Siesta Sand (section 1) - May 2024

Hey Siesta, things could be stormy

New emergency management chief warns that active hurricane season is likely

By Jane Bartnett

Siesta Key residents should prepare for “a much more active hurricane season this year.”

Those were the words of Sarasota County’s new emergency management chief, Sandra Tapfumaneyi, who addressed the Siesta Key Association at its April 5 meeting and spoke about the upcoming 2024 hurricane season and the importance of preparation and awareness.

June 1 is the official start date for the 2024 season. It will conclude on Nov. 30.

Tapfumaneyi joined Sarasota County in late January and brings extensive

knowledge and more than 21 years of experience in crisis and emergency management to her new role.

In her presentation, Tapfumaneyi reported that the 2024 hurricane forecast had just been released by Colorado State University.

“It is the most active forecast that Colorado has ever put out,” she reported. CSU’s prediction includes 23 named storms, 115 named storm days, 11 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes.

“We are transitioning into a La Niña weather pattern that is more conducive for storms and warmer water,” Tapfumaneyi explained. El Niño and La Niña patterns impact weather here and around the world and Continued on page 18

By Ned Steele

“We’re a magical place and people want to be here,” says Eric Fleming, the new president of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, summing up the joys and occasional challenges of life on the slice of beach paradise we call home.

Fleming, a local attorney, began a two-year term as chamber president in January. It’s his second time at the helm of the organization, reprising his 2019 presidency. A fi fth-generation Floridian born and raised in Lakeland, Fleming, 42, moved here in 2006 after law school. Today he

shares life on the Key with his wife, Jordan, son Sawyer,10, and daughter Sailor, 9. With a law practice located next door to the chamber’s former offices, it was a natural for Fleming to get involved with the chamber: Its then-leaders asked him for help back in 2016 on some legal matters, and the rest is history.

The Siesta Sand talked with Fleming as the organization was preparing for its move.

Siesta Sand: Are you starting your term with any initiatives in mind?

Next time you stop in at Abel’s make sure to congratulate their rising stars!

In

April, the Siesta Beach lifeguards made the most of a rarity here -- a strong surf day. Siesta Beach lifeguard Austin Venhaus battles the waves during training exercises as he sharpens his rough-water lifesaving skills. (photo by John Doble)

Eric Fleming, left, receives the gavel from Mike Gatz during a changing of the guard at the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce’s annual membership dinner. (submitted photo)

Sandra Tapfumaneyi

Left in limbo, Balot takes action

Hotelier asks for legal clarification as to where things stand

By ChrisAnn Allen

The island resident and businessman on March 27 filed a declaratory judgment asking Sarasota County courts to confirm his hotel special exception can move forward, assuming he adheres to his approved, binding development plan. In order for his potential construction process to continue, the county must approve Balot’s site development plan application.

“I understand the county may have had, and/or still has, trepidation regarding my unchallenged, unanimously approved special exception,” Balot said. “My declaratory action is not a lawsuit that seeks damages, but more of a conflict that deals with the legal rights and interpretations of the law.

“We are simply asking the court to resolve the legal uncertainty, which will then assist us in how we govern our future actions.”

The purpose of Balot’s filing is for the court to potentially issue a ruling stating his plans for the project are “final, non-appealable and binding,” in light of a lack of challenge and a looming two-year deadline for his special exception on use and height.

The third in a series of special exception approvals for high-density hotels granted in 2021 and 2022, Balot’s project calls for six stories and 112 rooms on 2.15 acres at 5810 Midnight Pass Rd., where the old Wells Fargo bank is located. The previously granted special exceptions allowed for transient accommodations and increased height above the existing 35-foot cap established in 1989, but an August 2023 legal ruling on lawsuits that named only two other hotels

negated them. Both those hotels – one with seven stories at Old Stickney Point Road and one with eight stories at Calle Miramar – were approved under the county’s shortlived “unlimited density” decision in 2021.

When Balot’s project was presented to the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) in October 2022, it was also approved –in his case, unanimously.

As Balot pointed out in an April 9 email to the Siesta Sand, his special exception was not legally challenged, unlike the other two proposed hotels.

Subsequently, in November 2023, the county commissioners chose to further study and vet a comprehensive plan amendment recommendation that would allow the hotels to advance. The previous green light was given by the county based upon its interpretation of the existing rules.

The amendment was filed by the Benderson Development, which threw its hat in the ring for a hotel with eight stories on property Benderson owns in the Village where Flavio’s restaurant is located.

Amendment proposals filed by Balot and the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce were ignored, both having more restrictions than the Benderson proposal.

Now, Balot’s project was the only

one excluded in the proposed amendment’s details, he said.

Balot’s March 27 court filing first states, to help establish background:

“On Nov. 28, 2023, the BOCC denied ABC’s (Balot’s business entity) request to be processed out-of-cycle but approved another property owner’s request to have its comprehensive plan amendment application processed out-of-cycle. Notably, the other property owner is seeking unlimited density and intensity of hotel use on Siesta Key and is seeking to develop a 147-room hotel on 0.97 acres, which amounts to a density of 151.5 hotel rooms per acre, or nearly three times the hotel density sought by ABC for the project. In addition, the other property owner is seeking to limit development of new hotels to (15%) of the total acreage of commercial parcels on Siesta Key. This new limitation would effectively make it a ‘first-come, first-serve’ race for development of new hotels on Siesta Key and prohibit new hotels once that 15% cap is reached.”

