Siesta Sand - April 2025

Economic losses mount for many condo owners: A $50 million hit?

By Ned Steele

lost season of no rental income –

Acoupled with ongoing tax, owner association and other costs – is causing severe economic hardships for owners of older, mostly ground-floor vacation rental condominium units still sitting unrepaired and unoccupied after Debby, Helene and Milton.

“For all intents and purposes, the season’s over,” said Varinia Van Ness, board secretary and owner of three units at Siesta Beach House, a condo on Midnight Pass Road where 35 of the 47 units are ground floor apartments wiped out by the storm. “I might get three weeks out of it in April.”

Van Ness, a retired lawyer, had to cancel 27 weeks’ worth of reservations, including peak season weeks with typical 100% occupancy

at up to $700 a night. She has obtained a government loan “to get cash to survive” as she faces personal losses she estimates at $120,000. Collectively the owners at the condo complex are out about $2 million, she believes.

“This is killing some [owners],” said Mike Holderness, CEO of Beachside Management, a major vacation rental property management company on the key. “People on Siesta Key aren’t all rich. They are good, solid people paying their taxes and using the rental income to pay the mortgage.”

Holderness estimated that at least 500 condo units have been off the market through the end of peak season ending later this month. At an average loss of $100,000 through end of April, that is a $50 million loss on Siesta Key.

Continued on page 24

county keeps hopeful watch

Sarasota County Public Works Director Spencer Anderson provided members of a neighborhood advocacy group information on the latest developments to the newly reopened pass

These days, all eyes are on Midnight Pass.

Historically separating Siesta Key from Casey Key, the pass, which was filled by homeowners in the 1980s due to

By ChrisAnn Allen

property erosion concerns, was reopened by Mother Nature as a result of the 2024 hurricanes.

Now, thanks to a $500,000 state appropriation received just prior to the

2024 storms, Sarasota County is working with a variety of stakeholders, including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, the Universities of

Siesta Key advocates request aesthetic, safety initiative

Members of the Siesta Key Beautification Alliance spoke at a recent county commission meeting

They want it to be beautiful, but they need it to be safe.

During a Feb. 11 meeting, Sarasota County commissioners directed staff to begin work on a plan for beautifying the north and south entrance ways to Siesta Key, following a suggestion from Commissioner Joe Neunder, whose district includes the southern portion of the key. Neunder said he’d spoken with residents and visitors who supported the improvements.

At the March 11 commission meeting, residents asserted the need for the prioritization of such a measure and expanded the scope to include safety.

“Siesta Key has long been recognized as one of the most beautiful destinations in the country,” Natalie Gutwein, Siesta Key resident and businesswoman, told commissioners March 11. Gutwein is a team leader for the Siesta Key Beautification Alliance, a group which includes members of “local

associations, property owners, business owners and concerned citizens.” Gutwein pointed out the well-known website Tripadvisor.com recently ranked Siesta Key the #1 best beach town in the nation and #4 in the world. However, she expressed concerns with the state of the island following the 2024 hurricane season, saying, “much of Siesta Key no longer reflects its well-earned reputation,” and is “in urgent need of revitalization.”

Gutwein also pointed out Siesta Key is “one of the most significant drivers of tourism in Sarasota County,” leading to the greatest amount of Tourist Development Tax revenue in 2024. This tax is a 6% charge on the revenue from rentals of six months or less and, among other areas, is used for promotion, beach maintenance and renourishment. “However, its importance extends beyond tourism,” she said. “Siesta Key is the crown jewel of Sarasota County, cherished not only by

By ChrisAnn Allen

visitors but also by the residents who call it home.”

Gutwein continued with a comparison of the aesthetic appeal of locations such as St. Armands Circle, University Town Center (UTC) and downtown Sarasota and Venice, other “iconic” spots, and emphasized that the key is suffering from neglect, with its entranceways, rights of way, the Village and South Bridge District especially in need of attention to landscaping, lighting, pedestrian pathways and signs, with additional interstate signage to the key.

“We urge the county to prioritize beautification efforts to ensure that Siesta Key continues to be a cherished destination for generations to come,” Gutwein concluded. “It’s time for the county to reinvest in one of its premier drivers of tourism,” she said and requested the board instruct staff to allow the alliance to collaborate in the oversight of the beautification project.

Also representing the alliance on March 11 was Siesta Key Association President Catherine Luckner. She said, while most people do not give much consideration to the appearance of the Siesta Key considering its natural beauty, safety is an important consideration.

“I want you to know we all live here with a love for what we have,” she said. “I do feel

like our county is a large, small town. I feel like I can go almost anywhere and talk to someone that I know.”

However, Luckner expressed concerns over potential injuries due to current unsafe conditions following the hurricanes, and said, “many people that I know want to ride their bikes, they want to walk, they want to be safe. That’s really the priority.”

Natalie Gutwein, Siesta Key resident, business woman, and team leader of Siesta Key Beautification Alliance spoke before the commissioners on March 11 encouraging them them to consider the importance of investing in the beautification of Siesta Key. (Photo provided)

Rebuilding your condo? Get the application right

By Ned Steele

As condominiums continue to recover from 2024’s triple hurricane thrashing, many individual owners – especially those on the ground floor – are discovering they are responsible for obtaining a second permit to complete their own unit’s rebuild.

With many condo associations and unit owners encountering questions and problems in applying for reconstruction permits, Siesta Sand sat down with Sarasota County’s chief building official, Michael Deming, to learn what it takes to get an application approved.

(Edited for brevity and clarity.)

Q: How many unit owners in condos being rebuilt will require a second permit to finish the buildout inside their individual unit?

A: From what we’re seeing at the initial application stage, a fair majority will require secondary permits.

Q. Who needs a secondary permit and who doesn’t?

A. If the first permit (the one filed by the condo association for the property’s overall rebuild) is closed out

and the unit is in habitable condition, there is no need for a secondary permit.

Q. What makes a unit habitable?

A. It must have the means for living, sleeping, eating and cooking. Maybe the first permit is only for drywall. It then becomes the owner’s responsibility to finish all the work in the unit and return it to a habitable condition. That’s when that secondary permit is needed, so we can make sure that the unit is safe for people to live in.

Q. So if the unit owner rather than the association is putting in the cabinets and the kitchen appliances, they need the secondary permit?

A. Yes, basically.

Q. Are there repairs to a unit that do not require a secondary permit?

A. If the unit just isn’t painted to the colors that the owner wants, or there are final touches an owner might want but the unit is habitable, that does not require a permit.

Q. What is the application process?

A. It is the same type of permit as the initial primary permit. The application

process is the same, and it is done primarily online. So, it’s available 24 hours a day.

Q. What does an applicant need to provide?

A. We’re looking for a clear and detailed scope of work. Then, just a very basic floor plan showing where work is being performed. It doesn’t have to be drawn by an architect or engineer if it is clear and legible, and we can see what’s going on and identify the areas where work’s being performed. The last piece is that all costs to be incurred must be provided. We [must] make sure the (FEMA) 50% rule threshold

has not been exceeded.

Q. Can the information provided on the condo association’s initial permit be used for the second application?

A. At the point when the first permit is issued, I’d say the heavy lifting for the 50% rule has already been accomplished. We must make sure [the costs haven’t changed significantly] so there isn’t a large cost differential which would require us to re-examine the 50% rule. We’re just looking to make sure that those numbers are still in the same ballpark. So, take the cost sheet from

the first permit and adjust any of those numbers. That would be the cleanest, easiest way. As far as floor plans and what was submitted for the first one, those could probably be reused. But it is the applicant who has to provide those. We won’t be able to go back to a previous permit. So, pull files out of the first application and bring them over into the new one.

Q. What is the proper time to file for a secondary permit?

A. Apply as soon as possible. You do not have to wait for the first permit to close out. As soon as you have all your information ready.

Q. What is the county’s turnaround time for approving the application once it is submitted correctly?

A. Our goal is 15 business days. We’ve got people here working every day, working overtime. We’re doing our best to get these [applications] out as soon as possible. We have two offices available for people to come in and get assistance with the application process.

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County Commissioner continues coyote crusade

Sarasota County Commissioner Mark Smith is pushing to control growth of the invasive species on Siesta Key

By ChrisAnn Allen

Sarasota County Commissioner Mark Smith is on a mission to get coyotes off Siesta Key.

During its March 11 commission meeting, Smith updated the board on his progress and briefed constituents at a March 13 meeting of the Siesta Key Association, a neighborhood advocacy group.

Smith said that on a recent trip to Washington D.C. for a legislative conference which involved meeting with various government agencies, he had attempted to meet with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) representatives. However, he received a response from them which stated, “I don’t believe the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has any national, regional or local jurisdiction related to coyote management in Sarasota County,” and attached to the message was a list of services the FWS provides, including “cooperation with other agencies, organizations and stakeholders to control nuisance wildlife species though various methods aimed at managing, preventing and mitigating negative impacts on ecosystems, human health and safety,” as well as provisions for dealing with invasive species. “But somehow they couldn’t find the time to talk to me,” Smith concluded. He added the county “may need the governor’s help with this,” regarding the coyote population.

Commissioner Tom Knight, who said he lives in the city, told Smith that, for the first time in several years, he recently saw a large coyote in front of his house and asked if there appears to be an increase in coyote sightings since the 2024 hurricanes.

Smith told Knight the hurricanes thinned brush on the key, making it difficult for coyotes to remain hidden in tucked away dens, but the animals are still problematic and have affected the local shorebird population, as well as peoples’ pets.

