getting creative with these three tier towers that combine cooked shellfish with raw crustaceans and often topped with a seafood salad of some sort. My last tower was in Key West at Dante’s on the Harbor Walk that had chilled raw Oysters and Clams on the bottom tier, steamed Crab Legs and local Shrimp on the second tier and a smoked fish and seaweed salad appetizer on the top. Right here on Siesta Key, Alaskan Crab Steam Pots (as seen in picture), Florida Stone

|Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans 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.

Crab Pots (during season) and seafood towers are available daily at your Big Water Fish Market and remember that Florida Stone Crab season opens Oct 15…let the countdown begin!

BWFM STEAMPOT • 1 lb. Crab Legs (Snow, King or Stones) • 12 Gulf Pink Peel-n-Eat Shrimp • 6 Top Neck Clams • 1 lb. PEI mussels • 4 Baby red potatoes • 2 Fresh ears of corn on the cob • 4 Fresh Brussel Sprouts

Congratulations to Aledia Hunt Tush, 2016 Overall Winner of the Sarasota Tarpon Tournament making her a 3-time winner; 1999, 2009 & 2016. (2009 & 2016 tarpon were caught & released off Point of Rocks , Siesta Key!)

GUIDED SNORKELING • SCUBA TOURS

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941-924-3483

Steam together with butter, Old Bay Seasoning and serve with lemon wedges and melted butter. Live well, eat fish! Scott

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SEPTEMBER 2016 TIDE CHART Florida, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Sarasota Bay

September 2016

N 27° 20' / W 82° 33' Date

Day

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

Phase

1:33a

High Tide 1.7

1:04p

High Tide 2.3

7:26a

Low Tide 0.9

8:25p

Low Tide 0.5

7:09a

7:51p

7:19a

8:09p

New

1:49a

1.8

1:42p

2.3

8:05a

0.8

8:50p

0.6

7:10a

7:49p

8:13a

8:45p

2:06a

1.9

2:19p

2.2

8:43a

0.7

9:15p

0.7

7:10a

7:48p

9:06a

9:20p

2:26a

2.0

2:58p

2.0

9:23a

0.6

9:40p

0.8

7:11a

7:47p

9:58a

9:55p

2:51a

2.1

3:41p

1.9

10:06a

0.6

10:07p

1.0

7:11a

7:46p

10:49a

10:31p

3:20a

2.1

4:31p

1.7

10:55a

0.6

10:36p

1.1

7:12a

7:45p

11:40a

11:08p

3:55a

2.2

5:35p

1.6

11:52a

0.6

11:08p

1.2

7:12a

7:44p

12:31p

11:47p

4:36a

2.2

7:04p

1.6

1:01p

0.6

11:49p

1.4

7:13a

7:43p

1:22p

5:28a

2.1

9:01p

1.6

2:18p

0.6

7:13a

7:42p

2:13p

12:29a

6:34a

2.1

10:26p

1.6

12:49a

1.5

3:33p

0.6

7:14a

7:40p

3:04p

1:15a

7:53a

2.1

11:12p

1.6

2:18a

1.5

4:37p

0.5

7:14a

7:39p

3:54p

2:04a

9:09a

2.2

11:42p

1.7

3:42a

1.5

5:29p

0.4

7:15a

7:38p

4:42p

2:57a

10:14a

2.3

4:46a

1.3

6:13p

0.4

7:15a

7:37p

5:29p

3:54a

12:06a

1.7

11:09a

2.4

5:37a

1.2

6:52p

0.4

7:15a

7:36p

6:15p

4:54a

12:28a

1.8

12:00p

2.5

6:23a

1.0

7:28p

0.5

7:16a

7:35p

6:59p

5:55a

12:50a

1.9

12:49p

2.5

7:08a

0.7

8:02p

0.6

7:16a

7:33p

7:42p

6:58a

1:14a

2.0

1:38p

2.4

7:53a

0.6

8:34p

0.6

7:17a

7:32p

8:26p

8:03a

1:40a

2.1

2:29p

2.3

8:42a

0.5

9:06p

0.8

7:17a

7:31p

9:11p

9:08a

2:10a

2.2

3:24p

2.0

9:34a

0.4

9:37p

1.0

7:18a

7:30p

9:57p

10:14a

2:44a

2.3

4:29p

1.8

10:32a

0.3

10:08p

1.2

7:18a

7:29p

10:46p

11:19a

3:24a

2.4

5:51p

1.6

11:39a

0.3

10:41p

1.4

7:19a

7:27p

11:37p

12:23p

4:12a

2.4

7:48p

1.6

12:56p

0.4

11:23p

1.5

7:19a

7:26p

5:12a

2.3

9:46p

1.6

2:20p

0.4

7:20a

7:25p

12:31a

2:22p

6:36a

2.2

10:41p

1.6

12:43a

1.5

3:39p

0.4

7:20a

7:24p

1:27a

3:15p

8:16a

2.2

11:14p

1.7

2:42a

1.6

4:43p

0.4

7:21a

7:23p

2:24a

4:04p

9:42a

2.2

11:40p

1.8

4:14a

1.4

5:33p

0.5

7:21a

7:22p

3:21a

4:49p

10:49a

2.2

5:18a

1.2

6:14p

0.5

7:22a

7:20p

4:17a

5:30p

12:03a

1.8

11:42a

2.2

6:07a

1.0

6:48p

0.6

7:22a

7:19p

5:12a

6:08p

12:21a

1.9

12:26p

2.2

6:48a

0.8

7:16p

0.7

7:23a

7:18p

6:06a

6:44p

12:38a

2.0

1:05p

2.1

7:24a

0.6

7:41p

0.8

7:23a

7:17p

6:59a

7:20p

1st

Full

1:24p 3rd

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2016

941.349.0194

Snapshots of Island Visitors

Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography 1

7 8

1: Josh, Charlotte and Morgan from OH 2: Tillie & Dave from OH, Matilde & Alberto from Odessa, FL, Natalie, Mike, Francesca and Teddy from OH, Sofia from CO, Jessi, Josh, Grace, Samuel and Lucas from OH 3: Christina and Yolanda from MA 4: Jack age 1 and Jessica from Bradenton 5: Brad, Bete and Sophia age 6 from NY 6: Jena, Matt, Brooke and Madison from PA 7: Fabio age 8 months, Iris, Mia age 4, Anabel, and Emma age 1 from Miami 8: Sherry & Tom, James & Sheila, Taylor age 6, and Thomas age 5 from IL 9: Thomas, Sarah, Paul, and Jessica from England 10: Kristina and Tatiana 11: Dimitrios and Andrea from Jenson Beach, FL 12: Ila age 20 months and Erin from Sarasota