The complaint further states:

“The county staff’s extortionate leveraging of its police power places ABC in a regulatory ‘Catch-22.’

On the one hand, the county staff refuses to approve ABC’s site development plan application until a comprehensive plan amendment is approved. On the other hand, the county BOCC has refused to approve ABC’s request for the necessary out-of-cycle processing of its comprehensive plan amendment on the theory that ABC will benefit from the other property owner’s comprehensive plan amendment when in fact that property owner’s comprehensive plan amendment excludes ABC’s project.”

Hopeful hotelier Dave Balot is refusing to take a wait-and-see approach to his plans as the Siesta Key hotel saga continues.

Artist rendering

Dear editor, I read the article in the March issue of Siesta Sand by Ned Steele entitled “What’s up with these docks?” with interest. As a resident of the Siesta Shores Condominium Association to which these docks are associated, I’d like to respond to the concerns contained in this article by Doug Holder.

Mr. Holder expressed a concern that the four new boat docks/lifts jeopardize navigation. Did Mr. Holder have any concerns about hazards to navigation before the construction of the docks? Did he have any concerns with any of the other docks along the entirety of Canal Road, on the same side as the new docks, being hazards to navigation?

Having just returned from a boat ride in the canal, I can attest to the fact that there are several areas in the canal narrower than the area where the new docks were installed. Thus, I fi nd Mr. Holder’s concern about navigation hazards to be baseless and without merit.

Mr. Holder feared that his 30-foot boat (one of the biggest on that side of the canal) is in jeopardy of getting hit by an unskilled boater. Did Mr. Holder fear his boat being hit by unskilled boaters prior to the dock’s construction? Also, note that Mr. Holder’s boat is on a lift several feet above the surface of the canal and, with the exception of the stern and several feet of the bow, the majority of Mr. Holder’s boat is protected by the outer

frame of the boat lift and the two canal-side pilings on which the boat lift is attached.

Mr. Holder stated that the removed vegetation resulted in subjecting him and his neighbors to noise pollution from the exposed road. Noise pollution? Really? I know that I’ve heard more voices and music coming from that side of the canal, and I just consider it as part of living where I do.

Mr. Holder says he knows “too much” when he sees it. In response, I would say I know a case of NIMBY (not in my back yard) when I see it. It does beg the question: would Mr. Holder have these same concerns if the docks had not been constructed directly across from his residence?

Randy Kulzer, Siesta Key

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More concerns arise as another hotel faces public scrutiny

Traffic, environment among workshop topics related to Old Stickney Point Road proposal

The hotels may differ, but the concerns remain the same across the board.

The third of a series of recent neighborhood workshops regarding special exceptions potentially leading to new hotels on Siesta Key was held March 20 via Zoom with more than 100 participants.

The work session, which is required by Sarasota County as part of the application process, provided the public with an opportunity to ask questions and share comments in response to an application for a special exception with a binding concept plan for two contiguous properties – a seven-story, 120-room hotel and five-story adjacent parking structure at 1260 and 1266 Old Stickney Point Rd., respectively. If approved, this would allow transient accommodations within the existing zoning district. No rezoning or use change would be necessary.

The special exception also calls for a height increase to 83 feet above flood elevation. The current height restriction is 35 feet.

The Old Stickney Point Road project was initially approved in 2021, but due to legal challenges now requires amendments to the Sarasota County comprehensive plan and unified development code, hence the need for a special exception. A neighborhood workshop was held prior to that initial approval as well.

Bo Medred of Genesis Planning and Development and Charlie

Bailey, a land-use attorney with Williams Parker Law Firm, served as agents for the session.

Attendee Eileen Jones asked about evacuations, to which Bailey responded the traffic impact analysis, which will determine such plans, is not yet completed.

He added that a traffic study is required by the county as part of the process. Jones also asked about the availability of beach access to guests. The applicant representatives responded that Beach Access 12 and 13 are proximal, or guests could take alternative transportation, including Uber, trolley or bikes to other beaches.

Neil Schleifer, vice president of the Siesta Key Condominium Council, said he had environmental concerns and asked about how the project would affect adjacent wetlands.

Bailey said, “There is no wetland on-site,” asserting the county and the Southwest Florida Water Management District determined the area was not a wetland. Schleifer then asked about mangrove preservation.

Bailey again stated there are “no natural features and no protected native habitat.”

The applicant’s project engineer then spoke up and said the development will adhere to county and state regulations ensuring there is no adverse impact, which he said is standard practice, and approval for construction would not be granted unless this was demonstrated in advance.

By ChrisAnn Allen

Joyce Kouba, vice president of the Siesta Key Association civic group, asked how the special exception that would allow this project to move forward would “promote the public interest, health, safety and general welfare,” per the county approval requirements for special exceptions. Bailey responded the reasons remain the same as when the project was initially approved in 2021, including an influx in visitors staying in short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods.