“I haven’t seen them in the frequency that I had before the storm, but they’re there,” Smith said. “And the stories that I’m hearing from folks

is that we’re still losing pets.”

On March 11, Smith said he will keep working with other agencies, including the Water & Environmental Sustainability Policy Committee within the Florida Association of Counties (FAC). “This has been a topic I’ve brought up on occasion there,” he said. “I am hoping to get some headway when we go to the legislative conference here in the next week or so.”

Since his first mention of coyote issues at a July 2024 commission meeting, Smith has continued seeking resolution. After receiving messages from constituents who had encountered coyotes, he reached out to Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman, who responded this would be a matter for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, but the agency won’t trap coyotes.

In January, commissioners unanimously approved a letter to Terry Burroughs, president of the FAC, which stated coyote encounters have increased in frequency and pushed for changes in how the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) handles the state’s coyote population.

“So, anyways, it’s on us,” Smith said. “We have to be proactive, we can’t be reactive, because sooner or later, somebody is going to get hurt.”

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission tips for handling coyote encounters:

• Feeding coyotes is illegal. This will allow the animals to lose their fear of humans.

• Ensure garbage cans are secured.

• Clean up any food debris outside your residence, including fallen fruit.

• Keep pets in secured areas.

• Walk dogs on a short, nonretractable leash.

For more information, visit: https:// myfwc.com/conservation/youconserve/wildlife/coyotes/

“Keep the beaches dark and flat” for sea turtle nesting season

Every spring, Siesta Key beaches and coastlines throughout Sarasota County play host to thousands of sea turtle nests. In an ideal scenario, the endangered species—typically loggerhead, leatherback, and green sea turtles—crawl ashore at night to dig holes in which they lay up to 100 eggs. The eggs then hatch in the summer and early fall to make their way as tiny turtles back into the water.

But many, many things can go wrong.

Fortunately, Sarasota is also home to hundreds of sea turtle advocates, both professional and amateur, who strive to protect the nests and help to improve the numbers of sea turtles in the wild. Sarasota’s 35 miles of Gulf shoreline make up one of the most important nesting habitats on Florida’s west coast, with the highest nesting population in the southwest region and the only one on this side of the state that’s actually showing growth in numbers.

Those advocates now sit poised to see what will happen this year after last year’s storms, which caused a 14% loss in Sarasota’s viable nests according to Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Melissa Macksey, a senior biologist with Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Research and Conservation Program, pointed out that the female turtles might not be at all discouraged by the storms—in part because these

turtles were oblivious to them.

Most sea turtles, especially the loggerheads we predominantly see here, alternate nesting years. Our 2025 visitors likely skipped 2024 altogether.

“We know how much we lost from the storms, but the turtles don’t really know how much they lost. This year’s group is going to be completely unaware of what happened. They don’t make adjustments; they just do their thing,” she said.

However, the environment they encounter when they get here might affect just how successful the nesting season is. Any form of interruption, obstacle, or intrusion can cause a sea turtle to turn around and head back into the water without laying her eggs— what’s known as a “false crawl.”

“Generally, the females are coming to shore to look for a good spot to nest,” said Macksey. “Loggerheads, which we have a ton of, about half the time they come ashore they don’t end up nesting. Something didn’t sit right with them. Either they run into furniture, or they don’t like the slope, or they see a predator, or they start digging and hit a rock.”

And after the extensive destruction and erosion on local beaches in the wake of the 2024 hurricane season, the turtles may be more likely to encounter discouragement.

“We lost a bunch of dune space, the greenery, as well as the physical

By Hannah Wallace

beach itself,” said Macksey. “Without the dunes and grasses, roads and condos and houses under construction are more visible from the beach. Artificial lights impact both the nesting and the hatching.”

And when the eggs hatch, the young turtles can become disoriented by the lights and struggle to find their way to the water. Macksey and her colleagues worry that there will be more disorientation events this season.

Mote’s extensive nest-tracking program will ultimately tell the tale. Beginning April 15, teams of two or three permitted volunteers— totaling more than 300 for the whole county will perform early-morning patrols of their own assigned patch

of beach. When they see signs of a recently made nest, they’ll mark it with an orange flag to alert Mote interns of its approximate location.

The interns will then stake off the nest’s location—being careful not to damage the buried eggs in the process—and record the requisite data.

“Nobody needs to report anything to us unless they see it happening during the day,” said Macksey. “We have our protocols designed to keep track of them. But if you think we missed one, you’re more than welcome to reach out and double-check.”

It’s important to note that the volunteers, and the scientists themselves, have special training

and permits that allow them to interact with the nests. For everyone else, disturbing a sea turtle or its eggs is illegal under the Federal Endangered Species Act and the Florida Marine Turtle Protection Act.

“[Sea turtles] are so primitive in their behavior and understanding, even people trying to do the right thing can accidentally cause negative impacts,” said Macksey.

Besides giving the creatures and their nests a wide berth, marine biologists have several suggestions for Sarasota beachgoers to better ensure the turtles’ health and safety.

“We tend to discourage people from going out at night. That’s turtle time. That’s when they’re being active,” said Macksey. “But if you are on the beach at night, maybe just after sunset, and you see a turtle, there’s nothing wrong with watching and observing. Give her a lot of space, stay behind her eyeline—their eyes are not great out of the water. Don’t walk up to them. But it really is an amazing process. It’s incredible to watch.”

And of course, any time you leave the beach for the day, be sure you leave it in pristine condition.

“We encourage people to keep the beaches dark and flat, knock down your sandcastles, fill in any holes, bring in your furniture and your trash, turn off your lights, and encourage your neighbors to do the same,” she said. “Keep the beach nice for the turtles.”

Live Happily in Your Surroundings…

Do you have a special place in your home where you go to read or unwind with an interesting book or to curl up to watch TV or a beloved movie? Do you feel comfortable and productive in your home o ce or is it a place you can’t wait to escape from? If you spend extended time in your bedroom, is it a place of peace and relaxation… somewhere you can refresh and recharge? Or does it feel like something is missing?

When designing, how you use space, is key to making your home your personal retreat, inspiring you to be the best you can be. Often, even after working with a designer, you will end up with a beautiful home but one that anyone could move into. Your home accessories are what will personalize your space and make it yours – your home should make you feel happy, healthy, peaceful, and unique. Your space should o er you a sense of well-being, comfort and security.

Color can play an important role in creating a space that re ects your personality, taste and style. Adding or subtracting color can be transformative. Going lighter or adding an accent wall can create dramatic or subtle changes, all with the goal of making your space a place that makes you feel happy in your surroundings.

Creating that special space doesn’t need to be expensive. Adding small luxuries such as beautiful decorative

a soft throw, new lamps, a change of rugs, and bringing in small touches of greenery can be subtle but impactful. Without embarking on a large

your space can take

and be

and

Baby sea turtles (hatchings) make their way to the water for their inaugural swim. (Photo provided)

QEaster Bunny, how long have you been the star of the show at the annual Siesta Key Easter Egg Hunt?

AThe Easter Egg Hunt on Siesta Key is a long-standing tradition dating back to 1999. According to my friends at the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, the event started out at Beach Access 5. Then, in 2017, we moved down the road to Turtle Beach. That gave me much more room to hop around, meet the kids and take pictures with them and their Easter baskets.

In 2023, my Chamber friends reached out to me and asked if I could come to their office for a very important meeting. I cancelled all my plans with my fellow rabbits and got to their office. I was so excited to hear that they wanted to move the event to the grounds of the Siesta Key Chapel. Being the clever bunny that I am, I know the chapel grounds. Actually, I know every square inch of Siesta Key very well. Siesta Key is one of my favorite places in all the world! After nibbling on some delicious carrots at the meeting, I agreed that we should move the Easter egg hunt to the grounds of the Siesta Key Chapel.

QDo you enjoy hosting the Easter Egg Hunt on the grounds of the Siesta Key Chapel?

AOh yes, it’s a wonderful spot. It’s nice and shady there. We bunnies wear a fur coat all year

round and it can get a little warm being on the beach in the sun, but I’m happy being anywhere on Siesta Key. I love meeting the children and their parents and all the many volunteers, visitors and helpers who make this such a happy, special morning for the kids. The grounds of the Siesta Key Chapel have lots of room to run and hop around. Hunting for colored eggs, visiting and taking lots and lots of pictures is so much fun!

QWhat else makes the event special for you and your many Easter Bunny admirers?

AThe Siesta Key Chamber people do such a great job in making

By Jane Bartnett

this day special and fun. Of course, I’ve been busy getting ready! I have a lot of houses to deliver to on Easter morning. I’m kind of like Santa Claus that way, but I only need to carry colored eggs, candy and pretty baskets. Since I’m a bunny I don’t have any reindeer to help me!

a.m.; 10:00 a.m.; 10:20 a.m. and 10:40 a.m., approximately. Children aged 7 and 8 years of age will take part in the 10:40 heat and children 1-6 years may join in all time slots. Each child’s time slots will be assigned at check-in.

QWow, that’s exciting. What else will be going on?

AThe wonderful people from Sarasota County EMS/Fire are coming with a firetruck and the nice folks from the Child Protection Center and the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida will have an activity table that the kids will enjoy.

Oh yes, I almost forgot. The Siesta Key Chapel will have breakfast bites and coffee.

At check-in, each registered child will receive their own goody-bag.

At 11 a.m. we’ll wave goodbye when the event is over.

Parents! Please bring an Easter basket or a bag for your child to hold their eggs. There’s plenty of free on-site parking at the Siesta Key Chapel, 4615 Gleason Avenue, Siesta Key.

Q

How do parents register their little ones for the Easter Egg Hunt?