www.siestasand.net

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DearDonnarose

Q: : Dear Donnarose, lately I’ve been getting more impatient with my relationships, especially with certain family members. Anytime an issue arises, I’m quick to jump down their throat. This no doubt adds to the problem. Any advice would help. ~Thank you, Karen A: “If we get ourselves in the “Light” frame of mind, clarity to resolve issues peacefully, will increase every time.” ~Donnarose Melvin

A common occurrence after we learn about a problem, is that our vibrational frequency tends to slow down, and our energy drops. What typically follows is a matched lower vibration emotion like frustration, aggravation, anger, impatience, etc. What my quote above, and Deepak Chopra’s quote, “The solution is never at the level of the problem”, and even an Albert Einstein quote “Problems cannot be solved with the same mindset that created them”, all try to suggest, is before you address the issue at hand, first get to a different place energetically. Meaning, if we stay at the low vibration we tend to reach when hearing about a problem, the probability is high that there will be a matching low vibration solution. The latter is usually unfavorable, and tends to continue the arguing. So in short, as I like to say, higher vibration = “higher” solution. So the key is to get in the practice of refraining from having the need to react immediately. Then take whatever realistic measure you can at that moment to first get your innerself in check. Meaning, do anything to raise your vibration before you respond to the problem. The quickest way to raise one’s vibration is to take slow breaths. If you can excuse yourself from the space you’re in with the family member, should you choose to do this, even better. But since you are reading this at this moment, that means you can take some preventative measures right here and now to begin raising your vibration. If you do this, and then work on maintaining it, you can pretty much guarantee that more often than not, your reaction to future issues will come from a higher vibration. And that means you’ll come to higher resolutions. Hence, there will be increased peace on the home front. If you need some suggestions on how to raise your vibration, refer to last month’s column at the link below. You’ll not only find yourself becoming more patient, but you’ll most likely find a sudden decrease of recurring issues. http://siestasand.net/soulfully-yoursdonnarose-7-16/ ~ ♥ Q: : Dear Donnarose, I feel it’s important to stay current on our presidential election, but the comments about it on my Facebook page are just so negative and filled with hate. How do we protect ourselves from absorbing all the toxic energy? ~Regards, Marilyn

SEPTEMBER 2016

A: “Negative news for the mind, is certainly unkind. So try to get quick updates, and leave the rest behind.” ~Donnarose Melvin Some would say to stay off Facebook completely. But there are some of us who enjoy putting up positive posts, and getting the updates all in one place. But it’s important to get the least amount of exposure to the toxic news and hateful comments. This is key during elections and anytime for that matter, as a lot of what we view and read repeatedly, seeps into our subconscious. And if negative, it often plays a role in impacting us in damaging ways, like becoming physically ill for example. There’s all kinds of literature on this. So a suggestion would be, during the height of certain popular news stories and elections, etc., consider clicking on “unfollow”, and also unchecking “get notifications” on your friends pages where the comments are most negative. You can do this without “unfriending” them. Also, if you do need to watch the news, be sure to watch it earlier and not before bedtime for the same reason above regarding our subconscious. Dr. Wayne Dyer talked about this, where he mentioned the last 5 minutes are key before bedtime, and so to fill your mind with anything in alignment with positivity. And each day, be sure to make the ratio of thinking, viewing and/or reading positive information outweigh any negative exposure. It’ll become habit pretty quickly. And finally, in addition to the above measures, consider inviting Archangel Michael in daily (or whatever Higher Power you choose), and say, “Thank you for clearing my body and space of any negative energy, for protecting me with your protective shield, for keeping me safe, and filling me with love, please and thank you. And at times during this prayer, perhaps consider burning or spraying sage in your space as well. ~ ♥ Donnarose Melvin is a professional intuitive medium, and also does powerful distant energy clearings. Her knowledge from her BA degree in Psychology, along with her natural intuitive gifts, have helped thousands achieve increased peace and success. Please send your questions to: Donnarose1010@gmail. com or Facebook private msg her at Donnarose. She will select questions each month to share with you. Donnarose regrets that unpublished questions cannot be answered individually. If you’d like an energy clearing, or an intuitive reading, please contact Donnarose at the email address above.

MarinerWord Search Maritime Museums MarinerWord Answers on page 33 WORD Search SEARCHin Florida WORD LIST

American Victory The Barnacle WORD LIST East Martello Towers American Victory Gilberts Bar House The Barnacle Historical Museum of East Martello Towers Southern FL Gilberts Bar House Key West Shipwreck Historical Historeum Museum of Southern FL Mel Fisher Treasure Key West Shipwreck Museum of Florida Historeum History Mel Fisher Treasure National Museum of Museum of Florida Naval Aviation History Palm Beach National Museum of Pensacola Historical Naval Aviation PonceBeach de Leon Inlet Palm Lighthouse Pensacola Historical South Florida Museum Ponce de Leon Inlet SS American Victory Lighthouse St Augustine South FloridaLighthouse Museum UDTAmerican Seal Museum SS Victory

St Augustine Lighthouse UDT Seal Museum Answers on

Page 58

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Maritime Museums in Florida

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Wake & Shake

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iansalon.com

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2016

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Siesta Key REAL ESTATE & HOME SECTION ACCOMMODATIONS PAGE 38 SAND CASTLES PAGE 35