“We think it makes the most sense to have a single transient accommodation with up to 120 rooms where people can drive directly over the bridge into the village and park their vehicles and stay on Siesta Key and walk, bike, Uber, use other forms of transit while they’re on Siesta Key, rather than forcing every visitor

to the Key to drive,” Bailey said. “So, tourism is a pillar industry of our county, and we think that providing tourism use or hotel space on Siesta Key provides a new opportunity for visitors to safely enjoy the area beaches and other amenities and minimize the impact on those of us who live here year-round.”

Kouba then asked, “So is that promoting the public interest, health, safety or general welfare? I don’t quite understand.”

Bailey responded, “All of the above.”

Kouba was not convinced that the hotel would prohibit people from leaving the Key. “You are assuming all these people that are coming to these hotels are going to stay on Siesta Key and not drive back and forth from the mainland to do other things,” she said.

Bailey closed the dialogue by saying this information will be

determined when the traffic study is completed.

One Siesta resident asked about the nature of the hotel itself. “Is this a luxury hotel? A budget hotel?” and also asked how they arrived at 120 rooms and if a feasibility study had been completed.

Bailey said the applicant has been considering the project for nearly a decade and has conducted market research. He said it would be a “nicer hotel, not something you would see out by the interstate,” adding it would be “higher end,” but a brand has not yet been identified. “Our client is looking to provide a quality, luxury brand,” he said.

Cindi Alexander asked how building a large hotel will “impact the island itself, structurally,” referring to reportedly sinking land levels in other parts of the country, due to construction. Bailey said the builder is subject to FEMA and the Florida building code, which requires elevation and is stricter than it was when many structures still standing on the Key were built.

Alexander also said she feels everyone’s concerns are based on “sustainability of the culture of our island.”

“We permit what we promote,” she said. “The more we permit this, the more we promote a change to something that’s very special about Siesta Key. Regardless of what we all say, that’s what we’re talking about. We do not want the slow-

Artist rendering

Siesta Key streets get makeover, part 2

Work to repave 34.72 miles of Siesta Key streets is expected to start later this month after the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners approved the project at its April 9 meeting. The project, being done by Ajax Paving Industries of North Venice, consists of milling and paving of existing roadways, pavement striping, ADA ramp modifications, curb repairs, and roadway base repairs.

Commissioners approved more than $11.3 million for the project.

The streets being repaired are Beach Road from Columbus Boulevard to Ocean Boulevard; Avenida Messina from Beach Road to Ocean Boulevard; Point of Rocks and Roberts Point circles; Higel Avenue from Windward Place to Ocean Boulevard; Givens Street from Ocean Boulevard to Higel Avenue; and both Calle De La Siesta and Calle Del Invierno from Beach Road to Canal Road.

Property owners adjacent to the work will receive a mailer

notifying them of the work and schedules. Also, condominium associations impacted by the planned work will also be notified.

The resurfacing project is to take 245 days.

Similar work was completed last year between Stickney Point Road and Beach Road.

State again supports Midnight Pass

The Florida Legislature recently allocated $500,000 toward research, design and permitting

for the potential of restoring the Midnight Pass waterway that once ran between Siesta Key and Casey Key. The caveat is Gov. DeSantis needs to approve the funding. You may recall that $1 million was allocated last year but was vetoed by DeSantis. Said Sarasota County Commissioner Joe Neunder, whose District 4 seat lies in the territory where Midnight Pass once existed, “Water quality here in Sarasota County has always been a high priority to me and

the community I grew up in and serve.” Sarasota County leaders have proclaimed that improved water quality in Little Sarasota Bay is a priority, acknowledging that Midnight Pass – closed in the early ‘80s by the county when two homeowners complained their houses were being threatened –would be a focal point in reaching that goal.

A feasibility study has been approved by the county and is expected to be completed this summer.

Perhaps the most popular pet lizard, bearded dragons are originally from the deserts of central Australia. "Bearded" refers to the extendable flap of skin under their chin that turns black when they are stressed, displaying dominance or being territorial. They are usually even-tempered, docile, easy to tame, bond closely with their caretakers and are generally hardy when cared for properly.

Typical bearded dragon appearance & behavior

• Tolerates handling and interaction with humans

• In nature, their skin is tan-colored, but they have been bred for a variety of di erent colors and patterns

• Communicate with each other through gestures such as “arm waving,” in which they lift a front leg and wave it back and forth in submission to another lizard.

• They also bob their head as part of their mating ritual or to display dominance

• Will spend their day in a hiding spot, basking and climbing.

March 10, theft

Victim stated that he locked his bicycle on a bike rack at the Siesta Beach parking lot area. The bicycle was locked with a cable combination lock. He left his shoes with his bicycle and walked down to the beach at approximately 3:20 a.m. When he returned, his bicycle, the lock and the shoes were gone.

The complainant valued the bicycle at $500, the cable lock at $50, and the shoes at $60.

March 15, theft

Complainant advised that an unknown subject stole his landlord’s bicycle. The complainant said he was renting a property for two weeks and borrowed his landlord’s bicycle.

He and his wife stopped near Beach Access 11 and locked the bicycle on the rack before going to

Sheriff’s Report

the beach.

Approximately 20 to 30 minutes later, he returned and noticed the bicycle missing. The missing bicycle is a red Firmstrong Urban single-speed.