QWhat happens during the morning of the Easter Egg Hunt?

AWe welcome everyone at 9 a.m.

My Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce friends have organized a series of egg hunt heats, with no more than 40 kids per heat. That way, every child gets to take part. The hunt times are: 9:20 a.m.; 9:40

I’m so excited to report that the kids and I will also be able to visit with live animals who are coming all the way from RCC Farm Experience in Parrish, FL. I can’t wait to meet other bunnies, a pig, ferrets, Guinea pigs, hedgehogs, two small goats and a little lamb.

The Sarasota Sheriff Mounted Patrol will also be there on their horses.

AParents can sign their children up to see me, the Easter Bunny, at the Siesta Key Chapel, Saturday morning, April 19. There is a fee of $15 per child. Call the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce at 941-349-3800, or register online at: https:// my.siestakeychamber.com/ events/details/easter-egghunt-3050

Online registration will close on April 18 at 3 p.m.

Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny chats with a young visitor to the Easter Egg Hunt. (All photos provided.)

Looking for a good casual fish house in Sarasota, we discovered Fresh Catch Fish Market & Grill, tucked away in a strip mall on 41. What a wonderful find. There were four of us for dinner, and we made a reservation-thankfully so, as by 6 PM on a weekday, all the dining tables were full. This place is clearly popular, and for good reason. Here are three highlights:

1. Fresh, Well-Seasoned Fish

I ordered the grilled grouper sandwich on a brioche bun, and it was delicious; perfectly cooked, properly seasoned, and a generous portion. For my side, I had coleslaw, which was fresh and light, not overpowered by too much mayonnaise.

2. Relaxed, Comfortable Atmosphere

The restaurant has a casual coastal vibe. It's a neighborhood spot that feels welcoming and unpretentious, perfect for hanging out over a good meal and a cold beer. Wear your shorts and flip-flops if you want. They have outdoor patio seating, too.

3. Attentive, Efficient Service

Our server was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, explaining the menu without being pushy. Everyone in our group got exactly what they wanted, and all the dishes were served just as ordered. In addition to my grouper sandwich, two of us had the red snapper plate, and the other had mahi-mahi plate. Everyone raved about their meals.

If you're looking for fresh fish in a casual setting, give this place a try. You won't be disappointed. Salute!

2-19-25 Theft

Complainant flagged down Sheriff’s deputy by the Turtle Beach boat ramp. Complainant indicated he was from out of state and had come to help with the intercoastal water clean-up. He indicated that he had left his blue 10-foot-long Lifetime kayak (model number 91335, serial number LPEB1398C424) at the southern end of the boat ramp. He went home for a few days around 1-19-25 and when he returned, he noticed that his kayak was gone. He contacted kayak rental companies and surveilled the area but could not locate it.

2-19-25 Theft

Complainant reported that he last saw his bicycle around 8:00 p.m. on 2-27-25. He indicated it was locked on a bike carrier on his vehicle which was parked

in the driveway of his rental residence. He advised that the cable was cut and left on the ground. He said another bike on the same carrier was not taken. He stated that his bike was a black Sirus X Carbon bicycle and was worth approximately $2,100.

2-27-25 Theft

Complainant reported that two large ceramic planters with plants and a modular kayak were stolen from the side and back of complainant’s detached garage. Complainant believed they were stolen sometime in the evening of 2-21-25 or the morning of 2-22-25. The home is currently under repair from flood damage and the contractor on site reported them missing.

2-26-25 Theft

Complainant reported

to Sheriff’s deputy that someone stole his e-bicycle on the evening of 2-24-25. Complainant and his family are visiting from out of state and advised he had locked the e-bike on a bicycle rack near their unit they were staying in. When he went out the next morning, he observed that it was gone. The e-bicycle is a white/silver Magnum x low step valued at approximately $2,500. A pair of bolt cutters was found and processed into evidence.

3-3-25 Theft

Complainant contacted the Sheriff’s office to report a bike theft. Complainant stated the bike was secured with a cable lock outside his condominium. Complainant indicated that the lock on the bike had been cut and the bike was missing. The value of the bike was $275.

2-12-25

Theft

Complainant indicated on 2-9-25 at approximately 2:00p.m. she parked a silver Lexus SUV in the parking lot near the beach shower at the Turtle Beach parking lot. Complainant went back to her vehicle, opened the trunk, sat her phone down in the trunk and then went to get some water in the front part of the vehicle. After getting the water she noticed her green army bag missing from the back seat of the car and her cell phone was gone from the trunk. The missing items are a black Samsung Galaxy S10 cellphone, an Army green cross bag, a driver’s license and social security card.

2-24-25 Theft

Complainant reported that his black Maxfoot e-bicycle was stolen from a bike rack at his condominium complex. He believes it was stolen on the evening of 2-20-25 and

Fetaured Listings

On Inauguration Day, January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order #14172, known as Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness. This executive order directed the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to take all appropriate actions to rename the U.S. Continental Shelf area, previously known as the Gulf of Mexico, to the Gulf of America. This area is bounded on the northeast, north, and northwest by the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, extending to the seaward boundary with Mexico and Cuba.

On February 9, 2025, President Trump proclaimed that day as Gulf of America Day.

We were curious about how visitors and locals alike feel about the name change and checked in with an assortment of people who were visiting Siesta Key Village, the Crescent Beach shops, and beachgoers on Siesta Beach to see how they felt about changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

The Gulf of America vs. The Gulf of Mexico

Here is what they had to say: Philip Chiocchio: “It’s been going on for years. If a signature can change a name, a signature can clean the whole Gulf up. Make the Gulf of America the cleanest and best water in the world.”

Nunzio DiMillo: “If you look at the continent, why wouldn’t it be Gulf of America? It shouldn’t be named for just one country.”

James Lorenzo: “I say leave it the way it is. But I got a lot more to think about than that. Maybe it should be the Gulf of Corona (laughs).”

Katherine Murray: “I think it’s great. We’re not Mexico.”

Chris Pecchia: “It’s not worth my energy, but I don’t think we need to do that. It’s called the Gulf of Mexico for a reason, why change it?”

Paul Roquet: “Hey, it’s America -- north, south, central America.”

Scott Weappa: “It should remain the Gulf of Mexico. Thumbs down. They will change the name Siesta Key next. They can’t keep changing things like this.”

Brenda Weston, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts: “All for it.”

Happiness is…The Perfect Combination

Have you ever been torn between two great decisions and just not been able to make up your mind? Well, the team at Abel’s Ice Cream may not be able to help you with some of your bigger decisions, but they can help you with ice cream cravings! Did you know that at Abel’s you can split any size serving, even a kid’s size for no additional cost?

Maybe there’s a flavor you just can’t give up, but there’s a flavor you want to try. Go ahead and ask for a split because as owner Jerry Williams says, there’s no rules in ice cream. Or maybe there are two tastes that would be perfect together like this month’s award-winning featured flavors: Captain’s Chocolate

(smooth and triple rich) and Strawberry (Creamy Strawberry ice cream packed with chunks of strawberries and a velvety ribbon of strawberries.) Go ahead and try them together in a cup or cone!

Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong at Abel’s Ice Cream so head on down and enjoy the fresh flavors and the friendliest team in town! Abel's Ice Cream has been serving joy since 2011 at 1886 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota in the South Bridge Plaza. Open Sunday through Thursday from Noon-9:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday from Noon-10 pm. Learn more online at www.abelsicecream.com or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Scott Weappa, visiting from Minnesota gave the name change a thumbs down. (Photo by Jane Bartnett)

Philip Chiocchio is hoping for a stronger focus on the quality of the Gulf water. (Photo by Jane Bartnett)

Beachgoers Chris Pecchia & James Lorenzo soaking up the sun on Siesta Beach. (Photo by Ned Steele)

Snowbird Paul Roquet offered his thoughts. (Photo by Ned Steele)

Caesar Salad … $21

With grilled shrimp or chicken With grilled shrimp or chicken

Kale Salad … $22

SANDWICHES

Grouper Sandwich … $22

BLT … $21 Mahi Mahi Sandwich … $21 Chicken Sandwich … $15 Cheeseburger … $15

Burger … $13

Shrimp …

Orange Pecan Chicken … $17

Filet Mignon … $25

Filet Mignon & Stuffed Shrimp … $36

Filet Mignon & Maine Lobster Tail $50

Stuffed Shrimp & Maine Lobster Tail $42

Twin Maine Lobster Tails … $55

FRIED SEAFOOD PLATTERS Coconut Shrimp … $23 Large Gulf Shrimp … $21 Fish & Chips … $20 Fried Combo … $29

PASTA & BOWLS

Shrimp & Crab Scampi … $25

Salmon Pasta … $23

Chicken & Shrimp Curry … $22

Sweet ‘n Spicy Chicken & Shrimp $22

Jambalaya … $24

Pasta Primavera … $17

DESSERTS

Turtle Pie … $10

Key Lime Pie … $10

Sample Platter … $13

Ice Cream Bar … $7

*Prices subject to change

Keeping Siesta’s Key grand canal healthy, one storm drain at a time

In mid-March, students from the Out-of-DoorAcademy’s lower school, Siesta Key campus, took part in Sarasota County’s Storm Drain Marking Program, along with members of the Grand Canal Regeneration Project.

Under the direction of Sarasota County’s Stormwater Management coordinator, Cayla Quinn, the students installed colorful medallions on storm drains throughout Siesta Key Village. The decals are meant to remind everyone that pollutants that enter storm gutters and drains lead to the pollution of our rivers, creeks, estuaries and the bay.