The 95 Avenida Messina saga This summer, a flurry of emails called into question the legality — under Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Sarasota County regulations — of new construction at 95 Avenida Messina in Siesta Village. A writer identified only as “Concerned Citizen” contacted county Building Official Kathleen Croteau and county Code Enforcement personnel in early June about redevelopment of the house and the addition of a pool and tiki hut. The work appeared to be going on without the proper permits, Concerned Citizen wrote in an email. As Croteau indicated to SNL in a recent telephone interview, the owner of the property seemed to be the real focus of the complaints. The owner apparently is Shawn Kaleta, who was under fire last year on Anna Maria Island for undertaking construction without the necessary permits and allegedly causing damage to city property, as reported by The Islander newspaper on Anna Maria. Shawn Thomas Kaleta of Holmes Beach is identified in county documents as the applicant — through Beach to Bay Investments — for the permit for the 12-foot by 16-foot tiki hut at 95 Avenida Messina. The county Property Appraiser’s Office shows that the property is owned by Siesta Key Beach House LLC, with a Holmes Beach address. The house was purchased in December 2015 for $926,000 from the Wildenburg Family Trust. The land encompasses 12,192 square feet, according to the records. A check of the state’s Division of Corporations website shows Siesta Key Beach House’s registered agent is attorney Louis Najmy in Bradenton. The limited liability company was

organized in December 2015 — two days prior to the purchase of the 95 Avenida Messina property. The Concerned Citizen on Siesta Key questioned whether work on and around the house was in violation of the state’s Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) and whether Kaleta was violating the FEMA 50-percent rule that requires a structure in a floodplain to be elevated if renovations to it will cost more than 50 percent of its appraised value. As of Aug. 9, Croteau said, county Building Department records continued to show a number of permits for ongoing construction, including those for a tiki hut and an addition on the rear of the house. She wrote Concerned Citizen in June to say that Code Enforcement issued a Notice of Violation for the beginning of work on the tiki hut without the necessary permit. The application for that permit subsequently was submitted, she added. According to county records, the addition involves bedrooms and bathrooms and a new roof “to tie into existing, new windows, new doors,” along with the addition of a driveway. The permit was issued for that work on Aug. 3, according to county records. The pool has been completed and inspected, Croteau noted in an email to Concerned Citizen. She added in early June that while the original permit application indicated an aluminum fence would be erected around the perimeter of the pool, the contractor submitted a revised

HOUSE HUNTING PAGE 34 HIGH & LOW OF SOLD PROPERTIES PAGE 31

By Rachel Brown Hackney www.SarasotaNewsLeader.com

application for the necessary rock/ wood wall. “The plans reflect compliance and staff will ensure during inspection the safety barrier meets the minimum requirements of the Florida Building Code,” Croteau wrote. The state Building Code does require “a safety barrier to completely surround the pool perimeter,” Croteau confirmed for Concerned Citizen. At one point, county staff was denied access to the interior of the structure, Croteau informed Concerned Citizen in early June. In response to photos Concerned Citizen had sent her, she pointed out, “Photos of the work must be dated and authenticated by the photographer to be able to be used in an investigation or staff must visually observe the violation. No building code violations were observed on the outside of the building. Authenticated photos will assist with investigation.” Concerned Citizen replied about five days later, saying a local real estate agent who took the photos

“wishes to come forward to date and authenticate the ‘before’ photos.” In a later email, Croteau wrote, “Staff was granted access to the existing residential structure and visually inspected improvements,” which included new cabinets, flooring, light fixtures and interior doors. Those did not require a building permit, she added. However, the work had to comply with the 50-percent rule, she continued, and staff “will ensure minimum requirements are met.” Regarding the CCCL, she told SNL, “a tiny piece of the structure is in that zone.” In early June, Croteau wrote Concerned Citizen, “The property owner provided a signed and sealed survey with the Coastal Construction Control Line … Based on the survey, the pool structure is not located within the CCCL.” An aboveground slide and grotto are located within the CCCL, she continued, but they “conform with construction requirements.”

She told SNL that the pool had been completed and inspected by county staff. Yet another matter Concerned Citizen cited involved rocks in the right of way by the house. Croteau told SNL that she understood that matter is being addressed with county staff members who handle land development rules. “They were going to make sure they were compliant in the end,” Croteau stated, referring to the owner and contractors. A complaint about signs in the right of way — apparently those advertising the property is for rent — was resolved in early June, county records show, after a courtesy Code Enforcement notice was issued. Yet another complaint — regarding the installation of irrigation systems without a permit — was determined to be unfounded, according to county records. “We’ll keep monitoring the site,” Croteau said. If any other issue came up, she said, county staff would address it. The house is marketed for rent through the Siesta Key Luxury Rental Properties website as “Sunset Splash.” The website says it has four bedrooms and two bathrooms, noting, “This newly renovated home sleeps 16.” The fee ranges between $2,450 per week in late August to $14,994 for the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s, the website says. The highest fee in the spring of 2017 is $12,250 for the week of April 15.

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

SEPTEMBER 2016

The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

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

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

HIGHEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY PROPERTY: 265 Cedar Park Cir: Sold For $4,500,000 Located in an idyllic 29,565 square foot tropical garden with 175’ of bay and bayou frontage built in 2009. Enviably situated on the convenient north end of Siesta Key, in the private enclave of Cocoanut Bayou, the location offers immediate access to downtown, excellent schools, medical amenities and shopping. One has the rare combination of being in a very private world, seeing nothing but stunning water views, dolphins, manatees and shorebirds,

HIGHEST PRICED CONDO: 5740 Midnight Pass Rd, #F506: Sold For $1,500,000

without the traffic concerns often associated with living on a barrier island. Stroll to your private beach for a family barbecue or cocktails at sunset. A private mooring harbor outfitted with power hoist plus an additional Trex deck dock is perfect for the boating enthusiast. French doors open to splendid views from almost every room, made possible by the incredible amount of water frontage. Terraces abound with opportunities for outdoor living and entertaining; from the outdoor kitchen, infinity edge pool, covered and open patios, loggias and yoga deck. Separate master suite offers dual offices and his & her baths. Grotto invites casual living with billiard room, sports viewing area, fully equipped bar with wine room, gym and bath with steam shower. Separate wing for guests and another for family. Built to demanding standards, compliant with current Coastal construction requirements, the home inspires confidence. The sale of this property came to $692.41 a square foot. Courtesy of Michael Saunders