March 21, theft

Family was at Siesta Beach near the yellow lifeguard stand. Family had a beach cart and had a purse in the cart under several towels.

Upon returning to their condo

rental and unpacking the beach cart the family noticed the purse was missing. The family advised that generally there was at least one adult near the beach cart except for two brief periods of time when they gathered by the water.

March 22, theft

Three victims reported to a sheriff’s deputy that they left their items on the sand while they went

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swimming by Beach Access 2. While swimming, they observed several juvenile male subjects around their belongings. They saw the subjects take their bag and drive away in a pick-up truck. The victims ran after the truck but were unable to catch them. Items taken with the bag included licenses, a wallet, debit card, insurance card and miscellaneous clothing.

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That loud “RIBBIT!” you hear on Siesta Key isn’t from some enormous amphibian invading the island.

Rather, it is your free neighborhood transportation service announcing its presence via its custom frog horn and large Frog Hop logo.

According to operating manager Tina Limber, who now owns and operates the business with her brother William, the Frog Hop was born in December of 2017 when founder Gary Kompothecras wanted to help reduce traffic on the island and simultaneously provide safe transportation for residents and visitors. Hence, the shuttle service was born and along with that came an easy and inexpensive way to get around Siesta Key.

That kind of commitment is no accident.

“The Frog Hop drivers are part of a handpicked team of local drivers to ensure you receive the best experience and free ride service to get you where you’re going safe and on time,” Limber added. “The drivers all have information regarding Siesta Key and Sarasota. The Frog Hop is an amazing way to explore the area and a perfect way for out-of-town guests to see the sights along Siesta Key.”

The Frog Hop is a free transportation service; however, Limber suggests passengers tip the drivers because they don’t get paid.

“The drivers pay for their gas and reimburse a percentage back

“We get them home safely,” Limber said, “I’ve had drivers get out of their buses and walk people to their door to make sure they get home safely.”

to the company to help reimburse company expenses,” Limber said. Unlike Siesta Key’s trolley, Frog Hop passengers don’t have to be standing and waiting in a designated area until their ride arrives. Passengers can just call and say where they are, how many people they have, and where they want to go. “We pick them up and take them anywhere on Siesta Key for a tip. We are a door-to-door service,” Limber said.

In addition to providing a creative, safe, and efficient way to get around, the Frog Hop is also available for events such as weddings, business meetings, concerts, or just a night out on the town. Call to charter one of the Frog Hop vehicles for your next outing.

Also, the Frog Hop provides rides to the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. According to its official website, the Frog Hop fleet of vehicles includes open air trolleys and 20-pluspassenger vans.

How is the Frog Hop different from other transportation services?

“We have music, air conditioning, we give out information, wrist bands, and we’re just engaged with our passengers,” Limber said. Be aware of imposters, however.

“There are other people out there using the Frog Hop name and they’re giving us a bad reputation by charging or being rude,” Limber said. “So, you really need to make sure that if it doesn’t “ribbit” it’s not a Frog Hop vehicle.”

upcoming event that requires a mascot, the Frog Hop mascot is available for an hourly charge of $50. It will appear at adult parties, kid parties, live events, and any type of group gathering.

The Frog Hop’s normal hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. However, Limber said, “If the phones are ringing, we will stay out until the streets are quiet.”

Limber shared a story from a couple of months ago when she dropped off 18 people at the Village’s Beach Club on a Wednesday night. “They were going out at 10:30 p.m. and the Frog Hop usually stops operating at 11 p.m. I knew it would be hard for a party of that size to get an Uber home at 1 a.m. in the morning, so I told them if they want to get home by 1 just call me and I’ll come back to get you,” Limber said. “The group called me at 12:55 a.m. and I came back and brought them all back to their condo.”

This is just an example of the drivers’ willingness to work with passengers to ensure everyone gets home safely. Indeed, Limber confi rms such a commitment.

“If people talk to us, we will wait,” she said. “We’ve gotten out of bed to pick people up. I take my work phone home with me so I can answer it if I need to. I’ve gotten out of bed for people that really needed a ride.” This creative mode of transportation is available rain or shine, and all you must do to schedule a ride is call 1-844-FROG-HOP or 1-844-3764467. The website address is

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How sublime consignment shopping funds a tireless nonprofit

The Exchange has a reach that packs quite a community punch

By Hannah Wallace

The Exchange has more than earned its reputation as a shopper’s paradise. The sprawling consignment store, located on half a city block in Sarasota’s downtown core, features furniture, housewares, clothing, linens, jewelry, artwork and more — meticulously priced and organized — and all of it representing the organization’s standards for quality merchandise.

For visitors, the Exchange is as much about bargain hunting as it is discovering a striking and unique showpiece that can’t be found on any old big box shelf. Discerning shoppers shop here.

But behind that opulent salesfloor is a streamlined nonprofit operation. The Exchange succeeds because of a

knowledgeable staff and a small army of dedicated volunteers who record, organize, and track (within a sophisticated computer system) more than 15,000 consigned items a month — all in service of the Sarasota community and its performing arts programs.

This month, the Exchange will announce the recipients of its 2024 grants and scholarships — the organization’s 62 nd year supporting Sarasota performing arts. The funds, raised entirely from the store’s sales, will total more than $400,000 to Sarasota and Manatee performing arts programs, K-12 arts programs, and high school and college students pursuing a higher education in the arts.