Last fall, the Out-ofDoor-Academy held an art competition among lower school students who submitted designs for the decals. ODA upper school students served as judges and chose three designs that were made into medallions by the county. The medallion read, “no dumping, drains to waterway.”

Artwork designed by 5th grader Juliet Bradley, 6th grader Gray Glassman and 8th grade student Hartley

Hodges were chosen for the medallions.

The Grand Canal Regeneration Project is a volunteer effort whose goal is to ensure the well-being of Siesta Key’s nine-mile long and 89-acre canal. An enclosed waterway with only one entrance and one exit, it is greatly impacted

By Jane Bartnett

by stormwater runoffs from storm gutters and drains, such as those that the students marked with decals. Jean Cannon, Director of the Grand Canal Regeneration Project, thanked the students for their dedication and commitment.

“We thank the children and our friends at ODA. Everyone needs to remember that only

rain belongs in storm drains,” said Cannon.

To keep pollutants out of storm drains, Sarasota County offers these tips:

• Drop off unused oil, paint, and household chemicals at a recycling center.

• Fertilize only when necessary and use slowrelease fertilizers.

The KoR: More Than a Gym—A Community That Truly Cares

What makes The KoR di erent? Simple: we invest in our members' well-being like no one else does. At The KoR, we actually care. Not just about fitness, but about you—your goals, your struggles, and your journey. We check in. We listen. We personalize.

Whether you're recovering from an injury or pushing toward a new personal best, our expert trainers modify and tailor workouts to fit your needs. But what truly sets us apart? Our culture

We never talk at our members—we engage with them. Yes, we have the knowledge and expertise, but we never make anyone feel out of place for asking questions or learning something new. We encourage open dialogue, honesty, and self-expression.

At The KoR, you’re free to be yourself while unlocking your full potential. It’s not just about workouts—it’s about growth, connection, and a community that supports you every step of the way

Come experience it for yourself. The proof is in the results. Join The KoR today

• Recycle yard waste as compost.

• Pick up pet waste. Volunteers interested in placing storm drain markers in neighborhoods around Sarasota County are asked to call the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for the Storm Drain Marketing Program.

Cold Plunge | Sauna | Fitness | Tribe

Artwork designed by Out-of-Door-Academy (L to R) 8th grade student Hartley Hodges, 5th grader Juliet Bradley and 6th grader Gray Glassman, were chosen for the medallions that now grace storm drains in Siesta Key village, alerting passersby to the importance of keeping pollutants out of the storm water. Jean Cannon from the The Grand Canal Regeneration Project joined members of the Out-of-Door-Academy at the Siesta Key gazebo to launch the environmental effort. (Photo by Jane Bartnett)

ODA student Juliet Bradley, one of the designers of the new storm drain medallions, secured a medallion to a storm drain in Siesta Key Village. (Photo by Jane Bartnett)

Beach meets beat: Siesta

By Ned

This was on the beach one recent Sunday evening: There were djembes and doumbeks.

There were cowbells and maracas. Gourds, a cowbell and a string of brass Arabian bells. Feathers from Easter Island.

There were accountants, emergency room nurses, teachers, ex-cops, a surgeon and insurance professionals. There were Detroit Lions fans in their team’s jersey.

In all, 37 drums were in the hands of 21 drummers.

Together they created a riveting, primal rhythm that soared across the beach. A heartbeat.

In front of them, dancing, flowing and swaying were sometimes five, sometimes 25, folks experiencing and enacting their own moments of personal bliss. Colorful feathers, streamers or bright butterfly wings were swirling around many of them. Surrounding this, a wider circle of more than 200 onlookers sat and watched.

The energy enveloped passersby and morphed them into spectators; spectators rose to become participants.

It was the Siesta Key beach drum circle; a weekly ritual and family-friendly attraction considered a jewel within the far-flung archipelago of Florida drum circles.

On this Sunday there was

Michele, no last name given, a retired teacher visiting from Buffalo, gracefully gliding. She’d found the drum circle on Facebook, where its page has almost 27,000 members.

“It’s divine,” she said. “It’s people, it’s sunshine, it’s sand.”

There was emergency room nurse Katie Marsden visiting from Detroit with her husband, Mike, and their children, aged seven and five, with just enough time before a big Lions game to dance.

Beating a drum, Vykky Contreras, a regular for about a decade, explained the weekly gathering’s meaning to her: “It’s a ritual to the gods, to save this place.”

Dancing alone in a bright red kilt and nothing else was accountant John McCaig of Osprey, a regular for 12 years. “It’s a spiritual thing for me,” he said. “I love music and I love dancing, and there’s no worries here. There’s very few places people can gather for no reason.”

Anyone can dance and anyone can drum. Rapa Nui, a dietary supplement entrepreneur, has done both here for 21 years: “When my hands get tired, I dance. You let go and let your spirit inner child come out to dance and play and be free.”

The beat is incessant and hypnotic. It rises and falls, beats and rhythm shifting, seemingly under the direction of some

Siesta Key Drum Circle

invisible conductor. But there is no conductor and, no matter how closely you look, no visible leader.

“The universe tells us what to do,” said the man with the most and the loudest drums, Shawn Bowen, originally an Ohioan who has been a mainstay of the circle since its inception and who, despite group denials, appears to be an unofficial driver of the rhythm.

The drum circle dates to circa 1996, though veterans recall informal gatherings earlier. Drum circles were popping up across Florida, but Siesta Key’s grew and stood out largely because of the beach’s fame and beauty and the highquality drummers it attracted, said a participant of the early years, Nathan Dyke. Sarasota County, which runs the beach, accepted the drummers as did the community, Dyke recalled, when other locales did not.

Something compels people to come out every Sunday evening, some of them having come for decades and many traveling from far distances to drum or dance. Something compels vacationers from Michigan and Wisconsin to pull up a beach chair and listen. What is it, and why does it work?

Dancers and drummers agreed that each person comes for a different reason and derives different meaning.

Rachel (Astarte) Pope, an early dancing participant who used to travel two hours from Tampa, said, “Modern life is so fastpaced and often disconnected from nature. The drum circle at the beach allows us to commune with the elements while gathering to share rhythm in music and dance.”

“People call it church,” she added.

In the aftermath of the hurricanes, “It’s maintaining the continuity of life. Like gathering around a fire,” offered drummer Erin Hood, a draftsman in his work life.

A founder of the circle, former military surgeon Marguerite Barnett, noted that scientific studies have shown that community drumming can lower human stress levels. Some participants believe that quartz, which is Siesta Beach’s sand, has powerful spiritual qualities. As for what she says attracts her: “The beauty of the beach. The community of people. I feel close to nature.”

The Siesta Key drum circle starts about an hour before sunset every Sunday, year -round. Anyone can join any of it, and it’s all free. You’ll be among hundreds of spectators if you come out to watch.

The beat will buzz the sand beneath your feet and soar into the air above. It’s a heartbeat.

“Meet me at Blue!” is the rallying cry of a hardy band of swimmers who brave temperature extremes, choppy surf and early-morning hours to gather for a group swim in the Gulf off Siesta Beach. Blue, of course, is the blue lifeguard stand, and it’s where 20 or more swimmers show up three mornings a week at the bracing hour of 7 a.m. to plunge into the tangy sea and swim offshore en masse for about 1.2 miles.

Then, back on the sand, come the refreshments and the socializing. This is a group of friends as well as athletes.

Meet Me at Blue, as they call their group (its private Facebook page has more than 1000 followers) has been doing it for about 11 years, and they see no need to stop now.

“You don’t swim alone” if you’re a long-distance open water

swimmer, said Nicole Buckley, the group’s unofficial den mother, as an explanation for why they do what they do.

They’re out there in August, when the weather – and the water – are steamy (at a slowed pace to avoid overheating.) They’re there (mostly in wetsuits) in January when water temperatures dip into the 50s. They’re out there on their birthdays –because the group will gather at one of the buoys to serenade them with “Happy Birthday” in unison.

“We start at the blue stand, and we swim the buoy line to the northernmost buoy, past the flag and then back,” Buckley said. “Then we turn around and go back.”

The swim usually takes the group between about 35 minutes and an hour “depending on how much talking there is,” she added. (Yes, this crowd is so adept at swimming that

By Ned Steele

they chatter while they paddle.)

Meet Me at Blue started when Buckley, then swimming seven days a week, asked a friend to join her. Soon, there were more friends: “It was very organic,” she recalled.

“I just started gathering people. I told them, ‘Meet me at blue,’” and the name stuck.

Open water swimming, as it’s called, is not unique to Siesta Beach. There are similar groups all over Florida, and beyond. Swimming being a universal sport, Meet Me at Blue is a democratic group: “We have the poorest of the poor, the richest of the rich. Bankers and housecleaners.”

Ages range from high school students to octogenarians: “The water doesn’t know your age,” Buckley said.

They’re not alone out there. They’ve seen – and swam with –dolphins, manatees, barracudas,

tarpon and more. Buckley recognizes the dolphins and has a name for the regulars: “We know when a new calf has been born,” she said. The manatees show up in summer, sometimes approaching and even touching the swimmers.

Sharks? Yes.

“New swimmers always ask about that,” Buckley said. They’re out there, and “your heartbeat goes faster.”

Least welcome are the jellyfish. When they invade, they’re about the only thing that can keep the swimmers on land. That and a bad run of red tide.

The worst incident in 11 years of group swim came not from marine life but a swimmer who got clipped by a passing parasailing boat.

With all the beaches in the area, the group has chosen Siesta Beach because its sand bars provide a safety factor. “Swim ten strokes and

you’re back where you can stand,” Buckley said, “if you need to get back to safety.”