Rarely available penthouse floor 3 bedroom, 2 bath unit sits right on the world famous Siesta beach with western and northern views. Completely updated and comes completely furnished. Gulf & Bay Club is a gulf front gated community that sits on over 30 acres with 780 feet of beach frontage. Amenities include 3 heated pools, 8 tennis courts, a state of the art fitness center with spa, an expansive clubhouse with library and computer room, racquetball & basketball courts, saunas and multiple barbecue areas with picnic tables. The sale on this unit came out to $748.50 a square foot. Courtesy of Gulf and Bay Realty

LOWEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY PROPERTY: 339 Avenida De Paradisio: Sold For $660,000 This Siesta Key property is located on a quiet cul de sac street and is within minutes of the beach, as well as charming

LOWEST PRICED CONDO: 5855 Midnight Pass Rd, #414: Sold For $270,000 Turn-key furnished and completely updated. This spacious 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom home has features views of the

Siesta Village. Plus, with 75’ of frontage on a canal, with access to the Intracoastal Waterway. Boat, beach, explore all that Siesta Key offers. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1716 sq. ft., home has been owned by the same family since 1991 and now you can take this opportunity to update it and perhaps add a pool. It has been repainted internally and all 3 bedrooms have new carpet, but it might strike you as the perfect lot to construct your dream home. With two newly constructed homes and several homes already having been updated, you will be in good company. With a little vision this could truly be an exceptional investment. Leave the car at home! No worries about parking or traffic. Just the quiet pleasure of winding your way around the village or to the beach, enjoying the Siesta Key lifestyle. The home comes with a home warranty. The sale of this property came out to $384.62 a square foot. Courtesy of Coldwell Banker Intracoastal Waterway. Balcony has been enclosed. Unit is fully equipped and ready for occupancy as a vacation home or investment property. Kitchen features granite countertops with open concept and breakfast bar. Bath is also nicely renovated. Harbor Towers Yacht & Racquet Club has been fortunate to have great management and a responsible board over the last 40 years. Monthly fees are among the LOWEST for any nice condo building on Siesta Key. Building has undergone extensive renovations to include new lighting, new air conditioning system, updated lobby and social room and MUCH MORE! Amenities are vast and include heated pool, 2 BBQ areas, kayak storage, harbor with boat slip rental available, HarTru tennis courts, fitness room, sauna, social room and much more! The sale came out to $359.52 a square foot. Courtesy of Sarasota Premier Properties

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

E IC ED! R P UC D RE

5350 Calle Florida, Sarasota, FL

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

529,800

322 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL

Live the island lifestyle in this spacious 4 BR, 4 BA house located on desirable Palm Island. Recently renovated with new kitchen, new master bedroom and master bathroom. This house boasts a new boat lift on the Grand Canal. Huge bonus area on lower level.

949,000

418 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL

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

1,415,000

LE ! SA DING N PE

E IC ED! R P UC D RE

389 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL

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

779,000

6151 Hollywood Blvd., Sarasota, FL

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

425,000

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

725,000

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

ddm1@comcast.net

Service. Integrity. Results.

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2016

941.349.0194

Handmade Antique Rugs Bought and Sold

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Mosby oriental rugs

941-925-1025 by appointment

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FDOT nixes roundabout option

During a set of previous meetings back in 2015, FDOT engineers were on hand to present details for three options: the roundabout; a modified and signalized right turn lane onto Midnight Pass; and a third “donothing” option that leaves the intersection the way it is. The overwhelming majority of the

public who made comments to the state transportation agency were opposed to the idea of a roundabout. Of 90-plus comments received, only one was not opposed to the roundabout, Jones said. In addition to the traffic analysis and the cost of a roundabout, the FDOT’s planners also took that public input into account when making a decision on how to improve the intersection. Jones took over as project manager this past spring so he was not present at the previous workshops, but Jones believes — based on the public input submitted — that many residents will be relieved

SEPTEMBER 2016

Maritime Museums in Florida

Continued from cover story

that the state is opting for a different alternative.

Avoiding a back-up

FDOT initially considered a roundabout as an option back in 2015 because traffic studies typically show the circular traffic devices lead to better traffic flow and safer conditions, especially for pedestrians, said Jones. “That is a high pedestrian area. We felt it could be safer and would improve congestion,” Jones said of the concept of a roundabout at Beach Road and Midnight Pass. “But our analysis showed it wouldn’t [improve congestion]. I was told the analysis showed that

Answers to theSearch WORD SEARCHwww.TheMariner.com found on page 29 MarinerWord Answers from Page 14

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

when vehicles get queued up in the roundabout it would back up the intersection.” That scenario could happen, Jones explained, when a high number of beachgoers left the Siesta Public Beach parking lot, on Beach Road, at the same time, or possibly when traffic was backed up to the south from the Stickney Point Drawbridge. Motorists would neither be able to turn north onto Midnight Pass or continue on Beach Road. The alternative chosen would slow traffic that is turning right (north) onto Midnight Pass Road so pedestrians can safely cross the intersection, without impeding traffic flow the way a roundabout had the potential to. Many beachgoers cross the intersection after parking at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road. Currently, motorists do not have to slow down or stop before turning, and can turn right at upwards of 30 mph. There have been 11 accidents at the intersection in the last five years, as of 2015. But there have been no fatalities. “Right now there is a free flow right [turn] and drivers can do 30, 35 mph. Cars really don’t have to slow down when they make that right turn. We are trying to slow that down, and have them stop [when the signal is red.]… We are trying to make it more safe for pedestrians,” Jones told Siesta Sand. The ultimate goal is to reduce speed of traffic to “make it a little more safer and make people feel

comfortable walking and biking in the area,” Jones said. Construction of the project could take place as early as fall 2017, although as the design of the project progresses Jones will have a better estimate of a start date. In addition to the new crosswalk across the northern leg of Midnight Pass, FDOT is also considering adding a crosswalk across the southern terminus of the intersection.