“We’re very unique,” said Karen Koblenz, executive director of the Exchange, just days before the board of directors voted on this year’s grants recipients. “There

aren’t many places like this in the country.”

Founded in 1962, the Exchange has always been dedicated to Sarasota’s arts scene. The organization has awarded more than $9 million total in grants and scholarships during its six-plus decades. And to this day, most shoppers, in Koblenz’s estimation, don’t know that they’re supporting a local nonprofit. The inventory is what draws the crowds.

“I love the artwork and the blown glass,” she said. “I really think we get some fabulous art.” She remembers when the Exchange handled a picture that came from the Elvis estate, and another painting done by Mickey Dolenz of the Monkees.

In one case, a consigner took back a pro sports championship ring, postponing its sale until a young man could save enough

money for the purchase. The young buyer then turned around and donated the ring to a local charity auction.

Another time, a volunteer arrived with a Gio Ponti bowl purchased for a few bucks at a garage sale. Staff at the Exchange, after research revealed similar items for sale by Christie’s, decided to send the bowl to an auction house, where it sold for several thousand dollars. The volunteer then gave the proceeds to his favorite Sarasota charities.

As important as the grants and scholarships are to Sarasota nonprofits, Koblenz explained that the Exchange’s benevolent reach stretches even farther into the community.

For instance, while 40% of each sale goes to grants and scholarships, the other 60% goes back to the consigner. That money may simply be a one-off expendable bonus for some consigners, but for others it represents a reliable second paycheck.

“We have over 5,000 active consigners, and we pay the highest commission in town,” said Koblenz. “Merchandise sells fast here. We cut checks on the last day of every month, and we mail them. We have a number of senior citizens who supplement their income by consigning at the Exchange.”

Last year alone, the organization paid out roughly $2.4 million to consigners. (Consigners also have the option of automatically contributing 50% or 100% of their sales to the organization.)

Additionally, items that can’t be consigned at the Exchange are in turn donated to the thrift stores run by the Pines of Sarasota and the Salvation Army — local organizations that benefit greatly from high-quality donations.

Koblenz also likes to point out that supporting arts institutions is a way of supporting the community as a whole — both for audiences who are enlightened by the cultural experiences, and even for community members who have unique chances to participate as performers and artists. In fact, the Exchange’s impact — and her own responsibilities as its director — touch on everyone who interacts with the organization and radiate outward from there. “As a nonprofit, I’m here for our shopper. I want them to know that they can get a good value for their money, and they can get something unusual. And I’m here for the consigner, because I know that that sale helps people in our community. And then we turn around with the rest of the sale and support the arts,” said Koblenz. “It benefits everybody.”

Left: Karen Koblenz, executive director of the Exchange.

Top: The organization is located at 539 S. Orange Ave. in Sarasota.

Fleming: “We’ve started a steering committee. We’re looking to make sure we’ve got a clear path of where the chamber is, and where it’s going. We are getting more and more involved in government affairs, relationships, and trying to work on our relationship with (Sarasota) county commissioners and with other stakeholders, in and around Siesta Key.”

Siesta Sand: It seems that at the county commission, Mark Smith always votes to support the Key as a lone voice. What are your thoughts about that, and what would you like to see the relationship be between the business community and the commission be?

in our pages last month said that recently visitors and developers have been prioritized over taxpaying residents, and that “It’s time to turn the pendulum back.” What’s your reaction?

Fleming: “We do prioritize visitors -- not above residents or above everybody else -- but visitors are certainly a priority because of the nature of the island. We are a destination for people to have amazing vacations on the best beaches on the planet. Certainly, visitors should be a priority. They, in a lot of ways, are the life blood to the local economy. As far as prioritizing developers, I can’t really speak to that because I don’t think that that’s happened.

Siesta Sand: What’s the chamber’s current stand on hotel development?

Fleming: “We are for transient accommodations on the Key. We are not for unlimited density. We want reasonable, controlled growth.

Fleming: You’ve got to absolutely commend Commissioner Smith. It can’t be easy to be on the losing end of 4-to-1 votes multiple times. He always follows his moral compass. I can’t speak for the other commissioners as to why they’ve voted the way they’ve voted, but I would certainly welcome the opportunity to discuss the issues as they come up, and to have more regular meetings with [them]. PreCOVID, we would have regular meetings with some of the commissioners. We’d like to get back to more of these face-to-face meetings. I think it would be beneficial to all sides.

Siesta Sand: What else might be ahead for the chamber’s agenda?

Fleming: Right now, we are focused on getting our new building fi nalized, fi nished, and moved in to. Once the paint’s dry and the ribbon’s cut, we can focus on other issues. We’re evaluating the events we currently have, and looking to either expand or add to them. We’ve gotten away from Siesta Fiesta and we are looking to possibly fi nd something to replace that -- not Siesta Fiesta per se but another fun communitytype event

Siesta Sand: A guest editorial

“We put forward a plan to the county commissioners that did not move forward, for 52 units per acre -- exactly double the current allowed density of 26. They called for a hard cap of 75 units. This would allow for boutique hotels, which we think the Key would thrive with. We feel that the nature of boutique hotels would fit with the characteristics of Siesta Key. We’re not against hotels. We’re for hotels. We’re just against the unlimited density portion of it.”