Usually there’s no need for that – and the swimmers typically go in buddy pairs to keep things extra safe. Though, just in case, Buckley carries a loud whistle around her neck.

The social factor is key, and so is having fun. Aquarobics, water ballet, making videos, and “doing silly things with drones” are all part of the routine, Buckley said. “It’s about community.”

The group makes one annual concession to that brutal 7 a.m. start, and it just happened: Daylight Savings Time. Swimming in the dark isn’t safe, so in the first days of DST they started at 7:30 a.m. Gradually they’ve been inching back to 7:30 a.m. Meet them at Blue… they’ll be there.

“My

These days, turning 60 doesn’t mean you’re ready to slow down. You just need a little more help than you used to. The first step? A primary care provider who takes the time to understand who you are—and what you want to do next.

Peter’s next big thing is improving his short game, and we’re going to make sure he’s ready. What’s next for you?

Beach Days

Crowds or Clouds, They’re There

For a professional beachgoer, the days of March can be maddingly tough to call. Beach Day? Or “Plan B” Day?

Here was one day dawning hesitatingly, chilly, breezy and gray, but maybe promisingly later.

Followed that same week by an impossible choice: a morning dawning glorious – so glorious the parking lot would quickly congeal with spring breakers.

Then a red flag day – as in red-tide red.

What’s a beachgoer to do in March?

And yes, there are professional beachgoers.

Last month in this space we met The Crew, collegially occupying their spot on the sand for years. Now, spring days bring more players and new dynamics to light. Nippy mornings, angry seas, clouds and crowds: they all affect who’s there and who’s where on the big beach.

We start with a chilly morning,

clouds five shades of gray. Shore birds outnumbering humans about 40 to 1.

“Just a little glitch,” says Trudy, one of the Crew’s regulars, digging her feet into the sand for warmth. Her upstate New York homestead is currently buried under 11 feet of snow.

So here she is with Ginny, her friend visiting from Pittsburgh for two months.

“We’re lunatics,” Ginny concedes as a gust whips her beach towel. Her rental place has a nice pool and less wind. But she chooses here: “This is a healing place.

You leave all your thoughts at home.”

Ginny reveals a secret: on brisk days, some Crew members retreat to a secluded and wind-sheltered spot amid the trees at the back of the beach, near the pavilion: “My husband loves it. It’s closer to the restrooms.”

No other Crew members are present.

But near their spot, like air rushing to fill a vacuum, invaders move in. “Cold? I’m from Wisconsin,” says Maureen, who

By Ned Steele

sets out her green beach chair. “This isn’t cold.”

Her companion Gloria is vacationing from North Dakota: “We’re here for a week and there’s no wasting a day just because it isn’t 75 degrees.”

The two women are aware of, but not part of, The Crew. “We are not that crowd,” Gloria says. “But we are funnier. In fact, we are wild.”

She declines to elaborate.

Later that week, it’s a red tide day. Dead fish line the shoreline. Peter, the Crew’s unofficial ringmaster, is skittishly staying away. A few days ago, his foot got infected when he stepped on a seashell, sending him to urgent care. Today he’s playing it safe by playing golf with Trudy’s husband Bob.

Trudy has braved the red tide. “I felt it the minute I got to the pavilion,” she says. But she is staying: “It doesn’t usually last long.”

Sure enough, the red tide dissipates

and a few days later it’s one of those heavenly, not-a-cloud-in-the-sky, not-aspot-in-the parking-lot days.

The Crew is out in force, of course. But adjacent to their circle of chairs, like barnacles attaching to a dock, is a smaller encampment.

“We know them, but we’re a different group. Call us Jimbo’s group,” says Jimbo. When he and wife Flo first showed up, they sat alone in chairs with logos of their beloved Detroit Lions.

Pretty soon, passing Lions fans were stopping by to chat. Then they brought their chairs over, and the group was born. The two groups interact but don’t overlap. Pleasantries and chit-chat are exchanged.

Jimbo’s crowd, year-rounders, are not as desperate as the snowbirds to show up every marginal day. If conditions are sub-optimal, he and Flo go to Plan B: “We stay in and argue,” she says. “After 53 years of marriage we’ve got plenty to

talk about.”

“And then he fixes things. I do the breaking, he does the fixing.”

Jimbo says his group has standards: “For us to sit, it’s got to be 75 degrees. Wind hits 25 miles an hour, we’re not sitting. We walk.”

Jimbo discloses the strategy for beating the crowds. Not surprisingly, it’s to arrive early. How early?

“I can’t tell you,” he says. “Because if you print it, everyone will come then. And we’ll have to come even earlier.”

The banter is interrupted by a passing stroller. She is Carla and she is a casual friend of both groups, just checking in to say hi.

There is another “spot” on the beach, she tells a visitor, and its home to a group as lively and hardy as this one. She offers to take the visitor over and make introductions.

It’s a big beach. So many stories. To be continued.

You may have heard the quote, “motion is lotion”. It means the more you move, the easier it is to keep moving. In my work at StretchLab, I find the members with the best quality of movement make a commitment to improving strength as well as flexibility. These two components of fitness lead to improved mobility.

I see people in their 60s, 70s, 80s and a few in their 90s with good flexibility and strength. They all have similar characteristics. They generally focus on healthy eating, staying properly hydrated, and consistent fitness routines.

The strength, flexibility, and mobility killers are too much sitting, too much inactivity, medical conditions, failure to address injuries that affect movement and lack of stress mitigation.

What does this mean for you?

Not maintaining physical condition or playing a sport doesn’t exclude you from having to move well. Sometimes life has a way of forcing you into an “athletic” performance. For the folks who don’t find physical fitness fun or interesting, I ask the question: “What if your life, or a loved one’s life, depended on your ability to be fit?”

Move!

Strength, flexibility, and mobility to improve your life

By George Demetriou, Lead Flexologist, StretchLab

Suppose you had to drag an unconscious person from a burning car or run to escape danger? Are you capable?

Those scenarios are rare, so let’s consider more common tasks. Are you capable of efficiently climbing stairs, lifting a heavy object, carrying a heavy object for a distance, “squatting” on and off a chair or toilet without using your hands for support, easily getting into or out of a vehicle, or pulling weeds from your garden without feeling like you’ve been injured afterwards? Can you place household items on a high shelf? Can you easily bend to pick something up from the floor? Can you place your carry-on in the overhead bin on an airplane? Can you reduce the impact should you fall? And finally, can you get up from the ground while using only one arm for support?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no” then it’s time to train for strength, flexibility and mobility.

A lack of strength will lead to muscle weakness, poor balance and being prone to injury. A lack of flexibility can lead to poor posture, stiff muscles, decreased blood flow, a limited range of motion in the joints and being more prone to injury. A lack of

mobility can lead to reduced work capacity, reduced physical performance and, you guessed it, being more prone to injury.

Strength is the quality of being strong, physically stable, and possessing capacity. Flexibility is the ease with which you can move muscles, tissues, and joints. Mobility is how well you’re able to move your body freely. Mobility is strength and flexibility combined. To have quality mobility you need to train for improved strength and improved flexibility. There are many ways to go about this, but I recommend finding a professional who understands the mission.

The mission is to optimize gaining overall strength, correct weakness in movement patterns, increase the ability of the muscles and connective tissues to temporarily elongate and increase resiliency by improving the body’s ability to bend, twist, push and pull. Essentially, you want to increase your chances of multi-directional movement. And decrease your risk of limitations.

Try these: Touch your toes from the standing position. Don’t allow your knees to bend significantly. Reach both arms above your

head, with no bend in the elbows, without leaning back at all.

Stand 18 inches from a wall, facing the wall. Raise both hands above your head as straight as possible. Squat so the creases of your hips go lower than your knees. Do not touch the wall with any part of your body. Do not allow your arms to bend as you go lower in the squat. Do not lose your

balance.

Get up from the ground to standing, using one arm. Repeat this exercise without using your arms.

If you’re able to successfully complete these exercises: Congratulations! You have a good foundation for mobility. However, if there is even one that you struggle with, then it’s time to get to work!

As part of routine maintenance, from April 22 through May 6, Sarasota County Public Utilities will temporarily modify its drinking water disinfection process, but the water will remain safe to drink.

Sarasota County reports that the overall quality of the drinking water will be improved by removing any sediments and other materials that may accumulate in pipes. This will decrease the potential for corrosion in the pipes. The process was last performed in April 2023.

The county advises that during this period, “the water will be disinfected with free chlorine rather than chlorine combined with ammonium (chloramines). This routine process, known as a free chlorine conversion, helps maintain water quality in distribution systems, as recommended by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.”

During the conversion:

• Drinking water will remain safe to drink throughout the process. Boiling water is not necessary.

• A temporary change in the taste and smell of the water may be discernible.

• Discolored water may stain laundry. Homeowners should flush any cloudy or discolored water that may enter their plumbing by running a faucet for several minutes or until the water runs clear.

Kidney dialysis patients who use a proportioning machine to prepare dialysis at home should contact their physician or equipment supplier for proper filtering adjustments.

Aquarium owners should monitor the chlorine levels and take necessary precautions recommended by a professional aquarist to ensure proper pre-treatment of the water before adding or changing the water in the tank to avoid any problems associated with chlorine.

Local utilities will flush the water distribution system to help the free chlorine circulate efficiently.

Other participating utilities in this free chlorine conversion include Charlotte County Utilities, DeSoto County Utilities, Englewood Water District and City of North Port Utilities. To learn more about the waterfree chlorine conversion, visit scgov.net.