Message received “The majority of the comments received were against the roundabout,” resident and former president of the Siesta Key Association Michael Shay noted. That probably was a factor in the FDOT’s decision, Shay added. When Shay first heard of plans for the proposed roundabout, he had concerns. In a February, 2015 interview with Siesta Sand, Shay said he had concerns that the roundabout would not enhance traffic flow, and would do the exact opposite. “We have enough of a problem right now, especially in season,” Shay said at the time. In an interview last month, Shay said he wants to see the specific plans for the right-turn alternative and hear FDOT’s presentations on what they are doing before he comments on whether he feels it will be an improvement. “I feel anything they do needs to improve traffic flow and make it better than it was and make it safer for pedestrians and bicyclists,” Shay said.

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2016

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

House Hunting Siesta Key to Longboat Key

TUSCAN INSPIRED MASTERPIECE ON PALM ISLAND: $779,000 - 389 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL. MLS# A4110340. 4,134 sq. ft. single family home. 4 bedrooms, 4 ½ baths, roof top pool, private spacious in-law/ guest apartment with separate entrance. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 AMAZING WEST OF TRAIL TRIPLEX: $425,000 6151 Hollywood Blvd, Sarasota, MLS#A4141309. Located in the Pine Shores area. Front building consists of two 1bed/1bath units. Rear building is a 3bed/2bath unit. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 RECENTLY RENOVATED PALM ISLAND/SIESTA KEY HOME - 322 Island Circle: $949,000, MLS#A4141071. 4BD/4BA, new boat lift on the Grand Canal. Huge bonus area on lower level.

Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 KEY WEST STYLE GRAND CANAL HOME ON SIESTA KEY: $1,415,000 - 418 Island Circle, MLS#A3990080. 3BD / 3BA. Lushly landscaped tropical lot with Tiki Bar in the pool/ spa area. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 LOWEST PRICED DUPLEX CLOSE TO THE BEACH: $529,800 - 5350 Calle Florida, SK 34242, MLS# A4144556. Rare and Unique Siesta Key Duplex on Palm Island. This duplex with 2 beds, 1 bath on each side is located less than 1,000 feet from the #1 beach. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 LONGBOAT KEY HOME WITH BAY VIEWS: $1,699,000 560 Schooner Ln, MLS# A4153934. Stunning Country Club Shores

Blooming this month Blue Porterweed (Stachytarpheta)

home with lovely Bay views. Very spacious 4 bedroom (2 master bedrooms), 3.5 bathroom home that is ideal for entertaining family & friends. Boat lift & 67ft. dock on sailboat water just seconds to the Bay & deeded Beach access for your Island lifestyle. Dan Miller, Re/ Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 72’ OF CANAL FRONTAGE: $725,000 - 325 Avenida Madera, Siesta Key, MLS# A4151934. SALE PENDING. 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, designer kitchen with solid wood cabinets, island and granite counters with Stainless Steel Viking Appliances. Dan Miller, Re/Max Tropical Sands. 941-376-7442 5059 Kestral Park Dr, The Landings, $335,000 - MLS #A4157482. Carriagehouse with 2Bd/2Bth, den and partial enclosed lanai. Lake view. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker. 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) 1445 GULF OF MEXICO, #401, THE PLAYERS CLUB, $949,000 - MLS A4123420. Longboat Key Gulf front Penthouse, 3bd/3bth on the beach in the Players Club. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara) 5450 EAGLES POINT CIR #105, The Landings $539,000 - MLS #A4141454. 3Bd / 2Bth Open Terrace, Water View. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker. 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara)

Florida’s butterfly attracting plants, with brilliant blue flowers appearing partway up the upright stems. Attracted to it are skippers, viceroys, monarchs, and queens, among many. It is a very sturdy plant and blooms off and on all year. Full sun is fine, but these shrubs seem to do best in part sun to partial shade areas. You may want to trim the shrub occasionally to keep it shaped. Fertilize in with a good granular fertilizer. You may want to supplement feedings

and promote more flowers by applying bone meal and/or liquid fertilizer. Give these plants a regular watering, but don’t keep them overly wet. These plants will work fine in containers. These plants are commonly found in Sarasota Garden Club’s Butterfly Garden which is maintained by the Butterfly Club. Submitted by CJ Danna, President, Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota, FL. www.sarasotagardenclub.org

Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-5443299 or Sheri: P941-400-4186.

941-266-4873 (Tara) 1712 STARLING DR, The Landings $315,000 - MLS A4154731. 2Bd / 2Bth Ground Floor, End Unit Coach House. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-3500451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara)

1372 SIESTA BAYSIDE Intercoastal views and beach access. Beautifully renovated 2 bedroom 2 bath investment property with garage. MLS# A4153479, $575,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group Sheri and Bob Ruiz. 941-544-3299.

1498 LANDINGS LAKE DR, The Landings $445,000 MLS #A4160689. 3Bd / 2.5Bth Free Standing Treehouse with expanded kitchen and living room. Judy Greene/Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker, 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara)

SIESTA KEY CIRCLE Wonderful old-style Florida home in great location near beach with boat dock and 10k lift. 2 car garage. MLS A4149391. $1,150,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group Sheri and Bob Ruiz. 941-544-3299.