Siesta Sand: How should the chamber balance the possibility of more national chain retail coming in, and the concern of small establishments that they could get pushed out?

Fleming: I think there is a balance. I think it’s good that if there is a [retail] vacancy that we fill them with high-quality tenants, whether that’s a national chain or that’s another mom and pop. We want high quality businesses here that serve the customer’s needs.

All Roads Lead to Made in Rome Organic Gelato on Siesta Key!

Seven days a week, for up to 14 hours a day, Diane Cuna churns out a rainbow of organic gelato flavors for her Made in Rome shop in the middle of Siesta Village.

Diane was born a thirdgeneration circus performer in the famed Theron Family, a French bicycle act who fled Europe during World War II and performed all over the world with Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus. Cuna grew up performing cycling feats and crossbow stunts with her siblings.

She retired from show business at age 40 and, inspired by her Italian husband whose family been making gelato for many generations, began channeling her creativity and gregarious energy into gelato. She opened Made in Rome on April 19, 2017. Six years later, you can still find her there, telling stories and serving up her fiery spirit in frozen form.

Cuna dedicated herself to organic, all-natural ingredients from the very beginning. For her flavors, she started in Italy. Her pistachios come straight from Bronte (Sicily), hazelnuts from Piedmont (Northern Italy). “Everything in the shop is Italian,” she said.

“I make it here from scratch,” said Cuna. I do not use artificial flavoring. People love the key lime. They love the teacher’s coffee [flavor]. I offer traditional Italian flavors and American flavors.

Among her more unusual creations, Cuna makes a popular “Red Tide” flavor: chocolate gelato with pepperoncino, sea salt, and Italian cherries. She also serves a gelato with activated charcoal for a sort of dessert detox.

Made In Rome Organic Gelato is located at 5204 Ocean Blvd, in the Siesta Key Village. Their hours are Mon. - Thurs: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Fri. - Sun.

Jenn Eshbaugh

First, the gelato is the best I’ve ever had. It was the owner who served us. Little did she know my boyfriend has been teaching ServSafe classes for many years. He raved about how well the frozen treats were store and how well she handled the act of serving it to us. She did everything by the book. No cross contamination and very clean. The little paddle spoons are made of 100% recycled corn husks and the gelato is served with a kosher and vegan little baby sugar cone. We found this gem the first day in Siesta Key and we will DEFINITELY be back every day we’re here. So good! My one regret was I didn’t get a picture (maybe because I ate it so fast.)

Beauty & Gelato | Kylie, Natasha, and Martina ready with a smile and service.

warmer waters are a key factor in increasing hurricane activity. CSU and the National Oceanographic and Atmosphere Association are the leading resources for hurricane forecasting.

According to CSU, “A warmerthan-normal tropical Atlantic provides a more conducive dynamic and thermodynamic environment for hurricane formation and intensification. We anticipate a well-above-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean.

Coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season.”

Said Tapfumaneyi, “All of Siesta Key is in Zone A” – emphasizing the potential danger.

Zone A, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, “is the most vulnerable and the most likely to evacuate first.”

The Sarasota County official urged Siesta Key residents to be aware and to prepare in advance of the opening of hurricane season.

“For low lying areas and islands such as Siesta Key, storm surge is a huge issue,” she advised.

Recalling Fort Myers Beach and the impact that Hurricane Ian had on that barrier island, she encouraged Siesta Key residents to learn from the past.

“Fort Myers Beach residents didn’t believe that the storm surge would happen,” Tapfumaneyi said. “Yet it did. Even a Category 1 can have a lot of storm surge and first responders can’t come to help when the winds are high.

“Every storm is different. It’s important not to judge a storm simply by its category.”

With only weeks remaining before the start of the hurricane season, now is the time to create a plan, build a kit and stay informed, Tapfumaneyi said.

Should there be an evacuation, deciding in advance on a place to go is foremost, she said. Staying with family or friends should be the first option. Moving to a hotel is second and going to an emergency shelter should always be considered a last resort where each person is allowed

approximately only 20 square feet of space.

Pets, she said, will be allowed in Sarasota County shelters and preregistration will not be required. In an emergency, medically dependent shelters will also be opened, and pre-registration will be required. At all medically dependent shelters, each medically dependent individual must be accompanied by a caretaker.

When preparing an emergency hurricane kit, she urged SKA members to make sure that it is easy to carry, easily accessible, and stored in a conveniently located container.

Contents should include:

• A five-day supply of water for each person and each pet

• Non-perishable food for five days for each person and each pet

• Clothing and bedding

• A can opener

• Paper items

• Medical first aid kit

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• Puzzles, games, and books

• Cash “We are so fortunate to have Sandra leading Sarasota County’s emergency preparedness,” said Siesta Key Association president Catherine Luckner.

Tapfumaneyi came to Sarasota County from Lee County, one of Sarasota County’s neighbors to the south, where since 2021 she served as the director of Domestic Animal Services and operations chief of Emergency Management.

When Hurricane Ian devastated the Fort Myers region, she served as incident commander of the Lee County Emergency Operations Center.