Condo Rebuilds

With repairs needed not only to remediate flood damage but to fix a collapsed exterior wall and a roof blown off – on one of Van Ness’s units – Siesta Beach House remains a virtual ghost town and construction site.

It is not alone. At the key’s southern end, the 84-unit Fisherman’s Cove condominium on the beach is desolate and nearly deserted, its 28 groundfloor units stripped to the bones. Windowless window frames offer a surrealistic view of beautiful Gulf surf and sand – and of vanities and toilets scattered seemingly randomly among mounds of sand. Bulldozers and heavy-duty construction equipment dot the landscape.

Rebuilding has only recently inched forward. The website says ground-floor units will not reopen until September, with second and third floor units tentatively

available in June. A handful of owners on the second and third floor – no relatives and no renters – were allowed back on March 1.

Phil and Linda Stone of Akron, Ohio were among them. They are in their undamaged second-floor unit vacation home, enjoying it

3 Course Menu for $27 99 Every Monday

a still unrentable second floor rental unit purchased to generate cash. Phil estimates their average monthly loss since October at about $10,000 a month.

Most owners in the condo pay about $22,000 a year in taxes, association fees and maintenance, he said. The owners expect a special assessment for storm damage, as many condos are doing, as well. “At some point you question the risk vs. the reward for a rental,” he said.

Frank Jurenka, head of the Siesta Key Condominium Council, an organization of condos that states as its purpose “to support efforts to promote safety, economic stability, environmentalism and the beautification of Siesta Key,” told Siesta Sand he did not want to discuss the economic losses incurred at his organization’s member condos for this article.

Condos with entirely or heavily ground floor units have suffered the most, because those units were inundated with water and sand. Since the storm, rebuilding efforts have been stalled by a variety of factors. Federal regulations have complicated the issuing of permits, with rigid and extensive requirements for contractors and condo owners to provide detailed information and demonstrate compliance. This has slowed the process of even applying correctly for a permit. In addition, there is more rebuilding work than there are available contractors, and condo associations report shortages and delays in obtaining furnishings like new cabinets and appliances.

Like other owners the Stones may question the math of being a landlord, but they themselves are not going anywhere. They will continue to fly from their

Ohio home to their undamaged second floor beachfront unit at Fisherman’s Cove several times a year. “We are staying,” Linda said. “We know how short life is. We’re going to come back better than ever, and all brand new.”

The setting is superb, but the damage at ground floor level is extensive at Fisherman’s Cove. (Photo by Ned Steele)

Varinia Van Ness looks at the support beams holding up a collapsed wall at her condo. (Photo by Ned Steele)

How often do you find yourself seeking peace throughout your hectic week? You may deal with a crowded home, busy office, IN-season traffic and so much more added stress in your day-to-day routine. There may not be many places you know to find relaxation and become more present. That’s one of the many reasons I choose to sauna. It’s simply a very inviting place for me to be present, tune in and relax- not to mention the various health benefits of a regular sauna practice.

The warm air of the sauna feels like a heated blanket of comfort. My nostrils and pores open and I instantly feel relaxed. The second I walk in, I know my breath gets deeper and I become

Saunas bring the heat

The longer I breathe in the heat, the more challenging it becomes to stay relaxed. As my body temperature rises, I sometimes feel my receptors starting to give the signal that I am warm and I debate the urge to get out. This is when it becomes a meditation of slow deep breathing until my 20 minutes is up. How relaxed can I stay as I start to heat up? I feel value in giving myself intentional moments of stress to overcome. The more capable I am at conquering the intentional moments of stress, the better equipped I feel at dealing with the unexpected moments of stress that come in my day-to-day life. Some days I walk into the sauna

and it’s full of people with stimulating conversations, while other days it’s packed and everyone is silent and meditating. Occasionally, I get to be the only one in there which is the ultimate meditation with no distractions; just the heat and me. Somehow, the magic of being in the sauna is always the right dose of social engagement or silence I need.

There are many contradictions in the fitness industry but one thing all of us agree on is that sauna is beneficial.

Sauna increases blood flow and releases endorphins which in turn can help you relax. A more relaxed state can improve sleep and recovery. By lowering blood pressure, reducing

inflammation, and increasing heart rate, a sauna may improve cardiovascular health.

The sauna reduces muscle soreness and promotes muscle recovery after exercise.

We all know sweating is one of the greatest ways to release toxins. Sweating in the sauna can certainly help eliminate toxins from the body.

Depending on your commitment to a personal sauna practice, studies suggest that regular sauna use may be associated to a 40% lower risk of allcause mortality.

Saunas have been utilized for over thousands of years providing many health benefits throughout the

generations. The option for hot/cold (contrast) therapy hosts a whole other list of possible benefits. The sauna is not going anywhere, the only question becomes when are you going to get on board?

At the KôR, we offer a 25+ person co-ed sauna, along with three cold plunge options…a perfect way to seek all of the health benefits of connecting to your calmer self. If you are curious how to best utilize sauna in your life or in concert with your exercise regiment, come stop by. We look forward to helping you on your sauna journey of health and recovery.

Janine, Joshua, and Kyle at the KôR.

It’s tax season again — which also means, unfortunately, that it’s time for the annual array of scams aimed at taxpayers. Fortunately, by being alert, you can protect yourself from these attempts to defraud you.

Your first line of defense is to recognize the warning signs of potential tax scams. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) cites these common red flags:

• Promises of big payments — If you’ve filed taxes for many years, either by yourself or with the help of a tax professional, you probably have a pretty good idea of whether you’re getting a refund, and how much it will be. But scammers, often using social media, may promise huge refunds by essentially encouraging you to claim tax credits to which you’re not entitled and then charging large, upfront fees or a fee based on your refund amount.

• Suspicious websites — Watch out for strange-sounding or misspelled web links — these can take you to harmful sites, rather than the official site of the IRS (IRS.gov).

• Solicitations from charity imposters — The many natural disasters we’ve experienced in recent years has brought out great support from people wanting to help friends, neighbors and even total strangers. However, these catastrophes have also encouraged scammers who solicit contributions to bogus charitable groups. To determine

Watch out for tax scams

whether an organization is a qualified charity that can receive tax-deductible contributions, visit the Tax-Exempt Organization Search tool on IRS. gov.

• Threats or demands — IRS impersonators may threaten you with large fines, or even arrest, if you don’t make immediate payments of what they claim you owe.

You can protect yourself from many tax-related scams by knowing how the IRS will or won’t communicate with you. Typically, the IRS will initiate contact with

you through regular mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. You can verify the legitimacy of any letter by visiting your secure IRS online account, under the “Notices and Letters” section.

Other ways the IRS will contact you:

• Email — Only with your permission, with a few exceptions, such as criminal investigations

• Text – Only with your permission

• Phone — Only to discuss your case, verify information or set up a meeting

• Fax — Only to verify or request employment information

• In-person visit — Rarely done, and typically only following a letter

The IRS will not:

• Contact you or take payment on social media.

• Accept gift cards or prepaid debit cards as payment.

• Threaten to call law enforcement or immigration officials.

• Take your citizenship status, driver’s license or business license.

• Leave pre-recorded voicemails (robocalls).

• Mail tax debt resolution advertisements.

If you have doubts about any offers or communications, whether supposedly from the IRS or not, you may want to contact a trusted, qualified tax professional.

Also, be on guard for your elderly family members, as senior citizens are frequent targets of scammers. If you talk to these family members regularly, see if you can find out about any unusual offers or solicitations they may have received.

Finally, if you believe you are a victim of monetary or identity theft, you can report these issues using the IRS website at IdentityTheft.gov. You can also refer to IRS Publication 5027 — l Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers.

Tax scams and identity theft are serious threats — so do whatever you can to defend yourself.

Joe St. Onge, ChFC® Financial Advisor, Edward Jones Investments 5011 Ocean Blvd., suite 205 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. Edward Jones. Member SIPC. -- Advertorial --

April is an exciting time for golf lovers—it’s officially major season. The Masters kicks off April 10, followed by three more PGA majors that will have us glued to our screens every Sunday. While the pros tee up at Augusta, we’re feeling the spring golf fever, too. Winter is thawing up north, and Florida courses are packed.

But here’s the big question: Where should we play this month? As a local, I don’t have patience for slow-paced golf. Believe it or not, April is a fantastic time to focus on one of the most underrated parts of the game—practice.

In the famous words of Allen Iverson: “Practice?” Yes, practice. Sarasota is home to some incredible practice facilities, and with courses still moving at a slower pace until

Siesta Sand Trap

the end of the month, now is the perfect time to fine-tune your skills. Plus, let’s be real—I’d rather be home watching the majors on Sunday.

I’m no golf coach, but I do know this: Golf is the hardest sport to perfect. No amount of practice will make you a flawless golfer, but the ones who put in the work will always have the edge in a friendly skins game.

One of my favorite on-course comments still sticks with me: “Every year, I get better, but my score never changes.” My guess? That golfer never practiced their short game. Any pro will tell you—no matter how powerful your drive is, you’ll never shave strokes off your score without a solid short game.

By Scott Dolan

April’s Featured Practice Spots: Short Game Edition

So, while Rory McIlroy smashes 350-yard drives on TV, let’s focus on sharpening our chipping, pitching and putting skills. Here are some of the best places in Sarasota to dial in your short game this month:

• The Palms Golf Club – A fantastic par-3 course featuring several par-4 holes and an impressive practice facility. Test your accuracy at the island driving ranges, work on bunker shots in the practice sand trap, and hone your putting stroke on expansive greens.