1249 DOCKSIDE PLACE Short walk to Siesta Beach with deeded boat dock. Spacious 2/2 with garage. Turnkey furnished. MLS# A4128627, $449,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-5443299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

TURNKEY FURNISHED CONDO - Across the street from the beach, this 2 bed, 2 bath has lots of renovations. The Key West style gated property can be a fabulous vacation residence or excellent investment property. 1372 Siesta Bayside Dr. #1372-C, Siesta Key, $575,000 MLS #A4153479 Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)894-1255

1203 DOCKSIDE - Rarely available. Beautifully furnished 3/3 with 2 master suites. 2,300+ sq ft. A short walk to Siesta Beach. Deeded dock for 35’ boat and garage plus driveway parking. MLS# A4156232, $719,900. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-5443299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

TURNKEY FURNISHED TOWN -HOME - This 3 bed, 2 bath townhome, is totally updated. The gated waterfront community features fabulous recreational facilities, a private boat slip, garage, and is just a short walk to the beach. 1267 Dockside PL #214, Siesta Key, $725,000 MLS #A4155386 Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)894-1255

1350 SIESTA BAYSIDE - Great vacation home or investment property. Deeded beach access just across the street. Beautifully furnished 3/2 with garage. MLS#A4142552, $650,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-5443299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

5430 EAGLES POINT CIR #201, The Landings $519,000 MLS #A4142226. 3Bd / 2.5Bth Intracoastal View Judy Greene/ Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker. 941-350-0451 (Judy) or 941-266-4873 (Tara)

PEPPERTREE BAY - Direct bay views from this fabulous 2/2 in sought-after Peppertree community. Tastefully, turnkey furnished. Private garage. MLS# A4149092, $610,000. Key Solutions Real Estate Group, Sheri & Bob Ruiz. Bob: 941-544-3299 or Sheri: 941-400-4186.

5430 EAGLES POINT CIR #203, The Landings $899,0000 - MLS #4162162. 3 Bd plus Den / 4.5 Bth with private garage. Spacious floorplan Judy Greene/ Tara Lamb, Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker. 941-350-0451 (Judy) or

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

200 FT OF PRIVATE BEACH This 2 bed, 2 bath condo features an open floor plan, private beach area, Intercoastal view, and is close to the marina and restaurants. Gated Community Features: Recreational Facilities and Boat Ramp. 9150 Blind Pass RD, #204, Siesta Key, $495,000 MLS#A4152897 Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)894-1255 SPECTACULAR BAYFRONT TOWNHOME - This 2,326 square foot 3 bed, 3 bath Condo with Gourmet kitchen and lots of upgrades has an attached garage, deeded 25’ boat slip with new lift, and is just a short walk to Siesta Key Beach. 1333 Dockside PL # 223, Siesta Key, $999,000 MLS # A4157478 Key Solutions Real Estate, (941)894-1255

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

Somerset Cove

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

Peppertree Bay

Harbour Towne Yacht Club

Direct bay views from this fabulous 2/2 in sought-after Peppertree community. Tastefully, turnkey furnished. Private garage. MLS#A4149092 $610,000

Rarely available. Beautifully turnkey furnished 3/3 with 2 master suites. 2,300+ sq. ft. A short walk to Siesta Beach. Deeded dock for 35’ boat and garage plus driveway parking. MLS #A4156232 $719,900

Harbour Towne Yacht Club

Ideally located near Siesta Beach and ICW. Large 2/2 end unit with garage and boat dock. Storage and in-unit laundry. Tastefully turnkey furnished MLS #A4128627 $449,000

Gulf & Bay Bayside

Water views of the ICW from the beautifully renovated 2/2 with brand new stainless appliances. Dedicated beach access just across the street. Turnkey. 1 car garage. MLS #A4153479 $575,000

Your Resident Siesta Key Realtors - - -

Gulf & Bay Bayside

Siesta Key Circle

Great beach home, vacation or rental property. Across the street from Siesta Beach with dedicated beach access. This 3/2 unit with attached garage is beautifully furnished

Wonderful old-Florida style home in great location near the beach and on the water - minutes by boat to the ICW and Gulf. All on 1 level. Pool, 10k lift. 2 car garage

MLS#A4142552 $650,000

MLS #A4149391 $1,150,000

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

Key Solutions Real Estate Group

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

Sand Castles

SEPTEMBER 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Fisherman’s Haven: a 36-unit retreat on the South end of the Key By Roger Drouin Nestled on the south end of the Key, Fisherman’s Haven provides a smaller-sized, beachfront condominium consisting of 36 two and three bedroom units. All units in the community have a water view of the Gulf or lagoon. The small, single-building community is gated and offers a tranquil setting, said office and rental manager Jane St. Hill. “It is nice and quiet out here,” St. Hill said. The smaller single-building community offers “many of the amenities of a larger community, including direct beach front, pool and spa, and available boat docks,” said Realtor Sheri Ruiz, of Key Solutions Real Estate, which has one unit listed for sale in the condo. Yet there is easy access to the amenities for all owners and renters — without the over-crowding that comes especially during peak season on Siesta, Ruiz told Siesta Sand. Developed in 1975 as a gated complex, this property offers a seven-story residential building. Fisherman’s Haven is one of just two condominium complexes at the southernmost stretch of Blind Pass Road. Floor plans in Fisherman’s Haven range from 1,450 to 1,710 square feet. The community features 200-foot of private Gulf front. Owners and renters have been enjoying the recently renourished beach in front of Fisherman’s Haven, St. Hill said. Sarasota County began its $21.5 million South Siesta Beach Renourishment last spring, pumping 700,000 cubic yards of sand onto the beach. “The biggest draw to Fisherman’s Haven is its beach,” Ruiz said. “Situated at the end of Siesta Key between the Gulf and Intracoastal Waterway, this is one of very few properties that offers both direct beachfront and private boat docks. Additionally, 24/7 on site management ensures the optimal maintenance of the property.” Ruiz told Siesta Sand she has seen both more visitors and buyers coming to the south end of the key following the renourishment. Yet they are drawn to the quieter atmosphere that still exists here. “The fact that the south end of the Key is more serene, less traveled part of the Key and offers tree-covered walking and biking make this end of the island very attractive,” Ruiz said. Many of the units in Fisherman’s Cove have been renovated recently, but “there are opportunities for those who want to buy and undergo renovations to their specific tastes themselves,” Ruiz added. The community has a one-month minimum rental policy. About a third of the 36 units are in the community’s rental program, which the onsite rental office oversees, St. Hill said. In addition, there are approximately eight full-time residents in the condo, and several seasonal residents, who generally stay

from October to May in their units. Of the renters, “there area some who have been coming back to us for 20 years,” St. Hill said. “They are from all over the country, and Canada.” February and March are the busiest months for renters, and many of the returning guests will have a reunion with other long-time renters at the south Siesta retreat, St. Hill said. Located just south of Turtle Beach, Fisherman’s Haven is also close to three restaurants and a full service marina.