In 2018 when Hurricane Michael -- an unprecedented Category 5 -- made landfall, Tapfumaneyi deployed to the Florida Panhandle and served as the Bay County Emergency Operations Center Human Services branch director.

In 2023, she was honored by the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association and received the Chad Reed Emergency Management Professional of the Year award.

Sarasota County’s website offers important information on how to prepare for a hurricane and what to do when one strikes. A printable Disaster Preparedness Guide is also available online on this page, in English and Spanish, at scgov.net/ beprepared.

Like everyone, you may have a lot of fi nancial goals. But are they all of equal importance?

Probably not. And do they share a similar timeline? Again, it’s unlikely. So, your fi rst step may be to prioritize your goals — and then follow a process that can help you achieve them.

This process should include the following steps:

Identify your goals as “must have” or “nice to have.” Making sure you can retire comfortably and won’t outlive your resources is a “must have” goal. For this goal, you can’t compromise — you need to be certain of achieving it, or at least as certain as possible. But if you want to someday own a vacation home

Prioritize your investment dollars. Unless you have unlimited sums to invest — and very few of us have that luxury — you’ll probably need to prioritize where your investment dollars are going. For your main “must have” goal — retirement — you’ll be helped by the ability

increases over the years, you may also fi nd space to keep contributing toward the “nice to have” goals. Put “price tags” on your goals. You need to know what your goals will cost. Of course, you may need to estimate the costs for some goals based on different factors. For example, when you think about your goal of retiring comfortably without outliving your money, you’ll need to consider some key questions, including these: When do you want to retire? What sort of retirement lifestyle do you envision? Do you see yourself downsizing your living arrangements? For other goals, though, such as purchasing a

along with your appetite for risk, should drive your investment strategy — but another key factor is time. So, for a longterm goal like retirement, you’ll likely need a reasonable amount of quality growth-oriented investments in your portfolio. While these investments — such as stocks and stock-based mutual funds — will fluctuate in value over shorter periods of time, your hope is that, over several decades, they will ultimately provide the growth you need to meet your retirement goal. However, to achieve a goal you want to meet in a year or so — perhaps you’re paying for a wedding or planning a long vacation

growth, but you can essentially count on them to provide the amount you need when you need it. You’ll need to regularly review the performance of your investment strategy for each goal to assess your progress.

Do you have trouble getting in to see your current provider when you’re sick? Same-day appointments are just one of the ways we make life after 60 healthier and happier. So why wait? Switch to ArchWell Health today and say “goodbye” to long doctor waits for good!

•

The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key

The 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.

LOWEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE

8115 MIDNIGHT PASS RD.

$985,000

Direct Little Sarasota Bay waterfront, with deep water dock, charming Key West-style cottage. Private outdoor deck with some water views. This three-bed, two-bath 1,733-squarefoot charmer has two walls of sliding doors which opens to a large private lanai with a

HIGHEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE

5119 JUNGLE PLUM RD.

$6 MILLION

Nestled within Hidden Harbor, a tree-canopied intracoastal neighborhood with just 36 residences, awaits a breathtaking private oasis on .72 acres.

Soaring ceilings will impress while a wall of windows will draw your attention to the backyard paradise where palm trees shade the sparkling, salt water circular pool. Custom, hickory cabinetry provides ample storage while the Silestone and granite countertops sparkle under the updated recessed lighting. The top-ofthe-line Sub-Zero refrigerator and Wolf cooktop/

private side patio for gardening. The original wood floors are in great shape and solid.

Master bedroom suite sits on a private floor by itself with a deck area view of Little Sarasota Bay and surrounded by lush tree coverage. Master bath with both shower and tub and walk-in closet with a full wall of sliders doors to the private master bedroom deck. Second and third bedrooms are on the ground floor and on the other side of the house

oven will delight the most discriminating chef. Retreat to the primary suite with a private outdoor terrace and spa-like bath featuring a walk-in shower, soaking tub and large walk-in closet.

Upstairs you’ll find an office/den and 2 ensuite guest bedrooms both with private terraces and beautiful views. Invite your guests to enjoy the Suncoast lifestyle where mature trees provide privacy for your elegant, covered patio with shell stone flooring, a gas-assist wood-burning fireplace, graceful cypress ceilings, cozy seating, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and breathtaking views of Roberts Bay.

Courtesy of Michael Saunders

giving you complete privacy and tranquility. Completely vintage original wooden floors have been refinished throughout the entire house. Enjoy the large wood burning fireplace during those chilly breezes, three-space covered car port with large attic storage, metal roof, room for additional parking. Two AC units keep the cottage cool; both are newer units.

Courtesy of Coldwell Banker

HIGHEST PRICED CONDO

84 AVENIDA VENECCIA, #202

$8.325 MILLION

89 Beach is Siesta Key’s newest building and will offer six beautiful boutique residences set on one of the best beaches in the world. The setting is iconic Sunset Point which offers panoramic, awe-inspiring sunsets nightly. Designed by renowned

LOWEST PRICED CONDO

107 PASS KEY RD., #107

$450,000

This one-bedroom, one-bath ground-floor unit in Sandy Cove enjoys water and city views. New roof in 2014, new HVAC and water heater in 2022, impact sliding doors and tile/wood flooring throughout. Courtesy of Coldwell Banker

architecture firm DSDG, this condominium offers a reimagined take on the traditional beach house.