• Bobby Jones Golf Club Executive Course (Par 3) –The recently reopened Bobby

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Jones Par-3 course is a local favorite, offering a great layout for short-game practice. If you haven’t checked it out yet, now’s the time. The full Bobby Jones course has also reopened after a yearlong renovation.

• Evie’s Golf Center – More than just a driving range, Evie’s offers a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with cocktails, TVs and even a tiki bar—because who says practice has to be all work and no play? Plus, mark your calendars—Evie’s Golf Tournament is happening in late April.

• PopStroke Sarasota – Tiger Woods’ putt-putt paradise is the perfect place to sharpen your putting game in a laidback setting. Bonus: They serve

great drinks and food to keep things light.

Sarasota Golf News

Evie’s Golf Tournament takes place in April. Book your foursome now.

Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club reopening in May – After a total renovation, Stoneybrook is set to make a grand return next month. Stay tuned—we’ll be featuring it in May’s edition. So, whether you’re aiming to lower your handicap or just avoid embarrassing three-putts, Sarasota has plenty of options to help you chip away at your weaknesses this April.

Because let’s be honest … I love big putts and I cannot lie! See you on the greens.

Midnight Pass

Florida and South Florida and consultants Applied Technology and Management/Geosyntec (ATM) and Humiston and Moore Engineers, to monitor the pass and keep it flowing as a tidal connection between the Gulf of Mexico and Little Sarasota Bay.

In January, members of the West Coast Inland Navigation District Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to approve designation of Midnight Pass as a public channel, opening it up to receive funding through the special taxing district’s County Navigation Improvement Fund.

“We have talked a little bit to FDEP and let them know it’s our intent to keep it open,” Spencer Anderson, Sarasota County public works director told about 20 attendees March 13 at a meeting of the Siesta Key Association, a neighborhood advocacy group. “What that means we don’t really know yet because the pass is still evolving and we’re trying to figure out what to do.”

Anderson said the county has been providing a weekly survey of the throat of the inlet, which includes depth and cross-sectional measurements of the inlet and looks at any southern or northern migration. He said depth at the throat of the inlet has remained about 10-13 feet. When it was filled in, about 40 years ago, the concern was a northern migration. As of March 13, Anderson said, “There’s really not a lot of change,” from mid-October 2024, when it was popped open by Hurricane Milton, and added the pass moved about 70 feet north, but shifted back south; not significant enough movement to concern engineering consultants. “There’s nothing to indicate that it’s closing at this point in time,” he said.

When asked by an attendee if water quality has improved, Anderson said he is unsure as they have been focused on keeping it open. “We haven’t been able to quantify that yet,” he said.

According to Anderson, the county is developing an “emergency management plan”

if the inlet appears to be closing due to a storm event or if a dramatic shift north or south occurred. He clarified, if this action was deemed vital, the county would communicate the need to the FDEP, which has given a preliminary approval, but as previous attempts to alter the pass with dredging or similar human actions were not successful, such a course would only be taken if necessary. SKA board member Stephen Lexow, a Blind Pass Road resident who grew up on Siesta Key, asked Anderson if the plan only includes dredging or if other methods might be employed. Anderson responded; such actions would be part of a formal FDEP permit application. “So, when there wasn’t a pass there, the hurdle to get over to dredge what they would call a ‘new pass,’ was really unable to be overcome,” Anderson said. “Now that there is a new pass, we have a whole new playbook. And it’s a much smaller playbook.” He added it is easier to maintain what is there then to create an entirely new inlet.

Lexow commented on the natural beauty of the area now that the pass was reopened. “Right now, I think that is one of the most beautiful areas, if not the most beautiful area in Sarasota County,” he said. “It’s pristine, totally natural, unspoiled; it’s beautiful. I just hope we can keep it that way.”

“Me too,” Anderson responded. “Ideally, we’ll leave it like it is.”

Robert Luckner, SKA acting treasurer asked Anderson about sand accretions to the north or south as a result of the reopening. Anderson said that is a possible outcome, and if the county were to permit the project, they would have to prove in the permit how the downdrift of beaches would be maintained, for Casey Key as well.

“There is a lot of activity, a lot of interest in the inlet. It’s pretty unusual,” Anderson said. “These things do pop open from time-totime with storms, but they don’t usually stay open as long as ours has, so we’re pretty excited about it and we’re excited to see what the future brings.”

Spa Experience Siesta Key

YOUR PREMIERE DESTINATION FOR ADVANCED AESTHETICS, THERAPUEDIC MASSAGE, AND ACUPUNCTURE

Welcome Back Spring Breakers and Snowbirds!!

Relax and Rejuvenate at Siesta Key’s Premier Spa!

As the gentle sea breeze returns and the sun kisses the shores of Siesta Key, we are thrilled to welcome back our cherished spring breakers and beloved snowbirds!

Whether you’re here to unwind from everyday life’s stresses or soak up the warm Florida sunshine, our spa is your ultimate sanctuary for relaxation and renewal.

Indulge in Our Signature Spa Services

Our Siesta Key Oasis offers a range of luxurious treatments tailored to restore your mind, body, and spirit. Treat yourself to one (or more) of our signature services:

• Therapeutic and Relaxing Massage crafted to induce relaxation pain and stress relief. Choose from 60 90 or 120 Minutes of bliss.

• Connie’s Signature Facial is custom-tailored to your skin’s condition and your preferences. This pampering and soothing facial includes a head-neck shoulder massage and can be customized further with derma planing CBD and hot stones.

• Connie’s Signature Treatment Enjoy a full body massage and a custom facial. This very popular service leaves you relaxed and rejuvenated. Can be customized as well.

• Microcurrent Facial for antiaging and acne-prone skin. Microcurrent is touted as the Botox alternative. It is painless and relaxing while tightening the muscles of your face. Best results are obtained with a series of treatments but trying it out even once will greatly enhance your features.

Exclusive Spring Specials

To celebrate the return of our seasonal visitors, we’re offering exclusive spring specials:

Due to popular demand, we have extended both of our Special Holiday facial offerings including our Chocolate Indulgence Facial and our Chocolate Rose oil Massage and Body Treatment.

Strawberry Cacao Facial and Massage (90 minutes)

Start with a soothing Cacao-Infused Hot Stone Massage designed to melt away tension and leave your skin silky smooth. The service continues with a luscious strawberry-infused facial featuring antioxidant-rich ingredients to nourish and hydrate your skin. This luxurious combination of cacao’s hydrating and anti-aging properties with strawberries’ natural brightening effects will leave you glowing from head to toe.

$250 Single | $500 Couples

Cacao and Rose Oil Massage (90 Minutes)

Indulge in the ultimate romantic escape with this luxurious massage featuring the sensual aromas of warm chocolate oil and the soothing essence of rose oil, this deeply relaxing and aromatic experience is perfect for couples or as a special treat just for you! Designed to awaken the senses and celebrate the spirit of romance. Includes hot stones and an exfoliating and moisturizing hand and foot scrub.

$250 Single | $500 Couples

Appointments fill up quickly during this beautiful season, so reserve your spa experience today. Whether you’re visiting for a week or the entire season, let us be your serene escape on Siesta Key.

We have 12 tables and can accommodate small groups and families, we have hosted dozens of bridal parties and can provide customized spa parties.

Owner and Spa Director Connie Lewis recently expanded the spa, adding four new treatment rooms to accommodate up to 12 guests at a time—perfect for spa parties! We offer multiple couples’ rooms and can even accommodate groups of three in one room.

Our skilled and experienced team of professionals includes:

• 10 Licensed Massage Therapists

• One Acupuncturist who is also an LMT

• 6 Duly Licensed Massage Therapists/Aestheticians

Book Your Appointment Today

Call us at 941-349-4833 or visit our website at WWW. SpaExperienceSiestaKey.com to schedule your personalized spa journey. We can’t wait to pamper you and make your Siesta Key stay even more blissful!

Welcome back – your oasis awaits.

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.

HIGHEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE

3960 ROBERTS POINT ROAD

$8,100,000

Situated on an expansive lot spanning approximately 0.45 acres along the scenic Roberts Point Rd, the home welcomes you through private gates into your own secluded sanctuary. A spacious driveway with garages accommodating up to 7 vehicles (5-car garage with 2 car lifts), the magnificence of this home is evident from the moment you arrive. Step inside to discover a blend of state-of-the-art technology and top-of-the-line kitchen appliances. Designed by DSDG (Mark Sultana) Architects, the open-concept layout on the main floor seamlessly integrates the kitchen, dining area, family room, movie room, butler’s pantry, additional pantry with a refrigerator, office, & half bath. Expansive sliders extend the living space to an

outdoor oasis featuring a kitchen, fire pit, & dining area with electric roll-down screened enclosures & a pool bath for ultimate comfort. The stunning pool/ spa area, enhanced with fire bowls offering a perfect retreat for relaxation & entertainment. Ascending to the mid-level you will discover a private guest room with an en suite & a private office/yoga room. Continue to the upper floor, where the sprawling primary suite awaits, featuring his & her spacious walk-in closets, a coffee bar, and a luxurious master bathroom with a water room. An additional bonus area/gym on the garage level offers panoramic views of the car

LOWEST PRICED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE

5133 SANDY BEACH AVENUE

$780,000

Presenting a unique restoration or new build opportunity in the heart of coveted Siesta Key. This home sits on an expansive 10,000+ square foot lot just moments from Siesta Key. While the property has sustained some damage from recent storms, it offers solid bones and incredible potential for those looking to restore or build new. The existing

LOWEST PRICED CONDO

5955 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD, #12E

$390,000

Sea Club II is unique in that it allows daily rentals and is right on the Intercoastal Waterway and walking distance to the beach. All unit owners can self-manage or choose their own rental agent.

home features three spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms, new 2024 roof, and updated plumbing throughout and to the curb. Whether you choose to renovate this gem or start fresh, you’ll be perfectly positioned to live the ultimate Siesta Key lifestyle. This property presents an exceptional opportunity for either a full-time residence or vacation retreat in one of Florida’s most desirable coastal communities. For investors.