Recent sales and listings: • Three units have sold in the past year: A two-bedroom, two bathroom, 1,450 square foot unit on the fifth floor sold in August, 2015 for $525,000. It was initially listed at $555,000, and the final sale price came out to $383 a square foot. According to MLS, the recently-renovated unit features an updated kitchen with solid wood cabinets and quartz counters. The living room/ dining room flows onto the twenty-three foot balcony with hurricane windows. The unit affords Gulf views from every room, according to MLS. It also has travertine tiles and new appliances throughout. Another renovated, 1,450-square-foot unit sold for $450,000 in September, 2015. The sale came out to $317 a square foot. The unit, on the fifth floor also, boasts hardwood floors and designer colored paint scheme throughout. The kitchen was updated with all new wood cabinets and granite counters, with an eat-at bar and all new stainless steel appliances, as well, according to MLS. A more-rare three bedroom, three-bathroom, 1,710-square-foot unit sold for $560,000 — or $327 a square foot — in November, 2015. The kitchen was remodeled to include new cabinets, appliances and granite countertops. The renovated unit is situated on the third floor and came furnished. It features tile floors. • One unit is currently listed for sale, a two bedroom, two bathroom unit with 1,450 square feet. It is listed for $495,000, or $341 a square-foot. The unit, located on the second floor, has an open floor plan with a view of the Intracoastal. The unit is listed through Key Solutions Real Estate. NOTE: Realtors Bob Ruiz and Sheri Lasley-Ruiz of Key Solutions Real Estate Group contributed to the sales information used in this article. Other data was compiled from the Sarasota County Property Appraiser Office, Sarasota County Planning & Development Services permits, and Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

SPACIOUS ISLAND HOME

Located in the quiet northern end of Siesta Key, this Key West style home is close to just about everything! Enjoy the day on secluded Shell Beach a few streets south!

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This lovely old-Florida style home is perfectly located for the boating and beach enthusiast! Situated on a corner lot in the Siestas Bayside community, this ideal island retreat is one of Siesta's premier developments!

View all Siesta Key Listings: www.keysolutionsrealestate.com Or call 941-894-1255!

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2016

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Classifieds / Here’s My Card ACCOMMODATIONS

CONTRACTORS

HOUSE WATCH CONTINUED

• 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 • Siesta 4 Rent - Vacation Rentals, from studios to 5 bedrooms. Serving Siesta Key since 1997, 941-349-5500 • Robasota Real Estate – Annual and Seasonal Rentals, 941-9261800, ext. 102 • Siesta Village Private Pool Homes – Luxury Private Beach Homes-3 Bed, 3Bath; and a 2Bed, 2 1/2 bath condo www.vrbo. com/459795 www.vrbo.com/709508 www.vrbo.com/669208 • Siesta Key Realty-Property Management, Vacation Rentals – 1, 2, 3 bedrooms. Serving Siesta Key since 1992. siestakeyrealtyrentals.com 941-349-8900.

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BOATING RENTALS / FISHING CHARTERS

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Veteran Owned Business

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

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES LANDINGS RESIDENT OWNED AND OPERATED

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

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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

OFFICE FOR RENT • Tropical resort style office space available for rent on Siesta Key. $1050 per month. Includes utilities, 350 sq. ft. of office space with private entrance, stone floors, high ceilings with beams and lots of windows. Kitchen privileges, use of deck in privately set backyard along with ample parking. This unique office space offers a quiet, tranquil working environment, yet is steps away to Village restaurants and shopping. 5032 Calle Minorga. Please call Jon at 941-447-2556 or Ali at 201-481-3299 for showing or more information.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-349-0194

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

SEPTEMBER 2016

Classifieds / Here’s My Card REAL ESTATE AGENTS

SENIOR SERVICES

Snapshots of Island Visitors Photos by Jaye Clements - Sarasota Photography

• A Bridge for Independence provides in home companion services including companionship, transportation, light housekeeping, medication reminders and meal preparation and planning. Call us at 866-279-4390, FL License #230517

Piro & Associates REALTORS®

Expert in 1031 Exchange

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

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

TRANSPORTATION

James J. Piro, MAI, CCIM Licensed Real Estate Broker

7719 Holiday Drive, Sarasota, FL 34231

• Making things happen on Siesta Key with Real Estate agents Bob and Sheri Ruiz from Key Solutions Real Estate Group. If you are looking to buy or sell on the Key contact us. Bob Ruiz 941-544-3299 RobertRuizRR@aol.com, Sheri Ruiz 941-400-4186 SheriLasley@aol.com

Airport Rides

941.735.4732

From Sarasota To: SRQ $ 30 TPA/St. Pete $105 Punta Gorda $ 70 Miami $250 Orlando $200

Picked up from Airport: $ 40 $125 $ 80 $300 $220

Prices Include Tolls, Fuel & Parking For Airport Pickups your Chauffeur will have a sign with your name on it.

• Your Siesta Dunes and Landings Preferred Partners in Real Estate, Judy Greene 941-350-0451 and Tara Lamb 941-266-4873 with Michael Sanders & Company 5100 Ocean Blvd Siesta Key 34242 JudyGreene@MichaelSanders.com

941-928-9200

RIDE THE KEY FREE

15-20 MINUTE RESPONSE TIME (Based upon traffic)

Siesta Beach Realty SARASOTA FLORIDA

SERVICING

Siesta Key Beach Siesta Village Turtle Beach

Steven Whitmore, Broker

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

Steven age 8, Curtis, and Ryan age 6 from Sarasota

DRIVER TIPS ONLY

Restaurants and Accommodations Operating 10AM to 2AM Daily

www.JonnysOriginalFreeRide.com

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

941-993-5722

SPAS / HAIR & BEAUTY

• Sun Ride Pedicab – Eco-friendly Pedicabs. Siesta Key Tours and rides – tips only, 941-343-3400 • Siesta Key Free Rides – Siesta Key Free island shuttle for beach, village, condo and tours – tips only. Electric vehicles. Call 941952-8294