Unit 203 features floor-to-ceiling hurricane glass sliders and windows, a private unobstructed terrace for sunset viewing, tons of windows for natural light, and an open concept floorplan that allows for casual yet refined living. All units in 89 Beach come well

equipped with gourmet kitchens, designer quartz counters and porcelain floors, smart home integration, and some of the finest finishes now on the market. Set behind a gated entry, 89 Beach will feature private cabanas for each owner, two-car garages, storage, a private, elevated pool with a Gulf view, resident’s gas firepit, and much more.

Courtesy of Michael Saunders

There are numerous decisions to navigate when choosing a house for you and your family.

What does it look like on the inside? Is it a fixerupper, or has it recently been remodeled? Are you a coastal contemporary-style person, or do you prefer modern or Mediterranean construction?

How many bedrooms are there? Is it on the water, and how big is the lot?

These are all typical considerations but when purchasing on a barrier island, in a tropical zone, and in a vacation destination, there are multiple factors to consider.

One of the first questions I ask someone looking for a new home on Siesta Key is, “Are you looking for a home on boating water?” If the answer to that question

is yes, that opens up an entirely new conversation regarding the height and depth requirements of their boat. All waterfronts are not created equally -- you wouldn’t want to sell someone a house on a canal if they have a sailboat!

Deep, sailboat-friendly water is going to be some of the most expensive. The waterways for these homes have no bridges to go under to get to the Gulf of Mexico. Homes on the east side of the Key such as the Hansen Bayou side of Flamingo Drive, or in the Hidden Harbor community, fall into this category.

Alternatively, homes along the Grand Canal are situated on the primary waterway running through Siesta Key, requiring passage under just one bridge at Midnight Pass Road to reach the bay. Boats of considerable size can navigate the Grand Canal, with a bridge clearance of about

12 feet, depending on the tide. Additionally, there are homes scattered throughout the canal system that have bridges with much lower clearances.

Despite this, these homes can still accommodate boats large enough to venture out into the gulf.

Another major factor to consider is insurance costs, which are a derivative of the home’s elevation, year of construction, and upgrades. Never before has there been such a focus on having windows and doors with impact glass, a newer roof with the latest code requirements, and upgraded pipes and electrical systems. As a homeowner it can be expensive to add these upgrades, but it can be even more expensive if you don’t!

Are you planning on renting the house? Renting a property is a great way to earn income to offset taxes and insurance, but please respect the rental

restrictions for the home’s zoning. Homes in the city of Sarasota, which is on the northern end of the Key down to Garden Lane, have a seven-night rental minimum. These homes often sell for slightly above other comparable homes on the island because of the income potential. Most of the homes in the unincorporated part of the Key have a 30-day rental minimum,

except for those around Siesta Village that might have different zoning.

The bottom line: Purchasing real estate on Siesta Key involves many more considerations than purchasing on the mainland. Make sure you do your homework and pick a Realtor who is familiar with the island and knows the waterways and the nuances of purchasing here.

Unfortunately, I see many prospective buyers represented by real estate agents who have never sold a single property on our island. Unfortunately, that might not be the best choice for a successful result.

Stay sunny, Siesta!

(Natalie Gutwein is a licensed Realtor with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Judie Berger Team and a member of the board of directors of the Siesta Key Association.) (Data accurate as of April 14 from Stellar MLS.)

Old Stickney Point

Continued from page 6

In early January, similar sessions were held for two other potential hotels also requiring special exceptions, with one proposed 85-foot-tall hotel along Ocean Boulevard in the Village and another at 80 feet in height, between Beach Road and Calle Miramar.

A lawsuit filed by Siesta Key resident Lourdes Ramirez determined the county commission violated its own policies in previously allowing unlimited density when approving the hotels between the fall of 2021 and the fall of 2022. That ruling said no hotel can be taller than 35 feet or have more than 26 rooms per acre (recalculated by the judge to 36) as set forth in 1989.

As a result, amendments must be made to the comp plan to move forward with the hotel applications.

The comprehensive plan is a state-required roadmap for growth within a community and contains plans for transportation, capital improvement, economic and

coastal development, as well as environmental protections. The unified development code contains the zoning map, outlining density and intensity requirements and is subject to the comp plan. A special exception is required for any changes and only is granted by the county commission is cases where a property owner is deemed “burdened” by the codes.

Following the workshop, feedback is provided to the county as part of the application and the developer can choose to incorporate the suggestions or make changes to the application based on community response. Subsequently, the application, including information from the neighborhood session, is reviewed by members of 15 county departments who provide comments to the applicants before it moves to the planning commission for a formal public hearing. Planning commissioners will vote and make a recommendation to approve/ deny to the county commission, which will then hold two hearings on the matters and make the final approval or denial.

May is...

Mother's Month

At Captain Curt's Crab & Oyster Bar

To show our appreciation for the mothers in our lives, we are celebrating all month long with

Buy One Get One Half off Snow Crab Legs

While you're here, don't forget to Check Out our World Famous Clam Chowder, Real Fruit Daiquiris, Coffee Shop, Karaoke Nights, and More