Courtesy of Michael Saunders

HIGHEST PRICED CONDO

5924 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD, #209

$1,275,000

This stunning two bed, two bath beach condo presents an enticing opportunity to own at the incomparable Sarasota Surf & Racquet while earning income. Located just steps from the sandy shore, life is (literally) a breeze with attractive and durable LVP flooring throughout. Inside, the open floor plan creates a bright and airy space. The kitchen is adorned with whimsy and features bright white cabinets and appliances topped with neutral stone countertops that gleam under the updated recessed lighting and crown molding

Turnkey furnished and ready for your guests this one bedroom, one bathroom is decorated in a coastal style and has everything needed to go to the beach and have fun! The onsite pool is newer and truly resort like with spectacular water views and a tiki hut and bar for dining and party sized grills if you want to dine poolside. The fishing pier

is also newer and a great place to relax and catch your dinner. The boat basin was just updated and is wonderful to use for boating or kayaking. Bocce Ball court is nearby the pool. A clubhouse room with a kitchen and tv, bathroom, mail room all have more living spaces to enjoy.

Courtesy of Preferred Shores

create a snug sanctuary to kick up your feet and recharge. The show stopping moment is on the enclosed lanai, where the pub table and four chairs provide a perch to drink in the view swaying palms and warm waves lapping on the white sand. Neutral and calming, the owner’s suite is a peaceful retreat with an updated bath and ample storage. Host family and friends in the comfortable and generous guest quarters with an additional full bath.

Courtesy of Michael Saunders

Bridge Repairs May Continue

By Ned Steele

Work was finally nearing completion after several months of delays on repairs to the Stickney Bridge at Siesta Sand’s deadline time, although it “may extend into April.”

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) said through a spokesperson: “The goal is to complete the project by March 30, but there are many moving parts and scheduling details…. As a result, there’s a possibility the work may extend into April.”

The ongoing renovation’s lane closures shifted to nighttime hours in March, due to the increased auto and marine traffic of spring break season. As the project reaches its final days, there may be “minimal” daytime lane shutdowns, FDOT

said, though it will do “as much of the remaining work at night as possible.”

The night work with its lane shutdowns has been taking place between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday nights.

FDOT had hoped to complete the rehab job well before season, but the job hit delays, which the department blamed on Debby, Helene and Milton, and the need for additional work.

The 57-year-old bridge has been undergoing a $2.4 million renovation since late last summer. The work involves rehabbing and replacing parts of the bridge’s movable sections, repaving the approaches, and other maintenance.

April 13

9 AM Chapel on the Beach 10:30 AM Worship in the Chapel

April 17

5:30 PM Worship in the Chapel Tables for 12

April 18 12:00 Noon Taizé Service EASTER SUNDAY

April 20

9 AM Chapel on the Beach 10:30 AM Worship in the Chapel

The Siesta Key real estate market has always been shaped by its unique environment—seasonal trends, national economic shifts, and, more recently, the lasting impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. As we move through the first quarter of 2025, we’re seeing clear signs that the market is adjusting in response to a variety of economic and political factors.

Q1 2025 vs. Q1 2024: A Shift in Market Dynamics

The real estate market on Siesta Key is in a period of recalibration following the volatility of 2024. Last year was marked by three hurricanes, a presidential election, and economic uncertainty fueled by rising interest rates and shifting trade policies. While Siesta Key remains one of the most desirable waterfront markets in Florida, we are seeing a shift toward longer sales timelines and more negotiating power for buyers.

Let’s take a closer look at the numbers:

• Single-family home sales in Q1 2025 totaled 49, down from 61 in Q1 2024, reflecting a slower pace in buyer activity.

• Condo sales saw a more pronounced decline, falling from 112 sales in Q1 2024 to 49 in Q1 2025—a nearly 56% drop.

• Days on market have increased,

Siesta Key Real Estate in 2025: A Market in Transition

By Judie Berger, Global Luxury Real Estate Advisor

with single-family homes now averaging 94 days to contract (up from 75 days last year) and condos taking 104 days to secure a contract (up from 78 days).

This data shows that while demand remains, buyers are being more selective, cautious, and taking their time before making offers. The slower sales cycle also suggests that sellers must adjust pricing expectations to meet current market conditions.

Hurricanes, Politics, and the Economy: Their Impact on Real Estate

Beyond traditional market trends, Siesta Key’s real estate market has been shaped by significant external forces:

• Hurricane Recovery Efforts

– The long-term impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton is still being felt, as rebuilding efforts continue and insurance considerations influence buying decisions. Some properties, especially older condos and homes needing major repairs, are being listed at land value, leading to an increase in vacant lot sales and new construction opportunities.

• The Presidential Election & Trade Policies – Shifts in national leadership and uncertainty over trade policies

and tariffs have made some buyers hesitant, particularly those relocating from states with high tax burdens who may be waiting to see how federal policies evolve.

• Interest Rates & Economic Uncertainty – While interest rates remain elevated, recent indications of potential cuts by the Federal Reserve later in the year could encourage more buyers to re-enter the market. Until then, many are holding off or seeking the best possible deal, leading to longer negotiation periods and price adjustments across various price points.

Vacant Land Sales: A Bright Spot in the Market

One of the most notable opportunities emerging in 2025 is the increasing availability of vacant land on Siesta Key. Many homeowners who suffered hurricane damage have opted to sell at lot value, rather than rebuild, giving buyers a rare chance to purchase land in premier locations and build custom, hurricane-resilient homes.

This shift is reshaping the landscape of Siesta Key, as new construction projects replace older homes that were built decades ago and may no longer meet modern safety codes. For buyers looking

to create their dream coastal retreat, now is an excellent time to invest in land and build new.

What This Means for Buyers & Sellers

For sellers, realistic pricing is key. Homes that are overpriced or require extensive updates are taking longer to sell. Those that are priced competitively and in move-in-ready condition are still attracting strong offers.

For buyers, this market presents new negotiating power and opportunities to purchase prime properties at adjusted prices. There are more choices, longer due diligence periods, and increased flexibility in contract terms—something we haven’t seen in years.

informed and make strategic moves will find success in this shifting market.

Looking ahead, the Siesta Key real estate market remains strong, but it is evolving. The next few months will determine how quickly interest rate adjustments and economic policies influence buyer confidence. In the meantime, those who stay

Judie Berger is a Global Luxury Real Estate Advisor with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty and the top-selling agent on Siesta Key since 1999. Visit her at homesofsarasota.com or call (941) 928-3424.

**Real estate market data from Stellar MLS as of 3/19/2025.

Judie Berger

Presents

Watch all the Siesta Sand Live Episodes on our dedicated YouTube channel or listen on Apple Podcasts.

EPISODE 14

Scott Gerber, former yacht builder in Sarasota, now the Tube Dude, creating beautiful hand-crafted metal crafted art for businesses, homes, and public spaces shares his story. Also, Raul Jimenez, founder of Siesta Key Music Scene Facebook page and musician J Santi talk about the Siesta Key vibrant music scene.

EPISODE 13

Mike Granthon, partner at Above the Bar Hospitality Group and a board member of the Siesta Key Association. Granthon discusses a range of topics, including his passion project—the rebeautification of Siesta Key.

EPISODE 12

Mike Evanoff, president of Midnight Pass Society II, owns and operates Evie’s Management Group - a diverse group of local businesses that includes restaurants, bars, golf center, car wash, and commercial real estate discusses the latest on the reopening of Midnight Pass.

EPISODE 11

James Richards, local artist & author talks about his process and inspiration for the incredible work he does and Suzanne Armbruster who spearheaded the effort to clean up storm debris and sand piles on Stickney Point Road from Tamiami Trail to Midnight Pass.

EPISODE 10

Chris Brown shares his journey to becoming a key influence on shaping Siesta Key and his vision for a brighter future for the island, emphasizing sustainable growth, local business support, and preserving its unique charm.

WHAT: A weekly talk show video featuring segments on news, community leaders, business, and all things Siesta Key!

WHO: Brought to you by the Siesta Sand with host Natalie Gutwein, SKA Board Member, Siesta Sand columnist, and realtor on Siesta Key.

WHERE: The Sniki Tiki located in Captain Curt’s Village at 1204 Old Stickney Point Road

WHEN: Every Thursday at 9 a.m.

WHY: To provide residents and visitors from around the world all the current information impacting life on and around Siesta Key.

HOW TO WATCH & LISTEN: In-person at the Sniki Tiki, online at Siestasand.us, our dedicated Siesta Sand Live YouTube channel, our dedicated Siesta Sand Live Facebook page, and listen on Apple Podcasts.

Siesta Sand Live is Sponsored by

Siesta Sand Live host Natalie Gutwein.

�rin� Local

Come try our Signature Beers, brewed right here in sunny Sarasota...

Crabby Red Ale & Tiki Haze IPA

Have them on draft at Captain Curt's Village, or take them home in a can, coming soon to our Gift Shop!

Enjoy Daily Live Entertainment, World Famous Clam Chowder, Real Fruit Daiquiris, and more at Captain Curt's Village

A Siesta Key �andmark