• Jonny’s Original Free Ride – The Original Ride the Key Free • Massage Experience Siesta Key Open 7-day a week. 5138A service on Siesta to anywhere, everyday from 10 AM – 2 AM. Driver tips only. Call 941-928-9200. Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, 941-349-4833. (MA17596/MM6727). • Dollar Limo – holds up to 10 people and is cheaper than a D.U.I • Siesta Key Massage & Therapy Center – Relieve all that pent or taxi. Call 941-735-4732 –up tension and improve circulation with a soothing massage or facial by Ali. Call to book your appointment today. 941-349-0408

Irina and Pierre from TX

Transportation for everyone on the Sun Coast Friendliest Ride In Town

Places of Worship Island Churches: • Siesta Key Presbyterian Chapel - 4615 Gleason Ave, Siesta Key, 941-349-1166 www.siestakeychapel.org

WANTED TO BUY

Olde Fashion Barber Shop

RV4CASH

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

ther”

“Hot La

941-312-6001

South Gate Barber Shop (Across from Southgate Mall)

2081 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239

Walk-Ins Welcome

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

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

VALUABLE COUPONS Available In Store and Online

Officially licensed accessories from the NFL, MLB, NCAA and NHL www.skyboxstore.com

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

AY WE PH! CAS

WANTED:

All Motor Homes, 5th Wheels and Travel Trailers Any Condition! Cash Paid On The Spot!

CALL NOW FOR FAST, EASY SALE

954-789-7530

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

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

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2016

941.349.0194

Accommodations Locator Map

See our maps of the island online at www.siestasand.net/maps

www.siestasand.net

941.349.0194

SEPTEMBER 2016

Island Visitor Publishing, LLC

Oral Cancer Appears as a growth or sore in the mouth that does not go away and includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat), can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. According to the American Cancer Society, men face twice the risk of developing oral cancer as women, and men who are over age 50 face the greatest risk. It’s estimated that over 40,000 people in the U.S. received a diagnosis of oral cancer in 2014. The most common symptoms of oral cancer include: • Swellings/thickenings, lumps or bumps, rough spots/crusts/or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth • The development of velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth • Unexplained bleeding in the mouth • Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling, or pain/tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck • Persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed easily

and do not heal within 2 weeks • A soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat • Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue • Hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or change in voice • Ear pain • A change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together • Dramatic weight loss The overall 1-year survival rate for patients with all stages of oral cavity and pharynx cancers is 81%. The 5 and 10-year survival rates are 56% and 41%, respectively. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dentist immediately! How Is Oral Cancer Diagnosed? As part of your routine dental exam, your dentist should conduct an oral cancer screening exam using VELscope®. More specifically, they will feel for any lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, face, and oral cavity. When examining your mouth, your dentist will look for any sores or discolored tissue as well as check for any signs and

symptoms mentioned above. VELscope® Vx technology is changing the way oral mucosal examinations take place. The VELscope® Vx handheld device emits a harmless, bright blue light which is used to inspect the mouth and tongue. The device is sensitive to abnormal tissue changes and the distinctive blue-spectrum light causes the soft tissue (oral mucosa) of the mouth to naturally fluoresce. Healthy tissues fluoresce in distinct patterns that may be visibly disrupted when tissue undergoes an abnormal change (which can occur in the oral mucosa for a multitude of reasons,) such as when associated with dysplasia or oral cancer. Your dentist may perform an oral brush biopsy if he or she sees tissue in your mouth that looks suspicious. This test is painless and involves taking a small sample of the tissue and analyzing it for abnormal cells. Alternatively, if the tissue looks more suspicious, your dentist may recommend a scalpel biopsy. This procedure usually requires local anesthesia and may be performed by your

dentist or a specialist. “These tests are necessary to detect oral cancer early, before it has had a chance to progress and spread.” Says Dr. Gaukhman. How Is Oral Cancer Treated? Oral cancer is treated the same way many other cancers are treated -- with surgery to remove the cancerous growth, followed by radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy (drug treatments) to destroy any remaining cancer cells. What Can I Do? • Conduct a self exam at least once a month. Using a bright light and a mirror, look and feel your lips and front of your gums. Tilt your head back and look at and feel the roof of your mouth. Pull your checks out to view the inside of your mouth, the lining of your cheeks, and the back gums. Pull out your tongue and look at all surfaces; examine the floor of your mouth. Look at the back of your throat. Feel for lumps or enlarged lymph nodes in both sides of your neck and under your lower jaw. Call your dentist’s office immediately if you notice

any changes in the appearance of your mouth or any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above. • See your dentist on a regular schedule. Even though you may be conducting frequent self exams, sometimes dangerous spots or sores in the mouth can be very tiny and difficult to see on your own. The American Cancer Society recommends oral cancer screening exams every 3 years for persons over age 20 and annually for those over age 40. During your next dental appointment, ask your dentist to perform an oral exam. Early detection can improve the chance of successful treatment - Call today to schedule an appointment! Sarasota: 5223 Avenida Navarra Sarasota, FL 34242 (941) 266-7000 Osprey: 416 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite F1, Osprey, FL 34229 (941) 497-5650 Venice: 463 US HWY 41 Bypass S., Venice, FL 34285 (941) 375-4488 www.siestadental.com Advertorial

Siesta Sand

SEPTEMBER 2016

At the Beach

941.349.0194

www.siestasand.net

Volleyball players, Caiti Donahoe of Pompano Beach and Alexis Mourning of California refereeing before partnering in their first AAA division match on incredible Siesta Beach. Recent graduates of the University of Miami, they played as indoor volleyball partners for four years at the University.

Miranda Werkmeister (16) of Springhill, FL enjoying the white powdery sands and light gulf breeze on Siesta Beach as she watches her sister play volleyball. A notable volleyball player herself, she decided not to play in this tournament.

First year Sarasota resident, Tina Lagassey of Scottsdale, Arizona loves beach volleyball and tries never to miss a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dig the beachâ&#x20AC;? tournament. She considers herself a true beach volleyball enthusiast and especially enjoys breathtaking Siesta Beach.